Life on Decatur Street

2009-05-01T13:54:00.000-07:00

My darling friends...

I have some very bad news (followed by very good news).

This bloggy has shared her last post.

She got very sick last night and decided that she would just shut down whenever she wanted and scribble things about and rearrange when rearranging was not in order and just thought it would be fun to go about and screw up months and monts of hard work and not let me put her back together...errr....I mean to say....some things just can't be fixed.

You can find me at my brand new bloggy address

wwwlifeondecatur.blogspot.com

Please come show your love over there...

I'll be waiting!

(did not intend for that to sound creepy...although it did)

craving flowers

2009-04-30T20:41:00.001-07:00

Hi girls!

Do you love flowers like I do?

I dream of a monthly flower budget that is close to the amount of my mortgage.

That should provide a decent amount of floral for the month.

Truth be told...I don't buy flowers for myself nearly as much as I used to.

~~~

When I do splurge on the occasional bunch of flowers from Trader Joe's or the grocer...

I always say to myself and to Mr C...

"I'm going to start buying flowers more often!"

Then...that fades and I get busy and eventually forget that I made that little promise to myself.

Kinda sounds sad, doesn't it?

(are you totally thinking to yourself...this girl needs a life?)

~~~

When my parents used to live in Northern California...

their farmer's market had the most amazing flower bunches.

I would buy bunches and bunches to fill my mother's home.

They even wrapped them in newspaper.

(that is such a fun way to give someone flowers~try it!)

We had so much fun searching for enough vases for so many flowers and then stood at the kitchen sink together making our own arrangements.

I think the most unconventional vessels make the best vases.

Pitchers, glass jars...and old buckets.

~~~

I just love the feeling of having something so pretty and soft in the home.

They transform the energy in the room instantly.

I always pick the soft pinks, light greens and whites.

What colors do you look to with your flowers?

~~~

I want to re-create this little arrangement this weekend.

Maybe my darling Mr C will read this post at work today and bring home the supplies.

The flowers, of course.

(wink)

(major hubby points to be scored if these appear with you after work, honey)

~~~

This is my ideal color palette and arrangement.
It is perfection.
Is there anything more feminine than this?

Aside from us girls, that is.

(wink)
~~~

So...let's all go out and treat ourselves to some flowers this weekend and if you do...

post a picture of what you came up with.

I'm anxious to see what kind of lovelies you like in your homes.

That might be kinda fun.

(just a tip...costco even has some fabulous flower bunches...i have left the store with more than my fair share before)
~~~

My dear bloggy friends...

I hope you have a lovely weekend full of laughter and love and a few fresh flowers in your home.

Cheers to a wonderful weekend!

~~~

nooks and crannies

2009-04-29T16:53:00.000-07:00

Hey there!

I have to tell you...I love when all of you creative bloggy ladies post photos from your homes.

I am nosey and I love to see the inside of where it all happens...

...in a non-creepy stalker sorta way.

So.......I thought I would invite you into my home and share just a little glance.

I wanted to show some photos of the nooks and crannies in our home...

These are the spaces where I love to put favorite things and pretty things.

Do you want to come inside and see them?

Let's go...

~do you see that fab tray right there, behind the planter, that is my new favorite find...it looks as if it has been around forever~

~shhhh....i just picked it up yesterday at home goods for $15!...don't you just love a good deal~

~ahhhh....my mother made me this memory board for my 32nd birthday...it sits right outside of our bedroom door and has some of my favorite family pics on it...

~hey...this is another gift from my mom...just a saying that i like real well~
~did you read it~

~just some photos and candles on one of my favorite pieces of furniture~

~a couple of years ago i went nuts for anything from z gallerie and this is one of those pieces from there~

~she's pretty, isn't she~

~uh~oh...that's milo...never mind him...he's always napping there~

~go back to sleep milo~

~i just found this little creamer set the other day at home goods~

~~this little birdie sits on the kitchen window right where i do my dishes~

~these are pictures of our breakfast room just aside from our kitchen...our table is black and bold and again...she came from z gallerie and happens to be one of my favorite pieces~

So...what did you think...

do you like my nooks and crannies?

I sure do hope so...

Can't wait to show you the workings on the living room/dining room change!

Lots of ideas and good stuff floating around!

Do you know how hard it is to choose fabric?

Sheesh...I'm torn between chocolate toile and solid taupes!

What's a girl to do?

~~~

creating my space

2009-04-28T08:31:00.000-07:00

My decorative heart has been inspired.

My living room has frustrated me for some time.

It's "put together" and has some great pieces of furniture in it...it is just lacking the breath-taking...I can't stand being in any other room but this one factor.

So...I am changing that.

I am challenging myself to really "put -it- together!"

I have been digging through photos and flipping page after page of design magazines trying to relate to a style and find out how to put my essence into this room.

It has been my difficult room.

I have a hard time labeling my style because girls...I am all over the board.

I love vintage style and the rooms layered with billowy clouds of white.

I love dark pieces of furniture that make bold statements too.

Lately, I have been looking to bloggy friends for inspiration in my search.

I absolutely adore Tara's home photos.

She has great style and the sweetest personal touches.

I want to jump into Kasey's pictures of her home and just stay there for a couple of days (or until she kicks me out!)

For myself and my room challenge....

I have decided to stay true to my first design style that I fell in love with years ago....

The French Country room.

I adore large pieces of rustic furniture layered with antique vases and romantic colors.

I crave large baskets and Earthy tones with a hint of color here and there.

I found some photos of what I am inspired by and some ideas that are taking over in my brain.

Look what I have found:

~doesn't everyone need one of these~

~i think mine would have a big basket on top and an old galvanized bucket filled with lavender next to it~

~ i love the reds in this room~

~this room will still let me have some of the whites that i like with a little more rustic feel~

~must love a sofa overflowing with pillows~

~this is my ideal space...to me this is perfection...~

~ do you love the touches in this room as much as i do~

~a little yellow sure does brighten up the room doesn't it~

~i would surely sit in this room with a good book and my morning coffee~

~look at those floors~

~can somebody install those for me pleeease~

~i think i borrowed this photo from tara's blog and i was so excited coming across it because i have the same chairs in my garage waiting to be reupholstered~

So there you have it girls...

Next I will posting pictures of my front room and I will be showing the transformation into my French Country space.

I am so excited and I can hardly wait to get started.
m

(all photos are from country living)

my written pages

2009-04-23T09:35:00.000-07:00

I am an organized pack rat of sorts. I hold onto anything that at one time meant anything to me. I am perfectly fine owning such said condition. It is part of who I am. I have letters from friends in the 6th grade declaring crushes on boys in my class (Brett Clanton was dreamy) and mentionings of stupid classroom lessons that Mrs. Arbaugh gave to us...although, she is the one who first taught about the dangers of mixing bleach with other cleaning chemicals and I diligently apply that lesson to daily cleaning activities...thank you Mrs. Arbaugh.

I have boxes (yes, that is plural) of hand written journal entries from the age of 6 and on...with everything important that has happened in my life up until now. I have written about school crushes and high school boyfriends...best friends and enemies...about when I fell in love for the first time and when my heart was later broken and a couple of times when I was the heart-breaker. I have written about when I met my husband 14 years ago and our engagement which led to our wedding...when my children were born...letters to them fill some of the pages and then I have pages and pages of the heartache and loneliness that filled many days of my struggling marriage. Reading those pages today still make me cry and feel so sorry for that girl that I used to be. ( I wish I could go back and let that girl that I was know that she will be okay with time and find Mr C to live happily ever after with). Those pages eventually led to include my divorce and the sadness and confusion that accompanied that change.

There are sad pages when when my dad was diagnosed with cancer and got so sick that I had to consider an Earthy future without him. Those pages are crinkled and are sorta noisy when you turn them to the next...there are dried tears on them. I still can't reread those pages yet. I write in my journal with one of my dad's old pens that my mother gave to me after he died. It is my favorite pen and I will hold onto it forever because I know his hands once used the same ink.

Pages and pages of memories of my children so small and delicate. Words about funny things they have done or overwhelming feelings of motherhood. The stories about things my kids would do are fun to reread and I love to share those with them. They like to pretend that they remember exactly what I am talking about...even though they were just a year old.

I have quotes that have special meaning to me...I write them down everywhere...journals included.

I love the pages that I wrote when Mr C and I started dating. I can't read them without smiling. When I do read them...I can feel exactly what I felt then...2 years ago. Giddy with love and excitement...the feeling of truly knowing without doubt that I was with my future...and an uncontrollable desire to make this relationship work since my last one got so badly off track. I have written letters to Mr C as well inside the binding...I have even given him 1 or 2 of them when we went over a couple of bumps in our road...they greatly helped to even out the pavement.

Today...I write about my inspirations...my children...my mother's move to Vegas and how she is still so sad after my dad passing almost 3 years ago...my sister and my worries for her (I worry about her even if there is nothing to worry about... like now)...I write about my children and my Mr C and our future...my pages have ideas on them that only my heart and head knows about...it keeps secrets of insecurities and confessions from my heart...it is my spirit on paper. I always imagine my children...when they are grown with children of their own...coming across these books of my life and opening the crinkled pages and learning about who I was inside.

What I write about on paper is true to what is floating in my head...and as close as you can possibly get to what is in my heart. I am so grateful that early on got into the habit of chronicling my life.

2009-04-21T21:19:00.000-07:00

Hi girls.

First off~

Let it be known that I am a girly girl from my curly hair down to my pedicured toes.

But.........

I do love to follow (some) sports.

Mr C is entirely responsible for this.

Mr C sits with me every night and watches my design shows and keeps me company while I get my reality TV fix on the telly...so I decided early on in our relationship to reciprocate and watch the shows he enjoys.

This would include sports.

And pretty much only sports.

Sport, sports and more sports.

In the 2 years we have been sharing life...I have seen him through 2 Fantasy Football leagues, (Mr c has agreed to start a Fantasy Football League for myself and my girlfriends...you want in?), cheered with him for Superbowl games (Go Steelers),

and have sat in a sports bar for 4 hours in San Diego during our summer vacation to watch the basketball championship last year while the beach sat half a mile away waiting for me to just dip my toes in the water.

I deserve an award.

I have more sports knowledge than any of my girlfriends and I think I could put a few fellas to shame with what I have going on upstairs in the sports trivia section of my brain.

To be honest...

I love it.

LOVE. IT.

I have developed true girly crushes on some teams (and lots and lots of those good looking athletes) and am now adding very chic vintage sports t's to my wardrobe.

Try and pair up a vintage girl's Steelers T-shirt with a pair of True Religion Jeans and heals...You'll love it...trust me!!

So...I thought today I would share just a bit of my favorite NBA team...it is playoff time girls.

(please just indulge me)

I am all about the Boston Celtics.

I wear my green shirt with pride and do believe that it brings the team good luck.

After all...they did win last night right after I adorned the Lucky Green T.

In fact...I have 2 more coming in the post and I can hardly wait.

My sister is probably rolling her eyes right now...she always asks what happened to me!

Sheesh...can't a girl be girly and love sports?

Did I really just say that?

Anyway...if you watch the playoffs with your hubs or because you like the game yourself...give a little shout out to the Celtics...and send them some love.

P.S.

If you do watch...check out Kevin Garnett and my Favorite...Paul Pierce...they are so dreamy.

Oh...and Eddie House...he's a fox too.

See girls...sports has it perks!

drooling.....

2009-04-20T08:53:00.001-07:00

Hi girls!

Do you have a hankie with you?

You might need one for this post...mine is right next to me!

Today we're talking bags.

It seems that this time of year is when I always start to look for my new handbag.

~sigh~

You understand the correlation, right?

Spring is a time for renewal and new.

Smart girls.

I have two very favorite things that I love to shop for.

Handbags and jeans.

These are the two things that I rationalize spending money on...

two things that blow the budget.

Today we are focusing on handbags.

(oh my! I'm so excited just typing about this)

All I will say is that it all began 5 years ago walking into Louis Vuitton.

*shameless name dropper, I know*

So...this year my search has already begun.

I'm looking for something with color.

I'm thinking bright greens and purples.

(hold on...need my hankie...already drooling)

Okay~

Let's move onto to what I've been looking at.

I'm dying to know what you think of these girls!

~~~

This one above is a Kooba Bucket Bag.

She's beautiful. No?

I think she looks fun.

I love her in this shade of purple and can see myself carrying her when going to run errands with the children...or for shopping in Scottsdale with Mr C.

(I do refer to all of my bags as "her" or "she")

AAhhhh...this is a Botkier Pleated Hobo and she is calling my name.

I can see her on my shoulder walking through Anthro looking for my next tea towel.

~~do you have goosebumps too~~

Another green bag.

This is a Botkier Pleated Satchel.

Her sister is the bag above.

Definitely a fun bag to carry to the movies or to dinner at Firebirds with Mr C.

I think my next bag just might be green.

Or...maybe it will be purple...

~~~

This is also a Botkier Soft Pleated Tote.

I love a good tote...don't you?

I love all of the dangly leather threads.

She is so bright and must definitely be carried only on special trips to the flea or antiquing with sister.

One cannot carry such a beautiful bright bag on the daily.

(Although...one would certainly like to!)
~~~

So girls...let me know what you think of these.

Can I pull of a bright green or purply bag?

Are there any other bags that I need to know about?

I'm ready to buy...but the sensible Mr C thinks I should wait until our trip to San Diego this summer.

I'm not so sure I like it when he is sensible.

boys

2009-04-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

Being a mom is hard.

When you think about it...it is the combination of so many different jobs.

I would list all of the chores and jobs and responsibilities of motherhood...

but ladies...

We all already know how difficult and exhausting and rewarding it can be.

We already know that we wear so many different hats in one day alone.

Since I became a mom almost 12 years ago...(wow...12 years!)

I have wanted to apologize to my own mother for the times when I was nothing but a stinker.

sorry mother

I think my mom did a pretty good job with me.

I'm a nice girl...

a good homemaker and decent cook in the kitchen.

I help my neighbors and volunteer at my children's school.

I'm fun and easy going...I like to be creative and send my children back to school with some of the best projects that you will ever have seen.

My mom did a great job...

preparing me...

for motherhood.

She sent me off into the world with homemade lessons from the kitchen, tips on being a lady and

taught me all she knew about this world we live in and how to navigate through it.

I learned what was most important in this life.

So...one day...I found someone and left my mother's home and started my own.

Then...one by one...I made these 3...

Mikey

Morgan

and

Landon

I love my job as mom to these guys...they really are great.

They aren't perfect...not even close.

But they are great.

In developing my own mothering skills...

I have always said that my job with my boys is to keep them soft.

Many friends have heard me say this.

Over and over.

I want boys who aren't afraid to show emotion and care for others around them.

I want them to hug.

I want them to love.

I want them to feel okay abut crying when their hearts are that sad.

I want them to be able to empathize with others.

I think that we always give girls the okay to be emotional.

It's what's expected of us sometimes.

Last night at the School Spring carnival...

baskets were raffled off to generate money for our school's teachers.

Mikey had his heart set on the 3rd grade basket.

Valued at $850.

and

It was the basket that Mr C and I were put in charge of and put together for the carnival.

Mikey didn't win it.

My sister did!

He was so upset and fighting back tears.

The tears won and Mikey let it all out.

Right there at the school.

He sobbed until sobbing turned to a mini breakdown.

That led to hyperventilating and Mr C asking (in a very impatient boys don't cry over losing a carnival basket kind of way)

"Dude, why are you crying over this?"

It wasn't said out of concern or empathy...but because Mr C is a die-hard fan of being tough (or tuff...if you will).

Mr C doesn't think that boys should cry...about anything.

(His biggest flaw in my book)

Mr C just couldn't understand why Mikey was so upset about this.

As a mom...I get it.

I can understand that Mikey has had a hard 2 weeks that have included his dad moving out of state for work.

He was heart-broken at this news.

He has been emailing his dad almost every day and calling him at night to say that he misses him.

His emotions (which he has been programmed to keep inside because he is a boy) are pretty raw right now.

Not winning the basket was just the last straw.

He let it all out last night.

I have never felt so sad for this boy.

So...when I make it priority to keep my boys soft...

It is so that when they are men...they are sensitive and loving and not afraid to feel what's inside.

I hope that their future wives appreciate this someday and I will not hesitate to step up and take credit for emotionally in tune men.

Really...what's the point of keeping it all bottled up.

pencil jar

2009-04-17T10:08:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to show a cute little idea that I used for my daughter's colored pencils.

We grew tired of the plastic not cute containers.

Time for a container change.

So...we took an old jar, some ribbon, some pretty paper and a little spray glue...

...and we came up with this...

...this will look much more fetching on Morgan's desk with all of her other pinky things...

...now time to make a blue one for the boys and another one for the crayons...

2009-04-16T13:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday...Morgan declared to the house that she was bored.

"I'm sooooooooooo bored!"

This is probably her most used phrase.

Hard to keep this girl entertained I guess.

Probably gets that from me.

I didn't even give time to sit and think about what we could do to cure this all too common problem.

So we grabbed bag and keys and headed to the craft store.

I think this is what Morgan would refer to as her Heaven.

The Craft store.

Her mind goes into instant create mode.

I love that about her.

(Mine is Anthropologie...or Home Goods)

(Same thing happens when I am in either of these stores)

*sigh*

We stocked up on dollar stamps new, ink pads, blank cards and new crayons...

sometimes...you just need to get some new stuff.

We drove home...

unloaded the goods....

and all of the kids sat together around the table and colored.

Mikey has loved coloring since he was the tiniest guy.

Thank goodness for big farm tables.

Even Mr C's older girls weren't too old or too cool to color with the little ones...

Thank you Michael's for the dollar stamp section.

I must admit...I too sat down for a color.
Sometimes you just have to pick up a crayon and scribble a little.
Felt just as good as I remembered it did.

on the cheap

2009-04-14T11:20:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to share today's bargain...

I picked this up at the grocery today whilst shopping for a loaf of french bread...

She was $2.99 (before Easter she was $13.99)

The pot was sitting empty on the back porch.

I'm thinking they fit together quite nicely.

I have to admit...I love to see when my bloggy friends post about their great finds. In today's economic world...we all know things could be a lot better. I think it is wonderful to share where treasures from big to small can be found on a budget.
I plan on sharing more of my "finds" in future posts.
I hope you will share yours too.
Have a lovely Tuesday.

easter on decatur street

2009-04-13T15:26:00.001-07:00

Easter was lovely this year. I love this time of year and I love the reason that we celebrate Easter.

I don't know that any other holiday can be as personal to me as Easter and the Resurrection

of Our Savior.

We celebrated by having family over for Easer Brunch. (I make a mean brunch...probably one of the things that I do best).

We started off with an egg hunt for the children...couldn't make them wait any longer.

Mr C and myself...I can hardly believe he is smiling.

All of the anxious kids ready to go!

My little Morgan (finally she is wearing skirts again...went through the past 2 years BEGGING her to wear a dress of a skirt).

Mom and Landon

Morgan, mom, Landon and Mikey (Mikey hates to be photographed...just happy he's in the picture)

My sister Jessica and her boys Tag and Jack

Jessica, Mother and myself (mother hates to be photographed as well...must have passed that onto Mikey)

The kids inspecting their egg's fillings...

Morgan just being pretty.

Auntie Jessie and Morgan (my sis spent all afternoon giving her tips on being a girl to Morgan...some of them were a little suspect).

After brunch, we played a serious game of dominoes.

I W O N !!

The men watched some golf...something about a big golf game to win some silly unattractive green jacket.

I love any reason to get the family together and celebrate.

After the dishes were done and the children were put to bed, I asked Mr C what was next to celebrate...

On Saturday we celebrate 2 years of sharing life together.

I think I'll make a cake.

2 years of joy is definitely worth celebrating with cake.

I'm thinking chocolate.

decatur street turtles

2009-04-10T19:07:00.000-07:00

i know it's quite strange to post about my children's turtles...

but these pets are amazing and low low maintenance.

If you have access to some grass, water and a little shade...you have a good home for one of these.

We have 2 turtles...shelby and lucky.
Mr C is not a fan of the turtles.

Doesn't "understand" the point of them.

Doesn't think they are cool like I do.

Um...what's to understand?

How does this man (who is intelligent otherwise) think that carrying your home on your back coupled with the ability to fake like a rock is not cool?

Really.

My response to his snarky turtle remarks usually ends with the fact that these guys are going to:

A. Give our grandchildren rides around the yard because they will be as big as... well..as big as big big turtles...

and B.

They are going to outlive all of us.

Oh...and by the way...turtle poops have no smell.

Can't say the same about my Dear Mr C.

I'm just sayin'.

sping program

2009-04-09T17:20:00.000-07:00

Landon has his Kindergarten Spring Program at school today.

We have been working hard and practicing lines for a month.

This is a picture of him at the beginning of his program.

All smiles.

And here is a picture of Landon after he delivered his line about being Donny the duck...

He spoke so fast that we couldn't understand a word.

Miss Dill asked Landon to repeat his line.

Landon was thrown off guard...froze and started sobbing.

He refused to stand for the remainder of the program.

This is the only photo thereafter that I could take of my little guy...sitting on the risers peeking at me...My guess is he was trying to determine the amount of trouble he was in.

He didn't get into any trouble...I was the same kind of shy kid when I was his age.
I'm just going to blame the whole mishap on Miss Dill.
Nice going Miss Dill.
(I actually love Miss Dill)
But she can take the fall for this one.

mr c is in trouble

2009-04-09T16:53:00.000-07:00

Mr C has found himself to be in some trouble tonight.

Big Trouble.

That is why he is currently sitting on sofa watching

baseball alone and not invited into bedroom to watch telly with me.

Reason for current "time out" if you will is a direct result from the following story.

And so it goes.

After school today...Mr C commissioned all 3 children to help him wash his gigantor truck.

I watched.

Was busy eating a cookie and playing on Blackberry.

I observed Landon sobbing because he had not had an opportunity to "hose down " the beast.

Not to be confused...the beast is the truck.

Moving on.

I...being a fair and sober minded mother felt saddened for little Landon and decided that his turn was next.

So...I scooped up the hose and handed it over to the boy.

With specific instruction.

"Accidentally on purpose...spray Mr C with the hose!"

Thought that would be funny.

And sexy.

Landon followed instruction perfectly.

I thought he would.

Got Mr C good...right in the face...his mug was drenched.

Kids and I were laughing.

Mr C looked angry at first and then smiled.

And then...got himself into a heap of trouble.

He threw the bucket full of dirty soapy ickified water on Landon and I.

Not a good move darling.

And not very funny.

I might have chosen a few colorful words to say to him...must apologize later to children for teaching inappropriate vocab lesson.

Landon was screaming.

Soapy water in the eyes feels not so great.

Landon and I came inside and I headed immediately for the shower.

My hair had suffered the worst part of the attack.

My hair is a favorite part of me.

She was doused with yuck.

He ruined my pretty curls.

I work hard on those curls everyday.

I had to start all over again...and ready myself from head to toe.

This meant war.

After The Hair Killer finished washing his truck...he didn't dare step foot into our room.

I think he knows better.

I'm not upset anymore...but I'm not telling him that.

Gonna let him sweat it out a little.

See if I can get a back tickle or good dinner out of the situation.

The ball is in my court.

I'm just sayin'

You never mess with a girl and her curls.

Never.

Now...if you will excuse me...I have to let my hubs-to-be out of his time out.

I'm ready for dinner.

a first...

2009-04-05T20:57:00.000-07:00

A first for Landon...really.

Tonight...as I was folding laundry and supervising Morgan making lunches for school tomorrow...

I heard what can only be described as a blood-curdling scream from Landon.

Call it mother's intuition...but I knew immediately what it was.

A scorpion.

I hate scorpions.

I have yet to understand the purpose they serve in our world.

I am not doubting The Creator...I'm just saying that I don't quite understand why these creepy little guys made it on the list of bugs to live in the desert.

Landon had stepped foot into his room and that foot landed on the scorpion (I have another name for these fellas...only I have a strict policy of not swearing on my blog).

He screamed in sharp bursts and I let him.

I have not been stung (knock wood) by one of these guys and I don't know how bad it hurts...so by all means...I let the boy scream all he wanted without the shushing that I would normally prescribe for my sobbing child.

His foot was almost immediately swollen and red.

We have never had a scorpion sting in our family... this was our first.

While I was nursing my son well...Mr C and Mikey had found the perpetrator...brought him out into the light and proceeded to end his little life with the bottom of Mr C's shoe (one from the Air Force One collection...a favorite of Mr C's).

It was a quick and precise execution.

If the duty of "scorpion executioner" were up to me...I would have given that little monster the business end of a hammer.

Seems a little more off putting than your typical Nike shoe bottom.

I loathe these creatures.

Just to see one at a distance is enough to make me cringe and squeal.

I called my mother to ask her advice on handling a scorpion sting...she suggested that I rub an onion on it.

An onion?

Hmm.

I would rather my child not smell like fajitas the next day at school...so I decided to go the Benadryl and ice pack method.

It seems to be working well.

Although...thanks for the suggestion, mom... maybe I'll try that one some other time.

Or maybe not.

So...Landon has earned special permission to sleep on the sofa tonight.

In our home...sleeping on the sofa is reserved for special occasions...scorpion stings just made the list of special occasions...right under birthdays, sleepovers and holidays that are accompanied with time off of school the next day.

I promised him I would stay up all night to watch him and make sure that he was okay.

Wonder if I can get Mr C to stay up with me and keep me company.

In the morning...I will be scheduling an exterminator to you know...exterminate.

saturday in april...

2009-04-04T11:35:00.000-07:00

It's early afternoon on Saturday.

Today started off with a little heartache.

My 3 kids came back early this morning from their Dad's house.

He spends time with the kids every Friday night.

He had a rough night last night breaking some news to our kids.

He found a new job that was taking him out of state.

He is leaving on Monday.

So...this morning when he dropped off my 3 little lives...

there were tears.

Lots of sadness.

We came inside and I talked to Mikey about the news...he was upset but handling himself so well.

When did he become so well equipped to handle this kind of change?

Morgan was most concerned about the bag of Webkinz that her Dad let her bring home.

She already knows she loves her Dad and will write to him to tell him how much she misses him.

I didn't see Landon.

I walked toward his room after I noticed his light on.

He was sitting on his bed with his broken heart...crying.

This immediately broke my heart to see my little guy so upset.

I scooped him up and squeezed him hard.

I started crying while trying to make him feel better.

Crying is completely okay in this situation.

Landon crying because he already missed his Dad.

Me Crying because my little Landon was so upset.

Vicious circle of tears.

I then decided that the fail-proof method of heading to Target to pick

up some "feel better treats" was entirely in order.

Target makes (almost) everything better in my world.

We had a cart full of therapy.

New Legos for Mikey...Little Pets for Morgan...and a noisy truck for Landon...

There were some treats for me too.

We felt better when we drove home.

Came up with some great ideas for the kids to keep in touch with their Dad until he can make it back for a visit.

Saturday made a turn around.

Now...we are preparing food and treats to take over to my sister's.

She is having us over for a BBQ tonight.

After food...we will most likely engage in a very cut-throat game of pictionary.

Girls vs. Boys.

Boys don't stand a chance in my book.

I'm just sayin'.

Girls rule...Boys drool.

Morgan taught me that.

Pretty clever.

Oh...some exciting news for me.

I submitted an entry for the Mom Squad on the morning show

Your Life A to Z...

I had an interview Thursday with the shows host...Lisa Haffner and one

of the producers...

I got an email while I was at dinner with Mr C...

An email welcoming me to the Mom Squad!

Mr C and I high-fived.

It's pretty exciting for me.

I get to have segments on momish things and not so momish things

that I think are important.

We tape the first one on Tuesday...

They want to introduce the new Mom Squad.

I'm a little nervous...but mostly excited.

Heading out with sister tomorrow to vamp up the wardrobe.

Just a good reason to go shopping really...

but then again...who needs a reason to shop?

So...I'm off now...going to try and "dismantle"the battery pack from Landon's new noisy truck.

Hope Saturday is serving you well.

gray hair

2009-03-31T17:37:00.000-07:00

I have a sneaking suspicion that Mr C will be waking up with a few more gray hairs every morning...

On April 1...he will officially be the father of 3...count them1...2...3

TEENAGE DAUGHTERS!!

Elisa is turning 13 tomorrow and we are very excited for her.

13 is a big age you know.

Make-up gets the official okay.

Girls of 13 can also shave their legs.

Boys turn from icky to F I N E.

13 year olds trade in their toys for cell phones and Ipods.

Elisa is fabulous.

Mr C made some nice daughters.

She is sweet.

She is beautiful.

Out of all 4 of Mr C's kids, she looks the most like her dad.

(Lucky girl...he's a handsome fella)

She is one of my biggest helpers in the kitchen.

She is emotional like I am.

She is boy crazy (like I am).

She is an excellent student.

She can throw a football better than most boys on Decatur Street.

She cruises on her cotton candy pink motor scooter.

She sometimes lets me ride her scooter too!

Landon loves to share a ride from Elisa on the scooter.

Elisa looks fetching in pink and purple.

She always has the cutest painted nails.

She is named after her Grandmother...

Mary Elizabeth.

She has gorgeous hair...

a definite trait from her dad...Mr C.

Elisa is a girlie girl and I love that about her.

She squeals when she sees a bug.

She can be shy and quiet and then turn to loud and crazy in no time flat.

We hope you have a wonderful day of celebrating Elisa

13 has never looked so chic.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

(side note...I promise to do my best to control your dad and put a stop to all embarrassing things that he might do...i.e. singing in public, pointing out boys, making lame jokes and his "over-reacting act" when the bill for dinner comes...I think we are all tired of that one)

13!

test of character...

2009-03-30T21:53:00.000-07:00

No joke...today was rough.

A complete test of my character and frankly...my ability to bite my tongue.

Weeks ago...I chose to "let a friend go."

What I mean by that is...I decided that someone that I had befriended was not really a good match for me.

I don't want to go into too many details, but

she became crude and indecent and made me uncomfortable on several occasions.

After a few attempts to let her know how I felt and a couple of "maybe you could tone that down a bit"...it just got worse.

So..I decided that it was time to move on from this friendship that was no good for me.

That's a hard thing to do.

Even as an adult.

This brings me to today.

That "friend" that I let go...she came back with the intent to break my spirit.

She knows some of my personal struggles...

She knows secrets...

She still knows where I am most sensitive...

...and she used all of that against me today...

She thought it was okay to throw it right back at me...

She was trying to break me...

But she didn't.

And she never will.

Instead of calling her names, and throwing low blows like she served to me...I bit my tongue...I let Mr C console me...

I busied myself with my children...

I looked around and remembered over and over again that any time that I devoted to her and fed into her battle would have been exactly what she would have wanted...

I trusted my gut and I looked for grace in this situation.

I knew that my words and actions would be remembered by her but most importantly by myself.

I can look back and not feel bad for anything I said or did...or didn't say and didn't do.

I am grateful for the lesson in this and the trust that I faithfully feed into my intuition.

I am ready to move on from this...take my lessons and store them close should this situation arise again.

Let's be hopeful that it won't.

Lesson # 2:

Will definitely improve my "friend screening process."

I'm thinking it could use a few improvements.

thanks girls...

2009-03-28T14:57:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to send a big thank you to all of our friends that shopped at our Spring Boutique!! We are so lucky to have such wonderful friends who support us and love to buy handmade. Friday night had a turnout larger than we ever expected and we had such a great time showing our creations and catching up with great friends. Thank you ladies...you are the best!!

I will be posting pictures after I get a little time to clean up from the boutique and do some downloading.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend...I'm going to take a nap.

xo

it's time...

2009-03-26T19:41:00.000-07:00

We're ready ladies...

Need a necklace no one else has...we have 'em...

Wanna look sexy and chic in an apron while cooking...or ordering take out...
we have those too...

How about a little tooth fairy pillow for the little ones...poem included...

...you'll find those here...

The house is set up for you to come and look around...and fall in love with something handmade...

Lot's of great one-of-a-kinds...

There is so much more to see...
Hope to see you all at our Chic Boutique

Friday, March 27th 5:30-7pm

Saturday, March 28th 12-2pm

3905 East Decatur Street

Mesa
Handmade

Spring Boutique

2009-03-23T16:20:00.000-07:00

So...here are some items for sale at our Spring Boutique this weekend...Scrapbooked boards, ready to hang in various colors and themes...

Birthday banners....

Hair Flowers of all sizes and colors...

Yummy pillows...

Some Vintage Inspired Spring Time banners...

Easter Decor that is ready to hang anywhere...

Chic aprons in every color...even a couple for your little helper...

We have many more items for sale at the Boutique

We hope you all can join us to celebrate Handmade

This is an open invitation to anyone reading...

Friday, March 27th 5:30-7pm

Saturday, March 28th 12-2pm

We would love to see you here!

3905 East Decatur Street

Mesa

Please email for phone number or for directions...

WE LOVE HANDMADE

Checking in...

2009-03-21T13:56:00.000-07:00

Just checking in here. Trying to do my part and fight against "blog neglecting"...can result in very bad case of catching up blogitis...or so I've heard.

This weekend finds us with 6 of our children in home...plus the two friends that Kali had slumber over last night. 3 fourteen year old boy crazy girls...I don't think that they have stopped giggling yet. I remember those days...I still haven't stopped giggling.

Today was an early Saturday...I try hard to fight against these. I think that Saturdays were meant for a little extra sleeping in...that and the inevitable laundry catch up day. We headed out east to watch Mr C's nephew, Ethan ride in his dirt bike race. 2 hours of incredibly loud and daring boys and a couple of girls riding around on dirt hills while onlookers cheered and I cringed. I am too much of a nervous mother to enjoy this outdoor activity. It was during the second race that I convinced Landon that he might be better suited for cooking classes and not so much this crazy sport on fast bikes. Ethan won both races. I got sunburned on my left shoulder and arm. The right side will have to play catch up and soak up some sun soon...might have to look into artificial tan for that. It's a pretty bad burn.

My favorite part of today will undoubtedly be Big Daddy Taco Night...a favorite in this home. Mr C is the taco master in my book...(plus, this particular meal needs no extra assistance from me...I can sit on sofa with lemonade in hand and watch him flip tortillas over stove...doesn't get any better than that)...I told my stomach earlier that it was in for a taco treat so I am trying hard to keep her empty so that she may fill up with taco delight later this evening....(that and the chocolate cake that I asked my sweetie to pick up along with the other groceries).

Must now send this little check in post into the interweb now...have to catch up on laundry before I sit on sofa with before mentioned lemonade. Hope your weekend is finding you well.

Butterfly Factor

2009-03-20T22:16:00.001-07:00

After 2 lovely years with Mr C by my side...I still get ooey gooey butterflies in my belly.

Time after time, this proves itself to be my absolute favorite feeling of being in love with this man.

Sitting at dinner tonight...he reached over with his right hand, stretched it out it across my leg and pulled me right next to him. (This, by the way, is a signature Mr C move and I melt for it every time he brings it out ).

We sat so close that you couldn't put a pin between us.

Butterflies.

It's a second chance at love and butterflies for the both of us.

We know what life is like...minus the butterflies.

I have a feeling that I will never go a day without feeling that fluttering in my belly.

I hope that my Mr C feels the same in his belly when I bring out my signature move...the one when I come to bed at night with a big bowl of mint chocolate chip.

Butterflies.

Close

2009-03-06T11:20:00.000-08:00

So...
The windows are open...
All that I can smell anymore are orange blossoms...
The children are playing outside more...
Our turtles are grazing in the green grass...
The sun is awake before me...
My cravings are for pastas and salads overflowing with fresh fruits and vegetables...
Evening walks are a must...
Strawberry Lemonade is good at any time of the day...
We drive with all of the windows down...
...Is it safe to say that our Spring is here?

Letter of Petition...Directed to the Handsome Mr C...

2009-03-05T08:26:00.000-08:00

For some time now...my little Morgan has been asking for a puppy. For some time now...Mr C has declined such said offers for this particular addition to our home. Cruel, isn't he. Must make mention, Mr C and I have (stupidly) agreed to consult with one another and find ourselves on the same page when four-legged friends are adopted and added as family to our abode. I don't remember why I agreed to such a silly rule...was one of two reasons really: Either was trying to be fair and adult and share household decision making with Mr C or, he had me under one of those belly twirling love spells that are, for obvious reasons, not so easy to have a clear headed decision making mindset in...I'm going with the latter.

So...this is a Letter of Petition for Mr C...to clarify and build case...strong case...for the request of one 9 year old currently living in house on Decatur Street (more specifically, Morgan. She resides in the bedroom on the right in the children's hall of the home...the room with the pink cotton candy striped walls).

The Request: A Puppy.

The Reasons (in no particular order):

Current family pet, Mandy, needs playmate. Is a very lonely pooch when two-legged family members are gone for the day.
Puppies are cute.
Puppy will undoubtedly show responsibility to the smaller members of Decatur Street Home.. i.e. Mikey, Landon and the above mentioned Morgan.
Home Protection...Decatur Street is in a lovely neighborhood but you can never be too careful. Surely two ferocious watch dogs would deter any sort of criminal activity.
Puppies have big clumsy paws and are fun to watch play.
Been looking for a reason to use the name Winston...would be fetching name for a dog.
We have 2 cats, 2 turtles and only 1 dog...I know you said, "We aren't Noah's Arc" but there is something to be said about even numbers.
Puppies make you smile.
I am fairly certain that with another doggy in the house, the children would be so happy that they would almost instantly stop fighting...am currently checking for on line statistics to prove this theory...information is taking longer than originally thought to produce.
Am also thinking that with another pooch in the house, the combination of current home and animal maintenance would keep me so busy that I would undoubtedly have to cease all shopping...simply would not be enough hours in the day to trek out to Nordstroms and keep the house and animals running smoothly.
Puppies make good snuggle partners...who doesn't like a good snuggle partner?

As you can see, the list of reasons is pretty strong. I anxiously await your response to this incredibly urgent issue.

You can reach me by cell phone if you read this petition while perusing through my blog at work or you know where to find me in the home (probably somewhere right next to you).

Thank you for your time Mr C.

Sincerely,

Wifey to be.

Mikey

Morgan

Landon

P.S. Does Mexican sound good for dinner?

Sneak Peek...

2009-03-04T08:49:00.000-08:00

Just a sneak Peek at one of the items in our Spring Boutique...

The Morgan Board for girls room...

Pink paper, wrought iron appliques, and pink crystal bling finished off with chocolate and pink ribbon

Ready to hang in your little darlings room

$23

(I know...cute and super inexpensive)!!

I think I lost this one...

2009-02-27T14:12:00.000-08:00

So....Mr C and I were asked by Mikey to join him for lunch at school.

My 11 year old boy...just invited mom to lunch. Sweet. Oh yeah...and he requested Mr C too.

Monday eve, we made lunch plans with Mikey for Thursday afternoon. We were all so very excited. I was the most excited. Just when I thought that he was too cool for hanging out with his mom...he invites me on a mom and son date...sorta.

So...plans are made...we are all super excited and it's now Thursday morning. Mikey made sure to mention his lunch with him later a couple of times before and on the way to school. Guess he has heard my memory has been slipping. " Got it Mikey...12:19 sharp in the cafeteria".

Mr C thought that it might be a good idea to take a Vito's pizza. (side note: Mr C loves a Vito's pizza and I rarely ever order it for him...Pizza Hut is faster and more on the economical side if you will) Vito's pepperoni it is...oh and a salad for me (gotta keep the jeans looking good, right?)

(Must first include this paragraph in parenthesis to make mention of one of my... lets call it a character glitch...I demand...let's rephrase that...I appreciate when everyone likes me. I am a self professed "people pleaser". I love when my children's friends come over to our house to play as opposed to anothers. That for me...is a small victory...that says that I beat some other mom out...because the kids like me more and would rather spend time playing littlest pets or webkinz or super messy nerf gun wars that leave yellow and orange squishy darts all over the house under our roof. It does help that I keep a pantry stocked like the snack isle in a Target but whatever...they are at our house and not yours because they like me and my snacks ...oh...and they like my kids...obviously. I have only one sentence to add to this about Mr C...EVERYBODY LOVES HIM...NO MATTER WHAT THE GUY DOES. He doesn't have the fancy snack pantry...oh no...that's my card to play. (I do have other tricks...but I'd prefer to keep those under wraps in case you decide to use them against me)

12:19 it is.

Time for lunch with Mikey which also makes it time for me to win over his friends with a Vito's pizza and my winning personality...and my sense of humor which Mr C says that I do not have. The boys are eating their pizza (glad I ordered a salad...they ate the whole dang thing) and I am just eating up the fact that I am sitting with Mikey and Mr C and a pizza...how could the other kids not think of me as a cool mom? That's pretty cool if I say so myself. So...lunch is over and Mikey wants Mr C to go to the basketball court and shoot some hoops with the other kids..."oh...and you can come too, mom". Um...okay...glad I brought the camera...I guess.

This is how the rest of the mom and son date went:I stood next to the wall taking pictures while Mr C wowed the kids with some of his fancy hoop tricks that he learned way back in the day...he had funny one liners for all of the boys and even made sure to pass the ball to everyone so they could all have a chance to play...they loved him because he was so tall next to them and basically just raised his hands up to block a pass or defend the hoop...for whatever reason, that was fun to them ...I'm pretty sure that I even heard one of the girls make a comment about how cute he looked in his plaid shorts...BIG DEAL!!...I brought pizza!!...I'm cute!! I think he knew that the kids were taking to him because he kept looking at me like "I got this...they love me"! So the bell rings and Mr C decides to stop showing off for the 6th grade class at Entz Elementary and as we are saying goodbye to Mikey and walking away from the court we hear..."Hey, can you come back again?" That was addressed to Mr C and not to me, Mikey's mom...the one who just lost the cool contest to the basketball wonder boy.

All I have to say is...I am in process of inviting the entire 6th grade class to come over and have a free-for-all in my pantry...try and top that Mr C!! Try and top that!

Missing 3...

2009-02-22T19:16:00.000-08:00

Right now I am missing my 3...
Mikey.
Morgan.
And Landon.
They have spent this weekend...since Friday after school...with their Dad.
Truth be told...I look forward to the time that I get to be by myself for a bit.
Time to be quiet.
Time to refresh.
Time to sleep in.
Time to spend with Mr. C...no children running and screaming in the house.
But lately...I am not enjoying this time alone as much.
I miss the noise.
I miss going all of the time.
I miss being woken up early by the sound of Mikey pouring cereal at 6 o'clock in the morning...I miss Landon asking me 47 questions in as much time...I miss Morgan asking to lay with me under the warm covers.
This weekend without them has left me feeling both renewed and somewhat lonely without my little attachments.
I can hardly wait to pick them up from school tomorrow.
3 pm can't come fast enough.

Dad

2009-02-20T07:37:00.000-08:00

Today is my Dad's Birthday.
He would have been 69!
Since this blog is acting as my journal as of late, it seemed right to me that I make mention of this special day.
My Dad was the coolest guy around.
The coolest.
I wish he was still here...on Earth.
I'm selfish in that way.
If he was still here...I would have some of the best and some of the funniest stories here on my blog.
My Dad was a funny man.
My Dad was a good man.
He took the best care of his family.
Thanks for that, Rog.
We all called him Rog...short for Roger.
My mother called him "Roger Dodger".
She misses him too.
So anyway...I just wanted to make mention of this great man that I miss terribly.
Happy Birthday Dad!
We all miss you so very much.

P.S. Mr C never knew my Dad...but I know they would have loved each other...on account of they have the same (very funny) sense of humor...and the same feet!

Celebrating Jess...

2009-02-19T14:32:00.000-08:00

Today we celebrated Jessica's 32nd Birthday...As always...Birthday Girl gets to choose the menu for her special day...

Just so happens that my sister's favorites happen to be some of my favs...

How 'bout that...

It's a win win situation if you ask me...

The Menu...

Bruschetta with French Bread Toasts

Caesar Salad with Brianna's Creamy Caesar Dressing

Basil Pesto with Toasted Pine Nuts

White Birthday Cake

Strawberry Lemonade with Sugared Rim Glasses

Lunch was wonderful...The company was perfect...

Even though she turned 32 and has been an official adult for some time...I think that opening her gifts was her favorite part...

Can't blame her for that...

It's still my favorite part too...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SIS...Aren't you glad we didn't listen to your silly request and celebrated without your blessing?...you seemed to be enjoying yourself today!!

...and deservedly so.

We Love You

2-19...It's Your Day, Jess

2009-02-18T18:43:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Sis...You're the Queen Bee Today!

32 years of being my little sis...lucky you...

I know you gave strict instruction to "Not Celebrate" your 32nd...

but how could I abide by such a foolish rule?...

You are...my best friend...my partner in crime...you are the only one that I call to "back me up" when Mr C doesn't exactly believe a crazy story of mine...you are my funniest friend...you are my best shopping partner and my go-to- gal when a fashion crisis arises...you're my secret keeper....and the best auntie to my 3 kiddos...

You are such a wonderful mom to your boys...they are so lucky to have you...I'll make sure that they know just how great you are when they come running to me in a couple of years when you are no longer "cool" to your kids...but aunties are still climbing high on the cool-o-meeter...I'm just saying...that's not that far away...

I am so glad that you and I are so close...seems that after high school we have always been this way...I would have and always do prefer to lunch with you or shop with you or sit at coffee with you rather than anyone else (side note to Mr C:This does not include you my darling...I'm referring to the female population in my life in this Birthday tribute...I do hope you understand...I love to shop and lunch and coffee with you as well)...We seem to have the best time sharing time together...How lucky are we?...Built in sister-friends... do you think mom is gonna take the credit for that?...I do... guess she can have it...no matter...doesn't seem to bother me that much...

I think that you are the one that has been right by my side through all of the grown-up moments...Matron of Honor at my wedding... first to come and love my kids when they were born... THE ONE WHO VISITED ME IN EL PASO THE MOST... there for me before during and after my surgery... shopping with me after my surgery and just as excited for me as I was... then the one reassuring me that my divorce was truly in the best interest of my family......LOTS OF CRYING...lots of laughing... COMFORTING ME AND HELPING ME THROUGH DIVORCE ...WHEN WE LOST DAD...Just as excited as I was when I reunited with Mr C ... my painting partner when I bought the new house ...with me when I bought my first pair of expensive jeans and with me almost every pair after...first one I called when Mr C proposed...

We do just about everything together...again...how lucky are we?...

Thanks for being my best friend and listening to me vent about the small stuff...thanks for sharing the same addiction to Starbucks venti non-fat no-whip white mochas with a venti cup of ice on the side...thanks for teaching me to sew this past weekend...thanks for letting me boss you around as you sometimes say I do...thanks for being the baker when I am the cook...because those cookies and bars that you make are killer...thanks for being my first phone conversation of every day and for helping me with fashion dilemmas and for keeping my self-esteem on a level playing field...thanks for constantly making me laugh with your dry sense of humor BECAUSE THAT IS WHEN I TRULY SEE DAD IN YOU...thanks for still sharing clothes and accessories and household stuff and kids and ideas and thanks for being the other half of me on most days...

I think that our relationship is one of the greatest blessings in my life and I am grateful for it everyday...

Thanks for being the greatest sister.

Thanks for being the greatest friend.

Happy Birthday, I Love you.

32 is gonna be a kick ass kinda year!!

British Envy...

2009-02-17T15:26:00.000-08:00

Last night...could not sleep.
Tossed and turned.
Tossed some more.
Turned on the TV.
Bridget Jone's Diary was just starting.
I was happy.
So happy.
Must love movie with English accents spilling out of every one's mouths.
I want and English accent.
Need English accent.
I could be British.
Cheerio!
Once...sister and I faked English accents all through Nordstroms.
Think we fooled many ladies that day.
Probably made them want English accents on account of ours being so "real."
I'm just saying.
Everyone with one of those fancy accents sounds so...smart and intellectual.
A box of rocks with that accent would sound smart...and intellectual.
Admittedly here...when I type my posts...I do it with English accent in head.
Just like how Bridget wrote in her diary...all Englishy.
I'm just saying.

This is what Valentine's Day looks like in our home...

2009-02-14T17:17:00.000-08:00

Decorating cookies with all of the kids...

Jack in action with sparkly frosting...

I know...they tasted amazing too...

Tag...making the biggest mess

Auntie Jessie and Morgan...I think my sister refused to share this cookie...

Made my 3 valentines treat bags...big hit.

Mr C and I shared a little early Valentine Dinner last night...we ate so much that I was a little embarrassed...pants felt snug afterward...but we headed over to the mall to do a little "shop-aerobics" and snug-pantitis was cured almost instantly.

Also included in today's V-Day celebration...I learned to sew...thanks to my sis and mom. Am wearing...and owning most fantastic apron that has my crazy stitching all over it...am quite proud of my little beauty...and I must admit...I do look fetching in her. (Will do special post on today's sewing lesson later...until then...wait in tortured anguish).

Hope everyone had a lovely day celebrating love in their own way...I'm going to go model my apron for Mr C now...Cheers!

Coming Soon....

2009-02-13T08:36:00.000-08:00

Alright Ladies.
It's in the works.
Fabulous sister and I just planned it.
We are so excited.
Ideas are flowing.
It's going to be delish.
Homemade this.
And homemade that.
Our Spring Boutique.
Coming soon.
Details will be posted when it's near.
Hope to see you there.

right now...

2009-02-12T14:37:00.000-08:00

Things happening on Decatur Street right now...Mikey playing (a very bossy game of) basketball across the street at the Davis house...Mr C lying in bed grading Morgan's homework while Morgan waits for the okay to go play with best friend Lacey...Landon cleaning all wood surfaces in house with new can of pledge (add pledge to next grocery list)...while pausing for TV breaks so he doesn't miss any of that annoying yellow sponge talking...me popping corn for the kids...trying to get them to avoid all of the candy and soda currently in the house...wait...all 3 children are now across the street playing ball...I think I'm gonna go in for a snuggle with Mr C...never mind...Morgan just came back and is begging to ride her new motor scooter (and cannot ride without parental supervision...is very bad driver)...it never ends here...I love that.

The Art Door

2009-02-11T14:13:00.001-08:00

This is the inside door of our pantry...This is also where I keep all of the art projects and creations from my little Picassos...I'm one of "those moms" who cannot bare to throw away anything that one of my 3 has poured any of themselves into...doesn't seem right to discard their creations in the same place with left overs from last nights dinner and the occasional Hostess cupcake wrapper from yours truly...(c'mon...we all have weaknesses).

(just aside from this door you can see the "blingy" chandelier that mr c hung for me last month in our dining room...she not only looks great...she burns bright too with her lovely crystals dripping all over her bodice)

dearest computer...

2009-02-11T11:47:00.000-08:00

First of all, it's me...not you.

I know that I turned you on early this morning...and then just left without so much as a log-in.

Then, after I came home from my busy morning...I walked right by you without a hello or an I've missed you...I feel bad for the glance that I gave you in frustration.

You see...I have so much to do around the house today...so much organizing and plans to bake cookies for the kids...i just couldn't bring myself to sit down with you today.

I'm sorry.

The thing is...when I sit down in front of you and put my hands on you...I can't keep them off...I know...I know...you're like an old boyfriend that I keep going back to...the kind of boyfriend that would take up all of my time and then leave me to catch up on all of my to do's alone. The kind of boyfriend that slowly pulls me from all of my friends and keeps me from family.

Mr C always makes hints to me about being jealous of the time that we spend together...it is quite the job for me to make him feel secure in his manhood...you are not so easy to compete with...you with your hard drive and flat screen just sitting across from us every night.

However...today I cannot and will not be seduced by you.

Not today.

I will not be pulled into lingering on line...hopping from blog to blog...scrolling down my favorites list.

Not today.

For my list of to do's runs long...and time will not let us be together until this eve.

Like I said before...It's me...not you.

Heart Attack

2009-02-09T20:25:00.000-08:00

Our fireplace and mantle have been covered by papered conversation hearts...a great idea that I got from this lovely...she inspired the L O V E banner as well...

I know that this one is on the blurry...but you get the idea...

Can't say exactly why...but I am so in love with Valentines Day this year...more so thrilled about sharing it with the kids...my three little valentines...these are the treat bags that we (I) created for Morgan's class...I can't...I mean...Morgan can hardly wait to pass them out during her party on Friday...We used the cutest bags that we found on a clearance sale a Target more than a year ago and rummaged through the ribbon box for mis-matched ribbons to tie onto the cut-out hearts...tomorrow...we start Landon's valentines...not sure where we are headed with those yet...

Nobody Does It Better Than Mr. C

2009-02-09T19:37:00.000-08:00

This is my Dear Mr C in action...at Morgan's birthday Celebration...Ladies...he's all mine (wink)...

on my mind...

2009-02-09T13:11:00.000-08:00

The "list of things" to do on my mind is lengthy these days...Thought that maybe if I put them down...then they wouldn't be quite so heavy...here goes...

PREPARING homemade VALENTINES for both Morgan and Landon's classes...haven't even started yet...FINDING the perfect Birthday gift for her...wanting to treat Mr C to some homemade bread this week (major points to be scored there)...Been meaning to clean out jewelry drawer (is complete disaster right now)...crafting with my sis...so many ideas we both have...trying to get ready to show some at a craft market...which reminds me that first my craft closet in laundry room needs to be reorganized...(that's at least a full day to go through that heap)...PREPARING MIKEY for Jr High...I am admittedly not ready for this...I am desperate to learn to sew this month...need someone to teach me...mom?...you up for that...the DENALI needs service...most hated chore for me is anything in the auto-chore department...WILL IT PLEASE STOP RAINING SO THAT I CAN GET THE DENALI WASHED...(PLEASE)...morgan needs her well-check appt...call DR WOLFE for that one and oh...Mikey needs his hearing checked (letter came home about 3 weeks ago)...so better make that 2 appointments...THE ECONOMY...Mr C and I are preparing as if things are NOT getting better anytime soon...so this has me searching for WAYS TO SAVE AND FIND GREAT DEALS...READING TO LANDON...he's baby 3 and seems to get overlooked in the teach my child to read category...finishing the 3 BOOKS THAT I HAVE STARTED AWHILE AGO...cleaning out the garage...cleaning out the children's closets...Mr C's new flexible work schedule which allows him to be home for dinner E V E R Y N I G H T which also means no "easy mom meals" anymore...not to mention his new softball schedule that has us at 2 different fields twice a week and his basketball on Wednesdays...GOTTA LOVE AN ACTIVE MAN...BLOGGING...THIS LIST ALSO INCLUDES... LAUNDRY DAILY...DISHES...3 CHILDREN...5 PETS...AND AN OVER-ACHIEVING MOTHER that makes the mistake of likening herself the the mighty MARTHA STEWART.....THAT'S ME...I have decided half-way through this list...That for my next birthday in JULY...or perhaps for CHRISTMAS...I would like a WIFE...just for a little extra help carpooling or chores around the house...that's all...nothing kinky...I'm not into that...just somebody to pick up any slack.

Next Time...

2009-02-06T19:46:00.000-08:00

Wanted to do great post tonight about the new happenings with Mr C...unfortunately felt daring at dinner...tried new sushi roll and now stomach is feeling rather queer...must put off fantastic post idea and try to settle Decatur fix with good tidings for a lovely weekend. Have a fetching weekend friends...now must get back to remedying queer belly with fork full of frosting from left-over birthday cake.

Morgan

2009-02-05T08:23:00.000-08:00

Dear Morgan,

I am so excited to celebrate your birthday with you today. First...I have to make myself realize that you really are turning 9 years old today!! I know that we have been talking about this day for quite some time now...but I still can hardly believe that it is here. Seems like not too long ago you were just a peanut...so small and so quiet.

I want you to know that I love being your mom so much. I love how you wake up in the morning with perfect hair (not fair) and on most days you wake up with the sweetest smile that kinda makes me want to keep you home with me (sometimes we do that, huh?) I think that you have such a wonderful creative energy that reminds me of how how I feel about creating and crafting. I love when we come up with a new art project together and spend time picking out just the right ribbons or spend forever in the scrapbook store searching for the perfect paper. I have so much fun with you.

I love how you love me as your mom...you miss me on our weekends away from each other just as much as I miss you. I love watching you grow older and bigger...sometimes it's hard for me to accept the fact that you don't need my help as much with all of the little things...but I am just as excited about the fact that you are really learning to do things for yourself. I love when we snuggle up on the couch and share the same covers and talk and laugh... I hope that we are always close and always have fun giggling together about the silly stuff.

I love that you are sensitive and have such a sweet spirit about you...I was the same way when I was your age...in fact, I still kinda am that way. I love that you have such a strong love for all animals and you try daily to convince me and Mr. C to adopt something for you. I always tell Mr. C that I love how dramatic you can be...I really do love it (although, maybe we can work on stopping the slamming of your bedroom door when you are upset...this is an older home and the doors don't like to be slammed so much). (Thanks) I love that although you are now 9 years of age...you will still hold my hand when we walk side by side and you still insist (and so do I) on a goodnight hug an kiss every single night and when something isn't right in your world, you come to me first because you know I will do whatever it takes to make it better.

I love being your mom and I can't wait to see what living 9 years old is like with you. I'm sure it will be sweet and spicy just like you!

I love you Morgan,

Love, Mom xoxo

I wanted to write a little list of some of the things that you really enjoy right now so we can look back on this someday for a giggle...

You Love:

Webkinz (you have about 40 of them)

Your new green motor scooter

Puppies

Scrapbooking

Painting

Your best friend Lacey

School

Shopping at Nordstrom

Pink Lemonade

The Cheesecake Factory

Jewelry

Flavored Lip Gloss

Club Penguin

Baking Cookies

Your Hot Pink Converse

Your True Religion Jeans

Shopping at Justice

Your Pink Blanket

Your Brothers

Your Pets

Having Your Nails Painted

Bubble Baths

and

Your Family

Girl turned blog stalker... turned blog stalkee...maybe

2009-02-04T08:07:00.000-08:00

I am fairly new to blogging.
I started off learning about blogging by finding one blog on the Domestic Bliss website that was related to a store that I shop at...soon after that, I started to follow a couple of the blog links. I loved to follow what other ladies were up to and grab a little inspiration here and there...then I stumbled (and so ever grateful that I did) to the nieniedialogues...stephanie nielson has been the biggest inspiration to me and to my mothering and to my creativity and the list goes on. Shortly after discovering this gem...I decided to start our own family blog...thus...Life on Decatur Street was born....shortly after that...I turned into a "blog-stalker." Completely harmless crime by the way...no need to fret...or hide your babies.

I have always enjoyed writing and I still keep a journal to record my life for my children and maybe their children (not the most exciting of reads...but that's okay...I'm proud of what's inside, hand written on the pages). This, to me, is just the modern way of journaling. A fancy journal...if you will. Who doesn't love a fancy journal (or a fancy anything for that matter)?

I can spend hours a day, following blog link after blog link while my laundry piles up and I glance over and get that look from Mr. C...the one that says without words, "You're still online Blogging?" It has become part of my daily routine. Get children up and off to school...run through Starbucks for White Mocha...head home and switch on the computer...plop buttocks down and scroll through a list of lovelies and see who's been doing what. This is a wonderful way to be inspired by other ladies (sorry fellas...currently do not have one male blog saved to my favorites list...only because I'm not sure if such a thing exists..male blog... that is). I have discovered some of the neatest most creative ladies in this blog world. I found Valentine inspiration from Christina over at her blog. I stalk her blog daily to see what sort of wonderful must replicate and tweak to format my life craft she has been up too. I have stumbled onto decorating tips and baking recipes and things to do with my children (that is when I am not blog surfing). I get to catch a glimpse into the lives and daily musings of people that I do not even know. Strangely enough, after following some blogs...I feel like I do know the ladies behind the keyboard. In fact...Mr C. and I were in Hobby Lobby one day perusing through the home goods (lovely home goods section by the by...more specifically...I think we were in the section overflowing with iron thingies for the wall) and I recognised a gal across the isle. "Hey," I thought, and said out loud to the handsome Mr C..."I know her!" Mr. C replied back..."How do you know her?" (I'm thinking...what's with all the questions, honey?) I answered his question with the "I have come across her blog before" response that for whatever reason had Mr. C cracking up. When I asked him what's so funny (because if something is funny, I want to laugh at it too...I mean...who doesn't like a good laugh?) he said..."Honey, do you ACTUALLY know her then if you have only read her blog a couple of times?" Hmm. Guess not. Well that was deflating. But I felt like I knew her through her blog. I stopped myself from congratulating her on her new baby and from asking how the girls were handling the newborn at home and refrained from commenting about their Christmas pictures...they all looked so cute matchy-matchy and everything...and where did you find that neat wood calendar...you know, the one on your kitchen counter next to your cutlery set? Thought that might be sorta creepy to know that I...a complete stranger has been "blog-stalking."

I have secret hopes that I have some blog-stalkers out there...ladies who think that I have super exciting life happenings and creativity exploding out of my ears and are just itching to know what I have been up to as of late. That's now part of the motivation to blog, you know. I like to keep all potential blog-stalkers in the loop of the goings on here on Decatur Street. If you ever see me...strutting my stuff in the Hobby Lobby...or anywhere else for that mater...please...feel free to confess that you too are a blog-stalker..er..I mean...follower of my little blog. I'd love to hear from you.

2009-02-03T16:08:00.000-08:00

Mr. C is a Die Hard Steelers fan...
This makes me a Die Hard Steelers fan...
Just wanted to properly congratulate the Pittsburgh Steelers for their Superbowl Win...just in case one of them should stumble across my blog...
Just in case.
Nice game fellas...
I wore your Steelers Logo T with pride...glad I look fetching in black.

Thanks to the fabulous Jessica Z for the super cute Steelers shirt...
...she is a Die Hard Steelers fan too...more so than I.

Love Letter to Mr C

2009-01-27T14:39:00.000-08:00

To my Dear Mr. C...

I'm sitting here at our computer...thinking of you.

I should be folding laundry, helping children with homework or should be planning dinner...but all I can do right now is think about how much I wish you were at home with me now. I did ask (or beg as I recall) for you to stay home and spend the rest of the day with me...but you declined. Apparently...you are responsible and thought that working today might be something of importance. No matter...as soon as I pull myself out from this spell that you put upon me...I'll be back to work in our home...and I shall be good until the thought of loving you comes over me again.

I look forward to mugging on you as soon as you come home to me tonight.

I can hardly wait for 9 o'clock to roll around.

I love you.-Rebecca

why my reasoning can be...let's say... a little off...

2009-01-27T12:34:00.000-08:00

i love a clean home.

am self professed cleaning sensation.

i think deeply while cleaning...most of the time anyway.

motivation behind cleaning is two-fold.

i clean for obvious reasons...house runs smoother...feels nice to dwell in organized rooms...is not good to have house of squaller.

i also clean just in case our home is ever "broken into" by intruders...they will first be impressed by tidy home full of organized wonder before pilfering and burgling.

i know. my thinking is sorta...not right.

admittedly so...it is my cleaning motivation.

attention mothers of daughters...

2009-01-24T17:11:00.000-08:00

i would like for you to meet michael william frame III...my first born...we call him mikey...

he's a handsome fella...gets that from me....what?...

i just wanted all of my lady friends with daughters know about mikey so that you might "keep an eye" on this guy....

he's a great kid....he's going to be an incredible adult....

he's got a lot going on upstairs...super smart guy...silly sense of humor...(much like his mother's...may not be the best thing going for him)...

...i just thought that my lady friends might want to...you know...keep track of this guy for their daughters for the future...he's gonna be quite the catch when he's ready...

he is already in habit of opening all doors for ladies and carrying their packages (thank you to mr c for teaching said habits)....

i'm just saying ladies...i'm raising a good one...

...you're welcome...

another reason...

2009-01-22T17:04:00.001-08:00

just another reason why i adore mr. c so much...

he reads stories to landon when i just don't have it in me to do the reading...again...

...and he even does the voices too...

ladies...he's all mine

just a peek

2009-01-13T11:30:00.000-08:00

i always love when i get to sneak a peek into some one's home.

something about a little peek behind one's door really allows you to know who they are.

(after all...that is why i accompany my children straight to the front door of our neighbors homes whilst trick-or-treating...for the peek of course).

it is so very personal.

so very telling.

mr. c and i have been revamping our abode on decatur street little by little.

i think it is one of our favorite things to spend our time on.

with seven children...we have to choose to spend our time wisely...you know.

lately...our time has been focused on the kitchen...

she was an utter mess...poor thing.

so...we put some love into her...which meant...replacing the counter tops with granite straight away...refinishing the cabinets (ourselves)...changing out incredibly old and dated light fixtures (mr. c handled that one)...we added a faux copper tile back splash behind the stove(that one gets rave reviews) ...and replaced all appliances with stainless (a must in every kitchen according to my humble decorating opinion which may not be so very humble after all)...

our kitchen...our girl... feels brand new...she's lovely.

i love her...

i can hardly keep my hands off of her...

...which is okay according to my handsome mr. c...great things are coming out of this new love of mine...

...everyone needs a tea towel from anthro hanging somewhere in their kitchen...i have been collecting these for the last 5 years...this one's a favorite

...she's small and cozy...be she's ours and we love being in here...

i wish

2009-01-10T10:36:00.000-08:00

i wish this outfit from anthro was hanging in my closet...just ready for me to put her on and take her around town...

why i started my diet today...

2009-01-09T11:06:00.000-08:00

today i began my diet. bleh.

i hate to say that i am even on a diet. double bleh.

it all started when this morning...i ran to grab a my second favorite jeans from the dryer.

my hudson jeans.

i headed back to my changing room (my closet) with jeans draped over shoulder ready to dress my bottom half.

i slipped my right leg into said jean and then my left leg followed suit...then i headed for the button.

that's strange.

my jeans feel somewhat....snug.

hmmm....must be my dryer playing a cruel trick on me.

she obvioulsy shrank them just to get me.

she obviously doesn't like the way i fill out my hudsons...must be the only logical reason for her to play such a cruel joke on me.

must make am mends with dryer later.

so...i am resolved to wear my hudson jeans today...

so i did what i usually do...er....i mean what other lady friends tell me they do in this type of tight jean predicament..

i popped a squat down to my ankles to stretch out the hudsons.

it was exactly then in mid-squat that i looked straight to the shelf in our changing room (my closet) and spied the box of ding-dongs that mr clark and i hid from our children...

the tight jeans served me right.

the best waffles

2009-01-05T17:08:00.000-08:00

this my friends could be the answer to world peace...er...at least temporary peace around the breakfast table...or breakfast for dinner table as we often do it in our home...this is our favorite waffle recipe (and we know because we have sampled many) and we would like to share it with you...

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 eggs
1 3/4 cups of milk
1/2 cup cooking oil or butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla

1. In a medium bowl stir together flour, sugar, baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and set aside.

2. In another medium bowl, beat eggs slightly, stir in milk, oil, and vanilla. Add egg mixture all at once to the flour mixture. Stir just until moistened (batter should be slightly lumpy).

3. Pour 1 1/4 cups into preheated waffle iron and cook according to manufacture instructions.

4. Slap some butter, pour on the syrup and sprinkle these bad boys with some powdered sugar and then eat until your little heart is content.

5. Send Rebecca a thank you note for sharing the best waffle recipe with her friends and family...(okay, you don't really have to do this last one).

I am sorry my darling...so very sorry

2009-01-05T15:16:00.000-08:00

Dearest Mr Clark...

This is a letter of apology from me to you...

The apology is in regard to your "choneys" as you call them...

Remember how your mother bought you some fancy new undergarments for your birthday and then the same week we, together, bought some for you as well...you remember...the sale at the Mervyns?...

Do you also remember the conversation that we had shortly after about my throwing your old "choneys" away due to some...how should i put this...some hole-age around the busy part of the choney...

You asked me...actually...you told me NOT to throw them away.

I even think you referred to the holey pairs as your favorite.

Ooops.

My Dear Mr Clark...I must confess...

Shortly after our conversation (which did not go as I had planned) I made the executive decision to put the "luck choneys" to rest.

In the garbage.

I hope you can forgive me for not following your specific choney order in keeping the lucky ones around for...well...I suppose for luck...but I could not bare to place holey knickers in our closet one more time.

Did I mention that my apology is two part...to make up for the trashed choneys...I am treating to a triple scoop at Baskin Robbins tonight.

Love your Dearest Rebecca

a resolution for 2009

2009-01-03T14:36:00.000-08:00

i've been thinking over and over again about what i would really like to focus on changing or improving in my 2009...

...most of these are just floating around my head in no particular order...simple things and some a little more complex...but all of which keep making it to the surface of my thoughts in one form or another...

in my 2009...

i would like to and sometimes would even love to...

blog more often learn to sew de clutter my life wear skirts more cook more meals at home paint something get our garden ready by spring wow mr clark more often let go with my children more convince mr clark that a second dog is entirely a good and rational idea feel butterflies in my tummy introduce my children to roller skating have a fancy schmancy dinner party in our home kiss more love more love harder teach my children more let the 1940's housewife in me come out on a more regular basis and always make sure that the people in my life always know their worth to me...

A letter to my sister...

2008-12-17T09:52:00.000-08:00

Dear Jessica...I know what you are trying to do...so you can just stop right there. When I visited your abode on Granite Street yesterday...you had a "sample" tray full of all things delectable that you have been baking for my sampling when I arrived. Lovely, the treats were and I was quite content just nibbling here and there with my Mr. Clark aside me nibbling the same.

Funny how when we were set to leave you and go about our day....you just happen to have Chinese take out containers full of the same delights ready for us to adopt and make room for in our home. I tried to decline...but you wouldn't hear of it!

Funny indeed.

It wasn't until this mornings weekly visit with our lady friends that I realized what you are trying to do. It was evident and obvious and cruel when you handed me 2 not just 1 but 2 Christmas tins full of our Mother's homemade wafer cookies. The irresistible wafer cookies that have the softest pink and green creme inside that can't help itself but to resemble billowy clouds making their way out of the sides of a wafer delight.

Evil you are...my conniving sister.

You...my flesh and blood are tired of the way that I look in my favorite jeans aren't you? You have concocted such a devious plan to bring an end to my rear end....

Really Jessica. Your sibling rivalry has stooped to an all new low. You should be ashamed of yourself.

Just a little warning for you....My outrageous brownies...the ones that your lose all will power against... just might mysteriously find their way into your thighs...er....I mean home.

Consider yourself warned.

(If you try to tell mom about this...I'll deny it 'til the end..."TIL THE END!!)!!

Love at Anthro

2008-12-16T13:10:00.000-08:00

Today I went to Anthro with Mr. Clark...shopping at my love with my love...I imagine this is sortta what Heaven might feel like....pure bliss.

Found some great things...fell in love and lust with a few more things...

Got the okay from Mr. Clark to purchase a few lovelies...made him promise before walking in to keep me on the straight and narrow....

Just wanted to say Thank You to my register boy....seems he included an extra box and a few of this years Anthro package ties....maybe he had a thing for me....I did look smashing in my new green sweater today...

Don't worry Mr. Anthro guy...I don't suspect that Mr. Clark noticed a thing....

I anxiously await our next encounter....I'll nip temptation in the bud for you and leave the green beauty at home...

So....how do your feel about red pea coats?.....

Today...I lied.

2008-12-15T19:12:00.000-08:00

These 3 are the ones that I broke out of school today...was quite the well thought out plan if I do say so myself...and I do cuz I just did. Mikey (or Mike as he is desperately trying to have me call him) Morgan and Landon spent the weekend with their dad and by the time this morning rolled around...I couldn't contain the feelings of missing them anymore...so I began to formulate my plan...okay...my plan was actually put on hold because Mr. Clark called me and invited me to an impromptu breakfast which in turn led to a few errands focusing on The Hobby Lobby and Bath and Body...as you can see, two very important errands...back to my plan (feeling totally sinister right now)(muahahaha).(I picture myself with a mustache and a pipe when I do that laugh in my head).

Moving right along...approximately 1:36 (or maybe it was 1:45ish-you get the idea) I entered the parking lot of the children's school...very unsuspecting if you will.

Very Unsuspecting.

As I walked to the front office...I rattled off the anticipated conversation with the school attendant that I would soon be in contact with and in my head it went something like this:

School attendant: Oh, Hi Ms. Frame...you are looking lovely today...my how you always manage to look so pulled together.

Me: Oh, thank you (add school attendant name here-might have been Cindy)...that is so kind of you!

School attendant: How can I help you today?

Me:Well, (heart will undoubtedly pick up the pace here as I am realizing that I am a horrible liar), I need to get my 3 kiddos from school?

School attendant:Are they coming back or are they leaving for the day?

Me: (Thinking to myself:uh...what's with all the questions, I mean really!) Well, (HERE COMES THE LIE) we have a Doctor's Appointment (classic lie, huh?) and they will not be returning to school this afternoon.

School Attendant: Oh, okay...I just need the classrooms of the children....blah blah blah....

Me: Holy Sheesh...I did it...again! No one suspects a thing..

Okay...that's how it's supposed to go right...well, I get into the office and Landon's teacher is right there...she greets me a hello and asks what I am doing there? I stumbled over my words and murmured something about an appointment and then she kind of gave me a "look" and offered to go get Landon from PE. Score. One down and two to go.

I can see from the corner of my eye...the school principal...if I don't make eye contact, everything should go according to plan. This is the part where I really sealed in my lie...I signed the book to take the children out early and wrote 3 times for 3 children...Doctors Appointment.

That's a big bad lie...(must repent for this later).

Everything is going according to plan.

Until Mikey walks in the office without backpack and jacket and asks why we are leaving and who the doctor appointment is for...will there be shots involved and are we coming back to school...I thought about changing the plan a little and leaving Mikey at the school. Okay...after 20 questions, he was off to get his belongings.

Now...2 down and little Morgan to go....My little lovely came skipping along and asked the same q's that Mikey just drilled me with...so I did what any mother in this situation would do and I ignored her until we got to the car.

Made it to the car...told the kiddos that In n Out was calling and mama was treating everyone to a chocolate shake...only if they promised to never mention this to their teachers...ever.

And this was the day that I lied to the school.

just a question...

2008-12-11T20:39:00.000-08:00

just a question...if you will appease me for a moment...

a small observation of myself today and i wanted to know if anyone shared in this with me...

...around 4pm on this lovely december day...i was in front of my home on the phone with my mother having a lovely conversation about sewing some aprons for my daughter for a Christmas gift...when around the corner, i spied a milk chocolate ups truck headed down decatur street! my heart jumped a little and then it skipped a beat as i stood still.... i was ready for the angelic ups man dressed in chocolate( to match his truck of course) to park his delivery truck in front of my home on decatur street and sift through the many packages in the back of his truck only to find the one marked with my name on it...i imagined our lovely conversation and witty repartee as we exchanged package for signature and finally i imagined our salutations as we said goodbye and parted ways....

HE DROVE RIGHT PAST MY HOUSE WITHOUT EVEN A TAP ON THE BRAKE PEDAL....

...the funny thing is that i haven't ordered any packages and certainly have no reason to expect anything that would require delivery by ups!!...but i couldn't help but feel let down and disappointed when he didn't stop in front of our home...he just drove right by...now that i think about it...i don't even think he waved to me...

i was utterly deflated.

does anyone else out there feel such let down or a mild emptyness when this happens?...even if you have no reason to expect him to stop by your door...it still stings a little when your heart has already skipped the beat.

looking for my Christmas spirit

2008-12-11T14:44:00.000-08:00

I am anxiously awaiting for my Christmas spirit...it seems to be running a bit late this year. Each morning as I wake up from my slumber...I hope to feel the overwhelming cheer of the holidays...maybe it snuck in through the window with the brisk December air...not today. I feel like that last one standing as far as catching the spirit of Christmas is concerned...it seems to be running ramp id through the veins of those around me...I wonder where my share could be?

For some reason, this year feels different...everything about it feels off...and I have been trying to figure out why. Maybe the stress of the economy and the instability of where we are has something to do with it. Maybe it just really snuck up on me like it does every year, but this year, it was quieter so I didn't hear it approaching...or I chose not to hear it. Perhaps the heavy thoughts that I have had about wanting this time of year to return back to the meaningfulness that it once used to be have something to do with it's obvious delay. I don't like the thought of Christmas being associated with stress and burden. It is so much more than that...so much more. Perhaps the weather has something to do with it...it's still reaching temps of 80 degrees here in Phoenix...not weather conducive to the season of Christmas. Whatever the reason may be...it is just not fully here for me.

Christmas is fast approaching now and I am desperate to feel my holiday cheer. I was secretly hoping that last week when Mr. Clark hung the holiday lights on the house that would have triggered something in me and it did, but only for moments...I soon was back to square 1...holiday cheer-less. Hmmmm...where could it be?

I was hoping to find it last week when I started my Christmas shopping...I soon realized that mid-shopping...I was spending more on myself...and "forgot" who and what I was supposed to be purchasing for...slight oversight on my part.

Slight oversight.

Because of my lack-of-cheeritis (not sure if that is a medical condition or not)...I have turned into a Christmas poser...if there is such a thing. I have made the art of faking holiday cheer artful and somewhat of a game in full hopes of fooling myself into believing that I am more like Mrs. Claus and less like Scrooge...it's an exhausting task but I am willing to participate in this game until I feel like I am caught up with all of the Christmas celebrators on Decatur Street.

Tonight...Mr. Clark and I are taking the children to pick out our family Christmas tree...perhaps there is a little spirit of Christmas nestled somewhere in the branches...just waiting for me to bring it home.

Fingers crossed.

check it off the list

2008-12-08T09:59:00.001-08:00

Spent the morning organizing and reorganizing the kitchen pantry....enough said.

one of those days

2008-12-07T13:33:00.001-08:00

it's been one of those days...

one of those days when the sun has decided to take some time off from shining and left the clouds on full time...he ain't shining today...

one of those days when it is overcast enough to make the house dark which makes it okay for me to leave all of the house lights on even if it is 2:30 in the afternoon...sorry mr. clark but you aren't home to turn them all off on me (he hates when lights are left on throughout our home)...

it's one of those days when all i want to do is snuggle in bed and cover myself with every blanket in the house...

one of those days where my slippers will be working full-time...

one of those days when it's okay for the kids to stay in their pajamas...those are rare around here...

it's one of those days when the household chores have been put on hold because making hot chocolate seems more important on the list of things to do...

i love days like these...

...i hope you are having one of these days too...

2 things I cannot do...

2008-12-05T21:53:00.000-08:00

There are two things that I have vowed to never do in this life of mine...

...I have taken the sacred vow to never carry a knock-off hand bag, never to wear a pair of jeans that weren't authentic, never to look through a pair of sunglasses that weren't the real deal nor anything of the like...I just can't bring myself to do it people. This may be a small simple minded issue to most...but it is my issue and I am totally okay with it!

It also brings me to the other that I cannot or will not ever do and that is to buy an artificial Christmas tree and put it in our home.

I understand why the people around me choose to have the artificial tree (I use the term "tree"lightly) in their home...it's convenient and easy to snap together...you don't have to fuss with the after Christmas needle clean up and risk clogging the vacuum...and let's be honest...the safety issue of not having the "tree" die out and become a fire hazard makes for a pretty strong argument.

I get all of that.

Still...I just cannot let my children pull their Christmas tree out of a box and "snap it together"...I cannot have my family miss out on the traditional experience of going to the Christmas tree lot (even if it is at The Home Depot) to search and search for the perfect tree... sap and all...and when our family tree is placed in our home by Mr. Clark...the fragrance of the fresh needles is so wonderful and so aromatic that it will be the talk of the house for at least the next 4 maybe even 5 days. I love the tradition of the live tree so much and I want that to be passed to my kids and someday to their kids. So for this girl...I vow to never buy an artificial Christmas tree...you read it here!!

I heart real life Christmas trees and that is that!

2008-11-22T19:34:00.000-08:00

Dear Mr. Clark...There are a few reasons for my writing to you tonight...As I was in the kitchen preparing dinner tonight, I was so happy. So happy for the kitchen that you have made so beautiful for me... for us...for our family. I love that our flavor is all over and when you walk into our home...you feel the love in it.

I am thrilled about all of the plans that we have made together and how we have laid out our future...there are so many things to be excited for...I think you know to what I am referring! :)

Thanks for all of the happy that you bring to life...because of that...I am smitten by you even more.

I love you...I love you...I love you...I love you...I love you...I love you...I love you...I love you

2008-11-18T16:24:00.001-08:00

Today...this little beauty and I spent the whole day together. Morgan went to bed last night not feeling so great...that's when I thought that the next morn, I would let her stay home even if she was feeling better. When I broke the news early this morning...she was thrilled...i was too. We started our day getting the boys ready for school...once Mikey was headed off to play football with the boys and Landon was walked to the playground...we were off! Our first destination was (needless to say) Starbucks for our morning fill. I treated my little darling to the chocolate milk that could put

all others of its kind to shame and what goes better with chocolate milk than a blueberry muffin...we sat together and talked about how nice it is to have a new Starbucks near the house(this is very exciting news in the Frame/Clark household).

After heading back to the house for a little morning kitchen clean up...we discussed our plan of attack. A few errands were necessary and successfully accomplished and checked off the list of to do's...Morgan rode in the front seat the whole day...something her older brother prevents her from doing on the daily.

We headed home at lunch time and in the kitchen (which is beautiful-thank you to Mr. Clark), we made two of the best sandwiches together...veggie for me-turkey for her. Sitting together at the table was one of the most wonderful moments of our day. We talked about school, her friends, and discussed the ever important Christmas list (hope I haven't lost it already). We planned a couple of play dates later in the week and talked about upcoming weekend plans. I felt so lucky to have this little wonder sitting with me in this world, talking with me and loving me as much as I love her.

I think today, Morgan loved when we painted Christmas ornaments together...painting is something she loves and something that mom kind of restricts a little (set up time added with clean up time...that's a lot of time people).

2:45 came and it was time to head to the school to pick up the boys...she tried convincing me to just leave them there...she put up a pretty good argument...

My Tuesday with Morgan was perfect...I am so lucky to be the mom to such a spunky little girl. One on one days like these are so important for my 3 and for myself to reconnect with one another and have that special time to share.

I love you Miss Morgan

2008-11-17T20:21:00.000-08:00

A few reasons why today was great...

It actually started last night with an hour long back tickle from Mr. Clark (it was the perfect way to fall asleep)
I was able to sleep in this morning until 9am (children were away with their dad for the weekend)
I found the perfect sweater in my closet to match a shirt I have been wanting to wear but too chilly outside to wear it alone
I meandered through the grocery store at my own leisure and everything I needed seemed to be on sale (hi-light of my day)
When I picked my 3 up from school, we were all soooo happy to see each other
Landon told me about 7 times tonight that he missed me all weekend (it was like the Angels singing)
I didn't have to break up one fight between the 3...this does not happen often...
Mr. Clark sent me some pretty sexy texts none of which will be repeated on this blog...:)
All 3 of my beautiful babies went to bed without protest...on time...and in good spirits..
Mr. Clark is waiting for me over there <- ready to snuggle...perhaps I can score another back tickle.
All of this...and my hair managed to keep a little curl...

Landon

2008-10-22T20:22:00.000-07:00

I would like for you to meet Landon John Frame.
He is the third child in my clan. Landon is slow. I don't mean mentally slow or developmentally challenged in anyway...he is just my slow to go little guy. I'm thinking this all started 5 years ago when the little guy was born...he took his time coming into the world because really...what's the rush? I spent weeks telling everybody that my deliveries with my other two children were so fast and Landon being my third one would surely be a delivery for the record books. I was wrong. Little Mr. Frame seemed intent on proving his laboring mother wrong...and he did.

Now let's jump ahead a couple of years when Landon is walking, running, talking up a storm, getting into his big sister's closet and building legos alongside his brother...he does it all at his own pace...slow. I can think back and clearly hear myself telling Landon to "hurry up!" I think I have probably said or commanded this to him maybe a million times in the past 5 years. Then the other day...it hit me. Why am I rushing him? What is the hurry? I had not one good answer for this and realized that this little guy has it all figured out. Take your time and enjoy what you're doing. He has absolutely no problem in finding his own pace and making it work or him. When I realized this the other day...I was so envious of him. I am one of those mom's who is in a hurry to do e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g. You name it...I'm in a mad dash to get it done. Why, you might ask? The answer is...I haven't the darnedest clue...guess that's just how I am used to doing things. (side note...you would be utterly amazed at how much I can get done in an hour alone...I could probably write a book on multi-tasking)

In my realization of all this rushing around...I decided that I didn't like the fact that I tried to constantly hurry up my little Landon and possibly take the happy out of things that he was trying to enjoy. Soooooo....I made a change. I stopped (okay, I still slip once in awhile and stop myself in mid "hurry up" mode). I am trying to slow my pace and not be in such a hurry to get it all done without taking the time to enjoy and revel and most importantly to just be in that moment. That is a pretty big lesson from a little guy...one of the best that I have ever learned. So now, walks from the car to the classroom are on Landon's time, and when Mikey has something cool to tell me about his football game at school, I am all ears for as long as he needs me to be, and when Morgan wants to crack the eggs for Sunday breakfast...she can take as long as she needs (okay...that one might be rushed a little if we need to get breakfast on the table before Mr. Clark has to leave for work).

Landon, thank you for taking your time and for showing mom just how great slowing down can be. xoxo

2008-10-21T11:36:00.001-07:00

This is how I will be spending my Saturday...it really doesn't compare to...I don't know...sleeping in until whenever or having breakfast at The Good Egg with my sweetie...I think I would even prefer to babysit my nephew Tag who is just a stinker anymore than wake up before the crack of dawn to sell belongings to strangers who will just never appreciate that sweater circa 1997! I know, I know...I don't have to have a yard sale...but truth be told...I need to do some serious cleaning out of the closets (insert Eminem song here if you would like).

I have to tell you (and I really have no idea who is reading this so I am not sure who "you" is but let's carry on regardless of that), in my past few weeks of purging our family closets and linen closets and toy baskets, we have sooooo much stuff...way too much stuff for one family! There, I said it! I think that I finally realized that when I "put something away" in a closet, chances are that "something" will never be used again or see the light of day for that matter. For instance, I found my old Rollerblades in a box...not in the garage with the other various pieces of sports equipment, but sitting in a box covered in dust. I know...buuuuutt...you can buy them on Saturday for the low low price of $10...I know...that's not a deal, it's a steal! (side note regarding yard sale pricing...Mr. Clark is a complete over-pricer...be glad that I am the one handling the little yellow pricing stickers).

So wish me luck my friends, for we are getting ready for the yard sale to end all yard sales...and maybe if it goes well and it goes by fast...Mr. Clark and I can still make it to The Good Egg to share a buttermilk pancake stuffed with granola and peanut butter chips!

Here we are

2008-10-20T13:28:00.000-07:00

So here we are...Life on Decatur Street. This marks the first official post from our ,what is intended to be, happy little blog. I have spent countless hours on various blogs when I should have been doing laundry or baking cookies or something other than reading about others and their lives. Then it hit me. I decided to become a blogger myself. This is a new world to me and I might take it in a little slower than the rest, so please just be patient until I get the hang of all of this. Thank you.

I think a little background and updating is in order since this is the first official post (I can't believe that I have a post)!

I live on Decatur Street with my best friend and future hubby to be, Mr. Clark. Yes, he does have a first name and it is Scott, however, I find it a little fun and frankly a little sexy to refer to him as Mr. Clark. (side note: Mr. Clark does not entirely appreciate it when I do refer to him as Mr. Clark,"That's what people call my dad!" is his understandable reaction to my whim). We have sort of (in my book anyway) compromised and I call him the pet names like honey, baby, babe, sweetie and a few others that might embarrass my mother if she were to ever read this, and I reserve the Mr. Clark for story telling with friends and family. Now, I hope we are all clear on this.

In our humble home we also have my 3 children...Mikey who is 11 and trying desperately to have me refer to him as Mike (too old for Mikey I guess), Morgan who is now 8 and Landon who is the ever into everything and has a question about everything is 5. These are my children from my first marriage...ugh...I hate that phrase...my first marriage.

Now, our house grows with children every Wednesday and every third weekend when Mr. Clark's children come to stay with us. On these days, we have Justine who is 16 and driving (look out), Kali who is a schmidge from turning 14, Elisa who is at the ripe old age of 13 and Trevor at a solid 9 yeas old. Yes friends, we are the modern day Brady Bunch....only I don't have an Alice to keep my house tidy...or a ginormous station wagon for that matter.

All of this and we also house our dog Mandy, 2 cats Milo and Lucy and 2 turtles, Shelby and Lucky...moment of silence for we lost Mr. Turtle last week to some sort of mystery turtle illness.

This is the Life on Decatur Street...it's loud and it's chaotic and I wouldn't change it for the world.