Where in the World

is would you go?

I've decided to use another of Miss Zoot's prompts. This one is about travel. Assuming you have unlimited funds to make this year/month/week EXACTLY how you'd want it to be. And when you come back - your job is waiting for you. Where would you go:

If you could spend ONE WEEK anywhere in the world, where would you go?

One week... I've always wanted to spend a week at some exotic beach resort with frozen drinks and no kids. Warm breezes and that blue, blue water you see in all the ads. Just a beach, a frosty drink and either my husband or my girls. The word of the week would be RELAX. Oh, and no forgetting the kindle.

If you could spend ONE MONTH anywhere in the world, where would you go?

My new travel obsession is Greece. I have no idea why beyond those blue waters and white houses on the hills. Cliffs? Mountains? Whatever they are. It will take me a month to get used to all the stairs but it will only take a moment to get used to the delicious, delicious food. A month would give me time to explore, relax, create, eat, and just soak in the atmosphere. The light there makes me want to take up painting or drawing or my camera.

If you could spend ONE YEAR anywhere in the world, where would you go?

This is a hard one. I like my house and my life and a whole year away would make me sad. But, if I had to go for a year it would be with a flight to Europe and a Eurail Global Pass. That covers 24 countries. Of course, I'd have to add England and Scotland. Money is no object! Isn't that what the prompt says? So all those places! A year should be enough time. Oh, do I get to travel with an interpreter? I'm going to need one of those.

Tell me where you would go in the comments! Or put a link to your blog post about this in the comments. Please! I want to know.

Outlander

So the rain has arrived. Luckily it is still fairly warm. And that is all for your daily weather report.

Why do I feel it necessary to give a weather report? I have no idea but I really do. Always.

In other news, work is very busy. I love when work is busy. I love when I am busy and have lots to do. I get to do spreadsheets and grids and my job really is the perfect job for me. And I didn't want to kill anyone today! There was a small chance of a strangulation. Or two. Maybe three. But for the most part, everyone is a delight. And even those I think of strangling I usually like.

Let's see...
I've been re-reading the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. It is taking FOREVER. That is both good and bad. Good - I love it. I don't want it to end. BUT, I keep thinking I'd like to take a break and read something else but I'm afraid I'll lose all of the various threads of the story. I am finally reading a book I hadn't read yet, An Echo In The Bone (Book 7). I put it off when it was released because I couldn't remember what had happened in the others.

Last time I read the whole series it was as each book was released. I remember not really enjoying A Breath of Snow and Ashes (Book 6). I remember thinking it was much too wordy (992 pages! Seriously!). But, this time I have to say, I really enjoyed it. So once I'm done with this one (only 850 pages!) I'll only have one book left in the series!

I started reading them in JULY. Yes, I have spent the last FOUR MONTHS reading these books. And I'm guessing... it might take me until the end of the year to finish the main series. (There are also some novellas and tangent novels she's written that I haven't read either.) I have a feeling when I'm done I'm going to want some short, quick one offs!

Oh, and Outlander has been made into a TV show. IT. IS. SO. GOOD. It is on Starz so it may be difficult to get but it is worth it. The first half of the season has been on and the second half will be in the Spring. And, it already got renewed for next season. Book 2, Dragonfly in Amber, will be the second season. The book I really want to see on screen is Voyager (the 3rd book). I never realized how funny Voyager was. I have decided it is my favorite.

Oh, and if you're on Goodread's, friend me (hmdavis). I'd love to see what you're reading. And as always, you can always talk books here on the blog.

Confessions

Okay, I caved. I watched Castle last night. And just as I feared, I like it. ABC may now commence canceling it. Well, I'm sure they'll wait until I'm in a few more episodes so as to truly hook me first. I have decided that the ABC execs are not really all about tv. They are actually preforming studies on torture. Get the masses addicted to quality programing and then replace it with crappy reality tv. It has nothing to do with ratings at all.

So another domino fell over the weekend. The sick child does not appear to have strep but a high fever, stuffy nose and aches. I'm guessing flu. Actually, he's back at school today so it's about time for the next domino to fall. Will it be the father? mother? One of the two other children that have not succumbed yet? Who knows. Maybe we should start a pool. I'll put 50 on the oldest. (That's 50 dustbunnies - the only thing I have 50 of)

One last thing, I have a confession to make...

I spent Saturday afternoon all tucked in on the couch watching bad tv and napping. I let the 2 younger children watch tv (10 y/o) and play on the computer (youngest) all afternoon. After a late night, making a HUGE breakfast for the kids and their friends and kitchen cleanup (me) and playing outside with friends all morning (kids) we had lunch and became the ultimate sloths. I cannot remember the last time I did such a thing. It was the perfect day though. The skies opened and it poured all afternoon - with flood warnings! I honestly think it has been many years since I have done such a thing while healthy. It reminded me of my childless days. That's how long it's been. And it was the first time in a long time we had nowhere to go and I didn't feel any guilt. (The guilt is what usually gets me up off the couch.)

So what did you do this past weekend? Do you love any shows I should be watching? And are you ready to place your bets?

Some of my Favorite Things

Sometimes it feels as if life is just getting away from you. I work, care for the kids and there seems to be no time left over except to collapse into bed and watch a little TV or, as is more often the case, fall right asleep. In fact, right now the boys aren't even playing any sports and I still seem to be lacking time. I will say that I spend a lovely 15-20 minutes 3 days a week visiting with a friend of mine when I pick up the littles after work. That time alone is such a gift.

I do cook actual dinners about 4x's a week. But the house is still trashed and special projects aren't getting done. In fact, I haven't even started the holiday newsletter. A fact made all the more appalling by the lack of one last year. The lack of any holiday missive actually. Between the Bar Mitzvah, job interviews & the holidays themselves I had no energy left for sending out holiday cheer. I suppose I should send a little something out this year.

I've also really wanted to post here on a more regular basis. It actually makes me sad that I don't take the time to do it even when I intend to. I think it's a combination of being out of practice, putting too much pressure on myself that I need to say something worthwhile and not just waste everyone's time with bullet points and the busy factor. I barely get on my computer at home anymore and at work I'm usually pretty busy. Ok, that's a lie. I am busy but I could totally find the time if I was so inclined.

Anyway, here is a little list of some of my current favorites for you:

My new boots: Velma in dk. brown. Now I just need them in black. (purchased on sale, plus 1/2 off when buying son new sneakers AND a $10 off coupon. - I ROCK!)

Coffee that's so worth the shipping: Back Dog Coffee (My favorite is the Tanzanian Peaberry - but they're all yummy! I tried them at a Virginia Wine Festival and was more excited about the coffee then the wine.) Also, I have a code for 5% off your order for new customers (to give to friends and family) - if you're interested it's 46UVLC2F.

For the hard to buy person on your list: uncommon goods

Music I can't stop listening to: Dr. Horrible's Sing-a-long Blog (bought for $5 when Amazon had it on sale) I'm totally annoying everyone in my life because I insist on playing it over and over.

New TV show I actually think about days before it's on again: Life on Mars - I think I'm in love with Sam. Also, this show is so good, so funny, just WOW. Love it.

Ok, off to do a little work before going home.

Love of Words, Love of Writers & Illustrators

I really love some words. Words that fit a situation so perfectly that no other will do. Today's word is not one I've ever used before and I'm not sure I ever will, but I like it.

Today's Merriam-Webster's word of the day:

Pleiad: a group of usually seven illustrious or brilliant persons or things

In honor of this word I'm going to link to a pleiad of children's writers and illustrators that I love and know personally.

1. Cynthia Lord - author of Newbery Honor book Rules


2. Tamra Wight - author of The Three Grumpies


3. Jennifer Ward - author of many, many books


4. Val Giogas - author of In My Backyard


5. Mona Pease - author of articles in Babybug, Ladybug & Appleseeds Magazines


6. Denise Ortakaes - author AND illustrator of a bunch of books


7. Donna Farrell - Illustrator of Here's to Our Childfirst Day

The only problem is I have one more children's author I love. But that makes eight. And pleiad means a group of seven. What's a girl to do? Okay, pleiad plus one:

1. Candice Ransom - author of about a billion books. Instead of linking to some of them, I will link to her amazon page.

6 Word Memoir & One Word

I've seen it a bunch of places now and I can't really remember where. (Sorry to whomever I'm neglecting to link to.)

I've been having a bit of fun with it yesterday & today, although reading through the results makes it sound like I've been very depressed. I assure you, I'm not. Still, kind of sad.

Some of the results:

• Four sons, one husband, male dog


• big dreams, always trying, never succeeding


• missing, needing, craving, searching for passion


• Discomfort in skin, want to shine


• enjoys many things, passion for none


• midlife, who am I? Not sure.


• Much potential, achieved mediocrity, missing passion


• Paradoxical, loves life but missing passion


• mother, wife, daughter, photographer, knitter, provider


• Can't do it all. No, really.

I think I prefer the concept of having one word. I recently read Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Fabulous book btw. And after reading it I thought about my word. The one word that is my essence. I found it. Paradox. A noun, I'm definitely a noun, not a verb. And the word is... me.

Newbery Honors

My friend, yes really, my friend was awarded a Newbery Honor yesterday for her book Rules. She was also awarded Schneider Family Book Award.

In case you were wondering, "The Schneider Family Book Awards honor an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences."

Now I must admit, I was not surprised at all. Thrilled, YES! Surprised, no. You may remember me telling you all about it back before it was even published. And again a month later when I had read the ARC's (advanced reader copies) she had sent me.

If you'd like to check out her blog, you can go here. She tells all about hearing the news. And, you'll be able to tell how fabulous she really is when you read her daily musings. She is not only a phenomenal writer but a cheerleader for other writers, a fabulous critiquer - insightful and kind. She is just a wonderful, kindhearted woman in every respect that you would all love to have as a friend.

So, go, buy the book and enjoy!

Merry Christmas!

Don't forget to keep track of Santa today.
Norad Santa Tracking

The Poor Penguins

An article on MSN caught my eye this morning and I sent the link to my husband. I sent it to him because this type of thing always leaves me outraged and stunned. The world is so messed up and people just continue to surprise me with this type of behavior.

The ensuing IM was very funny and I wanted to post it here (even though in the past this type of thing has failed miserably) but my subconscious saved you all and I closed the window before copying it. That coupled with the fact I never have the computer save my conversations has put a damper on the whole thing. But! I will not be stopped (even though part of my brain is screaming to do just that).

So...

I may have mentioned that people are idiots and my husband may have mentioned that some people may think I'm an idiot. Then he brought up something about people's morals and how not everyone is willing to let things that go against their beliefs...

It was at this point that I interrupted him with something about people being morally against gay penguins. Then the conversation degenerated into him laughing and me making comments about all the gay penguins being sinners and how they were all going to hell.

It was funny. Trust me. Unless you're morally against gay penguins.

Sorry, it's all I got.

Where I tell all...

Ah ha! Someone asked and now I tell...

1. The worm farm: A friend was designing PR materials for a worm farm and needed photos of worms and worm poop. So that is the worm farm story. Odd and actually interesting (they sell to golf courses, landscapers & hotels and such). Worm poop - help your garden grow. Also, it is unbelievably hard to light worms and their poo. Really. Although, I must point out that lighting is not my strong suit and it's been about a million years since I was in school. It falls under the category of "I know it can be done - just not by me." That was really my mantra in college. I knew my visions could be realized and I knew people who could pull them off. I just wasn't one of them. Add this to the list of reasons I never made it in photography.

2. The wooden ax: For those not in the know (everyone but family and CursingMama), TJ threw a wooden ax at AJ in anger. Apparently they were playing war with some of the neighborhood kids and AJ "shot" his brother. TJ did not want to be shot so he threw the item in his hand. That happened to be a wooden ax from the Renaissance Festival. After turning and ducking, AJ got beaned in the back of the head. He now has 1 stitch (yes, just one) which I forgot to take him to get removed yesterday. I know, you are stunned by my superior parenting.

The punishment for that act was being my slave for a couple of days. The house was quite clean and the child learned to do laundry but alas, such slave owning is quite time consuming so it had to end. Also, the best punishment was when they both came into the house to tell on/defend TJ and AJ removed his hands from the back of his head. Head wound = horror movie amounts of blood. They both screamed as if they had lost an appendage at the exact same time. Here it should be noted that TJ's not so good with the blood thing. It took me longer to calm down his hysterical crying, dry heaving and hyperventilating then it did to calm the injured party. He is still visibly shaken when the incident is mentioned.

3. DKM: Anyone who has been around since last year may already know this one. Dropkick Murphys. We bought tickets this year. And - I am officially old. I loved the show but it was so loud that the lyrics were unintelligible and a couple of songs just degenerated into noise. See - OLD. But the bagpipes rocked and that is when I decided more men should wear kilts.

4. Knitting: This was not on the list but I'm putting it here anyway. I've been knitting. And frogging. A lot of frogging. My non-existent sock (see "lots of frogging"). And now a new purse. I love knitting purses. And I love this yarn. The warmth and felting ability of wool without the allergy medication needed to work with it.

All in all I'm horrifically stressed. Too many things coming up too fast and no money to smooth the transitions. GAH! Now to reschedule the stitch removal!

Where I tell all...

Ah ha! Someone asked and now I tell...

1. The worm farm: A friend was designing PR materials for a worm farm and needed photos of worms and worm poop. So that is the worm farm story. Odd and actually interesting (they sell to golf courses, landscapers & hotels and such). Worm poop - help your garden grow. Also, it is unbelievably hard to light worms and their poo. Really. Although, I must point out that lighting is not my strong suit and it's been about a million years since I was in school. It falls under the category of "I know it can be done - just not by me." That was really my mantra in college. I knew my visions could be realized and I knew people who could pull them off. I just wasn't one of them. Add this to the list of reasons I never made it in photography.

2. The wooden ax: For those not in the know (everyone but family and CursingMama), TJ threw a wooden ax at AJ in anger. Apparently they were playing war with some of the neighborhood kids and AJ "shot" his brother. TJ did not want to be shot so he threw the item in his hand. That happened to be a wooden ax from the Renaissance Festival. After turning and ducking, AJ got beaned in the back of the head. He now has 1 stitch (yes, just one) which I forgot to take him to get removed yesterday. I know, you are stunned by my superior parenting.

The punishment for that act was being my slave for a couple of days. The house was quite clean and the child learned to do laundry but alas, such slave owning is quite time consuming so it had to end. Also, the best punishment was when they both came into the house to tell on/defend TJ and AJ removed his hands from the back of his head. Head wound = horror movie amounts of blood. They both screamed as if they had lost an appendage at the exact same time. Here it should be noted that TJ's not so good with the blood thing. It took me longer to calm down his hysterical crying, dry heaving and hyperventilating then it did to calm the injured party. He is still visibly shaken when the incident is mentioned.

3. DKM: Anyone who has been around since last year my already know this one. Dropkick Murphys. We bought tickets this year. And - I am officially old. I loved the show but it was so loud that the lyrics were unintelligible and a couple of songs just degenerated into noise. See - OLD. But the bagpipes rocked and that is when I decided more men should wear kilts.

4. Knitting: This was not on the list but I'm putting it here anyway. I've been knitting. And frogging. A lot of frogging. My nonexisitent sock (see "lots of frogging"). And now a new purse. I love knitting purses. And I love this yarn. The warmth and felting ability of wool without the allergy medication needed to work with it.

All in all I'm horrifically stressed. Too many things coming up too fast and no money to smooth the transitions. GAH! Now to reschedule the stitch removal!

Best Lines Ever

Addison: "I need the day off."

Dr. Webber: "What for?"

Addison: "For drinking."

Carnage

After making my coffee this morning I came upon this:



I was not too concerned until saw this around the corner of the stairs:



Before I knew it I saw this:



And this:



The victim:



Services will be held tonight at 8pm in the MoMMY household. In lieu of flowers, all contributions can be made to the Children's Television Workshop.

Made Me Smile*

The Violent Femmes doing a cover of "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me" by Culture Club.

*subtitle: Yes, a HUGE grin. While driving myself to work this a.m.

Old News

Whenever I hear something new I always feel like it isn’t really new. It’s more new-to-me and if I mention it everyone will roll their eyes and be all, “Duhhhh! That is so old news.” I think it may have to do with the fact that I spent most of the past 12 years in a kiddy cocoon.

Kiddy cocoon? Let’s put it this way…

In the first 6 years I spent raising my children things CHANGED. No, really. First they had to sleep on their side propped by little foam triangles. You had to keep changing sides so their heads wouldn’t get flat. Then they were supposed to sleep on their backs and Good God DO. NOT. EVER. PUT. THEM. ON. THEIR. STOMACHES. What? Are you trying to kill your child? Then they needed to be on their backs but have tummy time. And then I threw away every last parenting book and magazine and figured if I hadn’t killed the first three, I wouldn’t kill the last one. And that my friends is just putting them down to sleep.

Forget all about the dangers of walkers, the fact that if you used an exersaucer they would never walk, and I’m sure the discussion went on but at this point I decided to stop listening to all the hype and duct tape the children in the exersaucer so they would never walk. End of discussion.

Now we are in the baseball, soccer, gymnastics, swimming lessons, cub scouts, Sunday school, doctor appointments, dentist appointments, orthodontic appointments, and most recently summer school, summer recreation, and tennis lessons.

Hello? I have my hand on the pulse of my calendar. Not anything else in the world. But I’ve started feeling like I’m breaking from the cocoon now that the daily maintenance has diminished.

So what am I trying to say?

I’ve been wanting to comment on things going on in the world but I always feel like the eye rolling will commence and you will all click away in a wave of disgust. I have also decided to start commenting on the world around me again because this is my blog and I think you are all kind enough not to send me photos of the eye rolling (although I’m sure you look pretty doing it – and my, have you lost weight?). At least with the clicking I won’t really know unless you take the time to comment about my untimeliness and really, most of you don’t comment anyway so I don’t see you commenting about this.

But now I must go and post this before it becomes old news.

I Am Dead

I melted.

Then I evaporated.

I am now one with the pea soup air. The HOT pea soup air.

Or, I've just been busy.

One of the things that has kept me busy (besides kids and work and the rockin' HARD booties (hee, I said booty) I knit) has been playing a of couple games a company called Snap TV sent me for the kids.

The games are played on the TV with the DVD player and remote. They sent me a game called Eco-Rangers. The verdict from the kids? The questions were good for the 7-11 year olds - too hard for the 5 year old - but the graphics and music were aimed for the younger set. Overall the kids liked it though.

The other game is called family showdown Kids vs Parents. This was fun although the parents don't get a turn until the kids miss a question. This means they can win with the parents never even getting a turn. If it switched after the each level I think it would be more interactive and entertaining for everyone. Other than that though, the kids enjoyed it. The questions worked for everyone (remember we had all age groups) although it seemed some of the kids' questions were harder than the parents'. Again, it was fun. We all played together and enjoyed ourselves.

Overall I would check out other games by Snap TV. The kids liked them although they were educational and with my kids that's a hard sell.

So there is my bit of selling myself for free games for the kids. Now I must feed the children and take them to soccer. Of course, I'm dead, so this is going to be tough.

Where I Write of Which I Know Nothing

Look! Another post from me! In less than a week! It's a blogging miracle. Or just the fact that the husband is away with the 2 older children for a couple of days and I'm slacking off on my mom/wifely duties. Whatever.

So what great thrilling creative funny interesting thing am I going to blather on about today?

Music. Yes, I know. You hardly ever hear anything about music from me unless it is about OLD music that brings me back to those embarrassing 80's...

BTW, tangent here, what is with the 80's styles coming back? Skinny jeans? Leggings under skirts? GAH! Wasn't the first time proof that those styles should die a painful and horrible death? It's like looking at my high school yearbook. I am officially OLD.

Anyway, back to music talk. Where was I? Ah, my usual music talk vs today. Not that interesting.

But today, TODAY! I have some newish music you MUST listen to. You know, if you like the same type of music I do. Which, my tastes are fairly eclectic. No, no opera. No country. No bubble gum pop. A few songs here and there penetrate my mostly off center listening tastes. So give it all a try and you may decide you like it. Or at least some of it.

First, you must try listening to a band that has been around since 2002 and hit it big in 2005 - Arctic Monkeys. Yes, I know, you've probably already heard of them. But if you're not listening? Start. Try their album Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not. It's fun, upbeat - great to dance around the kitchen while washing dishes. Not that I do. ehm.

Other music you should be listening to? Citizen Cope. Really, download the CD, The Clarence Greenwood Recordings. It's totally worth it. A bit more mellow than the Arctic Monkeys but really nice. He has another album from 2002, Citizen Cope, but I haven't heard it... yet.

What else have I been downloading over my slacker weekend?
Eyes Closed & Final Straw by Snow Patrol (favorite songs: Hands Open, Open Your Eyes & Chocolate)
St. Elsewhere by Gnarls Barkley (favorite song: Crazy).

All of the above are quite different from each other so if you don't like one, give another a try. Also, I realize I have not given great descriptions of each. Just know, my musical prowess is nonexistent. I know nothing other than I like it or I don't. I have no talent for analyzing it.

Now, listen. Then go forth and download. It shall make you happy.

Oh, and tell me what you're listening to.

Thank You

Thanks to any and all of you who donated to WBER. Which, BTW, if you did you should totally tell me so I can lavish you with praise and such. They reached their goal yesterday evening. Everyone was surprised how quickly it happened. They seemed to have expected it to take at least through the weekend and possibly into next week. But no, their listeners are generous and I loved hearing all the stories of how the radio station affected peoples lives. Made the writer in me sit up and take notice. I'm saddest because some years they only got to play two songs and I wanted to hear more. But I am glad they exceeded their goal. So yay! my radio station is saved.

Again, thanks to any and all who donated. We can all keep rockin' on now.

WBER **ADDED TO**

I'd like to introduce you to a great radio station. It's free. It's online. And, if you like the same music I do (alternative), it's got great music.

I'd ment to introduce you to the station before today but I kept forgetting and being sick and all (all praise Zythromax!) I never got around to it.

You may ask why I'm introducing you now... well, besides the fact that I love all of you and want to be able to enjoy great music, they are now having a fundraiser. Yes, I'm asking you to donate. If you enjoy it. It's a commercial free station which I love! I may have even mentioned in the past how much I DESPISE commercials on the radio. And, I'm too cheap/poor for that Sirius stuff.

One of the best parts of this fundraiser? The station is 20 years old this year. They started playing music from 1985 until they raised the first $1000. Now they are playing music from 1986 until they receive another $1000. You can even check their progress online. The fundraiser started at 6 this morning. Right now I'm listening to Big Mouth Strikes Again by The Smiths. Ah, 1986 - my youth.

So, take a break from licking your speakers when you hear the greatness and donate. We will all be richer for it. And if you can't/don't want to donate? You can still enjoy the greatness and a trip down memory lane.

**While thinking about this station there was so much I wanted to tell you. I wanted to tell you about the times they let local high school students DJ and about how they cover the local & indie music scene and, and, and... And then I remembered, this is the radio station that sent us to see the Dropkick Murphys. Oh how I love thee.

**It is now 1988. The year I graduated high school. God I'm old.

Where I Finally Mention Mother's Day

First, go vote. I'll wait... no really, if you haven't voted, please vote...

Back? Thanks. Yes, I'm a whore for the feedback. It's just the way it is. I'm even willing to take feedback that tells me how much you hate my photos or which one you hate the most. I'm really okay with that. Of course, I say that now. Now before anyone spreads the hate. But still, I'd love to hear from everyone and I know I have a couple more readers than those who've voted. So you, yes you, the one reading right now that hasn't voted? Take a minute and vote. I'd love to hear from you.

Thanks.

Now, where was I? Oh, yes, second, Grey's Anatomy. Ah, so much happened in those 2 wondrous hours. And I would like to thank the network for getting it on the air on time and not making me stay up until all hours of the night to watch. *sigh* As far as a recap with you all, I think I'll save it. I'm still processing. Let's just say I was very angry at Christina and bawled quite profusely at the end. Now all of you who haven't watched it on your technological miracle called TiVo, watch it now so I may discuss without giving it all away. Also, if you were able to not watch it last night when it was on? WOW! You are strong willed to wait. I couldn't have done it.

Third... what was third? Shit, I can't remember. Oh yes! Mother's Day! I bet you are all wondering how someone whose blog name has the word Mom in it and MoMMY is her name can forget to mention Mother's Day. Well, I didn't. I've just been a bit busy. And yes, it was a good Mother's Day. I'm finding they get better every year. Or I'm lowering my expectations. Or both.

So Mother's Day... I was the first one up so I had to make my own coffee. Which is fine because then it was just how I like it. And it was QUIET. Ahhhh...

Then I got ready for work. Work on Mother's Day? you say. Yes, work on Mother's Day. The 2 littles woke up right before I left and one told me he loved me from bed and the other (Zach) jumped out of bed and rushed to give me the present he made at school - a pin which I wore to work. Quiet drive to work. Ahhhh...

Work was quiet because I had no classes and only had to do some paperwork and get the library ready and tidied up for the summer. When it is closed. (It is working out nicely that this job ends for the summer at the exact time the new job starts.) Half way through my morning the husband and kids showed up for Sunday school. The husband and youngest were even wearing ties for their brunch with my MIL. Very handsome those two. Then I finished up my quiet day at work. Ahhhh.....

After work we were all off to the Lilac Festival. Some of you may recall my inordinate amount of photos from the festival last year. The majority of the photos disappeared in the great loss of 2005 so I had to take many more. The children were not amused. In fact, they were whiney. They were clearly flaunting the Mother's Day mandate of 1812 that says children should not whine to their mother's on Mother's Day and should do whatever their mother wants. Clearly flaunting it. It was sad really. The torture I forced them to endure - HA! Apparently I am a horrible mother. But then my MIL took us out to lunch and once my offspring were fed they were much more enjoyable. So thank you my MIL!

After a bit of browsing at the booths it was decided (not by me) that we must get home. So home we went. And since lunch was around 4 there was no dinner to make. (And just so you know, we didn't starve the children. They had eaten around 11 &/or 1:30 - packed PB&J's or just PB's as not all of them will eat the same thing. Of course.)

At this point it was PRESENT TIME! YAY! I do so love presents. And even though I thought the purse I bought the other day was my present. I guess it was more a present to myself as they got me a hanging pansy which I will promptly kill and an espresso pot that I wanted and am enjoying and will hopefully not kill. Ever.

Then they played a modified game of baseball in the backyard while I cleaned up the kitchen. Where it was fairly quiet. Ahhhh....

At last it was time to put them all to bed and watch Grey's Anatomy. Yes, the greatest Mother's Day present of all - Grey's. Okay, I'm just kidding. The handmade cards and pin were the best presents of all. The coffee pot rocks and spending the day doing nothing more taxing then walking around and fighting crowds with the family were the best presents. But the show was a great end to the day.

So now I'm off to enjoy another latte in my very own kitchen and put the littles on the bus. Then I shall do some paperwork I've been putting off and CLEAN. MY. HOUSE. The dust bunnies have taken over and are threatening to bar me from the computer. Actually, they like the computer as the more time I spend on it, the less I clean them up. But today! Today I'm staging a revolt and I'm ousting the wee buggers. Ok, I'll admit, they are not wee buggers. Let's just say I mistook a dust bunny for one of the children the other day. And it wasn't the little one either. I'm not telling which kid it was though. I think that may be a bit TMI.