Theatricality

Tonight's episode was hard hitting story wrapped up in a way only glee can get away with. First off, not a huge fan of Lady Gaga, but I will say, glee looks good on her. Kurt's line, along with his face, "And we have a jumper." had me in stitches. The costumes were perfect and their performance of Bad Romance knocked it out of the park. I admit I saw a champagne bubble fall off of Tina's costume and wondered how many times someone almost toppled over because of a runaway bubble. The arrangement of Pokerface is, by far, my favorite arrangement on glee to date.

Kurt needs to realize he can't make Finn gay and/or love him. I sure hope the truth comes out to Burt about Kurt's crush on his soon-to-be stepbrother. Of course, Finn could have handled the situation differently. I'm afraid the bullying is only going to get worse. As a gleek, I am uber protective of Kurt, so this breaks my heart, but sadly is true to life. Finn showing up in a red shower curtain dress, and Kurt's reaction, yet again, is priceless. Freaks unite!

Now, let's talk about Kiss. When I was a little girl I loved riding in my uncle Buzzy's car because he would play his 8-track (Oh yes, I went there) Kiss tapes. When I was about 11, he refused to play them anymore. I didn't ride in a car with him again until I was 20 something. Watching the boys perform Shout It Out and Beth in tonight's episode brought a lot of nostalgia out in me. Let's just say, Kiss is definitely my cup of tea.

What's on Your Nightstand ~ May

Crazy Love is BLOWING my mind! I serioussly cannot wait to finish this book. I'm going to retire Dear John until I have the mindset for it again. Exactly why I wish I had read it before the movie came out. Living Dead in Dallas is a thorn in my side right now. I can't seem to stay focused in it, and yet, I LOVE the book. The books are so different from the series, and I can't seem to figure out what the heck my problem is.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...May 25th

Outside my window...a jungle in my backyard.

I am thinking...about utilizing my BBQ to the fullest this Summer. I LOVE to cook, but hate cooking in the desert heat. I am going to attempt to cook 90% outside this year.

I am thankful for...my wonderful husband, who despite having only one sick day left to use (and more shadowing to do for his final Master's class), took yesterday off while I puked my guts out.

I am wearing...jeans and a Twilight T-shirt (waiting for Torrid to break out the Eclipse shirts).

I am remembering...Sandy, one of my Stampin' girls, exclaiming, "Tiffany how much weight have you lost?!?!" during our luncheon Sunday. It is so nice when somebody notices the accomplishments you've made.

I am creating...nothing this week.

I am going...to continue working on updating this blog, I don't feel so far behind this week.

I am reading...Crazy Love by Francis Chan.

I am hoping praying...for my Grandma again this week. She was admitted into the hospital yesterday. She may have a cracked tailbone and ribs from her fall last week. She has fallen another 3 times since then. Thankfully she doesn't have blood clots, but her polymyositis may have returned.

On my mind...AP job for Hubby.

Noticing that...the upcoming 3 day weekend is going to ROCK!

Pondering these words...A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:13 NLT

From the kitchen...whatever we can find in the kitchen.

Around the house...Imagination Movers on the TV, Across the Universe Soundtrack on my iPhone, and blogging.

One of my favorite things...Peyton's willingness to hug, kiss, and apologize everytime she whacks Dylan. he he he

A few plans for the rest of the week: Cameron has a counseling appointment, pedicure for me, and a glorious 3 day weekend. WOO-HOO!

From my picture journal...Lilo & Stitch in Small World at Disneyland.

Tornado? (Project 365/2010)

Our playroom looks as though a tornado has passed through it. Nope...just Handsome and Pretty. Now if they would only learn to pick up after themselves. UGH! I guess when it looks like this, decluttering is easiest. We have a ton of baby toys to bless someone with.

Wordless Wednesday: TPHAULR

On our way to Disneyland Sunday we were waiting at a light on Ball Road when I saw this. Come on, you knew I'd take a picture. It says TPHAULR. Completely dangerous when I'm driving and laughing that hard.

I NEED TP FOR MY BUNGHOLE!

LMBO

Check out more Wordless Wednesday over at 5 Minutes for Mom.

Dream On

I told myself I wasn't going to blog, yet again, about glee this week. However, this episode had me saying WTH?!?! more than once. Shelby is Rachel's mom? I knew there was more to the Jesse loves Rachel story. I will say I enjoyed their duet of I Dreamed a Dream.

Neil Patrick Harris as Bryan Ryan was exactly what I expected. I hated his character, but HOLY SHIT could he sing the hell out of Dream On. He's got a KILLER voice. Like, who knew Doogie Howser, M.D. could sing?!?! I had NO clue.

For me, tonight's star was Artie's portrayer, Kevin McHale. When Artie stood up out of his wheelchair and proceeded to dance his ass off to (a personal 80's favorite) The Safety Dance, I realized what an unsung hero Kevin really is. On the outside, he looks like a geeky white boy, but that boy has moves and an amazing voice. I look forward to more of Artie's "dream sequences" where he shakes his groove thang out of the wheelchair.

gleek (Project 365/2010)

I am seriously addicted to glee, which makes me a total gleek! I ran out to Target this morning and bought their 2 new CD's. I am stoked about tonight's episode A.) Joss Whedon, of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (one of my ALL time fav shows), is directing. 2) Neil Patrick Harris is guest starring. C.) Dream On! LOVE LOVE LOVE!


I have a ritual when it comes to my glee CD's. I download them to my iTunes library, but refuse to listen to them until all episodes featuring the songs have aired on TV. I don't want to ruin the way it makes me feel when watching the cast perform them for the first time. Am I weird?

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...May 18th

Outside my window...dark skies still loom.

I am thinking...the only good thing about Tuesday's is watching glee! I'm SOOOOO looking forwards to tonight's, directed by Joss Whedon, Buffy the Vampire (one of my FAV-O-RITE shows) fame, AND Neil Patrick Harris singing Dream On with Shuster! What could be more FAN-FREAKIN'-TASTIC than that?

I am thankful for...my relationship with the Carpenter side of my family. As I grew up without it, I don't take it for granted..

I am wearing...jeans and a t-shirt...seriously, like you didn't know. ;) There is a line in Garth Brooks song, Two of a Kind, Workin' on a Full House, "And her favorite dress is her faded blue jeans" ... that fits me to a T!

I am remembering...the way Peyton was telling Grandma (MeMa), "No falling!" and shaking her finger at her.

I am creating...more fundraising letters to send Cameron to diabetic camp...things are not looking good.

I am going...to work on Hubby's application and resume for an AP position opening up at the high school.

I am reading...everything I can about insulin pumps.

I am hoping praying...for my Grandma. It scares me to see her growing old. This morning I sat down to feed Peyton breakfast when I noticed a message from her, she had fallen, so I packed Peyton back up and jammed over there (perk of living around the corner). The fall didn't hurt her, but she told me they just did tests on her yesterday for blood clots in each of her legs.

On my mind...getting this blog up to date, have drafts here and drafts there, plus I REALLY want to get all my previous blogs from myspace (especially those about Mandelyn and my pregnancy with Peyton) posted here, one stop read.

Noticing that...school is out in a little over 3 weeks.

Pondering these words...A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the one who bore him. Proverbs 17:25 ... Have you met Cameron?

From the kitchen...leftovers.

Around the house...children's clothes and toys need to be decluttered.

One of my favorite things...the way Peyton hugs me around my neck...I feel such bliss during those moments!

A few plans for the rest of the week: this week is nothing like last, but I'm focusing on fundraising for Cameron to go to diabetic camp, I have a hair and nail appointment, and a Stampin' Up customer appreciation luncheon with my Stampin' Girls on Sunday!

From my picture journal...

You Might Be a Redneck (Project 365/2010)

Cameron lost a couple of teeth today and this is what he looks like now...a redneck. he he he

Benedict Arnold (Project 365/2010)

Cameron's 5th grade class has been working on a project, called Walk Through the American Revolution, for the last 6-8 weeks. Each student had a part to play, some did double duty where they also had to memorize key terms from (i.e. Acts, Battles, Definitions) from the time period. Cameron's role was Benedict Arnold. I am so proud of him, he did an amazing job this morning. I would love to post more pictures, especially the class picture of all of them in their costumes, but it is illegal without the consent of each and every parent.

Bucket Hat (Project 365/2010)

Peyton's sense of style makes my heart smile!

Wordless Wednesday: Aversion

I guess Dylan has an aversion to Michael Bublé.

Check out more Wordless Wednesday over at 5 Minutes for Mom.

Laryngitis

I hate to say I told you so, but I told you so. Kurt setting up Burt and Carol for the wrong reasons backfired. He was not prepared to share his Dad with another son. What a hard lesson to learn. Kurt dressing like Burt, keeping his voice in a lower range, singing John Mellencamp, and making out with Brittany was excruciating to watch. Let's just say that it was worth it when he belted out Rose's Turn. Times like that remind me to tell my Grandma what an awesome childhood I had. I grew up with Natalie Wood in Gypsy and tonight I was giddily clapping the entire scene Kurt sang. I even rewound it once three times. "Everything's coming up Kurt!" I swear to you the powers that be (::cough:: Ryan Murphy ::cough::) better give Kurt a spin-off or something rather than making him leave when he graduates. And just in case I need to say it again, I adore Burt and Kurt's relationship! Mike O'Malley ROCKS!

Finn letting lose with Rick Springfield's 80's hit Jessie's Girl was also a huge highlight for me tonight. Dare I say it, another glee rendition I prefer over the original. What is happening to me?!?! But when Finn stood up to Rachel when she was melodramatic about how she is her voice and taking her to meet Sean...finally a side of Finn worthy of Rachel.

Mercedes telling Puck that she started dating him because he has great arms made me smile. I completely understand girl. Arms, they're my kryptonite too.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...May 11th

Outside my window...cold and windy (45 mph gusts).

I am thinking...about the cost of a personal trainer.

I am thankful for...a fabulous Mother's Day and how my Hubby spoils me so.

I am wearing...jeans and a t-shirt (seriously, do I wear anything else?).

I am remembering...the delicious (and unhealthy) potato skins from Steer 'n Stein on Mother's Day.

I am creating...fundraising letters and flyers for Cameron's camp (decided he should go, a little late in the game now).

I am going...to 6th Grade orientation with Cameron tonight.

I am reading...on my new nook, just downloaded Phillip Yancey's Prayer for FREE!

I am hoping praying...we succeed in raising enough money to send Cameron to diabetic camp this year.

On my mind...insulin pump.

Noticing that...I need to eat snacks...I'm finding myself getting hungrier quicker after breakfast and lunch.

Pondering these words...The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. Proverbs 11:3

From the kitchen...leftover Beef Stew ... YUM!

Around the house...hot spots on fire!

One of my favorite things...Hubby's ability to suprise me on any given holiday.

A few plans for the rest of the week: water aerobics, 6th Grade orientation with Cameron, Kindergarten orientation with Dylan, counseling with Cameron, Twilight Saga: Eclipse cast on Oprah (tee hee), and our annual day at Disneyland remembering the life of my beautiful niece, Mandelyn, who left us entirely too soon.

From my picture journal...

Cherish (Project 365/2010)

I just realized I forgot to share my Stampin' Up projects from last Friday night. Isn't this Cherish card fantastic? Could you picture it with Cherish in red and matching red ribbon (or whatever color theme the wedding is in)? LOVE IT!

Happy Mother's Day (Project 365/2010)

I had the most wonderful Mother's Day today. We got up this morning and went to church, where our video monitor's had the funniest little Mama antidotes playing.

After church, we went out to lunch. I had chosen Chinese, I have been craving it for months now, but the kiddos don't eat it. After our Cinco de Mayo hit (they ate the glorious Mexican food), I told Hubby, let's go over to Chinese and hit their too good to be true lunch specials. When we get there, not a car in the parking lot, and I, of course, think, OH CRAP! We pull up to a sign in their window stating, NO SPECIALS TODAY. Disappointed. Hubby says, "You know where we haven't eaten in a long time?" I then say, "Hey! Let's go to Steer 'n Stein." I am so VERY happy I thought of it. We ate GLORIOUSLY delicious food. However, in this day in age where portion control is a necessity, Steer 'n Stein has SUPER SIZED all their meals. Cameron used up his entire carb allotment for lunch and dinner in one sitting. UGH! After lunch we decided to meet up with Angelique and the kiddos at our favorite park. Peyton decided to take a little siesta during the drive there.

Dylan and Annie on the teeter totter.
Cameron's hit to Jeremy's pitch.

Jeremy then pitched to Dylan, while Annie looked on.
Angelique and I laughed and laughed watching Dylan trying to hit the ball.
And because I am the mother of a Type 1 Diabetic, no outing would be complete without Cameron going low (first 50 and then only up to 55 after his second juice), so home we went.
Where I opened up a very special, handmade, present from Dylan.
Cameron made a paperbag scrapbook and even journaled about what makes me a great Mama.
Finally, Hubby shocked me to my core, by getting me the nook! Woo-Hoo!

Family Fun Night (Project 365/2010)

One thing I implemented during my facebook Lent break was Family Fun Night. Family Fun Night consists of a quick and easy dinner (usually Soup & Sammies or Pizza) and then we either play the Wii or Board (Dylan calls them Boring) Games, or we pop popcorn, cuddle up on the couch and watch a family friendly movie. Tonight was extra special as we invited Grandma (and by default my egg donor, Denice) over for a little pizza (it's a take off of Emeril's Eat a Pita Pizza) and then the gaming began. Grandma, Hubby and I played some Yahtzee, while the kiddos played the Wii with Denice. I enjoyed my time with Grandma, but seriously, my kids were sick of playing with Denice because she was a braggart and shoving her success in my children's face (she's 51 and they're 10 and 5)! We teach our children that it's not who wins or loses but for the fun of the game. Of course, I'm teaching my kiddos everything she never did.

A Little Snack (Project 365/2010)

Peyton and I did our weekly shopping this morning, and knowing how filled my schedule would be this morning, I grabbed a pasta salad from the counter. We went to go pick up Hubby (to switch out the van) and Peyton wanted to help me eat my pasta. I got her out of her car seat and let her sit next to me in the front. She enjoyed the heck out of it, but Daddy came out too soon. Off we went to pick up Dylan from school, and to the front seat she came again, where she and Daddy polished off Mama's lunch.

Looking Glass (Project 365/2010)

I adore watching Peyton mingle with Dylan's classroom (and classmates). While I was signing Dylan in this morning, she went to play with the magnifying glass. I laughed when she looked up at me and she said, "I look at you Mama!"

Cinco de Mayo (Project 365/2010)

We don't get to eat Mexican food enough. The kiddos don't like it, but tonight, it was enforced. After all, Cinco de Mayo, means yummy food and a delicious Margarita (for me, as Hubby doesn't drink). What shocked me most was the kids ate it, AND like it. Maybe we'll be able to do this more often.

Little Girl ... (Project 365/2010)

BIG attitude. Peyton brings a whole new meaning to attitude. Yet, she is the most amazing, kindest, loving, giving, smartest soul you will ever meet. She is an absolute blessing to parent. I am honored to be her Mama.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...May 4th

Outside my window...a beautiful Spring morning, no melting heat, just right.

I am thinking...about the glorious workout in the pool last night...it had been far too long.

I am thankful for...a heated pool, as it was chilly last night.

I am wearing...jeans and a t-shirt, and sneaker (per FlyLady's suggestion).

I am remembering...a different time ... 4 year ago.

I am creating...Mother's Day Cards.

I am going...to pick up Hubby in an hour, and switch out the van.

I am reading...too much to list, but seriously need to start FINISHING my load.

I am hoping praying...for those who don't have a Mother to spoil this Sunday, and those whose Mother's have already gone.

On my mind...food.

Noticing that...after Cameron having diabetes for 18 months, we are still fighting over how many test strips he should be getting a month. VERY frustrating!

Pondering these words...For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me (wisdom) will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm. Proverbs 1:32-33


From the kitchen...leftovers (notice a pattern? Tuesday's equal leftover night).

Around the house...Peyton is playing doctor, taking my blood pressure and listening to my heart, which thumps, "I love Peyton! I love Peyton! I love Peyton!" Of course it thumps, "I love Dylan!" when Dylan is the one listening to my heart. ;)

One of my favorite things...Peyton's, "I'm fancy" after she gets dressed. She looks at herself in the mirror, smiles, and says, "I'm fancy!" She is such a GIRL! he he he

A few plans for the rest of the week: water aerobics, cleaning, parent/teacher conference for Dylan, and 504 meeting for Cameron.

From my picture journal...my dad, releasing ladybugs for Mandelyn at Sunset Hills, on Mother's Day 2007

TP for my Bunghole (Project 365/2010)

This morning I posted on facebook that Peyton and I were at Target grabbing some necessities, and TP for my bunghole. The comments that came all day long CRACKED me up. It is nothing for me to holler from the bathroom, "I NEED TP FOR MY BUNGHOLE!" Of course Hubby isn't amused (and I'm sure, if he's reading this, is MORTIFIED by my blog post on TP for my bunghole), but my children think I'm the coolest thing since sliced bread. I revel in that NOW, because soon, they'll grow up, and I'll be dirt. he he he



Beavis as The Great Cornholio still cracks me up!

"I NEED TP...FOR MY BUNGHOLE!

"Are you threatening me?"

Jawa or Palpatine? (Project 365/2010)

Peyton asked to wear Daddy's jacket tonight. As soon as I put it on her, she ran from me to show Dylan. From behind she looked like a Jawa, a character from Star Wars. I laughed and laughed. When I asked if I could take a picture of her, she said with her lisp, "Thur" and posed. Maybe she's Emperor Palpatine? Either way, she is 2 days early for Star Wars Day. tee hee

Two and a Half (Project 365/2010)

Of course this started out as a post about how I don't know where the last two and a half years went. My precious, perfect Peyton has grown up so much faster than her brother's ever did. Yada, Yada, Yada. Instead, however, she SHOCKED me to the very core at lunch time today. Like any other Saturday, I holler for the boys, LUNCH! Peyton climbs up to the table and says, "Me eat too?" I said of course. I make the boys their sandwiches and she starts to whine a little. When I asked her what was wrong, she said, "Me eat samwich?" Now, we have had this discussion MANY, MANY, MANY times. It goes a little something like this:

Peyton: Samich?

Mama: Are you going to eat the sandwich?

Peyton: Uh-huh

Mama: Are you sure?

Peyton: Yep

Whereupon Mama makes the sandwich, and Peyton does NOT eat the sandwich. Today, however, she was adamant, so I made her half of a PB&J. AND SHE ATE IT! The WHOLE thing. My girl is growing up. sniff sniff