The perfect day

Vacations are a lot of fun. Holidays twinkle with excitement for weeks in advance. Birthdays explode with songs and smiles. But the days that stand out? The ones that count for something beyond ceremonious expectancies? Days that really matter. They usually require no planning, no anticipation, they give no remote indication of turning into a super day... until it's nearly over and you wish you could go back to that morning and tell yourself to put on your happy pants because it's gonna be one of those.

I suppose, if we knew in advance, it wouldn't be quite so spectacular. Part of the fun is in not knowing what the next moment will bring. No expectations. Just pure, unedited life.

Waking up early when I thought I was going to get to sleep late, and then getting an hour to myself, drinking coffee while Monsoon enjoyed time to his own self with a box of legos.

A Saturday shower with my husband.

A complete and utter meltdown because Monsoon changed his mind about which spoon he wanted with his yogurt, even though he doesn't like yogurt.

"I can't get my cries out, Mommy." We all feel that way, sometimes. Like maybe we're so full of tears and shudders that if we got in the bathtub, we wouldn't need to turn on the faucet. Sometimes, we just need to let it out, and we'll be better. Sometimes, we don't even know what we're crying about.

Telling the "Mommy saves the day" story. Monsoon taking a nap. A rare, once-every-4-months-or-so nap. On my lap, no less, while I read a good book.

"I'm a baby today, Mommy." That's fine, baby. I'll get the big blanket and show you how I used to swaddle you. You like it so much, you ask me to do it over and over again all day. "Tighter this time," you say. So maybe you can't wriggle free and I'll keep you close to me forever. You're a baby today, because you seem to think that big boys of 4 shouldn't need extra hugs from their Mommies. I don't mind if you want to pretend, but I wish you could let me love you freely.

An hour of preparation for 20 minutes in the snow. His first time sledding. Introducing him to the sledding hill - the one we went to as children. Letting him "steer" the sled. Turning around half way down and accidentally finishing the hill backwards. Twice.

"No, Honey Pot, I can't sit in your lap."

Candy Land, Sorry, Rhino Rampage, a game of War that lasted much longer than one might expect, considering we only used a quarter of the deck, the cards to which were a special gift with our family picture on the back. And the plumber game.

"Let's play that plumber game, Mommy." He means poker. Flushes and all that.

Family movie night, Monsoon's choice. My husband makes popcorn on the stove-top. The boy and I share a few Jr. Mints. He's unbelievably happy sitting on the couch, just the three of us and our snacks.

"When I lived in your belly, I held your heart." Sigh. You still do, son. You still do.

The L Word

I yove you, Mommy.



I'm a yucky boy, Mommy.



I don't yike green beans, Mommy.



Will you pway wif me, Mommy?



I never pushed Monsoon to say his L's. I knew, one day, he'd make the sound. There was no need to point out that he said some words differently. No need to embarrass him. He'd get it eventually. Quite frankly, I found his version endearing. It was like the last stone keeping him a clunky, tiny child.



Today, he said "I llla-la-love you, Mommy." And I wanted to go back to yesterday. Yesterday he yoved me. Yesterday he was yucky. Today... he's lucky. Tomorrow, he might like it if I play wif him.



It's strange the things we hold onto as parents. Those were things that made me smile, from the inside out, every time I heard them. His non-L's. I think it's also one more thing we failed to capture on film, and now it's too late. It's gone forever, just like high chairs and strollers, sippy cups and baby beds. Much like my sanity, apparently, since I can't seem to stop feeling melancholy lately.

Sugar + Monsoon = Dog poo?

Monsoon was relatively calm today, and he didn't really beat anybody up at school. I figured, why not stuff him with cookie dough and overload his little body with sugar sprinkles? Plus, I needed blog fodder, and we all know how that trumps everything.

Here is Monsoon licking icing off his arm, and my Nano in the background. Scary, huh? Don't worry - she doesn't always look like that. In this shot, she's laughing hysterically. And probably peed her pants (sorry Nano).

Nano has a thing with hands. Usually she traces them on paper. Today was extra special - Monsoon's cookie hand! It wasn't supposed to look so spooky, but you know how dough gets after the 6th or 7th roll-out.

Yes, I still let him play with knives. 'Round here we call 'em kids knives.

The final product wasn't so creepy, unless you think of all the orange sugar that used to be in the glass bowl. Most of it ended up in Monsoon's tummy.
Maybe this final cookie is somewhat scary. It kind of looks like dog poo, but it was his favorite one.Give me your best shot is happening over at Better In Bulk. Participate today (it's the last day!) to gain extra entries into the FLIP camera giveaway. Or, just join in for fun - because it is. You can also win entries by answering the daily question at her site AND Seven Clown Circus, Mama's Losin' It, and Mayhem And Moxie.

If you'd like to make some delicious (SO delicious!) sugar cookies (with whole wheat, even) I suggest The Ungourmet's recipe. She's fabulous.

A seasonal addiction

There's something about Autumn. The crunchy leaves, the smell of apples and burning wood, the chill in the air... Right between the suffocating heat of summer and the icy, hibernation-inducing months of winter. It's like a breath of fresh (albeit moldy at times) air. It also makes me yearn for bookstores and coffee shops.

Seriously, I can't stay away. Before Monsoon, I would stop off at Borders on my way home from work or school at least twice a week. Sometimes I'd leave the house for only the purpose of clutching a steamy cuppa joe in my fingers and browsing the book shelves for hours.

Nowadays, it's a bit different. Monsoon and I can make a bookstore/coffee trip once a week if we're lucky. I switched from pumpkin spice to sugar-free whatever, and he gets hot cocoa or sugar-free vanilla kreme Kula, depending on the time of day. We spend all our time in the children's section, skimming for catchy titles or fabulous artwork and reading out loud those stories that interest us enough to do so.

I'm trying to instill in him a love of all things literary. I hope, as he grows up, we can continue to share these beautiful Autumn days at the bookstore. I hope he learns to enjoy it as much as I do - not just for soothing paper mug in our chilly hands, but for the beauty and magic that is the world of books.

For now, I don't mind spending most of my bookstore time in his section. I love watching his eyes light up at every sip. I smile hearing him giggle at a silly story line. The best part might be the lump in my throat that presents itself anytime my son begs me to "read it again, Mommy!" with such enthusiasm.

It's an addiction, it's getting worse, and I think I'm passing it on. Hooray!

Secret Cartoons

Sometimes I wonder how Monsoon's mind works - what he's thinking, how he gathers thoughts, what does he really understand... that kind of thing. On rare occasions, he allows me a glimpse into that window.

Tonight, after reading our bedtime book in the rocking chair, Monsoon told me to rest my eyes. He sat backwards on my lap and proceeded to sing "rockabye baby" and gently rock the chair back and forth. After a minute, he asked if I was asleep yet - I smiled and nodded, keeping my eyes shut, so he kissed my cheek and whispered, "goodnight mommy." He got off my lap, kissed my arm and whispered, "I'll be right back, mommy." It was so sweet, I nearly cried in my sleep.

That's when I heard him pitter-patter into the other room and whisper-yell, "Daddy! Mommy is sleeping. We have to be very quiet." Monsoon came back in to check on me, then heard daddy being loud in the other room again. He stomped in and whisper-yelled, "Didn't you hear what I said? I told you to be quiet! Mommy's sleeping." At this point, I'm trying really hard not to laugh out loud.

They both tip-toed past me to get to the living room, where Monsoon giddily requested a cartoon. At this, I snorted. Of course, he wanted me asleep so he could manipulate daddy into tv instead of bed.

Is this what he thinks we do when he goes to bed? "Quick! He's asleep, let's watch cartoons!"

I'm going to miss THIS!?

So I wake up around 2 a.m. this morning with a sad sappy country song in my head. You know, the one that goes, "You're gonna miss this..." talking about missing the trials and tribulations of young kids once they're grown.

I don't know why I've got that song (the one bit of line that I know) running through my head and can't get back to sleep.

Then I get a good kick in the eye and realize Monsoon has crept in bed with us and is sleeping with his feet on my pillow. I turn him around, eye throbbing, all the while hearing, "You're gonna miss this...."

Ten minutes later, still trying to get that song out of my head and go back to sleep, Monsoon sits up and whines and I'm all, "Can you breath?!" because it sounds like he's having trouble and he has asthma so I'm freaking out until finally he gets out, "v-v-v-omiiiit."

"You're gonna miss this..."

Whew! He can breath. OH! We have to get out of bed! Quick, grab him, run (or stumble dazedly), don't knock his head- crap, sorry about that - into the hallway - "BLAGH" all over the carpet.

"You're gonna miss this..."

Scrubbing out smelly orange puke at 2:30 in the morning.

"You're gonna miss this...."

Monsoon telling me, "You're such a good Mommy." when I finally make it back to bed, and him patting my face in the dark, where I can just make out the tiny smile on his sweet little face.

I am gonna miss this. Is that weird?

(He was fine after that. I think it was a touch of food poisoning. Not from my cooking.)

Fx4: From My Mom

Does anyone know how awesome my Mom is? Well let me just show you: Monsoon might have threatened to borrow my new apron.

Thanks for my beautiful, hand-made gift on Mother's Day, mom, and thanks for a wonderful day.


Visit Candid Carrie for lots more Friday Foto Finish Fiesta fun!

Fx4: Monsoon's first Easter

Go party at Candid Carrie's Friday Foto Finish Fiesta! There are tons more phun photos to see!

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Hanging with my Dad.

He was just learning to walk. This is one of my favorite chunky baby pictures.

Thursday's Things: Worms, Roses and Lemonade

Sour

Sprinkles has round worms, which can apparently be transferred to people... and cause lots of nasty things. Gross, eh? Yay for inspecting poo in our near future.

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Sweet

Hubby brought home a box of one dozen roses, which was so very nice. Monsoon was confused, though. "Whoa! Thanks Daddy for bringing me flowers!" I'm sure they were for me. Yes. Yes, I'm sure.

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Two blogging beauties have bestowed upon me a sweet-n-sour award this week. New friend SandySmile at A Groovy Kind of Life and old friend Lesha at The Lost Burp Clothe think I show great attitude and gratitude, so thank you Lesha and SandySmile for The Lemonade Award and the When Life Hands You Lemons award. You are both fantastic.

Instead of passing this on, I really want to encourage everyone to visit Lesha and SandySmile, who both demonstrate great attitude and gratitude (which is why they got the award in the first place, of course) and they deserve some extra special comment love!

Tribute Saturday: My Best Friends

Donnetta over at Life In The Fast Lane is hosting Tribute Saturday. Head over there to participate!
You may remember the Fabulous Miss Weiner, center, from this post. On the left is the Surprising Miss Notansmith, whose name came from something she said about herself that I won't repeat without consent. (the wig was part of her disguise)

The picture was taken on my 30th birthday. Miss Weiner came in from two hours away, and Miss Notansmith swore she couldn't make it in from across the country. Then she was the first to show up... preceding screams and jumping, which may have frightened the neighbors.

The three of us have been friends since middle school. Miss Notansmith joined the air force and travelled the world, and is now married with two lovely children, living way too far away from me. Miss Weiner went to college, had many many college experiences (ehem*cough*ehem), and earned her degree in psychology (a dream for her) before settling down with her hubby and two charming kiddos. She, also, lives way too far away from me.

Somehow, we manage to keep coming back to each other, no matter what. Without them, it would have been a much different life.

I love you and miss you both!

Monsoon Says...

**"I'm going to a bong party." What!?! What did he just say? Trying not to look as stupid startled as we were, we freaked out calmly asked what that meant. "You know, BONG! BONG! BONG!" as he banged his hands on the couch like a drum. Whew...

**He plopped himself on my lap for a book, a little harder than he meant to. "I'm sorry, mommy," he said. "Sorry for what, honey pot?" I asked. "I'm sorry for blamming too hard on your 'where-you-don't-have-a' pee-pee." That's right - it's my 'not a pee-pee.' (and "blamming" is jumping)

**He became curious at the age of 2 about differences in gender after watching me change my niece's diaper. "You don't have a pee-pee, Mommy?" "No, I don't have a pee-pee." "You have two butts, Mommy?" Hmm... I suppose I can see where that came from.

**Went to the butcher shop last week and he became instant friends with the lady working behind the counter. He asked me if we could go in "that door" which led to the back room. I said no, it was for people who work here, like the lady he had talked to. He proceeded to yell across the store at her, "You go in that room?" She said yes, then he asked, "like when you have to poop?" I don't know about this kid.

**I told him a story the other day about when I was a little girl and inadvertently sat on an ant hill... of RED ants. Big ones. They bit me, blah blah blah. Monsoon brought it up today when we read a book with pics of ants in it. He said, "Red ants, like the ones that ate your butt?!"

Monsoon: On God

Monsoon was a bit of an emotional mess most of today - lack of sleep, busy schedules and time away from home in the last 3 days. He kept bursting into tears at the smallest things. Trying to wind down a bit, we read some books, but then he broke down again while I held him tight, and we laid down on the couch together for a quick rest before dinner. I have no idea where this came from, but he had been acting all day like something was weighing on his mind, and this was the conversation he started:

Monsoon: "What if there were no people on Earf?" (Earth).
Me: "Where would all the people be?"
Him: "With God."
Me: (caught off guard) "Well, then that's what would happen."
Him: "But I don't want you to go with God."
Me: "Why not?"
Him: "I will miss you."
Me: "Yes, but we will all be with God together." (still haven't quite regained composure from the sudden topic of interest)
Him: "But I will be all alone if I go with God."
Me: "Honey Pot, you will never be lonely when you go with God."
Him: "But what if he forgets you and daddy?"
Me: "God never forgets, Honey Pot."
Him: "People forget?"
Me: "Yes, people forget."

He just seemed so... burdened. You may not find it as endearing as I did, but I felt compelled to post it. I have no idea where it came from or what he was thinking exactly.

Pop'rs Fried Ice Cream Sundae

First of all, much thanks to Veggie Mom over at Eat Your Veggies for running so many contests! I was the lucky winner of the last contest, in which I won an entire box (8 flavors!) of Pop'rs! I wanted to post something about the Pop'rs to share with everyone, and this is what I came up with:
A Healthier version of Fried Ice Cream!

I love fried ice cream. Love it! But it's sooo bad with the hot fudge and fried, sugar-coated tortilla. Not to mention you have to go to a restaurant to get it. Well, no more!

Here's what you'll need:

• Vanilla Frozen Yogurt (I use Edy's Fat Free Yogurt Blend)
• Plain Greek Yogurt
• Wheat Germ, unsweetened
• Slivered Almonds
• Hershey's Syrup (I like the "added calcium" variety)
• Cinnamon flavored Pop'rs

1. Mix 2 parts frozen yogurt (softened) with 1 part (or less, depending on your taste) Greek yogurt. Re-freeze just until it's not melty.
2. Top the yogurt mixture with the next four ingredients, in the order they are listed.

That's it! The cinnamon Pop'rs make an excellent substitute for the crunchy tortilla, and believe me - I've tried lots of other at-home versions of fried ice cream. This one tops the list. So go get your Veggie Pop'rs!

Even better news? Veggie Mom is running a Valentine's contest all this week (ends Friday) to give out another whole box of Pop'rs and t-shirts for the whole family to TWO lucky winners! You better believe I'm entering again. Pop on over to Eat Your Veggies for your own chance to win these magnificent little treat-makers. Winners announced on Valentine's Day.

More Sprinkles!

Hola! It's Candid Carrie's Friday Foto Finish Fiesta!!!
Head on over here to find more Foto Fun.

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As per A. Snarky's request, I give you...
More Sprinkles!

It's a Race

Look at that face!

She's such a pretty princess!



They really are two peas in a pod!

She has recently (yesterday and today) started a little collection in her "bedroom." (her bedroom being the crate which now holds the bed and pink blankey you see in the pics). I think she's preparing to hibernate, but can't find floor food so she has resorted to socks, a paper bag, my fuzzy pink house slipper, a cup and all her toys. I haven't gotten a pic yet b/c Monsoon keeps taking the things out when she's not in there. BTW, she actually goes to her "bedroom" when she wants her self time - such a girl - it's so cute.

Thursday's Things: Gone Belgian

Let's see if we can drum up some THINGS for the second week of Thursday's Things! Come on and play along, rules are fairly lax, just be generous with your comments.

1. Post about a specific thing or theme of things, be it a thing you love, hate or just have to talk about. Give us pics if you want, descriptions about it and why you are posting about it. (Last week I did family games; this week is chocolate... maybe next it'll be a book or group or activity...)
2. Hook up with Mr. Linky below, leaving your name and the link to your specific Thursday's Things post.
3. Leave a comment here and share the comment love on the other participant's posts while we share our love or hate of some things and maybe find some new things to love or hate.
   

In honor of the impending V-day next week, I'm sharing with you all one of my very favorite things of all time. It's a thing, it's a place, it's an atmosphere all in one.

Lucas Belgian Chocolates.

Every fond memory of my childhood can somehow be linked back to, you guessed it, chocolate. For instance, the first time my mom knew my dad and I would be okay together: She walked in on him sharing his Hershey bar with me (something he had NEVER shared with her. Ever). I think I was like 3... days or so.

But this place, ahhh, this place. We've been visiting Charleston, S.C. since I can remember, and the only thing that I remember from every single trip, other than the beach, was visiting - no, experiencing - this place. I can smell it now if I close my eyes and pretend I'm there - freshly mixed kettles of melted chocolate.. dipped giant strawberries.. hand-made truffles.. and oh, did I mention the aroma? It's a teensy little shop next to the market downtown, and I know every inch of the glass case by heart.

So, for Valentine's Day, if you're looking for something extra sweet for yourself (alright, or your sweetie), look no further. Check out the shop's website here. It's small and quaint, and that's part of the charm - just like the shop and Charleston itself.

Here's a list of just a few items you can order, just in case you aren't already falling off that new year's wagon. **most of these come in a choice of milk or dark chocolate, some in white also.

Truffles:
Mousse*Fudge Love*Double Chocolate*Triple Chocolate*Butter Toffee*Mint*Coconut*Coconut Cream Pie*Raspberry*Strawberry*Black ForestKalhua*Irish Cream*Grand Marnier*Champagne*Macadamia*Expresso*Cappuccino*

Other Chocolates:

Butter Crunch*Dipped Apricot*Chewy Caramel*Praline Bar*Orange Peel*Dipped Cherries

Mmmmm.... Enjoy!

P.S. I might add, in case anyone needs varification of my chocolate-tasting skills, I can tell the difference between what type of chocolate (as in brand) was used in the making of homemade ice cream. It's a gift, maybe not so uncommon, but thought I'd mention it.

Sprinkles

Our new addition arrived today. She is beautiful and lovey and playful and so, so tiny.

She's not quite sure what to think of Monsoon, but she really likes chasing him around. On the other hand, he doesn't know exactly what to think of her either - he just giggles uncontrollably anytime she's within two feet of him.

Monsoon helped pick her out and decided on her name, all by himself with no help or prompting whatsoever. Funny the things he comes up with when he's given free power. He thought long and hard... for about 30 seconds. "Hmmm...." He looked around the kitchen as he did this. "I think, Sprinkles!" Perfect. I love it. She's Sprinkles.

Sprinkles the chocolate Maltapoo. If there weren't the "poo" in there, you might think she was a dessert. And Monsoon keeps saying she's a Maltee poo-poo. He thinks he's funny... maybe because I laughed and blew pop out my nose.

Snow Wrapped

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Monsoon LOVES snow, but his asthma prevents him from playing in cold weather for too long. We attempted a trip to the back yard, it lasted about 15 minutes, and he had to be wrapped up around his nose and mouth so none of the frozen air could get into his lungs. It's my scarf.

Below is a pic of him all bundled up just before we went out to play. You can see how excited he is - look into those big, sweet eyes! (it's the only part of him that's not covered up!)

** pay no attention to the laundry basket in the background... or the underwear hanging out of it.

Miss Anne's Valentine's Giveaway

Visit Miss Anne over at Indefinitely Definite for a fabulous Valentines giveaway! She's got a basket full of goodies up for grabs, but enter before January 30th.

Six Word Saturday

Exercising for Miss Weiner's Birthday Cake

Dear Miss Weiner, there better be cake at your party!

Example from files (Prissy's 1st birthday), I don't actually need this much cake... I suppose.

Check out Show My Face for more SWS linky fun!

The Fabulous Miss Weiner

Candid Carrie's Friday Foto Finish Fiesta!




In honor of my best friend (since sixth grade, no less!), I'm posting the most heinous picture ever made of her.. except for that sixth grade school photo where she looked like my Aunt Rita who was in her sixties at the time, and in the yearbook next to that pic was the name "Weiner." Not her name at all, but it's what they printed.


This picture is special because it was taken at my 30th birthday party, where I gathered all my best girlfriends and made them dress up in hideous formal dresses. And they did it. For me.



In addition to wearing the sequined numbers and piling on gawdy jewelry, we traded outfits every hour or two, so everyone got to prance around in fabulous "don'ts" of various colors and styles.


As if that weren't enough, I put together a special prize for the winner of a hot potato contest. My dear friend, Miss Weiner here, won a shoe box stuffed with lime green knee highs; a purple mullet wig/hat; plastic corsage; angel wings; and a few other odds and ends. She got to (was forced to) wear it all evening on top of her lovely dresses, this one circa 1983.

A true friend, she obliged my need for controlling the insanity of rounding another decade. This is the thanks she gets.

Happy 30th Birthday Week To YOU, Miss Weiner!

P.S. She is really very beautiful - it's only fair that she has an awful picture floating around.

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