Ramblings of a Stay at Home Mom » Bloging

And then there were two!

Vanessa — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 01:07:25 +0000

I have to Chespaeke Bay Retrievers left! Jake -Solid Chocolate Male and Fred – Sage/Deadgrass mix with a white spot on his chest.

http://www.stillhousehollowchesapeakes.com/

Protected:

Vanessa — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:22:37 +0000

There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.

Puppies!!!

Vanessa — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 16:40:12 +0000

Zoe had her puppies on Tuesday June 1, 2010. 13 healthy pup! 9 males and 4 females!!!

Fort Hood Housing, AVOID at all cost!!!!

Vanessa — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:14:37 +0000

We have had nothing but problems with Fort Hood Family Housing since moving on base…. Day one my son gets bit by the neighbors dog, day three sewage is all over our bathroom and hallway, days 5-12 nothing but nonstop barking dogs at 6:00am… And now the latest… Below is the letter I [...]

Texting while driving…. It’s not worth it

Vanessa — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 23:33:08 +0000

Please watch this PSA

http://www.maniacworld.com/Texting-While-Driving-PSA.html

WW

Vanessa — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 05:50:05 +0000

Some days I’m such a blonde…

Vanessa — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:36:37 +0000

Okay so I thought today was build a pizza day, last nightI went out and bought sausage. This morning I got up and got the kids ready while the sausage was cooking, signed into my email to get the address and realized that the build a pizza thing was next monday LOL yup it’s going to [...]

Manic Monday Madness…

Vanessa — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:08:42 +0000

I’ve been bad about writing here, spending too much time doing nothing on facebook… avoiding cleaning, and getting sucked into new books… But my sanity is slipping again, so I need to start writing before my husband trades me in for wife number four… Well this weekend was joy filled of packing, packing, stressing, [...]

‘No cheese Mahi, no cheese’

Vanessa — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 19:48:10 +0000

I love taking pictures, I love looking back on all the pictures that I have taken and remembering how little my kids were, and going through the scrapbook timeline seeing how much they have grown. Unfortunately Henry my little camera ham, is not longer my camera ham, I pull out my camera and [...]

Two minutes is all it took…

Vanessa — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:32:36 +0000

Two minutes is all it took… Just two lousy minutes… I walked back into my living room, thinking to myself, what has he gotten into this time, as my house was all too quiet. Anyone with two walking toddlers knows that a queit house usually means trouble! As I turned the corner there he [...]

A new day

Vanessa — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:04:20 +0000

I hate to admit it, especially since I was oh so not happy about being stationed here, but I can honestly say that I like Texas. Fort Hood is huge! The lake on post blora is great. The kids had so much fun there this summer.

There are real roads! Highways! I know who [...]

Down

Vanessa — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:37:20 +0000

Yeay!!!! Down 6.2 pounds from last week! Current weight 151.8 Hard work is paying off! And I can fit back into my 8s today!!! My goal is still to get to 130ish. 5 more days and I can have real coffee again! I’m so tired of this decaf crap lol.

Wordless Wednesday

Vanessa — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:48:16 +0000

I am having withdrawal symptoms like woo!

Vanessa — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 03:24:31 +0000

I am having withdrawal symptoms like woo! I have taken control back of my body and my body seems to be rebelling. I have not had any form of caffeine since Monday, no alcohol, and no carbs. I’m serious not one! I have been eating grilled chicken seasoned only with pepper, fish seasoned with [...]

Today is the day!

Vanessa — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:07:59 +0000

Today is the day. No more excuses. No more whining. Today is the day I get myself back on track. We are moved, settled in and pretty much all unpacked.

My goals;

To lose these twenty-five pounds I have been fighting with all year and to keep it off!

My vows;

I vow not to consume [...]

Day at the DMV

Vanessa — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 23:23:00 +0000

Today was an eventful day… My daughter got her license back in July and currently still had an Alabama license, but with moving from Alabama to Texas we only have thirty days to change it. My husband and I got our daughters driver license changed from Alabama to Texas. A task one might [...]

Minute Maid and Chuck E. Cheese’s :-)

Vanessa — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:16:15 +0000

Found a great coupon and just had to share! It’s from Minute Maid and Chuck E. Cheese. and by far the best Chuck E Cheese coupon I could find! Here’s the link http://www.minutemaid.com/promotions/ChuckECheese2009.pdf+

Have fun!

Austin Plastic Surgery Center anyone???

Vanessa — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 22:58:25 +0000

I am in search for some feedback/reviews on Austin Plastic Surgery Center. Have you been there? Do you know anyone who has gone there? Just pretty much any info you could share with me would be awsome.

I have a rather large birthmark turn mole on my arm that the doctors say needs to [...]

Not one more… I have had enough

Vanessa — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 02:09:17 +0000

I sit here, painfully trying to type. My fingers are in a gnarled mass; deep indentations and blisters cover the surface. Why? For the love of all that is holy-WHY?!

Because I have Two children that are school age; two children that brought home folders weighing approximately 2 lbs a piece. Those folders contain paperwork that [...]

Fort Hood Texas – Day at the Lake

Vanessa — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 04:17:45 +0000

4 Soldiers Killed in Army Black hawk crash

Vanessa — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:55:09 +0000

4 Soldiers Killed in Army Black hawk crash on Wednesday August 19, 2009

I ask that you please pray for them and thier families. As an Army wife and the wife of an avaitor this hits a little to close to home for me. My heart goes out to the families.

All four soldiers [...]

We made it to Texas

Vanessa — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 17:10:06 +0000

Well, we made it Texas. Barely but we did.

I hit a ladder that was laying in the highway, I was driving 2004 dodge Ram so it wasn’t too big of a deal for me, my oldest daughter just having her license a week also hit the ladder. Thankfully neither of us were injured. [...]

Fort Hood Texas

Vanessa — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:07:24 +0000

This place isn't as bad as I thought it would be

Want your Sanity Back??

Vanessa — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:52:45 +0000

This weekend I made an amazing discovery for moms everywhere; something simple and yet totally ingenious. I know you will appreciate this find so much so that you will probably want to name a national holiday after me or perhaps even one of your children in my honor.

It was Sunday. I was vacuuming. [...]

Henry and the Oreo

Vanessa — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:49:07 +0000

Henry could not wait the 5 minute drive back home, he wanted an oreo so bad! And he made such a mess!

Best And Worst Cities For Families

Vanessa — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:27:44 +0000

Best and Worst Cities for Families - Forbes

Where does your city rank??

Confessions of a Shopaholic!

Vanessa — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:29:35 +0000

“When I shop, the world gets better, and the world is better, but then it’s not, and I need to do it again.”

“They told me I was a valued customer, now they send me hate mail!”

Confessions of a Shopaholic, so me lol

Summer Infestations….

Vanessa — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:59:18 +0000

I have no doubt that summertime is officially here. Every year it seems that our house has the same infestation occur during these hot months of summer, signaling the season is upon us. An out-of-control outbreak that hits far and wide, so be prepared! Be on the look out! The breed that has taken over our house is approximately 12-inches long. I have seen them in a wide variety of colors, red, blue, yellow, pink, green, orange, purple...The colors are actually kind of pretty, almost shimmering. It is what happens next that is so scary! (Please be warned; what I am about to describe is graphic.) There are these even bigger creatures that come along. I believe that they are attracted to the multi-colors. They rip off the tops-with their razor sharp teeth-spitting the ends out onto the ground. Then they proceed to suck the very life out of the once colorful bodies-leaving behind a shell. If you look closely you can see a trace of the color that once was. The big creatures then disappear, leaving behind a trail of empty remains to infest our home and yard! Everywhere I turn I see these vacant remnants; a constant reminder of what has occurred. GHASTLY! Be warned, Mamas! This could occur in your household, at any time. Sadly, maybe it already has...HUGS. If you have children and Popsicles then the chances are highly likely that this infestation has already arrived at your home! May the force be with us all...

Swim Suit Companies:

Vanessa — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 05:09:34 +0000

Your bathing suits blow, and we as women know it. And now, we want you to do something about it. Don't blow this off as 'Oh she must need to loose wieght' or 'maybe she's older then our target audience' or the crappy line of 'Oh she just has bad body image/ self esteem'. I can assure you, that that is not the case. The problem, my dear friends is your crappy, badly designed swim apparel. I cannot stress to you how little the percentage of women there are that actually look like models. So, we are here to ask you (the purveyor of our swimwear needs) to make something a little more flattering for the rest of us. And I promise you if you make it, we will buy it. Because (brace yourself, you might fall over for this one) we WANT to look GOOD. Fortunately for you we have already done a little test sampling for REAL live breathing women who would LOVE to buy your swimwear, and what they would like to see in a bathing-suit, for them. The results were eerily similar all around which I think should be a huge wake up call, to you. 1)...

Not so wordless Wednesday

Vanessa — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 03:45:45 +0000

Henry just noticed that Jessie is in her swimsuit. He’s now stripping! Yup my boy is running through the house, pulling off his diaper, his shirt and now jumping up and down in complete madness. Oh no, he’s spotted her, holding the sunscreen. He runs, and tries to hide under the table with [...]

midweek mayhem

Vanessa — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:07:17 +0000

Its summer, hotter than hell and all of my children are of course home. You’d think that this would be a happy time. No school, no homework, just summer time fun. Well if you are that delusional to think that is what summer entails you are in for a shock. Summer in south Alabama is HOT. My kids still have school work to do. Yes I am the evil stepmother who makes the older kids do workbooks and read all the time! What fun for me? Is an hour a day to much? Maybe it’s not enough. Maybe I should home school them all them summer and do real work! I have my chocolate escape waiting for me, but do I dare turn to it before noon? I think I must wait. It will go very well with my evening glass of Pino Nior…. As they run through the house chasing the Bitty, my oldest plows right into the wall, and of course the rest follow. I guess they all forgot why there is no running in the house. Yet I refuse to move, I will not investigate this. I will not yell at them for injuring themselves, I will do nothing but sit here and count to 10 before I lose what little sanity I have left. I will sit quietly with Eleanor and enjoy my youngest, my good quiet happy and still innocent child...

I only had a 10 % chance of survival…

Vanessa — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 22:09:27 +0000

Actually, those numbers are being too optimistic. I know, deep down, that the risks are much greater; my chances of survival are probably less than 5 %. Who am I kidding?-the likelihood of me walking away unscathed is almost non-existent. Those are the cold, hard facts. And, yet, I must go on. I must throw myself into a path of danger; knowing the probable outcome is not good. Realizing that my health and well being are at stake...I will go forth with my fate. You see, I am hungry-and thirsty. While I could just turn to my beloved-chocolate-and eat without the need of any cooking or eating, drinking paraphernalia, I was hoping for a little healthier option to start my morning. If I am able to walk away, a breath still escaping my lips, I will indeed lovingly hold my sweet very soon... I am about to open my kitchen cupboards. The cupboards that have been half-hazardly stacked, precariously teetering on the edge of destruction by young hands. Ironically, these same children have been tested "gifted" by the school system; and, yet, they can not seem to figure out that the small bowls and cups go inside the big bowls and cups, not vice versa. And if something is square then it is best to pair that item with something that is square, not circular. My husband swears he did these same activities with them as babies with their shape sorters and cup stackers! They passed with flying colors way back when... I realize that it would just be easier to put the dishes away myself, but I am trying to train my children to be responsible; a positive addition to society. So, Cupboard Organization 101 continues...Sigh. My husband (with a straight face) suggested that I simply trace the shape of each item in its proper placement to help them in this endeavor. I will let you imagine what my response to this helpful suggestion was. Well, my friends. It is time. Off I go in flame resistant pjs (you never know; weirder things have happened...), bubble wrap, bicycle helmet, goggles-am I forgetting something? May the force be with me... TIMBER!!!!!!!!!!!!

Public Service Announcement

Vanessa — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:47:06 +0000

This is a public service announcement to mothers everywhere. Now that the weather is warming up, chances are highly likely that you will be opening your windows to bring about a bit of solace from the heat. Be alert; your window screen is the only barrier between YOU and the OUTSIDE world... Be warned mothers! While you may be totally justified at raising your voice to an extreme level; a decibel that in fact is absolutely needed to penetrate the "walls" you are trying to communicate with, you should be aware that what might be acceptable previously in the privacy behind a closed window, may possibly sound like a psychotic episode now to someone passing by your house. I would like to offer some alternatives to save you some unneeded embarrassment and having to explain yourself to Mr. Police Officer who might unexpectedly stop by to check on the noise level coming from your household. You really don't want to be featured on a Law and Order episode, do you? When you feel like you need to use your "mother voice" first count to ten...then find something (a shoe or a book works nicely) to lovingly throw at the person you are trying to communicate with. Continue throwing items if needed (remember you are not trying to injure this person, only make them listen to your profound words!) until you have his or her undivided attention. Using the "mother glare" is a great addition after the "toss". If those fail, leaving you with no other choice than using your voice to make your presence known, I recommend finding the most sound proof room in the house before commencing forward with your "educational lecture"; a closet, the attic or basement are possibilities if there are no open windows in those areas. I also find going into the bathroom, closing the door and turning on the shower is an excellent way to muffle the "parenting moment" that is needed. If all else fails, count to ten again and quickly close up all your windows... Pass this along to any other Mommy who may not be aware of this "glitch" that occurs during this warm weather season. (To the tune: "Do you hear what I hear?") Said Mr. Lamb to his neighbor Mrs. Green Do you hear what I hear? Way across the street Mrs. Green Do you hear what I hear? A mom, a mom Shouting at her kids And her voice echoes through the window screen And her voice echoes through the window screen...

Enough is enough

Vanessa — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:21:06 +0000

Enough is enough. I am so tired of people bad mouthing our armed forces. I live on a military base and I still hear all this garbage. Our troops are in Iraq, whether you like it or not, whether you agree with them or not, they are there. Bad mouthing them does not help anyone or anything. They fight for our country's freedoms; they fight to give you people your 1st amendment rights to say the garbage you say about them. Your duty as an American is to support our troops, regardless of your believes or political views. If you don't agree with them being there vote accordingly, but do not hold it against our troops, my husband, my friends, my family, brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers. They are doing their job. They are putting there lives on the line for our county, they are missing the births of there daughters, and sons, they are missing the holidays with there loved ones, and you ignorant people are blaming them for this war. They had a mission to do and they left to do it. While most came home and went back, some never made it back, they gave there live for their country, and you have the audacity to criticize them. Our soldiers are in Iraq, Afghanistan, Egypt, and Korea to protect us, to protect them, and you sit on the sidelines doing NOTHING to help, you just complain, criticize and fight amongst yourselves solving nothing. Just keep your mouths shut! Keep your stupid ignorant opinions to yourself, because we, the wives of soldiers, the mothers of soldiers, fathers, sisters, brothers, family and friends of our HERO'S don't want to hear anymore of your crap!

Recipe Tuesday – Fruit Pizza

Vanessa — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 04:21:46 +0000

Fruit Pizza

Crust:

1 yellow cake mix

2 eggs

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup melted butter

1/4 cup water

1/4 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix ingredients together

Spray Pam on a non-stick pizza pan

Spread mix as even as possible onto pizza pan about 3/8 inch thick

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown

Let cool before applying frosting

Pizza [...]

Just another manic monday

Vanessa — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 20:29:20 +0000

Why are boxes so expensive? Why is packing such a pain in the ASS?? And why is it that every box I attempt to pack, my children unpack while I’m packing with tears in their eyes crying ‘not maee my toy’?

Seriously I just want to move, leave all this crap here and start [...]

Red, White and Blue

Vanessa — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 03:53:13 +0000

Recipe Tuesday – Saucy Pork Medallions

Vanessa — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 05:29:02 +0000

Saucy Pork Medallions

Prep Time: 5 min Total Time: 20 min Makes: 6 servings

What You Need!

1 large pork tenderloin (1-1/2 lb.) 2 tsp. oil 3 cups frozen peas 1 can (10 oz.) turkey gravy 1/4 cup KRAFT Zesty Italian Dressing 1 pkg. (6 oz.) STOVE TOP Stuffing Mix for Chicken, prepared as directed on package

Make It!

CUT pork crosswise into 3/4-inch-thick slices.

HEAT [...]

Beef Taco Salad with Chunky Tomato Dressing

Vanessa — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:45:50 +0000

Beef Taco Salad with Chunky Tomato Dressing

There’s nothing dainty about this salad. With mounds of chili-spiced beef and sharp cheddar cheese over a bed of crisp greens, all doused with a chunky tomato lime dressing and topped with a shards of corn chips, it has high-impact flavor and heartiness to satisfy even [...]

My little girl

Vanessa — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:42:01 +0000

Only in a Woman’s Word

Vanessa — Sun, 31 May 2009 15:13:12 +0000

Sunday Humor

Vanessa — Sun, 31 May 2009 02:56:38 +0000

Cat Massages Dog @ Yahoo! Video

Best Cities: It’s All About Jobs

Vanessa — Fri, 29 May 2009 17:10:57 +0000

I read this today and had to repost it. Maybe the move to Fort Hood will not be that bad. Austin which is only 45 minutes from Hood is rated as one of the Best Cities! Who Knew??

Best Cities: It’s All About Jobs By Kiplinger.com May 27th, 2009

Stable employment and new career opportunities give these [...]

Flashback Friday

Vanessa — Fri, 29 May 2009 05:23:04 +0000

This is a picture of me, back in 1988

Grab my button

Vanessa — Wed, 27 May 2009 20:59:01 +0000

Grab My Button <a border=”0″ href=”http://www.ramblingsofasahm.com” mce_href=”http://www.ramblingsofasahm.com” target=”_blank”><img src=”http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii37/Nessa6804/LW-1-1.jpg” mce_src=”http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii37/Nessa6804/LW-1-1.jpg”></a> <a href=”http://www.RamblingsOFaSAHM.com”;

Grab my Button

Grab my Button <a border=”0″ href=”http://www.ramblingsofasahm.com” mce_href=”http://www.ramblingsofasahm.com” target=”_blank”><img src=”http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii37/Nessa6804/IMGA1088-1-1.jpg” mce_src=”http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii37/Nessa6804/IMGA1088-1-1.jpg”/></a>

Scrapbooking Fun

Vanessa — Wed, 27 May 2009 05:05:16 +0000

I found so many cute scrapbooking things today that I thought I would share! With Jessie my oldest done with school it’s so nice to have help with the little ones. She’s watch them all morning which has given me time to almost complete one of the books! Urban Rhapsody Icon Saying Grand Adhesions Mira [...]

Well it’s Official we going to Fort Hood

Vanessa — Wed, 27 May 2009 04:06:09 +0000

Well unfortunately it’s official; we received orders to report to Fort Hood Texas….. And as you could have guessed, I am not happy about it. NO ONE wants to live in Killeen. From what others have told me, Killeen is dirty and busy. I grew up in the city, I’m used to dirty and busy so I don’t think that would be too much of a problem for me…. But people keep telling us to stay away from that area. Have you been to Fort Hood? How bad is it really? I don’t like the heat, and yes I’ve heard that it’s hot there. I would have much rather be going to Campbell, Brag, Drum anywhere but Texas… but apparently that was not on my husband’s wish list. He had Fort Carson, Fort Hood and Fort Lewis. Now when he and I had talked about places to put on the wish list, Fort Hood was quickly shot down by me. I DO NOT DO THE SOUTH WELL. He had told me at one point that he put Fort Brag, Fort Carson and Fort Lewis on the wish list. Which I was okay with, I’ve always wanted to go live in Seattle (Fort Lewis) since Real World Seattle back in 1998, Fort Carson is near Colorado Springs and Fort Brag is on the East coast close to family…. Then the other day when warning orders came out he seemed to have a complete lapse of memory. Then later returned home informing me of what was actually on the wish list. WHY ask me where I WANT to go, where we should go then just do what you were going to do anyway? Anyone else been through this??? I’m slightly aggravated right now. Again I don’t want to go to Texas. Fort Hood is a rapid deploying unit-meaning they leave all the time. Which also translates into six months after we ALL get there, Brad will be deployed and I will be stuck there all alone. So yes, I am aggravated about this. So what the hunting is good, and you can drive 6 hours to Oklahoma to go Elk hunting, ya know what I don’t care. I wanted Fort Brag, only 11 hours from home! I wanted Fort Campbell only 17 hours from home… Nowhere on my list was fort hood, a whopping 27 hours from home! Do you know how long that will take me to drive with 4 kids in the car? UHGGGG So fellow army wives I need your help and opinions. What is fort hood like? Did you end up liking it? Hating it? How was housing on and off post? How were the schools? How were the people! Tell me all that you can please! Thanks for reading my rant, I needed to vent. ~Vanessa

FamilyWatchDog.us

Vanessa — Tue, 26 May 2009 18:06:50 +0000

We received RFO this week to PCS to Fort Hood Texas So not happy about this. While I was surfing the net looking at homes in the Killeen, Copperasa Cove area just outside of Fort Hood I remembered to check with FamilyWatchDog. For those of you how don’t know [...]

Recipe Tuesday – Bistro Chicken Pasta Salad

Vanessa — Tue, 26 May 2009 05:50:44 +0000

Bistro Chicken Pasta Salad

Prep Time: 25 min Total Time: 25 min Makes: 4 servings, about 1-1/3 cups each What You Need! 2 cups cooked penne pasta 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes 1 pkg. (4 oz.) ATHENOS Traditional Crumbled Feta Cheese 1/2 cup prepared GOOD SEASONS Italian Dressing Mix for Fat Free Dressing 1/3 cup lightly packed fresh basil, cut into strips 1/4 [...]

Capellini Caprese

Vanessa — Sun, 24 May 2009 22:12:12 +0000

Capellini Caprese

1/2 lb. capellini or spaghetti, uncooked 1/2 cup KRAFT Tuscan House Italian Dressing and Marinade 1 onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 3 cups halved grape or cherry tomatoes 1 cup KRAFT Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese 1/3 cup fresh basil, finely sliced

Make It! COOK pasta as directed on package.

MEANWHILE, heat dressing in large nonstick skillet on medium-high [...]

Menu Monday

Vanessa — Sun, 24 May 2009 20:40:36 +0000

Menu Monday

Monday- Chicken Cacciatore

Tuesday- Steak, potatoes and steamed vegetables

Wednesday- Crock pot venison (start crock pot Tuesday night) add veggies and potatoes in the morning.

Thursday- Stroganoff with egg [...]

Henry’s 2nd BDay

Vanessa — Sat, 23 May 2009 03:30:03 +0000

Why Parents Drink

Vanessa — Fri, 22 May 2009 12:41:11 +0000

Why Parents Drink

A father passing by his son’s bedroom was astonished to see that his bed was nicely made and everything was picked up. Then he saw an Envelope, propped up prominently on the pillow that was addressed to ‘Dad.’ With the worst premonition he opened the envelope with trembling hands and read [...]

Friday Fab Finds

Vanessa — Fri, 22 May 2009 05:46:44 +0000

Like I have said in previous post that I must have been living under a rock these last few years I just recently found the Ed Hardy line, and I LOVE it! So for my friday fab find is this my new Ed Hard Wristlet, I got it off ebay

Photo Friday

Vanessa — Fri, 22 May 2009 05:12:53 +0000

Growing old together

Vanessa — Thu, 21 May 2009 20:17:28 +0000

Brad and I will be celebrating our 5 year anniversary in two weeks. We met a couple this week that inspired us. We met them while we were out on our date night. They are in there early 90s and have been together the last 60 years. When we spoke with them we each guessed their age to be around 67, when they told us 90 we were kind of in shock. During dinner they invited us to sit with them, so we did. They held hands just about the whole time. They told us they still go out to the movies once a week, to dinner another night and travel to another state/country for two weeks every 4 months! They still look at each other with love in their eyes. When we asked them what their secret is to staying so happy and active they laughed and said this. Date night. For the last 60 years they have gone out once a week, just the two of them. They told us even when they had brand new babies they made time for their date night and for each other. They told us that it’s what kept them together when all of their friends were getting divorced after 25 years of marriage once the kids left the house. They said their friends no longer knew their spouse, because they spent all their energy on their children and had forgot about what brought them together in the first place, so that once they kids left they were in the empty house just staring at each other. And this got me thinking, I have always been an avid supporter in social networks about making your husband your top priority, usually getting shunned by people who believe that children always come first… While, yes I agree that your children’s needs should come before your spouse’s wants, but your spouse’s wants should come before your children’s. Listening to this happy couple of 60 years with 5 grown children, 15 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, really proved to me the importance of this. You can’t lose your connection with your spouse. Marriage needs effort, by both. You need to make time for each other, and listen to each other and keep those date nights! The couple told us on nights when they were to broke go out anywhere that they just went parking! Something my husband is all too eager to do now LOL. So whether you have been married for a year or thirty years nothing beats a date night with the one you love! And 60 years from now Brad and I will still be going out on the town!

Beef Roast with Tomato Madeira Sauce

Vanessa — Thu, 21 May 2009 16:46:14 +0000

Prep Time:

10 min

Inactive Prep Time:

hr min

Cook Time:

Chicken Cacciatore

Vanessa — Thu, 21 May 2009 15:10:58 +0000

Chicken Cacciatore Prep Time: 15 min Cook Time: 40 min Serves: 4 servings Ingredients • 4 chicken thighs • 2 chicken breasts with skin and backbone, halved crosswise • 2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste • 1/2 cup all purpose flour, for dredging • 3 tablespoons olive oil • 1 large red [...]

Hero On My Arm

Vanessa — Tue, 19 May 2009 15:20:36 +0000

While shopping around Enterprise Jessie and I found a little store that sold the cutest purses. They are made from ACU and BDU. If you are a wife, mother, daughter or sister of a service member you need to give them a look. There are also available online [...]

Both my boys grow another year older this week. Tyler is now 13 and Henry 2….

Vanessa — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:43:49 +0000

Dollar store for Tyler’s birthday balloons $10.00

Wal-Mart to pick up Italian bread to go with birthday dinner $5.00

Bakery to buy a chocolate cake because I burnt the one I had made… $25.00

Feeling old [...]

Rolled Butter Cream Fondant

Vanessa — Sun, 17 May 2009 21:41:43 +0000

I made this for Tylers bday cake it was awsome! I just added a little more Vanilla.

Rolled Buttercream Fondant

Rated:

Submitted By: Kelley

Photo By: ashleighelliott

Prep Time: 10 Minutes Ready In: 10 MinutesServings: 45

“Great rolled fondant recipe for cakes or cookies. Tastes like buttercream frosting.”

Ingredients:

1 cup light corn syrup1 cup shortening

1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon clear [...]

Rain Rain Go Away

Vanessa — Sun, 17 May 2009 19:33:22 +0000

It’s raining, it’s pouring, and no the old man is not snoring. The old man of the house has left the building to spend the day at the library… I know, gasp and catch your breath, there are times that he does do this! Granted he can usually read something once and have it memorized… He does have a flight plan to do and a text to study for. He should be finishing up this portion of BWS by next week! Then he’s off to nights for a month. And who knows, we might actually make it out of here before the start of the next school year!! Well he is not the topic of my blog today. The rain is. It has been raining all weekend. I am not a fan of the rain. Henry is not a fan of the thunder. Zoey our Chesapeake bay retriever also does not like the thunder. She is sitting on top of my feet, shaking. This 70lb dog looks so petrified! All systems down…. We have lost power! Glad that the battery in the laptop is fully charged, we have three hours of life on this thing we better make it use full. The children are running around the house looking for flashlights and candles. It’s still daylight outside so it’s not pitch black in here…. Sometimes I wonder about them… Henry is now using the flashlight to torture the already petrified dog…. She just can’t control herself he has to attack the light. He is finding it all too amusing to watch her jump up and try to eat the wall…. Although I better intervene as she has already ate threw drywall in previous attempts to catch the light…. Okay, the flashlight is now in my possession and he is not happy about this… Jessie and Tyler ask if they can go play in the rain…. I tell them no because it is thundering, and where there is thunder there is lighting….. She precedes to debate with me the odds of getting struck by lightning…. Yes she is a smart child. She is just sometimes is a clueless child…. Tyler decided to play his DS, Henry now to wants his DS…. They are fighting… Yes my 13yrd fights with my 2yrd… Jessie puts a stop to it though, by doing what many big sisters and mothers alike would do “it’s mine now” I am going to escape and hide out with Ella in my room and hope that the power returns quickly, as I don’t know how much of the children bickering I can take… Maybe I should let them go play in the rain…..

My next four weeks, anyone want to join me?

Vanessa — Fri, 15 May 2009 05:22:24 +0000

My Next Four Weeks

Swim suit time is all but already here, and I am not where I was wanting to be right now. I spent a little time this morning going over workout routines. I found this one and I am going to start it today. Any local ladies want to join me? [...]

Please check out my new store!

Vanessa — Wed, 13 May 2009 05:28:03 +0000

Ramblings of a Stay at Home Mom Products Store

Italian Meatloaf Recipe

Vanessa — Tue, 12 May 2009 22:28:19 +0000

Italian Meatloaf Recipe

This meatloaf recipe is also called Meatloaf Braccioli because of the way the loaf is rolled. Braccioli means rolled meat in sauce. This meatloaf recipe offers a new twist for braccioli since it is made of ground beef to form a meatloaf. It is truly an enjoyable meal.

Italian Meatloaf Recipe Ingredients • [...]

Want to make my blood boil, and send me into a fit of rage?

Vanessa — Tue, 12 May 2009 14:07:09 +0000

Want to make my blood boil, and send me into a fit of rage? Want to endanger my life, as well as my two beautiful children strapped into their car seats in the backseat? Want to do something to endanger your own life, as well as your beautiful children in your own backseat? Text while driving. If you are lucky to live through an accident, could you live with the guilt? Could you forgive yourself for having such little patience that you couldn't wait until your car was parked to send a message? Could you forgive yourself for endangering the lives of your own family, as well as other families on the roads. Families with kids like yours. Families with babies, or toddlers, tweens, or teens. Mommy's or daddy's. Aunts, and uncles. Brothers and sisters. Grandma's and grandpa's. Could you forgive yourself? Could you forgive yourself if you caused an accident that resulted in a Mommy having to have her 2 year old taken from her in a life flight helicopter? Is your text that you are about to type while driving so vitally important that you must take your concentration off the road, and off driving safely to type it? Is your text so important that it's worth a trip to the ER for yourself, and the passengers in your car? Is it so important that you are willing to send another family to the ER? Is your text so important that you are willing to mentally traumatize a young child with being in a bad accident. A child who just wants to know why that person didn't follow "the rules". Is your text so important that you are willing to allow those words that you are typing in your 3000 pound vehicle driving 60 mph to be your last words? Are you willing to turn your car into a 3000 pound death machine? You are if you text while driving. Think about it. One split second is all that it takes. Just one. I know there are states that have laws banning texting while driving. I also know people break laws. I know that there are several states that have no laws against texting while driving, so people will use that freedom. The next time that you are in your car, and think that you have to reply to that text right that second. The next time your driving in your car and think of something you "have to tell that person before you forget". Just wait. For your kids. For mine. Just wait. If it is that vitally important to send a message right then, pull off and park. Don't allow yourself to change your focus from driving safe, and protecting your precious cargo, to typing a message that can likely wait. All it takes is losing your concentration for a second, and your whole life can change, and you can change the lives of your children, spouse, significant other, friends, mother, father, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, grandparents, or other people's. One tiny little unimportant text message could change the lives of so many people, and have so much more of an impact than you could ever imagine. Just wait until you park that car. For my children’s sake, your sake and the lives of the innocent people who are with you.

A gift from my husband

Vanessa — Mon, 11 May 2009 21:19:49 +0000

For my birthday my husband bought my a rose bush for our garden, this morning he clipped this for me

I knew there was a reason I love him so much!

What’s the best part of being a mom?

Vanessa — Sat, 09 May 2009 20:14:06 +0000

Well I can not pick just one thing, as there are many. But I will give you my top picks!

For me one the best thing about being a mom are the priceless moments. The moments where you will start to get mad [...]

Friday Photos

Vanessa — Fri, 08 May 2009 23:46:46 +0000

Need a new camera

Vanessa — Fri, 08 May 2009 13:47:21 +0000

In search for a new Camera…. My camera has not been acting right for the last couple of days, I was going to send it back to cannon for them to look at, but I waited too long… Henry decided that HE was going to look at mommy’s camera… Unfortunately for me look at means play with, and drop in the toilet! Now, the irony in this situation to me is that my mother was telling me how Jax (my 20 month old baby brother- yes we are one of those families) threw her cell phone into the toilet, and I of course laughed and lectured her that if she wanted to keep it why did she give it to him and/or allow him to play with it?? Sorry MOM L I now know your pain…. So help me out, what camera do you use? Do you like it or LOVE it? I was looking at the Cannon rebel… But I also like the Nikon ones that Ashton Kutcher is the spokes person for… I am at a loss… So please comment me your top picks!

Today…

Vanessa — Thu, 07 May 2009 20:21:31 +0000

I spent a good part of my day on post today at the Clinic and Commissary… yea two of my favorite places… . For the first time ever at this clinic I was seen within 15 minutes of my scheduled appointment time!! And only had to wait 35 minutes for my prescriptions! I was definitely impressed. Now the commissary was a different story. I don’t get dressed to the nines to go to the doctors or grocery shopping, but I do get dressed! I never go on post – place of husbands employment- without my makeup done and hair fixed. And I wouldn’t be caught dead running around town in sweats or my PJs. I was walking through the aisles today and OMG these frumpy; PJ wearing housewives kept giving me the dirtiest looks. Seriously why?? Why would you give ME dirty looks, when YOU are the one walking around OUTSIDE your house in your PJs???? I could run into my husband’s commander on post! Or someone else who my husband works for or with. Don’t you PJ wearing ladies get that??? My husband is a Warrant Officer, I take pride in being his wife, just as much now as I did back when he was a Staff Sergeant, okay well maybe a little more now, I get to say he’s a Pilot LOL :-P But back to my point, are you comfortable with people your husband works for seeing you in your PJs?? I’m surely not! Ladies PJs are for your bedroom behind closed doors, not in the commissary or alarm for the rest of us to have to look at! So next time don’t stand there and judge me because I took 20 minutes to put some clothes on and fix my hair! Jeez. Anyway….. We made it home just before the down pour hit! The rain was pouring down hard, Eleanor was asleep in her swing and Henry was watching a Little Einstein’s DVD so I decided to take that opportunity and work on my scrapbooks. Scrapbooking as of lately other than this, has become one of my favorite things to do. I spent most of my day sorting through a box of random photos. My goal is to have at least all of the photos divided before we PCS this summer. I currently only have two actual books completed; my wedding scrapbook and Henry’s first year scrapbook. I have 7 others started with at the most three pages completely finished. Do you scrapbook? How/What is your organizational system for photos? I have shoes boxes one for each kid, then one for family/group shots. Do you use scrapbooking programs?

What is the difference between ‘potentially’ and ‘realistically’?’

Vanessa — Thu, 07 May 2009 03:09:55 +0000

A young boy went up to his father and asked him, 'Dad, what is the difference between 'potentially' and 'realistically'? His father asked him, 'Did you find out the difference between 'potentially' and 'realistically' ?' The father thought for a moment, then answered, 'Go ask your mother if she would sleep with Brad Pitt for a million dollars. Then ask your sister if she would sleep with Brad Pitt for a million dollars, and then ask your brother if he'd sleep with Brad Pitt for a million dollars. Come back and tell me what you learn from that. So the boy went to his mother and asked, 'Would you sleep with Brad Pitt for a million dollars?' The mother replied, 'Of course I would! We could really use that money to fix up the house and send you kids to a great University!' The boy then went to his sister and asked, 'Would you sleep with Brad Pitt for a million dollars?' The girl replied, 'Oh my Gawd! I LOVE Brad Pitt I would sleep with him in a heartbeat, are you nuts?' The boy then went to his brother and asked, 'Would you sleep with Brad Pitt for a million dollars?' 'Of course,' the brother replied. 'Do you know what a million bucks would buy?' The boy pondered the answers for a few days and then went back to his dad.. His dad asked him if had learned the difference, The boy replied, 'Yes, 'Potentially', you and I are sitting on three million dollars. But 'realistically', we're living with two hookers and a homo.

blogging

Vanessa — Wed, 06 May 2009 20:00:46 +0000

I started this blog a little over a month ago. I needed a place I could freely express myself and a place I could run and hide in when I needed a break. This blog has given me that. When I need ‘me’ time I lock myself in my room [...]

Cooking

Vanessa — Tue, 05 May 2009 04:30:20 +0000

My husband is a great cook. He can slice and dice things to perfection and in half the time it takes me to do it. He makes a killer breakfast, hey even my parents can attest to this, as he got my mom to eat even eat grits once! He used to cook all the time when I first moved in 5 years ago. I tell you this so that you can perhaps see my confusion and frustration about how dinner went down. Me- Feeding Eleanor: “Can you make dinner while I feed Ella, I’m starving” Him-Sitting on butt watching TV: “Uh, what? Um sure.” He walks into the kitchen and I hear pots being banged back and forth. Me: “Everything you need is out. The pan and pot are on the stove, meat is in the sink and sauce and pasta are on the bar.” Him: WHAT? WHERE I DON’T SEE THEM. I hand Ella over to Jessie and walk into the kitchen. He has a completely different pan on the stove and has put the two I took out into the dishwasher, claiming he thought they were from last night. Yea right ‘cause pots and pans stay on the stove dirty all day long… I take out the big pot again, and pan. I show him where everything is, as I run back into the living room to save my oldest daughter from her little hair pulling sister. Ella and I make our way into the kitchen. He was the water simmering and meat browned. I think to myself good dinner will be ready in just few. I walk back to the living room and sit down to finish feeding Ella. As I get all situated once again, he comes in with car keys…. Yes car keys. And informs me that he and Jessie are running across the street to pick up Italian bread. Apparently I was not clear enough on when the timer beeps you need to take the bread out of the oven… Although even in my recap I may have left that part out. But wouldn’t you have asked “what was the timer for?” I mean seriously, he had to actually turn it Off… He tells me that the noodles are in the pot, but he does not know how much longer they need as he has not set the timer… So now I have to play the guessing game with boiling hot noodles so that we don’t have mushy pasta…. He comes back 20 minutes later! Yes 20! The store is ACROSS the street! Puts the bread in the oven and we have warm garlic cheese bread, with cold pasta, and meat-sauce, which after sitting in the sauce for an extra 30 minutes turned out to be more meat with pasta then meat-sauce… So my question is this, how did my husband who used to cook dinner just about EVERY night, completely forget what to do in the kitchen??? On nights he has planned to cook he does very well, but I guess that’s because its steak and potatoes mostly on those nights, or ribs. He still makes killer ass ribs!

If your reading this

Vanessa — Mon, 04 May 2009 18:25:21 +0000

The cute things he does

Vanessa — Mon, 04 May 2009 17:22:01 +0000

Well it’s raining cats and dogs over here. Between huge lighting strikes that light up the whole street, to the loudest thunder I thinki I have ever heard. Henry is not happy about this. He jumps with bang, boom and vibration. The first few times he jumped I laughed at him, I know bad mommy. I wanted to show him it was a funny not scary noise that he was hearing. I don’t think my plan worked though. 15 minutes later- Its still pouring outside, now when it thunders he ducks under the table and starts to crack up laughing… I’m not sure where he got this from….. When the thunder stops for a few minutes he walks around the house on his tippy toes with his arms tucked to his sides like Swipper from Dora, peaking into all the rooms as if he’s looking for the noise! It’s just too darn cute! I love my silly Baby Boy :-)

Ralphe May

Vanessa — Mon, 04 May 2009 03:21:00 +0000

My Sunday night Entertainment! Warning – If you do not have a sense of humor do not watch!

Easter Pictures 2009

Vanessa — Fri, 01 May 2009 17:56:39 +0000

Maybe this one for Henry’s Bday

Vanessa — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 05:54:09 +0000

I know I have been watching too much Ace of Cake and Cake Challenge lately, but I think this is the cake I will try to recreate for Henry’s 2nd birthday. I’m going to do a test run this week. If all else fails maybe I can have someone local make it for [...]

Chocolate Bunnies…

Vanessa — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:29:56 +0000

This morning started routinely enough, Brad waking me up informing me that it was now 7 o clock, that coffee was made and that he wanted me to make him a cup. Yes my husband makes coffee but has yet to figure out how to pour it into a mug and add the appropriate amount of sugar and French vanilla creamer… So I get up, stumble into the kitchen and begin making our cups of coffee. Many mornings Brad and I have about 30 minutes baby free time to sit together and watch Good Morning America and drink our coffee. Today was not the case. Eleanor woke up as I stumbled into the kitchen. Brad being a good Daddy changed her diaper as I prepared the bottle. Once we got all comfy in the living room, Henry awakened and it wasn’t his happy I’m awake call to us, it was his crying I’m pissed off scream to us… How dare we take more than 10 seconds to get him out of his cage, I mean crib. I made him his chocolate milk bottle, only to be told “mommy no baba, big cup” big cup means coffee mug. So I proceeded to pour half of the babba into his coffee mug. He took it from my hands with a slight grin, a grin which should have been the warning sign that he was up to no good at all. As I turned the corner to the living room I hear a slight bang, a laugh, a giggle and a “bunneey like choco millllkkk.” Yup you guessed it, Henry took his big boy coffee mug that he usually drinks so well out of and poured it onto our 4 week old pure white bunnies. After my husband stopped laughing with Henry, Henry turned to us and said “I like choco bunny, choco bunny is yummy in my tummy.” We have completely ruined our poor child. This whole Easter thing where you eat chocolate bunnies has confused our boy so very much….. Do not worry, the bunnies were not injured, in fact I think they rather liked the chocolate milk. J so now as Henry takes his morning nap I get to give the bunnies a bath! Yea for me LOL.

This is what passes for a post these days

Vanessa — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:59:18 +0000

I was so bored this morning that I packed both kids up and drove to Target. We didn’t need anything, but I just couldn’t stomach the thought of sitting in this house one more minute.

When your day starts at 6:30 a.m, you are out of ideas [...]

The scale and I are not getting along…

Vanessa — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 13:10:48 +0000

This morning was yet another battle that I have lost in my war against my post baby body. I hesitantly stepped onto the scale, why I did this in the first place is still an unknown. I knew better, as my loving husband had made me a cheese [...]

Do your ears hang low? Do they wobble to and fro?

Vanessa — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 04:27:23 +0000

The moment started ordinarily enough. I had just finished with my shower when I happened to walk past the bathroom mirror. It was then that out of the blue my mind started playing a children's tune. Do your ears hang low? Do they wobble to and fro? The words appeared childlike enough, except as a mother of five I was pretty sure that my senses had been heightened over the years by a combination of Mommy experience and the lack of sleep. A loss of a few brain cells along the way may also have contributed to this extra-sensory perception... Anyway, I sensed a deeper meaning hidden between the lines of this seemingly innocent song. It wasn't my ears that the song taunted me about. It was other body parts that were hanging low-wobbling to and fro...and even though I hadn't attempted yet, I was pretty sure it was only a matter of time before I could throw certain body parts over my shoulder like a Continental Soldier. I pulled my fuzzy blue robe tighter as I stared at the reflection before me and wondered-who?-what?-where?-when?-for the love of all that is holy-HOW?! My body had some how betrayed me after all these years. Where was my "hot-ness" factor?-and I wasn't referring to the Menopause that one day (many, many days away!) that inevitably would be knocking on my door. In my mind I was still a "hot mama". Ironically, the mirror before me did in fact show a hot mama, but sadly it was only due to the left over heat from the shower steam. I wiped a towel across the mirror, smearing the reflection of the woman before me wrapped in a matronly, about as un-sexy as you could get, blue fuzzy robe. Traitor. I whispered to myself. My body should have held up longer than this! I was pretty sure I had purchased the extended warranty on this thing. Wrinkles, highlights that were appearing whiter and whiter, extra weight, bulges that didn't use to be there-hey, when did I grow a third breast?-never mind, that's just my stomach... Suddenly though, more powerful than the barrier of doubt that was building in my head, a voice of reason spoke up. A different picture was coming to light. What was the true reason I was in my current condition? Could I so easily dismiss the fact that I had housed Two human beings and later expelled them from my body? Of course there had to be some kind of ramifications for such a great feat. I admit there are a few things that contributed to the "me" of today that could have been better left undone. My younger days of slathering up with butter, wrapping myself in tinfoil, lying under a sprinkler, and then baking, I mean tanning, probably was not the best of plans even if I did look pretty awesome deep, golden bronzed. But all my friends were doing it!-and yes, I probably would have jumped off of a bridge if they did it too. You'll be happy to know that I am much wiser now and very repentant! As well as paler... My years of chocolate therapy, though totally necessary, and research does show that 14 out of 10 Mommies highly recommend this process; perhaps I could have found another outlet that was just as therapeutic...Gee, I even managed to type this with a straight face! And even though I have skipped many sit-down meals due to Mommy busyness, I still managed to uphold the sacred, deep-rooted sense that it was my duty as a mother to finish off all of my kids' leftover foods (have I mentioned we have five children?); half-eaten bowls of macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly remnants, parts of hot dogs and chicken nuggets, pieces of donut holes, Poptarts, cookies, melting ice cream bars...Hey, I didn't do this for myself, but solely as a way to be a strong positive role model to those in my household; reminding them that we do not waste food (especially when it is covered in chocolate or something else deliciously sweet!) when there are so many starving children in the world! Looking back, I suppose all of this could have had a slight affect on the shape of certain things today... Yes, the passage of time does take a toll on a person. Do I really want to turn back the hands of the clock though-reverting back to who I once was in the past? Honestly, I love the woman of today more than yesterday. I am more rounded, albeit rounder. That's okay. True reality has dawned. Motherhood did more than just stretch certain body parts into unimaginable proportions. The biggest stretch marks of all were left on my mother heart. And even though people can't see the perfectly shaped, infinite vessel that I hold deep in my imperfect Mommy body, they sure know that it is there. It is who I am and I am blessed by this "condition". And so are you! I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are your works, and my soul knows very well.

Earth Day!

Vanessa — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 01:59:13 +0000

Check out the US EPA website and learn about all of the little things you can do to help save our planet that will make a BIG difference! Make Earth Day EVERYDAY!!

http://www.epa.gov/earthday http://www.earthday.net

Aggravated

Vanessa — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:35:04 +0000

I am so aggravated right now. Jessie and I went to the gym. We took the babies with us and dropped them off at the nursery. About 35 minutes into my work out I thought we should go take a quick peek on Henry and Ella. We got [...]

It’s just another manic Monday…

Vanessa — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:48:23 +0000

I sit here still shell-shocked--babbling to myself--rocking in a chair--staring at a banana peel--remnants of a battle lost--again. The enemy, I mean my children, have finally left the premises. I pray they made it to the bus stop on time. I cringe at every sound; afraid that the door will open with I MISSED THE BUS echoing through this ravaged war zone, also known as our home...what was that noise?--was that the door! Not this time, just the dog...is she grinning at me? I take a look around at all the collateral damage. The trash can was knocked over in the kitchen with garbage scattered across the floor as someone made a mad dash out the door trying to outrun there little brother. When will they learn that time does not stop? In fact, I highly suspect that is actually goes FASTER on these mornings getting ready for school. I continue my walk. Surely a hand grenade must have gone off here. Papers have been dumped out of school bags and deserted where they fell--casualties everywhere--I shudder. I can still hear a loud, incessant noise echoing in my head, like the sound of rapid gun fire, MOMMMMMMM! The shoe box in the hall has been emptied in an attempt to find two shoes that match. (did I mention I have 5 children and each child owns at least 10 pairs of shoes...you do the math.) I try to bring about a mental picture--were my children wearing shoes as they ran out the door? I'm not totally sure.... Henry however is wearing shows, my shows to be more exact... I hope his father does not see him in my red high heels.... Clothes and miscellaneous items are strewn about. I see a forgotten lunch left behind on the battle field...and is that a homework paper? Sigh. I really was hoping to avoid going to the school today... Maybe she won’t text me asking me to bring in her English paper, I guess only time will tell. Tomorrow is another day; perhaps the war can still be won even though the battle has been lost today. We shall see...as for now, I need to go curl up in a fetal position and lick my wounds. Oh wait but I can’t..... The little two have now decided it’s time for the second breakfast already and it’s not even eight o’clock....

Henry Riding

Vanessa — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 07:59:16 +0000

14 things you should NEVER say to a military wife!!

Vanessa — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 05:57:05 +0000

Unless of course you are willing to take that chance on catching one of us on a REALLY bad day… 1. “Aren’t you afraid that he’ll be killed?” (This one ranks in at number one on the “duh” list. Of course we’re afraid. We’re terrified. The thought always lingers at the backs of our minds —but thanks [...]

TGIF

Vanessa — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 19:07:01 +0000

After working out these last three days I am so sore! I could barely lift Eleanor out of her crib this morning! Hopefully all of my hard work will start to pay off soon and I will have nice toned arms once again! Being as stiff as a [...]

Parenting

Vanessa — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:50:23 +0000

OMG, I keep reading all of these post talking about how there teenagers won’t listen to them and how they are not coming home on time, or that they spend all their time online. Or that they do not help out around the house. Are you serious?? Take [...]

Made it to the Gym!

Vanessa — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:00:17 +0000

I made it to the GYM!! It only took me two weeks after signing up to go, but I made it! But of course not without a few glitches along the way. I was doing the circuit, only to be stopped by a death piercing scream, the whole gym stopped as my son screamed bloody murder! I ran over to the nursery to see what had happened, he’s blue in the face holding his breath as he’s about to scream again. The nursery attendant proceeds to tell me that he went over to Ella, and she crabbed his hair and this was the result. L As I pick him up, I look over at Ella who is smiling, she thinks this reaction of her brother is quite funny, and yup in her little hand is a hand full of blonde hair! So now here’s my little man, still crying and extremely upset…. Do I leave him and continue to work out? Do I stay? Do I just take them and leave? Well I decided to stay and try to calm him down. I played in the nursery with him for a couple of minutes until he was distracted enough by the other kids so I could make my break. Yea it worked! So I finished the circuit. I even got to do a half hour of cardio!! After the gym we headed off to Sonic, eating a double patty melt and drinking route 44 cherry limeade kind of defeats the purpose of going to the gym uh?? But Henry sure loves his tots!

My little girl

Vanessa — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:56:36 +0000

Mother’s Day Greeting Cards

Family outing

Vanessa — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 21:34:19 +0000

This afternoon after the torrential downpour ended we headed off to Wal-Mart to grab some half off Easter Candy. Easter at our house is next week for those who were wondering. Anyways, the kids looked nice and neat (which is rare when we [...]

“5-year-old rides NYC subway alone for 34 stops”

Vanessa — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:58:32 +0000

5-year-old rides NYC subway alone for 34 stops

Mon Apr 13, 8:47 pm ET

NEW YORK – Authorities say a 5-year-old boy slipped [...]

Henry hard at work

Vanessa — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:51:08 +0000

This morning….

Vanessa — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:23:25 +0000

I had every intention on waking up this morning early and heading off to the gym. I had got the diaper bag ready last night, clothes out for the babies and my workout clothes and sneakers all together. However Mother Nature seems to be against me.... It is pouring outside, not just a little rain. I'm talking lighting, thunder, can't see out the front window type of down pour! I do not like driving in the rain, though the gym is less than a mile away, but that means taking both babies out in this..... Maybe it will let up soon and we'll run out without looking like we got stuck in a monsoon..... Well needless to say, I hit the snooze button and went back to sleep. Can you believe Henry didn't get up until 9 this morning! It was so nice.

HAPPY EASTER

Vanessa — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 01:49:33 +0000

Happy Easter!! It isn’t Easter at our house just yet, we are waiting until Jess and Ty get back. Next Sunday will be Easter at our house! And I can’t wait for Henry to get up and start running around looking for Easter Eggs! Last year he was [...]

Off we go!

Vanessa — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 01:45:58 +0000

Well we are driving to the airport. Let me clarify, my 15 year old daughter is driving us to the airport. As I sit in the back seat with the younger children and watch her as she’s driving down the highway I’m in complete denial that I have [...]

Gym…

Vanessa — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 23:45:10 +0000

Well last week I decided to get a gym membership. I figured with the tanning and daycare included I should have no reason not to go. Even if its just for the tanning, a little fake sun helps makes me happy Anyways I have yet to use it. I had planned on going [...]

Some of my favorites quotes on parenting

Vanessa — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 01:42:41 +0000

Some of my favorites quotes on parenting: No matter how calmly you try to referee, parenting will eventually produce bizarre behavior, and I’m not talking about the kids. Their behavior is always normal.—Bill Cosby You know your children are growing up when they stop asking you where they came from [...]

Dear Husband

Vanessa — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 22:02:13 +0000

My husband always comes home with the same question-are you in the mood? Wait a minute! That is the second question... His first question is always the same though. "What did you do today?" Those four words seem simple enough, but for some reason hearing those particular words, in that specific order, changes me into a stuttering idiot who looks like a deer caught in the headlights. "Do? Uh, yes, I recall doing stuff all day, but my mind is totally blank at the moment." My eyes quickly dart around the house, searching for something; anything, that would release me from this state of amnesia. I can't seem to find any proof, however, that suggests me "doing" anything at all; the evidence, in fact, leads one to believe that the only thing that I did was stand helplessly by while someone or something trashed our house. I have studied this peculiar situation, searched out a reason for my inability to vocalize the accounts of my day to my husband. I have come to the conclusion that after living an entire day in "my shoes" that I must be so overloaded that my internal memory must block out certain factors of my day; call it self-preservation if you will. There are certain things in life that are better left buried in the deepest realm of a mother's mind. While I still have some use of my faculties, I have decided to transpose a quick written account of my day thus far that I can later hand over to my spouse when he asks me that infamous question. Dear Husband, You have asked me "what did you do today?" and I am going to the best of my ability give you a brief glimpse into my Mommy world. Actually, my day began in the middle of your night. Two of your children were sick and needed attention. I let you sleep. I didn't; at least not what you would consider a complete, restful sleep cycle. I heard your alarm bright and early. Yes, I also saw the "nudge, nudge, wink, wink" as well as heard your stomach rumble. I chose the lesser of the evils and made you breakfast while you showered. For your information, I never had the time for a hygiene moment today. Okay, reliving this day is already making me lightheaded and my head to hurt...the rest of what I have to say is in no particular order. Please forgive me if I sound disoriented... I fed and watered five kids (not to mention packed nutrients to send for their survival outside of our home), two dogs, and some withering looking things that once were green plants. I cannot recount all I did to get the kids off to school, too traumatic. Let's just say; they survived, I barely did. I cleaned up: spilled beverages, dropped plate of eggs, squashed banana on my carpet, something that was hopefully just chocolate that was all over the bathroom tiles and the toothpaste that somebody painted with. I am not going to list every item that I cleaned up, but perhaps just mention a few of the more "colorful" highlights. I rewound an entire roll of toilet paper back onto the proper placement of aforementioned paper product. For future reference; the second time I just piled it, neatly as possible, in the corner next to the toilet. Do you remember the billion plus jewelry beads that we bought for the kids for hours of creativity and fun? I spent more hours of cleaning them up than the children have ever used them. Somebody decided to decorate the house with Easter grass and candy wrappers galore. While I totally celebrate the true meaning behind this holy day, next year, be warned, I might have to do bodily harm to that dumb bunny that visits our house! Which reminds me, I searched the house for the lost Easter egg to no avail...how long before the smell gives the hiding place away? I unplugged the toilet-not once-not twice-but THREE times-and the day is not over. I almost had to call Guinness Book of World Records...WOW! At least we know our children are eating-what?-I'm not so sure. I did dishes and went to put them away...when I opened the cupboards I was pummeled by a tower of falling debris left by the last person who had this chore. I vacuumed, cleaned the bunnies cage, wiped up the chocolate syrup trail that somebody was drinking in the middle of the afternoon (that somebody was not me, no matter what you think!), filled out paperwork, answered the phone 50 times for somebody named Penny (and, no, we don't have anyone named Penny in our household), changed the sheets on the bed of our youngest, changed our bedding because same child peed on our bed, too, found the wet clothing that pee-boy tried to hide as evidence of his misdeeds, did laundry (btw, our washer may be dying...), goggled MapQuest to plan my escape route, I mean, I looked up driving directions from child #1's music lesson to child #2's karate class, sat with the bag of mismatched socks, rocking and mumbling, "I think I can, I think I can..." Okay, my mind can't handle much more...let's fast forward. Your school children came home, dropping book bags, shoes and coats. They demanded food. I consoled a child (for more than 2 hours of crying and whining!) over her boyfriend and best friend trauma drama. I broke up fights, directed chaos, cleaned up baby spit up, and helped with homework. I prepared a nutritious and delicious meal for your homecoming. Now, at this moment, your children are out of sight and out of mind...I cannot be held liable for the conditions you come home to later in this evening. I know I have not revealed to you everything that I have experienced today. Some things just cannot be put into words; trust me. Anyhow, by the time you come home tonight and ask me "what have you done today?" I will be oblivious to my surroundings; possibly even in a catatonic state of mind. Hopefully you can at least pry this paper from my weary fingers and gain a little bit of understanding about my day...

Little Einsteins

Vanessa — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 01:41:11 +0000

Why is it that my almost two year old can’t say he wants an apple or juice, yet can recite the theme song to Little Ensteins over and over without ever missing a word!

”We’re going on a trip in our favorite rocket ship, Zooming [...]

What to do…

Vanessa — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 01:40:05 +0000

Some days I wonder why even bothered to get out of bed. Do you ever wake up with a feeling that it just was not going to be a good day? Well today was that day for me. I had maybe two hours of sleep last night, which [...]

‘I’d trade my husband for a housekeeper’

Vanessa — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:17:41 +0000

‘I’d trade my husband for a housekeeper’ New book examines the odd, humorous challenges of modern parenthood

If you are looking for a good book to read this spring, you have to check this one out. Here’s the link from msn http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29995559/

Why my daughters…

Vanessa — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:07:10 +0000

Why my daughters won’t get pregnant in high school, why they won’t be a sluts in high school…. Why… because they have their daddy. She has her daddy’s love, what all teenage girls and women strive to get. It is true, you marry your father… so to speak. Women who grew [...]

Dear Husband

Vanessa — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 16:24:21 +0000

My husband always comes home with the same question-are you in the mood? Wait a minute! That is the second question… His first question is always the same though. “What did you do today?” Those four words seem simple enough, but for some reason hearing those particular words, in that specific order, changes [...]

Cowboy Casserole

Vanessa — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 13:27:03 +0000

COWBOY BEEF CASSEROLE

1 lb. lean ground beef 1/4 c. chopped onion 1/4 c. chopped green pepper 1 can tomatoes 1 can whole kernel corn 1 can tomato sauce 1 to 2 tsp. chili powder 1 c. crushed corn chips 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Place beef in 2 quart casserole, break up with fork. Add onion and green pepper. Cook for 10 [...]

TENDERLOIN BEEF WELLINGTON

Vanessa — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 13:21:37 +0000

4 individual portion size fillets tenderloin beef 1 can liver pate 1 clove garlic, cut before using 1 c. finely chopped mushrooms Salt Pepper 3 tbsp. butter 1 tbsp. mixed herbs 2 tbsp. brandy (optional) 1 pkg. “puffed pastry” (Pepperidge Farm) 1 beaten egg Wellington sauce (optional) Knorr’s packaged

Rub cut piece of garlic over beef, season with salt and pepper. Broil until medium rare [...]

Chicken Pot Pie

Vanessa — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 13:19:37 +0000

chicken breasts, boneless 2 cups rice 1 can of Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup 1 can of Campbell’s Cream of Chicken & Herbs Soup carrots and potatoes, in quantity desired 1/4 minced Vidalia onion (for flavoring) 1 can of corn, drained 1 can of peas, drained 1 or 2 clove garlic, minced 3 tubes Pillsbury’s crescent rolls Note: Any vegetables you prefer can [...]

CHOCOLATE BROWNIE MIX COOKIES

Vanessa — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 13:18:40 +0000

1 pkg. (21.5 oz.) Betty Crocker fudge brownie mix 1/4 c. flour 1/4 c. vegetable oil 3 tbsp. water 2 eggs 1/2 c. chopped nuts 1 c. chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, butterscotch chips or M&M’S®

Combine all ingredients, mixing by hand. Bake until just set at 350 degrees about 9-10 minutes.

Chicken Grill Italienne

Vanessa — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 13:17:35 +0000

CHICKEN GRILL ITALIENNE

6 whole boned, chicken breasts (skin on) 2 tablespoons green or yellow onion, finely chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced garlic powder, salt and pepper (for sprinkling) 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 teaspoon fresh Rosemary, minced 2 tablespoons fresh Parsley, minced 1/4 [...]

Baked Artichokes with Gorgonzola and Herbs

Vanessa — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 21:59:30 +0000

Ingredients Salt 4 artichokes 3 lemons, plus 1 lemon 10 ounces mild Gorgonzola cheese, room temperature 2 tablespoons cream 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley leaves, plus 1 tablespoon 1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 3 tablespoons bread crumbs 1 tablespoon olive oil Directions

Bring a [...]

sometimes I just want to scream….

Vanessa — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 19:57:41 +0000

I wait and I wait for the day we leave this dreaded place, I am no southern girl, and do not belong down here. I was not raised to wait hand and foot on the people around me, nor was I raised to yes mam and yes sir people to death. Please do not take what I say offensively, I am just saying, tell the fucking moron on the couch to get his own damn glass of sweat tea for crying out loud!! These women that I've met, look at me, and my family like we are from another planet. Yes I am married to a southern man, but I am by no means he's maid! All these women do is wait on their husbands, clean and cook. Then they come to my house and see my husband, helping, cooking, cleaning, playing with the kids, being a husband and a father and they have the audacity to ridicule me because he's doing the work they believe I should be doing. Are you serious??? They make it out like I am doing my family wrong. I just don't understand… I am by definition a housewife….. Not a term I like to use, but the fact of the matter is that is what I've become. And these women sit on their high horses telling me that I am bad at it! Because my husband helps, our children do choirs, and the house isn't always ready for company. We have five children, including a new baby. I was thinking for the most part anyway that we as a family have been doing a damn good job at keeping the household together. But I guess that is the Yankee blood in me thinking, 'cause down here in south alafuckinbama that is only women's work, and it makes not only a crappy housewife, but also a crappy woman for not doing it all. I can do it all, I know this. I choose not to do it all because I am married and don't have to. I hate to think that this is how these women are raising their daughters, there is no way in hell, my daughters are going to think that there only role in life is to find a husband and live a life of servitude for him. And my sons will not be raised to think that it is only women’s work. They will not grow up to be the moron on the couch yelling at their wives 'bring me some sweat tea'....

Hello world!

Vanessa — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 01:38:49 +0000

This very moment is a rarity in my house, my two younger children are at my feet. Ella is in her bouncy chair sleeping away and Henry is playing with his toys and chucking fruit loops at the dogs, no one is screaming, crying or trying to get in my lap. It’s kind [...]

Ding Bat

Vanessa — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 19:31:28 +0000

Woman flips SUV in Burger King drive-thru

April 17, 2009 • 11:06 am

By Diana Fasanella

All about this Army Wife!

Vanessa — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 19:06:05 +0000

I am now Mrs. Vanessa W. I am married. I am a stay at home mother, a maid, a chauffeur, a cook, and a financial consultant. I co-run W family Incorporated. Total number of employees, five most of the time.

In another life I [...]

30 weeks prego

Vanessa — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 04:08:06 +0000