tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18896193921913035522011-12-10T06:56:18.596-08:00All the crazy, right out in the front yard.Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.comBlogger1271100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-39192381053240981682011-12-06T18:29:00.001-08:002011-12-06T19:05:45.304-08:00

Our Tribe has moved.  My blog has moved. Move with me. Thank you for every reading even one of my posts.  I hope you will make the move and continue to journey with me.  It's not perfect, but it's kinda fun. Follow at : http://howtocookahotmess.blogspot.com

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-16476804247264253522011-11-09T20:04:00.000-08:002011-11-09T20:04:46.848-08:00

Attempt to change your blog when your entire world is topsy-turvy after a major relocation. What the heck am I thinking?!!! I am sorry for the mess.  But that is why I am changing things.  I just seem to fall into one hot mess after another or I make it myself.  Not that they aren't fun at times.  I mean my 3 little messes are a blessing beyond comprehension (at least until they drive me

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-70313506203723372362011-10-05T20:06:00.000-07:002011-10-05T20:06:17.832-07:00

Moving to a new state and new town.  So it seems like the perfect time for some changes for the blog. Right now I am eyeball deep in cardboard boxes and am hoping I have not bubblewrapped the children. Cannot wait to share all that has been going on since my last post.  Interested?   More to come once we emerge!

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-33752841358903538512011-08-24T18:52:00.000-07:002011-08-24T18:52:15.583-07:00

Today I loved: • Cowboy boots • Daddy's Girl request that I help with her Wednesday night group • Sunshine not peeing in her bed •  Phone calls •  The sound of late night rain •  Being told I look "tastic" •  Getting crap up in the attic where it belongs •  Clean countertops •  Organized rooms •  Goldfish-shaped bread •  Quiet

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-61331586655982285212011-08-21T13:07:00.000-07:002011-08-21T13:07:24.094-07:00

This summer will not go down in the history of our Tribe as the most stellar of all summers.  To be honest, it kind of was crummy.  Not because we didn't do some fun stuff or because anything new and crummy happened, just because it was very stagnant. There was (and is) no new word on the employment front.  We continued this summer to "actively wait" for God to shine some light on "the meaning

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-78735084729599368122011-07-20T20:42:00.000-07:002011-07-20T20:42:28.591-07:00

This has been a crazy-busy few weeks since I last posted.  Mr.  Wonderful is still on the job hunt.  I am now on the job hunt.  Summer is on its final lap and life is just in general...nuts! In the midst of getting back into my former life of sales/marketing/communications, I have realized that I am going to have to stop fighting Twitter.  I have stayed away for fear that my children might not

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-54169897041515399982011-06-28T07:20:00.000-07:002011-06-28T07:20:00.447-07:00

An absolute fact of the parenting universe is that normal household items take on a new texture and look post-children. My floors. Crunchy.  That's right.  And all you parents of pre-schoolers are living it and those of you who have already raised your little ones are having flashbacks just reading this. Goldfish, graham crackers and, of course, Cheerios.  God bless them. You get up to make

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-53959590272748416022011-06-26T06:56:00.000-07:002011-06-26T06:56:00.172-07:00

(Disclaimer:  This is a post I wrote a month or so ago.) We have all seen the commercials. And ladies, I'm going to tell you that is pretty much how it goes.  Can I get a witness? I can survive all day on a banana and cup of yogurt, but when the kiddos go to bed and I'm left alone in front of the TV, oh mercy!  Got. To. Snack. Well, I happened to have a coupon for Special K and they were

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-19304333140217949592011-06-22T08:00:00.000-07:002011-06-22T08:00:06.950-07:00

Smile!

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-74475187468482631442011-06-20T09:41:00.000-07:002011-06-20T09:41:00.518-07:00

I'm a firstborn.  By nature I am a rule-follower and a people-pleaser.  You are probably noticing that there are wayyyyyy more posts here at AWAMAM than usual.  The reason is two-fold.  First, the path God has led us to is nothing if not unpredictable.  I need an outlet. Second, my mom wants me to write.  She wants me to publish a series of best-sellers, but we are going to set our sights a

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-7310465706425697422011-06-19T13:39:00.000-07:002011-06-19T13:39:48.325-07:00

To say that I have been blessed with fathers in my life would be a monumental understatement. God, for reasons known only to Him, has chosen to place amazing men into every "father" role in my life. (I apologize for not having pictures, but if I tried at this point to locate them, I'd never get this posted on Father's Day.) To begin with, I had a most amazing Daddy.   I have so many great

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-33460463716290375832011-06-18T07:56:00.000-07:002011-06-18T07:56:00.115-07:00

1.  That friend who will get very nervous when you say you are thinking about getting a little nose stud (at 36) and then will call you later on that day to tell you that she is sorry if she over-reacted and you are a grown woman who can do as you like.  She also will get very concerned  when you start talking about noticing how good-looking the young men there are in this college town, but will

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-57955271540030681632011-06-17T11:29:00.000-07:002011-06-17T11:29:30.224-07:00

The premise of a blog is that I can write about what I like, right? Ok, you knew it was coming. Bollywood movies.   I'm sorry, but they are like crack to me.  My family and friends are about ready for an intervention.   One of my favorites (and one that Mr. Wonderful will admit is pretty good) is I Hate Luv Storys. It stars Imran Khan and Sonam Kapoor(Gee, wonder why Mr.  Wonderful doesn't mind

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-26147617007088176592011-06-16T19:52:00.000-07:002011-06-16T19:53:32.121-07:00

1.  Pesto.  Dear Lord, I love it! 2.  Thinks my girlfriends are the greatest.  I don't know who yours are, but mine are better.  I promise. 3.   I am a complete failure right now when it comes to focus.   I cannot follow through on any one project in my home. 4.  Indian women (at least in the movies) have the most gorgeous hair.  I googled their secret and since I don't have coconut oil have

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-90443334912975613122011-05-02T22:06:00.000-07:002011-05-02T22:06:22.132-07:00

Thousands of our families have lost their homes. Hundreds are still missing and even more are missing those hundreds. The loss of life is greater than the numbers you have heard. I know.  This is my community. It is the opportunity of a lifetime to offer light in the darkness. Please visit http://www.calvarytuscaloosa.org for a list of opportunities. Everyone can help.  How are you rebuilding

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-64389164843293699192011-04-21T06:55:00.000-07:002011-04-21T06:55:49.048-07:00

Ok.  Everybody is doing it.  I might as well throw in my two cents. Mr. Wonderful has a new food obsession (and I agree it is delightful.)  I am very grateful for the BOGO at Publix this week so that I can fuel his addiction. Parmesan and Basil Wheat Thins They are a big ol' flavor party in your mouth.Remember Wheat Thins of the past?  Nice little square crunch, but needing a little cheese ball

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-30003751529469419632011-04-19T19:59:00.000-07:002011-04-19T19:59:33.375-07:00

I am just going to admit that this year's Passion Week is not nearly as organized as last year's. Last Year's Over-ambitious celebration I didn't plan well (story of my life) and am trying desperately to catch up.  But despite my lack of organization, today I ordered an Easter gift for Daddy's Girl on Amazon.com (which hopefully will be here before Sunday), picked up gifts for Little Prince and

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-72734354890782690222011-04-18T14:28:00.000-07:002011-04-18T14:28:49.727-07:00

(1) naps I need them. I want them. I crave them. I am very angry if you disturb them. I would like my preschoolers to feel the same. They do not. They do not need them. They do not want them. They do not crave them. And they are very angry if I attempt to enforce them. They would like me to feel the same. We are going to have to agree to disagree. (2) "zealousy" My dad always

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-57504927592232347872011-03-27T19:52:00.000-07:002011-03-29T11:43:04.234-07:00

For those of you who have been keeping up, our Tribe is one week away from being 6 months into "unemployment."Six months! Half a year! Two trimesters of a pregnancy (hey, I speak in terms of what I know!).Our life seems in many respects to be in pause mode. Not making any major decisions, moves or plans, but instead just...waiting. Not getting too involved in any new ventures, ministries or

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-61944165653405099522011-03-16T21:25:00.000-07:002011-03-16T21:44:47.033-07:00

Ok. The kids and Mr. Wonderful are all asleep and the house is relatively quiet. Should be the perfect time to blog, right?Should be. However, my best blogging thoughts usually surface in the middle of the day when I am right in the middle of something really...immediate, like negotiating the "he-won't-get-out-of-my-room" peace talks or handling toddler-mealtime-strikes which yeild a pretty

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-57528869557225780762011-03-10T12:00:00.000-08:002011-03-10T20:24:42.999-08:00

Ok, things really were going smoothly. Then Mr. Wonderful went on what began as a two-day work trip.It actually began before that, but for the sake of time, and my reputation, we will just start there.Mr. Wonderful has been picking up some side-work during this wonderfully "refining" time of unemployment. It has been great as it is in athletics (which he loves), it gets him out of the house (

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-923982940483607612011-02-23T20:01:00.000-08:002011-03-10T19:47:17.833-08:00

Note: This post is from a couple of weeks ago. Tomorrow's post will tell, as Paul Harvey put it, "the rest of the story."(Overused Blogger statement) It feels like I haven't written in forever.There is lots going on in my world that probably is less than impressive in yours. But for those who might be interested/bored/procrastinating I will give you a rundown of what is on the radar (in

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-71149052387503315562011-02-04T09:11:00.000-08:002011-02-04T10:13:36.724-08:00

This is not a good day for you, especially your PR/Marketing folks.Social Media created quite a frenzy for you with your Free Flavor Friday. But somehow things went terribly wrong.Thousands of coffee-crazy individuals and saving-savvy shoppers sat anxiously at their computers at 8:59 am Pacific time (which is 10:58 am Central Time-I did have to Google it), and they waited for the roll of the

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-68477193807909255072011-01-26T20:30:00.000-08:002011-01-26T20:30:00.968-08:00

1. Create a groovy template for my page. Or even know what to call the template.2. Respond to people who comment. Do I respond on my page? Will they see it? Or do I e-mail and where do I get their address?3. Add links. Maybe I knew once, but I forgot.4. Take fantastic pictures of sub-fantastic food that I make.5. Find new pictures for my page. The children are now in their mid-thirties

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-72130762858847772822011-01-25T10:26:00.000-08:002011-01-25T11:58:21.250-08:00

I'm not really sure where to begin my second boot story. There is what recently happened and what has long happened and how the two met.I guess I'll begin with the boots.Being unemployed, for me (probably not for Mr. Wonderful), has been one of the richest experiences of my life. I have experienced material blessing and more spiritual lessons than I could ever recount.It never ceases to amaze

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-66531002960810289692011-01-24T11:43:00.000-08:002011-01-24T12:22:41.722-08:00

My first story begins with a fantastic pair of high-heel, to-the-knee, tan leather, Nine West boots. They may have possibly changed my life forever. Over the summer and early fall, I lost some weight. Enough that I NEEDED some new clothes for winter. After Mr. Wonderful's sudden lay-off, a new wardrobe wasn't really in the budget. Enter my former college roommate, present dear friend and

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-54800773342130391382011-01-18T12:23:00.000-08:002011-01-18T12:38:32.723-08:00

Ok.It has been over a year since I really began blogging and A Woman, A Man and A Minivan is in desperate need of a face lift.I am looking for input from you, the reader, since you are the one who has to look at it.Suggestions on color scheme, style, graphics, tools, what to leave up and what to take down are all welcome. Maybe you think that the flavor of the blog isn't represented in the

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-52327674586119952042011-01-18T10:56:00.000-08:002011-01-18T11:38:45.927-08:00

The past three and a half months has been an amazingly complex "schooling" for me. One that is not even over yet.From the moment I found out that Mr. Wonderful had no job, God began the process of teaching my heart and mind so many things. (Disclaimer: most of these lessons have not been absorbed yet for sure!)I have been learning Who I believe in and that no matter what I feel or see, it is

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-15491084446461640712011-01-13T13:12:00.000-08:002011-01-13T13:40:53.108-08:00

I have no idea who originally wrote this, but I'm pretty sure they are stalking me. Thanks to the friend that forwarded it to me. The italics are mine.11 Step Program for those thinking of having kids Lesson 1 1. Go to the grocery store. 2. Arrange to have your salary paid directly to their head office. 3. Go home. 4. Pick up the paper. 5. Read it for the last time. Lesson 2 Before you

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-65687449839523106712010-12-21T19:28:00.000-08:002010-12-21T19:52:40.499-08:00

For our Open House earlier this month, Mr. Wonderful borrowed a VCR (which we promise to return!) from a friend so that the little ones could watch our antiquated collection of Christmas classics in the playroom whilst the adults mingled.Since we are still holding the VCR hostage, we have been unearthing all sorts of old videos. It makes for great entertainment.You can learn a lot from old

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-82510258830061742642010-12-14T19:05:00.000-08:002010-12-14T19:19:48.608-08:00

Every mother knows there are some days when you are just spent.Today was that day for me.Two stir crazy toddlers (when will it be warm again?), one unbelievable chatty pre-pre-teen (yes friends, I do sense the justice here), Christmas shopping (and the worst, my own personal abyss of decision making-internet shopping), a peeved-off husband (who fortunately for him and me was able to work out of

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-37896831901340201532010-11-30T21:18:00.000-08:002010-11-30T21:47:59.348-08:00

Wow! I have wanted to write for a while now, but I'm pooped!Things are chugging right along around here and busyness is in full swing!Please don't mistake my silence for depression. Life in the land of "what next?" has actually been quite exciting.No news to report on the job front, but I am absolutely overwhelmed at the sheer lavishness of God's love.He promises to feed us like the birds of

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-15463947647794501712010-11-09T08:12:00.000-08:002010-11-09T08:33:16.738-08:00

With the focus of this month being Thankfulness, as it should be all year round, and in light of our tribe's latest adventure (that of being unemployed), I thought I would share a few things I am thankful for today:Daddy's Girl's ability to look at a worst-case-scenario and find the good in it. DG: "You know, if we lose our house we could just sell our our good clothes and take

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-17534939890010271502010-10-20T20:56:00.000-07:002010-10-20T21:12:24.928-07:00

Just finished watching The Incredible Hulk with Mr. Wonderful and I have to say that I do not understand boys.The movie was entertaining. But having watched this and Transformers, it just amazes how guys are entertained by the same things they were when they were 10 years old.In fact, this week the babies and I were at the zoo with a moms group and Little Prince's best friend, Buddie, and Little

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-496278251831458052010-10-18T22:40:00.000-07:002010-10-18T23:00:20.134-07:00

Not me. Just in case there was confusion.Sometimes the things I do just do not make any sense.Today, I began running. Or some form of it.I'm just going to tell you that it is ugly and undisciplined and sad.I am not really sure of the true reason I'm running. It may be my desire to wear shorts next summer without all the superfluous motion that goes on after I stop moving. It

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-49517988505245123102010-10-16T20:50:00.000-07:002010-10-17T11:58:22.332-07:00

I love Fall. I really do. Instead of paragraphs full of details about my affections for this season, I thought I would post some pics of what has already made this fall so great. A lot of groovy mom blogs that I love and admire will show youfabulously, sinful desserts that celebrate all the flavors and colors of Fall. Others have wonderful, crafty creationsthat will impress your friends to no

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-86138835946669154332010-10-14T12:39:00.000-07:002010-10-14T13:22:18.915-07:00

To say that our tribe is in a state of flux would just flat-out be an understatement.We have been in situations of uncertainty beforeand always emerge through God's grace just fine,so that part of this doesn't really bug me.What I do have the predisposition towards is jumping the gun or becoming impatient at having to withhold my jumping of said gun.For example, this summer we had both our roof

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-34879540896679569242010-10-13T06:58:00.000-07:002010-10-13T07:13:17.097-07:00

I love fall.I love the leaves on the ground. I love the cool in the air. I love the socialization of football season in our football-crazed town. I love fall festivals. Arts, crafts, funnel cake, pickin' & grinnin' and being outdoors. I...LOVE...IT!Last weekend our tribe plus Fancy Nana were invited to join some friends at a fall festival and of course I couldn't resist! (Plus it was a

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-83031786208225129882010-10-09T19:07:00.000-07:002010-10-09T19:56:27.982-07:00

What a week!As our family (and by family, I mean pretty much Mr. Wonderful and I),adjusts and repositions in light of Monday's event, we are hopeful.Hebrews 11:1 tells us that"...faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."Let me tell you what we do not see.What we do not see is a job.What we do not see is a location.What we do not see is a time line.What we do see

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-86578162237684215882010-10-05T07:45:00.000-07:002010-10-05T08:15:33.477-07:00

"They let me go."These are the words I heard Mr. Wonderful say over the phone yesterday afternoon. And just like that, we are on our way towards the next great adventure. 'They let me go" kinda sounds like you were being held against your will and you have now been set free. It feels more like you were being held over a cliff and then whatever was holding you broke or released its grip and you

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-32605858354189847632010-09-14T12:25:00.000-07:002010-09-14T12:34:44.248-07:00

This past week was a whirlwind of cake baking and activity, and this week began no less insane.I'll spare you all the whining about all I had to do yesterday, but just bring you in at the point where I was getting the house ready for dinner guests.I decided to clean the bathrooms (always a good idea) and after cleaning the master/guest toilet, I trudged on to the kids bathroom to clean their

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-83257704783897797452010-09-02T10:59:00.000-07:002010-09-02T12:29:23.629-07:00

I don't know whether it comes from a sick need to constantly try to prove my abilities, a desperate desire to be out among other grown people or a complete decline of my better judgement, but there are certain days where I just take on...A LOT. Today was one such day.As a one car family, Mr. Wonderful and I have to co-ordinate who gets the car on what days. Today was my day. So I decided that

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-15636424443489558052010-08-31T10:37:00.000-07:002010-08-31T11:12:06.124-07:00

Image from Middleagedmum.comThe house will not be clean when you get home today and here is why:Today is payday. We are so very grateful for your diligent work every week to earn the money with which we pay our bills and allow me to stay home with the babies. This is a gift and a treasure which I cannot thank you enough for. So, being payday, this morning was spent making sure that everyone got

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-92091892873652948442010-08-30T19:17:00.000-07:002010-08-30T19:24:31.179-07:00

photo from www.starling-fitness.comSo now the wedding cake is complete and my new mission is to find a really delicious cupcake and frosting recipe.It is for a little girl's birthday and needs to be: 1. not chocolate 2. something little kids won't look at and go "ewwwwww!"So to all you baking gurus out there, send me your best recipes or links! Help a sister out!

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-14762784954066575022010-08-28T18:56:00.000-07:002010-08-28T19:50:44.349-07:00

Sweet friends and readers, Whew!  We finished the cake and danced the night away.  It was fun and hard work.  And I'm glad it's done.Tier #2 - Butter Recipe Fudge Cake...yummy.2 of the 3 layers cooling, for 2 hours Just one of the many, many, many bowls of buttercream icing,that would be slathered all over the cakes.My sweet little baking zone.The Mixing ZoneTier #2 frosted and trimmed.This is

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-13387653612950669932010-08-26T22:17:00.000-07:002010-08-26T22:56:55.580-07:00

Ok, so my latest insanity is a wedding cake for some friends of minewho are getting married this Saturday.  Don't ask me why I thought I could pull off a wedding cake, like for a real wedding,but I did.  So, I thought I'd give you a glimpse of what cake-making looked 3 days out from the big day.First of all, there are a lot of ingredients in a 3-tiered wedding cake.Like eggs, many dozen eggs.  

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-57322944351265196542010-08-13T23:29:00.000-07:002010-08-13T23:43:14.454-07:00

Unfortunately, unlike Liz in Eat, Pray, Love, most of us do not have the luxury of a-one year sabbatical traveling to some of the world's most exotic destinations in order to get a grip on who we are and what we are about. Whereas she has the area of a football field, metaphorically speaking, most of us have the space of a gum wrapper. But one of the things that I find so absolutely entrancing

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-74062323522836846542010-08-08T19:16:00.000-07:002010-08-08T19:31:51.468-07:00

As if getting ready for back to school wasn't crazy enough, why do I even try to go to make Wal-Mart a part of it?And really it wasn't even the lack of the supplies on Daddy's Girl's list that got me irked.  It's the complete inability for the "savings place" to keep normal everyday items stocked.  I was just trying to buy this month's groceries.  But it really IS too much for me to ask that you

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-80497704956951707742010-08-05T20:58:00.000-07:002010-08-05T21:08:17.092-07:00

Today, we watched wasps die.  And we loved it.I'm such a procrastinator.  And I'm a perfectionist.  And I'm OCD.  So you see, all summer I've watched these little perpetrators build their papery nests and thought, "I'll knock that nest down later.  But only when I can do it at the right time.  As long as I don't make them angry and they chase me and my children down the block screaming."You see

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-34254008450817101282010-08-03T20:25:00.001-07:002010-08-03T20:46:18.448-07:00

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-48961337559472822802010-08-03T20:18:00.000-07:002010-08-03T20:48:33.634-07:00

This has been a pretty "under-the-radar" kind of summer. Haven't been to the beach.Haven't seen any great concerts.Haven't had "theme weeks" where we dressed in blue, ate blue jello and other educational events.We've just sort of hung out. Like we did during summers when I was a kid. I haven't blogged much because my brain has pretty much been on summer break too.But I did think about you

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-41633183180141566422010-06-05T22:03:00.000-07:002010-06-05T22:18:36.055-07:00

Is anyone still here?I feel like I haven't blogged in for-ev-er!It isn't that there hasn't been anything to talk about.  (Although my very best stories, I can't write because they might embarrass someone, but they are stinking hilarious!)But I just haven't been able to find a still moment or put together a coherent thought in quite some time.   Our family just hit the summer skid.  We go through

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-69765508818733310402010-05-13T14:10:00.000-07:002010-05-13T14:27:52.024-07:00

So I bought three of these little folding "bridge" chairs (retro 1950 something?) for $3 each last Saturday at a garage sale.  I thought they were cute and very sturdy (as is everything built pre-1970) so I got them.   They were a little banged up but in pretty good shape.  A few cans of spray paint and a slight buzz later....Viola!Now, as soon as I can figure out how to snazzy up the seats I'll

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-91176393608010357532010-05-12T06:42:00.001-07:002010-05-12T06:46:42.306-07:00

My last post was several weeks ago, and I must say that I still have nothing interesting to say.  I don't have anything incredibly witty, no great stories about the kiddos, no craft projects and no new inspirational thoughts.  This is what I would call a funk and I get in them every-so-often.  I'm sure it will pass.  Until then, enjoy the sunshine, and I'll see you soon.

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-12387972590978628402010-04-25T19:54:00.001-07:002010-04-25T20:02:29.556-07:00

Setting:  After the going to see a local production of "Driving Miss Daisy," we stopped in at Target for some coffee (too late, Starbucks at Target isn't open at 9:30pm) and other essentials.  What we ended up with in the checkout line was a pack of Pull-Ups, Toy Story Underwear, French White nail polish and a bottle of Pinot Noir.  Just like when we were dating.  Now, we are in line...Mr.

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-91453474615735343202010-04-18T20:10:00.002-07:002010-04-18T20:16:10.789-07:00

I love the idea of salvaging, repurposing and refinishing furniture. My earliest memory of this process was a hall/foyer table of my great grandmothers that my mother inherited. When she acquired it, the table was covered with layers of thick lacquer paint. I believe the top layer was a green typical of the 1960’s decor. My mother applied, with great patience and care, paint remover, and I saw

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-11560204616905949192010-04-18T20:10:00.001-07:002010-04-18T20:16:04.283-07:00

I love the idea of salvaging, repurposing and refinishing furniture. My earliest memory of this process was a hall/foyer table of my great grandmothers that my mother inherited. When she acquired it, the table was covered with layers of thick lacquer paint. I believe the top layer was a green typical of the 1960’s decor. My mother applied, with great patience and care, paint remover, and I saw

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-52051560240589508532010-04-14T06:33:00.001-07:002010-04-14T07:02:10.774-07:00

Apparently we don't do transitions.It continues to happen on a daily basis.  But for some reason, things just fall completely apart between 6:30 am until 8:30 am and again from about 3:00 pm until 6:00pm. Sunshine is screaming and usually standing right under me while doing it.  Little Prince is into everything or pestering a sister.  Doesn't matter which one, just whichever one is closer.  And

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-79770775049396290412010-04-13T06:52:00.000-07:002010-04-13T07:01:53.537-07:00

I have seven minutes to write.I have two incomplete posts about our Holy Week Activities.I have dishes in the sink and lots of laundry to do.I have to get the kids outdoors in seven minutes because it is gorgeous outside.I want to tell you about everything that has been going on in my mind the past few weeks, but like I used to tell my Dad, "It would make you dizzy."I had the most amazing and

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-4769498220306152032010-04-07T11:12:00.000-07:002010-04-07T11:17:05.202-07:00

Hello out there. I would love to just sit and write to you about how our Holy Week went, and I will. But not right now.You see, I've been up to my eyeballs in laundry. The checkbook is a disaster. I'm trying to get a "plan" together to stay more organized so that I have time for the little tribe members. And if I don't get to the grocery store really soon, the answer to "What's for dinner?"

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-68499820841608361752010-04-01T07:46:00.000-07:002010-04-01T07:55:50.556-07:00

Merciful heavens!  (shout out to Preacherman and Miss Ministry)Well, I have good intentions of bringing you up to speed about our Holy Week activities, but it may take a little bit.  Lemme give you the short version:Tuesday:  I gave us a break on the production.  At dinner, Daddy's Girl read (from Little Prince's Bible) the story of the woman washing Jesus' feet.  I loved having her

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-29277086212719676142010-03-31T09:28:00.001-07:002010-03-31T09:30:46.684-07:00

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-43956637440759556262010-03-30T11:58:00.001-07:002010-03-30T12:12:41.566-07:00

Thank you Lord that my salvation doesn't rely on my ability to boil an egg.  Seriously.Yesterday at Sundown was the beginning of Passover.  I have a deep love for and interest in the Old Testament and how it reveals such a gorgeous picture of Who God is and also points to Christ as the Messiah.  So this year, I decided we should observe the Passover Seder.  This seemed to me totally do-able.  

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-30874911092193336752010-03-29T12:35:00.001-07:002010-03-30T11:57:38.071-07:00

For those of you following our Tribe's Holy Week festivities, here is a rundown of it so far:Palm Sunday: An absolutely wonderful message from our pastor. God has not been duped! He is victorious! Hallalujah! What a Savior! (Now, for those of you looking for the lighter-fare, here goes) My plans for Palm Sunday were thwarted in some ways, but I still felt like we really were in a

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-22782111898444178902010-03-26T16:22:00.000-07:002010-03-26T16:32:12.739-07:00

I had to do it.Every night between 4:30 and 6, for some reason, my children lose their minds. Everyone is screaming.And crying.And toddlers are wedged between me and the cabinets banging their heads back and forth between the two.I do not understand the phenomenon, but it happens EVERY NIGHT. Well tonight, as I was attempting to fix chocolate chip pancakes (the spent woman's answer to dinner), we

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-20393438916503602192010-03-25T11:43:00.000-07:002010-03-25T13:18:51.267-07:00

(I'm sorry if this is a little longer than usual.  I'll try to keep it interesting.)I'm excited.  It is almost Passion Week, and for the first time ever I'm really excited about celebrating!  Not because Christ's death and resurrection have never moved me before, but this year I have decided that we will really "do it up."  I want this time to be special and meaningful for my family.  To remind

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-3625763709179224372010-03-21T20:33:00.001-07:002010-03-21T20:39:40.169-07:00

I just have to say that I love getting into new groups of people.  I think people are the coolest, and tonight Mr. Wonderful and I began a scary journey with about 18 of the neatest of them.  We had a kickoff to something called "Dynamic Marriage."  It's the first in-depth marriage study we've done in about ten years and I'm really excited (and nervous!).  But the people in the group are amazing.

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-46795204448446278222010-03-21T19:55:00.001-07:002010-03-21T20:10:25.168-07:00

(With me it is either feast or famine.  I haven't written in over a week and now I have lots to share.  I promised a precious friend I would share a story so here it goes.   It's really more of a rant.) I love my sister.  I love God.  But sometimes I think they get together to pick on me.  My sister and I are from the same set of parents.  I had my third child over a year ago.She had her second

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-21086809272001717712010-03-13T18:37:00.000-08:002010-03-21T19:54:15.425-07:00

I love a good festival.  I mean, a good festival.  So while we were in Tampa, I was so excited to find out that it was time for the Plant City Strawberry Festival.  We actually have a history with the PCSF.  After all, Mr. Wonderful rode in the parade in complete strawberry-red polyester suit and white shoes back in 1970-something.  However, my recommendation that we attend said festival was

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-76987818805456165542010-03-09T22:29:00.000-08:002010-03-09T22:40:08.735-08:00

Things I really love about this picture:The kid.  Love him.  He totally rocks.The kid's pose.  He is really that cool.The kid's pants.  My dad wore red sweatpants.The Dr. Suess books on the table.  We are from the South, and we are literate.The absence of junk strewn all over the floor.  I have no idea how this happened.  Our floor rarely is "junkless."The absence of papers/hairbrushes/sundry

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-19680539429787817972010-02-26T07:21:00.001-08:002010-02-26T08:19:13.280-08:00

I am pumped! Tonight, my baby brother is taking me to dfhcv v h7gyy (sorry, Sunshine climbed up and wanted to contribute) see Harry Connick, Jr.!  This will be the fourth time I've seen him, but the first at the Alabama Theatre, which is one of my most favorite places on earth!http://www.alabamatheatre.comI absolutely love Harry (it started my senior year in high school and hasn't quit), and the

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-6888723900951502572010-02-24T22:36:00.000-08:002010-02-25T10:53:27.610-08:00

This is a great list that I stole from a great blog I have started following, http://mylipsinstitches.blogspot.com (What a great name!)I am: not nearly as complex as I think I am.I think: too much about things that do not matter.I know: my name. And some days, that's the best I can do.I want: my kids to know Christ more than I can ever tell.I wish: that I could take a girls-only trip with some

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-12576940605432265532010-02-24T22:05:00.000-08:002010-02-24T22:22:48.044-08:00

"I'm in love. I'm in love, and I don't care who knows it!" --Buddy the ElfSeriously, I love me some Bollywood cinema. I don't know what it is about these movies, but they are like crack to me. Maybe it is the technicolor clothing or the hypnotic music or the incredible dancing (seriously, I want to take a class!). Or maybe it is just the fact that the Indian people are GORGEOUS! But I am

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-44514938470537646332010-02-24T11:22:00.001-08:002010-02-24T11:40:16.471-08:00

How the heck does someone from Indonesia find my blog? Seriously, I am just giddy that people who don't live within 15 minutes of me have found it! I think it is super cool to think that anyone other than my sweet Momma would want to read anything I have to say. I love it! This is one of the most fabulous things to me about blogging. Thanks to friends new and old that actually read this

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-15936379543421497082010-02-22T21:35:00.000-08:002010-02-22T21:52:49.182-08:00

So Daddy's Girl walks in the room tonight where Mr. Wonderful is at work on the computer, and she asks, "Dad, what are you doing? Are you working on slogans?" (Mr. Wonderful is a PR Director for a local community college.)Mr. Wonderful replies, "No, why?""Because I thought of one.""Share it with us.""Community State. You're the fish. We're the bait."And I thought to myself...marketing...she

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-53548188879813359672010-02-22T12:29:00.001-08:002010-02-22T12:39:15.741-08:00

Ever know people who build up walls? You know, the kind of people that refuse to let anyone in or any love out? I just hate that.Well, I must confess that many times I erect picket fences.Picket fences are so much less threatening than walls. Everything looks all welcoming and friendly. And I just stand at my fence and wave a nice little wave at you and a "How have you been?" and "Aren't you

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-72960091568853261172010-02-19T07:33:00.000-08:002010-02-19T07:45:18.428-08:00

I looooooooove Friday!When I was in elementary school, it meant a whole weekend of playing outdoors.When I was in junior high, it meant sleep-overs and hanging with friends.When I was in high school, it usually meant a basketball game or some social function.When I was in college, well, it meant I didn't have to feel guilty about not going to class or working on a paper. And often it meant a

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-18917289611743153772010-02-17T14:29:00.001-08:002010-02-17T14:42:29.604-08:00

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-62029480105979037982010-02-16T12:32:00.000-08:002010-02-16T13:10:19.903-08:00

The word "start" is on my radar, as a precious friend is apt to put it. Does anyone else ever feel absolutely overwhelmed with all that looms out there needing to be done? I know that some of you are absolute, organized go-getters. When you get the bill, the leak, the "check engine" light, you scurry off to do what must be done to take care of it. But I believe in the vast world of "out there

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-34159626964385977322010-02-11T13:26:00.000-08:002010-02-11T11:26:22.607-08:00

I actually taped my stomach up with packaging tape to go to an appointment after KB was born.I sort of had a crush on Greg from the Wiggles. And had a brief one on Joe from Blue's Clues although Steve is my favorite.Two of my favorite sights have become the little yellow envelope on my cell phone and the red notification flag on FB. (Unless the little red flag is there to inform me that your

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-39173351268046737332010-02-11T11:26:00.000-08:002010-02-11T15:15:17.535-08:00

I just finished a fun size Tootsie Roll. Before that it was the half a bag of M&M's. I'm contemplating opening up a bag of chocolate chips, but I know that could only lead to my oldest coming home from school to find her mother passed out on the sofa, empty bag beside her and chocolate all over her face.It is only 1:30pm. Today's list of insanity included:• Bolting out of bed when I heard

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-7455201546612321792010-02-07T18:56:00.000-08:002010-02-07T19:13:14.635-08:00

Wow! What a weekend?! I have been so wrong! (How many of you have been waiting to hear that?)I really do like hangin' out with women!I have always said that I'd rather hang out with the guys, and in some respects that is true. I enjoy the lighthearted banter and the ability to eat freely in front of each other! I know I have been part of my share, but I really just hate "women drama." Know

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-75720080577076696932010-02-05T07:02:00.000-08:002010-02-05T07:10:29.568-08:00

This morning it is raining.This morning Mr. Wonderful got on my nerves. (Let's not look at his side of the argument shall we, let him get his own blog.)This morning I have a lot to do.This morning Little Prince colored his hands with red (non-washable) marker in the van. This morning I take two toddlers to Daddy's Girl's virus infested school for lunch...in the rain.Tonight I have to get up on

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-91547629572973302262010-02-03T18:56:00.000-08:002010-02-03T19:33:14.326-08:00

Today is gone. Today was fun.Tomorrow is another one. -Dr. SeussApparently the good Dr. hadn't had my day when he penned this. Today began with the normal morning rush, getting Daddy's Girl to school and Mr. Wonderful to work at Daddy-Dome. (We are currently a one-car-family. It makes for a lot of bonding.)Anyway, Little Prince had a 9:30am Dr.s' appointment (not Seuss-that was later), so I

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-59173794240221965802010-01-28T11:10:00.000-08:002010-01-28T11:17:12.604-08:00

Little Prince: "Can I have more chips?"Queen Mother: "No, you've had enough. More chips will hurt your tummy."Little Prince: "Can I have gummies?"Queen Mother: "No, you just ate lunch and had gummies before that. Too much food will hurt your tummy."Little Prince: "Can I have mac and cheese?"Queen Mother: "No, but you can have some 'sugar'." (Making kissing noises)Little Prince: "Sugar

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-15544529678783547442010-01-28T07:52:00.000-08:002010-01-29T05:57:31.327-08:00

I am thrilled (and surprised) to announce that AWM&M reached over 75 followers today! (Ok their may be some overlap, but I worked in radio and this is how we do numbers.) So thanks to all of you who have come out of the shadows and, for better or worse, associated yourselves with the madness. I am so appreciative that someone reads it, or else I would feel really guilty for ignoring my home

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-8779988955687581262010-01-28T07:23:00.001-08:002010-01-28T07:47:22.321-08:00

I promised I would share from my grab bag of idiotic things I have done, so here is the first installment.In my former life as an advertising account executive (again, sales monkey), I was sitting at my desk one afternoon returning calls. I dialed up a client and was directed to their voicemail. (This was before the internet "caught on." Heck! We didn't even have computers at our desks--gasp!)

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-52257873773125295762010-01-26T12:29:00.000-08:002010-01-26T13:18:01.161-08:00

I’m always googling to find out about whatever I want to know. I can no longer think for myself. (Offspring to me, “Queen Mother, may I go out and play?” Me, “Hold on. Lemme google ‘is outdoor play ok for young children’. Uh, yeah, google says its ok.”)So recently, in order to be a better writer for your enjoyment, I was googling 'Unique blog ideas' (because I live to make sure you are not

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-17578827945003572062010-01-26T06:46:00.000-08:002010-01-26T07:02:42.814-08:00

If you hear rumors about me, they are true. I DID ask my daughter to teach me the moves to Hannah Montana's "Hoe-Down, Throwdown."And furthermore, I have learned them. Daddy's Girl was in utopia being allowed to give her mother instruction (and correction) in the finer points of "popping" it and "locking" it, and even "polka-dotting" it. It has been 18 years since my last choreographed routine,

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-33365369922640200782010-01-21T11:19:00.002-08:002010-01-23T19:16:37.368-08:00

Well, Little Prince's birthday party has come and gone and I'm glad to say that it went off without a hitch. The kids (all 12, eight-years-old and under) played fabulously and the cake wasn't dry. All the adults were telling stories at incredibly loud volumes, which, to me, is the sign of a great soiree.And I think I found a booger on the wall.

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-44787239253686668202010-01-21T11:19:00.001-08:002010-01-21T11:42:17.343-08:00

I had to stop cleaning to write while this was fresh on my mind.Years ago, in my former life, I was an Advertising Account Executive. That is just fancy talk for "sales monkey." Anyway, I consider my new life as a full-time Domestic Engineer, my new career. And my kids are my co-workers, if you will.So today I am imagining what a business day would have looked like then, were it under the same

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-14234897193324355792010-01-21T06:58:00.001-08:002010-01-21T07:02:13.947-08:00

Excited because I get to hang with some very cool people tonight.Busy because I'm getting my party food on.Enamored with my husband because ....too many reasons.Hopeful that my precious children will not tear up every room I have cleaned.Desperate because I want to bring every precious Hatian orphan home.Peaceful because I know God is aware and ever-present.

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-62009829001625951542010-01-19T11:48:00.001-08:002010-01-19T12:07:44.554-08:00

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-40897913615301896422010-01-18T22:12:00.000-08:002010-01-18T22:57:08.949-08:00

I have the greatest cousins. Although we don't get together as often as we like, I have a blast when I am with them. Today The Tribe was able to hang out and lunch with one of my cousins, CD, her husband and two boys. At my suggestion, we headed to a fast-foodery where we could enclose the kiddos in a glassed-in play area and make an attempt at a "real conversation." (Whatever the heck that

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-91188815621631208532010-01-17T21:55:00.000-08:002010-01-17T22:08:46.281-08:00

Ever see motorcycles driving down the road, and they've got those little "trunks" on either side. Now, even though I don't know the technical term for these things, they look pretty convenient, something nice to have. Well, my body is shaped somewhat like that, with a little extra storage space down around the side and I'm gonna just say that it is anything but convenient. I am also 5'2". Now

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-18409120333689272532010-01-14T08:53:00.000-08:002010-01-14T12:04:10.806-08:00

I'm sitting here at the table side-by-side with Little Prince on "our" Macs with lots of thoughts in my head.1. How super cool/not cool is it that he picked up using the computer in about 5 minutes flat? He can sit and play Max & Ruby while I write to you, and we are bonding.2. That it is difficult, in this day we live in, not to begin a letter, a post or anything about me without saying, "The

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-73594954864266010112010-01-12T19:47:00.000-08:002010-01-14T21:20:47.246-08:00

My oldest two children love to play games together like puppies, reindeer (because it was Christmas of course), horses, etc. These require one of them to be tied by a sash, rope or any such implement and RUN all over the house. Well, as you all know we mothers cannot have children running around the house. Why? (All Queen Mothers together..."Someone is going to get hurt!") So, this

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-65318917220405667322010-01-11T21:48:00.001-08:002010-01-11T21:54:39.164-08:00

Before I go to bed tonight I have to post this or I will forget in the madness that is tomorrow. Sunday Night Conversation while preparing dinnerMe: "Daddy's Girl, just get out of the kitchen. I'm cold. I'm hungry. I'm just in a bad mood right now!"DG: "Well you shouldn't be. You just came from the house of Christ."

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-58238934556210522972010-01-11T11:47:00.000-08:002010-01-14T21:19:51.636-08:00

And so goes the process. If you've been reading as long a couple of hours, you have probably noticed I am obsessed with setting up this blog and moving things around. I'm far from finished and would love to hear your feedback and suggestions to be sure you time isn't wasted when you visit. Thanks for taking time away from what you do to read. Hope you enjoy!

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1889619392191303552.post-42593117817062167032010-01-10T15:23:00.001-08:002010-01-10T15:24:38.595-08:00

Just changed the template and have a lot of work to do. Please read for content rather than aesthetics. Gotta go.

Ms. Messhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18255026650544617957noreply@blogger.com1