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

Recipe #1

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 absolutely insane!!!).  And I do love an adventure, but golly...I am ready for some normal.  And not "our normal" as Mr. Wonderful said today, someone else with a much smoother, more predictable life, their "normal."  At least for a little while.

Anyway, if you will hang with me for a little bit longer, I will get it together. 

Oh who am I kidding?!

Waiting on the world to change...or just our address!

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!

Wednesday Love

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

The truth about this summer

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 of it all."  But alas, He has not.

This summer Mr. Wonderful and I also decided that it would be best for me to go back to work, and, for the first time since I have had kids, this did not completely destroy me.  So I began the job search alongside my husband.  And I truly believe that one of the reasons God brought me to this point was to create in me some level of grace and compassion for what Mr. Wonderful has been going through. 

Agh!

Job searching pretty much stinks.  Finding jobs, applying for jobs, interviewing for jobs, getting those company-logo-embossed letters from jobs telling you that you didn't get the job...it is exhausting and deflating to say the least.  And I am still not employed. 

So it was a summer of passing the time as cheaply as possible while waiting for something...anything, to happen.

And yelling.  A lot.

I realized that all my chipper attitude the first seven months of this journey was due in part to the fact that we stay so busy that I was too distracted to get down.  But summer, like a nosey neighbor, looked in every nook and cranny and nasty dark place in my heart and exposed it.  I was angry, depressed, grumpy and self-absorbed.  And I didn't care.

And then curiously, all of the sudden, my bad mood lifted.

School began. 

Activities were back in full swing.

The promise of weekends full of grilled fatty meat and melted cheese mixed with anything from a can suddenly soothed the savage beast.

I am again...distracted.  And I love it. 

I am back in a good place where I can honestly say that although we have only prospects of employment and our income does not match our expenses...God is good.  I am at peace with it, and I am amazed all the time at how God comes through in the most amazing ways to say, "I have not forgotten, nor will I ever forget you."

He has a plan, and it is beyond my understanding.  (Big shock, Him being God and me...not.)  It makes no sense to me whatsoever how my brilliant husband has not been snatched up to work in a career he is so gifted in (although I am very grateful for the work he does have, especially since it has created some lovely biceps-just sayin'.)  And it is beyond me why when I am ready and willing to work and have had interviews for jobs I am perfect for, I am still unemployed.  And it is just unbelievable to me that a family of five can exist for this long on so little and yet have full cabinets, refrigerator and freezer at all times. 

I can't wait to see what God has in store, because what He has been doing is unfathomable. 

Looking for input

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 even get fed if I take up one more past time.  However,  it looks like this Twitter thing might actually catch on, and it would probably behoove me to get on board.

So, as you know, when you twitter you much come up with a username. 

For me, this is a big deal.  Since it will be tied in with this blog, I don't want to use my name (for privacy sake).  I don't want to sound like a hillbilly, I'm not one of those gridiron-graduates who names their children after the school mascot and I hate to say it, but my entire identity is not just my (albeit very important and precious) role as a mother.

So Mr. Wonderful and I have labored over what my eternal username will be.  Which made me look at this blog.  @awomanamanandaminivan is just too long!  And anyway, I'm not completely crazy about the name, layout or format. 

Here is where you come in.  I need to know from you the readers and/or fellow bloggers.  Is it too late to change the name of my blog and my identity?  Is that like death to a blog?  I'm a pretty small blog after all. 

Your thoughts?

I didn't know laminate came in extra crunchy

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 your coffee and feel that crunch under your feet and you don't even have to look.
You know that what was 2 seconds ago a simple "lean over and pick up", is now a "get out the broom or dust buster."

No matter how much I sweep or vacuum, it is all in vain as my toddlers, like modern-day Hansel & Gretel, leave a trail of whatever snack they were consuming throughout the house.

I've tried to fight it, but I am convinced it is a battle I just won't win.  And they know it too, those little orange fish.  That's why they are smiling.

Marketing sells

(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 BOGO this week at Publix,
so I took a shot at it and I will say...pretty stinkin' good.

I mean, the chocolate doesn't taste just like chocolate, but the flakes are crunchy, sweet
and just chocolaty enough to get me over my craving.
I love to eat it without milk because, well, it lasts longer
and I need my snack to last through the entire show or at least 3/4 of my movie (testify?).  

So this little snack has captured my heart.
For about 120-150 calories I can munch away and not go to bed feeling completely defeated. 
Now I just need extra coupons,
because I have a feeling that this affection
is not going to wane anytime soon.
(hint, hint Kellogg's)

Wordless (Almost) Wednesday

Smile!

Momma told me to

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 little lower dear Momma and aim for a mildly entertaining blog.  Ok?

So bear with me and my ramblings.  I'm a UA graduate and a Bama football fan and around here when "Momma" speaks, you listen.

(Hush Momma...sometimes you listen.)

Father knows best.

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 memories of rides in his red truck on Saturdays listening to country music and just talking.   Lots of in-the-car-talking memories.  He was attentive, encouraging and affectionate.  He was a great lover of traditions and of relationships.  And the beach.  He was a confidant and adviser to many friends.  He was a coach in so many areas of life.  He was not perfect.  But love covers a multitude of sins, and he gave (and received) lots of it.  He loved Jesus and God's wisdom.  He was an amazing teacher.  He love me and adored Mr. Wonderful.  He went home to be with Jesus over 7 years ago and I cannot wait to see him again.

I had a precious maternal grandfather.  The phrase, "a prince among men", epitomized Grandaddy.  He was faithful.  He was humble.   He worked hard and always did his best.  He loved to laugh and it was infectious.  He had an amazing smile and it lives on through his daughter.  I inherited one of his Bibles and although he was not "preachy" with his words, the well-worn pages of the Book and the notes and highlights give testimony as to why his life was such a powerful sermon on living out the Gospel.  I have never known a man like him.  I will hug his neck right after I hug my Daddy's.

I have a fabulous paternal grandfather, Papa.  He has this great deep voice that is so comforting as he reads from the Gospel of Luke at Christmas and is quite intimidating when we did something that Papa didn't approve of.  He absolutely adores his great-grandchildren and is an active part of their life, filling in for the grandfather they are missing.  He is a patient listener to our problems and a consistent compass pointing us back to our Savior and God's Word.  He is a faithful prayer warrior and a fierce mexican dominoes player.  He works hard around the house and cooks a mean pot of cheese grits.  His presence in my life is one of God's greatest graces to me.  I treasure every minute I get to spend with him.

I have a tremendous father-in-law.  You read correctly.  I have been blessed with a fantastic relationship with my father-in-law.  He married me to Mr.  Wonderful. literally.  He buys me diamonds.  He calls me and says, "What do you think about driving to Florida?"  And he means me and the children.  And we go.  And we still like each other when we get back (even though it is about a 20 hour round trip.)  I remember his compassion on the phone the night Daddy died.  He understood.  He is tough and gruff, but mostly for show.  He is thoughtful and sensitive and delights in his grandchildren. And even though he acts like he's gonna let them have it if they don't walk the line, he wouldn't.  He loves his son and misses his wife.  He is a wonderful man who raised a wonderful son and I am thankful to call him "Dad."

My children's father is an unbelievable mix of all the above.  He is so very intentional about being the best he can be.  He is very much like my Daddy in that he doesn't quite understand what to do with early adolescence, but he is doing better than he thinks.  He makes time to play with the kids even when he would rather do something else.  He loves traditions (also, like my father) and time with his family.  He loves wisdom.  He is like my Grandaddy in that he's not "preachy" in his speech, but he lives out his faith and convictions.  He is a strong, secure presence like my Papa. 

But there are so many other things that make him amazing to me.  Like how he dances with Daddy's Girl at weddings.  How I get to see a glimpse of him as a child in Little Prince's sweet smile.  How even though he did NOT want to have more than two children, Sunshine delights him with her capricious nature and contagious smile.  He cares so deeply for all of us, and although most the time I am too close to notice all the wonderful things about him, he is the best husband and father we could ever ask for.

Of course there is one more father in my life, my heavenly Father.  All the good that I have experienced from each of my "father's" is only a hint of His love and grace and goodness.  Each of these men is flawed in some way.  We all are.  But my Heavenly Father is perfect, and He has never, nor will He ever disappoint me, hurt me, leave me, betray me or stop loving me. 

Thank you God for being my father and for surrounding me with more than I could ask for from the fathers in my life.  

10 Girlfriends Every Woman Should Have

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 later call and tell you that she has figured it out.  That women our age are hitting a certain peak and it is normal (however she will be all in your business if you go any further than noticing.)  I love her "after-she's-been-thinking" phone calls.

2.  That friend, who no matter how long you wait, will not tell you how good you look or smart you are or anything else like that because she knows that sometimes you need a good ol' dose of "get-over-thyself."

3.  That friend who has known you most of your life.  Has let you borrow underwear.  That dated your boyfriend and is still around long after he isn't.  Has stood at your wedding and you at hers.  Has traveled with you and still likes to hang around you.  Has maintained that friendship whether from states or countries away.  Who will always be your biggest fan and you, hers.

4.  That friend that will get up at 5:30am to go "run" with you (which actually turns out to be a brisk walk because if you run, you can't talk about your life, your husband, your kids, etc.)  That totally gets the insanity of your house and is at ease in the chaos thereby making you more at ease with the chaos. 

5.  That friend that will happily give you the very clothes out of her closet (that make your daughter think you are a rock star).  Who has lived with you and still enjoys hanging out with you.  Who, besides just being infinitely cooler than you are, is just an amazing person.  Who knows all sorts of confidentialities of your past life and will take them TO THE GRAVE.  Who tried to make you believe that guy was really into you in college, when you know the truth is he was just after her the whole time.

6.  That very thoughtful friend who reminds you to think of others first.  Who brings you fresh veggies and thinks that they don't make a difference to the challenges you are facing, when really they do.  And who is always thinking of new ways to be helpful.  Always.

7.  That young friend who makes you feel so much smarter than you know you are.  Whose enthusiasm for life is just infectious.  Who loves your kids and actually wants to hang out with you and your family and be a part of it.  Who reminds you that the "next generation" sometimes gets an undeserved bad rap.

8.  That friend that you never really seem to get to spend much time with, but always has the right thing to say at the right time.  Who is there to just make the path a little brighter.

9.  That slightly further-up-the-ladder friend who still paints her toenails blue/violet.  Tells you to shut up so your husband can hear God talking.  Constantly pushes you just a little further into looking at your true self than you really wanted to go.  That has been there, done that and can't wait for you to see the view from her rung.  And gives you books to read when she knows the only time you will be able to read them is on the toilet if you lock the door. (or I guess you could read instead of blogging.)

10.  That friend who has raised her children and now laughs at your stories as you raise yours.  Who injects wisdom and relief into your heart in the most gentle and effortless way.   Who despite the years difference, is an absolute kindred spirit. 


I hope you have these friends and more.  I do.  They are priceless.

There is no twelve step program...

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 watching.)

The premise is that this guy, Jay (played by Khan), is trying to get into the film industry, but hates working on the predictable love stories with which Bollywood is often associated.  The girl, Simran (played by Kapoor), is a set designer and is all about the love story.  (Basically, it is Mr. Wonderful and I, minus the film industry careers.)  Simran's betrothed, Raj, is the absolute perfect leading man in her own real life version.  Until (duhm, duhm, duhm) she meets Jay.  It is pretty much like most Hollywood chick-flicks, but with music and, did I mention,

 

Imran Khan.

I've been a big musical fan ever since I was a little girl.  I was raised on them.  And in Bollywood, it is all about the music and dance.  It's like the 30's and 40's in Hollywood for me all over again.  Of course Rosemary Clooney never bellydanced or wore a sari 

and Gene Kelly never smoldered or sang in Hindi.  

But anyway, here's a sample from the movie.  Judge for yourself.

20 Random Thoughts from a Mom Hopped up on Dt. Coke

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 been substituting olive oil.  Toss me with some lettuce and I'm a salad.

5.  I am loving the stage Daddy's Girl is in right now.  She is hilarious and loves to hang out with me.  Holding onto this stage with Chuck Norris fierceness.

6.  My husband's current employment has begun taking effect on his body.  In a good way.  I may never let him go back to a desk job.

7.  My husband's current employment has begun taking effect on his body.  In a bad way.  It is possible that he will be using a walker before he is 45.

8.  I am so glad that blogger randomly saves your post or else this one would have been history.  You may not be so grateful.

9.  I think of about 5 different things to blog about everyday, but by the time everyone is in bed I cannot write my own name.

10.  Every time I have been in Target lately the guy that gets in line behind me is one of those that makes you involuntarily go, "Oh.  My!"  Involuntarily.  I may not go to Target anymore. 

11.  There is no point in vacuuming anymore.  Instead I think I will just get up in the morning and sprinkle crushed cereal or goldfish all over the carpets.

12.  Mr. Wonderful installed a chain lock on the back door without being prodded.  I love him more every time I look at it.

13.  It appears I am going back to work, and I can't figure out how to work miracles on a grocery budget or knows all the tricks for removing red dirt stains into my resume.  I also know the exact amount of holding time a diaper has before it leaks and I can drive to Florida and back with only one hand on the wheel and the other serving snacks and beverages to all the passengers in coach of the minivan like the most talented airline attendant, however that has not appeared on any of the job descriptions I have seen.

14.  I would not stomp my feet and huff near as much if God would just SHOW me the plan.

15.  God does not have to SHOW me the plan.

16.  Mom's of preschoolers can only tan their arms.  Never their legs.  Even when in a bathing suit.

17.  I carefully guarding my birthday money until my dear friend/college roomate/stylist can get to town to help me shop.  I do not trust myself.

18.  There are moments of brilliant discoveries every day.  My friend just told me that BullFrog has a sunscreen/bugspray combo.  This deserves some sort of award.

19. While looking at a job application, I was asked to fill in the month/DAY/and year for each of my past employment start and stop dates.  Are you kidding me?  I couldn't remember Little Prince and Sunshine's birthdates while filling out paperwork the other day.  Seriously. 

20.  You may or may not know I have an obsession with India and Indian movies, but you must know that when my little stats domaflodger tells me that I have had people from India view my blog I am absolutely euphoric!  Shout out!

I have missed writing.  I still have Dt. Coke left.  See you soon!

A question for you to answer

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 Tuscaloosa?

Obsession in a Box

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 or artichoke dip to give it a little zip.

No longer.  

Now the little one dimensional cube stands completely on its own. 

I mean, as if Parmesan wasn't enough...basil!!!!!  Hands down my favorite herb!   

God bless the Italians for combining it with so many yummy ingredients.

And God bless Nabisco for churning out box after box and to the truck fleet that drives them to the store and to the cracker stackers that put them on the shelves....you get the idea.

Anyway, they are good.  We think you should like them too.

Does Rachel Ray have a recipe for lamb shank?

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 Sunshine and a few little things for their baskets.  I finally got all of my necessities for our Passover Seder even though we officially should have observed last night and The Prince of Egypt happened to show up from Netflix today, perfect timing.

I absolutely love symbolism.  God speaks to me daily through object lessons and parables and I for that reason I am absolutely in love with Passover.  There is so much involved and it is really beautiful.
 However, I have had to lower my expectations as to how expansive our little family observance will be.  First of all, I didn't find a family friendly "script" for it last year and have been busy the past 364 days since and didn't write my own.  (On the list for next year.)

Plus, I am dealing with an elementary age child and a husband who likes to just cut to the chase about things and deal in black and white, simple facts.  No flowery imagery or digging deep to get to the marrow of things, just the simple Truth.  (Please don't mistake that for a backhanded insult Mr. Wonderful, but you would admit that is true.)  And folks, Passover, it is all about imagery. 

But tonight was really very beautiful.  Daddy's Girl, who is much like her father in her love for short, sweet explanations, was really excited to help me set the table and was very reverent as she listened and participated in the observance.  At the end of the Seder, we asked what hymn or praise song she would like to sing and she suggested "Jesus Loves Me." It was about that time that we had an "escapee" from the nursery join us and we all sang together.  After that Mr. Wonderful prayed and we were done.  No great drawn out service or anything.  Just a simple remembrance of a very beautiful story that has woven itself into our very lives.

So for all the lack of planning and the insanity of this house, it was a great night, 

I loved it and I am looking forward to the rest of this week as we celebrate:

a God that stuffed Himself into mortality

and dwelt with us in our rank condition

and sacrificed His life and poured out His blood of infinite worth

so that I, a very worthless creature in my own right,

could sit with Him at His royal table forever and ever and ever

because that brings Him great joy!
(Phil. 2:8, John 1:14, Rev. 5:9, Rom. 7:24, Rev. 19:9, Heb. 12:2-my interpretation)

Randomness is a state of my mind

(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 picked at me about my random zealous nature. It is true. I become interested in something and it transforms me into an obsessed lunatic. Mountain climbing, becoming a train-hopping hobo, writing (a blog, an article, the next great American novel, whatever), cake decorating, crocheting, sewing, blogging, repurposing, baking, running...so many interests have come and gone. I wonder if I will ever settle on just one or if it is my personal make-up to just float from interest to interest forever.




(3) caffine
It is not my friend.  Besides the fact that I don't need to be any more "hopped-up" than I am, all of the sudden it leaves me feeling quite hung over.  I don't like this at all.  I have never had a Red Bull and am pretty sure I never will as it will leave me absolutely ruined (after a 5-hour cleaning rampage).

(4)control
I like it.  I don't have it.  Learning to live with the fact. 

Dramatic Pause

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 relationships, just...waiting. Cautious about every purchase and decision because we are...waiting. Kind of like a bumblebee, I hover.

So some days my general attitude is...

Dear God, it's me the Queen Mother.
I'm sure you are aware, but I just wanted to re-emphasize the fact
that I am a horrible "wait-er."
I'm not good at being still. I don't like quiet. I enjoy some level of busy frenzy.
And as You Yourselves know, I can't stand it when Mr. Wonderful doesn't converse with me. Those times when I need to verbally process what is going on and he really just has nothing to contribute, I hate that.
And well to be perfectly honest, I am not a big fan of when You do that either.
So even if nothing is changing immediately,
it would be great if You could just give me an idea of when it might change.
Do not get me wrong, You are an amazing provider.
Every day, week, month that rolls by You show up and show off in the most amazing ways. And we are truly grateful.
But I just have one childish question to ask, "Are we there yet?"

I am completely aware that this not an attitude that will win me any admiration from anyone with any marked maturity. But there are days when it is what it is.

Life is awkward right now. There is no scope beyond today.
Which I suppose is really the point.

So, if I can learn to make the most of the present not worrying about what I will do tomorrow, I will have accomplished something truly great, because it is so ingrained in my nature to "need" to know what my 5 day, 5 week, 5 month, 5 year outlook is. And I base so many decisions on what I know.

But right now I know nothing, which places me in a state of absolute dependence on God and His provision and His direction.

The problem is, I am not practiced in the discipline of "listen and follow." I am really good at "access the situation and make your plans." Great at "keep trying new things and surely something will work." But being still and listening for the voice saying "this is the way, go in it," I am not a champ.

But tough times are supposed to be times of growth. And as I said when we embarked (albeit involuntarily) on this "journey," I don't want to come out of it unchanged.

So that buzzing in your ears...that's me...hovering. Please don't swat.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

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 narrow and yet hard-core list of demands.

So by the time what is left of me gets to the time that is left, there is nothing left in me that makes any sense whatsoever. That is, if there is anything left in me at all.

But like a kid at a pet store, I can't resist tapping on the glass and seeing if you turn around and respond. It is just so darned fascinating to me that you can make connections with people you may never meet. And that people who have to listen to you all the time, might still be interested in what is on your mind.

It may not be my best material. But until Daddy's Girl gets her own house or Little Prince learns to eat whatever is set down in front of him without meltdown, it's the best I've got to offer. Thanks for turning around.