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<?xml-stylesheet type="text/xsl" media="screen" href="/~d/styles/rss2full.xsl"?><?xml-stylesheet type="text/css" media="screen" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~d/styles/itemcontent.css"?><rss xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:openSearch="http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearch/1.1/" xmlns:georss="http://www.georss.org/georss" xmlns:gd="http://schemas.google.com/g/2005" xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0" xmlns:feedburner="http://rssnamespace.org/feedburner/ext/1.0" version="2.0"><channel><atom:id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2843301602742971212</atom:id><lastBuildDate>Sat, 20 Aug 2011 12:32:16 +0000</lastBuildDate><category>cooking</category><category>sad</category><category>me</category><category>injuries</category><category>funny</category><category>stress</category><category>sickness</category><category>Christmas</category><category>politics</category><category>Mike</category><category>MS</category><category>happy</category><category>school</category><category>dog</category><category>confessions</category><category>stupidity</category><category>pointless</category><category>WW</category><category>Maeve</category><category>griping</category><category>religion</category><category>Braden</category><category>fear</category><category>work</category><category>peeves</category><category>kids</category><title>Being Maeve's Mom</title><description /><link>http://maevesmom.blogspot.com/</link><managingEditor>noreply@blogger.com (Maeve's Mom)</managingEditor><generator>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>99</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>25</openSearch:itemsPerPage><atom10:link xmlns:atom10="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/BeingMaevesMom" /><feedburner:info uri="beingmaevesmom" /><atom10:link xmlns:atom10="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" rel="hub" href="http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/" /><feedburner:browserFriendly></feedburner:browserFriendly><item><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2843301602742971212.post-5068744510629282183</guid><pubDate>Thu, 18 Nov 2010 22:06:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2010-11-18T16:10:25.940-06:00</atom:updated><title>I Just Threw Up in My Mouth</title><description>Hello blog world!  I know I have not posted in forever, but I have continued reading my favorite blogs.  Today I stumbled across &lt;a href="http://www.alittlepregnant.com/alittlepregnant/2010/11/frass.html"&gt;this post&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;OMG-yesterday I killed a moth in my kitchen.  I have seen a few moths in my house lately.  I honestly thought they were coming in from the back porch when we open the door to let the dog in and out.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Now....I'm thinking that my pantry may be infested with moths.  I'm too nauseous and overwhelmed to even look in there.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Guess what I'm doing this weekend....&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2843301602742971212-5068744510629282183?l=maevesmom.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><link>http://maevesmom.blogspot.com/2010/11/i-just-threw-up-in-my-mouth.html</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Maeve's Mom)</author><thr:total>1</thr:total></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2843301602742971212.post-17369160227050065</guid><pubDate>Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:48:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2010-02-23T16:50:13.722-06:00</atom:updated><title>A Blessing and a Curse</title><description>Staying home with a sick kid can be both.  On the one hand I got to work on my couch and catch up on my TV while doing so (yes, I &lt;span style="font-style: italic;"&gt;am&lt;/span&gt; great at multi-tasking).  On the other hand, it is 11 minutes to 5 and I am just now thinking of taking a shower.  I did brush my teeth this morning (I'm pretty sure). &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Apropos of nothing, my dog stinks and I do not want to lift her 50+ pound butt into the bathtub.  But, if I'm going to maybe that should be before the shower?&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2843301602742971212-17369160227050065?l=maevesmom.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><link>http://maevesmom.blogspot.com/2010/02/blessing-and-curse.html</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Maeve's Mom)</author><thr:total>2</thr:total></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2843301602742971212.post-7102254612435456884</guid><pubDate>Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:59:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2010-02-07T23:05:26.607-06:00</atom:updated><title>Weekend</title><description>This weekend was really, really nice.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Friday night: purse/accessories party at &lt;a href="http://bunslife.blogspot.com/"&gt;Bun's&lt;/a&gt; house, got an adorable lime green Coach purse and matching wallet.  Got to hang out and drink with the girls-including &lt;a href="http://nogainnoloss.blogspot.com/"&gt;Farrell&lt;/a&gt; (and Bun's husband).  Bonus: Mike did not complain about the money I spent.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Saturday: spent the AM laying around watching cartoons with B, talked to Sam on the phone, played Wii bowling with the kids.  Then, got to go on a real date with Mike: dinner at cheesecake factory, movie (Sherlock Holmes) then took cheesecake home and watched SNL together.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Sunday: slept until 10:30am!   Laundry, homework, Super Bowl.  About to head to bed now and my house is actually kind-of picked up AND I ran the vacuum today.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;My life may not be exciting, but this weekend made me truly happy!  Hope you all had a good one too.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2843301602742971212-7102254612435456884?l=maevesmom.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><link>http://maevesmom.blogspot.com/2010/02/weekend.html</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Maeve's Mom)</author><thr:total>2</thr:total></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2843301602742971212.post-4234795684790365289</guid><pubDate>Sat, 06 Feb 2010 20:29:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2010-02-06T14:33:56.680-06:00</atom:updated><title>Good News (which I totally think I deserve)...</title><description>So, finally some good news this week!  I was going through mail today, and paying bills, and other stuff that makes me tense, when I got to an envelope from our mortgage company: a thick envelope.  I opened it, hesitantly, because I still assume that all money-related mail is bad news.  It was the annual escrow disbursement statement thingy.  You know, where they tell you what's in your escrow account, and what they anticipate going out for the next year and where they usually end with "your new mortgage payment is $xxx" (which in my experience has always been slightly higher than last years, sometimes by just a few dollars, but still)... Anyway, this letter went on to say that our payment was going DOWN (by a whopping $17 a month, but still).  But, the best was yet to come.  At the bottom of the letter was a check for $269.00.  So, not only is my payment going down, but I have an unexpected bit of cash.  Of course, I just blew that on new phones, but it is still exciting because I was planning for the new phones with or without that check.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Hooray for unexpected money in the mail! &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Oh, also, I get to go on a date with Mike tonight while the kids go to gymnastics camp.  So far this is shaping up to be a pretty awesome weekend.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2843301602742971212-4234795684790365289?l=maevesmom.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><link>http://maevesmom.blogspot.com/2010/02/good-news-which-i-totally-think-i.html</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Maeve's Mom)</author><thr:total>1</thr:total></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2843301602742971212.post-8643667389473175349</guid><pubDate>Sat, 30 Jan 2010 01:32:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2010-01-29T19:39:22.980-06:00</atom:updated><title>Deep Breath In....</title><description>I feel like I can't end the week on such an unpleasant note.  My last post was pretty depressing.  This morning I woke up (as late as humanly possible with the kids still having to go to school) and took a deep breath.  I decided to just do my best to make it through the day.  To accomplish what I could, to try not to worry.  I got the kids dressed and to school on time, with their 100 days projects.  Then, I came home and ate breakfast, took a shower and drove to work.  I worked on one project at a time, no internet breaks, no music, just concentration.  And, you know what?  I got a lot done.  I'm not caught up by any means, but I got a lot done.  Before I left I made a fresh to-do list and piled tons of stuff in my work bag.  At this point I can do my job from anywhere with wi-fi.  So, if my grandmother dies and I have to run off to Michigan for the funeral I can take my work with me.  The kids are on the mend, and so am I.  The money situation is going to cost of $250 less than I originally thought (which is some good news at least).  I will continue to take deep breaths and try to relax this weekend.  It will all be ok. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Plus, the cleaning lady comes on Monday, so that's good news, right?&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2843301602742971212-8643667389473175349?l=maevesmom.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><link>http://maevesmom.blogspot.com/2010/01/deep-breath-in.html</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Maeve's Mom)</author><thr:total>0</thr:total></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2843301602742971212.post-8711262744037905599</guid><pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:43:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2010-01-27T18:45:22.773-06:00</atom:updated><title>Sh*t (Am I Allowed To Swear On My Own Blog)?</title><description>Today sucks.  I am sick, both kids are sick.  I have laid on the couch and done nothing except read a book.  I am behind at work, my grandmother is dying, an unexpected situation is costing Mike and I some major bucks (that we can't spare right now). &lt;br /&gt;I need some happy news today.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Sorry to be complaining, just had to get it out.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2843301602742971212-8711262744037905599?l=maevesmom.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><link>http://maevesmom.blogspot.com/2010/01/sht-am-i-allowed-to-swear-on-my-own.html</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Maeve's Mom)</author><thr:total>3</thr:total></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2843301602742971212.post-2757436293307872156</guid><pubDate>Tue, 19 Jan 2010 01:36:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2010-01-18T19:37:02.478-06:00</atom:updated><category domain="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#">me</category><category domain="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#">pointless</category><category domain="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#">funny</category><title>Brief, But Funny</title><description>I just realized I only shaved one armpit this morning.  I know I was in a hurry (had to get out of the house for the cleaning lady) but I don't think I've ever done that before.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2843301602742971212-2757436293307872156?l=maevesmom.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><link>http://maevesmom.blogspot.com/2010/01/brief-but-funny.html</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Maeve's Mom)</author><thr:total>2</thr:total></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2843301602742971212.post-1771207711725611126</guid><pubDate>Wed, 13 Jan 2010 23:18:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2010-01-13T17:32:09.720-06:00</atom:updated><category domain="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#">pointless</category><title>Because I Resolved To Get Back To Blogging....</title><description>I really have nothing profound to say today (just like every other day, really).  But, I did promise myself I would get back to blogging, and I don't think one post, over a week ago, is going to cut it for 2010. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;So...a song from The Sound of Music has been stuck in my head;  that one about whiskers, and roses, mittens, and such.  In a vain attempt to purge that song from my brain I will now list for you some of MY favorite things.  Feel free to tell me some of yours in the comments (if anyone is even reading this drivel).&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;These are a few of my favorite things.....&lt;br /&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Braden's smile&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;People asking me if Maeve's hair is natural (it is, I'm too lazy to dye my own hair, why would I get highlights for my 7-year-old?)&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Rainstorms (that one seems very Julie Andrews-like)&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Walking the dog in the early morning when the moon is still out&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Ice cream&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Fountain Diet Coke (especially from McDonald's)&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Mike's shoulder muscles&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Old Navy fleece PJ pants&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Text messages from my friend "Sam" (name has been changed to protect the innocent). &lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Cleavage&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Going to the library alone&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Hair that requires zero effort to look good&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;High-heeled wedge shoes (so comfy, yet so slimming to the legs)&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Buxom lip gloss from Bare Escentuals&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;My mom (she is 19 kinds of awesome)&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;Your turn, what are your favorite things?&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2843301602742971212-1771207711725611126?l=maevesmom.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><link>http://maevesmom.blogspot.com/2010/01/because-i-resolved-to-get-back-to.html</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Maeve's Mom)</author><thr:total>3</thr:total></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2843301602742971212.post-394833546687253295</guid><pubDate>Mon, 04 Jan 2010 04:48:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2010-01-04T14:36:02.393-06:00</atom:updated><title>Unforgettable</title><description>&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sS6tnTxcl5s/S0JQ1mF9CfI/AAAAAAAAAIk/4RRC-_VAdFg/s1600-h/family.JPG"&gt;&lt;img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 253px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sS6tnTxcl5s/S0JQ1mF9CfI/AAAAAAAAAIk/4RRC-_VAdFg/s320/family.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422985782996306418" border="0" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I know I haven't posted in a long time, and I'll talk about why in another post.  Right now, I want to right a post that will help me remember.  This weekend, January 2nd to be exact, I had the honor, and pleasure of being in my friend Stephanie's wedding.  The kids were also in the wedding.  So much happened, and it was so busy, but also so beautiful, and unique and breathtaking.  Maeve and Braden were the flower girl and ring bearer.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;There are many things about that day that seem unforgettable right now, but I know how my brain works.  So, I want to document all the best moments right now, while they are fresh in my mind.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Unforgettable moments from the Varnon-Hughes Wedding:&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;1) I had my first nosebleed (ever) after I got my hair done, while driving my car.  Needless to say I was not happy.  But, it still counts as unforgettable.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;2) Stephanie was the happiest bride I have ever seen.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;3) We had our picture taken under the arch.  Temperature-12 degrees!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;4) Before the wedding we were toasting in the dressing room.  Stephanie's little sister said "Remember, honeymoon is a state of mind, it can last as long as you want it to".  I thought that was awesome!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sS6tnTxcl5s/S0JOcZWuU6I/AAAAAAAAAH0/UT_IxEzeN8U/s1600-h/toast.JPG"&gt;&lt;img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sS6tnTxcl5s/S0JOcZWuU6I/AAAAAAAAAH0/UT_IxEzeN8U/s320/toast.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422983151056999330" border="0" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;5) My mom (the best mom ever) was downstairs lint-rolling all the maids' dresses.  She truly is a blessing in my life and more than one lady told me she wished her mom were that great!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;6) My friend Jennifer was also in the wedding, I don't get to see nearly enough of her.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sS6tnTxcl5s/S0JOw1x3uUI/AAAAAAAAAH8/IuKuV8jysF8/s1600-h/amy_and_jennifer.JPG"&gt;&lt;img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 253px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sS6tnTxcl5s/S0JOw1x3uUI/AAAAAAAAAH8/IuKuV8jysF8/s320/amy_and_jennifer.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422983502284437826" border="0" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;7) The &lt;a href="http://freshartphotography.com/"&gt;photographers&lt;/a&gt; were amazing and took some really incredible pictures.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;8) Someone told me Maeve looked ethereal, like something out of A Midsummer Night's Dream.  I think I agree....&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sS6tnTxcl5s/S0JPmgWQtyI/AAAAAAAAAIE/tXwkgf9B7YI/s1600-h/maeve.JPG"&gt;&lt;img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sS6tnTxcl5s/S0JPmgWQtyI/AAAAAAAAAIE/tXwkgf9B7YI/s320/maeve.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422984424244426530" border="0" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;9) Braden loved dancing with Stephanie at the reception.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sS6tnTxcl5s/S0JPyz6HMlI/AAAAAAAAAIM/-VHTlXzYkIQ/s1600-h/steph_b_dancing.JPG"&gt;&lt;img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 305px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sS6tnTxcl5s/S0JPyz6HMlI/AAAAAAAAAIM/-VHTlXzYkIQ/s320/steph_b_dancing.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422984635653501522" border="0" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I feel truly blessed to have been a part of Matt and Stephanie's special day.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sS6tnTxcl5s/S0JQbgkNnPI/AAAAAAAAAIU/VwZvGEJWSY8/s1600-h/amy_and_braden.JPG"&gt;&lt;img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 154px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sS6tnTxcl5s/S0JQbgkNnPI/AAAAAAAAAIU/VwZvGEJWSY8/s320/amy_and_braden.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422985334836010226" border="0" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sS6tnTxcl5s/S0JQnPAdMnI/AAAAAAAAAIc/baRoWjE6kN8/s1600-h/maeve_b_dancing.JPG"&gt;&lt;img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sS6tnTxcl5s/S0JQnPAdMnI/AAAAAAAAAIc/baRoWjE6kN8/s320/maeve_b_dancing.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422985536281064050" border="0" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2843301602742971212-394833546687253295?l=maevesmom.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><link>http://maevesmom.blogspot.com/2010/01/unforgettable.html</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Maeve's Mom)</author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sS6tnTxcl5s/S0JQ1mF9CfI/AAAAAAAAAIk/4RRC-_VAdFg/s72-c/family.JPG" height="72" width="72" /><thr:total>7</thr:total></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2843301602742971212.post-3032918796673596154</guid><pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2009 21:34:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2009-09-12T16:37:31.359-05:00</atom:updated><category domain="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#">Mike</category><category domain="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#">MS</category><title>Cane Update</title><description>I did not really buy the bull pen1s cane.  I went with this instead.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sS6tnTxcl5s/SqwUOkIkBiI/AAAAAAAAAHs/JzvvsXTKA9U/s1600-h/3451.jpg"&gt;&lt;img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 218px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sS6tnTxcl5s/SqwUOkIkBiI/AAAAAAAAAHs/JzvvsXTKA9U/s400/3451.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380697895251215906" border="0" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I will try to convince Mike that House is sexy (what, I kind of think he is)...therefore, Mike with a cane will be sexy (OK, I doubt it will actually be sexy, but it will be safe at least).  I hope it gets here soon.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2843301602742971212-3032918796673596154?l=maevesmom.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><link>http://maevesmom.blogspot.com/2009/09/cane-update.html</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Maeve's Mom)</author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sS6tnTxcl5s/SqwUOkIkBiI/AAAAAAAAAHs/JzvvsXTKA9U/s72-c/3451.jpg" height="72" width="72" /><thr:total>1</thr:total></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2843301602742971212.post-4516642799130916302</guid><pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2009 20:13:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2009-09-11T15:16:30.885-05:00</atom:updated><title>A Good Old-Fashioned Caning</title><description>Mike needs to use a walking cane.  Of course he won't 'cuz he's too cool (whatever).  But he has been tripping and falling more lately so I have decided to buy him one and give it to him (translation: hit him over the head with it and force him to use it).  Of course, he's too cool for the gray metal drugstore cane.  So, I've been shopping online.  I think I've found the &lt;a href="http://www.fashionablecanes.com/Bull_Organ_Penis_Walking_cane.html"&gt;perfect thing....&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It's awesome, right?  Seriously, who thinks of these things.  But, if I buy him a cane and he doesn't use it I'm getting him this as punishment.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2843301602742971212-4516642799130916302?l=maevesmom.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><link>http://maevesmom.blogspot.com/2009/09/good-old-fashioned-caning.html</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Maeve's Mom)</author><thr:total>2</thr:total></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2843301602742971212.post-816880950177151144</guid><pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:11:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2009-09-09T07:17:20.421-05:00</atom:updated><category domain="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#">funny</category><category domain="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#">sad</category><title>Sad</title><description>I am alone in a hotel room in Springfield, Missouri.  Why I am here is sad, and I'll get to that in a moment.  But, what I wanted to tell you all first is that I am alone, in a hotel, it is quiet, it is dark, I don't have to be anywhere until this afternoon, I could have slept as late as I wanted to.  I set the alarm for 9:00am just in case.  But, I have been awake since 6:15!  6:15!  I tossed and turned and tried to go back to sleep for about 30 minutes, then I gave up and got up.  I have officially turned into one of those people that cannot sleep in.   Two and a half weeks of waking up early to walk the dog has already changed me (the good news is those walks have already changed how my pants fit too)!  So, I wanted you all to take a minute to mourn my ability to sleep in, it seems to have passed.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;On a more serious note, I am in Springfield for a funeral.  A good friend from my high school/college days lost his wife last week.  She was only 39 years old.  She had a aneurysm and spend about a month in the hospital getting better, then worse, then better....quite the roller coaster. They have a 12-year-old son and my heart breaks for both of them.  So, keep them in your thoughts and prayers today. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Hopefully all this getting up early will mean that I can work on posting more consistently and maybe you'll hear from me more than once a month.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2843301602742971212-816880950177151144?l=maevesmom.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><link>http://maevesmom.blogspot.com/2009/09/sad.html</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Maeve's Mom)</author><thr:total>1</thr:total></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2843301602742971212.post-5718511783775542675</guid><pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:22:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2009-08-27T15:33:17.929-05:00</atom:updated><category domain="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#">dog</category><title>Addition</title><description>The Reily Family has a brand new addition to our home.  Meet Buttons.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sS6tnTxcl5s/SpbrUQsSpTI/AAAAAAAAAHc/kdhdHtGGh4E/s1600-h/thumb_buttons.jpg"&gt;&lt;img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 80px; height: 80px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sS6tnTxcl5s/SpbrUQsSpTI/AAAAAAAAAHc/kdhdHtGGh4E/s320/thumb_buttons.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374741938623915314" border="0" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Buttons is a one-year old shepherd mix we adopted from Stray Rescue.  We spend a long time looking for just the right dog for our family.  But, because I am always right, I must point out that when perusing the Stray Rescue website Buttons was my favorite from the get-go.  She is adorable and her description sounded like just what we were looking for.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;We first met Buttons on Sunday, August 16th.  When she got to our house she immediately wanted us all to pet her.  She didn't try to get on furniture, or jump up on us.  L, her foster mom, suggested leaving her with us for a few hours.  After she came back to get her that evening Mike and I talked it over.  She was the only dog we had seen/met that we all liked.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;So, the following Friday L brought Buttons back to us for a Rent-A-Pet weekend.  This is where Stray Rescue brings you the dog, food, leash, toys, etc and you keep them for a weekend (or longer) to see how they fit with your family.  Buttons fits perfectly.  Sunday evening I called L and told her we weren't giving her back!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sS6tnTxcl5s/SpbsRfULMNI/AAAAAAAAAHk/orfZw3Cewhg/s1600-h/buttons.jpg"&gt;&lt;img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sS6tnTxcl5s/SpbsRfULMNI/AAAAAAAAAHk/orfZw3Cewhg/s320/buttons.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374742990521315538" border="0" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;So far Buttons is a dream.  At night and while we are gone she is baby-gated in the kitchen.  She has a blanket in there she loves to lay on and she seems happy to be there.  She loves me the best and I take her for a (fast-paced) 30 minute walk in the morning.  This is great because I could use the exercise! &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;She has two downfalls.  One, she won't potty on a leash. So, she has to potty in the backyard and I have to see where she pooped so I can get it cleaned up right away.  I don't want a yard full of doggie-doo.  Two, she has mange.  That's right, we adopted a mangy mutt.  She has the kind that is not contagious.  She was treated and recovered once and it relapsed (this happens in 50% of cases).  She is being treated again and it is 80% likely to work this time.  But, even with some bald spots (mostly on her tummy and nose) we love her anyway!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2843301602742971212-5718511783775542675?l=maevesmom.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><link>http://maevesmom.blogspot.com/2009/08/addition.html</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Maeve's Mom)</author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sS6tnTxcl5s/SpbrUQsSpTI/AAAAAAAAAHc/kdhdHtGGh4E/s72-c/thumb_buttons.jpg" height="72" width="72" /><thr:total>3</thr:total></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2843301602742971212.post-8125748833986840887</guid><pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:11:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2009-08-26T07:34:59.887-05:00</atom:updated><category domain="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#">kids</category><category domain="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#">funny</category><title>She Has That Bong...</title><description>We got a new dog last weekend.  Her name is Buttons.  This morning Braden and Maeve were lamenting the fact that she only has a few toys.  They were arguing too.  Maeve said two, Braden said three.  Maeve pointed to the two on the floor and said "see, two".  Braden said "She also has that bong."  He meant Kong, but I had to bite my lip not to laugh.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2843301602742971212-8125748833986840887?l=maevesmom.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><link>http://maevesmom.blogspot.com/2009/08/she-has-that-bong.html</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Maeve's Mom)</author><thr:total>3</thr:total></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2843301602742971212.post-2731563799371419308</guid><pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:48:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2009-08-24T10:55:16.661-05:00</atom:updated><category domain="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#">me</category><category domain="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#">pointless</category><title>Sometimes I Think....</title><description>Sometimes I think either a) I'm nuts or b) I'm not meant to live this life.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I want to spend mine and Mike's hard-earned money on&lt;a href="http://www.ralphlauren.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=3449797&amp;amp;ab=global_cyo"&gt;  this.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I actually spent part of my morning looking at cute monogrammed polos for the kids.  Better yet, purple with yellow stitching for Maeve and yellow with "hunter purple" stitching for Braden.  You know, so they can wear them to school for Purple &amp;amp; Gold Day!  I'm pretty sure these shirts were not intended to be worn inside of a public school.  But, they are irresistible cute to me, and I'm not a brand-wh0re, I don't like to pay over $30 for my own jeans.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;In my fantasy world the kids can wear these on the yacht, or to the Hamptons. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I now open myself up to your ridicule, go ahead, I deserve it.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2843301602742971212-2731563799371419308?l=maevesmom.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><link>http://maevesmom.blogspot.com/2009/08/sometimes-i-think.html</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Maeve's Mom)</author><thr:total>6</thr:total></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2843301602742971212.post-8604692632568030770</guid><pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:30:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2009-07-31T08:32:13.096-05:00</atom:updated><category domain="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#">me</category><category domain="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#">stupidity</category><title>Safe</title><description>An update from my post below: I refused to look at my bank balance yesterday, and wrote checks at two grocery stores (in case my card got declined).  I checked this morning and I'm all clear, the mortgage did not post yesterday. And, since Mike and I both got paid today our accout is flush again.  But, lesson learned, I will use online banking, I promise.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2843301602742971212-8604692632568030770?l=maevesmom.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><link>http://maevesmom.blogspot.com/2009/07/safe.html</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Maeve's Mom)</author><thr:total>2</thr:total></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2843301602742971212.post-7967403182945414914</guid><pubDate>Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:28:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2009-07-30T07:35:53.547-05:00</atom:updated><category domain="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#">me</category><category domain="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#">stupidity</category><title>Russian Roulette</title><description>I get paid on the last working day of every month.   Mike gets paid every Friday.  So, tomorrow's a big day for us (31st, Friday, also the 5th Friday in July)....for a brief moment we're going to have oodles of money. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Since I'm taking the week off next week and want to be able to relax and enjoy myself, I went ahead and wrote checks for all the bills we have and dropped them in the mail on Tuesday.  I was (stupidly) thinking that few to none of them would get where they were going, and hit my bank, before Friday.  I just checked my account and one has already hit (my car payment, which just gets mailed to Belleville).  Sh*t!  I wasn't planning for that.  So, now I will spend the rest of the day holding my breath hoping my mortgage check does not hit the bank before my paycheck.  I keep telling myself that even if it does the bank will (hopefully) pay it and charge me $25.  I also keep telling myself that surely it will take 2 days for mail to get to Kentucky and another day for the mortage company to post the check.  Right?  RIGHT? &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I know, I know, I could have may bills taken out automatically.  Ironically, writing the checks makes me feel more in control. I can pay the bills when I want too.  You know, like when I don't actually have money in my account.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;All right, everyone keep your fingers crossed for me.  I don't want to be that idiot who bounced her mortgage check because she jumped the gun sending it.  Maybe I'll just ignore my bank account until tomorrow morning......&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2843301602742971212-7967403182945414914?l=maevesmom.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><link>http://maevesmom.blogspot.com/2009/07/russian-roulette.html</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Maeve's Mom)</author><thr:total>1</thr:total></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2843301602742971212.post-3745006962036134156</guid><pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2009 02:32:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2009-06-18T21:34:11.544-05:00</atom:updated><category domain="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#">Maeve</category><title>2.5</title><description>2.5: That is the number of hours Maeve and her friends (and their babysitter) spent in the pool today.  They were in heaven.  I was working from home so I joined them for a while.  It was so much fun to see 5 kids having a great time, getting along, getting exercise and having so much fun.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The downside?  Maeve's cheeks and nose are pink despite my liberal application of sunscreen.  I hope they don't hurt her tomorrow.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2843301602742971212-3745006962036134156?l=maevesmom.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><link>http://maevesmom.blogspot.com/2009/06/25_18.html</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Maeve's Mom)</author><thr:total>0</thr:total></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2843301602742971212.post-1909184174795105707</guid><pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:09:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2009-06-16T16:15:24.576-05:00</atom:updated><category domain="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#">me</category><category domain="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#">peeves</category><title>4-22</title><description>4: that is the number of days until Braden's birthday party.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;22: That is the number of people/families who have not yet RSVP'ed.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;If you'll &lt;a href="http://maevesmom.blogspot.com/2008/07/rsvp.html"&gt;recall from last year&lt;/a&gt;, I have a serious hang-up about RSVPs.  I don't know why people can't just pick up the phone and call.  And, don't you all comment with that "if they don't RSVP, they aren't coming" BS. On more than one occassion I have had kids show up to parties who never responded (well, their parents didn't).   Don't these parents ever have parties?  How am I supposed to plan cupcakes and goodie bags when I don't know if I should expect 14 kids or 36 kids?  Sigh, I hate this part of parties....it's why I don't shop or prep anything until Friday, at least by then I figure I have the most accurate headcount I'm going to get.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2843301602742971212-1909184174795105707?l=maevesmom.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><link>http://maevesmom.blogspot.com/2009/06/4-22.html</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Maeve's Mom)</author><thr:total>1</thr:total></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2843301602742971212.post-3618033060186473604</guid><pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2009 21:08:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2009-06-15T16:19:03.027-05:00</atom:updated><title>25</title><description>Twenty-five.  That is the number of months my sister has been sick.   I'm not going to go into what she's sick with.  Some of you who know me IRL already know, my sister writes about it on her blog; but I'm not going to give the specifics in this post.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;What I am going to tell you is that it breaks my heart to see her sick like this.  No one should have to live like she does.  She has taken so many different medications.  She has taken medications with terrible, terrible side affects.  Doctors have recommended treatments that seem inhumane. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Today I went with my sister and her husband to see a new doctor.  One that came recommended from a doctor she saw in the past (for a related issue).  My sister had a four page typed document detailing her medical history, her symptoms and the meds she has taken.  Much to my surprise, I loved this new doctor.  He was patient, interested, read the papers she gave him, asked a lot of questions about her current state, her past, her childhood, family history.  We were in his office for an hour!  An hour, do you seriously know any doctors that do that?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;After listening to all three of us he said that he's not going to tell us what's wrong with her.  What he likes to do is "make a case, like a lawyer, for what I think the problem is" and then he sent us home to talk to the rest of our family, research family history, research his suggested diagnosis, and mull things over.  If she decides she wants to try the medicine he suggests she just has to call and he will write a prescription.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I hope I'm not putting too much faith in this man, but I got such a good feeling from him (and I hope she did too).  I really, really want my sister to get better.  She is missing out on so much of life.  She has two small boys and she's missing them growing up.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Please, please let this work.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2843301602742971212-3618033060186473604?l=maevesmom.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><link>http://maevesmom.blogspot.com/2009/06/25.html</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Maeve's Mom)</author><thr:total>3</thr:total></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2843301602742971212.post-426307971350188775</guid><pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2009 01:49:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2009-06-14T21:58:42.533-05:00</atom:updated><category domain="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#">me</category><title>I Return, With A Meme</title><description>Ok, ok, I know I haven't blogged in forever.  I don't have any earth-shattering news, or good reason, I've simply been busy.  Finishing up the school year, opening the pool, getting ready for summer, enjoying the start of summer.  Anyway, for the past week or so I've been really thinking about getting back to this.  What to write, how to jump back in.  Lucky me, my dear friend &lt;a href="http://girldogtorch.wordpress.com/"&gt;Stephanie&lt;/a&gt; tagged me for a meme.  It's a pretty long one so it forces me to get a new post up at least. Then, I can start writing more regularly (or that's the hope anyway).  So, without further ado.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"&gt;What is your current obsession? &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Right this moment I'm obsessed with the fact that I offended someone when I didn't mean to.  It is one of my worst social fears.  Someone misinterpreting what I meant, and feeling hurt or offended.  Honestly, I read an email from someone 20 minutes ago and I can't stop thinking about what an ass she probably thinks I am.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;In a not so "right-this-minute" way my current obsession is cleaning.  I want my whole house clean at one time, and I can't seem to make it happen.  Before I can get through all the rooms I have to go back and re-clean where I started.  It's driving me crazy.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"&gt;What is your weirdest obsession? &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Laundry.  I love to sort it, wash it, get stains out, fold, iron, etc, etc.  If I could have any job in the world (and support my family doing it) I would run a business where I did other people's laundry.  Not like a drop-off laundromat, but a more personalized service.  I would care how you like your towels folded, if you prefer socks balled or folded together, fabric softener or not.  I could have two or three gorgeous front-loading washers.  Ah, paradise.  Seriously, if you want someone to do your laundry and you're in the St. Louis area let me know!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"&gt;What's for dinner? &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Tonight: marinated grilled pork chops, red potatoes, corn on the cob, apple slices and sliced cheddar cheese.  Tomorrow?  Who knows, I'll decide in the morning.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"&gt;What would you eat for your last meal? &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Pizza.  Deep-dish, thin crust, hand-tossed crust, all kinds of pizza.  Also, all the good appetizers: toasted ravioli, mozzerella sticks, hot wings.  Sad I know, but I could eat pizza every single day.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"&gt;What's the last thing you bought? &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A fountain diet Coke from QuikTrip.  It made me happy, I love fountain soda.  Plus, it was on sale: only forty-nine cents for 32 ounces.  I love a bargain.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"&gt;What are you listening to right now? &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The sweet sound of silence (plus my own typing).  No TV, kids are asleep, dishwasher just finished.  It's blissful.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"&gt;If you could have a house, totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world where would it be? &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Virginia Beach or Ocean City.  I wouldn't live there all the time, just go there for vacations.  There is no better vacation than the beach and imagine being able to just go to your own fully furnished, totally paid for beach house.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"&gt;If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would it be? &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Well, I'm pretty tired right now, so it's hard to choose anywhere besides my couch.  But, if I only had an hour....Las Vegas.  Not to gamble though.  My paternal grandmother lives there and is not in great health. I haven't seen her in a while and I'd love a quick visit.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"&gt;Which language do you want to learn? &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Spanish.  It just seems like something I would use a lot.  Not something I would know just for the sake of knowing.  I like functionality.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"&gt;What's you favorite quote (for now)? &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;You can't comfort the afflicted without afflicting the comfortable.  (Princess Diana)&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"&gt;What is your favorite piece of clothing in your wardrobe? &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Do shoes count?  I have this pair of black, pointy-toed slingbacks with a kitten heel that I love. They go with jeans, pants, skirts, dresses.  Plus, I only paid $20 for them &lt;span style="font-weight: bold;"&gt;and&lt;/span&gt; they are totally comfortable to wear for hours.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"&gt;What is your dream job? &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Stay-at-home mom.  Seriously.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"&gt;What's your favorite magazine? &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I don't really read magazines.  But, I do like Real Simple, and Time and Newsweek.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"&gt;If you had 100 pound right now, how would you spend it? &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A super-awesome Father's Day present for Mike.  I'm not sure what that would be, probably some power tool I would think is lame.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"&gt;Describe your personal style. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I'm not sure I even have one.  Casual?  Comfortable?  I favor jeans and knit shirts, sweaters, etc.  Capris and tees in the summer.  Things that are easy to put on, and easy to run around in. I work in a casual environment so it's very easy to dress down.  I try not to leave the house in sweats though.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"&gt;What are you going to do after this? &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Oh, these things are embarassing to admit....&lt;br /&gt;Watch &lt;a href="http://www.vh1.com/shows/daisy_of_love/series.jhtml"&gt;Daisy of Love&lt;/a&gt; on VH1, obsessively check my email to see if the offended party has written back, and during commercials I'll put away all the crap I bought at Target today that's piled in the foyer.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"&gt;What are you favorite films? &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This is going to sound crazy, but I can never think of the answer when people ask me this. I love comedies, chick flicks, horror movies...I don't think I can narrow it down to favorites.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"&gt;What's your favorite fruit? &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Apples, but only if they are crisp and hard.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"&gt;What inspires you? &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;My children, my faith, the idea that you can be good at anything if you practice and try hard enough.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I'm also inspired by people.  People who follow their dreams, people who act honorably at all times,  people who put themselves out there without fear.  I try to do all those things, but I sometimes fall short.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"&gt;Do you collect anything? &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Dishes.  Fancy dishes, casual dishes, unique serving pieces, outdoor melamine dishes.  I can't get enough dishes. I'm the only person I know who registered for 3 chip and dips when I got married.  I'm trying to control it though, we're running out of room.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"&gt;Any advice that comes from bitter experience? &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Just be yourself, that's all you can do.  If people don't like you (and some won't) there's nothing you can do about it. If you're happy with who you are, at peace with who you are, there's really nothing else you can do.  I sometimes have to remind myself to take this advice (as evidenced by my answer to the first question).&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"&gt;What plant makes you happy? &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Petunias in pots, vegetables in a garden, lilies (in any form).&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;All right, that's the end.  I'm not tagging anyway, who knows if anyone will even read this.  But, if you feel like telling a little bit about yourself feel free to do it.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2843301602742971212-426307971350188775?l=maevesmom.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><link>http://maevesmom.blogspot.com/2009/06/i-return-with-meme.html</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Maeve's Mom)</author><thr:total>3</thr:total></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2843301602742971212.post-2474651054432622280</guid><pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2009 15:00:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2009-04-04T10:00:07.232-05:00</atom:updated><title>An Award (and it's not for procrastination)</title><description>&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sS6tnTxcl5s/SdbWIZc2xTI/AAAAAAAAAG0/4Qw6IR1Rqyg/s1600-h/sisterhood_award_sandra.jpg"&gt;&lt;img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sS6tnTxcl5s/SdbWIZc2xTI/AAAAAAAAAG0/4Qw6IR1Rqyg/s400/sisterhood_award_sandra.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320675449544033586" border="0" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="http://monkeysmomma.blogspot.com/"&gt;Monkey's Momma&lt;/a&gt; was so kind to give me this Sisterhood Award way back in mid-March.  Because I've been pretty much absent from blogging I haven't gotten around to writing about it.  But, I'm back on the band wagon, so here it is.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Blogging&lt;span style="font-style: italic;"&gt; is &lt;/span&gt;like a sisterhood.  I feel supported even when I can't get around to blogging.  I love reading all your blogs even when I'm not writing anything.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Thank you Monkey's Momma for thinking of me.  I always feel stressed about passing on awards.  What if someone feels left out, what if someone thinks my choices are bad, what if I pass it on to someone who never acknowledges it?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Well, I'm getting over all that.  We're sisters after all, we're not always going to see eye-to-eye, but we're always going to care about each other.  So, I'm passing this one to....&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Heather at &lt;a href="http://lostorneverthere.blogspot.com/"&gt;Lost or Never There&lt;/a&gt; (cheating, because she is my sister)&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="http://bunslife.blogspot.com/"&gt;A Bun's Life&lt;/a&gt; (because she's my best friend)&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="http://diagnosisurine.blogspot.com/"&gt;Diagnosis Urine&lt;/a&gt; (because I wish she was my sister, she's damn funny and her kids sound adorable)&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2843301602742971212-2474651054432622280?l=maevesmom.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><link>http://maevesmom.blogspot.com/2009/04/award-and-its-not-for-procrastination.html</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Maeve's Mom)</author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sS6tnTxcl5s/SdbWIZc2xTI/AAAAAAAAAG0/4Qw6IR1Rqyg/s72-c/sisterhood_award_sandra.jpg" height="72" width="72" /><thr:total>2</thr:total></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2843301602742971212.post-5996917372506819363</guid><pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2009 20:42:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2009-04-03T15:54:42.437-05:00</atom:updated><category domain="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#">me</category><category domain="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#">Braden</category><title>This Is Going To Hurt Me More Than It Hurts B</title><description>You know that famous line parents utter (mostly on television) "This is going to hurt you more than it hurts me"?  This morning I meted out some punishment that is definitely going to hurt me more than it hurts Braden.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I asked Braden to turn the TV off so we could leave for school/work. I even gave him a warning "we are leaving in two minutes, get your hoodie on and get ready to turn off the TV".  He immediately started stomping his feet, whining, and being generally unpleasant (in addition to refusing to turn it off). &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;So, in a moment of anger (and stupidity) I said this "Turn it off or you'll get NO television for the whole weekend".  My more foot-stomping ensued.  So, I turned it off and said "that's it, no more all weekend".&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Dear Lord, what have I done?  We normally spend Fridays eating pizza and watching a movie.  This is primarily because Mike and I are too tired to do anything else by the end of the week.  This morning I was all charged up about it.  I was going to do the laundry and make the kids pick up their rooms, and have baths, and get to bed early.  But, after a stressful day of work I just want my pizza and movie!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Admittedly, we also occasionally rely on weekend TV time to get the house cleaned, or chores done.  The kids don't usually sit and start at it, but usually it's on for an hour or two while they play and sort-of watch it.  (Save your bad parent comments for someone else, I know they watch too much TV). &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I'm sticking to it, I don't like to make idle threats.  But, this is definitely going to hurt me (and Mike) more than it hurts Braden.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2843301602742971212-5996917372506819363?l=maevesmom.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><link>http://maevesmom.blogspot.com/2009/04/this-is-going-to-hurt-me-more-than-it.html</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Maeve's Mom)</author><thr:total>2</thr:total></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2843301602742971212.post-7804783115655416311</guid><pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2009 03:30:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2009-04-01T22:46:58.656-05:00</atom:updated><category domain="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#">Mike</category><title>April Fool</title><description>Today (April 1st) is/was Mike's 35th birthday.  I am such a fool that I literally forgot until the afternoon of March 31st.  I feel terrible that I planned nothing, did nothing, bought nothing. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;When I apologized to Mike for not having exciting, grandiose plans for today he said not to worry, he'd rather forget it's his birthday.  Forget? I think he's upset about turning 35.  I do not understand this, I will be 35 in June and plan on throwing myself a big party (at the pool, and I don't even look good in a swimsuit). &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;To celebrate his birthday Mike got to come home from work to watch pukey Braden, but really it wasn't so bad.  They sat on the couch and watched Transformers, at least he got to relax on his birthday.  When I got home I forced him to go out to dinner because I didn't want to do dishes.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Happy Birthday Honey!  I love you!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2843301602742971212-7804783115655416311?l=maevesmom.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><link>http://maevesmom.blogspot.com/2009/04/april-fool.html</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Maeve's Mom)</author><thr:total>3</thr:total></item><item><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2843301602742971212.post-1085149050126583104</guid><pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:25:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2009-04-01T09:33:00.569-05:00</atom:updated><category domain="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#">me</category><category domain="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#">sickness</category><category domain="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#">funny</category><category domain="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#">Braden</category><title>Peep Show</title><description>I called my sister this morning and said to her "I took my shirt off in the preschool parking lot".  Her first response?  "Did Braden throw up on you?"&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I remember the good old days where taking off my shirt would have had nothing to do with vomit (what, I had a wild few college years!).  Now, at my age (and weight) the only excuse for taking a shirt off in public is puke.  I weighed my options carefully.  1) Go to car, get hoodie, go back in building (covered in half-digested Golden Grahams) walk to ladies' room, change shirt.  2) Go to car, get hoodie unzipped, crouch down behind door, remove shirt and put on/zip up hoodie as fast as possible.  I decided I'd rather risk public exposure than walk through the preschool halls covered in upchuck. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Thank God the nurse sent us home with a container because B also threw up in my car (my new car!).  Luckily he has good aim.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;So, now we're home and settled on the couch with Noggin and the bathroom trashcan.  I am going to start a load of laundry and wait for Mike to come home so I can go to work. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Motherhood: nobody told me it would be so glamorous.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2843301602742971212-1085149050126583104?l=maevesmom.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description><link>http://maevesmom.blogspot.com/2009/04/peep-show.html</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Maeve's Mom)</author><thr:total>3</thr:total></item></channel></rss>

