Little Boy Blue and A Red Head Too

It's craziness, tell Ya...,

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Mom) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 13:25:00 +0000

I have been putting this blog on the side burner for the past couple of weeks. I have been super busy with back to school, our new routine, and life in general. As busy as things have been, they have also been a little boring.

I am sure no one wants to hear the mundane-ness of my life lately, though here is a sample: Wake up, beg/bribe/barter kids to get up, beg/bribe/barter them to eat , run to the bus, get one on, run home drive the other to school.... you get the idea.

One of the parts of my routine is lunch room Mom on Wednesdays. I just love talking to the kids, they are so adorable in the excitement they have everyday. I wish I had the enthusiasm of a kindergartner in my day to day life. I wish I found things as funny (but I don't want milk to come out my nose, sorry!!), as exciting, and as trivial. They really seem to enjoy every aspect of their day. Two little girls came up to me and told me that Blue has a girlfriend... Jessica. She looks like Gertie (Drew Barymore) from ET. Though he denies it, its hard to tell by the way he chases her at recess and her yelling "HELP!! ITS THE TICKLE MONSTER!!" I think we are going to have to have a talk.

Red just loves her new school, she has made new friends and loves her teacher. She loves coming home everyday with a report on who cried, who got in trouble, and who wet their pants. Of course she never includes herself on that list. She turns 4 tomorrow, my sweet little girl!! The only thing she asked for was a pink booster seat. The. Only. Thing. I just love her unselfishness.

I have discovered a crazy little thing called Facebook, maybe you have heard of it?? I have developed a slight addicting to looking for old friends, new friends, and past crushes. Boys in high school I was too shy to talk to. Girls that were too cool to talk to. People I forgot I knew. It's craziness, I tell ya!!

I've Missed You All!!

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Mom) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:21:00 +0000

Wow, I did not realize that it has been 2 weeks since I last posted!! Where has the time gone? Well I have been a busy little girl. Blue's birthday is Wednesday and Red's is at the end of the month so I have been busy getting the house ready for the party on Saturday. I cleaned out the garage yesterday and OMG the stuff we have collected over the years!! I threw away tons, recycled what I could, and left things in the driveway and was glad to see it all gone this morning. I even washed the garage floor, was not in my original plans but I spilled a can of soda and a large jug of bubbles.

Things have been good. Went to the doctor last week and had an ultrasound of my gallbladder, just waiting on the results. She put me on Prilosec and I have been feeling WONDERFUL!! I know I have stones, but now thing the major source of my discomfort was reflux or something along that line.

More awesome news: Our school district is now offering preschool for all kids!! Its free (well, I do pay taxes) and 5 mornings a week for 3 hours. Apparently they received some grant and it went into effect right away, it will start in 2 weeks and I am thrilled. Red can not wait!! The other preschool in town (where Blue went) would have cost me $100 for 2 days a week (2 hours), I just did not want to shell out the $$ with all the other things we were doing. Everything happens for a reason!!

My eating has been ok, though Halloween is the WORST SNACKING holiday EVER!! I am sure many of us will be praying to the snack fairy pleading with her to STAY AWAY!! I bought a bag of High Fives (pretzel covererd in caramel and chocolate, if you have resisted thus far steer clear!! they are delish!!) only to find them half gone. I am praying that someone else in the house is snacking on them. I have since vowes to not buy any more Halloween candy until the day before, I don't care if I have to pay double!!

Anyone else vowing to keep the Halloween treats out of the house??

Healthy You Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Mom) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 03:19:00 +0000

I have not been doing as great as I hoped in the HYC. I have not been too awful either. I am just not committing my self like I should or I know I need to. I don't get it either. I mean, its not rocket science, you all know that. I feel great when I eat the way I should consistently, yet I don't do it. Is it laziness? I am beginning to think so. Yes, I am an emotional eater and a mindless eater. I also feel that during the course of the day, while at work or at home, I am being pulled in so many different directions. Everyone always wants something from me or there is something for me to do. When ever I set out to do something for myself, there is always an obstacle. So at the end of the day, its easier to grab something fast and easy instead of taking the time out and preparing something healthy. This is nothing new and something I have been struggling with.

Anyone else struggling? How have you overcome your obstacles? Please share if you are having a pity party over at your blog!! I will come with streamers!!

I hope everyone is staying safe and dry. We have been hit pretty hard with flood waters in the Chicagoland area. Has your area been effected? How are you doing?? We are dry but a block or two south of us got hit pretty hard. I am praying for all of you!!

My oh My... Whats a Girl To Do?

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Mom) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:00:00 +0000

OMG, I have been MIA for quite a while. Not really sure, just extra busy these days. I thought I'd have oodles of time with Blue off at school, but I really don't. Not sure what Red and I do all day, but its not cleaning. Or cooking for that matter.

I have been working a couple of extra shifts here and there at my other job. Its kind of a cushy gig where I don't have to work as hard but there are tons more politics. They said there might be a part time position opening up and I am really thinking of taking it, IF they can match what I make in the ER which is doubtful. The job is dependent on someone taking a promotion they have been offered and she is not sure she wants it. I wouldn't be until 1/1/09, so there is plenty of time. I have spent the past week weighing the pro's and con's.

The one pro that outweighs every con is that I'd be home every night to put the kids to bed and I'd be off every holiday. I'd also never have to work weekends. I have a lot of seniority in the er, that coupled with the luck of the Irish, I have managed to get the last few Thanksgivings, Christmas', and Easters off. My luck is probably running out. That and I have a new boss this year so who knows what will happen. There is also a good chance I will have to start working every other weekend. YUCK!!

I think in the end, if I am offered the position when it becomes available, I will take it. If I don't I think I'll regret it. As much as I love the ER (crazy as that sounds with all the BS), not sure how much longer I can physically/emotionally do it. There are not many nursing jobs that are Monday thru Friday 8-4, no weekends, and no holidays. I may never get an opportunity like this again.

I'll be catching up with most of you today, things have been a little crazy but with all the rain, I am not sure we'll be doing much of anything today!!

Spanks & 90210

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Mom) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 03:45:00 +0000

Remember this?? Well the wedding was this past weekend and I wore the famed Spanx. First off, let me tell you I was shopping last Friday and was talking to the salesgirl about them. I was beginning to wonder if I had the wrong size, I felt the ones I had may be too big and wanted to make sure everything got sucked into place properly. She told me to be careful because if they were too small they would roll down. I decided to keep the size I had, I did not want to hear the ricochet of my rolls coming undone. I mean I could see the horror on the faces of my husbands old college friends as they stood there talking to me as my Spanks rolled down?? Cause you know I'd have some sort of dance/wiggle to try to stop it mid roll.

Well, anywho, in the end I really did not feel they offered too much support, so maybe they were too big. I was at the very low end of the size I bought, so who knows. I do need to say they were a little tricky to get on, I did end up putting my foot through the crotch hole initially. When I finally got my feet in the right holes and was able to easily pull them up. I cackled the whole time because the whole thing seemed so silly, and that crotch hole just cracked me up!! Who knows if I will ever wear them ago, Lord knows where I flung them when I got home, somewhere in the abyss of my closet.

On other fronts, while at the wedding I was chatting it up with a friend of my husbands from years ago. I had only met him once or twice. We got on the subject of Beverly Hills 90210 when in a Gin & Coke induced stupor he confessed to being a huge fan. I thought my Spanks were going to unroll with the news. My husband has friends who WATCHED THE SHOW?? Did they have 9-0 nights like I did with my girlfriends?? Was my husbands apathy for the show all these years just a front? Why has he kept these friends from me?? As I sit here waiting for the Cubs game to end (its in the 11th, its like a cruel joke to make us women wait for a ball game to end!!) I can't help to wonder if my husband is laying up stairs in bed anxiously awaiting the game to end as well.

I Am Doing Soooo Much Better!!

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Mom) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 03:51:00 +0000

Thank you all so much for your kind words!! I needed all of them!! I am doing much better and have managed to even squeeze in some healthier foods over the last couple of days. I feel so much better and have been pain free. Not sure why I have not made a doctors appointment yet (hello procrastination!!), things have been crazy this week.

I have been working nights (7pm-3am) for the last 2 weeks then had to be up at the crack of dawn to take a class for work today. I am now certified in neonatal resuscitation, which means I learned how to intubate and put an IV through the umbilical cord of a neonate. Neither which I can actually do in the scope of my practice, but I had to learn how. Then had to stand in front of a teacher and run a neonatal code by myself, and tell her all the steps I would take if someone delivers a baby at 30 weeks and the baby is not breathing, is blue, or flaccid. I needed a Xanax, when are they going to make those available OTC?? Its so hard to stop and say what you will do because when patients are that sick, there isn't much time too stop and think. You just DO it.

Hopefully I'll be getting some well needed rest this weekend. I hope so.... we'll see!!

Recipe For Disaster...

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Mom) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:40:00 +0000

I tried this new diet for the past 2 weeks. Portion control?? Not so much. Low fat?? Whats that?? counting calories?? Puh-lease!! It was high fat, high portions, and Lord knows how many calories. So needless to say it did not work out for me. Not at all. I got sick over the weekend.... real sick. I think it was my gallbladder, actually I know it was my gallbladder. I had a similar attack while pregnant with Red and one after she was born which landed me in the ER. I seemed to be doing fine with a few small aches here and there, but totally manageable... until Friday night when I had an attack to end all attacks. I had dinner with my family (chili, not such a great choice) then went over to a friends house. I felt it start up on my way to her house, by the time I got there it was ON!! I stayed for like 20 minutes thinking it would subside, then decided to leave. I vomited twice on the way home (did you read the part where I had chili for dinner? Nuf said). I really did not feel better until the next morning.

I hope to make an appointment this week with the doctor, for some reason I have been blowing this off for YEARS!! I guess I am waiting for pancreatic involvement. Or more attacks. I am really not sure. I am also not sure why I continue to spiral out of control when it comes to eating right. Sometimes I totally sympathize with drug addicts or alcoholics, I know how they must feel. The craving, the overdoing it, the guilt. LOTS of guilt. The knowing how you sometimes have no control, yet have the knowledge, power, and support to take control. But don't.

I AM A WINNER!!

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Mom) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:57:00 +0000

I feel like the luckiest girl winning a couple of amazing prizes from two of my favorite blogs!! These women are amazing!!

First off, from Emila over at Emila's Illustrated Blog I received this beautiful bag. Aren't you jealous!! It is an awesome bag of excellent quality. She is an amazing artist & I feel truly honored to have one. I scroll through the pages of her blog and everything she creates is beautiful. She is a true artist with a special touch!!

And everyone knows how I have been making small green changes in my household, right?? Well this could not have come at a better time. I won a case of Primo Water from Beth over at I Should Be Folding Laundry. She makes it ok to have a mess in the kitchen and a couple loads of laundry waiting to be done. She is real and she is funny and speaks from her heart everyday!!

Thanks so much for the awesome prizes!! I love them and nothing brightens a girls day more than to get a package in the mail with goodies inside!!

Green Friday #8

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Mom) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:24:00 +0000

Its been a while since I have done a Green Friday, things have been crazy here at Casa De Irish Mom. Today's Green Friday is dedicated to face care. There are so many natural and clean ways to take care of our faces, yet when it comes to taking care of ourselves for some reason we tend to be neglectful.

One of the first things to do is drink plenty of water. So easy, but so seldom done. I have noticed when I have a good week or so of consistent water drinking my skin looks so much better. Not to mention all its other great effects on our bodies!!

Another thing is to remember to wash all the impurities off at the end of the day. I know, duh!! Our mothers taught us this, and our mothers DID this. There are so many impurities in the air and in the foods we eat, that it is so much more important for us to this. I have been much better about this lately, but honestly for years I was a huge slacker, well now I am paying the price. I can't get those years back on my face, but I can help prevent them from coming with a fury. I to this day remember my mom massaging her Ponds into her face as she smoked, she probably loved the irony in that.

Blog hopping a couple of weeks ago I came across this site, I have found tons of useful information on their message board, but the Oil Cleaning Method (OCM) has really made my skin clearer and so much softer than it has ever been. I use 20% Castor oil and 80% extra virgin olive oil with a few drops of tea Tree Oil. When the oils I have mixed run out, I will try the sunflower oil recommended. I had some major break outs initially, but read that it was expected, so I stuck with it. They went away, and my skin has less redness (read IRISH mom) and my black heads are gone. The oil slick on my nose is gone. The biggest change is its softness, I love how soft my face has become.

I think the traditional facial cleaners we use tend to rob our skin of all it natural oils, this causes our skin to overproduce the oils to make up for what was stripped away. With OCM, the oil is massaged into the skin and helps to dissolve the oil that has hardened with impurities in the skin, steam then opens the pores allowing the oil to be removed. I have been doing the OCM 2-3 times a week for about 4-5 weeks. I have been using Cetaphil (not so sure how green this is but its what I have been using) in between. I only splash my face with water in the morning.

The OCM may not be for everyone. do some research and see if its for you. Feel free to share your green beauty routine, I'd love to hear it!! What natural products work for you??

WE DID FINE!!

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Mom) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:50:00 +0000

Blue just loves Kindergarten so far!! I am so proud of him. When the bus stopped in front of us his first day, I could see the reluctance in his eyes. Good thing he had friends there who were all excited and calling out his name. SO I gave him a gentle nudge and told him I'd be there waiting for him when he got home. He jumped on, found his spot and was on his way. I was a little sad... I just can't believe that I am handling it all so well.

I waited for him at the bus stop, I must have been early because it was there FOREVER!! Standing on the corner... I was worried the neighbors would think I was in a new line of work (remember, our water was briefly shut off??). Thank goodness I did not get any offers... mama needs a new pair of shoes.

I learned 3 things standing there....
1) Red is allergic to the peoples grass who live on the corner... her legs were INFLAMMED from laying down for a nap while we waited,
2) I have been spelling my street name wrong for YEARS!! Go figure, and
3. I have to time this all out a little better!!

Thank you all for your well wishes and for checking on me!! I am doing fine!! I am even going to send Red to the sitters tomorrow, I'll have the day all to myself!! I have to pay for the day weather I send her or not, so buh-bye little cutie!! I have floors to wash, laundry to fold, naps to take. The nap will be first, Waking up at 7am for the past 2 days has taken its toll, we usually sleep til 9am.

How are all of you handling back to school?? Will you be crying or doing the happy dance?? I want to know!!

Little Boy Blue... I Am So Proud of You!!

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Mom) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 03:06:00 +0000

Ok, here we are on the eve of the day. Blue was soooooo excited all day. It turns out his buddy a few doors down is in his class so its nice to know he'll have some familiarity while on the bus and in class. Lord help that teacher with the two of them, but at least I'll be relieved to know he won't be all alone.

I feel I am handling all this WAY better than I expected. Blue has matured so much and is such a great little boy, he deserves this. I was starting to feel a little selfish with my emotions. Over the last few days I HAD to stop my sulking and hide my sadness and be happy for Blue. I needed to show him how excited I was for his new journey in life, this is the first of many. He is going to grow into an amazing man one day, I can't wait to hit each milestone with him. Though I do wish these milestones would slow down a bit so I can enjoy them more, I need to embrace them as they come and make them special from Blue.

My sadness has slowly turned into excitement. I can't wait to see him sitting at his desk that first day. I can just picture him trying to bite back that huge proud smile. I can't wait to hear about his days, his new friends, and even the trouble he gets into (oh, there will be trouble!!). I can't wait to hear which kids are Cubs fans (the true measure of a man in Blue's eyes), who likes the Jonas Brothers, and the latest fads consuming kindergartners these days!!

I will miss you Blue, but am so proud of you!! If your friends ask who the crazy lady is running along side the bus tell them your aunt from Michigan is visiting and your mom is totally cool!! Good luck in Kindergarten.

Old Country Groupies

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Mom) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 14:15:00 +0000

Ok, we went to Old Country Fluff-fet and UGH I hate that place. Just the thought of everyone diggin in, I don't know... We don't go often, Blue has always been a fan. I think its cause he can go back as many times as he wants and have a little bite of everything. Getting a new plate each time was something that also impressed him.

No one was in their glory like Red, though. I forgot about all the old ladies at the buffet. Red must have once lived to be 107 because she LOVES old ladies. Not just any old lady though. She likes the flashy ones who wear sequins to the Old Country Buffet on Friday at noon. If they pat on the bright blue eyeshadow and wear neon rouge she is a fan for life. You know, the bingo crowd. Red was totally one of them. They all said hello to her and asked her how the corn was and if she tried the fish. She asked one lady if she would be her grandma. I think it was the baseball cap with glitter on it. How does a 30-something plain Jane compete with all this glitz & glammer??

She did tell one lady at the salad bar that her butt stinks, this was when I knew it was time to go. Red was turning on her own people. As we left I heard "Bye Cutie!!" from across the dining room so I turned to wave figuring they meant me, but Red stole my thunder and yelled out, "Bye Cuties!!" I was thinking about putting her in dance class this fall but am know wondering if The Red Hat Society might be better suited.

Feeling Bad 'bout Feeling a little Excited...

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Mom) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:13:00 +0000

Green Friday is on an unscheduled hiatus until next week. I am so busy getting blue ready for kindergarten on Tuesday that I have barely a thing planned. I am starting to feel a bit guilty because I am starting to get a touch excited. There is so much I want to do and can't help but to think how much easier it will be with only one child around. I'll hopefully get my kitchen painted sometime before next June. There are cabinets to organize and china to clean. Who knows how much will actually get done, but one child is so much easier to entertain then two.

I worked extra shifts last week and this week and promised the kids we could go out for lunch. I told them they could pick the restaurant and everything. There are so many fun kid restaurants in the area, but the want to go to Old Country Fluf-fet, as they call it. Blue especially loves the buffet, I mean where else can you have grapes, pizza, spaghetti, and broccoli?? And don't forget the unlimited desserts. They will be in heaven. Don't worry about me though, I hate the whole idea of a buffet. The thought of everyone picking over all the food is a germ-a-phobes worst nightmare.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!! Any fun & exciting plans?? Let me know, I need inspiration and am at a lose for what to do with our last weekend before school starts!!

This Jail Bird Is A Singin'

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Mom) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 03:08:00 +0000

Today Blue needed to gather up the last of his school supplies for Kindergarten which starts next Tuesday (don't EVEN get me started). One of the things he needed was Velcro gym shoes to leave at school for gym class, so off to the mall we went. Calling it a mall is actually kind of a joke. I mean, its a bunch of stores enclosed with a Sears, JCPenny, & Carsons, but thats really it. We don't have a Gap, Old navy, H&M, Macy's, or any store that features styles from this decade. LOTS of wolf themed decor though, hmmmm.

Anywhoo, he needed Velcro shoes, so we headed to the, ahem, mall. While at the shoe store, the security guard came in. If you are assuming it was a male guard, your sexist... SHE was a female. Believe me, Red asked.

Of course Red had to ask about all the things clipped to her belt, and I am sorry I'd rather see a fanny pack than NUMEROUS gadgets clipped to your belt. Then came the handcuffs. The guard told Red how she needs the cuffs for bad guys and to send bad people to jail. Red, checking her story out of the fiction center of her imagination, proceeds to tell the guard and 3 people in line with us how her mom has been to jail. HELLO!!!! WHEN WAS THIS MIGHT I ASK???? I think I about fell over. I laughed and told Red how I have never been to jail. Then Blue, who has been quite the whole time, decides to speak up. He looks at me all exasperated with his hands held out and says, " Remember mom? The police officer????" OK, I got a ticket with them in the car, THREE YEARS AGO!!!! I never even got out of the car!!

So not only did everyone in line think I have been to jail, they think I am lying about it. The guard followed us to 2 more store with pity in her eyes. With last weeks water debacle, I am shining brighter and brighter. I wonder who else they have told this too. Their teachers? Their friends, The neighbors??

Water- Schmater!!

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Mom) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 01:11:00 +0000

My last post went from bad to all out worst ever!! I came home from work on Tuesday to find a bright orange placard on my door reading "DISCONNECTION NOTICE". I was able to read it from the street without my glasses. It said I needed to pay $200 or my H2O would get shut off. I checked on line and the payment had cleared like 2 weeks prior. I was like WTF, so I called the village who said their computers were down, so I called the H2O company who said they received my payment and they have no idea why I received a disconnection notice. I thought I was all good in the hood and went about my business. Until Thursday when my husband got home from work to have no running water. No tap, no laundry, no TOILET!!!! You know what a 3 & 5 year old have to do when there is no functioning toilet, don't you?? Of course by the time my husband finds out the water is off, both the village and water companies are closed. So we had to wait until morning.

Turns out I made one payment to cover water/sewage/garbage when it should have been water then sewage/garbage separate. So, they put all the money toward the water and none of it went to the sewer/garbage. Even though they told me we were fine, we weren't. They said I had a $75 credit on my water bill, and owed on the sewer portion. Don't forget about those fees!! I asked them why they thought I would pay so much toward my water and not pay my sewer bill. They weren't sure, but instead of clearing it up with us (EVEN THOUGH THE COMPANY HAD MY MONEY) they turned us off. Thank goodness it went right back on in the morning after I cleared it all up.

Nothing makes you feel more low rent then a disconnection notice on the door. I feel like I have to tell the story over and over to my neighbors laughing at how silly the whole thing is. I am sure by the end of the week they will be sending over food for fear we have no water and are unable to feed the children. Or put their houses up for sale to get away from those kind of people. Funny thing about the whole thing is that since I have started going green, I have pretty much stopped buying bottled water, so we did not even have that.

Oh, and about that pink Sharpie, it has been confiscated. Unfortunately Red was able to color on her white dresser with ink pen. My face is clearing up, finally!! I am down to the 2 boobs I was born with (and the one I married lol). And we all remember whats happening on August 19th don't we??

Thanks so much everyone for checking in and making me smile!! I needed it. I was in such a funk last week, but am back to my old self, especially now that I can shower!! I'll be checking in with all of you this week.

A Case of the Yucks!!

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Mom) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:47:00 +0000

UGH!! I am such a bad mood today... well maybe the last couple of days. I think everyone around me is in a funk as well. Even the kids and especially the husband. The decoy undergrounder under my left eye that led to the boob on my right check seem to have re-produced like bunnies and I have the big dipper mappedout on my face. The north star is on the back of my neck and there is something growing in my left ear. Some sort of abcess, I am not sure. It is red and painful in the ear. I don't think its an ear infection, just some sort of funk that seems to be taking over my body

We took the kids to the Bears Training camp in Bourbonnais (or Bur-bonus as I heard the locals call it). Anywhoo, the kids lasted about 8 seconds in the stands (which was about 5 seconds longer than me). I took the kids over to the kids play area, until they puckered out. They had a bunch of emergency vehicles for the kids to climb on. I got a ton of great shots of my kids up in the rescue basket of a fire truck, in the ambulance, and even with the rescue team. Got home to find there was sunscreen smeared on the lens of my camera. Each picture is a blur. UGH.

They had a spin the wheel to win school supplies. My 3 year old won a hot pink Sharpie marker. Yes, its permanent. Perfect prize for a 3 year old. She is so proud she won it and so happy its pink. She keeps it in her pocket, I am trying to lure it out of her grip so I can hide it, but its as if she is on to me and my ways!! I am telling you I have been living in fear on this one. Can't wait to find her adorable little "R" on the wall. Or the cabinet. Or the fridge.

Sorry to be such a downer. I am usually not this way, for long anyway. thank goodness i can still see the humor in things. So, needless to say there will not be a weigh in today. I don't think my family would appreciate my wrath if there is a gain.

Green Friday #7

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Mom) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:52:00 +0000

Remember that under-grounder I posted about the other day? Well it was a decoy for something else a-blooming on the other side of my face. Let me just say how unfair it is to have a boob on your cheek. So. Unfair. Especially after working a 15 and a half hour shift last night. For my exaustion and struggles I should be able to wake up with clear skin. As kind of a reward, ya know? I don't need much in life, just a complexion like my 3 year olds. Or a 25 year old... I am not picky.

With that being said, I have been researching some green facial care regimens and will post more about that next week as my computer is acting up and I don't have patience today. Did you hear the part about the 15 hour shift yesterday?? Thats 15 hours in triage.

Though, I did take care of a man with my first name tattooed on his neck. Granted he had a lot of ladies names tattooed on his body, but who has their nurses name on their neck?? When I told him he said "thats great" and became all googly-eyed. It was either love or the Wild Irish Rose, bit isn't that one in the same?? He also had a naked lady on his arm of which I got the joy to look at while I cleaned his cut. Thank goodness his laceration missed her nether region. That would have been gross.

8 Ounces... Half Pound... 2 Sticks O' Butta

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Mom) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 04:03:00 +0000

Not much to report on the scale this week, only 0.5 down. Which is fine since, ahem, Aunt Flo came over this weekend. I have been drinking more water which was one of my personal goals, so I am happy for that.

Its been a long week, Blue has had high fevers on and off since Wednesday, he has been fever free for 2 days and feel lots better, whoo-hoo!!. I worked an extra shift this week (don't worry, its already spent!!). Our dryer broke (its fixed, we are now rocking clean undies again... Thank you Maytag Man!!). Blue is still starting school on August 19th (tear rolling down my check!!).

I have a huge under-grounder forming on my left cheek, right under my eye. I have a bad feeling about this one guys!! You ever get that feeling when a blemish is forming??? I am usually dead on. I will keep you updated with further growth, expansion, or eruption.

Short & sweet, I'll be checking up with all you sassy ladies and checking your progress. Have a great week!!

Green Friday #6

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Mom) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:25:00 +0000

Here are a few of my favorite craft recipes. I have not tried the paint yet, I hate the mess associated with paint. I have made the play dough, it is wonderful & even smells great!! I like it so much better then traditional play dough from the store, it is so much smoother. Once its made, it lasts forever!! I still have the dough I made last fall. My kids love playing with stuff they helped to make. I don't recall where I got the paint recipe, I copied and pasted it to my craft file a while back while searching the web. There are man variations and types. The play dough is Martha Stewarts. Figures she would have the best play dough recipe!!

Green & Frugal Paint

1 1/2 tbsp white sugar
1/2 cup dry cornstarch
1/2 tsp table salt
1 cup of cold water
1 box of food coloring with red, green, yellow and blue

1. Help the kids measure and mix the water, sugar, salt, and finally the cornstarch in am old pot.

2. Place pot on stove and heat on low for about 10 minutes while mixing. Once it reaches a nice paint consistency, put it aside to cool.

3. Once cooled, place in recycled containers (baby food jars, fruit cups, applesauce cups, etc).

4. Add a few drops of the food coloring to each jar and stir. Add a few drops at a time, a little goes a long way.

This is a great recipe for paint lickers. You know who you are!! Red used to always end up eating the paint and made me so nervous, even though most paint is non-toxic, you never really know whats in it. Though I don't recommend serving this with supper, it is entirely edible!!

Green & Frugal Play-Dough

2 cups flour
1 cup salt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
2 cups cold water
Food coloring
Wooden board
Plastic bag or container

1. In a medium saucepan, mix together the flour, salt, vegetable oil, cream of tartar, and water.

2. Cook uncovered over medium heat, about 5 minutes. Stir constantly until the dough is the consistency of mashed potatoes.

3. Divide the dough into four equal portions.

4. Add approximately 6 to 8 drops of food coloring to each portion and knead the color into the dough to distribute it evenly. Kneading the color into the dough is the fun part -- kids will love it.

5. If you store the play dough in a plastic bag or airtight container, it will stay nice and soft and last for years.

Spanks Anyone??

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Mom) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 01:07:00 +0000

Three pounds down today, not so exciting since I've had so much up & down lately. I'll be more excited when I get more of a downward spiral and consecutive losses. Oh well, I'm working on it & at least this week I'm headed in the right direction.

I have come to the forefront of chubby technology. I purchased my first pair of Spanks. This is the actual pair I got. I am hoping for a cold front the night I need them, they look awful warm. I have a wedding at the end of August and did a little shopping today. I am wearing pants, I always feel under dressed at a wedding in pants, but would rather feel under dressed then like I am wearing a tent. Or a moo-moo. So its nice black slacks and a gorgeous blouse, I'll accessorize with a chunky necklace and no-one will even realize that the last time I got dressed up was like 4 years ago.

Ok, back to the Spanks. This particular pair has a (and I quote) cotton double gusset opening to make life easier when Mother Nature calls. This means you open these flaps in the crotch and let her go. Where was this technology in college???? I am not sore I am coordinated enough to handle those double gussets, as I'd for sure end up smelling like tinkles. And that won't be so nice at the big girl table.

Any Spanks feedback?? Tips?? Concerns?? It looks like a monster to get on, yet to maneuver in a public stall. If you have a pair please speak up because as funny as a Spanks mishap will be for you to read on my blog the next day, I really want it all to go smoothly. No pun intended.

4 Weeks To Go!!

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Mom) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 18:38:00 +0000

Four weeks until my little boy Blue goes to Kindergarten. I am so sad. So. Sad. I talk about it all the time. I welled up with tears the other day at work just talking about it. I jokingly told him he could always stay home with me and we could cuddle all day on the couch. He scrunched up his face and said, "WHAT??" As if to say he'd rather play Polly Pockets in a dress with his sister.

I can't believe how quite the house is going to be. I am not sure what I am going to do all day if I am not breaking up fights and hearing that childhood bickering between Red & Blue. Or worse, not hear the laughing and conspiring between them. Eavesdropping outside the door while they play is the BEST ever!!

I am looking forward to alone time with Red, Blue had me alone for his first 2 years now Red will have me for the next two. I decided to not enroll her in preschool, we'll do other things like dance class & tumbling. Plus she goes to the babysitter and they do some preschool. I do lots of stuff at home with both children, so I am not worried at all. Excuses, Excuses, I can't bear to have both children go off to school!!

Green Friday #5

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Mom) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:30:00 +0000

Now I used to think that I was cool
Running around on fossil fuel
Until I saw what I was doin'
Was driving down the road to ruin.

James Taylor

This weeks Green Friday is pretty simple, and it kind of fits in with getting healthier & more fit. Its actually rather simple, walk & use the stairs when possible!! I know it is so simple especially in this day and age to hop in the car and tool around town running various errands. When possible, walk or ride your bike. Where ever I go, I am toting 2 kids who are like thunder & lightning, so I know this is not always practical. But, think of the times when it is. At the mall, use the stairs instead of the elevator. The elevators are usually congested anyway, the stairs are ALWAYS wide open!! I try to use the stairs at work when I can, sometime I find myself waiting FOREVER for the elevator. The stairs would be so much quicker and would add extra minutes to enjoying my break!!

My newest goal is to only fill my gas tank one and a half times a week. I work far from home and though I would love to cut the commute out all together, that is not practical right now. I have found this site that is pretty eye opening. Enter your average miles driven per week, miles per gallon, and price of gas in your area and it gives you your weekly, monthly and annual costs. Then lets you know if you cut back how much money you would save. Check it out and let me know what you find!!

My Little Cupcake!!

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Mom) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:00:00 +0000

Way back in April I won this gorgeous shirt form Sunny over at ...And The Pursuit of Happiness. It is from her store Sunshine Designs!
Isn't it gorgeous?? Needless to say, Red LOVES it, She can not stop looking at that cupcake, I even caught her trying to eat one of the "sprinkles", thankfully they are all nice and secure, she was not able to bit it off. The pictures do not do it justice as it sparkles so brightly, especially in the sun. The shirt itself is even excellent quality, which I always appreciate. Please go check out her store and see all she has to offer. Shirts come in all sizes & colors and would make awesome gifts. She can even personalize one for you!! Wouldn't it be great to have a sparkly Halloween shirt to take the kids trick or treating in the fall? Please check out her store and let me know which is YOUR favorite design!!

I could not resist the last picture of Blue & Red!! I think this is the few times I got them to hold hands!! By the way, don't ya love how I keep it real with the garbage cans in the background??

I Need A Veggie Beat Down

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Mom) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 04:41:00 +0000

Up 2 this week. Boogers!! I have only myself to blame. I have had some extra stress over the last week or so and have not been doing what I know I should be. I did awesome with the walking earlier in the week but have come to a screeching halt. I think my allergies are acting up and its been sooo hot out. I know excuses are like earlobes.... (I know, but I try to stay G-rated when possible).

Its like I need some extra motivation, but then part of me feels like that is just an excuse. I have done really good with certain things and not so good with others. I have been slacking on the veggies, which is funny because I love veggies. I really do. So why do I not eat foods that I enjoy, that are good for me, & ultimately make me feel better? Lord knows, but if you have the answer please let me know. Then smack me up side the head with a broccoli spear.

Check back tomorrow, I'll be posting some pics of Blue & Red!!

Thanks Friends!!

noreply@blogger.com (Irish Mom) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:23:00 +0000

You guys are so sweet!! Thanks so much for all the Birthday wishes!! Another year older & wiser (ok, not so sure about the wiser part, but definitly got older!!). As far as the Ipod thingy, I am working on it. Why do they make these little gadgets so complex?? Please take me back to the day of the mixed tape. I reigned supreme in that era!! Oh well, at $.99 a song I'll figure it out. My tech-not husband suggests I buy a song a week, 1 song per week?? Doesn't that kinda defeat the purpose of the whole thing. I kinda had to laugh though, thats just how he thinks. Could you see me listening to George Michaels Freedom over & over. Too funny!!

We did not do anything major this weekend, just some cleaning. I borrowed my neighbors carpet cleaner and have been cleaning all my carpets. I pulled everything out of Reds room and moved things around. She has 2 huge closets (what 3 year old shouldn't??) and I am putting shelving in the smaller one (which is actually normal sized) and am going to put all her toys in there. I am getting rid of tons, I think I may start selling on e-bay again. I had some success a couple of years ago, but have not sold in a long time. I heard the fees went up so I'll have to look into it again and see if its worth while. Or maybe Craigs list?? I'll keep you posted.