The Adventures of the Headless Family

Master Bathroom Shower: Before

noreply@blogger.com (Headless Mom) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:07:00 +0000

Our latest project is our master bathroom shower, which we found to be leaking VERY badly last week. So, before we start ripping everything out I wanted to share what it looks like now.

And I thought last week's journey in the basket was bad....

noreply@blogger.com (Headless Mom) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:12:00 +0000

So my week has gone to hell in a handbasket.

Another water-related call to the insurance company. Oh believe me, there will be pictures and stories for months on this one.

Trying to plan a belated birthday party.

Baseball parent meeting.

Tax guy.

Supercross.

Super Bowl.

And a friend passed away last night. My sweet friend that had 2 grown daughters with babies of their own, and a 13 year old son. Her husband was amazing through all of this. When she was first diagnosed with breast cancer about 3 years ago, during the discussion with her surgeon he said, "You can take her breasts but you better not touch her ass. That's mine." She was always so full of life and well loved by her 9 brothers and sisters. Love you, B. You and all of your Twisted Sisters. I'll miss you.

So yeah. How has your week been?

Thoughts on Marriage and Tips to Make Yours Work

noreply@blogger.com (Headless Mom) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:33:00 +0000

The rash of bloggers announcing that they are getting divorced has set my wheels turning. Not like Mir was talking about a couple of days ago. Her points are spot on, but what I'm talking about is different.

When I was a child, my parents were separated for a couple of years. While the wheres and whys and hows aren't my story to tell, living through that taught me an important lesson about marriage.

"No one can know what is in a marriage but the two people that are in it." (Quote by my mom, about 30 years ago.)

My parents put their marriage back together, and will be celebrating their 50 year wedding anniversary in a couple of years. (Actually a year and a half to be exact. After 50 years, who's counting, right? Well, we are, to tell you the truth.)

50 years. That's not counting the 7 1/2 that they dated.

But look at that sentence up there.

I can complain about the socks that don't quite meet the hamper or the sleeping that HD does on the couch every evening because every wife complains about that stuff, right? But it's the things that you don't see and hear that keep my marriage together.

My parents visit a lot and sometimes, through laughter, my mother will say "I don't know how you can stay married to him." Which is to say: "I don't know what is in your marriage, but that's ok because it's yours." Understand: my mother loves my husband and he loves her. But my relationship with my husband is MINE. The quirks that I deal with might be your deal-breaker, and the things that you laugh about just might make me punch your husband in the throat. If I lived with him, that is.

I'm the one that he tells his deepest thoughts to. He's the only one that can comfort me when I'm feeling sad. I'm the one that he wants to celebrate his successes with and he's the one I want by my side each night as I fall asleep.

That's what a marriage is about. Those are the things that make it work regardless of what it looks like on the outside. What we overlook in our partners is what makes our intimacy.

If you don't like ironing your husband's shirts, fine. I do. I do it because it's one small thing to help him in his day, making his load lighter. My husband typically cooks on the weekends, partially because he enjoys cooking, but also because he knows it gives me a welcome break from the kitchen. It's what makes US work.

What makes your marriage work? Does he support you in your career? Does he bathe the babies each night and tuck them in bed so you get an hour of alone time? Do you share a passion for stamp collecting? My advice is: take those things and embrace them. Use those things to re-kindle your relationship at every turn. Use them to connect and then find other ways to make your relationship flourish, building on those connections.

For instance, do you love going out to dinner; just the two of you? Great, then plan a weekend away and 'tour' the local restaurants. Any location will do; it doesn't have to be a fancy big city or break the bank. Or go to your near by "A Taste Of" festival to sample the best of your local restaurants. Use this formula for anything that you both enjoy. OR, if it's something that your partner loves and you're not quite sold, maybe do it anyway. With fresh eyes, you just might find part of it that you love.

What about the little things? When I said that I iron my husband's shirts I wasn't kidding. Several years ago our marriage was struggling. Not awful, but our boys were very young, our girl was a busy tweenager, and we almost never connected in any way. So I started looking for books on the subject. One book suggested finding little things that would help your husband in his day. Light bulb moment: if I kept on top of his ironing, he would have shirts every morning, then he wouldn't have to huff and puff around the bedroom during my last hour of sleep. Win-Win. He gets out of the house with no frustration, I get a little more sleep. I know it's not a big thing, but it really helps my husband when he doesn't have to search for the shirt that he wants to wear. He starts his day happy, or at least not grumpy! What does that mean for your marriage? I don't know, but could you make his lunch? get the coffee ready to brew? pick up his dry cleaning? What ever 'it' is, it should be something that is just for him, that will show him that you're thinking of just him and trying to help him out, that will mean something in his day. Do it without being asked to, without saying anything about it and asking nothing in return.

Do these things only apply to wives? Absolutely not. Men, you should be doing things for your wife that she will appreciate. Flowers? Washing her car? Scrubbing a toilet? Taking the kids to soccer practice? Cooking dinner? Doing the grocery shopping? Pouring her a glass of wine at the end of a particularly trying day? There is something that will make her heart sing. Figure it out and do it.

Is every marriage worth saving? No, there are horrible situations out there that involve abuse, drug use, and infidelity, and I can't say that getting out of those situations is wrong. But is dropping everything at the first sign of trouble the answer either? I don't necessarily think so.

When I was in college, I remember sitting around with my girlfriends talking about relationships. Inevitably, one girl would say something along the lines of "Oh, if he ever cheated on me, even just kissing someone else, he'd be gone in a heartbeat, no questions asked!" While I totally understand the sentiment I'm not sure I can get in line with those kinds of absolutes. We are all human and we all make mistakes. The saying "You don't know what you'd do unless you've walked in those shoes," comes to mind. I don't know what I'd do in that situation, but I can tell you at this exact moment, while it would be devastating, I highly doubt that my first call would be to a divorce lawyer.

I get so sad when I see marriages that are struggling or don't work. Not because I think I do it better. Not because I think that they haven't tried. But because I know how good it can be. I wish that for every marriage.

This post has been submitted to Yeah Write #43.

Friday Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Headless Mom) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:27:00 +0000

I was blown away by this clip. I don't yet know what it means for me but I think that I shall play it on continuous loop today.

Many thanks to Jennifer Fulwiler for linking to this!

What's the dream that you've said "I'm too old," or "I'm too young," to? Are you ready to kick that to the curb?

Stories and Questions

noreply@blogger.com (Headless Mom) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:42:00 +0000

We all have so many stories in our heads. Some of them true, some partially true, and some that burst out of our imaginations, itching to get onto the paper, (or screen.)

Where do your stories come from? Do you write them? Or, like me, do they swirl around in your head, gaining momentum but decorum keeps your fingers from doing the dance? Are they truly your stories or are they just your observations of someone else's story, one that would be quoted and linked beyond recognition as something of your own?

Passions fuel the words, panting in your ear from the inside until they scream, sated on the keyboard, and you heave a heavy sigh.

SOPA Blackout

noreply@blogger.com (Headless Mom) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 04:39:00 +0000

I know that I'm not a brainiac. Nor am I a coder. What I am is an internet writer that will be effected by the SOPA and PIPA internet bills that are before Congress and the Senate right now.

The way I understand them, these laws will make 99% of the users of the internet and producers of internet content into FELONS. While I don't condone piracy or stealing, these bills go way too far to protect a very few.

If you would like to understand it all better you can check out the following articles:

About the blackout, and a video that explains it better: SOPA Blackout Set For January 18
A detailed look at the SOPA bill on Mashable: Why SOPA is Dangerous

I know that this site isn't 'blacked out' but this is what I can do. For those of you so inclined, look for ways to contact your representatives and let your voice be heard. This stuff is scary, y'all.

Edited to add: Here is a link to a petition. I signed and so should you.
Edited again: A brilliantly funny and Not Safe for Children or probably Work explanation from The Oatmeal

Little Things

noreply@blogger.com (Headless Mom) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 06:42:00 +0000

I'm totally stealing this idea from Diana. My muse for today!

1) I love when my kids, all 3 of them, are laughing, playing and generally getting along well. It usually goes well when the sister is around but it's nice to hear it anyway. Soon she'll be gone, presently just for the semester but the larger GONE looms large, and I'm trying to notice the good times rather than always hearing the bickering.

2) Winter finally arrived in Southern California today. It was mostly cloudy, quite cool, and even sprinkled at my house this evening. Granted, I'm totally jealous of all of you that got snow this week but I'll take what I can get.

3) My house is mostly clean and Christmas-free. Only the tree needs to go, but it's actually down and ready to go into it's bag and spot in the garage. Once it is, and I finish cleaning the living room I'll take a picture of the finished product. It's been a very, very long time since I had a normal living room that wasn't a storage area for lots of crap.

4) Speaking of my living room, I can't wait to read. I have great wing chairs in there that are perfect for curling up with a good book, or Kindle!, and I'm part of a book club. We're starting a new book this week so my reward for finishing the room is getting to read. Yay! Interesting enough, the selection this month isn't what I'd normally read but I'm still excited.

5) I've been having the strangest dreams lately. Many of them are starring bloggers. And they are lasting all night. I wake up scratching my head, but happy at the fact that I've spent all night with some of the best people on the internet.

6) Did I mention that my house is clean? I'm loving it!

7) The Broncos. (You didn't think I could just let it go, did you?) The loss on Saturday was painful, I'll admit. I do want to say, however, that no one in America thought that the Broncos have a .500 season, much less go to the playoffs or win their first playoff game. I think that we have a lot to look forward to next season, and am very proud to be a fan. And, yes, I'm a Believer.

Ok, Diana only did 5, so I guess at 7 I'm done. Have a good week everyone!

Why #1

noreply@blogger.com (Headless Mom) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:16:00 +0000

Why can I NOT keep my kitchen clean? Yes, I realize that it gets used at least 3 times a day. Holy cow, this room is a disaster area. Crumbs everywhere, a perpetual sink of clean dishes, not to mention the parade of dirty ones that fill the other side of the sink and trail off to the right.

To remedy this I have: started making the boys empty the dishwasher more regularly, begun to teach them where the handwashed stuff goes. Next: try to sweep daily, do better at throwing things away so I don't have as many piles on my counter. (I am a serial pile-maker.)

What do you to to keep the kitchen under control? I need a serious intervention!

Slap Your Mama Mac and Cheese

noreply@blogger.com (Headless Mom) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 03:39:00 +0000

Not kidding.

After I paid tuition today I was looking for a recipe that I could make out of what I had on hand. I quickly noticed that I had all of the makings for Macaroni and Cheese. We took a ham to a memorial service this weekend and have a ton of ham leftover so I could use that too. What's a girl to do? I went to Pinterest! (I don't have an account but you don't really have to to just search. You only need it to pin stuff to your own board.) Pinterest is my new Google for recipes. Honest to Pete, I was searching and came up with 3 different recipes! I used them all, kinda, to make the following:

AMAZING Mac and Cheese, With Ham and Broccoli

{This is where a really mediocre photo was supposed to go but somehow it disappeared off of my camera. Whoops!}

3 cups elbow macaroni

2 T. butter
1 T. vegetable oil
1/2 C. diced white onion
1 large shallot, diced
1/2 tsp. minced garlic (1 clove)
3 T. flour
1/2 C. skim milk
1/2 C. half and half
1 1/4 C chicken broth
4-6 oz. Each, shredded: medium cheddar, Jarlsberg, Velveeta, Romano*
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. Coleman's Mustard, prepared

1 C (heaping) diced ham
3 C cooked broccoli, chopped into small bites

Cook macaroni according to package directions, less one minute. Return to pot and add ham and broccoli

While macaroni is cooking, heat butter and oil in a medium to large saucepan. Saute onions, shallots and garlic until they just start to get clear. Add flour and stir until thick. Add milk, half and half, and chicken broth. Stir constantly until roux blends with liquid. Add cheeses by the handful, stirring constantly, until all cheese is melted and smooth. Add paprika and mustard, mix well.

Add cheese mix to macaroni, ham, and broccoli, mix well and let sit for a few minutes to let sauce set. Pour into 9x13 (or larger) pyrex, top with a few more shreds of cheese and 3/4 C Italian Panko bread crumbs. Bake in 350 oven for 30 minutes, until heated through.

I would suggest getting all of the ingredients together beforehand, since this comes together really fast at the end!

*These are the cheeses that I happened to have on hand. They worked really, really well together, if you can believe it. I will use a little more cheddar next time but I may never leave out the Jarlsberg ever again, it was so tasty. It gave it a tangy kick that was really great with the ham! Similar to one of the inspiration recipes, I used the Velveeta for the creaminess and it was perfect for that, (no Velveeta taste for my husband who doesn't really like it.)

Thank you to Mindinka Moments, Homemade by Holman, and SkinnyTaste for the inspiration for this yummy recipe!

For 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Headless Mom) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:07:00 +0000

After reading about everyone's resolutions, words, and goals for 2012 I decided it's about time to fill you in on mine.

I'm not so much for making resolutions; mostly because I forget that I made them by January 21st and then feel like a heel for about a day and a half until I forget about them again. Then around December 28th I go back and read the blog and, Whoops!

There are fun, smart women around the internet that do this way better than I, but there are a few things that I'd like to do better this year.

SLEEP- Yeah, I know, but hear me out. I am a night owl. If it wasn't for children that need to rise at about 6:30 every day, I would be up until about 12 or 1 and sleep until 9 or 10. Oh yeah, and a husband who's schedule is from about 4 am until about 8 pm. So. I am going to try to alter my sleep schedule. I've found that I really do need a solid 9 hours per night to feel really good so to get 9 hours I need to regularly go to bed by 10. I know that 9 hours sounds like a lot but if that is more 'the norm' then I can do the occasional night of less and it won't affect me much. The stumbling blocks to this plan? The west coast prime time tv schedule. Luckily, there are only 2 nights a week that I watch shows that come on at 10 pm local time. Another stumbling block? The internet. 'Nuf said. So if you happen to see me on later than that you have my permission to kick me off. Or something. You get my drift.
Many of your resolutions have revolved around writing: more often, better, novels!, and the like. I think I'll just try to join Eden and blog like it's 2002. I haven't actually been around blogging since then, but I think it means that I'm going to share my life with you, the funny family stories, my likes and dislikes, and not worry about branding or any of that other nonsense that makes blogging cloudy. (Which I don't think I do too often but it does happen elsewhere and I'm not about to point anything out without looking for the plank in my own eye first.) I may not be the best writer out there but I do know that I've made fabulous friends doing this and I'd like to keep it that way, which I think means that I have to write a little more than 3 times a month. That's ok, I like it. Join me, won't you?
Save Money. This is an important one that I don't really want to admit. We have a few things around here that we need to pay for that are WAY out of the scope of the normal budgeting. Tuition, roof, you know, kinda BIG stuff. It's all within reach but that means tightening the belt, making menu plans, putting off unnecessary expenses, etc. (Yeah, you probably know what's coming.) That includes not going to Blissdom or BlogHer this year. BlogHer has been out since they announced that NYC was the venue again. The plane ticket is just too far out of reach. I was hoping to sneak off to Blissdom this year instead but if we (as in HD and I,) really want to stay on top of this other stuff then I have to do this. I've made it work in years past but I want to work out the other things without guilt, thus, no conferences. (Now, if I win the lottery or get a sponsor that could change but either one has about the same probability, right?)(I suppose that if I got a sponsor that it would also mean tweaking my second bullet, too, but we'll cross that bridge if we ever get there.)
Paint my bedroom. Honest to Pete, we've been in this house for 9, almost 10 years and my bedroom is STILL not done. Come hell or high water, I'm painting that room THIS YEAR.

Four things. Not too big, not too daunting, and completely NOT out of reach. What have you decided to do this year?

St. Patricks Cathedral

noreply@blogger.com (Headless Mom) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 06:25:00 +0000

You might remember that in October we spent the weekend in Julian, CA. It was a great family weekend for the 4 of us, but we didn't just go to go. We were having a family reunion of sorts with cousins on my husband's side of the family.... Oh, I think I need to start from the beginning....

My husband lost his mother in 1979, and lost touch with her side of the family over the next decade. It was not until my BIL (HD's brother) started using Ancestry.com last spring that they realized that they had so many relatives on that side of the family-many of whom are still here in California!

One of those cousins was coming from Florida to visit another cousin in Central California, and going to visit a third cousin in Julian. That's the reason for the Julian visit and we seriously got our money's worth in family history that weekend! These women are serious family tree investigators. We were able to see pictures that were thought to be lost forever, heard stories of family members that I, not actually being part of that family, never knew, and made new bonds for the future. It was really cool.

The best story of the weekend, though was that of HD's great, great, great grandfather William Joyce. Mr. Joyce owned a marble quarry in New Jersey and was co-owner of a construction company. He and his partner were awarded the contract to build the new St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. All of the marble in the building was from his quarry. He also donated one of the spectacular windows, The Window of St. John the Evangelist. We heard various tales about the contract with the Church, the quarry, the family. It was so amazing to listen to these women tell their tales about finding details of these lives, connected to ours, and their dedication to finding more and more and more.

The other story that I found interesting was that he had many Irish workers in the quarry, so many in fact that he built them a church right across the street from the quarry so that they could attend Mass but not lose too much of the work day. One of the chapels inside that church is still named for his wife, and they have a family crypt there.

The 2 books that HD got for Christmas were books on the Cathedral.

The best part about the books is that he had asked and asked for me to buy them and thought I was just blowing him off. Hee hee! I got the last laugh!

So now we have a really good reason to visit the New York/New Jersey area. Anyone got a money tree?

Three

noreply@blogger.com (Headless Mom) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 23:14:00 +0000

Yes, that is the number of times that I've posted before today, in December. I'm still highly unmotivated to write right now, but I know that if I don't "just do it" that I'll never post again, so here I am.

Christmas was lovely around here, and I'm not just talking about the weather. (Which, by the way is sunny and in the 70's. Don't be hatin'.) My parents were here for 10 days beginning on the 18th, which gave us plenty of time to get things done and have some fun, too. HD and my dad got to play golf before Christmas, we had a great Christmas Eve dinner with my BIL and SIL, and I was even done with all of my shopping by 2 days before Christmas. Amazing!

Christmas morning was nice... we didn't have to get up at the crack of dawn! We opened our stockings and found that Santa had brought a new iMac. (Thank goodness! Now Mama has her laptop back!) The boys got some great gifts that they were excited about: Skyrim for XBOX, new sweatshirt jackets, gift cards and money, among other things. HG got various travel goodies, including money for another summer in Africa. HD was the recipient of almost everything that he asked for in the way of clothes, etc., but I think his favorite gifts were the 2 books on the history and windows of St. Patricks' Cathedral in New York City. (The reason for the books is another post entirely. It's a great story.) I had a really great Christmas. HD employed a friend to help him find a zoom lens for my Canon that I have been desperate for, and threw in the bag and tripod for good measure. I've started playing with it, but I now can't wait to head to a local shop with a friend to take some lessons to really learn how to use it properly. Think I'll be able to get a good picture of the kids now? I sure hope so! I also got a new battery for my laptop, a pair of Broncos plaid flannel pj pants, a couple of sweaters, and a jewelery tree for my bathroom that I've needed forever.

The day after Christmas we went to see Hugo, my first movie in over a year. We all loved it, and if you haven't seen it yet you should before it is out of theaters. Then? Head right to the bookstore to treat yourself to the book. It is typically in the children's section but adults will also be mesmerized. I loved it when I read it a few years ago and now can't wait until I can pick it up again as well as read another book by the same author. I'd bet you'll want to dive into them, too.

I guess that my only disappointment of the season was that I didn't get to do my usual baking. Time just kept getting away from me and that's what had to go. I'm in luck though. My kids don't go back to school until January 9th, so maybe we can get a few things done next week and they can take treats to their teachers then!

That's all for today. Missed you guys. So tell me. How was your holiday?

If it wasn't for the Last Minute, I'd never get anything done.

noreply@blogger.com (Headless Mom) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:36:00 +0000

Thanks to Walgreens for underwriting this post. I was paid as a member of the Clever Girls Collective, but the content is all mine. Visit http://www.walgreens.com/beauty

'Tis the week to freak out about all of those people that are on your list that you forgot to get something for.

That's only me? *ahem*

You can do it all in one place. No lie. At Walgreens.

A swing through my local Walgreens yesterday had me brimming with ideas. Check this out:

For the college student/young adult with a small apartment: small appliances by Sylvania $14.99-26.99, all with a $5 rebate. I'd go with the rice cooker for $10.99 (after rebate.)
For the tween girl: feather hair extensions, 2/$10.
Various girls/women on your list: super soft fuzzy socks. For girls, with Dora the Explorer on them, ($3.99 each or 3/$10) So cute! Or for teens/women, 3 pack, 2/$12. That's 6 pairs, y'all!
For the tween boy: AXE body wash, $6.49.
For the 'local' enthusiast: sweatshirts with your city name, $19.99.

This year I've been shopping for myself a little. (I'm the only shopper in my house, so if I don't do it, no one will!) So if you happen to be an adult, male member of my family, here's what you can get for me, or the sister-in-law that you don't have no idea what she wants:

Waterproof tote, in Burberry plaid print, $5.99.

(Not the plaid, but the same tote.)

Fill it with: the above fuzzy socks,
Wine! (Walgreens sells wine here in California. Score!)
Anything (or everything?) from the Yes to Carrots line ($2.99-$20.49 regular price, on sale this week buy one, get one 50% off!) See also: Yes to Blueberries, Yes to Cucumbers.
Any thick body moisturizer, like those by Eucerin, Udderly Smooth, Cetaphil, or Palmer's Cocoa Butter.

Wanna fill some stockings? In addition to your Great Aunt Matilda's favorite Chocolate Covered Cherries, get some of these:

Chapstick or Carmex
nail clippers
fingernail decals
toothbrushes/toothpaste
perfume/cologne
eye shadow/mascara
makeup remover wipes
multi-vitamins
fleece baby blankets (only $1!)

Want more savings? There's some great Walgreens coupons in this flyer/shopping guide.

So? What will you buy at Walgreens this year? You can tell me. I can keep a secret.

Behind

noreply@blogger.com (Headless Mom) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:32:00 +0000

And thus begins the portion of the show where I freak the heck out.

I've got 3 tons of stuff to do and less than a ton of time to do it.

Please, if I'm missing something major in your life or on your blog direct me to it. Know that it's not you, it's me. I'm going to spend the next several days offline (except for shopping!,) and try to get caught up.

Do you have any tips for me for getting caught up? Right now I need a clock that goes back in time!

The Wind

noreply@blogger.com (Headless Mom) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 06:24:00 +0000

Unless you've been living under a rock, you heard about the terrible winds that hit Southern California last Wednesday night. I have lived all over the country, been in 2 tornados, one hurricane (inland, anyway,) and lived through almost 20 winters in Colorado and I have NEVER been that scared in my life. The wind was coming out of the north and whipping down the mountains. Our master bedroom is on the north side of the house and I don't think that HD or I slept more than about 30 or 40 minutes at a time after about 3 am. Our chimney and bedroom window creaked so bad I was almost shocked that they didn't have any damage. The power went out around 2:30, and when we woke up with first light we found that we had lost both of our large shade trees in our back yard.

Look at my view out of the kitchen window. This tree landed about 3 feet from the window. The usual view is just grass with the tree above.

The canopy on these trees seemed to act like a parachute and lifted them out of the ground. You can't even tell in this picture where the tree was. It actually snapped about 8 inches underground.

Same tree, different view.

This is the close-up of the hole, and how far underground that the tree snapped.

This tree is on the opposite side of the yard, and the one that fell close to the kitchen window.

A close-up of the roots still partially attached, same tree as above.

Different view of tree #1. The upstairs window you see in this picture is our bedroom. With nothing to block the wind, it was s.c.a.r.y. Locally, the highest gusts were clocked at 97 miles an hour. Hurricane strength. This is not normal for our area. Yes, we have bad, damaging winds but most people I've spoken with have never seen anything like the winds on Wed./Thurs. of last week.

The above Chinese Elms weren't the only trees on our property that had damage. This branch off of the junipers was 6-8 inches in diameter. We also lost 2 large branches off of our pepper tree in the opposite corner of the yard.

This is the side of the yard where tree #1 was laying, now completely empty. This was taken on Saturday morning after the tree company came to cut the majority of the wood. HB#1 is up there helping to stack wood and do other clean up. All 3 of my guys worked really hard to get it finished. OH! Headless girl pitched in, too! (I let them do it all and cleaned the inside of the house, instead.)

The other side of the yard. It's so bare! You can, however, see the mountains very clearly now. Bright side, right?

I can't let this whole topic go without telling you how devastated Headless Dad is about these trees. He literally moped around for 3 days.

I have more pictures from around our neighborhood that I'll post tomorrow. If you thought our damage was bad, you ain't seen nuthin' yet!

Last Night

noreply@blogger.com (Headless Mom) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 06:20:00 +0000

Not as in yesterday, Tuesday, but as in HURRAY this is the last night of NaBloPoMo!

This is the 4th year that I've participated but the first that I've hated almost every minute. It was not a writing exercise this year but a chore. Believe me, you won't hear from me again for a few days. I've had no inspiration, no motivation. I'm sorry that you've had to read my drivel for the last 4 weeks. OK, who am I kidding. You didn't HAVE to do anything. So, most importantly Thank You for sticking around for my drivel. You are pretty.

One of the reasons that I've had such a hard time with it this year is that my laptop is the only computer in the house. In the evenings since football has been over the boys have taken to taking over. They watch YouTube videos all.damn.night. Video game commentaries mostly. (Don't get me started on the fact that we're on our 3rd XBOX and it now DOESN'T WORK. #microsoftcansuckit )So. By the time that I get my computer back so I can actually write it's after 9pm, sometimes later than that, and it's hard to pound out a post when your shows are on and you're trying to write something inspired. (I know.)

Another reason is that I'm having a hard time with blogging in general lately. The boys are getting older and many of their stories aren't mine to tell anymore. I know that's totally a cliche now, and I hope to find my way around it, but I can't help but to at least be more sensitive to them now. I'm also finding that there seems to be people that have a problem with 'normal kids.' Let me explain. There are brilliant bloggers out there that have beautiful and eloquent things to say about their kids that have challenges. (Think spectrum/health issues, and the like.) My kids are great and smart, and yes sometimes challenging, but all in very normal ways. Not big stories here.

I'll also add (to the problems with blogging in general) that I'm having a hard time knowing where I fit in these days. Is blogging a dying art? I feel like the blogging that I knew when I started is dying, and the blogging that people refer to now is totally different. With the exception of my close friends, I don't see much community anymore. Well, it's shrinking anyway. Which makes me incredibly sad because this community has propped me up, given me purpose, and made me laugh more than any other in my adult life. I don't want to lose this but I'm not sure that I want it in the form that is emerging, either.

No answers, just more questions. But still, thank goodness NaBloPoMo is over.

Dufus

noreply@blogger.com (Headless Mom) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 06:43:00 +0000

(UPDATED WITH LIVE LINK)

I just spent time writing a post for Draft Day Suit about all of the football firings this week. Of course it's not posted yet so I can't actually link to it right now. However. I promise that I will insert the link in here tomorrow when it's live.

Teaser:

T-Minus 2 Days

noreply@blogger.com (Headless Mom) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 06:05:00 +0000

There are only 2 days left in NaBloPoMo. Thank goodness.

A few bullet points to get past this Monday night:

My #1 turned 11 today!
He has damn good taste in birthday dinners. Filets, baked potatoes and broccoli.
Tebow and my Broncos. 5-1 in their last 6 games. 'Nuf said.
I still haven't decorated the Christmas trees. Hopefully by this weekend.
I have to find a dress- PRONTO- for my husband's company Christmas party. Ideas and links would be greatly appreciated!
I also need to shed about 10 pounds before I'll be comfortable in a new dress.

Ok, that about does it for tonight. Bye!

Go To Meals: Chicken/Turkey Soup

noreply@blogger.com (Headless Mom) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:03:00 +0000

Often during the summer we will throw a whole chicken on the rotisserie on our barbeque. The flavor is great and the kids love it. We're not real big on leftovers so saving all of the extra meat and the entire carcass is perfect, especially because I know that come fall I get to have this!

To freeze: stuff all of the carcass, including any bones that you've eaten off of, any uneaten pieces of meat and skin pieces, into a gallon freezer bag. Put in the freezer.

Note: Please also use your turkey carcass from Thanksgiving. It's delish, and a great way to extend the life of your bird, so to speak!

Chicken Soup:
One chicken carcass, taken from the freezer. Put in large stock pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and simmer for about an hour (Or less, or more. Whatever.) Remove from heat, use a slotted spoon to remove all meat and bones from broth. Let bones cool until you can handle them. Pick all meat from bones and return to pot with broth, discard bones.

While bones are simmering gather veggies to put into the soup. I typically use: onion, celery, and carrots. That is a basic soup. This time I used a can of rotel, an extra can of green chiles, and frozen peas and corn. You can add just about anything, really, in any combination. I also tend to use a simple can of diced tomatoes instead of the Rotel. Like I said, just use what you have on hand.

Add veggies to broth with meat. Simmer. Add other seasonings to taste. (When we cook a chicken on the rotisserie we dry rub it so I always wait to season until after the veggies are in. You never know how the flavor will go.) You can add: bay leaf, sea salt, pepper, basil, thyme, oregano, lemon pepper. Start with a little, let it simmer, then taste and add more if you need to.

Finally, about 15-20 minutes before you're ready to serve add either a cup of rice, or like I did this time, add egg noodles. (A little or a lot, whichever you prefer. This picture was taken before I added the broth from the pot so it looks a lot thicker than it actually was.)

This can take as little time as an hour or all afternoon and smells divine. My recipe feeds 4-6. If you need to feed more you can simply add a small chicken breast to the simmering carcass.

Enjoy!

Saturday Shots-Decorating Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Headless Mom) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 05:22:00 +0000

The family room complete with tree, stockings, Little People Nativity, and Black Ops. You know, because it's such a great family activity.

Not complete, but my Santas on the left, my Willow Tree Nativity in the middle, and my snowmen on the right. And a random easel, just for giggles.

More snowmen on the left of the staircase, another Santa at the top, and my penguins down the right.

Tree placement in living room. Complete with ornament boxes just to keep it real.

So that's as far as I've gotten. Looking at the pictures I see a ton of fixes. *Sigh* It's never done, is it?

Decorating

noreply@blogger.com (Headless Mom) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 06:17:00 +0000

Last year we had a crappy Christmas. Well, it just didn't much feel like any sort of holiday since our house was torn up after our flood and I couldn't decorate. Do you remember the sad little tree that I put up in our family room?

Well, you'll be happy to know that I decorated today. All of the stockings are hung by the chimney with care. The sad little tree is up in the family room and it isn't quite so sad this year. The only thing that isn't done yet are actual ornaments on the trees. Tomorrow and Sunday. Not kidding.

I had fun decorating this year. I did some things differently than I usually do which makes it fun for me. I actually cleaned off an entire table in my front hall and have a nativity on it with 2 other of my 'Christmas collections'. I think I'll take pictures tomorrow so you can see some of what I've done. And yes, Liz, I'll show you where I put the tree!

Confession: I still haven't found homes for a few of the boxes that you saw in the last picture of my progress. Honest to pete I cannot seem to get rid of them. They are full of random stuff. Old pictures, a map of London from our trip there in 1999, some old business files. Certainly if I would just go through them I could at least combine them into one, right? Anyhow, that's what I'm up against.

Viva Saturday!

Thanksgiving by the Numbers

noreply@blogger.com (Headless Mom) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 06:35:00 +0000

2- number of turkeys cooked, one fried and one rotisserie
2- number of cranberry dishes, (regular and relish with orange)
2- glasses of wine consumed by moi
7- side dishes: (stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, squash casserole, sweet potatoes, creamed corn, rudabagas)
5- children under the age of 15
1- grandparent
2- children that are technically adults
14- total people here to eat
3- bowls of chips
3- complete football games (mostly) watched
1- successful attempt at gravy!

0- pictures taken by me. *sigh*

110

noreply@blogger.com (Headless Mom) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 06:26:00 +0000

That was the number of people, at last count, that we helped to feed at my daughter's church tonight.

HD deep fried 6 turkeys and other church volunteers filled in with the side dishes. I was the food runner and helped with clean up.

I didn't get to my own prep for tomorrow but that's ok. 110 people left with not only fill bellies, but full hearts, and they felt the love of Jesus. Not only that? but there is enough left over to make plates to take out tomorrow to the parks! God is good. Very good.

And I am pooped. Happy Thanksgiving!

NaBloPoMo Can #SuckIt

noreply@blogger.com (Headless Mom) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 06:37:00 +0000

I've been phoning it in for a while now. You didn't notice? You're so kind.

Ahem.

Anyway, this is kinda kicking my butt. I know.

Did I mention that it was our anniversary today? Yup. 14 years and HD is a keeper. He got me a ring that is beeyooooo-tiful. I'll get a picture for you when I get it sized. I love it!

If you'd like to see a picture of our wedding you can look at the post that I wrote for our eleventh anniversary. It was a really beautiful ceremony.

I'm off to snuggle with my honey. Nighty night!

Hey, just curious... How many years have you been married?

Knott's

noreply@blogger.com (Headless Mom) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:38:00 +0000

Took the kids to Knott's today with some of our pals. Had a great day. Totally exhausted. There at 11, home at 9:00.

Oh, and I wrote this at Draft Day Suit. So sad.

See ya tomorrow!