The Young and The Relentless

The First Husband

2012-05-31T00:00:00.000-06:00

I'm a big fan of romantic comedies. I love watching them and I really love reading them!

The First Husband by Laura Dave is about Annie Adams. She is a travel writer that is rarely home with her up and coming movie director boyfriend.

Her long term relationship is abruptly cut short when her boyfriend's life coach tells him he needs a break. A break named Pearl.

After a chance encounter with a new guy and eggs with lobster, Annie finds herself in a whirlwind romance, married and starting a new life in a small town. A life that she's not sure she fits into.

Annie's struggle to finally find a place that she belongs and love that she deserves makes for a very lovely story. A story that I was sad to see end.

This is the perfect summer beach/pool read! For more information and discussion, join me at BlogHer's Book Club.

This is a paid review for BlogHer Book Club but the opinions expressed are all mine.

2012 Summer Fun List

2012-05-30T06:25:00.000-06:00

Wow....I just realized this post marks 1001 posts. That seems like a significant milestone or that I'm a little chatty.

Yeah....I'm a little chatty.

Tomorrow is the last day of school for Alex! We are beyond excited to put the alarm clock away and have some fun on his first ever Summer Vacation. Oh course, Mallory is very excited for school to start.....in 78 days. Yes, she's keeping track.

Last year, we made a Summer Fun List and the kids loved it so much that I decided to make it one of our family traditions. You know how I love traditions and making my kids happy so here it is!

NOT Bummer Summer

I did leave a little bit of room at the bottom to add more things as they come up. Because I love to mark things off from lists.

In other Summer related news....I posted my Summer Reading List on my book blog.

What's on your list of things to do this summer?

Ten Things to Smile About in May

2012-05-29T08:13:00.000-06:00

1. #hb7 My trip to California! So Fun!

2. Kindergarten Field Day

I was told that it was the best Kindergarten Field Day the school has had in some time and then I heard that the one for the rest of the school was very disorganized and not at all awesome like mine.

3. Mommy Friends

I have been so fortunate to make several amazing friends this school year!

4. Spending time with Keith

We went on a date this month! We saw Dark Shadows, ate Indian Food and went to a polish bar.

5. Recreating a favorite California breakfast.

6. Flowers

7. Beer on the patio.

8. Thank you card from our Principal.

Even though she called Keith a ~~honey~~ badger.

9. Notebooks

Available at Staples

10. Hugging the Prom King.

He was in our wedding 8 years ago. Now he's a man.

Linking up with......

Emmy Mom for Ten Things to Smile About

Impulsive Addict and Shawn for Talk To Us Tuesday

Random Thoughts....

2012-05-22T06:37:00.002-06:00

Today feels like a random kind of day.

I have all of these thoughts floating around and they need released...like butterflies!

I recently discovered that my husband loves Jersey Girls. I found out when I was watching The Real Housewives of New Jersey and he sat down and watched intently. I also found out that he and his brothers' call butter on popcorn...shine. We've been married almost 8 years and I've never heard him call it that before.

There are only 7 school days left and I can't wait for this year to be over! There are some children in Alex's class that don't treat him very well and he just wants to be friends with everyone but they make it hard. I'm hopeful that there will be much nicer kids in his class next year. Keith tells me that there will always be jackholes to deal with. He says it's human nature. I said, 'even in a convent?' and he said, 'Yes, even they have predatory lesbians.' I almost peed my pants and now I shall blame everything wrong with the world on predatory lesbians instead of Obama.

Mallory had her last tumbling class yesterday and is mad at me because I had planned to take a activity break for the summer because I have so much fun stuff planned for us. Keith and I talked it over last night and decided to let her keep going because...what if she is good enough for the Olympics? It could happen.

There is a picture of my ass on Impulsive Addicts blog.

After watching The Bachelorette last night I have made two observations.

1.) I've been married for almost 8 years and there is no way in hell I could write a 7 page letter to my husband.

2.) My husband's new nickname is Chopper. (he used to fly helicopters)

I am proud to announce that this morning I am being sworn in as the PTA Membership Chairperson. I know what you're thinking and yes, I might be cray cray. BUT....I think this will be the perfect job for me and I'm already thinking of ways to ~~blackmail~~ get people to join the PTA and come to meetings. It involves suckers.

Have a great Tuesday!

Linking up with Impulsive and Shawn for Talk To Us Tuesday!

Summer Pen Pals

2012-05-21T09:52:00.004-06:00

This sweet little boy is going to miss his friends this summer.

We'll see some of them for playmates at the park but I wanted to have him do something that would surprise his friends and make sure they don't forget him.

I found these cool fold and mail cards at Target last week and I just knew they were perfect!

This way, he can keep in touch with some of this classmates and practice his writing at the same time.

What I'm hoping is that this will encourage his friend to write back to him and they can be summer pen pals!

Book Club: Jeneration X

2012-05-16T05:00:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Stephanie from Everyday Stephanie!

Today is the day!

It's book club time!

Mimi picked the book this time and I'm thrilled. I'm a huge fan of Jen Lancaster and am super excited for her next book.

Jeneration X

For a chance to win a copy of this book, leave me a comment telling me what book you're excited to read this summer.

Contest ends on Friday at 8pm (MST).

Already reading Jeneration X? Join our book club on Facebook.

Disclaimer: The book I'm giving away was purchased by me and I'm not being compensated for blogging about the book.

Lunch at The Ivy

2012-05-15T09:26:00.000-06:00

Happy Tuesday! Did you watch The Bachelorette last night? I'm crushing hard on a guy with a head injury named Charlie! There are some interesting men on the show and I think it's going to be a great season.

I'm joining Impulsive and Shawn for Talk To Us Tuesday to tell you about one of my favorite parts of our Huntington Beach trip. Impulsive Addict has done a fantastic recap of the first couple days here.

On Saturday, we drove to Hollywood and Vivienne showed us around.

Our ultimate destination....The Ivy Restaurant on Robertson Blvd.

Our table wasn't ready yet, so they gave us Champagne cocktails. We felt soooo very special and I think some people thought we were somebody.

Becca always look fantastic when she is holding a glass (or bottle) of Champagne!

Jen decided to go to The Ivy as Betty Draper.

The food....was amazing. I will dream about my meal for years to come. Becca licked my plate clean for me. I also had a sip of The Ivy Gimlet and can't wait to make one at home.

I had to try the coffee and we had a couple desserts that we passed around.

I loved the flowers on our table and the ambiance on the patio.

Such a fun day!

Come back tomorrow for the next Give A Blogger a Book...Club selection!!

Get In The House Carl!

2012-05-14T08:14:00.001-06:00

We were invited to a party over the weekend. I'm still so amazed sometimes that we have friends and that they like spending time with us. Our social calendar is FULL now and we love it!

I may have unleashed my inner Skinny Girl.

And iKeith may have had a few un-skinny Margaritas and then done the Macarena. I may have laughed until my side hurt because iKeith doesn't dance. The last time I saw him bust a move was in September 2003.

Have you ever seen a child's birthday cake lit with a blow torch. Now I've seen everything!

I commandeered one of the birthday boys gifts and turned it into a Sobriety Test. If you could catch six fish in 90 seconds....you could leave in your vehicle.

On the way home, my margarita-drinking, macarena-dancing husband asked me to stop at 7-11. I did, but only because I wanted Peanut MandM's. This is what he purchased.

Spiral? I'm concerned. I'm picturing this.

Funny story. When we were on vacation in California in March.....my monthly visitor was 5 days late. iKeith was freaking out! I told him that we would have to find a different way to spice things up because playing Shane and Lori in the Zombie Apocalypse is a dangerous game. And if I was pregnant I was naming the baby Carl. (Have you seen The Walking Dead? If you haven't this won't make any sense to you) My visitor did show up and we're not having a baby named Carl.

I guess iKeith found a different game.

Field Day, The Kindergarten Way

2012-05-11T11:00:00.001-06:00

It's been six and a half years since I have held a paying job.

Before I got pregnant with Alex, I worked for a collection agency that did medical collections. I was a customer service rep and worked as a liaison between the hospitals and my collectors. I loved tracking down information and delegating. I was also really good at being bossy.

Nine weeks ago, I volunteered to be the Kindergarten Field Day Coordinator.

I had a fantastic team of six ladies helping me and we pulled off a great event! Several teachers and the principal told me that it was the best and most organized field day they have ever had. Parents keep coming up to my husband and telling him how much their kid enjoyed it!

Even though....I was stressed out and had nightmares about popsicles.....I loved it!

The planning, the meetings and setting everything up. I was in my element! I had so much fun that I agreed to do it again next year.

I hired my brother in law Robert to walk around and take pictures. He did an amazing job!

Our Assistant Principal was the emcee and I rewarded him with a popsicle!

While Connie Sleeps....

2012-05-08T09:27:00.001-06:00

I don't have any vacation stories yet because the diva's are still approving the pictures.

What I do have is Facebook keeping a watchful eye on what my husband does after I've gone to bed and reporting on it for me.

This is what I found in my stream this morning.

Thank you Facebook!

I wasn't going to post today....because getting ready to put on Kindergarten Field Day tomorrow.

Pray for me.

P.S. I no longer want to be the PTA President.

Or type the word popsicle...ever again!

Mommy's Home!

2012-05-07T09:14:00.001-06:00

I got home late last night from my fabulous Huntington Beach Vacation. The kids and I are playing hooky and we're going to snuggle all day!

Wordless Wednesday

2012-05-02T09:25:00.002-06:00

Time Is On My Side

2012-04-30T09:50:00.000-06:00

I'm in a hurry to get things done

Oh I rush and rush until life's no fun

All I really gotta do is live and die

But I'm in a hurry and don't know why

Can't be late, I leave in plenty of time

Shakin hands with the clock

I can't stop

I'm on a roll and I'm ready to rock

This has been my theme song...forever.

I have a checklist in my head that must be completed and it needs to be done now.

But why?

The subject of time has been on my mind constantly this week.

At first it was regret, time wasted on a year of Kindergarten that has to be re-done. Time that I lost sending him to school everyday when he could have been home with me. On Thursday, I was ready to pull him out of school for the year and say f**k it. But there are only 20 days of actual school left and we have fun things coming up. Like Field Day....I'm the coordinator.

On Saturday night, I was deep in thought and writing in Alex's journal. I was trying to explain our choice in a way that he'd understand when he reads it someday; when he's an adult. I wanted him to know how much we wanted the best for him.

And then it hit me like a ton of bricks!

By having him go to Kindergarten again, I'm giving all of us the gift of time.

Another year to learn and grow.
Another year with him at my table, on my couch....under my roof.
Another year to be a family before he heads off into the world and starts his own life.
Another year to be WITH him.

I was so worried about what he'd be missing out on....that I forgot about everything we'd be gaining.

A year.

Mulligan

2012-04-25T07:47:00.000-06:00

It always good to hear that your son is sweet, kind and cooperative. That he is excited to learn and is never a problem.

It's even better to hear that since February, he's made so much improvement in many areas of his school work and that he passed his comprehension test with flying colors.

But.

He is still struggling so much with basic phonics and he may have a learning disability. It's still too early to diagnose that....but the other things, need much more work.

We went over all of the test scores for an hour yesterday. Yes, he's made improvement! He's working so hard and he loves school and his friends.

We decided that he could really benefit from a do over. A mulligan!

It's been a tough year....for all of us. This is not how I wanted our first year of school to go....fights with other parents that didn't support the teacher and a teacher that became ill which resulted in a revolving door of substitutes.

Alex....is actually taking it so well. I was really worried about it because he has worked very hard because he wanted to go to first grade with his classmates. Here is how the conversation went....we were driving to Home Depot.

Keith: (paraphrasing) You worked really hard and you did great but there are still some things you need more work on so we're going to put you in a full day Kindergarten class called K-1.

Alex: Look! A Motel 6!

Keith: Okay then.

I'm the one that fled the school crying and lost it in my car.

After explaining to Alex that he and Mallory would be in the same grade and graduate at the same time, that they could enter the science fair together as a team and that for his hard work we're buying him a bike......

He's was totally fine with it and can't wait to go to K-1 next year!

*****

Thank you for your support this school year. I've vented many times and you always know the right things to say! I love my internet friends!

Cheer Up

2012-04-24T13:34:00.001-06:00

I needed this today.

We meet with the school in a couple hours to see if Alex gets to go to 1st grade.

LEGO Harry Potter Party

2012-04-24T07:40:00.005-06:00

Happy Tuesday! It's that time of the week to chat up Impulsive and Shawn. You can tell them ANYTHING...there are no rules.

How would you like to pictures from my son's LEGO Harry Potter Birthday Party! You would? Great!

Let's start with.....The Invite.

Our original theme was going to be LEGO. Then when I was taking pictures for the invitation, Alex brought me some LEGO people to be in the picture. And a theme was born!

I have to tell you....my cake designer, Gemma from Bella Stella Bakery was very excited about our theme and I think she did a fantastic job!

There is a Ron on the cake also but he didn't make it into the picture. Alex wanted chocolate cake and chocolate frosting and it was delicious!

I purchased the goodie totes at Target in January! I was so excited to find them and figure out what to fill them with. We went with pencils, balls, playdoh, bubbles, a chocolate frog and a candy bar with a cool wrapper from here.

The kids had a blast building LEGOS together and there was a bit of naughtiness going one because Alex had just asked a beautiful blonde to be his girlfriend the day before and then he kissed her best friend at the party.

Mallory has a HUGE crush on the boy in the tie-dyed shirt and my sister Bobbi was her wing man. You have not lived until you are the wing man for a 5 year old.

The party was a huge success! But it wasn't without it's mishaps.....mostly from me.

Things Not To Do at Your Child's Birthday Party

Allow random children from your apartment complex to crash the party.
Drink too much wine and allow the guests to take home all of your children's LEGOS.
Drink too much wine and present your son's discarded underwear to the guests...ala Sixteen Candles.
Try to get your guests to pay you a dollar to see the underwear....after you already showed it to them.

How To Win The Science Fair

2012-04-23T07:14:00.001-06:00

Five weeks ago, there was a school assembly about The Science Fair. My son came home so excited and pumped up that in a moment of duress, iKeith we agreed that he could enter.

I found out later that he just really wanted a T-shirt. That would have been nice to know $75 ago.....

While on vacation, we discovered that he had a high interest in meteor craters which was convenient because we were visiting the Meteor Crater Museum on our trip. We learned so much there and purchased some items for his display.

Somehow.....I was in charge of the display board, I was told it was because I am the creative one. I read the rules 15 times because I didn't want to screw this up and it said that Kindergartener's can have lots of help from their parents. They can purchase stuff, help them research stuff, purchase stuff, drive them around, buy them ice cream and print out their information on the computer.

What they don't tell you is that IF YOU WANT TO WIN, your child has to hand write everything. Even if it takes them 5 weeks and their hand falls off.

My husband would also like you to know that my odd sense of humor could have been an issue. But in my defense.....he agreed to the title and dismissed my other one which was....

Don't Be A Hater.....Come See My Crater!

Alex worked very hard on his project. He built a meteor launcher out of legos and launched two size balls into flour to demonstrate his finding that larger meteors create larger craters.

His project was the most played with and interactive project of the 13 Kindergarten Projects. He also received handwritten feedback from two judges where most kids only had one.

And....the Principal's husband came to school on Friday to meet Alex and have him show off his project. He only came to see Alex.

We were flying high! Our board was the prettiest (because I made it) and it was the tallest....because SIZE MATTERS. Duh. Alex was nervous all afternoon. We kept him busy with his Grandpa and Aunt Bobbi who were visiting.

Did I mention it was also his 6th Birthday and Keith and I had volunteered in his classroom all morning?

It was a very good day!

That evening.......was the open house and award ceremony. I think these pictures of Mallory explain our emotions perfectly.

He didn't win.

We are so proud of him and he can't wait to enter again next year.

He wants to build a volcano.

Lord help me!

And Then He Was Six

2012-04-20T06:59:00.001-06:00

Downton Arby's

2012-04-18T07:28:00.001-06:00

This is so funny! Thanks Barbi!

Teacher Appreciation Door Decoration

2012-04-17T07:37:00.000-06:00

It's Tuesday! I'm listening to my My Sharona and biting my lower lip. It's also time for me to chat with Impulsive and Shawn for Talk To Us Tuesday. I will be hugging these ladies necks in.....16 Days!

Yesterday, I showed you my gifts for the staff at my son's school. They were a HUGE hit! I'm such a sap that I almost started crying when my little boy was giving his gift to his Principal. We are so blessed to have a fantastic, tender hearted Mom leading our school. She makes the kids feel like a million dollars!
As we were walking to his teachers' classrooms I did start to cry. His Kindergarten teacher is a young woman and she's been out for a month on medical leave. This was supposed to be her first day back and I was anxious to see her.
Erick loves her and has missed her terribly.
She wasn't there. Instead, a young man that looked like he was about to head into the lions den. I supposed the prospect of teaching twenty 5 and 6 year olds will do that to you.
This stopped my tears immediately, but they would return later when I found out that our teacher is not coming back this year and won't be teaching Mallory next year.
So, I was equally bummed to realize that she wouldn't see what my friends and I had done to her door.

I need to take a minute to tell you about these ladies. I had hoped that I'd make some Mommy friends this year, in fact, I'd prayed that I would.
God just loves to answer my prayers because these gals right here are the best! They are crafty and overachieving just like me and I think in a few years we'll be running that school.
This is what we came up with for the door.

What do you think?

Teacher Appreciation Gift

2012-04-16T07:35:00.000-06:00

School.....has been a constant source of frustration for me.

They are forever springing things on me or the information I have about something is wrong and I have to scramble to correct it.

Thursday, a note came home in my child's folder that informed me that this week would be Staff Appreciation Week. I immediately panicked because according to my COZI calendar, Teacher Appreciation Week isn't until May.

I called the school office to ask about it and they informed me that it is that week everywhere but HERE. She also made a snide remark that MY PTA changed it.

Oh....I see.

I texted all of my mommy/blogger friends and asked them what I was supposed to do. The overall answer was teachers love gift cards and that was great because I already had an idea to give them gift cards to my new favorite Gelato place that just opened.

I asked them for ideas for neat packaging and Becca suggested getting cups from the Gelato place!

Brillant!

The next text that came through my phone was from Vivienne and she said I needed to decorate the teachers door.

I quickly emailed my best Kinder Mom's to see who was up for a little door decorating party and soon....a plan was born. But you don't get to see that until tomorrow because we are hanging it in an hour.

Today I present to you......

Drum Roll Please.

These beauties are going to both of Alex's teachers, The Principal and the school secretaries!

What do you do for your teachers and school staff?

UPDATE:

I almost started crying when Alex was giving his Principal her gift. She is such a sweet lady! Unfortunately....his main teacher wasn't at school today.

The Canyon is Grand

2012-04-13T01:55:00.000-06:00

Linking up with Becca at R We There Yet Mom? for Friday Daydreamin'.

One of the highlights of our trip was seeing The Grand Canyon.

Keith and I had never been there before so it was a first for our entire family!

I was surprised to learn that you have to drive through a national forest to get there. A two lane highway....through the mountains and your ears will pop. Bring gum.

There was snow!

We arrived in Tusayan around lunch time and we were super hungry! The kids saw a sign for pizza and we thought that sounded great! We Cook Pizza and Pasta is a great little spot to stop before you hit the park and they have a salad bar and booze too.

Keith and I were excited to try beer from The Grand Canyon Brewing Company. They're based out of Williams Arizona and we liked both the Amber Ale and Pilsner very much.

The Canyon is spectacular!

There is lots of walking to do so don't be a dork and wear your wedges.

Bring some water bottles so that you can fill them with the best tasting water you've ever had. They have a pretty neat book store but the visitor center seems to be under construction.

Further into the park is a store and a restaurant or two.

I'd love to stay in the park sometime or take a train ride there!

Have you ever been to the Grand Canyon?

Texts From Connie

2012-04-11T09:35:00.003-06:00

Inspired by Texts From Hilary

No Joy

2012-04-10T07:07:00.003-06:00

While on my trip to California, I realized that I had neglected one very important aspect.

My coffee addiction.

I had not planned ahead for situations where my precious half and half was unavailable!

I had thought to bring some in the cooler but we decided to leave on Friday night at the last minute and that thought slipped my mind.

The next morning I was seriously regretting that slippage because I learned something very important.

Non-Dairy creamer is flammable.....and Super 8 was trying to kill me! Look at all of the chemicals!

I immediately asked Siri to find me some coffee STAT and she led us to McDonalds.

We would end up drinking many of these because.....McDonald's is EVERYWHERE!

In Winslow and Motel 6....I soon learned that non-dairy creamer means N* Joy!

Again...McDonald's saved the day!

Keith picked the Best Western in Kingman. I hadn't made a reservation for that day because I honestly didn't think we'd make it that far.....or we'd pull a Griswald, glance at the Grand Canyon and get the heck out of dodge.

I sang JOY TO THE WORLD when I found out that the Best Western was NOT trying to kill me!

But we still went to McDonalds' for Iced Coffee on the way out of town.

I'm not ashamed to admit to you that I stole little cups of half and half from a horrible buffet restaurant across the street from Disneyland.

A girl's gotta do what a girls gotta do.

A girls gotta have her coffee!

And now poor iKeith is addicted to coffee.

Here is a video about our trip.

Linking up with the fun girls Impulsive and Shawn for Talk to Us Tuesday!