My Little Life

Five Question Friday!! 1/27/12

noreply@blogger.com (Mama M.) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:29:00 +0000

Whistle while you work...tweedle eet deet deet deet deet. Yup...off to welcome babies this morning, then HELLO WEEKEND! Gotta get a special little someone some presents for her birthday that's coming up.

Oh, and I suppose I should get Baby some, too. ;) Dang girl, stealing my birthday...I say that deserves an iPad, no?

Okay, so last night I was up until after 1 am uploading a mass quantity of photos from whale watching (did you read that epic novel? It's kind of fun...) and I'm BEAT today, so I'm gonna get right down to business and get this 5QF show on the road!

Welcome to Five Question Friday!! You've come to the right place if you want a fun, easy post or if you've suddenly discovered your muses have decided they are on strike for the weekend.

Rules for 5QF: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them, then watch for the linky post to appear Friday morning and LINK UP!

Oh, and remember (pay close attention...this is the important one)...HAVE FUN!

Questions for Friday, January 27th: (Special thanks to

Pam (@trooppetrie) from Troop Petrie, Gasfamily (@gasfamily) from The Gas Family, Lindsay (@ninjalindsay) from Mac or Cheesy, Keely (@keely1978) from MannLand5 and Jolene (@joleneslavik) from the Just the 4 of Us for their question suggestions! I would love to link you in a future 5QF, so come on over to my community or watch for my Thursday afternoon shout out for questions on Twitter and offer up your best question suggestions! Remember to @5crookedhalos me and use hashtag #5QF if you go the Twitter route!)

1. Do you swim in the winter?

2. Do you love or hate winter?

3. Do you put makeup/actual clothes on when you know you're going to be home all day with just family?

4. How old were you when you had your first alcoholic beverage?

5. How many ill calls in a 12 month period do you think are acceptable?

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1. Do you swim in the winter?

Well, I try not to. It takes a lot of effort to swim in the winter around here...first you have to shovel the snow off the lake. Then you need to cut a gigantic whole in the ice.

Then you need to strip to your skivvies and psyche yourself up for the arctic plunge.

Okay, I jest. We don't swim in the lakes right now. (Like, totally...DUH!) Well, sorta. There is an annual fundraiser that takes place down near the Big City that's called the Polar Bear Plunge (after searching for that link, I've discovered it's not just a local fundraiser...huh, the things Google teaches you.) and as much as I'd love to support the Special Olympics...I just can't plunge myself into the depths of a frozen lake.

I'm certain I'd never warm up.

Ever.

2. Do you love or hate winter?

Mostly hate...but this winter? LOVE! So, normally our temps are pretty consistently in the "miserable" to "intolerable" range right about now. Translated to degrees Fahrenheit, that comes out to somewhere around a million to a bajillion degrees below zero.

Yes, consistently.

This year, however? We've had very sporadic, short lived "cold" days (around the 0*F or just below to 10*F above) with more mild 20's and then short lived (but fairly frequent) mid 30's. It's nothing short of a miracle.

Or, the end of the world.

You take your pick. But, I'll take a walk on the positive "non-rapture" side and go with miracle. I've always welcomed Global Warming with open arms...I'm finally getting my wish!

Now...if only we would've gotten that White Christmas, this winter would rank as close to "Perfect" as you can get!

3. Do you put makeup/actual clothes on when you know you're going to be home all day with just family?

Um.

No.

Okay, let me rephrase that. NO WAY!

If I'm grubbin' at home, with nowhere to be, no one coming over...you'll find me decked out in my yoga pants (Express brand, please and thank you), an oversized T-shirt and a gigantic (likely nearly shredded) sweatshirt and warm, fuzzy socks.

Without a lick of make-up on.

And, probably un-brushed teeth.

But I do change my undies every morning, so rest assured.

4. How old were you when you had your first alcoholic beverage?

Like, "my own" my own? I'm sure I inadvertently sipped a few alcoholic beverages well before I was actually meaning to.

I remember going to a party in probably 9th grade...you know, the kind where you walk in, buy a red solo cup, and help yourself to beer? Yeah, that kind.

Only, I hated beer. (Still do, for the most part...although, hand me a cold one in sunny Mexico and I'll enjoy most of it. Kinda.) So, I ended up drinking it REALLY fast, 'cuz, you know my only goal was to get drunk.

However, when one who is not used to drinking chugs beer in rapid succession, she goes from "not drunk" to "barfing" rather quickly.

So, yeah...I'd say I was probably in 9th grade. Which, now that I write that is OH EM GEE too young. Yikes.

5. How many ill calls in a 12 month period do you think are acceptable?

Have to laugh at this one...Jolene and I were discussing this on Twitter after she had an interview recently and was asked this question.

At my place of employment, we are "allowed" a certain % of ill calls. A basic rule of thumb is that we are allowed as many sick calls in a 12 month period as we are hired to work in a pay period.

So, for example...I work part time...my FTE, full time equivalent, is .5, which is 50% or 5, 8 hour shifts in a pay period, which is two weeks. That means I am allowed, roughly, 5 ill calls a year.

Which I think is pretty fair. To compare, if I worked full-time, I would be a .9 FTE (that's full-time where I work) which would mean I'd be allowed roughly 9 ill calls.

In the nearly 13 years that I've worked at the hospital, I've only come close to that max % once...and that was during a bad winter where illness never seemed to leave!

So that's my long, ramble-y answer...as many days as you are hired to work in a pay-period.

Amen.

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Have a wonderful weekend!

Thursday Night 5QF Sneak Peek!!

noreply@blogger.com (Mama M.) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 01:25:00 +0000

Thursday. Already. Wow. How does that happen? One minute it's Monday morning and I'm sad to have the weekend over and BAM the next minute, it's Thursday night and almost the weekend again.

So...everyone. Listen closely. Did you know that Blogger comments have a reply feature now? I have been replying like crazy...but I don't know if anyone gets my replies unless they come back and check in which case HELLO BLOGGER, how about adding a "notify" option?

Check it out. It's super fun.

Well...anyway...Welcome to Five Question Friday!! You've come to the right place if you want a fun, easy post or if you've suddenly discovered your muses have decided they are on strike for the weekend.

Rules for 5QF: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them, then watch for the linky post to appear Friday morning and LINK UP!

Oh, and remember (pay close attention...this is the important one)...HAVE FUN!

Questions for Friday, January 27th: (Special thanks to

1. Do you swim in the winter?

2. Do you love or hate winter?

3. Do you put makeup/actual clothes on when you know you're going to be home all day with just family?

4. How old were you when you had your first alcoholic beverage?

5. How many ill calls in a 12 month period do you think are acceptable?

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How's that? See you in the am!

Whale Watching in Bahia de Banderas

noreply@blogger.com (Mama M.) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:59:00 +0000

Warning...this post is long. BUT WAIT!! It is FUN and FULL of photos! So, read it, will you? I think you'll enjoy it...especially the part about my "Scottish" husband...

"Bahia de Banderas" or "Banderas Bay"...a "shark-free", mountain-lined, dolphin-filled winter home to humpback whales.

I put "shark-free" in quotes because you know what they say in Mexican markets, "for you senorita, almost free today". Their "free" seems to be just a bit different than our "free". But, that's what they claim.

Shark-free waters because of the (5? maybe more?) different species of dolphins that inhabit this bay...they supposedly keep the sharks away (word on the pier is that there has never been a shark spotted in the bay...) which in turn makes for fabulous breeding grounds for humpback whales.

No sharks to eat the baby whales. Gory, I know.

And now, aren't you so glad you know that little tidbit of information? Someday, if you win a million dollars because of it, you owe me 10%. Finders fee, or something. ;)

So...anyway...onto the story, Mama.

The morning of the wedding, we woke up bright and early...roused my aunt and cousin (whose clock was about 30 minutes behind and whom thought they could go back to bed for a bit...boy were they surprised when we told them they had approximately 4.7 minutes to get ready and get to the lobby to catch our taxi to the pier. Funny stuff...), gathered T. and began our voyage to "Paradise Pier".

Wait. Before I go any further, I have something to share with you. MUY IMPORTANTE, so listen up.

If you get any hint of motion sickness, you MUST procure yourself a scopolamine patch before engaging in any sort of potential motion sickness inducing activity. I wear them on flights, long car rides, whale watching expeditions ('cuz I do so many of those) and I am convinced that they saved me from any...NOT A SINGLE, ITTY BITTY HINT...of seasickness.

And let me tell you something else...I am one motion sick prone chica. Like, I get sick SWINGING, for Pete's sake. I changed my patch the night before our ship sailed from the pier into the choppy waters of Bahia de Banderas and I didn't feel the slightest twinge of barfiness.

Miraculous, I tell you. Thank you, dear inventor of scopolamine. (It does, however, give you the world's worst cotton mouth.)

Okay, continuing on...

So, as the sun peeked over the mountains (I have no idea what mountain range this is...but I do know that Nuevo and Puerto Vallarta apparently used to be in different time zones...basically, the city was split, and they recently both joined CST, the best time zone, but our phones still picked up the old time zone, Mountain time, which was terribly confusing to all of us...trivia for you. Same deal as above...10%.) we waited for our boat to arrive.

Fun story about the boat...the company that our hotel dude works with usually sends peeps out in a rubber raft (no lie) to whale watch. The day we wanted to go, the raft was full, so he worked a deal and got us in with another company, but "oh no" it's on a sailboat. For 20 bucks less per person.

Turns out that was the best thing that ever happened! The boat was an old Norwegian racing boat that won a bunch of races back in it's day. During one of the World Wars, Norway (I think it was Norway...this just in!! It was, indeed, NOT Norway. Holland, apparently. See comments below, thanks bestie!) was afraid their "treasure" would be looted and pillaged (or stolen, but looting and pillaging sounds so much more fun) so they filled it with mud and sank it in a lake.

After the war, they resurrected it, refurbished it and sent it off...and today it is a whale watching boat! Not sure if you know this about sailboats or not, but they have a galley. And I'm not sure if you know this about galleys or not, but they are teeny tiny kitchens.

And the fun thing about kitchens on boats is that they procure delicious drinks (more on this in a sec) and fresh guac and pico and chips from within.

Oh yes...so, remember? We were supposed to be booked on a rubber raft? (FYI...rubber rafts don't have galleys) For $20 bucks more? And instead, we "so sad" got booked on sailboat (with a history!!) AND got free drinks and snacks?

Hell ya!! Also, friends, meet Gil:

He was our very own personal "professional wildlife photographer" on board. Fun stuff. The following are his photos (between this paragraph and the next...I want to make sure to give him credit...but get cred for mine! Oh, and not all of these were from our watch...he keeps his best and adds ones from each expedition! We didn't see any whales breaching...saddness.):

Also, friends...meet my husband, who apparently becomes 1/16th Scottish (or so he claims...VERY loudly) after several (yes, I said SEVERAL) margaritas. Do you remember what I said earlier? About getting up really early? Yeah, so my Scottish husband had several margaritas WAY before noon. Which is WAY before it's 5 o'clock somewhere.

Even ask Jimmy Buffet. The time of day that my husband was downing tequila was probably even too early for Jimmy. Plus...remember what I said WAY at the beginning of this epic novel? The whole "morning of the wedding" thing? You know, that whole reason WHY we traveled to Mexico and left our children (which is a whole 'nother story) in the care of others, in the first place?

Yeah, THAT reason?

Well, I had visions of my newly Scottish husband passed out cold, unable to make it to the ceremony...and with the way my normally quiet and reserved husband was TALKING REALLY LOUD, I was certain we were headed in that direction.

So, I did what any controlling and overbearing wife would do...I asked for a sip of his drink and promptly tossed it into the depths of the ocean...handing him back an empty cup with a cute little "oops" attached.

He promptly (LOUDLY) ordered another. And...repeat above scene. And repeat the ordering.

I finally threw my hands up and thought, "Oh well!" at least I tried. Thankfully, we were on our way back to the pier by the time he was really getting Scottish...at, you know, 11 am. (And why Scottish?) He kept saying things like, "I BUILT IT WITH MY OWN TWO HANDS!!!!" with a very thick and (have I mentioned LOUD?) Minnesooootan sounding Scottish brogue.

Weird.

Anyway...the whale watching was AMAZING! We talked about how even if we hadn't seen a single whale, it was worth it. Awesome crew, awesome weather, awesome scenery, awesome pico (and the Mr. would throw in a "awesome margaritas!" here)!

We even saw a couple of dolphins who came and swam alongside our boat for a bit...but I missed it. By the time I got up to the front, they swam off. :(

So...if you are traveling to the Nuevo/Puerto Vallarta area and want to do some whale watching...ask for the Pegaso tour/company. You will NOT be disappointed!

Our Aussies

noreply@blogger.com (Mama M.) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:45:00 +0000

I thought I'd mix things up a bit and talk about a country OTHER THAN Mexico for once. ;)

Oooooh, aren't you so excited?! So, instead of telling you about my Epic Mexican Meltdown, imma fill you in on our new "family".

Once upon a time, my husband was a young little whipper snapper. Full of adventure and grand ideas. Midway through his college career, he took himself half way around the world to work on a farm in Australia.

Now, I had certainly known about this Australian stint...dreamed about it, really, and the accent he surely must've had when he returned from 6 months Down Under. *swoon* However, it was just sort of a "story" to me...a "pre-me" thing that sounded like a lot of fun but not really "real" to me.

Over the years, he lost touch with his host family. He'd take out his photo albums every so often and tell stories to the kids (he's quite the story teller, that one) about his adventures and they'd ask all sorts of questions that he was happy to answer.

Then one day a few weeks ago, he got an email. An email from his host family telling him that they were not only going to be visiting the states but that they were going to be staying a mere 3ish hours from us.

After a bit of "oh no! What about Mexico?!" we nailed down a very loose, not at all solid plan and went to my brother's wedding, knowing we'd be seeing them at some point after we returned.

Well...the Saturday after we got back, we hosted THEM at OUR house for two nights! I'd totally be lying if I told you I wasn't a bit nervous. I was. To be hosting virtual strangers in my house for two nights? Yikes.

But, the minute they arrived, the reconnecting (or, in my case, CONNECTING) began. Jill and Paul are two of the nicest, warmest, most easy going people I've ever met!

We chatted over supper...looked at old photos, showed the kids where they lived on our atlas, chided my husband about his "dumbphone" (aka a Droid), and friended one another on Facebook.

Our kids (okay, and me too) were totally enchanted by their accent! I dug out some M&M's (apparently other countries don't get our fun flavors?!) for Jill's sweet tooth, introduced them to Mike's Lemonade ("lollywater"!!) and waffles, and provided them with (what they claim) was their best night's sleep!

We even pulled through and delivered a nice little snowfall for them...since they don't get this kind of weather in Australia...I know, aren't we the best hosts ever?

What? You mean you don't make your visitors from the other side of the globe shovel your snow? (Kidding...Paul asked if he could, "have a go at it" when Dubya was shoveling!)

I miss them already. I wish we could've had more time with them...two days just wasn't enough! My hubby has already suggested we open a bank account to start saving to take the family to see them in Oz! Gulp...if I freak out on a 4 hour flight to Mexico...what will I do on a 14 hour Transatlantic flight?!

What Every Girl Needs...

noreply@blogger.com (Mama M.) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:36:00 +0000

Y'all are going to be sick and tired of Mexico posts soon...sorry!

Anyway, my bestie came along to Mexico with us..she was in need of a vacation...and we had a vacation that was shaping up to be plenty of fun! She called herself a "wedding crasher", I called her a "bonus"...turns out, she ended up being more of my "personal assistant (attendant?)"!

I have since declared, every girl needs her own personal assistant for a wedding.

The plan was always that she was going to do my hair. She sorta rocks that way.

And, she didn't disappoint...I've gotta say, I had a Pintrest inspired vision, and she pretty much nailed it! (Unfortunately, these photos were taken AFTER much activity...and an epic, slobbery, Mama meltdown...)

Oh, WAIT! I found a couple that were "pre-meltdown"!! (Forgive the grumpy face...the sun was in my eyes...I promise I wasn't grumpy!)

Nailed it to the point that I had a complete stranger, clad in a bikini, come up to me poolside before the wedding and ask to take pictures of my hair! From all sides.

Oh, but it didn't stop there...in fact, the hair was just the beginning!

Turns out, on my way up to the bride's room, I tossed my camera bag over my shoulder and whacked out my neck/shoulder/back/something-or-other. By the time I made it to the room, I was in pain, and it only got worse as time went on. :(

I quickly asked T. if she would take pics with my camera for me...and then pawned off my bag on one person or another. Between the hubs, T. and my aunt, someone was massaging my shoulder, neck, back area after the wedding.

Enter, wedding pics. And a certain bridesmaid that was having a hard time turning her head...to which my lovely assistant (attendant?) declared she'd run and grab me some ibuprofen! It was at this point that someone pointed out, "Wow...M. brought her own assistant!"

I seriously don't know what I would've done without her!

And all she wanted for payment?

Was a blogpost about her awesomeness...

And me? All paid up now. ;)

Thanks T.! You are the best ~~assistant~~ friend a girl could ever ask for!

Busy Mom's Lasagna

noreply@blogger.com (Mama M.) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Raise your hand if you are a busy mom looking for quick and tasty meal ideas for those days when slaving over a hot oven just isn't feasible?

(If you're not raising your hand, you must not be a mom.)

BlogHer and Chef Boyardee have given me...AND YOU!! (more on that in a sec) the opportunity to create a recipe for a quick meal using their tasty products!

I'm all about finding new recipes and meal ideas I can throw together quickly on those days I'm rushing home from work, tossing food at my kids and rushing out the door to hockey, dance, wrestling, etc.

Some of my kids (Hambone, The Pal) are picky eaters,reluctant to try anything new that hasn't already been declared and proven delicious (and nothing that has anything "weird" in it), so I knew I had to be "careful" about what I chose to make them.

Lately, I've found that if I let my kids help with meal making, they (especially Hambone) are much more willing to try the "something new" I've made for supper. Although, sometimes that backfires on me when they see what I actually put into some meals.

"Ewwwww!! Why are you putting THAT in there?!"

And then I promptly kick them out of the kitchen.

What cracks me up though about Hambone (he's notorious for this) is when I place a new meal on the table and he promptly proclaims, "Oh, gross! I hate that. I'm not hungry."

And then, as was the case with my new recipe, he proceeds to eat all of his food and asks for seconds declaring, "I LOVE this!"

Of course, why would I expect anything less when I was using the kid approved deliciousness that is Chef Boyardee?!

Chef Boyardee has been pleasing generations of kids with its yummy, preservative-free, quick and easy products. They are hosting a recipe contest in which YOU could win free groceries for a year as well as one of ten $500 weekly prizes! You've gotta check it out.

Just whip up a quick recipe using Chef Boyardee as an ingredient, submit it, then watch for voting to start on Facebook and recruit your peeps to vote for you! (My recipe is not eligible, FYI.)

And now, for the piece de resistance...MY RECIPE!

The line up:

Busy Mom's Lasagna

1/3 c. milk

1 egg

1/4 c. sour cream

1/4 c. shredded Parmesan cheese

1/2 T. dried oregano

1/2 T. dried parsley

1 clove garlic (or one frozen cube like I have!)

1 t. basil (or one frozen cube, again!)

4 cans Whole Grain Chef Boyardee Lasagna

1 package garlic croutons, crushed

Extra Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top of croutons

Combine 1st seven ingredients, whisking until well combined. Empty contents of two cans of Whole Wheat Chef Boyardee Lasagna into bottom of 9x13 pan.

Pour milk/sour cream mixture over the lasagna, then top with the contents of the remaining two cans.

Bake at 350° for 15 minutes, top with crushed croutons and cheese and return to oven for 10 minutes.

Serve with Caesar salad and garlic bread for a complete, delicious meal!

In a "thumbs up/thumbs down" contest, "Busy Mom's Lasagna" got 5 out of 6 (The Pal wasn't around to vote) thumbs up...I declare a winner!

Oh, and it was gone really quickly, too:

Enter Chef Boyardee’s Make It Boyardeelicious Recipe Contest from December 29, 2011 through March 11, 2012 for your chance to win free groceries for a year as well as one of ten $500 weekly cash prizes. Then visit Chef Boyardee’s Facebook page from March 26, 2012 through April 8, 2012 to vote for your favorite recipes from the “Make It Boyardeelicious Recipe Contest.” Each day, one voter will be selected to win a $100 cash prize.

Be sure to visit the Chef Boyardee Roundup page on BlogHer.com to check out other bloggers’ recipes!

Enjoy!

One Week Ago...

noreply@blogger.com (Mama M.) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:50:00 +0000

One week ago...

I was on a beach in Mexico...

For the wedding of my big bro...

Hard to believe that it was just 7 days ago! I'm happy to report, they are still married! ;)

I feel like I have so much to catch up on...Mexico, kids, Aussie visitors...so stay tuned. I'm likely to be a mad posting fool!

Five Question Friday!! 1/20/12

noreply@blogger.com (Mama M.) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:52:00 +0000

Smartest thing I ever did: Take the weekend following this vacation off. I can't imagine going back to work today! Actually, I don't go back to work for a whole week...so, I guess I do get a vacation from my vacation!

I am missing the warm Mexican sun. And, their pop. They have the best pop in Mexico...I'll share more on that in a different post. But wow. Good stuff.

Anyway...once again, I'd like to thank Kate for hosting last week in my absence! She did a fabulous job and I had every intention of incorporating her Twitter AND blog linkage idea, but I completely ran out of steam.

Toothpicks are holding my eyelids up right now. No lie.

Welcome to Five Question Friday!! You've come to the right place if you want a fun, easy post or if you've suddenly discovered your muses have decided they need a vacation after their vacation (I know how they feel).

Rules for 5QF: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them, then watch for the linky post to appear Friday morning and LINK UP!

Oh, and remember (pay close attention...this is the important one)...HAVE FUN!

Questions for Friday, January 20th: (Special thanks to @Lovely_Lici,

@trooppetrie, @lifeafterplacin, @my4redheads, and vacationed out me for their question suggestions! I would love to link you in a future 5QF, so come on over to my community or watch for my Thursday afternoon shout out for questions on Twitter and offer up your best question suggestions! Remember to @5crookedhalos me and use hashtag #5QF if you go the Twitter route!)

1. Where do you hide the reeeally good snacks?

2. Do u keep your vehicle clean or am I the only one who has things falling out of their van?

3. Have you ever been to Vegas?

4. Warm room light blankets or cold room warm snuggly blanket?

5. What is the worst airplane/flying experience you've ever had?

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1. Where do you hide the reeeally good snacks?

Well, bonus for us, our house has a floor to ceiling pantry/cupboard kind of thing. Bummer for the kids, they can only see so high, even on a chair.

So, yes...the really good, mama doesn't want to share, snacks go higher up in the cupboard.

Two downfalls to this: Sometimes I forget about them, and I really have to want it to haul a chair over to the cupboard, climb up on it, and haul out the goods.

2. Do u keep your vehicle clean or am I the only one who has things falling out of their van?

No, Pam, you are not the only one who has things falling out of their van! I'm pretty sure my husband and parents pretend not to know me when I open my van.

I know there really is no excuse, but when I haul around 6 people multiple times a day and don't enforce the de-garbage-ing, things pile up.

I saw an awesome idea on Pintrest...you know those plastic cereal containers? The ones with the lid that had a round pop off opening on it? Toss a bag in that bad boy and strategically place them throughout the van and voila! A garbage with a lid on it to contain the messes of the masses!

I am so going to try that one...if I can ever remember to grab some the next time I'm at the Wal-Marts. ;)

3. Have you ever been to Vegas?

No. And, I don't have much of a desire to go, either.

Part of me would like to see it, just because, but the bigger part of me is all "meh". I don't gamble and I'm not a big partier. And...um...what else is there to do in Vegas?

What I like about Vegas is it seems like the perfect weekend getaway. Like 3 days would be more than enough time there. However...I don't see myself traveling anytime soon.

Soon as in, not for a long, long, long time.

4. Warm room light blankets or cold room warm snuggly blanket?

Um...can I say both?

Now that the temps have reached sub arctic levels, my "cold to the core"-ness has kicked in. No number of blankets are enough to warm me when I crawl into a cool bed.

So, the room is toasty and the blankets piled on...and sometimes even my trusty Grampa's Garden heat pack is fired up and laying on my chest. It's the only thing that will thaw me out entirely!

5. What is the worst airplane/flying experience you've ever had?

Well, once upon a time, the Mr. and I took a premarital trip to Florida (don't worry, yes, we have since gone to confession...). This is the trip that began my fear of flying.

We boarded the plane, did the whole flight attendant song and dance, and prepared for take off. We were ** this close to lifting off, actually had felt the nose of the plane go up, when suddenly we are rapidly slowing down, plane shaking like crazy, flaps on the wings up, pee running down my legs, heart palpitating.

Turns out there was an engine issue...if I remember right, I believe it was bird vs. engine issue. 9 hours later, many of those which were spent on the tarmac, we were on our way to Florida.

And so my phobia began...

Our flight to Mexico was perfect. Arrived early with a smooth landing..course, the Valium I took before takeoff helped to calm ME some. The way home, however?

I should've taken the whole Valium instead of the 1/4 of a pill that I did. I was on the WRONG end of that dose of Valium when our flight was landing.

Let me back up...we had turbulence our entire flight. Small snipets of smooth flying, which allowed the flight attendants to disperse drinks in short, rapid, bursts of activity inbetween long, harrowing, never-ending periods of feeling like the plane was going to fall out of the sky.

But the worst part? The landing. The dipping and swaying and bouncing and tipping and teetering and lifting and dropping and tilting? It's a good thing I had my husband on one side of me and my best friend on the other. There may have been some damp eyelashes on my part.

My bros came in last night and this was a text exchance between me and my baby bro:

Me: How was your flight?

Baby Bro: Really bumpy, but we arrived early.

Me: I was pretty certain we were all going to die on ours. Luckily, we didn't.

He: Haha. They're pretty good at not crashing.

Me: That's a good thing...only I wasn't convinced of it at the time. Pretty sure we landed on one tire.

And, I'm totally not exaggertating (although, crazy enough, no one else felt that way) that we landed on one tire.

I'm kind of amazed that I didn't have a heart attack. It was not fun. At all. Even for my seasoned flyer of a best friend...she said, "yeah, that was not fun, even for me.".

Looks like mama won't be flying for a long time. Like, a LONG, long time...or, at least without a healthy dose of Valium on board.

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Okay...I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! We get to meet (well I and the kids get to meet...the Mr. already has) my hubby's host family from Australia this weekend! He spent 6 months there when he was in college...and they in the states for a few weeks!

Thursday Night 5QF Sneak Peek!!

noreply@blogger.com (Mama M.) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Hola, mis amigos!

Hard to get back in the groove after so many days! Rest assured...I have many posts forthcoming about sunny Mexico!

But first, we need to do Five Question Friday! I would like to thank the wonderful and fabulous Kate for hosting last week...she did a great job! THANK YOU!!

Rules for 5QF: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them, then watch for the linky post to appear Friday morning and LINK UP!

Oh, and remember (pay close attention...this is the important one)...HAVE FUN!

Questions for Friday, January 20th: (Special thanks to @Lovely_Lici,

1. Where do you hide the reeeally good snacks?

2. Do u keep your vehicle clean or am I the only one who has things falling out of their van?

3. Have you ever been to Vegas?

4. Warm room light blankets or cold room warm snuggly blanket?

5. What is the worst airplane/flying experience you've ever had?

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See you in the morning!

Hola!!

noreply@blogger.com (Mama M.) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:43:00 +0000

Reporting live, from sunny Mexico!! (Well, today isn't so sunny...yet!)

Our flight was uneventful (just the way I like it) and yes, indeed, I did take a wee little bit of Valium and it was perfect! Mellowed me out a little bit so that I didn't feel like I was wobbling on the edge of a panic attack!

Last night, we were all hanging out, watching a "show" at the hotel (Grease) when we (my baby bro and I) harassed a large group of people to walk 10 minutes on the beach to a neighboring hotel so that we could dance.

No sooner had we arrived, that I realized I forgot my purse AND my camera back at our hotel, on the floor of the bar we had been at.

Cue ensuing panic (but not outwardly, 'cuz I internalize everything) and sneaking out of the dance with a few people to speed walk back to our hotel, where, low and behold, there sat my camera and my purse.

Unharmed.

*Great big huge sigh of relief*

And then I went to bed because what happens when I get stressed? Sleepy time.

Good thing it was an appropriate bedtime or I would've looked like a party pooper!

The hotel is beautiful...a photo of the lobby:

The staff is amazing...we have yet to have a fabulous meal, but what we've had so far is decent! Sounds like tonight might be a Senior Frogs night...but my poor hubby is miserable, his ears got plugged on the decent of our flight and they are still plugged.

He can't hear and they hurt. :( Anyone have any suggestions for him? I don't think he's enjoying himself much.

Weird...I just did spell check, and every single word was highlighted and when I clicked on a word, the suggestions for the correct spelling were in Spanish! HA!!

Adios, amigos!

Real Time

noreply@blogger.com (Mama M.) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:42:00 +0000

Here I sit...waiting for our flight to board with my handsome husband!

Missing my kids already, but sooooo grateful that they're in good hands! Hard to believe that we will soon be basking in the Mexican sun!

Just wanted to remind you that Kate from Kate's Life (www.katesworldbykate.blogspot.com) is hosting 5QF this week! Head on over there and join in with her! (I will try, depending on the wi-fi-ability of our flight!)

Talk to you soon...from the sandy beaches of sunny Mexico!

Flying. I hate it.

noreply@blogger.com (Mama M.) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:23:00 +0000

It's getting real. We are leaving on a jet plane...and I'm not very excited. I'm struggling tonight. Struggling with my own fears of flying, fears of death, fears of orphaning my kids...all whilst my babe asks questions like, "What if the plane crashes?" and "What if something happens to you and daddy?"

Ugh. That one was a sucker punch to the gut.

I spent most of this evening vacillating between tears and self pep-talks.

I know once we get there, all will be okay, but man alive. I. hate. flying. I actually searched for an old prescription of Valium I still had (for a previous flight...and I never took a one pill. I was too scared to take the dang pill. Hmmmmm, anxiety much?) and have successfully stashed it in my purse.

Pretty sure that I will take one. Or, maybe a half of one. I dunno...what is Valium like? Will it totally gork me out? Or just make me mellow? And what happens if I decide I'd like a mimosa on the plane? Will I really be gorked out then? Ack. Maybe it's just better to freak out (internally only, I'm pretty good at hiding my neurosis) than to take a med that I'm unsure of?

I am hoping for a little wi-fi action at the hotel so that I can do an "On-location" post. However, don't be surprised if things are quiet here, I'm totally unsure how internet access works in Mexico!

On a more upbeat note...Five Question Friday is still on! The Fabulous Kate, over at Kate's Life, will be hosting in my absence! I know she will do a great job at it...so, play along just like any other week! If I can, I'll see if even I can play along from the plane or something!

Talk to you soon!

Everyone's a winner!!

noreply@blogger.com (Mama M.) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:25:00 +0000

Time to announce the Felt Board winners!!

I know, I know...so late. I'm sorry!! I've been busy, and hey...at least I'm getting the winners posted, right?!

Right.

BUT...good news! The wonderful folks over at Betty Lukens are offering a discount for my readers...that's YOU GUYS!! Just enter FIVE at the checkout for 15% off your order!

Okay...here we go!

The randomly selected winners are:

#12 Monica

#10 Abby S.

#19 Jen

Congrats, winners! Contact me at fivecrookedhalos (at) gmail (dot) com and I'll get your info over to the Betty Luken peeps!

Babies are so nice...

noreply@blogger.com (Mama M.) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:16:00 +0000

I love 'em. Everyone of them makes me want another of my own.

Kinda.

Sorta.

Okay, not really. I'll just snuggle other people's babies up instead...

A quick sneak peek of the shoot I did with my cousin's brand new (1 week old!) baby:

Five Question Friday!! 1/6/12

noreply@blogger.com (Mama M.) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

So, I just typed the date for the first time. 2012. The year the Mayans say we'll all bite the dust. In the words of my 15 year old, "I've already lived through 'world endings' so many times, I've lost count." A cynic already.

Anyway...we're not here to talk about the dang date, for Pete's sake! We're here to have a little Five Question Friday fun! I am so sorry that I got the sneak peek up so ridiculously late last night...life got in the way of blogging.

Again. ;)

It's my weekend to work, then I need to get our family of 7 situated to spend several days in 4-5 various places as well as arranging someone to come care for our dogs. Woe is the life of a mom of many kids trying to take a vacation. I know, you feel sorry for me, right?

Let's get this show on the road!!

Welcome to Five Question Friday!! You've come to the right place if you want a fun, easy post or if you've suddenly discovered your muses have become completely engrossed in preparing for a trip out of the country.

Rules for 5QF: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them, then watch for the linky post to appear Friday morning and LINK UP!

Oh, and remember (pay close attention...this is the important one)...HAVE FUN!

Questions for Friday, January 6th: (Special thanks to @trooppetrie, @Maggiemaesdays, @Lovely_Lici, @KatieB 38, and my cousin Joe [he asked this question of an interviewee once, crazy kid] for their question suggestions! I would love to link you in a future 5QF, so come on over to my community or watch for my Thursday afternoon shout out for questions on Twitter and offer up your best question suggestions! Remember to @5crookedhalos me and use hashtag #5QF if you go the Twitter route!)

1. What is the weather like where you are and do you like it?

2. When you're sick what do you seek comfort from?

3. What do you need to do before the end of the month?

4. Have you ever served on a jury?

5. If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

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1. What is the weather like where you are and do you like it?

Well, on any normal year the temperature would have been hovering at sub-arctic temps for weeks on end without any end in sight and we would be burried under feet of snow, with oodles more on the forecast.

This year though? Other than our greenish brown Christmas (just doesn't have the same ring as "White Christmas" does it?) I am LOVING this weather.

Today, the temp reached 50. And that is a real and true 50...not a 50 with a cute little (-) sign in front of it. And the little bit of snow we got last weekend? Almost gone. Our dentist told me he was going golfing next week...and I believed him! (He's not...but WHY NOT!?)

I told the hubs that maybe those gigantic earthquakes last year knocked the Earth off kilter enough to provide Minnesota with a more mild climate. He laughed at me.

Spoil sport...he could've at least pretended he agreed.

2. When you're sick what do you seek comfort from?

My bed.

Plain and simple, if I'm really feeling down and out, I just want to sleep. I'm pretty sure I've mentioned it here before, but my method of dealing with stress is to sleep. It's like my body just wants to shut down.

A little stressor here? Find me yawning and dreaming of a nap. A big stressor there? Fugghedaboudit I'm done for. Give me my bed and let me sleep it away.

Healthy, no? ;)

3. What do you need to do before the end of the month?

Well, we found out some very exciting news last week! When the Mr. was in college, he went on an exchange program to Australia. (Oh how I wish I would've known him when he came back. Handsome AND an Aussie accent? *swoon*)

He talked often about and showed the kids oodles of photos of his host family, but time and distance created a lack of communication. Then, last week, his office manager received an email from his family!

They are coming to MinneSOOOOOta (Fargo, actually...funny, huh?) and want to get together! They found him via their company website and now the corresponding has begun!

So, that thing we need to do before the end of the month? Meet up and spend some time with them!

Shaping up to be the very next weekend after we return from Mexico. Gonna be busy 'round here.

4. Have you ever served on a jury?

Dear Kate...if I get summoned for jury duty after this answer, I will haunt you in your dreams.

No. I haven't. I have never been selected for or gotten my summons for jury duty. Part of me thinks it would be fun and the other, the bigger, the much MUCH bigger part of me thinks it would be a royal pain in the neck.

I've already thought up several "mistruths" that I could use to get me "deselected". Depends on the case, of course. ;)

5. If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

I died when I found out my cousin had asked this question of an interviewee. He was totally just toying with them (mean!! But so, so funny...) and if I remember the story right, one guy went on about the animal he'd like to be (and I can't remember of hand, but it was something weird...like a canary) and the other guy called his bluff!

Anyway...I would most definitely be some sort of marine mammal. Like, a humpback whale. (No fat jokes, now...) They are the most graceful, intriguing, amazing animals. If I didn't get so nauseated, I could watch them for days in a little dinghy.

Debating on whether or not we'll do a little whale watching while we're in Mexico...I'd love to, I'm just not sure my motion sickness would love to. *barf*

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I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I have a super fun giveaway that your kiddos will enjoy (and that will take YOU back in time!) going on! Come check it out!

Thursday Night 5QF Sneak Peek!!

noreply@blogger.com (Mama M.) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 04:29:00 +0000

Once again, fail, Mama, fail. Sorry for the ultra late sneak peek...we ran to the mall to grab some stuff for our trip, then came home to a sweet little 6 year old who was entirely under the weather and sporting a fever. :( Poor kid.

So, I'll make this quick, so y'all can get your sneak peek!

Rules for 5QF: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them, then watch for the linky post to appear Friday morning and LINK UP!

Oh, and remember (pay close attention...this is the important one)...HAVE FUN!

Questions for Friday, January 6th: (Special thanks to @trooppetrie, @Maggiemaesdays, @Lovely_Lici, @KatieB38, and my cousin Joe [he asked this question of an interviewee once, crazy kid] for their question suggestions! I would love to link you in a future 5QF, so come on over to my community or watch for my Thursday afternoon shout out for questions on Twitter and offer up your best question suggestions! Remember to @5crookedhalos me and use hashtag #5QF if you go the Twitter route!)

1. What is the weather like where you are and do you like it?

2. When you're sick what do you seek comfort from?

3. What do you need to do before the end of the month?

4. Have you ever served on a jury?

5. If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

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Okay, forgive me for the late posting! Oh, and remember to check out my latest giveaway!

Felt Board Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Mama M.) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:43:00 +0000

Several weeks ago, I was approached by Betty Lukens to review some of their felt boards.

Didn't take me long to say yes, as I remember playing with felt boards in elementary school and loving them!

When they arrived, you'd've thought it was Christmas morning over here. The kids were so exstatic and immediately began delcaring which board belonged to whom, and then?

Oh my friends, AND THEN?

Silence.

Pure, sweet, silent silence, as they all played with their boards. I honestly haven't heard that kind of quiet (wait...can you "hear" quiet?) when they are all awake in...well...in...gosh...in forever, I guess!

They all quietly played...Baby Girl even "walking" her felt people around the doll house board. Belle, our fashionista, gave me several different style board options, E.W. was hard at work on the farm and Hambone and his kindergarten "sponge like" brain was loving the alphabet board.

The quality is phenomenal, the colors bold and bright, and the amount of imaginary play that comes forth? Unprecedented!

Three randomly chosen winners will receive a "Learning Fun with Felt" set of their choice! So, wanna know what you've gotta do?

Just head on over to bettylukens.com and check out which "Learning Fun with Felt" set you'd like, then tell me in the comments!

One entry per person. Giveaway will close Monday morning (January 9th) at which time I will announce the winner!

**Disclaimer: I was provided, free of charge, with the above felt sets for a review. I was not compensated in anyway for a postive review, all thoughts and opinions expressed are original and honest. Giveaway sponsored by Betty Lukens.

Foiled again.

noreply@blogger.com (Mama M.) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:43:00 +0000

So, my whole "swimming" plan? Over before it started. I called, and it's 7 bucks a pop to swim. Which, really isn't all that much singularly, but when added up over 10 days it's 70 bucks and then, BAM, I'm 1/7th of my way to an iPad.

Or, 1/3 of the way to a membership. And, if there's something I hate, it's paying good money for something then not having anything to show for it. So, I should just buy the membership, right?

Well, that would make sense, but then I called my insurance company to see if they offered a discount on gym memberships and they said no and then I was all FORGET THAT, imma just sit on the couch and eat this bag of chips then and let you PAY FOR MY HEART ATTACK INSTEAD.

Jerkfaces.

After I finished my bag of chips, I decided that I needed to do something. Then I remembered that Belle got Just Dance 3 from Santa and LIGHTBULB I had hatched a new plan. I'm not sure if you've seen this post...but Mama likes to dance.

Mama's dancing ability? Nada (unless some vodka is involved), but in the privacy of my own home? BRING IT.

And now my butt hurts. Turns out I actually did work out. I still think swimming would've been the "IT" workout to tone up quickly, but oh well. This'll work too.

Or, at least make me think it worked. (I have this weird mindset that if I work out I suddenly turn into a Victoria's Secret model. Then, I take a shower and I'm all, "What IS this loose skin and mushy abs all about? I JUST WORKED OUT. Hello! SUPERMODEL.")

Everyone Should Get Married On New Year's Eve.

noreply@blogger.com (Mama M.) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:43:00 +0000

I mentioned in my last Five Question Friday post that the Mr. and I were going to wedding on New Year's Eve. To be honest, I was all "Who gets married on New Year's Eve?"

Turns out lot's of people, I knew of three local weddings...and guess what? FOR GOOD REASON!!

Weddings on New Year's Eve kick ass!! Of course, it could've been that the Mr. and I haven't gone out to celebrate NYE in...um...in...let's see here...um...in...well, a reallyreallyreally long time. Could be hedging in on a decade.

However, after @ninjalindsay's wedding where I had such a blast hanging with my man:

I'm totally sold on the NYE wedding. Fabulous night to rock a wedding reception!

Dancing with some former Viking's dude (Ricky Young, maybe? Ricky Lewis? Ricky Lake? I can't remember...):

Boogying with my sister's in law:

Meeting Lindsay's sister @amy_mcmommy:

Watching some 8 year old thugs dancing with their adorable NYE fedoras (little dudes could BUSTA MOVE):

It has been determined that I am and will forever be a proponent and life long advocate for the NYE wedding. I have already booked venues for my children's weddings.

What? You think I'm kidding?

Best. Time. Ever.

Thanks Lindsay!

I'm not. I promise.

noreply@blogger.com (Mama M.) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 06:02:00 +0000

I promise. I'm not jumping on the bandwagon. I'm not much of a bandwagon jumper...unless one of our local high school teams make it to state. Or, if the Twins start dominating MLB. And, maybe, perhaps, if the Vikings start to kick some booty.

Which we know didn't happen this year.

BUT. I feel like I need just a wee bit of toning before Mexico. And, I have about 2 weeks to do so.

So, GET THIS. I'm brilliant. I'm going to swim. 1 mile. Everyday. Until we leave.

Which, at this time of the year, looks TOTALLY like bandwagon jumping. But I PROMISE, that I would be doing this even if it were March 19th or May 31st or July 23rd...although, I might have had to stage a coup if my brother decided to get married in Mexico on July 23rd.

I'm also thinking about trying the "Skinny Girl Cleanse". (Do you sense my desperation? A work out schedule AND a cleanse? Yes.) Anyone know anything about that?

Or, at this stage of the game am I just SOL no matter what and I might as well just forget doing anything and go back to the couch with my bag of Doritos?

'Cuz I'll bet you can guess what I'd rather do.

Hello 2012!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Mama M.) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 01:11:00 +0000

It was totally my intention to write an "ADIOS!! 2011!" post, but it turns out I didn't have any time. And, to be honest, it would've been a Debbie Downer post anyway.

2011 sucked. Sucked the big one. I know, I know, I should look at and focus on the positive, and normally I do, but really, there wasn't a whole lot in 2011 that was positive. I went to more funerals and wakes in 2011 than in all previous years...combined.

2011 has left me somewhat "leery" to be excited for the new year...and now that I've written that, I know what my New Year's Resolution is. To not let fear take away excitement for the future.

Yes, I will still live today to the fullest, but I will NOT let fear take away my hope for tomorrow!

In 2012, I will gain a sister and "officially" a nephew (although I've considered him that for a long time, already!).

In 2012, I will use a passport for the very first time.

In 2012, I will become the mother of a brand new driver. (Extra prayers there, please!)

In 2012, I will become a life long advocate for weddings on New Year's Eve. (FABULOUS time last night! Post forthcoming...)

In 2012, I will focus on gratitude. On being thankful for what God has blessed me with.

In 2012, I will celebrate 11 years of marriage to the most amazing man.

In 2012, I will strive to be the best wife I can be. The best mother I can be. The WOMAN God intended me to be.

In 2012, I will (try, try again) to lose these dang saddlebags...a co-worker just gave me the Couch to 5K program. Think I can do it?

What else will 2012 hold for me? I don't know. But I do know that good or bad, happy or sad, God has a plan!

Happy New Year! Here's to 2012...CHEERS!!

Five Question Friday!! 12/30/11

noreply@blogger.com (Mama M.) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:11:00 +0000

How is it that it's already been a week since Christmas? Did I not tell you this was going to happen? And tomorrow it will be June and the next day October and pretty soon we're doing it all over again.

Just watch. That's exactly what will happen.

Anyway, Welcome to Five Question Friday!! You've come to the right place if you want a fun, easy post or if you've suddenly discovered your muses have run off to join the circus after the craziness of Christmas.

I decided to vlog it today...haven't done a vlog in a loooooooong time and wasn't feeling like tappity tapping it out, so, you're stuck with 6 minutes of me talking to you. I tried to keep it to 4, but I couldn't. Not with the display of the oldest "member" in my closet and interruptions from my Babe.

Rules for 5QF: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them, then watch for the linky post to appear Friday morning and LINK UP!

Oh, and remember (pay close attention...this is the important one)...HAVE FUN!

Questions for Friday, December 30th: (Special thanks to @KatieB 38, @amy _mcmommy, @gasfamily, @trooppetrie and @ByGollyMsHolly for their question suggestions! I would love to link you in a future 5QF, so come on over to my community or watch for my Thursday afternoon shout out for questions on Twitter and offer up your best question suggestions! Remember to @5crookedhalos me and use hashtag #5QF if you go the Twitter route!)

1. What's the oldest piece of clothing in your closet?

2. How many random blog readers have you met?

3. Do you let your kids stay up till midnight on New Years Eve? (Or, if you don't have kiddos yet, did you get to stay up until midnight as a child?)

4. What are the gas prices where you live?

5. What is one resolution that you know you should do but are too afraid to try?

And my answers (I apologize if the words don't match my lips...I don't know how to fix that!):

_____________________

So, raise your hand if you actually made it all the through to the end? Have a wonderful weekend...and a safe and Happy New Year!

Thursday Night 5QF Sneak Peek!!

noreply@blogger.com (Mama M.) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 20:31:00 +0000

5QF Sneak Peek at 2:30 in the afternoon?! Unheard of! I must be ill.

Wait...did you know that "ill" is the new "cool". As in, "those shoes are so ill"? At least that's what my brother says. Weirdo. (Hi little bro!)

Still recovering from the Christmas mayhem. We have been non-stop since Christmas Eve...and it won't end until this weekend is over! Craziness...and I wonder why life goes by so quickly!

Okay, so...sneak peek time.

Welcome to Five Question Friday!! You've come to the right place if you want a fun, easy post or if you've suddenly discovered your muses have run off to join the circus after the craziness of Christmas.

Rules for 5QF: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them, then watch for the linky post to appear Friday morning and LINK UP!

Oh, and remember (pay close attention...this is the important one)...HAVE FUN!

1. What's the oldest piece of clothing in your closet?

2. How many random blog readers have you met?

3. Do you let your kids stay up till midnight on New Years Eve? (Or, if you don't have kiddos yet, did you get to stay up until midnight as a child?)

4. What are the gas prices where you live?

5. What is one resolution that you know you should do but are too afraid to try?

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Alright...see you in the morning!

The Christmas Lanterns

noreply@blogger.com (Mama M.) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 17:01:00 +0000

A couple of months before Christmas, I had read somewhere that if you have had a major life change in the past year (death, divorce, move, etc.) that you should create a new tradition for the holidays. Something to look forward to in the (in our case) absence of a loved one.

Knowing how hard it was going to be on everyone to not have Verd at our Christmas this year, I thought "We have to do something new.". As I pondered what new tradition we could start, the only thing that kept coming to mind were the Chinese lanterns from "Tangled".

To be honest, I didn't even know if they were real or not. I mean, I saw them on a cartoon, for Pete's sake! So, one night I turned to Google and sure enough, there they were. With an explanation of how they work (hot air balloon theory).

I wasn't sure how the rest of the family would feel about it, or if anyone had something else planned, so I checked with them and got a resounding "YES!!"! And the ordering began.

After a quick "trial run" after our Christmas dinner, we determined that there was no way in God's green earth (or, brownish green without a hint of snow anywhere winter where are you no I didn't have a white Christmas thankyouverymuch) that we were going to be able to light them off all at once, like I had envisioned and dreamed up to perfection in my mind.

We had 52 lanterns. With about 1/2 of those "belonging" to the 1o and under crowd. We learned that the flame gets rather large and "adultish" and so we hatched "Plan B"...we adults/big cousins would help the littler kids send theirs off then get right to work on ours.

And it went off without a hitch. Soon, lantern after lantern after beautiful lantern were floating off into the darkness.

Seriously a beautiful and touching moment, knowing we were lighting them off in memory of such a wonderful man, who we all miss so much.

What follows are some of my favorite photos...love the memories we made, and the tradition we have started!

Probably my favorite photo...ever! Look at those eyes...

And, my SIL...the last to release her lantern...

We miss you, Verd. You may not be with us in body, but you are with us in spirit...and you will never be forgotten!

Lantern Sneak Peek...

noreply@blogger.com (Mama M.) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:34:00 +0000

I said I would. Wait. No I didn't...I said maybe I would. But I'm gonna.

Yes, at 11:30 pm, but still!

Okay, here is one of my favorite photos...the Mr. took this with his phone. I was *this* close to not having any photos of it...I forgot my camera back at the house, but lucky for me I have a strapping husband who was willing to jog the jaunt back to the house to get it.

Me? I would've died 17 steps into that jog and then, so sad, instead of "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer" it would've been "Mama Had a Heart Attack Jogging Home For Her Camera", not quite the same ring to it, but still just as tragic as grandma and her reindeer accident.

So, thankfully, my husband and his musculature saved the day and we DID indeed get photos. Lots. And they're good ones.

And I'm so glad we did this.

Here is your sneak peek...my boy and his lantern:

More tomorrow...