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Last month, I was asked by the lovely Jill Asher (co-founder of Silicon Valley Moms Group) if I'd be interested in writing for an upcoming new sister site, for New Jersey mom bloggers.
"Hey, you know, I'm from Jersey!"
Well, yah...and DUH!
Today, I am thrilled to tell you that the site has officially launched and...GUESS WHAT...I even got to write the introduction:
If you've ever wondered what a real live 80's bride looked like - visit aisledash.com - I am their Image of the Week! Then, you're welcome to come back here and tell me that I haven't changed a bit. Just, remember to let me know where to send the check.
Then, head on over to This Full House Reviews for our super...coolest...giveaways, ever - okay, it's like only MY first time...still...it IS cool - because, I'm sort of liking giving away free stuff!
Oh, and Susan - I'll get you for this, my pretty!
© 2008 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.
[Please, clean off a chair and stay a while - subscribe to email updates or the RSS feed or - if you really, really like me - then Digg This, I'll love you forever!]
The MOMocrats are pissed at radio talk show host Bill Cunningham for his recent anti-Obama rant at a McCain rally, where old school name calling tactics were employed to reduce the American political process to a new level of bullying; implying that Barack Obama is a "terrorist" because of his family name.
I happen to agree with them and that's why I'm participating in their "Just Call Me Hussein" meme, and telling our name stories.
Here's mine:
Continue reading "Just call me Erzsebet Katkics Hussein Thompson" »
Seriously, see that sign up there - I actually got it for my girls (all 3 share a room) and hung it on their bedroom door - I can't believe it's Monday, already! The kids have been home for 4 days, already and we're about to get some new visitors, as This Full House is now a "Moms" All top site.
Say, WHAT?
Continue reading "Beware, it's Monday and there's a killer metagator in the house!" »
Thing One woke up with a wicked nose bleed.
ICK!
Wicked, meaning profuse and uncontrollable bleeding from BOTH nostrils (you're welcome) and I mean, it would NOT stop. So, I had to rush her to the doctor...AGAIN!
GAH!
But, this time, Garth (not his real name) tagged along and we were BOTH relieved to learn that the medication seems to be working and it was just another result, in a series of pain-in-the-rump complications, of what we've come to call, "The bacterial infection that will not DIE."
Everything else is, you know, okay.
[knocking on wood until knuckles bleed]
Thankfully, Work At Home Mom To Five tagged me (dammit) and wants to pick my brain about 2007 - yes, she is very, very brave - and I'm more than happy to oblige in playing along with her meme. ANYTHING, that'll take my mind off of all the...[gulp]...did I mention I'm not very good with, you know, cleaning up bloody messes?
ICK!
Of course, I mean if the killer dust bunnies haven't gotten to it...first!
So, here it goes; in order:
Working from home has been an enjoyable (albeit, crazy busy) experience that has helped my family, tremendously - enabling me to focus more on the children and help keep my husband's head above water - and my traveling to Disney and Chicago, twice (thank you, BlogHer and Family.com) has Garth (not his real name) believing that, YES...perhaps, he should become a mommyblogger...sort of. I have been an Imperfect Parent for the last 2 (or, is it 3?) years, started my review blog, proud to be a mom who's learned to speak up and welcome Green Mom Finds to the insanity. BOOYAH and pass the broccoli; it's really been a good year, after all!
My Oldest Daughter and I survived her first year as a teenager, and celebrated her 14th birthday, with great hopes for her future. She is a very talented artist and writer (no, really) and has applied to one of the high-tech schools in our county (they accept only 80 new freshman, each year) and is scheduled to take the exam for the Communications High School later this month. I am so proud of her -- whether she makes it in, or not -- and honored that she's even mine, let alone, allow me to follow in her footsteps. Seriously, we wear the same size and the kid has some wickedly gorgeous shoes.
My Middle Girl graduated 5th grade, started middle school and joined just about every gosh-darned club they've got. SHEESH. Honestly, the girl is active. She hasn't signed up for any sports, this year -- thank you, Jesus -- but, her mind is always working and full of really great ideas. Lord love a duck, I'm raising a liberal-thinker. Which is a good thing, because, it keeps her father on his toes (conservatively, speaking) and she never really did require a lot sleep (stupid colic!) it's hard to believe that she's turning 13, this year. Wait. That means Garth (not his real name) and I will have not one, but TWO teenagers living in the house...let us pray.
The Boy is turning 9, this month and growing (and eating) so much, he's about a head taller than most of the kids in his 3rd grade class, this year. He's made a lot of new friends, through soccer and baseball, for the first time, and looking forward to signing up for Little League, in the spring. I'll be rooting for him. Again. On the cold, hard bleachers. OUCH! But, he's worth it. It's sort of fun, too. To watch. Especially, when my little man spit and grabs his crotch. Yes, boys ARE different. He's graduating from the elementary school and moving into the school that houses all of our 4th and 5th graders in the district. Long story. So, stupid. Which means, I will have 4 kids, in 4 different schools, next year...send chocolate!
Mini-me is an enigma. One day, she's a happy little 6-year-old in love with the boy, who shall NOT be named -- but, happens to be sitting in the desk next to her -- and...BAM...I'm checking for pods in our crawl space, the next. I guess, that's what I get for giving birth to a Gemini. Not to mention, being one. And a twin. Myself. She is, however, a picture-perfect version of my younger self -- seriously, it's scary -- and my parents delight in the fact that Mini-me is so, you know, like me. Except, I was NEVER a girl scout. Or, as funny. Dang, the girl makes me snort Coke through my nose. Wait. Not that I do drugs. Or, anything. Um. Did I mention that she's got a really good sense of humor. And she hates that I call her Mini-me. So, hence forth, I'm changing her blog name and my youngest will be now known as, "My Little Brownie." Formerly known as, Mini-me.
Garth (not his real name) has had a tough year at work (stupid bank) and comes home to find, well, he DOES live here, you know? Still. I try to field a lot of the curve balls that life seems to be throwing us, lately. The kids and me, I mean. But, it's hard. I mean, they ARE really, really hard. And it doesn't stop. Ever. Especially, once they're in kindergarten. I mean, your kids STILL need you. You know. More than ever, I think. And it never ceases to amaze me. How Garth (not his real name) steps up to the plate. Whenever I need him. Which is a lot, more. Lately. That's okay, though. What, with my parents ill and his father's surgery, this month -- scheduled on The Boy's birthday, actually -- I'm hoping that the coming year is MUCH better. Than it started off, anyway. Either way. It'll be fine. He can be my wingman, anytime!
There you go, Laura - it was the best of times, it was the worst of times and it was exactly what Charles Dickens would have probably envisioned, while snorting Coke through his nose - thank you for asking!
© 2008 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.
[Please, clean off a chair and stay a while - subscribe to email updates or the RSS feed or - if you really, really like me - then Digg This, I'll love you forever!]
Actually, I have a terrible crush on anything flavored, dusted and/or dipped in "dark chocolate," unlike that of my children's desires for milk chocolate, plain and don't even think about trying to serve them anything - like, brownies, ice cream and chocolate chip cookies - with nuts!
"I told-did teacher you would bwing bwoo-bewy muffins!"
Huh?
"I thought you didn't like blueberries and when do I need to bring these muffins in, btw!?!"
Yesterday, of course.
"Today, when you come in, wee-membuh?"
Of course - having suffered from a selective memory since, well, having children - it's been a little crazy here, lately, and - though I did remember to invite my MIL and FIL to the Author's Tea with at least, you know, one day's notice - I totally forgot about baking the stupid muffins!
She was so nervous, poor thing, and with good reason - especially, since, you know, she's got me for a mother - coming up on the last week of school, not to mention Mini-Me's birthday (the day before Father's Day) and her kindergarten graduation (the day before Thing Two's 5th grade graduation) I can't help but feel as if all h-e-double hockey sticks is breaking loose and I'm playing goalie!
Especially now, since receiving some more bad news (I'll save you the details, you can thank me later) the likes of which can take the wind out of my sails (which isn't all that easy to do, quite frankly) and now I definitely know what it feels like to get punched in the gut, probably.Seriously, I haven't felt this bruised in a very, very long time!
"I should have let the stupid answering machine get it!"
Yes, I talk to myself...often...and decided that I'd better snap out of it, quick, lest I rain on Mini-Me's parade and totally wreck the day for her, too.
She started to read and - though, her grandparents were visibly surprised, "They're in kindergarten, right?" and kept giggling at barely being able to see Mini-Me's face over the podium - I was amazed at how strong (and loud) her voice was.
She spoke of me, her sisters and all things Corbin Bleu, and a friend of mine (one of the very few mothers who actually knows what I do for a living) glanced back my way and smiled.
"That was a pretty terrific story; she must get it from you!"
Yes, my friend, it was like a slapshot to the groin and this was NOT what I wanted to hear, right now!
"Look, I made Mini-Me's favorite blueberry muffins!"
[eyes go wide]
"No you didn't!"
Huh?
"My fav-o-wit is chocwit and you told-did me you buy-did them at Stop and Shop!"
Why, yes - I nearly died and isn't she just a giggling grab bag of humor!?! - I am very glad it's Friday, thank you, and I am reasonably sure that you'll excuse me, while I go soak my head and won't be answering the phone again, anytime soon!
Blueberry muffin, anyone?
"How would you guys like to meet him?"
Imagine their surprise (not to mention, mine) when I received an invitation to go to NYC and attend a presentation of Disney Xtreme Digital and...oh my goodness, it's really him and I wonder if he really is that cute and nice, in person...and the launch of his new album, yesterday.
"You serious?!?"
Like the heart attack each of my daughter's feigned over the idea of being in the same room with...GULP...Corbin Bleu.
Oh, and...um...DUDE...I know you are getting paid to take your pictures...but, these are my kids where talking about and you could have moved your arm or, you know, over just a little!
Even the older girls took time out from their star-gazing and registered for their own sites, with my permission - only after having received an email, just this morning, notifying me that they had done so - of course!
But, soon it was back to chatting with Corbin for Thing Two.
And...check it...Thing One is this close to being in a Disney 365 commercial with Corbin Bleu, which they were filming, right there, in front of her and the rest of my crew! Who were also filmed. But, who cares. Whether they end up on the cutting room floor, or not.
"I love your Wildcat colors!"
Corbin Bleu was impressed by Little Man's outfit and that he was wearing the movie's school colors (red and white) purely by accident..shhhh...don't tell him, 'kay!
Here we are having lunch with the reluctant rockstar and his...um...quiet and modest when it comes to taking photographs...uh...stage-mommy.
The kids and I had a great day, together and - although, daddy couldn't come because someone's gotta work, right - don't get me wrong, we are so NOT accustomed to leading such rockstar lives in real life.
Hi, Heather - no, not that one - thanks for inviting us and we had a terrific time, by the way! I was so happy to be able to give my guys the opportunity to at least feel a little, you know, special.
After all - commuting by train during rush hour (both ways) and after having walked 40+ city blocks - it ain't easy being the kid of a mommyblogger. But, some times it can be sorta, you know, cool.
"Thanks so much for coming and don't forget your goodie bags!"
Okay, this was soooo cewl!
