This Full House

Picture Perfect Thursday: We Break for Spring, Sort Of!

How about a little more winter, to go with your first day of Spring?

I know, I know - a lot of my blogging friends were hit pretty hard, this year - but, the kids and I were talking late last night (because, I was still awake) and figured out we only had two days of snow.  When it actually, you know, stuck to the ground.  Also, with only one snow day off, that...YES!...they would probably get out of school early, this year.

Sort of makes having only a 3-day spring break seem that much more...STUPID!

Picture Perfect Thursday: Celebrating birthweeks, raising a pescetarian and how I'm NOT getting paid enough to do this much laundry!

The Boy turned 9 yesterday - thank you very much for ALL of your happy thoughts - but, my husband's father was scheduled for surgery (he's recovering well, thank goodness) and we spent most of the day in the hospital with my mother-in-law.

So, we made arrangements to have family (including, my FIL) over on Monday.

The kids were home and my brother was off from work.

The Boy got to open his gifts and blow out his birthday candles, albeit, a couple of days early.

All in all, he thought our little pre-birthday-get-together was pretty AWESOME and he got to show off his new hat at school, the next day - since most of his classmates told him to fuhghettabout winning Sunday night's game - GO GIANTS!

But, first we marked him on the "measuring wall" (The Boy knows how to work a harmonica) and sent him to school yesterday morning with a bag full of birthday treats to share with his class (yes, I am that BAD mother) aaaaaand would you believe, we're STILL not done?

"Where ARE we going for dinner, Friday?"

Silence.

"You know, for my birthday?"

CRAP.

"Um...I dunno...uh...what would do you want to eat?"

Look, it's NOT his fault - I mean, I was the one who started the tradition of having the birthday boy (or girls) choose the meal - who knew having children, with birthdays in November, December AND January, would be so, you know, tough!?!?

"I feel like lobster!"

Whuh?

"I want to go to Red Lobster!"

Why - I mean, besides the fact that I was hoping he'd feel a little more like, you know, a Happy Meal - I don't ever remember eating at a Red Lobster, before?!?

"It's where America goes for seafood!"

Just so you know, the previous post, or following statement is NOT a paid announcement.

"Seriously, I saw their commercial and the food looks really good, I hope they have cake!"

Seriously - these kids' birthdays are lasting way longer than...well...the actual labor, really - I'm all birthday-ed-out, man!

"Only six more months 'til my birf-day!"

[blank stare]

"And I'm having a sleep-over."

[click-whoosh-click]

"Wiiiiight!?!?"

Whyyyyyyyyy, NOT!?!?

[shrugs]

I mean, it seems my son's appetite is going to cost us a small fortune and our NEW dryer IS busted - yes, I managed to break yet another appliance, AGAIN! - it should give me plenty of time to, you know, save up enough money for nail polish, hair thingies, shiny pink lip gloss and a new light saber (seriously, she's got her list all ready) not to mention, finish the STUPID laundry!

Uh-oh, Sears guy is done - yeah, I blog during service calls and even Twittered a little, too - he says my dryer needs a new brain.

Shut up!

Aaaaand, it's gonna take about 2 weeks.

SHUT UP!

Just so you know, you couldn't pay me enough to even think about buying another Kenmore at the moment.

I wonder what they're serving in the vending machines at the laundromat, these days?

Stupid Sears!

© 2008 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.

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Picture Perfect Thursday: Slideshows, National Delurking Day and Snot!

Damn, you guys - I'm just having TOO MUCH fun - I can't seem to stop playing with this site!

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

It's like crack - but, there's no drugs or snorting involved - only S'NOT!

Speaking of green (you're welcome) I'm hanging with Green Mom Finds, today and can't wait to hear what you think about whether or not I should go back to brown.

[blank stare]

My hair...silly - did you NOT watch the slideshow - making an appointment with the hair dresser, today and thinking about getting rid of the highlights and going for a more...I dunno...chest-nuttier-look.

What do you think?

[Edited to add: This would be a good time to DE-Lurk; 'cause I just found out that it's National DeLurking Day and SoCalMom said so!  Tell me about my hair...PLEASE!]

© 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!]

Picture Perfect Thursday: Attack of the Smiley Fries

I am NOT a morning person and my husband is...well, let me just tell you...he's like a fluffy little bird happily twittering about in the early morning sunshine - scary, I know - needless to say, we go to great lengths to stay out of each other's way and try not to, you know, talk...too much.

"Coffee?"

He hands me a hot steaming mug filled with the sweet elixir of life, as I stumble off to the shower.

"Herumpfuh."

Then, feeds the animals.  I mean, the pets.  The kids are old enough to fend for themselves, thank you.

"Turkey, roast beef or peanut butter?"

Also, makes their lunches.

"Nope, uh-huh, I don't think so and NO, because you just bought yesterday!"

And fields any (and all) of their questions - although, the children have not yet appreciated the fact that, in doing so, their father HAS saved them from encounters with the beast, that is their mother - bless his squishy heart.

By dinnertime, it's a whole different story!

"Beer?"

So, he's a morning person and I'm...well, let me just tell you...I'm like a night owl.  All bug-eyed and barrel-chested, with nerves jumping and ready for bear.

"Himumpfuh"

Seriously, at the end of the day, the man is an absolute grump!

"Oh, no...look out!"

Especially, when I do something totally unexpected and scare the bees-juice out of him!

"WHAT!?!?!"

[eyes go wide]

"The...the...smiley fries!"

I grabbed his tie, pulled him closer and pointed toward the kitchen counter.

"They...are...ATTACKING!"

"They're coming to get you, Daddy!"

[rolls eyes]

"Stop it, you're being STUPID!"

"They're coming for you, Daddy!"

[cracks a smile]

"Okay, now you're JUST weird."

"They're coming for YOU!"

[bites lower lip]

"Shhhh, the kids are watching!"

"Look, there comes one of them now!"

[frowning]

"Stop it, they'll hear you!"

"Here he comes now...GAH...I'm getting OUTTA OF HERE!"

I was able to crack through that tough-Daddy shell of his and I ask you, how could he NOT smile!?!

"I...LOVE...yooooou!"

Honestly, with fries like these, what's NOT to love?

"Now, where's my beer?"

So, I guess what I'm saying is, contrary to popular opinion, opposites really DO attract - it's what helps keep the spice in our marriage, anyways - unfortunately, I must have commanded a little too much of The Boy's attention, for once.

"Daaaaaaady!"

Garth (not his real name) got up with him, last night - bless his squishy heart - because, The Boy very rarely calls out for, you know, me.

"Coming, Buddy!"

Go figure.

"Coffee?"

But, this time, it was ME who got up with the pets, made the lunches, etc...

"Himumpfuh."

So, you see, it all works out in the end.

"What's for dinner, tonight?"

[giggle]

"Swedish meatballs!"

[eyes go wide]

"Oooooh, I can't wait!"

What?

[shrugs shoulders]

Yes, there's only 6 more sleeps until Christmas and it's a stressful time for everyone.

"Momma, I don't feel so...[gulp]...BLAAAAAH!"

Especially, when yet other one of your kids wakes up sick and pukes all over the breakfast table...AGAIN!

"Herumpfuh!"

What; you want fries with that?

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[Edited to add:  Please remember to leave a comment on Bloggers Unite - if you haven't already, won't you consider visiting my post and Delurking for a cause, or for even a DORK, like me!?!?]

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Carnival of Family Life

Picture Perfect Thursday: Kids Gone Wild On Film

Last week, we had family over to help celebrate Thing One's 14th birthday and Thing Two (she's turning 12, next month...ugh!) was feeling a bit out of sorts...

...oh and just so you know, almost 12 is way worse than 13.

So, feeling somewhat exasperated my own self - note to self:  never, ever drink warm sangria, AGAIN - I willingly handed over the job of recording our happy little event and left her with very explicit instructions.

"Here, take the camera...leave the canolis...and go wild!"

Then, promptly forgot just how literal-minded these kids can get.

Oh, Holy Hannah Montana, just what in the name of all creatures great and small is going on here?

"Um...we just were...uh...sort of, you know, playing."

Apparently, they were bored (I know, just pretend to be surprised) and there wasn't anything good on t.v. (800 bazillion channels, and all) and heaven forbid they disturb the cat.

"So, um...er...uh...oh, c'mon...it's just a movie...yaaaaaah...that's right...WE MADE A MOVIE!"

Oh, well - taking into consideration that I am a HUGE movie buff and have sort of a soft spot for independent film makers - that's different, then.

"Okay, so show me."

So, without further adieu, it is my pleasure to present to you:

Crouching Brother, Hidden Maniac

Yes, he has my unicorn, but little does he know that it is also called...the pink sword of destiny!

Ha-hah - your feeble weapon does NOT scare me - unicorns are STUPID!

Oh...no...he...didn't!

Hee-YAH!

YAH-HEE-HEE-YAH!

Pleeeeeeze, I beg of you...have mercy...I am your ONLY brother!

Aha-ha-ha-ha-ha-AH...the pink sword of destiny pities the fool with a faithful heart...but, next time, you might NOT be so lucky!

Stupid uni....

Morale of the story:  Never turn your back on kids - especially, those brandishing pink swords of destiny - lest, you miss the true nature of magical moments and they catch it all on film.

I wonder if John Lasseter, or Steven Spielberg got their start this way...or, do they even HAVE any sisters?

Picture Perfect Thursday: Growing up sucks, it's all MY fault and how I know!

I was going through my Flickr photos, yesterday, and adding watermarks (stupid photo stealing trolls)  when I came upon one of my favorite pictures of Thing One and me.  It was taken in the park towards the end of last summer and I think it says a lot about our relationship, at the moment.

Being elegant, gentle, soft-spoken and a bit shy, by nature (no, not ME!) Thing One was born with a wonderful sense of being able to recognize, understand and empathize with what other people are feeling.  She would make a terrific teacher - not to mention, mother - some day.

Me?

Not unlike the picture, my judgment of character pales in comparison and I constantly find myself conflicted on whether or not I'm being accepting, fair, and open-minded enough with my children, or just Jonesing for someone's approval.

Growing up in a houseful of crazy Hungarians - I swear, we are an emotionally gifted lot - it was just easier to agree to be a good girl, rather than risk the thought of provoking disapproval and, quite possibly, some sort of physical shame.

But, this post is NOT about me - or, is it?

"Where's Thing One?"

I've already expressed my concern over how I'm having trouble with keeping up on all the changes my kids are going through - more specifically, how they're growing up so fast and holidays just don't seem the same anymore - but, decided to split-up and allow the older girls to go trick-or-treating with their friends, this year.

My friend is a teacher in the high school and seemed to understand.

"She's decided to stay home and give out the candy, this year."

Although, Thing One told her 8th grade friends different.

"Daddy told me, that once you turn 13, I'm too old to dress up and go out trick-or-treating."

doG, I was tired, in more ways than I want to go into (you're welcome) but, we were on our way to pick-up Thing Two, still hadn't eaten dinner - unless, you count a bag of chips, some pretzels and couple of candy bars raided from the haul brought in by Mini-me and The Boy - and already way late to their grandparents' house, of course.

"NO, that's NOT what he said!"

Cheese and rice, if anything, we have gone out of our way (read:  said yes, when we really meant "NO freakin' way would I have been allowed to go to the movies, with a boy!) and I was sick (and tired) of being labeled the "bad parent" who always says "NO!"

Still, we ARE talking about Thing One - remembering that each kid IS different - so, I tried to soften my tone.

"Besides, you told me that you didn't feel like it."

Knowing, that it quite possibly meant that...you know...no one had asked her, yet.

"I didn't want to go."

Okay, she lost me.

"I just didn't want to hurt their feelings and blaming you guys was...um...well...I'm sorry, but... it just seemed...uh..."

I know.

"Easier."

She smiled and nodded her head.

"I understand."

My husband, however, has no freakin' clue what's going on with what's going on, or how to handle Thing One, or Thing Two and their raging hormones - yes, there are days when growing up sucks and being a girl...well...sucks wet poodle - so, Garth (not his real name) has been sort of...you know...letting me deal with it...them...whatever.

"But, do me a favor...your father's been going through a rough time, too...so, next time...to make it easier on ME...just blame your mother....I mean, me...d'oh...WHATEVER?"

Finally, we got to my in-laws and Garth (not his real name) took probably one of the ONLY pictures I have of them, together.

"I thought you'd be here, earlier and I sort of gave up on you guys."

If she only knew.

"It was all mom's fault!"

Oh, wait - my MIL had 5 kids - she knows!

[FYI:  I tried a cool new tool at MacroPhotos.NET because it automatically replaces the original photos with the watermarked copy - also, don't forget about my Bloggy Giveaway.  I have decided to include comments on all posts, this week.  Giving more of my blog friends a chance.  Because, you're busy.  I know.]

[11/5:  Comments are closed - a winner has been picked and will be announced, soon!]

Picture Perfect Thursday - Where sleep illudes and a little girl's dream comes true.

Well, I made it. It wasn’t easy. I mean, leaving my kids and trying to act as if I was NOT at all excited about the fact that Mommy’s going to Disneyland.

“Don’t worry, Mommy’s working and probably won’t have time to have ANY fun!”

Riiiiight - they didn’t believe me, either.
So, I kissed them goodbye, told them that I would call to tell them exactly what I was doing, every minute, and spent the next 5-1/2 hours of being wedged in between two people, who didn’t.

“This is my first time going to Disneyland and my kids are soooo hating me, right now.”

[sound of crickets]

Okaaaaaay - it was a long flight.
As soon as I got off the plane, and saw all the palm trees - not to mention the mountains and nothing but totally blue sky - I knew that I was…you know…someplace else.

I called the kids, from the car, and sent them a picture of the palm trees, to prove that Momma was on solid ground.

“I miss you and cried in school…a little.”

Ugh.

“I know, but I’ll be home on Friday and I’ll even bring you a pretty!”

My driver kept looking at me funny and - after taking pictures of the trees, the grass, the traffic signs, the inside of the car and promising someone a pretty, four times - I imagine he was wondering, just how many kids does crazy breed?

By the time we got to the hotel, I had pretty much used up all of the memory on my camera phone - oh gosh, I hope I packed my charger!
Oh, well.

So, we went out to dinner, last night and - how I managed to keep my face out of the sturgeon, I’ll never know - I have to tell you, being here at Disneyland feels as if I’ve been whisked away to an enchanted world of lights, music and the smell of something sticky-sweet.

Phew…what is that?

I kept telling Gretchen - my new bff and resident Disney historian - how, I can’t keep from giggling like an enamored school girl.

I swear, this place brings out the kid in me (not a terribly difficult feat, from what I’ve been told) and I had to stop myself from skipping…once, or twice!

Then, I saw it.

Cinderella’s castle - sitting there looking all princess-like lit up in pink and purple - and me without my camera phone!

“Oh…my…doG…Mini-me is NOT going to believe this.”

Gretchen?

Okay, I guess I need to learn how to stop boring people (I know, too late) still.

“I can email this to you, right now, if you want!”

That’s when I was reminded why I just HAD to take this trip and realized the reason I love my job, so much - I get to meet the coolest people - and Gretchen took this amazing picture (hence, the bff) and made a little princess, very happy.

Oh, and Mini-me’s going to love it, too…I’m sure.

Picture Perfect Thursday - Dirty Hands, Smart Mouth

I come from a long line of agricultur

 

ists - my father was a landscaper, my grandfather and both my great-grandfathers were master gardeners to noble families in Europe - and I often tell my children that gardening is in their blood.

"Ewww, get it out!"

My 8-year-old son has this habit of taking things literally, lately.

So, anyway, what I was trying to say is that I grew up surrounded by flower beds and falling in love with the sweet smell of wet dirt. It's intoxicating, really. A lot of people ask me why I put some much time and effort into gro

 

wing vegetables, when we are surrounded by farm markets and super-shop-and-drops, and I smile, nod and just say that it makes me happy.

[blank stare]

Okay, to make a long story short (I know, too late) our love for digging in the dirt is infectious - my husband has also developed a rather green thumb, through osmosis - so, we here at This Full House of grimy little hands and bare feet spend a lot of our summertime, outdoors.

"Are there any bees?"

My son is the only one of my four children to have ever been stung by a bee - 5 times!

"Some, but they're not out to get you, or anything."

I lied.

 

"Besides, are you going to spend the whole summer in the house?"

He's thinking about it.

"The bees are busy out back, but - I have to weed a little, out front - why don't you come outside and shoot a few hoops."

Begrudgingly, he followed me out to the front of the house and, as I kicked at the last of the sticky balls that were lying about, we both stopped in front of the weeping cheery tree to admire the transplants from my MIL's gard

 

en.

"Wow, check out your great-grandfather's iris!"

[eyes go wide]

"Whuh...oh my gosh...WHERE!?!"

My son pulled a 360 and ran back into the house, screaming

"Oh, for the love

 

of Pete!"

Bees can be scary - heck, I've been stung before and I know that it, you know, hurts! - but, I really believe that my son's fear of bees was beginning to get out of hand and really starting to get on my nerves. Still. I'm a grown up and he is still, you know, little.  So, I did what any other anxious parent would do.

I dragged his butt back, outside!

"I know you're scared, but try and remember that everything in nature serves a purpose - after all, they are very important to our environment - maybe you could, you know, watch them and may

 

be you'll learn a little bit from them, too."

He nodded his head and started to cry, a little.

"Okay, but I think you're being mean!"

[blank stare]

"And totally gross!"

Okay, he lost me...again.

"I mean, my family buries their eyes in the garden, that's just weird!?!"

Now, I'm laughing.

 

"No, I meant the flower."

[wiping eyes]

"Why didn't you just say so!?!?"

 

I pointed out the fact that the three upright petals and three drooping sepals are symbols for faith, valor, and wisdom.

"Your grandfather always believed that, even though he didn't speak English very well, everyone spoke flowers."

Wait for it.

"He always said that we could learn a lot from gardening."

Whoops, there it is.

"Well, if it supposed to make you smart, maybe you should plant some more!"

Well, shut my mouth - not only are his eyes blue, but I do believe son has inherited his grandfather's sense of humor, too - stupid flowers!

Picture Perfect Thursday - Stinky, sticky and a little sweet.

My husband thoughtfully emailed me this picture, today - though, I didn't ask him to and he most likely did not read my blog - because, he lives with me and knows, you know, just how crazy our house can get.

"I don't have to read your blog - I live it!"

It can't get anymore real than an unsolicited testimonial to the wonderfulness of me - straight from the husband's mouth and coming from someone who should know - but, here's the thing, if only he knew how much this blog makes our life sound, look, feel and probably even taste a whole lot better, too.

I can say things here, that I would perhaps never think about admitting to in the real world, because - not only am I probably too tired, running very late or often times rendered speechless by a situation and unable to respond - I am NOT that quick!

What I wouldn't give for a verbal delete button - like today.

"I hate this house!"

 

Seriously, it's pouring rain out and I'm stuck inside with a smell that I haven't been able to identify in days and a pile of laundry large enough to lose a small child - okay, an adult of average size would do just fine living in such downy softness - so, why do I act surprised when people wonder what is it I do all day!?!

Clearly, it's NOT spent folding clothes - heaven forbid, I disturb the cat!

"If I had a dollar for each time I cleaned up someone else's mess and picked up a towel off the floor, well, I still wouldn't be getting paid enough to live here!"

Perhaps an industrial strength eraser would be in order, because I don't believe that even Mr. Clean could have handled the verbal diarrhea I was flinging.

"What's wrong with you?"

GAH - oh, nothing a cook, dry cleaner, maid, priest, secretary, therapist, week in the tropics, witch doctor and perhaps a bulldozer couldn't handle - I'm sure!

"I DON'T KNOW!"

Good. Excellent. In fact, a brilliant example of what it's like living with a woman in need of an exorcism, if there ever was one, I tell you!

I hate it when that happens - I think of what I should have said, after - and what I meant to say is...

"I had a really great time on vacation. It was only two days. But, I don't think I've ever laughed, or enjoyed nearly each and every moment, as much as I did in that brief period of, you know, spent just loving being around you. You are a good husband, a great friend, a wonderful dad and the kids and I are lucky...no, wait...well, I can't think of the word, right now. Although, I can be a total dork and there are times when you act like a total ass, I know that my life would NOT have been the the same, without you. I wish you didn't have to work so much and I certainly don't want spend my time, alone, doing laundry!"

That's it.

Now that I think on it some more, he probably already knows - being it's Picture Perfect Thursday - he did send me that email, so, I guess he misses us and...um...still likes me, sort of.

[sniff]

Thanks for the sweet reminder, honey!

Oh, and by the way, if you do happen to find your way here and managed to get through this post without feeling all sticky, I love you!

Excuse the mess and step away from the pots, because the ceiling is leaking and I don't really give a fiddler's fart!

[sniff...SNIFF]

GAH -I think I just figured it out!