Quotation Marks

Dear Dear-ios,

Last night I stayed up late reading. Again. I know that I should know better by now, but I don't. If I was still 10 or so I would be under the covers with a flashlight. I always have this insane notion when I'm half way through a book that I can somehow finish it before my usual bedtime. The regular time to go to sleep that makes me functionable and sane and pretty the next morning when the alarm goes off at 5:30 or earlier. I am always wrong, yet I never regret it.

Seeing as I've only had 1 large mug of coffee and my brain is functioning on serious LOW at this point in time, enjoy some quotes from some amazing people to jump start your thought process this beautiful Wednesday morning.

Joy is prayer - Joy is strength - Joy is love - Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.
-- Mother Teresa

The golden moments in the stream of life rush past us and we see nothing but sand; the angels come to visit us, and we only know them when they're gone.
-- George Eliot

Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.
-Judy Garland

People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within.
-Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
-Eleanor Roosevelt

Love to you all. Have an amazing Wednesday.

C-

You Know You're A Mom When...

Howdy, Y'all!

I haven't dropped in to say hello for a while, seeing as I've been in serious mourning since the USA lost to Ghana in the World Cup on Saturday. I'm talking serious mourning. Flag at half-mast, not eating for days, crying into my pillow at night, wearing black for days straight (okay, I do wear black a lot anyway) mourning. I shunned all media not wanting to be reminded of the terrible loss I was coping with. Okay, that last part isn't true. I completely had the t.v. on and did find a cute and cheesy made for t.v. movie on the Hallmark channel Sunday night.

So, that's my story. Where I've been hiding. Now, on to more important things. Like my birthday. You see, my birthday is in September and seeing as it's June and that means only 2 1/2 months until my birthday I need to be planning my lists and getting all applicable parties involved in shopping now. Just kidding. I'm not that crazy about my birthday. My parents just like to be ahead of the game. They're the type that have Christmas presents purchased over 6 months ahead of time as well. So, they've been asking what I want for my birthday.

Originally they had talked about a Vera Bradley handbag. Usually Vera Bradley bags are WAY crazy for me. Too bold, too bright and I just don't dig most of the designs. I do have one wallet and the lunch bag in a more sedate pattern, but I really kinda dig this new one:
However, as cute as this design is I couldn't find a bag that I like enough. I guess I'm just a Coach girl at heart and can't stray from my line.

So I've been thinking about what to ask my parent's for for my 21st birthday. Yes, I'm only going to be 21. Again. For the 13th time. And then, on my last trip to the mall to celebrate my mother's birthday with a fattening and sinful lunch at the Cheesecake Factory I saw the sheet set and quilt that I want for Lexy's room at Pottery Barn Kids. I know. Champagne taste on a beer budget. But, it's beach theme girl stuff. And I haven't found very much of that since I had the brilliant decorating idea 2 1/2 years ago. And everything was ON SALE. Now, as you probably now, ON SALE at Pottery Barn Kids means selling one kidney instead of two. So, instead of buying everything that wanted while I was there and it was there, I thought I'd be responsible and talk to Josh about it first and look at the budget seeing as how we have big expenses in the next few months.

And then it hit. While checking out everything on line for prices. It was SOLD OUT. Of course. Just my luck. What did I do you may ask. I begged my mother for it for my birthday. Because she might have to make a trip back to the mall and I didn't think, even if I could work out my budget, that I would be able to actually get back to the mall to buy said items. And you know what she did... bought it. From the stores after calling the online catalog number. For my birthday. The cutest sheets and quilt in the world.





The real kicker in this situation? I asked for everything in Twin size. Lexy is still in a crib, soon to be switched to a toddler bed. She won't be in a twin for I don't know how long. I won't even be able to get the joy out of seeing these in her room for probably a year if not more.

Yes. You are a mother when... you ask for things for your children for YOUR birthday just so they can have what you dream of as perfection. I can't wait for her to be a little older and tell me that she hates it. Or that she wants to redecorate in ballerinas or skateboards or horses.

Hello, My Name is Carin....

Hello, my name is Carin and I'm a soccer-holic. I feel it's important to make this confession to you because we are on the verge of a massive soccer breakthrough and event in this country come tomorrow, approximately 12 pm. This is the time the USA v Algeria game should be ending. Preferably with a USA trouncing of their opponent. I mention this obsession only because it has reached it's worst for the World Cup. I have taken the morning off of work tomorrow so I won't miss the game. Yes, that's right. I have taken off from a part-time job so I can watch my home team play in the world cup.

Now, this may not seem like much if you're familiar with the sport or are from another country. In other places around the world the government will actually shut down the country for world cup match. Here? Not so much. I've been resigned to Live Stream on ESPN3 while at work so I can keep up with match play and the scores of the games. Thank you, Al Gore, for inventing the Internet. I don't know how hard my head would hit the floor if it weren't for the ESPN3 Live Stream.

I also mention this problem that I'm having because there is an article on the vuvuzela, the traditional African horn (the one that sounds like a herd of locusts about to descend in biblical proportions and eat your home, livestock, children, and anything else that you don't have tied down and maybe even the things you do) in the Washington Post this morning. I am so into this Cup that I have put aside the article (in the health section mind you) so that I may read it following this beautiful and heartfelt confession of my inadequacies. Oh, and just in case you were wondering about the purpose and function of said horns:



Yes. Saturday when my husband had agreed to watch Lexy play outside for the morning so I could watch the much talked about USA v Slovenia game... I dragged her inside with me for the first half and made her play with her inside toys, just so I could watch my beloved USA seeing as how Josh had to go out to run errands for "just a little bit". My fellow countrymen defending my honor and upholding all I cherish as a Patriot performed beautifully, following a first half tirade by yours truly.

Second half also incurred some of the "Wrath of Carin". In fact, I believe I may have reached ultra-sonic sounds with my yelling and conversing with the referees (the ones all the way in South Africa)... During the second half, while Josh had Lexy in the backyard on the swings... Lexy looked up at her father and said "Mommy's inside yelling. Want to go inside and see Mommy yelling". Yes. All the doors and windows were closed.

As I said. This is an obsession. Or maybe it's just a life choice. A calling. A passion. A true love. A dream.

Go USA!!! Beat Algeria!!!

Friends, Meet a Friend

Hello, Dear-ios.

A while ago I had mentioned that maybe someone would like to post on this here loverly website and meet some of my new and used friends. Okay, not used, but old just didn't sound right either. Long-term??? Whatever. I digress. I had one such dear-io respond and she jumped right in with some of the most delicious sounding recipes that I am desperate to try.

I would like to introduce you all to a friend of mine from high school. A girl that I always remember with laughter and smiles. She was one of those girls that didn't look at my crazy because I was crazy, and one of those that didn't judge the bad hair, glasses, braces, or clothes. She allowed me to be me, she allowed everyone to be themselves and the girl could sing.

Oh, and when she says I would run up to her in the hallowed halls of LBSS, please remember that I run with the grace of a gazelle and my loud screaming voice has the dulcet tones of an angel in God's chorus. Really.

So, Dear-ios. May I present to you the lovely and talented Desirae, forever in my heart as Dee-Dee (sorry, maybe I'll just use D from now on).



Hello all. My name is Desirae (many of you would remember me as Dee-Dee). Why is it that in school we hated our first name and demanded to be called by our nick names? I attended Lake Braddock Secondary School Class of 94. I was in Choir my freshman and sophomore year. This is where I meet and became friends with Carin. I was a tomboy and tended to hang out more with the guys, but Carin was my huggie buddy. She could always make me smile, by seeing me in the hall and screaming huggieeeeeeeeeee. We bonded on the trip to Harpers Ferry and then at her house when a group of use were rehearsing for a skit in one of the Choir performances.

I lost touch with her as the years past, but now we have reconnected. Many of you I just passed in the halls, but in many ways I regret not getting to know you all a lot better. I am enjoying face book as it has given me the opportunity to get to know a lot of you on a more personal level.

As for brief bio – I reside in Cameron, South Carolina. I am married to a farmer (Bill), who manages the family farm of cotton and peanuts (the farm has been in their family since 1737). One day if you want to know our story I will tell it to you. He is my rock, my solid ground. There is a quote that fits us best and it is this: “I, with a deeper instinct, choose a man who compels my strength, who makes enormous demands on me, who does not doubt my courage, or my toughness, who does not believe me naïve or innocent, who has the courage to treat me like a woman. Anaïs Nin”

We have two little boys Jacob (2.5) and Capers (6 months). I recently have become a stay-at-home mom and trying my best to make it work for me. I am a work alcoholic by nature. I am however enjoying the boys and all their antics. Face book is my escape when I need a little break for myself and also Carin’s blog, which I enjoy immensely. Girl, you are a wonderful writer.

My hobbies are photography, reading, hiking, fishing, camping and just about anything to do with being outside. Anything else you would like to know, look me up on face book and ask away.

Here are a few of my favorite recipes:

Pot Roast Recipe
2 Cans Golden Mushroom Soup
2 Cans Water
1 package Beefy Onion Mix (either Lipton or Knox)
Beef Roast or Pork Roast (both are good)

Mix Soup, Water and Beefy Onion Mix in Crock Pot, Place in Roast, and Cook on low all day while at work.

You can add the following Veggies if you like, Green Beans, Potatoes, and Carrots. I used just green beans and it was very good.

Serve with Rice or Mashed Potatoes and biscuits.

Desirae’s Chili

Ingredients:

5 lbs hamburger meat
4 cans rotel tomatoes with chilies
4 packs of chili seasoning
3 large cans of light kidney beans or pinto beans
2 cups water – although you may want to add more

Directions:
Mix all ingredients together, bring to a boil, then simmer for at least three hours. You can also cook on low for more than 3 hours, I have found the longer it cooks the better it is.

Linguine with Chicken, Leeks And Tomatoes

4 tablespoons of Olive oil
8 Boneless skinless chicken (thinly sliced)
1/4 cup of Butter; (1/2 stick)
3 large Leeks; (white and pale , & green parts only), thinly sliced or 1 large onion, chopped
1 package of sliced mushrooms
4 Garlic cloves, minced
one 28 ounce can of Italian diced tomatoes (pre-seasoned with basil, oregano and garlic)
3 tablespoons of Dry vermouth or a Dry White Wine
1 pound of Linguine; freshly cooked
1 cup of grated Parmesan

Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add to skillet and sauté until just cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Cool slightly. Thinly slice chicken crosswise and set aside. Melt butter in same skillet over medium-low heat. Add leeks and garlic and sauté until leeks are very tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, vermouth and chicken. Cook until mixture is just heated through, about 2 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Combine chicken mixture, linguine and 1/2 cup Parmesan in large bowl; toss well. Sprinkle with basil if desired. Serve, passing remaining Parmesan. Serves 4. Bon Appetit June 1992.

Thank you, D. I think we can all see why she has Farmer Bill... wink wink. But, seriously. This chick rocks. I'm lookin forward to hearing the story of D and the Farmer, and if I don't then maybe I'll make it up and turn it into a fairy tale. "D and the Farmer". Anyways, I think you can all see that D still has it. It being kindness, open-heartedness, spunk (SAHM on a full-time 300 year old farm???!!!), and well, she gives GREAT hugs.

Sending one your way, D. HHHUUUUUGGGGGIIIIIEEEEEE!!!!!!!

Birthday Calamaties

Hello, Dear-ios.

This weekend Lexy and I had the joy of attending one of her friends (and betrothed) Adam's 3rd birthday party. Now, the fact that time has somehow gone by so fast that this little bundle is now a full-blown rambunctious 3 year old boy with a baby brother is somehow lost on me. I don't know how it happened and I have chosen to not think about it too hard. I refuse to believe that I have aged 3 years and I refuse to admit that I'm old enough to have friends with 3 year old sons (although I have some friends my age with kids older than that, but for them. They were probably 15 when they got pregnant. That was just the kind of crowd I ran with).

As for Adam, trains and cake were the themes of the day. And I must say that Wegman's makes a killer Thomas the Train cake. Not too sugary, with just the right mix of chocolate thrown in with the vanilla. Super Yummy. Watching Lexy interact with all the other kids there (she was the only girl) was a riot. There was one point when I thought she was going to try and climb into Adam's lap. I mean, come on girl, play a little hard to get. Although, if the marriage is inevitable and arranged and all that, why should she? Right? But, I must say, her attempts to get George to come and sit with her and talk to her.... uh, oh, Adam. You may have some competition after all.

Lexy was the belle of the ball. Of course, when you're the only girl and you're dressed in a too cute for words yellow sundress that does tend to happen. She had a blast and it was great to have been included.

And then there was the pinata. Everyone loved the pinata. There was no bloodshed. No scrambling for candy and toys. There was no shoving or pushing for turns. Everyone stood nicely and pulled their strings. In rounds. It was amazing that 2 and 3 year olds would behave so well. I give all the credit to the amazing parenting going on in this group. Well done, Moms and Dads. We are awesome. And then. Then there was the last pull on the adorable little Dalmatian fire hat wearing pinata. And it opened. Everyone was thrilled. Candy and toys, right?

Everyone except Lexy. She had a mini-meltdown a la, "Adam broke the puppy" meltdown. See, if a toy breaks or a crayon snaps in half, or a page in a book rips it's all downhill from there. I had no thoughts that a pinata would be traumatic, but "Adam broke the puppy". Big tears. Lots of them. Bright red face. I had NO idea that she would react that way. I had the same thoughts as any other parent. Scrambles for candy would take precedent over even looking UP at the pinata. But, not my sensitive little Lexy. She cried each time I tried to take her back to gather some treats. Thanks to the other mom's that collected for Lexy as well as helping their own kids gather their goodies. She loves all the things that came home in her bags.

But, try as hard as I might to convince her that the pinata was supposed to open and all it did was OPEN I have heard nothing in the last two days other than "Adam broke the puppy".

Happy Monday, Dear-ios. See you on the flip-side.

No!

Dear People,

Today I am wondering what it takes to say "no" to some people or some things and what it means to people that hear it. Or more importantly, DON'T hear it. I know that we all struggle with this kind of thing. Being women (mostly, sorry Oren), and being mom's or sisters or girl friends lends itself to wanting to be the most accommodating people that we can be, even to the detriment of ourselves.

My parents were the kind of parents that taught me it's important to help others. I started working with my mother at a local charity when I was 12. They made an age exception and I hid in the back with the workers and sorted food or whatever they asked me to do. I need to get back there, I just need to find the time. My parents also taught me that it's important to remember yourself in your life, too, though and if there are too many pulls on your time or if something makes you uncomfortable than you should be able to say "No thank you" and move on.

I guess what my question is or my ponderance for this morning, is "what do you do when you say No Thank You in the most polite way possible but whatever the situation might be is continually forced on you until you snap?". It's harder to answer this question when it comes in the form of family, which is my situation right now. But, truly, I want to know. I've tried politeness, I've tried bluntness, I've tried harshness. Nothing seems to work. I don't want to be rude after rude after rude, but I'm starting to think that that may be my only option. Or as one friend suggested during one of my 3 ranting phone calls "Ignore it. Don't email, don't call, don't respond in any way". Is that the last way for me to regain a little bit of my sanity? Ignore the situation or emails and pray that things get better? That is so not my personality, although I'm leaning towards giving it a go so that I can recapture a bit of my strength and my self-respect.

Advice people. I'm asking for your advice.

Talking in her sleep

Hello, Good Buddies,

I'm on my second cup of coffee this morning and may I just say that this is an amazing pot. And it's amazing that I'm not passed out with my nose in the mug, either. It just keeps going doesn't it? That big hamster wheel that we're all on. I just want to jump off for a few weeks, but I have to make it until September when the requisite vacation is. In the meantime, here I am. Prepping for work and wondering what to throw in my bag for lunch.

However, I did have something cute to mention about the cutest kid on the planet. Which is of course Lexy. In case you were wondering. Not that your kids aren't cute. I'm just being brutally honest because everyone knows that I'm brutally honest.

She talks in her sleep.

With her silly 2 year old grammar. At 6 am this morning, while I was combing out my hair, I heard her rolling around in her crib. When I turned to see if she was awake way too early, I hear...

"Need to go with you."

Now, this is what she says when I'm trying to make her leave her toys or come in from outside when she doesn't want to. I start to walk off, tell her goodbye and then I hear very loudly in the background "Need to go with you!" and when I turn around she's already running to me. Yes, we're still in that stage. It's adorable. One more mark in that cutest kid in the world column. But, she's never said it while sleeping before. She's said "mommy" or "mmppphh" but never full sentences.

I'm not sure if I should hope that this cuteness continues or not. I'm thinking there may be a definite lack of sleep issue if it does.

See you on the flip side lovelies,

C-

p.s. If anyone wants to write ANYTHING, recipes, stories, editorials, whatever, let me know. I still want to introduce you to each other. I started this as a way to let my friends keep up with me and the kid-let and the friends that are responding are a wide cross section of people from different periods of my life. It's kinda funny, actually. So, email me if you're interested. I'd love to hear from you and show you off to my other friends.

overwhelming media exhaustion

Hi, Friend-lies.

I hope that everyone had a restful weekend and is ready for the daily grind of the week ahead. I was going through my posts and checking out the blogs I follow and I realized that I haven't been here for a while. Granted, Lexy was sick (I'm thinking cold over molars at this point because the fever is gone and I don't feel or see any teeth, so I take back those horrible things I said about molars ~ for the time being anyway), I'm training 2 new employees at work, dealing with the regular household stuff... but most of all I've been feeling overwhelmed by media. News, TV, papers, magazines, facebook, Internet. It's all the same negative space. Sometimes life sucking in its negative-ness.

I know that a lot of you feel the same way, and I totally get it. I've even taken a mostly-break from facebook for a week or so, so forgive me if I haven't posted or updated and laughed at your status. I check in but don't have the verve to write or post too much at the moment. Maybe once work settles down things will be easier. So, bear with me lovelies. Once I can focus myself to sit and think and breathe this will be the priority that doesn't get dropped. It is supposed to be my quiet time, so I'm going to have to spreadsheet my way back or just remember the quietness and the fact that I have thoughts in my head outside of chiropractic staffing schedules or which Elmo's World video is the one we have seen the least.

I hope you all have a wonderful day. I love you all and I will talk with you soon.

C-

p.s. If anyone would like to write something for me in the meantime to post, just email me. I would love to introduce you all to each other.

Molars

Hi, Friend-lies.

It appears that my sleepless night last week wasn't due to the cold that I thought Lexy was getting, but in fact those nasty 2 year old molars. I broke down after 6 days of low grade fever, runny nose and cough and took the kid to the doctor on Memorial Day. God bless my doctors office for being open on a holiday. Seeing as I work on the next day it made me feel so much better to take her in myself and not send her with my mom. Lexy was great with the doctor, other than she wouldn't open her mouth to get anything more than a glance at those evil teeth making their way in. Needless to say, runny nose and cough are all allergy related (yea Lexy for inheriting my allergies and not Josh's stong immune system) and the fever and general blah-ness around her nap time and all evening = large pointy things shoving their way into my babies mouth. Bad teeth. Bad bad teeth.

But. When lovingly medicated with Tylenol Generic or Motrin Generic, the kid is 100% normal. And even without it she is still pretty darn great. I've got a good one and I know it. So. There was a slight hiatus from posting and hardly any time spent of Facebook for the last few days and it was really nice. I finished 2 books, lovely light summer reads and have moved on to the third. Read Karen White for free, fun, enjoyment, and some easy reading to move yourself aside for a little bit. And enjoy these. This is my light, ease, fun, and enjoyment.



(yes, this one is a little older, but I just uploaded it and it is flippin' cute, okay?)











By the way, we did that about 30 times. After running in a big circle around the front yard (through the sprinkler). Why is it I don't have a better waistline and better looking arms?

Love to you all. Splash!

C-