What moms really want for Mother's Day!

Things almost every mother wants for Mother's day but never asks :)

1) Catching Zs. I miss the days of lying in bed late with the sun streaming through my bedroom. Getting up and having lunch. IN order to do this - Kids need to be removed from house.

2) Breakfast in bed. - I'd love to not have to make someone's breakfast. Maybe lie in bed reading, awaiting coffee, eggs with cheese, strawberries and scones. Then more coffee with extra cream. I'd love to eat it in one sitting too. Like not having to stop and get up to get something for someone. To sit and eat in peace.

3) Spa Day. Massage, mani/pedi. Need I say more. If chocolate or cupcakes were involved - it would be awesome!

4) Shopping without kids. Hey I'm not picky. This could even be grocery shopping, running errands, browsing bookstores or hitting up Target without kids in tow asking for every item on every shelf.

5) Homemade Gifts. Not socks or underwear. Not even an organizer b/c that says I'm not organized. Maybe just homemade items. Those are the best. The kind that dad helps them do on a rainy day - in advance of course - not day of.

6) Night out. This can be with girls or a date night. But I'd love a night out on town. Babysitter planned, reservations made. For me to just show up and drink margaritas or martinis.

7) A Ban on Bickering. For the kids to start bickering about who's bossing who or how hit who. What belongs to who, what TV show to watch. Just happy kids with smiles and bells on.

8) Child Labor. A day of the kids and hubby completing the following tasks -
cleaning toilet seats
boxing up winter clothes and pack away in closet
organizing closet
laundry
dishes
going through old toys and cleaning out rooms/play room
cleaning out under seats in car

any will do!

9) Jewelry. Those earrings I've been eying but would never buy myself :) (by hubby or child)

10) Compliments galore - nothing short of:

"You're the best mom"
"Thanks for cleaning my underwear."
"I wouldn't trade you in for chocolate or toys."
"What would I do without you."


The top 5 things no mother wants to hear on Mother's Day

1) "I have tee time at noon."

2) "You look great for having 2 kids."

3) "We're out of coffee."

4) "I thought you'd want a new vacuum cleaner. And it was on sale."

5) "Lets just grab MacDonalds."



That's not too much to ask for - right? :)

My "crappy" weekend

here's my weekend in a nutshell:

• Washer backs up and floods garage
• Call AHS who calls plumber
• Plumber comes to fix
• Instead of fixing, he blocks whole house water line
• Oh no! Plumbing bursts, toilet overflows
• Sewage in bathtubs and showers (disgusting!)
• "Oops" says plumber, "can't fix til next wed" (Oops? come again? 6 days without a toilet?? Call me regular!)
• Home warranty won't pay (of course they won't!)
• Plumber says we have roots in pipes along with some serious backage. (uh yeah, thanks for clearing THAT up for me b/c I was wondering)
• Estimates 3,000$ (no problem b/c we have that kind of $ just lying around)
• No running water (shower, toilet, washer etc)
• Did I mention nasty "shit" tubs??
• Stay with friend (bless her heart for politely offering because we jumped on it). Nice house, big enough for all of us. And she has stairs (like I can't handle some of those?? Trust me I will tie this plot point into the story in just a second.)
• Get up early to meet a different plumber at house at 6 am (PS we love Roto Rooter!)
• Wake 5 year old up - but alas he will not wake from the land of wonder
• Carry son down flight of stairs (hey - Ive been working out to Jillian Michaels 30 day challenge for 5 days now. cant be that hard, right? WRONG!.)
• Trip on steps (because hey - they should not be there - right?) and fall down a flight of stairs
• Poor boy slams head on chair - I'm now convinced his brain is bleeding and he has a brain injury.
• In trying to stop him from getting more hurt, I sacrifice my left hand to break the fall.
• Husband rushes to son's side - "WT hell Shelli! Sounds like an elephant coming down stairs." - except he says it with English accent so it sounds much more polite. (Me - Gee sorry! so I'm up a few pounds - sew me!)
• Daughter looks horrified 
• I follow her gaze and notice my left hand. (enter 'first sadistic thought that popped into my head' here - "thank goodness its not my typing hand!" ;)
• Fingers pointing in directions they should not be pointing.
• To prevent her from entering therapy at age 9, I quickly pop them all back in myself (we'll do anything for our kids) and say, "Everything is fine. Everyone is okay."
• Seconds later, I drop to floor sweating and wailing: "I think I'm going to be sick. I'm going to pass out. Does son have brain injury? Wait, I think I broke my hand!"
• Hubby's loving response: "He's fine. The plumber's coming in 10 minutes."
• So I'm faced with a choice - deal with shit toilets or go to emergency room for broken hand????
• We go home and wait for plumber.
• Decide to keep both kids home for "post traumatic stress disorder"
• 3 hours later we finally go to urgent care
• No broken bones but 2 dislocated fingers (could have told you that 3 hours ago!)
• Must wear splint - can't write :(
• come home to front yard dug out. 
• Pay plumber 2500 - only to hear him say "other guy was wrong. there are no roots in pipes just a blockage" (WTF!) 
• wasted 2,500??
• Call home warranty and threaten lives
• Stubborn blockage remains - what the hell is in there a dead body? (run inside to take notes on writing new book with a dead body in pipes)
• Still "no toilet until Monday"
• Weight options? hotel, stay with friends, face dangerous tripping stairs, stay with parents...?? Oh God.
• Never mind - we order port o potty
• Hubby wants 50$/week portopotty (no way, that's for cavemen! we are civilized people)
• I get the Cadillac of all port-o-potties (call me spoiled!) for 150$ a week (total now: 3000$ plus 150) What a bargain!
• We get a VIP with flushable toilet and sink, running water, light, key/padlock to prevent any unnecessary break ins (hey you never know) and the ever so needed accessory so you can witness yourself in a port o potty - a nice little mirror. :) (moving on up and living in style!)
• port o potty delivered Friday night right around the time everyone comes home from work and people start jogging.
• Let's hide it in side yard - I mean we can at least be discreet in our nice neighborhood of 2.5 kids 
• Can't get it up driveway (of course they cant!)
• Must sit it directly next to---- (wait for it)--- the mailbox on street (talk about going postal?)
• Family forced to endure total humiliation by trekking out to mailbox to do business
• People jogging by (me waving with toilet paper in hand Top of the morning to you!) (but trust me - I had urge to grunt when people walked by just to get a laugh! :)
• Needless to say the dog walkers probably got TMI.
• 9 year old comes in (after "doing #3" she says) and yells, "THAT was NOT fun!"
• Brother calls - Im coming into town.
• hour later. A Guest arrive. "Welcome to our Happy Can!"
• Plumbing finally fixed sat night.
• Sat night prayer - "thank you lord for modern plumbing!"
• Sunday - goes to use bathroom. Our toilet not working. (I swear Im not lying)
• Hubby goes to store and buys cheapest toilet for 88$. (wait what? the port o potty was better than this!)
• "Why did you buy plastic toddler toilet?" His response - "Because it was cheap."
• I return to Lowes and buy regular toilet for hubby to reinstall. Sue me for wanting a nice toilet! 
• Week dishes backed up. Run dishwasher.
• Week of laundry backed up - Load clothes washer and...wait for it.
• Clothes washer broken!!!!!!!!!!!! Doesn't work. Are you freakin' kidding me?
• Call AHS who calls plumber to come out.
• Yes, everything in life somehow comes in full circle.

Good times :)

Ode to Graeme

Today my heart is heavy as I say goodbye to someone special.

My dear friend is moving to Eqypt and it suddenly feels like a million miles away. he might as well be moving to the sun (well except then he would burn from the intolerable heat).

Sometimes, someone very very special comes into your life when you least expect it. And somehow they touch you in a short amount of time, in a small way, that you can't really express or explain to anyone else.

It doesn't make any sense why I'm as upset as I am - because I have only known him a short time. And even Graeme was slightly surprised at my reaction when I hugged him for the last time (for at least 2 years.)

3 years ago, I met Graeme Stone in LA at SCBWI. We hit it off immediately and hung out the whole time we were there. There was a spiritual connection and we just clicked on many levels - we laugh at the same things, we observe the world in a similar (strange) way, and he is a wonderful thriller writer. I don't meet many true thriller writers so that was a total bonus for me. Especially someone who knows more movie, TV, and mystery book references than I do. (Trust me - I met my match)

A year later, I looked forward to seeing Graeme again. Once again we clicked, laughed, and talked thrillers and mysteries and disasters even more.

Even though we had fun, it really wasn't until Graeme moved to Atlanta last fall that we grew close. It wasn't until then, that I began to recognize how special he really is.

As I was crying on hubby's shoulder today, Hubby asked a simple question: "Why is Graeme so special to you?"

I could not answer him.

 You see, I can't really put into words or express why Graeme is so special to me.

But somehow in just a year, I've grown attached to him. Since he came here, we've met up several times a month for coffee, talks, lunch, dinner -  and had deep talks about self pubbing, writing, thrillers, movies, successes, failures. But more importantly - life in general. We recently spent a week together writing in the mountains. 24 hours, 7 days of laughing, writing, and plotting. When we weren't writing or hanging out with Kristin Tubb and Jennifer Jabaley - we talked about writing and thrillers and our past. Our dreams, our future, our regrets. We cooked dinners together and laughed.

That's one awesome thing about having a gay male friend - is hanging out with a man without the weird undertones. Just a male friend. A male perspective. It's refreshing.

I don't connect with people easily. I'm socially awkward, kinda shy, slightly weird, an over-achiever, snarky, and very few people get my strange sense of humor. Graeme gets me in a way no one else does. Yes, he gets my writing, he gets my jokes, he gets my movie  references, he gets my snark. I could look at something and by the time I look over at Graeme - we say the same thing about the same observation. We see things the same. We find the humor in the same things. Sometimes we discuss how that could play into a book but sometimes we just laugh without saying anything.


Now don't get me wrong, a lot of my special friends "get me" and of course my hubby "gets me" the most. But Graeme gets that tiny special place inside me - the small strange place where my writing comes from. I can't explain it but maybe you understand. It's a place that may not seem important to most people and i don't need to show it to many - but it's the 1% that most people don't even know is there or ever get to see. 


In addition to that, there is something very special about Graeme. He just that one of a kind person. Irreplaceable. Unduplicatable.

On the surface, Graeme is silly, dorky, gay, sarcastic, and wonky with a touch of insanity. But underneath his crazy sayings, his silly faces, and his slightly sick sense of humor - Graeme has one of the most beautiful souls I've ever met. The way he sees the world is eye-opening. The way he REALLY listens is unique. The way he cares about others so deeply and isn't afraid to show it is refreshing. 

Underneath the cool, funny, quirky guy - is someone so smart and conscious in life - you just want to be around him. He is one of the smartest people I have ever met. Knows something about everything. I bet he has remembered everything he has ever learned - like a big walking spongy encyclopedia of weird and strange facts.

Anyway, enough about Graeme (he is probably loving this right now since he's all me me me right now ;)

Today, I was left saying goodbye to someone I know I can never replace.

I am so happy for my dear friend as he embarks on an amazing life-altering journey to Egypt. He's had many tough years and has struggled - now he gets to take a fresh step on his path to discovering his true purpose. He's brave and fearless and I admire him deeply. There are not many people who would move to Egypt for 2 years - away from everything they know. Family, friends, and the total comforts of home - with just 2 bags and a smile.

But I am also very sad today. For me and what I am losing.

Sure Graeme and I will always be friends. And we will Skype and we will email and we will still laugh and plot together.

But it won't be the same.

And since Graeme is irreplaceable - that means there is now a tiny space left my heart that will always be empty.

If you want to follow Graeme's insightful and hilarious blog as he travels to Eqypt, gets a masters in linguistics, and learns to live in a society so different from ours, go follow his blog where he will be keeping a journal along the way.

Trust me, you won't regret it!

And you'll be lucky enough to see and experience a small slice of what I adore about Graeme. ;0)

DogGoneDays

Today is supposed to be a post for the Bookanistas but my heart is a little too heavy for it.

My dog, Bud, is not doing well.

My dog is losing his spunk, his zest for life, his bowel function when he sleeps, and he can barely walk, see or hear. The one thing that keeps me filled with hope is that he still eats and steals food from everyone. I always felt as long as he was eating, he'd be ok.

I always prayed I would not have to make a decision regarding my dogs' passing. I mean it's not my job right? Its not in my human job description. But as my dog withers away, I'm faced with the question -

how do you know when it's time to let go?

I'm conflicted. I dont want to help him pass out of this world and into another - out of convenience or even too soon. But I also dont want him to suffer in any way.

A couple years ago, my boxer went quietly into the night. He was fine one day, the next morning my daughter and I found him in his bed - he had died in his sleep. Besides seeing both my grandparents die when I was little, I hadn't faced death in a long time before my dog. At least not with anyone close to me. At the time, I took my Boxer's death hard. I had NO idea he was leaving us - he was happy the day before - and I felt like there was so much left unsaid. So much love that I hadn't shown. I felt guilty that I hadn't given him tons of time the days or weeks before b/c of the busyness of being a parent to young kids. Yet at times, I was thankful he didn't suffer at all. That he had a peaceful transition.

Since that day, I've coddled my Jack Russell (who has been mine for the last 15 years) for the last 2 years. I wanted to be sure that if to be sure everything was said that needed to be said.

But now, as part of me wants my dog to move on to a happier place where he can run and stay young forever, the other part of me is afraid of making the decision to let him go. Since this has really been my dog, my husband feels (rightly so) that it is ultimately my decision. But anyone who knows knows I cant make this. I cry at commercials. I cry when I hear sad stories on the news. I cry at songs, books. And any sign of anyone or anything suffering - whether it be a dog or other animal, I lose it.

So my question - how do I know? Everyone says I will but I am wondering if that is really true. I dont think we actually know when it's a good time, I just think we come to accept that its time. But what if i make the decision and not only do it too soon, but regret it for the rest of my life. Then what? I can't take it back or do a "do-over". I have to live with that forever and wonder if I did the right thing.

I pray every night that a higher power comes in and transitions my dog before I have to make a decision on my own. Yet then I feel guilty for cutting my dog short of what could be some extra time on this Earth with me.

I'll never have a dog like this one. He was my first dog. I'd grown up with cats my whole life. My ex-fiance bought him for me in 1995 and he has been a good dog. Bud has stood by me through thick or thin. He's traveled across the country in a carry-on dog bag with me. He's driven thousands of miles with me. He licked my tears when my heart was so broken that I wondered if I'd ever be the same. He moved to the beach with me for a few months and it was just he and I and the water. He filled a space that some didn't care was empty. He was there when I got married, when both my kids were born. He was by my side helping me recover through surgeries, sadness, and loneliness. Always with a smile on his face.

Any dog we ever get again will never be just mine. Will never be the same. because you see no matter what anyone says, you can never love a dog the same after kids. Its not that you love them less, its that you realize how much you can love something more.

So I feel like I'm losing more than my dog when he goes. I feel like I'm losing a piece of me, my history, my past, my innocence, my youth. A piece that will never be the same.

I'm reminded sometimes of his funny spirit and how full of life he has always been until now. Jumping, smiling, playing, barking, scratching, jumping, eating, playing jumping eating (did I mention jumping?). When I first saw him among a litter of Jack Russells, I knew he was spunky and the one for me. He came running around the corner, bouncing like a jack rabbit with a very tiny stick in his mouth. While all the other puppies milled around my feet, Bud was the only one that demanded I give him all my attention. Clawing and begging for my attention. For me to take that stick and throw it to him. For me to share a moment with him.

And he won.

Now as my dogs spots seem to fade quickly so does his strength. And with that, so does my hope that he can stick it out just one more year. So does my hope that he too will go quietly into the night.

And in comes the reality that no one or no thing lives forever. Yet everyone and everything will live on.

I could use any advice if anyone has gone through this.

Thanks for listening. Sorry about the heavy post. I'll be back and peppy tomorrow :)

At the center of a busy life

As a mom, sometimes, I forget to stop and breathe.

Because there are so many thing to do as a mom.

doing the laundry, changing sheets, folding laundry, putting away laundry, stacking laundry in baskets and leaving in the bedroom until *someone* else puts it away.

unloading dishes, rinsing dishes (yeah right), reloading dishes, wishing I'd bought paper dishes, buying paper plates, feeling bad about environment and go back to dishes.

reorganizing kids closets, cleaning out old toys, reorganizing new toys, returning toys back where they belong, yelling at kids to return toys where they belong, threatening kids to return toys where they belong.

buying dog food, feeding dog, taking dog to vet after he eats a pound of chocolate, letting elderly dog outside in the middle of the night to pee - twice!

taking care of hubby, making hubby take care of me, managing an extended family, managing a British family (oi!:), getting together with family before family has withdrawals.

giving baths, forcing baths, taking a shower, skipping a shower, wishing for a shower, refusing to shower.

shifting kids from one place to another, carpooling, playdates, afternoon activities, planning family activities, allocating equal Mommy Time.

get an idea, write a book, rewrite a book, tear up a book, envying someone else's book, curse my book, love my book, cry over my book, get a rejection, get an agent, rewrite book, and rewrite book again.

preparing for school, packing lunches, giving money for lunches, forgetting lunches, forgetting homework, doing homework.

cleaning out old sizes of kids clothes, buying new kids clothes, attending kids school activities, volunteering at school activities.

planning menus (yeah right!), cooking...OK FINE!...microwaving, wishing I was organized enough to crockpot, grocery shopping, wine shopping, chocolate shopping, interim shopping, drug shopping (Oops, I mean drug store shopping!)

taking care of house stuff, bringing in the mail, sending out mail, recycling junk mail, taking out the trash, recycling, bagging recycling, paying bills, filing bills, hiding bills, forgetting bills, ignoring bills.

scheduling cleaners, calling yard people, calling car people, begging babysitters, begging mother to come down.

staying on top of holidays, moving shelf on an elf, filling advent calendars, buying presents, returning presents.

awarding stars for good behavior, awarding red stickers for bad behavior, keeping track of stickers on behavior, ignoring tantrums, having tantrums, yelling at tantrums,

going by the bank to take in a check, wishing I had a check to take in, spending money, balancing checkbook, wishing I hadn't spent money, wondering where money went.

going to the bathroom with bystanders, cleaning the bathroom accidents of bystanders, teaching kids to wipe, teaching kids to flush, stocking diapers, smelling diapers, running out of diapers.

scheduling dr appt, handling impromptu dr appt, tending to the sick, feeling sick, stroking hurt feeling, hurting happy feelings, attending to boo boos.

yelling at kids to ask for peace and quiet, wishing for peace and quiet, hiding in closets for a moment of peace and quiet (everyone does this right?)

With all that - there is little time to breath.

There are so many things to do as a wife

There are so many things to do as a daughter, sister and friend.

There are so many things to do as a writer, a critiquer, a blogger, a tweeter, a facebooker, a myspacer, and a goodreader.

There are so many things to do to change the world.

Then, there are those moments - that in reality probably come to us in every second of every day - but I miss them because I'm so busy I forgot to stop, grab it, and press it to my heart. I forget to hold it in my hand before kissing it back to the wind.

Sometimes I don't relish in the moments of joy that fly by me at the speed of light. I guess I don't open my eyes in time to see the drops of happiness wrapped in a picked leaf, a drawn picture, or a hug.

Sometimes I happen to get lucky and accidentally sit still in the small moment that I realize is perfect. Before, I mistakenly push it aside as the world blows another obligation or problem my way.

Sometimes I get tiny but memorable reminders, in the shape of a flower, or a note in crayon, a book, or a sappy song.

When the universe nudges me quietly, suddenly giving me the sense, the urge, the need, the ability...

To stop...

To breathe...

To love...

To laugh...

To live...

To just be...

And remember to cherish and be grateful for the things at the very center of my busy life.

Life lessons to a younger me

Dear younger Shelli,

I'm here to tell you that life turns out better than you ever expected. And I have a few pieces of advice that will make your life a lot easier.

Here are a few tips:

1. Remember the business class you took over creative writing....big mistake. Dangling modifiers will mean more to you than ROIs.
   
2. The typing class that you slacked off in...trust me... typing from Home Row is critical to your future. Remember two words - The Claw!
   
3. All beautiful kids who are mean to you in high school...tell them not to be so cocky. Our 20th reunion will reveal all.
4. When you get in trouble for your messy handwriting...it doesn't matter. Computers take over and you'll never have to "write freehand" again.
   
5. The cute guy you start dating in college. Dump him! He will break your heart. Oh yeah, and he loses all his hair too.
   
6. The soap opera you skip class for because you're afraid you might miss an episode? Let me just tell you that Days of our Lives is still on and you wont miss a thing. Bo and Hope are still together and Stefano is still crazy.
7. For all the times you have to decide between cheering and chorus? Don't worry, a show called "Glee" makes singing and dancing cool again.
8. The reason you love to read so much....is because one day you will be a writer. Keep reading!
9. Write down everything and keep all your journals. Some day they will be considered priceless "research".
10. It's not so bad taking your drivers exam in a 1984 van. When you move to the city, parallel parking will be a breeze!
11. Don't get too excited about mastering Atari and flipping PacMan or Space Invaders. It gets much harder on Xbox.
12. Your parents love you and mean well...and most of the time - they are right. Except when they tell you to go for the money.
    
13. Your little brother won't always annoy you. Someday you'll forgive each other for the countless wedgies and be the best of friends.
14. Friends will come and go. Don't worry, the ones you need will be the ones you keep. The ones you lose end up being crazy anyway.
    
15. All those fashion faux pas you make - macrame tops, parachute pants, and Indian moccasins? They will probably all come back in style in some form anyway. (oh yeah and someday, thick glasses will be cool!)
    
16. Whatever you do - do NOT perm your naturally curly hair or spray Sun-In at the beach, you will pay dearly.
    
17. All I can say is - blue eye shadow and pink lipstick are not your best colors!
    
18. All the mistakes you make don't matter in the long run. Including getting kicked off the cheerleading squad and a D in Trigonometry.
    
19. All those times you worry about your weight. Let it go. You haven't seen yourself pregnant yet.
    
20. Don't worry...you will get a first kiss, you will marry, and you will live happily ever after.

Love always,

Your wiser self!

I am no Super Mom!

My kids were stuck home today from school - for the flooding - and we went to the bookstore.
So did a ton of other moms.

A lot of them were talking about what they do with their kids and what they dont' do. Some of them i thought "I do that.". Some i thought "What? I would never do that!"

I realized there is a difference between Good moms and Super moms.

• Super mom - helps her kids throw up when they are sick
  
• Good mom - helps her kids throw up but..... in reality is gagging and about to throw up herself

• Super mom - picks a paci (or food) off the floor and washes it off
• Good mom - picks up a paci (or food) blows on it and shoves it back in kids mouth to build up immune system
  

• Super mom - loves to play with her kids
  
• Good mom - loves to play with her kids but... only for so long before she feels like she just cant be the dog anymore.

• Super mom - never yells and is always calm
• Good mom - yells at least once a week and then apologizes for "losing it"

• Super mom - has kids who eat spinach and broccoli
• Good mom - gets excited when a bad eater loves spinach pretzels at B&N and then happily counts that as one of the daily vegetables.
  

• Super mom - is always dressed in super cute outfit (cape and all)
• Good mom - is lucky if she gets to take a shower and throws on what is clean (or not)
  

• Super mom - negotiate with kids in stores to avoid arguments and effectively uses time outs at the checkout
  
• Good mom - lets kid fall on the floor and then asks others around if they want to "watch the show" (while waiting for fit to be over)
  

• Super mom - packs a lunch for her kids everyday with love - keeping the four food groups in mind
  
• Good mom - packs a lunch for her kids everyday with love- but some days throws in a lunchable and tells herself its a treat

• Super mom - lays out the perfect outfit so her kid looks perfect for school
• Good mom - lets kids pick out clothes and as long as they are wearing pants - lets the unmatched socks and contrasting stripe patterns pass inspection
  

• Super mom - only gives kids TV if the American Pediatric Assoc recommends it
• Good mom - commands "movie day" and sticks her kid in front of TV to get a break.
  

• Super mom - volunteers to be the head of the PTA
• Good mom - wants to be on the PTA and knows when the meetings are, but somehow even with best intentions never gets there on time

• Super mom - loves to clean the grime in the toilets b/c "cleanliness is next to godliness".
• Good mom - love to pay someone else to reach those places.
  

• Super mom - loves to get up in the middle of the night with kids when they wake, go potty, or are in the bathroom
• Good mom - does rock paper scissors with hubby to see who wins and gets to sleep in

• Super mom - sings Elmo and Sesame Street songs in the car everyday, all day
  
• Good mom - gets her kids to like Justin Timberlake and sing "I'm bringing sexy back"

• Super mom - cooks homemade meals every night from scratch
• Good mom - cooks hot meals from the four food groups even if three of them are processed and heated in microwave

• Super mom - would rather be with their kids 24/7
• Good moms - loves time with kids but sighs a breath of relief when kids are finally tucked in bed and a bottle of wine is already open.

• Super mom - loves to share her food with her kids, giving them the last bite
• Good mom - resents giving away the last bite b/c she loves sweets
  

• Super mom - loves every bowel movement their child takes - 1 or 2
• Good mom - cringes when she hears the words "Booty check!!!" coming from the bathroom (that also happens to be flawed in its flushing ability)

• Super mom - loves being pregnant
• Good mom - doesn't like being pregnant (really through the first 3 months of babyhood) but loves her kids unconditionally

• Super mom - loves to talk about everything their kid does, all day, all the time
  
• Good mom - loves to talk about her kids but only for so long then she likes to talk about herself.
  

• Super mom - loves to play chase and run after her kids, up and down the playgyms
• Good mom - loves to play "hide and seek" so she can hide in a corner and get at least 5 minutes of peace and quiet.

I have a confession: I am a Good mom. I will never be a Super mom. I'm Ok with that.

Anyone looking to buy a "never before used" cape?

The woes of Kindergarten

My daughter started the big K this week *sniff sniff*.

And, as expected, I did worse than she did.

On Tuesday morning, she jumped out of bed as soon as her new princess alarm clock went off singing. She was up and dressed before I could even open my eyes. (seeing as I had not gotten in until about 1:30 or 2 from LA.)

My daughter burst into my room and said, "I am more excited than if I was riding a huge rollercoaster." (I assumed that was big. Even though she has never ridden one, it summed it up pretty good. I got the point :)

The whole morning she was singing and buzzing around the house. She picked out her own clothes and came out and twirled. "Don't I look fancy?" She went on to explain (in great detail) why she chose her outfit and why it matched.

I think we were even 5 minutes early leaving the house, which for those who know me, know how hard that is and are probably in shock right now b/c I am always 15 minutes late.

When we got to the school, she clutched onto my hand. I did everything I could not to cry all the way into the building, down the hall, down the stairs and down her hall. Literally, I had a lump in my throat that reached my chest. I could not believe this was my little girl, going to big girl school, all day, away from me.

She was holding it together as if she was a pro. Me? squeezing back tears with every step. shaking. feeling sick to my stomach.

As we walked into the room, she slowed down a bit. She hung up her bag and turned to me: "Where are you going to sit Mommy?"

"What?"

"Well, aren't you the room parent? where are you going to sit?"

Gulp. "Oh honey. I am the room parent does not mean I STAY in the room all day."

Her face dropped. I almost heard her confidence hit the floor. "What?"

"You stay here on your own."

"But i thought you were room parent?"

And then I lose it too. I still tried so much to hold it together but when you are looking into those big hazel eyes, filled with water. It's hard!

Then the teacher walks in - and it is a SUBSTITUTE!

Are you kidding me?

She still wasn't crying but what got me the most was that her lip started to quiver. She was TRYING not to cry. She kept looking at the kids and back at me. She whispered under her breath, "Mommy? Could you just stay 5 more minutes?"

In that moment, I realized how much older she was now. A year ago, she would have cried and not cared who was around. (Usually in a public place :) Now, she was embarrassed to cry. She was worried about the kids in the classroom. She was trying to hold it in like I was.

The bell rings for school to start.

I said, "Honey I'm going to go now. The bell just rang. School starts now and you will have such a blast here."

Then, she completely lost it and gripped onto my leg like a koala bear and its mommy.

My writer-side kicked in.

I took a little leather "S" off my keychain and clipped it to her belt. "Did you know this was a magic key chain?"

She stops crying for a second. "Really? how do you know?"

"Because I use it all the time and it helps me feel safe."

She smiles and wipes her face. She sits down on the rug and watches me leaving, tears rolling down her still-baby cheeks.

I waved and walked out.

My tears started and I cried all the way to the car and in the car.

Images of my baby girl growing up flashed through my mind. My emergency delivery for "failure to progress." The hard first 6 months when we were not sure what affect her heart defect would have on her and us. The emergency room visits. Her first steps. Her first words. Her 5 years flashed in front of me.

Now she was a big girl.

I watched the clock all day, waiting until I could pick her up. I called the school a couple of times and they said if she was really upset, the counselor would visit her. It's not like PreK where I could just go get her early. make her feel better with a mommy lunch or ice cream cone. I couldn't not sneak back in the school and peek through the window to see she was OK. That no one was being mean to her. That she was not sad. In K, you have to sign in.....evidently in blood if you want to visit the classroom.

Finally 2 oclock.

I race out the door, speed to the school, and pace outside, waiting for her class to be released. Different scenarios played out in my head. What if she cried all day? what if she hated it? what if someone pushed her? what if someone hurt her feelings?

Then, I see her little face come around the corner.

A smile from ear to ear.

She runs into my arms and hugs me.

"how was your day honey? was it OK?"

I wait for the horrible day to unfold.

"Mommy, I sang I love kindergarten all the way down the hall. But I whispered it to myself so no one could hear."

The panic floating inside me all day seeped out. I was so happy for her. So excited for her to start a new life.

"And you know what else Mommy?"

"What honey?"

"Tomorrow, I want to walk myself to my classroom. Without you."

"Well let's just take it slow."

"I can do it."

"I know you can. But I'm not ready for that yet. What were the happy parts about your day?"

She grips my hand and as we walk to the car, she fills me in about music class, art, and reading. She tells me about her two new friends. And explains the word "absent" to me.

"Any sad parts?"

"No."

There it is. My baby girl was gone. Replaced by a wonderful and brave little girl.

"Well, there was one thing."

"What?"

"I missed you."

Today she did much better.

Me? Not so much.

Sunny Sunday: Thanks for the bad times

Here's my Sunny Sunday kickoff to Monday's Project Perk.

(don't forget to check out Suzanne Young's blog and Robin Mellom's blog for more "perky" posts on Monday!)

I was trying to find something to post about today on Sunny Sunday to kick off to Monday Perks Project.

Considering my recent milestone in obtaining an agent. I thought I would write about being grateful and acknowledge how grateful I am for everything I have in my life.

My family
My friends
My health
My life
My passion
My mind
My heart
My willingness to grow
My strength
My hope
My love
My joy

Mostly, I am grateful for the path I am on. For my ongoing journey in this crazy life. No matter how hard and frustrating, everything scene leads to the fantastic reel of my life.

Then I started to realize that sometimes we forget to be grateful for the hard things in life. Sometimes we forget to love the rain, the storms, and the dark clouds as much as we love the sun and clear skies.

I think it is important to be grateful for all the hard times just as much as the good times. Not only do they teach you lessons but they get you to where you are today.

So thanks for the bad times. The hard times. The crappy times.

The pain
The sickness
The sorrow
The frustration
The failures
The fear
The fights
The struggles
The obstacles
The tears
The broken hearts

Today, I am grateful for the downside of life.

Because it makes the upside even sweeter.

=========================

A Poem of Gratitude

After a while you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and chaining a soul,

And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning
And company doesn't mean security,

And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts
And presents aren't promises

And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes open,

With the grace of a woman,
Not the grief of a child

And you learn to build all your roads on today,
Because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans
and futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.

After awhile you learn that even sunshine
Burns if you get too much

So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul,
In stead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers

And you learn that you really can endure...
That you really are strong
And you really do have worth,
and you learn and learn...
With everything you learn.

- Shoffstall

A Pictorial Interpretation of Getting an Agent AKA Evidence!

This is me cheering when I find out the news!










here is how happy Alyssa is.....OK so its from Trident's web site but I can pretend!












This is me printing out the contract (Oh yeah and cheering again)
~









After me signing the contract - This is me smooching the contract - I needed to send Alyssa/Trident ALL MY love for believing in me.









This is me giving you all the thumbs up! Just because I am gooby that way!










This is me mailing the contract! (What?! I still can't believe it and NOOOOOO it's not a submission!)









This is Sheri and Jessica (from my critique group) taking me out for drinks ;)







And this is me hanging the signed contract on the wall so I can look at it everyday and pinch myself!










This is me soaring up to Cloud 10 (Cloud 9 just wasn't quite high enough!)











And finally, no matter what, these are the most important things in my life!

Of course Alyssa and Trident are Number #2

(oops sorry to all my friends and family but all I can say is: I HAVE PRIORITES PEOPLE!!!)

Fundraiser for fellow blogger/aspiring author, Bridget Zinn

No marketing roundup today.

Instead I am rounding up your support!

Please comment on this post in the month of May and I will donate .25 cents for each and every comment!! ( I know it may not seem like much but its all I have :)

I am participating in a fundraiser for the month of May benefiting fellow Blogger, Portland Librarian, KitLit member, and aspiring writer, Bridget Zinn.

I started following Bridget's blog last year and related to some issues she was having - eye vision problems and bouts of the flu. I emphasized b/c I was going through vertigo issues at the time.

Even though I do not know her well (you know how different these blogger relationships are :), I feel compelled to help her in any way I can. After all, mine has healed and her healing has just begun. It could have easily been reversed.

So - who is Bridget Zinn?

For those of you who don't know here are a few facts about Bridget.

Within one month -

• she got a fabulous agent


• she began having weird vision problems


• she checked into the emergency room


• she was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer that had already spread to her abdomen, lungs and liver.
• she got engaged and married


• She went through emergency surgery to have the tumor removed from her colon


• she has just started chemo treatment and other expensive procedures.


• she had none of the risk factors and no prior knowledge that anything was wrong

Why am I telling you this?

Because I don't think many of us have an idea of what this process would be like. To have so many highs and lows at a young age. And not only facing a tough battle with the #1 disease in America, but also facing enormous medical bills and fear.

We all know, you can't put a price on a precious life. And Bridget has been gracious, funny, and positive through the whole process so far - making jokes and showing nothing but positivity and optimism.

The Auction

Jone MacColloch has graciously gathered some authors (including Lisa Schroeder and the beautifully-expecting, Laini Taylor) and writing professionals to run an auction in the hopes of raising money for Bridget's medical bills.

Go there in the month of may to bid on some great items from books to book critiques to a fabulous marketing piece (who do yo think that is from? Moi! ;).


What can you do?

There are many ways you can give to Bridget:

• participate in the auction
• donate money to her medical fund (email Jone at macrush53@yahoo.com for more information on how)
• provide additional auction items by emailing Jone at macrush53@yahoo.com.
• send any words of encouragement/well-wishes ( she is on facebook)
• Spread the word - post a link to this fundraiser/auction on your blog for the month of May
• If nothing else suits your fancy, comment on this post and I will donate .25 cents for each and every comment on this post in the month of May!!

If any of us were in this position, think of the heartfelt support - monetary as well as emotional - you would need/want but could not or would not ask for.

If you would like to send her wishes of good health, thoughts and prayers, you can visit her blog or friend her on Facebook where she and her fab new hubby, Barrett Dowell, do a great job of keeping everyone informed and up to date.

I thank you up front for anything you can contribute to Bridget and this challenging process she is embarking on.

Good luck Bridget, we are thinking of you always!

Sunny Sunday - A dash of hope

Another kickoff into Monday's Perk Project! (check out Suzanne Young's blog and Robin Mellom's blog for more perky posts tomorrow!)

Today my thoughts are on healing, hope and thanks.

Even now, at 5:00 am, I am thinking of healing.

As most of you know, I have had vertigo for the last several months. Though I am getting better, I am still not me. But feeling my body heal from whatever caused it is such a relief.

I never thought about my body until these last few months. Except for the time I was Prego. Oh yeah - and then of course - as I have symptoms of the Post-Prego body blues. But I never thought about everything my body did and how much I took it for granted.

We can't trade in our bodies like an old pair of jeans, or a leased car, or a new computer. For us, there is no replacement. We also don't realize that doctors cannot fix everything. They do their best to treat symptoms, but sometimes they never really get to the problem. They can only do so much. I never knew that.

What's worse - is that sometimes they don't have the solution. Or don't know the right one for you.

Sometimes we have to find it ourselves from the inside out. We have to pray. We have to hope for something more. Hope for healing.

Now this post is not even really about me - though I can relate with the feelings of hope and healing.

This post is for my hubby.

20 years old, my husband had a back injury in a rugby game that never really healed. When I first met him 9 years ago, he had back problems but was still able to climb, swim, and fly-fish. He was also in little amounts of pain at times. Chronic pain. Pain that never fully went away.

During the time my daughter was a baby, my hubby's back worsened. I don't know if it was age or if picking up my daughter aggravated the injury. Or if his back just gave up.

Whatever it was , he was hurting. So of course, we all were hurting for him.

About 2 years ago, his back got so bad, he could not feel his left leg anymore. He gave up climbing, he gave up flyfishing. He could not even play with our daughter. The minute he got home, he laid down. At 36, he was unable to do anything he loved. His back "went out" several times, leaving us sad, frustrated and scared. He was in and out of Emory's Spinal Clinic and after many consultations and MRIs, he was told his only option was a spinal fusion which is only about 60-70% effective. Yes, it shocked me too. Some people actually go through the surgery and still are not better. Still are not healed.

My hubby didn't think the spinal fusion was the right answer for him. Even though it MIGHT work, he wanted something more and he deserved it. So he made a choice to continue suffering. For another 6 months he suffered. He tried not to complain, but I could see it in his face at times. he tried to help around the house, but it was hard for him. he tried to participate in activities, but it always hurt. He became a master at living with pain. He started researching online and applied to FDA studies but with no assurance of lessened pain. Then, one day, he found a surgery in Germany with a 95% effective rate. He sent his films over and he was approved as a "double-disk replacement" candidate. (Yes he speaks German :)

Great right?

Wrong. The surgery cost $50,000 and of course, our insurance would not cover it. Even though it was cheaper than a spinal fusion. ( my issues with the monetary goals of our health care system are a whole other blog)

Well obviously, we didn't have that spare change lying around so he opted to wait, hoping the FDA would approve something more, something better. So he waited some more.

And of course, his pain got even worse.

Until one day, I walked in and found him broken down, crying. Something I'd never seen before, He was in so much pain and at the end of his rope.

It broke my heart.

To make a long story short, we cashed in our investments and booked him into the program immediately. It was scheduled within just a few weeks. Our thought?What good is money down the road if you are incapacitated? All you need is love and health. Unfortunately at the time, my son was barely 6 months old and was also having a hard health time in addition to some childcare logistical issues.

Because the process was 6 weeks.

So at the last minute, we made a decision for me to stay here with the kids and have his mother fly from Wales to b with him.

For 6 long weeks.

And we all suffered.

I had to be here alone, taking care of 2 kids, one who was very sick. Most importantly, I could not be with and support my hubby during his scary, yet exciting/hopeful time.

My daughter had to be without her daddy.

But of course, my hubby had it worse. He had to go through this life-changing event without me, without his family by his side. He had to endure major back surgery where they went in through his abdomen, sever muscles, stretch his spine, remove two disks, and insert prosthetic ones. (he came about 2 inches taller!)

The process and the recovery has been a long one.

But today, it all paid off.

Because my hubby got up at 5am to run in his first marathon. 15 miles. Painfree.

So today I am so thankful.

Thankful we had the financial means - though we are still recovering today - to give my hubby his life back, to give our kids their dad, and to give him his passions back. Thankful to all the doctors who took care of him and gave him hope. Thankful to our friends & families in supporting us during the difficult time. Thankful to our kids for being patient and without their dad for that long. Thankful to his work for giving him the leave time and reassurance his job would be here when he got back. Thankful to all medical miracles that went in to creating this option for him to be whole again.

Most importantly, I am thankful that my hubby fought to get his life back. The life he deserves. The life he dreamed of. Thankful he pushed through the impossibly times and stayed hopeful.

He never gave up. But more importantly, he never gave in.

He persevered.

And I love him even more for it.

So here's to healing yourself, staying hopeful, and giving thanks for what you have.

Because it is all so precious and fragile.

Milk baths? Not so great if you are a doll.

BEWARE: this is a mommy post.

So we had a huge DRAMA this weekend and are just recovering today.

The abuse of my daughter's American Girl (AG).

The one she fondly named Sarah Kate Magnificent Clara (SKMC for short - sounds like a rapper huh?) after weeks of tossing out several names.

The one that is over 100$.

The one she washed with milk.

yes, you heard me right, milk. And 2% makes no difference trust me.

Backstory
Now a couple of weeks ago, I walked into the room to find my daughter drenching her AG with water. Innocent mistake right? We had not covered the AG rules thorough enough. I calmly explained to her that she could do anything she wanted to to that doll EXCEPT get her wet. That if she wanted to wash her hair - she needed to call me (the hair dresser) and take her to the salon (bathroom) under my supervision so i could show her how to do it properly.

The high maintenance AG doll
For those of you who have not been brainwashed enough to get sucked into the AG's retail trap, the dolls cost over 100$ and are made so that you have to spend money even after you buy one. They have their own clothes and own rules of ownership. They are very sensitive.

• You cant get their body wet
• You have to use a special brush
• You have to take them to the AG salon if you need a hairstyle change.
  
• You can only dampen their hair
• And you can only wash it with Johnson's baby shampoo. (AG must obviously have some kind of contract with Johnson, right?)
• If something happens, the dolls have to go to the AG Hospital (where admission is at least 40$),

Saturday Drama
Yesterday, at quiet time, it was quiet.

First clue: I should have known something was up b/c my daughter usually comes out at least 5 times during the "quiet" time asking how long is "quiet" time.

So finally, I go in and anticipate some damage.

What kind of damage can a 5 year old do - you ask?

You'd be surprised at how much they can do and how fast. Its actually amazing what 5 year olds can do in such a short period of time of 30 minutes.

We have had our mishaps.

My daughter has rubbed glitter glue all over her wall. She has stuck about 1,011 stickers on her walls, bed, and her furniture. She has sprinkled/scattered jars of glitter all over her room and rug. She has colored the walls with glitter Tinkerbell crayons. She has taken ever hair clip and clipped the organza draps. And, she has tied her princess toole that hangs from her ceiling to her bed in triple knots.

All this in the name of fanciness! (Remind me to kill Fancy Nancy!)

I digress.

So, I walk into the room and look around. Doesn't seem so bad. Until I start picking stuff up. Everything seems kind of.......I don't know.....wetish (is that a word?) (Looking back now, i would say milky but hind sight is 20/20, isn't it).

Dramatic reenactment:

I pick up a dripping doll and whine. "Honey, I thought I asked you not to put water around your American Girl?"

With big innocent eyes and a large smile, my daughter says, "I know Mommy. I didn't use water."

I hold up the dripping doll and ask, "Then why is she wet?"

Keep in mind, my daughter has no idea she is about to incriminate herself so instead of saying "I plea the 5th." She happily and proudly says, "It's milk. I gave her a milk bath."

Now I knew the recognized the smell. Warm milk. She looked so innocent in front of me and so proud. How do you handle that? Her intentions were good but her actions were careless and she went ahead and did something after I'd already told her not to get her doll wet.

"Why did you do that? Didn't I asked you not to get your doll wet last week?"

Again, innocent eyes blink back at me, still unaware of the impending wrath of Mommy. "But mommy you said I could not use WATER on her hair. I didn't use water. I used milk for her milk bath."

She had a point.

And, I did not yell. But I did make her sit in timeout while I chatted with the American Girl hotline for about 15 minutes. A time-out house record.

Pathetic Reenactment

AG: His this is AG, can you tell me your doll's name?

Me: Ugh, Sara Kate Magnificent Clara.

AG: *pause* OK. What can I do for Sara Kate? What was the rest?"

Me: "Magnificent Clara."

AG: "Sara Kate Marvelous Claire?"(why cant my daughter just choose Suzie like the other kids?)

Me: "That's fine. My daughter put milk on her doll and i need to find out if i can clean it."

AG: "So your daughter wet Sara Kate's hair?"

Me: "And body."

AG: "Right. Well water isn't too bad for the hair, but the body could rust."

Me: "Uh yeah, except it was milk."

AG: *gasp* "Did you say milk?"

Me: "Yes, milk. My daughter gave her a milk bath."

*silence*

Me: "So can I clean it or does it have to go to the hospital?"

AG: "Well, I have heard of kids throwing up on their dolls. But I must say this is the first I have ever heard of a girl using milk. Hold on and let me ask my supervisor."

I must admit, part of me was almost proud. My daughter was the FIRST girl to think of giving her doll a milk bath? She is so smart. Cool right? So cool, we had to be escalated to the Milk supervisor. Whoa!

*hold*

Meanwhile, my daughter is wailing from her Timeout spot. "Please don't let them kill her, Mommy."

AG: "I'm back. We will probably have to replace the entire doll. Milk can stink."

Now I could have told you that. Can I be a supervisor? How much do they make?

Me: "Ok, I'll send it in. can it be fixed?"

AG: "You might as well buy a new doll."

Me: "But my daughter loves the one she has."

AG: "Ok Send it in. If we can't fix it (code word for get out your wallet) - you can purchase a new one as well as the hospital gown set. Then, when we send it back, she'll think it is the same one." Great now, $150. Ag lady gives me a list of "prepping and packing instructions" and I get off the phone.

Perturbed I just spent another 150$

I go to my daughter and tell her. "I just got off the phone with the Dr. Sara Kate has to go to the hospital and have an operation."

Daughter: "Sara Kate Magnificent Clara."

Me: "Today, its just Sara."

Daughter: "But will she die?"

The mean mad me says: "She might! And, if she does. I am not buying you a new one. That will be the consequence. We will just have to see what happens."

*tears follow* (from both of us. If anyone cried around me, I cry too. Not helpful I know but true.)

So what was my daughter's punishment?

I think she had had enough. She cried for about 30 minutes about her doll and is devastated that she has to give up Sara Kate Magnificent Clara for major surgery . Originally, we took away a show just to impress nanny 911 but after the the flood of tears, I buckled and ended up giving it back when my hubby left for the afternoon.

What can I say except - I am a sucker.

Not only am i paying for a new doll but now I have to pay for the stupid hospital gown too.

American girl - 100$

American girl replacement $150

Daughter's happiness - priceless. Though she is probably scarred for life.

All at my expense.

Me - I was upset that I upset her all afternoon. I wanted ot take a bath after she went to bed. But somehow a milk bath didn't sound so good anymore.

Just out of respect for the dead.

6 Things on a Saturday

1. Whooooo knows about Owl Medicine?
I woke up - once again - to an owl hooting. Of course my hubby did not hear it. But as soon as I looked out the window, the owl stopped. WTF is up with owls!!! Are they trying to tell me something? Read this if you want to know more about what Native Americans thought. (With this health stuff going on, I have to admit I'm freaked out a bit by them)

Owls come in all sizes, from a tiny miniature that actually lives inside the cactus in the desert, to the great horned owl, which is the only bird that can out fly the golden eagle. A fully grown great horned is an awe inspiring creature. Its talons are furry, and closely resemble the paws of a baby mountain lion with claws extended. It is a meat eater, which means it can be a fierce warrior if challenged, or if something dear to it is threatened. It is often referred to as Night Eagle. Owl is at home in the night. It has great awareness of all that is around it at all times. It has predator vision, which means it sees clearly what it looks at. It has great intuition: it is the totem of psychics and clairvoyants. It has the courage to follow its instincts. Owl's medicine includes seeing behind masks, silent and swift movement, keen sight, messenger of secrets and omens, shape-shifting, link between the dark, unseen world and the world of light, comfort with shadow self, moon power, freedom.

2. The Sleep Gods have Answered.
My hubby let me sleep until 10:30. AH! I have not done this in years. he even took the kids out of the house so it was quiet. Wasn't that nice. Of course after the owl incident, I had nightmares but at least I am a bit refreshed. Isn't he GREAT! Thx honey

3. Time for a trip to the Salon.

Going to get my hair done today. haven't had it done in a while. I was kind of thinking of going red. Don' t know why? I think its because I watched America' top Model this week. One of the girls (the plus size model and I use plus size term lightly because she is what a size 6??) had brown hair and blueish green eyes like me changed to red hair in her makeover. I thought she looked good. But is red really me? maybe we should ask the owls?

4. A 5 year old's Brilliance

• Mommy - How to policeman stop you when you are speeding? I bet they just shoot you.
• Mommy - Ms. Cheryl told me unicorns were not real. I told her that I can believe what I want to. She just can't see them like I can.
• Don't worry Mommy, you have to keep trying. I know you can get published just don't be a giver upper!
• What does instinct mean? that something stinks??

5. A man of few words (from a 20-month old)

Me: Did you poo poo?

Him: No! (he did!)

Me: Do you want to take a nap?

Him: No!

Me: Do you want to play trains?

Him: No!

Me: Give me a kiss.

Him: No!

*sigh*

6. Boy I could use me some of this!

NPR had an article today listed: Can fearful memories be erased? What I found funny is that one way was drugs! No S$%# Sherlock. Drugs can erase anything (not that I would know) Check out the article, it is interesting.)

Have a nice saturday!

Interview with a 5 year old Diva

Interview with a 5 year old Diva

This was fun. I grabbed this from Nice Mommy-Evil Editor's Blog (a great new find). Ask your kid the questions and write them down exactly how they respond.

1. What is something mommy/daddy always says to you?

Mom: No, but just sometimes

Dad: Good job (the dad's always get the credit :)

2. What makes mommy/daddy happy?

Mom: Me, when i listen to you

Dad: you (ahhhhhhh!)

3. What makes mommy/daddy sad?

Mom: when Gray hits you (my 18 month is going through a stage. hitting and everything is mine, no or stop

Dad: when Connor passed away (my hubby's dog dies last April :(

4. How do mommy/daddy do to make you laugh?

Mom: when you make your eyes big at me

Dad: when he tickles me

5. What were mommy/daddy like when they were little?

Mom: funny, but you still are.

Dad: a boy

6. How old are your mommy/daddy?

Mom: 37 (she gave a year back - thx honey :)

Dad: same as you. what are you again?

7. How tall are your mommy/daddy?

Mom: taller than me

Dad: taller than everyone!

8. What is your favorite thing to do?

cartwheels and running

9. What do mommy/daddy do when you’re not around?

Mom: work on computer

Dad: play with Gray (again, dad's get all the credit)

10. If mommy/daddy become famous, what will it be for?

Mom: skating (I have no idea where this came from. Scary!)

Dad: singing (Trust me, there is NO chance of this!)

11. What are mommy/daddy really good at?

Mom: scaring us and yelling when you're mad (so what - I am a scary yeller??)

Dad: chasing us

12. What are mommy/daddy not very good at?

Mom: cooking pizzas (she's right except I'm not good at cooking ANYTHING)

Dad: hiding

13. What do mommy/daddy do for their jobs?

Mom: type

Dad: go to work and bring home the bacon (you can see who's daughter she is :)

14. What is mommy/daddy’s favorite food?

Mom: salad (yeah right, I wish!)

Dad: what you made last night (I think it was burnt - I mean- baked potatoes??)

15. What makes you proud of mommy/daddy?

Mom: when you play the game where you place your face through the card. You are really good at that game. (she's talking about the new game - what am i? it's fun!)

Dad: he fixes things

16. If mommy/daddy were a cartoon character, what would they be?

Mom; Cinderella

Dad: Kung Fu Panda (my hubby is so smiling right now)

17. What do you do with mommy/daddy?

Mom: play games

Dad: i ride my bicycle and my daddy walks next to me

18. How are you and mommy/daddy the same?

Mom: we have long hair

Dad: we have same color hair (huh?)

19. How are you and mommy/daddy different?

Mom: our voice doesn't sound the same

Dad: he has short hair and I don't

20. How do you know mommy/daddy love you?

Mom: cuz you hug me - all the time (hopefully this makes up for my skill at yelling ;)

Dad: he tells you

22. Where is mommy’s/daddy's favorite place to go?

Mom: to see Tito and Tata's house (this is my brother and his wife. I would say the bookstore or the beach)

Dad: the park

23. Who is your favorite person in the whole world?

Tata's new baby (my new niece - she's a week old...whom she's never met :)

24. What is one thing you would change about mommy/daddy?

Mom: make your hair short

Dad: make him a girl like me

25. What do you like about Gray?

That he's my little brother

26. What don't you like about Gray?

That he hits me (do you see a pattern?)

27. What do you want to be when you grow up?

a doctor for kids (YES!)

28. why do you think writers should market their books?

so people wil buy them (she really said this :) It was not a plant.

29. lastly, what are your favorite books?

yours (confession - i almost cried. too bad she's not an agent :)

DONT FORGET: Monday, we have Laini Taylor, author of Blackbringer :)