8 Year Anniversary

Tuesday November 20th 2012 - marks the 8th year of being married to my hubby.

When I sit and think about us I do not feel like it has been 8 years- seems like we really jsut got together. Then I look at our kids and I am reminded that I am wrong lol

Yesterday my day did not start out very peachy at all- in fact I was pretty much in a bad mood. Towards the end of the day hubby texted me that we were going to go out on a walmart date- due to my shitty mood I had thought to myself "how freaking bum-f- wonderful". I had screwed up by not giving myself enough time in the day to do 2 things he needed to do and I was already feeling like shit for not making it happen- now I had upset him. I was thinking to myself well if he was upset and I am in a shitty mood then it would probably be best to try not to hang out together- especailly if we just go to walmart.

I get another text just before he gets home to see if I am dressed. I responded back that I have clothes on but no dressing to the hills for walmart (sorry). As soon as he walked in the door my heart skipped a beat. I am always happy to see him and glad to have him home. He asked if I was ready to go but asked me to quickly change... into a dress. A dress?! ummm ok! ohhh maybe we are going to go have a drink after walmart :) I love it when he tells me what I should wear- I want to look beautiful for him and having his opinion makes it SO much easier... ohhhh this just reminded me of the time I went to visit him... heheheheh funny story- another blog post at a later date!
anywho..... so we head out to the store, buy a cord... and at this moment I am talking to myself that this was neat- I would love to have one for the studio but then realized I have no speakers of any sort to use this cord for... then my thought go off in a random direction :) We head over to the cards... where he tells me to pick out my anniversary card.. Maybe he was joking... but he wasn't.
"Pick out my own card, are you serious?"

"yeah! Which one do you like"

*giggle giggle* " ok funny- I am not picking out my own card"

" no seriously.. which one do you like"

This is the moment where we go back and forth. I was trying to keep my cool but I was loosing it pretty fast. I kept thinking to myself- you have got to be freaking kidding me. I have to pick out my own anniversary card. Whats the freaking point!?? He eneded up picking one he liked.. I am pretty sure I rolled my eyes and decided to let him do his thing.... As he opened the car door for me he explained we were gonna go have an ice cream before dinner... something he explained as it mirrored our life with the sweet stuff coming first......
anywho.. as we are sitting in the drive thru at DQ he handed me the card- which was not signed so I asked if he could at least put my name on the front. After searching for a pen and not finding one, I said whatever and just ripped it open. The card was very sweet but a room key had fallen out of it. Ohhhhhhh a hotel!!! HELL YES!!! the only problem was that with no sitter to watch over night we were going to have to go home- defeats the grand purpose of a hotel.

We headed to the hotel and as I walked in - there on the table was a dozen red roses (2nd dozen of the week!) as well as 2 glasses for wine. ohh la la.. My sneaky hubby. Why did I ever doubt his imagination for a special day!?? On the table was another card. I recognized the color of the ribbon on it but I had second thoughts on it.. When I opened it I was surprised to find that it was a gift certificate to the AMAZING photographer Megan Wold Photography for a boudoir session. Holy crap! I did a quick scan of the room to make sure she wasn't there at that moment ready to make camera magic. I could not believe how nervous all of a sudden I was feeling. She makes women look.. AMAZING.. but this body is not no tiny fit body. I am a mom of 5 with saggy milk boobs! Then hubby interrupted my thoughts to tell me that this gift certificate also includes- are you ready for this??? It includes.. a FULL day at the spa with a manicure, pedi, massage, facial, hair and makeup! Holy boogers! He is crazy!!!!! He has so gone overboard! And all I got the poor guy was a card. Shame on me!

As we were sitting on the couch relaxing watching some tv we get a knock on the door. Oh please do not let this be Megan- so not prepared- I mean after all I was sporting granny panties and hair that was pulled into a pony tail that obviously read full time mommy of 5 kids!

That knock on the door was not Megan- it was ROOM SERVICE. Oh my goodness and the BEST meal! Steak and broccoli. Oh man I can still smell it.. It was so good!! We cracked open the bottle of wine and enjoyed this beautiful moment of no kids, a delicious meal and tv! heheheheh how simple are we with pleasures of life!

Oh- you remember that cord he bought.... yeah it goes to this kick ass system he bought me for the studio!!
After dinner and a glass of wine, I took my happy naked butt to the jacuzzi tub where I enjoyed a hot bubbly bath without kids asking what I was doing, when I would be done, if they could have this, so and so is touching them... nothing.. it was quiet and peaceful.. and all to myself!!

Now this lovely hotel room- did not go to waste- oh no it did not.. hubby told me that I would be staying and he would go home to the kids. I was to stay here and sleep and relax and he would pick me up at check out.

yeah.. its ok if you hate me :) I can deal with that- after all, my hubby loves me!

In all seriousness- I am so blessed. Not only with this amazing family I have but also with a husband that truly loves me for who I am. He loves all my faults, all my sillies, all of me! We have built an amazing life together and I am so excited to see how much stronger our relationship grows from here!!!

Au Revoir My Best Friends

I wanna talk about something that's close to my heart... Well actually more like close to my belly button.....
My boobs.
I had to say Au revoir to my milk boobs. Now they are more like national geographic African boobs.  Functional but PERKY they are not. They are no longer... up there.

Have you asked yourself yet where this is coming from??
Last night as I noticed my tummy was bloated like I was 7 months pregnant, I noticed my cleavage was no longer there. How unfair- as my body is getting bigger and wider, my boobs are getting smaller and longer. Who came up with THAT combo?!



Oh how I enjoyed my voluptuous bosoms. You made wearing clothes so much more fun.I know you still serve your purpose for my little boob- life-sucker baby and I am sure you will still serve the purpose for the other man in my life.... but why do you have to leave me hangin' like that?!

{insert pathetic sobbing here}

"Hey baby!! Grab the duct tape!"

Therapy IS Cleaning

Last night I just couldn't take the allergies anymore so I doped myself up with the good 'ol Benadryl. Please Lord let this work. I was so tired of having itchy eyes, throat, face, runny nose. My eye was so itchy that when I itched it, it was like an "eye-gasm". Hurt so bad but felt so good. After that though they were all red and swollen. So picture if you please, a snotty nose, my voice all scratchy sounding from my trying to attempt to scratch it- I sound like a cat hacking crap up .... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHZm52nvBB4
my gimp eye watering.... I feel like Quasimodo.. Good Lord please stop with the allergies!
So down the hatch went TWO pills.

Not too long after that I start to feel medicine heady... Yes!!! Now all I need is a good night sleep without me needing to claw my face apart. Just as soon as I layed my head down to pass out, the baby woke up and ONLY wanted to continue to suck on my like a big pacifier I am. Uggghhhh. Momma just wanted some sleep. {One of these days I am gonna have to get my bed back to just hubby & I}

I had hoped to wake this morning to me dancing on air and my eyes back to normal. I mean that doesn't sound like a hard request, right?

WRONG.

Crusty nasty eye and hyper kids. Hmmm lovely. Not to mention that I had lost my {happy}pills so this looks like it will be an interesting day. Last night the boys decided to have a slumber party in our room and when I woke, everything but them were still there. I walked into the kitchen and every dish we owned was out and dirty.. ceral all over the counters along with puddles of milk. A daughter pouncing around the house acting like the mob boss, my 3yr old jumping on the couch screaming "CARTOONS", my 5 year old dancing around the house in his cowboy hat singing "save a horse ride a cowboy" and my 10 quietly hiding in his room trying to avoid the morning wrath of mommy.

the only thing that could help at this moment was coffee and some therapy cleaning. So I kicked the kids out of the house and got my clean on! As sick as it sounds, it actually was very theraputic to get dirty and clean my dirt! But I saved the bathrooms and washing the kitchen floor for a punishment chore. I know one of those kids are just itchin' to scrub some floors :)

As the clock it ticking towards lunch time I thought to myself, "self, lets make lunch and put the kids to bed. You deserve a nap" but as my toddler ran by, I smelt a stench of nasty ass that I am honestly afraid to go near. Hmmm how much money would I have to pay an older kid to clean THAT up??!!!

no... I didn't make them do it, but the thought was enticing lol. I'll go wipe some toddler butt and then after I wash my hands go fill my Quisimodo face with some chocolate.... maybe I'll even make the kids chores today to be rubbing my hard working feet :)

CHEERS!

Pina Colada Cupcakes

If you like Pina Coladas and getting caught in the rain.....

Yes! Sign me up! I love playing in the rain... and I love sippin' on that blended coconut drink! For this past week cupcake [personal] challenge, I made Pina Colada Cupcakes... MMMMmmmmmmmm mmmmmm

they were GOOD!!

I wish I took more photos of them than I did but that just gives me an excuse to make more :)

Thursday I was the special vendor over at Moe Moe's garden so I set up my table and brought my cupcakes for everyone to taste. There is nothing like making cupcakes and giving them away. Puts a smile on everyone's face :)

 

Also during the Alive@5 event, the local dance company Burn The Floor was there performing. It was a great night listening to live music, watching local dancers, eating cupcakes, smelling the AWESOME BBQ and seeing local friends and new faces!

 

It was a wonderful evening and I was happy to be a part of it... For those that want this to-die-for-recipe.. here it is!!

Pineapple Cupcakes
(recipe by Glory Albin)

2 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1 3/4 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups canned crushed pineapple (drained slightly)

Directions-
1.  Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.
2.  In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the eggs and sugar until slightly thickened and a light cream color (about 2 minutes).
3.  On low speed, mix in the oil and vanilla until blended.
4.  Add in the pineapple and sour cream and mix until fully incorporated.
5.  Add the flour mixture and blend until just combined and smooth.
6.  Line a cupcake pan with 12 paper liners and fill about 2/3 full.
7.  Bake cupcakes in a pre-heated 350*F oven for about 22 minutes.
8.  Remove from pan and cool on wire rack.
9.  Frost with Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting (recipe below)

Recipe yields 24-28 cupcakes.

Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting

(This stuff is SO good!!!! You can seriously eat it by the spoonful!)
(this is just a slight variation on my Cream Cheese Frosting recipe, but I’ll add it to this page as well, so it’s easy to find)

½ cup (1 stick/8 Tablespoons) butter, at room temperature
8 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (always use pure vanilla extract if possible)
1 1/2 teaspoons coconut extract (you may want to start with just 1 teaspoon of coconut extract, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out!)
4 cups powdered confectioners sugar
1 Tablespoon heavy cream, heavy whipping cream or milk
-or-
1 Tablespoon Dark Rum

Directions:
*Place butter in a large mixing bowl and blend until smooth. Add cream cheese and blend until well combined, about 30 seconds.
*Add vanilla extract, coconut extract and powdered sugar (1 cup at a time) and blend on low speed until combined. Increase to medium speed and beat until it begins to get fluffy.
*Slowly add the heavy cream or rum.
*Beat until fluffy, about 1 minute.
*Use at once or keep refrigerated. (This frosting will keep well in the refrigerator for several days, but you may need to re-beat it for the best texture.)

For added flavor and texture, top frosted cupcakes with toasted coconut.
(To toast coconut- lay about 1 1/2 cups sweetened flaked coconut on a baking sheet and bake at 375*F about 4-5 minutes).

Decorate cupcakes with fresh pineapple, maraschino cherries or paper umbrellas. 
Enjoy!

Holy Zipper!!

This weekend a carnival was in town. Ever since Charley and I have gotten married I have always wanted to just have a date there with him. I have to admit that for each day that it was here I would ask.... he would answer with a no because it is spendy... and it is!!! Well yesterday as we were driving by there he made a comment about how he used to ride the zipper as a kid over and over again and how it was the best ride ever. I explained to him that I actually had never rode on that ride. After he shrieked "WHAT?!" he agreed that we could go and ride that together. 

Sweet!!

OK.... Deal! So thankfully we got the kids hooked up with a family member to watch them for a little bit as we headed to the carnival.... to ride the zipper....

Now... let me explain a little about myself... I LOVE rides... I like roller coasters just as much as the next person, but.... did you hear that... BUT my tummy can not even handle playing on the swings. The drop makes all my limbs weak and shaky. But here was my chance to go play with hubby at a carnival :) I was taking my chance!

I can do this.. I mean I had 5 kids- this should be nothing. As we loaded up in the little wired cage and moved up a little... I began to freak out. I kept thinking of how terrible it would be if the door swung open. I do not want to die this way!! So I screamed at hubby to lead us in prayer. Holy Geez Amen!!

The wait for having the rest of the people load the ride was the most intense anticipated waiting period. I did NOT like it. Charley thought he would be cute and start trying to swing the cart back and forth. I think I popped a blood vessel yelling at him to stop moving!

Finally we start going and it wasn't too bad till that thing flipped over and over.. I started screaming and basically didn't stop... well I let out a few " Please Stop!!" and some " I wanna get off now" but for the most part it was screaming.

Then it stopped....

to only go BACKWARDS! WTF?!!!

This ride was WAY too long... I was hanging on so tight that my body was starting to give up. Everything I had was trying to latch on to something inside that creepy cage. My toes were curled as far as they could go, my butt checks were trying to grasp at the seat, my arms were trying to pull the cage door towards me instead of away (in fear that it would fly open) and my little nubby fingers were hanging on to the rails as tight as I possibly could. Charley was still laughing at me from all the screaming... and in face told me to stop screaming a few times.. but I couldn't help it. He then proceeded to tell me if I closed my eyes, it would be better. Are you freaking kidding me?! No its not!! I want to see the ground coming towards me if I am going to die!!!

Thank God.. it was seriously finally over :(

I was so shaky and so dizzy that my next move was the bench across from me. I just needed to rest for just a moment. My silly hubby asked me if I wanted to go again... If I had had the strength, I probably could poked his eye out for saying such bullshit! But.... it was a lot of fun- just to be a little childish together. We had enough tickets for another ride and I chose that ride that looks like a boat that swings back and forth. I used to LOVE this ride back in high school- you know- back in the day where I can actually swing without feeling my tummy go to my toes! After that ride was finished I had to admit that I was done.  My tummy could not take anything. I couldn't even think about the yummy funnel cake I so desired before I got there. 

We took our remaining tickets and gave them to a family to enjoy. As for us... we were heading to Wendy's for a drink... and a salad for me!!

Will I ever go on this again???!! Will I voluntarily go get a root canal?!! HELL NO!!! But I would not trade that moment for anything. Thank you baby for getting a little crazy today with me!

Parenting Is Like Herding Cats

Where to begin... This week has been.... H E C T I C to say the least.  I have been struggling lately with feeling very off from everything. Usually I feel organized and good enough to tackle things, but lately.. good gravy, I suck! I seem to have lost all my motivation in things :( well all but cupcaking. ( I'll be sharing that recent recipe later)

I want to do so many things but its like this cloud comes over me and I end up doing NOTHING.

So all you other moms... how do you keep your motivation going?? I miss eating healthy food, I miss working out, I miss doing fun things with my kids and I miss spending quality time with hubby.. and somewhere in there I actually do miss cleaning my house and giving myself a few minutes here and there.

Earlier thus week I met an amazing mom of 5 kids and it was so nice to sit and chat with her and be able to be real. I was looking forward (still am) to getting to know her more. I can see that she is wonderful- someone that I will be able to really trust and connect to (Lord Willing at least). I had 2 opportunities to meet up with her again this week and my body just wasn't having it. I overslept - which like NEVER happens- and I wasn't able to go to her bible study... then AGAIN I over slept to only wake up to a crabby baby who is dealing with some stubborn teeth. Missing these 2 events really made me feel empty.

Ever feel deflated that way?? Like someone seriously sucked out all your motivated and life out of you?? Ugh.. so how to get it back???!!

Today seemed to be the end of that "mommy rope". I managed to get a good hour of office work in but then everything seemed to melt. I feel terrible for my kids at this moment. I want them to have a good summer but summer vacations seem to be the hardest for me to handle. 4 very active boys in a house... Oh Lordy! I need to get some things for them to do!! Legos, blocks, art, SOMETHING... but.... ** real mom moment** I do not believe in ME having to constantly occupy my children. It is not my job to keep them entertained. Sounds horrible I am sure, but kids are VERY imaginative and creative. Back in my days, I spent HOURS playing with sticks, misc objects around the house to be used as doll furniture or one of my fave things to do was making up plays lol... or even better was MAKING my brother learn a dance with me... yeah that was about the best activity I did... still makes me laugh to this day heheheheh.

It wasn't even 10 am yet this morning when a friend and I were already pulling our hair out about our children. I was thankful to see lunch come and end. It was MANDATORY nap time- for the smaller kiddos. I was shocked to see how long they actually did nap because it wasnt until 4pm that I made my way to the grocery store.

Here is where it gets a little bit..... maddening.

I head to a local grocery store Dan's - because I only needed a few things and it was close to home. Cute little grocery store but good gravy- the smallest isles ever. Not made for a family to all go shopping. I tried- I warned- and I asked politely before we walked in to have manners and to keep hands back their backs. As soon as we get in they all got distracted by the fruit. Everything that they had agreed to do was out the door and gone!!! This is where it felt like herding cats! I have the baby strapped into the cart trying to claw at my boobs, my 3 year old figured out he could ride under the cart ( I just kept thinking that at least he was contained) and making loud car noises, my 5 year old was jumping and skipping in every direction, my 10 year old had to smell and touch everything he could and my 12 yr old daughter was smacking her mouth and sighing about everything and everyone all while throwing in loud rude comments about her brothers. When I got shopping I do NOT do any kind of "joy riding" shopping. This mom is on a mission and I am in no mood to window shop isles. I want in and out without giving them a chance to realize what exactly is going on lol. But today... I was blessed be being behind every s l o w shopper in the store. Remember the isles were tiny so there was no going around anyone. If they were rubber necking... you have to just follow traffic.

We had gone down one isle and at this point kids felt like they were everywhere.. I had gone crazy trying to repeat myself over and over to stop touching things, stop touching each other, knock it off, be quiet, get out of the middle of the isle....Finally I blurted out " can yall please stop, sit down and be quiet" Of course I didnt mean to say "sit down" but my witty  5 year had to play cute and say "ok.. i'll sit down" as that little turkey sat his butt down in the middle of the stinken isle!! I shot him that look like don't push me further boy....
I hate those moments as a mom where you say silly things like I just did and they DO it. I felt like a donkey!

We get to the check out lane and the 2 younger boys were CLIMBING the shopping carts and singing... my older son had his nose in the gum smelling everything, the baby was crying at this point and my daughter was once again dishing out attitude. The lady that was bagging my stuff- bless her heart- was so sweet and was trying to do small talk with me. I just wanted to pay and get my kids OUT OF THE STORE. I think what upsets me the most is that they NEVER act like that if daddy was around.

We get in the car and I informed them all that they are to go directly to their rooms when we get home. I did not want to see them until I called them for dinner. I explained to them that I felt so disrespected and hurt that they would act that way in a store. At this point I didn't want to yell at them. I honestly just wanted to cry. I felt like they had just beaten the crap out of me all week. Surprisingly as they got out of the car, the unloaded the groceries, actually picked up things that were not put away before we left and they disappeared into their rooms.


I started cleaning because cleaning while upset gives the best result :) I started wondering if maybe I have too much of a high expectation of my kids while in public..
NO.
It is not too much to ask of them to walk nicely in a store- without touching things. I demand that my kids have manners and respect. ALL kids should. I try hard to teach my children the best I can. I want the best for them in everything. And I pray that I am able to lead them correctly. But I feel like a failure more times than not. Does that mean I am doing good or bad?

Maybe I need to drink some kool-aid and run in the sprinkler once in a while.

I love them all so much. As seriously crazy as it is, I wouldn't want it any different.

My Bucket List Date {Part II}

So.... my first note lead me to a gas station where I was suppose to get my car washed and then tell the person at the register that "Jackie Is Here". Ummm, yah- that is a little embarrassing, but I was excited, all dressed up- I could handle it :) I drove as fast as I could- without trying to get myself pulled over- as I pulled into the parking lot, I scanned the building to see if I could see my lovie and or a limo. No limo.. No hubby. Crap- that means I REALLY do have to go in and tell them I was here. G U L P.

The rain was still falling and that wind was whipping hard- by the time I walked into the door- I glanced at my reflection in the glass and I looked like a hot mess. But who cares- Jackie Is Here NOW!!! For a moment I just kind of stood there- HOPING someone would get the hint that I was who they were waiting for.... after I just received blank stares, I asked some young kid behind the counter.

" Hi. I got a note to come here and let you know that I am to pick something up. My name is Jackie"

The young dude just looked at me like I was stupid, but THANKFULLY another guy over heard me and replied " Ohhhh- what's your name again?"

"Jackie"

"Oh yes!! I have something very special for you... just a second please"

This guy was very eager to be a part of this... When he returned he had a huge smile on his face and a single red rose. He told me that I was very lucky and to have a wonderful night.

On the rose was a card that told me to head to the mall at Herbergers and that I needed to speak with a girl named ( I forgot her name) and that she would take care of me.

Wahooo!!! So I boot-scooted myself down to the mall with so much excitement!!

I walked into the store and I HAD no idea who or where I needed to go. Well, I guess the best thing to do was to just any girl in here to find the chick I was looking for.

...... When I finally found the person I needed, she smiled and handed me a bag... and then another.. .and then another... and then ANOTHER. Holy boogers!!! At this point dollar signs just flashed before me! She told me I needed to go the dressing room and put everything on and then come back to see her. All of a sudden I was quoting lines from Pretty Woman- I couldn't help it.

I don't think I ripped open a set of shopping bags as fast as I just did. Inside was this really cute gray maxi dress with a matching sweater. Good job baby!!!   I opened another bag and inside was a matching set of panties and bra- super cute. Now I was starting to feel like a woman instead of a mom!

 In the next bag was a pair of SHOES!!! Ohhh yes, that man has just won himself a night at WHATEVER he wanted :)... In the NEXT bag was a little purse filled with makeup and facial stuff. Hot DAMN!!! This was so awesome!!!

 Aww crap! I should have painted my toes.... AWWW crap- I should have shaved my legs!!!

SO there I was... all prettied up- now I needed to go find this girl again and figure out what I was to do now. When I approached her, she smiled and then handed me a single red rose.. .with a note attached that read:

"Isn't this a treat :) Go to Riddles to see whats next- Talk to Julie"

Riddles... hmmm. A sports store??? what the HECK was riddles???!!! Well as soon as I left Herbergers, I answered my own question. Once again I scanned the area to see if hubby was watching from afar. But as far as I could see- he was not there. 

A jewelry store??!!! Ohh crap- there are those dollar signs again. But this will be FUN to see what other goodies I have coming :D

I walked in a waited a moment as they were busy. I asked for Julie and she knew right away who I was.... It was hard to tell who was more excited- her or me.

She practically came skipping out from the back with this small box all wrapped up. I tore into it like it was Christmas! Inside was this BEAUTIFUL heart necklace.

Next to me was this woman that was purchasing some items- Suddenly Julie HAD to tell her and her co-worker what was going on. She explained that my husband had me going on a treasure hunt and that he just got this for me. The lady next to me said " Dang girl. I don't know what you did, but you did it right"

Well... it's not what I did... it is just the fact that I have a great marriage and we both continuously make it work and try to make each other feel special as often as we can!

I was.. ohh well rather.. Charley was the talk of the mall. All the girls were jealous and each of them were planning on giving their hubby's an earful when they got home!

With the box was another red rose :) It directed my dolled up self over to Applebees where we would FINALLY meet up and have a nice dinner. Now I was skipping out of the mall and towards my car. I felt like I was totally floating from all the excitement!

When I got to Applebees- there he was - standing in the entrance looking so flipping handsome. I love this man so much. Not because he just spent the evening spoiling me, but because he really does love and care for me. He makes me laugh... keeps me grounded when I need it.... reminds me that life is a blessing.... and makes me feel SO beautiful (even if I don't feel it or see it). God knew exactly what each of us needed when he brought us together!

The first item to order was our fave drinks. Yummy yummy in my tummy! :p

It was a great time at dinner as we made lovey faces at each other and acted like a teen age couple in love!

After we finished eating, he excused himself for a moment to use the restroom. I always hate it when the other person goes to the restroom. I never know what I am suppose to do sitting there by myself... eat, look around, play on my phone???? Ah- the pressure!

I noticed that he was gone a lot longer than usual. hmmmm was he having tummy issues???

All of a sudden there was a waitress walking towards me with a rose.. OH CRAP!! He just ditched me!! The little card apologized for leaving me alone but gave me another location to find. The Spur. I had NO idea what or where this place was. The table behind me told me that everyone was staring at me wondering what was going on. So I did the only thing I could think of... ask them where the Spur was.

Off I went - to a local bar. 

I walked in and felt totally out of place. Here I was in a dress and this bar was filled with smokey people in jeans. I kept fidgeting as I felt like people were staring at me. Hubby bought me another drink (malibo and oj) and we went over to the pool tables as I watched him play a few games of pool. The guys were nice and very sweet to me. One of the older guys seemed to attach himself to me like he was my body guard. He made me sit at this table and made sure everyone that spoke to me was polite. He reminded me so much of my uncle - which made me miss him. [ miss you Uncle Ted ]

Karaoke was starting in a few minutes and I was SO glad to be there for this. Back in the days I was a Karaoke Queen. Now, I have to have a good buzz before I am brave enough to go up there. But I LOVE watching it. One of Charley's friends apparently loves to sing so he was all about signing himself for a few songs. I had asked hubby if he was going to... and for a moment I believe he really was until he couldnt find a song good enough to sing. But that little stinker of mine, told his singing friend that we were celebrating my birthday (liar)..... So now they felt the need to drag my butt up front and sing happy birthday to me. Inside I wanted to sing along or be silly but all I was able to do was blush and feel like a dweeb.

It was now coming up on 10:00pm and Charley mentioned that we should be heading back soon. He said he was going to go check his phone which was in his truck- make sure our sitter hasnt called. So there I sat listening to people sing. I was actually having a great time. 

Dang it... here comes the waitress with a rose. He did it to me again!!! I can't believe I fell for it AGAIN!

This one was the MOTHERLOAD rose. Inside was a hotel card key. Ohh la la!! I stood up quickly, put my coat on and said good bye to my very nice guy friends. Of course they asked where the hell I was going. I showed them my rose and my hotel key and said "I've got something I gotta go do".... The younger guy told me not to hurt Charley and smiled as I walked out. 

Finding this place was a lot harder than I thought. I finally had to ask directions. 

The hotel was quiet and peaceful. I found my room and quietly walked inside. There waiting for me was the rest of my roses, a bottle of wine, 2 glasses, a hot tub bath, and my hubby sitting on the bed for me. This dude had overloaded on brownie points!!! This was so overly romantic and so  much fun.

His plan was for us to stay there till midnight and then at that time he would kiss me good night and leave me there to get a full night of sleep and he would go home to tend to the kids.

After our nice hot bubbly bath, hubby started to feel sick :( poor guy. He was the one  that hasn't been able to get sleep for a while and now he's sick. So I did what any good wife would do.... I told him he needed to stay so he can get some GOOD - uninterrupted sleep. Poor guy. So I kissed him goodbye and went home. 

It felt really good to do something nice for him. 

That night was so beyond amazing and it still gives me butterflies when I think about it. 

I am one blessed woman

My Bucket List Date {Part I}

I have been waiting and waiting to write. I wanted to share so much of it but I wanted to give all my memories and details in ONE good post :)

Last week my hubby loosely asked me if I wanted to go out on Friday- I am one to NEVER turn down a date. So Friday came and he texted me that he was going to be late... he was in a meeting with his boss- which is NEVER a short thing. I kept asking him what I should wear- trying to figure out what we were doing. All he kept saying was dress sexy.. SEXY???? ummm yeah.. that was left back when I was a size 2. Sexy huh... well lets go thru my "mommy" clothes and see what I have recently bought that is "sexy". I opted for my skinny jeans and a shirt and jacket that covered my dun-lap. I did the whole messy- scrunchy hair look, did my makeup as pretty as I could... then waited to hear from hubby. AS soon as I sat down to feed baby, I get a message to NOT wear jeans _ugh_ and put on a dress.. Hmmm now in my closet I have my maxi dresses which are great for casual wear... I have already worn my 2 cute Stepford wives dresses... the only one that is left I am taking bets if it still fits me anymore. It is one of those dresses that you hang on to HOPING that one day your lard ass will fit back into it. So I did what any other good- american- mom would do... I strapped on my girdle and wobbled my way into the dress...and SUCCESS!!! Now if I stand like THIS and breath like THIS... and Suck this is like THIS... I look great! God forbid if I want to actually eat or sit down. But hubby wants sexy... well.. this wasn't sexy.. and I might actually pass out, but its cute! Then I get a text saying to curl my hair... really nice... oh man.. ok well I have time.. he is still in his meeting.. so back I go into the bathroom to curl my hair.. pretty. Half way through, our sitter comes in and just as I was going to tell her hubby was running late, she hands me a piece of paper. My reaction was.. WTF??? Inside was a hand written note from hubby telling me I was getting ready to go on a scavenger hunt. My first clue was taking me to a gas station to get a car wash and then to tell the cashier my name and that I was there to pick something up... oh WHAT???!!!  Ok, first I don't think I have ever curled my hair fast enough before in my life... second.... who has time to shave legs when you get a note like THIS... This was a romance dream come true... Yes, one of my LIFE bucket list items. I had to send him a quick- exciting text and learned that he was waiting for me... ok ok ok... I grabbed my purse, shoes... what else was I missing.. phone.. ok, kiss the kids good bye and off I went!!! This was going to be AMAZING!

Sybil Cupcakes

Yesterday hubby asked if I wanted to make some cupcakes for his work party.. umm SCHYEA! I was happy to make some goodies for other people. I mean my kids would eat them all if I let them, but this momma is not THAT nice.

So I planned on baking up some Chocolate Chip Cupcakes and S'mores. The smores were looking oh-so-yummy. And I could have for sure chowed on a few myself, but I am not that big of a fan of marshmallow... well, unless its marshmallow fluff on a pb sandwich :p

Last night though, I had a few taste testers that were up late with me while I got my bake on. Now I LOVE my taste testers- with all my heart- but I do have to think about their taste buds.. I mean for one- he likes to eat chili and eggs mixed together -BLAUGH! and the kids... well... they like anything that has sugar in it. But still I take what they have to say and alter what I need to.

The S'mores were the first test. To me, they looked AMAZING!!! But some reason, they all had a hollow middle. MOTHER FLAPPER! How the heck did THAT happen??? Hubby chowed down on one and I got rave reviews.... for a while. When he started eating the bottom of it (which was crumb batter) he was not too pleased. Hmmmm.... I tasted it and in fact had a few spoonfuls of the batter and I didn't taste anything wrong with it.... Hmm so what do I do now???

Well... The first batch I decided to get a little WILD and I drizzled carmel over the tops and on a few of them I added a piece of milk chocolate carmel Ghirardelli chocolate. YUM. The second batch of S'mores, I made a few adjustments and didnt fill the cups up as much. But I think with a glass of milk and a fork- it could possibly be ....heaven :)

Smore Cupcakes

The next batch of cupcakes up for trial and error were my SYBIL Cupcakes.. Chocolate Chip Cupcakes. Where these cookies... or were these cupcakes?? The receipe looked amazing but the mixture wasn't looking as wonderful as it sounded.

In the end- my taste testers were once again divided on the taste. Love and Not love. Grrrrr.. great! So I HAD to take a bite and try it myself. It wasn't too bad. It wasn't overly sweet like I thought it would be. And how cool is it to have a COOKIE in the middle of a cupcake. VERY COOL!

Ok so now that it was WAY past my bedtime, I decided to clean up and save the frosting part for the morning. The goal was to create Cookie Dough Frosting. This should be yummy.

......................................................MORNING.................................................

Well my allergies decided to once again attack me in the middle of the night and I woke up with a face that felt 3x bigger. My body seems to be swelling everywhere :( My son asks me every day if I am pregnant again and my daughter was all dramatic in her ways asking if I was too. Ugh. No. Maybe its all the batter I am eating... Maybe its all the stress I feel lately... maybe its that soda that I just can't stop drinking... maybe its those crazy kids that seem to force me to eat junk food. Dang- I need to get me a friend to keep me occupied at the gym so I KEEP going.   ok... where was I???

Oh yes- frosting. So I followed the directions but I have to be honest it was looking at little sketchy to me. But I trusted it and kept going. After I added everything I did my little taste test and well, I was not impressed. Great. Well its too late to do anything else- I needed to deliever these in 10 min. So instead of covering the whole cake, I did a little squirt and added some chocolate chips. Now, the littlest of the taste testers LOVED it and ate it in record time. 

So I feel like I had a failed day/ night on these cupcakes. I did find another recipe that looks a little better so I think today I will try this other one... and maybe some vanilla... hmmm... well maybe I should just wait to see how the day unfolds first :)

Morning MADDNESS

Lucky me got hit HARD with not only some sort of allergies but also a head cold. Can you utter M I S E R A B L E. Yes, that is I. Terribly miserable. My head feels like it has been smacked by a baseball bat. My eyes are so puffy and so itchy, I can't stop itching my face, I have scratched the corner of my mouth so much that it has been bleeding, my nose is stuffy and wont stop running.... ok - wth?! Why does it have to be stuffy AND runny. That is SO mean. My throat is so itchy that I cant stop making nasty growling sounds to make it feel better. Last night I was not able to breath through my nose- which made it so I couldnt sleep. In the 2 hours that I was able to sleep- I had to sleep with my mouth open..... which- you know when you are sick - does not equal out to a nice situation.

I swear something must have died and shedded itself in my mouth. Sucking on sand would have been more enjoyable. 

Because our room is still under renovation- our "bedroom" is still in the living room. I have not minded that at all ... until this morning..... My kids were eager to make sure I was up with them at 7:30am - which isn't really that big of a deal unless you are going on no sleep and your mouth is not producing spit of any sort.

My first goal of the morning... the coffee pot! And for anyone out there.... just so you know.... formula in the coffee pot does not produce coffee. I would love to say that this was my first time trying to use formula, but sleepy me... sadly this was my SECOND attempt to make coffee with formula. Not on purpose of course.. the can is sitting right there and well... it has a scoop in it so I was just in pilot mode. FAIL!

** DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MAKE COFFEE WITH FORMULA ON THE COUNTER ON SLEEPY MORNINGS- you will not get far***

I am not sure what upset me more... the fact that I just wasted formula or my coffee wasn't perking fast enough.

Finally I had a nice hot- sweet - cup of coffee and I was enjoying it as I was doing my morning reading on fb. Thankfully the kids were still quiet from eating breakfast and enjoying a little bit of cartoons. But here is where the morning starts to melt.

The kids finish eating and we start on our chores. I give the kids a fair warning that because I have got no sleep that I am honestly a crabby mommy today and to PLEASE (I was reverting to begging as only a mom can do) listen as best as they can and follow directions fully! I get up from my seat to start directing children to their chores and the next thing I know..... ugh... one of my boys has spilled my WHOLE cup of coffee ALL over my DESK... let me repeat so you feel my pain.. MY WHOLE CUP OF COFFEE.. that sweet- hot cup of therapy ALL OVER my desk. I was in no mood to deep clean my desk. Papers that were covering my desk were not- soggy. The dust that had collected in the back of the desk- behind the monitor was not... ummmm GROSS. After having my little temper tantrum (because after all I am no perfect mom) I grabbed the paper towels, cleaning solution and a sponge and got to cleaning. I have to admit that after a few minutes of "therapy" cleaning I then got into cleaning lol. Next thing I knew I was scrubbing everything on my desk and managed to dust my "office". Still not sure if that was a good thing or not- as my nose still wont act like Sybil. 

So I guess in retrospect, he did me a favor :)  I now have a sparkly clean desk :)

In mothering we are given daily lessons in life... and as much as I enjoy the organized life,I am grateful for the messes that my kids give me :)

I'm Sorry

There is nothing like perspective that can SLAP you on the face and leave a red mark. This morning my hubby sent me this youtube video.


After watching I felt like I was about 1 in. I have found myself too many times getting angry or frustrated with my parents for a handful of things. I guess I don't realize their age at those moments. At times I guess I expect them to act like me - 30 something. But they are set in their ways- their minds not too sharp, hearing not too great... I was and have snapped to quickly when they didn't hear me the first time or had me repeat myself what seemed like 20 times. It is easy for us to forget how often they repeated themselves to us as we were young children or babies... or the messes we made... or the mistakes we made. And at times - as a mom- we would get frustrated but never treated our kids out of anger (at least I hope not)....

 So to my parents who have just loved and cared for me all through my years- I am sorry that I did not pick up the phone to say "hi" or just repeated myself when you needed me to.

To my children... I am sorry for those moments where I rushed you or did not give you my full attention to watching you jump over a line in the sidewalk.... or listen to your very long story.......

I am human... I make mistakes.....my heart is always right but I fail to feel it at times. Please accept my apologies for not always doing what is right.

I LOVE you all so much and today I make a public promise to do better :)

Will you forgive me?

Cupcake Confessions

I was writing the last line to the post... and it all got erased :( This has been my kind of day... and there are no more cupcakes to eat:(

I am not exactly sure how this all started but this cupcake craze hit me HARD. I have become a little obsessive- one might say, but it is so much fun to bake something, decorate all cute and give these little goodies away. It's pure happiness... in a wrapper :)

I had been cruising the Better Crocker website looking for dinner ideas when THIS recipe popped up.. I call it a sign from God lol- cupcakes for dinner!!!!

Holy Monkees- these were SO good! I made them- gave only 1 to each kid and then realized that by morning they were all gone. But I can not nor will I admit that * I * was the one that had a somewhat large midnight snack. Nope. NOT ME. Will. Not. Confess.

I figured that was so much fun, I would do more again but get a little creative on them. So I gathered up boxes of pudding and cake and these oh-so-delicious thin sugar cookies that I put in a lock box so that little fingers could not devour- Here is the end result- before the pig fest began :)

I personally HATED the chocolate frosting. But the cream cheese frosting was AMAMZING!!! You will have to try these..

Not too long after that, I got sucked into some other very creative sites and I entered into my stubbornness mind of wanting to create that exact thing. Ok so I gave myself this new challenge of figuring out HOW they decorated this one cupcake to make it so smooth looking. I poked and prodded my crafty friends and then found out that it was POURED Fondant. Ha! Who knew?! Now I was a mission. I MUST master this. I MUST get this... so I loaded up the boys and we headed to walmart for some goodies that were already made so that I could play with frosting. The mix for the poured fondant was actually super easy.

 I had to of course try to get a little fancy. I SUCK at frosting... Only because I am picky on what I want to create and right now I do not have the tools to do the trick, but I had fun with my little frosting dots and adding a little bling to them. 

I heard that these cookies got rave reviews from all the little taste testers I had.

ANd once again.. I got sucked into another site and found this Oh-so-yummy- Cherry Almond Cupcakes. I instantly started drooling. mmmmmmmm. I can totally already taste that goodness!!

Cast Of Characters

 Cherry yummies

 breaking eggs and just trying to get no shells and the whites in the mix. Tricky tricky

 mixing all the goodness together....

 pour a little and then lick everything clean as best as I can.... get full on batter and forget to eat the cupcakes! Batter is better!

 take one piece of each of the cherries that I cut and plop it in the middle of each cup of batter.. so you have a hidden cherry in each cup!!

Eat and Enjoy!

I really have a lot of fun making yummies and I hope to keep doing more. A part of me would love to open a little cupcake shop but then again I wonder if they are THAT good to anyone else to actually do that. But it would be a lot of fun to have a little bakery- filled with colors and fun. A friend of mine had this great idea for a glass wall where kids can watch the goodies being made and also having a kids bake night and food fights.. hehehe. I think that all sounds like fun!

As for me, my wooden spoons and my confessions to my cupcakes.... Here is to another cupcake adventure!

...... Next story I will have to share my cake ball fight.... I HATE these things!....

Got Milk?

I figured this might be an appropriate title for this post... and if that title gives you ANY indication on whats coming... hang on... it's gonna be funny... well.... at least it was in this house!

Up here in good 'ol Dickinson ND- school gets out in MAY. As my kids were counting down the days till school is out with such enthusiasm... I on the other hand was not looking forward to months of tattling, screaming, fighting, crying, begging- I also wasn't looking forward to the kids doing the same!

So Wednesday was the kids last day of school- they all had fun things planned in their classes- some included a beach party, movies and ... and I know there was more but I think I zoned out for a moment.

As I loaded the kids in the car I said I prayer to myself on how thankful I was that I didn't need to get out of the car and ever more grateful of how large my sunglasses were.... Lets just say if you saw me that morning my picture would be found in one of those awful photo blogs that everyone looks at and laughs... I was NO sexy thang that morning!

No sooner as I gulped my coffee and moved our bedroom and bathroom to the living room- hubby came home to tell me that our kindergartener (Christopher) needed to be picked up. They think he has pink eye. Nice. A perfect start to summer vacation.

The next day 2 other kiddos woke up with crusty eyes and with a closer look- I shudder- yell at them to NOT touch me or their face and notice that their eyes were a little red and goopy.

That is a fun word to say GOOPY heheheh.

I had to accept that now 3 kids of mine have pink eye. UGH. I hit up my wonderful facebook friends and moms and ask their advice. I wanted to know if there was something I could do BESIDES take them to the doc for meds.

Oh the joy I got out of the advice they gave!!

I was not raised up in a family that did holistic treatments... in fact I was not even familiar with it till I moved to Sandpoint. Even then I was still a little hesitant about how well things worked. With my last c-section I was open to ANYTHING to help with pain and recovery... So when my kiddos got this nasty pink eye I was super open to anything that can help- that last thing I wanted to do was take FIVE kids to this doctors office. So my dear friends told me that my like gold booby milk will cure it!!! I had to ask again to make sure I heard right.... " so squirt my kids eyes with my breast milk"? Oh- THIS was going to be funny!!

The first thing that popped into my head was that controversial cover on Time Magazine... was I mom enough?!! HELL YEAH!!! I got the goods- and I am not afraid to use it! How is THAT for a new cover?!

My Milk Can Do What?
Whether you are surfing the internet or flipping through your favorite parenting magazine, you have probably come across numerous references to breast milk. You may have also discovered that breast milk isn’t only used for breastfeeding your child. In fact, breast milk is often used to help heal minor illnesses and injuries. But what can breast milk supposedly heal? Well, breast milk is purportedly able to heal:

• conjunctivitis or "pink eye"
• ear infections
• scrapes, scratches, and cuts
• sore nipple

*** Taken from pregnancy info.net *** 

To know that my mommy boobs contain SUPER POWERS, I wanted to wear a cape and tights and shout at the top of my lungs as I slide across the kitchen floor- " Here I Come To Save The Day" (sung in my proudest Might Mouse voice)

Now- the fun part- telling the kids.  Baby Jack wouldn't care and would probably lick his own face of the "spilled" milk- if his tongue would reach that far... Now of course I had that vision of just lifting my top and "aiming", but I thought I would save my money for family trips instead of therapy sessions for my kids of their mom squirting milk in their eyes... sure was a funny thought though. I told them that I was going to put medicine in their eyes and this "medicine" would be breast milk. I had to get all "medical" and use breast milk other wise my boys would be rolling on the floor laughing because I said "boob". The 2 older boys looked at me like a deer in headlights.

... headlights???!!! Bahahahaha- I just made a funny!

 After they asked me again and I confirmed with them that yes in fact I was going  to put my milk in their eyes, that is when the "EWWWW grosss MOOOOMMM" came out. And then came the laughing. Little Charley Joe wanted to follow along so he chimed in with his shrieks and laughter. Of course hubby couldn't be left out of  the peanut gallery so he asked if he could be treated too... hmmm MEN!

No- I did not embarrass my kids and squirt from a distance, I merely filled up a medicine dropper and then dropped a few drops in their eyes. I think my oldest gave the best performance of the night- acting like I was pouring acid in his eyes.

So what's the verdict...... It's helping :) In all seriousness, it makes me happy to know that I am able to heal my kids with my magical healing boobs :)

Here is a poem I found that is cute

TWAS THE BREASTFEEDER’S NIGHTTIME

‘Twas a holiday eve and the babe was asleep,
Swaddled tight in his crib he made not a peep.
My boobs were depleted from feeding all day.
“Please don’t wake. Sleep all night,” to the babe I did pray.
But his lips, how they moved, as he lay in his bed.
Visions of milky breasts danced in his head.
Dad in his boxers and I in my sweats,
Could we get some shuteye? Go ahead, place your bets.
The moon on the breast of my t-shirt did glow,
Gave a luster to leaking spots set to grow.
My nursing pads were soaked, they fell out of place.
My bra had unsnapped. How I missed sexy lace.
For months I’d been feeding our babe everywhere.
Coffee shop, park bench, museum, movie chair.
All my modesty gone, nothing shy anymore.
If the kiddo was crying, I knew how to score.
And now with the holidays, things often got dire.
While out buying gifts, I sometimes drew ire.
I breastfed in clothing stores. Changing rooms rock.
I breastfed in bookstores. To the stacks I did flock.
When from the babe’s room there arose such a clatter.
We sprang from our bed to see what was the matter.
Away to his room we flew with a flash,
Threw open the door, in the dark I did crash.
What a klutz I can be, ‘twas those bags made me fall.
Sacks for our trip, all arranged in the hall.
We were going to Grandma’s, a five hour drive.
Holiday time—Will I make it alive?
One big huge duffle held all the babe’s stuff.
Diapers, wipes, onesies. Did I bring enough?
Now don’t forget burp cloths, crib sheets and toys.
Books and Bjorn, we’ll exhibit such poise.
On breast pump, on bottles, on stroller and boppy.
On car seat, on cradle, on blanket and binky.
Fill the back of the car, fill the trunk with our haul.
And we’ll drive away, drive away, drive away all.
Now don’t forget stopping to feed long the way.
Gas stations, McDonalds and rest stops, oy vey.
Of course there’ll be lots of those diapers to do.
Get out the Purell, you’ll be covered in poo.
When we finally arrive, now what will await?
Lots of food and embraces, it’ll be really great.
No, no one will not fight. I will not shed a tear.
Ok, a white lie— but rejoice in who’s here.
And what about wine or a champagne or two?
Will it make my milk bad? Old wives tale or true?
And will anyone say, “Can he now take a bottle?”
“How long will you breastfeed?” How these questions can throttle.
Now back to that “clatter,” the babe and that noise.
We had rushed right on in, leaping over the toys.
When what to our wondering eyes did appear,
Our babe still asleep, oh how sweet, oh how dear.
His cheeks, how they glistened, his hair soft and furry.
And I smiled when I saw him, despite all my worry.
How delicious, his belly, moving in and then out.
How precious, his lips in a sweet little pout.
He had not woken up! He did not need to eat.
He had had quite enough, his day quite complete.
And so back to our bed we did quietly crawl.
Happy Holidays to one, happy sleeping to all.
© 2006, Andi Silverman, www.mamaknowsbreast.com

 

MOOoooo

Here is a check of mommy reality for ya.... Actually a funny moment.. Made my heart skip- beat- smile...

I was sitting at my desk doing some editing.... when lil Jack protested that he was hungry NOW.. so I lifted him - pulled up my top and began to feed him. At his 8 months stage he has this really weird way of eating... kind of like cirque du soleil style. Not sure why he does that or what he gains from it, but its amazing to see how far my nip can stretch. {Like that visual huh}

So as I am editing and feeding, my tazmanian toddler comes over to watch for a few. He first shrieks that just seeing my boob was gross, then decided to watch for a sec when he asked what I was doing... like he has never asked or watched before... so i explained that I was feeding baby mommy milk.

So I go back to feeding my little hungry-acrobatic monster, when I noticed that my toddler was still standing there watching... When Jack was finished, he popped off like a soda cap and gave me that milky smile. Just then my toddler looks up at me with those big beautiful blue eyes and says " ok, my turn!"

You Belong In A Zoo

Not sure if that quote is better suited for me or for my kids :)

Rebecca came up for another visit so we did what we do well... PLAN and PLOT. During this visit she was going to be here during Matty's birthday so we planned a family day out to the zoo in Bismarck

We loaded up the kids, took some potty breaks, I had an emotional breakdown... and finally we arrived :) Charley had never (that he could remember) going to a zoo. I have been many times- although none have been to a HUGE SUPER zoo- that is on my Life Bucket List. He was excited to see some Lions, Elephants and Giraffes. AS for me... the monkeys always get me and I love to watch the elephants. They are just AMAZING to me. In fact, I wouldn't mind having one as a pet. I shall name her Sasha and she would so loveable and witty :)


Ok, so our family of 8 made our way thru the gates and were greeted by mini horses- which you could not help but make sweet baby sounds at them.. heheheh. But in the corner of my eye I spot some feisty goats. BABY GOATS. Oh my word- now they are adorable!!! And HUNGRY! And they too get feisty. A few of them were trying to get to the other zoo visitors who were feeding other goats- and they would RAM each other.. it was HILARIOUS! ..... Ok I just noticed that I am typing a lot with my caps.... is that strange??!! There was this one goat- no idea if it was male or female- but I am going for male- he was climbing up the short fence to get to people so he could eat more. Silly goat.


As we wondered around following the paths thru the zoo, we were all just in awe of what we saw. Not that it was anything SPECTACULAR, but it is neat to see animals that you don't get to... Like Otters. I love those creatures. They had only 1 in the pool and he was playful! He would swim circles for the people that were watching thru the glass.. then he would climb up to his tree limb and stand there and pose for everyone that was watching from up top... it was great.. and he kept doing it - over and over lol.


OHHHH Another cute creature I would LOVE to have are those adorable Prairie Dogs.. oh my goodness they are so cute!! They look so cuddly... and fuzzy... yes- ME WANT!!

Some of the other animals I enjoyed wathcing were the Bears... ohh yes.. I could have sat there ALL day. They too were playful. And man, they are so cute!! When we lived in Idaho, I wanted to see a bear so bad- while I was in my car- with the windows rolled up of course. They were a lot of fun watching :) *sigh*
OHHhhhhhh. They had some wolves there too... not anything like the wolves back in Idaho but it was really interesting watching them scan everyone. It reminded me of the movie "The Grey" - If you haven't seen it- you should. I thought it was going to be a cheesy remake of Alive but it was really good!!

 Ok so... these wolves would lock eyes with you and walk back and forth against the fence line- back and forth- back and forth. Almost... wait- yes- it WAS creepy. In the next  fenced area- they had some bigger wolves and I DO believe the alpha male was in there because he would NOT let any of the other wolves get close to the fence.. He would actually growl and snarl at them... all while he was watching us all. F R E A K Y.


Over all it was a nice trip. I think next time I will leave the dramatic emotions at home and enjoy being a kid again at the ZOO!