Quote of the month

"Mom, how do frogs poop?"

Asked with complete seriousness during dinner last week.
I nearly choked. So did Craig.

I responded, "Just like we do, right out the back. They're just closer to the ground."

Craig and I could not make eye contact after that. We were giggling pretty hard without looking at each other.

Of course, Alex noticed we thought the question was funny. So then he just started saying, "Poop, poop, poop."

Amazing how those little minds work!

A book club first

My book club: Michelle, Therese, author Karen McQuestion, Lisa, and Me

My book club has been going strong for awhile, I believe I've been a part of it for at least 7 years. We had a first at our meeting a couple of weeks ago. THE AUTHOR JOINED US FOR DINNER... IN PERSON!

The book was "A Scattered Life" by Karen McQuestion. Karen could not possibly have been more lovely. I highly recommend checking out her books. She's also got a pretty darned amazing story. She self published her books on Kindle. They did pretty well, so they were picked up by Amazon's new imprint, Amazon Encore! I really enjoyed "A Scattered Life." It's a relationship driven story about three women who's lives intersect in a Wisconsin town. The Wisconsin part is special to me given that it's my adopted home, now. But the setting of this book very much reminded me of my hometown, Galesburg, IL. (If any of you Galesburg folks read the book, tell me if the bookshop doesn't seem like something you would find on Seminary Street!!!)

Any way... I encourage you to check out Karen's books! We spent a lovely couple of hours at dinner with her!

Next up: "The Wishing Trees" by John Shors. (Oh, and he's going to call in for a discussion with us too!! AWESOME!)

It's a Miracle!

Well, actually a few miracles! First, behold! A decent picture of me with my family! FINALLY!
Second, we actually made it to Iowa to visit my brother and his wife. (This picture was taken at the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, which is close to their house.) Finally, I'm updating my blog!
I'm still toying with giving up blogging, but for now, I'll post when I feel like I have something to say.

It's been a productive weekend. We swapped the car seats out of our car. The carrier-style car seat was getting too heavy, as Adam is getting so big. He's nine months old this weekend. I stocked up on groceries yesterday and made my list of what I have in the freezer and what I can make with what's on hand. I post this on the fridge so that when I'm stumped for what to make I can at least know what I actually can make without running to the store. Made Italian Beef for dinner last night, then made chocolate chip cookie bars. Delish! Planning to make chili for dinner tonight... that way I shouldn't have to cook all week.

Big week ahead, too. Busy week at work (which seems to be the norm lately), though I have a half day on Monday to take Adam to the doctor. Then Alex starts swimming lessons back up. I have book club this week. So lots going on.

That's the update from here! What's new in your world?

I Love Charleston!

Please enjoy some teeny, tiny pictures of Charleston while I attempt to figure out what the heck I'm doing wrong.

I'm back... sort of.

I've been in a big of a blogging funk lately. I'm going to be honest, I very nearly pulled the plug on blogging all together. It's crazy busy around here at night. I can't blog during the day. I've tried scheduling posts. Excuses, excuses.

Then I felt like I'd run out of things to say. Still not sure if I'm beyond that feeling.

Also, getting kind of tired of putting my business out there for everyone to see. And I HEAVILY edit myself. I just don't like feeling exposed.

So while I ponder these things, please bear with me. I'm going to post pictures from our vacation to Charleston next. After that... who knows! Hope you'll stick with me through these growing pains!

Birthday Love!

Today is my birthday and so far it's been an amazing day. I got up before everyone else to get ready for work. Craig is off this week so no daycare for the boys. Adam did not want to get up this morning so we let him sleep for a bit. I got a kiss from Craig when he woke up. A sleepy, nuk-in-the-mouth grin from Adam when Craig got him up, and big birthday hugs and kisses from Alex. Alex also informed me that I'm not very young, but that's okay.

By noon I had heard from my three book club friends. And an email from one of my oldest friends... one I've known since I was five. I had more than eighty posts on my facebook page.

I got a birthday card and birthday brownies at work. YUM! I didn't have to cook dinner tonight, my boys made me a cake, I got lots of hugs and snuggles tonight... and the phone was ringing off the hook.

I'm truly feeling loved! Thanks everyone!

(p.s. THREE DAYS TO CHARLESTON!!! WOO HOO!!)

Seriously random thoughts

- I never in my life imagined I would be in the minority as a mom who works full time outside the home.

This is NOT to start the whole mom's at home vs. mom's at work debate. All mom's work. And being a stay-at-home mom IS a full time job. I fully believe that and support that. I also know that some mom's who stay home ALSO work from home. A dear friend of mine teaches online and scores essays.

I'm just continually amazed at the number of mom's I encounter who are able to stay home with their kids. I wish I could. It's just not financially viable... and believe me, I've done the math! Just met a bunch of mom's from Alex's new school next year. They all stay home. They seemed shocked that I had two kids and worked full time. Not in a judgmental way. In a truly amazed "How do you do it?" way. I have the same amazement. "How do YOU do it?"

- I hate the word ROBUST.

It makes me feel violent. I honestly want to punch someone/something when I hear it used. I have a new manager who says it at least twice a day. I want to buy him a thesaurus.

- Much as I don't want to admit it... I'm turning into one of those "I don't have time to blog" bloggers lately.

I just can't keep up. Writing, reading, or commenting. I'm trying to read, catch up and leave a comment when I can. But if this is the best I can do, so be it. I'm not out for fame and fortune. I'm fully aware that I'm not going to be "discovered" as the fresh new voice in writing so someone can make crappy books out of my blog and even crappier blog-to-big screen movies. It's not gonna happen. The sooner most bloggers accept that the better. Write for yourself.

- Speaking of writing... I got an email from my old University this week talking about their Summer Writer's Workshops. -Sigh- Someday.

- I hate it when you realize that you' think you're better friends with someone than you actually are.
That's been happening to me a lot lately. It hurts. It makes me feel insecure and lonely. It just generally sucks.

- I am NOT doing a good job with running.
I want to run at least one or two 5Ks this year, but my training is seriously lacking. I mean, how can I get into good running condition when I barely average 1 run a week. I'm just so tired all the time. Getting up at oh-dark-hundred to put in three miles just doesn't seem attractive right now. Not to mention all the rain we've been having. I've got the goal of running Race for the Cure at the end of September. I'd like to find another one to run before then.

- Crocheting and reading are also luxuries I haven't had much time for.

- Alex has got to be one of the coolest kids I know.
He's sweet. Sensitive. Caring. Dotes on his baby brother. Isn't half bad at T-Ball. Is passionate about Legos and Star Wars. Is a decent singer. I'm glad we're pals.

- Adam's personality is starting to come out.
He has found his voice and isn't afraid to make a little noise. His expressions and the way he emphasizes his noises with his arms and fists just cracks me up!

- My brain is already on vacation in Charleston, S.C.
Hopefully it will send me a postcard with some good travel tips.