tuesday

My foxy Mr C, I can't believe it has only been a couple of days since you left for San Diego. Seems much longer to me. Maybe it's because I have had 2 horrendous nights of restless sleep. Funny how I sleep 8 or 9 hours without waking when you are next to me. I cannot wait for a restful slumber tomorrow when you are with me again.

Last night was fun. We decided to forgo dinner at home and I let the kids talk me into In N Out, again. They committed to closing me on that, and for that, they got the sale. On our drive home, we rolled down all windows of the denali and played my new mix cd loud. I added Will Smith's Get Jiggy With It for good measure. The children thought I was cool because they witnessed their mother rap, rhyme and lay down lyrics like a natural. I think I got most of the words right. Mostly. I am pretty sure that if I had not been driving while rapping, I could have dropped it to the kitchen floor and picked back up again, like in the old days. Maybe not.

Today started the same as the last, the tease of a cool morning just outside of our door. Mandy tried to wake me early for a potty break and because you were not here, I had to take her out. It was still dark. I like when I do my fake sleep routine so that you have to take her out. That will be back on routine for Thursday.

Mikey and I dropped the younger two off at school and then headed to the Starbucks on Greenfield. I know, big surprise there. I treated him to a chonga bagel. We sat in the car while he ate, and I drank my coffee. Life is sweet.

Today was my day to help out in Landon's class. I walked into A-7 and many of the children ran up to hug me. Must be what it's like for celebrities. Sorta. I assisted with the assembling of the birthday crowns. Gluing and glittering. Then, the firemen came in and gave the first grade a fire safety lesson. I payed close attention. My favorite part was when firefighter Jake put on the gear in its entirety and breathed through the mask. He sounded just like Darth Vader. It was awesome. We lined up, boys on one side, girls on the other and proceeded to walk out to the lot in our parallel lines where the fire truck was parked and waiting. A tour of the cab was offered to the first graders. They loved it. I was then offered a tour and walk through of the cab, but had to decline on account of my 3 inch black Steve Madden Espadrilles. Clearly not the shoes for touring the cab of a firetruck.

I started to bore at home this afternoon so I headed out to HomeGoods for some perusing. When I walked in, I saw a man who walked exactly like my dad did when he shopped with my mother. I missed my dad terribly after that. I left the shop empty handed. I am quite impressed with my self-discipline these days. This budget thing is catching on.

I headed home around 1 and made myself the ole' faithful pb&j sammy. I changed it up and put it on whole grain bread. That, I think, makes it better for you. Shortly after that, I began my battle with today's headache. 3 ibuprofen later, I am plowing along okay.

I layed on your side of the bed for just a bit. Your pillow smells like you.

I picked Landon up from school and secretly watched Morgan walk to Jaimie's house for a play date. You know how I am always nervous and unsure of the children without me. At 4pm, we picked Mikey up and headed home when he declared that '...today was great!' I inquired if any of the girls at Poston Jr High like the faux-hawk that he styled today. He entertained my question and said that it was complimented and also stirred some 7th grade controversy. Apparently, another boy accused Mikey of 'copying' the before mentioned faux-hawk to which Mikey, without hesitation, delivered the sharp reply, "Uh, I've been wearing the faux-hawk since like, the 3rd grade!" There were no hand gestures included in this hair battle. I thought it to be a witty response; the only sentiment that might have made it better would have been to add a "so there" to the end. I don't know if the kids are still using the 'so there' these days. Do you?

So now we are approaching the 5 o'clock hour. I plan to prepare and serve dinner at home after I pick Morgan up at 6. Then it's homework, baths, reading and Dancing with the Stars. I am somewhat embarrassed that I have already hooked myself onto this season; much like a fish desperate for its worm. Maybe that was too dramatic.

On another thought, whoever coined the phrase "Absence makes the heart grow fonder", is a putz. My heart is already very fond of you and I don't need you to be in another state to make me realize this. Just sayin'.

Can't wait to be with you tomorrow.

I love you more and most.

R

p.s...Did you give any more thought to letting me have some chickens in the backyard?

monday

Hello sweetie. Day two without you. This morning came so fast and I was not ready. I woke unrested and riddled with back pain. Landon kept me up most of the night with his restless sleep. I was elbowed, kicked, scratched and head-butted by his body. I will never let him sleep in our bed again. I am now understanding of his repetitive morning phrase of, "I'm still soooooo sleepy." It makes sense now. He even at one moment rested his little Landon foot upon my shoulder. Would have been cute if it weren't for the lateness of the hour. I am hoping that tonight is better.

This mornings air was crisp. I let the back door stay open while I readied myself. I can hardly wait for Fall. Do you think it's close?

I dropped the younger children off at school on time as usual. Mikey asked to join me on my drive to Starbucks before his day at school. I have strong suspicion that he was hoping for a chonga bagel again. I did not oblige. This might be the reason for the quiet drive to Poston Jr High.

I stayed at home for a bit this morning. I spent time paying bills and organizing grocery lists. I set my days play list on the computer and declared my new anthem from Muse, titled Uprising. 'They will not force us; They will stop degrading us; They will not control us; We will be victorious" I'm not sure what all of the uprising and chanting is about, but I have decided to apply it to the school's PTO. After my chanting sing-a-long, I finally scrambled up energy to head out to do the grocery shopping. I spent an hour and twenty minutes up and down the isles. My shopping buggy was overflowing. It did not help that I was hungry. That could be the reason for my coming home with 6 boxes of crackers and 4 packages of cookies. The pantry and fridge are well stocked. Just a trip to the fruit market tomorrow and grocery shopping will be done for a while. I hope.

I came home and unloaded all 17 bags by myself. I immediately turned on the oven and made a veggie chicken sandwich for lunch. I had the flavors all worked out in my head. I would add shredded lettuce and relish with salt. The relish did not serve the veggie chicken well and left my bun soggy. I missed you when I opened the relish. Only because there are currently 3 containers of relish, opened in our fridge, all purchased by you because you can never remember if we have any.






me, smiling for you

The day prodded on slowly. The sun sat high up in the sky and baked us at 106 degrees. I thought of you sitting in San Diego, breathing in the cool salty air. I was envious.

I was thinking about you throughout the day. Did you mean to leave your shoes next to the bed...or was that an oversight on your part? No matter, I will put them back for you.

I picked the children up from school. All 3 of them had good days. Morgan walked to the car eating a Krispy Kreme. Landon came with a lollipop. Mikey just came to the car sans treats of any kind. I jokingly asked him if the girls at school liked his new haircut. I was surprised when he said, "Yes they did, mom." When I prodded about the cuteness of the girls, he asked me to leave it alone. I stopped. My son is a fox and he can't help it. I know his pain.

When we arrived home, we had snacks and then it was decided that Mandy needed a bath. She smelled. Bad. Morgan and Landon agreed to help. Landon with the hose is never a good idea. Remember how he flooded the backyard last month?

mandy prebath and smelly

Both Morgan and Landon were a great help. Mandy was not happy. Do you think that dogs know how to swear? I think Mandy does. Especially when Morgan insisted on using the conditioner on her after the shampoo. Something about wanting her to have a silky coat. I don't think Mandy cares about a silky coat. She rolls around in the dirt and leaves.

I am now happy to report that our family pup smells good. She has a soft coat and thanks to Morgan's conditioning treatment, she has a little shine.

It is now time for me to go and prepare dinner. I still haven't decided on the menu. I heard an earlier request for breakfast. Am entertaining the idea.

I will miss your company next to me in bed tonight as I watch our Monday night line up. Hope you are able to watch in Sandy Diego, as Landon calls it.

I miss you, honey. I hope your visit with your babies is fun and full of laughter and love. They are so lucky to have you for their dad.

p.s. Did you watch Brothers and Sisters in your hotel last night? Do you think that Kitty has cancer? I hope not. I really like her and she has the new baby and all.

I love you more and most.

R

sunday

My darling Mr C, you have only been gone a few short hours and we here at Decatur Street already miss you. I wish that we had spent more time being close today, holding hands and the like, before our drive to the airport. We even missed holding hands in the car, didn't we?

After we dropped you off at the airport, the children requested dinner. The Cheesecake Factory won by a 3 -1 vote. I lost. Dinner was nice. Mikey had the usual, pizza. Morgan had the usual, mac and cheese, and Landon opted for the chicken strips with french fries. I know, creatures of habit, much like their mother. I ordered the salad that we normally share and made it half way through my grilled cheese. Without you there, I was forced to mix the ranch dressing and ketchup myself. It wasn't the same. We stuffed ourselves so much so that we did not share a slice of cheesecake. Wishing now that I had brought one home.

The evening progressed slowly. I fiddled on the computer while the children danced on the bed until all of the blankets and linens were on the floor. Morgan asked to make rice krispey squares. We added little m&m's and a chocolate drizzle on top. You would love them. I've already had two of them myself. Okay, three. I can't promise that there will be any left when you get home. You know how Landon loves a sweet treat. So does his mom.

Landon asked what you were doing with your kids in San Diego. He guessed that you were watching football with them. I'm guessing that he might have been right. Tonight we watched the Cardinal's game without you...sort of weird to have football on without you screaming at the tv in the background. The cardinal's lost. Real bad. Boldin had a decent night. Warner, did not.

It is now bedtime and your side of the bed is occupied. Landon is sleeping in your spot. He has already rolled over and whacked me in the face twice with his little 6 year old hand.

I miss you and I love you. I hope you are having a lovely time catching up with your children. Give them hugs from us...we miss them too.

R

love for landon

Just wanted to declare my love for this little guy again.

He woke last night screaming in short bursts and shaking.

Poor boy had a nightmare that something bad happened to his mom.

I felt helpless that such a thought had crossed his mind in slumber.

Gratefully...he fell fast asleep while laying next to me.

Mommy loves you Landon.

I love you more than you will ever ever know.

in my bag

Okay ladies...I have secretly wanted to do this post for awhile now. Last week...a couple of things prompted me to finally follow through with it, not to mention, I needed something a little fun and light hearted after yesterdays serious essay.

First, standing in the longest of lines at Starbucks last week, I couldn't help but fall into my favorite past time to help ease the pain of waiting for my morning mocha. I people watched. And watched. I spied people of all sorts, shapes and sizes. Fashionable ladies stopping off to pick up their lattes and burly men waiting for their cup of undoctored fuel; none of that funny business of cream and foam or cinnamon sprinkles for them. I was particularly fascinated with one woman while I waited. She was carrying the smallest handbag I have ever seen. A tiny little bobble draped across her wrist. I couldn't get over it and, and as a result, was caught by little purse lady, staring at her belongings. This spying led to morning conversation with sister about handbags and content.


Second. I love to peruse through the celebrity rag mags. Love to read the pages titled, 'Stars, they're just like us!' It' silliness is uncanning. Really? Celebraties pick up dry cleaning and take their children to the park too? Amazing. Along the lines of this insert is the page where celeb girls show what handbag they are currently sporting and the contents inside of it. I read this page every time. I love it so. Something about always wondering what women and mothers of today can't leave home without.

So, without further wait...here is my.......

What Bag I Am Carrying and What's Inside.

(I truly am so excited to share)

This is my current bag, Gucci. Mr C knows how deep my affection for beautiful handbags flows and presented this bag, beautifully wrapped, to me for my birthday. The man truly has taste.
We get along so well, Gucci and I. We are both curvy in all of the right places and love to go everywhere together. She is accommodating and trustworthy and can make anything look good. (too much? okay...i'll hold back a little)

.....

and here is what is inside......

I always have lotion in my bag. Not just for me but for Mr C as well. Car keys to the Denali and strangely enough, there is 1 key on my key chain that is a mystery. No clue what it opens up. I always have my Blackberry Storm floating in my bag. I hate this phone. Too high tech and fussy. Mr C thought it would be cute if we had the same phone so he upgraded mine when he bought his. Lets see...oh, I ALWAYS have anti-bacterial in me bag. I use it on average, 47 times a day. I'm a germaphobe. I am never without chapstick. Multiple tubes of chapstick at that. Am currently loving the pink shimmery chapstick coupled with my Chanel lip liner. The sticky Smashbox lip gloss is fun too. That yellow case is my Vera Bradley bag. In it, I have nail clippers, lip sticks, nail files, hair ties, Bobbi pins and the like. Keeping it in one bag keeps all of those little things in one spot as opposed to all over the bottom. Oh, my Louis Vuitton make-up bag...always take my powder and mascara and blusher with me. My purple wallet (am currently on search for new wallet) stuffed with shopping receipts that need to be logged into check register. I carry my leather journal and sharpie retractable everywhere. I use it to write notes or jot down reminders or recipes and grocery lists. Also, I am carrying the current book that I am reading. Never know when I'll get a couple of minutes to do some reading.

.....

So there you have it. My bag and what's inside. Now here's the fun part...I am going to tag a couple of friends in blogland to do a similar post and share what's inside of what you're carrying. C'mon, it'll be fun and give you a new post idea.

.....

Okay...I want to know what:

Kasey of Lola B's, Paige of Simple Thoughts and Tara of Blondie N' SC have to share.

.....

And to all to all of you others girls out there...

I wanna know what you're carrying aroung in your bag too. Come on now...don't be shy.

incentive

morgan started a soccer league this year and is loving it. she originally joined so that she could play with her 2 besties, jaimie and ellie. surely you're all aware that besties do everything together. unfortunately...jaimie was placed on another team while ellie and morgan are part of team thunder (named during a thundery rain storm a few weeks back). morgan has really taken to this sport and i'm delighted. i think that soccer is a great sport for kids.

(morgan is #8...she picked the same number that mr c wore while he played college football)

Background.

mr c is a natural athlete. his heart beats for football (and me). he is that guy...that guy who can play any sport and is really good at it. drives me nuts. nuts. sister and i once tried to double up and bring him down on the tennis court a few months back...he defeated the wonder that was our doubles team. lesson learned. he has not been invited back on the court since. i will no longer shoot hoops on the neighbors drive, toss around a football, play catch or even have a who can hold their breath the longest contest in the pool with this guy. i've learned my lesson. this guy is good.

at the first game of the season, mr c offered an incentive to morgan. for every goal scored, he would offer her 10 bucks. i am very much okay with offering incentives to our children. i feel that it is okay to add extra reason or reward to accomplish a goal. i grew up with my parents offering new clothes or money for good grades or treats at the supermarket for being helpful or well behaved during the week. i remember to this day that straight a's would get my sister and i a new Guess wardrobe. i wanted those Guess overalls so badly. remember those? okay, so during the game last week, morgan did not score a goal. she was not upset at herself or defeated...she just worked harder at practice and a few times during the week asked mr c if the deal was still good for game number 2. yes it was.


Here we are on saturday at the second game of the season. mr c and i were cheering on team thunder and reminding morgan as she was at the other end of the field about her incentive. she would look over and smile letting us know that she heard us loud and clear. as the game played on, morgan started to slow down and her stride clearly was tiring. these girls were playing soccer without a spot of shade in 102 degrees. it was hot and uncomfortable to even just sit and watch. when morgan came over for a guzzle of water...mr c upped the incentive. 50 bucks for a goal morgan! my reaction: huh? she smiled and headed into the team huddle. some of the parents around us were joining in on this incentive craze and offering a little coin to their girls as well.

Game goes on and still no goal by morgan.

Game is tied 1-1.

Morgan gets some good foot action at opponents goal and all was quiet when everyone hears mr c belt out from the bottom of his athletic lungs....Morgan, 100 dollars for a goal!

Long story short...mr c is less one hundred dollars in his pocket today. My girl morgan scored right after that declaration by mr c.

It is safe to say that she has earned all possible monetary incentive for the season. Any further reward will no doubt consist of trips to get ice cream and the like. Mr c has learned his lesson.

.....

Let me just also say...I am so grateful for my mr c. He takes care of and supports my children like they are his own. He was as proud of morgan as much as i was and there is no doubt in my mind that after the game, when he went back to work, he bragged about her like she was his own. He truly is an amazing man.

.....

( In case you were wondering...morgan collected her 100 bucks that afternoon and bought herself a nintendo ds...victory is sweet, no?)

the vinaigrette that changed my life...and my salad

My search has ended...temporarily at least.

I recently found this recipe for an easy peasy vinaigrette.

I have been looking for something like this that is simple to put together and would require ingredients most often already in my pantry or refrigerator.

I tried it the other night and it was like my taste buds had been awakened after a million years of slumber. I might be exaggerating a wee bit...but trust me...this is a wonderful and simple recipe.

Your salad will request it as well as your tasting buds.

So...jot this one down and file it under Taste Buds Favorites

Here it is:

BASIL PARMESAN VINAIGRETTE

1 garlic clove

1/2 tsp salt

2 tblsp balsamic vinegar (i tend to use a little more than this)

1 tsp fresh lemon juice

3 tblsp fresh basil

1/2 ounce parmesan cheese, finely grated

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/2 cup olive oil

.....

Mince garlic clove and then mash to a paste with 1/4 tsp salt.

Add to bowl.

Then, whisk together with garlic paste the vinegar, lemon, basil, parmesan, salt and pepper.

Add in olive oil in a slow stream all the while whisking the ingredients together.

.....

I serve this on a green salad with red onion, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, parmesan cheese and homemade croutons.

If you try it...let me know what you think.

I bet you get hooked on it too!

Enjoy!

(...just re-discovered the source for the vinaigrette from sarahs fab day and I do beleive she found it on Domestic Reflections site...)

uuuhhhh......

(this is me...looking smart as i peruse through the blogs)
uuuhhhh........
.....that is exactly how i responded to my son's 7th grade homework this evening. seriously.
i was not of much help. especially when he brought out his accelerated math. i clearly cannot remember anything involving scientific notations and decimal notations. huh. quite frankly...i don't think that we studied this in the 7th grade. if we did, i missed the lesson. i obviously was too busy wondering what brett clanton was doing on the other side of the room. i probably spent more time twirling my curls with my pointer finger than breaking down equations and involving myself with decimals.
(i still rock the curls and twirl them without reserve)

( incidentally...brett clanton was just added to my facebook friends recently...how about that for weird. jr high crush from forever ago now a friend on facebook. )
(welcome to the year 2009, i guess)

let's get back to the homework...shall we? i couldn't help but wonder tonight...have i really been out of school so long that i can't search the recesses of my brain to pull out a session on 7th grade math? tonight...i'm left feeling a little deflated. 7th grade math just put me in my place. kicked my butt. shut me down.

please tell me that i am not the only one having math induced memory loss or feeling homework deficient with our youth.

totally unrelated note...did anyone see shakira perform on americas got talent tonight? i am never eating again and am signing my hips up for dance lessons. super sexy.

toasted.

Quite frankly speaking...i am tired of the heat and am ready for fall.

This is problematic considering i am currently living and melting in phx, az.

It was a whopping 103 degrees today...even at the half of our september.



My cravings are for my neck to be nuzzled by my favorite scarvies and for my hands to play hide and seek in my stripey gloves. I long to wear tights with boots and long sleeves under shorter ones. I have even convinced myself that this fall...i am going to sport some sort of fuzzy hat...inspired by jennifer aniston in her new movie previews...you know the gray one that she wears whilst she swoons over the dashing aaron ekhart....sigh.



It is no surprise then, that this evenings dinner had a hint of longing for fall as well. Despite the wretched temps outside my doors...i served to my children tomato soup with homemade garlic croutons atop and colby jack toasted sammies. Does anything beat a toasted cheese sammy?





It is taking every restraint that i have to hold off for a bit on the mugs full of hot chocolate and mini mushy marshies. (although, am quite sure they are soon to come seeing as how all items were purchased during this mornings trip to the grocer).

Dear Fall,

I long for your arrival. My Phoenix fall wardrobe is patiently waiting your return and relief from this dreadful hot cooker that we live in. (no offense, phoenix) I will welcome you with all of the traditions of the season and promise to not complain once when I wake with cold toes or dry elbows. We will celebrate your bounty and all the comes with you. Thank you for bringing candy corn and pumpkins...apple pies and apple spiced candles. Thank you for being a season when we can wear gray and black everyday if we so choose. Please hurry fall...I cannot wait for you much longer. I have already purchased my first pair of slippers in anticipation of your arrival. Please do hurry, Fall.

With love,

Rebecca

...is anyone else awaiting the arrival of this time of year?...

cleavage.

Why I will be leaving my cleavage home on my next trip to wal-mart:

Because the old man pretending to be consumed by the choosing of his breakfast cereal could not and would not take his eyes off of my chesticle area. He even followed me out of the isle and into the next to continue his gawking at my expense. It is safe to say...old man has no idea of what my face looked like...but could probably pick my chest out of a 10 man line-up after a few beers no doubt.

Note to self: Turtle necks and scarvies are appropriate and necessary at the local WM!
(might want to bring mace or small hammer as well)

the best garlic bread.....ever

confession.....we make this garlic bread sometimes 3 times a week. clearly, we are not a family that watches our carb intake. what fun would that be, right? this is a request by mr c and the kids more often than not and who am i to stand in the way of happiness derived from garlic bread? it's easy peasy so grab a pen...or hit print and enjoy!

1 loaf of your favorite bread

(we usually just use a french loaf or a whole wheat loaf)

1 stick of butter

1 head of garlic

salt and pepper

parsley

pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees

place your stick of butter on counter to soften

cut the top off of the head of garlic, leaving it in tact

place head of garlic (sliced side up) on a square of foil

drizzle olive oil over garlic and sprinkle a little salt on the top

scrunch the foil together to close, leaving a little opening at the top

place in your oven and bake for 50 minutes

(your house will smell yummy)

(neighbors will ask for dinner invitation)

(don't do it...then you'll have to share)

(be stingy)

moving on......

when you remove garlic from the oven just let it sit on your counter to cool

place softened butter in a bowl,

sprinkle with salt and pepper

squeeze roasted garlic from the skin into the butter

mix in chopped parsley

(makes it pretty)

mix that goodness up

wipe chin...you're drooling now

wipe keyboard...you drooled on that too

toast bread in preheated oven for a couple of minutes and when you pull out your loaf...

smear and smother that butter mixture all over that baby

enjoy.

if you try it...let me know what you think.

garlic bread knocks my socks off...

every time.