That's it! I'm outa here!

And I aint comin' back until I get my fill...of holding this little sweet baby that my baby sister birthed. I am going to snuggle with, and sniff her beautiful head, and only let her mamma hold to do that which I am no longer able to do (cuz I'm all dried up) whilst I snarf good ol' fried chicken from the Double Front Cafe. No other fried chicken like it! And I've been cravin' it....reeeeeal bad.

See ya in a few days......should I decide to return........

Contrasts

One.......




and the same.......I love how diverse my natives are.

Wanna be my Valentine? Prove it!

Back in the day......I can remember having to decorate a shoe box with a little slit in the top for my classmates to put their Valentines to me in. Everyone would use red and pink construction paper and paper doilies. If you were really cool you'd have stickers or real lace and things on your box.

It would have never crossed my mind not to do the norm so when the natives told us last year that they needed to make and decorate Valentine boxes I started to think along the lines of red and pink construction paper.

This native would have none of it. Red and Pink mom? Are you kidding me? No, what he wanted and thought would be hysterical is if he made a shark and the slit in the box where you place the Valentine was in it's mouth. Who ever put a Valentine in his box had to put their hand in it's mouth!




You wanna be my Valentine? Prove it! By either putting your hand in this snapping turtles mouth.........




or this eel's mouth........

I would like a different fortune cookie please. I seem to have opened someone elses.

I've never been one to believe in or even read for that matter things like horoscopes. I do love to open fortune cookies and after reading them add a few more words to them making them thus quite funny but even fortune cookies....I read them for fun and as for what ever is written on that piece of paper after chuckling for a minute I toss it and think no more of it as I consume the cookie.

A little over a week ago I received these in the mail. I found it quite puzzling. Why would the Similac and Enfamil companies be sending me coupons for baby formula? Odd......I thought it was funny and set them aside so I could show them to my Sexy Man and we could share a little laugh.





The next day in the mail I received these! Free formula! "Nourish the dream you have with a free sample of Enfamil LiPil" and "A gift of Inspiration for Strong Moms". What in tarnation kind of a message is that?? I'm not laughing anymore.....this isn't very fuuuunyyyyyy.





Boy was I ever glad when my sweet, darling, and isn't she disgustingly cute?????? niece who is delightfully preggo stopped by and I could bestow these "gifts" onto her.

I am curious though.....what these companies are trying to tell me. I'm not superstitious but just in case.......I'm going to go and knock on wood real quick and am I ever glad I got rid of the evidence......you know.........just in case........cuz I NEVER looked this cute preggo!

The Good and the Bad

One of the things that I have enjoyed doing while being queen, pres., her majesty, etc. of the couch is reading other people's blogs. They are fun, inspiring, and a good way to pass the time.

There are two in particular that I have followed and although they have been uplifting and amazing as many readers comment and say, the authors are so incredible as they are so positive, they never seem to get down etc. but........

After awhile at least for me I started to wonder what was wrong with me that through my trials I couldn't be so perfect and positive all of the time. That is why after much deliberation I wrote what I did yesterday. I've had others make the same comment about me and I thought, "hold on.....if only you knew!!"

I believe it would and can be said of these other authors....if only we all knew. Everyone has their moments and so I chose to share mine. No secrets here. Just keeping it real. :D

Most days I can say, "I can" and "it could always be worse". There are those days how ever when you let hormones or what ever get to you.

So, no worries my friends. The comments and e-mails I have received because of my post yesterday have been so wonderful and I am grateful. Everyone needs to be reminded every once in awhile that they are needed. That they count and are loved.

We're all human after all.........

The Rubow team!

For some reason in my mind I had it figured that when spring and summer came, with the warm weather I'd get better. That was how it was going to be so when I had this last bit of a set back in February it really hit me hard (hence the feeling so down last week) because I realized that I will be spending yet another summer on the couch watching my yard, flower beds, and gardens sink further into the garden of weedin's. The long horse back rides I used to take, the miles I'd run, the camping......

Through all of this I've said that I've known that I may be like this for the rest of my life and, "Come What May, and Love It", but under it all I was sure I was going to get better. This past set back made me realize that no, I just may very well be like this for the rest of my life here on earth and as I was boxing up my sewing machine and the sewing project I had been trying so hard to finish but wasn't able to......it was just more of my life being boxed up and put away. I told my SM that I felt like all I was was a cheap babysitter until he could get home from work and take over.

A few days ago my SM called me from work and asked me if I was free this weekend, could he take me out on a date. I told him I'd have to look at my calendar because being president of the couch potato society is really quite time consuming. Amazingly I had an open slot. Last night he took me out to dinner and then to the play, "Polly". Absolutely wonderful and amazing.

In one part Polly talks about the things that she's made with her hands, how they do not last and are moth eaten and turn to dust over time but that the one thing she gives which is lasting, is love. During the intermission I turned to my SM and asked him perhaps maybe is it better that I am here with he and the kids than not? I can give love if nothing else.

He was shocked that I would even think such a thing ,the family being better off without me (I wasn't being suicidal or thinking of leaving, just feeling like dead weight and a burden) and told me that we were a team and he and the kids would be devastated if I weren't with them. I told him we were NOT a team anymore. I wasn't doing anything. He had to take care not only me, now but the kids and everything I used to do.

Intermission ended and so did the conversation until later. My SM explained to me that every day I do the best I can. I do everything I can possibly do for our family right? Even if all it is is smile and greet them cheerfully at the door when they get home that was the best I could do for that day. I told him that yes, I did try to do everything that I could. He said that so did he. Every day he did the best he could. We both did the best that we could for our family and that made us a team.

So, with God as our coach, the gospel as our game plan, the scriptures as our strategy, eternal marriage as the winning trophy........go Rubow Team!

I've been playing "borred" games and losing miserably.

I've been dealing with the West Nile Virus now for 2 1/2 years. I was watching my baby play this game the other day and thought that who ever came up with this game years and years ago must have been recovering from some serious illness or how else would he know?





How else would someone know that the road to recovery looks like this? The road to any recovery for that matter.





So, I started here on square number one. I'm the red piece. Red is my favorite color although I really like the colors of this game. Yellow. So bright and happy.





I've certainly had my ups and downs along the way but have felt that I've been steadily climbing with little "chutes" along the way. At the end of January I thought I was at about number 79 ready to turn a corner in fact, I thought I had turned that corner and was going to climb that little ladder and





end up here! Finale. The GRAND Finale! The winner! The problem is......I've no control over where the arrow points when I spin the spinner and so instead of landing on number 80 I ended up on number 87.





The dreaded big chute that takes you all the way down.





And for the entire month of February I've been sliding down that chute and what a mess when I kerplunked onto number 24. It was a hard fall and I cried and threw a temper tantrum this past week which is why I had to go on a blogcation. It's pathetic enough watching a two year old throw a temper tantrum.......someone who is my age..... pathetic doesn't even describe.





So, I'm back to climbing again and who knows? Maybe I'll land on 28 and just keep on climbing back up to 84 and




end up here after all!

Blogcation

Gonna take a blogcation. You all mind your "p's and q's" until I get back. Have a great week!

Confession about Valentine's Day.

I've another confession to make and I'm sorry to have to dump it on you today of all days but here it is: I hate Valentine's Day. There. I said it.

I used to like it when I was in grade school and I'd go through my little Valentine's from all of my classmates reading more into each little card from all of the boys I liked. As a parent of little boys I realize now that there was nothing to "read into". With little boys....if they didn't have their mother over their shoulder helping them sign the little cards, they'd give Incredible Hulk to the girls and Disney Princess to the boys. They don't care! They just want to fill the dumb things out, sign their names to them, and be done with them. Who cares about gender and the message on the front.......there's a message?

Junior High hit and high school and that is when you could buy balloons or flowers for friends (those would be white or yellow) or boyfriend/girlfriends (those would be red). Of course.....the more red you had well GOSH, you were soooo popular! Year after year I'd come home empty handed as it seemed like everyone else including the "ugly kids" or "nerds" had fists full of flowers and balloons. Every year as class would be interrupted all day long with the delivering of flowers and balloons and hope oh I'd hope.......but no....and I felt like everyone was smugly looking at me and my blatantly empty hands.

Now that I am married you'd think I'd get over the whole Valentine's thing and love it because no longer am I without flowers, balloons, chocolate, sticky kisses....but....I still hate it. I hate taking my kids to the store to buy stupid cards that little girls are going to read and wonder what my sons meant by the message on the front......these same little girls have no idea that when my boys get home, they take one look at their cards and if there isn't any candy they throw it in the trash without looking at who it is from or the message printed on the front. If it does have candy, they still do not read or care about the message or who it is from. They rip the candy off the card and toss the card. They're guys........it's all about food.

I don't know.......maybe I'm missing the point but when my TEN YEAR OLD son comes home from school feeling bad because he was told by, "lots of people in his class" that when he threw away a certain little girls Valentine he'd "broken her heart".........I'm reminded as to why I hate Valentine's Day.

On the other hand......as I was spouting off to my SM yesterday about my grudge against the day and "Oh by the way, your Valentine's is going to be lousy this year because I've not felt well enough to do anything great" my SM pulled me into his lap and with arms around me said, "I don't need anything for Valentine's. Every day with you is Valentine's Day".

Maybe Valentine's Day isn't so bad after all.......

Waiting for the final bomb......

Two days ago war was declared. That was it! I was done changing my babies diapers.

My opponent carried on such a war cry as never I've heard or seen. For several hours the war cry sounded, sometimes reaching such decibels that I was afraid "neighboring" countries might come and after witnessing my opponent join his party!

As the day continued I tried all strategy but.......I'd underestimated enemy number 1. My opponent would fake me out making me think that a rain of fire was coming. I'd prepare and when I'd think it was over......that's when the floods came down all around me.

This went on all day until we declared a cease fire until the next day. We both needed our rest.

Yesterday went well. I could tell the opponent was getting tired. Enemy number 1 was being captured and flushed out every time except once. My opponent did get the better of me once.

Today, the battle has taken a new turn but I'm ready. I've done my ground work, I know there is more yet to come. I've seen evidence. Enemy number 2. My opponent has yet, to drop the bomb......butt I know it's coming......

If I'd only had this product I might have won the war!

This native and I have been in a fierce battle since yesterday. So far, it would appear that neither side is winning BUTT.........





If I'd had this product I am SURE I'd have won the war long ago because according to this video review (watch em, they're funny) having mommy standing next to you when you wee in the potty, jumping up and down, clapping her hands, and shoving candy down your throat when you make it isn't good enough!

How in the world did mother's ever potty train before products like these.......

It's a smelly job.

The dating years are fast approaching in this here house hold and I am armed and ready.




You hear country songs where they talk about dad's cleaning their guns when their daughter's dates come to pick them up.




Well, I've found something even more powerful to keep the girls at bay.





"Son, you just keep on buildin' up that thar mountain cuz you're gonna be king of it for ooooooh, a good nuther 10 years....."

The Piano Recital! A Tribute to Mike Carson.

Last night the natives had their yearly piano recital. (I have to do that apology thing.....bad lighting......point and shoot camera.......not the best photo's or video....okay, done apologizing.)

They did so well and we were so pleased. Pictured above with the natives is their piano teacher, Mike Carson and let me tell you what! He totally rocks as you'll see/hear when you listen to the performances. The progress these kids have made, how well they play, is all credited to this fine man and the talent we are blessed to partake of. Believe you me, not a day goes by as my kids are practicing that I do not realize and appreciate this blessing in our lives and I pray I never take it for granted.



I couldn't resist adding this photo with my baby girl's feet. She's kind of awkward....kind of like her mamma.





Also one of the many performing that night was my baby girl's best friend who lives across the street and, "we're twins mamma!"




Not first up in the program but first up in our family was my baby girl. I don't know how my kids do it. I'd be scared silly but if they are.......they sure do not show it!





If this were me........See that plant there in the back behind the piano? I'd be hiding behind it seeing if it needed to be watered.......





Next up was this native. He was actually excited to perform.........what is wrong with these children? Does stage fright ever enter their minds?




Hello? Shaky? Knees knocking? That plant still looks like it needs watering....




Well, if the plant needed watering this native was NOT the one that was going to do it.



Calm.......serene......relaxed........asleep? "How DOES he do it?"






By literally bringing the house down after this last number. The kid is a natural....and he nailed it. I think everyone in the audience was holding his/her breath through this entire song and when he nailed it....everyone let out a whoosh of air and a cheer and leaped in their seats...

and then we all remembered where we were and sat down quietly and smoothed our dresses and slacks and got ready for the next performer.




Which was this native on the left. The one who wouldn't let me take a picture until finally his younger brother grabbed him and we bribed him. Okay, we didn't actually bribe him but I was getting pretty darn close.







Sorry for the three video's........I had camera issues.......and I wasn't happy about it. But, once again.....another performer who amazes me.





And last of the performer's in our family but not least by any means............





Is this boy who is fast becoming a man but don't tell him I said that. He already thinks he's all that since he's passed both me (snort--not hard) and his daddy up in height. That's okay.....I've ways of keeping him humble. We'll talk more on that tomorrow.






Proud mamma I is/am/are/will continue to be as we see what this year brings in the natives continued progress with THEE most fabulous piano teacher. I realize I'm gushing here but he truly is amazing and I want the world to know how blessed we are to have him. Thanks Mike for another great year and for sharing your gift with our kids. You truly are amazing.

Sabatage, cheat, what ever you have to do to be number 1.

Last week not only did I fall off of the wagon, the dang thing ran me over. It was very difficult because as you know from past posts.......I'm REALLY competitive and I have this Number 1 position that I am trying to keep on said sophisticated bathroom scale project.

All week I have plopped here on the couch in agony knowing that my SM was downstairs trying to beat me out of my Number 1 position. There was only one thing to do......and I did it honestly....I'd never cheat. I've my reputation to uphold here on the home front....turkey farm......gremlin ranch....

You see, my SM gets embarrassed when I tease him while he's trying to steal my home plate. Here's case in point: While setting up his "character" on the Wii, he knew I'd tease him if he chose the female trainer so he chose the male. The same bobble head spandex wearin' pony tail yoga Nazi that I did.

So, I was sitting up stairs minding my own business on the couch reading as I listened to the bobble heads commentaries. Anyone that has done the Wii knows that you have to concentrate. It takes deep concentration to keep your balance and keep the little ball in the yellow circle. Break that concentration......and the natives say stupid things like, "gee mom, I see you like to color....." as the red ball is flying all over the screen. Laughing and keeping the red ball in the yellow circle...can't do it.

Back to minding my own business listening to the commentaries and I hear...."you have great balance".......Time to act and pull out my Ace of cards: (In a syrupy drippy mimicking voice) Me: "you have great balance".

SM starts to color.

Bobble head: "You have great posture"
Me: (Syrupy voice) "You have great posture"

SM starts to color more erratically.

Bobble head: "You have great hips"
Me: (Syrupy voice giggling and oozing) "You have great hips"

SM falls off glorified bathroom scale and huge burst of breath escapes after failed attempt at holding his breath trying not to laugh and busts out laughing.

Me.....I continue to schlep on the couch....minding my own business.....until I hear....bobble head's voice replaced with female bobble head voice........I love making that man blush. Can't wait for round two!

Oh, and that photo? Think you can pick out which one is my SM? I'll give you a hint. He's the only one in the entire photo with arms.......and I get to be wrapped up in those baby's every night with my head on those broad shoulders.....

Answer to Wednesday's question.

Interesting responses to what you all thought was going on in this photo. You see, by the looks on their angelic faces you would think love, peace, and harmony were abounding but what you do not know is that my baby girl was caught in a conniving act and the look on her face is the "busted I'm guilty so I'm gonna try to charm my way out of this one" look.

The rule in our house during the school year is, no game cube, Wii, t.v., movies, etc. until Friday and even then......not until all chores and home work is done by everyone. What this means is come Friday after school the natives are running around frantically getting after each other to, "hurry and get your chores done cuz I wanna play the Wii." It works....at least in our house.

That is it works until mom catches little miss delegator pawning her chores off on the baby and is happily teaching/telling him he needs to do her dusting and this is how it's done!

So, last Friday my house got dusted and it looks great! If you're two feet tall......and don't look any higher........

Next up....how to sabotage your husband while he is trying to beat your scores on the Wii so you can still hold 1st place position when you're too sick to compete.

Question?

When you see this photo......what do you see? What do you think is going on? Just curious......Friday morning I'll post the answer but in the meantime......I'd love to hear what you all think.

Till Friday.........

More enlightening poetry.......

There was a little girl, who had a little curl,





In the middle of her forehead.




And when she was good, she was very very good.




And when she was bad...............

Come to MAMMA!

This is what happens when you have a house full of teenage boys.




They all stand behind you with mouths hanging open, drooling, and frothing at the mouth while I stand guard wielding a sticky, sugar, encrusted knife making moans and groans of delight with each mouth watering bite.

Back off! I'm the alfa mare in this herd........you can lick the pan when I'm done.