Meme from Dedee

The talented writer, quilt maker, deep thinker Dedee tagged me for a meme. I am more than happy to oblige her, because I am a fan.
1--What color most describes you and why? Are you blue? Green? If green, are you forest or hot or pear? Or are you a brownish-orange color? Or are you the vibrant red/purple that can only be found in a sunset? There are lots of colors in this world, pick one or two. Or does it depend on the mood?
If you were to look in my closet right now you would think that my favorite colors are turquoise and brown. But, at this very moment my favorite color is Glittersmama's walls. Please tell me what brand and color of paint that is.
2--What smell most reminds you of your childhood home and why?
The first thought that came to my head was lilac. We had a lilac bush below our bedroom window. I loved the smell when it bloomed in the spring.
3--What is your favorite article of clothing and why?
I just bought a leopard print blouse. I love it because not everyone can pull of leopard without looking like a street walker or a retiree.
4--If you could meet a President of the United States of America, living or dead, which one would it be and why?
I would like to meet John F. in the hopes that he would bring Jackie.
Side note: My favorite Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis quotes.
"I always wanted to be some kind of writer or newspaper reporter. But after college... I did other things."
"I think the best thing I can do is to be a distraction. A husband lives and breathes his work all day long. If he comes home to more table thumping, how can the poor man ever relax?"
"I want minimum information given with maximum politeness."
5--If I were to visit you and want you to take me to the place in your town/city that you love most, aside from you house, where would it be and why do you love it?
What? You wouldn't want to just sit around my house and watch me blog?! That's weird. Okay, whatever. Well, Fruita is a great little town. I would take you to see Fruita's most famous non-human citizen Grrrreta the Dinosaur. Then we would go to the Hot Tomato Cafe for a stromboli made by my friend Jen. Then I would take you to get your picture taken with the Mike the Headless Chicken statue, because you have to have your picture taken with Mike. A trip to Fruita wouldn't be complete without a tour of the Colorado National Monument. Then we would end the day with a visit to the snow cone stand. Tigers Blood is my favorite flavor.

"You're jedi mind tricks will not work on me."

I thought that my mind was too strong to let the marketing machine with it's constant deluge of messages of commercialism and consumerism effect what I buy.

That is until I saw the Reece's Peanut Butter Cup commercial with New Order playing in the background.

My mind immediately combined the taste of the sweet chocolate and the creamy peanut butter with the memory of being a boy crazy and talktative fourteen year old girl at a church dance showing the world, every other Saturday night, that my sister and I were the best dancers on the gymnasium floor. We did some of our best moves to Bizzare Love Triangle.

"Must...have...a...Reece's...Peanut...Butter...cup."

"She's a genius."

My Mini Me is a skinny mini. In my bathroom this morning, I tried to safety pin her skirt so it fit better in the waist. As I worked to secure the pin I accidently poked Mini Me in the arm. I quickly apologized and checked for blood.
She said, "Mom, why can't they give those things a name that tells the truth about them? It shouldn't be called a safety pin."
"What would you call it, Mini Me?"
"I would call it a pokey pin, not a safety pin."

Brillant.

Charm Thursday & Bigsistah vs Lisa Rinna

Clickety here to see my latest and greatest, never seen before article for the Daily Sentinel.

My Bigsistah, also known as the resident wardrobe consultant, Fashionista, asked me to post her celebrity look a-like photo. She just got her hair cut like Lisa Rena. What do you think?

Proof that I am a mean mom.

I took my kids to I.H.O.P this morning for breakfast, instead of Denny's like they wanted. When I asked what the difference was they replied, "The food comes faster at Denny's." As if!

We went to the lake yesterday, but they didn't get to swim because there was lightening nearby. I promised I would take them to the pool today to make up for it. They didn't remember the promise and I didn't remind them. They played video games most of the day.

When one of my sons almost puked from picking up dog poop in the yard, I yelled out the window, "Just hold your breath! If you don't breath in, the smell won't make you gag."

I had four squares of chocolate. I ate them all and didn't share with them. When they came in the room and asked what I was eating I said, "Vitamins."

Memory Monday

I have 19 minutes to write this until it was actually Tuesday.

I bet it wouldn't surprise you to know that I was a hyper child. It took three years and three distinct events to bring me down a few notches. Anyone who knew me back then would have a hard time believing that I am a calm, cool, and collected adult now. (Ahem)
When I was 12, I spent a week camping with girls from my church. At the end of the week I was given the "Voices Carry" Award. This "honor" came to me because everyone was always telling me to shut up as in the lyrics to the song "Voices Carry" by the band 'Til Tuesday. You remember the one, "... he said shut up, he said shut up... oh won't you please keep it down... voices carry..." You would think I would have taken the hint, but no.
The next summer when I was 13, I annoyed my older brother to the point that he turned me upside down and banged my head on the floor. This incident sent me to the emergency room for a mild concussion. Again, you would think that I would start to evaluate my behavior, but no.
Finally, the summer of my fourteenth year, on our way home from a mid-week activity at church, I finally received the comeuppance that changed my life. My sister, Carronin was driving my friend and I home. When we came to a stoplight, my friend and I got out of the car and did a Chinese Fire Drill. Carronin threatened to leave us if we got out, but we were not to be deterred. She did as promised and drove off through the intersection. I ran after her without stopping, looking, and listening. I was hit by a car coming the other way. As I was flying through the air I thought to myself, "This is just a bad dream and I am going to wake up at anytime." My sister, my friend, and the other driver quickly came to my aid and an ambulance was called. I don't know if I tried to get up, but I laid there on the ground until it got there. Miraculously, I had no broken bones or serious injuries, just really bad road rash. I feel sorry for the driver, I literally came out of nowhere. There was no way to avoid what happened. I believe his insurance paid for the whole thing. My accident happened just before I started high school. Word got around school about what had happened to me, some people even said that it was Carronin who hit me with the car. I thought that it was pretty cool that I was just a lowly freshmen, but people were talking about me.
That near death experience mellowed me out a lot. Instead of being hyperactive and talkative middle schooler, I went on to be a boy crazy and talkative high schooler. Which was worse? I do not know.
Doh! Too late, it's already Tuesday.

Hand knitted with love.

I want you all to know what an amazing friend I have.
Tama is one of my few IRLF's (in real life friends) hence, I blog. She serves with me in the church. She is one of those people you can always count on. I couldn't do it without her. Tama is also a very honest person. She is truthful with others and true to herself. She has no need for pretense. I admire this about her so much. She is gorgeous, I mean really gorgeous, and super talented in so many different areas. I just love her so much.
Yesterday, Tama stopped by house with a gift. It's not my birthday, just because. She hand knitted me a pair of socks. My description cannot do them justice, but they are obviously well executed and so soft! Tama included a letter with the note (I hope she doesn't mind that I share it) about what hand knitted gift represents.
Annie,
I wanted you to know how special a hand knitted gift is so I am including this note.
A hand knitted item is more than a bunch of loops strung together. For every stitch there is an event, a memory, a thought, a musing, or a moment of my life.
As I made this pair of socks I sat and watched (her daughter's name) get her first salon hair color. I thought about how beautiful she is and is becoming, how good she is--loving, fun, helpful, and how much I love her.
I worked on your socks as I sat and read your blog and comments and thought about how clever, funny, intelligent, and fun you are and how fortunate I am to know you.
I worked on them as I rode in the car visiting with my husband about everything from the everyday to our dreams and plans for the future.
I finished your socks on the way to Wyoming, as I looked out the window and marveled at the beauty of the earth and how our Father in Heaven must truly love us for giving us so much variety in our surroundings.
I watched as each geologic layer shifted and changed to reveal the next and how the earth must have looked as each layer was deposited.
These socks are the record of this time in my life. Wear them and fill them with memories of your own.
Always,
Tama
That I will do! I couldn't do anything as nice for her as she did for me, so I thought I would just share my good fortune with all of you. I loved her letter and how it made these beautiful socks mean even more to me.
Thank you, Tama. I am honored to have you in my life.

Celebrity Look-alike Pictures

I wanted to put one of those Mr. Linkie boxes on this post. I paid him ten bucks, but I still can't figure out how to get it on here. Ugh! Humpf! Dagnabit!
So consider yourselves all "tagged" to do one of your own Celebrity Look-alike pictures (disguises optional for those of you who are camera shy) and then leave me a comment so we can all come have a look.

Trying to Get my Blogging Mojo back.

It's amazing how hard it is for me to get back into the swing of things. I have blogged almost daily for over a year. I take a few days off and I feel like I am going in slow-mo. Any advice?

I have a Little Writer in my brain that is always telling me what to post next. (Think Ratatouille, but instead of a rat let's picture a cute little pixie with a medium point, black ink pen.) My Little Writer needs to be informed that I am back in the saddle, er... uh, my office chair and I am ready for a little inspiration. So until she gets off her lazy little tutu and tells me what to write,

I will write you about Good Mail! Thank you Allison, Dedee, Awesome Mom, Polly, and Kate for the gorgeous Good Mail I have received lately. If you have sent me something and I have forgotten to mention you, please forgive me, the top of my desk is a disaster right now. Your little cards and goodies give me something to smile about after walking to the mailbox in 100 degree weather. Whew!

Someone is getting this and this!

Hintity hint. One is in Washington and the other is in Texas. Similar packages are also going out to Arizona and Mississippi! Yeah for Good Mail Girls!

If you want to be a part of the Good Mail Movement e-mail Tori, Melissa, or RibbonRockstar to join their ever growing address lists!

*** Clickety Here to wish my dad, Big Rich, a very Happy Birthday!***

My Boyfriend's Back!

Secret Agent Man is home after an extended absence. I am going to ignore my blogging duties for a few more days.
Feel like wasting a few minutes of your life? Here is video to tide you over until I get back.

The Original

The Gilmore Girls Version

Bad Retro Nia Peeples Version

John and Marlena Day's Version

Pirates of the Caribbean Version

Clay Aiken Fan Video Version. (I am not responsible for your loss of appetite after watching this one. I'm just sayin')

And to clear the palette, watch The Spazzy's sing,"Paco Doesn't Love Me."

Talk is cheap

Boy 2: Mom can we ride our bikes.

Me: No, I've been really busy today and I just want to relax. I don't want to come outside and watch you. (In 100 degree weather)

Boy 2: (whining) Come on, Mom!

Boy 1 : Lay off. Mom has done a lot for us today. (Atta boy!)

Boy 2: Okay. (Defeated)

Me: Thank you, Boy 1, for sticking up for me. (Proud Mother)

Mini Me: Do we get anything for sticking up for you? (Always negotiating)

Me: How about my undying love?

Mini Me: No. I mean something that shows us you love us. (Too smart for her own good)

"Like, fer sure!" * Good Mail Report * Product Endorsement *

I've been nominated for "Head Cheerleader," over at An Island Life for Kailani's Bloggy Hoss Elections.

First response, "I didn't know b.'s husband had a blog."

Actually I was never a cheerleader, I was a pom pon girl, but...whatever... right?!

I am nominated with the Behemoth of Giveaways, 5 Minutes for Mom, (no linkie for you, sister, you don't need it). So, you do the math, because I can't! "Rah-Rah-Rah-Sis-Boom-Bah!"

Thanks to whichever one of you dollies nominated me. As a gift to you, I will do your hair for Homecoming. I know. That is what makes me so nice.

Good Mail Report: Thank you Carrot (Cute message on the box), PJ (I've carried the lip balm in my front pocket ever since), Mom2Princess (My carpet appreciates the invisible Kool-Aid), JeanKnee (Love Jean Knee and her polka dots!), & Chel (Mike & Ikes eaten before pictured.)

Product Endorsement: I've already written too much and my brain is getting tired. Try Hershey's Whole Bean Chocolate for chocolate enjoyment with a little less guilt. Too good to share with the kids.

I am having hard time getting my pictures to do what I want them to do. Maybe I need to invite some of those pimply-faced future billionaires from Technology Club to come over and help me. Darn it, that means I will have to record TRL.

Green is the new black!

If green really is the new black, then I am stylish and environmentally conscious. Look at the purse I bought today at JCP*nny for $5.97!

Don't read my blog today. Go see More Cowbell! She has a message for you from Father Al.

Anniethology Lifestyle Tips, Bath Towel Edition

As an avid consumer of goods, Iam always looking out for the best quality at the best price. Even when it comes to bath towels. I have consumer tested, for a year and a half, bath towels from Bed Bath and Beyond and Walmart. My finding is that the Walmart towels have maintained their color, shape, and dry-ability just as well as the towels I paid more for at Bed Bath and Beyond.
The gray towels are mine. They are from BB&B.
I paid $10.00 per bath towel. They are the Sensation brand.
The brown, blue, and yellow towels are the kids. I bought them at Walmart. I paid $6.00 per bath towel. They are the Home Trends brand.
I have owned both sets for a year and a half. I am still happy with the quality and durability. I will concede that the BB&B towels are an inch wider, but as far as quality goes, in this case the Walmart towel meets the BB&B towel for quality and beats it in price.

Sunday Confessional

What is it about Sunday's that make me want to bear my soul? I have something I am ready to confess. It's a burden I have born for awhile now. It's not anything I struggle with anymore. It's an addiction I have already dealt with and have successfully replaced with blogging. I have to tell someone. I know this isn't a little booth, with a screen and a mild mannered man of the cloth dozing on the other side, but this forum will have to do.

Before I discovered blogging I wasted my time on the computer with Neopets and Zuma.

I own/owned four Neopets, complete with Pet-pets and Pet-pet-pets. I have a Neohome and over 1 million Neopoints. Do have any idea how many wasted hours 1 million Neopoints represents. I would probably have a lot more too if I hadn't wasted so much of it on the "Luck Games." That is just a nicer name for Neopet gambling.

Zuma was my other obsession. I made it all the way to space. You didn't know there was a Space Level? After you go as far as you can go and you think you have finally won the game, a space ship comes and picks you up and take to up the stars to play a free flowing weightless game that is near impossible to beat. I have never done it.

Yep, that's it. There you have it. I think blogging is a major step up from those days. Now that you know, I feel like a weight has been lifted. I am going light 17 candles and recite 50 Hail Mary's.

Now it's your turn. What is your Sunday Confessional? Don't worry, I won't judge.

Good Mail and What is Wrong with Me?

My mailbox was really happy this week! Thank you Isaura, Melissa, and Amanda (I ate the Junior Mints and popcorn before I could take a picture of it.)

What is wrong with me? I have no follow-through lately. I can spot treat, wash, dry, and fold the laundry but I can't manage to put it away! I wish I could swap household favors with someone else. I will vacuum. I will clean toilets. I will mop floors. I just need someone to come over and put my laundry away!

Charming Thursday

Clickety to read my latest article for The Daily Sentinel. It's new. It's fresh.

It's a never been seen before!

Sylvan Lake: Bring your own tutor!

I just got back from a quick overnight camping trip. When I heard that we were going to Sylvan Lake, I was all excited. I thought,

"Great we get to eat smores and the kids will get a little help in math!"

Wrong! No tutors, just bears and mosquitos. We had a great time. We slept in Yurts. The kids thought they really fun. I felt like a squaw.

I've got blog envy!

I envy Rug's Bug slide show on her header.

I envy Carrot's clever one liners.

I envy NCS's mad photo editing skills.

I envy Millie's funny blog description.

I envy Elastic's ability to produce laughs and comments for posts about empty shampoo bottles.

I envy Hairy Shoe Fairies cute template.

I envy Isaura's five star playlist.

Don't see your name here? Don't worry I am sure I will get around to envying you too.

The Week in Good Mail & A Question

I would like to thank Compulsive Writer, Hairy Shoe Fairy, Nikko and Catherine (visit Catherine's Happy Tags blog. They are so cute!) for the Good Mail I received this week. You ladies are fantastic!

I want to know, what is the best compliment you have ever received?

Concerned in Colorado

Dear Anyone Willing to Answer,

Recently I have seen that a couple of my fellow blog buddies, Nanette and Eve, have petitioned the blogosphere for advice on parenting. They had valid concerns and plenty of opinions and solutions were offered. I too have recently found myself in need of some advice on child-rearing.

Here is my story: I have 8 year old twin boys whom I lovingly refer to as Boy 1 and Boy2. They are the best of friends. They spend all day together. At night during the school year we have a rule that everyone sleeps in their own bed. For the most part, this has been followed, but every once in a while I will wake up to find that Boy 2 has crawled into Boy 1's bed. When I ask him why, he replies that he is scared. Now that it is summer time, I haven't stuck to the rule of everyone in their own beds. We are all staying up later and falling asleep wherever there is a free pillow.

Last night, I insisted that everyone give each other their space and sleep in their own beds. Boy 2 had an ever loving fit! He cried and wailed and gnashed his teeth and begged for me to let him sleep with his brother. I held firm and told him that his fit was not going to change my mind and it just shows me that he really needs a good nights sleep in his own bed. Boy 2 ended up crying himself to sleep.

My question: Am I being too hard on him? Is there an age where kids should not share beds? What happens if I let this go unchecked? Have you ever heard of twin boys who have grown into adulthood and still want to sleep with their brother? What do you do with your kids?

Signed,Concerned in Colorado

What does your office chair say about your blogging habits?

Little cutie Lauren has a design blog. On her blog she linked to HomeVisions.com. I followed the link and found some really great things, like their French Country items, but what really got me thinking was their office chairs. They are all so different, in style and comfort. It made me wonder what our office chair's say about us and our blogging habits.

Is your office chair country and cute, but only comfortable enough to comment on two or three blogs a sitting? An office chair like this might inspire posts about recipes, gardening, and thrift store shopping.

Is your office chair retro-cool and functional with a little light padding to visit everyone on your bloglines in one sitting? Does it's funkiness inspire clever posts? The blogger in this chair might manifest posts about obscure independent movie reviews and computer drafting.

I imagine Elizabeth W. blogging in this chair. Her fingers pressed together, her hands held to her chin, slowly rocking back and forth as she analyzes each bloggers posts. The padded armrests are in the way as she types a comment on my blog, "Annie, tell me about how you felt when you were dumped by your boyfriend because he didn't like your Judy Tenuta impression."

This is my actual office chair. No arm rests to allow for easy typing. Wide comfortable seat. Perfect for a quick check-in of my favorite blogs or for an all day laundry-avoiding blogging session. Pass the popcorn and Junior Mints.

Bring in the Professional Summer 2007

Don't forget the cover up!

As a favor to me, my sister Lori, a wardrobe consultant, has agreed to write a quarterly advice column for my blogs. Here is her advice for Summer.

Super Summer Fashion Tips 2007

Here’s the list of fashion basics to help you outfit yourself easily and with style this summer season.
Well-fitted tees in the summer’s current colors (chocolate, aqua, apricot, and garnet, light pink, white and black). Don’t spend a lot of money on these, because they tend to wear out quickly. Tees are a clothing item that you wear close to the body and tend to acquire perspiration stains.
White layering cami. Buy it on-line at http://www.downeastbasics.com/. For you Hot Fruita Moms, the kiosk is in your local mall. Lucky Girls!
Long brown necklace made of larger wooden or resin beads. Trust me, wear this with everything and you will look great.
Knee length shorts. A big thanks goes out to the retailers who are selling these. Finally, a woman can be modest and stylish at the same time. Remember, fit is imperative to carry this look. Please, not too tight and not too loose. A stacked heel makes the whole look kicky and fresh. Try it!
White jeans. This is Annie’s number one fashion basic this summer. Need I say more?
Skirts! Long or short, circle or A-line. Wear them and enjoy them! This season I added two long gauzy skirts in brown and black to my wardrobe.
Ankle tie espadrilles. They are so cheap and fun! I bought a black and a brown pair at the Gap outlet for $9.99 each!
To top it all off, my summer basic is a white denim jacket. Find one that is tapered to fit a woman’s body and ends right at the hip. I wear mine with the gauzy skirts on a cool night and feel feminine and pulled together.
Last summer fashion tip: When purchasing your swimwear, buy the matching cover-up, sandals and tote. Nothing is sadder than an old t-shirt and baggy shorts over your latest Victoria Secret Miracle Bra Tankini. Having the whole ensemble will make you feel better even if your stylist got carried away with the bikini wax. Ouch!

Enjoy the sunshine!

Your Loving Fashionista

Lori Wynne lives in the Boston, Massachusetts area with her husband and two sons. She works as a wardrobe consultant for clients all over New England. She specializes in closet organization, personal shopping and wardrobe consultation. Her clientele include, business executives, authors, small business owners, and housewives.

Good Mail Housekeeping

Update: Thanks everyone! We have now reached our mark of 50 members! Woohoo! I will now be closing the Good Mail Girls blog to new members. Don't be sad! Thoughtfulness begets thoughtfulness. Start your very own Good Mail list.


I can't believe that we have been going for only two months. There has been so much giving and receiving already. I have really enjoyed getting to know all of you through the mail. I have loved and appreciated everything I have received. I have really enjoyed visiting all of your blogs and seeing what you have sent each other. I think we have achieved the mission of Good Mail, to keep thoughtfulness alive through the mail!

Thoughtfulness begets thoughtfulness and for that reason we have grown really fast over the last two months. I have decided to close the blog to new members at 50 members. If you have any family members or friends who are interested in joining, encourage them to do it soon. Also, there is no end to thoughtfulness and I don't own the corner on Good Mail. I think it is great to see ladies branch out and start their own Good Mail groups too.

Thank you all again. I can't even tell you how happy I am to open my mailbox and find a little something for me. It always makes my day. You ladies are the best.

Happy Blogging and Happy Good Mail!

Happy Father's Day!

Fast forward to 3:12. I love you daddy.

Guess who's spoiled!

It has been said that I have a tractor beam. I have a way of just looking at a man and gettting him to do my bidding. Today, I have hit the lowest of the lows. Just when I thought that there was nothing my Secret Agent Man wouldn't do for me. Just when I thought that I was the most important woman in his life and he couldn't resist me, Penny happened! That darned Penny the Hamster. We went out shopping this morning. I wanted a water misting system to help keep the back patio cool. Penny wanted another new house. Guess who won?

George anyone? Yes, please!

The hair is washed. The legs are shaved. I have a date with George Secret Agent Man tonight! We are going to see Oceans 13 tonight. I haven't heard much about it in the way of reviews, but I don't care if it is two hours of George and goofy sidekick, Pitt, reading the phonebook. I ♥ G.C. BIG TIME! Some say he should run for president in 08. Well, to be honest, I don't care for his politics, but I would be willing to vote for him, just to see what happens. CNN will turn into "All Clooney, all the time!" Makes me feel like a woman just thinking about it!

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Show the girls some love!

SoDak Angel has a new blog, clickety here.

So does my cousin, mom2princess, clickety here.

Jeannie has written her premier blog post! Clickety here.

Charmed I'm sure...

Clickety here to see

my latest article at

gjsentinel.com

for my local paper,

The Daily Sentinel.

Update: The linkie on the papers website isn't working. Sorry. I e-mailed the web editor and told him. Hope they fix it soon.

Updated Update: All fixed! Todd P. is the best! Go and have a read. Show me the love by clicking on the link. Come on don't be greedy. Think of all I have done for you;)

"Just wash it already!"

DAY 5

My response to Amanda's question (and it's a good one, indeed), "Why not just wash your hair?" became so long I decided to turn it into a post!

Why not wash the hair? My long hair can be time consuming to maintain. It requires more shampoo/conditioner. Harder to brush. Longer to dry. I don't do the straight look. I either hot roller or use the spiral curling iron on it everyday, hence the now famous hair fabulousness.

I very rarely put it in a pony and call it good. I feel like my face shape doesn't lend to the slicked back look of a pony. A fuller head of hair I think flatters my form;)

Fortunately, I don't have a a scalp that produces a lot of oil, unlike Secret Agent Man. Sheez! You should see his pillow. We never get confused on whose pillow is whose because his always has the light tinge of yellow.

I guess it does become a contest of sorts to see how long I can still make it look good and smell good without washing it.

My normal hair routinee is washing it every other day. On a clean hair day it gets hot rolled, on the dirty hair day it gets spiraled. The latter of which has become my signature look. Every once in awhile life will get busy and I will only have time for a quick sponge bath and I will have to skip the usual rigamaroll. (<---That's right, I just typed rigamaroll). Sometimes I will get Carronin involved in my little contest. If I remember right, she usually beats me because she does look good in a pony and that can buy her a couple extra days.

Today I used a trick I learned at Girls Camp, one of the more valuable things I learned. You sprinkle baby powder on your hair and then brush it out. This helps with the oil and the smell. You can't smell me, but I guarantee you my hair smells like a babies bottom. A freshly bathed and powdered babies bottom.

Mail and More

Goodness Gracious Good Mail!

My mailbox has been really happy lately. I have been a little behind in posting what I have recieved. If you sent me something and you don't see it here, don't be mad and dump me. I love you all! Thank you Lianne, Catherine, Aubrey, Kelly, Heffalump, Elizabeth W, Jeannie (she has a new blog, show her some love), Amber, and Christi!

It's never too late to be added to the Good Mail Girls Address blog. It is a private blog, so only those participating will see your information. Just e-mail me your snail mail and your birthday and it won't be long until your mailbox is as happy as mine! Thanks Girls!

Mini Me has a dentist appt. today, so guess what I will be doing while waiting? Yep! You guessed it. I will be writing cards for Good Mail!

A Cautionary Tale

Per your request I am going to dole out a little fashion advice today. I am going to caution you on buying the babydoll style tops, like this one shown from T♥rget! I bought a top very similar to this last week. I saw it and thought, "It looks light and breezy, it looks like it can go with a lot of my things...it looks like I'm pregnant!"

This is a very hard style to pull off. It can be cute and flattering if you get the right cut. Please, oh please, try them on before you buy. This is the second time this season I have just pulled my size off the rack and bought it. Once I got it home and put it on, it looked like maternity wear.

The ravages of war and day camp.

I spent the day at Cub Scout Day Camp. I am feeling sun burnt and shell shocked. Let's just say, I was out numbered. Our pack made the appropriate arrangements to provide one Walking Leader per five boys. I don't think all the packs in the city got the same memo. I had 17 boys in my group, only six of which were accompanied by an adult. I don't know who these parents of the other 11 boys are! Who would just drop their boys off all day and not make sure there was proper supervision?!

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The term "Walking Leader" in itself is a misnomer. I was misled to believe that I would just be walking the boys from one station to another and there would be other well-meaning volunteers manning the stations in the various activities. Volunteers who were

prepared and animated and knowledgeable.

What crap! Nobody told me this would happen. I came up with the skit. I taught the boys the proper badminton serving technique. I shared my lunch with a boy whose mother (I used the term loosely) didn't pack him one. I kept 12 boys out of the line of fire while 5 shot BB guns and I shook 6 bags of "homemade ice cream" when their little hands got too tired!

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I did learn something very valuable though. My boys are not nearly as obnoxious as most boys. They are not nearly as disrespectful and they are five times better groomed!

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I don't think we will do this next year. We paid $70.00 to have our twins participate and the only things they got excited about was the BB gun shooting and the archery! Next year, I will just take my two boys out to the desert for target practice. I can get a bow and arrow set at the Walmart for $14.88. Let's do the math. That is a savings of $55.12!

An afternoon in the desert with my two sons, minus 300 other people's sons? Priceless.

Thanks for joining me!

Thanks for joining me at "Anniethology". I know it is hard to get used to new things, but I promise the change will be good. Hot Fruita Moms will go on, but I will writing it with my local Fruita audience in mind. "Anniethology" will be for those nearest and dearest to my heart ♥ and if you are here, that means you!