tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49811247144026011692024-03-05T03:42:28.975-03:00Got Kids, Need Valium.Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01399399396605315193noreply@blogger.comBlogger280125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981124714402601169.post-9837008965962312142010-03-04T10:24:00.004-03:002010-03-04T11:47:50.103-03:00Natural Disaster.For my followers and to the people who randomly check in on me... thank you! I appreciate you for being so loyal. It means a lot to me that you stop by, and that you take time from your day to read my blog.<br /><br />The following is my account of the events that happened on Saturday February 27, 2010.<br /><br /><br />I told my husband that (Friday) night that I thought we should have tuna sandwiches. I made a big bowl of potatoe salad the night before and I really didn't want it to go to waste. In my heart I knew that it would. He laughed it off, and said that we would eat it tomorrow. And then told me, "It's not going to go to waste. " Ha.<br /><br />We have made a habit of taking the kids to pizza hut on some Friday nights. It's a short walk and we have enjoyed having a taste of the states pretty close by. Everything was as it should be. We laughed, had a good time. And we made fun of the Chileans for running out of straws. The service was how it always is. Slow. But the pizza was delicious. We didn't leave a single scrap .<br /><br />We walked the short distance back to our high rise apartment building. Resumed our normal nightly routines, and got the kids into bed. There wasn't anything that was out of place. And by that, I am not referring to my cleaning. In fact, everything was pretty calm.<br /><br />Maybe a little too calm. Who would know that in a few short hours, our lives would be so incredibly shaken that we would be questioning if we would live or die. In my thirty-err **cough**cough** years, I have never thought that I was about to die. Not once.<br /><br />Sleep is always a beautiful thing. I treasure it actually. It's one of my favorite things. Since having two kids, I realize how much I used to take it for granted. I may have been dreaming. I certainly don't recall it at this point. I just know that I was most definitely sleeping.<br /><br />Around 3:43 in the A.M. our queen sized bed complete with two grown adults began to slide back and forth on the hard wood floor. Unlike an alarm that you expect to snap you out of your sleep, being shaken so vigorously is an unnatural way to awaken. We looked at each other as we took only a a few moments to realize what was happening. Earthquake.<br /><br />{Now at this point having been in the country for approximately 20 months, we have experienced some quakes. Those have been like hiccups in comparison to what was currently at hand.}<br /><br />My husband said only this, "GET THE KIDS!" I didn't speak, I only ran. To Eddie's room. A blissful, young, innocent and unaware sleeping child lay there. I still don't think I spoke. I snatched that kid out of his bed and into my arms. I heard my husband scream from the other room with intense panic in his voice. "WHERE IS ALEXA!!??!!??!!??" I yelled back, "OUR ROOM!" We both ran back to our bedroom, and she still lay there in the bed. Asleep. He grabbed her up and we went and stood in the door frame of the closet. I cannot even put into simple words how violent the movement was. There were noises. Glass was shattering and falling. It didn't sound close. Maybe from a nearby building. Things were falling. The worst most spooky feeling was the back and forth swaying of our building. This earthquake lasted too long. The shaking went on. Eddie clung to me like a little kangaroo hanging on to his mommy. He didn't say a word. But the fear in his eyes was clear. My heart broke into a million pieces in that moment. I couldn't comfort him. I just felt this alertness that made me very quiet. It was a survival instinct.<br /><br />I was thinking that my husband was standing close by, with our daughter in his arms. If the building started to fall, there was nothing that I could do. I was helpless. I was so small. The earth was so much larger. And this earthquake, at this moment was supreme. It was having it's moment. And all others beware. The shaking, swaying went on. In these moments I thought we were all going to be dead. Or worse, I would live with some of them missing. Those thoughts were the worst thoughts that I have ever had to live through. My heart hurt to even think them.<br /><br />It was difficult to stand up. I propped my arms against the frame of the closet door. The sound that went along with this earthquake was (to me) like giant boulders rolling around in a metal pan. It was a very intense and deep rumbling. And you may have heard this before, people say that living through something like this is just like the movies. The movies do get it right, but they are unable to convey the feeling. The belief that you are about to die.<br /><br />Once the shaking stopped, we scurried in the apartment looking for our flashlights. We were standing in total darkness. My estimate was that this quake lasted at least 90 seconds. I still don't know what the official word is. It felt like it went on forever. When we found our flashlights, we ran to the kids rooms and through our drawers looking for clothes to put on. We dressed with lightning speed. We grabbed a liter of water, my husband's briefcase, cell phone, and our passports. We headed for the staircase.<br /><br />Ed carried Eddie, and I slung 34 lb Alexa up into my arms. We trucked down those stairs at a quick pace. I thought of the people in the twin towers having to run down 10 times the number that we had to. I felt the survival instint that didn't allow me to think about much more. I was fleeing from the building that had caused me so much terror. The building in my mind was a deathtrap. It was where the scariest event of my life had taken place. There is no feeling that feels worse. Nothing could compare.<br /><br />We exited to the street and were greeted by other terrified faces. People in their pajamas, with blankets, cell phones and scared faces. Their hair was messsy, they looked pale. Shaken. Literally and figuratively. We sat on the ground for a moment to gain composure.<br /><br />Ed went to grab the car from underneath the building. It was a short walk from where we stood on the sidewalk. We got in and drove to an open space at the park. We sat there for the next 3.5 hours. During this time, we experienced the strongest of the aftershocks (so far to date) at 6.9. It was so much different being in a car, on the ground, than being 13 stories up. It was strong, but still, felt so much better.<br /><br />We slept. On and off. We watched the lights in buildings flicker. Most stayed off, in total blackness. There were many aftershocks during this time. After this short sleep, and wait for daylight, we went back to the apartment. We gathered some clothing for all of us and left once again. We drove the US Embassy.<br /><br />I cannot even begin to tell you the incredible feeling of relief that came over me, just when we drove into that parking lot. It felt safe. We arrived there around 10 A.M. (or so) and were able to use the phones to call our families. Unbeknownst to me, my mother in law had heard news of the quake before I was able to inform my parents. They were worried, scared and panicked for hours before I was able to call. But when I did, I know that they were thankful.<br /><br />It has been 5 days since the incredible 8.8 earthquake. Thank you God for our lives. The epicenter was 200 miles from Santiago. I know in my heart that things would and could have been much different if the epicenter was closer to us. We have felt (at my last count) over 140 aftershocks. My equilibrium has me feeling like I am constantly moving. I'm anxious. And each and every time it happens, I feel nervous, like it is going to get worse.<br /><br />I can tell you that living through this has given me immense perspective. Those things I once thought valuable or important, meant nothing. And everything that I owned became trash in a moments time. I am alive today. And I am thankful. I will never take one single day for granted. It is a gift. We all need to treasure the time that we have here on earth, with one another. With our families. Everything else is just fluff. We, as beings are important.<br /><br />Again, I thank God for our lives. For I would not be here otherwise.<br /><br />My life right now has changed. I've been back to our apartment twice. Both times I have felt scared. And I certainly did not feel safe. We took pictures of the damage. I believe it is pretty minimal when you compare it to the people closest to the epicenter. I cannot live there again. I am happy though. We have news. My husband has a new assignment and we are leaving Chile.<br /><br />We are coming home to the United States. Nothing pleases me more. Again. Thanks to God and to the many people out there who have prayed for us, for my family. I appreciate it. More than mere words can express.<br /><br />My kind friends on facebook have given me love and support with their words. Something that I needed in these days since the quake. I don't know what I would have done if faced with silence. It has meant the world to me. I don't know if they will ever truly know what it means to me.<br /><br />Thank you all!Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01399399396605315193noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981124714402601169.post-43964590112217820502009-11-12T18:51:00.006-03:002009-11-12T19:18:00.285-03:0010 Truths about today.1. I woke up this morning with this sinking feeling, that I did something wrong last night. I wanted to stay in bed and not get out. Except that the little people were making noise. So goes my duty. Perhaps it was a dream?<br /><br />2. I haven't brushed my hair all day. I took a shower, yes. But then I put my hair in a pony tail, and it's been that way since.<br /><br />3. I was inspired by my friend's facebook status to make pancakes. I haven't made them in a while. And man, they were good.<br /><br />4. The kids asked for hard boiled eggs today for lunch. And avocados. And prunes. They ate it.<br /><br />5. I've washed 3 loads of laundry, hung them out to dry. (for my new readers, that's the way we do it here in Chile.) And folded two loads that were dry and waiting on me. (Read: hanging since yesterday) Swept the hallways, kitchen, laundry area, master bedroom and bath. Mopped the kitchen and my bathroom. Changed the sheets on the bed. And sat down.<br /><br />6. I washed the dishes 3 times today. Cooked dinner. Realized that the package of ground beef I took out, was too small for meatloaf. We had spaghetti instead.<br /><br />7. Eddie complimented me profusely on the taste. He promptly gobbled every bit down. Usually it's a struggle to get Mr. Bird eater to eat all of his food. Alexa is the better eater of the two. She was hard pressed to finish. Go figure.<br /><br />8. I'm leaving for the states on Monday night. I haven't packed a thing.<br /><br />9. I still have another load of laundry yet to do. Rugs.<br /><br />10. Oh, and I cleaned the honey off from the footboard of my bed. Don't ask.Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01399399396605315193noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981124714402601169.post-28313143090520241342009-11-09T09:42:00.008-03:002009-11-09T10:41:10.807-03:007 days.On Monday November 16, myself and the two kiddos will be flying. Yeeeeeeeeeees! It's true. And actually this trip was pretty much a bonus. As it turns out, dh has some kind of a class to attend for a while and didn't want us to stay alone here in Chile. So take a guess where we are going!?<br /><br />Did ya guess? Did ya? Did ya?? Oh well, that was an easy one. Yes, we are going home to Tucson. Well, you know what they say... home is where the heart is.<br /><br />Oh looky there.......<br /><br /><em>Helloooooo baby................. momma misses you! Yes she does. Mommy is going to get in you and drive you and love you and put the windows down, and turn on the music and we are going to go to the mall. And after that, we are just going to go and it doesn't matter where we end up. I love you Chevy babyyyyyyyy.</em> Er. Um. Excuse me. I just really miss driving.<br /><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufZUeg3Tv3V52h7aBrjByyaNrhOVax1ojwTVkuIWQAPG2iUcIstNEW5YvityDoeaOxC1lW0W9WhAcEZQXoYUwgbJXn4CD0My3onn6S541xRsFfplIz4ZF9-KwUWojgLcRB1v-JpeG1VxB/s1600-h/DSC_1691.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402084825991341554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufZUeg3Tv3V52h7aBrjByyaNrhOVax1ojwTVkuIWQAPG2iUcIstNEW5YvityDoeaOxC1lW0W9WhAcEZQXoYUwgbJXn4CD0My3onn6S541xRsFfplIz4ZF9-KwUWojgLcRB1v-JpeG1VxB/s400/DSC_1691.JPG" /></a> </p><br /><p>And did anyone check the calendar?? Because I know that I did. Why looky loo there.... it's time for Thanksgiving. Yes. It's time to be thankful for all the wonderful blessings in our lives. And I am greatly blessed. I have an amazing family. I do. Even though we <em>all </em>do not see eye to eye on everything, we are still family. And I love every one of them. I am overjoyed that I have the ability to be able to come back and spend another holiday with them. More importantly, my children and I are healthy. So yes, I have many many things to be thankful for. </p><p>Oh hey! In looking at the calendar, did you also notice that I'm arriving just in time for November 20? Can we say holy <strike>hotness</strike> jail bait! Wow! I can't wait to see this movie.<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegWHsB7B87nIYsQwa-U6xCzg6UixGWt1nMECw7uT4ZEMDPphrPwZsdOM1jmBnxwzSuwr2UUqSdZkHcpUPczImV9B-v8bX32In6YrLH8N4Fw-dE6LXdRlGSj848uCDlgadeet2u2E_Ri1A/s1600-h/shirtless-taylor-lautner-jacob-black-new-moon-poster.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402091274858078146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegWHsB7B87nIYsQwa-U6xCzg6UixGWt1nMECw7uT4ZEMDPphrPwZsdOM1jmBnxwzSuwr2UUqSdZkHcpUPczImV9B-v8bX32In6YrLH8N4Fw-dE6LXdRlGSj848uCDlgadeet2u2E_Ri1A/s400/shirtless-taylor-lautner-jacob-black-new-moon-poster.jpg" /></a><br /><br />It's my favorite time of the year. Really. And not just because they are releasing a movie with a bunch of hot guys in it. I swear. I love Turkey day. I can't wait to get my hands on some shopping too. I've been cut off over here. Mainly because the prices here are way higher than in the states. But also, because there is no Target. So it's just not the same. <p><br /></p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYn8gVpx17uGrKLsEY-D8OZ-mXZDSRahKcG6JCOUTlZIoY2qyhJfjllssAMBWlUZAga7ClyhbZsE5qYGtIPWrZEG5P468AICQejkblP2DvfR0HfTlKFHfcdpbaXa0TDVCS7Yfu-MUPwB3/s1600-h/target-shopping.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 255px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 254px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402093220372364754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYn8gVpx17uGrKLsEY-D8OZ-mXZDSRahKcG6JCOUTlZIoY2qyhJfjllssAMBWlUZAga7ClyhbZsE5qYGtIPWrZEG5P468AICQejkblP2DvfR0HfTlKFHfcdpbaXa0TDVCS7Yfu-MUPwB3/s400/target-shopping.jpg" /></a><br />Yes. That's how I roll. I'm going to put on my red heels, red embellished sweater top, and puffy red skirt, and I'm hitting the big red dot. Or no. I may just wear jeans. But still, Target is on the agenda.</p><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAUG90pUmgfLTbkU3kyxYCwwsmoUpGgcbTDUwEfA_wqXknAwSBbQhnWt3-SKtZyvA0RaT0rBfLtAcoE7pMn-ymL24baNPG__rfQlqCzoCuqsDIVxEmrKarjE2LGldwhpDAPhM7gi4DY9I/s1600-h/shopping-oldnavy.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 325px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 218px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402093873488052130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAUG90pUmgfLTbkU3kyxYCwwsmoUpGgcbTDUwEfA_wqXknAwSBbQhnWt3-SKtZyvA0RaT0rBfLtAcoE7pMn-ymL24baNPG__rfQlqCzoCuqsDIVxEmrKarjE2LGldwhpDAPhM7gi4DY9I/s400/shopping-oldnavy.jpg" /></a> </p><br /><p>And then after that, I will be going here. Because I love this store too. Why? I just do. So that should be good enough for you. It's good enough for me. And my kids like the weird mannequin people that they have on display. Let's hope they still have them when we go back.</p>I won't even talk about the food. Let's just not.<br /><p>So that's all I've got for now. I'm going to go pack some stuff. And <strike>drool</strike> look at the New Moon posters. Anyone with me on this? Will you be seeing it?<br /></p><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tA8D0KVfXIOOZfN_FFcDagBs5-O9C5FHsQteqDxctr3qsOtxkMo_86kZy3PpeomprlbIssuxCOqC0WtRgRARMgBARAGefr1KPfAIesBsv9OBUBikgWwlmFFYM3CbPkWyq7DxZXdgW0BP/s1600-h/new-moon-teaser.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402097420681923666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tA8D0KVfXIOOZfN_FFcDagBs5-O9C5FHsQteqDxctr3qsOtxkMo_86kZy3PpeomprlbIssuxCOqC0WtRgRARMgBARAGefr1KPfAIesBsv9OBUBikgWwlmFFYM3CbPkWyq7DxZXdgW0BP/s400/new-moon-teaser.jpg" /></a>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01399399396605315193noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981124714402601169.post-23039663031103774592009-11-07T16:11:00.002-03:002009-11-07T16:30:15.017-03:00So. Just a few questions for today.Why is it that children can and usually do nap when they are in a daycare or preschool setting? And then when they are at home with you, they absolutely refuse. <br /><br />What is it about letting kids help you bake, that gets them so excited? <br /><br />How come kids like to wake up earlier on weekends than they do on week days?<br /><br />Is screaming mommy as scary as screaming daddy? <br /><br />Is an ipod/iphone as insanely addictive to an adult, as say... xbox/wii/PS is to a kid? Wait a minute. I already know the answer to that question. Maybe my question should be this... how do we stop it? <br /><br />And for the record, we do not own a wii, xbox, or a playstation. I'm just sayin'.<br /><br />And finally, why isn't there any chocolate in this house?? <br /><br />Disastrous. Must go shopping.Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01399399396605315193noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981124714402601169.post-49966392936258704902009-10-06T11:10:00.004-04:002009-10-14T22:32:45.664-03:00Ever flown with kids?Before I delve into my posted topic of choice, I just wanted to say that I missed you. I missed my blog, and my readers. And I have really missed writing. I can't say the frequency with which I may be posting again, but I can say that I am here, for now. <br /><br />So, flying, yeah. Traveling is one thing, but flying with children is an entirely different thing. I'm not talking about hopping on a plane from Ft. Lauderdale to Tampa, as that hardly qualifies as actual flight time. But I'm talking good solid air time of 4 hours or more. Switching planes? Yeah, those are good times. More than two planes? Ah, the fun never ends!<br /><br />How would you enjoy flying with 2 small children, without the help of a spouse, friend or anyone traveling with you. Doesn't sound too appealing? No? Aww... come on! It's not so bad. <br /><br />First of all, you want to make sure that you travel with underwear in your purse. (that is, if you are a woman. Otherwise, carry them in a backpack, dad.) They will come in handy. And it matters not that your child is potty trained. You will still need them. Accidents happen, especially when you aren't prepared, or are traveling without underwear on your person for the little people. <br /><br />You will need to have an arsenal of doo-dads to entertain the kids. Markers, writing pads, crayons, play-doh, stickers, gum, gummy bears, crackers, and thumb-tacks. Whatever keeps them happy, and focused on not screaming, or kicking the man or woman in the seat directly in front of theirs. (I was totally kidding about the thumb-tacks.) Really. <br /><br />I also like to take along a goody bag of snacks for the plane. Most flights don't offer food, and kids inevitably want to eat. You can purchase a cheese tray on the plane for $4.00 (and they only take credit cards) but little Susy and Michael would surely fight over the one piece of cheese that comes on the said cheese tray. (weird.) But oh well. So I bring my own munchies. If the kids haven't eaten everything entirely in the time that they have been sitting and waiting to board the plane, once you get into the air, they will surely be begging for something. <br /><br />And if you are thinking or wondering why I would allow them to eat their "plane snacks" before actually being on the plane, then maybe you haven't yet flown with children. Maybe I used them to entice the children off of the furniture that they were leaping off of. Perhaps I used the snacks to keep their mouths otherwise engaged instead of screaming about each and every plane that they saw. I also might have been trying to get through the first of 3 legs of flight and 22 hours until our final destination. So a mom's gotta do what a mom's gotta do. <br /><br />Oh yeah, and I also recommend that if you have a long flight, or even two or more flights, that your little plane snack goody bag, be big and fat. So that when your kids are behaving like maniacs before even setting foot onto the first plane, it won't really matter if they dig into the bag. <br /><br />Oh and carry a big purse (or backpack) and make sure it's one you don't mind getting dirty. Now is not the time to bust out your Louis Vuitton, or your brand new Coach. When you jam it under the seat, you will feel bad after the kids start jumping on it, kicking it, or if you spill something on it. So go with something that you wouldn't mind if it took a beating. OK, so snacks and entertainment items are covered. Good. Don't forget the headphones. On longer flights, they do tend to play movies, and the kids can have fun listening to the music or watching the show. If you have a portable dvd player, all the better. Also make sure that your headphones are either childproof, or are ridiculously cheap, so that when your son takes them apart piece by piece, it won't really matter. It only cost you $2 bucks to begin with. <br /><br />Once the plane is in the air, this is the time that your children will tell you that they both need to use the restroom. So as a rule of thumb, make them go before you board the plane. Now, having said that, and even after I made mine both go, they both still said that they needed to use the restroom. Fun times. Now on one of our last flights, I did have an incident with a flight attendant yelling in my face that I could not take both my children into the bathroom. I won't go into that here. In fact, I did earn a bottle of red wine out of that ordeal from first class, and apologies from the rest of the flight crew. <br /><br />I have since trained my small kids, that they will be left alone, and not to be scared. They have to buck up, and deal. Whatever that means. But they get it. And they didn't get kidnapped on the plane and taken underneath like that one Jodie Foster movie. (weird) They were both OK. Since I didn't mention it before, anti-bacterial wipes come in handy at this point. Airplane bathrooms are gross, germ infested flying porta potties of doom. Use the wipes for everything and get out as quickly as possible. Sanitize your hands once you reach your seats with your germy stuff that you carry in your purse/backpack. <br /><br />So, things are progressing smoothly, and you realize that you are only 40 minutes into your 2 hour and 10 minute flight. Lovely. But time does pass, and you ensure your son that you won't fall out of the sky. Because you are optimistic and do believe it's true. <br /><br />You manage one leg. Arrive safely at the next airport. But not before praying and thanking God for your safe arrival. You must, and I repeat must look around you for ALL of your belongings. As you know, your children don't care about throwing things on the floor. They do it at home, so why should a plane be any different? It's not. check for the books, markers, earphones, your wallet, credit cards, and cell phone. While you were with one of the kids in the bathroom, it is a very good time to snoop through mom's purse (or dad's backpack). Because after all, all the cool stuff is in there. You might be surprised to find something under the seat that you never took out. Trust me on this. <br /><br />After deboarding the plane with your little ones, and their little drag along suitcases and cutesy teddy bears attached, you will need to find your next flight. Find the bathrooms, and then agree on food. And you never want to stray too far from what your children normally eat, as this could affect their delicate digestive systems, and thus cause you to need those underwear I told you about earlier. I'm just sayin'.<br /><br />Now, if you can make it through one flight, I'm sure you can get through the rest of them. It gets easier, I promise. I've done this now many times. And I think I'm becoming a pro. You suck it up. You go with it. Kids are not the best little travelers. They have accidents, they drag little bags, and they walk slower than everyone else. They get tired and cranky and they want to whine. They do whine. Other people look at you like you are the devil because your kids are kicking their seat. They shoot you nasty looks in the terminal too because your kids had just been sitting still for nearly 3 hours. But you let them act a little wild, because after all, they didn't throw up on anyone and they didn't scream their bloody heads off. They made it, and they didn't hurt themselves or anyone else. So you can count it a success. <br /><br />By the time you make it to your 3rd flight, you feel like crap. You are eyeing down the bar with such a strong intense eye, that the bartender starts to pour you a double. And you aren't even inside the doorway, you are just out of reach. The people that give you dirty looks, now become frightened because the look on your face is actually way scarier than theirs. Your children are now climbing the zoo display in Miami international, and the security guard, who thought of approaching you, felt a little intimidated, and turned the other cheek. <br /><br />You are able to clear a path to the bathroom quickly with a single growl. Children in towe, and swifter than you imagine possible, you are able to strip down a potty trained child, and redress in a moment. Like I said, accidents happen. You praise yourself for being prepared. You scoff, to yourself, how you liked those underwear, as you trash them. (sigh) <br /><br />For all that you've been through, you still haven't had the most fun yet. Your two previous flights of the day were only a warm up for traveling overseas. Luckily, we weren't headed to Paris. Had we been, I think I would have definitely hit the bar. <br /><br />Now comes the fun of an overnight flight. Sleeping on a plane with children is very uncomfortable. Long. And well, uncomfortable. That's the best I can say about it. They play a movie in flight. Though the kids won't remain awake for it, it's there if you want to watch. Of course you will need new headphones. If you remember correctly, your son (or daughter) had dismantled the last pair. Or maybe left them under the seat on the last plane. But still. If you can manage to sleep a little on this plane, you are golden. And if your children can sleep, all the better. <br /><br />What you don't want to hear, as we did on our first flight over, is "code blue, code blue". If you are unfamiliar, a code blue is pretty universal for cardiac arrest. Flight attendants went running, they called for a physician, and I'm thinking, great, emergency landing. But alas, the physician had determined it was not in fact an actual code blue. Had it been one, I'm certain, we would have made that landing. <br /><br />Anyway, by the time the sun rises, you are ready to <strike>die</strike> eat. And thankfully, two bonuses on this flight are dinner and breakfast. Though small enough not to qualify, you are thankful that there is anything at all to scarf down. Your kids may have had the best overnight flight to date, and may be louder than entirely necessary for anyone on board at that early of an hour, but again, you stopped caring about 9 and 1/2 hours ago. Not to mention, that as you boarded, the friendly pilot came on the loud speaker to announce that a slight volcanic eruption in SW Colombia has caused them to change your route due to the heavy ash in the air, and has thus added 40 minutes to your flight time. Lovely. <br /><br />So children, loud? Perky? Happy? Thrilled to have jugo de naranja?? (orange juice) No biggie. And the only ones who really need to adjust, are the single people who have no children, and are annoyed. So at this point, you are again, thrilled to have made it this far. Thrilled to have been tossed a croissant. And grateful that you finally landed at your destination. After praying through the descent and landing, you can breathe a sigh of relief. <br /><br />Can't wait to do it all again. Bring it baby, I'm getting good at this. Maybe next time I will have the wine on board.Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01399399396605315193noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981124714402601169.post-21180113712345276692009-07-15T01:16:00.003-04:002009-07-15T02:19:19.527-04:00When Mommy Bloggers meet.Just recently, I had the good fortune to score a meet up with one super talented writer and mommy blogger. I was actually a little bit nervous. Ya know? Like here I am, with my drug induced blog, maybe she wouldn't like me. Or maybe she would have one of those phone calls that people get in the middle of a blind date to save them from some horrible fate of spending countless minutes alone with a boring person. She'd get that phone call and then dash off, leaving me alone with my bottle of wine and Valium. Or maybe she was scared that I might try to offer her some Valium as well. Maybe she was hoping I had some? I don't know. Many thoughts ran through my mind.<br /><br />Of course when we initially talked, we had made plans to go out without our children. Upon her suggesting that, I was immediately in love with her. For, who knows, only than other mothers what it is like to try and go out WITH your children and have a coherent conversation with anybody? It's just about impossible.<br /><br />So the night came, and <a href="http://www.themcmommychronicles.blogspot.com/">McMommy</a> rolls up to my hotel. The valet swings open the door and the most beautiful girl behind the wheel of the car offers me a huge smile. I jump in the car and we hug as if we've been friends our entire life. We start talking. And honestly, I don't think we ever stopped.<br /><br />If you read her blog, then you too know how awesome she is. I don't have to tell you that. There is a reason that you keep going back. Well, having met her, I can tell you that she is even more awesome in person. The likability factor just goes up. Is that a word? Well if it isn't, then it is now. And I don't even care.<br /><br />She's sweet, thoughtful and extremely considerate. The fact that she likes red wine and cheesecake has absolutely nothing to do with it. Nor the fact that I drank most of the wine. I had to. It was in both of our best interests.<br /><br />So we went to McMommy and McDaddy's favorite little restaurant. I couldn't have been happier that it was nearly storming out. We were going to go elsewhere, but we decided on this little love shack. I say that, because the atmosphere is romantic, cozy, and all that you would imagine of the perfect little Italian getaway.<br /><br />There was a bottle of wine. There was some complimentary wine. There was a cute young waiter from Brazil. (Was it Brazil?)I mentioned something about my birthday, and then a bit later, the lights dimmed. (I could barely see McMommy) and then our table was surrounded. By men. (Why weren't there any girl waiters/waitresses?) Just curious. But only men surrounded us, and they sang. Happy Birthday! To me! I couldn't even believe it. It's not like I went out of my way to tell everyone. And it really wasn't my birthday. Actually, it had passed roughly two weeks ago. Or so. But who's counting?<br /><br />I did bring my video camera, and was able to capture some of our evening. I chopped it up, so please forgive my editing skills. There was a lot more, but I do want you to come back and read my blog. If you see me acting like a total goof, then you might really think I am hitting the Valium.<br /><br />And yeah, I also realize there is a piece of hair in my face. It's bothering me too when I watch the video back. I also meant to say that "I have 4 children in my care and custody" not "4 children in my possession" as I know that you don't "own" children. It's the Cabernet talking. (Really really good Cabernet.)<br /><br />So, without further ado...<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/diUZK3cdph8&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/diUZK3cdph8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01399399396605315193noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981124714402601169.post-25023707065041270932009-07-12T19:44:00.003-04:002009-07-12T19:53:17.551-04:00working on my post folksI know, I know. The big dog.... A.K.A. "McMommy" from <a href="http://www.themcmommychronicles.blogspot.com/">The McMommy Chronicles </a>writes a post that included some things about me and now my little blip of a blog is being checked out. I see you guys!! <br /><br />Honest, I will work on posting my videos with McMommy soon. But I just wanted to say that my laptop hard drive has crashed. Actually it crashed when I was still in Chile, so we had to wait until we got here to get it fixed. <br /><br />I also just arrived in Tucson this afternoon. I'm a bit jet lagged and I need some rest. So I wanted to write something so you guys knew that I was still alive. And I didn't forget. <br /><br />And I don't take it lightly that I just had a hot date with a far beyond outstanding member of the blogging community. <br /><br />More details to come.Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01399399396605315193noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981124714402601169.post-19233708876926019552009-06-24T10:31:00.005-04:002009-06-24T11:02:40.258-04:00Where have I been?That is the question.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Here are the top 10 things that have kept me from blogging.<br /></div><div><p>10. The temperature. I'm cold. It's cold here. It's cold inside my apartment, we have a tiny heater. And my fingers are way too cold to type anything resembling sentences. Here is evidence. We took the kids out the other day. And yes, I realize it's June. But still, Brrr......</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350902452171419282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iPNEUD_PG-ufvKTp51MhKw3coLMdLLDv-zzBrcEFUhgg7JE3hU0sU0yCGZUrG0kPvF1WC8nPilf4AXdGYFU2uta3jkOHti2XK7kYw8HiZw8S_XIQwcSF1kQ-0yprdEM7qOpOgJV2N_Bx/s400/DSC_0799.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350902459585672082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIK_DE2V9uJUI4c7acYC68rbTf45Yonnh64ovjTafop0yS_REikbLhrNuxKt-02_aRQJ0hMQ4BzvYZxilLZUIFI5ySXQNJV031VSGrwNKqa729zuIhSifodvxtF7F9zsl5G2okaia1yMtT/s400/DSC_0790.JPG" border="0" /><br />9. I'm teaching my cat some new tricks. Like how to stay off the kitchen table, how to hide from a preschooler and a toddler and how not to sleep at the foot of the toddlers bed. It's slow going. </p><p>8. I've been reading. Unlimited Power by Anthony Robbins. Excellent book by the way. </p><p>7. I've also been listening to CDs. Not just music, but "Get the Edge" CDs by Anthony Robbins. Highly recommend. If you have never heard Anthony Robbins speak or read anything by him, I suggest you go immediately to the store and buy something. Go now. I can't wait for you. Just do it. You won't be sorry. </p><p>6. I have not been drinking cokes, or eating crappy foods. Well, except for my birthday (June 16) I did have some food that would fall into the crappy category. It was good though. </p><p>5. I've been visualizing the beach. We are getting ready to return to the United States. First up, Florida. </p><p>4. I have been coloring, painting, cutting, pasting, reading, running, and practicing writing letters with my kids. </p><p>3. I have been on Twitter. </p><p>2. I have been working on my cardiovascular health. </p><p>And the number one reason I have been unable to create a blog post:</p><p>1. Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred. She has shredded my muscles down to the very bone. I could not lift my fingers to even type the word hello. I invite you to get the shred dvd and hop to it. This chic is hard core. And I am totally not lying to you when I admit that the second day, after trying her workout, I could not walk. I could not sit. And yes, I whinced, in pain for most of the day. </p><p>But now that I am 17 days into it, I LOVE her. Anyway. I just wanted to let you know where I was. And also one more teeny tiny thing. I need a break. I've been blogging for quite some time. And right now, I just need to take a little blog vacation. So I thought I'd let you all know that too. </p><p>I'm sure you guys may have been there before. Ever? Anyone? Bueller? Well, that's where I'm at. Please feel free to follow me on Twitter. I have an account there, and I check in often. I have a link there on my sidebar to the right. Feel free to give me a shout hello. :) :) </p><p>Hope to see you all again soon. Ciao~~~</p>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01399399396605315193noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981124714402601169.post-84997901070231821702009-06-17T09:39:00.004-04:002009-06-17T10:16:01.599-04:00WW, Confession and a shelf.So, yesterday was my birthday. And I 'claimed' that I would not eat cake. I need to confess. Though I told my husband not to buy me a birthday cake, I did allow him to buy me a slice of cake. This came from the bakery down the road, it's ONE slice of black forest cake. And though it was still cake, it wasn't a WHOLE cake, which would equate to me eating a piece of it every single day until it was gone. This one is already gone, and was enjoyed very much!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348293273889004674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWDi33rx18AQEH5jJtNEKRHCDaLaIjuvUtXItYLB7snaHctsLti94iZ1JE11NihT9Q_laF16gDaZjJi1e0iQgrXMrSyjpTsW-nIZh2IHLYM9Kq6n5sDgJq0-VPml6kIFF2VcuG-jvjKb3/s400/DSC_0777.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p></p><p>And I may or may not have posted this picture here before, but I know I've talked about IKEA stores and their stuff. Well, about 31 days ago, we received some items that I ordered from them. And as I was putting together the shelf, I noticed that the very last piece was broken. I called them up, and thankfully they have an excellent customer service department. They immediately sent out the broken piece. It did take a while, as we are in another country, and the address I had it sent to was kind of a "back door" way for us to get things here. </p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348294895453448466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxR9rcP-QjpuDydGM1epHt9xJSjvOmU-SBaKuqcN942DT7sliwE4z0Yo4XY0pmb4SJBFEUz7QV5nIhOIEtmX0AX-JTvFLxvW3Okt-iwitEgHFuQ_U2sKk89jqwkU-62mIhNHsDlKpsJAh/s400/shelf.jpg" border="0" />Here is the finished product. I received the piece and was able to finish it up in about 5 minutes from the point where it was in the above picture. The kids absolutely LOVE it! And so do I! Way to go IKEA for having such good service and awesome products!</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348293280461228370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8AVZJcN1cyxPgYPTwZGSGjZqJW1CI6ph4-aOTMROJEtD4UFCICKcuV9E9XWu5wNnDr5y15mT_CDGrEJG1aHBnZqXcdm6xo4mNb2OxC_vRzg23_SZ6WRmO-nkT2eWX418dtTh4RNUUvX9d/s400/DSC_0766.JPG" border="0" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMbAZcjhh5gLU9D5SzogDW3IefrTenJVjp9zg20G4QH2yculAyBSs_yDZN49aUI4PSfDjPa_wgTvEqeQy7zWlFotMReUOAn7Yj3vTJh4T7MdDNK5A0rhZCK83wmJvQ8ElyvFjHBVCpL06/s1600-h/DSC_0750.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348293286254821762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMbAZcjhh5gLU9D5SzogDW3IefrTenJVjp9zg20G4QH2yculAyBSs_yDZN49aUI4PSfDjPa_wgTvEqeQy7zWlFotMReUOAn7Yj3vTJh4T7MdDNK5A0rhZCK83wmJvQ8ElyvFjHBVCpL06/s400/DSC_0750.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOACEefgZ32HEf9i0sZYyL5ZslgNP0A4hyphenhyphenWT-BzY3wvoAqS6WZNlBWyuheOqIUA_zdFQYwvLAR2fDX13YS61mLJd5EMTt3QV260RpznJfwbK3rQnDhWxvHbk09c1J3rIuhOh-00_7GvIc/s1600-h/DSC_0757.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348293283015099618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOACEefgZ32HEf9i0sZYyL5ZslgNP0A4hyphenhyphenWT-BzY3wvoAqS6WZNlBWyuheOqIUA_zdFQYwvLAR2fDX13YS61mLJd5EMTt3QV260RpznJfwbK3rQnDhWxvHbk09c1J3rIuhOh-00_7GvIc/s400/DSC_0757.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />For more WW posts please visit <a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/">5 Minutes for Mom</a>, <a href="http://www.angiescircus.blogspot.com/">Seven Clown Circus</a>, and the <a href="http://www.ordinaryandawesome.com/">Mostly Wordless Wednesday H.Q.</a>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01399399396605315193noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981124714402601169.post-16236578876602499752009-06-16T00:01:00.003-04:002009-06-16T09:08:46.403-04:00Happy Birthday to Me.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jWfoWUB7uBKTpGpYtPXIO-CnoerlNd5mYnWLJgdBVG1OAbDZ4ubK9jrb-VCFnD6RgoQfHF819QGtgM98U4Z9yfQqkBhrxounmTKUGxQIBopmoKWKBkU4X4nkPXkwgRPumDwllv9OAXfn/s1600-h/cake8.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347657275985905810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jWfoWUB7uBKTpGpYtPXIO-CnoerlNd5mYnWLJgdBVG1OAbDZ4ubK9jrb-VCFnD6RgoQfHF819QGtgM98U4Z9yfQqkBhrxounmTKUGxQIBopmoKWKBkU4X4nkPXkwgRPumDwllv9OAXfn/s400/cake8.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Today is June 16, it's my birthday. And I am thirty-hmphshh *cough* years old today. I will not be eating cake. I told my husband not to buy me one. So I'm posting a picture so I can enjoy it. Besides, the cakes that I could buy and eat here, are not that good. Trust me, I've tried.<br /><br />We don't have any special plans for the day. And I'm actually going to wait until I return to the US to buy myself something nice. Yes, I buy my own gifts. My dh actually did get me something too. He gave it to me already. It is a 100 pesos coin mounted in a setting, to wear on a chain. I have been asking for that for a while. So kudos to him for buying it for me! Yay!<br /><br />OK, I've got nothing else. So if you would please, join in with me while I sing to myself:<br /><br />Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me,<br />Happy Birthday dear Leslie, Happy Birthday to me~~~~~~<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapCBd2ZEFLP_dvGfpOKnUZqIHLQnK_B08hWx0oNtMM345xPuW3q-eDi7hPfBV1W9bw14zcAYolFBgGGzSbVeaStCqJAHrdgWtallfP85RG69dCkjjZRKka2TG1Zkq2_sHXNXupGytrIJQ/s1600-h/birthday.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347657275211096466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapCBd2ZEFLP_dvGfpOKnUZqIHLQnK_B08hWx0oNtMM345xPuW3q-eDi7hPfBV1W9bw14zcAYolFBgGGzSbVeaStCqJAHrdgWtallfP85RG69dCkjjZRKka2TG1Zkq2_sHXNXupGytrIJQ/s400/birthday.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz39r6XVfb3BKjpqiR9NzyyxKXMr7ssYRSSXH9iAsRBQ4po_B5-iRYiMs2RFqmsCRtVWre9EZbKNNVR9AMutCr08ttGJ4KlOfd25AFHE1-btCKWRc_y5HqyK99bUdXzvd8wOxvzYWRLQTt/s1600-h/balloons.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347657272131338818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 191px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz39r6XVfb3BKjpqiR9NzyyxKXMr7ssYRSSXH9iAsRBQ4po_B5-iRYiMs2RFqmsCRtVWre9EZbKNNVR9AMutCr08ttGJ4KlOfd25AFHE1-btCKWRc_y5HqyK99bUdXzvd8wOxvzYWRLQTt/s400/balloons.jpg" border="0" /></a>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01399399396605315193noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981124714402601169.post-86440238810050098912009-06-15T10:13:00.004-04:002009-06-15T10:44:23.115-04:00New Day.I've got nothing exciting to share. I'm down 4.5 lbs since I started working out on June 7. I guess that's pretty good. Considering it has only been 8 days. I keep expecting the numbers to be bigger. I think I've watched too many episodes of Biggest Loser. I don't think I'm going to drop weight like that. Not to mention, they are in the crazy camp of losing weight. And they do the treadmill while they sleep.<br /><br />The kids are getting excited. Why, you ask? Well I don't think I've officially announced it yet. But we are heading back to the states! I couldn't be happier.<br /><br />It's technically summer time for the US, and that means that Devon and Alyssa are out of school. So we want to get back there to visit them. Amazingly enough, my husband was able to swing the time off from work. He is only going to be staying for 2 weeks. We are all flying to Miami in July.<br /><br />I can't even tell you how much I miss Florida. We haven't been back there since when I was still pregnant with Eddie in early 2005. We are staying at The Westin, right on the beach. And I am even more thrilled that we waited to make our hotel reservations. The price has dropped! So that's a bonus.<br /><br />We are even able to rent a mini-van now to cart around all of these kids. 4 kids, plus 2 car seats won't fit too well into a small economy car. So with the price drop, it allows us to get the bigger car. I'm really looking forward to this trip.<br /><br />We are staying for 4 days to visit with my husband's family there in S. Florida, and then we will be flying on to Tucson.<br /><br />So, since I'm heading to the beach, I will be pushing hard with my workouts. Also, I just wanted to let you know, that I will not be eating cake tomorrow. (it's my birthday) I have been very good with my food choices lately, and for that I am really proud. OK, so though I will not be eating cake. I'll probably be thinking about it a lot. I love BIRTHDAY CAKE. Like, in a big way.<br /><br />Oh and since I am thinking about it, today is June 15. One year ago today, we first arrived here in Santiago. Wow! It's been a year already. I can't believe it. Also, technically we now have less than one year left to go until we can move back to the US. DH says that we can leave out of here on June 1. Trust me, I'm counting down.<br /><br />If you care to take a trip down memory lane with me, here is my first post from Chile.<br /><a href="http://eddienalexa.blogspot.com/2008/06/weve-arrived.html">We've Arrived!</a>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01399399396605315193noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981124714402601169.post-85516962301446868872009-06-12T00:01:00.000-04:002009-06-12T00:01:00.587-04:00Eviction Notice.<div align="center">(5 lb representation) </div><div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346226092425156242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 171px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 165px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjS3qIpnXAH7NkpH5jhj8vz9VRa-9Opem2udoqDAiAW5fP2YcviOkuNxUzEoVYA5rLnTu4RE3iCts86OBXa6n7pskBSrssp2-HiWs_R-iiCc3KzcZfLk717oanDNn6wgGsfF41a6m1tl9y/s400/5lbsfat.jpg" border="0" /> <div align="left">Dear Fat, </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">I am writing this letter to inform you that you are no longer welcome here in and on my body. Your soft and fluffy nature is no longer comforting. Instead, your presence is more of an annoyance. I cannot fit into most of my jeans without discomfort. I am unable to wear those cute clothes that I bought before I became pregnant.<br /><br />You made me think that you cared about me. First it was just one extra pound of you. And then you invited a friend. They in turn asked their entire family to come. And what's more, they have no intentions of leaving, ever. You crowd around my legs and midsection and mock me every single day as I try to figure out what to wear.<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346226095985230738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 181px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLFg0ZbHxeXgbIVQ0XR3txv6M4bnSGNCKUTNXsDGvmODYpihKxlSyC-0MaG2oScuVmqY76ZpgOpBdaAXvNlrpj0bkV7HYpUymKr9_favaS5QS3OXOs2mymnqCv_PxFwHM8GOjia1Qf93U/s400/adipose2.jpg" border="0" /><br />It does not soothe me to know that you have made me into one giant pillow for my children to lay on, moosh, or play with as a toy. It is not amusing. My patience has gone. I tried to be nice. I thought if I cut down on eating so many cookies, you would get the hint and just leave.<br /><br />It is obvious that you, your friends and their family have decided to stay for the long haul. Well I want you to know that I am not OK with that. You see, it's going to cost me a lot of money to replace my entire wardrobe. And frankly, I'm just not in the mood.<br /><br />I have nice clothes. And I have made a decision. I will be wearing them again. I just wanted you to know, it's time. I also want you to know what's coming. You see, I feel stronger now. I know I can take you on. You don't scare me anymore. Nor does a little hard work. I am going to defeat you. When I say these things to you, I want you to know that I am very serious.<br /><br />Cardio. Exercise. Jillian Michael's. 30 Day Shred. Be very afraid. I know cardio is your ultimate enemy. I don't feel sorry for you. You have overstayed your welcome.<br /><br />Please take this letter as formal notification of your eviction. You must vacate the body within 30 days. There will be no negotiations. I'm done with you. Please say your goodbyes. Pack your things. It's time you go. </div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01399399396605315193noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981124714402601169.post-44643006336868680592009-06-10T08:48:00.005-04:002009-06-10T10:22:58.050-04:00Wordful Wednesday, time flies.I'm not sure if I remember the year this picture was taken, so I am going to guess 2000 or 2001. It's a photo not of Alexa, but my step-daughter Alyssa. I know. I know their names are similar. And for the record I had the name Alex picked out for my daughter back in the late 80's.(For those of you who don't know me well, and wonder about it.)<br /><br />She was so little. I met her in 1999, at just 13 months old. And she had only 4 teeth.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345681797146836610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 234px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 351px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRy1A4nwjcPOAaUHrJ6y18kyT7TfJLSiGiywP83w-SSlKDLOmrMB6wVbP2i8S0aFg-PTh59FFv-9HzdJ7PT0_DRTFnMZFdp1hE8nYRavMV5AbEMMW8Gcbgy4tKkw3rWEZcbsqcU1W3vZm/s400/7-12-2008_025.JPG" border="0" /><br />I do know that these pictures were taken at my mother's house in Tampa. This one was dated 2001. Here is Devon too. I met him just 2 weeks after his 6th birthday. Seems crazy to me.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vxCOXTJrZ_fI5p8Oa-clEzu2sIuCh-Jb7IQHm_BPjikrhHe8gOmcEmNFKKorhqEFwxrUNl3yjgfM9dzpZQvoZ2bAPsqzdrHdFe9zOnF1Iw3LOfLHS02UhlBsYGjEN3kbtcU0w30EpJkm/s1600-h/MVC-024S.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345682094472421890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vxCOXTJrZ_fI5p8Oa-clEzu2sIuCh-Jb7IQHm_BPjikrhHe8gOmcEmNFKKorhqEFwxrUNl3yjgfM9dzpZQvoZ2bAPsqzdrHdFe9zOnF1Iw3LOfLHS02UhlBsYGjEN3kbtcU0w30EpJkm/s400/MVC-024S.JPG" border="0" /></a> This one was taken at Seaside (I think it was called) down in Miami.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQUqF3U1Rqm-oLUVJqrvtFwvPumg7Me5VRtK5XfyYU2LYdR6Wvt59wyjIJYbHycnCa0HLkW-y0uNtGQTOEXS2jAX7JShidRHsmJ7GEjDisGddDlOXojgqreGg9h_6LYEDTZDA6noabFBS/s1600-h/MVC-014S.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345681798901181954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQUqF3U1Rqm-oLUVJqrvtFwvPumg7Me5VRtK5XfyYU2LYdR6Wvt59wyjIJYbHycnCa0HLkW-y0uNtGQTOEXS2jAX7JShidRHsmJ7GEjDisGddDlOXojgqreGg9h_6LYEDTZDA6noabFBS/s400/MVC-014S.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>All I want to say is that time flies. This next picture was taken December 31, 2008 at my mom's house in Tucson, AZ. </div><div></div><div>Alyssa is now going to be starting the 5th grade. She turns 11 at the end of the year. Devon likes to ride dirt bikes, motor bikes, is quite enamored with the young ladies and loves talking on his cell phone. He turns 16 (*gasp*gasp*cough*choke*) at the end of this year. Wow. </div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gquNKreml_4TRy3SmPxaOXgo6jBcacc2tc3zZZ_ahxBxRPvZF8nJjWsQKiORZZFXevpTD5weJE2SITjaeFwdMTZEr6HqzziOVQddhZnOcOv4a3e6Mv7oLlluyWZjn6VYGf9CEM446H61/s1600-h/IMG_2223.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345681794143292226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gquNKreml_4TRy3SmPxaOXgo6jBcacc2tc3zZZ_ahxBxRPvZF8nJjWsQKiORZZFXevpTD5weJE2SITjaeFwdMTZEr6HqzziOVQddhZnOcOv4a3e6Mv7oLlluyWZjn6VYGf9CEM446H61/s400/IMG_2223.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />For more WW posts please stop by <a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/">5 Minutes for Mom</a>, <a href="http://angiescircus.blogspot.com/">Seven Clown Circus</a>, & <a href="http://www.ordinaryandawesome.com/">Mostly Wordless Wednesdays HQ</a>. </div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01399399396605315193noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981124714402601169.post-3038412550606799852009-06-09T15:19:00.004-04:002009-06-09T15:59:54.831-04:00My new best friend, and the bachelorette.OK, so take a look at this woman. How amazing does she look?<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345411315901080594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 383px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nsGiDRC7ZDDXYUBfUPqRccttYWTP0pOcZTkewhSDYZDRWP2B2jbCYmowqo8TKC4NzoxIaOSBRws7VKm-nRzPsaRTwT1fFPQxDEQ8tDoXfRJ4khlFkvB5skbtN9xF1mtoku7ioHzwXmr6/s400/JillianMichaels.jpg" border="0" /><br />Yeah. Well, if you don't know who this is, her name is Jillian Michaels. And she is one of the coaches on tv's hit show, The Biggest Loser. It's a pretty cool show. I've seen it. But not religiously since we are out of the country. But I have watched it in the past. This chic is one hard core coach. She has a DVD out called the 30 Day Shred. I just started it.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345411319048717650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 167px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLWOMsk4cGXeBOVrkaFj3k-ntbUkrp1cRuI11V0jyysQRFqoyAxk5UiC85VuRzMTqWW0pFUEr5yi8bvwcU5rjhrZoZbhMVa8XqMpXCh6OesHO6DXNrI6RuC2cgCCTtOTErkJpz1EDnyb3/s400/shred.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p>All I want to say is, OMG will someone please help to get me up off of the floor! She ain't lying. If you can keep your butt in gear and do this amazing yet short workout, you WILL see results! I am so sore. But I am doing it. Loving her. I highly recommend this DVD if you are thinking about working out, or are too lazy to get to the gym. (that was my excuse)</p><p>Jillian is cool. Not to be confused with another Jillian from the tv show The Bachelorette. Yes, I'm watching this one. Look at how cute she is. And petite! You could put her in your pocket! I don't know how I got sucked in, or why, as I haven't watched the bachelor version of the show in a while. But there is something likable about her, and I just want to see her end up with one of the good guys from the show. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345411319739873010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1t4aHbcEdQ0l1uZNiLvYz2zYYvKyJcj70SuN2J3VxoxgRDGBFxYOxg2hyRAiZUtPeRKPb8HmVRPHlXewaf4toOe8Ad8uIJUql2CHQt5kyE2KgT97xqoPSiGs8c2gqge66YXOH6_ecrx2/s400/jillian.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>My favorites so far are Kiptyn, Jake, and Edward. I think the foot fetish guy is a bit weird for my taste (I think it's Tanner). Also the guitar guy Wes, I think that they should both leave next. I'm not into either one of them. Though I'm glad to see Dave leave last night. He deserved it. What was his deal?<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345418139748581762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 244px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 139px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4sKyMD1RtvRZ9_3HVHrBeBa54sLmnjn0Na5WuMwfzEhrjyZq-9Trr4C9gDrdkaIaccREOa56_OpjR5yalqdbwL__xSrSl5i_uZJXrKdtJa0kxbg9bSGbIlWu-IX7VCRMOxvHc-2-wfOLc/s400/kiptyn-thumb1.jpg" border="0" /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345418141351998162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 155px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWxbFbF44yv98SG9LZdAJb-f2vtKsXDPXLDZ4TiEWoD5oN_39DMsPgLq-Yoz6I8TanqcA6DYBpQm8awKJcemVWjh4BFIuu2XappnDbMjADfnOQBf2TZru7MDfjsQXx9EdW2ilvKlKxzw7/s400/jake-bachelorette.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345418137563526594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 203px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 329px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1a_d2OSbzyjYit5t1e_PrR2XXvyMv2Vcgoqvqk1HaofGylqdH2kWQHGduZTgSpCOPi0QcR7nhcojgz1pYX0kEGdYhlDIQ6bozL-oC1Jg1kNmfnKKNsl5JQEY1fTGNaNImQERhe9gXw5w/s400/edward.jpg" border="0" /> </p>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01399399396605315193noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981124714402601169.post-57750870183849927642009-06-07T11:13:00.002-04:002009-06-07T11:18:31.904-04:00For you Chic Fil A lovers.....OK, so I totally stole this video. My lovely friend Casey over at <a href="http://jordanandcaseyclark.blogspot.com/">The Ever Changing Life of a Military Wife </a>had posted this video today. And well, if you are in the mall or live near a Chic Fil A today, oh well. Sorry you can't have any. (It's Sunday) But on Monday, feel free to grab a sandwich and some waffle fries. At least you have the option to. I can't.<br /><br />I love them, and I too can't wait to get back to the states to have some of their yummy goodness. Nom Nom.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NsJHqstPuNo&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NsJHqstPuNo&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01399399396605315193noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981124714402601169.post-30815692758386558302009-06-06T19:51:00.006-04:002009-06-06T20:22:48.724-04:00After this weekend, I will never do____ again.Last night we were invited over to a co-worker of my husband's home for dinner. That all sounds innocent enough. Well, it was. The couple was absolutely lovely, their kids were respectful and polite. One of them, even knew very good English. So we had nice conversation, good food, err.. sort of. Our wonderful hostess made Paella. For those of you who do not know what this dish is, here is a picture.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5boYT6gkTpo8mnOxmLP-71XBrdrd1FX7Qmf9Rlt28EXlUjA4vFuxVTo30Pm8YAHXfrzbNySzX3aEPV3hZ2eAx6Reum1ocVbBB4fHATXFYly_JMhB2tA5OwRMUDx2UyRy6CC2qsaFWtJB/s1600-h/paella.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344366888771374418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 265px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5boYT6gkTpo8mnOxmLP-71XBrdrd1FX7Qmf9Rlt28EXlUjA4vFuxVTo30Pm8YAHXfrzbNySzX3aEPV3hZ2eAx6Reum1ocVbBB4fHATXFYly_JMhB2tA5OwRMUDx2UyRy6CC2qsaFWtJB/s400/paella.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />It mainly consists of seafood ingredients. Clams, mussels, shrimp, sausage, and rice. It can vary a little, but those are almost always present. Sometimes more seafood can be thrown in as well. I used to like Paella. But after this weekend, I swear I will never EVER eat mussels, or clams again.<br /><br /><div align="center">Here is how I spent a large portion of my night last night. </div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344371924829768706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 340px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 221px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjLalLrSXWBASNv_M3fX5Td9Wo87avQh01sPWbP9m6o_YyHUEiaA8Ry2nuQMbiDFw3-X6tgQWKwUdwN7N87Yr6jWLD16rqIwxVFHI38ZRGyJHQNYpn8Bno6KCEz_NWFEZNC0RKaObUAlp/s400/toiletdog.jpg" border="0" /><br />Today, I am feeling better. And this actually happened to me 8 months ago. Shortly after eating mussels. But never again. I can not, will not even take a remote chance, ever again. <br /><p>I weighed myself yesterday, because I am starting Jillian Michael's 30 day shred. Well, from yesterday to today, I lost 3 lbs from this episode. And I have some broken blood vessels around my eyes. So yeah, it was a really rough ending to my night. I am forever scarred. I will never look at shell fish the same way again. Period.Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01399399396605315193noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981124714402601169.post-25785132065706253782009-06-05T11:33:00.006-04:002009-06-05T15:49:55.436-04:00Will they ever stop making messes?I just want to know. It seems to me that my kids make messes every day. Some of them are bigger than others. And if you read yesterday's post, some are certainly more costly.<br /><br />Today is no different. I only left them alone to take the clothes out back. Yes, here in Chile, we hang our clothes out on a rack outside. So anyway, I came back inside to hear laughter and squealing. I walk in to see this:<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343930477309445554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxqXfWrn2BMB7770O4S0EznGfTkcj-P_AF01n9qIPzuOmRagZWXLSdNc7F0k-hJ2g2uMSp43iNLWUIS8hSZoFfftdwZkP_SM-pY_7QV26r-hiCFvCw3lwOZ59vtA3wjD0U3LPOEB8oViI/s400/DSC_0740.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343930486164044866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3uoZe3mprFV29MdMDDrUFIJowYlWeu0NiWfHyJHSIy9Xf57vepk_tU0OdmG7udcL-YjQrG_cEReeD9EjfruOKu_TvVipnJ1NLj0bu6bU3NLxPZW8dOOz4Xwh0zHs3af12DvR28XZqn4zj/s400/DSC_0742.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343930480951359938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRqJCWbbaUw48578AIwbxah5Rcsh_M-onI09YJkJ-_ro9cdd0cWNt_9ZJ8GzLTp0VKa_yumv4Zik-04nnLPXzONX1g00sJBdexM6X0azjyKO5XN-wPRaMNb9C4G3-bCFZrPk4AfrlkszK/s400/DSC_0741.JPG" border="0" /><br />Both of the kids had chocolate milk drenched shirts and socks. You might not be able to see it clearly in the pictures, but the substance on the floor and walls, is actually the milk. Of course I took pictures. What kind of <strike>mommy</strike> blogger would I be if I didn't at least do that?<br /><br />And on an unrelated note, here is a video of some fellow bloggers, put together by Toni at <a href="http://www.juststopscreaming.com/">A Daily Dose of Toni</a>. Yours truly is also featured in this montage, and besides, I absolutely love this song. I think I always will. She wanted to put together a "faces behind the blog" type thing. I like the idea. So here is the video. Please take note of the web addresses, because the links in the video are not functional. Just a heads up there. :) Enjoy~<br /><br /><br /><object height="227" width="400"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=4901254&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1"><br /><br /><br /><br /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=4901254&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="227"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/4901254">Blog Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Linkathon</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user1700350">Toni Patton</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</p>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01399399396605315193noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981124714402601169.post-38319069807467833302009-06-04T09:15:00.004-04:002009-06-04T09:35:50.391-04:00New Challenges.Often times things in life do not go as we had planned. It is up to us how we perceive the obstacles in our paths. We can give them a much larger meaning, by getting very upset, and letting it take over a large portion of our time. We can spend a great deal of energy worrying over the event. Or we can choose to just accept the things that happen in stride and let it go.<br /><br />No matter what you do, you cannot prevent those things from happening. The only thing that is within your grasp, is how you choose to handle it. And remember that the little people are watching you. They look to us, to see how they should react when things go bad. So if I yell and scream and lose my temper. There is a good chance that they too will do the same.<br /><br />Here is our latest challenge. The wallpaper in our (rented) apartment keeps mysteriously disappearing. {When taking this photo, Alexa says to me "Mommy, it looks like a penguin!" and well yeah, I can kind of see that!}<br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343463932524030754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qMvGewfvrjVSzejWUyG70C9C62gFHOKdTF9enEZfdiBn93YYHGruJ5Sbeo-nVpZFtz9C6T2nBb1G5j5XVkUBwbg0-lhTsszlIPpZuVZs2LqeyleEH5aGwOTlLS6R2QAK-Y7o_v92og4e/s400/DSC_0729.JPG" border="0" /> </p><p align="center">Here is a spot in the living room.<br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343463937921244418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5lNmvWjfAT0RxkJ-tkROFqgHqqtUhEVp_A3y3pBXU2-jCCyLrhsHlfxmDwCyEzi_lcz5x8WqS4jjQ1LkL8FrCFEc9_QUDVT4xol1uvBqaPN9OVPaM-MJDkRuiyTicrm2Gr2FcvbbYg_8E/s400/DSC_0730.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><br />And this is in the dining room.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343463942413286898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UDDu2nQrh4bL14UAJRwlzA2ZaydW45ddx1FaXs3DxAMzfl2Hdy5vePDxyiGAAS3JCcvsLMW_9ljdP58E6OVY-ZoMdgvphS1tJ_-jFtkKhT9eOvKGbe6u8E4gXbClUeEhO0my12VT7LoH/s400/DSC_0731.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><br />Here is the culprit.<br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343463947846156978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3Mw2hG9u6_jrPDkNRSUfKfbSapBzmjpVRSjIBkUYvWPgxFTahvLCYjcyoaXotas0K93rWT7Jg8DXKjPDWiqg1sZpuubRec-MkTdvaelpAL2ge-b7Of6mykAOCdrybf44DO6-eSPPYHvq/s400/DSC_0739.JPG" border="0" /> </p><p>For more A Thousand Word Thursday posts, please head over to see Jen at <a href="http://www.themomjen.com/">Cheaper Than Therapy</a>.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.themomjen.com/2008/03/thousand-words.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Cheaper Than Therapy" src="http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b154/atandrade1/siggies/siggiesTWO/ATWT.jpg" /></a> </p>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01399399396605315193noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981124714402601169.post-33144808711607411332009-06-03T09:52:00.004-04:002009-06-03T10:44:53.270-04:00Wordful Wednesday and a tag.So last week was it? I posted my very first Wordless Wednesday post. And well, I came across this other blog, that does "Wordful Wednesday" posts. I loved that idea! How nifty is she? Her name is Angie, and her blog is Seven Clown Circus. Please stop by and take a peek.<br /><br />Also, I was tagged by my dear friend Stephanie at <a href="http://365steph.wordpress.com/">Serenity Now!</a> to participate in this meme. I was told to go to my 6th folder and pick out the 6th picture in it. Pretty random right? Well here it is, Mr. Cutie himself. Baby Eddie. I don't remember his exact age here, but I'm thinking 5 months?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OVhISsyfmUKhDSGYAqb48OVeELg9KbczRd8lT6J9Kpkj7iGejiAGcgPhyphenhyphenlSxdLopzhm3Kyk3r2IPxoQC5xWUGxed2bD4wN5AFNnv8ScBup17Qo4P-2qIH5L2OxheStTxyOhz3gjlstGk/s1600-h/IMG_1308.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343100829169698962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 275px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OVhISsyfmUKhDSGYAqb48OVeELg9KbczRd8lT6J9Kpkj7iGejiAGcgPhyphenhyphenlSxdLopzhm3Kyk3r2IPxoQC5xWUGxed2bD4wN5AFNnv8ScBup17Qo4P-2qIH5L2OxheStTxyOhz3gjlstGk/s400/IMG_1308.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />My "baby Eddie" as I used to refer to him, is now 4 years old. He was DIFFICULT to potty train. He is a Star Wars lovin', rambunctious, bird portion eating, fireball. He runs at HIGH speed nearly all day long. He has a big heart, and he gives lots of hugs. This morning he told me that he wants to be a gun-fighter and a fireman when he grows up. I'm so proud of him. He's thinking of the future. lol~<br /><br />OK, now I'm supposed to tag some people to play along. Don't feel like you have to, it's ok if you don't. And if I don't tag you and you would like to play along, feel free to tag yourself and come back here and let me know. I would love to take a look!<br /><br /><a href="http://patrice0x0x.blogspot.com/">Patrice</a><br /><a href="http://twobsandme.blogspot.com/">Alicia</a><br /><br />OK, sorry. I have to go make pancakes now. Baby Eddie is bringing me the pots. Have to run. Have a great day~<br /><br /><br />Here are the rules:<br />1) Go to your photo files<br />2) Pick the sixth folder (open)<br />3) Pick the 6th photo<br />4) Write a story about the photo<br />5) Tag six people (don’t forget to tell them that they have been tagged!)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://angiescircus.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" border="0"><img src="http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc291/eoberrys/button30.jpg" /></a>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01399399396605315193noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981124714402601169.post-41792160374416031602009-06-01T00:11:00.005-04:002009-06-01T01:15:46.433-04:00Recap. MTV Movie Awards.As a heads up to my fellow Twilight fans and friends, the New Moon trailer is out and you can watch it over and over and over again. Until November 20, that is. (or is that just me?) I did not watch it 10 times already.<br /><a href="http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=58185785">THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON trailer in HD</a><br /><object height="360" width="425"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="movie" value="http://mediaservices.myspace.com/services/media/embed.aspx/m=58185785,t=1,mt=video"><embed src="http://mediaservices.myspace.com/services/media/embed.aspx/m=58185785,t=1,mt=video" width="425" height="360" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent"></embed></object><br /><br />I would just like to say that Andy Sambert was a great host, I think he did a excellent job. I love him on Saturday Night Live too.<br /><br />If you didn't watch the show, it's worth catching it again, MTV always plays it over and over if you missed it!<br /><br />Twilight really mopped the floors with the awards. They won quite a few. I love them, and all things Twilight, so you won't hear any complaining from me. Speaking of Twilight, can anyone tell me what is up with K-stew? Anyone?<br /><br />Let's start with, what was she wearing? And why can't she smile just a little bit more? It's not as if her job is actually difficult. She gets to work with Rob Pattinson and Taylor Lautner. Come on. Really? If I got to kiss them and get paid for it, I don't think you'd be able to wipe the smile off of my face. Ever. Get out of town people, please!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342214991197513442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 232px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 365px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbxVe0laEAyYH3N-s8IcrAkg_MHd_AGBAUasKbaS5wFCdKMf1iH7WmDF0ojF2C2RYwKuAgApwm4rWy0AvtxDn8CSh0ufyfObLmzIvTFURgcGkJbaQojotm1Mu-9bvDbpJNl_LzuvGRF9U/s400/kstew.jpg" border="0" /><br />Oh yeah, and here she is accepting her award for best female something or other. I actually think she didn't hold a candle to those that she was up against. (Angelina Jolie and Kate Winslet) In my opinion, she is just not even in the same class. The funny part about this clip is that she drops her award. Kind of makes you speculate as to if she may be on something. Maybe?? What do you think?<br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/13fUjuQ3QP0&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/13fUjuQ3QP0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />And then I had to roll out laughing at the WTF award. And I think it's perfect that Amy Poehler won it. She's freaking funny as ever. For those of you, and my mom who might not know what WTF means, it's "What the F#@!" OK? Got it?<br /><br />You see, the thing about this award show, that I really enjoy is that it makes you laugh. You can't help it. And I was trying not to laugh so hard that I woke up my kids. It was really pretty funny.<br /><br />I don't know what the plan was for that Bruno guy(Sasha Baron Cohen). But it ended up where he was naked butt up in Eminem's face! OMG OMG, can Slim Shady actually go to an awards show where he is not involved in some drama? Can he? That was awesome, and so wrong, all at the same time. Eminem steamed out of there. What a riot.<br /><br />And one finaly funny, Jim Carey had a voice over of himself, and what he is thinking. It had me crying when he said he wished someone would overturn Prop #8 as he was talking about the good looking kid from Twilight (Rob Pattinson). OMG, classic.<br /><br />OK, it's late. And sooner than I know it, my kids will be up and jumping on me, begging for pancakes. Or strawberry cookies. That's all I can think of. But like I said, worth a watch.Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01399399396605315193noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981124714402601169.post-28937942774577674402009-05-29T15:23:00.005-04:002009-05-29T16:00:43.626-04:00Totally Random.First of all, I'd really like to thank those of you who stopped by my blog yesterday and read my post. The comments you left me were very sweet, and I can't tell you how much they all meant to me. To know that there are so many kind and caring people out there, it just brings a smile to my face. No matter what is going on in our lives, there is always a reason to smile. Thank you guys for that!<br /><br />Now on to my totally random post today. I just got finished eating a bag of m&m's. Well actually I made myself put them away, as it was a pretty large bag. And I felt like I could probably eat the whole thing. So I made myself do it. There was a small argument. But I won. The smart and sensible me, won. :) But man alive, were them suckers ever good.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341331855565219842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 282px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkUKV8MyzPcqw883ZFYbgY92HIa9RMfjTO7dnoAL8nba-yawlPknLNfktnxx066iHETzLl0VtokSINjwu_jqLxGJ4KBTrEb1dJ1ggPhAY_OQPlmPX9kI9lsjSG5Vp6jr5J7cK4L5q39t_/s400/mms.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />Just a little while ago, as I was trying to watch Justin Timberlake on SNL, I hopped onto a link and then I get this message. I was totally and seriously bummed. I get this "error" message a lot when trying to view video links. I can view quite a few, but there are some I can't see. Hulu is one of the sites. Huge bummer.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341331850336694402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQu0zM7dhrRTQvPoz_FA6Cbgpw2BZMQZWU_Q5eSLGoHewa5jPzdw7Og1PwYFT2npfMSc5SvV4eslH1lk1SWyFboHN5Gwv09NRY3z1SSUYCDh_kIPslHKh26w0oZk7mr_TguAq2qSbLPhR/s400/hulu.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p></p><br /><p>And for the record, if you haven't seen Justin Timberlake on SNL, you should. He is absolutely one of the best guest hosts I've ever seen. (in my opinion). He is hysterical. </p><p>Today is the first day that I'm all bundled up inside my own home. I am wearing a hot pink v-neck fleece pull over from Old Navy. And black Fila sweat pants. (also fuzzy socks from JC Penney, but who cares right). Anyway, I just checked the temps right this minute, and it is at 57 degrees. In the "supposed" warmest part of the day. </p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341331848440940770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 297px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxP3RzNpFxMXalqXfYkIRTkz1-Cbd_AJpWb7EnPJrI2WJ8_gC3eecAoDW8p6IIa7256yZo_nMceNGPrs2HywnCt_YlqWon06ugMPPAoonsCMD4TrZK4moU2Dvk6EdtjvaPVIzO-vlTfno/s400/weather.jpg" border="0" /></p><p></p><p>If I hadn't mentioned it before, I am a HUGE baby, a wimp if you will, in regards to temperature shifts. I'm talking cold weather here. I do not, nor have I ever lived in a climate where white frozen crystals fall from the heavens above. Just has never happened. I didn't own a coat until recently. I'm a Florida girl through and through. So yeah, I'm bundled. The miniature heater is on. And I'm getting ready to break out my parka. </p><p>OK, next item on my random list: I let my son sleep with a shovel. It's true. He won't sleep without it. And he asks for it every night. Sometimes during the day I have to take it away from him. He gets a little carried away and will on occasion, hit his sister with it. But every night, like clock work, he asks for that shovel. </p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341331860067964322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigw8rVJ9qYSKuOyS61OjXcXqdfS5ZWattAf7iZn0iZlqkSXK9Dj8yVdjo27ouO5wDRpPoOPIyzuOJ4kal-bLWss9IIRE_HyfkUfRIPSnWe2tPdjptVWxc9hgLGlTom-HxVpGbXFw4XYRBT/s400/DSC_0720.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>How do you guys feel about ipods? Do you have one? Do your children? And if they are begging you to buy them one, at what age do you think it's appropriate to buy it for them? Well. My kids have one. Each. And they LOVE them. Alexa sleeps with hers. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341335512536412450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjrVlrXPg_iNJuTFtdNtmOdi3Fo73Nrbyu_-n-9VNyD1XySY0msSi2gV20lxq-GMwVjOItDmoHkYZkfsqKJ3Y-WtuQ56GZVWWYb3sWHWcsb7yXxREIyUCBf6V7qtzrMvC-mydzFRJy5R2/s400/DSC_0722.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341331866160467794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJYq8vVJxATHxQN70IYpXd1TTgztTPcOmXB_KPYMRPzfbxOEFtexq8Ia19aWaUtifD7Z8IEKfMzmhrjLhkGTmy6rwiVKN1zwZv2_fK_CTTAdetaJy1lutvYxpAELmf9cpo2c9B3tgSyHL/s400/DSC_0721.JPG" border="0" /></p><br />OK, yeah yeah. I know. It's not really an ipod. But my daughter, who is 2 actually started that. My dad has an ipod and he used to let her listen to it. When I bought these for Christmas, she just instantly started calling it her very own ipod. It was cute, it stuck and it didn't cost anywhere near the price. Also, it came pre-programmed with kids music and has an automatic shut off. So it doesn't matter if they sleep with it on, it turns itself right back off. I love it. One of my better finds.<br /><br />And now I hear little people waking up from their naps. Time for mommy to get off the computer~~Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01399399396605315193noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981124714402601169.post-66948928107916772552009-05-28T08:54:00.005-04:002009-05-28T09:53:20.724-04:00A Thousand Words.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTSbhvAZE2hHCTL_t1WPeeyOQvPVQq9nzoThXS0m3PDOSaUB4UWwOwjQkFZCG_KIyKE1bHVbRBYEn3EcsmmlRjoA7t1RhN0ATKRPnafZj3MBmXOcdvPt0sACue9tX-VMo7cs3ZwOZXNvz/s1600-h/heavy_heart_thinker.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340871371449433682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 261px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 360px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTSbhvAZE2hHCTL_t1WPeeyOQvPVQq9nzoThXS0m3PDOSaUB4UWwOwjQkFZCG_KIyKE1bHVbRBYEn3EcsmmlRjoA7t1RhN0ATKRPnafZj3MBmXOcdvPt0sACue9tX-VMo7cs3ZwOZXNvz/s400/heavy_heart_thinker.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I've debated with myself whether or not to share this with anyone. And well, I'm just at a loss now as I need my blog to help me vent. In this country where I feel alone and very isolated, I need to be able to express myself. And quite frankly, the party involved doesn't seem to care one iota, and hasn't spoken to me since February 8.<br /><br />Yes, that's right everyone. I have family issues. And it would be great if there were some reasonable and logical explanation for things. Like say, my husband shot my brother in the parking lot of the liquor store over a fight between which team was better. Or maybe I called my husband's wife a two-bit hooker. But none of those things have happened. My brother is not married, and neither one of them would be in a parking lot of a liquor store fighting about any team since they aren't huge sports fans.<br /><br />Here is where it all started. January 25 was my sister's birthday. (I'll try to keep this short) I invited my sister to the movies (and her daughter). I didn't immediately invite my brother. He witnessed my conversation, as we were outside watching my children ride their bikes. I called my mom from my cell phone and invited her. She declined. And when I stopped there, he made some comments to me about not being invited. I then quickly extended the invitation. By then, it was too late. He was offended. I had wronged him. He didn't speak to me until February 8th.<br /><br />It was my niece's birthday, and they came over to the house. (My mom's house) They came over to get birthday presents and to have some cake that my mother had made for her. My brother was there too, and he was in another room. He knew that they had arrived. We went to the kitchen and started to get things together to sing happy birthday to my niece. So once we started, he came in late. But he still came. Afterwards as we were getting ready to cut the cake, he started in on my sister. He said something very closely to this, "How come nobody came to get me? Are you guys going to start treating me like Leslie is now?" And honestly, at this point, I snapped.<br /><br />Really? Like Leslie? Mind you, he has been the one ignoring me since Jan 25 because I didn't extend my offer to attend a chic flick movie to him quickly enough. I hurt his feelings and he chose not to speak to me. During the beginning of the time he chose not to speak to me, I tried, but my words fell on deaf ears. So I just stopped trying. He was mad.<br /><br />I then directed my comments to him, we exchanged some pretty heated words. For he felt that he was right in his anger and his position. I felt that he was absolutely losing it. For who acts this way? We argued. And he told me that my presence (as a guest in my mother's home) was not wanted and I should leave. I quickly reminded him that at least I contribute to the household. I then went in for an abrupt and piercing comment. I called him a mooch. (by definition: –verb 1.<br />to borrow (a small item or amount) without intending to return or repay it. 2.to get or take without paying or at another's expense) And by that, I meant that he was mooching from my parents. Living and eating rent free.<br /><br />And that's where things fell apart. For that hurt him pretty badly. He stopped talking and he left the room. A few minutes later, he met me in the hallway and he handed me the key to my truck. As he always kept my spare. He told me, from this moment on, "You can consider that you no longer have a brother."<br /><br />Harsh, considering what brought this all about. Extremely harsh. He told me that I was hurtful and mean. He considers not one single ounce how he can be hurtful, or even how ridiculous this whole argument truly was. Over what, a late invitation to a movie?<br /><br />Yes. Well there is more that has happened since then. And some hugely spiteful acts recently on his part. Before I left the country, I sent him an email telling him that I am sorry. But alas, that was still not good enough.<br /><br />I'm certain that when my family reads this, it will send him into a tailspin. But this is my blog, and since I need to get this off my chest. That's exactly what I am doing. Thank you for reading.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>For more A Thousand Words Thursday posts, please hop over to Jen's blog at <a href="http://www.themomjen.com/">Cheaper Than Therapy</a>. </div><br /><div><br /><a href="http://www.themomjen.com/2008/03/thousand-words.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Cheaper Than Therapy" src="http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b154/atandrade1/siggies/siggiesTWO/ATWT.jpg" /></a></div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01399399396605315193noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981124714402601169.post-32197087681132547492009-05-25T09:28:00.004-04:002009-05-25T10:14:00.462-04:00Memorial Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTiolp1D1gmWHbtxcNKdujtgZniw3VjjTOrBdwLb3YuRPRQh9B4_l5LEuja8EM-0vpNz4ZEX-F4sXlMF8TM9JS5kFZVQO-lObB7SJ_9_n-lSS5Xc_s5XigIcUSsrg_pCl1RGOj8Ve8Q-lI/s1600-h/usflag-b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339753402082197618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTiolp1D1gmWHbtxcNKdujtgZniw3VjjTOrBdwLb3YuRPRQh9B4_l5LEuja8EM-0vpNz4ZEX-F4sXlMF8TM9JS5kFZVQO-lObB7SJ_9_n-lSS5Xc_s5XigIcUSsrg_pCl1RGOj8Ve8Q-lI/s400/usflag-b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Today is Memorial Day. And I am grateful to all of our service men and women. I am grateful to have the freedoms that they fought so hard to give to each and every one of us. I appreciate the sacrifices they have made, and also those of their families. My heart and my prayers are with those who are now in harms way. May God keep you safe until you return home once again. You are not forgotten. I thank you!<br /><br />Now I have to talk about something really serious. While I was on Twitter this weekend, I came across a link where someone was talking about some devastating news. I hopped over to take a look. And it was just heartbreaking.<br /><br />A fellow blogger and mommy, just got some earth shattering news that her two year old son has Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. I can't even imagine. I don't know what to say. I don't know this woman or her family, but I certainly have compassion for them, and I don't know what I as one person can do to help her out. But I am going to try. She and her husband are living paycheck to paycheck and they also share one car. While they are making ends meet on a daily basis, it seems that they need some assistance to help them out while their son gets his lifesaving chemotherapy treatments. I have donated some money to them, as she has a paypal button posted on her blog on the right sidebar. Please, I urge you to consider donating something to this family. Even if it is only $5 dollars. I know that we all throw greater amounts of money down the drain each week on frivelous items. I couldn't imagine being in her shoes, and I pray that I never am. But if you could just give a little, I'm sure it would make a huge difference.<br /><br />If you are unable to give anything to this family, please stop by and give her some love and encouragement. If you are the praying type, she and her family can use all the extra prayers they can get right now. You can find her at <a href="http://www.manicmother.com/2009/05/please-help-my-family-kick-cancers-ass.html">Manic Mother</a>.<br /><br />Now I'm going to go and hug and kiss my babies.Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01399399396605315193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981124714402601169.post-85165686147807920632009-05-23T21:16:00.006-04:002009-05-23T22:29:57.515-04:00Gi-normous blogroll<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJi_dN7Pha6okCvlZj6mfm2oNllB8FFIULFJS0kJc4US-4sPodcU7nzet3zZnj8-L9gh_leIXQbMnrqwgkoRw_txXBVnK5C1qwK6FqHb3_eC8b8TDyCmytwuyTNqUmLzIntJvc2lvM7DMk/s1600-h/link.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339197780376023218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 151px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJi_dN7Pha6okCvlZj6mfm2oNllB8FFIULFJS0kJc4US-4sPodcU7nzet3zZnj8-L9gh_leIXQbMnrqwgkoRw_txXBVnK5C1qwK6FqHb3_eC8b8TDyCmytwuyTNqUmLzIntJvc2lvM7DMk/s400/link.jpg" border="0" /></a> I am participating in a blog link-a-thon! Me and about 300 other bloggers out there did too. We listed our blogs over at <a href="http://www.momdot.com/">momdot.com </a>.If you care to check out some new blogs, please feel free to take a peek at this list and see who's out there. It's fun way to "meet" new people and find other great blogs!<br /><br /><p><center><div style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0pt solid; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; FONT-SIZE: 10px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; OVERFLOW: auto; BORDER-LEFT: 0pt solid; WIDTH: 225px; COLOR: rgb(0,0,0); PADDING-TOP: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0pt solid; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: left">1. <a href="http://www.notalwayscharming.com/" target="_blank">http://www.notalwayscharming.com/</a><br /><br />2. <a href="http://www.fairyblogmotherblog.com/" target="_blank">Fairy Blog Mother</a><br /><br />3. <a href="http://www.crazyadventuresinparenting.com/" target="_blank">Crazy Adventures in Parenting</a><br /><br />4. <a href="http://www.engineeradebtfreelife.com/" target="_blank">Engineer a Debt Free Life</a><br /><br />5. <a href="http://www.sweetnsassygirls.com/" target="_blank">Sweet ‘n’ Sassy Girls</a><br /><br />6. <a href="http://www.goodgollymissblondie.com/" target="_blank">Good Golly Miss Blondie</a><br /><br />7. <a href="http://savvysuzieblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">SavvySuzie</a><br /><br />8. <a href="http://loveofbabyonline.com/" target="_blank">For The Love of Baby!</a><br /><br />9. <a href="http://lovemy2dogs.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://lovemy2dogs.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br />10. <a href="http://akblessingsabound.com/" target="_blank">Blessings Abound</a><br /><br />11. <a href="http://couponsdealsandmore.com/" target="_blank">Coupons, Deals and More</a><br /><br />12. <a href="http://hair4myprincess.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Hairstyles For Girls</a><br /><br />13. <a href="http://www.thedivinemissmommy.com/" target="_blank">http://www.thedivinemissmommy.com/</a><br /><br />14. <a href="http://alatteinthemorning.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A latte in the morning</a><br /><br />15. <a href="http://kiddiescornerdeals.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">KiddiesCorner Deals</a><br /><br />16. <a href="http://3kidsandus.com/" target="_blank">3 Kids and Us Mom Blog</a><br /><br />17. <a href="http://theohanamama.com/" target="_blank">The Ohana Mama</a><br /><br />18. <a href="http://couponqueenslaurelrun.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Coupon Queens of Laurel Run</a><br /><br />19. <a href="http://woman-with-a-purpose.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Today’s Journey</a><br /><br />20. <a href="http://confessionsofahousewife.com/" target="_blank">http://confessionsofahousewife.com/</a><br /><br />21. <a href="http://www.livingmycharmedlife.com/" target="_blank">My Charmed Life</a><br /><br />22. <a href="http://www.doublebugs.com/" target="_blank">http://www.doublebugs.com/</a><br /><br />23. <a href="http://3boys1girlandadog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://3boys1girlandadog.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br />24. <a href="http://newsuereview.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">New Sue Review</a><br /><br />25. <a href="http://suzannesez.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Suzanne Calling</a><br /><br />26. <a href="http://justformeandyou2.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Just For Me…and You</a><br /><br />27. <a href="http://www.timeslidesby.com/" target="_blank">Time Slides By</a><br /><br />28. <a href="http://www.babesandkidsreview.com/" target="_blank">Babes and Kids</a><br /><br />29. <a href="http://declutterblogg.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Declutter a Little Each Day</a><br /><br />30. <a href="http://grocerysavingsforrealfamilies.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Grocery Savings for Real Families</a><br /><br />31. <a href="http://www.lifestarringellieandeve.com/" target="_blank">Life Starring Ellie and Eve</a><br /><br />32. <a href="http://socutecrafts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">So Cute Crafts</a><br /><br />33. <a href="http://breasmommy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Brea’s Mommy</a><br /><br />34. <a href="http://ilovemuffintops.blogspot.com/2009/05/small-talk-six.html" target="_blank">Are Muffins Just Ugly Cupcakes</a><br /><br />35. <a href="http://www.itsabeautyfilledlife.com/" target="_blank">It’s A Beauty Filled Life</a><br /><br />36. <a href="http://crazysuburbanmom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The crazy suburban mom</a><br /><br />37. <a href="http://donna444444.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Donna’s World</a><br /><br />38. <a href="http://mommasgoneoverthewall.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Momma’s Gone Over the Wall</a><br /><br />39. <a href="http://mommysquiettime.com/" target="_blank">Mommy’s Quiet Time</a><br /><br />40. <a href="http://www.momsavingcents.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Joyce (Saving My Cents)</a><br /><br />41. <a href="http://mytrendytykes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Trendy Tykes</a><br /><br />42. <a href="http://www.thenotsoblog.com/" target="_blank">The Not-So-Blog</a><br /><br />43. <a href="http://www.confessionsfromhh6.com/" target="_blank">Confessions From HouseholdSix</a><br /><br />44. <a href="http://sippycupsandfingerprints.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">SiPPyCuPSand FiNGerPriNTS</a><br /><br />45. <a href="http://www.couponmommie.com/" target="_blank">http://www.couponmommie.com/</a><br /><br />46. <a href="http://www.crackersandchaos.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://www.crackersandchaos.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br />47. <a href="http://giftfullysimple.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Giftfully Simple</a><br /><br />48. <a href="http://just4funwithsandy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Just For Fun</a><br /><br />49. <a href="http://digitalmommy.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Digital Mommy</a><br /><br />50. <a href="http://meandcraig.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Me And Craig</a><br /><br />51. <a href="http://parenting-princesses.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Parenting Princesses</a><br /><br />52. <a href="http://mylastshredsofsanity.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://mylastshredsofsanity.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br />53. <a href="http://inside-my-head.com/" target="_blank">Inside My Head</a><br /><br />54. <a href="http://www.petitcomau.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Petit</a><br /><br />55. <a href="http://mylovelucy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Love Lucy</a><br /><br />56. <a href="http://thelifetimesoftheperryfamily.blogspot.com/2009/05/freckle-box-personalized-books-gifts.html" target="_blank">FreckleBox personalized gift</a><br /><br />57. <a href="http://thelifetimesoftheperryfamily.blogspot.com/2009/05/dropping-names-baby-lulu-way.html" target="_blank">Baby Lulu Dress </a><br /><br />58. <a href="http://blog4mom.com/" target="_blank">Blog 4 Mom</a><br /><br />59. <a href="http://3garnetsn2sapphires.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires</a><br /><br />60. <a href="http://www.jollymom.com/" target="_blank">Jolly Mom</a><br /><br />61. <a href="http://www.thisismylifemyjourney.com/" target="_blank">My Life My Journey</a><br /><br />62. <a href="http://mamanandgourmand.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Maman And Gourmand</a><br /><br />63. <a href="http://jessmalexander.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://jessmalexander.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br />64. <a href="http://www.theposhpreneur.com/" target="_blank">The POSHpreneur</a><br /><br />65. <a href="http://www.ablogofgoodies.com/" target="_blank">A Blog of Goodies</a><br /><br />66. <a href="http://writegal.com/" target="_blank">Christy aka The Write Gal</a><br /><br />67. <a href="http://www.lookwhatmomfound.com/" target="_blank">LookWhatMomFound</a><br /><br />68. <a href="http://www.pbandsmellysdad.com/" target="_blank">Peanut Butter & Smelly’s Dad</a><br /><br />69. <a href="http://postpartumillness.com/" target="_blank">Lucy</a><br /><br />70. <a href="http://www.angryjuliemonday.com/" target="_blank">Angry Julie Monday</a><br /><br />71. <a href="http://www.themogulmom.com/" target="_blank">The Mogul Mom Blog</a><br /><br />72. <a href="http://angeleyesadventures.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Angela</a><br /><br />73. <a href="http://www.delectiblemommies.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Deal-ectible Mommies</a><br /><br />74. <a href="http://blog.christyscreations.com/" target="_blank">Christy’s Creations</a><br /><br />75. <a href="http://www.gardenofmany.com/" target="_blank">Lisa </a><br /><br />76. <a href="http://www.booksnboys.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://www.booksnboys.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br />77. <a href="http://www.wannabesupermom.com/" target="_blank">Wannabe Supermom</a><br /><br />78. <a href="http://thecraftmomma.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Thre Craft Momma</a><br /><br />79. <a href="http://www.internettoddler.com/" target="_blank">Internet Toddler</a><br /><br />80. <a href="http://lifeisasandcastle.blogspot/" target="_blank">http://lifeisasandcastle.blogspot/</a><br /><br />81. <a href="http://kristenandrewsonline.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kristen of La Dolce Vita</a><br /><br />82. <a href="http://cranberryfries.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cranberry Fries</a><br /><br />83. <a href="http://www.mud-bug.com/" target="_blank">http://www.mud-bug.com/</a><br /><br />84. <a href="http://themombuzz.com/" target="_blank">The Mom Buzz</a><br /><br />85. <a href="http://nightowlmama.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://nightowlmama.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br />86. <a href="http://www.frugalmommyof2girls.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Frugal Mommy of 2 Girls</a><br /><br />87. <a href="http://mommycracked.net/" target="_blank">Mommy Cracked</a><br /><br />88. <a href="http://eclecticmommy.com/" target="_blank">EclecticBird</a><br /><br />89. <a href="http://mamamentor.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mama Mentor</a><br /><br />90. <a href="http://moomettesmagnificents.com/blog" target="_blank">Moomettesgram’s Musings</a><br /><br />91. <a href="http://moomettesmagnificents.com/reviews" target="_blank">Moomette’s Magnificents Reviews</a><br /><br />92. <a href="http://moomettesgramsrecipes.com/" target="_blank">Moomettesgram’s Favorite Recipes</a><br /><br />93. <a href="http://www.goddessinthehouse.com/" target="_blank">Diaries of a Domestic Goddess</a><br /><br />94. <a href="http://www.gograhamgo.com/" target="_blank">Go Graham Go!</a><br /><br />95. <a href="http://nerdfamilythings.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">NerdFamily Things </a><br /><br />96. <a href="http://blog.nerdfamily.com/" target="_blank">NerdFamily Blog</a><br /><br />97. <a href="http://mmkmoney.com/" target="_blank">Making Money Keeping Money</a><br /><br />98. <a href="http://nerdfamilyfood.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">NerdFamily Food</a><br /><br />99. <a href="http://flyinggigglesandlollipops.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Flying Giggles & Lollipops </a><br /><br />100. <a href="http://themorrisbunchblog.com/" target="_blank">http://themorrisbunchblog.com/</a><br /><br />101. <a href="http://www.simplybeingmommy.com/" target="_blank">http://www.simplybeingmommy.com/</a><br /><br />102. <a href="http://kindredspiritreviews.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Kindred Spirit’s Thoughts</a><br /><br />103. <a href="http://www.twoofakindworkingonafullhouse.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Two Of A Kind, Working On A Full House</a><br /><br />104. <a href="http://dloslounge.blogspot.com/2009/05/get-your-ginch-gonch-on-and-live-like.html" target="_blank">D-Lo’s Lounge</a><br /><br />105. <a href="http://www.freesamplefreak.com/" target="_blank">Free Sample Freak</a><br /><br />106. <a href="http://www.whatmommiesneed.com/" target="_blank">What Mommies Need</a><br /><br />107. <a href="http://momof2boyswifeof1.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mom of 2 Boys, Wife of 1</a><br /><br />108. <a href="http://icefairystreasurechest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">icefairy’s Treasure Chest</a><br /><br />109. <a href="http://www.themomjen.com/" target="_blank">Cheaper Than Therapy</a><br /><br />110. <a href="http://www.themomreviews.com/" target="_blank">Therapeutic Reviews & Giveaways</a><br /><br />111. <a href="http://lilybeandesigns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Lily Bean Designs</a><br /><br />112. <a href="http://www.dirtydiaperlaundry.com/" target="_blank">Dirty Diaper Laundry</a><br /><br />113. <a href="http://www.arindance.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dance Momma</a><br /><br />114. <a href="http://jamericanspice.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">JamericanSpice</a><br /><br />115. <a href="http://mombalance.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mombalance</a><br /><br />116. <a href="http://apocketfullofbuttons.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Pocket Full Of Buttons</a><br /><br />117. <a href="http://ordinaryandawesome.com/" target="_blank">Ordinary and Awesome</a><br /><br />118. <a href="http://reviewsandgiveaways.com/" target="_blank">Reviews and Giveaways</a><br /><br />119. <a href="http://subjectivebeauty.com/" target="_blank">Subjective Beauty</a><br /><br />120. <a href="http://colormemommy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tales From A Shopaholic Mommy</a><br /><br />121. <a href="http://www.mommiemayhem.com/" target="_blank">Mommiemayhem</a><br /><br />122. <a href="http://iemommy.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">IE Mommy </a><br /><br />123. <a href="http://blasianbabynotes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://blasianbabynotes.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br />124. <a href="http://danwoodwardfamily.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Amber Woodward</a><br /><br />125. <a href="http://grammyjanetsplace.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Grammy Janet’s Place</a><br /><br />126. <a href="http://outnumbered3-1.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Outnumbered 3 to 1</a><br /><br />127. <a href="http://shimmermebluedesigns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">ShimmerMeBlue</a><br /><br />128. <a href="http://devsfavoritegiveaways.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dev’s Favorite Giveaways</a><br /><br />129. <a href="http://joyfulmoneysaving.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Joyful Money Saving</a><br /><br />130. <a href="http://1stopmom.com/" target="_blank">1stopmom</a><br /><br />131. <a href="http://www.amodernmama.com/" target="_blank">A Modern Mama</a><br /><br />132. <a href="http://toomuchsugar4u.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">PourSomeSugarOnMe</a><br /><br />133. <a href="http://www.fancast.com/" target="_blank">Fancast</a><br /><br />134. <a href="http://www.lollipopbaby.com.au/blog" target="_blank">Lollipop Baby</a><br /><br />135. <a href="http://nzmadestyleforlittleones.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Lola & Ben</a><br /><br />136. <a href="http://idoby2.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">idoby2celebrants</a><br /><br />137. <a href="http://www.littlelighthouseblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sue Jackson</a><br /><br />138. <a href="http://cackleberrykids.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cackleberry Kids</a><br /><br />139. <a href="http://gifts-by-the-stars-online.com/" target="_blank">Gifts By The Stars</a><br /><br />140. <a href="http://www.handmadekids.com.au/" target="_blank">Jemma</a><br /><br />141. <a href="http://www.handmadekids.com.au/" target="_blank">Handmade Kids</a><br /><br />142. <a href="http://www.ollierose.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Ollie Rose</a><br /><br />143. <a href="http://babasfarmlife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Babasfarmlife</a><br /><br />144. <a href="http://soyouwanttobeabanquetmanager.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Banquet Manager</a><br /><br />145. <a href="http://monkeysmomma.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Monkey’s Momma </a><br /><br />146. <a href="http://www.thismomcanshop.com/" target="_blank">This Mom Can Shop</a><br /><br />147. <a href="http://ecolabelfundraising.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">EcoLabel Fundraising</a><br /><br />148. <a href="http://www.mydivinechaos.com/" target="_blank">Divine Chaos</a><br /><br />149. <a href="http://shopannies.blogspot.com/2009/04/babykakes-ink-alphabet-onesies-tees.html#comments" target="_blank">baby kakes ink alphabet onesie</a><br /><br />150. <a href="http://shopannies.blogspot.com/2009/04/recycle-me-tees-review.html#comments" target="_blank">tee from recycle me</a><br /><br />151. <a href="http://lizzie-q-homemaker.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://lizzie-q-homemaker.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br />152. <a href="http://shopannies.blogspot.com/2009/04/shandle-review.html#comments" target="_blank">marla mandell bread (5/17)</a><br /><br />153. <a href="http://shopannies.blogspot.com/2009/04/ozone-socks-giveaway.html#comments" target="_blank">ozone socks 5/15</a><br /><br />154. <a href="http://www.bellybumpstobabyhugs.com.au/" target="_blank">Belly Bumps to Baby Hugs</a><br /><br />155. <a href="http://shopannies.blogspot.com/2009/04/hip-t-giveaway.html" target="_blank">Hip T</a><br /><br />156. <a href="http://thencomesbabypartyfavors.0.kateaspenshops.com/" target="_blank">ThenComes Baby</a><br /><br />157. <a href="http://www.homemadegourmet.com/?id=845234" target="_blank">Homemade Gourmet</a><br /><br />158. <a href="http://www.lws.myarbonne.com/" target="_blank">Fresh Pure and Simple</a><br /><br />159. <a href="http://www.momdot.com/" target="_blank">MomDot Mom Blogs</a><br /><br />160. <a href="http://www.reviews.momdot.com/" target="_blank">MomDot Mom Reviews</a><br /><br />161. <a href="http://www.bloggersgive.com/" target="_blank">Bloggers Give Charity</a><br /><br />162. <a href="http://www.organic-baby-resource.com/Organic-Baby-blog.html" target="_blank">Organic Baby Resource</a><br /><br />163. <a href="http://www.potamusprefers.com/" target="_blank">Potamus Prefers</a><br /><br />164. <a href="http://thearmywife.com/" target="_blank">The Army Wife</a><br /><br />165. <a href="http://throughhazeleyesblog.com/" target="_blank">Through Hazel Eyes</a><br /><br />166. <a href="http://www.frugalrimama.com/" target="_blank">Frugal Rhode Island Mama</a><br /><br />167. <a href="http://justjingle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Just Jingle </a><br /><br />168. <a href="http://andtwinsmake5.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">And Twins make 5!</a><br /><br />169. <a href="http://frugalplus.com/" target="_blank">Frugal Plus</a><br /><br />170. <a href="http://asianllovedoll.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Christie</a><br /><br />171. <a href="http://www.happycamperdisaster.com/" target="_blank">What Happened To My House?</a><br /><br />172. <a href="http://www.mamasmiracles.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Miracles on Mama Street</a><br /><br />173. <a href="http://heckofabunch.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Heck Of A Bunch</a><br /><br />174. <a href="http://www.blogdesignsbysusan.com/" target="_blank">Blog Designs by Susan</a><br /><br />175. <a href="http://mommy23monkeys.com/" target="_blank">mommy23monkeys</a><br /><br />176. <a href="http://www.pisceshanna.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Hanna</a><br /><br />177. <a href="http://www.eddienalexa.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Got Kids Need Valium</a><br /><br />178. <a href="http://www.wombattheinnsane.com/" target="_blank">Womb At The INNSANE</a><br /><br />179. <a href="http://www.katieandkimbleblog.com/" target="_blank">Katie & Kimble Blog</a><br /><br />180. <a href="http://adventuresofastayathomemom.com/" target="_blank">http://adventuresofastayathomemom.com/</a><br /><br />181. <a href="http://www.frugaliciousmommy.com/" target="_blank">The Frugalicious Mommy</a><br /><br />182. <a href="http://www.pennypinchingdiva.com/" target="_blank">Penny Pinching Diva</a><br /><br />183. <a href="http://cabadov.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Another day. Another thought or two</a><br /><br />184. <a href="http://beauty4moms.blogspot.com/2009/04/jack-in-box-savings.html" target="_blank">Beauty4Moms</a><br /><br />185. <a href="http://www.evilflu.com/" target="_blank">http://www.evilflu.com/</a><br /><br />186. <a href="http://www.littlemissjuliablog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Little Miss Julia</a><br /><br />187. <a href="http://www.mrszeee.com/" target="_blank">Mrs Zeee</a><br /><br />188. <a href="http://frazzledsupermom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cheryl</a><br /><br />189. <a href="http://frazzledsupermom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Frazzle Dazzle SuperMom</a><br /><br />190. <a href="http://flmealtimesavers.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Florida Mealtime Savers</a><br /><br />191. <a href="http://inspirationmanifest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Inspiration Station</a><br /><br />192. <a href="http://tinamommyx3.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mommy’s Kitchen</a><br /><br />193. <a href="http://mamanordy1.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Saving with MamaNordy</a><br /><br />194. <a href="http://savingsahmsanity.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Saving SAHM Sanity</a><br /><br />195. <a href="http://alittlepieceofperfect.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Little Piece Of Perfect</a><br /><br />196. <a href="http://nodinsnest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nodin’s Nest</a><br /><br />197. <a href="http://lilmisseco.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Lil Miss Eco</a><br /><br />198. <a href="http://talesfromstrickland.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Laryn Strickland</a><br /><br />199. <a href="http://www.heathermama.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">HeatherMama</a><br /><br />200. <a href="http://2gerberbabies.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Gerber Babies Blog</a><br /><br />201. <a href="http://www.whateverebay.com/" target="_blank">WhateverSuccess</a><br /><br />202. <a href="http://entersweepstakes.today.com/" target="_blank">Women Who Win</a><br /><br />203. <a href="http://theburbblog.com/" target="_blank">http://theburbblog.com/</a><br /><br />204. <a href="http://www.happyhealthyfamilies.com/" target="_blank">Happy Healthy Families</a><br /><br />205. <a href="http://sweeps4bloggers.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sweeps4Bloggers</a><br /><br />206. <a href="http://therantingsofadramaqueensmum.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">dramaqueensmum</a><br /><br />207. <a href="http://www.themomtrap.com/" target="_blank">The Mom Trap</a><br /><br />208. <a href="http://www.multitaskingmama.com/" target="_blank">Multitasking Mama</a><br /><br />209. <a href="http://mamamichiesmusings.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mama Michies Musings</a><br /><br />210. <a href="http://www.littlepeoplewealth.com/" target="_blank">Little People Wealth</a><br /><br />211. <a href="http://bellybeyond.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Belly Beyond</a><br /><br />212. <a href="http://www.mission-mommy.com/" target="_blank">Kim Kihega</a><br /><br />213. <a href="http://www.momfuse.com/" target="_blank">Mom Fuse</a><br /><br />214. <a href="http://lifeloveladybugs.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Juanita</a><br /><br />215. <a href="http://cutegirlshairstyles.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Adopt a Do</a><br /><br />216. <a href="http://ontherefrigeratordoor.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">On the Refriderator Door</a><br /><br />217. <a href="http://www.littlediva.com.au/" target="_blank">Christine</a><br /><br />218. <a href="http://www.littlediva.com.au/" target="_blank">Little Diva</a><br /><br />219. <a href="http://www.myhouseholdjunk.com/" target="_blank">My Household Junk</a><br /><br />220. <a href="http://clowe-imhere.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">I’m Here….Really</a><br /><br />221. <a href="http://greer5intexas.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://greer5intexas.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br />222. <a href="http://mary-thefight.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">mary</a><br /><br />223. <a href="http://www.nicolesnickels.net/" target="_blank">http://www.nicolesnickels.net/</a><br /><br />224. <a href="http://www.whenwelisten.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Lori Newman</a><br /><br />225. <a href="http://kris-jay-caity-izzie.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://kris-jay-caity-izzie.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br />226. <a href="http://debbsdailies.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Debb</a><br /><br />227. <a href="http://www.shawnann.org/" target="_blank">Shawn Ann’s World</a><br /><br />228. <a href="http://pekemoe.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Peke Moe -NZ made baby sleep sacks</a><br /><br />229. <a href="http://angiemarion.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Simple Kinda LIfe</a><br /><br />230. <a href="http://eclecticschooling.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sweet Serendipity</a><br /><br />231. <a href="http://bouncingoffthewallsblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Bouncing Off The Walls</a><br /><br />232. <a href="http://a-painting-mom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jane Loedding</a><br /><br />233. <a href="http://msbuildingupdabenjamins.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Msbuildingupdabenjamins</a><br /><br />234. <a href="http://msbuildingupdabenjamins.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Msbuildingupdabenjamins</a><br /><br />235. <a href="http://msbuildingupdabenjamins.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Msbuildingupdabenjamins</a><br /><br />236. <a href="http://www.writingmylifeoneblogatatime.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Musings from Me</a><br /><br />237. <a href="http://www.theadventuresofmissv.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Veronnica</a><br /><br />238. <a href="http://www.theadventuresofmissv.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Adventures of Miss V</a><br /><br />239. <a href="http://wwwmuddkidscomau.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mudd Kids</a><br /><br />240. <a href="http://www.mommosttraveled.com/" target="_blank">Mom Most Traveled family travel</a><br /><br />241. <a href="http://www.relishingthedirt.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Relishing the Dirt</a><br /><br />242. <a href="http://www.goodtrueandbeautiful.com/" target="_blank">Good, True and Beautiful</a><br /><br />243. <a href="http://frugallivingandhavingfun.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://frugallivingandhavingfun.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br />244. <a href="http://sturgesfamily222.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Last Blog on Earth</a><br /><br />245. <a href="http://lyricandariasmom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Wrestling Addicted Mommy</a><br /><br />246. <a href="http://www.raebaby88.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Rae</a><br /><br />247. <a href="http://www.thesidelinesoflife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://www.thesidelinesoflife.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br />248. <a href="http://doresdiaries.com/" target="_blank">Dore’s Diaries</a><br /><br />249. <a href="http://www.blogbydonna.com/" target="_blank">Blog by Donna</a><br /><br />250. <a href="http://www.couponqueenofcorning.com/" target="_blank">Lisette</a><br /><br />251. <a href="http://frugalchoice.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Pillaging With Buffie</a><br /><br />252. <a href="http://www.momoffaith.com/" target="_blank">Mom of Faith</a><br /><br />253. <a href="http://myjourney-godsown.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">GODSOWN</a><br /><br />254. <a href="http://www.flutterbyechronicles.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">flutterbyechronicles</a><br /><br />255. <a href="http://theplaygroundprincess.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">shelley</a><br /><br />256. <a href="http://www.lifeinahouseofblue.com/" target="_blank">Life In A House Of Blue</a><br /><br />257. <a href="http://frugalityinthemaking.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">kristen</a><br /><br />258. <a href="http://alexthefey.com/" target="_blank">Alex the Fey Thriller Series</a><br /><br />259. <a href="http://www.mamacheaps.com/" target="_blank">MamaCheaps!</a><br /><br />260. <a href="http://donalacasa-ladyofthehouse.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Donalacasa</a><br /><br />261. <a href="http://ajewishjourney.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Jewish Journey</a><br /><br />262. <a href="http://learningtogetherhandinhand.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://learningtogetherhandinhand.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br />263. <a href="http://bethinnc.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">BethinNC</a><br /><br />264. <a href="http://www.stutteringshell.com/" target="_blank">Stuttering Shell</a><br /><br />265. <a href="http://www.blogginbridget.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Don’t Blink</a><br /><br />266. <a href="http://1momof5.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Life is Sweet</a><br /><br />267. <a href="http://gardenofmany.com/" target="_blank">Lisa </a><br /><br />268. <a href="http://www.sahmsue.com/" target="_blank">http://www.sahmsue.com/</a><br /><br />269. <a href="http://melbourneepicure.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">m.e (cathie)</a><br /><br />270. <a href="http://denisermt.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Run DMT</a><br /><br />271. <a href="http://princessratbag.com/" target="_blank">Princess Ratbag</a><br /><br />272. <a href="http://nmgills.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Michelle G</a><br /><br />273. <a href="http://www.nathansfight.com/" target="_blank">http://www.nathansfight.com/</a><br /><br />274. <a href="http://www.moodymamasays.com/" target="_blank">Moody Mama Says</a><br /><br />275. <a href="http://magnoliaheartbeats.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Laurie Ann</a><br /><br />276. <a href="http://stolenmomentscooking.com/" target="_blank">Cooking During Stolen Moments</a><br /><br />277. <a href="http://asimplewalk.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Simple Walk</a><br /><br />278. <a href="http://www.ramblingsofasahm.com/" target="_blank">Vanessa</a><br /><br />279. <a href="http://confessionsofamiddleagedmom.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">middleagedmom</a><br /><br />280. <a href="http://minilegs.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ramblings Of A Wannabe Writer</a><br /><br />281. <a href="http://oh-my-baby-gifts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Oh My Baby</a><br /><br />282. <a href="http://fordcastsunny.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Fordcast Sunny</a><br /><br />283. <a href="http://luvmyparrot.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Lisa Miller</a><br /><br />284. <a href="http://www.thedivinemissmommy.com/" target="_blank">http://www.thedivinemissmommy.com/</a><br /><br />285. <a href="http://www.bibsandcribs.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Bibs & Cribs {very cute stuff}</a><br /><br />286. <a href="http://www.mylilbudgetbook.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Lil’ Budget Book</a><br /><br />287. <a href="http://misadventuresinbabyraising.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Misadventures in Baby Raising</a><br /><br />288. <a href="http://mymommysaid.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Mommy Said</a><br /><br />289. <a href="http://milkandhoneymommy.com/" target="_blank">Milk & Honey Mommy</a><br /><br />290. <a href="http://milkandhoneymommy.com/" target="_blank">Milk and Honey Mommy</a><br /><br />291. <a href="http://swagstudio.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Amy O’Neal</a><br /><br />292. <a href="http://www.parentingourchildren.com/" target="_blank">Parenting Children</a><br /><br />293. <a href="http://agirlandherlife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Girl And Her Life</a><br /><br />294. <a href="http://www.marielynnboutique.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">MarieLynn Boutique Blog</a><br /><br />295. <a href="http://www.bornfabulousboutique.com/blog/" target="_blank">Born Fabulous Boutique Blog</a><br /><br />296. <a href="http://www.thepitterpatterboutique.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Pitter Patter Boutique</a><br /><br />297. <a href="http://southerncharmstitches.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Stephanie Deese</a><br /><br />298. <a href="http://breasbabyboutique.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Brea’s Baby Boutique Blog</a><br /><br />299. <a href="http://digiscrapping.net/blog" target="_blank">digiscrapping.net - Heather Manning</a><br /><br />300. <a href="http://www.orangecountykidsactivities.com/blog/" target="_blank">Kids Activities Blog</a><br /><br />301. <a href="http://twolittlewhales.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Two Little Whales Cloth Diapers & More</a><br /><br />302. <a href="http://momof3boys3702.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">3 boys & a dog</a><br /><br />303. <a href="http://www.ageorgiaangel.com/blog/" target="_blank">Karen ~Georgia Angel</a><br /><br />304. <a href="http://mynotsohurriedlife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://mynotsohurriedlife.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br />305. <a href="http://palmersf1.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Shannon Blogs Here</a><br /><br />306. <a href="http://www.avirtuouswoman.info/" target="_blank">A Virtuous Woman</a><br /><br />307. <a href="http://www.secretsofasouthernkitchen.com/" target="_blank">Secrets of a Southern Kitchen</a><br /><br />308. <a href="http://amomcandream.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dreamer</a><br /><br />309. <a href="http://www.lollipopbookclub.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Lollipop Book Club</a><br /><br />310. <a href="http://comfortjoydesigns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mommie Daze Virtual Baby Shower</a><br /><br />311. <a href="http://heckofabunch.blogspot.com/2009/05/my-first-giveaway.html" target="_blank">Heck Of A Bunch</a><br /><br />312. <a href="http://www.momsaves4u.com/" target="_blank">MomSaves4U</a><br /><br />313. <a href="http://www.barelydomesticmama.com/" target="_blank">Barely Domestic Mama</a><br /><br />314. <a href="http://www.babylovingmama.com/" target="_blank">http://www.babylovingmama.com/</a><br /><br />315. <a href="http://www.professionalfamilymanager.com/" target="_blank">Professional Family Manager</a><br /><br />316. <a href="http://www.coachingthefamilyblog.com/" target="_blank">Kathleen</a><br /><br />317. <a href="http://www.coachingthefamilyblog.com/" target="_blank">Coaching The Family</a><br /><br />318. <a href="http://frugalcreativity.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Frugal Creativity</a><br /><br />319. <a href="http://www.easybeinggreen.info/Easy%20Being%20Green%20blog/EBGBlog.php" target="_blank">Easy Being Green</a><br /><br />320. <a href="http://www.dandelionbubbles.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Dandelion Bubbles</a><br /><br />321. <a href="http://www.atticgirl.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Shelly aka The Attic Girl</a><br /><br />322. <a href="http://foxtoybox.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Foxtoybox-Discovery Toys</a><br /><br />323. <a href="http://beauty4moms.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://beauty4moms.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br />324. <a href="http://www.mommyalwayswins.com/" target="_blank">Colleen - Mommy Always Wins</a><br /><br />325. <a href="http://www.playgroundforparents.com/" target="_blank">Playground for Parents</a><br /><br />326. <a href="http://www.worldofdicovery.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">World of Discovery</a><br /><br />327. <a href="http://andbabymakesfourperrine.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://andbabymakesfourperrine.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br />329. <a href="http://www.anuttymom.com/" target="_blank">A Little Bit Nutty</a><br /><br />330. <a href="http://mahaylasmommy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mahayla’s Mommy</a><br /><br />331. <a href="http://www.mommygoggles.com/" target="_blank">Mommy Goggles</a><br /><br />332. <a href="http://theshoppingmama.com/" target="_blank">The Shopping Mama</a><br /><br />333. <a href="http://crunchiemummy.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">If I Could Escape . . .</a></div></center><div align="left"><br /><br />Other happenings around here? Well not much to report. It's been a lazy kind of weekend. We are planning to take the kids to a movie. The only issue with going to see a movie here in Chile is that children's movies are dubbed in Spanish. All other movies are subtitled in Spanish and play in English. So we are cutting out all kids movies, because the kids get bored with the language and don't pay attention. We are thinking of going to see Night at the Museum 2. I'll let you know how that goes. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Hope you are all enjoying your Memorial Day weekend. And to those of you who have asked, we do not celebrate memorial day here, but we did have a holiday on Thursday which landed my husband both Thursday and Friday off from work. So that was a bonus! Enjoy it everyone~~<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339198340512536658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 381px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqXbh6qit6bz5kQR4PJKup6zoFygc_2ipUHd2eB1czu3nyUNJ9IlW0-pnjvM1385LNhJy-XtdFyxLP8EMCj_CNvuyrXMgLXrF7yNRAZjespZent6dKSqy0X4dQrsqTyrfvpIVE-b_sZZW/s400/alexamwah.jpg" border="0" /></div><p><span style="font-size:85%;">**edited to add~~ I will be leaving a link to this post on my side bar. If you care to check back here, you can find the list over on the right. **</span></p>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01399399396605315193noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981124714402601169.post-7490741349870746562009-05-21T00:01:00.001-04:002009-05-21T00:01:01.021-04:00I love the mail.For us, getting mail isn't just getting bills. It means care packages from home. And we received one of those just yesterday. In it, were some glow sticks. Amazingly, these little things can keep the kids busy for quite some time. I can't quite photograph them in the dark, while they are dancing and screaming and squirming. This is the best I got. But you can tell by their faces that they just love it! Thanks Vicki!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtbz-6mpqLgCUqjdcc3lTkueI_29chNU-gSgYTw77HF_BT8St8aXxMiRb9-Twkyujud1qY-BYTn4NxBPQnzLr9cLHEYP6amJyEwwBqkrppM7ZW-4onBJpTCPkaOkFI7nXIvIpw2y51aAC/s1600-h/DSC_0622.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338067458578202610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtbz-6mpqLgCUqjdcc3lTkueI_29chNU-gSgYTw77HF_BT8St8aXxMiRb9-Twkyujud1qY-BYTn4NxBPQnzLr9cLHEYP6amJyEwwBqkrppM7ZW-4onBJpTCPkaOkFI7nXIvIpw2y51aAC/s400/DSC_0622.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOy9OWZ5DBoS6eLBcp-AFDwRm46A1MgCanmlUtO8bEwD-iU5gM2BoOPB_LcVsJ8by4Jx9BkeHMi_du2V77D0yCpyv_okNPqLZtzRaF1_JsT9VqavC5SyQ_XhpjFCyXSGoye9FPe3XR2pt/s1600-h/DSC_0606.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338067458145287426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOy9OWZ5DBoS6eLBcp-AFDwRm46A1MgCanmlUtO8bEwD-iU5gM2BoOPB_LcVsJ8by4Jx9BkeHMi_du2V77D0yCpyv_okNPqLZtzRaF1_JsT9VqavC5SyQ_XhpjFCyXSGoye9FPe3XR2pt/s400/DSC_0606.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I also just received a gift I bought for myself for Mother's Day. It's a purse from Calvin Klein. I got a beyond amazing deal on it from this place called Rue La La! They have designer merchandise for discounted prices. If you would like to check them out, just click on the link. I'm also pretty psyched that they ship to military APO addresses, that in itself is a reason to shop anywhere. For me.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.ruelala.com/invite/lesneedsvalium">Rue La La</a></div><div align="center"> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338067465457573474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRF4Z-R9hTgFd2WOj0y1YV5lJWNA8jrRgoxI_W_M6zE6A7ZzQa4aIhNEIN65TeUJ6ViHK8XH3pBVc0007JzTjuJ7F4RI5gIHMgpso81eM0yYDNAdjtsjgECPMRWTW05QCv5slws1mNQ-W/s400/DSC_0632.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.themomjen.com/2008/03/thousand-words.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Cheaper Than Therapy" src="http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b154/atandrade1/siggies/siggiesTWO/ATWT.jpg" /></a></center>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01399399396605315193noreply@blogger.com16