Wednesday, and an award.

It's getting hot over here in Santiago. I just thought I should let you all know that. It's Spring time right now. And I know I don't have a leg to stand on when talking about heat. As anyone who resides in Arizona, Phoenix and Tucson especially, they know this fact. It's pretty darn hot. I'm talking triple digits. But being a former South Florida resident myself, Miami can give any place a run for it's money. Not only is it hot, but it has a little thing called humidity on it's side to win that race. You see, humidity can do a number on ya if you think you are going to do your hair and make up and go out looking all spiffy. By the time you arrive, your face has slid down to your neck, and your hair is either flat or frizzy. Take your pick. So even though I've had the pleasure of experiencing both heat extremes, I am thinking that the dry heat is a little more tolerable. A little.

I'm sure you are all wondering why I am even talking about all of this. Well, like I said, it's hot. And I don't like to be hot. At least not without an air conditioning system to cool me off. The closest I can come to that, is my car, 15 stories beneath me. Yes, it's true. We live in an apartment that does not have an air conditioner. So lately, again, I have been thankful that I am heading out at a time when it's starting to get hot. I don't know why I didn't think to check to see if this place had an A.C. before we moved in, I guess I just assumed it would be there. Nice huh? So I've been leaving the windows open a lot. I am trying to create a breeze. But with that breeze I get the noise of the traffic below. I do live in the city. So you can hear some pretty noisy things.

So, I should tell you guys that I came across a fabulous new blog. And as wonders should have it, her name is Leslie too! Her blog is called Stethoscopes and Stilettos. She is super nice, and we seem to have a lot in common, I can tell this already. She likes shoes, and chocolate! Her blog is fabulous, and I am going to have to stalk her now. She's given me the honor of this lovely gem of an award, that she herself created. I love it! Thank you Leslie for thinking me FAB! (*mwah*).




So, here are the rules to receiving this award:

1. You have to pass it on to 5 other fabulous blogs in a post.
2. You have to list 5 of your fabulous addictions in the post.
3. You must copy and paste the rules and the instructions below in the post.


Instructions:

On your post of receiving this award, make sure you include the person that gave you the award and link it back to them. When you post your five winners, make sure you link them as well. To add the award to your post, simply right-click, save image, then "add image" it in your post as a picture so your winners can save it as well. To add it to your sidebar, add the "picture" gidget.Also, don't forget to let your winners know they won an award from you by emailing them or leaving a comment on their blog.

My 5 addictions that keep me going: (and in no particular order mind you)

1. Coke. Not Coca as they refer to it here in Chile. Just plain Coke. I get it. I do. The bottle itself says Coca-Cola, and they shorten it. To just Coca. But it's COKE. OK? Just COKE.
2. Chocolate. It makes me feel happy.
3. Blogging. I love it. What can I say? I think I'd need therapy if I lost my blog.
4. Shopping for shoes. Or things. Or just plain shopping.
5. Online shopping. Oh wait. That's still shopping. Ok, how about paint shop pro? I just bought the new one (online, yes) and I'm still learning the upgraded things. I have PSP9 now.

And for the lovelies that I will share this award with:

Spoiled Mommy, My Life, My Story.
Alicia from My Two B's and Me.
Chelle from Creative Momma.
Patrice from Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman.
Carol at Siswick Construction Zone.

These are not only great blogs, but the women who write them are truly wonderful. It's so much fun for me as a blog stalker to be able to take a glimpse into another's life. It's even more interesting when the people you read are as funny and as kind as these are. I think you will like them too. Hop on over and say hi!

On another yet totally unrelated note, it is difficult to compose a single blog post with children in your lap. Or asking for honey covered bananas. Or who think they need to poop, and want you to watch, or cheer. (And then it's a false alarm.) But then both children drag little chairs to the bathroom to wash their hands. For 10 minutes. Do they do that? Really? Yes. If you let them. So I have had to stop this post, more times than I can count. I've cleaned up their overflow of water in the bathroom, taken a picture of my child who likes to dress herself. And fed one of them honey covered bananas. Messy.

I think it's done. Here are the pictures for your perusal. The first one is Miss Alexa, rather proud that she's dressed herself. Yes, her shirt is not only on backwards, but inside out as well. And she is also sporting a Spider Man tattoo. Because she's cool like that.



Oh and the shirt she picked out was just a plain ole pink tee. She didn't want to wear the pretty one that actually went with her outfit. She threw a fit, and yelled and screamed and pulled at this cute shirt until I removed the monstrosity. Oh the horror. Trying to dress my child and have her look cute. She's me all over again. (I'm sure as soon as my mother reads this, she will be laughing.) So yeah, what goes around, comes around. It's true. Cute shirt, no?

OK, enough blogging for the moment. I'll be back. Later~

The miscellaneous post.

Let's see, I have random things to talk about today. Eddie woke me up at 2 a.m. last night when he went to the bathroom. Honestly I am totally stoked about his realization that he has to go to the bathroom and getting himself up in the middle of the night, but this is getting ridiculous. He is now getting up every single night to go pee. He reminds me of a pregnant woman. Geesh. And I make him go potty before he goes to bed. He drinks milk a little while before he goes to bed. I don't see why he can't make it through the night. ??

So I'm tired today. A little bit. Dh went on tdy. (For my non military peeps out there, he went away for work.) That bites. In a big way. You never ever get used to having your loved one away from you. You just don't.

This is a video I took of my kids the other night. They are singing the Barney, "I love you" song. They like that big ole purple dinosaur. What can I say? It makes them happy. And who I am to argue?

Also, we are in full swing potty training mode over here. Still. The good news is that I haven't bought diapers in quite a while. Eddie is sleeping in underwear. And Alexa sleeps in a diaper at night and for naps. Both the kids have had random potty successes and are always peeing on the potty. (Alexa is getting there, with few accidents these days.) Our most recent poopy success for Eddie has earned him this "man toy" as a reward for doing his business in the proper place (an ongoing issue for us). It was actually a gift from his Uncle. But it works in my favor. So, it's all good. Anyway, the kids have been thrilled with it, or him rather. I found this a little while ago.

And the culprit?? Of course....

I had to run and get my camera, like immediately. This is just too much. I might even have to go to the store and buy another "man toy" if my daughter starts pooping all the time on the potty too. Could I be so lucky? One can hope, right?

Finally, I got this super cool award from Laural over at Mamasphere. I've been meaning to thank you properly, so Thanks a whole big heap and a bunch. You've made me smile. And I need to smile. My kids like to test my patience, so I need all the calming, loving and warm sentiments out there. I appreciate it. (*besitos*)

OK, now I'm supposed to pass this blog lovin' forward, as usual. Here are my pics:

Shannon at Welcome to the Nuthouse!

Debbie at This is the Life.

These ladies are just too much fun to read. Go on over and check them out, but be careful or you will be hooked too! I also want to share this blog love with a new blogger. I've been raving about blogging to her, and she is one of my loyal readers. Although she just jumped into it the other day, I wanted her to know I'll be here to support her through her blogging journey. Oh yeah, and she's my sister. So take a minute to say hi, and give her a warm welcome. Here's Vicki over at The Ramblings of Victoria.

That's all I've got for today. And you probably wouldn't believe me if I told you how long it took me to construct this post. I uploaded the wrong video to you tube, then the kids took turns getting hurt, and then needed lunch. What with potty time, and then getting ready for preschool, it's amazing that I actually did finish. I need a nap.

I'm afraid of heights, and an award!

You know, I think I may have mentioned that before. In fact, I'm quite sure I did here. So can someone tell me why I purposely put myself in a situation where I feel like I'm going to pass out? Or fall down off the side of the mountain?

Yesterday we went to Cerro San Cristobal. And you can ride cable cars up to the top to see the statue. Well, like I said earlier, I am scared of high places. I am. I don't know how or why this fear developed, it just did. Maybe I need to see a hyponotist or something. I don't know. But I did agree to go on this little excursion, and I know my dh called me out on it while in the cable car.

He could see my face wrought with discomfort. He could also see my eyes as they didn't really stray too far from my son's face, who was sitting directly in front of me. You see, I'm OK sitting there. As long as I don't look down, I'm fine. I felt fine. Mostly. I was just acutely aware of our cable car dangling back and forth from a thin cable, I was thinking of what it might feel like to crash down to the earth. And I wondered how long it would take for paramedics to respond. For them to be called in the first place, and then drive through town, and up the side of the mountain . How long until they found our car amongst the trees. I wondered how bad we would be hurt. I felt fairly sure that we would all survive, but I still worried that we might fall.

Yes. I know. I'm a bit off kilter. But hey. It's my irrational fear we are dealing with. And you see, by me even going, I am and was dealing with it. I wasn't letting the whole fear thing, rule me. So we went. It's not to say that I didn't have a few irrational thoughts in my head. I was even thankful that we were enclosed in the tomb of hot sticky air. For certainly I would have had a whole new set of fears about falling out of the seat and over the railing somehow.

So like I was saying, dh called me out. He could see that I was not at my 100% comfort level. He said, "I know why you came here today." And I was all like, "Oh? You do, do you..." And then he said, "You don't even like this, you just did it so that you can take pictures for your blog." Busted. Well. I have no arguments there. I did it for my readers. (And for my mom.) As I'm certain she would appreciate the pictures.

So here are a few from yesterday. The first one is me, deceivingly happy and unafraid. (And Alexa is holding my specs. So that I may appear to look cooler without them on.)

Look how stinkin' high we were! I'm so proud of me. I did it! I managed the whole trip unscathed.

And last but not least, I received this award the other day from Patrice over at Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman.

Thank you, thank you! Patrice you made my day! :) And along with it, I am to name 6 things that make me happy, and then pass it along. Here are those things:

1. My kids. (most of the time. )

2. Chocolate. (all of the time.)

3. watching Grey's Anatomy, uniterrupted.

4. finding a good sale.

5. Great fitting jeans.

6. The day that I fly back to the United States. (It will make me overwhelmingly, like I have yet to experience, happy.)

And I am going to share this super award with my friend Stephanie of Serenity Now! Serenity Now! I have enjoyed reading her blog very much. You see, she has a teenage daughter. And when I read it, I can see what life might be like to have a teenager in the house. (yikes!) Although I am nowhere near ready to even think about those kinds of things, I enjoy her stories. Hop on over and take a peek. She's super nice!

Awards

Thanks Littlemansmom!

Thank you Tammy!


Thanks Chelle!

Thanks Stephanie!


Thanks Dawn!



Thanks Patrice!



Thanks Laural!

Thanks My Two B's and Me!

Thanks to The Happy Mom!

Thanks Patrice!

Thanks Chelle!

Thanks Ashley!

Missing sleep, potty succes, and an award!

The kids have been waking up way too early lately. Like in the 6 o'clock hour. And as much as I want to blame my husband for making too much noise in the mornings, well maybe it all can't be his fault. Right? (or can it?) I can't make the kids lay back down.I tell them to go back to their rooms, get back into bed. And sleep. Now! Please. Pleeaasse??

No. They pile into my bed. Because after all, I am the mommy. And mommies ROCK. We rule the world. And make pancakes too. And there is no better thing on earth than to climb into a warm bed with mommy. The kids creep in. Quiet at first, then they start looking at each other. And then they hold hands. A patty cake game of sorts begins. I wonder to myself, could they entertain themselves this way for another hour while I slept? Quietly? The answer is a resounding NO. What a ridiculous thought. Out of nowhere, laughter ensues. They begin jumping on the bed. Jumping at each other, away from each other. Over me, to the other side of the bed. All the while laughing wildly at the sheer fun of it. Can't. Sleep. Through. The. Noise. I certainly cannot sleep through the little people trodding all over me. Ugh.

Morning time. It's starting way too early. So I get up. The day starts. When it used to be later. But on a positive note, my little girl is making HUGE strides on the potty. I've been putting training underwear on her for the past several days. There have been many puddles to clean up. Then yesterday, I think something clicked for her. She didn't have one single accident. She peed in the baby toilet 7 times. She told me each of the times before she actually had to go. Oh it was a proud day for us. And there was much rejoicing.

Today she is back in her training pants, and I'm hoping we can catch a #2 with as much success as yesterday. Hoping. Please dear Lord, let me have one child who is easy. Please?

On another happy note, I have received another blog award! I am surpsrised and honored to be thought of at all. I received it from Dawn over at Dawn's Place. Thank you so much!

Of course you should know how this works now. You get an award, you pass it along, there are rules and such:

Here they are...
Mention the blog that gave it to you and comment on their blog to let them know you've posted your award. Publish these rules. Share 6 values that are important to you and 6 things you do not support. That sounds easy enough.

So here are 6 things I value.

1. My family.

2. My health.

3. The health of my children and family members too.

4. The fact that I even exist at all. I thank God and my mom for that.

5. My maid. Honestly, she is a lifesaver.

6. Every single blessing that comes my way.

Now for 6 things I do not support.

1. Barack Obama.

2. Foul mouths in ear shot of kids.

3. Rude and inconsiderate people.

4. People who litter.

5. My dh's irrationally long showers.

6. Other people eating my chocolate.

Now that was fun, and relatively painless. And since it has taken me nearly an hour and a half to compose this blog post, I'm only naming 3 people to share this award with. (I've had a small child clinging to my back, one that unraveled the toilet paper in the bathroom, and one that missed the toilet and peed on the floor.) So you'll have to forgive me. One day, I just might actually follow the rules. One day. ;)

1. Mrs. Newlywed over at The Misadventures of a Newlywed.

2. Casey over at The Ever-Changing Life of a Military Wife.

3. Lizzy over at The Journey to the Hot Tub.

7 things about me...

I spent some time outdoors this afternoon with the kiddos. Unfortunately there is no pleasing them both. We ended up back here for a late nap. And by that, I don't mean me.

Today I've been honored with the Smile Award from Tammy. I have to laugh, not smile when I read that she has given this to me. Although a Valium is more of what I do need, I will graciously accept this sweet token! Thank you! I am now under the impression that I am to pass on these awards as well, so please be patient with me through this process.

Now on to the random things you didn't know about me.

1. I have been watching Days of Our Lives for 23 years. Not consecutively, not religiously. But enough to be a DOOL junkie. I know all the main characters, how many times they have died (and un-died) and all the silly things that go along with it. I haven't watched it since I've been in Chile. And I miss it.

2. The smallest bone in the human body. Does anyone know what it is? I had mine surgically removed. And then felt the after affects for a month.

3. Procrastination is my middle name. OK, that's a total lie. But it should be. I can totally put off doing anything for any reason whatsoever. Not a lovely trait, but mine nonetheless.

4. I have 3 scars on the back of my left thigh from hopping a fence and landing in a prickly bush (I was 13). One scar on my right elbow from crashing my bike when I was 7. And a fine scar on my lower lip from taking a nasty spill in the tub. All of these involved large amounts of sanguinous drainage.

5. I am terrified of heights. It came on pretty sudden. When I went to Adventure Island in Tampa, FL. as I was climbing up the stairs to go down a water slide I was scared out of my wits. I had never been scared of heights before, it just happened. I was also scared beyond reason as I was climbing flights of stairs inside of the statue of liberty. It doesn't scare me to fly, or to be in a tall building. But if I get too close to the edge (like on a balcony), I feel sick.

6. I have had too many jobs to count. Here are a few: license plate maker, stock girl (Publix), head cashier, Barnes n noble bookseller, licensed Realtor, Dillards salesperson, shot girl @ the Roundup, Chili's hostess, flight attendant, Hooters girl, and leasing consultant at an apartment complex.

7. I love giraffes. I once owned and wore (repeatedly) a hideous pair of giraffe shoes. I thought they were cute. I still remember them. Pointy toes, beige. Flats. They had a giraffe head and neck on each of the outer sides of the shoes. I can still see them now. Not so cute. Maybe if I were 2. But I wasn't. I was 22.

I don't plan on tagging anyone to do this meme. But if you would like to participate, please go right on ahead and knock yourself out. Cheers!