Days of Play--Swimming

What is it with kids and water? 

You put a kid within a billion bilometers of water and he's gonna get wet.  

If you can't beat 'em you might as well join 'em.

Today, get into your swimsuit (YIKES), fill up the kiddie pool, and go for a dip with your kids.

Sure you can take them to a big pool and let them swim alone to their hearts' content but what they'd really love is YOUR time.  

                                                                   YOUR attention. 

They'll love seeing you squeeze your legs into the pool.

They'll love squirting you with a water toy.

They'll love watching you oooo! and eeeeek! over the cold water.

They'll love watching you run around like a crazy woman trying to find a towel and a warm place to sit.

They won't notice your cellulite, baby belly, arm flap jabbies, bathing suit butt, desperate need for a Brazilian bathing suit imperfections.

They will notice you noticing them.  And it will make a difference!

Date Night In--Ice Cream Sculptures (YUM and WOW!)

WARNING 

The date you are about to read is cold, messy, daring, and sexy.  If you aren't game for cold or messy, check out some older date night in ideas here.  If you aren't game for daring and sexy, re-think it--your husband will love it!

What you'll need:

• A half-gallon of ice cream (get a kind that is in a block not a tub).
• A tarp or plastic paint cover
• table and chairs (card table or plastic tables are great because you can hose them down)
• tools like butter knives, spoons, scoops, etc.
• Food coloring if you are feeling VERY adventurous.
• Mood lighting (either a dimmer, a lamp with a scarf draped over the shade, some candles ... you won't want any harsh shadows for this date!).
• Some time alone.
• A robe
• A dash of gumption (well, in my case a cup of gumption--you might just need a dash).

What to do:

1. Carve out some alone time.  Want to know why?  Read here.
2. Find a private place in your home and lay down a tarp, plastic paint cover, etc.
3. Set up a table and chairs OVER the tarp.
4. Get into the robe.  And that's it.
5. Invite your darling hubs into the secluded date spot and lock the doors.
6. Explain to him that you want to see his artistic side.
7. Hand him the block of ice cream and tools and explain that he is going to sculpt something--YOU.
8. Disrobe and get into a comfy position (luckily the ice cream means he'll have to sculpt quickly so you won't have to be naked long hold your position for too long).
9. Reverse roles if desired and see who can make the best sculpture.
10. Eat what's left of the ice cream (as needed).

The "IT" List

The weekend is finally upon us! Take some time to check out this amazing inspiration from around the web this week!

• style your life whips up a fabulous ensemble in grey and white... I just love the fresh and modern feel of this outfit!
• the pretty bee makes over her family room... she shows before and after shots (gotta love a "before and after!") that includes this sunny vignette.
• where is the me in mommy? reminds us of five simple things to add to our to-do list that is sure to brighten our day... my fave: more time for reading to our kids!
• do. think. wear. see. love. dream. takes on a safari wardrobe challenge and totally knocks it out of the ballpark, or more aptly the wildlife reserve.
• a spot of whimsy reorganizes her bookshelves... and rainbow-itizes them! (much more pretty than alphabetizing them)
• karina, ink reopens her shop and has a pretty awesome freebie for bloggers - you won't want to miss this!
• one hundred inspirations gets us this french-chic Leighton Meester look for less than $100 (well actually, less than $82 to be exact!!)
• good life for less takes us south of the border for some fun wardrobe inspiration that just screams summer!
• sweetie pie pumpkin noodle is coveting sand & sea... um, yes me too! Especially this blinged out swimsuit!
• merci blah blah gets disco fabulous and I couldn't love this belt/necklace combo more! Can you say "whoooo, whooo"?

Interested in finding out how you can be featured on the "it" list? Email goodlifeforless @ gmail.com!

Things I love--Kick A$$ Workout Music

I'm kind of a music snob.  I'll never have Beiber Fever.  I've never heard a Jonas Brother song.  Lady Gaga... who?

Don't get me wrong, I love bands that have music labels just not "those" type of bands.

I really love Everything Absent or Distorted, Neutral Milk Hotel, Broken Social Scene, Guided by Voices, and the "The" bands (The Hives, The Kooks, The Whigs ...).

Sadly my husband is a sucker for Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus.  I love him anyway.

Where was I going with this?

Oh ya, workout jams.

My favorite time to listen to music is when I'm working out.  But I'm funny about my workout music.  It has to pretty heavy sounding but mostly punk and must have fun, singable lyrics (because if you ever saw me work out you'd think I was a one-woman band putting in the performance of a lifetime).

Last week I made a new workout playlist.  The songs have been around a while but the list is new to me.  

My new workout playlist includes:

Dirty Little Secret--All-American Rejects
Teenagers--My Chemical Romance
Girlfriend--Avril Lavigne (judge me all you want for that one)
Gives you Hell--All-American Rejects
Mess of Me--Switchfoot
Beat It--Fall Out Boy (sorry, I'm really NOT a MJ fan)
Fire it Up--Thousand Foot Krutch
Geeks Get the Girls--American Hi-Fi
Thanks for the Memories--Fall Out Boy
Famous Last Words--My Chemical Romance
The Fight Song--Sanctus Real
Supermassive Black Hole--Muse
Flavor of the Week--American HiFi
Hate to Say I Told You So--The Hives
Are You Gonna Be My Girl--JET
Mother Mary--Foxboro Hottubs
Uprising--Muse
Smells Like Teen Spirit--Nirvana
Fight For Your Right To Party--Beastie Boys
Ice Ice Baby--Vanilla Ice (loud and proud, baby!)

Did I miss a rockin' fun song that's on your workout list?  Am I missing a must-have song?  Do share! (But please DON'T let it be anything from Journey.  Not that I don't love them, I just can run to them!)

What I Think About--Giving Away Half of My Money

Did you hear that Bill Gates and Warren Buffet have joined together and are asking American billionaires to donate half of their wealth (that's 50%) to charity?

At first glance I thought, "good.  They should.  They can afford it!"

Then I remembered this little book, The Hole in Our Gospel, that I read over Christmas break (it was a gift--this is not a sponsored blog).  Boy did that book rock my world!

Consider this.

I bought this dress at a garage sale for $2. (What a steal!  I know!).

Here's the catch.

My dress = what 40% of the world's people make in one day.

You read that correctly.  2.6 billion people make less than $2 a day.

Here's a photo of one half of one of my pantries (yes, it always looks like this).

And the reality?  

1 in 7 people worldwide--that's 854 million--do not have enough food to sustain them.

25,000 people die of hunger and hunger related causes a day--that's 9 million people a year.

When I'm thirsty, I have access to clean water.  Like most Americans, I use 80-100 gallons of water a day.

Meanwhile, 1.1 billion people have no access to adequate water.  Five million die every year because of water-related illnesses.

Finally, in 1998, Americans spent:

• $8 billion on cosmetics
• $17 billion on pet food
• $400 billion on narcotics

In comparison, what would it take to offer basic social necessities to all global citizens?

• $6 billion to offer everyone a basic education
• $9 billion to provide clean water and basic sanitation
• $13 billion to offer basic health care and nutrition to all

What I think is Bill Gates and Warren Buffet are to be commended for doing their part to offer all people a chance for a better future.

What I REALLY think is we--you and me--can do better than this.

Do we have to give away half of our income to make a difference?  No!

Do we have to start somewhere? Yes.

How?

• Take food to a local food bank
• Clean out our closet and donate unwanted clothing
• Adopt a child for $30 bucks a month

Your thoughts?  Your simple ideas on how we can give?

Your Words

Not an overwhelming response last week but I'll give it one more shot.

If you were going to get a tattoo (or another tattoo), what would you get, where would you put it, and why?


Need some inspiration?  Feast your eyes on this.  Maybe not ...

One Style Two Ways

For the life of me I can't understand why Maxi Dresses are so popular.  They are cute and all but they seem so impractical.  Maybe it's just that I'm not a dress girl.  I don't know (if it helps I did find a Maxi Dress at a garage sale this weekend so I'll wear it and see if it makes me less critical ... no promises...).

Anyhow, if you are a dress girl, you should know that you can style Maxi Dresses up or down.  Wedges, a bold necklace, and a killer bag will have you ready for a night on the town.  A sheer summer scarf, boho bag, and strappy sandals will keep the look pulled together but casual.

Happy dress wearing (if you insist)!

Uptown Girl

Platforms by J.Crew
Hobos by Forever 21

Downtown Charlie Brown

Sandals by Forever 21
Sunglasses by Forever 21

Father's Day Special

Happy Father's Day!

Top 10 Reasons Why Matt Really is the 

World's Best Dad

10.

He doesn't buckle under pressure (and has anyone ever looked so handsome in a surgical mask?  

9.

He loves babywearing as much as I do (though he prefers his Kelty to my homemade wraps).

8.

Know how much I hate being "just" a mom?  Matt hates being "just" a dad.  I love that he pursues his passions. By the way, he'll be riding 100 miles in six days!

7.

Be it with me or the kids, he's not afraid to get his geek on.

6.

He respects his elders (and he calls my dog "MR. Finnigan.")

5.

 

Whether it's climbing the Tetons or tackling sick-kid vomit, he's up for the challenge!


4.

He's not afraid to let our daughter dress him.

3.

He makes a mean snow fort.

2.

Actually, he makes a good blanket fort, too! (FYI--he's not so good with the camera.  Exhibit #1--my derrière being front and center in this photo).

1.

He's great at taking charge of the kids and giving me a weekend with the girls (good thing too--I was starting to look like a deer caught in the headlights.  Oh well, at least Kim and Nichole look like babes).

And to my father and father-in-love--Happy Father's Day!

My Father--"Big Papa"

My father-in-love "Little Papa"

What's Cooking 6/21-6/28

Last week I was passionately in love with my grill.

This week it's veggies!  Our Community Support Ag (CSA) started this week and I'm so thrilled I could almost compose a verse or two about it.

Spinach, cilantro, and kale--oh my!

Almost.

Monday--Grilled Garlic-Parmesan chicken with cilantro pesto couscous and a salad
Tuesday--Lime-Chili rubbed steak with cilantro rice
Wednesday--Spinach Pesto over penne with salad
Thursday--Asian flared crunchy salad
Friday--red spinach lasagna with salad and crusty bread
Saturday--Spicy taco salad
Sunday--rice, beans, and greens wraps with pico de gallo

Frontier Kitchen's photo of cilantro-pesto couscous

Days of Play--Shadow Puppets

M.E. and I *literally* just finished doing shadow puppets.  I sat behind our curtain and made the puppets and she watched and guessed what animals I was making.  When we were done (because we went through the list I knew twice) she said, "gosh mom, that was big fun."

If you need some shadow puppet ideas (because you are like me and only know how to make a dog, butterfly, and bunny) click here.

If you want to feel like your skills are completely inferior, watch this--it's pretty amazing!

The "IT" list

Hooray for Friday... that can only mean one thing: the "it" list is back! This week's list has a decidedly summery feel to it. Let's dig right in!

• do.think.wear.see.love.dream. tries to convince us to buy statement necklaces and shows us her favorites. I'm sold.
• merci blah blah mixes nautical stripes and some fabulous layers of accessories for a summer get-up that I am swooning over.
• karina, ink. makes a homemade brew of all-purpose cleaner that looks good enough to eat. (but don't! but you'll be tempted!)
• good life for less asks for you to chime in on tube tops... you know, giving you sumthin' to talk about. Where do you stand on the top?
• where is the me in mommy? challenges mothers (and parents in general) on letting our children live out their dreams. Very thought provoking.
• a spot of whimsy celebrates Flag Day and gets us in the mood for Fourth of July. FUN!
• sweetie pie pumpkin noodle whips up the fixins' for a super rad summer style patio. Um, yes, please!
• style your life incorporates this amazing jacket into an outfit in a way I never would have thought of and I am instantly in love!
• one hundred inspirations gets you a great french-chic look a la Alessandra Ambrosio on the cheap!
• the pretty bee has updated her etsy shop with fun summer necklaces... I'd take one of each! They are perfect for summer.
• i am loving the raygan clutch from elena's custom designs - I have one and love it! It's the perfect size for the essentials!
• if you have a special occasion in your future (wedding, shower, birth), check out the special occasion offerings from really cute stuff. the texas themed cards give me a hankering for a big steak!

There you have it folks... the best of the web this week! Take some time to check out each of these fun posts and amazing blogs!

~~~

If you are interested in being featured on the "it" list (bloggers and small business owners are welcome!) check out all of the details here... then email goodlifeforless @ gmail.com!

Things I Love: My Old Navy Wish List

Old Navy has some HOT summer gear!  Here's my dreamy little wish list ...

For Fun:

Camisoles by Old Navy
Sandals by Old Navy

For the Lake

Day Dresses by Old Navy
Sandals by Old Navy

For Date Night

Day Dresses by Old Navy
Wedges by Old Navy

*Sigh*

So who's going shopping with me?

What I Think About--Dangerous Dreaming

Abby Sunderland's dream was to circumnavigate the globe on a forty-foot racing yacht.  The video below shows Abby's father praying for her before she started her solo-mission.



Last week Abby was feared lost at sea (if you've been under a rock breathe easy--they found her).

I admit my first reaction to this story was something along the lines of "What the heck are they thinking?!?!"  She's too young.  It's too dangerous.  What poor examples of parents!

Indeed most critics have my same reaction.  Now Abby's mom and dad must stand up to the very critical eye of a public who would blame them, who would flat out call them stupid and neglectful, for letting their daughter dare to reach her dreams.

As I researched this story I reflected on my dreams for my children.  Madisen is very persistent--a negotiator with unparalleled skills.  I'd love her to be an attorney.  And Pax is so adventurous and loving.  He'd make a great teacher.  And my kids are so cute they could easily find spouses and settle down near us and raise sweet little families.  This dream sounds so familiar.  Wait!  It's my life.  An attorney, a teacher, and a couple of kids.  I love my life.  It's just want I want.  But what if my kids want more?  Will I encourage them or hold them back?

I'll admit that as a mom, I have a hard time thinking my kids might have dangerous dreams. Perhaps my biggest fear is that my kids' dreams will take them far away and have them living in dangerous places in dangerous times with dangerous people.  But what if it is their God-given purpose that leads them?  Should I hold them back for my sake?  For safety's sake?

All this thinking has me wondering about when people are the "right" age to reach for their dreams. I mean, we tell our kids they can do and be anything.  But at what age are we, as parents, supposed to start letting go and believing and trusting that they really CAN do and be anything? Is 18 okay but not 16?

For some reason an old Van Gogh quote keeps running through my mind: "The Fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm is terrible but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore."  Perhaps not taking the risk is more dangerous than attempting to make a dream a reality.

What I think is I want my children to pursue their dangerous dreams.  I want to hold them firmly with my hands wide open--protecting where and when I can but letting go (and letting God) when and where I can.

Borrowing from Oswald J. Smith, "I want your plan for my children's lives, God.  May they be happy and contented in homeland or on foreign soil; whether married or alone; in happiness and sorrow; health or sickness; prosperity or adversity; safety or danger.  I want your plan for my children.  I want it.  Oh, I want it!"

Was letting Abby pursue of her dream inspiring or foolish?

If you are stopping by from this week's IT list--thank you!

My friend Sarah said I remind her of a quotation from "Julie and Julia"--"I have thoughts; I can blog." Every Wednesday I blog my thoughts.  Sometimes I get jeers; sometimes I get cheers. 

Check out some of my most popular "What I think about ..."

Sex, Lies, and Mom Blog Bullies

Letting Go

What I Wish I Knew When I was 12

Date Your Husband (the first comment is from a man--not mine--and is hysterical!)

Mom Laws

Have you ever heard the old adage "Murphy's Law"?

From where I stand, Murphy's Law ain't got nothin' on Mom Laws.

Since I became a mom so many events have become truisms that I take for granted.

Here are examples of Mom Laws around my house.

• Children must vomit, wet the bed, of have a bloody nose within twelve hours of having their bed sheets laundered. 
• Only freshly mopped kitchen floors will be spilled on.
• The one day my children sleep until 8, I will be up by 5:45.
• Nothing mechanical ever works when it is needed.
• A car's leather interior is a magnet for muddy feet.
• Children never say a "bad" word unless a grandparent or judgmental adult is present.
• Children never throw tantrums until their mom receives the compliment of having well-behaved children.
• As soon as we get home from the store, I remember that my children don't actually want the toy they've been begging for.
• Children never have runny noses unless A) you are wearing a clean shirt for them to wipe their noses on or B) you are completely out of kleenx and thus have to do a "mom wipe."  You know what I'm talking about. 
• Children only get sick when there is an event or outing you can't possibly miss.
• Children are never to full to finish their dessert.
• Moms never pee alone.
• Moms are not allowed to enjoy dessert, snacks, or special drinks without feeling guilty for not sharing with their children (and you know what, sometimes I don't want to share my cookie!).
• You'll never find a pacifier when you need it.
• There are not enough batteries in the house.  Ever.  This goes double for bananas.
• Children think its a thrill to pee in the dark during the daytime but are terrified of going into the night-light lit bathroom at night.
• One tiny little four year old will take up a whole king sized bed if given the chance.
• It is impossible to keep a sliding glass door kid-print free.

Though I sometimes get bogged down by these Mom Law truisms I try to remember the Mom Law that matters most to me:

There is no laundry pile deep enough, no mess big enough, no bodily fluid gross enough to take away the joy of being a mom.

My niece Ella doesn't mind testing Mom Law limits!

What Mom Laws guide your momiverse?

Your Words

My favorite part of Real Simple is the "Your Words" section where readers submit their thoughts to prompts.  I'm toying with the idea of adding this to my blog so I can get to know my readers better.  Any thoughts on this?  Good idea?  Bad idea?

Until I decide if this would be of interest, please humor me by answering this prompt:

If you could go anywhere, and do anything, and had all the money and logistics figured out--what would you do today?

What's Cooking 6/14-6/20

My love affair with the grill continues ...

Monday--Matt's fat cheeseburgers and home made fries
Tuesday--Mediterranean couscous with kale, grape tomatoes, and feta cheese
Wednesday--Garlic Herb Halibut and spinach
Thursday--Spicy honey chicken (I could eat this every week!)
Friday--Steaks and salad
Saturday--BBQ bone-in chicken breasts
Sunday--Dad's choice (but I'm feeling Balsamic chicken thighs and mixed greens)

Want to Read Stephanie Meyer's New Book for Free?

Stephanie Meyer's new book--the Short Second Life of Bree Tanner--is online and available to read for free (online only--not copying/pasting/printing or saving) until July 5, 2010.

Follow this link if you're interested.  But remember my chick-flick warnings.  It is a story.  Only a story.  Your husband can't/shouldn't be Jacob or Edward :)

http://ld-breetannerbook.libredigital.com/index.html

Days of Play--Write on Windows

My delightful little home has a ton of windows.  I hate to clean them but we LOVE to color on them.

What?

Yep.  Grab a box of dry-erase markers (or window writing markers as marketed by Crayola) and let your kids doodle all over the windows.
Need to erase?  Just use an old rag.  To clean up, windex and wipe.

I'm not sure if this is fun because it's unusual or because it feels naughty (kids tend to love the naughtiness).

You decide.

Can't commit your windows to art/graffiti?  Try making your own white board.  Take a piece of white tagboard (any size--I used 5x7 notecards when I taught.  Yesterday I made an 8x11 for my daughter) and wrap it in clear contact paper.  WaLa!  A white board that travels and cleans easily.

Date Night--Quarter Date

Okay, most of my date ideas are "Date Night In" ideas but this one is still pretty cheap and fun.

Here's what you need:

• A car
• 1 roll of quarters (which is $10).

Here's the challenge:

You and your husband must drive around town and get a full meal (main course, vegetable, drink, and dessert) for two people using ONLY $10 worth of quarters.  To make it even trickier, you can spend no more than $2 at each location (and this includes tax).

Your dinner might be a taco, french fries, a free cup of water, and a chocolate chip cookie but you'll have a good time.

Don't want to pay for a sitter?   Take the kids and make it a family date (but you only get to an additional $2.50 for each kid). It's good for them to see you and your husband being a little silly.

Gonna try it?  Tell me all about it!

the "IT" list

Welcome to the "IT" list!

Every week Jill from the Good Life For Less rounds up the best blog ideas and compiles them into one smokin' hot, link lovin' good time!  Take a minute, or an hour--whatever, and check out these fab finds (and the inspiring blogs that showcase 'em)!


And by the way, do you recognize the watch?  I can practically feel the forces of nature telling me that Matt should have it for Father's Day!

We have a SUPER fab line-up this week gals... as I was compiling the "it" list I kept saying, "...that is my favorite... no, no, this one has got to be the best... wait, wait, I just love this one!" Take some time today or this weekend to visit each of these brillz blogs - you won't be sorry!

• Jess of jesslc and makeundermylife is hosting one (or NINE!) hot giveaways this week (it ends today so scoot on over bunnies!)... Five Days, Nine Blogs, Nine Giveaways. The best part - there is a great cause behind these fun necklaces!
• the pretty bee has me *buzzing* over this doily wall art! I even had to get the behind the scenes details on pricing (you know me!) - the objects of my affection cost less than $2.00 at the fabric store. Don't miss this!
• the good life for less reminds you that the Summer looks:book is up and ripe for the picking! It's all the wardrobe inspiration that you will need to get you to fall.
• where is the me in mommy rounds up Father's Day gift ideas (which reminds me.... I need to get on that.)
• do. think. wear. see. love. dream. is inspired by Sundance... so she shops her own closet to achieve the look. LOVE THIS. Also, she offers new readers a re-cap on what's up at her blog... what a good idea! She's a doll, just a doll...
• a spot of whimsy is inspired to throw a beach themed party... and after reading that post, I am too. She has captured the essence of "beach" perfectly.
• karina, ink in all her craftiness takes dollar bin finds and makes them into a memento display. She makes it looks so easy... always.
• one hundred inspirations brings us January Jones' simple & chic summer look for less than $70. Nice. Very nice.
• sweetie pie pumpkin noodle whips up an outfit inspired by this sunset and it's drop.dead.
• merci, blah, blah rounds up, hands down, the most glamorous selection of chandeliers I have ever seen. I'll take one, or a million, of each.
• one sweet find has me dreaming of champagne hot air balloon rides. Swoon....

Interested in being featured on the "it" list? Small businesses, retailers and bloggers alike are welcome to join this weekly publication! email goodlifeforless (at) gmail.com for info!

Thanks for checking out this week's IT list.  If this is your first time on Where is the ME in Mommy? I'd love to have you take a peek at some of my most popular posts!


Click the following phrases to read up!


Orgasms
Letting Go
That's What She Said!
Wearing Black and Brown Together

Things I love--My Pots and Pans

For our wedding we were given a set of stainless steel pots and pans from QVC. Th brand is Cook's Essentials.

I consider myself to be a pretty dang good cook (and if you disagree, you are henceforth formally disinvited to dinner).  Anyhow, I've run the gamut of pots and pans.  Calpahan, La Creucet, cast iron, Pampered Chef, Rachel Ray--you name it, I've tried it.  And you know what, I always, always, always come back to my fairly inexpensive Cook's Essential pots and pans.

They are heavy duty, non-stick, and dreamy.  And remember, I'm not getting paid or getting new pots and pans to say this.  These are the pans I use.  The pans I love.  The pans I recommend.  And I'll tell you, after 8 years of hardcore cookin' there's not a scratch in the non-stick coating (though I'm also anal about NEVER using metal cooking utensils!)

If you've got a wedding this summer, look into the 10 piece set of Cook's Essentials.  The cook in the marriage will thank you.

I love my pots and pans! *sigh*

What cooking gadgets do you love?

What I Think About--Dating Your Husband

This was one of my first posts and I feel like I owe it to myself, my marriage, and to you and your marriage to re-post it (since I now have more than 6 readers!).

Matt and I have been married for nearly seven and a half years but together for just under eleven.  It was just the two of us (well, and two slightly dysfunctional dogs we played "house" with) for six years.  In that time we were given to weekend trips to New York, moving to Vegas for the summer, and recklessly wasting time and resources dining out, going to the movies, and sleeping in until ten (*sigh*).

My how things have changed since we had children!  Most of the changes have been good but a few times I've looked at my husband and tried to remember the husband he was before he became a father.

Let me say that no man has been or will be as great of a father as Matt is (I expect you to disagree so we'll just agree to disagree).  He plays with our children, changes diapers, makes toys, plays dress-up, cooks, carries, cleans vomit ... He is not of of those men who comes home from a long day at work and is "done" for the day. He finishes his day when I finish mine, and sometimes later.

Though I love and admire the father in him, I also yearn for the Matt who wasn't a dad--fearless, reckless, spontaneous, dangerous, carefree.  Deep down he still is all those things but the daily routine grinds him down.  What I realized this December is that he felt the same way about me. And what we learned was that the key to igniting the pre-parent passions we had for each other was within our grasp.

What follows is an excerpt from an e-mail Matt sent to me on December 1, 2009 in preparation for our anniversary.

I tell you all the time that you are beautiful, and I tell you often that you are a wonderful mother.  What I don’t tell you all the time is that you are so mysterious…and I love that about you.  Though you tell yourself and others that you like to plan, play things safe and keep control at all times, one of the mysteries of you is that those things are not entirely true.  Even though you would never admit to it, I have come to realize your secret affinity for adventure and more importantly… spontaneity. 

One of the things I committed to you nearly seven years ago was that I would make you happy.  And while I know that you are happy in a general sense, it bothers me that we so easily get bogged down in the routineness of being married, of being parents and of life tasks.  Every time I have asked you in the past three months about your happiness and what about life is causing you stress, it is the daily reality that is grindingly numbing.  You are so tough.  You raise our children with excellence, you care for your family and you are a wonderful friend.  But deep down, I know that a little adventure….a little romance…..a little passion and a little spontaneity just might create an opportunity for us.

Every day from now until our anniversary, I am going to present you with at least one opportunity to do something completely spontaneous.  There is no pressure on your part to accept each opportunity.  Some will be more adventurous than others.  Some may even stretch your comfort level.  But deep down I know there is an inner Bond girl dying to escape…

Thus was born the Legacy Parkway Spy School.  For the next twenty days Matt sent me on wild goose chases taking secret photos of him, creating movies, practicing "Unagi" (we love Friends), and learning how to box. These games, these spontaneous "challenges" were nothing more than little thoughts meant to brighten my day by reminding me that before I was a mom, I was a sexy, confident woman . . . and still could be.  

When I share this story with friends I always get comments like "I wish my husband would do stuff like that."  All I can say is this, DO IT FIRST.  Be the change you want to see in your marriage.

• Date your husband.  
  
• Wow him.  
  
• Remind him that he is a sexy and confident man.
  
• Remind him that before he was your children's father, he was your lover.  

I've re-created some of my spy school challenges (and created new ones).  

If you want to spice up your married date life, check out these links.  Do them. Have fun with them.  

If you blog, blog about the benefits of sending your man to "Spy School" (and send me the link so I can read about it).  If you don't blog, e-mail me messages and photos to post!

Bond Spy School for Hot Dads

Letter of Introduction

Challenge #1--Covert Operations

Challenge #2--The Art of Observation

Challenge #3--Shaken, Not Stirred

Challenge #4--The One with Unagi

Challenge #5--Man of Many Talents

Challenge #6--Man of Distinguished Taste

Challenge #7--Cookin' Up Something Hot

Challenge #8--Casino Royal

If you want to bring back pre-baby passion to your marriage, I think it is partially your responsibility to inspire it.  Date your husband!

Just a little photo (one of the few we could post) from our Body Paint date night in!

Tuesday's Too Clean Tip--Clean Your Oven

Even though my oven is "self-cleaning" I am loath to actually turn on the "clean cycle."  I mean, it smells so nasty in my house for five hours that I'm certain it's not worth it.  The problem is, I don't exactly like the burnt and dirty oven smell when I'm baking cookies either.

What I generally end up doing is spraying some commercial, chemical based oven spray in my oven and then cleaning it and getting a chemical-spray induced headache.  Lovely.

                                                                                                  

                                                                                                               

Isn't there an easier way?

Truthfully?  No.

But there is a chemical free way!

The night before you want to clean, get a bowl and fill it 1/2 c. of ammonia. Close the door and let it sit all night (okay, this is a chemical but it's the pre-wash part so it doesn't count).

The next morning remove the ammonia and let the oven air out for a few minutes.

Now, take 5 teaspoons of baking soda, 2-3 drops of liquid dishwashing soap, and white vinegar and make a paste (you thought I was going to say lemons didn't you?).  Scrub the inside of your oven with the paste and a cotton cloth.  Get a spray bottle and spray with water to rinse then wipe dry.

If your oven is UBER nasty and you have some seriously tough stains, mix 1 c. baking soda, 1 cup of salt and enough white vinegar to make a heavy paste.  Rub all over your oven.  Turn oven on to 500 and leave for 30-60 minutes.  Turn off.  Leave the door closed and allow to cool.  Spray with a water bottle to rinse and wipe dry.

The good news is that this is mostly chemical free.  The bad news is that it still can be smelly (just not burnt-oven/chemical smelly).

If you think you hate cleaning your oven more than I hate cleaning mine, plead your case in the comments!  Wouldn't an "I hate oven cleaning" haiku be fun?

    

In Celebration of Hot Dads

Father's Day--June 20th

It's nearly that time of year.  You know, the day when your husband gets to be "World's Best Dad" according to every greeting card, mug, and T-Shirt out there.

When I was growing up my dad always wanted the same two things for Father's Day: cologne and socks (black ones that he'd wear with sandals.  Now do you understand why I'm nuts?).

For some reason, like having it ingrained in me since I was six, I always get my dad, my father-in-law, and my husband really practical gifts for Father's Day (read: cologne, socks, and every now and then, blue underwear with yellow bananas on them.  No, I'm not kidding).

This year I want to break out of the mold and give my husband something that he would love.

Here are some thoughts.

Cologne
If I'm going to get him cologne, I giving him Acqua Di Gio.  If this cologne was a piece of clothing it would be Mister Roger's cardigan.  Classic.  Comfortable.  Sexy (okay, not the first word you think of when you hear Mr. Rogers OR cardigan but trust me, it's awesome).

Fashion

I'm one of those women who TOTALLY lucked out and married a guy with an a-maz-ing fashion sense.  He could (and does, actually) pull of cardigans.  Matt loves to go shopping and he never looks at sizes.  While I'm obsessing over whether I'm a 4, 6 or an 8, he pulls out a pair of pants and says, "These'll fit.  Trust me."  And I do because he's always right (about shopping, that is).

Anyhow, even though he has to wear dress shirts and ties and suits to work, I'm not getting these things for Father's Day.  Instead, I'd look into these:

Super Casual--Super Cool--Did I mention hats and jeans shirts/jackets are hot this summer?

Tees by Old Navy
Casual Shoes by Converse

Hoodies and Flips--Tell me I'm not the only one who digs this look?

Sandals by American Eagle
Sunglasses by American Eagle

Country shirt--Thank God he's a country boy (really, Matt graduated with 13 other kids).

Longsleeve Shirts by Old Navy
Belts by American Eagle

Outdoors
My husband loves all things sporty and outdoorsy.  Hiking, road biking, rock climbing, skydiving--you name it, he loves it.

Some ideas if your fella is outdoorsy:

• Grill set
• New bike helmet
• tent/sleeping bag
• grill
• tickets to his favorite sporting event

Sophisticated

Even though he can be a bit wild, Matt is at heart, extremely sophisticated.  In this vain, here's what I'm thinking:

• The book Freakonomics.  Reading ANYTHING written by an economist would elicit tears of boredom from me.  Matt's been drooling over this one for a couple of years.  Maybe this is the year!
• A really nice pen set
• A briefcase
• A Bocce Ball set

Practically Impractical

• A homemade jar of bacon butter (If you just said ewwwww join the club.  If your husband would eat bacon on ice cream, then trust me, he'll love it.)
• An acre of land on Mars (talk about Americans being imperialists!)
• Chuck Norris T-Shirt

Quality Time with a Quality Man

• Buy Ladder Ball and play a game (or two) with the kids.
• Pack an amazing picnic get outside for a day in the park, or mountains, or lake.

Home made

• With your children, put together a skit or song about your husband and perform it for him.
• Make the un-original breakfast in bed an original 5 Star meal.  Serve puffed french toast, fresh berries in cream, and  3 cheese scrambled eggs with orange juice.  Serve your husband on your best dishes.  Have breakfast by candle light.
• Give your husband coupons for acts of service (include one sexual act for when kids go to bed).

What Matt Really Wants

Though I've come up with lots of thoughts for Father's Day--mainly just to throw Matt off my trail--I know what he really wants.

Matt has a watch thing like I have an accessory thing.

Here's his latest watch crush--A Luminox Navy Seal Dive Watch.

Well, there are my rambling ideas on what to get the man in your life for his special day.  I'd tell you what Matt's getting but it's G14 Classified.  

Stopping by from the "it" list?

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Orgasms

Letting Go

That's What She Said!

Wearing Black and Brown Together

What's Cooking 6/7-6/13

This coming Friday and Saturday I'm going to a Beth Moore/Kay Arthur/Pricilla Shirer conference with my BFF Kim, my sister Randean, my mother-in-law, Aunt Julie and a slew of other gals.  Not only will I be spiritually filled AND get out my word count, I totally get to stay in a rockin' awesome hotel without kiddos.  Ahhhhhhhhh!  I can't wait!

Until then, here's what I plan of feeding my lovies!




Monday--Spicy Beef tacos on whole wheat tortillas with all the trimmings (cuz nothing can be easy at my house!)
Tuesday--Chicken Penne with salad and French bread
Wednesday--Orange Honey Teriyaki Chicken a la Frontier Kitchen (Photo is from Frontier Kitchen)
Thursday--Grilled steaks with home fries and green beans
Friday--I'm at the conference and daddy is cooking
Saturday--Matt's choice
Sunday--BBQ Salmon with wild rice and mixed greens