Woke up to find this addition to my Christmas tree :: Hump Day Humor

My 15 year old son's sense of humor:

My baby is 15 today - let's eat cake - Texas chocolate cake

My first born is 15 years old today.  It's hard to believe and, indeed, time goes very quickly.  We jumped into his bed this morning, dogs and all, to sing him happy birthday.  This truly is what teenagers love...not, but he took it in stride.

I slipped on his shoes the other day as I took the dogs out.  He has man feet.  My feet (none too small at size 8) swim in his shoes (size 13).  My baby is grown up. He's not even finished growing. Sigh. I guess this is what they do.

Happy Birthday, Max! We love you dearly!

As is our tradition, he has chosen his bday dinner (sushi) and requested his cake - Texas Chocolate.  This recipe is from my mom and was a favorite of mine when I was a kid. Warning: this recipe isn't for the faint of heart.  It's rich, moist, delicious. Rich.  A treat once or twice a year.  Much more than that, I'd recommend consulting your cardiologist.  What's a cake if not a treat?!

I'll add a photo later, once I've made it.

Texas Chocolate Cake

cake ingredients:
2 sticks butter (1 cup)
1 c water
1/4 c cocoa
2 c four
2 c sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
1/2 c sour cream

Bring to boil butter, water, and cocoa.
Combine dry ingredients - flour, sugar, soda, salt. 
Add hot mixture at once to flour mixture
Lastly add beaten eggs and sour cream.
Mix well.

Pour into greased 9.5 x 13.5 (3 qt) baking dish. 
Bake 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.
Make icing while cake is backing and frost while warm.

frosting ingredients:
1 stick butter (1/2 cup)
6 tbsp milk
2 tbsp cocoa
1 box powdered sugar (2 cups)
1 tsp vanilla

Bring to boil butter, milk, cocoa. 
Add all at once to powdered sugar.
Add vanilla.
Mix well and pour on warm cake (icing will be runny and ooze into the corners - the best pieces).

Missing my little ducky || OM [one moment] meet up

This week, I had an empty feeling every day, all day.  Something was missing.  My heart ached a little.  My little E was gone from us for his first extended trip ever.

Each class in E's new school travels on a week long trip together. This year, his 5th grade class this year went to a beautiful 1500 acre ranch of Yellow Pine Forests where they could hike, explore, and bond together.  I understand that he will come back a changed boy (for the better).  He was so excited to go that he barely said goodbye to me when I dropped him off at school on Monday.

I've missed him since the moment he left.  Each day I've wondered what he's doing, where he is, if he's happy (I know he is/was).  It's hard to not be in communication with your child.  My rational side knows that his trip away was good for all of us.  My mommy side is all too aware that my baby is becoming more independent and a young man.

Shhhhh.  Please don't tell him about this post.  Duckies, baby, mom mush is totally not acceptable by his standards, but I really had to share this with you.

He comes home today and I'm so excited to hear about his adventures. I can't wait to hug him and simply sit and listen as he shares every detail.  It's been a long week for me but a week of extraordinary experiences for him. 

NOTE:  I've added Instagram or Flickr to the mix.  If you just want to share with a photo moment, just use #OMmeetup. 

How to make edible worms

One of the joys of parenting is getting involved in fun projects with the kids.  Admittedly, some projects are better than others. 

E has his monthly book talk at school today and read one of my favorite childhood books, "How to Eat Fried Worms," by Thomas Rockwell.  There is a movie version that I'll have to find and watch!

 

He drew a picture for his talk.  As we were laughing about how funny it would be to gross out the class with worms, the idea of presenting and eating worms came to mind.  We began exploring our options:  gummy worms - too colorful; fried meat - too labor intensive with possible smelly ramifications.  This is going to be tricky.

We went off to music lessons and I ran to the convenient store.  I roamed the aisles looking for ideas. 
Voila!!  Tootsie Rolls.  We'll try rolling Tootsie Rolls like we do Play Doh.

What you need:

• Several large Tootsie Rolls
• Microwave
• butter knife

What you do:

1.  Place Tootsie Roll (one at a time) in microwave for 10 seconds.
2.  While warm, roll them in your hands making them slightly thicker on one end (head).
3.  Using butter knife, gently add groves to mimic a night crawler.
4.  Make various "S" shapes and let cool on a plate.  They will harden.

This turned out to be lots of fun and I can't wait to hear what his class thought.  He asked his teacher if he could eat fried worms in class and, surprisingly, she said it was okay if I was okay with it.  Tootsie worms, yes!  Real worms, no!  And, yes, this will be added to my Halloween repertoire.

S-T-A-Y cation...we're going to have some fun

I love that the word staycation is now a part of our vernacular.  Outside of its obvious economic significance, it seems a worthwhile way to get things done around the house.  This week, the kids are on winter break and the hubs a much needed week long work break.

So, what are we doing?  Well, for starters, we found a great skatepark via my friend @jcante.  For you locals, it's called Greenside Skatepark in Middletown, RI.  Now this is a place I had wanted to take the boys for months and they refused, always siting their desire to stay home and do nothing.  My mother gut told me to make them check it out and, sure enough, they thought it was the coolest thing evah.  So, when we learned they were offering skateboard clinics this week, I made them sign up (again, with some resistance). Mom guts know best!





We took it one day at a time and today, Wednesday, is the 3rd day they've wanted to go for instruction.  I have a feeling we'll end up going all week.  And, true to my gut feelings, they've learned a lot and love it.  I told them yesterday that what they are learning can never be taken away from them.  I think this was also a lesson in not being self conscious, or fearful of failure and pain.

Hubs has just been enjoying life sans pager and calls from the hospital 24/7.  He has happily taken the boys all the way to Middletown (45 minutes from us and near Newport, RI) each day and waited patiently there for several hours. 

As for me, I'm trying to work only as needed and enjoy being with the family.  It's been a nice balance of work and pleasure.  Today, I need to begin the dreaded task of getting this house ready to be placed on the market for sale.  My office/studio is the first thing that needs to get organized.  I'll admit, I'm pretty grumpy about it.

So, what's going on in your week?

The mom voice: slightly scary, kinda funny, and alotta Chris Farley - OM [one moment] meet up #42

photo by Amadika

Years ago, before we had kids, I worked in an art center on the Main Line just outside Philly.  I worked with a lovely woman who had 4 kids ranging in age, at that time, from 9 years to 17 years of age.  She was the perfect mom:  patient, fun, caring, sweet, etc.  Everything I knew I wanted to be when I had kids.

One day, she was on the phone with one of her kids.  I wasn't paying attention to her conversation until I heard her voice change.  I don't recall what she said, but distinctly remember how she said it.  It was an unearthly bellow from the pit of her stomach.  It sounded so unlike her that it frightened me.  When she got off the phone, she turned to me and in her normal sweet and soft voice said, "You just witnessed the mom voice."

The mom voice?

What the heck is the mom voice?

I could never possibly create that kind of guttural sound.  And my sweet, innocent children would never push me that far.

Fast forward 14 years...

The boys were arguing, as they do most of the time, as we were trying to leave for music lessons.  [note:  there is almost 5 years between them so they don't have a lot in common other than verbal assault.]  Their cacophony of words crescendoing as they entered the car.  When I opened my door, it was if a sound bubble floated out and burst.  I closed the door and lost it.

Stop it!!!  Just stop it!! 

The mom voice came out.  It reminded me of Chris Farley in the Gap Girls skit (watch and you'll get the idea).





The kids immediately stop and hold their breath in shock and maybe a little fear.  Is she going crazy?

As we drove off, I was aware that the entire neighborhood, and perhaps town, just felt their windows vibrate.  I was frustrated and exhausted, but slightly relieved.  What a release.  In that very moment, I realized that we all have that mom voice deep inside.  Even with the best parenting intentions, we will have moments of losing it.  It was okay.  The kids were okay, if not entertained.  I just hope it never happens in public.

 OM is a weekly meet up that promotes living in the moment.  Whether funny, sad, ridiculous, or banal, actively looking for and sharing these moments will promote balance in our lives.

Share in the blog comments here, on your own blog (and link back below)  or on my Facebook fan page. If you are on Twitter,  use hash tag - #omMeetup so we can converse if we'd like. We'd love to hear your moment this week!

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22/52 - home sick, Project 52

22/52 - home sick, Project 52, originally uploaded by alamodestuff.

E is home today not feeling very well: sore throat, cough, runny nose. It's nice to snuggle with him on Valentine's Day.

DIY slingshot a.k.a. boy's toys

slingshot, originally uploaded by alamodestuff.

E, my 9yo, made this slingshot the other day. I'll admit, It's impressive.

It has taken me years to get over the weapon fascination boys seem to naturally have. No matter how hard I've tried, they found a way to make something life threatening out of nothing. Reminds me of my friend's story about her little one chewing his toast into the shape of a gun. That's when you know it's a loosing battle.

My oldest, soon to be 14, had said he'll be in therapy for years due to my not letting him have a Nerf gun until he was well past 10 years. Oh well, I'll happily foot the bill. My youngest now has an arsenal of Nerf guns. I gave up.

Do you have a losing battle with your kids?

Home baked vs store bought cookies - OM [one moment] meet up #28

Not as it seems, originally uploaded by alamodestuff.

I've desperately sought the one moment this week when I'd be motivated to decorate for Halloween. It has yet to come. Tonight, whether motivated or not, E and I will get it done. The excitement this year has somehow alluded me.

I volunteered to bring in a "baked treat" to E's Halloween class party yesterday. On Wednesday night, I pulled out the cookie cutters (bat, ghost, pumpkin) and asked E if he wanted to help make frosted sugar cookies. He eagerly accepted and we began prepping. When I mentioned we'd have to run to the store to get some frosting, he immediately put on the brakes.

E: "You go, mom. I'll play."
Me: "Um, no that isn't how this is going to work."
Both: quiet stare
Me: "Do you want me to bake these cookies or buy them from the store?"
E: Laughing and rolling eyes, "I don't care. Just buy them."

Wow, off the hook. My one moment when I was willing to go all out Martha Stewart didn't really matter to my son. Clearly, the pressure was all mine.

Store bought cookies it was and no one cared.

Happy Halloween to all!

How was your week?  Did you have a light bulb moment?  How about a moment that made you really think about why you do what you do?  Share any moment you had whether funny, sad, reflective, etc.  I want to hear all about it!


OM is a weekly meet up that promotes living in the moment.  Whether funny, sad, ridiculous, or banal, looking for these moments can promote balance in our lives.

Share in the blog comments here, on your own blog (and link back below)  or on my Facebook fan  page. If you are on Twitter,  I've started a hash tag - #omMeetup so  that we can converse if we'd like. We'd love to hear your moment this week!

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Little things are often appreciated in a big way - OM [one moment] meet up, week #13

Week #13! This may be the longest I've every "stuck" with something journalistic (is that a word?).  Again, thank you to all who take part.  You've inspired me look for these moments each week.

The kids have been in camp this week: M, paintball and E, tennis.  My sanity is slowing coming back.  Some of you may appreciate my "moment" this week and others may find yourself scratching your heads thinking, "really?"  My moment came each morning when I woke up to get the kids ready for camp and DID NOT have to make them lunch.  It was provided at camp.  I know it's small, but if you are used to making lunches every day, you can appreciate the break.  Am I alone here?!

photo by edp9

Appreciating the little things in life can be BIG!!

What was your 'one moment' this week? What took you out of your present moment and made you reflect, appreciate, enjoy?

Share in the blog comments here, on your own blog (and link back below) or on my Facebook fan page. If you are on Twitter, I've started a hash tag - #omMeetup so that we can converse if we'd like. We'd love to hear your moment this week!

Highlights from our NYC trip

I hope you had a nice weekend.  I spent the first part of Mother's Day in Urgent Care for E's itchy eyes.  As I thought, he has pink eye.  However, my evening ended with a lovely dinner out, flowers, a spa gift certificate, lovely refrigerator frame with picture of E, and nostalgic candy bars from M.  A day spent with all of my boys is a wonderful Mother's Day.

I finally uploaded my photos from our trip to NYC over spring break a few weeks back.  Here are a few of the highlights:

OM [one moment] meet up - week #4 - punch buggy yellow, no punch backs!

Square Bug - San Francisco, originally uploaded by Count Rushmore.

This week's OM meetup is brought to you by the Volkswagen Beetle.

Driving to the store one morning, after dropping E off at school, I saw a Volkswagen Beetle coming toward me. I immediately thought, "Punch buggy blue, no punch backs."

For those of you familiar with this game, you won't think I'm too crazy. If you are unfamiliar, here are some rules to the game (and you may still think I'm crazy). My kids and I play this all the time. If we see a VW Bug, we shout those words and gently (most of the time) punch each other in the arm. We've even added the terms "classic and convertible" to our rules. When I was a kid, I think we referred to it as "slug bug."

So, my moment this week stems from habit, kids games, and the smile I got when I realized I "punch bugged" myself.

What was your 'one moment' this week? Share in the blog comments here, on your own blog (and link back below) or on my Facebook fan page. If you are on Twitter, I've started a hash tag - #ommeetup.  We'd love to hear your moment this week!

To learn more about this weekly post, OM [one moment] meetup, please see the original post here.

Another sick day...

Day 27 , She's sick of being sick ,, originally uploaded by B a r ش a.

...for one of the boys. So, I'll be doing minimal work in the office and maximum work in my mom uniform (pjs, on the couch, watching good movies and playing cards). He couldn't have picked a better day as it's back to dreary, drizzly weather. I hope to be back tomorrow.

We had a fabulous weekend! The weather was perfect and the hubby was home. How was your weekend?!

Hump Day Humor: Parenting problem solving

Okay, what's a baby shower without funny parenting stories! So, I'm going to share a real life story from my own parenting archives.


When my oldest son (now 13) was just months old, we were flying him around the US (by plane) to introduce him to various relatives. As we were boarding a small aircraft, my husband was holding M over his shoulder. We had just finished feeding M some peaches which he proceeded to spit up all over C's shoulder. Realizing we didn't have time to change M (not to mention we were out of clean clothes) and the line was moving, a decision had to be made. Thinking quickly, C looked at the spit up (essentially just peaches) and licked it off his own shoulder. No one knew the better. Of course, that story is repeated often.

Do you have a funny parenting story to share with Lindy?

Don't forget to enter today's giveaway!! Click this Blog Baby Shower link here. Today's giveaway ends tonight at midnight EST.

bad mommy moment #79833

Day 253/365: throwing in the towel, originally uploaded by talulayu.

I yell at my boys oldest son often re: picking up his wet towel. I just found a wet towel on the floor of my closet from this morning. It is now 4:24 PM. Shhhhh!

Hump Day Humor: A foolproof way to silence your kids

She covered her ears to yell, originally uploaded by oddharmonic.

We have a surprise abrewing (to be blogged later) for the boys. Last night C and I went to finalize some details. When we returned home, the boys bombarded us with questions as to what we were doing, where we went, was it something for them, etc. Our boys, like many, can be relentless. After about the 20th time they asked what we were doing, and with no end in sight, C blurted out "having sex!"

Game over. Hands went up over ears. Children ran from the room screaming. Not another question has been asked. That was easy.

My kid takes the road less travelled

Some time back, I posted a diagram showing how E (my 8 year old) walked into school each morning [post seen here]. His point A to point B is not a straight line.

This morning, I watched as he left the car and proceeded to trounce through the snow in his sneakers. Yes, there were plenty of shoveled paths. Yes, most kids walked on those paths. Not E. He darted straight for his destination, bypassing all cleaned walkways entirely. At least he is consistent.

2009 Holiday lessons learned and shared

This holiday season provided our family with a few lessons that may be helpful to others.

Lesson #1: Always check the interior of the Easy Bake Oven (EBO) before preheating it.

Ah....the Easy Bake Oven, an old friend. This was mine in the 60's. I have fond memories of this toy.
This is E's today. You'll notice that it now resembles a microwave (??? a sign of our times???).

[click photos for sources]

E got an EBO last Christmas. This year, Santa remembered and brought some replacement mixes: pretzels, cookies, and s'mores. Since E hasn't made anything with the oven since last year's mixes were used, he was thrilled to get started on the new treats. Sweet and savory pretzels were on the menu.


We plugged in the "oven" to preheat it per instructions. In minutes, smoke (accompanied by a foul plastic smell) began to waft from its interior. I quickly unplugged it while asking E what might be inside.


Apparently, he and a neighbor friend had been using it as their play microwave many months back. Unbeknownst to him, or so he says, the friend inserted a plastic pancake. Said pancake was now a melted blob of hardening goo all over the inside of the "oven" and on the light bulb.


Who knew a 100 watt light bulb could be so powerful. Luckily, we could access the inside and scrape out the leftover "pancake." All was not lost and pretzels were happily made. The awful smell dissipated by dinner.


Lesson #2: When buying a drum set, be sure you know and can accept what you are about to endure.


They are very loud...very loud. Luckily our neighbors to the immediate left of us, nearest the basement windows, are much older and hard of hearing.


The upside is that E loves them and practices willingly and often. We've had to set a limit and tell him he couldn't begin playing them until after 9AM. Did I mention they were loud???


Have a safe and fun New Year's! See you in 2010!

Pieces in progress and other random tidbits

Well, this weekend was a bit harried for me. Somehow I had it stuck in my head that delivery for Craftland was this coming weekend. Nope, it was last weekend and I had to scramble to get things wrapped up. I had to do on Saturday what I was planning to do all of this week. Now that I'm on this end of the week, I feel relieved. However, Saturday was a bitch!! It's amazing how much time labeling, sorting, tagging, etc. takes.

I still have a bunch of resin pendants in progress. The earrings have been selling a lot lately. I credit Twitter and the roving #humor and #funny bots that have been retweeting my tweets. I know that for some of you, that makes absolutely no sense. Believe me, it's all good.


This morning I had a bit of a scare when my son's middle school called and asked if he was sick and at home. Um...no. Heart pounding...it was a mistake in their roster. I wasn't the only parent they called. Urgh. Not what I needed in an already stressed state of mind.

Last night, C and I watched Superbad. It would have been so much funnier to me if M wasn't turning 13 in about a week. I'd like to live in denial for just a bit longer. Okay, the movie was still pretty funny.

Hope your week is productive!

Hump Day Humor - When reason fails, stick a sign to it

As mentioned in a post last week, on Halloween I enjoy decorating our house. This year, I put one of my dress forms in an upstairs window decorated as a headless bride. The window happens to be outside E's bedroom door. More than once, I heard him say that the mannequin scared him.

When I finally had the time to put her away, this is what I found:

You can see more of our Halloween decor and fun here on flickr.