Friday, November 30, 2007

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Elf Yourself Greetings

Thought we would welcome the holidays with a little song and dance courtesy of The Fred and StickyBun-Scotti in all of their elfin glory...could they be any cuter?

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9628581408

WARNING: This website has been on overload with all of the hits that it has been getting...therefore, this video can take up to five minutes to load. Even if the page looks as if it is frozen, it is just taking a long time to load. I promise that it is well worth the wait!

Monday, November 26, 2007

Call It What You Will

As most of you know, I live in a house that was built in 1929, so there are enough "fixer-upper" projects to last us a lifetime...or at least another 78 years. Since we have moved into our home, we have had project..after project...after project. Although, there is a great deal of dispute between my Husby and me about what is considered a "project" and what should be considered "maintenance." The way I look at it, it's all a project. Now don't get me wrong, I am all for making reasonable improvements to our home, but there are some disadvantages to "weekend project time"...let me give you a list to explain...


1) It is the weekend, and I would like to spend time with the kids AND my Husby.

2) Project Time=MIA Husby=No Fun for MommaDrool

3) Projects mean lots of supplies to make improvements...this stuff takes up residence in our home and is never small in size or quantity (i.e. sheets of drywall and rolls of insulation).

4) Husby wants MommaDrool to participate, and as much as she wants to help, she hates helping when she has no idea what the hell she is doing...I need instructions...a manual with pictures would be nice.

5) The kiddos can't participate, so MommaDrool must monitor children while attempting to assist.

(Now, these are just a few of my reasons...trust me, I have plenty more...)

After a very busy Thanksgiving holiday, we return home on Friday evening, and I am looking forward to enjoying the rest of the weekend with my family. When I wake up on Saturday morning, Husby is no where to be found. This is not surprising to me in the least, so I start checking all of the usual locations that mean a project is underway...

The front door is locked, so I know he isn't under the house...
He isn't in the hall bathroom...
I check the backyard and don't see him, but I can hear him talking...
I walk to the gate and notice that he is on his cell phone...
He doesn't see me, so he gets into the car and turns on the engine...
I walk to the passenger side door and knock on the window...
He turns off the car, gets out, and says those five fateful words, "I'm going to Home Depot."

Now, I hate to stay at home all day, so I ask if we (me and the kiddos) can go too. The Husby tells me that if we want to go, we are going to have to follow him in the other car because we won't fit with all of the "stuff" we have to get at Home Depot.

We go back inside to get the kids ready to go, and the Husby is being nice...too nice. The only thing I can delineate is that this must be a big project...a very big project.

Although, the Husby swears that he told me "a few weeks ago." I can promise you that I had no idea what was about to happen, or that it was going to happen that day. At Home Depot, we purchased drywall, insulation, drywall mud, screws, etc. As you have probably suspected, the Husby has made the executive decision (yes, "dx," in my house, the Husby is Senior Management) to tear down the drywall in our bedroom, put up insulation, put up new drywall, and re-paint the room. Sheesh! Did I mention that we are hosting his office Christmas party at our home in two weeks?

At two o' clock, the kids go down for their nap...the Husby starts being "ooey-gooey" nice to me... and the remodeling begins. Well, at least we joined some friends for the Iron Bowl that evening, so the day ended with me drinking. Here are some pics from our day of fun!
By the way, this is a project that is still in progress...expected completion is next weekend...
(Yes, Husby, I do love you...very much...you and your projects. I told you this would end up being Blog fodder...)

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Should We Give Them Some Privacy?


The other night, our Great Unk came over to take us out to a family dinner. While playing with The Fred and one of her puzzles, he came across a very interesting puzzle piece that I had never noticed before. Looks as if these mice are having a bit of a frolic on the front of the puzzle piece. Seriously, who came up with this child-appropriate pose for these mice? Maybe I should send this one in to Leno...it might be the latest Chinese toy recall...

It's A Good Thing Too...

Top Five Things I Love...Right Now...

1) Soda Club Penguin...because fizzy water tastes so much better!
2) Tazo Chai Latte Spiced Black Tea Concentrate...because Starbucks is so yummy but so expensive!
3) Gal Pal Retro Ice Bag...could there be a more stylish way to get rid of a migraine?
4) Old Navy Sweetheart Jeans...because they don't show crack!
5) Asics Gel Nimbus 9...because the right running shoe makes all the difference!

Saturday, November 17, 2007

The Fred & Punkin' at the Zoo

The Fred and Punkin' Hangin' Out Together at the Zoo

http://inthebowl.blogspot.com/2007/11/haiku-friday_16.html

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

The Fred's First Love

I would like to introduce The Fred's new boyfriend...courtesy of his mom, BlueMomma! This might be the cutest video ever!

http://inthebowl.blogspot.com/2007/11/young-love.html

Santa Has To Be A Blogger...

I really think he must be...what else would he be doing every other day of the year? How else would he know our secret wants and desires? The answer: He must be blogging.

As a child, do you remember writing your letter to Santa? Nothing was too big or too crazy to put on your list, and you could only hope that you had been a good enough boy or girl that Santa would at least be willing to give you a few of the items that you asked for in your letter. For old time's sake, I decided to write a letter to Santa this year with my Christmas list attached...the only difference from my childhood is that this list is itemized, categorized, includes lists for my husband and children, and of course, includes the much needed web address for all of the items.

Now don't take this list too literally...I decided to do a little bit of research on some of the top picks (all lead paint-free) this Christmas for adults and children, and this helped to form the lists for each individual. Of course, some items were asked for specifically, but most importantly, I wanted to help out with some of the legwork for those that are trying to come up with ideas for their letter to Santa...

Dear Santa,

I am writing you this letter on behalf of my family. We have been pretty good this year...of course, we have a new addition to the family. There has been very little bickering, minimal hitting, and only a few temper tantrums...and the kids have been good too! Attached are our Christmas lists, you will find web addresses for each of our items...just in case they are not in inventory at the North Pole. Please feel free to substitute for similar items. Thank you for your consideration, and Merry Christmas!

Sincerely,
MommaDrool


StickyBun-Scotti

1) Peek-A-Boo Bear- http://www.etoys.com/genProduct.html/PID/4773999/ctid/17?cpncode=12-30455646-2&srccode=cii_5217346
2) Radio Flyer Rock and Bounce Pony- http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=sc_pgc_r_11_0_1041628/602-5605823-1891866?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&asin=B0007YDCKE
3) Bosch Toy Construction Worker Set- http://www.target.com/Bosch-Toy-Construction-Worker-Set/dp/B000AMSCBM/sr=1-1/qid=1194755615/ref=sr_1_1/602-5605823-1891866?ie=UTF8&index=target&rh=k%3Abosch&page=1
4) I Am The Boss Ball Pit- http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000PUCBMA/103-5341669-8541441?SubscriptionId=05FBHPX3SD1BJ97P9PR2
5) Playskool Tonka Scoot ‘n’ Scoop- http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/602-5605823-1891866?asin=B000OV7A6C&AFID=Gifts.com&LNM=B000OV7A6CTonka_Scoot_N_Scoop_3in1_Ride&ref=tgt_adv_XPND0030
6) Fisher Price Sit to Stand Giraffe- http://www.etoys.com/genProduct.html/PID/4754027/ctid/17?cpncode=07-35695083-2&srccode=cii_5217346
7) Amazing Animals Sing & Go Choo-Choo- http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/602-5605823-1891866?asin=B000EULXA2&AFID=Gifts.com&LNM=B000EULXA2FisherPrice_Amazing_Animals_Sing__Go_ChooChoo&ref=tgt_adv_XPND0030
8) Haba Casalino- http://www.oompa.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?item=HA0965&source=gifts&kw=feed
9) Baby Soy Clothes- http://www.babysoyusa.com/
10) Carter’s Infant Sleepers- http://www2.jcpenney.com/jcp/x5.aspx?catid=55434&deptid=42249&cmAMS_T=X3&cmAMS_C=C7&CmCatId=4224955129



The Fred

1) Fisher Price All-In-One Rainforest Playset- http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=370468&pCatg=10361
2) Barbie Electronic Purse Set- http://www.target.com/Barbie-Electronic-Purse-Set/dp/B00008YGBA/qid=1194755172/ref=br_1_5/602-5605823-1891866?ie=UTF8&node=377746011&frombrowse=1&rh=&page=1
3) Fisher Price Backyardigans Bobblin’ Big Top- http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=sc_pgc_r_12_2_1038698/602-5605823-1891866?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&asin=B000NW11XK
4) Jump Start Trampoline- http://www.etoys.com/genProduct.html/PID/4036539/ctid/17?cpncode=08-35590404-2&srccode=cii_5217346
5) Small World Gourmet Kitchen Set- http://www.target.com/Small-World-Gourmet-Kitchen-Set/dp/B00004W157/qid=1194756592/ref=br_1_5/602-5605823-1891866?ie=UTF8&node=270163011&frombrowse=1&index=tgt-mf-mv&field-browse=270163011&rank=pmrank&rh=&page=5
6) Disney Dress Up Trunk- http://www.kbtoys.com/genProduct.html/PID/2340439/ctid/17
7) Monster Tunnel- http://www.hearthsong.com/hearthsong/product.do?section_id=0&bc=1005&pgc=1829&country=0&occ=1005&cm_mmc=merc_datafeed-_-product-_-1829&mr:referralID=dbdc2c15-650c-483f-8f04-8c388c1afb5e&mr:trackingCode=NA
8) Photokinz Monty the Monkey- http://www.kbtoys.com/genProduct.html/PID/4770483/ctid/17
9) Crayola Beginnings Creativity Set- http://www.etoys.com/genProduct.html/PID/4764676/ctid/17?cpncode=09-44518429-2&srccode=cii_5217346
10) New Balance Kids KJ608PKP- http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/31692615/c/7339.html

MommaDrool

1) Lumen Shadow Oil Lamp of Bird’s Nest- http://www.uncommongoods.com/item/item.jsp?source=family&itemId=15567
2) Personalized Photo Mouse Pad- http://www2.snapfish.com/revieworderstore/prd=Mousepad/prdtype=Photogift;PHOTOTHIS(Mousepad);9.125x8.25/t_=20787574
3) Haircut, Foil, Manicure, & Pedicure
4) Old Navy Sweetheart Jeans- http://www.oldnavy.com/browse/product.do?cid=5468&pid=393784&scid=393784002
5) Philosophy Makeup Optional Gift Set- http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P82300&categoryId=C10462
6) Bare Escentuals Mood Lips Lip Palette & iQuad- http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P149219&categoryId=C16514&shouldPaginate=true http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P166101&categoryId=C16514&shouldPaginate=true
7) Gift Certificate to Fitness Together- http://www.ftalabama.com/
8) Athletic Activewear- http://www.target.com/b/ref=sc_fe_l_1_12913861_7/602-5605823-1891866?ie=UTF8&node=13035951
9) iPod nano- http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore?node=home/ipod/ipod_nano&aosid=p203&cid=AOSA10000063281&srccode=cii_5217346&cpncode=12-30628831-2
10) Green Dell Inspiron 1420 Notebook- http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/inspnnb_1420?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~tab=bundlestab

The Husby

1) Digital Photo Frame- http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/Products.aspx?DeptID=42644&CatID=42644&Grptyp=PRD&ItemId=12965a1&siteID=210052734
2) Chimney Pot- http://www.chimneypot.com/
3) DC Screen Tees- http://www2.dcshoes.com/dcstore/dept.asp?dept%5Fid=2050&mscssid=XE2TK4P28QT89NXPM3W5ABR7VBDG6SC3
4) BB Security Screen Tees- http://www.bigblacksecurity.com/Search.aspx?l=00010002000000000000
5) Etnies & CBGB Screen Tees- http://www.skatewarehouse.com/TSETNIES.html
http://www.bewild.com/cbgbsclothing.html
6) Polo Button Down Shirts- http://www.ralphlauren.com/family/index.jsp?view=all&ab=viewall&cp=1760781&categoryId=2498319
7) Old Navy Loose Fit Cords- http://www.oldnavy.com/browse/product.do?cid=15320&pid=501593&scid=501593022
8) Fog-Free Shower Shaving Mirror- http://www.frontgate.com/jump.jsp?itemType=PRODUCT&itemID=129&k=ZZ50923
9) Santa Fe Day Spa Couples Massage- http://www.santafedayspa.net/Spa_Services_massage.htm
10) Button Down Pajama Sets- http://www.target.com/Merona-Woven-Pajama-Set-Plaid/dp/B000UHLPA2/qid=1194984388/ref=br_1_3/602-5605823-1891866?ie=UTF8&node=13606751&frombrowse=1&index=tgt-mf-mv&field-browse=13606751&rank=%2Bdaterank&rh=&page=2

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Favorite Recipe: Tom Kha Gai

This is something that I CRAVE...on a regular basis. You may have seen it on the menu at your favorite Thai restaurant. It has taken me a long time to perfect this recipe, but after tonight, I believe that I may have achieved Tom Kha Gai perfection. This recipe can be made with or without meat. I prefer shrimp, but the traditional recipe calls for shredded or sliced chicken breasts. Enjoy!

Tom Kha Gai

Ingredients:
2 teaspoons olive oil
4 drops sesame oil (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons ginger, grated
1/4 cup lemongrass, minced
1 tablespoon cilantro
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper
1 sliced chicken breast or 1 cup of raw shrimp
1 cup bok choy
1 cup broccoli florets
1 onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup bamboo shoots
1/2 cup bean sprouts
1 cup straw or button mushrooms
1 cup cut baby corn
2 cans (10 ounce) coconut milk
1/4 cup fish sauce (find it on the ethnic food aisle)

Directions:
1) In a large saucepan, heat olive oil and sesame oil over medium heat. Stir in garlic, ginger, lemongrass, cilantro, and red pepper and cook until fragrant, approximately 2 minutes.
2) Stir in shrimp (or chicken), broccoli, onion, bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, mushrooms, and baby corn. Cook, stirring occasionally, until meat is cooked through and onion is translucent.
3) Stir in bok choy and cook until it begins to wilt, approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
4) Add coconut milk and fish sauce to vegetable mixture and stir well. Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes until flavors are well blended. Enjoy!

Fourth Release by The MommaDrool Mafia

Since beginning our adventures in potty-training, I have developed a strong disdain for public bathrooms. I am starting to wonder if the real purpose of these large purses that are so chic these days are for carrying around large bottles of Lysol for just such a scenario. One of my favorite songs right now is Apologize by Timbaland & One Republic...if you are not familiar with the song, you can listen to it on my MySpace page: www.myspace.com/mommadrool. I decided to change the lyrics of this song to reflect my deep affection for potty-training in public restrooms. This fourth release by The MommaDrool Mafia is called Sanitize...

Sanitize
by The MommaDrool Mafia

I'm holding onto your hand,
Cause you want to touch the ground
You try to run away, just the time I turn around
We’re in a public bathroom
Please don’t try to touch the ground, but wait
You tell me that you touched it
Didn't think I'd turn around, and say...

That it's too late to sanitize, it's too late
I said it's too late to sanitize, it's too late

You’d sit on the seat, touch the floor
If it wasn’t for me,
And I need you just to listen this once
This is nothing new - yeah
I told you that was really gross-
Now you’re laughing too, and you say...
I'm sorry that I touched it
I didn’t want to listen to you
But I said...

It's too late to sanitize, it's too late
I said it's too late to sanitize, it's too late...
It's too late to sanitize, it's too late
I said it's too late to sanitize, it's too late
I said it's too late to sanitize, yeah-
I said it's too late to sanitize, yeah-
I'm holding onto your hand cause you want to touch the ground...

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Wordless Wednesday, Again

On My Top Ten List

One of the top ten things that I absolutely despise having to do is taking the kids to the doctor. It doesn't matter if it is a "sick" or "well" visit...I dread it...always. Today was one of those days, where both of the kids needed a trip to the doc. StickyBun-Scotti was not feeling well, and The Fred needed her flu shot.

So here it goes...Room #8 on the Blue Line...could these rooms be any smaller? I swear, every time the rooms seem smaller, or maybe, I just have more children. Whatever the case, The Fred never wants to be still and StickyBun-Scotti wants me to wrangle and entertain him the entire time. It never fails, by the time the doctor sees us, I have broken out in a full sweat due to my efforts to keep them content and contained.

One child down, one to go...it is time for The Fred's flu shot. As soon as I pull down her pants, she has figured out her impending doom. Is it possible for a two-year-old to be so strong? Luckily, the nurse gives her the flu shot faster than I can blink. A few Dora stickers later and the crying stops.

What ever happened to house calls? Does anyone do that any more? Or maybe, someone should come up with a drive-in service...you pull your car in (just like getting your oil changed), they open the door and pull your kid out, examine them while you answer all of the necessary questions, put them back when they are done, give you their diagnosis, you pay, and then, you are on your way. Of course, they would immediately e-mail any necessary prescriptions to your selected pharmacy for pick-up on your way home. I know, if only it was a perfect world!

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Please tell me that's not what I think it is...

The Husby has been a really great sport about taking on the chore of giving the kids a bath at night. This frees me up to clean the kitchen after dinner and prepare the necessary bottles and clothes for bedtime.

Well, last night, while bathing the kids, I hear the Husby yell from the bathroom, "Baby, come here...quick!" All that I can think is that one of my children is hurt, so I drop the broom and take off in a mad dash for the bathroom. As I round the corner, I see The Husby standing in front of the tub, holding StickyBun-Scotti in a towel, with a look of disgust on his face. When I ask him what's wrong, he simply replies, "Please tell me that's not what I think it is..."

As I enter the bathroom, I notice that The Fred is still sitting in the tub...she looks fine, but wait...what is that in the tub with her? Upon further inspection, I realize that their are several small little brown "things" in the tub. I look at The Fred and ask, "What is that?" The Fred replies, "It's mine!" Simultaneously, she reaches underwater, grabs a brown "thing," and pops it into her mouth. All I can say is, "AAAAAAHHHH!"

I grab The Fred and yank her out of the tub while The Husby just stands there with his mouth gaping. As I peer down into the water in horror, I notice the empty raisin box laying beside the tub. Aye-yie-yie!

Monday, November 5, 2007

Alias Evolution: StickyBun-Scotti

As most of you know, I refer to my children by aliases that are reflective of their personalities, interests, or just some really random sh*t that popped into my head one day. When I gave SweetBoy his alias, he was still in what I refer to as the "blob stage"...when your child is still so small that they have as much personality as...well...a little blob.

As SweetBoy has gotten older, he has developed his love for food. Especially, his desire for all things sweet and sticky. While waiting in line at a local coffee shop, I noticed that they sold Biscotti in various flavors...including, Sticky Bun. Once the Husby and I had gotten our coffee, it occurred to me that I had just found SweetBoy's new alias, "StickyBun-Scotti!" Only a name this creative could rival something as poetic as "The Fred." So, SweetBoy's alias has officially evolved into a name that truly recognizes his...um...talents...for all things sticky and sweet.

Fall Slideshow

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Disney On Ice: Finding Nemo

We decided to fore go the traditional trick-or-treating routine last night in order to attend Disney On Ice- Finding Nemo...and I loved it! Well, I guess that it isn't really important as to whether or not I loved it, but The Fred loved it too! She sat in a trance for the entire almost 2-hour performance. The highlight of the evening was when she shouted, "Hey, Dorey!," and the performer waved at her. It made the evening just perfect.

When the show was over, The Fred kept saying, "That was awesome! That was so cool! I love Nemo!" Yay, a success! As for SweetBoy, he was less than interested in the performance, but luckily, MommaDrool had stashed some graham cracker sticks and a lollipop in the diaper bag for just such a situation...good thinking, huh?

Please Assign Mine At Birth...

Just a thought...what if we were all assigned a phone number at birth? Of course, this would be much like our Social Security Number, but much less important. Over the last ten years, my cell phone number has probably changed at least 8 times. The problem with this is that I can never remember my phone number, let alone anyone else's. I think that my brain must have reached its 1GB capacity reserved for phone numbers...

This thought came to me yesterday when I realized that one of my friend's cell phone numbers has not changed in, well, at least ten years, and I don't think that I will ever forget her number...XXX-XXX-2036. What is funny is that several people will read this and know exactly whom I am referring to in this post.

So, what if we just assigned each person a number at birth that we could always call to reach them? That way, I have a lifetime to get my number and yours right in my head...once again, just a thought.