on my honor....

She's offically a Daisy Girl Scout. The ceremony was simple and short. She got her pins and was so excited, she couldn't stop smiling. She's been going every other Monday for 2 months and has worked on 3 badges (which I still have to add to her vest).

Just playing

Just playing with color on an image. She's still a cutie

just to note

rain, gloomy days, depression and ho hos are not a good mix. just saying....

in search of free fabric scraps

In the ever eternal quest to save money, I refuse to spend money on clothes for me, my kid or her dolls. More so, her dolls. I will gladly make the child a Halloween costume and not buy it.

The cost for this was about $15 for the dress as opposed to the $30+ I'd pay at a store. The tights were extra and can be worn whenever (yes, she will, i know my kid). Not bad.. its cute and bright and whimsical.

So, for Christmas, I want to expand the doll clothes collection. I have the patterns but little fabric that is current. I have enough to do a patch work skirt and a halloween costume. I'd like to make some period clothes for her Elizabeth doll ( I found the patterns) but I'm lacking fabric.

Anyone have scraps of fabric they want to part with?

she tried

Erin has been on a "I can braid" kick. She tried to do her own hair. This is what the outcome was. Not bad if you ask me. I did have to redo it but I soon won't have to do her hair at this rate.

Baby Cakes

Saturday was Mary and Barb's baby Shower for Grace. I was honored to make the cake. Its a 3 tier pound cake with white frosting. I used Mom and Dad's recipes and it came out tasty. The frosting didn't come out as smooth and I need to play with the frosting a bit but overall, it was good.

Would I do it again? Not this big but maybe for Erin or Tim's birthday.

Pumpkin Tim

A few weekends ago Erin and I went apple picking at Blackman Farms. I adore this farm. They have wonderful pumpkins, great apple trees and a small area for the kids to run. Its a FARM... with real animals. You can even get a real turkey or side of cow. This picture is of the pumpkins.. they are PERFECT pumpkins. Thank you Blackman farms.

1st Day of School!

Its the 1st day of school for the kid and she's now in the 1st grade and gets to wear a uniform.
She was so excited, we had to be at the bus stop almost 20 minutes early. She recited all the rules she knows she HAS to follow while we waited. I have never seen a kid so excited about the bus. I wished her luck and she was was on that bus before the aid could get off!

This was outside our building.

This was outside our building.
Originally uploaded by melblackrose

Better Packing

I've done this trip enough to know how to pack and I messed up. In order to take the least amount possible, I totally missed a day for a shirt. And a long sleeved shirt. Those rooms get cold.

So off to the mall I went yesterday. Macys. I now LOVE Macys. And I bought 5 pieces (4 shirts and a cami) for $49. There was a sale and I took full advantage of it getting 2 tees at $4.99 each.

Speaking of the mall. When I went on Monday, there was someone walking around with what appeared to be secret service. Ear pieces and all. I couldn't get around them at one point. I have NO idea who it was. Not a clue. Secret Service, in the Fair Oaks Mall. Silly.

Where did the summer go?

I just found out that Soccer ends next week. I'm happy because that means I get to have my nights free again. I'm sad because all I'll hear from Erin is "I'm bored...". what can you do?

But really, where did the summer go? Its already August. I need to finish getting school supplies and shirts for school. And shoes.. and a backpack. I've already dropped $180 on uniforms. I just hope that they will last 2 years.

Today the lawn needs to be done.. again. The house needs to be cleaned... again. I really wanted to do something fun today. Roller Skating maybe. I doubt that will happen...

Here's Johnny!

At the one hotel we stay at in VA, the hallway looks strangely like the one from the Shining. Whenever I walked out of my room I swear I'd see the kid on the big wheels come down the hall or the twins at the other end.

Awesome

Hulkamania never died.

Prince of Darkness

At Erin's Dance reherasal, we had to go down an alley to get to the back of the stage.
If you have seen the movie "The Prince of Darkness", this alley looks like the one where Alice Cooper and his gang of homeless crazy people attach the one guy with a bike.

awesome.

Vacation Recap

Its about time I recapped our Vacation. The trip down was about 8 hrs. Note- when traveling with Erin, add like 2 hours to the trip. She knew the trip was long but not that long. It should have taken about 6 (including a stop for lunch). Columbus was hot. 90 degrees and no relief. Erin was amazed by the room. Our view was the best




I forget she hasn't been in many Hotels (she's been in one). The convention itself was awesome. We tried a bunch of new games and Erin got a chance to Demo a bunch as well. Several made their way home too. She also was introduced to painting Minis. I had to tear her away from the table. The convention also had a kid's room where they could go and we didn't have to stay! I actually got to go play a game with Tim and I tried the Mech Warrior video game - it was awesome. Expensive but awesome. All in all, a good convention.



The down time we wandered over to the North Market. Its what the Broadway Market should be. But they did have wonderful ice cream.

There was a nice pub near the hotel and I got hard cider. Yipee!!

We did find Mongolian BBQ which was really good (b.d. mongolian). And we did end up ordering room service. Erin was all over that.

I think the highlight was the Columbus Zoo - best zoo ever. The exhibits were fantastic and well planned out. They had misters at certain points - for the animals and the people. Here's Tim and Erin at the Chimps. It should have been by the Gorillas.


We never even made it to the Water Park or Jack's Landing (amusement park). It was that big. My favorite part - feeding the Lorikets.

Ok, second best part - going to Joe's Crab Shack. nomnomnom.... here's Erin getting down with the server during a musical break.



On Monday we headed over to COSI (the Science Museum) and got in for free. YAH reciprocal program. They had some really nice hands on stuff and an Egyptian exhibit. So freaking cool.
All in all, it was a really good trip.

Would I do it again? Yes but with a case of water and Iced tea.

Talk about hostas

Talk about hostas

Almost There

Its Thursday. I am off tomorrow and have only 2 more days of work till Vacation.

I need a Vacation. Like.. 2 days ago.

mmmmrrrrrrr.......

6 days and counting

So I live .. so far.

Survived my Birthday.
Made it through the Fundraiser event at school.
Had a good time at Champs
Did some gardening for Mom but not my own.
Soccer is well underway
The team won last night
Coming up....
Rehearsal for the Recital is tomorrow and Friday
Saturday Is the Recital
Sunday is Father's Day
Monday and Tuesday is Soccer and somewhere in there, I need to figure out what we are taking with us on the trip.

Is it vacation yet???

Day 2

More treadmill today. 30 min- 1.5 miles at 3. The foot was in pain. Would have gone longer but needed to get back to work.

We had a surprise firedrill so I got to walk up the stairs. Fun. No. Not really.

Back is dealing with the pain. As long as I don't sit for too long and the hips are tucked under, I'm good.

Ok. Work. Gotcha.

Day 1

Yes, I joined the gym. I went. 30 minutes later, I am pooped. 20 min on the treadmill (Walk - I am no runner). 5 min on the Eliptical (never been on it before and wanted to try it..) and 5 on the Bike (cause I loves the bike). I just wanted a solid 30 min ...

I am sorely out of shape. I'm going to be a puddle for a bit.

Cutting the line

we went to the Caz Carnival. Erin loved the slide. She always had. Heck, we even went on the Gravitron together. Yes.. she's 6. She's already a ride freak.

So, here she is cutting the line.

Loose Teeth Vintage Inspired Sundress with Petticoat GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Loose Teeth Vintage Inspired Sundress with Petticoat GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Oh I so want this! If I ever had a free moment, I would try to make this, but alas, time isn't something I have right now. I adore the 40's and 50's style dresses (I have one on I found at Sears of all places).

Cake

We celebrated mom's and Erin's birthday together. Ice Cream cake was in order.
Notice the pop.. and the Ice Cream.. SUGAR RUSH!
After 2 pieces she was bouncing off the walls. Yea Birthdays!

My Girl

While on vacation this Spring break, we went to Rochester for the day. On the agenda was the Strong National Museum of Play. We had a blast playing and looking at old toys.

Before we left, I was able to get one shot of me and Erin. We are sitting on the Seseme Street steps.

She's 6 and still loves to hang on me. She kept petting the side of my face while we were taking the picture.

Are we there yet?

In roughly 8 hours, I will be on vacation. Yes.. Vacation. I am sitting here staring at my monitor contemplating the course of action that needs to be taken today.

I'm not getting very far. Instead I'm making lists of what to do next week.

And I'm hungry.

Time for coffee. Coffee makes everything better.

I <3 Roku

My husband is the best. For Christmas we got the Roku - paired with Netflix.. I shall never want for another DVD again.

I have the option to watch pretty much anything I want. Horror, comedy, documentary.... If you took a look at what we watch, you'd see a ton of Kid shows. The child has a new found love of cartoons.. particularly cartoons we don't normally get. So she is currently laying on the couch recovering from being sick and watching every episode of Johnny Test and the Fairly GodParents. She has also watched the Addams Family, the Munsters, the Replacements, The Emperors New School and Growing up Creepy. Who needs Tivo...

because of Roku, I can work. She is quietly chilling like all sick kids should. Although, if I have to watch the Replacements again, I will scream.

glass

It was so nice today, Erin and I went for a walk to the park after dinner. This is a crap shoot. The park near the house is very convenient but deadly.
1) Glass all over the place
2) random on fire trash cans
3) glass
4) kids who think its ok to swear
5) glass

Did I say glass? The local teens feel the need to drink in the park and proceed to throw the glass bottles on the ground, breaking them and not caring. There is a garbage can in the park (most of the time anyways).
Think about it for a minute. Playground = kids. kids = playing. playing= falling down. glass + falling down = very very bad. On the outside of the park along the fence someone broke a mirror. A fairly large one. WTF?

So I started picking up the glass. And then the looks started from the other parents and the kids on the court. It was either "what is that crazy lady doing?" or "She's a nut and a bitch". I even got some of the kids to help. Not one parent helped.

Erin even said next time we go to the park, we need to bring a garbage bag and help and maybe the president will come to the park and give us an award. 'cause babies can't play on glass.

She's a smart kid. Glass may be better for the environment but its horrible for the playground.

Updates

I really have been too lazy to post anything. Between the PTA, Ice Dragon, work, March and the fact I am sick, blogging is the last thing on my mind.

Erin is now 6... yes 6. Grandma got her a Razor scooter for her birthday.. totally kewl.

I start a new job on Monday (same place, new position)

Pictures are forthcoming.. really. eventually. now its time for some needed snuggle time with the 6 year old. she does make me feel better.

deeply saddened

All of Buffalo and Western NY is deeply saddened this morning. Flight 3407 from Newark to Buffalo crashed in Clarence last night. All souls on board we lost including one on the ground. This happened in a residential area and could have been much worse. I'm friends with frequent fliers and they are all fine.

My prayers go out to those who died. Our heartfelt sympathies are extended to the families and friends. WNY may be a region with a city, we certainly have a small town feel. This will affect us all for a very long time. There is a flight path over South Buffalo as well... incoming us it for the southerly approach. I can't help listening more closely now. I grew up right behind a small craft airport(small jets would land there too) and I never even imagined this could happen.

Weather in Washington

This made my day.  I've been int he DC/VA area during snow. They really have no idea what to do.

is it spring yet?

I am so done with the snow.  Really done.  I want to put the boots away for good and wear sandles and skirts.  

Not to mention I want to clean.  Really clean. Like if someone comes in as asks me for something, I will ignore them, then yell and throw something at them.  I get in those moods of Manic Cleaning.  Tim's a smart guy and leaves me alone.  I love him for that.  The kid and the cats don't get it.

Its time to purge.  

Tooth # 2

Tooth # 2 came out finally on Saturday January 17th. This one I had to pull out. She was brushing them before bed and said "Mom, why is my tooth and gum blue?". Yeah Blue. The gum was bleeding and the blood was pooling underneath the tooth. It had to go. She's getting so big.

Accomplishments

This weekend I got in the mail a pattern for 18 inch doll clothes. I flat out refuse to pay $30 for a dress for a doll when I won't pay that much for me. I have a bunch of scrap fabric and I know where to get half a yard pretty cheap. All I needed was a good pattern. Well I have 3 packs of patterns now.

This one was a simple peasant dress and we opted for a Valentine pattern (its what I had). Snaps in the back and some lovely lace from Aunt Sammy (Thanks Sam! you saved the day!). Its outfit # 2 that I've made and I think it came out just fine.

The kid has requests for more so expect some more American Girl shots. oh joy...

"Yes we can"

That statement echos today on every news channel. Today is a long awaited day. A new beginning. Barack Obama becomes the 44th president of the US.

I'm sure the news channels will have coverage and Twitter and Facebook will be alive with comments.

All I can say to Mr. Obama is "Good Luck Mr. President."

way cold...

I don't mind the winter. Its the cold that kills me. Its 7 degrees and feels like -13. So we have a "snow" day today and they are off on Monday. Its been a morning of Doctor Who and the Addams family.

My kid is strange. But I love her

Back to work. Calls await....

Welcome 2009

We were fortunate enough to have Tim's niece babysit the kid last night so we were able to go out to party. Yes. An adult party. with booze. and music. WOOHOO! Tim's sister and girlfriend have a huge party every year and I missed last year. Some unexpected friends made an appearance as well which made the night even better.

My plans for this year? I have no idea. None. Plans for today. Coffee. Movies on the couch and laundry. Fun day.

Happy New year all.

10...9...8...7...6......

We woke to 5 inches of snow this morning. I'm just glad it did it overnight and not while I was at dinner yesterday. I met up with 2 of my closest HS girlfriends whom I hadn't see in some 15 years. Yep... I'm a looser. Anyways.


So the kid gets up this morning and says "Happy New Year mommy".... only 16 hrs early. I have no idea what the plan is for tonight. None. Tomorrow is another day. At least I have off.

Back to the coffee and contemplating in going out there to shovel. And work.

New Suit!

NEW SUIT!

Erin needed new snow pants. Badly.

Thanks to a sale at KMart, we new pants. With me being me, I wanted a new coat for her that had was 2 coats in one.

Of course, it was snowing.

Snowing means sledding.

Sledding means trying out the new gear.

I have a very happy 5 year old.

Video to come shortly.

Merry Christmas Everyone and stay warm.

snow, Snow, SNow, SNOW

My favorite Christmas movie of all time is WHITE CHRISTMAS. It could be on TV and half way through and I'll watch it. I love the song "Snow".....

Well, we got more snow here than I really wanted. There must have been a foot Friday (thanks to my neighbor for plowing us out). Saturday was clear and nice (finished shopping) but it created a false sense of security. Sunday was a Blizzard. I don't know for certain if it totally qualified as a blizzard but it sure felt like it.

I managed to get out about 7pm to shovel a foot or so. Tim got up at 5 am and shoveled another foot. He couldn't get out of the driveway. The street was pretty impassable. So much for work.

Today's plan. Absolutely nothing. Well except wrapping the coffee cake and making cards. I also refuse to get dressed. JAMMIES DAY!!

Cabbage Patch Craze

Total Flashback: 1983. I still have mine and I remember getting mine at Child's World. We had to go up to a room and we have a few minutes to pick one out.

yes virginia, there is a vacation

a little after 1 pm, I was officially done. I spent a little longer on Support issues but I am done.

With School being closed today, I took the opportunity to finish the baking. Peanut Butter Blossoms are done and so are the Cut Outs. I found a great icing that is easy and yummy.

3 c. sifted confectioner's sugar
1/4 c. milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla
Dash of salt

Combine sugar, milk, vanilla and salt; mix well. Add food coloring. Frost cookies. Add candy sprinkles if desired.

The only change is that I used like a tablespoon of vanilla because I'm addicted to the stuff. Erin and I decorated the sugar cookies and I'm pleased with them.

Now, all I need is 'White Christmas' to be on and I'll be happy.

is it vacation yet?

I really can't wait till Friday at noon. Vacation for 5 days. I need it. My brain hurts and I have a ton to do.

I just want to stay in my jammies till noon and veg with the 5 year old.

sleeping on the job

sleeping on the job
Originally uploaded by melblackrose

We went and got the tree last week Saturday (yep, just getting around to posting it now).

Erin's job is to make sure the tree doesn't move when its tied to the roof. We get a real tree and its an adventure to go pick it out.

Last year, Erin sat sideways and watched the tree for the whole ride home (like 15 min). This year, she tried. She was battling a sinus infection and lost. Not more than 5 min into the ride home, she was out cold and still sitting sideways.

The tree made it home still attached.

sleepy

I can not keep my eyes open. at all.

I was up at 2am or so cause of the kid and "thunder" (it was just the wind). The I couldn't fall back asleep. Nightmares about loosing your job really suck.

I need a nap

ITS DONE!!

Oh dear lord, I'm done.

I have been up since 3 AM stressing about the party today. Does Santa have a suite? Is he coming? 8 am setup for me came and went. Food was got and cafeteria decorated. People actually asked me where things should go. Ummmmm.... whatever. Its just decorations.

100 people , 47 photos and one giant chocolate Santa raffle later (yes, I still can make people buy raffle tickets when they don't want to), the party itself was done. Thanks to all the parents that helped and those that had wonderful ideas for next year. Needless to say, I'm not waiting 3 weeks before the party to start planning it. Nope.. and one father had a wonderful idea to do a real breakfast (eggs and bacon). Bacon is good.

The kicker was the photos. With the news that Polaroids are no longer being made, we went digital. As soon as I got home, I uploaded the photos, added a border and went to pick then up at Target 1 hr later. But the machine was broke. How's $3 off for ya? SURE I say. So I only ended up paying $6.98 for 47 photos. SWEET DEAL.

I'm done now. so done.

where did i go?

I'm such a slacker (Jim, shush... brotherly comments can be keep to yourself). I'll rephrase that. I'm a slacker with the blog. Here's why.

1) Christmas - preparations are underway. House needed to be cleaned, tree needed to be bought and decorated, shopping needed to be started.

2) PTA - I am now the Co-President (or VP, whatever we decide) for the kid's school. Yes, you heard me. PTA.

3) Breakfast with Santa - this ties into #2. Since I am in the PTA, I was asked to chair the breakfast this year. Thank goodness for Maria. She has been a help and so has Lil. I'm trying to keep this one under $250. Keeping it simple and cheap!

4) Work. yeah, its work

5) Sinus Infection Kid! She's been battling this cold now turned Sinus Infection for 2 weeks. Now she's on antibiotics so things should turn around.

6) Broken sinks. 2 weekends in a row we've fixed both sinks in the house. I have points in plumbing.

Updates will be more frequent, I promise.

Black Friday

I am NOT out shopping. I will NOT go anywhere near a retail center today. Why then am I awake at 5:30 AM on the day after Thanksgiving?

Earache and indigestion.

Oh Poop.

Stuffed!

In so many ways, I'm stuffed. Dinner is done, we're home and I'm not moving. Nope. Done. Just like the bird.

Dinner was at Mom's (since she has the dish washer). And it was quiet. Except for the friendly game of poker. When you get a 5 year old and 11 year old playing, it gets funny. The 11 year old took most of Tim's chips. The 5 year old just kept betting, even when we folded.

Oh.. the hilarity ensued.

Now, were is the pie...

Excuse me, you have a puppy on your face

Naw.... This is about the darn cutest thing I have ever seen. This would make anyone's pain go away. Go here and try to win it,... no don't! I WANT IT!!

Mission accomplished

My hubby rocks. Without fighting, we took apart the kitchen sink plumbing... including a broken garbage disposal system. Its all in working order and looks wonderful. Between the two of us, we got the stubborn thing out and no more leaks.

I love you hubby.

My Little Pony - A Very Minty Christmas

Dear Santa - I, err... Erin would really love this....

Now I'll be singing the song all day long.

Christmas Giveaway 2008

My favorite time of year! Christmas Giveaway 2008 by 5 Minutes for Mom is underway. Wish me Luck!!

Scary clown night

so far 3 scary clowns... what's up with that?

Happy Halloween!

I'm here at the house WAITING for kids.. 1 kid so far. The fam is at Grammy and Papa's to trick and Treat on that street.

Here.. I think I am the ONLY house giving candy out.

Regardless.. I have good candy and if only a few kids show, more for me!

Happy Halloween all...while I eat the Rolos...

Embroidery project

I tried my hand at embroidering last week and it turned out pretty well! I just a simple looping stitch and did it in 2 colors, a cream and a smokey. The hem is variant on the same stitch.

I really liked doing it. I just need better base materials.

Apple picking

SDC10055
Originally uploaded by melblackrose

I'm just getting around to this now. Erin and I went apple picking last weekend at a lovely farm. A real farm. With turkeys, goats, cows and dog. And a real barn. A working farm. And the apples were incredible. We were actually able to PICK the apples. In years past we had gone to another farm and well, lets just say the apples were less than appealing and we ended up buying them already picked. At this NEW farm, you picked until you were done, got them weighed and you can take as many as you want!

We came away with 43 lbs of apples, 2 pumpkins, 6 gourds and some cider for hubby. $34! That was it. They also had the most beautiful antique pumpkins I'd ever seen. The regular pumpkins were also perfect. I'm serious. These pumpkins were round and had very few blemishes. They looked like storybook pumpkins.

I wish I had bought more but there was no way I could do it with just me and her there. So 2 was the limit.




All in all, it was a wonderful day and would share an apple with my girl again.

off duty

I don't like taking sick days. The work piles up and my job doesn't really allow for it sometimes. Today, I just feel like poop. I am throwing in the towel.

I have a cat and a couch and TV. I'm done.

What a day

We had a lot planned for today. First was dance practice at 9 am. This is weekly so its expected BUT we added a fun filled day of Apple Picking and a Demo today.

After dancing, we hit the road for for Lockport to go to a local farm to pick apples. I fell in love with the place! It was a real farm. We came away with 43 lbs of apples, 2 pumpkins, 6 gourds and some cider for hubby. $34! Thats it! Half the apples were for my mother-in-law so after a quick stop there, we were home to change to go to the Penn Dixie site. They do a Pirate thing every year and our SCA group offers a demo (thrown weapons and fencing). The catch - its a Pirate theme. I got to be a Pirate and so did Erin... she was a Pink Pirate. I also threw for like an hour straight.

We JUST came home.. 9pm.. I'm so done... and it was cold so nowI feel like crude. She's passing out on the couch. My turn soon.

Cats Together...

Cats Together...
Originally uploaded by melblackrose

This never happens. I think Ribbon (on the left) was passed out and no idea that Charity (on the right) was there! Ribbon is very territorial and heaven forbid that Charity be more than 2 feet away.

I do own garb!

Again, Kimmy is the only one who catches me in garb.

Hmmm.. I wonder what I could with this??

This is from Pennsic.. (Thanks Kimmy). Its always run when the fighters get new armor. So shiney..

Driving to fairfax in a lincoln town car. I am special

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Wow.. so behind

I am so behind...

MarineLand didn't happen due to lack of Birth Certificates.  Long story but we made it Fantasy Island instead.  Had a wonderful time.

Now, School has started.  Same teacher, same room.  New kids and the fear of not making friends.  New challenges.. 

I leave on Sunday for VA again and in the mean time, we are all practicing ROCK BAND for a silly little competition.. TOTALLY FREAKING COOL!!!   I LOVE ROCK BAND!!    I have to wait for Christmas.  No sense in getting it now when the price is likely to drop.  Honey, If you are reading this... I APPROVE!!!!