January 31, 2009

Saturday over too soon

Today was a great day - if you take into account that we spent the first part of it completely lazy and sauntering around the house in our PJ's. Bliss I tell you! We even all took naps this afternoon - a luxury we DO NOT take for granted in these baby years of our new life.

We made it to seventeen and I thought this was when I would hit a wall. Guess I'll never know, because some generous friends reached out to us and decided to treat us to a lovely dinner OUT. Yaay! Details to follow.

Meanwhile, the fun didn't stop there, because we are just party animals! We went from dinner to a birthday bash for our good buddy Paul, given by his wife and my M3 sistah in crime - Robyn. Played some Rock Band, ate some yummy desserts, and laughed laughed laughed laughed. That's just how we sistahs roll! The kids almost outnumbered the adults and we had fun watching them all interact and play. Not to mention that my son got the most laughs of the night when he decided to start consuming Erin's dog food. Um, yeah. That's my baby. Dog food connoisseur. Yuck! Wish I could say we've never caught him doing that here at home, but you know how that goes...I've already admitted to it in previous posts...oh well...he's all boy! We had to cut out much earlier than in birthday parties past - because little boys who go to bed between 7-8 just don't do too well when the clock strikes 9pm. He was a good boy - but we had to take pity on the rubbing of the eyes sooner or later.

Today's Menu ~

Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs and toast. Nobody, and I mean nobody, can make more perfect scrambled eggs than AB. They are flawlessly fluffy and taste incredible.

Lunch: Sandwiches and frozen mini-pizzas

Dinner: I got my wish! Some dear friends took us to one of our favorite Mexican places and insisted on buying our dinner. (Hint *they might have known we were on a 30-days challenge) It was really, really good - and the company was even better. Quint was having a little meltdown though, and I kept thinking to myself that after 17 days at home - I can really see the benefits of not eating out. Namely - being in your own home and not having to say you're sorry when your child hucks cheerios, a cell phone, his shoes, chips, and his sippy cup at the table next door. Yeah. Good times.

Pics of our lovely Saturday with captions ~

It was a nice warm 67 degrees outside today, and we decided not to miss it. We spent some time outside in the backyard throwing small rocks from the retaining wall. It wouldn't be nearly as cute if it weren't for the little guy in the "Captain Drool" onesie. Love him..

Love her too. She just makes me smile everyday. We call her our little "sweetheart", and she really, really is. There is nothing she wouldn't do for us, if she thought it would make us happy. Love you, Anabelle!

This is AB and one of his favorite students (former). He's all grown up now, and will be a senior this Fall - but when we met him, he was just a tiny 6th grader. Hard to believe, since he's changed so very much over the years - but the one thing that has never changed is his personal passion for theater and his wonderful family. They have remained friends of ours since AB taught AP.

Here's Cathy and Robbie with Q-man. They just wanted to eat him up - as per usual! He certainly didn't complain about sitting on Cathy's lap and getting all that attention. They really are a great family and we love catching up with them.

Later, over at E's for some birthday fun...we realized as we were leaving that we hadn't taken any pictures - so Robyn was nice enough to snap this one really quick for me. It's so cute, but my poor little man is so tired. And so is Quint!

See ya for 18 and Superbowl Sunday!! Go ARIZONA!!

January 30, 2009

15, 16, friends & tired...

Sorry about the lack of posting last night. AB had to work late both last night and tonight, so last night I had a dear friend come over for dessert and good conversation, and tonight I made my way with Quint over to V's home to share a meal and let the kids go crazy playing for a while. Afterward, we made our way to see AB, who was putting on an Improv show with his students.

So it's been a fairly painless non-spending two days and we're doing just fine and dandy. I can't lie though...in sixteen days, I have rarely left the house and it's just as well. I could have seriously done some damage to a Mocha Frappuccino tonight on our way home. Oh, it hurt to keep driving right on by the Starbucks...sob!

Short and sweet ~ and no food pics, because AB wasn't home to create photo-op worthy beauties. Who needs a picture of a can of Campbell's Soup? I mean, I know it's "mmm mmm good", but do we need a picture?

15th Menu:

Breakfast: Cereal and breakfast bars
Lunch: Leftover Roast Beef and Cheesy Potato Casserole
Dinner: Beef & Cheese Chimichanga with chips and salsa (frozen, btw)

16th Menu:

Breakfast: Blueberry Muffins
Lunch: Bean and Ham Soup w. butter crackers
Dinner: YUMMY homemade chili with sour cream and cheese. Delicious cornbread muffins with honey butter and people - it was so darn good, I had seconds of both. Thank you, V - it was a fabulous time, as usual! Love you! I wish I had my camera, so I could have taken a picture of this stuff - it would have been photo worthy for sure!


The only other thing I have is a picture I took of Quint the other night, while he was sitting in his little chair. Lately, about six different people have pointed out to me that Quint looks like AB - or that they see AB in Quint through his smile or facial expressions. (Don't worry, Eloise - I don't think you're crazy!) Truth is, as he develops his personality more and more, I'm sure he does in many ways imitate his very animated Daddy. Of course, we don't see it - but one thing is for sure - if you put Anton and I together - Quint would be the baby you would get. Amazing how God works like that...Quint is definitely our little "mini-me".


Well, we're all a little bit under the weather and I don't know what's up with that. I feel like every other post I'm whining about us being sick again. Annoying! So, my only concern is that I feel like I'm getting that fever/sore throat/really thirsty/too tired thing again. Uh-oh. You know. That little friend I had called Mono? I hope he's not back. I really don't want to go through that again...send a little prayer up for me, eh?

Back tomorrow for 17 - can you believe we've made it this far? I'm a little surprised, myself!

January 28, 2009

Fourteen and Grandma's Cheesy Potato Casserole

Ah yes...two weeks come and gone. I'd say we're no worse for the wear, and our bank account has never had it so easy. Honestly, it was so cold outside, I had no desire to even step a toe out the front door - so there was no temptation to spend anyway.

Let's cut to the chase here people, and talk about family recipes. Anton credits his mother (Mama B) for developing in him a deep love of cooking and sharing his culinary gift with others. She has certainly fed us her share of amazing meals and watching her put together dinner for 20 people on a dime (both time wise and budget wise) is an incredible feat to behold.

Likewise, my own Grandmother was always amazing in the kitchen - and people spoke of her tasty recipes for miles around. One in particular that was a favorite for me was Grandma's Cheesy Potato Casserole. (which in all honesty, I don't think she started to make until I was an adult, but just the same) It's....it's...how do you describe succulent warm cheesy amazing ooey-gooey potatoes all perfect and delicious in your mouth? I guess I just did! We harassed my Grandma into giving us the recipe over Christmas dinner several years ago and I've finally gotten around to making it (here in the middle of 30 days). The ingredients are simple and easy to have on-hand for a go-to dish that feeds hearty appetites or big families. Recipe provided courtesy my sweet Grandma who turned 75 on Monday - love you Grandma - Happy Birthday!

Today's Menu:

Breakfast - Cereal

Lunch - Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Sandwiches

Dinner - Mama B's Roast Beef with Grandma's Cheesy Potato Casserole and Buttered Mini Brussel Sprouts. You know you want to come over for dinner...

Enjoy the pics, which cannot and do not do this incredible meal justice. AB - another triumph, my dear...another triumph...




~ Recipe for Cheesy Potato Casserole ~

(*Note that we cut the recipe in half because there was only three of us, and we still had some leftover. However, we did not cut the Cornflakes portion down and were glad we didn't.)

Step 1:
2 Pounds Frozen Diced Potatoes (defrosted)
2 tbls Dried Onions
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
2 cups of Sour Cream
2 cups grated Cheddar or Colby Cheese

Mix all of the above ingredients together in large bowl and put into 9x13 casserole dish.

Step 2:
Melt 1/2 cup butter and toss with 2 - 2 1/2 cups of crushed Cornflakes. Spread on top of the potato mixture.
Step 3:
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Can take longer in some ovens.

Step 4:
Seriously...dig in. You will not regret this quick, easy and delicious recipe. Thanks Grandma - love you!
**************************


I don't know what's cuter: Quint trying to cover our Kaleigh with his blankets or Kaleigh letting him do it repeatitively with such gentle tolerance. Love her...



And this was just for me...because I love that boy so much I could eat him up.


Onward and up to weeks 3 and 4...

January 27, 2009

13 is the lonliest number...


...especially if you're craving some really yummy warm and perfectly salted chips and salsa, followed by a lovely margarita, which in turn is followed by a platter of ooey-gooey cheese and chicken enchiladas, rice, and beans. OMG. Stop the insanity. It's like being on Survivor and talking about food. So lame.

On the other hand, this has not been the hardest challenge I've taken, by far. By contrast - the ten days we did not eat out in Ethiopia were much harder and maybe because I knew that the opportunity for "breaking my fast" was not even an option over there. In fact, as I recall, the Starbucks coffee we made haste for upon exiting customs in Washington was both pricey and the best coffee I've ever had in my lifetime. So this gives me pause. Pause to remind myself that come February 15th, those chips and salsa will be waiting for me in a comfy booth at my local Hacienda de Amazing Mexican Food. But in the meantime - for these next seventeen days, I've got some work to do. It takes a lot of persistence to do something you don't want to do. Dieting, exercise, driving within the speed limit, being nice to mean people...but I digress. The point is, this is a good lesson that I was overdue for in learning to live within my means, and appreciating all that I do have (sitting right in my pantry). And even though I have to remind myself everyday why I'm doing this, again, and again...it will still be worth it if the greatest lesson is "we spend too much money on dumb stuff". Ha!

Today's Menu:

Breakfast: Cereal and yogurt for the baby

Lunch: Peanut butter and jelly

Dinner: Chicken Cordon Bleu with long grain rice.


AB has made this many times and it's such a lovely meal. I don't know how he does it, but it's the most natural and easy talent with him. It's just amazing...

For those just here to see the boy (you know who you are...ha!) here are a couple of cutie patootie shots from tonight with captions.


Tonight at bedtime, AB couldn't resist some rocking chair time and giggles with his boy. And Mommy just couldn't resist getting the camera to capture the "boy" goodness.


Priceless!



And while I'm on the subject of cute boys...what is it about footie pajamas? I mean, OMG...they are so stinking cute. Especially when they're just a little bit too big on the little boy.




Last but not least, thanks for all the props you generously gave me for the last post. And if I haven't said it before...thanks for reading faithfully all my blather and for loving on me and my little family, for supporting me, and following our life and journey. You're the best, and I'm not just sayin' that...

January 26, 2009

12 Days Short and Sweet

12 days, come and gone and almost two weeks under our belts. Proof that it really is possible to live if you don't eat out. I wish my tongue were in my cheek right now for that comment, but alas...I really do suffer from the malady that is Eatingoutaritis". Sigh.

I'm going to keep this short and sweet, because the hubs (who reads this blog daily and who by the way, is reading now) made the comment to me tonight that "gosh, you sure aren't getting many comments on these challenge/food posts". Which at first stung a little bit - but I'll need to put that ego in check. (and by the way, Mr. B - why don't YOU comment if you're so bothered by it, eh? Love you. Can't live without you. Shout out to ma girl RK) And which also led me to think that maybe this is kind of boring...I mean, who needs to come here and read about what we ate today? Talk about the low list of things to do, eh? I'm sorry...I think I just get tired of talking about one of two things. And if you're not sure what they are, just read over the last three years of blogging. I figured a little motherhood/adoption blogging hiatus was ok - but I may have lost some of you for the ride. Sorry friends - maybe I can scrape my bowl for some sassy writing that will stir the pot...the proverbial pot, that is - not the Chili pot. Heh...

Today's Menu:

Breakfast: Wait for it.....wait for it...Blueberry Muffins and Coffee. Yes, I actually broke away from the mold on day 12 to experience warm and buttery blueberry bliss. May have to have those again tomorrow, since I'm sitting on some leftovers. Not literally, of course...I mean...that would be not so good...anyway...


Lunch: Leftover Stringy Beef, mashed potatoes and green beans.

Dinner: Baked Potato Bar with Leftover Chili.



TTNF! I'm off to see a horse about some good writing material...or somthin'

January 25, 2009

He's Baaaaaaaccccckkkkkk!!!!!!

Whew...just when I thought we would starve to death or die from carbohydrate overdose. (ok, they're nothing alike...but it was going to be one or the other!) He's back! Thank the Lord in heaven above, because I'll tell you right now - Mommy was having an episode of the four walls closing in on me. Not to mention that Q-man has been sick with a cold the entire time. Poor little guy!

So here we are on day eleven and it's time for a small confession of the "spending money" variety. I hit a little bit of a wall today. Maybe because we didn't get out too much this last week, or maybe because AB has been gone - I don't know. But for some reason, today was a hump day. I could not seem to shake off the restless feeling that somewhere out there was a 90% off Christmas sale that I was missing out on. Don't try and reason with a crazy lady who hasn't had Chipotle in 11 days. (actually more) I was like a caged lion, pacing around my house and trying to busy my fingers so I would not focus on the possibility of marked down garland and dirt-cheap ornaments. Ack! I'm getting shaky just thinking about it.

By the time AB walked in the door, I practically lunged at him to pick a fight over where he had been able to dine at for the last four days, and started salivating over a stinking dollar menu Jack in the Box burger description. Egad! This was worse than I thought! Then, I begged...no practically groveled on the floor for the chance to leave the house and visit Taco Bell. Just Taco Bell, for crying out loud. I can shop dollar menu at Taco Bell! Please AB!!??? Alas, my darling saw right through me and encouraged me to get up off the floor and take a breath. He reminded me how disappointed I would be in myself and how much of a letdown it would be to post here tonight that I had blown it. Then he gave me a "you know better..." chagrin and quickly hastened to make our dinner before I wore him down with my piercing and spending-deprived gaze. (yikes!) Thankfully, he was right to talk me off the ledge. He made a fabulous dinner and it was just soooo good to have him back in the kitchen. More on that in a second...

The point is, I want you all to know that this challenge has been just that: a challenge. Some days are easier than others - but you do not realize how much spending we do on a daily basis until you are forced to examine it by putting away your ATM/Credit card. It's incredible to see my own spending impulses and patterns (i.e. when I feel bored, etc.) from a birds eye perspective. Something I simply never would have taken the time to notice, had I not put the challenge into action. A dollar here, five there, twenty-five there, forty-seven here...and by the end of the month, we're sorting through a hundred different transactions. It's ridiculous. And we wonder where our money went to?

Well, anyway...tonight Anton and I ran to Walmart to get some necessities like milk and cat food (poor kitty's gotta eat too!) and as we were leaving, AB did treat all three of us to an icecream from the Golden Arches. They have the best stinking icecream at our M-D's. No joke...thick and creamy (not icey and watery). And for $2.10, it really did help me to shake off my restlessness, refocus, and keep working towards my goal of 30 Days.

On a side note, our pastor found out about our challenge, and has asked us to write up something about our experience so he can challenge the church to do likewise for seven days. One week of giving up spending! I was a) honored to be asked and b) encouraged that more and more people are interested in finding out what motivated this and what keeps us going.

You know, AB's parents are Dutch immigrants who worked very hard for what they have. To them, over-spending is the ultimate frivolity and they are really good at saving. They rarely eat out and almost always shop a bargain. Their everyday is similar to our 30-Days of Nothing. They would probably not quite understand our challenge, as they live it 365. But for most people, and I truly believe this, we struggle with the day to day smaller spending - the spending that adds up at the end of the month to leave us wondering where it went. If you're like my in-laws - and truly can't relate to the challenge, then I applaud you! Wish I were in your shoes and didn't need the challenge at all. Ugh...

Today's Menu:

Breakfast: Cer....well, you know the rest

Lunch: Chimichanga (frozen) and QB had mac

Dinner: Sweet bliss, my baby is back and he made one of my favorites...Steak, Potatoes, and Green beans.



Love you babe - so glad you're home safe and sound!



Onward to 12!!

January 24, 2009

Ten, Ten, bo-ben...banana fana fo fen...

10! Yaay for ten! One third of the way through the month, two-thirds to go.

I'm gonna keep this short and sweet as a way of checking in and keeping up with reporting from the "Fields of Nothin'" (ha! I just made myself laugh)

Gentle reminder that AB does not return until tomorrow, and so once again, the menu reflects it. Desperately. Sob.

Today's Menu:

Breakfast: Let's throw you a bone...Honey Nut Cheerios with a delicious banana sliced and thrown in to the bowl, and covered with cold fresh milk. (better?)

Lunch: Turkey and Cheese sandwiches with Doritos.

Snack: Celery with Peanut Butter and Carrots with Ranch...well, I was craving a little bit of everything but I had to make do with what I had. Don't worry...I drank some water in between courses.

Dinner: Don't laugh. The picture will say it all. To my own defense, I do love me some Mac and Sausage. And for Quint, well there is just about nothing else that will make him eat faster. So, whatever works, eh?


And for QB's Daddy, who we miss so much! I present the cutest boy walking the planet during bathtime tonight...


See you all for the beginning of the next two-thirds...

Picture Post & A Confession

I forgot to mention that I spent $4.50 to get Quint into the Wiggly Center yesterday and in the spirit of honesty and disclosure, I wanted to make sure to note that. In the continued spirit of honesty, I really did forget! (and by the way, seeing how much fun he had - it was worth every cent!)

I got these great pictures from Robyn and wanted to post them here for Daddy, who is away on a trip and really missing his little man. Thanks Auntie Robyn!

We love you AB - miss you bunches!







January 23, 2009

Wiggles and Nine

Day nine was a breeze, thanks to my gaggle of M3 gal-pals. We met at the local "Wiggles" Play Gym with all of our kiddos. It was a great break in the day and made the afternoon so enjoyable. Especially without having AB around - when I'm likely to go stir-crazy sitting at home all day, staring at the same four walls. Quint had a blast and we really enjoyed our time with friends. And thanks to Stacy for joining us - it was good to see you and Miah again - what a doll she is!

So, yes...a farewell to day nine of our 30 days of Nothin' Challenge. We made it beyond one week, and I'm actually starting to get the hang of it a little bit. The temptation to spend is less and less and the drive to make it to the end without major slip-ups is getting bigger. Yaaay!

Today's Menu:

Breakfast: Same ol Same ol Same ol

Lunch: Quint & I had a slice of pizza courtesy of Auntie Robyn (thank ya, my friend) while at the Wiggly Playcenter. Yum! Later I had a frozen chimichanga at home.


Dinner: Chilli and crackers. Maybe Won can cook after all? It wasn't that hard...just put the ingredients in the crock pot and let them cook all day on low. But I can say this, it was really yummy. Even Quint ate a bowl and he's Mr. Picky lately. We did top our bowls with shredded Colby cheese - cheese goes with everything. Mmmmm...


Dessert: Almond Tea Cookies heated up in the micro for a few seconds. Just like they came out of the oven...I tell ya, so good!

For those of you who have e-mailed and commented to let me know that you're taking the challenge, I'm so proud of you! I really, really am! It's not an easy thing to do and it really does open your eyes to your own spending habits (good and bad). For those of you doing just Empty Pantry, I'm proud of you too! It's not easy to use up all those items we collect and duplicate at the grocery store - but you can do it! If you want my Empty Pantry List or Weekly Meal Planner, e-mail me at cbemptypantry@yahoo.com and I'll send them over to you.

Meanwhile, back to the playcenter. We had a really good time catching up with friends. Quint took a little time coming out of his shell, but by the end, he was zooming around, up and down, and making his Mama so proud of him. He really is the best boy ever!





January 22, 2009

Day Eight & A Farewell to Good Eats

Heading into day eight, we had a confirmation of the sorry kind - referrals that came in only covered 2 days into March. The kind of referral batch that was so small our agency didn't even get any referrals. (ok, except for a few expedited families) So that's that. And as I said, I'm sad for those families who were so hopeful this time only to have their hopes dashed. We really weren't surprised at all - at least not very.

Two items of note for day eight were that 1) AB had to leave town for a conference and won't be home until Sunday and 2) a dear friend took Quint and I out for a yummy lunch. So technically, I ate out. But I didn't pay for it, so we're calling it a wonderful treat! (sssssshhhh, it was the best kind of treat too....Sushi!!)

So this leaves me to both warn you and confess to you - when I say I can't cook, I'm not just throwing that out like a lousy excuse for not wanting to cook because I happen to be married to the world's best husband chef ever. I'm saying "Won Can't Cook". I'm saying, don't come looking here for anymore of those tantalizing pictures of amazing food until Sunday evening. Sorry my peeps. It just ain't gonna happen. Here's what you get instead:

Breakfast: See previous seven posts. Seriously.

Lunch: Japanese and it was delish...thank you so much Desiree for the wonderful meal and the always lovely company. You are a dear friend!

Dinner: Ha! Don't say I didn't warn you, ok? **Note to AB: Come Home.


Dessert: I did manage to make one of my favorite winter cookie recipes, Almond Tea Cookies. Of course, it would help tons if the weather outside indicated in the slightest bit that it actually was winter - and not say, 77 degrees. Yeah. So moving on...

Here's the recipe because these are just such good cookies - especially when they're warm out of the oven:


2 Cups Bisquick
1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar
1/3 Cup Butter or Margarine
1/2 Cup finely chopped walnuts
1 generous tsp Almond Extract
1-3 tablespoons of water (only enough to moisten batter slightly)

Mix all ingredients until a heavy batter forms. Shape into 1 inch balls and load onto cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes until set, not browned. Cool for 5 minutes and then gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar. Then ENJOY!


The good thing about these cookies, is that they are light and good anytime of day. Breakfast with a cup of coffee, afternoon snack with a hot cup of tea, or even as a late night snack. Really yummy and so easy to make.

I'll leave you with a picture that we took for Daddy tonight....we miss you, be safe and we'll see you Sunday!

January 21, 2009

Rocky and Day 7

Da-nu-nuh......da...nu..nuh....da nu...nuh....da...nu...nuh...

I'm hearing the Rocky theme song in my head...the one where he is working out all crazy like a fox and then runs to the top of the steps up to the statue. The one that's just music...not the other one...not Eye of the Tiger. The other one...anyone?

7 days / one whole week / 168 hours have passed and we did not eat out once. On one hand, I am really proud of us. But on the other hand, it's a little bit lame, because it's an American thing to eat out like this - like we do over here in the states. People in Europe, etc. don't eat out like we do. They just don't. And don't get me started on how they're eating in 3rd world countries/orphanages (namelythosemysonlivedin). Shudder...

So, we made it to seven and tomorrow is eight - and that makes me happy. Happy that we (snicker) are still alive (so dramatic!) and kicking with the challenge. With the exception of one soda and a scoop of ice-cream, we're doing pretty darned good.

Today's Menu:

Breakfast: seriously, people - I should just leave breakfast off the menu. Cereal. Again.

Lunch: We decided to be creative - so I packed up our lunch and we met some friends at the mall and ate in the food court (yes, with our packed lunch - so ghetto, I know) and then went to the play area. Quint had a ball and my friend who is aware of our challenge was so gracious and brought along her own pack lunch for her kids and herself. What a nice treat! So, leftover Fried Chicken and an apple for me and Ham, Cheese, Crackers, and a small granola bar for Quint.


Dinner: So the picture above is what I saw this morning as AB was heading out the door. He really is amazing. One of my all-time favorites - stringy beef with potatoes. Seriously - this is just melt in your mouth and such a delicious dinner. I love it when AB makes this! We get a roast that sits in the crock pot all day with veggies and broth, etc. By the time we eat, it's falling apart - thus the term "stringy beef". Proof that he really does cook all this, and proof that he actually enjoys it:

I should have posted a picture of me stuffing my face. Proof that I can't cook and that my hips are married to Chef Boyardee.

Dessert: Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ice cream. All I can say is...holy cow that's good.


ADOPTION FRONT:

Well, the rumors have quelled and it looks like it might be quite a small referral batch after all. I'm really sad for quite a few of my blogger pals. This is really too bad - I was hoping that we just might finally have some happy news, but it looks like rather than getting through March, we might only see referrals for a couple days. As for us, we're not taking it hard because we really and truly suspected it was not true. We didn't put any hope or faith in the rumor even though it was fun to think "what it" for a little while. Meanwhile, truth be told, it would have been hard to have the referral so much sooner than planned for many reasons. We're not happy about the wait, but we've been able to say "we'll probably travel around..." for quite a while and we're counting on it, in a way. We'll see what happens in the next couple batches to know where we stand.

For Julie: For every awesome amazing smiling picture, there are 14 blurred, non-smiling, nose running, crying, fussing, out of frame shots to weed through. Never you fear - he is very photogenic, but not every picture is amazing. Meanwhile, though he is not smiling in this picture, there is just something about it I like. Maybe just the intention on his face while he's playing and trying to figure out where the piece goes. Maybe because he's my baby and I love everything about him...


For Amy: If we lived closer, I am quite sure we would be friends...and we could make menus, organize, and create lists together. Big Hug!

For my LOST/AMERICAN IDOL/FRINGE buddies...all I can say is that I'm just sooo glad they're all back on! Yaaay TV. (again, so lame)

See you all for Day 8!