2 days until the 80's party!!!!

This ought to get you in the mood...

You are so money and you don't even know it.

If you know me at all, you know that I love a good party. specifically costume parties. Sat night was a night in Vegas at "Babylon Towers Resort and Casino" at the Veile's. Seriously, I think we are all just LOOKING for reasons to dress up, which is AWESOME. We played a little poker (not with real money of course because a. we are Mormon and b. pretty sure we are all poor) - I got my butt kicked at Texas Hold 'em, but Ammon seriously cleaned house on Black Jack. Someday I need to take that man to Vegas.

Everybody came in some sort of themed costume - we had two Elvis's (from the early and the late years) complete with super skin tight jumpsuit. Paul is the bravest man I know. Let's see, we also had 2 Chipendales dancers (one in a nude bodysuit), CSI, shotgun bride/groom, hideous tourists, high rollers, and call girls and their "management". I was a Cougar and Ammon was my boy toy/gardener/pool boy named Greg. It rocked.

Wow. I have no words.

All the ladies in the house...

Here's me in my bling, and Anya, who was caught in flagrante with her business man lover (she's lucky I didn't post the picture of her skirt tucked into her tights). I really wanted to get a hideously dark spray tan to complete the look, but alas I didn't make a line item for bad tanning in the budget.

Micaela's Favorite Things

So last year, I put together a pretty lengthy Christmas Wish List. A friend of mine told me a couple days ago to do it again this year, because, and I quote "I can't think of anything I want for Christmas". Good heavens, really??? How is that even possible? How can you not think of a single dingle thing you want? I want everything, which is probably the source of all my problems. Heh.

This list also serves a dual purpose, since it is my goal in life to rival Oprah in any way possible. Keep in mind that, like Oprah's list, this is a FANTASY wish list - at least to us plebians.

So Erica, here's to you - hopefully this will inspire you.

Sarah McLachlan just came out with a best of CD called Closer. Granted, I'll just get this at the library as soon as it comes our way, but whatever. I love Sarah.

I have a weird obsession with puffer vests. I realize that this is not the most flattering look for someone with my particular build, but that hasn't deterred me yet.

A GPS. Left over from last year's list. The driving world would thank you.

Oh yes...a gift card from Home Depot so we can actually finish our fence. And the downstairs bathroom. And build a dog door.

I love monograms/initials, and I LOVE these giant ones from Anthropologie.

See's. Duh. Specifically milk chocolate butter, milk bordeaux, and butterscotch squares.

Trish McEvoy Mascara. Bar none, the BEST mascara in the world!!! I'm in love, I'm in LOVE and I don't care who knows it!!!!

A new computer. Ammon's died a couple months ago (good heavens - what hasn't died in the last year for us?? The toaster. I think that's it). And my family would be so happy if we joined the world of the Mac.

I really, really need a new jacket/coat, because Miss Brilliantine here has lost not one, but TWO in the last year. But, I can't find one I like, so it will have to wait. However...I do have a few I'm looking at on eBay, so maybe a gift card to eBay? Heaven knows the list of things I can find to buy there are endless.

Grapefruit Bubble Bath by Philosophy although any good bubble bath will do.

New Bedding so I can put away all our random mismatched blankets.

And this fabulous door mat from (where else?) Pottery Barn.

The Fug Awards. A book from my favorite blog that mercilessly mocks celebrities in hideous clothes? Sign me up!!! By the way... Fug = Frightfully Ugly. If you don't believe me, check out GFY's FAQ's http://gofugyourself.celebuzz.com/faq/.

I adore Rings. These are all from Sundance.

Brown Riding Boots - I love these by Boden...

There are few things in life I love more than a granny nightgown.



And since our camera is currently held together with a paperclip, I think it's more than reasonable that I put a new one on this list. Nothing fancy shmancy, just something that can capture both red and black and doesn't require basic office supplies to function.

A trifle bowl! Everybody loves a good trifle! And who doesn't love Pampered Chef?


Wouldn't a webcam be fun? Then everyone I chat with can see what I look like at midnight with face mask, curlers, and teeth whitener! **note - not a nightly occurence. Yes, I admit it. I love all things celebrity (see The Fug Awards above). I am DYING to know what Kevin's side of the story is and what the twins are doing now and how much Botox Nicole has really had and why Paris and Benji broke up and why Rob's hair looks like it has a nesting bird in it. These are things I must know!! So, I would love a subscription to People.

I'm sure I'll think of at least 15 more things later today, so maybe I'll publish a MFT list Vol. 2. Feel free to let me know if you have suggestions. Oh, and by the way, a new car and Heidi Klum's body are not on this list because that's just a given.

Turkey Lurkey!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!! We had a great Thanksgiving today thanks to the Stanworth's for hosting, the Brigg's for Turkey Debacle '08, and Shannon and Corinn for fattening pies. Ammon and I were both a little worried this year that we would be at home alone on T-Day, eating Hungry Man dinners, so we were grateful that Erica and Kris didn't mind us crashing the party. However, Ammon did earn his spot at the table as the MasterTurkey Carver - a very serious business.

My little Thanksgiving Turkey Love:

Corinn, I am so sorry but this picture is too good not to post. You like the rolls, no?

Ammon again at turkey carving and Kris...on a chair. I don't know what is happening here.

The kidlets (not giblets...kidlets) at their table.

I learned about a delightful tradition today that apparently only I was not aware of: fat dog. Defined as: the state of being when one has stuffed themselves so completely that they slump to the floor in a heap and lie there panting until enough square footage in the stomach has been cleared for the next round of fat dog. I have witnessed fat dog at enough family events (and private parties for that matter) to be very familiar with this state, and am pleased as punch to have a name to give it.

Addyism's

I just need to pause for a moment and say how much I LOVE my child!!! Addy is currently in the Excessive Talking stage where she isn't happy unless she's yelling, chattering, singing, asking "why, Mom, WHY?", or berating the dogs. Each stage is adorable and fun in it's own way, but this one has been my favorite so far. Is there anything on the planet cuter than a little girl making up songs in the bathtub about her elbows and singing in her off-key little girl voice??? Certainly not!

Now, amidst all this mushy love blubbering, I will confess that occasionally the constancy of The Voice makes me want to stick my knitting needles in my ears just for some peace and quiet. But, the majority of the time it just makes me want to weep openly. Like when she says "Ohhhhhhh I'm sooooooo Beeeeeauuuuutiful!". Sigh.

So here are a few of my favorite Addyism's of late:

To me at morning wake up call (not my most attractive time of day):

"Your face is so, so pretty Mommy!"

Talking on her fake cell phone to who knows who:

"Hi. It's me! Addy Cwapo!"

And my two most recent personal favorites.....(***please note - we do NOT talk about male body parts all day long at our house. Don't ask me where she got this).

To Ammon:

"Hi Daddy. How's your p----s?"

While standing on the couch the other day...mind you...there was no TV on or anything else happening that could have possibly inspired this thought:

"OH NO!!! I don't have a p----s!!!"

Thank heavens for that! Once she had that out in the open, she promptly moved on the something else. Where in the living heck to they come up with this stuff???

This little video was taken tonight in the car while they were waiting for me at Hobby Lobby, the little gems. In case you can't hear, she says something like "A, B, C, D, ......at Grandma's...I did it!!!".

And a couple cute shots...at the park with her friends (Ella, Addy, Kyla, Sydney), and on the North Pole Express today with Kyla. Mind you - they are riding the North Pole Express while it's 70 degrees out. Gads.

Is it just me, or is this dress super freakin' cute? (for Addy)

I HEART EBAY!

So, it's that time of year again for me. Time to clean out my closets and hidden corners, earn a little extra Christmas money, and spend a ridiculous but completely legitimate amount of time on eBay....with my annual Virtual Garage Sale on eBay!

I'm only about 1/3 of the way through stuff I want to post, so feel free to kill time at work and check back!

My seller ID is addysmom06 (I know - terribly creative). Or you can just find me here.

Thanks for looking!

I want candy...

OK, it's official. I SUCK at Candyland. Not only did I get beaten 3 times tonight by my husband, but I also got waxed by a 2 year old! What a totally dumb game. Bah!

You better too!!!

I was going to say who (whom?? gads I hate that one) I voted for, but out of respect for my home that I don't want T.P.'d, I think I'll keep quiet. And I'm pretty sure that just gave it away. OK - the cat is out of the bag. I voted for Obama. Go ahead and get out your eggs! =)

Alright. I think I've been pretty good this election season and kept fairly quiet about my political views, but it's election day (my favorite day of the year other than Christmas!) and I just have to air my thoughts. Rest assured, I have absolutely no intention of debating candidates or policies or Sarah Palin's wardrobe.

I have to begin by saying that after experiencing my first Presidential election in CO, I am astounded and a little disappointed by how utterly one-sided this race has been, at least here in our little neck of the woods. I am literally the only person I know within 10 square miles that voted for Obama. There was one other guy that was going to, but even he changed his mind at the last minute! LOL. Granted, we really do live on the outskirts of the wilderness here, so it shouldn't be too surprising. OK, but seriously!!! How does this happen???? Coming from Seattle, you'd think I'd be used to seeing partisan politics (albeit on the other side of the coin), but I've never seen anything like this.

On a personal note, I'm also surprised at how isolated this has made me feel. There has been plenty of good natured ribbing, which I SO don't mind and think is fun, but even so, it's depressing that I have to call someone 3 states away to find a similar point of view. It also makes "political debates" a joke, because it kind of sucks being the only person on one side of an argument.

Now let me clarify - this doesn't mean that I am secretly deriding and ridiculing anyone who voted for McCain (that would mean my entire social circle so that would be silly). Ammon and I have never voted for the same candidate, but I've always respected his opinion because he reads and thinks and discusses and THEN votes. Novel idea! How can I argue with his decision when he has perfectly legitimate reasons for making it? The point is, I think anyone that votes for McCain with valid reasons makes a wise decision, and the same for Obama. What I can't stand is partisan politics, and assumptions about political affiliation based solely on demographics. Does the fact that I am a white, mid 30's, Mormon, stay-at-home-mom automatically make me a Republican? Of course not.
My single biggest irritation during this election has been comments made by people who assumed that, of course, I'd be voting for McCain. I'm surprised by some of the offensive, ridiculous, and extreme things I've heard people say before they knew I wasn't part of the club. I think it's a particular type of arrogance to assume that everyone you know must think the same way, because it is so clearly just a question of right and wrong.
What gives anyone the idea that there is one right answer in any political discussion? That because we share religious beliefs that automatically translates into politics as well?
First of all, don't assume you know someone's political views. If the leaders of our church don't publicly endorse a certain candidate, then we probably shouldn't either. At least my friends that tease me know my views and are respectful. Besides, I think it helps open the topic up for discussion.

AAAAAAAAAAAAH!hhhhhHH!!!!!!! Ammon keeps interrupting me saying "Did you vote yet for EVIL GENIUS???" I'm going to strangle him!!!!!!!!!!

Gads I am blathering now, and starting to foam at the mouth. Perhaps that's my cue to stop? lol.

OK, off the soapbox. Whomever (whoever??) you voted for, Happy Returns!

Wonder Woman sure loves her friend Ella!

Confessions of a... Dangerous mind? Mad Librarian? Wino?

In case you're wondering where the post title for today came from, just Google "confessions of a" and see what comes up. I'm not really a wino. Anymore.

Today is Wednesday Confessional Day, which I actually started 24 hours early last night at book club, but....since most of you weren't there, here are my True Confessions:

1) I am 100% addicted to Gossip Girl. Horrible, terrible, awful show with absolutely zero redeeming qualities, no moral values whatsoever, and a very skeevy guy named Chuck. And yet...I am addicted. I have even gone so far as to publicy lambast the trashfest that is Gossip Girl (at last month's book club) only to become sucked in by Satan's Show myself. I think I need an intervention. Luckily, I recently learned that I am not alone in my angst. Out of respect for her privacy, my fellow sufferer will remain nameless. Unless you bring me a Diet Coke. Then, I will tell all.

2) I drove to 3 separate fast food places at 8pm tonight in search of a Blizzard, or something like unto it. After 30 minutes and 15 miles, I now I have a serious case of heartburn. I think I totally deserve it.

3) My all time fave site has a sketchy name, but utterly hilarious content. This is where I go when I've given myself overindulgence heartburn or have a serious case of The Monday's (10 points if you got the Office Space reference). See for yourself. I think this time I may have actually laughed my face off. http://gofugyourself.celebuzz.com/go_fug_yourself/cat_541/

This one is pretty good too: http://gofugyourself.celebuzz.com/

4) Ammon opened his desk drawer last week to find not only a mouse, but MOUSE BABIES IN A NEST!!!!!! Ewwww!!!!! But the confession is that they were sort of freakishly cute and I actually shed a tear when he turned them out into the cold cold night.

5) Sometimes, I want a remote for my child, specifically one that has a mute button. We've entered the dreaded "Why Mom? But WHY? Whhhhyyyyyyy????" phase. Since I'm fresh out of kid mute buttons, I've considered inserting Q-tips on a permanent basis. I would do earplugs, but I'm still traumatized by a recent incident. I feel bad about these thoughts that I have, because it really is quite cute most of the time, especially in that adorable little girl voice. The same one that says "Pwwweeeeeeeease Mommy?" I'm a sucker for Pweese.

This is a kid who loves her swim lessons.

And her chocolate.

Quothe Rachel Zoe: "I Die".

I covet, I worship, I lust. Am I wrong for loving these boots so much I would sell a kidney? I want to hear your opinion. Hath my fashion eye run amok from overexposure to fur and feathers by watching too much Bravo?

Nothing like the smell of fresh poop in the morning

Sweet little Addy comes walking into my room this morning to wake me up...."Moooom. MOM! WAKE UP! MOOOOOOM!!!! Look at my hands!"

So, I comply and what to my wondering eyes did appear? Five tiny fingers all yucky and gross, covered in poop 1 inch from my nose.

OH yes she did. She did the dreaded Diaper Dive and then thought it would be an even more special experience if she woke me up with it. I looooooove staying at home!!!!!!!!!

Reason #2 I love being at home: Addy has given my cleavage a new name: My Pocket. Apparently, it's a pocket now that can hold all kinds of fun treasures, like food and jewelry, and last night, her sippy cup.

She decided she needed to put her sippy cup TO BED IN MY POCKET. I kid you not - she tucked it in there (very cold by the way), covered it up in her pig blanket, and patted it and told it "night night sippy!". ADORABLE!!! She makes me laugh SO HARD!! I love this kid!!

Addy learning to paint at her first Discovery Days. Thanks Diana!

Yes, that is dog food she's put on her plate. It's currently her favorite food. Oy.

This does not bode well. This is how we found her one day after a "nap".

Fireman Addy! Firewoman? Whatevs.

This is on my last day of work with a now former co-worker of mine, Tom. Tom was the only one in my office with young kids that could appreciate my fun but incessant Addy stories.