Modern Mommy:

T-Rex, The Fold Out Couch And Modern Grandma

Modern Hubby too Modern Pre-schooler and Modern toddler to The T-Rex Cafe here in town.  If any of you been to a rain forest cafe or some other place full of lights, animals sounds and screaming kids - you know why I did not go with them.  Also I was working.   They has a great time and Modern Pre-schooler got her photo with a huge t-rex (man in suit), I am actually amazed she was not terrified of the thing and since Daddy came home with the biggest TV known to man, it was only fair for Modern Pre-schooler to get a little treat of her own.  Its pretty cool how easily they are pleased.  For now.

We have had a good week here in the modern family household and are looking forward to the weekend.  Some trips to the pool, a visit to Mommy's favorite place, Super Target.  Modern Pre-schooler got some new dress up glass slippers (what was i thinking?)  We had another midnight vomit and laundry session this week.  Modern Pre-schooler coughed her way into getting sick all over the bed.  I swear, buying that plastic mattress protector was the best purchase we have made in a long time.  Certainly a better  choice than those slippers.

Modern Grandma will be here in about a week to play with us and spoil said modern grandkids a little.  That means someone is getting bumped to the downstairs foldout couch.  Not pretty.  If  I could describe to you the bumps, rebellious springs and various other uncomfortable protruding objects you would see this is indeed punishment.  I am sensing that I will be bearing this burden.  Although the new TV is down there, it just might be worth it to claim this spot.  We are pretty excited and have lots of plans and stories for grandma. 

We also have more change in the works.  Starting next month, Modern pre-schooler will go to school 4 days a week.  We know it is time and will be the best for her, but I cannot help but worry about Modern Toddler's loss of her best buddy for another day.  You can only spend so much time with Mommy before someone wants to cry, and it is usually me.

No funny stories to report today, but I am sure to come through the weekend with lots to share next week. After all, who does not have stories about their kids after two days at home?

Shamelessly Tagged

Lately I have been a bit blog subject challenged.  Some times I am in the groove, and the rest of the time I am taking up precious blogging space, growing hair and generally boring the hell out of myself and my 7 loyal readers.  So imaging my thrill at being tagged for a list by one of my most favorite daddy bloggers, the man himself, LA Daddy.  So hear we go 7 random facts or habits...

1. Habit: (aka OCD) When I feel anxious, I clean.  Also I walk around the house making sure bottles, centerpieces, vases, books, picture frames etc are exactly in the position I like them in... scary.

2. Fact: I do not understand all the fuss about crocs.  Does anyone believe these shoes are attractive?  I have never had any, so I might be missing some sort of mind blowing comfort.  I can only assume they are the best thing for feet since the automobile, but I do not get the hype or the price.

3. Habit: I am stealing this one, more blogger cheating, but I love watching the same 10 or so movies over and over.  Repetition is so damn comforting.  I love the familiar feeling, the control of knowing exactly how they will end every time, and the illusion that life is more like a movie and less like actual life.

4. Fact: I love spinach.  In a big way.  You name, I can tell how it would go better with spinach.  It is not exactly reaching the level of affection I feel for poultry, but it is damn close.  Why am I saying damn so much tonight?  Must be the righteous therapy high I feel every Tuesday.  Oops, that is another habit right?

5. Habit: I have an actual addiction to scrapbooking.  I daydream about layouts, I see a t-shirt, a magazine advertisement, even a adorable outfit on my daughters and think: Color.  Shape.  Layout.  I love graphic design and photography - especially black and white.  Again it is more about control, a finished product and the tangible, linear perfection of it all.  Also, i scrap layouts first, then add a picture or two (never more) much later.  Journaling must be done on the computer, God I love fonts.... ok more OCD.

6. Fact:  I have recently begun a new relationship.  It is electric, compulsive and impulsive.  It is exciting, but feels like it can stand the test of time.  It feels like coming home.  I am in love with Macs.  I am forever converted and am fated to spend my days roaming the earth seeking other PC users longing for something more. 

7. Habit: Blogging.  I know.  More cheating.  Seriously.  I am so hooked on this community.  Part journalism, part story telling.  Part journal, part desperate cry for public attention and recognition.  I love to write, and I wonder blogsphere, where have you been all my life?

The idea here is to tag another 7 people to share their list... but that is exactly everyone I know.  Including the girl with red highlights in her hair working the starbucks drive through and I doubt she would even remember me, who knows if she has a blog anyway.  I would like to think I order new and daring beverages that no one had ever though of before, but even in the Midwest that is a stretch.  So if you are reading this, and like the idea of being tagged, or possibly you are feeling that you have the originality of warm yogurt and need a post idea...

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Wedding and reception tonight for great friend who is now wed to great guy, best wishes and happily ever after! Beautiful simple ceremony, followed by rockin' Casino Ballroom Reception. Babies at home with babysitters and the first ever mommy's night out past 8pm had begun. Good food, good wedding cake that we may or may not have been video taped hovering over... Too many new inside jokes to remember. DJ redeemed himself late into the evening with shameless classics (I admit to participating in both the chicken dance and YMCA) designed to keep silly women on the dance floor while more reasonable husbands stayed at tables. Some spilled red wine and many unmanned flying chocolate pieces later, a broken friendship was mended. Old pals in from out of town, and the circle of scrap-booking mommy friends was again briefly complete.

Goodnight high heels, goodnight panty hose. Goodnight aching knees, good night sore dancing toes. Goodnight bride and groom, goodnight champaign and candle light. Good night old and new friends, goodnight, sleep tight.

So That's Pretty Much It

Scrapbooking, chocolate, anxiety and wild animals. Did I forget to mention cramps and water retention? Those were some grumpy rhinos. Zoo today with the family, sort of an unusual event. All 4 of us together was the unusual part, the zoo is becoming quite the regular outing. I am often told my gifts lie in the art of sarcasm, inflicting pain and destruction, and specifically exaggeration, but it would be an understatement to suggest that the tensions run high around the Modern Family home. Scrapbooking friday night was great, needed the break, and as much scrapping as I got done, I always get excited about more projects and my mind fills with ideas. Saturday was Modern Hubby's b-day, thus the chocolate and the anxiety, but that is a story for another day. Today the zoo. Ran into some old friends, wish we saw them more. Also bumped into the family pediatrician. I took some really great pictures today, on 35-mm. Have not upgraded our current digital to the one that I want. Dropped off film to be developed to CD only, I got back prints only. What good does that do me? So the zoo tour post will have to be postponed.

If you are not familiar with the Benefit being held for the Gallacher Family, please visit this blog site and donate whatever you can! Jen Gallacher is a contributing artist on the blog: Two Peas in Bucket and her 9 yr old boy has terminal cancer. This Benefit is to aid the family in their last weeks with their dear son. Maybe you are a scrapbooker (with connections!) and you might like to donate a prize. For every dollar donated your name will be entered once ($25 dollars = 25 chances to win a great scrapbooking prize!). Please visit the Benefit blog and see for yourself. Please also drop on by Two Peas in a Bucket, one of the best scrapbooking sites around!