Reality Sucks. Brain Cells, That Is.

Currently, I am not at my cognitive best. I hope this is a passing phenomenon. If not, we are in a LOT of trouble. What with the new(ish) baby, significant sleep deprivation, two crazy school-aged schedules, the Head Monkey's itinerant work schedule, my work schedule, and keeping track of the flippin' DOG, I literally don't know whether I'm coming or going. Or how to spell anymore. (I already have had to confirm my spelling of itinerant and deprivation. That is SO not like me).

And to make matters worse? I am addicted to soul-sucking, brain-rotting REALITY TELEVISION.

I'm not proud. But these shows are delicious. And curious. And train-wreckalecka. But they are slowing leeching away my very limited IQ points. They also send me into a veritable SINK HOLE of rationalization. I find myself frequently justifying my choices by saying. . . .

At least I don't watch
The Jersey Shore.

Yet.

In a I hope not vain attempt to refire some dormant neurons, I am going on a self-imposed reality television diet. This diet includes refraining from watching the shows and reading the show blogs. In my very limited free time, I should be pursuing that which is noble. (For a full listing of noble pursuits, click here).

I will refrain from thinking about the following, which consumes a shameful amount of my waking hours. . .

• Is Danielle actually the spawn of Satan?
• Why won't Kourtney just leave Scott already?
• How exactly DOES one get into $11 million of debt?
  
• Will Bethenny have another baby and how the HELL did her body bounce back like that at age 39? Yes, I know she's 39. Further evidence that I have a problem.
• Will Bravo create a spin-off of Kelly in a mental health institution?
• How many different ways can the word douche be used?
  

Andy Cohen. . . . Ryan Seacrest. . . a loyal follower of your programs must take a break to try to regain her brain. I'll be back someday.










Who am I kidding. I'll probably be back Sunday. Can't miss those crazy Kardashians.

Fun Mom Friday: Game Night

We had a good old fashioned family game night last night. And it was a blast!


Thank you to Moriah for hosting this fun idea. I look forward to its return!

To see other Fun Mom Friday posts, click here.

The Wrangler's No Good, Horrible, Very Bad Day: An Addendum

unbeknownst to me, Big attempted a science experiment.

Materials:
Red dye found in the children's science kit
Why in the world would red dye be in there???

Procedure:
Spill red dye on the floor. See if red dye comes out of the white grout between the tiles.
It doesn't. Try to clean it up.
In the process, spill red dye on the white counter. Attempt to clean.
Again, it does not come out.
Hear mom calling. Go downstairs and forget to mention that red dye is everywhere.

Awesome.

The Wrangler's No Good, Horrible, Very Bad Day

It started with the dentist. Grr.

And went downhill fast.

Monkeys found themselves in BIG TROUBLE.

To their rooms they went.

For HOURS.

And it never let up.

The Little woke up an hour early from nap. Imagine him mewing. Continuously. FOR FOUR HOURS.

The dog ate several alphabet blocks. Enough to spell NHPWK.

I had to cancel a playdate. I hate it when the BIG TROUBLE ends up punishing me.

We were late for an afternoon appointment due to crying, whining, and the lost shoe tragedy.

I spent WAY too much at Target for necessary but very uninspiring things.

Monkeys spilled an entire bag of dog food on the laundry room floor.

I kept thinking the Head Monkey was scheduled arrive home and rescue me tonight. Until he reminded me THAT HE WASN'T.

I hit my head on the bike rack as I was closing the trunk of my van. AGAIN.
I am not a smart woman.

As I rushed to the side of the Middle as he howled in pain, the dog took the opportunity to eat all of our dinners as they sat on the table. Those plates were LICKED CLEAN. Double dinner making time.

The Little has not had a poo all day. I suspect that gift will arrive at THREE A.M.


All that, and Wilber the Wonder Turtle has to go back to his home in the science classroom tomorrow.

I am bereft. He is the best little turtle I have ever known.


And I love him so.

Sigh.

Fun Mom Friday: Fostering Independent Monkeys

This week, Kitchen Independence was declared by the monkeys. NOT the Wrangler. In the spirit of Fun Mom Friday (and a need for some help in the kitchen, as having the Little has been a real game changer), I decided to bite my tongue, take a deep breath, provide supplies, and see what happened.

NOTE: The Big and the Middle did ALL of this themselves. I was only allowed to put items in the oven and flip pancakes on the griddle. It was lucky I was able to be in the vicinity of the kitchen AT ALL. They were very keen to do this ALL BY OURSELVES. Which makes the Wrangler say. . . . .Ack.
RECIPES:

Taped inside the cabinets for easy monkey access and independence

RESULTS:

Pancakes: Three attempts. . . and three rousing successes! Light, fluffy, delicious. Enjoyed by all, but received especially high marks from the very discerning puppy dog.


Cookies: After three failed attempts, one and a half POUNDS of butter, and a course correction by the Wrangler, we got this. . . .
BIG, INDEPENDENT fun was had by all. And, I'll admit. . .despite the messes, the mistakes, and the mayhem, it is fabulous to watch my cheeky monkeys embrace something that I love so much. Baking. . . bliss. Watching monkeys bake? Ahh. . .there are no words.

Check out other Fun Mom Friday posts here.

Fun Mom Friday

Cakes. Yum.

Decorated by monkeys. Even Yumm-er.

Happy Friday!

Visit more Fun Mom Friday posts by clicking here!

Fun Mom Friday

This Friday begins what is for me, the best week of the year. Our family vacation.

The Head Monkey has disabled the email function on his (crack)Berry, the television is an ancient Zenith that blissfully! no one can work, Big, Middle, and Little spent this morning playing together and cheering on Little as he begins to crawl and our only major decisions include when we should head out to the beach and on which day will we get Pronto Pups.

If you haven't had a Pronto Pup, I pity you. You haven't fully lived.

Ahead of us lies swimming, walking on the beach,reading, playing, chatting, laughing, seeing old, treasured friends and just BEING TOGETHER.

Here is the sign that leads us to the beach:

Happy Friday from Heaven.

And, Happy Anniversary to one of my favorite couples! Susan and Chris. . . congratulations! So happy that we get to see you and your gorgeous children on this very FUN FRIDAY!

Check out Susan's very creative blog here.
Check out how other moms are bringing the FUN into their lives here.