Wordless Wednesday Linky Party: Looking for Smiles

Welcome! This is Wordless Wednesday. A giant shout out to all my loyal WW visitors. Your return means the world to me. If you are new here, just grab a photo and come link up.









I've been on a smile crusade. And these beautiful lily pads were just the thing I needed today. Grab the smile button on my sidebar to the right and join me on Sept 30th to share your smiles. (Mark your calendars.) Together we can make the world a brighter place, one smile at a time.

Ok, let's get this WW party started. Add your link below and then head over to some of my other bloggy friends... Kristi at Live and Love Out Loud, Angie at seven clown circus, and Susan & Janice at 5 minutes for mom.

And sorry for those of you that loved the old school linky. I'm taking a giant leap of faith and forging forward and only doing the thumbnails today. I hope this works for everyone, but after this week I'm learning that we are all so different and as much as I'd love world peace and happy bloggy buds eternally, perhaps this is unrealistic. But it's all good. How boring the world would be if we were all made from an identical mold.

Tasty Tuesdays: Crockpot Chicken= 2 Meals

Welcome to Tasty Tuesdays. A place to share favorite family recipes.

Sorry if you saw this pop up in your google reader earlier, I'm a bit of a dingaling. I admit it.

This week due to the tick, tick, ticking of the clock I'm down to the wire and feeling uninspired. And I wasn't sure if I could share fall favs yet, but don't feel up to grilling out either. So, I'm recycling an oldie but goodie from a post last year. Mostly because I'm craving mexican. And when I have a craving I go with it. (And no, not preggars.)

Nor am I a gourmet chef. I'm about easy, fast, kid friendly recipes. If you like to slave away in the kitchen for hours... more power to ya. And I might be a little jealous, but not enough to change right now. Maybe in my next life.

I cooked chicken in the crockpot and got 2 dinners out of it. I'm all over that. Just add some chicken breasts and water and cook on low for 4-5 hrs. The hardest part is to remember to check it periodically as to not overcook and turn it to mush- cause noone likes mushy meat. These are both winning recipes in our home if asking for seconds is any indicator.

Ok, so this one is probably not gonna be found on any diet plans or win a healthy choice award, but super yummy and the kids love it. The picture does not do it justice. You're just gonna have to trust me on this one. (From the kitchen of Sheryl Quillin.)

I slightly modified this recipe due to the fact that I cooked the chicken ahead of time. I added it in later and it was still delish! (From the kitchen of my sis, Tonya.) You might want to bookmark this one for cooler days ahead.

The cards are there for the taking. Just right click and save as a picture. They are formatted as a 4x6 card. Print on photo paper or cardstock and voila! Let me know if you have any problems.

I'd love for you to play along. It's a fabulous way to mix it up and find some new favs. Grab the button to the right. Any recipe works, old or new. Tell us what you're cookin up. Link up below. (You can also grab the linky below to add to your blog post.)

If you'd like me to stop by please leave a comment below, preferably with your link.

Making Modifications.

It’s August 18th.

83 degrees and sunny.

The kids are hot. And we need to use up our prepaid pool pass.

We grab a bite and throw our suits on.

No time for showers or primping. They are only open til 5.

And I’m a sweaty, stinky mess since my workout.



(Little Man sure does know how to capture some stellar moments-- that's sarcasm btw.)

But we are going to the pool. That is already decided. Hopefully I won’t see anyone I know.

Ten minutes later we arrive to an empty parking lot.

And it suddenly dawns on me. They are closed for the winter.

Upon closer inspection I learn they are open for a couple more weekends, but not on weekdays.

Seriously? I paid way too much for this stinking pass to have it already be closed. Come on, school hasn't even started yet.

Well, on the upside, I won't be seeing anyone I know.



Yet another valid reason to add to the already lengthy “reasons to dislike Cedar Rapids” list.

So what do you do in Iowa when the pool is closed?

Well, you do the next best thing.

Which is play in the nearest bean field, of course. (Located right outside the pool.)



I snap a photo and realize this could make for a great photo op.

That is until I realize my card is full.

So I delete a few pics. Problem solved.

And then my battery dies.

Ugh. (Why now? I ALWAYS have a spare, but in my haste to leave I left it behind.)

It isn't long before the kids are hot and ready to leave.

We need a new plan.

So we stop at a friend’s house to see if the kids can swim in their pool.

But they aren't home.

And sprinklers are soooo lame. Get with it.

Now I have 2 grumpy kiddos.

And this is most definitely NOT how I saw this day turning out.

Is it my imagination or does it seem like some days have it out for you?
---------------------------------------------------------

Now to my point...

All this has me thinking about my motto for life. I'm thinkin it needs tweaked just a little; modified if you will.

You may remember my Mother's Day post which was the motivation behind my motto.

That being,"If you don’t have TOO high of expectations, then you are pleasantly surprised with just about anything."

Lately I've had many of these "pool moments"... moments that make your face scrunch up all funny leaving lines in all the wrong places. Moments that leave you wanting. Moments that are just downright annoying. Moments that your expectations actually exceed the possibilites...

Even though I was dreading the drive to West Virgina I couldn't help but be stoked about the adventure. The weather was forecasted to be 90 degrees and sunny. Perfect for rafting. Couldn't ask for better weather.

Except when it turns out to be 70 degrees and rainy.

And I was cold. I hadn't dressed adequately and the only thing we could find was a hideous black jacket that smelled like a foot because it'd been worn by who knows who and then stored in a box with other damp nasty jackets. We rented it for $10. Tears welled up as hubs helped me put it over my head. It smelled something horrible.

This wasn't the picture I had in my head. I was perturbed that my teeth were chattering and that we would be rafting in a rain storm in this nasty jacket.

Hubs wanted to take a photo of me with the rain and I'm pretty sure this face says it all.


And as a side note, I did eventually find my smile in spite of the flawed weathermen and fashion faux pas. It turned out to be a blast and we got so drenched that we would have never even known it was raining. The sun even made a debut for a couple brief moments in there.

But it took me a while to get there. And it has become apparent that I need to make modifications to my motto if for no other reason than self preservation.

After much thought and deliberation I have it...

Drum roll please...

My New Motto: Have no expectations.

"Happiness equals reality minus expectations." -Tom Magliozzi

Hopefully that will cover all my bases because there is no time for long faces or disappointments. Life is too short.

I'm on a new crusade. A crusade to find smiles.

Because we can't sit around waiting for our smiles to find us.

Please join me on my quest...

Launching Project Smile

As I get older I realize that there are certain Alicia quirks that are unchangeable as hard as I may fight them.

I love fall. It is by far my favorite season. I love the changing colors, the crisp leaves, sipping on soups and cider, digging out my cute scarves and hats, the chill in the air…

Unfortunately it also represents the end of summer and the beginning of school and homework and schedules and routines- none of which are my fav. And although I love so much about it, it is one of the shortest seasons followed by snowy, dark days. And in Iowa there are LOTS of them.

Some experience S.A.D. typically in the winter months, but for me it hits the end of Aug/beginning of Sept just like clockwork. It’s hard to articulate, but it is as if my body subconsciously knows what is coming.

This year I have been racking my brain trying to think of something that may help with this transition. Last year I had my project 365 which kept me focused on finding the beauty around me. And although I am still working on a modified project 365, it is not the same in terms of commitment.

I need a new focus. A new goal.

That is how Project Smile was born.

We all have wonderful things in our lives everyday. Things that typically are overlooked and often forgotten when negative thoughts creep in and set up shop.

So, to combat this I am going to be focusing on finding my smile.

It doesn’t even have to be an outward smile. Anything that gives you a warm fuzzy or makes you feel happy or content. Even for just a moment.

This week’s list includes: a mini butterfinger bar and a cold glass of milk, a tan wooly bugger that crossed my path, seeing a tractor crossing sign on my running trail, meeting a new goal, enjoying perfect weather, my daughter’s excitement about a painted lady butterfly, and little man's winning goal.

Nothing mind blowing or life altering. No fireworks. Just moments that make me smile.

I will be sharing my smiles at the end of every month and I would like to extend an invitation for you to play along.

You may not be plagued by S.A.D., but everyone can benefit from focusing on the sweet moments that bring a smile.

Please join me on my quest.

I’ll be posting the last day of every month starting in September.

Here’s a button you can use if you want to play along.

(You'll have to grab it on the sidebar. Or save it as an image.)

Together we can make the world just a little brighter, one smile at a time.

Playin Catch Up

I decided to spare some extra long hours of pain and anguish slouched in front of my computer and do some recycling, more specifically recycling for my project 365. (If you have no idea what I'm talking about you can check out my work here.) Plus computer time seems to be taking a back seat to my new job as soccer mom. As you all know, I was made minus super powers and can only be one place at a time. As much as I'd love to be able to do 5 things at once in 3 different locations, that might require cloning and more than one of me might put hubs over the edge. So, this weekend I'm in Muscatine soaking up some rays and cheering on little man.

If you are a regular you probably read all about our West Virginia Adventures here or here. That will be my week 34 {365} page, just so we're clear. Why make more work for myself when that is a perfectly fine page.

And don't know if you noticed, but I missed week 30 {365} right before our trip to Washington. And believe it or not, I didn't take hardly any pics that week. Hubs did snap a few of me, so I decided rather than a collage I'd share just one to document me and my current project. You may remember seeing Meet the Bum Behind the Blog. Well, this is another shot from that same day and is currently my fb profile pic.



Prior to this year the number of photos I appeared in were limited. I made a point to always be behind the camera.

But now as I struggle to find my way, I realize that we must move outside of our comfort zones. If we only stay on the sidelines and never get involved or take risks we may stagnate and never reach our true potential.

It is imperative for our personal growth that we take control of our own lives and not idly stand by.

When I look at this photo of myself, that is what I see... a girl who is actively trying to become a better version of herself. Making tough decisions and figuring out who she is in spite of the noise around her.

Sorry I'm so philosphical today. I try to reserve that for the wee hours of the morning when my mind and I are wide awake.
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On another very different note, I'm sorry I haven't found the time to share more about my trip to Washington. Just so you know... when you are in the car for that long you have plenty of time to write. So, it's not for lack of material. We just need an extra 12 hours in each day. And then maybe just maybe I could get my act together.

Have a lovely weekend!

Friday Flip-Offs, 8/27 Edition

Gigi at Kludgymom is the brains behind Friday Flip-offs. Please stop by and give her some love. She's juggling tons of hats right now.

I've decided to combine Friday Flip-Offs with some Friday Favs to mix it up a bit. (Overall few complaints around here- it's been a pretty good week.)

Let’s call this the beauty product edition.

1. Neutogena Oil Absorbing Blotting Sheets are something I use regularly. While tripping I went through tons. Hubs thinks we should get stock. It’s kinda gross to witness the nastiness that comes off your face, but better to blot the oil and allow skin to breathe than apply more powder that will only clog your pores. I've experimented and my face doesn't lie. You can thank me later.

(However, if I wasn’t cursed with oily skin I wouldn’t need to blot myself like a crazy girl every few hours while driving. So, to my overactive oil glands... Flip-Off.)

2. Pureology Super Smooth Relaxing Serum

This product is great whether you do your hair straight or curly and works wonders in humidity.
(However, would we need to even worry about our hair so much if there weren’t such unrealistic standards set by superficial hollywood stars with 7 and 8 digit salaries with live-in hairstylists and nannies who don't even know how to do their own hair mind you? I think not. Flip-Off. )

3. AcneFree Clear Skin System
Found at Wal-Mart or Walgreens for as little as $15.99 and has been just as great if not better than the Proactiv. I was actually on Accutane as a kid and know a thing or two about acne products.

(And I’d like to just say that anyone over the age of 35 should be exempt from zits. Is it not enough that we have wrinkles, achy joints, and saggy skin? To adult acne... Flip-Off.)

4. Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Corrector
A new way to deal with patchy skin discolorations, dark spots, and acne scars. I have been very impressed with a patch of melasma on my forehead that has faded over the last few weeks of using this product. It's not cheap. It runs you about 50 bucks.

(But if it weren't for those pesky hormones would melasma even be an issue? Dang female cycle! Flip-Off.)

Ok, that's all for now folks. Hope you have a lovely weekend. Think of me on a soccer field. That's where I'll be planted all day Saturday and Sunday while hubs works- with a possibility of 5 games. (Not sure about this club soccer stuff yet...)

Now go check other Friday Flip-Offs. So very therapeutic!

Why?

I've been called some interesting things lately...

Let's see... nuts, psycho, crazy, disturbed, thrill seekin, insane- to name a few.

And trust me I can see how the idea of being in the car as much as we have been could seem a little nutso to some. Remember, I was there.

Then there's smelly fish, crap weather conditions, nasty contraptions to wear, and lots of fashion faux pas to boot. And lest we forget feeling like a skanky hoebag all those endless hours in the car.

Plus these things aren't always conducive for glamorizing oneself. I tried waterproof mascara rafting only to have it run down my face 10 minutes in. I curled my hair before going to the beach in WA- Ha! Not the smartest idea I've ever had. I would definitely have to find a new hairdo if I lived there permanently as most of them were flops.

If you know me even a little you know that I typically don't leave my house unless I'm entirely put together. It's just the way I work. Make-up, hair products, and accessories are never far from reach and require their own piece of luggage regardless of the length of our stay.

So why do I do it you ask?

Well, I have a few secrets to share...



Notice anything about this photo? And I'm not talking about my blinding white skin or slightly crooked hat.

Look closer...

See those pearly whites?

Well, I haven't seen those as much as I'd like lately. And my parents paid a fortune for them. That's the numero uno reason.

Number 2. You don't see this...


or this...



in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Or anywhere in the vicinity. Within driveable distances there are infinite amounts of awe-inspiring landscapes that make my heart tingle and smile from the inside out.

I put together a slideshow to highlight some of our adventures in the last year just to further prove my point. Plus it illustrates just how beautiful this earth really is. We racked up about 15,000 miles on our car traveling to Florida, New Mexico, South Dakota, Washington State, West Virginia, St Louis, and numerous smaller trips within 2 or 3 hours. (Sorry, you'll have to close out that ad on the bottom. I guess that's what I get for using a free program.)

Number 3. Turns out I'm an adventuresome soul at heart and long for more- more than I can get here.






And I'm deathly afraid of heights and still managed to find a smile while ziplining through the forests of West Virginia. The guides had to give me a couple pushes. And I may or may not have screamed my head off.

Number 4. It's great to spend time with hubs AWAY. A time to reconnect and forget about the everyday junk.

Number 5. I hate feeling "stuck". And in case you missed that post you can find it at Butler Way here. We moved to Iowa for what I thought was just a transitory period in our life. That was 12 years ago... I have attended school, had multiple jobs, birthed two children, and moved twice, and we are still here…

And as my niece so eloquently put it, "Sometimes when life throws you lemons, you have to get the hell out of town."

So, I may be broken just a little, but

That's why.

Not So Wordless Wednesday: Hard Hats Required

{If you aren't interested in reading this whole spiel, just know it was a fab weekend and you can skip past the dotted line below to link up.}

To start, I must say that I do realize there is nothing sexy about helmet hair or wearing oversized gloves that smell like a nasty foot or looking like a drowned rat in a hideous rented rain jacket, but sometimes a girl just has to suck it up for some freaking fun adventures! And that, my friends, is exactly what we had!



Due to the nature of our activities I was left to use hub's point and shoot camera most of the time, waterproof and easy to tie to a harness. Not the best for action shots, but we did manage to get a few keepers.

We bought the pro rafting pics, but were very disappointed to learn they only took 6 of our group.

In case you love rafting, you will know that the best time is early summer when water levels are generally higher, but due to some flooding in the area we had a freakish out of the norm ride for August on the New River. I nearly lost both contacts at least 3 times and almost fell out twice. (And the upper Gauley season opens after Labor Day weekend and is the best in the country for 1 month.)

There were lots of unforeseen twists and turns on our adventure, one being the weather. 20 degrees cooler than forecasted and rainy. Hubs decided camping in thunderstorms wouldn't be the best idea, so even though I was determined to have the full experience, the hotel won in the end. And I admit the shower and bed were welcome after a day on that river.

The TreeTops Canopy Tour was top-notch. 10 zips (one being 730 feet long sending you soaring at about 30-35 miles/hr), 5 sky bridges to cross, a few small hikes, and a rappel at the end.

I guess I'm a thrill seeking gal at heart. And West Virgina was the perfect getaway!

Happy Belated Father's Day to my sweet hubs. (And thanks to groupon for a fab deal.)
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Ok, let the party begin! Add your link below and then head over to some of my other bloggy friends... Kristi at Live and Love Out Loud, Angie at seven clown circus, and Susan & Janice at 5 minutes for mom.

I am still providing both linkies for now. You pick.

Tasty Tuesdays Bloghop: Breakfast for Dinner on a Stick

Welcome to Tasty Tuesdays. A place to share favorite family recipes.

Sorry this is coming so late. Got home from tripping today. (Pics to come tomorrow.) Whew. I'm pooped. Kidlets start school tomorrow. Life is like a whirlwind these days and I'm loving every minute of it.

Decided on French Toast Kebabs (or kabobs- whichever you prefer) for dinner. Thanks Martha for the inspiration. I know we've had our moments and all, but you came through once again.

And since we are currently on a good note, thought I'd share Martha's new iphone app. It's fab. Only costs a buck.

The best thing about this dinner?


The kids can make their own.


Beautiful, easy, kid friendly, and perfect for busy nights stuffed with activities.


What's not to love?

Ingredients
(Serves 4)

8 large eggs, lightly beaten
2/3 cup nonfat buttermilk
pinch of salt
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 loaf (one-pound) unsliced dense white bread (such as pullman), crusts removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 pint fresh blueberries
1/2 pint fresh raspberries
2 bananas, sliced
Maple syrup (optional)

Directions
1.Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Place a rimmed baking sheet in the oven to warm. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, salt, and vanilla. Stir in bread.
2.In a large saute pan set over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Place half of the bread mixture in pan; cook, turning occasionally with a spatula, until browned on all sides. To keep warm, transfer to the oven. Cook remaining bread in the remaining 2 tablespoons butter as before.
3.Thread bread cubes onto skewers alternating with blueberries, raspberries, and banana slices. Serve immediately with maple syrup, if desired.

(We also added powered sugar. Yum! And we used texas toast in place of the unsliced bread. Good luck finding that one. So, they turned out slightly less cubed than martha's, but just as delish! )

I'd love for you to play along. Grab the button to the right. Any recipe works, old or new. Tell us what you're cookin up. Link up below. (You can also grab the linky below to add to your blog post.)

If you'd like me to stop by please leave a comment below, preferably with your link. I'll do my best between first day photo ops, delivering school supplies, my after school meeting with the vice principal (Oh, and not to worry- they aren't in trouble yet.), etc.

Have a Happy Tuesday Y'all!

Sneak Peek

Sometimes it's more about the memories than the photos.

And check out the chick with the sexy black jacket in front- that would be moi.

What have you been up to lately?

Sunday Smiles

I have much to smile about.

But I thought today I would share a few tweets and emails.

Like many of you I receive 100s daily. And I love every. single. one.

But there are a few I've received in the last month or so that made me smile just a little more.

Things that make our relationship feel less like long distance bloggy buds and more like friends...

7/4 amy @ the preppy strawberry said...
Happy 4th to you and your family! By the way the chalk was a HUGE hit! Thanks for sharing your fun idea!

7/7 jean @ typical suburban family said...
I just wanted to let you know that I absolutely loved your 4th of July chalk idea and shared it on my blog this past Friday for my Feature Friday.

7/12 tonya @ letters for lucas said...
By the way, I tweeted this and put it on my facebook page! (in regards to Sunscreen Causes Cancer)

8/4 from bruinlab @projectalicia
off chance if ur in sw wash and want to go wakesurfing on sat.

8/4 liz at a belle, a bean, and a chicago dog said...
I actually made your egg salad again today!

8/5 from thebutlerway @projectalicia
if you want to meet up, let me know. would love to if wanna!

8/17 jill @ hagler happenings said...
I did it! It feels so good to get it all organized! Thanks for the tips! Here's my post about my improved files!
http://www.haglerhappenings.com/2010/08/my-awesome-file-cabinet.html

8/17 sarah @ the blamires bunch said...
So we are chillin' in North Carolina for the summer and was at the store yesterday and YES, they have that white fluffy stuff. Bought some and a cake and am excited to give it a try.

8/18 chana @ mamma town said...
Guess who made Walmarts Philly Cheese steak sandwiches last night?! Um...this girl!! Jon almost died from happiness :)

I wish I'd thought to save them earlier. I know there were many others, but my computer and memory fail me.

Thanks to all who send sweet, uplifting messages. Nothing better. It really does make it all worth it.

P.S. I also love all the fab awards. They have been placed in the trophy case. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

And if you haven't seen me, I'm off trippin. Be back soon. Promise.

Week 33 {365} Where Did Summer Go?

Is it just me or does time seem to be speeding up as we speak? Summer break just began yesterday... and here we are again. Sigh. (I could really use a couple more weeks of play.)



But time to get back to schedules and early wake up calls and work.

This week has been a blur, what with registration, open houses, school shopping, hair cuts and trippin.



And lots of mixed emotions involving a little man and a new school. After petitioning twice, I have surrendered and this is the school he will be attending. I'm over it. But you can read more here.



As I look back on the previous school years I can't help but get just a little emotional... my babies are growing up entirely way too fast.

2008


2009


And it never seems to get easier. Every year without fail school brings with it an entire gamet of emotions as they exert yet another independent stride forward.

I blinked and my baby is in middle school...

"One of their first words is mama. They cling to you like no one else. You can't get anything done to save your life. They want to be held 24-7. You leave their sight for a second and their whole world crumbles as they begin fits of screaming until they can be safely reunited with you again. They wake up and want to be with you. They love to snuggle. Your name is like a broken record. When they start school they want you there at every opportunity. You're cool and they're proud to show you off to their friends. They like you." So, When did this happen? (You can also read more here.)

And if ya need a good cry, check out "The Gift of an Ordinary Day" by Katrina Kenison. Very touching. (Pause music on the bottom of blog.)

If you haven't seen me around the blogosphere don't worry, I'll be back soon. That is if I don't get eaten alive by mosquitoes or bears first.

More Trippin.

And if you thought I was referring to the “out of your mind” kind of trippin…

Yeah, that too.



See, we’re off to West Virgina for a raft/camp trip, just hubs and I. Kids are being dumped at grams and gramps.

Being the exceptionally sweet adoring wife that I am I decided to buy hubs a package for father’s day.

What the heck was I thinking?

Now it expires in 2 weeks and we are crunched to get in this outdoor adventure.

And you know how much I love bugs and heat and sleeping on the ground.

Oh, and don't forget about being in the car. Especially without a coccyx.

Cuz come on, what girl doesn’t LOVE all those things. Right?

So, yes.

I’m trippin. Just a little.

-----------------------------------------------

And as if that wasn’t bad enough, there are actually HAZARDS of TOO MUCH trippin.

-weeds that are longer than I am tall

(Well, almost.)

-dead plants

-missed bills

-endless sea of emails

-no time to clean car in between (check out photo above for proof)

-atrophied muscles and a sore tushy from too much sittin

-an inch of dust covering just about everything you own

-no time to put away luggage before you need it again or manage all that body hair (you'll have to use your imagination here)

To name a few.

But ya gotta grab these moments while ya can and run with them.

Because you never know…

And you’ll totally regret it if ya don’t.

At least that's what I'm telling myself these days.

Because I'm trippin...

And hopefully more of the travel sorta way than the out of your mind one.

Send me some good vibes. I'm sure I can use them about now.

Caption This (the continuation)

For Wordless Wednesday I shared this photo...

and asked my readers to caption it... Thanks for rising to the occasion.

(I didn't want to exclude anyone, so I shared them all. Feel free to skim. Such creative ideas. I especially liked "Now Where Did Grandpa Drop His Dentures?" from Penelope. I laughed out loud at so many.)

WeeMasonMan's Mom said... Frog Hunting
Anna Lisa said... Muddy Waters
Deborah said... Muddling
Little Mochi said... Snails and Puppy Dog Tails
Buckeroomama said... I'm Going on a Bear Hunt
stacief said... Muddy castles on the horizon?
Marilyn (A Lot of Loves) said... Shloop. Shloop.
Rocks said... Boots, Mud, or Footprints
Ash said... Headless
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos said... Seeking
lonestarlifer said... The only sounds were the lapping water and the squishing of the waders.
Sukhmandir Kaur said... These Boots are made for Mud Puddling Slithy Toves
GrammyMouseTails said... plop, plop, plop squish
Erin said... Treasure Hunting
Mimi @ Woven by Words said... Going to find me some clams.
Michelle said... He's clean now . . . wait five minutes.
Danielle said... On the hunt
Life Ramblings said... Mud-puddling
Dina @ 4 Lettre Words said... That's Mucked Up!
Lauren @ Hobo Mama said... Squilch
Lindsay said... Truckin' through the Muck
Paula said... I will put air holes in the lid and some grass for it to eat!
KLZ said... Into the Great Wide Open
Kim said... Searching
Bethany said... A boy and his mud.
Melissa (Confessions of a Dr. Mom) said...
Boots: check. Bucket: check. MUD: check. "I'm all set Mom, see ya in a few hours!"
Kristi {at} Live and Love...Out Loud said... Stuck in the muck of life? Strap on your boots!
Meg said... Through the muck and the mud!
The Sharp's said... A boy and his pale.
Layla Morgan Wilde said... The great hunter!
Caite said... Quicksand!!
Live Out Loud said... Squish-Squash
luckydame said... Oh My Galosh!
Traci66 said... Walkin' On A Dream or Boots In The Sand
Penelope said... Now Where Did Grandpa Drop His Dentures?
Joann Mannix said... What Summer Brings.
Run DMT said... A Beautiful Mess
Kat from California said... What will I find today?
Mommy Needs a Vacation said... Boys, Boots, & Buckets
Carrie Elbert said... These Boots Were Made For Walking
Miel Abeille said... Treasure Hunting

Thanks to all who played along. I decided to combine a couple and decided on...

Drum Roll Please...

Muddling Our Way Thru the Muck.

I wish this could be a story full of wit and funny clips to bring some gut rolling laughs, but my perspective is a bit sobering really. I guess it's the place I'm at in my life. Please bare with me.
---------------------------

As human beings, particularly mothers we have created this picture in our heads of what children SHOULD be like.

And then we go about our business of raising up offspring who we can only hope turn out to be honest, responsible, upstanding individuals. And who don’t end up on Springer.

Problem is there are no instruction manuals that are attached and we can only do what our limited abilities lend us because we ourselves are flawed.

Let’s rewind a bit.

I was recently able to spend some time with my sister in law. Watching her interact as a mother with her little one toddling about took me back to my early days as a new mom. I certainly didn’t want them to get dirty or be exposed to germs unnecessarily and I definitely wanted to protect them at all costs.

But as the years go by, little by little you unknowingly let out the reigns just a bit. I’m not sure exactly when it happens, but I know that by 5 you realize that they don’t die from germs or dirt and by 10 they seem to have a pretty good handle on reality and could probably teach you a thing or two. Plus a woman might go mad if she stayed that wound for that long.

Today Little Man wanted to catch a frog. And although the thought of yet another critter in the house makes my skin crawl, I kindly drove him down to the creek near our house in search of the little amphibious creature since it was raining outside.

And I sorta had an alterior motive. I hadn’t yet captured a photo for my Wordless Wednesday image, so he agreed to a photo shoot in exchange for his frog hunt.

No frogs were found, so I decided to take a drive to a different location that might provide both frogs and photo ops. It was still raining, so I grabbed the kid’s rain boots and some towels, just to be safe.

When we got to this location I was stoked. In my mind I could see amazing photo ops and it looked like Little Man might just score here. They put on their boots and went out in search of critters.





I grabbed my umbrella and started snapping some pics until what I was observing brought me to a screeching halt.

It was very apparent that neither one of my children wanted to be in the mud, rain boots or not. And nothing I said or did could change their mind.

Me: Don’t all kids like to play in mud?

Little Man: I hate mud.

Pokey started crying as her boots sank in just a little.

Me: Go have fun. It’s ok. Really.

Little Man: Well, I don’t see any frogs here. And I'm stuck.



Pokey cried some more (more of a whiney cry).

The dialogue continued for some time until I couldn’t help but feel exasperated. I should have continued shooting, but those long faces and forlorn expressions were not what I had visualized.



They both went down to the river to clean up.



And it was when Little Man was begging to leave so he could shower it suddenly dawned on me…

I’ve ruined them!

I’m not sure when or how it happened exactly, but I’ve ruined them.

All those years of trying to protect my little ones had in fact prevented them from enjoying the pleasures of childhood. Those carefree, play in the mud days are gone, never to return.

At least that is all I could think in that moment. And the 24 minutes that followed on that long drive home.

Some might think I was just being overly dramatic, or that I should be happy to have kids who appreciate cleanliness.

But I was genuinely pained at the sheer thought that I even MIGHT be responsible for this.

Over the years I've always tried so hard to be a good mom and make sure my kids were having ample experiences and adventures, but this... this is a giant hole in their childhood.

So I send out a plea…

Don’t worry that they don’t eat their peas, or potty train on your timetable, or say the right things, or get a little dirty…



Kids should be kids. Phases come and then leave as fast as they came. Embrace them for their quirks and their interests. Love them as they are and let them enjoy their youth. Let them play in the mud. Kids were meant to have fun and get dirty. And it washes. Trust me. There are much worse things to clean.

P.S. In my defense, hubs has admitted that although he loves all things outdoors, he makes an exception at mud. Maybe I didn’t do this to them after all? Or I wasn’t solely responsible? A girl can hope, right?

Now on to the next parenting mishap…

Wordless Wednesday: Caption This

Help me with a title. Then stop back tomorrow for the continuation of this story.



Let's get this party started. Add your link below and then head over to some of my other bloggy friends... Kristi at Live and Love Out Loud, Angie at seven clown circus, and Susan & Janice at 5 minutes for mom.

I am still providing both linkies for now. You pick.

Tasty Tuesdays Bloghop: Angel Food Cake with Fluffy White Frosting

Welcome to Tasty Tuesdays. A place to share favorite family recipes.

No fancy homemade cakes here. Nope.

Even better. Betty Crocker is my hero. This is my favorite food. Hands down. (Well, maybe on par with candy cane kisses.) I have had this cake and this frosting every single birthday for as long as I can remember. Except for that one year that hubs royally screwed up and made the devil's food cake. I'm not sure he'll ever live that one down.

Here's a few pics that I could find at a moment's notice, just to prove my point. I have many others from pre-digital days hidden away somewhere.









Everyone in my family loves it too and I have only found the frosting in IA, so I'm always mailing cases of it to AZ and KY and wherever it is needed.

While in WA not one, but both kiddos requested the angel food cake with fluffy white frosting for their birthday party. And although I didn't scour the state to locate it, it seemed pretty obvious they didn't have it and due to time restraints we surrendered early and grams got the next best thing- an ice cream cake for Little Man and a lemon meringue pie for Pokey.

But there is nothing on this earth quite as good as Angel Food Cake with Fluffy White Frosting. So, I have a request. A favor really.

Could you please check your local grocery and tell me if you can find the Betty Crocker Fluffy White Frosting? I need to know where it can be purchased should I happen to be out of state again on b-days as to avoid such catastrophic events.

And if you happen to find it, make sure to try it. You'll be glad you did. Angel Food Cake is just not the same without it. And it's fat free. Win win.

It looks like this.



Oh, and guess what we're havin tonight? Turns out grams promised the kids that I'd make this when I got home and... Well, do your kids EVER forget anything you tell them? Especially not something that involves scrumptious cake. Plus they have memories like an elephant. So, we get to have birthday cake AGAIN. Yah.

I'd love for you to play along. Grab the button to the right. Any recipe works, old or new. Tell us what you're cookin up. Link up below. (You can also grab the linky below to add to your blog post.)

If you'd like me to stop by leave a comment below. Thanks. Hope I'll see ya again soon...