Earl's Big Adventure

Thanks to my sister I just got this link-

http://www.earlsbigadventure.com/Home

to a children's book about a monkey named Earl that travels to Costa Rica to surf. It is written and illustrated by local Cape Cod folks. I am sorry I missed a book signing by the author in Bourne in June.

This is awesome. Expect one in all of your kids stocking this Christmas.

Mr. FB is now on the internet so watch what you say-LOL!!

UGH- More exercise needed for round people.

Have you seen this latest study. It just shows how we are going to be fighting the fight forever against roundness.

Overweight and obese women have been told to exercise for 55 minutes per day, five days a week, in order to lose weight.
Current recommendations prescribe 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week, for a total of 150 minutes per week.
However a new study suggests a more intensive regime may be necessary. Researchers enrolled 201 overweight and obese women between 1999 and 2003.
All were told to eat between 1,200 and 1,500 calories per day and were then assigned to one of four groups based on physical acticity.
The 24.6% of women who did maintain a loss of 10% or more over the two years reported performing more physical activity, in the range of 1,835 calories per week, or 275 minutes per week over the baseline level of activity.

Princess Chunk

A 44-pound cat who is in need of a loving home is seen, Monday, July 28, 2008 in Sicklerville.

I need this cat. Any cat that can get to 44 lbs needs lot of love besides Fatcat loves a woman with some junk in her trunk.

Egg in the Hole

I just wanted to show these off. I have never had them and they are Olivia's favorite now. Thanks Pioneer Woman and Barry. I think a WLS version would be a ham steak with an egg in the hole. I may try that for myself. Egg in a ham hole??

Redneck Wife

My husband and his friends are all car guys. They build and fix things and I can't understand most of it. Every year the Fair has a Demolition Derby and a Figure 8 race so they are in their glory. They spend from January until July looking for the perfect car. The figure 8 car is small but the Demo car must be big and something that an take a hit. So Earl had a 1990 Lincoln Town Car as his big car and a Mazda 323 as his little car. They worked for over a week getting the cars ready including taking tons of dangerous parts off and adding things required to make it the safest event they can. They have to remove the exhaust and gas tank. They have to seal all doors and remove all glass and lights and plastic. There is a hole cut in the hood for the fastest way to put out a fire if necessary.
I had to work so I missed all of the excitement but Earl came in 2nd place both nights. That means a big ol' redneck trophy and some cash. He is proud and the kids are even prouder. Olivia walked into the kitchen the next morning like Santa had come. "Dad is that your trophy?? It is huge"
She is too much so I put them both on the kitchen counter and took their picture with the trophy. See.....

Roger William Park Zoo

We decided against the boat today. It was too windy and grey-looking like rain was any minute. I needed a day out with the family so we surprised the kids and took them to Providence to the zoo. They had a special display of butterflies too. It lightly rained and thunder rolled thru at the end but it was still fun. I was slightly disappointed with the place but there were tons of improvements in the works like a new place for the elephants and giraffe to live together. The place the zebra were was kind of crappy but they were building for them too. We will have to go back next year for the upgrades.
We needed the day as Dad has been so busy with the Races at the Fair. I will post about that too.

We finished the day with dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. They have the best food and the cheesecake doesn't need any more compliments. Unfortunately they no longer carry the low carb cheesecake so I was FORCED to share a huge piece of carrot cake with the kids. I was falling asleep about 30 minutes later so Earl had to drive home but it was definately worth it.

The Knob

We walked out to The Knob today in Quissett. It is a bunch of cool paths thru the woods that leads to "The Knob". The knob sticks out into the ocean with the best view. I did not bring my camera so I borrowed some shots from Flickr.

It was a great day - much sunnier than these shots - so we climbed down the stairs and spent some time at the beach. Ava, Olivia and Caleb jumped in some waves on the rocky side then we walked back and sat in the sand on the Quissett Harbor side. They have done a ton of improvements since I was there last. The paths seemed wider and clearer and most of the steps were upgraded to cobble stone instead of the railroad ties I remember. The flat top of the Knob itself it all level with sitting areas to enjoy the view.

Tomorrow we are planning on trying to get back out on the boat. Olivia and I are going to try to Kayak out to Washburns.

Walk from Obesity

I have officially joined Team MM today to walk in Lowell this September for the Walk from Obesity. I find this an important cause as being overweight is a larger problem than most people think. The physical effects are obvious but the mental effects are just as big and sometimes bigger. We live in a society with prejudice against anyone who does not fit into the norm including round people and now that I live as a "skinny" person I see it clearer and I am angered by it.

This may be a small token and I am just 1 person but I am trying to do my part to raise money to educate people about healthier living and weigh loss.

I have improved my life tremendously by losing the weight. I would not recommend this surgery to all as it has it's ups and downs but the weigh loss itself has changed my life forever.

So please make a donation if you can or join us on Team MM and walk in Sunny Lowell, Ma.

Caleb's Progress

As I posted Monday was his first day of obedience school. We left with practice homework to do everyday. Yesterday was a wash, he would not do anything and I was still too stressed out to give a shit. Today I decided to start fresh. I set the alarm for 6:45 and by 7am we were on the road running 2 miles. He did good but likes to play and bite the leash while we are running. I barely have the energy to run never mind jump like a fool-anyway this is the reason he needs to burn off some stream I guess.

When we got home I flew into the shower as I had court again. When I got home and tucked the beast in for her nap and Hannah Montana on the tube for Olive I decided to give him a try. The trainer had mentioned her dog has a love of cheese sticks so I grabbed one and we went to work.

She had told me the "down" would be the most difficult as Boxers are stubborn. During class I was a mess. He refused no matter what I tried. I am overwhelmed and frustrated by this dog.

Today I had to push a bit the 1st 2 times on his shoulders but in the end we were walking in a circle thru the exercises. Sit...Stay....Down and the bastard did it. He wanted that cheese stick and in the end he ate the whole thing he did it right so many times. I am so excited.

I want this dog to work. I want a family dog. It is NOT fixed by any stretch but we are headed in the right direction.

Frosting Shot

" Frosting shots.
And yes, it's exactly what you think it is. At a handful of cupcake storefronts around the country, the frosting shot has emerged as a short-but-sweet pick-me-up for urbanites and college students."

This is the cover of the Food Section in today's Cape Cod Times. If I was pre-surgery I would go bankrupt on these. No wait you would find me sleeping in the doorway of Cupcake Charlies like a NYC homeless person - holding a sign "Will work for Frosting Shots."

This is a very deep subject for me. I joke but I am a serious sugar and mainly frosting addict. I recently made cupcakes with my daughter. I put the leftover frosting in the fridge. Yesterday I threw it away but not before I smelt it. It is an illness. I laughed when I saw this article as in my life it is legalized crack.
To all of you I ask 1 thing- have a frosting shot for me.

Read the whole article - http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080723/LIFE/807230302/-1/LIFE02

Caleb's 1st Training Class

Caleb got some new jewelry at his first obedience class. It is a pinch collar. I was a little surprised as I thought it was pretty severe looking but when I ran out to the car to grab my wallet look who walked like a good boy.

He did OK at class but I was clearly overwhelmed and frustrated. There were other dogs that were super off the hook. See I have a sneaky dog. He sits pretty during class but at home he has taken to peeing on my bed and taking a nice poop on Olivia's bed. The owner of the training school said he would have killed the dog. I feel at little better because I want to be a good dog mama but I wanted to kill him myself.

He refuses to lie down for me. No amount of chicken and force would do the trick. The teacher tells me Boxers are the worst dog to train to go down. Great! I am already at the end of my rope and I have a stubborn F'er.

At the end of class she points to me and the owner of a new yellow lab and tells us we need to give our dogs more exercise. To me specifically she asks how much exercise he gets-"and I don't mean outside in your back yard". So I answer not enough-today we walked 3-4 miles that is why he is this well behaved. She says- That is not enough. He needs to run. HUH? Like I can find just a bit more time in my day to run my freakin' dog now. Yeah I don't need to sleep so I might just get up at 6:30 and run. That will cover my running and his and I can go on with my day.

There's a Fair in the Air

We braved the Fair on bracelet day - $15 for all you can ride.

We were obviously not the only ones trying to save a buck as I don't remember seeing that many people there before. We managed to not play any games but still had fun. The kids left happy, sweaty and exhausted. Ava didn't even make it out of the parking lot awake. They even got to see Olivia's Veggie Butterfly on display. It was a little worse for wear due to the heat but she was excited to see herself at the Fair.

As you can see Olivia got to hold a newly hatched chick and poke a bunch on chickens and Ava screamed Buck-Buck. You had to be there.

We didn't leave until almost 10 after we had riden every ride and the ponies. I think a great time was had by all.

Mashpee Woodlands 5K

77 out of 89.

That is where I finished in todays 5K. It was tough. It was steaming HOT and most of us looked like this guy throughout the race - Sweating to the oldies. My Ipod didn't work so it was just me listening to my labored breath.

For some reason this time I was pretty stressed out about the race. I have been eating well but could have been better rested if there were more hours in the day. When I got to the sign up area they were loading runners up on buses to get to the starting point. I decided to just sit and try to calm down. Why all this stress?? I have run these before. I just want to survive it right?

It is because I am getting increasingly stressed about the Falmouth Road Race. I am biting off more than I can chew. After todays race I still have a dull headache and the race was 13 hrs ago. I am starting to feel the seriousness of the race. I mean they have an ambulance on site to carry away fools like me who think they are runners.

My number is F3104 - Meaning I am one of 1000's of runners not just 50-100 people. I don't belong there.

I should just go back to walking. I need way more training and 3 weeks isn't enough. I need more engine strength than I have.

Causing Trouble Today

The girls went to Hyannis today to do some shopping. Olivia was on a field trip with her friends to the aquarium so it was just Chelsea, Ava and I.


This is what happens when we are waiting for our lunch....



She was fed up and sweaty from too much time in the car seat so we needed to get out and raise some hell. She played peek a boo and ran in circles then ate 1/2 my Gold Fever Wings and traveled home in a much better mood. Wait I think we were all in a better mood after the Gold Fever Wings.
Shopped for more things to make Berry's Bags. I have about 25 in the pipeline and can't wait until I can get them done to post new photos.
I will keep you posted.

Very Veggie Entry for the Fair

Today the kids and I went to the Falmouth Library to make something out of veggies to be entered into the Barnstable County Fair.
The veggies and all the fixing were donated so it was free and super fun.
Olivia made a butterfly out of mushrooms with tissue paper wings. Lily mage a tiger out of an onion with tiger stripes and all.
All the creations were then going to be entered into the 4H veggie show.
I can't wait to see her creation on display.

Berry's bags

I guess I am making a go with the Berry's bags-wait maybe I will start saving the money I make from the bags to put towards new ones- ;->.

I am going to be selling them at a craft fair at the Sons of Italy on October 12th. Come on down !

Bonnie will be hawking her super cool art with me.

I have sold a few lately. It is kind on neat. I am actually having fun and feel good about actually making things. I do have to find small snippets of time but I am getting closer to a work area that I can leave my stuff out without fear of the kids sewing their fingers.

I posted on Ebay at a cost of a couple of bucks but haven't sold anything. I thought I could post my most recent ones here for you guys to check out.

I have some neat ones coming out soon if I can get some quiet time.

Dog Preschool

After being told by the trainer that my dog is giving me the finger I am happy to say I am sticking my tongue out at him now. School starts Monday night and his life is about to take a dramatic turn-for the better I hope. He had me come in for an evaluation Monday and he told me I have a great dog but he needs to learn how to obey.

I have to admit I am a little afraid. I am not sure what to expect but I need this dog to listen to me. I already have 2 children that half ass listen to me already I don't need the third.

She is a Rock Star...More like a Clam Star!!

They made it on the front page. I think she has the makings of being a Superstar one day and this will be the first thing to go into her scrap book. Raiden is a little more laid back so he may be a Movie Star-move over Brad Pitt.

I thought we had a great time and this just was the icing on the cake. You should try it too.

http://www.ci.mashpee.ma.us/Pages/MashpeeMA_Leisure/summer/activities

Happy Summer!!!

Doncha wish your girlfriend was HOT like me...

I had a boat date today.

Well it is official he is a boater.

I decided sort of at the last minute that we would take Caleb as it was going to be a short boat trip due to work at 4. I was feeling bad that he was in the kennel most of yesterday and every morning we have swimming.

He was awesome. He rode on the front like the Titantic Dog until we had to pull him down. He was a natural. He spent 1/2 the time off his leash and met another dog with no problems. He is a a little nervous of the ocean as it got deep fast where we parked.

All in all it was a great trip.

Oh no - I forgot the Horseflies and the Jelly fish- They were everywhere today.

Ebay

Check me out on ebay where I am trying to see if I can make a go with these bags. I enjoy the sewing and am having fun with it.



I have many more in the works and will update as I get them finished.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&&item=250269383992&ssPageName=ADME:B:EF:US:1120

Clamming class pictures

Clamming Class

Raiden, Olivia and I went clamming as a class offered by Leisure services of Mashpee for kids aged 5-12. It was a 2 hr class and only cost $15. I would recommend it to all. I had a super time and learned a lot while the kids mostly swam. Oh well it was a beautiful day and the water was warm.

I was excited to find the clams and could see my self out there again. I think my father in law may have a new clamming partner. We left with our loot- about 12 cherrystones.

Also Mr. FB has no work tomorrow so we have decided to go out on the boat. We - meaning the kids and I - have not been out of our boat since it became seaworthy. We are planning on packing a picnic and heading to Washburn Island. Too bad I have to work at 4 or it might have involved a few cocktails. After yesterdays post this is just what the Doctor ordered.

Don't bother to call we will be off the radar until 4.

How do I get off this Merry-Go-Round??

As you can see from the photos we had a fantastic vacation last week at Point Sebago.

This week we are back to the grind. Swimming lessons everyday at 9:30 have gone well and better than I expected. I want to try to enjoy the Summer with the kids and this it forcing me to sit on the beach for an hour instead of letting them loose in the backyard while I clean for half the day.

My house is a mess since we got back. It take some time to catch up on 14 loads of camping laundry. The house will be there when we get home is what I say.

I do have to admit 1 thing- I like the simplicity of camping. We only had what we packed-LOL-which was A LOT. My father in law looked in the door before we left and said " Is there anything you didn't bring?" Well I was thinking I have a 5 year old and a 2 year old and if we don't have it I don't want to be buying it. I admit we over packed a bit but I was working and packing and loading each day before so I forgot what was on the camper already I guess.

Anyway back to my point.... Ever feel like you want to do something but not sure how to go about it or how to find the time to do it??

That is how I feel. I want to simplify my life back to camping. Ultimately I would like to open the door and heave 1/2 the crap in my house( life too) into a giant trash trailer and start fresh.

My week since i got back has been go,go,go and crap keeps hitting the fan and I am finding myself dizzy and unable to concentrate at times.

For example-

• Saturday - came home from camping, plugged the camper in and headed straight to a graduation party until 8pm when the girls and I left to collapse into bed. (Dad was a tough guy and partied all night)

• Sunday - Shop for a birthday present and go to 4 stores before I find what I need with 2 whiny kids, wash my king sized comforter at the Laundromat due to pee accident then get to the BD party. On the upside I did get out to hang with my girlfriend B for a few hours after 8.

• Monday - Swimming lessons at 9:30 Doctor's appointment at 10:30 ( mystery rash on the girls) Grocery shopped and came home to the laundry hell. Made a roast beef dinner as I can really only cook 2 nights a week.

• Tuesday - Swimming and stayed at the beach until 11ish. Picked up my niece and hung out at home trying to clean a bit. Did nap for 40 minutes as I am back to work tonight. 3:30-midnight work - Pretty sad when your job is a rest from your life

• Wednesday - Swimming 9:30-Left and decided to check out the Falmouth Street Fair - a nightmare with 2 small children by the way but Lily was a huge help. Came home after dropping the kids to Gramma to find my 65 gallon fish tank had sprung a leak and flooded half of my living room. Had to drain the rest, clean the floor and find foster homes for the few fish we had. Oh and get ready for work by 3:30pm.

• Thursday - 9:30 swimming, 11:30am-1:30 Clamming class for 5 year olds( I am actually looking forward to this-should be fun.) then off to work a 3:30.

Ok now I know that is alot to read but honestly am I a freaking nut?? I do a lot for my kids but I feel like I am a chicken with my head cut off. I am a multi-tasker but by the end I am exhausted and if something (fish tank explosion) occurs I am in over my head.

SO the big question- How do I get off this f'ing merry-go-round because I am done? Also I think I am actually too busy to rent a dumpster and do the purge anyway.

I also have some calls in for a dog that is off the hook class. If we -more like I- don't get a handle on this dog he will be going to the hot dog factory. Oh did I mention flea bombed the house on Saturday as a flea emergency was called in by my sister as we were driving home from Maine. We wanted to get ahead of any flea problem before the dog came home from the kennel. He was washed and shiny but we needed to wash an 18lb cat and clean the house.That is just another thing to add on- see what I am saying.

Some Vacation photos

Running from the law

No really I didn't have to do that this week but I did get in 3 - 30 minutes runs this week. I am showing you the 2 views of the retched hills up and back. I just couldn't run a flat friggin' route. It took 30 minutes and that was slow but the hills were great.

I am just proud that I did it all 3 days. They had a 2 miles road race on Friday but I slept past the 8am starting point and that was worth more than anything.