Moon Dreams & Day Beams

Homework: Being Sick (series) – Thermometer

Originally uploaded by melyviz

Sick and tired, I will not be even remotely near the computer today. I have some how, some crazy way gotten a virus. Brian does not have it. Neither, does Beatrice. It’s a dirty one.

Wish me lots of hope-you-get-to-feeling-better-ness and a speedy recovery, while you have a super Thursday.

About 80 people are invited to ascend on my house on Saturday for a Low Country Boil. There is no room for this! I don’t have time to be sick, or be tired.

Oh, the challenges of life,
Christy

I am too busy to blog today. If you are looking for something to do then peruse Wendy’s Statesboro Nature pictures. She is REALLY talented. I love her work (and her dogs : )

Okay, I admit it. I am probably, well not probably, I am one of the mothers that this book mocks. Yeah, with the MOMs Club ferver and Kindermusik affair, I must confirm that statement.  But, I am not above finding this book funny. I can laugh at myself and every minute of my motherhood experience.  Thanks Southern Mamas for another awesome post!

Naptime is the new happy hour 

via my ever favorite: Southern Mamas

Do you secretly mock mommy-and-me-style music classes? Moms who scrapbook? Or hipster parents who are just too cool?

Do you suspect that moms who say their kids watch absolutely NO TV are, indeed, lying?

Then you might enjoy the latest mommy lit offering by Stefanie Wilder-Taylor: Naptime is the New Happy Hour: and Other Ways Toddlers Turn Your Life Upside Down.

Wilder-Taylor, whose first book was Sippy Cups Are Not For Chardonnay, takes on the trend of moms who do everything they can- including lie – to appear to be superparents in the eyes of others.

Wilder-Taylor, mother of three, shares her irreverent take on parenting, including making fun of parents like me who made our own baby food and schlep our kids to Kindermusik. Hmmm. This read might hurt a little. But if you can’t laugh at yourself…

At least, the book makes a good gift for that first-time mom who feels overwhelmed by the new world of pseudo superparents she just entered. And serves as a painful mirror for the rest of us.

Pass the chardonnay, please.

 I feel like I need to have a hot soapy bath, lie in it until the water starts turning cold and then go straight to bed. It has been a very long weekend.

I FINALLY, completely weaned Beatrice. No more. Nada. Zilch. None. She isn’t getting any.  I am happy, sad, and hormonal.  I want to cry and jump for joy concurrently. Can you do that? 

I have considered drinking copious amounts of vodka and orange juice. After all, I have deprived myself of such indulgences in fear of turning my child into an infant alcoholic for well, let me add, for 24 months, now. I could use the funnel Beatrice likes to wear on her head for a straight shot to my liver. Oh, how fun. It’s kind of like an old college party. 

If my arms were not pinned to my sides like a solider mid-march, I would raise my arms, bend my knees, lift my feet, and jump, jump - in the style of the old Toyota commercials. But, as any mother who has ridden-out the weaning wave to land on the beaches of freedom knows – my arms can not do that. No, uh. huh. It’s as if I am in a straight jacket. I can’t even hug anyone.  Brian leaned in earlier only to have his eardrums nearly burst with the sound of a bloody murder scream. AHHhhhhh, get off of me, I thrust him away. He eased his pain with humor as he bounced like a kid on a trampoline off of my girls.  He thinks it  is SO funny.

Well, it’s been another hectic weekend. I hope you had a good holiday.   I just can’t wait to take my bath and get to sleep. xxx Christy

As I work on my latest magazine article, I am perplexed. I need your help. I have two questions. I know you can help me with either question one or question two.

Why DO you blog?  And, why do you read blogs?

I would love a quick comment to understand why – or if you prefer more privacy please email me : christygriner@yahoo.com

As I prepare for our little European Vacation : ), I am certain that my posts will be influenced by France. Considering this is probably not interesting to most people, I have decided to include the information (regardless) for my personal reference. It’s kind of like a public file system. By displaying my files publicly I am hoping to draw some direction, opinions, and advice from seasoned expats and travelers. So, if you find it a bore. Hang in there. Simply skip over it. – christy

Tips for Saving in a Bad Euro Exchange Rate

By Kelby Carr, About.com

Cheat the Euro Exchange Rate

With the euro building strength, especially against the dollar, it can make a trip to France and other European countries too expensive. There are lots of ways to cheat that bad euro exchange rate, just by simply making euro-saving decisions on where to go, when to go, where to stay, where to eat and what to do. Here are tips on saving euros in a bad exchange rate.

Where to Go to Save Euros

Forget Paris. It’s one of the world’s most expensive cities. Either avoid it entirely, or simply fly into Paris, stay overnight, spend a day enjoying the sights, and move on. Other pricier cities to avoid include Cannes and Nice.Besides, there are so many other wonderful destinations and regions in France. Inexpensive cities, all of which have an airport in or nearby the destination and are well worth a visit, include:

• Strasbourg
• Bordeaux
• Avignon
• Montpellier
• Toulouse

Get more resources on where to go to save on the euro exchange rate:

• Top French Cities You Probably Won’t Visit (But Should)
• List of France Regions

When to Go to Save Euros

Paris in the Springtime? Think again. Spring and summer are the priciest times to visit, and they aren’t even necessarily the best times.If you really feel you must experience spring, go in late March and go to the South of France where it’s warmer. Want summertime? Well into October, the French Riviera is still balmy (you can probably even go in the water, but certainly can sunbathe).

Go during fall and winter, and you not only save euros but you will also avoid crowds, have a more authentic experience with fewer tourists and more locals, and you will get to enjoy how amazing France is during the off-season.

Get more resources on when to go to save on the euro exchange rate:

• France Monthly Calendar
• France in the Off-Season
• Seeing Fall Foliage in France
• Winter in France Picture Gallery
• Christmas in France

Where to Stay to Save Euros

If you want to save on the nasty euro exchange rate, where you stay is one single method of saving hundreds of euros. Not only that, but if you use an alternative accommodation to hotels you will have a unique experience. You will probably meet more people, and get much more hands-on care from the proprietors.Fortunately, there are several fine budget choices for places to stay, from government-rated upscale campgrounds to bed-and-breakfast-like chambres d’hoteto foodie-favorite Logis de France inns.

Get more resources on where to stay to save on the euro exchange rate:

• Lodging Options in France
• Camping in France
• Logis de France

Where to Eat to Save Euros

Food is often a major reason people visit France. Even if you don’t have a lot of euros, you will be hard-pressed to eat something bad here. Use a little creativity, and you will find fabulous food and a fraction of the euros. Visiting Europe and not eating well is just, well, silly. In fact, a Venice restaurant is even offering discounts to Americans because of the nasty exchange rate.Instead of a fancy lunch at a cafe, visit the local market (and there’s always a local market in France) to put together a wonderful picnic of tomatoes, local farm goat cheese and a baguette to tuck it all into. Buy your wine at a local grocer, and you can find a decent bottle for under 5 euros.

Forego the accommodations breakfast (be sure to tell them you don’t want it when you book, as it is sometimes automatically included). Instead, hit a local bakery for an incredible breakfast.

That way, you can spend most of your money on a great dinner. Save a few euros there by ditching the dessert menu and hitting a local pastry shop for sweets.

Better yet, get a rental or self-catering gite with kitchen and you can hit local markets and grocers to create your own meals.

Get more resources on where to eat to save on the euro exchange rate:

• France for Foodies

What to Do to Save Euros

Sightseeing can be expensive or it can be cheap in France, and there isn’t a big difference in the quality of the experience. Avoid organized tours and attractions with expensive tickets.Instead, enjoy some of the cheap and free things to do in France, such as visiting gardens and cathedrals, or wandering the many pedestrian-friendly cities and villages. Take a local train ride for a quick and cheap daytrip to see the coutryside and another destination.

France is filled with mountains and seasides, and an endless mix of outdoor adventures. With something as simple as a pair of hiking boots, you can sightsee for free.

Get more resources on what to do to save on the euro exchange rate:

• Top Free Paris Attractions

More Links

 

Money in France

• Pinching Centimes – Ways to Stretch That Expensive Euro
• Steals & Deals On Travel To France
• Getting Euros in France – DOs & DON’Ts
• Euro Gains on the Dollar

Kelby Carr
France Travel Guide

 

The Belly Band is amazing. It is definitely a must-have for pregnant Mamas. I love, love, loved mine. I wore it longer than I probably should have as it is one of the best investments you can make for 30.00.

A Must-Have Maternity Fashion Accessory Are you having trouble finding clothes to fit your growing belly? An inventive mom-to-be has created the perfect solution: BellaBand. From your first trimester through that awkward postpartum phase, this soft and stretchy accessory will hide unbuttoned pants, hold up loose-fitting maternity clothes and help support your new figure. Available in a range of colors for $26 at PicklesandIceCream.com.

lavender & pink fairy tale special order tiara 7

Originally uploaded by Holly Doodle Designs

Queen Glitter, direct from her Glitterland castle with gown, crown, wand and surprises — shares her love of reading with children through participatory stories intermingled with magic tricks. For a sparkling finale, she sends her listeners off with a sprinkling of glitter and makes them promise to read lots of books.

June 5th, 10:30 a.m. at Statesboro Library

Quite a Catch!

Ron Anglin, Master Juggler

Beep.

Hi, Rambling Housewife. I hope you are well. Give the fam a bloggy hello from Georgia. Take care. Bye.

Beeeeeeep.

Leave a message for the Rambling Housewife (remember? she’s the one who sent me the Happy Pack) by clicking here.

Photo by akolmetz

Anne Spiro is SO talented simply visiting her blog lifts my spirits. Here is a post that displays her work:

A Sweet Little Girl’s Bedroom

 

Here is a bedroom which I have just completed for a little 2 year old girl. Sorry about the quality of the photos. We used a mixture of pink, turquoise and white to create a fresh, pretty yet simple room.

The Simple Dollar has a great post today. It is titled:  Gifts That Matter Don’t Come From Wal-Mart.  I feel like I have to constantly remind myself of this simple fact.  It is confirming and inspiring to read it posted.

For example, I made my mom’s Mothers Day gift this year. It took careful planning as I purchased the vase & ribbon, planted the seed and watered the grass. I also included a heartfelt personal note inside the “Happy Mothers Day” Card.  It really took a lot of time and careful planning vs.  buying something from the store in a 10 minute swoop.  The cost of the gift was (liberally) $2.00. 

1.00 1 Vase (found on clearance at Wal-mart)

1.00 1 bag of Rye Grass (the WHOLE bag cost 1.00 from Dollar General)

 .00  Ribbon from my craft box

 .00  Card Stock recycled from a used mailing envelope

 .00 Skewer from our utensil drawer

As a perfectionist I spent a lot of time on the gift, more than most people.  I am obsessed with details. I can’t help it. I just am. For example there is a red foam flower on the back of the card that is flawlessly placed.  More, I played with the smaller polka dotted ribbon atop the card for a while.

Should I use it? 

No.

Oh, I have changed my mind.  Why Yes!

Stripes with dots? hmm…

On second thought, it does look cute.

No, that is just too much ribbon.

Now it looks naked. Put the little red ribbon back on top.

Repeat. Repeat. Repeat

Anyway, the point: The Simple Dollar’s post really hit home. 

Managing a family on a single income budget isn’t easy.  It takes a lot of creativity, planning, and dedication to core values and principles.  I have not had the money to spend on every flair and whimsy, nor a spree at my favorite shops.  Prior to my stay-at-home stint I was the bread winner. My status allowed me great luxuries. I could spend as I pleased without answering to any one.  And, I did.

When it comes to gift giving, and simply living for that matter, I have to give gifts that I have, ones that come naturally from the heart including time, creativity, and love.  This confirmed, it is still hard.

When I gave the gift to my mother, I couldn’t help but feel a bit ashamed. I felt like I should have given a pricier gift even though I can’t afford it.  I felt slightly embarrassed, guilty and ungrateful. Funny, I don’t feel this way when I spend $50.00 on a Georgia Plate or $75.00 on a locket.  And, the material gifts do not take (even close) to the same amount of time, attention and consideration. It requires about ten minutes to decide on a gift, call Smiths Jewelersfor prewrapping, pick up and pay for the gift. Trust me. I have done it a thousand times.  

Why would someone feel like this?  Is it consumerism? Is is my crazy material world?  Is it the marketing teams whose main goal is to make me feel like my current state of being is not good enough? I don’t know. Do you ever feel like purchasing a gift is superior to making one?  Do you feel better when you give expensive gifts? And, less when you don’t? Or, do you find it easy to reduce consumption?

Ut. Hum. I told you so!  The 2008 American Idol is announced. Asta Lavista, John Mayer. David Cook is my man. Yahhhhhhhhhooooooo.

Mama Moon Beams, loves it when she’s right. And, especially when she is right by 12 million votes.

Other blogs announcing the American Idol winner: Bitten and Bound, David Cook – American Idol, The chicago Tribune, best reality Tv, lady bugging and blogging mama, after a cup of coffee,

*Photo by destiny53

The Hulsey’s

CROPPED

Originally uploaded by BRUNO MÉNDEZ PHOTOGRAPHY

Remember Ida who is doing the U-Truth Project? Well, I was wondering where in the world the global nomad is.  It looks like she is in Rwanda.

via Southern Mamas

This sounds like a good day trip if you are in the mood.

 My Idol Pick!!!!

More about David Cook here.

david cook`Originally uploaded by cHLairemontecillo

David Archuleta

Originally uploaded by sugarocks

Brian’s Idol Pick:

 
 via Martha Stewart

via Absolutely Beautiful Things

These two swept me off my feet and took my breath away today…

The passers-by thought the field hands were working diligently in the onion field…

…but on second glance they realized it is my mom and B digging the Vidalias!

Girls in White Dresses.

These are a few of my favorite things…

When the dog bites,

When the bees sting,

…even if the Girls in White Dresses are a little irritable!

A friend sent me this email. It describes my life with perfection. I can’t help but share it with other mom’s. So, here it is:

What Do You Do All Day?
A man came home from work and found his three children outside, still in their pajamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn all around the front yard.

The door of his wife’s car was open, as was the front door to the house and there was no sign of the dog. Proceeding into the entry, he found an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked over, and the throw rug was wadded against one wall.

In the front room the TV was loudly blaring a Cartoon channel, and the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing.

In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, the fridge door was open wide, dog food was spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door.

He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she might be ill, or that something serious had happened.

He was met with a small trickle of water as it made its way out the bathroom door. As he peered inside he found wet towels, scummy soap and more toys strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a heap and toothpaste had been smeared over the mirror and walls.

As he rushed to the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in the bed in her pajamas, reading a novel. She looked up at him, smiled, and asked how his day went.

He looked at her bewildered and asked, ‘What happened here today?’

She again smiled and answered, ‘You know every day when you come home from work and you ask me what in the world do I do all day?’

‘Yes,’ was his incredulous reply.

She answered, ‘Well, today I didn’t do it.’

Priceless – Send this page to another mom.

Broom  Originally uploaded by thai chich

Bobbing among the gifts in the Happy Pack from The Rambling Housewife was a book.  The book, Into the Wild, arrived with perfect timing. Brian and I watched the DVD several weeks ago as we thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the fascinating movie. We loved it.  The book was equally as captivating. I couldn’t put it down.

Having watched the Sean Penn film and read Krakauer’s book, a curiosity rests among the bank of my mind. Who WAS Chris McCandless?  Who was the sister that he so dearly loved? 

I am disappointed the book did not include more photos of Alexander Supertramp, nor the DVD.  Each references his journal and his still shots. Why weren’t they included?

I have researched a bit. Here is what I found:

Other links you might find interesting:

Part of Bus 142 sold on eBay

A picture of Bus 142

Sean Penn’s Latest Passion On Oprah

A good post about Chris (with over 600 comments as of today!)

Documentary of Chris McCandless

Into the Wild Movie – Official Website

The Cult of Chris McCandless

Adventures of Alexander Supertramp

Squidoo’s Christopher McCandless entry

Have you read this book?  I have some friends that think it was “weird.” What do you think?  Were you disappointed with the disclusion of the photos?

*Picture by chriso2000

I made dirty rice for the fam tonight.  This is my first attempt at this recipe. Brian loved it. Since, it is so easy I will use the recipe again. If you are looking for something quick and easy. Here it is:

DIRTY RICE

Makes 6 servings.
Ingredients

2 tablespoons oil
1 1/2 tablespoons flour
1/2 cup finely minced onion
1lb browned ground beef cup (or 1 cup andouille sausage, removed from casing and chopped in food processor)
1  rib  celery, finely minced
1/4 cup finely minced bell pepper
1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
1 package Zatarain’s® Dirty Rice Mix
2 1/4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup chopped green onion
1 tablespoon minced parsley

Directions

1.  Make dark roux (mine wasn’t very dark – I used olive oil which I don’t think was fat enough for a good roux) by combining cooking oil and flour in heavy bottomed 6 to 8-quart saucepot over low heat.  Stir constantly using wooden spoon.  

2.  When roux is finished, stir in onion and allow to brown, leaving heat on low.  Next, add beef or andouille, celery, bell pepper and garlic.  Add Rice Mix and stir for 5 minutes to toast rice. 

3.  Stir in broth, allow mixture to come to a boil.  Cover with lid and simmer over low heat for 25 minutes.

4.  Before serving, season with minced green onion and parsley.

*Photo by by innocentcharmer

Per the Humane Society of Statesboro: 

I love Southern Mamas weekend guide. I look forward to it every Thursday. Here’s what she has for this weekend:

Sat. May 17, Kids Bean Bash Night @ The Little Jumping Bean, 6-9 pm. Potty-trained kids younger than 6 can enjoy an evening at the indoor, inflatable playground while parents enjoy an evening out. Cost: $20, includes organized, supervised play; activities; and dinner of two slices of pizza, a drink and a snack. Register @ 912.691.8797.

Fri. May 16, 6 pm, Tybee’s Beach Bum parade @ Tybee Island. Following the parade, festivities continue with free live entertainment in Memorial Park from 8-10 pm. Food, drinks, live music. Celebration continues 4-9 pm Sat. May 17 with the Beach Bum Luau featuring hula hoop & limbo contest, children activities.

Sat. May 17, Teddy Bear Picnic @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center, 11 am-1 pm. For ages 6 and up. Celebrate the birthday of Oatland’s black bear. Children will be served a “Bear Lunch” with birthday cake. Special bear birthday feeding. A Teddy Bear Hospital, where kids can bring their favorite stuffed animals for repairs. A Digitarium Theater production of Willbear’s Adventure will be presented. Cost: $7 for members of the Friends of Oatland Island; $10 for non-members. 912.898.3980.

Sat. May 17, 16th Annual Canal Anniversary @ Savannah-Ogeechee Canal Museum, 681 Fort Argyle Rd. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Historic tours, a reptile show, pony rides, music and food. $10 adults, $5 children. 912.748.8068 or email info@savannahogeecheecanal.com.

Sat. May 17, 200th birthday party @ Old Fort Jackson, 5-9 pm. FREE admission. Cannon firings. Fireworks after dark. A cannon salute from the 3rd Infantry Division. Performance by the Savannah Arts Academy’s Skyelite Jazz Band. Food will be sold during the event. Proceeds benefit the fort, located off President Street, about 3 miles east of downtown Savannah @ 1 Fort Jackson Road.

Fri, Sat. & Sun. “Sesame Street Live: Elmo! Ready for Action” @ the Savannah Civic Center. Show times are 7 p.m. Fri. May 16; 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sat. May 17; 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Sun. May 18. Tickets are $12-$20; a limited number of $25 Gold Circle seats are available. 912.651.6556 or click here.

Sat. May 17, Atlanta Hawks star Spud Webb in Savannah @ Rousakis Plaza 404 E. Bay St., noon-2 pm. Celebrate the second anniversary of Alltel Wireless’ ‘My Circle’ plan with carnival games, food, raffle prizes and live music. Autograph signing by Spud Webb for Alltel customers. Free and open to the public.

Sat. May 17, Savannah Shakespeare Festival @ Forsyth Park, 8 pm. Free and open to the public. Also, an open dress rehearsal will be @ 8 pm Fri. May 16. 912.651.6417

Sun. May 18, Savannah Wheelie FREE! social bike ride. The Savannah Bicycle Campaign ride leaves from Grayson Stadium at 1 p.m. and returns in time for the 2 pm Gnats game. Bikers receive $2 off general admission Gnats game tickets. Click here for Gnats ticket prices. Children are welcome. This ride’s route will include the Police Memorial Trail and portions of beautiful Parkside Historic District. For more info, click here.

Beach Bungalow 8 has me thinking:

lately, there has been much ado about the upcoming release of the ’sex and the city’ movie. I can’t wait to see it. i, too, spent many a sunday evening, dinner plate in lap, surrounded by friends, watching carrie and her cronies, weeble through life in nyc on their stilettos.

•  
• thinking back to those times, i realize not only was it good television. but it also taught me a thing or two (or 25) about life.

• no matter how ridiculous the outfit, it’s all about ‘owning’ it.

• hair and skin color should never compete.

 

• post it notes are not the best way to break up 
•  camal lights and coffee, apparently, do a body good

• cosmos look a lot better than they taste – that is, until you have three or four and then they taste as good as the look

 

• the candy striper, belt on bare belly, swiss miss look…..is best worn when you’re a character on an hbo hit. (this is when the ‘owning’ thing comes in handy)

• ending a statement with a question, makes everything you say sound lofty and introspective.

• people in nyc, don’t work. they brunch, lunch and meet for drinks

 

• there are only 4 types of women in this world, ‘a carrie‘, ‘a miranda‘, ‘a samantha‘ and ‘a charlotte‘

• when your society marriage goes south, marry your divorce lawyer

• in a pinch, toilet paper can double as coffee filter.

• at the end of the day….it’s just you and your lap top 

via Post Secret

via Post Secret

quote via Messy Thrilling Life

Photo by Mr. Kris

Re quote:  thank goodness!

La La La

B says, “Papa is number one!”

Beatrice has become quite a Papa’s girl.

redb you rock!

The indie, folk, funk Weepies can’t write a bad song, as you may know their ballads frequently find there way to my myspace page.  I love the work of Deb Talan and Steve Tannen who front the band as singer and song writers.  Listeners undergo subtle intoxication of a folky styled pop medley when they sip from the Weepie goblet.  

Deb and Steve are good lyricists. I love words. And, I really dig good lyrics. Hideaway doesn’t disappoint.

It’s good to see Hideawayare NPR’s Song of the Day, today.

Artist The Weepies Song Hideaway CD Hideaway Genre Folk-Pop

The Weepies: Finding a Comforting ‘Hideaway’ As the folk-pop duo The Weepies, the two have found their groove with a comforting synthesis of husky vocals and springy guitar that makes any combination of words and melodies shine like gold.     Other Weepie links The Weepies Official Site The Weepies MySpace Page The Weepies on folkmusic.about.com The Weepies collection at the Internet Archive’s live music archive The Weepies Hideaway review

Here are the lyrics to Hideaway:

Even the stars
Sometimes fade to gray
Even the stars
Hideaway

I see the bare moon
Raise it’s big bald head
I see my friends play the fool
I’ll make my own way
In the wide world
Just know I don’t want to wander too far

Even the stars
Sometimes fade to gray
Even the stars
Hideaway

Even the stars
Sometimes fade to gray
Even the stars
Hideaway

It’s so calming
All kinds of names
Some say I don’t the play the right kind of game
I try to be honest
I try to be kind
And honestly leave when I know that it’s time
I know that it’s time

Hear a phoebe sing his only song
The summer’s day is hovering
I’ll write my full heart
Troubles while I can burst
Out the windows of our traveling car

Even the stars
Sometimes fade to gray
Even the stars
Hideaway
(x3)

Happy Belated Mother’s Day!

 *See a picture of a cute Wheat Grass Centerpiece with Gerber Daisys here

 ”Haaaaaaaat,” she says as she points and pats her head.

This is the sign for hat. Her other signs:

• Papa
• More
• All Done
• Dog

 I love it when she uses her baby sign language!

Image courtesy Country Home

via the House that A M Built

PHOTO: Originally uploaded by existentialblu

I went to the movies last night for a much needed mom’s night out. Oh girls, (note to you) thank you for your company. After a week of traveling solo with Beatrice I needed the adult camaraderie.  I mean, I really NEEDED it.  We saw the ever hilarious Baby Mama. 

Admittedly, my blood wasn’t pumping with anticipation for this one.  In fact, I didn’t even look forward to seeing the movie.

“Geez, can’t we watch some thing else,” I silently hummed. 

With mediocre reviews, it doesn’t seem like a movie that I would like.

To my surprise, it was great. I laughed, and laughed and laughed at this light hearted predictable comedy.  Based on the humor and the strong performances each of my thumbs are up.  I liked it!

Cast

• Tina Feyas Kate Holbrook
• Amy Poehleras Angie Ostrowski
• Greg Kinnear as Rob
• Romany Malco as Oscar
• Dax Shepard as Carl
• Maura Tierney as Caroline
• Sigourney Weaveras Chaffee Bicknell
• Steve Martin as Barry
• Holland Taylor as Rose
• Will Forte as Scott
• Fred Armisen as Stroller Salesman
• John Hodgman as Fertility Doctor

Other’s who are blogging about Baby Mama: Kai’s World, Bucking the Wave,  

Southern Living’s Top 10 Memorial Day Trips
Editors give you the Top 10 destinations, along with their top-rated picks on where to eat, stay, and play in the south

Nashville-Dancing in the Street
Stroll and Shop on Bay St. Louis
12 Bones Smokehouse-Asheville
Wakeboarding-Orlando, Florida
Blue Spring State Park Marine Life
Pizza Pong in Washington, D.C.
A Louisiana Getaway-The Bluffs

Where the Fish Go

Originally uploaded by Jazzers

Gone Fishing.
Be back Monday. Happy Thursday. Happy Friday. Happy Weekend. Well, happy everything!

 Wow. Do we have the cutest cousin, or what?  Abby you are so beautiful.

I LOVE this photo. I love the pink. I love the TUTU. I love the baby. I love the ballerina shoes. I think it is one of the cutest pictures ever. love, love, love it!

 I think, she just might be the Cutest Kid in the ‘boro!

Awesome photo Mama Mandy. Love you!

Another fun, cool bike:

Sweet Bike via My Little Cottage

Speaking of fun things that happen on bikes, I am looking for a bike trailer. Like a Wike or something (any brand is fine). I would like a used one as I hate to invest 500.00 in something that I am unsure how much we will actually use. I have scoured craigslist and ebay yet scored no booty.  So, if you see one for sale let me know.

In the case you don’t know what I am talking about I mean something like this picture (from by denalibeads)

Aha. Great Mothers Day gifts can be found at Joesphines. Ut. Hum. Brian, if you are reading…

Amanda, I saw these and thought of you. I SO knew there was something we could do with all those books.  And Mom, see if you would have just used a little creativity you could have had a new desk. From the number of books you had you could have had an entire bedroom suite!

{photo via Domino}

See people DO paint their dining rooms yellow, just as I have been considering. And, it looks so great, cheery, bright, and fresh. I love it.  

Brian has put my painting on hold until after summer vacation. Until then, I will be here dreaming…

 Yay. I put one in the bucket!

Picking up Onions putting them in a plastic bag (???) 

Wow. Shew-we. I have been wiping my brow all day.

We dug Vidalia Onions this morning, actually all we had to do was pick them off the ground. I can’t say that I have ever done this before. I now have a new found respect for onion laborers. It’s hot. And, it is hard work. 

The Cromley’s called to tell us that the onions were being turned under. You know that Beatrice and I can’t resist a good adventure. We loaded up to head to Brooklet. 

The field was blemished with onions…everywhere.  Onions were in the mounds, on top of the mounds - they probably were the mounds.  Apparently, once onions go “to seed” they are no longer good for market because the center gets mushy.  They don’t last very long. 

It was an eerie feeling to see all the food going to waste.  Even Mrs. Rebecca seemed in distress. She came out to bag extra onions for us to give to whoever could use them.  I have never seen so many onions!

 Click on the album if you want to see more photos:

Picking Onions May 08

More info on Vidalia Onions, here.

Movie Gallery offers a FREE Kids DVD rental every Thursday.

*Child must be present and the free DVD is for a Kid/Family themed DVD.

Michael Cera and Ellen Page sing Anyone Else But You from the film JUNO.

We watched Diablo Cody’s, Juno on Saturday night. Good movie, or at least we liked it.  Ellen Page,  Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, and Jason Bateman starred in the movie.  It was different to see the perspective of the off beat young mother. I assume the unique perspective is the reason for it’s acclaim. Plus, the acting was good.

It was not a feel-good movie. Rather, it had a fact-of-life, straight forward feel.

We rented from the redbox at Bi-lo. Brian picked it up as we finished grocery shopping. Oh, the things men find at the grocery store. The funny thing is that I have walked by that box a million times and never paid it any attention. Brian claims that he “is never going to Blockbuster again.” No late fees – ah, my hubby loves it!

P.S. If you want a free movie from redbox, click here. They will send you a code. We haven’t tried the freebie yet.

FYI:  There is also a box at Wal-mart. 

“You can look at it as a film that celebrates life and celebrates childbirth, or you can look at it as a film about a liberated young girl who makes a choice to continue being liberated. Or you can look at it as some kind of twisted love story, you know, a meditation on maturity.”  — Diablo Cody

The music for the film is unique:

Reitman, who compiled the film’s soundtrack, recalls that Page had suggested that Kimya Dawson’s music be used in Juno:

“Two months before we started shooting Juno, Ellen Page was hanging out in my office, when I asked her ‘What kind of music do you think Juno listens to?’ Without pause, she blurted out ‘The Moldy Peaches!’ and within seconds she was downloading songs on my computer. The first track she played was ‘Anyone Else But You’. This song, more than any other, defined the sound of the film: a patchwork of homemade sounds made by teenagers whose senses of humour and honesty rang through the scrappy tape recorder they used to capture their chicken-scratch lyrics.”

Photo by  taekwondogirl