How I know I live with a preschooler Tuesday...

It was Pound Cake's birthday yesterday and AJ wanted him to have a pirate party hat. I told him I was going to make the hat while he was at school and he said, "Pound Cake will like that very much.". Apparently he is 5 today. Or 35 in dog years. We sang to him and AJ helped him blow out the candle in his ice cream. And then the ice cream tasted like wax... I love being a parent! :)

Dolce Vita's Ornament Swap!

Join Micaela for this wonderful swap!! You only have until November 11th to join. I met the sassy Ryan from AmericanBridget (Jones) last year during this swap. Love it. Love her. Micaela rocks too. Can't wait to see who I am paired with! :)

Ho Ho Ho!! Happy Halloween!!

So AJ told me in July that he wanted to go as Santa for Halloween. My mom made his costume. If I would have made it it would have been in stripper fashion with tear away pants and coat and not nearly as cute. It would only be appropriate for me to go as Rudolph since I was pulling his "sleigh" (which is 3 pieces of cardboard and 4 rolls of red Duck tape that was way easier to make than anticipated). After AJ and I were dressed and getting ready to go trick or treating, I said to Steve (who was not dressed up) that we should dress him up as a drunk Grandma and put hoof prints across his chest. That would have made it an absolute classic! AJ had fun hamming it up and saying, 'Ho, Ho, Ho! Merry Christmas!' in the deepest voice he could muster while waving as if he were in a parade and handing out candy canes. It was a fun night!! :) Even though we all complain that Christmas stuff goes out way too early in the stores, the things I was looking for (reindeer antlers, white beard, etc.) were really hard to find! Small candy canes were found at Sam's Club so, needless to say, we have A LOT leftover. Hey, they'll keep until Christmas!

If you didn't 'get' my costume idea for Steve- 'Grandma got run over by a reindeer. Walking home from our house Christmas Eve...' Maybe we'll surprise a few and show up like that around Christmas.

Hope your Halloween was as fun as ours!

How I know I live with a preschooler Tuesday...

I had said that I would post AJ's three birthday mixes so here is March 2011. I hate cloying music that is meant for kids... And I think kids hate it too. So this mix is rockin'! If you have kids and want to save your sanity this is for you. And you'll find yourself singing these songs often as well!

A Whale of a Good Mix

1. Willy Was a Whale * Justin Roberts
2. Constellation Conga * Recess Monkey
3. Rockin' At the Zoo * Laura Doherty
4. I Like Fruit * Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
5. Eight Hundred and Thirteen Mile Car Trip * They Might Be Giants
6. Beat-Box-a-Robot * Recess Monkey
7. Blue Canoe * Frances England
8. Gotta Be Me * Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
9. Chocolate Milk * Scribble Monster & His Pals (with ScribbleJim)
10. Can You Picture That? * Dr. Teeth & The Electric Mayhem
11. Obsessed By Trucks * Justin Roberts
12. 18 Wheels On a Big Rig * Trout Fishing in America
13. Pots & Pans * The Bacon Brothers
14. The Hokey Pokey * Dan Zanes, Dandelion Chorus & Father Goose
15. Tickle My Toes * Justin Roberts
16. How Do You Build a Robot? * Recess Monkey
17. The Book I Like To Read * Frances England
18. Pirates * Milkshake
19. A Word For That * Barenaked Ladies
20. Meet the Elements * They Might Be Giants
21. Mumbles * Oscar Peterson Featuring Clark Terry
22. People Watching * Jack Johnson
23. Hey Hippopotamus * Justin Roberts
24. A Whale Of A Tale * Kirk Douglas
25. Choo Choo Boogaloo * Buckwheat Zydeco
26. Booster Seat * Recess Monkey
27. Blow Your Spout * Geof Johnson
28. Wheels In the City * Laura Doherty
29. Jungle Gym * Jack Johnson & G. Love
30. Robot Parade * They Might Be Giants

So there you have it! I will post 2009 and 2010 as well because they deserve a listen to as well! Enjoy!

A Wee Bit of Me Wednesday...

{one} do you believe in ghosts?
Yes. But I've never seen, felt or noticed anything close to a presence before.

{two} are you more of a talker or more of a listener?
Talker. Definitely. I am working on being a better listener.

{three} would you rather get up early or sleep late?
Get up early. If I have slept in I feel like I have wasted a good chunk of the day. I am a morning person!

{four} if you could instantly become an expert at one type of dance, what type would you choose?
That's a tough one! I LOVE to watch dance even though I am not good at it at all. I think B-boys are rad so maybe I'd choose that. Swing would be cool too.

{five} what's your favorite drink?
Alcoholic: Pomegranate Martinis or red wine; Non-alcoholic: Fresh squeezed lemonade

{six} if your house caught fire and you could only grab three things, what would they be?
Wow. And I am a sentimental person (and a pack rat) but I don't think there is any specific things that aren't able to be replaced. Probably Pound Cake & Bearister (AJ's dog & my bear), my computer with all my pictures and work on it and my purse with all the IDs and credit cards and phone to save me some time to not have to get new ones.

{seven} if you could only visit one restaurant for the next five years, which would it be?
Cafe Pasquel in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I think it would have to be somewhere that has an inspired chef that likes to change the menu and is ubercreative. And someone who can cook a variety of things. But it would be pretty hard to get to when I want to go out since I am in WI!!

{eight} who inspires you the most?
God

{nine} if you had your own talk show, who would your first three guests be?
Eye candy- Taylor Kitsch, Ryan Reynolds, Gavin Rossdale. Maybe that's what I would call it- Eye Candy!!

{ten} sneakers or sandals?
I don't get to wear sandals but 4 months a year so I will say sandals now that my old sneaks are gone... sniff, sniff. Ooooooweeee! Stinky! ;)

How I know I live with a preschooler Tuesday...

I can't believe I haven't posted this yet!! AJ turned 4 on March 11th!! Here is the recap of his birthday goodies... He had a pool party at the YMCA and we invited his class plus a few other friends. The Y was pretty easy peasy. So I chose a whale theme since it was a swimming party. It is hard to find whale themed party items so I just went with a water/blue theme.

The invitation...

The cupcakes with toppers and whale basket for chips. I found the whale basket at Target in the bathroom section. It is a shower caddy corral thing. But it was perfect for the party! And now it is being used as a toy container in the tub.

Close up of the cupcake toppers...

The goody bag... Included in the sand pail was a boat, Goldfish crackers, fish stickers, M&M's, play-doh, a mini frisbee, bubbles, Nemo fruit snacks, fruit strip and a CD that I mixed. I do a CD for each of his birthdays. That should be a post! I'll post the songs in his 2nd, 3rd and 4th birthday mixes. There were 3 or 4 whale songs on it!

And the thank you card- which was re-purposed! Those are the cupcake toppers that were left- I just pulled out the stick!

I love doing the 'whole party'. It really is so much fun for me. I dig themes.

A Wee Bit of Me Wednesday...

Play along here

{one} what’s the worst date you’ve ever been on?

I 'dated' this guy in college who was really hot, a great athlete and would sing to me but he had absolutely nothing upstairs. I have some good funny stories about him but there was zero conversation. I guess that's the worst date... Well, except of course, for the guy that bit my lip and drew blood during a kiss. Thank goodness for my buddy, Brett, who scared that guy off for good.

{two} if you could be any other person for one day, who would it be?AJ- so I'd know what he really is thinking! Or a baby to know what they are comprehending...

{three} what is your favorite kind of cheese?Sharp cheddar cheese. Love it!

{four} do you remember your 1st grade teacher?Miss Carlson was one of my favorite teachers ever. She was so sweet.

{five} who is the first person you call when you have a bad day?Steve. He hears a lot of crap sometimes.

{six} were you ever in a school talent show?I sang 'Almost Paradise' from Footloose in seventh grade. It was a duet that I sang with Adam Thompson. I was never a good singer and have no idea how I got the part that every girl wanted. Adam actually is in a band now and tours around! I guess I didn't hold him back.

{seven} who is your favorite fictional character?Elizabeth Bennett. Hands down.

{eight} can you open your eyes underwater?Yes. But I also wear contacts and I don't like getting water on them so I'll wear goggles.

{nine} do you look at the keyboard when you type?Yes. Always. I know I am not supposed to. I don't put my fingers on the 8 keys that you are supposed to either.

{ten} when was the last time you took a nap?While in San Fran or Napa two weeks ago. You get tired when you drink wine all day! ;)

How I know I live with a preschooler Tuesday...

I have been really absent for a couple of months. I turned my computer on maybe 3 days last week. It has been off for 4 days in a row which means I have catch up to do... I am going to do more blogging now hopefully. It's hard with a nugget of energy that wants to play outside all the time- rain or shine. That's my guy at the Wisconsin Spring Game over Easter weekend, 'Jumping Around'! I love this photo because it really captures pure joy on his face. Anyway, onto our post...

Before Mother's Day AJ was interviewed by his teachers with questions that revolved around me. He gave it to me for Mother's Day as well as a bracelet that says I <3 MOM. I couldn't stop cracking up as I read it!

What is your mom's name?
Mommy Lipowski
(Awwww!)

Where does she work?
Her preschool in Madison
(I have NO clue where this came from...)

What color hair does she have?
Blue
(I am NOT a blue hair! ;))

How old is she?
5
(Lately he has been obsessed with the #5...)

What is her favorite color?
Blue
(Correct!! But how funny would it have been if he would of answered indigo?)

What does she like to do for fun?
Play tennis
(The day before I bought him a tennis racket set...)

What is her favorite food?
Wendy's
(And after buying the tennis racket set we went to Wendy's...)

Where does she take you for fun?
The park
(Correct!!)

When she goes shopping, what does she like to buy?
Cookies for me!
(Apparently said with some enthusiasm since there is an exclamation point after it!)

What message do you want to send her for Mother's Day?
Thank you!
(How sweet! :) He is always so polite!)

A Wee Bit of Me Wednesday... A Double Dose on a Tuesday

Play along here!

{one} what profession have you always admired?Special Education Teachers and Staff. Their patience and love is amazing. I know I'd have a hard time doing it.

{two} what would the title of your memoir/biography be if it was written today?No idea... Now I feel on the spot to come up with something. I once created a self awareness program called "Let Your Creative Juices Squirt" and the "Inner Goddess in You". Maybe one of those?

{three} how far do you commute to work?About 20 paces to the basement. ;)

{four} are your earlobes attached or detached?In between... Detached? What a weird question!

{five} do you eat the unpopped kernels of popcorn at the bottom of the bag?Only if they’re half unpopped… Also, I use a Whirly Pop- no microwave popcorn for me!

{six} what is the strangest gift you’ve ever received?Not sure. Creative wrapping would go to my brother for a 45 record of 'Eye of the Tiger' that he put in an open box that was wrapped and it said something like 'Free Punch'. Very appropriate from my brother who totally wailed on me.

{seven} what is one tv show that you wish hadn’t been cancelled?Arrested Development. It was smart comedy. I wish Friday Night Lights wasn't going to be cancelled but I can still savor that for a few more weeks. Shoot. Flight of the Concords too!! Funny as can be!

{eight} what is something that you are saving money for right now?A trip to England next year!

{nine} what hobby would you like to take up?Sewing. My mom gave me lessons for awhile a few years ago but I haven't kept it up. I am just completely sapped of time!

{ten} how many times a year do you get really dressed up?Two. We go to two black tie events a year. They are fun!


{eleven} do you watch the history channel? if so, what’s your favorite program?Not really. Sometimes we'll watch Ice Road Truckers which is strangely addicting. I have to be really bored though. AJ calls it Ice Cream Road Truckers and is compelled by it. Although I am not crazy about the language they use in it, especially for him!

{twelve} what is your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?Read a book or watch a movie and snuggle!

{thirteen} what does your dream house look like?An old renovated barn would be cool. I don't think about this too much...

{fourteen} what state were you born in?Illinois
{fifteen} do you have a change jar? if so, what do you use it for when it gets full?Not really. I use all silver change in my car for parking meters and gumballs.

{sixteen} what’s the first website you look at when you get on the computer?First five: Hotmail email, gmail, yahoo news stories then email, facebook and blog dashboard- in that order!

{seventeen} what is your favorite breakfast?French toast and bacon.

{eighteen} what’s the most memorable trip you’ve ever taken?My honeymoon in San Francisco, Napa Valley and Monterey/Carmel. We just did San Fran and Napa again last week and while awesome (wine was better) just not the same!! It is definitely romanticized in my mind but those are the memories I have!

{nineteen} do you prefer your coffee black or with cream/milk/sugar?No coffee for me. Just tea- herbal or chai.

{twenty} have you ever done a professional photo shoot?Not really. Had photos taken by a professional but not like model ones...

A Wee Bit of Me Wednesday...

Play along here!

{one} when was the last time you used a pay phone (if ever)?My soon was playing with one the last time we were at the airport but I can't remember the last time I actually made a phone call on one. 1997?

{two} did you ever fail a subject in school?No. I got a D+ in Human Physiology in college but I took it before they made the change that for my major you had to get a C or better. I knew the material but would get very confused during tests. Lab was fun though. I wonder if I would do any better if I had to take it again...

{three} where do you go to get your favorite hamburger/cheeseburger?My grill. I like the burgers at Chatterbox, a local bar. Especially on Tuesday when they are $2! Fast food burgers is definitely Wendy's. I can't eat McDonald's burgers not since 2007...

{four} have you ever served jury duty?I have been called three times. I had to go in but I didn't serve.

{five} how old were you when you moved out of your parents’ house?That's hard to say. I moved out when I was 18 but then moved back in with them when I was 23-26 but that was a special circumstance. Not because I wanted to or had to.

{six} what is your favorite color to wear?I like to wear blue and I wear it a lot especially navy.

{seven} do you have a pair of shoes that you wear all the time?My Asics Running shoes that are so old and totally falling apart but I haven't found another running shoe that I am crazy about. In the summer, my Born flip flops that are again falling apart but I just replaced so hopefully the new ones will be my go to sandals.
{eight} do you enjoy talk radio?I listen to some sports talk radio when my husband does but overall, no thanks.

{nine} if you could turn one unhealthy food into a healthy one, what food would it be?French Fries. Mmmmmm... french fries.

{ten} who is the best speaker you’ve ever heard in person?I couldn't tell you since it has been a long time since I have attended a conference or class (I take other kinds of classes) or speaker.

A Wee Bit of Me Wednesday...

Play along here!

{one} have you ever been stuck in an elevator?Nope. Can't say it would be a pleasant experience either if I would ever happen to.

{two} have you ever ridden on an elephant?Yes. Cool!

{three} have you ever met a well known celebrity?I went to high school with Emily Bergl, who starred on Men in Trees and recently was on Desperate Housewives... I met Tony Dow once. Some athletes as well. My mom and dad sat next to Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver at a benefit that my mom was the chairwoman of.

{four} do you have any food allergies?Negative.
{five} do you know how to sew?Sorta, not really. My mom is a sewer and she was teaching me at one point but life got in the way.

{six} did you get an allowance when you were young?Yep. Cleaned the bathroom and picked up dog poop in the yard!

{seven} how often do you fill up your gas tank?About every week and a half unless we go out of town.

{eight} have you ever been stung by a jelly fish?No. Again, don't think it would be pleasant...

{nine} have you ever been robbed?I think my bike was stolen. I kinda remember something like that and some neighborhood wannabe thug kids who took it.

{ten} what is the worst haircut you’ve ever had?Mullet-esque 'do in 6th grade. My hairdresser just didn't have the same vision that I did. I cried for days.

Blogger ABC's

Found this at Mel's blog... And since I haven't been blogging much I thought I'd just do something quick to get back into it. I haven't even been turning my computer on much lately! I am not sure why. I can check my email from my phone so I haven't had a real desire to turn it on. And yesterday was so beautiful that I spent the whole day outside with the little one. Today it is raining and cold so back to blogging...

A. Age: 35

B. Bed size: King

C. Chore you hate: Ironing. I avoid it as long as possible.

D. Dogs: Had. Died. Miss my Cosmo. Want another- but not yet.

E. Essential start to your day: Stretch and work out most days.

F. Favorite color: All shades of blue and turquoise

G. Gold or silver: Silver. Gold does not look good on my skin tone

H. Height: 5'4 1/2"

I. Instruments: I can't read music but I faked my way through a couple of years of violin and french horn in grade school.

J. Job title: Create at home mom

K. Kids: 1 4 year old son, AJ

L. Live: Wausau, Wisconsin

M. Mom’s name: Janet

N. Nicknames: Nic, Nickel, and a couple others that I can't tell you... ;)

O. Overnight hospital stays: Other than going into the ER at 10 pm and not coming out until 3 am for food poisoning in San Diego, no.

P. Pet peeve: Several. Too many to name... A couple- smoking in general, calling me Nikki, misspelled words, poor grammar...

Q. Quote from a movie: Really from a book but it is in the movie! "You have bewitched me body and soul and I love, love, love you" and "Yes. A thousand times yes" from Pride and Prejudice. "I've got a good idea. Let's pretend that we are real human beings." and "A pool and a pond. A pond would be good for you. Natural spring water." Ty Webb (Chevy Chase) in Caddyshack

R. Right or left handed: Right.

S. Siblings: Two older brothers

T. Time you wake up: Depends on the day... 5:15 Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 6:25 Mondays and Thursdays and up in the air on the weekends.

U. Underwear: Indeed.

V. Vegetables you dislike: Brussel Sprouts. There are probably many others.

W. What makes you run late: AJ dilly dallying. Me putzing around. Thinking I have way more time than I do.

X. X-Rays you’ve had: My teeth and skull. Probably my foot when I stuck it in the spokes of a bike when I was little.

Y. Yummy food you make: I am a baker. Everything is yummy! I do have a few standouts though. I generally get rave reviews! I also make a couple different lasagnas that are delish.

Z. Zoo- favorite animal: The elephants. But I liked the kangaroos at the last zoo I was at. I just say no to the goats. ;)

A Wee Bit of Me Wednesday...

Play along here...

{one} how often do you do laundry?Every Friday. Towels get done on Monday as well. When the system works...

{two} what is your favorite type of cookie?Oatmeal chocolate chip or snickerdoodles.

{three} what would you do with an extra $2000 per month?Hire my housekeeper to come more than once a month and do some major landscaping and not feel bad about it, spa more and travel a little bit more as well.

{four} what was/is your favorite subject in school?Art and science. I liked biological sciences and chemistry and horticulture but hated physics because I never knew what the hell was going on!

{five} have you ever ridden in a hot air balloon?No. It would be fun.

{six} what was your high school mascot?We were the Titans. The mighty, mighty Titans. It was fun having a Greek mascot. So many fun themes!

{seven} if you had the chance to go into space, would you?I don't think so. I did just watch something on the Discovery Channel about Mars and while it was fascinating, I just don't think I'd want to go there.

{eight} how often do you go dancing?Next to never.

{nine} would you rather drive or fly?Fly, fo sho! I prefer to get there faster and I hate driving (I am generally the passenger).

{ten} have you ever been caught re-gifting?I don't think I have been caught (I have a really good memory for that kind of stuff) but I have re-gifted! I am not ashamed to say it! I have caught others but would never tell them...

A Wee Bit of Me Wednesday...

Play along here...

{one} have you ever fainted?Yes! At a Badger football game! I don't know if I was hot or exhausted or what. I got up because I was feeling kinda weird and I was going to go to the bathroom when I just kinda leaned forward and put my hands on the two people in front of me (like for balance) and was out. Good thing Steve and our friends, Matt and Sara, were right there because they caught me and carried me down to the bathroom. It was embarrassing though!! I almost fainted two other times because of elevation- in Breckenridge, CO and while snowshoeing in Lake Tahoe, CA.

{two} what is your favorite casino game?Either Texas Hold ‘em or Blackjack
{three} do you have a good sense of direction?Yes and no. Steve says I give awful directions but that's not really true. I am lost though if I don't have Mapquest. I don't know what I did before Mapquest. I used to be really good at figuring out navigation on the sailboat which is weird because there aren't any "landmarks" in the middle of the ocean!

{four} laptop or desktop?How about laptop on a desk? I don't move it around all that much!

{five} what is your go-to hair style when having a bad hair day?Since my hair is shorter I can't just put it in a pony tail. Headband or Cubs hat or I use Paul Mitchell Spray Wax to try and fix it!!

{six} do you read the newspaper on a daily basis?No. We stopped getting it when my hubby's company stopped paying for it. Sometimes I'll read it online. I don't know what's going on most of the time.

{seven} do you have a favorite celebrity chef?No. Not really into "celebrity chefs". Although I like Mark Miller and met him at a food and restaurant show about 10 years ago and have been to his restaurant in Santa Fe, NM. He's good! Yummy.

{eight} what tv show would you like to make a guest appearance on?Friday Night Lights so I could be Riggins' cougar!! ;)

{nine} do you have satellite radio in your car?Nope. I listen to CDs. I really don't listen to the radio ever except for Pandora!

{ten} what was the last movie that made you cry?I can't even think of the last movie I watched! I know I cried at the beginning and end of Up which I watched not that long ago. Well, it was at the end of January. I know I have watched movies since then but just can't think of what they were. Must not have been that good!

How I know I live with a preschooler Tuesday...

My goofy kid last summer... He'd put his head on that pipe and just laugh. Not quite sure what that is about.

So yesterday while we were in the car I asked AJ, "Do you want some bubble gum?" To which he replied, "Does it taste like bubbles?"

A funky new music mix from my Jaynie!

My BF, Jaynie, sent me a new CD that was supposed to be a Christmas present but I just got it last week! She is a constant mover and just moved in to her boyfriend's place just outside San Francisco so I understand how busy she is to not send it until now. I am so excited that I will see her twice within 2 weeks in May! Once in WI and once in SF. So here is her Happy New Year 2011 Mix...

1. Got That Vibe * Afrika Bambaataa
2. Uummannaq Song * KT Tunstall
3. Collarbone * Fujiya & Miyagi
4. (Nothing But) Flowers * David Byrne
5. Constellations * Jack Johnson & Eddie Vedder
6. Groove Me * Maximum Balloon
7. Tambourine * Eve
8. 928 Horn Jam * Trombone Shorty
9. On the Sly * The Bamboos
10. Eyes * Rogue Wave
11. Slow Baby * Black Dub
12. '81 * Joanna Newsom
13. You, My Love * Marcus Foster
14. Lost In My Mind * The Head and The Heart
15. Bring Me Your Cup * The Beautiful Girls
16. Oye Como Va * Santana
17. From the Morning * Nick Drake
18. Smoke Detector * Rilo Kiley
19. Landslide * Stevie Nicks
20. Home * Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Hope you dig it as much as I do!

A Wee Bit of Me Wednesday...

Play along here with a new header!

{one} what is one food that, as an adult you love, but as a child you said you’d never touch?Blue Cheese!! LOVE it! My dad would eat it when I was young and I always thought it smelled like gym socks. We teased him about eating it. Now I order it whenever I can!

{two} did you go to college? if yes, what was your major?Yep. My major was Health Promotion/Wellness and my minor was Psychology. It made me into a more well-rounded person but as far as careers went it was a waste of time. But it was the most fun 4 years of my life!!

{three} what’s the most wild animal you’ve seen in real life (not counting the zoo)?A bear, moose, alligator, barracuda, shark... I have seen those all.

{four} have you ever been to a fortune teller?Yes. I have been to a few but just for fun. I saw a palm reader in New Orleans and she told me I was going to have twins the year we were there. THAT didn't happen. I pretended I could read palms to have something to talk to Steve about when I first met him. That wasn't really true... I used to kinda know how to do Tarot cards if I had the book with me. Finally gave those away a couple of months ago.

{five} can you juggle?No. I am not coordinated enough although my brother-in-law claims he can teach anyone to juggle in 5 minutes. I never took him up on that. Maybe I should...

{six} hardwood floors or carpet?Hardwood. Fo Sho!

{seven} is it called “soda” or “pop”?I use both. In Chicago it was pop, in Wisconsin soda. I usually say soda. I have adapted. I don't drink the stuff anyway!

{eight} what was your first car?1987 Toyota Celica. It was a red sporty little thing. It only lasted about 6 months before it was totaled.

{nine} what is the most decadent dessert you’ve ever eaten?I have no idea. I am trying to think of a dessert that I just wanted to keep eating and eating but I don't know. It was probably something from a restaurant somewhere while traveling.

{ten} how often do you rearrange your furniture?Next to never. When it fits, it fits.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

After getting into Alabama six hours later than we were supposed to because of snow in Minneapolis we finally made it to the beach the next day. Andrew was a super trooper on the plane and we got several compliments about how well behaved he was. He didn't complain once! AJ was so excited that it was 'summertime' in AL! It was beautiful everyday we were there- high 70s and sunny. What more could you ask for? We played on the beach and in the pool everyday.

This is what a kid who loves the sand and driving his trucks looks like! The sand was so soft and I just wanted to scoop it up and bring it home with me!

He didn't want the waves to 'get' him!

At Lulu's Restaurant owned by Lucy Buffett, Jimmy's sister. This restaurant was so cool- it had the beach volleyball, a plank walk, a big mound of sand with a ton of buckets and shovels to play with, bean bag toss... The perfect beach bar & restaurant (even though it was on the marina/lagoon).

We played miniature golf. AJ was continually 4 holes ahead of me, grandma and poppa. Funny little story about that hat. I forgot to bring his and the first day he was getting a little too much sun (I missed some spots with the sunscreen) so my parents took him to get a hat (I was stuck in bed with the stomach flu that day). They couldn't find a fishing hat except for that one that says 'Culf Shores'. Don't you think they would have sent that shipment back?

Riding the 3 rides he could at the amusement park. How cute is he in that car?

Being the train conductor and ringing the bell on the train ride.

At the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo we got to hold a baby kangaroo! How cool is that? Her name was Olivia and she was 4 months old. Her pouch was the size of a quarter. She was so soft and snuggly!

See Olivia's boyfriend under the bench? He is going after AJ because he's moving in on his woman! :) He just sniffed his shoe!!

There's a nice picture of the three of us!

AJ is laughing at the pouch.

AJ loves feeding the goats. Goats freak mom out with their freaky goat eyes.

I love the look on his face in this shot!

After the zoo, we went to Lambert's Cafe. It was a really fun place that throws hot rolls at you and serves entirely too much food! The fried potatoes and onions were so yummy but I could still taste them at 9 that night!

How I know I live with a preschooler Tuesday...

The day before AJ's 4th birthday, as we were driving to school, I said, "Oh AJ! We forgot your show and tell! Well, you can bring mommy as your show and tell." (I was going in later to read a story and bring cookies to his class.) He says, "But mommy you won't fit in the show and tell basket!" He's right, I wouldn't fit in the show and tell basket!

A Wee Bit of Me Wednesday... Double Dose

Play along here.

{one} what was your first job?I was 14 and a hostess at a Friday Night Fish Fry at the public golf club.

{two} have you ever seen a stand up comedian?Been to a few shows here and there. Usually drinking some fruity blended drink because they put a minimum on it. A friend had a Sweet 16 party at Second City in Chicago once upon a time ago as well.

{three} when was the last time you played mini golf?Saturday! Seriously. The little one and I were vacationing in Gulf Shores, Alabama and since it was so nice out, we went. He wanted to go again but I put the kibosh on that. There is only so much I can take. I beat my parents too.

{four} what was the last picture you took?AJ at the zoo on Sunday I think. We even got to hold a baby kangaroo.

{five} burnt food: yes or no?Ewwww.
{six} if you have a pocket full of change, what do you do with it?It usually goes in AJ's helicopter bank unless it is a quarter than it goes in a gumball machine or parking meter.

{seven} can you touch your tongue to your nose?No. My tongue isn't that flexible! ;)

{eight} do you scrapbook?Yes and no. That is a hard one for me to answer. My studio looks like a scrapbooking store but...

{nine} do you buy lottery tickets?Waste of money.

{ten} do you prefer to be in front of the camera or behind it?
A mix of both. BUT I am more often behind it than in front of it.

{eleven} if you won a trip to Disneyland/world, who would you take with you?Steve and AJ. We may head there sometime in the near future. It is being discussed. Steve and I have been there several times together and love it!

{twelve} when was the last time you listened to a CD?I listen to mix CDs in my car. So... this afternoon. And I got a CD from my Jaynie this afternoon so I am about to put it on my computer.

{thirteen} what spice/seasoning is your favorite?That's hard to narrow down! I am a fan of garlic and I use it the most probably.

{fourteen} if you were in a band, what kind of music would you play?Classic Rock, hands down.

{fifteen} if you could have personally witnessed one historical event, which one would it be?I have NO idea. The signing of the Declaration of Independence would be a major patriotic rush. A WWII vet standing at the memorial in DC and hearing his story (still barely obtainable, I suppose).

{sixteen} if you could go back to school, what would you study?Art and graphic design. I never thought that you could really be graded in art but the skill base is essential.

{seventeen} if you could go to one sporting event, all expenses paid, which one would you see?I saw the Badgers in the Rose Bowl this year which would be it and I would rather go there than the Super Bowl but I think I will pick the Cubs in a really good seven game World Series.

{eighteen} do you drive an automatic or a manual?Automatic. I am not that good with a manual.

{nineteen} are you comfortable speaking in front of people?I can do it but I am not crazy about it.

{twenty} have you ever experienced an earthquake?Nope. Hope I never have to!

Spring Swap: Spreading Joy

Everyone needs a little joy, right? So head on over to Jamie's blog, Lyrical Journey, and check out her Spring Swap: Spreading Joy. Deadline to sign up is Monday, March 21st. We need some snow to melt here in central Wisconsin so I can definitely use some spring joy!!

Cabin Fever 11 Mix

I started making this mix late last year and needed a couple more songs for it for 3 months. Now it finally has them and it is complete! I present to you the Cabin Fever 11 Mix for your listening enjoyment (that is if you download the music...).

A little Sufjan Stevens- love his music. And obviously this guy is kinda quirky! On one album he plays over 20 different instruments. That's talent.
source

Have you seen this movie? I have not which is surprising given that I am such a huge Dylan fan. A few songs were taken from it.
source

She is adorable and her music is beautiful. Download her now. Do it. Do it. (Sorry a little lame Starsky & Hutch humor.)
source

1. The Skies Over Your Head * Nico Stai
2. Never Say Never * The Fray
3. Too Much * Sufjan Stevens
4. Mama You've Been On My Mind/A Fraction Of Last Thoughts On Woody Guthrie * Jack Johnson
5. Hey, Soul Sister * Glee Cast
6. Creep * Radiohead
7. Good People * Jack Johnson
8. The Wicked Messenger * The Black Keys
9. Come On Get Higher * Matt Nathanson
10. Perfect Day * The Constellations
11. One Love (People Get Ready) * Glee Cast
12. Brighter Than Sunshine * Aqualung
13. Roll If Ya Fall * Barefoot Truth
14. Sleeping To Dream * Jason Mraz
15. Hello * Schuyler Fisk
16. For Emma * Bon Iver
17. Lucky * Glee Cast
18. All Along the Watchtower * Eddie Vedder and The Million Dollar Bashers
19. Miss Friday * Nico Stai
20. Honeybee * Zee Avi

Enjoy!

A Wee Bit of Me Wednesday...

Play along here.

{one} scruffy or clean shaven?Scruffy is definitely sexier but it is nicer to kiss clean shaven

{two} what’s your favorite sundae topping?Hot caramel and Oreos

{three} do you own slippers?My slippers got a hole in them so I think they are on the floor at the back of my closet but I wear slip on house shoes all the time not really slippers.

{four} did you ever have a tree house?A fort- yes (built of junk wood and it was actually my brother's creation), tree house- no. :( Tree houses are super cool. We always found some little area to have secret meetings though.

{five} how you do relieve stress?Art.
{six} what’s your favorite dr. seuss book?There's a Wocket in My Pocket probably.

{seven} have you ever taken dance classes?No. I'm kinda a clod. It would be fun though!

{eight} which do you use more: the thesaurus or the dictionary?I probably use both equally since I like to play word games.

{nine} what’s your favorite form of exercise?Elliptical or a video. I really like Cardio X from the P90X series. I like to do sit-ups too although you can't really tell!

{ten} what’s the longest you’ve ever waited in line?No idea but it is always a bore. It probably won't be so bad now with an iphone!

How I know I live with a preschooler Tuesday...

I have a Senor Pukey Pukey AGAIN! I was up from 2:30 until 4:45 a.m. with him this morning. He's not doing a whole lot today. Missed another day of school. :( He just celebrated his 4th birthday on Friday.

That's his dog, Pound Cake, with him in this picture. I overheard him a couple of weeks ago while playing tell him, "Oh Pound Cake, you don't have to call me sir. You can call me AJ." It made me giggle!

A Wee Bit of Me Wednesday...

Play along here.

{one} what color is your kitchen?Taupe. And I have maroon red Corian counters which is a really nice combo!

{two} do you have a good luck charm?No.
{three} do you prefer to write with a pen or pencil?Pen. I prefer black.

{four} can you use chopsticks?Only the 'made for dummies' kind with the rubber band on the end. Otherwise I can do it but I don't feel really comfortable with them. I never understood how people picked up rice with them...

{five} do you prefer baths or showers?Showers. I used to take baths when I had my own apartment. Now? Not so much.

{six} what is your favorite salad dressing?I order/buy balsamic vinaigrette and bleu cheese most of the time. I like a good honey mustard too.

{seven} can you sing the alphabet backwards?No. But They Might Be Giants can! It os on their 'Here Come the ABCs' album

{eight} do you have any allergies?Only to drugs like penicillin and the cyclines which eliminates almost all antibiotics for me. Also birth control pills.

{nine} crunchy or creamy peanut butter?Creamy. Definitely.

{ten} have you ever hitch hiked?
Not intentionally. After I got in an accident someone stopped and drove me back to camp and I got in their car not knowing who they were. Does that really count though? I would never do it intentionally. Creepy people hitchhike and creepy people pick up hitchhikers!