Blogger Does it!!!!!!!

THANK YOU BLOGGER! It's what we've all been waiting for! No more silly HTML all nighters, or CSS for Dummies books!!! We can all finally have that custom look in half the time with the new blogger draft!!!! YAY!!!
Check it out!

BLOGGER DRAFT!

Stay tuned for some awesome changes here! Can't wait to see what you all come up with!

Answering the phone is EXPENSIVE!

"Your support will really help keep kids on the playground and out of the penitentiary."

That was today's telemarketing/fund raising pitch. Some organization of law enforcement that works with kids and sports and something like that... Well how can I argue with logic like that?

"sorry, I have to get a manicure"

In the last few months we have donated to 2 different police organizations and they call us ALL. THE. TIME. We get caught up on the phone with them and it is hard to say NO.

"we really need to eat out everyday this weekend."

"We can send you the information, if that makes you more comfortable"

"sure, that's fine, but I really already spent all my extra money this month at Target."

"Great, so can I put you down for $15"

"no, actually, I am a cold heartless bitch and I don't really care about the kids. or their drugs."

"Since this is a non-profit, the postage has already been paid"

"well, shit, I don't really have anymore excuses...do I?"

So, they are going to send me the paperwork. And I am going to donate 15 dollars to the keep kids off drugs so they stay on the playground and out of the penitentiary.

I am never answering the phone again. It is too expensive.

(repost from 8/15/2008, original "family" blog)

{Manic Mondays}

There is a FABULOUS article about leaving the guilt behind in this month's issue of Parenting magazine.

We all have those days where even shutting the door while you pee makes your mom-guilt meter swell above the limit, but what I'm wondering is who made these "new rules"?!? And why do they seem to apply only to our generation of parents? It's crazy. I feel like I've turned out fine, and I was raised in the get-outside-and-stay-outside-until-the-street-lights-come-on era. My mom never felt guilty (or never admitted it) about what she might be doing wrong to affect my future. I think she always had the mentality that she had it a lot worse and she also had too much other shit to worry about rather than me. I'm not saying I wasn't cared for or taken care of. I got what I needed when I needed it, but above and beyond? No. And it doesn't matter. Because it taught me that you can't always get more than what you need. Sometimes, there's just no money left, or time left from two working parents. Sometimes you need to wake up and face the fact that you're the kid, and the world doesn't revolve around you and the big picture is that you turn out to be a moralistic, caring, contributing member of society, not the next winner of American Idol.  In my childhood, you were not treated as this special star that could do anything and change the world if you wanted. And in some ways, sure, it taught us to be submissive to authority, not to question anything, and take everything at face value. But what else did it teach us? It taught us that everyone has something they can contribute, whether it be the next CEO or the garbage man. NOT EVERYONE can be the best. Not everyone can be in charge. The world doesn't work that way.
So, I say, moms, quit feeling so guilty about missing the deadline for french lessons for your 2 yr old. Don't feel bad that your child can't play 5 different musical instruments. You're doing a fine job. Your child will survive. And if you're lucky, they'll grow up with a realistic approach on life knowing that sometimes you fail. And mommy won't always be there to hold your hand in that job interview.
Read the article, I think you'll agree (or change your parenting style).

Reconsidering my career options...

Dear Resignation Committee:

Please accept this as my two week notice for the position of Family CEO.

When I started this position, the job description was not clearly explained to me.  I am willing to participate in an exit interview, but I will briefly highlight my reasons for leaving:

1.  I was not provided with any sort of employment manual.

2. My subordinates have absolutely no respect for my authority.

3. This position leaves little room for promotion.

4. I am unsure as to how much personal/sick time I am allowed to take.

5. Additionally, every time I approach human resources about item #4, I never get a clear answer.

6. It was my expectation to receive some sort of raise at some point in my 2 years of employment.

7.  I feel that my "concerns" are not taken seriously.

8.  It seems that I actually spend more money on work related expenses than are reimbursed.

9. I have yet to find the actual reimbursement office.

10. I have yet to receive any recognition for my hard work.

Good luck finding someone else to do this job.

Sincerely,
Me

DIY Blogger Mom

That's my Super Hero Name. I think I can fit it on a t-shirt or something...

I'm definitely the HTML gal while Isis handles more of the "critical thinking" aspect of the blog here at CoaHE. I like things cut and dry, measured out, definite values, more of a math minded person you could say. While Isis is the intellectual, thinking outside the box, looking at things from different angles, a philosopher if you will. I learn a lot from her, well try to anyway, when my pretty little head doesn't overdose on all those deep thoughts. Speaking of deep thoughts, remember that SNL segment they had where Jack Handy read those funny quotes of his, the one about the free dummy was my fave, that was so funny... Anywho, I digress...
So, I spent the better part of the night customizing and tweaking so we could be found easier through search engines and key phrases, and I'm proud to announce we went from 3 pages in on Google to front page (2nd on the list no less!!) in the short couple of weeks we've been here!! How exciting for us! We couldn't be happier you are all here, and enjoying what we have! Don't forget to "Follow Us" ------->; on the right there. Subscribe to our feed and leave us comments! Share your URL with us so we can have some link parties!
Thanks for your support and we look forward to growing our numbers even higher!!!

Cleo & Isis

We cook, too! Sometimes.

I am just like you, very busy.  I mean, I have to watch last night's tv on dvr.  I have to catch up on facebook with 450 of my closest friends.  I have to read some blogs.  I have to read a little bit of news.  I have to phone a friend or two.  I have a billion projects that need to be prioritized.  I have lists to make.  Lists to remake.

Oh, and I have the kids.  And the hubby.  And the dogs.  And the house.

So, as you can see... I AM just like you.

How do I stay sane with all these things on my plate, and still have time to make home cooked meals?

PRE-COOK!!!

Call it what you might (once a month, saturday suppers, etc), prepping some of your work beforehand is NOT cheating!

Today was beef day.  I bought 7lbs of ground beef this week (I usually wait until I see it on sale or whatnot).  I took half of it and browned it with onions and garlic.  I used about 1/4 of it and made meatballs (baked at 375 for about 20 minutes).  And the rest was made into hamburger patties (grilled).

I ended up with 2 sets of burgers.  5 bags of meatballs.  And 4 packages of recipe ready ground beef.

Won't the beef taste like frozen beef?  Thaw the beef.  And then simmer it in whatever sauce you are using. (The burgers are already cooked, I highly recommend wrapping them in foil and baking when using)

For example:

Easy tacos--one package of ground beef and one can of RoTel.  Simmer (on a very low heat) for a few hours.  That's it!!!  (you can add a bit of taco seasoning if you would like.)

Easy spaghetti:  one package of ground beef (or meatballs) and one jar of your favorite pasta sauce.  Simmer for a few hours.  Serve with favorite pasta.

Meatball subs: one package of meatballs and one jar sauce...  Simmer.  Put on your favorite roll, sprinkle with mozza cheese, throw in toaster oven or regular oven until cheese is melted.

Hope this helps you in some small way!!

Isis

(Notes on freezing:  if you are new to pre-cooking and freezing--it is very important that you let the meat cool completely before freezing.  I usually put it in the frig overnight and then throw it in the deep freezer.)

Board and Batten Tutorial

Ok, I have to say, few years ago this would not have been my choice for style in my home. However, it's warming up to me, or I'm warming up to it, whoever warms up to whom...I'm confused.
Anyway, when we moved in, there was no "coat closet" per se so I enlisted the help of my father (aren't they great?!) and ripped out the teeny tiny closet to expand it to an "entry way mud room". The first go around, I did it on the cheap, since I thought I couldn't afford anything fancy like Board and Batten. Here's what it looked like:

In the middle was a small coat rack.

These are all build it yourself cubbys.

I took everything out, started spackling and that's when my DH came home and started whining (as he does everytime I try and change something in the house), "Wh...wh...whaaaaat? Whhhhhhhyyyyyyyy? Noooooooooo!" I said, "you're traveling this week right?" Miraculously, he stopped caring, when he knew he wouldn't have to live with the mid-construction period.

So off to Lowes to get the supplies.

- 1 1/2 primed MDF

- 3 1/4 primed MDF

- SemiGloss White Paint (I was running out, usually I have this)

-12 inch simple shelf

Already had-

-Shoe cubbys I was repurposing

-Level

-Painters tape 

-measuring tape

-finishing nails (for trim)

- (2) 2X4s for the base of cubbys

Ok, let's get started.

The top row is the 3 inch MDF, I stuck it up there, leveled it, and nailed it on. For the Battens measure, cut, measure again, level, measure again, and level again, then tape the crap out of your boards to get them to stay on the wall.

Now start driving those nails in! And if you have an air nailer, first of all I'm jealous, and secondly, you could totally do this during nap time. The pounding was NOT happening during the only bit of sanity I get throughout the day.

(P.S.-I've seen a lot of people use liquid nails for this, I didn't have any, but wasn't sure I wanted something too permanent since we aren't staying in this house forever and for some reason I'm already thinking about the next people who live here ripping this out and making fun of me behind my back...I need help.)

                                          

Next step is painting. I love painting, but I totally HATE the cleanup!

Doesn't it look all pottery barn-ish already!?

Ok the next step looks time consuming but it's really not. I had these cubbys in there before and didn't want to have to make or buy new ones. I had three all together and only needed two. So I took apart one and borrowed some boards to make these full "boxed" cubbys.

I had some extra base board left in my garage from another project, so I glued and nailed it onto one of the 2X4s. Then I took the (2) 2X4s and cut them to size, laid them on end on the floor and put wood glue on the top of them. I simply set my cubbys on top, positioned them and laid some other (sort of heavy) boards on top. This (I hope) will prevent them from "rocking" when my kids climb all over it. Cause that will happen. Trust me.

The hole in the center there, I'm not really sure what to do. I thought of an umbrella holder, and case it in at the front, but now I'm thinking of just boxing it in with extra wood. Hmm, the possibilities are endless... :)

So here is my almost finished project. All I have left is to add the hooks for coats and start loading it up with all my shoes! (I guess the families shoes can go there too...if there's room)

Now, sit back, enjoy your work and sip some vino!

At his point, you're probably wondering, "Cleo, how on earth do you have time to do all this stuff AND raise three beautiful, well rounded, uber-intellengent children!?" (you were thinking that right?

Well, I have to admit my oldest had a little "run in" with one of the cubbys while I was busy working. So it might be a sign that I absolutely don't need to accomplish a project in 24 hours.

Email me if you have questions! thehumanengineer(at)gmail(dot)com

Happy Building!

{Manic Mondays}

Do I love my kids?
yes.
Would I jump in front of a bus for them?
totally. 
would I donate my entire body and organs (even though it's old and gelatinous) to them?
no question.

Then, why, may I ask, do I want to smack the crap out of them every time I'm eating something and they ask for a bite!?
All I want is one whole meal. To myself. That's it. Is it too much to ask to pop up that bagel from the toaster and eat it in all of it's buttery glory down to the very last nibble!? I think not! Get your grubby little hands away from my food! This is mine. It has way more carbs than you are supposed to eat in a lifetime! Eat your effin healthy well balanced meal that I slaved over (before I made my own breakfast, mind you)!!
And another thing! Can I just drink my coffee in peace?! It's taken me 4 days to get through this 10 page Bed Bath and Beyond weekly circular because you keep interrupting me!!! 10 minutes! I know you can do it! All I want is 10 effing minutes.

Crap, I just spent it writing this. Well, guess it looks like another "soggy waffle scraps with some backwashed yogurt" morning for me. MMmmm. iHOP should really copy my menu.

"I Cannot Live Without My Books" -Thomas Jefferson

The other day I hopped over to Frugal Home Designs and saw THIS, I knew this would solve my book issue too! Thank you so much Fawn!!

It was so easy to pick a book last night and we put it right away when we were finished! I even caught my daughter lying in bed this morning reading by herself! She's 2! I love these! So much better than a case where you can only see the bindings.

For my next project, I think I'll try THIS

Happy Building!

Survey Says

I not only should have taken this myself, but I know a few others who definitely should have...

Decorating Ideas {on the cheap}

One of my favorite jobs was at Pier One Imports. I worked the early morning shift and always arrived when the stock truck showed up. Pulling broken pieces of the truck was the most exciting moment, you never knew what would be inside!
One morning, a box of broken glassware came in, and to the others at the store, it was the usual "write up a damaged ticket and throw it away" but to me, it was "OH! Treasure!"
Before I had kids who either broke my artsy décor or hurt themselves on it, I always found unique uses for things that would otherwise end up in the trash. I took home a few of the wine glasses I had picked and decided to create a little focal point in our cheapy rinky dinky apartment.
I ended up with the most complimented pieces of décor in my home. I loved this display, everyone always mentioned how unique it was, and I'm almost mad at myself for being too responsible to throw it out when we had a baby.
I hope it inspires you to take a second look at that so called "piece of garbage"!
Happy Decorating!

A68C8DXZCX8F

Craft Crap Out

So, I said we were into crafts... when will we prove it, right?

Here is what I was working on today--before my sewing machine crapped out!!!

Which really blows because I only have limited time to sew between naps and whatnot... the kids naps.. not mine.

The fabric.

The almost finished project.

The machine malfunction!!

Grr... now I know there is a tension problem... I have to finally admit it and take it in for repair. I have attempted everything in my toolbelt of sewing machine repair.

Oh well. I have a machine on loan starting tomorrow. Maybe this will be a great excuse for me to get a new machine... DH???

Unacceptable!

Things are different these days. Maybe. Or maybe my parents just had standards. (My, OH, my, how you view your parents differently as you get older!!!)

Look at this picture:



Okay, the back story. A few days ago (or whenever... I have NO concept of time), we put this bedframe out by the trash (to, um, you know... THROW OUT!). It was leaning up against the garage (on its' side--with the legs sticking out--you see?).

Okay. Yesterday it was sitting in its' current location covered in the hay (which you see in the box). Oh, and the empty box was setting exactly where it is now. Important note to story: this is not our hay. Nor do we have ANY idea where the hay came from.

So... yesterday afternoon, I see a bunch of neighborhood boys (who are known to play in that area) cutting through the house and the garage (don't get me started on that!!)... so I ask them who did that?

Me: "hey guys, who made this mess?"
Kid #1: "it was my friend, he's not here"
kid #2 (simultaneously): "it was Scapegoat"
me: "okay, tell Scapegoat he better get back here and clean it up"
kids: "okay"

So... today. Kid #2's Mom was talking to me over the fence in that same area. I point to the mess and say "do you know Scapegoat? Kid #2 said Scapegoat did this". She says she will talk to kid #2 and find out.

Not much later Scapegoat's mom comes over. I show her the mess. She says "so you just want it cleaned up?" I say "yes."

And there you have it. This (above picture) is how Scapegoat cleaned it up.

Are you FRIGGEN kidding me? Did I mention the hay does not belong to us? Did I mention how the frame was previously leaning up against the garage?

Yeah, thought so.

Let me tell you how this would have played out in my house. My scared little ass would have been hauled down (by the ear) to the neighbors' house. I would have had to knock on the door, apologize to the neighbor, and clean it up while listening to my mom talk about what a worthless little shit I am.

It's a shame parents don't have the same kind of love for their kids today.

(Now to be fair--this never would have actually happened to me, because I was perfect... but I can totally see it happening to my brothers)

*as a side note/question: the bike that you can see in the background, the one leaning up against the other garage... go ahead and go back to the picture, I'll wait... um, yeah, that bike... it belongs to Scapegoat... would it be completely wrong of me to take that as collateral until this mess is cleaned up?

The Martyr, the choking child, and the link.

Okay, so I just finished "The Stay at Home Martyr" (Joanne Kimes & Jennifer Worley).****

Fortunately, I am not so far gone that I need a 12 step program or anything like that. (If you are a currently a mom, reading this blog, you need to get a copy of this book!)

For example, I completely follow the "don't clean the house because kids are healthier in the long run because of it" theory. In fact, I think my family invented that theory!

But I do need some help. I admit that nobody will ever watch my kids as closely as I will (including DH). So, I decided to make some changes.

Today, after our unscheduled walk and trip to the park (so the kids don't get to used to a real schedule), I threw some snacks on the floor (so the kids are allowed to have some creativity in mealtimes) and found something else to do (so the kids can make their own mistakes without me eagle-eying every move).

At some point, my DS (who is almost 2) started choking. Now, being that I was actually not paying attention, although I was in the same room, I was hoping as I hopped out of the recliner and carelessly threw DD (who is 7 months) on the floor that he was choking on the goldfish crackers that he was snacking on!

He, in fact, was. Whew!

So, I gave him the ever popular (cure all) "spank the back" method of anti-choking. He coughed, gagged, I swept his mouth with my finger, caught a goldfish, he gagged some more (from my finger down his throat), then he started crying.

And then he put more goldfish in his mouth.

Problem solved.

But this brought me to a distant memory of a blog I used to read and hilarious posting about games for one year olds. "Mom-101: Too young for Chutes & Latters, too old to just sit while you drink" One of her games is: Put things in your mouth you can choke on... TOO TRUE!!! Check it out at the above link.

Anyway, after all that, I need a good stiff drink:


ahhh... I guess I need to pay more attention.

****Stay tuned for more of my journey through martyrdom!

Oscars Oscars Oscars

Hmmm, so who won? Literally, Because I couldn't make it until the end of the show. I'll admit, I am interested a little in celebrities. A little. It's a chance for me to live a dramatic life without all the drama. But seriously? The academy awards hit a sore spot for me. It's a bunch of self important people gathering for HOURS to applaud their self important-ness. Sure, I like movies. And yeah, I buy the occasional "soundtrack" when it's catchy, but come on. These people aren't doing anything MEANINGFUL! They get picked to do a movie because they are famous, they get to eat free shit all day while they're making the movie because they are uber-important and in order to get them to stick around, they get paid extremely well, AND still get free shit. AND! They get clothes and jewelry given to them so they can look good while their pictures are being taken and they're receiving awards for the movies they do so they can remain famous.

Meanwhile, in my cluttered home, with my dirty kids, I struggle to think up something for dinner while trying to maintain sanity. And for what? The hope of winning some sort of a mom award?

YES?

Well, in that case, I've prepared my acceptance speech.

Ahem.

"Wow, I had no idea! Wow! Thank you all so much for this opportunity! I have worked 24 hours a day 7 days a week for this dream, and it's finally happening. The sleepless nights, the many loads of laundry, the constant smell of children's vomit and poo in my home has made it all worth while.

I, first, have to thank the academy. The Academy of Mothers who voted. Even though I'm sure you all voted for yourselves, as that is what I did. I want to thank my mother and father, for raising me and giving me the knowledge of what not to do with my own children. The mail carrier who brings me that ounce of peace every day when I get a mini-vaca to the mailbox. I want to thank all the people that haven't given me scowls when I drag my children screaming through public places. Thank you to the pediatricians for keeping my babies alive, the garbage men for taking the dirty diapers away, and the 911 operator for understanding that my children play with the phone a little too much. I especially want to thank the pharmacist for continuing to refill my medication, without you, this would not have been possible!

And lastly, *if I'm not played off by this point*, I'd like to thank my husband for having sex with me those three times that were for pure mission accomplishment and not enjoyment purposes. Thank you so much!"

I think that would do. Now where's the after party?

Meals for a (Half-)Martyr

Hi, my name is Isis, and I'm a Stay at Home Martyr.

Except when it comes to feeding my child. I don't really go all out... organic, homemade, lower sugar, blah, blah, blah...

However, my child always eats better than me....

I will exemplify this by sharing with you my menu for the day:

DS (almost 2):
cereal bar, OJ
eggo waffle, OJ
goldfish crackers
peanut butter sandwich, mandarin oranges, milk
more goldfish, water
macaroni & cheese, corn, milk

Me, (almost 35):
tea with a crap load of REAL sugar and a bit of milk
Totinos pizza rolls with a ton of ketchup
(I might have had some water)
handfuls of goldfish crackers
Uncle Ben's rice in a bag and chocolate milk (after kids go to bed)

It is SHOCKING to me that I:
complain about being a FAT ASS-- (seriously... Totinos pizza rolls--COME ON!!)
have ANY energy to play with kids at all
wonder my skin/hair/nails look like I live in the sahara desert

*note: we usually only eat like this on nights that DH will not be home. On those nights, swap out macaroni and cheese for something delicious, like frozen pizza. Or Hamburger Helper.

Isis

Weekend Weather

Well, we finally had some nice weather. Beautiful, sunny weather. We had to get out for the day. So, you know what we did, we went and walked around a store. Why? I don't really know. It seemed like an ok thing to do with 3 children just before nap time. I mean doesn't that scream fun to you?

Kids and stores don't really mix for me. I'm torn. I really would love to be the mother that can take all three kids grocery shopping only to have them follow me like little ducklings and quietly observe others through each aisle. And I'm not fantasizing, either. These people exist. I see them all the time and can't help but think they might just spend the 30 minutes leading up to the trip beating their children into submission and threatening to kill puppies if they are out of line, because that is what it would take for my kids to behave. Oh, who am I kidding, they would still act up. But on the other hand, I also appreciate the fact that my children are annoying. To everyone. (Besides when they are with a sitter, then they "were perfect angels", but this is of course before they get paid so maybe...)

I almost think I'm doing a disservice to them by setting this unattainable goal of being good in the store only to yell at them and threaten every step of the way. It's like setting them up for failure. SO where is the line? Is it a certain age? A certain store? A certain time of day? Do the planets have to be aligned?

Maybe your feedback will help. Maybe I'm missing the big picture. Or maybe I'm crazy for thinking my rugrats will ever be appropriate enough for public places.

Cutest Shoes Ever!

Check out Allison's blog over at Cluck Cluck Sew. You'll find several great tutorials along with some fabulous quilts she's made!
These shoes are just darling, and I'm especially fond of the little chihuahua! Oh My!!

This Too Shall Pass- OK Go

Awesome Video!!! Get the kids!

Crafts and Kids

If you're looking for someway to do crafts without feeling guilty about plopping your kids in front of the tv in order to complete them, try this!!!

I had DS#1 (4yrs) draw a picture of his favorite robot. He made a very good drawing! I was actually proud! (Ok, I'm always proud!)

Then I cut all the fabric out from flannel pieces (scraps). I picked some colors since I didn't have ALL PURPLE. (He's still learning that you can use different crayons to make one picture.)

I used fusible webbing for the different colored applique pieces and then stitched around them.

I pinned the thing together, sewed, and top stitched and attached some eyes (he picked out the buttons he wanted) and a mouth and we have a one of a kind personalized robot stuffed animal! I'd take a picture of it now, but he's playing with it in his room quietly, and I am NOT disturbing that!

ENJOY!

-Cleo

Spring into Cleaning

It's the first nice day we've had in a while and the kids have been dying to get outside and play so I took this opportunity to clean the house! Everything looks like I don't have children!! Vacuumed! Scrubbed! Walls wiped down! (btw, the amount of nastiness I cleaned off the walls! OMG! to quote comedian Louie C.K.- "these are not good people we are dealing with here.")

But it almost looks like I could have company!!! QUICK! Hurry! Come over before they come inside for lunch!!!!

P.S. Should I feel bad about considering a camp out tonight...just for the kids?! The little one can't open doors yet, and if I cuff the older ones hands, they wouldn't be able to mess up this beauty!!!

well, until next time (and I'm sure my house won't ever be this clean)

-Cleo

Is it bedtime already?

Note the sarcasm.

The weather is getting better, but still not really warm enough to take the little ones outside.

Plus, I can think of any excuse to not get dressed. Or not get off the couch.

For those of you who don't know (and since readership is exactly 2--everyone knows), my DH (damn, oops, I mean darling husband) works very long hours. He is rarely home before the kids go to bed. That makes for long days!!

I am confident I am losing my mind:

Tonight, I think it took me about 13 minutes to realize I was still watching Dora (and watching it interactively--if only in my head. Backpack, backpack.) after the kids were down.

That, my friend(s) is a sure sign of insanity.

Adios,
-Isis

Modern Medicine

I am really shocked. I just got home from the doctor's and I can not believe the treatment I got.

I know, you're thinking, "ugh, what did they do now?!", but you're wrong.

I just got the most thorough "walk in cause I'm feeling lousy" check up I've ever received. EVER.

With past doctors, I have been treated like a hypochondriac over the phone, waited for AT LEAST 20 minutes past appointment time, only to get into the room to wait longer. Then finally gotten told that, "yeah, people get sick, you're fine". No tests. No blood work. Not even a little empathy. And don't even talk to me about how frustrating it is with kids. You have to try to act concerned enough to bring them in but not so worried that you look like you have that crazy disease where you think your kid's dying every other day!

Now, normally, I never go to the doctor, unless it's painfully obvious I can't kick it on my own. I have been feeling pretty lousy for the last few days though, coughing, sneezing, sinus pressure, and hacking up things I don't wish to share with you. With 3 kids and a DH that travels a lot, I can not afford to get sick. I've had Pneumonia before and DID NOT want it again!!! I called the Dr this morning after I nearly passed out during my weights (not cardio) class. They got me in today. (which right there, could have been my awesome blogpost, but it gets better!)

After 2 chest X-Rays, 2 Sinus X-Rays, a swab for Flu, a swab for Strep, blood work for Mono, and breathing treatment for asthma, they decided I don't have Pneumonia, but just to be safe they gave me a killer shot in the butt, and another one in the thigh, and wrote me up a script for an antibiotic and 2 allergy meds.

Wow.

I love civilian medicine.

-cleo

Welcome

I've decided, as did my PIC (partner in crime), that there must be more to life than cleaning the DH's piss off the toilet, the kid's piss off their skin, and the dog's piss off the carpet. I just hope I figure out that answer before someone admits me to the ward. This will be our outlet where our MIL's can't shoot us those awful guilt-filled looks through cyber-world that try and make us feel as though we are failing as mothers. There are certain all things about being a SAHM that are funnier scarier than a late-night at def comedy jam. After all, if you can't laugh at yourself, what's the point?

My name here will be "Cleo", as in Cleopatra, the most beautiful woman in all the land. "Mother of three, Cleopatra is often put forward as a great beauty and her successive conquests of the world's most powerful men are taken to be proof of her aesthetic and sexual appeal."

Amazing how much I resemble her! :)

So pull up a chair and stay a while.

Here we are...

This is it. This is us.

We are two work at home moms. Between us we have 2 husbands, 5 kids, 3 dogs. You figure out the division!

We love our kids. We love our husbands. (and our dogs, of course) But let's be honest, at the end of the day, there has to be more to life. Our mission is to find out what that is!! We love all crafts! You name it, one of us has done it. We are also self proclaimed crazies...

Join us on our journey through motherhood, wifedom, and all around badass-ness!

I will be known as Isis (all names have been changed to protect the innocent.) Isis was an Egyptian goddess worshiped as the ideal mother and wife as well as the patron of nature and magic. She was the friend of slaves, sinners, artisans, the downtrodden, as well as listening to the prayers of the wealthy, maidens, aristocrats and rulers. I think it fits perfectly.

Until next time...