Whatcha Reading?

I'm looking for my next good read so I thought I would turn to the 3 of you that follow this sorry-excuse-for-a-blog to see what's on your bookshelves these days.  I'm trying to read 15 books for pleasure this year.  I know it sounds like child's play to some of you that read non-stop.  Oh, there was a day when I always had a good book in hand.  Don't get me wrong, I'm always reading now.  But usually it's required reading for work - research on retention, powerful instructional strategies, continuous improvement, motivating the unmotivated, etc.  So I'm trying to work in 15 books for my own reading pleasure.  Here's my list so far:

Lovely Bones was a great book.  Movie, not so much.

Don't judge me.  I love biographies.  Open (Andre Agassi) is on my list to read, too.

I'm reading Raising Cain and Nuture Shock right now.  While I'm a huge fan of a good trashy novel, I do love me some non-fiction, self/family improvement.  If you're raising a boy, I highly recommend Raising Cain.  Thanks to Cara for recommending Nuture Shock.  So far so good!  Nuture Shock covers a wide range of topics like praising your kids (and why you might be hurting them - yeah that was a teaser), talking about race, teen rebellion, etc.

So now I want to know, what are YOU reading? 

P.S. - this requires you leaving a comment. HINT HINT!!

Sydney's is SIX

It's so hard to believe Sydney is 6.  Actually, it's hard to believe Sydney's not 13.  For those of you that don't know (or like to forget), my Syd is full of sass.  Sometimes I just can't believe what rolls out of her mouth.  A few weeks ago she was sick so I emailed her teacher to let her know she would be out.  She emailed back with "I hope she feels better.  We will miss her.  She always has an interesting story to share each morning."  OH GREAT! What does that mean?  Anyway, Sydney is 6 now which has been a little bit disappointing for Sydney because she thought 6 came with lots of new privileges or rights.  So now she says, "well, when I'm 7 I'm going to... (insert ridiculous idea).  We had 2 friends over for a little celebration then family over later for pizza and fun.  Finally, on Sunday I had to tell the princess her birthday was officially over because I couldn't take one more "well, since it's my birthday we are going to (insert ridiculous idea)".  Happy Birthday, Sydney!

Catch Up

My attempt at keeping my blog up to date, interesting, and exciting has officially failed.  So here are a few pictures of recent activities - Sam turned 3 at the end of January.  We are snowed in today.  Just enjoying a day away from school, work, and the stress of it all.  Today is Sydney's birthday so we are prepping for a few friends to come over tomorrow then a family celebration tomorrow evening.  I'm not sure if I've ever mentioned what a bad birthday mom I am.  I'm sure you've figured that out.  I don't do massive parties and tons of kids (did I mention I work with 600 kids everyday?) in my house.  I think it's really the other moms that stress me out.  I would never attempt to enter the "World's Most Fabulous Mom" contest by way of best birthday party ever.  But my two munchkins have never complained of a lame party yet.  So until they have an opinion on the matter, low key is the way we roll around here. 

                                           Charley and Sam

I do make homemade cupcakes.

Happy Birthday, Sam!

Snow Day!

Do Want Your Milk in a Bag?

This question gets me everytime.  Do you want your milk in a bag?  I actually don't care.  Either way is fine with me.  I guess there are people who feel strongly one way or another.  And I guess it's obvious that I haven't made the switch to those reusable bags you bring in to the store.  I consider the other ones reusable since I resuse all of them so I don't feel all that guilty for not bringing my own bags.  If you have a kid that still poops his pull-up, then those little white Walmart sacks are just as important as the groceries you buy to put in them.  So, I want to know:  bag or no bag for the milk?

Cadillac Style

That's how I roll now... cadillac style.  Yes, in my new (to me) Cadillac.  I haven't posted about it yet because it took me all week to come to terms with driving a Caddy.  I having a birthday this month that I'm struggling with so driving an old lady car just didn't sit right with me.  If you know my hubby, you know he's not the overindulger, spur of the moment buyer (he's a financial advisor for cryin' out loud).  So when he called to say he was probably buying a car I almost choked.  Long story short, it really was a steal.  And since our 2000 Accord is still going strong but starting to show her age (as evidenced by the dome light/sunglass holder console falling out of the ceiling) it was really too good of a deal to pass up.  Go ahead, you can make fun of me now.  Heck, I would make fun of me too. 

Not much else is going on these days.  I had to post something to keep my 4 readers reading this literary masterpiece.  Sydney started gymnastics this week.  She was super excited and had a great time. 
P.S. Bela Karolyi won't be calling anytime soon.

One Very Merry Christmas

We had a very Merry Christmas at our house if I do say so myself.  I'm still wondering why all these years Texans have been wishing for a white Christmas.  I sure hope it's another 80 years before we see one again.  What a mess!  It derailed a few holiday traditions for many.  So once every 80 years is enough for me. 

Christmas was SUPER fun at our house this year.  Sydney finally told us what was on her list for Santa.  When asked her response was, "You'll see...".  She finally let me know that they mailed a letter to Santa at school.  Numero uno on the list:  an iphone.  Luckily, she was okay with Santa having a strict rule about how old you have to be to get a cell phone.  And it is way older than 5 (and a half).  Sam just wanted presents.  What kind?  Toys.  Easy.  Done.

Making reindeer food

View from our front door.  Yucky mess!

I hope everyone had a WONDERFUL holiday!!

Hello...Anyone There?

I have fallen off the face of the blogger world.  I know, I suck!  But I'm considering starting this bad boy up again.  But I really need to know that someone other than my mother might read this (no offense Mom, but I talk to you everyday).  I could probably sum up the last few months in less than 10 words:
school, work, loose teeth, bonked heads, busy... you get it.  GOOD, now we are all caught up.

Another side to this sad tale is that not only have I not been blogging, but I haven't been reading blogs either. But over the last 2 days I've popped in and out seeing what's new with my blogger buds. 

I'm back!  Not by popular demand, but yes back.