I did it!

Yes... I survived baking and decorating Googie's cake for her birthday party. It was a lot of work and at the end, I had to rush things to make it to her party site on time. I don't think it came out too bad, all things considered.

This was the inspiration cake, featured in Woman's Day magazine earlier this summer.

And this is how my version turned out. Obviously, I'm not a "food" photographer. I didn't have studio lighting, etc. Oh... and I'm not a professional cake artist.

Googie seemed to really like it. And I got lots of comments and compliments from the parents at the party. Even the "party attendant" at the party site asked where I bought the cake. He was surprised when he found out I made it myself.

Googie's reaction after she enjoyed some cake.

Yeah, it was worth it!

Going Out of My Mind

That has to be it. That is the explanation for the adventure I'm about to embark upon.

You see, Googie turns 2 years old this weekend. I've decided, under some kind of drug-induced stupor, surely, I will make her birthday cake. And I have no one to blame but myself for this decision. It's not like Googie made the request. Nope.

I saw this...

And decided my daughter MUST have it for her 2nd birthday cake. (Cake from Woman's Day Magazine, Tropical Cake)

I'll pause now so you can finish laughing.

.

.

.

.

.

Done yet? No??? Ok, carry on.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Surely you are done now, right? Seriously?

.

.

.

.

.

.

Ok. Who told you about my lack of artistry at cake decorating? Yes, there was that cockcake debacle. (Oh yeah, I haven't written about it... YET... Ok. I will.)

Anyhoo... so, I'm making this cake for Googie, along with a dozen or so cupcakes.

I'm nervous. REALLY nervous.

If I'm successful, I'll gleefully post photos of my confection creation.

If I'm not, I'll be sending The Hub up to Wal-Mart for a quickie cake.

I have until Thursday afternoon. We'll see what happens!

New Business Venture... or Glutton for Punishment???

So, evidently my 2 under 2, working outside of the home (and overnights to boot) and just life in general aren't enough to consume my time.

Oh, no! Sleeping an average of 4 hours a day must be too much for me. Cause I've decided, after much prodding from friends and family, to take the first steps toward a part time gig. I'm going to start offering my photography services to people. It's an idea I've thrown around before.

I've even slowly started setting up a little page for my new biz (though technically, it's not a REAL business... I mean, no business license, etc.).

You can check it out here. http://photographsandmemoriesbyjen.blogspot.com/ I'd love to see what you think!

EDIT TO ADD... Ok, so NO ONE was gonna tell me I actually wrote "consume my TEAM" in the first paragraph, instead of consume my "TIME". ROTFLMAO I'm a doofus.

Sunday Sprinkler Fun

What's better on a hot, sunny afternoon than a nice cool soak in the sprinkler?

Googie had a blast enjoying the cool water.

It WAS a little cold, which prompted some pretty funny looking faces.

She loved running in and out of the spray of water...

And cheesing for the camera.

Soupy didn't play in the sprinkler. He was chilling in his bouncy seat in the shade on the patio.

He did get hit with a little of the mist from the sprinkler. He didn't like that much.

Hence the serious look!

My budding artiste

The world may be a canvas, but for now, Googie is practicing her art on....

Herself.

She how proud she is? She did this a few weeks ago, after I left for work. The Hub realized she was quiet... too quiet... and went to investigate. She was on her bed with an ink pen she found.



She even drew on the bottom of her foot (Good gracious it's a dirty foot, too!)!

Seriously. Look at those legs! Look at that technique! The expression in the pen strokes! Ignore the bruised toenail. It's fine now, I promise!

But Googie doesn't just express herself on herself. Oh no. She likes to experiment on other canvasses.

Like the carousel rocking horse I found for her. Admittedly, the rocking horse needs a paint job... but somehow I don't think Crayola's wax medium is the right look.

I don't want to stifle her creativity, though. I'll just have to keep a close eye on her, before she decides to practice on Soupy.

Just.Can't.Do.It.

I have a to do list the length of my leg. But I just can't move.

I am battling a wicked cold and Soupy is trying to get over a wicked stomach virus. The Hub and Googie have a mild case of it.

I'm going to bed. Maybe I'll return to the Land of the Living sometime Wednesday.

Ego Booster... sort of?

So Googie is learning new words everyday. She's mastered several phrases, but her latest one... well, you'll see.

I was sitting on the bed the other night wearing a tank top sans bra. I was surfing the web on my laptop and she was bouncing around the bed like a little freak. She decided to sit behind me and fling her arms over my shoulders, in a reverse hug.

So, there we sit, Googie hanging over my shoulder as I read blogs. Evidently my tank top caught her eye. Cause she made a move for it, pulling it down to reveal my quite ample chest.

Googie: "Mommy! Boobies!"

Me: "Yes baby, Mommy's boobies."

Googie: "Boobies! HOT Boobies!"

At least someone noticed?!?!?!?! LOL

Random, Early Morning Thoughts

#1. Why did I take this shift change? I'm miserable. I'm always tired. I never see my friends anymore. Heck, I never see The Hub anymore. I DO get to see my kids, and for that I'm thankful. I guess I have to keep reminding myself I'm doing it for them.

#2. Why is one of my managers an asshat? Seriously. I got called out for something I admit I was doing. I don't resent that. I resent the very obvious double-standard that is now in play. I resent the "tone" of the call out. I resent what I feel is the insinuation that I'm a lazy producer. I'm not. I've been here for almost 7 years. I'm a damn good employee. This person has been here for 2 months.

#3. I'm worried people here think my shift change is a demotion. It wasn't. At least, I don't think it was. Do you get demoted but still get a big pay increase? Seriously, from prime time producer to overnight producer? Sometimes I think it was a demotion. It makes me sad. And depressed. And resentful. Which takes us back to #1 and then #2.

#4. I wish May sweeps was already over. Yes, it just started last week. I don't care. I'm over it.

#5. I need a vacation from this place. The events of the last 4 days have put me in a horribly negative mood (see #2). I hate feeling this way. I hate it even more when I take out my negativity on my family, specifically The Hub. He doesn't deserve it.

#6. Why do I have to tell someone what I want for Mother's Day? Why is there seemingly no advance thought put into it? Seriously. I don't mind making suggestions. But don't act shocked to learn it's coming this weekend. It's been on the calendar since the day you bought the darn thing for me for Christmas. It's not like I "penciled" it in.

#7. I'm glad my friend Mel has decided to get back in the blogging game. I miss her. Meeting her once a week for breakfast at Chik-Fil-A is not doing it for me. I want more attention. Yes, I'm a needy bitch that way.

#8. Soupy is growing like a weed. Seriously. He is the chunkiest monkey I know.

Worship his Chunky Monkey-ness. You know you want to! And who can resist that smile? No one, that's who!

#9. Soupy may not be the Chunkiest Monkey I've known. I think Googie may have that title under her belt. Check out her pic at 3 months old back in October '05.

#10. I love my babies!

Say Wha? Wednesday

For your viewing pleasure, an animated short so stupid, it's funny. At least to me.

Laptop Lamentations

Oh woe is me!

It appears the power cord for my beloved laptop has gone kaput. So, my posting will be even more sporadic than normal. The Hub doesn't like to share his computer sometimes and I don't return to work until Sunday night.

Fingers crossed I can find a replacement quickly!

Say Wha? Wednesday

Because everybody needs a good laugh now and then, I bring you "The Mysterious Ticking Noise" by the Potter Puppet Pals via YouTube.

I'll never be able to read another Harry Potter book without singing this in my head.

Living My Dream

This week's Carnival topic from the CHBMs, “What’s your dream job? (Other than Motherhood)”.


You know, when I first read this topic, I thought it would be easy. Turns out, not so much, for me at least. I've thought about this for the better part of two days. It's not that I have never thought of something that could be classified as my "dream job". I have, check out my "through the years" list...

Elementary School
Secretary
Jockey
Veterinarian

Middle School Years
Astronaut
Lawyer
Bartender

High School Years
High School Band Director
Professional Flag Twirler
Professional Musician (flute/piccolo)

College Years
International Businesswoman
Director (television)
International Field Producer

Post-College Years
PR Director for hockey team
Special Projects Producer
Teacher

That's an interesting list, to be sure.... but now, I look at all of those jobs and wonder how I could have ever thought of them as dream jobs. They can't even compare with what I do now.

I get up every day, sometimes quite tired, but looking forward to what lies ahead. On the job I heal, nurture, teach, love and observe. Then, I actually leave and go to "work".

Though I never knew it before July 2005, being a mother is my dream job. I realize I'm not really following the Carnival question. But I'm being honest. I couldn't and wouldn't trade my "job" as a Mom for anything.

Sure, being a tv news producer can be exciting, but it can't be compared to being a Mom.

What's better...

Getting the big story of the day on the air flawlessly or lifting Googie into the air, inspiring her fits of giggles and adorable grins and making silly faces at Soupy until he grins and coos at me, laughing that adorable baby laugh?

Counting down the anchors to hit a perfect live interview with a network correspondent or sitting with Googie and Soupy counting down to the newest episode of "The Backyardigans"?

Being the first station on the air with a "breaking news story" or being the first person Googie or Soupy see when they wake up from a nap?

Sure, I have to deal with poopie diapers at home. And when I go to work, there's rarely a day when I'm not up to my waist in some newsroom "bullshit". I don't mind cleaning up after my kids. One day they will be potty trained. The other adults I work with, not so much.

Being a news producer isn't bad, I've done it for more than a decade. When it comes to bringing home a "paycheck", there's nothing else I can imagine myself doing right now.

But when it comes to my dream job... you can't beat being Mom. Sure there are really long hours, no vacation time or sick time.... but the benefits are amazing.

Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs in my field, since the payment is pure love. ~Mildred B. Vermont

So... Crow Was Kidding

Or was she?

Either way, the Great Toilet Paper Rationing Scare is over.

No more fear of not Having A Square To Spare... Feel free to grab a few more squares on your next trip to the loo!

Abracadabra!

Jennifer, my playgroupie pal's Ballsy post this morning made me think of a newfound "beauty" product.



Magic Powder. It's like magic... sort of...

Well, magic that smells a little nasty... and burns a little, if you aren't careful.


For those of you that don't know, Magic Powder is a depilatory designed for African-American men to use instead of shaving. It helps stop razor bumps. But it also works on other body parts... if you are CAREFUL.



I first learned of Magic Powder from an internet debate board (well, the chit chat part of said debate board...). Some of the young women on the board suggested using the product on their... ahem... LadyGarden.



So I decided to try it.



First, let me tell you, foul does not even begin to describe just how terrible this stuff smells. It's bad. For some, the smell is enough to convince them to abandon the Powderiffic LadyGarden-tending. But you must push past the smell. It does not linger once you are finished.



Basically, you mix the Magic Powder with ordinary tap water, to form a paste. Then you rub the Magic Powder paste on the area you would like to render hairless. Follow the directions on the length of time the powder should remain on your body... but do not leave it on for longer than advised.



I mean it. Don't do it. Don't think you have let your LadyGarden get too overgrown so you need some extra work done.



Trust me. You don't.


I speak from experience here, ladies. Absorb the LadyGarden-tending via Magic Powder wisdom I am imparting to you. It will save you a world of hurt.

Now, the directions say to use a spatula to scrape away the paste. You can do that, if you want. I will NEVAH.EVAH. do that again. Let's just say, I lost a little more than some unwanted hair in the process. I paid for my mistake with pain for several days. One of the members of the debate board advised using one of those pouffy shower loofah thingie-ma-bobs.


They look like that.



The hair just rinses away. Abracadabra! Hocus Pocus! Walla Walla Washington! Newport News!

You'll enjoy a nice smooth area for a few days. And when your LadyGarden begins to remerge, you'll notice it's softer, smoother, nicer. No ugly razor burn. No ingrown hairs.


But remember, be careful with any spatula-like implement. You'll thank me later.

40+ Year Old Children

"From the nursery to the newsroom, I'm used to dealing with lots of whining."

Why can't adults act like adults? Why do I have to hold someone's hand to get them to do their job?

Why?

WHY?

WHYYYYYY?

I am so glad I'm only on the job for another hour.

Harumph!

We Interrupt Your Regularly Scheduled Blog....

for this brief public service announcement.

From here forward, the infant formerly known as BB will go by a new nickname. Don't worry, it won't be an unpronounceable syllable a la' Prince, back in the day. We've just struggled here at home with a good nickname for him. The Hub has had his heart set on "Soupy" and if you know our boy's real name, you'll get the connection. Of course, The Hub doesn't get credit for the "witty tie-in" as he stole it from a player on our local minor league hockey team.

So, at least for now, BB or Little Man is now "Soupy".

That is all.

Can You Spare A Square?

Evidently, if you asked Sheryl Crow, she'd say, "I'm sorry, I don't have a square to spare."

And she likely wouldn't have a square to spare, because she thinks we should only use one square per trip to the restroom. Ms. Crow has decided to fight global warming by cracking down on just how much poo paper I use.

"I think we are an industrious enough people that we can make it work with only one square per restroom visit, except, of course, on those pesky occasions where two to three could be required." Sheryl Crow wipes away global warming

To be honest, the one square thing doesn't bother me as much as the two-three square limit for those, as she says, "pesky occasions". I can handle a wet hand... but the other? No way, Jose.

Look, I'm all for fighting global warming. I don't want polar bears to die. I don't want the glaciers to melt. I don't want the human race to die out. But I'm not rationing my 2-ply at this point. AIN'T.GONNA.DO.IT.

Get back to me when you've cracked down on the Hummer-driving, non-recycling, energy-wasting peeps in the world first.... then we'll talk.

Don't Stop The Carnival!

So I think I'm finally starting to get the hang of this blogging thing! I surfed over to the Crazy Hip Blog Mamas site. Their motto: "A little crazy, a lot hip, and ALL mama!" I like it! Crazy is ALWAYS good in my book! Hip? Well, I've got two of them... does that count? And I'm definitely a mama!


So, the Mamas site offers up the Carnival of the Crazy Hip Mamas every Wednesday. This week's installment: Favorite Beauty Secret/Product. Ok, I'll play along. I could always use some tips/tricks/suggestions! I'll even offer up one of my own.

My Favorite Beauty Product would have to be this:

M*A*C's Clear Lipglass

Now, I like a good lip gloss. But this stuff is different. It's gloss, without the tint! You can use it over your favorite lipstick and voilà, instant shine! It's even great to wear by itself. And a little goes a LONG way! I've had my same tube of lipglass for a couple of years!

But get this... it doesn't just come in clear! They offer tinted lipglass too.... with GREAT names: Standing Ovation, Taupe Notch, Shock-o-late, Prrrr!

If no other part of my face is "made up", I can guarantee you, I will have lipstick/gloss or lipglass on. It's just how I am!

So, go... now... pick up a tube of lipglass!

And head over to to CHBM to read some of the other Products/Tips our fellow Mommy bloggers have left! Sign up and leave your own or leave it here in the comment section! I'm always looking for new stuff to try!

The Sounds of Motherhood

As most Moms know, pregnancy occasionally brings uncontrollable flatulence... sometimes REALLY LOUD, uncontrollable flatulence.

Back when I was pregnant with BB, Googie and I were shopping at the FABUless Tarzhay when I felt it. It being the urge to let one hopefully sneak out undetected by my fellow shoppers.

I steered Googie to an uninhabited aisle in the baby section and let it slip. The sound was likely undetectable to any living thing outside of a 1/2 foot radius of my rear.

Well, to anything BUT Googie. Evidently my child has supersonic hearing. That AND the urge to become a town crier.

"Momma! Poo poo!!! Momma!! Poo poo! Stinky Poo poo! Momma P-U!"

Ahhh.. the joys of motherhood!

Oh and for the record... it WAS NOT stinky.

Déjà vu

August 2005
Mom and Googie


April 2007
Mom and BB