Blah!

I'm giving myself some flowers and sharing with any bloggy girls that may need them today. I've had one of those emotional, girly days. Please tell me I'm not the only one that has these! I've been weepy, sad, and tired. And it's not PMS. Too late for that. I just have a lot on my mind. It's a mind that analyzes, over thinks, worries just about 6 days out of 7. Don't think I'm ready for the crazy hospital yet and I know I'll feel better tomorrow, but for now I'm having my own pity party. Anyone care to join me?

Change of plans

It appears that play group will not be blessed by our presence this morning. Mini#2 has some kind of stomach virus. He rarely gets up during the night but at about 10:45 p.m. last night he cried and made his way downstairs to our bedroom. I met him in the hallway and he was covered in yesterday's meals, snacks, drinks, etc. YUCK! "I throwed up in my bed" he cried. Ya think? Poor thing. I got him all changed, noticed he had a fever, administered Motrin and took him back upstairs to his room where Mr. Pink had changed the sheets and pillow. I hate that part (makes me gag!)so am glad Mr. Pink took charge of bed detail! I covered the new sheets with a bath towel and added a bucket beside his bed for extra protection. Luckily, no further incidents during the night (read as: after I put my tired self to bed). However, he woke up at 6:28 a.m. this morning saying he's had enough SHHLEEEP (so funny how he says this word). Anyway I don't want to get any other kids sick at play group, but think he's ok since he got if all off of his chest. Bad joke. Sorry.

Once I get off of this computer it's back to figuring out my new PINK cell phone. Got it yesterday. You may think I wanted a pink phone, but not so much. All I cared was that it was an MP3 player/phone in one. Mr. Pink ASSUMED (how many husbands do this?) that, seeing I was Pink in a Sea of Blue, would want this color. He said "you're always saying you need more pink in your life." Now he listens to me! Oh well, it's not so bad. I'm being ungrateful. It's a Sony Ericsson Walkman something or other. Great sound on the music. We finally have NC numbers after leaving GA 2 years ago! Isn't it wild how a tiny phone controls your life? Why do cell phones have to do so much these days? Text, remind you, organize you, take photos, entertain (music), etc etc. I'm searching for the phone that can pay my bills, bathe the kids, grocery shop and possibly cook dinner. Now that's what I'm talking about.

Tagged

Ok, the tag made it to me. Thanks MomX2. Kidding! I will now intentionally list the 5 songs I enjoy and am embarrassed to admit. I've seen this on other blogs. This is hard. I like a lot of different types of music, but these always make me happy for one reason or another.

1- Copacabana - Barry Manilow. I learned the words to this song back in the 70's when it was on the radio in my mom's VW bug. Loved it! My memorization paid off several times since when I karaoke-ed to this song. Did I just admit this? I didn't even need the screen prompter thingy! Funny thing is I don't even like Barry Manilow that much!

2- Fast Love- George Michael. George had it going on in the early 90's and I always liked this song. Some of you may not even remember it. In this song he was singing about his friends having ladies, they're all having babies and he just wants to have some fun. He "ain't Mr. Right, but if you're looking for fast love"... he's the one. Love it! And then he came out of the closet...

3- Girl You Know it's True- Milli Vanili. Still love this lip-synching duo/song. Radio stations pounded this song into our heads so many times that you couldn't help but like it. I still like hearing it and visualizing that dance and their dreadlocks in my mind.

4-Drive- Alan Jackson. I admit that I love a country song with a good story. Wait, that's about 99% of country music, but anyway. This goes through Alan Jackson talking about his daddy letting him drive their old boat as a child then gets to his daughter driving their old jeep. Just sweet , catchy, and brings an occasional tear to your eye when you listen to it. It was a toss up between this song or "Chattahoochee" which is another super catchy (FAST!) song that I enjoy singing. I lived and drove over the Chattahoochee River in Atlanta for 10 years. Give me a break!

5- What's that song by Clay Aiken (hey he's from Raleigh you know!) Invincible/Invisible? I like that song. Makes you feel all Broadway/American Idol-ish when you sing it.

If anyone hasn't done this and wants to, go ahead. It wasn't too painful!

Random Post

It's Monday. Went to the pool with mini#2 this morning to get out of the house. After homework is finished, we're going back again so mini#1 can go this time. Getting a little tired of this pool routine, but it's hot and they don't fuss and fight when at the pool!

Here are a few items I wanted to touch on today.

1- Randy Pausch of "The Last Lecture" fame died on Friday of pancreatic cancer. He lived 22 months with this cancer and he, like my mother-in-law, was eligible for the Whipple procedure (surgery). That surgery is only offered to about 15% of those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. This is so sad. I feel for his three children now living without their father and for his wife now without her partner. I can only hope my mother-in-law has this much time or more with her family. She will start 6 months preventative chemo (one day a week for three weeks and then off a week) in September. She plans to do this from her hometown though. It's what she wants to do.

2- On a much lighter note, for those worried about that homework problem I mentioned last week (28, __, __, __, 3), I now have the answer and why we were stumped! The homework sheet was copied and missing a digit! The problem should have been: 28, __, __, __, 32 so answer is clearly 28, 29, 30, 31, 32. DUH! I think we'll survive 2nd grade after all.

3- Mini#1 asks me every day we're at the pool, "Mom, did we bring my gobbles (goggles)?" Cracks me up, but I never correct him. It's too precious.

4- I'm starting the countdown today. 10 days until I leave the minis and Mr. Pink to go frolic at the beach with 10 other mommies for a long girls' weekend. No kids, no worries, no interruptions, no kids' menus, no set bedtimes...you get the idea. Every one of us deserves this. It's our 2nd annual trip and I'm sure it will continue for years to come.

Summery Sangria

Doesn't this look refreshing and yummy? We're having a big backyard cookout tonight at my neighbor's house. About 6 families. I was skimming recipes for appetizers (my contribution) and found this. Will have to try it soon.

SPARKLING SANGRIA

Ingredients
1 cup cherries, pitted and halved

1 cup blueberries

1 cup raspberries

1 cup quartered small strawberries

1/2 cup chopped nectarine (about 1)

1/3 cup brandy

1 cup apricot nectar, chilled

1 (750-milliliter) bottle cava or prosecco, chilled

Combine the first 6 ingredients in a large pitcher, and chill for at least 2 hours. Stir in 1 cup nectar and wine. Serve immediately.

Yield 8 servings (serving size: 1 cup)

Five On Friday

It's been a busy week. We survived play group yesterday at our house. These always run hot or cold meaning sometimes there are a lot of kids and sometimes there aren't. Yesterday I had 12 kids total! That's a lot of noise especially since 9 were boys! But nothing was destroyed and we all had a nice time. Everyone liked the last minute fruit dip I made to go with the strawberries, grapes, and blueberries. It's very simple. Mix a small box of vanilla pudding mix with a small tub of cool whip. Tasty!

Since it's Friday I thought I would share 5 tips I found in Glamour magazine this month.

1- Soak dull diamonds in vodka for serious sparkle.

2- Skip using the bulky ironing board and press collars or hems (cotton only!) with your flatiron.

3- Got scuffed patent leather? Wipe with milk and then buff. It's gentle and leaves a great shine.

4- Remove pesky shoe stickers by blasting with a hair dryer for 30 seconds. Peel away.

5- If your zipper is stuck, rub a pencil on the teeth. Graphite acts as a lubricant on metal.

BREAKING NEWS: Bachelor Matt Grant & Fiancée Shayne Lamas Split

I just read my emails and, of course, I get daily People updates and learned of this news that isn't really shocking to me. Too bad. They were cute together, but I didn't think he would be able to keep up with her.

Have a nice weekend!

Homework?

It's the 3rd week of school (year-round!) and I'm already tired of 2nd grade homework. Mini#1 has a math sheet, a half sheet of misc. work every day and three spelling assignments each week. Whoa! It's July 22 and it just doesn't feel like we should be doing homework! And the sad thing is I couldn't help him with one of the questions yesterday! Can you figure this out?

28, __, __, __, 3 WTH? Are we just dumb at the White house or is this hard for you, too? What is this teaching them? Really!

The good news is that mini#1 wants to do it right away because he knows we don't go to the pool or the library or anywhere else he may want to go until homework is complete (or as complete as we can get it!).

It's been a boring week so far. Yesterday I went to the eye doctor (Opthamologist. See I know some things) and had to take mini#2. You'll notice no post yesterday because he was an angel! He sat quietly in the floor and colored. Amazing! The staff was also amazed and I told them that it was their lucky day. Did I say we were there for two hours? However, Mrs. Pink had her eyes dilated and that's an experience. My eyes were sensitive all afternoon. I even had to slide the "dork" shades they gave me under my sunglasses when we went to the pool. The sunlight felt like a dagger in my eyes! Ouch! Now I know why I've never agreed to let them do that before now.

Today I have been cleaning and organizing the toys in our bonus/play room. Thursday I host play group and I have to give the appearance that I am completely organized all the time. You know how it is. Tomorrow I have to dream up clever snacks that will impress the moms. I think this is the universal train of thought for play groups. Am I right?

Off to the library, if the spelling sentences are finished.

Five on Friday

Happy Weekend! Here are some very random things this Friday evening.



1- Maroon 5, Diana Krall (Live in Paris, of course), The Cure, Joss Stone, Madonna- the five cds I'm shuffling right now. Talk about random!


2- The movie I want to see. Love Colin Firth, Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan.

Looks like a good "chic" flick based on the famous play.





3- The movie I'll be watching by myself after I put mini#2 to bed. Mr. Pink and mini#1 are visiting a naval base in Norfolk, VA with cub scouts. Ahhh, a little peace and quiet for me. Sometimes you need it!



4-




The (French) shoes I would almost give up my firstborn for...just because. Does this make me a bad mother? Every girl needs some Louboutins! Still waiting for mine.

5- The Italian bag I might as well wish for, too (Versace)!

Have a great weekend!

Tasty Thursday

I was craving pasta last night. I'm still being "good" and trying to eat healthy. I have even switched to whole grain pasta in the last six months and don't think it tastes so much like cardboard any longer. Ha! But, last night was an exception. When you crave something (no I'm not pregnant!) you don't care.

So I made one of my favorite Giada De Laurentiis recipes. How does that girl stay so skinny? Anyway, it contains no meat, but it is very filling and even yummier the next day. Once I even gave this dish to a new mom with a salad, bread and dessert and she raved about it every time I bumped into her! Your kids may love this, too. Mine, because they're here to frustrate me, did not. But what's new?

FARFALLE WITH ASPARAGUS AND MUSHROOMS

1 pound dried farfalle (bow-tie)
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 pound cremini mushrooms, trimmed and thickly sliced
1 pound thin asparagus, trimmed and cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces
1 cup mascarpone cheese
pinch of ground nutmeg
3/4 cup toasted walnuts, coarsely chopped (heat in skillet med heat approx 5 min)
freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle and cook, stirring often to
prevent the pasta from sticking together, until tender but still firm to the bite, about 13
minutes. Drain, RESERVING 1 cup of the cooking liquid.

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms
and saute' until they are tender, about 5 mins. Add the asparagus and saute' until it is crisp-
tender, about 5 mins. Stir in the mascarpone and nutmeg. Add the farfalle and toss until the
cheese coats the pasta, adding the reserved cooking liquid 1/4 cup at a time to moisten. Stir in 1/2 cup of the walnuts. Season the pasta to taste with salt and pepper. Mound the pasta in a
large, wide serving bowl. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese and remaining 1/4 cup of walnuts, and serve.

This says it makes 4 main-course servings or 6 first course servings. IT MAKES A TON! I cut the recipe in half most times and still have some left over! This is quick, too. While pasta boils you're cooking the veggies so it really takes about 20 mins with prep work included. Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday..WTH?

Tuesday Trip to the Mall

Mini#2 and I made it to the "good" mall today 10 minutes before it even opened. We window shopped while I was anxious to get on with it. Mini#1 gets home a lot earlier now so we had to hurry! Mini#2, of course, wanted to go into the sports stores, but he got to go to the mommy stores instead. Good sales going on, too. I did nicely and didn't hurt the budget.

I hate taking mini#2 into the dressing rooms with me. He's just about too old for this. How do I know? Because standing in my bra and panties pulling a dress off the hanger he loudly exclaimed, "YOU'RE NAKED!" He even has an opinion now on the clothes I select. "I don't like that one!" Breaking news: Mini#2 just came up to me to say we need to go to the pet store and buy a big dog! And he can build it a dog house and it will lick us and it will be funny! Oh, help us!

The stroller continues to be a battle, too. I'm lucky if he stays in it for half of a shopping trip now. I let him out in dressing rooms and sometimes I'll let him push the purchases around in it if we've seriously surpassed the window of preschoolers tolerating shopping. However, if I had not allowed that, I would not have heard a nice saleslady say "Honey, don't put that in your mouth." I turned just in time to see him pick up his chewed chewing gum off of the carpet and put it into his mouth! Oh, help us! Yes Kate Goselin, my 3 yr old chews gum...after he's eaten the two snacks I thought would be enough for this outing! He liked the lady at J. Crew (again GREAT markdowns for entire family!), but most of the other ladies he encountered he asked them "what are you looking at me that way for?" I tell him over and over NOT to say that and to say, "Hi, what's your name" or something other than the impolite phrases he freely offers! I think I need to purchase a muzzle for him.

The last thing he did (after refastened securely in the stroller) was pull off his flip flops and decided to suck on the end of it! Oh, help us! He's done that before, too! I told him that it's gross, your shoes have been in dirt (and who knows what else) and he still does this sometimes. WHY? I thought that ended with one's and two's! Maybe I took the pacifier away too soon (18 months, thank you very much! I'm proud of that!), but I think it's just God's daily way of testing me with BOYS! Now I'll just take a moment to pray that he did not contract any germy disease today.

Monday Meme

I'm finished with my French posts, but I had to note that today is Bastille Day, the French national holiday. Big, big parties going on today in France and a huge parade down the Champs Elysee in Paris. Wish I was there!

I hope everyone had a nice weekend. We didn't do a lot. We went to the pool for 4 hours on Saturday. That may have been the highlight! Now I have to do laundry, clean house, etc. today. Fun!

I've seen this on several blogs so I'm copying. Feel free to do the same! BTW, the numbers are off or some questions seem to be missing. It's killing me not to re-number correctly, but it would just take too much time! Just wanted you to know I can count.

1. What is in the back seat of your car right now? A car seat, a booster seat, a football and a few McDonald's crappy toys.

2. When was the last time you threw up? About 2 months ago and it involved red wine. I rarely throw up though! Never even had morning sickness!

3. What's your favorite curse word? I rarely curse, but "shit" has been said every now and then.

4. Name 3 people who made you smile today? It's Monday and I'm a little grumpy. The minis made me smile though.

5. What were you doing at 8 am this morning? Starting this post.

6. What were you doing 30 minutes ago? Making mini#1's lunch.

7. What will you be doing 3 hours from now? Laundry

8. Have you ever been to a strip club? Yes, once. A friend wanted to go for her bachelorette party (YEARS ago) so a group of us "strip club virgins" went with her. Fun, but I don't think any of us has ever been again. Once is enough!

9. What is the last thing you said aloud? "OK!" when mini#2 asked for 15th time for breakfast.

10. What is the best ice cream flavor? mint chocolate chip

11. What was the last thing you drank? water

13. What was the last thing you ate? yogurt

14. Have you bought any new clothing items this week? It's only Monday. Give me time. It will happen.

15. When was the last time you ran? Last December I thought I'd try running again. Went twice. Quit.

16. What's the last sporting event you watched? Men's Wimbledon final

18. Who is the last person you emailed? Friend in ATL.

19. Ever go camping? Yes, a long time ago. With 2 boys though, I'm eventually going to have to give in and go. But it will be near outlet stores and I will wear my makeup.

20. Do you have a tan? Yes! I'm covering up though. Don't want any more. All these pool trips...

24. Do you drink your soda from a straw? If a fountain drink.

25. What did your last IM say? don't IM.

26. Are you someone's best friend? Yes.

27. What are you doing tomorrow? Going to the library.

28. Where is your mom right now? At her house.

29. Look to your left, what do you see? Bookcase with lots of framed photos.

30. What color is your watch? stainless steel.

31. What do you think of when you think of Australia ? Real World Australia. Reality TV is my weakness.

32. Would you consider plastic surgery? Botox maybe. Does that count?

33. What is your birthstone? Peridot.

34. Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive thru? Usually drive thru, but we meet friends at our CLEAN Chik Fil-A so kids can play and moms can chat.

35.How many kids do you want? To give away? No, I want 2 and 2 only.

36. Do you have a dog? no, but kids want one!

37. Last person you talked to on the phone? Mr. Pink

38. Have you met anyone famous? Yes.

39. Any plans today? Laundry.

40. How many states have you lived in? 2: NC / GA

41. Ever go to college? yes.

42. Where are you right now? our office

43. Biggest annoyance in your life right now? My closet!

44. Last song listened to? Super Why theme on TV

46. Are you allergic to anything? yes, shrimp!

47. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time? Black Tommy Hilfiger flip flops. So comfortable!

48. Are you jealous of anyone? yes

49. Is anyone jealous of you? not that I know of.

50. What time is it? 8:51 a.m.

52. Do any of your friends have children? yes. most do. I'm old.

53. Do you eat healthy? try to.

54. What do you usually do during the day? pool, park, chores, taxi drive kids around, errands

55. Do you hate anyone right now? no

56. Do you use the word 'hello' daily? I think.

58. How old will you be turning on your next birthday? 38 next month!

59. Have you ever been to Six Flags? yes, lived close to Six Flags in GA.

60. How did you get one of your scars? Laparoscopic surgery.

The Little Sparrow

Today's French subject is music or, specifically, a musician. To me, when I think of Paris I think of the music (accordion?) that is a backdrop to so many films. The tune is usually "La Vie en Rose". I then think of Edith Piaf or affectionately referred to by all as: La Mome Piaf, the little sparrow. She was the beloved French singer and her signature song was "La Vie en Rose". Her life was both fascinating and colorful. She came from humble beginnings and her street performer parents eventually left her to be raised in her paternal grandmother's brothel! She was discovered in a cabaret club and went on to gain great fame while herself discovering another famous French singer, Yves Montand, with whom she was romantically involved. She stood only 4 feet 10 inches (tres petit!) and was loved by her country. Like so many starlets, later in life she battled addiction to morphine after a car accident in the 60's. She eventually died at 47 from cancer in 1963. It is written that her funeral closed the streets of Paris for the first time since WWII. Thousands attended her funeral and she is buried in Pere Lachaise cemetery.

While in Paris I visited her grave on our "map of stars" tour through Pere Lachaise cemetery. Mr. Pink and I witnessed a man placing roses on her grave. He looked to be about the age she would have been had she been alive. He stood there for a very long time. I felt like I was intruding as we hung around nearby. I wanted to ask him if he knew her, but I did not. It remains a mystery and a vivid memory I have kept with me. Later on our trip we found a music store near the Sorbonne (University) and I remember pushing through all the students in search of music by Edith Piaf. We had success (in the back of the store!) and the cd I purchased is still one of favorite reminders of this trip.

Have a good weekend all!

Famous French Cafe'

Continuing with my French-themed posts, today I want to tell you about the cafe' I had to visit while in Paris. Les Deux Magots is a famed literary cafe'. Since 1933 there has been a Deux Magots literary award given to a French novel. Les Deux Magots refers to two Chinese "agents" that are on display in the cafe'. I had learned, prior to visiting, that this was a favorite writing place of Ernest Hemingway and social gathering place for existentialists Jean Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. Pablo Picasso was also a famous patron. So, filled with this information, Mr. Pink and I set off one cloudy morning for this famed cafe' so I could basically say I ate where greatness ate. And there it suddenly was just like in this picture. It occupies a large corner of Place St. Germain des Pres. We sat in the enclosed glass area (it was early March) at a tiny table in cream and black weaved rattan chairs. Tres Francais!I do remember that we enjoyed an expensive breakfast for the few items we ordered. To those outside of my protected bubble, this cafe, I believe, has become known as a "tourist trap". But, I did not care. I happily ate my authentic croissant while imagining Hemingway scribbling ideas in a notebook or Sartre engaging other patrons in intellectual banter and I was inspired. Mr. Pink, not so much... but he didn't count!

French Walk of Fame

Ah, Paris in the Spring. What better time to stroll through one of this city's famous landmarks. The Pere Lachaise cemetery. Cemetery? Yes, you read correctly. This was definitely a must-do on my mile long list the last time I visited Paris. It did not disappoint this French Language and Literature bachelor of arts holder. I felt like a star-dazed tourist looking for footprints at Grauman's Chinese Theater. I had a "map of stars" only my stars were Victor Hugo, Baudelaire, Simone de Beauvoir, La Fontaine, Moliere, Balzac, Marcel Proust, and others I had deeply studied in college. It was an awesome experience to somewhat pay homage to these great French writers. The added highlights were Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, Sarah Bernhardt and The Doors' own Jim Morrison. Jim's grave is tiny and tricky to find, but once you see all the tiny candles you've found it. It's a beautiful cemetery; very tranquil and well kept. Just don't trip over any of the stray cats who also find the cemetery intriguing. Supposedly Pere Lachaise is the most visited cemetery in the world! I'm glad we made this stop on our trip. It was a memorable experience for me.

Murmurs at the Movies

Ok, I think I remember why I dislike (read: hate) those free kids' summer movies. I had not been since last year and decided to take mini#2 to see Charlotte's Web today. There's a scene in the movie where streams of cars drive down a dusty road to go see Charlotte's latest web writing. Well that was also the scene on my way to the theater this morning. Multiplied times 1000 and minus a dusty road. Every packed suburban, mini van, or other SUV from miles away was pulling into the parking lot of this theater. We then had to wait in line for FREE tickets and then wait in another line to hand over said FREE tickets. And I think it's highly possible that every family, excluding mine, has added another child to their family since last summer! Lord have mercy I was exhausted by the time we reached our seats. I'll fore go talking about the concession stand line...but at least I had another mommy watch mini#2 in the theater while I went for popcorn. She only had 3 visible tattoos, and 4 facial piercings so looked safe enough. KIDDING!!! Anyway, mini#2 had some good comments while watching this classic tale of a pig and a spider. So I'll share.

#1- "Mom, there are critters biting my back." First, where did he hear about "critters"? Second, don't even draw my attention to what actually may be on theater seats for us to catch and third, please use your "inside" voice. I think every row 3 front, 3 back heard him.

#2- "Mom, I think I like Coca-Cola. It's jummy!" Being born in Atlanta (birthplace of Coke) he readily recognizes the Coke logo and did so on his pint-sized cup. The only thing is...I got him lemonade- not Coca-Cola!

#3- "Mom, here's another nut" as he handed me one unpopped popcorn kernel after another from his kid's tray. He's called these "nuts" a while. Just something I don't want to correct him on yet.

He's napping now. I think I need one, too! Just realized this is my 100th post! WOW!

French Favorites

This week I thought I may do a few posts on the French "things" I enjoy. I haven't thought too far ahead so this may crash and burn, but we'll see how it goes. Today I thought I would start simple and post on movies I like that have scenes in and around Paris. Paris is truly a magical city so I love seeing it captured in film if I can't be there 365 days of the year. So, here are some of my favorites:






1- French Kiss - Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline. I loved this movie for the scenery, comedy, and its quirky love story. It's an "oldie, but goodie."








2- Amelie - 2001 French film with Audrey Tattou that did very well with American box offices (5 Academy Award Nominations, too). This was filmed all over Paris and I swear in one scene it shows a cafe' near Montmartre that Mr. Pink and I went to a few years ago. I also loved the traveling gnome in this movie. Remember it? I can most identify with Amelie. Her life changed the day Princess Diana died. I think mine did, too! I followed Princess Diana's life from childhood up to her death (I'm talking scrapbooks, glossy books, videos, etc) and now still keep tabs on her sons. I was also crushed that she died in Paris, but you know what, it's not too shabby a place to die. And, with that said, I'll post on another famous spot later this week.










3- The Devil Wears Prada. What girl doesn't love this movie? New York AND Paris in the same film! Ann Hathaway's clothes just kept getting better as the film progresses. I love all her black ensembles during the Paris scenes. And the red lipstick. Tres Francais! (how do you type accent marks when blogging?)






4- Something's Gotta Give- Diane Keaton appreciates all things French, too in this film. After seeing this film I immediately went out and purchased the soundtrack. Loads of French music. At the end Jack Nicholson, surprisingly, sings a good rendition of "La Vie en Rose"! Great music for dinner parties. Check it out. I now collect black shells after the whole shell scenario in this film. And lastly, LOVE Diane's house! My dream house.




5- The Bourne Identity- What? You say. Yes, I like action films, too and the BOURNE films are great. What's not to love about Matt Damon, I mean, spy/chasey/killy films? This one in particular highlights my favorite city. You enjoy sightings of the Seine River, Pont Neuf (famous bridge where Princess Diana died), and the famous Hotel Regina to name a few. However, you have to enjoy Paris quickly since you are viewing via car chases!

So these are only a few. Do you agree with my choices? Do you have any favorites to add to the list? Let's hear it!

Weekend Wrap Up

Here is mini#2, all 35 lbs of him, being hauled back to the car post fireworks. That's Mr. Pink and not some stranger BTW. He was talking or singing the entire way. He's like the Energizer bunny! I hope you all had a happy 4th!





Tonight we drop my MIL off with my husband's cousin here in Raleigh. She is dropping her daughter off at the Governor's School summer program. Since his cousin lives about 20 mins from MIL's house, she volunteered to drive MIL's car back to MIL's house. Confused yet? Sorry! Anyway, can I give a silent cheer here? It has been 10 long weeks since her surgery. We've all been tense, stressed and it's put a strain on our household. It's difficult parenting a parent when the parent doesn't want to eat, drink, exercise. The good news is she is FINALLY recovering nicely, eating normally again and only requires preventative chemotherapy (once a week for 3 weeks, one week off for 6 months). She is, most likely, going to do this round of chemo in her hometown. We hope that she will be with us for a long time...and we are all happy to be getting back to our own lives, schedules and a sense of normalcy again. Whew! We made it!








Lastly, Belle in Bloom gave me this sweet award last week! Girl, I'm glad someone thinks I'm nice these days! This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world. Once you’ve been awarded please pass on to three others whom you feel are deserving of this award.

I'll choose the 3 that immediately came to mind: Belle in Bloom because I feel her heart when she's talking about her boys or just about anything. She feels deeply and, as a sappy person myself, I can identify. If we were to meet, I think we'd hit it off right away! Also to Momx2 who lives life and enjoys doing it! I love her humor. She's also sent me emails checking in on me just like a true friend does. Thank you. Finally to One Fabulous Mom who seems like the person you would gravitate towards in a room where you didn't know anyone. Her cheerfulness spills into her blog daily even when facing difficulties. I can imagine that she smiles all the time! So thanks blog friends (including those not mentioned) for cheering me up and being the nice new friends I've made through this thing called blogging!

Tomorrow, mini#1 starts 2nd grade! Cannot believe this! I also cannot believe that we will now have to start rising at 6:30 a.m. instead of 7:30 a.m. when he was in his previous school. Let's pray he isn't late to school because I can't get up!

Happy Birthday America!

I hope everyone has a fun filled family day today! We saw fireworks last night and mini#2 loved them! It was really his first big fireworks display and he was impressed. Today we're off to the lake to play in our boat. Happy 4th!

Beach Fun

Throwing things!

Posing!

Shoveling!

I snapped this while Mr. Pink was having a "talk" with them. They had almost run right off of the pier! They had to SIT STILL for the talk and it was killing them. Their faces crack me up here...

Random Things

We're back. Fun long weekend at the beach. Beautiful weather and not too hot! We went to the pool, went to the beach, flew kites, ate seafood, crossed the only remaining floating bridge on the Inter coastal waterway, read (me), played miniature golf (not me, I let the boys go without me)and just relaxed. MIL was glad to be away, too and we had a perfect view from our condo of the boats going down the waterway.

Today we've already been to Target and bought 2nd grade school supplies. Yes, year round school starts Monday! I've finally accepted this change (it took me about 8 months) and we go to orientation at the new school tonight. Truth be told, I'm actually glad that #1 will be separated from #2 once again. They have been aggravating each other and me. With MIL here we haven't been able to do as much in these last four weeks, but I think I've kept them fairly entertained. That's our job right? To entertain?

Ok, now to other random things. The book I'm devouring is "The Other Boleyn Girl" by Phillippa Gregory. So juicy and crazy to think that life in the 16th century may have been like this. It's a fun read and I don't want it to end. Unfortunately, we all know what happens to Anne Boleyn. Have you read it? It's a little trashy and educational at the same time. I hear all of her other books are just as brilliant. Stepping away from my love of all things French, I also watched some Wimbledon tennis this weekend and enjoyed my new Coldplay cd. It was a British(ish) weekend!

And I could not miss "The Bachelorette" while at the beach. I almost missed it, but remembered about 15 minutes into the show. Still wondering why she let Jeremy go! Good night. Was she not paying attention when his shirtless body was on display in the Bahamas? What's not to love there? I think it will be Jason in the end, but their relationship (engagement) will last two months tops and then maybe she needs to beg Jeremy for a second chance. If not, I'm thinking he needs to be the next "Bachelor". Ladies, do you agree?