YESSS!

Honestly John McCain was not my first choice for the Repbulican ticket - or even my second. And when rumors started swirling that Senator McCain might chose a pro-abortion running mate I was angered and frustrated that the social conservatives were going to be completely, well, dissed by McCain.

I've been a fan of Sara Palin for months. One of Dan's younger sisters lives in Alaska and 'introduced' us to her Governor. Once I started learning more about Mrs. Palin I thought she'd be an excellent choice for Vice President, but thought her chances were slim to none.

I screamed for joy once the McCain-Palin ticket was announced. Literally. And after hearing her speak at length - Wow! I can't contain my glee!

It's going to be a fun ride, folks! An no matter what your political affiliation, it's wonderful and inspiring that both an African-American and a female are at the top of the tickets this year.

God bless those who choose to run and serve our country!

Bittyman's First Day of Kindergarten

I just dropped Bittyman off at his first day of kindergarten. We met his teacher at orientation last week and the three of us were thrilled to discover that Mrs. B. is the mother of one of Bitty's Sunday School classmates. Bittyman is in wonderful hands.

Bitty was "very excited" all morning long, picking out a "cool new outfit" and proudly posing for the above pictures. When we arrived at school he was annoyed that he didn't have time to play on the kindergarten playground until Mrs. B. assured him they'd go out for recess later.

But as his class lined up to walk into their room, Bitty anxiously looked up at me and whispered, "Mom, I'm scared!"

I choked back tears, wanting to cry, "I'm scared too! I'm not ready to let you go!"

Instead Diva Mom took over and whispered back, "You know what, it's OK to be scared. I bet every kid in this line is a little bit scared. But just think of all the fun you're going to have. And I'll be back soon to pick you up and take you to Chuck E Cheese to celebrate!"

"OH, RIGHT! I forgot about Chuck E Cheese! OK, bye! I love you!" And with visions of greasy pizza and arcade games dancing in his eyes he proudly marched into his room, not once looking back.

I waved until the bright blue classroom door shut behind him. Then with the click of the metal latch the tears began to stream down my face behind my sunglasses. At that point I didn't care. My goal was accomplished - Bittyman never saw me cry.

I looked around and noticed that there were two obvious groups of Moms. The bawling ones, like myself, whose first-born children were starting kindergarten. Then there were the gals doing a happy dance and cheering, "FREE AT LAST!" who have already gone through this day with their older kids.

Since then I've texted my entire address book a picture of Bitty in front of his school, drove home and put Ittyboy down for his nap, made a tearful call to Daddy to tell him how it went, uploaded these pictures and wrote this blog post. Now it's already time to go pick up Bitty.

Good thing 'cause Diva Mom wants her Little Hero back.

Happy 45th Anniversary

to Grandma and Grandpa I! (My parents, for those of you new to the blog.) It's their 'Sapphire' Anniversary... so I hope Grandpa hooked Grandma up with some pretty blue bling!

It seemed like such a wonderful day to get married that Dan and I decided to follow their lead and get married on the same date, 12 years ago today.




Dan is playing organ/piano at the 8am Mass and I'm cantoring at 10am and noon so we'll be getting our Graces on this anniversary. We'll spend the rest of the day poolside with the Heroes, trying to beat the 107F desert heat. A few frosty libations, pizza delivered to our lounge chairs - I can't think of a better way to spend our 'Silk' anniversary.

(OK, who am I kidding. I'd rather be here, where we spent our 5th anniversary, but Bittyman starts Kindergarten on Monday and we can't miss that... unless someone wants to make a ginormous PayPal gift donation. Then we're homeschooling in Mexico for his first week!)

Oh and boys, going to bed at a decent hour would be the best gift you could give Mommy and Daddy - hint, hint. I know you can read this, Bittyman. I've seen you find your favorite shows on the Tivo list and navigate the Firefox bookmarks. So in the words of your Little Critter book, JUST GO TO BED!

UPDATE
We were given such a wonderful gift this morning. After the homily at the 10am Mass I was cantoring, our dear friend and celebrant, Fr. Phil, called Dan and the boys up to the altar and gave us a nuptial blessing for our anniversary. We were completely taken by surprise and very honored. (Although having to sing the rest of the Mass was tough! I've become one of those Moms who cries at everything.) So many thanks again to 'Goofy Fr. Phil' (as Bittyman affectionately calls him) and to everyone who was present!

I've Won A Gold!

Maybe not a medal, but a Gold 'Blogging Friends Forever' award! Tracy was kind enough to bestow this award on my blog. She has an uncanny way of posting meditations that are exactly what I need to read when I need to read them.

Now it's my turn to spread the wealth!

The Blogging Friends Forever Rules are:

1. Only five people allowed.

2. Four have to be dedicated followers of your blog.

3. One has to be someone new, or recently new to your blog, or live in another part of the world.

4. You must link back to whoever gave you the 'Blogging Friends Forever' award.

Amy
Cris
Mia
Sharon
Sunshine Mom

Congratulations, Gals! Now go forth and share your newly-won Gold Card with your Blogging Friends!

Haiku for Bittyman

Hat tip to Aunt Cristie for this fun site!



Haiku2 for bittyman
this quick test and find out death by caffeine my results gulp down 64
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Created by Grahame

Haiku2 for bittyman
ever since a new dunkin' donuts coffee and you're quick to move
@ aboutmylife.netadvogato.orgblogger.comblogs.gnome.orgblogspot.comdeadjournal.comgreatestjournal.cominsanejournal.comlivejournal.commyspace.comspaces.msn.com
Created by Grahame

Haiku2 for bittyman
proud chef the menu turkey and provolone on wheat with pretzel sticks
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Created by Grahame

A Fall Movie I Will Be Seeing

New Film Spoofs Michael Moore and Hollywood Liberals

A Summer Movie I Won't Be Seeing

Ben Stiller's Tropic Thunder. A fantastic post explaining why.

(It just occurred to me that the last movie I saw in the theater that wasn't rated 'G' was Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. The last movie Dan and I saw in a theater together? The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - when I was pregnant with Bittyman! I remember Bitty, then known as 'Baby Cheese', kicked whenever the sound got too loud and I was worried he or she would suffer permanent hearing loss! But I digress. I definitely won't be purchasing Tropic Thunder on pay-per-view. )

Too Cool for School

Happiness is taking Bittyman back-to-school shopping at the Converse outlet and finding sneakers in his size on the clearance rack.

Ecstatic is discovering matching All Stars on the same rack for Ittyboy.

Overheard

"Itty, can you say, 'Bumblebee'?"

(Awww, I think to myself, Bittyman is reading the My Big Animal Book to Ittyboy.)

"Itty, can you say Bulkhead? How 'bout Optimus Prime?"

(Ah, not so much reading the My Big Animal Book, but Bittyman's new t-shirt. And if you don't know what kind of shirt he was sporting, then you either aren't male or have never been the Mom of a male.)

R U READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?!?

The 2008 season is here!

Get Firefox - That's All I'm Sayin'

Sitemeter Kills Thousands of Sites For IE Users

Funny, I just added Sitemeter a few days ago. I've now removed it so IE users won't miss any of the Heroes' adventures.

Foto Friday

When Bitty asked me if he could make lunch today I said, "Sure! Knock yourself out!". Hey, I had nothing planned today. Cleaning the mess that would surely ensue would give us something to do for an hour afterwards.

The proud chef:

The menu: Turkey and provolone on wheat with pretzel sticks and grapes... well, at least until the chef ate all the grapes while he was 'cooking'.

Of course Ittyboy wanted in on the action:

Emerging from the pantry with his contribution to the meal, Pirate's Booty:


Most amazing, Bittyman had even put all of his ingredients away before calling Itty and me to lunch.

(Future Mrs. Bittyman, you may thank me now. I've raised your husband to cook AND clean up after himself!)

Good To Know

How much of your favorite energy drink, soda, or caffeinated food would it take to kill you? Take this quick test and find out:
Death by Caffeine

My results:
"Gulp down 64.43 cups of Dunkin' Donuts Coffee and you're history."

Dan's results:
"After 299.63 cans of Diet Dr Pepper, you'd be pushing up daisies."

The time frame is how much you have in your system at one time, thank goodness. Cause I'm quickly approaching my 65 cups ever since a new Dunkin' Donuts, with a drive-thru open 24/7, set up shop just a mile from my house back in May. And I'm sure Dan blew through his 300 cans of DDP in the first 3 months of 2008.

What I really need is a "How much money do you spend buying caffeinated drinks?" calculator. That answer would truly be terrifying.

Foto Friday

What happens when I quickly run upstairs to our office to check my e-mail:

Guess I wasn't quick enough!

Monday Meme

One Word Meme. Stolen from Fr. Erik, who stole it from Adoro, who stole it from Fr. S, who stole it from a simple Catholic. Heck, I stole some of Fr. Erik's answers too. (Bless me, Father, for I have sinned...)

1. Your cell phone? Samsung.
2. Your significant other? Cheesehead.
3. Your hair? Dyed.
4. Your mother? Jean.
5. Your father? Chuck.
6. Your favorite things? Heroes.
7. Your dream last night? Scorpions.
8. Your favorite drink? Coffee.
9. Your dream/goal? Transparency.
10. The room you’re in? Office.
11. Your church? St. Peter's.
12. Your fear? Bankruptcy.
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Alive.
14. Where were you last night? Party.
15. What you’re not? Liberal.
16. Muffins? Blueberry.
17. One of your wish list items? Wii.
18. Where you grew up? Virginia.
19. The last thing you did? NAK.
20. What are you wearing? PJ's.
21. Your TV? Flat.
22. Your pets? Swimming.
23. Your computer? Dell.
24. Your life? Blessed.
25. Your mood? Tired.
26. Missing someone? Corey.
27. Your car? Minivan.
28. Something you’re not wearing? Heels.
29. Favorite store? Costco.
30. Your summer? Endless.
31. Like (love) someone? Boyz.
32. Your favorite color? Gold.
33. Last time you laughed? Today.
34. Last time you cried? Friday.
35. Who will re-post this? Tracy.

Happy 15 Months, Ittyboy!

At 15 months, Ittyboy:

• Says two-word phrases, "Up, Mama!" and "Bye, Daddy!"
• Runs. Often chasing his big brother.
  
• Can crawl up all stairs, fireplace hearths and ottomans.
• Could open the refrigerator and oven (until we put on childproof locks).
• Pulled down several vertical blinds covering the sliding glass door. (I wanted curtains anyway.)
• Says "Hi!" to every person he sees.
• Has 4 upper and two lower teeth.
• Loves to watch the "birdies" out the window.
• Uses a spoon and fork.
• Drinks from a cup.
• Dips whatever he's eating in the dip du jour.
• Dusts and wipes the floor with a towel.
  
• 'Reads' books.
• Had his first hair cut this week - while he was asleep!
  
• Nurses at naptime and bedtime (and brings his Boppy pillow to me when he wants to nurse).
• Picks up toys and puts them in his toy basket when asked.
• Vocabulary consists of: Daddy, Mama, Up, Bye, Hi, Alleluia, Birdie, Hot, Eye, Goggle, Hug, Luv and Ya-Ya-Yer (for his brother).
• Makes the first two parts of the sign of the cross and prayer hands.
• Finishes the musical phrase, "Here I come to save the..." with a big, "DAAAY!"
• Hasn't gone a week without some bruise, bump or scrape. All boy.

(I'll be adding to this list throughout the day. Diva Mom is suffering from a cold/flu/hopefully not strep throat thing and currently has medicine head.)

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Photoblogging by Bitty

Ittyboy meets McDonald's french fries with sweet 'n sour sauce:





(Yeah, yeah, Ittyboy is eating fast food. So? He could say 'Alleluia' at 12 months. Could your one-year-old say that? Yeah, that's what I thought! Judge not, people!)

And two pictures taken by Mom:

Minute Meditations

Tracy posts some excellent minute mediations each week. (One minute being about all I can concentrate for during these lazy days of summer.) Some of my favorites:

The Eucharist

The celebration of the Eucharist is not meant to be an hour of entertainment. God is not there to put on a flashy show that will raise the roof, and we’re not there to watch one. The celebration of the Eucharist is an action, one that requires our participation, one that begins and ends out there, beyond the parking lot.

Integrity

Jesus calls us to be men and women of integrity. Speak the truth simply and clearly, whatever the cost to you. Where you are right, say so; where you are wrong, acknowledge it. Jesus is the truth. When you stand and walk and speak in truth, he joins himself to you more closely.

Being Truly Loving:

Being truly loving means doing all those thankless tasks we do for others without complaining about the fact that they are thankless. When we seek recognition for our actions, our action is no longer purely about loving the other person, but about the person knowing what we have done.

Suffering and Hope

In the face of suffering, hardship and defeat, when all seems lost and God seems absent, surrender to God is about continuing to trust and believe that, despite all evidence to the contrary, God is still with us... and raises us up to new life... a life in which the scars of our pain are not erased or denied, but transformed into a sign of hope.

Guess what! I got a fee-vah...

and the only prescription... is more cowbell!