Get the Point??!!

Lisha asked what punctuation mark I am - and here's the answer:

You Are An Exclamation Point

You are a bundle of... well, something. You're often a bundle of joy, passion, or drama. You're loud, brash, and outgoing. If you think it, you say it. Definitely not the quiet type, you really don't keep a lot to yourself. You're lively and inspiring. People love to be around your energy. (But they do secretly worry that you'll spill their secrets without even realizing it.) You excel in: Public speaking You get along best with: the Dash

So what punctuation mark are you? Take this quiz and find out!!

Now that you know I am an exclamation point, did you honestly expect anything less???

Today has been a great day to be an exclamation point, too! My day started well - even though I had to shower with two children. Gabriel went to preschool (thank heaven for that), and the Girls were content watching Peep (I love Peep!!!). And then - my favorite bra broke! F***!!!!! So, I had to go shopping - and I got four new ones, khaki jeans, shorts/skirt thing (why it's called a scooter, I have no idea - it doesn't have wheels), and two pairs of sunglasses! Yay me! And I don't even feel guilty for spending too much money! While I was feeding the kids lunch, the UPS dude dropped off a new Vera Bradley bag. SWEET!!!! And now, the kids are in bed, the sun is shining, the birds are singing, my new tote is ready to go - and I am loving life!!!

Presently, My Presence Loves Presents

I love presents. I'm not going to lie or sugar coat it. I love them. I don't think I get enough. My presence is a present. I also love giving presents – but only after I have ruined it for the recipient. I am known as the “Ruiner of Christmas (or birthdays)” in my family.

While the best gifts in my life are immaterial - I will be totally cliché and say that my children are the best gifts in the world, I do love my material possessions. Aside from my kiddos, the best gift my husband has ever given me is probably my computer (and all of the accessories to go with it). I am hopelessly addicted to computing, and he encourages my efforts to become an even bigger nerd than he is. He's given me nice jewelry (aside from my wedding set (which was FREE), the bracelet he got me for a wedding present is my favorite gift), but his thought in purchasing electronic devices makes me smile way more than a ring ever could. Yeah, he's gotten presents wrong a few times (the “do-rag” he jokingly gave me last year was kind of pitiful), but he really does try pretty hard to make my presents a surprise.

My Mom has always done an awesome job with her purchases (though if you ask my brothers they will tell you a different story). I can't think of any gift that has been even remotely heinous. She one-ups herself every year. She buys me what I love (Raggedy Ann stuff, Vera Bradley items, vintage kitchen decor, jewelry), and I know that what she gives has been given the utmost thought. My Dad hasn't always been quite as good with the present-picking-outing and stuff (he used to buy a lot of sterling silver and green clothing – I'm allergic to sterling and I hate green). Over the last few years he's gotten much better – the iPod, double trotting stroller, and cool handmade items are awesome.

My MIL gets the award for the “worst” gifts – though they aren't usually for me (though the outhouse pictures were rather odd). They're for my kids. She gave Gabriel (who was 21 months old at the time) permanent tee-shirt “crayons”. The thought was nice – he could make a shirt for her or for one of us. But the gift was impractical. He wasn't even two! I barely trusted him with regular crayons let alone ones made with permanent dye. She's gotten better over the last few years, though. She's cut down on the useless gifts and gotten more age-appropriate thing – for all of us!

A small sampling of my recent favorite gifts - Pampered Chef pitcher (MIL got it RIGHT!!), Raggedy Ann and Vera Bradley (my Mom knows me so well!), iPod (honestly didn't think I would use it as much as I do - thanks, Pops!!), and my computer (and kiddos - thanks, Babe).

Why am I blabbing about my love (and sometimes loathing) of gifts? The folks at The Parent Bloggers Network have teamed up with the folks at GetInHerHead.com (a free service for couples who want to get the gift-giving in any situation right) for this week's Blog Blast. With Mother's Day (Jon, are you reading this? MD is May 11th) rapidly approaching [Christmas and my birthday are in the not-too-distant future] the GetInHerHead site is one worth visiting. Ladies - sign up (for FREE) on the site and enter all of your likes. Gents - check it out and surprise her with a gift she'll love. I bet she'll return the love to you wink, wink!!

You Asked For It...

...so here it is. A lovely picture of my hair (Forgive my self portrait. I suck at these). For those of you who know me in the "real" world, you are probably saying something like, "Uh, Courtney? It looks exactly the same." And to this I say, "On the contrary. It looks similar. Not the same."

I have naturally curly hair. It's frizzy and heavy. My Mom insisted that it be kept short until I was old enough to take care of it myself. So short it was until I was 15. It took a long time to grow out, and when it finally did, it created quite a stir. My Grandmother gushed over it - "It's all hers," she would say (and I wondered who else's it could have been). I literally became popular overnight. It was insane. And thus began the road to learning to love (ok, like) curly hair.

I never know what to do with it, and therefore it is usually pulled up in some sort of ugly bun-type thing or ponytail. It's just not pretty. I tend to keep the same style when I get it cut - longish layers that are able to be pulled up. It takes a lot of product to create a good hair day. Most of the time, it looks ooo-kay...a little crispy, but under control for the most part. Even when I'm having a GHD, I still feel like there are giant neon arrows pointing down at my head. So when I heard about a free haircut from one of the top salons in the area, I jumped at it. The girl who was in charge of my new "do" was awesome. And she did a great job. She used a razor for the entire cut, which was pretty neat. Instead of doing long layers all over my head, she cut out large sections of bulky hair. Then she added a few layers here and there to create shape (it used to look like a giant pyramid). She cut about 4 inches off the length, and it feels amazing.

Amazing isn't usually a word I use to describe my hair. My locks generate a lot of unwanted attention. When I was in high school, girls used to pet me. It was annoying. It's still annoying. Aside from touching my children without permission, hair touching is the number one offense I can think of. People ask me if I pay for my hair-do and color. I have been asked if I need a comb to tame its bushiness. My Mom has a short version of the same hair, and people stop her all the time, too. Most people mean well - they honestly like the hair. Others are idiots and don't realize that what they say is hurtful.

So, at age 30 I have finally grown to at least like my hair. I have a great cut, the color is nice (though I would love it if there was less grey), and it is all mine.

Life Is Sweet...and Sour

This is my new ride. Sweet! We got this beauty on Friday. I am already in love. How I ever managed to go anywhere with three kids without this is beyond me. The kids love it, too. Jon and I actually fight over who gets to drive now. Which is huge because I loathe driving.

A few weeks ago I posted about getting a free salon haircut. I got my cut. Sweet! My hair looks pretty awesome. I'll post a picture when Jon actually takes a decent one - he's not so good with the taking of nice pictures and stuff. I bought far too many expensive hair products, but I figured since I wasn't paying for the haircut what the hell? And I totally deserved it. I spend all of my time looking like a SAHM to three kids (even when I try not to). It's nice to have pretty hair.

Last night I made Buffalo chicken sausage wraps for dinner. Sweet! And spicy (well, kind of). I thought it sounded kind of gross at first - not a huge fan of sausage made from pork, how could chicken sausage be any better? It was yummy. And the leftovers are even better. I've already got dinner started (I love crock pots), and it smells so good.

So all in all, life is pretty sweet. My new car is awesome, my hair is awesome, and my cooking is also awesome. Janna's ears? Not so awesome. Here's where the sourness comes into my life.

My Peanut's ears hate her. No really. I'm positive that they do. I think that they decided to make their own New Year's Resolution - and it was to annoy the bejesus out of her (and therefore, also out of me). I took her to see the pediatrician today, and guess what? Yeah - she has ear infection #5. She also probably has RSV (last week we had a playdate with a friend who had RSV [her Mommy didn't know it at the time]). J's chest is all congested, and she's dripping green from her eyes and nose. She's wheezy and coughy. She's miserable. As much as I hate boogers and stuff, I can totally deal with it. What I can't stand is seeing her in agony. And that's what she's in. She constantly rubs, pulls, and scratches her poor little ears. And because she has been on every other type and dosage of antibiotic known to man, she got to have injectable meds. Talk about unhappiness. She shrieked herself purple. Not pleasant. And we get to go back tomorrow for another one. Good times.

That's what's haps here. This week isn't shaping up to be overly exciting. Unless you consider trips to the pediatrician's office exciting.

I Hate Grocery Shopping.

Why is that people seem to think that just because I am a SAHM I love to grocery shop? My own husband doesn't get it, though he should since he abhors shopping of any kind - especially with kids in tow. Sure it's a chance to get out of the house. But what people forget is that I am buying things that I have to put away, I have to cook, I have to clean up messes with. Grocery shopping isn't a fun, carefree outing. It's work. I have limited funds, limited time (I refuse to go with kids, so I shop on Saturday afternoons during naptime), and limited patience.

One of my pals posted her grocery list for the week - and thought that everyone's probably looked about the same. Uh, yeah. Almost exactly. This week is a "light" week - I don't need baby items (diapers, wipes, formula, or baby food (which I never have to buy again - Janna has boycotted it!!!)), cereal, or cleaning agents.

Milk (2 gal. 1%)
Cheese (cheddar, mozz, parm, prov)
Meat (pork, beef)
Bacon
Turkey breast
Chicken nuggets
Bread (2)
Rolls, Pitas
Fruit (bananas, apples, pears)
Raspberry jelly
Veggies (matchstick carrots)
Frozen veggies (corn, peas)
Frozen pancakes
Crystal-light
TP/PT
Paper plates
Plastic wrap

I'm sure I'm forgetting a number of things. I can never seem to remember all of the things I need for the week. And hey, it's only Thursday. Janna might go on a pooping jag, and then I'll need wipes and diapers.

Lish - I look super hot when I go shopping! Hair, well, let's just say frizzy and pulled up in some sort of clip, dirty jeans (I get at least 4 wearings out of a pair before they can be washed), tee shirt and dirty sweatshirt, Birks. HOT!! I do carry a sweet purse, though. That is probably the only good part of the outfit.

Totally Tube-ular!

It's official - Janna is getting tubes. Her surgery is scheduled for May 2nd. Hopefully this will ease all of ear woes. She's had one infection after another since January. She's basically been miserable for 4 months. Poor girl. But you really wouldn't know it by looking at her. Isn't she beautiful??

Happy Birthday, Jonny!!

Today is my hubby's 31st birthday. He has asked for one present. Head. So, that's what he's getting.

Pictures of the kids' heads.

This is what his reaction will be.

The man is so predictable. But, he's also amazing. Happy Birthday, Babe!

End of the Week Haiku

all things considered,
this week hasn't been too bad -
but i'm glad it's done.

sunshine and friends made
my days so much brighter - as
did my small artists.

teeming with crayons
describes my house -crayolas
are in abundance.

elli prefers pink,
gabe likes his reds. i love their
creativity.

enough haiku-ing.
my brain's tired. good thing this
week is at an end.
===============================

Sometimes, I get a little carried away with the haiku. They're so much fun, though! Anywho - I am glad the week is over. It was rough, but way better than a lot of our previous weeks. Spring is finally here, and it's so refreshing. The kids and I got to play outside (there is only a wee little pile of snow left), and I got to leave the doors open. The fresh air was amazing. And sorely needed!

I also got some sorely needed friend-time this week. Erin and Co. came over for a lovely 3-hour playdate. And she and I have a hot date tomorrow. I have to thank my new blog friends, Debby and Lisha for brightening up my days. Your posts are hilarious!!

My house really is full of crayons - walking into my living room is like stepping into a rainbow. The kids have gone nuts with their coloring over the past two weeks. I can't keep them out of the bin o' craft stuff. I'm not complaining. For once. Though it would be nice if they didn't argue over blue crayons. There are seriously probably 30 or so in the house.

It's Friday, and that's awesome. I actually have plans for the weekend that aren't entirely based around grocery shopping!

F.Y.I. - I didn't watch the NKOTB reunion this morning (Debby - did you? Was it awesome?).

WTF?!

Please tell me I'm not the only one who has thoughts about the possibility of a New Kids On The Block reunion. Seriously - what the f**k? Here's my dilemma...part of me says, well, that's nice. They made some "great" music back when I was about 12 (right now I am singing "Step By Step" in my head). And they were (and still are kind of) cute. Another part of me says nonononono!!! You are middle-aged (almost) men! Please do not don your ripped jeans and start crooning "Please don't go girl!!" It's kind of pervy! And if you start doing that weird, legs out to the side dance while you're singing "The Right Stuff", one of you may have a heart attack.

When my Mom told me about this reunion, I found myself revelling in the memories of my 12-year-old self. I wasn't privileged enough to see them in concert (though they were at the Bloomsburg Fair with Tiffany), but I did have a ton of NKOTB crap - sheets, posters, tee shirts, tapes, videos, books, dolls (who needed Ken when Barbie could "date" Joey?)...all kinds of worthless stuff. I remember being totally upset when my older brother drew mustaches on one of my posters. My fave "Kid" was Jon - he was so dreamy!!

I know I'm not the only one out there who loved herself some NKOTB. 'Fess up. You know you did, too.

Obviously, there is very little happening in the Land of Courtney. My kids have been pretty good today, and all three are still napping. I needed something to do instead of laundry!!

I'm Walkin' On Sunshine!

Woah-hoh! I'm in a great mood...for a number of reasons.

1) Is it absolutely gorgeous out today! After a frickin' freezing weekend (and preceding4.5 months) , I needed some sunshine. I have my doors open! It's breezy out, but the fresh air blowing through my house smells (and feels) so good. The kids got to play outside - without heavy coats, gloves, and/or hats - and that means good naps will be had!

2) It's April. Spring is starting to "spring" - there are birds chirping (I have seen some of the biggest doves and robins in the world today - they are HUGE), the grass is green-ish, buds are starting to pop out on trees. It's heavenly.

3) I'm getting my hair chopped next week! I found a very upscale salon that needs "Hair Models" - women who are adventurous enough to try something new. A "model" (in this case, moi) gets a free haircut (that would normally cost $50-$110). How can you beat that? The only "rules" are that there is a two-inch minimum cut requirement (but that is typically what I have lopped off my hair regardless), and they get to pick the style. The whole appointment is scheduled to take up to two hours. First there's a consultation with the stylists, then the washing and drying, the cutting, and then a final styling of the new 'do. I am so stoked! My hair is naturally curly, and therefore naturally frizzy. It's pretty gross on most days. I never know what to do with it, so it usually gets pulled up in some sort of clip or barrette. I am looking forward to a "real" haircut. And hey - it's free. If I end up looking like a total freak, I can wear a baseball cap over it. I'll post pics once it's all done!

4) Tomorrow is a MOMS Club day. I haven't actually gotten to see many of my Mommy friends due to the weather and sick kids. I can't wait to see everyone!

I need to go do something constructive with my few remaining moments of quiet. I really don't want to, though.