Pinky's Gone Bananas (or maybe not)

Today when Granny was checking book bags for contraband she found a pair of 'Cole's earrings in Pinky's book bag.

When I came home from work I tried questioning both Pinky and Daisy. Pinky blamed Daisy and Daisy blamed Pinky.

The earrings were in 'Cole's jewelry box on the top shelf of the closet, it would take some work for a small person to get up there and get them.

The only thing I'm sure of is that either one person committed the crime and the other had knowledge of it...or they both worked together.

It doesn't really matter, they both are grounded and writing sentences for me.

And from now on the book bags will be downstairs, by the front door.

I was exceptionally calm and didn't show any emotion. I get the feeling this crime wave is an attempt to get attention. Hopefully once they see that they aren't getting the attention they want hopefully things will get back to normal in the Bananas Family.

Mother's Day

I had a lovely Mother's Day weekend. Saturday Granny went to the casino with my sister, so I got a nice break from her and she had a wonderfully fun day.
The kids and I went out to lunch at Red Robin. The kids really didn't like the food, I was surprised. (I liked my meal). My sister gave me a lovely yellow tree rosebush. I can't wait until it blooms. The kids made Mother's Day cards for me, Pinky and Daisy gave me some flowers they grew at school. I love the homemade cards, every year I get something different and the kids' creativity shines through.

Sunday I went out to lunch with my sister and her boyfriend. Afterwards we did some shopping. My sister took me out for a driving lesson, I thought I did pretty darn good. I need the practice because I think I'd like to get my license this year.

Been Caught Stealing

We've gone through the past few months in relative peace and calm. The kids have been settled and there's been no major blowouts...until today.

My phone rang while I was at work today. It was the elementary school. It seems that Pinky took one of my credit cards to school and it fell out of her pocket during lunch. An alert teacher contacted me to let me know what was going on.

I don't even think I feel angry. I think I'm mostly just insulted and disappointed. I do everything for my kids, they have so much. I give them my time, my energy. They are blessed beyond words. She has no reason to steal. There was nothing she could do with the card at school anyway.

So why would you steal ? And why would you steal from me ?
When I asked Pinky those questions she said she "found" the card on the floor of my room. Even IF that was true (all my cards are in a case that sits on my dresser) why WHY WHY would you take it to school ??

She didn't have an answer for that.

I don't have any answers either, but she'll have plenty of time to think about it while she's doing hard time (extra chores) for me.

I think the thing that keeps bothering me is the why. I don't understand her reasoning. She has her own money. I don't feel like she took it to use it. Did she take it to show it off ? To pretend it was hers ?

I have no idea.

Have You Seen My Socks ??

On March 11th I ordered 25 pairs of socks. As of today May 4th, I can only find 9 pairs.

I'm starting to think they grow legs in the middle of the night and wander away.

14

"The first time ever I saw your face

I thought the sun rose in your eyes

And the moon and the stars were the gifts you gave

To the dark and the empty skies, my love" - Celine Dion 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face'

Today 'Cole turned 14. She has been my daughter since she was 4 years old. I cannot imagine my life without her. She has brought me so much joy. I look at the young woman she is becoming and I stand amazed. She has overcame so much, she has a fighter's spirit and a dreamer's heart. A beautiful person, with a little teenage goofiness thrown in for good measure.

Even when she's being a teenage pain in my butt, I can look at her and see a future filled with wonderful things.

My love...I hope you have a wonderful year.

"When I see you smile

I can face the world, oh oh,

You know I can do anything

When I see you smile I see a ray of light, Oh oh, I see it shining right through the rain

When I see you smile

Oh yeah, baby when I see you smile at me" - Bad English 'When I See You Smile"

Note To Self

Next time you have Baby Doll Bath Day please remember NOT to give a full 32 oz. bottle of shampoo to the small children. They WILL use it all. The bathtub WILL be completely full of bubbles. The small children will be covered in bubbles, as will the bathroom floor. It will not be a pretty picture.

And remember...
You cannot be mad/upset with the children because you were the idiot who gave them a full 32 oz. bottle of shampoo.

That is all.

Top 10 Favorite Cooking Websites

I love to cook. My biggest problem is figuring out what to cook. So when I'm standing in the kitchen, looking around lost and confused, I head to my computer to browse around these sites.
Happy Cooking !

Menus4Moms- What could possibly be better than to have the menu, recipes and grocery list right there in front of you ?? Nothing. This site is great lots of family-friendly recipes.

1. AllRecipes- One of the first recipe sites I found many moons ago. Still one of my favorites.

2. Williams-Sonoma- While dreaming about expensive cookware, I stumbled upon this company's recipe section and I've been hooked ever since. So lovely.

3. Joy of Baking- OMGoodness...so many sweets, so little time.

4. Food Network- Granny's tv is usually on this channel most of the time.

5. The Pioneer Woman Cooks- This is a new favorite. Step by step instructions, pictures and humor...who could ask for anything more ?

6. MyRecipes- This site is ran by those lovely people who publish Southern Living and Cooking Light. Nice sized recipe collection.

7. Just Slow Cooking- No frills, No pictures. Just tons of recipes for the slow cooker.

8. Bed and Breakfast Inns Online- Nothing like a good breakfast to get ya going. Also has some lunch and dinner recipes.

9. Meals.com - 15,000 recipes. Dinner time heaven.

10. CopyKat Recipes- Recipes from your favorite restaurants (and more).

HONORABLE MENTION

KraftFoods.com

Taste of Home

Family Circle/Parents.com- Too many advertisements, but still an OK site.

RecipeZaar

Whole Food Market - Recently found this site and started looking through the recipes.

Betty Crocker - I couldn't forget Betty. My first cook book was a Betty Crocker cookbook. Sigh.....such memories.