Weeding Can be Hazardous to Your Health!

Want to see something gross? You know you do...


I did this gardening. I was pulling an innocent little clover weed and snap! My tendon tore and I now have what is called Mallet Finger.

It looks gross more than anything else. And it is insanely inconvenient. I have to wear this uber sexy splint on my finger for the next 8 weeks. It rocks. You know you want one. All the cool kids are wearing them.

Love, hugs, and blessings,
The Mama

Long Night

I was back in the ER last night.

The chest pain was so severe that I was having trouble breathing.

It's still just the pleurisy, which is good but extremely frustrating.

I was sent home with instructions to rest.

REST??? Really? Maybe I should have brought my three kids and three dogs to the hospital with me so they could see exactly how much rest is feasible in my house.

Off to try and figure out what that "rest" thing is all about.

Love, hugs, and blessings,
The Mama

Welcome Back!

I'm in the process of a facelift. It was time for an overhaul of the blog, so I took the leap. I hope you like what you see so far.

The colors are going to change. I just haven't decided WHAT they will be changing to. I like what it is now, but I want something that's a little more me. The problem is that I love clean lines and a crisp look. If it gets cluttered, I'm less likely to stop by my own blog; I can imagine that others may feel similarly.

I've also started a photoblog. The link can be found right under the blog title. I haven't figured out exactly what the purpose is, but don't be surprised if my children finally make their way into the blogsphere via the photo gallery. Have no fear, I'll still post pictures here. I just want to make sure that I have a separate place to keep some things as well. It's an accountability issue for me. I'm hoping that by having the link out there, reminding me on a daily basis that hey, I have a photo gallery! then mabe I'll be able to snap more pictures with my real camera instead of just my iPhone.

I am thinking about also setting up a link with one line "thoughts for the day". There would be specific categories or labels that they would be limited to. I guess it's similar to tweeting, but again, might force me to at least get on here more frequently and actually post something instead of just passing by or sticking to the widgets that are accessible from my iPhone (again, with the damn convenience of technology!).

If you want to follow me on Twitter, and are not already approved to receive my updates, just request it when you click over to my link. Chances are pretty good I'll approve you (unless you're my husband... kidding, sweetie!). I'm much more of a smart ass over there than I am on here. You might find it either entertaining or offensive. Either way, I'm not going to make any apologies. You may read at your own discretion.

That's all for now, folks! I'm headed to the store to find some green goodness to make St. Patty's day fun around here. Maybe I'll even post a fun picture or two to share the joy!

Love, hugs, and blessings,
The Mama

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses

I need to apologize to the two of you that follow my blog. Once again, I've been horribly remiss in posting.

I can explain.

As I may have mentioned, the plague hit our house about three weeks ago. Okay, well maybe not THE plague, but when a foreign virus stops by uninvited, it has a devastating impact on everyone. I went to the emergency room at CHOA twice in a six day stretch. First, L had RSV. Then N woke up one morning with an ENORMOUS lymph node.

Thankfully L is doing much, much better.

N was put on a round of high powered antibiotics. His recovery has been slow and I've been sick with worry. The node is still huge (picture ping-pong ball) and he's not himself. I took him in for a recheck on Friday. We're in a holding pattern for the next two weeks. However, since I seem to be obsessed with Googling, I've worked myself into a ridiculous state of anxiety and will be calling our pediatrician back on Monday. I'm praying that it's just an infection like the ER doctor said.

In other news, my little hobby-turned-company, Bella Bee Bo, has had a pretty good week. I've got several leads and really need to get my act together so that I can become profitable. Of course, running a business is something that takes time, and having three sick children who are three and under does not afford one much opportunity to take advantage of such a precious commodity. Needless to say, I'll be working like mad for the next several days trying to get myself "presentable" for the individuals who have expressed an interest in my products.

Last but certainly not least, I will be updating my blog links and sidebars. I PROMISE. Again, it takes time and that's something that I just have not had lately. Every time I've sat down to work on my blog, I find myself Googling those anxiety-causing symptoms and checking Facebook like I'm a 16 year old. In the meantime, I would encourage you to check out my new favorite blog to follow: keeponspinning.wordpress.com. It is amazing and inspirational and will definitely make you count your blessings. If you have a few extra minutes, read back through her old blog posts to get the whole story.

Now, if you'll excuse me, my wonderful husband and I are having "date night in" tonight, and I need to go put on something other than the uniform sweatpants and t-shirt.

Love, hugs, and blessings,
The Mama

Where In The World Is The Mama???

I'm here!

Things have been incredibly hectic over the last two weeks. And because I'm not already running around like a madwoman, I'm adding additional responsibility to my plate!

First things first, I have decided to design and market my own line of designer/boutique t-shirts. I have a propensity for yummy fabrics. The problem is, I can't justify the possibility of ruining an $8 yard of colorful goodness on something that may very well wind up unwearable or unusable. I also love the feel of natural fibers and high-quality knits. I've decided to celebrate my love of both by uniting them in marriage. I have sketched out the designs, purchased my t-shirt samples, and am in the process of determining which of my favorite beauties from my fabric stash will become part of my first Spring/Summer collection. Honestly, I had no idea it would be as much fun as it is. Now, I'm just hoping people will buy them!

Next, my precious little N had surgery on Thursday. Thankfully it was minor and went well. He was such a trooper!

Finally, I am writing a book. Okay, not exactly, but I am going to publish a cookbook. I am part of a wonderful online community of women all over the world. Most of us have been friends for over two years. In a moment of light (or insanity!) I have decided to compile all of the recipes that we have posted over the years into a cookbook. We will have the proceeds go to a charitable cause still to be determined. I am very, very excited about this as I hope it gives me an opportunity to learn a little bit about the world of publishing.

Whew! Are you as tired as I am??

I promise to keep up with my posts much better going forward. Thanks to my two loyal readers for sticking with me so far!

Love, hugs, and blessings,
The Mama