Fight The Frump Friday

This week I want to talk about spending time away from the kids. Fighting the Frump totally includes taking the time to be by yourself, or with friends, or even a date with your hubby/significant other. It makes you feel rejuvinated, and refreshed, and that in turn makes you look less frumpy.

In the past I have vowed to have babysitter's come at the same time on the same day each week. Lately that has been a bit hard to do...too many things going on, and I totally feel the difference in my mood and the way I interact with my kids and hubby. I need that time each week to do something for myself. I am going to start doing it again once the middle school is out for the summer (next week, hurray!) just to get myself back!

Try it...I challenge all of you to take a bit of time each week to refresh yourselves by taking time away from the kids. Whether is it a weekly date night, or a weekly babysitter for a couple of hours, OR even just locking yourself in the bathroom to read a book and/or take a bath...just fight the frump!!!

As always....brought to you by Fussy!

Turntable Thursday

OK ladies....you all have spoken. Well 4 of you. I will give my opinion about some of the music I am listening to, possibly including some links, or some sound bites. This week is a band my hubby has been listening to, a band I have heard a few times on Sirrius radio (not sure if it was Radio 1, or Alt. Nation). Drum Roll Please........ TOKYO POLICE CLUB! "Tokyo Police Club are an indie/art rock band from Newmarket, Canada. The band consists of Dave Monks (Vocals, Bass), Josh Hook (Guitar, Percussion), Graham Wright (Keyboards, Vocals) and Greg Alsop (Drums, Percussion)." (see more at Last.fm) I don't know what it is with me and foreign bands....I like Barenaked Ladies (even more so since they released a kids album...but that is for another time) and I am really into a lot of stuff from the UK (more on that in the weeks to come). One thing about Tokyo Police Club I really like is the drums...in most of their songs, the drums make the song just seem happy, even if the lyrics aren't. One thing you will come to know about me is I am one to hear the music over the lyrics in just about everything. I don't know why this is....if it is my piano background, or if it is just what my ears hear. Sometimes it takes me years to actually listen/hear the lyrics in a song, and most of the time I am totally surprised. So I guess if you listen to them, and are appalled by some of the lyrics, just know I most likely don't have any clue what they are saying. You can get some snippits of a few songs, and even listen to the full track of others at: http://www.last.fm/music/Tokyo+Police+Club Hope you enjoy, let me know what you think on the poll to the left!

Just Grumpy, or a Bitch? You choose!

OK...so these last couple of days I have been a grump (or a bitch, you choose) and I can't quite figure it out. I haven't been able to just let some things go, and it bugs me. Not gonna go into specifics, but DAMN! Either I need to get laid (sorry G) or I need a really stiff drink (or both). So I guess my question is: What do you do to get out of that "bitchy" mood?

Wednesday's Wonderful Recipe

OK...here is another dessert....I made it for the first time on Monday and it was wonderful! Thanks to my SIL "G" for the recipe. (I will send more Junket soon!) This is a great dessert for pot luck...it feeds a lot of people, and if you don't cut the cake pieces ahead of time, everyone can decide how large of a piece they want.

Gretchen’s Summer Cake

1 white cake mix

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

2 cups whipping cream or 1 tub cool whip

1 box Junket Danish Dessert Strawberry flavored*

1 lb. sliced frozen strawberries, or 1 lb. fresh straberries, sliced

Make white cake mix and bake in a "jellyroll" pan (cookie sheet with sides) for 15-20 min. Mix 8 oz. cream cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp. vanilla. Whip 2 cups of whipping cream until thick (I used 1 tub of cool whip). Fold the cream cheese mixture into whipping cream. Spread on cooled cake. Make the junket Danish Dessert according to directions for "fruit sauce"Add 1 pound sliced frozen strawberries (thawed)... OR use sliced fresh strawberries. Chill in refrigerator .You can spread fruit sauce on top, or drizzle over the top when serving.

*Junket Danish Dessert isn't usually hard to find unless you live in Arkansas. Below is what it looks like, and you can usually find it in the dessert aisle

Change is a good thing, right?

Yesterday was a big day for the Behunin Family. Not only did Lilly turn 2 as I previously posted, but Colin graduated from preschool too.


Seth and I went to his program at school, as watched as our little boy became a big boy. He was the craziest kid in the program, you know, the one that makes "America's Funniest Home Videos" because he is wild when the other's are calm, and he makes the funny comments at the most inappropriate times as well as he picks his nose when he is supposed to be singing. That's my son!


I almost cried when his teacher, Miss Donna, started handing out graduation caps, and the "diploma's" she printed for each of the kids. I told a mom sitting next to me that she should be handing out tissues too. All of the kids looked so cute in their hats, and Miss Donna stood next to them as she handed them their "diploma" for a photo op. It made me realized that not too long from now, Colin will be graduating high school. Even though he is only 5....I can't help but think of the future.


Anyhow.....here are some pics from the big day...some of the program, and some of Lilly's birthday. We didn't have a party for her, but we did go out to dinner, and have cupcakes and ice cream with Grandpa Behunin. I guess I have to remember that change is a good thing, and that it makes the world better, right?

Chicken Dance Hat

Graduation Picture

Lilly's Birthday Balloon

Lilly's New Scooter

Happy Birthday Lilly!

Today is Lilly's 2nd Birthday. Happy Birthday Lillian Grace! She has become such a little girl these last few months...my baby is no longer a baby! I love that she likes to try to have a "conversation" with a group of people, just to be included. Even though the "Mom, Mommy, Mama" stuff bugs the crap out of me...sometimes it can be kinda cute. She doesn't have much hair yet...but we are getting there.

Lilly's vocabulary is extensive.....if you can understand "ending talk", since she says the end part of many words, an a lot of them sound alike. "Bubba" is her favorite word and her favorite person! You should see her eyes light up like the stars when she realizes Colin is home from school, or awake from a nap. He idolizes her also, he is so sweet to her....sometimes too sweet.

Lilly likes to "go". No matter what is happening in any given day, if I get her dressed she wants to "go" right then and there. She loves the car, and hardly ever fights when I get her strapped into the car seat. One of her favorite places to go is to "play". As long as we are around friends, she is happy. I'm glad she is a big people person...she takes after her Mom.

So...happy birthday sweetie....I'm thrilled to see you grow up, but also a little sad, since you are no longer a baby. Love you!

PS Pics will come later, quite possibly tomorrow!

Fight The Frump Friday- These little piggies

Okay this is gonna be quick, I have a lot going on today!

Ever since I have become a "shoe stalker" I have also been made aware of people's toes (no, it is not a fetish). I notice when they have cute polish, or even the very classy "french manicure" that my friend Holly sports. I LOVE getting a pedicure....I love the foot and leg massage, the scrubbing of the feets, and the fact that someone else is polishing my toes. (Now I just need to take the time and go get one!!!)

Brought to you buy Fussy!

Where's Russia, huh Ed?

I went to MacCool's for MNO with a large group of girlfriends last night. We always have a ton of fun when we go.....even if Rusty isn't our waiter. (Lot's of competition right now between Rusty and Ed...I guess we will have to see what happens next time we all go out!)


Anyway....Ed made a comment to Emily about her fries "Do you want some 'Russian' with those?" and of course a few of us made some smart ass remarks about Italians being better etc. etc. (OK so I admit that was me and Alice) when Heather pipes up "What is Russian?".... and Ed says "It's that big pink thing on the globe". The next thing we know Ed comes back with a MAP in hand! A MAP! Who the hell has a MAP at MacCool's? He opens it up and shows Heather where Russia is (although to be fair...Heather knows what "Russian" is...she just didn't realize he was talking about the salad dressing).

So here are some pics of "Ed and his map" courtesy of Allison.

This is Russia, the big orange thing (Oh! And Emily too!)

Ed and the map

He told us the teaches 6th graders about Global Importing and Exporting and such....but we aren't so sure about that one....now if we could only figure out what the "X's" are really for!

Wednesday's Wonderful Recipe

UPDATE! I recently linked this post to Skip To My Lou for Made By You Mondays. Go Check out some other GREAT Soup Recipes. OK....so I have been thinking of things I make for dinner on a regular basis, that you might want to cook. I know it is getting warmer (OK...so it has been hot the last few days) but with this evening getting stormy (Ahhh! Will it ever end?), I thought I would share my favorite "comfort food" recipe. The food that I make when things are cold and dreary, no matter what season it is. Broccoli Cheese Soup ½ cup butter 1 onion chopped 1 (16 oz) pkg frozen chopped broccoli 4 (14.5 oz) cans chicken broth or 8 cups bouillon cube broth 1 (16 oz) loaf Velveeta, cubed 2 cups milk 1 TBS. garlic powder 1/2 cup cornstarch 1/2 cup water In a stockpot, melt butter over medium heat. Cook onion in butter until softened. Stir in broccoli and cover with chicken broth. Simmer until broccoli is tender, about 10-15 minutes. Reduce heat, and stir in cheese until melted. Mix in milk and garlic powder. In a small bowl, stir cornstarch into water until dissolved. Stir into soup, cook stirring constantly until thick. You can use any kind of milk you have, but I found if you use non-fat milk, it thickens it faster. Fresh broccoli can also be used, just cook the soup until it is crunchy-soft. Vegetable broth can be used in place of the chicken broth. I serve this in bread bowls, with fresh rolls, with bread sticks, and of course with saltines just for Sethy. (Don't ever tell him I used his nickname on here, he would kill me!)

Music Mondays

So, I had a suggestion from a friend (and fellow blogger) about making Mondays have a regular post. She said I should have "Music Mondays"...and I thought it was a good idea. I have crazy taste in music, a huge variety on my iPod, and a spectrum of pre-sets on my Sirius Radio. So...how should I go about this regular post? Should I just tell you about an artist or band I listen to? Should I try to put together a playlist for you to check out? Or should it be simple "I listened to Beck last night"? Give me some input on what you want to read about....I will write it. I don't want my blog to be too boring for you all to read!

Fight The Frump Friday

COLOR! Bring some color into your life! Now that the bleary days of winter are behind us (knock on wood) get over the black, and gray, and brown icky colors of blah! I know I need to take my own advice on this one, but I am trying! I bought a cute pair of plaid capris that have color in them! Yes, I do pair them with a chocolate brown shirt, but it makes the yellow, and orangish red POP! I am so glad I bought them, and kept them. Now if I can only force myself to buy some blue...or a little more pink.



So get some COLOR! into your life, and put the dismal winter colors away for another 6 months!



This FTF is brought to you by Fussy (who is fighting the frump even caring for a newborn) and Karla at Looking Towards Heaven!

Wednesday's Wonderful Recipe

OK...I don't know what recipe to post this week soo......what kind of recipes would you like me to share? Is there one you are dying to ask me for, but don't have the guts? Or are you just curious about the things we eat around here? (I know I am a little nosy when it comes to other people's dinners. I think it is fun to learn about the meals they make for their familes!) Let me know...and I will get them out to you.....but just realize I'm not Ree, so don't expect over 5,000 new recipes.

This was perfect!

I found a post on a blog I read (not on a regular basis, I admit) and it is perfect for how I feel about life sometimes, and for sure most recently. So check it out Bliss In Bloom. After seeing this post, I am going to read her stuff more often!

Happy Mother's Day!

Just a quick Happy Mother's Day to all of you! You are the greatest Mom's I know, and I have learned and AM STILL learning a lot from each of you. I don't have the words to be more heartfelt, but still know I love you all! PS Sorry this is a late post.....I tried to spend most of the day with my family....which subsequently means, no computer!

Ever wonder???

Ever wonder what you should do with the potty seat once your kids are potty trained?

Why use it as a picture frame of course!

(I do not recommend hanging the kid on the wall along with the frame...as tempting as it is...still not recommended)

PS Lilly isn't potty trained yet...but she's getting interested!

Fight The Frump Friday

This FTF is all about shoes!!! Wonderful, wonderful shoes! I feel like a "Shoe stalker" since I am constantly looking at other people's shoes for the "cute" factor! I am sick of my bland, flat, sometimes ugly shoes......I have been on a mission to find a few new pairs ( or it is pair?? Oh, well, you know what I mean)..and guess what!? I found two cute pair on Sunday with the help of a friend (thanks Holly) and I have decided to show them off to you!

BKE's from Buckle

Mudd's from DSW

Shoes can make or break an outfit. Pick cute shoes that are comfortable, or you won't ever wear them. Try to make sure you have something to wear them with, if you can't, then go do some more shopping!

I am trying to find a cute new pair of wedges.....I found a perfect pair that have white straps with a little sparkle.....but I can't find them in my size! I keep trying the online store of the place I found them....but to no avail...no one else carries them either! (Can you tell I am having a shoe crisis?) Anyway...this is what they look like......cute huh?

BONGO Payday in white

Oh...and I totally cannot forget the importance of a cute pair of flip flops. Here are some I just bought, and I love them!!!

My daughter's "Wip Wop's" from Target

I wasn't planning on adding that last pic....she came into the room when I was taking the pics of my other shoes, and she just HAD to get in on the shoe action! She has waaayyy too many shoes for a 2 year old.....gotta love it!

(This post partially brought to you by DSW, Buckle and of course Mrs. Fussypants)

Wednesday's Wonderful Recipe

Drink time! This is one of my favorite drinks...and as usual I got it from a friend that found it on the internet. It isn't necessarily a "summer time" drink, but it is YUMMY all the same! 1 ½ parts Chocolate Liquor * Chocolate Kisses for garnish 1 ½ parts Crème de Cacao chocolate stick for garnish ½ part Vodka 2 ½ parts Half and Half Use a shot glass or jigger to measure. Combine all liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well, and strain into Martini glass. Garnish with chocolate kiss in bottom of glass, or chocolate stick. *Use Godiva Chocolate Liqueur or Chocolate Temptations PS...I have searched high and low for a non-alcoholic version of this drink....the best thing I could come up with is chocolate milk. It is fun to serve it is cute martini glasses with the chocolate stick garnish for those of my friends that don't drink alcohol!

Graduation Day!

Yesterday my younger sister graduated from the University of Utah! I attended the Convocation ceremony, and dinner afterwards. Today we went to an open house at my parents, so those who couldn't attend the Convocation, could congratulate her. WOW....you should have seen all of the people! Most of them were her husband's family, but she also has quite a few friends there also. She was worried no one would want to help her celebrate her HUGE accomplishment, and she had a houseful of guests! It was a great party without any major incidents, and we all enjoyed helping her celebrate!

CONGRATULATIONS JANNELL!!! It's cool too see you follow in my footsteps, getting an Associates Degree at Dixie, and then a Bachelors at the U! I'm proud of you!

Fight The Frump Friday-Taking Care of your "Stems"

Since summer is upon us…time to keep those Gams in tip top shape! Whether you wear shorts, or Capris, or even a cute short skirt (I found one I am dying to wear…but the weather isn’t cooperating!) you need to keep those legs as “shorts, shorts” ready as possible!

I personally shave these stems of mine, and I try to do it every few days. Some of you may “Nair” or “Veet” (anyone try that?) or wax, or even use “Nads” on those luscious legs of yours. I also try to use a self- tanner, and the one I love right now is from Coppertone, and the best thing about it is the gradual tanning (now, if I can only remember to use it every night!) Oh, and don't forget to use a body scrub on your legs to exfoliate before you apply that self-tanner....it makes your legs look oh, so sexy!

So go out there and find a great hair removal product to make your legs smooth as silk, and get them ready for summer, by giving them some much needed color!

Oh…and if any of you have some tips for the rest of us…just comment! I love trying new things!



PS...I am sucking it up and linking to "Fussy" today....so check out her FTF along with all the Friends of Fussy FTF posts too!

Great Post!

A little while ago my friend Katie wrote a great post about Motherhood (read it here). I didn't comment on it because no matter what I wrote, it sounded like I was ungrateful for my kids and my role as a mother (which I am not). Today I read a post by Catherine Newman (She's been dubbed the Dalai Mama) that totally summed up how I feel about being a Mom, and they way I wish parenting could be. I thought I'd share it with you...hope you enjoy! http://wondertime.go.com/parent-to-parent/blogs/catherine-newman-blog/04282008.html