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!