tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62087066444107148562012-02-01T11:24:45.080-05:00My story, as it is, 100% ME. A good girl from NY gone redneck down here in NC. In a good way, I promise! Read on if you want to know more about my life as a SAHM to my 3-year-old daughter, the adventures of motherhood while living in the "South," and whatever else is on my mind ... like why Twitter is so addictive!Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.comBlogger8421100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-11969606013546624542012-02-01T09:52:00.003-05:002012-02-01T10:05:04.055-05:00

It's Wednesday. Time to Pour My Heart Out. If you've never been over to Shell's place today is the perfect day to go. It's so pretty and fresh over there. She's got a new look -- but peeps are still pouring their hearts out aplenty!And I've been thinking about this post for a few days on and off. And now I'm here and I am trying to figure out what to say next. Oy. So, if you read me regularly, I

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-84229330134999023292012-01-31T09:41:00.000-05:002012-01-31T09:41:52.795-05:00

F is for the Fun we have together. It seems that no matter how far apart we are, or how infrequently we speak, we have so much fun when we're together. So much laughter, so much emotion, and so much love. R is for the REAL friendship we have. Reality sets in and our lives keep us busy. But we're still close. We're still true to one another, to the years we've shared and the many we will see

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-62604994150943496572012-01-29T07:37:00.000-05:002012-01-29T07:37:00.321-05:00

It's time for me to check in again. I haven't weighed myself yet (writing this on Saturday night to get myself a head start). I am waiting for the Papa John's delivery guy to arrive. Did you know that 1 slice of Papa John's pizza thin crust is 230 calories? And if you go with the regular crust it's 290? That's for a large pizza - of course. I guess I'm pretty glad I like me some thin crust. Yum.

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-76127623122165387062012-01-28T08:55:00.000-05:002012-01-28T08:55:00.551-05:00

My first introduction to Folly Beach was some time ago when I read a book with a similar name. So when I saw that there was a story by Dorothea Benton Frank about the loveable place - I had to check it out.If I am being honest (which I always am, I hope you know!) it really took me some time to get into the story. The initial scenes from the play were nearly impossible to understand. Not so much

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-34524399704729430082012-01-27T07:38:00.000-05:002012-01-27T07:38:00.325-05:00

This story picks up somewhere in the middle for Matt and Em. The rest of their story is here, which includes some flashbacks. Write on Edge said to work on something that needed polishing, and for me it was this transition. I have been putting this post on the back-burner. Avoiding these two characters for too long. So here they are. I hope you enjoy. Constructive criticism is always welcome.

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-75070194340948101872012-01-26T09:05:00.000-05:002012-01-26T09:05:17.192-05:00

Seriously. First off - you know I have a young-ish child since I'm using the word potty. Or should I say still using it? Either way, you get me - yes?She'll be 5 next month. I try to say "Do you have to go to the bathroom?" but it almost always turns into, "Do you have to go potty?" I don't know why that is - it just IS. So here I am, this morning, wishing for a few minutes to myself while

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-77249015731312517062012-01-25T14:00:00.001-05:002012-01-25T14:02:10.218-05:00

I received an email recently from LoveSac offering me an opportunity to review their cozy slippers. Normally I'd think over an offer (I did), check out their website (I did), and their other products (did that, too!). Then I'd think about it a bit. (I did that, as well.)Then I usually think some more. But I'll be honest. These slippers looked so cozy, I couldn't help but say yes.LoveSac is an

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-88092428386880346132012-01-22T18:16:00.000-05:002012-01-22T18:16:00.032-05:00

So, here I am again. Sitting here on a Sunday, waiting for my team to play and watching (OK, listening) to football and sssh, munching on Doritos. But it's OK. I'm allowed. This week was a good one and a not so good one in various ways. I noticed I slacked in eating my greens. I came to realize this when I found three avocados hiding under four sweet potatoes. None of which had been eaten. And it

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-13771560732528517392012-01-20T10:23:00.000-05:002012-01-20T10:24:04.014-05:00

This post is a part of the story that begins here ... a lot is missing in between, but this is a flashback for the character of Clara, a memory from about ten years earlier. It does not happen immediately after the Bittersweet post, it occurs later in the story but seems to fit this week's "Salt water" prompt so I am sharing it now.... he told me to stay put. That he’d be right there. Here. He

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-1097393205662355742012-01-18T00:23:00.000-05:002012-01-18T00:23:00.184-05:00

When I started reading Night Swim, by Jessica Keener, I realized I would never want to put it down. And I didn't. I read it really quickly and I really enjoyed it. I totally didn't want it to end. But, alas, as all great reads, it had to. And so it did.The character of Sarah was one that I immediately connected with. Strange to say, since she is a 16-year-old girl living in Boston. You'd think

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-55173251024020910832012-01-17T09:53:00.000-05:002012-01-17T09:53:46.342-05:00

I am just not of the mindset today to write a full and strong enough post to honor the people I lost on this day so many years ago. If you have been following me or reading me for a while, you'll know that I have memories of losing both, my grandmother and my cousin (in-law, but I don't get technical) on this date. Several years apart. Like some cruel joke from destiny. Or whomever was in charge.

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-85832653192678469882012-01-16T09:21:00.001-05:002012-01-16T09:27:55.131-05:00

Have you ever shopped at Novica before? It's a fabulous website with an incredible mission. From their mission statement:"We want to give artists and artisans around the world a global platform to express their true artistic talents and to spur their creativity. And, we want to provide you with access to unique, hard-to-find items at great values that only the Internet infrastructure can allow

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-79505234307336708962012-01-15T12:21:00.000-05:002012-01-15T12:21:10.088-05:00

So, as you see from my recent granola post and my going green info, I'm trying to be healthy and motivated as I kick off 2012. I've decided I'll do a week in review post on Sundays, just to touch base and check in, feel accountable, or something along those lines. In all honesty, this was a pretty motivating week for me. I have been tracking my food and intake much more accurately, and I've

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-87326796612316132182012-01-14T10:00:00.000-05:002012-01-14T10:00:00.563-05:00

I'm totally on a veggie kick. Have you noticed? I mean, can't you tell I'm just oozing green? (That sounds gross, sorry!)Seriously, though. I've even got an "Eat Green" board on Pinterest. Check it out! ** Note to self, if you are writing a blog post and you go to look up something on Pinterest be prepared to disappear for like an hour. Or so. Pinterest = time suck! And if you aren't on Pinterest

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-86893068117615584652012-01-13T10:50:00.001-05:002012-01-13T10:52:38.774-05:00

We make our smoothie together. "I want you to share mine."I've already had my own. "But I have two straws."Okay. I'll take a sip. Sip. It's good. -- We smile. "I want cereal"We don't have milk. "Apple cider in my cereal!"That's gross. (I think it, don't say it.) "Mmmn."You can't have cider in your cereal. It's not a good mix. "Ap-ple Ci-der!"Sigh. Open fridge. Aha!I have a better idea!"What?"

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-91749179730969520092012-01-11T11:54:00.001-05:002012-01-11T11:56:53.371-05:00

Write On Edge ... it's been a while. This prompt got me motivated.This week we asked you to write a memoir piece about an unfulfilled goal or a broken resolution, beginning with the words, “I knew what I wanted”, keeping your words under 400. I'll admit I'm not counting my words this week, I'm just happy I am writing. And though I stuck to the prompt my unfulfilled goal was fulfilled and then

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-10930121883935515892012-01-10T08:39:00.000-05:002012-01-10T08:39:00.144-05:00

You know I have a truckload of books on my to-read shelves. And then some. So I'm making a list of some I want to read in 2012, that are not a part of my review list. I have some interesting sounding reads lined up for the first quarter of the new year, but I am hopeful that I can also fit in a few reads I have had waiting for me for way too long. Here are a few: * Room, Emma Donoghue* Little Bee

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-12742514078534438942012-01-09T10:58:00.000-05:002012-01-09T10:58:30.390-05:00

OK, so a week or so ago I was itching to make homemade (sort of) granola. And I was scouring Pinterest and anywhere else I could think of to find some easy ideas. Eventually I mixed up a bunch of recipes and came up with this:1 c oatmeal1 c flake cereal (crushed)1 c chopped dates (bagged, dried, not me doing it myself)1 c chopped walnutsMix together and bake at 350* for 10 minutes.Take off pan -

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-82443290255987425662012-01-05T10:36:00.000-05:002012-01-05T10:36:07.986-05:00

So I started reading Wherever You Go, by Joan Leegant, a day or so ago. And I finished it last night. I really loved this book. It was such a good read. It was a splash of current events, a touch of romance (minimal, but just enough), a lot of family relations and a struggle with religious beliefs and observances. Ms. Leegant contacted me via email regarding reading and reviewing her book. I took

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-20218162419899970852012-01-04T12:58:00.000-05:002012-01-04T12:58:55.226-05:00

I don't - right? I mean, you guys are here. You read my day to day. Or every few days. Or whatever, whenever I decide to post. So I don't have to totally recap for you - right? Thanks. Because I was starting to feel a little bit guilty that I hadn't, and then, suddenly, I realized I wasn't feeling guilty at all. I was feeling like I was supposed to do a recap/flash forward kind of post, because

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-33141917773040448712012-01-02T17:29:00.000-05:002012-01-02T17:29:51.310-05:00

I was reminded of this fun recollection of 2011 by reading Lisa's post for this year. She encouraged me to link up with Christine and so I'm posting again this year. If you want to see my recollections for last year - hang on and I'll provide the link at the end. Using only titles of books that you read this year (2011), complete the prompts below. Try not to repeat any book titles. Think

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-7355362724126581182011-12-28T09:53:00.000-05:002011-12-28T09:53:24.519-05:00

There. I said it. I really do love being a mom. I find that for the most part when talking to friends or family about our children - we - moms - dads - whomever - tend to focus on the crazy moments. I tell my mother how my daughter lost her mind and became demon child in Target. I tell friends, as well. I explain how she told me to leave her alone the other night. Then when I shouted "excuse me?"

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-69968310498374876122011-12-24T09:36:00.000-05:002011-12-24T09:36:01.318-05:00

Dear Santa, Happy holidays to you! I hope you and the Mrs. are doing well. I've been thinking about you lately. You're all the rage down here in NC. And though my daughter hasn't written you a letter of her own, thanks for writing to her and teaching her to be nice. Though for my $6 you could have threatened the coal, I mean, that's what the season is all about, right? Honestly - I'm kidding. The

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-5002048637477209832011-12-23T08:50:00.000-05:002011-12-23T08:50:50.070-05:00

I've done these before and was planning to simply do a copy and paste from one of my old ones, but I thought I'd do a holiday version this time around. I'm also linking up with Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop today, as this was prompt #1 this week.You Know You're THIS Mom When ...* Your DVR includes several or quite possibly all (I'm not saying mine does. But I'm not saying it doesn't) of the

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-86645417952014840402011-12-22T11:00:00.000-05:002011-12-22T11:00:04.032-05:00

I first posted this on TriangleMommies' blog last week - so forgive the outdated references to the cookie swap I attended last weekend. I'm just re-posting for my readers and am too lazy to edit!I love this time of the year. I love the holidays, the chill in the air. The family time.I love not traveling. I have to admit that I miss my family terribly. I miss Christmas morning with my nieces and

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-80711904893335567322011-12-20T16:46:00.000-05:002011-12-20T16:47:15.577-05:00

Tonight Chanukah begins. It's the first night of the holiday. I sit here typing at the laptop, my daughter watching The Princess and the Frog for the umpteenth time. I have loads of presents for her, but haven't wrapped a single one. Our Christmas tree is flashing her blue and white lights right beside me. Blocking my view of the television but that's alright. I know the music. I know the words.

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-82010497279715285312011-12-19T11:51:00.002-05:002011-12-19T11:58:05.518-05:00

Do you want to know what I just did? If not, well, too bad. I'm about to tell you. See, I had a Chanukah Harriet drop off a goodie gift for me the other day. And just the fact alone that it still exists in my home, wrapped, is an incredible accomplishment for me. And no, the gift is NOT still wrapped. But one of the treats inside of it was. Until about ten minutes ago. She gave me a Reese's

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-9891480427178027822011-12-18T10:07:00.000-05:002011-12-18T10:07:34.695-05:00

I sit here thinking about what I want to talk about today and the noise level in my house is so loud it's almost impossible to actually think. See - my in-laws are here, which is absolutely wonderful. It's been a great weekend so far. Yes, I mean it. I love my in-laws. But OMG. My FIL is deaf. As in really. He has a hearing aid, and I puffy heart this man so much, but the TV in our living room is

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-87800614414672934842011-12-15T08:52:00.000-05:002011-12-15T08:52:05.210-05:00

I happened to see a tweet by Amy Oscar on Monday and noticed that she's got some really cool writing prompts over on her site. And when I saw this one I had to jump in. A list of things I love in 400 words? Perfection! And then I saw the post Amy used as an example and thought to myself, look - it doesn't even have to be in list form! Now, if you know me by now you'll know that I don't just like

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-62518502689825136672011-12-12T08:21:00.000-05:002011-12-12T08:21:00.142-05:00

I read this book a month or so ago, and just haven't had a window til now to share my thoughts on it.Wishes & Stitches is by Rachael Herron. It's a part of the Cypress Hollow Yarn stories, and I have read one of those before - you can find that review here for How to Knit a Heart Back Home. I liked that book, it was fun and it was cute. And so I was excited to receive another book by this

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-88458068647858705892011-12-11T14:03:00.000-05:002011-12-11T14:03:25.284-05:00

Hello, all. Happy Sunday. I've been hiding this week. Not intentionally, just haven't felt like writing or posting much. Lots on the mind, I guess. You know how it is. Tis the season and all that jazz.We had a pretty busy weekend. Or have had one so far. On Friday I went to an all day class. It was really interesting. I picked the topic for various reasons. One, it was really more affordable than

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-77087566028197538132011-12-06T10:49:00.001-05:002011-12-06T10:50:03.859-05:00

For some reason this picture of my daughter has been haunting me since I took it last week. First, I took it with my phone and just keep looking at it in awe that my new phone captured such a great shot.And then there is the non-technological aspect of the picture. Just look at her. The hair. You can't miss the hair. These days I look at her, or I take her picture, and all I see is her incredible

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-79840625125602702832011-12-05T09:37:00.000-05:002011-12-05T09:37:14.309-05:00

Right now this is what is happening in my house. My four-year-old child is saying, repeatedly: "Bella. Bella. Bella. Come here, Bella. Bella. Bella. Bella."I turn around. She (my child) is hiding under Dexter's blanket. Bella (younger dog, new to the family) is looking around like, 'What on earth is wrong with this random human? Why is she hiding her head and face from me?'Good morning, bloggy

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-91215424477014048642011-12-04T09:21:00.000-05:002011-12-04T09:22:10.305-05:00

I was lucky enough to be picked as a participant by Mommy Parties for their Mega Bloks party recently. My daughter had the opportunity to test out a huge set of Mega Bloks, and she loved it. She was excited to have something so fun and new around to engage with. But what was honestly even more fun was having her friends over to play.This was the first time in a while I had so many little ones in

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-61284839671681793012011-12-02T09:40:00.000-05:002011-12-02T09:41:05.924-05:00

I'm linking up with Mamakatslosinit this week and picked one of her prompts (because I saw it over at my friend Rachel's 'hood and knew I had to do it!) to use for this post: Five Things. List 5 things we don’t know about you, 5 things you’re knowledgeable about, 5 things you know nothing about, and 5 things you believe.Now, if you've been reading me for a while you might know some of the

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-32400676448348702912011-11-30T20:11:00.000-05:002011-11-30T20:11:14.542-05:00

Yes, I'll be 40 next year. My birthday is in October, so it's not like it's *close* or anything, but it's next year, and it's almost next year - ya know? So why not come up with a list, right? 40 things to do before I turn 40.Sure - no pressure - just a list of maybes. Must be-s. And who knows what will be-s?I love lists cause I love crossing things off them. But here I sit saying to myself,

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-14213497235795868322011-11-29T12:48:00.000-05:002011-11-29T12:48:32.383-05:00

Let me tell you a little bit about The Heroine's Bookshelf, by Erin Blakemore.Blakemore takes us through her connections with not just several incredibly well known female authors, but also reunites us with characters that have stood tall through history. Characters like Lizzy of Pride and Prejudice, Scarlett in Gone with the Wind, and Jo, of Little Women.I think that this book is empowering,

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-13404229747920422282011-11-26T20:31:00.000-05:002011-11-26T20:31:54.616-05:00

I am thankful for so many things. I am thankful for my health and that of my family. Yes, I have aches and pains. Complaints and 900 meds of late. But I'm healthy. I'm lucky to be so. And my kid, she's a beast when it comes to rock solid health, thank my lucky stars she has the husband's immune system. I'm also thankful for the rest of my family. I don't mean the rest in the way that it sounds.

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-60265639592106579702011-11-22T11:45:00.000-05:002011-11-22T11:45:24.339-05:00

The room is dark. The only light on is the small bulb that brightens the hallway between the bedroom and the bath. It's enough - though - for me to see whatever it is I am focused on at the moment. A book? Sure. Sometimes the lack of overhead hurts my eyes. But I can see well enough to dive in and become a part of the storyline that absorbs me through to my soul. My iPad? Sure. My connection to

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-47331466761946314372011-11-20T13:34:00.000-05:002011-11-20T13:34:38.792-05:00

I haven't linked up with anyone for a while, so I decided to do so today with All Things Fadra and Stream of Consciousness Sunday. I will cheat a bit, as I am on a new laptop (to me) and adjusting to the keys, so forgive me if I fat finger too much and I will try to catch any mega-glaring typos. Even though that's against the rules. I think Fadra (and you!) will forgive me!So, what you do is take

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-9015928627285465882011-11-16T00:09:00.000-05:002011-11-16T00:09:00.744-05:00

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-5342242733702562432011-11-15T11:56:00.001-05:002011-11-15T11:57:02.200-05:00

I started this post a few weeks ago and dropped it. Then I tried again the other night and failed, as Pinterest was flailing and wouldn't let me click through to any links. So what perfect timing to try again as Sarah at My Own Beeswax has a Pinteresting linky up today! I posted once about the Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole I found on Pinterest, tried and LOVED. You can find that here. It's

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-46712904200597680782011-11-14T13:13:00.000-05:002011-11-14T13:13:13.319-05:00

I just haven't gotten my blogging groove back after the past month or so. I'm not sure why, and I'm still here. Still reading - without that much commenting. Still tweeting - definitely chatting there, and using Triberr, too. Speaking of, if you aren't on there yet and want in, let me know. I have a pretty small tribe I'd love to add a few like-minded friends to.I'm also still posting, but I'm

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-41080373610171644742011-11-10T09:23:00.000-05:002011-11-10T09:23:02.612-05:00

The people at Mommy Parties have been kind enough to understand that it has taken me a bit longer to get my party post up as I have had a few small delays. The first being my husband's surprise appendectomy. Pushed my partying plans back a bit there. Couldn't exactly have loads of little happy faces jumping around the house while he's trying to rest, right? And then I had the post, and the

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-61409975863951728792011-11-09T07:02:00.001-05:002011-11-09T07:02:00.947-05:00

October 2007October 2008October 2009October 2010October 2011

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-72985705295466666032011-11-08T12:49:00.001-05:002011-11-08T12:50:53.112-05:00

I'll admit - - I had reservations about our Disney trip before it happened.My ILs had planned it, and I had so many questions I wasn't sure what our plans would actually be like. Or be for. You know it's confusing when you don't plan your own events. And it's up in the air. And it's relaxing at the same time. But so as not to appear ungrateful, which I am not and was not, I held my concerns in

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-4998784122208030152011-11-06T23:03:00.000-05:002011-11-06T23:03:33.050-05:00

I stepped in. Sunk down into the blue embrace. My skin shivered as the temperature dropped beneath the surface. It was cold, but I had to do it. I've never been one to flinch from such cold. Especially now. My daughter - - merely four - - splashing away. Loving every moment. My feet make their way. Not timid. My toes ... always the big ones ... scuffed by the bottom.Small splits. Skin raw. Rarely

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-40035387619308238572011-11-02T00:15:00.000-04:002011-11-02T00:15:00.907-04:00

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-11932991177017130212011-11-01T00:30:00.000-04:002011-11-01T00:30:01.237-04:00

My friend Patty has been so wonderful and in the midst of so much happening with her family right now she has been a strong and incredible woman, and a great friend! She provided me with a guest post here about *10 Good Things About Being in a NYC Hospital* ... so read on, and please go give Patty some love over in her 'hood: A Day in My NYC.I am a girl who looks at the glass half-full.Always

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-52450547647442641272011-10-28T00:06:00.001-04:002011-10-28T00:06:00.260-04:00

Okay, so if you read yesterday's post you know that I took the opportunity to post about 22 things that I have done. So with my "haves" out of the way I was up late writing about my "have nots".Oh, and I just have to add that with today (Friday) being my 39th birthday, I think it is perfect timing for these prompts. And I thank Mama Kat for giving me the slight shove in this direction so I would

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-28302105681906919312011-10-27T00:01:00.000-04:002011-10-27T00:02:04.148-04:00

I didn't get to play last week, but I will eventually follow up with a What Have I Not Yet Done kind of post, but I decided to partake in this week's prompt #1:Last week we wrote about what we have never done…this week write a list of 22 things you HAVE done. I'm linking up with Mama Kat and her weekly writer's workshop today with my list:I've been parasailing.I've taken a boat ride on the

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-82373402589490706742011-10-25T08:24:00.001-04:002011-10-25T08:24:00.064-04:00

I will start off this review by saying that I loved this book. This is the first thing by Sara Shepard I have read, and I am definitely a new fan. The story, the characters, the secrets, the family ... it all added up to an incredible read. It was an easy read, enjoyable, not difficult to follow each character, and I loved the various perspectives we received throughout. I'm not sure which

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-14640226701440521272011-10-24T13:25:00.007-04:002011-10-24T14:06:14.964-04:00

I rarely host giveaways, and I certainly don't often have more than one going at a time, but with the holidays coming up, and Friends You Love winding down, what better time to have lots of fun and free stuff for all my friends? Today I'm giving away a Godiva Coffee gift-pack for one of my friendly readers.This gift pack will include a bag of both of their wonderful fall flavors. You'll get to

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-84482035975487749032011-10-22T00:24:00.001-04:002011-10-22T00:28:46.181-04:00

If you don't remember me saying so last year, I am a huge fan of Shutterfly.And quite possibly an even bigger fan of their holiday cards!If you've never seen one I actually have one I can show you that is my own personal card from last year. I'm not kidding, I saved the image so I could have it for future reference.Here ... take a look:Isn't it too cute? I love that I can do a ton of pictures to

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-61259813580022405552011-10-20T23:45:00.000-04:002011-10-20T23:46:49.723-04:00

And the things I want to do ...Call it a fall/winter bucket list. Or my 'rounding off 2011 Bucket List. Or something like that.* Dye my hair. Maybe. I keep thinking I will. For the first time. Ever. But we'll see. * Get my learner's permit. What? Shut up. You didn't know? * Get a massage. For me. Soon. Or acupuncture. That would work, too.* Get the kiddo a big girl bike. Because looking at her

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-44376454411340080742011-10-19T00:21:00.001-04:002011-10-19T00:21:00.191-04:00

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-66895295260347747842011-10-18T00:27:00.000-04:002011-10-18T00:27:00.056-04:00

Don't Sing at the Table, by Adriana Trigiani was a touching and motivational read.This is the first of her work that I have read, though I have hard incredible things about Lucia, Lucia and Big Stone Gap. I am kind of glad I started off with a non-fiction work in that I feel as though I actually got to know her as she introduced me to her grandmothers. Lucy and Viola will likely feel like many a

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-26537694229549694452011-10-17T00:36:00.000-04:002011-10-17T00:36:00.451-04:00

Hey, everybody - - I'm not here today. I'm actually posting over at Jackie's place so I hope you'll go by and say hi to her and check out the yummy fall recipe I've shared for her Menu Monday post this week.But first, stick around and check out this cool craft my friend Jamie has in store for you all today. Seriously. Don't think you're in the wrong 'hood. You're not. I promise!And when you get a

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-27722522773800196462011-10-15T14:08:00.000-04:002011-10-15T14:09:22.321-04:00

The fabulous Friends You Love ladies have been lucky enough to not just receive some Simply Charmed wine glass charms for our own use, but we also have the opportunity to give a set away!This is the set you'll be receiving if you win (honestly, how cute is that corkscrew one? I love it!): I tested mine out on my current set of wine glasses and they work really well. At first I thought it might

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-33756347107292760142011-10-14T15:48:00.000-04:002011-10-14T15:48:59.359-04:00

I stand in front of the mirror. Bare flesh. Standing and staring. I can hear her crying in the other room. Softly, though. Not loud. Not screaming. Not wailing. Just enough time for me to take things in. Zone out the sound. Briefly. I stare some more. I turn sideways. Looking. Never breaking contact. My eyes follow my body as I turn. And turn again. ********Over four years later I turn to my

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-33404660672452905362011-10-12T00:21:00.000-04:002011-10-12T00:22:50.294-04:00

My baby cousin got engaged this past weekend. And yes, I am completely allowed to call her my baby cousin because I was 16 years old when she was born. The first time I met her was at my Sweet 16 party. She was totally tiny and full of hope. She was beautiful. She is beautiful. Sadly, I don't see my cousins quite as often as I used to, but a lot has changed over time. The photo below is probably

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-43550561066736894092011-10-10T00:02:00.000-04:002011-10-10T00:02:00.305-04:00

I'd like to introduce you to Lisa from Two Bears Farm as we celebrate friendships this month with Friends You Love!I had the pleasure of finally meeting Lisa IRL this summer when we attended TypeAParent Conference. She was my roomie for the weekend, and she made me some delicious sweet treats (seriously, go check out her recipes. She's amazing with natural foods. I do not lie!).Here's a picture

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-73611925673357086842011-10-09T00:55:00.001-04:002011-10-09T02:11:30.100-04:00

I was lucky enough to be selected to read and review Little Goblins Ten by Pamela Jane for TLC Book Tours this month. I love the chance to read a book with my daughter for review purposes, as I can add her feedback, as well.So what a surprise this book had in store. Not just a fun story perfectly timed for Halloween for us, but a counting/math related twist to it, as well. Throw in some rhyming

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-44682587762579197412011-10-06T00:01:00.000-04:002011-10-06T00:01:00.626-04:00

I'm a day late, but not a dollar short. I woke up after a rough night of sleep and non-sleep with my daughter yesterday morning to a whole load of tweets about an incredible initiative. My daughter battled some sort of need to sleep brought on by fever? Broken sleep? I don't know exactly. But she fell in and out of focus for a few hours. And during that time, I read.I had already checked my email

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-8056991405907564222011-10-05T00:04:00.000-04:002011-10-05T00:04:00.184-04:00

So we've been home from NY for like two days now, and my daughter knows exactly how to test limits with me in a way that not only makes me miss my family just because I DO miss my family - - but in a way that makes me wish being there with my family because they're a great buffer for the windows of time we have together. Is that horrible of me? I love spending time with my child. I do. I truly do

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-10344366080824915622011-10-04T00:00:00.001-04:002011-10-04T00:00:04.067-04:00

Fading in and out.There. And then not. A hand. A grasp. Tightly held. Tighter now. The pain. Searing. The tears.Streaming. Words ... jumbled. Senseless. Muttered. Eyes. Deep. Focused. Holding mine. Breath. Strong and powerful. Motivating. Darkness. Silence.And then the pain.Again.Reaching out.Again.A hand.A grasp.There for me.There with me.Not alone.Never alone.And soon ... it happens again.Hand

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-38325400952517256742011-10-02T19:40:00.001-04:002011-10-02T19:43:32.841-04:00

Have you stopped by to visit Friends You Love yet? No? What are you waiting for! Head on over to read up on our goal to spotlight women's friendships this month, and find out how to link up your post about YOUR best friend! You AND she could win incredible gifts from Earth To Alice!All you have to do to participate is: * Write a post about your best friend!Tell us how you know her, how she has

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-22572413421628212602011-10-01T00:43:00.000-04:002011-10-01T00:43:00.096-04:00

Alison Pick wrote an absolutely beautiful novel in Far to Go. It's exceptionally touching, powerful, strong and raw.Set in Czechoslovakia in the home of a Jewish family struggling to make way under Hitler's early regime, we watch as the nanny, Marta, takes care of a young boy named Pepik while his mother, Anneleise, seems to care little, except when under a watchful eye. We watch the father,

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-88739469772362218432011-09-29T11:15:00.000-04:002011-09-29T11:15:00.725-04:00

Oh my goodness. It's fall. I mean, when you read this it will have already been fall on the calendar for like a week or so. And it's hot and humid and sticky. But last week it was not. Last week it was rainy and cool and totally fall-like. So I made soup. Not just any soup. My mother-in-law's corn chowder. And if you know me, this is way more than my typical lazy-mom self likes to do. But guess

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-92040414505657655992011-09-26T11:55:00.000-04:002011-09-26T11:56:32.539-04:00

Hi, peeps! If you were around last year at this time, you may remember Friends You Love. And if you weren't, well, you need to head on out and check it out immediately. Here ... click this button:Go on, I'll wait. There. Don't you feel good now? Don't you feel happy that you went to see? You must. I mean, all that talk about friendship? It's gotta rub off on you and make you smile. Without a

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-20494854541813959792011-09-24T23:27:00.000-04:002011-09-24T23:27:01.674-04:00

I'm so tired. I'm freaking exhausted. My husband was away for work all last week and my daughter decided to use that as a perfect way to show that she was "sad" and she "missed Daddy" and she just would not go to sleep before midnight. I'm on the fast track to some melatonin here - and it may happen for real soon. And no, I don't mean for me. I already take it on occasion. As needed, and all. And

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-34864629486927178842011-09-22T23:18:00.001-04:002011-09-22T23:21:05.245-04:00

I am from television shows before and after school, from onion snacks and pizza bagels bought at Kosher City. I am from always stealing the Doritos after my brother opened the bag. I am from the warmth of a living room so full and inviting. The feel of plush carpet between your toes. The curve of the couch as the best place to fall asleep. I am from the grass, the weeds and the caterpillars, the

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-68373468681344318172011-09-20T14:18:00.006-04:002011-09-20T14:36:16.029-04:00

You can find these and more fun thoughts on my The Importance of Words Pinterest board!And link up today with Post-It Note Tuesday!

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-19430246908414569602011-09-18T19:32:00.000-04:002011-09-18T19:34:13.139-04:00

Loose Diamonds ... and other things I've lost (and found) along the way, was an easy read. It was a short book of under 200 pages, which is a nice change of pace for me now and then. Sometimes I'm honestly desperate for something that doesn't weigh me down - - in mind or body!I will be honest and share that when I started the book it took me quite some time to warm up to Amy Ephron. I started off

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-87795043897716623702011-09-16T00:27:00.001-04:002011-09-16T00:28:09.696-04:00

Clara watched as the Rabbi walked up to the altar. Her heart beat heavy within her small frame. She swore the person sitting next to her could feel it. What was happening here? Was she so sure that she could ignore this? Or was she fooling herself? He began to pray. She shut her eyes. Listened to his sweet voice. She was more sure now than ever before that it was him. That she knew this man

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-3259185642414060682011-09-15T00:15:00.000-04:002011-09-15T00:15:00.926-04:00

I'd like to introduce you to my friend Jodi. Jodi is sharing her PPD experience to help promote awareness and to help support a local organization, Moms Supporting Moms, a part of Postpartum Education and Support. I had my breakdown a year ago next month. It was a Monday morning, still very clear in my mind, and I was 8 weeks postpartum with my second child. My son was sick, again, and I was

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-77204428402053363612011-09-14T12:07:00.000-04:002011-09-14T12:08:23.822-04:00

... so different and so new.Please tell me I'm not the only person in bloggy-land to know this song? Have you checked over at Shell's place yet? She's got another incredible linky going on, and I'm definitely jumping in to play. It's about magic moments. Could you tell?Here are a few of mine:~ New love ~~ First time at the beach ~~ Strawberry Picking ~~ First MLB game ~~ A perfect kick ~

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-91269744538940692412011-09-13T00:02:00.000-04:002011-09-13T00:02:47.068-04:00

Sometime in the late 1990s I sat at my cubicle, behind three short walls, staring at my computer.What's this? HELLO!Copy this entire e-mail and change all the answers so they apply to you. Then send it to people you know, INCLUDING me. You should get back a lot of e-mails and you'll learn a lot about your friends that you maybe didn't know.FULL NAME: Andrea E. NICKNAME: you know my nicknames,

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-52997458283335591792011-09-11T11:09:00.000-04:002011-09-11T11:09:48.364-04:00

And I can't even believe it. I'm writing this post before the actual anniversary and my heart breaks as I think back to that emotional and horrible day in America's history.I can't believe it's September already. September 2011. Ten full years have passed. So many memories have been made, so much love, so much growth. And then, on this day - above all others - we stop to remember. We never

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-84546389275095332182011-09-10T18:22:00.000-04:002011-09-10T18:22:44.339-04:00

We woke up this morning, got ready for soccer, headed out and made it there in the nick of time. It was so crowded I stood for most of the session. It was fine, though. I'm cool with it. I did tell my husband - when he reminded me that my ILs will probably see our daughter play when they come through here in October - that we won't be one of those families who take up the whole bench with 4-5

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-8789665601081341202011-09-09T13:35:00.000-04:002011-09-09T13:36:19.327-04:00

It's the start of the school year (though my daughter isn't in school and it doesn't feel like fall) and I think back to corduroys and turtlenecks. No matter how warm it was. I called my mom last week, 'How was your first day at school? Did you wear your corduroys?' We laughed together.I rarely remember wearing jeans as a child. Maybe that's why I don't buy them for my daughter. I hate how they

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-57066814399286336852011-09-08T14:49:00.000-04:002011-09-08T14:50:01.973-04:00

I wrote a reflective post last week (I think) and was not planning to post it ON September 11th here in my hood. It will go live on another blog I write for that day, but I just wanted to hold this in reserve. And then I read it just now. Today. September 8th. And I realize, I don't have that many days left before the anniversary. Before I should probably hit publish and make this go live.

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-86512274170392334712011-09-06T00:29:00.000-04:002011-09-06T00:30:00.652-04:00

Twitter and Bloggyland have been abuzz of late. I find myself overcome with the emotion, frustration, the angst of it all. I took a few days of nothingness and yet I read and I read and I read. And I watched. I watched a video about how a beautiful woman was made to feel like sh!t because Southwest Airlines couldn't get themselves together. So they had to embarrass her and her family instead.

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-44481546153547923452011-09-02T11:51:00.000-04:002011-09-02T11:51:56.003-04:00

When someone breaks your heart you go through so many changes. Emmalynn sighed loudly. "What crap," she muttered, tossing the book toward the trash can beneath her nightstand. She knew that Vi meant well, but all of this - this crap - she couldn't do it. Especially after the other night. She shook her head. "I don't need to remember that. It was a sign of weakness," she stood, facing the

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-60824890417439668332011-09-01T13:18:00.000-04:002011-09-01T13:19:12.293-04:00

I can remember the outside of her building, but not the lobby or the hallway. I can remember what it felt like walking into her apartment, but don't actually have pictures of the inside. The only ones that exist are filed away in my mind. I can even remember the smells. Chicken soup on the stove. Probably my dad's, but she prepared it as if it were her own. I remember tootsie rolls. In

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-9575373816624898502011-08-31T00:01:00.001-04:002011-08-31T00:01:01.517-04:00

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-80154444727777174132011-08-28T05:14:00.000-04:002011-08-28T05:14:00.436-04:00

I recently received a copy of Little Black Dress to review, at my request. It sounded like a cute story, and did not disappoint. It was really bizarre how the dress melded itself and worked some sort of magic, all of which I can't really tell you about for the sake of saving some mystery for you if you should choose to read this story. For me the primary character of this book was Evie. For it

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-6786318851278287642011-08-27T00:09:00.000-04:002011-08-27T00:10:00.412-04:00

I haven't done one of these in a while, and as I sit here and it's nearly midnight, I think it's long overdue. You know you're a mom when ... ... You can practically recite the words to entire episodes of Good Luck, Charlie. ... You can't fall asleep at night because the theme song to Shake It Up is rattling around your brain. Sh-sh-sh shake it up! ... You find yourself making Ovaltine "

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-74060629865274299232011-08-26T11:03:00.000-04:002011-08-26T11:04:14.871-04:00

She crawls into bed, shutting her eyes Praying the thoughts go away They do not She whispers Why are you still here? All I want is to dream

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-36777146826605118122011-08-25T14:31:00.000-04:002011-08-25T14:31:16.237-04:00

I've decided to link up today with Project Marriage Challenge and do a little work on my bedroom. IN the bedroom. My actual bedroom, not what YOU'RE thinking. ;) I have been so slack in doing clean up in my room. Hubby and I just let things pile up in there, make messes, and just sort of leave it be. Once it is where it is it ends up staying there. I'm sure we're not the only ones who know how

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-86435710882299095522011-08-24T01:59:00.002-04:002011-08-24T02:00:53.511-04:00

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-7331439731748744952011-08-22T23:32:00.001-04:002011-08-22T23:33:30.162-04:00

Imagine that writing down your worst memory will free you of it. I have been asked to write down my worst memory.What is it? I don't know. There may be too many things. I have lived a relatively uneventful life, but these memories exist. They are there. Hidden away. Pulled out on an anniversary. A sad day. A moment where I'm missing someone I loved with my whole heart. What shall I share with

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-66473009039890948352011-08-20T20:26:00.000-04:002011-08-20T20:26:45.137-04:00

I seriously think I am getting a cold and it stinks. I woke up this morning (it is Saturday night as I type/write this) and I was coughing a bit and I am, as usual, pretty stuffy. My kiddo had a cold last week, so I hope I'm not really getting something. I want to go swimming tomorrow! I want to get back into our Sunday routine. It's been a few weeks. At least two, but maybe three, I guess it was

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-9611789951096031322011-08-19T00:08:00.000-04:002011-08-19T00:08:00.232-04:00

I had to leave immediately. I couldn't take another minute of the screaming. The way that my parents used to talk to one another - that loving and beautiful relationship - it was so special. So important. So what I wanted to have in my life. So the way things were supposed to be. A hand held as they crossed the street. A small smile across the room. Fingers resting, tapping, gently on a knee

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-55706720906442914142011-08-17T12:14:00.001-04:002011-08-17T12:14:54.958-04:00

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-59560709989584121162011-08-16T14:18:00.000-04:002011-08-16T14:18:20.010-04:00

Another night where I sat in my bed, trying to sleep. Willing myself to close my eyes and fall out. Longing for a peaceful transition from crawling into bed to waking up in the morning (or - who was I kidding? - during the night when I'd wake up to go to the bathroom). I lay there, tears pooling in my eyes, thinking to myself how impossible this would be if I had to experience months of it. How

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-83653720332974902642011-08-15T18:01:00.003-04:002011-08-15T18:09:37.231-04:00

* I found these post-it stickies a long, LONG time ago, and have no recollection of where they came from, but I am trying to find out. I am only finally able to edit them like a human being, as I am using Picnik and it rocks. Totally. Join me over at Only Parent Chronicles tomorrow (or today if you don't read this til Tuesday!) as I link up with her for Post-It Note Tuesday. Feel free to

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-35767751325314907422011-08-14T15:11:00.003-04:002011-08-14T15:18:08.581-04:00

I'm so tired today. My daughter has been waking up every night at somewhere between 1-2AM and I am losing it. She also has taken to crawling into bed with us (me, my side) now and then, so I knew something was brewing. Last night she complained of her throat hurting, and we believed her. I gave her some Ibuprofen, which I don't normally do, but it was bedtime and I thought it would help with

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-5687556279684881312011-08-13T01:28:00.000-04:002011-08-13T01:28:00.900-04:00

Oh my heavens. Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole. I've always heard about spaghetti pie, or spaghetti casseroles, but I have never made them. And then I found this recipe over at one of my new favorite recipe blogs: Mommy's Kitchen. And a huge thanks to my latest addiction, Pinterest, for helping me find her. Mmmn. Yum. Her cheesy chicken spaghetti recipe looked so good I decided to tackle

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6208706644410714856.post-72384341493279754332011-08-12T01:30:00.001-04:002011-08-12T01:31:27.632-04:00

"Emmalynn, are you here?" "In here!" "Em?" "IN HERE!" I raised my voice over the music, grabbing a dishtowel as I reached for the radio. "IN THE KITCHEN!" I shouted again. I watched him, his eyes taking me in. What I must have looked like. Dripping with sweat, flour everywhere. Hair in my eyes. A brand new me. It'd been a few weeks and I was entitled to it. Finally. "Hey." I said. I

Andrea (ace1028)http://www.blogger.com/profile/06972798018825603047noreply@blogger.com20