" The Help" Is not Just for Ladies Anymore

every once in a while Don Juan will step down from his " I don't read novels I am to busy" pedestal and read a book that I have enjoyed. I am not dumb, I don't recommend every book I read but if I like a book and think he will like a book I tell him " come on babe you should read it" which is followed by his " Yeah sure maybe"

far it has ended up well. Case in point the Harry Potter series, he jumped on board around the time the 6th book came out. To that I say your welcome Don Juan, your welcome.

He decided to read " The Help" on his own. Well, kind of on his own, flying home from New York the guy next to me was reading it, said his girlfriend told him to and that he liked it, and I think this intrigued my man. What is it about this book that is so interesting that this manly man is reading it on an airplane and is not even embarrassed?

Next thing I know Don is reading "The Help". not just reading it, he is eating it up. He keeps talking about it to me, waking up at 3;00 am to read it, Reading it at the breakfast table. I don't know what has gotten into him. I haven't seen this since "Harry Potter" I have to admit it is cute.

He loves it, I love that he loves it, he loves that I love that he loves it, We are all just in love with being in love!

Family Night In Morgan

A dear friend of ours was in Annie! up in Morgan last night so we took Family night on the road.

We stopped at Steph's Diner in Morgan Utah. Don Loves it there because like Nephi where Don Juan grew up Morgan has a total of 10 people in the entire town and this Diner reminded him of the diner he went to as a kid " Frosty Freeze". I guess small town diners taste the same wherever you go.

Seeing Annie! was fun and believe it or not the kidletts actually sat through the whole thing. It was a fun night and when we got home the kidletts were so tired they went straight to bed and fell asleep with no help from us.

I was hoping When we got home Ophelia would be in a much better mood, she had been having one of those days when she hides in the bathroom behind the toilet all day, and she was. I don't know what was wrong with her. I think it had to do with Jude wrapping her in an ace bandage like a mummy all day long. I guess that would bother anyone, especially since to Ophelia Jude is a giant. Yes, a giant Jude would definitely cause me to hide behind a toilet all day, to be honest a normal size Jude sometimes makes we want to hide behind a toilet.

A New Adventure in the Markland Household

So Today marks a big change for us. After an 8 year sabbatical, Don Juan finishing his Bachelors Masters, and now working on his P.H.D ( Just hearing about his dissertation gives me anxiety ), Three Children, four Dogs, Two homes ,after all this I, today have re-started my schooling. I stopped my education my Junior year of college after I had our sweet Logan. I hadn't looked back until a few months ago when I looked into going back. I then realized how close I was to being done and I couldn't believe it. So with all of our kidletts in some form of school now I decided it was a perfect time to get back to work. Thankfully most of the classes I need to take are offered online so may the fun begin!!!

I am a tad nervous seeing it has been a whopping 8 years.

especially seeing as one of the classes I had avoided taking my freshman year was Health and Personal Wellness and now I have to take that joke of a class as a 31 year old woman.

Ahhh oh well.

Now I must get off this computer becuase Jude has taken his foot cast off and is now trying to put it on poor Ophelia. My poor dogs take more abuse than any dog ever should.

..........And Jude Broke His Foot

Dear Jude,


I am sorry I did not believe you when you said you hurt your foot. well I did believe you but I thought you just stepped on something so it was a little sore. I did not hear you do whatever you did to break your foot. You told the doctor that you jumped off your bed and then your bed jumped on your foot ( Thats your story and your sticking to it) you crawled around on it all day Wednesday and I finally took you to the doctor Thursday morning. In my defense you didnt cry once, you kept playing all day up and down the stairs, it wasnt until you started crawling last night I realized something was really wrong. so your foot is broken, I think you might have jumped off my bed, as realistic as your story is about your bed jumping on your foot I just cant wrap my head around that one. So I made funny faces with you while you were stuck sitting on the couchTook you to the store to get your very own BeybladeAnd let you play Beyblade to your hearts content, you actually are pretty happy. I am worried you might go break another foot because today has been so fun.

On a side note I sure did fall down the stairs this morning when I was running down them with you in my arms in a rush to go outside and see the double rainbow that made an appearance this morning. My booty is quite bruised and i must say pretty swollen ( it is swollen from the fall not from all the ice cream I have been consuming lately, thank you very much ). Your Papa saw me fall and tried not to laugh but he couldnt hold it for very long. Dont feel bad for me I deserve the laugh, Your dad falls down the stairs at least once a week and I dont even try to hide the laughter. It was Karma.

I hope your foot feels better and please forgive me for waiting two days to take you to the doctor. I owe you one!

Mommy

My Wish List, Plus $49.95 Payless Boots. What?

Don was off to church tonight and the kidletts are in bed, due to early school tomorrow so I had nothing to do so I spent way too much time looking at stuff online that i would purchace if I was totally irresponisble and wasted all my money on frivolous things. Like that red skirt. I have to admit once I saw that gem I had a little fantasy of me wearing it everywhere I went, the the grocery store with a T-shirt, on a date night witk a sweater and belt, sleeping in it.......I pretty much would never take it off.

The Couch reminded me of the couch My roommate ( Annie ) and I had in college, this one however is a sofa bed, Thats right a sofa bed,,,, so I am pretty much sold. forget about the $700 price tag right?

I dont know why I am looking at all of these expensive things when I almost had a cow in the middle of Payless today when I was looking for riding boots for kennedy.... why were you having a cow michelle .....you might ask?

I was having a cow because for a pair of PAYLESS SHOE SOURCE BOOTS FOR A 5 YEAR OLD I WOULD BE OUT $49.95

Thats right $49.95....... at payless, the crappiest shoe store known to man $49.95 We put those cheap pleather boots back and left immediately. I know I enjoy shopping but asking me to pay $49.95 for any shoes at payless much less kids boots just threw me over the edge.

The kind lady did let me know that if I bought the fuzzy pink and Purple Dora boots they would only be $15...... Really? those babies were so hideous they should have PAYED me $15 to take them off their hands.

Needless to say Kennedy still has no riding boots, so I am consoling myself with online window shopping.

Vintage Dress- Here





Couch- Here





Crimped Skirt- Here





Booties- Here

Bernstein Bears Made an Appearance, and What What Would Be Like with a Housekeeper

While I was whipping up dinner tonight the Logester read Jude a story. Yes logan is wearing Jammas and yes it was 5:00 in the afternoon. He likes to be comfy after school and that is ok with me.

I organized the crap out of Kennedys room today, you know, packing up her 3t clothes that are still living in her closet. It is so much easier to toss junk in her room without her there. Plus seeing her excited look when she came into a sparkling clean room was pretty priceless.

Tomorrow I tackle Logans, Its going to be a beast.I wish I had a full time housekeeper. what would I do all day if I did? Read I guess, eat alot of icecream, and probably get into daytime t.v.

soo, maybe a maid is not he best idea.

Getting really excited for my new adventure. It starts in a few days and I am hoping all goes well.

Date Night at 2:30 Am? Why Not?

Dear Don,
I had fun on our impromptu date early this morning. Usually me waking up in the middle of the night to stress about your cars funny noise and your next morning trip to Thanksgiving point ends in me trying to be as loud as possible without being obvious so you will wake up. I soo love your company and I get so little of it you cant blame me for my little tricks. However, this morning I had to tell you some news before I forgot, So I woke you up. " You cant take my car tomorrow I need it to drive Kennedy to school so you are going to have to put oil in your car before you leave. " Even though that would put your wake up time at 4:00 am you still happily said "Ok" It was cute. Then we disagreed about something to do with your car, You admitted I was right, and perfect, and the most beautiful woman in the world and then you rolled over to sleep. I was not so lucky and couldn't sleep due to my mind running a million miles a minute so I turned on my favorite show that I have recorded just for occasions like this. The sound of my guilty pleasure kept you awake, I had an inkling it would because even though you don't admit it or would never talk about it you REALLY like that show also. I know it is embarrassing for a man to admit so I will not reveal the show in this post so your children will never think less of you. Thank you for cuddling and watching an episode with me, and when it ended saying " Lets just watch one more we are already up" you are the best, we finally crashed at around 345, 15 minutes before you had to wake up. I am so sorry

Back to the Old Grindstone

First Week of school is fianlly done. I dont know why the first week just seems so crazy, I am excited to get back into the groove of things.
All week i have been catching up on getting supplies, organizing uniforms, organizing closets, all the stuff I should have done before they went back but irresponsible me went to New York instead.
I am pretty sure I will not be cooking dinner tonight, I will be ordering some Pizza, and while I drown my self in sauce and extra cheese and oh so much grease I will be contemplating exactly how I am going to get these kids closets and drawers organized, and more importantly how to keep them that way.
on an exciting note I am starting a new adventure in the next week, something I have been meaning and needing to do for some time... more on that later...

The Markland WWF

i have never met a child that does not like to wrestle. I understand it, there is something oddly theraputic about pushing someone off the couch when they are just sitting there relaxing. it is especially wondeful when they are not expecting the shove and they fall to the floor and then you get to do the famous Markland Atomic elbow while they are down. It is no wonder you kidletts love to wrestle...... i cant say I blame you.

New York had Great Things, and Not so Great things

Great Things about New York





1. Spending four whole days with Don Juan, happy to announce yes, we do still like each other





2. Seeing Harry Potter in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying on Broadway. yes I know the poor boy has a real name but as far as I am concerned He is Harry Potter, and judging by the the young girls screams when he came out I dont think I am the only one with that mentality. It was Funny we couldnt stop laughing





3. Magnolia bakery cheesecake





4. Seeing the Temple right smack in the middle of Manhattan





5. the Food! Oh My Gosh The Food! for a person whos whole day is planned around getting good food, making good food, and eating good food New York is heaven on earth





6. 30 rock was pretty cool





7. Times Square, I dont remember it being that big!





8. Seeing Where Don Juan spent his first few years of life





9. Everything was open until like 2 AM no kidding.





10. The Plaza Hotel, Home Alone 2 is one of my favorite movies, no judgements please it is a clasic. just standing outside the Plaza Hotel where cute Kevin Mcallister engaged in all of his tom foolery was quite magical.

11. 5 Napkin in Hells Kitchen

12. Thirft stores in downtown New york

13. Brunch, everywhere you go on Saturday mornings!





Things That Were just ok About New york ( Or bad, I am throwing them in the same category for times sake)





1. Me dropping my sandal in a nasty fountain ( see picture above with my booty in your face )





2. Central Park. I have to be honest I was expecting more. Utah and Virginia lose to New York in almost every category, but when it comes to the beauty of nature? yeah Utah does take the cake

3.Seeing Wicked on Broadway.... This was ok..... I mean it was visually beautiful and spectacular but I found the show a little boring..... I know this is blasphemous for some people to hear and for that I apologize but it had to be said.

4. Seeing parts of strangers no one wants to see. Men and Women, old and young, nakedness sees no discrimination in New York, all the goods were just out on display for all to see

5. We really missed the rugrats.......we kind of like those cuties.

6. Mexican food in New York FAIL

7. It kind of stunk, really, there was just a stinky smell about the place.

New York! New York! Now Back to the Real World

Dear kidletts,

I know we just got back from our trip to chicago, however we got an incredible opportunity to take a 4 day trip to New York City. Your daddy ( don Juan ) was born there and has never been back, I have not been since I was 16 or 17 dont remember, so we couldnt let this opportunity pass. you got to stay with your uncle Ben and aunt Delena and julie is coming to stay with you the last two days. Please dont hate us for leaving so much these past few weeks. remember we love you and will probably not travel without you again for the next 90 years.

More pictures and New York Stories to come, stories might just include broadway shows, Harry Potter Exhibits, long walks into the ghetto, late night New York Pizza, and The Plaza Hotel ( no we didnt stay at the plaza hotel, are you crazy? we arent rich! btw it looks nothing like it does on Home Alone 2, I was quite dissapointed)

Above We are on a ferry to Staten Island heading To Don Juans first home.

Just got back from New York, School Starts Today, And winner of Fridays Giveaway.

I have been absent due to a hastily planned trip to the Big Apple, more to come on that later. also, School starts tomorrow, What the crap? I know, where did the summer go.

But I also have the winner to our Heidi Rose Design give away. I put the winner announcement on automatic post while I was gone, and blogger didn't do right by me, It didn't post, OK so maybe I put the August 10th 2010 put come on I was going to New York city I was a tad distracted

The winner is

The Fausett family

Fausett Family said...

Beautiful! I love the crib sets and bags!!! So beautiful! I will spread the word on my fb!

Congrats Fausett Family email me your info and I will get your $30 gift card sent to you

I Have Fallen in Love

Dear Don Juan,

I have a confession to make. While you were away I fell in love. He is sweet, attentive, and oh so handsome. We went on a date out to buy school supplies,and then he took me to lunch at Zupas, the restaurant of my choice such a gentleman I tell you. I did have to buy lunch however, correction you and I had to buy lunch. So you helped fund my date with another man. The best part of our date was that we shared a chocolate cake for dessert, and he let me eat almost the whole thing. Well, I dont know if he let me but I took one bite of that little piece of heaven and I couldnt stop. And he didnt even mind.

I am just letting you know he kind of stole my heart.

Maybe it is because he looks so much like you

And He takes silly pictures just like you.

I dont want you to worry too much, its not too serious, He did not even take me out to dinner, he was much too busy playing with his friends. I guess it would never have worked out anyway....... therefore I ate my dinner of sweet pickles and black olives all alone tonight, (he was already in bed.) Did I mention his bedtime was at 8pm ? Thats my kind of guy!

Friday Giveaway!

I am excited to announce our very first giveaway Sponsored by Heidi Rose Designs







Heidi designs and hand makes purses, Diaper bags, Crib Sets , pretty much anything you want ( She made my beautiful curtains in my front room ). She uses only the highest quality designer fabric that I promise you you wont find in any fabric store. If she doesn't have the fabric you are looking for she will find it for you and get your custom order done. I am addicted to her shop. And when you look at her shop be sure to notice her stellar reviews, people love her product.

Heidi Is offering a $30 gift card to her shop to use on anything your little heart desires

here is how you qualify.

1. Visit her shop here

and decide what you would spend your gift card on , whether it was something she has already made or if you would have her make something custom for you ( no matter how big or small ) I personally am in love with her hot pink crib set below, and her diaper bags with matching changing pads.

2. Leave a comment below and let us know what that would be

3. Sit and wait and see if you win

***** if you post this link on your blog or facebook let me know and your name will be entered twice.

Lets get Heidi some business.

I Will randomely select a winner Tuesday of next week so giveaway will be closed on Monday.

Good luck and thanks for spreading the word of Heidi Rose Designs

Kennedy Likes to Sleep in the Dog Kennel. Whats Wrong With That?

Sometimes I wonder why we have even bought Kennedy a bed. first I find the little nugget in Albies dog kennel, and then she is busted sleeping on the floor after ripping all of her bedding onto the floor.

whats with not sleeping on her bed? Seriously if someone came into my home while she was asleep in this cage I am pretty sure I would be in a little tiny bit of trouble.

" No I dont force my child to sleep in a dog kennel, I promise I do take good care of my kidletts "

Don Juan is at boy scout camp therefore a cheesy horrible movie is calling my name...... and i am more than happy to answer that call...

Every Parent Should Read This Little Ditty. " How to Land Your Kid in Therapy"

About 6 months ago I came across the book " Battle Cry of the Tiger Mother"

For those of you have not heard of this book it is a memoir of another who chose to raise her two daughters in the traditional strict Chinese culture way.

This book has risen quite a bit of controversy, due to this mothers extreme measures to ensure her children's success

so,,,, I read the book

And I liked the book.

Sure, I do not agree with all of her parenting techniques ( Returning her birthday cards her daughters made her and telling them that she does not accept these, because they were sloppy and hastily thrown together)

But I do agree with her reasoning ( by accepting those cards she was telling her children that it is OK to treat the ones you love with disrespect, by not putting your best effort into a gift for them)

Throughout the book she said some wonderful things like

" One of the biggest mistakes American mothers make is assuming that their children are weak. They are not weak, unless you make them that way"

What I ended up getting out of the book was that while I have no intention of forcing my child to practice the piano 6 hours 7 days a week, I do intend on making them do the hard things that they don't want to do, and that it is OK for your child to cry and feel upset, that prepares them for adulthood.

along these lines a friend emailed me this link

"How to Land Your Kid in Therapy"

This article explores our constant obsession with our child's happiness and how it dooms them to unhappiness in adulthood.

By not allowing your child to fail, or struggle, or cry , and pick themselves back up again they have no idea how to handle the real world.

It is a fascinating read.

It is a little on the lengthy side so be sure to give yourself some time to read this, but every parent or future parent, or even anyone struggling to help a loved one should read this article and contemplate where your beliefs stand

I would be interested to hear what your thoughts are. Good or bad.

PS: This will make you take a long hard look at how you are parenting, or how you intend on parenting, so be prepared

PPS: There is a dirty word at the very beginning when the author quotes a poem, never fear, it is a lone ranger.

Diary of a Weekend

Did a Ton of Yard work, played in the sprinklers, helped Diana move ( I almost broke my sister in laws vacuum in the process, sorry Delena:) Played a little chess, watched us some old school

" Three Musketeers" ( yep the one with Charlie Sheen before he was 100% crazy, I mean he had to be only 78% crazy ,at the most, when he shot this oldie but goodie)

We realized walmart is significantly cheaper than Ace Hardware , They wanted our first born child for payment for some tarp stakes.......I know that is a little dramatic but COME ON thats what it felt like...

and nothing else significant at all, unless you count Dons parents, brothers and wives doing a Triathalon ( Dons dad even won 1st in his age group). Yeah I debated writing that because I now feel like a huge sloth for not doing it. ah well maybe next time.