Time for some much needed catching up

Dear Diary,

OMG I have SO much to tell you.

Remember that band James that I mentioned way too many a couple of times? You know, it's got that lead singer Tim, who's an unschooler but doesn't know it yet? And that cute little daisy logo that I may or may not have tattooed above my right ankle? Remember?

That's right, the band that I kind of like a little.

Okay maybe a lot.

Alright, I admit it, I'm a fangirl.

But diary, it keeps me young!

Well anyway, the past few months have been filled with all sorts of new James love that I haven't even had a chance to write about. Let's start with the mini-album, The Night Before, that they came out with in April.

I LOVE it!!!

And there's a companion album coming out in September with even more new songs. Oh my heck diary, it doesn't get any better than this.

Except it does. It really does. Because they're finally doing another US tour this Fall. And I'm going!! Oh boy am I going. This time we're hitting (at least) 3 states and traveling coast to coast. Luckily for me they're playing down in Florida. You know, where Jon's parents (who really could use a visit from us after so long already) live? I just love a multitasking in-laws visit, don't you?

So get ready diary, because this time around it's not just a road trip.

And one for THAT dad

How could I forget the dads who joined in the carnival? Here's your very own retro dad button.

Speaking of THAT mom

Wow! The "I'm THAT mom" blog carnival really took off like wildfire. There are so many great entries and Ronnie is keeping track of all of them here. Very inspiring and lots of fun to read.

I also created this handy dandy blog button. (Flo's brilliant idea.)


If you'd like to share the carnival love on your blog, feel free to copy and save the picture, load it on your sidebar and link it to Ronnie's original post.

I'm THAT mom

Inspired by Flo's post here, Ronnie started an impromptu blog carnival! Join in!

I'm THAT mom.

I'm the one who thinks it's not just okay, but perfectly right if her 21 year old son doesn't have it all figured out yet. I don't need him to be doing what anyone else is doing at 21. Because he isn't any other 21 year old. He is and has always been himself.

I love that he's still living at home. I think it's cool that he chose not to go to college. I'm also excited by the fact that he's looking to move out, even though he doesn't have an entirely clear plan formed as of yet. I'm happy to help him with this next step. I trust that it is all part of the process and each step is a step towards true and happy independence.

I'm the mom who isn't at odds with her 16 year old daughter. I don't freak out because she has a boyfriend, or wears (appropriately) skimpy outfits to Rocky Horror or sometimes has rainbow colored hair or asks questions about sex, drugs and rock & roll. I'm the mom that answers questions honestly, including the ones your kids might ask.

Yup, I'm THAT mom. Not perfect. Still figuring it out. But also thoroughly enjoying the ride.

Saturday Night Five

5 Treasures* spotted on my recent trip to Portland/Vancouver

*aka Stuff I totally didn't know that I needed until now!

1. This stained glass shopping cart. I mean really, how awesome would I look pushing this bad-boy around the Safeway?


2. A Dolly Parton doll. Granted neither the hair nor the boobs are at all big enough for Dolly, but still.


3. Apparently there's a record that will make you lose weight just by listening to it. Maybe it's a compilation of Kenny G, Twisted Sister and John Tesh songs, set on repeat. That would certainly tend to kill my appetite.


4. A Wienie Wheel! I don't even eat hot dogs, but I totally need this.


5. And finally, a mustache comb for those adolescents perpetually stuck in the 1950's and experimenting with dangerous 1970's porn star facial hair.

Friday Fill-ins

1. I feel good about what's next.


2. I don't need to catch up. It will be there when I get there.

3. Do what is right for you.

4. I am completely unique.

5. It's hard to know how much suffering's on a face that's always smiling.

6. If today follows suit, today's gonna be a good day.



7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to thinkin' some thoughts,


tomorrow my plans include meetin' up with the tribe and Sunday, I want to blog, baby, blog!

You can find the Friday Fill-Ins here!

Speaking of Sabos

Ginger left a folder on my desktop last time she stayed with us. And really, no matter how close our friendship is...

Have you met the new neighbors?

Old friends make the best new neighbors, don't you agree? And we are lucky enough to now have the absolute best kind of old friends/new neighbors right here in our very own close-enough-to-borrow-a-cup-of-sugar neighborhood.


Recognize these smiling faces? Yup that's right, we got us some Sabos right here in the hood. Jeff, Ginger and the kids are the bestest kind of guitar playin', blog writin', hug givin', Facebook pokin', unschool livin' families around. And of course when I refer to them as "old" friends I mean friends we've known and loved, not friends who are somehow past their sell-by date.


In fact, truth be told, we're happy to be the Fred & Ethel to their Ricky & Lucy as long as we can be in on the joke and along for the ride.

So welcome friends!

I got you a little something for the new house.

Hope you like bacon.

Weekend Shenanigans, part 1

We had friends of the most delightful variety visiting us this weekend. They had been on a mission to deliver their eldest to her new digs, and as long as they were in the neighborhood, they decided to mosey on down our way. What can I say, shenanigans ensued.

First up, a tattoo. (Not mine!) The story behind it is lovely, and I'll leave it to Ronnie to tell. But I do have a few pics of the event itself.

There was lots of hand holding.

And foot/leg rubbing.

And support from the peanut gallery.

The tattoo artist was adorable.

And the tattoo is wonderful.
This picture is new and raw and doesn't do it justice. But I'm sure Ronnie will post a fresher one soon.

Next up: We've got new neighbors!

You, Your Kids & Your Johnson?

I guess it's the American way?

Friday Fill-Ins

1. This is what life does. It lets you feel it all, because the bad obviously, and poignantly, balances the good.

2. What do you do to remind yourself to appreciate the moment? Share your zen with me in the comments.

3. Upon reflection my life is good and my house is a mess.


4. I have been waiting for James to come back to the US for quite a long time. But my wait is almost over. More on that to come!

5. Later, you wake up , if you're lucky.

6. I do believe the menfolk are planning a guy's getaway to the far and boundless sea.



7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to celebrating Jon's birthday with friends at Block 15, tomorrow my plans include DaVinci Days and Sunday, I want to maybe buy some more James concert tickets for a totally irresponsible but completely awesome girl's getaway to San Francisco! Either that or I want to come to my senses. We'll see.

You can find the Friday Fill-Ins here!

For Jon

Happy Birthday!

If I was Marilyn Monroe I would totally call you Mr. President.

Did you miss me?

So, yeah, I guess I'm back.

Back from the dead.

Not that I was like literally dead and came back to life.

Because, dude, that would totally be like a zombie apocalypse.

Or a religion.

Neither of which I'm interested in participating in.

No, it's more like I'm back from my own personal enough-with-the-friends-and-friends-of-friends-and-parents-of-friends-and-husbands-of-friends-and-wives-of-friends-dying-already.

It started with my friend Janice's death in February and just kept going. And while most of these deaths were nowhere near as personal to me as Janice, it still seemed to silence me. Death has a way a reaching inside and removing whatever voice you may have had.

But I'm pretty sure I can find it again.

Please Stand By

Actual blogging of a semi-regular nature is rumored to be starting up again momentarily real soon.

Thank you for your patience.