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Saw/bought the Feb/Mar issue of this new magazine in Target today…love it! 

Everyday with Rachael Ray

Have I told you about my Supper Club?  Two friends in the neighborhood and I rotate meals every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  We each have two boys (three if you count husbands).  And we meet once a month to talk about the menu, so that it’s not chicken every day!  So, on Monday, Michelle cooks a meal (including sides and rolls) for all three families and brings it to our house.  On Tuesday, Christi cooks.  And on Wednesday, I cook.  So on my day it’s hard work.  But on the other days…it’s heaven!  A home-cooked meal with none of the clean-up and hassle.  I was a cynic at first…but I am loving it! 

Tonight:  pork loin, red potatoes, green beans, fruit and biscuits.

We’re back.  Had a great time surprising Derek’s dad for his birthday, and seeing all of the cousins (i.e. nieces and nephews).  It even snowed for us and we woke up Sunday to a blanket of white…beautiful!  I took the kids down to Temple Square (downtown SLC) yesterday and we did some sightseeing.  I flew back with them last night by myself (note to self: don’t do that again).  The kids were great…but handling two kids, coats, luggage and a stroller in an airport under construction is my version of a nightmare.  But overall it was a great weekend. 

Jody, I know that you have visited here a few times (and thanks for your comments!)…I am continuously inspired by your blog, and especially by the thoughts today and the story about the Playdough.  I sincerely hope you won’t mind me putting the link to your blog here:

http://www.jodyferlaak.blogspot.com/

…for my family and friends to visit (all upstanding, good people, by the way!).

I don’t know Jody personally, but have been privy to her life through her blog.  I am touched every day when I go to her site, and often brought to tears…it certainly puts things into perspective.  Congratulations to you, Jody, for being the woman that you are.

Started using this last night and I do believe I see a difference in just one night.  Amazing.  Thanks for the product endorsement, Liv!

Bought this for Derek’s dad for his b’day.  I rather like that chocolate brown!

Started reading this and boy, is it moving and heartbreaking and stirring.

Just a few of my latest discoveries…

Me and the boys had a little fun getting ready for Valentine’s Day…Caleb’s party is on the 7th when we get back, so thus the reason for the early preparation.  Derek got home took one look and did that thing he does with his hands (makes a mountain and says "Here’s the top and here’s you (i.e. over the top)"!  WHAT?! 

"What happened to just the little paper cards that you fold in half…aren’t those enough?" he said.  "UH, NOOOOO!"  Well, yes they are.  But it’s so much fun to add a heart-shaped cup, a pencil, Laffy Taffy, chocolate candy, and a sucker! 🙂

We had a great time picking this stuff out at Target, putting it together, signing names to the cards (Jacob wanted to do Batman for the boys and Strawberry Shortcake for the girls but he cringed when he got to the SS ones…my pink-averse boy!).  Caleb signed his with a "C". 

I loved Valentine’s as a kid.  My mom always had candy and cards laid out for us at the breakfast table (and I do the same for my kids) and I remember pouring over my shoebox when I got home from school every year.  We have a tradition that I make Strawberry Soup and Chicken Parmesan every year on Valentine’s…and the boys know, we always eat by candlelight.  In fact, Derek’s on a business trip this year (yea, sad, I know) and we’re still doing it and I’m treating my Supper Club gals to it as well.  Anyway…is it over the top if we had fun doing it?  I’ll let you decide.

So I’ve caught some of American Idol the last few nights (because the boys have been exhausted and in bed early).  And I’m wondering…how would I do?  Pretty sure I wouldn’t get Simon’s vote.  Paula would say "it wasn’t terrible".  And Randy would say, "I just don’t think it’s right for this competition."  OK, I can accept that.  But why on earth do other people not sit at home on their couches..watch the auditions and think, "You know, I really shouldn’t embarrass myself like that."  Why do they instead listen to their grandmothers and delusional friends, and choose to go on national TV with a voice that can’t hit a note.  It’s beyond me.

You can tell my blog brain isn’t really very creative this week.  Nothing new going on…no cute quotes from the boys.  Just laundry and volunteer work and supper club and babysitting other people’s kids and running errands and getting ready to go on a last minute trip to Salt Lake City this weekend.  Caleb hasn’t seen his grandfather in 2 and 1/2 years!

Saw something that caught my eye today…not trying to be judgmental on this, but found it interesting.

There was a woman in traffic next to me today at a stop light.  She had her window down (she was probably in her 60s) and was smoking a cigarette.  On her other wrist was one of those yellow Lance Armstrong LIVE STRONG bands.  I found it ironic…kind of like the personification of an oxymoron (if that’s possible).

For those of you who have commented about my lack of punctuation (you know who you are), I’ll have you know that THERE AIN’T ANY!  In fact on one occasion I had to make a [:] out of paper to indicate time and tape it up there.  This is a disgrace and with my new found power and influence I will be lobbying for proper punctuation.

I’ve had a good week…a busy week.  Derek was out of town, and it’s always a little hectic when it’s just my two hands and feet runnin’ this show.

Here are a couple of things to share:

1.  THE BOYS.  3 funny things from them this week.  1) Wednesday I was working on the computer and they came in and asked me to open some bags of Fritos.  I come out about 5 minutes later to them dining at my brand new table with greasy Frito marks all over it, like they were finger painting with grease.  Lovely…  They’ve been banned until Thanksgiving. 2) Yesterday I went outside to see what they were doing and they were playing "giddy up horsie" on the trampoline.  Jacob had the jump rope around his neck or in his mouth and Caleb was holding, on chasing him around the trampoline.  When I explained that it was dangerous, they just looked at me and said "WHY?"  Boys…. and 3) Caleb told me this morning that "Jacob’s Mike can take money out of my ears" (a very cool trick that Uncle Mike and Mark performed frequently on our Disney trip…they’ve got the boys hooked with that one).  I replied, "well, he’s your Mike too…not just Jacob’s!"  His response, "REALLY?!"  Jacob makes us all believe we are little pawns on his chess board…jesters in his court…!

2.  If you have walked into my home, tilted your head and said, "uh, Mer, did you know your chandelier’s off center?" you can now rest easier.  They moved it today.  Happy Day! (This guy is thinking "who is this crazy taking my picture?  and it doesn’t help that I greeted him at the door in my Rudolph pajama bottoms!)

3.  I am so excited to announce that I have accepted a new volunteer position at the elementary school (yea, yea, besides the room mom and library thing)…I’m the new…drum roll please!  MARQUEE MANAGER!! 

The power!  The glamour!  This is big! 

I need to start thinking of ways to do subliminal messaging. 

I’ve always wanted my name on a marquee!

You don’t think they’ll mind that I left that up, do you?!