Thanks A Lot, Disney Channel

Someone at The Disney Channel thought it would be a grand idea to run these little promos showing kids how to play pranks for April Fool's Day. Tricks such as shortsheeting a bed, or swapping cereal bags from two different boxes. Or the good ol' radio switcheroo:







I've already told the girls they'd better keep their hands off my mini-van's stereo.



Now, if they want to play a prank on their daddy... I'm all for it.

Maybe It's Better Left Unexplained

In my last post, I mentioned how Fridays make me happy as that's the day the new issue of Entertainment Weekly arrives in my mailbox. Well, Friday came and went... and no EW. It didn't come Saturday, either. I was bummed all weekend.

Since I didn't have the new EW to read, I may or may not have purchased the latest issue of a certain men's fashion magazine yesterday. And in said magazine, I may or may not have seen the following Diesel ad, which may or may not have rendered me speechless (seriously, what it the meaning behind this?!)

On second thought, I don't think I want to know...

Bits O' Randomness...

Just roll with me here, people...

• You know you're probably not a wine aficionado when the only wineglasses you own are of a Christmas motif:
  
  

(and yes... the bottle is already empty...)

• I recently saw a license plate that said HRLYGAL. Thought to myself, "HOURLY GIRL? Well, that's one way to advertise..." Then I noticed several bumper stickers on the same car and realized the plate meant HARLEY GAL.
  

• I think the Tide To Go pen might just be the best. invention. ever. The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is a very close second.
  

• Did y'all watch Grey's Anatomy last night? I am so over Meredith & Derek... I want more Cristina & Owen! (watch at your own risk... I am not to blame if you overheat... just sayin'.)

{Sigh}

• I'm glad it's Friday. Not because I have any plans for the weekend... because it means the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly will be in my mailbox sometime this afternoon.
  

Alright, what random thought is going through your head right now? My inquiring mind wants to know...

More Fun With Aunt Heather

Hannah and Michaela are still talking about all the fun they had while staying with my sister over Spring Break. Both girls say going to the children's science museum was their favorite activity... unfortunately, their aunt forgot to take her camera along, so there are no pictures of that day's fun.



However, Heather did remember to bring her camera along for their other outings: horseback riding and ice skating!

Where is Their Fashion (Common) Sense?

I've mentioned before about my kids' wacky fashion sense. They are old enough now to not only dress themselves, but to pick out their own clothes to wear. And while there is the occasional outfit FAIL, they are starting to get it right as to what matches with what.


However, when it comes to wearing weather-appropriate clothing... they still have no clue.


This past Sunday we enjoyed a nice day... sunny and 72 degrees.


Which means my kids each picked out long-sleeved tees and a pair of black, velour, elastic-waist pants to wear. They went outside to play in the backyard, ride their bikes... but awhile later they came in complaining they were hot. And they asked if they could put on bathing suits and run through the sprinkler!


My reply was they could change into capris, but it was definitely not warm enough for bathing suits and sprinklers. Both girls walked off... only to come back not 30 seconds later, asking if they could wear shorts and tank tops. I conceded to the shorts, but nixed the tank tops... it is only March, after all!


Why is it that kids want to wear flip-flops when it rains? Sundresses when it snows? Long sleeves and velour pants when it's warm and sunny?

Animal House

Just a few pics of my girls during their stay at my sister's house last week (I've got more photos to share, but I'm going to spread it out)...

That's Tess (one of my sister's four cats) behind H

M and Brindle, the Great Dane

(clockwise from top) H, Keegan, Brindle, M and Riley

There is a chance we will be dog-sitting Riley (and possibly Keegan, too) next month... when I mentioned this to my girls, you'd have thought it was Christmas morning the way they were so excited!

Just take the car, not what's (not) in it

A recent front-page story in our local paper was on the increase of car thefts in the area. Not the theft of the actual car... but how thieves are smashing the windows to get into the car, and taking cell phones, iPods, etc.

Let me just say this... I would be one highly livid woman if I were to come out and find the windows on my mini-van smashed. I don't keep anything of value inside my car (that is, when it's not being occupied by myself and my kids, of course). Look under the booster seats or on the floor, you'll find an assortment of broken crayons and stale french fries (and most likely covered in dog hair).

So to all the would-be thieves in the Chattanooga area... please bypass the Dodge mini-van with the Pirate Mickey antenna topper. Unless you're in the market for broken crayons and stale french fries, or perhaps a few Josh Groban CDs, you'll be sorely disappointed.

Let's get this party started!

It's time for the Ultimate Blog Party, hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom!  The festivities actually started two days ago, so I'm a teeny bit late.  But, let's be honest... even if this wasn't just a virtual party, I still wouldn't have been on time (so thank goodness the party goes through the 27th)!

First of all, for all you UBP-goers who are new to my casa de loco (as I like to call it)... welcome!  While you're here, feel free to look around!  My name is Shannon, and I'm a SAHM to two divas-in-training, H (who is 8) and M (who is 6).  My husband, Shane, and I have been married 11 years.  

(M, Shane and H)

We also have a puppy, Izzie... she's probably the sanest member of our family.    

So, what is the Ultimate Blog Party?  A fun way to connect with new bloggers!  And, during the week, there are tons of fabulous prizes to be given away:

• #58 - a KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer from Moms Who Think (oh, baby... I have lusted over one of these for years!)
• #88 - a $40 gift certificate to Carrabba's Italian Grill from The Divine Miss Mommy (mmmm... one of my favorite places to eat!)
• #118 - a $25 gift card to Old Navy given by Manic Mother (I love me some Old Navy!)

Those are just my top three picks... but I'd love to win any one of the hundreds of prizes up for grabs!

There are also a few "real life" parties going on at 5 Minutes for Mom, like the one tonight, featuring a performance by Chris Mann (I will definitely be checking this one out!)

So go visit 5 minutes for Mom... and party on, dudes!  

Blah, Blah, Blah...

Once again, not much has been going on here at my casa de loco... mainly because it's just me and the dog here during the day. No kids running around, screaming at each other... in other words, I've been enjoying the quiet!

H and M are having a great time with their Aunt Heather. My sister has 3 dogs and 4 cats (yes, you read that correctly), and my girls love every one of them. This past week my sister has taken H and M to a science museum, to see a movie, they've gone horseback riding... and today they're planning to go ice skating. Heather will be bringing my girls home sometime tomorrow. She's threatening to send at least one cat home with them...

Totally unrelated topic, but is anyone else looking forward to this new show:

Quit yelling, you'll WAKE THE BABY!

I think it looks promising! But I'm hoping the actual show is as funny as the preview...

Alright, that's enough blabbing for now... have a great weekend!

I'm back!

(Did ya miss me?)

Shane and I had a nice getaway together... even though it rained the entire time we were gone.  The main reason for our little vacation is that this week is Spring Break, and the girls are at my sister's house; they did this last year, too... Heather took the week off from work and took H and M to her house for the week (told y'all my sister was wonderful!)  So Shane and I took the opportunity of having some time to ourselves!

Saturday afternoon we dropped the girls off at my mom's house and then headed to Asheville, North Carolina, to spend the night.  We spent a few hours at Biltmore...

  

It had been almost nine years since Shane and I had been to the estate.  We didn't tour the gardens due to the dreary, damp weather... but we did have a scrumptiously-delicious lunch at the Stable Cafe before heading to the Winery.  Where we made a most important purchase...

Two bottles of a very nice Chenin Blanc and one Festival of Flowers Rose Wine.  

After spending a few hours at Biltmore, we drove down to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to spend a few (wet and rainy) days.  

Monday morning we headed to the beach...

and then to the outlet mall for some shopping.  I managed to get some spring clothes for the girls... can you believe I didn't buy anything for myself?!  Although I did find a fabulous Kate Spade handbag of which I am still lusting over {sigh}...

After checking out of the hotel Tuesday morning, we drove to Cherry Grove Beach and walked out on the pier before heading home...

Do you see it?!  That thing, way out there... trying to break out of the clouds?  

Yep... the sun.  Decided to show itself as we were leaving to come home.  Figures.  Oh, well.  Even with the rain, Shane and I had a nice little vacation.  It really was great to be together, just the two of us.

Now I need to go grocery shopping, pick up the dog from the boarder's, do the laundry... and catch up on my blog reading, of course!  

Please excuse my absence...

Shane and I are getting away for the weekend, just the two of us!  I am not allowed to bring won't be bringing my laptop with me, so I'll be out of touch with the blogiverse for a few days (which probably isn't a bad idea).  Hopefully, I will return relaxed, refreshed and renewed!  

Have a great weekend!

Catchin' Some Air...

Just a few pics of my girls and some of their friends... these were taken during the girls' birthday party last month.  

(these remind me that I really need to see about signing H up for gymnastic lessons...)

Candid Carrie hosts Friday's Foto Finish Fiesta each week... go check out more fun fotos!

Ricky Gervais makes me happy...

Seriously, I don't know which part is the funniest:

"Get off Elmo! You're not supposed to touch Elmo!"

"You call yourself a professional; you can't even control a Muppet and a fat guy."

"Do you know what necrophilia is?"

And don't get me started on Gervais' laughter!

And we have a winner...

Tuesday's Spring Fling was a blast! I hope everyone had as much fun as I did. So many SITStas to visit... it may take me a few days, but I hope to get back to everyone who entered my giveaway!

And a HUGE thank you to those wonderful SITS Girls, Heather and Tiffany... you ladies sure know how to throw a party!

OK, now let's see who is the lucky recipient of the bubble bath, book, DVD and Starbucks...




Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:35
Timestamp: 2009-03-12 06:13:10 UTC

Commenter #35 was...

Rachael, from Little Bites of Heaven!

Congratulations, Rachael! I'll be getting in touch with you to get your address and will get your goodies out to you soon!

Doll Crazy!

As the mother of two girls, my house has been taken over by dolls.  Baby dolls, Barbie, Bratz, Groovy Girls, Polly Pocket... you name it, most likely we've got it.

The American Girls catalog has arrived at our house several times over the last few years.  Both Hannah and Michaela have "ooohed" and "aaahed" over the dolls and accessories.

But neither one has expressed any interest in actually owning all one of the dolls.

That is... until now.

Michaela wants a "Just Like You" doll so badly, she can hardly stand it.  These "Just Like You" dolls are the ones where you choose the doll's skin tone, eye color, hairstyle and hair color... all for the bargain price of $95.  Add earrings to the doll and that bumps the price up to $109.

And that's just for the doll.

Michaela says she would also have to get the pet kitten for her doll... and the pet carrier, pet bed, grooming set and vet set.  Total: $98.

Hannah, on the other hand... she's not interested in having a doll that looks like her.  She likes Kaya, Kit, and the other "historical character" dolls...

Here, I'll show you which ones she likes...

That's right... all 12 of them.  There used to be 14 dolls in all, but Samantha and her friend, Nellie, have been retired (thank goodness for small favors...)

Again, the cost is $95 for each doll.  And each doll has a slew of outfits, furniture, books and other accessories... everything from Kristen's boots for $8 up to Kit's tree house for $250!

It's not that I don't think these dolls are adorable... I really do.  But in this house... all those dolls I mentioned earlier, the Barbies, Bratz, Groovy Girls... every single one of them is naked as a newborn.  If I were to give American Girl Molly to my girls... within an hour, Molly's braids would be undone, she'd be stripped of all her clothes, and most likely one shoe and her glasses would go missing.  Never to be seen again.  

Sorry Girls, but I can't justify spending 100 bucks on a doll that will end up in the bottom of the toy box.

Naked.

Celebrating Spring - SITS style!

Spring has sprung in the SITStahood!

And those wonderful SITS Girls are up to some good!

Today they're hosting another day of fun,

The SITS Spring Fling - it's a party for everyone!

Fabulous prizes given away each hour,

(I'd win 'em all, if it were within my power!)

SITStas all over bloggy-land I'll go see,

a visit and comment-love is what they'll get from me!

That's really what SITS is all about,

Recognition and support... who can do without?

But after today's festivities are all through,

I'll have to buckle down... I've lots of work to do!

And when my spring cleaning is over and done,

I'm gonna reward myself with some fun!

First, I'll relax in a bath full of bubbles,

staying in long enough to soak away my troubles.

Maybe I'll read a chapter or two,

Then watch a movie starring this guy named "Hugh"!

And to myself, as a final treat,

I'll go here for something sweet!

Happy Spring Fling, SITStas!

To recap, in honor of the SITS Spring Fling, I'm giving away:

• one new bottle of Bath & Body Works Cherry Blossom bubble bath
• one new copy of "Sense and Sensibility" on DVD (this is one of my all-time favorite movies!)
• my copy of Austenland by Shannon Hale (I finished this book awhile ago and really liked it... I don't think you have to be an Austen-fanatic like me to enjoy this book!)
• one $15 Starbucks gift card

Just leave me a comment for your entry (make sure to leave your email address if it's not attached to your Blogger profile)!  My giveaway will end Wednesday, 3/11 at 11:59 p.m., and I'll announce the winner sometime on Thursday.  You don't have to be a SITSta to win, but if you're not familiar with SITS, I'd urge you to go check them out!  

Little bit of this... Little bit of that

Not much has been going on here at my casa de loco... pretty much just the same old, same old.

Thanks for the well-wishes! I am feeling a bit better. I think my cough has quieted some... but I still have congestion in my chest, and my nose is stuffy one minute then dripping the next. Ugh.

---

Kristen tagged me for this meme:

1. Show your current handbag
2. Share how much it cost
3. Tag others to join in the fun

Here is the fabulous Fossil purse I've been carrying for the last few weeks:

My sweet little sister gave this purse to me for my birthday. I know she bought it at Dillards, but I don't know what the price was! And yes, my birthday isn't until October... but my sis just recently gave me the bag. Told y'all she was sweet!


Here's what I carry inside:

I found the matching wallet myself (20 bucks on eBay, baby!)... there's also my cell phone, sunglasses case, gum, tissues, my current favorite lipgloss, cosmetic case, notebook and pen.


As for tagging others... I'll just leave it open to anyone who wants to play along!

---

And to all my SITStas out there...

See y'all tomorrow at the SITS Spring Fling! I can't wait!

---

ETA: One more thing!

I'm a Top Momma!



Click on the button above, then click on my picture to keep me on the front page! Thanks!

What's that saying about "best laid plans"?

I had wanted to get a jump-start on my spring cleaning this weekend... but I'm sick and have zero energy. I guess I had some sinus drainage that has now settled in my chest... the muscles in my back and chest are sore from coughing so much. I should probably buy stock in Kleenex, seeing how many tissues I've gone through the last two days!


Anyway, the real point of this post is for me to say thanks to all of you who took my little quiz! I thought it would be fun... and it was great seeing your answers!


I said there may be a small prize for the person who got the most answers correct (there were 2 who only missed one answer, so I did a random drawing between those names)... I decided to do another random drawing from the names of everyone else who took the quiz, too!


The winners are:

Congrats, Bylinda & Susie! You are now each the proud owner of a $10 Target gift card!


And thanks again to everyone for playing along!



Now I'm going to take a nap...

Have you been paying attention?

Let's hope so! 'Cause it's now time to play:

"How Well Do You Know Shannon?"

How Well Do You Know Shannon?
1) Shannon would NOT be able to survive on what diet program?
		Weight Watchers
		Atkins
		South Beach
		Nutra-System

Conversations in the Car, Vol. II

The following exchange took place one morning last week on the way to school:

Me: "M, I noticed you'd picked up your room without me having to tell you to..."


M: "Well, I am 6 now, Mother."




Apparently, she's 6 going on 16... oy! the attitude already!

Wordless Wednesday

(Photograph courtesy of my hubby... since it's "Wordless Wednesday", you have to go here if you want to see how he was able to get this cool shot!)

The bane of my existence...

The sad thing is, this pile is just from the girls.

Sadder still, is the fact that this pic was taken after I had already washed two loads.

Tootin' My Own Horn

Auds from Barking Mad! is hosting a giveaway... in order to get to know bloggers better, she's asking that we show off some of our favorite posts.  I couldn't pass up this chance to flaunt a few of my most-awesomest posts at winning a $250 Target gift card!

A mother's work is never done.  What did you do today?

 

We're not in the same frame of mind.  Man vs. Woman

Getting to know you...   100 Things About Me

The little people speak out.  My 1st Attempt at an Interview

A love letter.  Dear Shane,

---

Now that I'm done singing my praises, I need to give props to Jen for giving me this cool award (which she even made herself):

Thanks, Jen!  I've always wanted my own star in Hollywood!