What's in a number?

Today is post number 100. Like, duuu-uh. Why else would I have five pictures of cereal making the number 100? But this isn't just any 100th post commemoration blog entry.

It's a contest!!

What kind of cereal are these numbers made of? And no, I didn't count out 100 for all of them. Just the first one. Don't check. It might be only 99. I think I lost count.

They are all name-brand cereals. Except for the last one. It's not cereal. What is it? The person who gets all of them right will get a prize. A yummy, homemade prize. So, come on! Give me a reason to make some treats!

Bloggin on the iPod

How we doin'!

Thanks for the research Brie. Now I have another reason why I LOVE my iPod. Everyone should have one.

Almost a year ago...

Something happened.


HA!!!

You all have to admit, you love me.

A confession

Dear Blogger,

I have to admit that I have been seeing another website. It's hard to face the truth, but I am finally admitting it. I know I haven't been as attentive since I got my iPod touch. I have been neglecting you for facebook. See, I have my reasons. They might not be good reasons, but they are my reasons nonetheless. I can't post new blog entries from my iPod. I can facebook all day (and I do). I can read other people's blogs and even comment, but I can't post. Ok, so it's really just one reason. I'm going to try to be better. I promise. I want us to be what we used to be. Before facebook. Will you let me make it up to you ?

Love,

Marianne

A new Christmas tradition

This year, Mel decided that we needed to start a new Christmas time tradition. He took us to the beach.

Yes, you read that correctly. We went to the beach. Chesapeake Beach. It's about an hour away from us on the Chesapeake Bay. We have gone there several times during the summertime for swimming (actually wading, because it's so shallow, even more than 100 yards out from shore), and fossil finding. One really cool thing about this beach is the fossils. People usually come with their buckets, and shovels to find shark's teeth and other fossils. We have a plastic baggie with at least 100 shark's teeth. And after Mel read an article on winter beachcombing, we decided to go there this Christmas.

The part of the beach we go to has free parking (very limited), but you have to walk at least 1/4 mile to get to the shore. As you can tell, we were excited to get there. We brought blankets, lunch and a tent to set up so we could be nice and comfortable .

It was about 45-50 degrees outside that day. Too cold to get wet, but not too cold to balance precariously on fallen trees over very cold water.

Patricia is the budding photographer. Too bad we don't have a 'good' camera for her. She loves taking pictures. Isn't this hollowed out log cool?

YEAH BOUY!!!!!! (Hey, I couldn't help it. I'm a child of the 90's. Flava FLAAAAAVE)

I didn't mention that very close to the shore, are cliffs. Calvert Cliffs, to be specific. Mimi is actually in a little cave made by the water at high tide when it erodes the cliff.



Cheeeeeese!!

Bigger Cheeeeeeeeese!!

See, how the water is so close to the cliff? Some places along the shore have more beach than this. We usually time our arrival with low tide, so we have maximum play area. We forgot to check the tides when we left home. We actually walked a little ways down the shore from where we set up camp. So, by the time we decided to head back for lunch, this is what we discovered:

NO BEACH!!! Trystan mucked through the water, shoes and all. Patricia took off her shoes first and got the camera to capture the memories for all of us. Mel took the little girls, and I carried our shoes across.

Now, those of you who know me well, know that I HATE to be cold. My darling husband offered to take the girls across, then come back and carry me. (He's definitely a keeper) I didn't take him up on this offer. Once I took off my shoes and stepped into the water, I wish I had!!

The great thing about walking in icy cold water, is that when you get out, your feet actually feel warm. It wasn't so bad walking around barefooted after that. We decided that we needed a memorial shot of our cold feet.

How funny is this? Pants, coats, scarf, and barefeet!!
After the celebratory pictures, we snuggled up in our blankets in our tent and had a yummy lunch and hot chocolate. We had fun, and have made a list of things to bring along for next time. And we'll definitely check when high tide is!

Iron Chef?

On our last night at the Brown household in WV, the older two kids, Patricia and Marshall, thought they should have a cookoff. I picked the 'secret' ingredients and set rules, and officiated in the competition.

They had to make at least two dishes using at least two different ingredients that I chose. Their secret ingredients were pepperoni, banana, and french's fried onions. They could choose to make sandwiches, dips, or treats and they had to use a different ingredient in each. Oh, and they only had 30 minutes. There were three judges: Mimi, Trystan and Roger. Each of the judges scored each creation on a scale of 1 to 10.

They got straight to work:

Patricia is working on her sandwich filling, and so is Marshall.
Friendly competition?

Marshall is on sandwich #2. He made the turkey pepperoni sandwich on a George Foreman grill. Panini-style.

Patricia made one dish from each category. The dip and the drink were both hits. The sandwich wasn't even kinda good.

Mimi taking a bite of Patricia's sandwich.

Marshall made two sandwiches. Overall, his creations were well received. Especially the quesadilla-like sandwich.

His was so good, that it even won over his competitor.

Marshall won 77-56. It was so much fun. They really impressed me with their abilities to make such different things. Those kids are pretty creative.

double lucky saves a lot

You all remember my first encounter with Lucky Brand jeans, right? (click here)

Well, pretty much, ever since then I decided that I'll just have to buy more of these jeans. The only problem with that thinking is that my style (sweet dream) went out of style with Lucky. Yes, they discontinued it.

Don't you hate that? Like that really cool shade of lipstick or nail polish that looks great on you, but you can never buy more because the stupid company decided that they didn't want you to look good anymore? But I digress...

Back to the story.

On our way to Charleston, WV yesterday, we stopped in Hagerstown for gas. They have an outlet mall right next to the place we stopped for gas. Convenient? I think so! I usually don't just 'shop' unless I have a purpose. So, I didn't even think about shopping yesterday when we stopped. That is, until I saw that they had a Lucky Brand jeans outlet store. Now, I knew I didn't have an extra $120 dollars just laying around in my purse, but I decided that I needed to just stop in and see if they had my Sweet Dreams there. They were giving an extra 25% off clearance. That's a good sign. If the jeans are discontinued, they are sure to be on clearance, right? So I looked. And looked. And looked. Then.... disappointment. Two sizes too small, 5 sizes too big, too small, too long, too...... PERFECT!!!!!!!! MY SIZE!!!!! HAPPY DANCE HAPPY DANCE, RUN TO THE DRESSING ROOM, STRIP, TRY ON.......ahhhhhhhhhh..... perfect. I asked the guy if there were any more, and there were. I picked out two. They were on clearance for $39.99, extra $25% off, makes them $29-ish. Two pairs for $63-something. I saved $160 on two pairs of jeans. AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!

Christmas day fun

Mimi with the highly anticipated electric toothbrush. I swear, this made her the happiest.

I am sure I am not the only parent who gets her kids socks for christmas. Mimi got a 'box of socks', Patricia got socks and a shirt, Vivian just got socks, but Trystan got BLACK SOCKS!!! Why do you think I got him black socks? Of course it's because all of his white socks end up black. I decided to save him some time.

So, explain to me the logic behind buying him white shoes. I don't understand it either. The only reason I bought him white shoes is because they only cost $12.50. Yes people, you read right. K Swiss sneakers for $12.50. If they had my size, I would have bought some for myself.

This is Patricia's obligatory bag of Jelly Belly's. They were almost all gone by the time we finished opening presents. She's fast, huh?

Mel got tools. He needed more levels. (whatever)

Vivian and Mimi got lots of bath paraphenelia. Those girls love their baths. Viv couldn't wait to 'paint' the bathtub.
We had been planning on a huge present and reveal for our kids for Christmas since September. We got them a Wii and some games and accessories. The kids noticed a big box in our garage a couple of weeks ago, and guessed what it was. They guessed right, but we tried to pretend that they didn't know what they were talking about. So, on Christmas eve at dinner, Trystan said, "Mom, I bet you are going to set up Guitar Hero World Tour up in the playroom with the Wii, and that will be our big surprise for Christmas." I told him that that would be a great idea if we had one. I still wasn't ready to admit to my cheating kid that he was going to get a Wii. I totally know he peeked, so I decided that I was going to make him work for it. That night, Mel and I decided to hide the Wii, the games, and accessories throughout the house so they would think that we didn't buy them one. After all the presents under the tree were opened, the older two were very concerned. "Is that all?" and "What about the big box in the garage?" were repeated over and over again. We almost had them convinced that we were just holding on to the big box in the garage for a friend, when we told them that they had to search for the last present. This video is what happened. If you decide to watch it, turn your volume down once you get to the part in my closet. Yes, my closet is a mess, and no, I don't mind letting all of you see the mess.




'Wooooooah we're halfway there, woooooo ooohh livin' on a prayer.....'

I am sad to say that I didn't get dressed until about 8:30 pm when Mel and I went out to the movies.

Merry Christmas

Mel is so handsome. I love him so much. He is actually baking sugar cookies for Santa with the kids right now. I don't know how I would survive without him. He's the greatest husband ever.

Patricia couldn't be any more beautiful if she tried. Since she's started Facebook, she has mastered the art of the self-portrait. They are so expressive and beautiful. I like this one because she has the 'yeah, right' look on her face.

I am not sure when Trystan took this picture, but can't you just see that he's up to something? It's as if he is looking back to check to see if I can see him bugging Mimi. And he probably did it anyway.

Here is my superstar!!! She is such a sweet child. She's helpful, kind, smart, funny, beautiful. Did I say kind? I love her hair in this picture. I love her hair period. She has great hair. Next time you see her, check it out. You'll be jealous.

Vivian's first dance recital. She was a reindeer. Can you just eat her? She was so hot and cold about dance class. She likes it, she doesn't like it. Her teacher is mean, she wants her teacher to come over and play. Typical three year old. That's what she is. I keep telling myself that one day it will be all over and she won't be a cute little three year old anymore. That will be the day of my dreams.

And now for the real surprise. Yes, I finally did what I have been talking about for months. It isn't exactly what I wanted. It's kinda orangey, yellowy. I might try again next week, but my scalp hurts after two different bleaching applications in two days. My main consolation is that in two months or less, it will be all grown out and black again. Maybe I'll try something else next time. What do you think? Patricia says that now I have to do something really dramatic with my makeup. I keep reminding her that I am 33. Orangey/yellowy hair is enough.

a picture

Pretty picture of the Washington Monument from the White House. The pictures Trystan took didn't turn out well because:

1. He's 10.
2. He had a disposable camera.
3. He's 10.

Wow! Two entries in a row. It's a record or something. I have to rest now. Take care.

Hob-nobbing with the President

Today, Trystan did something really cool. He got to spend the day with the President and First Lady.



He was lucky enough to be one of the few children selected from his school to attend a special holiday reception and performance at the White House. Here's a link to the page.


Trystan took pictures, but they haven't been 'developed' yet. If there's any good ones, I'll post them.

Brandi won, that's it.

That sums it up. I have little enthusiasm for anything lately. Sorry.

Brandi, send me your address so I can mail you a jar of apple butter. I love your haikus. Here's one that describes my current zest for life:

turned off the ringer

still check emails, no replies

depressed? i guess so

Sorry if it makes you want to shoot yourself. Don't worry. I don't want to shoot myself. Have a happy day.

what does 72 cups of sliced apples look like?

This!

I have my wonderful husband to thank for these 19 quarts of apple butter. Oh, and my kids. They helped him. What was my contribution? I made sausage biscuits for breakfast. I had other business to tend to yesterday. I had to get my iPod replaced.

So, while he was at home slaving away at the stove for hours upon hours, I was chillin' at the Apple Store in Columbia. I mean, I was involved with apples too. It's not like I totally ditched him. I was with him in (apple) spirit.



The taste? Perfect. Absoultely perfect. You can't get any better than this stuff. Want some? I'll give/send a jar to the person who can suggest the best creative way to use this stuff in an appetizer for my cookie party. (Note: I already tried vanilla-cinnamon custard tarts topped with apple butter, I didn't love them)

my first official tag

I am ashamed to say that I haven't visited many of the blogs on my list in a while. So, while updating myself on my friends' blogs, I discovered that I had been tagged. Ok Sarah, here you go!

Here are the rules. I have to answer each question with only one word the pass it on to seven other people.

1. Where is your cell phone? Island
2. Where is your sig. other? Upstairs
3. Your hair color? Black
4. Your mother? Cruise
5. Your father? Unknown
6. Your favorite thing? Food
7. Your dream last night? Nothing
8. Your dream/goal? Job
9. The room you're in? Living
10. Your hobby? Cooking
11. Your fear? Chaos
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Home
13. Where were you last night? Home
14. What you're not? Quiet
15. One of your with list items? whitewoolcoatfromjcrew
16. Where you grew up? Gaithersburg
17. Last thing you ate? Pie
18. What are you wearing? Bathrobe
19. Your TV? Average
20. Your pet? Slobbery
21. Your computer? Slowish
22. Your mood? Chillin'
23. Missing someone? Janet
24. Your car? Dirty
25. Something you're not wearing? Shoes
26. Favorite store? Benetton
27. Your summer? Uneventful
28. Love someone? Mel
29. Favorite color? Purple
30. When was the last time you laughed? today
31. When was the last time you cried? today

I know #15 is kind of a long word. I really want it!

Ok, for the tagging part: I tag: Janet, Jeannie, Brie, Shelly, Karen, Kristina, Slavka, and Brandi.

Guess what we did today

Yummy apple picking!

We went to Larriland farms today in the rain for our annual apple picking trip.

Patricia had to stay home to do homework, so we brought our 5th child, Isabel Hitchner.

Look at those two crazies.

Arrrrrgh!
You know I had to get some of that apple-eatin' action.

No, we didn't only eat apples. We actually kept some. This was only part of what we picked. It's about 62 pounds. We still had another 20 or more pounds to go after this picture was taken.
I smell an apple pie in my future.

how do you answer the question...

How are you doing?

You see, I am just getting started on facebook, and I am getting the opportunity to reconnect with people I haven't seen or heard from in many many years. The question I ask and everyone asks of me is, "How are you doing?"

Then the answer is usually, "Fine!" or "Great!" These answers don't really do much for me.

So, how should I answer this question? Fine? Because right now I'm doing fine. Or do you want to know what I've been doing for the past 15 years?

And when I ask this question, I want to know information. Do you have a family? What do you do? Are you healthy? I guess I should just ask those questions. But then it sounds like an interrogation.

So, how are YOU doing?

warning- not very creative

1. catching up on everyone's blogs. i've been busy and haven't even bothered to read about anyone's life. i care, i just don't care enough. not really. i feel so behind the power curve, it's hard to catch up. overwhelming, really.
2. finally got a facebook account. it's like a huge snowball. one person from high school added me to their list, i accepted, and now i am obsessed. some of these people i didn't really talk to, but most of them were good friends way back in tha day. then i decided to connect with church friends, and neighborhood friends, and other old friends. i am sucked in. addicted, i tell you.
3. happy birthday to me!! i'm 33 and three days old. i love it. i don't feel old at all. except when i remember that i graduated from high school with all of those people i mentioned in #2 15 years ago.
4. i have a new hobby. i am actually pretty good at it. i am starting to make jewlery. it's so relaxing. right now i have only made a couple of necklaces and earrings. i need to get more beads. i am really excited because i am proud to say that i'll need a table at the SBW 2009. i actually have a project that i can work on all weekend. i am taking bead/jewlery supply donations if you have any you don't use.
5. thanks to ariella, i am finally going to take steps to get a job working at a gym being a personal trainer. i just need to do it.
6. that's all for now. i don't think i have more to say right now. if i do, you know i'll post it.

I'm still alive

In case anyone cared. I'll update soon. I promise.

I haven't been busy. Just lazy.
(shock shock)

Speed, anyone?

Am I the only one who has this problem in her neighborhood? Last week, something very sad and unnecessary happened on my street. One way that it could have been prevented is by having speed limit signs posted on neighborhood streets. I live directly across the street from an elementary school. Twice a day, we deal with large numbers of traffic and cars on our street. We have finally been able to get police here during those times to "encourage" a 15 MPH speed limit. However, since we don't have signs, they can't ticket anyone who exceeds that limit. Picerne is very unwilling to assist us in keeping our neighborhood safe from speeding cars. So, along with petitions and meetings with the post commander, we've decided to take things one step further...


This will continue until we run out of sidewalk chalk. Donations, anyone?

Groovin'

It's cool that I have a 13 year old. I have someone who I can bully into going with me to the gym. Not really. I don't bully her. She's been wanting to go to the gym for the past 2 years. She's finally old enough now.

Today we went to Groove. It's an aerobic dancing class. They dance to all kinds of music from Latin to Hip Hop. It's a class that I avoid unless I have someone to go with me. (embarrass themself along with me) On Monday she is going to Step with me and then to Ariella's class, Centergy. I'm generally against going to multiple classes at the gym. It's just too much. But, I figure since I'm doing an easy class for the second one, I'll be fine. (Totally kidding Ariella. I am sure you'll kick butt, especially now.)

That's all. I'm hungry. I'd better go eat something healthy before I pig out on the pre-Halloween candy in my storage room. It's the good stuff too, Reese's and Kit Kats. STOP!! I'm getting weaker, weaker, weaker...

linkadoo

There's not really much happening here.

I am just wasting my time until Friday when we go to the Bay's house to spend the night, then we'll spend the day at Hershey Park. I know, we're going to miss General Conference. I won't offer any excuse. Remember this?

I haven't been updating my blog because I've been playing with my new toy. Are you getting tired of all the hyperlinks? I hardly get on my laptop anymore. Why bother? I just have to figure out how to upload my scriptures to it so I have a good reason to bring it to church. If you can hook a 'sista up, I'll bake you something yummy. If you're far away, I'll make you some candy that will survive a trip in the mail.

I went to the Meuse Forest gym again today. For workout Wednesday. Guess who showed up? ME, Myself, and Vivian! I had some latecomer friends who I passed on my way home. I didn't go back because I had laundry on the mind by then. Come on, people! I am here waiting for you to come and exercise with me. I can't do it alone. I need your kids to keep mine entertained. I have a cute little workout planned. It is a workout that anyone can do. It's fun and easy if you want it to be. Or, it's grueling and difficult if you want that. You can do it if you're preggo or not. I promise, there's no treadmill involved, but you'll feel like it was worth your time. So come on! I'm a good motivator, a great encourager, and I am cute! Besides, I'm free! What are you holding back for?

Patricia got herself a blog (finally). It's cute. It's private though. She's such a teenager. OMG! She even sounds like one on her blog. You know, the lazy grammar, bad spelling, slangish talk that teenagers do when they email and text? Did I just say that? I mean, GOSH, I really am getting old.

Vivian and I played baby dolls today. I made it my mission to dress all of her dolls. Yay! There aren't any more nekkid dolls in my house! Well, at least until tomorrow when she undresses them again. Oh! Here's something funny. I'm copying this friend now.

Vivian: I am going to name my baby dolls.
Me: Great! What do you want to name this one?
Vivian: Freddy.
Me: Freddy? Oh, that's a good name.
Vivian: And this one's named is Freddy too.
Me: Two babies named Freddy, huh?
Vivian: No, all of theirs names are Freddies.

Poor babies.

I hope you people have a great day.