tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19066722300516562202011-11-25T01:07:32.261-06:00Facts & Fiction: The Life of a FlibertygibitIguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.comBlogger2301100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-19238548143125770652011-01-16T09:05:00.003-06:002011-01-16T09:11:52.106-06:00

Change is inevitable, isn't it? Then why is it so damned hard? Recently, there have been some rock-my-world changes in my life. As I look back at these changes, I wonder, "Who thought this would be a good idea?" I guess the biggest problem with change, as I see it, is this: 1. Change is good if I choose it. 2. Change can be rotten if someone else decides how and what to change in my life!3.

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-28552911080421246012009-10-18T21:07:00.001-05:002009-10-18T21:09:47.479-05:00

I recently had a conversation with a good friend. We haven't seen each other for a while. We were talking about the changes that our lives had gone through. We've grown - wiser, older, smarter, more beautiful and more comfortable in who we are. Mostly, we are happy. Happier.We talked a lot about our roles as women in the world today. Our mothers, grandmother, and aunts fought the fight so we

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-68108198734423279522009-09-24T23:29:00.002-05:002009-09-24T23:37:05.707-05:00

I love our house. I've been browsing blogs tonight - I love this task and so rarely have the time anymore - anyway, as I said, I've been blog hopping and I've realized, as I saw all of the gorgeous photos of homes and such, I love my house.(I'll post photos sometime soonish - maybe.)Our house was built in 1902. It is rumored to have been a rectory for the Catholic church some blocks away, and

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-51226328029405396772009-09-23T21:22:00.003-05:002009-09-23T22:06:02.475-05:00

So. Time goes really fast. Crazy fast. It's good. I'm happy. I'm busy. I feel like I am doing something that matters to someone. To lots of people, actually. I love being a mom. My girls are so spectacular. They are loving school, and being so wonderfully successful. I love the time that we get to spend together at dinner! I look forward to hearing everyone chime in with what they

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-41378322156911654552009-09-06T20:13:00.002-05:002009-09-06T20:42:17.613-05:00

So. This is where we lost Ava. The Minnesota State Fair. One minute, she was there. The next minute, she was gone. As I looked over this enormous sea of people, I couldn't even begin to think about where to start looking for her. I put the two older girls at a corner and insisted that they STAY PUT! They held hands and held their breath. And Rick and I ran in circles shouting Ava's name

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-65088705167268062332009-09-05T15:14:00.003-05:002009-09-05T15:22:46.592-05:00

Sometime, I find that I am gasping for air.Gasping.Not breathing.Nothing involuntary.Nothing gentle.When did breathing become such a difficult thing to do? I am working really hard to just master the involuntary action of breathing in and out, in and out.School starts on Tuesday. Had a vicious prep week last week. Mom and Dad home from the Lake. Friends on the edge. Children gone mad!In and

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-1824674076152415242009-08-23T10:39:00.007-05:002009-08-23T11:02:51.191-05:00

I am vacationing with the Littles at the family cabin in Northern Minnesota. It's so beautiful. The lake is crystal clear. There are enough people near us that we don't feel lost. However, it is never a vacation for mom. It is crazy busy! And I love it.For those of you who have never ventured into the Northwoods with a gaggle of little people, here is your primer:One - canoe to the bridge.

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-66476653678985892082009-08-20T20:32:00.004-05:002009-08-20T20:50:48.107-05:00

Uff Da!For those of you not from these parts, that's a really tame way of saying "Holy F***ing s***!It's been one of those days. I had full on kid duty today. And yesterday. And the week before that.I know. Boo hoo hoo. Poor me.OK, here's the deal. I USED to be a full time, stay-at-home mom. It kicked my butt. I loved it, but - yeouch! Then, Daddyman and I switched places. I got a job I

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-18803694910238770032009-08-11T20:43:00.003-05:002009-08-11T20:48:24.862-05:00

I've been taking classes this last week. They are focused on Responsive Classroom. All of you elementary school teachers out there might want to look into this educational theory. It's pretty amazing. One of the tools we are using is a book called Yardsticks. It's a wonderful book that explains, in detail, the developmental growth -year by year - of children 4 years of age through 14 (?)

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-80119686164480897222009-08-10T16:31:00.002-05:002009-08-10T16:45:52.400-05:00

So, today wasn't so bad, as far as mondays go. Daddyman purchased a ticket with "found" money. His boss, the one we've heard some not-so-nice-things about (not his clown boss, the other one...) actually paid him - well - for his work this month. He's been dabbling in stand up comedy, and he's run the room at a local bar/hotspot! I am very proud of him!I guess that I should back up just a

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-69973453233062368532009-08-09T13:10:00.003-05:002009-08-09T13:14:24.782-05:00

Noni and I watched Julia on PBS this morning. She was making omelets. First, I must say just how much I admire her sense of humor and the absurd. Then, she makes everything look super easy. So, we watched and our mouths were watering. What's a girl to do? We marched our littles selves into the kitchen and made omelets! The swirling and the flipping. We all cheered - we did it! They were

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-23044342181033453182009-08-09T10:31:00.002-05:002009-08-09T10:43:46.550-05:00

wow. It's been a really long time.It's been a perfectly rotten spring and winter. Now, normally, I hate blogs that people spend all of their time complaining - who cares, really? But I need to get it out of my system so that I can move forward.In November, we hit two deer with our lovely family mini-van. TWO! At the same time! yes, it wrecked the van. Nope - we'd let the insurance lapse.

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-53160660087610872542009-04-13T21:35:00.002-05:002009-04-13T21:37:13.182-05:00

Sometimes, my heart just breaks when I look at my girls. They are spectacular! I often fear that I am wrecking them. I wish that I could move my family to the moon to keep them safe from everything that could harm them. Love is a funny thing.

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-62040579112460943022009-04-11T22:56:00.003-05:002009-04-11T23:24:08.147-05:00

Yaya has taken to shouting at the world. She is not subtle. For example, tonight she trotted her little footy-jammied self out to the middle of our lawn. She spread her arms wide and shouted at the Easter Bunny."Easter Bunny! EEEEEEEAster BUNYYYYYYYY! Why don't you ever let me see you? Where are you. Come out right now. Come out and see me. I want to meet you!"She is shouting at the top

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-33218405686400157262009-03-31T18:10:00.000-05:002009-03-31T18:11:16.457-05:00

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-76566463166292276392009-03-17T21:45:00.001-05:002009-03-17T21:47:40.272-05:00

Our very smart, very talented, very funny girl!

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-3506310377584087012009-03-17T21:14:00.002-05:002009-03-17T21:18:44.817-05:00

This is our dear, dear friend Patrice. The Littles have been taught to ask adults what they would like the children to call them, ie Mrs. Byrd or Margaret. Patrice said that they could call her Miss Patrice. However, they were too little at the time to say those words together. They call her Matisse. Which is perfect, because she's an art teacher. And our favorite adopted aunt!Matisse and

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-42996079560158425512009-03-10T22:08:00.004-05:002009-03-10T22:20:59.541-05:00

Poor Daddyman woke up this morning and said, "I think I might be getting sick again." I burst into tears and shouted, "That is simply not an option so get over it RIGHT NOW!" I think that he feels better.

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-35234345671688206192009-03-08T18:57:00.004-05:002009-03-08T19:07:15.425-05:00

I love this illustration. It totally "illustrates" how I am feeling right now! See the bindings that are wrapped tightly around her poor, little body? See the buldging brain and eyes that are straining to focus? That's me! Pokey pony tails and all. o·ver·whelm (vr-hwlm, -wlm)tr.v. o·ver·whelmed, o·ver·whelm·ing, o·ver·whelms b. To affect deeply in mind or emotion: My life overwhelmed me -

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-85308406341463604212009-03-04T18:45:00.001-06:002009-03-04T18:46:33.522-06:00

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-29229916691781095822009-02-26T22:20:00.004-06:002009-02-26T22:35:04.781-06:00

Do you ever have a day that you wonder - who the hell have I become? You see, I used to be really fun and easy going. I had not a care in the world. I was the first one to jump into this world and play hard. Apparently, that's not so true anymore.I recently had the opportunity to reconnect with these two good friends from college. Eric picked me up at my house, and together we drove to

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-76968729207589738072009-02-25T19:38:00.001-06:002009-02-25T19:40:39.867-06:00

Guess who came back? Actually, he didn't work out at the other home. They couldn't deal with his puppy antics! So, we take a deep breath and head back into it! Daddyman gave it 2 weeks. Keep your fingers crossed or things could get ugly!

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-56482217341002160502009-02-23T09:22:00.002-06:002009-02-23T09:29:19.323-06:00

Will someone please explain to me what the attraction is to Angelina Jolie? So, she's got boobs and long legs - most women have those parts - but she is the most unpleasant woman I have ever seen. It appears that she wants to be a part of the Hollywood scene - she walks the red carpet at the Oscars - but she obviously doesn't think very much of the people around her. She barely smiled as she

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-91857874435885437732009-02-18T21:36:00.001-06:002009-02-18T21:39:19.517-06:00

We have been fostering this lovely, feisty, snuggly dog for almost 6 weeks! We have been torn about finding him a 'forever home' or keeping him in our family. Tonight, we met the most wonderful couple! Their dog passed away 3 weeks ago, and they are so sad. They met Otis, and it was love at first snuggle! I hope that this is his home! They all seem so happy together. I'll keep you posted!

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-56535258298725245492009-02-12T22:24:00.008-06:002009-02-12T22:44:59.757-06:00

I don't think that there is anything more special in this world than a handmade Valentine's Day card. I have always thought that. Year after year, I hope and wait to see if someone will make ME a special card by hand.This evening, the Littles and I spent an hour or so crafting several dozen handmade or hand decorated cards for classmates, teachers and best-friends! It was a blissful evening.

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-48946086620880038312009-02-12T09:36:00.009-06:002009-02-12T10:07:28.474-06:00

Then, and...Now.Then, and...Now.Then, and...Now.This is the town that my mother grew up in. Actually, these are just photos of the beginning of that town set next to photos that I took last summer at the centennial celebration. It seems that the town only lasted one hundred years. When the train no longer stopped in this town, it seemed the whole town stopped.It was a magical place! I loved

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-75786968044234954592009-01-31T18:47:00.004-06:002009-01-31T19:07:54.887-06:00

Those of you not familiar with the Mid-winter thaw that some of us Midwesterners LIVE for know not of what I speak.HOORAY FOR THE MELTING SNOW AND TROPICAL HEAT!!It was almost balmy today - 38 degrees I think. The snow got all sloppy and slushy. Things began dripping off the roofs and down the gutters. I say things, because who knows what lies beneath the frozen snow all these months. It was

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-66088881708585775372009-01-31T07:39:00.002-06:002009-01-31T07:43:13.707-06:00

101 CookbooksThis is a beautiful site for those of you foodies out there! My dear friend, Mrs. Byrd, passed on the goodness that is 101 Cookbooks. Mama Byrd is one of the greatest foodies I know. She has kept me healthy, introduced me to the love that is a CSA, and taught me how to cook those strange and unnamed root veggis I did not know existed. Mama Bryd helped me pick out my first cast

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-38186284975470106442009-01-30T18:54:00.002-06:002009-01-30T19:01:35.190-06:00

I dont' know if I can tell you how happy I am that January is over. It's too damned cold. Tonight, however, is bliss. I am watching the Littles watch "The Secret Garden." It's one of my favorite movies, books, musicals. You name it. It is heart filling to see them love it like I do. Heart filling.It also makes me yearn for spring. Then summer. I think I need to live in summer all year

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-87458192439250793132009-01-03T11:15:00.000-06:002009-01-03T11:17:04.079-06:00

My daughter is singing some Garfield opera. You know Garfield. The cat. She knows the whole darn thing. I am getting the play by play - she's describing the scenes. She's singing every. single. word. All of the characters have different voices.It's not really that cute. In fact, it's kind of annoying.I didn't know that Garfield had starred in an opera. Did you? I no longer need to wait until the

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-58903623274917649202009-01-02T10:53:00.000-06:002009-01-02T10:54:59.327-06:00

OK. So I am ignoring my children. Isn't it time that they started to pay a little attention to me? I mean, really. Do they have any idea who has been feeding them and clothing them for these many years? Is it too much to ask?I am so getting mine when I am old and infirm. I am going to live with all of them for an extended time. I might even to threaten to die in their home if they don't love me.

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-20885164324664651472008-11-29T22:43:00.003-06:002008-11-29T22:46:48.340-06:00

Looking forward to a happier, sillier, more carefree week. I love that all it takes is a pair of paper antlers to make this girl giggle! Tickles me, she does.Hope your week is a good one! And if it starts to go downhill, get yourself a pair of paper antlers, and quick!

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-29004494577056303092008-11-29T13:28:00.004-06:002008-11-29T13:48:53.925-06:00

I am 43 years old and I am sitting here waiting for my dad to call me up and yell at me like I'm still a little kid. Turns out there was a lapse in our auto insurance. I don't know what yelling at me is going to do to help anyone, except that maybe he'll feel better. Daddyman and I know what a gigantic deal an uninsured driver is! We know how bad it could have been - and we know how hugely

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-64727022420238668522008-11-28T07:45:00.003-06:002008-11-28T08:42:03.493-06:00

This is how I have felt for the last couple of days as we deal with the car stuff. It's almost like a sitcom - except sort of tragic. I guess that's what humor is - being able to laugh through the difficult stuff.So, we hit a couple of deer and totaled the car. It's just a car, and I've come to believe that the deer had a suicide pact. It only took them four lanes of heavy traffic to

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-9638534779865239062008-11-24T09:18:00.003-06:002008-11-24T09:37:33.499-06:00

So, I'll fill you in about the trip to the Dells a little later. This is the last scene of our vacation. It happened on our way home from Wisconsin.We had a wonderful week. Swam, played tennis, worked out in the gym every day! Ate out a couple of times during the week, saw some movies, relaxed and bonded with the family - very lovely!Then, on the way home, we hit a deer. Well, two deer

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-84835702481357729172008-11-16T11:19:00.005-06:002008-11-16T11:33:17.176-06:00

Sometimes, it's hard to say "I'm sorry." Especially, when you don't think that you've done anything wrong. I see that with the Littles all of the time. They drag their feet and hang their heads and sort of mumble an apology when asked to "make things right."Well, now it's my turn to make things right.I wrote a blog entry several days ago. An old friend read it, and her heart was hurt. I

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-49277092784131269822008-11-15T18:20:00.003-06:002008-11-15T18:34:02.456-06:00

Guess where we are headed? That's right! To the Wisconsin Dells. In November. For those of my friends who are not native to this part of the country, November is NOT the height of the tourist season. It is cold. and gray. and - for a place that thrives on water slides and theme parks - there will be absolutely nothing to do.AND I CAN'T WAIT!We pack the car with as little as we can get away

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-85905886210313732152008-11-12T13:34:00.003-06:002008-11-12T13:54:19.462-06:00

I was visiting my friend - "the other Ahna" - and she'd posted some of her favorite things. Here are some of mine...*The tea kettle - bubbling water for the coffee press (of course, that may be the psychological thing of KNOWING the coffee is coming!)*The Littles in jammy feet sneaking into my room in the middle of the night*My dog's snoring next to me while I write at the computer.*My husband's

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-91880514723419795762008-11-11T20:45:00.003-06:002008-11-11T21:22:06.768-06:00

so....Today is my birthday. And you know what that means! More about me. Suffer. Or don't read - up to you.Notice anything different? Yep. A little darker. Cheaper than plastic surgery and less permanent than a tattoo. My dad hates it, that means it's a winner!!! (OK, truth be told - I really wish that I had gotten a tattoo, but I can never decide on what to get inked into my skin.

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-30215239688403510112008-11-10T16:34:00.003-06:002008-11-10T17:03:29.714-06:00

I like the sun, even though my people prefer the snow - as is evident by our creamy, pale skin. (I once worked as a nanny. The delightful little girls - HA! - once announced that my skin was so white that it looked like the underbelly of a fish. Sweet. The same family sent me and their precious little children into the belly of hell - level 20, or something - they gave us a limo and tickets

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-37848996936681547492008-11-09T19:39:00.002-06:002008-11-09T20:15:20.487-06:00

I have been passionate about my children & husband... I have been passionate about my faith and politics...I have been passionate about my job...I have been passionate about my garden...but hang on to your socks, because for the next several days, this whole stinkin' thing is about ME.I am close to celebrating my birthday, you see, so I am going to - as shamelessly as a Norwegian Lutheran

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-26749168622288545502008-10-20T15:20:00.002-05:002008-10-20T15:38:16.488-05:00

I was writing with my students today - a lesson called "The Fantastical Binominal" - and we were writing about super heroes. It's one of my favorite lessons! As a large group, the students generate a list of nouns, a list of prepositions, and a list of nouns. They choose one word from each list - in that order (ie, Spiderman Into Cheese Grater) - and then, they write the story as a 2 minute

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-5728401863623908812008-10-13T16:57:00.004-05:002008-10-13T17:08:33.861-05:00

This little Montessori mind is working every minute! This particular photo was snapped yesterday afternoon when Noni convinced her sister that they could suck the apple juice out of the apple. They tried for a long time. Puncturing the apple with hard curly straws was more than half of the appeal, I'm sure. They did not get much juice out of the apple, and then refused to eat the apples

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-43135467230320112112008-10-12T14:11:00.011-05:002008-10-12T15:23:09.274-05:00

Fall in Minnesota can be glorious! The colors of the trees are so warm and beautiful - reds, yellows, oranges - like a postcard or LLBean catalogue ad. The weather is often crisp, yet sunny - sweater weather. Yesterday was one of those glorious days - it was a day when people smiled at strangers knowingly, as if to say, "This is why we live in Minnesota." Daddyman, the Littles and I decided

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-45452947990490952902008-10-06T19:18:00.001-05:002008-10-06T19:25:49.278-05:00

Thanks, Rose!After a perfectly awful day teaching in an inner-city public school, I felt sort-of better after I saw this!A

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-39052052465672159122008-10-04T13:40:00.006-05:002008-10-04T13:52:21.108-05:00

This photo was taken when my sister-in-law was visiting with her family from sunny CA. I love the gentle feeling of this photo. I love the little Scandinavian heads. I love all of the girls gathered together on our big green sofa reading together.I bought myself a "new" car. It's a 1987 Volvo wagon! I lovelovelove it. It runs really well, is in great shape (what's a few wrinkles and age

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-72120980641833160132008-09-17T08:34:00.004-05:002008-09-17T09:11:12.705-05:00

So I read a quote yesterday - while feverish and ill - and it made a lot of sense. "We've been told we can do anything, so we think we should do everything."My generation of women has been told that we can do anything! And we can. Thanks to the very strong women who fought for this right for us. It hasn't always been this easy, and we take it for granted. I don't even know if it's about the

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-10478811411222604612008-09-13T15:04:00.002-05:002008-09-13T15:12:22.612-05:00

I don't always understand my children. Does anyone, really? But sometimes I really wish that I could see inside their lovely, complex minds and figure out who they really are. This is one of the most interesting, complex, creative, loving, stubborn, thoughtful, wise little souls I've ever known. And I just don't get her.Is it just me, or do we sort of grow away from our children as they grow

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-18190040258077941792008-09-13T07:24:00.007-05:002008-09-13T07:49:17.357-05:00

This was sent to me in an e-mail. Perhaps you've seen it? Subject: Language Author: Unknown If you're a minority and you're selected for a job over more qualified candidates you're a "token hire." If you're a conservative and you're selected for a job over more qualified candidates you're a "game changer." Black teen pregnancies? A "crisis" in black America .

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-12454713117396428102008-09-11T19:23:00.007-05:002008-09-12T14:36:49.526-05:00

He IS the Funniest Person in the Twin Cities. Get a load of this funny guy as he performs around town!The finals were last night at ACME Comedy Club in Minneapolis. It was a sold out crowd. There was an MC, 5 finalists, a featured comedian and a headliner. Daddyman performed 3rd in the competition - and he blew the house away! Of course, we had to listen to the featured performer (Tom

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-62812572287347709582008-09-09T22:00:00.003-05:002008-09-09T22:10:16.957-05:00

What do you do when it's late at night and you are trying to go to sleep and you just can't quit thinking and the dog is lying on your knees and the baby's sticky body is draped across your thighs and your husband is running his 3 minute comedy routine in his sleep except that he's not quiet, he's actually quite loud and annoying and the cat is softening the pillow (that you are trying to sleep

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-59986037423479908122008-09-04T16:01:00.005-05:002008-09-04T16:16:10.721-05:00

Vital change can't be forced. It begins with embracing where you are right now.I am seeking balance in my life. For the most part, I think that I've found some. I've been walking and singing, a lot. Not necessarily at the same time. Sometimes. Not always. It makes my dog very nervous when I sing and walk at the same time. So, when he is my walking companion I mostly just hum.Balance.I am

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-64565350167368231062008-08-11T20:45:00.002-05:002008-08-11T20:49:27.553-05:00

Sometimes, I think that I am still 12. I push everyone's buttons until my kids (OMG - I have kids?!) are wound up and Daddyman is pissed off.It's really fun!We've been married 11 years. Go figure. I guess all of the button pushing doesn't keep him from sticking around...I've got to go and figure out where Daddyman is right now. There are some serious buttons to be pushed!

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-16953116107858939162008-08-09T12:43:00.003-05:002008-08-09T13:24:52.395-05:00

OkSo I took some time away and started to breath again. Thankfully. Not breathing is difficult. I have begun my "summer vacation." Finally. My girls spent last week at Vacation Bible Camp. They loved the long days of sports themed activities. I loved the long days of sports themed activities that left me with time to do what I wanted to do.Boy, that makes me sounds like a bad mom. But

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-29401339773860542742008-08-02T21:04:00.002-05:002008-08-02T21:10:27.818-05:00

This is the scene out my front door. It's so glamorous! At 6:30 AM the diggers start digging and the construction fellas start shoutin' and cussin' and the mixers start rumblin' and the dust starts a flyin' in the finest powder. Looking down the street is like looking into an old western town, the dust hangs in the air and the construction fellas face off while mounted on their metal steed.It

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-27834039543711449182008-07-31T15:15:00.001-05:002008-07-31T15:19:00.627-05:00

Oma's Birthday, 2007Bemidji, MNOma's Birthday, 2008Bemidji, MNOh, how we love our cousins!!

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-26626537778965279042008-07-29T15:48:00.002-05:002008-07-29T15:56:12.629-05:00

I love summer. I love my family. I mean the family that I grew up with and the family that I created and the family that I've chosen. I love the time spent with those people. I am present at the very moment we are together, then, the memory fades into a feeling...I love this sticky heat. I love the big trucks outside my house, shaking the street as they dig the dry, hot earth from under the

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-7187135446605209792008-07-28T20:54:00.004-05:002008-07-28T21:01:56.864-05:00

We went to the cabin up north to celebrate my mom's birthday! My family from California (Uber Uncle and Sweet-n-Sassy-Sister-in-law and lovely, lovely nieces) were here to help celebrate. We had a wonderful time. We shopped and chopped and laughed and grilled and ate and drank and chatted and laughed and boated and roasted lots of edible things over open fires and swatted mosquitoes and

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-55475435326384002722008-06-29T20:39:00.002-05:002008-06-29T20:57:11.002-05:00

Guess what we did instead?5.25 miles3 times around the lakeone banged up knee2 traded-up bikes2 fast, 3 slow1 sore bottoms579 whiny comments2 weepy girls5 tired people1 good night's sleep!We're going to do it again tomorrow night!

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-33903647472360770192008-06-23T21:10:00.008-05:002008-06-23T21:50:59.183-05:00

this is the town that I loved as a child. 1908-2008 celebrating 100 years...I wonder if it will survive another 10 years...I don't think the cars will survive. They will become garden art...We - my mother, 2 aunties, cousin and cousin-in-law, visited this favorite old prairie town. Just the gals...We visited, perhaps, for the last time. I think that I am OK, but it was a lonely feeling

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-74398835173643812832008-06-18T16:57:00.002-05:002008-06-18T16:58:58.333-05:00

Children can be rather hateful little creatures.Even mine...Mostly other people's...I wish that I could lock my bedroom door and take a serious time out!I am so done, I am crispy!

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-52835193892528485462008-06-17T06:46:00.001-05:002008-06-17T06:49:03.834-05:00

I just returned from my early morning workout. Funny. I used to hate "workouts." Now, don't think that I could live with out them.Yaya is telling me these days that she is "exercising." I think that she may end up with healthy habits as an adult. The other 2..? I've still got some work to do.Via is dancing and Noni is a soccer queen. Maybe we are all finding our place in this moving world.

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-78733142579757009372008-06-14T09:00:00.003-05:002008-06-23T22:06:38.055-05:00

Every hot-august morning, after the 8 o'clock train whistle blows, we leave Grandma's bakery warm kitchen and head downtown. I walk with Grandpa - hand in hand - the 3 blocks to his bank. Sometimes, he lets me carry the enormous ring of 16 ancient and important keys."It's our secret," he says, slyly, with a wink.147 steps from Grandma's back door to the chipped-up cement steps of the bank.3

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-33463662519068199062008-06-10T22:47:00.004-05:002008-06-14T08:59:32.607-05:00

It is hot-august.I am 9 years old.I am sweat-stuck to the flowered sheets. My bathing suit is pretending to be my pajamas. I am blanketed only in the hot-august heat that has laid its heavy self across the plains of North Dakota, covering this house, my bed, my toes, my sweat-sticky hair…It is 7 AM.I am spending another summer at Grandma's house. I wake slowly in my mother’s childhood bed –

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-18369288586198087342008-05-15T10:26:00.003-05:002008-05-15T10:46:13.608-05:00

I don't know of anything that looks like a happy summer afternoon than this photo of our dear friend Otto and Noni! Do you remember what it felt like to feel that free? To fly on a swing? To have no worries? No responsibilities? The sun felt so good on our shoulders and the breeze felt so tickly in our cheeks and someone else was making dinner adn watching the clock and worrying about bath

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-18158370253781263112008-05-14T09:27:00.002-05:002008-05-14T09:36:07.051-05:00

So, I had a lovely post to share with you all this morning, but I am just to damned pissed off to share something lovely and sentimental!I woke up as the sun rose this morning. I put on my flip flops and headed downstairs to let the dog out. I noticed our gate was wide open - we have a dog. A big dog. We are religious about keeping our gate closed, and there it was in the twinkling morning

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-34160167052768538812008-05-13T09:42:00.006-05:002008-05-13T10:21:51.639-05:00

Since I've last posted, a lot has happened.My oldest child has turned 9! We've celebrated. A lot. In fact, we'll be celebrating through the end of the month. Now, tell me, who wouldn't want a whole month of birthday celebrations?!This is our beloved Auntie Tata with Via and Yaya. Auntie Tata is Via's godmother. Perhaps the best adult in her whole life. Auntie Tata loves and cherishes Via in

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-68645670472260617322008-05-07T11:49:00.003-05:002008-05-07T12:33:28.197-05:00

I told my family, as they frantically raced like squirrels searching for an available viewing spot amidst the sea of tatooed and pierced and sweaty men, braless and pierced and sweaty women, and sticky-fingered long-haired children, that the day was not about the "getting there." It was about the "being there."It is not about the getting there.It is about the being there.And being there was

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-60539450394238383722008-04-21T17:01:00.002-05:002008-04-21T17:02:53.840-05:00

Hello everyone.I just wanted to send you a quick note to let you know that I haven't fallen off of the face of the earth. I have just been swept up in the chaos that is my life. The end is in sight, and then I will be back.I miss you all, and I'm sending you each warm thoughts and prayers for a happy and abundant Spring.Ahna

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-78781243576939447732008-03-31T22:11:00.005-05:002008-03-31T22:39:07.707-05:00

So...It started out fairly innocently. I was putting The Littles to bed - you know the routine: brushing teeth, going potty, putting on jammies, taking off jammies, choosing another pair of jammies, taking off those jammies, finally settling on big sissy's t-shirt - which, thankfully, she's cool with, saying bedtime prayers, talking about the best parts of days... Then we turn out the lights.

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-78386232224350828052008-03-31T13:36:00.005-05:002008-03-31T13:46:42.451-05:00

Yesterday. March 30, 2008Today. March 31, 2008What's the weather like in your part of the world?

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-29054309339480079572008-03-22T13:25:00.003-05:002008-03-22T13:29:53.587-05:00

Saw it! Loved it! You should see it! It should be shown to every child! And all of their parents! It has such a great message!OK, some might find it a little heavy-handed, but in this age of cyber-bullying it really shows kids how important it is to stand up for what you know to be the truth. The crowd it a little frightening, and the mom-kangaroo is nasty (Yaya hid her eyes every time the

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-46181418136499081332008-03-19T17:18:00.005-05:002008-03-19T17:30:52.575-05:00

Yaya is taking a dance class. Actually, it is a tumbling tot class, but any chance my girls have to wear something pink and dance-like = dh-ance kah-lass. She luh-luh-loves it! She goes to class with two of her best friends - Zoey and Coco! They are pure poetry in motion.(OK - I like it, too. Because The Mamas are my best chums. We spend the 45 minutes walking laps in the gym and chatting

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-69588451303339466372008-03-19T17:09:00.002-05:002008-03-19T17:17:51.077-05:00

Daddyman is in a new show. "Good Morning, Desdemona. Good Night, Juliet." He is a wonderful actor. Apparently, even with grown-ups, it takes a village. Via has been running lines with her dad. She knows the whole show by heart. I don't think that Daddyman knows all of his lines. Yet.

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-30099393344147687542008-03-17T20:21:00.001-05:002008-03-17T20:25:21.462-05:00

Via and Noni went to a fabulous costume/mystery party at our friend and neighbor's home this last weekend. Despite feeling a tad bit under the weather, a great time was had by all. Can you guess what era they are trying to represent?

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-45844651978268478522008-03-15T21:03:00.002-05:002008-03-15T21:15:34.738-05:00

In Just-in Just-spring when the world is mud-luscious the littlelame balloonmanwhistles far and weeand eddieandbill comerunning from marbles andpiracies and it'sspringwhen the world is puddle-wonderfulthe queerold balloonman whistlesfar and weeand bettyandisbel come dancingfrom hop-scotch and jump-rope andit'sspringand the goat-footedballoonMan

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-73739558116237243662008-03-15T09:14:00.002-05:002008-03-15T09:17:28.997-05:00

Thank you for all of the kind wishes and prayers for Sweet Via. She has returned to wellness. How do I know? She is currently rollerskating up and down our block. It's 9:15 AM. It's 25 degrees and sunny here in Minnesota. She's bundled up in hat (under her helmet!) and mittens and a scarf... I love that girl. Don't you completely understand the need to get out of the house and MOVE after

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-87878547317280892072008-03-13T20:47:00.003-05:002008-03-13T21:04:02.938-05:00

Sweet Via is unwell today. I feel so helpless when one of my girls is unwell. I want to scoop her up and dip her in a magic pond of love and health and renew her strength and vigor immediately. Typically, Via is a strong and independent girl. At least, that is what she wants the world to see. Inside, she is one of the most sensitive little souls I have ever known. I have always thought that

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-82752108969090061612008-03-13T14:24:00.001-05:002008-03-13T14:28:22.298-05:00

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-9382903746129787532008-03-10T19:45:00.004-05:002008-03-10T22:16:02.770-05:00

I have been lying on my floor in a gelatinous state... OK, not really. I'm OK. Just a tad bit overwhelmed by life and feeling quite sorry for myself.Then I was talking to my mother - it's taken 40 years, but it actually helped! - and I was reminded of this story and I thought I would share it all with you.My oldest, Via (8) is showing signs of beginning her period. We've actually

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-51174109750882704772008-03-01T19:21:00.003-06:002008-03-01T19:38:45.566-06:00

This is my husband with Carrot Top! My husband is the one with all of the clothes on and the glasses. Isn't he handsome? Check out the arms on the veggie-man! Thank you to everyone who voted for him. He had a wonderful time and it was a tremendous opportunity!This was his Big Shot Opportunity! He opened for Carrot Top at the Luxor in Vegas - holy shit! He did a great job and I am so proud

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-3849549609192943852008-02-27T15:30:00.005-06:002008-02-27T15:52:22.778-06:00

I had intended to post sooner, but our house has been in such a whirl. My husband has just been sent to Hollywood for his Big Shot Live!Let me back up. I met my husband when we were both actors at Dudley Riggs Brave New Workshop. We spent 3 years working for this theater, writing satirical comedy, performing 7 shows a week, performing improvisational theater after 5 of those shows, teaching

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-46641965298013144762008-02-25T18:02:00.011-06:002008-02-25T20:06:13.021-06:00

2:05 AM Minnesota Time/ 12:05 AM LA TimeWe were greeted at LAX by Uber Uncle. Yaya, in her pink fuzzy, footy-jammies leaped into his arms and proclaimed her love with kisses and hugs and hand holding that didn't stop until she was buckled into the back of the Big Red Car so we could speed through the LA area under the cloak of darkness. And thus began our Great California Adventure.The first

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-29334502202807713232008-02-25T08:07:00.002-06:002008-02-25T09:15:59.032-06:00

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-19343228780868795382008-02-13T09:40:00.004-06:002008-02-13T10:07:58.179-06:00

As I prepare to fly to California, I find that I am feeling a whole lot of anxiety. To start with, I am not the greatest flier. My imagination, it turns out, when not doing good actually does evil. I will be traveling alone with my youngest daughter. Not a super big deal. She's pretty easy going, but the plane doesn't actually leave until an hour and a half after her bed time.I am anxious

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-89192701228479663352008-02-12T16:08:00.000-06:002008-02-12T16:31:18.326-06:00

This is how we do birthdays at our house. With a crown. From dawn until well after we are asleep. We celebrate with style, baby.Tomorrow, this sweet little birthday girl and I are getting on an airplane and flying to Pasedena to visit these people.Then we're going to Palm Springs to visit Oma and Papa. Did I mention that it is currently 21 degrees in Saint Paul? It is 83 degrees in LA. This

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-43842937474087149852008-02-05T21:35:00.000-06:002008-02-05T21:50:40.665-06:00

This is a busy week. We are preparing for the birthday celebration for our youngest, Yaya. She will be 3 years old this coming Friday. She'd like to be a princess. Or Fancy Nancy. Or Fancy Nancy Princess. She hasn't requested a wedding cake - yet. She hasn't asked for any single present - yet. She just wants her friends to come and play. Dear, sweet Yaya.

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-2546024047009215152008-02-04T19:18:00.000-06:002008-02-04T19:34:24.845-06:00

This last weekend, when I asked Noni to run upstairs and put on something cozy. She returned with a bounce in her step and lots of sparkling clothing. She was wearing bobby socks, pink spangled mary janes, a silver and white sequined costume halter top - as a mini dress - cut up to there and down to her navel. She also had something in her hair that gave her mall bangs - very retro 80's. She

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-1845981231625523942008-02-01T16:14:00.000-06:002008-02-01T16:32:23.214-06:00

I am a confirmation mentor for a 9th grade girl at my church. We've been meeting together throughout the year as a supportive part of her education and growth as a Christian in the Lutheran Church. We typically meet for an hour to an hour and a half, one time per month. At the end of every class, all of the confirmands and their mentors gather together for a moment of prayer and reflection at

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-828822706058673782008-02-01T15:33:00.000-06:002008-02-01T15:36:27.671-06:00

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-69131608611449492462008-01-30T17:07:00.001-06:002008-01-30T18:07:08.739-06:00

Last night, my brother told me that I was "inspiring." So, obviously, I must find a way to squash, I mean LIVE UP TO HIS HIGH EXPECTATIONS. Prepare to be dazzled.So I was reading a very funny post over at While They Play, and Kalurah told the story of the Peanut Butter and the Penis. It made me laugh. A lot. And I said a quick prayer of "Thanks for the Girls."Ok, are you back? I told you

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-53737448369871924502008-01-30T15:05:00.001-06:002008-01-30T15:09:23.502-06:00

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-72728500072443279252008-01-29T17:45:00.000-06:002008-01-29T17:53:39.472-06:00

Here's what I noticed today. Inside my house. Outside my house it's 35 below zero.

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-43446075174163439812008-01-28T15:18:00.000-06:002008-01-28T15:36:47.158-06:00

I've been inspired! The following links are the places that have inspired me today. Most of you know that I have plotted and planned and pleaded and got down on my knees and begged until I finally got a new camera (canon EOS DSLR). In my quest to take better pictures, AND find a place of peace for myself and my family... well this project just seems like the right fit right now. I hope you go

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-73607699902749589432008-01-27T15:35:00.000-06:002008-01-27T16:33:21.115-06:00

OKIt's time to catch up with some unfinished business - here goes:I've been given the task of passing this award on to other wonderful bloggers. Each of these blogs has something interesting to offer the reader. I'm not certain that any of these lovely folks are into this - or if they even know that I've been lurking around their sites, but you really should visit them, so...Minnesota Matron

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-80677783033004072222008-01-26T15:24:00.000-06:002008-01-26T15:45:28.640-06:00

I am going to a party tonight for our dear,sweet neighbor. It is a surprise birthday party! He is 38 years old. Tonight, we are celebrating more than just another ordinary year. We are celebrating a spectacular year. You see, he has survived what the doctors decided was an inoperable brain tumor. He has been through many rounds of chemo and radiation. The cells have stopped growing and the

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-91122624320461165252008-01-25T20:24:00.000-06:002008-01-25T20:31:25.673-06:00

What a dork. I thought Sally Field. I saw Sally Field in my mind. And yet, I wrote Sissy Spacek. Who I do like quite a bit. I think she's a great actress... but I KNOW that it was Sally and not Sissy who had the same insecurity thing that I do. I wish I could chalk up my brain fart on hard livin' and tough lovin' but, alas, I fear that it is simply old age and young children. C'est la vie.

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-44450121001779870452008-01-24T16:45:00.000-06:002008-01-24T16:54:15.867-06:00

I had a perfectly difficult day today, and when I checked my on line pals - searching for solace and a few laughs - guess what I found? My friend Kalurah over at While They Play had planted a big wet one on me! Well, let me tell you what - I feel a whole lot of better knowing that someone thinks I'm excellent. I feel a little like Sissy Spacek - "You like me. You really like me!"Watch this

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-68923215359099741472008-01-22T07:01:00.000-06:002008-01-22T07:11:58.982-06:00

This is what happened at Martha's Cabaret. That beautiful blue haired child - she's our expert on 'bear-fish' underwear. We had a blast - laughed a lot. The Littles really loved to play at Martha's. We're going back next month- wahoo!!!This is what I saw at bedtime last night. Noni helping Yaya brush her teeth. I didn't ask her to help her sister, she simply took it upon herself to help.

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1906672230051656220.post-75497772360772209752008-01-15T18:06:00.001-06:002008-01-15T22:01:56.509-06:00

So. I know that you have all been waiting for me to check in. Gosh. Who wouldn't. I had a great week. Stuck to my goals. Ate really great food. Exercised my buns off, I hope. Now you know.** Editors note: I lost 5 pounds this week. I totally rock! Yea me! 'Working my ass off' seems to be working out OK!**On other notes, this is what I was greeted with the other morning. Life is good!

Iguana Bananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10784788414256458757noreply@blogger.com15