Getting Life Moving

We bought our first home!!! Yup, oh yeah, you heard me! We are homeowners! Dan and I are in love with our little home and feel so blessed to have it.

Now mind you, we are no longer living in Vermont but in Oklahoma now.

I know, I know...... I didn't tell ya.

Shame on me!

We moved in the night, secretly like a FOX!

Just kidding.... I just haven't been blogging to tell you all about it. Lazy, is more the word for my blogging lifestyle.

Anywho, we are all moved in and our lives are moving forward with a new motorcycle for the hubby and new appliances for me!

Posting pictures are to come.... like I said, Lazy.

Well, lovies, I am out and have things to get doin'.

I promise to be a better friend.

Attention Shoppers

I'm going to just say how annoying it is to be in the super market when your child is throwing a fit or just plain crying bloody murder.

Today I went grocery shopping, and this did not happen to me today.

But.....

I ran into one of the people who drove me up the wall the last time it happened to me.

Sophie wanted to be held while we were shopping and I wasn't going to do it (classic reason to cry at the top of her lungs). I decided that I was going to continue shopping and get it done instead of marching my ass out of there. I needed to show Sophie that her screams are not going to make me do anything I don't want to do. So I continued shopping. For some reason, everyone and their dog wants to make some sort of comment about her cries.

PEOPLE!!!! when my daughter is throwing a fit, you better believe that I do not have the time nor the patience to sit and have a conversation with you about how you "remember your children doing the same thing when they were that age". I want to get my groceries and get the hell out of there ASAP! I refuse to let her cries make me leave the store and not finish my grocery shopping but I will shop faster. I'm going to just get what I need and get out of there.

So, this lady at the deli counter talked my freaking ear off that day while getting my order. I was trying to be polite but my ears were ringing by that point and I still had to make it through the torture of the check out line.

I ran into her today and can you guess that she remembered me from that day.

She SHOULDN'T remember me. I SHOULD have been passing through quickly but instead we became buddies.

we bonded... ugh.

It wasn't just her. It was everyone.

I understand too. Don't get me wrong, I get it. The grocery store is full of mothers and grand mothers with the instinct to make a baby stop crying.

It's just not helpful.

Not one bit.

Okay, I ranted.

I'm done.

-Monet

Sorry People.

Sorry that I have not written in awhile. Big things happening at home these days.

Don't worry, nothing bad.

But nonetheless BIG things.

So, I am here to share a few topics of conversation with you.

1. Felted food. Yes, you heard me. food made out of felt. I want to make this little wonder. For my children and other people's children as well. It seems like such a fun project and will help me get to know my sewing hands alittle better. Me and my hands need to be closer.

2. Ummmm, hello, Sophie in a bathing suit.

and...

3. The farmer's market. I believe that I could really get into the whole "selling homemade stuff for extra cash" thing. I want to sell my felted food there and maybe some real food as well.

Alrighty, let's begin.

I found this amazing, cute, fun idea to make this felted pretend food.

So cute!

I can do this! I know I can!!!

Yeah!

Yeah?!

(building confidence here people)

Breakfast anyone? Smiling eggs anyone?

Alittle creepy having your eggs smile at you after being poached...

And last, the amazing hot dog!

I'm not sure if that is lettuce on the hot dog or some strange leafy relish?!?!

I'll figure it out and Sophie will have some new toys.... maybe I will be able to get people to buy these things for their own children. Actually, I'm really excited to try this new arts and craft project and get better at my hand sewing. I only see more aprons, blankets, quilts, and baby clothes in my future!

Talking about baby..... we got a pool the other day. NOOOO not the big in-ground, diving board, rock waterfall kind. just a simple kiddy pool. Oh man,.. was it a hassle to set up. We couldn't get a blow up one since our lovely chocolate lab would pop the sides trying to get in himself (he LOVES water of any kind). So, instead we got this one where like 4 kids could fit in it and the water is what makes the side stay up. It took FOREVER getting the thing round. You had to keep pulling all the sides while the bottom was filling with water to straighten it out. Sophie is only 6 months old,.. we really only needed an inch or two of water but the entire time the sides were caving in on us. It didn't really matter since we were in the pool for about an entire 10 mins. Here are some pics of Sophie in her swimsuit getting ready for the big pool party we had that day!

Ain't she a cutie! My little watermelon seed baby!

And just because she can....

I had to throw in the standing baby in her crib picture! This is her latest trick!

Notice the sleepy owl in the background....

So last, the farmer's market. I thought that I could join and put up my little booth and sell some home baked goods and my felt food. I'm alittle nervous, but I think that I would really enjoy it once I get it going. It's not the best way of income from home since it goes on only through the spring and summer months. But.........It would get me closer to achieving my ultimate goal of opening a bakery/cafe and selling my goodies to all of mankind! Or to just whatever town I happen to be living in at the time of opening. ;)

Well, I must go now friends, companions, com-padres, fellow bloggers, people.....

Sorry again on the delay of info.

Peace-

Modizzle

Oh Lord, bless me one day with....

One of THESE.......

Oh, how I long for the ultimate mixer in my kitchen! And I love the all black one! My little hand mixer makes me sad when I bake...

I want to feel happy with a KitchenAid sexy, stand mixer. I promise to love it and take care of it!!!

One day.....

NYC continued....

The little bug is asleep and I may now complete my train of thought.

Often times things are put to a hault when you have a new baby in the house. I'm sure things are haulted all the time if you have any children in the house!

SO..... NYC.

After our cupcake and a coffee stop, we went to the most kitchen lovers, easily breakable, mind boggling dream land of a store.....

Fishs Eddy!

LOVE IT!!!

if you want to check it out online for viewing pleasure ( http://www.fishseddy.com/)

This is what I got there.

Too Cool huh!?!?!

And....

Ohhhhhh yyyyeeeessssssssss! that's what I'm talkin' about!

I also picked up some random plates and bowls from their 99 cent area. My amazing Seesta picked up the tab for my birthday (there is no arguing with her... she never lets you win the "who will pay for this" battle).
Very, very, kind of her!

We walked around and headed to a street fair a couple blocks away. Dropped my mom off at a cafe so her knees could get a rest and Lia and I were off to find random treasures. Found cute dresses and some necklaces... good stuff.

Had dinner and then I split to met up with my girlfriend Shannon who this past year moved to the city. She had to work unexpectedly that night so I headed up the her bar.

The Blind Pig.

Not sure how this name goes with the bar AT ALL but it was fun. Bartender was nice, her friend Tasha and I entertained each other by making fun of the weirdos dancing to techno in the corner.

So I crash finally at Shannon's place in Yonkers at 4am so that I could make my 8:30am train home.

Let's just say coffee didn't do the trick for me that morning.

But I came home to this...

I don't know if I'll ever be able to leave again!!!

See ya Folks!

Monet

Big Apple Getaway!

As most of you know, I am a new Momma and this past weekend I got the chance to have alittle break and I took a trip into the BIG city to visit with my older sister and Mom (Grandma Bonnie now).

It was wonderful and difficult at the same time. I loved visiting and shopping and walking and EATING (I liked that the most!) but it sure was hard leaving my buggie at home with daddy! It was my first time to be away from my little girl for longer than 4 hours! I was gone from 4am Saturday to about 1:15pm Sunday!

The reason for the trip was that my sister is graduating from FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology)for Graphic Arts. I wasn't getting the pleasure to see the ceremony, but I did get to view her Senior Thesis project on display at the Museum! There were only three students that were chosen to have their projects displayed in the lobby. My sister was one of them! WOOT WOOT!!

I have to take a moment to point out how big of a deal this is...

Out of a art school in NYC of a class of 100 students only 50 were picked to have their art work out. If you were chosen, the art would be out for showing for (i believe) a week and the students also have a meet and greet with possible companies looking to hire and give feedback on your work! Now, my sisters work was chosen as top three and is now shown to these companies as the best artist in the school. Already she has had a job offer and she just had her graduation ceremony TODAY!!! Sheesh! I am SO proud of her! GO Sissy!

So back to my trip....

We had brunch at this place called Sarabeth's. DE-lish!

Then we took a look at her new apartment in the city.

 This place is run by nuns! It rocks! She is living in a great spot in Manhattan!

The view from the terrace! (and my sister's cute butt!! hehe)

We're Dorks!
But you gotta love us!

Off to see her artwork...

I would show more but I took way to many pictures... another time people.

We stopped afterwards at this Cupcake Cafe..... Yummmm!

a cupcake and a coffee (much needed I might add)
They were so pretty, I didn't want to eat mine!

Loads of fun here....

I am getting the cue from baby girl that this post needs to end.

I will continue later or tomorrow.

Thank you for the understanding with my baby drama.

Peace and Love,
Mo

Sparkle

I love it when I get my wedding bands cleaned. It reminds me of when my husband got down on one knee, sweaty palms and all, and asked me to marry him. (so politely too) Sigh.... How lucky I am to have my hubby.

It is amazing sometimes how growing up you heard things like "respect your elders" and "the older you get the wiser". And now, I feel totally disrespected when children don't listen to me and I know so much about life that they are so clueless about. When did I become the "wise" one?? Let me come back around to the connection of my husband in this.... getting married and having a baby has taught me so much about myself and the world. I FEEL wise. or wiser. okay, a little smarter.... I just know the impact my husband has on my life and I feel blessed everyday.

I'm always learning and when I am 100 years old I will be so proud of my accomplishments and I only hope I will be respected and seen as a wise old woman.

Love,

Modizzle

Two of my favs today

My two favorite things about today are....

First, as always,...



My munchkin. Behind that pacifier is an adorable smile. And the second is how I ended my day....






Oh yes, fresh strawberries on top of some Ben and Jerry's ice cream with a little hot pink sprinkles just to make me feel extra special! I couldn't decide which pictures to use that completely captured the yummyness and the goodness that was in that bowl. It goes straight to where my body needs it least but worth every spoonful. I love putting the buggie to bed and having some "me-time".

Okay, off to bed on my sugar high.

See ya!

Mo

I wanna be old bike cool, Dagumit!

The summer before I married my husband, he flew me out to Vermont to visit. The beauty here took my breath away. I loved every moment of sitting around campfires with friends, drinking beers and eating fried clams, YUM! But there was one day in the trip that stood out to me the most. He took me to Burlington where I witnessed my dream riding past us with such poise and charm. There was a girl on an old bike, hand painted. Oh, I wanted to be her SOOOOO bad! She was so chic and fun and eco-friendly at that! This girl had no idea I admired her so much but all I could say to Dan was that one day, ONE day I would be this awesome old bike cool chick!.... sigh.



This is NOT the girl I saw but she gives me the same warm and fuzzy feeling.

When I lived with my girlfriend Shannon in Tulsa, we decided to get bikes. (mind you it was in the middle of the night and I'm not sure how much we had drank that night)...We went down to the local Walmart and bought some random bikes. Then we packed them up and took them to Brookside where we rode them around for hours at about 3am. I miss those days (so does Shannon). I want it all back! I want to really take the time to pick out an older bike and paint it. Make it scream "MONET" to the world while I casually ride past people waving like a crazed maniac.... well, maybe just waving. Anyways, I want a bike with a basket on the front. today. now. pronto!

I vow to.....

Today I was thinking about what type of parent I want to be. I wrote down then and there all the things I vow to do for my children.

I vow to be creative.
I vow to cook homemade meals.
I vow to be honest.
I vow to listen without interrupting.
I vow to let you make choices.
I vow to put my family first.
I vow to think before I speak.
I vow to speak openly.
I vow to work hard.
I vow to stand up for you.
I vow to teach you.
I vow to read to you.
I vow to love you unconditionally.
I vow to forgive.
I vow to not point fingers.
I vow to hug after every fight.
I vow to pray with you.
I vow to laugh with you often.
I vow to make you feel special on your birthday.
I vow to make breakfast.
I vow to have sit-down dinners at the table.
I vow to cook with you.
I vow to be healthy and active.
I vow to help you appreciate your American freedom.
I vow to support your loves and interests in life.


It is an on going list. I vow to never stop adding to it. Okay.... that was the last one.... actually sorry, I just vowed that it wouldn't be. Crap... I guess you will be reading these for awhile.

Peace out.

Monet

To Homeschool or not to Homeschool....

I'm thinking about home-schooling Sophie when she gets older.... okay, its out there. Am I crazy to think I could do it? What if I'm not smart enough to know what to teach or how? What if Sophie turns into some kid that doesn't get along with other kids because she kept inside with me all day? What if it makes her weird!?!? Oh wait....my genetics give her that... AHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have this idea in my mind that home-schooling just might be the best thing we can do for our children, you know, other than loving and caring for them. I picture our family one day building a house on several acres of land with a few animals (not too many) and raising our children in an environment filled with home cooked meals, loving parents, and fun. But is this all possible while homeschooling them as well? I am going to be 26 this month. I am not a YOUNG mother, but I kinda am..... I worry that I would be biting off more than I could chew. Big dreams with BIGGER failures.

I know, I know, that's no way to talk....

Some encouragement please...

Oh yeah, I need to provide the pep talks. Well, I think that for the younger years I can home-school just as well as any teacher out there and I will vow to put Sophie in other children's activities such as dance or sports or art classes or all!

I will research this idea and report back to you.

I will leave you with an adorable picture of Sophie workin' the camera.

XOXO-
Mo

Pioneer Woman

I found this amazing website, ThePioneerWoman.com, and I LOVE IT!!! She lives in Oklahoma and is a city girl turned country, ranch wife! After falling head over heals for her ridiculously awesome recipes, I have decided to share her with you. Since I myself am from Oklahoma, her recipes hit home. They make me feel warm and fuzzy inside or that I long to put on a pair of cowgirl boots.... one or the other.

So with that said, I am trying Shrimp Pasta in a Foil Package. It looks so easy and she takes pictures of the step by step process so you really can't screw up.



Wish me luck! My husband will be happy to have a home cooked meal tonight. Dan was gone for the past 4 days working in CT and working today. He won't have another day off till Friday, the poor guy. So, my job as the good wife is to treat him to as many good meals as I can. Oh yes, I rock!

Check out thepioneerwoman.com and see how she is inspiring me in many different ways!

Introducing Sophie Ann!

Here she is! The one and only, Sophie Ann Rodrigues!!! (the crowd goes wild) After a long 9 1/2 months Sophie finally got here and we officially became a little Rodrigues family! She weighed 7 lb.s 10 oz.s and was 21 inches long! I really was not sure what childbirth was going to be like since this was my first child but I think in the end I lucked out. I had a C-section after 33 hours of labor. I know, I know, it doesn't sound like I had an easy birth with her but I sure thought things were going to be different. Everyone and their dog has a story to tell you about their childbirth's. No one likes to tell you about easy births. They only want to brag about the hard, long, excruciating birth they went through. The hours of labor, the freaked out husband, the "too late for meds" moments.... in truth, its a little scary but none of them would change that experience for anything!

When my Midwife said that they were going to do a c-section, I felt as if it was a cop-out to doing the real deal. As a woman, it is a right of passage to vaginally birth your children. I was so wrong! It felt just as momentous to have a c-section and the recovery was longer and more painful.

It's like a magic show. With the wave of a scalpel, the curtain goes up and just like that, 8 min.s later, your baby is here! You don't feel a thing! MAGIC!

So, Sophie is here. Our little angel, our little monster and our little snuggle bug!



She was born on November 25th, 2009