Mother F.... oh nevermind

Before dh went out on his own, we were one of those families that survived on a low income.  We did without a lot, but understood it was the choice we made so I could stay home with our kids. That mean a lot of sacrifice, but we did it.  No new cars, eating out & trips to the movies were rare, and lots & lots of coupon clipping.  It finally got to the the point though, where even that wasn't enough.  A bonus though?  Between earning so little and all the deductions we had, we basically had a 0% tax liability for Federal & State filing.

For the past 4 years, we have lived basically the same way.  The one "plus" was that since our income (once we started to have any) was so low, at least we could qualify for help when we needed it.  

This year we have apparently moved.  We now live in the State of "Ream".  As in, you don't actually make enough to live on & survive, but since you are self-employed, we will ream you and make you pay.  It sucks. Big time.

yes, I am in a damned if I do, damned if I don't sort of mood...  Oh, and luck me gets to help Tiger finish a book report in a scrapbook disguise.  Now, I think it's a great idea, if as a teacher you are expecting your girls to get A's and your boys to scrape C's.  This is definitely a parent has to help you project. pthhh.

And to top it all off, I started my period today. ugh.

Yah, Happy April 15th.

tick....tock....ticktockticktockticktock!

I am trying to enjoy this school year for what it is.  I was very excited thinking about it, and "all the free time" I'd have. hahahahahaha.  gekkemum! (crazy mother)  For now, Mouse is only in school 1/2 day.  If I go to the gym in the morning, which, since we're paying for it I thought I should start using it, I can barely get home to shower, eat & go pick him up. Technically, I could leave him at school to eat lunch and pick him up 1/2 hour later. Part of me is so frustrated by the lack of time, however, this is my same sweet Mouse who wants me to walk him to class and eat lunch with him every day.  And I do.  Usually it's great, and I know I will never get that time with him again.  It's just reminding myself, in my sefishness, that eventually I will get "my stuff" done.

Off to lunch...

I Hate Cleaning

Dan in Real Live

I just saw this last night.  I was SO disappointed!  

I guess it's mostly because it was NOT what I expected.  I did like it, but I was expecting more of a comedy.  

Steve Carell is a fantastic actor and I liked how this showed he can do more than just comedy. But if you are expecting a light, charming, funny movie - it's not.  If you are in the mood for a smart drama with some funny parts, go for it.  

And I have to warn you, the music is awful.  Not my style anyhow.  It's like the director or producer or someone had a brother wanting to break into the business so they gave him a shot. ugh - grating. I liked the last song ok, mostly because of the woman's voice...

April Fool's Trickery

I've always loved April Fool's, but year after year, now that my kids aren't babies, I love it even more.  I had such a FUN day yesterday.  Now, I like good pranks, but things that are just mean aren't funny at all to me.

MILDEW used to give us a subscription to Family Fun magazine.  Each year, they publish food pranks you can play on your kids.  The first year I made "spaghetti & meatballs"

(frosting piped out like spaghetti, with strawberry sauce and roughed up malt balls).

The next year was "chicken pot pies" (vanilla pudding with bits of gummy candy "carrots" and "peas", topped with puff pastry). 

Last year I made "grilled cheese" 

(toasted pound cake sandwiched around frosting colored like cheese) 

This year was great too, though I think I am running out of ideas!

We had cupcakes for dinner and a baked potato for dessert.  They definitely respond better to dessert disguised as "real" food vs. real food that looks like dessert. 

 

The other pranks I will suffer for...

For a handful of different friends, I put ads on craigslist... oh, things such as a Wii for $99, free maternity clothes, iPhone for $200.  Ah yes, the sweet sound of the phone ringing off the hook.

mwa haa haa haaaaa

but the fun & laughter was worth the payback I will receive... I think