RECYCLING THE HOLIDAYS

Mags: "What in the heck? The Easter Bunny?"
Tuck: "What are you...OH MY GOSH! MOM!! LOOK! It's the EASTER BUNNY wrapped in SANTA!"
Mags: "Come look, Mama. This is totally creepy."

I'll be honest. Mags has been known to fib here and there lately. Once I call her on it, she likes to follow up with "I was just joking." We've been working with her on this and giving her examples of how she can be funny without telling a lie. 

So, naturally, I wasn't buying into her Santa Bunny story at first. I gave her my best Momcher (Mom/Teacher) look. She countered my look by calling in the big guns...Tuck. Sure enough, Tuck's reaction told me there was something to this holiday chocolate mix-up. I went over to the table and what to my wondering eyes should appear? An unwrapped Santa with two big bunny ears. 

Someone at the chocolate plant was taking the 3 R's a little bit too far. What? You don't believe ME? Well, here it is. I think it could be up there with the Virgin Mary on Grilled Cheese. 

Drum roll, please! 

Of course, Chris and I spent some time laughing about what kind of Memes could be created for this little guy. We'd love if you'd join in the fun! In the comments, share your best captions for this confused holiday treat. 

Here, I'll start! 

BE GOOD FOR GOODNESS SAKE

Tuck: "It's the last day to be on our best behavior until Santa comes."

Mags: "Thank goodness, cause I'm exhausted from being so good."

From our house to yours: 

The Good Lie Giveaway

"Moving and unforgettable...The Good Lie is a movie that simultaneously enlightens and inspires." - Michael Medved

Two extremely powerful words caught my attention in this descriptive quote about The Good Lie. 

   en·light·en

   verb

1. give (someone) greater knowledge and understanding about a subject or situation.

   
   in·spire

   
   

   verb

   fill (someone) with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.

   ______________________________________________________________
   
   Having my chosen profession and passion in life be education, there are so many things that touch my heart on a daily basis. Watching others around me lead and demonstrate their own passion for life is so rewarding.  I gain so much knowledge from students I guide through new concepts. Watching them in this process, I feel I grow along with them. They push my limits, as I push theirs. We stretch together, many times out of our comfort zones.  

   
   Preparing students for life's many challenges is an incredible responsibility. It's impossible at times to do it without others' help, support, and love. I often look for opportunities to light a spark in my students. People, books and movies are just a few ways I try to grasp their attention. So, when I was recently asked to review the movie, The Good Lie, with my friend, Michele, I couldn't pass up the chance. Especially if I could share it with our future generation. 

   
   And this movie did not disappoint. Starring Reese Witherspoon and actual former Lost Boys from the Sudan, The Good Lie gave the audience a chance to go on a journey. Personally, I felt a connection to the characters and the plot as I watched in complete admiration of their determination. I was cheering them on the whole way!  Their growth was immense and life-altering. The people they touched around them were forever changed for the better. 

   
   

   
   

   
   

   

   
   

   
   

   Explore the true story behind this incredible movie produced by Ron Howard.

   
   

   
   

   
   

   You want to run out and see it now, don't you?  Well, I have some good news! It's coming out on Blu-Ray and DVD on December 23. But YOU don't have to battle the stores to get it. Because, thanks to our friends at Grace Hill Media, YOU could win your very own copy right here! Simply enter in the Rafflecopter below to have a chance!

   
   

   THE CONTEST ENDS AT MIDNIGHT ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014. READ THE RAFFLECOPTER CAREFULLY. THERE ARE LOTS OF WAYS TO 

   ENTER AND SOME ARE DAILY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Mags: "Why are we burying this statue?"

Me: "It's St. Joseph. People say if you bury him by your house that it will sell faster."

Mags: "Ummm...why are you putting him in a baggie and upside down?"

Me: "Well, that's how they say to bury him."

Mags: "Well, you know how dangerous plastic bags are. If you put it over his head...he won't be selling anything!"

In preparation for putting our home on the market, our realtor took pictures of the house to post on her website. On top of that, we worked with her to write a descriptive and appealing paragraph to fit in the character limit allowed on the site. We all tried to find the most important parts of the home that would jump out at people. This got me thinking.  What if there was no character or word limit to our description?  What would I want people to REALLY know about our house? 

Here's what I would want to say: 

Our sweet house is for sale. It is nestled on a quiet, yet accessible .76 acre lot in Harpers Ferry. Its walls hold 10 years of the most precious memories I own to date. The front door is sturdy, waiting to open to your future..as it did to ours. When we crossed it each night, we were home.  Being a split level, there's a landing on which you can catch your breath between steps...on which I caught many. The fireplace on the lower level, which absorbed many tender words and life-changing conversations, not only will warm your hearts, but also replenish your soul. The hall in the upper level is the road most traveled. It is filled with memories of passionate kisses, soothing newborn babies, chasing elated toddlers, and planning a plethora of adventures. In each of the rooms off the hall, our hopes and dreams were shared. Created. For 10 years, this house watched our marriage bloom, our babies grow, and our family form. And holding us tightly all along the way was its frame. But as life changes, so did our plans. Our hope is to sell our house. But it is also our wish that someone will fall in love with it as we did many years ago and give it purpose once again. 

Click on the picture if interested! 

ORDER UP

Mags: "I wish I could have breakfast in bed for my birthday in the morning."

Me: "I was planning to surprise you with it, but do you wanna place an order?"

Mags: "Surprise me. Cause you know how I love Dinosaur Egg Oatmeal, grapes and orange juice."

Me: "Okay, I'll definitely surprise you...with that exact order."

She'll be so surprised, don't ya think? 

Happy Birthday to this sweet girl. I don't know where seven years have gone...

but I've loved almost every minute of it! 

WE Are Groot

Stranger: "WOW! That's quite a costume."
Chris: "I am Groot."
Mags: "He's saying you can put his piece of candy in my trick-or-treating bag."

Chris and the kids created something a few weekends ago that was so amazing I had to share. Brag, even. We decided this summer what we wanted to be for Halloween (as a family) the moment we stepped out of the theater after seeing Guardians of the Galaxy.  

Mags was quick to put her claim on Rocket Racoon and Tuck wasted no time snagging Star Lord. They told me I had to be Gamora and I really didn't mind. She was the kick-butt green chick in the movie. Chris had a few choices, but he was set on Groot. Groot, the ginormous tree creature.

I figured by September they would have the costumes for this summer blockbuster out in full force. And I was right...except for Groot. The one they had online just didn't do his character justice. Naturally, Chris took matters into his own hands. He decided he needed to branch out. He just couldn't leaf well enough alone. (I crack myself up.) 

After pulling out the materials he'd need in order to create this costume, he and the kids got busy. "It'll only take a few hours at most." Famous last words. Much like Tucker's birth, this timeline was WAY too ambitious. Soooo, TWENTY HOURS later, Groot was born...in my kitchen. My kitchen that now resembled the Henson's Creature Shop Challenge. No matter. In all seriousness, the results were OUTSTANDING!  

Take a look at a bit of the process and final product:

  

So, spill. What are you guys going to be this year?

MAGISMS LIVE AND IN COLOR

Michele: "Mags should be a Sunday comic strip."

I agree, Michele. Thanks for the great idea! And thanks to the fun and easy comic creating website,  Bitstrips, I was able to recreate a funny "Magism" that occurred last night. Enjoy! 

Got InstaWave?

I'm not the most patient woman you'll ever meet. I think most of my patience was lost during the great sleep deprivation of 2005-2014. It's been a long haul. Needless to say if I'm trying a new product and it is not easy to use or truly does not do what it says it will within five minutes, I'll abandon it altogether.

Enter the Kiss InstaWave. This  product was ready to go right out of the box. I read the quick tips and tricks pamphlet and off I went. From the very first curl, I was completely entertained and amazed. I've always steered away from curling irons due to the fact that I never really achieved great results. The curls never seem to hold and the ends of my hair always look frayed. 

Not with the InstaWave. 

It was like a magic, twirling wand. By the end, I was able to use it with only one hand. The curls were instant, dramatic and long lasting. It took me ten minutes tops to have a head full of curls that lasted an entire night of dinner and dancing. I was so impressed.

And check out MY results. 

Want to win your own InstaWave curling iron? My friend Michele and I are giving one away to one of our lucky readers! Enter multiple times and ways below in the Rafflecopter. 

This contest closes at Midnight on October 15th.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

SNEAKY SNICKERS

Mags: "Tell me the Aunt El story again. You know the one."

It all started with a Snickers Bar. A seemingly insignificant moment turned memorable. So memorable, in fact, that I have told my children on multiple occasions. It's a surefire way to watch them build from a little giggle to rolling-on-the-floor laughter. 

A Snickers Bar. I never suspected it. I should have. The lurking. The shivers up my spine. The stare. It bore a hole through the back of my head. But I went for it. I was young and full of fortitude. My inexperience was glaring, just ripe for the picking. I moved with the grace of a newborn foal toward the closet door; the prize behind it calling to me like Pavlov's bell. Salivation dulled my senses and I lost all control. I threw the door open haphazardly and grasped at the familiar rectangular shape. The wrapping fumbled beneath my fingers...unaware. 

I heard the footsteps first before I realized what was happening.  I was captured, brought to the floor and stripped of my precious chocolate all in a matter of seconds. Her style. Her grace. They were unmatched. I couldn't deny her a smile as she devoured the bar in front of my baffled face.  

That day I was taught a very valuable lesson: 

Keep your mind on the prize...and your eyes on the competition. 

Or...offer to share your chocolate. 

Nah...just keep your eyes on your competition. 

Forever and always I will eat a Snickers Bar with a huge smile on my face...

and hunched in a corner looking over my shoulder. 

I love you, Aunt El, more than words could say. 

ONE SCHEDULE TO RULE THEM ALL

Mags: "What are you teaching this year?"

Me: "Well, I'm teaching English, Conceptual Physics, Chemistry and Reading Strategies."

Mags: "Whoa, whoa, whoa. You know about ALL of those things? I had no idea you were that smart."

This year I have an eclectic schedule. As a resource teacher in a high school, I team teach in areas where I am needed and qualified. Last year, I learned all about Conceptual Physics. Oh, the formulas, the labs, and the tears (from me). Kidding...mostly.  

This year, I was added to Chemistry. The teacher in there tells corny Chemistry jokes like...

You know what you should do with Chemistry jokes? 

Barium

<insert laughter>

Naturally, it's growing on me. The chemistry teacher also lets me help with demonstrations that include burning chemicals. Safety goggles are my new best friend. I'm totally gonna have Mags bling them out for me.  

And then, I have my comfort subjects: English and Reading Strategies. You know, like grilled cheese and tomato soup? These are familiar subjects that I've taught over and over again. They make me feel like I know exactly what I'm doing. Every teacher needs a few of those in their schedule. 

So, here we go, 2014-2015 school year. The first week is under my belt, I had a nap today, and my lunch is packed for the morning. 

I'm ready for you.  

(My schedule in visuals)

Where There's Winter...There's Hope

Me: "Man, I could use a break. I'm pooped." 
Mags: "Me, too!" <insert stifled giggling>
Me: "Are you laughing at pooped?"
Mags: "You betcha!"

We've been running ourselves ragged. Between visits to and from family, starting a new school year and still adjusting to a new area, we could use a break. Usually, in order to relax, we go to see a family-friendly movie.

Lucky for us, there's a sequel to one of our top family favorites coming to theaters this weekend! Dolphin Tale 2, starring the talented Harry Connick, Jr., Ashley Judd, Morgan Freeman, along with the beloved dolphin, Winter, splashes into theaters on September 12th. The latest movie introduces a new and upcoming marine-life star, Hope. We cannot wait to see how this story unfolds.

Since I love to promote the positive, I joined forces with my friend and writing partner-in-crime, Michele, and Grace Hill Media to support this film. In fact, Michele and I became ambassadors. This gig landed us a sea of perks and promotional gear. 

My kids were quick to claim the Winter and Hope beach towel, books, t-shirt and sun hat. That's okay. They let me keep the tote bag, that now helps me to cart around all my class materials I need throughout the day! 

Below, check out the Dolphin Tale 2 trailer. If you're around this weekend, you should make a date with your friends, kids, grandparents, parents, neighbors or dog to go see this movie. What's not to love? Dolphins, people who love dolphins and Hope. ENJOY!

An Open Letter to Summer

"HOW WAS YOUR SUMMER?"
Every teacher everywhere: "Way too fast!"


Dear Summer,

You clever little fellow. Every year you get me. 

As the snow falls in February, the hint of your name soothes the savage beast inside of me raging with cabin fever. Your intoxicating scent is often brought through a burning flame of a candle fabricated to smell like the sand and lapping waves that welcomes my feet each and every time. I allow myself to get lost in daydreams of sunbeams and a delayed moon. Fireflies will often dance through my mind as I watch the snow flakes settle on the previously shoveled mounds. I long for extended hikes with mud underfoot and a symphony of birds all around me. Crystal, chlorinated water calls to me...welcoming a multitude of cannonballs and breath-holding contests. I love getting caught red-handed after discovering wild raspberries ripe for the picking. You are by all stretches of the imagination, an open door to new adventures and the promise of much needed renewal. 

And then you arrive. The wait is over. You always ease me in...slowly. Warming me up to the thought that you'll be around for a full nine weeks. But then something happens. A fast forward button is pressed, a time machine is altered, a worm hole is opened and POOF! You are gone. Before the raspberry stains are completely faded from my fingers, I hear the school bell ring.  Buses circle like flies as waves of backpacks race toward them. Bird harmonics have been replaced by alarm clocks. It's time. 

My internal conflict of carefree vs. the slight longing for structure is ever raging.  So, I bid you adieu. I thank you softly and often begrudgingly for the short time we had together. I start the countdown the moment you leave until we meet again. And I fool myself. Yes I do. I tell myself next year will be longer. It's better that way. 

So until we meet again, my tricky little fellow, I'll bask in your glow. Be well and be warm. 

Longingly yours, 

Mel

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

Mags: "I can't wait 'til I can read super good. You know the first thing I'm gonna read?"
Me: "War and Peace?"
Mags: "No! Your blog about me and Tuck."
Me: "Just take into consideration my sleep deprivation in the beginning years."

YOU GOT ME

Me: "Mags, what are you doing snuggled up with Tuck? I told you he's sick, honey. Do you want to get sick, too?"
Mags: "I don't care if I get sick. He needs me."

Our kids have always been close. From the second Tuck met Mags on the outside of my belly, their bond was instant. He brought out her first coo. Her first smile. Her first belly laugh. Her first word. Her first steps. He is, by every stretch of the imagination, her rock.

And she is his. She brings out his strength to walk down a dark hallway. One word from her can send him into fits of laughter (or tears). Her smile puts him at ease when he's uncertain. In fact, Chris and I often joke that we pity any girl who breaks his heart first. The wrath of Mags will be fierce.

So, when my friends at Grace Hill Media shared the featurette from Gavin DeGraw, You Got Me, it spoke to me. Written for the heartwarming sequel, Dolphin Tale 2, it really connected to my own life. The lyrics are insightful and touching. Not only will this song be perfect for this future family classic, but I guarantee everyone has had times in their lives in which they can relate. 

When a song speaks to my heart, it captures my attention immediately. This song does just that. Want to hear it? Well, thanks to Grace Hill Media, I have the chance to share it with you! 

Take it in and enjoy! Let me know what you think in the comments.

HIGHWAY TO THE DANGER ZONE

Me: "What was your favorite part of the lake vacation?"
Tuck: "My favorite part was how you let me tube all by myself. I know you were scared, but you let me do it. It was the best thing ever!"

I realized something on our vacation. I can't be the one to hold Tuck back. The potential is there out of pure maternal instinct to keep him safe and sound. But how will he learn? How will he find his own way if I'm constantly there steering him in the safer direction? I'm keeping him on the road MOST traveled. I know in some instances, this is a necessity. But there are those times where I have to step back, trust we've done our job, and let him decide.

So, as my "baby" climbed on that tube behind the boat and floated slowly away, the symbolism was not lost on me. The line attached to the boat was secure. But it stretched further out of my comfort zone than I would have liked.  I realized then that as Tuck gains years of experience, I have to be here to cheer him on and ADD to his courage to try new things. I have to be here to GUIDE him through his adventures, no matter how big or small. And if my comfort is compromised a little, well, so be it. We will all grow through this.

Most importantly, I want him to know I trust him in his choices. He's morphing into a young man right before every one's eyes; including mine. And when I forget and pull that rope in a little, I need to remember the elation on his face when I witnessed his self-confidence explode. I'm so proud of you, Tuck.

Here's to MANY more independent excursions!

SHADOWS OF THE PAST

Friend: "What are you guys doing this summer?"
Me: "We're going to spend a week at a lake house with Chris' friends."
Friend: "Oh, really. Fun! How many people?"
Me: *counting families on my hands* "Seven families."
Friend: "I'm sorry, I thought you said seven FAMILIES. You mean seven PEOPLE?"
Me: "Nope. I mean seven families."
Friend: "That sounds more like insanity and less like vacation."
 
Honestly, it's a trip we look forward to each year. One whole week where we can relax, be ourselves, have happy hour without the need of a designated driver or babysitter and just...breathe. 

The Lake trip with Chris' childhood friends. It never disappoints. We begin the countdown to the next year the second we pull away from the house. These are some of the finest men I have the privilege to know. And they married some very fun women to boot. There's a bond with these guys that is so unique and precious, I often find myself in awe when I watch them together. They share a lifetime (quite literally) of history. They've been there for each other's major (and minor) milestones, heartbreaks and accomplishments. 

And after fifteen years together, I forget that I wasn't ALWAYS a part of them. There are parts of me that they don't know...like my childhood. Today, in the early morning hours, when the rain was gently falling and the children weren't yet awake, a few of us were sipping our coffee together in the common room. The subject came up about what some of the wives were all like as children. And the three of us wives that were in the room shared a sneak peek into OUR childhoods. We laughed in hysterics, gasped in disbelief and listened with interest.

There we sat...adding to the memories. Letting in our own shadows of the past.

SH-SH-SH-SHAAAARK

After I text Chris a picture of (only) Tuck running out of the waves at the beach... 

Chris: "Tucker didn't find it funny when I texted this picture to him." 

Down in the Meadow in a Little Bitty Pool

Me: "Whatcha thinkin' about, Mags?"

Mags: "Nothin'. Just watching those little fish and wondering if they have teeth." 

Me: "Those little minnows? Nope. They won't bite."

Mags: "Well, I'm not taking any chances. I like my toes. A LOT!"

Overheard on a Family Hike

Mags: "What if someone steals our shoes while we're over here across the creek?"

Tuck: "Mags, we're in the woods. No one is around to steal our shoes."

Mags: "Well, then, what if a deer comes by and pees in our shoes?"

 

DELIVER US FROM EVIL PRIZE PACK

Possession
— n
1.	the act of possessing or state of being possessed: in possession of the crown
2.	anything that is owned or possessed
3.	( plural ) wealth or property
4.	the state of being controlled or dominated by or as if by evil spirits

As you can tell from the title, the fourth definition of possession is what we're going to be talking about today. Our good friends at Grace Hill Media came to Michele and me in order to bring you a trailer and prize pack for the newly released thriller, Deliver Us From Evil. 

Now, if you all remember what happened last time we were tasked with such a movie <coughTheConjuringcough>...well...let's just say there was a lot of eye covering and consuming of bacon popcorn. Since we are helping to spread the word, we wanted to show you the trailer. Here are the guidelines for watching the trailer:

Level 1 Scaredy Cat: Watch it with the sound off.

Level 2 Scaredy Cat: Watch it with the sound off and one eye shut.

Level 3 Scaredy Cat: Watch it with the sound off, one eye shut and your fanned fingers over your open eye.

Level 4 Scaredy Cat: Watch it with the sound off, both eyes shut and both hands firmly over your eyes and in your ears...just in case. 

Level 5 Scaredy Cat: Watch it from upstairs under your covers while it plays downstairs in the kitchen.

Ready? Assume your Scaredy Cat position:

You have until July 9th at 11:59 to enter. 
Good luck! 
  a Rafflecopter giveaway

YOUR POSTS ARE NUMBERED

Me: "I wanna be part of this!"
Michele: "Ummm, HE-LLOOOO? YES!"

Thirty days ago, Michele came up with a fun game. It was called Blog Posts By Numbers where we did all our blog posts in numbered lists through June. I made it through about 26 of the 30 days. That's not bad, but this woman...and one other participant made it ALL 30 days!! Not only that, but there were some faithful posters that joined in the fun as well. Thanks to all who participated. 

In celebration of it being the last day, I wanted to share THREE of Michele's numbered greatest hits. Because I have learned from her that bending the rules a little lowers your cholesterol...I'm including her gorgeous guest post's list as well. 

Without further ado, I give you:

1. Guest post by Gigi: 14 Reflections During My Doctor's Visit 
Letch. That's all I have to say. Someone come up with a great blog name for Gigi. Taking ideas below in the comments. Love you, Gigi!

Okay...I'm cheating. You need to check out Gigi's other two guest posts as well. I can't help but bend the rules with these two. Bring some tissues. She's a grandmother through and through. 

10 Reasons I Like When my Granddaughter Spends the Night 
10 Reasons I Like When my Grandson Spends the Night

2. Michele: TWENTY Pictures from the Play
She will, by far, be the cutest old lady alive. That, and she is crazy talented. Her singing voice is not only pretty, but very soothing. 

3. EIGHT Things in my Refrigerator that aren't Food: I mean...a First Communion wreath for FOUR years is automatic induction to SAINTHOOD, I'm almost certain.  <consults Bible...and Gigi>

Michele, thank you for encouraging us all to write and be silly! I had a blast with this and you (of course) . Congrats on completing all 30 posts! 
You're an animal, woman! 

But we weren't the only participants! Here's the incredible bloggers who joined us in our crazy!

• Barbara's Blog

• Brain Tomahawk

• Coach Daddy

• Got Meghan's Blog

• The Graying Chronicles

• The Joy of Joe

• The Kir Corner

• A Little Bit Boy Crazy

• Radio Chick's Reflections

• Speaking Of

• Welcome To Grand Central

   

  Oh, and one more thing. A special commendation goes out to Shannon Adams-Mercer. Seriously, that "Radio Chick" managed to crank out a great post every single day. We wanted to give you this little token of our appreciation. Feel free to use it on your blog and throw it around wherever you like. Thanks so much for all your support!

ROAD TRIPPIN' MAMA MAGIC

Tuck: "Wait. You're gonna drive all the way to Boston BY YOURSELF?"
Me: "Yep."
Tuck: "But that's 10 hours. Who's gonna put in the movies for you? And press 'play' on the DVD player?"
Me: "Well, I don't really think it's safe for ME to watch a movie while driving. But thanks for thinking of me."

June is Blog Post by Numbers Month. Wanna play with Michele and me? Just write a "listy-type" post with a number in the title (ex. FOUR Reasons I Love Mayonnaise, SIX Things You Can Do With A Paper Clip). Then link back to us and tweet us about it so we can include you on June 30th in our final list: (Number-Yet-To-Be-Determined) Great Bloggers Who Played the Blog Post by Numbers Game!

ALL I AM SAYING IS...GIVE WEEDS A CHANCE

Mags: "Whatcha doing, Mama?"
Me: "Getting these weeds out from between these flowers. Wanna help?"
Mags: "Oh. You're weeding? I forgot about something I have to do. It's really important. Soooo...I'll be back in a little bit when you're done."

FIVE PACKING TIPS FROM A MOVING BOX

Tuck: "This poor box is in bad shape. If it could talk it would say, 'I need some tape. Or the trash.'"

June is Blog Post by Numbers Month. Wanna play with Michele and me? Just write a "listy-type" post with a number in the title (ex. FOUR Reasons I Love Mayonnaise, SIX Things You Can Do With A Paper Clip). Then link back to us and tweet us about it so we can include you on June 30th in our final list: (Number-Yet-To-Be-Determined) Great Bloggers Who Played the Blog Post by Numbers Game!

 

 

LIVE ANOTHER DAY

Tuck: "Mama, do you know where the iPad is?"
Me: "Nope. Not my day to watch it."

June is Blog Post by Numbers Month. Wanna play with Michele and me? Just write a "listy-type" post with a number in the title (ex. FOUR Reasons I Love Mayonnaise, SIX Things You Can Do With A Paper Clip). Then link back to us and tweet us about it so we can include you on June 30th in our final list: (Number-Yet-To-Be-Determined) Great Bloggers Who Played the Blog Post by Numbers Game!

 

 

Magic Mags

Mags: "Wanna see some magic? I'm gonna make this disappear. But, look away for a minute. I'm in training."

June is Blog Post by Numbers Month. Wanna play with Michele and me? Just write a "listy-type" post with a number in the title (ex. FOUR Reasons I Love Mayonnaise, SIX Things You Can Do With A Paper Clip). Then link back to us and tweet us about it so we can include you on June 30th in our final list: (Number-Yet-To-Be-Determined) Great Bloggers Who Played the Blog Post by Numbers Game!

A MIGRAINE SCRAMBLER

Mags: "Oh, Mama. You don't look so good. You gonna puke? Cause if you are, go stand over there far away from me. I'll yell to you, 'It's okay, Mama. You got this.'"

I woke up on Monday morning and blinked the sleep out of my eyes. Then, I blinked again. Things weren't clear. And I all at once, panic filled my head. It began to spin. I dove out of bed, flew down the stairs and ripped through the brown moving box I used to pack up our medicine cabinet. Within a few moments, my hand felt the little cardboard packet that held the magic pill.  Every second that passed brought more spots into my vision. Before I knew it, the peripheral view in my left eye was gone. A warm tingle filled my left eye brow...and then the pain released its fury.  It was 5:30 and I had to be at my high school for the graduation at 7:30. Two hours. That was plenty of time to take the medicine and have it kick my vision back into place. I could deal with the pain. But no vision meant no...well...anything. I couldn't have that. 

Chris knows me all too well and asked what he could do as soon as I came back into the room. I told him I just needed to sleep it off for a little bit and to wake me at a certain time. I shut myself in our closet with a pillow and my new sidekick, Flaxie Pack. (Seriously, check these out! My friend's family makes them.)

Once Chris came in to let me know it was time, I gingerly emerged from my pitch dark lair. I knew what I'd have to do in order to make it work. I would have to keep my eyes (or at least one of them) shut while I got ready. That would buy me some time. Plus, I knew the hot blow dryer would feel good on my head.

There was no time to lose. I finished my half-hearted primping and moved along to tackle the next hurdle of getting there. It all worked out and the migraine subsided somewhere toward the end of the graduation ceremony. When I arrived home that evening, I went into our bathroom to brush my teeth. I surveyed the damage from the morning. Then, I released a hearty laugh. 

I honestly DON'T remember using the FIVE following things in this picture:

1. The Curling Brush. I can't imagine it would feel good. 
2. The Flat Iron. Seriously? I can't believe I still have fingerprints.
3. The Hairspray. Where did that come from? I have never seen it before in my life. 
4. The Tissues. I definitely needed those after seeing the make-up job I did in natural light.
5. The Razor. Oh. Dear. Lord. I'm afraid to look. 

June is Blog Post by Numbers Month. Wanna play with Michele and me? Just write a "listy-type" post with a number in the title (ex. FOUR Reasons I Love Mayonnaise, SIX Things You Can Do With A Paper Clip). Then link back to us and tweet us about it so we can include you on June 30th in our final list: (Number-Yet-To-Be-Determined) Great Bloggers Who Played the Blog Post by Numbers Game!