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!

Graduation Day

Guest quote: Excellence is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well. -John W. Gardner

As  I sat at graduation today in my high school gymnasium, I started to think about the next steps these students will take in their lives. The nervous energy was buzzing all around as they lined up to go across the stage. But, during the ceremony, I noticed some things from a teacher's perspective that I had never seen in my own time as a graduate. Naturally, I made a list in my head. 

1. On one side of the stage, you're a high school senior. On the other side of the stage, you're a high school graduate. Poof! Just. Like. That.

2. Those tassels are tricky little buggers.

3. I think they make the caps not fit on purpose. Joke's on you!

4. Sensible shoes are the way to go. Seriously. My feet ached just looking at these.

5. The most magical place on Earth is not Disney Land. The most magical place on Earth is in a crowded gymnasium watching 227 seniors achieve an amazing milestone. 

DVR in Action

Tuck: "So, we need to set up our DVR to record our shows in the new house. Everybody pick one. I already know what Mama's gonna say. That vampire show with the handsome guys in it."

With a move comes change. Change in address and in services. Tuck realized today that all of our DVR'd shows from the old house would not be coming with us to the new house. However, on Thursday, our new service was set up so he was ready to get things back on track. 

Here are the Bugaj's top four shows we want to DVR:

1. True Blood - Mel
2. Game of Thrones - Chris
3. Phineas and Ferb - Tuck
4. Any documentary about sharks - Mags (She's gonna flip when she hears about Shark Week!)

How about you? What shows does your family watch? 

GUEST LIST : FOUR THINGS ALL FATHERS WANT

This guest "list" is brought to you by Mel's husband, Chris. 

Father's Day is coming and people often ask, "What does my dad want?" I'm here to give you the answer to that very question. Here are the top four things every father wants for Father's Day.

4. A ticket to space.

3. This coffee table.

2. Jetpacks (or just one...let's not be greedy)

1. To wake up on Father's Day and find this on the front lawn. 

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!

THE BIG MOVE IS COMING

Mags: "This house is gonna be great. Except for unpacking all the boxes. Unpacking is so obnoxious."

When we finally move into the new house, I'll be so happy to:

1. Have my fridge doors full of pictures of family and friends again.
2. Leave the house with towels on the floor.
3. Have all the kids' toys in one area.
4. Not have to play "guess what box the thing you desperately need is in." 
5. Sit on our deck and do absolutely NOTHING but watch this...

FIVE PET PEEVES I OWN

Tuck: "Ning ning ning ning ning ning ning ning"
Me: "Hey, Tuck. Pleeeeeeease, stop. Please."
Tuck: "Okay, Mama."
Mags: "Ning."
Me: "Mags! I just asked Tuck to stop that. You did that on purpose!"
Mags: "It was not on 'purfose,' it was an accident! It just FELL out of my mouth!"

FIVE PET PEEVES I OWN

1. The No Filter: When I hear: "You're so skinny. What do you weigh, like 90lbs? I hate you." It hurts my feelings...every. single. time.

2. The Button Pusher: When you've had enough of the person's "funny jokes," but the person just can't stop. Apparently, it's so fun to watch the fireworks show once I explode. 

3. The Great Bedtime Escape: When Mags walks out of her room after we've put them to bed and stands in the middle of the hall. Just staring at me. GO. TO. BED!

4. The 'LOOK AT ME' Talker: When you're in a room and a person is talking to "one person," but projecting their voice and conversation to ALL the people in the room. Cause not everyone needs to know about your UTI, flower beds you just planted or how your underwear elastic was worn out when you put it on this morning. And, hey, congratulations on getting to level 3,497 in Candy Crush.

5. The Repeater: When someone tells you the story they just told you using slightly different wording. And then they sum up the conversation with that story. Again. Slighly altered. Again. Three time's the charm, right? 

So, spill. I can't be alone in this. What are YOUR pet peeves? 

Share them below in the comments.

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!

THE FIVE TYPES OF TEST TAKERS

Mags: "Let me get this straight. You give ALL the kids tests ALL week? You know what I call that? NOT. VERY. NICE!"

It's finals week in my high school. This will be my first finals week on the other side. The dark side. The TEACHER side. To be perfectly honest, I feel bad giving these tests. I mean, we're all just D.O.N.E. Yet, here we are. One final task.  I've spotted different types of test takers over the past year. I know which one I am...do you?  

THE FIVE TYPES OF TEST TAKERS

1. The Pleaser: This student will gladly take your exam. They walk in the room with their impressive study notes and flash cards, mouthing Physics formulas all the way to their seat. They have four perfectly sharpened #2 pencils that they lay in a perfect formation along the top of their desk. 

2. The Horse that Smells the Barn: This student comes in just wanting to get it over with. They know the formulas, not by heart, but stored in their immediate short term memory. They have two #2 sharpened pencils that they smack down on their desk, breaking one in half. No bother. That's what the OTHER one is for. Just pass out the exam already.

3. The Negotiator: This students walks in with four different options that they could do RATHER than take the exam you are holding in your hand. They have one #4 pencil that has a Hello Kitty design they borrowed from their girlfriend. After three minutes of watching your left eye twitch while they try to "compromise" better ideas, they give up and sit down to take the exam. 

4.  The Please Make it All Stop, I'll Do Whatever You Want: This student walks in with tissues and tears in their eyes. They sit down with no pencils and are convinced it's the English exam they've just crammed for in the half hour lunch break. Give them a hug. 

5. I Took a "No Thank You" Bite. And No, Thank You: This student arrives with a pile of crumpled classwork and homework that was due in the first quarter. All they have is a purple colored pencil that they just stole from the Art classroom floor as they passed by after lunch. 

HERE WE COME FINALS...READY OR NOT! 

THE GIFT OF ALL GIFTS

Mags: "Yook! It Mama and baby. Right dere." (insert 15 month old squeal here)
Me: "I love it." (insert Mama sobbing here)

Five years ago, I pulled into the garage to find the best gift my husband ever gave me. It was enormous, thoughtful and full of pizazz. I was flabbergasted, to say the least. Chris was at the ready with the camera to catch my reaction. 

Fast forward. As I stood before it this morning, one final time, I took a good, long look. We've come so far in the past five years. We've all grown a lot. We've all reached some impressive milestones. I've finally stopped wearing those star sunglasses. And, after 45 minutes of peeling the collage from the wall, I had thought of five more reasons why this was my most favorite gift of all time. 

1. It took me 45 minutes to tear it down on a ladder, child-free. He had an 18-month-old and three-year-old buzzing below him on a ladder, tackling each other and eating stray screws they found on the garage floor. It probably took him 8 hours.

2. I ripped off 226 pieces of tape from behind the panels. He had to tear off, roll up, and stick 226 pieces of tape on each of those rectangles with an an 18-month-old and three-year-old buzzing below him on a ladder, begging for fruit snacks every two seconds and eating the straw from the old, moldy scarecrow propped in the corner.

3. I tried desperately to keep them in order so I could put this masterpiece up at the new house. Pretty much impossible. He had to create it in a puzzle-type website, print it all out and concentrate to put it together. All while an 18-month-old and three-year-old were buzzing below him on a ladder, crying for a drink and eating dirt off the tires of his car.

4.  I was feeling impatient at the amount of paper and tape I had left to tear off. I cannot imagine the amount of patience needed to tape, piece together, balance on a ladder and manage the spastic peanut gallery eating dried grass off the top of the lawnmower. I hear by dub him a saint or a knight or something super special. 

5. He thought of ME. Wholeheartedly. Selflessly. He gets ME.  Did he know that this sweet gesture would end up being the gift of all gifts? Probably not. But he doesn't do it for the glory. Never has. He knows that I get HIM. The time, effort and management of those cute, busybodied babes meant more than anything. 

Thank you, Chris. I'm so excited to start our family's new chapter. 

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!

FIVE WAYS TO SHOWER IN STYLE

Mags: "I wanna have a ducky shower curtain. Or...wait. A shark one. I want a shark one!"

The kids are loving the new house. They are taking charge in the decoration of "their space," including the bathroom they share. So, this morning, we researched some shower curtain options. The ones we found were hilarious and make it virtually impossible to choose.  Check out the top FIVE the kids chose and weigh in on your favorite. 

 1. SHARK SILHOUETTE

So cool, but so terrifying. I'll never walk by the bathroom 

without jumping 10 feet. 

2. DUCKIES. 

Sweet, innocent, and not going to scare the crud out of me every time I 

walk by the bathroom.

3. GOLDFISH IN BUBBLES

Tuck's choice. He found this shower curtain hilarious. I'm not so sure he understands that they aren't real water bubbles. 

4. DRAGON SILHOUETTE

Less likely than a shark (Jaws) to be actually swimming in the bathtub, 

but still going to make me scream like a little girl every. single. time.

5. BIGFOOT SILHOUETTE

I'll end up in therapy.

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!

FIVE THINGS HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS SHOULDN'T FORGET

Me: "Today all the seniors are coming in to practice for graduation."

Mags: "I did that yesterday. I should come in and show 'em how it's done."

I took a job as a high school teacher in August. Who knew how much these kids would impact my own growth and education? I swear I've gained more from them than they could ever have from me. In August, I heard a rumor. One that seems like a lifetime away. 

"Graduation will be here before you know it." 

I remember laughing when another teacher said that to me at the start of school. But here we are. My first year down...and soon watching some fine young men and women walk across their high school stage. They'll be coming to the end of an incredible journey, only to start on the path to a brand new one. 

So, as their year comes to a close, I made a quick list in my head for them.

DID YOU...

1. Turn in all your text books?

2. Order your cap and gown?

3. Pick up your graduation tickets?

4. Complete all your final projects and assignments?

5. Know how proud your teachers are of you?

Thanks to all my students who have not only made me a better teacher, 

but a better person.  

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!

Five Ways to Spice Up a High School Awards Assembly

Mags: "Umm..excuse me. Where are you taking Daddy's Man in the Yellow Hat costume?"
Me: "I'm presenting with a really tall teacher at an awards assembly at school. He's going to wear the costume and I'll wear the Curious George mask."
Mags: "Oh. Okay. That makes sense."

No questions asked. She just accepted that I was going to make a fool of myself in front of a bunch of kids (and teachers).  I guess she's learned over the years that there's no stopping it. Plus, it's fun to be silly sometimes and do something different. Unexpected, even. Especially when you have a partner-in-crime as goofy (if not more so) as you. Allow me to present:

FIVE WAYS TO SPICE UP A HIGH SCHOOL AWARDS ASSEMBLY

1. Dress as characters from Curious George. Then...talk like a monkey. 

Have the "Man in the Yellow Hat" translate your chatter 

as he offers you bananas to do tricks. 

(Cartwheeling across the stage is totally worth a banana.)

2. Wear Batman masks and capes. Say everything 

in a very deep, very raspy voice.

 Be ready to send out a Bat-signal.

3. Play Spider man and Iron Man. Then switch. Even if the Iron Man helmet is too small, because it's made for an 8-year-old, take one for the team and SQUEEZE your head into it. 

4. Play up summer blockbuster movie references that the students 

are SURE to get.  Except when you're trying to be Maleficent 

and they're asking each other if you're Gandalf. (sigh)

5. Stay in character at all times...until Godzilla sneaks up behind you.  

Thanks so much to my über cool co-host for being open to wearing anything I threw at him! You rock, KM! 

FULL OF FORGET

Mags: "Mama! Have you seen my shoes?"
Me: "Nope. Have you seen mine?"
Mags: "Whoa, whoa, whoa. Let's focus on one pair at a time here."

FIVE THINGS I FORGET EVERY SINGLE DAY

1. Where I put my keys.
2. Where I put my coffee...for the fifth time this morning.
3. Where I put my pocketbook.
4. Where I put the only white shirt I own and want to wear. 
5. Where I put my to-do list with all my reminders on 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!

Dolphin Tale 2

Me: Quick! What are your favorite animal movies? Don't think. Just yell them out!
Chris: "Sharknado."
Mags: "E.T." 
Me: *sigh* "Peas in a pod."

Every Friday night we gather on the couch, snuggle up and watch a movie together. One of the most memorable movies we've watched as a family was called Dolphin Tale. We all ended the movie teary eyed and sharing our favorite parts...which were plentiful. 

So, as you can imagine, Michele and I were thrilled to hear from our friends at Grace Hill Media, who wanted us to help promote the sequel, Dolphin Tale 2. I cannot wait to get my tickets for opening day on September 19th. This uplifting story is sure to be full of courage, resilience and unconditional love.

And to celebrate movies with animals, along with our Blog Posts By Numbers, I wanted to share each of our favorite live action animal movies. 

Without further ado, I give you:

The Bugaj's  Top Four Favorite Animal-ish Movies

MAGS' CHOICE

TUCK'S CHOICE 

CHRIS' CHOICE

MEL'S CHOICE

BONUS MATERIAL (because I can never decide.)

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!

FIVE WAYS TO ROCK BEING A BACKSTAGE MOM

"Here's your roster. Eleven six-year-old ballerinas all in your care. Have fun."

This past week was "recital week" at Mags' dance studio. We had full dress rehearsals all week leading up to the three day production of the actual performances. Of course moms are needed backstage to help out all the little women. I signed up a few nights and learned a few tricks in entertaining the little chicklets from 6PM to 10PM.  

Five Ways to Rock Being a "Backstage Mom"

1. Bring a portable DVD player. 

2. Bring a charger for the DVD player.

3.  Bring "Frozen." 

4. Put "Frozen" on a continuous play loop. 

5.  Add fruit snacks...and voila! HAPPY BALLERINAS!

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!