I have always dreamed of going to college, but it never happened...until now. I'm working towards a bachelor's in English and PR/Marketing. I was so smart, I even enrolled in college when my 2nd son was three months old! Guess I forgot that babies get bigger and more demanding before they get any
Friday, December 16, 2011
You Can Do it All!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Raising Readers
I experienced one of my proudest moments as a mother recently, when all four of my children requested books for Christmas. (And other stuff too, like: ninjas, shirts that always stay warm, pizza and everything they've seen on TV since last year - but who cares!? BOOKS!) To be fair, the baby could
Don't like Christmas Cake? Want my famous Cape Brandy Tart Recipe?
Hello Beautiful OTDE Readers. Some of us (me) are not too fond of the old Christmas Cake. I'm not a Raisin person. Blech Puke Gross. So.... I thought I would share my AWESOMELY DELICIOUS MOISTEST BEST EVER Cape Brandy Tart recipe with you. This recipe uses Dates... Nom Nom - I loves me some d
Christmas means...pajamas?
Excuse me, but when did holiday pajamas become such a thing? I am 99% certain we never had them as a child (although I certainly intend to call my mother to find out if she was just neglecting us), but every freakin’ children’s clothing manufacturer has filled my inbox with emails featuring cu
It's Beginning To Look a Lot Like...Creepy...
In this season of holiday cheer, decorating, caroling, wassailing, present-buying, partying, eating, TV watching and other celebratory goodness, I can't help but be disturbed at the seemingly overlooked creepiness of Christmas. Anyone with me? I know, I know. Calling Christma
Editors Gone Wild!
While Teri, Cheryl and I were all planning out the Thanksgiving post, Teri started a Google document in which we could collaboratively type up an introduction. Google Documents rock because one of the features is character-by-character collaboration. It lets you see others updates as you edit presen
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Have Ex-Lax, Will Travel
The holidays can be a very stressful time of year, but with careful planning--and by being anyone but me--you can enjoy it without undue stress. Whether you're cooking, traveling, shopping or performing other holiday related tasks, these tips will help you not screw up the holiday season. 1. Neve
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
White Chicks Dig Lenny
There, I said it. OUT LOUD. And “in public.” I don’t even think I need to say more. However, me being me, there is little chance that I can just leave it at that! First of all, I want the world to know that I coined this phrase and have filed the appropriate paperwork to copyright it.
How Much Is That Doggie In The Window?
People tend to have very strong opinions about where to find a new dog to add to their family. I have had many people say “I only go to shelters, because otherwise those animals would be dead.” I also hear people say they prefer to go to a breeder, because then they can get the breed they wa
Monday, December 12, 2011
Nerdtastic Holiday Gift Guide
It is well known throughout the lands that I love all things nerdy or geeky - from pocket protectors to Harry Potter Legos and all things in between. And, really, nerd is where it is at ladies - always pick the nerd - trust me on this one. There are many nerdy, geeky things that I covet...and
Nerdtastic Holiday Gift Guide
It is well known throughout the lands that I love all things nerdy or geeky - from pocket protectors to Harry Potter Legos and all things in between. And, really, nerd is where it is at ladies - always pick the nerd - trust me on this one. There are many nerdy, geeky things that I covet...and
Windows Need Fingerprints
I really miss my husband, even though he is in the same house with me, 24/7. What I want for Christmas is a simpler life with fewer toys and more togetherness. J is a superior employee and a damned good engineer and the large tech company he works for knows it. Because of this, he is the lead eng
Do I Really Need to Know This?
You know how kids are always complaining that what they have to learn in school is dumb or pointless or whatever excuse is cool these days to get out of homework? Do you remember your teachers insisting that every bit of knowledge they bestow upon you is absolutely vital to adult life? How if you fa
Friday, December 9, 2011
A Book to Read When You Are Having One of Those Days
I was having "one of those days" not too long ago. It was a pretty bad day, too. One that left me crying in a bathroom of a bookstore I frequented. When I finally calmed down and put enough make-up on disguise the redness that popped up on my face (known to happen to me when tears have been in th
The Holidays Overwhelm Me, Send Cookies?
Is it just me, or was 2011 the year that time sped up? I truly feel like I blinked in January and ended up in December, which is moving just as quickly as the months before it. Admittedly, I look forward to Christmas about as much as I look forward to a root canal. To say I'm a Grinch is an u
Thursday, December 8, 2011
The Beauty Contest
I show my dogs in AKC conformation dog shows. I promised in a previous post to explain what this means. I will caution you that the sport is more detailed than what I share here, but this will at least give you a general idea of what happens at a conformation show. First, you need to have a pureb
To Plugin Or Not To Plugin - My 10 Favorite Plugins
In the Sunday Strip Down on 12-4 Cheryl called me the "resident internet marketing specialist." I am not sure that I am a specialist in anything much less Internet Marketing, but that is my love and the niche that my main blog deeannrice.com is in. So for my post this time I thought that I
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Dear Santa, I'm only allowed to ask for 5 things...
NEWS FLASH... as per a recent news show, parents should discourage their kids from writing letters to Santa that included a list of more than 4 or 5 presents. WHAT! It’s hard enough trying to get kids to believe in Santa past the age of 6 these days, and now we have to tell them to limit their li
I got nominated!
My friend Dee Ann has nominated me for the 7 Links Challenge! Here are The Rules... Blogger is nominated to take part Blogger publishes his/her 7 links on his/her blog – 1 link for each category. This shouldn’t take you long to do –
You say Potato, I say Potahto.
The English Language. Supposedly the most difficult language to learn to speak. If you can read this... pat yourself on the back & help yourself to another cookie - We are all superbly clever right now. Yay for us! The English Language fascinates me - it was always my favourite subject a
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
A Welcome Birthday Guest
Those of you who know me or have read my blog for a while know that I'm not very religious. I don't talk about it often, if at all, and usually when I do, its only with my mother. I will admit, I have been a little lax in discussing God with Connor. First of all, our life has pretty much been
Monday, December 5, 2011
It's Christmas!
We stepped outside the door as the snow started to fall down on our warm faces. The joy in Paige's face could light up an entire town. We were rushing out the door because we were late, as always, but I had to stop to take in the first real snow of the year. "It's Christmas!" she squealed! Image
Friday, December 2, 2011
Swimming in the Deep End
We’ve all heard the expression “sink or swim.” When you're in the Deep End and don’t know how to swim, you better have a floatation device handy. The good news is that I know how to swim. As the youngest of 8, learning how to swim at a very early age wasn't only because my parents thoug
Picking a Breed
People pick their breed of dogs for lots of reasons. They want one that is small, or one that is easy-going, or one that isn’t going to affect their allergies (PSA: there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic breed, because most people are allergic to dander, and all dogs produce it. You really hav
My Kid's First Rant = Parenting Fail
Oh yes, you read the title right. His first rant. Ever. He's 5-years-old. And it's totally my fault. Yesterday, my mother came over to visit so I could go to an appointment. At one point, Connor wanted to go get something, but as I already had one in the room, I called to him to stop. He kept goi
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Down and Dirty Video
That's down and dirty crafting video. There are two things you need to know about me (at least for now). The first is that I love You Tube. Whenever I want to see how something is done, I search You Tube. It's how my husband and I learned how to drywall, and it's how I learned how to use my
Are you an Adventurer or a Traditionalist?
With Thanksgiving just passed and Christmas is fast approaching, it got me thinking about things that we do for the holidays. The traditions we follow every year and don't feel complete unless we do. These traditions can be anything from decorating the tree over Thanksgiving weekend, going out into
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Childhood Memories
When I hear people talk about things that take them back to their childhood, there seems to be an epidemic of food or cooking related memories. There are two things in particular, a little different from the usual cookies or pot roast, that always remind me of my childhood home in south Louisiana.
The Worst Holiday Gifts Ever
The holidays are a time of massive gift giving, and I just have to put this out here: Some gifts are never appropriate to give. EVER. Yes, I know I sound extremely ungrateful, and all gifts should be appreciated, but some gifts are just wrong on every level and only inspire disappointment or animosi
Monday, November 28, 2011
10 Things...
I've always enjoyed reading bloggers' 100 Things About Me lists and so though it would be fun to do a modified version of that for this post. (Plus, I HIGHLY doubt I'd be able to come up with 100 things about me.) And so, we have: 10 Things You May Not Know About Me: I was born on February 12
A Clean Like No Other
Thank God for relatives who visit. Otherwise my home might never be properly cleaned. I’m not saying I don’t clean. I do. I dust, vacuum, scrub, polish…my mother raised me right; I can clean DAMN GOOD. I think it’s more that living in an apartment building means you clean a little diffe
New Law Proposal
First thing this morning. At 6:30am, this woman rolled out of bed, got her baby from his crib, grabbed a cup of the nectar of the gods coffee, and proceeded to read her e-mail. Just like any other morning - except for this... Please make note of the areas I have circled in red, as
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Sunday Strip Down 11/27
Happy Sunday, Readers! This is Lauren and I am thrilled to be in charge of the Sunday Strip Down this week. Now I'm sure you all read our posts throughout the week however, I'd like to give you a review before the quiz. Oh yes, there will be a quiz, so pay attention. Let's begin, shall we? Please
Friday, November 25, 2011
Black Friday
For the first time in my life I voluntarily left my house after 11 p.m. to go shopping for things that I did not absolutely need that second to survive. The plan was to go to Best Buy, Kohl's and Target. Joining me on this adventure were my mom, my dad, my brother, my sister, and my sister's boyfrie
The Aftermath...
Well, Thanksgiving went off without a single hitch. I had prepped all the veggies the night before, so the amount of work to be done the day of was pretty minimal...other than getting everything to come out at the same time. Mum came over early to help me (well, more to lend me a feeling of calm
I Hate Bugs
I hate bugs. I mean, unless you are an (warning: big word coming) entomologist, no one really loves bugs. But I seriously hate them. Seriously. We became first time homeowners a year and a half ago. We were young, doe-eyed and clearly not right in the head for being so enamored with the con
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Modern Conveniences
They're called conveniences for a reason, right? I knew a guy once who was anti-medicine. He wouldn't even take Tylenol for a headache. He sure popped a handful of vitamins every day, though. Go figure. I'm a fan of modern conveniences. I'm not going to criticize someone who isn't, but I'm def
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Expletive Deleted ‘Cause Cheryl Said I Couldn’t!
Cheryl has known me for quite some time and, therefore, knows that I tend to pepper my speech with “not so nice” language. I blame the British Army: I spent two years working with them in the 1980’s and the expression “swear like a trooper” is very, very true. Anyway, Cheryl informed
I actually HAVE to cook a Turkey?!?
For those of you who aren't exactly thrilled at the idea of having to cook for a ton of people this Thanksgiving, here are some recipes that have never failed me, along with a shortcut or two that may make your life a little easier. ;-) Stuffing Prepare this first, especially if you are stuffi
Happy Turducken Day!
Happy Turducken Day! Really? Someone sat around and thought this up? As if there was nothing better to do that day than to come up with the concept of stuffing a chicken into a duck into a turkey. Gobble Quack Cluck I see a group of women sitting around with a few bottles of wine, empty, talkin
Monday, November 21, 2011
A Book You Shouldn’t Read Right Before Your Vacation.
So, you're in an airport. More specifically you’re in the airport bar (pretty stingy, weird people, but there's liquor at least). And you could be one of four people in that bar - You could be Karen, and you're here because you've decided to meet a man that you’ve been talking with in a
Jumping in With Both Feet
I’m not really sure where my love of baking came from. I mean no offense to women or the role they have played in families throughout history, but I didn’t have the same role models that some women have had. I don’t have fond memories of sitting in the kitchen watching my mother or grandmot
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Sunday Strip Down
Dearest Readers, Welcome to our first Sunday Strip Down! You'll see this post, brought to you by one of the Ringleaders, every Sunday. We'll give you a quick run down of everything that happened this week (just in case you missed it - gasp!) and feature one of our awesome writers. Just a remin
Friday, November 18, 2011
I Shall Call This: Oh My, Pie!
I may not be the baker on staff however, I do have a trick or two up my sleeve, thankyouverymuch. Now it's ACTUALLY called Crustless Pumpkin Pie but that does not do it any justice. Therefore, I call it OH MY, PIE! Let me say this... if you do attempt to make this, be sure to taste it whilst sitting
Do You Live Under A Rock?
Do Green and Blue Gummy Bears exist? Who really cares except for a 4 year old boy and a 16 year old girl. During a recent telephone conversation Aischa (my 16 year old daughter) and Aiden (my 4 year old grandson) were adamantly discussing this very politically charged topi
Thursday, November 17, 2011
When I was your age...
How many times have you caught yourself saying this to your kids? I used to LOATHE my parents saying this to me.. and now I do it All.The.Time. I tend to say it mainly when we are watching a movie, listening to a song, picking out clothes, disciplining them... the usuals. But today I'm just go
This Is Why I Loathe Family Pictures
I always wondered why someone would choose to make a holiday card with separate pictures of their kids. I always thought it was kind of weird if it wasn't a group picture. I know, I am a total Judgy Judgerson. Sometimes I just can't help myself. And then we attempted to take family pictures this
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Confessions of a Mommy Stalker
My name is Jenny, and I’m a Mommy Stalker. Wait a minute though, it’s not as bad as it sounds; I have a kid too! We can be friends, hang out, have a coffee while the babies crawl around and stare at each other…maybe a gin & tonic? Yes? No? Alright, maybe my approach needs work. I can
Typical Sunday
As I was sitting here on Sunday afternoon, the phone rang. It was my mother. We went through the "how are the boys", and "I think Kyle may have thrush..." stuff. Then she mentioned that her wireless mouse had stopped working. We have the same Logitech wireless mice, so I asked her... "Did y
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Are We Done Yet?
The Duggar Family*, famous for their TLC show that began as "17 Kids and Counting" (and the fact that they have a buttload of children,) announced that they are currently expecting their twentieth child. Yes, you read that correctly; twenty. Arguments of overpopulation and Michelle's really bad h
One Proud Crafting Gal
When I was asked if I wanted to make a contribution to Off-The-Deep-End, I paused. What did it mean? I get that crafting is a big part of my life, but still, I started to wonder if those around me thought I was “off the deep end.” I do have a tendency to gush over pretty pattern papers
Monday, November 14, 2011
Jumping in.
We've been living in the deep end for the last few weeks, perfecting our cannonballs and survival swim...now that our skin is all prune-y, we're ready to kick back on our loungers, enjoy a margarita or seven and provide you with an infinite amount of topics and regular does of snark - a little bit
Friday, November 4, 2011
On Your Marks, Get set...
Here's the lowdown, dirty, nitty gritty of what's been going on. We're working on getting all of our pages finished. We've been actively recruiting writers - don't worry - if you're interested, it's not too late! Fill out the form here. We'd love to have some men writing with us...some come on
Monday, October 24, 2011
A Dying Art
In the past several years, my life has become a complication of computers, design, children, food shopping, meal preparation, attending college, and just life in general. I love my boys more than life itself, and part of me wishes I could keep them small forever... But, at the same time, I loo
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Unintended Meanings
A few days ago, I was upstairs in Connor's room rearranging things to make some room - I have never seen a kid's room overflow with toys as quickly as this one. Hubby was downstairs with the boys, and all of the sudden I hear a young voice squeal, "ooouuuuch!" Worried that my 5yo has yet again sm
Saturday, October 15, 2011
New Law Proposal
First thing this morning. At 6:30am, this woman rolled out of bed, got Kyle from his crib, grabbed a cup of coffee...
Friday, October 14, 2011
Fruit From the Heavens
It is officially fall. In the California air, a crisp breeze ruffles our hair – the dusk of twilight mirrors the dawning daylight. Leaves are beginning to litter the ground as they turn to warm colors against the cool air. Houses built in the fifties, stare back at an empty street. The soon to
New post by TC Stream @ Motherhood Uncovered
New post by Elle @ Motherhood Uncovered - Sex and Insecurity.
My husband and I used to have a great sex life. He joined the Navy a year after we were married so we would have to go months without seeing each other. While he was gone I had to *ahem* take matters into my own hands. When he came home from being deployed, it was all I could do to not rip his cloth
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Just Pick A Freaking Book!
I've been married for 23 years and most of the time, I'm fairly happy with our arrangement (except when I'm not). Mostly it consists of me sitting on my butt, writing stuff no one will pay me for, while my husband works to support me, Big B, Middle J, and Little J. But there are times like last nigh
New post by Chelle @ Motherhood Uncovered
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
New post by Jackie @ Motherhood Uncovered - Basset Hound Baby Genius
Now that Baby A is crawling, I’m pretty much feeling like the meanest mommy in the world. Seriously, who knew that there were SO many things that could be dangerous? Who knew that A would gladly trample over the fantastic toys that EVERYONE buys for him to get to the garbage bin/outlet/cord? He
Cups and Rings and Walmart - Oh My!
I took the boys food shopping at Walmart on Sunday, even though it's something I usually avoid. I'm sure you've all seen what a mob scene Walmart can be...
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Twins? Oh My!
My life has turned into a freak show, literally it's like we're living in a glass fish bowl! Let me start from the beginning, hi, my name is Jamie and I'm the mother of twins...
New post by Jamie @ Motherhood Uncovered
Simple Ways to Show Your Children You Love Them
You is kind. You is smart. You is important” Out of all the words in books and movies, this one has stayed with me and plays in my head many times in the day...
New post by Connie @Motherhood Uncovered
Monday, October 10, 2011
My New Bugga-boo
You may or may not know that I've been waging an angry war against nasty-ass Depression. It's been ugly, but my friend Mr. Drugs and I are holding our own. Even when we can't rally against our enemies we just bunker down and avoid the weapons being hurled at our heads. In a manner of speaki
New Post from Marianna Annadanna
Saturday, October 8, 2011
What in the holy hell was I thinking?!
For 5 1/2 years, I've been mom to Connor. We had a rough start, with day-care, me working, and an on-and-off illness, but we've settled into a fairly nice routine. We're still having some issues with listening, and following directions at school, but for the most part, Connor is a really good kid.
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