New Kicks!

Hey! It's my 200th post! To celebrate, I'm showing off my new Vibram 5 Finger shoes. I thought about just posting a picture of them.. like this..

But then I thought, 'Why not show them in action?' So, here is a quick video for you. Don't laugh.. too much. I'm wearing Aman's hat because 1) it's raining and 2) I'm having a bad hair day. Shut up.

There ya go. Feel free to make fun of me. I have flat wide feet. It is so hard to find shoes that fit without pinching somewhere and/or giving me blisters. I am so glad to have found these (thank you Jess!). I bought the gray pair at a store in West Des Moines and wore them out of the store to do our shopping. I'm looking forward to ordering a black pair of KSOs, but if any of you would like to send me some, I'd gladly post another video of me walking around in them just for you. Because I'm generous like that.

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In other news, I have some awards to show off! Let's get started..

This first bit of awesomeness is from Lisa at Unfiltered Insanity. If you haven't read her blog yet, go check it out. Aman is in the process of designing it, it should be done soon.. I think.






Next up I have a fabulous award that I am most humbled and honored to receive from Kat at the 3 Bedroom Bungalow. Kat and I totally need to get togeter and knock back a few. We've had so much fun getting to know each other online and can't wait to meet in real life.

And last, but most certainly not least! Another from Lisa. She created this bad boy herself to celebrate the unveiling of her new blog design! Check her out, if you like her blog, I'm sure she wouldn't mind if you slapped this puppy up on your own page to link back to her.


I'm feeling stingy today.. after putting my mug on video for y'all. So I'm just gonna leave it at that. For you loyal readers of mine, feel free to grab an award for your own blog. I love you all, and you are what make this place worth while!

One last piece of business for the day: I have been contacted by Jump Start and asked to review their new online world and some of their software. I thought it sounded like a great idea since so many of you are parents as well and could benefit from this. With summer break upon us, who doesn't want some educational software to keep the kids busy, entertained, and learning? My midgets are certainly excited about checking it out. When I post the review, I will also have a giveaway for you all to enter, so stay tuned!

Peace.

Random Tuesday Thoughts - Monkeys have nipples too.

That's right my friends! ChurchPunkMom is having herself a little Random Tuesday fun this week!

I know you're excited.

But try not to wet yourself.
I really don't need any extra laundry.
I've totally forgotten what it's like to live in a house where laundry is 'caught up'. I mean, I know that no one ever really feels like they're 'caught up' on laundry.. but if I only had one or two loads of laundry waiting for me, I might just drop dead from shock. A household of seven generates about 2 loads of laundry a day (at least when small children are involved), just to give you an idea. Now, we do our best to be kind to mother earth and cut down on that work load a bit by re-wearing the not-so-dirty clothes.. but it still piles up pretty quick. And my bedroom is Laundry Central. I think there's carpet under the laundry.. but I don't know what color it is.



I'm looking forward to buying a box of crayons and knowing that none of them will be literally consumed, but rather consumed in the fashion that crayons are intended to be consumed. Life with short people is amazing.. and colorful.





Today is cinco de Mayo and I'm married to a Mexican, guess what I'm doing today! I wish we had some tequila.. A Mexican home without tequila is like an Irish home without whiskey.. we don't have any whiskey either. What is wrong with us!?!?!

Just so you all know.. that post from yesterday? The new Joe's Crab Shack giveaway (go enter!!).. the story was not written by me. I wish it was.. I mean, I thought it was a great story.. But it wasn't. It was my husband. I guess we all know who's really the creative genius around here now.. Secret's out. I may as well quit writing.. *sulk* Whatever. I shall go drown my sorrows in some garlicy butter sauce with some hot steamy crab meat.. mmmmm... crabs.

I'm now taking votes on what color to dye my hair next. Feel free to be funky, be creative, be crazy.. after all, I'm married to a man who actually went to work looking like this (I'm not planning to cut again though.. just dye.)..

I posted an excerpt of my current book in progress some time ago (in case you missed it, it is now also posted at The Open End).. Not many of you read it.. I cried a little. But thank you very much to those who did! And I think Captain Dumbass (who I rudely did not email afterwards.. I apologize) hit it on the head.. If I'm just not feeling it right now, I should put it aside and work on something else for a bit. I may just do that. I'm still feeling a bit stuck in the mud on that one and think I may gain some momentum if I work on my other one for a bit. Thank you, friend, for the clue-by-four. I must say though, I found it quite amusing that a couple (few?) people suggested I write a fictional story from my own life, or a fictional version of my life.. If I were to write a fictional version of my life, how would you know that that's what it was? I mean.. if it was fictional, wouldn't I change details so that you wouldn't recognize that it's about me? Wouldn't that be the point of making it fictional?? And how do you know that that story isn't just that? Or any other story you've read here? Hmmmm... You people.. You think you know me..

But I love you all. I do.

My kids are healthy right now. I'm going to enjoy it while it lasts.

Anyone want to babysit them for a few days while we go to Cornerstone in June?? We really really want to go and meet our fabulous friends the Daytons, but there are so many ridiculously awesome bands that we don't really want to bring the kids (I know.. we're so selfish). You may email your application to visit my wonderful adorable children starting... NOW. I won't even charge you room and board. I'm generous like that.

I got an award! I love awards. They are the awesomeness.. This award is particularly dear to my heart.. because it both lays eggs and eats brains! The Zombie Chicken Award!
I got this fabulous award from the loverly Pamela at The Dayton Time (you see why I'm inclined to go to great concerts lengths to meet her?) and here is what she said..

The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the Zombie Chicken - excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all.

Wow! I'm not sure about all that.. but I like the sound of it. Thanks Pammy! *muah* And now, for 5 lucky bloggers who I will bestow this most valued prize to...

1. Lisa at Lisa Brandos at Home
2. Keely at The Un Mom
3. Aman at Only Aman
4. aaaaannndd... I'm too lazy to pick anymore.
5. so there... no wait. also, The Mister.
   

I really want a dog. I miss Molly terribly, and I want a dog. The upside? It's motivating me to get my house thoroughly cleaned up.. cause that's needed before a dog comes to live with us. And no, I will not be getting a labradoodle. What the hell is a labradoodle??

Oh, that's a Labradoodle.. hm.

Now, go visit Keely. She's like the Random HeadMaster and she deserves your respect. Go love on her and tell her I sent you. Cause I'm a teacher's pet like that.

I just told my 3yo, Eliana, to hug her brother less violently. For reals.

Kreativity is something I've never seemed to lack..

I was going to post this in my random Tuesday post, but now I'm kinda glad I didn't.. cause I had a bit of a brain fart when it came to what to post today!

Sunday, my sister blogger Kat from the 3 Bedroom Bungalow across the Pond, bestowed upon me a totally swawesome award (that's like sweet and awesome all rolled into one). And she accused me of being kreative. Not sure I've ever been called that before.. but I'm guessing it was a compliment, so I'll go with it.

Here's the Rulez that go with this piece of bloggy bling (I hate rules.. don't you people know that?? what is it with people throwing rules at me all the time.. oy.)..

List 6 Things that Make me Happy and Tag 6 Unsuspecting Victims Bloggers to do the same.. here goes:

1. Writing (without it I'd be even crazier)
2. my husband
3. my kids (though, really.. it's a happy/miserable kind of thing if I'm being really honest.. I'm all about the honesty people.. keep it real.)
4. beer.. especially Guinness.
5. chocolate.. any really.
6. music (did you know I'm a musician too? music is like air to me.)

and (drum-roll please..) a few of my favorite friends..

1. my friend Lisa over at The Brandos Family. I actually know this nice lady.. and she makes me laugh. A lot.
2. FoN over at Kids and Daiquiris. Because she's awesome.
3. Keely, aka The Un-Mom. Because she's rad.. and geeky. And yeah, I'm into that sort of thing.
4. Kelly from PunkyBean - she makes me giggle. I like that.
5. Teri, my good friend handing out the Cold Lemonade.. because she really is creative!
6. and Pamela.. because she lets me come play at her place, The Dayton Time, and stink it up with my awesomeness. She's nice like that.

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And don't forget, today is your last chance to enter the EdenFantasys Giveaway! Winner will be announced tomorrow!

Awards, Short Stories, and Ditching Kittens..

Okay, I didn't really ditch Sausage.. She's been adopted! 2 cats gone, 2 more to go, and once again the lovely Kelly can rule the roost.

Sunday my amazing husband was kind enough to not only watch all 5 children for like six hours so I could go to my writing group, he also walked the half mile to the store to do the grocery shopping with them. I tell you, the man is a saint. (So tell him in your comment how awesome he is.) We had a short story challenge in our writing group - we decided to each write as much of a short story (6000-7500 words) as we could in one afternoon and then post them to our (shiny new thanks to J and I) blog to share with each other.. before editing them and reposting a polished piece later. I had a zombie dream a few weeks ago that was just.. well, it was awesome. So I saved it specially just for this short story challenge occasion. I didn't finish my story yesterday, but I came pretty close.. feel free to check it out.

This weeks' comic book stash:
Incognito (2) by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips
Rest (0-2) by Milo Ventimiglia (you know, the guy from Heroes?)
Batman 'Whatever happened to the caped crusader?' (1 of 2) by Neil Gaiman and Andy Kubert
and the rest of the extra stuff in the back of the first issue of Phonogram by Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie (their stuff is awesome.. jus' sayin'.)



I also need to read Watchmen.. yeah, I still haven't started it. Shut up.

So another awesome surprise on Sunday was this little bad boy..


which was bestowed upon me by the fabulous Irish Gumbo. Okay, okay.. it wasn't totally a surprise.. see, he sent out an email to notify us of this little event and there may or may not have been talk of a shin dig over at Mama Dawg's place involving strippers, shovels, nachos, quick lime, and beer.. and maybe a roll of duct tape or two.. but I'm not naming names. I'm not like that.

Thank you so much, Irish.. You are one kick ass friend yourself.

He said something about rules.. but I wasn't paying attention (I was too distracted by Captain Dumbass's beautiful eye shadow) so I'm just going to pass this little goodie on to a few of my homies and hope it all goes around in the end. Mkay?

So..
Pamela from The Dayton Time and her fabulous
Mister from The Mister
Amy from The Sprightly Syndicate
and, of course, Teri from Cold Lemonade
come on over and pick up your shit collect your award.

I love you people. You mean the world to me. And thank you so much for checking up on me when I don't show up to work blog as much as I normally do and making sure I didn't off myself am still okay. You kick ass.

Help! I can't find my cocoon!

My sweet friend Teri, over at Cold Lemonade gave me this purdy award.. It appears I have finally emerged from my cocoon and spread my wings! I'm not sure which tickles me more - the fact that she admires me enough to give me the award or that she knew how much I'd be irritated by appreciate the poor grammar. That thar is sum gud Engrish.

Though Teri and I have not met face to face, we've known each other longer than we've read each others blogs. She's a very dear friend to me who I found because we shared some common tragedy and came together to help each other through some very hard times. She will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you Teri, for the award and for your friendship. Someday we'll go out for a drink and lots of giggles.

I'm having a good giggle at the moment actually.. As I type this up, Aidan, Kieran, and Eliana are playing with the new light sabers while Torrin plays with his Lightening McQueen toy in the middle of the floor and J and Jo use Eliana's new Crayola camcorder to make upside down/sideways movies.. awesome.

Anyway.. I guess I should bestow this honor upon another unsuspecting victim.. hmmm... whom shall I choose...

I know!

I pass this award on to Captain Dumbass, over at Us and Them. Cause, I know how much he likes the frilly bling in his sidebar. I also would like to gift this gossamar beauty to Jillisa over at Break the Earth.. cause, she makes me giggle too. And I likes me some giggles. Go check her out, I hear she likes comments. *wink, wink*

Aaaand... I'm lazy, so that's all I'm gonna do. I'm gonna go play Star Wars with my kids now. C-ya.

People like me?? People like me!! Awe...

So I got a couple of early Christmas presents and I'm just so honored and pleased, that I just had to share it with you all...

First up, my new buddy Irish Gumbo gave me this lovely award..

You may have noticed it already displayed over there ----> see, I was so overwhelmed with my excitement that I didn't want to wait until I had properly thanked this fine man before slapping it up on my site.

At first, I was a little taken aback.. thinking he was just making fun of me for being so long-winded.. but then I adjusted my glasses and read the small print. Oh! It was incredibly sweet of him to include me in his list of people-who-make-me-warm-and-fuzzy-and-deserve-a-visit... Well, this award make me feel warm and fuzzy. So thank you Irish Gumbo. And to those of you who have not visited my fine Irish friend (shame on you!), I recommend you head over when you're done here and check him out. The boy can spin a yarn, as we Irish like to say. He's got the gift, and I don't mean he's fey. So go, read, enjoy. You're welcome.

Next, I got this little bit of awesomeness from The Mister..


The Mister and his missus, Pamela, have been around here since like almost the beginning. They are full of all kinds of awesomeness and have been some of my most loyal readers. I love them dearly and will hold this award close to my heart always (seriously.. I'm thinking I'll have J make me like.. a t-shirt or something..). And, people, just take a look at the list he's got me in! I mean, I'm right up there with his wife and Black Hockey Jesus.. Whoa. Thank you!

So, here at the ChurchPunkHouse we're all about reciprocity (okay, I know that video has nothing to do with reciprocating.. but it's awesome, and I wanted to make sure none of you missed it. You're welcome..) and paying it forward.

So here goes.. I would like to pass this award on first to my new bloggy buddy, IrishGumbo. Becuase, well... he's awesome! And I have enjoyed everything I've read on his blog thus far, and look forward to reading more.

Next up, I'm going to pass it on to Mary Moore over at Holy Mackerel.. because I've recently discovered her and am enjoying reading her blog these days as well.. Go check her out, she's funny.

So there you go people.. Merry Christmas.. and Happy Hannukah, and Happy Kwaanza, and Happy Winter Solstice and all that... Enjoy whatever it is you're celebrating this month!

And since I'm in a giving mood (and my butt doesn't need anymore girth..), here.. have a cookie.

You're welcome.

Does This Blog Make My Butt Look Big?

Patootie Poetry
I woke up on Monday
and what did I see
new blog posts to read!
I giggle with glee..
I click right on over
to Capatain Dumbass
my name is included!
in a big giant mass
of people he's given
a manly prize
I grab a tissue
and dry my eyes
he says I've 'got booty'
not sure how to take it
is my butt that big?
I stand and I shake it.
or maybe he means
my words are like treasure
that he values his bloggy friends
and their worth can't be measured
yeah, I'll go with that
it sounds so much better
and I'll hide my big butt
with a nice chunky sweater.

So, here it is friends, the 'This blog's got booty!' award..

After having to come up with six people that our fine friends GoodFather (see how much I like him? I'm even linking to him in this post!) and Captain Dumbass have not yet awarded these fine pieces of bloggy bling manly awesomeness to, I was a bit relieved that there were no rules with this one.. I will just pass this award to one. I don't know if she'll do anything with it.. She may just say 'Who the heck is this ChurchPunkMom lady???' She has been a favorite blogger of mine for a couple years now and I look up to her.. like a lot and stuff. If it weren't for her, I'd probably still be stinking up Xanga with my suckiness. So, go thank her and stuff (or complain to her, or threaten to kill her) for my presence here.

This award goes to: Crystal over at Boobs, Injuries, and Dr Pepper, cause when it comes to blogging, she kicks major booty.

It's a Major Award!!!

I'm glad it's not like from Italy and all 'fraaajeeelaaay' or anything.. cause my kids would probably break it if it was.

So a couple of my favoritest bloggy dudes decided that the blogosphere really need to Man Up and went ahead and made some Manwards. Cause.. you know.. all them bloggy awards out there are all like girly and frilly and crap. I am beyond honored to be a recipient of BOTH of these awards and will proudly display them here upon my blog.

So first up is my lovely way awesome award from GoodFather (aka GF.. not to be confused with 'girlfriend'), because well, in true MAN form Captain Dumbass was too lazy to make up roolz for his Manward. So I need to go drink some of my Kreative Kool Aid in order to post that one.. no worries it will be up soon.

So here is my Manward, the Measures Up Award, that I humbly recieved from GoodFather...

Seriously.. how awesome is that?

So here are da roolz...

This Blog Measures Up Award

This award is for any blog that truly ‘measures up’.

Rules

1. Say one nice thing to a man in your life.

2. List at least six ways that you measure success in your life (or for your blog).

3. Assign this award to six other blogs and leave them a comment telling the blogger that you’ve assigned them this award.

4. Link back to the blog that you received this award from.

So, here goes...

1. To my wonderful husband, J.. Thank you. Thank you for all your love and support over the past month as I bravely and ambitiously pursued both NaNoWriMo and NaBloPoMo all in one month. Your encouragement, whip-cracking, and taking over of child rearing duties made it all possible. You know full well how many times I said "I give up!" or "Crap! I forgot to blog today!", I don't have to count them for you, and you never allowed defeat to be and option for me. So thank you, my dear. You are the bestest. (seriously people.. he even drove me to the final writein so that I wouldn't go spinning and sliding off the road and end up having to finish my book in the car stuck in a ditch while rescue workers tried to extract me with the jaws of life.. 'hang on guys, just 253 more words!!!')
   
2. Six ways I measure success in my life or on my blog... I guess I will go with 'on my blog'.. 1) Are less than half the comments on any given post mine? 2) Did I feel good when I hit publish? or did I cringe and think twice? 3) Did I piss anyone off?? (sometimes it's good to piss some people off..) 4) Does anyone hate me yet? (some say you're not truly a success until you get hate mail.. I'm not there yet.) 5) How many of the Cool Kids are hanging around my blog?? 6) Did Jen from Steenky Bee leave a comment? cause if she didn't, that post must suck.
3. Now, I would like to bestow this truly awesome award to a few of my favorite bloggy friends.. So here you go, Shawn the Backpacking Dad, Aimee at Boy Story and Beyond (as if she, like me, doesn't have enough manliness in her house..), my funny friend Father Muskrat, Pamela Preggos at The Dayton Time (I hear she's going for 'earned most awards while pregnant or something..), and of course her hubs The Mister, and Amy (who could use any manliness she can get over at her girlie house..) at The Sprightly Syndicate.
4. I already linked back to GoodFather.. but I will do it again, because I am feeling generous today.
   

Awards!

From the HotDads.













for participating with Boob Emancipation!











From Kat











From Pamela







From Irish Gumbo






From Irish Gumbo








From Teri











From The Mister








From Captain Dumbass








From GoodFather









30 posts in 30 days!











From Steenky Bee