This Is the Photo of the Nap That Almost Took Place

This is me napping. See how my lips are slightly parted and the frown lines are gone from my brow?
See the relaxed state my face is in? Almost like an instant face-lift.


This is the nap I decided to take when the sore throat from last Sunday turned to laryngitis to possible strep throat (I'm thinking I should have seen a doctor by Thursday).
This is the nap that I announced to the ten year-old, "I am going to lay down while Miss Ky is asleep, hold the fort down, will you?" in a whisper only because that's all I can give. Only Miss Ky wasn't informed and as I touched the top stair, she cried out.

So, this nap began with her in my bed, watching for the 3000th time, The Gruffalo. We soon added A1 and then A2 appeared only minutes later.
They began to bicker.
Miss Ky tried to push A2 (the loudest child of all) off of the bed.

I convinced all three wriggling monsters to join the oldest who was downstairs listening to the Norwich match (that I was too sick to take them to). Within 30 seconds I heard "It's mine, give it back!" loud drumming noises and, "Waaaaah!".

So, this is me. napping. As only I can.

While the Big Cat's Away...

The canaries will play.

While Hubby is picking dust particles from his teeth in Iraq, I am doing his dirty work over here...

The Sexy Guy loves his boys and loves his football, so last year he purchased season tickets to the local Championship League, Norwich City Football Club. My guys attend all home games (except on Sunday) and listen to the rest on the radio.

When we found out Hubby was deploying, one of the first things that went through their minds were that those season tickets that would sit idle.

He managed to arrange for a friend and his wife to take them-- which is asking a lot since there are the three boys and Miss Ky (of course we explained she wouldn't be going anymore).

Well, that first saturday without Dad rolled around and I had heard nothing from this couple. The Hubby kept emailing to see if the kids had been contacted. Nothing.

I texted the wife.

"Oh, there must have been a miscommunication. We didn't even know Sexy Guy had left".
"But he TALKED to you guys about it the day before he left!" Her husband had already left for the game.
My kids were dressed, sitting and waiting for a ride that wasn't coming. That saturday or any following saturdays.

Last week I decided to take matters into my own hands.

I stepped WAY out of my comfort zone: I called someone to take Miss Ky. I drove into a city I'm not comfortable driving in, during a busy traffic time, to end up somewhere I've never been. All in my hubby's British spec. car that I'm less than happy driving.

I escorted my deliriously happy boys into the football stadium and plopped down into my seat. Other than feeling like my knees were precariously close to my chin (surely I'm not the only long-legged person on this island), it was kind of exciting. I took pictures. I geared up for the great shots. My kids cheered.

Only one problem.

No one told me you're not allowed to take pictures...
so the security people did. During the game. With a personal visit. I blush easily.

At least they didn't confiscate my card.


These shots weren't my technical best, but I caught an exciting moment.
Norwich was 1-0 and the excited spectators were chanting their praises and support.

Burnley was pressuring their way down the pitch--

David Marshall (Canary Goal Keeper) stopped a spectacular shot,

but spilled it.



Only seconds after the first photo... the crowd shouted in surprised disappointment.

The game ended in a draw. That's a bad thing when you're close to being relegated.

I get it now. This father-son bonding thing.

I get how four people could stare straight ahead and make grunting noises rather than communicate verbally with one another and feel closer for having done so.

The Hubby has asked me if I want him to add another ticket to next year's pass.

I don't think so.

I'm going to drop back into the role of the one who catches their rush of adjectives as they spill into the house, tummies hungry and eyes shining.
That's my comfort zone.



Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Worst Military Support Award Goes To...*

TarJay! or for you English-only speakers, Target.

*Best Military Support still goes to MuddyH20 you can read why, here.

You've heard me whinge before about this company because it wouldn't ship to military (Not the Muddy one -- they have my undying devotion, and I would be THRILLED if you'd check them out).
It was during the crazed search for the Eric Carle bedding that the 4 year-year old wanted desperately. I ended up paying a small fortune to have it shipped to someone and then shipped again to me.
I understand there are restrictions. No foods, no large items, etc... all sites have the same policy, but it was a kid's twin comforter for Pete's sake.

But just for the hey of it, (ok, I needed some retail therapy), I went out to that famous red bull's eye and put in my information again... and do you know what?

Not only did they have the appropriate pull-down menus for me to choose a state and a
zip code (WOW), but they also had this sweet little message for family members of military members stationed overseas:

"Shipping Restrictions Most products at Target.com can be shipped to all 50 states, as well as APO and FPO addresses (oh yeah, come to mama!) and Puerto Rico. However, there are a few restrictions: • APO/FPO orders are shipped via standard delivery only. (I'm ok with that) • Heavy or oversized products can be shipped only to the continental 48 states. They cannot be shipped to APO/FPO addresses. This will be indicated on the product description page. • Food, candy and chocolate cannot be shipped to APO/FPO addresses (know why? Because the chocolate we get here is FAR better). We do ship these items to all 50 states. For delivery to warm climates, all orders are shipped Mondays through Thursdays with a gel pack, to ensure their arrival in premium condition. • Certain items can only be shipped to the continental 48 states via standard delivery, and cannot be shipped to APO/FPO addresses. This will be indicated on the product description page. (SNEAKY little disclaimer I missed the first read thru)... Shipping to friends and family serving overseas can seem foreign. On our site, it's easy...".

Isn't that cool? Not.
Wow, you were sucked in as bad as I was, "Oh, T, you're so cool to make ordering so easy..."

Seriously, because I was needing therapy,

Toss, went a new duvet cover in my basket...
I checked the description, "We're sorry, this item cannot ship to P.O. boxes".

Huh? oh. ok. I'll just keep trying to get that lipstick out of my white one.

Wellies! I could use some mucking about boots since J2 sent mine swimming...
I found purple ones. "We're sorry, this item cannot ship to P.O. boxes".

Ummmm....ok. Miss Ky is starting swim lessons in March, how about an Ariel or princess swimsuit? "We're sorry, this item cannot ship to P.O. boxes".

I begin to frantically and randomly choose things: women's shoes, "We're sorry...", women's swimwear, "We're sorry...", women's T-shirts, "We're sorry...", Men's dress shirts, "We're sorry..." Baby clothes, "We're sorry..."

Alright, Tar-get-not, YOU tell me. What can overseas military order from your site?

That's what I asked them. This is what they replied:

"We can ship most items to APO or FPO addresses.

Just check the shipping information in the product description to see if we can ship the item you're looking for; it will let you know if we can't. For the most part, we can send any product on Target.com to an APO/FPO address except:

-Heavy or oversized products
-Food, including candy
-Items that are shipped directly from the manufacturer
-Some cosmetics and fragrances
Keep in mind that any APO or FPO order can only be shipped by standard U.S. mail."

They also asked , "How did we do?"

So I told them, as you knew I would
"Not very well, I am perfectly capable of reading your shipping policy, but when I tried to order things, not ONE thing was available to me".
I also told them that I think they must've gotten a lot of heat for not supporting the troops and added this information to their site as a facade (I'm fired up, can you tell?).

This is what they replied to THAT email:

I'm sorry for any confusion about where we ship. While we can't accept orders for international addresses, we can ship most items to APO or FPO addresses. Just check the shipping information in the product description to see if we can ship the item you're looking for; it will let you know if we can't. For the most part, we can send any product on Target.com to an APO/FPO address except:

-Heavy or oversized products
-Food, including candy
-Items that are shipped directly from the manufacturer
-Some cosmetics and fragrances
Keep in mind that any APO or FPO order can only be shipped by standard U.S. mail.

Wow. That was like Deja vu. I know I have a slipping memory and I slept between the email responses, but even I caught that this was a standard cut and paste email.

How's that for quality customer service?

*Note: Most restrictions are NOT the fault of the merchants, they are bound by law and the limits imposed on them by the Military Post Office.

• Packages may not exceed 70 lbs. (Some zip codes have lower limits)
• Packages may not exceed 130 inches in combined length and girth. (This means if you have a package that is 100" in length and 40" when you measure around it, you cannot send the item)
• All packages must be sent via the U.S. Postal System. The post office also requires companies or individuals to hand deliver packages being sent to APO/FPO addresses. (This is one reason why many merchants won't ship to APO/FPO addresses.)
• Firearms, alcohol, perishable foodstuffs and certain hazardous items also are restricted. Each zip code has a more detailed list of the restrictions for certain types of products. So everyone stop trying to send me guns baked into cakes-- oh, and this brings up a really good point. NEVER, EVER write "stuffed animal" on a customs slip coming to the UK. You will be taken literally and the package will fall into the black hole at the customs office. "Stuffed toy" will suffice.

You're an educated lot, you tell me--
where do Wellies and a Little Mermaid swimsuit fit in any of those categories?

I do have something special coming...
and I didn't order it.

Apparently the Hubby's been needing some retail therapy as well....

This post was brought to you by blogger's scheduler and was written before the "red porsche" arrived. That is the Hubby's retail therapy I was referring to.

We Did It!

There really is no need for places like Guantanamo Bay.



I think maybe three hours of Dora would be enough to have me confessing to the assassination of Lincoln.




Why can't Miss Ky go comatose for Phineas and Ferb?

Retraction: To Moms I Knew Before Today

Several years ago, remember when I climbed way up high on my white steed...

...and secretly scorned your comment about my being crazy for buying white bedding when I had a house of kids (because in my head I was telling you that maybe YOU might have a problem with white, but MY kids are taught the word "No" from the minute their eyes meet the doctor that delivered them),

or you over there-- you, who I mentally criticized for giving into your kids every electronic whim.

and you, Mom who even though you kept a tidy house, had kids that looked like they just climbed out from under the turnip truck still wearing yesterday's clothes.


Well, I'm sorry. I get it now.

• After the second serious treatment session of my comforter cover (first lipstick and then chocolate).
• After chasing down the latest Take That song and Lily Allen. All of my kids have some version of a music player (some have ipods and the little guy has a cheap MP3 player) , and it's brought us CLOSER since they are eating up all Mom and Dad's music. I've been learning all the new stuff for them. They walk around singing (my dream). Miss Ky belts out "Too late to apologize" like nobody.
• I don't care anymore what my kids put together and call an outfit-- just as long as it smells fresh. Come to think of it, I'm not far off of dressing like them these days... and you know what? I can't even come close to keeping the house you did and I have one child less than you!
  

Any words you're eating lately?