"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." -Pablo Picasso

All parents out there, I have a question. Are you having the same difficulties that I am knowing who you are outside being "mommy" or "daddy"? When you're a child there is such a clear definition, you're not someone's baby, you're just you.

But now who am I? All I know in this world at the moment is my son, not saying that's a terrible thing. But what happens when he goes to school? For seven hours do I fall into an abyss and disappear, only to return when my little guy comes home?

How do you balance being a parent with being a normal human being? I wish life gave more simple answers. I have hardly touched my hair, I never put on make up anymore. What happened to the old me?






On another note, looks as though I will be able to return to school again next fall. I think I am going to put school on hold for another year or so, though so I can get a part time job and ease myself into a life where I spend more than a couple hours a week away from James.

“Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul” Plato

We, as a family, were sick for the last week and a half. James is a little snot machine still, and I have yet to lose my cough. Ricky barely got sick at all, but then again, he was the only one of us that can use cold medicine.

"All of us contain Music & Truth, but most of us can't get it out." Mark Twain

I thought I'd post about our Mark Twain night at the library. It was actually pretty boring, I enjoyed the biography part... but the whole thing was geared toward children and James is much too little, and was much too grumpy for that.

But, here's to you Samuel L. Clemens! Or should I say Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson Snodgrass, W. Epaminandos Adrastus, Blab, Sergeant Fathom, Josh.

"Music should strike fire from the heart of man, and bring tears form the eyes of woman." Ludwig van Beethoven

James is hilarious. I was putting his clothes away, and he pulled a laundry basket half full of folded clothes on top of him and then started giggling. Ha ha, oh baby.

"Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music" Ronald Reagan

My sweet baby got a hair cut today! I was pretty proud of him, He didn't cry too much.


















My birthday is next month and here is what I am considering doing (I am buying this magazine tomorrow, so I don't feel so bad for having stolen this image.)










Ricky and I are starting the Insanity workouts. I just got my booty beaten in the fitness test. It is so much harder than expected, but we are going to do this every night no matter what. Besides, seeing Ricky sweat is so sexy! Ha ha.

"If music be the food of love, play on." Shakespere

This recipe makes way too much chili for two people with good appetites, so families will have plenty. We actually have so much, that we are freezing the left overs. We are so sick of chili now, well, until tomorrow at least.

No pictures because both my and Ricky's cameras were out of batteries.

Yummy Ground Turkey Chili
1 Tbs olive oil
2 lbs ground turkey
1 cup chopped onion (I use frozen so I don't get all weepy)
1 tbs minced garlic (use 2 cloves if from fresh)
1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
1 4 oz can green chilis
1 16 oz can kidney beans
1 diced green bell pepper
1 diced red bell pepper
1 jalepeño seeded and chopped small (fresh tastes best)
3 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp cayenne pepper
2 Tbs lemon juice

Heat large pan on medium, add olive oil, saute onion and garlic. Careful, garlic can burn easily. Add turkey. Cook until brown. Drain fat. Add tomatoes and kidney beans, do not drain, add peppers and seasonings. Stir to combine. Bring to boil, then cover and let simmer on low for 40 minutes.

To serve, add optional sour cream, green onions, and fritos. If serving to young ones, lower the amount of cayenne and chili powder, and omit the green chilis. The jalepeño really makes the chili, so that's your call. Enjoy!