Fashionist-ahhh Friday!

Another banner week in the Four Bear's Den with little miss Sugar Bear the Fashionista. Let's get right down to it!

Easter Edition. The key to keeping the peace on Easter? Compromise. Mama Bear chose the dress, Sugar Bear chose the shoes. Win-win.

Sort of.

Her first field trip with Brother Bear and the "big cubs." Clearly, she's made some strides in the matching department. I like how she went for cute and comfortable. Genius.

Great outfit, horrible photo. Kind of a pixie/hippie look going on here. I think this look will be the rage this summer. Sparkly shoes give it just the right punch.

Clearly her mood goes with the outfit. Apparently the paparazzi was on Sugar Bear's last nerve this day. I could pretty much say the same thing about that outfit...

She out did herself here, Cyberbears. Yes, that's a bathing suit and sweat pants, why do you ask? Yes, we are at the mall. Problem? Nope. Papa Bear and I held our heads high. Especially when she said she needed to "do her exercises" and began doing jumping jacks in the middle of the mall.

Jane Fonda, eat your heart out.

That's all for Fashionist-ahhh Friday. Happy Dressing until we meet again!

Easter People

So, I've decided to be an Easter Person. Intrigued? Read more about it on Facebook. Just click here.

A Conversation in two parts

One WITH filter. One WITHOUT.

Personal Bear Trainer: Okay. Now we're going to do this exercise. (Imagine an incredibly fit, barely twenty something, cub demonstrating an exercise that involves a significant amount of jumping). If this exercise makes you need to use the bathroom too bad, we'll quit.

Filter Switches to ON.

Mama Bear: Oh. Okay. (Then does said exercises)

-------------------------------

Personal Bear Trainer: Okay. Now we're going to do this exercise. (Imagine an incredibly fit, barely twenty something, cub demonstrating an exercise that involves a significant amount of jumping). If this exercise makes you need to use the bathroom too bad, we'll quit.

Filter Switched in OFF position.

Mama Bear: Huh? Just HOW old do you think I am? Do I look like someone that pees herself? Huh, do I? Look around the room, buddy. I'm younger than most of the people around here by a GOOD decade or two. No tinkle problems here buddy. No-sir-ee. I have FULL bladder control thankyouverymuch. In fact, I'm going to do twenty more of these just to prove to you how continent I am. Ask me if I pee my pants, nuh-uh. What has this world gone to. Do I really look that old? Huh? Seriously, I'm making that appointment with the plastic surgeon sooner versus later. Humph. The nerve. (Then does said exercises)

Lucky for EVERYONE it was one of those very rare moments where the filter was actually ON.

An Inconvenient Truth

Every morning when I'm turning out lights and heading out, I discover this in the cubs' bathroom:

(I know, I know. But you really did need a visual. I promise.)

It seems that Brother Bear's school is teaching them all sorts of ways to "Be Green" and save the environment. Number one being, "If it's yellow - let it mellow. If it's brown, flush it down."

He INSITS that he's saving the earth. Which, I'm sure he is. But this isn't about the earth, now, is it? It's about me. And my sense of cleanliness. And my desire NOT to look at a toilet full o' pee every time I walk into a bathroom. Ick.

So, being the good, earthly, mother that I am, I let it mellow.....

And as soon as he's gone, I race back to the bathroom and flush that sucker just as fast as my furry paws will let me.

I'll save the earth another way thankyouverymuch.

Marital Harmony

Some couples fight over this:

Papa Bear and I? We fight over this:

That's right. Runner's World Magazine is a hot commodity in this Den. Wen currently hold one subscription to this magazine. (and by "we" I really mean ME. I DO. IT HAS MY NAME ON IT.) As soon as the new copy hits our mailbox, it's all out war. I try to get through it during the day while Papa Bear is at work, but somehow I get distracted (I don't know how).

When Papa bear spies it? Fahgettaboutit. That thing disappears faster than Pretzel M&Ms. I cannot figure out where he's hiding it, but it drives me crazy. CA-RAY-ZEE.

Most of you probably think he's scouring up on the latest and greatest running tips. Me? I know better. He's looking to see if this miracle happens again:

(Papa Bear - ain't he handsome? - in a November 2009 Runner's World Magazine add for The Natural State)

Don't let him fool you.

He is risen!

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said."

Matthew 28: 5-6

He is risen indeed!

Fashionist-ahhh Friday!

Back for more fashion fun. Let's see what our diva fashionista has been up to this week:

There's a saying about snakes in this territory:

"Red & Yellow, kill a fellow"

For this outfit, we say

"Red & Yellow & Hello Kitty, Runway City"

Backwards was another big trend this week.

Notice the unique, yet powerful, mix of colors and patterns.

Nothing goes better with capris than an nice, utilitarian boot.

Emphasizing the single color scheme again with pink on pink. Notice choice of backward shirt. I think we'll see this during Fashion Week. Just remember, it all started here.

These two are just to prove to you that, "NO! I DO NOT NEED YOUR HELP!!!"

"REALLY! I DON'T NEED IT!!"

(Also note the perfect cure-all for a tummy ache used by fashionistas 'round the world: band aid)

I'm posting this one simply for the socks. First they lovingly remind me of My Daddy Bear (whose dressing skillz are worthy of their own blog). But most important, the selection of these socks sucked the life out of took 1 whole hour of my day and drained pretty much all of my patience for said day.

Well, that's it for this week's edition of Fashionist-ahhh Friday. See you next week! Until then, Happy Dressing!

Maundy Thursday

Today is Maundy Thursday and I'm trying to pause and ponder. Click here to take a moment with me.

Please don't tell my trainer...

...I'm in love with a bag of potato chips. Seriously. The other day the store was having a BOGO on Kettle Chips**, plus I had a coupon which made the chips virtually free. And, since I like virtually free almost as much as I like for real free, I decided to buy me some Kettle Chips.

Upon reaching the chip aisle, I was forced to make a serious, life changing selection: which flavor to buy. Perhaps I was feeling wild and crazy or maybe it was one of those days (Girls, you get my drift. Boys, keep moving...), but Jalapeno chips just sounded good.

I'm here to tell you that they did not disappoint. Mmm, mmm! Delicious! Just the right amount of salty, spicy, and fried-y. If they weren't so dang spicy, I probably would have eaten the whole bag in one sitting. I do not jest. The spice is best followed up with a good, healthy serving of these.

Here's hoping my Bear Trainer doesn't get a whiff of these on Monday.

But it might just be worth it...

** THIS IS NOT A PAID ENDORSEMENT. I JUST LOVE FOOD ALMOST AS MUCH AS I LOVE BREATHING.

Precious moments

Sugar Bear and I had a "nail painting" party the other day:

When she looked at her fingers, literally gasped and said, "Oh, Mama Bear! Dey are bootie-full!" I almost died.

Who knew this tom-boy Mama Bear would have so much fun raising a girly-girl bear cub?

What's on your windowsill?

Does your kitchen windowsill look like this?

Mine always ends up being a menagerie of random things. I try to keep it organized, but it seems that this is the place-where-all-things-I-don't-know-where-they-should-go-at-the-moment go. Sigh.

Currently, you see:

• Herbes de Provence (decorative) - this is one of the few things that is actually supposed to be there.
• Ring holder - my Big Brother Bear and Sister-In-Law-Bear got that for me. I take my rings off when I'm in the kitchen. They just about stroked out when they saw me setting them on the windowsill. The elephant also serves as a reminder to pray for the orphans in Kenya.
• Lotion. Where else should I put it?
• Candle. Attempt to mitigate horrific smell permeating through house.
• Nail polish. Just had a nail painting party with Sugar Bear. Apparently, I didn't get around to putting it away.
• Two original "masterpieces" in clay by Brother Bear. They'll stay.
• Glass milk jug. Had flowers in it. Now they don't. Need to put in more flowers or put it away. Will likely stay there (empty) for months.
• Candle. Another attempt at removing smell (see above).
• Handprint of Brother Bear when he was TWO. I really need to find a place for that.
• Cross and prayer beads. One of the other things that is always supposed to be there. A reminder to pray for specific things.

Please tell me I'm not the only one that has a kitchen windowsill (or some other spot) in their den that serves as a collection point for all things random?

So, what about you? What's on your windowsill?

Fashionist-ahhh Friday!

Has it been a week already? Then it's time for more fun with

Fashionist-ahh Friday!

Straight from the runways in Paris, this is what Sugar Bear has been up to (fashion wise) this week:

No white shoes before Easter? That is so last season, Cyberbears! And whoever said a girl cub can't wear short skirts to church is just wrong. Healthcare worker's hosiery with sandals? Genius.

Monochromatic was a real theme this day. It was pink-on-pink-on-pink. But every fashionista knows to add a touch of color and sparkle. Thus, the purple socks and sparkly shoes.

Taking yard work style to a new level with the Hello Kitty house shoes.

"Sigh. Jeggings bore me, Mother Bear. Let's try something different. Like, say, wearing them backwards!" Only toddler behinds can pull this off, folks.

(Can we all take a moment in this picture and mourn the loss of that gorgeous rug? Sniff, sniff)

They may not admit it, but every Fashionista has an inner princess. Sugar Bear isn't afraid to flaunt it.

This may not look like fashion genius at first. But look a little closer....

That's right. FIVE layers in one outfit. Also known as the "hobo" look. So chic!

And finally, the piece de resistance for this week. We call it, "High Fashion meets a Prison Cell." Have you ever seen stripes look so good? Of course, the shirt on backwards and the red shoes? Lady Gaga, watch out!

That just about wraps up this week in Fashion News. Look forward to seeing you all next week. Who knows what is in store!

Family Heirloom

Today on Facebook I'm talking about my dining room table. Click here to read more.

Endangered Species

Does this look like an animal on the Endangered Species list? Does he look repentant at all? Does he look like he feels bad? Maybe a little guilty for having a diarrhea-fest all over our living room - not once, not twice, but on THREE DIFFERENT occasions (months & weeks apart)? Do you think he's remorseful at all over the fact that we are forced to get a new area rug? Do you think he's a little embarrassed that after a $150 vet visit all the vet could diagnose was, "I think he just ate something bad..." Huh? Does he?

I didn't think so either.

This dog doesn't know how good he's got it.

Conversations you never thought you'd have...

Those of us that are Mama and Papa Bears know it when it happens. That moment when something comes out of your mouth and then you think one of two things:

1. "Oh my God, I just became my Mother (Papa) Bear!!"

or

2. "Did I just actually have this conversation???"

You know you've been there.

(Warning, the rest of this post involves toilet talk. Feel free to walk away now. I warned you.)

Recently, I was dealing with Brother Bear's laundry. Did you know that this kid is big enough to have his own load of laundry now? There's another whole post where I weep about that. But for now, let's get back to laundry.

As I'm sorting the laundry, I notice a pair of skivvies that, well, have some remnants. (I WARNED YOU... LOOK AWAY NOW IF YOU DIDN'T BELIEVE ME BEFORE!) I'm not talking about your garden variety skid marks Cyberbears. I'm talking leftovers. I'm talking throw-them-in-the-trash-not-enough-oxi-clean-in-this-world kinda leftovers.

Now, I may or may not have been going on week 2 of Papa Bear traveling for work. And I may, or may not have been in a mood. But this is the conversation that followed my discovery:

Mama Bear: BROTHER BEAR!! THIS IS DISGUSTING!!! DID YOU EVEN TRY TO WIPE?

Brother Bear: {begins whistling and rolling his eyes like he doesn't know what I'm talking about - it's his new shtick. grrrr.}

Mama Bear: Seriously, Brother Bear, did you wipe your bottom when you finished? Because, from what I'm seeing, it certainly doesn't look like it!

Brother Bear: Well, the class was going to leave me, Mama Bear!

Mama Bear: What?

Brother Bear: The class was all finished, and they were going to go back to class....without me!

Mama Bear: Brother Bear, they were headed back to the classroom. And your classroom is 20 feet from the bathroom. Would it really have been that bad to take the extra 30 seconds to wipe?

Brother Bear: Well, no... But I was afraid I was going to clog up the toilet!!

Mama Bear: Brother Bear, if my options are: you are going to clog the toilet, OR you are going to come home with another pair of skivvies looking like this, know that my preferred option is for you to CLOG THE TOILET. No matter WHAT it takes, clean your derriere cub!

And, that, my Cyberbears, is a perfect example of conversations you never thought you'd have.

You are welcome.

Values

I shall overlook the fact that basic sustenance was at the BOTTOM of the list. Why?

Because, according to Brother Bear, his family is more valuable that the Wii. That's right, Cyberbears, MAMA BEAR TRUMPS THE Wii! Uh uh! Oh yeah! I'm the winner! Uh huh! (imagine me doing the victory dance)

Clearly we are teaching this cub well. Expect my parenting book sometime in Summer of 2012.

Fashionist-ahhh Friday!

A new - perhaps, regular? (gulp) - installment here at the Den (part of my Spring Cleaning attempt):

Fashionist-ahhh Friday!

This all stems from Sugar Bears newest obsession. You see, Sugar Bear is 2.5 going on 15. She wants to do everything herself, including selecting her wardrobe and dressing herself. This is new to me (for this age). Brother Bear didn't give a lick what went on his body. Come to think of it, he generally preferred to just be nekkid. All the time. And when he was forced to be clothed, he didn't have an opinion about it until about a year ago. Sigh. Those were the days.

So, Sugar Bear has started choosing her outfits herself. ALL. BY. HERSELF. I am not allowed near the vicinity unless my help is required and (more importantly) requested. It seems Sugar Bear is a bit of a Fashionista. She loves her some clothes. And accessories. And shoes. And hats. Literally, anything she can put on her body, she does. The control freak in me is fighting desperately with the hippie in me. The hippie is winning. Seriously, I would prefer the cub be able to fully dress herself before the age of 3 than have a well coordinated outfit every day. (Remember, I dressed the other cub until he was almost 6. Been there, done that!)

I began taking pictures recently and sending them to my parents. I decided it my be fun to let you Cyberbears in on the action. Thus, the birth of "Fashionist-ahhh Fridays." I'm hoping to post the pictures of Sugar Bear's outfits for the week each Friday.

Who knows, she might even start a trend in the under five crowd that makes me her a millionaire! (silly bandz anyone?).

Hope you enjoy!

Accessories are the key here. Notice unique use of "bracelet" as arm accessory. Necklace is handmade, one of kind. And, of course, a girl cub can't go anywhere without a good pair of sparkly shoes.

Who knew pink, red, and orange went together so well. What a fashion trailblazer! (Note, the turtleneck was NOT her choice. It was Mama Bear's weather related demand.)

This one shows real fashion skills (and yes, we did leave the house this day!). The layering is unique and the mixing of sumer and winter is, well, breathtaking. The Hello Kitty house shoes and plaid hat? Just plain genius.

Again, note the layering and mixing of seasons. I see a real trend coming with this look.

Come back next week for more fun and fabulous fashion!

Money, Money, Money!

Do you sometimes feel like a slave to money? Today on Facebook, I'm talking about money, and debt. Interested in what I have to say? Just click here to read more.

Oh, and if you're interested in back Facebook Blogs I didn't post here on the Den. I'll fill you in:

February 17th - Instrumental

February 24th - Succeeding to Fail

March 17th - Coasting

March 24th - Villagers

Happy Reading!

April Showers bring, uh, blogging?

April? It's April? What the heck happened to March? And, most of February too?!

I recently received several emails questioning my whereabouts on the blog. They might have gone something like this:

"Did you forget how to turn on your computer?"

"Did you move your blog?"

"Blog much?"

Ahem.

Might I suggest some alternate options:

A. Head injury from sledding accident with Brother Bear

B. Hibernation (I am a bear, after all)

C. I gave up blogging for Lent (just because I'm Baptist, doesn't mean I don't participate)

D. I lost my mo-jo for a while, then got sucked away by real life. Then I became completely overwhelmed with the constant, nagging monster in my life named "Failure" (who, by the way, hovers over me ready to pounce at any sign of weakness). Apparently "Failure" told me several things which I believed. Then I kicked "Failure" in his sensitive places and had the courage to sign in again.

Which is more believable to you? Feel free to postulate in the comments section.

Glad to be back. I think. I'm going to do a little "spring cleaning" around the den. Maybe mix it up a bit. I hope those of you who are still around will join me. Because, although I admit to a major crush on Neil Patrick Harris way back when (no judging, please), this isn't a Doogie Howser type journal. I'm looking for interaction here, conversation, opinions, thoughts, feelings.

Suggestions welcome as I go.

Failure not invited.