Add whipped cream and instant fun! I mean how can a day be bad when it starts off like this? Trying to think of inventive ways to use our 5 pounds of strawberries I decided it would be another strawberries and pancakes day. No one could refuse when topped off with a beautiful squirt of Reddi Whip!

I had resigned myself to a day of cleaning and laundry as the weather forecast was gloomy. The kids were OK with hanging out at home since we'd had a couple of fun-filled days. As long as there is rain TV is permitted during the day. Kids had their faces glued to the windows anticipating rain!

I tossed a load in the machine and a load in the dryer. Emptied the dishwasher, wiped down counters and sinks. (Kept checking email every now and then.) Got a call from a friend asking to take my boys to the playground. Since there was no rain I was more than happy to send them packing. I told her that I would follow behind with lunches for my boys. Made the lunches, switched some laundry around then headed over to the playground with Rebecca and her scooter. And the thunder rolls. And the skies darken. And we wait it out as long as we can. (We actually were there for 45 minutes.) And then down it poured. The skies opened up and an ocean of water poured down on us. Luckily we made it to the car in the nick of time. My friend offered to watch the boys for a couple of hours so Rebecca and I headed home. She headed to the television and I to the laundry, er, computer! But I was productive nonetheless. I did all the laundry. (Put none away.) And scrubbed all the bathrooms, toilets, sinks, showers. And vacuumed the kitchen. But none of the other rooms. And cleaned the playroom. But didn't vacuum it.

Did you know that grass grows indoors? Seriously, it must. I have more inside my home than on either the front or back yards. Were my floors fertilized instead of waxed? It's insane. I'm going to get myself a Holstein and let her graze among my floors. And then I'll have sweet organic milk (we use no pesticides on our grass) and can make sweet organic ice cream!

Eventually I (had to) pick up the boys and squish all three in the second row. OH.... MY... GOD... Seriously folks, you think alcohol and driving don't mix? Kids in cars are a far more lethal combination. I swear my life almost came to an end the minute I pulled on to I-95. As I was pulling over to my left from the ramp onto the fast lane, I mean that very exact second, Christopher pinched Rebecca and she screamed such a blood curdling scream that startled (scared the SHIT out of) me that I swerved nearly missing a big rig by inches. Boy did they get a scolding. My throat still hurts.

We made it home alive. I know you are relieved, you'd miss my blog :)

Once we got home I lost my interest for all things vacuum related. I snuck up to my room and turned on Oprah. Kids meanwhile were fending for themselves without television privileges.

Soon it was time for dinner (wine) and I made everyone a fabulous salad for dinner and another sweet treat (with the strawberries of course) for dessert. And called it a day. Happy to be alive. And in one piece. And have wine!

Today we are headed off to the Eric Carle Museum in Springfield, MA. It's less than 2 hours away. I'm sure it won't be a cheap day. I'm a sucker for all things Eric Carle, books and gift shops. But I've been very $$ savvy so far this week. We're bringing one of Rebecca's friends with us as both her parents were called out of town on business. She'll be spending the night as well. And tomorrow Daddy has the day off and I'll leave him with the kids and I will head off to get my highlights... and maybe never come back... at least not until evening as we have a party to attend. With great food, great fun and the most fabulous fireworks.

Because you have all been so wonderfully supportive while I have been whiny and spoiled and terribly ungrateful, I am tossing you all your very own pair of Big Girl Panties!

Sweet Endings! (Recipes are on food blog)