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Erstad Era Already Has Body of Proof
Randy York's N-Sider
When Tom Osborne named Darin Erstad Nebraska's head baseball coach two years ago, there were more questions than answers, more skeptics than believers, more perception than reality. Yes, Erstad had a long, illustrious career as a Major League Baseball player, but could he coach a whiffle ball game, let alone his alma mater? Nebraska is, after all, a school with a coach, team and fans who yearn to drive east on I-80 again, so they can compete in the College World Series, the only championship event in any NCAA sport that has remained in the same city forever. As much as Husker fans across the state and around the country trust Osborne's intuition, the Erstad "doubters" weren't all cynical disbelievers. Some were prominent parts of Nebraska's inner sanctum, and if you want to be really honest, one was the new head coach himself. More than once Erstad said that he had no proof he could be an effective head coach, but if he failed, he was going to die trying.
Well, here we are near the end of Erstad's second regular season at the helm, and Nebraska has a decent chance to win the Big Ten Conference championship or share that title. If the Huskers take care of business in a three-game home series against Michigan Thursday, Friday and Saturday, they can at least be one of two teams to get a first-round bye in the conference tournament. So at the risk of sounding like Mel Allen's long forgotten baseball voice, how about that? "How about that?" asked Greg Sharpe, the Nebraska baseball radio play-by-play man who huddled up with chief sidekick Lane Grindle Wednesday, so the N-Sider could get perspective on a season that started shaky, moved to wobbly and somehow, through an Erstad-like collective will, made a sharp turn off Rocky Road and onto Championship Drive.
The Question: How Effective Will Darin Erstad Be?
"I think everybody was asking the same question two years ago – How effective will Darin Erstad be as a head coach at the collegiate level?" Sharpe said. "I certainly didn't know the answer." Grindle, who joins Sharpe on Husker Sports Network baseball broadcasts, says: "I think the natural perception from lots of people two years ago was: 'Is this some kind of experiment? Is this just a thing that feels good and feels right for Nebraska? Or is this something that's designed to go long term?'"
My apologies for delivering the punch line before all the evidence is in, but win or lose this weekend, even win or lose in next week's Big Ten Baseball Tournament in Minneapolis, the "Erstad Experiment" already has a significant body of proof. The only thing that can send it straight to the finish line in the eyes of Big Red baseball fans is a sweep of the Wolverines. So could a surge in the conference tournament, giving Nebraska a chance to use its No. 30 RPI that was built on a high-powered schedule and designed to compete with teams owning far better records in the NCAA Tournament.
But let's take this discussion beyond wins and losses. Let's look at the Erstad Experiment in terms of theory, hypothesis and conclusion. From his first press conference on, Erstad said he wasn't becoming a head coach to curry favor with fans, friends or foes. He accepted his football coach's job offer to take Nebraska to the only place both wanted to go – the College World Series, and not only that, once Nebraska climbs that summit again, Erstad will only be satisfied if the Huskers win the national championship and bring a trophy to Lincoln so it can become a part of Nebraska's rich athletic lore.
Erstad: Big Ten Baseball Model Had to Change
To dream the dream, Erstad thought the Big Ten baseball model had to change dramatically. The oldest and most financially prosperous conference in America had to do something about its lackluster national baseball image. The sport had to mean more to every school in the league that plays. Just because teams are located in colder Northern climates, they had to quit making excuses and cease playing cupcake schedules to pad their records. They had to replace those cupcakes with schools that win and play championship-caliber college baseball. The Erstad Experiment became the Erstad Era the minute he started telling his fellow Big Ten baseball coaches his version of the truth.
I'm only guessing here, but I would be willing to bet that Erstad, the ultra-honest North Dakota native, wasn't the most popular guy after he would leave a Chicago conference room, even though he would never ridicule, condemn or torpedo anyone in particular. He just wants to shoot straight with his colleagues and encourage them to look at their records in a different way because they don't mean anything unless they're playing national caliber teams. Erstad wanted the league to pull together and do everything possible to make baseball fun, competitive and enjoyable for everyone.
Well, guess what? A body of proof has emerged from the Erstad Era, and it blends with theory, supports hypothesis, holds up the experiment and keeps building points of proof all around the league, bit by bit, piece by piece and coach by coach. How do you explain what's happened in Erstad's two years as head coach? The Big Ten has gone from the nation's 12th toughest league in terms of RPI to the fifth toughest league. Does anyone really think that's just coincidence since Erstad came into the league? What about Minnesota, Indiana and Purdue announcing they will build new baseball stadiums? Coincidence? Let's not forget where the 2014 Big Ten Conference Baseball Tournament will be played – in the beautiful confines of TDAmeritrade Park in Omaha.
Big Ten Baseball Constantly Redefining Itself
For those who thought I was minimizing the importance of winning and losing earlier, I could rest my case, but will proceed. The Erstad Experiment goes way, way beyond over-padded baseball records. It goes right to the core of a Big Ten baseball culture that constantly redefines itself. Want more proof? Nebraska's 24-26 record hasn't reached .500, but its RPI is still high enough to warrant strong NCAA Tournament consideration, especially if the Huskers take care of business every day and in every way from here on out.
The N-Sider extols more than just the merits of a rugged non-conference schedule. We credit a coach whose team has won all four of its conference road series this season, and we see the full benefits of Haymarket Park elevating every player coached by Erstad and his hand-picked staff. Every Husker player knows this weekend is an absolutely golden opportunity. "I think we'll play really well at home because this team knows what's out there to go get," Sharpe said. "They'll be highly motivated to battle Michigan."
"Darin has steadied the ship," Grindle said. "This team doesn't play all up and down. They understand they can't worry and get caught up in stuff. They have to take care of business Thursday night and then get right back up the next morning and do it again."
Announcers Agree: Erstad Influence Far-Reaching
Let the record show that both Sharpe and Grindle believe Erstad has had a profound impact not only on his own team, but also among Big Ten member schools. "I hope we can get some big crowds in here for this series, and I think it's a real key for us to win," Sharpe said. "The weather is supposed to be great. No one has the cold weather excuse, so let's get out there and cheer this team on. I'd like to see a full house."
Grindle says it's important for Michigan to see the support Nebraska fans bring, and the championship atmosphere they create. "Some of these schools just haven't played in places like Lincoln," he said. "Haymarket Park is a big home-field advantage for Nebraska. It really shows how much love there is for baseball and this program, and it shows everyone what college baseball can be from an atmospheric standpoint."
He's Everything They Thought He'd Be and More
I ask "The Voice" if Erstad is everything he thought he'd be or more? "He's more," Sharpe said. "He has really surprised me with how locked in he is about his burning desire to make Nebraska a national power. That makes Lane's and my job a lot of fun because we know how much a series like this means to him. For anyone who wondered how effective Darin would be when Coach Osborne picked him to be head coach, I can tell you the answer right now. He is ALL IN!!"
Grindle agrees. "Darin is every bit the guy he is as Nebraska's coach as he was a Nebraska player, and he was the No. 1 player in America his senior year," Grindle said. "I'm talking about the intensity he brings to the table every day. I mean, he absolutely hates to lose. He believes there's a way to win, and there are things you have to do every single day if you want to win.
"To him, there is no other way to do it, and the same thing comes through every coach on his staff," Grindle pointed out. "If this team had not bought into Darin's style and the schedule he put in front of them, combined with the start they had, it would have crippled the program. What it did instead was make them all stronger. They've put themselves in position to win a league title this weekend. That's a strong statement about the mindset Darin's instilled into the entire program."
Big Red Fans Can Continue to Influence Big Ten
Because the coaches and players are doing everything possible to win, "There's a chance to hang a banner this weekend," Sharpe said. "We might need some help in that Ohio State-Indiana series, and we definitely need some help from our fans. I hope they know how important they can be."
"In my opinion, we've been a good influence to the league," Grindle said. "I think we're forcing other schools to really step it up. They see the attention we pay to college baseball and the emphasis we put on it, and they're trying to do the same thing, not only with their facilities, but with their coaching staffs. It takes a lot of commitment, and I think this entire league understands that now. I also think the coaches probably look at Darin a little differently now than they did when he first came into the league."
Could the base for that last statement be the ultimate body of proof for the Erstad Era? For anyone who investigates this case, momentum appears to be growing with no signs of stopping until every third-base coach in the league tries to wave their own teams to Omaha, where most, after all, will be playing just one year from now.
How about that?
Send a comment to firstname.lastname@example.com (Include town/city, state)
Follow Randy on Twitter at www.twitter.com/RandyYorkNsider


text:
Peter Gammons, a three-time National Sportswriter of the Year, was a columnist for MLB.com from 2009-12 after almost 22 years with ESPN.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Inside the Gym: Pack the House
Inside the Gym features updates, recaps and journals from members of the men's gymnastics team throughout the 2013 season. You can follow the Huskers on Facebook at facebook.com/NebraskaMGym and on Twitter @NebraskaMGym.
Zach Hedval, one of the Huskers' newest additions, has become a movitator for the team during the preseason, particularly right before the first intrasquad of the season. With the team's second Red v. White challenge beginning on Friday, he has assumed the role once again. This time, though, Hedval reaches out to the team's family, friends and fans.
18... The number of years since our last national title.
22... The number of gymnasts on the team.
1... Only one goal, make top 6 at NCAA's this year!
This Friday at 4 p.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m. marks the final intrasquad before the Husker gymnasts take it to the streets. I know this is dead week and many of you are getting ready for finals, but hear me out for a second...
This is where our friends, family, teammates (especially from other sports) come into play. What good is a team with no one behind them? If you are available at any time, even for just a few minutes, the Nebraska men's gymnastics team would love to have you come over to the Devaney and watch us get our grown man on! For such a small place, we bring A LOT of fire and intensity and if enough people show, it'll double, even triple. It is what you make it, so let's make it an amazing weekend!
Ubuntu, an African tribal saying meaning, "I am because we are." We are Nebraska Gymnastics and WE ALL ARE BIG RED. Let's do work...
About the Meet
NU will host their second intrasquad meet this Friday and Saturday. The meet will be held in the men's gymnastics practice area in the north end of the Bob Devaney Sports Center and is free of charge and open to the public.
Nebraska will perform routines on every event, beginning with floor exercise, pommel horse and rings on Friday at 4 p.m. The meet will continue on vault, parallel bars and high bar on Saturday at 3 p.m.
About Zach
Zach Hedval came to Nebraska after competing for Eagle Ridge Gymnastics in Rio Rancho, N.M. and claiming the 2010 Regional Still Rings title. Hedval also competed in the 2010 Junior Olympic Nationals. He competed with Gold Cup Gymnastics in Alubquerque, N.M., betweet 2006 and 2008, claiming the Level 8 Regional Champion title in 2007. Hedval graduated from St. Pius X High School in Albuquerque, N.M., before completing his first two years of college at Grossmont College in El Cajon, Calif.
For more information on Zach Hedval, including his outlook for the 2013 season, check out his biography page.


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Monday, September 3, 2007
Do You Need Fire to Build a Toilet?
When I tucked this same son into bed this evening, I felt something odd under his pillow. I found this.
Yep, that's a door knob. And why wouldn't any normal 3 year old have a door knob under his pillow. Perhaps he thinks the door knob fairy will come and fix the gaping hole in the bathroom door that was left when his sister removed the door knob. See this post.
I can't complain about my husband not fixing the door because he spent this weekend fixing my van. In fact, he was so proud of that fact, that when he finished, he stood up, took a bow and reveled in the imaginary chanting he heard - Joe! Joe! Joe! Joe! Then he promptly turned to me and asked, "Are you going to write in your blog and tell everyone that I fixed your car?"
:) Gotta love him. I had to love him when he woke me up this morning to say, "You made the front page of the newspaper!"
I made some sort of grunt in response (again, I'm not a morning person.)
"OK, sorry. Go back to sleep. I didn't mean to wake you up."
He didn't mean to wake me up? Yes, I can see where he was trying to let me sleep by nudging my shoulder and thrusting a newspaper in my face while exclaiming that I was on the front page. Hee hee He's so proud.
I didn't get a chance to go back to sleep because Good Morning America called. At first I thought I was probably mistaken and it wasn't THE Good Morning America, but some guy who does a cable show from his basement called Good Morning Americans. Why would THE Good Morning America want to interview me, right? But it was indeed THE actual Good Morning America show. That call was followed by CNN, FOX, CBS, WGN, WMAQ, ABCDEFG, and XYZ.
Because of all this attention, my oldest son, smart aleck that he is, told me he couldn't complete his writing assignment for school because it would never live up to his 'famous author mom's' expectations.
"Nice try, bud. Get cracking."
Seriously though, he had to pick a picture of someone and write a descriptive paragraph about the person in the picture. He chose his baby sister. I gave him the following advice - try to write a description that paints a picture. The person reading the description should be able to picture your baby sister in their head without seeing a photograph.
Sooo, my son described her eyes as looking like pools of mud and her hair like grass that is dying in the hot sun. Great. That's exactly what I had in mind.
I know I haven't written a good story for a couple weeks now, but my life has really been turned upside down and I'm amazed I'm able to form a coherent thought at all these days. Well, there's that and the fact that I want to hold back "the good stuff" for this book I want to finish. Sooo, on that note, I'm off to bed (well, after I make lunches, fold some more laundry, take a shower, write out a check for a field trip, sign some homework, and unload the dishwasher.) I have another interview in the morning. This time it's with Spike O'Dell on WGN news for any Chicagoans out there.
P.S. A few of you asked about the baseball auction. It's in my archives here. Wow reading that again, my kids sound absolutely awful. I swear they really are pretty good kids. They are disciplined when they choose not to obey or when they make poor choices, but oftentimes I think they get into stuff not because they're being "bad", but because they're kids and kids learn through experimenting, and getting into stuff. They want to answer those questions - 'what will happen if I do this? I wonder if Mom's cell phone will float? Can this be flushed down the toilet? What does glue taste like?' Plus, I do take a bit of poetic license when writing. ;)
Posted by Dawn at 9:31 PM
125 comments:
Yahoo for getting your van up and running (good job Joe). Thanks for sharing your stories with us. I enjoy visiting and seeing what you and your family are up to.
Hope you are hanging in there with the interviews and busy days.
- September 3, 2007 at 10:49 PM
- Manic Mom said...
Wow! Good Morning America! What about Matt and Meredith--did they call? You'll be able to choose where you want to interview (I say hold out for Kelly Ripa--she seems SOOOO FUN!)
Don't you love the fact that it's Labor Day (A day when millions of people GET TO NOT WORK, yet we moms are making lunches, doing laundry, finishing homework for kids and cleaning the kitchen?!?!)
It's 24-7 job isn't it? But I'm guessing we moms wouldn't trade it for the world!
- September 3, 2007 at 10:50 PM
- Angie said...
When a man says, "I'm going to bed," he means, he's going to bed. It takes him less than 5 min to make it to the pillow.
When a woman says, "I'm going to bed," it means she's going to do the dishes from the day, make lunch, lay out clothes for the next day, move some laundry around (maybe fold), check email, blog, let the dogs out, let the dogs in, take a shower, watch some HGTV, THEN lay her head down.
Again, Bravo, Miss Dawn! Can't wait to see you on GMA!
- September 3, 2007 at 11:07 PM
like everyone, i love your blog! i do take exception to the chicago tribune write who said you came to your calling "late in life" because you are young! keep it up!
- September 3, 2007 at 11:09 PM
- LaughterThoughts said...
when changing my daughter's sheets (she was five or six then) and i stripped down the bed, i found about 15 rocks under her pillow. good sized rocks. under her pillow.
she just grinned and said they were "rocco".
- September 3, 2007 at 11:10 PM
- All moments remembered said...
Holy Cow Good morning America!!!
Hey do us faithful ones here get autographed books when we buy one???? If I could only get my local newspaper to know I am alive I would be jumping up and down!! Wanna buy in half of my tiny online scrapbook store? You being famous and all maybe I could get it off the ground after all. :)
Sweet dreams tonight!! I am like you off to bed now after I finish folding the last load of todays laundry, make school lunches which includes my teacher hubby, put clean sheets on our bed and lay out everyones clothes for tomorrow so the morning is a little less hectic!! Night!!
PS. hey maybe you could just write stories for my blog to get attention for my store!! Heck I got no where with my bald chicken and sun block story!! LOL
- September 3, 2007 at 11:14 PM
- Kathie said...
Wow! GMA! I'm in awe, I *heart* Diane. I wonder if you'll get to meet her.
On another note, I just wanted to say thanks for linking to Conway's site on your blog. My daughter also has a heart defect and has had surgeries like Conway's, though thank God she hasn't had those kinds of complications. But I know that in times like that you need all the support you can, even if it comes from strangers on the internet. I'm sure his parents are grateful for all the extra prayers coming their way thanks to you. I went and left them a message, and I saw that a couple other people who found the link here did too. So thank you!
- September 3, 2007 at 11:18 PM
- Karen said...
Congrats on your "stardom". I'm a stay-at-home mom of three little boys under 4... My life seems so easy compared with yours. WOW! My biggest "scare" question was last winter my 4 year old said that the sled could float... I didn't realize he meant with his 2 year old brother in it on a half thawed lake! It took me a couple seconds to realize what he had said then too!
Maybe after all this you can just buy that brand spankin new van we all dream about... of course they all end up the same... covered in crumbs and toys!
Keep doing what you do....LOVE IT!
- September 3, 2007 at 11:20 PM
- Dorothy said...
It must be a little boy thing. My 13 yr old, when he was 3 1/2, took the deadbolt off the door and disasembled it. I caught him with the screw driver in one hand and the case of the lock in the other. He looked at me and stated, "You need to fix this, Mom. It's broken"... Thank Heavens my friends hubby was a locksmith and showed me how it went back together.
My younger brother asked my mom once, how long would it take to fill the basement with water. She asked him why he asked that question. His answer. "The hose has been running a long time and it isn't full yet."
- September 3, 2007 at 11:22 PM
Wow. You make my life with a 3-year old and 1-year old twins seem like a cake walk! I love your writing! You are a great, funny ending to a mom's long day! Thank you!
- September 3, 2007 at 11:25 PM
Congrats Dawn on all your sucess...
I read your complete blog and even though I only have two, well one is 20 so she doesn't count and then the 4 year old. Either way I can so relate to all your stories..
Keep writing and let us know when the book comes out....
OH and if you like hot come to Guam, nice and hot all year round...
- September 3, 2007 at 11:49 PM
I hope that you are writing down the "good" stories that you are saving for your book somewhere. I think the stories you share here are plenty funny enough, but please make sure that you are getting it all down somewhere! I wouldn't want you to forget anything!
- September 4, 2007 at 12:03 AM
- Cherbear said...
Dawn, I SO enjoy your blogs! A friend of mine forwarded your ebay/pokemon story and ever since I've been looking forward daily to your blogs. It's great to hear another moms perspective on things and you have such a great sense of humour along with drawing people in by what you write. I wish you all the best and look forward to continued reading. :D
- September 4, 2007 at 12:11 AM
- diana said...
i just read your ebay story. very, very funny and thoroughly enjoyable. i read some of your other posts and they, too, were enjoyable. i guess i'm not telling you anything new when i say you're a great writer.
why did good morning america call? is it because of your ebay posting? just curious. and i'll be back :)
- September 4, 2007 at 12:16 AM
- Starnes Family said...
Love the blog. Just discovered it, like so many others, through your Pokemon post. I have 2 kids and our 3rd is due next Friday.
However, I am one of 6 children and there is nothing more fun in the world. Keep up the good work!
- September 4, 2007 at 12:21 AM
- bigwhitehat said...
Yes, as a matter of fact you do.
- September 4, 2007 at 12:27 AM
- Katirocks said...
You are the best! & of course they are well behaved & they wouldn't be kids if they didn't ask those fun questions like:) I wonder if this grape will fit up my nose, or I wonder if I can fly when I jump off the top of the swing set, How about, I wonder if I shove all my food in the drawer under the table mom won't notice; well at least not until it smells like a corpse in the kitchen & mom goes on a treasure hunt! I love those little questions!
I'm with you sister, I don't like mornings either. And how exciting all those people want to talk to ya!! I can't wait to see ya on Good Morning America! I hope you'll keep us posted!
- Kate
- September 4, 2007 at 12:40 AM
- Dawn said...
That is funny about the door handle. We had one three year old who hid food under her pillow. I found chips once, grapes another time. She is 12, and I wonder how she is growing at night, because there is no space for her to expand. Around the same time, my husband and I couldn't figure out why there was a blanket on the register in their room under the bed. After moving it a couple of times, we found an egg. Seems the kids took an egg from the fridge, and thought they just might get themselves a pet.
Congratulations on your celebrity. A book deal would be great for you. Enjoy your time in the limelight, being a mom is tough and you should enjoy some fringe benefits.
- September 4, 2007 at 12:49 AM
- Mary said...
Applause for Joe! We had a mini-van just like that once. But mine had "racing stripes" courtesy of some masking tape that peeled the paint right off when removed. I'd tell you which one of my kids did that, but my husband gets embarrassed when I tattle on him.
I have 3 kids of my own, and a few strays once in a while. So I love your blog!
- September 4, 2007 at 1:00 AM
Had to laugh at thinking your kids sound awful. Oh how many times I have had that same thought when sharing about my own. When people compliment me on how well behaved my children are ( I have even had other parents bragging about my kids to their friends!), I know, at home is where they truly express themselves and that is fine with me!
Keep up the great work!
- September 4, 2007 at 1:07 AM
- Jennifer said...
COngrats on the interview with GMA, thats going to be fun!
Good luck with everything!
- September 4, 2007 at 1:27 AM
- Cecily R said...
Your kids don't sound awful, they sound entertaining. Were it not for those entertaining moments, I swear I would sell mine to the Gypsies for a dollar some days.
Okay, that's not true...most of the time.
- September 4, 2007 at 1:46 AM
I actually found your blog from the Chicago Tribune article and have since read many of your recent entries and LOVE it!
Your stories are so funny and easy to relate to, I just love reading them!
Best of luck with all of your interviews; I look forward to reading more of your posts!
- September 4, 2007 at 1:53 AM
- Erin said...
LOL - I've found quite a few things under my sons bed but nothing as interesting as a door know :)
And GMA? wow - congrats! you have become quite the celebrity - I hope this really pays off in the way you hope!!
- September 4, 2007 at 2:36 AM
- Becky said...
I'm wiping the tears from laughing so hard at the opening statement of your blog today, Dawn. I literally almost fell off the chair! My husband is probably wondering what the maniacal laughing is coming from the living room at this ungodly hour of the morning, but that was hysterically funny. I also loved the part about your husband reveling in the imaginary chanting he was hearing after fixing your van...and then asking if you were going to blog about him.
I blogged about something very similar with my own husband a few days ago when he put a radiator in our car and it finally passed smog.
All I can say is, "Who needs a knight in shining armor...give me a good husband that will keep the paid off family car limping along for another year anyday." As I said about my owb husband Jeff, I'd like to say to your husband as well, "You Da Man!"
Love the blog, Dawn. Keep writin', I'll keep reading. Can't wait for your book! God Bless you and your family!
- September 4, 2007 at 2:47 AM
- Evonne & Darren said...
So good to finally see a face behind this blog!
- September 4, 2007 at 5:15 AM
Well your Pokemon cards auction link made it to Australia and of course I then had to check out your blog. Haven't laughed so hard for ages, I thought raising/taking 3 kiddos shopping was bad enough!! Keep on blogging and I'll watch out for your books, you'll be a sensation!
- September 4, 2007 at 5:33 AM
- halimah said...
Woo-hoo! Kudos! Glad the van is running ( a mom's dead vehicle = pass the razor blades ). I got tired of waiting and I ended up fixing our doorknob myself once. The fire / toilet remark was ... frightening, lmao!
- September 4, 2007 at 5:39 AM
- Sine said...
Joe! Joe! Joe! Joe!!!! How sweet of him to fix the car so u can get around again.. :D
I so enjoy reading about your lives.. It always make me smile when my google reader tells me that you have posted something new.. :D
My kid don't hide doorknobs.. Instead she hid her dummys (pacifier or whatever u call them) in an old bag of mine.. All of them!! So getting her off that habbit was pretty easy.. They were simply just gone.. :D
Good luck on all your interviews.. Don't know how u manage to keep up, and what a change of life for just one ebay ad huh? .. LOL
- September 4, 2007 at 5:48 AM
- The Momma said...
"...because they're kids and kids learn through experimenting, and getting into stuff..."
I am SO glad as a mom you realize this! (of course, after 6, how could you not?) It's really fun to watch their face when they get an answer to their (sometimes destructive) question :) Keep up the good work!
- September 4, 2007 at 5:52 AM
- Brea said...
Good morning! Your kids don't sound bad at all, they sound like wonderful, fun kids! Mine pull the same kind of stuff, but on a slightly younger scale. When my son was almost 4, he cut my almost-3-yo daughter's hair, and we had to almost shave her head and start over because it was so bad. Hello, Mia Farrow!
My son had his tonsils & adenoids out 6 months ago because of multiple infections and huge sleep issues, and it made the biggest difference!! He's like a new person ... who knew a full night's sleep could make a little boy so pleasant?
Keep the lovely stories coming, we all love reading them!
- September 4, 2007 at 5:55 AM
I love your blog. You are talented, funny, smart and don't worry your kids come off as normal great kids.
Seriously though, life changing events are STRESSFUL, even if they are wonderful. You are on the dawn of such an event. Get help if you need it. (Like GOOD financial advice).
Also, be careful about who you "complain" to. You do need someone. But as an old boss of mine who advised lottery winners used to say to them "Winning the lotery is stressful and overwhelming... But never, ever tell that to anyone other than another winner. No one else will have any real sympathy and they will just resent you for saying it."
Anyway congratulations. It's going to be a great ride!
- September 4, 2007 at 6:07 AM
- tales_from_the_crib said...
do you know when you'll be on good morning america? me and my mom watch that...
- September 4, 2007 at 6:37 AM
- Rachel said...
Yay, you for being able to make it through Labor Day even though you had to work and couldn't rest.
Yay, Joe for fixing car!
Yay, Door knob Fairy! I knew they always existed! Maybe the doorknobs I bought that I haven't put in yet I can put under my pillow and they can pay the bills for me....hm.......
- September 4, 2007 at 6:44 AM
Didn't Erma Bombeck (who you are channeling) have a spot on GMA back in the late 70's? Hum.
- September 4, 2007 at 6:59 AM
Well, I KNOW she did...
- September 4, 2007 at 7:00 AM
- trishia said...
Wow! National news shows! I agree with prior comment about waiting for Kelly, she seems too fun. But Matt and Meredith would be fun, too. Maybe you can get a guest spot on Grey's Anatomy as a mom coming in with something glued to his/herself or something of that nature. :)
You have to take poetic license, that is part of being a writer. You have a great voice, something that hits a spot with thousands of blog readers, imagine how many you will touch with your book (especially if you can get on Oprah with that book, she makes books sell millions!)
good luck and don't forget to warn us a day or so in advance so we can tivo the news shows you are on. (actually WATCH the morning news when it airs, while trying to get 5 kids ready for the day? yea, right)
- September 4, 2007 at 7:26 AM
Good Morning, Dawn. First, kudos on your new found success. Since I get the feeling you are a tad overwhelmed (ah-hem) I waited until your comment count was low enough that I might actually get to make contact. I have been following your story for about a week now and I am very much enjoying it. I have only one child and that was enough for me. I have yet to tell the story behind that decision. Perhaps, I will post on it today. (My boy is now almost 17, and trust me, his antics still make for great material. It doesn't go away, it just evolves.) I will email you a link shortly that takes you to a few stories I have told on him. "Never Give a Teen a Crash Course in Driving" and "Road Signs" are both just hilarious. Anyway, I can't imagine the energy and patience that you must muster each day. I honestly don't know how you do it. I barely survived one kid. But no matter how grown up he gets, I never run out of material. It never goes away, it just evolves.
I knew GMA would catch on eventually ... they always do. I have been waiting for that to happen & I will be watching.
Also, I LOVED today's post. We want to know all about Joe. He sounds like a wonderful man. Husbands make some of the best material and you proved that with today's post. I am endeared to him already. I loved how he asked about whether you would blog about him ... LOL. And then to wake you to tell you that he didn't mean to wake you up. He is so excited for you. That is just adorable. Dads really are just big ol' babies, aren't they? Yes you gotta love 'em. Well, I will let you get back to your 24/7 job. Take care and I will email you a link soon. Peg
- September 4, 2007 at 7:41 AM
- Michelle said...
Well it's about D@%M time GMA called you! I emailed them weeks ago and told them they needed to fly you out to NY. Some interns head should roll for the delay in that one.
- September 4, 2007 at 7:45 AM
- KARA said...
I know you probably don't get a lot of chance to read comments but I wanted to say a great big thanks. I have been going through some very hard times in my life and have become quite depressed as I have so desperatley wanted to have children but for financial reasons and my families oponions I have held off starting a family last night I made the decision to start trying, I have always wanted 12 (mad I hear you cry) and at nearly 27 I was worrying I would never start, I only hope to be half as good mother as you clearly are.
Congrats to you, your children husband and all the dear mothers out there.
- September 4, 2007 at 7:48 AM
- Michelle said...
oh ... and by the way, yes you do need a fire to build a toilet ... a very hot fire ... saw it on Mr. Roger's neighborhood. A toilet is essentially very large pottery with a purpose.
- September 4, 2007 at 7:55 AM
- Samara Leigh said...
Congrats on the great press, Dawn! I'm sure this is only the beginning of great things for you and your family. :-)
Angie, what you said could not be more true! Have you been filming my family? LOL
- September 4, 2007 at 8:11 AM
I am in the UK and have to say I love your story's, they always bring a smile to my face and remind me that i'm not the only one who lives in a nuthouse.
Poetic license away! Cos its cracking good stuff!
- September 4, 2007 at 8:15 AM
- Alexandria said...
Congrats on making front page! That's wonderful :)
- September 4, 2007 at 8:18 AM
- Marc, Andrea, and now Samantha said...
I love your writing, it really is terrific. The Pokemon eBay auction link ended up in my e-mail a couple of weeks ago, and I just found your blog yesterday. As the mother of a two month old, I'm starting to relate to your stories, even with only one child!
Keep up the good work--I'm so happy for you that you are experiencing good fortune and I hope it continues for a long time.
- September 4, 2007 at 8:25 AM
- Felicia said...
We totally understand! We all have good kids that like to experiment. My son is the type that is impulsive. From locking himself into a 5th wheel with the keys to driving my van across the street while the van was NOT running to climbing over 20' up a tree and not knowing how to get down. And he is only 7 now. I'm looking foreward to the next 10+ years. :-)
- September 4, 2007 at 8:25 AM
- John and Lori Hagewood said...
I have so truly enjoyed reading about your family adventures (mother of a 1 year old and 3.5 year old, and sometimes I'm amazed how short-tempered I can be with just those 2! I couldn't imagine 6!) I for one am totally fine with you just answering folks questions (and those responses are just hilarious!) ... save the good stuff for the book! I'm sure you will let us know when the book is published - I've GOT to get one! Hopefully we can buy it from Amazon (in eReader format) - it's easier to read an un-soiled book via electronic means than one with torn pages, old choc milk on the pages, or even better - Mater stickers on the pages. Many blessings to all of you ... thank you for adding a bit of bright reading to my life! Best wishes to all your future endeavours!
- September 4, 2007 at 8:33 AM
- Jen said...
If any fools comment on your discipline or say that your kids must be horrible, just tell them to squeeze 6 kids out their hooha, take care of them for about 13 years, then get back to you with all the advice they gather about raising 6 little angels. That ought to shut them up quick!
- September 4, 2007 at 8:46 AM
- The Prairie Jeweler said...
I was really hoping you had a great story about getting the half a double super absorbant roll of toilet paper out of the toilet witout calling the plumber.... but I guess setting it on fire wouldnt be a safe thought!
Hope you get some rest, let us know when you'll be on GMA! Gonna have to set the TiVo (cuz lord knows I'm not watching TV at that time)
Keep up the awesome work.
- September 4, 2007 at 9:00 AM
- Bernadette said...
You are awesome! I was looking forward to cleaning up my house this weekend because of the extra day home from work. I managed to get some stuff accomplished. I still have a pile of laundry on my couch that I need to finish. I came in to work today and I HAD to browse through your blog. I don't know how you do it with your kids, your book you are writing, and your new found fame. I LOVE reading your stories :-)
- September 4, 2007 at 9:07 AM
Hi Dawn,
My name is Ranae. One of my friends shared your stories with me and I got a kick out of them. For the reason being, that I myself am one of six children. Now, 27 years old, I can remember us doing the same things to my mother. I think it is hilarious. Not for you of course, but reading your stories brings my childhood days back to life. I'm getting married this Saturday, Sept. 8 and I really needed something to bring back some memories. You did just that Dawn. For the first time in my life I will be moving away from my family, which is going to be the hardest thing I've ever had to do. My family is sooo close. All of the kids are 17-19 months apart. My parents didn't want a break I guess. Anyway, I'm glad that I will know where I can go to have a good laugh and to remember the great times I've had with my brothers and sisters, by reading your wonderful stories. I think your doing a great job and maybe you should meet my mom. Now she's working on grandchildren!!! Take care, Dawn.
- September 4, 2007 at 9:10 AM
Yah! Good Morning America AND for the first time you don't even seem surprised. I think your new found fame might be growing on you. Kudos to you!
P.S. Kelly Ripa does seem fun! But hold out, heck, I'd do them all! Hey! Maybe you'll make enough to hire a nanny! j/k (then you wouldn't have anything to write about)Oh, and I KNEW you had to take some poetic license but even with that, your kids are hilarious just hilarious. Unlike most people, your stories make me WANT to have six. You just make it sound so FUN. :) I have two now; what's a few more?!? ;)
- September 4, 2007 at 9:14 AM
Thank you so much for your blog. I have now spent/wasted my first hour at work reading, laughing so hard I'm crying. As the mother of two boys, I can relate to much, if not all, your tribulations. Keep up the good work!
- September 4, 2007 at 9:18 AM
HI Dawn,
I've been thinking soon we'll all see you on "I-CAUGHT!" - If GMA is calling, I'm sure the I-Caught people have learned of you too now!!!
You go girl - you make my day every morning.
Joe, what a guy - how nice of you to spend your holiday fixing the car! Who knows, with all this celebrity - one of the car dealers might give Dawn a new car!!! (wishful thinking huh!)
Ok, I have to admit - I log on twice a day to your blog - once in the morning for a good laugh. And once again before I go to bed (pacific time) in hopes you've posted again! LOL
Pam (in Seattle)
- September 4, 2007 at 9:20 AM
- Mich said...
LOL at your little handyman. But, um...fire? I'm sure you did, but I hope your answer was "No, you do not need fire", LOL.
I love how your older son described his baby sister. Such a boy's point of view to use "mud" and "dying grass" to describe her eyes and hair! But, I still think it painted a picture :)
- September 4, 2007 at 9:33 AM
Reading your stories about your children, lets me remember funny stories I had forgotten about my children. I have truly enjoyed reading your blog with all the witty humor.
- September 4, 2007 at 9:35 AM
- Larry Eiss said...
You said, "I know I haven't written a good story for a couple weeks now,..." -- Seriously, you have got to be kidding. All the stuff you wrote around that was a great story! Congratulations to Joe! Way to go man. Keep up the great writing. We'll keep reading.
- September 4, 2007 at 9:46 AM
- kstrickland said...
Dawn, Although I do not have any bio kids of my own, I am the stepmom of 3 and step step mom of one...Yes, I said step step mom..Thats what my stepkids stepbrother calles me. That is not counting the numerous kids around the neighborhood, who, for some strange reason only known to them, call me mom. Anyway, I have a point. Somewhere..I think....Oh well, just lost it! I love reading your blogs! By the way, did you know that children can and will eat potato chips while taking a bath, although the chips are soggy after "washing" them? LOL
- September 4, 2007 at 9:53 AM
- Liza's Eyeview said...
Good Morning America? I think it's about time they interview you there!
Honestly, you made my morning good today. Coming here in the morning always bring a smile on my face :)
- September 4, 2007 at 9:59 AM
- Matchbox Mom said...
You're absoloutely amazing. Keep on going, you're doing great!
- September 4, 2007 at 10:10 AM
- Zoanna said...
Yeh, I can picture that beautiful baby girl o' yours. Eyss like mud pools and hair of green dying in the hot sun.
We homeschool and one time when I asked my then-4th grader to read the biblical acouunt of how Abraam left his homeland with a few animals and traveled to a new land that God told him about. Then I asked him to rewrite it in his own words.
Well, he was at that age when boys love to use "bad words." He was covering his paper with both arms, and his shoulders were shaking from holding in his self-amusement.
Here's what he wrote, "ABraham saddled his ass and moved."
- September 4, 2007 at 10:25 AM
- Candace Salima (LDS Nora Roberts) said...
Your daily posts are so entertaining. You have such a wry wit about you that plain ol' life takes on a new spin and makes us look at OUR lives with new eyes. That's a special gift. So don't worry about posting a great story. Life is good enough!
- September 4, 2007 at 11:09 AM
Oh my goodness! I just read the Chicago tribune interview. I'm so excited for you! I have been following you since late Aug. and I think that the way you write makes people feel like you are one of their close friends. Its amazing how all this has turned your life around. May godbless you and be in everything that you do.
a stay at home mother of 4
- September 4, 2007 at 11:18 AM
- Christine said...
You are so funny. I only have one child. She's four and drives me crazy. In a good way though. I can't imagine what it's like with six kids.
Anyway, I love reading your blogs and I look forward to your book soon.
- September 4, 2007 at 11:34 AM
- Sarah said...
Being the youngest of 5 myself, I can relate to many of the stories your have written on your kids so far. The sibling closest to me in age is 7 years older than I am. I can recall a time when I was prolly 4 or 5 years old and we wanted my mom to have her own fur coat. Growing up in the country hills in Montana, we decided we would provide her the best fur coat possible. GOPHER FUR, that is! After attacking the gopher homes out in the acres of land in front of our house, we ended up with nearly 80 skins. My brother scared them, I killed them. Nice of teh brother to allow the kid sister to do the dirty work. We then needed to skin the critters & lay them out to dry before we would sew the coat. Mom went to do laundry the following day & found the laudry room to be MOVING. It was a sea of maggots. Who would have known!
She never did get her gopher skin fur coat. Poor mom.
- September 4, 2007 at 11:41 AM
- Marcea said...
Your blog is pretty darn funny. I have three young children and can understand. I do have a blog, although it isnt as witty as your blog! Thank you for sharing it with us.
Good luck with your future books!
Is it ok if I add your blog to mine?
Take care
- September 4, 2007 at 11:45 AM
Congrats!! I jumped in my seat when I read that you got all those interview offers. This is so exciting and I don't even know you!! My husband wanted me to tell you to check out Amazon.com associate program. He is a blog writer for www.geekdad.com and everytime he writes he references things that can be purchased on amazon. When someone clicks thru his link and then purchases something he get a cut. He has made a few hundred bucks!!
- September 4, 2007 at 11:52 AM
- Nicole said...
Thank you for your blog. It makes my kids seem normal!! Its nice to know that all kids are created equal. I love relating with other moms through blogs, it makes me happy knowing other moms are loving and taking care of their kids doing the best we know how each day! Good luck to you and your kids :)
- September 4, 2007 at 12:08 PM
- Scarlet Hip said...
Congratulations on all your success! A friend just sent me the link to your Pokemon ebay auction, and we both have been giggling in front of our computers for the last 10 minutes.
I'm now going to troll through your archives and pretend that I still don't want to have children.
- September 4, 2007 at 12:15 PM
- MBKimmy said...
Wow that is awesome ... who da thunk you would be famous because the kids snuck some cards? Good luck!
- September 4, 2007 at 12:58 PM
- Michele said...
Have you written a book yet? Cause you ought to. I'd buy it! You're absolutely friggin hilarious. I sweat with 2 kids and you're postings make me feel a little lighter about being a mom and I usually go away not worrying about the small things. Cause it's the joy of being a mom that counts right? (I hear you laughing).
- September 4, 2007 at 1:08 PM
I'm a mom to one 15-month-old, so I'm just getting started. You have taught me that it's OK not to be uptight about mothering. It's so easy to get caught up in wanting everything to be PERFECT. You truly are an inspiration to all of us new mothers out there. You are insanely funny and heart-warming. The way you talk of your chaos makes me want to move in. Surely you can find a little room for one more, right? I'll even help with the dishes. Keep it up!!!
- September 4, 2007 at 1:21 PM
- Michelle said...
I just have to say that I love your wit and wonder how you keep it "together"! I only have a 3 year old boy and that's enough for me for now.
But I did grow up with 1 sister, 1/2 bother and a 1/2 sister and when my parant divorced and Dad re-married,4 step brothers were added to the bunch.
I'm a SAHM and Artist. Someone sent me your grocery store adventure.
So I (hope you don't mind) posted about you this morning on my blog and added you as a favorite!
- September 4, 2007 at 1:24 PM
- Bernie said...
Hi Dawn,
You're awesome. I'm not even a mom (probably won't ever be, as I'm a guy).
Somehow I found my way to your pokemon auction and just loved. I think you'll make it big as a "Slice-o-life" kind of writer. You could just compile the writing that you've already completed and shared here-- the job is done!
And I can tell you love your kids-- thanks for that too. That's six more people growing to love in turn and to help keep the world intact. Maybe you have negotiated world peace in your own way. Let's have it be so, ok?
- Bernie
- September 4, 2007 at 1:57 PM
I love reading your blog just started though after the Pokemon link for ebay was sent to one of our groups here in Australia! Thank you for putting a spin on what motherhood is really like! Love you to bits keep up the good work!
- September 4, 2007 at 2:21 PM
- Manic Mom said...
OK, just had to stop by to tell you that THREE of my friends have emailed me to tell me to check out your blog!!!!!
DUH!!!! I have been here! I am jealous! But very excited for you!
Also, when my Diva saw the pic of your baby covered in chocolate, she asked, "Is that baby dead?"
Death by chocolate--now that's something to shoot for!!!
- September 4, 2007 at 2:22 PM
- LizaLeeza said...
Hey Dawn, congrats on all the fame...it has to be awesome! I've just been "lurking" on your site for weeks snow, since I saw the Pokemon eBay post, and must say, have been SO entertained! You have, through your excellent writing style, brought me to peals of laughter and streaming tears, then back to laughter again through the tears. I remember so many stories as well, since I am a mother of 5 (you beat me by 1, although I had 13 pregnancies!). I have such stories to share such as a four-year-old driving our station wagon through the front of our house, halfway through the kitchen, and the "baby" at seven, locking his older brother in the trunk, then coming to ask me where his brother was, the little sicko! LOL...the trunk victim is the same one that at four drove the wagon into the house, though, so you know what they say about payback!
They're all grown and gone now, including two of them fighting in the red zone out in Iraq, which is grown-up mommy stress to the "nth" degree, I have to tell you. Oh, for the days of disassembled doorknobs, toasters, and other household items!
Well, I'll stop rambling now...I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking time out of the days (nights??) to post on your blog, and for being so brave as to take on Good Morning America, and the countless other journalists that are going to be hounding you. I'm sure I can speak for the world (yes world...since you're all over the global map now!) in saying that you warm our hearts, tickle our funny bones, and fill us with joy at having someone to relate to, and look up to, even. Many blessing to you and your wonderful family! Especially Joe! WTG for fixing the van!!!
Lotsa love,
- September 4, 2007 at 2:25 PM
- Heather said...
Hysterical as always! I'm giving you and I LUV YOUR BLOG award ... cause ... well ... I do! Pass on the bloggy love!
- September 4, 2007 at 3:17 PM
I am so glad I found your blog courtesy of an ebayer poster on the Pokemon cards! What a smile (and a giggle) your posts bring me. WAHM of 3 and I thought I had a handful! Please keep these posts coming as I look forward to them and wish you so much luck with your book.
- September 4, 2007 at 3:29 PM
- arvindh said...
Congratulations!! Your story made fascinating reading in the Tribune. Good luck with the books.
- September 4, 2007 at 4:07 PM
I was just sent a link to your pokemon card ebay sale. You are freaking hilarious! And I mean that in a good way. A I can relate kind of way. I've got 3 kids, my husband already had 3 when we got married. When I have time (HA!) I am going to read your entire blog. Then I can say 'ah, I was reading her before she became rich and famous!' How wonderful to see someone with such humor and who clearly understands that kids will be kids, with all of thier quirks and mind-bloggling actions!
- September 4, 2007 at 4:34 PM
- Bulldogma said...
Love your blog!! Is there any chance you would be willing to list the link to my Down Syndrome Project on your blog site?
I am the mother of a beautiful one-year-old with Down Syndrome as well as two other "typical" children. For the last four months I have been working on a project to demystify Down Syndrome and dispel myths and misconceptions about our beautiful children.
Right now 90% of people that learn their unborn child has Down Syndrome choose to terminate the pregnancy. I believe that this is mostly from lack of understanding or information. I have a friend with movie-making equipment and we have been interviewing the families of people with DS for a documentary. We have some great footage so far including that of a 15-year-old girl with DS in TX who competes in barrel racing at major rodeos and wins regularly.
We have been asking the tough questions that many people may want to ask but are afraid to, and getting the honest answers from parents and siblings.
I am just one mom on a mission and can use all the help I can get. My site is: http://myspace.com/downsyndromeproject or I have a clickable banner I can send you if you're interested. If the MySpace page is a problem for anyone, they can also reach me through my blog at http://DisasterFlambe.BlogSpot.com
Thank you in advance for any help you can give me!!
Sincerely, a fellow mom and big fan of your blog!
Leigh Edwards
- September 4, 2007 at 4:39 PM
- Katie said...
Today is not a good day. I have your blog set in my *favorites* (NOT the reason why my day is bad, lol) and thought I'd take a peek at your latest entry. It made me laugh out loud. Thank you for making me laugh today. :o)
Congrats on your van working again and your potential GMA interview. That's amazing!
- September 4, 2007 at 4:41 PM
Ok, I thought my kid was the only under the pillow hider. My now 5 year old Daughter hid a half dozen, read 6, raw eggs under her pillow when she was 3. She had this elaborate story that an egg fairy had laid them under her pillow. She had to unlock the fridge then carry all 6 eggs upstairs to get them in her room. I have no idea how many trips she made or how she managed to keep them all intact but she did. LOL
- September 4, 2007 at 5:01 PM
Okay, so let's cut to the chase ....
Did Joe fix the car or what?
Does he deserve that standing ovation?
- September 4, 2007 at 5:09 PM
- Nate said...
Faithful follower since your Pokemon card auction, lacking commenter...
Technically, maybe it DOES take fire to make a toilet. I mean, would porcelain require a kiln simi... BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH pottery?
Attempting to balance out the seriously female bias,
and failing,
A faithful reader
- September 4, 2007 at 5:19 PM
- Kristina said...
I told you they would be calling! And I for one can't wait!!!! Please let us know when the interview will be on.
Now it won't be long till Oprah calls!
- September 4, 2007 at 6:26 PM
Just wait, I bet Oprah is around the corner! I've been reading your blog for about a week, now, and THANK YOU for the laughs! I only have two, so I can't possibly imagine what your life is like, but you certainly paint a great picture!
Thanks for making me laugh!
- September 4, 2007 at 6:31 PM
Your blog, mom2my6pack.blogspot.com/, is worth $484,939.86
Not sure how they do it, but its pretty cool.
God Bless,
- September 4, 2007 at 6:55 PM
Oh, the good old days . . . my youngest is now 19-1/2 and the oldest is just about 22. Since you can't trade 'em in, you gotta love some of the stuff they come up with. 95% of the time my kids were the best in the world . . . the rest of the time, they were like everyone else's kids!!
- September 4, 2007 at 6:57 PM
- Amy said...
Just a suggestion - for your book (or a book), I would TOTALLY use "Do You Need a Fire to Build a Toilet?" as your title.
It'd be hilarious.
- September 4, 2007 at 8:11 PM
Reminds me of the time I changed my sons bed to find a lizards tail under his pillow, apparently his older sister told him if he looked after it it would grow back into another lizard. Kids you just can't help but love them.
Love the writing, makes my day seem alot brighter.
- September 4, 2007 at 9:38 PM
The doorknob in the bed is a riot. Kids are too funny. Let us know when you're gonna be on GMA!!!!
All from a Pokemon auction. Whodathunkit, huh? I think it's great.
- September 4, 2007 at 9:46 PM
just wanted to say congrats and I hope you have lots of really good deals to choose from! ;) I love when good things happen to people out of the blue....
keep making us mommies laugh! I have lots of diapers to go....
- September 4, 2007 at 10:43 PM
- VanDerHoekArt said...
That is such a crack-up! Yesterday, we had a door knob incident with our 2 year old who was "helping" daddy. He managed to put a screw into the handle of the knob that my husband was trying to attach to the door. 20 minutes later we got the screw out.
- September 4, 2007 at 11:33 PM
- Me said...
OK, so I had to know what Chicago Pizza is. Wiki had enough info and pics that I now have TWO reasons to plan a trip to the windy city (from the tropics of Australia) - Ferris Bueller AND pizza.
Thanks for sharing so much of the fun stuff, but don't forget to leave us and the media blitz so you can get that book done!
Oh, the wiki page for any others curious: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_pizza
- September 4, 2007 at 11:49 PM
- Stacey said...
Of course you need a fire to build a toilet..Duh! ;)
- September 5, 2007 at 12:34 AM
- Pattie said...
I just saw your picture with the childern on the newspaper what a cute family and you are a beautiful mom
I love your blog..i am adding it to my favorites check out mine..pattie-wardfam.blogspot.com
- September 5, 2007 at 12:50 AM
- four4now said...
I am now an official blogger - thanks to you!
I said to my husband a couple weeks ago that I needed to blog and the next day someone sent me your link.
I am the oldest of 6 children so I can totally relate to your stores.
My siblings and I have a complete blast now - we all live in the same city and I am the only one with kids....for now....BONUS!
Opps, gotta run.... 6 mo has poop up his back....
- September 5, 2007 at 7:49 AM
Dawn, you must be sleeping - I got up to read my morning laugh - and it is still yesterdays post...
I hope you enjoy your rest!
Pam (Seattle)
- September 5, 2007 at 7:56 AM
youre too funny. ive been reading your blog and love it. i can relate and only have 3kiddos.keep the stories coming(well the ones youre not putting in your books).
- September 5, 2007 at 8:12 AM
Seriously.....Write a book...You are funny like Erma Bombeck and so, so real. I laughed until I cried on the eBay post... A friend of mine got a book published... maybe I can link you up with her and she can tell you about how she did it and where she got it published.
Keep up the blog.... It is fantastic.
- September 5, 2007 at 8:30 AM
- Lynette said...
Thanks for the laugh this morning and I am glad to hear that you got your vehicle fixed. I totally agree that you should use "Do you need a fire to build a toilet" as a book title. I'd buy it in a minute.
- September 5, 2007 at 9:18 AM
- Candace Salima (LDS Nora Roberts) said...
So how did the interviews go today? Man, you must think you've been kidnapped by the alien spaceship secretly run by the media and your life has gone completely haywire!
I'm certain you did a great job today. Keep it up. You're on a heck of a ride.
In the meantime, I wanted to share: I posted this on my blog today:
"Okay, I'll admit it. Anne Bradshaw over at Not Entirely British did a really good thing and I am shamelessly borrowing from her idea of spotlighting the most amazing youth in the world. I think it is incredible what she has done and the youth that are the finalists in her contest are truly amazing. If you haven't gone to her blog yet, read about them and vote, you're going to want to do that as soon as you're done reading mine, submitting a nomination and generally recognizing that I'm the greatest blogger to ever walk the earth . . . all right, all right, you don't have to do that last part. As long as it exists in my mind I'm okay with that.
Announcing the Best Husband in the World Contest -- please check out my blog today."
Imitation is the greatest form of flattery, right?
- September 5, 2007 at 9:19 AM
- Paulette said...
I just wanted you to know that I COMPLETELY understand how kids can be. One day when my oldest son was being watched by my best friend, he and his partner in crime (her daughter) managed to do the following things in 15 minutes... They dumped 'chew' in the washer on clean clothes, put lightbulbs in the dryer and turned it on, put a whole roll of TP in the toilet and flushed, melted crayons on a burning lightbulb, spraypainted the white dog a lovely shade of pink, put the cat down the laundry chute (a bag catches the clothes in the basement) and hid my friends contacts (they have never been found). - Needless to say, anytime that our lovely kids are together we worry when things are too quiet. - I am SO glad that I am not the only one that gets to go through things like this. Sometimes I just don't understand where they come up with stuff like this. I mean, come on... Spraypainting the dog PINK. - We had no choice but to laugh. What else can you do?
Thank you for making my days a little brighter during a pretty dark time (I am going through a pretty nasty divorce). You are a great writer and obviously a wonderful mom. Keep it up because when you get your book written, I will definitely be first in line to get one!
- September 5, 2007 at 9:26 AM
- omystarling said...
We don't mind you are 'holding back the good stuff'. You still make me laugh daily.
Can't wait for the book.
- September 5, 2007 at 9:27 AM
- B.R.M said...
Thanks for the laugh.
- September 5, 2007 at 9:57 AM
I'm afraid I may be one of the ones to blame for the GMA call... As soon as I read the Pokemon auction, I forwarded it to the GMA producers and said they HAD to have you on the show. I didn't in a million years think they actually read what people send. But apparently, I wasn't the only one - and I'm sure the Chicago Tribune article helped!
I'm not even a mom, but as a struggling writer myself, I LOVE your work! Alas, as of yet, I can only DREAM that I will be on GMA one day promoting a book! But because of you, I have hope! (I'm even thinking of re-starting my own blog!) Anyway, Congrats!!!!!
Crystal in TX
P.S. I can't even fathom the stress this instant fame brings, but think of all the moms you are helping by sharing your little anecdotes. What a blessing to be able to share your gift with the world!
- September 5, 2007 at 11:37 AM
- Mike & Courtney said...
That was hysterical to read...and a bit frightening since my first kid is due to arrive Nov. 30th. Now I REALLY feel under prepared.
For some reason I pictured you as Lynette on Desperate Housewives when I read your blog and eBay listing.
Mike Glynn
Blog: www.thehumanglynnproject.org
- September 5, 2007 at 12:27 PM
- Marlene said...
I really enjoy your posts. Good luck with everthing. Marlene
- September 5, 2007 at 12:41 PM
Thank you for yet another great laugh. I am addicted to your blog and check it every day. It is a wonderful reminder that the vocation of motherhood isn't always such drudgery, it's much more exciting than that! Seriously though it helps me remember why I love being a mommy so much.
Your husband fixing your van reminded me of when mine cleans (rearranges) the garage.
I loved your Tribune article and was so pleased at the thought of having a soul sista out there! I also heard your interview with Spike the other day...boy did he sound scripted I have to say. Maybe some people just don't get it.
Keep up all your hysterical writing; you are keeping so many mommies out there afloat! ;)
- September 5, 2007 at 1:21 PM
- B's Blog said...
You don't have time to read more congratulations, but congratulations anyway. You made it to LATVIA!
- September 5, 2007 at 1:34 PM
- Emily said...
Good Job on getting your van running again. I love your blog, I read it everyday. It really makes me smile and I have a better day and I don't stress over the little things with my daughter. I try to make the most out of the trials. Thanks so much.
- September 5, 2007 at 2:08 PM
WOW! And all over the Ebay thing right? I have 4, and 2 dogs (like 6 right) and I can't get a witty thing down. It all comes out sounding like I am stupid and can't proof read.
- September 5, 2007 at 2:48 PM
- tales_from_the_crib said...
um, only if you're making s'mores?
- September 5, 2007 at 3:25 PM
- Blue Momma said...
I've been getting tons of hits all coming from your blog. Thanks to you and More from BlogHer!
Oh, and I mean tons for me, not tons like you get - which really are tons!!!
Great blog, by the way!!! And 14 brain cells left? I'm surprised you have even one! You're a lot tougher than I am!
- September 5, 2007 at 3:37 PM
- Michelle said...
Congrats on getting the van fixed...your car post really brought back some memories! Now our only problem is that one of belts let out an earsplitting screech whenever we start the car :) Yes, our mechanic would fix it for free, but I haven't dragged myself over there yet (it's been a couple months...).
- September 5, 2007 at 4:07 PM
- Out on a Limb said...
FWIW, yes, you do need fire to make a toilet. We watched an episode of "How It's Made" (on the Discovery Channel, hosted by John Ratzenberg...er I can't remember his full last name) that showed the details of toilet manufacturing. They are fired in a kiln. So there you go. Find that episode and I'm sure "Spaz" will be mesmorized for the whole 7 minute segment...my own Spaz was.
- September 5, 2007 at 4:44 PM
- mumple said...
You're hilarious!
We just have 2 kids--18 yr old Toad and 5 yr old Howler; I can't imagine more than doubling their powers.
Thanks for the laugh!
- September 5, 2007 at 5:15 PM
- onetallmomma said...
A jar of pickles has disappeared from my fridge (I am afraid to even ask where it may be), my 9 year old son wants to spit on his sister for ratting him out and I just ran out of wine. And you made me laugh. Thank you.
I am a new reader but a huge fan. I wish you nothing but the best. Please keep making us laugh. You help us find the joy in raising children.
- September 5, 2007 at 6:04 PM
Okay... I am still laughing. I have permenantly added you to my blog and I am so glad that I did. I have a mere two children. Both boys. I guess I just couldn't handle being outnumbered. My hats off to you being able to raise your six children and be able to laugh at the end of the day (not to mention fold laundry). Can't wait to read more adventures about the 6 pack kids!
- September 5, 2007 at 7:02 PM
Your kids sound like normal healthy bright kids, I wouldn't worry about making them sound horrible. They are just acting like kids.
Your son's door knob attachment sounds just like my son, he slept with a ball valve for about two weeks. He took it everywhere with him. We decided that this year we were going to do his Christmas shopping at Home Depot.
I'm so excited for your new found fame. I hope it leaves you enough time to do your writing and everything, but I'm sure if you could make this a career, it would help out your family. Good luck and good work.
- September 5, 2007 at 7:17 PM
- M said...
Thank you so much for the laughs! It's been a bad week ( you know, the kind where your 5 year old is sick and thinks that walking backward to the bathroom will keep the diarrhea from dripping out of his underwear), topped off by some bad news this morning that made me both very sad and very angry at someone I love very much. I knew you'd make me laugh out loud, and you did. THANK YOU!! I love the Gilda pic!
- September 7, 2007 at 9:37 AM
Please let us know when you're on GMA! I love your stuff! I have only 1 adopted child, but I keep a journal of her "Tabitha-isms" like when we pulled up to the car wash and she asked, "What are we going to do here?" They keep us laughing!
- September 7, 2007 at 7:51 PM
I have to say that with all this attention you will have absolutely no problem at all getting a book published or maybe getting a column in a newspaper! Keep up the good work...or maybe we should be thanking your kids for their endless entertainment! Now get to work on that book!
- September 10, 2007 at 12:27 PM


text:
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Disney Day Two
The highlight for the little kids was this flying triceratops ride (like the Dumbo ride). They went on it 5 times and smiled from ear to ear each time. :) Austin, Jackson, Joe and I all braved Expedition Everest. That was one fun roller coaster! Yeti, yeti, yeti, yeti, yeti! (Sorry, I just had a Backyardigans moment.) Austin, Savannah, Lexi and I loved the Dinosaur ride. It freaked me out the first time, but I went a second time and it was pretty cool. You know, if you like whipping around corners in the dark while flesh-eating dinosaurs chase you and meteorites rain down on you.
We also saw Finding Nemo the Musical because, according to Austin, a billboard stated it was a "must see show", therefore we must see it. It was pretty good. Brooklyn fell asleep before the show started and Clay was getting a little bored at that point so he kept playing with Brooklyn's hair and arm while she snoozed. What are big brothers for?
We decided to make it an early day and left the park by 5:30. We let the kids swim for a little bit and now everyone's getting ready for bed. We want to get up early tomorrow so we don't miss one minute of family fun at WallyWorld!
Posted by Dawn at 6:54 PM
33 comments:
- HeidiV said...
Were you able to see the Lion King show? Did you try the train? The animal hospital that the train takes you to is incredible!
Have fun at Magic tomorrow! It's the best fun! Start out in Fantasy Land in the am. It's not so busy then. Also get your autographs at Mickey's ToonTown Fair instead of the front of the park. It's faster, airconditioned and less crowded! Also check the show times guide for sneaky spots to catch other characters!
Have a waffle bowl sundae during the parade! They are SO good!
- October 19, 2008 at 8:03 PM
- A Whole Lot of Nothing said...
I can't believe you too that pic at Animal Kingdom!
And Brooklyn. That's music to my eyes.
- October 19, 2008 at 8:40 PM
Oh yeah...the Bugs Life show. My little one is weird, so she thought it was cool to be spit on by bugs. Go figure.
Glad you're having so much fun! Wish we were there, too!
- October 19, 2008 at 8:40 PM
- Keri Jackson said...
Yes, that Bug's Life show is SCARY! My 2 kids 5 and 2 1/2 at the time were crying too. I think they should have a big sign out front that warns you. If they do, we missed it!
- October 19, 2008 at 8:41 PM
- Melissa said...
My daughter, who was 7 at the time, was afraid of the bug show too!! I think it was the spiders! You picked a great time to come to Florida, it's not super super hot!! Have fun!
- October 19, 2008 at 8:59 PM
- Michelle said...
Oooo, good info on Animal Kingdom, although I don't think we would have gone there anyway. Tomorrow is DEFINITELY a pool day for us. Mister Man was too tired today to even try to do the pool (ummm he's never in his life refused the pool before. EVER.). Good luck at the Magic Kingdom. I'll wait for your tips for when we try to hit it later in the week ;) Are you going to go there just one day? Oh, and are the kids still clamoring for Discovery Cove, or have they discovered that yeah, there are other cool things in Orlando? :)
- October 19, 2008 at 9:06 PM
- tonya5015 said...
we went on a trip to disney world 3 years ago and it was sooo fun. we spent 5 days there going to the different parks and each night the kids looked just like brooklyn did in the last picture.
- October 19, 2008 at 9:06 PM
poor baby she must of been exhausted
- October 19, 2008 at 9:25 PM
- CINDY BOKMA said...
Ever since meeting you last week, Ive been checking out your blog! Wish you lived here in Southern California...
have fun tomorrow!
- October 19, 2008 at 10:13 PM
- labdogs42 said...
Good choice going to the AK on Sunday! My kid has been traumatized by that bug movies, too. FYI, now that they have seen that one, you'll want to skip all of the other 3D movies, too (at least for the little kids)! Especially Honey I shrunk the Audience -- I think it is the only one scarier than the bug one! Have a great trip -- I am a total Disney junkie, so I'm totally loving your trip report right now!
- October 19, 2008 at 10:23 PM
- VanDerHoekArt said...
Isn't it amazing how some "kid shows" are so scary that they end up crying in the middle of them? My son freaked out at Disneyland's show "Honey I Shrunk The Audience" and we had to leave. It wouldn't have been so surprising but a Disneyland employee recommended it specifically for our boy who was 2 1/2 at the time. She must not have any kids.
Hope you all are having a great time!
- October 19, 2008 at 11:05 PM
Hope ya'll get to see It's A Small World. Brooklyn will love that. Mine always did. I don't know if they still have the electric parade, but that is really neat. You have to stay late for that. Hope everyone stays healthy and you have a great week.
- October 19, 2008 at 11:42 PM
- Ted and/or Laura said...
so now I have yeti yeti yeti yeti running through my head precisely as they say it in Backyardagins...so I say to you "STOMP STOMP STOMP doing the yeti stomp"
So there :p
Have fun at Disney, we spent $XYZ and spent the whole time at the Winnie the Pooh playground. You know, the one that looks pretty similar to the playground at home where we can go for free.
- October 20, 2008 at 12:29 AM
Sounds like you are having fun! Cool!!
SSO question for you: How did you decide to pull the kids out of school for a week for a vacation? My parents want to take us on a vacation, but want us to pull the kids out of school to go. I am struggling with this notion. Thanks!
- October 20, 2008 at 5:42 AM
Love the picture of Brooklyn hard out! That's when you know you've been a good mom and worn them out completely and you have a bit of down time. :) Of course when I do that to my kids, I am so pooped, I crash too.
Anita in Indiana
- October 20, 2008 at 6:46 AM
LOL! It's Rough to be a Bug traumatized my little boy too! We had to leave pretty quickly because his terrified screams were deafening people for 3 rows on either side of us! I have to admit it WAS a little scary for me too!
- October 20, 2008 at 8:10 AM
- stgoebel said...
See... that's the beauty of having 6 kids... you can sleep through anything!!!! HILARIOUS!! Of course, I think my favorite part is the fact that you captured the moment (72 seconds of it!) for us all to see!!
- October 20, 2008 at 9:40 AM
- Brenda said...
Brooke knows how to relax. I like that.
- October 20, 2008 at 10:15 AM
- Cassie said...
You guys chose the perfect time to come to Florida. Glad the weather is being cooperative for you. If you haven't already gone to MGM, you need to check out the Car show on the back lot near the muppets, they show you how they do the car stunts in movies, and Herbie makes a surprise visit, my hubby and son love it and I actually thought it was pretty neat.
- October 20, 2008 at 10:19 AM
I like the new site. Thanks to everyone else for pointing out that it's a fridge. It would have been months before I realized that.
The picture of you and the kids...it seems like you just had it done but already they look so different and so much older! Hope you're having a great time at Disney World.
P.S. (Let us know how the SafetyTats work with all the swimming, sunscreen, etc.)
- October 20, 2008 at 11:40 AM
It sounds like you are all having a blast! I love Disney World and have found the best time to go is after Thanksgiving to a week before Christmas. They have all the decorations up, the fewest vistors of the year/shortest lines, and the cheapest ticket/hotel prices. If you ever decide to go again try a Christmas time trip!
- October 20, 2008 at 12:27 PM
- ummmhello said...
Sorry, haven't been around but I LOVE LOVE LOVE your page remodel!!!!!!!!!!
- October 20, 2008 at 2:33 PM
- MaBunny said...
Sounds like a lot of fun.. lovin the pic of Brooklyn absolutely passed out.
- October 20, 2008 at 3:23 PM
Dawn, PLEASE don't feel bad about the bug show! I went to Disney World with my family when my son was 13 and my daughter was 10. My son was sitting in the row in front of us because we could only find 3 seats in a row next to each other. When the "bees" came into the room all of a sudden I found him sitting on my lap!!! His younger sister got a kick out of that one :)
- October 20, 2008 at 5:34 PM
- Keeley said...
Awww, poor little Brooklyn.
Sounds like you were having a wonderful day. =)
That pink think above the cute pictures of Brooklyn on the bed is nifty.
- October 20, 2008 at 7:33 PM
OH GREAT!!!! now with the "Twitter" , I am even more addicted to your site! Oh well the laundry can wait!!
Thanks Dawn!!!
- October 20, 2008 at 7:56 PM
- Lynne's Somewhat Invented Life said...
When Brooklyn is "out" she is out! Too funny, Clay.
I'm glad you are having such a great time. You deserve it.
- October 20, 2008 at 8:38 PM
- Mom to 4 said...
It looks like you guys are having a great time. At least it wore the kids out! I can't wait to see what you all do tomorrow. I have to live vicariously thru you all, since I will never make it to Disney at the rate I'm going.
- October 20, 2008 at 9:30 PM
- Donna said...
I can totally see my son doing the same thing to his little sister. We're planning on taking them in another year or two. Have an awesome time! Give Mickey a hug for me!
- October 20, 2008 at 9:59 PM
it made my husband and i both laugh to read about your kids' reaction to that bug show in animal kingdom. we saw that 3 years ago, when our oldest was 2, and that was THE attraction that he couldn't handle. he took his 3-D glasses off and whimpered a lot. i don't think he really remembers it, but i'm sure it could be dredged up with hypnosis some day.
- October 20, 2008 at 11:15 PM
It's a little sad that the "yeti yeti YEEEETI" thing popped into my head before I even read that you went there... Ahh, life with a toddler.
- October 21, 2008 at 6:58 AM
- On Stage said...
That Bug show totally sucks! They should have warnings posted all over for that one. My kids were so frightened by the show that they haven't stopped talking about it for the last 11 months. I, too, can see them at a therapist 20 years from now... "and then the stink bug let loose..."
- October 21, 2008 at 7:46 PM
- mbrassfield said...
This will sound crazy, but I took my 4 year old to Disney World this year and she went on Expedition Everest. She is very tall for a 4 year old. She loves rollercoasters and is practically fearless. While she was on the ride the look on her face showed she was completely scared, after we got off she said it was fun, but didn't want to go again. Now when you ask her she say's the Yeti ride was her favorite one.
- October 24, 2008 at 9:29 PM


text:
If you live outside of Los Angeles, you might not have heard of singer Irene Diaz. The 26-year-old L.A. native stunned concertgoers at the Latin Alternative Music Conference in New York City last month with her powerful, silky voice and heartfelt lyrics. She's just released her first EP, I Love You Madly, a noirish set of songs that begins with the whir of a film projector starting up. She spoke about it with NPR's Don Gonyea; click the audio link to hear their conversation.
If you're just joining us, this is WEEKENDS on ALL THINGS CONSIDERED from NPR News. I'm Don Gonyea. And it's time now for music.
IRENE DIAZ: (Singing) Baby, I've got you on my mind.
GONYEA: If you live outside of Los Angeles, you might not have heard of singer Irene Diaz. The 26-year-old L.A. native surprised concertgoers at the Latin American Music Conference in New York City last month with her powerful, silky voice and heartfelt lyrics. She has her first EP out. That stands for Extended Play. The title, "I Love You Madly." It contains five-and-a-half tracks that take the listener on a journey through a relationship.
She joins us from our studios in L.A. Irene Diaz, welcome to the program.
DIAZ: Yes, thank you for having me.
GONYEA: So we're listening right now to the title track of your EP. It's called "I Love You Madly."
DIAZ: Mm-hmm.
GONYEA: What was that sound at the top? It sounded like an old film projector or something.
DIAZ: Mm-hmm. My idea for the EP, I wanted to make it more of like a listening experience, and so that's why I begin with the film reel. And then by the end of the last track, there's like the end of the film reel.
GONYEA: So it's like a little movie.
DIAZ: Yeah.
DIAZ: (Singing) We were made for fun. We laugh and sing under the sun. The moon shines bright, and we get it all. And I love you madly.
GONYEA: So you had a very big and important performance at the Latin Alternative Music Conference last month. There was a lot of buzz - buzz over your big voice. But there hasn't been a great deal of press about you until recently.
DIAZ: There hasn't.
GONYEA: And I think anyone who hears your voice will wonder where have you been all of this time?
DIAZ: I played a lot of open mics. And I'm pretty shy, so it took me a lot longer to get my music out. And I spent a lot of time writing over the years and just, you know, being in my bedroom and seeing what I could come up with and listening to different artists like Nina Simone and Ella Fitzgerald and just being inspired by women like that.
GONYEA: Well, let's listen to a bit of another track. Here is "Crazy Love."
DIAZ: (Singing) See, the days are so good, and the nights are so sweet. Baby you put me in the mood.
"Crazy Love," it's just about true, honest love. Like, I'll be there for you through everything. It's like vows.
DIAZ: (Singing) I can't get enough. No, I'll never get enough of you, my love. See, I'll follow you through the bluest of days.
GONYEA: So you said you were shy.
GONYEA: I do not hear a shy woman singing this particular song.
DIAZ: Oh, wow. I don't know. Before I perform, I'm just like, oh, my God, my stomach's turning. And it's just like, oh, my gosh. But once I start singing, it just feels great.
GONYEA: Given your shyness, how did you sit down in front of an audience for the first time to sing? How did that happen?
DIAZ: With my eyes closed.
GONYEA: Seriously.
DIAZ: Seriously.
DIAZ: I grew up going to church, and I had my first opportunity to play one of the songs I wrote. And I was nervous as heck.
GONYEA: We found out about you through that showcase. You talked about it, the Latin American Music Conference.
DIAZ: Mm-hmm.
GONYEA: But there does not seem to be any obvious nods to Latin culture or Latin music in your songs.
DIAZ: Mm-hmm.
GONYEA: Has it been easier to market your music through this genre as opposed to, oh, you know, soul or neo soul or one of those others that really does seem to fit your style?
DIAZ: Mm-hmm. I've been really well accepted by Latinos. And, you know, I look Latina, but I'm not fluent in Spanish. And I think there's a lot of people like me, and we have a lot to say and we have a lot to sing about, you know? And I think my music transcends to everyone.
GONYEA: So in addition to singing, you play the piano.
DIAZ: Mm-hmm.
GONYEA: That features very prominently in this EP, especially in the half track. This is a five-and-a-half track EP. That half track is called "Interlude."
DIAZ: Yes.
GONYEA: Let's listen, and then I want you to talk about it.
DIAZ: That "Interlude" is basically putting you in a position for the - what's to come, which is like, it's kind of like taking you down a rabbit hole. It starts off with "Crazy Love" chords.
DIAZ: And then it goes into medleys of every song in the EP in that little section.
GONYEA: And it's a darker piece of music...
DIAZ: Yes. Yes, it is.
GONYEA: ...than "Crazy."
DIAZ: Mm-hmm.
GONYEA: And then it goes right into the next track, which is "I Am Woman."
DIAZ: Mm-hmm.
GONYEA: Let's hear the transition.
GONYEA: That's a transition.
DIAZ: (Singing) Said I am woman, you are man.
"I Am Woman" is just basically enough - I've had enough of somebody taking advantage of me.
GONYEA: Where does it come from?
DIAZ: I'm very much into, like, environment and stuff. I wanted to make a voice for a planet to, like, humankind. And I was influenced by that, but it could go for women as well being tired of, you know, being taken advantage of a man.
GONYEA: I understand what you're saying, but this does not feel political.
DIAZ: Yeah. It's very sneaky.
DIAZ: (Singing) (Unintelligible)
GONYEA: You talk about these songs taking us on a journey telling a story. People don't listen to music that way so much anymore.
DIAZ: I know.
GONYEA: They'll load these into their iPod or their iPhone or their whatever and hit shuffle, and they'll come up. Is that OK?
DIAZ: I don't think so. I think we need to take time and sit down and listen to music. I don't think we do that enough anymore. But a lot of artists, you know, we put so much time, and we put so much thought and put our hearts into our music. And to just pick and choose, you know, it's kind of sad.
GONYEA: That's Irene Diaz. Her EP is called "I Love You Madly" and was just released at the beginning of the month. Irene, thanks for speaking with us.
DIAZ: Thank you.
GONYEA: Can't wait to hear what's next.
DIAZ: Thank you so much.
DIAZ: (Singing) You fill out my day with songs...
GONYEA: And for Saturday that's WEEKENDS on ALL THINGS CONSIDERED from NPR News. I'm Don Gonyea. Check out our weekly podcast. Search for WEEKENDS on ALL THINGS CONSIDERED on iTunes or on the NPR smartphone app. Click on Programs and scroll down. We're back on the radio tomorrow. Until then, thanks for listening and have a great night. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


text:
Any Cheesecake Factory lovers out here? Yes? Really the only reason I go there is for the crabcakes and then a big dessert. Small meal, big dessert. And personally I love the way they keep their restaurant so clean and shiny (cleanest bathrooms too). You know what cracks me up? They have a weight management menu, I mean seriously, The Cheesecake Factory and a diet menu are like an oxymoron. But hey you have to give them credit for appealing to all types.
They have the best tasting banana cheesecake. I have yet to find a similiar great tasting banana cheesecake, and they serve it with freshly chopped bananas. They do need a bit of help on their whipping cream though--it's really not that fresh tasting, does taste like it came out of a can. But that's ok, since I love the banana cheesecake so much. I have tried like the devil to recreate their banana cheesecake at home with no luck. On my last failed attempt I made these little gems. I'm still on my coconut kick so I had to add it to the base for these bars and I also wanted to add in some rum, but was afraid so I made rum-soaked cherries. Rum, can be at times a little overpowering, so I didn't want to chance it and ruin the cheesecake, after all all that cream cheese is expensive, so I added the rum to the cherries instead. It was a nice little hint of rum.
And if you do make this, make sure to grease your pans/tins. I forgot and it was impossible getting them out. Impossible. (as you can see in this photo the edges are frayed).
What is your favorite cheesecake?
banana-coconut cheesecake bars w/ rum soaked cherries
print recipe
for the base:
Butter, for greasing pan or tarts
2 tablespoons sugar
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
9 graham crackers
¼ cup of dried coconut flakes (not the sweetened/moist kind)
1 stick unsalted butter, melted
for the filling:
16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
2 eggs
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 lemon, the zest of and all it's juice
1/2 cup superfine sugar
¼ cup +/- of cherries, split in half or pitted, soaked in a bit of dark rum (soaked overnight is best)
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
Make sure to pit your cherries, slice them in half, place in a bowl and sprinkle with a bit of dark rum; just a coating. Cover and store in fridge until ready to use; they should marinate overnight or at least 5 hours.
The base:
Grease the bottom of a mini cheesecake square tart pans or muffins pans (or you could use a 9 by 9-inch baking pan) with butter. Spray with non-stick cooking spray. In a food processor, process the sugar, cinnamon, and graham crackers until you have the texture of bread crumbs. Then add in, by hand the coconut and mix.
Add the melted butter and pulse a couple of times to fully incorporate.
Scoop out the mixture and press into the tart pans or baking pans. Make sure to press down good and get into all the corners. I used a small spoon for the corners of the mini tart pans.
Bake in the oven for 12 minutes until golden. When done set aside to cool.
The filling:
Add cream cheese, eggs, mashed banana(s), lemon zest, lemon juice and sugar to the food processor and mix until well combined; you want a nice smooth, lump-free consistency. I then transferred the mixture to a pouring cup and poured the mixture on top of the cooled graham base.
Gently put about 3-4 of the rum soaked cherries on the top of each of the mini tarts—don't push them down, just let them sit on the top. They might sink a little during cooking. Bake in the oven for 35 minutes, rotating pan halfway through or until the center only slightly jiggles. The baking time might be more if you are using a pan. The square tarts that I used only took 35 minutes. But I could have gotten away with cooking them 30 minutes as they were a little over-done.
Remove from the oven and cool completely before refrigerating for at least 3 hours.
Once set, they should remove easily from pan. If using the 9 x 9 pan, cut them into rectangular bars. Dust with powdered sugar.


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Apple Readies New MacBook Air Batteries
July 1, 2009
Apple is extremely secretive about its products. It has gone to great lengths to prevent news from leaking, even taking the unorthodox approach of killing leaks sites.
However, it can only keep secrets so long, as its firmware often reveals what loose lips do not. Apple Insider noted today that the 625K update Mac OS X 10.5.7 for the MacBook Air contains firmware tweaks to the logic board that controls the power functions, thermal management, the sleep LED, and battery.
Apple confirmed that the firmware update was to work with a new series of internal MacBook Air replacement batteries. Like the previous batteries, the new ones would not be user replaceable, and are only able to be officially replaced by Apple repair depots and other Apple authorized service repair centers.
The company has said it is increasingly using advanced chemistry and adaptive charging to prolong battery life. The battery design from the MacBook Air has been replicated in the new MacBook Pros. This in turn has transition the MacBook Pros from having user replaceable batteries, to having much harder to replace internal batteries. The tradeoff gain has been a substantially improved battery life.
Apple leads the mobile PC industry in battery life, though part of that is thanks to the notebook's EFI (BIOS replacement), which is tweaked for OS X. Apple has been rumored for some time now to be on the verge of bringing silver-zinc batteries to the market. Silver-zinc batteries feature a greater capacity than lithium ones and are nonflammable, however, the high price of silver has kept them off the laptop market thus far.
This post has been written by Jason Mick on June 30, 2009 7:05 PM couresy of dailytech.com.