See this? This is every parent's perfect moment.

Oh sure, on the surface it looks innocent enough: a boy named Gutsy celebrating his 4th birthday at a hokey, Western-themed restaurant with a giant moose hat on. How cute. How innocent-looking. How memorable.

By memorable I mean we'll be able to pull this picture out in ten or so years when he gives us attitude in front of friends, when he won't do as he's told and his girlfriend is coming to dinner, on his wedding day and a treasure trove of other occasions I'm highly anticipating. It's future payback in blackmail material. Let's see who doesn't shovel the driveway now. Hah!

Gutsy's birthday weekend was great, as I've mentioned before. There are several pictures of him, Intrepid and wee Spawnling on my Flickr page. We even ran into some family members we haven't seen in ages at the restaurant, including an adorable little baby. Nothing says 'Hi, haven't seen you in a while! How are you?', like your child standing on a bench with moose antlers on his head. Even my kids are attention whores. Apparently it's genetic.

This no caffeine thing is cruel and unusual punishment in New Mother World. Just wanted to share that. When I don't get enough sleep at night I actually feel tired during the day. That's so wrong I don't even know where to start.

Speaking of wrong, have I mentioned I think I'm developing a peanut allergy? I guess my body figured raw onions were a wussy, easily avoidable allergy, so it had to throw in peanuts. So not only am I a caffeine-free Maven, but now I'm also processed in a peanut-free factory. I may still contain nuts or traces of nuts, however - it's only been a few days of peanut avoidance.

This pathetically hilarious development came about last week when I was hanging out at The Madre's house eating peanut butter cookies. After having a couple, my bottom lip started to itch and burn. Then I got these itchy bumps that looked suspiciously like hives on my chin; two of them that disappeared about twenty minutes later. Since this was the second time it happened - well, the lip part anyway, the hives were brand new - I decided I shouldn't touch another peanut until I see an allergist.

There are a handful of people on the planet (and I'm probably underestimating) that don't like me for whatever reason. I wronged them somehow, hurt their feelings, walked through their garden instead of using the cobblestone path, or whathaveyou. I take full ownership of my bitchiness and other shortcomings, so they needn't think I deny their accusations. Have you read my blog? I'm walking, talking idiocy. Hence, if the news reaches them that I need to boycott two of my favourite things - caffeine and peanuts - it should put a nice, vindicative smile on their faces. Smile on, Anti-Mavens, smile on. I really do deserve life's little bitchslaps. It keeps me humble. Sort of.

I'm absolutely wiped. I just came back from a board meeting for Aerik's music academy. More specifically, the non-profit organization that is linked to the academy. Surprisingly, I received thanks for making the meeting despite Spawnling's recent earthside arrival, then shock when I explained that I'm on two other committees as well and that this is baby gremlin's third board meeting.

I shrugged off the 'You're amazing comments' with a smile and a laugh. Silly mortals. They obviously don't understand. Board meetings are a break. I get to sit at a table with other adults who gladly offer to take my baby when he isn't sleeping peacefully in his chair to begin with. I get to leave my louder children at home, discuss adult things, drink coffee (decaf *pout*) and not smell like a cow in the desert because I showered before going.

Board meetings are bliss. They're like Disney to me right now: the most magical place on earth.

Now I must get my tired self upstairs and get some sleep. We resume speech therapy tomorrow. The vacay's been nice, but now I get the joy of herding three children into a tiny waiting room.

With no coffee. Good lord.

Someone pass me the peanuts.