Aiden just came inside. He told me he'd gone for a run around the neighborhood while the kids and the hubs were outside biking. Camryn had even let him borrow her iPod for his run.
He told me he really likes the iPod and the manner in which he revealed this information leads me to believe he would love to own an iPod of his own.
(Right, bud. Riiiiiight...)
But he also told me that he really, **REALLY** likes one song in particular on Camryn's iPod.
Copacabana.
The.kid.is.just.like.his.momma.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
7 blue, 2 orange
I opened a small pack of m&ms and that's what came out.
I've never seen fewer than 3 colors in a pack.
It was weird.
And what's even stranger is that orange and blue are the colors of Auburn University, my favorite-ist NCAA team in the universe.
::SHIVER::
Blows my mind. Way too X-Files for me tonight.
(I ate 'em anyway.)
Friday, March 20, 2009
Friday Fill Ins 3/20
1. Why do we have to keep doing homework? I thought all that was over when I graduated from college. And yet I spent the week helping Aiden do his Living History Museum project on Francis Marion. I felt like it was MY homework! The kid HATES projects.
2. Checking nutrition labels and avoiding sugar and refined starches are now habits. YEA! I do miss sugar a teensy bit, but for the most part I love the Sugar Busters diet. I feel so much better physically.
3. I have no respect for Senator Christopher Dodd right now. Buck passing fool. "The treasury made me do it!" Yeah, right.
4. I had never heard the phrase "I'll happily do that for you right now, Mommy!" and it probably won't be said by any of my children in the near future, but a Mom can hope! There's always a video game to be paused ("just let me get to the next level!") or a TV show that needs a commercial break, or something else pressing to be done when I need help.
5. I'll pick up the kids today the way I always do. I feel like I spend half of my life in the car. Good thing it has a killer sound system.
6. How was I to know that Aiden was supposed to have a map on his project board? I just read that and I'm afraid we didn't put one on there. Oops!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to taking a long bath. Tomorrow my plans include hanging out with the kids all day and church at night and Sunday, I want to stay in my PJs until we have to go to community group at 4:30.
2. Checking nutrition labels and avoiding sugar and refined starches are now habits. YEA! I do miss sugar a teensy bit, but for the most part I love the Sugar Busters diet. I feel so much better physically.
3. I have no respect for Senator Christopher Dodd right now. Buck passing fool. "The treasury made me do it!" Yeah, right.
4. I had never heard the phrase "I'll happily do that for you right now, Mommy!" and it probably won't be said by any of my children in the near future, but a Mom can hope! There's always a video game to be paused ("just let me get to the next level!") or a TV show that needs a commercial break, or something else pressing to be done when I need help.
5. I'll pick up the kids today the way I always do. I feel like I spend half of my life in the car. Good thing it has a killer sound system.
6. How was I to know that Aiden was supposed to have a map on his project board? I just read that and I'm afraid we didn't put one on there. Oops!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to taking a long bath. Tomorrow my plans include hanging out with the kids all day and church at night and Sunday, I want to stay in my PJs until we have to go to community group at 4:30.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Thursday Thunks, 3/19
Thursday Thunks
1. The last flight of stairs you walked up/down - were they carpeted?
Probably? I tend to block out all instances of physical extertion, so I can't be 100% sure.
2. Green or purple grapes?
Green ones, please. When I was about 10 weeks pregnant with Camryn, Stan and I drove from our house in SC all the way to Captiva Island, Florida. It took us 2 days. We had a cooler that plugged into the car, and in the cooler I had packed green grapes and orange juice (whatever else was in it, I can't remember... but it was darn full of grapes and OJ!) I had such cravings for fresh fruit during that pregnancy!
3. Do you like Peeps?
No. Call me unAmerican. I just can't stomach them.
4. The smell of Vicks - like it?
It reminds me of my grandmother. If I was ever sick while I was staying at her house, she slathered me with the Vicks at night. Blech. I like the smell, but getting all lubed up with Vicks VapoRub is not a fond memory.
5. Do you put decorative cling-ons on your windows for different holidays?
Do I live in a preschool?
6. Finish the sentence - I spent too much money on ________ .
Fraggle Rock collectibles (not really, but you're TOTALLY singing "Down at Fraggle Rock!" now, aren't you?!?)
7. Which celebrity should be flown into outer space or placed on a desert island?
Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, together.
8. Would you support schools changing the "open" time? Such as 10am - 5pm, for example?
No. I like it the way it is. Yes, it's a pain to get up early, but the kids go to bed around 8:15. I like them going to bed at that time, because it gives me about 3-4 hours of calm silence. If school started later or ended later it would cut into that time. It's all about me, ya know.
9. Do you go fishing?
For what?
Compliments, yes.
Actual fish, no.
1. The last flight of stairs you walked up/down - were they carpeted?
Probably? I tend to block out all instances of physical extertion, so I can't be 100% sure.
2. Green or purple grapes?
Green ones, please. When I was about 10 weeks pregnant with Camryn, Stan and I drove from our house in SC all the way to Captiva Island, Florida. It took us 2 days. We had a cooler that plugged into the car, and in the cooler I had packed green grapes and orange juice (whatever else was in it, I can't remember... but it was darn full of grapes and OJ!) I had such cravings for fresh fruit during that pregnancy!
3. Do you like Peeps?
No. Call me unAmerican. I just can't stomach them.
4. The smell of Vicks - like it?
It reminds me of my grandmother. If I was ever sick while I was staying at her house, she slathered me with the Vicks at night. Blech. I like the smell, but getting all lubed up with Vicks VapoRub is not a fond memory.
5. Do you put decorative cling-ons on your windows for different holidays?
Do I live in a preschool?
6. Finish the sentence - I spent too much money on ________ .
Fraggle Rock collectibles (not really, but you're TOTALLY singing "Down at Fraggle Rock!" now, aren't you?!?)
7. Which celebrity should be flown into outer space or placed on a desert island?
Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, together.
8. Would you support schools changing the "open" time? Such as 10am - 5pm, for example?
No. I like it the way it is. Yes, it's a pain to get up early, but the kids go to bed around 8:15. I like them going to bed at that time, because it gives me about 3-4 hours of calm silence. If school started later or ended later it would cut into that time. It's all about me, ya know.
9. Do you go fishing?
For what?
Compliments, yes.
Actual fish, no.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Have a Pepsi and a Smile...
I have to give Pepsi props for the cute ad campaign, but we're in the SOUTH, y'all.
We don't call it SODA.
We don't say POP.
If it's carbonated, it's COKE. Even if it's Pepsi.
Which I guess wouldn't be a good marketing campaign for Pepsico.
The billboard made me chuckle anyway.
And I just about had a wreck trying to capture it on the iPhone.
Monday, March 16, 2009
The Tides of Trouble
Most of us, swimming against the tides of trouble the world knows nothing about, need only a bit of praise or encouragement - and we will make the goal. ~Jerome Fleishman
Today I was nominated for a "When Life Gives You Lemons" award by my friend Lindsay. I don't know what I did to deserve it, but Lindsay's award totally turned the tides of trouble for me today.
Today was doctor day for Camryn and Aiden. It's that time of year that I usually dread: annual check-up time. It's usually not so bad if no one needs shots, but with four kiddos, it's always someone's turn to be vaccinated.
Today was Camryn's turn. She thought she had until age 14 before she needed shots again, but the AMA (or whoever determines the vaccination schedule for kids) decided that the magical age for all those booster shots is now 11. Guess who just turned 11? Yep. Camryn.
It's Monday; it's raining. That's a bad enough omen right there. Camryn had to be coerced to wake up today, and she was late getting out to the car (I limited myself to two separate blasts on the car horn, but it was hard!) So you know as soon as her tushie hit the van seat she's all in-a-mood, right? It didn't get better when we got to the doctor's office, either. In fact, it was in FULL force. She had the whole bangs over the eye, iPod earphones in the ears, giving-Mom-the-evil-eye routine kicked up several notches.
GUH-REAT. This is going to be a BLAST. CANNOT WAIT. Bring it.
Aiden was fine with the whole appointment. He didn't care for removing all of his clothing in exchange for the flattering paper gown, but he sucked it up and got busy playing his Nintendo DS Club Penguin game. Barely noticed the doctor when she came in. Got through the exam just fine. No big.
Camryn, on the other hand, wanted to keep the earphones in her ears while the doctor was trying to talk to her. I grabbed the cord and plucked the 'phones out of her ears and demanded she give me the iPod. That's the height of rudeness to me, and I wasn't the only one feeling that way. I sensed some irritation in the doctor's voice as well.
And it just went downhill from there. Camryn's feet were terribly stinky, and Lillian kept making rather obnoxious observations to that fact, waving her hand in front of her face and being the typical annoying 4 year-old sister. I could tell Camryn wanted to throttle Lillian. (I kinda' did, too.)
We got through the exam, and after exhorting Camryn to give up soda and start eating more vegetables the doctor said the word Camryn was dreading: VACCINATIONS. Camryn needed two, which was less than the four she had anticipated. Aiden needed one (chicken pox booster) which, when it came out of the doctor's mouth went right over Aiden's head (he was completely absorbed by Club Penguin on the DS). I breathed a sigh of relief. I could break the news to him gently.
HA.
When the doctor left the room, the first thing Camryn blurted out was, "AIDEN! Did you HEAR HER? YOU HAVE TO GET A SHOT, TOO!"
Fiddlesticks and shamrocks. CAMRYN! That wasn't something that Aiden needed to hit him full force in the face. I needed to sneak up on him with that information. Goodgooglymoogly.
And the proverbial stink hit the fan.
Aiden lost it. He doesn't like shots. He barely got through the finger prick.
I could've killed Camryn. Or just seriously wounded her. Pinched her at least.
I restrained myself.
Aiden started crying and saying, "I don't want a shot! I don't want a shot! I don't want a shot!" Poor kid didn't want a haircut last night, either, but he was starting to look like the Shaggy Dog. He got a buzz cut anyway and cried for about 45 minutes afterwards.
And now this.
The nurse finally came in with the needles. She asked, "Who wants to go first?" I told Camryn she needed to since Aiden had gone first with the exams. Camryn flat out refused. I mean, dug her heels in and shook her head and just said, "NO. Aiden has to go!" I wanted to grab her and bend her over my knee, but I was stuck. So I turned to Aiden.
He ran away.
I grabbed him and tried to wrestle him into my lap.
The boy is strong. I mean, REALLY strong.
It took me a good 3-4 minutes to get Aiden pinned down and still so he could get his shot. I've never been more embarrassed. The poor nurse just stood there, aghast. I'm sure it's a story she'll repeat many times in the course of her career.
Camryn took her two shots with no complaints. Then she asked for her iPod back.
"ABSOLUTELY FREAKIN' NOT, " I said, gritting my teeth.
Needless to say, I did not have a good morning....
...until I sat down at the computer and found Lindsay's e-mail nominating me for the "Lemons to Lemonade" award. In her nomination she said:
"Beth - from The Right Regrets. If you don't know her, I am not even sure how to describe her. I can only tell you that I have had the pleasure of meeting her IRL and she is one of the most positive and funny people I have ever known."
So thanks, Lindsay. Thank you for bringing a spot of sunshine to my day. I'm not always so positive, but thanks to good friends like you, I can find the positive amidst the negative.
And now I'm supposed to:
Post the logo on my blog. Check.
Nominate blogs that show great attitude or gratitude.
I nominated my friend Cyndi, who just always seems to find the sunshine when there's nothing but rain and my friend Brandi, who has more difficulty thrown her way than anyone really should bear, but she keeps her chin up even when I'm sure she wants to throw in the towel (and tomorrow is her birthday!).
Link to the nominees within my blog post. Check.
Notify the recipients of the award by commenting on their blog. Will do.
Share the love and link back to the person from whom you received your award. That's Lindsay, and I linked to her above, so I think I'm done!
Happy Monday, everyone!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Shhhh....
Don't say anything. It might end abruptly.
It's QUIET here.
Camryn had a sleepover party last night and the girls left around 10:30 this morning. Since then it's been very calm around here.
Camryn's been working on the laptop.
The boys are playing (together!) with Legos in their room. So far (knock on wood) there hasn't been a major disagreement. Definitely no hitting or breaches of personal space. A miracle.
Even the fish are swimming happily.
The cats are sleeping.
I have cleaned off my desk and am sitting here playing Word Hunt on Facebook (it's a newfound addiction...)
WHY is it so quiet and calm?
Lillian spent the night with Nana last night.
She's due home any minute.
I'm going to enjoy this serenity while it lasts.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Friday Fill Ins 3/13
1. When I look to the left, I see the table beside the couch. On it is an empty bowl that held the egg salad I just ate with some Wasa crackers, an almost empty glass of iced tea, my favorite lotion (Victoria's Secret Drenched in Pink Fresh & Clean), a Longaberger tissue basket missing the tissues (I used the last one yesterday), a coaster basket and a basket full of assorted stuff (nail clippers, Lego parts, a pen or two and some floss).
2. The kitchen is the room that has the best view in my home. The back of the house has nothing but land and trees; no houses are built behind us. The neighborhood walking trail is back there, and it's nice to look at. We occasionally see foxes, deer and critters that keep us guessing.
3. Let it work reminds me of the Beatles' song "Let It Be".
4. Grocery shopping can be done dirt cheap!
5. Voting is a responsibility that all qualified citizens must share.
6. If you have any Coke Rewards points, Boxtops for Education or Cambell's Labels, feel free to send them my way!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to taking Camryn and her friends out to dinner to celebrate Camryn's birthday. Tomorrow my plans include taking the kids to the library to help Aiden find books for his Living History Museum project, and going to church and Sunday, I want to relax while Stan takes the kids fishing and then taking Camryn to Old Navy for new clothes. The kid won't stop growing!
2. The kitchen is the room that has the best view in my home. The back of the house has nothing but land and trees; no houses are built behind us. The neighborhood walking trail is back there, and it's nice to look at. We occasionally see foxes, deer and critters that keep us guessing.
3. Let it work reminds me of the Beatles' song "Let It Be".
4. Grocery shopping can be done dirt cheap!
5. Voting is a responsibility that all qualified citizens must share.
6. If you have any Coke Rewards points, Boxtops for Education or Cambell's Labels, feel free to send them my way!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to taking Camryn and her friends out to dinner to celebrate Camryn's birthday. Tomorrow my plans include taking the kids to the library to help Aiden find books for his Living History Museum project, and going to church and Sunday, I want to relax while Stan takes the kids fishing and then taking Camryn to Old Navy for new clothes. The kid won't stop growing!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Missing Music, Strawberry Sausage, Thursday Thunks
I had some iTunes issues this morning. I couldn't get iTunes to recognize my iPod, so I closed iTunes and then when I tried to reopen it it wouldn't come back up. A few reboots, a little tinkering with Task Manager and some Googling solved the problem, but MAN. I was stuck! When I sit down in the office to start whatever project is on the agenda for the day, I have to have the music on. I recently redeemed my SwagBucks for a $15 iTunes gift certificate, so I downloaded a bunch of songs yesterday (not telling how many, but enough to make several mix tapes if I were still using cassettes...my iTunes cart kept getting fuller and fuller and fuller...) Anyhoo, I wanted to play what I downloaded and doggone it, iTunes just would.not.cooperate. It's fixed now. Thank goodness. All is right in my world again.
Hubby shared a Lillian funny with us last night. Driving home in the truck, he heard Lillian say, "I'm gonna pooooot!" Then shortly after that, "Here it comes!!!!" and then, in an "I'm so pleased with myself for creating such loveliness" voice, she said "Ahhhhhh..... it smells like strawberry sausage!"
That girl cracks me up. She's such a comedienne.
And now onto the Meme of the day, Thursday Thunks.
1. You are walking down the road and you look down. There is a bug. Do you step on it?
No. I'm walking away from it, so it can't bother me. I'd rather let it return to its little bug family.
2. What is one fantasy that you want to come true more than any other?
I don't have fantasies. I would like a hot tub, but that's not really a fantasy. I don't daydream about wanting one.
3. Someone knocks on your door. Do you look out the window to see who it is before you open it? Do you open it regardless of who it is?
Yes, I always look. We have a peephole on our front door (we had one at our last house because we lived on a busy road and got a lot of strangers at the door...) I don't open it if it's someone I don't know or someone I'm not expecting.
4. Have you ever eaten Play Doh?
No. I enjoy its fragrance, but it's not something I want to ingest.
5. What was your favorite Saturday morning cartoon as a child and why?
Scooby Doo. I like mysteries, and that van was just a cool ride, man. The Mystery Machine. I think I should get my van painted like that. It would really embarrass the kiddos.
6. Are you a "people watcher"?
Yes. I love watching people and traffic.
7. I have a bowl of fruit. There are apples, oranges & pears. You help yourself to one - which one do you choose?
Pears. I like oranges, but they're a lot of trouble. I like apples, but I prefer them peeled. Pears are great just like they are, though.
8. What is your biggest pet peeve in the blogging world?
Not sure I have one.
9. What is one religion that you could just never see yourself joining?
Scientology.
10. What word do you use far too often?
Actually or totally. So guilty of overusing those words, and now Lillian uses ACTUALLY all the time because she's heard it so much.
11. How long do you spend in the shower?
Less than 10 minutes. I take much shorter showers than my husband does.
12. If you were to write a personal ad about yourself, what would it say?
I can't even begin to formulate a personal ad in my head. I'd have to think longer on that one.
13. Your favorite flavor of soup is....?
Campbell's Bean with Bacon or anyone's Crab Bisque (not from a can, though). I love a good French Onion soup, too.
14. You are sitting on a bench in the park and a bug walks in front of your feet.... do you squash him?
If it's an ant, maybe. I don't want him to sting me.
Hubby shared a Lillian funny with us last night. Driving home in the truck, he heard Lillian say, "I'm gonna pooooot!" Then shortly after that, "Here it comes!!!!" and then, in an "I'm so pleased with myself for creating such loveliness" voice, she said "Ahhhhhh..... it smells like strawberry sausage!"
That girl cracks me up. She's such a comedienne.
And now onto the Meme of the day, Thursday Thunks.
1. You are walking down the road and you look down. There is a bug. Do you step on it?
No. I'm walking away from it, so it can't bother me. I'd rather let it return to its little bug family.
2. What is one fantasy that you want to come true more than any other?
I don't have fantasies. I would like a hot tub, but that's not really a fantasy. I don't daydream about wanting one.
3. Someone knocks on your door. Do you look out the window to see who it is before you open it? Do you open it regardless of who it is?
Yes, I always look. We have a peephole on our front door (we had one at our last house because we lived on a busy road and got a lot of strangers at the door...) I don't open it if it's someone I don't know or someone I'm not expecting.
4. Have you ever eaten Play Doh?
No. I enjoy its fragrance, but it's not something I want to ingest.
5. What was your favorite Saturday morning cartoon as a child and why?
Scooby Doo. I like mysteries, and that van was just a cool ride, man. The Mystery Machine. I think I should get my van painted like that. It would really embarrass the kiddos.
6. Are you a "people watcher"?
Yes. I love watching people and traffic.
7. I have a bowl of fruit. There are apples, oranges & pears. You help yourself to one - which one do you choose?
Pears. I like oranges, but they're a lot of trouble. I like apples, but I prefer them peeled. Pears are great just like they are, though.
8. What is your biggest pet peeve in the blogging world?
Not sure I have one.
9. What is one religion that you could just never see yourself joining?
Scientology.
10. What word do you use far too often?
Actually or totally. So guilty of overusing those words, and now Lillian uses ACTUALLY all the time because she's heard it so much.
11. How long do you spend in the shower?
Less than 10 minutes. I take much shorter showers than my husband does.
12. If you were to write a personal ad about yourself, what would it say?
I can't even begin to formulate a personal ad in my head. I'd have to think longer on that one.
13. Your favorite flavor of soup is....?
Campbell's Bean with Bacon or anyone's Crab Bisque (not from a can, though). I love a good French Onion soup, too.
14. You are sitting on a bench in the park and a bug walks in front of your feet.... do you squash him?
If it's an ant, maybe. I don't want him to sting me.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Dr. Quinn, Medicine Man
Camryn tripped on the rug in the laundry room on the way out the door this morning and reinjured a recently twisted ankle. She insisted that she could make it at school today, but called me around noon describing the ankle as brown and purple and very swollen. I picked her up soon after the call, but the doctor couldn't see her until 3:15 pm.
So all four kids and I went to the doctor's office. Picture it: Four children, small exam room, two chairs. Not a formula for harmony.
Given that she was the patient, Camryn took over the exam table. I put Lillian (with her crayons and coloring book) on the table next to Camryn. I took a chair, Aiden took a chair, and I told Quinn to sit on the doctor's rolling stool for the time being.
Quinn, who still has a hard time saying the letter R, settled himself onto his special seat, and after a few minutes he looked at Camryn and said, in his most medically professional voice:
"Camwyn, I'm afwaid you ah going to need some seawious suhguhwy."
Translated?
"Camryn, I'm afraid you're going to need some serious surgery."
I think I'm going to go buy Quinn an MCAT for Dummies book and let him start studying right now. He was vewwy convincing.
We just need to work on those Rs.
So all four kids and I went to the doctor's office. Picture it: Four children, small exam room, two chairs. Not a formula for harmony.
Given that she was the patient, Camryn took over the exam table. I put Lillian (with her crayons and coloring book) on the table next to Camryn. I took a chair, Aiden took a chair, and I told Quinn to sit on the doctor's rolling stool for the time being.
Quinn, who still has a hard time saying the letter R, settled himself onto his special seat, and after a few minutes he looked at Camryn and said, in his most medically professional voice:
"Camwyn, I'm afwaid you ah going to need some seawious suhguhwy."
Translated?
"Camryn, I'm afraid you're going to need some serious surgery."
I think I'm going to go buy Quinn an MCAT for Dummies book and let him start studying right now. He was vewwy convincing.
We just need to work on those Rs.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Sunday Stealing 3/8
Sunday Stealing
1. How old do you look?
Good question. I'm 36. I would hope I don't look any older than that, but I can't tell. I'm frequently told that I don't look old enough to have 4 children, but I don't know hold old a person with 4 children is supposed to look. I guess since I don't have dark circles under my eyes and deep worry wrinkles on my forehead I don't look as old as the people who say that think I should. I've always thought that's a strange comment. Ranks right up there with, "Are all those kids YOURS?" I always want to answer that with a sarcastic, "No... I just collect them on the way to the store because it's SO FREAKIN' FUN to take four children shopping!"
2. Where do you live?
In a house. I thought about setting up housekeeping in an old limousine, but if I burned something in the oven the smoke would just be unbearable.
3. Are you waiting for something?
Obama's miracle cure for the economy. I think I'll be waiting a long time. When will people realize the government can't fix our problems?
4. What’s one pet peeve of yours that is not common?
Stuff sticking out of drawers. Apostrophes used in words when they don't belong there (like if I had put an apostrophe in apostrophe's in my attempt to make the word plural. HATE THAT.) I saw that on one of those rent-a-signs on Friday.... you know the kind with the plastic letters you put on yourself? I thought about taking the apostrophe off of the sign and mailing it back to the business with an explanation letter. Decided they probably wouldn't get it or even care, so I let it go. Still bothers me.
5. Do you want/have kids?
I have them and I want them, so don't get any ideas about taking them, okay? They're hard workers.
6. Have you ever thought about converting your religion?
Converting it to what? The metric system? No, I've never thought about converting. We did switch from Southern Baptist to non-denominational recently, but that's not really converting. That's just switching teams.
7. Last shocking news you heard?
Sarah Silverman and Jimmy Kimmel broke up again. Those silly kids.
8. What was the last thing you drank?
Iced tea just two seconds ago. Fer real.
9. Who do you most look like in your family?
My son. I would have to say I favor my dad a lot, too.
10. If you could have something right now, anything, what would it be?
Someone to do the grocery shopping.
11. Where does most of your family live?
In my house. My parents and sister live in Alabama, and I have grandparents in Tennessee.
12. Where did you grow up?
In my parents' house in Alabama.
13. Where do you want to go on vacation?
Somewhere WARM. We're taking the kids to Charleston, SC for spring break next month. Then Quinn & Lillo get their own Disney World vacation in May (Camryn & Aiden got a Mommy-Daddy trip in 2005 without Q & L, so it's the younger ones' turn now!) In June we're planning on going to Myrtle Beach for our annual "Daddy gets some continuing education while we sit on the beach" trip. Stan hates the beach, so while he sits in a cooled conference room learning about the latest advancements in optometry, the rest of us chill on the shore. It's a win/win situation for everyone.
14. Have you ever had a panic attack?
Don't think so. I guess that's something I'd remember.
15. What can’t you wait for?
Michael Jackson's farewell tour (NOT).
16. When’s the last time you told someone you loved him or her and meant it?
A couple of hours ago when the hubby left with the kids he kissed me goodbye and said, "Love you!" I said it back, and I meant it. Who wouldn't love a man who takes the kids away for the afternoon so I can have time to myself? ; )
17. Have your parents ever smoked pot?
THAT'S why they were so weird when I was growing up! Never even occurred to me. (Officially: I don't know. You'd have to ask them.)
18. Want someone back in your life?
Stan's dad. He's sorely missed (he passed away in 2002). And my mom's parents. My grandfather would LOVE that he has 3 great-grandsons! When he died he just had 2 great-granddaughters. He'd love my boys and my cousin's son to death.
19. What do you order at the bar?
Not much. Every now and then I might order an amaretto sour or a margarita at On the Border, but alcohol is so expensive I usually don't bother. I'd rather spend the money on dessert!
20. When was the last time you cried really, really hard?
Probably when Camryn's cat, Harry, died. That was February 11, 2007. Oh, wait. I cried pretty hard when Dubya got on the helicopter and left DC on January 20th. I probably wouldn't have cried so hard if I'd already seen Spike Lee's When the Levees Broke: A Reqiuem in Four Acts. I just finished Act 1 and I'm really, really mad. I have Acts 2 and 3 from Netflix and haven't had time to watch them yet. Act 1 is still sinking in.
21. Ever licked someone’s cheek?
Funny you should ask. Lillian climbed in bed with us this morning and started pretending to be a kitten. To be funny, I said, "Hey Lillo... you know how mommy cats clean their kittens?" When she said, "No" I licked her on the cheek. She collapsed in a fit of giggles. That kid makes me laugh so hard.
22. What is your favorite thing to eat with peanut butter?
I didn't realize peanut butter required an accompaniment. Isn't it best straight out of the jar on a big spoon? No? Well, if I have to answer I'd say sliced apples, raisins on white bread or sliced bananas on bread.
23. Where were you on July 4th, 2008?
Uh... Um...... Oh! I remember! We were in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Aiden had a stomach bug. Thanks for reminding me. Blech.
24. What are your nicknames?
Janet. Miss Jackson if you're nasty.
25. If you could go back in time, how far back would you go?
I'd probably want to go back to when Camryn was a tiny baby, just to remember what it was like. She's eleven, y'all. E-LEV-EN. She's two years away from teenagerhood. Blows my mind.
1. How old do you look?
Good question. I'm 36. I would hope I don't look any older than that, but I can't tell. I'm frequently told that I don't look old enough to have 4 children, but I don't know hold old a person with 4 children is supposed to look. I guess since I don't have dark circles under my eyes and deep worry wrinkles on my forehead I don't look as old as the people who say that think I should. I've always thought that's a strange comment. Ranks right up there with, "Are all those kids YOURS?" I always want to answer that with a sarcastic, "No... I just collect them on the way to the store because it's SO FREAKIN' FUN to take four children shopping!"
2. Where do you live?
In a house. I thought about setting up housekeeping in an old limousine, but if I burned something in the oven the smoke would just be unbearable.
3. Are you waiting for something?
Obama's miracle cure for the economy. I think I'll be waiting a long time. When will people realize the government can't fix our problems?
4. What’s one pet peeve of yours that is not common?
Stuff sticking out of drawers. Apostrophes used in words when they don't belong there (like if I had put an apostrophe in apostrophe's in my attempt to make the word plural. HATE THAT.) I saw that on one of those rent-a-signs on Friday.... you know the kind with the plastic letters you put on yourself? I thought about taking the apostrophe off of the sign and mailing it back to the business with an explanation letter. Decided they probably wouldn't get it or even care, so I let it go. Still bothers me.
5. Do you want/have kids?
I have them and I want them, so don't get any ideas about taking them, okay? They're hard workers.
6. Have you ever thought about converting your religion?
Converting it to what? The metric system? No, I've never thought about converting. We did switch from Southern Baptist to non-denominational recently, but that's not really converting. That's just switching teams.
7. Last shocking news you heard?
Sarah Silverman and Jimmy Kimmel broke up again. Those silly kids.
8. What was the last thing you drank?
Iced tea just two seconds ago. Fer real.
9. Who do you most look like in your family?
My son. I would have to say I favor my dad a lot, too.
10. If you could have something right now, anything, what would it be?
Someone to do the grocery shopping.
11. Where does most of your family live?
In my house. My parents and sister live in Alabama, and I have grandparents in Tennessee.
12. Where did you grow up?
In my parents' house in Alabama.
13. Where do you want to go on vacation?
Somewhere WARM. We're taking the kids to Charleston, SC for spring break next month. Then Quinn & Lillo get their own Disney World vacation in May (Camryn & Aiden got a Mommy-Daddy trip in 2005 without Q & L, so it's the younger ones' turn now!) In June we're planning on going to Myrtle Beach for our annual "Daddy gets some continuing education while we sit on the beach" trip. Stan hates the beach, so while he sits in a cooled conference room learning about the latest advancements in optometry, the rest of us chill on the shore. It's a win/win situation for everyone.
14. Have you ever had a panic attack?
Don't think so. I guess that's something I'd remember.
15. What can’t you wait for?
Michael Jackson's farewell tour (NOT).
16. When’s the last time you told someone you loved him or her and meant it?
A couple of hours ago when the hubby left with the kids he kissed me goodbye and said, "Love you!" I said it back, and I meant it. Who wouldn't love a man who takes the kids away for the afternoon so I can have time to myself? ; )
17. Have your parents ever smoked pot?
THAT'S why they were so weird when I was growing up! Never even occurred to me. (Officially: I don't know. You'd have to ask them.)
18. Want someone back in your life?
Stan's dad. He's sorely missed (he passed away in 2002). And my mom's parents. My grandfather would LOVE that he has 3 great-grandsons! When he died he just had 2 great-granddaughters. He'd love my boys and my cousin's son to death.
19. What do you order at the bar?
Not much. Every now and then I might order an amaretto sour or a margarita at On the Border, but alcohol is so expensive I usually don't bother. I'd rather spend the money on dessert!
20. When was the last time you cried really, really hard?
Probably when Camryn's cat, Harry, died. That was February 11, 2007. Oh, wait. I cried pretty hard when Dubya got on the helicopter and left DC on January 20th. I probably wouldn't have cried so hard if I'd already seen Spike Lee's When the Levees Broke: A Reqiuem in Four Acts. I just finished Act 1 and I'm really, really mad. I have Acts 2 and 3 from Netflix and haven't had time to watch them yet. Act 1 is still sinking in.
21. Ever licked someone’s cheek?
Funny you should ask. Lillian climbed in bed with us this morning and started pretending to be a kitten. To be funny, I said, "Hey Lillo... you know how mommy cats clean their kittens?" When she said, "No" I licked her on the cheek. She collapsed in a fit of giggles. That kid makes me laugh so hard.
22. What is your favorite thing to eat with peanut butter?
I didn't realize peanut butter required an accompaniment. Isn't it best straight out of the jar on a big spoon? No? Well, if I have to answer I'd say sliced apples, raisins on white bread or sliced bananas on bread.
23. Where were you on July 4th, 2008?
Uh... Um...... Oh! I remember! We were in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Aiden had a stomach bug. Thanks for reminding me. Blech.
24. What are your nicknames?
Janet. Miss Jackson if you're nasty.
25. If you could go back in time, how far back would you go?
I'd probably want to go back to when Camryn was a tiny baby, just to remember what it was like. She's eleven, y'all. E-LEV-EN. She's two years away from teenagerhood. Blows my mind.
Saturday, March 07, 2009
We Could Use a Few More Ben Franklins
I recently read some interesting information about Benjamin Franklin. I've always known he was one of history's most fascinating men, but what I read made me respect him even more.
Here's what I read:
"When Ben Franklin was a young man, he didn't practice much of the advice for which he later became famous. At the age of 20, he decided to change his irresponsible ways and made four resolutions to help guide him through life toward 'moral perfection'."
His four resolutions were as follows:
(1) Become more frugal so that he could pay money to the people he owed.
(2) Resolve to become more honest and truthful in every way he could.
(3) Be as industrious as possible at whatever task was at hand.
(4) Never speak ill of any person, not even if what he might say was true, and to speak of only the good things about the people he knew.
The article goes on to say that "Franklin believed strongly in self-improvement and worked tirelessly to better himself. From his four resolutions, Franklin developed 13 virtues to live and perfect during his lifetime. He worked on only one per week. At the end of each week, he would evaluate his progress and then move on to the next virtue. After working on the 13th virtue, he started over again with the first one."
Some people might say that Ben Franklin was too legalistic, but I see him as someone who lived his life in an upright way, trying his best to have unquestionable Christ-like character.
I wish more people were like Ben Franklin. We could use an injection of virtue in this world right now.
Here's what I read:
"When Ben Franklin was a young man, he didn't practice much of the advice for which he later became famous. At the age of 20, he decided to change his irresponsible ways and made four resolutions to help guide him through life toward 'moral perfection'."
His four resolutions were as follows:
(1) Become more frugal so that he could pay money to the people he owed.
(2) Resolve to become more honest and truthful in every way he could.
(3) Be as industrious as possible at whatever task was at hand.
(4) Never speak ill of any person, not even if what he might say was true, and to speak of only the good things about the people he knew.
The article goes on to say that "Franklin believed strongly in self-improvement and worked tirelessly to better himself. From his four resolutions, Franklin developed 13 virtues to live and perfect during his lifetime. He worked on only one per week. At the end of each week, he would evaluate his progress and then move on to the next virtue. After working on the 13th virtue, he started over again with the first one."
Some people might say that Ben Franklin was too legalistic, but I see him as someone who lived his life in an upright way, trying his best to have unquestionable Christ-like character.
I wish more people were like Ben Franklin. We could use an injection of virtue in this world right now.
Friday, March 06, 2009
Friday Fill Ins 3/6
1. Giving a fizzy bath bomb to a friend who'd had a difficult day was my last random act of kindness.
2. Another place I would love to live is Gulf Shores, Alabama.
3. Proceed cautiously in matters of the heart.
4. Coffee, tea or water? (But not coffee. Ick.)
5. I hope Chris Brown and Rihanna take separate paths. I hope she doesn't go back to him. She's a fool if she does.
6. Our calendar reminds me that there is work to do this weekend, turning back the clocks. It's time to spring forward!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to (hopefully) finishing up The Associate by John Grisham. Every night this week I've tried to read some of it, and I've ended up falling asleep. I want to finish it, 'cause it's a good one! Tomorrow my plans include going to the grocery store at some point, celebrating Camryn's 11th birthday (I HAVE AN 11 YEAR-OLD!) and church and Sunday, I want to take Camryn out for her birthday dinner and just hang with the family. Good times, good times.
2. Another place I would love to live is Gulf Shores, Alabama.
3. Proceed cautiously in matters of the heart.
4. Coffee, tea or water? (But not coffee. Ick.)
5. I hope Chris Brown and Rihanna take separate paths. I hope she doesn't go back to him. She's a fool if she does.
6. Our calendar reminds me that there is work to do this weekend, turning back the clocks. It's time to spring forward!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to (hopefully) finishing up The Associate by John Grisham. Every night this week I've tried to read some of it, and I've ended up falling asleep. I want to finish it, 'cause it's a good one! Tomorrow my plans include going to the grocery store at some point, celebrating Camryn's 11th birthday (I HAVE AN 11 YEAR-OLD!) and church and Sunday, I want to take Camryn out for her birthday dinner and just hang with the family. Good times, good times.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Sunday Stealing 3/1
I found another meme site. This one is called Sunday Stealing and posts a new meme every Sunday. Maybe I'll just start doing an all-meme blog. That'd be so easy.
1. What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? Hmmmm... Olive Garden?
2. What food could you eat for 2 weeks straight and not get sick of it? I don't think such a food exists. My husband could eat the same meal every night for dinner and never get tired of it. He almost always orders the same thing he ordered before when we go to restaurants. I can't do that. That's boring. I like to change it up and try new things. I'm pretty sure I'd get sick of eating the same thing after 3 days, much less two weeks.
3. Have you ever had anything removed from your body? An ovary, a fallopian tube, some scar tissue from my upper lip and 2 children (via c-section at different times). The other 2 kids were pushed out and thus not technically removed from me by anyone.
4. What is the last heavy item you lifted? Lillian, last night, because she wanted me to carry her to bed.
5. Have you ever been knocked unconscious? No, but I have fainted. Once.
6. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? No. I prefer to live my life as if I could drop dead at any second. It's more fun that way.
7. If you could change your name, what would you change it to? I love my middle name, which is Allyson. I always wished my parents had called me by both names. Beth Allyson. Sounds so pretty. I regret not passing the name on to one of my girls, but maybe they'll use it when they have children.
8. What’s your goal for the year? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with my God. (Micah 6:8)
9. Last person you hugged? I think that was Aiden, last night.
10. First place you went this morning? To the bathroom.
11. Do you always answer your phone? No. It's not always a convenient time to talk.
12. It’s four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it? No one I know, because I don't text. My phone will do it, but I don't have a text plan to pay for them, so I don't do it. Talking is much easier than texting. I think texting is silly.
13. If you could change your eye color what would it be? I've always thought blue eyes would be nice, but I like my green eyes, too. My husband and children all have blue eyes, so I'm the odd person in the family.
14. What’s on your wish list for your birthday? I just had a birthday, so I don't know what I'd ask for for next year. Probably not to be sick like I was this year. That sucked lemons.
15. Does the future make you more nervous or excited? Excited, because I know God is in control and whatever He has for me will be good for me in the long run.
16. Do you have any saved texts? See #12.
17. Ever been in a car wreck? No, thank goodness. I've been side swiped and had my bumper tapped while I was waiting to turn, but neither of those I would consider to be official wrecks.
18. Do you have an accent? I grew up in Alabama and have lived in South Carolina since 1996. While my accent is not as strong as it was when I was in the heart of Dixie, it's still there. I like it. It makes me unique. I just wish people didn't automatically assume I'm stupid because I have a Southern accent.
19. What was the last song to make you cry? Jesus Paid It All by Kristian Stanfill. It's a song we sing in church and it makes me cry every time we sing it, especially this line: "Oh praise the one who paid my debt and raised my life up from the dead!" Gives me shivers.
20. What did you do last night? Went to our usual Saturday night dinner spot, El Jalisco, then church. I love Saturday nights at Grace!
21. Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? Sure. A couple of times. But there's only one way to go from rock bottom, and that's up. God is good.
22. Current hate right now? Hate is such a strong word. I can't say there's a lot of hate in my heart for anything or anyone, but there are things that upset me. Tailgaters. People who yak on their cell phones and make careless driving mistakes because they're not paying attention. SC Congressman James Clyburn (GIVE.ME.A.BREAK!)
23. Met someone who changed your life? Jesus Christ.
24. How did you bring in the New Year? We made the mistake of letting the children stay up until midnight (afternoon naps were a must). It was the longest night of my life. Something we won't do again soon, but it was kind of (a teeny, tiny bit) fun being with my beloved family as we rung in a new year.
25. What song represents you? Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.
1. What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? Hmmmm... Olive Garden?
2. What food could you eat for 2 weeks straight and not get sick of it? I don't think such a food exists. My husband could eat the same meal every night for dinner and never get tired of it. He almost always orders the same thing he ordered before when we go to restaurants. I can't do that. That's boring. I like to change it up and try new things. I'm pretty sure I'd get sick of eating the same thing after 3 days, much less two weeks.
3. Have you ever had anything removed from your body? An ovary, a fallopian tube, some scar tissue from my upper lip and 2 children (via c-section at different times). The other 2 kids were pushed out and thus not technically removed from me by anyone.
4. What is the last heavy item you lifted? Lillian, last night, because she wanted me to carry her to bed.
5. Have you ever been knocked unconscious? No, but I have fainted. Once.
6. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? No. I prefer to live my life as if I could drop dead at any second. It's more fun that way.
7. If you could change your name, what would you change it to? I love my middle name, which is Allyson. I always wished my parents had called me by both names. Beth Allyson. Sounds so pretty. I regret not passing the name on to one of my girls, but maybe they'll use it when they have children.
8. What’s your goal for the year? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with my God. (Micah 6:8)
9. Last person you hugged? I think that was Aiden, last night.
10. First place you went this morning? To the bathroom.
11. Do you always answer your phone? No. It's not always a convenient time to talk.
12. It’s four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it? No one I know, because I don't text. My phone will do it, but I don't have a text plan to pay for them, so I don't do it. Talking is much easier than texting. I think texting is silly.
13. If you could change your eye color what would it be? I've always thought blue eyes would be nice, but I like my green eyes, too. My husband and children all have blue eyes, so I'm the odd person in the family.
14. What’s on your wish list for your birthday? I just had a birthday, so I don't know what I'd ask for for next year. Probably not to be sick like I was this year. That sucked lemons.
15. Does the future make you more nervous or excited? Excited, because I know God is in control and whatever He has for me will be good for me in the long run.
16. Do you have any saved texts? See #12.
17. Ever been in a car wreck? No, thank goodness. I've been side swiped and had my bumper tapped while I was waiting to turn, but neither of those I would consider to be official wrecks.
18. Do you have an accent? I grew up in Alabama and have lived in South Carolina since 1996. While my accent is not as strong as it was when I was in the heart of Dixie, it's still there. I like it. It makes me unique. I just wish people didn't automatically assume I'm stupid because I have a Southern accent.
19. What was the last song to make you cry? Jesus Paid It All by Kristian Stanfill. It's a song we sing in church and it makes me cry every time we sing it, especially this line: "Oh praise the one who paid my debt and raised my life up from the dead!" Gives me shivers.
20. What did you do last night? Went to our usual Saturday night dinner spot, El Jalisco, then church. I love Saturday nights at Grace!
21. Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? Sure. A couple of times. But there's only one way to go from rock bottom, and that's up. God is good.
22. Current hate right now? Hate is such a strong word. I can't say there's a lot of hate in my heart for anything or anyone, but there are things that upset me. Tailgaters. People who yak on their cell phones and make careless driving mistakes because they're not paying attention. SC Congressman James Clyburn (GIVE.ME.A.BREAK!)
23. Met someone who changed your life? Jesus Christ.
24. How did you bring in the New Year? We made the mistake of letting the children stay up until midnight (afternoon naps were a must). It was the longest night of my life. Something we won't do again soon, but it was kind of (a teeny, tiny bit) fun being with my beloved family as we rung in a new year.
25. What song represents you? Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.
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