When I slipped on my shoe this morning, there was a little toy in it. I growled at first, and then it hit me that one day I will never step on a Lego or Barbie shoe or tiny tire again. This poem flowed out of those feelings.
There's a Nerf ball in my kitchen floor
A tiny tire in my shoe
Orphaned Legos everywhere I look
Empty juice cups, too.
Barbie shoes under my feet
Polly Pocket has lost her shirt
Hairbows, headbands, single socks
Tennis shoes covered in dirt.
The playroom floor is covered in toys
Crayon scribbles cover my walls
Books are scattered here and there
Someone's Crocs are in the hall.
This one is yelling at that one,
Radios blare from every room
Lightsaber battles on my front lawn,
Vader cries, "Mommy!" as he meets his doom.
There are dirty dishes in my sink
Laundry needs to be done
So many things I could be doing
But I'd miss out on the fun.
As long as there are children here
This house will be a mess
One day my house will be tidy
One day I'll get some rest.
I don't want that day to come too soon;
I like having my children near.
It won't be long before they're gone,
And I'll be all alone here.
Longing to step on the Legos
And Barbie shoes that once littered the floor
My children will be grown and have moved away
And I'll wish they were babies once more.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Monday, March 12, 2007
Musk and Gingerbread
Lucky me.
Look what I got to do this morning on top of the 6 loads of laundry I have to finish today. (I was in the laundry room when this happened.)
Ah, make that 7 loads of laundry, with the rugs and washcloths used to wipe up this mess.
I hate the "fascination with all things liquid and cream" phase that kids go through. My other 2 kids went through it, too. Now the 4 year-old is in that phase, but now he has a PARTNER.
Ugh.
I came out of the laundry room and heard water running. I looked towards the girls' bathroom and saw a closed door. When I tried to open it, it was locked.
NOT GOOD.
Here's what I saw (imagine one very guilty 2 YO on the stool in front of the sink and one 4 YO boy hiding behind the door):
Towels in the floor from where the kids had tried to start cleaning:
More tub.
And they got the toilet, too. I don't know if they put anything in the toilet, but when I tried to flush it, it was stopped up. Quinn swears he only put soap in it.
Ah, the joys of motherhood.
On the positive side, the bathroom now smells like men's cologne (from the blue shampoo) and gingerbread. Things could be worse.
Oh, wait. They did get worse.
When I came out of the laundry room after putting the dirty rugs and rags in the washing machine, I was greeted by sticky-handed children. Quinn had found a tube of Vaseline ointment and spread it all over Lillian's feet and hands. They were both greasy from the Vaseline.
At least it wasn't diaper cream.
Look what I got to do this morning on top of the 6 loads of laundry I have to finish today. (I was in the laundry room when this happened.)
Ah, make that 7 loads of laundry, with the rugs and washcloths used to wipe up this mess.
I hate the "fascination with all things liquid and cream" phase that kids go through. My other 2 kids went through it, too. Now the 4 year-old is in that phase, but now he has a PARTNER.
Ugh.
I came out of the laundry room and heard water running. I looked towards the girls' bathroom and saw a closed door. When I tried to open it, it was locked.
NOT GOOD.
Here's what I saw (imagine one very guilty 2 YO on the stool in front of the sink and one 4 YO boy hiding behind the door):
Towels in the floor from where the kids had tried to start cleaning:
More tub.
And they got the toilet, too. I don't know if they put anything in the toilet, but when I tried to flush it, it was stopped up. Quinn swears he only put soap in it.
Ah, the joys of motherhood.
On the positive side, the bathroom now smells like men's cologne (from the blue shampoo) and gingerbread. Things could be worse.
Oh, wait. They did get worse.
When I came out of the laundry room after putting the dirty rugs and rags in the washing machine, I was greeted by sticky-handed children. Quinn had found a tube of Vaseline ointment and spread it all over Lillian's feet and hands. They were both greasy from the Vaseline.
At least it wasn't diaper cream.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
I have no clean bras
Currently, I am wearing my last clean bra.
(I'm sure you really wanted to know that.)
But I have a good reason. At least, I think it's a good reason. My husband probably wouldn't think that my neglect of the laundry, which resulted in his having to wear the one pair of briefs he owns, is not a good thing. He normally wears boxer briefs, but he has that one pair of regular briefs at the bottom of the stack that is his hint that he's outta clean drawers...
[So let's count here. How many things have I shared that you really didn't need (or want to) know? I think that number is 2. Sorry. And it's still early-ish. Double sorry.]
So, back to the laundry.
It's Saturday, and normally I might have one or two loads of clothes to wash. Today I have a buttload. I have no idea how many regular loads of laundry a "buttload" equals, but I know it's a lot, because I emptied everyone's overflowing hampers this morning. But it's worth it. It's all good.
(Are you ready for the point of all this laundry talk?)
These wise words were spoken by Vincent Van Gogh:
"If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced."
If you know me, even marginally know me, you know that I love to scrapbook. But I hit a wall late last year. Everything I did was just blah. I was just putting down pictures to get the pages done, because I was worried about getting caught up.
How times change.
Recently I bought a book called Clean and Simple Scrapbooking: The Sequel by Cathy Zielske. I have no idea why I didn't buy the first book first instead of the sequel, but I did. It's done done.
Cathy Zielske says not to worry about getting the mythical land of Caught Up. She encourages the scrapper to enjoy the journey, because once you're there, it's not as much fun.
And a light came on. A voice started calling to me from the scrap room. "Scraaaaapbooook!" it said.
And this week, I LISTENED.
I have rediscovered my passion for the journey in the pages. I am no longer in a hurry to get pages done to get caught up. I'm enjoying the process, and it has really made a difference.
If I spend 3 hours on one page, it's okay. The world will not stop.
I enjoy creating. There's more of me in a page if I take my time with it, and isn't that part of the reason we scrap? To put ourselves on the page in some way for future generations to know us a little bit?
So I didn't do laundry this week. Every spare minute that I could find, I was playing in my scrap room. The weather has been gorgeous this week, so the sun and the promise of spring and the green of things being reborn really inspired me. It has been wonderful.
And a if a buttload of laundry on a Saturday is the price I have to pay, then that's fine. I don't mind.
'Cause that voice telling me to scrap is silent...for now.
(I'm sure you really wanted to know that.)
But I have a good reason. At least, I think it's a good reason. My husband probably wouldn't think that my neglect of the laundry, which resulted in his having to wear the one pair of briefs he owns, is not a good thing. He normally wears boxer briefs, but he has that one pair of regular briefs at the bottom of the stack that is his hint that he's outta clean drawers...
[So let's count here. How many things have I shared that you really didn't need (or want to) know? I think that number is 2. Sorry. And it's still early-ish. Double sorry.]
So, back to the laundry.
It's Saturday, and normally I might have one or two loads of clothes to wash. Today I have a buttload. I have no idea how many regular loads of laundry a "buttload" equals, but I know it's a lot, because I emptied everyone's overflowing hampers this morning. But it's worth it. It's all good.
(Are you ready for the point of all this laundry talk?)
These wise words were spoken by Vincent Van Gogh:
"If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced."
If you know me, even marginally know me, you know that I love to scrapbook. But I hit a wall late last year. Everything I did was just blah. I was just putting down pictures to get the pages done, because I was worried about getting caught up.
How times change.
Recently I bought a book called Clean and Simple Scrapbooking: The Sequel by Cathy Zielske. I have no idea why I didn't buy the first book first instead of the sequel, but I did. It's done done.
Cathy Zielske says not to worry about getting the mythical land of Caught Up. She encourages the scrapper to enjoy the journey, because once you're there, it's not as much fun.
And a light came on. A voice started calling to me from the scrap room. "Scraaaaapbooook!" it said.
And this week, I LISTENED.
I have rediscovered my passion for the journey in the pages. I am no longer in a hurry to get pages done to get caught up. I'm enjoying the process, and it has really made a difference.
If I spend 3 hours on one page, it's okay. The world will not stop.
I enjoy creating. There's more of me in a page if I take my time with it, and isn't that part of the reason we scrap? To put ourselves on the page in some way for future generations to know us a little bit?
So I didn't do laundry this week. Every spare minute that I could find, I was playing in my scrap room. The weather has been gorgeous this week, so the sun and the promise of spring and the green of things being reborn really inspired me. It has been wonderful.
And a if a buttload of laundry on a Saturday is the price I have to pay, then that's fine. I don't mind.
'Cause that voice telling me to scrap is silent...for now.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Blog Challenge Update
Remember how I said I was going to ask my kids and my husband to describe me in one word? I did.
My husband said, "Perfect."
He's sweet, but way off the mark.
My 8 year-old daughter said, "Mean". It probably didn't help that I asked her for her opinion right after telling her to get off the phone.
The rest of the kids didn't understand the assignment.
Oh, well.
On another note, I regret to tell you that I will not be able to finish my "Blogs in a Series". I lost my list of great ideas.
So much for being organized.
My husband said, "Perfect."
He's sweet, but way off the mark.
My 8 year-old daughter said, "Mean". It probably didn't help that I asked her for her opinion right after telling her to get off the phone.
The rest of the kids didn't understand the assignment.
Oh, well.
On another note, I regret to tell you that I will not be able to finish my "Blogs in a Series". I lost my list of great ideas.
So much for being organized.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Blog Challenge: One Word
Have you ever tried to describe yourself in one word? One word that sort of sums up who you are, what makes you tick, what sets you apart. It's not as easy as you think.
As women, we need to spend more time recognizing and celebrating the talents and positive traits we've been adorned with. Whether we're suburban upper-middle class moms or urban, poor, living-the-moment teens - we all have one thing in common: we're beautiful women with amazing talents, unbridled potential... and we're fabulous, baby. Fabulous.
Go ahead. Describe yourself with one word. Then ask three other people to describe you, too. Celebrate yourself. I dare you!
I'm not going to ponder this one. I'm going with my first thought.
Organized
I like when things are all put away in their little places. I enjoy being neat. Messiness makes my head hurt.
My older daughter constantly tells me how organized I am. She loves it when I help her clean up her room. She's helped me tidy up in the playroom before, and every time she tells me how amazing it is that I know where everything goes.
It's a sickness. I know. (And it seems that the sickness isn't in the blood... maybe it's a trait that will manifest itself later in life...)
If you gave me money and told me I had to spend it on myself, I'd head straight for a local store called "Organize It" (or I'd get online and shop at the Container Store). What a fantasy. Boxes and containers and tins, oh my!
If I had a large sum of money to blow, I'd have my master bedroom closet decked out with a super organization system. I'd love to have the fancy hangers and drawers for every little tee shirt and pair of underwear.
You people can keep your fancy cars; I want the Cadillac of closet systems. I want a California Closet. Oh, yeah, baby. Thinking about it just makes me tingle.
So how would you describe me? I don't know if anyone else reads my blog, but for those 2 of you that do, what would you say?
I'll have to ask my husband and my kids to see what their answers are. It'll be interesting. I'll post those results tomorrow, maybe, if I get the time.
I might have to rearrange something. Or buy a container with lots of little drawers. Who knows.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
See Spot Pull His Hair Out
I love Target. I really love Target.
I love that you could pick up a gallon of milk, a birthday present for a kid you've never met (but to whose party your son is invited because he's in your kid's 3K class an his mom needs to meet the minimum head count at Chuck E Cheese...), a bra, and a vacuum cleaner, all under the same roof.
But I swear to you, on the tallest stack of Bibles I could ever find, I will not-
-I repeat-
I WILL NOT
Step foot inside a Target store ever again if all four of my children are with me.
Shoot me if I do.
Heavenly day.
I picked Camryn up from a sleepover party. She was grumpy (nothing new there) because I would not let one of her friends come along with us.
Do I look nuts? Four kids at Target is temporary insanity. Five is suicide.
So before we even reached the store I had Moody Dwarf giving me the crossed arms coupled with the evil eye. Dangerous combo, that one.
Aiden and Quinn had pooled their spending money so they could buy one thing together at Target. Aiden had his heart set on something in the Star Wars Lego category. He had $10 and Quinn had $3, but together they could get something bigger.
Yeah. You know how that's going to turn out, right?
I had a long list of things to buy, and I warned Aiden that the toy department might be the last thing on my list. He said, "Okay." No fussing. Just, "Okay".
Yeah. You know how that's going to turn out, right?
So first we hit the dollar spot, where I stopped to talk to a neighbor. Aiden and Camryn started running around (the other two, thankfully, were in the buggy...) I hate that. I HATE IT when my kids act like that while I'm distracted.
I stopped chatting with the neighbor and looked up to see my 8 year-old daughter staring at me wearing these hideous shamrock sunglasses.
I had to laugh. I lost all leverage as soon as I did, too.
("Mommy didn't punish us for running around. Ha. She laughed. I'm a GENIUS, Aiden. GENIUS! I can rock a pair of shamrock sunglasses. That's some lucky stuff there, man.")
Take the parking break off, Mildred, 'cause it's all downhill from there.
Dora underwear. Check.
("Mommy? When are we going to the toy department??")
Belt for Camryn. Check.
("Mooommy? When are we going to the toooooy department??")
Bra for Camryn. Check. (Yeah. I said bra. Can you believe it? She'll be nine on the 7th. NINE.)
("MOMMMMMMMMEEEEEE! When are we going to the toy department??")
In the middle of girls' unmentionables, Quinn says, "MOMMY! I gotta go pee!"
Quinn's like E.F. Hutton. When he mentions PEE, you LISTEN.
We dropped everything and took him to the potty. Just.in.time.
("MOMMMMMMMMEEEEEE! Mommeeeeeee! MOMMY! Is the toy department next?")
New tennis shoes for Quinn. Check.
("Why does Quinn need new shoes?? THIS.IS.NOT.THE.TOY.DEPARTMENT!")
Easter sandals for Camryn. Check. (NO YOU CANNOT WEAR THEM AROUND THE STORE. I don't care if you have a blister. That's why I tell you to wear SOCKS, precious thing.)
("MOMMMMMMMMEEEEEE! I see the toy department!!")
As soon as we saw the toys, Camryn tried to bribe the boys into splitting their cash with her so they could each get a toy. There's a brilliant lawyer in there, I tell you.
I should skip the entire toy department visit. You know how that went if you've ever tried to get a child to find something they want to buy that's within their budget. Disaster.
"NO. You cannot get that Imperial Destroyer. What the freak? NO WAY. That thing is $100 and it has over 1300 pieces! Holy mother of pearl. I'm not crazy. No. NOOOOO! I said no. NO. You only have $13. NO! I will not chip in the rest. NO! A thousand times no."
"Aiden., stop crying. Aiden, sweetheart. No, it doesn't mean I don't love you just because I won't bring home 1300+ Legos that might someday, with any luck and a year of no vacuuming, form a Star Wars ship. And quit taking advice from your sister about using guilt to twist my arm. It won't work."
The boys finally settled on a tube of plastic dinosaurs and a sand mill (Aiden), some bubbles and another sand mill (Quinn).
I swear. I need the Nobel prize for that. That was the Camp Target Accords, I tell you.
I thought it would get better, but pretty soon Aiden started asking for something to drink.
Repeatedly.
Like, three times a minute.
I thought his head was going to explode.
I thought my head was going to explode.
I want my mommy.
I love that you could pick up a gallon of milk, a birthday present for a kid you've never met (but to whose party your son is invited because he's in your kid's 3K class an his mom needs to meet the minimum head count at Chuck E Cheese...), a bra, and a vacuum cleaner, all under the same roof.
But I swear to you, on the tallest stack of Bibles I could ever find, I will not-
-I repeat-
I WILL NOT
Step foot inside a Target store ever again if all four of my children are with me.
Shoot me if I do.
Heavenly day.
I picked Camryn up from a sleepover party. She was grumpy (nothing new there) because I would not let one of her friends come along with us.
Do I look nuts? Four kids at Target is temporary insanity. Five is suicide.
So before we even reached the store I had Moody Dwarf giving me the crossed arms coupled with the evil eye. Dangerous combo, that one.
Aiden and Quinn had pooled their spending money so they could buy one thing together at Target. Aiden had his heart set on something in the Star Wars Lego category. He had $10 and Quinn had $3, but together they could get something bigger.
Yeah. You know how that's going to turn out, right?
I had a long list of things to buy, and I warned Aiden that the toy department might be the last thing on my list. He said, "Okay." No fussing. Just, "Okay".
Yeah. You know how that's going to turn out, right?
So first we hit the dollar spot, where I stopped to talk to a neighbor. Aiden and Camryn started running around (the other two, thankfully, were in the buggy...) I hate that. I HATE IT when my kids act like that while I'm distracted.
I stopped chatting with the neighbor and looked up to see my 8 year-old daughter staring at me wearing these hideous shamrock sunglasses.
I had to laugh. I lost all leverage as soon as I did, too.
("Mommy didn't punish us for running around. Ha. She laughed. I'm a GENIUS, Aiden. GENIUS! I can rock a pair of shamrock sunglasses. That's some lucky stuff there, man.")
Take the parking break off, Mildred, 'cause it's all downhill from there.
Dora underwear. Check.
("Mommy? When are we going to the toy department??")
Belt for Camryn. Check.
("Mooommy? When are we going to the toooooy department??")
Bra for Camryn. Check. (Yeah. I said bra. Can you believe it? She'll be nine on the 7th. NINE.)
("MOMMMMMMMMEEEEEE! When are we going to the toy department??")
In the middle of girls' unmentionables, Quinn says, "MOMMY! I gotta go pee!"
Quinn's like E.F. Hutton. When he mentions PEE, you LISTEN.
We dropped everything and took him to the potty. Just.in.time.
("MOMMMMMMMMEEEEEE! Mommeeeeeee! MOMMY! Is the toy department next?")
New tennis shoes for Quinn. Check.
("Why does Quinn need new shoes?? THIS.IS.NOT.THE.TOY.DEPARTMENT!")
Easter sandals for Camryn. Check. (NO YOU CANNOT WEAR THEM AROUND THE STORE. I don't care if you have a blister. That's why I tell you to wear SOCKS, precious thing.)
("MOMMMMMMMMEEEEEE! I see the toy department!!")
As soon as we saw the toys, Camryn tried to bribe the boys into splitting their cash with her so they could each get a toy. There's a brilliant lawyer in there, I tell you.
I should skip the entire toy department visit. You know how that went if you've ever tried to get a child to find something they want to buy that's within their budget. Disaster.
"NO. You cannot get that Imperial Destroyer. What the freak? NO WAY. That thing is $100 and it has over 1300 pieces! Holy mother of pearl. I'm not crazy. No. NOOOOO! I said no. NO. You only have $13. NO! I will not chip in the rest. NO! A thousand times no."
"Aiden., stop crying. Aiden, sweetheart. No, it doesn't mean I don't love you just because I won't bring home 1300+ Legos that might someday, with any luck and a year of no vacuuming, form a Star Wars ship. And quit taking advice from your sister about using guilt to twist my arm. It won't work."
The boys finally settled on a tube of plastic dinosaurs and a sand mill (Aiden), some bubbles and another sand mill (Quinn).
I swear. I need the Nobel prize for that. That was the Camp Target Accords, I tell you.
I thought it would get better, but pretty soon Aiden started asking for something to drink.
Repeatedly.
Like, three times a minute.
I thought his head was going to explode.
I thought my head was going to explode.
I want my mommy.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Bleh
Today it's raining.
It's cloudy. And dark.
My oldest child didn't want to go to school today. At first she said she felt "pukey sick" (which is our euphemism for "nauseous"). She seemed to feel better after she ate, so I thought I might drop her off when I took the Taco Bell hot lunch out to her school. But she begged to be able to stay home. Evidently she's having a problem with two of the kids in her class, and she didn't want to put up with their antics today.
Okay. I'm a sucker. Stay home.
I had to take the Taco Bell out there anyway. In the rain.
Now my daughter is busy doing her homework, and I'm sitting here typing random things onto the screen.
Bored yet?
In about one hour I have to brave the rain yet again to go pick up my other three children.
Did I mention that I hate cold, rainy days? I think I might have shared that before. Yeah.
My eyes are hot like I have a fever (I do have a dry cough), and I am cold to the bone.
Bleh.
It's cloudy. And dark.
My oldest child didn't want to go to school today. At first she said she felt "pukey sick" (which is our euphemism for "nauseous"). She seemed to feel better after she ate, so I thought I might drop her off when I took the Taco Bell hot lunch out to her school. But she begged to be able to stay home. Evidently she's having a problem with two of the kids in her class, and she didn't want to put up with their antics today.
Okay. I'm a sucker. Stay home.
I had to take the Taco Bell out there anyway. In the rain.
Now my daughter is busy doing her homework, and I'm sitting here typing random things onto the screen.
Bored yet?
In about one hour I have to brave the rain yet again to go pick up my other three children.
Did I mention that I hate cold, rainy days? I think I might have shared that before. Yeah.
My eyes are hot like I have a fever (I do have a dry cough), and I am cold to the bone.
Bleh.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Betty Beauty
I discovered a new blog.
It's a shopping blog, but it's FUN.
Here's the link.
One of the products I discovered: http://www.bettybeauty.com/
I DO NOT think my Betty will ever be ready for that.
It's a shopping blog, but it's FUN.
Here's the link.
One of the products I discovered: http://www.bettybeauty.com/
I DO NOT think my Betty will ever be ready for that.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Blog Challenge: Countdown (again)
10 Favorites
Color: Red
Food: Cereal
Month: February (it's my birthday month, and it's short!)
Song: Right now it's "Irreplaceable" by Beyonce
Movie: "Gone With the Wind" I watched it with Camryn yesterday (it was on TMC). She loved it. It was her first time seeing it.
Sport: Hands down it's Auburn University football.
Season: Spring
Day of the Week: Tuesday or Saturday (if there is nothing to do)
Ice Cream Flavor: Chocolate Raspberry Truffle
Time of Day: afternoon, after the kids come home
9 Currents
Mood: I'm good right now. Frustrated because Quinn is bored and getting into stuff because Lillian is asleep.
Clothes: Jeans and my ScrapShare t-shirt (in Texas orange)
Taste: I have no idea what I taste like right now. (ha!)
Desktop: I'm at the kitchen desk. Silestone countertop in Amarillo Palmira. Pretty clean. No clutter. Maybe it means the desktop picture on this computer. THAT is a picture of the IllumiNations fireworks going off at EPCOT. It's my wallpaper on this computer.
Toenail Color: Some shade of OPI polish put on at my last pedicure, which was on December 23. It's time for another one.
Time: 1:45 pm est
Surroundings: I'm in the kitchen.
Thoughts: Watching the clock, 'cause I have to go get my daughter at 2:30 pm and I would like to get down to my scrap room before that. Doesn't look like it's going to happen, though.
Wonderings: I wonder if my ScrapShare Secret Valentine box is EVER going to arrive. It's almost March!
8 Firsts
Best Friend: Probably Suzanne W. or Dana E. or Kelly T. They all lived in my neighborhood.
Kiss: 7th grade.
Screen Name: Samford95 (My college + grad year)
Pet: Bo & Prissy (cats)
Piercing: My ears, 3rd grade (double pierced in 9th grade)
Crush: 2nd grade.
Computer: Apple IIe way back when I was in elementary school
Home Location: suburb of Birmingham, AL
7 Lasts
Cigarette: never (the smell nauseates me)
Drink: iced tea sweetened with Splenda ("adult beverage" Feb 14th, a Mai Tai at Red Robin)
Kiss: Yikes. Last night before bed, from my hubby. I forgot to kiss him goodbye this morning! I have kissed my younger son and daughter since then, though, so I guess they're my last kisses.
Movie seen at the theater: The Nativity Story
Phone Call: to a book club to cancel my account
CD played: "Crazy Frog" on the way to Camryn's school today.
Gift received: 12 yellow roses from my husband (It was a total guilt purchase because he didn't get me a Valentine gift...)
6 Have You Evers
Dated One Of Your Best Friends: Yep. Twice. I married the last one.
Broken the Law: Yep. Speeding.
Been Arrested: Nope.
Skinny Dipped: Yep, but only in my own pool. Never anywhere else.
Been on TV: Yes, on a local Saturday music video show in Birmingham. It was hosted by a VJ; he interviewed kids from local high schools, and I was on there. I sounded so stupid and Southern.
Kissed Someone You Didn't Know: No
5 Things
You've Eaten Today: I've only eaten 2 things today: cream chipped beef on toast (breakfast) and Chef Boyardee mini ravioli with meatballs (lunch). No snacks in between.
You've Done Today: Went to the bathroom, made the bed, straightened the den, folded sheets, sorted clothes to wash.
You Can Hear Right Now: Quinn making monster truck sounds at the kitchen table, plastic Lego wheels turning on the table, my daughter's spy watch alarm going off in another room (MUST.STOP.THAT), Nelly Furtado singing "Say It Right" on Sirius radio, keyboard clicking
You Can't Live Without: my family, iced tea, music, books, scrapbooking
You Do When You're Bored: pick at my fingernails/cuticles, read, get on the internet, take a hot bath, scrapbook
4 places you've been today
To Camryn's school and back, the laundry room, the mailbox, my bedroom
3 people you can tell anything to
Stan, my sister (Brooke), Malinda
2 Choices
1. Black or White: Black
2. Hot or Cold: Hot
1 thing you wanna do before you die
Stay in that suite in Cinderella's castle at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World
Color: Red
Food: Cereal
Month: February (it's my birthday month, and it's short!)
Song: Right now it's "Irreplaceable" by Beyonce
Movie: "Gone With the Wind" I watched it with Camryn yesterday (it was on TMC). She loved it. It was her first time seeing it.
Sport: Hands down it's Auburn University football.
Season: Spring
Day of the Week: Tuesday or Saturday (if there is nothing to do)
Ice Cream Flavor: Chocolate Raspberry Truffle
Time of Day: afternoon, after the kids come home
9 Currents
Mood: I'm good right now. Frustrated because Quinn is bored and getting into stuff because Lillian is asleep.
Clothes: Jeans and my ScrapShare t-shirt (in Texas orange)
Taste: I have no idea what I taste like right now. (ha!)
Desktop: I'm at the kitchen desk. Silestone countertop in Amarillo Palmira. Pretty clean. No clutter. Maybe it means the desktop picture on this computer. THAT is a picture of the IllumiNations fireworks going off at EPCOT. It's my wallpaper on this computer.
Toenail Color: Some shade of OPI polish put on at my last pedicure, which was on December 23. It's time for another one.
Time: 1:45 pm est
Surroundings: I'm in the kitchen.
Thoughts: Watching the clock, 'cause I have to go get my daughter at 2:30 pm and I would like to get down to my scrap room before that. Doesn't look like it's going to happen, though.
Wonderings: I wonder if my ScrapShare Secret Valentine box is EVER going to arrive. It's almost March!
8 Firsts
Best Friend: Probably Suzanne W. or Dana E. or Kelly T. They all lived in my neighborhood.
Kiss: 7th grade.
Screen Name: Samford95 (My college + grad year)
Pet: Bo & Prissy (cats)
Piercing: My ears, 3rd grade (double pierced in 9th grade)
Crush: 2nd grade.
Computer: Apple IIe way back when I was in elementary school
Home Location: suburb of Birmingham, AL
7 Lasts
Cigarette: never (the smell nauseates me)
Drink: iced tea sweetened with Splenda ("adult beverage" Feb 14th, a Mai Tai at Red Robin)
Kiss: Yikes. Last night before bed, from my hubby. I forgot to kiss him goodbye this morning! I have kissed my younger son and daughter since then, though, so I guess they're my last kisses.
Movie seen at the theater: The Nativity Story
Phone Call: to a book club to cancel my account
CD played: "Crazy Frog" on the way to Camryn's school today.
Gift received: 12 yellow roses from my husband (It was a total guilt purchase because he didn't get me a Valentine gift...)
6 Have You Evers
Dated One Of Your Best Friends: Yep. Twice. I married the last one.
Broken the Law: Yep. Speeding.
Been Arrested: Nope.
Skinny Dipped: Yep, but only in my own pool. Never anywhere else.
Been on TV: Yes, on a local Saturday music video show in Birmingham. It was hosted by a VJ; he interviewed kids from local high schools, and I was on there. I sounded so stupid and Southern.
Kissed Someone You Didn't Know: No
5 Things
You've Eaten Today: I've only eaten 2 things today: cream chipped beef on toast (breakfast) and Chef Boyardee mini ravioli with meatballs (lunch). No snacks in between.
You've Done Today: Went to the bathroom, made the bed, straightened the den, folded sheets, sorted clothes to wash.
You Can Hear Right Now: Quinn making monster truck sounds at the kitchen table, plastic Lego wheels turning on the table, my daughter's spy watch alarm going off in another room (MUST.STOP.THAT), Nelly Furtado singing "Say It Right" on Sirius radio, keyboard clicking
You Can't Live Without: my family, iced tea, music, books, scrapbooking
You Do When You're Bored: pick at my fingernails/cuticles, read, get on the internet, take a hot bath, scrapbook
4 places you've been today
To Camryn's school and back, the laundry room, the mailbox, my bedroom
3 people you can tell anything to
Stan, my sister (Brooke), Malinda
2 Choices
1. Black or White: Black
2. Hot or Cold: Hot
1 thing you wanna do before you die
Stay in that suite in Cinderella's castle at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Top Ten Things I Would Not Miss (#2 in a series)
The last blog was Top Ten Things I Would Miss if They Were Gone.
So it seems fitting that this one should be titled:
"Top Ten Things I Would NOT Miss if They Were Gone/Fell Off the Face of the Earth/Went Into Rehab and Never Came Back"
I forgot to say in my previous Top Ten blog that these are in no particular order. Number one is no more important than number ten. They're just ordered that way because that's the way they came to me.
(1) Polly Pockets
Moms of daughters, stand with me on this one. Let's rid the world of these little rubber menaces with their shoes no bigger than boogers. I hate these things. My older daughter knows that she will not be allowed to bring any more Polly Pocket dolls, accessories, body parts, teeny tiny wigs, etc. into this home. If she receives any as gifts, they are to remain unopened until we can have them sprinkled with holy water and returned to the nearest Target store.
(2) The Rebel Flag
There are so many things I could say about this, but I won't bore you. Yes, it has a place in history, but it has been abused by hate groups and therefore should not be flown publicly anywhere by any government entity. And that's all I have to say about that.
(3) High heeled shoes
I know some gals like the heels, but they're just darned uncomfortable. Give me my butt ugly but oh so comfy Crocs any day. They're not fashionable, but my back doesn't hurt when I wear them, so I know they work. I wish I could wear them to church without people looking at me cross-eyed.
(4) Valentine's Day
I know my husband loves me, so there really is no need for him to go spend an arm and two legs on Valentine crap. I'd actually be mad if he freed captive flowers by paying the ransom florists want for them on Valentine's Day. So why did I get all in a wad when I didn't get so much as a CARD on February 14th? I dunno. But I was convinced it meant something and I stayed mad for about 4 days or so afterwards, rubbing it in whenever I could. I got him and the kids card each, plus candy (for the kids) and Peeps hearts for my hubby (he loves those Peep things! Ick!) But I got squat. I hate Valentine's Day.
(5) Marilyn Manson
Personally I have never, ever listened to a Marilyn Manson song, but I imagine that it would sound much like chewing on tin foil feels. I can't get past his eyes. They creep me out, dude. If I see his picture in People magazine, I have to cover it with my hand. I can't even bring myself to touch the paper, so I just let my hand hover over the picture so he's not staring at me while I read. I'm afraid his evilness is going to burn my oh-so-innocent skin, so his photograph cannot be touched.
Did I mention he creeps me OUT?
(6) Telephones
I know. It's a bold statement. But I would not miss telephones if they went away. Give me an instant messaging system, some email and a microphone that works through my computer and I'm good.
I hate answering the phone. It always rings when I am the least likely to want to chat. I love caller ID and use it. Yep, I screen. I'm a screener. Love it, use it, will never get rid of it. Mine comes through my satellite TV so I don't even have to get up to check the phone if'n I don't wanna.
(7) Telemarketing
See number 6 for an explanation.
(8) Snow
Yes, it is pretty. I will admit that. But I'm not a person who likes cold weather OR grey days. When it snows, the skies are grey and I get sad and icky. I'm not a winter person.
(9) Judgment
No, I don't mean like the final judgment that is discussed in Revelation. I'm talking about judgment of others. Can't we just all get along? All that "I'd like to buy the world a Coke" and live in perfect harmony stuff? Why do we feel the need to pass judgment on others?
I admit, I'm guilty, and the view from up here is mighty nice, but I hate when someone with an ivory tower higher than mine passes judgment on me. Wow. That hurts. And it reminds me that I do it, too.
I have a love/hate relationship with judgment, so if one day it just disappeared, that would be great. No more worries.
(10) Money
I wish we could all just use the barter system. Money is so overrated.
So it seems fitting that this one should be titled:
"Top Ten Things I Would NOT Miss if They Were Gone/Fell Off the Face of the Earth/Went Into Rehab and Never Came Back"
I forgot to say in my previous Top Ten blog that these are in no particular order. Number one is no more important than number ten. They're just ordered that way because that's the way they came to me.
(1) Polly Pockets
Moms of daughters, stand with me on this one. Let's rid the world of these little rubber menaces with their shoes no bigger than boogers. I hate these things. My older daughter knows that she will not be allowed to bring any more Polly Pocket dolls, accessories, body parts, teeny tiny wigs, etc. into this home. If she receives any as gifts, they are to remain unopened until we can have them sprinkled with holy water and returned to the nearest Target store.
(2) The Rebel Flag
There are so many things I could say about this, but I won't bore you. Yes, it has a place in history, but it has been abused by hate groups and therefore should not be flown publicly anywhere by any government entity. And that's all I have to say about that.
(3) High heeled shoes
I know some gals like the heels, but they're just darned uncomfortable. Give me my butt ugly but oh so comfy Crocs any day. They're not fashionable, but my back doesn't hurt when I wear them, so I know they work. I wish I could wear them to church without people looking at me cross-eyed.
(4) Valentine's Day
I know my husband loves me, so there really is no need for him to go spend an arm and two legs on Valentine crap. I'd actually be mad if he freed captive flowers by paying the ransom florists want for them on Valentine's Day. So why did I get all in a wad when I didn't get so much as a CARD on February 14th? I dunno. But I was convinced it meant something and I stayed mad for about 4 days or so afterwards, rubbing it in whenever I could. I got him and the kids card each, plus candy (for the kids) and Peeps hearts for my hubby (he loves those Peep things! Ick!) But I got squat. I hate Valentine's Day.
(5) Marilyn Manson
Personally I have never, ever listened to a Marilyn Manson song, but I imagine that it would sound much like chewing on tin foil feels. I can't get past his eyes. They creep me out, dude. If I see his picture in People magazine, I have to cover it with my hand. I can't even bring myself to touch the paper, so I just let my hand hover over the picture so he's not staring at me while I read. I'm afraid his evilness is going to burn my oh-so-innocent skin, so his photograph cannot be touched.
Did I mention he creeps me OUT?
(6) Telephones
I know. It's a bold statement. But I would not miss telephones if they went away. Give me an instant messaging system, some email and a microphone that works through my computer and I'm good.
I hate answering the phone. It always rings when I am the least likely to want to chat. I love caller ID and use it. Yep, I screen. I'm a screener. Love it, use it, will never get rid of it. Mine comes through my satellite TV so I don't even have to get up to check the phone if'n I don't wanna.
(7) Telemarketing
See number 6 for an explanation.
(8) Snow
Yes, it is pretty. I will admit that. But I'm not a person who likes cold weather OR grey days. When it snows, the skies are grey and I get sad and icky. I'm not a winter person.
(9) Judgment
No, I don't mean like the final judgment that is discussed in Revelation. I'm talking about judgment of others. Can't we just all get along? All that "I'd like to buy the world a Coke" and live in perfect harmony stuff? Why do we feel the need to pass judgment on others?
I admit, I'm guilty, and the view from up here is mighty nice, but I hate when someone with an ivory tower higher than mine passes judgment on me. Wow. That hurts. And it reminds me that I do it, too.
I have a love/hate relationship with judgment, so if one day it just disappeared, that would be great. No more worries.
(10) Money
I wish we could all just use the barter system. Money is so overrated.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
"Ten Things" (#1 in a series)
Today I'm going to begin a blog series. In the car today I was thinking about things about which to blog, and I came up with so many lists I wanted to make. The list kept getting longer and longer, and by the time I reached Camryn's school I was scribbling furiously so I wouldn't forget any of the topics.
Before I start the serious blogging, I have to relay what I saw on today's backwoods journey.
A mailbox.
But it wasn't any old mailbox.
It was a new mailbox owned, obviously, by a person who is at the same time lazy AND inventive.
You see, instead of fastening the mailbox to the wooden post with whatever rational people use to fasten mailboxes to posts, this person had used the Southern handyman's best friend.
Duct tape.
Brand new, shiny mailbox. Brand new yellow wooden post. Duct taped. Together.
Ahhhh, necessity is the mother of invention. It's also the 1st cousin, evidently.
Now, on with the blog.
TOP TEN THINGS I WOULD MISS... if they went away or were never invented
(1) My microwave
Nothing says, "I love you" to my kids like a nice, warm Hot Pocket for breakfast. (There are some things that should NOT be nuked, though. Fish sticks. Tater tots. A boy's gloves soaked by the snow. You catch my drift...)
(2) Water heaters
I don't know how the Little Family on the Prairie took proper baths. If I had to boil my bath water and/or wash my tushie in Laura's funky stew, I think I'd just prefer to stink (you know they shared tubs back then, right? It was a waste to replace the hot water for each person!)
(3) Cars
I'd probably weigh a lot less if I had to put 4 kids on the back of my bicycle, though.
(4) America's Funniest Home Videos (or AFV as they prefer nowadays)
Once they dumped that "I think my corny jokes are so funny, but I'm the only one laughing," Bob Saget, the show is actually not painful to watch. It's an enjoyable show that my whole family can sit in front of on a Sunday evening. We get the biggest kick out of it! I think I am more entertained by my husband and kids laughing than I am by the videos on the show.
(5) Internet
OH MY GOSH. How did I not think of this one first? I met my husband on the internet. I practically live my life on the web. How did I ever get along without thee, oh fiber optic cables of bliss? I guess Al Gore was good for something (I know, I know. He didn't invent the internet. It was a JOKE. He did invent global warming, though.)
(6) Tea bags and Splenda
(Technically that's two, but it's my blog, so shut up.)
I can't go a day without a tall frosty glass of iced tea sweetened with Splenda. I'll probably die an early death because the Splenda is eating up my insides, but I'll make sure everyone at the funeral gets a glass of iced tea, dahlin'!
(7) Elastic
Sometimes a girl just has to get out of her jeans, and it's at that time that elastic waisted pants are a girl's best friend.
Rule #1 of buffet grazing: NEVER wear jeans with buttons or zippers. If you're going to cram salad, soup, mac & cheese, rolls and assorted cakes and pies down your throat, you cannot be wearing anything constricting.
And that's just a little tip from me to you. No need to pay me. Just pass it on, friend. Pass it on.
(8) People magazine
My People usually comes on Friday or Saturday. There are 2 rules about my People: #1 I READ IT FIRST. No one else puts their grubby mitts on my magazine before I do. #2 I must take a long, hot, bubblish bath while reading People, so I can savor each delectable word without interruptions.
(9) The radio, or just music in general
What would life be without a soundtrack?
(10) My camera
'Cause when I'm old and grey and unable to do anything but sit in a chair, I want to remember every moment I lived. Even if I can't remember who I am or who my loved ones are, I want to know that the person in the photographs enjoyed a great life.
Before I start the serious blogging, I have to relay what I saw on today's backwoods journey.
A mailbox.
But it wasn't any old mailbox.
It was a new mailbox owned, obviously, by a person who is at the same time lazy AND inventive.
You see, instead of fastening the mailbox to the wooden post with whatever rational people use to fasten mailboxes to posts, this person had used the Southern handyman's best friend.
Duct tape.
Brand new, shiny mailbox. Brand new yellow wooden post. Duct taped. Together.
Ahhhh, necessity is the mother of invention. It's also the 1st cousin, evidently.
Now, on with the blog.
TOP TEN THINGS I WOULD MISS... if they went away or were never invented
(1) My microwave
Nothing says, "I love you" to my kids like a nice, warm Hot Pocket for breakfast. (There are some things that should NOT be nuked, though. Fish sticks. Tater tots. A boy's gloves soaked by the snow. You catch my drift...)
(2) Water heaters
I don't know how the Little Family on the Prairie took proper baths. If I had to boil my bath water and/or wash my tushie in Laura's funky stew, I think I'd just prefer to stink (you know they shared tubs back then, right? It was a waste to replace the hot water for each person!)
(3) Cars
I'd probably weigh a lot less if I had to put 4 kids on the back of my bicycle, though.
(4) America's Funniest Home Videos (or AFV as they prefer nowadays)
Once they dumped that "I think my corny jokes are so funny, but I'm the only one laughing," Bob Saget, the show is actually not painful to watch. It's an enjoyable show that my whole family can sit in front of on a Sunday evening. We get the biggest kick out of it! I think I am more entertained by my husband and kids laughing than I am by the videos on the show.
(5) Internet
OH MY GOSH. How did I not think of this one first? I met my husband on the internet. I practically live my life on the web. How did I ever get along without thee, oh fiber optic cables of bliss? I guess Al Gore was good for something (I know, I know. He didn't invent the internet. It was a JOKE. He did invent global warming, though.)
(6) Tea bags and Splenda
(Technically that's two, but it's my blog, so shut up.)
I can't go a day without a tall frosty glass of iced tea sweetened with Splenda. I'll probably die an early death because the Splenda is eating up my insides, but I'll make sure everyone at the funeral gets a glass of iced tea, dahlin'!
(7) Elastic
Sometimes a girl just has to get out of her jeans, and it's at that time that elastic waisted pants are a girl's best friend.
Rule #1 of buffet grazing: NEVER wear jeans with buttons or zippers. If you're going to cram salad, soup, mac & cheese, rolls and assorted cakes and pies down your throat, you cannot be wearing anything constricting.
And that's just a little tip from me to you. No need to pay me. Just pass it on, friend. Pass it on.
(8) People magazine
My People usually comes on Friday or Saturday. There are 2 rules about my People: #1 I READ IT FIRST. No one else puts their grubby mitts on my magazine before I do. #2 I must take a long, hot, bubblish bath while reading People, so I can savor each delectable word without interruptions.
(9) The radio, or just music in general
What would life be without a soundtrack?
(10) My camera
'Cause when I'm old and grey and unable to do anything but sit in a chair, I want to remember every moment I lived. Even if I can't remember who I am or who my loved ones are, I want to know that the person in the photographs enjoyed a great life.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Pair of Noids
I am a paranoid person.
My husband jokingly says I have the biggest "pair of noids" he's ever seen.
Case in point:
Saturday night my hubby and I saw Billy Joel in concert.
So back to my story.
We sat down in our seats about 30 minutes before showtime. A single guy with beer and pizza in hand soon came and sat right in front my husband. No big deal.
I sent my husband to fetch me a pizza (I'd not eaten dinner yet.) While he was gone, the pizza/beer guy got up to leave, too (as he left I got a great glimpse of his buttcrack. He was wearing grey Hanes, by the way.) The guy hadn't yet touched his pizza.
Hubby came back. A yuppish couple came and took their seats right beside beer/pizza guy (I should probably call him crack dealer, 'cause I saw more of his quarter slot than I did his face that night...)
Yuppish guy knocked over crack guy's beer. He went and bought crack guy a new beer.
Crack guy came back. He drank the beer that Yuppish guy brought him. Then he got up and got another beer and drank that one.
This is where my paranoia started.
I suddenly realized that crack guy never touched his pizza. The beer didn't touch the pizza, so I wondered why he didn't eat it.
Also, crack guy was acting terribly strange. He kept bouncing his knee up and down like he was nervous, all the while darting his eyes around the arena. Crack guy never applauded, never acted like he was even into the concert. He didn't even turn his head toward the stage.
He drank a third beer, then left.
In my mind I swear to God I was thinking the pizza box contained a bomb.
When crack guy left halfway through the show, I was almost sweating. I just knew I was a goner. I (seriously!) thought crack guy was sent to plant the bomb and then he was going to remotely detonate it after he got up and left.
See? I told you I'm paranoid. Go ahead. Roll your eyes. I know. It's an illness.
But one day I'll be a hero, and you'll be clamoring to say you know me when they interview you on the Today show.
Just promise me you'll brush your teeth and take the curlers outta your hair before you go on camera. And don't use the word "ain't" please.
My husband jokingly says I have the biggest "pair of noids" he's ever seen.
Case in point:
Saturday night my hubby and I saw Billy Joel in concert.
Tangent: Billy rocked the Bi Lo center. There was no opening act. It was just Billy and a piano and his band. He started with songs from the 70s and progressed chronologically. The crowd was great, and Billy just did his thing and made us all feel like he was sitting in our den playing the piano. It was a GREAT night. Imagine singing "Piano Man" to the original Piano Man along with about 30,000 people who no longer feel like strangers because you've just spent 2 hours with them, listening to the great Billy Joel. What a NIGHT!
(An aside to my sister and her friend Val: get thee to TicketMaster and secure tickets for the concert at the BJCC on 2/26. It's a night you won't forget!!)
So back to my story.
We sat down in our seats about 30 minutes before showtime. A single guy with beer and pizza in hand soon came and sat right in front my husband. No big deal.
I sent my husband to fetch me a pizza (I'd not eaten dinner yet.) While he was gone, the pizza/beer guy got up to leave, too (as he left I got a great glimpse of his buttcrack. He was wearing grey Hanes, by the way.) The guy hadn't yet touched his pizza.
Hubby came back. A yuppish couple came and took their seats right beside beer/pizza guy (I should probably call him crack dealer, 'cause I saw more of his quarter slot than I did his face that night...)
Yuppish guy knocked over crack guy's beer. He went and bought crack guy a new beer.
Crack guy came back. He drank the beer that Yuppish guy brought him. Then he got up and got another beer and drank that one.
This is where my paranoia started.
I suddenly realized that crack guy never touched his pizza. The beer didn't touch the pizza, so I wondered why he didn't eat it.
Also, crack guy was acting terribly strange. He kept bouncing his knee up and down like he was nervous, all the while darting his eyes around the arena. Crack guy never applauded, never acted like he was even into the concert. He didn't even turn his head toward the stage.
He drank a third beer, then left.
In my mind I swear to God I was thinking the pizza box contained a bomb.
When crack guy left halfway through the show, I was almost sweating. I just knew I was a goner. I (seriously!) thought crack guy was sent to plant the bomb and then he was going to remotely detonate it after he got up and left.
See? I told you I'm paranoid. Go ahead. Roll your eyes. I know. It's an illness.
But one day I'll be a hero, and you'll be clamoring to say you know me when they interview you on the Today show.
Just promise me you'll brush your teeth and take the curlers outta your hair before you go on camera. And don't use the word "ain't" please.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Copycat Blog
My friend Stacy copied this blog from someone whose blog she stalks, so I'm copying both of them! I love telling everyone about me, because I'm such a narcissist. HA! (Man... now I have to go to dictionary.com to make sure I spelled that right, 'cause I'm a narcissist and a perfectionist... and I tend to use periods a lot..... like this.... And yes! I did spell narcissist correctly. HA!)
1. Is your second toe longer than your first? Nope. And you know which celebrity has strange toes like that? Reese Witherspoon. I've been a faithful reader of People magazine for years, so I have the scoop, doncha' know. Reese has weird toes. Next time you see a picture of her feet in a strappy sandal, I know you'll agree with me.
2. Do you have a favorite type of pen? I really love my scrapbooking pens. They're called Zig Writers and I love 'em. For everyday I love blue Bic pens with medium tips (no fine tips, please!) I love a good pen. I always find myself drooling in the pen aisle at Staples.
3. Look at your planner for March 14, what are you doing? What, and get up OFF THIS COUCH? Let me see if I can get one of the kids to bring it to me... For now, though, I'm going to press on. (Follow up: nothing.)
4. What color are your toenails usually? Half red or dark pink and half natural. I wish I had the time and money to get a regular pedicure. The last lady that gave me a pedi was so nice. She told me to come back so she could work on the deep cracks in my heels. I have yet to return, but I want to so badly.
5. What was the last thing you highlighted? My bank statement. I use a highlighter to mark things off as I reconcile my bank statement in Quicken.
6. What color are your bedroom curtains? They're a very pretty grey, kind of sheer on top with satiny bottoms. I bought them at Target last year after we moved into our house, but they've yet to be hung.
7. What color are the seats in your car? Black leather. No, I'm not looking forward to summer. The car was used and had low miles and enough add-ons to make me look past the black interior.
8. Have you ever had a black and white cat? Harry was dark grey on top with a white underbelly. I had a cat named Mollie that was solid grey with a touch of white near her trachea; she looked like a Hostess cupcake with cream filling (am I a foodie, or what?) I had a cat named Sally that was 100% black, but no, I've never owned a true black and white cat.
9. What is the last thing you put a stamp on? a package of Creative Memories sticker letters that I was sending to a member of my scrapbooking board as an RAK (random act of kindness).
10. Do you know anyone who lives in Wyoming? Not that I know of, really. (I just put that "really" there because I hate ending a sentence with a preposition.)
11. Why did you withdraw cash from the ATM the last time? I don't use the ATM. I don't even know my pin number. I cash a big check at the beginning of the month, so I always have cash on me, and if I don't, then I don't need to be shopping (or I use my debit or a check).
12. Who is the last baby that you held? That's a hard one. I haven't held a baby in a long time. I guess I'd have to say my friend Stacy B's daughter. She has a baby girl named Sophie that I held very briefly at a scrapbook workshop in November.
13. Do you know of any twins with rhyming names? No, even though I do have roots in Alabama and currently live in South Carolina. You would think I'd know at least one pair of twins with rhyming names!
14. Do you like Cinnamon toothpaste? I really prefer mint, but I use Close Up because that's what my husband uses. He's such a creature of habit. He uses Close Up toothpaste, wears Speed Stick deodorant/anti-perspirant and has a standing favorite at nearly every restaurant we go to. Since my husband does 75% of the grocery shopping, we only have Close Up.
15. What kind of car were you driving 2 years ago? 2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette mini van in a lovely shade of maroon. The kids called her Ruby.
16. Pick one: Miami Hurricanes or Florida Gators. Neither. War Eagle! Love my Auburn Tigers.
17. Last time you went to Six Flags? May 1999. Camryn was 17 months-old. We left her with my in-laws and went to Atlanta to spend the day at Six Flags. It was a disaster. The park was only half open, because there wasn't enough staff to fill the summer jobs (most of their staff is comprised of students, and schools weren't out yet.) We got our ticket and parking money back and went downtown to the Hard Rock Cafe for lunch. We were served by a transvestite waiter named Michelle whose Adam's Apple was bigger than my fist. Fun day.
18. Do you have any wallpaper in your house? No. Not in this house. In our old house there was either wallpaper or a border in almost every room.
19. Closest thing to you that is yellow: an umbrella from the kids' Fisher Price Little People stuff that should be in the playroom and not laying in the den floor. Lillian was licking it like an ice cream cone earlier, crazy nut.
20. Last person to give you a business card? The guy that came to inspect our house last Tuesday.
21. Who is the last person you wrote a check to? Creating Keepsakes magazine (I finally subscribed.)
22. Closest framed picture to you? a set of Charleston prints hanging on my den wall.
23. Last time you had someone cook for you? Lastnight. We celebrated Valentine's Day at Red Robin.
24. Have you ever applied for welfare? No
25. How many e-mails do you have? Two. One is a business (Longaberger) address for customers to email me and the other is personal.
26. Last time you received flowers? I dunno. My husband has a patient for whom he changes a medically necessary contact lens every month. He doesn't charge her (she could put it in herself, but she's afraid of putting her fingers in her eyes.) So, she just brings him little treats now and then. Most of the time she brings flowers, and he passes them on to me. I would never have known, but a friend of ours that works with the patient spilled the beans. I thought he was just being nice and bringing me flowers!
27. Do you think the sanctity of marriage is meant for only a man & woman? Yes. God's word says so.
28. What are you listening to right now? Just a minute ago it was Christina Aguilera's "Ain't No Other Man" but now Prince's "Kiss" is on. Love the iPod.
29. Do you play air guitar? Nope. Air drums, usually on the steering wheel in my car. Remember my Tide To Go blog? Yeah.
30. Do you take anything in your coffee? I don't drink coffee. My mom used to awaken me and my sister when we were kids, and she had the worst coffee breath. It kinda turned me off of coffee.
31. Do you have any Willow Tree figurines? No. I'm really not a knick knack person.
32. What is your high school mascot's rival? Hmmm... my high school mascot was a rocket. I guess the closest rival would be either a Wildcat or a Blue Devil.
33. Last person you spoke to from high school? Either Laura Kimbrell (via email) or Randy Dale (in person at my wedding 11 years ago). I didn't even go to my reunion. I didn't really care to see anyone I went to high school with.
34. Last time you used hand sanitizer? Yesterday after I shopped at Hobby Lobby. I keep a pump of it in the car.
35. Would you like to learn to play the drums? Nah. There are too many other things I want to learn to do. I do love me a good drumline, though. I could listen to drumlines for hours.
36. What color are the blinds in your living room? White. I love my mini blinds! They're durable foam wood; they look like plastic, but they don't discolor like plastic. The blinds and the room darkening shades for the bedroom were ordered before we even moved into the house. I don't get people who have no window coverings. I don't want the neighbors or looky loos peeping in on me in my red flannel PJs! Once it's dark out, the blinds get closed.
37. What is in your inbox at work? Hmmmm... if my work is being a stay-at-home mom, then my inboxes would be laundry baskets and sinks full of dishes. Right now I have 3 loads of laundry to do and a dishwasher to empty and refill with what's in the sink.
38. Last thing you read in the newspaper? either the Sunday crossword puzzle or the comics or the USA Today weekend insert. I don't remember. We did get a paper today, but I haven't yet read it.
39. What was the last pageant you attended? Pageant? I guess that would be Miss Rendezvous 1991. I was the editor of the yearbook my senior year and we sponsored the pageant.
40. What is the last place you bought pizza from? Little Caesar's, Monday night (I just realized we had the same thing last Monday night, too. I love that Hot & Now.)
41. Have you ever worn a crown? Do the paper ones from Burger King count?
42. What is the last thing you stapled? Instructions for a scrapbook swap I joined.
43. Did you ever drink clear Pepsi? Once, but never again.
44. Are you ticklish? Highly. Never, EVER touch my back without me knowing you're there. It sends my muscles into spasms.
45. Last time you saw fireworks? July 4th.
46. Where is question number 46? I looked back at Stacy's blog and she's missing #46, too. Must be highly classified.
47. Who is the last person that left you a message & you actually returned their call? My housekeeper. She left a message this afternoon when my daughter was on the phone with her best friend (we don't have call waiting). I called her back tonight.
48. Last time you parked under a carport? I've never owned a home or lived in a home with a carport.
49. Do you have a black dog? No I'm not really a dog person. We just have the one cat now.
50. Do you have any pickles in your fridge? Of course I do. I recently found Bread & Butter gherkins at Big Lots. Next to sweet gherkins, Bread and butter pickles are my favorite!! I was so excited that the pickles on my burger at Red Robin tonight were bread & butter. They're the yummiest! I'm also a fan of sweet pickle relish; there is a food service sized jar in my fridge (a gag gift from my husband, which is funny, 'cause relish makes him gag...) I also love dill pickle spears and those big honkin' dill pickles. Yum. Now my mouth is watering!
51. Do you find Dan French irresistible? Who the heck is Dan French?
52. Who has the prettiest eyes that you know of? My children all have gorgeous blue eyes, each a varying shade. That is their daddy's genes coming out. My eyes are boring green.
53. Last time you saw a semi truck? Last night on I-85 on the way home from dinner.
54. Do you remember Ugly Kid Joe? The name rings a bell but I'd have to Google it to refresh my memory. Singing group?
55. Do you have a little black dress? The word "little" describes nothing in my closet. I have a black dress, yes. It ain't little, though. It's more like a "big black tent".
1. Is your second toe longer than your first? Nope. And you know which celebrity has strange toes like that? Reese Witherspoon. I've been a faithful reader of People magazine for years, so I have the scoop, doncha' know. Reese has weird toes. Next time you see a picture of her feet in a strappy sandal, I know you'll agree with me.
2. Do you have a favorite type of pen? I really love my scrapbooking pens. They're called Zig Writers and I love 'em. For everyday I love blue Bic pens with medium tips (no fine tips, please!) I love a good pen. I always find myself drooling in the pen aisle at Staples.
3. Look at your planner for March 14, what are you doing? What, and get up OFF THIS COUCH? Let me see if I can get one of the kids to bring it to me... For now, though, I'm going to press on. (Follow up: nothing.)
4. What color are your toenails usually? Half red or dark pink and half natural. I wish I had the time and money to get a regular pedicure. The last lady that gave me a pedi was so nice. She told me to come back so she could work on the deep cracks in my heels. I have yet to return, but I want to so badly.
5. What was the last thing you highlighted? My bank statement. I use a highlighter to mark things off as I reconcile my bank statement in Quicken.
6. What color are your bedroom curtains? They're a very pretty grey, kind of sheer on top with satiny bottoms. I bought them at Target last year after we moved into our house, but they've yet to be hung.
7. What color are the seats in your car? Black leather. No, I'm not looking forward to summer. The car was used and had low miles and enough add-ons to make me look past the black interior.
8. Have you ever had a black and white cat? Harry was dark grey on top with a white underbelly. I had a cat named Mollie that was solid grey with a touch of white near her trachea; she looked like a Hostess cupcake with cream filling (am I a foodie, or what?) I had a cat named Sally that was 100% black, but no, I've never owned a true black and white cat.
9. What is the last thing you put a stamp on? a package of Creative Memories sticker letters that I was sending to a member of my scrapbooking board as an RAK (random act of kindness).
10. Do you know anyone who lives in Wyoming? Not that I know of, really. (I just put that "really" there because I hate ending a sentence with a preposition.)
11. Why did you withdraw cash from the ATM the last time? I don't use the ATM. I don't even know my pin number. I cash a big check at the beginning of the month, so I always have cash on me, and if I don't, then I don't need to be shopping (or I use my debit or a check).
12. Who is the last baby that you held? That's a hard one. I haven't held a baby in a long time. I guess I'd have to say my friend Stacy B's daughter. She has a baby girl named Sophie that I held very briefly at a scrapbook workshop in November.
13. Do you know of any twins with rhyming names? No, even though I do have roots in Alabama and currently live in South Carolina. You would think I'd know at least one pair of twins with rhyming names!
14. Do you like Cinnamon toothpaste? I really prefer mint, but I use Close Up because that's what my husband uses. He's such a creature of habit. He uses Close Up toothpaste, wears Speed Stick deodorant/anti-perspirant and has a standing favorite at nearly every restaurant we go to. Since my husband does 75% of the grocery shopping, we only have Close Up.
15. What kind of car were you driving 2 years ago? 2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette mini van in a lovely shade of maroon. The kids called her Ruby.
16. Pick one: Miami Hurricanes or Florida Gators. Neither. War Eagle! Love my Auburn Tigers.
17. Last time you went to Six Flags? May 1999. Camryn was 17 months-old. We left her with my in-laws and went to Atlanta to spend the day at Six Flags. It was a disaster. The park was only half open, because there wasn't enough staff to fill the summer jobs (most of their staff is comprised of students, and schools weren't out yet.) We got our ticket and parking money back and went downtown to the Hard Rock Cafe for lunch. We were served by a transvestite waiter named Michelle whose Adam's Apple was bigger than my fist. Fun day.
18. Do you have any wallpaper in your house? No. Not in this house. In our old house there was either wallpaper or a border in almost every room.
19. Closest thing to you that is yellow: an umbrella from the kids' Fisher Price Little People stuff that should be in the playroom and not laying in the den floor. Lillian was licking it like an ice cream cone earlier, crazy nut.
20. Last person to give you a business card? The guy that came to inspect our house last Tuesday.
21. Who is the last person you wrote a check to? Creating Keepsakes magazine (I finally subscribed.)
22. Closest framed picture to you? a set of Charleston prints hanging on my den wall.
23. Last time you had someone cook for you? Lastnight. We celebrated Valentine's Day at Red Robin.
24. Have you ever applied for welfare? No
25. How many e-mails do you have? Two. One is a business (Longaberger) address for customers to email me and the other is personal.
26. Last time you received flowers? I dunno. My husband has a patient for whom he changes a medically necessary contact lens every month. He doesn't charge her (she could put it in herself, but she's afraid of putting her fingers in her eyes.) So, she just brings him little treats now and then. Most of the time she brings flowers, and he passes them on to me. I would never have known, but a friend of ours that works with the patient spilled the beans. I thought he was just being nice and bringing me flowers!
27. Do you think the sanctity of marriage is meant for only a man & woman? Yes. God's word says so.
28. What are you listening to right now? Just a minute ago it was Christina Aguilera's "Ain't No Other Man" but now Prince's "Kiss" is on. Love the iPod.
29. Do you play air guitar? Nope. Air drums, usually on the steering wheel in my car. Remember my Tide To Go blog? Yeah.
30. Do you take anything in your coffee? I don't drink coffee. My mom used to awaken me and my sister when we were kids, and she had the worst coffee breath. It kinda turned me off of coffee.
31. Do you have any Willow Tree figurines? No. I'm really not a knick knack person.
32. What is your high school mascot's rival? Hmmm... my high school mascot was a rocket. I guess the closest rival would be either a Wildcat or a Blue Devil.
33. Last person you spoke to from high school? Either Laura Kimbrell (via email) or Randy Dale (in person at my wedding 11 years ago). I didn't even go to my reunion. I didn't really care to see anyone I went to high school with.
34. Last time you used hand sanitizer? Yesterday after I shopped at Hobby Lobby. I keep a pump of it in the car.
35. Would you like to learn to play the drums? Nah. There are too many other things I want to learn to do. I do love me a good drumline, though. I could listen to drumlines for hours.
36. What color are the blinds in your living room? White. I love my mini blinds! They're durable foam wood; they look like plastic, but they don't discolor like plastic. The blinds and the room darkening shades for the bedroom were ordered before we even moved into the house. I don't get people who have no window coverings. I don't want the neighbors or looky loos peeping in on me in my red flannel PJs! Once it's dark out, the blinds get closed.
37. What is in your inbox at work? Hmmmm... if my work is being a stay-at-home mom, then my inboxes would be laundry baskets and sinks full of dishes. Right now I have 3 loads of laundry to do and a dishwasher to empty and refill with what's in the sink.
38. Last thing you read in the newspaper? either the Sunday crossword puzzle or the comics or the USA Today weekend insert. I don't remember. We did get a paper today, but I haven't yet read it.
39. What was the last pageant you attended? Pageant? I guess that would be Miss Rendezvous 1991. I was the editor of the yearbook my senior year and we sponsored the pageant.
40. What is the last place you bought pizza from? Little Caesar's, Monday night (I just realized we had the same thing last Monday night, too. I love that Hot & Now.)
41. Have you ever worn a crown? Do the paper ones from Burger King count?
42. What is the last thing you stapled? Instructions for a scrapbook swap I joined.
43. Did you ever drink clear Pepsi? Once, but never again.
44. Are you ticklish? Highly. Never, EVER touch my back without me knowing you're there. It sends my muscles into spasms.
45. Last time you saw fireworks? July 4th.
46. Where is question number 46? I looked back at Stacy's blog and she's missing #46, too. Must be highly classified.
47. Who is the last person that left you a message & you actually returned their call? My housekeeper. She left a message this afternoon when my daughter was on the phone with her best friend (we don't have call waiting). I called her back tonight.
48. Last time you parked under a carport? I've never owned a home or lived in a home with a carport.
49. Do you have a black dog? No I'm not really a dog person. We just have the one cat now.
50. Do you have any pickles in your fridge? Of course I do. I recently found Bread & Butter gherkins at Big Lots. Next to sweet gherkins, Bread and butter pickles are my favorite!! I was so excited that the pickles on my burger at Red Robin tonight were bread & butter. They're the yummiest! I'm also a fan of sweet pickle relish; there is a food service sized jar in my fridge (a gag gift from my husband, which is funny, 'cause relish makes him gag...) I also love dill pickle spears and those big honkin' dill pickles. Yum. Now my mouth is watering!
51. Do you find Dan French irresistible? Who the heck is Dan French?
52. Who has the prettiest eyes that you know of? My children all have gorgeous blue eyes, each a varying shade. That is their daddy's genes coming out. My eyes are boring green.
53. Last time you saw a semi truck? Last night on I-85 on the way home from dinner.
54. Do you remember Ugly Kid Joe? The name rings a bell but I'd have to Google it to refresh my memory. Singing group?
55. Do you have a little black dress? The word "little" describes nothing in my closet. I have a black dress, yes. It ain't little, though. It's more like a "big black tent".
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Blog Challenge: Dear Cupid
Write a letter to Cupid.
Say what's on your mind about Valentine's Day.
Is it a bunch of bunk?
Another chance for Hallmark to make some money?
Are you a romantic at heart?
Do you have hints for your Valentine?
Do you have a Valentine's memory to reminisce about?
Dear Cupid....
I think Valentine's Day is stupid. I think jacking up the prices on flowers that are already too expensive is outrageous. I think not being able to eat in a restaurant on Valentine's Day because everyone is taking their sweeties out to eat stinks. Why on earth do we have this holiday?
I'm sorry, but I've never been a fan of your day, Cupid. I never really had a Valentine when I wanted one (unless you count my parents...) I guess that's where my dislike of your holiday comes from. I even had a boy break up with me on V day. How sad is that?
Now that I'm married and have a permanent Valentine (which some people would really love to have, I know...) my Valentine never really acknowledges the day. Perhaps it's because my birthday is a mere 9 days before Love Day and our anniversary falls 25 days before it, too. I don't know. But that stinks, too. I would love some little gift (even though I act like it's no big deal 'cause I don't want to start a fight with my Valentine...), but I guess my sweetie thinks he's off the hook because of our other two special days.
Cupid, could you send him a link to my blog?
Monday, February 12, 2007
There's a Feline in my Fridge
My daughter's furbaby, Harry, died yesterday.
I was, to say the least, in complete shock. Harry showed no signs of being sick.
I had been "given" the day off by my husband; he took our kids to his mother's house for the day, so I was just relaxing. I had just gotten up off the couch after watching all the DVR recordings I'd saved. I went downstairs to scrapbook for a bit, and as soon as I sat in my chair I heard cat wailing.
I'd heard this wail before, and it usually meant that a cat was trapped somewhere. I got up and went in search of whoever was trapped, but instead I found Harry laying on the rug in the downstairs den. He looked okay, so I thought his claw might be caught in the rug.
As I got closer, I realized something was wrong. He was obviously in pain. That's when the blood came.
I rushed him to the emergency vet clinic. He died on the way. I remember screaming when I realized he was dead, because my immediate thought was, "Oh, Lord. I have to tell Camryn her sweet Harry is dead." It was, at the time, an unfathomable thought.
Camryn adored Harry. They just had that bond that few people get with a pet. She actually called him her child. He was her constant companion when she was home; he slept on her bed all day and all night, every night. He cried pitifully when she was away for too long, visiting a friend overnight or her grandparents for a week at a time.
I was not looking forward to Camryn's return home, although she did know beforehand that he had passed away. I was literally nauseous over how she was going to react when she saw him. I could not eat; all I could do was think about Camryn and how she was going to deal with this tragedy.
I know it's silly. I would rather lose a cat than one of my own human children, but Harry was one of my first "kids". My husband and I adopted him from the Humane Society, and within days of him moving in with us, he developed a bad upper respiratory infection. I nursed him back to health (it took almost 4 weeks for him to completely recover). When I took him back to the vet for a checkup, she was surprised to see him. She confessed that his URI was so bad she didn't expect him to live. Good thing she didn't tell me that, because I don't think I would've fought so hard for him to live. I guess that's why this has hit me so hard. He was my baby, too.
Camryn finally arrived home around 8 pm. She said goodbye for over an hour, sobbing and stroking his soft fur. We clipped some of that fur and finally said goodbye around 9 pm. We sealed him up and put him in the downstairs refrigerator until tomorrow when we can all gather as a family to bury Harry in the yard. Camryn wants his grave to be right outside her bedroom window, so most likely that's where he will be.
The vet and his staff gave me all the supplies for burying Harry in our yard in a way that wild animals won't dig him up. They also took an impression (in clay) of his paws for us. They were incredibly kind and generous. They didn't even ask for a penny for anything.
Camryn is already talking about getting a kitten. I think we need to focus on our other cat, Beeson, for awhile.
I'm not ready to go through this again anytime soon.
I was, to say the least, in complete shock. Harry showed no signs of being sick.
I had been "given" the day off by my husband; he took our kids to his mother's house for the day, so I was just relaxing. I had just gotten up off the couch after watching all the DVR recordings I'd saved. I went downstairs to scrapbook for a bit, and as soon as I sat in my chair I heard cat wailing.
I'd heard this wail before, and it usually meant that a cat was trapped somewhere. I got up and went in search of whoever was trapped, but instead I found Harry laying on the rug in the downstairs den. He looked okay, so I thought his claw might be caught in the rug.
As I got closer, I realized something was wrong. He was obviously in pain. That's when the blood came.
I rushed him to the emergency vet clinic. He died on the way. I remember screaming when I realized he was dead, because my immediate thought was, "Oh, Lord. I have to tell Camryn her sweet Harry is dead." It was, at the time, an unfathomable thought.
Camryn adored Harry. They just had that bond that few people get with a pet. She actually called him her child. He was her constant companion when she was home; he slept on her bed all day and all night, every night. He cried pitifully when she was away for too long, visiting a friend overnight or her grandparents for a week at a time.
I was not looking forward to Camryn's return home, although she did know beforehand that he had passed away. I was literally nauseous over how she was going to react when she saw him. I could not eat; all I could do was think about Camryn and how she was going to deal with this tragedy.
I know it's silly. I would rather lose a cat than one of my own human children, but Harry was one of my first "kids". My husband and I adopted him from the Humane Society, and within days of him moving in with us, he developed a bad upper respiratory infection. I nursed him back to health (it took almost 4 weeks for him to completely recover). When I took him back to the vet for a checkup, she was surprised to see him. She confessed that his URI was so bad she didn't expect him to live. Good thing she didn't tell me that, because I don't think I would've fought so hard for him to live. I guess that's why this has hit me so hard. He was my baby, too.
Camryn finally arrived home around 8 pm. She said goodbye for over an hour, sobbing and stroking his soft fur. We clipped some of that fur and finally said goodbye around 9 pm. We sealed him up and put him in the downstairs refrigerator until tomorrow when we can all gather as a family to bury Harry in the yard. Camryn wants his grave to be right outside her bedroom window, so most likely that's where he will be.
The vet and his staff gave me all the supplies for burying Harry in our yard in a way that wild animals won't dig him up. They also took an impression (in clay) of his paws for us. They were incredibly kind and generous. They didn't even ask for a penny for anything.
Camryn is already talking about getting a kitten. I think we need to focus on our other cat, Beeson, for awhile.
I'm not ready to go through this again anytime soon.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Aiden Josiah
I did a scrapbooking layout for my older son's book yesterday. I had 3 really random pictures that I wanted to use, and I couldn't figure out how to tie them together. So, I came up with this:
I created 4-2.75" squares in Microsoft Word and just filled them in with Aiden's favorite things. Three of those things were (somewhat) depicted in the pictures on the page. The sumo wrestler picture was taken at the Japanese restaurant, which has the shrimp sauce Aiden loves. The middle picture shows his nose with a tinge of dried up blood on it, which is there because the kid CANNOT stop picking, and the picture on the far right shows Aiden opening his new Star Wars Game Cube game, with which he is obsessed.
Coming up with things to write about Aiden wasn't as easy as I thought it would be . I mean, I am with him most of the day everyday, but still, I had to think hard about this one. There were obvious things that Aiden loves (the nose picking, the Game Cube, Star Wars). Then there were the not so easy to remember little quirks, like the fact that my sweet son hates jeans (he prefers elastic waists like his mom), loves shrimp sauce and Bruster's Ice Cream and at least once a day asks when we're going back to Disney World.
I loved doing this page. It made me sit and reflect about what makes Aiden so unique. It made me just sit and ponder my son. It made me love him even more, if that's possible.
I love my boy, but I found a new appreciation for him yesterday. I couldn't wait to pick him up from school and celebrate his uniqueness. He's truly one of a kind, freckles and all.
I created 4-2.75" squares in Microsoft Word and just filled them in with Aiden's favorite things. Three of those things were (somewhat) depicted in the pictures on the page. The sumo wrestler picture was taken at the Japanese restaurant, which has the shrimp sauce Aiden loves. The middle picture shows his nose with a tinge of dried up blood on it, which is there because the kid CANNOT stop picking, and the picture on the far right shows Aiden opening his new Star Wars Game Cube game, with which he is obsessed.
Coming up with things to write about Aiden wasn't as easy as I thought it would be . I mean, I am with him most of the day everyday, but still, I had to think hard about this one. There were obvious things that Aiden loves (the nose picking, the Game Cube, Star Wars). Then there were the not so easy to remember little quirks, like the fact that my sweet son hates jeans (he prefers elastic waists like his mom), loves shrimp sauce and Bruster's Ice Cream and at least once a day asks when we're going back to Disney World.
I loved doing this page. It made me sit and reflect about what makes Aiden so unique. It made me just sit and ponder my son. It made me love him even more, if that's possible.
I love my boy, but I found a new appreciation for him yesterday. I couldn't wait to pick him up from school and celebrate his uniqueness. He's truly one of a kind, freckles and all.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
The One With the Puke (OR: Why I Love My Hubby)
My sweet 4 year-old son (finally) had his well check at the doctor yesterday.
If you're a mom, you know what that means.
Uh-huh. SHOTS.
My husband took Quinn to the doctor. When they returned home, there were tears in Quinn's eyes, a Band-Aid on one of his fingers, and a catch in his walk (the shots went in his legs, so he considered himself crippled...)
My husband and I have experienced it all before; our oldest two children had similar reactions to the dreaded 4 year shots. Bless their hearts.
Eventually Quinn realized that he could once again use his legs and the finger with the Band Aid on it. He had a few doses of Tylenol and was feeling pretty near normal at bedtime.
At approximately 2:30 am I heard the wail of a cry growing closer and closer as it approached my bedroom.
Then I heard the sound every parent dreads hearing in the middle of the night (or anytime, really).
THE BARF.
My husband jumped up and grabbed the trash can and let Quinn finish losing his shrimp dinner. Then he set about cleaning Quinn, the carpet, the hardwoods in the hall, and the spot beside Quinn's bed.
What a guy. I love that man. He never shrinks from responsibility when it comes to me and our children. He is a true helpmate.
Meanwhile, I got the much easier job of changing and cuddling my sick boy.
While I don't relish the upchuck, I do enjoy cuddling my children when they're ill. It's one of the best times to be a mom. The kids are usually so compliant, so drained of energy, so willing to be snuggled and held close. They just sit still and let you rub their hair and their feverish brows.
It's the height of maternal bliss.
If you're a mom, you know what that means.
Uh-huh. SHOTS.
My husband took Quinn to the doctor. When they returned home, there were tears in Quinn's eyes, a Band-Aid on one of his fingers, and a catch in his walk (the shots went in his legs, so he considered himself crippled...)
My husband and I have experienced it all before; our oldest two children had similar reactions to the dreaded 4 year shots. Bless their hearts.
Eventually Quinn realized that he could once again use his legs and the finger with the Band Aid on it. He had a few doses of Tylenol and was feeling pretty near normal at bedtime.
At approximately 2:30 am I heard the wail of a cry growing closer and closer as it approached my bedroom.
Then I heard the sound every parent dreads hearing in the middle of the night (or anytime, really).
THE BARF.
My husband jumped up and grabbed the trash can and let Quinn finish losing his shrimp dinner. Then he set about cleaning Quinn, the carpet, the hardwoods in the hall, and the spot beside Quinn's bed.
What a guy. I love that man. He never shrinks from responsibility when it comes to me and our children. He is a true helpmate.
Meanwhile, I got the much easier job of changing and cuddling my sick boy.
While I don't relish the upchuck, I do enjoy cuddling my children when they're ill. It's one of the best times to be a mom. The kids are usually so compliant, so drained of energy, so willing to be snuggled and held close. They just sit still and let you rub their hair and their feverish brows.
It's the height of maternal bliss.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Verne Troyer
It's my birthday!
I'm 34 today.
I could use a new bumper, too.
Maybe some new tail lights.
(Use of the commercial in this blog in no way implies an endorsement of Geico Insurance.)
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Blog Challenge: First...
When is the first time you...
fell in love ? I honestly fell in LOVE for the first time when I met my husband in August 1994. I had other boyfriends, but I never really knew what love was until I met Stan.
lost someone close to you? I've blogged about this. Leah Osborn, December 15, 1980. She was a 2nd grade classmate who was killed in an tragic accident.
drank alcohol? Gosh. Um, maybe 1992 when I went to Europe? I didn't turn 21 until 1994, so I wasn't legal until then, so I didn't drink But I drank in Europe (bad, bad Sangria) because they have no legal drinking age. My first legal drink was a wine cooler. Love that Bartles & Jaymes!
got kissed? My 7th grade boyfriend (if you can call it that). He came over to my house to watch movies one night and he gave me a brief peck on the lips. Woo. Hoo.
went to the hospital? I had some surgery when I was 4. I'm still not clear on what kind of surgery, but it had something to do with my urethra (?) All I remember is that I was not allowed to run for a couple of weeks afterwards, and I got some cool lace up cards during my hospital stay!
got your heart broken? May 1993
lost a pet? Odie, my dog, was hit by the school bus one morning as I was eating cereal. Someone came to the door to tell us. My mom put him in a box (and he bit her while she was doing it) and we took him to the vet, but he couldn't be saved.
smoked a cigarette? haven't ever.
broke a bone? no bones broken in my 33 years.
got a job? Hmmmm.... I worked as a tea pourer for Wednesday night suppers at church when I was in junior high and high school, but I can't remember if I got paid for that. My first official job for which I had to interview was in college. I worked in the alumni department at my university.
got cheated on? I don't know for sure that I was ever cheated on, but I have my suspicions.
rode the city bus? Los Angeles, July 4, 1987, from our hotel to the Hard Rock Cafe. It was closed when we got there.
went to a concert? Amy Grant, 1986. We had floor seats, 9 rows from the stage. My parents would NOT stand up. I was mortified.
Met someone famous? My dad used to take me and my sister to the car show in Birmingham every year. There was usually a marginal celebrity there signing autographs. TV's "Boss Hogg" (Sorrell Booke) from "The Dukes of Hazzard" was the first celebrity I met. The next year it was then Miss America Vanessa Williams, before the nude photo scandal.
dyed your hair? High school?
got your own cell phone? College, and only after I had a flat tire on the way to school one morning (I commuted). It was a super trendy bag phone (ha!)
snuck out the house? Never. Really. I was boring. I respected my parents too much.
drove a car? Sometime in 1988 when I turned 15 and got my learner's permit.
got your own digital camera? My oldest child was about 6 months-old, so it was 1998. We bought a top of the line Sony Mavica that had to have disks for picture storage. We bought it to sell stuff on Ebay. I had a very lucrative Ebay career in the late 90s! I loved selling on Ebay when it was so new to everyone and people were stupid when they bid!
how old are you now? Today I am 33. Tomorrow I will be 34!
fell in love ? I honestly fell in LOVE for the first time when I met my husband in August 1994. I had other boyfriends, but I never really knew what love was until I met Stan.
lost someone close to you? I've blogged about this. Leah Osborn, December 15, 1980. She was a 2nd grade classmate who was killed in an tragic accident.
drank alcohol? Gosh. Um, maybe 1992 when I went to Europe? I didn't turn 21 until 1994, so I wasn't legal until then, so I didn't drink But I drank in Europe (bad, bad Sangria) because they have no legal drinking age. My first legal drink was a wine cooler. Love that Bartles & Jaymes!
got kissed? My 7th grade boyfriend (if you can call it that). He came over to my house to watch movies one night and he gave me a brief peck on the lips. Woo. Hoo.
went to the hospital? I had some surgery when I was 4. I'm still not clear on what kind of surgery, but it had something to do with my urethra (?) All I remember is that I was not allowed to run for a couple of weeks afterwards, and I got some cool lace up cards during my hospital stay!
got your heart broken? May 1993
lost a pet? Odie, my dog, was hit by the school bus one morning as I was eating cereal. Someone came to the door to tell us. My mom put him in a box (and he bit her while she was doing it) and we took him to the vet, but he couldn't be saved.
smoked a cigarette? haven't ever.
broke a bone? no bones broken in my 33 years.
got a job? Hmmmm.... I worked as a tea pourer for Wednesday night suppers at church when I was in junior high and high school, but I can't remember if I got paid for that. My first official job for which I had to interview was in college. I worked in the alumni department at my university.
got cheated on? I don't know for sure that I was ever cheated on, but I have my suspicions.
rode the city bus? Los Angeles, July 4, 1987, from our hotel to the Hard Rock Cafe. It was closed when we got there.
went to a concert? Amy Grant, 1986. We had floor seats, 9 rows from the stage. My parents would NOT stand up. I was mortified.
Met someone famous? My dad used to take me and my sister to the car show in Birmingham every year. There was usually a marginal celebrity there signing autographs. TV's "Boss Hogg" (Sorrell Booke) from "The Dukes of Hazzard" was the first celebrity I met. The next year it was then Miss America Vanessa Williams, before the nude photo scandal.
dyed your hair? High school?
got your own cell phone? College, and only after I had a flat tire on the way to school one morning (I commuted). It was a super trendy bag phone (ha!)
snuck out the house? Never. Really. I was boring. I respected my parents too much.
drove a car? Sometime in 1988 when I turned 15 and got my learner's permit.
got your own digital camera? My oldest child was about 6 months-old, so it was 1998. We bought a top of the line Sony Mavica that had to have disks for picture storage. We bought it to sell stuff on Ebay. I had a very lucrative Ebay career in the late 90s! I loved selling on Ebay when it was so new to everyone and people were stupid when they bid!
how old are you now? Today I am 33. Tomorrow I will be 34!
Friday, February 02, 2007
Ahhhh.... Friday
It's Friday.
I love Friday.
Normally I get 5 hours to myself on Fridays, but today was different. Because of yesterday's snow, there was a 2-hour delay for the schools today.
That meant that no one got to school until 10:30 am. Since my 4 year-old gets out of school at 11:30, his class didn't even meet today. Therefore, I had 2 days' worth of errands to run with a 4 year-old in tow, and I had roughly 3 hours to do it all.
First we hit the AC Moore to do a return. As the cashier was finishing up, Quinn (my 4 year-old) said, " I HAVE TO GO POTTY!"
When Quinn says that, he means, like, NOW. So, off we went to find a bathroom.
Lord love a duck, I don't know what happened in that restroom before we entered, but whatever it was created a stench that almost made me lose my strawberry Pop Tart. Seriously bad stench. That was the fastest pit stop I've ever made with a child. I had to GET OUT of there.
(I shudder even remembering it...)
We bought what we came for and left quickly. I had to have a squirt of hand sanitizer after that experience. I made sure both Quinn and I got a large glob (I honestly felt like rubbing myself down with hand sanitizer, but there just wasn't time...)
Oh, one quick thing... as we were exiting AC Moore, Quinn stepped on the automatic door opener thing and said, so sweetly, "Here, Mommy! I'll hold the door for you!" Melted my heart. I love that kid. I could do a whole blog about how much I love him. Maybe later.
Our next stop was Bed, Bath and Beyond. I needed a new frying pan ('cause I can bring home the bacon... fry it up in a pan... and never ever let you forget you're a man... remember that commercial? Was that for Charlie fragrance?)
Got my pan and several other things ('cause I can't get out of BB&B cheaply!) As I was shopping, one of the sales people on the floor saw Quinn in the buggy and asked if school was still out today. I felt behooved (is that a word?) to explain to this perfect stranger the circumstances which had led to Quinn being with me today. As I watched his eyes glaze over, I realized that HE DID NOT CARE and I moved on.
I'm such a chatty Cathy sometimes, and I HATE IT. It is exactly what my mom used to do, and I remember ducking in embarrassment every time she did it.
Oh, good goobledygoo.
I have become my mother!
After BB&B we went over to Ulta because I needed 2 things. I told Quinn to hold me accountable by repeating the phrase, "Get in, get out; get in, get out." He did just that, and we were out of there in a flash.
It was about that time that I realized that I had not put on a smear of makeup today. Normally, not a problem, but I just happen to have a huge post-zit scab on my chin. Oh, so pretty. I'm sure the Ulta lady was thanking the makeup gods that I had come to my senses and decided to purchase something to slap on my face.
Quinn and I had lunch with Daddy at Moe's (WELCOME TO MOE'S! Love those fish tacos!) and then we made a final quick dash into Target. (I swear, the lady at the register only asked me three times if I wanted to apply for the Target credit card. GET A HEARING AID, lady. I said no. THREE. TIMES.)
Whew.
Next was pickup time for my 6 year-old son, Aiden, and his 2 year-old sister, Lillian.
Lillian, it turns out, had a massive diaper blowout at school today. She wasn't wearing a thing that I had put on her that morning except her little red hairbow. She had on the emergency sweatsuit that's been in her backpack forever, but she wasn't even wearing socks, and she had on some ratty looking sneakers. Every stitch she had worn to school was in a plastic produce bag in which dirty clothing gets sent home.
I hate those bags. You just KNOW that it ain't gonna smell good when you open it up. Not a good surprise.
I got everyone home, unloaded the children, their assorted bags and the day's purchases. I threw the contents of that aforementioned plastic bag in the washing machine, and then I sat down and read email for a few minutes. Thirty minutes later, it was time to pick up my oldest child from school.
Now it's ten minutes until 6 pm and dinner is cooking.
I'm so glad it's Friday. When dinner is done, I'm going to go slip into my flannel PJs and throw myself into the big comfy chair in my den. Then I'm going to watch the "General Hospital" that's on DVR.
And I'll leave you with this (speaking of flannel PJs).
I had another hick sighting on the way to my daughter's school this afternoon.
Picture her.
She's in her 60s. Pink curly hair. Red plaid flannel robe. Arms full of mail, fresh from the box. Lit and smoking cigarette dangling from her lips.
She looked like a pink poodle wearing an old lady nightgown.
Gotta love those backwoods folks. They provide me with endless entertainment.
I love Friday.
Normally I get 5 hours to myself on Fridays, but today was different. Because of yesterday's snow, there was a 2-hour delay for the schools today.
That meant that no one got to school until 10:30 am. Since my 4 year-old gets out of school at 11:30, his class didn't even meet today. Therefore, I had 2 days' worth of errands to run with a 4 year-old in tow, and I had roughly 3 hours to do it all.
First we hit the AC Moore to do a return. As the cashier was finishing up, Quinn (my 4 year-old) said, " I HAVE TO GO POTTY!"
When Quinn says that, he means, like, NOW. So, off we went to find a bathroom.
Lord love a duck, I don't know what happened in that restroom before we entered, but whatever it was created a stench that almost made me lose my strawberry Pop Tart. Seriously bad stench. That was the fastest pit stop I've ever made with a child. I had to GET OUT of there.
(I shudder even remembering it...)
We bought what we came for and left quickly. I had to have a squirt of hand sanitizer after that experience. I made sure both Quinn and I got a large glob (I honestly felt like rubbing myself down with hand sanitizer, but there just wasn't time...)
Oh, one quick thing... as we were exiting AC Moore, Quinn stepped on the automatic door opener thing and said, so sweetly, "Here, Mommy! I'll hold the door for you!" Melted my heart. I love that kid. I could do a whole blog about how much I love him. Maybe later.
Our next stop was Bed, Bath and Beyond. I needed a new frying pan ('cause I can bring home the bacon... fry it up in a pan... and never ever let you forget you're a man... remember that commercial? Was that for Charlie fragrance?)
Got my pan and several other things ('cause I can't get out of BB&B cheaply!) As I was shopping, one of the sales people on the floor saw Quinn in the buggy and asked if school was still out today. I felt behooved (is that a word?) to explain to this perfect stranger the circumstances which had led to Quinn being with me today. As I watched his eyes glaze over, I realized that HE DID NOT CARE and I moved on.
I'm such a chatty Cathy sometimes, and I HATE IT. It is exactly what my mom used to do, and I remember ducking in embarrassment every time she did it.
Oh, good goobledygoo.
I have become my mother!
After BB&B we went over to Ulta because I needed 2 things. I told Quinn to hold me accountable by repeating the phrase, "Get in, get out; get in, get out." He did just that, and we were out of there in a flash.
It was about that time that I realized that I had not put on a smear of makeup today. Normally, not a problem, but I just happen to have a huge post-zit scab on my chin. Oh, so pretty. I'm sure the Ulta lady was thanking the makeup gods that I had come to my senses and decided to purchase something to slap on my face.
Quinn and I had lunch with Daddy at Moe's (WELCOME TO MOE'S! Love those fish tacos!) and then we made a final quick dash into Target. (I swear, the lady at the register only asked me three times if I wanted to apply for the Target credit card. GET A HEARING AID, lady. I said no. THREE. TIMES.)
Whew.
Next was pickup time for my 6 year-old son, Aiden, and his 2 year-old sister, Lillian.
Lillian, it turns out, had a massive diaper blowout at school today. She wasn't wearing a thing that I had put on her that morning except her little red hairbow. She had on the emergency sweatsuit that's been in her backpack forever, but she wasn't even wearing socks, and she had on some ratty looking sneakers. Every stitch she had worn to school was in a plastic produce bag in which dirty clothing gets sent home.
I hate those bags. You just KNOW that it ain't gonna smell good when you open it up. Not a good surprise.
I got everyone home, unloaded the children, their assorted bags and the day's purchases. I threw the contents of that aforementioned plastic bag in the washing machine, and then I sat down and read email for a few minutes. Thirty minutes later, it was time to pick up my oldest child from school.
Now it's ten minutes until 6 pm and dinner is cooking.
I'm so glad it's Friday. When dinner is done, I'm going to go slip into my flannel PJs and throw myself into the big comfy chair in my den. Then I'm going to watch the "General Hospital" that's on DVR.
And I'll leave you with this (speaking of flannel PJs).
I had another hick sighting on the way to my daughter's school this afternoon.
Picture her.
She's in her 60s. Pink curly hair. Red plaid flannel robe. Arms full of mail, fresh from the box. Lit and smoking cigarette dangling from her lips.
She looked like a pink poodle wearing an old lady nightgown.
Gotta love those backwoods folks. They provide me with endless entertainment.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Snow Day!
When I was a kid, I loved snow days.
First, there was the snow itself. It looks so pretty laying on the lawn like it does. It covers everything and makes even dirt look clean. I hate it when the snow gets all stepped on. That's when the magic is ruined for me.
Snow days also usually meant NO SCHOOL! WOOOOOO HOOOOOOO! Who didn't love a day off from school? My parents were both teachers, so that meant we all got to stay home and play. THAT was fun. My dad would build a fire in the fireplace in the den, and my mom would serve hot cocoa to me and my sister. Good times.
Nowadays, though, I don't love the snow so much. I still think it's beautiful, but now the bloom is off the rose, so to speak. As a parent, snow days aren't as much fun for me. The kids enjoy it, but I'm not crazy about the cold and the snow anymore.
Today it snowed.
The kids were up around 6:30 a.m. On a normal day, the kids are up around 7:15 or 7:30, so they were up EARLY today. I mean, it was still DARK, for goodness sakes. I got up to look at the snow (a part of me was a teensy bit excited...) I took some pictures of the kids looking out the window at the flurries falling fast and furiously.
Then I couldn't stand it anymore (and they couldn't either), so I opened up the door and snapped a few pictures of it snowing before dawn.
Well, that was it. The kids ran and put on their shoes and coats and went out on the front lawn.
We were trying to be really quiet because my husband and youngest child were still sleeping. Pretty soon, though, the baby was up and wanting to join her siblings and our neighbors in the snow. I wasn't ready to let her go out quite yet, and she didn't get why. Bless her heart.
I let them play for about 5 minutes, but then it hit me that it WAS still before 7 am. Suddenly I was feeling very sleepy. I told the kids to come back inside, and I promised them we'd play after breakfast.
I went back to bed.
My husband got up a little while later and fed the kids some breakfast. Then he woke me up and told me to come take pictures of the kids playing in the snow before they got too cold and wanted to come inside.
I barely got three pictures taken before it started raining. Everyone was disappointed, myself included. It was the baby's first snow (she's 2!) and she didn't even get to play in it!
My husband went to take a shower to go to work (bummer... we thought he was going to get to stay home all day!)
And I was stuck with kids who wanted to play in the snow but couldn't.
It's raining now, and with temps expected to be below freezing, it's most likely going to be icy tomorrow. Probably no school tomorrow, either. Bummer.
Thursdays and Fridays are normally "Mom's Day Off". Everyone either goes to school or Moms' Day Out. If it was going to snow, I wish it would've done it on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday!
I hope the sun breaks through the clouds tomorrow and takes all this snow and ice with it.
Bleh.
First, there was the snow itself. It looks so pretty laying on the lawn like it does. It covers everything and makes even dirt look clean. I hate it when the snow gets all stepped on. That's when the magic is ruined for me.
Snow days also usually meant NO SCHOOL! WOOOOOO HOOOOOOO! Who didn't love a day off from school? My parents were both teachers, so that meant we all got to stay home and play. THAT was fun. My dad would build a fire in the fireplace in the den, and my mom would serve hot cocoa to me and my sister. Good times.
Nowadays, though, I don't love the snow so much. I still think it's beautiful, but now the bloom is off the rose, so to speak. As a parent, snow days aren't as much fun for me. The kids enjoy it, but I'm not crazy about the cold and the snow anymore.
Today it snowed.
The kids were up around 6:30 a.m. On a normal day, the kids are up around 7:15 or 7:30, so they were up EARLY today. I mean, it was still DARK, for goodness sakes. I got up to look at the snow (a part of me was a teensy bit excited...) I took some pictures of the kids looking out the window at the flurries falling fast and furiously.
Then I couldn't stand it anymore (and they couldn't either), so I opened up the door and snapped a few pictures of it snowing before dawn.
Well, that was it. The kids ran and put on their shoes and coats and went out on the front lawn.
We were trying to be really quiet because my husband and youngest child were still sleeping. Pretty soon, though, the baby was up and wanting to join her siblings and our neighbors in the snow. I wasn't ready to let her go out quite yet, and she didn't get why. Bless her heart.
I let them play for about 5 minutes, but then it hit me that it WAS still before 7 am. Suddenly I was feeling very sleepy. I told the kids to come back inside, and I promised them we'd play after breakfast.
I went back to bed.
My husband got up a little while later and fed the kids some breakfast. Then he woke me up and told me to come take pictures of the kids playing in the snow before they got too cold and wanted to come inside.
I barely got three pictures taken before it started raining. Everyone was disappointed, myself included. It was the baby's first snow (she's 2!) and she didn't even get to play in it!
My husband went to take a shower to go to work (bummer... we thought he was going to get to stay home all day!)
And I was stuck with kids who wanted to play in the snow but couldn't.
It's raining now, and with temps expected to be below freezing, it's most likely going to be icy tomorrow. Probably no school tomorrow, either. Bummer.
Thursdays and Fridays are normally "Mom's Day Off". Everyone either goes to school or Moms' Day Out. If it was going to snow, I wish it would've done it on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday!
I hope the sun breaks through the clouds tomorrow and takes all this snow and ice with it.
Bleh.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Maturity
My task for the day: rummage around in the storage space in the basement and try to find the box of size 2/3 girl clothing. Then bring that box upstairs and sort and wash the clothes in the box. While the clothes are washing, purge all things too small from Lillian's closet. Once the previously boxed clothes are clean, hang them in Lillian's closet.
Doesn't sound too bad, huh? Believe it or not, it's an all day process.
My Lillian has grown recently, and her little clothes are too short. Bless her heart. She looks like a little street urchin.
I always hate it when my kids outgrow their clothing. It means that (1) they're getting older (AND BIGGER!) and (2) I have to say goodbye to their clothes that I've grown to love. Weird. I know.
When Camryn was around 2-ish, I started buying all of her clothes at Gymboree. We had gotten a little comfortable financially, so I felt like I could start paying premium prices for my daughter's clothes. Plus, everything in Gymboree was so darned cute!
I admit, though, that one of my secret reasons for buying pricey clothing for my daughter was because it made me feel important. She looked great, all dressed up in her fancy duds with matching hats, hairbows, socks, purses, etc. My daughter's wardrobe made me think people considered us rich enough to afford such things. It made me feel superior.
What an idiot I was. People don't care what my kids wear.
Well, people care, but usually they're the people you don't want to be friends with anyhow.
I've grown up a LOT since then. We now have our financial house in order (thanks to Dave Ramsey). We're more financially comfortable than we ever have been, but you wouldn't know it to look at us. We don't wear labels anymore. I only look at the price tag, not the designer tag. I'm really super proud of that achievement.
I'm not saying that such clothes are evil. I'm just saying I could care less about what the kids' tags say. All I care is that their clothes are clean and that they match. If they looked like someone cared enough to make them look presentable, then I've done my job.
But back to Lillian's closet.
Today, while pulling those clothes out of the storage box, I was reminded of that time when I bought way too many clothes for my daughter. The outfits are adorable, and I can't wait to see Lillian wearing them (and thank goodness they'll see more wear!), but all of those clothes make me sad.....Sad that I was ever so wrapped up in what others think of me. What a dork.
Live and learn. Live and learn.
Doesn't sound too bad, huh? Believe it or not, it's an all day process.
My Lillian has grown recently, and her little clothes are too short. Bless her heart. She looks like a little street urchin.
I always hate it when my kids outgrow their clothing. It means that (1) they're getting older (AND BIGGER!) and (2) I have to say goodbye to their clothes that I've grown to love. Weird. I know.
When Camryn was around 2-ish, I started buying all of her clothes at Gymboree. We had gotten a little comfortable financially, so I felt like I could start paying premium prices for my daughter's clothes. Plus, everything in Gymboree was so darned cute!
I admit, though, that one of my secret reasons for buying pricey clothing for my daughter was because it made me feel important. She looked great, all dressed up in her fancy duds with matching hats, hairbows, socks, purses, etc. My daughter's wardrobe made me think people considered us rich enough to afford such things. It made me feel superior.
What an idiot I was. People don't care what my kids wear.
Well, people care, but usually they're the people you don't want to be friends with anyhow.
I've grown up a LOT since then. We now have our financial house in order (thanks to Dave Ramsey). We're more financially comfortable than we ever have been, but you wouldn't know it to look at us. We don't wear labels anymore. I only look at the price tag, not the designer tag. I'm really super proud of that achievement.
I'm not saying that such clothes are evil. I'm just saying I could care less about what the kids' tags say. All I care is that their clothes are clean and that they match. If they looked like someone cared enough to make them look presentable, then I've done my job.
But back to Lillian's closet.
Today, while pulling those clothes out of the storage box, I was reminded of that time when I bought way too many clothes for my daughter. The outfits are adorable, and I can't wait to see Lillian wearing them (and thank goodness they'll see more wear!), but all of those clothes make me sad.....Sad that I was ever so wrapped up in what others think of me. What a dork.
Live and learn. Live and learn.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Blog Challenge: Slide Show
Here's your challenge: choose a group of photos and make a slide show! Choose key photos from a single event, or showcase a collage of photos from all over the place. It doesn't matter! But choose a grouping of photos and tie them together somehow with a story or an essay or a letter.
TO make your slideshow, go to www.slide.com and set up an account.
These pictures were taken at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia. My husband and I took our then 2 year-old daughter, Camryn, on a weekend vacation. That was in the spring of 2000.
It was still a bit chilly, but the sun made it warm enough during the day. We had such a good time. The flowers were in bloom everywhere. We swam in the heated pool. We rented bicycles and rode them to the butterfly conservatory. Camryn loved the butterflies the most; she even let them land on her arm, nose, leg... wherever they wanted. It was a great vacation.
That trip to Callaway Gardens was our last family trip as a family of three. Not long after we got home, I discovered I was pregnant with our second child, Aiden.
It's funny how you forget what it's like to have just one child once you have two (or more). I remember wanting more children so badly, but on this side of things I wish I had enjoyed Camryn by herself a little while longer. Not that I don't love and adore Aiden, Quinn and Lillian, but it was so nice to be a mom of one.
I know the kids will grow up so quickly, and I am trying to cherish every moment I have with all of them. I love spending one on one time with each child. I really treasure those times, whether we're going to a movie or to dinner or to Target or just hanging out in my bed, talking or giggling.
Those times are the most precious, the most intimate. Secrets are shared when I'm alone with my children. There is something about laying face to face with someone on a pillow that makes you want to spill your guts. I am honored that they consider me worthy of hearing their most private thoughts. I hope they always hold me in such high esteem.
That little 2 year-old girl I took to Callaway Gardens almost seven years ago will be nine soon. She's changing daily. She's growing... physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. I'm equally awed by her poise and her stubbornness. I can feel our relationship changing, and there are days I want to spirit her away to the fields of flowers to try to recapture that innocence she once had.
I'm afraid to let Camryn grow up, but I'm excited anticipating what her future holds. These next few years are going to be trying on both of us as she starts to try to figure out things for herself, establishes her identity separate from me and her dad. I pray fervently that she will always make her parents a part of what's going on in her life, that she will always feel comfortable being honest with us without fear of punishment or judgment.
I hope she will trust us.
I trust her.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Legos, Cigarettes and TruGreen ChemLawn
I have to start today's blog with a STOOPIT sighting.
On the way home today I saw a TruGreen ChemLawn truck stopped by the side of the road. From a distance, I noticed a plume of smoke coming from the cab of the truck. I was momentarily alarmed, because a truck full of lawn-beautifying chemicals is not something you want to have catch on fire.
Alas, as I got closer to the truck, I noticed it was just the driver smoking a cigarette.
Genius. Pure genius.
(Here's yer sign.)
I can't be much smarter, though.
On December 31st I purchased something for my son. It was called "Lego Racers: Nitro Intimidator". I bought it as a gift for his 6th birthday, which was yesterday.
(Between you and me, here's a helpful hint: When the word "intimidate" is used in any form on a toy that requires the assembly of a bajillion and one pieces, avoid purchasing it. Don't ask why. Just learn from the mistakes of your internet friend.)
So, Aiden and I sat down yesterday with these:
I was personally thinking, "How in the HECK is this supposed to look like a truck?"
My husband worked on it some last night. He loves Legos, too.
When Aiden got home from school today, he couldn't wait to get back to building. He's the part finder, and I'm the part putter-togetherer. We had a BLAST. It was definitely a memory making experience. I had the most fun, and I spent a ton of time doing something Aiden likes to do. He's my quiet boy that likes to keep to himself, so this time together was a treat.
This is our finished product:
The box says ages 9 to 14, but I think those numbers actually represent the number of ibuprofen a grown adult woman has to take in the course of putting the thing together.
Either way, it's done. And in the eyes of my 6 year-old, I am COOL.
I love it.
On the way home today I saw a TruGreen ChemLawn truck stopped by the side of the road. From a distance, I noticed a plume of smoke coming from the cab of the truck. I was momentarily alarmed, because a truck full of lawn-beautifying chemicals is not something you want to have catch on fire.
Alas, as I got closer to the truck, I noticed it was just the driver smoking a cigarette.
Genius. Pure genius.
(Here's yer sign.)
I can't be much smarter, though.
On December 31st I purchased something for my son. It was called "Lego Racers: Nitro Intimidator". I bought it as a gift for his 6th birthday, which was yesterday.
(Between you and me, here's a helpful hint: When the word "intimidate" is used in any form on a toy that requires the assembly of a bajillion and one pieces, avoid purchasing it. Don't ask why. Just learn from the mistakes of your internet friend.)
So, Aiden and I sat down yesterday with these:
I was personally thinking, "How in the HECK is this supposed to look like a truck?"
My husband worked on it some last night. He loves Legos, too.
When Aiden got home from school today, he couldn't wait to get back to building. He's the part finder, and I'm the part putter-togetherer. We had a BLAST. It was definitely a memory making experience. I had the most fun, and I spent a ton of time doing something Aiden likes to do. He's my quiet boy that likes to keep to himself, so this time together was a treat.
This is our finished product:
The box says ages 9 to 14, but I think those numbers actually represent the number of ibuprofen a grown adult woman has to take in the course of putting the thing together.
Either way, it's done. And in the eyes of my 6 year-old, I am COOL.
I love it.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Saying Goodbye
My precious 8 year-old daughter is going through a rough time right now.
When school started back on January 2, my daughter's best friend Emily was not in class. Her mom had pulled her and her brother back out of school to resume homeschooling. Camryn was devastated.
Camryn's class is a combined group of 3rd and 4th graders. She and Emily were the only 3rd grade girls. Emily's brother, Caleb, was also in the class since he is a 4th grader. Their departure left a big hole in the already small class, but it also made a dent in my daughter's heart.
The 4th grade girls are a little catty and cliquish. I'm sure it's hormonal, but still... Camryn says she doesn't get along well with them. I think it's because Camryn is used to being the boss (being the oldest child at home) and doesn't know how to interact with older girls. Either way, Emily's absence left Camryn without a close female friend.
So, Camryn strengthened her friendship with a 3rd grade boy named Jacob. The friendship quickly became a crush, and Jacob and Camryn soon started their own club with just themselves as members. It was a true budding romance. Any mention of Jacob's name brought a quick "HUSH UP!" from Camryn.
Ah, young love.
Now Jacob is moving. He and his family are heading back to Fort Worth, Texas. That's where they came from; Jacob's dad, Dustin, accepted a position as the Furman University chaplain, and that brought them here to Greenville.
Dustin is now also the reason that Jacob is leaving. He had a bicycle accident in October. He fell off of his bike while riding around the neighborhood with his kids, and he hit his head on a manhole cover. The damage was severe since Dustin wasn't wearing a helmet. He was in a coma for awhile, but now his condition is being called a "vegetative state". Not a "permanent vegetative state", but still... it's not good.
So, Jacob's mom has made the heart wrenching decision to move herself, her husband and their three children back to Texas. I can understand her desire to be near family, but they will be sorely missed.
It's a hard thing. Camryn is as in "love" as her little 8 year-old heart can be. I feel very sad for her. First her best friend left, and now her little crush. She's not having a very good 2007 so far.
Camryn and I got busy and made up a little scrapbook for Jacob. I went to school today and took pictures of her classmates and let them sign the book for Jacob. When the pictures are developed, we'll add those to the book and present the surprise to Jacob at his going away party on Thursday.
Friday is Jacob's official last day at school. I expect there to be tears when Camryn gets home. The Rx for that will be lots of popcorn and snuggling in my bed, but I know it won't take the sting of loss out of Camryn's heart.
What's worse is that I know this won't be the first time my baby's heart will be broken by a boy. I just didn't think this would start so soon.
I'm not ready.
When school started back on January 2, my daughter's best friend Emily was not in class. Her mom had pulled her and her brother back out of school to resume homeschooling. Camryn was devastated.
Camryn's class is a combined group of 3rd and 4th graders. She and Emily were the only 3rd grade girls. Emily's brother, Caleb, was also in the class since he is a 4th grader. Their departure left a big hole in the already small class, but it also made a dent in my daughter's heart.
The 4th grade girls are a little catty and cliquish. I'm sure it's hormonal, but still... Camryn says she doesn't get along well with them. I think it's because Camryn is used to being the boss (being the oldest child at home) and doesn't know how to interact with older girls. Either way, Emily's absence left Camryn without a close female friend.
So, Camryn strengthened her friendship with a 3rd grade boy named Jacob. The friendship quickly became a crush, and Jacob and Camryn soon started their own club with just themselves as members. It was a true budding romance. Any mention of Jacob's name brought a quick "HUSH UP!" from Camryn.
Ah, young love.
Now Jacob is moving. He and his family are heading back to Fort Worth, Texas. That's where they came from; Jacob's dad, Dustin, accepted a position as the Furman University chaplain, and that brought them here to Greenville.
Dustin is now also the reason that Jacob is leaving. He had a bicycle accident in October. He fell off of his bike while riding around the neighborhood with his kids, and he hit his head on a manhole cover. The damage was severe since Dustin wasn't wearing a helmet. He was in a coma for awhile, but now his condition is being called a "vegetative state". Not a "permanent vegetative state", but still... it's not good.
So, Jacob's mom has made the heart wrenching decision to move herself, her husband and their three children back to Texas. I can understand her desire to be near family, but they will be sorely missed.
It's a hard thing. Camryn is as in "love" as her little 8 year-old heart can be. I feel very sad for her. First her best friend left, and now her little crush. She's not having a very good 2007 so far.
Camryn and I got busy and made up a little scrapbook for Jacob. I went to school today and took pictures of her classmates and let them sign the book for Jacob. When the pictures are developed, we'll add those to the book and present the surprise to Jacob at his going away party on Thursday.
Friday is Jacob's official last day at school. I expect there to be tears when Camryn gets home. The Rx for that will be lots of popcorn and snuggling in my bed, but I know it won't take the sting of loss out of Camryn's heart.
What's worse is that I know this won't be the first time my baby's heart will be broken by a boy. I just didn't think this would start so soon.
I'm not ready.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Wow.. a week!
I haven't blogged in a week. I have all sorts of good ideas for blogs (usually while I'm driving and trying to block the children's noise...), but I rarely sit down and expound on those ideas in my blog. I need to buy a mini-recorder and record my thoughts. I'm sure my new cell phone has a message record feature, but darned if I know how to use it. I bet my 5 year-old knows how.
I did remember one thing I wrote down from my observations last week.
I drive on a long stretch of rural two lane highway on my way to my 8 year-old's school. I think there are people living along highway 101 that still don't know that electricity exists, much less care about Paula Abdul and her drunken talk show appearances or who's babysitting Sean Preston and Jayden James while their "mommy" whores it up or Lindsay's latest rehab stint (remember when she was just the cute kid from "The Parent Trap"? Lindsay, what happened, sweetheart?)
Anyhow, it's a fairly rural area. There are cows! And horses! And goats! Oh, my! Most of the houses along the highway sit a fair distance from the road, so if a person wants to fetch the mail, that person has to walk a long ways to the road or figure out an ingenious way to pick up what the postman brings.
I saw such an ingenious (inbred?) person last week. This smart fella rode his John Deere lawnmower to the mailbox. While he was retrieving his "Juggs" magazine and "Corn Grower's Monthly" newsletter from the box, his son was dropped off by the school bus. The boy hopped on the back of the trusty John Deere and both riders headed back to the homestead.
We need geniuses like that man in Washington.
Oh, wait. We already have geniuses like him in Washington!
I did remember one thing I wrote down from my observations last week.
I drive on a long stretch of rural two lane highway on my way to my 8 year-old's school. I think there are people living along highway 101 that still don't know that electricity exists, much less care about Paula Abdul and her drunken talk show appearances or who's babysitting Sean Preston and Jayden James while their "mommy" whores it up or Lindsay's latest rehab stint (remember when she was just the cute kid from "The Parent Trap"? Lindsay, what happened, sweetheart?)
Anyhow, it's a fairly rural area. There are cows! And horses! And goats! Oh, my! Most of the houses along the highway sit a fair distance from the road, so if a person wants to fetch the mail, that person has to walk a long ways to the road or figure out an ingenious way to pick up what the postman brings.
I saw such an ingenious (inbred?) person last week. This smart fella rode his John Deere lawnmower to the mailbox. While he was retrieving his "Juggs" magazine and "Corn Grower's Monthly" newsletter from the box, his son was dropped off by the school bus. The boy hopped on the back of the trusty John Deere and both riders headed back to the homestead.
We need geniuses like that man in Washington.
Oh, wait. We already have geniuses like him in Washington!
Monday, January 15, 2007
Blog Challenge: Life Songs
There are some songs that take you back to specific events, places and times. Choose one song (or a few!) that do that for you, and tell us about it.
This is gonna be tough, because I live my life to music. I love music. The beats, the words, the melodies, the bass, the drums... I love all kinds of music. I dare say that there isn't a song out there that doesn't evoke some sort of feeling or memory in me.
I have thought on this topic, and I really had a hard time even coming up with ONE song. There are so many songs that I love, that it's hard to choose which ones affect me the most. I decided just to sit down and start writing, so this is just brain flow from here on out.
(It's really hard to think about music with kids' cartoons on the television in the background... maybe I should go get my iPod...)
Okay. The first song that comes to mind is "Jack and Diane" by John Cougar Mellencamp. This song is my all time favorite 80s ballad. The kids know that when those first few lines hit the airwaves, I will reach for the volume button and crank it up as loud as they can stand it. Usually I hit the bass button, too, for that little interlude that comes near the last third of the song....
I adore this song. I've blogged about it before ("Hold on to 16/as long as you can/changes come around real soon/make us women and men"). I remember sitting in Biology II in high school, hearing the gang of jocks sing this song to one of the girls that they considered.....well.... loose? They particularly loved the line that goes "dribble off those Bobbie Brooks slacks and let me do what I please...." Those guys tortured that girl unmercifully with that song, but she loved the attention. It doesn't change how I feel about the song, but I always see those guys in my head when that song plays.
I own all of the "Scholastic Rock" CDs because they remind me of watching Saturday morning cartoons as a kid. Laying (lying?) on the couch in my PJs, watching TV until noon, eating cereal that was full of sugar... It all reminds me of innocence. I loved being a kid.
Let's see.... "Wasted Rock Ranger" by Great White... not the best song in history, but it makes me think of flying down Highway 31 with my windows down after dropping off a friend after school. I felt so rebellious yelling the curse words at the top of my lungs. I was a weiner, though. I always turned down the music if I had to stop at a light, because I didn't want any of my parents' friends tattling about my loud, offensive music. Small towns suck.
Then there's Elvis' "Moody Blue" and Liza's "Liza with a Z" and Barry Manilow's "Even Now" and the soundtrack to the movie "Annie". Those are the only albums we had on 8-track, so that's what we played in the Chevrolet Caprice Classic van on long trips. Gosh, those are good memories. Melted crayons and comfy pallets made of handmade quilts in the back of the station wagon. I had a great childhood.
(Re-reading that I realized that it sounds as if we lived in our car.... Trust me. We had a house. We just traveled a lot, and the back of the wagon was my favorite spot. I would've HATED car seats!)
Cyndi Lauper's "She's So Unusual" was the first album I ever owned. It was actually on cassette, but I played the heck out of it. I wonder if I could download that to my iPod...
My wedding songs are great for memories, too. Steven Curtis Chapman's "I Will Be Here" was one of those songs. I chose that one because of what it says, but also because I first heard it sung a capella by my friend Charlotte during a "Breakaway" weekend as a high school senior. The power went out, and we were all gathered in the den of the house that belonged to the weekend's host family. The weekend's leader was playing his guitar and taking requests. Charlotte, who has an amazing soprano voice, piped up and said she'd like to sing a song she was practicing for a wedding. So, in the candlelight, she started singing, "Tomorrow morning if you wake up and the sun does not appear....I will be here..." I loved it. I knew I'd use it at my wedding one day, and I did, though Charlotte didn't sing it. She sang "Bonded Together" by Twila Paris, and one of my bridesmaids sang "I Will Be Here". Yet another person sang "Somewhere in the World" by Wayne Watson. I loved my wedding song choices.
Man, there are just so many more songs that having meaning for me. I couldn't list them all. Music is such a HUGE part of my life. What would I do without it?
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Lawrence Welk and Andy Griffith
There are two television shows that bring back distinct memories for me. One is on TV right now; my husband and my 2 year-old are cuddling together on the couch and watching "Lawrence Welk" on PBS. That show takes me back. It came on Saturday nights (as it does now, I guess... duh...) My sister and I were allowed to watch precious little when we were kids, and most of it came on Saturday nights. We watched Lawrence and his gang of beautiful, graceful dancers and handsomely coiffed men. I loved ole Larry and his orchestra and their bubbles. He was *the man*. (Would you think less of me if I admit I still occasionally watch Lawrence Welk? I mean, after the blog about liking Liza and being a Fanilow, would it just be *too much* to know I like Lawrence Welk, too?)
"The Andy Griffith Show" is the other show that brings back memories. When I was growing up, Andy and Opie and Floyd and Aunt Bea and Barney Fife always showed up on our television around the time my mom was preparing dinner. When I hear those first few whistled notes, it conjures up thoughts of pork chops browning on the stove. It's not long 'til I'm slobbering like Pavlov's dog. Boy, my mom can cook some good grub. Thanks, Andy, for reminding me of that!
Speaking of TV... My husband gravitates towards anything on PBS, Discovery Channel or HGTV. He loves anything that comes on "Nova" (He's probably a card-carrying member of the Stephen Hawking fan club, too....) In fact, he has now gotten our 5 (almost 6!) year-old son hooked on "Nova". I balanced that out by getting him hooked on "Dirty Jobs" (though, I doubt that Aiden watches "Dirty Jobs" because he thinks Mike Rowe is H-O-T like I do!) Ahem... I would love to be Mike Rowe's dirty job for a few hours....
Oh, how cute! Lillian is clapping along to the goodnight song. Looks like I've created another Lawrence Welk fan!
"The Andy Griffith Show" is the other show that brings back memories. When I was growing up, Andy and Opie and Floyd and Aunt Bea and Barney Fife always showed up on our television around the time my mom was preparing dinner. When I hear those first few whistled notes, it conjures up thoughts of pork chops browning on the stove. It's not long 'til I'm slobbering like Pavlov's dog. Boy, my mom can cook some good grub. Thanks, Andy, for reminding me of that!
Speaking of TV... My husband gravitates towards anything on PBS, Discovery Channel or HGTV. He loves anything that comes on "Nova" (He's probably a card-carrying member of the Stephen Hawking fan club, too....) In fact, he has now gotten our 5 (almost 6!) year-old son hooked on "Nova". I balanced that out by getting him hooked on "Dirty Jobs" (though, I doubt that Aiden watches "Dirty Jobs" because he thinks Mike Rowe is H-O-T like I do!) Ahem... I would love to be Mike Rowe's dirty job for a few hours....
Oh, how cute! Lillian is clapping along to the goodnight song. Looks like I've created another Lawrence Welk fan!
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Blog Challenge: 5 Things You Didn't Know...
Tell us 5 things about you that we don't know. Go!
This was hard. I'm pretty open about most things, so there isn't much that I haven't shared (that I want people to know...) I know at least one person might know these things about me already.
(1) I love all things "Gone With the Wind".
I can't help it. That movie just does something for me. I love being Southern, and I guess that might have something to do with my fascination with this film. Another confession: I cry every time I see Rhett leave Scarlett at the end of the movie. I so want him to realize that she finally knows she can't have Ashley, and that she wants Rhett. Too late. Sigh. My perfect afternoon would be chilly and overcast and dark. I'd have the blinds drawn, and I'd be alone (no kids or husband). I'd curl up on the couch and put the movie in the DVD player and spend a good, solid 4 hours watching "Gone With the Wind".
(2) I met my husband on AOL back in 1994 before the Internet was a big deal.
I was reluctant to tell people that's how we met. It seemed geeky. I just said we met through a mutual friend, that friend being AOL. Now it seems so silly to be embarrassed about that.
(3) Life is a Cabaret, old chum, so come to the Cabaret!
Okay, I like Liza Minnelli. When I was a kid, we had an 8-track player in our Caprice Classic station wagon. We had about 5 albums on 8-track, and "Liza with a Z" was one of them. Liza hasn't made great life choices in the past few years, but I still think she's a great singer. She's on my iPod with Journey and Abba and ZZTop and Barry (yep, I'm a "Fanilow").
(4) I've been a nail biter all of my life. Since November, though, I've been letting my nails grow out. I haven't bitten them in almost 3 months. It wasn't a conscious decision. It just happened. I had my first professional manicure on December 23. It was glorious.
(5) I love potted meat.
My maternal grandmother used to make me potted meat sandwiches on Wonder Bread. The sandwich consisted of mayo, potted meat and her homemade sweet pickles. I still make them for myself, using sweet pickle relish instead of homemade pickles (but what I wouldn't give for one of her homemade pickles...) I'm now old enough to know that potted meat is beef tripe (um.... cow tongue), but it makes no difference. I have 4 cans of potted meat in my pantry right now. In fact, I think that's what I'll have for breakfast...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)