Sign of Fall

I did a little Target shopping yesterday. By myself. That was a treat by itself.

Then I stumbled across these little treasures and grabbed them quickly.

I love this stuff. Sugary goodness that is a sure sign that fall will soon be knocking on my door.

I cut the bag open this morning and ate a couple of handfuls. I love the pumpkins the most, but the chocolate flavored candy corns are delicious, too.

It may still be 80 degrees outside, but in my mind it's a crisp fall day.

Brach's Autumn Mix: one of the many things that make me smile.

Manic Monday 8/31/2009

Are you usually late, early or right on time?

I like to be a little bit early. I'm hardly ever late. I think it's rude to be late, honestly.

What would be harder for you, to tell someone you love them or to tell them that you do not love them back?

It would be harder to tell someone I don't love them back. I don't think I've ever had to do that.

Which would you rather have: a high salary or job satisfaction?

Job satisfaction. There's no point doing a job you hate, even if it's for a ridiculous sum of money. Too much and stress resentment comes along with that.

Friday Fill-Ins 8/28/09

1. He was a size 2.5 when I took him into the shoe store yesterday. We walked out with brand new size 5.5 tennis shoes for Aiden! His poor, scrunched up toes were screaming, "Thank you!" Funny thing is, I had to drag Aiden into the store. He swore that his old sneakers were fine, but I could tell he was walking funny.

2. Being on a regular schedule and getting the children back in the routine of going to school is what I look forward to most this time of year.

3. My best friend is my husband.

4. The house is kind of too quiet with the kids gone, to be honest with you. My mom was right!

5. Appearances can be something people put too much emphasis on.

6. The last person I gave a hug to was Quinn, last night before bed. He gave me one, then came back a few minutes later for another. It was a long, "I don't want to stop hugging you" snuggle hug.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to not having to make 4 lunches! Tomorrow my plans include sleeping late, spending the day being lazy, maybe by the pool, and keeping the babies in nursery @ church! Sunday, I want to get the house tidy because community group is meeting here.

Guess What?

I'm not doing a meme today! You get an actual, true life, it happened to me story!

Dinnertime lately has been a battle. Three of my children are pretty easy going when it comes to what I cook. They'll usually try everything on the plate without much hassle. It's just the one (ahem, Camryn!) that raises her nose in the air and refuses to even consider touching food to her tongue if it's not something she LOVES to eat (chicken nuggets and pasta, anyone?)

I'm at my wit's (wits'?) end with this child. I have tried everything I know to make this a tolerable situation, short of just making her favorite meals every night (that's not really feasible, nor is it fair, really). I didn't know what else to do.

My husband finally suggested that we let Camryn be involved in the menu planning and/or cooking. No, we're not having pasta and chicken every night, but at least she can suggest things she'd like to try to make and eat. Okay. Now we're getting somewhere.

Tonight she helped me peel, slice, boil and mash the potatoes. She added the butter, salt, mayo & milk and whipped up some great mashed spuds. They were tasty.

I made fried okra. She added the flour and shook up the bag. Then I showed her how to know when to add the okra to the oil and how to turn it and brown it.

I made a grilled chicken using an Asian flavored marinade, and Camryn actually complemented it. She ate the potatoes and all of her okra. It was the nicest, most controversy-free meal we've had in a L-O-N-G time.

So as we were eating dessert, I commented on how pleasant dinner had been. I said, "No one argued, no one left the table in a huff, no one slammed a door in frustration...."

And that's when Aiden said:

"NO ONE HAD TO CALL ANIMAL CONTROL!"

And that was it. We dissolved in fit of laughter.

It's been a great day. I hope it was for you, too.

Friday Fill Ins 8/9/09

I know it's Sunday, but here is this week's Friday Fill Ins...two days late.

1. Sleeping late and not having a set schedule are my favorite summertime pasttimes.

2. My favorite John Hughes movies is Some Kind of Wonderful.

3. My kids' hair is something I love to touch. I love snuggling them on the couch, because they put their heads in my lap while we watch TV and I can run my hands through their hair until they get sick of it.

4. The full moon is so bright it lights up my kitchen at night (we have a Solatube in the ceiling).

5. I am hungry right now. We didn't eat lunch, which is typical of Sundays around here. We are headed somewhere (don't know where yet) for supper soon.

6. When daylight fades it means the house will be quiet soon.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _____, tomorrow my plans include _____ and Sunday, I want to _____! (I'm leaving this blank 'cause it's irrelevant now.)

The Australian Judge Gives It a 9.6

As I travel along this path called Adulthood, I gain more and more insight about the reasons for the things my mother always did. Things I never understood.... until I started (gasp) becoming my own mother.

For instance, I always thought that my mom got up at an insanely crazy hour. I like my sleep, and I have always been good at sleeping. I practice a LOT. I don't like waking up early. Mom was usually up around 5:30, I think. I was always asleep, so I'm not 100% sure of her wake up time. I just knew it was really freakin' earlier than I'd ever consider being up and about. She still rises with the sun. Crazy.

For two weeks now I've had a bad cold. It's the kind of cold that keeps you awake because you're so congested you cannot breathe, whether you're reclining or sitting up. You lay in bed trying not to wake your spouse with your throttling nose blows. You drain the dregs of what was a glass of tea at midnight (but is now a flavorless puddle of tea-flavored water) in an effort to wet your dry throat and stifle your hacking cough. You finally give up trying to go back to sleep (sleep is hard when you can't breathe, no?) and seek solace in another part of the house. My solitary place is my office.

Three times this week I've been up before the sun. And you know what? I've discovered that Mom is a genius.

It's Q-U-I-E-T before the break of day. I can actually think and spend a few moments collecting myself before I'm hurled head first into the insanity of my daily life. I can imagine it's a lot like the few moments a competitive diver spends collecting him/herself before diving into the pool below. Time to concentrate (all alone) on the task before you gives you so much clarity. It's amazing.

I think I'm going to set a goal for myself for the coming school year. I am going to try to wake up at 7 am in order to give myself 30 solitary minutes to just chill before I start the day. I'll be able to greet each child with a smile instead of barking at them to get up (because I'm mad that I had to get up only 2 minutes before). I think it might just make life a little smoother and happier.

We'll see.

Thanks, Mom.

Manic Monday 8/3/2009

Would you rather go a week without bathing, but be able to change your clothes, or a week without a change of clothes, but be able to bathe?

I can't go a week without bathing. I hate having greasy hair and a stinky body. I would much rather wear the same clothes everyday for a week than not be able to bathe. ::Shivers::

If you had to be trapped in a TV show for a month, which show would you choose?

Don't laugh too hard at my answer, please. I would choose to be on Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood. I got addicted to that show last summer amd turned my husband onto it this year. Tori & Dean just seem like they're so real, so fun, so.... normal. I mean, Tori makes her own baby food fer crying out loud (with veggies she buys @ the Farmer's Market, where she goes without an entourage...just her and the kids and the camera crew.) That might all be staged for the show, but I think they'd be a riot to hang out with. I just finished Seasons 1 and 2 that I got from Netflix and I think I just have a big ole Tori & Dean crush. (That's Tori Spelling & her hubby Dean McDermott for those of you who have no clue what I'm talking about...)

Friday Fill-Ins 7/31/09

1. It's time for these children to go back to school. I'm starting to hear choruses of "I'm boooooooored!" They start August 24th. I'm already starting to go to bed earlier in anticipation. Maybe when the kids go back to school I'll have more time to blog. All I've managed this summer are these Monday & Friday memes.

2. Birmingham; it's not a bad place for a girl to grow up, but I love South Carolina. Never thought I would, but I miss the Palmetto State when I'm away from it.

3. I must be getting better. I haven't coughed as much today as I have for the past week. I hope the worst of this sudden summer cold is over. I hate being sick. I've felt so drained.

4. Being a wife and mom is the best thing I have ever known.

5. My key to happiness is simply to try and find the positive in everything.

6. The last time I laughed really loudly was today at lunch when Stan sat down and had Craisins on his salad plate. "They have Craisins!" he said. That's funny because the other night on In Plain Sight (one of our favorite TV shows) Marshall ordered oatmeal in a tiny diner and asked the waitress if they had Craisins instead of raisins. Guess you had to be there. It made us laugh.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to working on my scrapbook layout for the Sketchapalooza class I've been taking at Feeling Scrappy. Tomorrow my plans include taking the kids for a swim (hoping it doesn't rain again tomorrow) and Sunday, I want to start working on a plan to move my office to the kids' playroom. It will be half playroom, half office. Then we can either give Quinn his room back (if he wants it) or make this room into a guest room.

Manic Monday 7/27/09

What is one thing that you would change about yourself if you could?

The ability to trust people without hesitation. I wish I could take people at face value without wondering what their ulterior motives are, but we are selfish creatures. We all have ulterior motives of some sort or another.

Name three exotic countries you would like to visit:

Bali, Indonesia; Vietnam; maybe the Seychelles?

What do you think the secret to life is?

Lots and lots of laughter. And don't take things too seriously. And be nice, even when people aren't nice to you.

Friday Fill-Ins 7/24/09

And...here we go!

1. Despite the way some people are acting, Michael Jackson's death is not the end of the world.

2. Sitting here, listening to the sound of rain falling, I wonder where you're sitting, because it's not raining here. It was last night. I wish it was raining right now, but it's a sunny 90 degrees outside today.

3. That first ice-cold glass of tea in the morning tastes so good!

4. Sometimes, putting others first is soul satisfying. As a mom, I usually do put others' needs ahead of my own, but I'm learning to take care of me, too. I've been getting regular pedicures and facials this summer; I also finally (after 4+ years) have found an awesome lady to cut my hair. She's at the same place where I get the pedi and facial. When the kids go back to school I'm going to do a monthly spa day: haircut, pedicure, facial and 1 hour massage. Heaven.

5. Hearing "I love you, Mommy!" is breathtaking, really. You can keep your sunsets and mountain views. Give me a tender, heartfelt expression of love over anything nature has to offer anyday.

6. Well, maybe there is time to take one more short vacation before the kids go back to school. I'm thinking Atlanta: the Georgia Aquarium, the Egypt exhibit, maybe a quick stroll through the World of Coke. Sounds good!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to bed early (again; I need to catch up on some sleep!) Tomorrow my plans include sending Lillian to a birthday party, plus church and Sunday, I want to get my office cleaned out, spend some time scrapbooking and perhaps some time in the sun and the pool!

Friday Fill-Ins 7/17/09

1. Hot dogs and Bush's baked beans make a quick and easy dinner.

2. Julie and Julia is the book I'm reading right now. I want to read it before I see the movie.

3. July brings back memories of sitting on the roof of the Caprice Classic wagon we owned as a child while watching the fireworks shot off of Red Mountain.

4. That Camryn was sick when I picked her up at camp on Wednesday was obvious. I just wish she could've recuperated at camp and finished the week. She was 100% better as soon as she had something to eat.

5. They say if you tell your dreams to your children, they will laugh at you, especially if you confess to dreaming about dancing, sweatband wearing chicken nuggets.

6. I watched an episode of "My First Place" on HGTV last night, and the lady in the episode lost 3 great houses because she always had to have a night to think it over. She was driving me NUTS.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to maybe getting some time alone while Stan takes the kids on a bike ride (crossing my fingers). Tomorrow my plans include packing for a trip to Birmingham, then keeping the nursery (2 year-olds) at church and Sunday, I want to get an early start on our Alabama trip. I'm hoping to stop in Commerce to shop a little bit ; )

Friday Fill Ins 7/10/09

1. The last thing I ate was French toast and syrup.

2. Kleenex is something I recently bought. Really. My life is THAT exciting.

3. When it rains, it means a quiet afternoon inside.

4. My husband was the first person I talked to today.

5. Hugs are better than drugs. Remember that slogan?

6. I'm always on the hunt for things that give me extra comfort.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to finishing a book I've been reading (Black Water Rising by Attica Locke... a GREAT book!) Tomorrow my plans include packing the kids' bags for camp (Camryn & Aiden) and a trip to Grammy & Poppy's (Quinn & Lillian) and Sunday, I want to meet my parents in Atlanta to drop off Q & L for their week in Alabama.

Manic Monday 6/29/09

What is the longest love relationship (partner) you have had, and if it has ended, why?

I'm married to the partner I've been with the longest. We met August 19, 1994 so as of August 19, 2009 we've been together 15 years, married 13 1/2. Wow. Doesn't seem like it's been that long!

What is on your bedside table?

Gawrsh. Let me see if I can remember. There is an alarm clock/sound machine/CD player thing (I never use the CD player part!). I have a bottle of the Drenched in Pink Victoria's Secret lotion, some Target brand Aveeno-type lotion for dry skin (for my feet!), a cordless phone that needs to be replaced because the one we have doesn't live long once it's off the cradle (and it needs to be hung on the WALL to give me more table space!) a box of tissues (rests on top of the alarm clock), a lamp and both sets of TV buttons (TV ones and DISH network ones... I hate having 2 sets of buttons!)

How many pillows do you have on your bed? Do you make your bed every day?

I don't know how many pillows are on the bed. I would guess about 6 or 7. My husband only needs one of those to sleep. The rest are mine. I have to have one to hold onto and usually stack three up to sleep on. I cannot sleep flat on my back, and I do not stay still at night. My husband sleeps on his back in the same position all night long and falls asleep really quickly. I envy his ability to do that.

Friday Fill Ins 6/26/09

1. She had a great time at camp. I knew she would! Now she's home and she loves what we did to her room. I missed her so much!

2. My husband is by my side, always. Maybe not physically there all the time, but I know he'll always be there for me.

3. I know this: I have been blessed beyond measure and I have done nothing, not one thing, to deserve it all.

4. I have a hard time sitting still for long.

5. These words apply to me: happy, content, amazed.

6. This morning the sun was shining.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going out to the restaurant of Camryn's choice to celebrate her homecoming from camp. Tomorrow my plans include finishing the many loads of laundry that have piled up this week while I was playing decorator, and of course, church! Sunday, I want to do nothing!

I once was lost but now I'm found...

You know what that is right there?

It's a pink iPod (and a very poorly lit picture, I know).

It's been MIA for a couple of months or more, last seen in the garage.

We looked high and low.

We looked low and high.

But not high enough.

Because today when the hubby went out to fetch some tools off a high shelf, the iPod jumped on him.

Camryn is going to be over the moon when she gets back from camp tomorrow.

Welcome home, tiny pink Nano. We missed your Hannah Montana, your Demi Lovato, your sounds from the threshold of teenagerhood.

Good to have you back, because we missed being ignored under the guise of Camryn listening to your tunes.

Manic Monday 6/22/09

Do you usually wear perfume/cologne? If so, what's your current favorite?

I don't wear it on a daily basis. I do use perfumed lotion, and my current favorite is Drenched in Pink from Victoria's Secret. I also have the body spray in that scent. I have 3 bottles of the lotion stationed in convenient places: the den table next to where I sit on the couch, my bathroom counter and beside the bed. My skin is so dry in the winter and gets dried out when I sit in the sun. I like having the lotion handy.

What's the last book you've read that you thought was really good? If you don't have one, what looks promising on your to-be-read list?

I just finished Columbine by Dave Cullen. It was really fascinating and disturbing at the same time. It gave me a fresh perspective on the Columbine High School tragedy. Hard to believe it's been 10 years since that happened.

Fill in the blank: I wouldn't be caught dead _________.

...wearing black pantyhose with white shoes.

Manic Monday 6/15/09

What is the last song that was stuck in your head and how did you get rid of it?

A friend of mine posted something about Northern Michigan on her Facebook last week, and that Kid Rock song "All Summer Long" got stuck in my head ("It was summertime in Northern Michigan...") It didn't last long once I put my ear buds in and started playing music from my iPhone.

If you had to say what one thing in your life best represents your freedom, what would it be?

The Sparrow.

"So I'll sing because I'm happy.
And I'll sing because I'm free,
For His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me."

If you were invited to the White House for dinner tonight, what would you wear from your current wardrobe?

I have nothing appropriate for dinner at the White House in my current wardrobe. If Obama doesn't want me in shorts and a tee shirt, I guess I'll have to turn down his dinner invitation.

Huh. Who knew?

How do you entertain a 6 year-old boy and a 4 year-old girl?

Give them 3 12-packs of Diet Pepsi cans and let them pop them and pour them into the sink.  They're thoroughly entertained for as long as it takes to pour out 36 cans of rancid soda.

How do I know this?

Funny you should ask.

Hubby popped a can of Diet Pepsi and poured it over ice about 30 minutes ago.

"Is THIS how Diet Pepsi tastes?" I heard him say, rather disgustedly.

(Bless his heart.... we're out of Coke Zero and we've worked our way to the Diet Pepsi in the back of the pantry...)

"Taste this!"

(Why is it that we do EXACTLY THIS when someone grimaces and passes us something that makes their face twist and lips pucker as they utter an expletive?)

What I pulled through the straw protruding from his plastic cup was unswallowable.  It literally sat in a puddle on my tongue.  I grabbed a Kleenex and spat.

Beyond disgusting.

Hubby upended the can to check the expiration date.

March 2008.

Just so you know, there is a reason for those dates printed on the bottom of cola cans.

Don't say I didn't warn ya.

On a side note, we now have some space free on the pantry floor.

Friday Fill Ins 6/5/09

1. When I'm at Disney World, I don't want to think about coming home.

2. My favorite thing for dinner lately has been something I pulled out of our freezer. I'm on a "clean out the freezer!" kick. We've been eating out way too much lately. Now that the kids are out of school (yea!) and I have more time during the day, I can actually make homemade meals.

3. I'm glad there's not a dog in our neighborhood that goes bark! bark! bark!

4. A nice long walk is not my idea of a good time. I'd much rather swim.

5. I'm always in the mood for some good news.

6. When all is said and done, then there's nothing more to say or do ; )

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to Kanpai for Japanese to celebrate today being the last day of school for Camryn & Aiden. Tomorrow my plans include a possible trip to the neighborhood pool (if it doesn't rain), then church. Sunday, I want to start thinking about what to pack for our trip to Myrtle Beach next week. I'm really looking forward to being at the beach, because we didn't go last year and I missed it!

A hunting we will go...

It never ceases to amaze me, the creativity of my children. There are days when they can entertain themselves for hours using only their imaginations plus a few (thousand) Legos or a can full of Tinkertoys. Then there are the days when the phrase "I'M BORED!" seems to constantly echo throughout the walls of our home.

Today is a creative day, thank goodness. Camryn and Aiden are still in school (2.5 days left!) so it's just me, Quinn and Lillian here today. I'm catching up on some TV while folding laundry and gift wrapping about 50 wooden blocks for Field Day on Thursday (dunno what they'll use them for, but I volunteered to make 'em pretty!)

So Quinn & Lillian just tiptoed stealthily out of Lillian's room. Quinn said, as he raised his Tinkertoy invention to the sky, "Mommy... we're pretending like we live really far out in the woods and we don't have any stores so we have to hunt for our food. This is my blaster," (Everything that shoots is a blaster to our kids, thanks to Star Wars...)

I nodded and praised the kids' ingenuity, then went back to my basket of clean clothes.

Moments later I heard, "Lillian! What stuff should we hunt?"

Lillian's reply?

"Sharks and hamburgers and chicken nuggets!"

Yeah, make sure to shoot a bag of crinkle fries and a gallon of barbeque sauce while you're out there in those woods, sweetheart.

And watch out for the red clown. He's a clever foe.