All I have to say is ....

If you aren't a Gator,

You're GATOR BAIT, BAAAAAAAAABBBBBBBBBBBY!

I may live in Georgia, but my heart bleeds orange and blue!!

You dawgs are going down with your tail tucked between your legs!!!!!!

GOOOOOO GATORS! Can I get a hell ya???

Am I The Only One???

I'm not sure if this is just me or if you are having this problem, too. I'm having all my clothes fall apart. No, they aren't that old, but yet I'm still having little holes in shirts, sweaters with a little unraveling taking, etc. Here are some examples: Gap peasant shirt--2 small holes near bottom...randomness, yes? Talbots nice black v-neck sweater--unraveling at the 'v' part (and I'm not stretching it), Ann Taylor Loft sweater--the neckline/collar dealie unraveled from the rest of the shirt whereby placing a lovely hole. What gives? I love that sweater, but it is not mendable. The sweaters are less than 6 months old. The shirt is probably closer to a year old.

Is this just me or are you seeing this happen? None of these items were bought at an outlet either. Not that outlet clothes are made cheaper, because sometimes they are, sometimes not, but still.

Could I be too rough in the washing of them? I don't do the whole hand washing noise. I have two small children. I throw the crap in there and move on. I use Tide detergent and Downy fabric softener. I don't usually wash the jeans with the sweaters, but I'm probably guilty at time or two of this.

I went back to Ann Taylor to return and they would've exchanged it, but had none left (they have quick turnover in their clothing). They would refund me if I had my original receipt, but in the computer the sweater was down to $5 or something so they did nothing for me. Nothing.

So, I'm thinking about literally putting every single receipt for every piece of clothing I buy in a file and just busting those bad boys out and returning this crap when this happens. I paid good money for this stuff. I really love those 2 sweaters, but I can't wear them anymore! So sad! I don' t get to shop too often in areas where they have good stores. I have to drive an hour to Ann Taylor Loft! I need durable clothing!

Is it ME or are you having this happen too? Am I being too rough on my clothing?

Too Funny Not To Post

So the cat's out of the bag--now you know where I stand. Oh well. It was bound to happen sometime. But this is some funny stuff!

You know it is!

Loving my plastic!

Thanks to Mommy's On Vacation for my special little card. How considerate of you. And yes, I could use a little retail therapy after dealing with Big Brother's Tonsillectomy and now---are you ready for this---the inlaws want to come for CHRISTMAS! For the love of all that's holy---what the hell am I going to do? I get to give up my bed to my mother-in-law, as well as give up my family's pleasant Christmas holiday for them.

Let the prayers and chants begin immediately......

More to come. I don't have the energy or time to give you the details yet, but they're coming. I'll try not to leave you hanging for too long.

Random Thought

I know it's that time of year when stores are doing the Friends and Family event--where you give someone a coupon that gives you 30% discount (usually) . I'm in DESPERATE need of one from Pottery Barn. Years ago this nice lady who worked there while I happened to be in the store gave me one and I bought a beautiful rug..the Bronwyn, in case you are a serious PB shopper.

It was perfect. Now it has one Kool-Aid stain, lots of dog hair, a few random dirt spots and is very, very worn. I want to buy a new rug, though I don't want (OK, just can't) buy one for 'regular' price. So if any of you know someone who might have that wonderful little piece of paper, or you have one lying around waiting to be used, I'd love to have it!!!

Or if you know of some online code or whatever for a deal, I'd love to know about it.

Anyone? Help!

And if it helps, my birthday is the 30th and that would be a great birthday present!

Miss Bug's First Birthday

Finally getting around to posting some pictures. I would make this all cute and funny, but no time. Have to get little one into bed while big one is sleeping and Hubby is in the closet where our computer is located. So, I'm without computer time. Very sad for the Plaid Girl.
Here is the best view of the cake, though you can still see where some mischief has taken place:



Here is where 2 small boys stuck their fingers while no one was looking. Both boys (after us two moms could do it without laughing our butts off) served some time-out for disrespectful behavior:
Here is us singing to Miss Bug (and yes, the Ladybug was on purpose--because we call her Miss Bug!):And here are Hubs and Myself (rare moment when he will take a picture. He HATES being photographed):
Opening presents:

And it won't let me put anymore pics up. Not sure why. Anyone know? Will do an additional post of Miss Bug eating the cake (always a favorite) and the party goers with their streamers.

What Lies Ahead

Here is where I've found I can put someone for a few brief moments....

So I can post to you about this:
And this:And yes, you are correct, those are finger smudges in my babygirl's homemade first birthday cake! Keep checking back. I'm trying to get all this done while having a post tonsillectomy 4 year old boy at home and Miss Bug, too. It's craziness!

More MIL c-r-a-p

I must think of a more clever way to title my MIL drama posts. If you have any ideas, give me a shout. (And if you are new to the blog, just go to my labels and click on the MIL drama and you can get updated on the MIL situation.)

Here's the latest email from her. I just thought I'd copy and paste it. And to keep you up-to-date, I had sent out an email on how Big Brother was doing after having his tonsils and adenoids removed last Thursday. I changed his name to protect the innocent (*wink*wink*)

Here is what she says:

Good morning,

We are delighted and thankful that Big Brother's surgery went so well. Always be assured that all of you are in our daily prayers.

Please give Big Brother a kiss and hug for us and tell him how much we love him.

I am just now getting around to mailing Miss Bug's birthday card. We will have to give some thought for a present. I am sure she has everything she needs and most of what she wants. But there will be a present.

Thank you for the update,
MIL

And just so you know, I'm not even responding to this email. I've about decided that I'm going to have my husband read the emails and if he thinks I should/need to read them, then I will. Otherwise, I'm deleting them. She sends them to him, too, so he can be the communicator. It is about the only thing I can do other than really going off on her. I keep telling myself (and receiving gentle reminders from the husband) to be the bigger person. I swear to you people, I'm 5'2" but she makes me reach about 7 feet. I am telling you, I can't get much bigger, taller, whatever. I'm going to need handicap access very soon at the rate I'm going.

Am I just being too sensitive? The first paragraph about Big Brother didn't really bother me. Yes, he was supposed to have his surgery on the 6th. They were to be on their trip to Italy. They said they'd pray, yadda, yadda, yadda. But no phone call was to be expected. (I won't be like that when I have grandkids, but whatev.) Then his surgery got postponed due to freaking Strep throat coming on the night before, so I sent out an email about that. So, they got home on the 15th, and, as expected, were jetlagged. That is fine. But when Husband called them on the 16th in the afternoon to update them on Big Brother's surgery, his dad says that he knew it was postponed because he checked his email when he got home.

OK, so why no phone call? Still, this doesn't really set me over the edge or make my blood pressure rise.

But the part about Miss Bug's FIRST FREAKING BIRTHDAY and how she hasn't gotten around to sending a card, and that 'I"m sure she has everything she needs and most everything she wants....." is obnoxious.

The point is that she is your granddaughter.
She turned one.
It's the THOUGHT THAT COUNTS..........hellllloooooooooo?

And please, don't break a sweat making sure that you send her a present. Really, don't bother. We wouldn't want to put you out or anything.

Can you guys tell I'm so incredibly pissed off at her? I can't even stand it. It just makes my eyes bulge out and smoke blow out of my nose!!! And I know this is blogger world, so I shouldn't drop the F bomb in every other word, so if you are an F bomb kind of girl, please place it where you see necessary, or just place it in between every other word, because that is how I'm feeling!!!!

So am I too sensitive?

I just want to go off. I just want to shout to the rooftops that she is missing out on one of the best things in life--children/grandchildren. MY CHILDREN! HER GRANDCHILDREN! But then I just remember that she would hurt them anyway because she is so selfish, so it is better that we keep our distance. I remain calm in her eyes and just don't respond. But girls, in my own little closet here where my computer is, I'm really really mad. And really really hurt.

I have wondered why I blog and what it does for me. And I'm beginning to realize that this might turn into one of the best things in my life--a way for me to vent, be 'heard' and find support from others.

Thanks for listening! And I've not forgotten about posting pics from Miss Bug's birthday party last week. They are still coming! :)

You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink it.

Or you have our version in the Plaid household:

You can force medicine into a 4 year old's mouth, but you can't make him swallow it.

He will have you wearing it if you try.

Lesson #543549584 learned, thankyouverymuch.

T & A

Did your mind go straight to the gutter when you read my title? If so, get your head out' the gutter! It means Tonsils & Adenoids....removed, that is, from Big Brother. After 10 days of antibiotics, he was finally well enough to get this surgery over with.

And today was the big day.

He did great! He came out fairly upset but when he saw his Momma, Daddy and Mamaw, he was much better. Once he came out of anesthesia, he was asleep/out of it for a long time. It was over an hour before we decided he could be doing this resting at home. He was so out of it and got very upset if you moved him around, so we took him home, in his little fish gown and all. It was a little pitiful to see my baby boy in this child gown with his little Diego underwear and Spiderman socks peeking out, but it was wonderful taking him home!

He's been out of it mostly all day. We've been giving him his cocktail of Hydrocodone and Phenegren (probably spelled it wrong) and so he's slept most of the day. Mamalicious, I know you are jealous of his cocktail! :)

He isn't wanting Popsicles or very much ice cream, but is more satisfied with Gogurt, a little milkshake and some leftover refrigerated birthday cake. Whatever works!

Thanks for all of your support through this whole thing! We are hoping he continues to recover quickly, though I hear the second day is the worst?!

I just downloaded pics of Miss Bug's first birthday party that was on Tuesday and will post them as soon as I get a chance!

Better, but not my best...

So I'm feeling a little bit better.

Maybe it is because
A. Daddy came home and rescued me from my children under 5.

B. Big Brother is finally feeling better (whereby WEARING ME OUT)!

C. I got to go to church alone.

D. I got to go see the movie Nights in Rodanthe last night and drool over Richard Gere for approximately one hour and 37 minutes.

E. All of the above

Which one one best finishes the sentence?

I want to quit my job....

as a stay-at-home mom today. I'm sick of it. I'm sure this, too, shall pass. But for now, I'm wanting out.

I'd even take the McDonald's drive-thru job to be able to have some adult conversation.

Must post more. Would make me feel better. Need.to.vent.

A Big Sigh of Relief???

Well, today is/was surgery day. The day for Big Brother to get his tonsils out. But it didn't happen. So, yes, I'm sighing in relief. I probably shouldn't be, but I am. There is a reason why things happen the way they do, so this was a sign.

Big Brother had a fever last night around bedtime. Mild one, though one nonetheless. So, we gave him Tylenol and went about our night like we were still going. Then at 4AM when he needed more and the breathing worsened, I gave up. I gave him water and then knew that it would seal the deal b/c he wasn't supposed to have food or water after midnight.

He had/has a fever.
His head hurts.
He is lazy on the couch.
He doesn't eat--even when given the option of Fritos or cookies.
He is quiet.

These are all the signs of strep in our house. I went ahead and took him in and the ENT checked him. He put him on a stronger antibiotic and sent us home. We have to wait 10-14 days before we can go back. We are rescheduled for October 16th.

I kind of think this was God's way of letting me go and see the setting where his surgery would be taking place and meet the nurses to make sure they would be syrup-y sweet to my boy. The young nurse was precious and so nice. Also, now Daddy can probably be there and since he is the anchor in our lives, I think that will help this wimpy mama!

Thanks for your kind words. I so appreciate my blogger friends!

We continue to be busy. Showed the house yesterday. We were in their 'short list', which is what is said every time we show the house. Yadda Yadda Yadda. Blah Blah Blah.

Still am going to take a picture of Miss Bug's bday invite. Maybe I'll get a chance to do that today now that we can breathe easy for a little while. Though the date now is wrong for her bday party. It can't be the day after Big Brother's Tonsillectomy!

Busy, Busy, Busy

I'm so sorry I've not been around! I've had several things on my mind to post about, but then reality sets in and I'm off to do something else. Lately, I'm a little 'twirly' my friend likes to call it. I guess it is hyper and stressed at the same time, possibly is the way to explain it? I have so much on my mind, the biggest being big brother's tonsil surgery on Monday. It is just weighing very heavily on my mind. For some reason I've just been overboard in letting us have fun and do stuff because I feel like he's going to be down and out for so long that I want to make it fun now.

I even gave in and just off-the-cuff bought him the Diego Halloween DVD at Target. I swear that place is like crack. It is so addicting. I could've just spent and spent and spent. Bought Miss Bug some cutie pie socks and found some cute shoes but not in her size. Will be buying them online thankyouverymuch. Then bought a light-up spiderweb for outside so we aren't lame-o's!!!

For some stupid idiotic reason I have decided to be into making the kids costumes this year. It is just easier that way. Big Brother wants to be Wall-E. In the catalog he's $54.99. I.don't. think.so. Now if only I can make a cardboard box not look like a cardboard box but like Wall-E, we are in shape!

Since we call Babygirl Miss Bug, I thought she'd be DARLING as a ladybug! She's just little and it's so freaking HOT here that I can't buy her costume. I don't want her throwing a fit, pulling at her clothes and burning up. Would not make a pretty picture.

So what does my dumb a$$ do? I go to JO-Anns. I find the ladybug pattern. I go to the correct bin to purchase it. Nope, not there. I call my mother, panting, hyperventilating. Sewing IS NOT NOT NOT my thing. It scares me to death. I can't draw a straight line with a freaking ruler, so please don't put me behind a needle for heaven's sakes. I tell my mother that this place is freaking me out. She says no worries that she'll bring her sewing machine and we'll do something simple. I'm all about simple. I've got a red onesie, black material, a head band, etc. I'm on it. Miss Bug is only going to be 1 year old for crying outloud. This means she'll go to maybe maybe half a dozen houses..probably just my friends/neighbors, and then she's done. finished. over. it.

So here I am rambling again. I guess I needed to let all this out.

My parents are coming over the weekend to help out with Big Brother's surgery. He has no clue. I think it's best that way, but it is weighing heavily on my heart. Poor little guy. He has no freaking clue. Hubby and I have decided he 'works' better that way. He's such a trooper. I told my mom that she has to be the strong and rational one during surgery. I told her I'm the one allowed to be twirly, she's not. She has to be the strong, he's-just-fine-I-promise person. This is Daddy. He is the stable one. He is the calm one.He is the easy-going one. He's the one going to be out of town. We knew this when we planned it, but I am coming to regret it a little. I know we'll be fine. It's just that he's my rock. He really is...always makes everything okay. But he has to travel that week. And so we asked my parents. My mother is WONDERFUL with my son. They ADORE each other. He likes her better than me! :) I guess that's what Grandma's are supposed to be for, right?

And Miss Bug's birthday is October 18th so you know I found the perfect invites........it's not a big party. But the invites must be as stinking cute as she is, you know? I'll post them soon, I promise. Must get camera ready, etc.

Ok. Have to finish the cupcakes I baked for Big Brother's class because they learned about the letter 'c' this week. And am putting candycorns on the top.......another 'c' word. So clever I am!
And then must watch debates..........which is a whole new post, if you know what I mean!