tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27554375898627727192024-03-13T23:16:28.855-04:00Mad About Plaid GirlMad About Plaid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715500017425149040noreply@blogger.comBlogger193125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755437589862772719.post-10017612173087334172010-04-24T07:55:00.002-04:002010-04-24T08:07:38.882-04:00Jill's Service...was awesome. They even released butterflies at the end and Jill's daughter was the first to release one. Very cool. The same man who married them did Jill's service. Though he was a little long-winded, it was quite sincere and kind.<br /><br />Jill's husband spoke. He was amazing. Spoke for several minutes, got choked up, and would continue. Jill's son, Evan, came up to see his daddy during the speaking part and would say, "Up! Up! Upp-y! Upp-y!" It was precious. He started to spit and Jill's husband said, "No spit." It was SO relevant to my life right now. My daughter is the same age as Evan and man, oh man, she is a handful. Here we are, celebrating a life that was taken much too early, and Evan is just living in the moment. Maybe he is on to something...<br /><br />We went back to Jill's house afterwards. Jill and her husband bought a house in the neighborhood in which we grew up. They actually bought a house that belonged to a boy we went to high school with--completely nostalgic and ironic at the same time. I did drive by my old house, also...pretty cool.<br /><br />Ken Block, from Sister Hazel, sang a song he wrote about his own brother who died from Cancer. That was incredible. He is amazing as well.<br /><br />Got to see several old friends from high school. We all still can't believe we are growing up. It doesn't feel like it. We decided to definitely have a place for Jill at our 20 year high school reunion which is coming up next summer.<br /><br />If you are curious to learn more about Jill, go <a href="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jillrowell">www.caringbridge.org/visit/jillrowell</a><br />Pretty cool story.<br /><br />So today is Saturday. My 2 year old daughter has already forced me to dress her and put on her shoes....wants to go "siiiidddddeee!" (outside) Guess I'll go for now, and will swing my little girl in remembrance of someone who can no longer do it.Mad About Plaid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715500017425149040noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755437589862772719.post-16353378698644947412010-04-21T22:40:00.003-04:002010-04-21T22:46:53.382-04:00A comeback?I'm trying to get back to blogging and lately I could be writing novels. Wow--too much to say. More than anything else I want to write a letter to my dear friend Jill. We grew up together...middle school pimples and scrunched hair, bus stops and sleepovers. Then we went to high school together....sweet 16 birthday and a new car for Jill, boyfriends, clubs, the list goes on...<br /><br />...and now it's gone. Of course the memories will be etched in my mind almost like parking spaces in a car lot. I have so many of them that are filled with Jill.<br /><br />She was too young to die. We are all too young to die. Hell, we are only 37. I even thought I was 38 the other day until a friend reminded me we aren't there yet!<br /><br />But Jill will remain 37 in my mind forever. On Sunday she died of heart failure as a result of the damage that Chemo can do to you. She was diagnosed with Leukemia (AML) in June of 2009 and went into remission over the holidays.<br /><br />It came back.<br /><br />She didn't make it this time.<br /><br />It has been a shock. A shock to us all. So many of us are on facebook now and many of us are posting about the sadness and the loss. Jill leaves behind a loving husband and 2 small children. Carlie is 5 and Evan turned 2 in January.<br /><br />It wasn't supposed to be like this.<br /><br />We were supposed to see each other again at our 20 year reunion, take some pics of us together, and then talk about how we'd HAVE to get together again....sooner than later.<br /><br />And now I'm headed to her Celebration of Life on Friday ....<br /><br />I love you Jilly!Mad About Plaid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715500017425149040noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755437589862772719.post-60736034543971396282010-01-18T20:56:00.002-05:002010-01-18T21:04:51.366-05:00I Heart Tivo/DVR Whatever You Call ItI got to watch Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice minus commercials the other day. Made me more than happy. Quite giddy. I even would rewind a little so I could look at some bare chest. Ooh la la those men are quite easy on the eyes! Love those shows.<br /><br />I'm recording The Bachelor. I think that Jake is pleasant to look at as well. I really think he is a nice guy, too. This time I'm a little more curious about him....I have a feeling we aren't seeing 'everything' there is to know about him. I think he has serious perfectionistic tendencies that we don't know about. Or he's a momma's boy. Not sure what it is about him.<br /><br />And of course they've done their jobs on ABC by putting on some freaks--that chick Michelle is psycho. Seriously, she needs some therapy....and all she says is that she wants a husband. But this doesn't mean HE'S the ONE for her. It's like she just wants to check him off of her list....I have a husband- check. You don't do that.....love doesn't work that way.<br /><br />She is a weird-o! Still watching....<br /><br />Love some crap TV.Mad About Plaid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715500017425149040noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755437589862772719.post-24312388952206386292010-01-11T20:25:00.002-05:002010-01-11T20:32:51.379-05:00Sacred Alone TimeI have waited practically all day to be alone. To have some 'me' time...peace. quiet. facebooking. ebaying. craptv watching.<br /><br />And now I have it. And am bored.<br /><br />Nothing on TV though I bet The Bachelor comes on very soon, but then I get too tired and fall asleep.<br /><br />Frustrated with Ebay because it seems even my nice boutique-y stuff doesn't sell for what others get for theirs.<br /><br />Nobody I want to talk to on FB.<br /><br />And I'm actually tired. Too tired for laundry. Too tired to clean. Too tired to pick up. Too tired to actually get up from this kitchen table. Kids are in bed...Big Brother is in my bed because Daddy is out of town.<br /><br />Oh and did I mention I'm a little lonely? Daddy gone. I don't mind him traveling, it's just that the nights get a wee bit spooky sometimes. So I'm glad Big Brother is in my bed. I know I can't let him do it all the time, but I act like it's a really big deal so nobody gets spoiled. I would let him sleep in our bed every time Daddy left, but he is the kind of kid who would NEVER go back to his own bed and that's not fair to him.<br /><br />It's these times when I need to just go to bed. Not sure if I could sleep. Normally I'd be in my bed watching TV but Big Brother is asleep in there. I could read a magazine, but too tired.<br /><br />Or the Bible. Too tired.<br /><br />And so I ramble.<br /><br />Thinking about putting house on the market to move to Asheville, NC. Any advice? Won't go if we can't get decent money for our house. But really want to go to the mtns. Miss the mtns. Normally I would get all locked up thinking about moving, but for some reason the thought of moving there doesn't do this to me. Maybe this is God's way of telling me this is the right time, the right move. We'll see. Will just keep on praying for what God's will is in our lives.<br /><br />Wow--quite random tonight. Good thing there isn't anything sweet in the house. It would be gone. Even the cereal is calling my name....pitiful I know.Mad About Plaid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715500017425149040noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755437589862772719.post-14381922363106397872010-01-08T13:54:00.002-05:002010-01-08T13:59:10.452-05:00Miss Bug's First Day at 'School'I take Miss Bug to the same school her brother went to just last year and I swear I think she remembered the place! She walked right in like she owned the place! (Not that she doesn't do that just about everywhere we go!) We went into her classroom and Big Brother's Teacher's Assistant from PreK was there because the 2 year old teacher was absent. I really like her so was relieved that it wasn't someone I didn't know.<br /><br />It was quite nostalgic going back to the place where my son went for 3 years and where I taught PreK for one.<br /><br />I get a text from the PreK teacher telling me that when Miss Bug's teacher had her back turned that Miss Bug went and took a big ol' bite of her biscuit that was on the table! I guess she feels pretty comfortable, wouldn't you?<br /><br />I kept telling them how different Miss Bug was from her big brother. Now they all know...Mad About Plaid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715500017425149040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755437589862772719.post-39910546333549615542010-01-07T11:30:00.003-05:002010-01-07T11:40:09.385-05:00O Happy Day!<div>Big Brother went back to school today--finally! We were out for almost 3 weeks. That is forever. He was a little weepy at home, but Daddy took him to school and he made it without choking up. Had his mother taken him, it would probably have been a different story. What's up with that?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Miss Bug went to her first day of the 2 year old preschool today. She will go 2 days a week. She is going where I taught Prek and Big Brother went for all 3 years of preschool. I didn't know if she would remember going there at all, but maybe she did? She walked in there like she owned the place and went right into her classroom. She had never even been in that area before. Leave it to me to have 2 completely different children. They may look alike, but they are so different in so many ways.</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424038375244210306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 286px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NeH5Vao79J0/S0YOKhyEoII/AAAAAAAAAV4/uTCCPp7Y3hI/s400/78.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><br /><div>I did get a text from one of the teachers saying that she had found her teacher's biscuit on the table and helped herself to it. Oh lovely impression on the first day! So glad I know the teachers! I tell you this child is a HOOT. Rarely a dull moment.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So, in my free time I got to go to Lowe's to buy hooks and to the Factory Outlets about 20 miles up the interstate to exchange a few things. Oh how I love shopping. I really do. It just makes me happy. I don't necessarily have to buy anything, but just looking around makes my heart smile. Now actually purchasing something does make me even happier, but it is definitely not necessary. Just the fact that I got to do it sans children was glorious! Carters has some smokin' deals right now. With it being very cold for South Georgia, I did buy my girl a few warmer things. And I found her some pink fleece pants and a striped pink long sleeve shirt--all for under 10 dollars at the Gap Outlet....a steal I tell you! I do love the Gap Outlet for children. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>OK must do a few things (finish up packing Christmas stuff) and watch some DVR'ed TV while I can. So nice to have some child-free time. I forgot how precious it is...</div>Mad About Plaid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715500017425149040noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755437589862772719.post-40149605258693153112010-01-05T13:00:00.005-05:002010-01-05T13:12:16.175-05:00Potty Training Letdown<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NeH5Vao79J0/S0N_-TKcNvI/AAAAAAAAAVw/Gw5olM7wDOU/s1600-h/413.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423319084556891890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NeH5Vao79J0/S0N_-TKcNvI/AAAAAAAAAVw/Gw5olM7wDOU/s400/413.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />So I thought she was ready. She is not. She was in big girl panties and peed in the potty and then after that it went downhill. She peed in her panties and got upset, but then after that, even though we were having her sit on the potty every 30 minutes, she didn't go that time, but other times. One time I was going potty and she said she didn't have to, and then when she heard my stream she looked at me and said, "pee pee" and peed on herself. After that she would tell me when she had already peed (4 more times) in her big girl panties.<br /><br />She really cared less. Yes, she knew after the fact, but didn't really care. I have a very stubborn and determined kind of kid, so I take this as she isn't ready. I am in no hurry to do it, so it doesn't really matter to me.<br /><br />She had shown interest in caring about pooping--pointed in books to where each person/animal/etc poops from, but that's about it. I'll continue to talk about big girl panties and the potty, but I'm giving it a little while again.<br /><br />She did just turn 2 in October and I had seen several people that were potty training their children at church, so I just went for it. But I just am NOT going to battle with this. I am hoping when the weather gets warmer we can hang out outside sans any clothing and go from there.<br /><br />By the way, I'm ready for everyone to go back to school. They go back on Thursday. Not soon enough. Miss Bug starts her only 2 year old preschool class 2 days a week and I cannot express how excited I am...it will be an adjustment with nap scheduling and pick up time at Big Brother's school, but we'll manage.<br /><br />And I have to admit, I even called to see if I could change her to the 3 day a week program! :)<br /><br />Oh and here's my UNCENSORED part for the day:<br />What really chaps my hide is when I'm grocery shopping at Wal-Mart (hey--it's cheaper) and there were two girls there each with a kid in a buggy and they had big ol' Coach bags, <em>not purses</em>, but bags, and they were using the WIC system to pay for their groceries. In case you don't know what WIC is, it is government paid groceries. Makes me <em>crazy!</em>Mad About Plaid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715500017425149040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755437589862772719.post-72260964210764882322010-01-04T06:37:00.003-05:002010-01-04T06:52:10.593-05:00Baby Sleep & Potty TrainingThese are two of the things on my mind right now. Neither of which I'm too crazy about dealing with at this time.<br /><br />Ok, so Miss Bug turned 2 in October. She shows SOME interest in the potty. She is a go-getter in many ways, so I am thinking this has the potential to happen pretty quickly. On the other hand, she is quite stubborn and may revolt altogether. Today is the day I said I'd start (once the dryer was fixed-long story). I took a few quizzes online and she passes more than 1/2 of them, but some of them I have no idea. I found one old potty book from when my son was younger, we own a potty, and I just recently bought training underwear..am trying to go steer clear of Pull-Ups for this one--merely because I still have quite a few diapers and don't feel like wasting them. Not that I'll be using them, but whatever. I'm just trying to do this without Pull-Ups! (At night we will try diapers hoping not to confuse, but I'm sure she'll let us know if she is not okay with this.) So today we try. It is before 7 am and I've not finished my first cup of coffee so won't officially start until after. And as I type this I'm thinking, "Should I wait until tomorrow? Or the next day? Or the next?" I could easily make excuses all day long--like she is starting a new Preschool two days a week starting on Thursday. Should this be a cause for delay? To some yes, to others no. I'm not really in a huge hurry to do this--just don't want to miss the 'window' of opportunity if it is opening right now!<br /><br />The other thing--SLEEP! I love it. In the top 3 of my things to do probably. My daughter, however, is such an early riser. Not sure WHY...up before 6 am. I DO NOT like seeing the clock's hour hand to say 5. EVER--UNLESS it is a scheduled 5am wake-up time. She goes to bed anywhere betweeen 7-7:45 at the very latest, but gets up so dang early. Sometimes we get 6:20 or 6:30 which is MUCH better, but man, lately, it is e.a.r.l.y. And it really frustrates me....<br /><br />Then nap time is only an hour and a half. REALLY? I was putting her to bed around 11:30 but this 2 year old program is from 9-1. Wondering (hoping, praying, wishing) if it will help with the sleep situation....more so at night than during the day. Would prefer longer sleep nights than naps. See, I have to pick up John around 2:15 from school and so I'd have to wake her up or do some swapping in the pick-up department at school. Since he is in Kinder (or maybe just a wee little bit too scheduled), he has to know EACH and EVERY plan to feel completely secure.That whole Kindergarten adjustment is for a whole new post.<br /><br />I have 2 small children wanting breakfast...at 6 freaking 50am. Maybe it will be a good thing to send everyone off to their 'school'.!!!!Mad About Plaid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715500017425149040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755437589862772719.post-28702115932931354742010-01-03T07:29:00.003-05:002010-01-03T07:35:03.806-05:00UncensoredAm thinking about coming back...and going completely uncensored. This might have to go private, so we'll see. Before I worried about who would see and what they would say, but there have been a lot of times I just wanted to vent and I knew Facebook was not the place to do it!<br /><br />I am sitting here feeding my children breakfast in preparation for church. Daddy is driving home from Tennessee from an unexpected funeral. I'm sure the drive is going to take forever seeing as how it is the last Sunday before most schools resume from the Winter Break.<br /><br />I should be in the shower (as usual).<br /><br />We have been busy here to say the least. I quit working part-time at my church, my big boy had a very rocky start to Kinder (that is for another post), my little girl needs to be potty trained, and my Christmas decorations are still up.<br /><br />Oh and our dryer quit the day we got home from visiting the family for Christmas. Good times.<br /><br />I have missed lots of you, but just couldn't keep up...hopefully I will be better this time....<br /><br />Not sure if anyone is 'there', but thought I'd give it a shot.<br /><br />Happy New Year! None of my resolutions were actually written down, but I guess if I type them then that is a start...<br />1.Eat better<br />2. Feed my kids better<br />3. No cussing (yeah right)<br />4. Exercise<br /><br />What are yours?Mad About Plaid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715500017425149040noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755437589862772719.post-84446187836975127522009-05-28T20:32:00.003-04:002009-05-28T20:39:53.970-04:00Meme Thursday....A Meme because I have the time....<br /><br />A - Age: 36<br />B - Bed size: king<br />C - Chore you hate: cleaning toilets. <em>hate</em>. it.<br />D - Dog's names: Carly<br />E - Essential start your day item: coffee<br />F - Favorite color: red<br />G - Gold or Silver: silver or white gold<br />H - Height: 5' 2 1/2" (and I take that 1/2 very seriously)<br />I - Instruments you play: piano and<br /> J - Job title: Administration & Mommy<br />K - Kid(s): John 5 1/2 and Josie Kate 19 months<br />L - Living arrangements: single family home, hubby, 2 kids, 1 dog, and a partridge in a pear tree<br />M - Mom's name: Betty<br />N - Nicknames: Queeda<br />O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: none thank Heavens!<br />P - Pet Peeve: chewing with your mouth open, nasty toilets, and many more...<br />Q - Quote from a movie: "You are a pig from Hell, and you will be destroyed." Steel Magnolias<br />R - Right or left handed: Lefty<br />S - Siblings: 1-Kevin who is 39<br />T - Time you wake up: lately it's been right before 6AM! Josie Kate is getting up WAYYY too early!<br />U- First word that comes to your mind for "U": Unanimous<br />V - Vegetable you dislike: peas<br />W - Ways you run late: forget to get something and have to get back out of car several times!<br />X - X-rays you've had: many--one was after my C-Section with Josie Kate--they thought they left something in my stomach (lovely) so they had to x-ray it to make sure it wasn't there.<br />Y - Yummy food you make: chicken pot pie, desserts<br />Z - Zoo favorite: giraffeMad About Plaid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715500017425149040noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755437589862772719.post-46290355757489953762009-05-28T20:11:00.002-04:002009-05-28T20:15:27.352-04:00School's Out, School's Out, Teacher Let the Monkeys OUT!Big Brother went to his very last day of Pre-Kindergarten today. He was THRILLED to be out of school. (I thought this attitude didn't happen for at least a couple more years?)<br /><br />And I picked up Miss Bug from thebabysitter and right when we were turning in to our neighborhood she puked all over the place. ...<br /><br />...and again in the tub....<br />....and again after she was all clean.<br /><br />What else will the Summer of 2009 promise to bring?Mad About Plaid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715500017425149040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755437589862772719.post-22179066913854779512009-05-22T21:07:00.004-04:002009-05-22T21:32:56.269-04:00It Only Took 5 Years....to get my kids' bedrooms painted. It is a joyous occasion! My dad, "Paps", who is the MAN I might add, came down in his cape (read: paint brush) and has painted both kids rooms. I got to go to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Lowes</span> and peruse the color swatches from Eddie Bauer, Laura Ashley, Ralph Lauren and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">our</span> beloved <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Martha</span> Stewart. It was heavenly.<br /><br />I picked "Ocean' for Big Brother's room--it is a combo of blues, greys and greens. Truly gorgeous. Not sure how it will go with the red I have, but we'll see. I picked the color 'Honey Pot' for Miss Bug. Precious! Can't wait to decorate my girl's room! She hasn't had her room decorated hardly at all due to the fact that we were going to move, but since we aren't, let the shopping begin --looking for bargains at Pottery Barn Kids!!! (And <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Ebay</span>, of course!) I actually do find deals there believe it or not. Found rugs, on different occasions, for each child's room on mega sale--I think they were each $29.99. You can't even get that at Target. I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">should've</span> bought extras and sold them on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Ebay</span>, but I didn't. I'll remember next time!<br /><br />I also switched the kids' bedrooms. Miss Bug had the bigger room and a queen bed in the room, so I switched and gave Big Brother the bigger room and the queen bed. This means new bedspread for Big Brother. For some reason I'm realizing how incredibly selective (read: picky) I am. But at least when I buy something, I keep it for a long time. That's why sometimes I can rationalize the higher price point....at least that is what I keep telling myself.<br /><br />Tomorrow is shopping in the big city--<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ie</span> Jacksonville (I know-it's not Atlanta or Denver, but I digress).<br /><br />I'll let you know if I find any deals..........and you do the same! Maybe I'll find some cool deals out there because of the Memorial Day holiday!<br /><br />Will post pics as I get the rooms done. So excited! Any ideas that have worked for you?Mad About Plaid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715500017425149040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755437589862772719.post-83196652204127953152009-05-17T13:17:00.005-04:002009-05-17T13:24:10.020-04:00Ebay<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NeH5Vao79J0/ShBG_GYMXuI/AAAAAAAAAVo/qCV6EjppFSA/s1600-h/eee.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336843608291827426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 199px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 112px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NeH5Vao79J0/ShBG_GYMXuI/AAAAAAAAAVo/qCV6EjppFSA/s400/eee.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Needing some advice from my blogger friends. I'm just not having the luck on Ebay as I usually do. I'm wondering if it is ME or the Economy!?!<br /><br />I have some smocked dresses-really nice/expensive ones, Gymboree clothing, Lily Pulitzer dress, etc. and I'm afraid to put them on because lately I've been paying seller fees and NOT selling! Quite frustrating.<br /><br />Here's one of my frustrations--they separate the 6-9 and the 9-12 when you know most clothing is runs 6-12 months. So do you usually do it 6-9 or 9-12 or do you do both and pay additional fees? I know I usually do it closer to how it runs..whether it runs smaller or larger, but it is still really frustrating!<br /><br />So, do you have any advice? I almost am thinking about putting them out here on blogger world and if you are interested you can pay me through Paypal. Do I have any lookers? Buyers? Is this legal?<br /><br />Help me out!<br />Thanks!Mad About Plaid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715500017425149040noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755437589862772719.post-25352127080694924442009-05-16T12:28:00.003-04:002009-05-16T12:36:44.578-04:00Taking the FOR SALE sign down...I can't even believe I'm typing this. Talk about d-r-a-m-a! Don't really know how to make this long story a short one, but I try.<br /><br />We have had our house on the market for almost 2 years. I was pregnant when we put the sign in the yard. Our daughter is 19 months. We finally got an offer. It wasn't asking price, but a very good offer at that. (Nobody gets their asking price in this economy!) My husband had his company fax the relocation policy one final time--at noon. At 12:07 he was dialing his boss' number because the policy had changed. And apparently it had <em>just changed.</em> The previous policy said they'd pay up to 7% commission. It also said it would pay for storage and a place to rent for up to 30 days if necessary. This was going to be necessary because the buyers wanted to move in June 17th. Loans are taking an average of 45 days, so we knew we'd need a rental place.<br /><br />So here it is, 2pm and he'd not heard from his boss. Finally his boss called back and said due to the economy, they'd changed their policy. <em>Well, was somebody going to tell us perhaps</em>? Like maybe before we signed our house away at 5PM? It has been crazy.<br /><br />We had to counter back at full asking price and a later closing date. The people didn't bite back. My husband said we may as well have put on the counter offer paperwork, "How badly do ya want this house?" And in this economy, they could've picked another house in our neighborhood at a comparable price that was empty and could've moved right in. Granted, of course the house wouldn't be as nice as ours, but at least it would be available when they needed it.<br /><br />So after almost 2 years of turmoil, showing this #%*&@#& house with less than 30 minutes notice sometimes, etc, it is over.<br /><br />I don't really know how I feel. Relieved to a certain extent. I hate change. But looking at those other houses, those bigger houses so that my husband could have an office and my children could have a playroom, makes me a little sad.<br /><br />Now I guess we are going to look in to adding on to our house. I can see the sawdust already....Mad About Plaid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715500017425149040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755437589862772719.post-64898931968227543532009-05-11T18:03:00.002-04:002009-05-11T18:06:14.421-04:00The Mouse<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NeH5Vao79J0/SgihLgkjHJI/AAAAAAAAAVg/IFB0bWEvR0k/s1600-h/cc.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334690977714216082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 114px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NeH5Vao79J0/SgihLgkjHJI/AAAAAAAAAVg/IFB0bWEvR0k/s400/cc.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I went to Chuck E. Cheese's for Mother's Day. </div><br /><div>Don't judge.</div><div>I enjoyed it. (Once the Goody Powder kicked in).</div><br /><div></div><div>Hope you had a great mother's day!</div>Mad About Plaid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715500017425149040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755437589862772719.post-64551822554574591532009-05-09T18:46:00.003-04:002009-05-09T18:58:06.510-04:00UpdateIt is getting harder and harder to blog. Not enough time! Am missing it and keeping up with you guys! Will try to do better!<br /><br />So, Miss Bug's rash left by the weekend and we were all good--I thought. Tuesday Big Brother complains he doesn't feel well--no fever, no headache, no cough, no sore throat, no itchy eyes, no ear irritations. He's fine, right? Wednesday he stays home b/c he doesn't feel well. Thursday he goes to school because he has Prek Cap & Gown pictures (yes, really). His teacher texts me saying he is 'an emotional wreck', which by the way, I don't recommend you use those exact words (though we are more than acquaintances). I pick him up when school is out. He didn't eat his lunch. He has a MONDO canker sore on his tongue.<br /><br />I'm at a loss for what could be wrong. I take him to doctor. He has Hand/Foot/Mouth Disease. My husband says, "WTH is that? Do we need to take him to a vet?" Doc shows me the inside of his mouth (which Big Brother wouldn't dare let me see earlier) it is FILLED with canker sores--all on the insides of his cheeks. YIPES! Now you KNOW that's gotta STINK! My poor little man!<br /><br />Now we're wondering if Miss Bug had the same thing and that it just showed up in a different way? She had NO sores in her mouth.........and Big Brother ONLY has them in his mouth. He has been wayyyyyyyyyy out of commission. Doesn't eat hardly anything. Tried to give him chewable Tylenol and he had to spit them out b/c it burned so bad.<br /><br />The up side is that when I asked him if he wanted to try to go to the pool he answered with a heartily, 'YES!', so I figure he's not that bad...<br /><br />And for those of you who are judging--it's not contagious after the fever is gone, so we weren't spreading all our germs around.<br /><br />PS. No special shots or anything fun for a cure--just Maalox and Benadryl mixture to swoosh around in the mouth. Maalox coats the sores and makes them less sore.Mad About Plaid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715500017425149040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755437589862772719.post-48930834202941475362009-05-02T12:29:00.003-04:002009-05-02T12:36:36.176-04:00Roseola, Hand/Foot/Mouth, Viral, WHAT??So I get my daughter out of the bathtub on Thursday evening and see that she has a rash on her feet primarily--barely raised, red spots. I see that she has it on her back and back of neck. I see that it goes down after she cools off from the bath.<br /><br />She goes to bed easily and sleeps all night long.<br /><br />We wake up--she still has it, not as irritated (probably didn't like the heat from the tub) and appetite is the same. No fever, etc. Ask around, people are guessing Hand/Foot/Mouth or Fifths...<br /><br />Take her to the babysitter. I explain she has had no fever, no loss of appetite, and doesn't seem to be irritated. Babysitter is fine, thinks it's viral. Then babysitter calls me at 2pm saying she woke up with a fever. I go to get her within 45 minutes and fever is gone--she gave her meds. So, I wait 5 hours before giving her anything else..fever never rises. I never see any sign of it. Babysitter didn't take temp. so I'm not sure if she truly had one, but babysitter is really on the ball, so she probably did. I'm just sayin'.<br /><br />Sleeps all night long last night, regular appetite today, etc. though she is a bit cranky. ( or just on my nerves-ha) I put her down for her nap and get on the Internet--of which I KNEW I shouldn't do. Now I'm wondering WHAT IN THE WORLD SHE HAS---Fifths, Hand/Foot/Mouth, Roseola, Viral etc.......NONE of the pictures exactly represent what she has. The rash isn't angry, gross or seem to bother her.<br /><br />Any advice?Mad About Plaid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715500017425149040noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755437589862772719.post-48740692941443625042009-04-21T19:46:00.007-04:002009-04-21T20:00:14.558-04:00Miss Bug 18 Months OldHere are a few laughs for you--It is very hard to get a picture of this little girl because she DOESN'T STOP MOVING! This one is with his brother's goggles on of which he was not too happy about, but man isn't it funny?!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327295715731694930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NeH5Vao79J0/Se5bOm2l5VI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/bNK9Q6l6hhw/s400/Josie+Kate+18+mos.+April+09+007.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>This is my girl saying HI to all you peeps out there in blogger world (note: she has in her other hand a gardening glove that belongs, once again, to her brother-a pattern I'm beginning to notice):<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327295715914154914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NeH5Vao79J0/Se5bOniGA6I/AAAAAAAAAVI/XEMnzBLf_mM/s400/Josie+Kate+18+mos.+April+09+012.jpg" border="0" />This is my determined little one--so glad I caught this one on camera! :)<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327295713472170498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NeH5Vao79J0/Se5bOeb4SgI/AAAAAAAAAVA/GQbJx5FjCOE/s400/Josie+Kate+18+mos.+April+09+002.jpg" border="0" />The reason there is a spot on her outfit is because she has learned to spit and let it run out of her mouth--hence our lovely spit stain. But she's still a cutie pie!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327295711411581634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NeH5Vao79J0/Se5bOWwmMsI/AAAAAAAAAU4/p0gw3If9PYg/s400/Josie+Kate+18+mos.+April+09+004.jpg" border="0" />So here are the stats from the 18 month wellness appointment:</div><br /><div>weight 7th percentile</div><br /><div>height 27th percentile</div><br /><div>head circumference 45th percentile</div><div> </div><div>Outcome: She's doing fine--before she was not even on the charts in weight, which concerned me a little because she is so small, but the Dr. said that I am small and so she could just be petite like me........but I wasn't that small as a baby! She eats almost as much as her 5 year old brother, so I can't blame it on that. She's not a big drinker though. The head circumference is good b/c that shows that the brain is growing and it leads the rest of the body in telling it what to do so that is good. And as you can see from the pictures, it's not like she has a mondo head! I'll add one more of her body so you can see her legs, etc. </div><br /><div></div><div>Anybody else out there have small babies?<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327297855412354178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NeH5Vao79J0/Se5dLJyNvII/AAAAAAAAAVY/WPRyAgzLFws/s400/Josie+Kate+18+mos.+April+09+024.jpg" border="0" />She also got 3 shots and man, she was angry with that nurse! But she's fine now--and has already pulled off her pink camouflage band-aids!<br /><div></div>Mad About Plaid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715500017425149040noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755437589862772719.post-63946773763476923472009-04-19T07:23:00.003-04:002009-04-19T07:27:03.842-04:00Walmart Parking LotHave you ever seen someone walking around, <em>cruising</em> if you will, the Wal-Mart parking lot? You wonder if they have lost something, are wanting to break into a car or are a homeless person?<br /><br />Well, for the past 2 times I have gone to Wal-Mart that was me--but I wasn't lost--my car was...couldn't find it to save my life.<br /><br />Guess I should pay better attention to where I park? I guess if I wasn't running around like a chicken with my head cut off half of the time I might remember better......and if you are guilty as well, now you know you are not alone.Mad About Plaid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715500017425149040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755437589862772719.post-85455360814397318112009-04-14T19:41:00.003-04:002009-04-14T19:47:37.285-04:00Happy Easter......from our family to yours.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324697086715479090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NeH5Vao79J0/SeUfyfY7xDI/AAAAAAAAAUw/Hq-CY6ajDjQ/s400/easter+sunday+09+001.jpg" border="0" />Too bad the only picture that was any good had Big Brother's eyes shut! Can you tell I've taken away <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">somebody's</span> pacifier and she is wanting it back? :) </p><p>On book number 3 of the Twilight series--Eclipse. I can't get enough. It's causing me to neglect the blog among other things.......like laundry, husband, children, etc. </p><p>Several of you have commented about the fact that you are considering reading it--just go for it! They are great and such easy reads. I promise you'll love it!<br /></p>Mad About Plaid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715500017425149040noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755437589862772719.post-21316318118585515202009-04-07T09:01:00.002-04:002009-04-07T09:03:39.739-04:00TwilightHave you read it? It's awesome. I read this one in about 2 days. Couldn't stop--neglected the kids and everything else (lots of Spongebob and sugar cereal).<br /><br />What did you think? Are the rest just as good?Mad About Plaid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715500017425149040noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755437589862772719.post-33593013462761089942009-03-28T08:19:00.002-04:002009-03-28T08:26:26.163-04:00Bribe updatesSecond night did better. Got up once with legs hurting (growing pains?). Gave Tylenol. He woke up at 5:30 saying his hip hurt. Daddy rubbed it a little and then sent him on. Since then--the past 2 nights--he has slept all night long. Hallelujah! The only problem is that Miss Bug woke up that first night, but then last night we ALL slept all night long.<br /><br />Thank goodness. I was starting to think I had a serious problem on my hands. I get a little uptight about the sleep thing and I know that doesn't help. I think my son needed not only a sleep adjustment but an attitude adjustment. Mommy and Daddy had to start putting the 'hammer down' if you know what I mean. He's a great kid, don't get me wrong, sweet as he can be, but he's still a kid who is going to test boundaries.<br /><br />Of course now that we are getting the sleep back to normal, we are going to the Grandparents for Spring Break. That will require another attitude adjustment.<br /><br />And don't judge--but he's gotten 3 Hot Wheels car. When they run out, they run out. (I think I bought 6.) Then it's probably bedtime sticker chart time. How about Hot Wheels stickers for the bedtime chart? A nice compromise, don't you think?<br /><br />We are probably going to the new Monsters Versus Aliens movie today. I'll let you know if it's good. I personally think most movies are worth it b/c you get the popcorn, Diet Coke and some peace from your day....love that.Mad About Plaid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715500017425149040noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755437589862772719.post-61923912614176266122009-03-25T19:18:00.004-04:002009-03-25T19:27:14.003-04:00The Bribe: Part 2Didn't work.<br /><br />No Hot Wheels.<br /><br /><em>Was up 4</em> <em>FREAKING TIMES</em>! I'm so tired that I am cranky and can't hardly stand to be in my own skin. I'm that grumpy. Tylenol PM is calling my name. I was up on and off from 1:30am-5:00am. I wanted to put up 2 <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">baby gates</span> at his door--one on top of the other--so that he couldn't get out.<br /><br />I woke up just pissed off. I know that doesn't sound very ladylike, but I'm not feeling very ladylike at the moment.<br /><br />Today I upped the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Anny</span> (or however you spell it). I told him he'd get a Hot Wheels car and I'd take him to the freaking CIRCUS that is in town. I even got on the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Internet</span> to show him pictures of what we'd see.<br /><br />His top 5 list of things he wants to see are: man shooting out of a 'canyon' (cannon), motorcycle riding on a rope, trapeze artists flipping, juggling and getting to be with our friends--Ms. Rachael, Kendall and Jordan. I told him that the elephants would be there, too, and he replied with, "<em>Mommy, they aren't cool</em>."<br /><br />OK.<br /><br />I said, "<em>There will be camels, too</em>." I was again informed that those aren't cool either.<br /><br />OK.<br /><br />I can't believe my 5 year old son is already telling ME what's cool. I know what's cool, damn it! I'm only 36. I've still got <em>LOTS</em> of cool left in me!<br /><br />So the saga continues. You'll be updated tomorrow, and hopefully not too early because we'll all be SLEEPING!Mad About Plaid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715500017425149040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755437589862772719.post-37814807983717808042009-03-24T20:38:00.004-04:002009-03-24T20:51:23.568-04:00The Bribe<div>Yep.</div><br /><div>Don't judge me.</div><br /><div>It's come to this.</div><br /><div></div><div>If Big Brother (who is freaking 5 years old) sleeps in his bed 'all night <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">wong</span>' then he will be the new proud owner of a Hot Wheels car. </div><br /><div></div><div>Yep, I said it. And I'm going to follow through.</div><br /><div>It's worth the buck to get a good night's rest (and Daddy is about to shoot me b/c I have let him in bed with us too much!).</div><br /><div></div><div>I actually went to the Dollar Store in my pj's (Daddy called me white trash as I left the house). I had on fleece pants, VAIL <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">tshirt</span> and flip flops. I didn't think it looked like pj's necessarily, but hell, I didn't care. They didn't have 'feet' in them for crying out loud! Just think of it as the Lounge Pants that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Clemsongirl</span> always talks about...yet mine are striped. Love and Labs probably knows exactly what clothes I'm talking about too--I've had them so long.</div><br /><div></div><div>Enough about my attire and back to the issue at hand. Big Brother wants to sleep in our bed because as he states with his darling blue eyes all a-flutter, "I can't stop finking (thinking) about you and Daddy and I want to snuggle and I want to be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">wif</span> you." </div><div> </div><div>And look at this face--he is so precious, sweet, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">snugly</span> and yummy! How am I supposed to say no?</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316920223653918034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NeH5Vao79J0/Scl-xe37dVI/AAAAAAAAAUo/VozGPGLdBT8/s400/MK14.jpg" border="0" />So he's not scared. No nightmares (at least not in the last couple of days).<br /><div></div><div>I'm trying positive reinforcement first. He also got a new nightlight.</div><br /><div>If that doesn't work, then I'm beating him.....JUST KIDDING!</div><div> </div><div>PS I bought 6 --figure if I give him one each morning that by Day 6 I can move on to something more simple--like candy! (Wean him slowly...)</div><div> </div><div>PSS I didn't look out of place at all at The Dollar Store.....trust me. It's South Georgia and I had all my front teeth. (No offense.)</div><div> </div><div> </div>Mad About Plaid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715500017425149040noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2755437589862772719.post-54354884499124471532009-03-20T20:36:00.004-04:002009-03-20T20:57:51.552-04:00Just A Teeeenny Bit ObsessedSo I know I can tell you guys this because we are all friends here, right? I have a little confession to make. I'm addicted (such a strong word) to little girl's clothing. It is just over-the-top cute! My little girl is just now getting to the stage where you can really 'dress' her--she walks, has enough hair for a bow, and can express some personality. And when I shop, I just love all the girl stuff!<br /><br />Let me explain. I have a son who is 5 years old. I got to do the cutesy stuff a few times. I literally can count the number of times he wore a Jon-Jon or a longall. My husband thinks they are cheesy, so I didn't buy them much. I did get his pictures taken when he was one in a Strasburg Jon Jon and then I bought him a Kelly green corduroy longall with Santa Clauses smocked across it for the Christmas he was 2. He looked precious! Anyway, shopping for a boy is fairly simple. I'm pretty much a prep at heart, so my eyes typically wander to the Polo shirts and khaki shorts. I bought him some cute shorts from the Gap--khaki with little dolphins embroidered on them and a navy pair with turtles on them. He is not convinced they are 'cool' shorts, so I softly nudge his father to tell him that they are indeed cool. (On a side note--he <em>did</em> pick out the khaki ones to wear today --but he put them on with his Wall-E tshirt! It was <em>killing</em> me! And I did casually hand him the knit polo to put on instead telling him that he can wear the Wall-E shirt for soccer practice.)<br /><br />So, now when I go shopping for a girl, it's like a whole new world has opened for me! It's out of control! There's at least 3 times as much for girls! I don't consider myself a girly girl, but some of this stuff is so so so adorable! And it can be anything as casual and inexpensive as stuff from the Carter's Outlet down the street, to the high-end boutiques.<br /><br />Recently I've been on an Ebay kick. I've been really inspecting all of the smocked bishop dresses. They are just precious. I search Anavini, Orient Expressed, Vive La Fete, Silly Goose, Amanda Remembered, Florence Eiseman, Mulberry Street and those Puddle Jumper shoes, Squeaky shoes and L'Amour/Angel shoes......the stuff is so cute! I can usually get one of those outfits on Ebay for between $20-$30 and in many of the boutiques they are starting at $50. Some of the prices are out of control in those boutiques. So, I just make a mental note of the name of the clothing and check it out on Ebay!<br /><br />My challenge right now is shoes. I'm needing some everyday shoes. I've got some Angel shoes that are navy that she wears a lot, but I need some that are possibly white(?) that she can wear anytime. She has a teeny little narrow foot, so we are having a hard time with shoes. I don't live in an area with a ton of shopping, so I have to search and search. We don't have any department stores that have children's shoes. I think I need a Stride Rite or a department store that carries toddler shoes. Her feet are still so small--she just turned 17 months and wears a 3 possibly a 4. In the L'Amour shoes she wears a 2! And I'm picky--I don't want all these sparkles and stuff--I need versatility!<br /><br />And she just now has enough hair for a bow! And you know you need a variety of colors to match these cute outfits!<br /><br />I hope that I'm not sounding shallow and dorky. I'm not excessively materialistic, but I like the challenge of finding the stuff for a deal, too, or mixing the expensive with the Target/Wal-Mart, etc...<br /><br />I guess since I didn't play with dolls growing up I'm making up for it now?Mad About Plaid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07715500017425149040noreply@blogger.com5