Mad About Plaid Girl

Jill's Service...

2010-04-24T07:55:00.002-04:00

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

If you are curious to learn more about Jill, go www.caringbridge.org/visit/jillrowell
Pretty cool story.

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.

A comeback?

2010-04-21T22:40:00.003-04:00

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...

...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.

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!

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.

It came back.

She didn't make it this time.

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.

It wasn't supposed to be like this.

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.

And now I'm headed to her Celebration of Life on Friday ....

I love you Jilly!

I Heart Tivo/DVR Whatever You Call It

2010-01-18T20:56:00.002-05:00

I 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.

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.

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.

She is a weird-o! Still watching....

Love some crap TV.

Sacred Alone Time

2010-01-11T20:25:00.002-05:00

I have waited practically all day to be alone. To have some 'me' time...peace. quiet. facebooking. ebaying. craptv watching.

And now I have it. And am bored.

Nothing on TV though I bet The Bachelor comes on very soon, but then I get too tired and fall asleep.

Frustrated with Ebay because it seems even my nice boutique-y stuff doesn't sell for what others get for theirs.

Nobody I want to talk to on FB.

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.

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.

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.

Or the Bible. Too tired.

And so I ramble.

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.

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.

Miss Bug's First Day at 'School'

2010-01-08T13:54:00.002-05:00

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.

It was quite nostalgic going back to the place where my son went for 3 years and where I taught PreK for one.

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?

I kept telling them how different Miss Bug was from her big brother. Now they all know...

O Happy Day!

2010-01-07T11:30:00.003-05:00

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?

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.

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.

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.

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...

Potty Training Letdown

2010-01-05T13:00:00.005-05:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

And I have to admit, I even called to see if I could change her to the 3 day a week program! :)

Oh and here's my UNCENSORED part for the day:
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, not purses, 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 crazy!

Baby Sleep & Potty Training

2010-01-04T06:37:00.003-05:00

These are two of the things on my mind right now. Neither of which I'm too crazy about dealing with at this time.

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!

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....

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.

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'.!!!!

Uncensored

2010-01-03T07:29:00.003-05:00

Am 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!

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.

I should be in the shower (as usual).

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.

Oh and our dryer quit the day we got home from visiting the family for Christmas. Good times.

I have missed lots of you, but just couldn't keep up...hopefully I will be better this time....

Not sure if anyone is 'there', but thought I'd give it a shot.

Happy New Year! None of my resolutions were actually written down, but I guess if I type them then that is a start...
1.Eat better
2. Feed my kids better
3. No cussing (yeah right)
4. Exercise

What are yours?

Meme Thursday....

2009-05-28T20:32:00.003-04:00

A Meme because I have the time....

A - Age: 36
B - Bed size: king
C - Chore you hate: cleaning toilets. hate. it.
D - Dog's names: Carly
E - Essential start your day item: coffee
F - Favorite color: red
G - Gold or Silver: silver or white gold
H - Height: 5' 2 1/2" (and I take that 1/2 very seriously)
I - Instruments you play: piano and
J - Job title: Administration & Mommy
K - Kid(s): John 5 1/2 and Josie Kate 19 months
L - Living arrangements: single family home, hubby, 2 kids, 1 dog, and a partridge in a pear tree
M - Mom's name: Betty
N - Nicknames: Queeda
O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: none thank Heavens!
P - Pet Peeve: chewing with your mouth open, nasty toilets, and many more...
Q - Quote from a movie: "You are a pig from Hell, and you will be destroyed." Steel Magnolias
R - Right or left handed: Lefty
S - Siblings: 1-Kevin who is 39
T - Time you wake up: lately it's been right before 6AM! Josie Kate is getting up WAYYY too early!
U- First word that comes to your mind for "U": Unanimous
V - Vegetable you dislike: peas
W - Ways you run late: forget to get something and have to get back out of car several times!
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.
Y - Yummy food you make: chicken pot pie, desserts
Z - Zoo favorite: giraffe

School's Out, School's Out, Teacher Let the Monkeys OUT!

2009-05-28T20:11:00.002-04:00

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?)

And I picked up Miss Bug from thebabysitter and right when we were turning in to our neighborhood she puked all over the place. ...

...and again in the tub....
....and again after she was all clean.

What else will the Summer of 2009 promise to bring?

It Only Took 5 Years....

2009-05-22T21:07:00.004-04:00

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 Lowes and peruse the color swatches from Eddie Bauer, Laura Ashley, Ralph Lauren and our beloved Martha Stewart. It was heavenly.

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 Ebay, 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 should've bought extras and sold them on Ebay, but I didn't. I'll remember next time!

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.

Tomorrow is shopping in the big city--ie Jacksonville (I know-it's not Atlanta or Denver, but I digress).

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!

Will post pics as I get the rooms done. So excited! Any ideas that have worked for you?

Ebay

2009-05-17T13:17:00.005-04:00

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!?!

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.

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!

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?

Help me out!
Thanks!

Taking the FOR SALE sign down...

2009-05-16T12:28:00.003-04:00

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.

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 just changed. 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.

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. Well, was somebody going to tell us perhaps? Like maybe before we signed our house away at 5PM? It has been crazy.

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.

So after almost 2 years of turmoil, showing this #%*&@#& house with less than 30 minutes notice sometimes, etc, it is over.

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.

Now I guess we are going to look in to adding on to our house. I can see the sawdust already....

The Mouse

2009-05-11T18:03:00.002-04:00

I went to Chuck E. Cheese's for Mother's Day.

Don't judge.

I enjoyed it. (Once the Goody Powder kicked in).

Hope you had a great mother's day!

Update

2009-05-09T18:46:00.003-04:00

It is getting harder and harder to blog. Not enough time! Am missing it and keeping up with you guys! Will try to do better!

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.

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!

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.

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...

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.

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.

Roseola, Hand/Foot/Mouth, Viral, WHAT??

2009-05-02T12:29:00.003-04:00

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.

She goes to bed easily and sleeps all night long.

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...

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'.

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.

Any advice?

Miss Bug 18 Months Old

2009-04-21T19:46:00.007-04:00

Here 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?!

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):This is my determined little one--so glad I caught this one on camera! :)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!So here are the stats from the 18 month wellness appointment:

weight 7th percentile

height 27th percentile

head circumference 45th percentile

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.

Anybody else out there have small babies?

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!

Walmart Parking Lot

2009-04-19T07:23:00.003-04:00

Have you ever seen someone walking around, cruising 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?

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.

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.

Happy Easter...

2009-04-14T19:41:00.003-04:00

...from our family to yours.

Too bad the only picture that was any good had Big Brother's eyes shut! Can you tell I've taken away somebody's pacifier and she is wanting it back? :)

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.

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!

Twilight

2009-04-07T09:01:00.002-04:00

Have 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).

What did you think? Are the rest just as good?

Bribe updates

2009-03-28T08:19:00.002-04:00

Second 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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

The Bribe: Part 2

2009-03-25T19:18:00.004-04:00

Didn't work.

No Hot Wheels.

Was up 4 FREAKING TIMES! 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 baby gates at his door--one on top of the other--so that he couldn't get out.

I woke up just pissed off. I know that doesn't sound very ladylike, but I'm not feeling very ladylike at the moment.

Today I upped the Anny (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 Internet to show him pictures of what we'd see.

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, "Mommy, they aren't cool."

OK.

I said, "There will be camels, too." I was again informed that those aren't cool either.

OK.

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 LOTS of cool left in me!

So the saga continues. You'll be updated tomorrow, and hopefully not too early because we'll all be SLEEPING!

The Bribe

2009-03-24T20:38:00.004-04:00

Yep.

Don't judge me.

It's come to this.

If Big Brother (who is freaking 5 years old) sleeps in his bed 'all night wong' then he will be the new proud owner of a Hot Wheels car.

Yep, I said it. And I'm going to follow through.

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!).

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 tshirt 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 Clemsongirl 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.

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 wif you."

And look at this face--he is so precious, sweet, snugly and yummy! How am I supposed to say no?

So he's not scared. No nightmares (at least not in the last couple of days).

I'm trying positive reinforcement first. He also got a new nightlight.

If that doesn't work, then I'm beating him.....JUST KIDDING!

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...)

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.)

Just A Teeeenny Bit Obsessed

2009-03-20T20:36:00.004-04:00

So 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!

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 did pick out the khaki ones to wear today --but he put them on with his Wall-E tshirt! It was killing 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.)

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.

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!

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!

And she just now has enough hair for a bow! And you know you need a variety of colors to match these cute outfits!

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...

I guess since I didn't play with dolls growing up I'm making up for it now?

Church Shoes

2009-03-18T19:48:00.002-04:00

Our church is very casual. We can wear whatever. I usually take the opportunity to dress up a little (read: wear something other than jeans). We have quite a diverse congregation so you can pretty much go either way and blend in, unless you wear a suit and tie. Then you might get a smile or two your way. We're all harmless--do whatever floats your boat.

This past Sunday I told Big Brother he should wear his brown shoes to church. We bought them for him to wear to my sister-in-law's wedding last month and he's not really worn them since then. I'd like for him to get some wear out of them before they are too small. They aren't real dressy at all--lace up and brown--the typical trendy little boy shoes. They are darling and he looks adorable in them!

His reply, "Who's wedding are we going to?"

(I wanted to reply, "Nope son, we aren't. And when I was growing up I had to wear a dress and tights every Sunday!!!" --and your Grandpa had to walk uphill both ways to school ...with no shoes, blah blah blah)

Soccer: Take One

2009-03-14T11:05:00.004-04:00

My son had his first soccer game last week. He had only had one practice so it made for a humorous experience for all. Of course I am his mother, but I have to say that he looked adorable! I know the point isn't to look cute, but I'm a girl. I see those things. He had matching clothes and accessories (read: shin guards) and his blond hair was shining in the sun. It was precious! It was kind of surreal seeing him out there--my baby all grown up enough to play competitive sports!

I really like the way the do soccer for little ones--no goalie, no score keeping, cheering only, etc....that's good to start out with, though I did catch myself wanting to coach from the sidelines. Picture this--I'd yell "Way to go Big Brother! Kick the ball!" and he would stop in the middle of the field, look at me and give me the 'thumbs up' along with a big grin! All the other boys are running around him, concentrating, etc! It was hilarious!

Meanwhile my 16 month old keeps trying to go on the field to try to get the ball. Daddy was gone to a bike race, so luckily I had wrangled in my parents to stay for a few days longer so I could have the help. I needed it too! I wasn't prepared...forgot the stroller, no lawn chairs, no bug spray. It was brutal.

Anybody else doing soccer?

Sing Happy Birthday...

2009-03-05T19:48:00.002-05:00

If you have discovered her yet, go over to my best friend's blog, Love & Labs, and wish Susan a HAPPY 36th Birthday (March 6th)! She could use some help blowing out her candles this year....Old Lady!

Much love to you, Sally!

The Castle........

2009-03-04T07:59:00.003-05:00

I mean Cinderella's Castle....... (in the Poltergiest movie voice) we're hhhhhhhheeeeeeeerrrreee!

We are in The Magic Kingdom. Actually we are checking out today--have to go to our Character Breakfast this morning and then we're headed home.

Things I learned:

It's been more crowded than we expected.

It's been colder than we expected.

It's been windier than we expected.

Big Brother liked the roller coasters!

Big Brother liked the water ride!

Big Brother didn't like Pirates of the Carribean.

Magic Kingdom can be done in 2 days for-sure (at least for our family).

Some of the rides are the EXACT same as when I came as a child.

There are not coffee makers in the 'value' hotels on property.

Beers cost $6.50.

Margaritas cost $8.50.

It's still the best place on Earth.

I'm still a kid at heart.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T11:50:00.003-05:00

She never stops...this is as good as it gets when photographing Miss Bug! (and yes, I drive a Loser Cruiser...)
And then we have Mr. Hambone......so sweet and funny!

I got a grin when she was putting dirt in her mouth.

And this is the only one I could get of them together.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY from OUR family to YOURS! I thought maybe posting some pics would make up for my neglectful blogging. We have still had illness go on in our house. Maybe we need to fumigate to get out all the bacteria?!!! More vomit, Daddy with some serious Bronchitis and the Plaid Girl with no sleep! We are FINALLY coming out of it. And I'm finally getting some shut-eye, which is good because I was beginning to think that I was going crazy, plummeting to some serious depression and ready to be shipped off to Tahiti. ( I could still use the Tahiti part though...)

Hope all of you are well. Anybody doing anything fun tonight? We might watch a little Ratatouille with the offspring and eat a few Goldfish. Let me know what you have planned.

---Oh and I'll be sneaking in my Reese's Peanut Butter Cups that my cupid hubby gave me!

Puke-a-pa-loosa

2009-02-02T22:08:00.003-05:00

While some of you were enjoying watching the Superbowl last night, I was in the shower removing the chunks of puke from my hair. I was laying in bed with my son for a few minutes when he rolled over and threw up on me while I was half asleep.

And he threw up a second time....

And then a third time...

and then the next morning when my husband went in to get Miss Bug out of her bed for the morning, she had puked too...in her sleep.

We are pretty sure it was the boxed yogurt-covered raisins by Sunmaid. And they weren't old...

And now we're trying to get raisins and blueberry (they snacked quite liberally on those that afternoon) stains out of their linens. Thank Heaven for Oxyclean...spray and powder.

So, I'll be back soon. I'm up to my eyeballs in laundry! But everyone is okay now and they are going to the babysitter and school tomorrow!!!!

D.R.A.M.A. at the PreK level!

2009-01-29T11:35:00.004-05:00

I don't even know where to begin! Small town drama is getting very old and I wish our house would sell so that I could just whisk myself away from it all.

Long story short...my son's school (church preschool) has got some drama going on with it right now. It is not a big school, just some mother's morning out programs, 2 year old classes, 3 year old classes and then a prekindergarten. I'd say they have about 80 kids there total--including full and part time. It is only a 9am-1pm program. Quite quaint, you'd think. The administration--director, assistant director and 'helper' (I guess you would call her) all stand outside each morning and afternoon to greet and wave goodbye to parents. We've now coined them with the term "Walmart Greeters" because apparently that is all they do.

I've begun seeing how great the teachers are, how hard they work and then see how little the administration does. For example, they'll have 7 2 year olds in a classroom with one adult and nobody helps them in the bathroom--which is down the hall, I might add. Shouldn't this poor woman have help when taking all these kids to the bathroom?

Well, just recently another parent and I arranged a field trip to Publix--the local wonderful grocery store--and when the teachers told the director the plans, she told them we couldn't do it because she didn't feel like dealing with another field trip. The thing is, THEY don't deal with the field trips--WE do it all along with the teachers--WE drive, WE make arrangements, etc. So, the other parent went in and talked to the director and she was very positive saying that she'd look at her calendar and see if that is something they could work out. I'm thinking, "Just look at your calendar right now--is there anything on it? Ok, let's send out the permission slips then." It's about power with them.

Here's the other biggie--I worked there. I worked there 2 years ago and I KNOW how they work. They weren't too bad with me, but bad enough for me not to go back. The other thing is I can't say much b/c I worked there and know too much. I know that they tout that they have Chapel once a week and Music once a week and they don't. I know that they tout having field trips almost monthly in their advertising...and they don't. I know that the teachers need help and they don't help them. I know that instead of subbing for a teacher who is out, they take the helper from the other classroom to fill in so that they don't have to.

It is also important to note that the only reason I sent my son there this year was because the school I was going to send him to had to shut down their prek class b/c they didn't have enough kids. I had him enrolled somewhere else and then last minute had to put him here.

I really like his teachers though. And that is what I have to remember is most important and is who he deals with on a daily basis. I have to remember that they are the ones influencing his life.

Here's the next thing....in his class of 13 there are 2 teachers. They've been there since day 1. Well, one of the teachers--the teacher assistant--got called into the director's office and told that since there are only 13 kids in the class and not a higher number like last year that they are probably going to have to cut her down to 3 days a week because they can't pay their bills for the summer if they keep paying her. Well, it's practically FEBRUARY people. Wouldn't you have thought about this back in SEPTEMBER when there was STILL only 13 kids in there? This poor girl is so stressed about money and how she is going to pay her bills if they put her down to 3 days a week. And the big thing is that they aren't telling us parents. Well, this parent knows and is going to keep an eye out and see if they really do take her down to 3 days a week. And what really gets me is that the director and the asst. director pay themselves all summer long, too, when they aren't even there. So, maybe they should cut down what they get paid all summer long in order to keep their teachers there for the kids? The assistant director just now came on as working 5 days a week--she did only work 3 until this year. And now she's on 5 days a week this year! Shouldn't they have thought about that at the beginning of the year?

It is making me crazy. And it is so small town drama-ish. It's like middle school. I want to go in there and scream at the top of my lungs that I'm sick of them getting away with this! They are blaming the 'preschool board' saying that they don't know how they can justify this to the 'board'. The board doesn't know ANYTHING that's going on...it was like that when I was there!

I actually called a couple of other schools to see if I could get Big Brother in there, but they are full. Plus, I have to remember his teachers that he deals with everyday are great. It's the administration I can't stand.

Hopefully Daddy can start taking him to school and picking him up again now that he's back in town b/c I hate it!

Thank you for letting me vent. I was told I need to just 'kill them with kindness', but that would be killing me!!!!

Mmmmmmmmmmmm

2009-01-20T21:37:00.002-05:00

I made brownies for Big Brother's class tomorrow. I made fudge-y ones and then put white frosting on top and red sprinkles. That's about as complicated as I get.......with any cooking! They are going to turn the air down really low and make it really cold and put wax paper on the floor and pretend to be ice skating. I'm wondering how that will turn out.

All they really need to do is open the door for a while. It is c-c-cold for South Georgia!

Big Brother said he needs a scarf. He is 5. He doesn't have one. He said we could make one out of paper. I'm hoping that he will forget this in the morning. I will be in no mood to make a scarf out of paper. I will be hauling booty to get them both out the door so I can go to work!

But my Poinsettias are still alive. I swear, I kill the stuff I want to stay alive and the stuff I would rather die off is still thriving!

Is it appropriate/etiquettely correct to still have Poinsettias in your urns out front? Think about that one and let me know.......

Big Brother Speaks....

2009-01-15T16:18:00.002-05:00

So I was in my son's bedroom this morning playing with him before anyone else was awake yet. We were 'playing' Bakugan, or his version of it, and I was trying to 'play' it correctly.

Then Big Brother finally just looked at me and sighed and said, "Let me handle this, Mom."

And I took another sip of precious, warm, comforting coffee and let him......

Blog Award Time

2009-01-10T22:05:00.002-05:00

Thank You Two Little Lambs!

Your Blog is FABULOUS !
Thanks so much to Two Little Lambs. Sorry it has taken me so long to get this out!

This fabulous award comes with a few rules:
Put the logo on your blog or post. Nominate at least 10 blogs which you think are fabulous.
Be sure to link to your nominees within your post. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

I don't think I can do 10 blogs, right now, so I'm going to do 5 and if you want, you can nominate yourself! I haven't been up-t0-date enough to do 10!

When I get a chance to read blogs, these are the ones I read, just call me Old Faithful b/c I seem to stick with the same ones, like old trusted friends!:

Love & Labs

The Pink Clutch

Grosgrain Garage

Mix Mingle Glow

AFro

For this award I must list 5 addictions:
1. sugar--in any shape, form, or fashion; right now I could use some frosting, preferably on a cupcake
2. ebay-love searching for deals on baby girl clothing!
3. Jodi Picoult books-she is amazing! Hasn't published anything recently, but I can't put her books down once I start them
4. that cup of coffee first thing in the morning, especially when my sweet husband surprises me and makes it for me
5. Grey's Anatomy

Oh the Beloved Outlaws, I mean Inlaws

2009-01-09T21:09:00.002-05:00

Well, we thought we weren't going to have to see or deal with the Inlaws for several months, but like I think I told you, Hubby's older sister is getting re-married (third time is a charm?) and this time she's having a wedding. The first time she eloped, don't know what happened the second time, and now we have her marrying bachelor #3. When Hubby and I got married she was estranged from the family, so I didn't meet her for about 5 or 6 years? I think she was estranged for over 10. Or possibly 15? I can't recall. After giving birth to two children I think your brain just turns to mush...at least mine has.

I do like Husband's sister. She is really nice. I just kind of keep my distance b/c she is random (obviously) and Husband isn't really friendly to her either. We send the typical cards and such, and remember her children's birthdays and graduation. It's actually a pretty easy relationship.

Except now she's having a wedding and we have to come. Not that we have to go. We just want to support her. Shouldn't make everyone suffer just because the inlaws are problematic. So, we are going. We are staying with Husband's brother and sister-in-law. Should be fun. And short. I hope. My MIL is the freaking wedding planner for crying out loud! Husband's sister is a reformed Baptist--reformed meaning she was Catholic. Now she is all about being a Baptist. Not that there's anything wrong with being a Baptist--I grew up as one--but it is just a far cry from being Catholic. That will make things a little more interesting. (chuckle, chuckle)

At least I get to buy a new outfit and buy the kids something new. Hopefully some of the aunts and uncles will be there to dilute everything. That will help. I will let you know as the situation continues.....me and my lovely MIL drama. Still haven't talked to them. MIL did email and ask for some pictures. I wanted to respond with ,"Yeah when hell freezes over." But I didn't. Now that I'm working at my church, I'm trying to be more Christlike. So I could respond with, "When heck freezes over.' HA HA HA. She'll get some when I get around to it.

Husband has travels in the town where his parents live and he is going to see his brother and sister-in-law. They asked the inlaws if they would watch their kids so they could go out to dinner w/my husband and they told them no. They've never told them no before. She thinks it is because they told them that they were going to see my husband. Interesting, don't you think?

Like I said, this wedding should be interesting. I did borrow the book Boundaries, that has been recommended to me. I'm going to try to have it read soon so I can prepare myself of how to deal with them all! Now all I have to do is get it from the floor of my car and actually open it!

I do have an award I need to post about too! So much busier with a job, but it is good for my brain! I am missing all my friends in bloggy world! Don't give up on me and thanks for following! Is it because you just can't resist my lovely MIL drama? :)

Stubborn and Determined

2009-01-03T18:50:00.002-05:00

Big Brother looks at me dead in the eyes and says to me, "Mom, it's still Christmas."

Then a brief pause.

"And I mean it."

I had no reply...

Random Thoughts

2009-01-03T09:11:00.004-05:00

This should be a lovely, random flow of thoughts right now. I need to update you on my life, and it's been so busy that I'm overflowing with 'stuff', so I'll start with the laundry list and try to go go into detail in future posts.

-My Christmas was wonderful! Kids were great. Big Brother super surprised, etc. My parents were able to come (in-laws backed out--previous post if you are interested) and stayed at the condo on SSI, so it was perfect. They watched the kids a lot and I got to work and shop!

-Have had to work and have Daddy watch kids. Have a little guilt over it. 20 hours is more than you think it is! And if you saw my paycheck you'd think I worked about 10! Working for God does not pay you back monetarily! ha

-Shopped in Jacksonville and found some smoking deals--best one I will share with you--Pottery Barn kids rug 3x5 normally priced at $129.00. I got it for $29.97! I can't even express to you how incredibly exciting that was for me! LOVE THE DEALS when I can get them from PBK.

-Went a little overboard and bought a 5x8 rug from Pottery Barn that was on sale, but still price-y. We had an 8x10 rug that is Pottery Barn that we've had for 5 years and it has been thoroughly abused by all--from small children to the dog--and I saw that it was on sale and so pretty. I'm pretty picky when it comes to a lot of things--including rugs--and it is really pretty. We didn't need the 8 x 10 size, and the 5x8 fits well, it just looks SO small compared to the 8x10. It shows off our hardwood floors, but I'm not 100% convinced it is 'the one'. Damn you Pottery Barn for being so freaking expensive and beautiful! We still have the wrapper and might return it. It's on a trial run right now. I just have a hard time with change, of any kind obviously! I'm such a weird-o.

-Miss Bug is walking---not 100% --but a lot! It is too funny. I forgot how cute they look when they stumble around like drunk old men. Love it!

-My husband's older sister--who we aren't very close to--that's a longgggg story--is getting married for the 3rd time. This time she's having a wedding--in Feb. I thought we were going to be able to avoid the in-laws for several months now that the holidays are over, but nope. Sucks. But we can't punish his sister and not go b/c we are so frustrated by his parents. And no, we still aren't talking to the parents.

-I have a bazillion thank-you cards to write.

-We had Big Brother's 5th birthday party this time last Saturday. It was so fun! That boy has so many toys!

-I have been eating like it is my job--birthday cake, twice-baked potatoes, banana pudding (homemade Martha Stewart meets Paula Dean style), candy, homemade fudge, cookies. I'm salivating just thinking about it! Not. Good.

-I'm mad at Ann Taylor Loft. Their return policy sucks. Beware.

Must go. Have a baby with a dirty diaper and a child that needs a snack.

2008-12-25T12:51:00.002-05:00

We wish you a Merry Christmas,

And a Happy New Year!

Re-Giftedness

2008-12-19T08:25:00.003-05:00

I've got a good one for you.

Big Brother's class had a book exchange for Christmas. Of course I'm still running around daily like a chicken with my head cut off trying to make sure I've got everything done while taking care of kids because Daddy is traveling for business.

The night before I sneak in to Big Brother's room to grab the book. I know I have two copies of the book and so I just tiptoe into his room while he is sleeping. I scan the book to make sure it's the one that is blank inside, then sneak back out and wrap it up all cutes-y for his little classmate, Emma.

The next day his teacher tells me she has something to tell me as a friend, not as a teacher. She tells me that Emma's book was signed, "To: Big Brother With Love from Mamaw & Papaw"!!!! I guess I didn't check it hard enough. She had an extra book and tried to get her to take that one, but she was IN LOVE with the book from Big Brother.

So I call Emma's Mommy and sound like an ever-loving fool explaining to her my tiptoe-ing into Big Brother's room, scanning the book to make sure it was the right one, yadda yadda yadda.

See, Hallmark has a deal if you spend so much money you get a hardcover book for $3.95. We get those. I just gave her the one from last year, obviously.

There you have it...Mad About Plaid Girl's Re-Giftedness. ta-da!

Bizzzeeeee!

2008-12-16T22:14:00.005-05:00

Ladies, are we all running around like chickens with our heads cut off or is it just ME? Jeez-oh-Pete, I'm about worn out! And this girl needs sleep! It's after 10PM, past my bedtime, but I'll give you a quick run-down of what the Plaid family has been up to (in no particular order):

-One 40th bday party for Hubby
-Two relatives, Uncle Adolf & Aunt Tootsie (Hub's fav family) surprised him by showing up to his bday party (I pulled it off --YESSSS! :))
-preparing for Big Brother's 5th birthday
-buying the typical presents for family and then remember I need to get others for people like Big Brother's teachers and Miss Bug's Babysitter
-trying to keep our house stocked with food for crying out loud--these children are bottomless pits!
-cookie exchange at Big Brother's school
-Big Brother had Christmas Cantata and a speaking part (I was a proud parent)
-Miss Bug is ALMOST walking--Lord help us all
-Still email feuding w/Inlaws but it is getting better. We are standing tough and staying strong
-Trying to keep Big Brother OUT of our bedroom at night
-Reminding myself to eat--something healthy and not just cookies (see 'cookie exchange' above)
-Ordering second round of Christmas cards b/c I didn't get enough the first time-duh
-Still in search of Interactive WallE (he's $34.99 in real life, but a bazillion dollars on Amazon) because that is on Big Brother's list.......from Santa. Damn Santa.
-Giving to the needy---and doing it again and again--for school for work, for church, etc.
-needing to give the dog a second bath after she rolled in doggie doo-doo (love that)

Ok. So that's me. For now. Here's a pic from Bday party. We had a babysitter to take care of all kids for a while, but when it was time to sing and blow out candles, we invited them back! Here's Daddy with his babies (I think Miss Bug might've already been having a taste?):

Sneak Peek

2008-12-04T20:26:00.003-05:00

So here is one of the pictures that were made over Thanksgiving. It is one of two pictures I used for our Christmas card. It is so sweet. And it is so fitting for our family--he is the one giving the sweetness and kisses--and she is the one receiving them. Read: He gives me life & she sucks the life out of me. Just kidding. Not really.

Can't wait to see pictures of your little ones, or furry ones, or your significant other! Please do let me know when you post some pics!

And the Winner is...

2008-12-03T21:23:00.002-05:00

Vista Print. Thanks so much for your comments! I got 100 cards, envelopes, return address labels and shipping for under $50! I don't think you can beat that! Now I just hope they are good quality like everyone says. I'm so excited to see them! Can't wait. I'm a dork. I can't help it.

You have yours done?
I got my first Christmas card of the season today, Dec. 3rd. I can't believe it!

Christmas Card Opinions...

2008-12-01T07:21:00.002-05:00

Lucky for me, my cousin is an up-and-coming photographer. Lucky for me she gives me a discount. Lucky for me she actually got one of Daddy smiling! (That's for another post.)

I'm in search of the most reasonably priced, yet oh-s0-cute Christmas photo card. I've compared Snapfish and Shutterfly. You can pick up Snapfish at Walgreens and Shutterfly at Target. Do you think they are of the same quality if you pick them up from one of those places rather than having them shipped directly from their warehouse?

Am I missing another great company who does them for a reasonable price?

Let me know what's on your mind....

It's Time for Christmas TV Shows!!!

2008-11-30T15:20:00.002-05:00

It's not that I'm all of the sudden highly addicted to TV, but I did have some time while on vacation to do some magazine perusing as well and I found something I wanted to share with you.

In case you haven't already heard, ABC Family is having their Countdown to Christmas and they are having 25 days of shows about the season you can watch as a family. It actually started in November, so if you are reading this today, you can watch some cool shows today, too. Right now my son and I are watching Snoopy Come Home. How cute and innocent is Charlie Brown I tell you?

If you are interested in the schedule of shows, click here. Some of the shows they will be airing are: Dr. Seuss shows, Cars, Polar Express, Garfield Christmas, Harry Potter series, Mickey Mouse Christmas, Rudolph, Incredibles, etc. Check it out. Seems like a pretty good set-up to me. I've got some Dr. Seuss show auto-tuned for tomorrow night's bedtime show. If you have DVR, then get crazy and tape them all !

I'm beginning to get excited about Christmas. Big Brother is turning 5 this month, and I think this will be the most magical Christmas so far! It's so awesome to see the awe of CHRIST-mas in the eyes of a child. Now if I can just get Daddy to get the lights up before it's over...

Raising the Bar

2008-11-29T16:26:00.004-05:00

A new show on TNT (at least new to me?!). My mother DVR'ed all 10 episodes. (And yes, my mother has DVR and we don't. I'm not ready to talk about it yet.)

So guess what we did over Thanksgiving break? Yep, all 10 in 2 days. It was a Raising the Bar marathon!

If you've not seen this show, you must try when the new season comes out! It is really, really good! I'm not much of a Law & Order girl or anything like that, I pretty much have only committed to Grey's Anatomy. It's all I have time for, but this one, it's worth letting the load of laundry remain in the dryer and eating a bowl of cereal for dinner. It's that good. I'm not even sure what time it comes on, though I think it's around 9PM on Monday nights? Check it out here.

And do you recognize the guy in the picture above? Check out the one below ...does that help? It's our friend Zack Morris from Saved by the Bell. Come on, you remember Zack, right? Did you have a crush on him? I did not, but you can admit it if you did. He was a cutie pie, my type isn't blondes normally --unless you are Matthew McConnaughey.Here he is in the show:

And he's really good. It's your typical law show I guess...Public Defenders and District Attorneys. It is really good. It has some other people you'd recognize in it too--like the mother from Malcolm in the Middle and a lady from ER. I'd link you to them, but I'm too lazy. (Am back in the car driving home from Tgiving with family.)

So, is this old news and I'm just not with-it again? These offspring of mine get in the way when trying too keep up-to-date with the latest on anything....unless it's an episode from Noggin or Disney!

I'm not really okay with his hair. I can appreciate long hair on guys when it looks good, but on him........ewwwwwwwww. I just can't get into it. He is so much cuter with shorter hair. What do you think?

MIL drama continued

2008-11-26T16:15:00.002-05:00

Ladies, I don't really know where or how to start this one. I'll probably have to get more in-depth when I have a longer amount of time to tell you everything. I'll try to give it to you in a nutshell:

Inlaws said they wanted to come for Hubby's 40th birthday and Christmas. We said that was fine. We told them that we would have an agreed-upon agenda. They sent 'fluff' email stating that they wanted to 'make memories, sing Christmas carols around the piano and just enjoy 'being' together'. (I swear, this was verbatim...who are we Norman Rockwell?) Well that is what we thought we had been doing for the last several visits.

But after we received the email that they felt like we used them, we decided to take a different route. We set an agenda of what we could do and they said that we sounded militaristic and couldn't move on. The words they used were ones that we were 'cold & unwelcoming'. So, we told them that we weren't being cold, we were just trying to make a plan because we wanted to make sure that no one felt used. They responded with a 'until you can move on and not move backward, thank you but NO THANK YOU'. Those are exact words. We replied stating that we were not moving backward, but rather feeling like we were at a stand-still because we needed answers to these questions and that we couldn't move on until we knew exactly what we did so that we can make it right.

So, that is it. How sad that they have to be so controlling and struggle for power all the time. I feel very badly for my husband most of all. I can't imagine growing up in such a conditional-love atmosphere. He is such a good man and I consider him one of my many blessings to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. And, hubby, when you read this, know how much I love you sweetie, and am so proud of who you are!

I will fill you in if anything else happens!

Over the River and Through the Woods...

2008-11-25T17:28:00.002-05:00

...to Mamaw and Papaw's house we go. We are in the car as I type. I'm sitting in the back, in the middle between both children. Miss Bug is alternating between complaining ("naaaaanaaaahhhh") while Big Brother sings the Transformers song as the show begins. I tell you, you are missing some goooooooooood times here in the Mad About Plaid Mobile. Good times.

Miss Bug just isn't much into TV. We got her a portable DVD for just her and she is back here acting like we are slowly torturing her to her little bitty death. Big Brother has asked 33 times if we are there yet. We've only been in the car for 2 hours. We have 5 1/2 more to go.

And the hits just keep on coming! Does this sound familiar to anyone else? :)

Are we theeeerrreeee yet? Can you say ben-a-dryl?

Bakugan Brawlers!

2008-11-20T10:06:00.004-05:00

My son is wanting THESE!!!! Are you familiar? Are you all too familiar? These are the hot item this Christmas. My son wants them...specific ones too. I've tried all over--Target, Wal-Mart, ToysRUs, Amazon, Ebay, etc. & they are sold out. I mean 100% out of stock! I can't believe it! He's been into these for a while and I remember being able to just pick one up at Target, and now they are selling on Ebay for twice the price! If I'd have only known! I could be making a killing off of Bakugans!

Here is THE one....Serpenoid. You seen it? You have it? Want to sell it to me? :)

These are little balls that when placed on their special magnetic baseball-type card, pop out into these beings. There's a game to it, but he doesn't know anything about that. He just likes these little things. (And his sister LOVES putting them right into her mouth!) They are the size of a large gumball. Or you can get the 2 inch ones, but he doesn't want those.

This is Centoipod (or something like that). He wants that one too. So, I'm off to rummage through the stores again. I keep telling myself I'm not going to give in to Ebay and buy it.

I can't believe I'm old enough to

#1. not want that 'hot' item from Santa, and

#2. have a child old enough to want that 'hot' item!

It's crazy! It's on his list to Santa, and Santa can do anything, right?

In Search Of...

2008-11-17T07:06:00.001-05:00

...the ultimate eye make-up removing solution.

Anyone?

I am using Neutrogena, but am having to use a lot of it and rub pretty hard. I don't wear a lot of make-up either. At least I don't think I do?! I am using Mary Kay mascara. Thanks!

Getting geared up for a full week ahead...

2008-11-16T19:35:00.003-05:00

Wow--it's already Sunday and Daddy is going out of town again this week. This is the third week in a row. It is hard. He's been out of town Mon. through Wed. of every week since I started my job, and that has been a bit of juggling on my part! Yes, I wanted the job, but the starting of it has been hard with no help. I have had my parents here--well, staying in a condo on St. Simons Island-for a week and that has helped. If only they'd just take both my children and let me sit and drink coffee and veg for several hours a day, I'd be great.

These kids are exhausting. Is it just me or are one-year-olds completely exhausting? Miss Bug isn't walking yet, but she gets into everything! I can't take my eyes off of her for a minute because if I do she's at the dog bowl playing in the water or trying to unplug something or looking for an open electrical outlet. Big Brother was nothing like this. And I mean nothing. He just hung out and watched The Weather Channel. Seriously. I guess he didn't know there was anything else to do. I think Miss Bug is a combination of trying to do everything her big brother does, and also is just a busier kid. I'm.not.used.to.that. It's killing me. I am looking forward to my 1/2 day of work tomorrow!

So, tomorrow is work. Tuesday is nada (but I'm sure it will turn into something). Wed is Big Brother's Thanksgiving Feast at school and I'm supposed to work. Thursday I think my parents are going to take the kids to FL to see their great-grandma. That will be good. They will be gone practically all day. I can handle that. I'll go in and work a few hours. Friday Miss Bug is back to the babysitter for a 1/2 day. Yeeeesss! I feel a little guilty for saying that, but I do need a break. I keep trying to be this stay-at-home-mom/Betty Crocker/Martha Stewart Wannabe and it's really not 100% me. Being a stay-at-home mom is so hard and so challenging. I need the break. I need to use the rest of my brain!

And just so you know--I had been really stressing about my work and making sure I got my hours done and really trying to just be a workhorse. Then I got my paycheck. And let's just say that it made me put everything into perspective. I'm working for my church. I know part of it is the 'service' for the Lord, and I'm good with that. But I"m also remembering to be of 'service' to my family and not worry so much about making sure I get every little thing done. Baby steps. I'll get my groove soon. Just takes some time.

Hope you guys have a great week!

I'm rambling. I'm sorry. It's what I do when I'm tired.

So Much To Say, So Much To Say....

2008-11-14T15:11:00.003-05:00

Title is from a Dave Matthew's song. Which one? I don't remember-unless that is the title already! :)

OK. Here is a serious update. Get something to drink because if I get to tell you all that I want and need to, you'll get thirsty and/or hungry!

First things first:

Psychologist--hmmmmm, how do I make this short? She was an older lady, grey-ish hair, frumpy, etc, which was all fine until she started to pick her ear with her fingernail. She continued to do this until our session ended whereby I found myself staring at the white crumbly deposits left on her black lapel. Needless to say, I was a little distracted. To top it off, while I was rescheduling for my next appointment, she says to me, "My ear is really itching" and then took her fingernail and swiped it around her ear and then flicked it off. EWWWWWW! I just couldn't go back. It took all that was within me not to say anything. I wonder if she noticed how I was just staring at her with my mouth gaping open?

That's my psychology appointment. I did learn (while not watching ear crumbs fall) that this situation with my MIL is not my fault. I did nothing wrong. I will have to realize that this is her problem. Not mine. And that it will never go away. I just have to learn how to deal with it. I basically already knew this, but hearing it from a professional is just what I needed. Now I have to find one that has clean ears. I have another appointment in December. Stay tuned.

Ok. Next on the list. Big Brother has been coughing since having his tonsils and adenoids removed mid-October. The ENT thought it was mucus, etc. from his adenoids. Then when it continued, he put him in Singulair. This did nothing. We have been through a week of Singulair and a full bottle of Delsym and 2 boxes of Mucinex. My next purchase was Zyrtec. This didn't help either. Made an appointment with Pediatrician. Big Brother has Respiratory Airway Disease, or something like that. His Bronchial System is in bad shape. They put him on a Nebulizer, and doing breathing treatments for 3 times a day. 3 TIMES A DAY!!! He's on that thing like 20 minutes at a time. They put him on Pulmacort and Xenopex or something like that. One takes care of the 'immediate' situations and one is for 'maintenance'. Big Brother was less than enthusiastic to breathe through a mask. They even found a cute fishy one. He wasn't having it. I go to hold the tube in front of his face while he took in the meds.

We just did another one. He did better and let Daddy put on the mask. We had to go and get a Nebulizer at the hospital too. Man, this must happen to so many kids. These Nebulizer people are making bundles! He had so many to choose from--a penguin, a cow, a yellow taxi, etc., and the one he picked was Legos. You build with Legos on the dang thing. Of course he'd find one that has toys to go with it. I told him those are his Breathing Treatment Legos and he can only play with them when he is doing his breathing treatments. So far, so good. We'll see. He's way into the Legos.

Miss Bug has some sort of virus which means she has a fever and can't go to school which means I can't go to work! This also means that she is up at least half the damn night crying and yelling at me! I swear, to be so young she is the boss of this house! I think she was more pissed off than anything. She was up at 11, 3 and then up for the morning at 5am. When I tried to rock her and give her some milk with the intent to put her back in her bed, she did the whole back-arching thing and roaring at me. I got very close to setting her little booty back in her crib, turning on her aquarium and l.e.a.v.i.n.g.

I tried to remember that she feels bad, but it is really hard when you have a small child screaming bloody murder right in your ear and Big Brother is right down the hall! Man o man, what a freaking day. What a week, really!

She went to the Dr. yesterday (yes, we are just making it a daily trip these days...) and he said she had an irritated throat. Checked for strep (Oh Dear God, please don't make me go through this again). It was negative. So, it's viral. Don't send her to babysitter. Don't go to work. He did prescribe her Paregoric for her. She is getting at least 4 teeth--2 of them are molars. And you know that's gotta hurt. Anyone else have any experience with Paregoric?

Ok. Now to the good stuff. I started a job part time at our church. It is Methodist-based, and SOOOOOOOOO cool. I am the Administrative Assistant to the person in charge of Family Ministry. She is the interim Children's Minister right now. My job is a bunch of different things, from filing and paperwork to making brochures and media-type stuff for the Children's Ministry. I really like it. It is part time-20 hours a week and I can work from home quite a bit. I do go in 3 days a week and then on Sunday. I really like it. It is a learning experience and I enjoy the creative outlet...not to mention the fact that I get a break from my beautiful children.

That's all for now. I have a home sales party to go to--which means free desserts and cool things to buy!

Any of you deal with breathing treatments? Dr. is saying not to call it allergies or asthma that it may just be a reaction to some type of virus or Bronchitis that he could've even caught while in the hospital getting his tonsils out! My poor boy has been sick for over a month though!

Give & Get Friends and Family Event

2008-11-11T21:42:00.007-05:00

Ok Guys....This is a discount for The Gap, Gap Outlet, Banana Republic, Banana Republic Factory Store, and Old Navy!

I couldn't print it out correctly but if you go to the 'click here' part, you will see. It is a code/coupon for 30% off. You can print it up and use it.

GET 30% OFF FOR 4 DAYS ONLY!!!!

It's a Give and Get Program and I got it via email. ( I have a Gap Card and that is probably why.) It said to share it with friends, so here you are.

We'll donate 5% of the amount you spend to a nonprofit.Having trouble seeing the In-Store Barcode at the bottom of this email? Click here.

We'd like to offer you 30% off¹ during our best-ever friends and family event. We're calling it Give & Get, because for every purchase you make from November 13-16, we give 5% of the amount you spend to your favorite nonprofit. Plus, as one of our best customers, you'll not only enjoy 30% off, you'll also get to share this discount with your friends and family. 5% of the amount they spend goes to your nonprofit too! During our August Give & Get event, we donated $1.3 million. So share the love with as many people as you like. And don't forget to pick your nonprofit.

The code below is for online shopping. The in-store barcode will show if you click on the above link.

PB2TGTZ68Y81

Certain restrictions apply¹. See below or ask a sales associate for details

All the words in green are what I was able to copy & paste from my email. You *might* have to have a GAP or Old Navy card to do this , but I don't know. Just thought I'd give you a head's up.

So go shopping!!! I will be :)

Gone but not Forgotten

2008-11-10T22:52:00.002-05:00

I'm sorry I have been GONE,
But I have not FORGOTTEN...

#1. I need to tell you about my new part time job. I will!
#2. I need to tell you about the psychologist I saw today....and that's a s-t-o-r-y. I won't be going back. It wasn't horrible or anything, she's just 'not my cup of tea' I guess you could say. You will CRACK UP at the upcoming post.
#3. My Internet was down pretty much all day b/c our router is out. It has been a night-freaking-mare. This girl can't do without her Internet.
#4. I ate 5 cookies in one setting--not small cookies.
#5. With Milk--skim, that is. Each calorie counts I say!
#6. I think my son might have Asthma.....so bummed. Have appt. this Friday.

So, I will update soon. Hopefully tomorrow if Miss Bug will let me! I can't believe how a 1 year old can rule your world! Can you say high maintenance??? That's what she is!

Biker Love....

2008-11-07T19:44:00.011-05:00

And I don't mean motorcycles. Nothing against them, I am just talking about the cycling kind of bikes.

Clemsongirl posted about the traffic in Atlanta on her way home the other night and mentioned that some cyclists were on the road and she was frustrated and just wanted to get home and put on some comfy pjs! Many of you guys, my fellow bloggy friends, made some rather harsh comments about cyclists. My husband came across Clemsongirl's post and was floored by the comments. He was saying, "And several of your 'followers' were on there going off!" So, I ask, why the hate ladies? Where is the love?

Here is my love. This is my husband after a 120 miles bike race called the Triple Bypass--held each year in the mountains of Colorado. His Bike = His Sanity

My husband is an avid cyclist (to say the very least) and this Plaid family knows all about cycling rules, regulations, their rights to ride just like everyone else on the road, etc. He even has some plaid-ish type socks (ok, argyle) courtesy of his wife. Although I do understand that it can be frustrating when you come across cyclists on the road (or anything for that matter--children, dogs, runners, etc.) but somebody's life is worth more than the 15 seconds you are delayed in traffic.

Someone even commented that cyclists should stay on trails or get their own bike lanes. Well, trust me when I tell you this--cyclists wish they could have their own lanes. My husband, as well as his friends, all ride in the bike lanes when there are some there. But there aren't many there. I, for one, would feel SOOOOOOOO much better if there were more bike lanes. I know my husband is taking his life into his own hands when he rides, and I pray practically every time he goes out. (He rides like 4-5 times a week--20 to 30 miles each time.) But that would mean paying more taxes, and nobody wants to that. So, the states put into place laws that give cyclists the same right to the roads as a motorized vehicle.

Please think about this the next time you see a cyclist. This is probably someone's husband/wife, dad/mom, son/daughter, etc. It is my husband, riding off his stress from work, his family ( me! HA), etc, all the while getting exercise and staying healthy for his family and himself.

This is my son, future cyclist. He has had a 'big boy bicycle' since he turned 2. He also has a helmet. We are teaching him the rules of the road. Education means knowledge and power and we want the next generation to have it all! This is one way of doing that.

Please think about this the next time you see a cyclist. Give them a thumbs up and move over a little or slow down for a few minutes! It will make you feel better and them, too! Now I'm going to hug my cyclists--big and little! Why don't you do the same?

PS

2008-11-04T21:20:00.003-05:00

I just got a part-time job.

I start tomorrow.

It will be a toss-up as to who cries more when I drop Miss Bug off.

I know, I know. It's only 3 days a week for approximately 4 hours. We BOTH need it. But she is my babygirl.

The babysitter is wonderful. She watched Big Brother years ago for me. She is better and nicer than me. This is not my concern. Maybe it's me that has the problem? Hmmmmmmmm.

Funny Tuesday

2008-11-04T14:22:00.002-05:00

Last night while lying in bed with Big Brother we had the following conversation:

Big Brother: I think my teeth are getting loose like Grace's.

Me: You do?

Big Brother: Yes, feel them.

I feel them.

Big Brother: You think they're going to fall down?

Me: I don't think they are going to fall down anytime soon. But one day they will.

Big Brother: And then big, huge teeth are going to live there.

Me: Yep.

Here we go again......

2008-11-03T13:58:00.004-05:00

So, I don't really have to type much on this post per say. All I am going to do is do a cut&paste from my email. The first one is an update I sent out to family and friends (the orange part). The second part is my MIL's response (the green part). The third is my response to her email-orange again.

Hello everyone! A few updates:

-Thanks so much for the phone calls and birthday wishes on Facebook, etc...! I had a good day--including birthday song and cake from my family!

-Big Brother is almost well, seeing as how it has been OVER two weeks since his tonsil/adenoid surgery! He still has a cough. We are working on that. He still strains a little when he swallows, but the doctor gave us the OK to eat whatever he wants starting today. I'm sure when we pop some popcorn tonight for a snack he will be SOOO excited!

-Several of you have asked about my cousin, who was diagnosed with cancer. He is doing better. He has been going through rounds of chemo, still has his hair, and is keeping up with a positive attitude! I will see him over Thanksgiving. For those of you who have asked for his address, I will be sending it individually to your email.

-Here are some Halloween pictures. The kids did great and Miss Bug trick-or-treated as long as Big Brother did--the party animal that she is! Then she was OUT and Big Brother loved giving out the candy.

We hope you had a fun one..and would love to see pictures of you, too!
Love ,
Mad about Plaid Girl Family

Dear Mad About Plaid Girl,

Since you did not mention receiving cards or gifts through the mail, are you saying that you did not receive our birthday card and check? We sent it in plenty of time - along with Halloween cards for Big Brother and Miss Bug.

I don't know anything about Facebook.

Loved the pictures.

MIL

Yes, I received your cards. The one for me and the ones for the kids. Thank you very much. That was included in the 'well wishes on Facebook, etc' part. The kids liked their cards and John enjoyed playing with his--the cut-outs, etc. A thank-you for the money has already been mailed out.

Did you get any trick-or-treaters?

So would you like to decide for yourself on how I'm feeling? I tried to be cordial. I even asked if she got any trick-or-treaters! I'm still waiting for a response to that one.

She is upset because I didn't recognize/acknowledge HER. And they didn't call me on my birthday for the first time ever since Hubby and I have been married. I am well aware that she didn't call me. She is well aware of it, too. I have to admit, in all honesty, I didn't talk to them on either of their birthdays. Hubby called them. They are his parents for crying out loud. This is not uncommon. Sometimes I talk to them on their bdays. Sometimes I don't. I did make sure that presents and cards were sent and on time for each of their birthdays. And it was my handwriting on the cards or packages that were mailed out!

It is like everything has to be turned around to be about her. She wants recognition all the time, for everything. She didn't even give me a chance to say thank you to her yet. My bday was on the 30th. I got the cards on that day (so much for 'sending them in plenty of time' as her email states), and mailed out my thank-you promptly on the 31st.

SOOOO, in the last 48 hours, I've made some decisions:

#1. I'm not opening any of her emails for now. I can't take it. It puts me over the edge--cranky, uptight, pissed off, hurt. Hubby told me to forward them to him and then immediately delete them. I'm all over that. This was the ONLY email I've sent out since the blow-up in July and this is how she responds. I'd like to block her, but that would start another blow-up and I'm trying to be the bigger person.

#2. I will no longer email her updates. I am even going to have HIM send the pics if he wants her to have some.

#2. I've called a counselor. I'm seeking professional help. If I'm going to have to have her in my own home over Christmas (yes, you read it correctly) and my husband's 40th birthday, I've got to be prepared mentally and emotionally. I've talked to my friends until I am blue in the face. This usually works. It isn't working. I need someone who can arm me with the words and confidence and power to not let her upset me.

I feel pretty good about it. I can't get in until next week and when she said, "What is the nature of the situation you are needing to discuss?" I told her, "My MIL--she's about to drive me crazy." And she said, "Oh girl. They can do that to you." It was funny. I don't go until next week. I'm wondering if I can bring a cot in and just park myself there for a day or two to have some detox time. You think they'd let me? HA!

Busy Busy Busy... a list

2008-11-02T21:02:00.004-05:00

#1. How 'bout them Gators? SO thrilled to have them whip up on GA and live here to talk some schmack about it...even if it happens to be at church on Sunday morning!

#2. Will post Halloween pics soon. We have had company in town......not much computer time.

#3. More Mother in Law crap. She is killing me. I swear I'm getting very close to going to get paid help to survive it! Will post that soon. Just not ready to revisit it yet.

#4. Got money for my birthday last week and I'm going shopping soon! WHEW HEW! I turned 36 on the 30th of October.

#5. I love you guys. I love reading my comments and how helpful and supportive you are. Just goes to show that when you have crappy mother in laws that there are so many other people out there who care about you and appreciate and love you for who you really are.

All I have to say is ....

2008-10-31T22:24:00.003-04:00

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???

2008-10-29T09:45:00.002-04:00

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

2008-10-25T20:59:00.004-04:00

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!

2008-10-25T16:17:00.005-04:00

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

2008-10-23T21:52:00.004-04:00

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

2008-10-23T14:01:00.004-04:00

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

2008-10-21T12:12:00.004-04:00

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

2008-10-19T21:57:00.004-04:00

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.

2008-10-17T17:07:00.001-04:00

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

2008-10-16T22:20:00.005-04:00

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...

2008-10-13T22:23:00.003-04:00

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....

2008-10-10T10:22:00.001-04:00

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???

2008-10-06T11:06:00.002-04:00

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

2008-10-02T19:07:00.005-04:00

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!

When to Start Cussing

2008-09-29T22:37:00.002-04:00

My friend sent this to me and I found it quite funny:

A 6 year old and 4 year old are upstairs in their bedroom.
'You know what?' says the 6 year old.

'I think it's about time we started cussing.' The 4 year old nods his head in approval.

The 6 year old continues, 'When we go downstairs for breakfast. I'm gonna say something with hell & you say something with ass.' The 4year old agrees with enthusiasm.

Then the mother walks into the kitchen.

She asks the 6 year old what he wants for breakfast, he replies, 'Aw, hell, Mom, guess I'll have some Cheerios.'

WHACK!! He flies out of his chair, tumbles across the kitchen floor, gets up, runs upstairs crying his eyes out, with his mother in hot pursuit, slapping his rear with every step.

His mom locks him in his room and shouts, 'You can stay there until I let you out!'

She then comes back downstairs, looks at the 4 year old and asks with a stern voice,

' What do YOU want for breakfast,young man?'

'I don't know', he blubbers, 'but you can bet your fat ass it won't be Cheerios!'

It's Worth the Investment

2008-09-25T19:53:00.009-04:00

You may not not know this yet, but tape can be a worthwhile investment for your family. Yes, just regular scotch tape. Not only is it good for wrapping packages, gifts, paper, etc., but it also is a fantastic tool of entertainment for children of all ages. It can occupy a child for up to 1 hour, possibly longer if you allow. I give a roll of scotch tape to my son, who is almost 5, and he will use it until it runs out. My limit is one roll of tape per occasion. He loves it!

This time he (and his little friend who now thinks I rock) made spider webs, this one on the back of the front door:

This one is between the couch and the chair:

I don't this one was intended for a web, but possibly a baby sister barrier?? You decide:

This is one is on one of Daddy's 'coffee table books' of which he so proudly displays in our home. It usually has kid crap stacked on top of it. This one also has some of the fake ficus tree clippings taped together. Big Brother explained that it was a home for his Bakugan balls:(Daddy will have a fit when he reads this post and sees his precious book with tape on it--no worries, it came off and all is safe.)

And if that's not enough entertainment for your child, he or she can always use his sibling as a means of transportation for some toys to be moved from the living room to the bedroom:

And now I'm off to get ready for the season premiere of Grey's Anatomy. Let the McDreamy drooling commence!

I am a dork

2008-09-23T19:52:00.006-04:00

I'll admit it. I'm a dork. I stress and perseverate on the weirdest things. Okay, so maybe they aren't weird, but they definitely aren't life-threatening or life-altering situations. Here's an example of what I'm talking about: it's our daughter's first birthday next month. I'm already fixated on the 'perfect' birthday invitation.

Will we be having a big shin-dig? No.
Will we be inviting everybody and their brother? No. (Not yet--hee hee)

But I'm ALL ABOUT the invite. I have issues. I love paper. So, at times like this I get literally giddy about getting to pick out invites, announcements, Christmas cards, etc. ( I also love address labels/stickers, notecards, wrapping paper...) I am on the hunt for the perfect 1st Birthday Party invitation for Miss Bug. I don't want it all foo-foo. We aren't foo-foo people. I don't want princesses, tiaras, castles, and blush and bashful everywhere. But I do want cute. I want it to fit her personality (or mine--plaid of course--just kidding--not really). I'm thinking about going to my favorite little shop on the Island to look at their stationery. I usually buy their card stock and print it myself. It's SO much cheaper to print it at home. (The whole 'lining it up just perfect and centered and matching font is a whole 'nother post.) I found Miss Bug's birth announcements there. I also found Big Brother's previous birthday party invites there. Of course I also have to try to think up some cute and catchy phrase to go with the invite. That about puts me over the edge, but I have a friend MixMingleGlow who sometimes helps me out. She is THE master party planner. The pictures from her kids parties are INCREDIBLE and make me want to be 7 again just to have her plan my party. Seriously.

I also have other things I'm picky about like this though. I'm wondering if you guys do too? What are you so so so selective about? For example, I'm also picky about bedspreads/comforters. I bought a comforter for Big Brother and wasn't 100% satisfied with it. Did it last? Not so much. It was cute for that 'time' but as he got older he just outgrew it. I did trains. This time I picked a seersucker. I like the seersucker because I feel it is more timeless. You know? I'm also like that about photographs...........and what to dress my kids in for them. It's school picture time for Big Brother and his little private Pre-K has an awesome photographer come in who I probably wouldn't afford on a regular basis, so I take advantage when he comes to their school. Last year Big Brother's pictures were awesome. Of course he wore a blue Polo. What will he wear this year? The typical white Polo? The red Polo? blah blah blah. And you think I have good enough shopping to just go and pick up something cute? Not so much. What to do? What to do? That will consume a few moments of my time until I realize I don't have time to fester on this crap and just pick something out. I'm a mom of two now, not one! And you KNOW if I pick out a nice white crisp shirt that it will be all nasty by picture time. Unless I turn into that high-maintenance mom-you know the one--who brings the shirt on the hanger and has the teacher put it on the child right before pictures and then take it off right after? That may be me....

So, this is officially a rambling blog from the Plaid Girl. I just am realizing this is why I don't post when I'm tired. Because I risk the chance of boring my girlfriends!

In conclusion, what random silly stuff do you become consumed with when you know it's doesn't really matter? And do you have a new cute shirt for my boy for school pictures?

The Hubby

2008-09-21T20:51:00.004-04:00

I copied this Meme from Ladybug's Picnic. Feel free to use it......Just thought I'd do it for the heck of it. And by the way, Clemsongirl thinks I should call him Mr. GPS because he was better with directions than we were and Clemsongirl LIVES in the area! (Love you, Girl!)

About the Hubby:

1. He's sitting in front of the TV, what is on the screen? ESPN usually for football, or Versus (which used to be OLN-Outdoor Life Network) for cycling, or Food Network!

2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? Ranch, if he even orders a salad

3. What's one food he doesn't like? not sure what he fears more--mushrooms or broccoli

4. You go out to the bar. What does he order? Dos Equis possibly, or some type of non-domestic beer; if with dinner, then maybe a red wine

5. Where did he go to high school? A private school in Chattanooga

6. What size shoe does he wear? 11 or 12 depending on the shoe

7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? bike magazines...and he DOES collect them or he just CAN'T LET GO of them!

8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? Tuna fish from Manhattan Subs

9. What would this person eat every day if he could? Probably wings

10. What is his favorite cereal? Granola or Grape Nuts...but he puts them in yogurt!

11. What would he never wear? Plaid shorts, the patchwork or madras kind---of which I'd love you know!

12. What is his favorite sports team? Tennessee Volunteers (and does Lance Armstrong count as a team? )

13. Who will he vote for? Not sure yet...........I think he's on the fence

14. Who is his best friend? a guy from High School who he also went to college with

15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do? let the inside of my car get dirty (which is super hard with 2 little ones in there!!!), yell through the house

16. How many states has he lived in? Tennessee, Alabama, Colorado, Georgia-4 :)

17. What is his heritage? Irish & German

18. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind of cake? cheesecake

19. Did he play sports in high school? Soccer, Track, possibly Football

20. What could he spend hours doing? cycling, reading cycling magazines, watching DVDs of previous Tour De Frances, working on his bicycles, you get the idea. And he likes to hang with us ,too...

Happy 11 Months Little One

2008-09-20T21:20:00.005-04:00

I cannot believe she is almost one year old. Just. Can't. Believe. It. Does this mean that when/if you have more kids that the time goes even faster? Because if so, I think my head would be spinning!

An Few Tidbits About Miss Bug

She is an absolute joy (when she's not knocking over the humongous ficus tree in the living room or taking her big brother's cars from him -pure evidence in this pic),

and so sweet (when she's not yelling for more diced pears from her high chair with her 3 teeth),

and makes us smile (when she is crawling all around looking for lint or dog hair to stick directly into her mouth). You can see in this pic she had been chewing on her sock and got lint on her tongue:

Then we have her brother who thanked God for The Transformers Movie during his nightly prayers (of which he is not allowed to watch because it is rated PG13!).

And I wonder why I don't have much time to post or comment lately?!!!

Honestly...

2008-09-16T20:19:00.006-04:00

This was taped on my mailbox today: Honest as the day is long..........
Well, hot damn!

And you might have wondered why I want to move?

I swear, I couldn't make up something like this if I tried!

What time is it?

2008-09-13T18:16:00.006-04:00

Here is what it is like at Mamaw and Papaw's house:

Big Brother: Where's Papaw?

Daddy: Going take a rest. It's nap time.

Big Brother: Well, I'm going to get him.

Daddy: Why?

Big Brother: Because it's not nap time, it's shop time!

(The 'shop' is Papaw's workshop where he has all of his tools, gadgets, boats, wood, paint, shovels, etc etc. It is also referred to as the Man Cave...)

Last Day of Vacay...

2008-09-13T11:54:00.003-04:00

For part of our vacation we went camping as you saw previously, then we went to see Clemsongirl. Our reason for seeing Clemsongirl was because she is our realtor. As mentioned a while back, we are trying to sell our house in South Georgia because we are relocating to the North Atlanta area. We looked in several areas and spent the day in Clemsongirl's monogrammed minivan checking out neighborhoods and how far the local Super Target (or even just a Target will do) would be from our future home! She was great. So sweet, so incredibly funny and a great, down-t0-Earth realtor. She has an internal radar that tells her where the Targets are, too. Promise.

I thought my husband would be sick and tired of hearing us yapyapyap up in the front seat, but he had a really good time. He has read a few of your blogs, so he could somewhat follow our conversation. It was really cool to actually 'know' someone rather than just picking a random realtor out of the blue. I was going to meet The Pink Clutch, but she was sick. And Clemsongirl got to see pics of Love & Labs baby girls! It was like we'd know each other for years.......

She has worked very hard for us trying to figure out what the heck we want (when sometimes WE don't even know what We want!) and we are anxiously awaiting the day that we can house hunt because our house here in South Georgia has s-o-l-d! (And little does she know that she will be the only person I will know within about 100 miles of me and I will need more than just her witty blog to keep me going!)

So, today is our last day with Mamaw and Papaw in the East Tennessee mountains. I will be visiting my grandmother and some other family and get everything packed. Not.ready.to.go.home. Would like to kick and scream and ball up my fists and beat the floor and throw a temper tantrum, but I don't think it would work. If I thought it would, I would be doing it at this very moment.

And I'll leave you with this: the post where she showed the pictures of Coach's abs is for-real. I cannot say I saw those abs with my own two eyes, but I did see Coach and it wouldn't surprise me a bit that those abs belonged to her...I mean him. Well, they do belong to her, too, right? Hmmmmmmmmm....

Try to contain yourselves but....

2008-09-10T20:54:00.002-04:00

I just spent the wholefreakingday with Clemsongirl. And I got to meet her cutie pie hubby, Coach.

Jealous?

You should be. It was all I imagined and more..........and I'll leave you with just a few tidbits, but can't go into details because I'm so freaking exhausted from laughing my butt off:

-She actually used the VS lipgloss she boasts about.
-I rode in the monogrammed minivan.
-Her minis are TOO cute and act EXACTLY like her!

I wasn't privied to the modal Target pants though. I'll request this for our next venture! :)

And yes, she is just like her blog she writes about, but quite frankly she could be even cooler in person. Could this be possible?

Camping for the Plaid Girl

2008-09-09T09:44:00.004-04:00

Me camping? Are you surprised? You shouldn't be--if you've read the 100 things about me, you'd read that I love it.......worked at Yellowstone National Park for 2 summers (with Love & Labs). Can't. Get. Enough. (But I do love a hot shower. Don't be fooled.) It has been SO long since I had gotten to go due to the birth of smallish children that I forgot how much I need it. Being outdoors is good for the soul. I don't mean sweating your patooty off necessarily people (though that is good for the soul sometimes, too). Remember we did go in September. I don't like to be hot when I sleep.

Miss Bug stayed with the grandparents so Hubby and I could take Big Brother on his first camping trip. Plus my parents have a pop-up camper and that is the luxurious way to camp! We didn't have hook-ups, but we did have a comfortable place to lay our heads that was taller than 4 feet! :)

Anywho--here are some pics from the trip. Big Brother and me on the rocks. I LOVE climbing/playing on rocks. Love it.

"Walk softly and carry a big stick" --for the campfire:

The smoke/heat bothered Big Brother's eyes, so he covered them so he could roast the marshmallow to make some 'snores' --yes, that is what he calls them. We don't correct him.

Here is the picture Big Brother took the next morning, hence the hat. Pretty good photographer I might add. This is his 'pretend leaf plant':
Big Brother also went on his first hike, Cataract Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains. It was wonderful. And no, I didn't even sweat.............perfect weather. We'll make a mountain boy out of him yet! Can't wait for Miss Bug to get a little older so we can go more often!

Does this mean I am getting old?

2008-09-06T17:13:00.003-04:00

I read a copy of Newsweek from cover to cover (basically).

I understood/comprehended the meaning of the articles.

I got the comics in the issue.

I enjoyed it.

So, I'm getting old, yes?

BTW: You know the only reason I got to even have enough time to read it was because we are visiting my parents. The kids are outnumbered. Amen.

HAPPY FRIDAY!

2008-09-05T11:53:00.003-04:00

Here she is before I told her it was Friday....

Here she is after I told her it was Friday! (Check out those teeth)
Or maybe she's just happy because she's in plaid?

Do Not Be Fooled....

2008-09-04T22:24:00.003-04:00

Yes, she looks calm, collected, cool-just chillin' if you will...

Then she spies Mommy with the camera and comes to check things out...
And then she's off.......You ever been rammed by a walker while barefoot? Not fun. Not fun at all.

This girl is hell on wheels I tell ya.

And for the 5th (or is it 6th?) time this year....

2008-09-03T11:22:00.003-04:00

Strep Throat has entered our home..........
same ol' same ol'............
It introduces itself with a 'headache', loss of appetite, less active
next morning throws out a fever.......

And we go to the doctor to get a test......
I'm getting really really good at detecting the Strep (makes me feel like Supermom) and Big Brother even tells them he needs the 'orange medicine' (Amoxicillin). (He needs to get paid what they do.....)

But this time we saw the P.A., who I love, and she gave us Augmentin (sp?). I thought we needed it the last time or two seeing as how he's getting the same dang thing each time, but his Dr. said no. Like I said, I love the P.A.

And the appointment has been made for October 6th: Operation Get Your Tonsils Out
So we are out of school for 2 days and there are only 4 days in the week. He is maxing himself out on Wow, Wow, Wubzy.

And I'm okay with that.

I'm all about the BLING!

2008-09-01T18:44:00.021-04:00

Thank you Love & Labs for my award. I love getting awards and kudos my way! I know it took me a while to get it on here, but it doesn't mean that it is any less special to me!

I have to say when asked if I prefer diamonds or pearls, I have to pick pearls. This probably means I'm truly not a preppy girl? Talk amongst yourselves....

First put this 'logo' on your blog (go ahead, cut and paste it)

- Add a link to the person who awarded you (already done - see top)

-Nominate at least 7 other blogs

-Add links to those blogs on yours (see below and blogroll)

-Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs

And I hereby nominate the following peeps. I love reading your blogs. You make my day complete:

Clemsongirl and the Coach (hell yes, I know you get all types of awards, and I get a little jealous of the audience you have, but you are awesome and I love getting my daily fill of Clemsongirl, even if her Tigers did lose!)

AFRo--read you all the time too. I love your topics and the way you can debate and discuss them freely and rationally!

Lipstick at the Mailbox - (not sure why it all didn't highlight!) I do enjoy reading your posts...you are too funny and I think we are a lot alike. I love your candidness!

The Pink Clutch--still read you all the time. Just do--you are a HOOT. Hope to meet you when we move (eventually!!) to your neck o' the woods!

Grosgrain Garage--Enjoyed doing the Bachelor blogging with you--- and love seeing all the goodies you creatively make--along with cat encounters to boot!

Mamalicious--love your candid stories about work, smallish girls, and the funny stuff you find on youtube, etc. You are enter-Taining as well as intra-taining!

Boobs, Injuries and Dr. Pepper---the crazy chronicles. I read them until there were no more to read.......like reading a novel. Incredible. Awesome. It was like a sugar high--though I would say like crack but then people might think I'm a druggie...though I am, but it is with sugar and sometimes coffee--not crack. Too expensive. HAAAA JUST KIDDING> don't freak out!

I am needing to add more names to my blogroll but I haven't had time to read as much lately due to these damn offspring! Big Brother is in PreK so he's at school everyday for 4 hours (though I sometimes wish it was 8 or 10 or more?) and then Miss Bug is almost one year old--will be in October and she is N-e-e-d-y right now--has had a cold for over a week and is really wanting to crawl or walk but can't get it all together yet so she is mad and frustrated! She is like 'let's do this already' but doesn't know what it is that she needs to do! And have I mentioned that she is LOUD? I mean VERBAL?

Thanks, again to all of you who have supported me through my MIL drama. It has been 3 weeks since the hubby has talked to his parents. He says he has nothing to say, so he's not called. Of course I have guilt and they aren't even my parents, but I'm not calling them! (I don't have anything to say either...)

Plus, I have been mildly addicted to the Word Challenge game on Facebook, but that is a whole new story!

It's just the click of your mouse....

2008-08-31T19:32:00.002-04:00

Go ahead....vote. All you have to do is click on your choice. Let me hear from you! :)

I must not be getting many lurkers if I've only had 10 votes!!! How's everybody out there feeling? Are we liking Palin? Yes? No?

If you have posted on your blog anything about politics thus far, please leave me a comment so I can read it. I did see some posts on AFRO's blog, but nobody else so far.

What are you guys thinking? I'm actually getting much more into this election than I ever have...maybe it's because I'm getting old. HA! I just want to be better informed, and not necessarily through MTV anymore. If only they had some information in cartoon-style like Diego or Pokemon giving us the highlights, I might know more! HEE HEE

2008-08-30T07:36:00.002-04:00

I love this button! It's called a 'piece of flair' on Facebook if you aren't on there yet. I hope you are having a chillin' weekend! Baby is crying, will be back soon!

MIL Drama Update

2008-08-27T13:29:00.002-04:00

Thanks so much for your support. I took a chance by posting about my MIL and you guys were so kind and supportive. I was surprised to see so many of you have the same problems/situations as I do with MIL's. It's amazing. I guess I should say 'People' are amazing.

I've been seriously contemplating writing her a letter and giving her 'my side' of the story. It wouldn't be used as a means for getting to go off on her (though that would be nice) but just to respond to all of the accusations, etc, that she made while on the phone with me. I felt somewhat blind-sided by what she did. But as I continue to mull over this whole drama in my head I am coming to the conclusion of not doing anything. I know it won't do any good. That wasn't the reason for doing it. It was to be able to respond, give my 2 cents if you will. But I think it will just make me madder in the end. It will just rehash more shit that doesn't need to be rehashed. Let her be the fool who opens her mouth. For a change, I'll be the one to be quiet. And I'm not a quiet person.

I think it will just be easier to let this die. Of course it will be filed away in my mental Rolodex and the next time I am sending out handmade cards with pics of the kids on them, or a cute email that I could share about something my kids did, I'll just bypass her. This is so against my fiber, but I must do it in order to keep myself from getting hurt. I must keep a barrier up. Don't get me wrong. They'll still get the typical birthday cards and presents and holidays will be recognized, but nothing extra. These people are my husband's parents, not mine. We will never see eye-t0-eye and the quicker that I learn to keep them at a distance, the better off I am.

It pains me!

By the way, I do have some blogger awards that have been given to me and I'll attach them in a separate post. Thanks so much for reading, commenting and supporting. It's nice to know that I'm not alone and not crazy..........well at least not alone...the crazy part is yet to be determined!

XOXOXO
Mad About Plaid Girl

A Bit Deeper...

2008-08-25T14:41:00.004-04:00

I've kept this blogging thing somewhat 'light' because I'm never sure who is going to read it. My husband reads it, and I'm usually okay with it, though sometimes I wish he didn't. Sometimes I wish it could be 'our little secret--just between us girls'. A girl needs to vent. And that is what I'm about to do:

Here's the story. I don't even know how or where to start. I am having MIL drama. We live about 6 1/2 hours from the in-laws and see them every so often. We had a plan to go and see them this past July when I find out from my MIL that she feels like we use them. Yes, you read it right. She mentions this in passing to my hubby over the phone and when he tells me all that she said I'm like 'hey, back the truck up..she said WHAT?" So, I decide to calmly call her. I tell her that Husband told me that they feel used when we come and visit them. She said that it's not only her but my FIL too. I talk to FIL and he says that he feels used 'sometimes.'

Now let me explain something to you. We live 6 1/2 hours from them. We visit them, ohhh let's say maybe 3 times a year. Husband's brother and sister and their families live there, too. We usually go there, stay about 3 or 4 days. We visit everyone. I'm somewhat close to my SIL so we do some things just us. We usually all have dinner together, and do some stuff together--shopping, check out downtown, that sort of stuff. Many times we've gone there because it was someone's graduation, a bike race, some event going on.

We were going there this time because it was hubby's 20 year high school reunion. So, when I call and ask her this she says yes. Apparently they don't like it that we go and do other things while we are there. Now let me inform you that we do things with them. Sometimes I'll do some things with the MIL, sometimes I'll do things with the SIL. Husband goes and runs errands with his dad or does yard work, etc. I guess what this is coming down to is that they feel like when we go there that we just use them to sleep in their house and then go run around and do stuff.

Well, yes we do go and do stuff...with them. We have never asked them to watch our kids or anything. But we found out that apparently they want us to do more stuff with them.

Don't you think ya could've found a different way to say that?

I know you guys don't know me too well, but let me tell you one thing. I'm a giver. I try to be a really good person. I take the time to send cards 'just because'. I make homemade things for presents when I can. I email updates. I take pictures and send them. I make courtesy phone calls. I have my son call them. I encourage him to make cards, form relationships with them. I even went to Hilton Head one time BY MYSELF to see them and stayed in a room with my 2 children and nephew and breastfed my daughter in the middle of the night with the son and nephew sleeping in the bed next to me and my husband wasn't there.....I went for him....to be nice.........to be a good DIL. Did they help me at all with my kids? Not so much. Will I be doing this again--going over and beyond the DIL call of duty? Not so much.

I told her that in no way would we ever want them to feel like we are using them and that we would not be staying with them for the HS Reunion. Can you believe a parent would say this to a child? I came from a home where it was considered our home........mi casa, su casa.

I'm so hurt. I haven't really said much since then to them. I just can't get over this though. I am struggling with the fact that they think we use them.

And then this past weekend a cousin wanted to go stay with them while he looked into some recruiting of that area's college football team. Is THAT not using someone? I like to call it visiting with perks.

For example: When we lived in Colorado, people would come and visit us and go skiing --without us. Did we feel used? OF course not!

Living here, friends/people have come and stayed with us while they had conventions here. Did we feel used? No, we enjoyed the time they were not at the convention.

We've gone to friend's homes in Orlando and stayed with them and then went to Sea World. Did they feel used? No, they were just bummed that they couldn't go to Sea World with us because of that dang thing called a job!

I'm going to eventually call the MIL. I am going to write down all the things I feel, organize them and make a script type of thing for me to keep my head in order and feelings out there on the table. I feel like she just dropped a bomb on us and then went on about her day, relieved that she'd emptied out her negative feelings on us. I have all these feelings stuffed inside and nowhere to put them.

Here's the problem: will it even make any difference if I talk to her? Probably not...you can't talk rationally to an irrational person. I have to keep telling myself that. She is irrational, selfish and immature....and twice my age.

I'm just so hurt. This is not what a family is like to me. I didn't grow up around this. My parents practically push us out the door to go and do and get away and enjoy what the area has to offer or visit with friends. We go and do as we please and they tell us that their house is as much ours as it is theirs. They tell us to leave the kids and go--enjoy some free time.

Hubby, I'm sorry if you are upset that I'm blogging about this, but it is better than calling up the MIL, wouldn't you say?

I have prayed about this quite a bit too. I am just hurt. I'm sure I've not told you everything about it because I can't remember it all, but I hope this all sounds clear.

After a day or two, my husband called them and told them that we wouldn't be going on our yearly family vacation with them because we don't want them to feel used. He also made the following arrangements (which are ridiculous by the way, but apparently necessary):
#1. We will only visit them when invited.
#2. We will stay in a hotel (I'm so looking forward to spending my money on a mother-freaking hotel stay)
#3. We will have an agreed-upon agenda and if there is a spot in there that there aren't plans with them then we can do whatever the hell we want.

Doesn't that sound inviting? Don't you want to go visit with us?

Pray for me girlfriends. I need it.

Here Comes the Bowling Mama!

2008-08-24T15:34:00.005-04:00

We went bowling as a family yesterday. Because my children are still so young, it is hard to find stuff to do that we can all enjoy as a family. Combine this with the fact that there is NOTHING to do in our town except go to Chick-Fil-A and play in the nasty playhouse or go to the mall and let Big Brother ride the 50cent ride-on toys makes it even harder. Anyhow, like I said, we went bowling.

Big Brother LOVES it! They are all high-tech there now so the 'bumpers' for the little kids automatically go up or down depending on whose turn it is. That is cool. So, Daddy, me and Big Brother played while Miss Bug cheered us on and ate Cheerios. It has been at least 8 years since Husband or I have played.

So here are our scores the best I can remember (and will get corrected once Husband reads this because I know he will):
Mommy 86
Daddy 70
Big Brother 63--and would've been more but he got a foul or two when the rack he used to roll the bowling ball hit the mark causing the machine to give him a foul :(

Yes, I WON! I won!
And this is why it is a big deal---not because all of our scores were quite pitiful, but because Husband is FIERCELY competitive. He is the silent opponent. Half the time he won't even play games with me or our friends because he claims he doesn't like it, but I think it is because he wants to win, win, win! In the past we have played Uno, Trivial Pursuit (which I'm TERRIBLE) and Scene-It Friends Edition and I lose at all of it. But I do love to play games.

I didn't make too big of a deal about winning the bowling because we hadn't played in so long and we were both pretty comical (and pitiful) to watch. (My fave part was how cute we all looked in the bowling shoes and mine actually matched my outfit! )

Then we went into the game room. Big Brother is at the stage where he still doesn't realize you have to put money into the games to play them. It is so cheap for us. Every once in a while we'd give him a coin or two, but for the most part we used up all the coins because we got into some heated rounds of air hockey! It was a hoot! I was having an absolute blast.

So, picture this--Husband is slamming the hockey chip all over the place. I even had him place Miss Bug's stroller behind him when we first started playing because in the past he has knocked pool balls around. I didn't want her to get hit by a flying hockey puck! Several times that I received points it was because he was hitting the dang thing so hard that he was just scoring on himself. It was great. I have to tell you girls, too, that I was doing quite well at defending my goal because I heard the puck hit my little thingy (name anyone for the thing you hold?) several times.

We played 3 games of air hockey. And yes, ladies, I won. I consider it a win for all wife-kind. I was so happy I was clucking like a chicken and cackling like a rooster (or whatever animal it is that cackles). It was killing him, silently, slowly, killing him.

The last time I have beat him at anything in our ten years of marriage was on our first date when I beat him in a game of pool. I hadn't really won anything since. But yesterday, ladies, the tables turned.

Oh yeah, and I'm on Facebook a lot now and there's a game called Word Challenge on there. I beat him at that too. The feeling is glorious, I tell you.

So give me a little high-five long distance. I won for all of us wives who have those competitive husbands! :)

Tropical Storm Fay...

2008-08-22T19:19:00.003-04:00

...is here I guess? Kids had no school today. My college roommate/dear friend who lives in Orlando didn't have school Tuesday, Wednesday and then they had it on Thursday. She said Thursday ended up being the worst day yet, but nobody forecasted that one. Then she didn't have school again today. Oh the dear peeps who forecast the weather. It is a toughie!

So, we have had rain all.day.long. I have 2 small children. We have been cooped up in the house practically all.day.long. We have played, played, watch TV, played video game on TV, read, talked on the phone (that would be me), etc. It is a bit boring, you think? Yes, it is.

And so is this post. I'm sorry. That's all I've got. Cancelled the garage sale. Am over that one.

And have I told you that it has rained and we've had to play in the house all. day. long?

By the way, is it a coincidence that my mother-in-law's name is Fay? I think not. You might get that intense scoop sometime soon. I can't hold it in much longer and need to vent to my bloggy friends.

Consignment Sales instead?

2008-08-20T18:27:00.003-04:00

My friend came over and said, "Mad about Plaid Girl, are you crazy? You don't want to garage sale this stuff. You want to do a consignment sale. This is good stuff. You'll have to give it away at a garage sale."

So, I went through all my crap and took out the good stuff, then looked up the consignment sales for my area. I'll have to drive an hour, but hey, it will be worth it. I've already started to get the Thomas Take Along stuff together and organize it into little bags to sell. So exciting. There's one in September, so that will be my first. I think I'm more excited about the purchasing part than the selling part. I'll probably buy as much as I sell! :)

So, Thomas and cute boy and girl clothes and shoes are being put in Rubbermaid tubs for the Fall Event!

I'm not really looking forward to the garage sale....seeing all my stuff go for cheap, but I have a lot of stuff that my parents sent this way so hopefully I'll make a buck or two off of their stuff. Plus with Tropical Storm Fay coming we might not even have it at all!

Have you guys done the Consignment Sale? Not the consignment shops, but a huge warehouse deal where it's done within a week and over.

And Clemsongirl, I didn't get rid of all Thomas..I kept all the Thomas wooden track and all the wooden trains (enough for a huge Rubbermaid full). I couldn't get rid of it all.........will have it for the grandkids and my son when he is a real-live grown up (imagine that!). I'm too sentimental to get rid of it all, but I did get rid of all the Take Along. At least I have it boxed up for now to go....

Thomas The Tank Engine

2008-08-19T14:37:00.003-04:00

Rolling along...di di di dooooooooo! Are you singing the theme song yet by just reading the title? If so, then we're on the same page. Yes, my son was a HUGE Thomas fan. Well, he is quickly getting older and Thomas is getting the oust.

This means me trying to get back some of the many, many dollars I paid for him and his friends.

I'm giving my friends a chance to look over it first and then I'm going to consign it I think. I MIGHT put some out at the garage sale, but am not going to bargain on it.

My question is..what do I charge? I know, I'm being high maintenance again, but I need to know what normal peeps would pay for him.

Here goes--How much for:

-the wooden real-deal Thomas trains? (like Henry, Percy, etc)

-the Take Along Thomas stuff (magnetic on either side--different from the wooden stuff)?

I'm getting rid of ALL this, but not much of the wooden stuff...

What about pieces of track? I'm only getting rid of non-Thomas track--like Brio and such

Do I do about 50cents a piece?

And Lord knows I'm having to do this all undercover so as to not let Big Brother find out about it or he'd have a fit......even though he doesn't play with it anymore. You know the story....

THANKS! (And if you are looking for something, let me know and we can make a deal!)

Garage Sale...

2008-08-18T11:26:00.004-04:00

or should I call it a yard sale because all the shi-ot we are wanting to sell won't fit in our garage because it is full of crap too? Hmmmmmmmmm

Some questions for you guys....
Do you think Halloween costumes will sell yet? (Are garage sale peeps checking out those yet?)

Do I put my daughter's sun dresses/bubbles out this year or wait until next spring? (Which will give me more money honey?)

Do I try to sell some of the 'good' stuff on Ebay to get more money or is one just as good as the other these days?

This is my predicament these days...to do Ebay or not to do Ebay? I've not had too much luck and the prep time for Ebay with trying to think of some enticing description of my stuff and then finding the appropriate box and then getting to the dang post office...I'm tired just thinking about it.

But I do like the power of the mighty dollar.

I've also got a cute train comforter with shams and sheets that I could try to sell on Ebay but not sure?? I'll post a pic here:

And what do you price a high chair for? Exersaucer?
Pretty much all of my stuff is in really good shape, so let me know what you guys think!

Buzz Cut for my Baby!

2008-08-14T19:08:00.003-04:00

So this is what Big Brother looked like last week before his hair cut (Yes, it was a little long, but that was why we were getting it cut!): Here he is yesterday with his new haircut on the first day of Pre-K:
I like to call this one his 'model' pose (Doesn't he look like he could be in an ad for a department store or something?):
His hair is too too short, the shortest it has ever been and it is making me sad! I did tell the lady I wanted it a little shorter, but damn lady, not a freaking BUZZ CUT! He looks all military instead of my little preppy man! Very sad for the Mama.

It's a good thing it grows back because I'm not cutting it like this ever again!

First Day O' Pre-K

2008-08-14T11:16:00.003-04:00

(Did you get that the title can be a rhyme?)

It's been too long since I've blogged. My parents have been here and we have been busy! Big Brother started school yesterday, first day of Prekindergarten. I used to teach pre-k in the exact same room where he is going, so it is a little bittersweet to see him in there. I taught part-time preK and put him in the 2 year old room at the little church preschool where he attends. He has been great. I'm waiting for the meltdown, possibly this afternoon or tomorrow afternoon due to Mamaw/Papaw time and late bedtimes.

I will post a pic when I download them. I got his hair cut and it is TOO short! I didn't realize how short she would cut it and how different he looks with it cut! I'm glad it will grow back, and quickly.

Big Brother also got a V-Tech Cyberpocket game. It is like the Leapster I guess. He has been asking for the Wall-E video game for a while and since the poor boy's birthday is 2 days after Christmas, it is hard to wait! I've decided to institute the 1/2 birthday next summer. It's really hard when your birthday and Christmas are 2 days apart! LAME!

That's all I've got for you today so far. Still addicted to Facebook, but specifically to this Word Challenge game. It is SO cool! And it challenges my brain. And I hold the higher score and beat my husband. That is what is most important. He is the most competitive person I know, so this victory feels great. Ya Know?

Neglectful

2008-08-10T11:36:00.002-04:00

Just when I was getting more peeps lurking my way, I abandon you all. I'm sorry. I've been super busy getting ready for school to start (especially when I had my kid signed up somewhere and they CLOSED...good times).

But here's the thing. I've got a crush on something new. As Love&Labs put it so eloquently, "Welcome to a new form of crack." Yes, I've found something new..............

Facebook.... or what I'm so affectionately referring to CRACKBOOK.

I have found friends from all over. It is awesome. I love seeing all my high school buddies, what they are up to, if they have kids, where they are living, etc.

But I've not forgotten about you guys. Once Big Brother is back in school I'll have more time to play, I mean do the laundry, so I'll be back around.

We have also had to show our house several times and finding a place to stash all your crap is hard work.

I'm just sayin......