I got up this morning and went back to Body Pump. I hurt my back sometime in July and was out for a couple weeks then. I then used the excuse of going to Seminar in Dallas and missing that week of working out. Then last Monday, I was dressed and ready to walk out the door when I went to kiss my husband goodbye and he was burning up with fever. So, as I nursed him for a few minutes, I missed my leaving time and if you're not at the class on time, you might as well forget it. So, I didn't go then. On Wednesday of last week, I was going to go, had my alarm set and everything.... and slept right through the stupid alarm. I was ticked when I woke up at 5:23 and then class starts at 5:30am. CRAP! Friday, the power went out at the gym and they didn't have class. I didn't go, but still. I wouldn't have been able to work out then anyway. But this morning, by golly, I had my not-so-happy tail out of bed and on the road at 5am and was there in plenty of time to get all my goodies set out for the upcoming hour of hell. I told my girlfriend that I work out with not to ever let me miss that long of a period of time again before working out or I'll kill her first and then myself! I seriously felt like I wanted to vomit as I walked out of the gym. I know that I'll feel better for having done it, but right now, I just really want to go lay down in my bed and sleep. There is too much to be done today for me to do that, though.

Today is the first day of school for many kids, my stepdaughter included. That's all she could talk about all weekend..... I think she was a bit excited! :) I hope she has a great day.

Our boxer, Copper, is in heat.

She is modeling this lovely diaper/panty thing I had to buy her so that she wouldn't "drip" in the house. Try telling a 10 year old girl who has yet to ask any birds and bees question about how a dog gets pregnant. Yeah, not fun. I tried telling her that dogs can only get pregnant about 2 times a year and this is one of them. It's called being "in heat". But she wouldn't have babies this time because no boy dogs would visit her now. Tanner went shopping with her mom that afternoon after this conversation and told her mom that "Copper could get pregnant if she's out in the sun and gets too hot or something"..... aaahhhh..... the innocence of childhood!!

And I just have to show off this most precious picture. There's nothing like the sight your baby sleeping soundly on Daddy's chest... and Daddy also sawing a few logs himself....


This looks too comfy. I think I'll go take a nap myself now....

Seminar Report

I got back from my Mary Kay seminar a couple weeks ago and had an absolute BLAST! As I knew I would. I really enjoy learning things that I can actually put into practice when I get home. I love hearing things and thinking, "What a GREAT idea!!"

This is me and my wonderful director, Norenda, in the Cadiallac dining hall. Because we are a Cadiallac unit, we get special dining priviledges. One of which is our own DJ and dancing at lunch! That was TOO much fun!!!!!



It was also fun to get dressed up! As shown here with my friend Stephanie at our Mardi Gras awards night. We had a blast that night as well and were so proud of Norenda for doing so great this past year and getting all kinds of recognition!



Then, there was the big awards night and time for me to really pull out the stops on getting all dressed up! I LOVED my dress for that night and had a ball getting ready! It is so fun for this stay at home mom to feel like a princess every now and again....... especially now when I'm sitting here in my shorts and t-shirt and my hair in a pony tail. :)


It was a fabulous time and I'm already anxious for next year........ but next year, I'll be ON STAGE waving to all my adoring fans like Miss America!!!!

Zonked

After being away at Seminar and getting nearly no sleep since Saturday, I'm feeling a bit worn out. My sweet little baby girl has decided that since she didn't want to take a nap during her regular nap time today, she would just sack out in the chair. When she first climbed up there and started to watch Aladdin for about the 50th time this week, she said, "Mommy, I'm tired." She wasn't joking.......

Bye Bye Jack

My little buddy Jack that I've been babysitting since he was a month old had his last day with me as his babysitter. He just left a few minutes ago and it's hard to imagine my house without him. He's been around most all of Rachel's life and she asks about him a lot. Every time we pass the room where he naps, she says, "Is Jack asleep?" even if it's on a weekend day or some other time than nap time. She'll definitely miss her friend.

A lot has changed over the past couple of years.....


This little guy has been such a blessing. Mike and I were friends with his parents during the last few months of his mom, Mindy's, pregnancy with him. Mindy and I decided that I would keep Jack after she went back to work from maternity leave. I hung out with her on a Thursday night and called to leave a message Friday night and she didn't return my call. I thought that strange because she was usually very good about calling me back. I found out Saturday morning that she'd gone into labor Friday and during her labor had an amniotic fluid embolism and passed away before they could take Jack via c-section. She was one of those kinds of people that EVERYONE loved. She was the sweetest soul on earth. It was my privilege to have been friends with her. And an even bigger privilege to care for the child she never got a chance to meet. That has always been in the back of my mind where Jack has been concerned. I know that if something like that happened to me, I would want only the best caretaker for my child. I've tried to be that for Jack.

And now that he's headed to preschool next week, I can just pray that the ladies that care for him there will love him. I have no doubt they will. I'm sure we'll still see him since they live in the same town, but as we all know, it won't be the same. It's sad for me to think of not getting sweet hugs and kisses from him and hearing him FINALLY start to say things we can understand. I know ultimately this will be a good thing for him, but for today, I'm sad that my little guy has gone. And sad all over again about losing my friend.

Seminar

On Sunday, I will be leaving for Dallas to attend our Mary Kay Seminar. This is a big year end celebration and training time for us in MK. Last year was my first year to attend and from the time I got there, even checking into the hotel, my mouth gaped open in amazement at how organized everything was and the attention to detail that had been taken. It was incredible!!

This was a picture taken at one of the awards nights we have. Here, I am with my director, Norenda, and my friend and sister consultant, April. I HATE my hair in pictures when it was that short. I'll never do that again. :)

This was the dessert we had at the first awards night. Oh my - YUM! I swear I think it was the best piece of chocolate cake I've ever had.

Seminar begins on Sunday with everyone arriving and getting settled and then culminates on Wednesday with a wonderful final boost. The whole experience is like church camp in a way. You're so excited to go and so excited while you're there and the last day is always emotional because you just don't want to leave, but you're armed and ready to hit the world running when you get home. I'm excited to see what this year brings. I'm working right now on building my business even more and am really looking forward to the upcoming year.

My whole life, mediocre has been an ok thing. Coming from where I grew up, you never would have expected many people to go on to anything remotely successful in life. I graduated with 19 people. Not a lot of opportunity for many things. Just doing what you need to get by was acceptable. I have now come to a place in my life where that just isn't ok anymore. Yeah, I don't always try as hard as I know I can, but the difference now is that I recognize that and it's not acceptable. I want to be better. I want to do more. And then some.

Uneasy

I'm having one of those days where everything in my life just seems to be a little bit off. As I have shared before, I hate it when things aren't just happy with everyone and all of my relationships aren't just great. Today, that is just the case. I feel like I'm at odds with my spouse, my family, my friends. I guess that pretty well includes everyone. It's one of those days where I just think it would be so much easier to not be in this world anymore. It would be so much easier to just be with Jesus. I wouldn't have to worry about Him getting angry with me or being frustrated with me, or hating me.

I just read on something today that greatly convicted me. Unsolicited advice is criticism. Even if you're trying to be helpful, if the other person hasn't asked, you're not sending a message of helpfulness, but of criticism. God help me. And to those of you that I've sent the message of criticism lately, I beg your forgiveness.

Maybe I'm just dealing with hormones today. Still, it's like nothing is right with the world today. It's a day where I want to hide under my rock.

Great Idea!

My dear, sweet, "innocent" daughter has got the potty thing down when it comes to going pee-pee. Number 2, on the other hand, has not happened quite as nicely as I would have hoped. She has YET to poop in the potty other than on those rare occasions before we officially began the potty training. Now, she just goes into this still stance and craps her pants and then comes to tell me she's done so. She knows this is bad. She gets a swat on her booty every time she does it. That however is not helping AT ALL. So today, after she yet again made a big mess in her "drawers", we had a little conversation in the bathroom. It went something like this:

"You do not poop in your panties! You poop in the potty!!" said Mommy.

sniff, sniff, blow out snot from the nose - said Rachel.

"Should you poop in your panties, Rachel?"

she shakes her head no.

"Should you poop in the potty?"

again, she shakes her head no.

"No, Rachel, you SHOULD poop in the potty. Pooping in your panties is YUCKY and Mommy doesn't like to clean up that gross mess. I'll tell you what, if you poop in your panties, you will get a spanking every time. But, if you poop in the potty, Mommy will give you some chocolate."

**Rachel opens her eyes as wide as she can and puts both her hands over her open mouth and squeals and then says, index finger pointed in the air, "Great idea, Mommy!!" and then grins super big.

I reiterated the point telling her the consequences for going poop in her panties and then said again that if she poops in the potty she'll get chocolate - half thinking the first reaction was a fluke and that she really didn't get it. I was wrong.

Again, she opens her eyes and mouth widely, places both hands over her mouth and then says again, with a bit more passion this time, "Great idea!!" and then gives me a huge hug.

Why is it that I haven't been danging chocolate in front of her this entire time? What a fool I am. And I gotta tell ya, it's hard to keep one of those I'm serious looks when your kid is in trouble if they are 2 years old and telling you that what you've said to them is a "great idea!"

Unwritten

Read the post below and you'll understand more of why I absolutely love this song that's on my video to the side. I need to listen to it every morning to get pumped and ready for the day ahead.


Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words
That you could not find
Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions

Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten

Is It Just Because I'm 30?

Since I turned 30 6 months ago (in kid language, I guess that makes me 30 and a half!) I've really been thinking a lot about my life - all the areas of my life. I don't know if it was just that particular number that hit me or what, but I came to a new realization that I don't have all the time in the world anymore, not that I ever did. Time is precious. People are precious. And I don't have forever to enjoy them.

I joined a gym in May and have been pretty faithful in attending since then. I am more conscious about my health now than I ever have been. Not just in how I look, but in how healthy I am. I don't want to ever get to a point where my continual excuse for not doing something with my family becomes, "I'm too tired". I want to WANT to go and do as I get older. I like to be on the go now and want to be able to continue that. Oh, I'm a homebody to an extent, but I love being on the go and doing different things, too. I like to travel to different places. I like to experience new things. I like to play in the floor with my daughter. I like to ride roller coasters. I still sometimes like to climb trees. I just don't want to get to a point where my excuse for not doing those things is that I'm too tired or because my lack of activity now has made me physically unable. That would be a disservice to my children and grandchildren.

I also want to pay more attention to the cleanliness of my home. Not that I'm there yet, but I want to be organized, uncluttered, and "together" where my house is concerned. I'm still working on getting going on that one. I am working on not being such a pack rat. Oh, I'm not extreme by any means, but there are things that I hang on to that I think I might use sometime or feel obligated to keep it because someone gave it to me. Doing this FlyLady thing has helped a bunch just to keep on a schedule and know that I don't have to do a major all day clean and bust my behind if I can just do a little at a time here and there all the time, things will actually take care of themselves. Like I said, I'm by no means there yet.

I also want to be a better planner. I want to make sure my family has everything they need when they need it. Like having toilet paper at all times and not running out. Or paper towels. Or clean underwear. Or ironed pants for work. Or enough in the pantry that I can make a meal on the fly or add to whatever I'm making to accommodate a couple of Tanner's buddies who are staying for dinner.

I also want to be more of a prayer warrior. I want to be that person that when those people I know need someone to pray for them, they can ask me and KNOW that I'll be praying. Oh, I do ok now, but I can always do better. I can always pray more. I want to have that closeness with the Lord where it's like a constant communication. I'd love to have more discernment and to be able to know what to say and if/when to say anything if someone needs something.

I want to be a better wife. There have been some issues happen recently that have caused me to take a more in depth look at how a behave as a wife. Do I exemplify what the Bible says a wife should be? I want it not to matter what my husband does in his role (he does great, by the way!), but as much as it's up to me, I want to make ours the best marriage it can be. I want to meet the needs of my husband and be as unselfish as my selfish self can be. I don't want to focus at all on "what's he doing for me", but how can I serve and please my husband. Not because I feel like I'm in a lesser role or that I have to do those things, but because I want to make him happy because I love him, I'm committed to him, and he's my partner for life. And I know that as I do things to make him happy, he's more likely to return the favor, per say. I want to make ours a peaceful home that he can come to at the end of the day and know that his wife is here to welcome him and love him and for him to know he won't be met with tension. I want to make it so that he would not wish to go anywhere else but home to his family because that's the place he loves to be the most.

I've lived 30 years so far and don't feel like I've even come close to mastering any of these things. But I realize now that 30 years are behind me and only God knows how many are in front of me. So, for as long as I have left, I want to be the best I can be, every day, in everything I can do. I guess that means I should get up from my computer and go clean my bathroom. Crud. Not literally, but........ well, you know.

Kansas Visit

We just returned from a fun weekend in Kansas with Mike's side of the family. We always enjoy our visits with them and are always sad to leave. It was good to get back home and relax tonight, though. Tomorrow starts WAY too early with Body Pump.... I'm already in much prayer for my muscles since I've been off for several days.

Here are a couple pictures from the weekend.

On Friday while Daddy and Grandpa and two Uncles were out golfing, Nana and I went to take the munchkins to Deanna Rose. It's a great little place to take kids to get up close and personal with lots of animals. They all loved it and I'm sure we'll be making a trip again soon.


Rachel needed to be three years old to ride this fine fella and you'd have thought her heart was broken in a million pieces when I told her she couldn't ride the pony. So the nice girls there let her come over and pet the pony. That satisfied her for a few minutes, but once she realized petting was as good as it was going to get, the tears came in full force. Like to have broken my heart, too!!


And this was our vain attempt at a good family picture. Rachel had a dolphin in her hand and thought that was MUCH more interesting than looking at Grandpa holding the camera. Oh well. Good thought, though, Grandpa! We'll try again another time.

And we've made it back home to Arkansas tonight and will be retiring early. Tomorrow is back to the grindstone. But thanks for a GREAT weekend Grandpa and Nana and all the gang! We love you guys and can't wait to see you again in a few weeks!!

My Heart Is Heavy

Do you ever have something going on in your circle of the world that makes everything else that's going on seem trivial? Right now, a dear friend of mine is hurting and I'm so burdened that I'm just nauseous and even if I didn't intend to be fasting and praying about this, God has so made it that food is not even desirous and I can't do anything but think and pray for this friend. I have to confess that I haven't done more than the obligatory prayers each day for a while now. I've gotten into a rut, so to speak. But this past week, I have really been convicted that I need to interceed. I need to pray those prayers that others can't even pray for themselves until they are able. I confess also that even when I've had something on my mind that I feel like I "should" pray for, my mind wanders into ways that I can fix whatever the situation is. This time, my mind can't even wander because God is drawing me back to pray.

I have to confess also that I hate conflict. I hate any kind of conflict. I want everyone to get along all of the time and for everyone to be happy. That may be one of the reasons my husband gets to irritated at me when I say "I don't care, where do you want to go" when we try to find a place to eat dinner. I like all kinds of food and I'd rather everyone else go someplace they'd enjoy because I'm sure to like whatever place we pick. I just want everyone else to be happy. And when someone I care about is hurting or something is not right or there's conflict, I'm torn on how to deal with it. Part of me wants to fix it - in whatever way necessary. Another part of me just wants to hide my head in the sand and pretend nothing out of the ordinary is going on. Today, I'm not sure what to do. I'm not sure what God wants me to do. So until I get a clear answer on whether or not I SHOULD do anything, I'm going to pray. I'm going to pray like I've never prayed before. If you are so inclined, whoever, you are, please pray with me and for me.

Mr. Sexiest Man Is Single Again!!!!

I just read that Penelope Cruz and Matthew McConaughey have parted ways. Why does this make me happy? I never really thought these two were a good match anyway, so that's one reason. Another reason is it's just nice to know he's available. Not that in a million years it would mean anything to me personally, but still. If there ever was a celebrity that I drooled over, this man is the one. Lord have mercy. .....................yeah, I'm still sighing............... gosh.

Another note - do you ever dream about people from previous relationships? Last night I had a dream about a great friend of mine that was one of those male friendships that seemed like we should be together as a couple, but we could never get there at the same time, you know? He was my best friend for a while and we would spend hours on the phone and most of our free time together. He was one of those guys that my parents didn't have to worry about one bit. He was attractive to me, but in a friend sort of way. Anyway, I dreamed about him last night. We were in a store somewhere and we saw each other across the way. I've gotta tell ya, he looked like the biggest redneck white trash ever! He had a shaggy, long hair cut that just looked terrible. He had gained a bunch of weight and was somewhat waddling over to see me. It was totally not what I would ever expect in reality, but I thought it was just kinda funny. I remember thinking in my dream, "boy, did I ever marry the right guy!!" It's nice to have those thoughts in your dreams. Dreams are a place where anything can happen, but it's just nice that my subconscious agreed with my consciousness.

A Little Disappointment

I'm a little disappointed today. My husband called yesterday and said, "pray for me about 3:00 today because I'm going to be meeting with {complex manager}". He had a feeling it would be a conversation, or rather a turn down, on the big job he applied for. He was correct. After going through a 3 month interviewing process and being one of the final 2 candidates, he was passed over for this job. He was beginning to think in the past couple weeks that it would be the other guy that was chosen, but it was confirmed yesterday.

On the surface and in my mind logically, it really doesn't make sense why he didn't get it. They announced the final 2 guys about 2 months ago and he's been under scrutiny, so to speak, for the past couple months. He's had some super feedback from the complex manager as well as MANY other people in the company. He's had tons of employees at the plant say things like, "Hey Boss Man" or "I guess we should start calling you Sir now, huh?" or things of that nature for a while now and he always would try and dismiss them saying that nothing was decided yet, but in everyone's mind, it was all but decided and the announcement was just a formality. The other candidate is from Indiana and will be starting Monday, so it's obvious he's known for a while, which is another thorn because they waited until basically the last minute to inform Husband.

The reason he was given that the other guy was chosen over him was that this guy has more technical skills where the machines and equipment are concerned. Husband was told that his people skills far outweighed this other guy, but the other dude was chosen based on his technical knowledge. I really don't want to be ugly about this, but hello people!!!! Technical skills are a LEARNED thing and I think if my husband can get a masters degree with nearly straight A's the entire time of grad school and all the while still excelling at his job, he can learn how the dang machines run!! I don't think people skills can be learned in quite the same way. Plus the other guy doesn't know the people in this plant and have the rapport with them like my husband does. AND the other guy has to be moved clear from Indi-freakin-ana!!

So, see, on the surface, it just doesn't make sense. The thing that just kinda tugged at my heart yesterday was when Husband told me with a disappointed look on his face, "I just really felt like this is what I was supposed to do." Maybe the job isn't what he was supposed to do, but more the process. Kinda like what our pastor has been saying in recent days about his nomination for the SBC thing, he's just being obedient to the fact that he knows God has called him to accept the nomination and if the position comes from that, fine. But at least he's being obedient to God's call of the journey. That's kinda the way I have to look at it in Husband's case. It's disappointing that he didn't get this because seemingly, this would have been a perfect move for him. However, God has to have something better and more suited for him just around the corner. There's a reason and I know that. It's just always difficult to have your pride hurt a bit and to see your husband be disappointed.

And The Winner Is.....

Taylor pulled it off tonight as the newest "American Idol". I do have to say that in an email earlier today, I said I'd voted last night for Katherine, but I figured it was in vain as I felt Taylor would win. My predictions were right.

I don't know what I'm more depressed about - the fact that Katherine didn't win or the fact that the show is over for the season. I mean, I know that when Kat puts out her album, I'll be one of the first ones at the store buying it, so I'll get to hear her all the time. So, I guess it all comes down to my sadness over having to give up my addiction..... it's not giving it up, really, so much as it being taken, nay, yanked away from me! Even as I type this, I feel like I could cry. What ever will I do with myself on Tuesday and Wednesday nights? I should have kept all the episodes that I DVR'd this season to replay each week until the next installment of my addiction comes back on the air. You don't have to tell me, I already know I need therapy.

Have you ever read a really good book, one where you've gotten so into it that it almost becomes your reality, and then get to the last page and wish it wouldn't end? Yeah, that's how I feel.

Ok, Karen - now you can tell me what you know. :)

The Kitchen

Here's about the best "Before" picture I could find. This is from a year or so ago....




And here's the "After"....



Let me know what you all think.

Energy

I did go back to the Body Pump class yesterday and will go again tomorrow. I didn't want to throw up after yesterday's class, which I'm assuming is an improvement. I'm not sore today like I was the day after last week's class, which again should be an improvement. I'm actually enjoying the class. I feel like I'm getting stuff accomplished without having to bounce all around the room and get all out of breath and yucky stuff like that. I looked in yesterday on what I assume was a class similar to Tae-Bo and quickly decided I would never attend that one! Good grief!! I do have more energy on those days when I get up and work out. Strange how that works - you spend more energy, yet end up with more energy. How is that possible? Don't know. Don't really care. I'll just keep it up. My husband even said I sounded "more peppy" on the phone on the days I work out. Hmmm. I just had to keep repeating to myself "bathing suit in July! Bathing suit in July!" And I emailed a friend yesterday with the internal dialog that was going on in my mind during the hellish move of the lunge - which should be banned from the universe if you ask me..."God help me! Wait a minute. Does God really want me in this much pain? Surely not. Should I even be praying for God to help me do something that I'm sure he doesn't want to see me do? I don't think so."

We're gonna try again for our garage sale this weekend. I hope the weather cooperates and that people are out in droves. We've got some GREAT stuff for a garage sale, so I hope to attract the bargain hunters! All pray for a nice weather day.... and maybe a little sun so I don't look like such an albino.

Speaking of albino, I'm currently reading The DaVinci Code. I don't make a lot of time to read and when I do it's usually right before bed and so I don't get much read before falling asleep, so it's taking me a while to get through this book. My friend just read it recently and said it starts getting controversial at about page 250 (we bought the same book on the same day). Well I was really actually enjoying the book and getting into the suspense of it all and then....... I read page 250. From that point on, I have to say, it's made me a little edgy. Up until I got into the real controversial stuff, I was all for seeing the movie, just because it was such a good read. Then I hit the part where the guy starts saying "The Bible isn't a fax from heaven" and so on..... Oh my. I got a little uncomfortable, to say the least. I'm interested to see how it turns out. I'm hoping to have it finished by the weekend, but we'll see.

My kitchen is finished (mostly) and I'll post pictures soon. I like how it turned out! It's like I have a whole new kitchen! With that and my newly poured patio with my semi-new patio furniture that has been residing in my garage since the after summer sale of 2004, I'm a new woman! Maybe after the garage sale, I can actually park in the garage! What a concept!!!

What in Heaven's Name...... Part 2

I went to a group exercise class this morning at the gym we just joined. I've never in my life done that. My body is screaming "Why! Oh Why in the name of Pete?!", but I know in my mind that in a few weeks I'll really be able to tell a difference in my body and the way my clothes fit. In fact, I've already gotten a pair of jeans picked out to buy for myself when I loose at least one size. Just pray that I can hold in all my cookies today cause I'm really contemplating throwing up right now........ I just don't want to make the trek all the way to the bathroom!


Addition: Totally forgot this part of the story - the lady behind the check in desk stopped me as I walked in and scanned my little barcode and said "Oh, you're new! We need to take your picture." I looked at her, I'm sure, like she'd just grown a horn right in the middle of her forehead. I politely asked if I could wait until another time when I looked a smidge more presentable, but in reality I was thinking the woman was a complete idiot if she thought I was getting in front of a camera lens for her to take my picture at FREAKIN' 5:15 IN THE MORNING!!! I mean seriously.

And I must say, it's now noon and I do feel much better. Despite what my quads would scream at your right now, I feel really good and energized. I think I might do this again........ maybe......

What in Heaven's Name Was I Thinking?!

I decided to refinish my kitchen cabinets. I've already painted the walls. That turned out to be really easy. Then, it was on to the cabinets. They desperately needed something! But I've decided to do an antique finish on them........ WHY?!?!?! I'll be working on this for DAAAAAYYYSSS!!! And my whole kitchen cabinet insides are exposed!! I feel naked! I feel like I'm bearing my soul to the entire world when they see E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G inside my totally cluttered cabinets! Superchikk, how are you with organizing cabinets? It is way more than obvious that I need help!!!

I'll post a picture when it's all finished and cleaned and my whole world is hidden behind the cabinets like it should be.

So Much To Tell.... So Little Time

There's so much going on in my life since the last time I "really" did a post and I don't have enough time to write about it all.

Things of importance I want to mention until I have time to write more:

Thank you to whichever of Marilyn's twins that wrote about the Flylady!!! Let me just say this has been a HUGE help to me in the past week! So, thank you, thank you, thank you for mentioning that and I hope someone else can use it as well.

Rachel is doing great on the potty training deal - except for the whole #2 thing. She just crapped a big load in her training panties before nap today. Gotta love that. But she went ALL DAY yesterday, even during naptime and overnight last night, with ZERO accidents!!! WOOHOO!! Of course, I yanked her from the bathtub last night when I heard a little poot and this look of concentration come over her face. She "pooped on the potty" and we got REALY excited!! Mike says it's like I'm winning Wheel of Fortune or the Price Is Right everytime she goes potty. Well, I can't help it! It's a big deal!!

We spent the past weekend in Kansas and had a fabulous time, as usual. However, once we got home, my MIL called and my sister-in-law has two holes in her heart and will be having open heart surgery soon. Her name is Cindy and I know she can use all the prayer in the world right now. She has a little boy who will be 5 years old in December.

Ok, that's all I have time for now. I've got to get busy and use naptime wisely. I took down the border in my kitchen this morning to prepare to do something different. I'm in the mood for change. I'm thinking of antiquing my kitchen cabinets. Anyone got any tips?

Isn't it amazing how you can just go through a day and it is so great and then all the sudden everything turns to absolute crap in a blink of an eye?

Yeah, that's my day.

Several Little Details

I know you all are shocked to come to my blog and see that I've written this post so soon after my most recent one. It's ok. I'm not sick or anything. :)

Mike's day went well on Tuesday. He felt pretty good about all the meetings he had with all the department heads. However, after talking so much for the entire day, the poor man didn't have much to say when he got home. I think he just ran out of words. He still has to go through the psychiatric deal sometime next week. I'll keep you all posted on how it goes, but just keep praying.

Can I just say it's about dadgum time that Bucky got kicked off American Idol! OH MY GOSH!!!!! I was about to flip out at the bottom three last night, too! Ace I can understand, but Elliot?! Give me a break! That boy has got one of the best voices of the entire bunch of remaining contestants! Mike walked in just as they were about to announce the loser and he was like, "Are you ok?!" because I was sitting on the edge of the couch focused intently on the TV with my hands shielding my eyes! I would seriously have been depressed if Elliot left last night. But thankfully, America finally got it right and got Bucky the heck out of there. Good gracious!! I'm looking forward to next week with the whole Rod Stewart thing. It should be interesting.

We have been discussing the 7 needs of guys and girls in our Sunday school class at church the past few weeks. We've gotten through a woman's needs and are on the guys. It's been very interesting to hear some of the male responses to some of these things. The teacher asked the other day "how does it make you feel when you wife tells you she's proud of you" or something like that and the guys says, "good." Yeah, that was pretty typical. The first need was just a bit surprising that it was the number one need, but it was respect/admiration. In the #5 position was "A cheerleader". A husband needs a wife to be his cheerleader. As Mike has been going through all of this interview stuff, I know he's been stressed a bit just from the magnitude of it all. So yesterday I bought him a card and wrote a bit of encouragement to him and stuck it on his bathroom mirror. I really didn't think much about it except that it might give him warm fuzzies. Apparently it did more than that. I was clipping coupons in the kitchen and it was obvious he'd just found the card when he came in and stole me away from my coupon clipping..... WOW!! I should give him cards more often!

Our little friend Katie is over tonight for a "slumber party" as her parents are enjoying a night away. She's very excited to be getting to play with Rachel and Tanner. I think we'll probably eat some spaghetti for supper and then put Alladin in a little later. And of course, there MUST be popcorn at a slumber party! Girls are so much fun!

I'm off to enjoy the fantastic weather we are having today!!! Holy cow! The only trouble I'm having is debating on whether or not to turn on the good ol' AC in April or just sweat it out a little while longer. I guess a fan can always help, right? And hallelujah for shorts. I really could care less what these WHITE AS SHEETS legs of mine look like right now. It's all about the comfort today.

Until next time.....

Say A Little Prayer

Here's a request for all of you in blogger land to send one up for my hubby. He's in interviews all day today for a new position. He applied for a BIG job in his company (at the request of the boss of this open position) and out of 48 applicants, he is in the top 3! He's meeting with department heads today and right now is meeting with the general manager of all the complexes. After today is finished, I think he'll have to do an 8 hour psychiatric evaluation which he is less than thrilled with and then once that is finished, he'll have to go through some sort of approval process with the top dog of the entire company.

I asked him last night how he felt about today - if he was nervous, excited, anxious, anything. He said "I feel calm about it." I think that's good. That just means he has a peace about everything, which I am thankful for. I've told him that honestly, it's not really up to him or his abilities as to whether or not he gets this job. If God wants him to have it, he could tell all these people that they are idiots and they would think that was brilliant. Or, on the flip side, if it's not in God's plan for him to have this job, things will work out in that way. He just needs to be himself and do his best, but ultimately, it's up to the Lord and His will for Mike's (and our) life.

I would LOVE for him to have this job because it would mean almost no travel and a pretty good pay increase. It would be a prestigious position also, which is kinda cool, but obviously not the most important thing. I just think he would do a really good job in this position and it would be great for his career!

So, if you think about it today, say a little prayer for him. I would appreciate it!! I'll keep you updated on how things are going.

Anniversary Surprise

This past weekend, my wonderful husband planned a special overnight getaway for us to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary. After much nagging, he finally told me when then trip was, but nothing about where we were going or what we would do. I was out of town on our actual anniversary, so he opted for the weekend after. He took me to Eureka Springs and we stayed in this quaint and cozy B&B, Cliff Cottage Inn...


We had such a great time from beginning to end! One of my favorite things about this place was it had a little journal in the room for all the guests to write entries about their stay. It was so interesting for me to read some of the writings of these other guests and what their stay at this precious little place had meant to them. It made it all the more endearing and enchanting.

We got to the cottage in late evening, changed, and went right across the street to have dinner at Local Flavor. They have a little patio type dining area so though we weren't directly outside, the walls are basically doors that all open up and we were right beside the doors. It was so great. The food was amazing!

After dinner, we came back to our room to enjoy the jacuzzi!!

We decided that our next home wouldn't be purchased unless it contained one of these lovlies. Holy cow. How relaxing!! Two seconds into it, I was totally relaxed!

We were able to put on comfy robes and sit out on the "balcony" and enjoy what was the most perfect nighttime weather!

This was the view from our "balcony". It was big enough for the two of us to sit in garden chairs and it was very private. It obviously sat right up against a cliff, so we didn't have to worry with anyone seeing in the windows! I loved it!!

Saturday morning, we slept in a little and had breakfast delivered to our room about 9:30! Now, for those of you who have children, you know what an amazing luxury this is!!! The breakfast was homemade by the Inn Keeper, who was very eccentric, but oh so cute!! It was a delicious breakfast and made for a great start to the day!


After breakfast, we left our quaint little place to do some roaming around Eureka. We drove around and gawked at all the little houses tucked in every nook and cranny in the whole town and then finally parked and decided to walk along the main drag and do a little window shopping and people watching. We decided to eat at the Balcony in the Bason Park Hotel and again, it was an outside type dining experience and this was my view from our table...

...well, with the exception of Mike's head hanging over the banister. :) I could do some serious people watching from here - one of my favorite things to do. I always wonder where people are from, what they're doing, where they're going, etc. etc. I told Mike that it was interesting to see that most of the people we encountered were middle aged couples. There were some that were young and probably honeymooning, and then we saw some little old ladies....

...but for the most part, it was couples of a more mature age. When I mentioned that to Mike, he said, "You know, if we live to be 70, we are currently middle aged." Well, I've gotta tell ya, that just kinda busted my bubble. He's right. Oh well.

All in all, it was a fantastic stay in the quaint, cozy little town of Eureka Springs. A perfect place to celebrate the anniversary of our wedding and to remember why we fell in love in the first place.

I'm MAD!!!

My stupid DVR didn't record American Idol last night and I didn't get home until WAAAAAYYY after it was over, so I missed every stinkin' second of it! I could have seriously cried!! This is the absolute ONLY show that if I miss it, I'm really upset. So, needless now to say, I'm REALLY upset!!!! I know I'll get to see a bit of the recaps on tonight's show (and I'm going to be positive the thing records), but it's not the same. Karen or Superchikk, or anyone, if you watched it, fill me in!!!!! I know NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!

In Need Of A Name

Alright everyone, I need you to help me be creative and come up with a name. No, pick your mouth up from the floor, I am NOT pregnant!!!! Shame on you for thinking so. I need a name for my future Mary Kay unit. Let me explain.

When I began my Mary Kay business, I began in what we call a unit. Each unit has a director and as the consultants come in, they are added to a particular unit. As a consultant, we don't need a team name. However, when we build our team and branch off into our own unit, we'll need a name. My current unit is Norenda's Golden Nuggets. My adoptee unit (because my director is so far away, I have one close to home that I claim also) is Maestri's Millionaires In The Making. Usually the units are named with either the first or last name of the director and then some snappy little ditty to go with it. I've had a couple suggestions that I like so far and they are Jill's Joy Givers and Langham's Leading Ladies. I would love to have something significant about the name. For instance, with Norenda, she gives her new consultants a little pin that's a pot of gold and says that each new consultant is like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, a special Golden Nugget. I'd love to have something snazzy like that.

So, suggest away. I've got some time before I would HAVE to have this, but I feel like if I have a team name, that would get me a little bit more motivation to continue building.

Oh, and if any of you out there (except my Canadian friends because I don't think I can recruit in Canada) would be interested in joining my team and beginning a business of your own, you know where I am.

Potty Training

I think I'd rather shoot myself than do this. I started with the potty training yesterday with my daughter who turned 2 in February. We've gone through 7 pairs of panties since yesterday morning. And last night she decided that she would just pee a wee little bit in her panties and cry like she was so tired to wear me down and have me put on a pull up before bed - only then to let out the mother load of pee in her newly placed pull up. AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! Needless to say, I've spent the better part of the past 24 hours in the bathroom saying "If you'll pee pee in the potty, Mommy will give you more chocolate...."

If any of you have any sure fire advice, I'll be glad to listen.

Happy Birthday To My Friend!!

Yesterday was my friend Kristi's birthday!!

Happy Birthday, girlfriend!!



(pay no attention to the weirdo peeking out from between our heads!) HA!

YEEEEEEEESSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Did I pick it, or did I pick it? Yes, that's right. Yours truly made the correct prediction YET AGAIN on who the Bachelor would chose and this time, ladies and gentlemen, he got it RIGHT!!

I am a happy woman and can go to sleep knowing all is well with the reality TV world..... so long as America doesn't loose their brain on American Idol.

Female Favorite: Katherine McPhee
Male Favorite: Taylor Hicks

Look Below...

Look right beneath the previous post for a new post. I saved one as a draft and then when I went to publish the thing, it had a previous date on it. So, it's actually a new post, but it just shows up earlier. Weird.

Be sure to watch "The Bachelor: The Women Tell All" show tonight. You KNOW I'm gonna be watching!!!!! I can't WAIT!!

My Predictions

Ok, I have to say that I correctly predicted tonight's "loser" on The Bachelor before the show aired. Yes, I was right.

Now, I'm ready to make my prediction on the final rose......


wait......




wait........




wait..........



wait..........



Sarah from Tennessee. I have many reasons for my decision, all of which I am WAY too tired to list tonight. There's always a chance that weirdo Moana will sneak through, but I'm staying put on my original decision from the very first night when they got out of the limo. Sarah is going to be the one standing at the very end. I will be ready to barf up my guts while watching this spectacle two weeks from tonight, but nevertheless, I WILL be watching........ watching Sarah get the final rose and a possible proposal!

Anyone care to make a wager on this one?

Four Things

Four jobs you have had in your life:
1) Sales Clerk
2) Insurance Rep
3) Missions Ministry Assistant
4) Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

Four movies you could watch over and over:
1) Steal Magnolias
2) How To Loose A Guy In 10 Days
3) You’ve Got Mail
4) The Notebook
(how sappy am I?!)

Four places you’ve lived:
1) Western Grove, AR (I dare you to find this one!!)
2) Harrison, AR
3) Fayetteville, AR
4) Springdale, AR

Four TV shows you love to watch:
Like I can pick just four…. Whatever
1) The Bachelor
2) Grey’s Anatomy
3) Lost
4) Desperate Housewives
(good Lord, that was hard to just pick four!!! J)

Four places you’ve been on vacation:
1) Memphis, TN
2) Mississippi
3) Orlando, FL
4) Victoria Falls (yep folks, that would be Africa!!)

Four of your favorite foods:
1) Krispy Kreme donuts
2) Soup, Salad, and breadsticks from Olive Garden
3) Shake’s Frozen Custard
4) Cinnamon rolls, or anything else sweet and pastry like

Four sites I visit daily:
1) my blog friends
2) Google – cause there’s always inevitably something I have to search for
3) Mary Kay In Touch
4) msn.com

It Has Arrived!

On Saturday, our new 37 inch Phillips LCD HDTV made a home in our living room. I must say, I was looking forward to getting this little wonder, but my husband was just about to split something, he was so excited!! He's not a big TV watcher, per say, but the boy likes his sports. I, on the other hand, have several shows I enjoy watching during the week. And we both LOVE movies, so needless to say, we were happy about our new purchase.

I found a stand for it to go on that I was happy with. I'm not one that enjoys the contemporary/modern look of furniture, nor do I like the retro type stuff, so it was hard for me to find something a bit more traditional in style without it costing me an arm and a leg (and I only had one of each to spare after this TV purchase which did cost me one arm and one leg and then some). This one we found at a local store and I was happy with the look and the price, so we got it. It's a black oak look, which I didn't think I would like, but it actually looks pretty good.

Once our TV was here and the stand was all put together, we turned it on and I wish so badly I could demonstrate sound on this here blog because it was like the "ahh, ahh, ahh - ahh, ahh, ahh" sound in the Little Mermaid as we turned on this beautiful piece of electronic magic! I can't even describe to you the difference it makes in the picture. It looks as though the people on the screen are sitting right here in the living room with me! It truly is amazing.

Here is a picture of the new addition to our family. And yes, that IS the Backyardagins on the screen......and my daughter standing in awe. She has taken up permanent residence in front of this wonder. She's is thrilled to see a nearly lifesize Dora on the screen as well. Now that is a sight to behold, let me tell you....

Some Random Thoughts

First, my friend's picture obituary was in the paper today. That was a little nauseating seeing him in the OBITUARY section. It's just not right. However, I'm not going to let it get me down. I'm going to let it be a reminder to me to love more. We don't have another day promised to us, so I need to enjoy this one while I've got it!

On a subject that's not so heavy, we bought a new TV on Monday night. We don't have it yet, but will by the Super Bowl. I'm excited about this new piece of equipment as I'm sure I will get almost as much enjoyment out of it as my husband will. My big problem with it right now is there is not a piece of furniture in all of Northwest Arkansas (and even Oklahoma and Kansas) that I like and is in my preferred price range. Sure there are plenty of things I could get that would "do", but nothing that's striking me as "that's the one!" I've seen lots of pretty things that I wouldn't mind having, but then I look at the price tag - OUCH!! The major problem we have - there are NO entertainment centers, armoires, etc, that will fit the size TV that we decided on..... that is unless we want to pay a boat load of cash - and I don't - cause I'm cheap! But, I'm not so cheap as to want a piece of furniture in my home that looks like it belongs in a college guys apartment! I'm so frustrated about this that last night, I even had nightmares about finding pieces that I loved that were in my price range but then they were TOO SMALL!!!! AAAHHHHH!!!!!!

I big shout out goes to my friend Superchikk for coming over last night to help me organize my work space! Normally I feel like I'm a pretty organized person, but this particular area had gotten out of hand and I just hadn't taken the time to mess with it. So, as she's beginning a new business venture for herself, I very gladly accepted her offer to come and lend her expertise to my hideous desk. Let me tell you, the girl knows what she's doing and it was lovely to have a fresh perspective on stuff. I was able to empty 4 container items and everything now has a specific place and it's all neat!! And there's one basket in my desk now that doesn't have a thing in it!! When something is all in order like that, I feel so relaxed, so peaceful! And you should just see all the workspace I actually have on this little desk of mine! I have room to work!!!!! I love it!!! Thank you Superchikk!!

The Bachelor - what in the name of Pete is Moana STILL doing on this show? I'm so glad Sarah from Tennessee is still there. I'm still not liking Sarah Canada's little raspy whine, though. I'm starting to warm up to her, but that whine has got to go! And Susan from KS - I'm torn. She's beautiful and she seems nice and not the villain type and she is from where Hubby is from and so that kinda draws me to her. There's just something about her that I'm just not sure about. I'm really pulling for TN Sarah. I'm not seeing that romantic connection that I normally see between the Bachelor and his ladies, but maybe after the hometown dates we'll see it. I liked that he told her on their one-on-one date that he didn't have to doubt who she was and that he could tell she was just honest and had a pure character. I totally agree. I just need to see some "I want you" chemistry between them and it's not happening yet. Maybe after next week's episode, I can have a better handle on my prediction for the final rose. OOOOHHHH!! And for all you Bachelor fans in the area, the show will henceforth be viewed in HDTV at my casa on the new 37 inch LCD TV that my husband is itching to be delivered. All my homies are invited each and every Monday night through the remainder of the 'dating'!! :)

I'm off to do some research for what's going to contain this new TV. Wish me luck.

Life is so short...

I'm not quite sure how I feel today. I was reading the Sunday paper yesterday afternoon and for whatever strange reason I do it, I was glancing through the obituaries. I usually see if there are any names I recognize and always look to see how old everyone is. I often wonder what their lives were like or what their families are going through. I never really expect to see anyone I know, so I was shocked to see a name I recognized in yesterday's obituaries. This wasn't some older person who had come to the end of a great life, but rather a guy I used to date who was about a year older than me. I met him soon after I moved to my little town and we "dated" on and off for about 4 years or so. He was one of those guys who I knew down deep really wasn't that "in to me" and vice versa, but it was just someone that was there, ya know. I cared about him, but was no where near in love with him. The last conversation I remember having with him was about 5 years ago when he called one day while I was shopping and I mentioned something about having my step-daughter with me. It had been a while before that since we'd talked and he was surprised things with my husband and I had progressed so quickly as to the point of marriage. I didn't talk to him after that. I've seen his dad on occasion and we've exchanged the "tell him/her hi" stuff, but nothing really ever significant. Then yesterday I found out that he passed away. It was a very nauseating feeling. I couldn't help but think that if my husband hadn't come into my life when he did and pursued me the way he did, and then thank God, proposed to me, where might my life have gone? What if something more significant had ever happened with me and this guy? What if my husband hadn't been here or had given up on me? Would I have ended up with this guy? Would I be a widow right now? Would I have ended up with someone else? It just all has made me think how differently my life might have turned out and how unbelievable thankful I am for my husband, my daughter, my step-daughter, my family, friends, church, everything.

When something like this happens, it usually causes me to reevaluate my life and the things that are important. It makes me want to hug my husband a little tighter and a little longer. It makes me want to never let Rachel go. It makes me want to contact every friend I have just to tell them I love them. You just never know when the next tomorrow might be the last tomorrow for you or someone you care about. So hold close those you love today. Hug tighter. Love deeper.

Bachelor Vents

I will admit it to all of you out there who may not know me well - I love reality TV and my favorite right now is the Bachelor. So, in honor of my current addiction, I have to vent a little about this retardo's choices.

Jehan - Ok. She's cute. I don't think she's 'the one', though.

Moana - Give.Me.A.Freakin'.Break. Can't stand her. What the heck is Tardo thinking on this one? I do NOT know!!

Sarah from Canada - She's cute. I'll give you that. But if I have to listen to that stinkin' WHINEY voice for one more espisode, I swear I just might scream!!!! Seriously, I can't even begin to describe how much her voice annoys me!

Sarah from TN - one of my favorites from the start, although I'm scared there might not be that romantic connection between them. How convenient, though, that they both live in Nashville?! I'm just sayin'.

Tara - OMG! What is this girl still doing there?! I REALLY don't get her. She is super insecure to have to go searching out Tardo every.stinkin.time he's with another girl! I mean, come ON! Give them man some space there, Clingy!

Susan - I think she's the one I would pick out of the remainders for Tardo to choose. She's just got that classy look about her. Although the other night when they were discussing their "turn-ons" she let some whoppers slip from her mouth and she's apparently fond of the "f-word", which, IMO, isn't so classy. Still, I think she might be right up there on his choice list.

Cole - I'm really quite disappointed that this one is gone. She was cute, sweet, sincere - and then Tardo lets her go and keeps ones like Tara and Moana?! What am I not seeing here?

Oh and Jennifer last night with the bugs?!?! Give me a BREAK! Send that scardy cat packin'!

It sometimes makes me wonder if these dudes wish, after getting to know the girls they've kept, if they wish they could bring back some of the earlier cuts. Now, see, that would make for an interesting show!

And I cannot write about this show without making mention of psycho, egg-rotting, reproduction needing Allie G. Even as I think about her, I just shake my head. There are just some people that need not be on a show like this and, yes folks, this one would be one of them. Although I must say, she has definitely given people something to talk about! Poor girl. I usually don't care much about watching the "Women Tell All" episode, but let me just say, I am counting down the weeks until this one! I cannot WAIT to see what all goes on with her, if she even shows up! Wow.

And now, only 6 days left until the next Rose Ceremony. Who will it be? For the past few seasons I've watched (save the one with the O'Donnell dude on it, cause I didn't watch), I've been able to predict with almost 100% accuracy who the Bachelors will chose. I don't always get my picks in early. Sometimes it's down to the wire. But I'm good. I'm really good. So, stay tuned, ladies and gentlemen. Before the last episode, I will predict the girl that will receive the final rose...... will I be right? You'll have to wait and see.

Caught in the Act

Today at lunch, this was the conversation:

Katie stands over by Rachel's chair with a handful of Wheat Thins, "Jill, can I eat these crackers?"

"Are they your crackers or are they Rachel's?" I said.

"They're Katie's", she said.

"Ok, if they're yours, you can eat them."

Immediately after getting the answer to the previous question, "Jill, can I go turn the TV back on to Dora so Rachel can watch it?" (yeah, right, so Rachel can watch..... uh huh)

"Yes, you can go turn on the TV."

As she hands me the crackers on her way to the TV, "Here, Jill. These are Rachel's."

Hello out there?

After being lax on reading everyone's blogs for most of last week, as I'm catching up this week I apparently missed the whole de-lurking thing. I'm getting in on it now, though. For all of you who check out my blog and read it on occassion, please send a comment my way and let me know where you are from and how you found my site. I see so many interesting places on my little tracker thingamagig and wonder who you all are. So just say a quick howdy and I'd be so thrilled!

Gotta go pee now. This dang water drinking thing is for the birds!!!

Lost: 2.5 +/- lbs!!

Well, gang - I've stuck with the whole Weight Watchers deal for the better part of a week now (I cheated a little yesterday) and have lost between 2 and 3 lbs so far!! And I've never peed more in my whole life! It's actually not been quite as difficult as I thought it would be and I've really enjoyed eating all the veggies and fruits! OH!! And I've exercised! Those of you who know me are going "yeah right" but really I have! I walked and did Pilates last week! Oh and I hear that......um........you know.........with your husband........burns quite a lot of calories as well, so we.........um............you know...........a lot.

I Did It!!!

I got up this morning early enough to do Pilates! I don't mind this type of exercise because I like the stretching and the non-aerobic stuff. But I feel like I've had a work out! I hated the actual act of getting out of bed, but once I was up, I was up. It wasn't so bad.

Also, I'm eating a bowl of Special K with skim milk which I've measured according to the serving size.......which is a small amount, I must say! :) I'm about to have my morning cuppa and we'll be all set. I'm going to read over a friend's Weight Watchers stuff today to see if that's something I'd be interested in. If any of you have tried that, let me know. Really, that's about the only one I would do because I can still fix meals and eat pretty much anything as long as I count it and it's proportioned. So, I'd like to hear if any of you have experience with that and if you feel like it's worth doing.

Off to my coffee now. I'm excited that I actually got my hiney out of bed and exercised this morning so I had to share.

So yeah, um about the resolutions....

Here it is January 5th (happy belated birthday to my stepbrother, Jamin!!) and I'm not doing so hot on the resolutions. Acutally, the health part is a smidge better and I feel good about my increase in water drinkage and my salad consumption, but as of yet I have not exercised at all. My pilates DVD is staring me in the face and I hear it calling when my alarm goes off at 6am, but I just tune it out. I know, I'm horrible. Oh and the work thing. I've been working on tax issues for the past couple of days and I'm determined that I'm going to be more organized in the coming year. In fact, I have so much JUNK on my desk right now that it's driving me crazy! So, it's off to organizing I go.

I have been watching some of the Dancing with the Stars show that's on and it looks like so much fun! I wish I could do that sort of stuff. THAT would be the kind of exercise I would actually enjoy!

Today I Enter A New Decade....

Man that stinks just to read that. I think subconsciously I'm trying to look younger today on purpose. In my life, I've always wanted to look more mature thinking that I would be taken more seriously if I at least looked older. Yeah, well, today - I don't care to be taken seriously. I just want to not look THIRTY!! Gosh, I gag just thinking that!

On the brighter side of it, this year, I really am going to make a difference in my life. I'm going to be more focused on my family, my friends, my work, and my health. I hope that by the time the next birthday rolls around that I can say this was a great year. It's kind of interesting that my birthday comes right around the time of New Year's resolutions. I think this year, I'm going to make some big ones and do my best to stick with them. I commented on another friend's blog and said that one resolution I will make that I'm SURE I can keep is that I won't stab anyone. That is, I won't stab anyone until someone calls me Grandma again (APRIL). As long as everyone else keeps away from the nastiness that is name-calling, I should be able to keep my resolution.

p.s.
You know what I think is funny? The fact that the word "blog" comes up as a misspelled word on this thing. That's sort of ironic, don't you think?

Christmas Updates

In lieu of lots of story time from the past weekend, I'll just post some pics in hope you get a glimpse into my world.


One of the first bouts of gift opening frenzy at our casa. Rachel loves the hat! Thanks Grandma & Grandpa! Doesn't Daddy look spectacular in the Santa hat?! I sure think so.


Rachel decided it was WAY more fun to open the presents than to actually see what they were or play with them. She got really excited when we would say "you wanna open some presents?!" because she just loved tearing the paper and throwing the tissue paper around.


My step sister gave Rachel a Dora backpack and I said "You can take that with you to school" - which is what we call it when she goes to Kids Day Out at church one day a week......


.....she thought I meant we were going to school right then. :) Too cute!


Christmas morning started early this year. Rules were Big Sister was NOT allowed to go into the living room without coming to get us first. If she did, there would be serious consequences. Well, she was up at 3:30AM - yes, I said 3:30AM - and came into our room and said, "I went in to check and see if Santa ate his cookies and HE DID!!" Mike and I both I think just had the air deflated out of us at that moment. I heard him whisper to her that he was VERY disappointed in her and that she should not have done that. "Did you see what he brought you?" he asked. No, she apparently said she just saw a big box and that he'd eaten his cookies. Yeah, right. Whatever. She felt really bad later that morning when we had the discussion about how kids got their presents from Santa and the gifts that parents get are to see the reactions their children have when they discover what Santa has left for them. Bless her heart, she's so honest and I really don't think that will be a problem in years to come. I think she kinda understood that by her sneaking in early, it took some of the blessing away from Daddy and me. That hurt her more than any punishment we could have given her. But we had fun with Santa's presents anyway.

Each year I usually get that one gift that makes me cry. Until yesterday, I thought I had this year licked! I hadn't cried over a gift once! Well, that all went down the toilet when our dear friends came over and I opened this....

.....yeah. Exactly. I had no idea she'd taken this picture and yes, I cried. It's a precious purse that I will carry with me proudly! Thanks, Michelle!! What a special gift!!


And this is our family at church Sunday morning. It was a real blessing to be in church celebrating the real reason for this season. We had such a blessed Christmas holiday this year and it will be one that will be remembered for many years to come. I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday and enjoyed time with family and friends. Now it's on to 2006 and lots of new memories to be made. Make the best of every day because each day is a gift. We're not promised tomorrow, so enjoy all your blessings to the fullest and from our house to yours, Happy New Year!!

I'll Be Home For Christmas

Today, we're heading over to my mom's to spend the night and then will head over to Dad's in the morning for breakfast and presents and then back to mom's for lunch and more presents. It will be a fun time with Mamaw & Poppy and Grandma & Grandpa. We'll also get to see my step siblings who I never get to visit with, so that will be nice. Of course, I'm anxious to show off my little charmer and let her do all her tricks for everyone!

You know, when I was a kid, I wanted to show off anything I could do and say "look at me!" and now I'm totally showing off my kid like a little trained monkey and saying "look what Rachel can do!!". This is much more fun now, though.

Saturday, we'll head back home to prepare for Santa's arrival and church on Sunday. We still don't have a particular plan on how we're gonna work in breakfast, presents, church, lunch, etc, but we'll figure it out and it'll be great! I'm so excited to see my kids' reactions to all their presents! I swear, if I didn't get a darn thing this year, that would be totally ok as long as I get to watch the girls open their gifts and get excited about what they have. I have had an absolute blast shopping for them and could REALLY go overboard on spending where they are concerned. I wish I could give them everything, but alas, we're not the Trumps.

One last sad note, I'll turn 30 next week. I have mixed emotions about this birthday. On one hand, it's pretty cool and I think maybe I'll finally think I've arrived at adulthood. On the other hand, I'm not this old! REALLY!! I mean thirty?!?!?!?! I just remember that show thirtysomething and remember thinking those people were so "old" and that I would never get to that age and now, here I am. Gosh.

OH! I found out last night that my husband has some hidden obsessive compulsive tendancies that I really didn't know about. Very interesting. I'll write more on that after Christmas, as I'm sure I will have discovered even more by then.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Christmas Memories

I think she's a smidge excited about getting to open more presents. We've already had present opening fun with a couple sets of grandparents and there's still more to be done. I'm looking forward to being at home this year also. Last year was the first year that we were at our house on Christmas morning. All the other years we've traveled to visit family, but last year, hubby put his foot down and said "We're staying here!" I was glad to start that tradition with Rachel because that's what I had known all my years until I got married.

I loved being at home and getting up before the sun to see what Santa had left for me! I specifically remember one Christmas when I was about 10 years old or so and I had started to have my doubts about the big man in red. I don't know if the kids at school were talking about it or if I'd heard something on TV that was persuading me to believe that anyone other than Santa left the wonderful gifts under my tree each Christmas Eve, but I was starting to wonder. That year, I wanted a Barbie Dream House. My cousin had one and I was so envious. This particular cousin had so many fun toys. She was an only child and was a tad bit spoiled according to my standards at the time. But I so wanted that dream house like she had! So I thought I'd give it one last shot to see if Santa really was real and I asked for a Barbie Dream House. Those were expensive back in the day to a family with meager means, so I thought if I was gonna have one, it would have to come from Santa because I just didn't think my parents could have afforded it. Christmas Eve came and I was nestled all snug in my bed wondering what I would find under the tree when I woke the next morning. Christmas morning finally came and I crawled out of bed, almost unexcited about my upcoming discovery. My parents always wanted us to make sure they were up and tree-side and camera ready before we came in to see Santa's gifts and this year was no exception. I walked lazily into the living room once my parents were in place and lo and behold, there beside the Christmas Tree sat a dazzling Barbie Dream house!!! I couldn't believe my eyes!! In fact, my mom has pictures of me rubbing my eyes, then one with my hands over my mouth, and one just totally amazed! I think my first words that morning were "THERE REALLY IS A SANTA CLAUS!!!" I was sure there was no one other than Santa that could have left that dream house under my tree! That was one of the most memorable Christmas mornings ever.

Of course, when I went to my cousin's house the next time, she had lots of fun furniture and accessories and when I asked where she got them, she said they came in the box with the house. Hmmmmm...... her dream house came in a box and had accessories? That's odd. As the year went on, I realized that it probably was my parents that purchased the house from me and on into my adult years after I lost the innocence and wonder of my childhood, my mom sadly broke the news to me that yes, the blessed Barbie Dream House had been purchased at a garage sale and didn't have all the original parts.

No matter how the dream house was acquired, it was just that - a DREAM house. For at least that one day, I had no doubts whatsoever in the reality and magic of Santa. And as I grew older and realized exactly what my parents did for me in doing everything they could to get just what I wanted, I have no doubt whatsoever the reality and magic of the love my parents had for me. Especially now that I have my own daughter and it's now my desire to want to give her everything she ever wants, I know exactly what my parents were thinking and feeling that special Christmas morning. So Mom and Dad, if you're reading this - Thanks. And I love you.

What the.....????

The Apprentice. Randall. Selfish scum.

I'm still stunned and very disappointed in Randall. I thought he really did do a good job and if there was one person to choose over the other, I probably would have chosen Randall. However, the fact that he supposedly has thought so highly of Rebecca up to this point and that she wasn't a threat on his getting picked or what job he would have really makes me wonder about his honesty the whole time. PLUS, I'm a little bit miffed at Trump. He's the dadgum leader of this whole deal and supposedly can do whatever he wants to do. Why in the world did he let RANDALL decide if Rebecca was also hired?! Hello??? Why would he have offered something like that to Rebecca and dangle it in her face only to let it be yanked right away from her. That is SO uncool!!!

It's not even 8am.....

I'm in trouble. My morning is going down hill at a rapid pace! I woke up LATE this morning to a barking dog and a ringing doorbell. The little guy I babysit was already here and I'd overslept! SUCK! OH, and I had just been pulled out of a dream that was a bit on the inappropriate side considering I'm not still in the dating world. I hate those!!!!!! Then after I made myself some coffee, I burned my mouth on that because I wasn't paying attention to the weirdness of the cup I decided to drink from. It's shaped a bit differently and the contents seem to come out quite fast and unexpectedly if you're not being careful. Then, Rachel was asking for juice..... yeah, still don't have milk but I don't get any cereal either....... and as I was pouring her juice into her cup, I knocked it over with my arm right down onto my cabinets and a rug on which I was just wondering yesterday how in the world I'm supposed to get it clean. Now, this is no ordinary juice. This is RED juice that spilled on my WHITE cabinets. This is not a good thing. And here it is before 8am. This is not a good sign. Although, I think this gives me an excuse to repaint my cabinets. I already have hair dye in one little spot from about 2 months ago and now this. I should just redo my whole kitchen. That would make me feel better. Oh and at least I didn't break my coffee pot - knock on wood - or that might have sent me over the edge. I would have been dragging these kids out to the nearest convenient store for my caffiene fix. And Lord help me on what will happen between now and noon if this is how things are going so far.


OH!! Addition!! 8:30am - my child now has yellow highligher marks on her face and neck because Negligent & Unattentive Mommy left out her highlighter last night and baby girl decided it would be oh so fun to mark all over herself!!! Jesus, help me.

Does it make me a bad mom....

....because I gave my daughter juice this morning instead of milk because I didn't know if I gave her a sippy full of milk if there would be enough for my cereal? So I didn't give her milk. I gave her apple juice. I ate my cereal. And now I feel bad..... because I still have enough milk to put cream in my coffee, too. I'll probably get sick this morning and vomit up my cereal because I was so selfish.

You may now refer to me as Your Majesty!

I'm a QUEEN!!!!!

Yes, I know most of you knew this already (ha) but Ellen over at The Reign of Ellen has crowned me one of her queens! YIPPEE!!! She has serious artisitc abilities and has done a fabulous job with the queens that have previously been crowned and with writing her blog. She's so entertaining to read each day and definitely always gives me a chuckle. You all should go over and say howdy to her.


Up next, my upcoming birthday.........

I've been tagged by SlushTurtle! You know, I was really rather excited to see my name on her tag list! It made me feel important, included. So, thanks, Slush! You've given me warm fuzzies! :)

7 things I want to do before I die:
1. Have a baby boy
2. Become a National Sales Director with Mary Kay
3. Live in the house of my dreams
4. See my kids marry wonderful people
5. Fit into a single digit size clothing again (for the first time since I was about 12)
6. Be financially secure enough to not worry about money, or rather the lack of money
7. Travel to some places I’ve always wanted to see – Paris, London, Rome, Kenya, Germany, somewhere in the orient, the Carribean, Washington DC, New York City, Chicago to see Oprah – and visit a couple other places I have been like Disney World and Hawaii

7 things I cannot do:
1. Juggle
2. Hit a golf ball
3. Hurt my kids intentionally
4. Loose weight, apparently
5. Watch something sad without crying
6. Sing like I want to
7. Buy clothes that aren’t on sale… I just can’t do it!

7 things that attract me to the opposite sex:
1. Wit
2. Relationship with God
3. Intelligence
4. Sports abilities (not that I have any, but….)
5. Lips/Kissing (let it be known that my hubby is the best kisser E-V-E-R!!)
6. The way he relates to other people
7. Singing abilities (my husband has NONE, but it’s still an attractive feature about a guy)

7 things I say most often:
1. Oh my gosh!
2. Dadgummit!
3. Rachel Faith!!
4. Give Mommy BIG hugs!!
5. Give Mommy kisses!
6. I love you so much!!
7. “You wanna watch…” (Dora, The Wiggles, C-lella, etc.) yeah, so my kids watch a lot of TV. But my kid can count to 10 in Spanish and she’s not even two yet, thanks to Dora! It can’t be all bad, right?

7 celebrity crushes:
1. Matthew McConnaughey - I’m sorry, but if I hadn’t married Mike, I would have found this man and married him! Either that, or just stalked him like a crazy woman!
2. Brad Pitt - even though he totally dissed my girl Jen, I still can't help the fact that he's so hot.
3. Tom Hanks - all around great guy
4. George Clooney - there's just something about him... a little bit of bad boy, but oh so GQ
5. Nick Lachey - Gotta love the smile and dimples
6. Will Smith - He makes me laugh. Plus, he looks like the black version of this guy I used to date!
7. Tim McGraw - Just hot.... smokin' hot!

7 people I want to do this:
Anyone who reads my blog that hasn’t already been tagged…… I think that leaves about two of you.

Updates and Pictures

I had a great Thanksgiving this year. My family and I went over to some friends' house for a day of glutton and oh what fun it was! My hubby was so excited to get to fry a turkey. I must say, it was one of the juiciest birds I've ever had the privilege of devouring! We had all the fixin's as well. I'm still full from that day, but oh was it worth it.

Last Friday, I did what I had never dared to do before - I was at the stores before they opened to grab the good deals on Black Friday. I was up before 4am and was at Kohl's by 4:30 to stand in the freezing cold so I could get in early and buy up every Dora toy they had at half price. I got some good deals, people. I stood in line to check out there after about 15 minutes of power shopping then headed on over to Target where, after standing in line for more than 30 minutes and freezing even more, I got even more good deals. I was very pleased with my accomplishments on this fun early morning. After my shopping escapades, I'm 97% finished with my Christmas shopping. WOOHOO!!!

Tis the season to dress up my child in cutie patootie Christmas clothes and bows! I'm so excited!


Isn't she the cutest?! Her shirt shows a Christmas package with a tag that says "From Grandpa with love". Do you think if she wears that to see "GeePaw" this weekend that he'll give her a dollar? I think so!

We took a photo opportunity yesterday morning before church. It took a while to get Rachel to cooperate with Daddy and the camera, but I think we finally got something.....



Oh and the lovely little scrape on her mouth is where she decided it'd be great fun to whack her face into the stair case. Yeah, not so much fun after all. I thought that was such great timing here right before Christmas picture season and all. Oh well. It will be something we can always remember.

Her Future's So Bright...

...she's gotta wear shades! Rachel wore these most of the morning and Katie has manicure items in hand. Looks to me like Rachel is the diva and Katie is her beauty assistant.... :) It sort of reminds me of Julia Roberts and Catherine Zeta Jones in America's Sweetheart.

Chocolate Gravy

..... one of my all time favorite things for breakfast (next to Krispy Kreme's, of course). Last week when my grandma was here, she showed me her famous method of making Chocolate Gravy. I have had this lovely treat since birth. This is something my granny is famous for among our family. Many have tried and failed to duplicate Gran's recipe. See, Gran doesn't measure anything with the standard measuring devices. This creates a problem for those of us trying to copy her. So, during her visit, I asked her to supervise me and tell me exactly what to do as I made the chocolate (when you are familiar with this dish, all you need to say is "chocolate") and I did it ALL BY MYSELF!!!! And it was GOOD!! I tried again today to make some and I tell you, I think I've got it down! Of course, I have the little pot that my granny has made this stuff in for ever and ever. She gave it to me several months ago and as long as I have that particular pot and the spoon I used when she showed me, I feel confident I can continue to know how to make it. Take the pot and spoon away and, well, I'd just have to give up ever trying to make it again. I think if this pot and spoon hold up, it will be one of those things that I pass down to my grandchildren and say "you know, back when I was a young lady (yeah, y'all don't laugh there) my grandmother taught me how to make chocolate in this very pot...."

Worn Out

This week has been a busy one for me and I'm tired! My mom, step dad, and grandma came over on Tuesday night and spent the night. I cooked a big meal for them, which I enjoy doing, but it wore me out. I fixed a turkey and the fixin's as though it were Thanksgiving, but man, was it all good!! Gran has stayed with me since Tuesday. She hasn't ever been over to spend an extended period of time with me and we've really had a good time. I enjoy her being here and helping her do things. She's really helped me, too. Like today, she helped me clean my house for a Mary Kay party I had this afternoon. I don't know what it is, but to have someone help clean my house just gives me warm fuzzies!! I LOVE IT!!! That, to me, is a true sign that someone cares. The only thing that is about to drive me crazy is that she talks constantly through any TV show I'm trying to watch. Last night, I was into the story on Without A Trace and she was telling me some story of some guy who "got him a bite to eat" and some other stuff I didn't really pay much attention to. For the love of Pete, wait til a COMMERCIAL!! However, we have had fun, so I can't complain too much. I'll take her back home tomorrow and life will get back to almost normal - except I'll have a cleaner house.

Shoes From Hates

I've decided to throw away a certain pair of shoes I have that are most likely out of style now anyway. Why, you ask? Let me tell you why.

Wednesday night, I went to a neighbor's house to drop off a packet to her. When I rang the doorbell, I thought this dude doesn't look familiar, but oh well. I asked him if he could give the packet to Jenni. He looked at me a little funny, but said he could make sure she got it. I thanked him and started back to my car. As I turned to head back to my car, I THOUGHT I was walking on the sidewalk, though I couldn't really tell for the million LEAVES that were all over the place, and I proceeded to step just ever so slightly far enough to twist the crap out of my foot!!! I limped my way back to my car in shame and through the nausea that was setting in due to the excruciating pain, I realized it was the WRONG HOUSE!!! I swalled my pride and limped back up to the door. I sheepishly rang the doorbell again and said "I just dropped off that packet and I think I got the wrong house"..... "Yes, she lives next door" he said. I took the packet from the guy and limped across the yard over to my friend's house and actually got it into the right hands this time. I then limped back to my van and drove the 2 blocks back to my house. I tore my stupid shoes off as quickly as I got into the house and was about to drive myself to the hospital because my foot HURT!!!

Hubby wasn't too far from coming home and when he got here I told him I was pretty sure I'd broken my foot and he needed to fix it. Yeah, by that time, I wasn't really in my right mind. He got a bag of frozen peas from the freezer (these make great ice packs, btw) and tried putting that on my foot. Well, I just about came flying off the couch! The pressure of anything touching my foot, much less something that was about a thousand degrees below zero nearly sent me through the roof! I decided I should call my orthopedic friend and see what he advised. I told him my symptoms and he said it didn't sound broken and as long as I could stand the pain, it would probably be ok to wait until the next morning to go to the doctor.

Yesterday morning, I visited the doctor's office that I never go to. When someone even asks me who my family doctor is, I don't know what to tell them because I never have to go! So I get there and wait........and wait........and wait......... and Mike is with me about to go NUTS and finally 45 minutes after my scheduled appointment time, they take me to another place to WAIT! Mike was about to blow a gasket and without him having to say anything, I could tell his wheels were turning on how he could figure out a way to run this office more efficiently. About an hour and a half after my scheduled appointment time, they get me in to x-ray. From that point, it seemed to go a little quicker. The doctor I had was wearing a bow-tie. He was probably in his late 30's and very friendly. I liked him and instantly trusted him. He did say I didn't have a broken foot and that the only broken thing I would need to mend was my pride.

So, I came home yesterday, put my foot up, and got to rest and watch my soap opera. That was nice. Although, if you remember in a previous post I talked about how much I love Thursdays. Yeah, well, yesterday was NOT one of those Thursdays that I loved. I hope next week is better.

In case you wondered, I'll no longer be wearing those shoes. They have thick soles and I've tripped more than a few times because of them. Therefore, they are now being designated for the trash man.

Customer Service?

In my last post, I talked about the 'extra' friendly guy behind the microphone at Taco Bell. Well, last night, I had the opposite experience at McDonald's.
I pulled up to the mic and the guy says,

"Order when your ready".

No "Welcome to McDonald's." No nothing. I thought it a bit strange, but whatever. So I ordered my coke and fries (yes, I know - another nutritious snack).

"Three ten" says the mic guy.

He didn't say "Will that be all for you?" "Please pull forward" "...at the first window". Nothing.

So, I go from almost uncomfortable, overzealous friendliness at Taco Bell to Mr. No Personality and Zero Customer Service at McDonald's. I think I should see what happens at Wendy's or Sonic. Or maybe I just need to knock out fast food all together? My waistline would appreciate that for sure.

"How you doin'?"

Sunday after church, we headed for the drive through at Taco Bell. Yes, I know. Nutritious Sunday lunch, huh? Yeah, yeah, yeah. Anyway... here's the exchange between us and the guy on the other side of the microphone:

Guy: "Hey. Welcome to Taco Bell. How you doin'?"

Us: huh? "Um, we'd like to order now?"

Guy: "Cool."

Us: "Ok, we'd like a taco salad, two meat and cheese soft tacos, and a Nachos Bell Grande."

Guy: "Sweet. Ok, that's a taco salad, two meat and cheese soft tacos, and a Nachos Bell Grande. Do you want any cokes or anything to go with that?"

Us: "no thanks."

Guy: "Ok, well that'll be (insert total). Just pull up to the window. See ya later."

I don't think I've ever had anyone at the drive thru ask me how I was, nor has anyone ever said "see ya later" or anything more chatty than "Please pull forward". It just seemed strange.

Sad Little Lunch

Today for lunch, I ate a mini Chick 'o Stick, a mini Kit Kat, and a chocolate chip cookie. Oh, and I'm drinking a glass of iced tea. Sad isn't it? I actually was somewhat healthy for breakfast and ate some Honey Nut Shredded Wheat, which was very yummy. I'm just not that hungry for lunch and there's not a darn thing in this house that looks good. So, I succumb to my sweet tooth desires. I'll make it up at dinner at Uncle Gaylord's!! YUM!!!!!

Goin' To The Chapel...

Tomorrow, my girl April is getting married!! I'm so excited for her! This is a day that is an answer to prayer. It will be a precious ceremony, I know, and a fabulous blast of a party at the reception!

April, I love you girl and pray God blesses you in your marriage tomorrow and every day of your future! Thanks for letting me be a part of it all!

Heeeeeere's RED!!

Mike took this picture last night of my new do. I almost blend in too much with the brick and mantle behind me. I'm beginning to like the color a little more and now that I've actually broken through the hair color barrier, I think I might just go crazy! This could get REALLY fun!!!

On the Halloween front, Rachel did really well during the Trick or Treat process. At the first house, she was VERY unsure about what was going on, but once the candy was dropped in her bucket, it was amazing to see the reaction of coolness come over her. She thought that was just the greatest thing ever! From that point on, it was all about going to the doors and smiling that cute little smile and sometimes getting out "Trick or Treat" and maybe a Thank You every so often. Mostly she would sit her bucket down and reach her hand out for the candy she knew the homeowners were going to inevitably give her. :) I do have to say, though, that I have the cutest cat in the world!!

Here are Katie & Rachel looking as cute as two little kitties can be!!!