Scarred for life...

Do you ever sit and think of all the negativity in the world... that you've experienced, heard or seen and then realize that because of it, you're truly scarred for life.

I'm genuinely ashamed of mankind for not only what we do to the Earth but what we do to ourselves, our animals, our friends, our family, strangers, pets and children. Sometimes it's seriously enough to make me break down and cry.

I just think... do the companies that manufacture things that require goods like TREES ever actually put trees BACK into the Earth at the same rate they consume them?

That the water I drink ... where it came from and how many chemicals they had to put back into it to get it to the point that it's drinkable again....

How people just throw things on the curb for the trash companies and then just assume they're gone... but they just get taken to a huge hole in the earth and are buried. ???? NOTHING breaks down fast enough as we produce it.

The stories of horror and heartache and abuse just haunt me....

...the video that was sent to me without warning of what it contained of Muslim extremists beheading Americans with a huge sword...

....the video Lisa Ling showed on Oprah of how the Asians overseas who eat pets treat them... immersing live kittens into boiling water to remove their fur... and those poor creatures were STILL ALIVE when they were immersed... and they were STILL ALIVE when they pulled them from the water. Having to endure that absolutely unbelievable pain... this is one of those things that absolutely brings tears to my eyes every time and I wish I hadn't see it ever.

... the video Lisa Ling showed of the puppy mills... how there are dogs in cages that have NEVER STEPPED FOOT ON GRASS and, therefore, don't know how to even walk on it. They just use these animals as little breeding machines and when they can't breed any longer, they just kill them. That's why I will NEVER buy a puppy from a pet store or a place that has a lot of puppies for sale ever again. EVER. Because I know where they likely came from.

... the visions of these parents that have had children born with disfiguring disabilities... cancer... or parents that didn't have the pleasures of seeing their children born at all...

... the stories of how people have completely abused children... the little girl called "Baby Grace" who was disciplined repeatedly by being nearly drown and thrown against the wall. ?? DISCIPLINE?

... why is there an organization that is even ALLOWED TO EXIST that is all about PEDOPHILES? NAMBLA... North American Man/Boy Love Association. I'm sorry... NO. NO NO NO! You don't DESERVE to exist in a country that is supposed to be PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN?

... why are conservative Christians so scared to let their voices be heard that the only ones "winning" are the "squeaky wheels?" Obama (the idiot) says we are NOT a Christian nation. He went on tour around the world declaring that but, at last check, we ARE MAJORITY Christian nation. As such, WHY are we continually bowing down to the minority?

... WHY do we allow anchor babies any longer? That law needs to be repealed. Why are we afraid to stand up for our borders and our country's laws? When NO OTHER NATION would allow what we do? But if we try to pass laws that aren't even as strict as theirs...we become racist? WHY?

...just a few things on my mind today...

Wednesday Wickedness

Hi and welcome to Wednesday Wickedness. We are like other memes in that we will ask you ten questions each and every Wednesday. But our little "twist" is that each week we will pick a famous person and pick ten of their quotes. Each of our questions will be based on the quotes. Got it? Great! Let's begin this week's meme!


Today we picked Lady Gaga. Here's Wednesday Wickedness!

1. "Peace. it does not mean to be in a place where there is no trouble, noise, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart." Do you keep your cool no matter what is going on around you? Absolutely... not. I mean, at times I CAN keep my calm but I guess it depends on the situation. I tend to get a little high stressed during ..well... stressful situations. However, lately I realize that planning and being ready to roll alleviates the need to freak and stress out because you have a plan. Like I always say, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." Simple logistics, really.

2. "Some women choose to follow men, and some women choose to follow their dreams. If you're wondering which way to go, remember that your career will never wake up and tell you that it doesn't love you anymore." Do you feel that career should be more important than your love life? I think finding peace within oneself... giving oneself to others... you can have the best career in the world but if you are selfish, uncharitable, unloved.. what's the point? God put women on the earth to be in a partnership with a husband. I think everyone needs a set of arms wherein they feel safe and loved and secure. I mean, a toilet will never wake up and tell you that it doesn't love you anymore either but you sure as hell want one. ???

3. "You have to be unique, and different, and shine in your own way." In what way(s) do you feel that you are unique? I don't really feel unique other than the fact that although I'm a girl, I don't feel like a girlie girl. I can adapt to fit in almost any situation without compromising who I am.

4. "I want women -- and men -- to feel empowered by a deeper and more psychotic part of themselves. The part they're always trying desperately to hide. I want that to become something that they cherish." Do you feel that there is a part of you that you need to hide from most people? No, not at all. If you hide who you really are, you're not living your true self. If you're living a lie -- what's the point?

5. "Love is like a brick. You can build a house, or you can sink a dead body." Have you ever held on to a relationship even though you truly knew it was already over? Yes, hasn't everyone? It is those kind of relationships that teaches you WHEN you SHOULD let go in the future so that when you DO have one WORTH holding onto.. you DO!

6. "Sometimes in life you don't always feel like a winner, but that doesn't mean you're not a winner, you want to be like yourself." Would your friends say that you are a winner in this game of life? I don't care what my friends say. I am happy. I am healthy. I am in love. I have beautiful healthy children. If they say I'm not, they're obviously not my friends because my friends know where I am in my life journey.

7. "A glamorous life is quite different to a life of luxury. I don’t need luxury. For years, I was practically broke but I was still very vain and glamorous. And I still am." Can you tell us about a time when you were broke and yet still happy? Yep, when I went through my divorce. I was BROKE thanks to my mother helping my ex fight me for custody of my son, Joshua. Attorneys fees add up. Couple in the divorce settlement where he threw in his student loans and I got stuck with all the marital debt while he only got stuck with his student loans... was it fair? No. Did I care? No. I just wanted to do ANYTHING I possibly could to get that man out of my life. Was I happy about it? ABSOLUTELY because it was the complete right thing for me to do TO be happy. He was toxic.

8. "I’m single right now and I’ve chosen to be single because I don’t have the time to get to know anybody. So it’s okay not to have sex, it’s okay to get to know people. I’m celibate. Celibacy’s fine." Do you think staying celibate between relationships important? Yes. There is too much freaky bad stuff out there that can KILL YOU. Is sex really worth dying for? HELL NO! Many of the diseases don't even have signs so you think you're fine and then 5 years down the road, you're fighting for your life...or trying to have kids and can't because the disease has screwed you up so badly. Nothing is worth that. Nothing.

9. "Fight and push harder for what you believe in, you'd be surprised, you are much stronger than you think." Tell us about an incident where you were stronger than you thought you were. When I finally stood up to my ex... when everyone else thought it was out of the blue... it was something I'd needed to do for several years. To stand up and say, "Because of you, I"m not who I am supposed to be. You've changed me and stripped me of my self confidence but no more." Going through that without the support of my mom... or my dad (though he didn't "NOT" support me.. he just didn't support me if that makes sense)... that was hard.

10. "I lie in bed and try to pray and breathe. I have a very overactive mind. I’m the sort of person who’d never take medication to calm myself. It’s maddening. But I love what comes out." Do you feel that you always have the ability to calm yourself? Yes, it's called exhaustion and it happens daily about 9:30 p.m. I have a very overactive mind as well. The weird bizarre things I think of just keep me awake at night... the constant lists... reminders... assignments. It's mind numbing actually but eventually I just look at my little Ben beside me and realize that nothing matters... I have the most important thing right there by me and nothing matters. Then I find peace and sleep.

Monday Mayhem

Welcome to Monday Mayhem. It's time for mayhem on a Monday! Today we are having fun with the "F-words" - well not THE "F-word", but the many others.

For each answer, see how many words that start with "F" that you can use (without having to use THE F-word).You can use other words but, make sure at least one word in each answer starts with the letter "F".
Have fun!

1. What's your favorite kind of pizza? French Bread pizza with garlic, chicken, mushroom and spinach! YUMMY!


2. What is the best day of the week and why? Family day! And... every day is family day in my house! :) Bonus!


3. If you were to go to McDonald's for lunch, what would you order? Fries...with Drew's Happy Meal


4. The phone rings and you're in a bad mood. You answer it and it's a telemarketer. What do you say? Forget about it... I'm not interested.


5. You're driving down the street, attempting to keep a safe distance between you and the person in front of you, some loud little car cuts in front of you. What do you do? Flip them off. :)


6. It's 95 degrees (35c) and the humidity makes it intolerable. Your friend who is vacationing for the month at a beach side home calls and asks you what your weather is like. What do you say? Freakin hot man...or, better yet, with sarcasm dripping off my tongue say, "Why, it's quite frigid, why do you ask?"


7. What happened to you or what have you done in the past week, that you would never want anyone else to have to go through? fishing boogers from a squirmy 3 month old's nose so that he could breathe


8. What would have rather been doing this past weekend? flying to Colorado!


9. What visions (as in people) would you rather not have to look at in the summer? fat bellies in tank tops, tons of cellulite flopping around in shorts


10. the bonus question

This is the socialite better known as "The Cat Lady." She found her millionaire hubby cheating on her and divorced him in 1999. They say that since then she has reportedly spent $4 million on plastic surgery.

In 20 words or more, using as many "F" words as possible, write a short paragraph on the above.

This female is freakishly frightening. They call her "cat woman" as her features resemble that of a feline. As scary as it may be, this is no fable. It is not fiction --it is fact! I find her fanatical, forlorn fetish with plastic surgery downright foul! Frankly, I wonder why anyone with fragile, feminine features would ever choose to favor the surgical fad that has swept through Hollywood. I wonder what her family thinks. Her father? Doesn't she fear fall-out of her friends from the flagrant errors of those she entrusted to "fix" her once normal facade. They should be felons for the damage they've inflicted on her! Does she fain to frequent this facilitator of far-out fashion again? I hope not!

Or, does SHE truly think she looks fabulous? How will she ever find a fellow or fiance with looks fitting a circus side show. Instead of surgery, she needs a fairy godmother to facilitate some therapy. Or, better yet, some feng shui of the face for her next appointment.

Okay...so Einstein wants to know, as do we, how many "F" words did you use without have to use "The F-word"?


Come link up and see what everyone else is saying at Monday Mayhem

Sunday Stealing

The guys at Sunday Stealing go about the blogosphere finding memes to steal from other blogs. I like to participate so here we go!



1. What curse word do you use the most? $hit, I don't know.

2. Do you own an iPod? I do not.

3. What person do you talk to on the phone the most? My husband probably.

4. Do you still remember the first person you kissed? I do.

5. Do you remember where you were on 11/9/01? I was sleeping and was awakened by a phone call telling me to turn on the news.

6. What was the last movie you watched? Love Comes Softly

7. Has anyone ever called you lazy? I'm sure someone has but they obviously don't know me.

8. Do you ever take medication to help you fall asleep? Yes, and it was THE BEST SLEEP I ever had.

9. Has anyone told you a secret this week? Nope

10. What is the first thing you notice about the opposite sex? Smile

11. What are you looking forward to? Losing weight

12. Do you own any band t-shirts? LOL,,, yes, Daughtry, Rick Springfield and Bon Jovi

13. What will you be doing in one hour? sleeping

14. Is anyone in love with you? I certainly hope so....

15. Last time you cried? about 30 minutes ago...

16. Are you on a desktop computer or a laptop? laptop and I hate it

17. Are you currently wanting any piercings or tattoos? nope

18. Would you ever date anyone covered in tattoos? nope, because Im married...duh

19. What were you doing before this? reading blogs

20. When is the last time you slept on the floor? does the floor of a tent count? if so...when I was 7 months pregnant

21. How many hours of sleep do you need to function? right now, as many as I can get

22. Do you eat breakfast daily? oui...its the most important meal of the day

He's home and pictures of Ben

Josh came home today. My mom went to pick him up at the airport for me. Drew was at a birthday party at a martial arts place (kickin boards and stuff). I signed her (and myself) up to receive flight status updates (departure confirmation, gate changes, arrival verification). The stupid thing changed gates about 8 times. Crazy!

He is so happy to be home. Smiles all around. You can just see how he is just relaxed and happy and so very glad to be here. He even buddied around with Drew since he got home. His friend Bailey came over to play with him and he actually told her that he'd been gone 3 weeks and just wanted to spend some time with his family!?! What kind of kid DOES THAT? MINE! :) He's so amazing.

He said that his dad told everyone up there that Josh had a "big butt." What a way to make your kid feel confident. He said that he'd commented a few times too on how "big" he was getting and he wasn't talking about tall. I verified it... the kid already suffers from body image issues... WHY in the world would someone say that to their kid? That's horrible.

HE came into my room while I was nursing Ben to talk. I love our talks. He told me that he was thankful I "warned" him prior to him going up there about potential conversations that may come up... because they did. He was glad to be prepared for them. He said that he's just glad the trip was over. He purged a bit. I just smiled and listened and validated his feelings.

Tonight is "guys night out" and they're all going to see Toy Story 3 in 3D. Ben and I are hanging out and enjoying a quiet evening. I just ordered some Chinese food (sesame chicken, chicken fried rice and crab rangoon) so that I could have dinner tonight and lunch tomorrow (and qualify with a large enough order to warrant free delivery!) :)

I was up today at about 5am. Ben didn't want to go back to sleep so .. about 6 I was up cleaning out all the maternity clothes from my closet. Damn I have a lot that I didn't wear. It's amazing how many you can accumulate with three pregnancies. Some were given to me, others bought second hand and a handful were purchased new. It was nice having a lot of variety. I'm ready to put them all on e-bay and/or Craig's list now! Especially the ones that I know will sell fast now (tank tops, swim suits, shorts and t-shirts). And this is after letting my friend Landy take two big bags of them home to use for her pregnancy, too. She's due in July!

One thing I did do ... which I hadn't done before was to buy some "transition" clothes. Before, I just wore maternity shorts for a bit until I shrank down enough to fit back into my larger clothes. I dind't want to do that this time. So, I DID bite the bullet and buy some transition clothes. Just a few but I can alreayd tell you that I feel worlds better having some "real" clothes to wear that fit. It's amazing what that can do for your self esteem! I mean, I TRY and TRY to fit into my old clothes but until I shed a few... it's just not happening and it was really depressing to continually wear those stupid maternity shorts. I said, "NO MORE!" I just want to be comfortable until I begin the losing process.

How is the process going to happen? SLOWLY! I DO want to get to where I'm running again... but I know at this point, it's all about baby steps. I will start walking in the mornings when it's nice and cool. You know, 85 degrees instead of walking when the heat index kicks it up to a balmy 105. I'd honestly rather have a really good treadmill and just do it on my own at home. See, if I go early in the morning, I'll be going by myself and leaving Ben here... and Andy sleeps until about 7:30 so he'd have to get up and watch Ben if he wasn't asleep already. I'm not sure he'd be too thrilled to do that. I'll have to ask. I do know, however, that I really want to start so unless he wants a fat wife, he's going to have to sacrifice an hour and half for me. If he goes to the gym, I'm watching all the boys myself. Why I feel so bad about taking that time for me is BEYOND ME!

The other thing I have discovered that I'm gong to HAVE to do is plan a menu. Seriously, plan the breakfast, snack, lunch, snack and dinner. I have to or I will fail (for the day -- not overall).

And the other big news is that tomorrow I'm going about this time (7ish) to meet my friend Amanda to do Ben's 3 month photo shoot. I simply CAN.NOT.WAIT! She takes some of THE most amazing photos. Mulberry Studios is the name of her company. I'm so honored she's already taken a few of Ben for me...check them out. These are Ben's newborn shots (he was 10 days old).

This is just a photo of me holding Benji in between shots. But doesn't she make this seemingly average shot... look AMAZING?!



I loved her basket and soft blanket. He did too. TOtally sacked out!
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And is this not the most precious little thing? I love that antique scale.


I think if I had a blanket THIS soft, I'd do the same thing!
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I don't know if he was yawning or trying to "talk" like... I can't lift this melon off the table yet lady... get me OFF of my stomach! I wanted to get one of those adorable "posed" shots where they rest their heads on their hand or all squished up on his tummy but he wasn't having ANYTHING to do with it!


Here's the colorized version. Remember, he was a month early. He didn't have a chance to get all fattened up yet...and his skin and little knees and everything was so wrinkly and skinny! Poor kid. Looked like I had starved him in utero.


And those long monkey feet and toes!



I DO believe the Easter Bunny brought me someone pretty darn special! Melts your heart a little, don't it?
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The weirdness of my house

Drew walks by quietly.
I hear a drawer open in the kitchen.
He walks back by me again with a calculator.
Me. "What are you doing?"
Drew. "I'm going to go to the bathroom."
Me. "Don't take my calculator with you to poop."
Drew. "But I need something to do."
Me. "Poop."
Drew. "That's no fun."
Me. "It's not supposed to be... bring me the calculator."
Drew. <> "I'm going to the potty now. Here."

Me... ewwww...what else has been taken in there? Ewwww...

Five Question Friday

Rules for Five Question Friday: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them, then link up to My Little Life (below)!


1. Do you know how to play a musical instrument? You know, when I was younger, I had an organ in my room. You know the old 70s models that were as big as a freakin piano! Yeah, one of those. I'd sit in there for hours writing "stuff" and learning to play from the books we had. But I couldn't tell you anything about it now. So, while I may at one time have been able to tickle the ivories, my "gut" tells me a big H to the double LL NO! (But I sure wish I did.) My son, Josh, takes guitar lessons. I've always said I will learn to play guitar before I turn 35. Since I'm 37, that goal was obviously was obviously not meant to be. So, now the goal is to learn before I'm 40. I think I'll have Josh teach me. That way I know I'm getting my money's worth!

2. What is your pet peeve while driving? I just can't stand the arrogance and rudeness people exhibit while hiding behind the wheel. Like, you SEE the stupid sign saying "LANE ENDS ONE MILE" and yet, you still speed ahead and then FORCE your way into the lane. I mean, would you just show up at a grocery store line to check out and then force yourself into the line because you found you didn't want to wait at the end or get in line when you could? Of course not! So why in the hell do you hide behind the anonymity of being in a car? How does that give you the right to do that NOW is beyond me.

3. Would you rather have a housekeeper or unlimited spa services? Anyone that knows me knows that's a NO BRAINER! A housekeeper. Hands down. I'm not a "spa girl." I don't enjoy having strangers touch me. I don't get masks, manis and pedis. I don't do microderm abrasion or Botox. I don't want hot rocks on my back or weird people I don't know touching my body. It creeps me out.

4. Is there a song that you hear that will take you back to the moment, like a junior high or high school dance? LOTS! I'm a very musical person. I don't necessarily associate particular songs with certain moments, more like "eras." We didn't have dances in junior high. Only one -- an 8th grade dance. Do I remember a single song from it? Heck no. LOL. I never went to homecoming... thought it was stupid to have a dance for a football game. I'm not all traditional like that. I don't get all caught up in the hoopla.... I'm more like..??? Yeah, so what. I think making these exorbitant "mums" for a dance that jingle and drag and make you trip and that weigh 40 pounds loaded full of crap made in China that probably has more toxins in the ribbon dye and trinkets than all of Home Depot... is just ridiculous.

5. What song best represents your life right now? OOOoh that's a good one! I think probably, "You're Gonna Miss This" by Trace Adkins is the one that comes to mind.Watch here

And, here are the lyrics....

She was staring out that window, of that SUV
Complaining, saying I can't
wait to turn 18
She said I'll make my own money, and I'll make my own rules
Mamma put the car in park out there in front of the school
Then she
kissed her head and said I was just like you

You're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by
so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may
not know it now
But you're gonna miss this

Before she knows it she's
a brand new bride
In a one-bedroom apartment, and her daddy stops by
He
tells her It's a nice place
She says It'll do for now
Starts talking
about babies and buying a house
Daddy shakes his head and says Baby just
slow down

'Cause You're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good
times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're
gonna miss this

Five years later there's a plumber workin' on the water
heater
Dog's barkin', phone's ringin'
One kid's cryin', one kid's
screamin'
She keeps apologizin'
He says they don't bother me
I've
got 2 babies of my own
One's 36, one's 23
Huh, it's hard to believe

But you're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're
gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna
miss this
You're gonna miss this
Yeah, you're gonna miss this

I think about this song because it reminds me...

...that time with these little people I'm honored to raise is fleeting.

...that the moments that I make big mountains out of are such molehills.

...that the things that really matter are matters of the heart and I have no doubts they'll "get it." Who really cares about a pair of dirty socks left on the floor again. When those boys are gone... they're gone. They're not coming back... so soak it all in while you can.... because you will miss it.

Another one I really like is Heart to Hearty by Toby Keith... check that one out. :)

Come join the fun each Friday at My Little Life

Friday Fill Ins

It's the weekend -- bring it on baby!

And...here we go!

1. On vacation, I like no electronic interruptions... just me and the quiet and the mountains. Immersed in 100% nature is the best place for me.
2. There are a lot of things I don't ever want to encounter in the ocean.
3. One of my favorite vacation spots is the National Forest in Estes Park, Colorado. It's heaven on Earth.
4. Rumor has it that the crazies come out during a full moon.
5. "Up, up and away!" Is something I can honestly say I've never said when it comes to ballooning over Colorado -- though I've always wanted to.
6. Bananas and strawberries make the best smoothies.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to making my grocery list and going to the store, finishing cleaning my casa and getting the house all lookin' good, tomorrow my plans include picking up Josh from the airport!!!!! He's coming HOME! and taking Drew to a Lowe's workshop to build a monster truck AND taking Drew to a birthday party and Sunday, I want to relax but I'm taking Ben to his 3 month photo shoot with Amanda as well as taking Josh to his end of season (football) party up at the clubhouse/pool!

Come link up and join the weekly fun! Friday Fill Ins

Supermom

You know you're supermom:

...when you take a 5 year old to the movies

...WITH a 12 week old in an infant car seat

...nurse him

...keep him sleeping

...keep him happy

...even get up and go to the bathroom while carrying said infant in one arm

... and survive with your wits intact! :)

Here's proof! Drew and his buddy, Evan, cheezin out for the camera.
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Ripped off

Disclaimer... these are NOT my musings. My friend, Felecia, posted them on her blog which she confessed to stealing from another friend who, I'm sure, stole them from somewhere else! I'm sure it's all a conspiracy to make the world laugh together, so I'm "in" on the happiness! I promise, you'll laugh too!

1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history when you die.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're dead wrong. Though I doubt that really happens much for us women, does it girls?

3. I totally regret all those times I didn't want to take a nap when I was younger. Would someone PLEEEEEEASE tell this to Drew?

4. There is great need for a sarcasm character on the keyboard.

5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet? Ha ha.. I'm SO glad I"m not the only one asking this question. I seriously just roll it into a nice ball and squish it into the linen closet. I hate folding sheets!

6. Was learning cursive really necessary? Yeee gads! Don't EVEN get me started on the whole cursive crap. I hate that they try to teach children today cursive that has little "tails" on the letters. I don't want my son thinking that "k" has a little curlie-q on the end. It's a very girlie way to write.

7. MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood. I seriously, SERIOUSLY laughed out loud on this one!

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they reported how the person died. I've thought this for YEARS!

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories. And good books and movies too!

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after BluRay? I sure don't want to have to restart my collection...again...for the fifth (or sixth?) time! Funny story. I just sent Andy an e-mail the other day telling him about BluRay. I'd never heard about it (I'm not the most technologically advanced matron on the planet, I'll admit.) He replied back, "You're joking, right?" Sadly, no. I wasn't.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save the changes to my ten-page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to. YOu too? Thank goodness I'm not alone. In the past, I'll actually save that with an altered title JUST IN CASE!

14. "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this - ever. I won't even BUY clothes you can't wash!

15. I hate it when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Damn it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voice mail. What did you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away? I think so. I just did that with my mom like 26 seconds ago.

16. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste. The whole reason comfy, stretchy, capri pants are part of the "mom" uniform.

17. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I'll know not to answer when they call. This is not entirely true. But I sure do have a lot of numbers in there for people who never seem to call me... OMG this is so funny. It IS true, too.

18. Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it. Like Grease...HELLO! OH I totally know what they mean about Grease! Except when I watched it with my 10 year old, he was like, "... Rizzo's got a bun in the oven? What's THAT mean?" "It means she's pregnant." "How can she be pregnant, she's not married?" "Hey, lets see what else is on."

19. I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in. This is my husband in a nutshell. :)

20. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger. As do 98.7% of the rest of our country.

21. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said? You laughed just now didn't you? You nodded and smiled and chuckled under your breath!

22. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars close up to prevent some jerk from cutting in. - Stay strong, brothers and sisters! You know, I'm someone that does that. When they have a sign a MILE BACK that says "Lane ends 1 mile ahead" and those jerks speed past people trying to get over and then not using a blinker try to force their way into the lane. That seriously pisses me off. So, I'll get over... and then ride 1/2 in the ending lane and 1/2 in the merge lane. :) Really ticks 'em off but it makes me happy. :) They all seem to get behind me and tell me I'm #1. :)

23. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

24. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

25. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'll bet everyone can find and whack the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1½ seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time! Why is that? I don't even use a snooze button.

26. My check the oil light has been on for three months now and nothing's happened. I'm starting to think that my car is just an attention whore.

27. I don't understand the purpose of the line, "I don't need to drink to have fun." Great, no one does. But why start a fire with flint and sticks when they've invented the match?

28. Sometimes I pretend not to remember details about people because having a good memory apparently equates to creepiness.

29. My GPS says "Estimated Arrival Time." I see "Time to Beat." My dad just drove from south Texas to New Mexico. His last point he said, "The GPS says it's about 14 hours. I'm thinking about eleven."

30. Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart", all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".

31. My keyboard needs a removable crumb tray like my toaster. I will be first in line to by the ergo version!

32. What would happen if I hired two private investigators to follow each other? THIS is freakin hilarious!

33. I wish it were appropriate to say to a complete stranger, "Excuse me, would you like me to show you how to discipline your child?"

34. I never understood why the Lions and Cowboys always get to play on Thanksgiving. Shouldn't the Patriots play the Redskins, and then steal their stadium afterwords?

35. Double-Stuffed Oreos should just be called Oreos, and regular Oreos should be called Diet Oreos. AMEN AMEN AMEN!

Signing up to be demeaned

I dont know anyone that hasnt seen previews for Hell's Kitchen. I'm sitting down to nurse Ben, can't find the remote so that is on right now. They curse too much first and foremost. However the thing that just freaks me the most... they're signing up to be demeaned and screamed at. I just don't think that what kind of abuse they're taking is any worse that those women that sleep their way to the top...it's still abuse of some sort. They're just choosing to do it in a more exposed forum... man. I wouldn't want something so much to have someone treat me like that. I'd bop that jerk in the head with a frying pan and tell him to shut the #(*) up too!

OAMC - ideas

I've been still eating from the freezer at least once or twice a week! It's awesome, let me tell you to just thaw a package of something and have dinner ready. I'm lovin' it!

I've been thinking of alternative ideas to find recipes (other than the cookbooks I purchased)... and then it came to me. Seriously, it came to me in my in box. I used dto go to places like "Dream Dinners" and such to prepare meals for the freezer. Why not use their ideas... find the recipes and freeze them MYSELF?! It HAS to be cheaper!

Some of the items on their menu this month...

• Garlic & Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak
• Mango Glazed Salmon
• Italian Pomodoro Burgers
• Surf & Turf Pinwheels
• St. Louis Smokehouse Ribs
• Savory Grilled Chicken w/ Sesame Honey Butter
• Southwest Chicken w/ Ciabatta Rolls
• Pesto Primavera Stuffed French Bread
• Sonoma Grilled Steak w/ Goat Cheese
• Sweet Chipotle Chicken over Egg Noodles
• Crispy Parsley Shrimp over Polenta
• Grilled Pork Chops w/ Sweet Potato Fries
• Hawaiian Chicken w/ Jasmine Rice (and doesn't the description they posted make it sound just that much better? "The Hawaiian Islands' unique regional flavor is highlighted in this popular Dream Dinner. Chicken breasts are simmered in pineapple, ginger and sweet peppers for an easy and delicious meal everyone will love. Serve over Jasmine rice (provided) for a truly tropical meal."
• Buttery Peanut Chicken w/ Brown Rice
• Hershey Cocoa and Espresso Rubbed Steak

I mean, who WOULDN'T want a freezer full of mouth watering dishes with names like that? So, I'll start doing a little investigation as far as getting THAT kind of stuff in to MY freezer (at a reduced cost). Mind you, I HAVE had their meals adn they're good, I'm just cheap.

So, we'll see what I find out and/or come up with.

I still haven't figured out how the OAMC people do it... do they come up with a menu...say like... at the first of July for AUGUST and then all through July SHOP for August so that you can buy thigns on sale. Then the first week of August have September's menu ready and have your OAMC day that first week. Then keep it up. That seems to be the only way you'll REALLY catch a sale and be able to do this inexpensively.

Gotta run... Captain Pampers hasn't decided to cooperate with me today. :(

Monday Mayhem

Welcome to Monday Mayhem. Today's meme is based on Father's Day. For each prompt, use your judgement on what the best answer may be. You do not have to use your father if you do not want to as a basis for your answers.

Have fun!

1. What is your father's middle name? Andrew

2. Where was your father born? Arkansas (I think... )

3. What was the most influential piece of history that took place during your father's childhood? The Vietnam War

4.Who were/are your father's role models? I'm going to go out on a limb here and say Jesus Christ.

5.What is your earliest memory with your father? I remember when my dad would have us for the weekend and he'd work extra duty jobs (he was a Dallas cop) and I'd go ride with him on his jobs in the back seat.

6.What is your favorite childhood memory with your father? I have such a horrible memory... isn't that sad? I don't have a "favorite" memory...

7. What color eyes does your father have? Blue, just like mine.

8.Did you buy your father a Father's Day gift? What was it if so? No, I made them. I'm not saying what they were because we're not giving it to them (ALL dads) until Josh is back in town this Saturday. :)

9.Is there anything you would like to tell your father that you could or did not? Nope.

10.What was your father's biggest influence on you? That being honest and Christlike is the way to live. Be there for people that need you. Be there for people that don't KNOW they need you.

11.What good advice did your father give to you? When you lie to someone, they won't believe anything you say. You have to be someone who says what they mean, and means what they say. No one controls how you feel or react to something. You are in control of your own emotions. By getting upset about matters does nothing but give the other person control over you. Don't give them that control.

12.What would you like to pass on to your children that your father passed on to you? An example of service unto others. Simplicity in living. Honesty. Not gossiping. Not speaking ill of another.

13. What famous father would you not mind having as your father? Leave it to Beaver's Dad was pretty cool! Or Mr. Cunningham! :) Or Bill Cosby ... Mr. Huxtable (?) from The Cosby Show. He was awesome!

14. What three traits do good father's have in common? They love the Lord. They love their wives. They lead by example.

15. Give us your most favorite quote made by a father. ... that whoever believe in me shall not perish but have life everlasting...

Enjoy your Father's Day no matter who your 'Father' may be :)

Come link up and see what everyone else is saying at Monday Mayhem

Sunday Stealing

The guys at Sunday Stealing go about the blogosphere finding memes to steal from other blogs. I like to participate so here we go!

1. The phone rings; who don't you want it to be? A telemarketer. I hate being rude but I hate that they call. I know they have a job to do but I don't like to waste my time with their stupid surveys or telling them "no" however many times it takes to get them off the phone. It pains me to be rude to someone but I loathe telemarketers' jobs.

2. When shopping at the grocery store, do you return your cart? If I have my kiddos, usually. Josh loves to take them back. I honestly make a conscious effort to park NEAR a return bin so that it's easy for me TO return my cart. If it's just Ben and I... depends on the time of day, traffic, heat, etc. But, honestly, I do my very best to return my cart.

3. In a social setting, are you more of a talker or a listener? Talker, definitely.

4. What was the last compliment that someone gave you? Andy hugged me yesterday and said that I was such a wonderful mother. After all the sacrifices he makes for me and Drew and Josh and Ben... I think HE is the wonderful one.

5. Do you play the lottery? Not a chance.

6. If abandoned alone in the wilderness, who would you want with you? Bear Grylls. :) He can get you out of anything!

7. Do you like to ride horses? Absolutely! I'd love to have one or two some day.

8. Did you ever go to camp as a kid? I don't recall ever going to a summer camp of any sort. My mom was a single mom for a while... we didn't have a lot of money to do such things. My summers were spent with my grandmother a lot of the time, working.

9. What is your favorite party game? I love games! I love Outburst, Life, Monopoly, Liverpool Rummy, Pictionary! I LOVE GAMES! Not playing favorites!

10. If a sexy person was pursuing you, but you knew he/she was married, would you go for it? Not only no, but HELL NO.

11. When was the last time that you lied? On the last answer. JUST KIDDING! Hmmm... I don't know. I try to be very transparent. No one can live in a web of lies for too long without getting caught.

12. Could you date someone with different religious beliefs than you? I don't know. Religious views really translate to how people live their lives, value other people/animals, other's place in the world. I couldn't be with someone who didn't hold women as an equal to a man or that held animals as sacred or something. People that didn't listen to music or dance... that spoke in tongues...that's all weird. I guess I'd have to say... no then, huh? LOL

13. If you have a S/O, who pursued who? If not, do you like to pursue or be pursued? He pursued me. I don't like to be pursued or to pursue. I like things to just happen if they're meant to be. I won't chase anyone.

14. Use six words to describe yourself. Honest. Loyal. Hardworking. Mother. Dependable. Creative.

15. Name a song that could make you cry? Angels Among Us by Alabama. Reminds me of my grandmother.

16. Are you pleased with your education? Not so much. I'm always eager to learn more and go back to school.

17. How do you feel about gun control? I think guns should be legal. People need to be able to defend themselves. The "bad guys" will always be able to get guns so if you take them from the good, law-abiding citizens, you're leaving them as sitting ducks. How fair is that?

18. If your house was on fire, what thing would be the first thing you grabbed? My children.

19. How often do you have a romantic weekend? Never. Pathetic, isn't it?

20. Do you think more about the past, present or future? I'd say the present and the future. The past is gone and there's nothing you can do about it. The present is a gift and the future is something to plan for NOW in the present.

21. What was the last adult magazine that you have read? What is an "adult" magazine? Does that mean like Playboy or some other smut? Or like, Newsweek or Time or something. I don't read them. I read Family Circle and Family Fun and Taste of Home. :)

22. What are you told about your eyes? They're beautiful (and very blue). I'm told I have long eyelashes.

23. How tall is just right? For me or for someone else? I'd love to be about 5'7" Then I'd actually have a waist instead of boobs and then hips. I hate not having a torso.

24. Where is your dream house located? In my dreams, DUH! :) Estes Park, Colorado. But it's only a dream home if my family is there with me.

25. Do you have a secret fetish? IF I told you it wouldn't be a secret anymore, now would it? LOL...

26. Have you tried bourbon? If yes, what type? I don't think so. I mean, I've had Jack Daniel's and Coke. I'm not a drinker, however, so I'm not one to experiment with different types.

27. Have you ever seen a male or female stripper? In the movies, yes. In person, no. Oh wait, I take that back. I was at a dance club once and they brought a girl out on the floor and a guy stripped for her there (down to a thong) but I didn't care to watch. I think it's gross. I went to the bar with my friend and sat until it was over. I've never stepped foot inside a strip club. They just repulse me. The stupidity of the men shoving money down the girl's thongs... the girls that "ho" themselves out for money...

28. When was the last time you were at TGI Fridays? When my dad was in the hospital having knee surgery I ate lunch at a TGI Friday's in Arlington while I was waiting for him to come out of recovery.

29. When was the last time you were at Church? ...a couple of weeks ago.

30. Where was the furthest place you traveled today? ?Today? To the kitchen. LOL

31. What was your favorite job? Being a mom... hands down.

32. What condiments do you like at your BBQ? I think it's weird how people call it a BBQ when you're actually just grilling something. If it's truly a BBQ, then you have bar-be-que sauce! That's the only condiment necessary at a BBQ.

33. Bud is hosting Thursday Thunks this week. Will you play? No, because I don't know what it is. :) Sorry, Bud.

34. Do you look like your mom or dad? I've been told I look like my dad.

35. Who was the last person that you showered with (it's okay to leave out the name)? Drew. He was overly tired but dirty and stinky. He needed a quick wash off and to go to bed so I made him get in the shower with me... 30 seconds later, he was out and getting ready for bed.

Week recap...and then some

I decided to take a week of from blogging. It was nice. Drew started his swimming lessons on Monday. They're 20 minutes away and an hour long. I basically spent every day driving around for 40 minutes or so to keep Ben happy (and not sweat my patootie off). However, by the end of the week it was an amazing sight to see my little guy jump feet first in the deep end and SWIM to the end of the pool! I feel MUCH better about letting him swim at his friends' homes and such.

This week also started his tournament week of t-ball. I had mixed feelings about this because a) it was SO stinkin' Africa hot outside and b) I knew Ben couldn't be out in that heat every day without making my evening a complete disaster. It's not like Andy and I could trade off and he watch Ben while I went one night (because I"m nursing). I don't have a stockpile of bottles made because when he does nurse, he nurses on both sides. As such, I don't have bottles in the freezer to feed him. :( I still marvel at how moms can do that (build a stockpile while exclusively breastfeeding.)

So, Monday was the first game. You have to remember, too, that this is a group of RECREATIONAL 4 and 5 year old players going up against three teams of SELECT 6 and 7 year olds. The odds were definitely stacked against us. The first game was 20-18. They were two runs from tying the game! How awesome! Ben lasted about 1/2 the game and then decided he hated the wind in his face (you know how babies can't breathe in the wind) so we nursed and waited it out in the car the 2nd half of the game.

Tuesday was the second game. Since his Mimi and Pop and Dad were all going to be there, I stayed home with Ben knowing that I'd just go to the next day's game. They lost a little worse on this round. Apparently, one of the teams we were to go up against on Wednesday had a player injured... apparently there was a play coming to home plate so the catcher took his face mask off. The upcoming batter wasn't paying attention to this and took a practice swing which, in turn, clocked the kid right between the eyes. His feet actually left the ground, he flew backwards and was out for a second. Blood was everywhere. There was a dent in his head. There was a nurse and a doctor (parents) in the audience. They triaged him until they could get him to the hospital. The poor child got ten stitches in his face. :(

So anyway, one of the kids taking lessons with Drew is the little brother of one of Drew's best friends (Austin). Austin is on the team of the injured boy. Because of the injury, they forfeited their game to us on Wednesday so I didn't have to go (oh shucks!) But anyway, at swimming lessons, Austin told me how he took a ball to the face two days before. It was so bad that you could see the STITCH MARKS OF THE BALL ON THE BRUISE!!!??! Geeze, I'm so not ready for this. SO NOT READY.

Since they had a "select team" it means they're a traveling tournament team. Travelling to play ball ... at the age of SIX? What the hell? Seriously, they drove to AUSTIN to play t-ball games....for SIX YEAR OLDS?! A double header on Saturday AND on Sunday. Every day they don't have a game,they practice at least an hour and a half. I'm sorry, but... NO WAY! That's freakin ridiculous. I would expect these kids to burn out in the next three years. I just don't get it man.

Wednesday was also my mother-in-law's birthday. We sent her a lovely bouquet of flowers. Because they're beautiful and when you have someone that has everything they need/want, that's the next best thing to give someone beautiful something beautiful.

Thursday, we got up and Drew couldn't decide what he wanted for breakfast. Finally, I got him to eat one piece of blueberry toast. After that we went to swimming lessons. I asked him what he wanted to eat. No ideas. He asked for Chick Fil A and McDonald's (both of which he'd already had)... I tend to spoil him a little while Josh is out of town because he misses lunches with his brother. He couldn't decide. I knew I needed to go to the store to get snacks for the last game -- Thursday night. He had no idea what to eat for lunch. I made myself a sandwich, ate, cleaned up the mess and he still had no idea what he wanted. I said, "We're going to the store. Lunch is over." And away we went. I convinced him to get some chicken tenders from the deli and he actually took and ate AN ENTIRE SAMPLE of chicken salad! CHICKEN SALAD?! The kid ate it?! I was just beyond blown away. (He must have been really hungry! Ha ha) Their last game was played on Thursday and thankfully it's over. There was supposed to be another tournament series this weekend but we have plans and I think that his attention span for baseball was just about spent.

Friday we just chilled at home all morning, went to swimming lessons and like I said above, HE SWAM! :) In the morning before lessons, he wanted to just play Legos. After swimming lessons, his buddy Evan came over and they disappeared upstairs to conquer Darth Vader on Lego Star Wars. I didn't see those kids until Greg came to pick up Evan. It was a hoot. They had a great time together. I ordered pizza for dinner and finished the laundry.

Saturday was Parent's Night out at ASI. Greg picked up the tab and both the boys went up there to run, eat pizza (ha ha...) and play play play! Drew loves it!

He was exhausted when he came home (you can tell because he's ridiculously emotional) and went to bed and actually slept in!

Today... today is Father's Day. We'll celebrate by having homemade lasagna at Andy's parent's house. I didn't purchase cards, because the boys make theirs. I won't give gifts, however, until Josh gets back next weekend. So, we'll have a celebratory dinner today in honor of these two great men, but we'll have a complete "Father's Day" when our family is once again complete with Josh. Speaking of fathers, my dad just called to say hi. He's on his way to Ruidoso, New Mexico, to be a camp counselor to a group of 3rd graders at a single parent camp that he helps out with through the church every year. What a great example of self sacrifice to give these youth a good role model. I'm proud to share my dad with them this Father's Day.

Five Question Friday

Rules for Five Question Friday: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them, then link up to My Little Life (below)!


1. What is your favorite thing about summertime? My favorite thing is the "idea" of summer -- watermelon, swimming pools, free time, late nights. The reality of it is that it's not a lot of fun when you start pouring sweat the moment you walk out the door from it being 108 heat index at 11 a.m.


2. What is your ideal retirement location (if money didn't matter)? Ideal... near wherever my children are. However, from what I understand, retirement -- I don't know I think as I get older, retirement means different things. I used to think "retirement home" when I thought retirement which is old old old! Now I just think , next chapter. I want to be in Colorado. I WILL be back there someday, even if it's just as my family sprinkles my ashes in the mountains... But then I think of snow and ice and realize that may not be fun as an old broad. I'll fall and break a hip. No wonder all the old people move to the desert or the beaches of Florida!


3. Do you live in the same town you grew up in? No, but I'm only 20 minutes away.


4. What nervous habit did you have as a child that you kicked to the curb before becoming an adult? I didn't have one (and still don't.)


5. What is the most embarrassing thing that happened to you while on the job? Wow... random. Um... hmm.. I can't think of anything truly embarrassing but I'm sure something's happened. Perhaps I've blocked it out.

So...like the new do?

I started playing around with blggers new layouts. I decided to try on pink.

Whatta ya think?

Sunday Stealing

The guys at Sunday Stealing go about the blogosphere finding memes to steal from other blogs. I like to participate so here we go!

1. You’re building your dream house. What’s the one thing that this house absolutely, positively MUST HAVE? (other than the obvious basics of course). Definitely a wrap around porch. Definitely! I'm a sucker for the old country farmhouse with the wrap around porch or even the old, plantation style homes that have wrap-around porches (mostly, in the South, out of necessity as the shade provides a break from the sun but still just as beautiful!)

2. What is your dream car? One that is paid for. Ha ha! Seriously, I don't have a "dream" car. I want one that is functional for the point in my life I am in, the insurance is reasonable as is the gas mileage while still looking somewhat sleek. Right now it's a mini van... It's a dream car because that's what meets those criteria. In the end, however, it's just a car. Who cares. I'm not defined by what I drive.

3. What is your favorite website that isn’t a blog? I don't know if this will count but probably my iGoogle Reader. It's NOT a blog but it allows me to FOLLOW my blogs!

4. iPhone 4 or Droid, which do you want? I know nothing of either so neither.

5. When you’re feeling down or lonely or just generally out of sorts, what do you do to cheer yourself up? Doing something special for others typically cheers me up.

6. Tell me about something or someone that you love that most people seem to hate. See #2 above... about the minivan... yeah, most people seem to have the same feelings about minivans that I did. They're just jealous that I've got the swagger wagon!

7. What do you want to be when you grow up? Old.

8. Would you go on a reality show if given the chance? Absolutely not. Life is enough of a reality show for me.

9. Who was your favorite teacher when you were growing up. (Grade school, Middle School, Jr. High or High School only.) It's funny that the question gives you all these options and then says "only" as if there are any other teachers. I mean, in college, they're professors, right? I loved my elementary school teachers. They were everything that elementary teachers were supposed to be... and more. Mrs. Carol Schober was one of them (4th grade) that was just extra special to everyone she came in contact with. Then again, I loved Mrs. Morris, my 3rd grade teacher. She was a former Marine Drill Instructor and I remember her being honored at our school one day and receiving a military award. It was really cool. I always had the teachers everyone said were "bad" and "mean" and "strict" and they were always my favorite teacher of the teachers for that grade level. I'd say it'd be a toss between my 3rd and 4th grade teachers.

10. You get one pass to do something illegal or immoral. What are you gonna do? I'm too Pollyanna and Jiminy Cricket to do something like that. I'd take the pass and let it go.

11. What were you doing 10 years ago? Ten years ago would be Summer of 2000. I was caring for a little boy who was a little over a year old. We were getting read to move from Beavercreek, Ohio, to Irving, Texas, to live with my father while my (now) ex was getting ready to attend dental school at Baylor in Dallas.

12. By this time next year, I ... will be well below my goal weight! Heck, I hope to be there by Christmas. They say nursing moms are only supposed to lose one pound a week. Phooey!

13. Do you think the United States will elect a female President in your lifetime? Do you think this would be a good thing? I'm somewhat sexist with the typical "roles" associated with a few things male and female. I hate listening to women sports casters. I just know that they sound ridiculously fake and frankly, I just don't like it. When you can don pads and a helmet and take a tackle, then you've earned the right to be a football sportscaster. Until then, shut your piehole. I seriously don't like them. Not.At.All. I think that a female President could be elected in my lifetime but I seriously doubt it. I think it would hurt relations with a lot of potential allies. Why? Because many nations do not see women as equals...thus our nation would be less than equal or superior.... not that there will be much left of it after Obama has his way.

14. Which fictional, TV show character you would shag anytime? TV show? Wow... I don't know who any of the TV hotties are anymore because I don't watch TV. :( Is Rick Springfield still on General Hospital? Bwa ha ha ha...

15. What is your greatest pet peeve? I have too many. Seriously, I do. Sometimes I feel like a witch because of it and wonder how my wonderful husband can stand it. I can't stand going through a drive through and the person taking my order and my money is rude. I can't stand telemarketers at dinnertime (when they always seem to call). I can't stand that my kids can't seem to not just throw their shoes all over the floor ultimately leaving them for me to trip over. It bugs me that I'm the only one that notices when the toilet paper runs out and the naked, cardboard roll is on the holder still but now with a roll of toilet paper sitting atop because it requires too much effort to change it out and put the empty roll in the recycle bin. People that don't recycle bug me... the world isn't disposable. ... Like I said, seriously, I could go on forever. I'm a neurotic mom.

16. Tell me about your most recent trip of more than 100 miles? I haven't had a trip of more than 100 miles recently. Sorry to disappoint. :)

17. Which do you use more often, the dictionary or the thesaurus? Dictionary. Though I do love to flip through the thesaurus. A strong, diverse vocabulary is such an awesome skill to possess.

18. Do you have a nickname? What is it? Not really. My friend, Eric, calls me Tater because I will say "Later tater" to him. My husband calls me "honey" and the boys (depending on their mood) will call me "Mom" or "Mooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooom" (the latter of which is extremely annoying.)

19. What are you dreading at the moment? Starting my diet tomorrow, figuring out what I'm going to feed the family for the week and planning our week of fun... and now apparently Drew's week of tournament baseball games... for fun. Yuck.

20. Do you worry that others will judge you from reading some of your answers? I don't worry about much of anything anyone else thinks because if I wasn't my true self, I wouldn't be a sincere person. I don't have to have the popular or the right answer for them. I have to have the right and truthful answer for me.

21. In two words, explain what ended your last relationship. Sadly, my last relationship to end was a friendship. It was ended by... two words... long distance.

22. What were you doing this morning at 8am? answering this

23. Do you have any famous relatives? Not that I'm aware of... I know we're descendants of Robert E. Lee or some famous historical figure but I don't recall.

24. How many different beverages have you drank today? None. Wow, I need to go get a drink. We're almost out of milk and I have to go to the store so I didn't want to drink the last bit.

25. What is something you are excited about? Josh coming home on the 26th

26. When was the last time you spoke in front of a large group? I have done it monthly for the last 2 years at Cub Scout Pack meetings. Speaking before groups of people doesn't bother me at all.

27. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought? You have GOT to get a hairstyle AND a tan.

28. What were you doing at midnight last night? Thankfully, I was sleeping.

29. What’s a word that you say a lot? Thanks.

30. Who is your worst enemy. Me.

Anyway

Shamelessly stolen from one creative writer that I really enjoy reading (check her out!) Authentically Brandt

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered; Forgive them anyway…

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway…

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway…

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest anyway…

What you spend years building, someone may try to destroy overnight, Build anyway…

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; Be happy anyway…

Give the world the best you have, it may never be enough; Give the world the best you’ve got anyway…

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and GOD; It was never between you and them anyway.

My dog Lola

My dog Lola is a freak of nature. Seriously.

It's 6:30 a.m. and I let the dogs out to pee. She does her business only about 2" into the grass becuase -- Heaven forbid -- she may miss the opportunity of that open door to come back into the house again...

Seriously, it's like 80 degrees outside already and she's SHIVERING at the door on the back porch. she stands there, like some little freak, STARING at all the windows and both doors... like a mental patient. There has to be some hope for her. It's ridiculous. SHIVERING? Are animals afraid of the dark? Oh wait, it's not DARK OUTSIDE AT ALL.

So she's just going for the guilt factor? I'll shiver. They'll feel guilty. They open the door. I go inside.

I got to take it in today...

I still get teary eyed and weepy when I look at how much Ben's already grown. How I delivered this handsome little 6 pound 6 ounce miracle of God exactly 12 weeks ago today. Yes, that's right. He's 3 months old! THREE MONTHS OLD ALREADY?! Where does the time go.


I realized tonight, too, that I don't have any pictures of me with him. I'm ALWAYS behind the camera and you know what? I HATE THAT! I am going to start making sure I take monthly (if not weekly) photos with my boys. I don't want the only memory of my time with them by looking of pictures of them looking like orphans because there are not pictures in my scrapbooks of them WITH PARENTS! What's up with that...???


But Ben.. he's my last... I need photos with me and him. I need to remember this time. I need it for me.


I look at how small he is... and then at Drew who I considered my "baby" and see that he (Drew) is SUCH a big boy now... he's growing up so fast. I feel like I just blinked and they're growing up too quickly. I want a pause button for this part of my life. I love the ages and stages they're at. I love all their goofy little habits and insecurities.


Ben... he's finally (in the last week) starting to find his voice. I love how he makes little squealy sounds not only on his exhale but also on his inhale too. I love how when he nurses, he takes the hand on the underside and will systematically pulsate it against my skin or pulse my finger with his other hand... I love his goofy little head... how he's starting to hold it up and it just bobbles to and fro. I love giving him a bath every day so that when the water runs over his hair, I can see that it's CURLY! I'm ecstatic to have a curly haired boy! I love having him next to me at night...


Drew... it's amazing how much he's grown. He's my independent one. Give this child a box of Legos and an instruction manual and he's gone for hours. He's getting better in the last week or so of picking up each of his little explosions before moving on to create a new one. He's in speech still for his "s" and "th" sound. He'll do just fine. He's just gotten lazy with his tongue. Once he remembers, he really does enunciate his words well. We'll get there. I crack up at how he thinks we should eat lunch out every day and how his favorite place is Subway "eat fresh." His favorite sandwich is a ham on wheat with lettuce, cucumber and bell peppers. Cheese? Nope. Toasted? Nope. Mayo? Mustard? Nope. Nope? He's my negotiator. Bath time is over. Ten more minutes? Five. Seven? Six. Okay! He has entered the stage of wanting to wear whatever he wants to wear, most of the time, I let him -- even if it winds up looking like he's a hobo. Just kidding. We don't have anything that looks like that. He just is mismatched and in play clothes to go to places that he should wear a collared shirt and nice shorts. We're working on shoe tieing. He's learning to cut up his own veggies and has discovered he loves zucchini after helping me chop it for a salad the other day. He likes to "do school" and will take blank pieces of paper and write his arithmetic tables down... such an amazing kid. If you raise your voice to him, he is literally heartbroken and will start to cry. He hates for anyone to be mad at him. He, like Josh, really aims to please.


Josh... wow... he's just a tender heart. He's in a position that's unfortunate (being from divorced parents and apparently, having a home at one place and the other trying to entice him to move there). I'm going to put him in counseling. He's going to be going back to Fort Worth Christian this year and I'm excited for him. I know it will be a good change. If he chooses to go back to home schooling after this year, I will welcome the opportunity. I have seen nothing but amazing benefits from homeschooling. We've been able to grow so much closer and I'm learning tons about the kind of person he is. And, unlike others in his life (no names will be spoken here), I think he's turning into an amazing person and I really like who he has and is becoming. He's witty, caring, musical, artistic, funny and ... well, he's pretty darn cute, too! I will say, he's a little messy BUT I don't know many 11 year old boys that really enjoy keeping their room clean on their own without constant prodding from mom. If they are, I think, perhaps, they're abnormal!


...and about today...


Today, Drew has a birthday party to attend at an indoor rock climbing gym. My dad wanted to do something with him before he left town Monday for a golf tourney down south. I hadn't traded in my old pool card for a new one yet so we can't get into the community pool so he took him to the party for me. Thank God! Ben was nursing every 2-3 hours instead of every 4 like usual. Growth spurt. He wasn't happy in his swing. He didn't want to be in the bouncy chair. He wasn't happy in the stroller. He didn't want to be in the bed. He actually was pretty grumpy UNTIL I took him to the rocking chair. At that point, he did that crazy eye thing babies do where they have rapid eye movement and then are instantly out like a light. He wanted to be held and rocked in the chair. I leaned the chair back and let the kiddo sleep... for 2 hours! I held this wonderful, beautiful little man for two hours and took it all in. It was great!


So.. with Josh up in Iowa tonight...sending me text messages with misspelled words, Drew wanting to swoon over his little brother (as always) and Ben being the little one left to hold... I'm going to go rock my baby to sleep.

Calendaring

Something I **really** and I mean REALLY struggle with is my calendaring. I really enjoy having my paper calendar. So while I utilize Microsoft Outlook to keep track of my addresses, e-mail, task list, notes and calendar, I still like to have some sort of paper calendar.

However, I really miss having a spiral bound organizer/calendar. I don't know why but I really do.

The one thing that has always been a struggle for me, however, is how to most effectively utilize them without feeling like I'm ridiculously duplicating my efforts. What do I mean?

Well, they always have a 2 page full month calendar in the front of the 2-page per week layouts that comes behind it. So, what do you put on the BIG calendar in the front? Do you just list birthdays or just put times and initials and then put things in more detail on the pages with more room?

Seriously, I need help. I feel so stupid that at 37 I still don't have this simple part of my life *together* yet.

Five Question Friday

Rules for Five Question Friday: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them, then link up to My Little Life (below)!

1. What do you think makes a good friend, or friendship?
I think a good friend is someone who will be there when you need them... someone that you can NOT talk to for any period of time but when you do talk again...it's like there was never a break... someone who will cry with you or be mad with you... someone that will bring the shovel when you need to bury the body (ha ha...) Someone who knows your ugly secrets and loves you anyway. But, it's also someone that when you're wallowing in a sea of self pity, will smack ya across the jowls and say, "GET YOUR BUTT IN GEAR..." I guess that means someone that will motivate you to fight for yourself if necessary.

2. What is the last thing you bought & later regretted?
Wow, it's been so long that I bought anything substantial. Probably something like a pair of shoes or pants or something that didn't fit.

3. Have you ever had a prank played on you?
No, why? You gonna try?

4. What is your favorite theme park?
My favorite THEME Park would have to be Epcot or the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. I LOVE MICKEY MOUSE! :) I love seeing my kids having fun in that fantastical wonderland. I adore the parades. I appreciate the artisianship. I love the food. I live for the fireworks. I love the excess. I love Disney! :)

My favorite AMUSEMENT park, however, would be Cedar Park in Sandusky, Ohio! It's America's Rockin' Roller Coast! It's THE BOMB! It has... like... a gazillion coasters and they're all fun and different and amazing! I love the Raptor where your feet hang below, or the Mantis where you stand up

5. Have you ever seen someone else give birth?
Only on video and it was like circa 1970... just imagine. Ewwww...


I'm linked to My Little Life