And 2 down

Now the apron is done. I'll be posting pics soon. It turned out pretty cute, but I'm tired and heading off to bed.

One item down

So I managed to finish Bug's first skirt tonight, and she came home and informed she only needed one after all. Good news, except for the 9 yards of material I already purchased. Now I need to get the apron done, and then possibly a shirt, but probably not. I'm thinking the long sleeve cream tshirt will have to do for this extra special extra.

And why is it so cold all the sudden? It was chilly this afternoon. I did manage to get the Monster outside and playing for several hours this afternoon, which was nice. Hopefully he'll sleep well tonight. Which is what I need to do now. Night!

Just a little Walk - Fun Monday

Angela is our host again this week.

I'm going to make it a nice and easy Fun Monday this week. All I want you to do is take me on your favourite walk. In words or pictures. Or both of course! Tell me why it's your favourite and point out things of interest on the way.

My favorite walk occurs every night. First, it requires me to haul my butt up off the couch. From there it progresses into my kitchen to turn out the lights and get the last little bit of beverage to take my pills. Then I head up the stairs. At the top of the stairs, I set my drink on the railing and take a complete 180 into the first bedroom...the Monsters. There I kiss his cheek or forehead, remind him that I love him, turn off his IPod, and usually try not to laugh out loud at how funny he sleeps. Arms splayed, or butt up in the air, or even on the wrong end of the bed. It's so cute. From his door I turn left and head into the pink, girly wonderland that is PB's room. A quick kiss on her cheek or forehead, turn the IPod off, and head out through the treacherous waters know as her floor. Out her door and to an immediate left again, open the door and glance in on Bug. Turn her music down. Close her door, grab my drink on the way by, and head into my own room. It's time to rest, and I've made sure my babies are all safe and sound in dreamland.

Remind me that I love her...

Bug reminds me this weekend that she needs a costume for the school musical that's in less than 2 weeks. She needs TWO skirts, a shirt and an apron or vest, Scottish if you please. Oh, and her drama instructor hasn't assigned clans yet, so she's not sure what colors she'll be needing them made from.

So off to the not so fun local fabric chain to pick out material. And I told her to figure out a color and go with it, and the instructor would have to deal. They didn't pull out the costumes until a week or so ago, they only have kilts for the boys, and they haven't decided who is going to be with each of the clans (of course, this is what the 14 year old is telling me. I know it may not be 100% accurate). Am I off to say that the costumes should have been one of the first things reviewed after assigning roles? With enough time, I would have offered to help create costumes. I'm very frustrated, but this isn't the first time this has happened (different teacher though), and it's widely thought that she will be gone next year, so I'm sucking it up and moving on. But I've made a note that if she does the school productions next year, I'm speaking to the teacher very early.

Yee Haw!

The fam and I went to see Jake Owen this evening. We were actually supposed to go last fall, but he was sick and had to postpone the show. We were lucky to score free tickets through the local USO when it was originally scheduled, and they were still good tonight. So we took the kids along. It was a very good concert. His drummer and bass player were very entertaining. The lady that was doing the sign language gave the Monster her copy of the set list, and PB and Bug got several of the band members to autograph it for him. Of course, he spent the majority of the concert with his ears covered, and the last 20-30 minutes of it passed out. But all in all, it was a very good concert, and we all had a very good time. Now it's time for bed. Night all!

...and I feel fine

After a busy day at work, then grocery shopping and a little bit of running around, DDS and I went to dinner. And I decided to have a drink with dinner. Let me tell you, Applebee's makes some big drinks, and our bartender was not pouring light. I actually had to ask for more soda after a few sips. But that strawberry mint mojito sure was yummy. And that with a soak in the hot tub made for one relaxed mama. That's a way to spend your Friday evening.

Guided by grace

Today was a day for me to realize how thankful I am for where I am in my life. I have a wonderful family, a decent job, a nice house and cars, and I'm relatively healthy. And I don't generally take it for granted. But today was a day for me to really take a good look around and be thankful. I was able to go outside with my hubby and hang out in the hammock. Our neighbor ishaving a tough time in her personal life right now, and hearing her story made me thankful for my life. I truly believe that God doesn't give us more than we can handle, and recently, I've been very thankful that I found my faith in a way that gives me strength and peace.

I believe in God. I believe that he has a plan for our lives, and that the things that are put in our paths are there to help guide us. We still have to choose to see those guides, and sometimes we choose wrong. He still guides us.

I read this post earlier this evening and a lot of the comments that followed. In it, the author is questioning faith. Faith is hard. But I think the key is that you have to understand what that faith is about. It doesn't mean that just because you pray for something, God will give it to you. What we think we want or need may not be what is in his plan for us. Faith is knowing that whatever this hard time is, it's happening for a reason. Faith is asking God not to make everything beautiful and perfect all the time, but asking him to provide you with the strength and peace to get through it. This is hard. As the counselor pointed out to me yesterday, I want to fix things. I want to make things better. And that makes it hard for me to step back and place it in God's hands. But I'm learning, and even when I forget, he doesn't.

Happy Love Thursday. Remember that life is short, and hug your loved ones.

Short today

It has been a very long day. A long, boring training class this morning, an appt with a counselor for PB this afternoon, and a phone call right before that about my mother being in a car accident. She is okay, bruised and sore, but okay. And I'm exhausted. So off to soak a bit, then bed for me. Good night.

Bugs? ARGH!

As I mentioned over there on my cast of characters, PB is terrified of Bugs. I'm not sure that terrified is even a strong enough word. I'm talking about a child that would dart into oncoming traffic to not be even near a bug. Over the years, we've worked past flies, ants and ladybugs...or so I thought. Apparently Horse flies do not count in the fly category...they are their own category. This is a serious problem...she goes from normal to insane in less than 10 seconds. It's scary. And DDS and I are at our wits end about what to do about it. When she was a young toddler, she was terrified of regular flies, and somehow she got over that. Then it was ants, and she got over that. But the other day, it was a bug smaller than an ant, on the outside of the closed window. So tomorrow, DDS and I go talk to a counselor. I'm not against her being afraid, I just need to know that she isn't going to cause harm to herself in her fear. Anyone have any suggestions out there?

Fun Monday, the Blessings version

Southern Doll is our host this week, and she has a very nice task in mind for us:

What have you done in your life that was worth doing? I want to know the moments in your life that you hope will be the ones to pass through your mind when your time comes. I hope that doesn't sound too morbid. This doesn't necessarily have to be items you have checked off your Bucket List, it can be those small moments that made you smile, or the time you got that huge promotion you deserved, or the first time your baby smiled at you out of pure joy. I want to know all the moments, big and small, that make life sweet! If you don't already have a running list of these in your mind, you should! These moments help you remember how much your life is worth living, and we all deserve to enjoy it.

My moments are those that I've spent with my family. I love to hear my kids laughing, screeching, acting like children. My proudest accomplishment is providing a good childhood for my kids. I am proud that I can show them how to be a strong person that still shows their feelings. I hope that I am showing them how to live life to the fullest, laughing as much as possible and crying when necessary. I am proud that I was there to support my MIL during her fight against breast cancer. I'm proud that I went to college and graduated. And I'm proud that I can support my husband in his desire to serve our country. The things I'll remember on my death bed won't be big, life changing events, but those small, precious day to day moments that truly take my breath away regularly. I live a blessed life, and I'm thankful for that every day.

Love, Rock Style

First, last night was fun. Dinner was pretty good, and I got to dance with my gorgeous hubby in his uniform.

Secondly, I'm sitting here watching the Rock of Love reunion show. OMG, seriously, it's a train wreck you can't help watch. One of my favorite lines so far...Skeevy Nicks. How fitting and hilarious.

And girls...you don't go on national television and have sex with a rock star and then cry because you aren't just some bimbo he can have sex with. Because, obviously...you are.

I love the weekends

So this morning was another soccer game for the Monster. He had a good time and played well, and his team ended up winning. Afterwards, the Youth Center had their yearly carnival...lots of easy games with candy as prizes, face painting, door prizes, Sparky the fire Dog, McGruff, fire trucks, popcorn, and a ton of people. It's a great time, but loud and warm this year.

Now I'm off to get myself a mani and pedi in preparation for the Military Ball tonight. I hate getting dressed up, but figure since I'm recycling my gown I can splurge a little.

Why, oh why?

So PB is sick. For several weeks now she's been having trouble remembering what she needs to do. Inhaler not being taken, medicine forgotten, jackets not worn. Things that I've griped at her and tried to remind her about. Things that she's done without a hitch for over 2 years. And now she's sick because of it. And I made sure to call her out in front of the doctor. So now it's her second day off of school. But I'm okay with it...it's a beautiful day and I plan to spend a good amount of time in my front yard cleaning up my flower beds and rearranging my rock edging.

Ahh, Spring has sprung

So I actually got to take 20 minutes and pull weeds in my flower beds yesterday evening...so it's officially spring to me now. I love the feel of the dirt between my fingers. It's soothing. And pulling those stubborn weeds is very therapeutic. People drive by and wave, and other than that, it's just the sounds of the neighborhood. Our beautiful tree is blooming and will be gorgeous in a few more days.

What signifies Spring is here for you?



Happy Love Thursday everyone!

Wordless Wednesday

(Don't worry, she's fine.)

Tuesday is crazy

I've really grown to loathe Tuesday's. They're busy. I'm tired. And I paid bills, which totally depressed me. My economic stimulus check will not be stimulating much but my bills.

It's bed time.

Fun Monday

The Nekked Lizards are our hosts this week.

This week's Fun Monday is a really simple one:

FIVE PICTURES - FIVE WORDS PER PICTURE.

Any 5 (FIVE) pictures, any subject, and any 5 (FIVE) words to describe and/or explain each picture.

So here we go.

My new phone is awesome!

Is it really April already?

Eating too many of these.

My favorite fast food restaraunt.

Remember your blessing every day.

Sleep...it's a great thing

What a great day today was. I slept in after a late night. I got up and DDS and I went to breakfast. Yummy pecan waffles and bacon, a ride on the motorcycle with him, and a new cell phone. The makings of a great day. And then I threw in a nap, and a yummy dinner cooked by someone else, and it was the perfect ending.

What a busy day

So we had the Monster's first soccer game this morning. He was awesome! He played goalie first period and he was on it. He was blocking and kicking and having so much fun. It was great fun to watch. PB had several friends at the fields, and she asked if she could hang out with them on the playground. Since it's in sight of the field, I said yes. Her team was having a voluntary practice at 10 several blocks away at the school. I had been glancing up for her every so often...and when the game was over, I went to find her and take her to her practice. It was after 10, and as I was walking to the car, one of the ladies who work at the Youth Center gave me PB's inhaler that she found in the bathroom. My mom and I hollered and looked for her, but she couldn't be found. One of the Youth Center employees told us she saw her walking with another member of her team towards the schools field. I was so pissed at her. My mom drove me over there and she was out on the field. I called her over, and she knew as soon as she saw me that she was in trouble and exactly why. After practice was over, she came home and began her chores without being reminded, and actually added some on her own. I decided that being embarrassed in front of her friends, the talk we had on the way home, and the chores were her punishment. I knew that the 2 block walk to the school with another child I know well wasn't dangerous for her, but it was just the fact that she didn't ask first. Which is what I explained.

Now it's off to finish cleaning our house...we have friends coming over to hang out tonight, and the house is a pig sty. Have a great rest of Saturday.

The sound of sweet voices

Tonight was PB's final chorus concert for this year. They were all so cute up there, dressed in their best, performing for their families. She was tired and it was hot in the gym...which caused a lot of yawning. Her daddy and I giggled a lot watching them up there.

After the concert, we took the kids and my MIL to the local ice cream chain...yummy. We bought the three waffle bowl sundaes, and daddy, myself, MIL and Bug all shared them. They were yummy...I can't remember the last time I had their ice cream.

Now it's off to bed...we have the Monsters first soccer game in the morning, and PB has practice.

Color Me Happy

I posted about the tote bag swap I participated in here. Happily, my swap partner finally received her bag that I created for her. I was a little nervous...I couldn't find the perfect material, but was finally able to find some that made me happy. I learned a few things about making bags, and as usual, the parts I thought would be tricky weren't and the parts I thought would be easy weren't. But all in all, I'm happy with the results. The stripey material is carried over in a band inside, and with the large zippered pouch pocket inside. There's also a "patch" pocket for easy access to a few goodies. I chose not to put any type of actual closure, thinking that she could access the things inside with one hand on the baby a little easier if she didn't have to unhook it, and the messenger flap seemed to stay pretty secure.

All in all, I'm quite happy with the results. I was nervous about trying a bag, as it was only my second time. I'm glad she likes it.

Picture by HeyMrsWilson

You can see better shots here.

Wordless Wednesday

Fart and Poop...or I am a 5 year old boy

On the way home tonight, we passed through a very bad smell. I was teasing the Monster, asking if he tooted. He said NO, so I blamed dragon (His imaginary friend). He tells me that Monster FARTS every where...the bedroom, the dining room, the kitchen, outside, in the car...he poops and farts everywhere. Thank goodness he's invisible.
**********
One morning last week, driving to daycare/school/work, Monster is in the back seat just chattering away with the daily 50 questions (mama, what's that bus number, mama, is that the same as the number of seats, mama, where is that bus going, mama, who's driving that van...I get so tired of hearing mama every once in awhile) when I heard the distinctive sound of gas passing loudly from his area. As he was taking a breath, he said "sorry, excuse me, I farted." Of course, I had to chuckle a little quietly. He then proceeds to tell how "that was a big fart...really big...wow. It went up in the air and exploded everywhere....it was like a bomb." PB and I were practically gasping for air from laughing so hard. All I could think was that is father would be so proud.
**********
Sitting on the toilet a few weeks ago, he calls me in. I come in, "yes monster?"
"Mama, I have good news!"
My mind races..."yes baby?"
"My dragon had babies. There are 10 and then 10 more. That makes 20! Now I have 123 dragons!"
"That's great babe, are they living with us, too?"
"Of course, where else would they live?"
***********
Speaking of dragon, he has really become a bad influence. After hollering for monster a couple of times with no response, I sent one of his sisters to get him. (Of course, they had to holler first. Cause my hollering wasn't loud enough.) He finally gets to me, and his excuse for not coming? When he watches TV, dragon takes over his brain and he can't listen anymore. He's sorry, but it isn't his fault...it's that naughty dragons!
************

Fun Monday

Jo Beaufoix is our hostess this week. Our tasks sounds simple:

“I want to know about your first ‘celebrity’ crush. You know, the one you fancied from that band, or that film, or who read the news, or who won Gold at the Olympics.
Did you have their pictures on your wall or in your locker?
Did you dress like them, style or colour your hair like them, follow them, meet them, marry them? (It could happen.)

Photos of THEM would be good, photos of YOU at the time you liked them would be even better.

Also, if you have time, I’d like to know whether they had any influence over your life, the person you became, or if they were just an embarrassing blip you would kind of rather forget about.”

I loved Duran Duran as a preteen. My best friend and I used to pretend we were their girlfriends. We sang all their songs. We created our own band, Ukonpley (it was the 80's you know). Oh yeah, we had it bad. I totally had it for Simon, and she totally had it for John. It was our destiny. Then I moved to another school district, and I found other cool bands...the Cure, INXS, obscure European rockers...I loved them all.

In late high school, I found my next crush. But it wasn't on the actor, it was on the character. And it's so predictable...Dirty Dancing. I wanted to be Baby (what teenage girl didn't) and I was in love with that character. Luckily, I never did anything too drastic, and I outgrew it.

After that, I never really crushed on anyone famous. Don't get me wrong, I see a picture of some hot guys, and I appreciate it. But I'm way to focused on people's attitude and personality to get much from a celebrity that I won't ever meet. But I'll still drool occasionally.

Be sure to visit all the Fun Monday participants today!

Sunday Recap

A few months ago, Bug and I brainstormed a fun idea to have several of her and PB's friends over for a spa night. After trying to schedule this for two months, last Friday was finally determined to be it. Each girl was allowed to invite five friends, and they could have tem spend the night and get picked up in the early am, or picked up late that night. We had 4 of Bug's friends and 3 of PB's friends come, with all of PB's and 2 of Bug's friends spending the night.

The night began with some general hanging out while I started preparing the pizza crusts. Each girl made their own pizza, and once they were all ready, all 9 girls and the Monster sat down to eat. The talk was fast and furious, and while they all sat in their own age group, they did talk together. After that, I had them go and chill while I finished setting everything up. The wicker chairs went into the kitchen, to act as the pedicure station. The table was covered and one end was the manicure spot and the other was the facial. Since I had preteens, I didn't want to use any chemicals on them, so we just did yogurt facials. The big girls helped the little girls paint their nails, and there was a lot of laughing and chattering. I had the girls draw numbers and then they took turns sitting in the kitchen soaking their feet in the foot massager. After their time was up, I would paint their toenails. Headbands, hair ties, little pedicure sets, hand towels...we had a little of everything for them. Epson salts in the foot bath, and baby oil in the hand bath... soft skin for these girlies. At 10 the spa shut down, and each set of girls retired to their area of the house to watch a movie. At midnight, the lights were out.

All in all, I think everyone had a really great time. Monster even took part and he loved having all the girls to fawn over him. Here's a few photos from the night.

what a busy day

I have a post started about last night, but we've been busy little bees today. Bug had Honor's Band, which required a practice session this morning and the concert this evening, and PB had a birthday party this afternoon. Some naps were taken, and the library was visited. All in all, a good but busy day. And I just never managed to download a few pics that I want to share with that post...so it will be tomorrows. Have a great night y'all!

So Tired

Here'a a little equation for your Friday night.

5 teenage girls + 4 pre-teen girls + 1 five year old boy, finger nail polish and facial creations...and you will get exhaustion. But it was a fun night. Tomorrow I'll post details. Good night soon!

Organized? I wish

I love office and organizational supplies. Do they have a group for those of us addicted to these things? Well, at least I know that I'm not alone. Organization is the subject of this months Color Me Happy Swaparooni.

I was about to post a little bit to my likes/dislikes on the Flickr group when I found some great links from OMSH. SeeJaneWork may be one of my new favorites. So many cute things. I love this doorganizer. What a great way to be sure you get all those important little things in the morning. The Eat Sheet and The Balance Sheet are both great ideas. KidLists...I've been trying to make sure the kidlins get their stuff together in the mornings. Trying to keep the checkbook balanced and all of those receipts in one place? Notebooks, clips, markers, little containers for stuff. Oh yeah, it's all there, and all so lovely.

Want to join our swaparooni? Head on over and read the guidelines. And any contributions to my supply fund will be greatly appreciated :)

Wordless Wednesday #4

April Fools

Did someone get you today? So far, I've been immune. I got a good chuckle over the ones that google posted on some of their services. The one for gmail was awesome...send emails dated back in time. This might actually be useful sometimes!

Surprisingly, the girls didn't pull any pranks. I have a feeling I'll be fielding my fair share of these in the future with my baby boy.

What's the best prank you've every pulled, or had pulled on you?