just one peek into the future, pleeeze?

I wish I could know that all the times I have to ask "Did you flush?" will add up to having five adult children who always flush.

a voice like an angel

Tonight I was talking to my mom on the phone and we were talking about my sweet third born and how she will be getting braces soon, how pretty her smile already is but how much more beautiful it is going to be. She also mentioned that every time she watches 10 y.o. Jackie Evancho sing, she thinks of #3, whom she calls "Angel".

Well, we don't watch tv, so I had to Google who Jackie was.

OH.

MY.

GOSH.

If you don't already know who she is, go find out.

for the first time

In the southeast getting snow in December is a rarity, especially on Christmas Day. In fact, I can remember a couple of Christmases where people were playing football in their front yards wearing shorts and tank tops.
Today, though, December 26th, 2010, the closest it has ever been to Christmas Day, we are getting snow. I am watching it fall from the windows.

Beautiful.

Maybe it will be a foretaste of more "first times" to come in 2011.

ps- I have a number of things I'd like to be on that "first time" list... just sayin'.

a prayer for you on this special holy day

May the magnificent plan of salvation

bring peace to your hearts now and always.

photo credit

Merry Christmas y'all!

p.u.

PS- Crabs were not alive after all.

but boy were they crabby

Number 3 brought home some beautiful shells from our trip. They have been in a ziplock bag since the middle of November. Today she took them out to play with them and noticed that there were legs moving in 2 of the shells.

Now if you will excuse me, I have to Google "hermit crab care".

traditions that stick

At the age of 43, I have had lots of Christmas traditions that have come in and out of my life, but as a busy mom of five children, all who have their own crazy schedules, it is hard to make a tradition "stick" each year.

Two favorites that we ALWAYS make time for:

Christmas Morning Mass - we stop right in the middle of all the chaos and head to Mass to reflect upon the Christ Child, God's magnificent plan of salvation.

Christmas Mice - cherries with stems on, dipped in melted chocolate, Hershey's kiss pressed against the still liquid chocolate for the mouse's head, and quickly stick sliced almonds between the cherry and the kiss for his ears.

a beautiful answer

When I just had two kids, I was so organized and my house was so clean that it was nearly to the point of being a diagnosis. I used to tease my husband that if all the power went off in the middle of the night where there was no moon and he needed a blue paperclip, for some strange reason, I could find it in the midst of the darkness.

Fast forward 13 years and I find myself talking to King about a different sort of darkness. Nothing in my house is organized. Nothing is clean. Chaos clutters our lives. You need a paper clip? Hmmm, well, good luck with that! There is a total loss of control. In all honesty, I am probably standing toe-to-toe with a whole 'nuther diagnosis.

My 3rd born was telling me about this game show called "Minute to Win It" that she watched recently where these two women just had to get 2 Christmas ornaments onto a tree. Simple enough. Problem is that they had some herky-jerky conveyor belt situation where the ornaments kept falling off and breaking. They did eventually win with 2 seconds left on the clock.

That describes what I am going through perfectly. My goal is to get five kids safely grown and properly trained as Christian leaders who will go out into the world and glorify God. However, there are so many distractions passing by me at the speed of light, activities here, there. Deadlines, etc. Surly teenagers. Pouty toddlers. Hissy fits. So much noise. Papers. Junk mail. Clutter here, there, everywhere. So. Many. Distractions. I am trying so hard to keep my eyes on the prize and keep mucking through the mud of life. Time goes by so fast and I don't want the time on the clock to run out. Today is the third Sunday of Advent. Already! But what about instilling neat Christmas traditions? What about stopping and focusing on the season? What about slowing down to enjoy this time of waiting for the Christ child? Help!

Recently, during a mental dropping-to-my-knees moment, I begged God to not let go of me. I soooo want to stop and rest in His arms. I so want my kids to alight near me, to be still, and to listen to His voice. I don't want Advent to blow away without much notice. I don't want Christmas to be just another day of rushing to "do". During the moment of throwing myself (again) into relying on His mercy, I heard the answer to my plea, "Lord I just want to be closer to you! How can I find you?"

The answer came.

You care for so many young people. You give them everything.

See me. I am an infant. Care for me, protect me, nourish me the way you care for your own.

first of december

#4 (bouncing with joy) : Mommy, Mommy! I can't believe it is the first day of winter!

Me (buzz killer that I am) : It's not.


Yes, I did feel bad when the air came out of his balloon of joy. So, with excitement in my voice I added, "but it IS the first of December!"

Happy First Day of December, y'all!

yummmm o

Thank you, God, for Navel Orange season!

And thank you, too, for helping me be patient in waiting for it to get here.

do you hear that?

Is it just me or do I hear that circus music again?

I'd go and check to see where it is coming from, only I'd drop something.

Why can't this time of year be for long walks in crunch leaves, hot apple cider, and snuggling up with the ones you love? Instead it is about congested roadways, guilt from recent food binges (aka Thanksgiving weekend), big projects that the kids have been preparing for since the beginning of school, regional competitions, and trying to be generous=yet-thrifty consumers in a world where Christmas Excess is King.

silly girlz

Two silly teenage girls getting ready to be apart for a week:

"Parting is such sweet sorrow."

"Yes. Abscess makes the heart grow fonder.... wait. Abscess? .....Ab... Absence! Absence makes the heart grow fonder!"

making your life easier, one sentence at a time

Forgive as if it were you asking forgiveness from God.

*Matthew 7:2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

up on the soapbox

Dear LWH*,

Twice today I unknowingly followed behind one of you and was offended to be the one to clean up your mess. I was not amused. I mean, what if I had not been paying attention and had to find out the hard way that you were in there before me? Or worse yet, what if it was one of my children... my teeny tiny baby girl.
You people really ought to be ashamed. Please be more considerate of others.

Signed,
me



*Ladies Who Hover

amazing giveaway

Cute little Jo at "a cup of Jo" has a recent blog entry in which she tells about an awesome giveaway for 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly for bloggers. Click here or the link below.

King and I are very familiar with Shutterfly. We have used them for our cards for a few years now. We have really been happy with their quality and their website could not get any easier to use.
Every year we take a picture of the kids and send it with our Christmas greeting cards. When we first started sending cards, it seemed like every other year there was a new baby in the picture! It is always interesting to see the silly face our fourth child will have once we sit down and look at the pictures. He is such a ham!!!
Last year's card was one of my favorites. Because I love black and white photography for the fact that it is not only simple, but it hides so many flaws in the skin, we chose a basic card that would compliment the photo well. The design, as luck would have it, is called Classic Black. Historically our picture has been taken outside around the house somewhere, usually on the front porch swing. With five rapidly growing kids, though, we are finding it harder and harder to fit them all on the swing, so we are having to resort to other, roomier places.

*******

Now, the Christmas photos were amazing, but I really want to brag about the gift we got for my mom from Shutterfly. Then we decided to do a photo book for her Christmas gift. It was filled with our favorite pictures from the year along with text that I wrote to go along with the pictures. I definitely plan on doing the same thing this year (but, shhh don't spoil the surprise).

Ennyhoo, I highly recommend you go to Shutterfly right now and order your Christmas greeting cards or Christmas photos. Then I think you should make someone you love a photo book for Christmas. Don't forget to come back and tell me how wonderful I am for making your gift-giving so much easier.

feelin' beachy

We went to the coast this weekend with friends.... how did they know November would be the perfect time to be there? It's my new favorite time to go. Course, I imagine December isn't too shabby either. Or January... February... or even March. Hrm... I'm noticing a pattern.

I will say, however, that our Yukon was covered with tons of sand. Unbelievable. The "way back" seat must have had - no exaggeration - 2 cups of sand where #2 was sitting. I just want to know where it was before it got on the seat? Or... maybe I don't. Some things are best left as mysteries.

Our family was honored to have been invited along for this weekend. It was such a peaceful place to be. I enjoyed hearing about the history of the house.

It was built in the 1800's by a sea captain. The original structure basically had three rooms. The family, who bought it from the sea captain just before the turn of the century, has added to it over the years. Hurricane Hugo damaged a great deal of the home, but the original structure withstood the storm. Of course, I was enchanted by the incredible charm of the house, most especially the original portions.

Just can't get any prettier than this double door, painted Charleston Black...er I mean Green (thanks Maureen).

It is such a lovely home, filled with many memories throughout the years that their family has owned it. I hope it will continue to be a well-loved vacation spot for their kin for many generations to come.

tee hee hee

Tonight a friend of mine told me that I rocked.

"Honey," I said, "with the size of this arse, I don't rock, I "boulder!"

(above, left: me bending over doing a svelt yoga move)

pink!

I have been in an odd mood all day today. It is rooted both in frustration and the need to create. Part of the frustration comes from not wanting to spend too much money to do a little fall decoration, but going to Michael's Arts and Crafts store and not being satisfied with my "reduced-for-quick-sale-rack" purchase. Another part of the frustration comes from my hands not being able to replicate the picture in my mind.

A second trip to Michael's was in order - to throw good money after bad as it were.

However, in a totally random turn of events, this happened:

The lighting in the pictures is terrible, but you get the picture. Front door or back, I love it.

It reminds me of a nest that one of these Christmas tree bird ornaments should live in.

decisions, decisions

Tuesday we will be moving some shutters upstairs that were downstairs in the living room. They were eliminated when we added our new room.... did I tell you about it already? It's very cool. Three hundred sq ft. Two thirds of it is space for the kids to play and one third is for grown-ups to relax. Sadly, the kiddos continue to want to bring their toys into the LR, DR, hall, and kitchen. Sigh. Oh well, this too shall pass, eh?

Anyhoo.... back to the upstairs. The shutters will be going into the girls' room. Our two oldest daughters sleep in that room, but honestly, for the love of Pete, I can't seem to talk myself out of moving my youngest in there with them and then having (are you ready for this?) a sewing room all to myself! I could even put an elliptical machine up there to hang clothes on so I can exercise! Hey, I think my sister even has one she'd let me have. Unless she needs the extra hanging space, that is.

So, if all three girls are going to be in the same room, we are trying to decide if they will need matching beds. And if they need matching beds, do we try to save up for these. Ye oldest, who I suspect, based on some stuff she has murmured lately, is growing weary of little ones; which leads us to contemplate moving her to her own room.... spoiled little brat, there goes my expensive coat rack. She has also mentioned wanting to change the decor of their room. She'd like a black and white theme.

Speaking of black and white, I am finally getting around to finishing the curtains for my dining room. They are looking quite loverly. Remind me to take some pictures when I get them done, k?

this could've won a costume contest

He's a bag of Jelly Bellys.

Clever, no?

ugh

I don't care how artistic a mess is....

it is still a mess.

Hey, Misery loves company, right? Y'all come on over. I'll put the coffee on.

last minute thoughts

*Google: cheap, homemade Halloween costumes*

Hmm.... no good ideas. *scroll scroll*

It is so stupid that I wait til the last minute to plan costumes for the kids. *scroll scroll*

Wonder how late Procrastinators-R-Us is open? *scroll scroll*

Maybe the kids will want to stay at home this year. *scroll scroll*

What do I have on hand that would make a good costume?

*roll eyes* Now I feel like Adam Sandler, "Here this kitchen spatula can be part of your costume. 'HEY EVERYBODY, LOOKATMEEE, I'M CRAZY-KITCHEN-SPATULA-ARM MAN!' Nah. I don't think they will go for that."

Eureka!

(stay tuned)

what. uh-huh. yes. sawreh.

Things are busy, but we are finding moments of mirth between the fall leaves being tracked in and the gazillion socks and underwear waiting to be folded.

One thing the older three and I have been giggling at lately is Gilly from Saturday Night Live. Now, you must understand that SNL comes on way past our bedtimes. Gone are the days we would stay awake until just after the first music set, when the skits went downhill and it was no longer worth fighting heavy eyelids.
But I stumbled upon a reference to this Gilly recently and I gotta tell ya: She is more fun than the Annoying Orange.

Gillyyyyyyyy?!?!

calculuv

Solve for x.

1. love = xoxo

a. Which are hugs?

b. Which are kisses?

apple almond quinoa

This salad that I bought at Earth Fare (and ate in one day) would be perfect for Thanksgiving; and while I do not have the proportions, the ingredients are:

• quinoa
• granny smith apples
• almonds (sliced)
• raisins
• bell pepper
• green onion
• canola oil (though I would use olive)
• honey
• curry powder
• cinnamon
• lemon juice (looks like there may be lemon zest in there?)
• orange juice
• white wine vinegar
• salt
• pepper

when the early bird gets the bird

I never drive in this town in the mornings. Thank God, I don't have to. King takes the kids to school each day. I pick up, which is a no-brainer, but getting out in traffic where folks "gotta get to work on time" is not my idea of a good time.

However, this morning I had to get out in it to take him to meet someone he was going to be working with. It was on the other side of town. As in: right-in-the-middle-of-the-gotta-get-to-work-on-time-folks

Thinking that after I dropped him off, I'd reward myself with Starbucks (using my gift card.....thank you to Mary who gave it to me for my "buttday"). The entry into Starbucks was actually backed up so far that one car was even sticking out into the road that is the main artery of traffic. *razzle frazzit* "Fine," I zoomed off, headed for one of the other billion locations which are easier to get to (alas, another part of town). But the whole way there I was driving like a bird stuck in hurricane force winds.

After a comedy of errors (forgetting that I had company coming over to play with #5 at 8 a.m.) I finally got my Starbucks, but it proves that I don't need to be out before I am fully awake.

Or fully caffeinated.

(Or fully venti cappuccino breve'ed)

PS- Can you join me in praying that the woman who mouthed something which rhymes with "Duck Poo" when I accidentally cut her off in traffic will forgive me?

what a load of biofuel

The year was 1990. King was an engineer in the paper industry. I remember well that the Environmentalist Wackos (hat tip to Rush Limbaugh) who wanted to save trees came up with the idea of these wonderful plastic bags for groceries.

The paper industry families we were close to were all very disturbed by the fact that the EW's didn't comprehend that paper is a RENEWABLE RESOURCE. The paper companies own lots of land on which they plant trees (employing many people) and after a 15 year cycle, the trees are then harvested and new ones are planted in their place.

Planting trees as a crop!?!?!

Who wudda thunk it?

Brilliant, huh?

When plastic bags hit the grocery stores, the bagboy asked "Paper or Plastic?", then the day came when plastic was king and paper was no longer an option.

Twenty years later we now have the "Less Plastic Fantastic" campaign. Like sheep following the bleeting of idiots, our Nation's collective "alternative fueled vehicle" has made a 180 degree change in direction.

a whole new meaning to the term dirty laundry

You know those "odd socks" that happen in laundry? The ones you previously thought fell victim to some sock-eating monster who ate the other half of the pair? Well, worry no longer that your laundry room is filled with creepy villains.

Actually, what has happened is that your dirty laundry is breeding. Your socks are actually doing the nasty while they are waiting in line to be washed. The odd socks you find are not remnants of a previous pair, but rather the result of "mating socks".

file under: hmm, that's a better name for it anyway

Hey Mom, can we go out and play on the jump-o-leen?

photo credit

taking political correctness too far

Pupa?

Chrysalis?

What the heck is going on in the moth and butterfly world!?!?!?!?

When I was a kid, they all came from cocoons!

baby got book

You gotta see this.

oopth

*splat*

"Uh, oh! Crayon explosion!"

No. 4 .

in which our heads snapped back and our brains sloshed a bit

Today I was nearly hit by Minnie's blind idiot aunt, Crazy Driver.

whispers in church

"Mom, is this in Spanish?"

the sound of busy

Things are settling into a nice, dull roar. Ahhh. Can you hear it?

There is laundry all over my living room and papers scattered throughout the dining room, butler's pantry, kitchen area.... field trip permission forms, kindergarten school work (Good Job!) coupons and lists. School shoes. Dance shoes. Tennis shoes. Horseback riding boots. And a couple of half consumed water bottles.

Would I be embarassed if a friend popped by unexpectedly?

Yes.

But would any of my friends stop being my friend because I am "keepin' it real"?

Nah.

on the use of commas

I remember my senior year of high school every single essay I wrote had "comma splice" written several times within the margins, so I have to giggle each time I write a blog entry.

Because, I, am, certain, that, I, either, overuse, them, or, do, not, use, them, in, the, r,i,g,h,t, places.

Hopefully my point comes across nonetheless.

Or, if nothing else, some punctuation expert's eye muscles get a workout from all the rolling they do when they see my mistakes.

miles to go before we sleep

This month, our book club read "The Fire Next Time" by James Baldwin.

Although, his writing was hard for me to read.... his writing is quite wordy and I had a hard time not feeling defensive as I felt the anger behind his words.... we had a fabulous discussion as a result!

I like to think we as a nation, since the time that James Baldwin wrote this essay, have made great strides to steer away from discrimination of all kinds, and, with specific regard to this book, racial discrimination. However, in listening to the discussion which ensued, hearing about the experiences that two of the women in our group have had to go through - even just this week (?!?!) - I come to the conclusion that we still have so far to go.

There is no way possible for me to walk in the footsteps of black Americans. Period.

But I hope that there is some progress with my generation and the generation I am helping to create that we will continue the dialogue. To be honest and listen to each other, maintain respect for each other, and walk beside each other until we have arrived to exactly where we need to be.

guilt-free friendships: more precious than diamonds

The best kinds of friends are the kinds you can go 15 years without talking to, but then the next time you get to talk to each other, you can just pick up where you left off... like that big chunk of time was a mere passing moment.

gum smakin' goodness

I am an obnoxious gum-chewer. Always have been. And this stick I am chewing today is a particularly good piece as I can make it snap like ten times in a row. I'm snappin' it like I got a regular corner to work.

*snap*

*snap*

*snap*

*snap*

Good thing I'm alone.

your total today is one fifty five forty nine

On Friday I went birthday shopping at Belk, a department store I had not been in since probably 1984. They were having a huge blowout sale and everything was marked down.
I got #2 a navy blazer.... which he needed.........and a tie.... oh, and several things for myself.

And, because if I opened up an account, I saved another 15% on top of the 20% they took off for using the card for my day's purchase, which was on top of the 40-50% discount of the blowout sale items...... I was on top of the world. A Really. Smart. Shopper.

So, as I joyfully walked back into the house, gobs of seratonin coursing through my veins, I announced to King, "Hey, check it out, I SAVED two hundred and fifty dollars!!!"

He gaffawed.

I guess he just doesn't understand logic. Poor guy. You get it, though, right?

she might need the prayer, she might need the prayer, she might need the prayer

Dear lady trying-to-be-sneaky who jumped in front of a line of about six people who had been patiently waiting their turn at the register this morning at Joann Fabrics,

I am really trying hard to not be mad at you despite the fact that it was extremely rude. I am overriding my instinct to hope you step in a muddy rain puddle all the way up to your knees so that your pants stay wet the rest of the day and instead am lifting you in prayer that you don't get cancer. I hope you can use my prayers because you are getting them whether you deserve them or not.

Besides, despite what you may be accustomed to think, that this isn't about you. It's about me.
Peace be with you,
:o) mg

ps- Next time, all you have to do is ask.

silly silly king

King is exactly two weeks older than I am. So, for those fourteen days, I always tease him about being SO MUCH OLDER than I am.

Cradle robber!

On Thursday night, the eve of my 43rd, I walk into the kitchen to find these flowers with a note:

"Happy last day to be 42!Don't worry, you are aging well!I love you."

best birfday

This has been one of my best birthdays in.... now.... 43 years.

The fact that God has blessed me with such wonderful friends. And a husband who puts me on a pedestal, despite the fact that I am afraid of heights. It is all very humbling. And beautiful.

Not only that, but that li'l buggah pulled off a surprise birthday dinner and invited friends who never uttered a peep about the plans. With roses. That smelled like roses are supposed to smell! And a card. With a certificate for a pedicure, even!

"Thank you" doesn't even begin to come close, but it's a start. Thank you!!

add another chuckle to the fire

"Him": Hey, Mommy, when I finish my homework can I play for 20 minutes on the computer?

Me: mm... well, I'll think about it.

"Him": Wellya better hurry up and think about it, 'cuz I'm almost done!

I am just sure that Heaven is a place where friends can visit for as long as we want, without interruption, and cappuccinos are endless.

file under: wasted time

Dear Mr. Gibson,

Just watched Apocalypto.
I'm pissed. Whaddaya have a thing for men in loincloths?
I don't care how beautiful the cinematography was,
I want my two hours back!!

why humor that has a thread of truth is so funny

My friend, Sue, sent me a bunch of very funny cartoons. These two particularly "spoke" to me.

hypothetical situation: the power of positive thinking vs the power of prayer

Two men.

Both battling an illness.

Both married with children.

Loving families.

Lots of friends.

One is solely and entirely surrounded by prayer.

The other solely and entirely surrounded by "positive thoughts".

Which one would you rather be?

I'd rather be the one covered in prayer. These days, I see it written and hear about more and more people who are "sending happy thoughts your way". What the hell is that??!?!!!? It's like going into a closet and farting. Honestly. It goes no where. Logically, these "positive thoughts" just remain in their heads. That's all they can do. They are thoughts.

Prayers, on the other hand, have an address. They are directed Heavenward. Actually leaving the originator and going to the listening ear of the Lord - who has the power to answer prayer.

Mere "happy thoughts" are powerless. The "sender" is under the illusion that they, themselves are the owner-of-the-power and can actually heal someone with all the positive energy that radiates from them. Egocentric at best.

twins

You have probably seen people who look JUST like their pets.

Well, I don't have a dog. But......

Big.

White.

Can carry a heavy load.

Can't always tell how dirty I am by looking at me.

this has no similarity whatsoever to anything going on in my life but it is funny nonetheless

Dear Tide,

I am writing to say what an excellent product you have. I've used it all my married life, as my Mom always told me it was the best. Now that I am in my fifties I find it even better! In fact, about a month ago, I spilled some red wine on my new white blouse.
My inconsiderate and uncaring husband started to belittle me about how clumsy I was, and generally started becoming a pain in the neck. One thing led to another and somehow I ended up with his blood on my new white blouse!
I grabbed my bottle of Tide with bleach alternative, and to my surprise and satisfaction, all the stains came out! In fact, the stains came out so well the detectives who came by yesterday told me that the DNA tests on my blouse were negative and then my attorney called and said I was no longer considered a suspect in the disappearance of my husband.
What a relief! Going through menopause is bad enough without being a murder suspect! I thank you, once again, for having a great product.
Well, gotta go, have to write to the Hefty bag people.

frustration

photo credit

I'm not thinking Arby's, I'm thinking grrrrr.

oh, great, NOW I'm thinking Arby's too.

the hormones are coming! the hormones are coming!

photo credit

Listen my children and you shall hear

early morning rants of Mommy dear

like clockwork each month it's due to arrive

Lucky the man who gets out alive

Just remember "the bloat" is the source of her sneer.

danger on the cliffs

photo credit

Reports are that there was a sock slide at Mt. Washmore.

above photo credits

There may have been minor injuries.

Only approach Mt. Washmore for emergency reasons only. Please use extreme caution when working around the area.

just sayin'

Lounging in bed

and waking up with a stiff one

has completely different meaning at 43

than it does at 25.

photo credit

we're surrounded

Remember the movie ET?

More specifically, do you remember hearing ET's voice when he was close to death and he called out to Elliot?

"Elllllleeeeeottt"

"Elllllleeeeeeottt"

Well, imagine if you substituted the word "idiot" and said it that same way.

Welcome to my planet.

remembering

We came together strongly as Americans the days and months afterwards... no racial or socioeconomic boundaries... just people proud to be American. Though we have slipped back into our old roles a bit, it is good to know it is there... lying dormant... underneath all our "issues".

GOD.

BLESS.

AMERICA!

Dear 75 degrees,
I love you. I really do. But I must tell you that I do not love the company you have been keeping recently. That "wet dishcloth" friend of yours, what's her name? Humidity? Yeah, her. You need to dump that chick, she is a drag on our friendship!!
Until you come to your senses, I am going to keep my distance. When you realize she is no good for your popularity, and you finally get away from her, I will go out with you again.
Love,
:o) mg

psst

I am hosting my very first giveaway over on the sewing blog!

Check it out.

are things as busy there are they are here?

photo credit

I love this little picture of a girl who is knee deep in alligators, but still trying to drain the swamp.

************

Reminds me of something a friend of mine (who as it turns out used to work with my dad 35 or so years ago in NC - so she is practically long lost family!) says:

"Your mouth writes checks that your ass can't cash."

****************

But, as Number One said to me recently: Keep your eyes on the prize, Mom.

besides, none of us get out alive

Committing suicide.

One Blizzard at a time.

now we are five

Guess who's five?

The unprepared redneck parents are so clever when they realize that there are no more birthday candles in the house.




"Come on honey, make a wish and blow out the lighter!"



"I want that piece right there!"



"I'm still three," she said as she waited patiently for her slice of cake.



Brain freeze from the DQ ice cream cake!!

an affair

I am having an affair.

No, really.

It seems as though I am fatally attracted to 1:00 a.m.

Every night I am caught off guard by his presence...

*gasp* "Oh, my! There you are again," I whisper

as I close my eyes, tilt my head back, and take a long, slow inhale.

What seems like only a few, short moments later I have to look 7:15 a.m. in the face

and act like nothing has happened.

veddy veddy interestink

King's father came over for dinner tonight. Part of his Christmas present from our family. Each Christmas we give him a list of dates for the year that we have marked on our calendar (one Sunday eve per month) and have set aside as "Dinner with Poppy" nights.

King and Number 3 were the chefs for tonight's meal.

Le Menu

Salmon Patties

Fresh Green Beans

Rice

Silver Queen Corn

Sliced Tomatoes

The rest of us worked together and cleaned up the rawtha messy kitchen. But it was so totally worth it. Yum Yum!

today's lessons

Today's lesson is primarily for the oldest and youngest of our daughters:

• After shaving your legs, please put the blade cover back into place, and return disposable razor to safe storage area out of the reach of small children.
  
  
• Never, ever, ever, ever, even if it IS a sweet shade of Play-With-Me-Pink, play with a razor. They are very, very, very sharp - way sharper than a knife, even.
  

There was even a refresher lesson in it for me:

• Always praise God when things aren't as bad as they could have been.

calls 'em like he sees 'em

King just asked me if I was dressing vicariously through #1.

Damn straight I am.

Sorta like dressing a Barbie.

it'll make a funny story one day

As I sit here fending off hot flashes I am also making a list of errands I need to run today. One of which is

• go to Target to return nursing bra

I am so sight-impaired as a result of being in my 40's that I couldn't read the fine print on the tag. But there it was, right under Gilligan O'Malley, in small print, there were the words, "nursing bra". It really makes me mad, too, because finding the bra that has all the "specs" I enjoy is not an easy task.

I guess it is a little humorous: middle-aged blind woman in peri-menopause buys nursing bra by mistake

Nursing home is more like what I need!

the proof is in the pellet

Why is it so easy for people to believe in aliens, for whom there is NO. EVIDENCE. AT. ALL.

but

find it so difficult to believe in God when it is so obvious that He exists and created this incredible world just for us?

The proof is all around us.

Wanna know just one miniscule thing that absolutely blows me away?

Owl pellets.

Click on "Pellet Information"

file under: formerly known as

Number 3 asked us the other night at dinner, "Hey, doesn't 'labor' mean 'work'?"

which got me thinking....

why DO we have a day of rest on 'labor' day?

So I looked up the history of the 'holiday' here.

Shouldn't the holiday be more appropriately named Labor Union Day?

And since someone from a Labor Union founded Labor Day and since I believe that Labor Unions are choking the life blood right out of the United States, is it a conflict of interest for me to 'celebrate' Labor Day?

You bet!

Therefore, I will forevermore celebrate the day as

"Three-Weeks-Or-So-Before-My-Birthday Day"

day 2 - kindergarten

Absent

Excuse: stomach virus

**********************************************************

Word of the Day

Vomitorium- A passage situated below or behind a tier of seats in an amphitheatre, through which crowds can "spew out" at the end of a performance.

not a moment too soon... or past time

7:25 a.m.

He's READY!

whoo hoo! (yes, that tooth in front is dead.)

Today was the first day of school for #' 2, 3, and 4. It was a very big day for "he who must" as he started kindergarten this morning. He has been waiting for this day for no less than 2 years!

7:30 a.m.

It is customary for King and I to walk each kid to their classroom and take pictures of them with their teacher (homeroom teacher for the older kids) and then stay for the parents' coffee reception and the flag raising ceremony.

7:45 a.m.

First kindergarten desk!

This year number 5 was the only one to lag behind with mom and dad. Even though I am sure she liked seeing her brothers and sister go to each of their classrooms, I am fairly certain that she loved the orange juice and danishes she got to have after we dropped them off.

8:30 a.m.

Number 2 was chosen at the end of last year to be a captain, which means that he gets to raise and lower the flag each day. I think that is really special. When we sang America The Beautiful this morning, there were many emotions behind those tears. Thankfully, Number 5, gave me some comedic relief: "Mommmmmmmma," she whined, "when is the frog racing gonna start?" "Frog racing?" I wondered. "Ahhhhh, flag raising, honey. Flag raising," I laughed.

She was not amused and I think very nearly felt cheated.