Dear Ms. Neighbor Across the Cul de sac,
I am so sorry for talking smack about you. Not really to anyone but my husband, but still it was wrong. Yeah, I thought it was so not cool to leave your Christmas tree up WAYYYYYYY into January. I even snorted at you being too lazy to take it down. I figured you were taking the "if I leave it up I won't have to put it back up in November" route.
Then I saw the "WELCOME HOME" sign in your front yard a few days ago. And I knew. That tree was waiting on your sailor to make it back home from deployment.
I would have left mine up, too.
Welcome Home Mr. Neighbor Across the Cul de Sac.
Teensy little complaint here.
Does anyone know how to get in touch with the soup makers? So I can let them know that they don't HAVE TO PUT CELERY IN EVERY FREAKING CAN OF SOUP THEY MAKE? That many people can not seriously like celery.
Thank You, Lord, for Cambells' Chicken Noodle Soup. They keep it simple and classic. I won't stray again.
Friday, January 26, 2007
School Time
Miss Hope has been in school! For three days this week, I attended a class for Navy wives. Very educational. Very enlightening. I learned alot, but I am so glad it's over.
The only way I was able to attend what's called the Compass class was because they provided free child care. And snacks. And coffee. From 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, I had unlimited coffee and diet coke.... bagels...muffins....mini candy bars. Someone else watched Vitt and kept him entertained two doors down the hall.
One day I learned how to read my husband's pay stub. Just one look at a military pay stub is enough to cause pains in the chest region if you've never seen one before. There's pay for this. Pay for that. Then there's the take away. Uncle Sam hits the military member so that you can't ever forget him. It amazes me that not only do they own you body and soul, but if a computer or user malfunction over pays you (God forbid!)....it can wipe you out without any prior notice. Put it this way. If the military owes you X amount of dollars....they can take their own sweet time paying you back. If they over pay you? One fell swoop can make your family starve for a month. It's alot of ups, downs, sideways, and backwards that I can't even begin to explain.
I was one of the oldest there. There were so many 18-20 year olds. ~shakes head~ These are girls who mostly just graduated and got married. How sad. They have no clue how to do anything and just don't know how to go about learning HOW to do it. One girl told me she hadn't had a pap smear in 2 years because Tricare (military insurance) just overwhelms her. I have her number and will be calling. We had graduation Thursday, complete with cake and certificates. I was the first one called and I made sure I made my valedictorian speech. I wanted these girls to understand that it's okay to be married, but you have to take care of yourself!
And another thing. You women out there who get up each and every day? You get your kids ready while getting your own self ready to go out and work? You have my admiration. Because it literally kicked my butt getting it all straight. I had clothes done at night. We were put on a tight schedule so that no one had a nasty butt. I informed Fred last night that I was going NOWHERE today. Laundry waits for no woman.
And to think I'm probably going to volunteer for this program. Get the word out to other women.
Hey, it's free child care and unlimited snacks. Count me in.
The only way I was able to attend what's called the Compass class was because they provided free child care. And snacks. And coffee. From 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, I had unlimited coffee and diet coke.... bagels...muffins....mini candy bars. Someone else watched Vitt and kept him entertained two doors down the hall.
One day I learned how to read my husband's pay stub. Just one look at a military pay stub is enough to cause pains in the chest region if you've never seen one before. There's pay for this. Pay for that. Then there's the take away. Uncle Sam hits the military member so that you can't ever forget him. It amazes me that not only do they own you body and soul, but if a computer or user malfunction over pays you (God forbid!)....it can wipe you out without any prior notice. Put it this way. If the military owes you X amount of dollars....they can take their own sweet time paying you back. If they over pay you? One fell swoop can make your family starve for a month. It's alot of ups, downs, sideways, and backwards that I can't even begin to explain.
I was one of the oldest there. There were so many 18-20 year olds. ~shakes head~ These are girls who mostly just graduated and got married. How sad. They have no clue how to do anything and just don't know how to go about learning HOW to do it. One girl told me she hadn't had a pap smear in 2 years because Tricare (military insurance) just overwhelms her. I have her number and will be calling. We had graduation Thursday, complete with cake and certificates. I was the first one called and I made sure I made my valedictorian speech. I wanted these girls to understand that it's okay to be married, but you have to take care of yourself!
And another thing. You women out there who get up each and every day? You get your kids ready while getting your own self ready to go out and work? You have my admiration. Because it literally kicked my butt getting it all straight. I had clothes done at night. We were put on a tight schedule so that no one had a nasty butt. I informed Fred last night that I was going NOWHERE today. Laundry waits for no woman.
And to think I'm probably going to volunteer for this program. Get the word out to other women.
Hey, it's free child care and unlimited snacks. Count me in.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
A Good Wife
She may not know how to cook. She may not know how to clean. She may even forget you exist when she gets lost in her own world from time to time.
All I know is Makenna LOVES action movies. She loves japanimation cartoons. To obsession. She carries on a dialogue with the characters and voices her opinion. She'd rather watch a car race/crash and good fighting over smoochy smoochy any day of the week.
Yeah, she'll make some lucky boy a good wife someday.
All I know is Makenna LOVES action movies. She loves japanimation cartoons. To obsession. She carries on a dialogue with the characters and voices her opinion. She'd rather watch a car race/crash and good fighting over smoochy smoochy any day of the week.
Yeah, she'll make some lucky boy a good wife someday.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Passionate about Art
I still stand by the notion that my son will be a tattoo artist one day. Or have many put upon his body.
All markers and pens are fair game in our house. We literally have to buy a new pack for school projects every time. The Boy can sniff out ink in any form. Like his blood is made of it. We all get so tired of trying to hide them, we just trash every one we come across.
Enter the Magna Doodle. I told Santa the boy needed something to write with and on that would not send me into Magic Eraser (good stuff!) mode every 30 minutes.
He loves it. He will write and erase for minutes at a time. The ability to make it disappear is just amazing to his bright eyes.
I come around the corner into the East Wing a while ago and I see him on the floor in front of the t.v. Very engrossed in his show. Beside him sits the Magna Doodle. Suddenly he is focused on writing. Furiously. Like he has to write or die!!
He then takes the attached pen of the Doodle and tries to write on the wall. Nothing. He writes on the Doodle. There is a black line. He tries to write on the wall again. Nothing. He shakes the "pencil" and tries yet again. Nothing.
Eyebrows are deeply furrowed in concentration. I stand behind him quietly to see what he will do next.
He THEN gets up. Moves the coffee table. There is an orange crayon. Stashed away. He picks up the crayon and heads to the wall.
"UH UH UH UH!!!" I say. Loudly. He is shaken.
Busted.
I hold my hand out and he looks at the crayon. He looks at me. A deep mournful sigh comes from his belly and he hands the crayon over.
He then sits back down and is immediately engrossed in his show again.
I'm adding to my notion. We'll probably have to bail him out of jail a few times for graffiti. I guess when the feeling hits....ya just gotta go with it.
All markers and pens are fair game in our house. We literally have to buy a new pack for school projects every time. The Boy can sniff out ink in any form. Like his blood is made of it. We all get so tired of trying to hide them, we just trash every one we come across.
Enter the Magna Doodle. I told Santa the boy needed something to write with and on that would not send me into Magic Eraser (good stuff!) mode every 30 minutes.
He loves it. He will write and erase for minutes at a time. The ability to make it disappear is just amazing to his bright eyes.
I come around the corner into the East Wing a while ago and I see him on the floor in front of the t.v. Very engrossed in his show. Beside him sits the Magna Doodle. Suddenly he is focused on writing. Furiously. Like he has to write or die!!
He then takes the attached pen of the Doodle and tries to write on the wall. Nothing. He writes on the Doodle. There is a black line. He tries to write on the wall again. Nothing. He shakes the "pencil" and tries yet again. Nothing.
Eyebrows are deeply furrowed in concentration. I stand behind him quietly to see what he will do next.
He THEN gets up. Moves the coffee table. There is an orange crayon. Stashed away. He picks up the crayon and heads to the wall.
"UH UH UH UH!!!" I say. Loudly. He is shaken.
Busted.
I hold my hand out and he looks at the crayon. He looks at me. A deep mournful sigh comes from his belly and he hands the crayon over.
He then sits back down and is immediately engrossed in his show again.
I'm adding to my notion. We'll probably have to bail him out of jail a few times for graffiti. I guess when the feeling hits....ya just gotta go with it.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Construction Site
As you can tell...there is some construction going on from the Edge here.
I've finally been compelled to play around with blogger and see what she can do. I'm not saying it's all good or it's even bad. Just something different to see when you're visiting.
You will also see a small list of blogs that I like to check out on a regular basis. Please be aware that not all of you will like what I have chosen. Some have some language. Okay..one will. This boy is already raised and there's nothing I can do about him. He is a friend, though, and we're both trying to raise boys. 'Nuff said on that. (Did I word that okay, Hung?) Oh, and he's the KING of 80's music. He puts up lots of good stuff for your viewing pleasure. Mr. Cookie's blog is a treat. He makes me laugh on a regular basis. Even Fred takes a gander at his site. Crazy Me is probably what I would have been if I had never gotten married and got my kids (which I wouldn't trade for anything!). And check out the Fashion Police site. Women will probably appreciate this more, but these girls are harsh. Love it.
There are at least a dozen more I read religiously, but they're BIGTIME. Like, getting around 5000 hits a day kind of sites. I might put a few up later on. Let me play around with this thing more.
If you want your link put up, let me know.
I'm working on posting some pictures now. No promises because I know just enough about computers to be dangerous. To the computer.
I was getting help with this new technology from Hung via a messenger and I finally told him this was too much like work and I wasn't sure if I liked it or not.
I've finally been compelled to play around with blogger and see what she can do. I'm not saying it's all good or it's even bad. Just something different to see when you're visiting.
You will also see a small list of blogs that I like to check out on a regular basis. Please be aware that not all of you will like what I have chosen. Some have some language. Okay..one will. This boy is already raised and there's nothing I can do about him. He is a friend, though, and we're both trying to raise boys. 'Nuff said on that. (Did I word that okay, Hung?) Oh, and he's the KING of 80's music. He puts up lots of good stuff for your viewing pleasure. Mr. Cookie's blog is a treat. He makes me laugh on a regular basis. Even Fred takes a gander at his site. Crazy Me is probably what I would have been if I had never gotten married and got my kids (which I wouldn't trade for anything!). And check out the Fashion Police site. Women will probably appreciate this more, but these girls are harsh. Love it.
There are at least a dozen more I read religiously, but they're BIGTIME. Like, getting around 5000 hits a day kind of sites. I might put a few up later on. Let me play around with this thing more.
If you want your link put up, let me know.
I'm working on posting some pictures now. No promises because I know just enough about computers to be dangerous. To the computer.
I was getting help with this new technology from Hung via a messenger and I finally told him this was too much like work and I wasn't sure if I liked it or not.
Results
The results are in.
Are you ready?
Paige made a 100 on her power point!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Her Aunt Mar says she got the computer genius from her.
Paige agrees.
All I know is she got a 100 in a gifted class and it's a major grade.
That's my girl.
WE'RE PROUD OF YOU, ROE!*
*my nickname for my baby
p.s. Michelle, I know you're reading this. You CAN make a comment if you want. Everyone in internet land would love to hear from you. My secret counter on this blog shows lots and lots of lurkers. Now how fair is that?
Are you ready?
Paige made a 100 on her power point!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Her Aunt Mar says she got the computer genius from her.
Paige agrees.
All I know is she got a 100 in a gifted class and it's a major grade.
That's my girl.
WE'RE PROUD OF YOU, ROE!*
*my nickname for my baby
p.s. Michelle, I know you're reading this. You CAN make a comment if you want. Everyone in internet land would love to hear from you. My secret counter on this blog shows lots and lots of lurkers. Now how fair is that?
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Burn Me a New One
Go ahead. Burn me a new one. I don't care.
Fred and I have "spirited discussions" about the military from time to time. Today, at lunch, was the scene of another one. I'm just not a conformist by nature. It's not that I set out to be difficult, because I really don't. (I heard that snort out there in internet land) I just have my own opinions and thoughts on subjects. I' m not even saying I'm always right, but I know how I feel.
We were discussing one of the boys in our Navy. Apparently he doesn't want to be in the military anymore and decided to take off for parts unknown.* Did you know after so many days, the Navy (or any branch of service) will put out a sort of A.P.B. to all police departments in the country. If this guy gets stopped for anything or is involved with police in any way, they can run his license and the lovely message "WANTED BY THE MILITARY" shows up. He is immediately arrested on the spot.
~sigh~
So, I just climbed up on my horse and proceed to ask my husband, "So what then? They bring him back to be put in jail because he didn't want to work for you anymore?" And I swear my husband must think the house is bugged or something. Or he could be working on his political career. Who knows. But, he gives these pat answers that are neither negative or positive. Just an acknowledgement I've said something. He tells me that if these rules weren't in place, people would just up and leave.
Spank that horse and get him running.
Then I reply.."What does that tell you about how our military is run then? That people....if given the opportunity to leave with no serious repercussions...would leave in droves."
Of course Mr. Navy replies that he doesn't feel that would happen. And our military would go down the tubes if it did. That's why there are rules!
Giddy-up, Hoss.
Big sigh on my part. I told him it was babysitting a bunch of kids. Which in a sense it is to the new ones coming in. They may have that "I'm-A-Man" or "I'm-A-Woman" complex going on, but the truth of the matter is: They still can't walk in the store and buy a beer. They can shoot a gun, kill a person, launch a grenade, and wear camouflage. I don't say this to offend anyone in the young age bracket. You just don't know jack. Nothing. Seriously.
Then came a small discussion on brainwashing. It's obvious that the army and marines have to brainwash to a certain degree. Well, to me it's obvious. I think there's a conspiracy theory in that when these kids get inoculated in boot camp- they give them a shot of something that kills a part of the rational brain so they're able to walk into dangerous situations with real bullets. It kills or numbs the rational part so they are enabled to kill or be killed.
I got serious thoughts on this stuff, people.
Lord only knows what they shot in my husband's butt when he was in boot camp. Hopefully it's worn off 17 years later. I told him he was now the brainwashER instead of the brainwashEE.
And can you believe he STILL loves me? My mouth overloads my butt on a regular basis and he STILL wants to hang out with me. Hmmm. Must be the pot roast that keeps him hanging around.
*Please understand that Fred does discuss work with me from time to time. He never mentions names and nitty gritty details. I don't want to know the particulars- it won't benefit my life in any way.
Fred and I have "spirited discussions" about the military from time to time. Today, at lunch, was the scene of another one. I'm just not a conformist by nature. It's not that I set out to be difficult, because I really don't. (I heard that snort out there in internet land) I just have my own opinions and thoughts on subjects. I' m not even saying I'm always right, but I know how I feel.
We were discussing one of the boys in our Navy. Apparently he doesn't want to be in the military anymore and decided to take off for parts unknown.* Did you know after so many days, the Navy (or any branch of service) will put out a sort of A.P.B. to all police departments in the country. If this guy gets stopped for anything or is involved with police in any way, they can run his license and the lovely message "WANTED BY THE MILITARY" shows up. He is immediately arrested on the spot.
~sigh~
So, I just climbed up on my horse and proceed to ask my husband, "So what then? They bring him back to be put in jail because he didn't want to work for you anymore?" And I swear my husband must think the house is bugged or something. Or he could be working on his political career. Who knows. But, he gives these pat answers that are neither negative or positive. Just an acknowledgement I've said something. He tells me that if these rules weren't in place, people would just up and leave.
Spank that horse and get him running.
Then I reply.."What does that tell you about how our military is run then? That people....if given the opportunity to leave with no serious repercussions...would leave in droves."
Of course Mr. Navy replies that he doesn't feel that would happen. And our military would go down the tubes if it did. That's why there are rules!
Giddy-up, Hoss.
Big sigh on my part. I told him it was babysitting a bunch of kids. Which in a sense it is to the new ones coming in. They may have that "I'm-A-Man" or "I'm-A-Woman" complex going on, but the truth of the matter is: They still can't walk in the store and buy a beer. They can shoot a gun, kill a person, launch a grenade, and wear camouflage. I don't say this to offend anyone in the young age bracket. You just don't know jack. Nothing. Seriously.
Then came a small discussion on brainwashing. It's obvious that the army and marines have to brainwash to a certain degree. Well, to me it's obvious. I think there's a conspiracy theory in that when these kids get inoculated in boot camp- they give them a shot of something that kills a part of the rational brain so they're able to walk into dangerous situations with real bullets. It kills or numbs the rational part so they are enabled to kill or be killed.
I got serious thoughts on this stuff, people.
Lord only knows what they shot in my husband's butt when he was in boot camp. Hopefully it's worn off 17 years later. I told him he was now the brainwashER instead of the brainwashEE.
And can you believe he STILL loves me? My mouth overloads my butt on a regular basis and he STILL wants to hang out with me. Hmmm. Must be the pot roast that keeps him hanging around.
*Please understand that Fred does discuss work with me from time to time. He never mentions names and nitty gritty details. I don't want to know the particulars- it won't benefit my life in any way.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Power to the Point
Just when I think she's quit amazing me for a while.
Paige is self-taught smartness. She's so freaking independent. If there's something she doesn't understand....she hacks and hacks at it until she figures it out. This can be good. This can definitely be bad sometimes.
She's finding her niche in the gifted class. She's a point away in each class from having an A. Normally this would freak me out because I insist on all A's. Someone was kind and gracious enough to point out to me that I needed to chill out. B's in gifted were like BIG A+'s in regular class. Point taken.
I love this school. The gifted teachers constantly tell their students to think outside the box. Take a different route than normal to get to your conclusion. The kids get tired of hearing it....but I really think it's working.
Take for instance:
I'm not sure which class she was working for last night, but she had a project due today. Each student was given the flag of a country. They had to make a flag. No printing off the computer and turning it. Hand-made, people. To scale. Hand drawn. Let's not forget the all important report due on said flag and country.
Paige jumped clean out of the box. She got the brilliant idea to do a power point presentation. I'll be honest with you. I didn't even know I HAD power point on my computer. Never had any use for the program. So, last night she retires to the East Wing to work on her presentation. Of course, she had some Grey's Anatomy going on behind her. (MAN, that was a good show last night)
An hour later my attendance was required to enjoy the show. Dang, if she didn't do it. I was down right impressed. She had music added in. Everytime a new page came up she would clap all excited-like and say over and over..."YaY Me!" YaY Me!"
I asked her how did she know how to do power point? She replied..."I found it one day and have been messing around with it, so when the time came...I'd know how to use it." See what I mean?
She emailed it to her teacher to be shown in class today. I can't wait to see if she got far enough away from the box for the teacher.
Sweet Daddy Fred made a quick late trip to Walmart to purchase construction paper and poster paper for the flag. We forgot the glue. I hate last minute projects. I'll be fair to Paige...she got the assignment Tuesday.
I went to bed around midnight. Left her to her work.
She got three hours of sleep.
Should a 7th grader have that much homework????
Oh, and at the end of her power point.....she has the curtains and in front of them is her name, block number, and teacher.
Don't forget the applause in the background.
Paige is self-taught smartness. She's so freaking independent. If there's something she doesn't understand....she hacks and hacks at it until she figures it out. This can be good. This can definitely be bad sometimes.
She's finding her niche in the gifted class. She's a point away in each class from having an A. Normally this would freak me out because I insist on all A's. Someone was kind and gracious enough to point out to me that I needed to chill out. B's in gifted were like BIG A+'s in regular class. Point taken.
I love this school. The gifted teachers constantly tell their students to think outside the box. Take a different route than normal to get to your conclusion. The kids get tired of hearing it....but I really think it's working.
Take for instance:
I'm not sure which class she was working for last night, but she had a project due today. Each student was given the flag of a country. They had to make a flag. No printing off the computer and turning it. Hand-made, people. To scale. Hand drawn. Let's not forget the all important report due on said flag and country.
Paige jumped clean out of the box. She got the brilliant idea to do a power point presentation. I'll be honest with you. I didn't even know I HAD power point on my computer. Never had any use for the program. So, last night she retires to the East Wing to work on her presentation. Of course, she had some Grey's Anatomy going on behind her. (MAN, that was a good show last night)
An hour later my attendance was required to enjoy the show. Dang, if she didn't do it. I was down right impressed. She had music added in. Everytime a new page came up she would clap all excited-like and say over and over..."YaY Me!" YaY Me!"
I asked her how did she know how to do power point? She replied..."I found it one day and have been messing around with it, so when the time came...I'd know how to use it." See what I mean?
She emailed it to her teacher to be shown in class today. I can't wait to see if she got far enough away from the box for the teacher.
Sweet Daddy Fred made a quick late trip to Walmart to purchase construction paper and poster paper for the flag. We forgot the glue. I hate last minute projects. I'll be fair to Paige...she got the assignment Tuesday.
I went to bed around midnight. Left her to her work.
She got three hours of sleep.
Should a 7th grader have that much homework????
Oh, and at the end of her power point.....she has the curtains and in front of them is her name, block number, and teacher.
Don't forget the applause in the background.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
It's all Nana's fault
I warned my mother that I was going to blog about this.
My kids have a good Nana. She loves all her grankids...says each one has something special about them.
Back in Nana's day, small babies and kids took a quick bath in the sink. I know each of her six grankids have taken a bath in her kitchen or bathroom sink at least once in their lives. We even have the cutest pictures of Paige doing this.
Vitt, being the smallest(by a hair..he's catching up with Cousin Cayden quickly), has been the most recent to take a bath in Nana's sink. That boy loves his Nana and Papa....they can get him to do things I never could.
Well, Vitt's not like normal kids. He's real sharp and independant. He's discovered here at our home, he is quite capable of giving his own self a bath....in our bathroom sink. And you better watch him, or he'll be naked in a flash.
It's almost become a daily occurance for him to go missing and to be found in the bathroom sink. Thing is...he's not quite adapt at doing this on his own. We have a small sink and he's got a juicy butt. Not fat...just juicy. We are also not equip at recreating Niagra Falls. Which is what happens when he sits that cute little hiney of his down in the sink. Nor are we prepared when he gets soap. Everywhere. Talk about slip-sliding away.
I've tried to explain that we only do this at Nana's house. He, then, in his broken English says.....I go to PapaNana's?? I go to PapaNana's?
Thanks, Mom.
My kids have a good Nana. She loves all her grankids...says each one has something special about them.
Back in Nana's day, small babies and kids took a quick bath in the sink. I know each of her six grankids have taken a bath in her kitchen or bathroom sink at least once in their lives. We even have the cutest pictures of Paige doing this.
Vitt, being the smallest(by a hair..he's catching up with Cousin Cayden quickly), has been the most recent to take a bath in Nana's sink. That boy loves his Nana and Papa....they can get him to do things I never could.
Well, Vitt's not like normal kids. He's real sharp and independant. He's discovered here at our home, he is quite capable of giving his own self a bath....in our bathroom sink. And you better watch him, or he'll be naked in a flash.
It's almost become a daily occurance for him to go missing and to be found in the bathroom sink. Thing is...he's not quite adapt at doing this on his own. We have a small sink and he's got a juicy butt. Not fat...just juicy. We are also not equip at recreating Niagra Falls. Which is what happens when he sits that cute little hiney of his down in the sink. Nor are we prepared when he gets soap. Everywhere. Talk about slip-sliding away.
I've tried to explain that we only do this at Nana's house. He, then, in his broken English says.....I go to PapaNana's?? I go to PapaNana's?
Thanks, Mom.
Heavenly Chorus
I almost think I heard a heavenly chorus break out this morning.
Why? you might ask.
Because Paige and Makenna are now back in school.
Thank you, Lord!
Conversation between Paige and Makenna, per Paige.
Makenna: Sissy, I'm ready to go back to school.
Paige: Why is that?
Makenna: Because we don't have to clean the whole school. Everytime we turn around at home, we have to clean something.
Paige was dressed and ready for school when I got up this morning at 6:30 a.m. She had on her new tshirt which reads: "I put the R in Rad" . Thank you Old Navy for giving my child more ego-boosting clothing. Like she needs it.
In my excitement of school starting back, I sent Makenna to bed at 7:45 p.m. last night. It's quite a treat to watch someone go to bed with attitude.
I'm quite sure the girls enjoyed their Summer break. No, I didn't lose my train of thought or get it wrong. When you wear shorts and flip flops out to play....it's not a Winter break. This morning is the first time it's been cool enough to wear a jacket.
The news reports that this bizarre warm weather we're experiencing down here in the South is called Global Warming. So, is that the new politically correct name for God? Global Warming?
Why? you might ask.
Because Paige and Makenna are now back in school.
Thank you, Lord!
Conversation between Paige and Makenna, per Paige.
Makenna: Sissy, I'm ready to go back to school.
Paige: Why is that?
Makenna: Because we don't have to clean the whole school. Everytime we turn around at home, we have to clean something.
Paige was dressed and ready for school when I got up this morning at 6:30 a.m. She had on her new tshirt which reads: "I put the R in Rad" . Thank you Old Navy for giving my child more ego-boosting clothing. Like she needs it.
In my excitement of school starting back, I sent Makenna to bed at 7:45 p.m. last night. It's quite a treat to watch someone go to bed with attitude.
I'm quite sure the girls enjoyed their Summer break. No, I didn't lose my train of thought or get it wrong. When you wear shorts and flip flops out to play....it's not a Winter break. This morning is the first time it's been cool enough to wear a jacket.
The news reports that this bizarre warm weather we're experiencing down here in the South is called Global Warming. So, is that the new politically correct name for God? Global Warming?
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
The Supper Table
I love supper time at our house. When we moved into our bigger home, I made a rule that we would eat together as a family. We had this beautiful big six chair table* just built for a family. Every evening we sit down to eat. This is the time where we ask the girls how their day has been. Both get a chance to tell us what's going on in their lives. This also helps our Little Man learn how to sit and eat a meal. Although.....that's not working out too well most of the time.
Last night Makenna had our next door neighbor over for a sleep over. I was busy arranging the East Wing living room. It is now a CLEAN living room/computer room/play room. Fred took over cooking duty to make us some chimichangas.
We sat down to eat and I am like my mother in law. I put cheese on everything. The kids have picked up this habit also. Paige and I had put cheese on our chimi's when Makenna decided she needed some, too.
"Pass the cheese, please," she said in a sing song voice.
Paige huffed and held it out of her reach. "Say it normal"
"Pass the cheese," Mak said in a deep voice.
Paige huffed and puffed. "SAY it normal."
"Pass the cheeeeeeeese, pleeeaaaasssseeeee," Mak said in squeaky voice.
Paige (turning red in the face), "SAY IT NORMAL. GOD, CAN'T YOU SAY ANYTHING NORMAL. WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM??"
Makenna lifted one eyebrow at her crazy acting sister and said,
"Not all people are normal."
She got the cheese.
I love supper time at our table.
*Big shout-out to HelenAnne and Mitch who brought that beautiful table all the way from Nashville for us. That's love, people*
Last night Makenna had our next door neighbor over for a sleep over. I was busy arranging the East Wing living room. It is now a CLEAN living room/computer room/play room. Fred took over cooking duty to make us some chimichangas.
We sat down to eat and I am like my mother in law. I put cheese on everything. The kids have picked up this habit also. Paige and I had put cheese on our chimi's when Makenna decided she needed some, too.
"Pass the cheese, please," she said in a sing song voice.
Paige huffed and held it out of her reach. "Say it normal"
"Pass the cheese," Mak said in a deep voice.
Paige huffed and puffed. "SAY it normal."
"Pass the cheeeeeeeese, pleeeaaaasssseeeee," Mak said in squeaky voice.
Paige (turning red in the face), "SAY IT NORMAL. GOD, CAN'T YOU SAY ANYTHING NORMAL. WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM??"
Makenna lifted one eyebrow at her crazy acting sister and said,
"Not all people are normal."
She got the cheese.
I love supper time at our table.
*Big shout-out to HelenAnne and Mitch who brought that beautiful table all the way from Nashville for us. That's love, people*
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Christmas Season 2006
Another successful Christmas mission accomplished.
On the way home last Saturday, Paige made the comment that she felt she could go faster than our van was going down the interstate. That baby was ready to see her Nana. And Paige is the only person I know who can make friends with other people on the interstate. She got out her green and red markers....got a few note cards and proceeded to write this on them and put them in the window on her side.
"HO HO HO"
Merry Christmas!
one card had a Christmas tree with presents underneath.
I was in the left lane passing another fellow mini-van who had NO IDEA what cruise control was. It was a young driver who, when she looked at Paige's window...did a bouncy "ho ho ho" and waved at Paige. That's my Paige...never meeting a stranger.
Christmas Eve we went to our home church for a cantata. Our choir rocks and I just felt that was the best place for our family to be before we headed over to Mama's house to open all the goodies. It pissed Makenna off. She read the program and counted down the songs as they were sung. Well, they didn't really put the last song on the program and when they started singing....that sister was just disgusted.
She said..."Can we just go already?????"
We stayed for the rest, of course.
We cut our visit short due to illness. I was feeling puny and Big Daddy decided we would head on back to Georgia in case I needed to go to the doctor on Friday. The military will close a facility for any reason they can think of, so we knew if I got worse.... it would be Tuesday before I could be seen.
Apparently, we were all sick....Fred being the exception. After going rounds with Tricare yesterday, we were all four seen. This is how it went. Vitt- upper respiratory infection, Makenna- Upper respiratory, Paige- sickest out of group- sinus and upper resp. And me?? Throat infection. JUST LOVELY.
One quick visit to the base pharmacy and our medical needs were met. For free.
We also have house guests that came back with us. My nieces Emily and Erica are visiting whilst their mom- my life friend Lu- goes on a cruise. The dog. The twins are loving Georgia and I truly enjoyed having them here with us. Lu is gonna pick them up Sunday on her way through and I do believe I might miss them. But, whoever said boys eat alot......they obviously didn't have girls. Good Lawd! This group is going to eat us out of house and home!
So, today, we're just all hanging around in our gowns....taking it easy. The girls all got a webkin for Christmas. It's a stuffed animal that you can go online and "raise" it. They're all red-eyed from staring at the computer. Emily says, "This is the bestest present EVAH". (She's a Southern Belle in training)
I am employing evil ways around here, too. They were all excited at the fact we're going to have hot dogs and fries for supper. They smelled a trick when they had to eat a good salad for lunch. Eating three bites...thinking they were done? I offered to put the bowl in the fridge so they could finish it for supper. We had very clean bowls by the end of the meal.
I heard we're having a new year coming in tomorrow night. 2006 was such a life changing year for me....for my family. I look forward to HOPEFULLY having a peaceful non-stressful year in 2007.
Yeah, right.
On the way home last Saturday, Paige made the comment that she felt she could go faster than our van was going down the interstate. That baby was ready to see her Nana. And Paige is the only person I know who can make friends with other people on the interstate. She got out her green and red markers....got a few note cards and proceeded to write this on them and put them in the window on her side.
"HO HO HO"
Merry Christmas!
one card had a Christmas tree with presents underneath.
I was in the left lane passing another fellow mini-van who had NO IDEA what cruise control was. It was a young driver who, when she looked at Paige's window...did a bouncy "ho ho ho" and waved at Paige. That's my Paige...never meeting a stranger.
Christmas Eve we went to our home church for a cantata. Our choir rocks and I just felt that was the best place for our family to be before we headed over to Mama's house to open all the goodies. It pissed Makenna off. She read the program and counted down the songs as they were sung. Well, they didn't really put the last song on the program and when they started singing....that sister was just disgusted.
She said..."Can we just go already?????"
We stayed for the rest, of course.
We cut our visit short due to illness. I was feeling puny and Big Daddy decided we would head on back to Georgia in case I needed to go to the doctor on Friday. The military will close a facility for any reason they can think of, so we knew if I got worse.... it would be Tuesday before I could be seen.
Apparently, we were all sick....Fred being the exception. After going rounds with Tricare yesterday, we were all four seen. This is how it went. Vitt- upper respiratory infection, Makenna- Upper respiratory, Paige- sickest out of group- sinus and upper resp. And me?? Throat infection. JUST LOVELY.
One quick visit to the base pharmacy and our medical needs were met. For free.
We also have house guests that came back with us. My nieces Emily and Erica are visiting whilst their mom- my life friend Lu- goes on a cruise. The dog. The twins are loving Georgia and I truly enjoyed having them here with us. Lu is gonna pick them up Sunday on her way through and I do believe I might miss them. But, whoever said boys eat alot......they obviously didn't have girls. Good Lawd! This group is going to eat us out of house and home!
So, today, we're just all hanging around in our gowns....taking it easy. The girls all got a webkin for Christmas. It's a stuffed animal that you can go online and "raise" it. They're all red-eyed from staring at the computer. Emily says, "This is the bestest present EVAH". (She's a Southern Belle in training)
I am employing evil ways around here, too. They were all excited at the fact we're going to have hot dogs and fries for supper. They smelled a trick when they had to eat a good salad for lunch. Eating three bites...thinking they were done? I offered to put the bowl in the fridge so they could finish it for supper. We had very clean bowls by the end of the meal.
I heard we're having a new year coming in tomorrow night. 2006 was such a life changing year for me....for my family. I look forward to HOPEFULLY having a peaceful non-stressful year in 2007.
Yeah, right.
Friday, December 22, 2006
To Ya'll Out There in Internet Land
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM MISS HOPE. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. MAY HE KEEP YOU SAFE THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON AND BRING YOU SAFELY INTO THE NEW YEAR.
We'll see ya in a week.
Remember...coal will eventually turn into a diamond.
We'll see ya in a week.
Remember...coal will eventually turn into a diamond.
To My Son
Dear Vitt,
You are two. And because you are two, you don't realize what Mama and Dad have to do in order to get this family of five home for Christmas. Mama has been washing and cleaning all day long to prepare for a packing frenzy before she goes to bed. Daddy worked all day and has run errands trying to wrap things up. We just have the best intentions of leaving this house around 7 a.m. because we are ready to get home, son!
And can you believe that I actually had the insane thought to clean my jewelry today so it would be all sparkly and pretty for pictures taken in the next week? I know I used one of your teeny medicine cups and put it to the side. My idea was to clean it all before going to bed and have it laying out to dry. Why, I even threw Makenna's earrings in for good measure!
The stool. Oh, how you love the stool. You utilize that tool every single chance you get. Hence an hour or so earlier. You pulled that stool right up to the kitchen sink to play in the faucet. That's cool. But, then you had to spy the teeny cup sitting there. And you were dying of thirst. And proceeded to dump said cup so you could quench that thirst.
Then I walk in. And lost all semblance of composure and religion I had in my body.
Little Boy, you better be glad your Daddy will stick his hand down the garbage disposal. You better be durn glad he knows how to dismantle the garbage disposal under the sink when there was one single little earring left to find.
And you better extra durn glad it fell out when he did.
It sure saved your butt from getting choked for Christmas.
love,
Mama
You are two. And because you are two, you don't realize what Mama and Dad have to do in order to get this family of five home for Christmas. Mama has been washing and cleaning all day long to prepare for a packing frenzy before she goes to bed. Daddy worked all day and has run errands trying to wrap things up. We just have the best intentions of leaving this house around 7 a.m. because we are ready to get home, son!
And can you believe that I actually had the insane thought to clean my jewelry today so it would be all sparkly and pretty for pictures taken in the next week? I know I used one of your teeny medicine cups and put it to the side. My idea was to clean it all before going to bed and have it laying out to dry. Why, I even threw Makenna's earrings in for good measure!
The stool. Oh, how you love the stool. You utilize that tool every single chance you get. Hence an hour or so earlier. You pulled that stool right up to the kitchen sink to play in the faucet. That's cool. But, then you had to spy the teeny cup sitting there. And you were dying of thirst. And proceeded to dump said cup so you could quench that thirst.
Then I walk in. And lost all semblance of composure and religion I had in my body.
Little Boy, you better be glad your Daddy will stick his hand down the garbage disposal. You better be durn glad he knows how to dismantle the garbage disposal under the sink when there was one single little earring left to find.
And you better extra durn glad it fell out when he did.
It sure saved your butt from getting choked for Christmas.
love,
Mama
Countdown
Makenna is on the other side of driving me crazy here. I made the mistake of giving her Santa's website which shows the countdown to Christmas by the minute. She is accessing it on Fred's laptop every five minutes. I do believe she is a tad bit excited.
I'm not too sure how to do this, but I'm going to give you the link to check it out. It's not a bad site to leaving running on your puter.
http://www.emailsanta.com/
I'd get Paige to fix it all fancy, but girlfriend is sleeping in. I'm glad someone is able to.
I'm not too sure how to do this, but I'm going to give you the link to check it out. It's not a bad site to leaving running on your puter.
http://www.emailsanta.com/
I'd get Paige to fix it all fancy, but girlfriend is sleeping in. I'm glad someone is able to.
Party at the Mansion
Let's get one thing straight, shall we? We all know that this particular family lives in the bottom floor of this dwelling. We have neighbors on top to the right and neighbors on top to the left. For all intents and purposes, I guess you could call it apartments. Well, we, and we being the tenants of this said structure....call our homes The Mansion. Why, you ask?
Well........
1. Looking at it from the outside...it's huge. Like a big house.
2. Anyone I know living in a crib this big ...lives in a mansion.
3. Neighbor upstairs brings home a valid point. We have 8 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 3 dining rooms (we opted out of that on one side), 4 great rooms, 3 laundry rooms (we only use one)...and enough kitchen space for a restaurant.
4. We all meet in the outside foyer once a day, weather permitting, to sit and chat.
5. And the decorations outside? "Officially" on our lawn....but gladly shared to let others take part and do their own decoratin'.
Just like a family.
This morning, neighbors in C came down to visit me whilst I wrapped presents. I told them to please come and eat supper with us tonight. I wanted our "family" to do something special before the downstairs unit cleared out to head back to South Carolina for Jesus' Birthday. We also contacted Ms. Unit D to inform her of our plans. Her new hubby is out in the field (military field, that is) working until Saturday morning and she's feeling the depressing feeling of being lonely.
How excited we were! We decided to order pizza so no one would have to cook or clean. I had desserts and Miss Neighbor C said she would bring something also. We set the time for 6:00 p.m.
Then I worked those girls of mine like cheap labor when they got home from school. We swept and mopped and straightened and lit really good smelling candles. Our house ....on one side....looked awesome! We were standing there all proud, then I looked at them and said...well, we're half-way done...we'll do the other side tomorrow. ha ha ha ha ha ...yes, I know I am evil.
What a good time we had. I had picked up presents for the couples but was not expecting a single thing from them. They came bearing gifts. My goodness. We had supper at our table with enough room for all when we added the girls' desk chairs. Mister C sang some karaoke with Paige afterwards. We opened gifts. The old folks (that would be Fred and I) drank coffee.
It was a really good time. These kids won't be able to go home for Christmas. They will be working for our country. I am so very proud of them and wanted to do something special for them. Instead, they turned the tables on me and showed me just how special they are.
They are ready for us to come BACK home next Friday.
We made it official. We are all Mansion-Mates.
Well........
1. Looking at it from the outside...it's huge. Like a big house.
2. Anyone I know living in a crib this big ...lives in a mansion.
3. Neighbor upstairs brings home a valid point. We have 8 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 3 dining rooms (we opted out of that on one side), 4 great rooms, 3 laundry rooms (we only use one)...and enough kitchen space for a restaurant.
4. We all meet in the outside foyer once a day, weather permitting, to sit and chat.
5. And the decorations outside? "Officially" on our lawn....but gladly shared to let others take part and do their own decoratin'.
Just like a family.
This morning, neighbors in C came down to visit me whilst I wrapped presents. I told them to please come and eat supper with us tonight. I wanted our "family" to do something special before the downstairs unit cleared out to head back to South Carolina for Jesus' Birthday. We also contacted Ms. Unit D to inform her of our plans. Her new hubby is out in the field (military field, that is) working until Saturday morning and she's feeling the depressing feeling of being lonely.
How excited we were! We decided to order pizza so no one would have to cook or clean. I had desserts and Miss Neighbor C said she would bring something also. We set the time for 6:00 p.m.
Then I worked those girls of mine like cheap labor when they got home from school. We swept and mopped and straightened and lit really good smelling candles. Our house ....on one side....looked awesome! We were standing there all proud, then I looked at them and said...well, we're half-way done...we'll do the other side tomorrow. ha ha ha ha ha ...yes, I know I am evil.
What a good time we had. I had picked up presents for the couples but was not expecting a single thing from them. They came bearing gifts. My goodness. We had supper at our table with enough room for all when we added the girls' desk chairs. Mister C sang some karaoke with Paige afterwards. We opened gifts. The old folks (that would be Fred and I) drank coffee.
It was a really good time. These kids won't be able to go home for Christmas. They will be working for our country. I am so very proud of them and wanted to do something special for them. Instead, they turned the tables on me and showed me just how special they are.
They are ready for us to come BACK home next Friday.
We made it official. We are all Mansion-Mates.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Music Trivia
Fred and I have always played this game since we started dating back in 2001. I've had a love for music since I was a wee one. My dad had an 8-track player that I inherited as a young girl and my listening choices were CCR, Three Dog Night, and Dionne Warwick. I know there were more, but I tended to gravitate towards these three more. My friend Debbie and I always quizzed each other on artists and song titles going through elementary school until we finished high school. She and I are number one fans of the movie Dazed and Confused*...the music just ROCKS in that movie.
So, as we were dating, when a song would come on, I would be quick to ask.....Who sings this? or What year did this song come out? My whole life revolved around songs. I have a song for every memorable occasion in my life.
Fred's not a real good music trivia player. He gets them wrong more often than he gets them right. I amaze him with my recollect sometimes. I'm not saying he doesn't appreciate good music. He sings along with the songs from back in the day and has a few memories of his own.
Yesterday we were driving to the commissary on base to get groceries. I make him go with me so he can pick out a couple of meals that HE will cook. I figure if he likes the food...he'll be more inclined to cook it and give me a break.
On the radio came a classic. Frosty the Snowman. The original. Quick as a wink I said....Who sings this?
Get this.
Quick as a wink he replied..Burl Ives.
Can you believe it????? He can't remember songs by Bon Jovi or Michael Jackson....prominent songs from his teen years...but he can remember BURL IVES?????
I just looked at him. Then I proceeded to tell him how sad it was that he could remember that name and hardly any of the other songs. I laughed because it just really caught me off guard. I honestly was not expecting him to know the answer.
Then I told him...I'm going to blog about this. You know that, right?
*We all know that Dazed And Confused promotes the ideas of smoking weed...underage drinking and teen sex. I didn't say I supported these ideas at all. But, the movie is hilarious and the music is just superb. And Matthew McC.? (I just can't spell his last name) I never thought a man looked good with sideburns until I saw his.
So, as we were dating, when a song would come on, I would be quick to ask.....Who sings this? or What year did this song come out? My whole life revolved around songs. I have a song for every memorable occasion in my life.
Fred's not a real good music trivia player. He gets them wrong more often than he gets them right. I amaze him with my recollect sometimes. I'm not saying he doesn't appreciate good music. He sings along with the songs from back in the day and has a few memories of his own.
Yesterday we were driving to the commissary on base to get groceries. I make him go with me so he can pick out a couple of meals that HE will cook. I figure if he likes the food...he'll be more inclined to cook it and give me a break.
On the radio came a classic. Frosty the Snowman. The original. Quick as a wink I said....Who sings this?
Get this.
Quick as a wink he replied..Burl Ives.
Can you believe it????? He can't remember songs by Bon Jovi or Michael Jackson....prominent songs from his teen years...but he can remember BURL IVES?????
I just looked at him. Then I proceeded to tell him how sad it was that he could remember that name and hardly any of the other songs. I laughed because it just really caught me off guard. I honestly was not expecting him to know the answer.
Then I told him...I'm going to blog about this. You know that, right?
*We all know that Dazed And Confused promotes the ideas of smoking weed...underage drinking and teen sex. I didn't say I supported these ideas at all. But, the movie is hilarious and the music is just superb. And Matthew McC.? (I just can't spell his last name) I never thought a man looked good with sideburns until I saw his.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Is it Okay?
I just saw something on the morning news that kind of bothered me. The topic of discussion was, "Is it okay to say Merry Christmas?".
Well, in a nutshell, yes it is.
Have we forgotten that we live in America?
Have we forgotten that we are, for all intents and purposes, a free country?
Have we forgotten why our forefathers left England...and that others immigrated to this fine land of milk and honey?
Have we forgotten why so many of our sons have died in years past?
I am famous for my love of America. If someone knocks at the door, I don't have to answer. And if I don't feel like doing it, I don't. It's simple as that. If I check the peephole and there's a piece of formal paper saying that the law has reason to search my house, I might be inclined to open the door and see what the fuss is about. But, I am a law-abiding citizen, so I really have no fear of that happening.
If the phone rings and I don't feel like talking to the person showing up on caller i.d., then I don't answer. Simple as that. Living in a country such as ours gives me that sweet privilege.
If I want to get up on Sunday morning and go to the church of my choice...then I do. And I choose to go every Sunday morning with my family of five to worship the Lord. A Free Will Baptist church to be more exact. We pass a few churches of different denominations as we go to our own...with parking lots full.
My husband works for the citizens of the United States to protect these rights that have been hard-won. He's put in 17 years of his life.....been in places that he can't even tell me about...to insure our children can keep these choices that most take for granted.
I get so....well, pissed off, for lack of a better term, when stupid discussions are held over issues that really aren't relevant to our continued survival as a free country.
If I choose to say Merry Christmas, then I will. If I choose to add my Blessings, then I will.
I live in the UNITED States of America.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL..........
Well, in a nutshell, yes it is.
Have we forgotten that we live in America?
Have we forgotten that we are, for all intents and purposes, a free country?
Have we forgotten why our forefathers left England...and that others immigrated to this fine land of milk and honey?
Have we forgotten why so many of our sons have died in years past?
I am famous for my love of America. If someone knocks at the door, I don't have to answer. And if I don't feel like doing it, I don't. It's simple as that. If I check the peephole and there's a piece of formal paper saying that the law has reason to search my house, I might be inclined to open the door and see what the fuss is about. But, I am a law-abiding citizen, so I really have no fear of that happening.
If the phone rings and I don't feel like talking to the person showing up on caller i.d., then I don't answer. Simple as that. Living in a country such as ours gives me that sweet privilege.
If I want to get up on Sunday morning and go to the church of my choice...then I do. And I choose to go every Sunday morning with my family of five to worship the Lord. A Free Will Baptist church to be more exact. We pass a few churches of different denominations as we go to our own...with parking lots full.
My husband works for the citizens of the United States to protect these rights that have been hard-won. He's put in 17 years of his life.....been in places that he can't even tell me about...to insure our children can keep these choices that most take for granted.
I get so....well, pissed off, for lack of a better term, when stupid discussions are held over issues that really aren't relevant to our continued survival as a free country.
If I choose to say Merry Christmas, then I will. If I choose to add my Blessings, then I will.
I live in the UNITED States of America.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL..........
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Blessed Child
Time for the Christmas play at church. Parts have been assigned. Makenna was chosen to be the donkey. She has to crawl on all fours and tote Baby Jesus.
She is not happy.
In fact, she's right insulted and pissed about the whole deal.
I tried to explain to her that you can't always get the good parts. That the donkey was VERY important in the grand scheme of things. God picked that one particular animal to tote Mary safely to Bethlehem. So, she really does have a good part.
She ain't buying it.
All we get when we try to talk to her about it is one little girl sitting in the chair with her legs crossed primly...arms crossed over her chest...and the reply...
"Makenna don't do donkeys."
She will this year.
She is not happy.
In fact, she's right insulted and pissed about the whole deal.
I tried to explain to her that you can't always get the good parts. That the donkey was VERY important in the grand scheme of things. God picked that one particular animal to tote Mary safely to Bethlehem. So, she really does have a good part.
She ain't buying it.
All we get when we try to talk to her about it is one little girl sitting in the chair with her legs crossed primly...arms crossed over her chest...and the reply...
"Makenna don't do donkeys."
She will this year.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
It's Only Fair, I Supose
It's only fair that I tell on my own self.
Last night, Paige went to a Christmas Sunday School party. After getting home, she and I were over in the west wing of the house...she on the laptop and me on my computer. We were talking about the party and playing the best game EVAH.
I have all these cubby holes on my desk that I have stashed lots of things in. Order in chaos kind of thinking. In one, I knew there was a bag of vanilla wafers that I keep for Vitt in the mornings. I decided I wanted a couple of those cookies.
I was playing the card game while reaching for the bag..that was behind some papers.
Now, Vitt has this fascination with shoe laces. If he finds a shoe with a lace...he finds it necessary to remove them. Drives us crazy trying to keep up with them. Apparently he had taken Makenna's brown ones out and I had stuck it in the cubby for safe keeping.
It was wrapped around the bag.
And I pulled the bag out without really looking.
And the shoestring came with it.
And...well.....it scared me.
So I screamed.
And started shaking my hand like crazy. While still holding on to the bag of cookies.
I startled Paige, too, and she wanted to know what was going on. I was explaining to her as I am to you and then I finished with....."All I know is I HAD TO SAVE THE COOKIES!"
She thought this was the funniest thing in the entire free world and almost hurt herself laughing at me.
I guess you had to be there.
Last night, Paige went to a Christmas Sunday School party. After getting home, she and I were over in the west wing of the house...she on the laptop and me on my computer. We were talking about the party and playing the best game EVAH.
I have all these cubby holes on my desk that I have stashed lots of things in. Order in chaos kind of thinking. In one, I knew there was a bag of vanilla wafers that I keep for Vitt in the mornings. I decided I wanted a couple of those cookies.
I was playing the card game while reaching for the bag..that was behind some papers.
Now, Vitt has this fascination with shoe laces. If he finds a shoe with a lace...he finds it necessary to remove them. Drives us crazy trying to keep up with them. Apparently he had taken Makenna's brown ones out and I had stuck it in the cubby for safe keeping.
It was wrapped around the bag.
And I pulled the bag out without really looking.
And the shoestring came with it.
And...well.....it scared me.
So I screamed.
And started shaking my hand like crazy. While still holding on to the bag of cookies.
I startled Paige, too, and she wanted to know what was going on. I was explaining to her as I am to you and then I finished with....."All I know is I HAD TO SAVE THE COOKIES!"
She thought this was the funniest thing in the entire free world and almost hurt herself laughing at me.
I guess you had to be there.
Telling on Paige
I'm almost positive I've told you how Paige is now cooking our meat on the George Foreman grill. She has completely taken over that part of the meal on Sunday and is asking for the GF 5. Didn't know such an animal existed. Soooo.... you think she wants the upgraded grill or the ipod nano?? I know which one I'd wish she really wanted.
So, today she and I are cooking Sunday dinner after getting home from church. I'm running around taking care of everything but the meat. She is manning her grill with her tongs and spices. We were finishing up for the most part when she said to me,
"This is going to be some GOOD meat because I've been licking the air."
She. Kills. Me.
So, today she and I are cooking Sunday dinner after getting home from church. I'm running around taking care of everything but the meat. She is manning her grill with her tongs and spices. We were finishing up for the most part when she said to me,
"This is going to be some GOOD meat because I've been licking the air."
She. Kills. Me.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Mass Confusion...you know, the usual
Fred and I are going to his Christmas party this evening. And I really want to go because the Navy dishes out some really good door prizes, people. And don't be jealous.....it's the least they can do!
Three weeks ago, I asked our upstairs neighbor if she could watch Vitt and Makenna while we go. She's a great girl and with three younger siblings...I know she's quite capable. So, the younger two are to go upstairs with her and Paige can do her bachelorette thing down here in our home. Works all the way around.
This morning Mistress Scrooge asks if Vitt can stay with her. She will be lonely. He is fun.
HUH?
We've decided to let him go ahead and stay with her. Rudolph and Frosty are to come on tonight, so that's two hours of pleasure viewing for the two of them and she can lay down with him to go to sleep. Miss Upstairs Neighbor will be nearby if Paige should need immediate assistance.
What about Makenna?
That sister will go on upstairs. I don't think Paige's generosity extends to letting her sister live if left alone with her.
Besides, Mak can scam a foot long coney from Sonic out of neighbor. She's good that way.
Three weeks ago, I asked our upstairs neighbor if she could watch Vitt and Makenna while we go. She's a great girl and with three younger siblings...I know she's quite capable. So, the younger two are to go upstairs with her and Paige can do her bachelorette thing down here in our home. Works all the way around.
This morning Mistress Scrooge asks if Vitt can stay with her. She will be lonely. He is fun.
HUH?
We've decided to let him go ahead and stay with her. Rudolph and Frosty are to come on tonight, so that's two hours of pleasure viewing for the two of them and she can lay down with him to go to sleep. Miss Upstairs Neighbor will be nearby if Paige should need immediate assistance.
What about Makenna?
That sister will go on upstairs. I don't think Paige's generosity extends to letting her sister live if left alone with her.
Besides, Mak can scam a foot long coney from Sonic out of neighbor. She's good that way.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
I'm going to squeeze him to death.
I know. Two posts in one day. Deal with it. I'm like a solar eclipse. It happens once in a while.
So today is trash pick-up day. And Vitt is like any other little boy. He loves him a big truck. He has the blinds open so he can see the truck stop at each building, put the cans on that lifty thing, and ride on to the next.
The truck is in front of our house. OH JOY, PEOPLE! There is a female driver today. She is sitting there looking as bored and out of place as she can. It is apparent that she went through no extra trouble appearance-wise to drive the trash truck today. She glances towards our building and there's my baby...waving frantically and hollering "HEY! HEY THERE!" A small transforms her face as she waves back just as big. They both wave big and wild as she drives off.
She has a smile on her face. She is someone's hero.
So today is trash pick-up day. And Vitt is like any other little boy. He loves him a big truck. He has the blinds open so he can see the truck stop at each building, put the cans on that lifty thing, and ride on to the next.
The truck is in front of our house. OH JOY, PEOPLE! There is a female driver today. She is sitting there looking as bored and out of place as she can. It is apparent that she went through no extra trouble appearance-wise to drive the trash truck today. She glances towards our building and there's my baby...waving frantically and hollering "HEY! HEY THERE!" A small transforms her face as she waves back just as big. They both wave big and wild as she drives off.
She has a smile on her face. She is someone's hero.
Feeling Right Froggy and Good to Go
I never had family out of state until I married my husband. All my family is for the most part, local. After acquiring a Yankee hubby, I acquired his lovely family that were nowhere near local.
So, every year, we struggle to get Christmas done and mailed in time. And we have not had that many successful years. The year I was pregnant.....well, it was a bad year. The presents SO didn't make it on time. In fact, if I remember correctly...they were a few months late!
This year I vowed would be different. And it is! YaY!
We finished shopping for his family this past Tuesday evening and it was so easy. We have not had such a easy shopping experience where we found good stuff for every single person. Even the brother in law I've never met! Last night I sat and wrapped each gift lovingly and put cute computer generated personal labels on each gift. Because I was pushing to get them done, Fred decided to be generous and pick up supper to go. We all decided to ride to pick up supper. As we're driving along listening to Christmas music on the ALL CHRISTMAS MUSIC STATION...my husband is sitting in the driver's seat dancing to an old favorite. I've been fighting a cold or allergies and wasn't catching a groove. I looked at him and said...I know why you're in such a good mood. Oh?..he said. Yeah, said I, we've got your family totally done and you're a step ahead of them and catching all kinds of attitude. Nah, he said, with a grin. Sure.
And Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge? Sir, we have in our home, your long lost great great great great grand-daughter. Her name is Paige and she's got to be the sourest (my word invention there) person I've EVAH seen. She has nothing good to say and any moment I keep expecting her to say BAH! HUMBUG! So, Fred and I piss her off by commenting that we're not going to let some snotty 12 year old bring us down, etc etc etc. Nothing grates her butt worse than being talked about like she's not there.
I've even considered doing the 3 ghost thing. Past, present, and future. Was really warming to the idea until I realized that if we did that......she'd probably have to be in therapy for being scared to death. So not worth it.
I'm going to get a little container of glitter and start sprinkling her with "HAPPY CHRISTMAS" dust when she goes sour on us. Joseph, the shepherds, plus the baby lambs.......she'll be glittered from her head to her toes.
So, every year, we struggle to get Christmas done and mailed in time. And we have not had that many successful years. The year I was pregnant.....well, it was a bad year. The presents SO didn't make it on time. In fact, if I remember correctly...they were a few months late!
This year I vowed would be different. And it is! YaY!
We finished shopping for his family this past Tuesday evening and it was so easy. We have not had such a easy shopping experience where we found good stuff for every single person. Even the brother in law I've never met! Last night I sat and wrapped each gift lovingly and put cute computer generated personal labels on each gift. Because I was pushing to get them done, Fred decided to be generous and pick up supper to go. We all decided to ride to pick up supper. As we're driving along listening to Christmas music on the ALL CHRISTMAS MUSIC STATION...my husband is sitting in the driver's seat dancing to an old favorite. I've been fighting a cold or allergies and wasn't catching a groove. I looked at him and said...I know why you're in such a good mood. Oh?..he said. Yeah, said I, we've got your family totally done and you're a step ahead of them and catching all kinds of attitude. Nah, he said, with a grin. Sure.
And Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge? Sir, we have in our home, your long lost great great great great grand-daughter. Her name is Paige and she's got to be the sourest (my word invention there) person I've EVAH seen. She has nothing good to say and any moment I keep expecting her to say BAH! HUMBUG! So, Fred and I piss her off by commenting that we're not going to let some snotty 12 year old bring us down, etc etc etc. Nothing grates her butt worse than being talked about like she's not there.
I've even considered doing the 3 ghost thing. Past, present, and future. Was really warming to the idea until I realized that if we did that......she'd probably have to be in therapy for being scared to death. So not worth it.
I'm going to get a little container of glitter and start sprinkling her with "HAPPY CHRISTMAS" dust when she goes sour on us. Joseph, the shepherds, plus the baby lambs.......she'll be glittered from her head to her toes.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Thanksgiving Holiday 2006
Thanksgiving Holiday 2006 is now officially over. Thank goodness. We went home for the week as there were many things to do in a short amount of time. It was nice until I realized when I had one minute to sit down....I had no computer! I had nervous twitches thinking about all the spam and emails I was missing. Cold sweats haunted me when I'd think of all the good deals I would be missing on my favorite websites. I don't necessarily buy all the time...but I sure like the option if I so choose.
My son was asking to come "home" around Tuesday. How on earth do you explain to a two year old that he IS at home and that home is in Georgia also? He was so confused by the time we pulled out Saturday and in desperation, I asked him if he wanted to ride his "Bee-Bee"? (that would be bicycle for the rest of you) OH YES! After a grueling almost 6 hour drive that normally takes 4 hours, we pulled back in to unload two vehicles stuffed to bursting with purchases and containers of Christmas ornaments and decorations. He went straight to the bike. My conclusion to that is....home is where the bike is.
The girls spent Wednesday through Saturday with their father. His in-laws have a time share in Hilton Head and that's where they went. Bless his heart. He thinks he is the MOSTEST ....and he owns nothing....it all belongs to the in-laws. Apparently the girls had a good time until Paige suggested Makenna take a bath and step-mom said she was fine...didn't need one. Of course, Paige being my child....informed them that that was just nasty. So started the fireworks. My phone then went haywire with all the text messages she started sending. Paige has come to conclusion that she can visit her father...but two days is the limit. After that, it all goes downhill. I found out after we met them off of I-95 enroute home, that the step-mom made a few remarks about me. I just shrug them off because she seriously means absolutely nothing to me. Paige? Well, sister won't let anyone talk about her Mama. That's my girl.
Fred and I got to go to a soiree at my old friend's house. We were aghast to realize it had five years since we had a get together. It was the best time. It took all of 30 seconds to fall back into our routine of dishing ancient dirt on each other and literally screaming with laughter. We had left Vitt with the oldest "adopted" grandkid so she could earn some cha-ching to shop with and we kept putting off leaving. Finally, we picked him up around 1 a.m. I wouldn't even go in because of the shame of being so late. Ah, good times. Good times. Before we left, we decided to get started around 4 p.m. next time since we all had kids now. We'll still be 1 a.m. picking the kid up.
Fred, myself, and our partners in crime did hit the Black Friday sales. It was simply marvelous. My husband and I make a good team. Breakfast was great and so was the four hour nap I took when I got home. We're still marveling over the good deals we got. We're like that...Fred and I.....we'll discuss things to the absolute death!
Now to prepare for Christmas. My body has decided to come down with a bout of bronchitis since I'm back and really need to get some stuff done. But, time and shopping wait for no one.
My son was asking to come "home" around Tuesday. How on earth do you explain to a two year old that he IS at home and that home is in Georgia also? He was so confused by the time we pulled out Saturday and in desperation, I asked him if he wanted to ride his "Bee-Bee"? (that would be bicycle for the rest of you) OH YES! After a grueling almost 6 hour drive that normally takes 4 hours, we pulled back in to unload two vehicles stuffed to bursting with purchases and containers of Christmas ornaments and decorations. He went straight to the bike. My conclusion to that is....home is where the bike is.
The girls spent Wednesday through Saturday with their father. His in-laws have a time share in Hilton Head and that's where they went. Bless his heart. He thinks he is the MOSTEST ....and he owns nothing....it all belongs to the in-laws. Apparently the girls had a good time until Paige suggested Makenna take a bath and step-mom said she was fine...didn't need one. Of course, Paige being my child....informed them that that was just nasty. So started the fireworks. My phone then went haywire with all the text messages she started sending. Paige has come to conclusion that she can visit her father...but two days is the limit. After that, it all goes downhill. I found out after we met them off of I-95 enroute home, that the step-mom made a few remarks about me. I just shrug them off because she seriously means absolutely nothing to me. Paige? Well, sister won't let anyone talk about her Mama. That's my girl.
Fred and I got to go to a soiree at my old friend's house. We were aghast to realize it had five years since we had a get together. It was the best time. It took all of 30 seconds to fall back into our routine of dishing ancient dirt on each other and literally screaming with laughter. We had left Vitt with the oldest "adopted" grandkid so she could earn some cha-ching to shop with and we kept putting off leaving. Finally, we picked him up around 1 a.m. I wouldn't even go in because of the shame of being so late. Ah, good times. Good times. Before we left, we decided to get started around 4 p.m. next time since we all had kids now. We'll still be 1 a.m. picking the kid up.
Fred, myself, and our partners in crime did hit the Black Friday sales. It was simply marvelous. My husband and I make a good team. Breakfast was great and so was the four hour nap I took when I got home. We're still marveling over the good deals we got. We're like that...Fred and I.....we'll discuss things to the absolute death!
Now to prepare for Christmas. My body has decided to come down with a bout of bronchitis since I'm back and really need to get some stuff done. But, time and shopping wait for no one.
Friday, November 10, 2006
The Shredder
Never EVAH send a man by himself to buy something simple. I know this. Yet, I did it anyway.
Fred and I have been discussing buying a shredder for a while. Back home, I used my mom's when the junk mail pile got too high and it sufficed. Now, that we're in Georgia, there are things that are not easily accessible....hence the purchase of a new shredder.
I'm not all about fancy. Or high tech. Just give me something simple that'll get the job done and I'm smooth.
Earlier tonight Fred volunteered to run to the Super M and get some creamer for me. I am out and the thought of enjoying a Saturday morning cup of coffee without it made me very sad. Very sad indeed. He mentioned as he was going, he would pick up a shredder. No problem. I was sitting outside chatting with my neighbors..enjoying the evening. I really didn't think anything of it.
I knew better.
He came back around an hour later with a shredder. A forty something dollar shredder. Are you kidding me? Is it going to shred my documents AND take them out to the garbage can? But, Darling, it can shred DVD's and CD's and credit cards...etc etc etc. That's nice, dear...but why on earth would we need to shred DVD's or CD's???? And I have a perfectly good pair of scissors to decimate old credit cards.
~sigh~
Lord spare me from a gadget junkie. I hope he's gotten his fix for a while.
Fred and I have been discussing buying a shredder for a while. Back home, I used my mom's when the junk mail pile got too high and it sufficed. Now, that we're in Georgia, there are things that are not easily accessible....hence the purchase of a new shredder.
I'm not all about fancy. Or high tech. Just give me something simple that'll get the job done and I'm smooth.
Earlier tonight Fred volunteered to run to the Super M and get some creamer for me. I am out and the thought of enjoying a Saturday morning cup of coffee without it made me very sad. Very sad indeed. He mentioned as he was going, he would pick up a shredder. No problem. I was sitting outside chatting with my neighbors..enjoying the evening. I really didn't think anything of it.
I knew better.
He came back around an hour later with a shredder. A forty something dollar shredder. Are you kidding me? Is it going to shred my documents AND take them out to the garbage can? But, Darling, it can shred DVD's and CD's and credit cards...etc etc etc. That's nice, dear...but why on earth would we need to shred DVD's or CD's???? And I have a perfectly good pair of scissors to decimate old credit cards.
~sigh~
Lord spare me from a gadget junkie. I hope he's gotten his fix for a while.
Friday, November 03, 2006
She might be a TAD too smart.....
Makenna has a field trip at school today. Nothing big or fancy...just a drive over to the High School to see a play young thespians are putting on.
And my children love to wear dresses. There is nothing more unattractive than a female who cannot wear a dress. I've seen children my own children's age that when put in a dress or skirt the first time.....suffice it to say it's a sad thing to witness. I've put dresses and skirts on my girls since they were born. They are comfortable in them and sometimes prefer to wear them. ~pats self on back~
When there are field trips such as this, a skirt is in order. And it's a cute little denim skirt. Tights that are black, red, and white striped, with a white long sleeved shirt. I remembered I had the CUTEST pony tail holder. A black fuzzy pom pom on a black pony tail holder. Put on the black mary janes and we are set, people!!
As I am dressing Makenna, the conversation goes:
Mom: Makenna, PLEASE pay attention and let's put these tights on right.
Makenna: ~trying to watch television~
Mom: Makenna, this has GOT to look right now, so quit looking at the t.v.
Makenna: ~sighs~ You ALWAYS dress me up for field trips. Why?
Mom: BECAUSE...when you are out and about, you are representing Blah Blah Elementary School, your teacher, and myself. You should look your best.
Dramatic pause......help us....she is thinking too hard.....
Makenna: I get it! You're using me!!! You're using me to make people think you're the world's greatest mom!!!
Mom: ~huffs indignantly~ I am not! But I do not mind people looking at you and thinking...."look at that little girl....she must be loved alot because her hair is fixed and her clothes are ironed..."
Makenna is holding the black pom pom pony tail holder while I fight her hair to look smooth and sleek.....
Makenna: Whatever. Hey, look Mom!!!
She puts the pom pom up to her nose
Makenna: With this I can be a GOTHIC clown. ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
Mom: Whatever.
And my children love to wear dresses. There is nothing more unattractive than a female who cannot wear a dress. I've seen children my own children's age that when put in a dress or skirt the first time.....suffice it to say it's a sad thing to witness. I've put dresses and skirts on my girls since they were born. They are comfortable in them and sometimes prefer to wear them. ~pats self on back~
When there are field trips such as this, a skirt is in order. And it's a cute little denim skirt. Tights that are black, red, and white striped, with a white long sleeved shirt. I remembered I had the CUTEST pony tail holder. A black fuzzy pom pom on a black pony tail holder. Put on the black mary janes and we are set, people!!
As I am dressing Makenna, the conversation goes:
Mom: Makenna, PLEASE pay attention and let's put these tights on right.
Makenna: ~trying to watch television~
Mom: Makenna, this has GOT to look right now, so quit looking at the t.v.
Makenna: ~sighs~ You ALWAYS dress me up for field trips. Why?
Mom: BECAUSE...when you are out and about, you are representing Blah Blah Elementary School, your teacher, and myself. You should look your best.
Dramatic pause......help us....she is thinking too hard.....
Makenna: I get it! You're using me!!! You're using me to make people think you're the world's greatest mom!!!
Mom: ~huffs indignantly~ I am not! But I do not mind people looking at you and thinking...."look at that little girl....she must be loved alot because her hair is fixed and her clothes are ironed..."
Makenna is holding the black pom pom pony tail holder while I fight her hair to look smooth and sleek.....
Makenna: Whatever. Hey, look Mom!!!
She puts the pom pom up to her nose
Makenna: With this I can be a GOTHIC clown. ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
Mom: Whatever.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Good Stuff
~peels wrapper off 'nother bite-sized candy bar~
~types with chocolate on tips of fingers~
So, have I told you how much I love Halloween? About how the timing this year was perfect...when I require certain amounts of chocolate in order not to kill the nearest person? About how I can tell the girls they can't have but so many pieces? About how I can hit that stash all day long while they are in school? About how I can totally blame Fred when all the good candy bars are gone?
Yeah, I like me some Halloween.
~peels the wrapper of a tootsie roll~
Yesterday I came into the computer room and saw like a dozen wrappers littered around the keyboard. I knew they weren't mine because I clean up my evidence. I started interrogating the girls. They were Makenna's. I asked her what on earth was she THINKING eating that much candy???? And I said it with a straight face, too. Her reply? "Mama, that stuff is so good and I just couldn't resist just one more....at least 6 times."
I feel your pain, sister.
Wonder who she gets it from?
~types with chocolate on tips of fingers~
So, have I told you how much I love Halloween? About how the timing this year was perfect...when I require certain amounts of chocolate in order not to kill the nearest person? About how I can tell the girls they can't have but so many pieces? About how I can hit that stash all day long while they are in school? About how I can totally blame Fred when all the good candy bars are gone?
Yeah, I like me some Halloween.
~peels the wrapper of a tootsie roll~
Yesterday I came into the computer room and saw like a dozen wrappers littered around the keyboard. I knew they weren't mine because I clean up my evidence. I started interrogating the girls. They were Makenna's. I asked her what on earth was she THINKING eating that much candy???? And I said it with a straight face, too. Her reply? "Mama, that stuff is so good and I just couldn't resist just one more....at least 6 times."
I feel your pain, sister.
Wonder who she gets it from?
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Humph
Lawd, if I'm not ill with that man of mine right now.............
I'm not gonna air any laundry because that's just cheap.
Suffice it to say that it might have been puppies and rainbows in that last post of mine but now I gotta flip to other side of the coin.
Now I just can't hang up and refuse to answer the phone if I get all mad and stuff. I gotta sit there and look at him. Although he can now FEEL the daggers mine eyes are shooting his way instead of me wasting perfectly good expressions he couldn't see over the phone.
Yeah, he washed those dishes.
That's what I thought.
I'm not gonna air any laundry because that's just cheap.
Suffice it to say that it might have been puppies and rainbows in that last post of mine but now I gotta flip to other side of the coin.
Now I just can't hang up and refuse to answer the phone if I get all mad and stuff. I gotta sit there and look at him. Although he can now FEEL the daggers mine eyes are shooting his way instead of me wasting perfectly good expressions he couldn't see over the phone.
Yeah, he washed those dishes.
That's what I thought.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Nice
Why it's nice to live in the same house as your spouse.
Because if you're really tired and if you don't take a nap, you'll just die......
You can do it and the kids will get something to eat and get in bed and you won't be a negligent mother and Child Protective Services won't have to get involved.
Almost two years of being on my own with three kids while my husband protects OUR country.........
Being with him makes me appreciate him even more.
Because if you're really tired and if you don't take a nap, you'll just die......
You can do it and the kids will get something to eat and get in bed and you won't be a negligent mother and Child Protective Services won't have to get involved.
Almost two years of being on my own with three kids while my husband protects OUR country.........
Being with him makes me appreciate him even more.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Life Happens
Life happens sometimes, ya know? For someone who is a stay at home mom, I'm too busy for my own good sometimes.
Makenna started dance. I bit the bullet and put that baby back in dance class. This studio is a little bit more professional than the one she attended back home. When I went to sign her up, I noticed the owner/teacher was a tad uptight. I say this because I tend to shoot off my mouth when I don't like something. The teacher informed me that Makenna would be wearing a pink leotard. Really? I said...I have at least 4 black ones at home, surely she can wear one of those. (Leotards are pricey, people!) She blinked. Hard. Then she informed me that Makenna wasn't up to that level as of yet. I see. Then I said...what is this? Like karate class? Colored leotards for levels? I was told that yes, indeed, it was like that.This woman was really into her studio and classes and I didn't want to burst her self imposed bubble and tell her that I have no intentions of sending Makenna to Julliard. I just want my kid to do something she enjoys...socialize a little bit...learn a little bit of grace and posture. So, I bit the bullet and went shopping. Quite a few dollars later, we had the pink leotard and new tights.
She came home from the first day ticked off. Apparently the teacher told the class they "were boring and needed to jazz things up." But, does she want to quit? Nope. She's gonna jazz it up some more. Next class was better. Either the class cooperated or the teacher was over whatever snit she was in the week before.
Paige got into the gifted class. YaY! For a moment. This school is kicking butt and taking names. She's struggling somewhat and she's never had to struggle with school. It's always come easy. She's already wanting to ditch the gifted and move down a level to AP classes. And I'm not going to let her. She hasn't really given it a chance yet and I won't raise my children to bail at the first sign of trouble. No sir. But to be honest? It's probably gonna end up kicking my butt and Fred's, too. The "discussions" we have to have with that kid are wearing us out. But I'm not giving up. Middle school is some hard junk. The girls are mean....the teachers are hard...and the boys act stupid. Ahhh, remember the good old days, folks?
Makenna. This is sweet. She came home from school with a paper for me to sign that stated the school wants to test her for the gifted program. She was so excited. She ran up to me with the paper and said....."Look, Mama! They want to test me for gifted! I think this means I might be a little bit smart!" Bless her heart. I agreed that she might be a little bit smart, too. She's blooming before my very eyes.
Vitt. He's a snob. We're working on potty training and while he's not completely ready...he will cooperate and go alot. I've bought Luv diapers and Pampers. Luvs are around the house and Pampers are overnight and go off. He refuses to wear the Luvs. Apparently he likes the stretchy goodness of the Pampers. The snobbery? He gets that from his dad.
So, that's a brief catch-up on our household. I still can't discuss Fred and how he's not on a boat right now and how I'm back to belonging to nothing and how the Navy is just a bunch of negligent overpaid jerks. I'm afraid I might get charged with treason and sent to Guantanamo Bay...........
Makenna started dance. I bit the bullet and put that baby back in dance class. This studio is a little bit more professional than the one she attended back home. When I went to sign her up, I noticed the owner/teacher was a tad uptight. I say this because I tend to shoot off my mouth when I don't like something. The teacher informed me that Makenna would be wearing a pink leotard. Really? I said...I have at least 4 black ones at home, surely she can wear one of those. (Leotards are pricey, people!) She blinked. Hard. Then she informed me that Makenna wasn't up to that level as of yet. I see. Then I said...what is this? Like karate class? Colored leotards for levels? I was told that yes, indeed, it was like that.
She came home from the first day ticked off. Apparently the teacher told the class they "were boring and needed to jazz things up." But, does she want to quit? Nope. She's gonna jazz it up some more. Next class was better. Either the class cooperated or the teacher was over whatever snit she was in the week before.
Paige got into the gifted class. YaY! For a moment. This school is kicking butt and taking names. She's struggling somewhat and she's never had to struggle with school. It's always come easy. She's already wanting to ditch the gifted and move down a level to AP classes. And I'm not going to let her. She hasn't really given it a chance yet and I won't raise my children to bail at the first sign of trouble. No sir. But to be honest? It's probably gonna end up kicking my butt and Fred's, too. The "discussions" we have to have with that kid are wearing us out. But I'm not giving up. Middle school is some hard junk. The girls are mean....the teachers are hard...and the boys act stupid. Ahhh, remember the good old days, folks?
Makenna. This is sweet. She came home from school with a paper for me to sign that stated the school wants to test her for the gifted program. She was so excited. She ran up to me with the paper and said....."Look, Mama! They want to test me for gifted! I think this means I might be a little bit smart!" Bless her heart. I agreed that she might be a little bit smart, too. She's blooming before my very eyes.
Vitt. He's a snob. We're working on potty training and while he's not completely ready...he will cooperate and go alot. I've bought Luv diapers and Pampers. Luvs are around the house and Pampers are overnight and go off. He refuses to wear the Luvs. Apparently he likes the stretchy goodness of the Pampers. The snobbery? He gets that from his dad.
So, that's a brief catch-up on our household. I still can't discuss Fred and how he's not on a boat right now and how I'm back to belonging to nothing and how the Navy is just a bunch of negligent overpaid jerks. I'm afraid I might get charged with treason and sent to Guantanamo Bay...........
Monday, October 09, 2006
Racing
Let me start by saying that I really never knew anything about NASCAR until I met my Yankee husband.*
All I knew was that there was a major track near my home and I would pass by it from time to time.**
So, Fred and I started dating. And he really like watching the races on Sunday. And I liked taking a nap. We have a really good workable system, you see. He watches the race and I doze. It's like the words, "Gentlemen, start your engines!"*** .....why those words have ether in them and I will literally pass out. And usually I will wake at the end of the race to see the grand finale. Has worked for me for a few years now.
Fred pulls for Dale, Jr. ~shrugs~ Whatever. Sure, I'll pull for him because I am ignorant in the ways of the sacred NASCAR. I will admit, though, that the few interviews I've seen...I've become a little partial to that bad boy Tony Stewart. Plus, that darling beautiful eyed Carl Edwards. He can do a back flip for me any day of the week.
Yesterday's race was in Talladega. That's in Alabama. And it's in the middle of nowhere. I know this because on our cross-country treks...we've gone past it. And it's a long race at Dega. Very long. Long enough for me to take a good nap and enjoy more laps at the end than I really care to.
Dale Jr. was close to taking it home yesterday. And that no-talent Vickers made sure he was SO not a hero. In a nutshell, he caused a fellow team mate to bump D.J. on the LAST FREAKING LAP...causing them to wreck...therefore coming up and winning.
All I gotta say is this.
If I was Dale Jr., I would do my "it's all good...that's how racing goes" speech, then I'd hunt that Vickers boy down....pull him behind the garage...and beat the living crap out of him.
THEN....(if I was Dale Jr.), I would have the biggest butt party you EVAH did see back at the house and totally not invite Vickers to it and make sure he knew that everyone got to play on Dale's backyard go-cart track. I would even go so far as to do a documentary of that day.
Okay. I am through being a redneck. I was just ...well, pissed at the injustice of it all. Here I am, trying to teach my kids to be fair, to play fair....and here's a grown man .......humph.
Good thing? After Makenna found out Dale was starting 33rd, she wasn't interested. She only watches if he's in the front from the beginning.
*I really believe that a Yankee is defined by being from out of the "circle". My husband says my circle is very small and unforgiving. ~shrugs~ It's my circle.
**Darlington RaceWay-The Track Too Tough To Tame
***Makenna can sing the National Anthem....and at the end she yells (everytime) "Gentlemen! Start your engines!" She's got to be the prettiest redneck around.
All I knew was that there was a major track near my home and I would pass by it from time to time.**
So, Fred and I started dating. And he really like watching the races on Sunday. And I liked taking a nap. We have a really good workable system, you see. He watches the race and I doze. It's like the words, "Gentlemen, start your engines!"*** .....why those words have ether in them and I will literally pass out. And usually I will wake at the end of the race to see the grand finale. Has worked for me for a few years now.
Fred pulls for Dale, Jr. ~shrugs~ Whatever. Sure, I'll pull for him because I am ignorant in the ways of the sacred NASCAR. I will admit, though, that the few interviews I've seen...I've become a little partial to that bad boy Tony Stewart. Plus, that darling beautiful eyed Carl Edwards. He can do a back flip for me any day of the week.
Yesterday's race was in Talladega. That's in Alabama. And it's in the middle of nowhere. I know this because on our cross-country treks...we've gone past it. And it's a long race at Dega. Very long. Long enough for me to take a good nap and enjoy more laps at the end than I really care to.
Dale Jr. was close to taking it home yesterday. And that no-talent Vickers made sure he was SO not a hero. In a nutshell, he caused a fellow team mate to bump D.J. on the LAST FREAKING LAP...causing them to wreck...therefore coming up and winning.
All I gotta say is this.
If I was Dale Jr., I would do my "it's all good...that's how racing goes" speech, then I'd hunt that Vickers boy down....pull him behind the garage...and beat the living crap out of him.
THEN....(if I was Dale Jr.), I would have the biggest butt party you EVAH did see back at the house and totally not invite Vickers to it and make sure he knew that everyone got to play on Dale's backyard go-cart track. I would even go so far as to do a documentary of that day.
Okay. I am through being a redneck. I was just ...well, pissed at the injustice of it all. Here I am, trying to teach my kids to be fair, to play fair....and here's a grown man .......humph.
Good thing? After Makenna found out Dale was starting 33rd, she wasn't interested. She only watches if he's in the front from the beginning.
*I really believe that a Yankee is defined by being from out of the "circle". My husband says my circle is very small and unforgiving. ~shrugs~ It's my circle.
**Darlington RaceWay-The Track Too Tough To Tame
***Makenna can sing the National Anthem....and at the end she yells (everytime) "Gentlemen! Start your engines!" She's got to be the prettiest redneck around.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
The Road To Ruin
My sweet Makenna.
Yesterday was our six month checkup at the dentist. I decided to just take a long weekend and stick with our dentist we've been with for forEVAH. Mak and Paige went back first. When Stacey, our dental hygienist*, brought Makenna out, she said Mak had a teeny tiny cavity that needed to be fixed. Our dentist is so wonderful. He decided to work Makenna in and fix that cavity before we left so I wouldn't have to rush and find a dentist here in Georgia.
While I was having my teeth cleaned by Ms. Stacey, they took Makenna on back. I made the comment that I hoped they wouldn't have to numb her mouth because we were eating lunch afterwards. It's amazing how Stacey and I can have a conversation while I have my teeth cleaned. We were almost done when I saw Makenna out of the corner of my eye.
She was wobbling around and snorting. Apparently they hit her with laughing gas. And it took. Very well. She was giggling and stumbling around. Talking about how they told her to breathe through her nose and all she saw was these two weird faces above her head. Talking about how she couldn't think straight and that was okay because..."THIS STUFF IS COOL!!!".
Stacey and I laughed so hard, I'm sure I had mascara down my face. Bless her heart. We put her in a chair in the cubicle where I was and she would be quiet....then all of a sudden start snorting and laughing over whatever was floating around in her head. I have no idea how my teeth were finished.
She ventured out into the waiting room with Paige and Fred. She ran into a glass wall. Paige got her jollies for the day off of Makenna.
As we were driving home down the interstate, I made the comment to Fred:
"So this is how kids get started on drugs. They go to the dentist and get hit by laughing gas and it's so cool they want more."
*I looked the word hygienist up so it's spelled right. HA! That's my work for the day.
Yesterday was our six month checkup at the dentist. I decided to just take a long weekend and stick with our dentist we've been with for forEVAH. Mak and Paige went back first. When Stacey, our dental hygienist*, brought Makenna out, she said Mak had a teeny tiny cavity that needed to be fixed. Our dentist is so wonderful. He decided to work Makenna in and fix that cavity before we left so I wouldn't have to rush and find a dentist here in Georgia.
While I was having my teeth cleaned by Ms. Stacey, they took Makenna on back. I made the comment that I hoped they wouldn't have to numb her mouth because we were eating lunch afterwards. It's amazing how Stacey and I can have a conversation while I have my teeth cleaned. We were almost done when I saw Makenna out of the corner of my eye.
She was wobbling around and snorting. Apparently they hit her with laughing gas. And it took. Very well. She was giggling and stumbling around. Talking about how they told her to breathe through her nose and all she saw was these two weird faces above her head. Talking about how she couldn't think straight and that was okay because..."THIS STUFF IS COOL!!!".
Stacey and I laughed so hard, I'm sure I had mascara down my face. Bless her heart. We put her in a chair in the cubicle where I was and she would be quiet....then all of a sudden start snorting and laughing over whatever was floating around in her head. I have no idea how my teeth were finished.
She ventured out into the waiting room with Paige and Fred. She ran into a glass wall. Paige got her jollies for the day off of Makenna.
As we were driving home down the interstate, I made the comment to Fred:
"So this is how kids get started on drugs. They go to the dentist and get hit by laughing gas and it's so cool they want more."
*I looked the word hygienist up so it's spelled right. HA! That's my work for the day.
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