Monday, November 2, 2009

The best thing about my fall so far...

I haven't been on to share my exciting fall news.....I have season Gator football tickets!!! Yeah Me!!!!



Last year, one of my patients got tickets from a woman who has had her season tickets since the 1960s. Unfortunately this booster hasn't been able to attend the games because she's been ill. My patient wasn't able to get the tickets this year because he was saving his $ for something else. So I jumped on the chance to buy the tickets. Our seats are great, they're in the alumni section which goes into the shade at 3:30 so I haven't been fried at a game yet....A couple of things in the con column though....they pack as many people as possible into those seats so you are crammed with 90,000 of your closest friends and the section we are in are the alumnus that have been supporting the Gators until the 60s and 70s so the average age of those around us is about 75....Oh well, seeing the Gators play is so exciting even if they haven't been playing like the #1 team they are (until last week...)

So allow me to share my view....


Look at the video below if you want to see my video of the great Gator entrance...my friend Laura who is a Bama fan says it's stupid and boring...I love it....it gets me pumped everytime!


Sunday, November 1, 2009

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Costumes of Halloween Past

 
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This year's edition to follow tomorrow ....Happy Halloween!!!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Further proof...

...that my kids are little off....


Monday, October 26, 2009

Dear Tressa,




You asked for it....here I am.....with pictures to boot.....

MUAHHHHHH!!!!!!

To be fair....here you go.....


Oh, how I sometimes wish we could escape back to those carefree
days of eating, drinking, and doing what ever the hell we wanted!!!

I miss you!!! XXOO

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Vous est.....


DOUCHEBAG!!!!!





I know people can't stand Kate, but this guy is such an a$$hole!!!

(don't grade me on my French...I haven't written/spoken it for at least 15 years!!)

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Mom Vacation - Day 2 & 3

My Mom vacation continues to go well.  Last night we did dinner at PF Changs; better service, however, don't waste your time on the desserts....not worth the calories!!  We got back to the hotel and I read and played on FB while Jenny and her co-workers crammed for the next day of class.  

I woke up this morning with an allergic reaction to something.  My left eye was swollen and blood shot...I was thinking about what a first impression that I was going to make with Kat!!  So after some cold compresses and Benadryl, the eye return to almost normal.  I drove to Kat's house without issue which was a complete surprise to me because I tend to be directionally challenged.  I am definitely time-challenged and showed that side of me right away when I arrived late...I had pre-warned Kat.  At Kat's house I met the infamous, Kat of course, but I also met Katie, Madalyn, and the infamous bad kitties.  We decided to do lunch at Red Robin which I was so excited about...I haven't eaten at a Red Robin since I lived in Washington State.  We get  the commercials in Orlando, but that's just a tease!!!  After lunch we drove around and went to a Barnes and Noble where I got book suggestions and tips from Kat which is so needed because I tend to corner myself into reading slumps.  I have 4 new books to read from authors I have never heard of....the book worm in me is so excited!  We stopped off at the library and then headed to Sonic for happy hour....a new experience for me....4 drinks for $2.80....whatta bargain!!  We headed back to Kat's abode and I got the grand tour.  Kat and I got to chit chat for a bit before I had to venture out into the Atlanta rush hour (which I lucked out on that because I was going into the city where everyone else was heading out).  We did get a picture, but that's on Kat's camera so she'll have to share it.  Her oldest, Katie, was being cute and decided to take pictures from the boobs down....needless to say those won't be posted.  

This was my very first meeting of a blog friend in real-life....I was nervous, but I think it turned out well.  I'm coming back for another Mom vacation in October and I am hoping to meet up with Kat again then.  Special bonus for me, Kat will be in the Orlando area this fall and we may be able to get our girls together...too fun!!

A special thank you to Kat for a great day!!  Hi to Katie and Madalyn!!!

Monday, July 13, 2009

Mom Vacation - Day 1

We're heeeee-re!!

After a late start (caused by me, I had forgotten to do a report that the doctors' pay is dependent upon-can't have an irate accountant and/or doctors bothering me on this responsibility-free vay-cay!!).  We hit a bit of a snag outside of Gainesville (overturned tractor-trailer, which my very superstitious companion stated, "You see, we were meant to be late for a reason....otherwise, we may have been involved in that!"  so now I am guilt free also :)  

We stopped in Gainesville for lunch at my favorite place...CHIPOTLE!!!  I only have it once in a great while now as I tend to eat addictively....there was a time that I was eating Chipotle at least 3 times a week which not only was enough calories for the entire week, but cha-ching...10 buck a pop does not make for an economical work week!!

After Gainesville, it was smooth sailing except for potty breaks.  One of the best things about traveling with Jenny is that she drinks more water than I do (which is a lot) and our bladders are on the same time schedule.  One of our stops was at a Cracker Barrel...clean bathrooms and shopping - what more could you ask for?!!!  We picked up some chocolate cover pecans (we are in Georgia after all- I think that's a requirement, therefore, the calories don't count) and an audiobook, "While My Sister is Sleeping" by Barbara Delinsky...good so far with the exception of some erroneous medical terms being flung about and a bitch of a Mother, but that's for some good reading!!

We got to the Westin about 6, settled in and went out to dinner with some of Jenny's fellow trainees.  Company, drinks, and food was good, our waiter sucked!  We came back about 9:30, got in our pjs played our facebook games (another addiction), and fell asleep.

I awoke this morning at 9:30 naturally, no interruptions...how awesome is that?!!  Went to work out (my trainer will be so proud) and now I am typing, munching on pretzels and drinking my am coffee....life is good!!!

I think I'll go get a mani/pedi today and hang out....tomorrow I get to meet KAT!!!  so excited!!!

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Mom Vacation

I'm leaving tomorrow for a 4 day Mom vacation....is it bad that i am REALLY excited?

4 days of sleeping in
4 days of doing whatever I want
4 days of NO responsibility for anybody but myself

WOO HOO!! Did I add that it is an all expenses paid vacation? My friend, Jenny, is in training for a new job and HATES to fly. She asked that I come along with her on the 5 hour drive up to HOTLANTA!! Her company pays for gas, mileage, food, and the room....How could anyone turn down this trip....it certainly is not me!!!

Also, a special bonus....I did mention that I am going to HOTLANTA right?!!! Well it looks like I am going to be able to meet up with one of my blogging buds....curious to see who it is?......Press HERE


Sunday, July 5, 2009

I'm a thief

Stole this one from Cassie over at Southern Domestic Goddess.  I've always wanted to do the visual of where I've been....now I have it :)



visited 30 states (60%)
Create your own visited map of The United States or vertaling nederlands duits?
I did the other "interesting project" where you've visited in the world (what can I say, I'm addicted)



visited 15 states (6.66%)
Create your own visited map of The World or another interesting project

Saturday, July 4, 2009

On the horizon...

First of all let me wish everyone a very happy, safe 4th of July.  For those of you that have a wonderful long weekend (not me!) enjoy the time!!!



My plans for the 4th....Clean up my clutter (however, I don't feel so bad after watching "Clean House, the Messiest House in the Country" last night).  And then.....spend the day floating in the pool, cooking out, and doing some fireworks poolside....  Sounds like the perfect way to spend a holiday to me!!!  

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

New to me....

Meme I borrowed/stole from facebook:

YES OR NO
You can ONLY answer Yes or No.

You are NOT ALLOWED to explain ANYTHING unless someone messages or comments you and asks. And believe me, the temptation to explain some of these will be overwhelming as nothing is exactly as it seems.

Now, here's what you're supposed to do...copy and paste this into your notes, delete my answers, type in your answers and tag as many of your friends as you'd like to.


Kissed any one of your Facebook friends? ---Yes
Been arrested?---No
Kissed someone you didn't like? ---Yes
Slept in until 5 PM? --- No
Fallen asleep at work/school? --- Yes
Held a snake? --- Yes
Ran a red light? --- Yes
Been suspended from school? --- No
Experienced love at first sight? --- No
Totaled your car in an accident? --No
Been fired from a job? ---Yes
Fired somebody? --- Yes
Sang karaoke? ---Yes
Pointed a gun at someone? --- No
Done something you told yourself you wouldn't--- Yes
Laughed until something you were drinking came out your nose? --- Yes
Caught a snowflake on your tongue? --- Yes
Kissed in the rain? ---Yes
Had a close brush with death (your own)? ---No
Seen someone die? ---Yes
Played spin-the-bottle? ---Yes
Sang in the shower? --- Yes
Smoked a cigar? --- Yes
Sat on a rooftop? --- Yes
Smuggled something into another country? --- No
Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes? --- Yes
Broken a bone? ---No
Skipped school? --- Yes
Eaten a bug? --- No
Sleepwalked? --- No
Walked a moonlit beach? --- Yes
Rode a motorcycle? ---Yes
Dumped someone? --- Yes
Let somebody take the blame for something you did? ---Yes
Lied to avoid a ticket? ---Yes
Ridden on a helicopter? --- No
Shaved your head? ---No
Blacked out from drinking? ---No
Played a prank on someone? --- Yes
Hit a home run? ---No
Felt like killing someone? --- Yes
Cross-dressed? ---No
Been falling-down drunk? ---Yes
Made your girlfriend/boyfriend cry? --- Yes
Eaten snake? --- No
Marched/Protested? ---No
Had Mexican jumping beans for pets? --- No
Puked on someone? --- Yes
Seriously & intentionally boycotted something? ---No
Been in a band? --- Yes
Knitted? --- Yes
Been on TV? --- Yes
Shot a gun? --- Yes
Skinny-dipped? --- Yes
Gave someone stitches? --- Yes
Stayed up all night to watch the sunrise? ---No
Ridden a surfboard? ---No
Drank straight from a liquor bottle? --- Yes
Had surgery? --- Yes
Streaked? --- No
Taken by ambulance to hospital? --- No
Tripped on mushrooms? --- No
Passed out when not drinking? --- No
Donated Blood? ---Yes
Stolen something? --- Yes
Eaten alligator meat? --- Yes
Contacted your member of Congress on an issue? ---No
Eaten your kids' Halloween candy? ---Yes
Killed an animal when not hunting? ---Yes
Peed your pants in public? ---No
Snuck into a movie without paying? ---No
Written graffiti? --- No
Drivin across country? ---Yes
Loved someone you shouldn't? --- Yes
Been in handcuffs? --- Yes
Believe in love? --- Yes

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

I am easily amused....

A friend of mine posted this picture on facebook today.  Everytime I look at it, I burst out laughing...





If you're not laughing right now, that means you still have a similar picture hanging in your house :)

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Poolside observations

We spent the day today by the main pool taking in the sun and the sights.  The sights were of course the people....oh, how I love to people watch.  My husband, however, does not...therefore, he does not understand nor appreciate my observations so I'll share them here.

1. I swear that show "What not to Wear" would have a plethora of material to choose from at the pool.  I am in no way whatsoever a fashionista, but there are a lot of women that wear the absolutely wrong bathing suit for their body (I may be included in this group, but I wouldn't know because I refuse to look in the mirror when I am in a bathing suit!).  Surprisingly, there weren't a lot of women that were in bikinis that shouldn't be in bikinis, but there were a lot of young mothers with outstanding bodies in these Mom-mom bathing suits!  There were some people in bikinis that should have been strutting their stuff, but they walked with hunched, embarrassed posture.

2. I know I saw a 60 year old man with his mail order asian bride today at the pool.  Hubby thought I was being caddy...what's caddy in making that observation?  I'd admit if the intent was to be caddy, but it wasn't.  This guy, clearly decades older than his companion, was patiently teaching her how to snorkel.  She took special interest in my little man which perturbed the old guy to no end....he ended up moving her to another pool to capture her attention once again.

3. People who allow their children to feed the air rats (aka sea gulls) should be subject to water boarding.  How freaking annoying it is to be swarmed by a pack of birds when you're trying to relax by the pool?!!!!  

4.  It doesn't matter how hot it gets outside, kids love a hot tub.  The only people utilizing the 2 hot tubs at the resort are those vacationers under the age of 12; all others have had the common sense button installed.

5. I wonder how many years on this earth it will take me to realize my skin's tanning abilities....which is close to none.  My skin is worn out, burnt and needs a vacation from the sun!!

We go back to reality tomorrow.  I return with mixed emotions...how I loved the relaxation and break from work, but nothing beats sleeping in your own bed!!

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

On Vacation

Geez, it seems like it has been foreveehhhh since I posted something (which is true).  My mind has been blank regarding things to write....nothing has changed, but I finally have some free time because we are on V.A.C.A.T.I.O.N.!!!  We are spending 8 days in Duck Key, Florida (which is about 2 hours south of Miami and 1 hour north of Key West).  I have been without internet access for days now and have snuck off to the pool under the guise of taking the girls for a swim so I could sneak on facebook (really farm town...my new addiction) and check in on my google reads.  How pitiful am I....here I am in "paradise" and I am going through internet withdrawals!!!  Oh well, there are worse things to be addicted to!!

The resort we are staying at is called Hawks Cay; it's a great resort with 3 pools, a lagoon, a dolphin research facility, spa, etc...etc...etc...  We found a great deal through fladirect.com -  we landed this vacation at about 50% off what the resort's website advertises.  As soon as we got here, we discovered we were in what was considered a "value villa" (isn't that an oxymoron?) which just means it's not the "preferred villa" that has been recently remodeled with granite kitchen counters and 42" plasma tvs...Oh I think I can survive this travesty!!

I enlisted my anal-retentive, list making husband to jot down a sample itinerary which I know for most people isn't a good plan for a relaxing vacation.  But if it were left up to me and my procrastination tendencies, we would be staring at each other each morning wondering what we were going to do that day.  

So far, we spent Father's day at the lagoon pool under a palm umbrella being waited on by my new friend, Adam.   Monday, the girls and I went snorkeling at Sombrero Reef.  Cameron tried it and didn't like it (in her defense, the water was very choppy).  Emmy didn't want to go in the first place, but after being pulled around on a see-through raft, she decided to give snorkeling a try and she loved it...she wanted to stay in longer than I did!  We spent Tuesday at the Pirate ship pool and trying to escape incoming storms.  As the storms were still threatening today, we decided to head to Key West for the day.  We spent the day on Duvall Street and I have to admit I was a bit disappointed.  Intermixed with a lot of the local art galleries are cheesy t-shirt stores and bars.  I can't really say what I thought it would be like, but this wasn't it.  Tomorrow, the girls and Daddy are going Kayaking.  Friday, we have a dolphin encounter, and Saturday, we're renting a boat for the day.  I'm shocked that it's already Wednesday.....vacations always go way too fast!!!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Mother's Day

Happy Belated Mother's Day to all those Bloggy Mommies out there!  I hope you all had a fantabulous day doing what you really want to do!

I know I did....

My family allowed me to sleep in (aaahhh, sleep one of my favorite activities!) until 11 am!!  Holy Cow!  Even I was surprised!

I was then assaulted with hugs, kisses, and I love you's from my 3 little kidlets

I was presented with store-bought and homemade gifts from my little tikes...my official favorite part of the gifts was from Emmy.  She completed one of those class projects, "All about my Mommy"  When asked what age I was, she responded "23"!!!  Yup, I've got it in writing!  How cool is that!!!  Not concentrating on the minute details that it would have made me a Mommy at 13....details, details....who needs 'em? Not me!

The kids spent the day in the pool while I was reading my newest obsession, "Wide Awake" Yes, I have reached a new level of "dorkdom" in my Hubby's eyes...Oh Well!

Just an all around relaxing, do nothing day....just my style!

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Emmy is 7!!

My sweet, middle child, Emmy turns 7 today.  What a joy she has brought into my life; she is a constant source of wonder, laughter, and worry.  Our family wouldn't be complete without our
 "Monkey in the Middle"!!


 
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Happy Birthday, Sweet Girl!!!!

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

I'm tired...

I'm tired.
I'm cranky.
I'm having a hard time keeping my eyes open.
I'm having a hard time spelling correctly.  


I'm usually a night person, but since I've been working out and exercising regularly, my endurance for staying up into the wee hours has been depleted.  There is only one thing stopping me from doing that consistently.  If you listen carefully, you can hear it:

bounce
bounce
bounce
bounce
bounce

That would be The Boy...my night owl.  HOURS after the girls are asleep, that boy is up, bouncing, talking, singing....I guess it is better than screaming.  Typically he is at this until 11:30 - 12:00 at night!!!

Once in a great while, hubby will sacrifice his sleep so I can get to bed at a decent hour, however, this is really hard on him because he starts work a good 2 hours earlier than I do and being Mr. compulsive on-time guy, that means he's there at least 45 min - 1 hour early...But I digress.  Tonight, I gave the boy Benadryl...it's not what you think...I'm not drugging my 2 1/2 year old.  He's having a really difficult time with his allergies (runny nose, coughing, itching) so I dosed him with a tinge of hope that the Benadryl side effect of sleepiness would kick in...NOPE....not working.  

Next solution: 

Talking to the babysitter about cutting down the daytime nap hours.

Sweet Dreams....grab 'em if you've got them!!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Oh the Drama....Fx4 - 24 Apr 09

I dug through my photos and found this one that my MIL sent me on one of the days Jack was at her house....This is his reaction to Elmo....Oh, the Drama!!!





Thanks phor stopping by on this phabulous Phriday Phiesta hosted by Candid Carrie!!!  So there to see who else is playing!!



Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions....

So remember when I shared the news that the world's worst office manager was let go here? My friend Brenda and I have been sharing the management duties since that glorious day; we quickly found out that the job was not a full-time (that woman would claim that she was working 12 hour days...what-ever...but I digress).  The one thing I naively thought would happen after the micromanagement umbrella was lifted was that the office staff would thrive and things would run smoothly.  Well, I have come to realize that that type of freedom only works for self-starters and our office doesn't necessarily have a lot of those.  So needless to say, there are people who have been just scraping by/ slacking their way through the day.  I had a conversation with one of the physicians a couple weeks ago about the need for a point person, etc.  and I had warned Brenda that the MDs would be bringing up the necessity of getting an office manager.  I have a couple issues with this: 

1. Spending a salary on a position that really isn't a full-time position
2. After 2 office managers from hell, I am a little trepidatious going down that road again
3.  My position is very well established and works well for me.  I don't want someone new coming in and trying to run my department the way others have tried in the past

We had our MD meeting tonight and at the end, one of the physicians brought up the topic...the office staff needs someone to be accountable to, blah, blah, blah and then I realized he was looking at me and said, "would you consider doing this"  I literally zoned back in and said, "Are you talking to me?!!!" a la Dinero!!  I told them that I really didn't know.  I love my position in research (it's my baby; I started the dept from the ground up).  But on the other hand, I would be challenged by running things in the main office.  But on the other hand, I would miss my patients.  But on the other hand, I don't want anyone coming in and rocking the boat.  But on the other hand I would miss my freedom being in a satellite office; able to escape whenever I wanted.  But on the other hand, there are some yucky jobs I have to do in research that I would gladly bequeath.....so there you have it - a big ball of indecision.

After the meeting the MD that brought up the idea spoke with me privately and told me that he didn't mean to put me on the spot like that to which I told him that I was just caught off guard, and I didn't really know what I should do.  He told me to think about it over the next few weeks and we could carve out a position that I would still be able to be involved in both arenas.  

Hubby is supportive in whatever move I make...the advice I am getting all around is to take my time, create a pros/cons list, and plot out what my dream position would be....

Any one have a crystal ball that can point me in the right direction?!  How 'bout a Magic 8 ball?

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

I'm doing it....I think

After hearing so many sad tales and already experiencing the dreaded hard drive crash myself, I've finally done it.  I unwrapped the external hard drive we've had for 1 year and I am installing it as we speak (or as I write) on my slow-ass desktop computer.  'Cause it's only a matter of time before that sucker gives me the finger and dies a final, gory death taking all my pictures since 2003 down with it.  Unfortunately, I am one of those computer people that knows just enough to be dangerous...it's just like what I do when I following a recipe....I follow the directions initially and then I just lose focus and start doing my own thing.  Result = not always so good and yummy.  So I am struggling through this backup on this *(&^*&*^*^^&*()(*@#&&^$%$ slow desktop....so far 1000+ photos have been backed up.

Next step...syncing between the hard drive and my laptop to delve into the world of digital scrapbooking....may be I'll finally get past Cameron's 1st birthday (Yes, I AM that far behind).  

Monday, April 20, 2009

Sex Education....Kelly style

So, my oldest, Cameron is 10 1/2, and has NO idea where babies come from.  She just found out when Jackson was born 2 1/2 years ago that boys have a penis.  I still can't decide on what to call their "bottom"....sue-sue, who-ha, vulva, etc....yes, she is 10 1/2 YEARS OLD!!!  Not the most comfortable subject for me....and I was a Biology major!!!  

So in preparation for "THE TALK" I've purchased some books...."American Girl guide to your body" and another about your body book.  These books really just focus on puberty and what changes to expect.  So no easy out for me....I have no recollection of having "THE TALK" with my Mother...I really think I found out about S-E-X- when I was 15!!  (Yes, that means I was more naive than my daughter!!)

Cameron's school was showing a "Growing up" video; I had to sign a permission slip and everything....so I thought, maybe I'll get an opening for the topic....We reviewed puberty and the changes, etc.  and the Wimpy one (aka me) sent her on her way.  I anxiously awaited the end of the day to see if my job was done for me what she learned about....no dice!  Just....Puberty......SO not saved here!!! 

One high point and something I may use for a few more years days/weeks is Cameron reported that the girls in the class were all giggling when they heard the word "penis"...so I said to her, "Why is that so funny?  Jackson has a penis and it's no big deal, right?!"  To which she immediately agreed....so the new plan is to let her think that all men have baby penises....nothing interesting there....no big deal....push the sex talk back; my daughter has 0 interest in boys until she is 18.....

You think it will work?  Have you had "The Talk"?  Any Advice?

LMAO!!

Remember this picture?



I just got an email on Facebook from a guy friend from college....here's the exact email:

"Kelly - you look GORGEOUS!!  What have you been up to for the last 12-15 years"

I'm thinking he thinks this is me for real.....This is TOO funny!!!

Help me write a response back....

Here's my take: 

Hi, 
Well, for the last 12-15 years, I've been working out 8 hours a day, eating 500 calories a day, and going on photo shoots as Gisele Bündchen's body double.  
Ciao!
Kelly

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Fx4 - 17Apr09

Well, I am continuing to get back to my old habits so that means this Friday I am playing along with Friday Foto Fiesta Finish over at Candid Carrie's!!!!  After you're done here, make sure you go there and see who's playing this week.

My MIL, sent this one of Jack to me this week.  I just plain and simple like it... no other explanation, but that!!

Enjoy!!







Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Wanted:

Obedience school/training for rambunctious 2 1/2 year old boy.  

Needs the following habits broken:

1. hitting
2. punching
3. kicking
4. fit throwing
5. Object throwing
6. Staying up until 11 pm repeating, "Mommy", "Mommy", "Mommy", "Mommy", "Mommy"

Don't let this cute face fool you (I think this is how we've gotten to this point....we were enthralled with his cuteness factor)




BEWARE!  PROCEED WITH CAUTION!!

Monday, April 13, 2009

I guess I am gullible too...

Best news first....Cameron is home...yeah!  My baby is home after 10 days and it is so good to have her back!  I picked her up at the airport tonight and I took her out to Chili's where she read me her travel diary and showed me her pictures.  She had quite a busy week...FL to VA Beach to Wash DC to VA Beach to Bel Air, MD to Newark, DE to Galena, MD to VA Beach to Florida....that's a lot of territory in 10 days!  She had a great time and was so happy to see her brother and sister and give them their gifts....Jackson was really happy to see his big sissy because it meant he got to get out of bed....we are still attempting to get him to sleep after the excitement.  Emmy was excited to get presents (who isn't?!).

During the course of the journal reading, I discovered that my Mother had lied to us all week...Evil one had been involved in Cameron's trip ALL.WEEK.LONG!  It really hadn't entered my mind that my Mother had pulled this stunt with the Evil One all week, but she did.... One of the most important jobs I have as a parent is protecting my children and keeping them from any potential harm; my Mother doesn't respect or care about the decisions I have made to insure this...It's one of those hard pills in life to swallow when you discover that you can't trust your own Mother....it truly sucks!

So ticked...disappointed...pissed....

As I said earlier, Cameron is up in Virginia Beach with her Gigi.  Hubby and I were nervous about her going up there solo for a couple reasons....

1. flying by herself
- what if she got scared and there was no one there to comfort her, etc.

2. The involvement in the trip by Gigi's on-again-off-again evil spouse
- this is a long historical issue, but I'll try to keep it short....

The evil one is a manipulative person in my opinion....He has never treated my Mother well and is (again in my opinion) mentally abusive to her.  There is a very distinct pattern in this relationship: my Mother will get strong and leave and then get suckered into feeling sorry for him and let him back in.  I've had a couple experiences with him to see first hand how manipulative he is and while I can not control my Mother or the choices she makes in her life, I can, however, choose what influences my family has in their lives.  I have sat down with my Mother and explained my position and gave her very specific examples of how I have come to my decisions.  She told me she respected those decisions and would honor them.  Even though they are currently on the outs, or so I assumed, I reiterated our wishes to which she said there was no issue.  

Today, I spoke with Cameron and she stated the Evil One was there with them.  I saw red, I immediately asked to speak with my Mother who said that they haven't spent a lot of time with him; in fact, he drove up separately and didn't spend the night with them at my brothers; that in fact he brought my grandmother and stayed with her.  Then instead of staying at my Nana's (in the same city) he stayed over at my sister's (where Cameron is staying).  He's going to spend Easter at my Aunt's house also.  My Mother states she felt sorry for him because he didn't have anyone to spend Easter with (hmmm? what about the niece in VA Beach or his own family in NY?!).  Why the sudden concern....she didn't have a problem with him being alone for any other holiday!!

I tearfully explained to her  how disappointed I was that she chose not to honor our wishes.  She stated that she misunderstood and since the Evil One had limited interaction with Cameron she didn't think she did anything wrong.  I told her that I didn't believe her and that I was sick of her picking and choosing what wishes of mine she would honor (yes, this has happened in the past).  I also said that the Evil One issue was the only stipulation Hubby had about the trip and how she probably ruined any chances of Cameron coming solo again.  She continued to play stupid so then I went on to review the reasons I've come to this conclusion to which she states she forgot?!  I then asked to speak with my sister and asked why she hadn't divulged to me why Evil was there...she said she thought I knew.  So I asked her to keep Cameron away from him as much as possible as I couldn't trust my mother to do this.  

I am so pissed and hurt that my Mother continues to disrespect our wishes like this.  The unfortunate thing is now (per my sister) my mother is cancelling her trip here for Emmy's Birthday in the next couple weeks because she doesn't want to be uncomfortable.  So already, this is becoming about something that it's not.  My sister also informed me that my Mother sat her down with the Evil One to explain why I don't allow him around my family...explicit examples were given to which he responds he doesn't remember.  And lo and behold that was my Mother's excuse also...that she didn't remember our one and only request and my "come to Jesus" meeting with her in the last year...Unbelievable!

I have resisted in airing dirty laundry, but I am so riled up, I needed to vent and after all this is my space to do this!

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter everyone!

I hope everyone has a great day with family, friends, or however you wish to spend it!

I'm leaving you with a picture of Emmy in her "Easter Bonnet".  Emmy was at Grandma's this week and they did a lot of arts and crafts.  Apparently, she fell in love with these chicks and had to do something with them.  I think it's fabulous and so typical Emmy!



Saturday, April 11, 2009

Holy Guacamole!

Yikes, it's been almost a month since I posted...I've got no excuses except that I've been bored with myself so I didn't feel like I had anything interesting to say....not that I do now either, but I've been missing my bloggy friends so I'm back in the saddle again.  Whew, I think that was the longest run on sentence ever!!!!

What's been going on.....

1. 3/5 of the family has been sick for the last week...damn head colds

2. Emmy's recovering from her broken collarbone...you would never know she injured it except for the lump!

3. It was spring break this last week...Emmy was at Grandma's and Cameron was at Gigi's in VA Beach

4. Speaking of the above....Cameron took her first solo flight....Ack!  She survived....Mom was a basket case; I get my baby back Monday night.

5. Jack is truly acting like a 2 year old now....watch out for flying objects!

6. I've started working out with a trainer....love the new muscles...the scale hasn't moved much...same old, same old.

7. I was outed about the blog by Tressa's mom....but it doesn't seem anyone caught onto the comment.

8. The girls and I have been enjoying some local theater productions....we've seen: "Junie B. Jones in Monkey Business", "If you give a pig a party", and "The Hundred Dresses".  Emmy is loving it...she waits patiently after each play so she can get every cast member's autograph.

9.  Speaking of the above, I thought "The Hundred Dresses" was such a wonderful story that I went out and bought the book and girls and I are reading it together.

10.  We just got a salt water pump for our pool...no longer will we be dumping so many chemicals...it's supposed to be easier to maintain, easier on the swimsuits and easier on the skin....I wonder if we put in too much salt if we would all float like people do in Salt Lake?  Hmmm....

11. We're in the process of tearing up our back and side yard in preparation for a new path, new sod and a new fence....knowing our history, the project should be done in 2015!

12.  I've been back to my stalking ways...I've been keeping updated via my google reader, but *gasp* have committed the cardinal sin by not commenting....therefore earning the stalking title.

13.  I bought myself a new Mac laptop...Hubby has one and the one I've been using is work's...which I have been becoming more and more uncomfortable using for personal things...so I splurged...still getting used to the Mac world....I miss my right click!

14. Still addicted to Facebook....my friend Jacque posted this pic of me which I think is hysterical...Tree's Mom thought it was actually me; unfortunately Tressa set her straight, but may be that explains my sudden increase in requests from men?! (just kiddin'!)


15. We're in the process of thinking of looking for Birthday party ideas for Emmy...I'm leaning toward a craft party at JoAnn ETC, she wants a shindig at "Birthday World" - just think Chucke Cheese, but more expensive....We'll see who wins.

Okay, that's it....I'm back and off to read.  It will take a few minutes for your heart rate to return to normal from all the excitement.....you'll be just fine!

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Camporee

This weekend was Emmy's first Girl Scout camping trip. She was so excited to go all week...I don't think she had any idea what to expect, but she was excited nonetheless.

We started out the day meeting the troop at 8 am (on a Saturday...obviously these women don't know me very well!). We headed 1 mile down the road to our closest National Park (not bad...I remember driving hours to Girl Scout camp). The day proceeded with tons of activities: singing, garland making, hula hoop contests, t-shirt making, talks on what to do if we find wild baby animals and how to preserve our environment with snacks and meals in between. Of course no camp out would be complete with a camp fire and s'mores. In the beginning of the camp fire, an American flag was actually "retired" (is that we call it?!). I had never seen such a ceremony and it was very interesting. We were quite exhausted by the end of the day and it was only 9 pm!!

Our cabin actually had electricity (woo hoo!) and could sleep up to 10 people. We had 4 girls and 3 moms in our cabin. Emerson chose to sleep on the top bunk and I took the bottom. Emmy has a bunk bed which she sleeps on the top....do you see where this is going?! About 3:30 this morning, Emmy rolled right off the 5 foot high bunk bed. The sound she made crashing to the floor is still haunting me...she started screaming right away. I took her in my arms and checked her all over. She said that her neck hurt and she wasn't able to raise her right arm over her head. I took her to the ER to be checked out. After X-rays were performed, she was diagnosed with a broken right collar bone. She has to wear a sling and follow up with her doctor tomorrow. We'll know more about limitations, etc after then.

Emmy is doing well; she is quite a trooper. She's a little upset that she doesn't have a cast for people to sign so we went to Target tonight and bought a metallic pen that will show up on dark material so she can have people sign her sling. She even bought monkey stickers to decorate it.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

With my by myself...

I think I have a good sense of humor...sometimes that humor isn't the norm...so I posting something that I think is h.y.s.t.e.r.i.c.a.l!!! I hope you do too.

I had the gray magically removed from my hair the other day and had the opportunity to spend 2 hours with my hairdresser, Megan. Megan is one of the funniest people I know...she is one of those people who can recite a funny skit, joke, story with ease. I'm glad I don't get precise hairstyles or they would never be even with all the laughing I do in her chair. She is the one who reminded me of this gem and with the wonderful start of Hulu a lot of the goodies from the past are now available. Enjoy...



Megan also thought this was hysterical and even went as far as to go to Michaels in search of baby doll arms. She said her Mother was disgusted with the idea (she didn't think it was that funny) and went up to customer service and asked, "Where are the baby arms" to which Megan quickly interjected, "Baby DOLL arms!" after all she didn't want to appear to be a freak or something!

Friday, February 27, 2009

Look, I really am 12....

I took this little test and passed....

Train Horn

Created by Train Horn

Apparently as we get older we are unable to hear certain frequencies so some people utilize this noise to bother teenagers and deter loitering.

I've always claimed that I still think I'm twelve...I love guitar hero and rock band, 13-year book series (Twilight, Harry Potter). People think I'm just immature, but now I have proof that physiologically I am still a teenager....That argument holds up, right?!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Excuses...Excuses...Excuses....

You know what they say, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions" In the beginning of February, I was back in the swing of things, checking in on my daily reads, keeping my google reader down to manageable numbers, actually posting regularly then,
BAM!!!

note: if you're easily grossed out stop reading right here...that's right, go away now...go see my friends that are listed on my "hit list" to the right. I know they don't post disgusting pictures or posts about themselves...you're excused; I promise I will not hold it against you.

Okay, you hard-core, steel-stomached, bloggy friends o'mine...here's what happened to me last week.... (little interruption once again...not only did the below happen to me, but the computers at work went all hoo-haaey on us and I had to keep my laptop at the office so that our IT guy could fix it remotely at home after hours so if I had "felt up to it" I wouldn't have been able to post)

Last Monday, I woke up with a sty on inside corner my left upper eyelid. I really didn't think anything of it...I had gone out to a nice pre-valentine's dinner on Friday and actually wore make up. I have sensitive skin so I kinda always get itchy or what have you. Also with some of the increased stress I've put on myself, I've had 3 styes recently. I did the old wives remedy of rubbing a gold ring on it...to no avail...that sucker hurt and began to grow.

Tuesday: Holy SH*T!! The sucker had grown and my whole eye lid was swollen. I looked a bit peculiar, but it was just a sty right?! So I talk to our nurse practitioner at work and she suggests warm compresses and Aleve for the pain. The swelling was causing a lot of pressure and pain...small area + swelling = very uncomfortable. Okay, so the warm compresses and the round-the-clock Aleve begin...

Wednesday: F(*&K!!! My eye is grotesque, my eyelid is completely swollen, underneath is swollen, my cheek is swollen and tingling. I go check in with our nurse practitioner we both agree it's time to start the antibiotics for which in now obviously cellulitis. Keflex 500 mg twice a day was started mid-day.

Thursday: Igor is still here....swelling the cheek has gone down, but the eye is still horrible and very painful.

Friday: Eye is going down a little; figure out I should be taking the Keflex four times a day, not two (hell, what do we know...we're Neurology?!) I decide to go see an ophthalmologist prior to going into a weekend. Go see a ophthalmologist, he walks in the room and is like, "Holy Cow! What have you done to yourself?!" He wouldn't even shake my hand for fear of getting my Ebola cooties! He diagnosed not only the cellulitis, but he said I now had an abscess. He suggested I "compress the crap out of it" over the weekend and continue the antibiotics and follow up with him on Monday.

Saturday: The swelling has definitely gone down a little, but now it's turning colors....compressing the crap out of it as directed. Pain a little better, but still present.

Sunday: The swelling continues to improve; color is a nice purplish tint...pretty!

Monday: I no longer look like Igor, but I do look like I have a mosquito bite in the corner of my eyelid. At least the townspeople aren't coming after me with pitchforks and torches any more.

So day by day, the sucker has improved which makes me very happy not to be in pain and be a freak show. Of course I have pictures to share (I am the one who posted a pic of me with tissues shoved up my nose!)...so if stuff like this disgusts you, this is your last chance to run away...go now!!!...
Thursday


Sunday


Today (Wednesday)


Saturday, February 21, 2009

Oscar

In honor of "Hollywood's Greatest Night" I copied this from Missy who copied it from Shannnon.



You Would Win Best Documentary Feature



You are very curious about and engaged with the world. Everyone is interesting to you.

You have a variety of interests, and you delve into them quite deeply.



People are impressed by the sheer quantity of stuff you know, and you're learning more every day.

However, you're not just informed. You also are very informative. You share what you know in an engaging and interesting way.

Friday, February 20, 2009

You say it's your Birthday....

A special blog dedication to my BFF from high school: Tressa!!! (American in Norway).
Happy Birthday!!!




Tree, I hope you had a great, fun-filled day surrounded by love, happiness and good wishes!! Sending you love from across the pond.


XXOO
Kelly

Sunday, February 15, 2009

A funny "name" meme

Okay, so this may be an old e-mail thing or facebook thing, but I recently saw it and it made me laugh. So if you need a laugh, giggle, chortle, snort, whatever, play along!

1. Your Real Name: Kelly
2. Your Gansta Name: (first 3 letters of real name plus izzle): Kelizzle
3. Your Detective Name: (favorite color and favorite animal): Green Puppy
4. Your Soap Opera Name: (your middle name & street you live on): Lynn Hampton

5. Your Star Wars Name: (first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name): Holke
6. Your Criminal Name: (your 2nd favorite color, and favorite drink): Blue Ultra
7. Your Witness Protection Name: (parent's middle names): Ann Elijah
8. Your Goth Name: (black, and the name of one of your pets): Black Shannon
9. Your Hood Name: (first 3 letters of your first name and add -iqua): Keliqua
10. Your Porn Star Name: (Name of one your first pets & your mother's maiden name): Cafe McGuire

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Happy Friday & Happy Valentine's Day Eve! Once again it's time for Candid Carrie's Friday Foto Fiesta Finish. After you're done here, go there to see what's going on!!

So I came home early from work today to redecorate my living room.

What do you think?  Doesn't 123 cases (or 1,476 boxes) of Girl Scout Cookies just add a new decorative flair to my house?!

Just one thing before I bid you ado...BUY GIRL SCOUT COOKIES!!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Golf

Interesting title, huh? Didn't it just draw you in?!...Make you wait with baited breath anticipating what I'll post about?!...Sorry, no excitement here; just an update.

Well the Gigi (what the girls call my Mom) surprise went off without a hitch. My Mom kept me updated on her status during her 4 hour trek from south FLA to central FLA. When I knew she was close, I called the school to let them know the girls would be picked up. I filled them in that it would be a surprise for the girls and apparently the front office staff and teachers played along with us. My Mom reported that Cameron was so excited she was vibrating! Emmy was excited to, but not as much as Cameron.

Gigi took the girls to putt-putt Golf where Emmy proceeded to beat the pants off of Gigi & Cameron (beat them by 16 strokes!)...future Tiger in the making? Gigi then took the girls to snack time at 7-11...Suicide Slurpees all around (do you remember making them as kids? Quick recipe for suicide Slurpees: take some from every flavor...Walking on the wild side!!). The rest of the night was spent watching American Idol.

All of this golf talk reminds me of the easiest "A" I earned in College....that's right, I took Golf as an elective in College. I'm sure that my Mom was pleased that she was paying hundreds of dollars per college credit hour for me to take Golf! Of course, we couldn't learn the intense game of golf in the 2 hours we spent in class each week. In order to get full credit for the course, you had to do extracurricular golfing activities: i.e. go to the driving range - did that, play 9-18 holes of golf - wasn't gonna do that...couldn't waste 4-5 hours of weekend sleeping time!! or play putt-putt. Needless to say, I played more games of putt putt in college than I had in my entire life. I learned a couple life lessons from that college course: 1) I suck at golf 2) putt putt golf should only be 9 holes not 18...it's too long...because of my feelings about #2, I think I might have a touch of attention deficit disorder!

Monday, February 9, 2009

A question and a surprise

Okay, all you bloggers out there who are not only addicted to blogging, but also Facebook-ing (is that a word?!) have you discovered that you suffer from significant memory lapses or is it just me? Let me clarify...there are these people who went to the same school as you did, you have many, many "friends" in common, but you don't know who the HELL they are?! My lack of memory is really freaking me out!! The names sound kinda familiar, but I CAN'T place them! I finally got some relief when a guy from my college class (didn't remember him either!) posted all these newspaper pictures from my senior year...now my memory is coming back (somewhat). Please tell me that this is a facebook phenomenon and that I don't have to start Aricept® for early onset dementia!!


Now the surprise...well not for me, but the girls. My Mom called at the end of last week to let me know she would be visiting family friends in Pembroke Pines (~4 hrs away). She's going to be driving up tomorrow to surprise the girls at school. I can't wait to hear about how the surprise goes!!!

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Virtual Wagie Ride

My blog is probably not the only place you're going to be seeing this today...





If you need the backstory go here and here (they say it better than me anyway). There's a lot a sadness going on amongst the Mommy bloggers right now....some precious children have recently been made angels or are very sick. I just can't imagine what these families are going through...I would love to do something to make it better, but I don't have any magical powers or answers.
But in honor of one of those special babies, Emmy, Jack and I participated in the virtual wagie ride going on today. We explored the paths around our house, played at the playground, and fed the ducks. Most of all we enjoyed each others' company. I am thankful for all I have been given and all that I have. My thoughts and prayers are with those families going through these really, really, rough times.
Peace,
Kelly


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Thursday, February 5, 2009

My Silly Guy

I'm playing Candid Carrie's Friday Foto Fiesta Finish this week. So after you're done here go THERE to see what's going on!!

Sit back...let me set the scene for you....

Picture this, I am cleaning up after dinner. You know the routine, putting dishes in the dishwasher, cleaning counters, cleaning the table, etc., etc. I decided to be the queen of the multi-taskers and start the bathwater while I was doing all of the above.

All is well, the girls are in their rooms doing whatever, Jack is in the living room with Daddy. Then Jack escapes to see what the girls are doing. First stop: Emmy's room, there's always good things to do in there, but Emmy is in there and can only tolerate Jack in her stuff for a few minutes. He's sent off to his room, but wait, what's that? the sound of running water? Why that only can signal Jack's favorite activity of all time - BATH TIME! So he takes off to the bathroom and gets in the tub clothes and all. As soon as I heard Cameron say, "Jackson!" I knew what had happened.

Of course prior to getting him appropriately ready for bath time, I had to get pictures. Enjoy!


Getting right down to business playing in tubby time!


What?! What did I do? What's wrong?



Nooooo! Don't make me leave my precious tubby time even to get naked!!

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Top 10 reasons I hate Wii Fit

I currently have a love/HATE relationship with our Wii Fit. Don't get me wrong...I love that we have one...it gives me NO excuses whatsoever not to do some exercise on a daily basis (Alas...as there is no reason, I've determined that I am just lazy). AnyWho, it's been fun exploring the games, etc., but the little things about it irk me. So I've developed my top ten list:

1) When you do your first body test it changes your Mii (your character) to be skinny, normal, or in my case, very fluffy

2) It chastises you if you don't get on every day

3) It asks your family members to rate how you're looking/doing

4) Every time you get on the damblasted thing a little high pitched voice says, "Ooooh!"

5) It thinks it's funny - I'm serious - it had been a couple of days (okay 19) since I had been on and it chastised me (see #2) and then it said, "I don't recognize you; Daddy, is that you?!"

6) It tells me I'm "unbalanced" (who needs that kind of reminder?!)

7) I suck at the ski jumping....I mean how hard can it be to lean forward and jump?! Apparently for me VERY...I'm ranked last in my family (yes, my 6 year old can kick my a$$!!)

8) If you lose your balance doing a yoga pose and put your foot down, it tells you it knows you decided to "take a little break" during the exercise. No, I just don't think my hubby would appreciate me crashing my unbalanced self into the t.v.!

9) I have to shoo my family out of the room during my daily body test because there is no discreetness in the measurement "Obese" (announces it!!) and then showing my weight. I can't get it off that screen fast enough!!

10) Cameron asked me the other day if my goal (because you set one during your first "assessment") was to gain weight! - yes, they have a nice little line graph displaying every one's progress.

There you have it...I'm sure my attitude will change as I become a less fluffy Mii and am looking svelte and muscular....Oh the things I do to impress a video game!

Monday, February 2, 2009

I think I need to go back to baby food...

So I haven't lamented about my ongoing weight loss struggles for a long time now. Why? well for one...I can get a little obsessive about the whole weight loss subject and two, that obsession can fall very easily into "stinkin' thinkin' " which I am really good at; especially if it's aimed at me!!

So here's a quick update...I re-joined weight watchers and dropped about 13 pounds in 6 weeks and then the holidays came and I fell off the bandwagon...like a lot of people. I finally drug myself back to a meeting in January (which was a definite challenge; I prefer to avoid the obvious and not "face the music"! I officially gained back the 7 lbs that is the national average for weight gain over the holidays...not unexpected. Well, for the last couple weeks I have been very successful in gaining back every ounce, but that last pound.

My biggest problems are:
1)bad food choices
2)eating way too much of said bad food choices
3)not exercising.

So I decided to take baby steps and not be too hard on myself (which is VERY difficult). I set a small goal this week to "track" my food intake every day; something which I am absolutely horrible at...What I discovered was that the "good" food choices I thought I was making are not so good. For example, I had 1/2 sandwich and a cup of soup today...doesn't sound bad right? Well the soup I chose was Crisper's Kickin Crab soup...it didn't seem cream-based to me, but it must be...because it was a whopping 12.5 points (to put the point thing into perspective, I am allowed 26 points a day). That's right a CUP of soup took up all most 1/2 my points allowance!! Not to mention the fact that I threw in a sandwich on top of the whole thing...another 8 points.
20.5 points for lunch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I shared in previous posts that my (previous) fav go to meal was a burrito bol at Chipotle which = 56 points!!! After I started on WW in Sept, I thought I would scale back a bit...cut out cheese, sour cream down to 18 points...18 points people!...that's the bare minimum that I can stand to cut out. So now I just avoid Mexican as much as possible, because obviously I can't control myself!

I'm thinking that I'm completely off when it comes to determining what's really good for you and what isn't. I am really tempted to follow one of the Weight Watcher's daily meal suggestions - even though it's difficult to get any interest in their bland meal plans. So I'm thinking may be I should go back to square one and start eating baby food...how can I go wrong with strained peas, carrots, pears, etc....May be they have a strained chicken nachos option now?!

Co-op Update

Remember when I posted about the co-op here? (If not, you can click on over to find out what the heck I'm referring to~).

This past Saturday was our 2nd go at it. We dropped the kiddos off at 5:30 and had until 10 pm to get the little munchins. Here's a recap of our night:

5:35: go to Coffee bar/Tapas restaurant only to find out they are closed until 6pm
5:40: head off to Homegoods to get some decorating ideas (have I ever mentioned that we hardly have any art on the wall because we can't decide on a style?!)
6:00: head off to Kirkland home to do more of the same...no success on either front.
6:15: put in our name at a local restaurant (wait time 30-45 min). Decide to take pager into Barnes and Noble get some coffee and relax...oops, that was my decision which hubby didn't want to do after all. Go back to restaurant turn in pager and head back to original Tapas restaurant.
6:30 - 7:00: get caught in traffic jam caused by an accident
7:20: Back at original restaurant - no one there except the 2 workers and a musician playing guitar. All they have is pre-made sandwiches to eat; no Tapas because the cook was not able to work due to a family illness. We decide to have a drink (Mint, Soy Mocha for me; beer for the hubby). Decide to head to Carraba's
7:50: Arrive at Carraba's - wait time 45 minutes - waiting area has more people in it than people in the restaurant. Nowhere to sit or wait without invading diner's space. Decide to leave; hostess was shocked that we were leaving and offered to get the manager. I told her that wasn't necessary we just didn't want to wait.
8:10: Head over to Outback - I now have a pretty good headache starting - Wait time: 50 minutes - didn't even bother putting in our name.
8:30: At a Mexican restaurant - crowd outside; we don't even get out and head to a Sushi restaurant in the same plaza. Decide we don't want to eat Sushi.
8:45: Back at the Mexican restaurant; get seated in 5 minutes and finally eat.
9:15: Back at home for a bathroom pit stop before picking up kids; damn Mexican food!
9:30: Pick up kids - all reports are good; they had a good time and babysitting parents still have smiles on their faces!

Home by 9:50

What did I learn from our night on the town?
1) Obviously we are very much out of practice at this whole date night thing!
2)Planning, Planning, Planning is definitely needed!

Our next Co-op night is 2/13, we're already coming up ideas so we're not stuck looking at each other after drop off saying, "So where to?!"

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Digital Scrapbooking Anyone?

There once was a time that I looked forward to scrapbooking. I was completely caught up with my photo albums and I loved showing them off. I would spend quiet weekend nights with my BFF, Tressa and we would "parallel scrapbook". We had such a great time looking for the perfect magazine quotations to cut out...Yes, that's right, in 1988, I was the queen of scrapbooking and totally up-to-date.

Times have definitely changed; I am currently 9 years behind in my scrapbooking- that is if we're only considering pictures since I've had my own family. As far as scrapbooking my life before marriage and kids, I still have Junior and Senior year of college and backpacking through Europe to do. Somehow, I don't think my hubby would appreciate me scrapbooking about my college boyfriend...just a hunch! And it's not like I don't have ALL the supplies to finish any project...I've got enough shoved in a closet to finish 15 books! I just can't wrap my head around where to start, plus I am a world class procrastinator. I've had a "heritage" album that has been needing to be finished for about 5 years now....Urghh! The last time I went to a crop was before Jack was born...I'm about ready to throw in the towel with "manual scrapbooking"; okay may be I already did that 3 years ago....

Which brings me to my question: Is anyone into the whole digital scrapbooking thing? I am so tempted to do this, I have so many pictures on the computer - transferring them into ready-made template would be so easy! I don't know what the hold up is...it should be a no brainer right?! May be I'm just feeling guilty because I've got $$$ in product rotting on my shelf. I've got to do something...I know that Apple has a product, so does Scrapblog and I just found out tonight that Creative Memories has one. I've seen the bound albums first hand (they are beautiful) and it looks like it costs about $30-$50 for printing....Historically, I would have spent more than that on the supplies to complete one book.

So what do you guys think? Any opinions? Any experience with this? Any advice? Will someone make up my mind for me?....Please?

Monday, January 26, 2009

My heart is melting...

That crazy boy of my is responsible....




Let me fill you in on a few Jack-ism...Jack is very verbal which is a huge change from Emmy when she was this age (she had chronic ear infections which delayed her speech). I think I have memory problems brought on by sleep deprivation because I don't clearly recall Cameron being so verbal either. Anyway, the things that come out of this child's mouth just amazes me...he says the standard 2-3 word sentences (let's be honest, the kid isn't giving any soliloquies), but I am amazed about how his little mind works.

I don't know where he picked it up, but he knows Mommy and Daddy's first names and out of the blue will start calling: "Bill!" "Bill, Where are you?!" He gets corrected that he calls Daddy, "Daddy", but the little guy has a mind of his own. Then seeing that he's getting Daddy's goat, he starts in on "Kelly!" "Kelly!" it's too funny and I can't help but laugh - which is probably why the behavior continues!
Jackson is also a very polite little guy...he says, "No Thanks" all the time; for example, when you go outside to bring him in or you put him down for a nap, he starts crying, "No Thanks!, No Thanks! No Thanks!". He will say sorry if he's hurt you; he will say please, excuse me, etc., etc. We are trying to get him out of his bad habit of acting like "Rainman" and repeating himself ad nauseum until he gets something: "milk, milk, milk, milk, milk, milk, milk, milk" you get the picture.

Tonight we were getting the nightly serenade from his crib, "book, book, book, book, book, binkie, binkie, binkie, binkie, milk, milk, milk, milk, ,milk" when I hear, "Momma?! I Love you!" I was a big puddle of mush...this was the first time he ever has said that to me unprompted by me saying "I love you" first (to which he usually responds, "Too"). Hubby was unimpressed and called him a Little Suck Up.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Isn't it great?

Okay, this post may be a little Pollyanna-ish, but I'm feeling that way and that's me...


The girls were off from school on Monday and Tuesday of this week and on Wednesday, I guess Emmy's class learned about Martin Luther King, Jr. Emmy was enthralled with his story and told me all the little tidbits she could remember like:

"We're white!" to which I replied, yes we are, what did you think we were? She ignored me of course

"Martin Luther King, Jr was black and black people weren't treated well"

"They had to sit in the back of the bus!"

"So they stopped taking the bus and the bus company went out of business" Uh, not quite, but go ahead

"Martin Luther King, Jr made a speech about having a dream"

"Then black people got to sit in the front of the bus!"

"Black kids couldn't go to school with white kids!"

"Martin Luther King, Jr is dead now"


Okay, a little piece-mealed from a 6 year old, but some of it may have been from her excitement about this history. I got the impression that she thought this happened a long, long time ago (although 10 years ago is F.O.R.E.V.E.R for her!). I shared with her that Mommy and Daddy's generation was the first generation where desegregation was tried (she wasn't impressed).


My Pollyanna-ish feeling comes from the fact that this is new knowledge to her; she and her sister are growing up not feeling that delineation that we knew growing up and our parents lived with. They don't see color the way we grew up seeing color; to them it's just a feature like blond and red hair. Isn't that great?!

Then I realized, they are being told that this is such a historic election and inauguration and they don't truly get it...again...how awesome is that?!


BTW, this guy's name, not President Barack Obama....



per Emmy, his name is Obach O-Hama...It makes me giggle each time I hear it and she WON'T be corrected on it...she insists on this pronounciation!