In the first half of 2010

I wanted to do a "Year in Review" type post with pictures, but I could only load five at a time, so my post had to be broken down into two different entries. So....here's 2010 in review--


My best friend and I turned 35. We've known each other for over 30 years. How scary is that?

Joe and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary. I love you, Honey.

Pj turned 15.

Kasey and Mark were married.

Hank graduated Kindergarten.

In the second half of 2010...

Stevie & Andrew were married on a sailboat in San Diego.

Austin turned 17.

Hank played soccer.

I cut my hair.

Joe turned 40.

2010 was a great year. We had a lot to celebrate. Here's looking to 2011!

Is there anything cuter?

This picture just makes me smile. I'm not sure who has the sweeter of faces, Hankadoo or Max? I think they are both precious!

Christmas

Christmas Eve was spent visiting at my grandmother's house for a little while and then having dinner at my in-laws. It was a great night. My brother-in-law, Rick, entertained us with stories, and it was great chatting with my sisters-in-law. All the cousins hung out and played pool or Rock Band. While we were there, it started to snow. We were going to have a White Christmas, afterall.



On Christmas morning, we woke up very early to see what Santa had brought. I have to say, the ole fat man was good to everyone this year. Hankadoo got his Nintendo DSi, and was a very happy little boy. Santa also brought him a remote control truck that PJ spent more time playing with than Hank. He chased everyone around the house with it, and thought it was hilarious to see us jump. Boys never outgrow the need for toys on Christmas.





After drinking our coffee, and opening our presents, we bundled up and went to Mom & Dad's for our Christmas Day celebration. Christmas Day is always spent at their house. We get there around 9am, and usually leave around 11 that night. It's a day filled with family, food, stories, and being together. We open presents (one at a time so everyone can see!), we eat until we are about to pop, we play games, we tell stories, and laugh until our sides hurt.

It really is the most wonderful time of the year..........

'Tis the Season....

The presents are wrapped, the stocking are hung, and the boys are bickering and fussing. Yes, it's Christmas.

Who invited Foghorn Leghorn to Christmas dinner?

For the past two weeks, I've been 'making a list and checking it twice' of all the things I need to do, need to buy, food I need to make, etc, etc.
And, I kept thinking that I was forgetting something.

I was.
I forgot to get my haircut.

Well, snap.

I really had planned on it. But, I think my little ear infection/sinus infection last week threw my scheduling off. I completely forgot to call Kelly for a trim.

So, I'm going to spend Christmas with uncooperative hair. I jokingly said last week that I look like Foghorn Leghorn in the morning when I get up and before I do anything to my hair. I guess ole Foghorn is spending the holidays with us!

A little less Grinch, please.

It's hard to find holiday cheer when people piss you off.
Just sayin'....

I feel rather Grinch-ish today! Maybe I should have worn my green sweater. I shouldn't be in such a foul mood. I'm just frustrated, I suppose. It amazes me how my co-worker can drive me crazy and she hasn't even made it to work yet. And, I'm frustrated with the help, or lack there of, around the house. I know it will all get done, but I'm betting that I'll be the only one doing it. I really don't think anyone but me cares if the bathrooms are dirty, or that all the wrapping paper is still out, or that I don't want to spend my days off doing laundry.

I'm only working 1/2 day, then I'm having lunch with Maria. After that, I'll go home to check on my Hank (who was feeling much better yesterday afternoon, but became puny again before bed,) clean house (because it's a disaster!), and maybe, if I'm lucky Hank and I will get around to making our holiday goodies. We're going to dip pretzels, make peanut butter balls, two types of Chex mix, and Oreo balls. I'd like to take some goodies to the girls at the tanning bed, and our buddy, Kirb, who Hank adores. Maybe then I won't be so Grinch-like.

"You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch......."

Poor, Peanut

Hank went to stay with the aunts this past weekend. They were going to watch Christmas movies, and make cookies. On Saturday, he had a little cough, so I sent his cough medicine with Andrew when he came to pick him up. Yesterday, my sister sent me a text and said that Hank was puny, and that he should probably get into the doctor. She said he sounded like he had pneumonia. And, since she's a pediatric nurse, her guess is a lot better than mine. Hank's had pneumonia the past three years, so I picked up the phone and made him an appointment.

When I came home from work yesterday, he was just pitiful. I could tell he was running a fever, and that he just didn't feel good. His eyes were red, and he sounded bad. We spent most of the night on the couch watching 'The Simpson's'.

Joe took him to the doctor earlier this morning. His doctor said that it was just a severe head cold/sinuses, and that his chest was clear, it wasn't pneumonia. I was surprised considering how his cough sounds. The doctor also said that with having pneumonia several years in a row like he has, that's it's more than likely some sort of allergy that is the beginning factor, and the pneumonia is the end result.

He prescribed a Z-pack, and some eye drops. I'm not a fan of the Z-pack. It seems like there's JUST enough medicine for them to feel better, but it doesn't kick it completely. And, I'm not totally convinced that Hank doesn't have pneumonia. I told Joe that I wouldn't be surprised if we are back in there in a few weeks.

I'm hoping Hankadoo will get better by the weekend. There's nothing worse than feeling bad on Christmas.

Christmas Memories

I'm a firm believer that Christmas is a time for nostalgia. A time to look back at years past and smile from warm, heartfelt memories. A time to talk about family traditions, and where they started. A time to remember the loved ones that we've lost, and to honor their memory.

My grandfather, Papaw Bill, was the most festive, full of holiday cheer, person that I've ever met. He loved Christmas, and he would just shine the whole month of December. He and my Grandmother were square dancers, and on Christmas Eve, my grandfather would wear his square dance vest that was full of bling and sequins. When I say he shined, I mean he SHINED!

I miss him terribly. Yesterday, my mom and I were talking about how Hank is all about decorating for Christmas, and making goodies, etc. I told her I wish Papaw was still with us, how he and Hank would have the best time together. She agreed that they would be quite the pair together.

My favorite memories of my grandfather center around Christmas. Every year, we'd spend one day together right before Christmas. It was just me and him, the 'little' kids couldn't come. My sisters hated it, and I would just smile and wave as we drove off. We'd run errands for my grandmother, we'd do last minute shopping, we'd deliver fruit baskets to people from the church that were less fortunate, we'd have lunch together, and then we'd go back home to make candy. We'd dip pretzels, peanut butter filled Ritz crackers, Oreos, and pretty much anything that he thought chocolate would be good on. He'd tell me stories of when he was a little boy, when he was a soldier, and when my dad and his siblings were kids. It was always the best day of the year.

The picture is of my grandfather, and my sister, Stevie, when she was a baby.

I love his handlebar moustache, and to this day, I can smell Captain Black pipe tobacco and see him.

A Sleepless Night

There's always something scary about the phone ringing in the middle of the night and waking you up. You don't get to wake up gradually, it's instant, the same as if someone dumped cold water on you. You're awake, wide awake. And, it scares you! When the phone rings in the middle of the night, there's something wrong.

My phone rang at 1:33 a.m.
Caller ID showed it was Austin.

My heart was beating so fast, I thought it was going to jump out of my chest. And, when I answered, there was noone there, just a little noise. I jumped up, and ran into his room...his bed was empty! I think I had a mini heart attack right there in the hallway. All kinds of thoughts go flying through my head. He's out with friends, they had a wreck, he's hurt, he's in trouble, etc, etc. I'm not very rational in the middle in the night. I come flying down the steps, turned the corner, and Austin is sitting at the computer. He looks up at me like I'm a crazy person and says, "Mom, what's wrong?"

Thank you, God! He's home and he's safe! I told him that he called me. He looked confused, and started looking at his phone to see how he managed to send his mother into cardiac distress. He's still not sure how he called me. He gave me a hug, said, "Mom, I'm fine. I've been here since I came home from work".

He patted me on the head, and sent me back to bed.

It took me a long time to settle down and go back to sleep. I truthfully don't know if I ever did. It's funny how your thought process can be in the middle of the night. I started thinking about all kinds of random things.... What kind of goodies to make for Christmas? Am I a bad mother? I wonder if Kohl's will have that sweater for Mom? Should I really let Hank play on the computer as much as he does? I really, really need to lose some weight. Where are my dark brown pants? Am I a sucky friend? Those are just some of the thoughts I had in the wee hours of the morning. Ugh.

I think my sleepless night wasn't just from Austin's phone calling me, but from the Sudafed I took before bed. I remember one time before that Sudafed kept me restless and awake most of the night. I took it on Thursday night, and slept just fine. So, who knows.
Hopefully, I can get in a nap today. But, who am I kidding? That won't happen.

Sick Day for Momma

My trip to the doctor Wednesday afternoon ended exactly the way I thought it would. Sinus infection, double ear infection, heavy duty antibiotics and a work excuse. I spent yesterday curled up in bed with two of my favorite Brits. Colin Firth & Hugh Grant.

I watched "Love Actually", part of "Music & Lyrics" and almost put in "Mamma Mia".
There's just something about seeing Hugh Grant's little dance to The Pointer Sisters' "Jump" that makes me smile and giggle, regardless of how sick I am. And, Colin Firth trying to speak Portuguese. Love it.

When, I wasn't indulging in a movie fest, I was sleeping. I didn't get out of bed or off the couch all day. I just didn't feel like it. The boys were out of school due to ice. They did an excellent job taking care of their puny momma.

I feel somewhat better today. Not great, by any means. I probably should have stayed home again today, but I didn't want to miss our Christmas Party. And, my co-worker would have flipped out if I wasn't here. She's just like that. Yes, I got sick on purpose, just to make things difficult for her. Please!

Sniff, Cough, Sniff, Cough

I don't have time to be sick! Yet, here I am...stuffy nose, runny nose, congested pounding head, clogged ears, and no voice. It's great to be me!

I'm off to the doctor today, where they are going to tell me that I have a sinus infection and an ear infection. They'll give me a prescription for antibiotics and send me on my merry way. I still believe that life would be so much easier if I could just pick up antibiotics in bulk at Sam's. I mean really.. wouldn't it be nice? 48 rolls of toilet paper, 36 pounds of laundry detergent and a gallon of Amoxicillian. There's nothing wrong with that.

Snow Day

Today is the first snow day of the season. All the local schools are closed, and a lot of businesses are on a delay. The boys were tickled to death last night when the call came saying school had been cancelled today. I would love to be home today w/the boys. My throat is kinda scratchy, and I'm just not feeling 100%. Today would be a perfect couch, and Christmas movie kind of day. And, even though we are on a one-hour delay for work, I'm already here. It's not dedication, it's just scheduling with mine and Joe's work hours. On the bright side, I'm the only one here, and everything is quiet. I think I'm going to go make some hot chocolate and read the paper.

Argyle, Rudeness, & "Dukes of Hazard"

Last night, Joe and I has a mini-date. We had a very nice dinner at Rafferty's (they have the best Honey Mustard/Hot Bacon dressing!) and watched part of the UK basketball game. Then, we went and and shopped. Luckily, I have a hubby that doesn't mind to shop. And, he actually does it quite well. The mission last night was to pick up everyone something new to wear on Christmas Eve. Joe found a great argyle sweater vest! I've been trying for two years to get him to wear an argyle sweater, and he has refused every time. Maybe because he found it on clearance was the key factor in buying one last night. I personally think he will look great. Some people can pull of sweater vests, or argyle. But, if you can pull of the combination of the two, then that's even better. I jokingly refer to his brother as Wilford Brimley when he wears a sweater vest. He just looks like him. He has a big belly, wears the glasses and looks like he's about to chow down on a bowl of oatmeal. C'mon, it's funny!
I grabbed a nice purple polo for Austin, and an oxford and black sweater for PJ. Hankadoo told me he wear a long-sleeve oxford. That's what I brought him home, and well, we are taking it back today. He meant a long-sleeve polo.

I had gone into Wal-Mart to grab a bottle of Advil. While I was standing in line with about ten other people, a lady decides to cut line! She had apparently forgot to pay for two items, and instead of going to the back of the line, she thought it would be okay to just cut in line because she knew one of the people standing there waiting their turn to check out. This did not settle with me, and I called her out. I wasn't very polite about it either. I said, "Seriously? You're just going to cut in line? Does it not matter that all these other people are standing here waiting, you're just going cut and not go to the back?" I guess I was rather loud, considering everyone in our line, and the line next to us turned and looked. The lady came back with, "Well, he said I could. But, if you're going to get that upset about it, I'll go to the back of the line." At that point, I laid my Advil down and just walked out of the store. Some people are just rude.
Luckily, there's a Walgreens right across the street. I went in, picked up my Advil without incident. And, as Joe and I were getting in the van to leave, someone was blowing their 'Dukes of Hazard' horn. I had the sudden urge to slid across the hood of the van, and then get in from the window. No. Not really.

A little sigh of relief

On Sunday, Mom went to an acute care clinic for fever, congestion and a few other bothersome things. I can't remember the last time she was sick enough to actually make a trip to the doctor, much less an acute care clinic on a Sunday morning. She was there most of the day (3.5 hours) and left w/the diagnosis of bladder infection, sinus infection and bronchitis. Because of the coughing and bronchitis, they did an x-ray on her chest. On Monday, the clinic called her and said that she needed to make a follow-up appointment w/her regular care physician . The x-ray had showed a spot on her lung, and her regular doctor needed to sign a referral for a CT scan on the lungs. This is when my worry factor kicked into overdrive!

I knew that it was probably nothing. But, what if it wasn't? Mom smokes. A lot. Has for years. What if something was really wrong with her? What if the smoking had taken it's claim? What if that spot was cancer? The questions and worry started building and fast.
I could tell she was worried, too. When we spent the day together on Wednesday, she would say, "I know I shouldn't be doing this" every time she lit a cigarette. I didn't say anything. It wasn't the time to get on my soapbox about smoking. She's heard me rant about it for years upon years, I wasn't going there Wednesday when we were spending our day together Christmas shopping.

She had her CT scan today, and the spot on her lung is a granuloma. Granulomas are simply scarring in the lungs that are caused by infections of the lungs with inflammation severe enough to cause scarring. She is still sick with her sinus infection and bronchitis. I know what she did, she felt better, so she shopped all day the other day, wore herself out, and is back to feeling like crap. I can't fuss, I've done the same thing. I think all women have.

I'm breathing a little sigh of relief. I don't know if she realizes just how worrried and scared I was this week. I'm glad the spot is not cancer. I'm really hoping this will be her wake-up call to stop smoking. I know she knows the dangers, and I know she knows she needs to quit. Just doing it is a different story.

Confession

I love the warm, fuzziness of holiday movies, and tv shows. They show such heartfelt emotion and everything works out in the end. Is there anything better than "It's a Wonderful Life" or "A Very Brady Christmas"?

Here's a confession.. I love the Christmas episode of "Family Guy".... I'm so ashamed! I normally hate Peter, Lois & Stewie and refuse to watch. But, the Christmas episode--LOVE IT!

Peter gives all the presents for the family to a charity (by mistake) and Lois handled it so well. They simply go to the mall and buy more. The house catches on fire, and Lois is okay. But, then when there isn't any paper towels, she loses it! And, I don't mean just getting grumpy. She goes Christmas Crazy! She pushes George Bailey off the bridge, she sets Frosty on fire, and she climbs the town Christmas tree. She's yelling and cussing. They end up shooting her with a tranquilizer gun, and Lois spends Christmas Day in a rocking chair, drooling.

For me, that episode of "Family Guy" is the most realistic of all the holiday specials! How many women can relate? I always joke that will be me (or my mom!) in a few years.

Everything happens for a reason

...even if you don't know the reason at the time! I didn't get the position that I had put in for. And, yes, I was a little bummed at first. But, it's all good. Everything happens for a reason. So, in time, I'll know the reason. I just hope it's a good one!

I'm actually content where I'm at. I really do love my job and the people that I deal with on a daily basis. I would have hated to leave them, but I had to at least try for a position with better pay. Now, if my co-workers would just make it to work on time, things would be even better. Really, since when does 8 o'clock mean quarter after?

One boot, two boot, brown boot, gray boot..

I've been wanting new boots for a few weeks now. And, I decided to trade in the high-heeled, pointy-toe boots that I love for more practical, flat boots. Don't get me wrong, I still love the heeled boots and oooh and aaah over them every chance I get. But, they kill my back and my feet, and in icy wintery conditions, they aren't the smartest choice in footwear. I just couldn't decide what color, and style I wanted my new boots to be. Yesterday, after Joe got an early Christmas present while we were in TJ Maxx, I thought I'd walk down to Shoe Carnival and just look at their boots. I left with two pair. A gray leather pair that hits right at the knee, and laces up the back. And, a brown suede pair, w/gold tone buckles. Both are flat and kinda slouchy, and will look great with jeans! I'm actually wearing the brown pair today with brown pants.

Oh, how I love new shoes!!

Friendship

I'm convinced, I have the best friends in the world. It doesn't matter if we met in kindergarten, met in middle school, met while playing Army wife, met on a message board, or met just a few months ago. My friends are incredible, and I love each and every one dearly. We may talk every day, or we may just email a few times a month. Regardless, they are there when I need them. They have shared my laughter and my tears. I am blessed and I can't imagine my life without these wonderful women.

And, before breaking into 'The Golden Girls' theme song... "Thank you for being a friend..."
You know the rest!

Thank you ladies, for being my friend.

Happy Birthday, Goregous!

Last night, the family had dinner together to celebrate my sister's birthday. She's turning 30! And, some people haven't let her forget that, like her husband who is roughly two years younger. I will never give her grief about her age because I am the older sister. If she's older, then I am too!

My sister is beautiful inside and out. And, I'm not only lucky to have her as a sister, but my best friend. Happy Birthday, Rosie! I love you.

"Mom, it's called a singlet!"

How can wrestling be such an expensive sport? It's just a bunch of sweaty boys rootin' around on the floor and trying to pin each other? My boys do it all the the time in the living room. For free. I had sticker shock when it came to buying all the stuff PJ needs to root around on the floor. First, it was the shoes. Then, it was the 'Spirit Pack' which consisted of sweatshirt, sweatpants, tee shirt, shorts, and I bought me a long sleeve tee to wear to his matches. Next, it was head gear. Yesterday, I ordered his leotard. Oops, I mean singlet. He's told me several times not to call it a leotard. I still have to pick up a mouth guard and some compression shorts. When you add it up, cha-ching, cha-ching.
He's had a few scrimmages and they've practiced every day since October. Wrestling Season officially starts this Saturday with their first meet.
There's a girl on the Bruin wrestling team, and I've heard she's pretty good. She beat PJ in practice one day. And, the family has not him live it down! Dad and my brother-in-law have worn him out about getting beat by a girl. I just keep picturing the scene in 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' when the little boy goes to wrestle the girl and she kicks his butt. I imagine that being PJ. I'm really not a nice mother..

I'll have to take pictures of my precious boy in his wrestling leotard, I mean singlet, and post them later. My beefed up, muscular boy has come a long way since he was running around in his Mickey Mouse underwear pretending to be Stone Cold Steve Austin. I can still see those scrawny little arms just flopping around like crazy. And, that was just last year! :)

See, I'm really not a nice mother!

I don't want to get my hopes up...

But, they are!

Last week, I put in for another position within the county. It's a better position, better pay, more responsibility, etc. I know that I could do it. And, I know that I'd do it well. I'd fit in with that department, and I know I'd enjoy working there. I feel good about it, but I know at least one of the other applicants has a really good chance.

I guess time will tell. For now, I'm just going to keep my fingers crossed.

Turkey Day 2010

What a weekend! And, it's just Saturday!

Thursday, I got up early to make my dishes to take to my in-laws, and watched part of the Macy's Parade w/Hankadoo. We had a very enjoyable day with Joe's family. The entertainment for the day was Baby Ellie. She's the only baby in the family, and is adorable. She's has bright red hair, huge blue eyes, and makes the cutest expressions. She had full attention. We ate, visited, and had a good time. I have never seen so much food in all my life. There were 15 desserts alone. Everything was delicious, and I really should have worn the stretchy pants.
The second stop of the day was at my Uncle & Aunt's. This is where the day became crazy! I've mentioned before that my family is nuttier than squirrel poop, and on days like Thursday, I'm convinced of that even more. I've never heard such stories in my life. I should have worn my boots, because it was deep. I think my uncles need to add BS Artist Extraordinaire after their names. People were laughing so hard they were crying, people were talking over each other, and there were ten different conversations going on at any given time. They may be loud, obnoxious and full of crap, but I love my dear family. We are a good time!

Yesterday, I was one of the crazy fools that went Black Friday shopping! And, I have to say, it wasn't bad. Saundra & I left late in comparison to the others, we left at 5:30am in comparison to the 2am like some I know. And, we were back home by 8am for me to make my desserts to take to Mom's. We went to Target, and even though the parking lot was full, we found a great spot to park. Yes! The day was off to a good start. I picked up some jeans for Hank, a few movies, a couple of DS games, and a few other little things. We found the shortest line, and only waited for maybe ten minutes before we checked out. It wasn't bad. We were feeling brave so we crossed the street to Wal-Mart. I guess everyone had already been there and left, because it was empty. There were more people there on Wedsnesday night grocery shopping. We picked up a few things, got a cup of coffee and called it a day.
We did Thanksgiving, Part Two at Mom & Dad's yesterday afternoon. We ate, played games, and called it an early night. We came home, watched some tv, and we were all asleep by ten.

Today, Hankadoo and I are going to see "Tangled" with some friends. I'm more excited than Hank. It looks so cute. I guess sometime between now and Monday morning, I need to do all the laundry, clean house, and put the Christmas tree up. Hank has been bugging the snot out of me for a week already to get the Christmas stuff out and decorate.

It's been a great Thanksgiving weekend. Pumpkin pie, crazy uncles, shopping....it's had it all!

Thanksgiving...Then & Now

I love Thanksgiving. It's one of my favorite days of the year.

When I was little, Thanksgiving was spent at Grandma & Papaw's. We'd spend the day eating, laughing, playing games and just enjoying our nutty family.

When Joe was in the Army, we never came home for Thanksgiving. We'd always stay at our duty station, have the single soldiers, and all our friends come to our house. I'd spend days cooking, baking & cleaning. There were years that I'd cook two turkeys and mash ten pounds of potatoes. I would make all the sides, and three different desserts. I'd have enough food to feed an Army. Well, maybe not the whole Army, but the motor pool, for sure. I was stressed, but it was worth it. Those Thanksgivings are still some of my favorite memories from our Army years.

Now that we are back home, Thanksgiving has changed. We go to three different places over the course of two days. I only have to fix a few dishes to take here and there. I can actually sit and watch the "Macy's Parade" with the boys. I can enjoy sitting on the couch after dinner and chatting with my sister-in-laws. I can watch the boys play in the yard with their cousins. I can hear the stories that Joe and his brothers tell.

It's about time to break out the stretchy pants. I'm ready to chow down. That part, hasn't changed.

Random Thoughts on a Tuesday

Just a few thoughts for the day:

--The 'Dancing w/the Stars' finale is tonight, and I really hope that Jennifer Grey doesn't win. I loved at her first, but as the season has progressed, she has started to get on my nerves. Don't get me wrong, she looks great, she dances great, but I think she should have stayed looking like Baby and skipped all the work. She doesn't even look like the same person we all fell in love with in 'Dirty Dancing'. I would be very happy if Kyle Massey or Bristol Palin won. I actually voted for Bristol. Don't judge.

--The New Kids on the Block & Backstreet Boys are touring together. I want to go! They are in Nashville in June. I think my sisters and I need to make a road trip. Instead of a bunch of screaming teenagers, it would be screaming thirty-somethings. Justin Bieber has nothing on NKOTB! Nothing, I say.

--Reese's Cups & Diet Coke are a great breakfast. I don't care what you say.

A much needed afternoon...

Today, I've had a taste of what it would be like if I was still a stay-at-home-mom. I must say, it's been nice. I had to come home at noon and wait for the cable/internet people to come fix the internet. They were here when I got here, which was unbelievable, I've never known them to be early. They were done in 20 minutes, internet was back and running. Thank you--it was a long weekend without it
I really could have gone back to work, but I had promised Hank he could ride the bus home and not go to after-school. I couldn't go back on a promise, Walter would never let me live that one down. So, I changed into my sweats and flipflops, separated several baskets of clean laundry, watched 'Rachael Ray' (Niecy Nash was on, and let me just say, I LOVE her!) and enjoyed a quiet afternoon of just me in the house. Now, I'm watching 'Oprah' and getting ready to start supper. I think I need more afternoons at home.

Why are farts funny?

That is the question of the day! Or better yet, why do boys, regardless of age, find farts funny? That's the better question!

Last night, Hankadoo was cuddled up beside me on the couch, we were watching 'Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving' and enjoying the night. Then, he farted. Right on my leg. He thought it was hilarious. He was giggling hysterically. Then, Joe started laughing. Then, Hank farted again. More laughter.

I'm living with Fartacus & Tooter McPooter.

Boys are gross!

Happy Birthday, Honey!

Joe turns 40 today! I've been giving him grief that he can no longer claim the thirties. I'm fixing his favorite birthday dinner tonight. Country Ham (yuck!), fried potatoes, biscuits and apple dumplins. It's the same dinner that his mom always fixed when he was growing up. She's taking him to lunch, and I'm fixing his birthday dinner. I somehow think I got the short end of that deal.
Hank gave him his card and birthday present this morning. I bought him the complete series of The Sopranos. And, I'm not even a Sopranos fan. I have a few more things planned, but that's still a suprise for now. If I tell, it will be the one time that he actually reads my blog!

Happy Birthday, Honey! The boys and I love you.

Where does the time go?

Where does the time go? I'm not talking figuratively by looking at my boys and wondering how they've gotten so big. I'm talking literally! Where does the time go? Here lately, I've really felt like there's not enough hours in the day to get everything done that needs to be done. I'm tired. I'm stressed. I'm overwhelmed. I hate it. My house is a mess. I feel like I'm always coming or going in a hundred different directions. I think I could stay busy from the time that I walk in the door after work until I passed out from exhaustion and still not mark everything off my list that needs to be done.
There's always something--laundry, dinner, homework, cleaning up after dinner, putting the laundry away, sight words and reading books before bed, cleaning the rest of the house, grocery shopping, running errands. When does it end? And, I know that with the holidays coming, it's going to get even worse.

Pass the cheese, I'd like some to go with my whine!

Girl Time

I love my boys. I really do. I don't mind the constant belching, the stinky feet, or the insane amounts of testosterone that they produce. Those boys are my entire world. But, those boys are also the reason I love my sisters, my girlfriends, and all the other females in my life the way I do.

When I'm with the girls, I'm just that, I'm a girl. I get to talk about things other than Xbox games, sports, or Scooby Doo. I'm not the cook, the maid, or the referee. I get to enjoy pink sparkly things and look at purses.

It's hard being a mom!

Last night, I was scared to death that something was really wrong with Austin. I was scared to the point that we almost loaded up and went to the ER. Even though his wisdom teeth came out with no problems, the aftermath was not good at all. Yesterday afternoon, he was in tears because he was in so much pain. I haven't seen that child cry because something hurt since he was a little boy. I felt so helpless. I wanted to cry, too.
Then, last night he started vomiting. And, not to be gross, but it was gross! There was blood, lots of blood, and this really, really dark liquid. The poor child had barely eaten anything all day, so I was amazed of what all came out of him. It freaked me out. He was bleeding a lot more than he should. We called his doctor, who is also a friend of ours, and he told us to soak some tea bags and then pack them into Austin's mouth to see if that helped with the bleeding. It did. And, about midnight, Austin was able to keep a milkshake down. We then crawled in bed. It had been a long day for he and I both!
I think the vomiting was a combination of his antibiotic, the blood draining into his stomach, and maybe even the anesthesia. Today, he seems much better. He's still very swollen. I jokingly said that he looked like Martin Short's character, Jiminy Glick. He didn't find it funny.

My best friend had a bad night as well. Her son, who is thirteen, was injured at football practice and was taken by ambulance to the hospital. They thought he tore his ACL. Luckily, it was just a sprain, and he's going to be okay. She typically stays for practice, she'll return phone calls, read a magazine or whatnot. Last night, she had left to go pick out a puppy as a surprise Christmas gift. The one night she isn't there, he has to leave in an ambulance.

Gosh, this mom stuff is hard work! I think we deserve a margarita!

My poor baby!

As I sit here at the computer, and look over to the couch, Austin is sprawled out with his ice packs wrapped around his head, and looking pitiful. He had all four wisdom teeth cut out this morning. And, even though the procedure itself went flawlessly, his recovery has been slow. He had a hard time waking up post-op, and then he was sick to his stomach. Considering he hadn't eaten since 7pm last night, there was nothing in his stomach to come up, so he was dry heaving. He was groggy and nauseated. And, now he seems to be in a lot of pain. My poor baby. I feel so helpless. There's nothing I can do but offer Sprite, and Jell-O.

November 11th: A Day for Heroes

I'm going to write about November 11th a day early, because tomorrow I'll be home taking care of Austin, who is having all four wisdom teeth cut out in the morning. I'm hoping it will be quick and easy, and that he's not in a lot of pain.

Back to November 11th...
As we all know, it's Veterans Day. It's not just some random day that the banks are closed, and that school is dismissed. It's a day to honor all the men & women who have served or is serving in our military. These men & women put the love they have for this country above everything else. The life of a soldier isn't easy. It's long hours at the motor pool, it's deployment after deployment, it's time, a lot of time, away from their families. It's hard physically and mentally. It takes its toll on the body and mind. And, if you ask those servicemembers if they would do it all over again, I promise you, they will say yes.

They are heroes.

There's another reason that November 11th is special to me. It is my grandfather's birthday. He would have been 84 tomorrow. My grandfather was a WWII vet, the father of six, an insurance salesman, a pool shark, and the most wonderful man that I ever met. He was funny, and kind, and full of knowledge--mostly useless tidbits of information that left you wondering, "How did he know that?"...
He wore Hawaiian shirts, and rocked a handlebar moustache. He loved Christmas, and square dancing. He loved his wife, and his family.

He was my hero.

Write this down!

It's early November, and I have bought Christmas presents! Someone better write this down, because I don't remember if it's happened before. And, I'd like to say that it will happen again, but there's no guarntee of that. Last year, I was finishing up the odds & ends of Christmas on Christmas Eve. Not something that I'd like to repeat this year. I'm going to set my goal to have everything bought, wrapped, and under the tree by December 20th. Sounds reasonable, right?

It's just hair

Three weeks ago....

Yesterday!!

I have been debating for weeks (maybe even months) about chopping my hair off. It was dry, brittle, crunchy and just yucky. Earlier in the week, I made an appointment with my friend Kelly, who does great hair, and then spent the rest of the week looking online for a new 'do. I took several pictures to her, and this is what we came up with. Truthfully, it's a little shorter than I wanted, but I like it.

I had a little oops yesterday before my appointment. I colored it, and it was rather purple. Not sure what happened, I always color my hair. I don't know if it was a new brand, or a new color, or just my hair being screwy, but it was violet. It was okay for little pieces of color, but not all-over color. Luckily, Kelly had enough time to fix my hair disaster before cutting it.

I'm hoping I can fix it today and it will look cute. My worst fear is that I'll look like Justin Bieber!

I'm thankful for....

I've noticed that a lot of people on FB are changing their status to where they list one thing a day from now until the end of November that they are thankful for. And, while this is a great idea. I know I would miss a day. So, I thought I'd do a big list today. There's 30 days in November, so here are 30 things for which I'm thankful, not in any particular order, some serious and some not so much..

1. My boys
2. Joe
3. My friends (Childhood, internet, military--I love them all!)
4. My sisters
5. Mom & Dad
6. My grandmothers (I'm very lucky to still have both of them!)
7. The rest of my crazy, hilarious family (They may be nuttier than squirrel poop, but they are wonderful!)
8. Diet Coke (I'm not sure I could make it through my day without my beloved!)
9. My job
10. My sweet, mother-in-law.
11. The internet
12. Memories of my grandfather (Some of the younger grandkids won't have the precious memories of him that I do)
13. Cable TV (Nothing beats a good re-run of 'The Golden Girls' to cheer me up)
14. Caller ID
15. Getting baptized & confirmed into the Catholic church (I may not be a regular at mass, but I know getting baptized with Kasey was one of the best decisions I ever made)
16. My brother-in-laws (They have to be outstanding guys to put up with my sisters!)
17. Texting
18. Family Night at Home (A game of Scattergories is sure to bring a good time)
19. Hankadoo still wanting to cuddle with me before he goes to sleep
20. That the big boys still call me Momma, and tell me they love me
21. Pumpkin Spice Latte
22. Being able to laugh at myself
23. A good hairdresser (As a woman, this is very important!)
24. Kentucky (There really is no place like home)
25. Learning from my mistakes
26. Flipflops
27. Comfort Food
28. I'm healthy (Despite the whole malfunctioning thyroid!)
29. Joe will always be the one to pump gas
30. My life, in general

Things that make you go 'Hmmmmmm'

I know that everyone has heard the "Why do you park in a driveway and drive on a parkway?" and other similiar ditties.
Here's mine..... If the two things you should steer clear of in conversations are politics and religion, then why are voting locations in churches? Seems odd to me.

My polling place is actually at the elementary school that is close, but I know many people headed off to a church yesterday to vote.

Politics will still be the talk today. I'm happy with our local results. I'm happy with our state results. I have friends and family that aren't. "When the end of the world comes, I want to be in Kentucky because it's always twenty years behind the times" (Mark Twain) was a quote that a friend had posted on Facebook this morning. And, my sister last night said that for the first time in her life she was embarrassed to call Kentucky her home.

Those are just other things that make me go "Hmmmmmm".....
Obviously, my opinion isn't the same. I'm proud of this state, and the choices that were made yesterday at the polls.

Go Vote!!

Today, election season will come to an end. And, I couldn't be happier! The radio ads will end, the yard signs will go away, and hopefully the mud-slinging will come to an end, too. I've had my fill of political talk the past few weeks. I know it comes with the territory, I do work in county government for elected officials. Politics is the nature of the beast.
My boss is up for re-election, and I have several good friends that are seeking an elected position. I wish them all the best.
I did my duty and voted. I voted for who I like and who I think will do the best job. I wasn't swayed by the negative campaign ads, or office gossip. I don't vote for someone because of party representation. Even with all the negativity, I believe there are men and women who genuinely care about this county, this state, and even this country. We need to support them.

Halloween Review

Indiana Jones was just too cute. I think it was a great costume for Hankadoo. He had decided quite some time ago that he wanted to be Indiana Jones. His costume was complete with a whip, and a cool cargo pouch to store the candy. On Saturday, we went downtown for the Halloween fun. There's a costume contest, a hayride, a pumpkin drop, and then a walking ghost tour of the 'haunted' buildings downtown. Hank loves the Ghost Walk. I think it's his favorite part of Halloween. Well, besides the insane amount of candy that he collects Trick or Treating. I think there's enough candy at my house to feed a third-world country. Last night was actual Trick or Treat, and we gathered with friends at church for Trunk or Treat, before hitting the neighborhoods to score the big loot.

Joe and I went to a costume party on Friday. If given enough time, we would have been a little more original and creative than pirates. I'm already thinking of what we can dress as next year.

This is my friend Saundra. She and I were the oldest women at the party. We missed the memo to dress like a hooch! Our costumes actually covered our butt! We may be the old ladies of the group, but we're still smokin'...

Mommy Guilt

Hank's class is having their fall celebration this afternoon, and since I'll be at work, I will have to miss it.

My case of 'Mommy Guilt' is pretty high today.

Walter

How can this sweet face give me such attitude?

Hank has been channeling the Jeff Dunham character, Walter. My sweet, easy-going, freckleface, cuddlebug has turned into a grouchy, belligerent, old man with a bad attitude! It's driving me crazy! Our biggest, on-going battle has been over underwear! Hank, aka Walter, has given me nine kinds of grief about his underwear lately. They are too tight, they aren't comfortable, he doesn't like the color, they aren't soft enough.

I have bought this child at least ten new pair in three different styles of underwear the past few weeks. He has plenty to choose from, yet, every morning we fuss & argue over his drawers!

He will cross his arms, mumble something along the lines of, "Stupid underwear are too tight. Mom can't buy the right ones, (grumble grumble grumble).. I hate these underwear, Stupid underwear, (grumble grumble grumble).........."

I think he should be Walter for Halloween instead of Indiana Jones. I bet Indiana Jones wouldn't have attitude over his underwear!

"You want to go to the gym at 4am? Are you nuts?"

Last night, Joe & I went and joined the gym. We've been talking about it for a few months, and really, I was putting it off because I wasn't sure how much it would be every month. But, I lucked out and was able to get a corporate discount for being a county employee. Sweet! I was able to get a family membership for a very reasonable price. So, now the whole crew can go and workout and swim. We're just trying to decide when we can go. The ideal time for me would be at 4am when it's not crowded, and before the day gets started. Our nights are so busy with trying to fix dinner, soccer practice, wrestling practice, get homework done, get housework done, get Hank in bed at a reasonable time--it's hectic! I just don't know if I can pry Joe's butt up that early to go to the gym! He's not quite the morning person that I am. So, we'll see how this works out next week.

The Deployed Husband Card....

There are certain times and situations where the 'Deployed Husband Card' can be played. And, when used correctly, it is a very effective move. But, military wives need to be careful when playing this card because it may not always work in their favor!

I had a military wife try and play the card on me yesterday! Me? Of all people! I had to laugh. She did not get my sympathy. Instead, she got a "Honey, you're barking up the wrong tree! I've been there, done that and have the tee shirt to prove it! I'm sorry he's deployed, but that is not a good enough reason for YOU to screw up!"

Here's what happened... a few weeks ago, Hank was doing a fundraiser for the school by selling items from a catalog (magazines, frozen pretzels, candy, etc.) and the items were supposed to be picked up yesterday afternoon at the school. So, at 2:10, the president of the PTA calls me to tell me that Hank's items weren't processed and obviously didn't get delivered. They would be in next week. When I'm questioning her as to why this was just now discovered, she replies with, "It's my fault. I'm sorry. My husband is deployed to Afghanistan and I'm just going crazy! I just completely missed processing a bunch of orders"

Oh, really? So, because your husband is gone, your PTA duties fall short and you don't do your job? Not an excuse in my book. Come to find out, she didn't process half of the fifth grade orders, a class in third grade, and for whatever reason, a few in first grade. How do you miss this?

Like I said, there are times and situations that the 'deployed husband card' works very well, and when used on the right person is quite effective. You just need to know when to use it! Unfortunately for her, yesterday was not the time, and I was not the right person! I appreciate what she's doing for the school, and I most definitely appreciate what her husband is doing. It is very hard to balance kids, volunteering, work and having a spouse deployed, I know this. I've done this. I'm not trying to take that away or make light of it, I just think Ms. PTA needs a lesson on when to play 'the card'..........

Tired of being tired.....

I went back to the doctor on Monday for a follow-up on my thyroid. I knew my levels were still off, and I was right. She called me today and has increased the dosage of my medicine. I can look at a list of symptoms for Hypothyroidism and I have every single one. I didn't know the thyroid could send so much out of whack. At this point I think I have the metabolic rate of a slug. I stay so tired. I think I could drink a half-gallon of 5 Hour Energy and still go to bed at nine o'clock.

I'm really hoping that increasing my medicine will help and I'll start feeling better.

Is my butt really that big??

It's time to go on a diet! I've known this for quite some time, yet, I still go to bed every night thinking I will wake up in the morning 25 pounds lighter. It hasn't happened. And, let's be real, it won't. I'd like to completely blame my thyroid for my weight gain, and even though that has something to do with it, it's not the only reason that my clothes don't fit, and that the scale oinks when I step on it!


Today, I happened to be in the bathroom and caught a side glimpse, and I thought, "Is my butt REALLY that big?"... at first I thought it may just be the dress I have on. But, it's not. I can show a movie on my ass! It's that big. And, just to be safe--I am never wearing this dress again. Oh, and I'm going to remind my best friend of her duties when we shop. She was with me when I bought it, she should have said, "Ummm, yes! Your butt looks huge. You look like Mrs. Potatohead--Go find something else!"


I guess I'll dig out my Jillian Michaels DVD and start putting myself through hell every day. For the record, Jillian Michaels is a mean, horrible woman who likes to torture poor fat girls like me. The last time I did her DVD for a few days, I could barely walk down the stairs. Every muscle in my legs felt as if they were on fire. It was awful. And, the damn DVD has been sitting on the bookcase ever since just collecting dust, and all the while, my butt just kept getting bigger and bigger. It's not just my butt that has gotten big, either. I swear, I think even my ankles are fat.


So, it's time to put my big girl panties on (literally!) and do something about my ever growing jean size!

Pay Attention in the Kitchen!

I would consider myself a pretty good cook, and I manage in the kitchen quite well. I've had my share of successes and disasters. I think my disasters come from not paying enough attention. There was the time I put the cordless phone in the freezer, and didn't have a clue to where it was until I heard the phone ringing, and when I realized it was coming from the freezer, I thought surely not. But, yes.. there was the phone. There was the time I screwed up a No-Bake Dessert because I didn't read the directions all the way. I've screwed up N0-Bake Cookies. Still not sure on that. There was the infamous garlic lasagna! I added the garlic powder at least four times! It was horrible. I'm trying to think of other examples where I wasn't paying enough attention in the kitchen. Yesterday, is the most current example. After I came in from work, I decided I'd make another pumpkin cake w/the yummiest cinnamon cream cheese frosting. I had put the cake mix in the bowl, opened the cabinet, grabbed the cinnamon and added some to the mix. Then, I thought..."Hmmm, that doesn't smell like cinnamon!"...and when I looked at the spice container, it was Soul Seasoning! Oh, snap. I dumped the soul seasoning infused cake mix into the trash and started over. I didn't have another yellow cake mix, just white, so I had to wing it. But, I have to say, it turned out great. The homemade cream cheese frosting is my favorite part. I could just sit there with the bowl and spoon. It's delicious. Unfortunately, it just adds even more dimples to my thighs, so I try to stop after just one spoonful.

Tuesday's Thoughts

1. My office is freezing! My hands feel like ice, and I think my toes are numb. I'd have the maintenance man turn the heat on, but it's supposed to be back up to 83 by the end of the week.

2. The problem with making hot chocolate at work is that I don't have marshmallows. Or whipcream. I do have, however, my coffee mug that my friend brought me from her trip to Hawaii. It's bright yellow and has flipflops all over it. I love that mug. But, I still wish I had marshmallows.

3. Taking the high-road and being the better person is not always easy, but it sure does feel good. And, I'm proud of myself for doing it!

4. I miss my sisters. They only live 45 minutes away, but I miss them terribly.

5. All the phones in my office should have Caller IQ... that way I'd know how stupid the person is before I answer.

Miss Cellphone, let me introduce you to Dr. Pepper...

Friday night, Maria & I went to the movies to see "You Again" that stars Jamie Lee Curtis, Sigourney Weaver, and Kristin Bell. It was cute. I thought Jamie Lee Curtis looked beautiful. Maria and I usually take our drinks and snacks to the movies with us. We stop at the Dollar Tree, grab a box of Raisinettes and a 20 oz drink. We're cheap, what can I say! I'd much rather pay $2 than the $5.50 at the theatre. We put out treats in our purses, and when the lights dim, we get our goodies out and snack away. This is what we did on Friday.
At the end of the movie, I put my Dr. Pepper bottle back into my purse, and the lid wasn't on good! It spilled all over my cellphone! And, my wallet, my lipgloss, my hairbrush, etc.
But--my cellphone? Oh snap. I took napkins and dried it off the best that I could. I thought it was okay, but then my screen wasn't working right. I tried to dry it some more, and that didn't seem to help either. As of right now, my phone is sitting in a baggie full of rice. I'm hoping and praying that the rice will pull the moisture out and that it will be fine. When I looked at it earlier, the water damage indicator hadn't turned orange, so I'm taking that as a positive sign. I think to be safe, I'll order a new battery and let the phone stay in the rice for a few more days.
Luckily, I still have my old phone. I was able to take my SIM card out and put it in the old phone. I can't imagine what I would have done if I didn't have a back-up. I would have been lost, and crazy. I would have been at the AT & T store the minute they opened, begging them for a new phone.

Is it the weekend yet?

This has to be the longest week ever! I was ready for Friday on Monday. That's never a good thing. It seems like the hours have just drug by and the days seem to never end. I've been wiped out this week. The past few weeks have been crazy, and really busy. They have caught up with me this week. I was sound asleep by 9pm Monday night, which isn't a lot earlier than the normal time, but it was enough for me to say, "Wow, I was tired!"


This weekend we are going over to Hodgenville, Kentucky for their annual Lincoln Days festival. Hodgenville is where Abraham Lincoln was born, and even though it's very close, I haven't been there in quite some time. I told Hank that we'd go this weekend for their festival, but then we'd go again in a few weeks to just tour the birthplace. I figured that would be a good way to spend a Sunday afternoon sometime. Like all fall festivals--there will be a parade, food, arts & crafts, etc. There's also an Abe Lincoln look-a-like contest that brings people from miles around. I'm ready for a caramel apple and a BBQ sandwich. Festival food is one of my favorites. I really believe it should be in its own food group.

We finally have some cooler weather! And, it's been wonderful. Even if I was cold at soccer practice the other night, it sure beats sweating like a pig in the hot temps like we have had since June. Hankadoo has been rather upset with me the past few mornings because I made him wear jeans instead of shorts. Gasp. I'm such a horrible mother. I'm just an awful, awful person for insisting he wear jeans when it's 52 degrees out. He's been rather dramatic in his stance to wear shorts. And, I'm not one who likes drama at 6:30am. So, it's made for some rather interesting mornings. Hmmm, I really don't know where he gets his stubborn streak.

I got around to coloring my hair. I didn't realize how light it had become until I took the towel off my head, and there was this mane of dark, spicy-brown hair. I like it though. I thought about adding some red pieces just to give it definition, but I don't think I will afterall. I'm bad about keeping my highlights/lowlights/colored pieces touched up, so I think for this fall & winter I will be one solid color, and hopefully now that I'm on my thyroid medicine, my hair will actually start to grow, and get healthier. I'm really keeping my fingers crossed for this. I want long, pretty hair.

Things said in anger...

Are the things that people say in anger their true feelings? Or are they just mean things said in the heat of the moment? I admit, I have a very vicious, very nasty tongue when I'm mad. I cut deep and quick with my words. And, it's usually just things said in the heat of the moment. This happens with my dear hubby more than anyone else. On more than one occasion, I've felt horrible afterwards and needed to apologize for my nastiness. I may be stubborn, but when I've been an ass, I admit that I was an ass and apologize. Do most people? I'm curious because I expect an apology from a co-worker on Monday. We had a verbal altercation yesterday morning, and it wasn't pretty.
She has been mad at me for two weeks now over little things. I guess those little things snowballed and yesterday morning she let me have it. Wow, did she let me have it. She said some very nasty, unprofessional and down-right hurtful things. I'm a big girl, I put my big girl panties on and dealt with it. There was nothing else I could do. I argued with her some, but I could tell she wasn't going to hear anything that I had to say. I gave up and let her berate and belittle me. If that's what she needed to do to feel better, than go ahead, knock yourself out. She was ugly. And, I think what upset me more than anything is that I genuinely care and have concern for her. We're not best friends, but we do get along. We vent to each other about other offices, our supervisors, etc. We have (had) a good working relationship, or so I thought. And, it kills me that I've defended her on several occasions. When people make fun of her obnoxious laugh, I've told them to be nice. She's rather flighty sometimes, (we've had the fax machine for over four years, yet I have to tell her every single time which way to load the paper, and there are people that have worked with the county for years, and she has no clue what their name is when they come in the office) and she makes mistakes (don't we all?) but overall, she does a great job. I've told her this, I've told other people this. I like her. I care about her. And, that's why I'm so upset about our exchange of words yesterday. I would never say the things that she did. Or attack her personally. She made a very nasty jab that had nothing to do with work at all! It was extremely inappropriate, and in other offices I know that I could turn her in for harassment. I'm not going to do that though. I know she was angry.
I really think all her anger wasn't at me, but something else, I just happened to be the one that she unloaded everything on. I know that she was very snippy with another from another department, but he didn't get nearly the beating that I did.
I couldn't sleep last night. I kept thinking about yesterday, replaying the whole conversation over and over. So, at 5am, I emailed her. I told her that I was sorry for getting her so upset, that I truly cared about her and her feelings, and that I expect an apology from her for crossing the line yesterday. I wonder if she'll apologize or not? I wonder how our work environment will be now? I guess we'll see on Monday. Until then, I'm not going to worry about it. I'm gong to enjoy my weekend with soccer games, and friends.

First day of fall...

and it's supposed to be 100 degrees! I'm so ready for cooler weather. This has been the hottest summer ever. Bring on the cooler temps!!

Every September, I get a sinus infection. Without fail. I thought I was going to get lucky and not have one this year. I have made it this far into the month, afterall. But, here we go...the past few mornings I've woken up with stuffy head and congestion. I feel it coming on.

I still haven't decided what to do with my hair. Part of me wants to cut it off, part of me knows to leave it alone. I think I'm going to trim it real good, take it a darker color, and hope that will keep me hair happy.

My sweet baby boy

Hank's 1st grade picture. Oh, how I love that little freckled face boy. I know it's just a matter of time before he's as big as his brothers. Watching him grow up is bittersweet. He's my baby. He's my Hankadoo.

Picnics, Cupcakes, and Warts???

Saying last week was crazy busy is really an understatement. It was very hectic. But, I survived!

The county picnic was a success. The morning started out with a little rain, but the weather broke and it was a goregous day! I did get nervous at one point when I had people there to pack carry-out boxes, and no food! Once the food arrived, we were an assembly line! I think we packed 190 to-go boxes in less than an hour! We had around 120 show up to eat there. And, then I sent all the leftovers to the EMS station for the crews there. I had ordered 15 pork loins, sliced for sandwiches, and one of the guys from the Road Department did all our grilling. I picked up 80 pounds of potato salad, we had green beans & baked beans and then cookies, cakes and brownies for dessert. We had a lot of food!! All in all, I was proud of myself for pulling it off again this year. I think everyone had a good time. If they didn't, oh well!

Friday morning's baking was great. All the cupcakes turned out perfect. I made little gumpaste pumpkins to put on top of the pumpkin cupcakes. I was feeling good about my baking adventures. It was Friday afternoon that the baking gods were not on my side. I had bought fall themed silicone pans to bake the brownies in. I thought pumpkin and leaf shaped brownies would be cute. Nope, they looked awful! I had to come up with another plan. So, Plan B was to make brownie bites from my mini-muffin pans. I didn't like the brand of brownie mix that I had bought, but they turned out, and were pretty good. Except for the pan that I left laying on the stove to cool. The oven was still on, so they continued to bake! I had brownie bricks!
I made the big cupcake. And, when I went to carve part of it to shape it better, it fell apart. Crap. I had to re-bake the top part of the cupcake. Crap. I had planned on baking and frosting all the cupcakes on Friday, and then putting them in a Rubbermaid container, so I'd be done. Well, I realized that I couldn't do that because the cream cheese frosting couldn't stay out. Crap.
When I went to fill the yellow cupcakes with raspberry filling, a raspberry must have been stuck in the tip. And, when I applied a little more pressure, I had a raspberry explosion! Raspberry filling went all over me, the cupcakes, the table. I literally had it in my hair. It was a mess. I ended up throwing my hair in ballcap and going to Hank's soccer game.

Saturday morning, Hank had another game. I should had stayed home to finish the cupcakes, but I knew he'd be upset if I missed it. I went to his game, and then ran around like a crazy mad woman trying to get the cupcakes finished, me showered and ready, clothes ironed, etc. and then get out the door to head to the reception. There was still a lot to do before the guests arrived.
Stevie was beautiful, and Andrew was very handsome. They are the perfect together and I couldn't have picked a better person for my little sister! The party was fun. We chowed down on chicken wings, played some cornhole, ate some cupcakes, and visited with family and friends.
Everyone ate the cupcakes and brownies, and I was so relieved. It may be a while before I turn the oven on again to do any baking.

I spent Sunday cleaning house, and doing laundry. Yesterday, the boys were out of school for a professional development day. I toook advantage of the day off and made PJ an appointment for a sports physical so he can wrestle, and Hank an appointment to have the wart looked at on the top of his foot. PJ got the go ahead to wrestle. He's 5'6 (and a half!) and weighs 131 pounds. I'm guessing he will try to beef up and wrestle in the 135 weight class. He may be a little guy compared to all his friends, but he's nothing but muscle. I'm anxious to see him wrestle. He has conditioning and practice until late October and then the matches will start.
They froze Hank's wart. And, I'm guessing we'll have to go back in next month and have them do it again. He was mad at me last night because I made him miss his soccer game. He wasn't mad at the doctor, but me. Go figure.

I'm hoping this week will be calm and not so busy. It's still waaay to hot here. Late September and the high today is supposed to be 94. Stupid global warming.

What a busy week.....

Do things ever slow down? This is one busy week! Last night was soccer practice. Then, we went to Mom & Dad's to see the cupcake tower that dad made for Stevie's reception. We ended up getting home later than I wanted, and Hank went right to bed. Tonight, we have the Book Parade at Hank's school. I love the book parade, it's so cute to see all the classes make 'floats' and dress up as characters from their favorite books. I think his class is doing "The Rainbow Fish" and all the kids are wearing tie-dyed tee shirts. The kids throw candy to the parents as they go down the parade route.

Thursday is our county employee picnic, and once again, I'm heading it up. Nothing like buying enough food, drinks, paper products, etc. for roughly 350 people. Sam's Club loves me this time of year. On Wednesday, I'll go get all the plates, cups, and non-perishables. Thursday morning, I'll pick up the 15 pork loins, and 85 pounds of potato salad. Hopefully, the hot stuff will arrive in time, so that we can get Carry-Out boxes packed before the masses show up to eat. I always get nervous a day or two before the picnic. I want things to go as smoothly as possible.

At some point, I have to go to the grocery and buy a ton of powdered sugar, cream cheese, eggs, vanilla, and everything else on my baking list. Friday is cupcake day! I'm going to try and start making the gum paste leaves on Thursday night, and then start baking at the buttcrack of dawn on Friday. I'm going to do one set of cupcakes at a time from start to finish. I don't want forty-seven bowls and utencils everywhere. The baking won't be a big deal, just the frosting. And, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my attempt to make pretty gum paste leaves will be successful.

Hank has a soccer game both Friday night and Saturday morning. The reception is late afternoon, Saturday. But, we'll have to go up early and help set up. PJ starts wrestling practice this week. Austin starts working at the grocery store. I was hoping to sneak in some time to get my nails done, and a pedi...but I'm not sure if I can squeeze that in or not. The boys need haircuts. I'd like to tan. Laundry is piling up, and the bathroom needs to be cleaned.

I need a clone!

September 11, 2001...

I know they say that every generation has an event that they will never forget... for some it was when WWII started, for others it was when JFK was shot. For me, it will always be September 11th, 2001.

Our morning started out just like every morning. I had my coffee, got the boys up, walked them to school, Joe went off to work, and then I jumped in the shower. As I got out of the shower, I was standing in the bedroom, towel trying my hair and watching "The Today Show" when they broke in saying a plane had hit the World Trade Center. The reporters were saying they believed it was an accident, they were trying to get more details, etc. Then, the second plane hit. When Matt Lauer said, "it is believed that these planes were acts of terrorists" I knew that our world was about to change. Especially for our military and their families.

I called Joe at the motor pool. He had been listening to the radio on the way in, and didn't realize it was real. He thought the morning show was just bs'ing. There wasn't a TV close by, so he couldn't watch what was happening. I put a tape in the VCR and hit record. He had to see what I was watching. I called my best friend, and woke her up. We sat there on the phone for hours, flipping channels and just not believing what we were seeing. Every few minutes, the call-waiting would beep, and it would be a family member checking on us.

I walked to the school to pick up Austin and PJ, not having a clue of what to tell them. They were such little boys, and I didn't know how to explain what had happened in a way they would understand. I don't remember what I actually said to them, but I do remember looking at their sweet little faces and wondering how many little boys may have lost a parent that day. At that point, I just wanted to hold onto my babies forever.

We had to get out of the house. We needed some sort of normal activity. We loaded up, and went swimming with Trish. And, for a few hours, while the boys splashed and dunked each other, Trish and I did our best to pretend that we weren't scared.

Joe came to get us from Trish's house, and that was the first time he had been able to see a TV. He sat there watching the news channels, in disbelief as they showed the events of the day. Post was on lockdown, so it literally took us three hours to get home that night. The boys were asleep in the back of the car. After we put them in bed, and gave them extra kisses, Joe and I sat on the couch and watched even more footage on TV. We talked about what this meant for us, as an Army family. We both knew it would just be a matter of months before the deployments would start. He left in March '02 for a deployment to Kuwait.

I know that I'll always remember that day, and the days after.

Cupcake Anxiety!!

My sister and brother-in-law have asked me to do the sweets for their "Hey, we eloped, but come celebrate with us" party/reception. I, of course, said yes! And, I really don't mind at all to do them. But, since this is technically their wedding reception, and the cupcake tower is technically their wedding cake... I want these cupcakes to be perfect, and delicious! I'm making three different flavors: pumpkin with cinnamon cream cheese frosting, red velvet with traditional cream cheese frosting, and a yellow cake w/raspberry filling and vanilla buttercream frosting. I'm making roughly 100 cupcakes. Oh, and I'm making brownies, also. I'm planning on using Hank's Perfect Brownie Pan (yes, it's his pan..he got it for his birthday) for that, so they will be uniform in size, and not get chopped up when I try to get them out of a pan. I do need to experiment with the brownies and adjust the cooking time. Every time we've used the Perfect Brownie Pan, they've been dry and crunchy. Not very yummy.

But...back to the cupcakes...their top tier of the cupcake tower will actually be a huge cupcake, that I'm also going to make. I've bought gum paste, several different food colorings, a leaf press to makes leaves to decorate the tops of the cupcakes and brownies. I'm going to buy some fondant to cover the base of the large cupcake, and I will frost it just as the others. They have some sort of surprise cake topper that is top secret at this point, so I actually don't know what will go on the top of the big cupcake.
I'm taking off from work the day before the reception, and I'm going to spend the entire day baking, making homemade frosting and a ton of little leaves from gum paste. My friend said she'd take off and come help me, but I'm afraid that may turn into a Lucy & Ethel day! We've had those days before. There was this one time (not at band camp!) when we tried to make chocolate truffles. It wasn't as easy as it sounded, and we had quite the mess in her kitchen.

Back to the cupcakes...
It sounds like I have a good game plan, right? Well, here's the thing.... I've never used gum paste, or fondant! I'm about to make a zillion little leaves, with something I know nothing about. I'm hoping all the episodes of Cake Boss, Cupcake Wars, and Ace of Cakes that I've watched pays off and that my mad baker/decorator skills kick in and I rock the cupcakes.

These may be the most important cupcakes that I ever make!!

I'll stick to the horses!

Last Friday, I won tickets from a local radio station to The Indy 300 @ The Kentucky Speedway. Here is what I know about Indy Car Racing: 1) Ashley Judd's husband races Indy cars. I know this because like all Kentucky girls, I keep up with fellow Kentucky girl, Ashley Judd! 2) Danica Patrick races Indy cars. And, I only know this because I don't live under a rock. I've heard the name and have seen the Go Daddy! commercials. 3) The guy from "Dancing w/the Stars"--Helio Castroneves races Indy cars. I know this because I watch DWTS!

That was my knowledge of Indy cars until Saturday night when Joe and I went to the track. Here are a few new things I learned: 1) They are fast. The average speed was 174 mph. 2) They are loud! It sounded like a sworm of bees everytime the cars came around the track. 3) Danica Patrick is not the only girl racer. I believe there were four others in Saturday's race. 4) The track was actually a 1.5 mile track, so there were 200 laps that equaled the 300 5) It's boring! It's a bunch of cars going around and around. Not that exciting. There's no way I could sit and watch the Indy 500! My neck would hurt, I wouldn't be able to hear, and I'd be bored to death.

I'll stick with horse racing! At horse races, there are drinks (besides Coors Light in a can!), women in killer hats, great dresses, and cute shoes.

Don't fail me now, Mr. Weatherman!

I'm typically a summer girl. I love hot weather, flipflops, lemonade, hot dogs on the grill, days at the pool, and nights on Mom & Dad's porch watching lightening bugs. Summer is a great time. But, not-so-much for this summer. It's been waaay to hot. I think we had 98 days in a row where the temp got above 90 degrees. That's taking the "Dog Days of Summer" to a new level. And, even though today is hot, I had a glimmer of hope this morning while watching the news.. the cooler weather is on the way! It's should start cooling down tomorrow, and the weekend is going to be beautiful. Well, so the weatherman says. Maybe it's a prelude to fall.

I really love fall. I think it's actually my favorite time of the year. There isn't a place prettier than Kentucky in the fall when all the leaves are changing. Every year as we drive up and down I-65, I'm in awe of how pretty this wonderful season can be.

There's other things about fall that I love...the first pot of chili, Friday nights at a highschool football game, Sunday afternoons watching the Colts, Pumpkin Spice Lattes (which are quite possibly the best things ever!), new sweaters, that old-worn-out-faded sweatshirt, looking for the perfect Halloween costume, the sound of leaves crunching under your feet, and spending Saturdays at a little "Fall Festival" somewhere.

Don't fail me now, Mr. Weatherman!

It's just hair!!

I'm thinking about chopping my hair off! I've been trying to let it grow out, and I don't like it. I knew I'd do this. I always do when I try to let it grow. I get impatient. So, this time, to help with my being so impatient, I changed the color. I took it pretty light, and added some really blonde pieces. Still became impatient. So, I cut my bangs last week. That was a mistake. That didn't help anything. So now, I'm back to not liking my hair. It's flat. It's too much work. It's just blah. I need a change. I want a new, shorter, more volume 'do. I just don't know what kind of new, shorter, more volume 'do that I want! And, do I keep it light, or do I take it darker? I always take it darker for fall and winter. Do I stay with my "It's September, time to take the hair darker" routine that I've kept for several years now? I found a really pretty chocolate brown color with just a hint of red that I loved.
I've always had the attitude of: It's just hair--you can always cut it, it will always grow back, and there's always a bottle of color to fix it!

So, we'll see!