Phillips - Party of Four

Facebook

2009-06-11T19:44:00.001-07:00

Come check me out on facebook. That is where I tell you how I am and what we are doing. Also, great pics.

Grilling Goodness

2009-04-26T20:42:00.000-07:00

1. When you were in school, did you study hard or cram the night before?
Cram the night before. I procrastinate almost everything. That is why I am always late.

2. What can pull you out of a really funky mood?
Jammin' music, my silly kids, my dorky friends, my goofy husband

3. Do you keep the invoice after you've paid the bill?
Depends on what it is. If it is something electronic, then I keep the receipt.

4. Do you have yard sales? Shop at them?
no and no. Don't have the time, can't get up early enough.

5. When was the last time you rode a rollercoaster?
Last summer at Dollywood with none other than Golden Goodenss.

6. Spring cleaning...do you do such things as wash your windows?
Not unless absolutely necessary

7. How often do you clean out your refrigerator?
Never, but my husband does it weekly

8. Have you ever been a victim of identity theft
No, at least not that I know of. Although, there was someone with my exact name registered at the same time I was at Babys R us.

Debbie WHO?

2009-04-20T20:29:00.001-07:00

I know, I know.....It has been a while. I am always full of excuses. Anyway.....

I hope everyone had a good Easter.

Mother's Day and Father's Day are quickly approacing as well as.....SUMMER.....no school.

YEAH!!!!

Facebook

2009-03-02T20:29:00.000-08:00

Ok! I wouldn't say that I am addicted to facebook. I don't update my status very much, I don't check to see what all my friends are doing, but.......I am slightly addicted to Soduku and Scrabble. I love challenging my friends and playing games. That would also explain why I haven't been blogging.

Well, back to Scrabble.

Grilling Goodness #19

2009-02-22T13:04:00.000-08:00

1. What is your favorite family activity?
Wrestling-we like to get lots of blankies and crawl into our big King's size bed and wrestle and play (No, not just for Kevin and I, but the kids as well. LOL!), Snuggling

2. Do you know how to play poker?
I'm not that smart

3. Have you ever been to a chiropractor? Regularly?
Yes, and Yes. I have been going to a chiropractor since Benjamin was about 2 yrs. old, so about 6 years. I go every month.

4. Have you ever slopped pigs or milked cows?
Yes and Yes. But not on a regular basis

5. How are you doing with the goals you made for the New Year?
Goals, what are those

6. Is there something you dread doing every day?
Getting out of bed. I am not depressed, I just love my sleep.

7. What room in your home would you most like to buy new furniture for?
Our den. We currently have hand-me-down furniture.

8. If I had a dollar for every time my children whine, I'd be able to go to Hawaii one million times.

What a beautiful day!

2009-02-09T18:54:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged in the past week or so, but I just wanted to leave a quick note.

I have been busy with work, but just wanted to leave a comment on what a beautiful day it was. It was sunny and in the 70's. The wind was very strong, but still nice. I was able to wear my most favorite outfit in the whole world.

Jeans and a t-shirt.

What is your favorite outfit?

Grilling Goodness #16

2009-01-30T12:34:00.000-08:00

1. Do you and your spouse still celebrate Valentine's Day?
I usually get roses (either for my birthday which is the 3rd) or for valentine's day and we try to go out to eat.

2. When was the last time you licked a stamp?
Not a clue.

3. How many clocks are in your home?
11 (counting the ones on our computers)

4. What holiday is closest to your birthday?
Ground Hog's Day. My birthday is February 3rd.

5. Do you cook anything the same way your mother made it when you were growing up?
No exactly. I took what I learned from my mom and tweaked it. I make my children's birthday cakes like my mom made mine, I cook some recipes she taught me, etc.

6. Do you pay bills online?
My hubby does the bills and he does not pay them online.

7. Will you be gathering to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday?
Probably not.

8. Have you treated yourself to something this week?
I haven't bought myself anything, but my hubby stopped by Walgreens the other night and got me my favorite ice cream (which I had last night) and some honey buns. YUM!

I Have.....Part 2

2009-01-26T21:11:00.001-08:00

15. Adopted a child (No. We thought about it when we were trying for three years to have Rachel, but God chose her for us instead.)
16. Had Food Poisoning (Hasn't everyone at one point or another. It has never been serious enough to be hospitalized.)
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty (Never even been to New York.)
18. Grown your own vegetables. (No, but I helped my grandmother with her vegetable garden growing up. I remember the okra the best. No idea why. Memories or so funny.)
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France. (If I haven't been to New York, then chances are that I haven't been to France.)
20. Slept on an overnight train. (No, but I thought about it as a vacation with the kids.)
21. Had a pillow fight. (I was a young girl once, sleepovers, etc.)
22. Hitch Hiked. (No. I don't want to be murdered on the side of the road.)
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill. (Yes. I took all the days I could when I taught Kindergarten. I took full advantage of being pregnant and getting my days before the end of the school year. I knew I wasn't coming back the next year, so no reason to save them.)
24. Built a snow fort. (Yes. We actually used to get quite a bit of snow in Memphis, TN.)
25. Held a lamb. (and a goat, and a bunny and a cat and a........)
26. Gone Skinny Dipping (Not that I can remember. Seriously.)
27. Run a Marathon. (LOL! Really, you must not know me.)
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice. (Once again, I say, if I haven't been to New York, then France????? Venice?????)
29. Seen a total eclipse. (Yes. But does it count that it was on "Heroes". LOL!)
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset. (Yes. Sunset. Sunrise is a joke. I love my sleep.)

More to come at a later date. Stay tuned.

Grilling Goodness #15 from Golden Goodness

2009-01-24T21:16:00.001-08:00

1. Have you ever ridden a horse?
Yes. I love horses, however I haven't ridden one in ages. I used to own a horse when I was younger and even took riding lessons. Pretty Posh!

2. Have you ever run out of gas?
Heaven's NO. I seem to have some fear of this and I rush to the gas station when my light comes on. I have been in the car when someone else ran out of gas.

3. How many different schools did you attend growing up?
One. I went to Briarcrest Christian school from K-12

4. Do you have, and use, a library card?
Yes, No. I have one, but we haven't used it in over a year.

5. Hand-wash or dishwasher?
Husband-wash. The best kind.

6. Does your alarm clock beep or play music?
Play music. The beep scares me half to death.

7. Do you know how to roller skate?
Yes.

8. What would you consider one of your biggest accomplishments?
My marriage and my children.

I Have.......(copied from Golden Goodness)

2009-01-21T11:55:00.000-08:00

I love stealing from Tina. She not only designed my blog, but also helps me with the actual blogging.....with Grillin' Goodness and now this.

1. Started your own blog. (Yes, then Tina improved it)
2. Slept under the stars. (Don't we all)
3. Played in a band. (I was in the drumline throughout high school and college)
4. Visited Hawaii. (Best vacation ever. Also, pre-children)
5. Watched a meteor shower. (I think, but not sure)
6. Given more than you can afford to charity. (We are faithful tither's at our church, but God has always provided so that we have not had to struggle)
7. Been to Disneyland/world. (Yes, when I was a kid and we plan to take our kids in the next few years)
8. Climbed a mountain. (Yes, but it depends on your category of mountainage. It was Sugar Loaf Mountain in Heber Springs, Arkansas. It has Mountain in the name.)
9. Held a praying mantis. (Yes, slow bugs don't bother me)
10. Sang a solo (Yes, I have been singing solo's at church since I was in high school. In fact I have one tonight, 1-21-09, and Sunday, 1-25-09)
11. Bungee jumper. (_________ NO! I don't use profanity, but you can guess the jist of my meaning and want to do so.)
12. Visited Paris. (No. I have never been to another country besides on a cruise).
13. Watching a lightning storm at sea. (Yes. Our first cruise was pretty rocky. Lots of storms.)
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch. (I guess it depends on what you consider art. I taught myself to crochet. I am not good at all, so that didn't stick. I taught myself to cross-stitch. I love to do that. Scrapbooking is a form of art, so I guess Yes!

I will answer more later. Got to go pick up the kids.

It's Snowing, It's Snowing, It's GONE!

2009-01-20T07:07:00.000-08:00

Well, we woke up this morning to another very cold 20 something degrees. I got Benjamin ready for school (A little different, they are having spirit week and he was able to dress as a vilian. We chose Darth Vadar.). As I was sending him to the neighbors house to car-pool, I noticed the little flurries. We watched them for a minute and I wrapped Rachel up in a blanket and watched them before they disappeared, but to my amazement, the flurries got stronger and it started sticking to the ground. I took a shower and got Rachel all bundled up and we went outside. Here are a few pictures of her playing and cleaning the snow off the slide and swing. It didn't take long for the wind to get to our bones.

And just as soon as we came inside, the sun came out. BOOOOOOO!

Grilling Goodness #14

2009-01-17T16:27:00.000-08:00

1. Do you like scary movies?
Absolutely......NOT! I like suspense type movies, but no blood, knives, gore, etc. I startle easy enough as it ease and probably will die at 50 due to used up heart beats. Being scared to death and paying for it does not appeal to me.

2. What kind of cell phone do you have?
AT&T, Something. With a terrible battery life.

3. Do you have a passport?
Yes, but they messed it up. My birthdate is listed as March 2, 1975 instead of February 3, 1975. They reversed the month and day. Ironically, you would think that birth certificate I sent with the application would have been sufficient enough info on my birthdate. IDIOTS!

4. Has anything sad happened in your life this week?
Just HORMONES!!!!!

5. Have you ever broken any bones?
Yes. I broke my pinky finger in elementary school while doing basketball layups. It had to be re-broken due to the fact that my mother thought it was just jammed.

Also, the tip of my middle finger while playing softball a few years ago.

6. Did you do anything this week that you don't normally do?
I don't think so.

7. What's the worst thing you ever had in your wardrobe?
As in naughty or as in bad style? LOL! I guess I will go with bad style. LOL! I remember having a one piece jump suit. My niece recently saw it in a picture and thought it was hilarious.

8. Did you have braces on your teeth?
No.

Rachel's Birthday Party

2009-01-13T07:10:00.000-08:00

Here are some cute pictures from Rachel's birthday. She was very excited about each gift. I think she was a little overwhelmed.

PS. It looks like dad was having a lot of fun as well.

Birthday Cakes!

2009-01-12T07:31:00.000-08:00

The following cakes are all birthday cakes that I have made for my two kids over the last two years. Hope you like them. I do!

Rachel's Birthday Cakes

For Rachel's first birthday, we had a lady bug theme. This is also part of the theme in her bedroom.

Obviously, this year was themed "ELMO". What kid doesn't like him at one time or another?

This year we went with a "Minnie Mouse" theme. Rachel loves everything that involves Mickey Mouse or his friends. This was by far the biggest cake I have ever made.

Benjamin's Cakes

Let's see if I can remember all the cakes I have made for him.....
First birthday-Baseball diamond and Baseball (for him to have)
Second birthday-Bob the Builder
Third birthday-Construction Zone (dump trucks and piles of "mud and dirt")
Fourth birthday-Cement Mixer (by far the easiest, I took a firetruck pan and then cut out the mixer part in cardboard, covered it in paper and syran wrap and placed it on top of where the ladders would have been on the firetruck)
Fifth birthday-Camouflage Jeep

For his sixth birthday, we had a Star Wars theme and I made two cakes since the "Death Star" would be difficult to eat.

For his seventh birthday, we had a Pirate theme. I made this treasure chest that is on a small island in the water.

This past year we decided to go with a color theme instead and we chose "Blue". We all wore blue clothes and had blue decorations. Even the inside of the cake was blue. (By the way, it is difficult to find blue ice cream.)

Tank you, Tank you! and PTHHHHHHH!

2009-01-12T07:28:00.000-08:00

I would like to officially thank Mindy for complimenting me on my improved blogging skills of 2009. I am trying to blog more. Not saying it will actually stick, but it's a try.

And, (Sticking my tongue out) PTHHHHHHHHHH! to Tina for calling me a slacker.

Rachel's Birthday

2009-01-11T19:59:00.000-08:00

Rachel is three years old. We had her party yesterday, but she was officially three years old at 4:03PM today.

I mentioned the other day that I love to make my children's cakes. I have a few on digital camera from the last few years, so I am working on a post to show you the cakes I have made.

Stay tuned.

Grilling Goodness from Golden Goodness

2009-01-11T19:49:00.000-08:00

1. What's your 'dream machine' - as in vehicle? Do you think you'll ever own it?
For some reason when I was younger I fell in love with a 1957 Corvette Convertible. Maybe someday.

2. Can you water ski?
Yes

3. What kind of milk to you prefer?
White, Cow, 2%

4. Have any of your pet peeves 'gotten your goat' this week?
GLITTER-Little girl birthday cards are covered in them.

5. How do you prepare your taxes? HR Block, Turbo Tax, by hand - or does someone else do it for you?
By my husband's hand. It helps that he is a Sr. Tax Anaylst

6. Did you start a workout program this New Year?
Absolutely............................NOT!

7. Do you have a certain meal that you cook each and every week?
We usually have breakfast for dinner at least once a week.

8. When do you normally write your blog posts?
At night, if they are written at all.

What's going on with me.......What's going on with you?

2009-01-07T21:05:00.000-08:00

Well, the Christmas season is over and you know good and well that things don't slow down. Especially when one of your children has a birthday at the beginning of January.

In my spare time (which there is not much of, proof in the non-blogging) I have been slowly gathering and buying and putting together the party.

Rachel is going to be three on Sunday, but we are having her party on Saturday. She is having a Minnie Mouse birthday. I found the cutest cake that I am going to make. I started making the birthday cakes for both my kids because this is something my mom had always done for me and my brother and sister. I love putting in the time and making something unique and special. I will have to make a blog of just the birthday cakes I have made.

That gives me an idea........What traditions are you trying to pass on to your kids? (I am not talking about holiday traditions, but everyday little things, birthday traditions, school traditions, etc.) Let me hear from you.

Grilling Goodness #12

2009-01-05T20:30:00.001-08:00

1. If you could have done something different in 2008, what would it be?

Keep my mouth closed. I will work on that again this year.

2. What is something that you know will happen in 2009?

I won't keep my mouth closed.

3. What is something that you hope will happen in 2009?

I will keep my mouth closed.

4. Do you already have a vacation planned for this year?

No. I can always dream.

5. Are you relieved that the holidays are over?

Yes. But I move immediately to birthday party mode. Rachel's third birthday is January 11th.

6. Did you make a resolution? Will you share it?

No. I would never keep it. I have no will power.

7. How old will you turn in 2009?

That's just personal. You don't ask a lady a question like that. I think 34.

8. What did you do to celebrate the New Year?

Not a thing. I have kids, I work too much and I love my sleep.

Grilling Goodness #10

2008-12-15T08:51:00.000-08:00

1. How many Christmas parties have you attended or will you attend?
Let's see, we have attended three and have three more to go......I think!

2. What is your favorite dish to take to a party?
Soup. I love making different sous to take.

3. When you're at home and your feet are chilled, do you wear socks or houseshoes?
Socks. All the time. Houseshoes make my feet sweat. TMI I guess!

4. What are your plans for this weekend?
Friday-Wait for my sister to come in town with her family.
Saturday-Celebrate Christmas at my mother-in-laws during the day and then off to my grandmother's for Christmas that night.
Sunday-Church, Christmas at my house, then our Choir Christmas program that night.

5. What is the most expensive Christmas gift you are buying for your children this year?
$80 Castle for my son

6. Do you have a family portrait made each year?
No, but I have pictures of my kids taken each year.

7. Do you drive your kids around looking for decorated homes?
I would like to, but we don't usually get a chance.

8. What is your least favorite thing about cold weather?
Snuggling in the warm house watching TV under blankets.

How many does it take?

2008-12-14T20:27:00.000-08:00

We started uploading our Christmas picture last year and making our Christmas cards at Wal-mart. I love it. I get to show off my kids and pre-print our names, etc.

Here was the adventure in trying to get two kids to make one good picture.....

The last picture is what we edited and ended up using with a cute Mickey Mouse Merry Christmas Card!

Don't be shocked

2008-12-07T20:27:00.000-08:00

Yes I am actually blogging. I was sitting here working and watching "The Librarian" and I thought I should take a minute and log about something.

I am going to blog about my new camera. As some of you know, my camera broke a while back. I was sill able to take pictures, but I had to go old school and look threw the view finder. Then the zoom got stuck and would go all the way in or all the way out. Time for a new camera.

While I was at the mall Saturday, I decided to go by Wolf camera. I ended up getting a Nikon 52S (I think) and so far, I am not impressed. I am having the worst time with it. I can't get it to focus half the time. AHHHH! I have tried everything in the manual, I am either going to have to return it and get another or go in and see if they can figure out the problem. Either way, I have to go back to the mall. I guess I could use the time wisely and take the kids to get their Santa pictures. I have the worst luck with cameras.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-11-12T12:45:00.000-08:00

Night Off!

2008-11-09T20:45:00.000-08:00

Well, we (Benjamin, Rachel and I) took the night off from church tonight. We had our morning service and the deacons (Kevin) and their families (us) stayed for a nice lunch. I came home with the kids and the deacons stayed for their yearly budget meeting. We probably got home around 1:20. I immediately put Rachel down for a nap, but that didn't happen. I finally got her up around 3:30 after she played, talked, cried, sang, etc. for two hours. (By the way, she woke up early this morning as well) So anyway, Kevin called when they had a break and I told him that I didn't think we could come, but he would need to find a ride home. Rachel was so touchy (her feelings) all night. I am glad we didn't go.

Been A While

2008-11-01T13:15:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, I know, I know it has been a while since I posted (like over a month). I choose to use my free hours to catch up on TV (Survivor, Bones, Heroes, Etc.). Anyway, I thought I would post a few pictures from this last month.

Well, I am still trying to do some great creations with Rachel's long blonde hair. Some of these may be repeats, but here ya go:

Here are some cute pictures of Benjamin and Rachel wrestling together on the floor.

We went on our yearly couples retreat to The Wild's in North Carolina. Donald and Tina Golden (see Golden Goodness) went with us. Here they are on the 10 hour long bus drive. I didn't take nearly enough pictures. I always forgot to bring my camera with me. I need a new one anyway. I can never tell how the picture comes out since I am having to go "old school" and look through the view finder. AHHHHH! I miss my digital pictures on the little screen.

Here are Benjamin and Rachel at the pumpkin patch picking out one of their very own.

I think that pumpkin might have been a little heavy for Rachel.

And now on to the Fall Festival events. We had a Fall Fest at our church on Wednesday, Oct 29th where the kids had games to play during our Master Club time. They also were able to dress up in any non-scary costume. On Friday night, we went to Donald and Tina's church for their annual Fall Festival. Here are some pictures of Benjamin, Rachel and Ella and Evan (Donald and Tina's kids).

Well, that was October. Hopefully I will do better in November.

Thankful Thursday

2008-10-02T11:46:00.000-07:00

We visited my grandmother's church this past Sunday for a homecoming service (I went to that church from the time I was born until 15). The pastor preached a message about having a grateful heart. I thought I would just list some things I was grateful for:SalvationLoving, Involved, Godly HusbandHandsome, Obedient SonAdorable, Rotten DaughterBeing able to be a stay at home momWorking out of the house to make extra moneyAbility to purchase what we need and most things we wantChildren that make me happy (and laugh)A husband who loves me and puts me firstFriends that make me laugh and cryA friend that I can literally tell everythingI could really go on and on and on, but it makes you think of everything you have instead of dwelling on the things you don't.

More Hair 3

2008-09-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

26 Random Questions?

2008-09-28T10:28:00.000-07:00

My favorite number is 26 (not sure why?) so I thought I would ask 26 random questions.

1. Salty or Sweet?
Salty

2. Give an example of your favorite from question 1.
Popcorn or a bag of chips

3. Early riser or Night Owl?
Night Owl for sure

4. Coke or Pepsi?
Neither, but I guess Pepsi

5. Who is your most favorite person in the whole world? Tie, Benjamin (my son) and Rachel (my daughter)

6. What is your favorite color?
Blue

7. Why is the color in question 6 your favorite?
Not sure, I guess I was always a tom boy and it didn't help that I was raised a tiger fan.

8. What is your best childhood memory?
My sister and I on a ferris wheel yelling down at my brother and trying to embarrass him. Also, my brother and I tying string licorice together and making a maze in his room.

9. What is your worst childhood memory?
They all involve getting a spanking.

10. What is the most embarrasing thing you have done?
I am sure there are many, but I have the worst memory and can't think of one.

11. What is something you do for someone else?
Besides doing the normal housewife, stay at home mom duties, I would include all the activites I help out with at our church (Sunday School teacher, Master Clubs teacher, E-team member for the teens, etc.)

12. Who is the last person you tried to witness to? Benjamin (my son)

13. What is your favorite song?
I love music so much, but right now, it would be "Amazing Grace" by Chris Tomlin

14. What is your favorite movie?
As corny as it sounds, I have three movies, two are from the '80's. "The Pirate Movie", "Xanadu" and "White Christmas"

15. What do you like to do in your free time?
Read, Scrapbook, Cross Stitch, Play Benjamin's DS

16. What is the name of the last book you read?
I am currently reading a series by Karen Kingsbury. I think I just finished Spring and I am reading Summer?????

17. What is the last bible verse you read?
I Thes. 5:16-18

18. Do you have all 10 fingers and 10 toes?
Yes

19. Is your current hair color natural or faux?
FAUX

20. How many brothers and sisters do you have?
One older sister and brother

21. When was the last time you had family portraits taken? Officially, July 2007

22. Do you know how to read music?
Yes

23. Do you play a musical instrument?
Yes, Percussion and Piano

24. If you do play an instrument, when was the last time you played it? If you don't play an instrument, then what do you wish you learned how to play?Percussion-the last time was right after I graduated college about 10 years ago, Piano-just played it last week.

25. Do you have your ears pierced?
Yes

26. Do you like your given name?
Not so much when I was little, but I do now

Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

Just a Thought!

2008-09-22T10:25:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows that the letter "I" is also the word "I".

How come the letter "U" is not the word "U" (YOU!)?

Just a thought!

Let me ask you this....ANSWERS ONLY!

2008-09-19T11:16:00.001-07:00

Please see "Golden Goodness" for initial questionaire.

1. Mostly on my bed or on the loveseat in the den.
2. Absolutely not. Anyway, my husband does the dishes and why nag him about it, then I'll wind up having to do them.
3. Who doesn't? I mainly screen for the 1-800 calls.
4. Why would someone even do that? What if it is faulty? What if you can't find a gas station? AHHHHHH!
5. Yes.
6. Yuck. I would probably be sick.
7. Not really. I do on Golden Goodness, so she will get a check for $.50.
8. Yes. Really ruins my appetite. Its fine if you want to kill yourself, but let me be.

Eight is an odd number. However, I know you like that number. Why not 10 questions? Weirdo.

More Hair 2!

2008-09-19T11:16:00.000-07:00

All tied up in knots!

First real attempt at a french braid.
Mommy gets in on the action and gets a hair cut.

Just regular little pig tails on the top.

Zig Zag from the front bottom to end in a pony tail. GO TIGERS!
Zig Zag from the front top to end in two pig tails.
Briads in a braid. Pig tails with three little braids, braided together to make one massive braid.
Braid in a braid 2. Pig tails with one little braid, then braid two loose with the one braid. Not a great picure. The flash justs bounces off her hair sometimes. Plus it is hard doing it old school with a broken camera. If I had one that works, then I would have seen the terrible picture.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

More Hair

2008-09-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

Bad turns to Good!

2008-09-08T14:07:00.000-07:00

Well, since my last blog was so long, I decided to make this short and sweet.

BAD
My day started with the fact that I found out my camera is broken. The screen to view your digital pictures is broken, so I have to go old school and look through the view finder.

Then, I realized that I had a flat tire while backing out of the driveway with four kids.

GOOD
Kevin took off work to fix the tire, I worked all morning without any kids, Benjamin came home from school early (Grammy picked brought him home after the Grandparent's Day Program), we went out to eat for lunch, we all picked up Rachel from school, I didn't have to pick up three kids in carpool this afternoon and I don't have to do concessions tonight at the school volleyball game.

What else can we do in September?

2008-09-08T12:52:00.000-07:00

Monday, September 1st
Everyone else gets a holiday, but I did work on payroll for most of the day, then we had some friends come over. Donald, Tina and their two kids, Ella and Evan came over, along with Bryan, Sapphira and their two kids, Madison and Kessler. Donald was kind enough to cook out the hamburgers and hotdogs for everyone. We all brought something to eat and had a good time hanging out and letting the kids play.
****The night ended with Bryan and Sapphira buying a puppy from our neighbors. Good luck with that.****

Tuesday, September 2nd
Normal day. Benjamin went to school and I worked at home while Rachel ran amuck. THEN>>>>>>we went to the Delta Fair. We ended up meeting Bryan and Sapphira and their kids and had a great time. Here are a few pictures:

Wednesday, September 3rd
Bible Study. My friend Tina and I attend a bible study at a church in Atoka and we had our second study from 9:30 to 11:30. Rachel goes and plays in the 2 year old class with Evan. Afterwards, we went home and I worked a little and got everything ready for church.
First night of Master Clubs at our church. Kevin and I teach the first through third graders. Here is a picture of Benjamin:

Thursday, September 4th
Free day. I carpooled the kids to school and then came home and got Rachel ready for her first day of school. YEAH!!!! After I dropped her off, I went to Wal-mart and leisurely strolled around. I then went to Baskin Robins (looking for blue ice cream, this will be explained later), and two wal-greens (I am trying to find the Topsy Tail for Rachel's hair). I went home and cleaned the house a little, worked a little, and put up groceries. Picked up Rachel from school and went to another Wal-greens. Picked up Benjamin and the car-poolies from school. We then went home and started cleaning some more.

Friday, September 5th
Normal day. Benjamin went to school and Rachel and I stayed home. I cleaned all morning and baked Benjamin's birthday cake. I decorated the house in blue streamers while Rachel was sleeping. Picked up the kids from school. Took one home, met the other ones mother at Wal-greens and then went to Wal-mart for a few last birthday items. Kevin picked up the ice and balloons and we celebrated Benjamin's eighth birthday party. We decided to do a color themed birthday this year. Benjamin chose blue (which explains me searching for blue ice cream, which I did not find). Here are a few pictures:

We also had a few of his buddies sleep over. Here they are watching a Star Wars movie.

Saturday, September 6th
Well, my sister and her family (husband and four of their five kids) came into town late on Friday night and stayed to spend the day with us (which is actually Benjamin's birthday). Here is a picture of Benjamin playing with his favorite present. A Nintendo DS from Mom and Dad.

We ended up going to the fair again with:
Aneatha (my sister), David (her husband) and their four kids (Andrew, Hannah, Patrick and Parker), Walt (my brother), Tara (his wife) and their three kids (Emory, Zoe and Alaina) and then Benjamin and I. Kevin stayed home with Rachel. We had a blast. Here is a picture of Benjamin and his two cousins (Patrick and Parker) on the way to the fair.

Like a said....What else can we do in September?

What's new with Hair?

2008-09-02T13:21:00.001-07:00

Here are a few more hairstyles that I have tried this week.

I added quite a few blogs to my list of women who love to do their daughters hair as well so go check them out.

PS-Still working on trying to french braid babyfine hair. Not quite mastered it yet. I am also going to attempt the fishbone.

Funny Things My Kids Say

2008-08-21T20:41:00.000-07:00

Benjamin
So How's Been Your Day
I know your gonna say no, but.........
I got my eye on you (and then he points at his eyes and then points at you and back and forth)
Your not going to like this....

Rachel
Open the Gate (for everything that needs to be opened-doors, gates, boxes, cups, etc.)
Hey! What's the idea? (Instead of What's the big idea)
Over Dare (instead of over there)
OK (her answer for anything and everything)

I don't have the best memory, but these are just a few of the little things that I love about my kids.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-08-20T14:20:00.000-07:00

Rachel's New Hair Do

2008-08-20T13:40:00.001-07:00

I love having a little girl with long blonde hair. I have been trying to think of different ways to fix and braid her hair. My friend found this blog, (Piper's Hair Do's).

This is what I did this morning.

Good Mail!

2008-08-11T21:47:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to say thanks to all of those who have sent good mail.

I have received many goodies:
Gum, candy, nice cards, picture frame, McD's Gift card, soap, bread mix, business type cards for my blog.

I just wanted to tell everyone thank you and I'm sorry for not blogging about it.

Geek Squad

2008-08-11T20:40:00.000-07:00

I know I take forever to blog, but here it is. The Geek Squad visits (yes, that was multiple).

The first visit was scheduled for Thursday afternoon. The company I work for bought me a new computer brain because the Dell 2000 was as slow as Christmas. It was partly to blame for all the problems I had that past Monday. Well, if anyone has gotten a new computer (for work or home) then you know the stress of making sure you don't lose any of your info. Originally my brother was supposed to transfer the data for me, but after waiting several weeks, he still didn't have a chance to come out and after that Monday, I called and asked him if he was going to be able to do it or if I needed to hire someone. Obviously, I hired someone.

Here is where the problem begins. When I went to Best Buy, I specifically said, "I need all the info from my old computer brain transferred to my new one." First thing he asks me is, "do you have pictures on there?" Who doesn't I think to myself. Whatever! Well, somehow my comment translated to him that I only needed my data transferred. I can hold my own on the computer, but I had no idea how much info I had to transfer. So when the guy showed up, I stated the same thing. "I need all the info from my old computer brain transferred to my new one." Once again, this guy asks, "Do you have pictures on there?"

Whatever!

So he starts and ends up leaving to get lunch because it was taking so long. This guy was really nice and I tried to stay out of the way. Probably another part of the problem. So he gets done and states, I got all your data transferred.

Wait, What!

What about all my e-mails, scans, faxes, music, misc. programs, etc?

Sorry, you only purchased the data transfer.

Wait, What!

I specifically asked for everything to be transferred. I know I didn't stutter. Not either time.

UGGHH!

The guy apologizes for the miss-communication and offers to come back out on saturday at 9:45 to finish the transfer, but of course I had to pay the difference in the two packages (the one I bought and the unlimited transfer that I should have gotten).

Meanwhile, I tried to download all the programs that I know I could do (Windows 2007, e-mail set up, etc.).

Then Friday I had the photocopy company come out and install the programs for my fax/copier/printer/scanner. The guy couldn't get this completed either because of the stupid Vista wouldn't let him get all the programs installed, so that still isn't finished.

Ok, so Saturday, 9:45 comes, 10:30 comes and he still isn't here. I called him and he said that he and his wife had had a rough night with their newborn (which we talked about the previous visit) and stated that I had mentioned that my husband was going to be home all day and that he was going to be out shortly. I was really ok with it, he was really nice and actually set up a few things that he didn't have to. Thankfully he retrieved all the info I needed and so far everything is running smoothly except the copier, but I will get with them later. I am still trying to get used to the new programs and the stupid Vista. Hopefully it will get easier and easier.

What else could go wrong?

2008-08-02T18:57:00.001-07:00

I know you aren't supposed to verbally or mentally ask this question because surely something even worse will happen.

So here is what happened to me this week.

As you may know, I have been out of town quite a bit during the month of July. One of those trips was with my entire family and my friend Tina and her family to Johnson City, TN to visit our friends. We had a great trip. We left on Wednesday and returned on Sunday night around 7:00PM.

My first instinct was to go up to my office at home and look at the damage (faxes, e-mails, voice mails, etc.), but I decided to get my house in order, get my kids to bed and spend the last few minutes of the vacation with my husband.

So Monday morning when I finally get into the office I was met with the following:
175 e-mails, 30 faxes and 0 voice mails

I knew I was in for a rough day since I had missed 3 days of work (I also do a little work on the weekends when nothing else is going on) and Monday is payroll day, so it is always hectic. I was thankful that there were no voice mails, this was highly unusual.

So I start out my day and it literally when down hill from there.

I received probably another 50+ e-mails and 15+ faxes that day, but that is not the worst of it. First I had all my spreadsheets (20+) open trying to get everything printed out for payroll along with answering the e-mails and printing off the faxes. When my copier/printer/scanner went caput (not even sure that is a word) and it stopped printing. I had to close everything out and re-boot and start all over again. Now I must add that the computer that I was working with was a Dell 2000. It is as slow as a snail if not slower, so this was a 20 minute process. This happened at least once more that day. Then my other printer (color printer) started ripping pages and printing things crooked, so I had to stop using that.

Then I forgot (after working for about an hour and updating spreadsheets) that I forgot to load what was on my travel drive. (I worked a little on Friday afternoon while out of town updating one of my spreadsheets.) So then I had to find the USB port in the back of the computer.......Oh......Wait!.......I dropped the stupid thing inside the mess of cords behind my computer desk. If I was a cussing woman, it may have come out then. I finally (after pulling a muscle in my neck and arm) fished the thing out and found the stupid USB port. Transferred all the files (which took an hour-just exaggerating) and then had to remember what I had done all morning and re-do the work that I had done that morning on the spreadsheets.

If this was not enough, at the end of the day, I was supposed to go pick up my son from VBS at our church. My husband had dropped him off and went to his softball game, so I was picking him up. MY CAR WOULD NOT START. Yes, the same car we just drove 1000+ miles to Johnson City and Back. I frantically called every cell number I had for church members, trying to reach someone to let them know that I couldn't pick him up and I couldn't get a hold of Kevin (he must have been out on the field). After the 15th call, I get a hold of a woman that was at the ball field and she said that Kevin was out in the field and she would tell him to go get Benjamin. Then after the 20th call, I get a hold of one our teenagers, who happened to be working VBS and he then got me in touch with Bryan (our youth pastor in charge of VBS).

So the next day, you guessed it, my car was towed out of my garage. Not the most pleasant feeling, knowing you can't leave the house.

We got the car back on Wednesday afternoon, so it wasn't too bad. Get this! It was a $40 air valve, but since it was in the engine, it cost $400.

You think it is over.....not yet. Stayed tuned for the multiple visits from the Geek Squad......Coming soon to a theatre near you.

The Phone Incident

2008-07-21T20:30:00.000-07:00

Benjamin and I were upstairs in the office, Kevin had just walked out to leave to go to church. I was finishing something up on the computer, Benjamin was building some spaceships with legos and I hear this.....Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep.

What is that noise?

Beep, beep, beep, beep.....

I quickly walk over to the balcony and I see Rachel playing with the phone. I immediately yell...."Rachel Jeannine, No, maam, what are you doing? Put that down."

I hurried downstairs and by then, she had put the phone down, I popped her leg (she knows that the phone is off limits) and sent her to her room. She started throwing a temper tantrum in her room. In the meantime, I notice that the answering machine was blinking.

Oh, no. What is going on?

By the way, this is a new phone and my husband set it up (which is unusal) so I had no clue what all the new buttons were.

So I start pressing buttons and realize that she must have pushed the record button. I press play and I hear the following:

Breathing.....Breathing.....Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep...Rachel Jeanine, No Maam, what are you doing? Put that down....Beep, beep, beep...click, bang, wam...Pop, go to your room.....Waaaaaaaaa!

I freak and think, Oh, No! is this the outgoing message. I spent the next 5-10 minutes trying to figure out how to delete it and check the outgoing message. Thankfully it was not the outgoing message and it was just some recorded message capability on the phone.

She is definitely busy and mischevious. I love her.

Cropical Fun!

2008-07-15T15:40:00.001-07:00

Tina (Golden Goodness) and I went to Cropical Paradise this past weekend. We had so much fun. Any of you out there that like to scrap this is the place to go. This weekend I did 50 8x8 pages, about 7 cards and 20 journals. The ladies (Cheryl and Mindy) across from us did about 30-50 12x12 pages each. They were hilarious. We had the best time laughing with them.

This is for Tina, Mindy and Cheryl:
I carried a watermelon...
What did you say...
You ate toothpaste...
How to talk dirty to a scrap booker...
Your team...
Well, I did like 100 pages and I started when I was just out of the womb...

A little bit about the joint:
Two ladies (Melanie and Calena) renovated an older home to make it a scrap booking get away. They have painted it to look very tropical. They have these large tables and huge comfy chairs. They have a computer and internet to journal or research. They have stamps and die cuts and a cricut to use. Little trash cans at each chair so you won't have to get up. A small fridge in the scrap room with every kind of drink imagineable. Each bedroom has 2-3 twin beds in them and it is decorated with cute tropical pictures and decorations. The sheets and comforters are very comfortable (the little time you sleep in them). The bathroom upstairs has just been renovated and they have the cutest tropical colored towels and everyone has their own cubby to put their bathroom items. The ladies cook every meal and provide snacks throughout the day along with candy on the tables.

Here is a quick picture I took of the work room after I got cleaned up. There is Tina in the front getting her stuff together. See what I mean about the large tables and comfy chairs.

Hair Cut!

2008-07-15T15:16:00.000-07:00

Last Monday I decided to get my hair cut. I have been growing it out since Rachel's birth (January 11, 2006). It was really short then

(I just gave birth to an 8lb. 6oz fatty, so no comments on the looks).

So anyway, I have been growing my hair, no particular reason why and I decided to have it cut last week when I colored it. I had 4-5 inches cut off. I love it. I have always had bangs and I like that they have grown out and now I have a swoop. Here are picture of my before and after.

BEFORE: (sorry, I couldn't get the picture posted, you will have to do some leg work on this one if you want to see my hair)
http://collect.myspace.com/reloc.cfm?c=18&fuseaction=viewImage&imageID=30250841&friendID=68079692&id=

AFTER:

Heber Springs, Arkansas

2008-07-10T09:33:00.000-07:00

Me and the kids had a great time in Heber. We went shopping, swimming and saw two fire work shows.

We set off our own fireworks which were amazing. Benjamin, of course, didn't like the noise and surprisingly enough Rachel was terrified of them. I thought she was going to love them, but whatever.

We tried to have a bon fire and make smores, but it just ended up as a bon smoke instead. Smores were made in the microwave and they were pretty tasty.

We always have a blast going to Heber. My sister has five kids, my brother has three and then my two, so there is never a dull moment.

Busy, Busy, Busy as a Bee!

2008-07-09T09:27:00.000-07:00

My friend Tina (Golden Goodness) fussed at me for not posting anything, so this will explain my last post.

I have been very busy. Me and the kids went to my sisters house in Heber Springs, Arkansas last Thursday through Sunday. So I am a little behind on my work, house work, laundry, etc.

This weekend Tina and I will be going to Cropical Paradise, so once again, I will be a little behind on my work, house work, laundry, etc.

The next weekend I will actually be home.

The last weekend in July the whole family will be leaving on that Wednesday through Sunday to go visit friends in Gray, TN. Tina and her family will also be going since they are now friends with our friends since the cruise last year.

July has and will be crazy.

I will try to update on each vacation time.

Sleep!

2008-07-09T09:26:00.001-07:00

I had 8 1/2 hours of sleep last night.

Tina are you happy now?

Good Mail!

2008-06-23T08:14:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much to my good mail pals. I have received several happies in the mail this past week and half.

Tina sent me an adorable personalized notebook.

Jody sent me a cute card with $5 worth of gift cards to McDonald's

Kristin sent me some handmade soap.

You ladies are making me look bad. I have had some cards made for about a month, but haven't found a goodie to put inside. I need to get on the ball. Thanks again.

Friday's Feast #3

2008-06-20T09:04:00.000-07:00

Appetizer

If you could live on another continent for 1 year, which one would you choose?
Wherever I could go and not have to learn a new language. I have a hard enough time speaking english. Also, I prefer somewhere warm.

Soup

Which browser do you use to surf the Internet?
Google

Salad

On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being highest), how much do you know about the history of your country?
I can't remember anything, so I would have to say a negative 10. Just joking. I guess 5. Depends on how much common sense is involed.

Main Course

Finish this sentence: Love is…
unconditional.

Dessert

Have you ever been in or near a tornado?
Nope. There have been a few in the Memphis area over the years, but harsh weather doesn't scare me. I like to sit outside and watch it all.

Rachel's Hair

2008-06-20T08:18:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I am not a photographer and these are not the best pictures ever, but give me a break. It was Sunday morning, she pulled out half the curlers and she was actually in a good mood after I fixed her hair. So I know you have all been waiting.........

Rachel's hair after the sponge rollers.

Our New Baby!

2008-06-19T08:26:00.000-07:00

Don't have a heart attack. Those of you who know me, know that we are not ready for that.

Our new baby is this awesome playground set. We are going to have so much fun this summer.

PS-It was delivered and installed by Rainbow play systems. We order, they deliver. It was worth every penny not to have to worry about getting and building the set. It took two of them 4 1/2 hours. Just imagine a novice trying to put it together.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-06-18T07:04:00.000-07:00

Other Moms!

2008-06-16T07:37:00.000-07:00

Okay! I am going to vent to all responsible, respectable mothers out there. My son was invited to spend the night with one of his school buddies for a sleepover to celebrate the little boy's birthday.

Here are the following dilemas I had to face to even let my son (who is seven and a half) go:
First: Which house is this? Is it the moms or dads?
Obviously the parents are divorced in this case. I have met both mother and step-mother and have also seen both step-dad and dad. The story at school goes that mom left the kids (there are four children) several years ago to do her own thing and dad (who is a doctor) got custody and then re-married. Mom came back and does not completely approve of the christian school the children are enrolled in, but has made efforts and is now a part of their lives. Mom and step-dad come across as party people. Mom has bright pink stipes in her hair and has a darwin sticker on the back of her car.

Second: The call came two days before the event.
Nothing like planning ahead.

Third: It was a Wednesday night.
We attend church on Wednesday night.

Ok, so I get the phone call from the boy's "mom" and she asks if Benjamin can spend the night for the slumper party and I am quickly trying to think how am I going to figure out whose house this is going to be at without flat out asking who is it. I quickly remembered taking Benjamin to a costume party at the mom's house and asked, "Now, where do you live?", she tells me and I realize that this is the dad and step-mom. I state that I have to talk to my husband but will have to call back. We discuss it and we decide that it is the summer time and that we can let one night of church pass with him taking a break and spending time with his friends. The step-mom was nice enough to volunteer to drop Benjamin off at our church the next day because I was going to be there helping out the nursery for a special event this past week.

Now here is where the venting really gets good.

I get a call from our youth pastors wife and she invites Benjamin to go with some other kids to the Children's Museum the next day, but they have to leave by 9:00AM. The step-mom is not dropping him off until 9:00 or 9:30. It was pretty late and I knew she had her hands full, so I called the next morning around 8:00AM and stated that I was going to pick him up between 8:30 and 8:40. I didn't want to ask her to rush, so I found someone to cover for me in the nursery so I could pick him up myself. She said that he was still sleeping, but she would get him up, get him dressed and feed him some cereal (She said she was planning on buying donuts, but she would just get him some cereal). I was appreciative because I didn't even think about breakfast.

Well, I showed up at 8:30 and knocked on the door (hoping not to wake anyone else up). I got nothing. I rang the doorbell. Got nothing. I repeated those steps several times and then decided to call the step-mom on her cell. Got nothing. I knocked, rang and even tried to open the front door and peeped in the windows and couldn't see anything. I was starting to get worried that something might have happened. I even thought about going through the back yard and seeing if the back doors were open. I had just opened my cell to call my husband when my phone rang. It was the step-mom. (NOTE: It was 8:40) "Hey! We just ran up to get donuts, we are on our way back" she said. I say, "Is he ready to go as soon as you get back?"
"Yes" she says.

The around the corner, was a joke. It took them five minutes to get there.

The other joke was that he was not ready. He had not changed clothes, he had not brushed his teeth or his hair, none of his stuff was ready and he had not eaten (which again was something she offered to do). By the time we got (what we thought) everything together and left it was 8:50. Needless to say I was miffed. We got to the church just as the kids were getting ready to load the bus and I had to rush him (changing clothes in the car, eating breakfast on the way). He was so tired, I almost didn't let him go, but he was wanting to go by this point.

Everything worked out and he had a good time.
We did have to go back to the house later that afternoon because they found his crocs. I hadn't notice that they were missing yet.

Needless to say that he will not be spending the night at that house again.

I guess my biggest issue is that if you say you are going to have him ready and fed. Then do it. Don't leave the house with my child at the time I say I am going to be there and leave me at the door knocking, ringing the bell, calling your cell and get nothing.....for 10 minutes. I was not happy.

By the way, we received a birthday invitation in the mail today for this kid's birthday party at his mom's house. AHHHHHHHHHH!!!

Unfortunately we will be out of town. AWWWWW!!

At least he was able to get his buddy a gift and spend time with him. The kids are completely oblivious to the drama.

Shirley Temple Time

2008-06-14T19:21:00.000-07:00

Last month on May 17th, I felt like I officially became the mom of a little girl. I mean yes, she was born in 2006, but I finally used sponge rollers on her hair (see below). I remember my mom using sponge rollers on my hair as a child and I was able to carry on that tradition for my little girl. She was so good. She sat still and let me put them in, the only problem was that by morning half her head was flat as a board. She pulled out one side. Her hair was so cute. I was a little scared because she was like Shirley Temple (tight curls). Once I brushed it out and pulled it over to one side it was so adorable.

Well, I finally have had a chance to put them in again. I will take pictures this time. I will post them sometime so you can see.

AWWWWW! My little lady!

Clackamas-Part Two!

2008-06-05T20:29:00.000-07:00

Well, I threw a question out in an earlier blog concerning the meaning of Clackamas!
See the blog below....
"Some of you may be wondering, what in the world does Clackamas mean or what is it.

WELL! I would like for some of you to guess. Now this is fun. Don't look it up. That is cheating. Just the first thing that comes to your mind. Let me know what you think."

Here were the guesses...
My Goodness said...
It's the sound Donald Duck makes when he sneezes.
May 24, 2008 9:40 AM

The Boyds Family said...
Hmm....reminds me of crackalackin which is slang for get a move on.
I give up.....do tell....
May 25, 2008 8:17 PM

Well, it actually is a city in Oregon. I know this is not very exciting, but the company I work for opened a site in that city a couple of months ago and as soon as my friend and I heard the name, we started laughing.

Our inside joke was that Clackamas sounds like one of those STD commercials. It goes a little something like this...
"I have Clackamas (says the husband), but I don't (says the wife) and we would like to keep it that way (they both say)." And then they inform you about some medication you can try. And then rattle off some systems to look out for. Our symptoms go a little like this....Crusting of the elbow, juicy forehead, itchy earlobe, etc.

Just thought I would share our little funny. May not seem funny to anyone else, but we almost pee'd in our pants because we were laughing so hard.

Friday's Feast

2008-06-05T20:20:00.001-07:00

Appetizer

When you drink soda/pop/coke, do you prefer to drink it from the bottle, a can, or after pouring it into a cup?
Cold and from the can

Soup

What television show are you willing to stay up late to watch?
CSI (the original), Scrubs, Jon and Kate plus 8
Don't have to stay up anymore now that we have DVR. Best thing ever invented.

Salad

Name one person, place, or thing you think of as brilliant.
Ken Stalls (advisor for our company), Heaven, Not sure on a thing.

Main Course

Would you be willing to work 4 10-hour days instead of 5 8-hour days in order to save gas?
Yes, but mostly because it would give me a whole free day

Dessert

If you were a superhero, what would you call yourself?
Dinimo Debbie (Tina probably could think of a really good one for me)

Win a Dyson!

2008-05-25T21:30:00.000-07:00

SPA AHHHHHHHH!

2008-05-25T21:04:00.000-07:00

I so need a spa day after the weekend I have had.

My son is out of school, my daughter has an ear infection and of course I get sick and have a reaction to the meds (see blog below). I did make it to the teen car wash from 9-1 on Saturday and a friends wedding that night. Of course, we didn't miss church, but I would have liked to kill my daughter this morning.

I don't know what it is about Sunday mornings and hair, but the devil was trying his hardest this morning. We started off great, everyone was getting dressed and ready for church. Then it was time to fix Rachel's hair. Most every other day it is not an issue, but Sunday's UGGGGH! I thought a pony tail would look adorable this morning with her big pink bow and the little bunnies on her dress. Well, there was my first mistake. I tried to go all cute instead of all simple. She and I had some words and there was some thumping going on with the bobbing head. I won, but she started the screaming. By this time, we were running late. I stuck her in her room and told her she couldn't come out until she was dried up. I went to finish getting ready. She stops. We love on each other and I talk with her about being a bad girl and throwing a temper tantrum and that we weren't going to have anymore of that. 10 seconds later, my husband goes outside to put something in the car and here we go again. Back to the room with the screaming and back to trying to get ready.

OK! We are all ready, off to church, no ones crying.

We get to church, I have calmed down (somewhat) and we start heading in and I notice that Rachel's shoe is messed up. I bend down to fix it and juice goes pouring down my back and hair. WHAT IN THE WORLD? Quarters go flying all over the sidewalk. WHAT IN THE WORLD? I could have spit nails at that point.

Apparently, the cup that was in Rachel's bag (that I was carrying on my shoulder), LEAKS! The money from the car wash comes spilling out of my purse. AHHHHHHHH!

I get her shoe fixed and the quarters picked up and probably not with all the class of a lady, but I get it done and in the church I go....MAD and STICKY. I try to clean off the juice, but it is not use. Luckily I had a pony tail holder in my purse, but I felt disgusted. It ruined my whole mood all morning. I just kept waiting for something else to happen or someone to jump out from behind a corner and scare the fooey out of me.

Luckily, all day I could look forward to having a spa day with my friend Tina tomorrow at Gould's. Our husbands gave us gift cards for Mother's Day. We are going to have:
Facials, relaxing massages, manicures, pedicures and lunch.

I can't wait.

What's worse than being sick?

2008-05-25T20:59:00.000-07:00

Being sick and having reactions to the medicine you were prescribed.

I could actually think of a lot more....but this is the one I am going with for now.

Apparently I can't take the antiobiotic the doctor prescribed because it makes me dizzy, light-headed, and makes my heart race. I don't know which is worse, having a sinus infection or having a heart attack. I chose to have a sinus infection. It took me a few days to realize what was actually making me feel this way. Could it be that I am taking too much medicine (ibuprofen, antibiotic, decongestant) or is it inner ear inbalance. Nope just the meds that are supposed to make me better. I am going to try and reach someone tomorrow (it's a minor med facility, so someone may acutally be there) and get it changed before my arm falls off or I start growing a third eye. LOL!

Clackamas

2008-05-23T21:10:00.000-07:00

I am making up for not blogging in a couple weeks by putting extra ones on in one day.

Some of you may be wondering, what in the world does Clackamas mean or what is it.

WELL! I would like for some of you to guess. Now this is fun. Don't look it up. That is cheating. Just the first thing that comes to your mind. Let me know what you think.

New Look

2008-05-23T21:07:00.000-07:00

If you like my new look, head on over to "For Goodness Sakes" blog. (Link at the bottom)

Don't Panic

2008-05-23T20:45:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is me. No I didn't die. Amazingly enough, I have finally taken a moment out of my life to blog.

Well, it has been a crazy and hectic month. School and Summer are crashing, literally crashing into one another. Between end of the year field trips to the zoo and swimming lessons after school and both my husband and I playing softball (believe me the list goes on and on and on and on and on, I won't bore you), etc. my life is going crazy.

And what happens when you don't have a moment to spare. SOMEONE GETS SICK! Well in this case two of us get sick.

I knew it was coming, but didn't know when it was going to hit.
The dreaded ear infection. My daughter is prone to them and sure enough with the crazy pollen around here (sometimes it looks like it is snowing) she got one. Poor thing had an ear infection with running, gooey eyes and a slight fever. And because I am such a great mom and I remember everything....(LOL!)....I forgot that she does not like to take this certain antibiotic. This means that every day, twice a day, we have a gagging issue. Fortunately she went from gagging from the syringe to sipping it from a spoon and only slightly gagging. She is doing much better and being her normal adorable self. Only a day and half of the meds left.

Well, on to the next sick person. ME! I never get sick. I always have a headache, but I am never sick with a fever. After spending the entire day at the zoo on Wednesday with my son (end of the year field trip) and having a great end of the year party for our kids program at church, I was exhausted and had a migraine. I even went to bed early. I woke up in the middle of the night shivering and shaking (tell-tale signs of a fever). I went to the doctor on Thursday and I have a sinus infection. I got a sinus cocktail shot in the rear and the doctor prescribed me some antibiotics and decongestant. Now I have so many meds in me, I am a little light headed.

I am hoping and praying that the summer will be extremely slow and boring. At this point, I may even pray for a coma for a while. I'm exhausted.

Tag, I'm It!

2008-05-11T21:02:00.000-07:00

All of you can notice, I am not good about daily updates on my blog. I'm doing good, if I can get one blog a week.

I actually got on to poke around a bit and found out that I had been tagged, so here goes.

Now on the the meme.....Here are the rules (post these first).

Each player answers questions about themselves.
At the end of the post, tag 5 people by posting their names.
Go to their site/blog and leave a comment telling them they've been tagged. Invite them to your site/blog so they can read the tagged post.
Let the person who tagged you know when you've completed your tagged post.
Questions:

1. What were you doing 10 years ago?
First of all, I have the worst memory in the world so let me see if I can figure this out.
I was 23 years old, so I must have been in college. Ok, I graduated college in 1998, and I was married in 1997. That means I was a newlywed, just graduating college and getting ready to spend the summer getting ready to teach Kindergarten at an inner city school in the fall.

2. What are 5 things on your "To Do" list?

a) Clean upstairs (cleaned the downstairs on Thursday)

b) Take Rachel to the doctor (I think she has an ear infection)

c) Try to stay ahead of my busy schedule

d) Order Benjamin a new pair of glasses

e) Use my Spa Gift card I got for Mother's Day (Quickly)

3. What are 5 snacks you enjoy?

a) Chips

b) Cereal

c) Candy

d) Popcorn

e) Dr. Pepper

4. Name some things you would do if you were a millionaire.

If I were a millionaire, I would first tithe to my church. I would then pay off all our bills. Help my mom and dad, brother and sister by giving each of them a portion of money. Set aside a large sum for Rachel and Benjamin's college and acutally give them an inheritance when we pass. New furniture for our den, new kitchen table and chairs. Buy some new stuff I have always wanted (outdoor furniture, any and all decorations I want)

5. Name some places where you've lived.

Memphis, TN (That's it folks)

6. Name some bad habits you have.

Biting my finger nails
Agreeing to do to many things (I.E.-teach sunday school, choir member, head up supper club, help with ladies banquet, help with the teens, head up the 1-3 grade Wed. night program at church, etc.)
No Patience
PMS

7. Name some jobs you've had.

Baker (used to make truffles in a bakery when I was 15)
Secretary for my dad's jewelry store
Chuck E Cheese (worked in the kitchen, cashier, showroom, and yes, I was the mouse)
Kindergarten Teacher
Assistant Pre-school teacher
Mother's Day out Teacher
Payroll/Human Resource Manager

Oh Yeah!
Mom, chef, chauffer, stylist, planner, etc. etc.

8. Name those whom you are tagging.
I don't know too many. Let's see.
Cindy Kraft
Amy
"In My Life"
Can't tag Tina or the Boyd Family (already done)

Camera Critters #1

2008-05-03T21:11:00.000-07:00

Last year my husband and I went on a cruise with three other couples. We were all at the beach walking around in the water and when we returned we found a new friend on a t-shirt. The first three photos are of our new friend. The last two are of our friend, Ford, holding the t-shirt (That's me in the background of the fourth picture---HI!).

Travel Time

2008-04-29T08:29:00.000-07:00

Ok! Where do I begin?

I don't travel much. I really don't fly. Not because I am scared, but just because we don't go anywhere and when we do, we drive. So here is the story.

My husband got a new job last summer and he comes home a few weeks ago and tells me that he has to go on a business trip. In the 11 years he worked for his old job, he did not travel anywhere at all. So this is a bit new to us. We start talking about that fact that it would be great if I could go along. Then reality hit me. I have a 7 1/2 year old in school, I carpool the neighbor children, I work at home, I have a 2 year old, I am in charge of our Wednesday night program for the 1-3 graders at our church, blah, blah, blah! You get the picture.

So I just put it out of my mind and planned for holding down the fort for 5 days. I was dreading it. Days without a break. AHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Then a miracle came. Her name was Tina, AKA Golden Goodness. Tina works for me on Tuesdays and last week she says, "You should really go on the trip."

*Back story-Tina's husband travels alot and she trys to go with him as often as possible. Sometimes they even make it a family event. However, she nows what is like to be stuck at home with two kids for several days, even weeks. She's a good mom.

So back to the story.
I say, well I don't know. I have this and that and that other thing. She then says, I will watch Rachel, just find someone for Benjamin. REALLY! You want to add a 2 year old on top of already having a 2 1/2 year old and 4 year old at home. WOW! So of course, I start planning.

For those of you who don't know me very well, I am a little OCD and I was very concerned about making sure I didn't over pack for the kids, but had everything in order. I had lists for everything. People who know me will be surprised that I did not type out all these lists and make spreadsheets. I didn't. Came close, but didn't.

Fortunately, my mother said she would watch Benjamin and even stay at our house. So, I did not have to pack all of his things, but I did want it to be as easy as possible for my mom, so of course, I made lists for her as well and set out all his uniforms and made sure all the laundry was done before I left. She also offered to take over my carpooling duties and take Benjamin to his swimming lessons. Thanks mom.

Okay, now Rachel. Packing her stuff is a whole different story. You have to think of everything that they would possibly need. Fortunately, like I stated before. Tina has kids, so I didn't worry about the Tylenol or toys or even a bed. It worked out great. Rachel didn't even care when I left. She was so excited to be at Evan and Ella's house and all their toys. I had to beg for good-bye love.

Now on to me. My husband left after church on Sunday morning. We packed as much as we could into his bag, but I ended up having to check a bag as well. I also had to pack everything for my work. I work at home on Monday and Tuesday compeleting payroll for a company. This is the first time that I was going to try and do it somewhere other than my office at home. I decided not to train anyone else to do it because I am a little of a control freak. Did I meantion I have a little bit of OCD?

Did I also tell you I don't like to fly? I am not scared, just anxious because I don't fly very often. I flew once last year, but it was probably 8 years before that. So, I got to the airport two hours early, like they suggest. It took less than five minutes to check in and go through security. So I had almost two hours to wait. Finally got on the plane and of course, I have the only seat with someone else. Everyone else had two seats to themselves. There was a lot of turbulance, but fortunately the flight was only about an hour. Got to Atlanta, GA, found the baggage and shuttle and off to the hotel.

And here I am, done with my work (completed it this morning), no kids, no schedule, no laundry, no appointments, no school pick-up, no nothing. I am really going to have to enjoy this and soak it all in.

Good Mail Goodie

2008-04-24T20:23:00.000-07:00

My friend and I joined a blog called Good Mail at http://djshelley.blogspot.com/2008/04/good-mail.html. We exchange goodies with each other and send cards on their birthdays. I received a goodie today. Check out Golden Goodness for a picture. It was some Mary Kay lotion, M&M's and some gum. It was great to receive an unexpected gift.

Benjamin's Wordless Wednesday

2008-04-23T12:20:00.000-07:00

7 Random Things About Me

2008-04-20T21:28:00.000-07:00

This was a tag from my friend Tina at Golden Goodness.

This ought to be good. I can never think of anything good. Let's see.....

1. I hate glitter. I can't exactly pinpoint the time in my life of the realization that glitter is the most annoying creation on the planet. It gets everywhere. It never stays were you need it to be and then next thing you know you have people either poking you in the eye trying to get a piece of glitter off your face or they keep saying "It's right there, no, right under your eye, no, right over there, no..." You get my point.

2. I used to be able to put both my feet behind my head while sitting on the floor. Needless to say, I haven't tried this since having my son about 8 years ago. Just one of those weird things you find out you can do.

3. I love weird food. Example-Oats, honey and peanut butter mixed together. Or peanut butter and marshmallow creme. I also eat things weird. It's hard to explain, but I eat things in order (just some strange order I have in my mind). I may be cracking up.

4. I love biting my nails. Just wish I didn't have the consequence of the hurting fingers after a good nibble. (this is why I have acrylic nails now)

5. I love to play with my hair. I am constantly pulling on strands and twirling them. I also love playing with my daughters hair.

6. I double pierced my own ear (left) when I was in high school. It hurt.

7. I have a secret "rocker" in me due to me being a percussionist. I played drums/mallets when I was in high school and college. Can't blame a girl. Boys thought it was cool and I paid my way through college. Of course, I didn't get many dates, just lots of guy friends. Oh well!

Friday's Feast

2008-04-17T21:04:00.000-07:00

Appetizer

Name a color you find soothing.
Blue-just like the ocean

Soup

Using 20 or less words, describe your first driving experience.
I learned how to drive in a full size van in a massive parking lot. It was terrifying and exciting.

Salad

What material is your favorite item of clothing made out of?
Denim. I wear jeans everyday.

Main Course

Who is a great singer or musician who, if they were to come to your town for a concert, you would spend the night outside waiting for tickets to see?
Elvis. How amazing if he really wasn't dead and he had a concert. Now that would be a site to see.

Dessert

What is the most frequent letter of the alphabet in your whole name (first, middle, maiden, last, etc.)?
E=5 (not mc2)

How I like to Scrap it up!

2008-04-16T20:42:00.000-07:00

Do you know what I love about scrapbooking? Everyone page is different. Every person scraps a different way. Every page is personal and unique. There is no right or wrong way.

I started scrapbooking many years ago using Creative memories. Lots of triangles, squares and stickers. I scrapped my wedding album and then proceeded onto my son's baby album. Towards the end of his album, I started with the month he was born in (September) and then made a layout for each month. Well, this stuck. I then moved onto his next album (which is his first birthday and on) and decided to continue with the monthly layouts. It is really easy and very organized.

In total, I have completed: My wedding album, My son's baby album, My son's album from age one to three, My daughter's baby album, an 8x10 album for my son (with all his 8x10 pictures), an 8x10 album for my daughter, my son's album from age four to five (working on year six, which will include the birth of my daughter-this album has become more of a family album), an "ABC" album for my son, an "ABC" album for my daughter (I still have about 5 or 6 pictures till these "ABC" albums are complete, and I have started grandparent albums. These albums will include pictures of our wedding until present. (all albums are 12x12 except the 8x10 albums and the grandparents albums are 8x8)

My current projects from above are: Family album from 2006 until present, the grandparents albums, finishing the "ABC" albums, and adding any 8x10 photos in their 8x10 albums.

I really enjoy scrapbooking and placing all my children's memories in a special manner.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-04-16T19:50:00.000-07:00

A day in my life

2008-04-14T17:59:00.000-07:00

6:30=Alarm goes off and I push snooze
6:40=Alarm goes off and I push snooze (meanwhile dreaming that I am awake and getting ready)
6:50=Alarm goes off and I push snooze (a little confused thinking I was already getting ready)
7:00=Alarm goes off and I jump out of bed, realizing that I am supposed to be getting my son up at this very moment and the neighbors kids (4 year old and 8 year old girl)will be here in about 10 minutes
7:05=Get my son out of bed (finally, after some persuading and nagging), get his uniform out for school. Oh! Don't forget his belt and glasses.
7:05 to 7:15=Get my son breakfast, throw some clothes on, brush my teeth, try to look presentable.
7:15=Neighbor girls come over and I try to get my son dressed for school
7:15 to 7:30=Get my son dressed, brush his teeth, comb his hair, help him with his shoes, bag and jacket. Wake up my daughter and get her diaper changed in order to leave. (PS-we are supposed to leave at 7:25, but that doesn't always happen).
7:30-8:00=Get four kids in my car with all their stuff (a feat in itself), get them strapped in and we are on our way through traffic to get to school on time.
8:00=Drop my son and the oldest neighbor girl at school
8:00 to 8:15=Head home
8:15 to 8:45=Get all my daughters things together for Kids Day Out (lunch, mat, diaper bag and of course everything labeled) and maybe get a quick shower in between
8:45 to 9:00=Take my daughter and the younger neighbor girl to school.
9:00 to 9:15=Go home
9:15 to 1:45=Cram as much work as I possibly can in this short time period when I have no children and/or other distractions. Oh! Forget lunch. Too much to do.
1:45 to 2:00=Pick up my daughter
2:00 to 3:15=Well take your pick. I either: run as many errands as I can in this time period, or I run home and cram in about 30 minutes of work, or I go to the school early and work in the car while my daughter runs amuck in the car.
3:15=Pick up my son and the oldest neighbor girl from school
3:15 to 3:45=Go home
3:45 till bedtime=Listing is just easier: Homework, laundry, dinner, bath, play with my children, work on the laptop, try to have a conversation with my husband, clean up after dinner, clean up after the hectic day, try and get some stuff ready for tomorrow.

By the way, today, none of this happened like usual. Guess what? My daughter was sick and couldn't go to school. How is that monkey wrench for you?

So in between everything for the other children and also my work (which by the way, I do payroll and I have a serious deadline for about 650 people to get paychecks), I watched my daughter (but only for a short period-thankfully my husband got a new job last year and he has sick days. He came home and watched her so that I could work), went to the doctor's office (and of course, I had to wait 45 minutes to be seen for a 10 minute appointment), went to Wal-greens and waited on the prescription, and then came home and finished my routine, but with about two less hours to do it in.

WHAT A DAY!!!!!

Meme for Me

2008-04-10T10:27:00.000-07:00

I was sent this Meme by my friend Tina. I have been so swamped with housework and work work that I have not been on to blog in a few days. I didn't even get my wordless wednesday in this week. AHHHHH!

Anyway, here it is......

4 Jobs I've Had:
Secretary for my Dad's Jewelry Story
Kindergarten/Pre-School/Mother's Day Out Teacher
Mommy/Wife
Payroll/Human Resource Manager

4 Shows on my TiVo/DVR:
Hell's Kitchen
Jon & Kate plus 8
Big Brother
Survivor
(I won't even mention the many cartoon shows and yes, I like reality shows)

4 Places I've Been:
Bahamas
Hawaii
Florida
Branson, MO

4 Favorite Foods:
Chips
Triscuits (the thin triangle ones)
Popcorn
Bacon

4 CD's Recently Listened To:
Chenault
Casting Crowns
Celine Dion
Mark Shultz

4 Things You Can Do to Make My Day:
Buy me a Present
No more cleaning (house, children, etc.)
Day off of work
Go out to eat with my family (and they all have to be in a good mood and eat their dinner)

4 People I Tag:
Tina tagged me and I only have seen one other blog, so I will tag

Exhausted

2008-04-06T21:18:00.000-07:00

My friend Tina and I went to a Scrap Camp this past Thursday night through Saturday night. This was most definitely a camp. We weren't in tents (thank goodness), but we were sleeping with the bugs. Thursday night wasn't so bad except for the humbidity. Everything seemed wet. The floor, the walls, the air. Yuck! Friday morning wasn't so bad. The showers were interesting. Definitely need for shoes to be worn. It was like taking a shower in a huge cold room trying to stay in the trinkle of warm (not hot) water to wash yourself. Got through the shower and proceeded to scrap. We both got so much done. Then the weather turned cold and I mean cold. Thankfully I decided to bring a small space heater because I am cold natured. It took just enough of the chill off in the room that only my nose seemed to freeze. The shower on Saturday was even worse. This was a cold shower in a huge cold room. NOT FUN!! Tina and I had a blast anyway. We laughed so many times and so hard that we cried. Of course, many of the jokes are inside jokes, so no one would understand but us. (For Tina----Juicy Forehead, Clackamas, It's Them, LOL).

Well, I was hoping to start the Friday Feast soon, but I will start that next week.

Thankful Thursday

2008-04-02T21:21:00.001-07:00

I have recently been hearing all the troubles and woes that people go through on a daily basis and it just made me think of all I have.

Today, I am thankful for:
*A loving, Caring, Godly husband
*Healthy, Happy Children
*One boy, One girl
*A good job for me and my husband
*Friends

That's all I have for now.
I am really tired, so I am going to bed.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-04-02T06:22:00.000-07:00

Thunder

2008-03-31T20:59:00.001-07:00

I am just sitting here in bed working on my laptop and listening to one of my favorite sounds..... THUNDER! I love the rumble and roll of it all. I guess I also like the way it makes me stop and appreciate the great control God has over nature and how blessed I am to have a roof over my head. Just a thought.

Some of my favorite sounds.....
Thunder
My children laughing
My children talking

Some of my favorite sights....
My children doing anything, but especially when they are loving on each other
My husband playing with my children

Some of my favorite smells.....
Baby Lotion
Cooking Bacon
My children when they come out of the tub/shower
The shower after my husband has taken his morning shower

Some of my favorite tastes....
Cookie Dough
Anthing Salty

Some of my favorite moments....
Love from my children (and not the kind you ask for, the unexpected kind)
Example-Your the best mom in the whole world or the two year old running at you full force to give you a hug and kiss for no reason

Tigers-FINAL FOUR!!!!!

2008-03-30T21:28:00.000-07:00

As my daugher (age two) so sweetly yelled out today.......GO TIGERS!!!!

We (well mainly my husband) are University of Memphis fans and they made it past the elite eight to the final four.

I know some of you won't believe this, but I did acually watch part of the game.

Weekly Summary

2008-03-29T14:08:00.000-07:00

Well, I will get better at this as I go along, but here is my weekly update of what we have been up to. My son Benjamin has been on Spring Break this week, so we have been very busy. I work at home on Monday and Tuesday, so we didn't do much of on those days.
Wednesday we went with my friend Tina and her kids, Ella and Evan, to Pump it Up (facility that has big inflatable slides, obstacle courses, wrestling rings, etc) and then went to McD's for lunch.
Thursday we went to the zoo. It was overcast and a little windy, but otherwise it was really nice. Rachel (2 years old) loved seeing the animals. Her favorite were the monkey's. They were crazy.
Friday we went to see Horton Hears A Who at the movie theater. Both of the kids really enjoyed the movie.
All in all, we had a good week. In between all the fun, we played lots of computer games and Super Mario Galaxy on the Wii.

Fun at Pump It Up

Evan's Meltdown

Rachel's Reaction to Evan's Meltdown

Too Cute for Words

A Day at the Zoo (I am grateful and thankful that they are always this good to each other)

MOMMY CAN'T WAIT FOR SCHOOL TO START BACK ON MONDAY. I'M POOPED!!!!!

2008-03-27T16:08:00.000-07:00

Here we are on Easter Sunday after we had an easter egg hunt with our cousins, Zoe, Alaina and Emory.

Blog Starter

2008-03-27T15:56:00.000-07:00

Well, this is my first blog, so everyone bare with me. My friend Tina started her page some time ago and I acutally opened one at the same time, but didn't have the time to figure out the settings, layouts, etc. Well, recently she stated in her own blog that she helped a few friends with their layout, so I jumped on board. I would like to use this blog to help friends and family members keep up with what we are doing and hopefully my children will love to see their pictures on here as well. I will probably not be as dedicated as Tina and write something everyday, but I do hope to attempt at least once a week if not more.