African American Mom

It's me again.....Happy News Years

2010-12-31T20:40:00.000-08:00

So it's 10am on New Year's Eve and I am reflecting on this past year which in my opinion was just not the best. I really let myself go mentally with this new job. It affected my family and my marriage. The best thing was they knew I was suffering and loved me in spite of. I am not saying everything is just great but it is getting better.

A new year is upon us and I already have something things to look forward too. Grad school is on the horizon and so is a new baby due to arrive this summer. I have made no resolutions this year. I am simply just hoping for God to shine an even brighter light on me, my family and friends.

On another note:

Oprah's OWN channel starts tomorrow! I am so excited! Inspiration all day long.......(sigh)

The TV show "The Game" is coming back on the air after 2 years and complaints by fans because of its cancellation

Income tax season is upon us.....$$$$$

Here's to hoping everyone has a great beginning to a new year. I have resided with the fact that hope what I am taking with me into 2011.

Happy New Year's Everybody!

I use to blog here

2010-08-16T19:03:00.000-07:00

I guess I still do. When I get wrapped up in my feelings I tend to get lazy and eat. So obviously, I took a break from blogging and fattened up, almmost re-entered grad school and I got a new job. Yes, ladies and gentlemen.....I finally found a new place to call my work home. Sometimes you have to be careful what you ask for because I am not extremely fond of the new gig. I have learned quite a bit about myself through working at the new place. I like controlling my time. I don't like short travels. I LOVE MY FAMILY TO DEATH. I am selfish. I am a bit shallow and high maintenance. I would love to write for a living and just be mom. I love being heavily involved in the community. I love people. I would love to volunter in stead of work becasue when i am done i can quit. I like quitting (I don't do it enough!)

Enough about me.....

I changed my oldest son's school and I am pleased about it....OVER THE MOON!

It was also extrmely HAUTE here in central Arkansas, like 107. HOT!

Oprah is showing way too many reruns......

The summer is almost over and I welcome the school year. I miss my time alone after 9:00pm. I forgot all about that one hour I took for myself. The kids are starting bedtime early this week. I love it!

Until next time!

My Favorite iPhone Apps

2010-05-06T06:36:00.001-07:00

As promised I said I would give away my favorite iPhone apps. Before I had an iPhone, I had a pretty basic phone. It took pictures but there were horrible. It had a speaker option but the quality of sound was not great. Let me not even speak on the texting capabilities. I'll just say I had them but they were limited. So without further ado, here are my iPhone favs:

Facebook -- this is obvioulsly one of my favorite apps. I can look at facebook at anytime, anywhere. It is safe to say I have not given up on facebook but I have made some refinements.

AllRecipes.com's Dinner Spinner -- this app has helped me out on many days that I was not sure of what I was cooking. You simply pick choose what type of entree you want to cook like Main Dish, appetizer, bread, etc. Choose a main ingredient such as beef, cheese, vegetable, etc. Lastly, select a time frame you want to finsh your meal preparation. And just like that you'll have recipes at your finger tips. This is great for a horrible cook like myself.

Shape Builder Lite -- My 3 year old uses this app. He can work my iPhone better than my husband. This app allows him to place shapes in contiguous seqences to form pictures of fun things like a violin, a donkey, letters and even kiwi. It really enhances his spatial abilities. When he gets a "puzzle" correct, he hears children cheering him on. the creator of this app really had kids in mind.

Walgreens -- I can refill prescriptions, upload pictures, look at the weekly ads and even find information on products they carry in the store. This app is a true gem. I can be at the park with my kids and fill a prescription or order pictures. Every retail outlet should take a note from Walgreens with this one. Good Job!

The Weather Channel -- This is app is self explanatory. I can find out about the weather anywhere. I can look at maps and videos. This helps with travel plans.

OverDrive -- Now this is the newest app I've discovered. Did you know that you can check out audio and digitable books from almost any library in America? With this app I can download audio and digitable books from public library. I don't have to worry about late fees because once my time is up on a book it will delete itself. This is good for long car rides with family. There is only so many times you can sing "Yes, Jesus Loves Me"

I have become an iPhone junkie. I love finding out new things to do with it. I feel like kit enhances my life. I have yet to pay for an app. Every one i have listed here is free. So I hope you will enjoy the ones I have listed and please share your favorites in the coments below.

Oh Blog Dee Oh Blog Dah!

2010-04-07T14:30:00.000-07:00

I have missed the land of blogs. I have had a great break but unfortunately the laundry won. It is still piled up but as of March 4th my Christmas Tree is in the attic! You'll never guess what else we are doing? Painting! It is very therapeutic to paint with my husband. Who needs to pay a therapist when you can get a gallon of paint for $24.99 at Home Depot.

I managed to get a much needed break from the kids for a weekend (Thanks to my mom and her husband), read all of two books (I know I said I was reading but 2 books was the best I could do). I really missed blogging and I missed visiting every one's blogs as well. My iPhone has been capturing pictures so of course I will end this post with some great pictures and notes on posts to come.

Future Posts:
Rethinking Facebook
Great iPhone Apps
The Public School System in Central Arkansas
Going back to School
Great Books

Here is a little bit of what we have been doing:

Easter came and my little man's school did their won renditon of Easter morning. it was cute. I was a proud mama! He, of course, had to make this silly face right before the picture. He's still cute though.

We make Oreo blast with my magic bullet. We call it being economical. Who needs Sonic except for the Route 44 Cherry Limeades during Happy Hour?

We had visitors for Spring Break - my husbands niece and nephews. I really enjoyed them. I was tired once they left (total of 5 kids for 4 days) but I must say I really enjoyed them. I hope they enjoyed themselves as well. The following pictures are of them climbing the mountain. They fared way better than my husband. I saved him the grief of taking his picture.

Heading to the top

Made it to the top

Almost back down - look at those tired faces!

Look whose playing soccer! My baby is growing up so fast!

I will be visiting everybody's blog. So please start back by visiting me.:)

It a bloggy blog world!

I'll be back in April

2010-03-08T10:29:00.000-08:00

I am so sorry I have not held up my end of the bargain. You know the one I am talking about. I blog and you read. I have been overwhelmed with laundry, job hunting, kids and just life in general. I have taken up some book reading to calm my nerves and it is somehow working for now. I will get back to blogging but probably after I have had a much needed break from work and laundry. I am sorry. Come back in April when I am refreshed and back to my old witty self.

Come on SPRING!

Things I DID get done

2010-02-17T13:46:00.000-08:00

I actually did knock some things off my to do list:

~~blog (not sure this post will count)~~ I have been informed it counted!
finish a book ~~I started reading (it seems to be pretty good so far)~~ This book is a good informative read.
~~get rid of these clothes I am consigning in an event by next Wednesday~~
throw away my VCR/DVD combo player (I don't know why I still have this)
~~drop off my Goodwill donation (Should have done this before taxes)~~
spend time on my twitter account --I am still trying to make sense of it.
~~watch my recorded Oprah shows (I have 18 episodes to catch up on)~~ I have four more to watch and then I am caught up, thus my excuse for not blogging.
~~load the dishwasher~~ This has been done too many times since my last post.
~~find/buy a new cell phone charger (I am really hoping it turns up before $$$ is spent)~~ Of course, I bought a new one and found the old one 2 days later. I couldn't take the new back because I threw away the box.
Get the Christmas tree box out my hallway -- I don't want to talk about it.

I am late on the Crazy Weatherman--Jim Kosek

2010-02-05T20:41:00.000-08:00

I have relatives on the east coast. One of my co-workers told me I should see this forecast to learn their fate.

This guy is too much!

Things I need to do but not today

2010-02-04T21:16:00.000-08:00

I am in need of some rest and relaxation so I decided that the things on my to do list are not getting look at until this weekend:

blog (not sure this post will count)
finish a book I started reading (it seems to be pretty good so far)
get rid of these clothes I am consigning in an event by next Wednesday
throw away my VCR/DVD combo player (I don't know why I still have this)
drop off my Goodwill donation (Should have done this before taxes)
spend time on my twitter account
watch my recorded Oprah shows (I have 18 episodes to catch up on)
load the dishwasher
find/buy a new cell phone charger (I am really hoping it turns up before $$$ is spent)
Get the Christmas tree box out my hallway

We'll see what happens

2010-02-03T12:13:00.000-08:00

I am little bit behind but I still have time.

Visit NaBloPoMo

Our Weekend Recap with the Ice Storm

2010-02-02T18:00:00.000-08:00

We experienced icy, wet, slick, and semi snowy weather here in Central Arkansas this past weekend. We were all stuck in the house--husband, thing #1, thing #2 and me. It was actually really cool at first. I use my free time to get some clothes washed and put away. I cleaned the kitchen. I put away too little clothes and prep them for an upcoming consignment event. The kids played wildly. My husband played the Wii. Everything was all good.

That was Friday at 1pm. By 3pm we were all growing restless.

We began to do switch task. My kids played the Wii, my husband cleaned and I slept. This cycle went on until Sunday afternoon. The kids' cabin fever drove me crazy. All of the cleaning was starting to be done in vain and the laundry was never caught up like you thought it would be since there was more time to focus on it. After this weekend I have discovered the secret to laundry---go naked! I know. I know. It’s an unlikely solution but we can all dream. It’s clear, I hate laundry and even after this past weekend when we practically had the same clothes on for a couple of days, the laundry never caught up.

My husband had to get on Saturday for his business. I was left alone with the boys for most of the day and on into the evening. We watched movies OnDemand and finally opened one of my oldest son's last Christmas presents. It was a train set he received from my father-in-law. While it looked like a really fun and neat gift, it also looked like something my three year would destruct. There were some small pieces involved. I knew this from looking at pictures on the box. I made excuses from Christmas Eve up until January 31 for why it was not good time to open it. That is a record for me. I am usually the push over.

We put the set together and it was really great for the kids. They both loved it. It was a mock train of the Polar Express, so it had all the bells and whistles. We put it back in the box after we finished. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was. Once we all had the whole train experience, cabin fever set in again. Here is what Cabin Fever looks like in case you’re wondering:

And, no, it is not complete without lotion and deodorant.

I don't usually let them do this but when you are stuck in the house anything goes. Superman costumes and all!

Once Sunday came I decided we would get out of the house, no matter what. The roads outside my house looked safe, so I thought it couldn’t be too bad. I, also, discovered that the library was open. Great! Now, I just had to figure out whose accounts had the least amount of fines due. We each have a library card and we use them all. Sometimes if there are hefty fines on one and I don't feel up to paying them, we just move on to the next card. My husband says it is the equivalent of having a light bill in your kids names. I don't care. I think it is just an efficient way to gain the best experience of the library.

Once we got there, I found out we had these fines on each card: $9.70, $18.40 and $12.30. At our local library when you have fines you are allowed to pay them down to $5.00 and then you can begin borrowing again. I decided I would pay off the fines from the card with $9.70. The lady behind the counter tells me that all month long 100% of fines collected will go the UNICEF. I say, "That’s great! Here is my $9.70 contribution." Her face looked disappointed. She told me all my fines would make a great donation, as if to nudge me to pay them all off. I kindly responded, "I think this $9.70 will do just fine today." Once I paid the fine she kept making remarks about the children in Haiti and how our local library was so generous and how it patrons should be the same way. She was trying to pull a guilt trip over me. Can you believe that? I had to ignore that smug look on her face in order to let her finish checking us out. Sheeesh, lady! I don't have to prove anything to you!

We wrapped up our little library trip with a visit to Wal-Mart and the Golden Corral because mama was not cooking!

It iced, snowed and sleeted the whole weekend and we did not once get out and play. I was not interested. I didn’t even take pictures of it. I have decided after this past weekend that I am SO OVER winter.

Photography Skills at Their Best

2010-01-28T08:32:00.000-08:00

Basketball is in full swing for my 8 year. I try to make it to all the practices to show him my support. I come late but I make it. While I am there, my three year old needs to be kept occupied. I occasionally let him play with my iphone. I know it sounds crazy but he will sit still and (sometimes) not drop it. There are plenty of great apps for preschoolers.* He can work my phone so well. He knows exactly how to use this phone and where "his" apps are on the phone. These new age technology kids will blow us away ten years from now, I 'm sure.

I use my phone to take plenty of pictures. I barely take my "real" camera anywhere anymore. Many pictures on this blog are taken with my iphone. I love to look at pictures of my kids so from time to time I look at them on my iphone. I found great surprises in my photo album when I looked at it last night. You see my 3 year and 8 year old love to take pictures of random objects. My three year old seems to mainly take pictures while we are at basketball practice. Take a look at his photography skills:

What is practice without an unhealthy snack!

Got to get the picture of the team....or at least their feet.

Well here is a better one...you can see the coach (my husband's butt).

I guess he couldn't leave out his floor cleaning partner (they slide on the floor, a lot)and germ sharing partner (they share snacks). I am assuming she gets dragged along to her brother's many activities, as well.

I suppose my son has an affinity for her grandma, too, just not a very good angle!

*One day I am going to do a post on great apps.

Help Haiti

2010-01-14T14:06:00.000-08:00

This is a simple request.

When Katrina happened I was angry. I wanted so badly to go to Louisiana and just help. I wanted the schools in Arkansas to shut down and house all the evacuees. I am having those same feelings now. So, I found something I can do.

Let's do our part:

The Clinton Foundation – Text “Haiti” to 20222 to donate $10 or go to clintonfoundation.org.

The American Red Cross – Text “Haiti” to 90999 to donate $10, visit redcross.org or call (800) RED-CROSS.

Wyclef Jean’s Yele Haiti Foundation – Text “Yele” to 501501 to donate $5 or visit yele.org.

The Clinton Foundation – Text “Haiti” to 20222 to donate $10 or go to clintonfoundation.org.

I keep staying with the times

2010-01-13T10:39:00.000-08:00

Look up.

Look down.

Look left.

Look right.

Yep, I have officially joined twitter.

Now follow me.

What are little boys made of?

2010-01-12T07:21:00.000-08:00

....Frogs and Snails, and Puppy-dogs Tails

I have boys. I have wild boys. They are messy, sloppy, wasteful, and dirty. It's an on going struggle to keep up after them because they are always on the go. They go to school, practice, (sometimes) church. They visit with my mom. They go visit with my dad, my father-in-law and my mother-in-law. We go to the zoo. We go to the museum. We go, go, go.

My oldest son plays sports all year round. This means I am constantly washing jerseys, and sports bottles, as well as packing bags and keeping up with mouth pieces. Let's not even touch on keeping up with his glasses or trying to make sure they stay in one piece. I think we can easily say that he keeps my husband and I ripping and running around town, a lot.

Then there is the little one who is by far the wildest one of the two. Did I say wildest? I meant to say rowdiest. My mom nicknamed him Tasmanian Devil when he was about nine months old. He is annoyingly destructive and loud. When we are running all over town for my oldest, the little one is being dragged along. It is mostly me who is there to mangle him while my husband (the usual coach of said sport) is working with the oldest son. I become a multitasker of sorts while trying to watch the game, watch him and chat with the other "said sport" moms.

At home is where the rowdy activity festers. For some reason someone decided that the light saber would be a great toy.
Mr. Toy Maker, did you even think about my son's glasses? Did you think about
my laptop? And what about my TV? Exactly what did you think kids were suppose
to do with those? Swing them around and not hit a thing? Mr. Toy Maker, how
was my mother not suppose to walk out of the store with one for each of her
grandsons who love Star Wars?
Batman, Spiderman, Super Hero Squad, and legos rule the land at my end of the cul-de-sac. There is nothing like walking in from work, taking your shoes off and walking towards the kitchen and your foot meet Batman's motorcycle with one wheel. Ouch! While recovering from the encounter you come across the kool-aid infested shoe because the little one wanted to try his hand at pouring his own drink and for some reason or other thought that drinking out of his shoe would be the best idea. Oh, do I have boys or what!

When I look back at all the mess and noise, I wonder what it would have been like to have girls instead. I, then, step back and remember myself as a kid over analyzing and over reacting to everything and decide that my boys are okay. No, they are great! Spill something......walk around it. Break something.....keep it moving. Loose a toy....pick up another. I can learn some de-stressing strategies from them.

I love them!

What's in there?

Oh....Mr.Freeze.

Batman must have trapped him.

Probably because he made this mess.

With plenty of help from Buzz Lightyear, obviously.

Parents just don't understand

2010-01-04T20:42:00.000-08:00

This post may open up a can of worms (later) but it's been stirring up in me for the past year and last night I have may shown the wedge that I knew and recognized existed between my father and I, that he didn't acknowledge. You see, we have a rocky past. It is mostly all his doing. As a grown child I still believe he is the reason our past relationship was rocky. However, as much as my mom hated him she always preached to us "Honor thy mother and thy father and thy days will be long." So, therefore, I have always had a constant struggle with my feelings about his past choices and lifestyle as I became older and more mature. At the age of twenty-one, after the birth of my first child I began to put those angry feelings aside and that open the door for my son to have a wonderful Pawpaw and later my second son. I thought I put quite a bit of it behind me, but the past has a way of creeping up on you when you least expect it.

I began to notice little things about him during '09 that just annoyed the hell out of me, like trying to give fatherly advice or sticking his noise where it was uninvited. I wanted to yell out to dude, "Just be the grandfather. Too late for Daddy."

He recently answered his calling to preach. I believe he was called but I don't believe there is much of a change in him except for his lifestyle but not his thoughts or beliefs. I don't even think he even acknowledges his past wrong doings toward others. I accept his calling but I don't kiss his you know what for it either. It is what it is.

He called me yesterday to say he was staying with me for 3 days while he attended a church conference. I didn't want him to stay but I never interjected to say he couldn't. So, he thought he could stay. I have to add that there have been somethings that he has done to my husband in the past to make him feel uncomfortable but my husband tolerates him because he loves me and he knows the relationship with my dad is weird, at best. I knew my dad staying would make my husband uncomfortable in his own home and I just don't trust my dad to be that close to me in my life to stay at my house for one day, so certainly not three. The strange thing is I will let my kids stay with him. They love him and trust him. I respect their relationship. Something about him being in my environment bothers me. I don't mind going to his because I can leave or take my kids out of it. It probably has something to do with my childhood memories of him with his relationship with my mother and possibly something to do with him picking up with another family after he and my mom finally called it quits.

Well, I thought about those 3 days and decided I am not enough of a big girl to suck it up and let him stay. I gave him a BS excuse about it not being a good week for overnight guest, I hadn't discussed it with my husband and that we really didn't have a place for him to sleep anyway. It was obvious that it was BS but I wanted to be nice about it instead of bring up old horrible memories in which he probably has buried away but I for some reason this past year fought to push away. No sense in both of us being upset. When I gave him the excuses his response was a very dry, "Oh."

The man had the nerve to sound as if he was mad. I offered to help find a hotel and he dryly declined. This made my decision feel right. Still the same guy who thinks his kids owe him something.

Here it is 5 days after the New Year when I decided to take on NO STRESS and he unintentionally brings it on me.

All day I have been saying to myself WOOSAH! WOOSAH! Work through these emotions. WOOSAH!

I told my husband that the situation didn't bother me but obviously it does. He knew I was lying.

WOOSAH!

Back to Business

2010-01-04T10:58:00.000-08:00

Christmas came, then went. I spent it with family. We relaxed, watched some basketball and played some serious Wii. My eight year killed everybody in Super Mario Bros. vs Sonic Olympic Games. His nickname for the day, given by my mother was "Little Nerd Boy". She called him this after he dusted her in table tennis. Can we say Sore Looser!?! He took this name with pride.

New Years came, then went. We spent this day with friends and family. The night was spent playing a major Connect Four tournament. We had a bracket and a $10 pot. It was good fun. The kids and adults had a great time. I am not a drinker but I am told that Connect Four was fun because it was mixed with Margaritas.

I am still alive and kicking. I still have a job. I still have facebook. Life is in auto-pilot.

However, I did make a few resolutions for the year. None of them are major because my number one resolution sort of cancels them out:
NO STRESS! I am like a duck this year. You all can stand by and watch the *ish roll off my back, 'cause it's not staying with me. One more time: NO STRESS.

I did make a few fun resolutions like get back to being more fashionable, be more green, and try to get back to exercising again. Other than those, I am pretty much on an easy track, except for those new, oh so, minor life goals I created back in December.

So, therefore the new years resolutions are purely minimal as opposed to what I really need to be working on. Yet, NO STRESS is my theme in 2010.

FYI...
I was off from work for the past 2 weeks and loved every minute of it. The vacation led to the NO STRESS attitude. It was eye opening.

I researched blogs while I was on break, too. Got some changes in store for this site. Be on the look out. You may return one day and feel slightly refreshed.

one last thing-
Sadly these are the few pictures I took over the break.

The culprit on the left only helped clean the icing bowl...with his face.

Please don't dog my tree. I get better every year.

I love it when he plays copy cat. He loves to pretend to be his big brother. What do you think he's really reading?

Here he is again, seriously at it!

I must take more pictures in the future. I am usually better at capturing my useless time.

TMI, but bare with me...

2009-12-14T11:56:00.001-08:00

I had a great interview on Thursday. It was so good that, immediately after, I was asked to come back on Monday morning for a second interview. I had to turn that time down. It was too short a notice and she said it was the only time. I had an important meeting scheduled with my current job at the same time. I hope the company I interviewed with will have a heart and realize I would be an asset and call me back. We shall see. Yet, Thursday was, still, a good day.

Later that evening I went to my oldest son's basketball practice. When it was over my husband ( he was already there because he is the coach) walks up to me and gets ready to speak but looks at me strange and says "Look at the big hickey on your neck! Looks like someone thumped you on your neck!"

WTH?!?!

I felt like a teenager coming home from a school basketball game, whose mother just confronted her about where she'd really been and who with because the evidence was all over her neck (disclaimer: this never happened to me.....)

Well, I go to the bathroom and there it is.

(the picture does not do it justice which is good because I don't want you guys to think differently of me)

Yep, my husband put a nice one on my neck and I interviewed with it stamped on my neck, "You had a good time before you came to this interview!"

I am so embarrassed because I hope to schedule a another interview with this company. I don't guess my impression was too bad because they did want me to come back but I am still embarrassed, nonetheless. (Just not too embarrassed to post about it, ha ha!)

Random thoughts on a Wednesday

2009-12-09T07:46:00.000-08:00

* My husband gave me a surprise birthday party this past Saturday. I didn't see it coming! When I get pictures I will be sure to share.

* I was sick this past weekend. I was probably sick at the party. Being sick seriously sucks.

* The heater in my office is broken. That sucks, too.

* Tiger Woods is now a CHEAT-AH! (LOL! I read that one on facebook.)

* My son's glasses have been broken 5 times in the last thirty days. Thank goodness we got the warranty.

* I don't have any little girls but I am excited about Disney's The Princess and the Frog. I may get my oldest niece to go with me.

* I had a job interview yesterday. I have another job interview with a different company on Thursday and another on Monday. None of them are making me jump out of my seat but I am thankful.

* I love free lunch at work.

*I want to redesign my blog but don't know how. Anybody willing to do it for free? I will give yo kudos for life!

* I know I never posted pictures of my newly uncluttered house but that is because it got worse. Sorry, those pictures may or may not come at a later date. I'm a slacker.

* I have yet to decorate our Christmas tree but it has already been knocked over 3 times. KIDS!

This Christmas

2009-12-03T15:02:00.000-08:00

I'm finally in the Christmas Spirit. All it takes is a little Urban Holiday Yahoo Music and I am there. I'm still trying to find my family some PJ's we can all wear them on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. We'll see if my husband goes for it. My kids and I have made semi-homemade Christmas ornaments with materials we found at Michael's. I helped with each but mostly they crafted all by themselves...well my eight year old did. We plan to make more on tomorrow night.

Here is my oldest's ornament:

Here is the little one's:

I am so glad to have found the Christmas Spirit because the job front is so up in the air right now and I was little down. It looks like I will have a paycheck in 2010 but not sure if I will be at my current office or in a different office. I am not sure if I will take a pay cut or not. All the instability was driving me crazy......until Urban Holiday Yahoo Music found me.

I love Christmas music. I can listen to it all day everyday during this season. My favorite Christmas song is This Christmas by Donnie Hathaway. I've posted it below for you all to enjoy. Happy Holidays!

What is your favorite Christmas song?

Welcome Year 30--Bring It On!

2009-12-02T07:53:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my birthday. I entered the 30 thirty club. I had no revelations about life nor did fall over into a depressed state. I simply received the birthday love and appreciated being here another year.

I had spoken to my mom the night before and she asked me if I had any bad feelings about turning 30 years old. I drew a blank. But, later I did start to think about the past thirty years and what I had accomplished. Of course, like most people I had dreams that changed as my life changed but I did accomplish most of them. I haven't had many goals set since college. So here are the new goals for the next 5 years of my life:

1.) Run a marathon (I have been slacking on the running.)
2.) Finish my master's degree (This has been in progress since 2007-I'm back at it)
3.) Go to law school (This is new and strange to me--more about this later)
4.) Have another child (Does this sound crazy or what considering #2 and #3)
5.) Write a book (life long dream)
6.) Go to an Oprah Show taping (I better hurry up on this one!)

There they are, out there in the blogosphere for all to judge. Maybe, I will set new goals after another five years has passed.

I did receive lots of phone calls at work, on my cell, and facebook was off the chain. I loved it!

Want to know what my smooth husband did for me?

He bought me this!

After what happened with the last one, he told me he would not buy another one.

Awwwww.......he loves me.

Life Changes Ahead

2009-11-20T21:03:00.000-08:00

Recently my son's daycare upruptly closed. It was hard on my husband and I, however we were already dragging our feet looking for new daycare/preschool, anyway. The series of events went like this:

*it rained on a Thursday evening,
*received a call on Friday morning about temporary shut down for a day - flood damage
*Received another call about closing for Monday and Tuesday
*Tuesday around lunch time I received the final call-We're closing indefinitely

OH, SHITTAKE!

I cannot tell you what is like to have your childcare snathced right out from under you but it leaves you with a feeling of inadequacey, urgency, and pure frenzy that makes you feel like you were the picture beside the word "chaos" in the dictionary. I took off Wednesday to search all around Central Arkansas for adequate childcare for my wild three year old, who needed some structure but a loving and caring environment that would allow his creativity to stay active.

I know I acted like I was looking for Mother Goose, herself. Let me tell you -- I didn't find her.

What I did find was a VERY structured preschool in a Christian environment with PATIETNT teachers. It is a predominently black school which was a sort of turn off for me because I am all about diversity. I wavered with that for a while, but then realized that it doesn't matter what the make up of his school is as long as it is a good one.

I was scared for him but, I am glad in my decision. I didn't have very many options but glad this option was made available to me. I was nervous for him on his first day. I was worried his potty training may lasp. I was fretful he would be scared and mad at me and his dad because we took him to a strange place and left him.

I picked him up and he was fine. He was more than fine -- he was sitting in a chair watching the Disney Channel with the other children awaiting their parents to pick them up. At the old place he would be running around and helping some other child cause havoc on the teacher.

Sometimes things happen to make us move faster. I am in love with my son's new preschool and since his two weeks there he has already participated in his first Thanksgiving program and family day.

He is the one in the middle (orange shirt) hugging himself while singing the chorus to Jesus loves me.

I am not sure if I have mentioned that my job will run its course on December 31st and therefore, I will be amongst the growing number of the unemployed. At first, I was looking forward to it but, now I am nervous, all over again. I used to want to be a stay at home mom but I have since changed my mind. I have been given a lot of great advice about how to stay "in the game" even though I am not working. I am so thankful for the advice I have been given and some of it will be used in the near future. I am thankful that my husband's business is doing well but there is no doubt about it -- my salary wil be greatly missed. I am pressing on and still have a few options but I have to be honest and say I am lost and unsure of my career's future. I don't know what is next. I love work. I want to work. I do have some ideas that I have tossed around to very few people, but nothing is etched in stone.

Then, as if I needed more life changes -- Oprah announced she was hanging up daytime talk. She doesn't know this but she helped me through those unsure months after college. I had no job, a toddler, and mounting school debt, yet, Oprah saw me through. I TiVo her everyday. She is my friend that I've never met. As I watched her announcement on Friday evening when I arrived home, I choked up with her. It felt like a break-up. You know, the whole "...it's not you, it's me..." routine. How could she do this to me?

So, in the words of an ex-girlfriend who doesn't want to let go:
PLEASE DON'T GO, OPRAH! I NEED YOU!

I'm BACK!

2009-11-12T11:25:00.000-08:00

I have not actually been taking a break. I have really missed blogging but my laptop broke after my self pity party. I plan to buy another one in December so my post may be a bit random until then because I am blogging from work. In the mean time, I have posted some pictures of what has been going in my world.

We said good bye to this little dude and graduated to the porcelain god who we have been treating with the ut-most respect.

I went to D.C. for my job and enjoyed it, as I do everytime I go.

I ate at this restaurant while I was there. It was delicious!

They had the coolest credit card swipe machine that the waiter brought to the table. No identity theft going on there. The waiter thought I was crazy for taking this picture. I know, I don't get out much!

My kids and I hiked this mountain. My legs hurt for days! It was great time with the kids though! We are bring the hubs next time.

Here is a shot on the way down. Everyone was grouchy and hungry by this time and had bad bug bites. We'll be better prepared the next time.

Oh, the Pumpkin Patch--it was wet and muddy! But, we came prepared.

I got these cute boots for the trip. I should have taken a picture of his because they were cute, too!

It has been college football season in Arkansas and everywhere you go there is a Razorback icon. Two things we love in Arkansas: Wal-Mart and the Arkansas Razorbacks. Wooooo! Pig Sooie!

I shopped at a great consignment sale. I will never buy my kids new school uniforms again!

We started the school year off right. Took a coouple of weeks for me, the teacher and him to get on the same page but there is evidence we actually go it together. Look out Sasha Obama--I am getting him right for you. I promise I won't turn him over until he is well prepared.

Last but not least--someone had a birthday and sadly all we did was take this picture. :( I know, I should be ashamed. Next year, it will be on and popping!

In the mean time, please don't give up on me. I love blogging and I am a blogger! I will be back at your blogs as well. Let the comments begin!

Go ahead.....post your thoughts....

Right there below this post.

Yes...there.

Thank you!

BLANK

2009-09-17T14:36:00.000-07:00

NO. MOTIVATION. TO. BLOG. WHATSOEVER.

HELP.

Get Organized and Expose Your Shame

2009-09-11T07:52:00.000-07:00

So I was blog hopping last night and came across this post at BizzieMommy on getting rid of clutter. This was motivation for me to get it done. I have joined in the fun of cleaning up the clutter in my house and posted my pictures too.... Please look, close your browser, walk away and then talk about me. I can take it much better that way.

Okay, you are now welcome to gawk.

(desktop no one uses)

(Victoria's Secret is the bag: She actually hides a gap in the blinds)

(Oh the shame of how this corner of my bedroom looks like a college dorm)

(yes I see the fire hazard, but don't I have good taste in reading materials)

Whew, now that I have shamed myself beyond no end --please join us in decluttering. Go here and follow the directions and show your shame too!

Come on people....

2009-09-10T14:46:00.000-07:00

I started to watch the speech given by President Obama last night but soon turned as I started to see Republicans rolling their eyes and picking their fingers. Really, do you have to be that immature? We can agree to disagree and we can agree to be on two different sides of the fence but to disrespect in such a way that my eight year old recognizes the horrible treatment. COME. ON. PEOPLE.

In the the words of Mary J. Blige--We don't need no haters! Ain't got no time for HATERATION!

I saw too many green faces. And then when I watched CNN and Nightline later to get the recap on the speech and found out that this man disrespected him even more.

He acted as if he was on some reality TV show on VH1 or MTV. That is where we expect behavior of this capacity. He must have had a flash back to his fraternity days and imagined the President as the rival college. He probably wanted to go and trash the oval office afterwards with toilet paper and such. Clearly he has t-shirts that read TEAM PALIN. I believe he thought he was at a rally. Once again....COME. ON. PEOPLE. Look at who you are electing to make decisions for you. These men acted like children last night and I am ashamed for them and of them.

I don't know where I stand on the health care reform because of all these people yelling and shouting about public option. They are clouding the facts and half the time I just cannot hear or understand for all the shouting.

Excuse me but did someone ever give a definition of public option and I missed it? I have been hearing that phrase so much that I am trying to figure out if I missed this in college or grade school. How come everyone speaks of this phrase and but gives no details? Am I missing the details? Oh wait...I know what it is. I bet someone started shouting what it was and I was instantly turned off. Funny, I thought I would be able to watch the President and not be distracted but oh contrare, African American Mom...you were. COME. ON. PEOPLE.

And yes I am on my soap box but, I also found out yesterday that my health insurance went up 9%. I mad and that is all.

Side note: Was Michelle Obama on POINT or what? Purple is her color.

Mommy's New Toy

2009-09-09T08:20:00.000-07:00

I got a new printer this weeekend. I no longer have to get my pictures developed at Wal-Mart. Yea! I love this new inexpensive printer. I can scan, print, and copy. I can now make homework for my son. Yea!

The kids appreciate my new purchase as well. Evidence below--their new toy.

No life Change

2009-09-09T08:10:00.000-07:00

Still the same old me. No new job.....trying to be thankful for the one I do have. I'm appreciative but my turned something terrible when I found out it ws not me they wanted. Sometimes that can really be blow to the ego. I am trying to be creative and figure out what I can do in the current job.

Changing Habits

2009-09-03T08:26:00.001-07:00

So, lately with my running I have been trying to change my eating habits, exercise habits and overall lifestyle. Here are a few changes I have made so far:

1.) Not searching for the closest parking space

2.) Eating more raw vegetables

3.) Buying and consuming wheat and grain products

4.) Bringing my lunch to work

5.) Implementing our reading power hour at 8pm

Things that I should probably work better on:

1.) Eating two chocolate chip cookies after I have had such a healthy lunch 2 days in row

2.) Drinking Sprite with my healthy lunch

3.) Not letting my veggies swim in ranch dressing--I love ranch

4.) My soon to be Michelle Obama arms--I am slacking--what will she think at the wedding?

5.) Enforcing our reading power hour at 8pm

Things my kids have picked up from the changes I have made:

1.) They drink water!!!

2.) The oldest runs with me in the evening. He pushes me. Yesterday the youngest got out of his little buggy and ran down our street the rest of the way home. I got me some little runners on my hands. If only I can get their dad to join. I am still working on him. Apparently he thinks he is too cool to exercise.

3.) They watch less TV

4.) They are spending more time reading

I am trying to lead by example. I have decided to stop complaining about work, fatigue and hunger in front of them. I am exuding positivity for them much as I can tolerate. However, I did yell at them last night after I told them way too many times to get in the shower.

I know. I'm a work in progress.

Wednesday's Randoms

2009-08-31T08:37:00.001-07:00

Well I have some random things running through my mind:

1.) Got a life changing event that may happen Friday. I am super excited. I hope to tell about it later.

2.) I tried to email my son's teacher last night. I had questions-lots. I was typing away when I accidentally hit the back button. Great email, gone. I was too tired to start over.

3.) I went to a beautiful wedding on Saturday. It was an outside wedding which included a mansion, horse and carriage, over flowing drinks, good food and music. I also had a mini reunion with childhood friends that I had not seen in years. Did I mention I was out with my husband, dressed up and on a break from the kids? It was good evening.

4.) A co-worker of mine is leaving to take a new job. Her last day is tomorrow. I am really sad about this. We have worked together for the past 4 1/2 years. She became a dear friend in that time. I am happy for her but sad for me.

5.) My current job ends on December 31st--I am nervous about this and yet excited at the same time. It is definitely time for change.

6.) I was really fly a the wedding on Saturday.

7.) I participated in a 5k earlier this year. I didn't run it but I had been running, from March til the end of May. I liked it. No, I loved it. I missed ii so I have begun to run again. I run Saturday mornings and at least 3-4 days after work. I give it a good 20-30 minutes. The kids love joining me. My oldest will kick around his soccer ball or ride his electric scooter and my youngest loves to be pushed in his little riding car. Jogging stroller my foot! As long as we have wheels, we are gone!

8.) I am done with randoms for now. I need to try and email my son's teacher again.

UGH!!!

2009-08-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning and saw this. As much as I like the lessons board games teach I am refraining from buying more until my two year becomes a four year old. Going back to bed now. This mess has disturbed me.

Weirdest Thing Happened

2009-08-28T07:46:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday I picked my youngest up from daycare as I usually do. My gas hand was low so we drove across the street to fill up. I was on the phone at the same time and listening to a juicy story from a friend. I was well into that conversation.

As I pulled up to the pump, there was a grungy man getting gas on the other side. He looked as if he had just gotten off his construction job. His truck looked like one I may have seen on a construction site. None the less, he looked as if he had provided his employer a good work day. So, he was standing on my side when I pulled up. He made sure to make eye contact with me. Me, I just nodded my head. I kept it polite. Well, as I got out I was still engrossed in my oh so juicy convo--he moved to his side. At least that is what I thought. He instead just walked around the pump to apparently come and pump my gas. Was he waiting on me?

Meanwhile, my friend is burning my ear with her newest boyfriend news, while this guy makes sure to beat my hand to the pump and opens my gas tank to readily pump my gas. Did I ask him to do that? I tried to keep my focus on my conversation but at this point it was pretty hard. This man who seemed like a tired worker now just seemed creepy. C.R.E.E.P.Y. He really didn't say much but maybe that was because I was on the phone and he probably thought I was getting off.

I barely heard him ask,"How much?" as he placed the pump in my gas tank because I was trying to split my attention between he and my friend. I briefly told him that I was filling up. Do you know this dude tried to stay with me at the pump. Now what about a woman talking on the phone would invite you to stay? I wanted him to go away. I quickly looked to see if his gas was done pumping. Guess what. He was not even pumpimg gas. WTH?!?

Okay, time for quick thinking....

Me: Oh, you need me to come now. It's time for the baby! I'm on my way! (sounding uberly urgent)
Friend on phone: What? Baby? Are you talking to me? Girl, there's no baby here!(sounding really confused)
Me: Yes, just stay on the phone with me and I will keep you calm,______ (insert friend's name)
Friend on phone: Ummm.....not sure what is going on but I am staying on the phone 'cause I sense something is wrong.
Me: You are such a good friend. (sounding very cheerful)

I stopped that pump at $13 and I don't know if you know this but, that barely got me 1/4 of tank of gas in my 4Runner but I knew I could make it home. I was out.

When I jumped in the car he waved bye and I sped off. It was a totally random situation. I explained to my friend about what was going on and she said she could tell something was up and that she needed to stay on. It is great to have good friends that are so in tune with you. And for that I am thankful.

That's why you a midget head!

2009-08-23T22:42:00.000-07:00

That is what some ~~bad ass~~ behavior challenged kid said to my son before I finally intervened. Yep, I was truly ~~pissed~~ upset when my son was verbally attacked for playing on the rock wall at the playground. I don't care if you are shorter than four feet tall. The mama lion emerges.

I saw the rock wall and decided it would be a great place to set up play on this beautiful (past) Sunday. There were kids already on it. This usually means a good a good time for my kids. Most kids like kids and they make friends easily, including mine. But, oh were these kids cut from a different cloth. You know the bad ass cloth.

As soon as my oldest son approached the wall he was taunted by the 5 children who already consumed the wall. Their parents were in earshot but not paying attention because they were consumed in their club happenings from the night before (per overheard conversation). The ring leader said, "Look at this stupid boy." Of course the others were his Amen choir. Some just looking and some nodding their heads. My boy retaliated, "So what, you got a problem." He laid the law down that you could not and would not mess with him. ~~Bad ass~~ Behavior challenged kid did not get the message.

He kept going at my son for about 15-20 minutes. My son kept going back and forth with him. I hated to see it but I have been told by husband that boys need to be able to stand their ground. So, I took a back seat. This little boy and my son bickered and played and bickered and played. It was getting on my nerves that my son was responding to such nonsense and that the little boy kept it coming.

SHUT UP, ALREADY! --I thought.

I realized that my sweetie pie eight year old was holding his ground but my two year old saw and heard this altercation. He did not like what he saw or heard. You better not mess with his brother. He walks up to this little boy, who I later learned was five and in the kintergarden and says, "Oh yeah!", with so much attitude. My two year old is a tough little cookie. He is the rough and tough boy and my oldest is Mr. Nice Guy.

The little boy came to me to try and tell on my son. I kept mama lion inside and let out the responsible-parent-who tries-to-teach-something-out-of-every-life-experience even to ~~bad ass~~ behavior challenged kids that do not belong to her. I told the little boy,"I saw you and him speaking to each other in a way that was not nice." (Why is this little boy's mama not paying attention?) I told him and my son that if they had such a problem with each other why not squash it and decide to be friends. You know start fresh

I don't want to be his friend!

The look of horror came across my face because it was not the little boy who said that. It was my son---Mr. Nice Guy. *sigh* Mmmm,kay.

Me: Well if you are not going to be friends then stop talking to each and play. I will not hear anymore name calling or mean talk.

Neither of them responded but, they went on playing without any more words toward each other. Oh, good. I thought. Peace.

Then the little ~~bad ass~~ behavior challenged kid walked across the playground equipment that my son was hanging upside-down from and stomped on his hand. I had listened to enough. I told my two kids to come on. My eight year old was upset to leave but he came. My two year on the other hand was in motion to attack the little boy. Needless to say, I scooped him up and we left. My oldest told me he did not want to fight him because he was younger and smaller. I agreed and added that it would not have solved anything. He said, " I just couldn't stand him talking to me that way. I just had to say something everytime."

Better him than me 'cause I can think of plenty of things I wanted to say that were not appriopiate play ground talk.

(My rough and tough with one of the nicer kids at the park that day)

And for that McDonald's, you can sit in TIME OUT!

2009-08-19T14:52:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was the worst experience I have had at McDonald's. We probably go there about once a month and this particular one I will not be returning.

It was remodeled last year so it looks very nice and even has a homey decor, fireplace and all. That was pretty much where everything stopped being nice.

While we ordered our food there was this pesky fly swarming around us. I ordered one of their new featured meals. I had a coupon that said if I ordered the fries and drink then I get the burger free. The burger cost $3.99. the discount on my ticket said $3.19. What is wrong with that calculation?

Next, my burger did not have mayo. No biggie. I go to the counter and ask them if get some mayonnaise on my burger.

Cashier: You can but it will be $0.35.
ME: *blank stare*
Cashier: $0.35, yes ma'am.
Me: The burger doesn't come with mayonnaise on it?
Cashier: No ma'am, but we can put some on there for $0.35.
Me: Fine, let me go get it. (back at table, no change in purse, go back to counter)
I was very annoyed at this point.

Me: Here is my debit card. Sorry I don't have any change.
Cashier: Oh that's okay. We'll put some on for you anyway.

Oh, so you just like seeing me sweat and leave my kids at table unattended with the flies that will not leave us alone. Of course, I didn't really say this. I just said thank you and went back to fighting the new flies that had obviously found our table.

While swatting flies, we ate. (Who ever ate at a McD's with a whole bunch of flies swarming around?) We finished up and then of curse my youngest needs to go potty. We forgot our little friend. Okay, I can handle this.

We walked into the bathroom and it looked like the swine flu! I don't know what the swine flu looks like under a microscope but I bet it looks like that bathroom. there was used toilet paper on the floor. It smelled awful. Water was on the floor and the counter top. The whole time I am checking out the scene I am saying to my two year old, "Don't touch anything, Don't touch." You know real calm like so not to upset him but stern enough for him to know she means it. I barely wanted to breathe for fear that a germ could be swallowed through the air. I know--crazy silly thoughts.

Unfortunately when you are potty training and your kids has on underwear and you forgot to bring his potty, then you are going to have to just make due with the 'swine flu' bathroom.

The first stall explained why it smelled awful. "The second stall was just gross. The toilet was smeared, floor was wet and the toilet paper everywhere. We chose the 2nd one because both of our responses with the first one was---EWW!

I took out our wipes and hand sanitizer. I squeezed hand sanitizer on the seat and used wipe to clean it up. I am hoping I killed at 99.9% of the germs. I laid toilet paper on the seat and then he did his business. My only words to my baby while were in this bathroom were, "Don't touch, do not touch, please don't touch anything. Thank you, big boy." I vowed to not forget the potty again.

It was the worst McDonald's experience we have had. I guess it's what happens when you don't feed your family a healthy meal. Their health is threatened in more ways than one.

Shoe Shopping While I Potty Train

2009-07-27T09:24:00.000-07:00

I went shoe shopping with the kids yesterday and it was pure hell. Yes, hell. Did I tell you it was hell? Well, it was...hell. If you want to go crazy, fast, go shopping with your kids.

The youngest one needed shoes because he only had that one pair since the last time I purchased them. In the midst of gearing up for shoe shoping with the kids, my oldest says he needs new shoes too because his current shoes are small. He usually has 3 pair on hand so that he can rotate. He is rough on shoes and we find that if he has a couple of pairs they will last longer. We generaly get hand-me-downs for him so he mostly wears hand-me-downs to play in and mommy-bought shoes, which tend to be his nice pair, to go to school and the non-playing places.

Well, I was not planning on buying his shoes for another week. When I felt his toes all squished up in his shoes, I knew then and there I was going to have to buy quite a few shoes that day. He had been wearing those shoes with this toes squished all summer, according to him.

Why did he not tell me!?!? His answer: Ugh...I just wait on you to buy me shoes. I know, I know---I gave way too much credit to my 8 year old.

So, I packed up my kids along with our Fisher-Price Precious Planet Froggy Friend Potty that we travel with on a daily basis for the little one. Yes, I am the mother who has her child pee in the back of her 4Runner and then dumps her "child's left over apple juice" while no one is looking. Call me what you will but my child has not had an accident in public yet, so I guess you can call me smart, efficient and gross at the same time.

Here's what we were shooting for:

2 for school for the 8 year old
1 for the rest of the summer and weekend play - 8 year old
2 for the two year old because he was the initial reason for the excursion

We went to a total of four stores. We came out with 5 pair and only one pair of Nikes. Which is surprising because that is usually always my shoes of choice outside of New Balance. So anyway, I am eating my past words and am admitting I bought them both a pair from.....
.

I know.

I know.

I know.

I did say that I do not buy my kids shoes from Payless but I knew I needed to get some inexpensive shoes for my oldest's last days of day camp and I refused to buy any name brand for him to tear up. We arrived and low and behold I found a pair that he and I really liked. So, I take back my past statements and now I am an advocate. I ended up getting my youngest a pair as well. Here they are:

I think we faired well. What do you think?

Vacation Bible School and Swim Lessons are Somewhat Related

2009-07-20T08:40:00.001-07:00

For the past two weeks I have been running myself crazy after work. Last week we were in swimming lessons all week and the week before that we were in Vacation Bible School (VBS). VBS started at 6:30pm. This was perfect for me because I get off work at 5pm and by the time I pick everyone up we are usually home by 5:45pm. It gave me time to prepare snack and get my oldest to VBS. My youngest and I generally went back home and prepared dinner. We then headed back out to pick him up by 8:20pm.

My son had been asking about baptism because on Sunday at church we took Communion (juice and crackers/ Last Supper--you get the idea). At my church you partake in this if you have been baptised. He wanted to know why he was taking it and his little brother was not.

Easy answer.

"You have been baptised and your little brother has not."

Yeah Right. Easy answer, my foot!

This, of course, brought up more questions and a great learning lesson about baptism. It was a chance to talk with him about a time when he was a baby. He loves those stories. I have to admit, I am almost thirty and I still love hearing my baby stories.

So, We talked about who was there and when it happened and why it has not happened for his brother, etc. Later in the week he spoke to me about how three of his VBS classmates decided that they were getting baptised on Sunday and they were getting dipped in the water. Well, my son was not dipped into the water. He was sprinkled. More questions and more answers entailed. He had great lesson about Baptism that week. But Little did I know that Baptism is an ongoing lesson.

Fast Forward to the following week of swimming lessons--it was the day they learned to float on their backs.

I am sure you can see where this story is going.

My son was sitting on the side of the pool when he was asked to come forward and be the example. He explains to my son that he "...will need to be on his back and it will seem like he going to be dipped into the water. My son then replies, "I've already been baptised!"

Yeah...He said it.
(Note to self: Tell son how Baptism happens in church like setting, i.e pastor, family, prayer, etc.)

The little girl sitting next to him gave him the side eye. He saw her and reiterated his status. "I have. Didn't I Mommy?"

Pretty much all of the parents were laughing, including myself.

You know what else happened in June?

2009-07-09T11:42:00.001-07:00

My husband celebrated his 30th Birthday, we sort of celebrated our 2nd anniversary, and father's day came and went.

I was so busy planning my husband's surprise birthday party that I didn't do anything for our anniversary. He landed a new BIG account so he did nothing as well. I know -- We suck.

However, I threw him a fantastic party with our closest family and friends attending. It was perfect, aside from my crappy decorations. I was so excited to do it for him. He told me a couple years ago that he had never had a birthday party . I thought that was strange. I asked his mom and she confirmed his statement. Therefore I threw him a party that I am still getting great kudos for. I receive serious brownie points from him.

I did not tell my oldest son until 4 hours before the party because, I knew he would have blown my cover. Once he was told, his response was priceless.

"Well I hope no one told him!"

I am raising the President's Son-in-Law

2009-07-06T14:43:00.000-07:00

My oldest son and the President's youngest daughter share a birthday. They are exactly the same age. Doesn't that mean that it is their destiny to be together?

My best friend always makes a note that we are raising our sons to be someone's husband. Can't I just say that I am raising my son to be Sasha Obama's husband? Who better to groom my son to marry than the president's daughter? If I have not taught my son anything, it is to only accept the very best. Can't you just see Michelle and I helping Sasha pick out her wedding gown?

*pause*

Ten years from now I'll be blogging about it!

To celebrate the special occasion we gave my son an electric Razor scooter. He loved it. Of course, I was sad because he is no longer the little gift I received before I graduated college. He is my big gift full of energy, sensitivity and kindness. He is still that caring individual who always makes sure that Mommy is okay. He is my sweetie pie who is now eight. Oh my gosh, it makes me sad just think about it.

He Knows Michael Jackson Music When He Hears It

2009-07-06T13:59:00.000-07:00

Yep, you read right. He knows it and not just one song. Every since MJ passed away we have been on Michael Jackson overload. His videos are everywhere and Comcast OnDemand has provided us with wealth of a MJ music library. Last year when Michael turned 50, Comcast paid tribute to him by making all types of videos and interviews available OnDemand. My oldest son fell in love with his music and has been a fan ever since.

His words were when he learned of Michael Jackson's death, "Oh, I just wish I could have seen him in real life."

To my surprise--although I should not be--my two year has become a fan as well. Yes, ladies and gentlemen---Michael was an ultimate performer for all ages. I don't care what you think about his personal life but his music is immortal.

I heard him singing last week, "Dwwi-lllllla, Dwilla my!"
Translation: Thriller, Thriller Night!

He even knows it is Michael Jackson when he hears it. The other day I heard him singing, "Deedet, Deedet!"
Translation: Beat It! Beat It!

We live close to the President Clinton Library and attended their family fest for the fourth of July. They had a dance group on stage who paid tribute to Michael Jackson by mixing up some dance moves along with his music.

You think my baby didn't get out there in front of the stage and bust a move? Oh, yes he did with all of the rhythm he could conjure up, which was not much but he was giving Michael his respect. He kept saying "Midul Daxon!"

Strange how kids pick these things up. We are not even die hard Michael Jackson fans but I guess you can say we love his music. I always say that your kids are an exaggerated reflection of you (except the part where they have no rhythm--I just cannot claim that).

R.I.P. Michael Jackson!

I blinked and June passed by...

2009-07-02T11:23:00.000-07:00

June just whisked by me so fast. We went on vacation and when we came back it was on and popping. I feel like I need another vacation just to get over June. I plan to take a day or so in July when the kids and husband are away at work and summer camp.

My vacation was a blast. I feel like it was short and could have been longer but I will definitely know for the next time. Yes, we all agreed that we will do it again. My immediate family---husband, 2 kids and me-- have been going on vacation for the past three years and I would recommend every family do it. It does not matter where you go, just as long as you are all there and it is away from the house, your house.

The last two vacations we went to Disney World. We have great memories but the last time was more tiring than fun and we experienced a sick child while traveling. Let me just say this: TRAVEL INSURANCE IS WORTH IT! My husband and I decided that a much needed, more relaxing vacation was the only way to go for the next time.

This year we went to Panama City Beach, Florida. They have beautiful beach water. It is a very laid back town. This vacation we went with my mom, her husband, their 14 year old, my older brother and his wife and 4 kids plus me and my family. We had 14 total when you include my nephew from my younger brother. My younger brother is in the Navy sand he could not get leave to go but we enjoyed his son instead. There were a total of 5 boys ages 7-13, two 2 year olds and one 15 year old girl. We had a wide range in ages with the kids ages.

We rented a 4 bedroom house that we had no complaints about. It was gorgeous! We may rent it again next year. Our time consisted of beach, beach, and more beach! It was inexpensive and I suggest to anyone to take a vacation with extended family because my husband, brother, sister-in-law and I went out two nights in a row. We got the best of both worlds: vacation with the kids and some alone time in the evening. We had so much grilled food that when we made it back home we wanted no beef, pork, or chicken. And you won't believe we were by the beach for 5 days and did not eat any seafood. I know, right!?! It's probably a sin to go to the beach and not have seafood. We had to get all the way home in order to realize our one regret from the trip.

Needless to say, we had fish upon arriving home.

I am still a blogger

2009-06-23T23:22:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy this month that I barely have time to write this post. I have been feeling this tug to blog. I have so much to talk about that it is almost overwhelming.

In the last 3 weeks I have vacationed in Panama City Beach, Florida, attended 4 little league baseballl games in extreme heat, toted my children to 3 baseball practices, celebrated my oldest child's 8th birthday, had a second wedding anniversary, threw my husband a surprise 30th birthday party and started a taking a writing class online. My husband's business almost doubled over night so therefore he is at home here and there and I am very sleep deprived. Oh....I almost forgot; I also started sewing my first apron.

Yep. I've been busy. I've got a lot of stories to tell and many of my favorite blogs to visit. I have been neglecting the my blog and others as well.

I'll be back.

So I thought I looked cute but I guess after a 5k you are not suppose to

2009-05-27T13:38:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of my youngest son and I from the 5K. Don't ask me what I was doing. I do swear that I was not picking my nose. I only do that behind close doors. I was probably thinking about the pizza I was about to consume. Who knows. It does, however look like my son was on some sort of mission. Can you tell that he really thinks that he is driving that thing? Don't I look out of place with my casual wear on while everyone else looked like they belonged in the race? Crazy me -- I know!

We were getting ready to cross the finish line and have our time recorded. I think they should give special medals to those that complete races with kids. Enjoy!

Sometimes You have to Let Those Hand-me-downs Go

2009-05-18T13:52:00.000-07:00

My youngest son has not had many new clothes in his 2 years of life. He generally wears all his older brother's clothes that have most likely made their way to another little boy's closet before they made their journey back to our house. We use it all - socks, t-shirts, play clothes, church clothes even underwear (only worn by my oldest son). It has not been often that I have been able to recycle shoes because my oldest was so hard on them by the time he was 12 months old. Yet, somehow we still have a few to choose from.

We are now at the point where we are having to buy shoes for him. As usual, I try to remember before I buy anything to look through our stash or as I call it in our house---the treasure chest.

I found a pair of NIKE shoes. They looked good, didn't smell bad and I remembered I had actually received them from a friend who has a son older than my oldest son. So, these were serious hand-me-down shoes. If memory serves me correct, they were worn very little by my son and worn very little by my friend's son, as well. So, I knew these shoes would last some time or at least until I was prepared to buy more. Shoes for little boys are expensive. We do not sport cartoon character shoes in my house, so shoes for my boys will always be expensive.

Call me a shoe snob and I will say thank you (only for my boys--me, I could careless).

I put his shoes on the morning after the big FIND. When I went to pick him up that afternoon, I saw pieces of rubber in his cubby. The soles of his shoes had come apart. Oh my gosh! I sent my baby to school in horrible shoes.

I had no idea what the rubber was at first. I asked his teacher "What is this?" She responds as if she is embarrassed for me "Well we saw some of the kids playing with the rubber parts of shoes and we had to search whose shoes had fallen apart. We saw your son was missing his soles and figure maybe you wanted to salvage what was left." Ummm, why would I want to salvage a run down shoe....is what I wanted to ask her but I didn't. When I noticed she was embarrassed for me I responded "Yeah, I bet I can have those up and going by tonight--we're in a recession." She seemed surprised. I was glad because I do not embarrass easily and do not take kindly to those trying to make me feel that way either.

Let me just take time to say that my baby looked like he had on socks with a NIKE check. The soles were completely gone, GONE. My husband claims that we should have been embarrassed. Whateva....

Needless to say, I did toss the shoes, but I had to replace them immediately because we were on our way to big brother's baseball game. What store was on the way?

I have never bought my kids shoes out of Payless. Me, yes. Them, no. There I am, again. Shoe Snob.

I found a pair that I actually liked. I was really impressed, but I let me tell you there is slim picking for little boys at Payless unless you are into cartoon characters for your sons. I am not but to each his own, just not mine. Do you know his shoes cost me $19.83? WTH?!?! This is Payless! Boys shoes cost too much anywhere you go. I saw the little girl's shoes going for $5, $6, and $7. Did I mention they took up the most of the wall.

This is why I keep my treasure chest around. My husband hates all those extra clothes junking up our attic but, I look up there and see dollar signs---MONEY SAVED!

You just have to know when to let them go!

I completed my first 5K!.....with 2yr old in tow

2009-05-11T06:55:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to get out of my BLAH BLAH mood. In order to do so I have been trying to think of good things I have done and how this job does not define me, even if it and my co-workers have been apart of my life for the last 4 years. Mother's Day was the beginning of my positive thinking. I started thinking of all the things I have done and well, I simply forgot I completed my first 5K a week ago.

My job hosts a lot of events. We host a 5K every year. It raises money and awareness for one of our ongoing projects. It is not a project I work on directly but I decided I wanted to be involved this year. What better way to get involved than to enter the race itself.

I decided I was going to take my children with me. We would would do it together. I have been trying to hard to promote good health through exercise and good eating. This may not a happen all the time but you know you are doing your job when the family goes out for pizza and your 7 year says "we really shouldn't eat this but, if we take a napkin and soak up some the grease off the top of the pizza then maybe it won' be so bad." Let's just say, I proudly soaked up the grease off my pizza. He actually listens to me. (I'm gushing thinking about it, now.)

My 7 year old and his dad went to see Wolverine---Originals, so I only had on kid in tow. I brought his little buggy. This is what it looks like. We use it everyday to go running jogging walking and jogging around the neighborhood.

Here is a picture I took of him one day, when he fell asleep in it.

Anyway, I just wanted you to know what I was working with. It rolls fine. The front has a compartment in which we used to hold his sipee cup and his most important essentials---Spider man and Indian Jones action figures. So, we took it.

Upon arriving we encountered at least 25 stairs on the way in, the unorganized registration table, 3 temper tantrums and a lost Indian Jones. The race started at 7pm and I was already tired. Oh, yeah and I forgot to change into my walking shoes. I thought I would be okay so I went ahead.

These are the shoes I was wearing and do not recommend anyone wear for a 3.1 mile walk on concrete streets.

I repeat....DO NOT WEAR WHILE WALKING 5K. They are cute however and perfect for those Saturday morning soccer games.

Once the horn blew I was not ready, but I coaxed my child into his imaginary car and off we went, walking slowly because I had the wrong pants, too. Blue jean Capri's. Dumb, dumb, dumb, me.

We walked the first 1K fast. There were at people at every corner waving and this amused my son. He waved right back with Spider man in one hand and Indiana Jones in the other. We walked along side other walkers, one mother with a 3 year old, a middle aged couple and one old guy who ended up passing us but somehow at the end I saw him behind us. I don't know how that happened.

Somewhere around 3K my left foot was saying "Go home!" It was aching! Yet, I trudged on like there was nothing wrong with me because that's how I roll--no stress, no mess. And I did look cute, even though, silently my feet moaned during a slow death.

Right before the 4K the mom beside me pulled some snacks for her son and of course mine caught a glimpse of that banana and knew it was time for him to munch on something as well. If only I had something for him to munch on. DAMN! Our bag with all of our necessities were in my truck. I simply told him "We'll get something in a minute" and started to sing the ABC's to distract him. He was okay. Needless to say, I made my achy foot and whiny child speed past my new, now "ex" walking buddy and her child. I couldn't have those kinds of distractions when I was almost done with the last stretched. I did not want to be quitter.

As we were nearing the finish line my son was silently mumbling about Monkeys jumping in the bed and bumping their heads, we could see the party up ahead. There was a small crown there cheering which I should have been appreciated but didn't. My son on the other hand was ecstatic. He cheered and clapped his hands right along with them as if he knew what all the excitement was about. So we finished the race in 53 minutes and 8 seconds, 93rd place for women and 197 out of a total of 203 participants and no temper tantrums.

Suddenly my foot was okay and the after party took over me and my son. It was outside in the park where the ran began and ended. We ate free pizza and drank all the Gatorade we wanted. I was so relaxed that I let him figure out the spout to the cooler and get his own and EVEN let him drink out a cup.....with not lid. This is something I do not do but hey, I just walked 3.1 miles and my left foot ached most of the way all while pushing my son in his buggy. Gatorade was all over his shirt. A dog nearby noticed him at the Gatorade cooler and decided to come and get a sip. Of course my son figured this out and a friendship was born. He'd release some Gatorade, the dog would get something to drink and my son got to hold his tail.

There was a band there and my son enjoyed it along with the pizza and Gatorade. We stayed until the mosquitoes became unbearable. So, there is my accomplishment. It is no big deal that I walked a 5K but it is a big deal that I was cute, I had on the wrong shoes, I had my 2 year whom I did not snacks for and I had on the most uncomfortable pants.

I can do anything, anything! I am ready to conquer the world!

Just One of Those Days

2009-05-05T12:48:00.000-07:00

So, today I am sitting in my new office. No, not a new job, just a new office. I hate it. Not because it is change but because it is not change of job. It is time for me to move on from this place but the economy says otherwise. You you know what I say to the economy.....SCREW YOU!

That felt a little better.....

Still I feel blah. My best friend is at the doctor's office getting lord knows what kind of news. I am awaiting that call and it is just 2:50pm. Come on 5 o'clock!!

I am sorry for rambling but mind is rambling and this is how it is coming out.

My son's daycare is about to change. We know it is time for this change. He is not getting the right care and probaly has not for a year now. The new problem is I have to find another daycare that is adequate for us and up to our new standards...whatever they seem to be. I am not sure at this point because I don't what is available to my child. Waiting list, phone calls, research, etc....UGH!! Too many decisions and issues to address...

I had terrible communication (an argument) with my husband this morning and I have been fighting back tears of anger and hurt all morning. I have been praying so that I approach him respectfully when I get home, so I don't throw this blah blah mood onto him. Or did he do it to me? Who cares....I just want to be out of this funk.

Still unpacking this god forsaken office. Files, files and more files.

Calgone (or facebook) take me away!!!

Boys have Weiners and my husband is still SMOOTH

2009-04-24T07:11:00.000-07:00

Yes, they do and my husband, he is smother than Obama.

My oldest son had a writing assignment in class to write formal letters to choice friends in his class. I knew they had these letters to write but I did not read his until last night. They were cute. Some said things like "I am glad you are nice", "You always make me laugh", and "How many sisters and brothers do you have?" The students could each write to whom ever they wanted to in class. One of my sons best friends is in his class. We are good friends with his mom and have known them since the boys were 3 years of age.

Here is what BF's letter said:

Yes, you read right.....winer.

Translation = weiner.

So, my husband intercepted the letter the afternoon it came home. I heard about it after my son's baseball practice. First of all, for you readers wondering why I am giving this letter attention---it is because my husband told me that little black boys do not need to be writing about other little boys private parts even though it may seem innocent.

This little boy plays on my son's baseball team so we saw him the same day the letter came home. My husband said the more he thought about it,the more he ws bothered by the whole letter. This particular boy's father is not in his life and his mother was out of town this week for work. My husband said he really liked the kid and decided this would be a "man learning moment" for our son and his BF.

He told me that he took the both of them over to the side before pratice kicked off and talked to them about the letter. (My husband is the coach, so it was easy to hold practice up. Did I tell you he is the man?) He told them that the letter was inappropiate and "little boys should never write or talk about other little boys weiners, ever...period." BF tries to explain his case by telling my husband -- "But Coach, I thought he was holding his weiner." Of course my husband repeated himself...."little boys should never write or talk about other little boys weiners, ever...period." Sometimes no explaination is the best explaination. And this is why I believe our little boys need a constant male figure in their life. The message would not have been the same. My husband made it clear and my son and his BF will probably never write about "weiners" again. To BF's defense, he really was trying to apologize. My son told me later that his feelings were hurt by his BF telling everyone and he later asked him even after the letter if thery were still friends. It really was innocent, however my husband's point was well taken.

Little boys should never write or talk about other little boys weiners, ever...period.

Later that evening when my husband was giving me this story he kept using the word "weiner" as if this is what we say in our house. I kept trying to hold back laughter because listening to an almost thirty year old man say "weiner" was kind of funny. Can we teach our kids the correct names to private parts?

I was very appreciative and turned on by his responsiveness to the situation. He was rewarded accordingly.

Now, I am sure you are wondering.....how did the teacher let this slip by? Yeah, we are wondering the same thing.

My Boy likes to POTTY all the time.....POTTY ALL THE TIME!

2009-04-08T12:55:00.000-07:00

This morning was a great morning! I woke up early because this is bench mark exam week for my oldest and the school says he needs a good breakfast to get his mind right for those exams. Why this is the only time they suggest you feed your kid a good meal before school is beyond me.....but I complied and made bacon to go with the usual toaster waffles. When I woke the boys up this morning, my husband was still asleep. So, I was alone for the first few minutes with the kids. My oldest woke up and went straight for the bathroom. I pulled my younger monster out of the crib and grabbed the little potty on the way to my bedroom. He usually never does anything in this potty but I make him sit anyway. Who knows when he will decide to leave a little surprise! So, I turned on Sesame Street and got dressed.

I went to the kitchen and pulled the bacon out of the oven. My baby came into the kitchen and says, "Mommy, Pee Pee Potty." He says this all the time. I really just ignore him because it never means anything. I fix the oldest one's plate and go get pull-up so the little one can eat, too. He is still saying, "Pee Pee, Potty!" Finally, I go to my bedroom and see my little surprise came today. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, pee pee entered the potty, stayed in bounds and scored! TOUCH DOWN! Or should I say, A HOLE IN ONE? I don't know, but who cares. He peed in that pot!

I was so excited that I started doing the potty dance, not that confusing one on the Pull Ups commercial* but our own version that sort of mimics Eddie Murphy's one hit wonder--Party All the Time. Even my oldest chimes in. My husband hears the commotion and I tell him with all excitement that the boy peed in the potty. I swear you would have thought I won the lottery or something. You want to know what my husband said?

"Yeah, I heard the singing."

He said this so nonchalantly. I swear he is so cool.** But for this occassion, can I get the song and dance from him, too? We should have all been getting our groove on this morning. I am still feeling so good about it that I am going to get my party going again right here at my desk. Feel free to join in.

*Is it me or does that look like some Saturday Night Live skit? What makes matters worse is that Dude looks like Kenan Thompson
**Future reference: My husband is cooler that Obama, yeah I said it.

Facebook Addict

2009-04-06T08:03:00.000-07:00

I joined Facebook about week ago and I am addicted. I have found old co-workers, classmates and even childhood friends. I find myself checking people's status, their pictures and even adding to my own photo album.

In joining facebook, I have found that some poeple just add anything to their profiles. One profile read, "Thanking God for all that he has given me! I feel blessed!" Sounds nice right? Well Scroll down the page a little further and read a past status for the very same profile and this is what it read, "Gettin' my club on tonight! Gone show my man some love later!" Yeah, 'nuf said. But I found one that was even better. It was a profile with several photo albums. One of the photo albums in particular was titled: All about me. The photo album had so many bikini, club, sprawled-across-the-bed-trying-to-look-sexy-with-non-matching-bed-sheets, and booty hanging out of short shorts pictures that it was enough to start her own Playboy magazine. Oh but to make this section of her profile better she had her beloved children and and all of their wonderful accomplishments. This album title: My Wonderful Fam. Now, in this album are all types of sweet face children getting awards or featured in sports and the oh-so important picture with grandma.

So, let's ask ourselves these important questions: Do you want your children view you entire profile one day? What type of image are you putting across? (sexy pic vs. family pics) Do you want YOUR MAMA to see your profile? What type of job do you have or are applying for while your profile sits in cyberspace making all kinds of crazy first impressions of you?

Thanks for stopping by

2009-03-24T18:24:00.000-07:00

I just want to thank any new visitors for stopping by and I hope that you will continue to stop by frequently. All returning visitors, KEEP COMING BACK! I also want make sure that everyone visits 5 Minutes for Mom's Ultimate Blog party! They are really getting loose over there!

Think before you....react

2009-03-03T10:07:00.000-08:00

I guess with the economy and the state of my job (more on that in another post), I have been a little tense these days. Who wouldn't with the DOW going up and down and if only I knew what it even means. In any case, my fuse is short, lately.

We were running late to a birthday party for a friend of my oldest son. It was in the local mall at an arcade. In an effort to get there "late" and not "late, late", I opted out of the normal treasure hunt for a parking space and parked at the first one I saw. Of course, it was the last one on the row. Thoughts in the back of my mind were---I'll move once I get him situated at the party. Did I mention, I had my two year old, as well? So,there was no moving fast, just moving. Which in our case is really good. So, we rush inside--birthday present, kids, stroller, purse, me....all the essentials. I drop off the kid, tell birthday mom I'll be right back and off I go back to my truck.

I decided to take the longer route through the mall beacause I wanted to buy a new comforter. I bought the new comforter on the way to the truck. Malls are always full of young people ages 14-24, always. Of course, you can guess the next part of the story deals with some punk kids.

At this point, I'm walking fast through the mall to get to my truck so that I can make it back to the party before the Happy Birthday song. I don't want to seem like I just randomly drop my kids off. Anyway, I passed two young men* on the way out of the doors. You know how you do that whole exchange of the head nods and the non-flirtatious smile? Just, simply, being cordial. That is what happened between me the two boys/men--whatever they were. I just know they were young. I thought nothing of it until their demeanor changed. As I moved pass, I heard one making kissing sounds and the other saying "Hmmm, mmmm!" as if he has just had some of my gramma's greens or something. Before I realized it, I turned around and with a real bitch-like look and snapped "Oh, you couldn't say the to my face? Maaan, Uuppp!" The said the word up so hard, I swear spit didn't just fly out of my mouth, it blasted out like a space rocket. I could have capped it off by grabbing my invisible balls but a mother can't exactly do that while coasting a stroller with a big comforter on top and a baby in tow.

Let me back track the story to about a year and a half ago. There was a shooting in the parkling lot of this very same mall between two teenagers. They had real guns and were shooting in the parking lot in broad daylight. My memory reminds me of this, at the very moment my bitching is complete. So, now the paranoid and scary me starts speed walking through the parking lot. My toddler is excited becasue now he is rolling fast. I never looked back a the two guys for fear of...I guess getting shot in the face...I don't know. Guess, I'd rather get shot in the back (extreme sacarasm).

I made it to my car, tossed in the baby, the comforter, my purse and ran to the drivers side, cranked it up and sped away. Whew! I made it with out getting shot from the guys who I later realized never even posed a threat and were probably laughing at me because of my actions, if they even paid attention at all.

Of course, paranoid and scary me has not realized that my baby is not buckled in until we turn a corner to go around the parking lot of the mall. I heard him in the back seat whinning "Mommy!" Upon looking back there, I saw he was trying to climb into his seat and my driving was flopping him around, obviously preventing any carseat riding for him. Finally, the paranoid and scary me disappeared and the embarrassed me appeared. I parked in my new spot close to the arcade and retrieved my baby from the back seat.

My thougts: I am acting so stupid and paranoid! Stop this!

Calmly, I gave him a big hug and kiss to make sure he felt loved. With that thought, we walked into the mall, unknowingly leaving my purse in the truck with the doors unlocked. Don't worry I realized it about the time we were leaving the party! You don't have to tell me, that my brain is scattered!

*They were really boys-I was just being nice.

25 Random facts about me

2009-02-13T11:59:00.000-08:00

1. I hate these things.

2. I am doing this anyway because I said I would write more and this is writing. I am not tagging anyone because as I said, I hate these and would not subject anyone else to do so unless they felt compelled.

3. I stalk blogs. No particulars--if you have a blog, I'll give it a chance.

4. Never wanted a wedding when I was a little girl, but I am glad my husband insisted.

5. I used to be crafty years ago--making crap into cool things. I want to get back to that.

6. I have two children that drive me crazy but I want two more. I suppose, I want to be crazier.

7. I once lived in Japan as a little girl, and I want to go back some day because I did not appreciate it when I was there.

8. I know way too much about Michelle Obama. One day at work, my co-worker was saying she wondered who would get to be her kids' nanny and I was all "Michelle's mom will be living with them--she has never had a nanny and she used to work before her husband began his campaign and her mother helped even then” It was way too much for such a simple question. I almost told how this past Thanksgiving, Michelle didn't have to cook because her family wanted to give her a break--you know 'cause she has been on the road and all. However, she usually does but not that time and well....I have gone way too far with #8.

9. I had my first child early and realize I should have had the second one sometime shortly after. Being young and dumb really made the first one easy.

10. I want to own a business one day.

11. I want to be a published author someday.

12. I love being girly, even though; I am in a house full of testosterone.

13. Not many people who know me know I have blog---only one to be exact.

14. I miss college dorm life!

15. I secretly want to be a radio DJ. I love to talk about nothing.

16. This is becoming harder as I get to #16.....bare with me.

17. I was once arrested for "allegedly harassing a court clerk." Totally, didn't see it coming. It was later dropped. Most humbling experience I have ever had in my life. I was wronged by the system. I, now, have no faith in it, whatsoever...

18. I have a love/hate relationship with the small town in which I graduated high school. I love it for its simplicity and I hate it for its simplicity. I try to visit, but not often.

19. I believe you don't really get to choose who your friends are until you have left high school. I am blessed that I have a friend who was my friend then. She is still my best friend today. She was the exception. My husband belongs in a whole other category. Yes--I married my high school sweet heart. I consider myself blessed to have made it out with the two still in my life.

20. I. AM. LAZY.

21. My mom has 15 brothers and sisters who are all by the same mom and dad. They are all living and doing well for themselves. They get together every two years to catch up, have fun and discuss family affairs.

22. I am glad for the relationship I have with my sister-in-law. I have a real sister but we don't communicate. No harsh feelings, we just don't.

23. I have a cousin, whom, I have always thought of as a sister, but I have not been in contact with her much. After typing this, I may reconnect. I don't want to loose her.

24. I love to eat at themed restaurants. Try the ones at Disney World. They are corny and cheesy, but fun.

25. I hate the phrase "We as a people." Can't we just simply say we or people?

I know this wasn't deep but those posts will come later. I am just feeling glad that today is Friday, and I don't have to go to work on Monday. Happy Presidents Day!

Not Quite Domestic...but Creative Nonetheless

2009-02-07T18:18:00.000-08:00

I know there have been few posts, but I promise to do better this year.

Okay, okay --- you say its February and the time for resolution is, in fact, January.

However, that depends on who is setting the resolution. So for me, they start in February. Besides, I think you need the whole month of January to decide on what they are anyway. My resolution: simply, write.

UPDATE: We did not get domestic as I last time posted. But we did get our creative juices flowing.

Here are the kids creations:

The big kid's

The little kid's

Of course, each one of these is special to me, even though you have to look at them and try to guess what they are. I know there is love and quality time embedded in these paintings, even if not a clear picture but there is definitely a clear message.

Feeling kind of Domestic

2008-11-26T10:32:00.002-08:00

For anyone who knows me, they know I am not a domestic. I don't like to cook, clean, do laundry, or bake. But today for some reason, I want to be creative and bake a cake. Did mention, I don't even know how to bake a cake? I don't even have anything to bake a cake in. I bet you once I get one made, I can decorate the hell out of it. I just want to look at a pretty creation I made and be proud of it.

Strange. I know.

We'll see what happens tonight. I suppose I can get the kids involved. They would love that. My older son would like the decorating and the little one would take on the taste testing.

That's it. I'm sold.

We are getting down and domestic tonight. Now...what all does it take to make a cake?

Teaching Rhythm and Dance

2008-09-23T14:17:00.000-07:00

The other weekend Micheal Phelps hosted Saturday Night Live. We were excited to see him. His acting was horrible by the way, but the kid appreciated him, so I was satisfied for my baby.

We still love you, Mike!

It turns out that ole Phelps is a Lil' Wayne fan. So, you know who the musical guest was this particular night. Usually, my husband and I stay up and watch, but for some reason we had com,pany. The kid (the oldest) really likes Michael Phelps, so I figure no harm. The interesting part was he didn't get most of the jokes and only wanted to see scenes with Phelps. The little one is a copy cat. Whatever the kid does, he follows suit.

Both kids were wide awake for some SNL. When Lil' Wayne performed--- the video below is what happened in my living room. You don't have to finish the whole video to see the point I am initially trying to make--MY CHILDREN HAVE NO RHYTHM.

The little one, maybe ,but the kid....eh.....NOT SO MUCH.

(Sorry about the dark light--I'm no Stephen Spielberg)

I am a little embarrassed. We listen to music on a daily basis, Radio Disney - mostly. But, when they are in the car with my husband it is Urban radio and nothing else. So why do they not have what we assume should be natural to US? How can we successfully make the Family Reunion circuit with dance moves like that? And before you even think of me or my husband (we both participated in Greek Shows while in college on winning step teams)--WE HAVE RHYTHM.

Quickly, I realize I have work to do.

Thanks to Comcast and its OnDemand) features we have been able to study with the best choreographers in L.A. in the comfort of our own home.

The kids can successfully ~as good as one with no rhythm~ do the Soulja Boy and even a little step from Beat It. After coming home from a work trip in DC, my oldest had a surprise. He mastered some the moves from Thriller. This is music appreciation, folks, at it best.

Salutations!

2008-09-11T11:21:00.001-07:00

I am not new to blogging which means I read several blogs, I have posted comments on a few and even attempted to start a couple in the past. I have been wanting to create a family blog for a while now.

I am guessing this one will be a little mix of everything.

So, there.

That was my formal introduction. I hope you will keep reading and take this journey of my public journal as I recap ourlives and my own thoughts.