Carty Party of Three.

I saw a woman

2012-01-26T23:27:00.001-06:00

I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror today and did not like what I saw.
I was in Target getting groceries and naturally Tay had to go potty. We went into the bathroom and Tay is wanting to be a big girl so I let her go into the stall by herself. As I am standing there waiting for her I caught a glimpse of my self in the mirror and I did not like what I saw.
I saw a very tired woman in her 30's with a baby on her hip.
I saw a woman who cannot seem to wrap her head around the fact that she is the role model for two young children.
I saw a woman who is insecure in her ability to be a good mother and good wife.
I saw a woman who is trying to take delight in the small things in her life.
I saw a woman who has been blessed with two healthy children, a loving husband, and a wonderful family.
I saw a woman who struggles on a daily basis to make everyone happy.
I saw a woman who needs a good night's sleep.
I saw a woman who needs to take better care of herself.
I saw a woman who needs to lighten up on herself.
I saw a woman who loves her children more than herself.
I saw a woman who is the best friend you will ever have.
I saw a woman who has a quick wit and a very sarcastic tongue.
I saw a woman who is in desperate need of a make over.
I saw a woman who has so much to give if she would just get out of her own way.
I saw me.

Thanks for caring,
K

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Dear So and So.....

2012-01-19T22:06:00.001-06:00

Dear Baton Rouge drivers,
Traffic would move a lot faster if everyone would use their accelerator. Oh, and put down the phone.
Impatiently waiting,
K

Dear driver up in my trunk,
The closer you get, the slower I go. True story.
Back off,
K

Dear Son,
Not sure if it's restless leg syndrome or what but enough with the kicking while trying to go to sleep.
Your bruised mama,
K

Dear Tay,
Thank you for a GREAT afternoon! I really appreciate you curbing the whining!
Pleased as punch,
Mommy

Dear American politicians,
Stop! You are suppose to be helping the very people who voted your asses into office, not bickering amongst yourselves.
Please reconsider the pipeline,
K

Dear Hubby,
Love you!
Me

Go here visit Kat and check out some more letters.

Thanks for caring,
K

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Why hello there.

2012-01-18T22:15:00.001-06:00

I have written this post many times in my head I just haven't had the time or the energy to put pen to paper.
~Owen is now 10 months old and this whole mother of two thing is killing me!
~Just before the New Year we finally sold our house!! It could not have come at a better time.
~My wonderful husband gave me a girls night out with my best friend in New Orleans with tickets to see the SAINTS play on Monday Night Football! It was so awesome that I still felt it 2days later!
~Taylor is getting comfortable with the idea of being a big sister. Sometimes she just LOVES her baby brother too much!
~I have been a SAHM for over a year now and it is the hardest j.o.b. I have ever had!
~I am not sure that I am doing a great job but I am doing the best I can.

Thanks for caring,
K
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Dear So and so......

2011-07-22T12:42:00.001-05:00

Dear Carty kids,
I promise you won't miss anything if you close your eyes and go to sleep.
Thanks,
Your very tired mama.

Dear Owen,
How is it possible that a 5 month old can produce so much drool?
Love,
Your soaking wet mama.

Dear Owen's teeth,
Just break through already!
Signed,
current investor in Ora-jel.

Dear Ora-jel Naturals,
Thank you.
Sincerely,
A very satisfied customer.

Dear neighbor,
Bet you didn't know that it was me that called the courtesy officer when you went off on your child like that last night? If I have to turn up music so my own children can't hear you through the walls maybe you should take a step back and count to 10. If it happens again I will call the police instead.
Signed,
A concerned mama.

Dear everyone,
Please pray for this sweet baby and his family.
http://randycourtneytripproth.blogspot.com/
Go here.
Signed,
Just another mother.

Thanks for caring,
K

Happy 4th!

2011-07-05T22:01:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone had a terrific holiday weekend! I know we did.

Happy 4th from the Cartys!

Thanks for caring,
K

Epic Fail

2011-06-28T20:51:00.001-05:00

So the sale on our house fell through. Not even going to pretend like I am okay, because I am not! I needed this in the worst possible way. I needed it so my family and I could actually have all of our belongings under one roof. Not part here at this apartment, part at my sister's from when we lived there, part still at our house and the rest in a storage unit!
I want to be able to settle in and establish a home for my kids and my husband. I want to be able to entertain in our home. I want a social life again.
Now we are back to square one. Ugh!
Here are the kids!

Thanks for caring,
K

Four things

2011-06-22T09:09:00.001-05:00

I just saw a four things meme and thought I'd like to give it a try!

Four jobs I've had in my life-
1 Hostess-while I was in college.
2 Retail manager-most underappreciated I have ever felt in my life.
3 Office Manager/Receptionist-most boring job ever.
4 Activites Coordinator for a resort in Orlando-after college.

Four books I would read over and over-
1 Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
2 Blubber by Judy Blume
3 ?
4 ?

Four places I have lived-
1 Hattiesburg, MS
2 Orlando, FL
3 Charleston, SC
4 Hammond, LA

Four books I would recommend-
1 Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
2 Anything by Dorthea Benton Frank
3 Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
4 Down Came the Rain by Brooke Shields

Four places I have been
1 Jamaica
2 on the edge
3 Denver, CO
4 Washington DC

Four of my favorite foods-
1 Chinese- Tong Cho Pork to be specific
2 French Fries
3 Gumbo- made by my Dad (of course)
4 Pop Corn- NOT kettle corn!!

Four of my favorite drinks-
1 Dr.Pepper
2 Strawberry-colada Daiquiri
3 Beer
4 Hurricane

Four places I would rather be right now-
1 No where. I am in bed with both my sleeping babies!
2 At the lottery official place cashing in my winning ticket!!

Four things that are very special in my life
1 My family- of course
2 Sleep
3 Time to read
4 Time with my friends

Thanks for caring,
K

And of course pics of the kids.

Guess what?

2011-06-14T17:04:00.001-05:00

Guess what we have in front of our house right now?

In case you can't read it, it says SALE PENDING!! Let's just say in this market we are taking what we can get. I am over the moon because we are one step closer to Git er dun!!

Thanks for caring,
K

Mommy Moment

2011-06-08T16:10:00.001-05:00

Do you ever have a moment when something happens and you look outside yourself and realize "damn, I really am a mom/dad." I had one of those moments the other night. Let me set the scene-
One night last week I was trying to get the kids to bed when O decided he was not tired and did not feel that he needed to sleep. So of course I am trying to coax him into sleep while simultanously getting Tay to sleep which was not working.
I took O to the bathroom to get him to sleep. (he loves the sound of running water- so I kick on the fan and turn on the faucet- usually works like a charm.) So as I'm working on O Tay decided that she did not need to be in her bed any longer so she comes to join the party in the bathroom. As we are trying to remain quiet so O would go to sleep Tay starts to entertain herself by trying on my jewelry.
She puts on every piece that I had on my vanity. Long necklaces, short necklaces, rings, and even my watch. As I am watching her do this it hits me that I use to do the exact same thing with my mom's jewelry!
At that moment I had an outer body experience and saw myself as my daughter sees me. I got a glimpse of just how much I mean to her and how much she looks up to me and it scared me. It scared me because in that moment I realized just how much she depends on me and how I hold the keys to her happiness. Let's just hope I don't mess her up to bad!

Thanks for caring,
K

Good day

2011-05-31T21:31:00.001-05:00

Today was a good day. When I have a day like today I feel that I might just make it as a stay at home mom. We (Tay, O, and me) went to one of my good friends today for a play date. They have a son who will be 3 in July, making him about a year and a half younger than Tay. They get along very well. They have so much fun together. They watched t.v., they played outside in the sprinkler, they had snack time, and jumped on the bed. What else do you need to have a fun day?! We then came home, I cooked red beans and rice while Tay watched Mary Poppins and O played on the floor. We ate, the kids got baths and we are all asleep on the couch together!
I am so happy when my day goes well with minimal melt downs, mine or the kids! The only stressed out part of the day occured when we are in the car. O HATES the car and screams the entire time he's in his car seat! It is exhausting. We've tried everything we can think of to distract him in the car and absolutely nothing works. I have been held captive in my apartment for too long, so he's just gonna have to get over it. Of course long trips are out of the question but short trips to the store and such are just gonna have to take place!

Tay and her play date boyfriend Parker.

Thanks for caring,
K

- Amazingly I figured it out!

Debbie Downer

2011-05-25T12:04:00.001-05:00

Had a rough night last night. This SAHM thing is not for the weak! I'm not sure if it's because I have a Four year old and a three month old (who HATES the car, btw) but I have no idea how this is done. I very often find myself wondering, what exactly I think I am doing, and how much am I actually screwing up my kids because I have no idea what I am doing. O takes all of my attention, therefore Tay spends WAY too much time watching t.v. This causes MAJOR mommy guilt. I understand and accept that mommy guilt is part of the job I just had no idea it would be this bad! I literally sobbed last night because I feel so inadequate to do this job. I know that it will get better so I cling to that hope every day. Sorry to be such a Debbie Downer today, but this is my life right now!
Here are a couple of pics of my two babies-

Thanks for caring,
K

- Amazingly I figured it out!

Great weekend

2011-05-16T19:29:00.001-05:00

This past weekend we dropped the kids off at the in-laws and had an AH-MAZING adults only weekend!

View from our hotel room!
Got to see first hand how high the Mighty Mississippi is getting. We strolled around the quarter, ate boiled crawfish, rode the streetcar uptown to meet with my bro-in-law to have sushi, got a massage on Magazine street, ran into a couple of celebrities (Bryan Batt-Mad Men and Josh Lucas-Sweet Home Alabama), convinced my best friend Re and her hubby LT to come party with us on Bourbon, found a great place to eat some GOOD food, drank a lot, danced some, and had a wonderful relaxing weekend!! Cannot wait to do it again, even if I am still feeling it 2days later!

Me and Re

This is what happens when you ask your hubby to take your picture late in the night (or is it early in the morning)

Thanks for caring,
K

- Amazingly I figured it out!

Testing

2011-05-11T21:15:00.000-05:00

I am trying to post using a new app. If this works we are back in business!!
Owen Landon Carty
2/23/11
5lbs 14oz 19.5in
2:23pm

Thanks for caring,
K

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

From my phone

2011-03-03T11:42:00.004-06:00

I am trying this from my new iPhone because we have been without our home computer for several months. This being the reason that I have not updated anyone on anything that has been going on.

On February 23, 2011 we welcomed our second child. Owen Landon was born at 2:23pm weighing 5lbs, 14.5oz, 19inches!! Pictures to follow. I cannot wait for y'all to meet him!

Thanks for caring,
K

Yesterday

2011-01-12T13:38:00.007-06:00

Yesterday we did this.........

(from here)

In hopes to get this........

(from here)

Before this.........

(from here)

arrives in 6 weeks!!

Thanks for caring,

PS-not my baby in the pic!

So long dear friend....

2010-12-23T12:09:00.012-06:00

We will miss your silent barks.

We will miss how you had to put EVERY toy in your food bowl and then try and eat.

We will miss how you tried to ATTACK every other dog that happen to cross your path.

We will miss that you would try and sneak on the sofa when we weren't home. But you always left your calling card-dog hair.

We will miss you sleeping on the foot of the bed (pre-Tay of course)

We will miss your unwavering love and companionship.

We will miss how you decided that there were certain people that you could not and would not like, no matter what.

We will miss the fact that you were our first dog together.

We will miss that you loved to play outside. (for all of 5 minutes before you wanted to go inside for the AC)

We will miss our grumpy old man!!

We had to say goodbye to our first Baby, Bowden, this morning. He was approximately 12+ years. We actually adopted him when we were living in Orlando from a co-worker of mine. Her son came home from college with a 70lb lab. They were living in a 2 bedroom apartment that did not allow animals. So.....we gladly took a fully potty trained, non-puppy into our lives. He has been by our side ever since. He has moved with us to countless apartments, numerous rental houses, and finally into our own home. He was patiently waiting for us when we brought our first born into our lives. (Honestly- at the beginning when Tay was colicky he would go sleep in another part of the house.-I don't blame him!) We were blessed that he came into our lives when he did, we are just sorry to see him go. Would have loved for our newest one to have met him.

Explaining to my four year old daughter that her puppy would not be there when she woke up the next morning, was not anything either of us wanted to do. I sat her down and explained to her that the angels where going to come while we were sleeping and take Bowden to heaven. There he would be able to run, jump, and play like he use to. (During his last days he could not move any of his legs) She wanted to know if the angels were going to make Bowden better and then bring him back so she could play with him. I had to tell her that "No the angels weren't bring him back but he was going to get his angel wings and stay with them." She wrote a note for the angels telling them how to take care of her puppy! Tears were free flowing from this mama! I think her heart breaking hurt the most out of all of this!

As we woke up this morning the first thing she asked was if the angels came last night. I explained that indeed they had. She got up and had "to go check on something" She went to go and make sure that the angels had not forgotten to take her note about Bowden!

*sigh* Ready for Christmas to get better!!

Thanks for caring,

Happy Birthday to you....

2010-12-15T11:27:00.007-06:00

(All of the pics are from her birthday party except for one. Taken on our vacation this summer!)

Today my daughter turns 4! You know how everyone is all like "I can't believe that my child is so big, yada, yada, yada." Well, I can say that some days I can't believe that we made it to four and other days I cannot believe that we are only at four!

I honestly cannot believe that we all have made it to four still intact!! So far I don't think I've screwed her up too much. I guess I'll find out during her teenage years just the amount of damage I have done! Ha.

All kidding aside I am thrilled to death that I have a happy and healthy four year old daughter! She brings so much fun, laughter and of course some frustration into my life. My life would be very dull, boring, and quiet if she had not come into our lives! I am eternally grateful that The Big Man upstairs decided that we were ready to handle parenthood and gave us this ball of energy we call Taylor!

Thanks for caring,

Couple of pics

2010-12-06T18:00:00.001-06:00

These pics were taken on a recent (October) trip to the beach. We rented a gigantic house with 5 other families for an entire week. It was fun but a tad too long! The Sunday after we arrived the SAINTS played so we of course had to represent! There were lots of Fleur De Leis in the house that day!!

Love this pic of the family! Next time we go to the beach we will be CARTY PARTY OF FOUR! Yikes!

Thanks for caring,

Hi! Me again.

2010-11-12T12:52:00.000-06:00

Not sure if anyone is even still reading what I am writing but thought I'd try again. I am now a SAHM-stay at home mom!! My last day at work (outside the home) was a couple of weeks ago and I couldn't be more delighted! But now I have to figure out how to be a SAHM and not let my toddler watch t.v. all day long.

We are now in BR living with Sissy so Hubby could stop commuting and getting home at midnight! Not sure how long we are going to be here. But she has been so generous by letting us fill every corner of her house with our noise and stuff and invade her perfectly content single life with our married with a toddler STUFF!! Hopefully we will be in our own house before the baby is born. (Feb. 28th due date)

OH!! I TOTALLY FORGOT. WE ARE HAVING A BOY!!!

Don't ask me what in the world I am going to do with a boy, but I guess I'll figure it out like I did with Tay. Tay's diapers were the first ones I had ever changed, so new baby will get to break me in on the boy side!

Hubby went to Birmingham for training this past week so we tagged along. He actually worked less at training than he does normally, so we got to enjoy some family time together! We went to the Riverchase Galleria, The Summit, ate at California Pizza Kitchen (YUM), 32 Degrees Yogurt Bar, Tay and I frequented the Chik-fil-a, and spent an hour or so at Vulcan Park.

Thanks for caring,
K

So....I'm three mos preggers!

2010-08-19T17:29:00.005-05:00

Did I get your attention with that title? It is true, I'm 3 mos preggers. I just hit the 12week mark Monday! We got preggers without really trying. The Hubby is not very happy about not being able to "practice!" But as we have learned during these last couple of months HIS timeline is not always our timeline! I am thankful that HE believes that we are ready to take on the challenge of another one. (Even if I am still coming to grips with the realization myself) I have know many women who have a hard time conceiving, so I am feeling very Blessed that it happened without really trying.

Hubby got a promotion with "NOT BROWN" so we are packing up, putting this house on the market and moving to The Capitol City. We are moving from the Northshore of the Crescent City to the Capitol City. Hubby starts his new job September 1st!!! We are very excited about this new career move for Hubby. Oddly enough, the last time I got Preggers he got a promotion. Weird huh?
I am very excited about the move we have lots of friends and family that live in the area. Here we only have a select few that live close so we really don't have much of a social life, but hopefully with a wider circle of peeps in the area maybe we could develop a social life. Plus, I am hoping to stay home for the next year....keep your fingers crossed!

Tay is finally potty trained. Hip Hip Hooray!! One day she woke up and decided that she had had enough with the pull ups and now she's a BIG GIRL. Tay also started a new school this summer. She LOVES it! This is the part that sucks, I finally found a school that she loves and we have to move, *sigh*, if this is the least of my problems than I am a very lucky girl!

Thanks for caring,

Brain Dump

2010-02-23T18:58:00.005-06:00

FYI-Watching several episodes of Criminal Minds before bedtime makes for VERY interesting and kinda alarming dreams.
The beginning of the last season of LOST is very bittersweet for us. We LOVE this show and want it to end, to answer our questions, but don't want it to end, because what am I going to do without Kate, Sawyer, Jack, and Locke (or not Locke)
Why does my 3 year old think that it is OK to stay in Pull-ups forever?
Still don't have "stable" employment. I am currently working at the retail company that I previously worked for, but it is only in a part-time capacity. (AE) Paycheck is not really cutting it.
A couple of weeks ago, Tay, Hubby, and I went for a walk and I pointed out some birds up ahead to Tay. She looked at me and said, "No, Mommy that's a Hawk!" Well.... I guess all those hours of watching Diego are paying off.
We stepped outside one afternoon and it was VERY COLD Tay said, "Mommy it's Muy Frio." Thanks again to our little Latina girlfriend Dora.
Am I the only one that still has Christmas lights up outside their house?
I bet I am the only one that still has Christmas lights up outside their house with a Mardi Gras wreath!! Ha. I try, really I do.
This weekend I am going to a Sorority reunion. It should be fun and weird all al the same time. I will be seeing some girls that I haven't seen in almost 10-15 years! Excited but nervous all at the same time!
THANK YOU TO MY WONDERFUL HUBBY FOR LETTING ME FLY SOLO THIS WEEKEND AND TAKING CARE OF TAYLOR!!! I LOVE YOU!!

Thanks for caring,

Dear NFL, edited

2010-02-09T18:03:00.006-06:00

DISCLAIMER: I am not claiming this as my own. I only wish I could have written this. Take note I am NOT passing this off as an original.

Dear NFL,

OK, now that we have your attention-good game huh?-there's a few things we'd like to clear up. First of all, you may as well get used to seeing us at the Super Bowl. Because about 100 million TV people saw something during the game Sunday night that countless national media "experts" couldn't see before:

We Belong.

We also hate to miss a good party. And you know what? The Super Bowl is one hell of a party. And that was true before the public address announcer cranked up "Iko Iko" on the stadium loudspeakers after the Lombardi Trophy presentation ceremony.

One other thing.

We know what sticklers you are for legal documentation, so please consider this our formal written notice of resignation as the unofficial whipping boys of the National Football League.
You're going to have to find a new whipping boy now. May we suggest the Atlanta Falcons?

We know how hard this is for you. We know that for 43 years, whenever you needed a team to hold up as an example of a perennial loser, whenever you needed some team to make all the other teams and their fans feel better about themselves, we have been your go-to guys.

"It could be worse. We could be the Saints." That has been out role, and we have filled it well.
Not anymore. We are the champions, my friends. And as such, we expect to be granted all the rights and privileges afforded to fans of other championship teams.

So starting today, whenever you refer to the Saints, you're going to have to start referring to- and I quote-"New Orleans' winning tradition."

We've been waiting a long time to hear someone use that particular phase to describe us. The term fits. We'll expect you to use it often.

It means that you'll have to permanently retire the term "Aints" as a nickname for this (ahem) proud, storied franchise.

If you mention the "bagheads," it should be only in the context of ancient history. It has been 30 years since anyone in this town wore a bag to a Saints game. So we will henceforth insist that you stop talking about that like it was last year, and start talking instead about the Finish Strong T-shirts donned by seemingly millions of Saints fans in the run-up to the Super Bowl.

The bottom line is that you're going to have to stop referring to the Saints and their fans as a "great story," and start referring to us as what we are:

A great football team.

We know that this will take some getting used to-for you as well as for us.

After all, for the 43 years we have defined ourselves by the 1-15 seasons.

And the Hail Mary passes.

And the quarterbacks named Billy Joe.

And the holes in the Superdome roof.

Starting tonight we define ourselves by a different set of memories.

By a recovered onside kick.

By a 74-yard interception return.

By an MVP quarterback holding the Lombardi Trophy in his hand and pumping it skyward.
After 43 years of being treated as America's experts on losing, we're ready to become the new national role models for passion and perseverance.

Just to show there are no hard feelings for all the years you made fun of us, we're going to open up membership in the Who Dat Nation to you, our counterparts in all 31 other NFL cities.

Consider this your formal invitation to the Saints parade Tuesday, which will make every previous Super Bowl victory parade look like a long line at the supermarket checkout counter. You can stick around for the unofficial victory parades: Tom Benson in Endymion, Drew Brees in Bacchus , Sean Payton in Orpheus.

Think of it as one of the perks of membership. In New Orleans, football season never ends. It just changes venues.
So, come on down, hit the parade route and do the new dance craze that's sweeping New Orleans.
It's called The Championship Swagger. The steps are easy:
Hold your head up high. Get crunk. And whenever the spirit moves you-which will be often-dig deep down into your soul and say the thee words on this glorious night in Miami became synonymous with success:

Who Dat, baby.
Proudly, passionately, winningly yours,
THE WHO DAT NATION

by Mark Lorando-Features editor-The Times Picayune

Thanks for caring,
K

Dear Miami,

2010-02-05T07:54:00.003-06:00

DISCLAIMER: I am not claiming this as my own. I only wish I could have written this. Take note I am NOT passing this off as an original.

Dear Miami,
The Saints are coming. And so are we, their loyal, long-suffering and slightly discombobulated Super Bowl-bound fans.
While there's still time to prepare -- although a few hard-core Who Dats will begin trickling in Monday, most of us won't arrive until Thursday or Friday -- we thought we'd give you a heads-up about what you should expect....

First things first: You need more beer. Yeah, we know. You ordered extra. You think you have more than any group of humans could possibly consume in one week. Trust us. You don't.

New Orleans was a drinking town long before the Saints drove us to drink. But it turns out beer tastes better when you're winning. (Who knew?) So let's just say we're thirsty for more than a championship; adjust your stockpiles accordingly.

And look. When we ask you for a go-cup, be nice to us. We don't even know what "open container law" means. Is that anything like "last call"?

It's Carnival season in New Orleans (that's Mardi Gras to you), and we'll be taking the celebration on the road. So don't be startled if you walk past us and we throw stuff at you; that's just our way of saying hello.

Oh, and sorry in advance about those beads we leave dangling from your palm trees. We just can't help ourselves.

February is also crawfish season, and you can be sure that more than one enterprising tailgater will figure out a way to transport a couple sacks of live mudbugs and a boiling pot to Miami.

When the dude in the 'Who Dat' T-shirt asks if you want to suck da head and pinch da tail, resist the urge to punch him. He's not propositioning you. He's inviting you to dinner.

And if you see a big Cajun guy who looks exactly like an old Saints quarterback walking around town in a dress ... don't ask. It's a long story.

We know that crowd control is a major concern for any Super Bowl host city. Our advice? Put away the riot gear.

Reason No. 1: Indianapolis is going to lose, and their fans are way too dull to start a riot.
Reason No. 2: New Orleans showed the world on Sunday that we know how to throw a victory party. We don't burn cars. We dance on them.
Reason No. 3: Even if we did lose, which we won't, leaving the stadium would be like leaving a funeral, and our typical response to that is to have a parade. Speaking of which: If you happen to see a brass band roll by, followed by a line of folks waving their handkerchiefs, you're not supposed to just stand there and watch. As our own Irma Thomas would say, get your backfield in motion.

And hey, Mister DJ! Yes, we know you've already played that stupid Ying Yang Twins song 10 times tonight, but indulge us just one more time. To us, "Halftime (Stand Up and Get Crunk)" isn't just a song; it's 576 points of good memories. It's the sound of a Drew Brees touchdown pass to Devery Henderson, a Pierre Thomas dive for first down on 4th-and-1, a Garrett Hartley field goal sailing through the uprights in overtime. It's what a championship sounds like. You may get sick of hearing it. We won't. Encore, dammit.

Inside Sun Life Stadium, you may find your ears ringing more than usual. We're louder than other fans. Seven thousand of ours sound like 70,000 of theirs. Don't believe us? Ask the 12th man in the Vikings huddle. Some people think it's just the Dome that heightens our volume. But you're about to discover a little secret: We can scream loud enough to make your head explode, indoors or out. It's not the roof. It's the heart. Well, OK, and the beer.

Don't be surprised if there are more Saints fans outside the stadium than inside. A lot of us are coming just to say we were part of history, even if we can't witness it up close. The Saints are family to us, and you know how it is with family: We want to be there for them, whether they really need us or not. Because we know our presence will mean something to them, whether they can see us or not.

Come to think of it, seeing as how you're taking us in for the week, we pretty much regard you as family, too. So we're warning you now: If you're within hugging distance, you're fair game.Hugging strangers is a proud Who Dat tradition, right up there with crying when we win.

Most sports fans cry when their teams lose. Not us. We've been losing gracefully and with good humor for 43 years. Tragedy and disappointment don't faze us. It's success that makes us go to pieces.

Hurricane Katrina? We got that under control. The Saints in the Super Bowl? SOMEBODY CALL A PARAMEDIC!!!

So anyway, don't let the tears of joy freak you out. We're just ... disoriented. OK. Let's review: Order more beer. Throw me something, mister. Suck da heads. Wear da dress. Stand up. Get crunk. Hug it out. Protect your eardrums. Pass the Kleenex. Hoist the trophy. See you at the victory party.

Faithfully yours, The Who Dat Nation

Thanks for caring,
K

10 things I learned being a Mom.

2010-02-04T15:40:00.006-06:00

10 things I have learned being a Mom

1. Poop is no longer scary.
2. I have much more patience for the woman with the screaming kid in the store.
3. I can handle so much more than I thought I could.
4. My husband is the BEST FATHER in the world.
5. I will do absolutely ANYTHING to give my daughter a happy life.
6. If I do not take care of myself I cannot take care of anyone else.
7. The guilt will never go away!
8. I WASTED so much time before I had kids doing absolutely nothing!
9. Watching your friends become Moms is such a rewarding experience. (seeing as I went first.)
10. The crying will eventually stop!
BONUS:
11. COLIC EASE IS THE BEST PRODUCT ON THE MARKET FOR COLIC!!!

There are much more that I could add to the list but these are the top 10 things that came off the top of my head!

Thanks for caring,
K

WHO DAT!!!

2010-01-24T22:59:00.005-06:00

Hell has frozen over and pigs are flying outside my window as I am typing.....it will be a BLACK AND GOLD SUPERBOWL!!! The SAINTS are marching to MIA. Too excited to type much more!!

Thanks for caring,

Happy 2010!!

2010-01-01T15:46:00.003-06:00

I have never been one to make resolutions so why start now!? There are however several things in my life that I would LOVE to improve upon in the coming year.

I want to get my house in order! If you have ever had the misfortune of visiting my house you know that I could be on an episode of "Hoarders." Nah-I am not THAT bad but I really could stand to throw some stuff away!

I have vowed to put the smokes away for good! I do not want my daughter to have to watch her mother die gasping for breath.

I am also going to try and appreciate what I have, versus being sad or upset over the things that I do not have or wish I had. I am really not an envious person, but it is fairly easy to fall into the trap of thinking that everything would be so much easier/better "if only we had......." you fill in the blank.

Thanks for caring,

P.S. I will definitely be around here more often in 2010!

Halloween '09

2009-12-02T16:38:00.007-06:00

I know-Thanksgiving just passed and I am just now getting around to putting up the Halloween pics. so, sue me!!

Tay dressed as a soccer player (Liverpool of course) for her Halloween party at school! Her father was so proud!

Tay with Baby Parker and Big Poppa. Thanks for letting us stay and witness a "redneck" halloween.

Our Fairy Princess with her loot!

Sissy and Tay- Partners in Crime! I am not sure who had more fun!!

Thanks for caring,
K

2009-10-21T17:50:00.010-05:00

Wow...the time sure does fly when your looking for a j.o.b.!! Well, it has been over a month since I was "let go" and basically nothing has come through for me. I have gone back to work part-time with AE until I can find something more permanent.

Since my last post, we have watched LSU lose to Florida, seen the Saints go 5-0 (WHO-DAT), found out that a cousin is preggers with her first, found out that my Yankee friend is preggers with number 2, found out that my friend Noe is preggers with her second boy, Re gave birth to Jon Dawson 8lbs, 12oz, another cousin had her first boy, gone to Austin for a wedding and drank too much Pinot (OOPS), Tay got her first black eye, bought Halloween costumes, taken Tay to the Aquarium with Pop Pop, Dee Dee and Sissy, and generally tried not to think about the fact that I feel like I am sliding backwards!!

Hubby has been really good about keeping my spirits up. I could ramble on and on about how much it sucks not having my income and how worthless I feel doing a job that basically anyone could do, but I wont. I will simply say that I just want a career. I am not sure what that career is but I will definitely know it when I see it. It definitely does not include working nights and weekends (unless the $ is REALLY worth it!)

I want to say a big "hello" to all of my followers and a promise that I will try and do better in the coming weeks and months!!

The cutest thing ever!! Tay brought her camera and took "pictures" of EVERY fish in the Aquarium!! She held the camera up to the tank and "took" tons of "pictures."

Thanks for caring,

Hi....I'm still around.

2009-09-16T10:32:00.003-05:00

I am on the hunt. I have been sitting at this computer non-stop for the past week trying to find a new job. The hardest part is that I am not quite sure what I want to do, so I am not sure what I am looking for. It is quite a conundrum.

It has been a very trying time for us over at the Carty Casa. I have NEVER been "laid off" from a job before, so not only is this a shock to our wallets it is also a shock to my confidence as well. I am not going to go into much detail but suffice to say that all of this came out of the blue. I had no idea that my job was in jeopardy. I have found out that the following Tuesday (Monday was Labor Day) there was already a new person at my desk. What the heck?! He had apparently interviewed and hired someone else to fill my position and I was non the wiser. That is all I have to say about that.......

We are trying to potty train Tay and it is not going very well. She is just not that interested in it AT ALL!!! I cannot seem to get across the idea to her to tell us before she goes not after. I tried a timer. Every 10 minutes when the bell would go off we would put her on the potty. Several times she would go and a couple of times she would not go, but 3 minutes later she would pee in the middle of the living room and come running legs wide yelling "Pee Pee, Pee Pee" Ugh.... Suggestions and comments are welcome!!!! Oh and why is she sticking her hands in her pants after she goes? Even after poo...!? GROSS!

One more thing, with this unemployment business I have had the unfortunate privilege to have first hand experience with the inter workings of several government programs and departments. If this a precursor as to the way our "NEW AND IMPROVED HEALTH CARE PLAN" (sic) is going to be handled...I hope I never get sick because WE ARE ALL SCREWED!!!!

Thanks for caring,
K

Abracadabra Poop!

2009-09-09T18:54:00.013-05:00

The last couple of days/week and a half have been full of craziness. My dad aka Pop Pop went into the hospital last week. He was having some heart racing issues, which we now believe can be corrected with changing up some medication he was currently taking. I won two contests through my blog thanks to some fellow bloggers I will be getting a great new pair of flip flops and a FREE design consultation in the room of choice!!!

The flip flops are courtesy of Rachel over at Sippy Cup Chardonnay for her 100th post!! Apparently these flips are all the rage with surfers in Hawaii and they just started offering them online to us on the mainland. I cannot wait to try mine out! I got the black. Go check her out!!

REMEMBER THIS?
"Kacey, no not Sissy Kacey, Kacey over here at Chronicles of a Mommy is have a give away to celebrate her 3ooth post! Gosh that's a lot. In honor of her 3ooth post she is giving away not one, not two, but three design consultations for a room of choice in my er your house. You could enter to win if ya want, but I'm secretly hoping you don't so I have a better chance of winning. TeeHee. If you have ever been to my house you know that I need it more than you anyway! While you're there take a lookie loo around her blog. Her kids are cootie patooties!" Can you freaking believe that I actually won this!! How AH-MAZING is that?!

AND THEN......this past Friday I was let go from my job effective immediately with no advance warning. When I asked the reason, all I got was, "we are going in a different direction with your position." Thanks. So now I am on the hunt for another job. I am not sure what I hate most the hunt for a new job or the change of a new job! UGH....I hate this $h!t!!

Anywhoo...we have gotten some stuff done around our house. We added a deck to the front of our house as well as paint the entire exterior!! (We-I really mean, Hubby, Dad, Sissy, MIL and FIL-I played baby sitter with Tay) THANKS GUYS!! I will post the updated pics as soon as I down load them off of the camera. Thank goodness we started all of this before I lost my job or we wouldn't have had the money to do all of this work.

I'm gonna leave you with some great pictures we took of "Princess Taylor"
"Princess Taylor with her Minnie Mouse."

"Princess Tay with Daddy and Magic Wand!"

How stinking cute is she?

"Abracadabra.....Poop".....Taylornese for Abracadabra.....Poof!

FYI-I bought the tu-tu before she was born for her announcment pics, yea...didnt happen but she is almost 3 and she is just now enjoying wearing it!!

Thanks for caring,
K
Anyone know anyone who is hiring on the Northshore help a sister out and let me know.

Yada, Yada, Yada

2009-09-08T17:59:00.002-05:00

"We are going in a different direction," yada, yada, yada,.......i'm looking for a new job!

Thanks for caring,
K
P.S. Be back soon!

Just made my day!

2009-09-04T14:06:00.004-05:00

I've had one hella week and I am so glad that it is the Friday before a three day weekend. This just made my day!

"Who needs a whole shirt anyway?" Please go and check this $h!t out!!!

Longer post this weekend, including some great news!

Thanks for caring,

I want to win this.

2009-08-28T00:00:00.001-05:00

Kacey, no not Sissy Kacey, Kacey over here at Chronicles of a Mommy is have a give away to celebrate her 3ooth post! Gosh that's a lot. In honor of her 3ooth post she is giving away not one, not two, but three design consultations for a room of choice in my er your house. You could enter to win if ya want, but I'm secretly hoping you don't so I have a better chance of winning. TeeHee. If you have ever been to my house you know that I need it more than you anyway! While you're there take a lookie loo around her blog. Her kids are cootie patooties!
Thanks for caring,
K

The Storm aka Katrina Part 2

2009-08-27T15:00:00.004-05:00

To catch up go here and read about The Storm aka Katrina Part 1

We woke up Sunday August 28 and prepared for a long day of waiting. If you have never evacuated for a hurricane basically you hurry up to wait! You try and get the heck out of dodge before it hits only to sit around and wait for the storm to hit and pass.
After discovering that Katrina had been upgraded to a Cat5 and was going to hit some time the next morning we began to realize that even this far inland we were going to see significant rain as well as wind and we were going to be with out electricity for at least a couple of days. This is when we realized that we had left behind a very large industrial sized fan that would come in very handy plugged into the generator. So what did we do? Hubby and I drove back to our house to retrieve the fan (Thank GOD we did!!).
Sitting in the car on the way back to “Mayberry” listening to the radio -FYI by this time NONE of the local radio stations were playing music, they were all news all the time now. They were all giving updates as to when the storm was anticipated to hit, where to go to get water, what schools would be open for shelters, as well as taking calls to try and answer questions as best they could. Several of the Parish presidents were coming on the air stating that Katrina was going to be a very BAD storm and they wanted to let the citizens of their particular parish know that they need to take every precaution necessary to protect themselves and their families. I’ll never forget this, one Parish President stated that if you were going to be foolish and try to ride this thing out then you needed to make sure you had an axe or a claw hammer or some sort of tool because you were gonna need it to break out of your attic to get on to your roof. He was not playing around and wanted all of his citizens to know that this storm was not to be taken lightly and that even many of the “ole timers” were getting out of the way of this thing.

We were all awoken by the wind and rain BRIGHT AND EARLY Monday morning, the day Katrina hit. Naturally, we lost cable first, there went our connection with the outside world so we put in a movie to pass the time. The movie had not even started when a HUGE tree branch went through the window in Sissy’s old room. We (my mom, my dad, Hubby and I) all go and clean up the glass, etc. We return to try and watch the movie. We push play and again before the movie even started we hear this great big “THUWUNK” on the roof of the house. WTF?! It seems that one of the large oak trees in the front yard got tired and decided to lay down on top of my parents house. (slight damage-not much) Taking out the electricity in the process. Well, "I'll be a monkey's uncle" here it is barely 9:00AM and we are without power and someone is already doing shots of Tequila in the kitchen. This is going to get really interesting!
We had a generator so we were able to use the fan (you know the one we went back to get) as well as hook up the deep freeze, the refrigerator and a small t.v. With the help of rabbit ears we were able to watch a little t.v. (Thanks to digital t.v. we will not be able to do now) My dad or Pop Pop as Tay likes to call him loves to cook so we knew that we were going to eat like kings during our evacuation to "Mayberry" and he did not disappoint. With the help of a gas stove we ate Trout Almondine twice. He needed to try out two different recipes. We had survived a very windy and rainy day and night.

Tuesday August 30 Hubby and I were dressed and up and at 'em in the car on our way home by 7:30am! After seeing the damage that occurred around us in "Mayberry" I was starting to get very concerned about our little house. I was really starting to question my choice to finally unpack our wedding crystal the week before. Note to self-do not unpack anything during hurricane season. Why unpack when you might have to repack? or clean up the mess.
When we arrived into town we headed straight home. Well this proved much easier said than done. We tried and failed to get into out neighborhood several different ways. As we are driving around trying to get to our house we notice lots and lots of trees are down on the road, on cars, on houses. We also kept hearing "shhshshshhshshhhhhhh". Continuing on our quest we discovered that the "shshhhhhh" noise is from the gas lines that have been pulled away from houses by the downed tree. Good Grief. There was just too many trees, too many power lines and too much debris to make it in the car. So, we walked about a mile to our house. Over power lines, under limbs, over tree trunks-it was a virtual obstacle course just to get to our street. The closer we got the more nervous we got. I lit a cig and after about 5 drags remembered the "shhhhhh" noise. Brilliant-leaking gas and I lite a cig. We finally made it to our neighbor's house and saw that she took 3 trees through her house. (Eventually the house was torn down-Unsalvageable!). By this point we were reminding ourselves that we had insurance-homeowners and flood, thank you very much-and if need be we could start over. This is the EXACT reason we have the insurance in the first place. Right?!

To be continued....
Did I fail to mention that my in laws live one house from the lake?
Thanks for caring,
K

The Storm aka Katrina

2009-08-26T00:00:00.001-05:00

With the up and coming anniversary of The Storm aka Hurricane Katrina I decided to put down my experience. For several months even several years after The Storm one question people asked or were asked a lot in this part of the south, "where were you doing The Storm.” Most of the people I ran into evacuated but there were many who could not and did not evacuate. They have their stories and I have heard many, but this is not about their story this is about mine. Granted it might not be as “good” as others but I did live through it and ate the MRE’s to prove it.

Friday August 26, 2009 a group of us went over to my BIL house to have dinner and play poker. My (then) future SIL had two of her friends in town from Japan and it was their last night in the USA. The night was going really well, except for the fact that my 13 year old nephew was beating everyone. And we weren’t letting him win. B Hubby’s cousin got a text from a friend wanting to know if he knew anything about the hurricane in the Gulf. So we put on the news and for the first time saw that there was a “potentially deadly” hurricane out in the gulf. None of us had even heard of Katrina before that moment. Little did we know that by the time we woke up the next morning she would have turned into a Cat 3 Storm. Which means Sustained winds of 111-130mph and a possible storm surge of 9-12ft

{Category 3}
Tropical cyclones of Category 3 and higher are described as major hurricanes in the Atlantic or Eastern Pacific basins. These storms can cause some structural damage to small residences and utility buildings, particularly those of wood frame or manufactured materials with minor curtainwall failures. Buildings that lack a solid foundation, such as mobile homes, are usually destroyed, and gable-end roofs are peeled off. Manufactured homes usually sustain severe and irreparable damage. Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures, while larger structures are struck by floating debris. Additionally, terrain may be flooded well inland.[10]
jacked from here.

I got up Saturday morning and went to work not knowing what Katrina was going to do or what we (Tay was not born yet) were going to do. (stay or pack up and evacuate)
*Sidebar*-Hubby grew up one house from Lake Pontchartrain so he was use to packing up, moving stuff to higher ground (including the cars) and evacuation. I however, grew up just 20 minutes inland and had NEVER had to do ANY of this! *
At the time I worked as a manager for national retail clothing store. They knew even less about what we should do. So, we start to notice that people are lining up across the street to get gas and everyone is heading out of town. We are getting calls from kids that are not coming into work because they are evacuating with the families. I get a phone call from my Hubby saying that he has been watching the news and they are calling for voluntary evacuation of our area and a Mandatory evacuation of area south of I-12. That would be us. It is serious. So we formulate a plan at work to close @ 2:00pm and keep the store closed until further notice or until at least Tuesday August 30, after The Storm has passed. Wednesday at the latest. We go on about out business and start preparing the store incase the power goes out or if we get any water in the store. We left around 1pm so we could all get home pack our $h!t and get the hell out of town. By the time I got home Hubby had packed up the car including pictures, paintings off the walls, and had started putting stuff on top of the beds and on high shelves. I was a little freaked out. We decided to evacuate to my parents house 25 miles inland. A trip that usually takes us 1/2 an hour at the longest took over 3.5 hours that day. I really could not complain because I knew people that sat in traffic for upwards of 10 hours trying to get anywhere. We get to "Mayberry" and unpack our stuff and settle in for the next couple of days. Over night Katrina had doubled in size and Sunday morning we woke up to a Cat5. Sustained winds 131-155mph and a possible storm surge 13-18ft.

{Category 5}
Category 5 is the highest category a tropical cyclone can obtain in the Saffir-Simpson scale. These storms cause complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings, and some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away. Collapse of many wide-span roofs and walls, especially those with no interior supports, is common. Very heavy and irreparable damage to many wood frame structures and total destruction to mobile/manufactured homes is prevalent. Only a few types of structures are capable of surviving intact, and only if located at least three to five miles (four to eight km) inland. They include office, condominium and apartment buildings and hotels that are of solid concrete or steel frame construction, public multi-story concrete parking garages, and residences that are made of either reinforced brick or concrete/cement block and have hipped roofs with slopes of no less than 35 degrees from horizontal and no overhangs of any kind, and if the windows are either made of hurricane resistant safety glass or covered with shutters.[10]
The storm's flooding causes major damage to the lower floors of all structures near the shoreline, and many coastal structures can be completely flattened or washed away by the storm surge. Storm surge damage can occur up to four city blocks inland, with flooding, depending on terrain, reaching six to seven blocks inland. Massive evacuation of residential areas may be required if the hurricane threatens populated areas.[10]
jacked from here.

To be continued.....
Oh did I mention we live a half a block from Lake Ponchartrain?
Thanks for caring,
K

Randomness and a shout out for some help.

2009-08-25T11:10:00.005-05:00

This is my first time participating in The UnMom's Random Tuesday Thoughts. Go see all the other randomness that is floating around out there.

I Loathe wet socks. When I have socks on and step in something wet it completely skeeves me out.

I do not like my food to touch. It is ruined if the juice from one food gets into the other. (I just Gagged!)

I do not eat the ass end of the bread. I leave the "special pieces" for Hubby.

Leftovers and I are not friends. Especially left over rice! Yuck.

I LOVE sunflower seeds. Maybe it was because I spent my entire summers growing up playing ball.

I like ketchup on my hamburgers and some fries, but I don't like ketchup alone. If it gets on my fingers I won't like it off. It is gross.

My daughter ate a ketchup sandwich the other day. I couldn't watch her eat it.

Don't talk when one of my favorite shows is on television. You can talk at commercial breaks.

My handwriting SUCKS!! Everyone always says I have the handwriting of a boy. I don't care.

Is is true that they are no longer teaching cursive in schools? I started a journal for my daughter when she was born. I wrote in script. Does that mean she won't be able to read it?!

I am co-hosting a baby shower this weekend. I am hoping to catch up with some "old" friends. I hope my daughter does not act like an ass. She's 2.5 her moods change quicker than mine.

We painted the door to our house Sunday. RED! I like it.

I cannot wait until it is Fall.

We are going to Austin for a wedding in October and I am already sad about leaving Tay. If anyone has been there and can recommend hotels/restaurants/shopping, etc. please pass it on. We have never been there and cannot wait to experience this great city.

I NEED A HUGE FAVOR- Pretty please with brown sugar on top--I need someone who lives near an Ikea to do a little shopping for me. I need some window hardware that is of course not available online and the closest Ikea is a 6 hour car drive from here. Hubby works for a shipping company-(not going to say which one but we do not like the color BROWN in our household) so shipping will not be a problem. Please email me kscarty@gmail.com and we'll talk. Thank you.

I have not had a cigarette in 14 days, and yes I am counting. I use to smoke-ALOT. EVERYONE smoked when I was in college. There were a few of my friends who did not smoke, but they were the exception not the rule. Before I got preggers I had cut back to mainly smoking when I drank. I of course ceased drinking when I got preggers so giving up the cigs was not that difficult. After Tay was born I would only pick up a cig if I was not going to be returning home, which usually involved drinks anyway. But as she got older my "habit" changed. I would smoke one every now and then after she would go to bed. But, I am fully committed to cashing out for good. It is hard for me to "give" myself cancer knowing that there are so many people and especially little children who have cancer and die from cancer before they even know the definition of cancer.

Hubby use to smoke A $H!T TON and he put on the patch one day in 2002 and has not picked up a cig since. Damn him and his will power!

Sometimes I wish I had paid attention more when my grandparents were talking about the "good ole days!"

We just got finished watching the first season of Mad Men on NetFlix and I love it!! Man everyone during that era was completely sloshed all the time huh?!

Do you know how hard it is to not smoke when EVERY character on Mad Men smoke? Even the pregnant women. Because it was okay back then!! Ha.

I miss watching Dawson's Creek. I often wonder what Pacey and Joey are up to! Weird I know.

I think I'll stop here because I really could go on forever.

Thanks for caring,

Brief update and a CUTE picture!

2009-08-24T11:00:00.002-05:00

Two weeks ago we (Tay, me, Lil Mama and Baby Parker) descended upon Re's house with all 10 tons of our baby/toddler crap!! We went to the 'Burg because some (11!) of Re's friends were throwing her a baby shower. The shower was really nice and Dawson will definitely not be naked or forget his initials! (teehee)

In case you forgot here is the baby daddy-
SARGE and you can check out his blog here. He is a funny MoFo!

"If you're happy and you know it, give me a buck!" Read all about it here.

RE- obviously before she was a Baby Mama! Read here to find out a little more about Re, if you're new to the program.

We may or may not have used this to see how fast the ~~SARGE and HUBBY~~ kids were going down the hill!! Baby Parker is in the car-Man, he loved this thing!! The chubby monkey little girl next to baby Paker, the sweetie-big girl up top and the cutie patootie little boy next to Tay are all Dawson's cousins!! (Well, when he is born.) They had so much fun together! Dawson is going to be a very lucky boy to be able to grow up across the street from his cousins. Their mama (Sarge's sister-in-law) also has a blog, you should go check her out here! For someone who has been through so much $h!t this past year in and a half, her continued faith in the Lord is inspiring.

Isn't this picture amazing-we got all 5 kids to look at the camera at the same time. We were all jumping up and down and clapping like a bunch of freaks. I should've gottten a pic of that!

Thanks for caring,

Sno Ball not a snowcone!

2009-08-21T16:39:00.004-05:00

This is Mignon Faget's newest creation and I LOVE it!! I cannot wait to add a "snoball" to my ever increasing collection of Mignon Faget jewelry. It would look GREAT on my charm bracelet. Check out her site for yourself here.

Background: "SNO BALL – Sno balls are a summertime tradition in New Orleans and have left their mark as part the culture. As a tribute to the hot summers of New Orleans and inspiration from a local fan, Mignon Faget created Sno Ball jewelry. The Snowball Pendant, a cool cracked crystal or a colorful faceted Swarovski crystal atop a sterling silver cone, is being served in four flavors, Coconut, Strawberry, Grape, and Spearmint.

"I love to design whimsical things," Mignon said with a laugh. "Just the idea of wearing snowballs in your ears." "-jacked from here

Thanks for caring,
K

Writer's Workshop

2009-08-20T09:30:00.001-05:00

The Prompts:
1.) What will you be doing now that the kids are back in school?(inspired by Michelle from Honest And Truly)

2.) Things I have learned from my toddler.(Inspired by Big Mama Cass from The World Through My Eyes).

3.) What would you put in your favorite things giveaway?(inspired by Jill from Scary Mommy who is having a favorite things giveaway right NOW! Check it out!!)

4.) Hi, my name is ______ and I am a _______.(inspired by Emmy from Emmy Mom One Day At A Time.)

5.) If these walls could talk...(inspired by JennyMac from Let's Have A Cocktail)

I chose #2-

THINGS I HAVE LEARNED FROM MY TODDLER:

~It is okay to spit out my food on the floor if I don't want to finish what is left in my mouth, or if I want a sip of water.

~Any container left within my grasp will ultimately end up getting dumped over. It is even better if there is liquid in the container.

~Sometimes we all just wanna cry when we wake up to face another day.

~Cold pizza can be better than hot pizza.

~Freezey pops do make good breakfast food.

~Favorite books do not get any more boring even if you read them over and over and over and over.

~Who says clothes must match? If it feels good put it on!!

~I will still know my name even if it isn't monogramed on my chest.

~Everyday is an adventure and will teach us new things.

~Laugh. Laugh often, laugh out loud, laugh at myself, laugh at her, laugh with her.

The number one thing that I have learned from my toddler:

~I may be too painfully aware of my shortcomings as a mother, but to her I am PERFECT just the way I am. So I need to take a deep breath and RELAX!!

Go see what everyone else is talking about. Hit MamaKat's button.

Thanks for caring,
K

Brought to you by the letter "B"

2009-08-19T14:20:00.002-05:00

A long, long time ago I wrote about the letter “L”. I had to list ten things that I like that start with the letter L. If you care to re-read about this go here and here.This week in school Tay is learning about the letter “B.” So this post is brought to you by the letter “B.”

BUBBLES-
Bubbles just make you smile. It does not matter what type of day you are having you throw in some bubbles and it is all good. They are good in all types of situations; Birthday Parties-yeah, Weddings-yeah, Music festivals-of course, etc.

BEACH TRIP WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY-

This past June we went on our first "family vacation" to the beach. We went with another couple and rented a condo for a few days. It was lots of fun. I still have not posted all of the photos from the trip, ya know life gets in the way. Go here if you wanna read the post about the trip.

BRAD PITT-

He really is trying to help the citizens from the Ninth Ward of New Orleans. (If you want a history lesson on the Ninth Ward go here. Here is a map to show exactly where the Lower Ninth Ward is located, as well as a link to http://www.makeitrightnola.org/) Plus, he is easy on the eyes!

BEDKNOBS AND BROOMSTICKS-

If you have not seen this Disney movie then you are definitely missing out! This movie is by far one of my favorites.
"During WWII in England, Charlie, Carrie, and Paul Rawlins are sent to live with Eglantine Price, an apprentice witch. Charlie blackmails Miss Price that if he is to keep her practices a secret, she must give him something, so she takes a bedknob from her late father's bed and places the "famous magic traveling spell" on it, and only Paul can activate it. Their first journey is to a street in London where they meet Emelius Browne, headmaster of Miss Price's witchcraft training correspondence school. Miss Price tells him of a plan to find the magic words for a spell known as Substitutiary Locomotion, which brings inanimate objects to life. This spell will be her work for the war effort." Written by Matthew Anscher mailto:%7Banscher@radonc.duke.edu}

BEVERLY HILLS 90210-

I'm not going to spend my time giving a synopsis of this show. Hopefully y'all remember it! When I was in college, a group of my girlfriends and I would get together on Wednesday night and watch 90210!! We may or may not have had a GREAT TIME laughing about a certain person's "grand canyon titties."

Coming Soon: Part two of my ode to the letter "B."

Thanks for caring,

Sick of hurting your brain trying to come up with a post and want to do a letter. Email or leave me a comment and I'll pick a letter for you to do to!

Dear So and So....UPDATE

2009-08-14T14:00:00.001-05:00

To my offspring,
Thank you for trying to “toughen” up Baby Parker, but it really is not your job. We can leave that to his dad.
Love your Mama

To my bundle of energy,
Did you really find it necessary to CLOTHES LINE Baby Parker at the baby shower? (That is not how a lady behaves in public) BTW-You will never compete in the WWF.
Love your Number one fan, Mom

To my co-conspirator,
Just because you and JB look so cute together does not excuse the fact that you both tried to push baby Parker into the fireplace. Thank goodness he did not crack his skull on the brick.
Please stop it, Mama

Dear WW (Wild Woman),
Seriously don’t you think Baby Parker has had enough of your shenanigans? Why did you find it necessary to shove Baby Parker in the back as he walked away?
Dangerously close to losing my cool, Mommy

Dear coworker,
Just because you make more money than me, does not automatically mean that I am your cleaning lady. You can change the toilet paper and paper towel rolls in the restroom if you take the last piece.
Thanks for exhibiting common decency, K

Dear radio station DJs,
Why do you pick the exact moment that I get into the shower to cut to commercial for 10 minutes?
About to change the station, K

Dear LPM,
You only raised tuition $5, but that equals out to $260.00 a year! So now tuition cost us $180.00 *a week* ~~a month~~. Oh, you added the cost because of the web cams-NEWS FLASH-they have not been working for 2 weeks.
Close to living under a bridge, K

Dear DirecTV,
Thanks for giving us a break. You are SO much better than CHARTER.
Loyal and satisfied customer, K

Dear early riser,
You cannot be my child if you think it is Okay to get up at 5:15AM-every morning!! When you were in our bed you slept until at least 7:00.
What gives? Mom

Dear Dora and Diego creators,
Can you interject some subliminal messages to my daughter about using the potty. You are the only ones she'll listen to right now.
Thanks, K

Go check out everyone else's letters! Go here.
Thanks for caring,
K

Writer's Workshop

2009-08-13T00:00:00.001-05:00

It is that time of the week again.
The Prompts:

1.) Your trip to the ER...spill it.(inspired by Stephanie from This Blessed Life).

2.) "Why are American's obsessed with weight? Why are we always fighting or complaining about what is natural for our bodies?"(inspired by Jenn from Jenny Says What?)

3.) Describe one of your 'God Moments'.(inspired by Jordan from Wide Open Spaces).

4.) List ten things you would say to ten different people in your life...if you had the hutzpah.(inspired by Cassandra from Cassagram)

5.) Why is your kid in time out?(inspired by Sera from Laughing Through The Chaos)

I picked Number 4. Hopefully this does not get me into trouble.

1. I admire you!
2. I miss you.
3. Please stop.
4. I need you.
5. I wish things would have turned out differently, because you are missing so much more than you realize.
6. I worry that you are okay.
7. I want to hang out with y'all more.
8. Please stop settling for what is comfortable and realize that you are worth more than that.
9. I am not the same as you and that is OK!
10.Please invite us over, because my house is not suitable for more than 3.

Go visist MAMAKAT and see what everyone wants to say without having to say it.

Thanks for caring,
K

Go check this out!

2009-08-12T15:24:00.002-05:00

A little link loving for a well deserving post. I found this from SITS (I think). I need poster sized copies of these throughout my house!!

Go check her out! Modern Mama's Fabulous Favorites: Memo to Mommy

Thanks for caring,
K

Julia Salinger

2009-08-11T15:20:00.001-05:00

Continued from here. I started my list of my 10 Favorite Characters from Television last week and here is Number 2.

Julia Salinger, as the headstrong older sister, in the award-winning drama series "Party of Five" (Fox, 1994-2000). Over the course of the series' run, her character experienced numerous trials and tribulations from an unwanted pregnancy to a busted marriage, all while coping with her family and their problems (which included alcoholism and cancer, among others). -Jacked from here.

"The show centered on the five siblings of the Salinger family, who become orphans after their parents are hit and killed by a drunk driver. Charlie (Matthew Fox), is the eldest, a 24-year old who struggles with the responsibility of being the new head of the family; 16-year-old Bailey (Scott Wolf) is the rebellious teen turned substance abuser; 15-year old Julia (Neve Campbell), is a sensitive teen facing issues of her own; 11-year old Claudia (Lacey Chabert) is the precocious child prodigy, and Owen is the baby.
The siblings take over the running of their family's restaurant, with Charlie initially serving as manager and later with Bailey taking over. The struggles faced by the Salingers over the years included cancer, alcoholism, domestic violence, and the long term effects of parental loss.
As the series progressed, romantic relationships became plot points and new cast members joined the show, including Hewitt as Bailey's girlfriend Sarah, Jeremy London as Julia's husband Griffin and Paula Devicq as Owen's nanny who developed an on-again-off-again relationship with Charlie."-Jacked from here.

Party of Five was/is without a doubt one of my most favorite television shows of all time. Hubby thinks that it is possibly one of the most ~~dramatic~~ whinnest and ~~saddest~~ most pathetic shows ever. But maybe that's why I enjoyed it? Hmmm.

Next week another.

Thanks for caring,
K

"Screws fall out all the time, the world's an imperfect place."

2009-08-07T11:20:00.016-05:00

I grew up watching John Hughes movies. We had a VHS tape of Pretty in Pink (that I am sure we taped off of HBO) and we (Sissy and I) watched it over and over and over. I even brought it to college with me. When I was in High School we would stay at Blondie’s house often and during the summers we probably watched The Breakfast Club no less than one million times. I also have this one on VHS tape and proudly added it to my collection when I went to college. Weird Science, Ferris Buller’s Day Off, Mr. Mom, Home Alone, Some Kind of Wonderful, Uncle Buck, The Great Outdoors, and one of my FAVORITES She’s Having a Baby were all either written, produced and or directed by John Hughes himself.

FYI-did you know that Brian’s dad in TBC was John Hughes himself?!

Fact: Our class song when we graduated from High School “Don’t you (forget about me)”
Fact: We sang, or at least attempted to sing, it at graduation.
Fact: We were so bad that they would not let the next year's graduating class sing their class song.
Fact: Our class quote “And these children that you spit on as they try to change their worlds, are immune to your consultations, they are quite aware of what they are going through.” -David Bowie (flashed during the opening credits of The Breakfast Club)
Fact: My high school (if you remember, Catholic School-run by nuns) would not let us use the quote.
Fact: We chose “Relentless pursuit of perfection” instead.
Fact: Catch phrase for the Lexus!
Fact: I LOVED all of John Hughes’ films and his death is a HUGE loss for the film industry.
Fact: I will go out and purchase ALL of these movies.
Fact: I will force Taylor to watch all of these movies (when she is old enough, of course.) and she will like it damnit!

Go here and read one of the best articles I have come across describing who John Hughes was.
This is so true!

I attempted to put down some of my favorite quotes, but there were so many that it was impossible to narrow them down!

"Why did you do that?"
"Cause I knew you wouldn't."

"I hope they shrivel up and fall off"
"You hope what shrivels up and falls off?"
"Her breast, Ms. Deeds"

"Oh sexy giiiiirl friend"

"How about a nice greasy pork sandwich served in a dirty ashtray"

"Bueller....Bueller..."

"and in the end I realized I took more than I gave, was trusted more than I trusted, was loved more than I loved, and what I was looking for was not to be found, but to be made."

What are some of yours?

Thanks for caring,
K

Writer's Workshop

2009-08-06T00:00:00.001-05:00

The Prompts:
1.) What's ailing you? Diagnose yourself with a syndrome.(inspired by Kimberly from Kamp KK)

2.) Share with us something you made by hand.(inspired by Texan Mama via email)

3.) Fess up. Tell us what you found after a spying on someone.(inspired by The Scattered Mind of a Tattooed Mini Van Mom)

4.) "How are y'all doing it? This summer, I mean? I cannot remember ever being as busy as we've been over the past two months. Those of you who are blogging daily, being as witty and entertaining as ever...I beg of you...HOW?"(inspired By Lula from Lulaville)

5.)What are you afraid of?(inspired by Life With Kaishon)

I am afraid that if someone in my life does not start to take care of their self then they will not be around long enough to see my daughter grow up!

Thanks for caring,
K

AMEN!

2009-08-05T08:59:00.005-05:00

I don't know all the details....but thank the Lord and Amen!

U.S. Reporters freed from North Korea!!

Check out the breaking news here, here, here, or even here.

Thanks for caring,
K

Hank Moody

2009-08-04T15:23:00.014-05:00

10 Favorite Characters from Television
(Completely random list)

I started this with full anticipation of "going the distance", but ya know life happens. I only got to the one but I will give you more throughout the next couple of weeks!

SHOWTIME'S "CALIFORNICATION"

"Famed novelist & NYC transplant Hank relocates to LA after his acclaimed book is optioned, but it later becomes a crappy romantic comedy, which sparks a horrible case of writer's block. He's struggling to get his career back on track with the help of his agent/best friend, raise his pre-teen daughter, all while pining for his ex-girlfriend. It may sound desperate, but he enjoys life and owns all his various vices — drink, drugs and women — with a refreshing sense of honesty and unapologetic candor. He's holding it together while falling apart, and he doesn't mind it one bit. "-jacked from Showtime's website here.

Some of the stunts they pull on this show will leave you laughing so hard it hurts, turning your head in disgust, and slack jawed with your mouth hanging wide open. I LOVE it!!
BEWARE: This show is NOT for everyone. With episodes titled “The Whore from Babylon” “Coke D!@K and the First Kick”and “Vaginatown” you know this is definitely NOT the Cosby show!! Sometimes it is good to be bad!

Thanks for caring,

Sometimes I wish....

2009-08-03T15:45:00.007-05:00

Sometimes I wish….. that I stood out in a crowd a little more. Now, don’t get me wrong sometimes it is good to be able to fade into the background, but if you are ALWAYS having to reintroduce yourself to people you have met before, it can be quite troublesome. You begin to question what type, if any type of impression you are leaving on people.

I have ALWAYS had friends who are extroverted (to say the least) and I am your classic introvert so it was natural that people remembered my friends before they remembered me. I was and still am remembered as “so and so’s friend”.

I am not trying to sound all “my dog died” but, it is something that has been in the back of my mind for quite some time. But now as a mother raising a daughter I have started to naturally OVERANALYZE myself and my role in her life. I feel that raising a little girl is such a HUGE responsibility and if I/we are going to raise a confident, happy, caring, compassionate, giving, self-sufficient young woman then I am going to HAVE to be the role model she needs. So in my search to be the “perfect” role model I am discovering all kinds of stuff about myself that I wish I could change or alter just a little bit.

But on the positive side I am also discovering many wonderful qualities that I LIKE about being me and hope that Tay will posses as well. But why is it that the bad seems to out weigh the good?
Oh, that’s right; I am a glass half-empty kinda girl.
Man another thing I need to alter or tweak. *sigh*

Who knew that all this kid raising stuff was going to be so difficult ;)?
Next Time: The good stuff

Thanks for caring,
K

To have or not to have.....

2009-07-30T09:47:00.007-05:00

another baby? (is the question of the hour, week, month, year) Hubby and I are wrestling with the decision of whether it would be good for our family to throw another one into the mix! There are so many pros and cons that we are confused as to which direction to go.

1. We enjoy our family just the way it is.

But, another would provide us with double the fun!

2. Do we possibly have MORE love to give?

Of Course we do.

3. Where would the money come from? (Daycare right now is $175.00 a week)

Your guess is as good as mine!

4. Do we wanna take the chance of a repeat performance by the colic devil?

Hummm...........Not ready to go through THAT hell again.-But no one could ever be prepared for THAT!!

5. Am I ready to turn over my body for the greater good again?

Yes and No.

6. Is our bed big enough for 4 of us?

??? Let's hope so. Tay is finally enjoying being in her big girl bed!

7. Do we want Tay to have to shoulder all the responsibility of taking care of us when we get older?

NO!!

8. Will my mental state and emotional state take a beating by going through theses changes again?

YES. without a doubt I will have to prepare myself mentally for the emotional changes that will take place before, during, and after the pregnancy!

9. Will it be worth it?

ABSOLUTELY!!

10. Is it selfish of me to NOT want to go through all of this again when so many women out there do not even get the opportunity to even contemplate this decision?

Sometimes I think yes. But then I realize that I cannot live my life feeling guilty for what someone else does not have. I need to enjoy what has been given to us and roll with the punches as they come!!

I don't know what we are going to do, but i will definitely keep you posted.
Thanks for caring,

K

This is another post inspired by MamaKat's Writing Workshop. Mash her button to read what decisions everyone else is having a hard time making.
Here are the prompts incase you wanted to see what I had to choose from.
1.) Who made you red hot this week?
2.) A day in your life...recap.(inspired by Jennifer from Toddler Tirade)
3.) What decision are you having a hard time making?(inspired by Evansmom from Just Sayin')4.) How will you enjoy your last days of freedom (aka summer)?(inspired by Heather from A Day In The Life)
5.)List your 7 most favorite summer items!(inspired by Summer from Le Musings of Moi)

Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda

2009-07-23T16:59:00.004-05:00

I am sure all of you have seen this but I couldn't help myself. I need to blow this puppy up and post it all over my house!

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained or the sofa faded.
I would have eaten popcorn in the “good” living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble on about his youth.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television, and more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside of me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would have never said, “Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.”
There would have been more “I love you’s.” More, “I’m sorry’s.”
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute…look at it and really see it…live it…and never give it back.
-Erma Bombeck

Thanks for caring,
K

Jealous, No?

2009-07-23T11:46:00.005-05:00

This morning I got to take a shower with the shower door wide open. My 2.5 year old daughter wanted to read her book with me while I showered. Did she want to go lay in the bed and watch Blues Clues with her dad? NO. Did she want to look at the book by herself so Mommy could shower without freezing to death? NO. The things we do for a little bit of sanity early in the morning.

The past two nights, well 5:30am actually, Hubby has had to come and wake me and get me to come to bed. I am not on the sofa, I am on the floor of my daughter's room. We are trying to get her in her own bed, which as you can tell, is working out really well. As long as Mommy gets in the bed with her and reads 1 million books and Mommy is the only one that soothes her back to sleep when she comes toddeling into our room at 3:30am, then she sleeps in her "big girl bed." Thus, why Hubby has found me curled up in a ball on my daughter's floor using Winnie the Pooh as a pillow and wrapped up in a pink leopard print blanket! I am beginning to think that it is easier to have her in the bed with us! At least I'm in a bed!!

Thanks for caring,
K

It was love at first page.

2009-07-21T15:52:00.012-05:00

If you need something to read and enjoy a good “southern” book, then you MUST check out any of the books written by Dorothea Benton Frank. The first book I read of hers I randomly picked up in Walgreen’s before we moved to Charleston, probably 2002. It was "Plantation" and I was hooked!! Seven years and nine books later I have come to the realization that I will read absolutely anything this woman puts into print. Oh, did I mention that I actually met her while we were living in Charleston and she signed my books!! I felt kinda dorky standing in line with all these middle aged women holding books to say “hello” to a woman who would NEVER remember me or that she signed my books, but I stuck it out and so glad I did!

“Shem Creek”, “Pawley’s Island”, “Isle of Palms”, “Sullivan’s Island”, “Return to Sullivan’s Island” (her latest), “Bulls Island”, “Full of Grace”, “The Land of Mango Sunsets”, “Plantation”, and “The Christmas Pearl” (the only one I have not read) are all set in and around the city of Charleston, SC. Once we moved to Charleston I actually looked up and visited many of the places and restaurants that Mrs. Frank highlighted in her books! It was like the books were coming to life. It was ah-mazing! After reading her books it makes me miss Charleston more and more each day. I cannot wait to take Tay to Charleston and visit all of the places we loved while living there. *sigh* one day.......

Thanks for caring,
K
P.S. When her new book came out "Retun to Sullivan's Island" I practically ran to the bookstore to buy it. Loved it and I am so glad I did!

ABC's of me

2009-07-17T14:43:00.006-05:00

I completely swiped this from Carrin over at Carrin's Comments who stole this little MeMe from Britt over at Living in the Moment. My computer is still jacked so I fit in blogging when I can.

A-Age: I am 32. Is it weird that I had to physically count before answering?
B-Birth date: November 20. I am a Scorpio-watch out!
C-Chore you hate: Anything that involves a dish. I CANNOT stand the bits of food that end up in the water. Gag....I just threw up a little in my mouth just thinking about it!
D-Dog's name: Bowden- or as Tay says "Bow-len" We did.not.name.him that, he totally came with that name!
E-Enter or Exit: All I can come up with is a sexual connotation and that is TMI!!
F-Favorite color: Blue
G-Gold or silver: Silver or white gold!
H-Hair color: Boring brown.
I-Instrument: I played the flute in Jr. High and I can sorta play the piano.
J-Job Title: Office Manager
K-Kids: 1-Taylor 2.5
L-Living arrangements: I live with Hubby and Tay in a house that we bought and renovated before the storm.
M-Monkey or Moose: I don't know. We had a cat named Moose. He was a wonderful cat but he definitely had a few screws loose!! Monkey is the latest nickname I have given Tay.
N-Nicknames: I only have one that Hubby gave me and I will not divulge.
O-Odd thing about you: I.HATE.LEFTOVERS, and I don't like my food to touch or the juices to mix. Barf!
P-Pet Peeve: Close talkers, rude people, people who act as though they are the best thing in the universe, oh, and people who pop their gum in public!
Q-Quote from a movie: "They say nothing lasts forever; dreams change, trends come and go, but friendships never go out of style." Carrie Bradshaw-Sex and the City Any quote from the movie Pretty and Pink and The Breakfast Club!!!!
R-Right/Left Handed: Right-in everything but pool!
S-Siblings: 1 younger sister-SISSY
T-Time you wake up: Whenever Tay decides.
U-Underwear: yep
V-Veggie you dislike: Cooked-peas, carrots, broccoli, & cauliflower, oh and BEETS.
W-What makes you run late: My forgetfulness. I can get the car and have to go back inside 4 times to get random stuff I forgot!
X-X-Rays: Teeth, wrist and Brain scan
Y-Yummy food you make: Umm........Blue Runner Red Beans and Rice, Kraft Mac and Cheese-does it count if it came out of a can or a box?! If not ummmm.........
Z-Zoo Animal: Any of the big cats!!

That was fun.
FYI-We have been hard at work getting Tay into her own bed and I am proud to say that Tay has slept the [entire] last 2 nights in her own bed!! Usually (this past week) she'd get up around 3:30am or so and grab her blanket, her puppy, and her sippy cup full of water and come into our room to get into the bed with us. She was not freaking out or wailing like I imagined, she just came in with all of her stuff a little whiny. So, I got up around 5am yesterday morning and freaked out because I was sure something was wrong because I did not hear one peep out of her the entire night. I'm positive I would have had this freak out years ago if she had not been sleeping in our bed, but whatever. This morning at 6am she simply walks in the room with her book ready to hear a story. Like it was no big deal that she had spent the previous night all alone in her bed! Slow and steady wins the race every time! (I think putting her in her big girl bed has been harder on me than her! Shhh...)
We have a little rountine-We go into her room, I turn on her little night light, turn on her Beatles Lullaby music, I sit down next to her bed and read her a couple of books. After 1 or 2 books she rolls over and I pet her back until she is asleep!! I am so proud of her and almost as proud of us for getting off our lazy butts and doing it. (Even if she did prompt us.) Now on to finish up with potty training. We have purchased the big girl panties; Dora, Tinkerbell, and even a couple of Diego underoos (yes boys-but you can't buy Dora without Diego, duh!), now we just have to spend the entire weekend in the house wearing them!! Soon.

Thanks for caring,

K

Dear So and So....

2009-07-14T08:46:00.009-05:00

Kat across the pond does a weekly feature called "DEAR SO AND SO..." I wanted to participate but I am a wee bit late. Better late than never-right? Go check her out and read everyone else's letters.

Dear mosquitoes, gnats, fire ants, chiggers, and any other insect that bites,
My daughter is not your ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET!! I appreciate the fact that you are now leaving me alone, but come on, she is 2!! Not only does it make her miserable and cranky, it is so much fun for Mama. You must stop or I will not be held responsible for the arsenal of products that I will use to annihilate you!
K
********
Dear Audit Lady,
You made this morning not nearly as painful as it could have been.
Thanks from a fellow Golden Eagle,
K
********
Dear Manufacturers of "Children's Bug Bite Medicine,"
If it says children's don't you think it would be a wise idea for it not to sting the shit out of my child when I put the medicine on the bite?" Now she would rather have the boo-boo itch than put the medicine on.
Thanks for nothing,
K
********
Dear NetFlix,
You have succeeded in finding a niche with all of us parents who would rather cut out our own eyes then to have to chase a 2 year old around a store while trying to pick out a movie!!
Thanks for helping me keep the small sliver of sanity I have left,
K
********
Dear media,
Stop with all of the MJ coverage. I have seen more of him on the television in the past 10 days than I have in the past 10 years!!!
R.I.P. MJ,
K
********
Dear CBS,
Did you really have to bring back Jessie on BB11?
An almost ex-BB watcher,
K
********

Thanks for caring,
K

Handbags obsession already?

2009-07-10T16:26:00.008-05:00

Taylor has become attached to a certain accessory. She does not put it down ever!! She carries it religiously throughout the entire day while at school. She does hit boys with it just like a little old lady. She literally fills it up with rocks, that is why it is so heavy. Right now she currently has a couple of magnets, a tiny car, a set of keys, a small slinkey, a wallet with several "membership" credit cards, a kaleidescope, lots of rocks, a couple of seashells, a real cell phone-nonworking of course, and lots of pony tail holders!!! Here is her current choice of accessory.

So not only does she carry this she still lugs Puppy along for the ride!

Next week I'll post a picture of my handbag I purchased while we were on Vacay. My very first COACH!!!!

Thanks for caring,

Kelly

Writer's Workshop

2009-07-09T00:00:00.006-05:00

The Prompts:1.) Tell us about a "dirt cheap" you've taken this summer.(inspired by Anti-Supermom)

2.) When I grow up I want to be like...(inspired by Jenny Says What?)

3.) Describe a difficult moment that you survived.(inspired by Sarah M.)

4.) List 5 things you like to do while camping...or 5 places you'd like to go.(inspired by Kisatrtle)

5.) What are you paranoid about?(inspired by Melissa)

I have chosen #4. I am not really the "camping" type, unless anyone knows of an airconditioned, bug free zone, then I am out or least staying in a cabin! But here are 5 places I would like to go instead: (I just named a few in the U.S I would like to see, plus I'm on "borrowed" time because my computer is at the Dr.-hopefully we will get it back soon!)

MAINE

Not sure why, but lately I have been having the desire to travel to Maine! Not during the winter, this southern girl would F-F-F-F-F-REEZE to death!

ASTORIA, OREGON

If you don't recognize this house it is because you are not aware of one of the BEST movies of all times-GOONIES!!!

Got the pic from here. Thanks

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Picture lifted from here.

I freaking love this place. We went on a school trip in the 6th grade and I could not get enough of it. The next year my mom went to New York for the U.S. Open and my Dad asked Sissy and I where we wanted to go for a trip (he figured Disney World, nope) we chose Washington, D.C. I cannot wait to go back. I just have to remember that when we go, we must find another couple where one person is ready to spend hours upon hours upon hours with me reading EVERYTHING while the other person can speed through everything and hang out with Hubby waiting for us to catch up.

AN ALASKAN CRUISE

Picture "borrowed" from here

Can you say GEORGOUS!!! I would love to see all of the glaciers and wildlife that Alaska has to offer.

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

Thanks for this photo.

I figured since this was suppose to be about camping I would throw in a park. It would be cool to go here and see "where the buffalo roam!"

Go check out what everyone else is talking about at MamKat's. Click on her button and join the fun.

Thanks for caring,

I'm getting paid to do this!

2009-07-06T14:30:00.013-05:00

I am doing this at work (thus the I'm getting paid for this reference) I am doing this at work so my pictures are not cropped and "all fanicified" the way I usually like them. But, I wanted to post them so I won't get forgotten in the blogosphere.

I hope everyone had a GREAT 4th. Pop Pop (my dad) gave me a saying "He who drinks a 5th on the 4th does not go 4th on the 5th!!" Perfect!!........Hum, I need to start a weekly post entitled "Pop Pop-isms"

Here are the long awaited pics of our family vacation to the Beach. I did not take as many pictures as I should have, but Sissy did!! Which I am still waiting for-HINT HINT!!! Tay and Parker seemed to be on opposite nap schedules for the better part of the Vacay, but on the last day or so they were awake and in good moods at the same time, so I did get some pics of them together.

All ready to go!

I know that she has LOTS of sunscreen on, but if you had seen the lobster that her mother turned into you would have done the same thing!

Tay with her Tinker Bell Sunglasses with her Daddy.

She ate her weight in "FREEZY POPS!!" Her face was stained orange for a couple of days!

Chillaxin!!

Tay and baby Parker. I think he will always be "Baby Parker" to Taylor!!

Man, she LOVED this turtle!!!

We bought small canvases from Michael's so Tay can make the art for her room. I had it all planned out in my head of how it was going to go. What's that saying God laughs the hardest when you make a plan.
Let the fun begin!

Flashing her gang signs!!

Thanks for caring,

Quick update.

2009-06-29T16:59:00.005-05:00

My computer is very sick that is why I have been MIA lately!! We are taking its sick ass to the Dr. tomorrow so hopefully I can finally download our pics from the beach. You will LOVE them. Sissy also took some "family pics" of us, but she has had a migraine for the past 4 days so, we'll get them when we can!! This was my first time doing the entire family wear white thing at the beach and I kinda liked it!! We will definitely do it again!!
My grandmother passe away last night she was 91 years young!!! We will be out of town for the next couple of days for the funeral and wake. She had 3 kids (one being my mom), 7 grandkids, 11 great-grandkids and 2 great-great grandkids. (Apparently no one discussed abstinence to a certain side of the family!!)
I have some great pics of her from my wedding that I will share with you once I get them off of my sick ass computer.

No. 1 I am grateful that Lessie lived such a long and full life.
No. 2 I am grateful that my in-laws will watch Tay for us while we go attend the funeral
No. 3 I am grateful that I have such wonderful friends who offered to watch Tay for us without even thinking twice about it!! THANK YOU!!

Thanks for caring,
K

Flaming Dr. Pepper, Boxers and Socks....

2009-06-25T15:00:00.002-05:00

Hopefully you noticed that I haven’t been around these parts in awhile, if you didn’t notice then to hell with you. (I am so joking.) I know many of you have been thinking to yourself now where has she gone and when will she return? We took Taylor to the beach for the very first time last week! We had a fun filled couple of days at the beach with some very good friends and a wonderful Sissy to help us celebrate Taylor’s first outing to the beach.

Okay before I get a head of myself let me start at the beginning.
Last weekend Big Poppa and Lil Mama were in the Crescent City for his work and they invited us to come over, crash at their PHAT hotel room and partake in the fun that is Bourbon Street. How could we say no? So we drove across the lake and headed to our favorite spot THE GOLDMINE! [I know, I know, if we are practically locals why do we insist on hanging out around Bourbon? When I figure out the answer I’ll let you know!] Anywhoo….we got to the Goldmine and it was eerily quiet. All the shutters were closed so we walked up and talked to the bouncer who proceeded to basically tell us that a) we arrived VERY early, b) we were old as Mosses -therefore why we were there so early, and c) that you could actually feel the air conditioning -because no one else was there! Well, we paid our cover, got our hands stamped 2x’s and proceeded to the bar to order one of these.
Picture found here

A trip to the Goldmine would not be complete without a FLAMING DR. PEPPER!! Because we arrived so early we were able to sit at the bar and practically had our own bartender all night long!! She was new but we never had to beg a bartender for a drink or wave our money around to try and get service. (see, age does have some privileges!) We had LOTS of fun!!

Moving on, the reason for this entire post is to let you in on a funny little story that happened while in New Orleans. If you do not remember me telling you about my "sleep walking husband" then go read this, I'll wait...........

Caught up?

Good.

After many, many beers and cocktails we headed back to the room. I failed to mention that the room we had was a loft suite. Lil Mama and Big Poppa had the upstairs master bedroom and Hubby and I slept in the downstairs room. You must remember that they were upstairs and we were downstairs. We got to the room and scrounged around for change to hit up the vending machines. Nothing better than Chili Cheese Fritos and a Dr. Pepper to end a great night with great friends, I always say. We all go to sleep or pass out which ever you prefer. The next morning Hubby and I wake up and start to get ready to go and pick up Tay when he told me that he woke up in the hall. I was barely paying attention, thinking he woke up on the floor next to the bathroom (wouldn't have been the first time.)
He continued to tell me the story of how he woke up in the hall of the hotel outside the hotel room!!! WTF?! Apparently at some point during the wee hours of the morning Hubby decided to take a stroll around the hotel. Lil Mama said that she heard the door knob jangling and she figured we had decided to go back out and couldn't work the door. She said she kept hearing it so she figured we had forgotten our key. Then she heard banging on the door, so she threw on a robe to let us in and as she is coming down the stairs she sees me zonked out on the bed! Now she is really curious as the what the H is going on. She opens the door and there stood my Hubby in a pair of boxers and his socks!! "Thank God you answered the door I didn't know what my next step was gonna be" he said. Bwahahahahaha......he will never live this down.

Thanks for caring,
Kelly

Next stop the beach trip I promise. I have SO MANY pictures and it is taking FOREVER to download them to blogger! UGH!

I accept.

2009-06-22T16:30:00.001-05:00

*Just FYI I am working on a lovely post about Tay's first trip to the Beach!*

I have decided to take part in Jenners "Take a Chance Challenge" Over at findyournextbookhere, she has set up a 10 part challenge in helping us (the lovers of books) find new and creative ways to find our next book. I have not decided which Task I will do first but I cannot wait to start!!

Here are the 10 Tasks -go here if you want to read all of the rules!

Random Book Selection. Go to the library. Position yourself in a section such as Fiction, Non-Fiction, Mystery, Children (whatever section you want). Then write down random directions for yourself (for example, third row, second shelf, fifth book from right). Follow your directions and see what book you find. Check that book out of the library, read it and then write about it. (If you prefer, you can do the same at a bookstore and buy the book!)

Random Word. Go to this random word generator and generate a random word. Find a book with this word in the title. Read the book and write about it.

Birth Year Book. Find a book that was published or copyrighted in the year of your birth. Read the book and write about it.

Judge A Book By Its Cover. Pick out a book based SOLELY on the cover. First, write about what you expect the book to be about based on the cover art. Then read the book and write about how the book was different from and/or similar to what the cover art led you to expect.

Phoning An Author. Pick a random last name out of the phone book. Find an author with the same last name and read a book by them. Write about it. (I'm flexible ... if the first random name you pick is Xprxyrsss, you can pick again!)

Public Spying. Find someone who is reading a book in public. Find out what book they are reading and then read the same book. Write about it.

Random Bestseller. Go to Random.org and, using the True Random Number Generator, enter the number 1950 for the min. and 2008 for the max. and then hit generate. Then go to this site and find the year that Random.org generated for you and click on it. Then find the bestseller list for the week that would contain your birthday for that year. Choose one of the bestsellers from the list that comes up, read it and write about it.

Lit Riff (inspired by the book Lit Riffs by Matthew Miele.) Choose a song and then write a brief story that is inspired by or further explains the lyrics of the song.

Poetic Review. Write a book review in three different forms of verse: haiku, limerick and free verse. (You can pick any book you want to write about.)

Movie/Book Comparison. Find a book that you haven't read that has a movie based on it that you haven't seen. Read the book and watch the movie within a few days of each other. Write about your reactions to both the book and the movie and compare the two.

I cannot wait to start on this challenge. I have already picked the book I would like to do for the movie/book comparison!
Thanks for caring,
K

Gone to the beach

2009-06-15T18:50:00.002-05:00

My first award!!

2009-06-12T16:34:00.001-05:00

So I have just received my first award since starting my blog!! Carrin over at Carrin'sComments was kind enough to be my first!!

Truth is such a rare thing, it is delightful to tell it. ~Emily Dickinson

The rules when receiving this award is that I must tell 10 truthful things about myself that not everyone knows and then pass the award on to 5 other bloggers who are out there spreading the God's Honest truth!

1. The last time I dove into a pool was 1989. I was at summer camp and dove into a HUGE ASS patch of seaweed!! Thought I was going to drown and faked an earache for the rest of the month. And I have not done it since.

2. I want to find THAT PASSION in my career. I know that what I am doing now is not it, but I desperately want to find it so I can ENJOY what I am doing.

3. I don't know how to properly apply makeup, so I don't.

4. I am one of the best friends you will ever have.

5. I am still PISSED they pulled my pin 2 months before going alum and this was over 11 years ago! (this is definitely a post for another day.)

6. When I was Preggers I went to Tar-Jay at least once a week!

7. The last time I took a bath was over 2.5 years ago and I was Preggers. (To ease my aching back) I take showers instead.

8. I miss working in the hotel industry. (Not the schedule 365/24/7, but the people and the atmosphere.) I worked at The French Quarter Inn when we lived in Charleston, SC. If you ever go to Charleston it is a WONDERFUL BOUTIQUE HOTEL! Reasonably priced for the location and the amenities, definitely not for the young kiddies, wonderful for the adults!!! Gawd, I miss it!

9. I got my love of reading from my Grandfather (my dad's dad) he had books everywhere in his house!! Thanks PaPa.

10. I am actually happy with where I am right now in my life!

Thanks for caring,

Corn Festival

2009-06-11T09:30:00.002-05:00

Oh my....it has been a long time. Sorry! This post is VERY random so buckle up and hang on.

How ya like my new button!! I put it there ------> under the impression that it said P.O.S Blogger as in Piece of S**t, but it really means Prisoner of Summer. No, I am not a SAHM but I am taking advantage all of this sunshine to get out of my house with my daughter. All we seem to have gotten accomplished in the past couple of days is to get Tay completely covered in Mosquito bites! She probably has 20 and I am not lying! Yesterday she got bit on the cheek, while walking from the car to the house. A span of maybe 30 feet! I believe her signature scent will soon be Skin-So-Soft.

We are off to the beach next week and CANNOT wait! Did I mention that the last time Hubby and I went on a Vacay was our honeymoon? 5 YEARS AGO. It is LONG overdue!

No. 1 I am grateful that this past weekend was not humid! It would have been hell picking corn in 90% humidity.

No. 2 I am grateful for Tinkerbell the movie!

No. 3 I am grateful Pop Pop is doing "better and better" everyday!

Yes, you did read that correctly I picked corn.

Any time you want to stop laughing is okay with me.

Okay, enough with the laughing.

I'll wait while you compose yourself.

Finished?

Saturday the fam and I went to a "corn festival." I use the term "festival" very loosely. It was not your traditional festival, there were no rides, no funnel cakes, no games to win stuffed animals, and no face painting. Basically we drove out past BFE. Seriously BFE is closer than where we went. (BFE aka Bum Fu** Egypt) We arrived at a farm-200+ acres, unpacked our gear, (beer, capri-suns, chairs-you know all the necessities), and after about half an hour loaded up in the back of pick-up trucks and went to pick corn.

I said to stop laughing!

We picked corn for a while then went back to the main house and had many corn dishes. All of the dishes made included some form of corn.....it felt very "Forrest Gump-esque" corn on the cob, corn bisque, corn and sausage stuff, corn gumbo, .....you get the point!

I was expecting a TERRIBLE day and I will admit it was not that bad!! (Corn eaten immediately after being picked is the best.) Taylor obviously enjoyed the hell out of it!

P.S.-Taylor went to sleep in her bed last night!! She wanted to go to bed in her "big girl" bed. I laid in the bed with her and we read some stories and she sacked out. This is the first time in a long time that we have not had to lay down in my bed with the t.v. to go night-night!! We brought her into our bed around midnight! I am not quite ready for her to wake up at 2 am and freak out looking for me. Baby steps remember....

Thanks for caring,

Check this out.

2009-06-10T11:12:00.008-05:00

THIS is freaking great!!! I promise I am working on a post that is chock full of pictures! But until then go laugh at this and this, oh and this. Eww...my eyes, my eyes, I think I just burned my retinas looking at this. What is this?

I'll be back soon!
Thanks for caring,
K

Any questions?

2009-06-02T22:09:00.003-05:00

This is what happens when we try and put Tay in her own bed!! She was only in her bed for 3 hours and I went to check on her and this is what I found!

Yes that is drool!! She does sleep exactly like her Daddy!

No. 1 I am grateful that my spaghetti dinner did not suck.
No. 2 I am grateful for a good book.
No. 3 I am grateful that Tay's Daycare finally got their webcams up and running today! (not sure how much work I am going to get done.)

Thanks for caring,
K

Hurricanes

2009-06-01T13:49:00.011-05:00

This is my kind of Hurricane!!In case you do not live in the Gulf Region or on the East Coast today is the official start of the 2009 Hurricane Season. Now, maybe the newscasters around here will stop the countdown. ("Only 3 days until the beginning of Hurricane Season, do you have your evacuation plans?" "Only 2 days until the beginning of Hurricane Season, do you have your evacuation plans?".......UGH!!) I really think they started somewhere around 60 days...UGH!

Anywhoo....we will be getting all of our important papers together in one spot, just in case. Ya never know! We live about 1/2 a block from Lake Pontchartrain. So we have to evacuate for every major and not so major storm that comes our way.

See that line across the lake? That is the Causeway Bridge it is 24 miles long and is the longest bridge in the world over a body of water; and how Hubby gets to work everyday!! Now do you see the other lines on the left side of the lake? That is the spillway bridge that takes you from Slidell over to the City. This is what it looked like after THE STORM aka Katrina. Now do you see why we on the Northshore evacuate? (FYI everyone who survived Katrina has their own story and I too have one. But that is for another day!)

I am doing this at work so I do not have pictures of mine or my in-laws house. They took on about 3 feet of water but their house was raised 6 feet!! If you have never smelled rancid water that has been sitting in the sun for SEVERAL days, I highly recommend it. It is unforgettable!! Plus it is a diuretic it makes you gag and sometimes puke!!

Oh...I have a question for all you moms out there. I am trying to find some sing-a-long Cd's for my daughter and cannot find any that are worth a damn. I have picked up a couple and they are too creepy to even listen too. They are a combination of techno-synthesizer filled children songs with computer voices. I threw them out so Taylor wouldn't have nightmares!! I can still hear their creepy voices in my head. Please either email me or leave a comment imparting all your sing-a-long wisdom on me.

Speaking of creepy voices--guess what Hubby has taught Tay to say?

Hint:

No. 1 I am grateful that Taylor held her own during her school program this past weekend.

No. 2 I am grateful we went to B.R this weekend so Tay could hang out with her Pop Pop, Dee Dee and Aunt Sissy.

No. 3 I am grateful for the Dollar Store.

Thanks for caring,

Too good to be true?

2009-05-29T09:08:00.008-05:00

Usually when you see "everyone wins" you think it is too good to be true, but this one is not my friends!! Everyone really does win.

I don't normally get involved with Blogging about giveaways but I could not pass this one up. Kimba is offering a beautiful Dandelion Wall Decal (see it down there?! It is a $60 value!) courtesy of Lewa's Designs to one lucky reader. Go visit Kimba over at A Soft Place to Land to find out all the details. PLUS--

Lewa's Designs is hosting an everyone wins giveaway!! Anyone with a Blog who writes a post linking back to Lewa's Designs gets their choice of one of three amazingly cute wall decals. See them? a Medium Caterpillar, or a Swirly Bird, or Baseball!!!

What a happy Friday this turned out to be.

No. 1 I am grateful that Lacey blogged all about this wonderful giveaway.
No. 2 I am grateful Taylor woke up in a good mood today.
No. 3 I am grateful Sissy just volunteered to keep Tay Saturday night!

Thanks for caring,
K

Writer's Workshop.

2009-05-28T10:28:00.001-05:00

The Prompts:

1.) What is your life's anthem? You know...that song that is ALWAYS in your head. The one you'd go to sing first if someone told you to sing a song right NOW. What is it and what does it mean to you?
(inspired by Tattooed Minivan Mom)

2.) We love telemarketers don't we!?! Describe a memorable experience you had with one.
(inspired by Literal Dan

3.) How much does focusing on weight affect your daily life?
(inspired by Musings Of A Blond Mom)

4.) Describe in what ways you expect too much from your significant other. Do they deserve an apology?
(inspired by Carty Party Of Three)

5.) List ten things that make you HAPPY.
(inspired by our irritation at our own complaining from last weeks "Sick Of" posts.)

6.) Ok I was going to end it with five, but Laina just got out of bed as I was finishing this post and I SWEAR she is sleep walking. It's creepy. I keep asking her what she is doing and she's staring at me...but not directly at me...kind of just a centimeter to the left of my head. I KNEW she was a sleep walker. I just knew it. SO! Share a sleep walking story of your own!!
(inspired by my scary four year old)

#3-I truly did not focus on my weight very much until recently. (Granted I have always been somewhere between a 4 and a 6) All of my friends have had weight issues at one point in their lives or another. I just thought I was the lucky one who did not worry about that kind of stuff UNTIL....I had a baby and everything changed! I gained about 35 lbs while I was preggers and, please don't hate me, did not have a hard time losing the weight. I breastfed for 9 mos and worked retail so I was on my feet 8 plus hours a day, plus pumping. I was very LUCKY and ended up smaller than I was before Taylor. Now....not so much. I am not going to whine too much longer, it is just that I have never felt like this before and not really sure how to handle it. I am not saying that I am FAT by any stretch of the imagination, I am just unhappy about where I am right now and need to take the steps to correct it. Granted with my new job I sit on my ass for 8 hours a day so I am sure this has something to do with it. I think that the treadmill we recently acquired can definitely help point me in the right direction.

#4- I expect a lot out of myself and in turn expect a lot out of my husband. In the beginning I expected Hubby to be the one to take charge of ALL CAR ISSUES. I expected him to be the one to be concerned when I needed more washer fluid, or new wiper blades, or air in my tires. I also expected him to be responsible for everything trash related. Because... well...., honestly...., trash makes me gag, and for a very long time Hubby would put cups in the trash that still had liquid in them that would leak when you took out the trash. When you live in an apartment on the third floor and your feet get dripped on by smelly trash liquid, you get pretty pissed pretty fast. After that I refused to do it. Going back to the car issues I never TOLD hubby that I expected this out of him, I just assumed that because I was raised this way that he would intuitively know that he was SUPPOSE to take care of this. Boy was I wrong. I have since learned that if I expect things out of him I need to communicate to him what those expectations are so as to not set us both up for failure.

#5 10 THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY

1. Flowers for no reason.
2. Clean sheets.
3. My girlfriends.
4. Listening to my Hubby and Taylor talking, whispering, singing, pretty much doing anything.
5. Cards.--Yes, any Hallmark card.
6. Hubby.
7. A fountain Dr. Pepper from Blue Harbor.
8. Finding that shirt/shoes/or whatever that you have had your eye on, just went on sale, they have your size, you have enough money to buy it, and a coupon!
9. My daughter's reaction to me when I pick her up from school--Screaming"MOMMY, MOMMY, MOMMY" as she is running full force into my arms. *sigh*
10.That I will be on vacation with some wonderful people in 18 days!!!

#6 Hubby sleepwalks and talks. At first it was a little creepy, but now it is funny. When we first started living together he would talk and mumble in his sleep. One night he order a "quarter pounder with cheese". He usually just speaks gibberish, but he does laugh out loud a lot in his sleep. Which makes me giggle. What could he possibly be dreaming about that makes him laugh that hard?! Anyhoo...... When we first moved to Orlando we rented an apartment pretty close to Disney. One day I went into the bathroom to get out a face towel and the entire drawer was soaking wet. Naturally I looked up to see if there was a leak from above us. Nope. I looked on the floor to see if it was wet. Nope. I open up the cabinet above the drawer to see if that too was wet. Nope. So I did what any normal person would do, I smelled the washcloth. Yep, you guessed correct, it smelled like pee. So if there are only 2 of us that live in the apartment it makes sense to naturally assume that Hubby was the one to do it. He would not hear of it. He tried to blame me and say that I did it. Which makes perfect sense--I hoisted myself up in the middle of the night to pee in a drawer! We joked about it for a long time but he really does not remember it. I was completely convinced it was him when one Christmas Eve I awoke to find him in the classic man taking a piss stance. Legs spread, one arm overhead bracing the wall, the other hand down around........well you know. The only problem was he was doing it up against our bedroom wall!!! To this day I still worry about him taking a leak randomly in the house! (FYI---He wanted me to say that the it has never been proven that it was him in Orlando!)

I may have gone a little overboard today, but it has been a while since I have been "inspired" to write! Thanks for getting this far.

No. 1 I am grateful that the house I fell in love with is WAY out of our price range. At least I can only dream about it, instead of being disappointed because our house is not ready to go on the market.
No. 2 I am grateful that Hubby wants to learn how to do the laundry.
No. 3 I am grateful for microwave popcorn.

Thanks for caring,
K
Go visit MamaKat to see what other crazy stuff people do in their sleep.

You asked for it....

2009-05-27T15:07:00.011-05:00

Don’t blame me you asked for it…..
Molly over at Stilettos and Diapers tagged me to show what you got. That is what’s in my handbag. I am positive she wouldn’t have asked if she had ever seen the inside of one my handbags.
My handbag is from Ann Taylor about 3 years ago anyway, let’s see what’s in side shall we……

~Neutrogena Fast Absorbing Hand Cream-- I am constantly putting this stuff on. I probably have the driest skin ever!
~Advil Liquid Gel Cap- The best for what ails you.
~Car keys
~Keys to the office
~Over sized wallet from American Eagle. I have had this thing for over a year. I bought it thinking “I can put all my stuff in here and that way when I need to go somewhere I can just pull this out and toss it into the diaper bag” Yeah…..that’s happened twice. (Definitely need to down size.)
~Check book
~Misc. papers and a menu from Chili’s.--Most of the papers are stuff I pull off of other people’s blogs that I print out and save for later to use in my own blog--Truthfully never used any of it.
~Crazy Pills---Never leave home without them!
~Lighters- ya never know!
~Nasal spray---after ending up in the ER with SEVERE sinus issues I decided to never go through that again
~Smile Jesus loves you books----Old man passing them out on the Lakefront. Taylor enjoys these books they are just her size.
~My phone
~Handy Dandy Mirror I *ahem* Tay jacked from Sissy.
~Coach coin purse---It is actually empty
~Credit Card from work
~Concealer
~Free lip gloss from Estee Lauder
~Nail File
~Random toy from Tay’s Wacky Pak from Sonic
~Tampons--Apparently I need LOTS of them with me at all times.
~BareMinerals Powder---LOVE THIS STUFF!
~Travel sized advil container so I don’t have to carry the ginormous bottle around--see how well that works!
~I forgot to add my sunglasses in the picture-they were on top of my head and THE LOVE DARE book. I was reading it at a red light and forgot it on the seat of my car.

Side note---I am on the hunt for a new handbag. I cannot seem to find the perfect size. They all or either too small or so big that I think I can just throw everything in it. When I was preggers I had water bottles, books, magazines, pop-tarts, and small bags of chips in my purse. Again---YA NEVER KNOW!!

No. 1 I am grateful for such a beautiful day.
No. 2 I am grateful Tay is a HEALTHY ACTIVE 2 year old.
No. 3 I am grateful that Molly tagged me. It took me taking a picture of the crap that I am loaded down with to realize that I do not need all of this stuff!. Plus, it makes my shoulder hurt!

Thanks for caring,

K

LD Day 27

2009-05-26T11:12:00.004-05:00

LD Day 27: Love Encourages-

“Eliminate the poison of unrealistic expectations in your home. Think of one area where your spouse has told you you’re expecting too much, and tell them you’re sorry for being so hard on them about it. Promise them you’ll seek to understand, and assure them of your unconditional love.”

“When you place high expectations on your spouse that they don’t feel internally motivated to attain, what does that tell you about yourself? What are some better ways to deal with these disconnect?”

No. 1 I am grateful Hubby cut the grass this weekend. Tay almost got lost in our jungle.
No. 2 I am grateful Tay had such a wonderful Memorial Day with Daddy while Mommy worked.
No. 3 I am grateful for all the men and women in the armed forces who gave up their lives for a cause greater than themselves. THANK YOU!!

Thanks for caring,
K
If you have not read my previous post, please do so-This family and community needs your prayers.

Too close to home.

2009-05-26T09:18:00.006-05:00

I can’t seem to get this out of my mind. I am not trying to bring anyone down I just feel that I need to talk about this today.
Sunday night around 9:45pm, aboard Carnival Fantasy, one of their passengers 18 year old Bruce O’Krepki fell overboard and has not been located yet. Bruce and 35 of his classmates, including his parents, boarded Carnival Fantasy out of New Orleans, for a 7 day cruise to celebrate their recent graduation from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Hammond, La. I did not know Bruce or the O’Krepki family but I did graduate from STA (granted it was 15 years ago). I know the school, I walked down the same halls he did, I sat in the same chairs, I prayed in the same chapel, I played basketball during P.E. in the same gym and I know the community. The community that surrounds STA is comprised of a close knit group of people. Parents participate, students enjoy their school (whether they admit it or not) and everyone knows everyone. (This definitely has its pros and cons) I grieve along side the family and friends of Bruce O’Krepki and hope for a miracle. I cannot even begin to comprehend what his fellow classmates are going through right now. How do you stay on a cruise to celebrate graduating and continue on to the Bahamas after this has happened to one of your friends? Simply put - You can’t.
I have so much more to say but cannot find the words………….
If you would like to read more about Bruce and the continued search go here or here.

Thanks for caring,
K

Writer's Workshop.

2009-05-21T10:51:00.003-05:00

I really wanted to participate today in MamaKat's writer's workshop but I posted my love letter a couple of days ago. So if you would like to read a GREAT letter that Hubby wrote to me last week go here. I posted it on Hubby's Birthday so you could get a better understanding of the man I married. Please go check it out he is a very sweet man.

Moving on, Taylor ate soft tacos!! We..ahem I mean I, made tacos last night. {It is one of the few meals I can make, so I will take credit for it.} As we sat down to eat I gave Tay her standard hot dog and sliced cheese she looked over at my plate and said "Tay want one too." So I went and made her 2 soft tacos and she ate both of them.
It is so exciting to be able to add different types of food to her short list of things she will eat. Right now she'll eat Mac and Cheese, Spaghetti (if she feels like it), Hot Dogs, Red Beans and Rice (but she must have bread to dip into the bowl), Any deli meat (as long as we call it Turkey), corn (she FREAKING LOVES this stuff), apparently she'll eat green beans at school, but not at home- go figure.
I cannot believe I just wrote an entire post detailing what my 2 year will eat. Damn, I need a life.

Oh...we got a treadmill yesterday. No, we did not pay for it. Someone at Hubby's office was getting rid of it so we took it and I actually used it and did some walking last night!! Hopefully I can continue and get my ass in shape. Especially since we are going to the BEACH next month and that usually requires a bathing suit-YIKES!!! We are going to Orange Beach with Sissy, Lil Mama, Baby Mitch and Big Poppa and we cannot wait. We have already started planning our drink menu. Any suggestions for some YUMMY beach side/pool side drinks are always welcome. Enough of my rambling.

No. 1 I am grateful for the beautiful flowers Hubby brought home last night for no reason.
No. 2 I am grateful Tay still had on the "Dora" dress when I picked her up from school yesterday. Too cute!
No. 3 I am grateful Lil Mama gave me some great clothes. I never have to buy dress pants again!!
Thanks for caring,
K

Orville Redenbacker Weathers

2009-05-20T16:20:00.001-05:00

Sarge and Re are HAVING A BABY BOY!! (In case you are new to the program and have not met Re and Sarge go here, here, and here to meet them!) I have not written about this yet because...well....I was a little superstitious. Without going into much detail I was concerned because it took a little bit of time and lots of practice before Orville (that is what I am calling him until something better comes up)decided to show up on the scene. So with this being their first child together and Re's first baby I have been thinking about little O.

I WONDER if he will have Sarge's wonderful sense of humor.
I HOPE he has his dad's athletic ability and not his mom's.
I KNOW that he will be able to "drop it like it's hot"!

I WONDER if he will be a cop like his daddy or a drug dealer like his mama.
I HOPE that he will grow up knowing his Aunt Kelly and Uncle Shaun.
I KNOW that he will have a loving and caring family.

I WONDER if he will be a social butterfly like both of his parents.
I HOPE he gets the gift of gab from him mama.
I KNOW that Sarge and Re will make sure he knows all about his Uncle Jason and Grandpa Kevin.

I WONDER who he will look like.
I HOPE that Taylor doesn't beat him up too much.
I KNOW that he will love everything MARDI GRAS, New Orleans, and Southern Miss.

I WONDER what type of man he will turn out to be.
I HOPE and pray to God that he does not have Colic!!!
I KNOW that he will have a wonderful Big Brother in Bailey.

I WONDER if his first word will be a four letter word!?
I HOPE he doesn't hate roller coasters like his parents.
I KNOW that he will be spoiled rotten but will get his booty tore up if he ever disrespects a lady!!

I WONDER if he will get his Dad's writing ability (Go here and check out his blog).
I HOPE he knows how truly lucky he is to have Re as his Mama!
I KNOW that he is truly a blessing from God!

No. 1 I am grateful that God has blessed Sarge and Re with the gift of a baby boy.
No. 2 I am grateful that I went first, so now I can understand all that she is going through and hopefully help out when I can. If not in person via phone calls, text, emails, etc.
No. 3 I am grateful today is Wednesday and the week is almost over.

Thanks for caring,

K

LD Day 22

2009-05-20T08:50:00.006-05:00

LD Day22: Love is Faithful-

"Love is a choice, not a feeling. It is an initiated action, not a knee-jerk reaction. Choose today to be committed to love even if your spouse has lost most of their interest in receiving it. Say to them 'I love you. Period. I choose to love you even if you don't love me in return.'"

"Why is this kind of love impossible without the love of Christ beating in your heart? How does His Presence within you enable you to love, even when it's primarily one-sided?"

No. 1 I am grateful that everything went well at Mitch's Dr. appt yesterday!
No. 2 I am grateful Hubby cleaned out the green room last night and moved the trim work that has been in there for a year. THANK YOU!!
No. 3 I am grateful for Tong Cho anything from Trey Yuen!

Thanks for caring,
K

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUBBY!

2009-05-18T09:57:00.004-05:00

Today is Hubby's Birthday! I am doing this at work so I do not have any pictures to post but I did want y'all to get to know him a little bit better! This is a letter he sent to me 3 days ago and I think this gives you insight as to the husband, friend, and father he is. I'll just let his words do the speaking.

Well, here we are.Thirteen years and 3 months into our relationship. I am so glad we have made it this far. From day one I have known that you were different the rest.

We have been through so much together. Married for five great years, two and a half with our beautiful daughter which I owe all to you.We have survived a house renovation and an addition I now realize how much of a sacrifice you made,thank you. You have Been by my side through and through and I couldn't ask for a better friend and wife. Who else would have moved to a third floor apartment without any one helping. While I may not have realized then how much these events would shape our life, i do now and want you to know I love you.

Kelly, I'll never forget the day we found out you was pregnant. It was the happiest and scariest day of my life. I am amazed daily at your ability to rise to the occasion. Who would have thought child birth would be so easy for you. Being in the room I was able to experience the moment Taylor entered the room but couldn't help but be worried about you. I know I couldn't do this without you.
You have to realize you are an exceptional person. No matter what obstacle comes in your way, unknowingly you overcome it. You don't give your self enough credit, I hope you one day believe in yourself as much as I do. You are capable of anything and I want you to always know I am behind you no matter what you may think.
I know we have had some stumbling blocks in the past and I think we have recovered greatly in all areas. I am committed to you and our marriage and promise not to lose focus.The past two weeks you have proven and showed me your commitment and I want to thank you for making this easier by doing this.
I stubbornly never realized how to make a marriage work and I thank you for suggesting this Dare. I t has shown me that no matter what the other is doing or not doing I should always remain who I am and continue to love, honor and respect you.I am sorry that I have neglected you and vow never to lose sight of who I am and who I love.

Yours always,
HUBBY

Seriously, how can you NOT love him.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHAUN, I LOVE YOU!!

No. 1 I am grateful that Hubby knows me well enough to know that a simple letter is all I need.
No. 2 I am grateful God intervened with the path I was walking on and introduced Hubby into my life.
No. 3 I am grateful that Hubby and I can have a "date night" sitting at the kiddie table, drinking Red Stripe, eating under cooked steaks and still enjoy ourselves.
No. 4 I am greatful that Hubby is the kind of guy who will push strangers kids on the swings, help random drunk people at Mardi Gras find their cars, assit friends when they need help getting to their room at 1 o'clock in the afternoon even when they try and make out with him and (sometimes) refuses to fight with me even when I act like a crazy bitch!!
No. 5 I am grateful he refuses to give up on me and us!
No. 6 I am grateful he came to O'Charleys THAT Valentine's Night and waited for me to get off of work so we could go rent "Addicted to Love" and hang out.
No. 7 I am grateful he said "So what do you think?" and "I do!"

Thanks for caring,
K

Toot Toot!

2009-05-15T15:29:00.004-05:00

That is me tooting my own horn.....
A few months back Hubby and I decided to take advantage of the Free Credit report.com thing. We cancelled his the next day. Bastard did not have ANYTHING negative on his report and of course his score was in the mid 700s. Mine….not so much. I have, however, really cleaned it up since college. I admit back in the day I made some mistakes with a couple of credit cards but I did eventually take advantage of some really good pay off offers and got THAT monkey off my back. After paying those off, I have been very careful with credit cards. Okay I admit there were a few times I filled out the applications at sporting events for the free t-shirts and stuff (but I always put down the incorrect information.) Anywhoo, I have always had at least one, just for emergencies. (Mardi Gras hotel rooms, new sofa, nah just kidding; seriously-new tires, groceries to hold us over until payday, etc.) I am pretty diligent about not putting anything on the credit card that A-we do not NEED or B-CANNOT live without!! So far we have done very well in maintaining this lifestyle. Every once in a while we will use the credit card for something that we shouldn’t and we automatically feel guilty afterwards. And pay off as much as we can come the due date.
We have been very responsible adults lately. We turned down a trip to Disney with some really good friends and instead we were able to pay off 3 credit cards with the money we would have spent. I tell myself that Taylor wouldn’t have remembered it anyway. So instead we are going to the beach that is 10 hours closer, going for a shorter trip, and don’t have to buy park passes at 50 bucks a pop. Instead of fighting the crowds, standing in lines and eating overpriced MickeyD’s we get to hang around the pool or the beach and drink margaritas all day!! Doesn’t that sound nice!!

The reason for the entire post was to toot my own horn. On 3/28 my credit score was 596 *blech*, on 04/25-653 *okay*, on 5/15 it had moved on up to 664!! *YIPPEE* I know in the grand scheme of things 664 is not all that high, but in less than 2 months I brought it up 68 points. I really and truly did not believe that this was possible. Any tips on how to get it higher? I don’t have anything delinquent, and we pay our bills on time, so I might just be stuck at 664 for a while!!

I am so excited about a post that I have been working on that is all about little Orville. (Re is going to kill me for calling him this!) If you have no idea who I am talking about go here and read this!

No. 1 I am grateful that we took the responsible road and paid off some credit cards.
No. 2 I am grateful that I have reconnected with some really great friends from High School!
No. 3 I am grateful that this week is FINALLY over! It has gone by way too slowly.

Thanks for caring,
K

LD Day 17

2009-05-15T08:32:00.003-05:00

LD Day 17: Love Promotes Intimacy-

"Determine to guard your mate's secrets (unless they are dangerous to them or to you) and to pray for them. Talk with your spouse, and resolve to demonstrate love in spite of these issues. Really listen to them when they share personal thoughts and struggles with you. Make them feel safe.

"How much of an effort is it for you to hold back from saying something, critical or otherwise? What have you learned about your spouse today, simply from listening?"

No. 1 I am grateful that my father-in-law is going to help get my 401K back on track.
No. 2 I am grateful Yankee has been trying to check up on me. I am listening, just trying to find the time to call you.
No. 3 I am grateful that I took 10 minutes with Taylor this morning, to stop and watch and giggle at the bunny rabbit in our front yard. He was eating his "loonsh"- lunch for all of you who don't speak Taylornese!!

Thanks for caring,
K

Writer's Workshop.

2009-05-14T00:00:00.001-05:00

The Prompts:

1.) Define goodness...joy...sorrow...and anger using pictures you've taken.

2.) Tomorrow I will do it differently. Here's how...

3.)Describe a 'sound' from your childhood. What was it? When did you hear it? What does it bring to mind?

4.) I remember when...

5.) Right now is the best time to start. What's your first step?

I am going to try and do the 'sound' one! The sound that can instantly transport me to my youth is the sound of a train whistle. Anytown U.S.A. where I was born and raised has 3 (I think) railroad lines that run through downtown. These rail ways were developed in 1854 which launched Anytown U.S.A. as a commercial and transport center. (Just a little bit of history for ya.) The train tracks are a huge part of the history and future of our town.
Most of us that grew up in the area have pennies that we have smooshed on the train tracks and have many memories of walking along the tracks. (No, we did not go searching for Ray Brower!!) I remember waving to the men in the caboose. I miss the caboose. Did you know that there are not many cabooses left?
The house I grew up in is very close to the train station and pretty damn close to the tracks as well. (And no we were not on the "other" side of the tracks) After a while I was able to tell which tracks the train was on as well as if it was coming or going. The train could and would ultimately decide if you are going to get where you need on time or late. We knew growing up that if we did not leave the house before 7:30 am there was a good chance you were going to be late for school. Naturally if you were caught by the train it was never the Amtrak it was ALWAYS a cargo train with 1 million cars. Many a morning we would rush to try and "beat the train". If we did get caught by the train we were able to practice reading the graffiti that covered many of the cars. My Dad has memories of jumping on the train and riding it a few towns over. We always talked about doing this....but never did. Hobos ya know!
It was not until I left for college that I figured out that not everyone gets to listen to the sound of the train whistle. I missed it for a very long time. Sometimes late at night, if it was a clear night, and we had left the window open after smoking, I could sometimes hear a train whistle off in the distance and it would make me smile!

Head on over to MamaKat and see what everyone else is talking about today.

No. 1 I am grateful that I was able to break through my "bloggers block" and give y'all some insight into my background.
No. 2 I am grateful for the letter my Hubby sent to me. (More on that later today.)
No. 3 I am grateful that Jimmy can boil some damn good crawfish!!

Thanks for caring,
K

LD Day 15

2009-05-13T08:52:00.003-05:00

LD Day15: Love is Honorable-

"Choose a way to show honor and respect to your spouse that is above your normal routine. It may be holding the door for her. It might be putting his clothes away for him. It may be the way you listen and speak in your communication. Show your mate that he or she is highly esteemed in your eyes."

"How did you choose to show honor? What was the result? What are some other ways you could demonstrate honor in the coming days?"

No. 1 I am grateful that Tay loves going to school and doesn't cling to me like she did at the "old school!"
No. 2 I am grateful that Hubby is open to the idea of one day selling our house.
No. 3 I am grateful that that Sissy gave me some wonderfully funny books for Mother's Day.
I'd trade my Husband for a Housekeeper
I was a Really Good Mom before I had kids
Dirty Little Secrets form Otherwise Perfect Moms
(If you have not checked out these books, you should. They are laugh out loud good!!)

Thanks for caring,
K

LD Day 14

2009-05-12T08:19:00.006-05:00

LD Day14: Love Takes Delight-

"Purposefully neglect an activity you would normally do so you can spend quality time with your spouse. Do something he or she would love to do or a project they'd really like to work on. Just be together."

"What did you decided to give up? What did you do together? How did it go? What new thing did you learn (or relearn) about your spouse?"

I know I know I know, it has been a while since I have updated on THE LOVE DARE. Hubby and I have continued to do the daily dares I have just chosen to spend the free moments we have, together, as opposed to me sitting at the computer. Even though we are not even half way through THE LOVE DARE it has already made us a stronger couple. We are starting to enjoy spending time together again. We are taking the time to appreciate each other a little more. If the laundry doesn't get done tonight, it is okay because we got to eat some popcorn and watch a t.v. program together. I have LOTS to up date about-Re and Sarge's wonderful news, Mother's Day, and a well needed and deserved Vacay that we are planning!! Stay tuned-I will up date soon, I promise!

No. 1 I am grateful for a WONDERFUL Mother's Day.
No. 2 I am grateful that I got to spend Mother's Day with some spectacular women who are a very positive force in my life as well as in the life of my daughter.
No. 3 I am grateful for a husband who knows how precious the bond is between a mother and child!

Thanks for caring,
K

LD Day 10

2009-05-08T08:40:00.005-05:00

LD Day10: Love is Unconditional-

"Do something out of the ordinary today for your spouse-something that proves (to you and to them) that your love is based on your choice and nothing else. Wash her car. Clean the kitchen. Buy his favorite dessert. Fold the laundry. Demonstrate love to them for the sheer joy of being their partner in marriage."

"Has your love in the past been based on your spouse's attributes and behavior, or on your commitment? How can you continue to show love when it's not returned in a way you hoped for?"

No. 1 I am grateful that my BIL and SIL cooked dinner for my MIL's Birthday last night.
No. 2 I am grateful that Hubby let Tay and I HOG the ENTIRE bed last night!
No. 3 I am grateful that Tay and E will be able to grow up together. (and leave a wake of chaos in their path!)

Thanks for caring,
K

LD Day 9

2009-05-07T08:53:00.004-05:00

LD Day9: Love Makes Good Impressions-

"Think of a specific way you'd like to greet your spouse today. Do it with a smile and enthusiasm. Then determine to change your greeting to reflect your love for them."

"When and where did you choose to do your special greeting? How will you change your greeting from this point on?"

No. 1 I am grateful that Hubby is taking THE LOVE DARE very seriously.
No. 2 I am grateful that I do not have to live my life worried about everything appearing in a tabloid (ie: Jon and Kate Plus 8.)
No. 3 I am grateful that it is almost the weekend.

Thanks for caring,
K

More Jazz Fest pictures.

2009-05-06T08:40:00.016-05:00

I had so many pictures from our babies' first Jazz Fest that I HAD to post more. I have even more that I'll post at a later date! If you missed the first round of pictures you can go here.

Giving her best "cheese" face.

Attempting to take a picture with my daughter. She won't hold still long enough for me to actually appear in the picture with her. (I am NOT strangling her.)

Baby Mitch is trying to figure Taylor out. (Psst...Mitch when you figure it out, let me know!)

This picture was actually taken after a LONG day at the festival. Taylor held on for about 1.5 more seconds and then she decided to pinch and squoosh Baby Mitch's face. It was just lovely.

No. 1 I am grateful for the wonderful time we had at the Jazz Fest.

No. 2 I am grateful that Taylor nor I got sunburned.

No. 3 I am grateful that James Taylor came on stage 15 minutes early!

Thanks for caring,

LD Day 8

2009-05-06T08:07:00.005-05:00

LD Day8: Love is not jealous-

"Determine to become your spouse's biggest fan and to reject any thoughts of jealousy. To help you set your heart on your spouse and focus on their achievements, take yesterday's list of negative attributes and discreetly burn it. Then share with your spouse how glad you are about a success he or she recently enjoyed."

"How hard was it to destroy the list? What are some positive experiences that you can celebrate in the life of your mate? How can you encourage them toward future successes?"

No. 1 I am grateful that the "bugs" were not back last night.
No. 2 I am grateful that my life is NOTHING like the women on The Real Housewives of New York. (What WAS Simon wearing?)
No. 3 I am grateful that Tay is starting to get the hang of the potty training business.

Thanks for caring,
K

LD Day 7

2009-05-05T08:19:00.003-05:00

LD Day7: Love believes the best-

"For today's dare, get two sheets of paper. On the first, spend a few minutes writing out positive things about your spouse. Then do the same with negative things on the second sheet. Place both sheets in a secret place for another day. There is a different purpose and plan for each. At some point during the remainder of the day, pick a positive attribute from the first list and thank your spouse for having this characteristic."

"What list was easier to make? What did this reveal about your thoughts? What attribute did you thank your spouse for having?"

No. 1 I am grateful that Hubby helped me to start cleaning out my closet.
No. 2 I am grateful that Hubby did not put off solving our "little bug" problem last night.
No. 3 I am grateful that Lil Mama and Big Poppa moved to the area and now our kids can grow up together!

Thanks for caring,
K
PS-I swear I will post something other that LD stuff tonight or tomorrow!!

LD Day 6

2009-05-04T08:23:00.003-05:00

LD Day 6: Love is not Irritable-

"Choose today to react to tough circumstances in your marriage in loving ways instead of with irritation. Begin by making a list below of areas where you need to add margin to your schedule. Then list any wrong motivations that you need to release from your life."

"Where do you need to add margin to your life? When have you recently overreacted? What was your real motivation behind it? What decisions have you made today?"

No. 1 I am grateful that THAT tree did not fall on our house.
No. 2 I am grateful for the wonderful Sunday we spent with my parents and Sissy.
No. 3 I am grateful that my father is such a terrific cook. We all might starve to death if not!

Thanks for caring,
K

LD Day5

2009-05-03T09:32:00.005-05:00

Hubby and I had a "date night" last night! It was Grrreat! It has been a long time since we had doing anything just the two of us, so it was well appreciated. We went and ate at The Lake House-okay food, great service, good ambiance. We talked, we ate, we laughed, we drank all in all it was a terrific way to reconnect and to remind ourselves that we do have a wonderful relationship and marriage.

LD Day 5: Love is not rude-

"Ask your spouse to tell you three things that cause him or her to be uncomfortable or irritated with you. You must do so without attacking them or justifying your behavior. This is from their perspective only."

"What things did your spouse point out about you that need your attentions? How did you handle hearing it? What do you plan to do to improve these areas?"

No. 1 I am grateful for my in-laws for keeping Taylor last night so Hubby and I could reconnect.
No. 2 I am grateful for twinkle lights and Malibu rum!
No. 3 I am grateful for Hubby for planning such a romantic evening for us.

Thanks for caring,
K

LD Day4

2009-05-02T09:35:00.006-05:00

LD Day4: Love is Thoughtful-

"Contact your spouse sometime during the business of the day. Have no agenda other than asking how he or she is doing and if there is anything you could do for them."

"What did you learn about yourself or your spouse by doing this today? How could this become a more natural, routine, and genuinely helpful part of your lifestyle?"
-courtesy of THE LOVE DARE by Stephen & Alex Kendrick

No. 1 I am grateful that my Hubby knows how I love wind chimes and gave me one yesterday as part of our love dare.

No. 2 I am grateful that Tay woke up in a good mood today so we might actually accomplish something today.

No. 3 I am grateful that Sissy is FINALLY at that point in her life where she was able to purchase her own jeep!!! CONGRATS SISSY!!

Thanks for caring,

K

LD Day 3 & I've been defunked!

2009-05-01T11:00:00.007-05:00

Lacey has picked me to be featured in her weekly de-funking!! Every Friday Lacey picks two fellow bloggers and she "de-funks" them. I was the chosen one this week!-well, one of the chosen two! It is fascinating to me that just by reading someone's blog and looking at the few pics that are posted that you can really get a sense of who they are! Well, Lacey hit the nail on the head! All of the clothes she picked out I could so see myself wearing. I do not have any of this in my wardrobe......yet! Please go check it out and see what a fabulous job Lacey did to de-funk my style!
FYI-Lacey and I have never met even though we only live 20minutes from each other-(we will have to fix that soon). Her fashion sense is unbelievable and is usually out and about in a dress. She sews really cute stuff for the babies in your life and is featured in several boutiques and shops in the area! Oh and one more thing....she is dating a NOPD cop! She not only is helping boost the economy she is comforting and loving someone who is committed to serving and protecting The Big Easy! Ps-She is an AH-MAZING Aunt to Monkey Man, Doll Face and Squishy.

Thank you Lacey!
Here is the outfit, but go vist her and read all the comments she made!

>

Day 3: Love is not selfish-

"Whatever you put your time, energy, and money into will become important to you. It's hard to care for something you are not investing in. Along with restraining from negative comments, buy your spouse something that says, 'I was thinking of you today.'"

"What did you choose to give to your spouse? What happened when you gave it?

No. 1 I am grateful that Hubby keeps his comments to a minimum when I force him to watch my crap t.v. (Real Housewives, How to Become a Supermodel, Grey's Anatomy, etc.)

No. 2 I am grateful that I have not caught the Swine Flu.

No. 3 I am grateful that I am making some wonderful "friends" via the blog-o-sphere!

LD Day2

2009-04-30T08:00:00.001-05:00

Day2: Love is Kind-

"In addition to saying nothing negative to your spouse again today, do at least one unexpected gesture as an act of kindness."

"What discoveries about love did you make today? What specifically did you do in this dare? How did you show kindness?

No. 1 I am grateful that Hubby got the pins out of his foot. FINALLY!!
No. 2 I am grateful that my MIL agreed to keep Tay Saturday night so Hubby and I can have "date night."
No. 3 I am grateful that Tay is being cooperative when I put "ponies" in her hair. She is so effing cute with pony tails!

Thanks for caring,
K

THE LOVE DARE

2009-04-29T11:14:00.004-05:00

Hubby and I have decided to take THE LOVE DARE. No, we have not seen the movie Fireproof, we probably should, but I think just reading the book together is a great start!

"WARNING:
This forty day journey cannot be taken lightly. It is a challenging and often difficult process, but an incredibly fulfilling one. To take this dare requires a resolute mind and a steadfast determination. It is not meant to be sampled or briefly tested, and those who quit early will forfeit the greatest benefits. If you will commit to a day at at time for forty days, the results could change your life and your marriage. Consider it a dare, from others who have done it before you."

"DAY 1: Love is Patient-
The first part of this dare is fairly simple. Although love is communicated in a number of ways, our words often reflect the condition of our heart. For the next day, resolve to demonstrate patience and to say nothing negative to your spouse at all. If the temptation arises, choose not to say anything. It's better to hold your tongue than to say something you'll regret!

Did anything happen today to cause anger toward your mate?
Were you tempted to think disapproving thoughts and to let them come out in words?"
(excerpt taken from the book THE LOVE DARE)

My blog will not turn into the Carty's do THE LOVE DARE, I promise. I just wanted to let y'all know what we are attempting in our lives and will report the outcome. I will, however, be posting the dare of the day, for you who want to know.

No. 1 I am grateful that Hubby is open to taking the DARE with me.
No. 2 I am grateful that Hubby is trying to plan a date for us on Saturday night (and it's not to the mattress ball-Ha)
No. 3 I am grateful that Hubby is such a kind and loving man.
Thanks for caring,
K

Just a sample

2009-04-29T09:00:00.001-05:00

I am still recovering from this past weekend. Friday night we went to a Crawfish boil! They were delicious! Tay did not get to sample any crawfish but she did have fun playing with her cousins, Emma and Peyton.
Here are some pics from the night. Tay had to give her cousin P a BIG hug when she saw her. P decided to kick up her feet and just hangout! I have no idea who taught my daughter to drink with her entire face in the glass!

Tay and E hanging out and gossipping. The last picture was a futile attempt at trying to get all three girls looking at the same time for the picture. T and P were more interested in the boys playing basketball!

aturday we were VERY COURAGEOUS parents and took Tay to Jazz Fest. James Taylor played Saturday evening and we thought Tay would enjoy the festival. She had a blast. Lil Mama and Big Papa came with Baby Mitch. It was a hot day but we made sure to slather the babies up every 45 minutes with SPF 50! If you would have told me 5 years ago that I one day would be attending Jazz Fest with 8 million bags full of crap, a stroller, juice boxes, an octopus bubble machine, all for a 2 year old that I was willingly bringing to Jazz Fest I would have laughed in your face. My, how things change. This is just a small sample of the pics from Jazz Fest. I will do an entire post with just pics from the Fest.

Sunday we went to Tay’s Godfather’s house and hung out and grilled up some good food! Later that evening we went and played a little co-rec volleyball. It was fun to get out and do some exercising. Tay did not think so. Hubby is still having issues from his surgery so he could not play volleyball so the plan was for him to play with and entertain Taylor while I played volleyball. Tay had a VERY different plan. As soon as I stepped onto the court to play she wanted to stand next to me. She did not stop screaming “MOMMY, MOMMY, MAMA” the entire game. Oh, and with HUGE crocodile tears streaming down her face! Hubby had to take Tay outside and did not get to see ANY of the game. Needless, to say if I play next week Tay and Hubby will not be attending!

No. 1 I am grateful that it did not rain for the Jazz Festival.
No. 2 I am grateful that Hubby agreeded to drive both Friday and Saturday.
No. 3 I am grateful that I live in South Louisiana and can enjoy GREAT CRAWFISH!

Thanks for caring,
K

100!

2009-04-24T00:00:00.001-05:00

This is my 100th post and in keeping with everyone else I am doing my meme list of 100. Warning: My list is very random. There is absolutely NO method to my madness.

1. I am the classic 1st child.

2. I married the classic middle child.

3. I miss playing softball everyday of my life.

4. I am a better mom than I thought I would be.

5. I LOURVE eighties music.

6. I could NEVER work in the medical field.

7. French Fries is/are my favorite food.

8. But, I could eat red beans and rice everyday for the rest of my life. Blue Runner of course.

9. I really need a VACAY.

10. I hate struggling every week to pay the bills.

11. I wish I was a girlie-girl.

12. I want to organize my house.

13. Mardi Gras is one of my Most favorite times of the year!

14. Dr. Pepper is the BEST drink in the world, non alcoholic.

15. One day I will visit Europe.

16. Freshman year in High School I tried out for the dance team.

17. Didn't make it.

18. Sophomore year in High School I tried out for the cheer leading squad.

19. Didn't make it.

20. Junior year in High School I tried out for the Volley Ball team.

21. Didn't make it.

22. Played tennis my junior year.....didn't have to try out!

23. Did not get asked to Homecoming my Freshman year.

24. Was on the Homecoming Court my Senior year.

25. I have the world's BEST GIRL FRIENDS.

26. I love the time I spend with them.

27. I am glad that Sissy and I have gotten closer over the years!

28. Wayne's World is one of the BEST (comedy) movies EVER!

29. I could watch The Notebook over and over and never get bored.

30. I think I have seen Overboard-you know the Goldie Hawn movie-at least 513 times!

31. I am incredibly insecure!

32. With a good enough book, I could sit and read for 24 hours straight.

33. I miss living in Charleston, South Carolina everyday!

34. I do not fight fair!

35. Hubby hates this about me.

36.I have the BEST FRIENDS in the world.

37. I went to Savannah, Ga. for my bachelorette weekend and saw a lady urinate on herself while on stage!

38. Got in trouble at work for being on Facebook to much.

39. It was only 2 mos ago.

40. I miss college and living in SHITTY dorms. (Re-Remember the shaky elevator and the blueberry candle!)

41. I lead with emotion not logic.

42. I love my daughter moreand more every second of every day.

43. I still feel guilty for my postpartum thoughts!

44. I have never been on a cruise.

45. I am so white I think I glow in the dark.

46. The tannest (is that a word) I have ever been was when we lived in Orlando.

47. I use to dress up as the Easter bunny (head, feet and all) and deliver Easter baskets to resort guests via golf-cart!

48. This is why I HATE the macarena.

49. I once had a 6 year old tell her dad he wanted him to buy her some "boobs" like mine-AWKWARD!

50. I miss my friend "Marie"

51. I wish she wasn't so damn selfish

52. I wish my mother would call me more!

53. I secretly miss working at American Eagle-sometimes!!

54. I am going to a Crawfish Boil Tomorrow!

55. The older I get the more lactose Intolerant I get!

56. I saw Faith No More, Metallica, and Guns N Roses at the Superdome when i was in High School.

57. The first concert I went to was Whitney Houston.

58. The last concert I have been to was Britney Spears!

59. LOVED EVERY MOMENT OF IT!

60. I secretly like some country music.

61. Have seen Alabama, Dave Matthews Band, Indigo Girls, Pearl Jam, Jack Johnson and Ben Harper in concert. (Not at the same time!)

62. I could NEVER EVER be a SAHM!

63. I wish I had listened when Papa told those "boring" stories of his times during WWII!

64. He was a Fighter Pilot.

65. I have his bronzed headset.

66. Sissy has bought more clothes for Tay than I have.

67. In high school I once drank an entire bottle of peppermint schnapps!

68. I had to go homecoming dress shopping with my mom the next day!

69. IT SUCKED!

70. I was hungover for 3 days!

71. Did the same thing with Cinnamon Schnapps.

72. I think I am allergic to cinnamon now. Can't even chew cinnamon gum 15 years later.

73. I have the BEST husband in the world.

74. He is the love of my life.

75. I never thought I would marry a "nice guy"

76. But I did!

77. I think he is the son my dad never had.

78. I HATE sand!

79. My wedding day was the BEST day of my life.

80. 2nd only to the day Taylor was born!

81. I still miss "that" mixed tape.

82. My toenails are painted 99% of the time.

83. Plain toe nails are gross!

84. Feet in general gross me out!

85. I only take off my watch and wedding rings to take a shower. I even sleep with them on.

86. I wish I could go back and talk to my younger self.

87. I would tell myself MANY MANY things.

88. Mainly to SLOW down., and to stop being so damn insecure

89. Blue is my favorite color.

90. My father makes the best popcorn in the world. On top of the stove, of course.

91. My mother is one of the strongest women I know!

92. I drove a stick shift for 10 years. I miss it sometimes!

93. Hubby is teaching me how to love myself.

94. The smell of burning leaves is heaven too me.

95. Mosquitoes love me.

96. Twinkle lights make everything pretty!

97. I cannot go into a book store and buy just one book. I must buy several!

98. Did I mention that my girl friends rock?

99. I know every word to every song in the movie Little Mermaid. I had the soundtrack on tape in high school.

100. I am glad I did that!

Thank you for the few of you who stuck around to read this insanely long and boring post! Thank you to all of my followers! Please, Please, Please leave me comments. If you do not have a blog you can do so anonymously and leave your name at the bottom. I NEED to know that y'all are out there.

Wish me luck we are taking Tay and baby Mitch to Jazz Fest this weekend!

Thanks for caring,

No.1 I am grateful for all of you who are reading and caring about me and my little family every day.

No.2 I am grateful that my life so far has been so blessed

No.3 I am grateful to Sissy for helping shape me into the person I am today!

Writer's Workshop.

2009-04-23T00:00:00.001-05:00

The Prompts:

1.) Book review!
2.) When is it okay not to listen to the words? Explain about a song you really love that has lame lyrcis or lyrics you simply don't understand.
(writingfix.com)
3.) Why won't you forget? List six true sentences that begin with the words 'I'llnever forget...' Then use all six of your sentences in a paragraph, poem, or longer descriptive piece.
(writingfix.com)
4.) Write about an interaction you had with a salesman.
5.) What's for dinner? I'm starving.

As soon as I saw this week's writing assignment I was torn between #1 or #2. I LOVE to read so of course I can write lots of book reviews, but I was not sure exactly HOW to review a book so I chose #2.

I do not know the words to my most FAVORITE song in the entire world! I did not even bother to look them up until doing this assignment. Even after looking them up I still am not convinced that I will be able to sing the "correct" words! I personally like my made up version better!

"Come on Eileen" is my most FAVORITE song in the entire world! My friends know this so I get random phone calls or voice mail messages early in the morning that sound like this,
"Kelly, oh, shit are you sleeping?" "I'm out and heard this and thought of you, LISTEN!!!"
Or my favorite messages are the ones where all you hear is "KELLY...LISTEN......(loud music of some sort playing in the background)......I MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU!!!" (Most of the time I cannot actually make out the song on the message, but they always call the next day, "aw...shit sorry I called you last night. I was out and they were playing your song so I had to call!"

There really is no rhyme or reason as to why I LOVE this song I just do! It makes me smile and sometimes that is enough.

Poor old Johnny Ray
Sounded sad upon the radio, he moved a million hearts in mono.
Our mothers cried and sang along and who'd blame them.
Now you're grown, so grown, now I must say more than ever.
Go Toora Loora Toora Loo-Rye-Aye
and we can sing just like our fathers.

Come on Eileen,
I swear (well he means) At this moment you mean everything,
With you in that dress my thoughts I confess verge on dirty
Ah come on Eileen.

These people round here wear beaten down eyes
Sunk in smoke dried faces they're so resigned to what their fate is,
But not us, no not us we are far too young and clever.
Remember Toora Loora Toora Loo-Rye-Aye
Eileen I'll hum this tune forever.

Come on Eileen, I swear, well he means
Ah come on let's take off everything,
That pretty red dress Eileen (Tell him yes)
Ah come on let's, ah come on Eileen, please.
(Huh? What? Ex-squeeze Me? Baking powder?)

These pictures were taken at my wedding (obviously after I have changed clothes). One of the last songs they played before we left was "Come On Eileen"!

I found this on YouTube and thought it was hilarious!! They do other songs too!

Check out Mam Kat and see what songs other people can't understand.

Thanks for caring,

No.1 I am grateful that I can hear my FAVORITE song.

No. 2 I am grateful that my daughter is gsoing to sleep at night without much fussing anymore.(Did I just jinx myself?)

No.3 I am grateful that Re called me today to inform of the email link we received today. It made work that much more interesting!

PS- TOMORROW I MAKE 100 COME BACK AND CHECK OUT MY LIST!

About nothing really.

2009-04-20T16:54:00.014-05:00

This is post number 98!! I am getting so close to 100! I have been working on my list forever. I knew if I did not start it early I would never get it done. 100 random things about yourself is really quite long!

Whew...i am so glad that this weekend is over. We are discovering what the "terrible twos" are all about! I know, i know, everyone says wait until she's 3, I just hope we all make it in one piece. Saturday Hubby worked so I took Tay to Denham to see lil mama and baby Mitch. Little mama was such a trooper and volunteered to try and shop with me and Tay. So, Baby Mitch-who is 9mos old, lil mama, Tay, and I all loaded up and headed to the mall. We HAD to stop at our favorite steak house on the way.

YUM, YUM!! If you have not eaten here yet you must it is FABULOUS!!! I have not had anything that I do not like! The FIRECRACKER CHICKEN WRAPS & the WILD WEST SHRIMP are a perfect way to start off your meal. The PORTABELLO PEPPERCORN FILET is my FAVORITE!! Hubby LOVES the RIBS! Don't worry the beer is cold and they make a mean Margarita!! (You're welcome Big Papa!) Anywhoo..... We went to the mall to find some cute tops for me and possibly something to wear to Jazz Fest on Saturday! (James Taylor is playing--so EXCITED and we are bringing Tay and lots of bubbles!) Lil Mama kept Tay occupied trying on the sunglasses at Forever 21! Um.....have you seen the accessories lately?! I am having some really awful flashbacks from the 80's!

(I am not sure how to make these pics look any better!) I could not believe that people are actually buying stirrups pants and neon accessories again! I am hoping that the BIG aqua-net style hair does not come back as well!

But I did get this cute top along with a couple of other things!

No. 1 I am grateful that I NOW know NOT to wear the neon accessories.

No. 2 I am grateful that my in-laws came and cut our lawn since Hubby is still laid up with the foot surgery!!

No. 3 I am grateful that Lil Mama is getting to see my daughter grow up and be a part of her life!

Thanks for caring,

I am almost fluent in Taylornese

2009-04-16T08:32:00.015-05:00

Does anyone else see what is similar between some of these photos?! Was it the subject or the photographer? Hmm.....

This is Tay's cousin Emma. They are 6mos apart and have a BALL together! They also have another cousin Peyton who is 6 mos younger than E. We are all dreading the teenage years! But oh so looking forward to them growing up together!

So the other day Tay and I went to Chick-fil-a (the BEST fast food ever) we were sitting in the car eating our lunch when she starting talking. She is holding her waffle fry making it roar.

She said "Look Mommy a fu-wagen-ROAR!"

I, being the great mommmy I am said "that's great Tay, keep eating!" (thinking what in the hell is she talking about and why is her french fry roaring?!)

She said it again "Look Mommy fu-wagen-ROAR!"

"Great Taylor, eat a chicken nugget (why in the hell is her french fry roaring?)

"ROAR"

??-what the hell is wrong with my child.....????........

"ROAR"

"ROAR-MOMMY ROAR!"

OH MY GOODNESS---she is pretending that her french fry is a dragon and it is roaring!

"ROAR, My french fry is a dragon too, Taylor"

Just another lesson in Taylornese!

Thanks for caring,

No.1 I am grateful that I married into a family that is close and actually likes to spend time together.

No. 2 I am grateful that Hubby can drive again!

No. 3 I am grateful that the Lord is helping me to learn patience so I can enjoy our f"wagen roaring moments"-instead of getting frustrated because I can't understand her!

Egg Hunting Champion!

2009-04-14T16:41:00.019-05:00

Tay got to hunt for eggs 3 separate times on Sunday and once on Saturday! By Sunday afternoon she was a Champion egg hunter! Saturday we made the trip over to J-town to visit G-ma. She is 92ish and was excited to have a house full of people, even if it was just for the day. She probably slept better that night than she had in years! Sunday we started off with an egg hunt in our living room. (Hubby is still crutching around, so our yard is WAY overdue to be cut. Therefore, egg hunt in the living room!) That is why the first photos Tay has on an ACDC shirt and a diaper! We then went to Dee-Dee's and Pop Pop's house, had the traditional honey baked ham with brown and serve rolls (YUM-YUM) searched for more eggs and ended the day at the Roby's house for one more egg hunt, shrimp etouffe and beer! It was a fun day for all. Thanks to Sissy for the Gorgeous Easter outfit complete with shoes! We did learn an important lesson after 6 hours of riding in a car with a 2-year old. Candy is the DEVIL!! From now on...very limited candy for Easter-just toys, play-doh preferably!
Tay kept saying all afternoon "Easter Bunny brought Play-Doh to my house!"

WARNING: LOTS OF CUTE PICTURES AHEAD!! YOU MIGHT BE HERE ALL NIGHT!

This one is one of my personal favorites!!

I will post more tomorrow, my computer is slow as mole-asses, I feel like I am back on dial-up!

No. 1 I am grateful that Re and Sarge's prayers were answered! (more on this later!)
No. 2 I am grateful that Sissy is taking the first steps in quitting smoking!
No. 3 I am grateful to have had a wonderful weekend surrounded by my loving family!

Thanks for caring,
K

You should know better!

2009-04-14T14:38:00.004-05:00

Why white trash lady, that I saw standing outside the Winn-Dixie, did you bother to scrub your buggy down with a handi-wipe (so hard in fact I thought you were trying to remove some of the paint)? Oh I get it the germs and boogies that reside on the buggy really bother you? But I guess smoking while you are 7 mos preggers is okay in your book!

Stupidity should be a crime punishable by time in prison!
Thanks for caring,
K
No. 1 I am grateful for the education I was given at an early age to know the difference between right and wrong!
No. 2 I am grateful that I know it is NOT OK TO SMOKE WHILE PREGGERS!
No. 3 I am grateful that I have self-control or I would have gone up to that lady and punched her in the face!

PS... Easter pics will be posted tonight!

Writer's Workshop.

2009-04-09T09:25:00.005-05:00

The Prompts:
1.) Describe a moment when you realized you and your spouse were SO different.
2.) What is your role in the household?
3.) Write about how you felt when you discovered you were lied to.(creativewritingprompts.com)4.) Describe a hard time you gave a teacher...what would you say to them today?
5.) What is an unpleasant experience you had eating? Write a poem, paragraph, or something else about the experience.(writingfix.com)

I could go on forever about Number 1 but I really don't feel like it.....Definitely save this one for later.
3.) Write about how you discovered you were lied to.

I cannot go into too much detail concerning this story because it is not my place to air this business, but I had a friend who made some choices that made sense to her and her life but did not make any sense to anyone else in her life. I do want her to be happy, but she choose to sacrifice her friendships, lie to her friends, and just all around handle the situation poorly! She went on with her life like it was no big deal and just expected everyone else to react the same way. Sorry I am just. not. built. that. way! I do wish her well in her new path in life, I just wish she had handled it better. Granted, it has been several years since all this occurred, (She's never even met my daughter!) and there are times when I really miss her and what she did bring to my life but I am not sure how to move past this with out opening myself up to being hurt again! UGH...Maybe it is better left in the past!?

I know this didn't exactly explain how I discovered that I had been lied to, but this particular lie has been on my mind for several years and just needed to get it out!

No. 1 I am grateful for the WONDERFUL friends that I do have in my life that are such a POSITIVE force.
No. 2 I am grateful for the friendship I did have with this particular person. Because I would not be where I am today without those experiences!
No. 3 I am grateful that I get to spend the entire day with Tay 2morrow because my office is closed for Good Friday!

Carty Party of Three.

I saw a woman

Dear So and So.....

Why hello there.

Dear So and so......

Happy 4th!

Epic Fail

Four things

Guess what?

Mommy Moment

Good day

Debbie Downer

Great weekend

Testing

From my phone

Yesterday

So long dear friend....

Happy Birthday to you....

Couple of pics

Hi! Me again.

So....I'm three mos preggers!

Brain Dump

Dear NFL, *edited*

Dear Miami,

10 things I learned being a Mom.

WHO DAT!!!

Happy 2010!!

Halloween '09

Hi....I'm still around.

Abracadabra Poop!

Yada, Yada, Yada

Just made my day!

I want to win this.

The Storm aka Katrina Part 2

The Storm aka Katrina

Randomness and a shout out for some help.

Brief update and a CUTE picture!

Sno Ball not a snowcone!

Writer's Workshop

Brought to you by the letter "B"

Dear So and So....*UPDATE*

Writer's Workshop

Go check this out!

Julia Salinger

"Screws fall out all the time, the world's an imperfect place."

Writer's Workshop

AMEN!

Hank Moody

Sometimes I wish....

To have or not to have.....

Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda

Jealous, No?

It was love at first page.

ABC's of me

Dear So and So....

Handbags obsession already?

Writer's Workshop

I'm getting paid to do this!

Quick update.

Flaming Dr. Pepper, Boxers and Socks....

I accept.

Gone to the beach

My first award!!

Corn Festival

Check this out.

Any questions?

Hurricanes

Too good to be true?

Writer's Workshop.

You asked for it....

LD Day 27

Too close to home.

Writer's Workshop.

Orville Redenbacker Weathers

LD Day 22

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUBBY!

Toot Toot!

LD Day 17

Writer's Workshop.

LD Day 15

Dear NFL, edited

Dear So and So....UPDATE