The Caffeinated Ramblings of a SAHM...

{my meandering mind....}

2011-03-18T22:53:00.002-04:00

Today was undoubtedly the most beautiful day so far this year, excluding, of course any days spent down in the Caribbean or Florida a few weeks ago. =)

When I saw the news that it was going to be near 80 degrees, I packed my beach bag, chair and my NOOK, and as patiently as possible, waited for it to get warm outside. The temp was only 55 when I packed my bag, but by the time I made a stop at the library for a book for DNK, then got to Buckroe Beach, it was already a nice and balmy 64 degrees! It didn't take long for the sun to warm things up, and for the people to start filling out the beach. There were many college age kids hanging out, tanning, talking and throwing Frisbees and footballs. There was a couple walking the boardwalk strumming guitars and singing. (Although I couldn't hear what they were singing because I had my iPod on). Dogs were in abundance too, especially since they are allowed ON the beach until Memorial Day, so I saw lots of very happy dogs, and "their people". But there were two groups of people on the beach that both really stood out to me today. The first group were the young mothers. I actually got a little teary eyed while watching all the young mothers playing in the warm sand with their sweet little toddler and preschool kids. I can't tell you how many times DNK and I went to that same beach when she was tiny. And here, I sat alone today cause MY baby was at school. I became a bit melancholy. For a few minutes I felt sad and terribly alone. It's amazing how fast children grow up, and those little moments that seem like you'll have forever are so quickly gone. Don't wish them away....

After I spent some time remembering those sweet spring and summer days with DNK as a preschooler, I noticed another group of ladies sitting down in front of me a bit. This was the second group. These ladies were probably in their late 50's, early 60's. They were in fashionable bathing suits and nice and tanned. And they seemed to be having the time of their lives. I watched as they shared lunch, what I imagine to have been a "tasty beverage" and their afternoon together. Later in the day a fourth person came and joined them. I suppose it was a spouse. Anyway, I realized that growing older isn't a death sentence. I imagined that in another 10-15 years, that would be me and MY friends sitting there on the beach, nice and tan and having as good a time as any college kid was having on that beach. Those ladies didn't seem sad, or lonely or upset that they were "older" I actually think they were probably the happiest on the beach today, because they had freedoms that the other groups of people on the beach didn't have. They weren't busy watching children, or weren't there to impress a boy, only to enjoy life. At that moment, I kinda thought that of all the different groups of people on the beach, they were the most carefree and the ones I almost envied. Don't misunderstand me, I surely don't want to rush A DAY that I have left with DNK being a child, but those ladies made me think that once she IS grown, I can and WILL still have a great life. It will be different, but it can still be as great as I choose to make it. And I choose to be one of those tan old ladies sitting on the beach with my friends, drinking a "tasty beverage" in the sun, while laughing my butt off.

(the pictures were taken with my phone, in the bright sun, so please don't judge my lack of photography ability... lol)

{Much better.....}

2011-03-18T10:41:00.010-04:00

Wow. After my depressing post the night before last, I'm happy to report that after either going to church Wednesday night, blogging to get things off my chest, or just having my hormones decide to level themselves off, I yesterday morning feeling so much better. I'd been feeling pretty "low" since late Monday. Sometimes it's only a day or so, sometimes more than a week. Thankfully, my low this time was only a couple days. It's just when I'm feeling low, I'm usually feeling LOW. As you can imagine, it was nice to wake yesterday morning smiling. Since yesterday was St. Patricks Day, and I like to cook meals that correspond to the holiday, last night's dinner fare was a new recipe for Irish Beef Stew (cooked with Guinness Stout) served over mashed potatoes and homemade Irish soda bread. I baked a GREEN cake with green icing and green coconut for dessert. Just the fact that I did those things, is proof positive that I'm feeling better. Thank God! Today's pictures are just a couple taken with my phone yesterday. The cute one that looks like an old timey Polaroid was taken using the Retro Camera app on my droid. I love it. =)

So, I wake up today, turn on my computer and my homepage is weather.com. It tells me that today's HIGH is gonna be 78 degrees! DID YOU SEE THAT? 78???? I just finished packing up a beach bag, my NOOK, a towel and my beach chair. I threw on some shorts, flip flops, a tank top and my cute WDW pink ball cap with my hair in a pony. I am going to go sit in the sand on the beach and read for a few hours. Now that, my friend, is a PERFECT day. I'm so ready to soak up some vitamin D. I'm guessing that there will be a lot of people down at Buckroe Beach today enjoying the sun. I remember taking DNK often in the spring when she was a toddler. I have so many pictures of her playing in the sand and the surf early in the season. Ahhh, those were the days! =)

Tonight is game night at church for the whole family, and I believe we're planning on going.... so it's gonna be a full, fun, wonderful day. I'm so thankful to be feeling better. =) Now, if it would just hurry up and warm up so I can hit the beach!!!!!

{depression.. it's not for the weak.}

2011-03-16T22:19:00.001-04:00

One thing I hate about suffering from depression, is that sometimes, even though I'm medicated, I begin to feel myself slipping into another bought of depression. Like standing in quicksand, I feel myself sinking but I'm helpless to stop it or do anything about it. I become very sensitive, my feelings are hurt very easily, and I suffer from the deepest feeling of worthlessness. Thankfully, I don't have these episodes often, but unfortunately, now appears to be one of the times that I am. When I begin to feel like this I find myself trying to hole up in my house all alone. I have no desire to go anywhere, to talk on the phone, or to do anything. If it weren't for my computer, I'd have NO social interaction at all. I have to actually make myself get showered, dressed and moving. Today was one of those days. Right before noon, I decided I MUST get out of the house, so I showered, got myself ready and went out to Town Center. Bra shopping. Why bra shopping? Because bathing suit shopping would've thrown me from depressed to suicidal, that's why. And besides, I needed new bras. The sistas were starting to make a more southern move in my all too comfy old bras. Anywho... I now realize that if I'm going to do any "therapy shopping" I should:

A. do it with a friend, and

B. shop for ANYTHING besides clothing.

Especially intimate clothing. You know, the kind where my private parts have to be seen in a BIG mirror in a dressing room. Where the whole time I'm trying on the intimate apparel, I'm wondering if there are secret cameras recording me to later be found on YouTube with some 5 million hits and lots of ugly comments.

At the point where my distressed brain started to imagine the YouTube video, I just grabbed my bras and headed to the checkout counter. Once paid for, I headed back out to the street, thinking that a walk around the Town Center might do me good. For reasons beyond my comprehension, my feet take me directly to my car, where I still had another 38 minutes on the parking meter. Consider it my good deed for the day, but I pulled out and let someone pull in and use the rest of the time on my meter. I just didn't feel like walking around and doing any shopping. Instead, I rushed home to see if my bra shopping video had been posted on YouTube yet. (Sorry to inform you that I must've broken the camera, cause no video footage of me squeezing the sistas in demicups seems to exist).

Seriously though... I hate when I feel like this. I could always take more meds, but since I know it's temporary, I don't want to increase the amount I take. The fact that Aunt Flo is here for the second time THIS month might have something to do with it, and the fact that I'm old as dirt may also have a play in it. (Have I mentioned to you how much I hate getting old?) Let's just say it just really sucks. There is also the possibility that I am, simply put -- mentally and physically exhausted. I've had a good 3 weeks or so where I have been nonstop. In a GREAT way of course, but maybe it's just all caught up with me. In which case, a few days (or a week) in a dark closet by myself might help. lol. If you come looking for me, and find me in the closet, would you do me a favor and bring me some chocolate and coffee?

In hopes of making myself feel better, I forced myself to go to church tonight. Unfortunately I felt totally unconnected and all alone in the middle of a crowd of people. NOT because of anything anyone else did, but just because of me and my disease. I just couldn't "get into it". I tried. It was just easier to sit by myself and try to be invisible. Feeling unwanted, unloved, unattractive and unworthy sucks. I know I AM LOVED, and I AM WORTHY!!!!! Even though, at the moment, I feel like crap, deep in my heart I know that I am loved by my Father immensely. As a matter of fact, I'm His favorite child. =)
In retrospect, I think I may actually be feeling a little better now than before I went to church. Guess maybe getting my "church on" was a good thing, especially when feeling crabby and down. The darkness can only last for so long, because "weeping may endure for the night, but Joy cometh in the morning". Psalms 30:5

{Reminders....}

2011-03-16T08:12:00.000-04:00

Today, like every day since I got home from my OBX scrap weekend, I've been sitting here watching the news about all the horrors around the world. My heart aches for the people of Japan. I remember watching the news the morning of the Tsunami in Phuket, Thailand on Dec 26th, 2004. Just staring at the TV in disbelief and crying. I was stuck in the house that day because we had gotten this crazy snow storm here in Virginia. I just couldn't look away. Here, once again, I find myself doing the same thing. Hoping that it's not real. That the Tsunami didn't happen... and that the possible Nuclear meltdown isn't going to happen. Often, I wonder, when will it be OUR turn? Is there going to be a time that I'm going to have to survive something like this with my family? Have we just been lucky, or are we sitting on a ticking time bomb? Maybe it's possible that we are just a blessed nation, but I can't help but to think that if that were the case, our time is coming to an end. What with the way we are working so hard to remove Christ from the very core of our great nation. It seems as if the world is literally falling apart... Going to hell in the proverbial handbasket. However, amidst all the horrendous pictures of destruction and loss, this morning I saw a report about a very young baby plucked from the rubble, and reunited with it's parents. For a quick moment, I smiled and a tear of joy ran down my cheek. Even amongst such horror, some will find joy. Praying for the Japanese right now comes easy. I am constantly reminded with every Television broadcast. Each online news source. On my Droid, and all over facebook. But, in the months to come, when the news is no longer fresh, when there is a NEW and more newsworthy horror to report about, will anyone remember to pray for them? Until the earthquake last week, I had all but forgotten about the people of Phuket, and how many thousands of lives that were lost. It's so easy to get caught up in our own little world that we sometimes forget what lies beyond our walls. I think that's one reason I enjoy facebook so much. I get reminded. There are always links posted to news events. To prayer requests. To things both good and bad. Reminding me to pray for others. Causing me to think of others and to remember that there is more going on in the world outside of my little fortress than there is going on INSIDE. Reminders aren't a bad thing. Especially when your as old as I am. I need reminders...

{It's been a long LONG time....}

2011-03-15T10:57:00.001-04:00

I started this blog almost 6 years ago, and for the longest time I blogged religiously. I used it as a sounding board, and a way to communicate with others. But mostly, I did it for myself. I'm not sure why I stopped blogging, except that sometimes, using a semi public forum to get things "off my chest" or to just gripe, didn't always have a good outcome. But many times blogging made me feel better, helped me heal, and got me through panic attacks and other issues in my life when there was just no one else to talk to. Blogging is a lot like talking to myself, and most of the time, I've found myself to be good company. =) Problem is, talking to oneself can cause others to question one's sanity. Especially if I do so while walking around Walmart or some other public place. So, when I choose to be my own conversational partner, it would behoove me to do so in the form of a blog. Otherwise, I might find myself in a straight jacket and locked in a round padded room. (Not that on occasion that wouldn't be a nice respite from "real" life.) As much as I enjoyed blogging, it became a chore, in that I began to feel that I was having to filter what I was blogging about. Was I going to offend a family member? Would someone take what I had written in the wrong context? Was anyone actually interested in what I had to say? Did I really care??? ;-) Sometimes I miss blogging. Simple as that. I might visit my old blog from time to time. And I'm gonna say what's on my mind when I do, because it's MY blog. If you don't like what I write about, then write your own blog. If something I say offends you, then do yourself a favor, and DON'T READ IT ANYMORE.... Cause the bottom line is when and if I blog, I do it for ME.
I'm supposed to be getting groceries this morning, and I think this blog MIGHT have been a way of procrastinating. If that be the case, you can expect to see a new blog post every two weeks or so.. =)

{and the winner is....}

2010-10-07T18:05:00.000-04:00

DNK just drew a name from my little Jack o' Lantern pumpkin tin for the winner of a hand made Cha Cha bracelet. And the winner is.......

BECKY MARTIN!

Yeah! Once I get your wrist measurement I will begin working on your bracelet. I'll have it mailed out to you within a week! =)

{time for me to do a RAK...}

2010-10-03T20:59:00.000-04:00

Yeah, I know, I haven't blogged in a while, but in my defense... I've been busy. I've been keeping busy. Sometimes with school stuff with DNK. Sometimes housework, chores and errands. Sometimes hanging with a peep or two, and sometimes, I've been sitting in my scraproom/office, getting my CRAFT on. Last week one of my peeps taught me how to make a Cha Cha bracelet. I loved it! In my "NORMAL" fashion, I became obsessed with them and made 3 in less than 2 days. (when I like to do something, it's normal for me to totally run it in the ground!) So, I'm still wanting to make more Cha Cha bracelets, but honestly, how many can one person have, right? Sooooooo, here is where my RAK comes into play. It's easy enough to play. Just leave me a comment if you like the bracelets. See, I told you it was EASY!!

On Thursday night, the 7th of October, after 6pm, I'll put the name of everyone that leaves a comment here on my blog, in a basket and have DNK pull out a name. You know, all random-like. Make sure I can contact you if your name is the one drawn. I'll make a Cha Cha bracelet for the winning person and mail it to you STAT.

That's it!!! And remember, leave your comment HERE on my blog, comments on my FB page won't be included on the drawing. Oh, and excuse the quality of the above pictures.. they were taken with my phone, but you get the general idea right? =)

{ahhh....]

2010-08-30T13:42:00.001-04:00

I just got back from our annual beach week on the Outer Banks of NC. We camped for a week in Rodanthe, with our closest friends, and had a GREAT week. What is not to love about spending the week on my butt, in a beach chair, with a good book, some beading, some yarn and needles, a cold beverage, the warm sun, the smell of sunscreen, the giggles of DNK and her buddy, my best friend and the relentless sound of the surf pounding the shore? Nothing. There is NOTHING to not love about beach week!!! I'm convinced that I could live the rest of my life with my feet in the sand. The only semi-negative thing about our beach week this week was that due to Hurricane Danielle, DNK and her friend didn't spend as much time in the ocean as usual. By the latter part of the week, the swell was getting pretty large, and the rip currents pretty mean. DNK and her friend spent their time playing in the sand, splashing in the tidal pools, or in the swimming pool at the campground. The ocean was churning like a washing machine by that time. Anyway, so now we're back home, trying to enjoy the last week before school starts. And by "enjoy" I mean washing 7000 loads of sandy laundry, getting groceries and doing the last bit of back to school shopping. However, we're gonna fit in one last day at the water park, and some afternoons in the pool. I refuse to let this hard earned tan fade already!! =)

Look at the size of that wave! At this time, the undertow wasn't strong, and there were lots of surfers out. It was actually one of the safer days for the girls to play in the surf. DNK is like a fish. She has no problems out there except for me. I won't let her go out deep....

I love this picture of DNK with her hair blowing in the morning breeze...

I could quite possibly live the rest of my life with my feet propped up like this forever.....

See who I found on the beach? This is "Beardie". Or, Beardette, since it was just recently determined that HE is a SHE. lol. This is my friend's son's pet, and she LOVED the warm sand. I love this critter. I have no issues holding her. She sat on my chest like a brooch for awhile. I should've had my friend take a pictures....

Beware the Dragon!! She protected us while on the beach. Doesn't she look FIERCE???

We're the second camper back. That's my hubby in the orange shirt... =) See how close we are to the dunes? Next year I want the "front row seats".

{The girl in the purple belt...}

2010-08-21T18:42:00.000-04:00

Howdy!! I'd love to say that things are starting to settle down here, but, I'd be lying. I'm still waiting for the LAZY days of summer to get here, but at this rate, I think Winter is gonna beat it! Next week I'll be being a bit more lazy than usual, since I'll be sitting my buns on the sand at the beach for a whole week. The most work I plan on doing is when I have to get up to refill my coffee cup....

Today I just wanted to blog a bit and brag about my sweet baby girl. I haven't done that nearly enough recently. (yeah, right). Today she spent the better part of 3 hours testing for her purple belt in Karate. She passed, as I knew she would, because she's just AWESOME LIKE THAT. I tell ya, when this kid sets her mind to something, she DOES it. I don't think there is anything that she can't do. Except maybe chew gum and walk at the same time.... but EVERYTHING else she tries, she masters. She'll be a black belt in no time. I just know it. Then I'll make her go with me everywhere for protection. She's gonna have it all folks. The looks, the smarticles, and she's gonna be able to seriously kick some butt. It'll be like having my very own extremely cute, smart and mean body guard. Yay me!!!! =)

Anyway, now to share a few pictures from today's testing. Sorry if these bore you, but hey, a mom's gotta do what a mom's gotta do, and this mom's gotta BRAG. Enjoy, y'all, and have a great weekend! =)

I love her fierce look of determination. She always looks mad when she competes, but she's not. She concentrating. She's awesome!!

Renshi and Sensei say she has a beautiful "cat stance". I agree. Doesn't she look great? ;-

She works very hard to get her Katas and stances sharp looking. Too bad her Gi was a mess in this shot though!!

I love watching her compete, and test. I love her look of determination. Of concentration. The way she puts herself out there to always "Do Her Best". I'm one proud momma!

Sensei Louis changing her belt from Orange to Purple!!

There she is! A purple belt. WATCH OUT BLACK BELT -- HERE SHE COMES! She may not have looked it here, but she was ONE happy little girl to have that purple belt, not to mention having the test BEHIND her!

{Another Angel in Heaven...}

2010-08-06T12:50:00.000-04:00

I wanted to blog today, but truthfully, I didn't feel like being humorous. A lot of our family is mourning the loss of a wonderful, beautiful and loving woman today. Mary Jane was a true testament of a Christian woman. She was fun loving, full of life, and although I didn't get to spend a lot of time with her, I can honestly say that I KNOW she is going to be missed. I'm sad for her family right now, and praying for her husband, children and grandchildren that are missing her. But, knowing that she is with God, and singing in her beautiful voice with all the family that has gone before her, does give a sense of hope and peace. My prayer today is that God surround all her loving family and that He hold them close during this time. DH and I are very sad that we can't attend the funeral due to distance, but hope that everyone knows how much Mary Jane meant to DH and I. This picture shows how I will always remember Mary Jane. Full of laughter, and with a GREAT sense of humor. Nothing beats the story of the split pants at camp event, and the tenacity award that followed. Hopefully the award will continue to be a part of our family reunion every year! You will be missed Mary Jane!!!

{a short, but STRONG relationship...}

2010-08-04T08:30:00.002-04:00

I met a new man while on vacation. He was sweet, dark and strong... and he made me oh so happy. His name is Conrad. Conrad filled a huge void in my life, if only for a very short time. He filled me with sweetness. He calmed my nerves, and he strengthened my day. You see, Conrad is a local coffee shop in Boone, NC. And I wanted to bring Conrad home with me....

The coffee that is served in the camp where we attend our family reunion is only coffee in the sense that it is supposedly brewed from coffee beans. As far as I'm concerned that is still up for debate. However, one WONDERFUL day, while down in Boone, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a little coffee shop, way up on a hill, in a shopping center, and I honestly think I saw angels hovering above it. I wouldn't lie to you about something as serious as coffee. When I entered the doors of the coffee shop, I knew I was in heaven. The smell of the fresh roasted coffee beans made my heart flutter. Freshly ROASTED beans y'all. Every few days, right there in the store. In the back of the store was a collection of burlap sacks, full of green coffee beans from locations all over the world, and centered right smack in the middle was a great big BEAUTIFUL coffee bean roaster. My heart lept with joy. I'm quite sure that the barista's that waited on me last week might have tired from me singing the praises of their wonderful coffee. I can honestly say, each and every one of the many cups of coffee that I had there last week was the best cup of coffee I've ever had. It was THAT good. The creaminess, and lack of acidity was indescribable, and it made any cup from Starbucks taste like motor oil. That's saying a lot from a girl that does indeed enjoy her Starbucks Latte's. Sadness fills my heart to tell you that there are only 3 Conrad's coffee shops, all in Boone NC. All a short 7 hour drive from me. =( I will have to wait until next year to visit again. Fear not, my love, I will return, and shall consume as much of your sweet nectar as I can. If you're ever in Boone, make sure to stop by and try one of Conrad's Latte's. I'd say to tell them that Lorrie sent you. But they don't know me. At all. Unless you mention that I'm the crazy lady that kept telling them how much I loved their coffee, and talked their ears off the whole time they prepared my coffee. Then, they might know who I am. ;-)

{Always be prepared....}

2010-08-03T17:25:00.001-04:00

In case any of y'all are wondering.... the lethargy attack I was suffering yesterday did finally cease, and to my amazement, the floors were all vacuumed, the beds were finally covered in clean sheets, and all 7, yes I said SEVEN loads of vacation laundry were washed, dried and put away. Plus, I managed to cook some dinner, deleted my online games, and "cleaned house" on Facebook. Which simply put, means I deleted over 400 people from my "friends" list. I also clipped 2 weeks worth of coupons, made my 2 week dinner plans, and my grocery list. So there ya have it. OCD Lorrie found me, just in the nick of time. Let's all have a collective sigh of relief... ahhhhh. There ya go. Now don't ya feel sooooo much better?

So, all that jabbering led up to today. Today was my grocery day. Those of y'all that know me personally, know that I have a LOVE/HATE relationship with Wal-Mart. I love saving money, but OMG, I despise that place. I wore my new T-shirt today.

I consider it being "prepared". See, with this T-shirt on, I don't HAVE to be nice if I don't want to, because my shirt has already warned you. Think about it y'all. It's WALMART. And it's the first week of the month. Around these parts, those two things do NOT make for a pleasant experience. At least not usually. However, DNK and I were able to get through our shopping no worse for the wear, and actually had a very pleasant lady check us out. Not only did she smile, she spoke, laughed and did not once, intentionally smash any of my bread items!!! I imagine she was either new to the the area, or on loan from the Walmart in Boone NC where I just got home from vacation, because she was MUCH too pleasant to be from around here. Even though I was wearing my NOTSONICE shirt, I was as nice as I could possibly be, and managed to get out of there without either breaking the bank, or breaking anyone's neck. That's saying a lot, cause have I mentioned that I REALLY HATE WAL-MART? Thankfully, I won't have to go grocery shopping again for 2 whole weeks. Hallelujah!! =)

{Lethargy Attack....}

2010-08-02T14:17:00.001-04:00

I'm having a Lethargy Attack. It's kinda like a panic attack, except it's not stress related, it doesn't come on instantly out of no where, and I'm not sure there's any pill that can relieve it. Come to think of it, I suppose it isn't like a panic attack at all. Any-who....

My lethargy attack has been 10 days in the making. It was caused by the fact that I've gotten used to sitting and enjoying down time with family. And by "
sitting" I mean SITTING. On my backside. For hours on end. =)

There was little to NO cleaning this past week. (this was hard for me the first few days). NO COOKING, (this was NOT hard for me. I would love a personal chef). And not even a large amount of mothering, as DNK is getting older and responsible and not so klutzy.

I hadn't even needed to be a wife most of the time. Instead I was a golf widow. And that was OK with me. I made up for it by shopping. And talking. And sitting. You can't forget all the sitting.

Hubby's week long family reunion in the mountains every year is an escape from my "normal" life in almost every sense of the word. Normal being a very relative term here, of course.

For some 9 days, I had nothing to clean. The amount of cleaning that is needed here at home is ENDLESS.

DNK ran free with all her cousins, I didn't have to provide any entertainment for her. Half the time I wasn't even sure where she was! While back in the city, the poor child is attached to my hip for safety.

While up in the High Country, all my meals were prepared for me. And they were GOOD. I didn't have to cook OR do any dishes. And y'all know how that works at home. I AM the cook, the maid, and the dietary nutritionist. It's on my name tag, that's how I know.

And if I just wanted to sit and chat all day long, it was OK and at the end of the day, I didn't owe any explanation about what I had accomplished that day.

There was no laundry to wash, or errands to run. It is simply a week of freedom from my "duties" as a wife and mother.

But then, reality strikes and before you know it, I'M BACK HOME. And good golly, the duties abound.

And me? What am I doing now? Well, I'm sitting here blogging, trying to avoid having to put sheets on the naked beds. Avoiding the vacuum cleaner that is sitting outside my office door just staring at me. And wondering when "anal retentive, OCD Lorrie" will be back from HER vacation. I could really use her help right now. She'll most likely catch up with me in few days. Until then, I'll keep working slowly on the laundry, and I'll take those baby steps (like taking the vacuum cleaner OUT of the closet) towards getting my house cleaned and back in order. Sigh....

{Blowing Rock, NC}

2010-07-29T17:36:00.001-04:00

Today has been just a wonderful day. Starting with breakfast in a dining hall with some 40+ of our favorite family members! As the men packed up the golf bags to head to some mountain golf course 45 minutes away, we women folk had to decide what to do with the young un's. So, we decided a trip into Blowing Rock, then, to a place called Mystery Hill would be fun for all. So, that's exactly what we did. Today's pictures were all taken at the actual Blowing Rock location. In the little town of Blowing Rock, there are a ton of quaint little shops and eateries, but we decided to make today more for the little cousins... which basically means, there is a STRONG possibility of another trip back to do some shopping later! =) The weather was wonderful and there was a STRONG cool breeze up at the top of the rocks. On the way home, we stopped in Boone for some pizza for lunch. The evening will be well rounded out with a family dinner in the dining hall, followed by the 3rd annual Mountain Kibler Mini Golf Tournament. The mini golf course is right up the side of a mountain. Darn -- I can play mini golf worth a darn when on FLAT LAND. lol! Anyway, by the time the nights over, we'll have a bunch of tired kids on our hands, and there's a pretty good chance I might be a little ready for bed too!! ;-)

DNK and her most favorite cousin in the world, Grace. <3

Do you SEE this view??? ahhhhhh.

DNK and 2 of her zillions of cousins, Grace and Brenden on the Blowing Rock.

Peering over the edge.

Gosh my girl is cute!!!

Ain't she brave?

I think my baby girl is the sweetest and most beautiful thing. I could be biased, but I don't think so....

Another view from the top.

Straight down!!

{First stop on first vacation of 2010...}

2010-07-28T23:18:00.008-04:00

Here are a few pictures from the first day of our MOUNTAIN vacation. Our first stop was in Historic Lexington VA. It was hot as Hades, but we enjoyed the day and our carriage ride through downtown before having a great dinner at a restaurant called the Palms.

This is my sweetest DNK meeting one of the horses. This was the female, named Jenny. She was so sweet, and she TOTALLY knew she was beautiful!!

Shana was our tour guide, and the owner of 25 working horses. She was extremely sweet, informative and friendly! Here, she had just watered the horses, and was giving them a little treat of Apple Cinnamon Cheerios before we left on our carriage ride! =)

Jenny and her half brother Jake all ready to take us on our tour. The carriage rides were actually cancelled for the rest of the day due to the heat. It was almost 100° in Lexington!! I didn't know ANY mountains were capable of getting that HOT!!!!!

Loaded and ready to go! That is my in laws in the back, DH and I in the middle and DNK got to ride up front with Shana, the tour guide.

Our "view" of the horses from the carriage. Shana was quite funny, telling us stories about the horses and how "human" they can be. For instance, Jenny can't POO while walking. She'll stop to go, even if standing in the middle of a red light. However, if Jake has to go, she makes him keep walking. Good thing they wear "diapers". I'm sure not every guest gets to hear that little bit of information, but it was pertinent on our ride. We had to pause, in the middle of the road, and Jenny refused to move. It was quite funny actually!!! DNK thought it was hilarious!

DNK just looking as cute as ever. She enjoyed the ride, as we all did. Even the heat was tolerable because we were in the shade of the carriage. I do admit though, I was happy that the horses were done for the day, although they seemed to be fine!!

Wow, well there ya go. I actually blogged TWICE in one day, AND posted a few pictures. Now, don't get all overly excited, cause I ain't promising anything, but I sure am gonna try to make my blog a bit more of a priority now. I'm even considering quitting my online gaming all together. Then I'll have LOTS of free time!

Well, time to get DNK and her cousin (who is spending the night in our room here at the family reunion), to bed. The camp serves breakfast in the dining hall at 8am, so no sleeping in for us this week. I know that normally that would be pure torture, but for some reason, this week at this camp, with these family members, it's ALL GOOD. I can sleep next week when I get home. Night y'all! =)

{Guess who????}

2010-07-28T17:37:00.001-04:00

I am well aware of the fact that there is a distinct possibility that NO LIVING SOUL will see this blog post, seeing as the last real post I've done was back last Thanksgiving. I've gotten rather busy, and let my beloved blog go to the wayside, but since I've currently been "cleaning house" on my Facebook account, and not playing the online games like I used to, I may have just cleared enough time in my day to start blogging again. I have to admit, I really do miss it. I enjoyed the writing, and the posting pictures part. It was relaxing, and even therapeutic at times, although at other times it got me into a bit of trouble. Well, not so much the BLOG, but my mouth. I have to remind myself sometimes that there are actual LIVING people that read this! =)

At this very moment, I am in the mountains of NC enjoying some cooler weather with a few (or 50 +) of DH's family for the week. I have to admit, this is one of my favorite weeks of the year. I get to just RELAX and unwind. There is nothing better than relaxing and unwinding. I'm also in the process of uploading about 400 pictures off my compact flash cards, and if I get the chance tonight, I might actually post a few, since I know all three of you that are still checking my blog religiously, might want to see them. I'm hoping that in the next few weeks I can renew my LOVE of this blog, and start blogging again on a more regular basis. I'm sure I could if I lived up here in the Appalachian mountains year round. Well, at least at the camp lodge we're staying at.... seeing as there are NO TV's. I'm lucky I even get any wifi. This is the first time I've been able to pick it up in my room! Wooo hooo. Gotta love technology! Gonna have to keep this post short right now, as the camp is in the process of preparing us dinner, and it will be served at 6pm. Gotta get me and DNK ready to head down to the dining hall and meet up with the rest of the family. I PROMISE to be back and do some more blogging......

{I'm still alive!}

2010-01-14T10:34:00.000-05:00

I haven't blogged for so long now I'm not sure I even remember how. Let's see.... I think it begins by basically just talking. With my fingers. Either to myself, or to the invisible people out there in the WWW that might stumble across my blog. No pressure.

So...I haven't' done this for a long time. There is always the possibility that I've forgotten how to talk. Um, yeah, I don't see that ever happening. What if I have nothing interesting to say? WAIT -- that never stopped me from talking before! Let's see. I think I usually just start by telling you what's happening in my life. OK. let me think a minute.

I'm still an anal retentive neat freak. (and I love it).

DNK is still getting straight A's in school, is absolutely adorable and I love her.

Um...

Let's see, there must be something to write about. Dang, talk about a dry spell.

Uh.

Still thinking. Is this what they call writer's block? It kinda sucks. A lot.

Oh, oh oh, I know. I've been scrapbooking a lot this week.

(crickets chirping).

OK, so, not really interesting either huh?

Um, how about I'm working on laundry?

Dang. I got nothing. Now you see why I haven't blogged for so long.

How about I try this again when I have some pictures edited to share. Or when something interesting like my annual mammogram is due. This is actually embarrassing. I will say this though. 2010 is proving to be a WONDERFUL year. Oh yes it is. So far, I've had 14 awesome days. I'm hoping that the whole year is as good as these first 2 weeks have been. I hope you're having a good start to the New Year also. I'll see if I can't dig up some decent blog fodder and be back soon to blog. I'd really like to get back into the habit again, but I just thought I'd stop in to tell you I'm still here, alive, kicking and feeling good, mentally and as physically as this old woman is able!! =)

(ahhhhhhh.)

2009-11-28T23:27:00.000-05:00

It sure does feel good to sit. I haven't done much of that for the last 5 days. I baked, cooked and cleaned for Thanksgiving all day Tuesday and Wednesday, of course MORE cooking for dinner on Thanksgiving, and again on Friday for our second Thanksgiving celebration. Friday evening, after dinner, after the family left, DNK and I went out and did a bunch of our Black Friday shopping. I was surprised how much the two of us were able to get done in about 2.5 hours! Finally, DNK, Jay and I spent almost the WHOLE day today putting up Christmas trees. The 2 large living room trees are up, lit, decorated and are just beautiful, if I do say so myself. I'm actually sitting in the living room tonight instead of my scrap room because of how festive and gorgeous the trees are. I've been looking forward to decorating for Christmas this year ever since I painted the house and had the new carpeting put in back in Feb. Why does it seem like it wasn't that long ago, yet in actuality, February was FOREVER ago!

Anyway, tomorrow I'm a door greeter at church, and hopefully after church we'll go out to eat somewhere that DOESN'T serve turkey or dressing, and when we get home, Jay will be up on the roof hanging the Christmas lights, while I put out the rest of the decorations and DNK and I decorate the remaining 3 smaller Christmas trees. I wish I had some pictures to post for you tonight, but that would entail me having to actually GET UP, go to the office, get the memory card, etc etc etc.... and right now, it's all I have in me to just be able to hold my head up. Yep, I'm a tired woman. But a happy woman. I'm loving the peace and quiet, sitting here blogging by the light of the Christmas trees...

{Happy Thanksgiving!}

2009-11-26T06:45:00.003-05:00

Should there be any concerned readers out there, be comforted in the knowledge that the altercation yesterday with the worms is over. I won. Well, me, some latex gloves, kitchen shears and some tongs, but darn it -- I WON! The "Granny greens" are cooked and ready for consumption! I even got my Thanksgiving dinner table set before I crawled into bed last night.

Oh, and in case you're wondering... I'm not up at this ungodly hour because I want to be. As a matter of fact, this girl is crawling back INTO bed in about, say, 10 minutes. I have a date with Jay, DNK, and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade at 9... but until then, I'm spending a few more ZZZ's with the Sandman. I'm ONLY up this early to get Tom into the oven. I got a big 23 lb bird, which is good, because he's gonna be enough for BOTH of the Thanksgiving dinners I'm hosting. I've been thinking..... how cool is it to belong to 2 families? I get DOUBLE the enjoyment, double the celebration, double the fun! It makes double the work not so bad when you think of the positives! I'm very Thankful today for many things.... for my precious daughter DNK that is the light of my life, for my wonderful hubby, that loves me regardless of my many shortcomings. For my family, the closeness I have with my brothers and their wives, and for the ZANY fun we always have when we're together. (amazing how childlike we become when we get together!) For my parents. Although we are in the midst of a stressful situation, I am thankful for them just the same. For my in laws and family, I am thankful that NONE of those Mother-in-law jokes apply to our relationship, and that we all have a wonderful relationship. I'm also extremely thankful for all of our extended families on both sides! I could go on and on about all the material things too, but well, frankly folks, this blogging is cutting into my time with the Sandman, and well, I'm pretty darn thankful for him too. Momma likes her sleep.

Tom is now in the oven, and soon we will be begin to smell his heavenly aroma permeating the house. When he's done, I'll throw in all the other goodies to do their final baking. My family will arrive around noon, and we'll begin to THROW DOWN on some serious grub. ;-). I believe our annual trip to Deep Run Road will follow this evening. ( A house here in town that is the gaudiest and most wonderful representation of Christmas Commercialism in the world - We love it and have gone for years! The owner starts decorating at Halloween to have time to get everything put up!!)
Then, tomorrow, we get to do it all again! (Minus the ME getting up at Odarkthirty.) My father in law is bringing his WORLD FAMOUS twice baked potatoes. Ok, so they may not be WORLD FAMOUS --- But maybe they SHOULD be. Either way, you get the picture. I'll be back at the gym on Monday for SURE!

Hope y'all have a pleasant and wonderful Thanksgiving Day. And to copy something I read yesterday. Please be sure to consume your Tryptophan responsibly! LOL.

(Happy Thanksgiving mom and dad. Your presence will be severely missed today. I love you.)

{HELP ME!!!!!!!}

2009-11-25T09:02:00.003-05:00

Apparently this little guy and his friends were not given the notification that I really DON'T do bugs. It's bad enough that I'm having to touch and tear WET LEAVES (ugh), and that it's been raining the last few days, and these collards were freshly cut yesterday right before I bought them, so they are covered in mud..
Have I mentioned before that I DON'T DO DIRT AND BUGS? OMGosh, I'm itching all over. I've found 3 of these little worms in the first bag of collards that I bought. Really, you have NO IDEA the problems this is causing me. It's bad enough that instead of cooking the greens right now, (have 4 pots to cook!) I'm sitting here blogging, trying to decide if a Xanax is in order or not. I have a TRUE phobia about this kind of stuff. I just can't touch dirt/mud, wet leaves creep me the heck out the way they cling to my hands, and now THE BUGS. The awful WRETCHED BUGS FROM HELL!! I KNOW that bugs are part of "the curse".
Anyway, so y'all, I need some prayers that I can get through this other 10lb bag of collard greens. I gotta prep them, which is tearing all the soft leaves off the hard stems, then washing them over and over and OVER before squashing them in the pressure cooker to cook. I don't mind the cooking part. It's the prepping part that is REALLY hard on me today. What with the WORMS.
OK, (deep breath) back to work. Now. I'm getting up from my desk now. Any minute...
You know, I think I'd rather go scrub the toilet with my bottom lip. Yeah, I REALLY HATE DIRT AND BUGS... ugh.

{Visit with Santa, and Thanksgiving preparations}

2009-11-24T12:56:00.005-05:00

I've been trying to write a decent blog post for a week now, but what with the holidays looming ahead, and the fact that my parents haven't spoken to me in over 3 months, it's been hard to sit down and write a HAPPY blog.

Let's just say I've written PLENTY, but always deleted it.

Anyway, today has been busy busy BUSY!!! I started the day at the gym (6 times in the last 5 days!) then hit the collard green stand on the way home. I purchased 2 large outdoor yard trash bags FULL of fresh, picked THIS morning collard greens! I also made a run to Food Lion for some last minute items, such as eggnog, and pie crusts.

I've already baked 2 pumpkin pies, I have a pecan pie in the oven right now, and a chocolate fudge pie that will go in as soon as the pecan is done.

Also, on top of the stove, there are 2 large pots of sweet potatoes boiling, so I can mash those and make some sweet potato casseroles. I'll prepare them, and not do the final bake until before Thanksgiving dinners.

Yep, you read that right. DinnerS. Plural. As in more than one!

My family, including my aunt and granny (minus my parents) will be coming at noon on Thursday, and we're having all of Jay's family over on Friday afternoon to do it all again and celebrate with them!

I'm looking forward to celebrating the holiday twice, but WHEW.... I'm already worn out!! Lol! Which is why I'm trying to start a day earlier than usual, to stretch it out so I won't literally collapse come Thursday. I plan to still have enough energy to last through the weekend, because all the CHRISTMAS decorations will be going up!! OMGosh I love this time of year! So, anyway, not a lot of time to blog today, as you've read, I'm a wee bit busy, but I just couldn't put off posting these pics of DNK from this past Sunday when we went to see Santa. She still believes in him, (which makes me soooo happy), but like I said last year, I expect this to be her last year... =(

She asked him for another American Girl doll, which just so happens to be already ordered and should be shipping here any day!! I can't wait....

Oh, and I loved the Santa pictures so much, I just had to post a bunch of them. I'm not sure which one is my favorite!!!

{that Holiday HIGH!}

2009-11-17T07:02:00.001-05:00

(Sorry that yesterday's blog post seemed to be a bit, um, thought filled, or, um, serious, or something like that... well, that's what I get for thinking on a day like Sunday was. So, I thought I'd be a bit more CHEERY today and share my Saturday with you. It was actually a TERRIFIC day, and I did spend a bit of the day with the holidays on my mind, however, much HAPPIER thoughts of the upcoming holiday season, which I am determined to keep. Anyway, on with today's blog post that was actually written Saturday night!! )

It's unbelievable that it's almost Thanksgiving. I've really found myself getting in the Holiday spirit, which is actually a small miracle in and of itself, considering all that I've been through in the last few months. Honestly, I can't wait to get this party started!! I began to do a bit of Christmas shopping earlier last week, and started some holiday baking this past weekend. I baked two homemade apple pies with some of the apples we picked at the apple orchard last weekend, and OMG they made the house smell WONDERFUL! I can't wait until Thanksgiving Day. DNK, Jay and I are really looking forward to watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade this year, seeing as we were just in NYC (our first trip there ever) this past July, so to actually recognize the sights has DNK all excited. She can't wait to go back to NYC again!

Even though the dynamics of the holiday season will be different this year, we are all looking forward to a great time. There will be lots plenty of good eats, plenty of laughter, of listening to the kiddos play together, and hopefully we'll have some time for some games, or maybe a movie after dinner or something. Anyway, I love how now that the cousins, "H-man" and "K" are getting older, DNK is more able to play with them. Their favorite game right now seems to be hide and seek. Guess I should add "clean out closets and dust under the beds" to my Holiday cleaning list so the kids can hide without dust bunnies the size of oxen attaching themselves to their holiday outfits!! =D

We have all agreed to make this a great holiday. I have promised myself to not let DNK feel as if she's missing anything. Her holidays this year are going to be memorable, and NOT in a negative way. I'll make sure of that fact.

Isn't' it funny how the smell of the apple pies just set off a big holiday BUZZ for me? A high I don't want to come off of any time soon. If I hadn't started baking those pies so late on Saturday night, no telling what kind of damage I may have done! I've already purchased most of my Christmas cookie ingredients, and we all know that cookies freeze well... but, I didn't want to be up at 2am still baking, because as fun as that sounds, I would also have to CLEAN before I could crawl into bed. SO... it didn't happen. At least not on Saturday....

Maybe I'll be able to do some more baking this week. I know I need to start my granny greens early to have enough to feed this family. My brothers, DNK and I can eat a ton all by ourselves. It takes me longer to make the collards than anything else I make, including the cooking time of a 20+ lb Tom. And, the greens are also the most costly item on the table. Last year I spent almost $45-$50 on fresh collards. I buy them from a local farmer that sells them on a stand around the corner. I might pay more, but OMG they are sooo good. And, Yeah, I buy the biggest turkey I can find, so that everyone gets LOTS of leftovers.

Anyway, I've rambled long enough for now. Just wanted to share my holiday buzz. Hope your holiday preparations are in full swing, and that you are all enjoying it, not getting too stressed about it!! Now, don't ya wish you could SMELL these bad boys?????

{I hate thinking.}

2009-11-15T23:14:00.002-05:00

Just thinking tonight.....
So much on my mind after spending the whole afternoon today in the ER with DNK.

Watching her hurt so badly.
She's OK, they believe it was an extreme migraine, compounded with very congested ears and sinuses, although no infection.

She was dizzy, lightheaded, complaining that her vision was messing up and dark, and her hands were tingly like she was touching cacti.

She said that it felt like someone was stabbing her in the head and in both eyes.

She was pitiful. But she's OK now. No more pain, and tucked in bed, sleeping soundly.
The whole ordeal just really got me thinking about a lot of stuff.

(That's not always a good thing. Lol.)
'Cause I have a lot on my mind recently.

Sometimes I think more stuff than my mind can hold.
Much of it is useless crap, but still... lot's of stuff weighing on my mind.
Don't you hate it when you turn your brain on, but can't seem to turn it back off?

Out of all the stuff currently running through this head of mine, the holidays are in the forefront.
I keep thinking that what you make of this Holiday season is up to us.

But it can't be undone.
There is only ONE chance to make THIS YEAR great.
To get it right.
Or one chance to TOTALLY blow it.
"Jack" it up good.
There's just NO "do overs" in real life.
There is only one Thanksgiving Day.
And one December 25th.
One very special day each.

Make wise decisions when planning how to spend your holidays.

Time can't be replayed.
There is no rewind button.
No backspace.
No delete key.
Once the holidays are over, THEY ARE OVER.
No practice drill.
No dress rehearsal.
Only the final curtain call.....
Once the memories are made, they are FOREVER etched in the psyche.
Never to be changed or altered.
History can't be changed.
Only the future.
Now you want to know what I'm thinking?
I think it's bedtime.
Yep, that's what I think.
Have I mentioned that I hate when I can't turn the "thinking" off? =/

{Thanksgiving.}

2009-11-14T12:42:00.007-05:00

Normally, a day is approximately 24 hours, give or take a few.

But, did you know, that without the luxury of electricity, a 24 hour day grows to be approximately 68 hours, 43 minutes and 13 second long? Approximately...

Ugh. Yes y'all, we endured 31.5 ACTUAL hours of being powerless, but it didn't seem any longer than a child's wait from Easter until Christmas day.

Were y'all aware that it's hard to DO STUFF without power. The cooking I was fine not having to do, but I couldn't blog. Or Facebook. Or watch FoxNews. Or vacuum. Yes, I was having vacuum withdrawal. Because everyone kept walking leaves in on my new carpet. And by everyone, I mean Jay and I. I only went outside when I took some of the foods from the fridge and the freezer to the camper for safekeeping. (which worked wonderfully btw). All I had to do was open the door, and the leaves would come flying in. Which is what happens when you have wind gust over 50 mph.

The Nor'easter hit this area pretty darn hard, and as of right now, there are many people still without power. Ours finally came on last night at 10pm. Couldn't have been a better time. Jay was working, and DNK and I had just crawled under 72 blankets (slight exaggeration) in her bed, and were all cuddled up getting ready to fall asleep when the light EXPLODED into the house. It was WONDERFUL. I always swear I'll never take electricity for granted.... but I think I already have. ha. It was getting pretty cold, the thermostat was showing it to be 61°. It was bearable, cause DNK and I were all flanneled up, thick socks, fuzzy slippers and heavy furry robes. We looked adorable if I do say so myself! ;-).

Within 20 minutes of the power coming back on, I was shedding the layers like a snake sheds it's skin, and actually starting to sweat. Of course, I was also running around the house putting stuff away and straightening up because I COULD ACTUALLY SEE THE MESS AROUND ME. And it was bothering me. MUCHLY. So, DNK went back to bed, after we pulled about 70 of the blankets off her bed. I spent the evening straighting some stuff up, and watching local news to catch up all I missed, and of course spending some time online. That goes without saying though.

DNK and I never left the house during the storm, or even after it yesterday, as my truck was locked in the garage. (electric garage door opener) and it's too difficult to do it manually. Well, I guess I could've done it if I had really WANTED to, but I was OK staying off the roads. We'll just say I was using my smarticles...

So although I didn't get any really crazy shots of all the storm damage like I did when Hurricane Isabelle hit, I did get some shots in the house that I really kind of like. So I thought I'd share them. MY VERSION of the Nor'easter storm of 11-2009:

I just want to end this blog post by saying thank you to God for his protection. Thankfully, we suffered NO damage, NO loss of property, and very little loss of sanity! ;)

{Thanks to all the our Military & Veterans}

2009-11-11T09:18:00.004-05:00

First and foremost, I want to take a moment to thank all our wonderful Military and their families, past and present. The sacrifice you have all made to allow us our freedoms can never be repaid. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU.

Now, in case y'all hadn't been alerted to the fact, I have declared today an OFFICIAL jammie day. Yep... feel free to stay inside in those nice warm jammies, and those big fluffy fuzzy slippers. ALL.DAY.LONG. Just make sure they're clean. You know, like put on a new pair of jammies that you didn't sleep in last night. That way it's not like you didn't get dressed or anything, cause I'd hate to have y'all seeming like some kind of lazy jammie wearing slobs. Just sayin.

I'm in mine. And I feel COMFY. Nothing warms the buns and the heart like a pair of hot pink and black bunny jammies with little presents all over it that says "I'm not spoiled, I deserve all my stuff". LOL. It's dark, cold, rainy and windy out today. The remnants of Hurricane Ida are hovering over us, preparing to dump a butt-ton of rain on us for the next few days, and since I have NO where I have to be today (wooo hooooo!) I decided that today was just as good as any, to declare a jammie day.

But lest you think I've been lazy.... I've got laundry in the wash, the beds are made, and the kitchen is clean.

Now, if you'll excuse me, My jammies and I have some scrapping and Ellen watching to do today. Have a comfy day!!

{Michie Tavern and the Ordinary}

2009-11-10T07:26:00.001-05:00

I bet y'all are just itching to see some more of my fall camping trip pics aren't ya? haha. Well, I'll post a few more for ya today. I love looking at them myself, considering the trip almost didn't happen this year...

We spent Saturday at the apple orchard first, then we walked around Michie Tavern, since it's RIGHT up the road a few feet. We walked through the shops, around in the leaves, and then had a WONDERFULLY delish 18th century style lunch at the Ordinary, which is a fabulous restaurant where the wait staff all dress in period clothing, the foods cooked are the kind that would've been served in the 18th century and the restaurant itself looks like it's right out of a history book page. DNK was really interested in everything about it, because she's been reading some American Girl books about Felicity, that take place about the same time as the Michie Tavern first opened. Not only that, she has just finished a big study and project a week or so ago where she was studying the Virginia Piedmont, so she kept Jay and I quite informed on our whereabouts, and all the facts about the Piedmont that we might have forgotten. Haha. She found it interesting that from Charlottesville, she could see the "Piedmont" and the Blue Ridge Mountain ranges. I guess that makes the trip somewhat educational huh? She had fun, and if it was educational along the way, then I suppose that's OK, right?? Anyway, here are some pics from the Michie Tavern and Ordinary.

(yes, I'm aware that this is a TERRIBLE picture of me, and that I have some gosh awful fake looking smile going on, but it's the ONLY one of me..... so I'm not too proud to post it! lol!!)

{Glorious FALL beauty!}

2009-11-09T06:59:00.003-05:00

Well, we're back home now and all unpacked. AND, I've gotten a chance to get the pictures loaded for your viewing enjoyment! =) I really hated leaving the fall beauty in the mountains, but it's all good... Jay let me listen to Christmas music almost all the way home, but when his eye started twitching that way it does just before he blows his lid, I finally turned it off. LOL! So, right now, we're all relaxing in seperate areas of the house, Jay on the livingroom computer doing the bills, DNK in her room, playing a game on her computer, and me in my scraproom/office listening to Christmas music on the Holiday Channel on TV while updating the blog with pics. The first two pictures make me the happiest, because every year that DNK has been alive, she's been photographed in front of the pumpkin, and behind the apple. The first time she was only 4 WEEKS old. Wow... seems like forever ago. Anyway, the rest of these pics were all taken at the Carter Mountain Apple Orchard. It was much less crowded this year, being as we went so much later, but they still offered EVERYTHING they do during October. I was quite surprised actually. We enjoyed picking the apples too. DNK would've cleaned the trees if we'd had enough bags and ALLOWED her to do it. She was so funny!

Here is Jay, waiting ever so patiently, while DNK and I suck up the beautiful fall scenery. Although it was apparent we had missed "peak season" there was still plenty of fall splendour to be seen. I made sure to get up close and personal with my camera on those trees that still had beautiful bright colors!

I don't know really why it is that I love going to the apple orchard so much. Possibly, it's because I like routine and tradition, and we've gone every fall for at LEAST the last 11 years, although I believe we'd gone a number of years prior to DNK's birth. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a child of habit. I'm most comfortable doing things repetitively, however, I'm not against trying new things too. As long as the old comfortable things are still there to fall back on! =)
DNK insisted on bringing her American Girls camping with us, but we only allowed ONE into the apple orchard with us. So Molly was the lucky gal. Guess who the lucky gal was that got to HOLD Molly while DNK picked apples. Yep... that would be ME. haha! DNK even found one little tiny apple and a tiny pumpkin for Molly. (we didn't end up buying any pumpkins this year, as we already did the pumpkins at Halloween).

Here are some examples of some of the color that was still out there! The wild bright colors were much more sparce than they usually are when we go in October, but there were still some fabulous colors, and when I came across some, I made sure to try to capture them with my Nikon. I think I managed to do that with these pics.

And finally, finishing up today's blog with some pictures from down in the actual orchards. The first picture here is of DNK heading down to the orchard gate, the rest I just snapped during our apple picking fun.

Tomorrow I'll blog with some of the pictures I took at Michies Tavern and the Ordinary. Hope everyone has a great week. I'm going to try!! =)

{It's the MOUNTAINS baby!!!}

2009-11-07T22:49:00.004-05:00

I just wanted to post a little sneak peek to some of the pictures I have taken this weekend. It has been a fantabulous, but short little weekend away from it all, and I've loved it. It's been like a bit of a renewal, just to get away from real life. The family issues, worrying about my hearing, things like that. Just time with DNK and Jay. We picked apples, ate at the Michie Tavern Ordinary, walked around the campground and played on the playground. The weather is PERFECT, and although the majority of the leaves have changed and fallen to the ground, there is still plenty of color to be found.... and when I found it, I captured it's beauty to print out later. Something about this time of year just brings happiness into my soul. I can't really explain it, but I sure can feel it.

This time tomorrow I'll be back home, and most likely, preparing my Thanksgiving menu and shopping list. I'm very excited to get this Holiday show on the road! I'm also gonna start my Christmas shopping this week too, which always gets me excited.

So, without further ado, here are a few of my favorite shots, and of course THE SHOT. The 10th consecutive year at the Apple orchard, starring my sweet DNK in front of the big Jack o' lantern and in the big apple cutout as the head of a caterpillar!!!!

Hope y'all are having as wonderful a weekend as we have!!

Well shucks y'all. I've been trying for a good 20 minutes to get the pictures to load for ya, but for some unknown reason, blogspot has decided to be difficult tonight. Looks like y'all might have to wait until I get home to see the pretties... sorry. =(

{Fall weekend camping getaway!!!}

2009-11-06T15:16:00.003-05:00

I figured I'd sit down and do a little blogging while I wait for Jay to get the camper hooked up to the truck, cause YEP, we're going on our fall camping trip this weekend. A little later, and a few less people than usual, but we're going just the same. The apple orchard we visit every year is still open, and the BIG jack O' lantern is still up on display, (I called the campground to to confirm). I am so glad that I won't miss DNK's yearly picture in front of it. This will be the 10th consecutive year I've taken her picture in front of the pumpkin. I wonder when she'll start fighting me about getting that yearly fall shot? When will she just finally tell me no??? When she's 13? 21? 46? hahaha.

Anyway, currently, Jay's out hooking up the camper, and I'm sitting here waiting for my little cutie to get home from school. The plan is to hopefully hit the road as soon as she gets home, grabs her precious lamby's and some books to read. She's already packed her DVD's for the trip, so she's pretty much ready to go too!

I am soooo looking forward to the crisp cool mountain weather. (it's supposed to be in the low to mid 60's and mostly SUNNY all weekend!)

The gorgeous fall color of the leaves. ( I hear there is still color left!)

Roasting marshmallows over a campfire. ( Just a small fire, seeing as my brothers, the FIRE KEEPERS won't be there with us this year to keep it RAGING! lol)

Playing games with DNK and Jay. (Blokus, Uno, Dominos, etc)

And did I mention the apple orchard??? This year, since it was just us 3, we decided we're actually going to PICK our apples. DNK is excited about that, as she's never done that before. We're also hoping that they will still be making cider donuts, as they are always such a yummy treat in the fall... hot out of the fryer. Mmmmmm. I can actually smell them now!

We're staying in the KOA closer to the apple orchard this year, which is also a bit closer to home. But that's OK, because we're only doing a 2 night camping trip, so a shorter drive is OK with me.

I had the camper pretty much packed up yesterday, and included in the regular "camping supplies", I had to add the following:

A baked home made pumpkin pie, which is already in the camper fridge.

Some hot mulled cider mix.

Half a loaf of my pumpkin gingerbread.

And Jay came home with some eggnog last night to take with us, so it looks like we are SET! Yes, I'll try to throw some healthy stuff in there too, but I just had the fall holiday bug hit me yesterday really hard. Now, if I could only get myself to STOP LISTENING TO CHRISTMAS MUSIC ALREADY! I have a feeling Jay is gonna nip that in the bud tonight. He can't understand how I start listening to it IMMEDIATELY following Halloween. Hey, I say that Christmas isn't long enough, so there is NOTHING wrong with listening to it for 2 months out of the year. Ya got 10 other months to listen to the other stuff!! =)

On another note.... I talked to my doctor today, and he has referred me to an audiologist about my hearing loss. I'm still only getting that constant ringing and buzzing sound in my right ear, although I [think] I might be hearing better, or maybe I'm just getting used to being deaf. Who knows. Anyway, December 3rd I go for a hearing test, and I'm not sure what will happen after that. I'm still hoping and praying that my hearing will have returned before then. My doctor did confirm that the rupture has closed, and there is a bit of scar tissue, but isn't sure why I still can't hear. I'm just hoping I didn't do any damage to the interior of my ear, not just the eardrum. I really rammed that Q-tip into my ear!! I swear it felt like it was going to come out the other side of my head! I can't believe it's been almost a month since I damaged it. I never would've thought I could've maintained my sanity with this buzzing sound in my head for a whole month, but it's amazing what we can put up with when we have no choice.

Well, that's it y'all. I might blog from the campground if I have a little down time in the evening, but I'm not making any promises! ;-)

Have a great weekend!!

Halloween was "spooktactular"!!

2009-11-05T14:43:00.006-05:00

So... I know, I've been TOTALLY MIA again haven't I?

I've been pretty busy, but that really isn't an excuse. Truth is, I just forget. I've just forgotten to blog! I spend too much time on Facebook. I love connecting there. I'm a social person, so Facebook works for me. Not too much social interaction on a blog. Or, at least not IMMEDIATE social interaction like on Facebook or if I "Tweet".

Let's see...what have I been up to since last I blogged??

Halloween. And scrapping. And cleaning. Mostly the same old, same old, but same old, same old is comfortable and happy. For the most part anyway.

Halloween was a lot of fun. DNK was a beautiful butterfly, she always picks out such pretty girly things to dress up as! We went to my baby bro and SIL's house and trick or treated around the neighborhood with them, and one of my peeps and her little girl. About halfway through the night, my OTHER brother and his family joined us and we spent the last 45 minutes or so letting all the cousins run through the "hood" begging for candy! Holy COW! Those kids made out like bandits. I've never seen so many people out and about trick or treating. It was so much fun! I hope my Bro's and SIL's want to go together again next year. It really was a treat. Especially since this year we didn't have our annual Fall Camping trip to Verona VA. =(

So Halloween was fun, but now it's time to switch gears and start planning for Thanksgiving....

Whew... wonder where to start? Well, I think I'll start by posting some pics of our Halloween..

Jay and DNK carving our Jack O' Lantern this year. I told them to smile for me. You think they get tired of my camera in their faces all the time??

We named him Herman. He just looks like a Herman. I just quickly hand drew him this year, no patterns. I just wanted a cute whimsical looking Herman O' Lantern.

We ate a late lunch before heading out to trick or treat, and I made Mummies (hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls), Spider cupcakes, Green Slime (applesauce with LOTS of green food coloring) and bones and blood (french fries and ketchup). Dave and Val came over with the kids for lunch, so I wanted to make some kid friendly fun food.

The spider was just two upside down Hershey kisses, with icing legs and eyes. DNK put all the kisses in, and I did the icing. We made quite a good spider making team! In case you're wondering, the icing was cream cheese, and the cake was a butter pecan.

Oh yeah, they were good!!

The mummies were fun to make. You can't really see from the picture, but they had little eyes made of mustard. Who doesn't like pigs in a blanket, right??

This is MY beautiful butterfly DNK. I bought the wings at Joann's this year, even used my 50% off coupon. Woot Woot! I did her makeup too, and I thought she looked so cute. Then again, I always think she looks cute! ;-)

DNK's wings. She just wore a black turtleneck shirt, black sweat pants, and I made the antennae from a black headband, some pom poms, glitter, a glue gun, a Halloween hair scrunchie from the Target dollar spot, and some black pipe cleaners. They worked perfectly all night long!

DNK and TINK all ready to head out for an evening of trick or treat fun!

OMGosh, they were just soooo cute. I loved watching DNK and Krista flit around the yard pretending they could fly!

DNK and one of her BFF's in front of my brothers house before we hit the streets.

The final shot of the night. All the cousins (except the baby, who slept the ENTIRE time in his stroller) after they trick or treated. They were all tired, as we had been having fun for over 2 hours by this point. Now it was time to go home, shower all the makeup off, and wind down from the sugar rush enough to be able to go to sleep. I think we all had a terrific time!!!!!

{I missed KID TALK!}

2009-10-24T11:00:00.003-04:00

Did anyone remember that today my sweet baby girl DNK made her television debut on WAVY TV 10's show called "Kid Talk"? She was on at 10:30, and WE FORGOT TO WATCH IT! Jay was making us a pancake breakfast and we JUST REMEMBERED! Thank God for the invention of DVR, at least we can go back and watch it now.
So, that's what I'm getting ready to go do.
Does anyone know how to transfer a DVR'd program to a DVD or VHS? I want to be able to make a copy to keep, but I'm not sure how.
Oh well, that's it for today. I'm just soooo bummed that I forgot to watch it "live" this morning, and to remind everyone that it was coming on....
It's tough being blond, but someone has to do it!
Ok, off to go watch my precious little girl on TV!! =)

{what's up?}

2009-10-22T12:43:00.004-04:00

I'm so happy to say that last night might just have been the last night that I have attic inhabitant! I have a very nice exterminator upstairs in the attic right now, fixing the hole where my furry house mate is coming in to nest. The exterminator tends to think that right now it is probably only one squirrel up there, and if they aren't able to get back in tonight, than the trap should remain empty. That would work perfectly for me!! I'd rather NOT have to see the little guy I've run out of the house. Now, if I could just get my hearing back. Seriously. Going on 2 weeks with little to NO hearing in my right ear, except this joyous RINGING. Ugh. I'm hoping that the healing has begun though, because the bleeding has stopped, and it doesn't appear to be draining much anymore. Not only that, but it's been itching like crazy the last couple days, and I know how most injuries itch sometimes when healing. I certainly hope that's the case.

Jay is back home, and life is pretty much back to normal, well, except the whole deafness, and the fact that it's been almost 11 weeks since I've heard from my parents. OTHERWISE, it's been back to normal.

Jay and I need to get our water storage tank under the camper fixed soon, because I made some reservations to go camping soon. DNK and I LOVE camping in the fall, and I'm not going to change DNK's life, just because my whole family dynamic has changed. And, I really want to go camping in the mountains before it starts to snow there! =)

So, that's all that's been going on around here. Trapping squirrels, being deaf, and Oh, being crafty in my scraproom. That's always fun! Made a Halloween Tree decoration last week and finally got it all together and displayed the other day.... whatcha think?? I just love little bats, in real life and cartoon ones!! Now I'm thinking of making one with another tree branch, just not spray painted, and covering it with random fall decorations... Hmmm. I see a lot more glitter and glue mess in my future!

{Sunday....}

2009-10-18T13:15:00.000-04:00

What a dreary, cold and rainy Sunday afternoon it turned out to be! It's only about 45 degrees and windy and misty, not even really raining. Basically a miserable day. The worse part about today is that I was supposed to be going out to dinner tonight, then to Busch Gardens with my 2 sister in laws, but considering one of them is sick with a TERRIBLE cough, and me with my stupid broken ear, we made the grown up decision of cancelling tonight's festivities. I'm hoping next Sunday night might be better and that we can try it again then. I'm sitting here in my adorable, thick, soft Eeyore robe, and big Eeyore slippers as I write this, just fighting the need to put on some clothes. It's just not fair that normal clothes aren't made this comfy. OK, so maybe MATERNITY clothes are comfy, but when you're actually pregnant enough to wear them, it doesn't matter, because NOTHING is comfy... =)

I would declare today a mandatory jammie day, except Jay has already left the building to bring home some 5 Guys burgers and fries for lunch, and it looks like we've been invited to a chili cook off tonight at a friends house, which means I gotta go to the grocery store to get the stuff to make my WORLD FAMOUS maple sausage chili, which I totally stole from my baby brother and renamed it "MY" world famous maple sausage chili, which totally makes me look cool. lol. Besides, he didn't concoct the recipe, he stole it too. So, maybe I should just call it "Dave's Stolen Maple Sausage Chili Recipe that I now call MY WORLD FAMOUS MAPLE SAUSAGE CHILI" chili. Oh, what the heck, I'm sticking with MY world famous chili... it's easier to say and shorter to type. haha.

The weekend has been pretty good actually, barring the non stop crappy weather. We went to church last night, and the service was incredible. One of my faves yet I think. Freddy was funny as ever, or maybe it was because I had taken some percocet. ;) Afterwards, a musician friend of ours was having an album release party at our church so we stayed and spent some time with old friends, listening to some very talented dudes jam for a bit. Lastly, we went to dinner with good friends and sat and talked until it became a contest as to who was gonna fall asleep at the table first.. the kids or the adults. The kids won, but barely.

I'm still very frustrated about my ear issues. I'm almost afraid of going back to the doctor. I don't want to hear any bad news that might crush my hopes of it repairing itself. I'm trying to NOT to have negative thoughts, but the lack of ANY improvement is kind of disheartening. Not to mention I've spoken with a number of people this week (in person and online) that broke their eardrums, and never recovered their ability to hear. That scares the crap out of me. I finally figured out why it seems like the hearing in my LEFT ear appears compromised as well, and it's because of the noise INSIDE my head. The ringing and buzzing. It's almost as if I can hear my hair grow. The other day I was busy doing stuff around the house, and when I finally sat down for a minute to rest, I realized that I could actually hear (or feel maybe) my heart beating in my deaf ear. I heard and felt the pulsating beats. I wore a ear plug last night to church because our worship band is LOUD, not to mention the mini concert afterwards, and I just wasn't sure how it would effect my ear. It was odd to FEEL the loudness of the drums and bass in my chest (like you always do at a concert) but yet not HEAR it loud. Just really an odd sensation.

Anyway, I'm still hanging in here, trying to be optimistic, because right now I just can't imagine being like this the rest of my life... If you feel like saying a little prayer for me, I wouldn't mind!

{A critter moves in...}

2009-10-16T20:57:00.002-04:00

I'm sitting here waiting until it's time for me to go to the airport to get my sweet hubby tonight at 10:30. It's been a rough week, and I'm glad it's about over. I've been dealing with so much crap it seems, that I'm starting to feel like I've been run over by a big truck. Not just physically, but emotionally too. Jay left for Tucson only hours after I burst my ear drum last Saturday, and I've been dealing with this all alone. I'm scared because it's been a week and my hearing and the pain hasn't improved ONE BIT.

Other than Wednesday, when I went out to do some shopping for DNK to get her some warm clothes and a winter coat, I've pretty much been at home, in my own little funk, having my own little pity party. Feeling pretty lonely. =(

I'm hoping that Jay being back home will lift me out of this depressed state.

I guess I just missed him. Missed hanging out with my peeps this week. Missing my HEARING. And missing my mom and dad.

Those things can all make for a pretty crappy week. Especially when you add in the physical pain that the ear is causing. I'm sure that this is temporary. Somehow I really think that just seeing Jay tonight will make a big difference in the way I'm feeling...

Actually though, I really haven't been TOTALLY alone this week. I've had a roomie move in upstairs in the attic. Apparently our new resident is either a large squirrel, a raccoon, or maybe an orangutan. Whatever the heck it is, I heard it a few times in the early morning the beginning of the week, then as the week has progressed, it seems as if it has decided that it likes it's new surroundings, and has spent the majority of the day moving in and rearranging it's furniture. I'm happy to know that it likes my house as much as I do. The first couple days the noise TOTALLY freaked me out. I wasn't sure if I needed to call an exterminator, or an exorcist!! Tomorrow afternoon, I have a critter exterminator coming by to see what/who we have hunkering down in our attic, and to find out how much it's gonna cost to remove/relocate said critter and seal off it's doorway. I'm hoping that it hasn't had enough time to do any damage to the house, and I gotta tell ya, It BETTER not have touched any of my Christmas stuff. Unless of course, it wanted to go ahead and decorate one of the 5 Christmas trees we have stored up there. I wouldn't mind if it wanted to help save me a bit of trouble next month. I'm not sure I'm gonna want to know what KIND of critter I have occupying the space above my head. Cause I really think both squirrels and raccoons are kinda cute. I just don't want them living in my attic. But, I also don't want to see them dead in a trap either. I wonder if the exterminator can catch them, then release them OUTSIDE my house, far away from my house, AFTER they seal the entry location. Guess I'll find out answers to those questions tomorrow. I almost feel sorry for the little critter. He's worked so hard this week getting his new home just perfect. I'm not kidding...at one time I could've sworn he was dragging a rocking chair across the room. Want to know the funniest thing about all of this? His area of choice has been directly over my head, above my scrap room and the bathroom right beside it. The disturbing part of that is that the bathroom fan/light fixture is right between the toilet and the shower area. I keep imaging the little critter peeking down through the fan and watching me take a shower!! The thought of him telling all the other critters that he has seen me naked is pretty traumatizing. To both me AND the critter I'm sure. Next thing ya know, there will be a ticket booth up on my roof, and I can just see him charging other critters admission to my freak show every morning, my attic filling up with a bunch of furry voyeurs.

OK, I know, It must be time to take my meds again. I told you I've been lonely this week. Now I'm inventing critter friends that like to watch me shower. Maybe I should've gone out this week, even if my face WAS swollen like I had been attacked by a swarm of killer bees. Maybe I would've gotten a few sympathy friends. Or, more likely, I would've made young children cry, and grown men cower and run for their lives.

Whew..... I REALLY am glad Jay is coming home tonight. And that I have plans for the upcoming week. I need to stop using my imagination so much. Apparently it's not a good thing for an adult to use. I'll leave it to DNK. She's much better at it than I am. She doesn't' imagine scary and startling images. =)

I do have some plans this coming week though, starting with going to Howl-0-Scream at Busch Gardens on Sunday night to do the Haunted Houses with my two sister in laws and hopefully ride a coaster or two. Yep, just us 3, NO kids or hubby's. It's gonna be fun. We're gonna scream and just have some serious silly fun. Then I get to have some peep time scrapping on Tuesday. I couldn't get together to scrap with my peeps this week because they scrapped on the morning I woke up looking like Quasimodo. I really need to spend some time with them. It's good for me to get my peep fix at least once a week if possible. It helps keep me sane. Cause y'all, I really don't like this lonely feeling crap.

Well, it's almost 9pm, and DNK and I will be leaving for the airport at about 10:30. If I can stay awake.

I doubt I'll be blogging tomorrow. I'll be busy. That makes me happy. I'm SO looking forward to this weekend!!

{Friday update}

2009-10-16T13:51:00.003-04:00

Little update on the old perforated eardrum.

No change.

Still throbs like a bad toothache/ ear ache combo.

Still taking percocet occasionally.

Still popping Motrin.

Still bleeding and oozing, especially at night.

Still have that MOST ANNOYING ringing/buzzing sound in my ear.

and I still can't hear a darn thing!!!! NOTHING!

And if that weren't bad enough, It's coming up on 10 weeks since my parents disowned me.

Good times y'all. Good darn times.

But not everything is bad news.... as of now, DNK, Jay and myself are flu free and otherwise healthy, which not everyone can say. (I sure hope I didn't just jinx us! lol).

And, another great thing is that my sweet hubby will be flying back home tonight. DNK and I have to go pick him up at the airport tonight at 10:30. I can't wait to see him. It's been a pretty rough week actually, but we made it through. I'll be feeling MUCH better once he's back on the ground safely, and in my arms.

Just wish I knew when/if my ear would be better. This is probably one of the most annoying and stupid things I've ever done to myself, and I've done plenty of stupid things, trust me. Gosh, it's not easy being blond.... ;-)

{just rambling along...}

2009-10-15T07:54:00.003-04:00

Good morning! It's Thursday, which means my sweet hubby will be back home LATE tomorrow night. It's been a pretty rough week, but I'm making the most of it. Woke up yesterday with some more facial swelling, but it was NOTHING like Tuesday! That was just FREAKY. I put an ice pack on it yesterday morning, and most of the swelling was gone by midday, so the day wasn't a total loss. I went out and did a little shopping therapy. Finally, I got a chance to go to the scrapbook store and spend my gift certificate I got for my birthday, I bought a bunch of new Christmas papers and embellies from Basic Grey, American Crafts and Creative Imaginations. Also, had to get me some of that Basic Grey Halloween line, as well as the Pink Paislee. OMG, it is all so irresistibly YUMMY this year!!! Can't wait until I can start scrapping with it! DNK didn't have any sweaters or a winter coat yet, so I decided to take advantage of some sales at JC Penney. I got her a sweet silver coat for 55% off. AND SHE LOVED IT. Nabbed her some super soft sweaters, and a cute hot pink and black long sleeve layered T Shirt with a heart shaped peace sign and a bunch of graffiti looking writing all over it. Of course she loved it. She said I do really good at picking out the style of clothes she wants! (yea me!!) She is no longer a kid, she's a "tween" now, or so she has informed me. Basically, I've come to understand that a "tween" is a teen in training. lol. Just as long as I don't get the teen attitude, I'm OK with that.

Last night, she and I had a great time. We did some more shopping and grabbed some dinner at KFC. She picked out a cute pair of black Guess skinny jeans, and then she spent some of her bday money and allowance on a cute purse, and a new Webkinz stuffed animal. I bought myself a hoodie, as IT'S COLD OUT THERE Y'ALL.

Today my big plans are to stay home and play with my paper, glue and glitter again. It's cold, rainy and dark. Perfect day to either nap, or get creative in my scrap room. I've still got a couple things I've been working on that I'd like to try to finish today.

As far as the ear... still deaf. There's not been any improvement in my hearing since I broke the eardrum last Saturday. I'm still waiting for the morning I wake up and my hearing has returned. The ringing is still terrible, but I think maybe I'm getting more used to it, as it's not driving me insane like it had been. It's still bleeding and oozing, not sure how long that's supposed to last, but I go back to have it checked in a little less than 2 weeks. I'm praying that I haven't damaged my hearing permanently. I couldn't imagine being this way for now on...

On a brighter note... I called yesterday and made some reservations for us to go camping. We go every year in the fall, and regardless of our current family situation, Jay and I decided we still needed to get away for our fall camping and trip to the apple orchard... so, as soon as he gets back from Tucson, we gotta do some work on the camper, (patching a hole in the grey water tank) and then we'll be ready to go. We're not going until after Halloween this year though, so the fall colors will probably past their peak, but that's OK, it's the cool weather, and just being together that makes it so fun!!

DNK is planning on going trick or treating with her cousin Krista this year. Her neighborhood is FULL of kids, so she'll be able to see LOTS of other kids in their costumes. She's going to be a Monarch Butterfly. We just finished putting together her costume yesterday, She's gonna be so cute...

Well, I think that about catches everything up. Have a good day!!

{No more whining!}

2009-10-13T09:54:00.001-04:00

NO MORE WHINING! (in case you're wondering, that command was meant for me.)

So, I saw the doctor yesterday morning, and yep.... I busted my ear drum. He said it looks like I got it good too, but he wasn't able to tell to what extent the perforation is, because it was all swollen and bloody. Yum.

He also said that usually, ear drums will heal themselves, and I should start to get my hearing back in the next week or two. I sure hope so, cause the deafness and the NON STOP ringing in my ears is the worst part of all this. I am still in some pain, but it's more like a nagging tooth/jaw ache, and actually, for some reason, the pain is worse when I'm sleeping. Maybe because I'm sleeping on it. But the good doctor gave me a few Percocet tablets to take at night if needed so I can sleep. I go back to him in 2 weeks for a recheck. If it gets worse, or if I'm not healing properly he'll send me to an ENT specialist. For now, I'm hanging in there. Just wish the bleeding and oozing would stop. It feels like I keep getting water in my ear. Annoying. Really.

Actually, considering all that I'm dealing with at the moment, Monday turned out to be quite a good day. I was at Wal-mart by 9 am to get groceries. Had them home and put away by 11, then I was off to my Dr. appt. After that, I went to Costco. I bought a cute and SOFT pair of Ellen Tracy jammies, some cute Guess jeans for DNK and my decaf coffee beans. Hit Michael's for some crafty stuff for a Halloween tree I'm working on, and then Joann's for some HUGE butterfly wings for DNK's Halloween costume, and some other crafty items. Stopped by Walgreen's TWICE, to drop off/pick up some Rx's. Honestly, I was surprised at the amount of stuff I accomplished, considering I don't feel 100%, and my time was limited due to DNK's school hours. I was literally ALL.OVER.TOWN. Not bad for a Monday!

But the most awesome thing that happened Monday, was when I finished running all my errands, I found a note on the door that someone had attempted to deliver an Edible Arrangement to me! I had NO idea who it was from, or why it was sent, for that reason. So DNK and I went up to the store to pick it up. IT WAS GORGEOUS! One of my sweet friends that lives in DC sent it to DNK and I just to cheer us up. She knows all the crap I've been dealing with recently. Between my chipped tooth, my family issues, my busted eardrum and Jay being gone, it's been quite a trying few weeks, to say the least. It was so thoughtful of her to send us a "Pick me Up". And it really did "pick me up". It really made my day. OMGosh, the fruit and chocolate was DELISH! Sooooo ripe and sweet, and the chocolate was seriously wonderful quality chocolate. Color me impressed!! DNK and I are having fruit with breakfast today, for our snack after she gets home from school and for dessert again tonight. There is NO WAY we're gonna let that stuff go to waste!! =) My evening ended on a great note too, because Jay called and I got to spend some time talking to him before bed. I sure do love my hubby. <3

Monday's tend to be a good day for me anyway, but this one was exceptionally good. Much nicer than I would've expected.

But THIS MORNING? None quite as good. See this picture? Yeah, this is how I woke up. Apparently I had an allergic reaction to the percocet. I was the one wanting to see if I was, in fact allergic to it. Guess I found my answer. It doesn't hurt me, but it sure hurts to LOOK at!

No more whining though -- gotta get my attitude back in check. I will NOT let myself get down in the dumps again. No matter how bad things get, they could ALWAYS be worse. So, I'm putting on my smiley face again!! I am getting OUT of this funk.

Speaking of putting on my smiley face, I can't help but smile about today. I'm gonna get me a big dose of BABY LOVIN'. Yep, watching my new nephew Brandon this morning while my SIL has a doctors appt. I was supposed to go to her house, and then we were gonna do some lunch afterwards, but instead, she's gonna bring him here to me to watch. I don't think I'm going to be leaving the house today, for obvious reasons. Too bad it's not Halloween. All I'd need is a hump on my back and I'd be set. What with the big bruised left thigh, the bleeding oozing deaf right ear and the swollen up face, I'm quite the hideous monster. Good thing Jay isn't here to see me right now. LOL!!

But, right now, I can't WAIT to cuddle that sweet baby and just suck up all that beautiful baby smell! Thank God my olfactory senses are working properly!! ;-) (knock wood)

Have a terrific Tuesday y'all!!!

{having a pity party}

2009-10-12T06:48:00.001-04:00

I am missing my man something fierce this morning. He doesn't take business trips often, and of all times for him to have to go it's now.

No time is ever a good time to be apart, but now is REALLY tough. Especially since I'm dealing with a blown eardrum, and a blown sense of reality to what I always thought was my life.

Truth is, I'm feeling pretty alone right now. I'm sorry, I guess I'm feeling a bit whiny this morning and having a pity party, but what is it about being sick, or hurt that makes me wish I had my mom and dad? Probably, because throughout the 44 years of my life, whenever anything happened to me, the first place I would always turn was my parents. Knowing they were there to pray for me, and to assure me that everything would be OK was paramount to my faith as an adult. However, things change.

Now, I'm just feeling down because my sense of security is in Tucson this week, and I just can't wait for him to come home. He has been my strength, support and back bone the last 9 weeks.

Today's big plans include waiting until 9 to call the doctor and see if I can get an appt today. I'm holding out hope that possibly I didn't actually bust the ear drum, but the deafness, ringing in the ear and the bleeding would kind of lead me to believe otherwise.. sigh.

Cross you fingers that I can get in and be seen today, ok?

And again, please excuse my whining this morning. I predict I'll be back to my normal sarcastic self again soon!

Thank God for my hubby.

{WHAT????? I can't hear you!!!!!}

2009-10-11T12:35:00.004-04:00

What a day my anniversary turned out to be....

For my anniversary, I gave myself one fist sized goose egg and bruise on my left thigh, and a busted eardrum.

Yep. I'm 99.9% sure I busted it. I should win a prize for the stupidest injury ever award. I had just finished showering, and was getting ready to Q-tip my ears, as I've done every day for at least 15 years, when for some unknown reason, I decided to spray my perfume FIRST, so that it could dry before I got dressed. So, leaving the Q-tip hanging in my ear (aren't I painting a LOVELY picture so far?) I sprayed my wrist, and my cleavage, and went to rub my wrist to my neck, thus hitting the Q-tip with my arm and JAMMING it into my ear! The resulting pain actually had me fall to my knees in the bathroom gasping for air. It was HORRIBLE. I immediately lost my hearing in that ear, and fought dizziness for a few moments.

Well, it's been more than 24 hours, and I am about completely deaf in that ear. Seriously, can't hear a thing. I called my doctor yesterday, who called in an Rx for some antibiotics, because most often a serious ear infection happens once the ear drum is ruptured. I have to call first thing Monday morning to go in and see him. Right now, the pain is radiating down into my jawline and neck. It feels like a bad toothache. It was draining a clear fluid yesterday, but apparently overnight it began bleeding some, as I noticed some dried blood this morning.

Dang, this was just what I needed with Jay being in Tucson this week. DNK and I took him to the airport this morning at 4:30 for his 6 am flight. We came back home, and crawled into bed for a few hours. I had planned to go to Busch tonight, but looks like I better just hang out here until I get to see the doctor tomorrow and get more information on how to treat this. I'm just praying that it will heal properly, that I haven't done any damage to my hearing permanently, and that I won't require any surgery to repair the damage. Sometimes I fit my blond hair color a little TOO WELL.... =(

Oh, and I did mention the goose egg and bruise on my leg didn't I? Yeah, that came last night while vacuuming... Ran right into the corner of my HUGE solid wood shelving unit in my scraproom. I'd like to blame it on my ear drum, but honestly, BOTH of these injuries would be better blamed on Aunt Flo. yeah..... once a month I not only crave chocolate, but I get extremely clumsy. Jay likes to tease me about it, it's that obvious. I'm thinking it might be safer for me and everyone else if I get locked in a rubber room once a month....

I'll update with more info on the ear situation after I see the doctor tomorrow. I've already been told by the doctor on call that I spoke with yesterday that I'll probably end up getting referred to an ENT. oh joy. that's how I wanted to spend the week, bouncing from doctor to doctor. Oh, and limping on my left leg, and deaf in my right ear.....

{17 years!}

2009-10-10T11:28:00.002-04:00

Today I have been a married woman for 17 years. That's a long time, but not nearly long enough. We've been through a lot in 17 years. Some things that I hope to never go through again, and some that were the most wonderful moments in my life.

17 years ago, I married my best friend. He has stood by me through the roughest times in my life, (and still continues to do so), he supports me, and he loves me, even when I don't feel like I deserve it.

We both have made our share of mistakes, but through it all, our love stands true. I'm so happy to have married my guy!

We don't have any big plans made for today, other than going out to an early dinner at Bonefish tonight.

My in-laws called a while ago, and sang Happy Anniversary to us, which was so cute! (Don't imagine I'll be hearing from MY parents today....)

Anyway, I'm getting off this computer to get myself showered, and ready for whatever the day holds. We've got to be in bed early tonight, because DH has to be at the airport tomorrow morning at 4:30 AM for his flight to Tucson. He's gonna be gone for a week. =(

I'm gonna miss him. I don't like him being that far away from me....

Obama Address

2009-10-06T18:17:00.001-04:00

Video Recaps | Full Episodes | Webisodes

{My bday goodies from my peeps}

2009-10-05T15:33:00.003-04:00

So, how stinkin' cute are THESE? They were my birthday gift from my peeps. They're from Yankee Candle and I am currently burning some Pumpkin Spice tea candles and a tart, and let me tell ya, my office is smelling WONDERFUL! It's just heavenly I tell ya. I can't get enough of this scent. And now, not only is the scent a treat to my olfactory senses, but also to the eyes! =)

I just wanted to show you my new pretties, and to thank my peeps again, I JUST LOVE THEM! (both my gift, and my peeps!)

I don't know what I'd do without y'all, especially in times like this. Thank you for being there, for being my friends and mostly for loving me!! Y'all are the best!! =)

{Happy October 1st!!!!!}

2009-10-01T09:15:00.002-04:00

Uh oh. I haven't blogged today... and have no pictures to share with y'all. However, I can tell you what I'm doing today, if that would suffice. Right now, I'm blogging, and listening to a LOT of banging and sawing on my front porch. We have a contractor out here repairing some water damage on my roof, soffit and fascia... Not a big job, but one that needed to be done. They say it should only take about 3-4 hours to finish. They got here at 7:30, so they should be done by, um, around 5pm, right? lol.

Once they finish, I'm not sure what all my day will hold. I'm hoping to possibly go have some lunch with my SIL and squeeze and cuddle her baby boy for a bit. I would also like to get some scrapping in if possible. I was attempting to scrapbook yesterday, but instead, ended up cutting out some vinyl letters for my living room wall. I haven't put them up yet, so no pictures... I'll post once I decide where I want them up...

At this very moment, I have two homemade GINGERBREAD PUMPKIN WALNUT BREADS in the oven and OMGosh, if my house smelled any more wonderful than it does, I would just call it HEAVEN. I made one to nosh on now, the other I'll freeze. Pray that I have the strength to not eat the whole loaf in one day. haha. I had to make them, it IS October 1st... and I had to celebrate.

This fall is gonna be quite different than any fall I've had in years! We normally go camping as a family at least once, up in the mountains, but apparently this year is out. We were supposed to go with a group of old friends the middle of this month, but had to cancel because DH found out he has to go on a business trip to Tuscon AZ that week and won't be back in time. So, that sucks on two accounts. I'm still hoping that we'll be able to go for a weekend to see the leaves in the mountains. Maybe we'll make a day trip to the apple orchard with some friends, or we'll take a hotel weekend trip if we don't do the camping thing.

It doesn't really matter WHAT we do. I adore the fall, and I'm going to make the best of it...

starting with a slice of this pumpkin bread when it comes out of the oven. =)

{more yumminess..}

2009-09-30T06:41:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to show you 2 more things that have made me happy recently, the above pictures are of an awesome necklace that one of my bestest peeps gave me for my birthday! She secretly bought it right under my nose in this quaint little shop called "Twisted Sisters" in Ferdinanda Beach when we were down in FloriGa to celebrate Scrappy D's birthday. She's so sneaky!! I just love it. The other thing that is making me happy is this new metal wall hanging that I found at Pier1 Imports today. On clearance even. I think it looks really good on the living room wall, and it's really big!! I know some of the glass vases aren't in straight, I just hung it up quickly to take the picture, so when/if you see it in person, I'll be sure to make sure all the glasses are in correctly! lol. That's it for now. I have a dentist appointment this morning, then I plan on going to Picture to Page scrapbook store to spend the gift certificate that DH and DNK gave me for my birthday... I kinda wish I could just skip the dentist. I'm not fond of having my face and gums poked. I'd rather just go to the scrapbook store and come home and scrap.... =)

{Birthday goodies....}

2009-09-29T06:58:00.004-04:00

I spent my birthday (yesterday) shopping all by myself, and actually had a good time, and got a lot done! See this? This is my FIRST (not last I hope) Vera Bradley purse. Of course, I HAD to get the matching wallet and checkbook cover, (not that there is any money left to put in them) lol. I LOVE the pattern. It's called Caffe Latte. PERFECT! Must've been made with ME in mind!

I went to Kirkland's to finally get some stuff to decorate my living room and I made out like a BANDIT. They had a big sale going on, plus I had a $10 email coupon. I felt so guilty, you'd think I had stolen all this stuff and I should've been arrested! I got all this and STILL had enough money left over to buy my Vera Bradley stuff!

Isn't this wall piece pretty? It's hard to tell, but it's multi dimensional. The center part is metal, and IRL, it's straight. It looks wonky because I had to take the picture at this angle to avoid the glare from the light coming in the living room windows.

This metal piece is actually supposed to hang over a doorway, but because my fireplace mantel is so tall, I wanted something that wasn't too large, to hang over it. I love it. The colors match the living room so well.

I picked up these pillar candle holders last minute. They cost me a whopping $9.99 (plus the cost of the candles) and I really thought they were pretty. After the holidays, I'll probably put them up on the mantel, I just threw them on the table for now to take the picture. But then again, I kinda like them there.

The last thing I bought was actually a request from DNK. Apparently, she thinks we need more lighting in the living room. She's right, and painting the walls dark brown didn't help an already dark room. So, I found this lamp. It WASN'T on sale, but someone had left an incorrect sale price sign on it, so they honored it. It's a heavy, pretty floor/reading lamp that I paid $29.00 for!!! Oh yeah!!! Kirkland's is one of my favorite stores. I can ALWAYS walk in there and find about 400 things that I'd LOVE to take home with me. The biggest problem I had today was NOT walking out with 400 pieces of Halloween/Fall/Christmas decorations. They had some CUTE stuff, and it was soooo cheap, but I was on a mission today to FINALLY get something for the living room. And I did.

oh... and did I mention the purse? Yeah baby.... =)

My birthday ended on a great note too... we went out for Mexican with some friends, who gave me the most beautiful and unique necklace (didn't have time to photograph it for this blog, sorry, I'll show ya after I get a chance to take a picture of it!) and then came home to spend the evening sharing a Mojito with Jay watching our favorite show, Big Bang Theory. It was a WONDERFUL day!!! I think it's going to be ok being 44!! =)

{I'm a year older, or so I hear}

2009-09-28T06:45:00.002-04:00

I don't feel any older than I was yesterday, but the calendar says I am. It says I'm now 44. And well folks, that just plain SUCKS. lol. Meh, I guess maybe it won't be so so bad being 44. It can't be any worse than being 43. Although, that sucked in it's own right. Wanna know why? Because it meant getting old. And stiff. And sore. And did you know that it's not as easy to do fancy dance moves at 43 as it was at 23? I found that out on a recent trip to GA for a party with my friends. Not only that, for 43 years I've had perfect vision. And been very proud of it. Now, in the last 6 months, I've bought 4 pairs of reading glasses. FOUR. I'm guessing before long I'll be having to go actually get a REAL pair of PRESCRIPTION glasses. or, God forbid ---- BI-FOCALS. Please, stop me if you see me start to purchase one of those little reading glass holders that you hang around your neck. OMG please don't let me get THAT OLD! Darn this old age crap. LOL. However, in light of my ever growing OLDNESS, i've decided that today, while I can still see good enough to drive, I'm going to take myself out for a day of shopping. Just me, myself and I. Yep, the three of us are going to FINALLY decorate my living room walls (that were newly painted in FEBRUARY.) And WE might even start off the day with a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte. I expect we'll be arguing over the size we purchase. Me says that the Venti is just too big, with way too much sugar, but myself says it's our birthday and we deserve it. I just think we should make it a DOUBLE shot of espresso, whichever one WE decide to get. I certainly hope that the 3 of us are able to behave and to get along today!! On a more serious note: I was lucky enough to have been taken out to dinner last night by my in-laws, DH's sister and her kid's, and DH's aunt and uncle. I ate my weight in collard greens and fried oysters (2 of my all time faves) and was even surprised with a chocolate birthday cake for dessert. I had a great dinner, and I'm so thankful that they all came to celebrate with little ole' me. This picture below is of a wooden plate that my MIL bought for me in PA on a trip she went on in May, and has been holding for me all that time to give to me tonight for my birthday. I LOVE IT! I came home, immediately dug out my plate holder and put it in my "coffee" kitchen. It looks sooo cute on my kitchen counter. Thanks again mom K!!

I'm thankful for many things today, here on the beginning of my 44th year on this planet. Although there are other things for which I have a heavy heart, today, I will focus on the wonderful things that I have. I have my health, (for the most part) my loving husband and the absolute SWEETEST child in the world, some of the greatest siblings a girl could ask for, in laws that actually love me, extended family that loves me, the best group of friends in the world, and a group of online friends that make the circle of my life complete. Although I am dealing with some very serious relationship issues right now, looking at the big picture, I can see I am still blessed beyond words. I thank God for everything in my life. He is my constant, and I can count on Him to be there, even when others have chosen not to be. I will find my joy in Him, and in those He surrounds me with!

Happy Birthday to me!! =)

{It's gold baby!!}

2009-09-24T21:15:00.000-04:00

My baby girl did it!

She passed her first belt test! She is now an official gold belt. One down, many more to go.. but she is super duper excited and PROUD of herself.

Unfortunately, I didn't get to observe her testing because I was out of town, but DH used my 10 yr old, very first digi camera to make sure to get some shots for me.

Also, after class she was able to do her first sparring. I think the fact that she is actually suppose to HIT SOMEONE and to have them HIT HER kind of freaked her out. I KNOW it freaked out DH. He still wants her to keep doing Karate, but said he's not sure how long it will take him to get used to watching someone kick his baby girl in the head.... padded helmet or not. I haven't actually seen it yet, but I'm looking forward to this weekend's practices. Anyway, I just figured I'd share a few shots that Dh took while I was gone. Hopefully we'll be ordering her own sparring equipment soon. Did I mention that she's wanting pretty HOT pink? lol.

{A weekend of partying!)

2009-09-23T22:16:00.002-04:00

Thank goodness for friends.

Thank goodness for friends that are insane. And that like to have a good time. And laugh. And act silly.

Cause that's exactly what we did this past weekend.

6 of us peeps spent the weekend down on the Florida/Georgia border celebrating Scrappy D's 40th birthday.

For 4 of us, it meant spending about 20 hours in the car in 3 days, but it was so worth the trip. We were able to spend Friday evening together, hanging out and having dinner together at a restaurant called Mango's.

Then we went to Ferdinanda Beach and did some shopping, flirted with some pirates, and had lunch together at the Karibo Cafe..
Then Saturday was the big party. It was an 80's theme party, and it was sooooo crazy!

We ate, played some games, took the Pepsi Challenge, and tried to do the Thriller dance! lol.

We had a great time sharing Scrappy D's birthday celebration with her and her family.

It was WONDERFUL to have almost all the peeps together for the weekend!

(missed you G2daT!)

Fun times!! Fun times!! Thank God for my friends.

{An amazing thing...}

2009-09-22T19:58:00.006-04:00

One thing we do in our family every year on our birthday is to go out to dinner at the restaurant of our choice. So, last Thursday, I asked DNK what she wanted for her birthday dinner. You will NEVER believe her response...

SHE WANTED COLLARD GREENS.

And fried oysters.

Seriously.

LOVE THAT GIRL.

I called the restaurant ahead of time, and they had a table for the 16 or so of us all ready when we got there. Good thing they put us in the back, cause we had a good time, and made a bit of noise...

DNK and I loved the collards, and just about ate our weight in them...

We had dinner, presents, and some birthday cake for dessert. It was nice, but to be honest, I was having a difficult time pretending that everything was OK. I had to make sure that DNK had a fun evening regardless of other issues that I've been dealing with.

When it was almost time for us to go, my brother was standing over at another families table talking with them, and he called DNK over. They were an African American family of 4, and they just wanted to wish DNK a happy birthday. I went with DNK when my brother called her over, just to see who they were and what they wanted.

The family all wished her a happy birthday, and then one of the little girls gave DNK a five dollar bill for a birthday gift. Next thing I know, the wife had a tray full of sterling silver and glass handmade earrings, and told DNK to pick any pair she wanted for a birthday gift! I sweetly thanked them, and told them that the thought was so nice, but that they didn't have to do that, but then the father insisted and told me that he wanted DNK to have a pair, and if I refused, he would go home very hurt. ;-) What do you say to that? So DNK picked a pretty pair of butterfly glass and silver earrings and we thanked them immensely. I was shocked at the kindness of this family towards my sweet DNK!

I only wish I could remember the family's name, because they blessed me more then they will ever know. I guess I just really needed a show of kindness that night. It felt like a little kiss to my heart. I know that sounds sappy, but it truly did.

This was the only picture I got of DNK with the 2 sweet little girls. The older girl's name is Mahogany, and the young one is Mariah. They were so sweet, and they gave the best little hugs. If you happen to know these girls, please thank them again for their RAK (Random Act of Kindness). Funny, but I think I got the biggest present that night, and for that, I'm thankful to God.

{It's been a hard day's night.}

2009-09-21T07:26:00.000-04:00

Who invented Beatles Rock Band, and why do they hate me SO much? What have I done to deserve the cruel, inhumane suffering that I have been forced to endure since 9-09-09? That date will be forever burned into my psyche, and I am not sure what terrible things may come of it. I will certainly not be one to celebrate 9-09 every year, it has certainly left a bitter taste in my mouth.
For if I begin to hum yet ANOTHER unwanted Beatles tune, I shall NOT be held responsible for what dispicable acts I might unknowingly commit.
I did not ASK for this tortue. I would rather be waterboarded. Twice. In the nude. Wilst someone drives spikes into my eyes. lol.
Oh yes, as you can see, I am NOT a big Beatles fan, nor am I a lover of the game of Rock Band. One might even say that I'm not a big lover of NOISE in general.
One might even go so far as to say that I belief that it's entirely possible that noises of that caliber might even come from evil places.
Which brings us to the fact that MONDAY is my most favorite day of the week.
Not because my family is not here, but because there is a law in my home, that on Mondays, there shall be NO PLAYING OF THE ROCK BAND. And NO NOISE. At least during the daytime, and when there is no National Holiday.
On that thought, fine people, today is a going to be a most glorious day. It will be a quiet day. And I shall be happy. Until the maker of the noise, and the banger of the fake drum returns from their daytime duties. Only then will the noise ensue and I will start rummaging around for my earplugs, looking for just a tiny sliver of the quiet that I once knew. BEFORE ROCK BAND was created. Oh cursed vile monster...lol.

{It's PARTY time!}

2009-09-18T05:26:00.000-04:00

Won't be posting for a couple a days, since I'm going to be on the road with some of the craziest and most fun women in the whole world!

I'M ON MY WAY TO FLORIGA. In case you're wondering where THAT is, it's on the border of Florida and Georgia.

Me and the peeps are going to par-tay the weekend away celebrating Scrappy D's 40th birthday. That's right y'all, we love that silly girl SOOO much, that 6 of us are packing up our stuff, and heading down south JUST to go to a birthday party. In our defense, it IS an 80's themed party, if that makes a difference. lol. There will be 4 of us on the road together for approximately 9 hours (one way), not including Lil' K's non stop habit of having to pee. We should be able to make it there in record time. (As long as she wears her depends undergarments like she's been told.) HAHAHA. The other 2 peeps will be flying down. We'll all meet down there sometime tonight, and then THE FUN BEGINS.

The plan is to be on the road at O'dark thirty this morning, and be back home sometime Sunday night. That's a lot of time spent in the car, but when you're driving along with some of your very bestest friends, time seems to pass a lot quicker.

Have I mentioned that I love these girls? I expect we'll have a TON of fun this weekend, and I'm quite sure I'll have pictures to post later as proof.

Cause we're not going to act 40 something. We're gonna act like it's 1980. We're gonna act stupid, and laugh, and sing old FUN songs, and I for one intend to dance off a few calories too. (like we did on the cruise last year).

So, I'll be back to blogging as soon as I get back home and get rested. At my age, that should only take a week or so.....

{My baby girl is now a 9 year old}

2009-09-17T06:42:00.000-04:00

Hard to believe that 9 years ago TODAY, I was experiencing some of the worst pains I have ever had to endure. It felt as though my insides were being ripped from my body, yet each and every pain I suffered was worth it.

Because 9 years ago today.... I became a mommy. It was the single most wonderful day of my life. DNK has surprised me in so many ways since her birth, and she continues to amaze me every day of her life. I am SO thankful that God chose ME to be her mommy. She's beautiful, amazing, smart and is the most well behaved child in the world.

I took these pictures the day I took the pictures of my newborn nephew. These were "test' shots, checking my lighting and camera before my brother and SIL came over. I LOVE the way they came out, so I just had to share them today. Earlier, I was looking back at some of my very first blog posts and saw how little my DNK was then. Sigh. She's growing up way to fast. I'm so glad I've been with her all along, snapping pictures constantly. Well, at least if she ever decides to go into the music business or show business, she'll already be used to the paparazzi!!

{Goodbye Summer.}

2009-09-14T08:28:00.000-04:00

Hard to believe that summer is almost over. I tried to keep hanging onto the belief that it is still ACTUALLY summer until 9-21-09, but the truth is, in my mind, once school starts, summer is OFFICIALLY over. And wouldn't you know it, as soon as DNK started school, I began cleaning like a mad woman. I cleaned like I haven't cleaned since spring. And it felt good. I went to bed at night after cleaning all day, happy and satisfied, albeit very tired. I know it may sound odd to you, but I enjoy cleaning sometimes. I get satisfaction out of knowing that I am keeping my house neat and orderly for my family. I guess, since I no longer work outside that home, that it's how I feel that I do my part, or earn my keep, you might say. But don't let me fool you. I do it for ME too. I love the feeling that a clean house gives me. So much that I must've walked through my house a dozen times just to admire how neat and tidy it was. I even mentioned it to DH that I kept walking through it looking at it. He just laughs, but I know truthfully that he appreciates my hard work.After the second day of non stop cleaning, I began the arduous task of seasonal decorating. Although, my fall decorations don't begin to mirror the amount of Christmas decorations I have. But still, it was work, and I was already SO tired. But decorate I did. And I love it. I love the way the colors of the fall decorations go so much better with my brown walls and cream colored carpet than they did with the stark white walls and the old worn burgundy carpet that we did have. The fall Yankee Candle tarts have been burning pretty much non stop, and with a slight crisp fall coolness in the air, I think I'm finally ready to let go of summer. So long sweet summer, I thoroughly enjoyed you. Each and every minute basking in the glorious sunlight, and the fun family vacations we took. I will await your return next year! Now, enjoy the pictures of some of my fall decorating!! =)

{the cost of Cleanliness}

2009-09-11T21:40:00.000-04:00

You could say that I have "fall fever" and that it has hit me hard this past week, because unless it could run away from me, it's been cleaned, organized or gotten rid of.

This included going through my top shelf full of coffee mugs. Once I completed that task, I decided to switch around the 6 mugs on my mug tree. Therein lies my big mistake.

In true blond fashion, I carefully removed 4 of the mugs, leaving my two favorite mugs on their hooks, BOTH ON THE SAME SIDE OF THE MUG TREE. I hadn't plan to remove them, becuase I liked them on my mug tree.

Can you guess what happened next? Yep, the mug tree was top heavy and crashed to the floor, shattering my two fave coffee mugs into smithereens. (I've always wanted to use that word in a sentence on my blog).

I almost cried. But I didn't. Instead, I swept up the shards, put them on my kitchen counter and photographed them. Isn't that what YOU would do?

Then I shared the photo with my DH via email, and posted the sad picture on my FB page.

Within minutes, DH called me to offer his condolences, and told me to go online and see if the store that I had purchased them from on vacation might be able to send me some new ones. Who'd have thunk they had a website? And that they sell them on there? And that they should be shipping to me today?

Anyway, I think I'm gonna stop cleaning and organizing for a few days.. I really don't want to destroy anything else!

{Public Service Announcement!}

2009-09-10T20:33:00.000-04:00

Since I've been an adult, I've survived a number of terrifying things in my life, including, but not limited to childbirth.

However, I had an idea prior to going into labor, about what I was going to feel during childbirth. And by that, I mean that I knew I was gonna HURT. The same deal with the numerous surgeries I've faced through the years, I knew I would have pain afterwards. I was as mentally ready for those pains as I could possibly be.

But something happened to me the other night that I was not expecting, and was NOT warned about, well, at least not in detail. And if you know me, you know I like DETAILS.

I had a reaction to a new medication I'm taking. Niaspan. It's basically a prescription time release Vitamin B pill. Nothing to be worried about, right? I mean, it's a VITAMIN for goodness sakes. Vitamins are GOOD FOR YOU.

Yeah, well, that's what I always thought, but today I'm not so sure.

I've been taking this medication for a little over 2 weeks. It's supposed to lower my triglycerides, and raise my HDL levels. The levels aren't terribly bad, but they aren't where the Dr wants them either, so... Anywho, I casually read the warning label, and the dosage instructions when I picked up the meds from Walgreens, then began taking the meds at night, before bed, preceded with a regular aspirin, 30 minutes prior. Just like the bottle said. No problems..... Fast forward 2 weeks:

The night before last, I woke up with a strange heat sensation all through my body. Radiating from the inside out. At first, the thought that HOLY CRAP! This must be my first REAL hot flash and night sweat! Although that sentence looks like I was getting ready to celebrate, actually, I was quite upset. But, before I had time to start to whine about how freaking old I was getting, I began to itch TERRIBLY. From the very bottoms of my feet, all the way up to my neck. It was especially bad on my upper torso and neck, my arms, and the back of my thighs. As soon as I had wrapped my head around the fact that I must have rolled through a poison ivy patch, the stabbing, biting pains started. Along with the poison ivy, I apparently had laid down on a bed of biting fire ants. Although I joke, I was seriously hurting. I started to panic, threw the covers off, turned my fan so that it blew directly on me and started frantically stripping off my jammies. The feel of the material was actually hurting my skin!!!!

After about 30 minutes of trying NOT to go into FULL PANIC MODE, I slowly got up and came into my office. This all began about 11:30 pm. Somehow, amidst all my panic, I remembered that one of the side effects of this drug was called "Flushing" and that about 85% of ALL people on the drug experience this effect from time to time. So I googled it. I was pretty sure at this point that I must have been one of those lucky 85%, and that in this case, "Flushing" had nothing to do with eliminating waste...

I scratched my arms with such fervor that I was certain I was going to leave nothing but shreds of skin hanging from my bones. My ceiling fan was on high, yet my skin continued to burn. The odd thing about the whole incident, is that I never sweat ONE drop. When I went to look at myself in the bathroom mirror, I was SHOCKED to see that I looked like I had a severe sunburn. I was blood red from head to toe. And my skin was very hot to the touch. I was also experiencing a bit of swelling, though not excessive. I figure it might have been from the scratching possibly.

According to all the information I could find on the Internet, I was experiencing "Flushing". It was somewhat comforting to know that normally it only last an hour or so. Occasionally it can last longer. Well, guess what folks? I've never been NORMAL. Told you that piece of info before. Nope, this itching, burning, stabbing, biting pain continued for over 5 HOURS. You read right. FIVE. Hours.

I suppose I could've gone to the ER for some kind of treatment, but I just kept holding onto the thought that "THIS WILL END", I to be honest, I wanted to keep my stupid ER co pay in my pocket. I was right, it DID end. But when it did, I was shaking uncontrollably. Someone had turned off the internal heater, and turned on the A/C. I couldn't stop shivering. Finally, I crawled my still red and slightly swollen body into bed at 5am, covering everything but the top of my head with my blankets. I was so thankful that it was over, that I barely minded the fact that I had to get up 2 hours later to get DNK to school. My skin was overly sensitive most of the next day, but no more pain. Needless to say, I was very hesitant to take the medication again last night, but I did, with no recurring incident. Thank God for that.

Also, while researching the side effects of the medication, I found out that there are certain things that CAN trigger the flushing or cause it to be more severe.

The warnings include to stay away from hot beverages close to the time of taking the medication. Funny, I had made myself a fresh cup of decaf french press coffee and drank it about 30 minutes prior. Also, spicy foods.. I had some leftover pasta that night for dinner, and I had sprinkled generous amounts of hot red pepper flakes on. AND, the directions say to take with a low fat snack. Well, dontcha know, I wasn't hungry, because I had eaten my spicy dinner later than usual, and the HOT coffee had filled me up, so I FORGOT the snack. I guess only I could be blamed for the horrendous attack.

You can bet your bottom that I won't make THOSE mistakes again! I've read that the reason for taking the drug at night is so that when/if you have the flushing sensation, you would be able to sleep through it, depending on the intensity.

Trust me, there weren't NO sleeping through what I endured, unless I was in a drug induced coma, which truthfully at the time sounded good. And in case you think I'm exaggerating about how terrifying and TERRIBLE the whole ordeal was, I'M NOT.

So, I say all this as a precursor to today's PSA (Public Service Announcement).

You know all those warnings and dosage directions that the pharmacy takes all that time to print out on your Rx bottles? Yeah, read em. Apparently they have important information for you....

'Nuff said 'bout that.

{First day of 4th grade}

2009-09-08T21:53:00.000-04:00

OK, just cause I know some of you are just dying to see my baby on her first day of 4th grade, I'll post a couple pics for ya. She's not much of a baby anymore is she?

DNK was about out of her head excited this morning for the first day of school. She was chatting up a storm, yet still managed to have herself TOTALLY ready, including making her bed, 25 minutes early.

Yet, I allowed the same amount of time for her this morning, as I did the end of the last school year, where we just about had to fight to get her to the bus stop on time. Not that she wasn't excited about going to school back then, she just wasn't as excited about getting up that early in the morning! I can TOTALLY RELATE.

Well, she had a terrific day at school today, loves her teacher, and has already made a new friend that is sounding like she just might be BFF material. What more can a kid ask for on her first day of school, right?

So, how was MY day you ask? OMgosh, it was WONDERFUL. Not because DNK wasn't here, but because apparently I'm getting ready to go into labor. Yes, y'all, I'M NESTING.

I spent the day cleaning like a mad woman.

I mopped, and vacuumed, and dusted, and polished, and rearranged, and sorted, and scrubbed everything I possibly could. My house, honestly, has not been this CLEAN for a long time. I ALWAYS keep it tidy and neat, but this time it's CLEAN.

And I decorated. For Fall, Halloween AND Thanksgiving. I like to bunch all the fall holiday's into one thank you. Besides, all 3 revolve around pumpkins. And I have pumpkins a plenty. But I could ALWAYS use more. Who couldn't?

Anyway, I am SOOOOO lovin' the look of my fall decor with the new brown walls, and the new light cream color carpet we had installed in early February. And, now, FINALLY, after almost 7 months, it's bothering me that I don't have any wall hangings or curtains up in the living room. The main reason I haven't is because I just didn't know what I wanted to do in there. I still don't, but I think this whole cleaning/fall decorating thing might just push me into a decision here soon.

So, at the end of a very VERY productive day, sits a super happy, satisfied woman, that is gonna take this tired, worn out old body and crawl into bed and read for an hour or 5 minutes, whichever comes first. Lol.

{the Karate Kid}

2009-09-04T21:47:00.002-04:00

There have been so many pics of the newest babe in the family, that I thought I'd post some of the oldest babe (at least the oldest grandchild that lives in our area). DNK took Karate a number of years ago, but it wasn't something we pursued at the time her class ended. Mainly, because, well.... she wasn't that good. If I've said it once, I've said it a hundred times, There is a reason her middle name wasn't GRACE. However, at the beginning of the summer, she showed in interest in taking it again. So, we let her. Because of all of our vacations, and just so much other stuff going on this summer, she hasn't been able to go in almost 6 weeks, which pretty much stinks, but she walked in there today, and out of about 16 students, she was the ONLY one that knew her vocabulary words, (Japanese words) so she received a medal for that! Both the Sensei's were impressed that she had remembered them. Then at the end of class, Sensei Louis (the sensei's assistant) gave her a pre-test for her gold belt and said that she is absolutely ready to take the test. Both Sensei Steve and Sensei Louis were pretty impressed that she remembered all the kicks, stances, and the correct words for them all. I was shocked, although I don't know why ANYTHING this kid does anymore surprises me. I shot these pics at the end of her class tonight, as they were running through the pre-test. She'll be tested on September 18th, and once she receives her gold belt, she'll start sparring and training with the competition team. She's very excited about this, and so am I. I really am amazed at how much better she is this time around. I might be wrong, but she just MIGHT be growing into her awkwardness. She isn't nearly as clumsy as she was, and she's really improving in her balance in her kicks. Truthfully, the only thing I was REALLY hoping for her to get out of taking Karate was self confidence, and some balance and grace. So far, I think it's working. I would LOVE to watch her start competing. Wow. I wouldn't think that I'd get excited about that, but I am. She wants that gold belt so bad, because then we get to find the money for her sparring equipment. =) Which, BTW, she wants in PINK. Imagine that!! She may be turning into my Karate Kid, but she'll always be pretty in pink too. No matter if she's playing with her dollies, or kicking some butt-- Japanese style, she's ALL GIRL! And she's all mine. I love my baby girl!!

{anyone needing some more baby love?}

2009-09-04T10:35:00.004-04:00

Here's a few more shots of my sweet baby nephew. OMGosh I could TOTALLY eat him up! DNK and I went to see him yesterday at the hospital again, and he was wide awake, totally alert, and other than a squeak or two, didn't make a sound. I hope he remains calm and alert like that. His big sister did the whole colic thing (quite well, even! lol) so I'm hoping for my SIL and Bro's sake that this little guy is a bit more quite. Regardless, he's just PERFECT. 1o fingers, and 10 toes. 10 toes that were so cute I had a hard time keeping them away from my mouth. I probably kissed them a hundred times each. =)

DNK is quite smitten with the little guy too. She couldn't wait to hold him, and got VERY excited when he held her finger. Such sweetness!

Well, I just wanted to share a bit before I get full swing into my day. Hoping to catch up on my laundry and housework today. Wish me luck.

And finally, I'd like to wish my daddy a HAPPY BIRTHDAY today. I hope to be able to see him sometime this weekend. I love you dad.

{Welcome to the family, little one!}

2009-09-02T17:49:00.005-04:00

Well, now y'all know where I've been the last 2 days, right! I've been anxiously awaiting the birth of my newest and last nephew. (at least I THINK it's the last!! haha). After a couple days of teasing his mommy, little baby B FINALLY made his appearance this afternoon at 1:04pm. He is beautiful, pink, and has some very healthy lungs. Lol. It appears as if he wasn't extremely pleased with the whole birthing process, and he was sure to speak his mind right after his birth. These pictures were taken before he was even 30 minutes old. Baby, mommy and daddy are doing fine, just beat. My SIL did great, especially considering how long she labored. We're very proud of you girl!!! How do you like the way the nurse was holding his little neck in the last picture? OMGosh, if I were to have held my baby like that, I would've been turned in to child protective services!!!! hahaha.

This is the last week of summer break, and it's been super busy. Between trips to and from the hospital the last two days, DNK and I have managed to fit in the rest of our back to school shopping, grocery shopping, and getting our haircut. It's been non stop to say the least, but it's been a decent week. I could consider parts of it bad, but I'm determined to keep my chin up for DNK! Tomorrow is her open house at school, and she is uber excited to find out who her teacher is. So am I actually, although I'm not convinced that she could get one that wasn't awesome at the school she attends. Tomorrow night we're meeting an old friend and her family for dinner in Williamsburg while they are in town for the weekend. And Friday, I'm hoping the weather will cooperate so that we can spend the LAST day of summer break at the water park with some peeps. Cross your fingers for me!!

What this weekend holds is still up in the air. Friday is also my father's birthday, and I'd love to see him, but that's kinda up in the air too. =(

So..... as you can see, I've been pretty busy lately, and it doesn't seem like that fact is gonna change in the next few days.

Hope y'all are having a good week...

{Happy Monday}

2009-08-31T12:22:00.002-04:00

Well Happy Monday y'all.

I'm sitting here blogging today with half of my eyes. And by that, I mean that BOTH eyes are swollen about halfway shut.

Are y'all getting a pretty visual here? I would post a picture, but I'm sure there must be SOME kind of rules against posting that kind of ugliness on the web. If not, then there really should be!

My eyes were burning, itchy and red this morning when I woke up, and stupid me rubbed them, thus making myself into a virtual Igor... only worse.

I had plans to run a bunch of errands today, but figured it would be nice of me to NOT scare everyone with my early Halloween mask.

Now I'm just afraid that my SIL is going to go into labor, and I'm going to have to head up to the hospital looking like this. haha. That would be just my luck. Although my SIL is about MISERABLE and ready to have that sweet baby boy, so I would buck it up and take my ugliness out to the streets for her. (don't say I don't love ya girl!)

Instead of running my errands, I'm sitting home today doing some light cleaning and laundry. It needs to be done anyway. The bad thing is that I'm totally missing the current fall like temp, which is currently 66°! Even if it IS dark and rainy.... it's 66°. Sure beats the 90's we've been having for what seems like forever.

I'm finally ready for fall to come. Tomorrow, Starbucks starts selling their Pumpkin Spice Lattes, and yesterday I went over my other SIL's house, and she's already started putting out her fall decorations. She was KILLING ME! lol. I might end up pulling out all mine in the next couple weeks, but I do need to do some deep cleaning first. The desire to decorate may actually make me get doing my deep cleaning that so desperately needs to be done.

Well y'all, that's it for today. I think I'm gonna go rest my eyes with a cool wet washcloth on them and hope that helps the swelling, you know, just in case I need to head up to the hospital for a baby's birth or something. (crossing fingers). Have a wonderful Monday!!

{ramblings...}

2009-08-29T10:02:00.002-04:00

Well, holy cow. I certainly thought I had updated my blog since I got my computer back. I did get it back last Monday late afternoon, and I was PLEASED to say the least. The weekend was a long one without my laptop, although I did get to get online using DH's computer, but it just wasn't the same...

I can't believe that summer is almost over! Next week is DNK's last week of summer break. We had planned a water country trip (or two), but now, looking at the weather reports, not too sure if that's gonna happen. I can't believe that the temps are only gonna reach the low 70's part of this upcoming week. Although I'm quite happy with that, it DOES kinda put a kink in the last week of summer breaks water park fun. Maybe we can do a fun park trip instead, if it's not raining.

DNK is extremely happy to be starting school, although I think she's had a FUNtastic summer. I know I have! I can't believe she's already starting 4th grade. We just found out yesterday that her bus stop is our front yard, which is VERY good news. There is only 3 little girls at the bus stop, and with it being in my yard, I can just bring the girls on the porch, or even in the house on the days the weather isn't very good. Yeah, I was pretty happy to get that information!! DNK is also anxiously awaiting news on who her teacher will be this year. We will go to her open house next Friday, so all will be revealed then!! I don't think it really matters to her, although there is one that she is hoping on, because that teacher is a close friend of her teacher from last year, that she absolutely ADORED.

Anyway, sorry that I hadn't updated. I will be more diligent!! Have a wonderful weekend! Got some errands to run, so I guess it's time to get moving!!

{Still no laptop}

2009-08-23T13:02:00.002-04:00

Yep... I'm still laptopless.
I'm hoping Monday will be the magical day.
Sure would like to have my baby back in my scraproom again.
Although, gotta admit.... I've scrapped 20 pages this past Friday and Saturday.
Might do more tonight.
But that's not enough reason to NOT have my laptop.
I'm still pretty bummed.
=(

{An unfortunate series of events}

2009-08-20T21:22:00.002-04:00

Although today started as a completely wonderful day, it has recently taken a turn for the worse. Currently I am writing this blog from the living room computer instead of my laptop. Why? you ask. Because of coffee. A big hot steaming cup of evening coffee. My last cup of the day. The one that was going to soothe me after a day that started with me sleeping in until 8:45. Then hanging out at Water Country with 2 of my best peeps all day in the sun having fun with approximately a quarter of a zillion other people. Did I mention all the people there today? Did I mention the heat yet? Yeah, it was hotter than Hades. Anyway, we played for hours in the HOT sun today with our peeps, we fought the excessive crowds, and frequented the un-air conditioned (extremely smelly) bathrooms, to finally fight our way home through extremely heavy interstate traffic. But up until this point, I still considered today to be a most excellent day!

Then came the need for coffee.

But, before I get to that, DNK and I took turns showering while dinner was in the oven baking. Things were still on quite the positive note at this point.

Then DH calls, and I can tell by the tone of his voice that he was NOT a very happy camper. He goes on to tell me that he's had some issue with the computer or something and has lost a program he has to reload and do something else to.... bottom line, he was gonna be late tonight. As in, he'd see me tomorrow sometime.

Well, that just sucked.

So, I decided to wait for a bit before having dinner. Decided that since I'd most likely be up later than normal, I could have that one last cup of coffee. It was after 6 pm, and that's normally a NO NO. But hey, I can live on the wild side every so often.

So I went to the kitchen and poured myself that one...last...cup of the day.

It smelled so good.

I sat it down on my desk, and proceeded to check my emails, forward a few to some friends, and next thing ya know, I watched myself knock the big ole cup of Joe right onto my laptop keyboard. I swear it was in slow motion...

I've finally gotta my tears under control enough to be able to write today's blog. haha. If you're wondering, YES, THIS IS THE SAME LAPTOP THAT I SPILLED NAIL POLISH REMOVER ON. And the wonderful computer doctor was able to clean it up for me that time, so please pray that he can do the same for me tomorrow. I'm gonna set my alarm and take my precious baby in, hopeful that it can be saved. It actually powers up fine. Screen saver and the mouse work normally. Just all the keys are screwed up. Kinda acts like I would expect it to if it were possessed by Richard Simmons. All kinds of funky moves and noises coming from it. It's acting the same way as it did last time, so I've not given up hope yet. I can't afford another computer right now, not to mention that I still have unsaved pictures on it. Only ALL of the pictures of DNK from the school activities last year. They were the only ones I hadn't backed up last week. Ugh. So, if you don't mind, say a little prayer for me that the computer geek doctor dudes can fix my baby up.

I'll be sure to let you know the results tomorrow...

{Shopping with my Diva}

2009-08-18T22:43:00.000-04:00

What a busy and fun day Tuesday was. First off, we spent approximately 42 billions dollars on back to school supplies. You know, the notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, highlighters, dry erase markers, 3 ring binders, folders, scissors, markers, colored pencils, pencil caddy, back pack, tissues, Purell, and the kitchen sink. (I KNOW that my parents didn't have to buy as much stuff for ME as I do for DNK!). Then it was time to restock the old fridge and pantry. Being gone for 3 weeks in the last month or so certainly did leave NOTHING in the house to eat. I attempted to come up with a dinner the other night, but had nothing. OK, that's exaggerating a bit. I had a can of okra that I'm certain has expired. (I bought it with good intentions), A bag of rice (Neither DH nor DNK like rice much). And a bit of grated Parmesan cheese. So, as you can see, it was time to hit up the old local Wal-Mart. Can we all say UGH?

After 2.5 hours, numerous coupons, and a sweet DNK that had been patient about as long as she could, we FINALLY finished getting groceries. We had spent so much time at Wal-Mart, that left us approximately 10 minutes to get home, unload the 700 lbs of groceries, and put everything away before we needed to hop back in the car to go visit my SIL and niece for a bit while she's on maternity leave, waiting for my newest nephew to make his grand appearance. It can't be soon enough for her. lol.

After visiting with them, DNK and I made a quick stop to Kohl's on the way home to get DNK some new shoes and an outfit or two for back to school. This was actually one of the first times that I really let HER choose what I bought. She's normally pretty easy to please. Not that she wasn't this time, but let's just say she was quick to say "I LOVE THIS"! But, If I showed her something she didn't really like, she just offered up something else as an alternative. She was so excited this year for clothes and shoe shopping. She really picked out some FUNKY and fun stuff. She's going for the ROCK STAR DIVA look this year. She is loving that rocked out, layered look, but she DOESN'T like anything with skull and crossbones. Not even the cute little pirate looking ones. Which is OK with me. Totally OK. But she loves the blacks and browns, and the hot pinks, and whites, and well, I'm loving her new style. I hope I can keep liking the things she picks out. She's gonna be so cute this year. I love that my baby is growing up, but in the same exact moment -- I hate it.

Here, for your viewing enjoyment are some pics I took of DNK tonight, trying on 2 of her new outfits. She has grown up so much. DH saw my playing with these pictures tonight in Photoshop and told me not to take anymore, she looks tooo old in them. Sometimes it just hits me how fast she's growing up. =(

{I'm sorry}

2009-08-16T23:34:00.000-04:00

I had every intention of getting some pictures on here for Monday's viewing, but I've spent every moment of the day Sunday, that I wasn't at church, or at lunch (with dh's family for a baptism and lunch) sitting here at this stupid computer trying to heal it of the "ickies". Yep, somewhere, somehow, it got infected with a mean old virus. Malware actually. FINALLY used a program called Malwarebytes that was able to remove all the adware, spyware and malware that was located throughout the computer. It removed over 140 infected files.

And now, I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS TIME TO PERSONALLY THANK NORTON ANTIVIRUS AND SYMANTEC FOR THE BANG UP JOB THEY'VE BEEN DOING FOR ME FOR THE LAST FEW YEARS, AT A COST OF ABOUT $75 A YEAR, NOT PROTECTING ME AND MY COMPUTER.

So.... I'd like a refund now thank you.

Seriously. Norton SUCKS!!! When this subscription is up, I believe I'm looking elsewhere.

Anyway, I think the computer is pretty clean right now, it's working faster and overall making me quite happy. Except that fact that for some reason my CD burner ISN'T burning CDs. UGH. It's not been working for a couple weeks or so, and I've wasted almost 20 CD's trying.

What was that post I posted a few days ago? Something about the definition of INSANITY? The problem is, every so often, the Sonic burner would actually WORK. Just not often enough. So, I just threw away a bunch of money on screwed up CD's today. Sometimes I just can't win for losing.

Actually though, regardless of all the computer issues I've been dealing with, I was able to have a wonderful morning and afternoon with the in-laws and family. We witnessed the newest sweet little family member get baptised, then all went to lunch together. It was a fab afternoon, and it was nice seeing some of the family that we normally only see around Christmas.

But sorry y'all, due to the amount of time I've spent on the computer today trying to get it FIXED, I don't have any eye candy for you today. For that I apologize. But hey, at least I was able to blog a bit. Now... I think I'll head to bed, as it's 11:30 Sunday night at the time of this blogging. Have a wonderful Monday y'all and a great upcoming week!!

{Saturday was NOT Friday}

2009-08-15T23:23:00.000-04:00

It's a good thing that Friday was such a GOOD day, because Saturday? Well, basically it sucked. Ok, to be fair, it wasn't the whole day, just from about 4:30 on. Apparently I got myself some kind of malware or something on my computer, that just whacked it all up. I've been running scans, updating protection services, running more scans, upGRADING protection services, running more scans, updating to IE 8, etc etc etc. The darn thing is FINALLY running again, and I think for the most part all is good. Next thing on my to do list this coming week is to look into some kind of spyware, adware, malware remover program. My Norton Symantec is supposed to be doing this.... but I'm not too sure it's doing it as well as I would think it should for the price. At least I don't think it was before I just upgraded the coverage. We'll see when it finally gets done with the full system scan it's been running forever it seems. I can just feel myself getting grayer by the hour here tonight.

I had plans to scrap tonight while DH worked, but, well as you can tell, I've been a bit tied up. I've been quite frustrated really. I don't do frustrated well. Especially when I already have some things on my mind. The last thing I needed was some computer issues. But, as if the computer whacking out on me weren't bad enough, my neighbors right next door have decided to have some kind of outdoor party and have had their music BLARING right directly into my scraproom, and DNK's bedroom since about 6 pm. It's currently after 11. I can't imagine how DNK is sleeping. I get so annoyed at peoples rudeness. I mean, these aren't kids y'all... they're my age or older. The reason I say that is because they should know better. I'm about to be the crappy old neighbor that calls the police if this crap is still going on at midnight. I'm not a big fan of R&B music, especially loud enough from the OUTSIDE that it drowns the TV here in my office. In order to really hear the movie that's on, it would be too loud for DNK who is sleeping in the next room. Besides... here's the REAL question -- HOW COULD THEY HAVE A BIG PARTY WITH ALL THE MUSIC, DANCING AND EATING AND NOT INVITE ME? I mean, the fact that I don't know them from Adam is irrelevant. Hey, I'm a regular ole bucket full of monkeys at a party. Well, until about 8pm, then I start to get a bit sleepy... lol.

So, can y'all hear the irritation in my voice? Can you tell that basically I'm one pissed off woman tonight? Well, I am. Yessiree I am, and I'm actually getting hotter by the moment. Every so often I open my blind REALLY wide, hoping that someone will see me (that crabby old white woman in the window flailing her arms) and realize that "Hey, maybe our music is a [LITTLE] too loud!" Well, no such luck yet. There probably thinking more along the lines of "What the heck is that crazy old white woman opening her blinds and flailing her arms around while wearing those gosh awful worn out jammies for?"

I'm expecting a MUCH better day on Sunday. We're going to my MIL's church to see the newest member of the family be baptised, then out to a big family dinner afterwards. I get to shoot pics of the baptism, the sweet little baby girl, and of the whole family, so you know that I'm looking forward to that. Anytime I get camera time, I can't help but be in a great mood. And, I hear rumor that there's a distinct possibility that we're supposed to actually see some sun tomorrow too. After spending a week sitting on my bum in the sand in Rodanthe a week ago, it's totally possible that I might be going through some vitamin D withdrawals. Yes, I can blame my crabbiness on many things. I think right this second I'm gonna blame it on the fact that I am sleepy. I'm hoping that the noise from the neighbors will quiet down soon so I can get some sleep, cause some of you might not be aware yet that this old girl NEEDS her 8 hours of beauty sleep. Not for the beauty part, I've done given that up a long time ago. But for simple sanity and to assure a pleasant mood. Here's to hoping that lightening strikes the neighbors stereo soon.

{Friday was a good day}

2009-08-14T23:56:00.000-04:00

So, I'm totally happy with myself and all that I've accomplished this week. I've scratched a ton of things off my "to-do" list, including keeping up with this here blog.

I've worked on getting my house back in order after a month of vacations. Still haven't finished that, but it's getting much closer. I spent Friday night completing a stack of 18 scrapbook pages that I had started, but never finished. You'll be happy to know, they are done now and ready to be placed in albums. I organized and sorted all my scrapbook papers and card stock, and I'm now ready to really get to scrapping. I hate to admit this, but I'm actually hoping that Saturday is rainy so I can use it to scrap and not feel guilty. Also, about a million pictures finally found their way through the email system to some of my family and friends that I kept promising I would send them, AND I've back up ALL my pictures to CDs, while setting up a NEW photo CD organizing system for myself. I know none of this stuff really sounds that important, but when it's all sitting there waiting to be done, it sure feels good to have it off my desk. I've done all that while keeping up the laundry this week, making sure the house is neat, beds are made each day and no dishes sit in my sink. Oh yes, it's nice to get back to routine. I adore family vacation time, but once I get home, I'm ready to get back into routine. Amazingly, I've barely missed my Mafia Wars game. Well, OK, just a little, but I've accomplished more this week than I have in months. Mostly, because a LOT of the things that I needed to do involved this blasted computer. I had to re-size all those pics I emailed, and covert them to Jpeg. The backing up of the photos was obviously done on the computer, and even the scrapping was done here at my desk, in front of my computer. Are you seeing the problem here? Every time I would sit down to try to do one of those tasks, that stupid game would call out to me... and I admit... sometimes I can be quite weak.

Basically, I think I've completed all my "to-do's" that involved technology, All the while still having time to chat with some real buddies on Facebook, and blog. (instead of the 2300 strangers I called my MW family).

For some reason I just seem to feel that I have better control of my life now or something. It might just be because, as I've mentioned before, I get EXTREME joy out of crossing stuff off lists. Hopefully, I'll get more crossed off tomorrow, as I need to change the sheets on the bed and a few other household chores before I {hopefully} spend some more time scrapping.

Have I mentioned lately that Life is Good? Well, it is. No matter how frustrating it can be at times, Life is Good. GOD IS GOOD, and this is the life he's given me. How could it be anything BUT good?

Have a wonderful weekend. I'm certainly gonna try!! =)

{the definition of insanity}

2009-08-14T10:00:00.002-04:00

Y'all have heard the old addage, "what's the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over again always expecting a different result". Yeah well... that's me in a nutshell. No pun intended.

The other day I spent well over 2.5 hours rearranging my scraproom/office. Determined that THIS time I was going to find a way to fit all my stuff that is already in here AND an 8 ft long table so that I can have some of my peeps over to scrap in my scraproom.

What makes this the definition of insanity is that this isn't the first time, nor the second time that I've done this...

Wanna hear how it ended?

Get ready for this.

You won't believe it!

I was soooo surprised!

THE TABLE DIDN'T FIT THIS TIME EITHER.

Crazy huh?

Why I thought that maybe, just maybe this time it would fit is beyond me. It's not like I had the table shortened, or the size of my room enlarged. What makes it even worse is that after moving every peice of furniture in the room, I ended up putting almost everything back exactly where it was to begin with.

For the third time.

All I can say is that I hope and pray that the NEXT time I try this it will FINALLY fit!! =)

{another PROUD MOMMY moment, brought to you by DNK}

2009-08-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

Uh oh.... warning: You're about to read another PROUD MOMMY BRAG here.

Just thought I'd warn you before you read on.

While we were gone on vacation, we received a letter from DNK's school, telling us that she was chosen, along with 19 other classmates from her school, as one of the school's "Best and Brightest" students to attend and be on the show "Kid Talk" which is a local show on our NBC affiliate station.

HOW STINKING COOL IS THAT???? Yep, my smart, adorable baby girl is about to take her smarticles to the airwaves. (Oh gosh... I just hope she doesn't start making weird faces..) lol.

They are going to record the show on October 14th and it should air on Saturday October 24th.

The discussion topic is going to be "Economy/Home Finance/Unemployment". Seriously. Yeah, and she's getting ready to turn 9 and is a rising 4th grader. Seems to be a pretty deep topic for the young set to me. Wow, I couldn't go on a TV show and discuss that!! I'm pretty sure the kids will be prepped somewhat at school on what to discuss. I certainly HOPE they aren't expecting ME to prep her! Oh my, that would be sad.....

Oh, and since it's been awhile since I blogged, I haven't had a chance to brag on the fact that she got her SOL test scores back (Standards of Learning- test given in VA) Anyway, she scored a PERFECT 600 ON ALL OF THE TESTS!! She blows my mind. She's unbelievable. I just wish I knew where she gets all them smarticles. Not from me, that's for sure!!

Ok, mommy moment is over, back to your regularly scheduled program....

{Another way to spend time and money}

2009-08-12T08:13:00.000-04:00

Morning everyone! Got your cup of coffee handy? Ready to start your day? Well, I do, and I am! Don't worry about the shaking and sweating and really fast talking that you might be noticing me doing this morning. I understand this is just an effect of the detox, and that it should end soon. If I start to type with an Italian accent, please bear with me. Cold Turkey is a hard way to go, but I'll make it.

So, I'm trying to figure out what to do with all my new found free time today. I could clean the house, but you know what? I think I'm gonna join my long lost friend I lovingly call 'At Home Scrapping". Yeah, me, my scraproom and all my stuff! I wanna scrap today. And I CAN, because I no longer have that pesky Italian Clan hanging around my desk making me work. I CAN PLAY again!!!

I've also started doing some beading. Don't expect to see anything I've made show up in some Etsy Shop or on eBay anytime soon, but hey, I like the stuff, and I wear it. Of course, in reality, I probably look like a clown or maybe Mimi from The Drew Cary Show, but I'm proud of my new found hobby. I just started beading about a week ago. I think that {almost} makes me a pro right? HAHAHA! Amazing how much beading stuff you can acquire in a week if you really really try. I've already filled a tackle box. And the really cool thing about beading is you can make really pretty fake metal jewelry for only about TWICE what it would cost you to buy it in 18kt gold!!!!!! But it's HAND MADE y'all, and that counts for something, right? Unfortunately though, with MY highly acidic skin, I might only get 2-3 wears out of each piece before it begins to melt away, leaving a lovely green mark permanently on my skin.

But hey, it's fun. It's a stress reducer, and it's a fun way to spend all my hubby's money on something BESIDES scrappin' supplies. hehe. And another REALLY cool thing about beading is that you can spend a TON of money on a itty bitty 2x2 inch bag of beads. Nothing like coming home and explaining to your husband that you just spent $50 on a bag of glass that is small enough to fit inside the pocket of your cheek. At least scrapbook paper is 12x12 and uses a big bag!

Well, I better get on with my day here. I have to run a couple errands this morning BEFORE I can start destroying my room with paper, scissors and glue. Hope y'all have a terrific day!!!!!

{It feels GOOD to be back!!!}

2009-08-11T13:56:00.008-04:00

Ahhhh. Hello my blog. My good and faithful keeper of my words, my wit and my {notsomuch} wisdom. You've been here, waiting for me to return, like the prodigal daughter. And here I am. You except me back. You are so forgiving and patient. I am not deserving of your dedication..

Enough of that crap!!!!!!!! So..... HOW Y'ALL DOING OUT THERE?

It feels sooo good to be back. Like putting on an old comfortable shoe. Or that really really old stretched out bra that you keep in the back of your underwear drawer for some unknown reason because you know the only reason it's still called a bra is because it has 2 cups and some shoulder straps,but it hasn't had any support left in it for years, which is why it is as comfortable as this old blog is to me. Got all that?????

Anyway, I admit, I've been fighting a terrible disease. I joined the mafia as some of you may already be aware, I have become a game addict. I built my mafia "familia" to a strong number of 2600 "friends" and had beat, robbed and plundered my way to the top of the family, to be known as "The GODMOTHER" in a record 5 months. Well, you know what happens when you complete EVERY.SINGLE.JOB. in the game? You're done. Finished. Kaput. Basically BORED.

Which is a good thing actually, because it has freed up a lot of time for me. Yes, y'all.... I'm big enough to admit I was addicted to the game. I guess I tend to have a bit of an addictive personality, (not that you could tell that from the amount of scrap crap in my scraproom or anything). So, last night I deleted ALL 2600 family members from my Facebook page, then deleted the game. It's gone. It's no more. And now I'm in detox. lol. I had a one second decision to end the game, and I moved on it quickly before anyone had time to try to talk me out of it.

Feels weird not attacking anyone today. I haven't robbed ONE 5 star hotel or anything!!! Seriously though, I have missed my blog recently, which is one reason that I decided to end my relationship with the family and go into a witness protection program. (one of my pea friends said that to me yesterday and I thought it was pretty funny!) So, do me a favor and don't tell any of the "family" where you saw me!

I've got a TON of pictures from the last 6 months or so that I want to share, not to mention all the other fun stuff I've been up to BESIDES the playing of Mafia Wars on Facebook.

It's been a fantabulous summer, and I can't wait to share some of it with y'all. So.... until tomorrow, have a good one!! =)

2009-08-10T16:28:00.002-04:00

WARNING: I AM COMING BACK.

Yep, I'll be blogging again as soon as I finish deleting the Mafia Wars game from my Facebook page, and finish deleting the 2600 FB "friends" that went along with it.

Hopefully, that won't take more time than it took me to COLLECT that many "friends". haha.

I've finished the game.

It can't control my time any longer.

I want to blog again, if you'll have me again!!

Third Day Concert pics!!!

2009-06-21T00:00:00.003-04:00

I went to Busch Gardens the other Sunday to see Third Day with my dad, DH and DNK at the Glory at the Gardens concert series this month. IT.WAS.AWESOME. Got some pretty decent shots too, thanks to my handy dandy 70-300 lens. 2 more weekends of concerts, and I'm hoping the weather holds out so that I can go to them. We'll see.

Oh, and did y'all notice? I've got blog posts here for 4 days in a row. Oooooh. You're impressed aren't you?

I'm so lucky to be loved. HAHAHA!

The secret life of Lambs (and Yoshi)

2009-06-19T00:00:00.000-04:00

Last weekend, DNK went to a sleepover for a birthday party, DH was working and I spent the evening at home alone. It was supposed to be a quiet, relaxing evening, or so I thought. DNK asked me, just as we were driving up to her friends house to drop her off, if I could PLEASE let her Lamby's and Yoshi hang out in my office with me while she was gone, so they wouldn't be lonely. Stupid me. I gladly obliged.

There went my relaxing, uneventful evening.

Instead of sitting and relaxing, watching some TV and playing online, I spent the ENTIRE evening chasing around a couple of wild, out of control lambs. And just to prove to DNK that I wasn't making up all the shenanigans, I took pictures to prove their behavior.

So much for my uneventful evening....

And these shots are just the first half of the night! The lambs hid in my camera bag, jumping out and scaring the crap out of me, hung from my ceiling fan, climbed up the curtains, and took over my desk chair refusing to move.

They got into the fridge, tried to back the car out of the garage (until they realized they couldn't reach the pedals) and started sending out strange emails (I apologize if any of you, my faithful readers, were one of the recipients).

They even played in my laundry while I was attempting to fold it. Apparently "mommy" Lamby was trying to look like the Disney character "wall-E" Funny huh? Or not.

Yoshi was no angel either, he tried to switch up my caf and decaf coffees, climbed my scraproom shelves, and was swinging dangerously from my baskets.

Needless to say, I was beat. I've decided it's easier to let DNK watch her own Lambs.

I did finally get them to settle down and get ready for bed. Come back tomorrow to see the rest of the evening in pictures of the 'SECRET LIFE OF LAMBS".

(oh, and in case you're wondering.... DNK laughed hysterically at these pictures. I've printed them out for her and I'm going to make them into a book, complete with a story. They are, after all, her MOST favorite toys in the world!)

Hello old friend... I BLOGGED!!!!!

2009-06-18T10:14:00.003-04:00

So, it's been sooooo long since I've been on my blog, that I actually had to LOG in, and couldn't remember my password. Had to try a few hundred times, then I remembered where I keep my list of all my passwords, and logged right in. I love being a blond...

So, I bet y'all are wondering where have I been, right?

I've had a major online social change.

I've been on Facebook. ALL.THE.TIME.

Well, not all the time. Sometimes I DO leave the house, and sometimes I clean, and shower, and I've even been known to leave the computer long enough to cook for my family. But otherwise, I can be found online. On Facebook.

I've tried Tweeting, but it just isn't as fun as FB to me. Granted I may not be giving Twitter a fair chance, but like I said, I like Facebooking better than Tweeting. At least for today. That could change tomorrow. I'll try to keep y'all in the loop. I know how much my online social life is important to y'all.

Now, don't worry that my social life revolves wholy around an online lifestyle. That's not true. I am also known to text a bit too. hehe. I love me some technology. HAHA. Seriously, I do still see people IRL (In Real Life), but if I had as much conversation IRL as I do online, I think my friends and family would just slap me silly.

Cause I like to talk y'all. Whether or not I have anything to say is unimportant. I'm just a talker. Always have been, and suppose I always will be. (DH is soooo lucky!)

The big difference between my blog and Facebook or Twitter is the instant gratification of INTERACTION.

Yes, let it be known that I like interaction and conversation. There isn't much interaction here on my blog. Plus, entering hourly updates about my mundane life on my blog doesn't make much sense, and makes me look like an idiot, where as on Facebook and Twitter, it's OK.

A whole blog post that says nothing more than... "eating a brownie." looks quite ridiculous here on my blog, but on Facebook, it can turn into a huge discussion in seconds. Cause, everyone likes brownies. And is jealous of said brownie eating. And wants the recipe. And wants to bring ice cream. etc. etc. etc. See how that works?

Silly? Maybe. Fun - yeah. The gazillions of people on Facebook can't be wrong.

But I've been thinking that I really really REALLY don't want to let my blog just wither up and die. I've loved my blog for so long. It's just hard to get in here and blog anymore. I just don't know why...

But for those 20 some people that continue to visit here every day, day after day, looking for a bit of whimsical nonsense, or intelligent insight from me, please know that I'm flattered. Possibly even enough to try to make a blogging comeback.

We'll see. How about I just say that I'll try my best.

And see you on Facebook!

{Not just plants at the Botanical Gardens!}

2009-05-13T00:00:00.000-04:00

I had a few more pics from our day at the Botanical Gardens, and just so my tat pics weren't the ones front and center when my mom or dad read my blog, I thought I'd post these today! See? I really AM a thoughtful kid!!

This last picture tells me two things.

#1. time to stop eating.

#2. TIME TO GET SOME SUN. I look like an overeating vampire.. Ugh.

These are just some of the zillions of pictures that were taken while we were out in the beautiful warm sunshine!!

{Permanent Art}

2009-05-12T00:00:00.001-04:00

One of my BFF's Jenny Long Legs and I went to get inked on April 9th, but I didn't post the pics before now because I hadn't told my mom and dad yet. I knew they wouldn't be happy with me, so I decided against letting them find out via my blog. Yeah, I know, I'm thoughful like that. {blush}. Anyway, Now that the big secret is out, I thought I'd post this for the people that LIKE my tat's, which, btw, are NOT my parents. Or my in-laws for that matter. But, I think I can safely say that they all still like ME, so they'll just have to excuse my post today! I'll attempt to get some pictures on here in the next day or so of some flowers, or DNK or something of that nature...

First, Josh applied the hand drawn design. I had scheduled my appt with Davey, the guy that did my other butterfly, but he was out sick that day, in the ER or something, so Josh was able to come in and ink us. =)

The outlining begins. I was not aware that the closer to the spine you get, the more painful it is. Although it wasn't so painful that I wouldn't go back again.... It's just that the first butterfly, a year ago, actually felt GOOD, this time I felt some pain, especially on the top butterfly closest to my neck and spine.

Still outlining...

This part took the longest, and is the most uncomfortable, but I toughed it out!! All the black ink is now finished! I love it! It's almost complete!! This part is easy. I don't know why, but the coloring in is a piece of cake. It actually feels good at this point! I've heard it compared to a deep tissue massage, but I've never had one, so I can't tell you if that's true or not. Let's just say, I LIKE THIS PART.
And here is the finished product! The bottom (purple) butterfly represents my DH. I'm the green, and DNK is the pink. I chose butterflies to represent us and our lives as Christians. We are new creations. My tat's have a number of meanings to me, but mostly I just love them because they are beautiful works of art that I will have forever!!
This is Josh (the artist) and one of my BFF's Jenny Long Legs. She went with me and got her first ink! woo hooooo!!!

JLL actually went first, she was afraid she'd chicken out if she waited any longer...
Her tat is GORGEOUS. Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of it with the color added... Not sure what happened!

When it was finished it has blue flowers, green leaves and the sash has a purle-ish pink in it. Very VERY pretty! She did awesome. She did better than I did actually!! We had a blast going together. Last time I went all by myself. The time flew by so much faster with a friend along. Now we gotta get Lil' K and Flava K to get one....

{Summer's comin'}

2009-05-04T09:02:00.003-04:00

Oh my.... it looks as if I've fallen behind on my blog again doesn't it?

Why in the world has it become so hard for me to keep this thing updated?

Could it be that my brain has FINALLY ran out of things to say?

I would've thought that my sarcasm and wit would've lasted forever.

You know, like my body has.

Oh --- HAHAHA! There is was.

Did y'all see it? The sarcasm and wit. It was just here. Only for a tiny second though...

So, it's a new week, a new month. Summer is ALMOST here. DNK is looking forward to the summer break. I'm looking forward to sleeping in... oh, and having DNK here of course.

See, she lets me sleep in. Just another one of the MANY reasons I love that kid!

Our plans for the summer are starting to fall into place.

And our camping season is just beginning. We're going out this coming weekend for the first trip of the season and I can't wait. I love roughing it out in the wild.

I'm an outdoorsy kind of gal.

As long as I'm in my travel trailer.

You know, the one that has a bathroom and shower. A queen sized bed. A kitchen with a double sink, a 3 burner stove with an oven, a microwave, a refrigerator and table that seats four.

A TV with DVD player, sofa, and my laptop with the wifi connection.

I love camping with my family. It makes me feel like Grizzly Adams. Ahhhh, life under the stars. It's all good y'all!!

{A rainbow of colors in the Garden}

2009-05-01T00:00:00.001-04:00

How beautiful is this place you ask? Pretty darn actually. I took over 200 photos, so you can imagine how difficult it was to just pick a few to post today! The tulips were so gorgeous I could've photographed every single one of them in the gardens individually!! I'm sure my family thought that I was, since they probably feel like they spent the day WAITING for me to get just the perfect angle on every flower. Hehe.. (Love me, love my camera.)

Oh well, it's the least they could do since I had to spend my time waiting for my bro to pretend to pee in the Azaleas, and for DH to find where we were by "getting into the map", which is basically, laying the map on the ground, and standing on it to figure out his current location. It's a funny thing we always laugh about from the show "Friends" where Chandler and Joey were in "LONDON BABY!". Anyway, I hope today's post gets you jonesing for Spring time weather!!

{yep.... that's MY family}

2009-04-30T00:00:00.001-04:00

I gotta love them. I'm not sure why, but I gotta. Even though they're weird... but, they ARE mine. My family. The two above pictures are of my baby brother. Y'all have met him before. He's the one we like to say got all the leftover genes in the family. And trust me, after my parents had 4 kids, there weren't many genes left. Shame though, he could'a been a good guy. Instead..... we like to think of him as the little freak. HAHAHAHA! I jest. He's crazy, a TON of fun, and a weirdo, but there's never a dull moment. For example, when, in the middle of the Botanical Gardens, on a REALLY busy day... he POSED for a picture in front of the Azalea bushes. See the shot I got? Um.. yeah, he really was just posing. Had he actually been relieving himself, he may have gotten arrested. The park was QUITE busy that day.

The second picture is of him checking out the inside of the Tee pee. He was busy complaining that it wasn't very rain resistant. I'm telling you, he's a nut job. I'm glad I was the first born y'all, cause I got first pick of the family genes. We had thought my brother Rich (the 2nd born) had gotten a good share of the genes, then he up and moved to WI, where he only has about a weekend of summer, and some 14+ months a year of snow. Either his brain cells have been frozen too long, or he didn't get as much as we thought. He lives there ON PURPOSE!! lol.

And then there's my middle-ish brother. He's got a fair share of the genes, but ya gotta wonder about a kid who changes his name in High School from the name he's been called since birth. I think he just did that to screw around with his family for the rest of his life. Depending on which part of his life you knew him, you'll call him either name. It gets really funny, and confusing at times. I say all of this to let you know that I'm normal.

Think what you want of that statement! lol!!

And, then there's my DH. Whilst photographing all the gorgeous spring beauty in the Gardens, I saw DH "checking his map". Then, I saw him checking out the naked women statue. Not at all obvious huh? Most of the time I can count on him to start to act rather silly when he gets together with my brothers. It can't really be helped! Their goofiness just rubs off on ya! Then again, if you ain't acting silly when you're with my family, you look kinda outta place. But goodness, do we have fun!! And if laughter is the best medicine, then we should be some seriously HEALTHY people!! Especially at the times when we ALL get together. Like when we go camping... Gotta come prepared with some depends undergarments on those get togethers!

{BIG fun}

2009-04-29T00:00:00.001-04:00

I know from these shots, it appears as if the Elephants were fighting, but I'm pretty sure they weren't. One of them started to play with the chained tire. He threw it, flipped it over and over, then tried to ride it. After a few moments, another elephant approached and they played with the tire together, then they began to play with each other. They were gentle, moved very slow, and never made a sound, which is why I don't think they were fighting. It was an amazing thing to watch, and we were standing so close to the action! I've never seen elephants interacting like this before.. then again, it's NOT like I see elephants on a regular basis either. But the crowd was so hyped up watching them. It was just really cool. I love the shots I captured. It was fun watching them have fun!

{Zoo Beauty, a bit tamer...}

2009-04-28T00:00:00.000-04:00

I think my FAVORITE thing about Spring is the opportunity to take pictures of all the beautiful new Spring flowers. I realize that once Christmas is over, I seem to almost put away my camera for a few months, unless we have that freak snow day, which thankfully, we did this year. Spring brings back my overwhelming desire to carry my camera with me everywhere and to start shooting again. The beauty of Spring only lasts so long, but with my camera, I can keep it forever...

{more photos of WILD beasts!}

2009-04-27T00:00:00.000-04:00

Here are a few more pictures of the wild beasts they allowed in the Zoo during Spring Break! No explanations needed other than here we are, having fun. I only wish our other peeps had been able to join us. Unfortunately, 2 of them were out of town for the Easter Holiday, and the others? Um. Not sure what their excuses were. Hahaha. But, they missed a good time. I'm hoping we can go back and do it again the first part of the summer before it gets REALLY hot and the Zoo smell becomes overwhelming. hehe.

{Don't mess with me!}

2009-04-25T00:00:00.000-04:00

I've had a difficult time of late, trying to come up with blog posts.

Could it be, because my life has gotten mundane? Or because I have agreed with myself to no longer make fun of myself. (where is the fun in THAT??) lol.

Or maybe it's because I'm currently so absorbed in Facebook right now that I can't seem to find enough free time in my days for both blogging AND keeping up my status reports in Facebook.

You think I'm sad don't you? LOL.

Well, just for your information, I'm NOT just spending time updating my status. I'm also fighting in an online WAR y'all.

Well, someones gotta do it.

And DH won't. So, I'm the fighter in the family.

Well, me and some 340 other members of my "family".

My elite fighting family that knows me by the name "Don Dnksmommy".

That's right. I've joined the Mafia. And my FAMILY? yeah, they're tough. So, don't be picking on me. Cause lots of my peeps are also in my family. They're tough too.

If you have a free hour or 20 in your day, feel free to join our mafia family in the game MAFIA WARS on facebook.

It's not at ALL addicting. Trust me.... I wouldn't lead you wrong.

Oh, and no, this is NOT a paid advertisement. I just thought I owed an explanation as to where I've been instead of all the blogging... Hehehehe..

I gotta run now. I hear some thug's been pushing round one of my family members, and I got a hitlist that needs working.

Now, go on, get outta here!!

{Daydreamin'}

2009-04-24T00:00:00.000-04:00

I love photographing wild animals. I can almost see myself as a Nat Geo photographer. You know, the kind that travels the world, wearing a cool khaki photographers vest and backpack, and LL Bean hiking boots, taking pictures of all of God's wonderful wild creations. HAHAHAHAHAHA!! OK, how about a purse carrying, croc wearing, mom of 1 traveling around the world from Zoo to Zoo taking pictures of semi WILD creatures that are currently living in a man made habitat? Yeah, I suppose that might fit me better. I can't sleep on the jungle floor wrapped in mosquito netting. Nope, this outdoors woman needs at least a queen sized bed, fluffy pillows and AIR CONDITIONING. Not to mention, any bugs I see MUST be behind glass. Soooo.... I suppose I better start daydreaming of a different career. sigh. But I REALLY like taking pictures of animals!!!!!

{Spring Break at the Zoo}

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

I just wanted to share a few random pictures of my precious little baby girl and one of her best friends. These were all taken at the Zoo while on Spring Break. I took as many of my little girl as I did of the animals!! I mean, LOOK AT THESE CUTIES? How could ya not??

We had a fabulous day. The weather was perfect, a bit overcast, yet still warm, no rain, and the girls had a great time together, as did Jenny Long Legs and I!

I will have MANY pictures I took of the animals coming up on the blog, so stay tuned!! =)

{Ain't this a nice howdy-do?}

2009-04-22T10:24:00.008-04:00

On Spring Break this year, a friend and I decided to take the girls to the Zoo. This was the warm welcome we got from what was previously, my favorite animal. I just wasn't feeling the love. I mean... how stinking' nasty is THIS? I was wishing that I could just hand him a Kleenex or something, cause until he did this, he was a pretty awesome animal. Let's just say this kinda turned my stomach. And what kind of blogger and friend would I be if I didn't share a bit of that nausea with y'all?????

Oh, and just so ya know... I didn't TRY to capture these pics. Honestly, it just happened that way. This is what I found when I unloaded the memory card. I might have thrown up a little in my mouth actually! ugh.

{Sesame Street at Busch Gardens}

2009-04-16T00:00:00.000-04:00

DNK and friend with cute Zoe...
DNK and her friends with Big Bird and Elmo, of course!!

Do you know who Abby Cadabby is? Yeah.. me neither. ha!
But I sure DO know who Grover is!!!! I loved Grover!

COOKIES!!!!!!!!!!

Friday DNK and I spent the whole day at Busch Gardens with a bunch of our peeps. It was CRAZY PACKED, but we had fun nonetheless. We were happily surprised that the kids wanted to go to the new Sesame Street area, as we were afraid they would think they were too old. Funny thing is, THEY wanted to go meet the characters. I suppose that even though they are 8-10 yrs old, they watched many an hour of Sesame Street, so the characters probably still did seem kinda "real". I know I got all goose bumpy when I say Big Bird, Cookie Monster and GROVER. Grover is my fave. I was wishing "Super Grover" was there in costume, but no such luck. ha!

{Spring has sprung!}

2009-04-15T00:00:00.000-04:00

Just thought that today I would share a bit of Spring beauty with y'all. Took these shots at Busch Gardens last Friday. I love tulips. Nothing says Spring more than tulips. Well, except baby animals... and cherry blossoms... and daffodils...

OK, so there are a lot of things that scream SPRING. But the tulips were the only things I got pictures of this time.

Spring comes and goes quickly in these parts. I believe it technically lasts about 4 days. We normally go straight from Winter to sweltering Summer. But that's OK with me. I'd rather have Summer than Winter any day. Love LOVE Summer. But a Spring that lasted more than an extended weekend would be nice too!! =)

{Blue Bird Gap Farm}

2009-04-14T00:00:00.000-04:00

Friday a week ago the kids got out of school early, and their Spring Break began. So did our job of finding fun things for them to do while on break!We began the week with a trip to the local Farm park for some time in the playground, and a visit with the farm animals. After spending time there, we went to Cold Stone for a nice cold treat! The kids enjoyed themselves, as did us moms, who got to chat and laugh while the kids went on their merry way. Have I mentioned lately how thankful I am for my friends??

I know my post is kinda picture heavy.. but it's been so long since I've posted here, I have a ton to catch y'all up on.

Cause I know y'all been waiting on the edge of your seats..

Sorry I've been MIA. I've blogged non stop for years, but recently, I guess I needed a break.

Looks like I might be back full force now though!!

{Dyeing Easter eggs!}

2009-04-13T00:00:00.003-04:00

Dnk waits patiently for the eggs to be done.. we got some pretty, bright and vibrant eggs this year!!

Aren't they gorgeous??

It was sheer torture for her to wait until they were dry so we could add the glitter. It's all about the bling ya know!!

You gotta admit... them is some purdy eggs!!

{Happy Easter}

2009-04-11T21:57:00.002-04:00

I hope everyone has a blessed and beautiful Easter weekend! I'm looking forward to going to our special Easter service at church, then an egg hunt here at home for DNK and her cousins. For dinner, we're grilling out steaks. Here's to hoping the weather cooperates!

Oh, and just so you know... I have a few blog posts in the works now. Complete with lots of pictures. Sorry I haven't been around lately, but life comes first.

We've just been dealing with a lot of crap, but it's getting better now... so I'm going to try to get back to blogging regularly again.

Thanks for your comments, and emails and questions about where I've been. Sorry to have left y'all hanging! ha!!

HAPPY EASTER!

I'm still here!!

2009-04-03T08:29:00.002-04:00

I really haven't fallen off the face of the earth as it appears folks.

If you don't believe me, ask my facebook friends. They've seen me.

Seems like lately I just haven't been online as much. (I KNOW--- SHOCK!)

Except on Facebook. Playing Mafia Wars.

I found my mean side. hehe.

Life is good. Busy. Same old, same old. (which in MY case, is a GOOD thing...I don't do change well, remember)

My meds seem to finally be leveling off, and I'm feeling more like myself again, thank God.

Another busy day today, providing the weather cooperates, but I wanted to stop in just to let y'all know that I'm doing fine, still alive and kicking!!! =)

{Possible answers}

2009-03-25T08:22:00.000-04:00

So, I talked to my doctor's office yesterday about the "issues" I've been having regarding the change in my Effexor medication.

He believes all the symptoms that I described are all side effects of my body getting used to the change in meds.

He seems to think that any INCREASE in the meds would make me feel much worse, NOT better!!

The dizziness or FUZZINESS, and the nausea should subside shortly. He said it takes a good 3-5 weeks for the body to get used to the meds.

I couldn't remember how long ago I changed to the new pills, so I went and counted my pill stash... Yesterday was the first day of the third week.

So, it appears as if, YES, I'm just suffering the side effects of this drug.

I felt soooo much better yesterday, and feel really good this morning.

I was just surprised to hear that I would suffer any effects considering it's the same drug, the same dosage amount, just a different pill form.

Medications....can't live with them, can't live without them. Kinda like men huh?

{My walls speaketh}

2009-03-24T00:00:00.001-04:00

And there's more to come... that is, once I buy some more vinyl. Gonna do "Always Kiss me Goodnight" in some kinda script over my headboard, and something to do with family in my living room, and "Enter with a Happy Heart" in my foyer. Then I'll be done.

I figure, if I let my house do all my talking, then I won't have to. Right?

hehe. Like THAT would ever happen.

The first picture is of a wall in my scraproom.

The other two are in my kitchen.

Me likes. =)

{I think I figured it out}

2009-03-23T00:00:00.001-04:00

I finished painting my bedroom Friday. No pictures, because frankly, my bedroom is still plain and fairly unattractive. However, it is now a CLEAN and freshly painted unattractive. I'll post some pics one day when I get a new comforter set and get it all together. (Don't look for any updates on that for a long time though). I was able to complete the room in one day. I hung the curtains back up and put a bit of my decorations back into the living room on Saturday. Now, my home is starting to look like a home again. Which means, I'm starting to feel better mentally. However, I came to an odd realization Saturday while driving around running some errands. I believe that all this crazy home redecorating I've been consumed with is actually medically related. See, back in early February, I started a new medicine. I've been taking Effexor Xr (Extended Release) capsules for about 6 years for my panic/anxiety/depression disorder. But starting this year, my monthly co pay went from $100 to $160. Yes, that is A MONTH, for ONE medication! So, I called my doctor to talk to him about decreasing my monthly Rx costs. He said that Effexor now has a generic. Same drug, but NO extended release tabs. No problem, so I take it twice a day instead of once. But he also stated that I might feel some fluctuation in the levels in my system.. I didn't think much of it at first, but I've had a bit of an increase in my anxiety levels. Not really any panic per se, but just the overwhelming need to DO. To do something. Anything. AND TO DO IT NOW. Which, I now realize, is WHY I've been working here in the house so much. (well, that, and the house REALLY needed the work). I think the Effexor Xr was working TOO well. I have been very relaxed in my housekeeping, believe it or not, I've let the housekeeping go more than my normal old self would have done. I'm hoping to find a good happy medium soon though. I've had to take a xanax twice now due to very high anxiety, and I even had a small panic attack at Target on Thursday, out of nowhere. It's been YEARS since that's happened, but I immediately knew what it was. My doctor had told me that I may need to take the med 3 times daily to keep a level dosage in my system, and to just call him if I have any problems. I think I'll give it a few more days, and if I'm still not feeling "right", then I'll speak to him this week. I'm just not used to feeling "fluctuations" throughout the day. But I'm hoping and praying that these symptoms will get better, because this generic only costs me $20 for 3 months, instead of $320 for 3 months. I will say though, I'm really LIKING the side effect I'm having that is making me pay more attention to the way I'm keeping my home, even if it is WEARING ME OUT physically!! =)

{Really? Again?}

2009-03-20T00:00:00.001-04:00

I'm either a big time glutton for punishment, or an idiot.

Possibly both.

Today, I was sitting here at my desk, contemplating a nap.

But instead, I got up, in what I can only describe as a moment of temporary insanity, drove to Lowe's and picked out some paint, and painting supplies to paint my bedroom.

Apparently, OCD Lorrie decided that I have to paint my bedroom tomorrow.

I came home from Lowe's, decided "she" was right, tomorrow would be a good day to paint, sat back down at my desk, and once again, fought the overwhelming urge to nap.

But, as any idiot would do.. I didn't let the desire to nap win, and I ONCE AGAIN went to Lowe's, but this time bought a bunch of stuff to patch a big hole in my bedroom wall. While deciding whether or not to nap, I remembered the hole that was behind my bathroom door. OCD Lorrie isn't really good at letting things wait until later once she has her mind set to do something.

So, I immediately bought the patching supplies, then I immediately came home and patched the whole.

I had to do it immediately, because there is NO way I can avoid painting TOMORROW if I did some of the prep work today and tonight. I can't hide from my bedroom for weeks like I did my living room a few weeks ago.

I just hope I did it right. hehe. Um, guess we'll find out later.

Cause y'all? I'm a SAHM. not a home improvements contractor.

Not that I'm going to let a little thing like a TITLE hinder me in my attempts.

Ahem. Anyways, I'm waiting for the first layer of plaster to dry, and I just finished removing all the nails and window treatment paraphernalia from the walls, and filling all of THOSE holes.

Some really good news is that because my bedroom has natural wood trim, I won't have to paint that. OH YEAH!

I bought a nice neutral shade of paint called Heavy Cream. (notice yet ANOTHER name associated with coffee?) It's a pretty light creamy beige color. I wanted to brighten my bedroom up, especially since I've recently made the rest of my house the color of a cave. ;)

So, tomorrow I'll be painting. ALL.DAY.LONG.

If you need me, I'll be in my bedroom. I'll be the tired, haggard, nasty, old looking person wearing a ripped up t-shirt with no bra, my hair up in a clip, no makeup on, with speckles of paint all over me. Yep, that'll be me.

I know y'all are thinking that you hope I paint a wall prettier than I paint a picture of myself huh?

One promising bit of news is that once this room is done, EVERY room in the house (except DH's office which is paneled) will have been painted within the last 2-3 yrs. So I can relax.

At least that's what I'm thinking right now.

Cause, when you're either a glutton for punishment, or an idiot, or BOTH, things always keep coming up that you HAVE TO DO to improve your life.

Or totally wear you out, in my case..

Can someone explain this to me?

2009-03-17T00:00:00.003-04:00

Has anyone else noticed that there are no longer 24 hours in a day?

You don't believe me?

Trust me, I checked, and my day is somehow significantly SHORTER than 24 hours.

And NO, I'm not sleeping it all away, not that there would be anything wrong with that.

I'm convinced that somehow, some way, when we lost that hour a short time ago, due to that Daylight savings crapola, I managed to not only lose that ONE hour, but I think I'm missing about 4 others. At least!

You see, I'm running out of day, before I'm running out of things that HAVE to be done!! And I've checked -- my "to do" list is not any longer now than it used to be. Which only means ONE thing.. Someone is stealing part of my day. And this is very frustrating.

Cause y'all, I WANT MY HOURS BACK.

I swear my days USED to be longer. Now it's like I no sooner get DNK on the bus in the morning for school, and I hear it rounding the corner bringing her back to me in the afternoon. With barely a pause in between!!

Not that I don't want her brought back... that's the highlight of my day actually.

Sometimes I'm not even sure I breathe while she's gone. I think I hold my breath the whole time she's at school. Which might explain some of the dead brain cells I've noticed lately along with the new patches of gray hair..

But back to the topic of my post today (I THINK there was one....) Oh yeah. The days. THEY'RE GETTING SHORTER.

I can't be the ONLY person that feels like this am I? I mean, last check, a day was 24 hours, subtract 8 hours for sleeping (if your lucky) and I should STILL have like 16 hours left, right?

WELL THEN, I BELIEVE THE GOVERNMENT OWES ME SOME HOURS. I can't come up with any other logical explanation as to where all my missing hours are going, except that it must be the governments fault.

Either that, or my missing hours are all hiding with all the single socks that manage to disappear every time I do laundry..

{It's not done, but I've retained my sanity!}

2009-03-13T00:00:00.002-04:00

Well... it's not done. But, compared to what I've been dealing with the last couple weeks, I can most CERTAINLY live with it. The baseboards and trim are in terrible condition, and WILL be painted, but for now, at least I {mostly} have my home back in order. I'm really loving the walls and carpet together, especially in the living room. And the carpet helps make my hallway not QUITE as dark as it was, however, it still seems a bit like living in a cave. ha.

I haven't hung ANY pictures or wall hangings on the walls yet. I'm in the process of redoing the decorations. I'm moving the "Shrine of DNK" as I so lovingly called it, into the hallway and my bedroom, and going to get some new artwork of some sort for the living room. Make it a bit more modern. I just have NO idea yet. I've been strolling Target, Kirkland's and Pier 1 looking for ideas... I'd like some kind of scroll work metal pieces or something. Just not sure. OH, and as a side note.. the mirror IS NOT staying above the fireplace... it's too high, I just had it up there to get it out of the way while the furniture was being brought back into the living room and haven't remembered to move it back down. I'd leave it there if my mantel wasn't so high. Also, need to get some kind of media rack for all the electronics that DH currently has piled on TOP of the TV. (PS2, Wii, DVD/VCR combo, Blu Ray DVD player, Digital Cable box, etc etc etc). Drives me batty! Not to mention we have about 6 remotes to operate the darn TV! So I can only watch TV when DNK or DH is home, as I have NO IDEA how to turn on the TV. (seriously.) That's really toooo sad to admit isn't it?

Anyway, back to my "new" living room. The only thing that is, or will be new is the paint color, the carpet and the decorations, but it's AMAZING how different it looks to me! I love it! I can't afford (nor really need) new furniture, but I needed a change in there so badly. Now I have a living room that I'm not embarrassed for people to see!

I'll post again sometime, once I REALLY have it finished. (the trim painted and the redecorating done).

DH is home now, so I'm going to go watch some TV...

{a visual definition of insanity}

2009-03-12T00:00:00.000-04:00

See this mess?

This here is a visual definition of insanity.

MY INSANITY.

My house has looked like this for days.

Parts of it has been in disarray for weeks.

WEEKS Y'ALL!

And it's really bugging me.

I'm very close to climbing into a closet and waiting out the remainder of the week sitting in a fetal position, rocking back and forth, while sucking my thumb.

You are aware that I am a {bit} anal retentive? Obsessive? A neat freak, right?

Have we not met before? I'm Lorrie. Nice to meet you.

Seriously, OMG this is driving me crazy!

BUT -- good news.... it should all be over by Wednesday night. At least that's what I'm told.

It's actually Wednesday morning, as I'm typing this. The installation company called and said they're running a few hours late this morning. Should be here by 1 this afternoon.

I'm starting to sweat uncontrollably. I wish I had some dress shields. and some vodka.

Oh, wait, I'm not much of a drinker... so, just the dress shields.

And a pacifier. I'm starting to feel myself curl up...

If y'all can just say a little prayer that I keep my sanity a few more hours, it would be greatly appreciated!!!

Here is my living room, EMPTY, waiting for my new carpet that will actually MATCH the room!

This is my bedroom, full of livingroom stuff. Believe it or not, we are STILL able to get into the bed!

This is DH's office... where most of the large living room furniture (the sectional sofa) and the diningroom hutch is sitting..

DH's office from the doorway. I am SOOO over this!

My back porch. Or the room where EVERYTHING else is currently stored. A loveseat, dining room tables and chairs, living room coffee and end table... Can you see why I'm going NUTS??