Spilled Animal Crackers

Quit Clowning

2008-08-18T12:25:00.006-05:00

It was a long weekend, Kid's World was a HUGENORMOUS success. Everyone had a wonderful time and we blanketed the trademart with thousands of clown noses. We sported a few ourselves. . .

(L/R: Brandi, Me, Stacey)

And she's working it..

(Stacey)

And sassing it . . .

(Cassandra)

and flaunting it. . .

(L/R: Nicole & Mechell)

and securing it. . .

Did we leave any for the kids?? Maybe a few thousand..but if you wanna see all those cuties you'll have to go to our photo galleries.

It's A Kid's World

2008-08-14T10:35:00.002-05:00

It's that time again folks! Free grocery store feet and sugar for everyone! This Saturday, Mississipppimoms.com will be at the Trademart Building for Kid's World!

If you missed us last year, take a look at the fun which was had.

http://www.mississippimoms.com/misc/Blogs/Moms/animal/2007/08/my-day-at-kids-world.shtm

We will be on hand to sell T-shirts, Giveaway free circus tickets, and most importantly CLOWN NOSES FOR EVERYONE!! So come out and see us, (you know you want to) 9am-5pm Saturday!

Worldwide Televised Peepshow

2008-08-12T16:29:00.004-05:00

For several nights now I have gone to bed past 11:00. Never mind I have to get up and go to work the next day. I am NOT a morning person, so the next day feels like someone beat me down with a rubber mallet. Why do I continue to do this to myself??

Because of cuties like this...

Dear LORD!!! Did you know NBC is running a peep show mini-series????!!! I mean not one of these folks are wearing a stitch of clothes! Families all over the world are flocking the their TV sets!!!

In awe of the grandiose flexing of one's rather bulging muscles, I might have subconsciously absorbed the fact that the American Team beat out the French in the four man relay. I mean really, I was excited about the win. Is there a woman alive that didn't notice Phelps ever so low riding swimsuit??

It's not a McMonday...but from the looks of it, it should be.

McConnery McMonday

2008-07-28T10:13:00.002-05:00

Helloooo Ladies! I know. Long time no type, but there IS a good reason for it. I have been tying up loose ends on a deal with Barnum & Bailey Circus.

(In my best newscaster voice over tone)
Friday Sept 5, will be Mississippimoms.com Night at the circus! If you plan on going, consider coming on Friday night where you can meet all of your Mom's friends and save $4.00 per ticket! (This message brought to you courtesy of your favorite mom's blogger, now back to your regularly scheduled programming.)

Now for one of many nominations. . Sir McSean Connery

Top 5 little known facts about Connery:

1. He co-founded The Scottish International Educational Trust (S.I.E.T.), which funds scholarships for young Scots and Scottish institutions.

2. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II as Sir Sean Connery in July 2000.

3. After his stint in the Royal Navy, he spent much of his free time in Edinburgh bodybuilding. He competed in the 1950 Mr. Universe contest for Scotland. He placed third. This success led to modelling work, minor theatrical roles and chorus appearances.

4. After he left the Navy, he returned to Edinburgh and worked in a series of jobs: bricklayer, lifeguard and coffin polisher.

5. He donated his entire salary (well over $1 million) from the 1971 James Bond film Diamonds are Forever to his charity, The Scottish International Educational Trust.

Looks like we are going "old school" for the next few weeks. Don't forget to send in your nominations!!!

Dare Tell??

2008-07-16T14:30:00.003-05:00

When I got the 11th hour call last Friday to go on a Bachlorette party pub crawl, my first thought was, "Dang! I'm too old for this." Secondly it was "What the heck can I pull of out the closet that is not moth-eaten??" For the sweetest future sister-in-law.....

Rachel

I had to suck it up and go. Even if it did mean leaving the house in a gunny sack. After digging out a black halter dress (which was too low for a bra, so blue painter's tape had to do), I hit the limo on the way to what proved to be a top night! The company made the night, all classy ladies. .

The events which would unfold, were definitely enough to keep me out until 2am (Five hours past my bedtime) Here are my top thoughts from the night. .

1. A limousine is the way to go. Thanks to Lisa it was fully stocked. I'm not sure if champagne and tequila are suppose to go together, if not, that could explain events which unfolded later. .

2. Don't dare me. Especially when there is liquor involved. On a good day with no liquor I will do just about anything, so hang on. This trip? "Get a guy to propose marriage" Ok, not too hard, I had on my lucky red "skank" heels, get outta my way. Finding a table full of seven young guys (felt my odds were good), I propped my girls up on the table and commenced to grinning. That's about all it took, the deed was done. Best way to crack me up?? By starting off "Oh, dear beautiful girl I don't know.."

3. There might have been a dancin' shirtless referee. . but ain't talkin'

4. The heels must have been really lucky or the painter's tape was doin it's job, because a young thang approached me on the dance floor asking if I were married. After stating the obvious I deferred to my single partners in crime.

5. At the end of the night she met up with her one and only man. . .

Good luck Rachel & Donnie!
We love you!

Mantel Skillz

2008-07-15T10:29:00.003-05:00

The first part of my weekend consisted of the nail gun and the 2x4's. To set the tone, let me back up a bit. I offer you the quote that sealed the deal...

"Christy, If you don't like it now, you never will. Just remember the mantel is the focal point in the room. Now is the time to pull it down if you don't like it, if not you are stuck with it."

WHAT?!? Stacy (the interior designer & friend) was right. There was no way I was going to allow a sub-par mantel to be the bad focal point in my beautiful new house. I would much rather go without, which is what I did. The next day it was torn out and the wall re-plastered; for months this is what I came home to.

That is until this weekend when the DH broke out the 2x4's, 2x8's, trim molding, and a nail gun. From a rough sketch in a college ruled notebook came this:

Let's jut say my husband IS THA MAN!!!

McAvoy McMonday

2008-07-14T11:01:00.004-05:00

The weekend went well, I'll try to recap the events later in the week. Let's just say it included 2x4's, a limousine, tequila, a nail gun, a marriage proposal, a marriage verification and a shirtless referee(not necessarily in that order).

When I got this weeks nomination I was a little like "Hunh????" I see this guy as "Mr. Tumnus the Goat Boy" from Narnia. Then I was reminded of his titillating performances in his roles in Atonement, Becoming Jane, and more recently the film Wanted. I have to agree, she got me at Becoming Jane.

Here's "Goat Boy", Mr James McAvoy.

Top 5 little known facts about James McAvoy:

1. James is very athletic and a highly skilled boxer, fencer, and rugby player.

2. His favorite 80s films include The Breakfast Club and Pretty In Pink.

3. Hates it when fans interrupt him when he is using the toilet. He is often approached by men in public conveniences who attempt to talk to him or shake his hand while he's relieving himself.

4. While growing up, James wanted to be a priest.

5. James and Anne-Marie Duff, his Shameless co-star, married on the 18th October 2006. (He likes older women, she's at least 10 years older then him)

Don't forget to send in your nominations!!!

Love Me Some Dollar Sto

2008-07-10T17:36:00.002-05:00

Okay you guys know I am ALL about the dollar stores. Man you can rack up on tons of good stuff for a dolla per item. Where else can you go with a $20.00 bill and come out with a buggy full of COOLIEST STUFF EVER???

Honestly, ask anyone who has ever been at an event with me, there is usually some dollar store props at work. How do you have more fun on an all adults cruise??? With Dollar Tree plastic bugs, water guns and plenty of gaudy pink flamingos...

If it's the 4th of July?? Maybe some Dollar Tree glow necklaces and several six packs of stars and stripes pinwheels! Oh yeah, Don't hate! They were a hit.

Red headed divas kept one close at hand....

and the boys??? Well let's just say, when you gotta go, by all means

DON'T DROP THE PINWHEEL!"

McShould Be Against The Law

2008-07-07T10:12:00.004-05:00

Welcome back from the long weekend ladies. Mine was quite relaxing and adventurous all the same, but that's a blog for another day. Today the business at hand is a nomination sent in by Leroy. I know and the answer to that question is "nope, she's a girl".(and rather hot might I add!)

Leroy is feelin a little Jude Law'ish so here we go:

and how could you resist the eyes??

Five little known facts about Jude:

1. Jude is the UN’s Ambassador for Peace Day.

2. Jude has been nominated for an Academy Award twice: in 2000 for Best Supporting Actor in The Talented Mr. Ripley and in early 2003 for Best Actor In A Leading Role for Cold Mountain.

3. Jude has no problem with nudity.(WHAT?!?!)

4. Sienna Miller and Jude ended their engagement in October 2005. Since then, they got back together a few times, but their relationship was officially ended in November 2006 because Sienna was interested in partying while Jude wasn't in the mood for her night life and wanted to be with his children more.

5. Jude sacrificed his 2006 Christmas holiday to direct and act in the play Romeo and Juliet in a South African orphanage in Durban.

Life, How It Should Be.

2008-07-03T06:00:00.010-05:00

The tales from a place we like to call "The Lake", are told time and time again. Whether it's a visit to the "Custom Made Bra Straps and Bait Shop" or an impromptu dart match with friends on the front porch, being at Eagle Lake forces time to slow down.

Eagle Lake is a place where. . .

* You wear no make-up, and it's OK. (just don't go to "town" aka. Vicksburg, they don't know you are at the lake, and won't care why you look homely.)

* Children run barefooted through all the camp houses with kool-aid stained faces, and are all watched by the neighborhood elders.

* Grilling gross amounts of smoked meats is handled by the neighborhood men, while the women provide the best summertime desserts all served on tables in the street.

* Porch lounging is not only acceptable, it is encouraged. Some people have been known to wake up there. We don't ask questions. (I am sure the LoSto down the street had something to do with it.)

* Dominoes, Darts, Poker, Spades, Cranium, UNO, and Ladder Ball, no games are off limits. If you join in, talk the talk even if you can't walk the walk. Once you join in, the smack talk will commence. Oh, and note to self, there is noway to play off having to physically act out the word-fertilizer. Period.

* If you have no boat, you can still ski. Wait about thirty minutes on the pier and someone will be by to pick you up shortly.

* Sunsets are bigger and more colorful.

* Hand grabbing lessons are given regularly during the season. See Danny at the pier when you see him suiting up and he'll give you the run down. Watch out he'll make you famous.

* (most importantly) There is NO company. Mess up? Clean up. Get hungry? eat. Tired? sleep/nap. Bored? play. Stressed? Relax. Make yourself at home, you're at the lake.

As our family heads to "The Lake" this afternoon, I wish your family the best holiday weekend possible. At some point when you are indulging in the weekend's festivities; think of those who made our freedom possible, our past and present service men and women.

Happy 4th of July!!

Ya waa waa bee WANT YOU

2008-07-02T13:01:00.003-05:00

Guilty as charged, I am a complete music dork. I know songs which I shouldn't and even attempt to sing some I can't. No genres or eras are off limits, I just like music.

So when sitting in the local fine Mexican eatery, my ears perked up when hearing a Spanish rendition of "Dancing Queen" by Abba playing over the speakers! Of course not recorded by Abba, but none the less, still extremely entertaining. Oh Mi! Unbenownst to me this would be the beginning of a game which would haunt me for a week, and so "Name that Spanish Tune" was born.

Sitting in silence, munching on cheese dip, I heard it. The chorus which I only knew four words to and nothing else. Hearing the song melody in my head like it was playing on the radio, but only with four words I knew. MAN WHAT THE HECK IS THIS SONG????

Over and over I hear.

Bebé, le amaría para quererme
La manera que le quiero

For me translated to

Nana, be bop la dee do WANT ME
Ya waa waa bee WANT YOU

For an entire week I hummed (complete with head bobbing and a little bump and grinding) my improv song which contained only four actual words. Finally, online, (love me some internet) I found the song. It was a Spanish rendition of "I'd Love You To Want Me" by Lobo. Actual lyrics being. .

Baby, I'd love you to want me
The way that I want you

Apparently I am extremely uncool for being able to pick that song out of a Spanish line up. Reason being the Husband couldn't identify it out of an English line up. When I sent him the MP3 he laughed in my face and said it was the most retarded song ever, and he had never heard it. (yes one big run on sentence worth) Any who, please dear lord tell me someone else has heard this song. Maybe in the dentist office, in an elevator, at your mom's for pete sake! Just tell me you've heard it!

Need to hear the song? Click here:
http://www.last.fm/music/Lobo/_/I'd+Love+You+to+Want+me

1930's? Eh! Ok I guess

2008-07-01T13:55:00.002-05:00

So I was told by the Mom Squad I HAD to fill out the 1930's house wife test. So I took it and made a 54 average. . . (screen shot since it's not loading below)

I found that most of the questions in this day and age were somewhat laughable! I will reattach a button and even hem my own pants, but dadgum! Who darns their socks anymore??? You know I don't even think my Great-Grandmother darned their socks! I do think ladies in the 1930's took care of themselves better than we do. Case and point..

Meet my Great-Grandmother, Lucille Corley Thaxton, photo taken circa.1932

She was always poised, wearing her lipstick, and donning some form of huge costume jewelry. Me? Not so much. (Sorry, hubby) Yes, after work I sport my flannel pajamas, no make up, hair piled on top of my head, while sliding in my socked feet into the kitchen to prepare "something out of a can" for dinner. *Gasp!* Sue me. All of that and I am STILL a 54% average. Lets see how you do!

Take the test!

Mc OmiGosh

2008-06-30T14:47:00.005-05:00

Hi Ladies! Sorry for the delayed posts. For reasons beyond my control, I just made it into work. I know this is the worst day ever to be late, the re-launch of McRauncy McMonday. So now I'll stop blabbing and start posting. . .

Say hello to a "not-so little friend" I wish I had, Eric Bana.

5 little known facts about Eric Bana:

1. A picture of his wife and child was used in Black Hawk Down (2001) for the scene where helicopter pilot Mike Durant is captured by Somalis. The prop department had forgotten to grab a picture of a wife and child for the shot, so they asked Bana's wife, who was traveling with him, if they could use a picture of her and their child for the shot and she agreed.

2.Eric wears two rings on his hand: the first is his gold wedding ring, and the second is the first thing his wife bought him when they were dating - a silver ring with coraggio (which means courage in Italian) engraved in it.

3. Eric has less than eight cars. He won't reveal the exact number because he doesn't want his wife to know.

4.Eric was a popular class clown in high school and won school talent contests.

5.Eric Bana is one of the few Australian actors to make it big in Hollywood that still lives in Australia. He lives in his home town of Melbourne when he is not on location.

Don't forget to email your McMonday Nominations to me at Cbridges@clarionledger.com. if you know anyone in the Jackson area, if he's hot and interesting, I'll post'em!! Send him in!

:)

Get ta Work!!!!

2008-06-27T15:51:00.002-05:00

It seems I need to get off my lazy keester. I have gotten quasi-threatening emails from several readers regarding my inability to post a BLOG. Of course a few of them were verbal, a few weepy, and then there is Super Mom.....

It seems the ladies are in need of thier McMonday fix, so I'm brangin mondays back. Keep ya draws on ladies...the men are coming back!!!

Job Accountability.

2008-06-23T12:52:00.003-05:00

There are some jobs you really want to be sure you have a responsible person in charge. If the ice cream man doesn't make it by your house one day, in most cases no one gets hurt. Now the guy who flies your airplane, that guy better be on his game everyday.

also. .

Be mindful of conversations which are had with your five year old regarding county maintained water treatment plants.

How are those two related?

Well when I entered the bathroom the other night to help little man out of the tub, he had the most disgusted look on his face. What's wrong little dude? (Not realizing his toy had bits of plastic coming off of it)

"Whose ever job it was to clean the water out today, didn't do a very good job."

Natchez Pictures (Day 3)

2008-05-30T15:11:00.004-05:00

(I tried posting this for the past two days, blogger is the devil!)

Day 3, tempers were short(mainly mine) and we were all draggin' some major tail. By the Grace of God, we saw the last of the sights, and left Natchez all in one piece.

Stop number one for the day was Monmouth Plantation. The historic home of General John A. Quitman.

The house was beautiful, the guide very attentive and knowledgeable, the gardens were absolutely breathtaking, but the graveyard was tainted. Yep, the "current" owners buried their three dogs in the 200 year old family cemetery along side of the founding family of Monmouth. Out of pure shock, I forgot to get photographic edvidence; but Mayberry, I'm paying "freelancers" to bring back a shot of it! Hint hint! haha

St. Mary's Basilica left me awestruck. If you make the trip to Natchez to see architecture, it is a must see!

Then it was off to The First Presbyterian Church. There on display are thousands of pictures from nineteenth century Natchez. Fashion shots, wedding photos, town life, and steam boats every shot was impeccable. Anyone who has a fascination with our state's history should NOT miss this exhibit!

What a Great Birthday!

Natchez Cemetery Pictures (Day 2-part 2)

2008-05-29T09:45:00.004-05:00

On day 2 we spent most of the afternoon at the Natchez Cemetery. We never figured out why, but there were 10,000 ants to every tombstone in the cemetery. Looking down, so shocked at the pure number of them, all I could think to holler was "FOOT!! OWIE!" and commenced to brushing the little buggers off of my mom's feet.

The statues and shrines left behind by statesmen, dignitaries, plantation owners, farmers, and even some slaves, were all breath taking. Honestly, I could have spent a whole day out there. Here are a few shots from the afternoon.

The Turning Angel
The inscription on the base of this statue reads:
Erected by the Natchez Drug Company to the memory of the unfortunate employees who lost their lives in the great disaster that destroyed its building on March 14, 1908. The back of this angel is to the road that runs along the outside of the cemetery. If you drive past the cemetery at night and see the angel turn to watch you go by. Of course, the statue doesn't actually turn but an optical illusion caused by a car's headlights makes it seem so, hence the name "The Turning Angel"

The Learned Family Mausoleum
The Learned family were local loggers who made their fortune by selling timber to the planters who built the opulent mansions in Natchez. As you can see by the monument, business was good.
The Watering Urn

The Yellow Duchess
The Yellow Duchess was the wife of a local cotton broker and planter. It is said that everything she owned was yellow, right down to her pantaloons. Of course gold was her choice of treasures, and she had every bit of it buried with her. Can you guess which grave is her below ? ? ?

Even the youngest of children are buried in the cemetery were too many to count. Reading how many parents lost their children during that period was heart breaking. It really makes you thankful for modern medicine.
The scroll reads:
"Sleep on sweet babe and take thy rest, God calls away when he thinks best."

His presence was definitely there.

Natchez Pictures (Day 2-part1)

2008-05-28T10:12:00.006-05:00

Sunday morning we get up bright and early, just in time to eat some "self made" waffles at the continental breakfast. Any hotel who has a vat of batter and a waffle iron in their front lobby, is my kinda establishment. Plan of action for today? See houses! We jumped in the car and headed out to Longwood.

Upon rounding the corner and seeing a mansion for the first time, little man was in awe. "Is that where rich people live?" To which I replied, "They use to." After the tour he referred to Longwood as, "the broken house". Touche' little man. The guys thought it was a waste of time, but I just couldn't resist walking 500 yards wearing flip flops through the nasty wet grass to get this shot.

Waste of time? I think not.

Then it was off to Biscuit and Blues to partake in their daily lunch specials. The food was good, the price was reasonable, waitstaff attentive. Since walking and full stomachs don't go hand in hand, it was off for a carriage ride.

Stanton Hall was next on the list. By far it was the most extravagant house we saw on the tour; too bad the tour guide killed it for me. Hands down, she was the most horrible tour guide I have ever had, anywhere. After childishly threatening to hold our hands if we touched anything coupled with referring to the lady of the house, Mrs.Staton, as "homely" and her sister as a "woof-woof dog", that just might come across as being a tad bit disrespectful.

So we left Stanton Hall with a feeling of shock and awe, and returned to the hotel for a dip in the pool. Feeling rested and refreshed, we head to Cock of the Walk for a dinner of skillet corn bread and fried food. It was voted the best meal of the entire trip. Although there was one mystery which went unsolved; a light switch mounted on the wall by my seat.

Even the waitstaff had no answer. There were two conclusions drawn. One, it worked the neighbor's garage door. Or Two, every time the switch was flipped, a kitten died. Either way, we left it alone.

Then, it was on to the Natchez City Cemetery for late afternoon pictures. . .

(Look for photos in next post)

Natchez Pictures (Day 1)

2008-05-27T14:43:00.004-05:00

My birthday weekend was a long wonderful one. Even though my children were bored to tears at some points, they both behaved themselves relatively well. In three days we covered several hundred miles of historical home places, mansions, battle fields, towns, churches and cemeteries. Between my mother and I there were over 700 pictures taken. Since I don't have that much time or enough BLOG space, I'll pick my favorite few starting with Day 1.

Saturday began with a stroll down the trace.

First stop, Rocky Springs where we met my "rents" and toured the old Rocky Springs town site. It's pretty sad that out of almost 3,000 people, the only thing left of this settlement is a few safes, two cisterns, . .

A Methodist Church . . .

and the Rocky Springs Cemetery.

We got a wild hair in Port Gibson and detoured North towards the Grand Gulf Military Park.

Which lead to climbing the 75 foot observation tower, which resulted in several days of moaning and groaning. Getting back on track, we headed to The Ruins of Windsor. To tell you the truth I thought we were in the wrooooong place. Everything looked on the up and up, that is until we passed Alcorn University. There were goats everywhere, broke down cars, and shells of mobile homes with no one in them. We darn near hit some hog hunters leaving the woods in their mud buggies and dog haulers. Just as I lost hope, there was a sign, "Ruins of Windsor". It was a hallelujah moment! (That is until I attempted to leave the car and my legs promptly reminded me I had just climbed a 75 foot tower.)

Once in Natchez, there were several "wordie dirties" said about directions, one way streets, and the inability to decipher where streets ended and began. Once we got our whits about us, we found our hotel, and went off to eat at King's Tavern.

Supposedly haunted by the pre-civil war owner's mistress, Miss Thang and Little Man were both ready and willing to scope out the third floor.....

Miss Madeline's Bedroom.

Was Miss Thang scared?? You tell me?

Day 2- Tomorrow :)

"Sometimers"

2008-05-23T15:23:00.004-05:00

It's been one year since my . . .

"Christy's got the turning 30 Blues Bash and Shrimp-n-Gritsfest".

Yes, it's a lot of "ands". I could have added about 15 more. It was a banner night courtesy of the best friends, family, and husband in the world. The official invite seen here. .

So much has happened in one years time. I have successfully lost my keys 140 times, random family members 10 or so times, one sno-cone stand(today), and my mind countless times. Last week I actually made it out of the house, in my car, and to "The Stack" before realizing I had on two different shoes. Randomly forgetting what I am talking about mid-sentence has become the norm. I now get excited about events that require my impeccable sense of fashion which includes anything stretchy, comfy, wearing no-makeup, flip-flops, and a baseball cap. Oh yeah, Momma is reaching the "I got the sometimers disease and I'm not concerned" phase of her life.

This year's events are much more low-key. We are taking a road trip to cruise down the Natchez Trace then spend a few days in Natchez. At least I'll have my family there to "watch" me. The husband has agreed to at least make sure my shoes match before leaving the hotel, and my children have agreed to hold my hand, so I shouldn't get lost. I have been known to lose a whole sno-cone stand, so pray for my car.

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

(Y'all have a great Memorial Day weekend. Be sure and take a moment to remember our service men and women who so graciously gave their life so that we can be afforded the freedoms which we all cherish.)

My Girl's Ballin'

2008-05-21T09:17:00.004-05:00

So Miss Thang tells us on Sunday, we will need to leave work early on Monday in order to pick her up from basketball tryouts. Confused, I asked,"basketball tryouts?" Yes, Ma'am, they are tomorrow.

In a complete state of shock, I said o,o,okay. Since day one we have told Miss Thang, at 5'5, 115 pounds and still growing, she would be a fierce basketball player. Since day one she has repeatedly made it abundantly clear she had no intention of taking up basketball. We conceded to her wishes, and gave up hope. What changed her mind? Who knows.

We do as we were asked, and go by Monday to pick her up. There are forty girls in the gym trying out for Junior High basketball. Wow. Being that Miss Thang has never played on an organized team, we don't our hopes too high. Already we are thinking about buying a goal to work with her for next year. At the end of tryouts, coach asks everyone to come back tomorrow for a final practice.

With our plates full, we ask my mother-in-law to go buy and pick her up after practice. Not a problem, that is until we get a call. "Now I know why you wanted ME to come get her. There has already been twenty girls pour out of that gym bawling their eyes out" Oh Dangit Man! I've dropped the ball!!(no pun intended) They weren't suppose to find out until tomorrow! We leave instruction for her to call us when she got out, and we provide support over the phone.

Finally, we get the call from Miss Thang screaming and crying,"I MADE IT!!!!"

(My thought train in 10 seconds)

Did she just? No way! My daughter is a FJH Basketball Player?! OMG! I've got to get foamy fingers, face paint, 'my daughter's #00' t-shirts made, send out schedules to all of the family members, oh wait! Say Congratulations!!!

Blurting, "CONGRATULATIONS HONEY!!!!!I LOVE YOU! You make me so proud!"

With an invitation to summer basketball camp in her hand, I say, "If you want to stay home from school tomorrow you can." She replied, "Are you kidding me??? I made the team! I'm going to school!"

Can't Win Them All

2008-05-19T10:10:00.002-05:00

Since she was a baby I have tried my best to break the cycle. I dressed her in pink, gave her sugar plum dreams of princesses, and every blue moon when asked, I curled her hair. Now, as she goes through her "awkward" stage, I have stressed with more emphasis, how important it is NOT to leave the house looking like you "just rolled out of bed".

This is where the whole "Do as I say, not as I do" thing comes into play. Odds are you will see me out and about in town wearing a ball cap and no make-up. Sorry, some days just aren't worth the make-up. When times call for it, I can doll up with the best of them and right now it's not about me, it's about her. So with my advice falling on deaf ears, I must constantly monitor her appearance when leaving the house. With boys becoming more of a "goal" in life, my job is becoming easier.

During the hustle and bustle of last week's activities, I get a surprising phone call. It's Miss Thang's grandmother, calling to inform me that Miss Thang had worn dress heels and jeans to school. Several of the girls had gotten together and decided Friday was "Heel Day". Was this the issue? Oh no Ma'am. We are all about a girl accessorizing! What I forgot to tell her was, it is probably not the best idea to climb a 60ft cyprus tree in your grandmother's backyard wearing three inch heels.

Passing Of An Era

2008-05-16T09:52:00.005-05:00

As a child, I had the privilege of knowing many sweet souls. Each one holds a fond place in my heart. We shared experiences and memories as I cared for them everyday. In the rain, sleet, snow, and even the blazing heat they always met me with such enthusiasm. Having a barn, horses, sheep, chickens, cats, dogs, and one honore car hoppin' goat, you could say I grew up on a farm.

As the years rolled by, they were lost one by one; going to the great pet Heaven in the sky. Most succumbed to old age, just a few went before their time. The hardest lost to swallow was when I lost my favorite childhood show horse, Gabby. Some redneck with a vendetta for someone else and an ill-aimed shot gun, took her away from us in her prime.

Watching your friends leave is a hard thing to do. Loss is a way of life everyone unfortunatly has to deal with at some point in time. So when I recieved the email from my mother this morning saying the last of my childhood animals had passed away, not only was there a sadness for a dog I named "snoopy" and so lovingly called "stoopie", there was a loss of an era.

The icons of my childhood are now all past memories and random smiles caught on film. Through the ups and downs, they were there with me, snuggling and nuzzling when I needed it most. Today a chapter in my life has closed, but is not lost. Each sweet soul holds a place in my heart, and I'll never forget thier ever-lasting love.

*sniff*

Wanna Go To Mexico?

2008-05-13T10:59:00.007-05:00

Since you guys couldn't all go with us to Mexico, I took lots of random photos of the local scenery. Consider this my way of taking you along via my pictoral BLOG. I hope you enjoy :)

Say What?!

2008-05-12T12:06:00.007-05:00

With May and October brings an event which causes women across the state to call in sick to work, dump their kids at day care, and empty the family's bank account. I must admit, I am one of those women, although I am completely up front with my boss about attending the Canton Flea Market.

Honestly, I don't empty our bank account either. I usually pick up a few things here and there, and wait to blow it all out in the $1.00 jewelry tents! Momma likes her cheap costume jewelry. Being that Mother's Day was right around the corner, I took the time to shop a few of the higher priced jewelry booths on the square. One item in particular caught my eye, it was the monogrammed wooden pendant necklace.

There were so many colors and shapes to choose from I stood there for a few minutes perusing the table, when I overheard a rather shocking confession from a total stranger standing near by. Was she privy to the fact I had over heard her some-what trashy remark? Probably not. I honestly don't think she even realized the gravity the words which had just flown out of her mouth.

Before I knew it my face shifted, jaw dropped, and my mind said "No way?! She did NOT just say that out loud!" After a brief stint of uncontrollable snickering I had to walk away to keep from laughing out loud, and once composed, I returned to make my final purchases.

When placing my order I had to take her thoughts into consideration. You know this is a $40.00 necklace and I want to be able to wear it as long as possible. So hmm. . . what do I get put on it, this is forever you know? "Ah heck, just put my first initial, because my last name changes way too darn much!"

Insert *shocked "oh" face* here.

(Oh honey, probably shouldn't a said that!)