CrAzY Working Mom

Spam Sandwich Anyone?!?!

2009-11-22T08:14:00.002-06:00

Unfortunately I have been bombarded with Spam as of late. Since the spammers leave their comments anonymously I cannot trace where they are coming from. I have sent e-mails to some of the companies that the spam is representing asking them for their cooperation in the matter. This leaves me no choice but to turn on comment moderation. I have chosen to do this so that only the older posts are moderated because that seemed to be where they were going. Until the spam subsides I will keep this option on. To my loyal readers and commenters, please accept my apologies for moderating your wonderful and appreciated comments. Like the old saying goes, "One bad apple spoils the whole bunch".

Fun With Balloons!

2009-11-22T08:09:00.001-06:00

Some people might call it sappy and sweet while others could call it sappy and disgusting, but I found the latest creation from Disney Pixar, UP to be wonderfully funny. I could relate so much to the characters in the movie. I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 10 years and I cannot imagine living my life without him. While watching this movie, I will be the first to admit that I did get a little misty eyed and NO, it's not the first Disney movie to make me cry. I'm a complete and total wreck when it comes to watching movies and even television shows because I tend to relate to much to the characters and put myself in their shoes. But, I digress. If you didn't get the opportunity to go watch Up on the big screen in Digital 3-D then you'll just have to settle for a regular showing of this beautifully animated masterpiece!

After a minor altercation with the construction crew who is building a strip mall where his neighborhood used to be, Carl Fredricksen is being forced into a retirement home. The 78 year old retired balloon salesmen decides to take matters into his own hands to avoid this inevitable disaster by tying thousands of balloons to his house and "floating" Up Up and away to his dream disaster in South America. Unfortunately, Carl has a stowaway who just so happens to be a very annoying 8 year old "Wilderness Scout" who is trying to get a badge for helping an old person. This movie had me crying and laughing all the way through. There are some very interesting characters in this film, including Carl's house which becomes a very "BIG" part of the movie as well as Dug, the talking..."Squirrel"...(oh sorry) dog as well as Kevin, a large flightless bird.

If you're looking for stocking stuffer ideas, this would be a great one. It's available now on Disney DVD and Blue Ray with TONS of bonus features including two shorts, Dug's Special Mission, and the Many Endings of Munz as well as Adventure is out there, a documentary telling the film makers trek to South America for film research.

Now for some Balloon Science Fun:

Have you ever wondered how many helium balloons it would take to lift different objects Up into the air?

It’s a tricky question and an even trickier answer because there are so many variables to consider. For instance:

• How big are the balloons?
• How heavy is the object?
• How quickly to do you want the object to rise Up?

We have come Up with a general formula you can use to figure out how many balloons it would take to lift... well, just about anything!

• Helium has a lifting force of about 1 gram per liter.
• An average size party balloon is approximately 30cm (one foot) in diameter.
• It can hold approximately 14 liters.
• That’s 14 grams of lift power per balloon.
• Estimate and subtract the weight of the string and the latex balloon.
• Formula: 1 balloon = 10 grams of lift power.

How Many Balloons Would It Take To Lift:

Disney • Pixar’s Up Blu-ray™Combo Pack?
At approximately 227 grams (or 0.5 lbs) in weight, it requires approximately 22 balloons to send the movie Up, up and away!

A Blu-ray Disc™ Player?
Most models weigh just over 2 kg (4.5 lbs.) which requires 200 balloons to add a whole new meaning to Blu-ray™ “high definition.”

Your Neighbor’s Dog?
A happy Labrador Retriever dog weighs in at about 32 kg (70 lbs). It would take approximately 3200 balloons to lift this furry friend off the ground.
Fun Fact: The voice of Dug (the Dog) in the movie Up is actually the voice of Co-Director / Screenwriter, Bob Peterson.

A Bicycle?
The average bicycle weighs approximately 19 kilograms (or 42 lbs). You will need approximately 1,900 balloons
to turn a 2-wheeler into an air-bike.
Fun Fact: Before the Wright Brothers built their first flying airplane in 1903, they operated a small bicycle repair shop.

A Sumo Wrestler?
The average weight of a Sumo wrestler is approximately 148 kg (or 326 lbs). That means it would take about 148,000 balloons to send this guy Up.
Fun Fact: Sumo wrestling was established as a national sport in 1909.

A Small House?
This figure can vary in terms of quantity of balloons given the size and scale of the house. Let’s say the house in Disney/Pixar ’s movie Up weighed about 46,000 kg (that’s 101,413 lbs). That means it takes approximately 4,600,000 balloons to send Carl's home Up and away!
Fun Fact: Nearly 70 animators worked on the movie Up during peak production.

* I received a review copy of this DVD in exchange for my opinion of the movie. No other form of compensation has been received and the opinions stated above are my own. To read my full disclosure policy, please click here.

Looking at the Sky on Friday

2009-11-19T17:32:00.004-06:00

Tyler Looking At The Sky at the County Fair back in September from the Ferris Wheel.
Fun Times!

For information on Looking at the Sky on Friday, including graphics click here.

To find out why Looking at the Sky on Friday was created, click here and here.

Thank you for the Birthday Wishes!!!

2009-11-19T14:52:00.000-06:00

Thank you to everyone: Family, Friends including bloggy friends and Facebook Friends. Everyone who has made my day extra special with your birthday wishes, cards, virtual cards and an extra special Thank You to my sister who had flowers sent to me at the office:

I am such a lucky girl to have wonderful friends and family who care enough about me to take a minute out of their day to call, write, and text me beautiful messages! Thank you all so very much. You don't know how much it means to me, and how much I really needed it!!!

Looking at the Sky on Friday

2009-11-12T18:00:00.000-06:00

I am so glad to see fall. Last month, here in Arkansas (USA) we experienced unseasonably cooler temperatures along with lots and lots of rain. This month, when it usually starts turning colder, we've had unseasonably warmer temperatures! The leaves have all changed and most of them are on the ground now. But, the sun is still out and it's warm and muggy here. In fact, the mosquitoes are still out and biting, one taking most of my blood and human growth hormone as I was shooting this shot! How's the weather at your place? What are the skies looking like? Thanks to everyone for playing along with LASTSOF.

For information on Looking at the Sky on Friday, including graphics click here.

To find out why Looking at the Sky on Friday was created, click here and here.

Don't forget to comment after you sign McLinky!

My New Assistant

2009-11-11T21:29:00.004-06:00

Meet my new office administrator, Emily:As you can tell she is busy fielding phone calls for me as I blog. Yes, that is a computer mouse that she is using. But, please keep in mind that she is still in training.

I had to go pick up baby Emily from daycare today when she began to run a 101° temperature. Monday night she fell asleep at her normal bed time but woke up as I was going to bed. I got up with her and we did not go back to sleep until around 2:30AM. She was very fussy and I was unable to console her no matter what I tried. I think she only fell asleep when she did out of sheer exhaustion! Of course I woke up late Tuesday morning. Fortunately I was able to get everyone up, dressed, and out the door in time and no one was late. Yes, I am just THAT good. ;)

She seemed to be feeling better yesterday. She did sleep a lot, but I would have too if I could have! Today when I got the phone call, I figured I might as well go ahead and take her to the doctor. When he looked in her ear he said, "YUCK". Obviously her ears are both infected. In fact the doctor said that it was quite possible that with all of the pressure that she is experiencing they may rupture. He told me, "not to freak out" if I see blood tinged puss leaking from her ear. Ummm...yeah, not gonna happen! Hopefully she won't experience this and the 10 day antibiotic will heal her quickly and completely! As it stands now we may be looking at getting tubes in her ears in the near future.

Ice Age - Dawn of the Dinosaurs Now Available on DVD

2009-11-11T21:26:00.001-06:00

Now available from Fox Home Entertainment, Ice Age - Dawn of the Dinosaurs!!! We have been anxiously awaiting the release of this title. We didn't make it to the theater to see it, but the whole family is a fan of this series of movies. This unlikely family doesn't disappoint in the third installment of the Ice Age franchise. Available in the ever-so-popular 3 disk combo which inclues BluRay, DVD, and Digital file copy, Fox has stepped it up with this movie with loads of extras including: Walk the Dinosaur Music Video, Two Scrat Shorts and more fun from Scrat including, "Scrat Breaking Story" as well as "News Report".

Scrat is still trying to get that nut, but this time finds a love interest along the way, or is she competition for his elusive acorn?! Ellie and Manni are expecting their first child while Sid the Sloth comes across some dinosaur eggs and decides to keep the hatchlings for himself. While trying to rescue Sid from the underworld of Dinosaurs, Manny and the gang meet new friends like Buck, the one eyed dino-hunter along the way and experience adventure like no other. This movie is a must see and I am certain that if you've not purchased it already it will be on your kids' Christmas lists this year!

* I received a review copy of this DVD in exchange for my opinion of the movie. No other form of compensation has been received and the opinions stated above are my own. To read my full disclosure policy, please click here.

Yard Work With Style!

2009-11-09T10:29:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was mostly a lazy day. The great white hunters came back empty handed. I can't imagine why my husband and four year old son couldn't get a deer! Actually Brien said that Tyler did pretty good in the stand. He played Shelby's Nintendo DS game which I thought was a brilliant idea but Brien realized other wise when Tyler would play and shout excitedly when he would get a blue ribbon on the game. Oooops, well it was a perfect idea in theory.

Brien came home and did some yard work blowing leaves:

and kids. :)

Emily did her part by babysitting:

Tyler and Oscar made sure the leaves stayed in one big pile:

(Yeah Right!)

Shelby added her own sense of style to the yard work:

Can you tell she dressed herself?

Right down to the bows she added to her boots.

All in all it was a great day and after a hard day's ~~play~~ work then what could be better than a cool, refreshing treat.

It's always nice to spend time away from the office and enjoying time with the family. That Toto toilet in need of repair or dripping faucet can always wait 'till Monday, right? Well, that is unless it's yours. ;) So, how was your weekend?

Scrooged in 3D

2009-11-07T23:35:00.000-06:00

Shelby and I went to the IMAX theater to see Disney's A Christmas Carol in 3D. We took pictures in our awesome 3D glasses where Shelby declared me "Geek of the week" in mine. I'm certain that is not a good thing. I know that all of you are on the edge of your seats while reading this waiting on my review of the movie. For those of you who are friends with me on Facebook you have already gotten insight about the movie and my strong opinion of it. For those of you who haven't, here goes...

We all know that my family and I are huge Disney fans. I have been collecting Disney movies long before my children were even thought of. This movie was not your typical Disney movie. We've seen Mickey's portrayal of Marley in Mickey's Christmas Carol, as I'm sure you have. This movie is quite the opposite. It's a very dark and drab movie. Don't get me wrong, the special effects are out of this world!!! The snow fall seemed to be falling right on the tip of your nose as you looked through those very "geek of the weekish" 3D glasses. At one point I was cupping my hands in front of me as to catch the snow when I was informed by my 6 year old that the snow would melt as soon as it hit my hand, so there was no need. The movie begins with the death of Scrooge's business partner, Marley who later visits Scrooge as a ghost to inform him that he will be haunted by three ghosts. At one point, Marley's chin becomes unattached from his face leaving his mouth wide open. This was the time when Shelby informed me that she couldn't see (there was no one in front of her) and she needed to sit in my lap. I knew immediately that she was scared. After all, it creeped me out a bit. He was trying to hold his chin up with his hand so that he could talk, and it became a bit comical for a lot of adults in the audience but I heard several other children telling their mothers that they were scared.

Shortly after the visit from the first ghost, the next ghost who happened to be the ghost of Christmas' past came for his visit. This one was but a flame with a gown on who flew him around. This point in the movie contained some of the best 3D special effects when they flew over the town, but this ghost was a bit odd and sort of resembled the leprechaun from Lucky Charms. He only spoke in a whisper. He looked the most like Jim Carey than any other character in the movie (short of the young Ebeneezer) and he was just, well weird. There was a cool scene when Ebeneezer tried to extinguish him and it causes him to sail up into the air like a rocket on a candle snuffer. He flies up in front of the moon similar to the scene in E.T. The whole theater laughed at this one, myself included.

In the visit from the Ghost of Christmas Present, one of the scariest scenes occurred. But, let me start out by saying that the laugh was really over the top. He laughed throughout most of his screen time and it was incessantly annoying. More cool special effects were brought to life when the floor of the house disappeared as they traveled over the city which made for a pretty cool feel in those 3D glasses. It felt like you were actually in the house with the two characters. Of course at this point in the movie, Ebeneezer finds out that if he continues down the path that he's been leading it will lead to the demise of little Timmy, Cratchett's son. We begin to see ole Scrooge's heart warm during these scenes and the tone of the movie starts to take a turn upward, but not much! Once the Ghost of Christmas Present finishes his presentation to Scrooge, he begins to disappear (which is also a very gruesome and graphic scene). But, not before we see a hand sticking out from under his long coat. It is then that we are introduced to two characters who were a total scare factor. Shelby and I both were a bit skiddish at this point in the movie. I won't go into details too much as to ruin the effect for those of you who might want to see this one. But, suffice it to say that it's just creepy!!!

The ghost of Christmas Future is none other than the Grim Reaper himself. We never see his face, only a long robe and bony fingers. His presence is known when Ebeneezer sees two black horses with red eyes pulling a carriage. They begin as a shadow on the wall and emerge from the shadows to scare the crap out of you. Yes, I admit that I jumped! This ensues a chase scene that seemed to last forever. Once again, more awesome special effects and at one point, Scrooge shrinks down smaller than a mouse. He sees his own dead body and more sadness and dreary scenes take place. He is called an ass by his nephew and forsees the future of the Cratchett family. At this point he begs the final ghost to get him back to his bed and promises that he is a changed man.

In the end, of course he is changed and the movie ends on a happy note, with the famous, "God Bless us, Everyone" line by Timmy but it takes a lot of darkness and death to get there. It's just not a movie that I would take my kids to see. Parents, take heed the warning on the trailer that this movie "may not" be suitable for younger viewers. I will agree, this movie is NOT suitable for younger viewers! If had seen the movie prior to taking my 6 year old, we would have waited for the next bit 3D release, maybe Alice in Wonderland?

If you have seen it, let me know what you thought of it. If not, has this review helped you to decide?

Looking at the Sky on Friday

2009-11-06T06:00:00.000-06:00

More puffy clouds from my visit to Memphis with my best friend, Becca. The skies here have been beautiful all week, but I've been so busy enjoying some outdoor time with the kids that the poor Canon has been locked inside it's carrying case all week. It has been so nice to not have to worry about trying to find health or life insurance for my family (don't EVEN get me started on this!!!) and just enjoy some time with my two kiddos outdoors. The rain that we had for most of October gave us cabin fever in a bad way. We are trying to make up for lost time!!! How has your weather been this week?! More importantly, how have your skies looked? I can't wait to see them!!! Happy LATSOF, friends!

Chocolates and Concussions

2009-11-05T22:15:00.002-06:00

It's been a pretty easy week for us. The weather has been beautiful. It's so nice to not have rain in the forecast. It's been unseasonably warm so the kiddos have spent the afternoons in the yard raking the leaves up high and jumping inside. It's been nice that hubby and I could take time away from our netbooks and enjoy some time with the kiddos. Of course we still have mounds of Halloween candy from last weekend's trick-or-treating take, as evident on little Emily's face:

Today, I was in the laundry room which has two steps down from the house. Usually Emily will come to the door and I will help her down. She had been playing with the other two kids and must have heard me open the door so she came to the door and about the time I saw her and began to walk her way, I saw her tumble out the doorway, down the brick steps and on to the concrete floor!!! Oh, I was terrified. She began to scream and I scooped her up into my arms and ran inside with her checking her for blood. All of her teeth were in tact. She didn't have any bones sticking out, and her head still looked symmetrical. I was still worried sick thinking that she might have some sort of concussion or hidden fracture. She didn't cry much, but you can definitely tell that she got into a fight with the concrete and the concrete won. She posed for me so that I could get this shot:

I am so glad that we did family pictures LAST weekend. My poor little baby girl...she is fine I suppose. She was back up and playing within minutes of her injury. Of course I feel horrible about it. I wonder if the eye will end up black. I hope not.

Dona Nobis Pacem

2009-11-05T09:25:00.000-06:00

Family Portraits

2009-11-04T21:46:00.007-06:00

On Sunday we spent the afternoon with Tyler's pre-school teacher who also happens to be an amazing photographer. She was very patient and gave us her undivided attention for 4 hours. She gave us over 300 images to choose from. These are just a few of my favorites.

Ruby Tuesday

2009-11-03T09:03:00.000-06:00

I took this photo in Memphis. I thought that the red trolley would make an awesome shot for Ruby Tuesday. I had a close up shot and then realized that it was stopped behind a red light, so I moved my focus out to the traffic lights and got two red stop lights, a red trolley car, the red recycle bin to the bottom left of the photo as well as the Orpheum sigh that seems a bit more orange in this photo than I thought it was when I snapped the shot. To see more RED photos, visit Mary by clicking the graphic below.

Breakfast Time - Snickers, Butterfinger, or Milky Way?!

2009-11-01T07:57:00.000-06:00

The kids had a wonderful night trick or treating. Since Emily was only a month old last Halloween she didn't do much trick or treating. We got her out at a few houses of people we knew, but for the most part she was just along for the ride and she did a lot of sleeping. This year was quite the opposite! She was eager to be out and about. She was almost asleep at one point so we left her in the van with Brien's parents who were chauffeuring us around the neighborhood. She screamed the entire time. Somewhere along the way I must've snapped this picture of her. I don't remember getting it, but I think this photo right here sums up the whole night! Look at the excitement in her eyes. This is the face of a happy girl. She enjoyed herself and thought it was so cool that we got to go to all of these people's houses and get candy in a bucket. The funny part was that when we went to the porches, she would sit down and put her bucket in between her legs. She was waiting paitiently for her sugary treat. After they placed it in her bucket she would peer over the top to see what she'd received. It was the cutest thing ever. Of course the older two had a wonderful time. They did the usual, fighting over who was going to ring the doorbell, running to the houses and then arguing over who got there first, etc. You know, typical brother and sister stuff. Tyler had a melt down at one point and had to sit with Dad in the van for a bit, but finally calmed down and joined back in on the fun. I think this might have had something to do with the fact that he did not have a nap. The girls did and they were fine. Tyler, on the other hand was just too excited!

It seemed that there were less and less trick or treaters out and about and less porch lights on as well. I suppose that we live in different times now and it's dangerous to be going door to door collecting candy from strangers. I did it as a kid and I can't imagine doing anything else with my children on Halloween night. They have so much fun. We always go to neighborhoods that we know and are familiar with. But, I guess you just never know. It's sad to think that in the near future trick or treating might just be a thing of the past! What a shame. But for now, I'm reveling in the fun we had on Halloween night 2009. I leave you with a few (of the 82) photos that we snapped along the way. If you'd like to see more, you can click this link to take you to my Facebook page where I have uploaded them.

We loved the "self-serve" candy bowls! Don't worry...we left a few. *wink*

Emily sitting down, waiting for an answer at the door.

Posing with the kiddos by this HUGE pumpkin!

The loot!

Now, I must find some weight loss pills since I'm having candy for breakfast. Snickers with coffee, YUM!!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T05:13:00.005-05:00

From our family to yours, we wish you a Happy Halloween! We will be trick-or-treating tonight, hoping the weather is good. Tyler will be Bumblebee, the transformer. Emily and Shelby are both bats of some sort. Emiy has a purple/silver costume while Shelby's is pink/black. Being as Emily does NOT like long sleeves in the least bit, she's not a big fan of her costume. We are looking forward to some Halloween fun full of lots of treats and hopefully no tricks! Sunday, we're having family pictures taken. I am SO excited. :) It'll be our first family picture since Tyler was only four months old! Hopefully the kids and the weather will be cooperative! We might even drag Oscar the wiener dog along provided we bring some pet supplements and treats to keep him happy.

Looking at the Sky on Friday

2009-10-29T18:00:00.007-05:00

This was the view of the sky last week at the Memphis River Arts Festival. I spent the weekend there with my best friend of twenty years. We had an amazing time and the weather in Memphis was beautiful. We couldn't have asked for a better time. I am so fortunate to have an awesome friend to spend time with and a caring husband who trusts us enough to unleash me for a weekend.Civil Right's Museum. We did not visit the We did hang out on Beale Street, visited a Haunted house, and as I mentioned before visited the Memphis River Arts Festival. All in all it was an awesome weekend. I was glad to be able to take advantage of the beautiful day with my camera and snap some wonderful sky shots! I think that time and money permitting I would love to make this October trip an annual vacation for the two of us. Maybe next year we can plan one of those orlando vacations. So, what did you do last weekend? I'm looking forward to seeing some of your skies today since the rest of the week it's going to be bleak and dreary here. To find out why Looking at the Sky on Friday was created, click here and here.For more information on LATSOF, click the graphic above.

Happy Friday, my friends!

Now Available on Disney DVD

2009-10-28T22:32:00.001-05:00

We are a big fan of the faries in our house. Shelby's last birthday party was Tinker Bell themed! When we heard that Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure was coming to DVD Tuesday, October 27 we knew that we would be getting this one! This DVD did not disappoint. There are new characters introduced in this film. One of the great things about this movie and most Disney movies is that they all tell a great story with a wonderful underlying message! This story tells a beautiful message of friendship and love. Before the fairies can bring autumn to the mainland, they must restore the moonstone. This year, The Tinkers' get to make autumn happen and restore the Pixie Dust Tree. Tinker Bell is is the lucky one to replace the scepter. Terence is a bit annoying and noisy and a little too helpful. The precious moonstone gets broken and she goes on a quest with Terence ( voiced by Jesse McCartney) and her new friend Blaze to find the magic mirror which grants you three wishes. Bonus Features include: Fairy Bloopers: Fairies Make Mistakes Too, Magical Guide to Pixie Hollow: Explore the magical Guide Ths Time in the Autumn Area of Pixie Hollow, Pixie Preview: Exclusive Animated Vignette featuring Tink and her friends, Deleted scenes with filmmaker intros, Pixie Hollow comes to Florida: Discover how the filmmakers help transform Epcot Center into Pixie HollowThis one should be at the top of your to buy list. If you need more information on where to buy, you can always click over to the Disney site. The box art will take you there. For more information on other Disney releases including upcoming releases click here.
* I received a review copy of this DVD in exchange for my opinion of the movie. No other form of compensation has been received and the opinions stated above are my own. To read my full disclosure policy, please click here.

Emily's First Love

2009-10-28T08:42:00.000-05:00

My 104th Wednesday Previously Speechless ~ More WW

Carving up some fun!

2009-10-26T05:51:00.005-05:00

It was a beautiful day on Sunday! The weather was perfect for carving some pumpkins. Since I had an extra hand with my best friend Becca who will fly back to Baltimore tomorrow I decided to take advantage! We had two large pumpkins that we were going to carve up and three small ones that the kids could put the tattoo faces and use the plastic Mr Potato head like parts that we bought last year. Brien and Tyler teamed up and chose a skull head type stencil. Becca helped Shelby make a pumpkin with a kitty cat face.

The kids had a wonderful time. Oscar, the weiner dog looked on hoping for a treat. It seemed as though he thought that the pumpkin was some type of pet supplements because he kept his distance. I took the opportunity to snap some photos to capture those memories in time! Thanks to Becca for also getting some shots of me with the children. Here are a few of the photos of the pumpkin carving fun. You can find more on my Facebook page located here.

Shelby emptying out her pumpkin so Becca could carve.

Tyler and Brien emptying out their pumpkin.

Emily snatched a sharpie while no one was looking!

Tyler's finished tattooed pumpkin.

Emily's finished tattooed pumpkin.

Shelby making the same face as her pumpkin.

Shelby and Becca's finished black cat pumpkin.

Tyler and Brien's skull head with a spiderweb brain.

A Special Occasion Calls for Great Fun!

2009-10-25T09:27:00.000-05:00

I have been best friends with this chickadee for 20 years! TWENTY years she has been by my side through some of the most important moments in my life. I am so happy to have a friend like Becca. This weekend we took the opportunity to spend some time with just the two of us in the heart of Memphis. We were lucky enough to get to enjoy the River Arts Festival. Exhibitors brought their work and displayed some of the most beautiful and creative things that I have ever seen. There was some great music and belly dancing as well. We had dinner at the "world famous" Rendezvous. We had a long wait, but the food was worth it and the company was fun during the wait. We danced at Coyote Ugly and had some yummy daiquiris at Wet Willies.

All in all we had an unforgettable weekend. I am so fortunate that I have an awesome best friend to hang with and a special husband who doesn't mind unleashing his crazy wife on the town. I am such a lucky girl. Thanks to Becca for staying my friend for twenty years. I look forward to the next twenty, girlie...wrinkle cream and all!!!

♥

Looking at the Sky on Friday

2009-10-22T17:59:00.000-05:00

I loved all of the cloud formations going on in this photo! This sky was stunning. The sky was so brightly blue colored under all of those cloud formations. I enjoyed watching it swirl around and change right before my eyes. To find out why Looking at the Sky on Friday was created, click here and here.For more information on LATSOF, click the graphic above. Thanks to you all for your participation. Don't forget to sign McLinky and leave a comment to let me know you were here!

What do I Brush?

2009-10-22T09:56:00.000-05:00

It is so entertaining to watch little Emily (age 13 months) with her big brother, Tyler (age 4) and Shelby (age 6). She wants to do everything they do. Tonight they were brushing their teeth. We only have two step stools in the bathroom. She was first upset that she did not have a stool. Shelby offered up her stool since she is tall enough to make due without one. Then Emily was given a toothbrush and she brushed her teeth...well, sort of. She did have the brush in her mouth at one time before she moved on to her hair.

She is also talking a lot more now. She will point to things and say, "What's That?". She also loves to say "Bye-Bye", "No-No", "Night-Night". It seems as though she picks up more and more each day. In no time she'll be choosing a Medicare supplement plan. I think that her being in day care is making her personality really shine as well. She is just too funny. She was singing itsy bitsy spider yesterday while we were waiting at the doctor's office. She was quite the trooper as she had to have an in/out catheter procedure done to collect some urine as well as blood drawn out of her teeny tiny arms. The staff at the doctor's office are all so great and treated her with the utmost care and respect for myself and my mother-in-law who was of course by my side. Emily has been really sick for the last week. She has been sick at her little tummy. She has eaten very lightly and what little bit she does eat she vomits up shortly there after. The doc tested for urinary/kidney infections, strep throat, and pneumonia. Once those three were ruled out he determined that she must have had a stomach bug that has left her with ulcer-like symptoms. She was not dehydrated. That was my main concern since she was not drinking very much and what little she was did not stay in her body for very long. She seems to be feeling better now. She's still not in tip-top shape but she's doing much better than she was. It was so good to see her playing with her siblings tonight, and back to her silly self!

Ever Feel Like This?!?!

2009-10-21T10:12:00.000-05:00

Happy Hump Day, my friends!

Ruby Tuesday - Ride Day

2009-10-19T20:00:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago we took the kids to the county fair on "armband day". We purchased an arm band ($15 each) and were able to ride all of the rides we wanted as many times as we wanted. The kids had a wonderful time and I LOVE to ride the rides, so it's fun for me to have them at an age where they can ride with us. Tyler and I had a fun time riding rides together. Shelby rode with my niece and sister on most of the rides. My little guy loves the big rides. He refused to ride the kiddie rides. He's such a thrill seeker. Even when he first began to walk, he would hang from ceiling fans and candle sconces at the house to get airborne. Okay, well maybe I am exaggerating a little bit, but he did (and still does) LOVE to climb. Unfortunately, his baby sister seems to be following in the same steps as her brother. *sigh* As evident in the photo above, he does love to stick out his tongue. No amount of threatening can break this habit. It seems to just be second nature to him. Must have something to do with the "snakes and snails and puppy dog tails" theory.

To check out more Ruby Tuesday photos, click the graphic below. Thanks to Mary for hosting such an awesome meme!