Happily Dysfunctional

Happy Birthday Jake

2010-08-02T07:39:00.000-07:00

Jacob Owen Gurley was officially 10 years old this weekend. I can't believe he is already this old. I asked him this weekend if I could press the pause button (wherever that might be) and he gave me quick "NO!". He will understand one day! :) So, if I HAVE to let him grow up, here is a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you Jake! I love you to the moon and back 19,000,000,000,000,000 times!

Here are a few pictures of Jake's "Friend" Birthday party from last weekend that I meant to upload.

And here a few pictures of his Birthday party this weekend at Nana's house.

Happy Birthday Jake! We all Love You!!!

Birthday Party!!!

2010-07-26T07:05:00.000-07:00

I still can't believe that Jake will be 10 years old in just a few days!!! Where does the time go? So this weekend we had his "Friend" Birthday party. He had two friends over to spend the night. We took them to The PlayStation in Trussville and out to eat for pizza. They had a blast. After a few rounds of laser tag and a competitive round of putt putt we went home for night swimming! Michael and I made it till about 12:30 and we assumed the boys would pass out soon as well. To our surprise we were woken up at 8 a.m. by 3 little boys would had not gone to sleep yet!!! They had stayed up ALL night long playing! I couldn't believe it. So, I got up, made breakfast and went down to tell them that it was ready and I found 3 little boys who were sound asleep! Luke & Levi's parents got them at 10:00, but Jake slept until 4:30 p.m. that day. He was exhausted! But, from his words...it was worth it. Here are some pictures of them finally passed out at 8:30 a.m. and a picture of his Birthday cake!

How Time Flies

2010-07-20T07:08:00.000-07:00

Today is Michael & I's 3 year Anniversary! It really doens't seem like it has been that long. We have done so much in so little time. We made a wonderful family together, built a beautiful home, and have made some amazing memories! I will never forget the first night we met. I just knew. Something just clicked. And I knew then that it didn't matter what I had been through in the past, it had all led me to that moment. And I couldn't have been happier. Michael is a caring and thoughtful husband and the most amazing father. I always thought I knew what I wanted, but he far exceeded my expectations! So, here is to 3 years of wonderful memories and many more to come!

Four!!!

2010-07-20T06:57:00.000-07:00

Jake has started to play golf competitively. He has been playing for a few years now here and there. But this summer he has played in 3 tournaments around Birmingham and will be in a 4th tournament in August. He is doing great too! Golf isn't as easy as Tiger and Ernie make it look! Trust me! I have tried and just making contact with that little rock is hard enough. Getting it to go where you want it is a whole other monster. Jake is very good though. He is such a natural athlete. His golf coach says he has one of the best swings he has seen on a child his age. Tiger Woods...watch out! :)

Movie Night

2010-07-20T06:43:00.000-07:00

Weekend before last we took the kids to see Despicable Me! We all laughed until we thought we were going to cry. It was one of the best kids movies that we have seen in a long time. I usually tend to doze off towards the end of movies, but I was wide awake the entire time for this one. The little Minions were too cute and absolutely just made the movie!

The kids also had a great time that weekend with their spend the night company. They were in the pool swimming until 3:30 in the morning!!! I couldnt take it. I crashed around 1 a.m., but Michael was a trooper. He swam, played flashlight tag, rode scooters, and played the Wii until the Wee hours of the morning! Needless to say they were all like zombies the next day!

F-U-N

2010-07-09T06:27:00.000-07:00

Yep, that is what the kids are going to have this weekend...Fun! But really, is it any different from any other weekend? Tonight they are having spend the night guests. Luke, Levi, & Gracie are coming over to spend the night with Jake & Mary. I am sure there will be some night swimming, Wii playing, scooter/bike riding, and movie watching fun going on tonight and all day tomorrow. They always have a blast when those 3 come over!

Saturday night Michael and I are taking them to see Despicable Me! I am looking forward to seeing that one. The previews crack me up!!! Sunday will be a day to rest. And trust me, we will need it.

I am going at lunch today to pick up our pottery from this past Friday night. I hope it turned out good. If you don't see pictures up of it, then you will know it didn't go so well! :)

Hope you all have a great weekend!!!

Paint Party!!!

2010-07-02T05:32:00.000-07:00

Well, OK, not a paint party as in Tarps, Rollers, & Paint Samples. But a paint party none the less. Michael and Jake are going to a "Boys Only" Birthday party tonight for one of Jake's best friends and it is a Paintball Party! Jake & Michael are both going to get to do paintball for the very first time together. It guarantees to be interesting. I just wish I could go to see the action! Fingers crossed that no one shoots their eye out!!! :)

So, while the boys are getting beaten and bruised with paint, the Girls are going out to paint some pottery! There is a cute little place not too far from us where you get to pick your own piece of pottery and paint it however you like. Gracie, and Mandi (Gracie's Mom) are going with Mary and I. It should be a lot of fun.

The rest of the weekend will consist in being super lazy around the pool, grilling out some really good food, shooting/watching fireworks, and we may squeeze in some putt putt and go karts at some point! Bring on the 3 day weekend! I am so ready!!!

Have a Great 4th of July Everyone!!!

The Happiest Place on Earth

2010-06-21T12:25:00.000-07:00

Apologies for the oh so long hiatus! But, I think I am ready to get into the blogging world now. And what better way to start than to share with all of you our First trip to Disney World. We went at the first of June and had a BLAST!!! Weather was perfect, kids were perfect, it wasn't crowded. We couldn't have asked for anything better. The kids got autographs and pictures with every character imaginable...some even twice. We rode everything that we wanted to...some even two and three times. And there were 2 amazing water parks with everything from lazy rivers to 5 story plunges! It was definitely a trip to remember forever!!! Here are just a few (of the 891) photos that we got.

This is only the beginning of the fun to be had this summer. We have a few more surprises up our sleeves for the kids this summer. Plus not to mention their Birthdays that are coming up the end of July and first of August. And Michael and I are taking our own private little getaway this month for our 3rd Anniversary!!! Summers are always sooo busy, but well worth it!

Hope you all are having a wonderful summer so far!!!

Addyson Grace Edwards

2009-09-21T12:35:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of my best friend Erica's baby girl! Isn't she just adorable!!! I can't wait to spoil her rotten!

Auburn Pictures

2009-09-11T13:00:00.000-07:00

Michael and I had a GREAT time at the Auburn game! It was sooo hot when we first got there, but thank goodness it cooled down quick. We had amazing seats. 20 yard line, 6th row!!! I have never been that close to it all before. It was interesting! Definitely didn't need binoculars this game. We were mixed in with a few LA Tech fans that sat in front of us, but luckily everyone beside and behind were AU fans! I think otherwise Michael would have strangled me, after all I did buy the tickets (like I really know where Section 32 is!!!) But, it all worked out and we had the best time! Here are some (well, okay, A LOT) of pictures...

A Child's View

2009-09-09T18:50:00.000-07:00

Tonight as Jake and I were all ready to cuddle up and watch Wipeout, we discover that it has been delayed due to the Presidential speech. So my Son turns to me and delivers his own speech! He says "Mom, I dont EVER want to be President!" As I curiously ask Why!?!?!, he replies with, "He has to give all these speeches and miss all of his favorite TV Shows!"

Plus, if Jake were President, the flag would be made out of Legos and all formal dinners with World Leaders would consist of Chicken Fingers, French Fries, Pizza & Ice Cream Sandwiches for dessert! ;)

War Eagle!!!

2009-09-03T06:48:00.000-07:00

It's that time! Auburns first football game is this weekend!!! And Michael and I will be there with bells on! While I am not the "biggest football fan" out there, I still love the season. Michael lives and dies Auburn football. I swear if you cut him open, he would bleed orange and blue! I bought him tickets to the first game for our anniversary! I got some really good seats too!! I do think I got "The Best Wife In The World" award for that one! :) We are going to have a great weekend. That is, if Auburn wins!!! If not, then it will be a loooonnnnggg ride home! Hahaha...

Friday night we will be hanging out with great friends and playing cards and grilling out. Saturday we are leaving to go to the game and I absolutely can't wait!!! I love road trips and he and I have not been to a game by ourselves yet. We always have the kids with us. And while I will miss them, it will be nice to be able to get there early and walk around for a while. Sunday we will be in church. We started last week, and we LOVE it! This is a great church for us and the kids. It was a perfect fit! And thank goodness we are both off work on Monday! Not real sure what we are going to do...but I guarantee it will be better than being at work! :)

I hope you all have a great weekend!!! I know we will! :)

Long time, no post!

2009-08-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys! Sorry I went on a break. We have been sooo busy at the Shuta household! Birthday Parties (4 total), starting school, starting soccer, and every day normal life thrown in there....hectic to say the least. I think we have finally gotten back into our "routine" though!

Jake and Mary (pictures from her party coming up) both had great birthday parties!! And I turned the big 3-0!!! Oh no! I hear 30 is the new 20 though, so maybe it will be great. Soccer has begun and I couldn't be more excited about it. This is my favorite time of the year. Fall is on the way, football season is about to start, and I love the weather and the trees. There is nothing I love better than being on a soccer field every Saturday morning and then planning for football parties later in the day! :) Fun Stuff!!!

This weekend is a busy one too. We all need a break! :) We are all going to the local High School's first football game this Friday night. Saturday we are going to the mall and to run a few errands. The new Lego Store has opened at the Galleria and Jake is about to die. He has already been with Nana (I think they were the first in the door), but this weekend is the "Grand Opening" and they are having a guy out in the food court building a 6 ft tall R2-D2 that the kids to get help with! Jake is going to need Ritalin that morning. His two favorite things....Legos and Star Wars! Should be a great day. The kids both have tons of birthday money to spend as well.

Sunday is the best day though! We are starting to a new church on Sunday! Let me tell you how excited I am about this. The kids are super excited and so are we. We have visited this church several times and after "shopping around" we have decided this is the best fit for our family. There are tons and tons of kids there age that go to this church and they are always having special functions for the kids. All of our friends are members of this church. This is going to be a great thing for the kids and for Michael and I. I cant wait!!!! Sunday afternoon we have a Birthday party to go to on the lake. It will be nice to finally be at a party that I am not stressing over and I can just sit back and relax! :)

And I don't know if I have mentioned this before but, Gatlinburg is my absolute favorite vacation spot EVER! I just love it!!! We have never been able to go with the kids b/c going to Gatlinburg during the summer is just foolish (no snow, no Fall leaves, etc.) but we have figured out a time this Fall/Winter that we are able to go with the kids for 4 days!!! We have already booked our cabin and planned the trip. Jake is so excited. I showed him the cabin with the pool table, hot tub, etc. and he can't wait. He has been before, but he was so little I doubt he remembers any of it. The only bad part is that it is soooo far away. Gives me something to look forward to, but I am not very patient! :)

I hope I got you all up to date on our busy lives. I am sure there is MUCH more that I am not recalling at the moment. I will try to get better at posting, but this is the first time I have been able to breathe in about a month!

H0pe you all have a great day!

Happy Birthday Jake!!!

2009-07-31T06:37:00.001-07:00

My baby is growing up too fast! Jake turned 9 today. I can't believe that he is getting so big!!! A few more years and he is not going to want to hear "the story" anymore! Every year on his Birthday I tell him the story about how I went to the hospital early in the morning and who all was there waiting and how the doctor came in and brought Jake out of my tummy. His favorite part (and mine as well) is when I tell him about how the doctor laid him on my chest and with every ounce of energy he had, he tilted his little head up and looked at me. That was the sweetest moment I have ever had. He had to see just who had been talking to him for the past 9 months! I have been head over heels in love with that boy ever since! I always tell him that story (with a little more detail) every year on his birthday at exactly 2:02 p.m. because that is when he was born. That was the best day of my life. Those are the memories that are worth a million dollars and I would not trade them for anything!

Happy Birthday Jacob Owen Gurley!!! We love you more than anything!!!

Jake's Birthday Party

2009-07-27T08:05:00.000-07:00

A Hectic Blast

2009-07-24T07:06:00.000-07:00

The next few weeks are sure to be very very hectic. But, along with the busy hustle and bustle it is sure to be such a blast as well. Let me break down the next 5 weekends for you.

This weekend we are having Jake's 9th Birthday Party. We are having 8 kids, other than our own, over for a swim party on Saturday. Then after that they are all spending the night!!! I am going to have kids everywhere. But Jake is super excited and has been counting the days down. He said yesterday "This is going to be the best Birthday Party EVER!". Which makes it all worth it!!! That is what is happening Saturday and part of the day on Sunday. Plus, tomorrow is my Mom's Birthday as well. So somewhere in all the madness we have to find a good time to celebrate that as well.

Next Friday is Jake's real Birthday. There will be gifts and celebrating that day as well. Then Saturday, Michael, Jake & I are packing up to go camping with my parents at Lake Guntersville. We haven't been in about 2 months so that will be a lot of fun. Michael and I are coming back late Sunday and Jake will stay with Nana & Papa until Monday.

The next weekend (the 7th - 9th) is another busy one. Saturday we are having an "adult swim party". Some friends of ours are coming over that day to swim during the day, grill out for dinner and play cards that night. That is always a lot of fun. That Sunday is Mary Katherine's Birthday. We will get her for a few hours that day since she will be at her Moms that weekend. Probably take her out to eat and give her some gifts. Her party will be the next weekend.

The next weekend (14th - 16th) is going to be relaxing and....wait....what am I talking about??? No it isn't! The 15th is my 30th Birthday!!! Woohoo!!! It really isn't bothering me like I thought it would. Just another day! So my Parents always take us out to eat for our Birthday's so I am sure we will do that Saturday night. Then that Sunday is going to be Mary Katherine's Birthday Party! We will repeat everything that we did on Jake's Birthday (minus the spending the night part). Pool Party, Pinata, etc. Fun times will be had by all.

And finally...the last weekend that have plans for is the 21st - 23rd. Michael and I are taking a trip by ourselves to the beach! We did this last year as well for our anniversary and are going to keep the tradition going. We had our second anniversary on the 20th of July, but as you can see, with all we have going on..this will be the first chance we have to actually do anything. We went to Fort Walton Beach last year, but I think we may try Gulf Shores this year. Change it up a bit. Although I love taking vacations with the kids, this will be a nice weekend to relax and recoup from the crazy hectic month we had!!

Oh and did I mention that in the middle of all of this madness Jake starts soccer and school!! I signed him last night for soccer. It should start the middle of August and school starts then as well. He will be going to a new school this year (moving up to the "big boys school") so that will be interesting to see how he likes that.

So much to do...But it is ALL worth it!!! :)

I Didnt Think It Would Happen So Soon

2009-07-23T10:51:00.000-07:00

So yesterday afternoon we were going to eat with my parents for dinner. For those of you who do not know, we live right next door to my parents. So after work instead of going home I just drive to my Mom's house. We all eat dinner (lasagna...it was great!), Jake & I go downstairs and film another Star Wars Lego's movie (too cute!), and then we sit around for a while and talk and watch Jake's masterpiece. Around 7, we decide to go home. So we all walk home and get settled into our nightly routine. Only to have my Mom call me about 30 minutes later to let me know that I had forgotten MY CAR!!! Completely forgetting that I had drove over to Mom's, I just left with Michael and Jake and walked home. I could not stop laughing. Imagine my surprise had she not noticed and I had gone downstairs to leave for work this morning. I would have called the cops and filed a report with it sitting 100 yards away from me! Whew!!! I knew turning 30 next month was going to have it's hurdles, but I didnt think they would start this soon! :)

Boy, That Will Wake You Up

2009-07-22T10:36:00.000-07:00

Fire alarms going off in your house at 2 a.m. will definitely get your sleeping butt out of bed with a quickness. I have never seen myself, nor my husband jump up and immediately run around the house like we did last night. We didn't even say anything. We were in detection mode. It is sort of the same reaction you have when your child is sleeping with you and all of a sudden you hear that "bluh...bluh....BLAH" sound of vomiting. There is no rolling over and stretching and rubbing your eyes and letting them get focused. You are UP and you are as alert as you have ever been. Jake was asleep in his room and the child didn't even budge. Of course that is the first place that I run (and when I say run...think Olympic training). Snoozing away! There are two feelings that you have when you see your child enjoying his zzz's while the fire alarm is going off. 1. Thank Goodness that he didn't wake up. If he had woken up, he would not have gone back to sleep and there is only so much UNO Spin & Battleship that a Mommy can take a 3 a.m. Plus he would have been scared every night for the next two months about the house burning down. 2. OH MY GOSH!!! He didn't even budge! What if this had been a real fire and he didn't even hear it??? He has a fire alarm in his room...right above his head and he didn't hear it. At that moment I hopped a bus and took a short trip right to Panic City (lovely place this time of year!)!!! So, after we repeated this process for the 2nd time, (Yes, it happened TWICE in about 20 minutes!!!) Michael and I got back in bed and flipped and flopped for about 20 minutes. I then realized that I would sleep MUCH better if I went and got in bed with Jake. That way if it did go off again and it was the real deal I would be there to wake him up and get him out. So heart still racing and mind still running with all the "what if's", I curled up next to Jake and went sound to sleep...finally. I always considered myself to be a comfort to him when I was sleeping with him after he had a nightmare or woke up and got scared...but the tables had turned and he was then a comfort for me!

It's Getting Close

2009-07-19T18:28:00.000-07:00

About 6 more weeks to go!! Erica is having her baby the first of September. Mommy & Addyson Grace are both doing great. She had her baby shower today. So many cute, tiny little gifts!!! She is going to need a bigger closet I do believe! I am very much looking forward to being an aunt again. Spoiling is my specialty!!!

Back to Reality

2009-07-13T11:15:00.000-07:00

We are back from the beach. Those seven days flew by! Why dont they go by that fast while we are at work? We had the best time. I think this was by far the best vacation that we have taken. We played putt putt too many times to count, rode go karts, went bowling and to the arcades, ate...and ate...and ate some more, swam, played at the beach, went crabbing at night...and relaxed! Such a blast! Nana and PaPa were able to come and stay with us the last two nights as well. I was so glad they could come. Everyone had an amazing time! We were all glad to see the house though on Saturday. The kids missed the pets (we also added 2 new pets to the clan while we were gone...turtles! Both the kids got their own turtles at the beach!) and I missed my bed! Home Sweet Home!

Here are some pictures of the fun...

What a Trip!

2009-07-06T20:02:00.000-07:00

What a fun trip this has been so far. Just now stopped going non stop to sit down and relax for a few minutes. Today was the third day that we have been here. It rained for about an hour today, but other than that, the weather has been just perfect. We have been to one of many Putt Putt courses, we rode Go-Karts (well, they did....I am scared of them, but that is a whole other story), went bowling, went to a video arcarde and ate out at some really good restaurants. It has been very busy and very fun. 4 more days to go. We rode around a little while tonight and pretty much planned out the day for tomorrow. It involves turtles, balls, cannons, salt shakers, and spiders! Should be interesting! ;)

Oh - and we also found out tonight that Nana & Papa are able to come and spend a few nights with us. They will be arriving (if everything goes smoothly at work for Papa) Thursday and staying with us until we leave on Saturday. Yay!!!

Have a great week!

Buh Bye!!!

2009-07-03T17:45:00.000-07:00

The family and I will be leaving bright and early in the morning (5:30 a.m. - - - to miss rush hour traffic) for Panama City Beach. I will think of you all while I am laying on the beach, lounging by the pool, playing at the water park, watching fireworks, and drinking fruity drinks (non alcoholic of course...we will have the kiddos!)!!!

I hope that you all have a great week! I know we will!!!

The Countdown Has Begun...

2009-06-29T16:42:00.001-07:00

Well, actually it started about 4 months ago when I made the reservations!!! We leave for the beach Saturday morning. I cant wait!!! The kids are super excited and I can't decide who is more anxious...the kids or Michael and I. We are in desperate need of some relaxation. No work, no stress, no worries + my 3 favorite people in the world having a blast = F-U-N!!!! We are leaving on 4th of July which means fireworks at the pier. We have never been to the beach on 4th of July, so I am sure it is going to be insanely crowded. There will be unlimited amounts of Putt Putt, Go Karts & Video Arcades (we may need to stop and by some lotto tickets on the way home to pay for all of this!!!). My Mom & Dad may be able to come down and join us for a few nights as well, which will be very nice. We haven't had a big family vacation in quite a while.

Needless to say this week is going to go by super slow. It always happens that way. But, completely worth it!

Father's Day

2009-06-25T11:42:00.001-07:00

Father's Day was a good one. We just laid around all weekend and swam. Just lazy summer days! We also went to my parents house on Sunday and my brother and his girls came over for a while. Here are a few pictures.

Weekend Preview

2009-06-19T07:35:00.000-07:00

Pinch me....Yep, It is Friday! I did not think that this week would ever end. This week has been full of stress at work, drama from silly girls, and a few other things I would rather not think about. But, it is almost over. I just have to grit my teeth and get through the next 6.5 hours of work and I am Free!

City Stages is this weekend, so Michael and I may go and check that out tonight. For those of you not from AL, City Stages is a music festival in downtown Birmingham that we have every year this time. They block off many streets and set up stages. Music, Food, and Heat Strokes are all around. Michael and I have not been in years, and this year may be no different. But, we may surprise ourselves and go to hang out for a while.

Saturday is going to be a do nothing, relaxing day at the pool. Saturday night we will get Mary Katherine for her to spend to QT with her Daddy on Father's Day. Sunday we will go to my Mom & Dad's for lunch. I think he is grilling ribs....Mmmmm. It should be a lot of fun. I always love getting to see my twin nieces. They are so adorable, and they love Mary Katherine.

Jake will not be with us. He will be at the beach with his Father. I am sure that he is going to have a wonderful time playing at the pool and in the ocean. This is his first of three beach trips that he will be going on this summer! Spoiled much? Hahaha! I pray that they all have a safe trip!

Tuesday is the day that I am looking most forward to of the next week. That is the day that they start on our deck! Thank Goodness. I am so tired of the pool looking out of place. This will give us room to have our grill on it, patio furniture, and most importantly...room to lay out! It is very difficult to lay out on a float in the pool with Michael and Jake playing football or whatever other game Michael has made up that day. It will complete the package!

I hope that you all have a great weekend and that all the Dad's out there have an amazing Father's Day!

Any Man Can Be A Father, But It Takes Someone Special To Become a Dad!

Smile...

2009-06-18T14:26:00.000-07:00

It makes people wonder what you are up to!

Quote of the Day

2009-06-17T10:08:00.001-07:00

"A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path."- Agatha Christie

Can You Handle It?

2009-06-16T18:39:00.001-07:00

God never gives you more than you can handle...but, I think He may have me confused with someone else!

Just the Two of Us

2009-06-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

I was able to leave work early today to go home and spend some QT with Jacob Owen. After we ate lunch (pizza...of course!), we went to the pool. That water was COLD. We played for about an hour (that was all I could take) and then we came inside to play a card game that Jake loves and a computer game that Michael has taught him. After that we went back out and had some side walk chalk fun. It has been a great Monday! :) I have to admit, sometimes people try and get you down and sometimes situations occur that make you want to pull your hair out or cry, but all in all I do have a great life and an amazing family and friends. It just doesn't get any better than this! It really is a wonderful life! :)

Sunday Fun

2009-06-15T08:34:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun yesterday. Jake's friend Levi had his 10th birthday party at his lake house. There were about 10-12 kids there, all Jake & Mary's age. It was a blast. Diving boards, slides, paddle boats, and inner tubes. The kids had the best time. We weren't sure if we were going to be able to get in the water or not b/c of the weather. But, thank goodness, it all cleared up to be a gorgeous day just in time for the party.

So Far So Perfect!

2009-06-13T19:33:00.000-07:00

So far this weekend has been great. Friday after work we went out to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants. Mary Katherine had spent the day with her Mom for her Mom's birthday so after dinner we met up with Anna and got Mary back. She had an eventful day. Not only did she get to go to a carnival, but she also lost one of her front teeth!!! Her speech is a little slurred, but it looks cute. After dinner we went to one of our favorite stores...Books A Million. I picked up two Dean Koontz novels. LOVE his books. They keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time and you don't want to put it down. Jake and Mary got a few books and magazine for themselves and of course Michael got some sort of football magazine. He is a little obsessed, but it's cute!

Saturday morning we got up and moving around 10 a.m. Sleeping in = great start to the day. We had to go to the pool store and pick up some chemicals for the pool. There is so much that goes into keeping up a pool. I just cant wait for the deck to be built around it. We signed a contract last week with one of the best deck contractors in North Alabama, so hopefully, it will be worth the wait. Then we went and picked up some goodies for our beach trip. I am so excited about this trip. A whole week at the beach! It is going to be so much fun. We have so many fun things planned for the kiddos. And by the time we got home, the rain had stopped and the sun was out, so we headed straight for....the pool!

That has been about it so far this weekend. But, so far...so perfect! :)

Pedi's & Shopping...Life Is Good

2009-06-12T06:54:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Mary and I went out for a little girl time. We stopped by and got ourselves Pedicures to start the day off. This was her first time to go and have them done somewhere professionally. And of course, I ALWAYS enjoy a pedicure. Then we went shopping for a while. Not sure that she is quite to the age of really appreciating a good shopping spree, but it will grow on her. We bought new lamps for the den from Hobby Lobby, then we went to this cute little boutique in our town. It is the girliest, froo froo shop I know of. We love looking and getting little surprises from there. Then of course, we went home and went swimming. No matter we do this summer, I am sure the day will always end or begin with swimming. Thanks to my two little fish! :)

It's A Party

2009-06-11T19:19:00.000-07:00

Jake finally had his soccer party this past Tuesday. His season ended the first of May, but we were just now able to have the party. They had a swim party at the coach's house. The kids had such a great time. It was a great idea for a party. Pizza, cupcakes, & swimming! What more could they ask for!

Newest Part of the Family

2009-06-11T19:08:00.001-07:00

We got a new member of the family this past weekend. A American Bobtail kitten. The cutest little thing ever. It is so much fun to sit and watch the little guy chase everything (including my fingers as I am typing!), run around with it's cute little bounce and play with anything and everything he can get his paws on. Here are a few pictures of the cutie!

Prayers Needed

2009-06-09T10:20:00.000-07:00

My best friend of many years and her family are going through a very difficult time right now. Her aunt gave birth to her 3rd child yesterday afternoon, and unfortunately they found out just hours later that the baby has Downs Syndrome. Gina is 43 years old and did not have the test done during the pregnancy. She was told there would be a 1 in 10 chance of this occurring. I am completely at a loss of words. Gina, Pete & the entire family are going through something that I cannot begin to fathom. I feel so lucky to have 2 healthy children. It really makes you stop and realize what is important in life.

Please keep this family in your prayers!

Thank Heavens....

2009-06-05T12:43:00.000-07:00

For relaxing, nothing to do, sunny weekends by the pool!

Spend The Night Party

2009-06-03T12:39:00.000-07:00

Last night Nana hosted a spend the night party with all the grand kids. Jake, Mary, Abby & Emma (Abby & Emma are my 3 year old twin nieces) all spent the night with Nana and Papa and let me tell you, fun was had by all. They started off having a great dinner with my Mom's famous brownies for desert. Then we all went down to the camper to "camp out" for a little while. Michael, Nana, and I all played Hide & Seek with them until we ran out of hiding places. The girls would hide and then when we said "Here We Come" they would burst out of their hiding places and say "Here We Are!"! Maybe a few more years on that game! :)

Then we popped in a movie into the camper and all cuddled up to relax for a while. After the movie, I went home and left Nana with the little rascals. They made a pallet in the floor of the den and watched T.V. until they all fell asleep. They all had such a great time. The girls don't get to come over very much, so last night was a great treat for all of us. The girls had the best time with their cousins.

Jake, Abby, Emma, Nana, & Mary

Summer Fun

2009-05-31T18:38:00.000-07:00

We finally got the pool completely full and chemicals in today. So, we broke the pool in. Michael and I both got burnt to a crisp. My legs are already burning and I can only imagine how my chest and legs are going to feel tomorrow! Ouch!

The kids got home at 6 and immediately jumped right in. They had so much fun. I think we definitely made the right decision. The deck will be built around it in about 2 weeks. I cant wait for that! Right now it looks a little out of place...but not for long. Here are some pictures of the kids (and Michael) having some fun!

Perfect Puzzle

2009-05-31T05:07:00.000-07:00

Lately it seems that everything has been going our way and falling into place for us like a perfect puzzle. We all have so much to be thankful for. And we are, very thankful. I know they always say that early 20's are the "best times of your life", but I honestly think this stage in my life has been the best. Everything just seems so perfect. I am definitely living the dream! We have 2 amazing children that are the lights of our life, a new gorgeous home that fits us to a tee, great jobs that we both love, an amazing family that is always there no matter what, great friends who we would do anything for and we have been blessed to have been afforded the opportunity to have many "perks" in life. Oh, and don't left me forget that we have each other. Trust me when I say that I went through many slimy toads before I found my Prince! But, I found him just in time to start this wonderful life with me. I thank God every day for what he has given to my family and me. I couldn't be happier and I couldn't ask for anything more! It is a perfect puzzle!

3 More Days!!!

2009-05-29T07:39:00.000-07:00

Sunday is a big day for more than one reason. Jake has been gone to his Dad's house since Monday and I am about to go insane. I can't stand when he is not at home with me. I don't know what to do with myself. But, he comes home on Sunday and I can't express how excited I am! Also, Sunday is the day when we get little Miss Mary Katherine for 2 weeks. We will have the whole family together for 14 days! Hallelujah! AND, Sunday will be the first time the kids will be able to go swimming in their new pool! I met the pool guys this morning before work and showed them where to put the pool, where the deck was going to go around the pool, where the field lines for the septic tank were, and when I left there was a big hole in the backyard...but hopefully by the time I get home, I will see a nice big pool where the big hole once was!

Michael and I have 2 days to break in the pool before the kids come home! Good thing we don't have any close neighbors! ;)

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-26T13:06:00.000-07:00

It rained, and then it stopped for like 5 minutes and then it rained and then after it got done raining, it rained again. That is about the sum of our weekend. We did, however, try to make the best out of it. Michael and I went on a mission Saturday morning while the kids stayed with Nana for about an hour or two. It was a secret mission the kids couldn't know about. But, after we completed the mission I just couldn't resist in telling them. I am not good keeping secrets...especially fun ones. We bought a pool. It is a 24' above ground pool for the kiddos. We have been wanting to get one and we talked about it and talked about it and finally we just decided to do it. We had the money and the kids would enjoy it for years and years, so it was worth it. Now all we have to do is pray for it to stop raining so that it can be installed and we can get a deck built around it. That is the part I am looking forward to. A deck to lay out on! It's a win win situation for every one involved!

Saturday night since the kids had been so good we decided to have a spend the night party. Levi (age 9), Luke (age 8) and Graci (age 6) came to spend the night with us. Our kids love them and they always have such a great time. Did I mention it rained alot??? Well that didn't stop them. Since it was warm out, I wasn't worried about them getting sick playing in the rain for a while. They had a blast. I went to bed at 11:30 and Michael came to bed after they had all finally passed out at about 2 a.m.

Sunday we just hung around the house and washed our cars in between the down pours of rain. Monday for Memorial Day we went to CiCi's Pizza (Jake's choice) and bowling. It was a lot of fun. Jake beat Michael second game and won $10 off of him! I was impressed! That evening we played woofle ball in the front yard(spelling???) and grilled out for dinner at home.

Even though it rained ALL weekend, we still managed to have a great time together. I just hope the rain stops so we can enjoy the pool and the summer!

Why Did I Have a Spoon This Whole Time!?!?!?!

2009-05-19T07:22:00.000-07:00

So....Bored!!! Why am I even here? Oh yeah, a paycheck. But, what am I doing? Nothing! I went into super woman mode last week before I left for my surgery. I wanted to make sure that everything was done before I left so I would not have to worry about it when I came back. Well, I may have went to the extreme. Now I am actually bored. I never thought that would happen here. I have always had that "cant get my head above water" feeling around here. But now, I am floating in a baby pool. I dont even need the rubber ducky float any more. I am keeping it though...it's a cute little shit.

Hmmm...what to do, what to do!?!?!?! I am not even going to tell my boss I am caught up. No telling what sort of shit he would find for me to do. He is the King of finding useless mind numbing crap for you to do. So, as far as he knows I am still sinking in the pool. Just me and my ducky! He works in Atlanta too, so unless he starts reading this blog, I am safe! :)

He came to the Birmingham office about a month ago. He is also known for his mini motivational speeches to try and get our asses into gear. The MMS he gave last time was "Sharpen Your Axe". A boy is in the woods trying to chop down a tree with a dull axe and instead of taking 10 minutes to sharpen his axe he continues to chop at the tree. What would have taken him 30 minutes with a sharp axe ended up taking him 3 hours with a dull axe. Moral of the story = Who The Hell Knows! All I know is that apparently the whole time I was supposed to be working with a sharp axe...instead for some reason, I had a dull spoon. Well, not anymore. My axe is sharp, I am 100% on top of everything! I couldnt feel better about the situation. Except for the fact that now I am completely bored outta my mind.

I am bringing the laptop from home tomorrow and watching Netflix all day! Unless I need to sharpen some other sort of object!

I Think I Broke His Hand

2009-05-14T13:17:00.001-07:00

Well today was the big day! And I am so glad that it is over!

This morning, bright and early at 5:15, Michael and I were at the hospital for a one day surgery for myself. I have had a lump in my right breast for a few years. I had seen my doctor about it and he assured me it was just a benign lump that is very common in most women. Well in the past few months it has just taken off and grown and grown and has become pretty painful. So my doctor recommended that it be removed. And today was the day. I was scared to death. I have only had surgery one other time and that was cosmetic. Michael was so great. He calmed me down and tried to make me laugh. The worst part about my first surgery and childbirth was the I.V. I dont know if I have expressed to all of you how bad I hate needles. Well, once again, that was the worst part about to day as well. Michael was by my side when she put the I.V. in me and I really thought they were going to have to reserve the room beside me for him with a broken hand. But, he was a trooper. He never winced or complained. I dont think I could have made it through all of it without him by my side.

When I got home my Mom came over and kept me company while Michael went to get my pain med's. She fixed me soup and gave me some med's and we talked for a while and watched some T.V. until I dozed off for a few minutes. My Mom went to pick up Jake from school and he came up the the stairs with a vase of roses he had picked from my Mom's rose bushes. They are so pretty.

So, if I had to have surgery, it couldnt have gone any better. Plus I realized that my husband is amazing and a great home nurse, my Mom is the best and will always be there for me, and Jake is the sweetest, thoughtful, most caring son I could have ever asked for.

I am so glad that this day is over. I am looking forward to the weekend for extra down time. Minus the time we will be at a soccer tournament on Saturday! :)

Mother's Day Weekend

2009-05-10T15:21:00.000-07:00

This was such a great weekend. Michael and the kids made it the perfect Mother's Day. Friday night we just hung out and the kids rode the go kart and then we all bundled up on the couch and in the chairs and watched T.V. and fell asleep. Saturday we got up and after we played for a while and ate lunch we went to play Putt Putt. After Putt Putt we went next door to Air it Out for the kids to jump around and play for a while.

We then headed home for everyone to get cleaned up and ready for my Mother's Day dinner. The kids gave me their gifts they had for me. Hobby Lobby gift cards! I couldnt think of anything I would have rather had. Now I can go shopping!!! I decided last week to go to Outback. Michael and I always enjoy it and it is one of the kid's favorites. Dinner was great! We had to take Mary Katherine to meet her Mom after dinner. Since it was Mother's Day weekend we had to let her go back early so that she could be with her Mom on Sunday. But we had a few minutes to waste before we met Anna, so we went over to Books A Million to waste some time. The kids each got a book and a magazine and I got a new Dean Koontz novel. I love his novels. They are the best at keeping you on the edge of your seat.

On Sunday we went to my Mom's that afternoon and my Dad grilled out steaks for us. His steaks are the best. Michael and Jake even let me catch a nap that afternoon too. How nice that was!!! After we ate at Mom and Dad's house, Jake and Michael went to the pond to fish and I relaxed for a while. It was such a great Mother's Day. I have the two most well behaved, smart, pretty/good looking kids around. Well, in my opinion they are!!!

They Say The Sweetest Things...

2009-05-07T10:40:00.001-07:00

Last night Jake was in the bathtub and I was getting his towel ready and picking up his dirty clothes off of the bathroom floor (typical boy...and Momma) and he was being the spoiled little boy he is and he talked me into washing his hair for him (which didn't take much...I'm a softy for a cute 8 year old!). I really think he just likes my nails scratching his scalp. So, there I am knelt by the tub, suds up to my elbows and he says "Your the best Momma in the world!" I actually felt my heart melt. I said "Thank You Baby!" and then he says "For 1. You love me more than anything else in the world and 2. You wash my hair for me!" I think I will be washing his hair now till he is 18! :-)

2 Year Anniversary....well, one of them!

2009-05-06T06:46:00.000-07:00

Today is the 2 year anniversary of when Michael proposed to me! I am such a woman. I keep track of all these different dates in my head. Michael can never keep up, and I don't mind. I am a little OCD with all of it really.
It was sweet the way that he did it. We always played pool downstairs at my house. So one Saturday we had went to watch Jake play baseball that morning and then we had to go by my house to pick up something I had forgotten. On the way to my house Michael challenged me to a game of pool. Well of course I am not going to turn that down. So he told me to go ahead and go and get what I needed and he would set up the table for us. We start to play pool and I guess we got about half way through the game when I scratched and for the some reason the cue ball didn't come back out. He told me to check all the pockets and make sure something wasn't stuck. So, I did. And to my surprise I found a ring box. By the time I got it out and turned around he was already on one knee. It was the sweetest and most thoughtful way I could imagine him doing it. What a shock!!! And of course like any woman after we hugged and kissed and I wasn't in so much shock that I could speak again, I called my Mom. We actually tracked her down at a gas station to show her. I think everyone thought I was a lunatic. It was a day that I will never forget!

Who's Counting?

2009-05-04T16:40:00.000-07:00

We are!!!

Jake has about 3 weeks of school left and I couldnt be happier. The poor baby has had such a hard time this year. He has had the teacher from HELL. This lady calls the kids names, yells at them all the time and makes their lives a living hell. I know that is what she has done for us this year. I have cuddled and wiped more tears this year because of this lady. I have spoken to her about it and of course "Jake is over reacting" is what she says. And when I confronted her about the name calling, it was her word against 8 year olds. I have went to speak to the principal twice and still....NOTHING. She treats them like they are Seniors in HS. Jake is scared to death every day before he leaves for school. If I dont sign something that is in his folder for some reason, he has to sit out of P.E. It is just insane. And the homework, it is torture. We sit down and do homework for an hour to an hour and a half each night. That is just way too much for a 2nd grader. It cant be over with soon enough!!!

As for this summer, we have so many fun things planned. We are buying season passes for the water park near our house. We love this place. We went for the first time last year and it is a blast. We have a few trips planned for Atlanta. Michaels Aunt and Uncle live there and we will visit them as well as go to a Braves game and Six Flags. And of course the beach trip. A week in water and sand with no worries, no cares and non stop fun! I CANT WAIT!!!!

It Sounded Like a Freight Train...

2009-04-28T14:18:00.000-07:00

Do I have curlers in my hair today? Did I move into a mobile home park? Do I have on my hat that says "Who Farted?"??? The answer is No to all of the above, but why does my office look like the aftermath of a furious tornado???? We have added so many new things in the office in the past few weeks and I am struggling to learn all of this new technology. I was fine with walking to the fax machine, filing my own documents, and scratching my own hiney. But, my boss went all 21st century on us this month and now we never have to leave our desk. Which is nice, but some days walking back and forth to the copier and fax was my only physical activity. Unless you count the workout that my middle finger gets on occasion! :) So, now I am stressing out over what goes where, how does that get there, and who put that in what. Needless to say I am deeply regretting ever making fun of my elders when they couldnt figure out how to work a cell phone, video camera, or DVD player. Sorry!
So for the next few weeks I am going to be pulling my hair out and screaming profanity (on the inside). I just hope I get all of it together and figure everything out before PMS hits this month. If not, then my boss will have wished he had invested the money he spent on all of this new technology on a bomb shelter!

BEACH BOUND...

2009-04-24T11:56:00.000-07:00

I have never been one to wish my life away. But you dont know how bad we need a vacation! All of us! So, right now I am wishing that it were July! We made reservations today to go to Panama City Beach for a week. We always go to PC b/c the kids love it. The beaches are great and there are a LOT of activities for the kids. Put Put, Go Karts, Arcades, Water Parks, etc. All around it is always a blast. I am so excited. I had been racking my brain for about 2 weeks as far as when and where. And I found it. The condo of all condos. At least, I think so. I showed the kids the website and they were in love! It is Shores of Panama. It is a brand new high rise condo on the corner of Thomas Drive and Front Beach Road. So, needless to say, we will probably never even have to drive anywhere once we get there. Everything is within walking distance. Including our Favorite restaurant...Pineapple Willy's!! So nice!!! Here are a few pictures of the condo we are staying at...

They have a lot of activities for the kids as well. Including nightly movies on a big screen floating in the pool, kids karaoke at the pool, bands playing by the pool nightly, belly dancing at the pool, etc. Michael, the kids, and I are all so ready to be there! I can feel the sand in my crack right now!!!

Crazy Soccer Mom

2009-04-21T11:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Crazy Soccer Mom,

Let me start by saying that I get just as excited at my son's soccer games as I know you do as well. However, I would NEVER, EVER make derogatory comments towards the other team. Especially if I was at their house and sitting VERY close to a MOTHER of the other team. Not a good idea CSM. I am not a confrontational person, but the claws will come out when you continue to down grade my son and his team, Over & Over & Over. There is only so much I can handle. Yes, your son's team played very well. And yes, we were getting stomped. But how old are you? Don't laugh at our attempts and if you cant control the immaturity from spilling out of your plastic lips, at least try to control the volume to which it spills and for the love of soccer....SIT SOMEWHERE ELSE! You are crazy. You need help. I can only assume that you were never a part of a team when you were younger, or you would have learned the value of sportsmanship. Maybe your son can teach you something! I am sure he was just as embarrassed as we all were for you!

***This comes from one of Jake's soccer games a few weeks ago. We were getting stomped and the Mom sitting next to me from the other team could not seem to contain herself or her nasty comments. When we FINALLY scored ONE goal, her comment was "Well, at least they know how to score at least ONE goal". Which was then followed by laughter. Needless to say, I couldn't let it slide. I thought we were going to make a scene. And at that point I did not care. I made sure she knew how rude and immature her comments were. I haven't been that mad in a while. They are EIGHT YEARS OLD and it's a GAME!

First Camping Trip

2009-04-18T06:32:00.000-07:00

Our first camping trip was this past week. Jake was out for his Spring Break, so Michael and I took off a few days and went with my parents Monday & Tuesday for our first camping trip in the new camper. We had so much fun!!! Jake brought his electric scooter and his bike and my parents brought two of their bikes. We roasted marshmallows, rode bikes, went for walks and explored the park. Jake had so much fun and we are all anxiously awaiting our next trip!!!

Weekend Review

2009-04-15T19:03:00.000-07:00

Whew! This weekend was a non stop good time.

Saturday we went to Jake's soccer game. And we lost. This one wasn't even close. It was O.K. though. The rest of the day made up for it. We went to Nana's and had an Easter egg hunt. We then had an egg race (put an egg on a spoon and see who makes it through the finish line with the egg).

Then it was off to another egg hunt. I have never seen so many kids stampeding at one time. To see what I am talking about...just check out the pictures of this HUGE egg hunt!

Sunday was a Great Day! We got up and the kids got to see what the Easter Bunny left for them!

After the kids enjoyed their Easter baskets and gifts at home, we went to Nana's and did it all over again!

After that we all got dressed and went to Church. Then we went to my Granddads house and ate....and ate....and ate....

Easter Bunny, Easter Bunny, Hop, Hop, Hop...

2009-04-10T06:56:00.000-07:00

Can I just say that my kids are more than excited about the fun to be had this weekend! It is such a busy one too!
Tonight we start off with dinner at my Mom & Dad's house. Then we are off to finish Season 3 of Prison Break. I know it sounds crazy, but Michael, the kids, and myself are somewhat obsessed with this show. We started watching it at season 4, so we had to buy 1,2,and 3 to see what happened prior. Season 5 comes on in a week, so we want to finish up before the final 5 episodes air. Between Prison Break, Survivor, The Biggest Loser, and American Idol, our kids should know how to escape from the confines of summer camp, disguise themselves by losing all of there baby fat in just weeks with Bob & Jillian, survive on a desert island with a stick, a pot, and a hidden immunity idol....American Idol that is! :-)
Saturday is a very busy day. We start off with another soccer game mid-morning. I am praying that Jake's little team pulls out a victory this time. We were soooo close at the last game. Then again, if we had a coach that actually cared we might do a little bit better. But, that is a whole other post! After the slaughter...I mean game, we are going to Nana's (my Mom) to have an Easter Egg hunt and play some other games with uncooked eggs. Yes, I said uncooked. Because what is the fun of trying to carry a egg on a spoon across a obstacle course only to have it fall and...well, just fall! Then after we go home and scrape egg yolk off of both of my scrambled little eggs, we are off to another egg hunt. This is a fairly big egg hunt. And I am sure the kids will have a blast. But, what is the age limit for helping your child find the eggs? Should that stop at like 3...maybe 4? Does hot/cold count as helping?
And of course Sunday! The kids will get up after Michael and I, I mean the Easter Bunny and her trusty side kick...uhmmm...we can just call him Egg Head (hehehe...sorry honey!), get up and set up the baskets. They will begin to stuff themselves with as much chocolate as humanly possible and then I am expected to dress them (while they are spinning on the ceiling fan...a task only the Easter Bunny can prepare for) and take them to Church where they are expected to sit quietly and not fidget while 250 grams of sugar course through their veins! Piece of cake! Then we are off to my Granddad's house to have Easter lunch. I am SOOOO looking forward to this!!! This is ALWAYS, hands down the best meal!!! Turkey, Dressing, Ham, EVERY vegetable imaginable and then of course the desert table!!! We eat so much at lunch that we don't eat again till the next day! And after every one has stuffed themselves to the rim, the adults go and hide Easter eggs for the kids. I remember doing this Easter egg hunt when I was little, and it was always a blast. However, being the exaggerated worrier that I was when I was smaller, I believe I had tiny anxiety attacks prior to take off! Still fun though!
Needless to say, this should be a over the top amazing weekend! The kids are going to have a blast, I will probably run out of my Valium (I kid, I kid) and the Easter Bunny will go down as a great guy that gives awesome gifts with no thanks pointed in Michael and I's direction! Let the fun begin!!!!!

Hump Day Humor

2009-04-08T10:55:00.000-07:00

This is a recent posting on Craig’s list Portland, OR

"To the woman that crapped in my car (NE Portland). We met on Craigs List
so I am hoping that this post finds you. I know that it could possibly be
the most humiliating first date that you have ever been on, but I am
willing to look past that. I thought we had a chemistry sitting at
McMenamins sharing that basket of Cajun Tots and drinking Terminator Stout.
I really felt like there was a connection there. I found you to be
intelligent and witty and looked forward to further conversation with you.
At some point in life, everyone has gambled on a fart and lost. It just
happened to be on a first date in the passenger seat of my car. Please
don't feel bad. The package I sent you with Pepto-Bismol the next day
and the note that said "First dates are always a crap shoot. Call me" was
meant to be funny, not offensive. I have gambled on a fart and lost on
multiple occasions. The first time I did it was very memorable. it
happened when I was five and sitting on my uncle's lap. I probably win
95% of the time, but I don't think anyone wins 100%. That's why they call
it "gambling". I'm the last person to judge you for crapping your pants.
In fact, I am impressed by your boldness. The timing on the other hand
could have been a tad better--like when you're not sitting on a heated
leather seat. What I am trying to say is that, if you want to try to go
out again, I would be more than happy to take you someplace where we can
get a meal that is high in fiber and less taxing on the digestive tract. I
await your call.

P.S. If you shat yourself on purpose to end the evening early, touche.

Weekend Review

2009-04-06T07:44:00.000-07:00

What a great weekend!!!

Friday night we had Jake's first soccer game of the season. It did not really turn out the way that we all had hoped. We got beat....stomped if you may! I quit keeping score after the other team had already gotten 4-5 goals the first quarter. It was NOT pretty. But, Jake seemed to have fun and the loss didn't seem to bother him like I thought it would. After that Jake went to his Daddy's house and Michael and I went home and caught up on some DVR stuff.

Saturday was gorgeous!!! A nice change from what we have had the past week. Michael got Mary Katherine for a few hours on Saturday for his Birthday. So, unfortunately he wasn't able to go to the soccer game, but I think he and Mary had a blast playing put-put, going to the park and riding go-karts. My Mom and I went to the game and it was MUCH better than the night before. Yes, we lost...but it was a lot closer than the previous game. It was only 5-4, so not quite so bad. Jake had a great time and he played SO good!!! Here are some of the pictures from his game Saturday (I didn't realize it at the time, but I ended up taking 115 pictures of his game....WOW)!

Saturday night Michael and I had a date. We went to dinner and a movie. We wanted to see Last House on the Left, but they had taken it off b/c apparently they had so many people wanting to see Fast & Furious, they had to put it in TWO theaters! Really?!?!?! Fast & Furious?!?!?! I had no idea people still watched those movies. Anyways, we ended up going to see The Haunting in Connecticut. It was pretty good. It definitely had a few of those "clinch your husbands hand so hard HE screams like a little girl" moments. It was a very nice night.

Sunday we finally went and got us a grill. We had not gotten one since we moved in and we really wanted to be able to grill out this summer. So, we headed to Lowes. Got the grill and Michael made some of the best grilled Chicken last night. We are going to be using it A LOT!

That was about it for the weekend. Now it is Monday, I am procrastinating and it is COLD outside! Now begins the countdown for the next weekend! :)

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder?

2009-04-02T08:06:00.000-07:00

I know I have been M.I.A. for the past week. It has been a little hectic. Not to mention that this rainy, yucky weather has made me feel like a slug. No motivation. Here is a quick review of what we have been up to:

Friday Michael went to play poker with his buddies and the kids and I went to the movies to see Monsters vs. Aliens with Nana. Very cute movie. The 3-D effects were really great on this one. Saturday we went to Froggy's (of course) and then Michael had his Birthday dinner from my parents at their house. My Mom cooked his favorite....Country Fried Steak, Fried Okra, Mashed Potatoes, etc. I gained about 2 pounds at one sitting....Happy Birthday, Michael! Sunday we didn't do one thing. The kids played outside on the go-kart with Michael for a bit and then we dyed Easter eggs and made a birds nest for the eggs out of modeling clay and twigs from the yard. It all turned out very cute. However, my camera was at my office. I had downloaded pictures Thursday of last week and left it there. So, unfortunately I have no pictures of the Birthday Boy, his cake or his gifts. :(

Jake has his first soccer game this Friday night. He also has one Saturday as well...and it is about an hour drive from our house. If not longer. I am leaving all of that up to the GPS. We have not had practice this whole week due to the horrible weather. I hope they play well tomorrow night. He has a pretty good little team, they have just not had much time to practice together. Keep your fingers crossed.

And today is Michael's Birthday!!! Happy Birthday Michael!!! I hope you have a great Birthday!!! You are a wonderful Father, an amazing Husband and my Best Friend. I can't wait for us to spend many more years together!

Oh - and I forgot about my Hump Day Humor Post so here ya go....

Study Regarding Women's Asses

Association studied women and how they feel about their asses.

The results are pretty shocking:

1. Only 5% of women surveyed feel their ass is too big.

2. 10% of women surveyed feel their ass is too small.

3. The remaining 85% say they don't care; they love him; he's a good man and they would have married him anyway.

And because I was away for so long...here is a Bonus:

Due to recent budget cuts and the rising cost of electricity, gas, and oil as well as current market conditions, The Light at the End of the Tunnel has been turned off.

Hope you all have a great weekend!!!

Happy Early Birthday!!!

2009-03-27T13:23:00.000-07:00

Next Thursday will be Michael's 35th Birthday!!! So, I guess tomorrow night starts his Birthday Week! My Mom is cooking his favorite meal and I got a very yummy looking cake from Edgars today. I cant wait to cut into it! I will post Monday about the Birthday fun! Which, if the kids have anything to do with it, will include a few hours at Froggy's! A Birthday just isn't a Birthday without some good old blow up fun! Blow up slides that is....no dolls involved!!! : ) : ) : )

Here is a look back at some pic's of my favorite 35 year old....

33rd Birthday

34th Birthday

Golfing in Cancun

Soaking up some rays in Panama City

Feb. 2007

Sci-Quest Fun Day

2009-03-26T07:18:00.000-07:00

Last week my Mom and I took the little rug rats out for a day trip. We went to Huntsville, AL to a place called Sci-Quest. Originally we had planned on going to The Space Center. However, I thought they may be a little too young and get bored quickly. So, I found this place which was actually directly across from the Space Center. They loved it! For those of you from Alabama, it was sort of like the McWane Center. But, once you have been to the McWane Center as much as our kids have, it begins to get boring. Sci-Quest had a lot of exhibits that the kids had never seen before. It was a great trip. Fun was had by all.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

2009-03-25T12:48:00.000-07:00

I know that April showers bring May flowers, and all that mumbo jumbo...but COME ON!! We had a few pretty days last week and now it is back to the same old rainy, yucky mess that is has been for the past month. The rain makes me so unproductive. I have no motivation to do anything but crawl under a blanket and have sweet sweet cozy dreams. However, due to the whole paying bills crock I have to be here...at work. Which, dont get me wrong, I love my job. I am thankful that I get to get out of the house and interact with adults on a daily basis. I just wish my contract with my employer included Paid Rain Days. Is that too much to ask???

Michael and I were able to make the most of the pretty days that we did have. Jake was at his Father's house this weekend and Mary was with her "Mother", so we had a chance to get out and about and enjoy the weather. We did, however, have our Friday night ritual of cooking together and then putting ourselves into a coma like state and watching all of our DVR shows that we missed through out the week. That is some good stuff! : ) Saturday though, we got our lazy butts up and went to Tannehill State Park. They have a craft/flea market sort of thing once a month. We really enjoyed being out in the gorgeous weather at the park. We also stopped by Lowes on the way home and got some flowers to plant around our mail box and the front porch. I dont have a green thumb, but luckily Michael's Mom taught him a few things about it. Sunday after we got home from Church, we washed my Jeep, and cleaned the house. It was such a nice weekend!

And of course, now it is flooding...again! I will probably leave work a little early today. Doggy Paddling home takes a lot longer than driving! : )

Hump Day Humor

2009-03-18T13:24:00.000-07:00

My boss sent me this last week....Hi-Larious!!!!

How to Poop at Work

We've all been there but don't like to admit it. We've all kicked back in our office and suddenly felt something brewing down below. As much as we try to convince ourselves otherwise, the Work Poop is inevitable. For those who hate pooping at work, following is a Survival Guide for taking a dump at work.

*CROP DUSTING* When farting, you walk really fast around the office so the smell is not in your area and everyone else gets a whiff, but doesn't know where it came from. Be careful when you do this. Do notstop until the full fart has been expelled. Walk an extra 30 feet to make sure the smell has left your pants.

*FLY BY* The act of scouting out a bathroom before pooping. Walk in and check for other poopers. If there are others in the bathroom, leave and come back again. Be careful not to become a Frequent Flyer. People may become suspicious if they catch you constantly going into the bathroom.

*ESCAPEE* A fart that slips out while taking a pee or forcing a poop in a stall. This is usually accompanied by a sudden wave of embarrassment. If you release an escapee, do not acknowledge it. Pretend it did not happen. If you are a man and are standing next to the farter in the urinal, pretend you did not hear it. No one likes an escapee. It is uncomfortable for all involved. Making a joke or laughing makes both parties feel uneasy.

*JAILBREAK* When forcing a poop, several farts slip out at a machine gunpace. This is usually a side effect of diarrhea or a hangover If this should happen, do not panic. Remain in the stall until everyone has left the bathroom to spare everyone the awkwardness of what just occurred.

*COURTESY FLUSH* The act of flushing the toilet the instant the poop hits the water. This reduces the amount of air time the poop has to stink up the bathroom. This can help you avoid being caught doing the Walk of Shame.

*WALK OF SHAME* Walking from the stall, to the sink, to the door after you have just stunk up the bathroom. This can be a very uncomfortable moment if someone walks in and busts you. As with farts, it is best to pretend that the smell does not exist. This can be avoided with the use of the Courtesy Flush.

*OUT OF THE CLOSET POOPER* A colleague who poops at work and is doggone proud of it. You will often see an Out Of The Closet Pooper enter the bathroom with a newspaper or magazine under their arm. Always look around the office for the Out of the Closet Pooper before entering the bathroom.

*THE POOPING FRIENDS NETWORK (P.F.N)* A group of co-workers who band together to ensure emergency pooping goes off without incident. This group can help you to monitor the where abouts of Out Of The Closet Poopers, and identify Safe Havens.

*SAFE HAVENS* A seldom used bathroom somewhere in the building where you can least expect visitors. Try floors that are predominantly of the opposite sex. This will reduce the odds of a pooper of your sex entering the bathroom.

*TURD BURGLAR* Someone who does not realize that you are in the stall and tries to force the door open. This is one of the most shocking and vulnerable moments that can occur when taking a poop at work. If this occurs, remain in the stall until the Turd Burglar leaves. This way you will avoid all uncomfortable eye contact.

*CAMO-COUGH* A phony cough that alerts all new entrants into the bathroom that you are in a stall. This can be used to cover-up a Watermelon, or to alert potential Turd Burglars. Very effective when used in conjunction with a Shirley Temple .

*SHIRLEY TEMPLE* A subtle toe-tapping that is used to alert potential Turd Burglars that you are occupying a stall. This will remove all doubt that the stall is occupied. If you hear a Shirley Temple, leave the bathroom immediately so the pooper can poop in peace.

*WATERMELON* A poop that creates a loud splash when hitting the toiletwater. This is also an embarrassing incident. If you feel a Watermelon coming on, create a diversion. See Camo-Cough.

*HAVANA-OMELET* A case of diarrhea that creates a series of loud splashes in the toilet water, often accompanied by an Escapee. Try using a Camo-Cough with a Shirley Temple.

*AUNT BETTY* A bathroom user who seems to linger around forever...Could spend extended lengths of time in front of the mirror or sitting on the pot. An Aunt Betty makes it difficult to relax while on the crapper, as you should always wait to poop when the bathroom is empty. This benefits you as well as the other bathroom attendees

SOME VARIETIES OF POOP YOU SHOULD BE AWARE OF

*The King Poop = This kind is the kind of poop that killed Elvis. It doesn't come until you're all sweaty, trembling and purple from straining so hard..

Bali Belly Poop = You poop so much you lose 5 lbs.

Cement Block = You wish you'd gotten a spinal block before you poop.

Cork Poop (aka. - Floater Poop) = Even after the third flush, it's still floating in there. How do I get rid of it? This poop usually happens at someone else's house.

The Bungee Poop = The kind of poop that just hangs off your rear before it falls into the water.

The Crippler = The kind of poop where you have to sit on the toilet so long your legs go numb from the waist down.

The Chitty Chitty Bang Bang = The kind of poop that hits you when you're trapped in your car in a traffic jam.

The Party Pooper = The giant poop you take at a party And when you flush the toilet, you watch in horror as the water starts to rise.

QUIT LAUGHING... POOPING IS A NATURAL PROCESS

Weekend Review...

2009-03-16T11:29:00.000-07:00

What a rainy nasty weekend! But, it was still a fun one. Friday night was Sips N Strokes at the High School. We had SO much fun doing this. They are also opening a store in Fultondale now, which means we can go more often and not have to drive so far. I cant wait. The painting was fun, but I must admit I think I had an anxiety attack at one point. I had to remind myself it was just a canvas and not the Sistine Chapel! All in all I think we all did a great job.

Saturday was the Little Miss Hayden pagent. One of my friends, Amy, had her little girl in the pagent. It was fun to see all the little ones in their lacy dresses and curly hair. Maddie won 3rd runner up in her division.

Saturday evening it was still rainy and nasty out so we went to Froggy's. The kids had a blast running around and playing for two hours while I had a chance to sit and chat with some of the Mommy's.

Sunday we didn't do a thing. The kids played outside for a litle while and Michael and I cleaned around the house and were pretty much just lazy all day.

Sips N Strokes Bound

2009-03-12T09:33:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow night is the big night. It is finally time for the girls and I to go to Sips N Strokes. My Mom, Best Friend Erica, Soccer Mom Buddy Melinda and HS Friend Amy will all be painting the town (well....canvas) tomorrow night. I am so excited. I have been wanting to go for so long and it's finally here! Now granted my painting will probably look like a 4 year old child got ahold of some of Mommy's paints...but at least it will be fun! Then we are going to Chico's to eat dinner after we work up an appetite being the creative Diva's that we are! :) Look for pictures on Monday!!! Gotta love Girls Night Out!!!

So...Tired...

2009-03-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

Is the time change affecting any one else? I can not for the life of me seem to get any energy going today. And because I dont want to admit that I could in fact being getting sick (sniffles, achy, freezing), I am going to blame it on the time change for now. That is until I have to admit defeat and actually get a shot of something. And no, I am not talking shot of Vodka or Jack Daniels (which might help for a little while). I hate shots....HATE them. The doctor makes you sit in that room for 20 min while the nurse goes and gets the shot, which just gives me time to sit and imagine how bad it is going to hurt. By the time the nurse actually gets in their I am already curled in a ball in the corner. They always make me feel VERY faint. Could be because I didnt breathe the whole 20 minutes she was gone because I was so nervous I forgot to. Who knows!

So, I just totally got side tracked. Yes, I am very tired today. And I had a very relaxing weekend. Friday night the Hubby and I didnt do a damn thing! Not one! We vegged on the couch, watched enough reality TV to make ourselves feel better our lives and then we went to bed. It was GREAT! Saturday morning my Mom and I got up early and went to Cotton Tails. Cotton Tails is a Spring Craft/Boutique sort of fiasco. We looked at hair bows, paintings, Easter dresses, etc. until we couldnt see straight. It was fun though. Saturday night Michael and I went to Ross Bridge. The hospital he works for was having their semi-annual something or another there. I think it's just a good excuse to dress up, drink and have a great dinner. I love going to Ross Bridge. It is so gorgeous out there. Sunday we got up at 11, grabbed a bite to eat and bought groceries. That was pretty much it for the rest of the day.

So, all in all it was a great, relaxing, gorgeous weekend. I thought I was well rested to start the week. Apparently, I needed another day!

I see Fake People...

2009-03-06T08:03:00.000-08:00

Oh, where do I even begin? Let me start by stating this little fact. I am not a fake person. Never have been, never will be. I see fake people as those who pretend to be something they are not to make themselves feel better. They also go by "ass kisser" and "wanna be". There has to be something that was missing in their lives as children to have the need to constantly be the center of attention and to crave the approval of others. That is the approval of others who if they were not fake ass kissers would never know they existed. I do not kiss ass. I have made it a point in my life to be nice to people and always try to follow the Golden Rule (key word being TRIED). However, I will not cover my nose in your brown waste just to have you acknowledge me as a human being. If you do not like me or if you think that you are better than I am, then so be it. I will not lose sleep over it nor will I put forth any effort or energy to change your mind. You just aren't worth it! Some people though, have taken a different path. These people are the thorns in my ass. I can not stand a fake person. That is the worst characteristic that you can possess (besides being a child abuser, rapist, and/or murderer). The fake smiles and the award winning - Oscar Nomination acts of pretending like they truly care. It burns my eyes and ears like pure acid. These are also the people who think that everyone around them cares about trivial shit in their every day life. For the love of chocolate cake - - - Get a Life, Buy a Clue, Adopt some Confidence and take out a loan on some Reality. You are going to need it! Whenever I am put in a situation where I absolutely have to be within a 50 yard radius of these people I feel a mixture of emotions. One of those being sympathy. Sympathy not for the actual ass kisser/fake/wanna be, but for the young impressionable children in their lives who are like sponges and who are soaking in every ounce of the fakeness that is running out of your pores like hot lava. I also feel embarrassment for this person who thinks that every one around them is not secretly talking about them behind their backs and snickering at that Stepford Wife persona. I also feel like laughing...which to put it simply is exactly what we all do when you walk away!

Now, one more characteristic of a "faker" is lying. Heaven help me if I have to hear one more crazy, made up, pulled out of your ass story about how your car wouldn't crank when you went to Wal-Mart and all of a sudden McGyver popped out of no where and rebuilt your engine with a tampon and a rubber band! No ONE...let me repeat...NO ONE believes your outrageous lies. Oh and the McGyver lie was just an example...don't even think about using it because even though we all know you are full of the shit that you have on your nose, that one is MINE! I mean come on Faker...do you really think any of us believe a word that comes out of your mouth??? If you aren't sure, let me make it real clear...NO, we don't! If you can't tell the truth, or are just too ashamed of how actually boring your life is, then just keep your mouth shut. We would all have a lot more respect for you!

So, to all the Fakers out there, and one in particular, we know your game and we just want to say...Clean Your Nose and Get Some Help! There has to be a 12 step program for you somewhere out there! If not, then I know there is gum!

Weekend Review

2009-03-02T08:34:00.000-08:00

Wow! This was some more weekend. I didnt really plan on so much happening this weekend. But, I am so glad that it did. First we just all relaxed Friday night. Played some Cadoo and watched some shows. Saturday morning I got up before everyone and made a great breakfast. Then our furniture we had bought last week was delivered. I was in desperate need of end tables and a coffee table for our den. I love them! They fit perfect and now my den doesnt look like it's "missing something".

After we get everything put in it's place we all get ready and head out. Our first stop....

to get our NEW JEEP!!!

We had been looking at this car for about a week or so and finally got them down to where we wanted it. We had a '07 Jeep Commander Sport. We wanted an upgrade though. This is an '09 Commander Limited. Navigation System, Leather, 3 Sunroofs (1 upfront and two in back), DVD (up front and in back), Sirius Satelite, Voice Command (which excited me so much to the point of almost peeing my pants)! You can burn your movies to a hard drive and not even have to worry about bringing DVD's in the car. Same for CD's as well. I can download pictures and have them as a screen saver up front!!! This car does everything but drive for you. Which is a shame because I get pretty distracted messing with all the buttons! I love love love my new car!!!

After we sat around the car dealership with BOTH KIDS we decided to reward the little boogers for being sooooo good and patient! This is the part where I got frustrated! We went to The Play Station in Trussville (video games, laser tag, skating, put put, etc). We get there at 4:45 and they SHUT DOWN from 5-7! So we then go to Pump It Up (blow up slides, obstacle courses, video games, etc). Well they are having parties all day so we can't even get in there. THEN we go to the bowling alley and...wouldn't you know it....a 2 hour wait for a lane! The kids were good sports about all of it, but I on the other hand was very upset. They had been so good and nothing was working out for them. However, Froggy's saved the day! The kids LOVE this place and thankfully they were open and the kids got to play their little hearts out!!!

Sunday - - - Snow in Alabama...Need I say more??? I couldnt NOT believe we had snow...and a lot of it! As soon as well all got up and bundled up (picture Ralphie's little brother from A Christmas Story) we went out to play. Fun was had by all. Snow ball fights, snow angles, attempting to sled down the hill (not really enough snow). Here are some pictures of the snow and the fun!!!

Hump Day Humor

2009-02-25T06:51:00.000-08:00

Of Course They Are Scissors!

There are times when kids draw something and you just have to say...
'Wow, tell me about your picture,' because you have no clue what it is...
This one you'll know right away....Enjoy!

OF COURSE THEY'RE SCISSORS

QUOTE FROM THE MOM:

THIS IS MY KINDERGARTNER'S ARTISTIC RENDERING OF A PAIR OF SCISSORS.
I WONDER WHAT HIS TEACHER THOUGHT.

I ALLOWED MYSELF JUST A SMALL SMIRK WHEN I SAW IT.

I WAITED UNTIL HE WAS OUT OF THE ROOM UNTIL I
STARTED CRYING FROM LAUGHING SO HARD.

WELL, OF COURSE THEY'RE SCISSORS.

IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE WITH A SMALL CHILD OR
IF YOU ARE A TEACHER YOU WILL LOVE THIS!

AS YOU ALL KNOW I WILL BE REQUIRED
TO PROUDLY DISPLAY THIS ON MY
REFRIGERATOR FOR A LENGTH OF TIME .

Note - This was not done by either of my children. This was a funny email a friend had sent to me.

Oldies But Goodies

2009-02-20T11:53:00.000-08:00

Thumbing through old pictures the other day I found these and I couldnt help but to share them with all of you. This makes me wish they were still this young!!!

This is Jake at 11 months old.

This is Miss Mary at 23 Months old.

What chunkers they both were! :)

Hope you all have a great weekend!

It's That Time

2009-02-19T12:52:00.000-08:00

It is soccer season again! I am so excited. Possibly even more so than Jake (nah!)! I LOVE soccer. He generally plays at the park near where we live which is convenient, however, they do not have a Spring League at this park so we have enrolled him in the Alabama Youth League in a nearby town. They travel in this league so it is going to be a little different. Not to mention the difference in temperature. Fall league usually is so hot the first 10 games you fry like bacon and the last couple are either mild or frigid (gotta love that Alabama weather). This time around it is going to be cold to start off with. Like tonight for example. Tonight is the first practice and it is going to be COLD. They couldn't have started last week when it was in the high 60's! :) That is ok. I dont think he even notices the temperature when is out there. I went on my lunch break today and got him some new kicks so we are all set! I cant wait for them to start. Hopefully this season will be as good as his last when they won the Championship!

A Day At The Park

2009-02-16T07:43:00.000-08:00

Sunday we took the kids to a local park and I got some really good pictures of them playing. Even a couple of Michael acting like he was 10 again!

Weekend Review

2009-02-15T14:42:00.000-08:00

Michael, the kids, and I had a great weekend. Friday night the kids stayed with Nana and Michael and I had our Valentine Night. Well really we just sat around and watched TV for a while...but it was nice! And, I got these...

Saturday we gave the kid's their Valentine presents. They both got HUGE kites and a bag full of goodies.

After the kids got their V-Day gifts and we played for a while we all went out to eat and to Froggy's.

Everything was perfect! Mary said she wished she could stay with us forever...and so do I!

V-Day

2009-02-14T08:21:00.000-08:00

Special Thanks to Lisa for this V-Day Funny. Click here to check out her blog.

I hope you all have a great day. I will post pic's our V-Day fun later.

A Busy Weekend...

2009-02-13T07:14:00.001-08:00

We have a very busy weekend ahead of us. Tonight we will pick up Miss Mary Katherine and then go grab a bite to eat. Probably at Pasquales. It is one of the kids fave's...and ours too! (So much for that diet this weekend) Then we are going home where the kids will be "camping out" with my mom in the new camper. That is right...they will sleeping in the camper...in the driveway! At least they wont be far from home if they decide to come back!

Saturday is the busiest day. Saturday morning the kids will get their V-Day presents from Michael and I and from Nanna and Papa (my parents). One of their surprises are HUGE kites. And when I say HUGE....the boxes reached from the third row of my Jeep Commander to the end of the second row seats. They are some huge kites. Thank You Sams! :) We will probably go to the park and fly those around for a while. Then we are going to take "our dates" (the kids) to Outback for dinner. Jake and Mary are obsessed with their ribs. Then we are off to Froggy's. Froggy's is a local establishment where they have these huge rooms with all of the blow up slides, obstacle courses and boxing rings that your heart desires...Plus video games and prizes. Slides, Games, Prizes...Oh My! This is going to be the best V-Day ever! Not only do I get to spend the whole day with my awesome husband, but I also get to have a date with the best two kids around!

Then Sunday....is a relax day. It will look something like this...

Hump Day Humor

2009-02-11T13:19:00.000-08:00

I almost forgot about my Hump Day Humor Post.....here ya go! (Lisa....you have already seen this one!)

The Best Smart Ass Answers of 2008!!

SMART ASS ANSWER #6

It was mealtime during an airline flight. 'Would you like dinner?' the flight attendant asked John, seated in front. 'What are my choices?'John asked. 'Yes or no,' she replied.

SMART ASS ANSWER #5

A flight attendant was stationed at the departure gate to check tickets. As a man approached, she extended her hand for the ticket and he opened his trench coat and flashed her. Without missing a beat, she said, 'Sir,I need to see your ticket, not your stub.'

SMART ASS ANSWER #4

A lady was picking through the frozen turkeys at the grocery store but she couldn't find one big enough for her family. She asked a stock boy, ' Do these turkeys get any bigger?' The stock boy replied, 'No ma'am, they're dead.'

SMART ASS ANSWER #3

The police officer got out of his car as the kid who was stopped for speeding rolled down his window. 'I've been waiting for you all day,' the officer said. The kid replied, Yeah, well I got here as fast as I could.' When the cop finally stopped laughing, he sent the kid on his way without a ticket.

SMART ASS ANSWER #2

A truck driver was driving along on the freeway and noticed a sign that read: Low Bridge Ahead. Before he knows it, the bridge is right in front of him and his truck gets wedged under it. Cars are backed up for miles. Finally a police car comes up. The cop gets out of his car and walks to the truck driver, puts his hands on his hips and says, 'Got stuck, huh?'The truck driver says, 'No, I was delivering this bridge and I ran out of gas.'

SMART ASS ANSWER OF THE YEAR 2008!!

A college teacher reminds her class of tomorrow's final exam. 'Now class, I won't tolerate any excuses for you not being here tomorrow. I might consider a nuclear attack or a serious personal injury, illness, or a death in your immediate family, but that's it, no other excuses whatsoever!' A smart-ass student in the back of the room raised his hand and asked,'What would you say if tomorrow I said I was suffering from complete and utter sexual exhaustion?' The entire class is reduced to laughter and snickering When silence was restored, the teacher smiled knowingly at the student, shook her head and sweetly said, 'Well, I guess you'd have to write the exam with your other hand.'

A BONUS EXTRA

A woman is standing nude looking in the bedroom mirror. She is not happy with what she sees and says to her husband, 'I feel horrible; I look old, fat and ugly. I really need you to pay me a compliment.' The husband replies, 'Your eyesight's damn near perfect!"

Sips N Strokes

2009-02-10T14:06:00.000-08:00

There is a place here in Birmingham (and one in Atlanta) called Sips and Strokes. It is where you go and have a instructor teach you step by step how to create a painting. Every night is a different painting and you can look at there website and choose which night you want to go by which painting they are doing that night. You are allowed to bring your beverage of choice (alcoholic or non) and Sip while you Stroke. I have heard so many great things about this and have wanted to go for a while now. I had emailed the girls about a week ago to try and get a date planned for a girls night out so we could go. Well, as luck would have it they are having a fundraiser at a High School right down the road from us in March! Yay!!! This is perfect! I have gotten everyone signed up and I am SO excited about it. We are going to go and try our hand at painting and have a blast! They supply all the paint and canvas' so all you have to do is show up. I hope that it is as great as what I have heard. There are several paintings on their website that I would love to try. The one we will be doing at the fundraiser is Landscape. Here are a few pictures from there website of different paintings:

A Relaxing Weekend

2009-02-08T16:55:00.000-08:00

Michael and I had a very relaxing weekend. We really didnt do much of anything. Friday night we caught up on some of our favorite shows we had recorded on DVR. We are what you would call reality tv junkies! Saturday morning Michael had to get up and do some yard work so I took the opportunity to go shopping with my Mom. We had only planned on being gone for a couple of hours, but ended up coming home 6 hours later. We had a great time. Saturday night Michael and I went out to eat and came back home and watched a movie. Sunday it was gorgeous outside, so we decided to have a picnic and hang out by my parents pond for a while. Michael fished for a while and then we headed home to clean. That was our weekend. We didnt do anything spectacular, but it was a great weekend. Now we are trying to get our work week mentality going.

My Parent's Pond

Easy To Make Bows...

2009-02-06T13:19:00.000-08:00

Just an FYI for all you Mothers of Little Girls out there!!!!

I found a site online where you can purchase a kit to make hair bows for little girls. They are reasonalby priced, ADORABLE, and the absolute best part is that you can mix and match pieces from each kit to make different bows. They are not permanent once you make them. You can take them apart and redo them all sorts of different ways. These are the best things EVER! Michelle Garrett is definitly a smart woman for coming up with something so affordable and versatile. The link to her You Tube video for making the bows is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Gy8WQAvCmk.

Here is a picture of what you end up with. And like I said before you can mix and match all the different pieces to make a variety of different styles and colors.

You can find these on Ebay. Here is also a link to her Ebay Shop http://stores.shop.ebay.com.au/Easy-Make-Bows__W0QQ_armrsZ1.

I plan on ordering serveral kits for Mary Katherine. I am sure they will all be wonderful. Oh and I almost forgot...they are so easy to make that your little girls can help you make them. Just an added bonus!!!

I Am Not A Girl Scout...But I Have Had Their Cookies

2009-02-05T12:28:00.000-08:00

For any of you who know me, you know that I am NOT the type that you would find outside in a tent with bugs and critters and God knows what else. While I am certainly not the girly, frilly lace, high maintenace type either, I still prefer hot showers and not smelling like I have been roasted in Off! However, the Fam and I will soon be enjoying "nature" a lot more. Mother and Daddy just bought a new camper. Now the ones that I remember were from back in the 80's. You know where the kitchen table also doubled as a bed (mmm...comfy) and you had to pull your pants up and down OUTSIDE of the bathroom because there was hardly enough room to turn around much less dress yourself. Well this is not the case anymore. I was amazed at how far these things have come. The one that my parents got is a fifth wheel. (They also got a REALLY nice snazzy new truck that I am dying to drive to go along with it!) This thing is fully loaded. I am talking flat screen TV, DVD, a Fireplace, Lazy Boy Recliners, oak kitchen table and chairs, King size bed, shower outside to rinse off if you are at the beach, etc. It is Nice!!! And Michael, the kids and I are all so excited to take the first trip!!! I believe the kids are really going to enjoy it. Jake wanted to sleep in it the first night they brought it home...he was so excited. It is going to be a lot of fun and I will keep you all posted on our camping trips!!!

Hump Day Humor

2009-02-04T07:26:00.001-08:00

A Little Humor For Your Hump Day...

Three women: one engaged, one married and one a mistress, are chatting about
their relationships and decided to amaze their men. That night all three
will wear black leather bras, stiletto heels and a mask over their eyes.

After a few days they meet up for lunch.

The engaged woman: The other night when my boyfriend came over he found me
with a black leather bodice, tall stilettos and a mask. He saw me and said,
"You are the woman of my life. I love you." Then we made love all night
long.

The mistress: Me too! The other night I met my lover at his office and I was
wearing the leather bodice, heels, mask over my eyes and a raincoat.
When I
opened the raincoat he didn't say a word, but we had wild sex all night.

The married woman: I sent the kids to stay at my mother's house for the
night when my husband came home I was wearing the leather bodice, black
stockings, stilettos and a mask over my eyes. As soon as he came in the door
and saw me he said,

"What's for dinner, Batman?"

The Calm Before the Storm

2009-02-03T18:40:00.000-08:00

The last few days have been quite calm. And taking into account the week that I had last week, this is actually a nice change of pace. Last week started out with having some family drama (part of the "dysfunctional" in my "happily dysfunctional" life), to losing a very special family member to cancer. It was a bad week!!! But, the past few days have been eerily drama free. This past weekend Jake went to his Daddy's house and Mary was at her Mothers home. So, Michael and I had some down time to relax. We had to be at the funeral home for the viewing of my Uncle on Friday night. And Saturday was the funeral. After the funeral we went to buy groceries and then went home to clean. We had our good friends Erica and Chad over for dinner and to play cards that night. Michael and I love to play Phase 10. If you haven't played it before you need to get it. It is a lot of fun. And Michael put a new twist on the game that made it even more interesting. Sunday my Mom and I went shopping. We went to Old Time Pottery in Pelham. I LOVE this store. I got a lot of cute things for the house. Including a bird house on a stand that fits perfect in the corner by the french doors that is an odd size and I couldn't find anything to put there....but, this fits and looks perfect.

So, that has been our life the past few days. Nothing really interesting...but I will take that any day over the drama that has been my life the past few weeks!

Randomness...

2009-01-29T08:02:00.000-08:00

There is a little "game" going around on Facebook. I thought I would play along, so I did this morning. You are supposed to post 25 Random things about yourself and then tag your friends to do the same. I thought it would be fun to list them here and see if any of you would like to play along as well. Here are my 25 Random Facts...

25. I procrastinate....as you can tell considering I am at work right now!
24. I am not that girly, giggly, frilly type. Give me jeans, a tshirt, flip flops and a ponytail...I am happy!
23. My biggest fear is something happening to one of my kids.
22. I am double jointed!
21. I cant stand to pump gas or go to the bank.
20. I am REALLY trying to quit smoking...it's HARD!
19. I hate Pie...any kind
18. I had some "enhancements" done 3 years ago. Figure it out!
17. I have become my Mother...and it's not so bad! :)
16. I have scars on both of my knees from riding down a hill on them when I was 8 or 9. And a rock that is permanently embedded in one of them.
15. I have always wanted to work in the criminal justice field (even have a degree in it). And yet I sit behind a desk and crunch numbers all day!
14. I was attacked by my Grandfathers Chow when I was 3.
13. I am terrified of heights and public speaking. TERRIFIED!!!
12. Sometimes I want another baby...sometimes I dont.
11. I am addicted to Reality TV. It makes me feel better about myself...sort of like going to the fair does!
10. I love road trips. Doesnt matter where to...
9. I wish that Mexican and Chinese foods were all fat free.
8. I am NOT an animal person...refer to # 14 to learn why.
7. I am a control freak. I would rather do it myself than to give control to someone else.
6. I love winter...but I hate to be cold.
5. I wish for one day I could be a guy...just to see what the hell they are thinking.
4. I can't stand to drink water
3. I would much rather listen to talk radio in the car than music
2. I have a pillow that I can NOT sleep without. Its about as flat as a pancake...but I cant go one night without it.
1. I love my family, my husband, my kids...My Life!

Slumber Party

2009-01-28T18:38:00.001-08:00

Jake and Mary had a spend the night party this past weekend. Some friends of ours have 3 kids ages 6-9 who Jake and Mary like to hang out with. Luke, Levi & Gracie all came over last Saturday and spent the night with us. I was suffering through a bad cold and wasn't feeling well so it was up to Michael to referee and keep control. He did a good job. The kids were all great. They had such a good time. Michael and I were actually able to watch a movie while the kids played downstairs. They were all so good that at one point Michael had to go down and check on them because they were being too quiet. And when you have 5 kids in your house and there is no screaming, running, or tattle tailing in a 30 minute span...you need to investigate. Thankfully though, they were all just occupied playing Wii, building trains, etc. Here are a few pictures from this fun night.

Mary & Gracie

Jake, Gracie, Mary, Luke, & Levi

Jake & Levi

What Is Her Name?

2009-01-22T16:53:00.000-08:00

Let me start out by saying that this week has been less than desirable. Everything from a trip to the Emergency Room for myself on Tuesday, to Jake and I having a rather heated discussion Wednesday morning as to why only eating pizza, chicken fingers and fries is ground for him starting to take a vitamin every day, to having a helluva week at work! Needless to say this week has been one that can go down in the record books as one that I would like erase from my memory permanentaly.

However, my husband did take the liberty tonight to surprise me. There were no balloons, no candy, no flowers and no candlelit dinner. Only the smell of Clorox, Pledge and Febreeze mixed with the sounds of the dishwasher, washing machine and dryer all in perfect harmony. I came home as I do every night around 5:45 after picking up Jake from my parents house and to my surprise...there he was...with a rag in one hand and a bottle of Febreeze in another. My husband! I dont think I have ever loved him more!!! As I began to explore I noticed the bathrooms were spotless (all 3...even the shower floor), Jake's bedroom was picked up, our bedroom was clean, clothes AND towels were washed folded and put away, AND the dishes were done! This was after he had worked all day came home and done yard work and before he bathed Jake for me, and did his homework with him!

I couldn't help but ask myself "What did he do?", "Who is she?", "What is her name?"! And then it hit me...Who Cares! My house is clean, my regular nightly duties have been completed and I get to sit back, relax and enjoy the night. What could be better? Turns out, I just have an awesome husband who actually enjoys to clean. I know...I know, the other scenario is a lot juicier and more interesting, but I like it better this way!

Just Another Manic Monday

2009-01-19T13:45:00.000-08:00

Oh how I dread Monday's. I begin dreading them Friday afternoons at 5! They are like that closet in your house that you KNOW you have to clean out and organize, but its never a good time until you have put on your snorkle and flippers so you dont drown in clutter when you have to dredge out next seasons clothes! Yeah, that is Monday to me!

This weekend was great. Michael and I had the best time this weekend at the casino. His first experience was a positive one. We didnt win anything big (if we had I wouldnt care about Monday's anymore b/c they would all include fruity drinks and sand in my crack), but we left with what we came with + $50 to cover gas and we played all day and night Saturday and then a few hours on Sunday. We started with the dreadful slots. I have heard of quite a few people who have "won big" on these evil flashing contraptions, but I have never. And things didnt change this weekend either. We didnt waste much on these...money or time. We ended up playing BlackJack for about 5 hours Saturday night and about 2 hours Sunday morning. I love this game. However, there are a few pet peeves that I realized I had about this game Saturday night. Well, not really the game itself...but the people who play it with you. First of all...if you have to ask the dealer everytime he deals "What you should do"....Just GET UP! Get up and leave...dont waste everyone else's time at the table when the dealer has to explain the game to you OVER AND OVER. Stand behind us, learn the rules and ettiquette and then come back. And NO its not cute to ooh and ahh over everyone elses hand or to say "oh that sucks!" when someone gets dealt a bad hand. THEY KNOW! They dont need to be reminded that little Johnny isn't going to Disney World this year b/c Daddy just bet Mickey & Goofy on a 16 with the dealer holding a face card! Thanks for your concern....but keep it to yourself!!! And if you dont know who to play dont F it up for the rest of us! Dont hit when you SHOULD NOT and take the dealers bust card. Thanks a lot for losing our bets for us. Next time, just let us know you are a dumbass and we will all just hand the dealer our chips and go to bed! Same principal.

Well, now I feel a lot better. I did get to people watch this weekend. Which as I talked about in my previous post is a favorite past time. However, this weekend I didnt have to look far. Most of the entertainment was sitting at the same table. The old woman who was trying to be 20 again (also who I was referring to in my most of my "pet peeves" above) had to take the cake. From her bleach blonde patchy hair to her cleavage/wrinkle revealing shirt...it was all humorous. I say humorous, but what I mean is desperate. And Thank You Golden Moon Casino & Resort for supplying the patchy haired desperate geriatric with as much alcohol as she could pass through her dentures!!! Here's to You! This lead to her flagging down the pit boss' to get them to round her up another waitress. Not really there job! So, to say the least...I didnt have to look very far to find that one (mostly b/c I had the pleasure of sitting next to her and her depends) person who makes you want to kiss your Momma for providing you with genes that weren't fished out of the sewer!

The Cat Is Out of the Bag

2009-01-15T12:38:00.001-08:00

Well I couldnt resist. I have never ever been good at keeping something from someone for too long. Especially when I know they are going to be so excited about it. I told Michael Tuesday night where we were going this weekend. So, I guess now I can tell you all. I booked he and I room at the Golden Moon Casino in Philadelphia, MS. I can't wait. It has been a little over 3 years since I have been and I used to enjoy it so much. And I love the Golden Moon. There rooms are incredible and the food....well, lets just say the diet is going to have to be put on hold for the weekend. I love playing cards. Michael and I have been addicted to Party Poker over the last month or so and I have always loved to play BlackJack. Now, whether I am good at it or not...probably not, but it is fun. And to put the icing on the cake...Michael has NEVER been to a casino before. He is a Casino Virgin! Oh what a surprise he is going to be in for. I think he will be wanting to plan these little over night getaways a lot more once he gets in there and sees what it's all about. Although, if he gets in there and loses all his money...he may have a different attitude about it.

Now dont get me wrong, I love to play cards (as previously stated) and I love the slots as well...but my favorite, REPEAT....Favorite thing to do, (brace yourself) is People Watch. I could go to a baseball game, football game, etc. and never see a second of the game/concert/whatever, because all my attention is being devoted to what the blonde with her boyfriend? could be grandfather? in section 3C seat 12 is wearing. And why does the guy in seat 10 alway seem to leave his seat the same time she does...everytime??? Its like PerezHilton.com right in front of me. And one of the best places to do this you ask??? A casino. I could spend hours watching the lady behind the ropes shovel out hundred dollar bills like she has her own little currency production system in that Louis Vuitton. Do those come with one of those??? There is so much entertainment at at Casino...and most of it happens away from the table, well for me at least. So, this weekend is sure to be an exciting one. I cant wait to come back and let you all know how Michael's first Casino trip was and what "entertainment" was seen!

She's Having a Baby....

2009-01-14T14:31:00.000-08:00

No, not me...unfortunately (I think). My dearest friend in the world is having a baby!!! All together now...Awww! :) She just told me today at lunch. How dare she not tell me before her husband...., but I can get over it! Her and her husband got married in October and she just found out two days ago they are having there very own little tax deduction!!! I am so ecstatic for them both. It is going to change their world, in the best way possible. So I will post periodically about she is doing and how excited I am to be an Aunt again soon!!!

Erica and I at dinner for her Birthday

Blah...

2009-01-13T11:12:00.000-08:00

Ever have one of those days where nothing is wrong, actually everything is perfect and for some reason you just feel like you have lost your best friend??? Maybe it's just hormones, but today is not a good day. My job is going great, no stress. Jake is doing great, he is almost over his cold and he has finally started sleeping sound through the night without coming to get me at 1 a.m. So in turn, Mommy is sleeping really good as well. He also hasnt had the normal 1.5 hours of homework every night like he used to have before Christmas break, which is nice for him and me. Michael and I are going on a nice little getaway this weekend (cant say where in case he is reading) and he surprised me today with Celine Dion tickets for Thursday night. Everyone is happy and healthy and yet I just feel....BLAH!

It could be one of two things. I am trying to quit smoking and lose weight. I know...I can't believe I haven't killed someone yet. I am not using any meds for the smoking. I have a VERY sensitive stomach and any medication usually makes not only my stomach but my whole body completely go into shock. So, I have cut back to about 3 a day. I figure I can wean my way off of them from there. However, I think I may have to have something for the weight loss. I have heard that SlimQuick is really a good choice. I have read reviews and talked to a few people who have used it and I haven't really heard anything bad about it. It has a lot of caffiene in it, but I am used to drinking 3-4 Mtn Dews a day, so I think I should be ok with that part. Also, it is supposed to balance out your hormones. Which in my case, is a win win situation. Maybe I can lose the extra pounds I have put on since I got married and not have any more BLAH days!

Weekend Review

2009-01-12T08:58:00.000-08:00

Fun was had by all this weekend. Although, not too much fun that Mommy didn't have time to relax and recoop from the busy week. Friday night was very low key. The kids played spy downstairs and Michael and I caught up on some DVR shows we missed through the week. (What did we do before DVR???) Saturday morning the kids and I went with Nana (my Mom) to Cullman to look at a camper they are thinking of buying. Those things have come a long way since the last one I saw back in the 80's. I was very impressed. We are so hoping they get it. It will be so much fun for weekend camping trips!!! Then we got home and all got ready for the Monster Truck Jam. I have been before but I completely forgot how LOUD and Smokey it is in there. The kids had a great time but we all left the arena yelling at each other and saying "What?" "I cant hear you"! But, all in all it was a lot of fun.

We then went to Sams. Ahhhh....Sams! The one place that I cant leave withouth spending at least $250. But, we were pretty much out of everything, so I guess I cant complain. I have always heard never to take your kids down the candy isle.....well note to self and all the other Mothers reading this.....Never Ever Do it at Sams. The little boogers see the candy in BULK and there eyes almost pop out of there heads! :) After we pealed the kids off of the candy and got out of there we went to Outback and had a great dinner. We then got home and picked out a game to play that Jake got from Santa....Cadoo.

I dont know if any of you have played this with your kids....but I highly recommend it for those who are 7 and older. It was A LOT of fun. We played it for about 2.5 hours Sat night and then for another 1.5 hours Sunday. Great game!!! They have a version for adults that Michael and I are thinking about getting.

Sunday was a day to relax. I dont think any of us even got out of our PJ's that day. Cleaned the house, washed some clothes and the kids played. It was a nice day.

Next weekend is sure to be a blast as well. I have a great surprise planned for my husband. He is going to LOVE LOVE LOVE me!!! Although, I cant share it with you until next Monday. Since he reads this blog it would just ruin it!

I hope you all had a great weekend and are having a great start to the week!! :)

It Couldn't Have Come Soon Enough

2009-01-09T11:59:00.000-08:00

I am so glad that it is the end of the week and I finally have two days to kick back and relax. Catch up on some shows, read a good book, try out some new recipes......YEAH RIGHT!!! While that all sounds great, that is FAR from what I will be doing this weekend. My weekend will consist of listening to Jake play the drums downstairs (remind to ask Santa for a sound proof room next year), probably baking a few cakes in an easy bake oven with Miss Mary, putting together the occasional set of Star Wars Lego's (Jake is obsessed), and to top it off....shoving ear plugs in everyone's ears Saturday when we take the kids to the Monster Truck Show at the BJCC. And just so you know...I couldnt think of anything I would rather be doing. This time is going to be gone before you know it and I am taking advantage of every second while I can. While I will admit, I love having some alone time every now and then to sit down and breathe, I wouldnt trade this time for anything!

Here are a few random pictures of us all:

Jake & Mary in PCB 08

Michael & I in Cancun

Mary & I at Josie's Place in Warrior, AL

Jake's Soccer Team - After they won County Championship

Michael & Jake

Our Story...

2009-01-08T08:23:00.000-08:00

Michael and I began dating in October, 2006. We got engaged in May of 2007 and were married in July 2007. Wow...it all happened so fast. But, when you know...you know! I have a son from a previous relationship and his name is Jacob Owen or "Jake". He will 9 in July. My how the time flies. I was looking back at old pictures just the other day and I caught myself wishing he were a toddler again...then I came to my senses and realized he is the perfect age. Although, I think any age would be the perfect age when it comes to your kids and what stages they are at in there lives. I also have a step daughter, Mary Katherine. She will 7 in August. I have had the opportunity to be in her life since she had just turned 4...and boy has she grown up! We built our house in 08. Finally had it completed in September. That was a experience!!! I LOVE my house! I am still finding myself moving things around, changing pictures, putting stuff in different cabinets, etc. And probably will be....forever!

Now a little about each of us individually...

Michael is in Radiology at a local hospital. He has been working in this field for about 10 years now and he just got a new position working in surgery. He loves it! He had been wanting that position for some time now and finally had the opportunity. He is a great Husband and an AMAZING Father to both Jake and Mary. He is very active in both of there activities. Even to the point of coaching Jake's soccer team, basketball team and baseball team! He is all around just a wonderful man.

I work in accounting. I graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a degree in Criminal Justice and Social Work in 2005. I never did anything in that field after I left college. So, now I have a VERY expensive piece of paper placed "somewhere" in the attic! Money well spent! I had a very good background in accounting so that is where I am now. I love my job. It is very laid back and easygoing. Until a deadline hits. Those are always fun! I am going to soon try to get a little creative and start doing some crafts. I think the kids would have a blast doing them with me, and its always been something that I thought I would like to start. So, we will see how that goes!

Jake is almost 9...going on 19. He is your typical boy. Loves to be outside. He has almost every riding toy imaginable and a lot of land to use them. He is a great soccer player. He is going to some camps this summer at local colleges to learn some new things and we are all excited about next season. I think sometimes "I truly am a Soccer Mom!" He will be in the 3rd grade next year. He moves from the primary school to the elementary school...and I am a little scared. He isn't, but I am. The school is so much bigger!!!

Mary is almost 7. She has a website for her artwork at school. It is http://www.artsonia.com/ and her username is Mary 494. Go check it out. She is really a good little artist. I am sure that she will be a great helper with all my crafts I have in mind! Mary has also had the opportunity to be in gymnastics. She was such a good little tumbler. However, I think at this age, she had more important things to do (i.e. color, easy bake, & play DS) that right now it was a little too much. She will be in the 2nd grade next year. It seems hard to believe that in the next 10 years both of my kids will have graduated! Where is that pause button at????

And then there was one....

2009-01-07T12:58:00.000-08:00

I feel like the only person that has NOT created a blog. So, to keep up with times (and have the ability to rant), I am going to give it a shot. Be patient with me because this is my first time! :) I wanted to ease into this so I am going to try again tomorrow to get some pictures posted and a little background about all of us. Right now....I have to actually work. I know, I know...who does my boss think he is, right?