What Doesn't Kill Us

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

2010-12-18T16:05:00.002-05:00

And so the holiday season descends upon us again. We have made it through Halloween and Thanksgiving! Only Christmas and New Years to go! Christmas is of course the biggie 'round here what with the assorted small fry and all! These first shots are of decorating cookies with the kids and the Annual Cookie Swap Juli was kind enough to host this year! Both were a blast!

This set is Jilly's Christmas Program at Alcovy. Also known as "Why am I here? These lights are too bright! I'm ready to go home."

And then we have SNOW DAY 2010 which had the bad taste to be on a Sunday so no one got to stay home from school....lol...Even I was up at 6 am the next morning checking school closings....

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-28T16:14:00.001-05:00

Went to see Darien and Anna in Jacksonville, FL! A wonderful time was had by all!!!!

HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!!!!

2010-10-31T20:55:00.001-04:00

TRUNK OR TREAT at the Church then the Covington Square!!!!!!

Cindy's 36th!

2010-10-28T21:01:00.000-04:00

Day Five!!! And still alive!

2010-10-22T20:22:00.001-04:00

DOLLYWOOD!!!!!!!

Day Four!

2010-10-21T20:34:00.003-04:00

Ober Gatlinburg, Alpine Slide, Carousel (way too many times), and landscapes!!!! The leaves are gorgeous!!!!!!

AND EMILY LOST HER FIRST TOOTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Kim almost took her to the ER..LMAO..I got to pull it out!!!!! I keep forgetting Em is her first munchkin......

Day Three!

2010-10-20T20:18:00.001-04:00

THE AQUARIUM!!!!!!!!!!!! WOO HOO!!!!!

Day Two!

2010-10-19T19:54:00.003-04:00

More Go Carts! We seem to be developing a pattern here! Lots of shopping! Some crafts and general goofing off! OH! And the scream Swing! Ever heard grown adults scream like baby girls??? Well one of them actually is a girl but still.....

Day One!

2010-10-18T21:22:00.002-04:00

Mayfield Dairy tour, Dinner at Texas Roadhouse and Go Cart Track!!!!!!

VACATION 2010 Pics!!!!

2010-10-14T09:13:00.003-04:00

Then they stole her and took her to be Christened……

2010-06-22T13:06:00.001-04:00

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Testing...Testing... 1 2 3

2010-06-22T12:46:00.002-04:00

I am once again testing new software to help me blog faster and easier...please be patient while we adjust.....

LYRA!!!!! Oh and her parents too.

2010-06-22T12:34:00.001-04:00

And so it was...

2010-03-13T19:08:00.005-05:00

I wonder why I can't keep up with this blog? I have so much to tell people. So many things to share. I catch myself thinking, "I should blog this..." then one of them does something else cool and we are off and on to the next thing. I don't want to sit down and write about what was when I can be doing what is. And for all of the members of the ..."Wait till they go to bed" group....these kids can out last me with out even slowing down. I'm doing good if I get them all down before I'm asleep. Well not really but close...very, very close......

SO here's a quick recap of the last however long it has been:

Pie is about to be 14 in 9 days and wants an iPod Nano for his birthday. Or cash. Kiddo really likes money! He is at present at his girlfriends house for her baby sisters birthday party.....LMAO...., while I sit at home and pray he's behaving...Not really...He's a good boy! Anyway....Her Daddy has a lot of land, a pond, and no remorse when it comes to his oldest daughter. He has already warned Pie once and I don't think he'll get more than one. Academically he is by and far impressing me. And that is not so easy. Apparently Science is his his thing...(How cool is that??????) He placed first at the school Science fair and went to regionals. Then went to the Science Olympiad and won a medal for building a windmill. Out of card stock and tape. On the bus, on the way there, because the first one broke that morning. I am so proud of him. Not just the Science and the Grades. He's really turned into a wonderful young man. He's a hard worker. You rarely have to tell him twice. He has really come out of his shell this last year.

Smooch is now 13! And probably going to take issue with me calling her Smooch before long. She had a slumber party for her birthday, which was a total contradiction in terms as NO ONE SLUMBERED!!! 4 a.m. I finally told them to go to bed...She got an iTouch for her Birthday. She was totally happy with it too until a friend of hers got a Laptop last week....lol...But unless the Cockcroft's are looking to adopt anyone she's SOL till next year. Shoot...I JUST got one! And I am so not 13. If I had to wait till I was 21 she can too.... She is actually playing with it (the iTouch that is) as I type. It's pretty cool really. She is trying to talk me into paying for some app she isn't going to play with next week. Academically she has always done well and continues to do so. Still loves to read...Thank You God! I usually try to read what she does and really enjoy most of them. I think (and have been told)...that I let her read too far above her level. But I figure she will either stop or ask questions...either way I'm good.

Popstar is looking forward to her 5th birthday....in July. Nothing like planning ahead. Apparently the "Everything" she received for Christmas has faded in to the recesses of her little mind and **NEW** stuff is taking over. The list is long.....long and expensive. She may look like Hubby but my genes are strong in this one. I just had my second parent teacher conference on the 8th. She is excelling academically but has serious issues with sitting still (that's her Daddy right there) and staying in her seat (I repeat...). She also enjoys throwing stuff. She doesn't seem to understand why throwing is not OK even if you don't hit anyone. We are working on that. If you throw something and are going to get in trouble you should at least hit your target.....

Our Church has become a mainstay in our lives. Popstar goes to the school attached to the Church and has really enjoyed it. Unfortunately because of our move (hopefully in the next couple of weeks) she will be going to Public School next year. But we all enjoy the Church itself and when we decided to remain in GA it was one of our deciding factors. We joined last summer and have had a blast ever since. It's small and friendly and fun. And very family oriented which, strange but true, I haven't found a lot of in the local churches. Odd huh? One would think.....

But then they don't pay me to think......

This is where those of you trying to find jobs may want to stop reading......

I did what I swore to never do again.......LOL....I not only took a job outside of my house, I took a job outside of my field. It has been a learning experience. I have learned that I am not too old to learn new tricks. I am however too old to want to.....And so sometime in the next 15 days I should be Happily Unemployed and back home where I belong. While I realize this is a horrible thing to say in this economy as a number of you are looking for jobs, I can only tell you to send your resumes as I don't think my replacment is going to last long. I'll give you a good reference.

Well the time has come for me to sign out. If you stopped by drop a line......Say Hi! I wonder who reads this sometimes......

Some memories of summer...

2010-01-13T19:06:00.002-05:00

Just couldn't leave ya on such a bummed out note.....So here is some sunshine:

A little chillin out.....

And a bit of bedtime to send you off tonight.......

Later!

My how the time files....

2010-01-13T18:22:00.004-05:00

Or: How my time flies...

I keep promising to update more regularly and I really intend to...Really! But the best of intentions and all that...

Anyway Christmas is of course over and New Years too. Both were a lot of fun. Lots of Family and Friends. Lots of Love and Food (I sometimes wonder if my Mom has confused the two or just expresses Love thru Food...). Christmas dinner was a triumph. And if I hadn't been so full I would have gotten off my lazy butt and posted this then...lol...The Kids were all happy with their hauls- individually and over all- I think Popstar put it best. When asked by her Sunday School Teacher (and subsequently any stranger around) what she got for Christmas, the standard answer was said on a sigh,"EVERYTHING!" So good times were had by all. Somewhere on this computer are pictures from the Christmas Pageant at our Church but I don't know where and Mom is not home. You'll have to make due with this until I can find them.

*** I just realized that this pic is over a year old....lol....***

The time is going by now though. So quickly. I'm working again. Have been since October. It's not a bad thing really. The money is good and the job is interesting. But I miss being home with the kids. Much like every other working parent in the world I guess. We are staying with Mom and Dad while we look for a house but I don't think it's going to be around here. Every time I think I can suck it up the God Forsaken JC school system fails again. I am so tired of the fools running the school district. This isn't fair to my kids. They shouldn't have to deal with this kinda crap!!!

On a lighter note Hubby is on his way back from Chicago and is bringing me authentic Chicago style Deep Dish Pizza!!!!! It (and He) should be here around 3am...*sigh*. Thank God I am a willing to eat real food for breakfast kinda girl. I'm gonna have ta share though. I can just feel it...the kids will smell the food from their cozy little beds. They're good like that.

Well that was all the Happy I can think of right now. I hope to be back soon with a more cheerful update. I just don't have it in me right now.

God be with us all.

Love ya!

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas......

2009-12-20T13:53:00.002-05:00

Except the no snow and the lack of houses with Christmas lights. But the gifts are purchased (Thank you Internet and UPS) and wrapped (Thank you Hubby!) and under the tree (Thank you Mom and Dad!) and soon the end of the frenzy will be upon us (Thank God!).

This year Christmas has taken on a different, better meaning for me. We joined a Church this past summer. Red Oak UMC to be exact. And it is amazing how the commercialism of the years past recedes in the face of the Christmas Story. Don't get me wrong...You can't see the base of the tree for the presents and not everything has made it out there yet. The kids will still be swamped by the rush of consumer euphoria that they are accustomed to. But this year they will have spent more time thinking of the reason we are celebrating. More time thinking of the people that are not. They have been introduced to the idea of people who have different beliefs and of people who have little or nothing to give. They have been taught the story that truly belongs to to Christmas is not T'was the Night Before Christmas but rather the tale of the morning Jesus was born. And I have had the joy of watching their eyes open. The pleasure of knowing they are learning something that will provide for and protect them. The wonder of watching our Family grow and become part of our Church Family. I never knew what that meant, nor how much. I am humbled by the love and blessed to be part of this wonderful experience. I am truly thankful this year.

It has been an amazing journey that I am grateful is not over yet.

Now if you'll excuse me....I have to go wrap presents........

Gonna try this one more time!

2009-09-17T10:52:00.001-04:00

I changed the settings so it should publish automatically! We'll see!

Testing

2009-09-17T10:42:00.000-04:00

I am trying to link my blog to my facebook. Wish me luck!

I have requests....

2009-09-10T17:23:00.003-04:00

I have been asked to update this more regularly and have been given the use of a computer that does not piss me off so I will...starting next week.....be updating from the summer and into this year.

In the mean time: MEET

Moo Shu.....

More details later.......

We interrupt this broadcast......

2009-03-11T12:15:00.002-04:00

Hello...My name is Cindy...and I have a problem. Since admitting you have a problem is the first step to healing I am on...well...step one.

You see I have a new addiction that has consumed all of my free time and some that was not. Exactly as I predicted when I opened my FACE**BOOK account. You got it..in early Feb. But I am slowly but surely recovering my grasp on the outside world and will hopefully be back in the saddle soon.

I have a lot of catching up to do.....

Footloose and fancy free.......

2009-02-06T20:37:00.007-05:00

*** This was actually written in February and never posted*****

Well, we spent the weekend before last with friends....no better way to spend time is known to man...or his family.......

Dear Jesus.....UPDATED

2009-01-21T20:43:00.003-05:00

Now I have no problem with religion. And I try to encourage my children to pray.
To that end, at the request of the Popstar, we tend to pray before dinner. Now since it is her idea we ask that she take her turn as it comes. That's why tonight I had to fight the battle to not roll out of my chair laughing. Cause I try not to mock beliefs. But when one hears:

Dear Jesus,
Bless this food. And the salt and pepper. And the ketchup, mustard, and dip dip.........

Well one must chuckle..........if only on the inside.........lol................

***Update: "We" have actually been asking God to bless the salt and pepper on a regular basis. The other condiments only if they are on the table.......Sacrilegious?? Your thoughts? She always remembers the soldiers, friends, and family members and usually the cat....can you pray "wrong" ......does it really matter? I mean really..... does God care if you ask him (Or in Popstars case Jesus) to bless seasonings? As long as the intentions are good? It's not like she's praying to the shakers or the Clover Valley folks...****

Thbbbbbttththth...

2009-01-10T16:48:00.002-05:00

Every family has games they like to play. Well at least I assume they do cause ours does and we seem to be pretty normal. For the most part. On a good day. If no one looks too closely. But I digress as I often do.

Last night Popstar talked us in to a round of the family favorite:

Hide and Sneak.

You know that game....

The one where you turn off all the lights in the house and let your kids run pell mell through it in the dark? Then the smallest one and her helper of choice, armed with the flashlight, sneak around trying to find the hidden ones?

The one where you come to the startling realization that most of your kids and all of your pets fit in the dryer? And your husband doesn't?

The one during which, and for some unknown reason, your toddler insists that somebody may be hiding in a toilet bowl and therefore both of them must be inspected EVERY time?

The one where someone inevitably gets hurt and everyone else laughs? Till they cry?

The one where your toddler accidentally paraphrases a Tom Hanks quote and brings you to your knees at your husbands expense?

Yeah, that's the one we play alright......

Allow me to set the scene:

It was a dark and stormy night....well it was dark. Popstar and I were "sneaking" and had just finished a through perusal of the master bath toilet "just in case Mommy". As we rounded the corner into the room proper out of the silent darkness there came a noise. A horrible sound instantly recognised by all in our house.

I bit my tongue to keep from laughing in the hopes she hadn't heard it. And then hit my knees in convulsive laughter as a small voice from beyond the flash light piped up indignantly:

"Daddy, there's no farting in hide and sneak!"

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-31T17:29:00.005-05:00

WELCOME 2009 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good bye 2008!

Have a Safe and Happy New Year!!!!!

Love y'all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It just sums it up.......

2008-12-19T16:02:00.001-05:00

Have a wonderful Non-Denominational Winter Shopping Festival!

God help me it's perfect!

Meet Figaro.....

2008-12-15T21:10:00.005-05:00

Twas the day of Thankgiving at Mom and Dads house
We were frying a turkey no pets but our "mouse"
Dad, Hubby and I were out on the porch
Watching the water and passing the torch
When what to our wondering eyes should appear
But a small orange and white kitten...I said "No dear..."
It walked past the dog and sat atop the Tykes house
I said "no" and "I mean it" to my fascinated spouse.
"Our lease says we can't have them, we don't need the expense"
He came back at me with something that made no sense..
"Your Dad says I should learn to tell you NO"
"This is not what he meant, ask him dear...go"
As we sat down to dinner the kitten by then
Had climbed up the screen and was meowing again
So I agreed to take him far down the street
And dump him out somewhere dark and discreet.
But lo and behold I somehow became mellow
And now he is at home: Our fat fuzzy fellow:

A quickie with lots of pictures.........

2008-12-09T19:27:00.008-05:00

Hey I have been slack! Again! I know! but my camera batteries died and instead of getting new ones I just let it sit in my purse and collect dust. Oddly I don't seem to post until I download pictures. So here we go!

We rode ponies with Grandma at the Deer Festival.

(Yes we have a festival all about Deer! It's a small town!)

We let dead brain cells take over:

We had what appears to be a blurry Thanksgiving, though I swear this picture was clear when I took it.......

We played with our cousins:

This it Cita (spelling may need to be changed!)

This is Tato:

Some of us have been productive:

Pie and Smooch built this bridge out of scrap lumber.

And I have been told they are not done yet.

And we added a new member on Thanksgiving day:

Meet Figaro...............He's a lot bigger now but is kinda camera shy...........

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T10:44:00.002-05:00

That pretty much all I have to say! Hope everyone has a wonderful day! May all your Turkeys be moist and your stuffing be...well...stuffed!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

The best e-mail I ever read:

2008-11-23T17:19:00.003-05:00

WHITE GUILT IS DEAD

By Tom Adkins

Look at my fellow conservatives! There they go, glumly shuffling along, depressed by the election aftermath. Not me. I'm virtually euphoric. Don't get me wrong. I'm not thrilled with America's flirtation with neo socialism. But there's a massive silver lining in those magical clouds that lofted Barack Obama to the Presidency. For today, without a shred of intellectually legitimate opposition, I can loudly proclaim to America: The Era of White Guilt is over.

This seemingly impossible event occurred because the vast majority of white Americans didn't give a fluff about skin color, and enthusiastically pulled the voting lever for a black man. Not just any black man. A very liberal black man who spent his early career race-hustling banks, praying in a racist church for 20 years, and actively worked with America-hating domestic terrorists. Wow! Some resume! Yet they made Barack Obama their leader. Therefore, as of Nov. 4th, 2008, white guilt is dead.

For over a century, the millstone of white guilt hung around our necks, retribution for slave-owning predecessors. In the 60s, American liberals began yanking that millstone while sticking a fork in the eye of black Americans, exacerbating the racial divide to extort a socialist solution. But if a black man can become President, exactly what significant barrier is left? The election of Barack Obama absolutely destroys the entire validation of liberal white guilt. The dragon is hereby slain. So today, I'm feeling a little "uppity," if you will. From this day forward, my tolerance level for having my skin color hustled is now exactly ZERO. And it's time to clean house. No more Reverend Wright's "God Damn America," Al Sharpton's Church of Perpetual Victimization, or Jesse Jackson's rainbow racism. Cornell West? You're a fraud. Go home. All those "black studies" programs that taught kids to hate whitey? You must now thank Whitey. And I want that on the final.

Congressional Black Caucus? Irrelevant. Maxine Waters? Shut up. ACORN? Outlawed. Black Panthers? Go home and pet your kitty. Black separatists? Find another nation that offers better dreams. Go ahead. I'm waiting.

Gangsta rappers? Start praising America. Begin with the Pledge of Allegiance. And please, no more ebonics. Speak English, and who knows where you might end up? Oh, yeah, pull up your pants. Your underwear is showing. You look stupid.

To those Eurosnots who foraged entire careers hating America? I'm still waiting for the first black French President.

And let me offer an equal opportunity whupping. I've always despised lazy white people. Now, I can talk smack about lazy black people. You're poor because you quit school, did drugs, had three kids with three different fathers, and refuse to work. So when you plop your Colt 45-swilling, Oprah watchin' butt on the couch and complain "Da Man is keepin' me down," allow me to inform you: Da Man is now black. You have no excuses.

No more quotas. No more handouts. No more stealing my money because someone's great-great-great-great grandparents suffered actual pain and misery at the hands of people I have no relation to, and personally revile.

It's time to toss that massive, obsolete race-hustle machine upon the heap of the other stupid 60s ideas. Drag it over there, by wife swapping, next to dope-smoking. Plenty of room right between free love and cop-killing. Careful, don't trip on streaking. There ya go, don't be gentle. Just dump it. Wash your hands. It's filthy.

In fact, Obama's ascension created a gargantuan irony. How can you sell class envy and American unfairness when you and your black wife went to Ivy League schools, got high-paying jobs, became millionaires, bought a mansion, and got elected President? How unfair is that??? Now, like a delicious O'Henry tale, Obama's spread-the-wealth campaign rendered itself moot by it's own victory! America is officially a meritocracy. Obama's election has validated American conservatism! So, listen carefully: Wham!!! That's the sound of myfoot kicking the door shut on the era of white guilt. The rites have been muttered, the carcass lowered, dirt shoveled, and tombstone erected. White guilt is dead and buried.

However, despite my glee, there's apparently one small, rabid bastion of American racism remaining. Black Americans voted 96% for Barack Obama. Hmmm. In a color-blind world, shouldn't that be 50-50? Tonight, every black person should ask forgiveness for their apparent racism and prejudice towards white people. Maybe it's time to start spreading the guilt around.

From the desk of Dad

2008-11-10T21:13:00.000-05:00

In the dark and gloomy room, gazing at the tarot cards laid out before her, the tarot reader delivered the bad news:"There is no easy way to tell you this so I'll just be blunt. Prepare yourself to be a widow. Your husband will die a quick, violent and horrible death this year."

Visibly shaken, the woman stared at the tarot cards, the psychic's lined face, then at the single flickering candle, then down at her trembling hands. She took a few deep breaths to try to compose herself. She simply had to know.

She met the Tarot reader's gaze, steadied her voice, and asked:

"Will I get away with it?"

Sugar shack shock

2008-11-01T21:45:00.003-04:00

This

= THIS:

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!!!

2008-10-31T13:36:00.002-04:00

These are from last year as you can tell!

Can you say wired for sound? Exhausted and sugared up all at once but loving the stash:
More pics tomorrow!

Happy Birthday to.........

2008-10-28T18:41:00.012-04:00

Me!
Yep another year older and not much ~~wiser~~ wider!

Thanks in no small part to the worlds best neighbors! Yup! The cake masters have struck again!
The Hakes and my kids teamed up and the result is spectacular!

AND IT'S ALL EDIBLE!!!!!! EVERY SINGLE PIECE AND PART! The big pumpkin on top is Rice Krispie treat!!! I love Rice Krispie treats!

AND IT HAS THE WEDDING CAKE ICING ON IT!

FROM THE OTHER CAKE I LOVED SO MUCH!

(See it here along with Popstar's birthday cake that they made: http://whatdoesntkillus.blogspot.com/2008/07/i-love-being-guinea-pig.html )

My sister and her crew came over after dinner to share the wealth as it were. I only got a couple of shots before I put the camera down. But I did get to send them home with some cake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is my niece...We'll call her Barbie!

And here's something I was the last to know:

The top of the pumpkin came off and had candy in it! The kind they know the kids like. We named it pumpkin brains! We are just sick like that!

Sorry I have been busy....

2008-10-27T13:31:00.003-04:00

For more info on why I have been so busy go to http://www.cleanupjaspercounty.blogspot.com/. Go ahead...I'll wait.

Welcome back. Yep Mom and Aunt D. and I are taking on the school board. Saving the world from one a$$hat at a time! In the mean time I have been looking into homeschooling and different alternative programs to edumacate them until we can get this guy gone. I am pretty sure we found our answer today. One of Pie's friends attends an open campus type school around the corner so to speak as nothing is really around the corner from here. But I only have to go down once a week and they will keep all the attendance and academic records so the school board can't touch me. In the mean time we have been proofing the letter to the editor and climbing up the food chain in an attempt to speed up the process. I also have to run down to the magistrate court and file a warrant today (or god help me can I do it tomorrow?) since they won't discipline her I will have to press charges. I have also found out I can file a complaint with the GA Professional Standards Commission so that will be next. *Sigh*

I am dreaming of rushing rivers and snow capped mountains.

Quiet fireside chats with friends and leaves turning for fall. I am getting forms and phone calls and questions with very few answers. Just stress, lots of stress.

Shoot- who do I think I'm kidding.............................

None of my friends are quiet.......

Cooking Pumpkin with the Punkin'

2008-10-18T19:25:00.005-04:00

Hubby went and bought pumpkins to carve into Jack 'o Lanterns. Little did he know Popstar and I had other ideas. And everyone we know and a few people we don't would pay for it. So we popped open the pumpkins and roasted the seeds (yum!) Then we decided to experiment. So with the first pumpkin we baked most of it and boiled some of it. Both types were then run thru the blender as the food processor is out of commission temporarily.

Mommy's Little Chef

(and top rated taste tester)

Then we made pumpkin bread:

And pumpkin pie:

Then we ate them and they were good. Really. So the next day we had a bunch of leftover cooked pumpkin so we made more bread. Then Pie said he wanted more seeds. It sounded like a good idea so we sacrificed another of Hubby's pumpkins to the cause. That one we baked all of and for future reference:

If your going to make pumpkin pie from fresh pumpkin...boil it. Like potatos. It comes out smoother and makes for a better texture in the pie. The baked pumpkin pies were good but had a grainy spagetti squash kind of texture. They tasted fine and I am actually the only one who thought this but they were also the two pies that did not get eaten......Also if anyone has an idiot simple pie crust recipe send it my way please. And don't just say it's easy...mean it. I'm looking for something you just can't mess up.

So by this point we were over run with pumpkin bread. And that's when Pie- our super eater- informs me he doesn't really like pumpkin...well except for the seeds. Now bananas on the other hand......Well why not.....So I pack a bunch of pumpkin bread up and send it with Hubby to work and drop some off at my parents house and send some to my sister.... by his time pumpkin and banana breads both...in a vain attempt to make room in my fridge for real food. And there is still no room in the fridge. So what do we do next? Pie and Smooch decide to invade the neighbors house one day and come home with about 500 cookies of assorted types.

Mean while back at the ranch....Popstar and I got bored and made peanut butter cookies....doh. (Get it DoH...as in cookie??? Yeah too much sugar....sorry) So out come the zip-loc bags and back into distribution we go. At this point I have stopped taking pictures and gained 5 lbs.

Folks I need a hobby! That does not involve food......

But a good time was had by all...except the victims of the distribution process some of whom now see orange around the edges and waddle away if they see Hubby with a cooler.

At least I am in good shape for Thanksgiving desserts and Christmas breakfast.

I have been so slack.......

2008-10-16T17:07:00.002-04:00

Please bear with me as I go through my slack ass stage that I can't seem to shake. I actually have some stuff I need to get up here but multiple little demons have jumped on my keyboard preventing me from doing it. It seems every time I get a chance to sit down at the computer I have 8 other things to do and only enough time for 3. So those of you who I regularly read know I am not lost.....simply misplaced for the moment.

I do however want to leave you with this inspiring thought my sister was kind enough to share with me today:

A recent study found that the average American walks about 900 miles a year. Another study found that Americans drink, on average, 22 gallons of alcohol a year. That means that, on average, Americans get about 41 miles to the gallon.

Makes you proud to be an American, huh?

Another Gem From The Desk of Dad......

2008-10-09T17:47:00.002-04:00

Financial Advice we can all get behind........

Retirement Plan Investment Tip:

If you had purchased $1000.00 of AIG stock one year ago, it would now be worth $56.91.

With Washington Mutual, you would have $4.58 left of the original $1000.

With 'Fannie Mae'(FNM), you would have $11.34 left.

If you had purchased $1000.00 of Lehman Bros one year ago it would now be almost worthless; less than $0.86.

But, if you had purchased $1000.00 worth of beer one year ago, drank all the beer, then turned in the cans for the aluminum recycling refund you would have $214.00.

Based on the above, the best current investment advice is to drink heavily and recycle.

This is called the 401-Keg Plan

I am so retiring in style...................

I need your help........

2008-10-01T08:26:00.004-04:00

I have been calling schools all day. Public and Private, day cares and churches. And the one thing they all have in common is that my 3 yr old cannot attend any of them unless I receive public assistance. Even the one INSIDE the local primary school. So I can pay the taxes that heat and cool the school, buy gas for the buses bought with those taxes, and pay the teachers salaries. But unless I am on or qualify for public assistance I cannot avail myself of these programs. I have to pay - on average- $105.00 a week to educate my child. And you want the kicker.....it's not actually a K-3 program. It's daycare that "follows" the K-3 curriculum. So for $105.00 a week they can teach her to pick her nose, or finger paint with pudding all day. And I am the only person who will care. And not in the school I already pay for, nor can I use the buses my taxes provide.....nope. No such luck...at least not for me. I have to pony up for gas and insurance and maintenance on my personal conveyance to get her to the relatively expensive K-3 type program and back. So I have to get a job. So I can pay more taxes. So they can put in more of these programs I can't use. So more kids on public assistance that I am already feeding, providing shelter for, and paying for medical care on can go to school for free. That is where y'all come in:

You are members of the public!!! Will you assist me?

If in nothing else then in understanding why we voted for the a$$hats that came up with this lame brain idea..........................Thank you......Thank you very much.

**Update 11:31**

I finally found a daycare that has actual K-3 and is not State, Federal, or lottery funded. It is private so I do have to pay but they have a half day program from 8 to noon that is ~~only~~ $55 a week and includes all supplies, breakfast, and lunch. Plus a certified physical education teacher comes in on Wed. So I still feel f***ed but at least I get a meal or two for my money.

Well Popstar does. I get a part time job...heh.

For every action......

2008-09-20T22:54:00.006-04:00

OK folks I too am getting tired of the cliches...but I am really starting to wonder. First things first: we hit Fresh Air BBQ Friday night. It was good. If you ever get a chance eat there......yum!No doubt as to why they have won awards. I did begin to wonder why they called it Fresh Air about two hours after we ate there. Best I can tell someone was being sarcastic. But dinner was good and we went to bed. Rise and shine Sat morning...ate breakfast hit the local KFC and decided to find a local camp ground and wander the trails (They claimed it was only 1.25 miles but I don't think so and neither do my feet): This is the shot I forced them to pose for:

I have no idea why Hubby's tongue looks black. I have seen his birth certificate...no chow in him.I like the new banner up top better but this is cute too.

Popstar liked the minnows and frogs:

She did not like being interupted to take a picture.

Smooch was mostly content to sit and watch:

Pie found pay dirt in the form of a youth group touring the area....And was willing to swim for his supper:God help me I felt like yelling "He's only 12!!" But Hubby, having been 12 himself once, wouldn't let me. Now had it been one of the girls Hubby would have been chunking rocks. Youth group or not.

Had a wonderful time. Will be going back soon.

But as the saying goes:

No good deed goes unpunished:

30 pack of beer cause it's Saturday and Ga doesn't sell on Sunday: $14.99

Two packs of Winstons: $5.69

Two new tires: $140.00

Popstars new vocabulary addition: priceless

Ain't life grand?????????????????

Whats wrong with this picture???

2008-09-18T09:31:00.004-04:00

And he's all mine........

Life Explained...Another Gem from the desk of Dad

2008-09-18T09:31:00.001-04:00

I really wonder where he gets this stuff:

The first day, God created the dog and said:

'Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years.'

The dog said: 'That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?'

So God agreed.

On the second day, God created the monkey and said:

'Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span.'

The monkey said: 'Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the Dog did?'

And God agreed.

On the third day, God created the cow and said:

'You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years.'

The cow said: 'That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty and I'll give back the other forty?'

And God agreed again.

On the fourth day, God created man and said:

'Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I'll give you twenty years.'

But man said: 'Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?'

'Okay,' said God, 'You asked for it.'

So that is why for our first twenty years we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our family. For the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last ten years we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.

Life has now been explained to you.

There is no need to thank me for this valuable information.

I'm doing it as a public service.

Unnecessary censorship.....

2008-09-17T10:34:00.002-04:00

Do not click this unless you are at home or your office door is closed. I have not laughed this hard in awhile.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8Vh9_Hi1kY

It was the best of times........

2008-09-15T14:01:00.017-04:00

*** WARNING: GRAPHIC YUCKY PICTURES AT THE END OF THIS POST. STOP AT MALE BONDING IF YOUR EATING*****

Saturday we hit a local nature preserve. It was way fun. Like we will go back with a picnic more than once kinda fun. We actually only saw a small part of it but it was hot and muggy from the rain and we were not prepared, really, to hang out all day:

I got a shot of the almost all standing still and almost smiling in spite of them selves but still trying to look bored children:

I got a shot of the rules don't refer to me Daddy...not so rare as it could be..........

And this is a beauty:

We harvested what I think are either scuppernogs or muscadines:

We tried to look bored again and didn't quite make it in time....my shutter is faster than hers...lol...but not by much...

We petted goats:

And got some great shots of a ~~viscous black~~ Pooh Bear:

And a Great Horned Owl:

Whooooo(sorry) prompted a male bonding thru hand noises session:

We had a wonderful time and I took way to many pics to post them all. I literally filled a 512 SD chip and could have taken so many more.

So we got home that night and played with neighbors down by the lake and all was still well. Got up Sunday made fried chicken and to finish recovering from Saturday decided to go for a swim at Grandma and Grandpas. That's when things went tragically down hill. It started with a small snake that was slithering toward Popstar and ended in the ER:

So far they have just glued it closed. The problem was that it was deep as well as long. But if he doesn't behave we have to go back for stitches so I figure we'll be back around Wed- Thurs at the latest. Cest La Vie. All good things must come to an end...lol. The worst part is he just got a raise on Fri. after only two weeks. So there was NO CALLING IN on Monday. But he is trying to take it easy and come home early instead of staying and doing grunt work. We shall see.

God Bless America

2008-09-11T13:19:00.003-04:00

Progress has been made....

2008-09-09T17:43:00.002-04:00

Finally something to blog about!!!!!

Pie:

P.E.- 100%

Vis Arts-100%

Lang Arts- 95%

Gifted- 92%

Math- 91 %

Sci- 86%

Sci Enrich- 77%

Smooch:

Sci- 100%

P.E.- 100%

Vis Arts- 100%

Gifted- 93%

Math Enrich- 92%

Math- 82%

Lang Arts- 71%

Here in GA thats 5 A's, 1 B, and 1 C each....

I'm not even going to ground them for the C's.

(But they better be at least B's by report card time.)

Popstar:

This week we are working on:

The Letter A- 90%

The Color Red-100%

Shape Circle- 100%

Big and Small- 85%

The Number 1- 90%

While I ramble on......

2008-09-08T12:55:00.006-04:00

I actually have nothing to say. But I also have nothing to do- so here I am. I have however noticed that I am posting a lot of nothing lately so I am trying to think of something to say. And I am not doing a very good job. Not much has been post worthy lately. We are pretty much just hanging out at home. With Hubby's new job came the end of vehicular availability for me as we only have one now. So no running around. Though I do have to go to the library tomorrow or I will be zapped for fines....hmmmm.....

This is getting sad folks.

We did however combine two of our favorite activites the other day:

Swimming and playing in the rain!

Hey we were there- we were wet...we were not going to get any dryer if we got out....and there was no lightning.

Yes my Mother taught me to come in out of the rain. But you'll notice you don't actually see me in these pictures. Nope I was under the canopy in a chair all nice and dry. Hey...somebody has to take pictures......

Lazy day games..hopefully one of many....

2008-09-07T14:32:00.001-04:00

It's called the Air Force Test. My Dads best was about 10 seconds but he is left handed on a right handed mouse. My top time was 16.85. If you play it drop a comment and let me know how you did.

http://members.iinet.net.au/~pontipak/redsquare.html

Patrick and Pie have been compeating. Patrick holds the lead at 38 to Pie's 34......

If that ain't country.......

2008-09-03T17:37:00.002-04:00

I have no words that could possibly be better than this picture............

And can you believe we actually dug it out from under others of the same size and type? Yeah..Don't awnser that...I know you can.

God I love the South.

Cause you know they ain't shipping this shit to New York.

Email from Mom........

2008-08-28T12:08:00.000-04:00

Four Worms and a lesson to be learned......

A minister decided that a visual demonstration would add emphasis to his Sunday sermon.Four worms were placed into four separate jars.

The first worm was put into a container of alcohol.

The second worm was put into a container of cigarette smoke.

The third worm was put into a container of chocolate syrup.

The fourth worm was put into a container of good clean soil.

At the conclusion of the sermon, the Minister reported the following results:

The first worm in alcohol - Dead.

The second worm in cigarette smoke - Dead

Third worm in chocolate syrup - Dead

Fourth worm in good clean soil - Alive.

So the Minister asked the congregation - What did you learn from this demonstration?

Maxine was sitting in the back, quickly raised her hand and said,'As long as you drink, smoke or eat chocolate, you won't have worms!'

That pretty much ended the service --

Good news everyone!!!!!

2008-08-25T10:26:00.003-04:00

Well good news for us...not really everyone. After a month of being on the road and me finally getting pics of the truck up Patrick had an interview this morning with a local gas/propane/produce(?) company. (I'm not real sure where produce came in...it was pre-coffee fresh out of bed conversation....but apparently the Company is well......diverse?) And as most of us know- what Patrick interviews for Patrick generally gets. So this is his last week on the road. Come Friday possibly Saturday he will be back home disrupting the peace...I mean playing with the kids at night. Past their normal bedtimes, in spite of school, or other obligations they may have. Until all hours. There will be no peace in my world anymore. No not really!! I am actually, hard as it may be to believe for some of y'all, looking forward to him being back home. He likes to cook.

On another happy note:

It is official!!! I signed the final papers this morning!!!!

Woo Hoo!!! Mine Mine Mine Mine Mine!!!!!!

Sorry.......

I am not going to explain that one.

At least not here. But I had to say it!

Today was a good day. :)

Welcome to our Wild Life....

2008-08-24T12:37:00.002-04:00

We just can't get away from it here..lol. Send a kid fishing and what does he bring home??? Fish you may ask....Well of course not silly...not around here anyway. Pie caught this with his bare hands while fishing at the lake the other day...........

He got a video of it on his phone and let me tell you catching this little booger was no small feat.

This has to be the fastest turtle I have ever seen. Really. Not that I spend much time clocking turtles but in my humble opinion....I may have to just zap the video so y'all can see it. I so need a Mini SD card........

Ahhhh the proud hunter with his catch.....He brought it up to the house so we could all see it......

We all got some pics of Deer in the neighbours yard the other day. Of course all on our phones...no camera to be found. But we shall try harder......

New post on Pop Art....

2008-08-24T12:25:00.002-04:00

Just a couple of quick shots cause my lazy butt has not been keeping up with the cameras...

Bits and Pieces.........

2008-08-20T09:39:00.008-04:00

Thank you Demi and Duane from the bottom of my back. We (read they) had a wonderful time spreading joy and small pieces of plastic all over Grandpa's deck. And Grandpa's pool and subsequently Grandpa's skimmer I am sure. Despite picking up untold numbers ( My back could tell you but I seem to have blocked it out) of bits of Clemson pride they seem to keep coming back in force.....

It is enough to make you psycho -I mean psychic....I mean...Oh wait...I am having a vision...it's... it's...GLITTER...lots of glitter......and it's covering Lil' L and all of your pretty hardwood floors. Hmmm...I wonder if Hillbilly likes to carve wood????

450 of those balloons....and they barely made a dent!!!!!!!!!
I failed with this next picture....it's not that it's yellow which my house is not- or that its blurry which my house sometimes is..lol....It's that it was supposed to have two kids in it. But it doesn't- because they are camouflaged- and wearing a hat- so I could not see them. In the end it turned out to just be a nice picture of the chaise...
This is a view from my back porch:
Hubby finally managed to get close enough to get a shot. I swear it's like life on the Disco*very Channe*l .....lol. I saw three deer in someones yard the other day. This is Alvin- we feed him so he hangs around. He is literally 3 feet from my porch in this pic. Hubby took this for me as I apparently make too much noise when I try to be quiet. Go figure.

Speaking of Hubby....He brought the truck home this weekend....So it was in the drive way while we were waiting for the bus and so I got this....

Lord but she's small next to that truck...

And this....My personal favorite:

Sexy yes, I think so. Macho...with out a doubt.

But don't let the tough guy look fool you......

He stills rocks the Hopscotch board like a champ:

And had a blast throwing rocks across the street with Popstar who thought it was the coolest idea since sliced cheese..

Happy Wednesday folks...hope ya have a good one!!!!!

Memory Lane UPDATED AGAIN 8/14

2008-08-13T19:08:00.005-04:00

I got an e-mail from my Aunt Kim today...Hi Aunt Kim.....She sent me some pics she found of our mutual munchkins from a weekend we spent at her house....had a great time too...so here they are cause I liked them:

Here is one for the books......The kids you see with Popstar and Smooch are MY cousins...not the kids...lol. Big family. The girl in the pic with Smooch...we'll call her Sporty...is one month younger than Smooch. Aunt Kim and I actually had the exact same due date but Smooch was 5 weeks early. Aunt Kim also has pics somewhere of Popstar's first Popsicle and one in a swing in her back yard that I always loved. They used to be on Aunt Kim's site but I don't know if its still active...I must check and copy if I can...lol.

OK having looked again I think that second one may be at Grandma and Grandpas....not the couch so much but the blanket looks like one Grandma Crocheted. That last word just don't look right........

***UPDATE: I found it..the swing pic not the popsicle:

**OK I just got this tonight..and literally laughed out loud. Am I a bad Mommy or what???**

Well the first week is over....

2008-08-13T10:05:00.004-04:00

*** Update...Pie has barely eaten anything all day. Some French toast, soup broth and an English muffin and a fruit cup. And I'm not laying bets as to how much stayed down....He truly is feeling bad...I owe him an apology. I was wrong. Not that he knows it but fair is fair......*******

Sort of. They started last Thurs so today is one full week and we already have a sicko. Pie is home in bed with non-specific stomach ache (6:25) that had become hurts to breath -can't eat (6:35 or 5 minutes to bus time). The can't eat was what got me. I have personally seen the kid eat pizza- throw up- and go back for more of the same pizza within minutes cause now he was hungry again. By 9 am he was fine and eating until I asked him if he wanted to go to school since he felt better. He's back in bed...lol. Whatever. When he has to go to school while the rest of us ditch cause he wasted his sick day for the quarter actually being sick I think he will revisit the illness thing. We'll see. I never could see the reason to stay home from school when your actually sick. I prefer to save sick days for fun things. I mean if your going to feel bad anyway shouldn't you be at school at least long enough to be counted present if you can????
Hubby is in Alabama today...Fort Payne to be exact....home of Alabama one of my favorite groups. He was playing with the horses across the street from his delivery location while drinking his coffee this morning and will be headed to Murfeesborough- Murphiesboro......well TN as soon as he unloads. What a tough life he leads....lol. But should be home this weekend for round three of Kill the Fleas- an ongoing saga. Who knew something so small could be so resilient......By the time it is all said and done our yard will be a toxic dump and the carpet is not much better. How many different kinds of poison can you drop before the EPA notices????? How many bombs can you set off before your carpet unravels???? The answer to these and more if you tune in later to our f'ed up life.

Drum Roll Please........

2008-08-09T09:52:00.003-04:00

I finally got pictures of the truck.........It has only taken how many weeks????? But here she is in all her Volvo glory........

1 down....179 to go......

2008-08-07T23:11:00.004-04:00

It was the first day of school.....

And while they won't thank me for it..I did not take the on the way to school pic. I took the coming home on the bus pics. But the bus was late leaving a school this afternoon, 24 minutes late, I am not sure which school but when you pick up at four schools there are going to be logistical issues the first day, and so they got home at around 4:50 instead of 4:26. They were not happy....but the driver assures me tomorrow will be better...I can only hope. Popstar and I sidewalk chalked till thay got home.....

Do you sense the relief....

I guess it could be worse.....except that it's day one...179 to go.....

Home the conquering Hero.......

2008-08-05T09:15:00.003-04:00

OK Must catch up really quickly...lol. The last two weeks before school have been busy. My baby brother came home for a visit and of course his new wife, Heather.

Here she is with my sisters youngest son:

I say new wife but it has really been over a year since the wedding. It was just an awfully quick year. They are stationed on the West Coast so they don't get home much. But this particular weekend he had just graduated from Ranger school here in GA and so they came home to visit on what little leave he had. And OMG!!! What a guy. They say he has 2% body fat....I never found it.

Chris has been in the Military since he graduated from High School. Literally.....two or three days after he walked he was on a bus to Paris Island, SC. (Boot camp in SC in the summer...can you say GUNG HO!!) And he has always done so well. Went to a Military college. Top of every class, awards and accolades all the way. Did a tour of Iraq and some time in Korea. Ribbons, medals, coins, rank and hard earned privileges all the way. He is truly the perfect Soldier...dedicated, determined, responsible. He is who will keep us safe and sound. He will assure my children a safe place to raise theirs. He will also be remembered for all time by those children as the Dude with the MRE's. I coulda died. Poor guy has been eating MRE's for 3 months. But did he shirk...nope. When the conversation came up he was up and into his car and brought back assorted varieties for the kids to try. Even did an impromptu presentation on how they work for we the civilians who have never cooked food in boxes before:

*****UPDATE: I can not get the video to load and I don't know how to edit it....Sorry guys..It was really good.**********

Note to those at home: Very little that was edible made it past Chris that weekend. It seems they don't feed you nearly as many calories as you burn so I have at least 6 shots of him that look just like this:

But not a single bite of MRE touched his lips.

The Middle Wife

2008-07-24T15:49:00.001-04:00

The 'Middle Wife' by an Anonymous 2nd grade teacher.

I've been teaching now for about fifteen years. I have two kids myself, but the best birth story I know is the one I saw in my own second-grade classroom a few years back. When I was a kid, I loved show-and-tell. So I always have a few sessions with my students. It helps them get over shyness and usually show-and-tell is pretty tame. Kids bring in pet turtles, model airplanes, and pictures of fish they catch, things like that, and I never, ever place any boundaries or limitations on them. If they want to lug it in to school and talk about it, they're welcome.

Well, one day this little girl, Erica, a very bright, very outgoing child, takes her turn and waddles up to the front of the class with a pillow stuffed under her sweater. She holds up a snapshot of an infant. 'This is Luke, my baby brother, and I'm going to tell you about his birthday.'
'First, Mom and Dad made him as a symbol of their love, and then Dad put a seed in my Mom's stomach, and Luke grew in there. He ate for nine months through an umbrella cord.' She's standing there with her hands on the pillow, and I'm trying not to laugh and wishing I had my camcorder with me. The kids are watching her in amazement.

'Then, about two Saturdays ago, my Mom starts going, 'Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh!' Erica puts a hand behind her back and groans. 'Mom walked around the house for, like an hour, 'Oh, oh, oh!' Now this kid is doing a hysterical duck walk and groaning.

'My Dad called the middle wife. She delivers babies, but she doesn't have a sign on the car like the Pizza Hut man. They got my Mom to lie down in bed like this.' Then Erica lies down with her back against the wall.

'And then, pop! My Mom had this bag of water she kept in there in case he got thirsty, and it just blew up and spilled all over the bed, like psshhheew!' This kid has her legs spread with her little hands miming water flowing away. It was too much!

'Then the middle wife starts saying 'push, push,' and 'breathe, breathe. They started counting, but never even got past ten. Then, all of a sudden, out comes my brother. He was covered in yucky stuff that they all said it was from Mom's play-center, so there must be a lot of toys inside there.'

Then Erica stood up, took a big theatrical bow and returned to her seat.
I'm sure I applauded the loudest. Ever since then, when it's show-and-tell day, I bring my camcorder, just in case another 'Middle Wife' comes along.

Now you have two choices...laugh and close this page or pass this along to someone else to spread the laughs. I know what I did!!!

Wow What a night...

2008-07-22T09:29:00.004-04:00

*** You'll have to scroll to the bottom and pause the music***

Started off wonderfully..I got to chat with Amy from RIHOT the Mom of the cutest kid in the entire Yankee world...Her blog is private but trust me...Kiddos cute. Amy has a business called Book My Blog. And it is exactly what it sounds like. Totally cool. And really reasonably priced for all the effort that goes into it. Check it out at http://www.bookmyblog.com/ Once I get my blog a little farther along I will be looking into this. Mostly so the kids can have it when they get older.

But then in mid conversation:

Wham...phone starts crackling and power flickering. It was awesome!!!! So we found some candles and the camera (cause everybody should be out in a storm- and just so you know my Mother did teach me to come in out of the rain..it just didn't stick). It wasn't so much the lightning but the almost constant thunder. You could literally feel it. But one of the kids pointed out that my camera is not H2O proof so in I came. And got the camcorder. Cause why risk the cheepie camera when you can ruin the more expensive electronics? But I had too...really. Just in case I had water logged my camera I would still have footage......am I sick or what?

Hello...my name is Cindy and I have issues.

(PS...no electronics were harmed in the making of this post:

cause God protects fools and their cameras.)

I love being a guinea pig....

2008-07-21T17:47:00.006-04:00

Note to self...Take photography class......

Our neighbors (AKA The Landlords) Rolf and Elaine make cakes. Professionally and they are so good. They made Popstar a cake for her birthday:

And Mrs. Elaine just dropped off this beauty. Apparently they are practicing for a wedding on Saturday and figured instead of throwing it away they would bring it to the kids. WOW! The kids are happy:And who wouldn't be. Their frosting is beyond compare and the cakes are light and moist...what gets me is the patience it takes to do this. All of it is free hand. I would be pulling out my hair....

So Thank you Mr. Rolf and Mrs. Elaine..from the bottom...well at least from my bottom...the kids tend to run it off.

*****UPDATE*****

Not only was it gorgeous from the outside- check out the inside!! I swear I am not a huge cake fan but Mr. Rolf and Mrs. Elaine may convert me. It's like baked velvet- thick and smooth but substantial...Per the kids : Moist and fluffy(kid one)...and heaven on earth... except better(kid two). I have said it before and I will say it again...Life is good.

PS It was actually too tall for my cake plate........Aggggg! What now?????

Another gem from the desk of Dad

2008-07-21T16:25:00.001-04:00

We have enjoyed the redneck jokes for years It's time to take a reflective look at the core beliefs of a culture that values home, family, country and God. If I had to stand before a dozen terrorists who threaten my life, I'd choose a half dozen or so rednecks to back me up. Tire irons, squirrel guns and grit -- that's what rednecks are made of. I hope I am one of those. If you feel the same, pass this on to your redneck friends. Ya'll know who ya' are.

You might be a redneck if: It never occurred to you to be offended by the phrase, 'One nation, under God.'

You might be a redneck if: You've never protested about seeing the 10 Commandments posted in public places.

You might be a redneck if: You still say ' Christmas' instead of 'Winter Festival.'

You might be a redneck if: You bow your head when someone prays.

You might be a redneck if: You stand and place your hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem.

You might be a redneck if: You treat our armed forces veterans with great respect, and always have.

You might be a redneck if: You've never burned an American flag, nor intend to.

You might be a redneck if: You know what you believe and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening.

You might be a redneck if: You respect your elders and raised your kids to do the same.

You might be a redneck if: You'd give your last dollar to a friend.

You might be a redneck if: You believe Jesus is the Son of God.

God Bless the USA!

The Lord must surely love Rednecks, why else would he make so many huh?

Whoops....

2008-07-19T10:56:00.003-04:00

OK So Hubby got home last night and I got excited...no not like that....well ok I'll give ya that one...but at this moment I mean in the family friendly sense.

Alright I am either in the gutter or I need to choose my words a bit more wisely. Or both cause that didn't sound much better.

Let me try this:

Hubby called from the interstate and said come on and I did. In a screaming rush (We had to pick him up at the truck as it is WAY too big to bring to the house). So being the organized soul that I am I forgot my camera. And Popstar's camera. And my purse which had both cameras. Thank god my license is attached to my keys......wanna guess why?

HEY.... be nice....!!!!

So tomorrow we will go and take my purse and god willing (AKA Hubby will remind me...lol) I will have pics of the truck for your viewing pleasure. And so should Popstar....I can't wait.

*****UPDATE*****

Nope didn't happen....We didn't want to risk meltdown so drop off was quick.

OH Yeah......

2008-07-18T14:40:00.002-04:00

Hubby's comin' home tonight...Hubby's comin' home tonight!!!! Yeah!!!!! Mostly it has been a good week. I woke up yesterday in a foul mood for some reason...wrong side of the bed I guess...So I tried going back and getting out on the other side. Alas I was too late. The damage had been done. So around two I was e-mailing my sister back and forth and my little darlings mutinied. They jumped ship and headed for Aunt D's. God love her. They weren't doing anything that really bothered me but they were catching the sharp side of my temper so she saved them. It works in the end...I can watch hers so she can work- she can watch mine so I don't have too....lol.

Anyway...will post pictures of the truck after we pick up Hubby tonight!!!!!!!

OK It's crunch time....

2008-07-14T10:33:00.004-04:00

This is it folks...when we find out if the title is true....Hubby has taken a job that puts him back over the road. So it's me and the kids home alone..picture that obnoxious kid from the movie here...Anyway we will now be updating more often so he can check in from the road. So far today we have eaten breakfast(French Toast and Bacon) and played (loudly...I love this house thing..my nearest neighbors are in a whole other town till Thursday). Both of my parents have called along with my sister and Demi. After the nieces nap we will be going swimming. So if you catch this honey....all is well. PS even if you hadn't been in a dry county for orientation it was Sunday in the South (well it was Sunday everywhere...but Charleston is the sales on Sunday exception down here). Sorry 'bout that.

Oh and I downloaded pics from the Popstar cam...apparently her world is...well.....blurry. I can't convince her that she has to stay still until the pic is done taking. But here are some samples:

Self portrait above....Pie sleeps (or tries to at least) below....

This one was taken by an adult...I'm guessing me. But the camera works if you KEEP IT STILL!!!!! We will work on this skill more as we go. I am also thinking of opening another blog if I can get the title I want so I can post these on that.....I'll update on that as I go.

Later!!!!!!

And a good time was had by all

2008-07-13T16:31:00.006-04:00

The cast of characters....From left Grandpa, Grandma, Lil L, Smooch, Duane and Demi. Duane and Demi came in from SC for the festivities.

Hubby got to grill as Hubby loves to do..... Many Thanks to Demi and Duane...I can't even get the big kids out of this one......

This is where not being in an apartment will come in real handy....... Thank you Aunt D and Company who were also present ...but the only pic I found of Aunt D was not something she would thank me for posting so.....
And don't you just love Little People??? This is the camping set..... OK How ironic is the blurry picture of the camera? Yeah. Grandma and Grandpa got this for Popstar and I can't wait till she slows down enough to do it right. I will be posting her attempts as we get them loaded. I am kinda curious as to the perspective of the rampaging toddler.
She was pretty excited too..... And that was before she ate this.......

She's a huge Mickey Mouse fan so Grandpa and Grandma got her a fab. cake......

This one was a gift from the neighbors (AKA our lanlords) and is all hand done...flowers butterflys even the clown bodies.......Wow!
Serious sugar shock.....................It's begining to look a lot like dinner.......

Welcome to the neighborhood

2008-07-10T09:53:00.003-04:00

Welp as promised.......Drum roll please.......

HOME!!!!!!!

It's funny though...it must just not be very photogenic. It's really a lot cuter than it seems. Lots of big windows and shade trees.
And bigger than it looks. Really. I look at prospective homes in terms of number of hours per week potentially spent doing house work. Cause we all know everybody loves house work. So I pulled into the drive and went "OOOOhhhhhh.....Ahhhhhhh". Then I walked through the front door and went "Awwwww...where did all this come from?". I said something totally different in my head but this show is rated PG.
Now I realize the lattice work needs well...work. And I meant now as in Hubby took these pictures and I just now realized.......But the deck is solid and has way more room than I want to sweep..errr plenty of room to play...yeah that's what I meant.

But this is the view from the deck and we are allowed to trim branches at will. That's the next door neighbors house on the right.

OK Why did I just read that and think well DUH!! What.... we didn't move one in from down the street just for this picture???? Anyway they are really nice people and extended an open invite to use their dock (they were really nice before that too...) They are weekend warriors (They don't live here full time) so it's nice to have permission to play when they are not here.

This is the house on the other side. It's our landlords house (again....such nice people) and it's.....well...it's green isn't it. This is actually a side view. The front porch is on the left side of the shot and oh my god the inside.....But the front porch has to be the best part. Big fans and comfy seats. We tend to wander over and have coffee in the morning with them. They are former drivers themselves so lots to talk about.

Well there it is...our neighborhood...lol.

Drop by if you get a chance....

PS..Rumor has it that we have a 14 point buck so old his face is turning grey and 4 or 5 does running the woods and apparently the yards around here.

Note to self...must buy deer corn and batteries for camera. The photo hunt is on. We also have a chipmunk that's lives next to our deck and birds and tree rats...err squirrels...and various neighbors dogs. It's a regular National Geographic Special out here. Wild America outside my window....God I love it here.

The House Test

2008-07-08T09:29:00.002-04:00

I would like to say that I really don't care for gung-ho community people that won't leave you alone...like PTA Nazi's or people who think you should buy Girl Scout cookies even if they are a rip off and taste like card board. But I do support local produce and community stores when I can. I used to support local shrimp too but then I moved to GA so now not so much. We have a lake and I don't think I am eating any shrimp that came out of it.
Any way instead of house tests I am going to get off my $utt and take pics of my new one so I can share, I just have to shake this bug first.

What the House Test Says About You

You consider yourself important, but no more important than anyone else. You love attention, but you don't feel like you deserve more of it than anyone else.

You can't stand community oriented people and annoying "buy local" campaigns. You prefer to live the best life possible, and that doesn't really involve many other people.

You are a calm, contemplative, and smart person. You take ideas very seriously.

You look attractive, but mostly because your rely on your natural good looks to get by.

You are moved by what's exotic and unique. You often have the mentality of a traveler, even when you're not traveling.

The'>http://www.blogthings.com/thehousetest/">The House Test

I have music....

2008-07-05T00:03:00.001-04:00

Yes I now shout at you when you click on me. Sorry. I have a selection of music so I hope you can find some thing you like ......if not I have a few slots left and take requests.......let me know.....Hope everyone had a wonderful fourth of July........

Happy 4th of July!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-07-04T09:55:00.003-04:00

Happy 4th of July!!!
Hope everyone stays safe and has fun!!!

We will be back up and update later this weekend...I can't find my AV cord for the camera (I love
moving.....not!)

In an effort to avoid packing

2008-06-27T10:44:00.003-04:00

I found this on another site and just love these stickers...as I refuse to put them on my car I am posting it here instead..lol. Not a lot of choices for hair and body style but it gets the job done.

As much as I would love to continue to waste your time and mine I must go do dishes. Gag.

Broke Back Deer Camp...cause I had too...

2008-06-26T11:32:00.002-04:00

Four guys were at deer camp. They had to bunk two to a room.
No one wanted to room with Daryl because he snored so badly. They decided it wasn't fair to make one of them stay with him the whole time, so they voted to take turns.
The first guy slept with Daryl and came to breakfast the next morning with his hair a mess and his eyes all bloodshot.
The other two said, 'Man, what happened to you?' He said, 'Daryl snored so loudly, I just sat up and watched him all night.'
The next night it was the second guy's turn. In the morning, same thing--hair all standing up, eyes all bloodshot.
The other two said, 'Man, what happened to you? You look awful!' He said, 'Man, that Daryl shakes the roof. I sat up and watched him all night.'
The third night was Frank's turn. Frank was a big burly ex-football player; a man's man. The next morning he came to breakfast bright eyed and bushy tailed.
'Good morning,' he said.
The other two couldn't believe it! He looked rested and wide awake.
They asked, 'Man, what happened?'
He said, 'Well, we got ready for bed. I went and tucked Daryl into bed patted his a$$ and kissed him good night.
Daryl sat up and watched me all night.'

Sing along time....

2008-06-26T09:47:00.002-04:00

Ok folks its an old kiddo fave......you'll pick it up.....

Over the river and thru the woods to Grandmas Subdivision we go
The hubby knows the way to drive the UHaul sleigh
The kids are praying for winter snow......... ohhhhhh...

OK put the hairbrushes down and assure your children you are fine....

Suprise suprise suprise...(I am so channeling Gomer Pyle right now)

WE ARE MOVING TO GA...SATURDAY! ;0

If this comes as a bit of a shock trust me it was no less here!! :)

But the timing is right, or as right as it will ever be, so off we go on a new adventure!!! We got a great little house (well not so little really 3 bed 2 bath separate dinning- w/ a lake VIEW but has access) and at a great price. And...this is what really gets me going...it has A YARD!!!! Yes you read that right...a house.......with a YARD!! Shocking I know...lol....truly I have lived in Apts and such so long that I can't wait to have grass Hubby can mow, and be able to say things like "If your going to argue go outside"- you can't do that in apts- the neighbors call the cops. But anyway I'll post more details and pictures later. I just wanted to warn y'all that the computer is being packed on Friday and won't be hooked back up till the 1st. That is if the new AT&T can find it...the house not the computer..I should have found the computer by then.
Wish us luck......

We'll be right back...

2008-06-19T10:27:00.002-04:00

Jumped up Monday and came to visit the parents. We will be back to our regularly scheduled program ASAP.

PS Popstar finally jumped from the diving board!!!!! My parents pool has one. So I got the video on my phone but haven't transferred it yet...lol. Smooch is typically BORED with everything and Pie is well Pie. Hubby is here so all is good for now.

See y'all on the flip side!!!!

Application to date my daughter

2008-06-12T23:54:00.002-04:00

This is an old fave of mine...Most of us will need it soon..... I am personally sending a copy home with the BF as his hands were shaking to bad to fill it out....lol. And I LIKE him....

Application for Permission to Date My Daughter

NOTE: This application will be incomplete and rejected unless accompanied by a complete financial statement, job history, lineage, and current medical report from your doctor.

NAME_______________________________DATE OF BIRTH_____________
HEIGHT___________ WEIGHT____________ IQ__________ GPA_____________
SOCIAL SECURITY #_________________ DRIVERS LICENSE #________________

BOY SCOUT RANK AND BADGES___________________________________

HOME ADDRESS_______________________ CITY/STATE___________ ZIP______

Do you have parents? ___Yes ___No

Is one male and the other female? ___Yes ___No

If No, explain:________________________________________________

Number of years they have been married _____

If less than your age, explain_____________________________________________

ACCESSORIES SECTION:

A. Do you own or have access to a van? __Yes __No

B. A truck with oversized tires? __Yes __No

C. A waterbed?__Yes __No

D. A pickup with a mattress in the back? __Yes __No

E. A tattoo?__Yes __No

F. Do you have an earring, nose ring, __Yes __No
pierced tongue, pierced cheek or a belly button ring?

(IF YOU ANSWERED 'YES' TO ANY OF THE ABOVE, DISCONTINUE APPLICATION AND LEAVE PREMISES IMMEDIATELY. I SUGGEST RUNNING.)

ESSAY SECTION:

In 50 words or less, what does 'LATE' mean to you?________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In 50 words or less, what does 'DON'T TOUCH MY DAUGHTER' mean to you?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In 50 words or less, what does 'ABSTINENCE' mean to you?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

REFERENCES SECTION:

Church you attend ___________________________________________________

How often you attend ______________

When would be the best time to interview your:

Father? _____________

Mother? _____________

Pastor/Priest ? _____________

SHORT-ANSWER SECTION:
Answer by filling in the blank. Please answer freely, all answers are confidential.

A: If I were shot, the last place I would want to be shot would be:___________ ___________________________________________________

B: If I were beaten, the last bone I would want broken is my:______________________________________________________

C: A woman's place is in the:______________________________________________________

D: The one thing I hope this application does not ask me about is:_______________________________________________________

E. What do you want to do with your life ? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

F. When I meet a girl, the thing I always notice about her first is:______________________________________________________________

G. What is the current going rate of a hotel room?_____________________________

I SWEAR THAT ALL INFORMATION SUPPLIED ABOVE IS TRUE AND CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE UNDER PENALTY OF DEATH, DISMEMBERMENT, NATIVE AMERICAN ANT TORTURE, CRUCIFIXION, ELECTROCUTION, CHINESE WATER TORTURE, RED HOT POKERS._________________________________________________________

Applicant's Signature (that means sign your name, moron!)

_______________________________

Mother's Signature_______________________________

Father's Signature_______________________________

____________________________________________
Pastor/Priest/Rabbi StateRepresentative/Congressman

Thank you for your interest, and it had better be genuine and non-sexual.

You will be contacted in writing if you are approved. Please do not try to call or write. If your application is rejected, you will be notified by two gentleman wearing white ties carrying violin cases.(you might want to watch your back.)

To prepare yourself, start studying Mommy's Rules for Dating ....

Mommy's Rules for Dating

1. If you pull into my driveway and honk you'd better be delivering a package, because you're sure not picking anything up.

2. You do not touch my daughter in front of me. You may glance at her,so long as you do not peer at anything below her neck. If you cannot keep your eyes or hands off of my daughter's body, I will remove them.

3. I'm sure you've been told that in today's world, sex without utilizing a 'Barrier method' of some kind can kill you. Let me elaborate, when it comes to sex, I am the barrier, and I will kill you.

4. The following places are not appropriate for a date with my daughter: Places where there are beds, sofas, or anything softer than a wooden stool. Places where there is darkness. Places where there is dancing, holding hands, or happiness. Places where the ambient temperature is warm enough to induce my daughter to wear shorts, tanktops, midriff T-shirts, or anything other than overalls, a sweater, and a goose down parka - zipped up to her throat. Movies with strong romantic or sexual themes are to be avoided; movies which feature chain saws are okay. Hockey games are okay. Old folks homes are better.

5. Do not lie to me. I may appear to be a potbellied, grey haired, middle aged,dimwitted has-been. But on issues relating to my daughter, I am the all-knowing, merciless goddess of your universe. If I ask you where you are going and with whom, you have one chance to tell me the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I have a shotgun, a shovel, and five acres behind the house. Do not trifle with me.

6. Be afraid. Be very afraid. The female of the species is more deadly than the male.

WOO HOO!!!

2008-06-09T22:25:00.005-04:00

I just uploaded my first video and off my camera too.....Y'all are in for it now!!!! No Really I did it to see if I could cause Grandpa and Grandma live in another state...but now I know I can and ...well...wooo hooooo.... I can share the fun stuff...(repeat that last line with a conga line sort rhythm...) I can share the fun stuff..... and I am so happy!!!!! I can share w/Grandma...I can share w/Grandpa!!! .....OK y'all are getting the groove.......this is what we are about...and we are HAPPY!!!!! Hope y'all enjoy the first of many Mom and Dad!!!!!!
(pick up rhythm again....)
I am so proud of me-e...I am so proud of me-e...(same conga line rhythm folks...sing along y'all in the back....) I can share the grandkids...I can share the grandkids.......I will win AWAR -ards...I will be in the will-ill......LOL.... no ........not really....but we'll have fun anyway....love y'all!

We jumped....

2008-06-09T21:39:00.005-04:00

And I was so proud.......!! Ms. D got us started..holding hands and jumping....and M was jumping by himself.....so in true "nobody does it better" fashion...Popstar jumped.......And Pie was nice enough to run up and get my camera so I could record it for the record................(God I love these kids...)

Parting is such sweet sorrow....

2008-06-09T10:05:00.000-04:00

(This was susposed to be posted after the last day of school but I never got the pics I needed...)

....and it all ends tomorrow.

(PS this picture is not blurry...they just don't stay still.)

Well the 5th grade is over, at least for Smooch it is. And I am so going to miss it. We have had the best year.

Friday lunches: and recess,

a couple of good field trips,

(Check him out if you get a minute...SUPERCOOL.....Cool enough that I paid for this Tshirt.)

excellent friends:But the thing that brought it all together ......That really made it good..............We had the best teacher you could ever hope to have:

Mrs. S was at the controls of the chaos this year and it was a true blessing. Seldom in Smooch's school career have I felt so welcome in a classroom (even with Popstar and Hubby in tow), rarely have I been able to come and go with impunity, involve myself in the daily workings of her life, really feel like I had a handle on what was going on with her when she was at school. We got to play with her friends and get to know them all. We got to look over projects and watch presentations, listen to books on tape, watch Smooch read the school news on TV, and make ice cream in ziploc bags:(I mean come on.....when your 11 yr olds teacher allows your two yr old to particpate in activities and helps to foster a love of school you know you have someone special.)

I went to book fairs and book swaps, even cook outs. We spent so much time at her school this year the whole family made it into the yearbook ( I so need a scanner).

This was a year that will not be forgotten.

From the bottom of my heart I thank you Mrs. S.

You did more than teach our kids this year. You made a huge difference in our lives.

New rules for 2008

2008-06-06T13:21:00.001-04:00

I got this e-mail from my Dad and laughed so hard I had to share....

New Rule: Stop giving me that pop-up ad for cla**mates.com! There's a reason you don't talk to people for 25 years. Because you don't particularly like them!? Besides, I already know what the captain of the football team is doing these days--mowing my lawn.

New Rule: Don't eat anything that's served to you out a window unless you're a seagull. People are acting all shocked that a human finger was found in a bowl of Wendy's chili. Hey, it cost less than a dollar What did you expect it to cont ain?? Trout?

New Rule: Ladies, leave your eyebrows alone. Here's how much men care about your eyebrows: do you have two of them? Okay, we're done.

New Rule: There's no such thing as flavored water. There's a whole aisle of this crap at the supermarket, water, but without that watery taste. Sorry, but flavored water is called a soft drink. You want flavored water? Pour some scotch over ice and let it melt. That's your flavored water.

New Rule: Stop screwing with old people. Target is introducing a redesigned pill bottle that's square, with a bigger label. And the top is now the bottom. And by the time grandpa figures out how to open it, his ass will be in the morgue. Congratulations, Target, you just solved the Social Security crisis.

New Rule:The more complicated the Starbucks order, the bigger the asshole. If you walk into a Starbucks and order a 'decaf grande half-soy, half-low fat, iced vanilla, double-shot, gingerbread cappuccino, extra dry, light ice, with one sweet-n'-Low, and one NutraSweet,' ooh, you're a huge asshole.

New Rule:I'm not the cashier! By the time I look up from sliding my card, entering my PIN number, pres sing 'Enter,' verifying the amount, deciding no, I don't want cash back, and pressing 'Enter' again, the kid who is supposed to be ringing me up is standing there eating my Almond Joy.

New Rule:Just because your tattoo has Chinese characters in it doesn't make you spiritual. It's right above the crack of your ass. And it translates to 'beef with broccoli.' The last time you did anything spiritual, you were praying to God you weren't pregnant. You're not spiritual. You're just high.

New Rule: Competitive eating isn't a sport It's one of the seven deadly sins. ESPN recently televised the U.S. Open o f Competitive Eating, because watching those athletes at the poker table was just too damned exciting. What's next, competitive farting??? Oh wait!? They're already doing that. It's called 'The Howard Stern Show.'

New Rule:I don't need bigger, mega M&Ms. & ;I f I'm extra hungry for M&Ms, I'll go nuts and eat two.

New Rule:No more gift registries. You know, it used to be just for weddings. Now it's for babies and new homes and graduations from rehab. Picking out the stuff you want and having other people buy it for you isn't gift giving, it's the white people version of looting.

New Rule:and this one is long overdue: No more bathroom attendants. After I zip up, some guy is offering me a towel and a mint like I just had sex with George Michael. I can't even tell if he's supposed to be there, or just some freak with a fetish. I don't want to be on your web c am, dude. I just want to wash my hands.

New Rule:When I ask how old your toddler is, I don't need to know in months. '27 Months.' 'He's two,' will do just fine. He's not a cheese. And I didn't really care in the first place.

New Rule:If you ever hope to be a credible adult and want a job that pays better than minimum wage, then for God's sake don't pierce or tattoo every available piece of flesh. If so, then plan your future around saying, 'Do you want fries with that?'

Meet the Fishers

2008-05-30T17:27:00.012-04:00

This is Hillbilly (AKA HB).

I am not picking on him. I am not stereo-typing cause he likes to fish, and hunt, and camp, and ride four wheelers, and take his truck places a truck probably shouldn't be. It has nothing to do with the fact that you rarely see him in anything but camo hats and boots.

No I picked it because well....See the truck below? That's his truck. And it's a nice one. Popstar likes it. For that matter Popstar likes HB. But I digress....

See the windshield in his truck.....(I don't have a better shot of it yet but will be requesting one soon.) It says -for those that can't read backwards through rear view mirrors and possibly some dirt-

HILLBILLY DELUXE.

I needed something I could easily remember so I thought long and hard about it. Two seconds later I decided I just can't run around calling him Deluxe. He's to young for me to do that to his ego. Besides even if this is the South people might wonder. So Hillbilly it is unless we have some serious objections.

However to further my case I would like to introduce some of his buddies....... That's B on the left. I'm not sure you can tell but B had removed his hat in an attempt to cover Popstar who likes to run nekkid. Only he didn't want to look too close so he kinda missed and I had to edit anyway (note to self: Must learn blurry photo thing). Chivalry is not dead.

On the far right is Cooter. I take no responsibility for that one.....Since he came labeled that way and answers to it -well what is a girl to do? Frankly if you offered me cash money I don't think I could tell you his real name............Oh god...I really can't...lol.

Anyway onward...This is Lil' L (as she is spending the night tonight she got to pick her own nick name). She is Hillbilly's baby sister and Smooch's friend. But she's also a Clemson fan so you might not see much of her once football season starts. We don't like Clemson fans during football season but football is another post. Or two. So......
Lil' L loves cheer leading and was just signed up for the coming year. She also enjoys softball, swimming, and dance dance revolution (that is not a typo) and will be entering the 4th grade next year. If you can get her to put her DS down she has a wicked sense of humor. Lil' L is also the absolute pickiest eater I have ever met. I can count the foods she likes with out taking off my shoes even if they are not sandals.

Hello, My name is Cindy.......

2008-05-27T08:28:00.001-04:00

and I am an addict. It has been two weeks since my last new book. Everybody has a "thing". Mine is the written word. If you write it I will read it. Unless your Stephen King (except The Green Mile) or Dean Koontz (SP?) then your just SOL. They both drive me nuts. King-5 pages to describe a chair...like I have no imagination. Dean...... well I like to read while I eat....yuck. But other than those two I'm usually game. However I have found that what was a childhood requirement is now a serious issue. I have lost sleep, canceled plans with friends, blown off my kids and Hubby while I read a new Harry Potter cover to cover with out stopping, I even made the selfish choice to read while pregnant and have passed this addiction to my children. I should be ashamed, I should be hanging my head, I should be on my way to the library to check out the new releases. LOL.
So what is your "thing"? Books ? Food? What makes you stop the presses every time? Come on you can say...I won't tell.

Happy Memorial Day!!!

2008-05-26T09:01:00.009-04:00

Hope y'all had as much fun as we did. Smooch went camping with friends and Boogie was grounded and had to stay home but we tried to rally.....

I got these before Smooch left....I guess baby sisters were meant to be used....

and sometimes loved.....

We made new friends at the pool.

This is Ms.C. She is a serious sweetie.

And this is Mr. A. He is Popstar's new friend and is expecting his first grandchild soon. Plays Barbie like a champ.

We also went to the park..

Yes she is actually in a tree. In the very bottom right you can see Hubby's hat brim (My Mom, as she reads this, just made that strangling sound and reached for the phone! She will not be nominating me for Mother of the year.)

Who says guys don't like to shop?

This is our buddy Mr. Pie on the left. He's one of our family really. This was actually taken last weekend but I wanted to get it in here...Mr. Pie can duck a camera faster than you can click so I have zero shots of him playing this weekend.

Hope you had fun too! See y'all soon!

Things that make you go HMMMMM

2008-05-20T11:56:00.002-04:00

Ponderisms

Why does a round pizza come in a square box?
What disease did cured ham actually have?
How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?
Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up like every two hours?
If a deaf person has to go to court, is it still called a hearing?
Why are you IN a movie, but you're ON TV?
Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?
Why do doctors leave the room while you change? They're going to see you naked anyway.
Why is "bra" singular and "panties" plural?
Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?
If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a stupid song about him?
Can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane ?
If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can't he fix a hole in a boat?
Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? They're both dogs!
If Wiley E. Coyote had enough money to buy all that ACME crap, why didn't he just buy dinner?
If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from?
If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?
Do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?
Why did you just try singing the two songs above?
Why do they call it an asteroid when it's outside the hemisphere, but call it a hemorrhoid when it's in your butt?
Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?
Why did you stop here in the first place????????????

Good Morning (?)

2008-05-20T09:30:00.007-04:00

Remember your early 20's? I know for some that's yesterday but for the rest of us it just feels like it. Remember going to school full time, working full time, partying some overtime, and all on two hours sleep.....that week.

When did it stop working like that? Oh yeah!! Shortly after this......

Let me tell you folks nothing in this world made me think that 30 was too old for a Baby. Hubby was home ALOT when she was little. He actually changed jobs to be here more. And was in fact the only human I ever met who enjoyed the midnight feeding. He traveled a lot when Boogie was little and missed a bunch of firsts and I didn't know him when Smooch was small so Popstar was his first real hands on Baby and he didn't want to miss a minute. So now he still works full time and my lazy a$$ is a SAHM. So yesterday we got up at the same time and did the exact same things till he went to work. Then I watched kids and he...well he worked.So he gets home last night around 2-ish. Guess who's still up? Yep yours truly. I can't seem to sleep when he's not home. So a couple of sandwiches and a Hells Kitchen episode later we go to bed around 3:15, together...and sleep. (This blog is usually rated PG (13?)). At 8 o'clock this morning I wake up to:

"I am awake! I wanna Poptart" "Go back to bed? Come snuggle Mommy for a minute?" Nope...Poptarts for the Popstar. And where is Daddy you may ask? Mr. Hands on himself...the guy who convinced me to stay home and be tortured by..I mean raise my kids? You got it!!!

And the Poptart stuffed alarm clock?

Curled up on the chaise lounge in our room thinking about nap. It just doesn't get any better than this......

Can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street?

2008-05-19T08:29:00.003-04:00

http://blogthings.com/thesesamestreetpersonalityquiz/
You Are Bert :
Extremely serious and a little eccentric, people find you lovable - even if you don't love them!You are usually feeling: Logical - you rarely let your emotions rule you
You are famous for: Being smart, a total neat freak, and maybe just a little evil
How you life your life: With passion, even if your odd passions (like bottle caps and pigeons) are baffling to others.

The Players...........

2008-05-18T15:05:00.000-04:00

Our oldest Boogie. 15 heading straight for 25. Her Mom won't let her get her learners permit just yet. But it's coming.....{sigh}. Headed to High School next year and a typical teen. Boy crazy and can text faster then I can talk (it really is impressive).

Meet Smooch. At 11 she's the middle child with all that entails. She's awesome. Honor roll, gifted program, good lord I even like her boyfriend.

Though he's not going to thank me for this picture:

This is Popstar. Our newest cast member at 2, she provides hours of entertainment. And hours that aren't so entertaining. She's my 30th birthday present...lol. Well I actually got a 7 day no kids trip to Disney......talk about the gift that keeps on giving!

And finally Hubby and I. This was actually taken on that fateful trip to Disney but I like it. And as first impressions go it does the job.

So welcome to our little world...come on in and say "HI!"