Laughter, Love, and Madness : The Life We Have

Busy Time

2012-01-29T22:52:00.000-06:00

I feel like we have an awfully lot going on right now. I mean, I usually feel like that these years, but when I got the text message tonight that rec soccer practice starts tomorrow night I had me a little micro panic attack. Don't get me wrong, I love that we have full busy lives. I want my kids to be involved. I want to get my Masters Degree. I want to excursive on a daily basis. I want to have birthday parties and go out and about. I guess sometimes I just worry that when I look back on this time in our lives it is all going to be a big blur.My plan to battle the blur is to make a few rules and stick to them. These are rules to ensure a little family togetherness in this time of crazy busy. Rules#1 All meals eaten in the house will involve all members of the family sitting down at the table together to eat.#2 My homework time will start at 9PM and last until 10:30 PM on week nights. Only things not completed in that time will be done on weekends.#3 I will walk during all sports practices. Two birds one stone...less time.#4 We will take at least one family outing to the park each week.#5 We will read a book as a family every night for the 15-20 minutes before bed. Super Z wants to start with The Hobbit.

Through the Eyes Of Stoosh

2012-01-22T12:24:00.000-06:00

http://writeonedge.com/2012/01/remembered-personification/ I saw this challenge on a new friends blog. You are supposed to write a short article from the perspective of an object. What you see below is from the point of view of the best pillow ever, Stoosh.

I have to be honest. By the time she came along I had spent years in the top of that guest closet. I had pretty much decided that I was at the end of my road. I had begun to forget my previous life. That small closet and the comfort of the hand made quilts that surrounded me were all I knew. I ensured the faded yellow quilt that I was not sad. I had had a good life.
Then in 1989 the Girl showed up for a sleep over. She and her little sister were the daughters of the Man's new girlfriend. I will never forget that night. As soon as she put her frizzy brown head
(She had not yet learned about not running brushes through her curly hair after it was dry) on me, I was in love. She told her sister that I was the most comfortable pillow ever.
The next morning she asked the Man if she could have me. And he said YES!
I have been with the Girl since. I was there when her mom married the Man and she moved out into the country. I was there when she lay in the bed with her sister talking about how scared she was to ride a new bus to school on the first day of eighth grade. It wasn't fair that the girls had to ride two different buses. Their whole lives they had ridden to school with the same people. I was there in high school to absorb her tears when she cried over the boys. I went with her to Mississippi State in August of 1995. And every single time she came home, I was there with her.
I was there in 1996 when they brought her new niece home from the hospital. Her mom gave her a hard time about laying that pretty baby on me in her lap. She thought I was dirty. The Girl just laughed and said that I would be there in the bed at the hospital when her babies were born. Her mom just shook her head.
I was there the first time the Boyfriend spent the night in 1998. Looking back I can't believe that they both slept in that twin size bed. Even more impressive was that she shared me with him. She had never let anyone else lay their head on me (other than her sweet baby niece) at night in the nine years we had been together. I remember how happy the Girl was. I remember when he became the Husband the very next year. I was glad that he would be with us forever. Most nights, I spend pressed against the side of his face. I have always appreciated the fact that he doesn't seem to mind me being there.
I remember when the Girl ran in screaming and crying and laughing and jumped on the bed to tell the Husband that she was pregnant. I am here to tell you that if not for me, she would not have slept a wink in the 18 month she has spent pregnant. As the girl had predicted, I was there at the hospital when she had her babies. Her mom made sure that I had three layers of clean pillow cases even though the Girl washed me three times before taking me to the hospital.
Some of my favorite memories are of the girl laying those sweet babies on me while she fed them and held them close. I also loved when the Boy got older and he would ask to sleep on me. The Girl would often let me comfort him to sleep when he was sick. Just this morning the boy and his Sister crawled in bed with their mom to snuggle. They lay there and told her they loved her while I cradled the boys head (It is not as curly as it used to be. I think he may be growing up on us) and the little Girl ran my pillow case through her fingers.
I have been with the girl for 23 years. Sometimes that is hard to believe. We have only spent a handful of nights apart. A few times I have spent the night with the Husband, the Boy, and the Little Girl because the Girl had to go somewhere on an airplane. I have also spent two nights in an overnight shipping box because the Girl accidentally forgot me at her Mom's. Even though the mom insists she doesn't like me, she always gets me back to her Girl as quickly as possible.
Twenty three years...wow. It really does seem like just yesterday that I was in the top of that closet telling the faded handmade quilt how good my life had been.

Cookie Rally

2012-01-21T10:50:00.001-06:00

Princess H had a big time at her first Cookie Rally for Girl Scouts last night. She was apparently appropriately indoctrinated. She woke me up this morning by jumping on my bed and declaring, "Mom! The cookie sale starts today! We need to get started! Let's go!"
I told her to calm down. We have a couple of weeks to sell. She looked at me like I was insane."Mom. The Girl Scout OWNER told me that it starts today and YOU have to listen to the owner."
Who can argue with the owner?

My List

2012-01-19T21:13:00.000-06:00

This year I am attempting to be a better wife, get a promotion, lose weight (again and for good), work towards my Masters Degree in Health Sciences, plan a family reunion, spend more time with my family, be a better manager with an outstanding high performing team, make time for yoga, cook healthier meals, get Princess H to ballet on time, get Princess H to eat something besides pickle and mayonnaise sandwiches, keep Super Z on the honor roll, support Super Z through DII Soccer, encourage Princess H to make more friends by actually attending all of the Girl Scout Functions, spend more time with friends, have a relaxing vacation, keep my house a little cleaner, get up earlier, read more books, and last but not least return to blogging.

If someone could help me make the days longer that would be great. This is a start.

Wordless Wednesday - Dancing Fever

2010-01-12T23:07:00.000-06:00

Fun Monday

2010-01-11T20:23:00.001-06:00

Sayre is hosting fun Monday this week. She has a great topic.

I want to know your car history. What was your first car? Which was your favorite car? And what are you driving now - and why?

My very first car was a 1978 Firebird that my parents bought brand new when I was two years old. I remember being mortified by that car when I was 16. It was very LOUD and not me at all. I should have been grateful that I had a car at all...but I wasn't. The sad part is that even though I only had to drive the car for a year, it is determined to be a part of my life forever. When I started dating my husband way back in 1998 he bought the Firebird from my mom. Apparently he liked it a lot more than I did. I am not complaining too much because he did use that car to come see me almost every weekend when I was still in college. And guess what is still sitting under my carport now 12 years later. That is right. The busted ass 1978 Firebird that my parents bought new when I was two years old. My husband is determined to fix it up. I am afraid that this car may be in my life until I die.

My favorite car was my 1999 Honda Accord. I got the Accord about two days before I found out that I was pregnant with Super Z. At the time it was the newest nicest car that I had ever owned. I loved driving the Accord. AND it was built to last. Last I heard the car has 243,000 miles and it and is still running great. I had to get rid of it last year after Randy rear ended someone and we only had liability insurance. I pretty much gave it to my brother n law, who has fixed it up and continues to drive the wheels off of it like I did for six years. (We love to keep cars in the family apparently.)

My current car is a 2005 Ford 500. I like it well enough. It is nice. It has heated leather seats. It makes me feel like a grown up and also has room in the backseat for all three kids to be comfortable. It will do. I don't think that it is the car I would have picked if I had had days and days to ponder the decision, however. I bought the 500 the day after my Mamaw died last December. We were coming home on a Sunday from Louisiana when our van broke down. This was only a few weeks after Randy has wrecked the Accord. We were on the side of the road when my sister called to tell me that my Mamaw had died. We had to get a car. There was no time to waste. We borrowed my sister's car to get back home and spent the next day looking for a car so we could get back down south for the funeral and family time. I was so sad. The last thing in the world I wanted to be doing was looking for a car. When 4 o'clock came that day, the 500 was the best thing I'd seen. Sooo....I have a Ford 500. I guess that is okay. I am sure it will be in the family for a LONG LONG time, so I guess it better be okay.

Santa Was Good

2009-12-31T00:24:00.000-06:00

Princess H says we should do Christmas again next year. I think she is catching on! I have been off of work since last Wednesday. Unfortunately I have to drag my behind back into the office tomorrow. So, in honor of signing off on Christmas and bidding New Year's Eve a fond hello, I give you the 13 things that I enjoyed most about Christmas 2009.

I got to spend three nights at my Mom's with my sister an all of the kids. I love being with my family. It can be stressful (and loud), crowded (and loud), and chaotic (and loud), but I always miss it when it is over.
Princess H LOVED her Barbie Dreamhouse with Elevator. LOVED IT.

The kids woke us up at 5 AM when Santa came! My sister and I used to be that excited. That just tells me that we are doing something right.
Super Z told me that he would be happy no matter what he got. (Unless he didn't get the bike that looks like a dirtbike. If he didn't get that he would cry for three days.) He was just glad that I was such a good mom.

I got to be off work for eight days in a row!!
Christmas day we went out to Mamaw and Papaw Felters. They played board games with the kiddos and Mamaw taught Alisha and I how to make her world class crispy, yet mushy, fried potatos. Yum.
Randy, the kids and I got to spend a whole day at the house playing with our toys and enjoying each other before we headed out of town.
Felter Christmas on Christmas Eve was a blast. I laughed so hard at one point with my sister and my cousins that I made no sound at all.
At Felter Christmas I sang the whole family Princess H's bath song, "You don't have to take your clothes off the have a good time, oh No...but you have to take your clothes off, to take a bubble bath, uh huh." to the WHOLE 50+ family. Classic.
Randy and I snuggling on the couch, looking at the tree, and waiting for Santa to come.
Giving people presents that the liked. I LOVE that. If I was rich, I would give presents often...just for fun.
Tyler is home with us!! We LOVE Tyler!!! He is awesome.(Even thugh he is a teenager!)

The kids at mama's. They are so awesome and they love each other so much. I am so happy with those kids. They rock my world.

My Goodlooking Guys

2009-12-21T23:34:00.002-06:00

His Favorite Girl In The World

2009-12-21T07:00:00.000-06:00

Last week, I was doing a little last minute Christmas shopping when Super Z asked if he could buy my 13 year old niece, Brittany, a gift. I told him that we had already bought Britt's gift. She was marked off the list.

~~Brittany~~

Zane looked at me with wide green eyes (a little puppy dog creeping into them), and said, "Please, Mom. I didn't get her anything. Please let me get her something."

Me, being the brick wall that I am, I relented instantly. He picked out a really cool peace sign ring. It was $10. It worked out pretty well for Super Z, Britt, and, my wallet.

When we got home and he was helping me wrap the ring he said, " Mom, do you know why I had to get that for Britt?"

I said, " Because you love her?"

And he responded, "No, because she is my favorite girl in the world. I have to treat her really good."

How sweet is my baby?

Super Z is 7!

2009-12-20T11:14:00.000-06:00

Today we are having Super Z day in honor of the boy's 7th birthday. Super Z day, as far as I can tell, consists of eating a lot of junk food and playing all day. He wants to ride his bike all the way down to the stop sign, go to see Santa at the Bass Pro Shop, eat lunch at Sonny's, go swimming at the Y, go see The Christmas Carol in 3D, and have dinner at Chuck E. Cheese. I am not sure if we will be able to get everything in, but we will give it our best shot. After all, you only get to turn 7 once, right?

I Only Roll WIth Fashionistas

2009-12-20T06:00:00.000-06:00

Elevator

2009-12-19T22:49:00.001-06:00

Last month Princess H told me that she wanted Santa Claus to bring her an elevator. I told her that we can't always get what we want from Santa. ( An elevator??? Really?? The first thing my daughter ever asks for by name and it's an elevator???) I also suggested that she might want to think of a few other things that she might want. She hung her head and left me standing in the kitchen. Her dreams of elevators were dashed. I could only hope that she would come up with something else.

A few days later we were watching SpongeBob when a commercial came on for the Barbie Dream Townhouse with ELEVATOR! The princess jumped up squealing and pointing.

"Mom! My elevator! I want it! I want it! Please make Santa bring me my elevator!!!"

So, the elevator is attached to a Barbie Dreamhouse. Who would have known?

Cute Christmas Babies

2009-12-18T09:19:00.000-06:00

Guess What?

2009-12-17T22:54:00.000-06:00

I am going to attempt a come back. Again....and probably again after that. I miss blogging. I think everyone has gone away and I will never be read again, but I can live with that. What I can't live with is losing those little moments that seem so big when they happen and then they slip away. So, get ready blog. Serina is back.

The kids are bigger, I got promoted 6 months ago, my family still makes me happy, all the key players from May are still in place, I miss my Mamaw more around the holidays, Super Z can read, Princess H hates to sleep (STILL?????), and Randy works at the same place as me. I think that catches you all (no one) up.

We will start fresh from here. Yay!

Supe Z Plays Ball!

2009-05-21T21:13:00.001-05:00

Playing Dress up with Cousin Tater

2009-05-16T22:28:00.000-05:00

Crawfish Boiling

2009-05-12T14:46:00.002-05:00

We went to a crawfish boil at my IT director's house in April. It was a lot of fun. The kids spent that weekend with my Mom. I must say that as much as I love my kiddos (see Mother's Day post), I also love time alone with my husband. We always have fun as a family. But there is absolutely nothing like time alone as a couple. I think it is so important. AND SO MUCH FUN! We make time for date night at least twice a month. It is wonderful. Every couple should do it (BECKY!!). Can I say again how excited I am about our romantical trip in June??

Update on the weight

2009-05-11T12:13:00.001-05:00

As of today, I have lost 114 pounds. I feel like I can take on the world. I want to move. I want to do all the things that I thought I could never do. In June for our tenth anniversary, Randy and I are going ziplining in Georgia. I am so excited! I am a little bit scared because I have never done anything remotely like that in my life. But I can't wait. I can't wait to see what comes next. Yay!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T12:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was listening to the song "The Best Day" by Taylor Swift. Every time I listen to that song I think about how great my own Mama is. I think that and I cry like a baby. She has always been my rock. All of my super powers came straight from her. I can't imagine life without her.
As I was listening yesterday I decided to try to think of all of my best days. I was amazed by how many I have had. So many days with my Mom and my sister. And then days with my friends. Days in college when I was crazy. Then came the days of Randy. Then I got to the best days of all. The days when I got to be the Mom.
I found out that I was pregnant with Super Z on Mother's Day 2002. I screamed. I ran around my old house in Crosby like a crazy person. I jumped on Randy. I cried. I laughed. I woke up my sister and Britty. I called everyone I could think of at 7 am. I couldn't believe it.
When I look at these gorgeous awesome kids of mine, I still can't believe it.
I can't believe how lucky I am that I am the one they come to when they need comfort, that I am the one they always want to sit by on the couch, that I am the one who has to read just one more story every night, that I am the one who knows what they want to eat and how to rub their backs when they are sick. I could never get enough of them. They are the best thing ever. Being their Mom is my favorite thing. How did I get so lucky?

I like this man

2009-03-23T21:43:00.001-05:00

This Girl Certainly Knows How To Dress Herself

2009-03-22T21:44:00.001-05:00

The Flu Tent

2009-02-16T15:11:00.001-06:00

Zane has been down with the flu since Friday. He is feeling better but still having fever. The worst part at this point is his boredom. So we built a clubhouse. It is not as good as outside he said, but it is still cool. I try to always be cool.

My Pretty Niece All Grown Up and Ready for her First School Dance

2009-02-08T19:20:00.001-06:00

An Almost Perfect Saturday

2009-02-07T20:05:00.000-06:00

Today was almost perfect. It might have been perfect except for the fact that I didn't get to see all of the people that I love and I had to go to a party with some people I don't know. But other than that, it was just one of those great wonderful days. Here are some of the things that helped to make it great.

It was perfect weather. Sunny and 70. PERFECT.
No child woke up before 9:30 this morning.
My sheets and the air were perfect sleeping temperature.
I woke up beside the man that I love more than any other.
My kids were in good moods and laughed a lot while they ate their breakfast.
I had lunch with Super Z outside at Newks.
He told me that I was the best mom in the world.
We talked about school and friends and shared a salad and his cheese pizza.
Randy and I cleaned out cars. (It doesn't sound great, but it was nice. AND my car looks new!!)
I love my house.
I love my yard.
I love my family.
I didn't have to rive more than 5 miles away from my house all day.
I bought the kids a goody just because I wanted to.
Randy grilled me an almost perfect steak for supper.
I sat on the porch and threw the ball with Super Z while he grilled.
Princess H took a nap and woke up happy and refreshed.
The princess laughed and held my hand while we ate dinner.
She gave me her pretty crooked special love smile.
I didn't worry about anything all day long. I just enjoyed every single minute.

I Am Crazy Mean

2009-02-05T22:14:00.000-06:00

Super Z has decided that I am crazy mean. He has now described me that way 3 times! This usually is accompanied by him lamenting on how EVERYONE in the world is mean to him. Most grown ups hold him to some standard of behavior. His sister and other children expect him to share and act like a human. Oh cruel world!
He is not actually all that bad. But when he gets in these moods...WOW. I am talking about some serious whiney hiney baby drama. And I know exactly where the drama jeans come from. They come straight from his dad. Don't let the calm exterior fool you. My husband is the most dramatic emotional person on the planet. I have decided that most men are like that. At least on some level.
I figured out quick when I taught second grade (way back in my former life) that the boys were the sensitive ones. Girls are tough. Most, like Princess H, really don't give a crap what you think of them. That seems to be something that comes into girls later in life...Maybe because we are taught that we are supposed to care? I don't know, but the princess has convinced me that girls all start out the same way, crazy mean. Let's just hope that time turns us all back into crazy mean little girls who wear what they want and aren't afraid to stand up in a buggy in the middle of the grocery store and sing at the top of our lungs. Man, those crazy mean girls know how to live.
As far as the boys, we aren't really mean. We will always be here to comfort them. Even when they think we are the meanest mom in the world.

My Obsession

2009-02-02T22:40:00.002-06:00

All I can think about these days is Weight Watchers. Weight loss. The shrinking of me. I am having trouble embracing the fact that I have lost almost 100 pounds now. AND I only have 80 to go! More than half way there. WOOT. I have been trying to get a grasp on how far I've come, but apparently all of my old pictures ONLY have my face. Apparently I had body issues.lol So here is a shot from last February and a not so good shot from today. I guess I can see it a bit. I don't look quite as...swollen? I also don't have to try so hard to look okay in pictures. Which is an art that I mastered. I am happy about my progress. I have lots of big plans. One of which is to keep a better visual record in the coming months. The other plans...maybe I will let you in on those in future posts...Maybe I will actually posts about some of the things that I am thinking about lately...maybe?

The Creation of A Monster

2009-02-02T22:15:00.001-06:00

Wordless Wednesday: My favorite sister and me

2009-01-14T06:09:00.000-06:00

My Grandparents Renewed Their Vows

2009-01-13T12:59:00.007-06:00

On December 17th my maternal grandparents celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows. My Mamaw was very excited about finally getting married in a church. It was especially meaningful to me because they did it in the same church that Randy and I got married in. It was a beautiful cold Christmastime night. The candles were glowing and the building was filled with family and love.

Over 60 years they have amassed 7 children, 18 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 4 step great grandchildren (my mamaw insists that they be included :), and 3 great grandchildren on the way. They took go forth and multiply to heart.

My cousin Rae took these lovely pictures and my Uncle sand Forever and Ever Amen. It was truly beautiful. I am proud to say that my only contribution was coming up with the idea and driving two hours on a week night to attend. It was probably my favorite part of the holidays this year.

Super Z is 6!

2009-01-11T16:04:00.010-06:00

On the 20th we had Super Z's birthday party. Actually ON his birthday. I was so proud. We are going to be doing a second mini-celebration later this month in Natchez so that our family can celebrate with us. We didn't think that it would be very nice to make them drive up for a party the weekend before Christmas.
Despite missing his Mimi, his cousins, and the rest, Super Z hade a great party. He had a skate board theme. He is a skateboarder through and through. Several of our friends came. It was the most people that we have had in our new house all at once. It is amazing how much smaller a house can seem with 20 people in it.
Because of the fact that Santa came to our house early (the night before to be exact) there were plenty of toys for everyone to play with. The Wii Fit was a huge hit with the grown up kids. :)

I am so proud of my baby. He is such a good boy. I can't believe that he is 6 years old! Where oes the time go? All of the baby is washing off of Super Z. He is a big boy now. He is learning to read. He can do skate board tricks. He helps me cook. He cleans his room. He loves me the most despite all of that. I am still his best Mom. He tells me so every day.

2008 Out

2009-01-11T15:55:00.002-06:00

We are all alive and well. We finished out 2008 with our usual end of the year flurry. Super Z turned 6. Santa came. We visited many many friends and relatives. We drove a lot of miles. We got good presents. We gave presents that made people smile. I got a Nintendo DS! We hugged a lot of people. Princess H showed me why she still sleeps in her crib. We had a fire. We shot fireworks. We played Dirty Santa 3 or 4 times. Super Z learned how to walk on Heely's. Tyler came for a week. He got us up to date on what is and is not cool (as only a 14 year old can). We went to the movies. We managed to have 6 minutes alone. It was busy and perfect. I hope that everyone's holidays were as great, if not as busy.
I have a lot of photo posts to do to get up to date. So at least for the next couple of days, I'll be a regular in these parts. Have a great day.

A CHristmas Miracle

2008-12-27T21:46:00.002-06:00

Someone took a picture of Randy and I together! I hope everyone had a Christmas as good as mine.

Come on Christmas! Hurry up! Patience is running thin.

2008-12-16T06:12:00.000-06:00

Oh Christmas Time Part 1 - Cookies, Trees and Parades

2008-12-12T20:41:00.008-06:00

We have snow!!...and a snowman!

2008-12-11T15:03:00.008-06:00

My babies got to see snow on the ground for the first time ever! I am so exciting. SNow in Mississippi never loses its charm. Not only is it pretty...but we all got out of school and work early so that we could make snowmen! (oh, and avoid car crashes) Yay!!!

Interview Part 5

2008-12-09T19:42:00.000-06:00

21. How do you define "indulgence" (or, basically, what do you do for yourself, for others, etc. that qualifies as an indulgence)

I am not big on indulgences. I think of my Weight Watchers as spoiling myself. It is basically the only thing that I do that is spending money on myself. I also just bought a Wii Fit for Randy and I for Christmas, but that is along the same vein. I have worked out an hour a day for the last three days. I really want to finish my weight loss journey. If that calls for a few indulgences so be it.

I indulge Randy and the kids occasionally by doing something special with or for them just to make them happy. It is never anything big, but I love to see them happy.

22. What traits do you believe you get from your mother? Your father? (these can be physical and personality-based)

I have my Daddy's nose and my Mom's great love of family. I have my Mom's face shape and my Dad's practical yet stubborn personality. I have my Dad's feet (seriously, they look just like his only bigger) and my Mom's passion.

23. Where do you see yourself when you're 70 years old?

With Randy. Hopefully we will have a few grand kids. We will probably travel some and spend vacations with friends and family. Most of the time I imagine that we will be at home. Enjoying each other.

24. What is your greatest achievement in life so far?

I am very proud of my personal relationships. I love all of my people so much. I think that they are the best investment that I have ever made...all of them.

Interview Part 4

2008-12-08T06:41:00.000-06:00

16. Where is God?

Wow. Okay. Well, as Super Z would tell you (because I told him), "God is in your heart." He is also in that cell multiplying over there and in that dying limb that just fell out of our tree. He is in our Christmas tree ornaments and in my Mamaw's new wig. He is in Henna Reese's smile and my Daddy's tears. He is in my little friend Sam's bright shining eyes and in his brother Thomas's big wide smile. He is in my sister's laugh, my Mama's voice, and just floats around everyone that I know (and don't know) pretty much all the time. My God is everywhere and no where specific at all.

17. One of my favorite songs by one of my favorite artists has this line: "In order to survive, you gotta learn to live with regrets." Do you have any?

Not very many, to be honest. Only one that I can think of. And time has made it less of a regret and more of a memory. Time heals all things. Maybe that is just what happens when you learn to live with them?

18. In the same song there's also this lyric: "You used to hold me/told me I was the best/that anything in this world I'd want/I could possess." Who, if anyone, made/makes you feel as if you could achieve anything?

My children. They actually believe that I can do anything. I am a woman of almost Super abilities in their eyes. If I want it to happen it will happen. I think if anybody believes in you that strongly, it will make you more powerful. I don't think I could ever be more powerful than I am right now. I control the world...for two people at least.

19. Which album AND song could you listen to on repeat for hours on end?

Album: Any album by Pink Floyd, Genesis, Johnny Cash, or Tanya Tucker.
Song: In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel. I love that song.

20. If you could turn back time, which moment, memory, etc. in your life do you wish you could experience again? You can name up to three if you'd like.

a. Being a child and living with both of my parents for one day.
b. My wedding. SO sweet. I was SO happy.
c. Any time when my children were little babies. Sigh.

The Princess Loves to Read (just like her Mommy!)

2008-12-04T20:46:00.000-06:00

Interview Part 3

2008-11-24T19:41:00.004-06:00

11. What is your "sweet escape"? Or, rather, the thing you do, place you go, etc. that "takes you away" from the real world, a la' Calgon?

My answer is so boring. reading is my escape. When I read nothing else exists, no sound can pierce my solace. Just ask Randy. He LOVES that about me. haha

12. What one trait would you bestow upon the world if you could and why?

Tolerance. So many bad things happen in the world everyday. I imagine that a bit of tolerance might be a step in the right direction

13. If you are not already doing it, what would be your epitome of the perfect career?

Reading and writing. Preferably something interesting :)
I like my job though. I like the days that I get to use my brain the most. I love solving problems. I am a huge problem solving geek.

14. Invisibility, teleporting (a la' the movie "Jumper"), telekenesis, pyrokenesis, or psychic/foretelling abilities -- which one of these powers would you prefer?

Teleporting! God, I hate driving. I hate traveling in the car. Sigh. If my family could teleport we could see family whenever we wanted. You couldn't ask for a better power than that.

15. Do you think a movie could be made of your life? Which actor would you like to play you? You can also do the same for, oh let's say, 5 other key people in your life.

A VERY boring movie could be made of my life. :) I would have Donna from that 70s show play me. She would need a fat suit at the beginning of the movie, but hopefully not by the end. Dave Mathews (although not an actor) would play Randy. Goldie Hawn could play my Mom and Bruce Springstein my Dad. lol How cool would that be?

Interview Part 2

2008-11-24T18:56:00.004-06:00

6. In what time period (including location) would you have liked to live?

I would have to say New Orleans in the 1920s. I think that would be very cool. It might also be a little stinky. I don't think that hygiene was all that it is now in the 20s.

7. What are your top three pet peeves?

People who assume the worst about others, whining, bad drivers, rudeness, dogs who don't come when you call them, passive aggressiveness, when people say I am "skinny" (!!!WTH) because I am in the middle of a massive weight loss, when Randy calls watching the kids a favor

8. What is your Sunday morning wardrobe? Routine?

I usually sleep in on Sundays. If I am at home I will have my pajamas on until about 2 or 3. On Saturdays I try to get dressed and do something. On Sundays I try to do as little as possible. Sundays usually include books, kids, naps, and a good dinner.

9. Your obituary is being written but is limited to describing you in three ways. What three things would you most like to be remembered for?

I would like to be remembered as a great mother, friend, and wife. Wow. 3 is not enough!!

10. I often think it's interesting to imagine how a person grew up, what they were like when they were younger, what they experienced, etc. Who -- living or dead, younger or older -- would you have liked to grow up with/been friends with/been able to observe, etc.? If you're particularly impressed with this question, you can list two people.

I think I would choose my Mom. I know that is a pretty lame answer, but I would love to have grown up with her. She is a lot of fun. I thing being a kid with her would have been a hoot.

My second choice would be Elizabeth I. What an awesome time to be in. And she is such an intriguing woman. I think that would be awesome.

Interview 2008 Part 1

2008-11-24T18:40:00.005-06:00

So now that my 300 is done...haha, well, 1/3 of it anyway, I am moving on to another old favorite. My friend Cat, who did my first set of interview questions, sent me 24 more!! And let me tell you, these are good stuff. I am going to break them into five posts. This is mainly because of Thanksgiving. I am going to be running hither tither and yon until Sunday when I will FINALLY get up to put up a Christmas tree in my house. So, here you go and have a GREAT Thanksgiving!

1. If you could only take ONE thing with you on a deserted island, what would it be?

My family would be my gut response to this...but then what if there was no food?? I would have killed my entire family just so I wouldn't be lonely. But surely there would be food...right? If my family doesn't actually count as ONE thing then I guess I would say a Swiss Army Knife.

2. What is your favorite color and how do you think it characterizes you?

My favorite color is deep blue. The color of blue glass. I guess that this color suits me because it is deep without being too dark. Does that make any sense at all? good.

3. What four traits (e.g. courage) would you most like to instill in your kids?

This is a great question. I have so many dreams of who these little hellions will become. They are my favorite work in progress. I guess that if I had to pick four traits they would be self reliance, a positive outlook, great self esteem, and great ambition.

4. What movie do you think had the best scene/ending? How about the saddest and/or worst scene or ending?

I think that Return of the Jedi had the best ending. Everyone was so happy. The fireworks were going off. The Ewoks were dancing ( you can't beat dancing Ewoks). The ghost jedi were all glowing and smiley. The whole universe was celebrating. That is just the best.

The worst ending was on this awful movie that Randy and I suffered through a couple of weeks ago. It was called Funny Games. He likes horror movies an I tried to pick one out for him. Needless to say, I failed miserably.

5. How do you define "sexy"?

Hmm. Interesting. Sexy is something that is attractive in an edgy sort of way. A good looking man is not necessarily sexy. But a good looking man with a dangerous look in his eyes...that is sexy.

A Marilyn Monroe Moment

2008-11-21T07:21:00.000-06:00

10 Stickers in a row!

2008-11-20T06:16:00.000-06:00

I am so relieved. Super Z has gotten stickers 10 days in a row! And out of the past 13 days he has gotten 12 stickers. You might think that I am crazy because this is such a big deal to me, but I was seriously worried. Just as he was having trouble being good and paying attention I started meeting tons of kids who were held back in Kindergarten mostly due to behavioral issues. I was so worried about that. Being that his birthday is in December he will already be 18 when he graduates. 19 would be too much. I think kids that are that old going into graduation are more likely to drop out of school. That is just my thought process on it anyway. Wow...isn't it amazing that a sticker drought in Kindergarten has me worried about my son dropping out of school?? I just realized that I might worry a tad bit too much.

But anyway...YAY SUPER Z!!!

The 300 Part 1

2008-11-17T20:39:00.004-06:00

I hit 300 posts this month. I think that is pretty impressive. I don't post nearly as often as I used to, but I still enjoy my blog. If I have something to say I can say it and if I just want to show off my kiddies, I can do that too. In honor of my first 300, I am doing a 300 List in 3 parts. The three parts is mostly because I am lazy. The first 100 will be Things I like. The second 100 will be More things abut me. The third 100 will be things I want to do. So...ready...set...GO.

Things I like:

Sitting beside fires
egg rolls
Acorn Squash cooked by Leigh
Bowling.
Princess H's kisses
Real grape popsicles
Johnny Cash
PF Chang's
Dinner with grownups
Wine with friends
Quilts
Blue glass
Fresh watermelon
Fresh tomatoes
Fishing in the dark
Sand between my toes
Candy corn
The sound of Zane's voice
Chocolate chip cookie dough
Vodka and cranberry juice
Paint It Black
Guitar Hero
Wii Tennis
Going to the movies
Talking to my people
Sleeping late
Apple Heads
Sitting on thick grass
Days by the lake
Nights by the lake
My Mom kissing me on the forehead
Star filled skies
Stephen King
Harry Potter
Bad boys
Loud music
The B-52s
Fall weather
Swimming
Shopping for my kids
Tulips
Shoes
My husband
Leather seats
Friendly dogs
My yard
My house
My carport
My driveway
My mailbox (lol I could go on and on)
Angelina Jolie
ER
People who think for themselves
Watching my kids learn
My family
My friends
People who are real
Cooking omelets
Tattoos
Physics
Statistics (30% of all people love statistics)
Scrabble
Thin socks
Foods with 0 points
Turkey dipped in ranch dressing
My Mamaw's hands
Going home
Solving problems
Long hot baths
Blowing bubbles with the kids
Hard wood floors
The smell of burning leaves
Sandpaper
Coffee when I am cold
Diet Pepsi
BC Powder
Honey Smacks
94% Fat Free Butter popcorn
Laughing so hard it hurts
My niece
Being a Mama
Winning
Dates with my husband
Fairs
Cotton candy
Dark hair
Old oak trees filled with moss
Bee Gees
The Goonies
French braided hair
The smell of the library
Camping
Roasting marshmallows
My pillow
Accomplishing a lot in a little bit of time
Cheese and crackers
Driving fast on curvy roads
Being Santa Clause
Christmas
Honesty

Happy Monday

2008-11-16T21:26:00.001-06:00

Her worst habit is sucking on her bottom lip. She sucks on that lip like other kids suck on thumbs. Have you ever heard of anything like this? Either way, I thought this picture was adorable. I hope everyone has a great Monday tomorrow.

I do not like green eggs and ham

2008-11-13T22:35:00.003-06:00

These are our friends Thomas (on top with Princess H) and Sam (looking all cute at the party this weekend.) They are our favorite twins in the world. I am sending out good vibes to the twins tonight, wishing them (and their parents...shhh) a good nights rest. Thomas is getting tubes in his ears in the morning. His brother got some a couple of months ago and Thomas thought it sounded like loads of fun. I hope that everything goes smoothly and all babies are feeling better as soon as possible.

The Road to Reading

2008-11-12T21:25:00.002-06:00

Super Z is on the way to knowing how to read. He knows several of his sight words now. He picks them off of signs and out of the middle of other words as we drive down the road.

"Look Mom! The is the sight word me!"

"Look Mom! I see the!"

"The sight word it is in the middle of that word, Mom. C-I-T-Y. Do you see it?"

He is also starting to sound out a few things. He seems to do his best when I am not pressuring him. "Come on , baby. You can do it. What sound does S make?," gets me nowhere some nights.
While just riding down the road I will hear from the backseat, "zooooooooooonneeee. Zoooonnee. Mom, does Z-O-N-E spell zone?"

I am so proud and so excited. It is amazing to me how quickly things seem to be clicking together in his brain. His wondermous magical brain.

Finally, A Party

2008-11-11T20:09:00.002-06:00

We had a birthday party for Princess H Saturday. We have been to two birthday parties since she actually turned three on October 21 and both times she has been confused as to why the other children get presents and song while she only got a trip to Wal-Mart. She didn't exactly say this with words. It was more the action of trying to steal the other children's presents and telling people, "It is My happy birthday." that gave her away.

We had her party at the park and apart from being a tad bit chilly, it was a great party. I mean I didn't actually get to sit down or visit anyone, but everyone seemed to be having a pleasant time :)

The best thing was that as Princess H opened her presents, she either kissed or put on every one of them. I love having children who appreciate gifts. It makes me think I am doing at least one thing right.

The Cake, the Fish and the Bag-lady

2008-11-11T20:00:00.000-06:00

She is too pretty. I love this picture. I bought her the cute hat and she put it on right away, along with her the jacket which was a gift from her great grandma and grandpa Felter.
I lied. I did get to sit down while we opened presents. I love opening gifts with my babies. It is one of the bonuses that comes with being the Mama.
By the end of presents Princess H looked like a bag lady. She was wearing the new hat and jacket along with a new fairy skirt over her pants and her new blingy bag. How cute is she?

These are my creative contribution to the party. Gummy fish in jello. Apparently the gummy fish were disgusting (according to Super Z, who spit his half chewed fish on the ground) but I was proud of them anyway.

Randy's cake was not as elaborate as last year, but it was still cute and delicious. It was a triple layer ocean colored heart shaped cake lined in mini marshmallows. It was topped by Princess H's favorite princess (That would be Ariel...Earl in Princess H speak) and some gummy fish to keep her company.

Three Little Monkeys

2008-11-11T06:25:00.000-06:00

Wee.

If she can do it, why can't I????

Better.

I love this girl and her little bee

2008-11-03T20:25:00.000-06:00

I got to spend a little time with my best friend/cousin Becky this weekend. It was a lot of fun. I miss her a lot. It is always great when I get to see her and her many many (3) children :)

I hope I will get to see her again soon. So what do you think, Beck? When are you coming to see my house????

Happy Halloween from Batman and Wonder Woman

2008-11-02T21:21:00.003-06:00

Who knew that Wonder Woman was such a ham??

Now this is what I call a cool kid

2008-10-26T15:04:00.000-05:00

"Mom, when I get grown don't make me move out. I just want to spend a little more time with you."

"There is anger in me right now. If you look at me I am probably going to end up in time out."

Upon hearing about his appointment for a check-up and flu shot, "Mom, I don't want to get a flea shot. I don't even have fleas!"

We enjoyed our trip to the museum :)

2008-10-25T08:56:00.000-05:00

Haiku Friday

2008-10-24T06:50:00.000-05:00

Daughters have a way

of wrapping Daddys around

those little fingers

I, Democrat

2008-10-23T06:56:00.000-05:00

I have been a Democrat since before I could vote. I attribute this to my Dad and his pro-union - anti Reagan politics. Growing up in Mississippi, I knew that my Dad was one of the only Democrats in either side of my family. What I didn't know was that he was a minority all over the state.

In Mississippi it is assumed by many that if you are an African American you are a Democrat and if you are white you are a Republican. I am not sure why that is, but that is pretty much the gist of it.

In this election season it has become more apparent than ever that most people assume that I am a Republican (This is despite the Bright blue dot in a really red state sticker on the back of my Accord...go figure.) and that being a Democrat is almost as wicked as being an abortion Doctor. People will say the craziest things to me. More specifically they will say ugly uninformed things about Barrack Obama. I am not a great lover of all things Obama. I started out as a Hillary supporter. But I do think that he is a smart man and that he will be a good President. I don't want to hear about him being a closet Muslim. I don't really care what his religion is. I know, I am crazy like that.

Let me get this straight, I don't mind talking about the issues with anyone. 96% of the people I love disagree with me on most issues. Please please, just don't be ugly. It is okay that my beliefs are different than yours; be polite and be informed. If you are going to spout something as the truth, make sure that it is the truth.

Anyway, I am just amazed by the stigma that is suddenly attached to being a white Democrat in Mississippi. It is confusing. Because believe me, I am just as southern as that guy over there eating grits in his John Deere hat. I say ya'll. I love sweet tea.

Princess H is 3!!

2008-10-21T05:31:00.000-05:00

It is hard to believe, but Princess H turns three today. I am not sure where the last three years went. She is now older than Super Z was when she was born!

My baby has changed a lot in the past year. She is as fearless and beautiful as ever, but now she is also sneaky and smart. I am not sure if this is an upgrade that I am ready for. The Princess is not nearly as reasonable as her older counterpart :) She seems to think that if she wants it bad enough (screams, cries, hissy fits loud and long enough) that she will get it.

I love the optimism, not so much the noise :) Do you think that year three will issue in a period of calm or are there more storms in the future? Either way, the Princes is awesome. I have loved every minute of my three years as her Mommy, damaged eardrums and all.

PS - There will be no party pics until November as we are delaying the party. All in good time :)

Haiku Friday

2008-10-16T21:20:00.003-05:00

Green motorcycles,

super heroes and magic:

That's what Z's made of.

Dirt, noise and laughter

follow him throughout the day

and fill up my life.

15 Words I Could Use to Describe Princess H

2008-10-16T06:25:00.000-05:00

Bossy
Sweet
Opinionated
Independent
Soft
Loud
Volatile
Lovely
Uninhibited
Wild
Friendly
Talkative
Brave
Tough
Beautiful

We love new pajamas

2008-10-14T20:10:00.008-05:00

The kids both got new pajamas today. We were celebrating the fact that Super Z has gotten 5 stickers in a row at school!!!!If that doesn't deserve brand new footie Transformer pajamas then I don't know what does. The princess was just celebrating the fact that she is turning 3 next week. We are going to celebrate in lots of little ways this month because she isn't getting to have her party until November 8. I know, it sucks. We are only delaying so that her Aunt Lee Lee can come. A party wouldn't be a party without Aunt Lee Lee.

We had a great time at the pumpkin patch today!

2008-10-11T16:38:00.014-05:00

Happy Birthday Tate

2008-10-09T22:40:00.002-05:00

Flashback to 2004

2008-10-03T09:59:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-30T22:41:00.002-05:00

Yay!!

2008-09-29T21:04:00.003-05:00

My baby got a sticker today and the world, although spinning out of control around me, is starting to make sense again. No, the former has nothing to do with the latter. Let's just say that I think I am going to be okay. I have located my Zen center. Next time I lose it, I will be sure to let you know.

I hope that everyone has a great day and that you have at least one moment not worrying about the state of the world.

girls*rock

2008-09-29T21:00:00.000-05:00

Mr. Goodlooking all decked out in 2007

2008-09-28T21:20:00.002-05:00

Here's hoping for a good week at school for my baby. He says that he is going to try AS HARD AS HE CAN.

Have I mentioned that we LOVE our backyard?

2008-09-24T22:57:00.006-05:00

We love homework (well, some of us do)

2008-09-23T20:44:00.002-05:00

Super Z is struggling a bit with school. Apparently he wants to talk instead of listen (surprise surprise.) He also does not want to finish his classwork in a timely manner. These new school struggles are forcing me to break out parenting tricks that I didn't even know I had...do I have them?

The not wanting to do work comes home with him as well.

"Homework is what I hate. Please, Mom, please," was his plea yesterday as he wrote the letter Ff over and over.

He does the work, but with no small amount of huffing, stalling, puffing, and complaining.

I have decided to try a reward board. I have to figure out how to make one and exactly how it will work, but I am pretty sure that rewards and praise are the key to getting this boy to learn. I hope...

Now, Princess H on the other hand. She loves homework.

"Homework pease. Write my name"

Let's hope that this love of learning sticks around.

My Pretties

2008-09-22T21:08:00.002-05:00

Sweetness and Silence

2008-09-22T06:40:00.000-05:00

This weekend we did not leave the house much. We pressed the pause button and just stood still. It is so nice to do that every once in a while. We cleaned the house. I bought groceries. The kids played outside. We watched movies. That pretty much sums it up. I was not ready for it to end.

It is on weekends like this one that I really get to appreciate my kids. I notice that Princess H's two favorite things to do are snuggle on the couch and run in the backyard. As long as she is doing one of those two things that hard headed little girl is nowhere to be seen. Usually the only sour point will be choosing who to snuggle with, Mama or Daddy? More often than not it is Daddy. But I don't take it too hard, he is just a lot more still than me. My constant state of motion is not very snuggle friendly.

It is also on weekends like this that I get to appreciate how inventive and brave my son is. Whether is be rolling down inclines splayed across a skateboard on his stomach, ramping ditches and crashing on his bike (over and over again), or walking straight up to the newly discovered boys on our new street and introducing himself, he is always a pleasure to watch. I also have to say that he is a pretty good snuggler himself. My Z doesn't mind my motion, he moves just as much as I do. He can actually put his arm around me while he is riding his bike and I am walking. I call this the snuggle in motion.

I love these people so much. I love every single minute with them. Especially the moments filled with nothing but them.

Stress Causes Pimples

2008-09-18T20:13:00.002-05:00

So stress apparently makes me break out like I did in the seventh grade. Thankfully, it doesn't make me wear high waters or poof my bangs....that might be too much to handle. I am not sure if even the level of popularity that I have attained at 32 years of age could withstand such madness.

Stress also makes me stare at uninteresting things like doorknobs and frayed threads for way longer than necessary.

I am ready for stress to leave my life. I want no good stress, no bad stress, no personal stress, no stress that causes pimples, no stress that makes me stare, no stress that makes me itch and scratch like a madwoman, no life stress, no family stress, no money stress, no job stress, no back stress from heavy lifting, no kid stress, no lack of sleep stress, no my plant is wilting stress, no I can't eat that stress, no why can't we ever go home again stress, no husband stress, no why is my hair getting thin stress, no why do I lose weight in my boobs first stress, no will it or won't it work out stress, no travel stress, no car stress, no sad stress, no anger induced stress, no stress at all.

I am tired tired tired.

I need a break.

Mamaw

2008-09-14T11:06:00.003-05:00

My Mamaw Etheridge died yesterday. I am so grateful for those days that I spent with her in July. She was a wonderful woman and a fantastic Mamaw. I will miss her all the time. Just knowing that I can't see her breaks my heart. I don't really know what else to say right now.

What did you say?

2008-09-11T06:18:00.000-05:00

Setting: In the van with the windows down on the way to school. We didn't go to pick up the boy who usually rides to school with us.

Super Z: Hey! We didn't go get Steve!

Mom: He is sick.

Super Z: What?

Mom: He is sick.

Super Z: What did you say?

Mom: He is throwing up. He can't go to school.

Super Z: How big is he now?

Mom: What??

Super Z: How big has he growed?

Mom: He is the same size as yesterday.?????

Super Z: So he will be growed up tomorrow?

Silence....light dawns.

Mom: He is THROWING UP, not growing up. He has a virus.

Super Z: What is that?

Mom: It is a germ that makes you sick.

Super Z: Like if you step on it you throw up?

Mom: Sure, something like that.

The Boss

2008-09-09T21:27:00.003-05:00

Princess H is growing up so fast. My baby is disappearing and this bossy little girl is taking her place.

One of her favorite things to say is, "I the Henna, I the boss."

She is definitely the boss of her Daddy. What the Princess wants, the Princess gets. I think that it is impossible for Randy to tell her no. When he tries to tell her no, he just ends up saying nothing and looking on helplessly as she does what she wants. What can I say? Randy has always been helpless under the influence of pretty girls.

She tries to be the boss of her brother. This doesn't go over too well. Unlike his Dad, the Z is immune to the charms of the Princess. I will usually hear "You are not the boss, little girl." at least once for every time that I hear, "I the Henna, I the boss." Ah the bickering, the fighting, the screeches, the "Don't touch me!!"s from the back seat. The joy of two children.

There is only one person who can successfully put the Princess in her place though, the real boss...the Mommy. The Mommy is a champion at saying, "No." Now if only she can learn to not want to pull her hair out two minutes into a Princess Tantrum (the typical response to a boss smack down) the Mommy will be thrilled. :)

Things I Loved About Our Weekend at the Lake

2008-09-08T20:38:00.014-05:00

1) Hanging with this bunch (and the grownups too) is always a lot of fun, but at the lake it is even better because there is plenty to keep these babies (big an small)entertained.

2) Swimming with the Princess was wonderful. She is a water baby at heart. This girl has no fear at all. She bellows, "Mama!!!" at Wild Indian pitch and nose dives into the water. Thank God for life jackets.

3) Zane was in Heaven. Taylor + Dirt + Water + a cooler full of Kool Aid drinks + a room full of bunk beds + a boat + a tube + Sissy + Music and dancing = Heaven.

4) Although I am not a boater it was awesome seeing the big kids (and Randy) brave the tubes and the knee boards behind the boats. Who knows? Maybe next summer ( a few pounds from now) I will try it myself.

5) The House has a 2000 square foot screened porch with a grill. Good food, good views, nice breezes, and shade. I, of course, read and relaxed and had at least 40 zen moments on the porch.

6) Off of the porch there were steps leading down to the pier. The kids and I practically lived in the lake. We only settled for the pool when it was too late (or we were too tired...we being me) to make it down to the lake. Oh yeah! And there was a water slide off of the pier into the lake.

7) Mimi also came and spent the day with us. My Mom, my sister, my niece, and my baby girl are four of my favorite girls in the world. ANY time with them is great, but the lake time was especially nice.

8) H and I ate tons of fresh fruit in our time on the porch. There were good groceries (and wine) in abundance. Fried fish, grilled steaks, grilled burgers, fresh plums, nectarines, Honey Smacks, Doritos and French onion dip...The list goes on and on. My sister is a hell of a cook and a grocery shopper. I didn't lose much weight that weekend. :)

9) The house had music piped onto the porch and out onto the pier. There was plenty of music and a little bit of dancing (again, there was plenty of beer and wine). Here are Mom and Tim cutting a rug to Strokin'.

10) It was all great. The best part was just chilling with my sister and her bunch. I love them. I love her. She is my favorite.

( Oh and did I mention that Randy was there too? And the children went to bed by 10 every night...and we didn't? It was very very nice.)

Super Z's first day of school pics (Only a month late)

2008-09-05T06:30:00.000-05:00

My House

2008-09-04T21:49:00.006-05:00

The Big News

2008-09-02T15:44:00.002-05:00

Today is my birthday. I have only eight years to go till 40...No, that is not the big news.

I am so sorry that I didn't get this out to you on Thursday. I seem to not have Internet this week. Hmmm, what could that be all about? :)

Today is also my 5 year anniversary at my job. My oh my, does time fly when you are having fun, or what??? No, that isn't the big news either.

The biggest news in the world this week is that I have flowers. They are lovely. I think they are called Lantana??? Do you want to know where these flowers are? They are in MY dirt. That is right. Dirt that I OWN and pay taxes on.

And where is that dirt? It is in front of MY cute little yellow house. The house that I BOUGHT. The house that I closed on Thursday!!!

I am so happy. I am so happy that I actually cry from happiness about once a day. The sight of Super Z in the back yard or Princess H digging in the flower bed is enough to reduce me to a pile of mush.

I am so sorry that you all had to be left hanging. I just couldn't risk anything going wrong. Oh God, and then I would have had to tell you guys about that while crying and dying of a nervous breakdown. I am afraid that it would have been too much to handle.

But yay!!! Now you know!!! How wonderful is that??? How awesome???

I will be back at you with pictures and regular posts as soon as my Internet and cable are hooked up. Come on Mr. Comcast. Don't make us wait too long... Please???

I am Out Here

2008-08-22T10:34:00.003-05:00

There is big big news on the horizon. I am avoiding my blog because I don't want to talk about it until I know that it is actually going to happen. It has become like a lucky sock type situation. If I tell you about it, it might not happen. I am not sure where all of this superstitiousness came from.
I will be back next Thursday one way or another and all of the mysteries of the universe shall be revealed (along with some first day of kindergarten pics, kindergarten stories, and our trip to the lake last weekend...yes things are still happening, superstition is just keeping them from you...)
I am sorry if I worried anyone and I am so happy that you continue to check in. That makes me want next Thursday to come even faster than I already do...fingers crossed.
So here's hoping that this little bitty entry is not enough to bring things crashing down around my head.

:)

Wordless Wednesday - Love and Kisses

2008-07-22T22:43:00.001-05:00

Things my son says...

2008-07-17T17:49:00.000-05:00

"How many rotations per minute is your motor doing right now?"

"Actually, I would eat it if you would stop thinking about it."

"I am a teenager now. I have pickles on my face."

"What if a giant astronaut sawed the Earth in half?"

"Can Princess H go live with Lee Lee and Sissy come live with us?"

"I am going to marry Katie Belle. She is going to sleep on my bottom bunk and we are going to drink coffee together."

"My Dad has a job. He makes money."

"I can't wear underwear anymore. It gives me a rash."

"I can't wear striped shorts. They give me a rash."

" I can't sleep with H. She makes me itch."

(He has very sensitive skin.)

Friends Are Important

2008-07-16T22:56:00.004-05:00

Super Z is all about his friends these days. I remember when he was younger, he was content to do most things alone. Like the Princess is now, he was a master at entertaining himself. He has always been able to carry a conversation all on his own and his imagination is boundless. Lately however, his social life has been blooming.

Not only do kids come from far and wide for the free popsicles, but some actually stay to play. Randy and I can't get over the fact that Z knows more people in the neighborhood than we do...and they know him! Old men walking down the street will stop with a friendly, "How are you today, Z?"

Some of the kids have become regulars. The boy in the picture above has been coming over since the first day we moved in more than two years ago. He is often included in Z's stories. He comes over at least three times a week to make a mess, bicker over toys, and play all of the dirty dangerous things that boys play.

There are several other friends. There are the older kids who come to play with the cool toys and actually get to stay because they seem to be a good influence on Z. (The not so good influences don't stick around very long at all.) There are the kids who are Z's age who have only recently started to come around. Many of their parents now deem them old enough to visit houses several houses down. (I am not there yet. All friends must come to us.)

There are also our favorite friends, the cousins and best friends that don't live near us. These special friends we don't get to see as often, but we talk about them just as much, "Tater is getting better at baseball. We might start a team.", "Ethan can ride a bike Mom. You told me that. He might be five years old now.", "Sissy is the only girl that I like.", "Please let Katie Belle live with me.", "Can Samuel and Thomas crawl yet? Are they getting ready to talk?"

Near and far, we can't get enough of our friends.

Back in Business

2008-07-14T19:04:00.003-05:00

I had a great trip to Mamaws. It was a lot of work, but it was very satisfying work. It is nice to feel like you are actually helpful to someone that you love. I know that the coming months are going to be pretty tough, so I am exceptionally grateful for those quiet moments alone with Mamaw and the kiddos. Mamaw has declared the Princess to be the most helpful baby girl ever. Every single time that Mamaw stood up, H was there handing her her cane and holding her hand.

Super Z also had a great time. Saturday morning as soon as I got him dressed, he declared, "Okay, now I have to go outside and get this clean off of me." He was a success. I don't know if he ha much clean on him at all the whole time we were there.

Upon my return I was greeted with a wonderous gift from my husband...a new cord to connect my camera to the computer! Yay. Now I can share all the things that you have been missing out on.

First up are new haircuts. About a month ago Princess H and I both got out hair cut. We look pretty darn good, if I may say so myself. You will notice that the Princess has inherited her mother's natural beauty, but does not care so much for posing for the camera. I am also including a shot of Z in all his unclean glory.

Have a great day!

Oooh, New Haircuts

2008-07-14T19:02:00.000-05:00

No Clean Here

2008-07-14T19:00:00.000-05:00

Blueberries and Fresh-air

2008-07-02T21:28:00.004-05:00

Next week Super Z, Princess H and I are going to spend a couple of days with my Mamaw Etheridge. She is pretty weak these days and somebody has to stay with her at all times. I was happy to volunteer to stay with her for a couple of days. We will be going on the morning of July 10 and staying until the 13.

This will be the first time that I have spent the night at Mamaw's house since the 9th grade. That visit my one and only goal was to go riding around with my older cousin Laurie and smoke cigarettes.

Before that there had been week long visits every summer throughout my life and weekends scattered throughout the years. I had spent enough time there to know that Mamaw's beds were the most comfortable in the world, that nights were darker there than anywhere else, and that nothing made me feel as at home as the smell of morning at Mamaw's house.

I am especially excited about this trip, because it will be the first overnight at Mamaw's for my kids. That is awfully hard to believe. I am disappointed in myself that I haven't given them this experience before. How did I let business an life get in the way of sharing one of my greatest joys with them?

I know that there will be moments when I won't know what to do myself. The middle of nowhere is lacking on some of my daily necessities, such as the Internet and Target. But I also know that I will be filled with wonderful fresh-air, crisp perfect well water, blueberries fresh off the bush, the perfect smell of morning, and most importantly of all, moments with my Mamaw and my children, moments where family and home are the only things going on in the world.

Princess Boss

2008-07-01T20:25:00.002-05:00

Princess H is one of the bossiest little girls that you can imagine. She just lives to say, "Go to your room!", "That is enough, say bye." and "No, don't look at me." There are a thousand other commands that she issues in her stern little voice on a daily basis.

She flares her little nostrils just right too. She has perfected the "And YOU KNOW that I am not joking" stare. What can I say? She gets it from her Mama.

It is actually pretty to funny to see this little person walking around that is like me in so many ways (yes, I am VERY VERY bossy), but so much cuter. Sometimes her expressions are so like mine that it is like looking in a mirror. I can read her emotions like a book. I pity her if she ever tries to lie to me. She doesn't have a chance.

I have always said that I don't think that I would like to hang out with someone who is just like me. How sad is that? Well, the Princess makes me change my mind about that...for now. The thought that fills my nightmares is teenage Serina. Oh Lord, what will I do?

My Mamaw Etheridge

2008-06-27T07:25:00.002-05:00

I have been putting off blogging about this for a while. It is very hard for me to think about all of the things that go along with this issue, let alone write about them. My Mamaw Etheridge has stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

She is almost 86 years old. She has survived breast cancer and ovarian cancer. She has lost a son and a husband. She can coax flowers and vegetables from the ground with the touch of her finger. She raised 5 boys and one girl to adulthood. She is one of the strongest people that I have ever met.

When I think about Mamaw, I think about peace, nature, and food. She is that kind of Mamaw. The kind that is just comfort on legs. She is the kind of Mamaw that will tell you that you are fat, but mean it with all the love in the world. I am not sure how that is possible, but it is.

She has lived along the water her entire 85+ years. She is a river girl with creeks and branches running through her veins. I believe that the water has helped to carve her into the person that she is. A woman of stone. A woman that can take anything that comes at her and yet bend with the shape of the times. No matter what changes in the family over the years..she does not change. No matter what shocking thing one of the children or the grandchildren throws at her she does not waver. She knows that the water will run its course and all that she can do is remain steady.

I love her and I am broken at the thought of her not being a rock in my life anymore. I do not know if I can withstand the pressure of these waters. I hope that I have learned something from her. I guess I know that I have. She is a part of me.

The Dare Devil

2008-06-25T23:06:00.002-05:00

So according to Super Z he tries to be good. He spends all of his time trying to be the best boy that he can be.

He doesn't mean to whine, hit his sister, or talk back. These things happen for one reason and one reason only..."The Daredevil comes by."

Okay, so I am not sure if this is the Ben Affleck Daredevil or the slightly scarier comic book Daredevil. I guess it could just be a brave boy with a wild streak... you know, one who jumps off of the top of the bleachers and rides his bike into the lake?

Super Z's solution is that I should pray to keep the Daredevil away. Obviously punishing him for something that is the Daredevil's fault will not do at all. So, I will pray.

Where oh where does he come up with this stuff?

Wordless Wednesday - Flashback to Summer 2006

2008-06-25T06:49:00.001-05:00

Notice how they weren't fighting yet...

Free Popsicles!!

2008-06-23T19:19:00.002-05:00

I remember two things that my Mom said daily when we were out of school for the summer.

Number 1 was "Close the door, I am not air conditioning the whole neighborhood." Number 2 was "Why oh why do I have to make Koolaid for the whole neighborhood?" She actually said both of these things several times a day. She probably dreamed these statements she said them so much.

I now understand the aggravation of Number 1. I say, "Close the door." at least 600 times a day when I am not at work and 200 times a day on work days. I cannot seem to cool my house for cooling the neighborhood. Alas, the neighborhood doesn't seem much cooler for all of my effort.

As far as Number 2, I now know the answer. She had to make Kool aid for the whole neighborhood, because it made me happy to be able to give it away. It made me feel special that my house was the Kool Aid house. If anyone was thirsty, I could help. Random kids walking by would be offered a drink just for looking thirsty. There was no end to my generosity. Come one, come all, try MY MAMA'S wonderful Kool Aid. Why did she have such a problem with my generous nature?

Um, probably because she was the generous one. The one paying for and making all of the Kool Aid. I was just the giver, a burden on her resources.

I have my own giver now. Super Z, the giver of Popsicles. We can go through a box of Popsicles in one day. They are offered to every child who walks by. Children that come over to play get two or three at a time. Two out of every three times that I walk into the kitchen he is standing on a chair with his head stuck in the freezer. He is not picky either, any Popsicle will do: Ice Pops, sugar free Popsicles, dreamcicles, MY Weight Watchers Giant Fudge Bars!!!!

Why oh why do I have to be the Popsicle mom?

Today took the cake. He had gone three houses down to play with a friend. The next thing I know he is chest deep in my freezer.

"What are you doing, Z?"

An eye appears from the depths of the ice box. "Getting my friend a Popsicle," he says matter of factly.

"You came all the way here to get him a Popsicle to take back to his house??"

"Yeah, he looked hot."

What the crap? What do you say to that? Grrr, stop giving away our food. When you are playing at his house eat HIS Popsicles.. Yeah maybe. I just told him to stay home and enjoy his Popsicle with his sister. At least we can try to keep the Popsicles in the family.

So, how do I slow the beast that is a giver?

Weight Goals And Stress

2008-06-19T21:01:00.003-05:00

I reached my first big Weight Loss goal today!! My weight starts with a new number, that is all that I will say. I am very very proud of myself. 10 more pounds and I'll have lost 10% of my body weight since March...and let me tell you, I had a LOT of body weight in March.

I am sorry that I am missing in action so much. These are just busy days. I will sum it up in less than 50 words:

work, stress, dog chewed up cord that connects camera to computer, illness in family, worry, headaches, blood pressure, fighting, temper tantrums, step-son for the summer, niece for the week, flat tire on interstate, stupid people, deadlines, dinner, dishes, clothes clothes clothes, children never sleep long enough.

Happy Birthday Mamaw!

2008-06-11T19:26:00.000-05:00

My Mamaw Felter, my Mom's Mom, turns 80 this month. She is one of my favorite people in the world. She likes me a great deal as well.

My daughter is named for her. And Mamaw introduces Princess H to everyone as,"My namesake."

When I was little my Mamaw was loud, and stubborn and she never stopped talking...She was actually a great deal like me! What do you think about that?

About 10 years ago she had a stroke and since then she has been much quieter and what everyone considers "SWEET." I tell her not to let it bother her. I know that she is just as spunky as ever. :) Who wants to be sweet after all?

Anyway, I love her. She is my Northern Star. She is wonderful. Happy 80th Birthday Mamaw!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-06-11T07:32:00.000-05:00

What Happens When Tyler Comes For the Summer?

2008-06-10T18:00:00.000-05:00

The hair flies. Har de har.

Tee-Ball 2008

2008-06-09T22:09:00.013-05:00

The Star
The Team

The Action

The Trophy

The Fans

While I was away...

2008-05-27T18:16:00.000-05:00

My Papaw had surgery to clear up blockage in his neck. He is fine now, but it was pretty scary there for a while. I don't know what I would do if I lost him.
My Mamaw, Mom, niece, and aunt spent the night at my house (because my Papaw was in the hospital here in MY town). Let me just say that I love my family, but 4 generations of Felter women under my roof is the definition of stress. I must have done something right though, my Mamaw is still raving about how wonderful I am. That is probably why I like her so much.
Princess H went 4 days without having an accident! We are almost diaper free!! Hip hip hooray!!
We had a crawfish boil Sunday. It was wonderful. My brother in law is the crawfish King of Mississippi. It was delicious and so spicy. My hands hurt for three hours afterwards. Was it worth it? Heck yeah.
Randy and I saw the new Indiana Jones movie on our Saturday night date. Have I ever mentioned how much I like Indiana Jones? He is sooo cool. What's not to like?
I joined Sam's club...I think that was while I was away...Man, I have lost track.
Super Z put his chain back on his bicycle all by himself! How cool is my little mechanic?
Randy had three days off in a row (so did I). It is the first time that he has had more than one day off at a time since he started this job.
I bought my Bunko prizes. I am hosting this Thursday. So much to do, so little time...

Overheard Tonight

2008-05-15T22:34:00.002-05:00

Super Z - Sister, you need to do what I tell you to do.

Princess H - No, Shut up.

Super Z - Don't say that. That is a bad word. I am the boss.

Princess H - No, I the Henna. I the boss.

Super Z - You can't be the boss. You are a baby.

Princess H - (Pulling up dress to reveal Princess Jasmine panties) No, I no baby. I use potty. See panties?

1978

2008-05-14T21:31:00.002-05:00

This picture is almost as blurry as my memory of my parents together. Although my parents didn't get a divorce until I was twelve years old, all of the memories that I have of them together somehow seem unreal.

I remember telling my friend Danielle when I was about eight that my parents would never get a divorce, they would be together forever. I was as sure of that fact as I was of my eye color and the fact that I was too tall. No one in my family had ever gotten divorced (at least in my lifetime). My grandparents on both sides were (and still are) inseparable. Divorce was as foreign to my life as drugs or fancy dinner parties. As the song says, we came from a long line of love.

I thought that my parents were perfect for one another. I thought that they were best friends..and I guess that they were and still are in some crazy way. They just couldn't stay married. Life somehow got in the way. If I have my way (and I usually do) that will never happen to my marriage. I will fight against that with everything that I am. I will rebuild the fractured line of love.

I want my kids to feel that certain about my love for their father and his love for me. I want them to know that we are a team, a unit, one. I want them to know beyond the shadow of a doubt that he is the other side of me, the heart in my heart. I don't want us ever to be blurry to them. I want us to be as real and constant in their lives as the warmth of the sun.