Want to Write

Mini Me

2011-12-14T11:27:00.000-08:00

Looks like I'm not the only one who is scared of horses...

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NLT)

Kinda Scared of Horses

2011-11-18T08:37:00.000-08:00

Ever played the game Two Truths and a Fib? It's the get-to-know-you game where everyone announces two truths about themselves and one fib and the rest guess which is false. Recently I orchestrated this game at our church youth retreat. One of my truths is that I am kinda scared of horses. Horses are large, they have very large heads and extremely large teeth. Sure, they are some of God's most beautiful creatures...particularly when grazing in a far away field.

The day after the youth retreat I was in the parking lot of a local grocery store with four of those kids that heard my fear. A horseback riding group happened to be taking a rest and having a snack in a grassy patch by the store. (Yes, I reside in the boonies.) Our youth group was then invited to go horseback riding in a few weeks.

One modern day cowboy said, "Hey, why not hop on one now?" Gulp. Four sets of eyes found their way to me. Er, uh, umm. A sweet little angel in my group said, "I'll ride!" which bought me some time to think. Oh no! I have to do this.

God used me that moment to show these young people that it is OK to have fears. We also learned it is OK to face your fears as I placed my shaky foot in a stirrup and found my way in a saddle...on the back of a horse! It wasn't so bad. A nice slow short stroll was all. Thankfully, I didn't have to take the advice of another cowboy who grinned and said, "If he takes off start hollering. He goes faster when you holler."

For the Love of Nature

2011-11-12T05:49:00.000-08:00

God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. Genesis 1:31

Snaggle Tooth

2011-10-15T17:29:00.000-07:00

Which of these is not like the others?

Pretty Fruit Pizza

2011-09-06T10:58:00.000-07:00

Easy, quick recipe!

crust = sugar cookie dough cooked on pizza pan
sauce = 2 packages of cream cheese mixed with 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 tsp. vanilla

toppings = colorful fruit

Kindergarten is for Real

2011-09-05T10:38:00.000-07:00

Dylan walked five paces before me the entire way to his first day of kindergarten.

On the third day of school he did not want me to walk him to class...so instead of crying when I got home I cleaned his room and sewed Boppy's dangling leg. Lame, I know, but look...

Shut the Front Door Frozen Peanut Butter Pie

2011-09-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 cup and 3 tablespoons powdered sugar

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup milk

10 ounces whipped topping

2 graham-cracker crusts

1/2 cup chopped peanuts

Whip cream cheese at low speed. Beat in sugar and peanut butter. Slowly beat in milk. Fold in whipped topping. Pour into crusts. Top with chopped nuts. Freeze until firm. Makes 2 pies.

(from Our State magazine...I altered the title)

Enjoy!

Big Girl Bike and Bubble Gum

2011-06-21T18:31:00.000-07:00

Emory is now three. I swear she seems so grown-y since she reluctantly gave up her paci (for bubble gum) just a few days ago. And she rides her new bike with no fear. Where did my baby go? She copies her five year old brother, covers her mouth when she giggles, and savors all things sugary. I love her so much my heart could burst. If I could freeze time I would just to remember her tiny painted toenails and long messy hair and the smell of her favorite blanket.

Smack Your Mama

2011-06-21T10:37:00.000-07:00

Have you ever tasted something so delicious that you would be willing to smack your own mama for another bite? Sounds ridiculous, I know, but sometimes food can take a hold of your taste buds and make you do crazy things. Like eat three large pieces of corn bread in one sitting.

Witness our vanishing Smack Your Mama Cornbread from last night's dinner...

1 box of Jiffy corn muffin mix

1 egg

a little more that 1/3 cup of milk

1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese

2 heaping tablespoons of sour cream

bacon grease from about 1/2 lb. of fried bacon

cast iron skillet

______

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Heat grease in skillet in oven while preheating (for 10-15 minutes). Mix top ingredients. Pour mixture in hot grease, spread evenly, and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Holy moly. Enjoy.

Golf

2011-06-07T10:22:00.001-07:00

Instead of staying home to clean up this

I begged Hubby (a.k.a. Skinny) to take me to play golf while our kiddos were at church camp for a few hours. Smacking the ball with a driver is tons of fun but after that things get a little sketchy. My handsome hubby was very patient with me today. The first few holes were moving right along and I was hanging in there.Then things took a turn for the worse. On hole #7 my ball hit a tree then bounced off the golf cart and Hubby had to jump out of the way so it could land 4 inches from where I started. After those, uh, we'll say 10 strokes I started thinking about this blog post and how I needed some pictures.

Hubby thinks I'm crazy.

My score card thinks I need not this hobby:)

Really?

2011-06-06T10:51:00.000-07:00

Who wears high heels with bathing suits? Really? Why in every swim suit ad is the model wearing stilletos or crazy tall wedges? Do people really stroll down the beach in those things? Do women really lounge by the pool in heels just so their legs look longer? Really?

Hey marketing peeps! Please let me see someone wearing a tankini and maybe, I don't know, flip flops building a sand castle in your next magazine spread. Or how about a mom going down the pool slide with a kid or two. Really. Then I might buy your stupid bathing suit...

if it hides my stretch marks.

Kindergarten

2011-05-26T05:06:00.000-07:00

For several weeks now I have been asked by numerous folks if I was sad that Dylan was going to Kindergarten. "No," I would say, "he's ready and excited. I'm just happy for him because he is looking forward to square pizza and really wants to ride the school bus." Last night was a different story.

At his preschool graduation sweet songs and a slide show paired with Dylan leading the Pledge of Allegiance brought on the tears. God has guided me to many awesome places but being a parent has by far been the best journey!

(Let's see if I feel the same way when my babes are teenagers!)

Where do You Want to Be?

2011-05-25T04:25:00.000-07:00

Today I want to read my new Bible study of Ruth by Kelly Minter here(in the hammock).

Then I'd like to cruise around The Tar River

in this. Yes, I'm aware it is an ocean kayak but ya work with what ya got.

Maybe during naptime...a mommy can dream, right?

The Week of Me

2011-05-24T04:25:00.000-07:00

For my birthday Hubby gave me a new camera. It's a Canon Power Shot and I've had tons of fun taking crisp pictures. However, my kiddos like to make these faces everytime I attempt to capture their, well, sweetness.

Despite turning 29 for the 6th year in a row this birthday week was the best I can remember since 4th grade. It started with a clean house, some pampering, meals at two of my favorite restaurants with my favorite people, and ended with a fun night of beach music.

Thank you, Hubby, for allowing my birthday to drag out. You are the best!

Water for Elephants

2011-03-28T17:43:00.000-07:00

Oh, I'm so excited to see this movie! The book by Sara Gruen is a SPECTACULAR page turner. Movies usually aren't as good as the written word, in my opinion, but this one has Reese and Robert in it's favor:)

You Say it's Your Birthday!

2011-03-27T18:19:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow Dylan turns five and I just made my first birthday cake. It's no prize winner but it was fun. We will begin the day with The Beatles and pancakes, two of Dylan's favorites. Then we'll go pick out some summer pj's (the boy loves casual wear) and the 2nd Boxcar Children book. The real fun starts at Chuck-E-Cheese (your prayers are appreciated) with family for a pizza dinner and games galore!

Happy Birthday, Buddy! You make me so proud. I'm thankful for your hugs and snuggles, your silly jokes, and your desire to do the right thing. God blessed me when you were born. I love you!

Fundraising

2011-03-22T03:49:00.000-07:00

Our preschool is selling Krispy Kreme goodies to raise some much needed funds. The product pretty much sells itself and when you pair that with Emory's big eyes and sweet voice saying, "You want some doughnuts and coffee?" our victims are powerless. Yesterday we hit up the neighborhood and our family and scored big.

Roller Skating

2011-03-13T16:27:00.000-07:00

When was the last time you laced up a pair of roller skates?

Aside from today, I think I was around 12 years old and listening to Slippery When Wet in a friend's driveway. She had a pink Sony tape player propped in her bedroom window so we could sing "Livin' on a Prayer" as we practiced shooting the duck.

Today Justin Bieber took the place of Jon Bon Jovi and a wooden rink replaced that concrete rectangle. The biggest difference, however, was the pain from falling. My 33 year old bones do not bounce like those of a preteen. I only fell once (and blame it 100% on my son, Dylan) but will feel the bruise for days to come.

Despite feeling ancient (from the pain and when the rink DJ called Will Smith's 1995 hit "Miami" a classic) I thoroughly enjoyed roller skating. I wonder what other kid activities I've been missing? Being a parent sure is a great disguise!

Thankful Thursday

2011-03-10T07:28:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful for Emory's blood platelet count being normal (for the 1st time in a year!)

I'm thankful for Kris' endoscopy results being nothing of concern.

I'm thankful my brother is helping my mom with her retirement and social security because the details of it all drive me bonkers.

I'm thankful Dylan is growing into a thoughtful little boy who loves to learn.

I'm thankful for girlfriends who make me a laugh.

I'm thankful for this rainy day so I have time to snuggle.

In a Big Country

2011-03-09T10:39:00.000-08:00

Share In A Big Country by moe.

The original was by the 80's band Big Country but I LOVE this version by moe. It makes me want to drive around with the windows down:)

The Best Vacation Ever

2011-03-08T09:54:00.000-08:00

Hubby's parents took us to St. Thomas. I know, how lucky could a girl be?! I was a little worried about Emory on the plane but she did wonderfully.

Dylan was a traveling pro...Ipod and all.

God delivered this beautiful gift the first morning.

Meet Iggy. He looks a little scary but this lizard actually lives a life of luxury.

This is Iggy's home.

Our favorite day was spent scuba diving from a 60 ft. sail boat.

This was our captain. His name is Jack (as in Jack Sparrow).

We all loved traveling in the open air cabby. I like to think that Hubby was saying he loved me but actually he was attempting a hang loose sign...too many drinks on the boat.

I love this picture of Emory and her Mimi.

Hubby and I even got to go on a date. This was the first time I wore make-up all week. Now thats what I call a vacation!

I'll close with a few more of my favorite pictures from

The Best Vacation Ever!

Scarlet Fever

2011-01-15T04:36:00.000-08:00

Both of my kiddos have scarlet fever. I'm not kidding. Who gets scarlet fever anymore? I feel like Paw should be riding out on his horse to tell Doc he needs to come quick. Thank God for modern medicine.

For a few days I tried to keep Emory away from Dylan with grand thoughts that the yuck wouldn't spread. No such luck. Since Tuesday we have gone through four boxes of Klenex, a bottle of Children's Tylenol, and are working our way through two antibiotic prescriptions.

Both kids finally feel like playing with each other. This morning Dylan said to me, "Mom, I gave Emory a little hug yesterday. I wanted to take away some of her germs so she wouldn't get too sick," and my heart melted.

2011

2010-12-31T20:15:00.000-08:00

Things I learned in 2010...

Tell family and friends you love them. (Every. Chance. You. Get.)
Life is hard or will be eventually but not always.
God is good.
Children are joy.
Fresh air is soothing.
Health is important but only one piece of the pie.
When pushed you become stronger and smarter.
Tomorrow can be better.
Love conquers.

May 2011 bring you health, happiness and love!

Wiggle Time

2010-12-07T03:37:00.000-08:00

Taking a treasured toy to wiggle time at church is a big deal. We spend a good portion of our Sunday morning trying to find the perfect piece to share with Preacher Doug. Dinosaurs, trains, baby dolls, and teddy bears usually make the cut. This past Sunday, however, Emory grabbed a plastic guitar.

Preacher Doug admired Emory's choice and handed it back to her smiling and said, "Just like daddy, huh?" Emory put the strap around her neck and made her way through the other children who were trying to get a glimpse of the remaining toys. She walked down the aisle until she got to Hubby and said, "I play like you, Daddy." With her eyes closed tight Emory strummed that plastic guitar like she's been rockin' since birth.

Psalm 100

2010-11-16T10:46:00.000-08:00

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his,
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all
generations.

Becky

2010-10-24T18:21:00.000-07:00

Having a best friend is truly a gift. Having a best friend whose children become your children's friends is well, entertainment. This is Becky. Not too long ago on an fabulous vacation we experienced Broadway, discovered edamame, and enjoyed room service.

Becky and I have been friends since 8th grade. I'll never forget the first time I saw her. She was new to my middle school and had the cutest dimples I had ever seen. We became instant friends and learned how to break hearts and handrails. In college we kept each other out of trouble while having more fun than should be allowed. Over the years Becky has taught me the meaning of unconditional love. She may be small in size but you'll never find a heart as big as hers.

This is our entertainment. You can only imagine how long it took to get this one picture:)

Simple Happiness

2010-10-12T10:29:00.000-07:00

Here is a happy little song for your enjoyment...

and a happy little picture for mine.

Hope you have a happy day!

Martha + Oprah = BFF

2010-10-06T04:42:00.000-07:00

Martha Stewart was on Oprah yesterday and I watched it after the kids went to bed so I could absorb every detail. The show took us on a trip through Martha's jail time to her home in Maine. I learned how to fold a fitted sheet, set up a grilled cheese bar for entertaining and even got an itch to craft. Oh how I love the idea of Martha and Oprah being friends!

At one point Martha mentioned she had plenty of visitors while she was serving time but not Oprah, she was too busy. However, here is how I imagine the meeting would have gone...

Oprah: Martha, you look so thin!

Martha: Thanks but I miss my crab cake panini something terrible. And lemon, can I just get a little lemon in my tea?

Oprah: I should have known to bring you lemons. I did bring you some books, though.

Martha: Thanks! Eat, Pray, Love? Can I skip the eat part? I do not think my taste buds can handle it.

Oprah: Oh, Martha, you are too funny! So, is your cell, um, clean?

Martha: Not before I got here but now it is sparkling. You would never guess how hard it is to get good cleaning products in the joint. How's Stedman?

Oprah: The same. Any cute guards here?

Martha: Not really, but my ceramics partner has lovely cuticles.

Oprah: Well, that is important. Sorry to have to cut this meeting short but you know how running an empire goes.

Martha: Goodbye dear friend. I hope you will visit in a couple of months when I am on house arrest.

Oprah: Certainly! Especially if you serve your double chocolate chunk cookies. See you then!

2010-09-28T17:06:00.001-07:00

I compile the newsletter for my small church. I LOVE it. It is time consuming but requires just enough creativity to keep me from drowning in Cheerios and Pull-Ups. Some committee heads email me their articles, others send them via snail-mail. A little typing, adding cute clip-art, occasionally writing some filler and voila, a newsletter!

Then I (we) make over 200 copies, fold, tape, and label before taking to the post office. I don't even mind this part, my hubby on the other hand doesn't find the mindless task of folding paper relaxing. Often I'll invite some friends over, cook dinner or order take out and we'll have a newsletter party. Hubby does enjoy a party.

Due to limited funds there is talk of doing away with paper copies. Makes sense but its just not the same. In my corner is my congregation (I think). The majority don't use email regularly. They are old school. More so than me.

Broken

2010-09-21T08:35:00.001-07:00

At the gym this morning there was a man using a walker. He was too young to have a walker but his legs bent greatly at the knee and it seemed walking was painful for him. I assumed he was in some form of rehabilitation. I noticed him watching me run on the treadmill. Did he wish to have my legs?

I wanted to talk to him and let him know that my heart was broken. My legs are strong, yes, and for that I am thankful but I'm hurting. But who wants to hear from a little blond stay-at-home mom that she's sad? Certainly not someone who struggles to get in and out of a chair.

That man was working on his body. I am working on my heart. We are all working on something.

Soccer Mom

2010-09-15T04:59:00.000-07:00

It's official. I'm a soccer mom.

When you hear the words soccer mom do you picture a minivan full of rowdy children driven by a 30+ year old woman with shoulder length hair and out of date tennis shoes? She's probably carrying water bottles and orange slices, annoyingly fist bumping all the team mates? Well, that's me except remove the minivan and insert an ultra family friendly station wagon.

Dylan has his first soccer match Saturday. There is a total of seven games and we (The Breakers) play Team Surge every match. Sound intense, maybe too much for four and five year olds? Nah, they can handle it...it's all about juice boxes and cool shin guards anyway:)

Good Morning!

2010-09-13T04:06:00.001-07:00

God wakes me up most mornings but lately I've been ignoring him (I know, bad idea!) I've just been rolling on over and snoozing until Thing 1 and Thing 2 stand bedside begging for juice and cartoons.

Not this morning, though. Before I fell asleep last night I asked God to make sure I was up because I've been needing Him and his Word something terrible. Well, he delivered. My coffee pot whistled at me bright and early. I was actually heading back to dreamland when I heard my coffee pot pretend to be a tea kettle. Never before has my coffee pot played dress-up but after it's performance I remembered my late-night request.

So here I sit after reading Scripture and enjoying dramatic coffee...writing and smiling...finally!

Breakfast Montage

2010-07-29T05:49:00.000-07:00

Hmmm, Rice Crispies.

Emory wants the camera, Dylan does not want his peaches.

Emory's shot.

Disappearing act.

Amazing

2010-07-28T09:38:00.001-07:00

Recently I've been trying to wake up earlier than my household to enjoy some quiet time with God. For those with small children who can't wait to start their day everyday understand that this is quite a task. If I can drag myself out of bed by 6:15AM then I usually have 30 minutes to do a quick Bible study before the wild rumpus starts. Often it is really difficult to peel myself from my oh-so-comfy sheets but the reward is amazing.

When the chaos starts and I've had my time with Jesus I'm ready for it like a major league baseball catcher knowing the next pitch. On the flip side, if my children make it downstairs before my eyes open I turn into a drill sergeant. This is our home, not basic training. Although, my kids do rise ready to run.

Amazing is feeling God's presence before anything else. Amazing is beginning the children's day with snuggles and kisses instead of yelling and crying. Remembering His gifts throughout the day because I've woken up a tad earlier is truly amazing.

Grace Potter and The Nocturnals

2010-07-26T10:40:00.000-07:00

Do yourself a favor and carve out five minutes to listen to this:)

New Loves

2010-07-26T05:28:00.000-07:00

Camping is my new love. We recently visited Julian Price Park and spent a couple of nights in the wilderness. Yes, my family slept in a tent! It was a surprisingly comfortable and very relaxing family vacation.

Pockets are Emory's new love. She refuses to wear anything that doesn't have pockets. Oh, and if the pockets happen to be sewn in a pink pair of shorts our home is a little happier. Pockets, pockets, POCKETS!!!

The Beatles' The White Album is Dylan's new love. He likes to crank it up and sing, "You say it's your birthday!" while dancing around the kitchen shredding his air guitar (which is not as cute as it sounds unless I've had my morning coffee). However, I'd much rather hear The Fab Four on repeat than, "Toot toot, chugga chugga, big red car," anytime of the day.

Grace Potter is my husband's new love. We saw her perform at the Soap Box in Wilmington and she's pretty fabulous. I'd be a little jealous if I didn't love her, too:)

Peach Cobbler

2010-07-12T15:35:00.000-07:00

Sitting around my mom's kitchen table is one of my favorite past times. She's usually cookin' something tasty and there is always a stack of magazines to thumb through. My last visit I snagged a Southern Living (June 2010 issue) with hopes of making the Pecan and Peach Cobbler.

I made it tonight (without the pecans because Hubby in not a fan) and let me tell you...it was scrump-dilly-icous!!! Of course it wasn't as pretty as the magazine's but no one seemed to mind. Hubby dished out servings before I could grab my camera.

Due to a peach shortage I cut the recipe in half and it was a plenty. With warm vanilla ice cream this dessert was smack-your-mama-good!

Pinehurst

2010-07-09T03:38:00.000-07:00

My tennis get-a-way was rather dreamy. I've missed my calling...traveling around, eating hotel meals and having someone else make my bed while I play tennis is the life! We won our first match which sent me in a "maybe we're better than we think and have a chance at this thing" only to be wiped off the court the next morning. When reality set in that I was lucky to be among such talent I began to have fun. Although I lost my last two matches (5-7, 4-6 and 6-7, 7-6, 6-10) they were close and I played hard...harder than ever and I loved every minute of it!

While pretending to be Stefi Graff (I'm old-school) I acquired tennis toe which is rather painful (Warning: do not Google, pictures will give you the feeling). A week of virtually no exercise has eased the pain but I've eaten every cookie in the house which has made me enemy #1 with my kids...and I feel like a blob.

Take a look at my team. These ladies are amazing and this trip will go down in my memory bank as a favorite, for sure!

TENNIS!!

2010-06-29T16:31:00.000-07:00

I'm leaving tomorrow for a tennis tournament in Pinehurst. Yippeeee!!! My sweet little team won our 3.5 adult league division and now we get to play with the big dogs. There are 12 of us in all and four who are 70+ years old. Can you believe it? Talk about inspiration. We play four matches and if we win we'll play a few more. I'll be away from home for at least three days and...drum roll please...sleeping in a hotel and not cooking or cleaning!

This break from the norm is just what I've been needing but I'm gonna miss my kiddos something fierce. They are staying with my sister and brother-in-law for a few of nights (Hubby, too, will be out of town) which is Dylan's dream come true. He adores his older cousins. Emory has never been away from me for that long but I know she'll be loved and cuddled until I return.

Oh, I'm so lucky!! Thanks God!!

Devotional

2010-06-28T11:47:00.000-07:00

from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Rest with Me a while. You have journeyed up a steep, rugged path in recent days. The way ahead is shrouded in uncertainty. Look neither behind you nor before you. Instead, focus your attention on Me, your constant Companion. Trust that I will equip you fully for whatever awaits you on your journey.

I designed time to be a protection for you. You couldn't bear to see all your life at once. Though I am unlimited by time, it is in the present moment that I meet you. Refresh yourself in My company, breathing deep draughts of My Presence. The highest level of trust is to enjoy Me moment by moment. I am with you, watching over you wherever you go.

This devotional spoke volumes to me today so I thought I'd share it with you:)

Lessons Learned

2010-06-15T10:44:00.000-07:00

Cookie dough after breakfast is o.k. if you are willing to give up all that is peaceful.

You can take a four year old boy to see a play. Halfway through the performance he looked at me and said, "I can't believe I'm getting to see this!" Afterwards he said, "The Beast was my favorite because at first he was mean and then he turned nice."

Baby oil on a slippin' slide sure is fun. However, be prepared to explain to your hubby why there is a long strip of brown grass in the back yard.

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-15T10:15:00.000-07:00

Meet Blue Phish.

He is Hubby's gift from the kids for Father's Day. He survived the car ride home and seems to be enjoying his new pad. Dylan welcomed him home with This Little Light of Mine (one of his favorite songs) and four pellets of grub. Hopefully Hubby will be happy with his new pet...he'll be introduced to Blue Phish tomorrow when he returns from another concert.

"I Poo in Blue"

2010-06-11T04:26:00.000-07:00

This cracks me up!!

Running

2010-06-04T10:44:00.000-07:00

So, the new playlist makes for a fun run except when a sketchy car from Georgia made me change my route. Weirdo. Now I'm a scared and will have to wait a couple of weeks to run my normal path. At least the new music makes the treadmill more bearable.

Playlist

2010-05-29T19:07:00.000-07:00

Here's my new playlist...

I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas
Hey, Soul Sista - Train
Bad Romance - Lady Gaga
Whataya Want from Me - Adam Lambert
Gives You Hell - The All-American Rejects
Under Pressure - My Chemical Romance & The Used
Disturbia - Rihanna
Already Gone - Kelly Clarkson

I'll let you know if it helps me run like Kara Goucher.

Emory-isms

2010-05-03T07:50:00.000-07:00

Emory and I are staying home today due to an upset tummy (hers, not mine). I'm secretly thankful for this day at home because I need to lounge and it is way hot to be picking strawberries with Dylan's preschool class. The extra snuggles from my sweet little pumpkin and her giggles have made this a blue ribbon day.

Thought I'd share some of her cuteness...

oatmilk = oatmeal

bavingsoup = bathingsuit

baff = bath

rite der = right there

two, five = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Wonderland

2010-04-07T04:08:00.000-07:00

Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland is FANtastic! Watching buzzing horseflies and pitched tea cups through 3D glasses is a whole other art form. Alice's outfits are mini-masterpieces and the Red Queen's court have hilarious over sized body parts.

True to Burton's dark side, it's a little scary. Floating heads in Red Queen's moat has the power to cause queasiness as does the lanky walk of her side kick, Stayne. However, the Mad Hatter is endearing despite being, well, mad. I love his eyebrows and on again off again lisp...but what's not to love about Johnny Depp?

The costumes, make-up, special effects...ALL of it is art. Beautiful, funky and creepy art. Go see it in the theater if you can!

Hubby Scored Tom Petty Tickets!

2010-04-06T11:11:00.000-07:00

Yay! Great seats, too!

Many moons ago (circa 1995) I witnessed a Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers concert on the lawn of Raleigh's Walnut Creek Amphitheater in the rain. I was with three of my best friends and we did not mind being soaked in the crowd...it felt like unauthorized freedom. Dancing, singing, laughing for several hours preceded riding home in our underwear. Thank God we didn't go through a traffic stop!

I'm sure the experience this time around will be a little more, um, refined? Let's hope so. However, I'm not promising anything during this song...

Bye, Bye, La You!

2010-03-29T17:58:00.001-07:00

Today Emory told the exterminator and the Target returns lady that she loved them.

What Goes Up Must Come Down

2010-03-25T14:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday ranked up there on the fun scale. I chatted with several friends whom I have been missing, sat in the sunshine, read several pages of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, played tennis with hubby, and ate a Chick-fil-a dinner at the park. Kids were worn out so bath and bedtime were a breeze.

Today? Pink eye.

Ewww.

The Greatest Show on Earth

2010-03-08T17:39:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of going to the Barnum and Bailey Circus with Dylan's preschool. A blast was had by all sugar-induced spectators (me included). Behold $12 cotton candy...

Dylan repeatedly asked why the tigers were caged and I had to stop myself from saying, "Because they eat people." He also asked how the animals traveled from town to town and laughed hysterically when I told him by truck. Thanks to Sea World, much of the show I was praying for the tiger tamer and elephant trainer. These people have to be certified crazy. Coo-coo for Cocoa Puffs. Who in their right mind would walk amongst 10 elephants in sequins or antagonize tigers to roll over and roar? Not this white woman.

It truly was a fantastic show. Dylan loved the ladies being shot simultaneously from cannons and was amazed by all the magic tricks. I believe this pic says it all:)

Vitamin D Deficiency

2010-03-02T15:19:00.000-08:00

Seriously, someone tell the snow that its almost time to pull out short sleeves and flip flops! I long for the days of running outside in a minutes notice. Wrapping two kids in fleece gets old...not to mention the static electricity that engulfs Emory's head. Most days she resembles a troll or Lynne Stone during her Dance TV debut.

Lately, when a smidgen of sunshine emerges I start daydreaming of sunscreen and bare feet and have to stop myself from calling Island Tan to see if bed #4 is open. My in-laws just returned from Hawaii and my lovely neighbors are packing for Florida. Jealousy just scratches the surface of my dry, pasty-white skin.

To ease my winter blues I have been playing Bob Marley, drinking lemonade, and highlighted my hair. My husband must be struggling, too, as he ignored the freezing temperatures this weekend to pressure wash the house and clean the back porch.

Any other cures for Vitamin D deficiency out there?

Happy Heart Day

2010-02-14T14:40:00.001-08:00

I love all holidays. It's ridiculous, I know, but having an excuse to gush over a loved one, hide eggs, or wear a shamrock just makes life more fun. Lately, I have enjoyed making Valentine's, decorating cookies, and eating chocolates out of heart shaped boxes. Take a look at some cookies we made a couple of days ago.

There is one left. One. Thank goodness I'm not alone in my weakness for cookies.

Cupcake

2010-02-11T11:25:00.001-08:00

With her messy hair she looks at me and says, "Snuggle." She wants to snuggle in this big chair when she wakes. She also wants, "Chocolate," which in Emory-isms means chocolate milk. Who can argue with that?

Retirement Living

2010-01-31T15:22:00.000-08:00

In hopes of a minute of peace today I locked myself in the hall bathroom with an Our State magazine. A couple of days trapped inside due to snow actually made this sound entertaining. Shortly thereafter the door knob shook.

"I'll be out in a minute," I said.

Silence, good he went back to watching cartoons. I proceeded to skim another advertisement for an upscale resthome. Would they let me live there? I like Scrabble and sweat tea.

Clonk, clonk, clonk. Shake, rattle, shake, giggle. He was back and wearing a pair of my heels.

"I said, I'll be out in a minute." I bet retirement living is quiet.

Dylan replied, "Mom, you wanna go on a date?"

I opened the door and there he stood in my black pointy toe shoes paired with his pajamas. A wide grin had taken over his sweet face.

Looking Forward

2010-01-27T10:37:00.000-08:00

After my mini-pity party (last blog post) I decided to be thankful instead of Debbie Downer. Here are some events I'm looking forward to...

1. Girl Scout cookies (yes, Thin Mints can be considered an event)

2. sledding (hopefully it'll snow this weekend!)

3. American Idol's Hollywood episodes

4. Girls Night Out (I just may break out the heels:)

5. no more diapers or pull-ups (one day, right?)

6. Dylan helping with more household chores. He's now learning to take out the trash and putting his dirty clothes in the hamper (he calls it his "hampster").

7. summer beach trip

8. visiting my mom and good friend in a couple of weeks

9. Mama Mia! - Sunday at DPAC (yay!)

10. Did I mention Girl Scout cookies?

Time Out

2010-01-26T19:09:00.000-08:00

Ever feel like yelling, "Time out!" with the hopes of everything stopping?

No spam, junk mail or Facebook would be a nice start but if eliminating time-sucks isn't a likely option we should be able to push a slow motion button. Growth spurts are crazy as my little boy went from a toddler to a Sasquatch in less than a month. And I do not like going weeks without talking to my best friend or missing Izzy's return on Grey's Anatomy but I'm guilty of both.

Why is it difficult to remember that I have hobbies? Why have I stopped sending birthday cards to my loved ones? Why do I avoid rush hour traffic (in my tiny town) and no longer feel comfortable in heels?

I don't want life to pass me by. I want to be present and witness growth and blog about some of it.

What do you do to slow down and feel real?

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

2009-12-28T17:14:00.001-08:00

Recently at a post Christmas soup and sandwich party I accompanied my three year old to the restroom. I buttoned his jeans for the sixth time that day while he flushed the potty. At the end of a heavy sigh he said, "What a beautiful sound," and smiled like he was in love.

I paused for a minute to see if I could hear our aunts and uncles singing or someone strumming a guitar. Nope, he was talking about the flush.

After I picked myself up from the floor and managed to compose a straight face he had another goofy smile. He knew we were on to something and whispered, "Go tell the people what I said."

So I did and the house bellowed with laughter.

Shenanagins

2009-12-04T16:47:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder what your significant other really does when they leave on a "guy trip?"

My husband has gone Phishing again but this time in NYC. When he goes on these hippy excursions I'm usually not too worried about him being tempted by the opposite sex. However, being in the Big Apple is another story. More koi in the pond than his average 1:5 concert crowd if you know what I mean.

Come to find out my jealousy was not to be taken lightly. Just look at the shenanigans he's been up to...

Dayum, Dora! First you win the affection of my children? And now my man? I'm calling Swiper. Watch your backpack, homewrecker!

Ta Daaaa!

2009-12-01T10:55:00.001-08:00

When I first snapped this photo I was oh-so-proud of myself. Now, after just tossing six day old gravy and sloshing cranberry sauce in the trash my turkey portfolio gives me "the feeling." What is "the feeling?" Well, it can be used to describe a situation that leaves you with the hibby jivies, creepy crawlies, or any other sense of uncomfortableness.

"The feeling" was started by a college roommate to characterize everything from the cafeteria smell to the 30 year old frat boy. Try it a couple of times and you'll begin to understand it's vast appropriateness.

Anything over the holidays give you "the feeling?"

Thanksgiving List

2009-11-20T10:43:00.000-08:00

Turkey...check.
Canned cranberry sauce...check.
Sweet potatoes and marshmallows...check.
Stuffing stuff...check.

What else do you need, really?

Oh, wine! Duh! Check. Um, I mean, er, I'll get some more.

Blogger's Block

2009-11-19T10:37:00.001-08:00

O.K., so I just figured out why I can't seem to blog anymore.

We turned our office/music/guest room into an office/music/playroom. The blocks and trains have taken over. Is this really worth a neater house? I look over my shoulder as I type and am weary that Coconut the Bear is plotting a secret vendetta. Dora and June have been stuffed in a clear box and seem very unhappy as contortionists. My former feng shui teacher would be mortified...maybe she could send her tree-living gnomes to help clean up.

I need a space that is all mine. Whaa haa haaaa, all mine!!

I don't know whether to read that last bit as Cruella Deville or Wanda Sykes.

Mommy's Heart

2009-11-18T11:33:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Dylan and I were snuggling on the couch when he put two arms around me and hugged me tight. He stayed there for a good while and then said, "I just can't let you go, Mommy."

Toddler T-Ball

2009-10-25T18:56:00.000-07:00

During Dylan's last t-ball game he preferred hanging in the dugout by himself even though his cheering section doubled (i.e. grandparents). After I bribed him with brownies (that I had already made for the team) he managed to bat a couple of times and drew in the dirt while "covering" the outfield.This is totally gonna give my parents the green light to say, "I told you so," but a 3 year old is too young to play organized sports...unless, of course, your first name is Tiger. However, the first couple of games and practices were fun for the whole family. The toddler t-ball season should be just that...two practices and two games. Period. End of season. Eleven games proved to be way too many for tiny attention spans.

Despite the fact that no one struck out nor did we keep score all players received a pint-sized trophy. Seems kind of silly but they did hang in there for 11 games.

Who knew a miniature plastic statue could cause such a stir? Dylan sleeps with it and has taken it to show and tell twice.

October Out Takes

2009-10-20T18:20:00.000-07:00

Pumpkins can make such pretty pictures...if you have cooperating muses.

Here I present to you my Fall collection:

"Halloween Head"

"I want to suck your blood!"

(my kids like to imitate Dracula thanks to a spooky CD from their Papa)

and "The Monster Mash"

Needless to say, we had an eventful day at the pumpkin patch. Their favorite part was obviously not posing for pics, but celebrating It's Fall Y'all with homemade ice cream.

"Yummers"

Asheville, NC

2009-10-13T04:29:00.000-07:00

Recently I went on a girlie trip to Asheville, NC without my kiddos. I ate 13 meals uninterrupted, leisurely walked through art exhibits, and slept past 7AM. Truly delightful! This is the cute loft we stayed in downtown Asheville.

We visited Biltmore and enjoyed the winery. That huge house has 43 bathrooms and was built before indoor plumbing became popular.

This is Audrey. I forced her to be my friend back in 1994. Yes, we tight rolled our jeans, grooved to the Cranberries and watched the original 90210. Since then we have grown into somewhat responsible adults and managed to convince two other best friends to marry us. Everyone should be so lucky:)

Turkey Plunge

2009-09-23T09:44:00.000-07:00

I've decided to have Thanksgiving at my home this year. Crazy? Yes. Why would anyone choose to take on the responsibility of feeding their in-laws plus their own mother? I'm giving up a worry free meal provided by my happy-go-lucky aunt (void of my in-laws and mother, I must add) to stress over how to cook a large turkey and make gravy. Ewww, gravy. I don't even like to type that word...gurrr-aaaa-vyyyyyy (whisper it and it sounds like a pissed-off spirit who hasn't eaten for centuries).

Honestly, I dig a challenge every now and then. Not to mention I will not have to worry about packing or skipping nap time or losing pacifiers or (here come the singing angels) traveling with toddlers!

So, I've almost convinced myself that this adventure will not be a nightmare (minus the gravy ghost), and any helpful pointers or tidbits or prayers will be greatly appreciated. I'll try to keep you abreast of my progress and pitfalls in preparation of this celebratory feast. Wish me luck!

Serena, Serena, Serena

2009-09-13T16:42:00.000-07:00

So Serena lost her cool during a very important tennis match. She said some pretty nasty things to a line judge and then wondered why the lady felt threatened. Seriously? If you saw this coming towards you saying, "I'm going to shove this bleepity ball down your bleepity throat!" wouldn't you be skerred??

I first witnessed Serena's verbal thrashing on Sports Center this morning and initially thought, "Her career is on the line." Then I thought, "Well maybe this is the kind of passion you need to make it to the top." As I watched it again online I can categorize the whole incident as unfortunate. Everyone has said something they wished they hadn't, Lord knows I have, but words are way more powerful when it reaches the masses...over and over. Serena is idolized by many young women and I pray that they understand the voltage of harmful words. This match will be remembered always in the tennis world, I'm sure, but I hope that line judge will be able to lead a normal life sooner than later.

It will be interesting to see how this affects Serena's career. Watch for yourself let me know what you think.

Puffy Eyes

2009-09-09T03:48:00.001-07:00

Last night I watched The Secret Life of Bees all by myself and boo-hooed like a baby. I've read the book and seen the movie so why did I let the faucets pour? Guess I needed a good crying.

Have I mentioned before that I have a girl crush on Alicia Keys? I love her character, as well, in this story...strong, independent, and then she lets her heart take over.

In a few hours I get to take Dylan to his first day of preschool looking sleep deprived (o.k. I stayed up too late watching TV and ran upstairs at 5AM because Dylan was yelling that his Linus blanket was stuck under his bed) and/or that I've consumed way too much salt (could be the half bag o' chips and salsa I munched during the movie). If I were the type I'd totally be lounging with cool cucumbers over my lids.

Cute is...

2009-09-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

three year olds playing t-ball.

Ya'll, I laughed so much this evening my cheeks are sore. Dylan and his teammates took turns at bat and after one got a hit they would all run after the ball instead of the bases.

Cute is...

Emory standing behind the fence yelling, "Dada, Dada!" (Hubby got roped into being coach and loves it!) My little girl desperately wanted to be on that field.

Even though Dylan asked me 3000 times today, "When do we leave for practice, Mommy?" the one hour of comic relief was totally worth it. Plus, because he was plum worn out tonight he easily settled for one bedtime story.

Guilty As Charged

2009-09-01T15:50:00.000-07:00

Guilt.

The word itself makes my shoulders slump and the corners of my mouth droop. I faintly remember the feeling when I was young, I guess that just comes with the territory of divorced families no matter how hard everyone tries to be neutral, but nothing compares to the guilt I feel as a mom.

If my child watches back to back cartoons, eats too many sweets, wants me to put him to bed instead of his daddy, when I have a baby sitter, when I haven't cooked a hot breakfast or changed the sheets or mopped the floors or scrubbed the bathrooms, when I miss a meeting or tell someone that I don't have the time or that I'm too tired, when my baby goes to bed a little dirty, when her nose is runny and I put off taking her to the doctor one more day, and when I forget to brush their teeth I feel guilty.

Is it Nature's way of holding us accountable? Is it payback from our mothers? Maybe a combination of the two?

My goal this new school year is to feel less guilt. I think if I'm more organized and prioritize what is most important to my family I can get rid of this unwanted guest.

Any suggestions?

Fast Food

2009-08-25T07:02:00.001-07:00

On Good Morning America today Dr. Oz was interviewed by Diane Sawyer. He performs 300 open heart surgeries a year and believes that the majority of them could be avoided by diet and exercise. One third of Americans are overweight and allowing fast food chains on every corner is a major reason; we make it too easy to eat poorly. Dr. Oz's opinion on the heated health reform is not favorable because seeking how to pay for health care is not a solution. The best solution, according to the doctor, is to make it easier for Americans to become and stay fit. Examples given were safe walking paths and getting a workout some how during working hours.

The segment ended and a McDonald's commercial aired. Seriously? A working mom comes home from work and gets bombarded by her kids the minute she walks in the door. Can you guess what her answer was for a minute to unwind? Yep, she pulled out Happy Meals from her over sized purse.

If you have read Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser or seen the movie based on the book and/or watched the documentary Super Size Me you may feel the same way I do about fast food. Don't get me wrong, I'll occasionally visit such establishments (and I have a secret love affair with Chick Fila) but it makes me angry that it is so convenient, so cheap, so bad for our bodies, and so heavily marketed to the most vulnerable.

Anyone with me?

Wishing Well

2009-08-23T18:14:00.000-07:00

Saturday Dylan closed his little eyes tightly while rubbing a penny in his right hand and made a wish. He then threw his penny into a wishing well and smiled. I just had to ask him what he wished for to which he replied, "I wished for a playground in my back yard."

By a playground he means a swing set with a slide. Slides are the same to a three year old boy as a recliner is to a 30 year old man-child.

Later that night I got him to repeat his wish to Hubby. He let Dylan know that if he was a good boy Santa may bring him one for Christmas. He thought hard for a few seconds and said, "He can't fit a playground in his bag."

Touche.

She's Crafty

2009-08-21T11:52:00.001-07:00

Dylan will be back in preschool soon and I believe we are equally excited. Check out Dylan's red book bag. It was $5 at Walmart and pretty plain. In the craft section I found iron on embroidered patches. Who knew I could be crafty...if one can call ironing crafty.

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When Hubby got home from work tonight he looked at Dylan and said, "Let's go to Cracker Barrel and get pancakes!"

"Yeah! Family date night!" was Dylan's response. He inhaled two large pancakes, a side of bacon, two crackers, and one corn muffin. I am thankful his appetite is back and take full blame for his carb love affair. He learned it by watching me.

Emory has taken to the kazoo. She only knows one pitch so you can imagine how pleasant the noise becomes after the cuteness wears off.

Don't Worry Be Hippy

2009-08-16T17:35:00.001-07:00

Recently I attended a Phish concert with Hubby and some friends. Hubby is, well, I'm just gonna say it...he's a full blown band dork. (Maybe he'll miss this post.) He reads message boards, awaits the set list to every show, and has spent numerous conversations with phellow phans about Trey's sobriety and whale calls.

The music was a little more rockin' than expected, which was a nice surprise since Phish tends to slow it down and jam too long for my taste. They played a mean Sloth and Tweezer Reprise (see, the dorkiness is contagious) but my favorite part of the trip was hanging with our buddies and watching hippies.

Spending six hours (12 round trip) on the way to MD with some of our favorite people reminded me why friends are important. I don't remember the last time I went on a similar road trip. We laughed, took bad exits, ate homemade cookies and laughed some more.

Being amongst all that love and peace reminded me of Woodstock. Just kidding, I wasn't around for that but it did remind me of college and discovering Widespread Panic. One hippy politely turned down a bottled water because it wasn't "spring H2O." It was 90 degrees and this man's hair alone could have smothered three bystanders. He was hot and thirsty but couldn't enjoy tap water. Several times throughout the show I suppressed the urge to ask the "not so security" their thoughts on noodle dancing and glow sticks.

Besides needing a nap or coffee instead of that margarita at set break this excursion was a great time. I also gained a few bits of wisdom. Number one, it is o.k. for Phish to be Hubby's obsession and not mine. I can appreciate our differences...I mean, he probably couldn't grasp the magnitude of Edward Cullen, right? Number two, I am no longer in my 20s...maybe in spirit, but definitely not in body nor mind. And most importantly, number three, Fun Gus is not some one's favorite uncle.

I Scream Because of Ice Cream

2009-08-12T11:18:00.000-07:00

Monday Dylan, my three year old, had his tonsils and adenoids removed and a tube put in his left ear. Poor little fella has been lethargic, weepy, and down right pissed off. Just now before I made him take a nap he hit me. The fairy god mother in me would have ignored it and let him finish watching Curious George but the real life mom appeared and popped his hiney...twice.

Yesterday his behavior was worse, odd I'd say. He wiped ear goo on the couch after I put in ear drops, clothes-lined his baby sister, spit under the hallway rug, and broke the towel rack in my bathroom by swinging on it.

What in the world?

This is exactly why we cannot give our children ice cream for dinner or let them watch monkey cartoons on a daily basis.

After School with Faye

2009-07-29T10:51:00.000-07:00

My grandmother, Faye, taught me how to stand on my head.

She extinguished her cigarette, dismounted from her light blue swivel
recliner and squatted beside me in her living room one day after school. She showed me how to put my hands shoulder-width apart on her new Sears catalog rug and spread my fingers wide. Then placing the top of her head on the floor she kicked up her delicate, bony feet making herself perpendicular. My seven year old self was in utter awe. I had never seen her do anything spectacular and it almost made up for her just giving my snotty-nosed brother $0.50 for taking out the newspapers when the week before the same task earned me a quarter.

I practiced the rest of the afternoon. Several times Faye caught my feet in the air to help me balance but quickly I had it down pat. After counting 28 Mississippi's, the highest yet, I ran to her bedroom mirror to see how red my face had turned. Though proud of my beet colored cheeks her glamorous jewelry box caught my attention like a beauty queen in sequins. I modeled every ring and strand of pearls I could put my grubby little hands on before hearing, "Oh, you-hooooo."

My mom was home from work and I could not wait to share my new trick!

Mrs. Edith

2009-07-15T11:58:00.000-07:00

Walking out of the sanctuary one Sunday morning a gentleman said, “I saw you help Mrs. Edith to the alter to take communion. That was very kind of you.”

“Oh, yeah. Thanks,” was my uncomfortable reply.

“Surprised me that she took your arm like that. She’s a proud, independent lady.”

Funny how perceptions can be backwards. The one needing support that day was me, though I'd always thought of myself in the same light as the gentleman described Mrs. Edith.

Mrs. Edith was a fixture at Mt. Zion on Sunday mornings. I was a newbie. It had been forever since I’d taken communion and my internal struggle with Christ was at an all-time high. Usually my hubby is beside me at church but occasionally I go solo and put our children in the nursery. Such was that day. I felt alone. She looked alone but after I waited for her at the end of the pew and felt her grip on my forearm I knew our company was significant.

Every Sunday I looked forward to seeing Mrs. Edith, dressed to the nines. She always had a compliment ready, which was nice, but what I truly appreciated was her faith. I found comfort in seeing her on the left side, fifth row from the front with her Bible marked to the day’s scripture.

I am lucky enough to have known Mrs. Edith in God’s house and will remember her strength the next time I feel alone. I look forward to eternity and pray I am able to share this story with her.

All Over

2009-07-14T12:16:00.000-07:00

"Hey Buddy, how's that peanut butter and jelly?"

"Good. I missed you last night, Mommy. How was your meeting?"

"My Bible study was fun, thanks for asking. When I got home I went upstairs and kissed you all over. Bet you didn't even know it."

Long pause.

"Even my butt?"

Holden Beach

2009-07-06T11:32:00.001-07:00

We just returned from our summer vacation at Holden Beach, NC. Spending time with our best buds and being away from the daily hustle was the whole idea. Mission accomplished!

Two of my favorite parts of our getaway were Emory and Hubby sharing ice cream...

and hanging out on the deck in our pajamas.

One of my least favorite parts included getting up every day (ev-er-y day) before six o'clock. Yes, I'm still recovering. One morning I sleepily drug myself and my wide awake children on the beach so others could sleep and Dylan said, "Look Mommy, the sunset!" Um, no. That would be the sunrise. The only other not-so-favorite part was attempting a family photo...

again...

and again. Hey, look at the camera! Look. At. The. Cam-er-a! With your eyes open, please.

Oh well, I did get this one...

and this is definitely a keeper...

Girl Power!

Here Nor There

2009-06-18T09:13:00.001-07:00

Several rainy days and a recent diagnosis of strep throat have kept us indoors lately. Sometimes it's nice to have a reason or two to stay in your jammies all day...and teach your precious little girl how to "show us your muscles!"

We made a robot costume out of a Huggies diaper box. Dylan walks around with straight arm movements while talking in a kiddie-mechanical voice. One night hubby got stuck in the box and I was laughing too hard to think of grabbing the camera. "Robot Daddy" was definitely having technical difficulties.

My sweet Emory is turning one tomorrow. This year flew by, without a doubt. Happy Birthday Emmy Cate!!!

Come on Home

2009-06-09T18:41:00.000-07:00

While my hubby has gone Phishing I've been at home with the kiddos enjoying life. Every now and then I need time away from the Mr. just to re-group and remember who I am. As does he. The past few days have been full of friends and laughter and wolves hunting vampires.

In his absence I've had a few neighborly play-dates and good 'ol girlie conversations. Tonight some of our friends came over to cook me dinner. Can you believe it? Me either. Yesterday Jayme called and said, "How about we come over tomorrow night and cook for you?" I know, I'm so lucky! I just dined on an Asian spicy chicken noodle dish that was scrumptious and a welcomed change from Honey Nut Cheerios.

This semi-solo time has been fun but now I'm ready for hubby to come on home. During his time away I fought the smelly trash can all the way down our long, gravel driveway and accidentally made the morning coffee at 6PM instead of 6AM. I handled several discipline problems by laughing and stayed up way too late reading a tween romance.

So, Hubby, if you can hear me...I will always heart you more than E.C. so say your goodbyes to the patchouli and tell Trey we'll see him in August.

Joining the Masses

2009-06-02T18:52:00.001-07:00

I told myself that I was not going to fall into the teeny-bopper trap that Twilight seemed to unfold. Then I watched the movie. Twice. In one day. I'm a mother of 2 small children who rarely watches anything but The Noggin Channel.

My best friend did not tell me she was hooked because she knew that I would make fun of her. I mean, we are grown women who understand that taking your teddy bear on vacation and polishing your unicorn collection after a certain age is, well, inappropriate. However, when I confessed to watching the movie she let on that she, too, had fallen for vampires all over again (back in the day we drooled over Louis and Lestat). Tonight we met for a lovely dinner at our favorite spot and she loaned me the entire Twilight series. I'M SO EXCITED!!!

So, if I don't post for a while it's because I'm cuddled in a corner, swatting at my children to go away, and dreaming of Edward.

Sundays

2009-05-26T18:24:00.000-07:00

I grew up hating Sundays. It was uncomfortable packing my bags wanting to go home to Mom but not wanting Papa to feel bad that I was ready to leave...then going home to answer one million questions about how we spent our weekend.

I grew up believing that the Bible was literature, just another text book that I didn't want to read. Being in church was extremely uncomfortable. I avoided singing hymns and despised the smell of breath mints shadowing nicotine.

Now I look forward to Sundays. My little family is tucked pretty tight right here on "Daddy's day off." Church has become an old friend, one that I've been missing something terrible. Singing brings me closer to God and I love the little old ladies and their fancy hair pins. And as I learn more about the Bible it's beauty is astonishing. It is history, it is poetry, it is guidance, it is love.

Buzz Cut

2009-05-21T06:06:00.000-07:00

No more bottles of milk and no more burping.

No more lullabies or rocking to sleep

No more pacifiers and no more Pull-ups

Rocks in pockets and milk mustaches

Skinned-up knees and chasing frogs

Baseball caps and bluejeans

A Hugh Sigh of Relief!

2009-05-18T19:37:00.000-07:00

Emory's appointment today was long and scary but she's going to be just fine. Yea! Thank you for your well wishes and prayers!

The right side of her pulmonary artery does not flow as smoothly as the left side causing the murmur. She'll be checked again in 2011 but the doc says not to worry. Thanks be to God!!

Dinner Cruise

2009-05-14T16:58:00.000-07:00

Tonight we ate dinner on the river. I packed sandwiches and chips and drinks and we set sail. Dylan asked, "Can we do this again?" after his first bite of peanut butter and jelly. Emory smiled the entire time...bet her little chubby cheeks are tired.

Best part of it all (besides the family memories, of course) was I didn't have to clean up the kitchen. Whoo-hoo!

Little Emory is having a heart murmur checked out on Monday by a pediatric cardiologist. It's probably something she'll outgrow but her doc wants to make sure. Please keep her (and me, I've been waiting for this appointment for over a month:) in your thoughts and prayers.

Heavy Metal vs. Boy Bands

2009-05-11T16:03:00.001-07:00

When they become tweens and argue over the better musician or who gets the bathroom first I will pull out this photo and remember they were once sweet.

Big Bro, you were right...GNR was way more rad than NKOTB...and I'm sorry my bangs were so high maintenance.

Professional Mother

2009-05-06T16:51:00.000-07:00

Oh, crap! Something told me to shower this morning were my thoughts as Amanda Lamb approached me along side her camera man. She looked so very polished in a blue and white wrap dress and sassy heels while I had just spent the morning riding a carousel and kiddie train.

"Hi, I'm Amanda Lamb with WRAL. I'd like to ask you a few questions regarding a new law."

I just smiled and silently cursed myself for leaving the house looking like a ...mom.

"North Carolina is trying to pass not allowing children under the age of nine to be left unattended in a car, yadda yadda yadda," she said.

O.k., she didn't really say yadda yadda yadda but she did go into detail about the law while I tried to remember if I had recently left my precious pumpkins strapped in their car seats while running errands. What if they had me on camera? What if this was one of those 'caught you on tape' shows and an example was to be made of me?

I haven't run errands in over a week, this isn't a set-up. "Um, sure."

Watching it later on the six o'clock news with my family was fun. There I was, speaking coherently with my name in block letters at the bottom of the screen. Under my name was my title. Mother. Naturally, little Emory stole the show and thankfully took the attention away from my Crocs and long, baggy shorts.

All Swing Set Play is Cancelled!

2009-05-05T11:29:00.000-07:00

Our 2nd annual neighborhood BBQ started off friendly and fun. The chicken fell off the bone and was worthy of finger licking. Cheesy potatoes, green beans, slaw, and a million desserts filled our tummies as we chatted with familiar faces.

My husband was to watch Dylan as I was bouncing Emory on my hip or pushing her in the stroller or walking her down the driveway (she is way too busy these days) and catching up with the other women. However, later in the evening Dylan runs to me with his Diego undies and khaki shorts in hand asking me to wipe him.

"Uh, what?"

"Wipe me, please, Mommy."

"Oh, no. Where's Daddy?"

Dylan had pooped in the neighbor's back yard. All swing set play was cancelled due to contamination. My husband was (once again) fired from his daddy duties...I'm not sure why I keep rehiring him...to his defense he does grill a mean hamburger and remembers all the words to Guns-N-Roses' Sweet Child O'Mine.

Anywho, Forest Cove Neighbors, I send you my deepest apologies for being the first to leave the party and more importantly, I'm sorry my son is um, channeling Kitty Rio (our cat).

Coconut Macaroons

2009-05-02T17:46:00.000-07:00

1 bag of shredded coconut
1 can of sweetened condensed milk
2 tsp. of vanilla extract

Stir ingredients together, spoon on cookie sheet, bake 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees.

Be very aware of the inability to stop at just one...or two...or four. O.K., I confess. I ate six. SIX!!! This happened prior to lunch. I thought maybe blogging about it would keep me from going back for a night time snack.

HELP!!

Mama's Munchkin

2009-04-21T10:14:00.001-07:00

This is Emory and her little stuffed friend...they have the same profile:)

She claps for blueberry waffles.

She truly is this sweet! This dress was once mine and hand made by my MaBet.

Perfect Day

2009-04-20T08:21:00.000-07:00

I had a nice little Saturday.

Woke up, dressed, fed the kids and headed out the door. Stopped for a vanilla latte and walked around Lowe's kid free. Bought some pansies, petunias, and tomato, cucumber and lettuce seeds. And a tomato plant...sure fire way to produce grub.

Then I grocery shopped kid free. I was home by 10:45AM. Dylan helped me plant our flowers and seeds and the entire time thanked me for his new Diego spade.

We had a picnic in the back yard. The fam ate sandwiches while I enjoyed a spicy tuna roll from Harris Teeter (no one else likes sushi). We stayed outside all day playing ball, blowing bubbles, and after nap time we cruised on the boat.

That night Mimi came over for supper...grilled steak and chicken that had been marinating all day. I ended the evening with a fabulous movie, Grey Gardens, and hubby snoozing on the couch beside me.

My, how my definition of the perfect day has changed over the past 5 years:)

Junk in My Trunk

2009-04-13T10:57:00.000-07:00

"Your butt is getting bigger, Mommy," said my three year old.

"It is?"

"Hmm hm," he said as he over exaggerated a nod.

"But, why?" was my plea as I looked over my shoulder to see if it was growing at that very moment.

"Because I want it to."

"You do?"

"Yes, if it gets really, really big you can float into the sky. That would be fun."

"I guess it would."

Fairytale

2009-04-06T17:11:00.000-07:00

Once upon a Monday night in a land of plastic dinosaurs and an overflowing diaper genie there lived a creature who resembled a woman and she was desperate for a glass of wine. This creature...we'll call her "Mommy" needed to relax so badly she shipped her hubby off to watch yet another UNC basketball game and put her kids to bed 30 minutes early. After the land was raked of choo choos, story books, and fruit snacks she settled in for a sizable goblet of Cabernet.

A friendly phone conversation and one measly paragraph later her glass was empty and the contemplation began...oh, who am I kidding. Hold on a minute.

O.K., where was I? Oh, yeah...

Admiring the feminine shape of her glass Mommy...no, let's call her "Scarlet" shook her hair from her up-do and called for her bath to be drawn. Should she have chocolate truffles or champagne and berries for dessert?

Lent

2009-04-02T16:48:00.000-07:00

This is the first year I participated in Lent. I thought about giving up cookies or chocolate or coffee but then decided to take a different route...I can diet anytime, right? Instead, I gave up leisure reading. For over a month I have not read a novel, a memoir, or a newspaper. Magazines have been the hardest to avoid as I love, love, love Oprah's magazine, Cooking Light and Southern Living.

I will admit, several times I caught myself mindlessly flipping through my husband's left behind sports page or a Crate & Barrel publication. I was unaware of how hard this was going to be. The idea behind giving up pleasure reading was to focus on the Bible or related works. When needing to read I have been picking up a Sunday school booklet or a devotional pamphlet. I didn't realize how much I read. Often throughout this 40 day period I have thought myself to be bored and void of creative thoughts for my own writing. However, I have found myself closer to God. A nice trade I must say.

I pray more which gives me more patience with my children and more outwardly love towards my husband. A sense of calm has come over me and I now understand that calm is not the same as boredom. The hustle and bustle of everyday life has a way of making me feel accomplished. Slowing down and growing with God has taught me that checking off a to-do list isn't what really matters.

Dylan's B-day

2009-04-02T15:51:00.000-07:00

Two nights before Dylan's birthday party he woke me up at 3:30AM to inform me he had two dreams about giants.

"I want to tell you about them, Mommy," he said after I tried to convince him to go back to bed.

"Oh, alright. If you must," was my reply between yawns.

Dylan then told me two detailed stories that he claims were dreams. I'm calling his bluff because one of the "dreams" he has told before...numerous times. He ended his late-night performance with, "Mommy, I don't want a giant cake anymore."

"Uh-oh," I thought but instead said, "Darling, Mrs. Covey has already made your delicious cake. You're gonna love it!"

Thankfully he said, "O.K.," and let me take him back to bed. For the next little while I invisioned a house full of screaming toddlers and mad parents.

Saturday Covey showed up with this masterpiece...

Can you believe it? A happy giant cake with a 3-D beanstalk and the perfect Fe Fi Fo Fum!!! It was the hit of the party and so far, no more 3AM nightmares/comedy acts.

Hello Sunshine!

2009-03-18T11:11:00.000-07:00

Hello Sunshine. Nice of you to visit. Please stay a while. We've missed you and your rays. Tell Clouds and Rain we appreciate their contribution... but just between us they don't know when to leave. Talk about rude. Geez.

Turning Three

2009-03-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

Dylan's 3rd birthday is in a few weeks and he wants a giant on his cake.

"A giant?" I asked.

He replied, "Yes, Mommy. Fe, fi, fo, fum!"

Thankfully, a friend has agreed to make a giant cake. Bless her! I was explaining this to Dylan and I said, "She makes really delicious cakes."

He said, "Mommy, you make really delicious cereal."

For Hubby

2009-03-10T13:45:00.000-07:00

Waste
by Phish

Don't want to be an actor pretending on the stage
Don't want to be a writer with my thoughts out on the page
Don't want to be a painter 'cause everyone comes to look
Don't want to be anything where my life's an open book

A dream it's true
But I'd see it through
If I could be
Wasting my time with you

Don't want to be a farmer working in the sun
Don't want to be an outlaw always on the run
Don't want to be a climber reaching for the top
Don't want to be anything where I don't know when to stop

A dream it's true
But I'd see it through
If I could be
Wasting my time with you

So if I'm inside your head
Don't believe what you might have read
You'll see what I might have said
To hear it

Come waste your time with me
Come waste your time with me

So if I'm inside your head
Don't believe what you might have read
You'll see what I might have said
To hear it

Come waste your time with me
Come waste your time with me
Come waste your time with me
Come waste your time with me

Come waste your time with me