Work In Progress

Much like my life, my blog is a work in progress.  I'm beginning to understand why so many people have "practice blogs" where they can try out different backgrounds and monkey around before publishing it to the world.

One blog is enough for me to manage, thank you very much.

Therefore, if you stumble upon my blog and things don't quite match, or look that great (like now!!!), or seem to make no sense at all (well, let's be honest, that could be at any given time of any given day) then you've probably stumbled upon me trying to pretty up.  Like now, for example.  I chose a new background and went to Scrapblog to make a new header.

And then I changed a dirty diaper.

And ooh-ed and ahh-ed over a block architectural masterpiece.

And made lemon water for a cranky girl upset that her brothers got fun drinks with straws as a post-school treat.

Opened the back door to the deck so a cranky girl can crawl in and out.  I'm right here by her, people.  Don't freak out on the negligent mother me now.

And when I came back I hated my background.  Even though it's called Obsessed with Jane Austen.  WHOM I ADORE.  J'adore Mademoiselle Jane Austen.

I'm already over it.  Sigh.  I thought that perhaps my incessant need to read Mlle. Austen at this very moment might be quenched with a blog background in her honor.  Obviously I was wrong.....

So hang tight with me while I do a little housekeeping.  But for now, I'm off to the great outdoors.  The blogging world seems so unimportant on a sunny day.  Although with this humidity, I'm considering yet another neighborhood water gun fight.  Momma needs to be cooled off.

With a Heavy Heart....

It is with a heavy heart that I post today.  I just found out that my sweet friend KK's -- whose baby G is still in NICU on a ventilator but doing well!! -- beloved grandmother passed away.  I say 'beloved' in the most literal meaning of the word.  This woman was BELOVED by many.

I don't normally get too upset with death.  I know Sue Sue loved her Lord greatly.  She was truly a Godly woman.  I'm upset today though, because it marks the end of an era.  And my heart hurts for KK who has had to leave her sweet baby and come home to deal with this.

It might seem odd to be so upset about a friend's grandmother, but you see KK, her mother, and brother lived with her grandparents.  And, as I've said before, I spent many, many, MANY hours with them.  They lived out on a ranch and KK and I roamed the woods, listened to Amy Grant while swimming in the pool Pop had made himself, pretended to be Native Americans Indians while under an oak with limbs that touched the ground (making the perfect hiding spot), chilled our Coke cans in the cool creek waters....

And all the while Sue Sue was there.  Making us matching outfits.  Giving us hats (yes, hats!) to decorate.  Listening to us tell stories of our plans from the church lock-in to the boys we thought were cute.  She even drove their van and did Chinese fire drills with us!

An artist, a free spirit, an amazing woman, and a Godly example for me as a young girl.  I'm blessed to have had so many Godly examples in my life.  She is among the top.

I'm grateful to the Lord for putting her in my life.  I'm grateful to her for helping to mold me, listen to me, and devote so many hours into my upbringing.  She was rare.  She was amazing.

Perhaps you've never had a Godly woman in your life.  Oh how my heart aches over that.  As women, we often fall short of who our God has created us to be.  Let me just say this, even if you've never had that person to help mold you:  You can become that person to someone.  The Lord can use you in someone's life.  You can become the one to disciple them.  Mold them.  Teach them. 

Today I'm spending the day reminiscing on the horrible blueberry muffins we made in hollowed out orange peels over a campfire; her Oscar de la Renta perfume bottles all over her bathroom; her reading glasses perched atop her nose while she touched her pursed lips to her nose (I do this as well....and I've always known exactly who I got it from!!  Perhaps I tried to emulate her.) as she read the Word; HER SMILE; her love for her sweet, sweet man; her laughter.

And one of the best Sue Sue memories I have was her description of their phone #.  The last four digits were explained as thus:  the first 2 were a teen number, so she explained that was HER AGE; the last two digits were an almost Social Security receiving age, which she described as POP'S AGE.  And everyone remembered her phone number.  And truly, she acted more like a teen than a senior citizen.

I love you, Sue Sue.  And I thank you for your example.  You can count on this:  when I see you again I will say "oh, about 14 miles!"

And I'm pretty excited that you're with Pop again.

Another First

Wow.  What a week.  Our first FULL week of school.  I don't even have to give an excuse as to why I haven't blogged.  I'm pretty sure that statement says it all.  And then some.

On Monday, we had ANOTHER FIRST!  Yes, it was Bruiser's first day of school. 

Or rather "school."  Bruiser started Mother's Day Out, which is actually a little K4 program.  He's done MDO in the past, but this year he is going 3 days a week. 

Sniff, sniff.

Yes, 3 days is a little much for this Momma.  However, with kindergarten in just another year it's time to get the ultimate Momma's boy ready for 5 days a week.  And that's all I have to say about that, b/c I can't really wrap my mind around that right now!

First of all,
how in the world did I miss the milk moustache?????

I actually noticed the white 'stache as I was getting him out of the car.  I told him I'd wipe it off as soon as we got to his classroom.  I, of course, was managing a baby, him, a backpack, lunchbox, keys, cell phone, and dodging cars in and out of the parking lot.  The moustache was cute anyway.....

Much to my surprise, when we got to his classroom -- and before I could wipe off the 'stache!!! -- he walked STRAIGHT INTO HIS CLASSROOM.

*  No problems.

*  No tears.

*  Nada.

*  Not even a kiss goodbye for Momma..........

Another first, for sure..........

Of course, that newness evidently wore off...b/c on Day 3 of his school week he was kicking and screaming as I left.

Have I ever mentioned how much I love this Momma's boy?

By the way, the first picture was snapped while he was playing on the floor (IM)patiently waiting for us to leave.  (He kept asking every 2.2 seconds, "Is it time to go to my coo?"  That's Bruiser for "school.")

The second picture he posed himself at the backdoor.  After all, that's what Bubba did on his first day.  And certainly not one to be out done by his big Bub, he also snagged his backpack.  He said, "You hafta get one wif my packpack, Mom."

Have I ever mentioned how much I love this boy?

(I hope everyone noticed his Big Wheel t-shirt...especially if any of my cousins are reading this.  Isn't it delightful?  I was surprised he wanted to wear it b/c it isn't GREEN.  Or "geen" in Bruiser-ese.  He's going through his Green Phase....and it's ALL HE WILL WEAR.  Somehow we got a break on the first day.  I think it's b/c he loves the Big Wheel as much as his Momma.  Or maybe b/c he was ready to get to "coo.")

First Flick

Can you guess what we did Saturday?

I took Bruiser to his first movie!!!!

Bubba has been to several with his Nona.  But Bruiser -- not one for slowing down long enough to sit still and watch something (he's truly my child!!) -- had yet to go.  He had never really had an interest either.  But Saturday he was ready.

Of course, he realized candy was involved.

Sigh.

(I feel like I need to start donating plasma just to pay for that stinkin' candy.  Sheesh.  But TOTALLY worth it.....)

I took both boys to see "Nanny McPhee Returns."  It is a wonderful movie!  I absolutely loved it.  And, I'm happy to report, Ian sat still for almost the entire flick.  It was long, about 2 hours.  He did great.  It was only the last 20-30 minutes that he was ready to go.  The ending is pretty action packed, so he would get interested in it, then request to leave.

Some fun, entertaining tidbits from the adventure:

*I had to use my phone as a flashlight so that he could see the color of his Skittles.

*He found a piece of gum and tore it off the bottom of the armrest.

*He had smelled the icky gum.

*He made me smell the icky gum.  At the hint of mintyness hitting my smeller, I realized what he had.

*Walking into the theatre the movie had already begun.  We had to walk in front of everyone to get to the second staircase b/c so many seats were full.  Bubba and I made it across.  I looked back to find  Bruiser FREAKING OUT and the ultimate Momma's boy yelling for Momma.  With 2 greasy containers of cramp-producing popcorn, one drink that could've fed a family of 11 (or one caffeine-deprived Momma) and a purse so heavy I could use it as a home gym, I hustled back across to come to his rescue.  I took his hand and began leading him.  The minute his new Nikes left the carpet and hit the shiny floor he crumpled.  It was then I realized -- the shiny floor in the darkness looked like WATER.  Bless his heart.

*He took 2 sips of the $3.75 Coke.

I think it was a HUGE success.  And he's already requested that "the next time we go somewhere we hafta go to duh moobees."

So yes.  I'd do it all over again.  Anyone know the number to the plasma donation center?

For Every Season......

Today was the first day of 1st grade.

Why the deranged look on his face?  Is that scary or what?????  Seriously!  YIKES.

Enough was enough.  I had told him we were leaving -- which he had oh so patiently waited for -- and then made him stop for a camera opp.  Not good. 

I wasn't getting the Mother of the Year Award at this point.

It was hilarious to me that they all came in and immediately began coloring.  I probably would've waited for permission......

I've shared before that last year for (half day) kindergarten, Bubba went to a private Christian school.  This year we switched to public.  I expected to be one of just a few moms walking their kids in. 

I was wrong.

In a big way.

There were parents EVERYWHERE.  BOTH parents.  My man stayed home with the other two so I had less to haul in.

I'm very glad I went in...and not just for the photo opps...but there are several turns to his classroom and while I tried to let him go on his own, he made a couple of wrong turns.  Let's hope tomorrow he does better.  I'm not walking him in every day!!!

(Again, the face????)

It was a great day. 

And while Bubba was at school, I did this.

And this.....

I was at Bruiser's disposal.  And during Doh Doh's naptime, he had me all to himself.  ALL TO HIMSELF.  For the ultimate Momma's boy, were more beautiful words ever uttered?

And I would share after school pictures, but I'm too tired.......  Pathetic, no?  I'm not feeling witty.  Or clever.  Or festive.  Or coherent.

So bonne nuite!  If you started school today, whether at home or in a system, I hope your little ones (or "little" ones!!) had a great day!

Decisions, Decisions....

As our moving date grows closer and closer I am in a state of limbo.

Not moving limbo, but a much more gLoRiouS limbo.

I'm in a decorating LIMBO.

And it's heavenly..........

Although it almost seems too perfect to believe, our new house needs almost ZERO work done to it.  Now hear me out on this --

IT DOESN'T EVEN NEED PAINTING.

I'll pause a moment and give you all time to hate me.

Finished?

Ok, ok....so one room needs to be painted.  Little Doh Doh's room is currently being used by 2 very adorable little boys.  It's a dark army/olive green color with faux brick painted all over...including one entire corner, which just looks odd.  Hard to believe, b/c the current homeowner and I, I truly feel, are kindred spirits.  I don't know her, but I heart her.  I feel a connection.

{Which leads me to an interesting point -- psychologically.  The previous owners of our current home used this strictly as a jumping off spot.  They did no repairs, no real fix-ups, NOTHING.  And we always looked at this as our jumping off spot as well...never dreaming we'd be here 11 years.  Well, I feel like we took on some of the previous owners mindset.  And I'm happy to say we're moving to a home that was obviously -- and fortunately!  -- well loved.  Not that we haven't loved our current home...obviously we have to stay here 11 years.  It's been a wonderful spot for us -- and hoepfully the Lord will send new owners who will love it as I have.  But I think it took us awhile to shed the "temporary" mindset that came with this house.}

Does that make sense at all?  Have I lost it completely?  PLEASE don't answer that.....

Back to Doh Doh's room......so I'm searching for an inspiration room to get me going in the right direction on how to decorate Doh Doh's room.  And even yesterday in my total sleepless state (another non-slumber night for Doh Doh the night before!!) I spent what little free time I had (and even before my much longed for bedtime) searching magazines and websites.  Craving inspiration.  And hopefully I've found it.  (Actually found it a long time ago and tucked it away in my little mind.)

It's so fun.  Deciding how to decorate everything is F-U-N.  Last night, while lying in bed, I flipped thru all the pics I took of the house on my phone placing our furniture, contemplating paint colors, and just dreaming.  My man confiscated my phone....so he could look as well!  Funny, funny.

The master bedroom will probably get painted eventually.  But I can certainly live with its olivey-green hue for now.  But turning a boys' room into a room for a Princess needs to be done post haste.

And that, besides constantly trying to keep a house with 3 children living in it clean for potential lookers/buyers, is what I've been up to lately.  So what about you?  Are you decorating anything? 

I'd share my pictures of my inspiration room for Doh Doh, but at times I enjoy the element of surprise........

Facelift

I played around awhile and came up with several different backgrounds.

It's amazing what you can accomplish with a clean house and finished -- and FOLDED -- laundry.

I didn't like any of the backgrounds.  Don't even really care for the one I settled on.  I just loved my red, white and blue background and header.  Sigh.  You can expect to see it in another week or two, I'm sure.

I have to confess something now.  And for those who always live this kind of life -- and you know I'm always in AWE of you -- then you will not be able to identify with my confession.

However, if you are an unorganized person possibly living with a hoarder or two, you might totally dig this cathartic confession:

I FEEL ENORMOUS PEACE WITH MY CLEAN HOUSE.

There.  I said it.

I'm amazed at how much calmer I feel....how much more time I've had for the "little" things....and for the little ones.  I could go into the psychology of it all...but I won't.  Let's just say that in the next house things will be different.  I won't spend my hours waiting to do home repairs.  Or dreaming of purging closets. 

And now, as my husband watches a movie I refuse to watch (I don't like any type of reality in my movies), and the precious ones are all tuck-tuck-tucked into bed, I'm going to flit off to the back and avoid any type of eye contact with or noises from this movie.  ICK. 

Enjoy the back to school banner.  It won't last long.

Ahh, the South

I LoVe.....

...being from the SoUtH....

...and I love Southern food.

I read Kelly's blog.  She too loves Southern food.  And especially okra.  At one point she listed an okra recipe...and people had to ask what it was.  Sigh.

If you've never had fried okra, you haven't lived.  And I ain't talkin' 'bout deep-fried, completely breaded okra.  I'm talkin' lightly corn meal breaded skillet fried okra.

Bubba is standing at the stove licking his lips.

Chaos, Total Chaos

This is why I haven't posted in awhile. Trying to get a well-lived in house on the market ain't fun.....

If you happen to see my Dad around town anywhere, make sure you tell him he's awesome.

He did a LOT of work.  And now our house is officially on the market.  As of yesterday.  Any takers? 

We spent the entire day yesterday decluttering and moving boxes, toys, and all kinds of extras you accumulate in an 11-year marriage to my man's office.  They have the entire downstairs empty right now (and wouldn't you know it...someone came by yesterday to look at it to possibly lease it....all while he's trying to store boxes!!) which gives us TONS of room.  To store crap.  Let's just admit it -- it's crap.

And now my house finally feels clean and decluttered.  And now I get to start the process of trying to tell 3 kids they can't get out more toys, or take their cups outside the kitchen, or eat in the living room, or mess up the pillows on my bed (a favorite evening activity), or decorate the front porch with sidewalk chalk, OR any of those other fun things we normally do in "REAL" life.

Cuz let's face it -- selling your house is all about marketing.  It's all about making it look like a magazine picture.

Basically making it look NOT REAL.

Of course, I'd have a lot cleaner house if I practiced these rituals in my real life.  Hmm.

I saw a blog post a couple of weeks ago where the blogger said her house is always clean enough or picked up enough that she could get it "just right" in 20 minutes.  Ya know, in case unexpected company shows up.  Like the pope.  Or the prez.  Or that gossipy lady from church who'll tell everyone what a slob you truly are.  20 minutes?  Seriously?

And so that's my goal for the new house.  I always tell my kids:  Don't just put it down.  Put it AWAY.  WHERE IT BELONGS.

If we truly followed the rule [for everyone], my house really would be ready in 20 minutes or less.  Just in case the prez does show up and need some convservative advice on running the country.  Or balancing a grossly over-indulged budget.  Or how to save the country millions by simply asking his wife to quit jflitting about the world on private jets.

Well, anyway....we're extremely excited about the new house.  And Bruiser asks every day....Are we moving today?  Trying to get a 4-year old to understand what 3-weeks means is like....well, trying to teach a 4-year old to grasp the concept of time.  It ain't happenin'.

Worth a Thousand Words

Bubba is at that age where he likes to write things.  For an almost 1st grader -- in 2 weeks (sniff, sniff) -- he writes and reads fairly well.  All over our house he posts notes he's written.  Every door in our house has a sign that reads, "God is the best for yow and miy."  That's "you" and "me" respectively.

He's also addicted to Scotch tape.  We're considering a 12-step program.

I'm going broke in tape replacement.

So tonight, while balancing my checkbook, Bubba hands me $2 and a note.  And though his notes are usually written in complete sentences and fairly understandable (don't forget 'yow' and 'miy'...which of course sounds more like the 2 Chinese international students living with my parents), I actually needed a little help with this note tonight.

Therefore I shall translate for you as well:

"I will help you pay for the new house."

And that's our big news.  I wanted to do a big trumpet fanfare and make our announcement.  But my precious child's note and crinkly one dollar bills say it way better than I ever could.

Yesterday we bought a house.  And although everything is still getting worked out -- thanks to all the paperwork, and no doubt thanks to attorneys -- we are in the process of purchasing a new home.

We're all a little excited.

So there you have our big news.

And if you know anyone who needs a cute house, with the best neighbors EVER....I've got one for sale.  Wink, wink.

Slacker of a Blogger

I've been a BIG slacker with blogging lately.  Ok, a big slacker with everything lately.  Hush up.

But I do have exciting news to share...but you'll have to WAIT.  Yes, that's right.  Insert Carly Simon's song "Anticipation"  HERE.

So on to other things.  My sweet friend nominated me for an "award."

It says Naughty or Nice Award.  My question, of course, is which one am I???  Don't answer that.

So here are my questions I am to answer.

1.  What is the silliest prank you've ever played on someone?
Well, as you can imagine this is a hard question to answer.  Oh, the possibilities!  I can't believe I am confessing this, BUT since I confessed years ago to the person it involved (and he found it hilarious!) then I'll confess to you.  In high school I convinced a very sweet friend that I was having (ahem) a VERY improper relationship with one of our single teachers.  I KNOW!  I KNOW!!  Horrible, right?  She was shocked....but believed me.  I forgot to admit I was joking.  The next morning I went to her to confess but before I could she told me she had been up all night worried about me.  Made it a little hard to 'fess up after that........  (But of course I did!  She wouldn't talk to me for a long time!)

2.  If you could take a trip anywhere out of the country, where would you go?
Hmm.  I've traveled a lot in my life.  (I swear we have gypsy in our blood.)  Switzerland is my favorite country.  I'd love to take my family there.  Ooh, and Greece.  I've always wanted to go to Greece.  But only when there's no humidity.....

3.  Who plays the most influential role in your life?
As a Christian, God plays the most influential role.  I am dependent upon Him for everything.  I know that seems obvious, cliche, but it's oh-so true.  I would also have to say that my husband is a HUGE influence in my life.  I've mentioend before that we are total opposites....which is perfection for us.  He's the fizz to my soda, the ying to my yang, the zig to my zag, the ruffle to my feathers.......  I think you get it.

4.  Are you ok with your significant other being friends with an ex?
Oh, how I love this question.  This recently came up with a friend.  In a one-word answer:  NO.  To expound on this topic, I find it highly improper for a spouse to be friends with an ex.  Now, if it was a junior high ex or a crush...give me a break.  But a serious ex is a no-no.  And if you were friends with an ex, what does that say about your marriage?  My man is my best friend.  'Nuff said.

5.  Favorite candle scent?
I do not enjoy anything scented.  I have allergy issues with fragrances AND a very highly sensitive smelling device.  However, I was recently in a house where the owner had lots of fragrant "thingamabobs" and it was actually nice.  A friend used to make candles and I LOVED her Coffee scented one.  Oh, and her Christmas one.  Miss those.

6.  Next movie you're excited about seeing?
Movie?  What's a movie?  I'm actually excited about seeing anything NOT animated.  And historical.  I'm digging something Jane Austen-ish.  Or Anne of Green Gable-ish.  Great.  Now I'm feeling desperate....  And now it's raining...makes me want it even more.

7.  You must ban one word from the dictionary and all usage, to be no longer uttered or written.  What word would you ban?
How 'bout a phrase?  I loathe the usage of OMG...and I ain't talkin' gosh.  And does it make anyone else chuckle when an aethiest uses that phrase?  If they don't believe in God, how they can utter that phrase??  Just a thought....

8.  Do you have any relatives in jail?
Hmm....I was typing no when I remembered a conversation my mother and I had just the other day.  So yes.  Yes, I do.  Sad.

9.  What crazy fads were popular when you were a teenager?
Don't really remember any as a teenager.....as a kid friendship beads, friendship necklaces/bracelets, plastic bracelets, Keds..........  As a teen?  I don't know....tight rolling jeans?  That was early teen years.  I really try to block out the later teen years.....  Ha.

10.  Have you ever been mentioned on TV or newspaper?
Yes.  Quite a lot.  Mostly when doing theatre.....  A big regret of mine is not cutting out (and framing) the articles/pictures.  I have only one framed...but it's a big color one.  I don't even have pictures from a lot of shows I did.  Until having kids I was NOT a big picture taker.  One older lady I did theatre with had an entire bathroom COVERED in framed headshots of actors she had worked with. 

Thanks, Sandi for the nomination!!  How fun was that!

Ode to an Aunt

My mother is the middle of 3 girls.  Three girly girls.  Three oddly dim-witted, hysterically funny, sincere, pear-shaped sisters. 

Growing up it was like having 3 mothers instead of one.  And even though we never all lived in the same town (even the same country at times) every summer the sisters would don matching outfits -- picture terry cloth tanks and too-short shorts -- and perform a kickline.  Poolside.  With 1980s 'dos.

And every time they were together one of them would spontaneously break out into Irving Berlin's "Sisters" from White Christmas.  At this point, I'm really hoping ALL of you know that song.  If not, I'm disappointed in you.  Very.  But I'll throw in some lyrics for you, just in case:  "Sisters, sisters.  There were never such devoted sisters."

And that pretty much sums up my mother and her sisters.  Actually, no it doesn't.  But for this post, it sums them up.  They're a complex group with the skills of the quintessential 1950s housewife, with passions for missions, mixed with the smarts of a gaggle of blondes, with unwaivering love for their Daddy who they lost way too soon, and the uncanny ability for getting into Lucy-and-Ethel types of situations.

The youngest sister of the group, my precious Aunt Janis, died in a car wreck nine years ago today.  I have many, MANY memories of my aunt.  Most of them from childhood.  Like her standing in my grandmother's driveway yelling at my cousins and me to get along and quit leaving out my younger cousin Jennifer.  Three is always a crowd.  I was smack in the middle of her two oldest of five.  Yes, five.  Which she homeschooled.  Five. 

OR of her slim shoulders that could never quite keep her bra in place.  So she'd twitch until those straps were right where she wanted them.

OR of her greeting whenever she walked into a door, "Hedoh, honey!"

OR of her inability to pronounce Ls.  I could never keep a straight face when she was telling me about how "code" it was outside.  Or how she loved the "gode" color in so-and-so's wallpaper.  Or how one time she was telling my SIL all about "mode" that was growing in the "ode gode" eaves at my grandmother's house.

But I have other memories of her as well.  Memories of a patient woman who loved her Lord.  In fact, the officers who worked the scene of the accident looked around at the scattered items from her car and said, "This was a Godly woman."  They told that to my uncle.  Wow.

I also remember a woman at their church telling us about how Aunt Janis (a pastor's wife) had a group of woman she taught about using a prayer journal and how to have a prayer life.  The woman told my mother how Janis would hug her huge binder of a prayer journal and prove her devotion to prayer.

She was an amazing woman.  There are other stories...some too precious to share.  And some, especially of her selfless devotion to her family, that remind me all too often of what a great example she was.

So in memory of my Aunt Janis I've posted this rambling about an amazing woman who was evidently needed by her Savior.  She was taken from us all too soon, but what a legacy she left behind.  And her children really do rise up and call her blessed.

But since we all have these little quirky senses of humor, I'll pose a blog question for you to ponder.  All thanks to Aunt Janis.  When I was a kid, and old enough to do pretty much everything on my own, we would visit my cousins and at dinnertime Aunt Janis would hand me my drink...in a sippy cup.  A sippy cup.  SIPPY CUP.  Now granted, she had 5 kids.  Who wants to clean up that many messes all day long?  But seriously, at 10 or even older, sippy cups were not even a memory of mine anymore.  I would pleadingly search my mother's face for permission to ditch the sippy...but to no avail.

So my question, since I've thought of this situation so often lately with Bubba turning 6 and Bruiser, 4.  At what age do you ditch the sippy?  We've ditched it with Bubba.  But I'm not brave enough yet with Bruiser.  (We only do sippy cups of milk.  All other beverages they drink out of glasses.  But I really am not one who wants soured milk lurking about in my carpet, clothing, and pillows.)

Thank you, Aunt Janis.  Thanks for giving me laughs, lessons, and love.