Life in the Fast Lane

Give!

2011-04-29T23:34:00.002-04:00

The death toll from the tornadoes in the south is over 300.

Neighborhoods are destroyed.

Homes are GONE.

Help is desperately needed in these areas.

EVERYONE can help - regardless of whether you don't have extra money to donate, or you don't live close to physically help.

Donate blood.

It's desperately needed and a FREE gift that can save lives!

Visit The Red Cross to find a donation center close to you!

I'm going tomorrow!!

Unbelievable

2011-04-27T23:50:00.007-04:00

Today has been a horrific day in Alabama and Georgia weather wise.

There have been more tornadoes touch down today than have EVER touched down in one day.

The death toll is already close to 100 and will probably be higher.

A MILE wide tornado went through Tuscaloosa, Alabama where the University of Alabama is located, but MISSED the campus.

Unbelievable.

And something to be incredibly thankful for on this devastating day.

We are still waiting on the storms to get to us in our part of Georgia.

Everyone stay safe.

Hugs and prayers!

Is it a CSN Review I see in my future?

2011-02-23T15:09:00.002-05:00

I believe it is!

Spring and summer are just around the corner, and kids are chomping at the bits to get outside and play - particularly on outdoor playsets!

CSN stores has over 200 online stores where you can find anything you need, whether it be that new outdoor playset, fitness equipment or even cute cookware!

There are SO many options to chose from so I'm going over NOW to check out some cookware!

What's on YOUR wish list?

Precious Memories

2011-02-14T12:15:00.003-05:00

AFriday was the the Father/Daughter Dance at Baby Chicklet's school.

A perfect opportunity for some pampering and feeling like a princess!

Before the dance we were off to Sweet and Sassy for the full treatment.

First, a pedicure...

Looks like she could get used to this!

Then the manicure! Although by this point she was "bored." HA!

Eldest Chicklet came home for the weekend to see Baby Chicklet off.

Those two have so much fun together!

Of course, we had to have a couple of practice dances...

And then off to dance the night away!

With a little pose thrown in...

Looks like our sweet girl had the time of her life!

Hello...gym...

2011-02-09T22:38:00.004-05:00

Here I come!

Well, at least I did today!

My week three weigh in was today, and...

I'm DOWN two more pounds!

Thrilled beyond words (which for me is a rarity), my first thought was MORE WORKING OUT!

Crazy, huh?

But I was so thrilled with my success, especially with my Super Bowl naughtiness, that I wanted MORE of the success.

I wonder if that counts as an addiction?

Hmmm...

Here's the weekly run down.

Week 1: -8.5

Week 2: -3.5

Week 3: -2

Total pounds loss - 14

YIPPEE!!!

It truly does feel awesome, and I'm SO incredibly proud of myself.

Bring it, Weight Loss Challenge.

I'm ready!

Super Bowl

2011-02-07T17:17:00.010-05:00

NOT so SUPER hot for the weight loss plan!

Way too much beer was had by DJ Fatty Fat!

And of course if beer was had, the munchies set it.

And my NEMESIS...HOT WINGS were there to devour!

DAMN IT!

However, being the ever so smart (and modest) Fatty I am, I made my weigh in day for the middle of the week so I had recovery time for whatever bad decisions I make on the weekends!

I am a scale addict - get on every morning - and know that I'm not doing so hot.

BUT since my official weigh in date is not until Wednesday, it TOTALLY doesn't count! ;)

Fingers crossed that my GOOD choices today and tomorrow will overcome the BAD ones!

In the meantime, I'm jumping in on a Weight Loss Challenge!

It's all about the support, sistas!

Here are my beginning stats....

Week 1: -8.5

Week 2: -3.5

Week 3: See ya Wednesday!

Weigh In - Week 2

2011-02-02T14:48:00.003-05:00

Gotta admit...

I'm liking my results!!!

DOWN 3.5 pounds!!!

Woo to the HOO!!!

Weight Loss Standings:

DJ Fatty Fat: -12

Portly Pioneer: -5

Jilly Jelly Roll: -6

Hermalinda Linda: -4

Not shabby!

Last night Pumpkin and I watched The Biggest Loser. Now THAT is some serious motivation.

I can't image being in that intense, hard-core environment.

BUT the results can't be disputed!

It really is incredible.

This week's philosophy - If they can do it, SO CAN I!

She's a STAR

2011-02-01T20:22:00.004-05:00

Baby Chicklet is the STAR Student for her class this month!

We are SO proud of her!

A STAR Student exhibits School Spirit, Team Work, positive Attitude and Respect!

It is a great honor, and we couldn't be happier!

Only one student is chosen each month, so it is quite special!

She is such a joy to US and obviously to her teacher and peers!

CONGRATULATIONS, Baby Chicklet!!!

Yesterday was...

2011-01-31T19:49:00.002-05:00

A great day!

It's always nice to spend time with JUST the Eldest Chicklet.

She called a couple of weeks ago to see if I wanted to come down for the dedication of her sorority chapter room.

ROAD TRIP!

Well, kinda....since her school is only 2 1/2 hours from our house.

Japanese lunch (yes, NOT Weight Watchers, but it was a special day!), hanging out with EC, the dedication and a little shopping...

Yep, a great day!

HECK YEAH!!!!

2011-01-26T10:23:00.003-05:00

Well...

My first weigh in was pretty darn successful!

DOWN 8.5 pounds!!!!

Holy crapsicles! I'm so pumped!

Portly Pioneer is down 5! GO GIRL!

Jilly Jelly Roll is down 5! GO GIRL!

Hermelinda Linda still has to weigh in...GO GIRL!

I'm SO EXCITED!

Tomorrow...you're only a day away!

2011-01-25T22:00:00.004-05:00

Weight in day is TOMORROW!

I never thought I'd be excited about getting on a scale, but I AM!

I've stayed on track the entire week, AND I've done p90x.

Not every day, 'cause that's just NUTS!

But enough for me to feel good about it!

So, Mr. Scale....

BRING IT!

'Cause I am!

Party Problems?

2011-01-24T12:52:00.002-05:00

NAH!!!

I managed to go to a football party last night and stay within my daily points and only use a couple of my exercise points for the week!

Pretty impressive, I'd say!

I really don't like use the "extra" weekly points. I know they are there, and I can use them if I need to, but I feel like I would be cheating.

So, until desperation sets in, I'm not using them.

Introducing...

2011-01-21T20:06:00.012-05:00

DJ Fatty Fat

Portly Pioneer

Jilly Jelly Roll

Hermelinda Linda

I, along with three of my good friends, decided that it was TIME to lose some weight!

YAY US!

So - Operation Fatty HAS BEGUN!

We've jumped on the Weight Watchers train and are PUMPED!

To put a little silly factor in, we have all decided on "Fatty" names.

Once we are new and improved skinny goddesses, we'll get new names!

Drum Roll....

Me - I'm DJ Fatty Fat.

Our leader is Portly Pioneer.

From Jersey, we have Jilly Jelly Roll!

And last, but not least, our spicy Chilean is Hermelinda Linda.

So far, so good!

Portly Pioneer and Jilly Jell Roll are a week in and doing great!

Myself and Hermelinda Linda are 5 days in and ROCKIN' it!

We had bunco last night and still managed to stay on track.

Now THAT is impressive!

Of course, throwing in a P90X session helped with some extra points!

We know it's not going to easy, and there will certainly be times we will stray from the path of the skinny, BUT here we go!!

SUCCESS!

2010-12-09T19:49:00.003-05:00

Eldest Chicklet is home from her first semester of college!

It's nice to have her home for an extended period of time.

Also, nice...it seems her first semester was a SUCCESS!

She's still waiting on a few grades, but....

She has a very good chance of being on the Dean's List!

WOOHOO!

Ashley the Elf

2010-11-30T19:25:00.005-05:00

Kaley's elf, Ashley, came!

First "trick"...taking the ornaments off the tree in Kaley's room.

She was SO excited!

Love her

2010-11-23T22:57:00.005-05:00

She's not the other two.

Britt is the oldest.

She's smart. She's loving. She's gorgeous.

Tripp is the middle.

He's an xBox addict. He's a gifted athlete. He has a tender heart.

She's my baby.

She's adorable.

She has an amazing sense of humor.

She sings "She wears short shirts; I wear t-shirts" and "God is great, beer is good and people are crazy" with all her heart.

She's Kaley.

Vampires Galore

2010-09-29T19:05:00.003-04:00

I LOVE me some True Blood.

Especially the delightfully delicious Eric Northman!

BUT.....

I don't like the way the TV series is deviating from the Sookie Stackhouse books.

I understand that there has to be some artistic leeway and some change.

However, this season was WAY different than the third book.

Come on, people!!

Give us some YUM while still following the book!!

Beach...AHHHH

2010-09-26T23:11:00.003-04:00

Last weekend Pumpkin and I went to the beach for the first time WITHOUT kids since our honeymoon.

It was DIVINE!

We went with 15 other adults.

Many laughs, gobs of great food, lots of beer, tons of beach time.

Ahhhhh....

So when can we go BACK?!?!

Labor Day Weekend

2010-09-06T20:03:00.004-04:00

MANY thanks to our FABULOUS friends, the Danas, for having us for the weekend!

We had a great time at the lake!

Watched some football, drank beer, rode in the boat, drank beer, watched kids bounce off the trampoline "a la Wipeout," drank beer, played on the jetski, drank beer, ate, drank beer...

Pattern anyone?

Baby Chicklet loved EVERYTHING about the lake!

Pumpkin and the Middle Chicklet enjoyed some dusk fishing.

Of course, we missed our Eldest Chicklet, but she was busy ringing in the new football season as as college freshman!

We couldn't have had a better kick off to fall!

Graduation

2010-08-30T20:24:00.003-04:00

Our lovely Eldest Chicklet graduated in June.

Yep. I'm aware it is virtually September.

Better late than never!

We are so proud of all of her accomplishments!

One that I believe she is most proud of is her leadership as Vice President of Student Government.

And there is no bigger fan than Baby Chicklet.

Congratulations, Brittney!!!

We love you and are SO proud of you!

Kindergarten!

2010-08-29T21:42:00.005-04:00

Our Baby Chicklet is OFFICIALLY a Kindergartner!!

And she LOVES it!

Sadly lacking

2010-08-29T20:28:00.002-04:00

Exactly what my posting has been.

I could blame it on being busy...

Eldest Chicklet starting college and Baby Chicklet starting Kindergarten, last year of middle school for the Middle Chicklet. Me doing a long term sub at a different school, and Pumpkin traveling.

Or I could just call it what it is.

Lazy.

I've got to get back to blogging.

I love it. Really and truly love it.

Almost as much as my trashy, yet wonderful, True Blood.

Almost.

There have been so many things happening in our life in the past month and NONE of it did I put on here.

Shame on me.

Time to start catching up!

Out of the Mouth of Baby Chicklet

2010-08-05T20:23:00.003-04:00

"Daddy and Tripp are related."

"They both poot."

Well, then...

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

2010-08-04T23:37:00.002-04:00

Pumpkin started playing in our neighorhood poker league.

I had him teach me to play so I hang out with him some more.

Apparently he's a damn good teacher...

'Cause Saturday I WON!

1st place out of 31, and I was the ONLY chick!

$400 and a "lovely" Poker Champion bracelet.

So the question is...

Should I stay home or go on the world tour for Poker?

;)

First Step

2010-07-26T16:44:00.006-04:00

Kindergarten is a big step...

But such an exciting one!

Baby Chicklet had Kindergarten Round Up this week.

Our school district sends out buses for Kindergarteners and their parents. It allows them to ride the bus for the first time without the big kids.

Daddy and I got to ride the bus with Baby Chicklet!

Good thing, 'cause it looks like she might have been up to something!

We rode to the school where we met the principal and watched a safety video. Then we loaded back up and headed home!

SOMEONE is excited about Kindergarten!

Team Edward

2010-06-30T16:19:00.004-04:00

Holy Hotness!

I could just EAT.HIM.UP!!

We're Grandparents!

2010-06-23T09:18:00.002-04:00

Well...kinda!

Monday I took Baby Chicklet to Babyland General in Cleveland, Georgia.

It is home of the Cabbage Patch Kids.

It really is a cute place - heaven for little girls!

Baby Chicklet was running around wanting her picture made with everything.

THEN...

She adopted her baby!

She was able to decide on her birthday and name her.

So - meet our grandaughter...

Ashley Sally!

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-21T10:08:00.005-04:00

Better late than never!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to my sweet Pumpkin!

We had a great day yesterday - sleeping in, brunch, pool, tennis, watching the U.S. Open.

He wanted some poker items - clock, chips - but I wanted to surprise him with a special gift.

It turned out great, and most importantly, he LOVED it!

Breathe

2010-04-29T09:33:00.002-04:00

That's what I need to do.

It has been a crazy several weeks - with no posts!

We had Hell Week at school - CRCT, our annual Crawfish Boil, and changing the schedules/planning for centers for 180 kids - all of fifth grade.

Not to mention, kids and life in general!

WHEW!

Middle Chicklet is thankfully finished with track. That takes one thing off my plate.

Although he didn't place in any events, he improved his time in all his events every time he ran.

Pretty impressive!

Eldest Chicklet....

Well, we have prom this Saturday and then 4 weeks until graduation.

Her graduating really hasn't sunk in yet.

I think when it does, I may have a meltdown.

Baby Chicklet is her normal sassy self.

She's MOSTLY a good sport about having to be drug around to everyone's activities.

It's tough to be the baby. :)

She is preparing for her ballet recital that is coming up in a couple of weeks.

But she's informed me that she does not want to do any more dance.

She wants to CHEER!

(Tear, cry)

I thought I was officially finished with cheerleading!!

And Pumpkin...

He's been in Toronto, Charleston and Chicago in the last 3 weeks.

Life in the Fast Lane.

Gotta love it!

Life Lesson for Middle Chicklet

2010-04-14T11:50:00.005-04:00

CRCT

Criterion-Referenced Competency Test

Hell Week for teachers AND students!

We preach to our kids at school to get a good night's sleep and eat a GOOD breakfast.

Last night I took Middle Chicklet to the store to get breakfast food as all we have is Pop-Tarts, Chocolate Chip Waffles, Chocolate Muffin Tops.

You get the picture.

While there, I picked up some candy for my school kids as a reward for testing.

I was reading the Nutrition Facts to see about how many pieces were in each bag so I would have enough.

I picked up a bag and said, "Nope! This only has 50 in it."

MC - "How do you know that?"

I showed him how to take the number per serving and multiply that by the number of servings.

MC - "WOW!!! Now I know how to ready my candy bags to make sure I don't get ripped off!:

MC - "THANKS, Mom! That was a valuable life lesson."

Umm.....welcome.....

A Keeper on the First Try

2010-04-12T21:09:00.005-04:00

Eldest Chicklet and I went shopping for her prom dress today.

Is anyone else completely bamboozled (yes, bamboozled - I like it) by the fact that she fell in love with the FIRST dress she put on?

A 17 year old girl - FIRST dress.

Not knowing my chicklet, you would THINK that was pure craziness.

Nope.

This was the SECOND time it's happened!

Last year, she picked the first dress she tried on for Homecoming Court.

A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

As we left she said, "You are SO lucky you had me. Who else could find their senior prom dress on their first try?"

Yep.

I'm SO lucky I had you!

Spring Fling

2010-04-09T11:56:00.002-04:00

Spring Fling is RIGHT around the corner!

Tuesday, April 13!

Put it on your calendar!

NOW!

What are you waiting on?

$6,000 in giveaways in ONE day...

Need I say more?

How I Adore my Pouchee

2010-04-08T17:13:00.021-04:00

Exhibit One:

The contents of my purse.

What a disaster!

I seriously needed some organization!

There was TONS of trash!

An empty gum packet.

Things that needed to be in my medicine cabinet!

And the biggest rule breaker - a gift card floating around!! What if I lost it?!

The tragedy!

Lucky for me, Dana from Pouchee contacted me to see if I would be willing to do a review of one of their products.

As I am fully aware of my weaknesses, I jumped at the opportunity!

Exhibits two, three, and four:

My brand, new FABULOUS Black Outback Pouchee.

Measuring a GENEROUS width of 7.5", height of 5.25", and depth of 3.5", it was large enough to put everything I needed it in, yet small enough to fit in a large number of even my smallest purses.

Exhibit Five:

My Droid fits PERFECTLY in one of the outside pockets!

And my keys go right in the other (forgive them for being shy...)

Exhibit Six:

I pulled all the important things, driver's license (I spared you all the picture!), debit card, insurance cards (all 5 cards for my family fit in ONE slot!), and the almost lost gift card, out of my bulky wallet and placed them in the slots of my Pouchee.

Exhibit Seven:

Everything I need fits inside, and the divided pockets make it all easy to find!

How's THAT for organization!

I've already switched it from my purse to my laptop bag twice!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Pouchee!

Pouchee carries a variety of products including a Jewelry Traveler, and The Daddy, a car console organizer that I've got my eye on!

Drum Roll Please............

Pouchee is giving me a Teal Cotton Pouchee for a Giveaway!!

How exciting!!

Rules:

Leave a comment for EACH entry. If you don't, it won't count. Sorry! I'm a little too ADD these days to sort through each comment to see if everything is listed.

Givewaway ends April 17, 2010 at midnight EST.

1. Go check out the Pouchee website; come back, and in your comment, tell me your favorite product.

2. Become a Google Follower.

3. Put my button on your blog.

4. Follow me on Twitter.

5. Link to this giveaway on your blog.

That's FIVE possible entries! Cool, huh!

GOOD LUCK!!!

Sign of the Times

2010-04-08T16:23:00.004-04:00

The fact that roller coasters make me want to hurl...

Means that I'm gettin' OLD!

Pumpkin and I took Middle Chicklet and Baby Chicklet to Six Flags over Georgia.

Part of our Spring Break Fiesta.

Baby Chicklet couldn't find anyone to go with him.

All of his friends, who have COOL parents, were at the beach.

That meant he was stuck with ME for the day!

Now, flashback to the past, I LOVE roller coasters.

The bigger - the BETTER.

Now, flash to the present...

Roller coasters = nausea!

Middle Chicklet patiently waits in line for THE roller coaster - Goliath.

It was our first of the day.

Sadly, for my tummy, not the last.

After two, I desperately needed a break.

We met up with Pumpkin and Baby Chicklet for some yummy Dippin' Dots.

Where I begged and pleaded for Pumpkin to swap with me and let me ride the kiddie rides with Baby Chicklet.

No such luck.

After HOURS of roller coasters and near vomit, it was time to go.

But not before a soothing ride on the train.

Next time, we'll find a friend.

Even if I have to drive the beach to GET one!

Baby Chicklet on TV!

2010-04-08T14:01:00.004-04:00

School's Out For...

2010-04-01T07:40:00.002-04:00

SPRING BREAK!!

Today is our LAST day before being out for 10 glorious days!

My 5th graders are 'bout to lose their mind.

I'm 'bout to LOSE MY MIND!

But....

Today is April Fool's Day. (No kidding, Captain Obvious!)

So I REALLY am 'bout to LOSE MY MIND!

I think I can. I think I can. I think I can!

Review - Reco Ribbed Mixing Bowls

2010-03-28T22:02:00.005-04:00

I can NEVER find a good, sturdy bowl for mixing - particularly one that I can use as a serving dish also.

That is, until NOW!

The Reco Ribbed Mixing Bowls from CSN are not only GORGEOUS, but practical and at 29.95 for three, you can't beat the price!

I chose white to match my dinnerware. However, they also come in cobalt, denim, creme, chocolate, terra cotta, red, and black.

The bowl sizes are perfect:

Small: 7" W x 3.25" H
Medium: 8.63" W x 4.25" H
Large: 10.5" W x 5.38" H

I used the medium bowl to serve shrimp pasta for our family of five and had PLENTY of room!

The ribbing on the bowls are not only beautiful, but practical as well.

The ridges make the bowls very easy to hold.

Each stoneware piece can go from the fridge, to the oven and straight into the dishwasher.

Who doesn't love one less dish to wash?!

And the best news of all - there is a large line of Reco products at CSN for ME to add to my kitchen!

Who's Counting?

2010-03-25T19:43:00.004-04:00

There are 5 days - school days, that is - until Spring Break.

Don't make me count the hours...

I just might!

It had been a crazy two weeks.

We take CRCT - standardized tests in Georgia - right after Spring Break.

My team partner went on bed rest.

Her sub has a dualing banjo accent and terrible grammar.

The kids are crazy.

I'm crazy.

Five days until Spring Break!!!!!!!!!!!

Every Monday Matters - Tuesday Style

2010-03-23T09:32:00.004-04:00

Well, one week and one day overdue...

Every Monday Matters

This week my focus is going to be on cleaning up litter.

I ready a quote recently that said litter is like dumping trash in your home.

The Earth is our home.

Whether it's a piece of paper, a cup, a newspaper left out for days - anything that doesn't belong on the ground, I'm going to pick it UP!

And I'm challenging YOU to do the same!

Every Monday Matters!

Make it a great week!

Hello? Where am I?

2010-03-19T09:24:00.001-04:00

I have the week of INSANITY!

No Every Monday Matters Post!

No other posts this week!!

ARGH!!

Hopefully I'll be back to the land of the living soon!

Sweet, sweet sound

2010-03-14T17:48:00.008-04:00

Baby Chicklet as her BFF over.

Laughter.

Squeals of laughter.

Belly rolling laughter.

There's no sweeter sound.

Six Word Saturday

2010-03-13T09:34:00.005-05:00

Tonight - Limo, Friends, Drinks - GAME ON!

Want to participate? Visit my bloggy friend, Cate, for lots more Six Word Saturday.

Two for One

2010-03-11T07:48:00.004-05:00

Yesterday Eldest Chicklet and I went to donate blood.

This morning - LOST three pounds!

HOLY TOLEDO, BATMAN!

The next time I can donate blood is May 5th.

SIGN ME UP!!!!!!!!

SNEAK PEAK - CSN Review

2010-03-10T11:19:00.006-05:00

I am always on the lookout for GOOD, quality products!

Whether it be kids bedding, storage, furniture, cookware or full little gadgets!

These days, online is the primary place for me to find those quality products at GREAT prices!

CSN Stores has OVER 200 different websites for you to purchase fantastic products.

Well...

CSN has picked little 'ol me to do a review of one of their products!

On the days we are fortunate enough to be home and able to cook, sturdy mixing bowls are in constant need!

Which is why I chose THESE

to review!

I can't wait!

Hypochondria anyone?

2010-03-09T08:49:00.005-05:00

Yesterday on the way home after picking Middle Chicklet up from track practice.

MC - "Mom, I think I have type 2 diabetes."

Me - "WHAT?! Why would you think that?"

MC - "We are studying about it in Health (why, I'm not exactly sure, but ok). I have 4 out of the 5 symptoms."

Me - "Honey, you just had your physical. You don't have diabetes."

MC - "Listen. One symptom is extreme thirst. I'm thirsty all the time. Don't you see how many Dr. Peppers I drink a day?" (Really? Dr. Peppers?!)

Me - "Drinking Dr. Pepper won't help with your thirst. It makes you more thirsty. The concern would be if you were drinking gallons of water and couldn't quench your thirst."

MC - "You aren't listening. Next symptom. Frequent urination. I peed like 4 times today."

Me - "It's 5:30. You've been up since 6:30 am. I would hope you've gone 4 times today."

MC - "Mom, this is serious. Why aren't you listening? OK. Maybe this one will get your attention. Rapid weight loss."

Me - "You don't gain weight because you are your father's kid, and you have a high metabolism (damn you!). You aren't LOSING weight. Son, you JUST had a phyical (didn't I already say this??) The doctor would have caught this.

MC - (PISSED now) "You and the doctor don't know anything! My health teacher (Yes, son, the one who completed SO much medical training!!!) said I really needed to discuss it with you. Fine. What about THIS one?! Extreme fatigue."

Me - "Let's see. Could that possibly be from staying up until all hours playing XBox Live?"

MC - "I knew you wouldn't believe me. You never believe me. I guess I'll just die from diabetes."

Does anyone wonder why I drink?

Every Monday Matters

2010-03-08T08:18:00.003-05:00

Every Monday Matters

Service is a powerful thing - whether doing it yourself or instilling it in children.

I was blown away at school this morning.

It's a big testing day, which means major stress.

I said, "Ugh..It's Monday!"

Several of my students, with huge smiles on their face, said, "Yes, but every Monday matters!"

Wow.

Service can be shown a multitude of ways:

Going out of your way to thank others

Helping others

Welcoming others

Giving your time

Giving your money

Helping our environment

I teach in a school with a fairly high transient ration. We frequently have new students.

Our service this week is going to be creating cards for new students. Welcoming them and letting them know what a fantastic school we have!

What is your service for the week?

Giveaway Winner!

2010-03-07T18:20:00.003-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS to Tess!

She is the winner of this ultra fun Boo-Boo Cool Pack!

And with her little ones, I bet she will put it to good use!

Six Word Saturday

2010-03-05T23:55:00.004-05:00

'Bout damn time I'm back blogging!

Visit, participate, comment. I'd hate for Cate to punch you in the face.

$1,000,000 Giveaway!!

2010-03-04T19:31:00.006-05:00

Not really, but wouldn't that be AWESOME!!!

However, I AM giving away a FUN Re-Usable Cool Pack for boo boos!

I saw them at Hobby Lobby and FELL in love!

I bought six!! Three to giveaway, which means two more giveaways coming, and three for my chicklets. Baby chicklet said she couldn't wait to get hurt so she could use one.

Not QUITE what I was going for, but what-do-you-do?

Now - on to the good stuff!

The giveaway goes until Sunday am at 12:01 am.

You get one entry for each of the following:

Commenting with a funny boo boo story

Following me

Following me on Twitter (1st link on left sidebar)

You must leave a comment for each you do.

A possibility of 3 entries per person.

I will announce the big weiner, I mean winner, Sunday.

Good luck!

It's All Fun and Games

2010-03-02T22:52:00.006-05:00

Until someone gets hurt.

Yep.

Fun.And.Games.

First goes Middle Chicklet.

Piece of cake.

Next up...Eldest Chicklet.

After the candidate for Mother of the Year (insert my picture HERE) stops hysterically laughing, it occurs to me that the Eldest Chicklet isn't moving her arm.

Hmmm...

Next step.

This is where we meet Captain Obvious.

Captain Obvious - "So you hurt your arm snowboarding down a playground?"

Eldest Chicklet - "Yes, ma'am."

Captain Obvious - "Well that was stupid."

REALLY?!

'Cause we didn't already KNOW THAT!

Thankfully, THIS

is not what happened.

Every Monday Matters

2010-03-01T14:26:00.002-05:00

Last week I started Every Monday Matters.

I wrote a letter of appreciation to someone in the military.

Not only did I do it, but I challenged my 52 fifth graders to do it.

Over HALF of them wrote letters!

I'm incredibly proud of them.

Our service this week..

Letting the support personnel at our school let them know how much they are appreciated.

Just today, I've witnessed kids walking up to custodians, look them in the eye, and tell them thank you for making our school a clean place in which to learn.

I'm humbled by the service I have already instilled in these children.

Who can you thank?

Sunday, Sunday

2010-02-28T14:43:00.005-05:00

Sunday - already!

The weekends sure do go fast.

Countdown - 4 weeks until spring break.

***********************

This morning...

Baby Chicklet: "I think my contact fell out."

Hmmm...she's 5.

Obviously she's heard that around here more than once!

Let's Get It On

2010-02-25T20:01:00.003-05:00

Let's Get It On...

Kicking off some of the SUCKIES off of American Idol!!!

I can't believe how many of both the guys and girls BOMBED it!!

I mean, I know you are nervous and all, but this is Your.Big.Chance.

Shake off the nerves and sing your heart out.

Of course, this IS coming from one of the worst singers on the planet. I think one of the reasons I like the auditions so much is I get to hear people who actually sing WORSE than I do!

I'm a sucker for a story. An easy way into my vote, I mean heart.

But, come on, peeps! We gotsta SING!!

Addict

2010-02-25T13:05:00.002-05:00

Mother Nature is on crack - again.

I'm SURE of it!

This past weekend was gorgeous - mid 60s all weekend.

Today, at this precise moment, it is 33 degrees with 22 mph wind gusts!!

I am SO ready for spring and summer!

Every Monday Matters

2010-02-22T09:18:00.003-05:00

GASC - Georgia Association of Student Council

The Eldest Chicklet is Vice President of her high school's student council.

This past weekend was the annual GASC conference. EC's high school needed another adults, so she asked me to tag along.

What a PHENOMENAL group of kids!! And what a PHENOMENAL weekend of learning about service, self-awareness and leadership.

Accomodations - no so phenomenal. Take out the rat, ghost and blood-sucking spider, and still not so phenomenal!

What stayed with me the most was the theme of service, and how service should be a weekly endeavor - not just around Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Service impacts others in more ways you can imagine.

Service can change the world.

www.everymondaymatters.com

I challenge you to be a servant once a week.

Whether it is service for yourself that will make a you a better person, whether it's service in your school or community, whether it's a service that can be felt globally.

Make a difference.

Be a servant.

My service for the week - writing a letter of appreciation to someone in the military.

What's yours?

Oh What a Night

2010-02-18T23:53:00.005-05:00

It was a weird night.

Drunco Bunco - usually one of my favorite nights of the month.

But it was bizarre.

Voting in a new member.

Realizing you weren't on the "it" list - even though you are the Bunco Bitch.

Weird.

Missing my Pumpkin more than you can imagine.

Oh, yeah...and this is my 100th post.

Happy Day.

Monkey Joe HELL

2010-02-16T15:12:00.006-05:00

My kids are out of school today - Inclement Weather Day.

We desperately needed to get out of the house. So we made the trek to our local bouncy place, Monkey Joes - as did everyone else in the county.

The chicklets had a blast.

Me - not so much.

Here is my take on our "afternoon delight."

New Beginnings

2010-02-15T17:49:00.003-05:00

Today is the beginning of our new life.

Pumpkin was laid off the 1st week of December.

COMPLETE.SHOCKER.

He had been with his company for 15 years - since graduating college. There was no notice, no hint, no CLUE. Just called into the office and told he was laid off.

Needless to say, our life was turned upside down.

It has been a stressful couple of months.

BUT....

Today, he started the 1st day of his NEW job!

He is working for an consulting firm that audits general contractors.

It has ENORMOUS potential for our family.

The only drawback is the travel. We have been extremely lucky our entire marriage for him to have been home. He's never had to travel. It will be a huge adjustment for all of us.

BUT - WE CAN DO IT!!!!

Congratulations, my love!! I am ENORMOUSLY PROUD OF YOU!

Snow Videos Galore!

2010-02-14T11:24:00.005-05:00

We had 2 3/4 inches of SNOW Friday!

Those of you up north are probably laughing, but that is BIG stuff for us.

Obviously, the kids had a BLAST!

Baby Chicklet made a great snow angel.

Tripp, Kaley, and her BFF ganged up on Pumpkin, and it was snowball WAR!

Pumpkin attempted to snowboard.

He said, "My center is not quite in the same place it used to be!"

Middle Chicklet had fun on the tube.

He didn't have quite the same success on the skim board.

Baby Chicklet tried a little tubing of her own.

She went SUPER fast on the "snowboard" - a disembodied skateboard.

Baby Chicklet's BFF's Daddy (Insert singing here - "That's just my BFF's Daddy") thought he would have a peaceful ride down the hill. Until Middle Chicklet started the snowball attack!

All in all a GREAT day in the Georgia snow!

*DISCLAIMER* Yes, there is no video of the eldest chicklet. It was "too cold" for her.

Snow - Revisited

2010-02-12T15:02:00.008-05:00

It's snowing for the second time in two months! Crazy for Georgia!

With my surgery (and a computer on crack), I've been a huge slacker on posting pictures.

Pics from Snow Part 1!

Baby Chicklet and her BFF enjoying the first (and we thought ONLY) snowfall of 2010.

All the chicklets doing their best to sled on 1/4 inch of snow. Good times.

Toes

2010-02-12T08:47:00.001-05:00

LOVE me some Zac Brown Band!

And REALLY love me some "Toes"!!

Right about now, with 1-4 inches of snow in the forecast for GEORGIA...

(Did I mention GEORGIA! Seriously people, it should not be snowing here!)

...I'd love to have

My toes in the water,

Ass in the sand,

Not a worry in the world,

Cold beer in my hand!

Have a GREAT Friday and think tropical beaches and cold beer!

Elbows, Knees and Toes...Well, ELBOW!

2010-02-10T17:27:00.003-05:00

Here's hoping my elbow surgery was a SUCCESS!!

Several weeks of physical therapy down.

I'm still nowhere near being ready for tennis, but at least I can type without shooting pain.

Which means....

MORE FREQUENT BLOGGING!!

ARGH! Oh - and NO TRAINING WHEELS!!

2009-11-02T20:54:00.006-05:00

I.HATE.MY.COMPUTER.

Seriously. Really. HATE MY COMPUTER!!!!

It has taken me two hours to download pics and video. ARGH! I'm so frustrated!!

Wanna know why I don't regularly upload pics...COMPUTER!!!

Enough of the rant.

Deep breath....

So....

Pumpkin and I taught Baby Chicklet to ride her bike with NO TRAINING WHEELS! So fun!

And the first "war wound"

Ummm...Yeah...OF COURSE she had to pose!

Exciting day!!

2009-09-02T08:32:00.002-04:00

UPDATE!!

Aidan Stivendar Courtney is here!!

8 lbs 8 oz!!!

Welcome to the world, sweet boy!

*************************************

I'm SO excited for my friends, Shauna and Larry, who are being induced today for their FIRST baby!!!

They waited a while and struggled to have sweet Aidan!

They are going to be PHENOMENAL parents.

Good luck, and we can't wait to meet him!

Some like it HOT!

2009-07-30T21:21:00.004-04:00

Pure Romance - my new career!!

And I am SOOO excited!!

I have a teaching degree. Taught middle school for 9 1/2 years! I stopped when Baby Chicklet arrived. She's about to start pre-K - perfect time for me to go back to work, but with our lovely ecomony, NO teaching jobs! Never in a million years would I have thought teachers would ever be losing jobs. It is incredibly sad. Yes, let's cut back on education and sacrifice our future. But THAT is ANOTHER topic!

On to Pure Romance!!!

A couple of months ago, some friends and I decided to do a surprise birthday party for a friend. We chose to do a Pure Romance party. We all had SO MUCH FUN!!

And, oh yeah - RIGHT UP MY ALLEY!!

For those of you who don't know me in real life, I'm crazy.

There's NOTHIN' I'm leery of talking about!

So.......

Here I am!!

Pure Romance consultant!!!

WOOT!!! WOOT!!!!

Check out the website! There are ALL kinds of things - from massage, to bath, to toys, to lingerie, to WHATEVAH!!!

Orders on the website are COMPLETELY private!! I don't see names - ANYTHING!! I just see there was a purchase and my commission.

So, go check it out!

And have FUN! :)

If you are in the Altanta area and want to book a party, please email me at djpureromance@yahoo.com

Do You Feel the Beat?

2009-06-26T20:56:00.010-04:00

It's been a WHILE - for sure.

My arm - still a mess. It hurt to put on my bathing suit today. But that's a whole different story.

Today, I am moved to talk about MJ - yep, that's right, Michael Jackson.

His titles range from iconic to demonic. King of Pop vs. King of Pedophile.

My husband, my Pumpkin, the love of my life, is in mourning.

His Elvis has died.

Yes - his ELVIS.

My love is a break dancing PHENOM.

Last week, while we were in Florida for the middle chicklet's baseball tournament, my Pumpkin did the WORM across the beach road.

Yes. THE WORM.

Michael Jackson is an ICON.

His music, his talent, has formed a generation and defined our culture.

Michael Jackson paved the way for Easy E, Snoop Dog, Tupac, Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown...the list could go on and on.

He has musical talents that surpass any our generation could ever imagine.

His choreography for videos is Broadway quality -no question.

Watch Smooth Criminal.

Did MJ do terrible, horrendous things to children.

Maybe...

But I REALLYthink not.

I PRAY not.

Did the parents of said children put them in a TERRIBLE position?

ABSOLUTELY!

Would you EVER, EVER send your child to someone's home who had an amusement park in their backyard, and who has been under suspicion of child molestion?

HELL NO!!

Someone PLEASE show me where the parents of these children have been prosecuted?

They haven't.

Do I believe Michael Jackson is an innocent "misunderstood" celebrity?

By no means.

I truly believe Michael Jackson had a severe mental illnesss.

He needed help a long time ago.

Do I think he was pedophile....

No.

I really don't.

He was never convicted.

Ever.

Yes, he paid a LOT of money to negate the publicity and perhaps the charges.

Again, I think we are talking about money hungry parents who put their children in a precarious position.

If you want to challenge my philosophy, the floor is open.

But please have a basis for your opinion.

HERE is MY opinion.

Michael Jackson reached a breaking point in his childhood abuse.

I AM A SURVIVOR of abuse.

I had blood running down my legs more times than I care to count.

But I survived.

He didn't.

He broke.

Is that weak? Is that wrong?

No.

It just happenened.

He was stuck in childhood.

Neverland.

How else to you justify being photographed as an ADULT with toy trains in his hands?

How else do you justify being surrounded by children...AT ALL TIMES?

Did it allow for him to be molest children?

HELL NO!!!!

And if that happened, he WILL account for it. I completely believe that.

In the meantime, my faith is persuading me to believe that MJ's mental illness trapped a man in a child's body.

So...

I will remember him as the man who changed pop culture.

I will remember him as the man who is the Elvis of my generation.

I will remember him as the man who created videos that would rival any Broadway production to date.

I will remember him as the man who defined GENERATIONS.

May you rest in the peace you never had on Earth.

Six Word Saturday

2009-05-09T08:55:00.004-04:00

I'm posting! Can you believe it?!

Head over to my incredibly wonderfuly, but terribly neglected friend Cate for more Six Word Saturday!

I'm ALIVE!!! Arm still not good, but I'm ALIVE!!!

This arm thing SUCKS!

I just finished week one of four weeks of physical therapy.

And I HATE not blogging, but the continuous typing sends little darts of pain straight to my elbow. The tendon in my elbow that is inflammed goes down the forearmand attaches to the fingers. ARGH!

About a week and a half a go I had a cortisone shot in my elbow. So.not.fun.

But - it gave me a great story - 'specially since I can laugh at myself - and share my idiocy with the entire blogosphere!

Let me preface the story by telling you Baby Chicklet sleeps with us - crucial information!

(Yes, she's four. Don't get me started.)

For a day and a half AFTER the cortisone shot, I was in EXCRUTIATING pain. I couldn't bend my wrist or pain would shoot up my arm, and I seriously would moan, yell, cry. Not pretty.

I called the ortho doc and told him I thought he did something wrong. Seriously.

He said although my reaction to the shot was not typical, it was not abnormal.

WHAT?!? I was already counting my malpractic millions in my head.

He called me in some pain meds and said to call the next day if it wasn't any better.

After sleeping MAYBE an hour all night long (and not being able to blog while I was awake - woe is me!) I was on the phone the second they opened. And I was starting to count the malpractice millions again, because there was a MAJOR new problem!

Here's the conversation:

Me: Well, the pain is no better, and I'm totally freaking out now because I have teeny, tiny GREEN spider vein looking things going down my arm!

Nurse: The way you are reacting to the shot, I hate to tell you, but you are probably going to be in pain until the steroids kick in tomorrow or the next day. But I've never heard of the other problem.

Me - Seriously. I have green spider veins in various spots on my arm. There's a circular spot around the injection area and the veins are in sporadic places down my forearm.

Nurse: I'm going to have to talk to the doctor and get back with you. This is totally new to me. Can you look very close at them and see if you can describe them a little more?

Me: (Arm up in my face, moving my finger over the green areas) Ummmm.....never mind.

Nurse: Excuse me?

Me: Never mind. I think I need to take a shower.

Nurse: Huh?

Me: Ummm....It's coming off. I think my little one drooled her green ring pop on my arm during the night.

Damn - there goes the malpractice millions once again!!!

Love/Hate Relationship

2009-04-28T09:40:00.004-04:00

I LOVE tennis.

I HATE what it does to my not-so-youthful body.

Tennis in Georgia is ALTA. ALTA is practically a religion.

Our team needed 5 points on Sunday to have a shot at playoffs.

And guess what - we are playoff bound!

But - this old broad is injured.

I did something to my right forearm. It hurts to grasp, lift and TYPE!

OH YEAH - it hurts to type!!! Which puts a SERIOUS hurtin' on my blogging abilities.

So - I'm going to the orthopaedist this afternoon and hoping a cortisone shot will do the trick!

'Cause there is tennis to be played and championships to be won!

AND commenting to do!

Cross your fingers for me and forgive me for not coming by!

As soon as my typing fingers are pain free, I'll be BACK!

Six Word Saturday

2009-04-25T00:11:00.003-04:00

"What is God's cell phone number?

No lie.

Straight out of the mouth of Baby Chicket.

Daddy - "It's unlisted."

Me - LMAO!!!!!!!

Go visit Cate at Show My Face for MORE Six Word Saturday.

And guess what ELSE is today?

2009-04-22T16:34:00.007-04:00

Today is my PUMPKIN's Birthday!

That's right!

My heart, my love, my soulmate.

And WONDERFUL father to our chicklets!

Happy Birthday, my love!

Our little part

2009-04-22T12:47:00.007-04:00

April 22 - Earth Day

How have we gone GREEN?

We've put in the squiggly bulbs.

We recycle, and I've been know to dig through the trash to move things over to the recycling can!

I have "makeshift" rain barrels. (They work for me!)

I have cloth bags for groceries.

My BIGGEST contribution to going green is the creation of....

Cloth Snack Bags!

Don't tease and mock the sewing, people!

I went out and bought a sewing machine and taught MYSELF to sew and make these little lovelies!!

Since then, thank goodess, my sewing has DRAMATICALLY improved, and now I'm able to make things like THESE!

But back to the cloth snack bags.

Rather than using and throwing away countless ziplock bags that take up SO much space in landfills, my kids use their cloth snack bags.

They picked fabric for the outside. I put a vinyl type fabric on the inside and attached velcro.

We rinse them out or even throw them in the washing machine. (Which apparently is what the pink and purple striped one DESPERATELY needs!)

And VOILA, just like that, reduce our carbon footprint!

For other great ideas on going green and helping our environment, visit Cate at Show My Face!

Tip for Tuesday

2009-04-21T11:41:00.003-04:00

ENTER GIVEAWAYS!!!

'Cause you could be a big WINNER like me!

And TWO of my FOUR (yep, you read it right!!) prizes have been received!

Can you guess who THIS one is from??

If you guessed the FABULOUS Ryan Ashley Scott, you are correct-a-mundo!

Did the feathers give it away? :)

I wish I could rock the feathers like she does!

This fantastic array of goodies was a celebration of her 100th post at Optimistic Cynicism.

My piggies needed SERIOUS help, and this wonderful prize was the perfect knight in shining armour!!!!

THANK YOU!!!!!!

Next up on the wheel of prizes.....

My laptop bag from Miss Gina's Designs!

Isn't it GEORGEOUS?!!

I won it in a SITS Saturday Spotlight!

Gina was fantastic! I was able to pick out my own fabric and style, sent her my laptop measurments, and I had it in LESS than a week!!

AND she embroidered it!! FREE!!!

Go check her out! I'm amazed at all the things she creates!!

THANK YOU!!!

The best part...I still have TWO prizes a-comin'!!

Are you still here?!?! Go enter giveaways!!

Crawfish Boil 2009

2009-04-20T10:52:00.013-04:00

I am BACK to Blog World!

Our 7th annual Crawfish Boil was Saturday and was a HUGE success!!

Here is the blog I'm working on for the crawfish boil. (Yep, a blog 'cause Blogger is FREE!)

Feel free to hop over and check out the craziness.

*WARNING* - If you are not a proponent of blow up doll abuse, you should pass on looking!!

For the FIRST time, Pumpkin's cousins, April & Nancy, came over for the big shin-dig!

Baby Chicklet was thrilled April let her hubby, Matt, tag along! After he let her paint his nails and do his hair and makeup at Christmas, he's one of her FAVORITE people!

(Can you tell why?)

For the FIRST time, we used in house entertainment. I must say - she rocked it!

Our Eldest Chicklet was a huge help! She sold raffle tickets, helped with Baby Chicklet and drove guests on beer runs!

Yes. I let my 16 year old take people on beer runs.

We don't call our children the Petite YaYas for nothin'!

Out of the Mouth of Baby Chicklet

2009-04-15T21:55:00.004-04:00

Miley Cyrus is performing on American Idol tonight.

Baby Chicklet - OMG - HUGE Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana fan.

Huge. Crazy. Huge.

Us - Miley Cyrus is on TV.

BC - (Screeching) PAUSE IT!!! PAUSE IT!!! PAUSE IT!!!

Us - Why?

BC - Duh. I gotta get my microphone.

Pardon Me

2009-04-14T22:24:00.029-04:00

Please pardon my absence this week.

THIS Saturday, we are hosting our 7th annual Crawfish Boil for OVER 150 people.

Singing: Pete Whitfield - the lead singer from the most popular bar band around.

And.....

ELVIS.

Yes, you heard me, Elvis.

Don't. Be. Jealous.

This here is a shindig of mammoth proportions.

Needless to say, I'm a wee bit busy from now until Sunday.

Please, please forgive me for not commenting and visiting as I should.

I'm just trying to keep my head above the mudbugs (That's slang for crawfish if you're not from around here!)

Just so you know where I'll be....

Eatin' some grub.

Chillin' with my girls.

Rollin' with laughter.

Feelin' the jam.

Gettin' freaky with it.

Throwin' some 'shoes.

Drinkin' some beer.

Shakin' my tail feathers.

Oh - and did I mention it's for charity!

Happy EASTER!

2009-04-12T11:23:00.008-04:00

I hope everyone has a fantastic Easter Sunday!

Here - tennis, The Masters and MORE egg hunting!

Here comes the chicklets for their first look at the Easter Bunny LOOT!

You can't hear the "incident" but about halfway through the video, Baby Chicklet poots. BUT -all of us, except Pumpkin, could hear it - thus the hysterical laughter!

The Easter Bunny was very busy!

Not only did he leave out all the baskets, but he HID eggs!

And it appears he left behind some fur!

All of the chicklets are hardly ever in ONE place for a pic so I had to take advantage of the opportunity.

So, after a LOT of retakes...

And an Easter miracle! (The Eldest Chicklet let me take pictures WITHOUT her wearing makeup!!!)

Our three Chicklets!

Six Word Saturday

2009-04-11T08:48:00.006-04:00

Visit Cate and check out MORE Six Word Saturday !!

"I'm old. Six Flags hurt me."

I took Baby Chicklet, Middle Chicklet and one of his friends to Six Flags on Thursday.

Nine hours of "fun."

The kiddie rides made me want to hurl. Seriously.

Now - raging sinus infection.

Either Six Flags has cooties or walking through gigantic clouds of pollen for 9 hours did me in.

I'm leaning towards the cooties.

BUT - despite my whining and complaining, fun was had by all.

The evidence is in THESE crappy quality photos taken with my Blackberry since my small camera was camera-jacked by the Eldest Chicklet.

Driving the big rig. Oh yeah. Big wheels keep on turnin'...

Chillin' on the tree house ride - checking to see how far they will
D-R-O-P!!!

And how she spent most of the day - hands in the air!! She ain't afraid of no rides!

Out of the Mouth of Baby Chicklet

2009-04-08T14:27:00.002-04:00

Yesterday we went with a neighbor to Catch Air - our local indoor inflatable playground.

Baby Chicklet needed to go potty, so off we went.

BC - "The girls' bathroom is prettier than the boys' bathroom."

Me - "I'm sure it is."

BC - "Daddy has to take me to the boys' bathroom."

Me - "Yep! Big boys aren't supposed to go to the girls' bathroom."

BC - "Boys pee out of their tails."

Me - (Insert hysterical laughter) "Yes, they do."

Open Letter to Mother Nature

2009-04-07T10:50:00.009-04:00

Dear Mother Nature,

You are a fickle bee-otch.

Three short days ago it was a beautiful day in the neighborhood.

Sunny in the low 70s.

So lovely, in fact, I was able to play tennis and be irresponsible enough that three days later I am still FRIED!!!

Today, however, it's FREAKING SNOWING.

Let me remind you. It's April. In Georgia.

I had to cover my plants.

Yes, I understand it's not REAL snow, only teeny tiny flurries.

However, the POINT is it's cold enough for those teeny tiny flurries. to occur!

28 being the low tonight.

I, too, am a woman. I understand stand mood swings. But a 50 degree mood swing??

For the love of God, woman, take some Prozac!

If your little temper tantrum kills my great grandmother's hydrangea, I'm so NOT gonna be happy.

Frustration Dance

2009-04-06T15:17:00.006-04:00

Today I tried out one of the Fishful Thinking activities with Baby Chicklet - Shake off the Frustration Dance.

My entire family really spends too much time watching tv - ESPECIALLY Baby Chicklet. Miss Thang loves her some Hannah Montana and Phineas and Ferb.

Today, I turned off the tv and said we needed to find something else to do.

Meltdown.

Pouty face of historic proportion.

I sat down in front of her. We talked about how crying and getting mad were not going to make me change my mind, and it would just make her feel yucky. Since I know how much she LOVES to dance, I suggested that she shake her groove thing and DANCE instead of getting mad.

At first, no deal.

Then, I danced. I'll spare you the pics, but it got HER to dance!

I'm thinking it worked!

So, around here, we're gonna shake our booties instead pouting and getting mad!

CLICK THE FISH!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

2009-04-05T19:32:00.001-04:00

Tonight.

8:00 pm ET.

Braves vs. Phillies.

Opening Night.

Gotta love it.

LET'S GO, BRAVES!

Six Word Saturday +1

2009-04-03T23:27:00.004-04:00

Cate is gonna kill me. I'm cheating. So completely cheating.

But it wouldn't have sounded right with only 6 words. I needed ONE more.

"You must not be from around here."

Middle Chicklet has issues. Seriously.

Mainly issues with anger mangement & frustration. He expects perfection of himself - especially when related to sports.

He is unbelievably fortunate to be one of those kids who are just born athletes. He picks up a sport and excels at it. Disgusting, I know, but true.

However, in HIS eyes, he can't just excel. He must be perfect. We all know ~~only I am perfect~~ that is never gonna be the case.

HE, however, can't get it through his THICK skull.

So during his last game, he SHOWED HIS BUTT!!!

Yes, you heard me right - SHOWED HIS BUTT!!!

He did his normal shortstop thing (flawless) and was getting very agitated that the other kids on the team were being typical kids and making errors here & there.

He came into the dugout, throwing his arms in the air, bitching & moaning about how "Our team sucks!" TOTALLY inappropriate.

Me to another mom - "Did you just see him show his butt?"

Her - "What?! He pulled his pants down?"

Me - "NO!!! He acted a fool. Oh......you must not be from around here...."

So proud of our Eldest Chicklet

2009-04-02T15:18:00.006-04:00

Our lovely Eldest Chicklet has been honored countless times this year.

Here are some...

Captain for 2nd year on the Varsity Cheerleading Squad and winner of Coaches Award

Vice-President of Student Council

2nd Place in DECA Regional Competition

5th Place in DECA State Competition

Invitation ($950 invitation mind you!!!) to DECA Nationals in Anaheim - to which she decided to miss prom in order to go. Her words "It's a once in a lifetime opportunity."

Have I mentioned she's smart, beautiful and WISE?

Selected to be in the Prom Fashion Show.

Selected to be the face of Senior pictures - photo shoot in which she will appear on flyers and posters for 2010 Seniors.

And the latest...

Induction into the National Technical Honor Society, which includes her career path - medicine.

Afterwards, posing with one of her best friends...

Posing with the principal. Yes, gay, I know, but still...

And posing with Baby Chicklet. They are both CRAZY about each other. Seriously.

And no event would be the same without some silliness from Baby Chicklet!

Brittney Baby, we couldn't be more proud of you!!

Questions from Baby Chicklet

2009-03-30T18:55:00.012-04:00

We've spent the past two days outside Birmingham, Alabama for a viewing and funeral.

Pumpkin's stepdad's mother, Kathleen, passed away Saturday. She was 91.

Isn't it bizarre how you look at your loved one lying in the casket and say they are beautiful? Well, she was. She wore a lovely pink suit with a pink corsage. Her casket was covered with a pink and white floral blanket. For the first time in two years, she didn't look frail or weak.

She looked beautiful.

Baby Chicklet is 4. This is only the 2nd time she's been to a funeral home. The first, which she doesn't even remember, and sadly never will, was for my dad's memorial service 2 years ago. But he was cremated, so no body.

Kathleen was buried which entailed a viewing and funeral.

We've never had to discuss death with her and what it REALLY means.

It's hard enough to explain to an older child, much less a 4 year old.

Needless to say, there were LOTS of questions.

On the way to the viewing yesterday...

BC - "Where are we going?"

Us - "The funeral home in Oneonta to see Kathleen."

BC - "Is that where the blue ice cream is?"

Us - "No, that's the Chinese restaurant. This is where Kathleen will be for us to say goodbye to her."

BC - "Why are we saying goodbye? Is she going somewhere?"

Us - "She's already gone, KK. She's in Heaven with Jesus."

BC - "Well how can we look at her if she's in Heaven?"

Us - "Her body is still here but her heart and spirit are gone. They are in Heaven with Jesus."

BC - "Will she come back next year?"

Us - "No, honey. She won't ever come back."

BC - "Oh."

Later at the viewing...

BC - "Can she wave to me?"

Us - "No, baby. She can't wave."

BC - "Where are her legs?"

Us - "They are under the flowers that are lying on top of the casket."

BC - "Oh."

Today, before the funeral and the closing of the casket...

BC - "I wanna go see Kathleen again."

Us - "OK."

BC - "Mommy, she's pinkalicious."

Mommy - "Yes, sweet girl, she IS pinkalicious."

Not Me! Monday - Breakin' It Down for Stellan

2009-03-29T23:10:00.016-04:00

We all know what a nightmare of a week this has been for MckMama, her precious Stellan, and the entire MckFamily

People around the WORLD - Senegal, Paris - have been praying for Stellan.

Facebook groups have been started. Prayer blogs have been created.

Welcome to "Not me!" Monday - Stellan Style!

This blog carnival was created by MckMama and is normally on her blog.

However, in honor of sweet Stellan, Natalie is hosting this week's

"Not me!" Monday ~ STELLAN STYLE!

Let's DO IT!

I have NOT been on my knees this week for Stellan more than I honestly can say I've EVER been.

I have NOT sent emails to all of my friends practically begging them to get on THEIR knees and pray for this precious baby.

I have not update my Facebook status asking MORE friends to pray for Stellan.

I have NOT added the Praying for Stellan button to my blog.

I have NOT stalked MckMama's Twitter to keep updated so my prayers can be more focused.

I have NOT personally Tweeted about praying for the sweet boy!

I have NOT posted on my blog begging for prayers for Stellan.

I have NOT looked through Stellan's name gallery with tears in my eyes, thinking of all the people who LOVE this child they have never met.

My heart has NOT physically ached with the pain and helplessness that I can only imagine this family is enduring.

I will NOT continue to do these things.

I am NOT begging YOU to do the same.

Six Word Saturday Times TWO!

2009-03-28T00:21:00.014-04:00

Wanna play?

"boursin cheese - How do I love thee"

Holy Macaroni!!! If you haven't had boursin cheese...

It's like manna from Heaven. OK, not REALLY, but pretty darn close.

It's in the specialty cheese section, and it's....manna.

***********************************************************
"Sweet and Sassy - Here She Comes!"

Calling all teenage workers at Sweet and Sassy...

Bone up on your groove. Baby Chicklet is in the house.

And she WILL shake her groove thing!

(Mute the blog music at the bottom for the FULL effect!)

Really?! Gross.

2009-03-26T11:16:00.005-04:00

Baby Chicklet is just gross at times, well, a LOT of the time.

I'm going to blame it on the evil BOY influence of middle chicklet.

She loves to poot. Really. Loves. To. Poot. She thinks it's hysterical.

She goes out of her way t0 poot ON her Daddy. Seriously.

But, according to her, it NEVER smells bad.

The other day, she wiped a nasty trail of SNOT on my car window. No lie.

This morning, she hocked a loogie into a piece of paper and proceeded to ask me to LOOK AT IT!

HELLO?!? I'm SO not looking at the loogie. I drew the line when...

I took a picture of the SNOT TRAIL!

Lines MUST be drawn somewhere.

PRAY, PRAY, PRAY

2009-03-25T07:56:00.002-04:00

Most of us bloggers are very familiar with MckMama and her sweet baby boy Stellan.

Stellan is a VERY VERY sick boy. The SVT that he had in utero has presented again. Middle Chicklet has SVT and using vagal maneuvers normally pops them into a normal heart rythmn.

Sadly, this has NOT been the case for Stellan. He has been almost exclusively in SVT for about 3 days, which is very bad news for his heart. Basically his heart has been beating ridiculously high - 250s and up for these 3 days. Needless to say, extended time in SVT is extremely dangerous.

Please pray with all your heart for this sweet boy.

And please ask all you know to pray for him also.

He can take all the prayers he can get right now.

A Story

2009-03-20T16:18:00.010-04:00

Once upon a time there was a baby chicklet whose heart's desire was to play hair salon.

Alas, her normal ~~victim~~ client was out at a faraway land called the tennis courts - getting his butt kicked by the evil villans of B2 Tennis.

Her stage was set.

She roamed the house, lonely and looking for someone else to ~~inflict pain upon~~ make beautiful by using the powers in her special hair potion.

What? Who is that she saw?

None other the unsuspecting middle chicklet. If she wowed him with her charm and showered him with the potent magic of baby chicklet hugs, he would never know the ~~torture~~ fun she had in store for him.

Unbeknowst to her, it seemed the valiant middle chicklet was aware of her plot.

In fact, her hero was pleased she had chosen him of all the fair ~~suckers~~ boys in the land.

He prepared himself for the journey.

Then jumped on and enjoyed the ride.

Much too soon, the tale drew to a conclusion.

But not without a final adieu by our hero.

The valiant, the brave, the macho - Middle Chicklet

THE END.

Prom Fashion Show

2009-03-17T23:10:00.014-04:00

Our eldest chicklet has been crazy busy lately.

And if I remember correctly (and we all know it was a LONG time ago for me to remember!), Junior year is typically the busiest.

One of the things she has been involved in is the Prom Fashion Show. Our high school partners with one of the major boutiques in our area to showcase this season's prom fashions.

Tryouts were held earlier in the year, and EC was one of the chosen ones.

The fashion show was Thursday. Obviously it's taken me FOREVER to get this post done.

Seems to be my theme lately...

Here is our lovely eldest chicklet.

I think she's beautiful, but I am a wee bit biased.

Baby Chicklet LOVED every second of the fashion show. The next day she asked if we were going back!!

Eldest Chicklet and "the boy". We'll forgive him for being a tad underdressed.

New Design Giveaway Winner...FINALLY!

2009-03-15T10:56:00.003-04:00

Sorry, y'all! It took me forever, but WE HAVE A WINNER!!

True Random Number Generator Result: 32

#32 was - SASS!!

You go girl!!!

Thanks to everyone who entered!

Six Word Saturday

2009-03-14T20:08:00.005-04:00

Show Me Cate hosts Six Word Saturday, and it one meme that I always do! Head over & check it out!

"Neck Hurts - Wrecked Pumpkin's Freaking Car!"

Does that sum it up!?!

After Pumpkin got home from work, I had 2 errands. First - go to Kroger and get ice, beer, coke, margarita mix. Second - head to the liquor store for Patron (no sense in making a sub-par margarita!) & Crown. Yes, we like our booze.

Don't judge.

Left Kroger with a full trunk. Movin' on to the liquor store.

Alas - some teenage PIZZA driver decided to gun it through the intersection WHILE I was turning left! How rude!

Bottom line, ice started to melt, beer gets warm and I have to wait an hour longer to make my margarita!

Damn pizza boy.

I want...

2009-03-12T10:57:00.003-04:00

So, I'm sitting here this morning thinking of what to write as I go through my blog peeps and read/comment on their latest posts when I stumble across Sass' post for today.

I started to comment and tell her all the things I wanted until I saw how LONG the list was.

1. I want a personal trainer to come to my home every day and drag my fat, lazy butt out of the bed and MAKE me work out.

2. I want my personal masseuse to be on hand ready to give me a rub down (no, you dirty minded people - not THAT kinda rub down!) as soon as my intense work out is complete.

3. I want a full time cook to prepare low calorie DELICIOUS meals and snacks for my family each day.

4. I want a live in housekeeper to maintain my home & laundry.

5. I want an interior designer to be at my beck and call to make my home look like ESVPDB Kate's home.

6. I want a landscape designer to make my yard look like a Southern Living dream yard.

And, of course, I want all of these things to be free of charge.

I don't think that's too much to ask. Do you?

Call for Blog Roll HELP!!!

2009-03-11T11:46:00.003-04:00

Can someone please tell me how to set up a Blog Roll?

I have buttons I want to add, but apparently I'm Blog Roll STUPID!

And my Spring Fling winner IS...

2009-03-11T11:02:00.004-04:00

BUGGIE BOWS

Congratulations!!!!

And thank you to everyone else who entered, twittered, added my button, and are now following!!

I hope you keeping coming back!

HOLY MACARONI!!

2009-03-10T23:02:00.020-04:00

I have had MORE comments today and SO many entries into my giveaaway!! I'm blown away! What a fun day, SITStas!!!

BUT - it's been crazy for me lately. I haven't commented on the blogs I follow and haven't emailed those who have left comments. And THAT is totally not like me! I apologize!!!

Tomorrow, however, I am back on the loose! :)

In the meantime, look at baby chicklet! (NOTE - it is 11:49 Eastern time as I write this. She is AWAKE beside me - crying!! Lord help me!)

While at our neighborhood pond, feeding the ducks

she decides she needs to take pictures. Since I'm NOT going to give her MY camera, she informs me she knows how to use my Blackberry. (WHAT?!?! Seriously?! She's FOUR!!)

She gets it, scrolls through the apps, (WHAT?!?! Seriously?! She's FOUR!!)

finds the camera and takes her own picture of the ducks! (Holy Macaroni...SQUARED!!)

Of course the ducks are not NEARLY enough of an adventure for baby chicklet. So - on to the playround we go!

First up - ROCK CLIMBING!

Once she gets to the top, there's no other choice but to stop and pose! DUH!

Then...on to the swings.

Me, and my...........shadow......

Finally, it's time to go.

But.........who can resist this face??

Spring Fling Giveaway!!

2009-03-09T18:44:00.012-04:00

If you're here from SITS for Spring Fling - WELCOME! And I'm so glad you're interested in MY giveaway!

If you're here from another avenue, it's your lucky day! After you enter :) MY giveaway, scoot over to SITS and see the unbelievable number of giveaways going on TODAY!

I am giving away TWO pieces of boutique style clothing that I made for my sweet baby chicklet! But we all know how fast they grow, and they are now too small!

First on the list is this pair of ADORABLE overalls - size 3T! ( Yes, I know it shows TWO, but they are just so darn cute together!) It is the pair on the right that baby chicklet is modeling so well!

They were only worn twice - once at the county fair and once at Farm Day at preschool.

Second is this sweet pair of curduroy pants - also a size 3T. I made them for baby chicklet's Thanksgiving Feast.

They were also worn twice - Thanksgiving Feast and Thanksgiving Day!

Disclaimer: I'm only giving away the pants, not the lovely Princess Sleeping Beauty!

Now for the fine print!

Since this giveaway is part of Spring Fling, it is over at 11:59 PM Pacific Time March 10.

1 Entry - Simply comment you want to be entered in the giveaway.

2 Entries - Twitter about this giveaway! You MUST leave your Twitter address in a comment.

2 Entries - Add my button to your blog - make sure you tell me!

3 Entries - FOLLOW me! If you become a follower, please comment and let me know!

I'll use Random.org to pick the winner!

GOOD LUCK and THANKS for coming by!!

Let's Talk About

2009-03-07T21:05:00.010-05:00

Baseball!!!

(But WHO gotta a Salt and Peppa flash back?!?!)

This is the 2nd year for middle chicklet to play travel baseball. If you don't know about travel baseball, it is CRAZY! They play 65-70 games a season. It's pretty intense.

Within the travel league, there are 3 different levels - AA, AAA & Majors. AA is the lowest level with Majors being the highest.

Last year, Middle Chicklet was on AAA team and, talent wise, was about the middle of the team. We had a FANTASTIC team. The kids played very well together and won 3 out of the 4 main tournaments we were in. BUT - one of the coaches was an ass so we felt it necessary to move MC to another team.

On this new team, MC is one of the top two kids. It's a new team, with about 1/2 of them playing All-stars last year (so no experience with travel) and the other 1/2 coming from various travel teams. As is the case with any new organization, they have to work (play) together for a while before they start playing as a whole. In virtually every case, these type of teams are classified as AA teams. It just gives them time to learn how to play together.

This weekend's tournament was a DISASTER. Our AA team was put up against three different Majors teams. Our last game today was 18-0. The game was called with the mercy rule after a GRAND SLAM put us over the 15 run limit.

MC has enough behavior issues that, truthfully, I don't CARE if we win or lose. I just want him to have fun and have a GOOD ATTITUDE. But this weekend, aaahhhh, was awful.

They played terrible. They really did.

BUT.....

They were put up against boys who were corn fed and had serious meat on their bones.

They were put up against boys who have played together since being weaned from their mother's teats. (Perhap that is a bit of an exaggeration, but you get my point!)

They were put up against boys whose dad's words of encouragement were "It's about time you hit one hard!"

They were put up against boys whose mommas might climb the fence to "whoop their ass" (direct quote, people) if they didn't hit that ball!!!

Basically, the pressure was on....and they cracked. They overthrew balls. They dropped simple pop ups. They swung at pitches that were three feet over their heads. Simply, they were overwhelmed. But who wouldn't be.

It was hard to watch. But I'm sure it was harder to play.

So, I'm sorry, MC, for announcing to the blog world that your team sucked.

Maybe I'll let you borrow my tweezers.

Six Word Saturday

2009-03-07T14:58:00.003-05:00

"Middle Chicklet's baseball team REALLY sucks."

No, they REALY do!!

First game - Loss - 16-6

Second game - Loss 16-3

It's painful so watch. So much so I'm blogging at the baseball game. Nobody tell him.

Or he MIGHT want to use my tweezers for something else revolting.

Go to Call Me Cate for MORE Six Word Saturday.

Out of the Mouth of Middle Chick

2009-03-06T08:31:00.003-05:00

Middle Chicklet - "Can I borrow your tweezers?"

Me - (WHAT?!) "Why do you need tweezers?"

MC - "I have a dried booger I can't get out."