2009

Every year folks come up with resolutions they hope to keep and fulfill in the new year. I too am like this, but the one I want to share is my personal effort to be more involved in life and its' daily gifts. This for me means less time on the computer.

So if you want to know what is goign on with me, call me. Let's get together. Let's make memories instead of emails. Of course I am not going to completely ignore the wonderful world that Mr. Al Gore created for us. I will be around.

Happy New Year to all!

Got to run...life is calling.

Sweet Jesus Almighty.

I am not a nature fan mostly because of the insects that take up residence in it. So, I avoid many things that involve nature. I respect that fact that we need to coexist in order for our world to survive. However, I draw the line when those repulsive creatures enter my home. I stay out of your habitat - you stay out of mine.

Today, an arrogant ginormous spider decided to waltz thru my front door. YEs - the front. I quickly thought of K-Mom's intruder a while back and wondered if this was a relative. I had no time to take a picture for comparison. I grabbed one of hubby's size 27 shoes and proceeded to beat the living s-h-i-t out of it while screaming even worse obscenities. (It would have made for a great U-Tube moment.)

Why did God feel the need to create these creatures? Are there mosquitoes that big out there somewhere?! I may never leave the confines of my home again...

Y.U.M.

I have found my favorite place to eat. It doesn't have that typical Birmingham feel, and the atmosphere definitely adds to the foods already delicious flavor. I ate their 2x this weekend, and I must say I am already itching to go back.

I have finally found a little piece of Heaven in the 'Ham. Now all I need is to add a good glass of wine...140 days to go.

Can It Get Any Better?!

Bama beat Auburn - not only beat them - demolished them. Bama kept them from putting a single point on the board. Auburn's final score --- A BIG FAT ZERO. I am still laughing my a-s-s off. Can you say 'annihilated'?!

12-0 -Holy Hell! Roll F'in Tide!!!!

Best Friends Forever...

Or until the next round of "Mine! No MINE!!!" starts.

The Future's So Bright, I Got To Wear Shades...

lil B loves our new piano. Uncle Josh was quick to sit down and teach her a few notes - specifically ones to GNR's "November Rain." Hmm...the next Liberace maybe?..




Although mama likes the idea of President too.

Girls Just Want To Have Fun.

lil B and I had a mommy daughter date Saturday night. It consisted of dinner with friends and a great Christmas show put on by a local University. lil B despite being napless, was amazing. My 3 year old acted more like a 13 year old. All grown up and dare I say...sweetly perfect. (Of course all the girls that night did too!)

What melted my heart the most was at the show, lil B insisted on sitting with her friends. So there in the middle of a long row, sat my 3 year old 'baby'. Completely attentive to the show - not needing mommy at all. One time I checked on her and she actually told me to return to my seat.

I love that my baby is independent, and I am obviously doing something right thus far...but at 3?! I thought this happened around 10ish.

Kids today do grow up way too fast! (Crap - now I sound like my Grandmother.)


Of course, the night would not have been complete with out some boys. Leave it to The Fred & lil B. They make their mamas proud and are going to make their daddies sweat. =)

North Pole, Alabama.

lil B and I went to a Christmas craft show this past weekend. Santa also happen to be there for pictures. As soon as lil B spotted him, she excitedly yelled "Hi Santa!" And with that turned to me and seriously asked "Is this the North Pole mommy?"

For a split second, I wished it was for her.

Sick Baby Blues

lil B has been sick for the past 2 days, which means mommy has been home tending to her. After about 48 hours of non-stop cartoons,Disney movies, Candy Land & Hi Ho Cherry'O, my brain is mush. I think the walls of my home are closing in on me, or the clothes I have been wearing for the past 2 days are starting to emit a hallucinogenic odor.

I even replaced the dead batteries in her obnoxious keyboard/piano. WHat was I thinking?!?

The Power of Marketing

Some of my favorite songs from childhood happen to be commercial jingles that to this day bring me back. Who can resist reminiscing when she/he hears the infamous Toys R Us song..."I don't want to grow up, I'm a Toys R Us kid..." (go on, finish the song, you know you love it too.)

Now lil B has started to absorb some of the catchy jingles. The first one was the Band-Aid commercial. (This being a favorite of my childhood too.) No matter what lil B is doing or where in the house she is, lil B will stop and sing along. Everybody now - "I'm stuck on Band-Aid brand, 'cause Band-Aids stick on me".

lil B's most recent favorite - the Subway commercial. "Five dollar, five dollar foot longs..." Is this comparable to "My bologna has a first name..."? Time will tell.

Anyone seen the Toys R Us toy catalog this year? I still salivate at the sight of it. If only Santa was still around for adults.

BUNCO!!!

For a pregnant lady to stay out until midnight, she has to be having fun. Add a group of fabulous ladies to it, and you have a BUNCO!!!

We actually do play the game, no matter how hard it is to break away from our great conversations. And even tho we are all moms, we still manage to have conversations regarding things other than kids - like Zebra strap-ons. Queen B & K - we are still on for the psychic right? ;)

Thanks to BlueMomma for hosting, and to our first event host Seis. And to all the ladies who make it worth showing up to despite my inability to socially lubricate myself...I definitely rolled a 'BUNCO!!!

Now if I can figure out how Kimtastic cheated. Was it 'rub ta-tas on table, caress left butt cheek...'

Ahh...

After dropping lil B off at school this morning, I cheated and grabbed me a Starbucks. I drove home slowly - admiring God's colorful landscape. (The tress look truly amazing right now.) While sipping my tasty indulgence, happily singing along to my Christmas songs courtesy of 96.5, I had another epiphany. Life is good. And I am thankful.

Of course, my mind wandered when a car I liked passed by and I began to wonder when my upgrade would arrive... I said 'life was good', not perfect. ;)

It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year!

A local radio station has begun playing Christmas music. Although it is still a bit premature, I am already excited!!! I love love love the holiday season. Family, friends, food, you name it - the holiday season has it. The only bummer this holiday - my beloved eggnog beverage will be Southern Comfort-less. Being knocked up has some disadvantages. This is definitely one.

Now if Mother Nature would cool us down to a nice balmy holiday temperature... Last I checked, I don't live in Florida.

Things I've Learned Since Becoming A Mom.

While on the way to my monthly prenatal visit, I started thinking about how different I am now - now that I am a mommy. A lot of things that once upon a time were unimportant or not thought of, are now very important and life defining. Here are a few:

1. I understand the concept of true unconditional love.

2. I worry about my family and our well being. That is it. The rest is a waste of precious life. (Not saying I don't care about other things, I just can't carry the weight of the world on my shoulders.)

3. Belief in God is paramount. Without Him, my life would be meaningless.

4. Life is full of surprises. Some good, some bad but never boring.

5. I am morphing into a middle aged woman. Not only in my appearance (^$#^@&!!!), but thoughts and perceptions too. I am okay with that, as I identify myself primarily as a wife and mother. However, I am still a sucker for fashion and trends.

6. Politics concern me. Taking food off my table or clothes off my child's back is unacceptable. I can control these with the power of my informed vote.

7. I enjoy good adult conversations - ones that aren't centered around poop and boo boos. I have these talks with my 3 year old daily.

8. I am becoming more forthcoming. Being candid leaves little room for misunderstandings and assumptions. I don't do 'bs'.

9. The older I get, the faster time goes.

10. And lastly - for this post, I am a role model to my child. If no one else in the world ever sees me as one, my lil B does (for now.) And for that reason alone, I try to be the best person I can be. Although, I kinda have a 'few' faults. Just a few tho. Hmm - does the occasional potty mouth count?! =P

Happy Halloween!

Snow White & her prince.


Marilyn & JFK


Star Wars fun

I See A Road Trip In My Future.

Brooklyn Returns to a Heady Time

By PAUL ADAMS

A number of breweries in Brooklyn are re-establishing the

association between the borough and beer.

www.nytimes.com/2008/10/29/dining/29beer.html?th&emc=th

My Closet.

My closet needs cleaning. It has become crammed with things I no longer need, use or care for. SO, I am cleaning out my closet. Getting rid of the old and unneccessary and making way for the new.

The furture always holds new and promising things and with the new year approaching, I think it is the perfect time. I have learned some new things are sometimes 100% better than the old - minus a few exceptions.

"Cleanin Out My Closet"

Where's my snare, I have no snare in my headphones, there ya' go, yeah, yo', yo'...

~Eminem

Thanks For The Laugh.

Some people may not intend to be funny, but they are. Especially when one thinks he/she is serious, and it is an obvious joke.

I am still giggling. Thanks again.

Wanted

Personal Assistant.

Qualifications:
Great organizational skills
Patience
Available 24/7
Car
Quiet - Speaks only when spoken to

Experience:
5+ years of handling chaos

Benefits & Salary:
None

Start date:
Yesterday

Thank You

Thank You for blessing me with one of your angels. I have cherished every moment over the past 3 years and look forward to many more.

Thank You for sending another angel our way. Although we have yet to meet him/her, we love him more than words can express.

Thank You for my loving and wonderfully supportive husband. Without him, the past 3 years would be non-exsistent and the future I forsee impossible.

Thank You for a loving and healthy family.

Thank You for my fabulous friends and for reminding me of the true meaning of friendship.

Thank You for the roof over our heads.

Thank You for the food on our table.

Thank You for the dollar in my pocket.

Thank You for all the blessings you have bestowed upon me and the ones yet to come.

Thank You for the purse I want out of the catalog I am holding onto in hopes it would somehow miracuously appear. JK! (He knows I have a sense of humor.)

Happy 3rd lil B! You are your mama's pride and joy!

Oops.

So, there was an error. I realized it once I received them. I should have been more observant while ordering, but I wasn't. I could send them back, but they were all addressed and ready to go.

If you catch it, kudos to you. If not, I like you more. ;)

The Blahs.

I feel frumpy. The belly is growing, but not enough for a random person to think I am pregnant. So for now I look fat wearing oddly fitting clothes. It doesn't help that my hair stylist can't see me for 2 more weeks. I think my roots are longer than the rest of my hair now. And I won't even touch on the hormone acne. Out.Of.Control. I could be a connect the dots picture.

Pregnancy is not my thing. Maybe there is something to this surrogate mom thing...

Fattening Comfort.

Bring on the junk food. Why is it that now, while knocked up, I am craving pure crap food? Not to mention, it actually makes my tummy feel good. Dill pickle chips, biscuits, Milo's Tea, the list goes on. Never in my non-pregnant mind would I consider eating this stuff on a regular basis. Now, crap food has become a staple in my home. I would love to eat a carrot instead. But the mere thought of a carrot makes me want to vomit. An apple you say? I tried it, and that I did puke. The only - knock on wood - food I have puked thus far.

Good God I hope these prenatal vitamins work. My new baby might look like E.T. or something.

Remember.

And Then There Were 4.

Another lil 'B' - Baby, is on the way! Today hubby and I got to hear his/her heartbeat - 154 bpm. As soon as we heard the grumbled sound of a heartbeat fill the dimly lit room, we both teared up. Life is amazing, and this new baby already has us wrapped around his/her barely there finger.

8 weeks along, and due the end of April. lil B is sure she is having a baby brother. We shall see.

His/Her first picture. Miraculous.

So Big.

First day of school.



Proud daddy escorting his lil pumpkin.



Meeting the teacher.



End of the day...wore the heck out.



And her first school project...melted my heart.

Another One I Can't Resist.

I came accross this and just had to share. We all know that Obama gave his acceptance speech on the eve of Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream". Now that in itself is a whole different blog, but I am not going there. WHat I am sharing is how Obama was trying to emulate the great Dr. King. But pay close attention to the bold statement at the bottom.

"This bite from the Obama speech last night. It's a montage of The Messiah talking about himself. This runs a minute 17 seconds. None of these I's -- I, I, I -- is repeated.

'OBAMA: I accept your nomination. I thank you. I am grateful... I love you. I am so proud... I stood before... That's why I stand here......... Tonight I say... I don't know about you... I'm not ready... I quote... Americans I know... I don't believe... I just think... I am standing here... I see... I think... I listen... I remember... I stood... I hear... I think... I could... I know... I don't know... I intend to... I am... I will stop... I will... I will... I will... I will... As president I will... I'll help... I'll make... I'll invest... Michelle and I... I'll recruit... I will... I want... I have laid out... I'll pay... I will... I'm ready... I stood up... I argued... I will never hesitate... I will only... I will end... I will rebuild... I will... I will... I will... I will... I will... I look forward... I will not... I love... I know... But I don't know... I know... I get it... I realize that I... I -- I -- I -- I believe... I've seen it... I've lived it... I've seen it... I've seen it... I've seen it... I make... I got news for you... This election has never been about me. It's about you!'"

Classic.

Me, For The Record.

One of my good friends just asked why I am not on the 'Obama Train.' I don't normally do political debates or discussions with friends. These 'light hearted' talks usually end no where...with the same "agree to disagree". And inevitably, someone ends up being offended/hurt which puts a wedge in what is a wonderful friendship.

However, I feel it is only fair to myself to voice my opinions on my blog and allow those who want to know why given the opportunity. I am not looking for answers nor comments. This is my belief and my blog.

Reason numero 1:
Obama has NO experience. I would never let a surgeon with no previous experience operate on me. I am not a guinea pig. This is how I feel about Obama. Run my country? You are not qualified.

Reason numero 2:
We are in a post 9/11 world. Does anyone remember how many people died? The devastation, the destruction? I can not forget the lives that were lost and effected. I know some of the vicitims personally. Not to mention, I saw first hand the smoking piles of debris that contained the bodies of people - US citizens. People just like you and me - reduced to mere ash. Do you know who is hoping Obama gets elected to presidency? Osama bin Laden. Fidel Castro. DO you know why? They are anti-AMerican, hate filled murders. War mongers! What does that say about Obama and his international relations and national security? The people who hate us the most want Obama not for peace and unity, but for his ignorance. Obama has no idea how to protect the United States of America. His stand point is lax. Refer back to point numero 1.

Reason numero 3:
Has everyone forgotten the great Rev, Wright and his "God Damn America" colloquy?! Obama was an active participant in this chruch for 20 - TWENTY - years! Obama only disassociated himself from the this anti-American propaganda after it hit the headlines. Of course Obama went into 'save face' mode. Bla bla bla. Excuses, excuses.
ANd what about Michelle Obama and her infamous comment of now being proud to be an American?! What?! How can a possible first lady not have been proud of our great country? It is a blatant insult to us and our founding fathers.

Reason numero 4:
Infanticide. Definition: 1. the act of killing an infant. 2. the practice of killing newborn infants. 3. a person who kills an infant. Obama is in support of this. I am pro-life. I have a baby. I nurtured her in my womb for 9 months. She was alive inside me. As for rights as a woman, I have the right and choice to say 'No' to sex. Sex creates life. Obama believes in killing babies. Sick, inhumane, and a murderer. I could never vote for a person who believes in this.

Reason numero 5:
Obama's association with this man - William 'Bill' Ayers. Look him up.

I could go on and on. Obama wants 'Change.' His well coined but nothing new one word slogan. That's great. We all want to change something or another. His idea of change is filled with the word promise. But it is an empty promise because he has no idea how to change things. It is an insult to our intelligence as a nation. Show me his experience? SHow me his qualifications. Prove why he deserves this job? What is his proven track record? Oh wait - he has none. Bill & Hilary Clinton have been saying this since day one. Anyone can tell you why he/she would be great as President. Again, see reason numero 1.

When it comes to our country, I don't follow trends. Charisma is not the same as Character. I don't need Sweet Talk. I need a qualified leader to guide MY GREAT, NUMBER 1, Most Powerful, nation in the world. I am PROUD to be an American. Proud to be a Republican.

Obama - Osama - Oshama. Not for my country.

McCain picked a FABULOUS VP. Impeccable record. SHe is more qualified than Obama. Look at her EXPERIENCE. It speaks for itself. Too bad, so sad Obama didn't pick Hilary. He might have had a chance. If I were a Hilary supporter, I would be very offended. Obama knows Hilary is more qualified than himself. That is why Hilary is not on the Obama ticket.

Whew...this is the most I have blogged in a long a-s-s time. Back to watching Max & Ruby. No wonder, my brain hurts.

I Can't Resist.

Since it is so trendy and hip to have one of his 'Change' stickers, I figure I will follow along. Except with my own version.

I do my research too. Both sides, and I see the BS clearly.

LOL - this was great. It brought me out of my blog hiatus.

Blog Hiatus

Hellooooo - Is anybody out there?!

Sorry dear blog, but I have taken a liking to something that is more interactive and you my friend, have taken a back seat.

All the cool people are doing it, and I am a sucker for peer pressure. Not to mention, I like it.

Although I can't say my blog was ever anything of relevance; I am not that public of a person and think privacy is a dying concept I still cherish and value. My blog is far from an open diary. Just a small crack in a window with little bits of information I choose to share. I am not in search of web fame. I will leave that for the likes of Tila Tequila.

I'll be back...just don't hold your breath.

Hmmm...bets on my next blog post being tomorrow??? =P

To Commute Or Not To Commute, That Is The Question.

Why do Alabamans think that commuting anywhere outside their neighborhood is a big deal? I ask because not only have I heard that where I live is far - which technically is 10 minutes from the city, but I have never lived in a state where so many people appear to be shocked if you commute. Just today someone asked "You are driving to Homewood for lil B's school?"

I have always commuted. In NY, I rode the subway from Queens to Manhattan, in Atlanta & Nashville I drove across town for school, and even in small town Chattanooga, people drove from the city of Cleveland to dowtown for the schools, parks, etc. None of what I mentioned are 5 minute drives. I do realize that most of the big cities around Birmingham are pretty self sufficient where one would not need to leave, but I have never heard of people actually not leaving their city boundaries...

It seems strange to me....maybe I am the strange one. Or maybe some folks need to venture out of their bubble.

Once Upon A Time...

There were 2 sweet princesses that lived in the kingdom.


One day while out playing in the garden, they spotted the neighborhood pup, Biscuit.


He came to say 'hi' and frightened the fair maidens away.


THE END.

Lost And Heartbroken.

For Mother's Day this year, lil B bought me a charm for my charm bracelet. Well, I now know the latch sucks. I lost the charm. Not only do I hate to lose things, I despise losing things that hold sentimental value. You see the charm said "Mom."

Ugh. Makes my stomach turn.

If anyone happens to come accross this:


I would love you forever and wish you great karma.

Signed,
Sad Mommy.

The End Of Innocence.

I have always said 'I don't do politics'. I have witnessed too many discussions that resulted in heated debates when the origin was a simple discussion. But now, as a mom and an aging American (ACK - did that come out of my mouth?!) I am realizing the importance of politics, how it directly effects me, and how silence and ignorance deprives me of a fundamental right as a proud American. I do vote, I do claim a party, but I have refrained from being vocal. With an election around the corner, I feel the need to be more outwardly strong in my beliefs.

Of course, in the end I am a proud American and am thankful we have the choice to decide which government leadership we want. I just wish we had 2 candidates that were worth voting for. Once candidate acts more and more like a messiah, and another has tendencies that do not reflect the beliefs of his party.

So, If you see me on tv dancing around with signs and chanting something, be glad I have found my political self. Then hand me a beer and drag my a-s-s out of there. Thanks! =P

Is Resurrection An Option?

I think I might be a little like Alex P. Keaton...except my President was not a crook nor did he use cigars incorrectly, and actually made changes without all the unfounded hype.

Just sucks he is dead.

"Take Me To Another Place..."

I love hearing old songs that take me back to another time and place. It's amazing how that works. Kinda like perfume scents too. A certain smell can remind you of someone or something.

Today for me it was Shania Twian's 'Any Man of Mine.' I could have sworn it was 1995again. And I still know every word to the song.



(The post title is from Tennessee by Arrested Development. Another song I *heart*.)

Birds Of A Feather...

flock together. Old sayings obviously originated out of truth. The older I get, the more I realize how true it is. Of course, the 'birds' are not always exactly the same. There are some differences that make each one a unique. After all, who would want to hang out with her perfect self all day. I already know I get on my own nerves - sometimes.

Side note, my friend's bro is still in the 'know' with trends. He calls people 'birds'. Even slang originates from idioms.

Of course, the slang word 'birds' could already be old school.

Something Is Wrong Here.

I won't even touch on the bottle story. I think that has been brought up enough by the media. However, above is the mommy & child duo playing at a NYC park. Now for anyone who has never been to the Big Apple, yes it is in the north but the summers are still disgustingly hot. So why in the hell is she wearing this outfit?!

Straight Men Don't Know Hair.

Hubby went for a haircut. It did need a trim. A 'trim'.
This was before the cut:

(lil B had eaten an ice cream cone. Don't pay attention to the chocolate stained mouth.)

Today he paid $20.00 for this:


Baldness is not a hair trim. This is why he will never take lil B for a hair cut. Ever. $20.00...

Yap Yap Yap.

I feel like all I do - all day long - is talk talk talk.

"What do you want to eat?" "Do you have to tee-tee?" "Be careful." "No no." "Where are your shoes?" "What do you want to play?" "Don't throw the ball in the house." "Close the door." "What do you want to drink?"

I never thought it was possible, but I am actually sick of myself.

On another topic...why do I always miss a spot shaving my knee?. ALWAYS. Hmmm...does that make me a little bit 'crunchy'?! HA!

Stolen.

Hubby has taken over my DS2 birthday gift. I told him pink is not his color. He does not seem to care.

Argh.

lil B Reigns...

Especially with her new big girl bed.

TBDMGE!

'THE' Best Damn Moms Group Ever!!!






Throw in some margaritas...and it becomes mad fun! Check out Poodle Head's video clips.
http://heck-poodlehead.blogspot.com/2008/07/had-funtabulous-night-with-best-damn.html

True. True.

This great email came via BlueMomma. With all the fun that I am having with the fabulous ladies of TBDMGE!, this email is hilariously true...

Shout Outs To MommaDrool!!

For giving me a pretty twin. Although, I think Jennifer Dixon is prettier, I am just glad she is not ugly!

MommaDrool, you rock! Now, what do you think about me and Jennifer Anniston, or Charlize Theron, any similarities??? =P
http://mommadrool.blogspot.com/2008/07/yankee-belle-has-twin-sister.html

Birthday Gift Continued...

Since it may take some time to assemble, this is what the package on a pallet will look like:

Tea Anyone? Okay Okay, you know me too well. The caption should read:

Wine anyone?

Stolen From K-Mom!

K-Mom and I are friendship compatible. Glad I stole it from her. She understands.

You Are a Good Friend Because You're Accepting

No matter what a friend says or does, you try your best to understand it. And your friends feel like they can tell you anything. You don't judge. You know that friendship is a journey - with a lot of ups and downs. If you and a friend grow apart, you get over it quickly... and leave the potential for future friendship open. You tend to have many friends from many walks of life. Anyone you meet is could become a friend. In fact, you are especially interested in people who are a little different than you. Seeing life from another perspective is something you cherish. Your friends need you most when: They can't turn to anyone else with their secrets You really can't be friends with: Dogmatic, stubborn people Your friendship quote: "Love is blind, but friendship closes its eyes."

What Makes You a Good Friend?

Assembly Required.

My birthday gift finally arrived. It came via a special freight truck. It sat upon a pallet. It had to be rolled into the garage. Hubby freaked because he knew it required lots of assembling. Hubby is assembly handicapped. I think in most cases, he would rather lose a limb than assemble something.

It did look intimidating...but it is MINE!