It's Official!!!

Here is the ad for the benefit crop




{Thanks Karen for your wonderful help and expertise with this!!}

I am taking it to the printer right now to get copies done and distributed. I am getting excited...a whole day of scrapping...A WHOLE DAY!!!!It'll be amazing...and for a great cause. I hope that we have a great turn out. The sponsorships have been wonderful and I have already gotten several requests for registration information. I am really looking forward to having some serious fun!!

It does snow in Alabama!!

or at least it did last night at the Santa's Village at Constitution Village.

We took the boys to Santa's Village as a treat since they were well behaved yesterday. We had never gone before, but it is sure to become a holiday tradition for us now that we have been there. We had a great time.

We checked out Blizten and Comet....



and decorated cookies....





and of course we saw the big guy...




We had a really good time with the kids. Still hasn't broken me out of my funk...but it was a good time. We were glad that we god there when we did too....the line was ten times longer when we got out from seeing Santa as it was when we went in!! Thank goodness hubby has off until the 2nd and we could be there right when it opened at 5.

After Santa we took the boys to the Waffle King (their favorite place to eat) and found out they will be open on Christmas day. YAY!! Merry Christmas to me!! We can go out and eat and there won't be any dishes to wash or Hams to be cooked. What a lucky break. Two years ago we found out that the only chinese place open on Christmas day is the one on the movie "A Christmas Story". Last year we found out that it is still expensive even if you make your own lunchmeat and hors d'vours (sp?). So it was great to find a place that is open on Christmas day. Waffles for everyone!!

I'm in a funk.....

I just can't get in the christmas mood. I think I've been oversaturated on the whole christmas thing already. I'm just ready to take everything down and get it over with. Hopefully the spirit will hit me and I'll get out of this foul mood....soon....

here are some pics I took of the decorations though...











I was also in a secret santa on 2Ps...My secret santa was Brandi who spoiled me rotten with a ton of Rob & Bob line from Provocraft!! She also sent me Runts ... which are my all time favorite candy...Thanks Brandi!!

Here's a pic of my stash...

okay...

more playing with the camera.... I think I have the aperature down for making the "star" pattern with the lights...looks pretty cool if you click on the photo to make it larger......

And so the time is once again upon us....

for Festivus!!!





We did get the tree up...well at least with some lights on it...and hubby made fun of me cause I shot 80 pics...of just the tree. In my own defense I was playing with the manual settings to see what I could get. I still have yet to play with the ISO...but this is a good one to start with...



yes it's a little dark...this one is a bit lighter...

I'll have to play more with the settings tonight ... maybe we can even get some decorations on it...if the TTs cooperate!!

Christmas comes early....

Or at least it did for me! Last night hubby was listening to me ramble on and on about having to go and get more film for the camera since TT#1 has a Christmas pageant on Thursday next week. Since I'm out of film - that is a problem. So as I sit on the floor after dinner and play with my boys while the hubby cleans up in the kitchen, TT#1 comes in with a box. I look at the box then look at my hubby and ask him "why am I getting this early?" he in turn tells me to just open the box. I open it and immediately start squealing. This is what is in the box ~~~~~~~~










are ya ready?



















it's really good~~~


















TA-DA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!





OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

let me say that one more time

OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So now I am on a camera high. I just have to figure out how to use this thing now. Last night we were playing with the burst setting and the different aperatures. I really need to sit down and read so I can learn everything that the camera can do. I am just so excited.

It came with a kit lens (18-55) but I still have my film SLR lens (18-80) . Hubby also got me a 1GB card which should hold a lot of pics. I still have my camera bag from my film SLR so it fits in there perfectly. It came with some software but I haven't made it that far to install it. It has some photo editing software and printing software which should come in really handy.

I honestly started crying last night after the TTs went to bed. I just couldn't believe it. I own this camera. It's out of character for hubby to buy something so expensive that isn't a "household" item and the camera is a frivolous item. It really means a lot to me that he wanted me to have it. I can't help but wonder if it has something to do with all the whining I do about the cameras that I have.

No matter what the reason he did it - I love my hubby. I love my new camera and I hope that it helps me become a better photographer.

Well I've rambled enough now...off to shoot some pics!!

AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Tension breaker had to be done!!

I have rec'd not one...not two...but three confirmations that my entry has been rec'd for the Provocraft DT. I feel like such a dolt...hopefully a dolt who didn't just disqualify herself for trying to submit multiple times.

I sent the first one...no confirmation.....so I thought...maybe the files were too large.

I sent the second one...no confirmation...so I thought...maybe it doesn't like my domain that I am mailing from.

I sent the third one...rec'd a confirmation!!

Rec'd another confirmation.....and another!! DAMN!!

Patience is a virtue....that I obviously don't hold dear. But at least it's out there. They have it. I won't be wondering if I didn't make it because they just never rec'd the entry. Now I"ll know that I didn't make it cause of all the killer talent that applied.

Next is the Junkitz DT. I don't know if I"ll get anything done in time...but I"m gonna give it my best shot. Oh crap....that shot better happen quick...I only have until tomorrow at midnight to finish one half-completed project and uhm.....3 others?? crap.

Here's your sign....

We've all heard the routine right? Bill Engval doing his little jokes about how stupid people can be? I, today, became one of those people.

They have a smokin' deal on batteries at Advance Auto. Since half if not all of the kids toys from relatives require batteries and *gasp* they didn't send any, I went there this afternoon to pick up enough batteries to run a war ship for a year. I get out of my car and walk up to the building. I wait for the automatic door...

and wait.........

and wait.........

yep you guessed it - no automatic door!! I am standing there looking like a complete moron cause I thought that the door would just open. Like I am a modern day Moses, and I'm waiting for the doors to open for me like the parting of the Red Sea. Luckily for me I immediately thought of something that a good friend of mine told me once. If you actually knew how many times strangers thought about you, you'd realize that they don't. Thank goodness that is true.

Gimmie an "S"......

Gimmie an "I"
Gimmie a "C"
Gimmie a "K"

What does that spell?

SICK!!!

That is what we have been here since Thursday night. Way to spend a holiday weekend. Hubby is outside right now putting up the holiday spectacle...I mean spectacular....that he was too ill to put up yesterday. And of course now that it's Saturday and the weekend is almost over - I'm sick as a dog too. Just in time for hubby to go back to work. Oh joy to the world.

The holiday wasn't all bad though. Christopher is out of the hospital, the drain is out, and he is on limited mobility for a while. We are very thankful that things are going well. God has a plan...lucky for us that plan leaves Christopher with us a while longer. He is in good spirits about everything and thinks it's pretty cool to be the first person (and hopefully the last) in his family to undergo brain surgery. I guess that's quite a milestone for a teenager!!

I'm hoping that your holidays are starting off well...and that you didn't get your ass kicked on Black Friday while you were out shopping. Lay off the leftovers and don't have too much eggnog.

Just another Manic Monday....

Today was the first day of hubby's week-long vacation. So of course I had to make plans to do something as a family...and of course it had to rain. Should I have expected anything less?




Chirstmas Pictures!!

We went to a newer studio here in the big H that is called Innovative Portraits. They were WONDERFUL!!! They got great candids of the boys, a gaw-juss family photo and it wasn't bank breaking!! All in all I was fairly impressed. The pricing of Wal-mart with the quality of a full service studio. The best part - my photos were done in 30 minutes for me to pick them up and take them home. That's better than the 1 hour service at the Walgreens that we use for my digi camera!!

Yesterday is history....

Tomorrow a mystery...
Today is a gift...
That is why it is called...

THE PRESENT.

And that is what we received today - a present. Today we found out that Christopher is okay. It was a colloid cyst, not a tumor as we originally thought. Last night the doctors removed it from the center of his brain and today he's doing okay. He will need to leave the drain in place for a while still and they will determine if it needs to have a permanen shunt put in from his skull to his stomach.

But today we accept the present that we have been given. We thank Him for it.

and the beat goes on.....

That's what I think of as I sit here listening to my TT#1 beating on his bedroom door becuase it's bedtime. He thinks it's time to throw a fit. Like that's going to get him anywhere. Not today. No way.

Husband comes home. Spring on garage door opener on his side of the garage snaps. He tells me I'm lucky that it didn't hit my car when it snapped. Au'contrare mon ami. Me thinks YOU are the lucky one. But I digress. A trip to the Depot to get a replacement spring. Put spring on door opener. Realize should have bought 2 springs so that the tension is the same. Trip to Depot to buy second spring. Put second spring on door. Raise door. Lower door. Realize as door is halfway down that it has torqued off level. Then realize that there is nothing that you can do but stand there and watch the windows in the door shatter. Cuss repeatedly. Call garage door replacement company to come out and give an estimate for two new doors and one new opener. My dreams of a new digital camera are slowly going down the drain as home expenses tally up in the back of my mind.

Bye bye rebel.

I loved you.

Alabama is harmful to your children's health

That is the only logical explanation that I can reasonably come up with at this time. There really can't be any other reason...it is just not healthy for children to live here...

I found out today that ANOTHER family that we are friends with has a son with a possible brain tumor.

ANOTHER brain tumor.

ANOTHER drain was put in a little boy's skull.

ANOTHER MRI will be done to determine what is going on.

ANOTHER family that is on my prayer list.

I want to destroy the word ANOTHER. It shouldn't exist anymore. It is such an unfair word. ANOTHER and TUMOR should both be bottled and blown up and never used in the same sentence again - EVER.

Christopher is only 15. He is older than JJ...but still a child. A child that will probably never again fly a plane (he was getting a pilot's license)...a child who will probably never drive a car..a child who will probably never go to college or even graduate high school..still a child....

I was talking with one of my best friends today about this. We both wondered when the doctors will draw the line and refer us for counseling after we request a bunch of tests for our kids to be sure they are healthy. When exactly do they start thinking that you have Munchausen By Proxy? I want my kids scanned, tested, x-rayed, and evaluated. Not to prove that they DO have something wrong with them...but to be sure that they DON' T have anything wrong with them.

We joked about going "granola" and giving up tap water. How far can you really go to protect your children?

I laugh at the commercial that shows the mom wrapping her child in bubble wrap before sending them off to school...

but does it make me a bad mom to WANT to do that?

{Another Box}

Got another box today. It's from Colorbok. They sent some great stuff for the fundraiser. It's turning into a great pile of stuff for the goodie bags and giveaways!! There are albums, paper, stickers, frames, and more that I won't say cause I want it to be a suprise!!

Crop for a Miracle {UPDATE}

Yesterday I got another manufacturer's box (who knew UPS delivered on holidays?)

...it's from Karen Foster....LOVE YA KFD!!!

They sent enought product for every goodie bag to get some!!! That box weighed in at 8 pounds...do you know how much stuff you can cram in an 8 pound UPS box?? Well let me tell you...it's a LOT. Every person who comes to the Crop for a Miracle will receive not one...not two...but three different items from Karen Foster Designs!! Can't wait to see what else fills up those bags!!

Just keep swimming.....just keep swimming

That's what I'm telling myself. Just keep going. My weeks are quicly getting filled up between now and the end of the year. Visits to the gardens with the kids to see the lights and Santa...lunches at TT#1's school...shopping for presents...church activities...fundraising events....making items for craft shows...where oh where is all my time going??

We are having a meeting on Monday November 14, 2005 at 10:30 at St. John's Catholic Church on Hughes Road in Madison Alabama to discuss fundraising activities that we will be having for JJ's family. We have in the works - of course my scrapbooking day in January, a silent auction, spaghetti dinner, and ribbon sales. There will be childcare available if you would like to come. Address information can be found at the St. John's website

Feels like christmas early!!

I received the first box of sponsor product today...I won't say what was in it...but the company starts with an S. and ends in an E. I. They sent some wonderful stuff that some lucky people will be taking home in January!! I have gotten several responses from other companies that are also sending product so I can't wait to see what else is headed my way.

We are working on the location and I will probably wait until closer to the event and start hounding local eateries for discounted or donated food for the day. I still have to approach the local scrap store and see if and how they want to participate. It seems like it is coming together nicely.

There was a full front page story about JJ last Friday in the Huntsville Times. Check out JJ's webpage for the article. Erin's news release made the front page of the Athen's paper a little over a week ago also. JJ is getting prayers all over the world and the word is spreading about our little guy and the family. God Bless them all.

Crop for a Miracle

Well plans are underway and sponsors have been contacted. We will have a "Crop for a Miracle" in Huntsville AL in January. So far I have a few manufacturer sponsors and hopefully there will be more. I am looking into LSS sponsors and home-based sponsors also. So if you have a home-based business and would like to take part in this all day event - please email me.

I'm suprised at the number of companies that won't donate because I'm not a wholesale customer. I mean...if I was a store I'd already have their product on hand and could use it as a tax write off anyway... it just doesn't make any sense to me. But there are companies that if you don't already have buying power with them they have no use for you...oh wait ... other than collect your money when you buy their product at a store that has a wholesale license with them. I guess that I have always thought that charity was charity and you give it freely...but that I am quickly learning is only for the nieve to believe.

There have been a couple manufacturers that have requested that I pay for shipping...totally agreeable to that...I mean it's the least I can do for their generosity.

okay I just re-read what I wrote above and it does sound a little bitchy. But I can tell you this...I am offering sponsors to have full access to all advertising that we produce (paper and television), names prominently displayed on literature given out the day of the event, and a sponsor list printed on the front of the goodie bags. There will be plenty of exposure for the companies that participate. And for them to use the excuse that they can't donate becuase I don't have a wholesale account with them just sounds really lame to me. They would probably get more exposure than they get sitting in the back corner on a shelf at my LSS with their name not displayed anywhere. Rant over.

And next on our list.....

We are going to have a planning meeting in two weeks to figure out ideas for fundraising. We have several options that we want to pursue...some are easy and won't cost money...others are going to be involved and require some investment on our parts. We'll have to see what comes up at the meeting.

JJ has been going to his treatments this week and seems to be doing well. We went to lunch with Diana yesterday and she was in really good spirits. Jenn is doing embroidery on shirts or bags of the grey cancer awareness ribbon so we can show our support. Everyone is helping in their own way. We have a long road ahead of us and it will be hard at times...but that's why we have each other.

For a good cause

I went to bed really late last night...but it was for a good cause.

We met at Erin's house and started making silver ribbons for JJ's Miracle so that they could be sold today at the Crusader Festival. We had a really good time and got a lot done. I got to meet a couple of mom's that I hadn't met before which is always fun.

Then today we took TT 1&2 up to the church for the festival. They had a great time and I was even able to get a quick photo of the ribbon table.

JJ and the family showed up while we were there. He really looked great - new stiches and all. As soon as he got there he wanted to get something to eat. The steroids he is on make him really hungry.

We'll see them all again tomorrow at the Monte Sano Cookout.

If I don't see you...good afternonn, good evening, and good night!!

Press Release that is going out to the Media tonight

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Erin Percy
Huntsville, AL 35824
(***) ***-****

Local moms seek miracle

Madison, AL - October 25, 2005 - The Mommy and Me
members of St. John the Baptist Church are working for
a miracle. Madison resident, JJ Lipski, age 5, was
diagnosed last week with a very rare and inoperable
type of brain cancer, diffused pontine glioma. While
doctors say a long term survival is unlikely, JJ's
family and friends believe miracles happen. It won't
be the first time little JJ has received one. Born
over two months premature, weighing 2 pounds 11
ounces, he spent his first month fighting for his life
at Bethesda Naval Medical Center's Neonatal Intensive
Care Unit. Family friend Erin Percy says, "This
disease does not know who it picked a fight with. JJ
is an experienced fighter and his Army veteran parents
are ready for battle."

JJ is currently at Children's Hospital in Birmingham.
On October 25, 2005 he underwent successful surgery to
relieve the pressure on his brain. Upon admittance to
the hospital, doctors were surprised at how few
symptoms JJ displayed considering how much fluid
pressure there was. He had even played soccer just
days earlier. Despite his amazing spirit, doctors have
told JJ's family to enjoy every last moment. His
parents, Diana and Jim, and little sister Nikki want
there to be decades of moments.

Times have been tough for this local family. Jim's
family has been devastated by Hurricane Katrina, and
their Madison home became a base for recovery efforts.
Jim, who works for Homeland Security now, has been
deployed to the Gulf coast for disaster recovery and
returned just four days before JJ's tumor was found.

Word of JJ's illness spread quickly through the St.
John's parish and school. An email prayer campaign has
been set up and people around the country, many of
whom have never met JJ, are praying for his recovery.
Percy, who has known the family since their move from
Washington State last year adds, "There is something
about that little boy that is so kind and so gentle I
can actually feel God's presence when he is near. His
gifts blow me over."

The Mommy and Me group is spearheading fundraising
efforts to help JJ. "The amount of money this is going
to take is unimaginable," adds friend, Anne Tuggle.
There are going to be daily trips to Birmingham for
radiation, consults from doctors around the world
researching cures and many alternative therapies to
consider. Monetary donations can be made for JJ's
treatment at any Redstone Federal Credit Union branch
through the JJ's Miracle, D Lipski Fund. Currently,
the Mommies are working on a spaghetti dinner, silent
auction and ribbon sale. For more information contact
Erin Percy at (***) ***-****.

For more information:

http://www.stjude.org/disease-summaries/0,2557,449_2160_5033,00.html
http://www.childhoodbraintumor.org/brain.htm
http://www.saintjohnscatholicchurch.org/
http://www.chsys.org/

JJs Miracle

I just got an email from Diana...

Family, Friends & Prayer Warriors,

God Bless You All!

JJ has successfully undergone the surgery to get rid of the swelling caused by backed up spinal fluid and is already noticeably improved.

We returned home last night so that we can regroup and prepare for our (temporary) new normal of daily trips to Birmingham for radiation & chemo treatments; which begin on Monday.

The prayers and support you have provided have been incredible and very welcome.

To those of you who have been able to research while we couldn't, thank you - please know that we will investigate further so that when we discuss additional options with his medical team we are confident they will be receptive.

Many of you have requested that I attach of picture of JJ, so I am doing so with this email.

Again, let me thank you all for your belief and prayers that JJ will be healed completely - please remain steadfast in that faith.

Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was burised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; AND WITH HIS STRIPES WE ARE HEALED.

Jim, Di, JJ & Nikki

We will be having a "construction party" tomorrow night that will entail making silver ribbons and planning what we will do throughout the fall and winter to help the family.

I have started getting in prayer cards yesterday for JJ's book. We are so blessed to be able to do this for JJ. I hope that more come in today's mail.

Take care of each other.

To everything there is a season

and the season here is COLD!!

The temperature here has dropped considerably... it actually feels like fall is upon us....just in time for winter. Kids running about with scarves and hats...soon they'll have gloves on and heavy ski jackets. The temp will dive into the mid to low 50s and all hell will break loose...people will be swearing that snow is right around the corner...of course the temp would have to nosedive below 30 for that...and that only happens for about 6 hours somewhere in the middle of January.

I love Alabama!!

On a more somber note...

JJ has had a drain surgically placed to drain the excess spinal fluid from his brain since the tumor is blocking the fluid's normal circulation path. He is feeling a little better since the surgery yesterday and will hopefully be home tomorrow.

He will make the trip everyday for the next 6 weeks all the way to Birmingham to have his radiation treatments. He'll be sedated for his first treatment next week, but if he can stay still for the next ones he won't have to be put under again.

A bunch of us at church are going to do a fund raiser for JJ and the family to help with medical bills. We are using the phrase "I believe in Miracles for JJ" since that is the wording that the doctors used...we need a miracle. We'll have a silent auction and dinner as well as setting up an account at the Redstone Credit Union so we can accept community donations. Friday night we are going to get together at Erin's house and make silver ribbons to sell at the Crusader Fest at the church on Saturday. It's amazing how so many groups at church are coming together to try and help the family.

I have gotten emails that JJ's prayer cards are coming from many people. I am so thankful to all involved in doing this for the family. If you would like to take part in this project please email me. I would be more than happy to get you any information that you need to assist in this.

Still in a funk

I'm still crying over JJ. Everytime I look at my sons I start bawling again. It could be them. Hell it could be me. I'm starting to lose faith. I can feel my once happy, joyful, prayer filled heart becoming empty and cold with every tear that falls.

I couldn't go to church yesterday because I am shamefully angry. I am angry at God. You would think it would make me feel better just to say that and get it out of my system...........................


it doesn't.


I tried scrapping this weekend to get my mind off of everything. I got a measely 3 pages done. I just couldn't function. Even with going to the crop on friday and saturday nights I just couldn't do it.

I'll try again today when the boys go down for naps....but I'm not expecting much of anything to materialize.


Not today.

My heart is in shreds

I just found out that a friend of mine's son has an inoperable brain tumor. It is located on his brain stem and the doctors have told the family to start praying for a miracle. I don't know how much harder I can pray. My head literally hurts from crying so hard. I feel so helpless...


but I can pray. That is the only way I can truly help. I will pray the healing novena everyday. I will say the rosary until my fingers bleed if I have to. JJ cannot die.

He's only 5 for pete's sake. He hasn't lived. He needs a chance. First dance. First date. First prom. Graduation. These things are so far off...and yet so close.

It makes me wonder what criteria God has for taking souls. What reasoning could He have for taking a child so young...so sinless....so loved. Isn't there some murderer or drug dealer or child molester that can take JJ's place? It just seems so....unjust.

I'm going to put out a call for a project for the family. I want to make a 2up album of 4x6 "pages" that have inspirational phrases/quotes/favorite bible verses on it. Plain or embellished. Simple or elaborate. But something that will allow this family to know that they have a large prayer circle who are all working for JJ. If you are interested in participating please email me and I'll give you specifics.

But most of all.....just pray.....

They Like Me....The Really Like Me

I have had my *PVM* (please validate me) moment for the month...Actually I've had two...

I have made the cut for the next rotation of the Memory Safe Design Team...This was a team that I was an "Original Safe Sister" and while judging the new blood for who would make the team felt suddenly inadequate in ability. The people who tried out for the DT were amazing and produced some of the most incredible layouts I have seen. Amazingly enough...I was chosen to sit with these talented ladies on the team. I am thrilled!

I also got an email from a publication who would like one of my cards for their January 2006 issue!! I thought I was blacklisted from publication...but I guess perseverance has won out.....I am mailing my card today to the editor. I can't wait to see my work in print again!!

And school is back in session

Thank goodness.

Last week was fall break. That meant that my husband figured it would be great to take the week off from work. We did a few day trips..nothing huge....but this week back to your regular programming.

TT#1 will go back to school tomorrow and all will be right with the world. I know it sounds like I am a horrible mom....I want my little guy to go back to school.....but really he just functions better when he is away from the house for that couple of hours. Like he needs a reboot. And it's only for a few days a week...not like he's at boarding school or anything...but as soon as I find one that enrolls pre-school...I'm there.

I'll be beside myself next year when both the TTs are in school.

I might actually get something done around here.

Get back on the horse....

I have not scrapped for myself in many many months. I have been scrapping for this design team and that special project for so long that I didn't know if I would be able to come up with something on the fly.

I threw this together yesterday.




What once was very easy for me and came naturally is now very forced and complicated. It literally took me all day to do this layout. I just couldn't get it together. The pieces seem to have fallen into place eventually, but it was agonizing. I hope that it will get easier.

My term on the Memory Safe DT is coming to a close. I have re-applied but honestly after sending in my suggestions on new members I truly think I am now out of my league!! The new submissions have been absolutely stunning and it was an arduous task to even send suggestions to the store owner. Scrapbookers have some serious artistic ability. It truly amazes me on a daily basis.

Brings new meaning to Happy Holidays????

This stamp was found in a stamping magazine and posted on 2Peas....I don't think that it was an intentional pornographic picture....but it sure is entertaining...isn't it??

I think I should order one and use it on my christmas cards....someone suggested using the caption "Peter-paw and Merry"....sounds like a winner to me....now we just need to find out if it is mounted or unmounted.....

I will survive!!

That was my theme last week for the festival. And I did. Survive that is.....but barely.

We couldn't have asked for better weather. A nice fall breeze and the normal southern fall temperatures of around 85. Just right for snowcones and hot dogs. The attendance was over 15,000 and all of our vendors showed up - BONUS!!! Now a small break and the planning for next year will start up. It's almost unfulfilling....we bust our asses all year for this festival...then it's over in a matter of 8 hours. Ahhhh well... on to 2006!!

TGIF

That means that at least the week is over...

To the DTs that I didn't make....I realize that it is in no way a reflection on my work...a friend told me that it is a reflection of your judgement...

To the lady who felt it neccessary to comment on my best friend's son's hair because it sticks up....welcome to the world of being a stay at home mother....I understand that you are a new stay at home mom...but when you have a little more SAH experience then you will realize why making sure your child is "photo ready" every day is not a priority anymore....

To the people who feel the need to lie to me to get a booth space at the festival tomorrow....there's really no need to lie because even if you were telling the truth about when you sent in your application...there are still no booth spaces available for me to rent you...we've been full for a month....waiting until the last minute then fiegning ignorance of the event deadline is not my problem...

What the hell was I thinking???

I have been on a local city board for 3 years now. I am not only a committee member, but also an officer on this board. We are a volunteer board and we coordinate and produce a city festival each year the first Saturday in October. It's a great festival and it's a great time planning it...until this year.

We elect new officers each year. Last year the president was going through a busy time at work and stated that he would like to step down as president. We elected another person whom we thought would be great since she was so detailed and efficient.

First stupid move.

This person's husband has been on the board as her "assistant" for many years but holds no office or works in any official capacity. Since his wife became president it seems that he thinks he is Hilary Clinton. The man doesn't understand that he holds no power on this board. He attempts to make motions to pass things that he has no right to do. This year our parade chairperson moved and we needed a replacement - yep the power monger took it.

Second stupid move.

At last night's meeting I wanted to tell power monger that if he cut me off one more time while I was speaking I was going to run him over in the parking lot with my car.

I have learned that though people with a little power who think it is a lot are a bit dangerous...it is much more dangerous to have someone with NO power who thinks they have it all.

The festival is next weekend...then we elect new officers...I think I'll nominate the current president for secretary...and her husband for parking attendant...not currently a position that we have...but he'll be easier to aim for with the red monkey vest on when I see him out on the lot..................

Self Loathing - Part 1

I have absolutely nothing interesting to post about. When did my life get that boring?


I remember it wasn't too long in the past that I was the person that everyone called before making plans for the weekend. Where ever I was going there was always a large group who wanted to go with me. They told me I was the life of the party..the most fun to be around...I think I actually went for about a 3 year period of going out every weekend and never having to pay cause someone else would pick up the tab just so I'd go.

What the hell happened?

My life is now consumed with whether or not my 3 year old can pee by himself and did my 1 year old drink enough milk today. Trips to the grocery and make sure the dogs get fed. Conversations with my friends occur during naptimes so that we can actually talk rather than referee while on the phone. We do playgroups and pre-school parades.

We were the cheerleaders...the homecoming court....the prom queens....the hot chicks...the ones who never went without a date...or two..or three to any school function. Now we are hot due to pre-menopause. Laundry and dinner take precidence over...well, everything.

I'd continue my rant...but there's a toddler screaming for mommy







...and I realized that was me....

Back to the land....

of the living ... well maybe not.

I haven't posted anything in a while because .... well .... things around here have just seemed so secondary to everything else that is going on in this country. I mean really.... who the hell cares if my pre-schooler pissed in the toilet or on a tree for that matter? Does anyone care that I haven't been reading my book for my MOMS group meetings?? I know these things are just earth shattering right??

Nope ... not in the least ... not even to me ... but they should be.

I just can't seem to tear myself away from Fox News and MSNBC long enough for anything else to matter. I can't get the pictures out of my head of these women who can't find their babies ... men who can't find their wives ... and these activists - militants as far as I'm concerned who can't just think about saving these people and helping rebuild - they'd rather politicize it all.

It's the fault of the Republicans.

It's the fault of the Democrats.

It's the Blacks.

It's the Whites.

It's the Poor.

It's the Rich.

My God people ... it was mother nature. There was no master plan of destruction here. This was a horrible thing that happened. We need to look past the blame and get to fixing the problem.

There were entire towns wiped out in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. There are millions of people displaced. There are hundreds if not thousands dead. THOUSANDS.

I don't care that your car was a total loss ... at least you woke up this morning. Think about all of those that didn't. What was that ... you had to pay over $3 for a gallon of gas ... well you and the one whining about losing a car should get together and maybe arrange a car pool.

My goodness people get off your freaking high horse and do something other than flap your damn jaw about how heartbreaking this all is. Why don't you expend some of that energy mending a heart instead. Show some humanity. After all ... we are all only human ... and the only race is the human race.

And after what I've witnessed this past week ... I think there are some people who are losing that race ... by a longshot.

Blah Blah Blah

This what I heard during the VMAs last night on MTv.

Welcome to Diddyville - would have been a much more appropriate name.

Can a man be anymore involved with himself and still be sane? I think he's riding a fine line.

Now onto the fashion...or should I say lack of??

Eva Longoria and Jessica Simpson looked like their stylists were at a loss until the last minute and handed them table linens.

All Fergie (Black Eyed Peas) needed was a bunch of b-a-n-a-n-a-s on her head and Chiquita Banana would have been all over her for an ad contract with that hot little yellow number she was sporting.

Rocco DiSpirito (The Restaraunt) was looking fine in his laundry day best.

What is up with Ricky Martin? He used to be one hot latin...now he looks more like a tepid posterchild for gay fashion don'ts. I've always wondered but now I think my fears have become reality and he has crossed over to the gay side.

The show itself was a boring loss...the only saving grace was Shakira's outstanding performance.

Other than that it was a waste of 3 hours that I want to have back.

Another day in paradise....pass the vodka

So this week has been a week of new things.

First week of school for TT#1.

First week with brother at school for TT#2.

First week of Mommy and Me.

First week of my nervous breakdown.

I'm sure you can see I've been busy.


So that brings us to today. Today is a "party" day. For those of us in the south who are in a large group of SAHMs - you know what I am talking about. For the rest of you a party day is the day that everyone schedules their home parties with whatever consultant and the whole group convenes on your house with their children. The children go into the playroom and the moms are sequestered into the family room/kitchen and socialize and maybe buy something.

Today's party was Pampered Chef. I love PC parties cause the food is always good and the consultant is my friend. So we pack up and head over to the hostess's house for the party to start at 9:30. All goes well... we eat ... we laugh ... we eat some more.

Right up until about 11:30. That is when the pee hits the fan - or in my case the slide. TT#1 who has been swearing to me all morning that not only does he not have to go potty but that I am bothering him, decides that rather than stop playing he will just go right there. While in the playroom going down the slide he pees. Thank goodness I am standing right in the doorway so I see it happen and can get it cleaned up and get him out of there right away.

That is when the fun begins.

My 3 year old boy now has the lung capacity and strength of a grown man. I am trying to "direct" him to the car while holding my 1 year old in my arms and trying not to drop him. As I am dragging him by the arm to the car he is screaming at me to let go and then he tries to bite me. He is kicking, and hitting, and swearing that I want to hurt him -

which of course I do but I show great restraint.

Then when we get to the car he decides that he's going to make a break for it. Running as fast as his little legs can carry him he runs back down the block to the front of the house and sits on the front steps. Of course when I finally catch up with him - baby still on hip and now very uncomfortable - I look up at the door just in time to see the hostess standing there with the most sympathetic face. I smile...grab the heathen's arm...and drag him back to car.

Finally after a great fight I get both boys strapped in and I am ready to leave them in the car and walk home.

I take a deep breath


get in the car


and drive home.

I then get home and toss TT#1 into his room and change his clothes all the while listening to him tell me how much he doesn't like me and I'm mean and bad to him. I then shut his door - and lock it.

Thankfully he has now screamed himself to sleep on the floor in his room. He looks so peaceful - but I know the truth. After this morning's exhibit I am sure that the church will grant permission to perform an exorcism - cause my child was obviously possessed.

Well it's been a while....

Since I've posted...but we've been getting ready for school here. Open houses and shopping. Oh sweet joy of life!!

TT#1 is starting pre-school tomorrow. He is so excited he's about to pop. He has new big boy undies and new sneakers and thinks that he is the big doo-doo. Every morning he has woken up asking if it was Tuesday yet. Sorry little man...still one more day to go. I hope I remember my camera......

SAHMs

A topic was posted on 2Peas regarding the time of a stay at home mom.....how a SAHM's time is not at the "same value" as other people's time. This strikes a ring of truth I must say.

I have noticed an influx of times where things are handed off to me to do simply because I am home with the kids so of course I must have the time to do them. Why do people assume that because you stay home with your children you have the time to do anything else? What are they smoking??? They obviously have never stayed home with their children.

My favorite was when I wanted to go to a scrapbooking retreat earlier this summer. Conversation went like this:

Me: "It's only for 2.5 days and it's only $100 and everything is included."

Him: "But I'd have the kids for 2.5 days without you"

Me: " That's kinda the point"

Him: "But they aren't good for me"

Me: "They aren't good for anyone so why should you be different?"

needless to say I did not attend said retreat.

This is a constant thing in my house ... people think that you have all the time in the world and nothing to fill it with. Let me tell you the two terrors fill that time pretty quickly ... most days I don't even get to sit down and eat anything until BD comes home.

I hate being late for appointments that I have told BD that I have and he needs to be home at a certain time ... then he shows up late ...

I hate having to take the kids to the store during the day ... or waiting until after they go to bed so I can go by mysel f.....

I hate having to explain why I can't do something for someone rather than just being allowed a straight veto ... for whatever reason ....

But I love my kids .... and I wouldn't trade them for anything ...


But I am willing to rent them out ....

Into the Wayback Machine.........

Close your eyes...

And go back...

Before the Internet or the MAC

Before semi automatics and crack

Before SEGA or Super Nintendo...

Way back...

Hide and go seek at dusk.

Red light, Green light.

Playing kickball & dodgeball until your porch light came on.

Mother May I?

Red Rover

Hula Hoops

Running through the sprinkler

Happy Meals

Watchin' Saturday Morning cartoons She-ra, Road Runner, Smurfs, Fraggle Rock, He-Man, Gem, The Muppets

Underoos

Playing Dukes of Hazard

Catchin' lightning bugs in a jar

Christmas morning

Your first day of school

Bedtime Prayers and Goodnight Kisses

Climbing trees

Getting an Ice Cream off the Ice Cream Truck

A million mosquito bites and sticky fingers

Jumpin' down the steps

Jumpin' on the bed

Pillow fights

Runnin' till you were out of breath and your lungs were on fire

Laughing so hard that your stomach hurt

Being tired from playin'

Your first crush.

Rainy days at school meant playing "Heads up 7UP" in the classroom

Kool-Aid was the drink of the summer

Giving your friends a ride on your handlebars

Wearing your new shoes on the first day of school

Class Field Trips

When nearly everyone's mom was at home when the kids got there.

When any parent could discipline any kid, or feed him or use him to carry groceries, and nobody, not even the kid, thought a thing of it.

When your parents took you to McDonalds and you were so cool.

When being sent to the principal's office was nothing compared to the fate
that awaited a misbehaving student at home.

We were in fear for our lives but it wasn't because of drive by
shootings, drugs, gangs, etc. Our parents and grandparents were a much bigger
threat!

Some of us are still afraid of em!

Decisions were made by going "eeny-meeny-miney-mo"

Mistakes were corrected by simply exclaiming, "do over!"

"Race issue" meant arguing about who ran the fastest.

Money issues were handled by whoever was the banker in "monopoly"

Catching fireflies could happily occupy an entire evening

It wasn't odd to have two or three "best" friends.

Being old, referred to anyone over 20.

The worst thing you could catch from the opposite sex was cooties.

Nobody was prettier than Mom

Scrapes and bruises were kissed and made better after a good spray of Bactine

It was a big deal to finally be tall enough to ride the "big people" rides at the amusement park.

Getting a foot of snow was a dream come true.

Abilities were discovered because of a "double-dog-dare"

Spinning around, getting dizzy and falling down was cause for giggles.

The worst embarrassment was being picked last for a team.

Water balloons were the ultimate, ultimate weapon.

Older siblings were the worst tormentors, but also the fiercest protectors.


Oh to stay in the past ...... but unfortunately we can't .... but it's nice to visit in the wayback machine some days .....

That's it...I'm changing my name

and when you guess what it is I'll answer you....now get in your room and stop screaming!!

This is what transpired at my house this morning .... Nothing like being reduced to tears by a pre-schooler .... I want to know where my copy of the parenting handbook went to so I would know exactly what to do in these situations.

Have you ever just had one of those days .... and another ..... and another .... and suddenly you realized that all of your days are those days?? Welcome to my world.

I have so many questions as a parent that no one can definitively answer for me - people generally just look at me with that "Bless your heart" look when I ask them ... so I'll pose them here...

Am I a bad mother for wanting school to be year round - and 12 hours a day?

Is it wrong to use duct or postal tape to secure your child's diaper when they insist that today is "naked Wednesday"?

Why isn't chocolate cake a healthy breakfast? It contains more of the food groups than cheerios doesn't it?

I'll stop with the questions...I'll have to keep looking for that lost handbook....it's got to be around here somewhere......under all these toys......

PSA Of the Week...................

Do people even realize that there is such a thing as oversharing? I am all for people posting on message boards about how their day is going...But the last thing anyone needs to hear about is your menstrual dysfunction or the color of your child's poop this morning. Come on people...Get some common sense....

I admit (and have been told by Big Daddy) that I am a voyeur. I watch reality television - even those really stupid ones on Mtv. I am nosey as hell and will be the first one to tell you. But some people just share too much. If I am cruising a message board the last thing I want to read about is your yeast infection or athelete's foot. I don't need a play by play on your child's latest poop and puke fest. Really, these are things best kept for your family and your preacher. Better yet - holiday meals. That is where those stories belong...tormenting your family while they are held captive at your house for a meal at Christmas. Then you can pull out those little gems. Otherwise - STOP IT PLEASE!!

We survived the flood.....

No one told me that camping this weekend would mean almost getting hit by lightning or worrying about my trailer floating away in the deluge. What a weekend....

We arrived Thursday afternoon and the day was pretty uneventful actually - the silence before the storm evidentally. On Friday we had a great time going on walks and junior spent the day collecting rocks. I don't understand that about my boy...he hates dirt...but doesn't mind picking up handfuls of gravel and pouring them over his own head??? A day in his brain....that's where I want to go on my next vacation...cause it sure seems like a great place to visit! We all went out for dinner at the local Bob Gibson's BBQ on friday night. Imagine if you will a group of 30 people - 26 retirees, 2 30-somethings, and the tiny terrors. You could almost see the fear in the waitresses face as we were seated. Surprisingly enough other than a pre-dinner potty accident we were event free for the entire meal. Though after returning to the campground and saying goodnight to everyone we realized our night was just beginning.

We got the terrors bathed and clothed for bed. We put on a dvd of "The Music Man" and they drifted off to sleep. The rain started around 11pm. Nothing too bad, just a few large drops hitting the roof. I drifted off around 11:30 or 12 only to be awoken at 1:30am by the sound of thunder booming and lightning racing across the sky. For the next hour and a half I was glued to the windows trying to see if anything was getting hit nearby. There was one VERY loud bang-snap that caused the terror #2 to wake up and keep me company for a while. We found out the next morning that a trailer over on the next loop (about 300 yards away) got hit pretty bad and that was the loud bang we heard. It blew out his hot water heater and refridgerator. He had to have his unit hauled to the shop on Saturday morning. We only had some minor awning damage due to the high winds, but other than that we were lucky. You could tell that the water was streaming past our trailer from the debris line left on my carpet. Nothing like a saturday morning clean up to get the juices flowing!!

The rest of the weekend was pretty tame compared to that storm, though we were all glued to the weather radio to make sure the other storms headed our way weren't going to be as bad. We got lucky. They were saying on the weather radio that we could expect 2-4 inches of rain in 2 hours ... we only got half that on Saturday night. When we pulled out on Sunday it was just starting to rain, so we missed that storm also.

I'm beginning to think that I should take a job in weather forecasting. When we were checking the weather on the local stations before we left they were saying sun all weekend. That has to be the only job where you can be wrong most of the time and NOT get fired. Sounds like the job to have ... just say whatever you want and then blame it on the jet stream ... or a fast developing front... people will still watch you ...

My version of the outdoors

Well...we are leaving today to go on a family camping trip. Now before you get ideas of my children running naked through the woods chasing deer....let me tell you our version of camping. I have a 30 foot long hotel room on wheels. I have a bathroom with a porceline toilet and shower...running hot and cold water...a refridgerator...and air conditioning. My children have a television and DVD player. I consider myself a "convenience camper". Enjoy nature...but not enough to shit in the woods.

We belong to a camping club. We are only one of 3 couples that aren't retired. Not that it's a bad thing cause the kids get spoiled for one weekend a month by about 20 grandparents that we don't have to feed on holidays. The boys love it cause one couple has a set of 7 year old triplets who just love to play with my boys. Junior lovingly calls them "his girls" rather than by name...probably for the same reason I just call them "the girls"...I can't tell them apart.

So in a few hours we will depart to head down the highway to the Point. Nice campground...good sites...low cost...should be a great weekend. As long as my boys don't start chasing the deer........

Your Blogging Type is Unique and Avant Garde

You're a bit ... unusual. And so is your blog. You're impulsive, and you'll often post the first thing that pops in your head. Completely uncensored, you blog tends to shock... even though that's not your intent. You tend to change your blog often, experimenting with new designs and content.

What's Your Blogging Personality?

Thanks to Kymmi for this little bit of insight....how true it is how true it is...

Out to lunch.....

You would think that being a stay at home momma I get the luxury of eating out with my stay at home girlfriends whenever I want....oh on the contrary my friends...it is not so easy. With terror #1 & terror #2 running loose this morning I remembered I had set a date with my friend and her two mild mannered children. We will meet at 11am at the Tony's Little Italy in the village for lunch. What the hell was I thinking????????????????

Well I turned it into high gear and jumped out of my pjs and into some suitable "outdoor attire" meaning they are clean, they fit, and there are no children's hand or face stains on them from prior public outings. Then I turn my attention to the terrors. They will need much more attention than I to get presentable.

Junior is potty training so in the morning we go from "nightime pants" meaning pull-ups...to "underwear" which are ....well underwear. Today though this transition was not so easy - go figure. I had made the mistake of telling him we were going out to meet our friends for lunch. That is when all hell broke loose at my house. Imagine if you will those shows on the National Geographic where they show the african natives running around holding spears while naked and chanting something in their own tribal language - welcome to my house. Junior proceeds to undress not only himself but his little brother under the guise of "just helping mommy, just helping". As cute as it is to hear - that is help I could do without. So now I have two naked, chanting, toy weilding children running amok in my house. The smaller one is easier to tackle so he is my first target.

The whole dressing of the smaller child goes without incident, though his brother is still naked and running through the house after the cat. Leaving the baby in his crib so I can have both hands free to grab junior I embark on what my husband simply calls - getting ready. First he has to pick his own clothes. Hollywood stylists have nothing on this child. He goes through his closet as though he is getting ready for the red carpet. After settling on a clean pair (thank goodness) of camo shorts and a t-shirt we are off to shoe selection. A quick lap around the house and we are able to get the shoes on his feet, then it is time to go potty (of course he has to strip for this). After the "doing" is done we re-dress and are finally able to go get into the car.

3 Blocks from the house I hear the screaming in the back seat. I adjust the mirror so that I can see without turning around. Massive hemoraging from the nasal passages. The mere sight of blood has cause sheer terror in the back seat. As I look for somewhere to pull in I am shoving wipes into his hands and trying to tell him to hold them up to his nose. He isn't having any of it. I pull over, throw on the hazards, jump out of the car and run to his door. We spend the next 5 minutes arguing over whether or not me holding the wipe up to his nose is making it worse. I finally get him calmed down and stop the bleeding. He then tells me he "scratched" the inside of his nose cause it itched. I told him you don't put anything up your nose but your elbows. He spends the rest of the car ride attempting to do just that.

We get to lunch and our friends already have a table upstairs waiting for us. Lunch was pretty uneventful except for a few moments where I realized that my children were being good for once while in public. My friends son on the other hand must have been taking notes from all the times we've been out together. He ended up in time out for a while and had to sit there while the rest of us ate our food. We did end up chasing one table away though. I think it was because the waiter took too long getting us our cards back from paying...gave the kids a few extra minutes that they weren't eating and they decided to see who could screech the loudest.

I remember days when lunches would be offered on the fly....a last minute phone call to see if you wanted to meet somewhere. Now they are a full force appointment complete with diaper bag supply checks and diversion tactics to kee your children from acting up while you're out.

When does school start again...oh that's right another 3 weeks.



Oh and in case you were wondering.....my little guy won the screech contest....oh how proud I am...........

I am a mom...and a wife...and a daughter...and a scrapbooker.

I would even say I am a fairly accomplished scrapbooker for the amount of time I actually dedicate to it. Having two toddlers kind of precludes me from having countless hours to dedicate to the craft. And I have been in a funk for the past two months.

I have been published and I am on several design teams - but for the past couple of months I have had no creative ideas of note. I think this is in large part becuase I allowed the expectation to exceed the importance. By that I mean that I was scrapping for the call and not myself. I was scrapping to fit the needs of every magazine and idea book that had a call out there - creating pages for a call rather than finding calls for the pages I created.

Where were my ideas...my feelings...my subjects - they were lost. Why on God's green earth was I scrapping about snow and winter nights when I lived in Alabama where it didn't get enough to make a snow marble let alone a snow man? My kids haven't seen a snow fall except for Junior during the one trip to Philadelphia when we got caught in a blizzard the day before we left to come home - but he doesn't remember it anyway.

Then it hit me..I was scrapping for the wrong reasons. So I pulled out my photos of my boys and looked through them. ALL of them...and I have a ton of them. I decided to not look and see what calls where coming up...and just pick some photos that really spoke to me. And this is what I came up with. Not bad...not my best...but certainly feeling my way out of this funk that has been suffocating me for months now.

Who knows...maybe I'll even create something worth submitting - but only if the call fits the page......

books books books....

I am an avid sometimes rabid reader...I cannot put a good book down until I either fall asleep reading it or I am finished. I bought some rather wonderful books over the weekend at the local B&N. Now I am not much of a reviewer..but I'll give it a shot...

The first is "Creative Correction" by Lisa Whelchel. Yes she is the chick from the "Facts of Life" show in the 80's. She is also a wonderful author. This is the second book of hers that I have purchased and it has some great ideas in it. Junior is a bit obstinant...okay he is TOTALLY obstinant...so normal corrections don't seem to have any impact on him. In the past 3 days I have found this book invaluable.

We are in the throes of potty training and every mother who has done this knows how difficult it is. Well we are now accident free for the third day in a row. This accomplishment has lead the way to other difficulties though. He is finding other ways to get attention since we don't have "potty time" together anymore. It seems he cannot sit at a table and eat correctly for more than 5 minutes. So taking a suggestion from the book that the author used to correct her daughter from leaning back in a chair, we now make him stand at the table and eat if he cannot sit with us without getting up and running around. If he chooses to leave the table his plate gets taken away. I was amazed that he would catch on so quickly. It only took this happening at one meal over the weekend before he realized mommy was not joking and wouldn't tolerate it anymore. So...thanks Lisa Whelchel!!!!

The second book I got was "A Woman's Call to Prayer" by Elisabeth George. I also bought the companion workbook. This is a great book for those of us who are "prayer challenged" as I say it. You know you need to do it...you know how to do it...but how do you make it meaningful?? Usually I pray when I need something or want intercession on something. This book is making me realize that my entire committment to God needs to be reassessed and reconfigured. God is there to share in our joys as well as our times of need...I tend to forget that. Like a parent he wants to help us and support us...but he wants to be a constant part of our lives...not just in times of trouble and need.

The final book that I bought this weekend was "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" by Joanna Weaver. You may think this is about Martha Stewart...but it goes back much further. It centers around the story of when Jesus visited two sisters - Mary and Martha. Martha worried about how the house was and how the food was and how the drink was...while Mary only sat with Jesus and listened to him. This is how we go through our days. We worry about our houses and our deeds and all the little things - all the little things that have no bearing on our salvation. We must worry about Him and what He has told us...and continues to tell us today. I can honestly tell you that if I died tomorrow I doubt that St. Peter at the gates is going to deny me due to unfinished laundry.

Let's try this thing out..............

I've thought about starting one of these blasted things for months now....and finally decided to jump on the bandwagon. Since I have what seems like an endless amount of material here for a novel - why the hell not start one online...

My family reads like the american dream...married...two kids...two cars...live in the suburbs in our own home...we even have a couple of dogs...but believe me we are not the Cleavers.

Been married to Big Daddy (BD for short) for 9 years now...and have the war wounds to prove it. We drive past weddings and scream "Sucker" out the window...yep we're that obnoxious couple. We are truly in love but you wouldn't know it from looking at us.

Junior is 3 with the attitude of a 13 year old while his baby brother is 1 with the lungs of any top hollywood scream queen - and the shrillness to go with it. My children make babysitters cry and demand more money. Hard to beleive that Junior has a reputation at his preschool. I am still at a loss as to how a 3 year old gets said reputation. The baby though is his polar opposite. People ask me all the time if he's always that good - in one word .... NO! He only acts like that in public so that when I am at my wits end and complain about how bad he is people think I'm insane. Well you know I don't suffer from insanity...I enjoy evey minute of it.

well there's a little insight into my world...and we'll have to see how this blog thing goes...