See Ya 2009

Who else is ready for 2009 to go bye-bye? It wasn't a horrible year for me - I still have a job, we bought a new house, everyone is healthy - but it wasn't a great year either. Lots of stress and not a whole lot of fun in 2009. My goal for 2010 is to laugh more, have more fun, enjoy and be in the moment. I need to think twice before I buy something - is it a need or a want. I really really need to jump on the exercise train. The body just ain't the same that it use to be and I'm afraid it's only going to get worse unless I do something about it! So I'm hoping that by putting all this in writing, maybe it'll hold me more accountable to stick to it?

So blogging friends, here's to a fabulous 2010!!

Christmas Memories

Christmas Eve Pjs

Jess had already figured out what this was - ugh! Chi flat iron.

Noah - "I got a DS!"

Opening goodies from her Aunt

To All A Good Night . . .

Can't believe Christmas is now over . . . every year it seems to suddenly be here and it's a whirlwind of activity. This year was my first time ever hosting Christmas for my family. Now I realize how much work my Mom did all these years - I am so tired!! But it was a success and even my brother-in-law was impressed (for whatever reason he is under the impression that I can't cook - proved him wrong today!). I always look forward to Christmas, but I also always look forward to when it is over . . . things calm down, my checkbook can take a break, time to get organized and ready for the new year. I'm excited about 2010. I have a feeling it's going to be a good year for me. I'm looking forward to spending this coming week with my growing-up-too-fast little girl. Santa was good to both of us with cash this year and we look forwarding to helping the economy out next week. I'll give this weekend to those who need to make returns . . . I'm ready to chill this weekend and eat lots of leftovers!

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas!

One more day of work and then I'm on vacation - woo hoo! After reading others' blogs, I don't feel like I'm alone as far as not being ready for Christmas . . . still have presents to wrap, groceries to buy, recipes to make, a house to clean - remember I'm hosting Christmas for the first time this year???!!!! . . . but you know what, it'll all get done somehow and before we know it, Christmas is over. I hope Santa is good to each and every one of you and here's to an awesome 2010!!

More help please!

Boy, am I needly lately! From help with makeup to now a question regarding hardwood floors - what's the best way to clean them? I'm hoping to avoid the on-my-knees way!!

Makeup Question - Help!

Any suggestions for a awesome pressed powder/compact to keep in my purse and use to freshen up during the day? I use the Bare Essential mineral powder in the morning but need something for during the day - help!!

My Blog Swap Partner ROCKS!

Look at the awesome goodies I received from my blog swap partner Nina! We participated in Clemsongirl's Christmas swap - what a fun thing to participate in and now I have a bloggy buddy in Connecticut! Thank you Nina - I love love love everything!!

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. I'm thankful to have found the blogging world!! Gobble Gobble!

You've gotta be kidding me . . .

Chicken pox?? I have the chicken pox? WTF?!! Hubby had the shingles about 3 weeks ago, but we didn't know it was the shingles until a week into it. And guess who never had the chicken pox as a child and because of when I was born, the vacinnation wasn't out yet . . . ME! Oh, we're in for some fun.

What have I done?!!

I volunteered to host Christmas at our new house this year . . . yes, you read that right - I VOLUNTEERED!!!!! Oh.My.God - what have I done?! We've always gone to my parents and I was just responsible for a side dish, maybe a dessert . . . I've never had to cook a big turkey or ham!!! Lord, help me. If nothing else, my culinary skills should provide comic relief for the day.

Christmas Swap

Join the fun and participate in Clemsongirl's Christmas swap!

It's Right Around the Corner . .

Christmas that is!! Christmas shopping has officially begun in our household! Because we're on a budget, I start buying gifts in October. We've already bought Noah's main gift - woo hoo!! Jessica, the teenager, is easy this year - she just wants $. We've told the family that this year we're downsizing with the number of gifts. With the economy the way it is and after seeing how many toys we got rid of before moving, we need to focus more on the season and not how many toys there are under the tree. I want to do more baking in my new kitchen and enjoy decorating our new house . . . making memories and new traditions with our family.

Have you started shopping?!!

Wordless Wednesday

So Proud

Jessica and the other girls on her cheerleading squad did sooooo good today at their competition! They nailed their stunt - woo hoo!! So very proud of them and all the hard work they've put in. Especially proud of Jessica who won a special award. A cheerleader from each squad is selected to win this award that is in honor of a fellow cheerleader who was killed in a car crash when she was only 8 years old. The award is given to those who exemplify what being a cheerleader is all about and Jessica won it!!

Friday Night

My 13 year old daughter is going to her school's dance tonight with her bff. Her boyfriend is also suppose to be going . . . I don't know why she threw a fit when I suggested I should chaperone :-) I totally don't get the "dating" scene at this age. They don't talk on the phone; they text. How can you really go on a date when you can't even drive? They are both going to the dance tonight, but are arriving separately. It just cracks me up when they say they are boyfriend/girlfriend. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining - I'm thrilled this is all that is happening. God help me when she's older and they are actually holding hands!!!!

HomeGoods Store

We are finally getting a HomeGoods store and it opens next weekend!! I.CANNOT.WAIT!!!!! I need tons of stuff for our new house and I'm hoping HomeGoods comes through for me. Does anyone know if they carry furniture - sofas, dressers, etc.?

Life

I'm burned out. BIG.TIME. I'm sure my life is no different than all of you out there, but for whatever reason, right now, I am done. I'm tired. I did not take a vacation this year. My vacation was packing and moving into our new house. Work is busy. From the time I leave the house in the morning until the time I get home from work, 10 hours have passed, only to then come home to have to cook dinner, help with homework, clean up, etc. You know - Mom things. Jillian's and Kat's recent posts really hit home with me. I need to take a day off, when no one else is home, and just chill. I don't feel like I'm living life . . . I feel like life is living me and I need to somehow change that around. Happy Monday y'all.

Dreaming of paint colors . . .

It's been a busy past couple of weeks in the Wacie household. The move into our new house is behind us - yeah!! - and now it is time to focus on paint colors for the entire house - ugh! Yes, the entire interior of the house needs to be painted. I dream of paint colors and what to paint each room - any suggestions?!!!
We also have a new addition to our family. After losing Kiki and Harley within months of each other earlier in the year, we had decided to take a break before getting another dog, but Zoe kinda landed in our laps and I'm so glad she did. Her previous owner was giving her up and we knew Zoe's sister, Pepper. I'm one of those people who look for signs to tell me if I'm doing what I'm suppose to be doing . . . well, when I was pregnant one of the names I liked for Jessica was Zoe. Jessica's dad poo-pooed the name and we obviously went with Jessica. Now I have my Zoe!!!! Is she not the cutest little thing!!

Done.

We've moved!

I'm exhausted.

Where are the box unpacking fairies when you need them?

Out of Pocket

My laptop died - UGH!!! I'm reading your posts - at work - so I'm not getting to comment as much as I'd like since I have to read quickly (since I'm suppose to be working)!!! Also, we're moving next week so things are getting a little crazy in our life . . . keep your fingers crossed and say a prayer for me that my laptop is fixed, AND SOON, and that the move goes off without a hitch!!!
Be back soon!!!!

Wordless Wednesday - First Day of School

Noah the 1st grader
Jessica the 8th grader - say what?? 8th grade? When did THAT happen?

Advice to the Single Ladies

Last night hubby and I went t0 a wine tasting at a local wine/beer shop. I wore the t shirt hubby gave me for my birthday - an orange Florida Gators tshirt. In less than 15 minutes, 3 men had made comments about my shirt - 1 said "Go Gators" and the other 2 struck up full conversations. Single ladies - run to the nearest sport shop and get yourself a tshirt! Seems to be a great conversation starter and a great way to meet men!

Stupid is as stupid does

Went to Costco today after work. Had a car load of "stuff." Decided it would be easier to unload the car if I were to back in the driveway.

I hit the mailbox.

My car now has a huge dent with scratches on the back hatch.

My daughter may have heard me say a few not so nice words.

I am now drinking a Blue Moon and all is better . . . but my car still has a HUGE freakin' dent in it - UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

The Man

Meet Chris Cooley a/k/a The Man . . .
Just look at that tight end . . . oops, I mean he plays tight end :-) Hubby and I spent the day at Redskins Training Camp for Fan Appreciation Day. I was literally feet away from Cooley's wife so I had to keep my stalkerish behavior to a minimum. Ahh . . . can't wait for football to start!!! Go Skins and Gators!!

Weekend Recap

Let me start off by saying, I survived!! A little bit of everything happened during our whirlwind birthday bash weekend . . .

1. Hubby called the police on our neighbor. We are really starting to think she is providing "services" to gentlemen at her house and so while she is busy "entertaining" her friends, her autistic son has been getting out of the house and running down the street trying to get into neighbor's houses or this time he was hanging out the second floor window with no screen in it.
2. Bought my very first Coach bag (at the age of 42!!)
3. Bought my daughter her very first Coach bag (at the age of 13 - what the?!! Can you say SPOIL-ED!! But at least we were at the Coach outlet and I had a coupon)
4. Ate out every night 4 nights straight
5. Because of the above, managed to gain at least 5 pounds
6. Haven't heard a peep from realtors wanting to show our house for a month. Found out Saturday night at 8:30 pm that they wanted to show the house Sunday morning (daughter's birthday) at 10:30 a.m. Stress level just shot up.
7. Successfully managed to get to The Cheesecake Factory, eat dinner, and return home with 5 teenagers
8. Cleaned up vomit that was EVERYWHERE in the downstairs bathroom (seems one of daughter's friends had a little too much pizza and then junk food and then didn't make it to the toilet)
9. Took 4 teenagers to Kings Dominion and didn't lose any of them
10. Found out while at Kings Dominion that another family wanted to come see the house that evening. Do you know what a house looks like after 4 teenagers have stayed up all night for a sleepover?? And then I was afraid that the bathroom may still smell. Yep. Hubby quickly cleaned house. We got home from Kings Dominion at 6pm, girls were picked up by parents, and we were out by 6:45. At this point I just wanted to collaspe and take a shower
11. Returned to work Tuesday to get some rest
12. Told my daughter not to expect much for her 14th and 15th birthdays

But it was all worth it, because daughter and friends had a great time and that's what matters.

Calm before the storm

Ahh, it's quiet . . . waiting for the girls to wake up and get ready for Kings Dominion. We've had a good time, but I'm going to need a day off to recuperate from everything!

The Birthday Girls

We have a very busy, but fun weekend ahead!! Tomorrow is my birthday (and my daughter has been kind enough to do a daily countdown of the days left till my b-day for me) and Jessica's 13th birthday is Sunday!! We are going out to dinner tomorrow to celebrate mine and then a day trip to the beach on Saturday. Sunday Jessica has 5 girlfriends coming over and we will be heading to The Cheesecake Factory for her special dinner. Then 4 of the girls will be spending the night and on Monday I will be taking them to Kings Dominion! Fun fun fun!! Lots of food and cake in store for us!
The Birthday Girls . . .

Jessica was my everything for my wedding 2 years ago . . . she walked me down the aisle, gave me away, and served as my maid of honor. Our grand entrance was even to "Jessica's Sonata" from Snowy River. Jessica is still my everything. Happy Birthday Sweet Girl and I love you MORE!! LYMI (love you, mean it)

FB

I think this is probably a Facebook first . . . my ex-husband is "friends" with all 3 of his ex-wives - yes, I said 3 ex-wives!!! I was no. 2 and the only one he has a child with - thank God. I just think that is weird!!! And now I get to see what things he is doing with new girlfriend - like I want to know all that?!!!!! UGH!

If you are on FB, send me an email at waciesway@yahoo.com and we can be "friends"!! I'll send you a friend request and then you can see what his other 2 ex-wives look like! haha

It's almost the weekend!

Guilty Pleasures

I've been in a beer mood the past couple of weeks and have been trying different brews. So far I have tried Honey Moon, Sam Adams Summer Ale (tonight's choice) and this one . . . so far this one has been my favorite.

I have Blue Moon in the fridge to try next. Any recommendations for a good 'ole summer beer?

ETA: I think my new favorite has become Blue Moon with an orange slice (Thank you Tammy at Up Hill at 40 for reminding me to have it with an orange slice - I would have forgotten!!)

Motherly Advice

In just a few short weeks, my little baby girl will be turning 13. It’s a bittersweet moment for me. I’ve loved watching her grow up and become a young lady, but my time with her is dwindling . . . soon she will be off to college and creating her own life. When I stop and think about how fast 5 years will go, anxiety sits in. I also feel like the next few years are so important and will mold her into the person she will become . . . I pray I don’t screw things up too badly! While I was in the Hallmark store looking at birthday cards for her, I came across one that had a “Birthday To-Do List for My Daughter.” I don’t usually cry over cards, but this card, and the fact that my baby is turning 13, just really made me become very emotional in the card store! This is the card, along with a funny one that plays a song, that I will be giving my little girl on this very important birthday . . . I think it contains advice we could all be reminded of ~

* Don’t sit around waiting for somebody else to make you happy. Happy is a do-it-yourself kind of thing.

* Be true to yourself and to what you want out of life. Broken hearts heal, but broken dreams don’t.

* Make your own choices, but don’t forget – you’re the one who’ll have to live with them.

* Take chances now and then. Chance is just another way to say that life is waiting to open a door for you.

* Forgive others, and when you need to, forgive yourself. See the good all around you, even if you have to squint sometimes.

* Love who you are, and know that you are loved. Always, always. You are loved.

Maybe, Maybe Not

While running to Target on my lunch break, I may or may not have been car dancing in the Momobile to Wild Cherry's Play That Funky Music - with the windows down and sunroof open.

Summer Fun

What a great past couple of days!! First, we started the holiday weekend with a day at the lake. Then Monday and Tuesday my daughter and I headed to Great Wolf Lodge to meet up with my college girlfriends, Heather & Kim, and their children and other family members. We had a GREAT time!! Two full days at a water park will wear you out! I am so thankful that I was able to spend time with the girls and that our children know each other. Who would have thought back when we were 20 and doing crazy things that our children would be hanging out together!!

Good Times

Perfect day to celebrate the 4th of July. Today is a rainy day but I am thankful for that because this is one tired family . . . a day at the lake and fireworks at night make for tired kids!!

The boats starting to line up to watch the fireworks. We had the perfect spot . . . our friends' house is directly across from where the fireworks are put off.

Jessica anxiously waiting for the fireworks (in between texting her bf - I'm surprised her cell phone isn't in her hand in this picture)

Earlier in the day, swimming in the lake

Love this picture . . . not a care in the world as she jumps off the dock

Aren't they cute?!!

Hope you had just as great of a 4th of July!

4th of July

Happy 4th of July!! I hope that everyone has a safe and wonderful 4th! We are headed to friends who have a home on the lake and host a yearly 4th of July party - can't wait!!

Market Tote Giveaway!

Is this not the cutest tote?!! Head over to Monogram Chick right now and enter her contest to win it!!

Hmm . . .

Is it sad that I'm excited that (1) I get to leave work early today (daughter has an ortho appt.) and (2) I'm treating myself to Wendy's for lunch. It's the little things in life!!

I love a good tag!

Brittany Ann at Living in the Moment has given me the Honest Scrap Award!! I have to list 10 honest-to-goodness facts about myself - I hope none of my truths are too bad!

1. When I was in high school, I worked for my parents’ company. As I was pulling into the parking spot next to my dad’s pickup truck (I had a Z28 . . yes, we’re talking the 80s), I cut the turn too close and my passenger door met dad’s rear bumper. Not a pretty sight – made a HUGE dent in my door. I didn’t tell my parents what I had done. Weeks later, my mom went to get into my car and saw the damage and wanted to know what had happened. I should have won an Oscar for this performance . . . I acted surprised and said someone must have hit my car at the mall!! They never knew what really happened until years later and then they just laughed. (It seems Brittany Ann and I have something in common with cars and high school)

2. I sometimes will hide purchases from the hubby. C’mon, who doesn’t do this?!!!!

3. I wish I had a passion for something. Some are passionate about exercising, a hobby, their job . . . I’ve got nothing. My job pays the bills, I enjoy exercising when I do it, but I just don’t love it and can’t seem to find a hobby to fall in love with.

4. In my early 20s, my boyfriend and I jumped the fence at my townhouse complex to swim in the pool late night. It was short lived . . . the police arrived.

5. I really wish we were taking a week vacation to the beach. Due to things out of my control, it’s not happening this summer.

6. I want to move further South. If I had to do it all over again, once I was out of college I would have moved to my dream town to start life. Once you are married with kids, it’s not so easy to pick up and move.

7. Being a stepmom is really hard.

8. I love reality TV and mindless beach reads.

9. I’m a magazineaholic – I have stacks to read!!

10. I miss the side of town I had to move from when I married hubby. I moved to his side of town which is just across the river from where I lived, but I didn’t know where anything was!! I had a meltdown the second week we were married . . . . trying to unpack my things and find places for everything in his house and learn my way around town . . . major meltdown. I think hubby probably thought he married a crazy person there for a second.

Now who else wants to play and be a victim?!! I tag Tammy, Heather, Surf Girl, and Carolina Girl to play.

Good Book

If you like the show "Ghost Whisperer" and you love the South, especially Charleston, SC, then check out the book "The House on Tradd Street" by Karen White. I am in the middle of reading it and it's pretty good - a great lay by the pool read!!

Good luck with that

Hubby's house is on the market. It's only been 2 weeks so we're not desparate (yet). Had our first offer on the house. This is what they offered:

• Wanted to move in July 1 (yep, they wanted us out in 3 weeks and we were actually willing to make it happen. The house we want is vacant so it could be done)
• Then wanted to rent from us from July 1 to October 1 so that they could take advantage of Obama's 3 year new homeowner rebate (so basically we'd be carrying 2 mortgages and hoping and praying that they didn't screw us, but we were again willing to do this and our lender had already checked to make sure we would qualify)
• Offered $14,000 below the asking price
• Wanted $5,000 in closing costs
• Offered $10 for my washer/dryer

Are you people smoking crack or something???? Sure, and why don't I help pack up your house and move you too!! Geesh!! Uh, that would be a big fat NO!! And good luck finding someone who will do all that for you!

Awesome Giveaway!

Hurry! Living in the Moment is hosting an awesome giveaway!

Stainless Steel Appliances

Do you love them or hate them?? I love the look of them, but are they a pain in the butt to keep clean? I think I'd go crazy if there were fingerprints all over. The house that we really like is without a refrigerator. The stove and dishwasher are both black. Do we go ahead and purchase a stainless steel fridge with the plan to later replace the stove and dishwasher to stainless steel or we do purchase a black refrigerator and keep everything black?

Cross your fingers

and your toes!!!! We officially put hubby's house on the market a week and a half ago. A teacher came by Sunday and loved it, but doesn't have her contract yet with the county where she teaches and she needs to be able to show her contract before her lender will loan her the money. We have another showing today and tomorrow . . . please keep your fingers and toes crossed that someone buys it soon!!! It's a great house, just too small for us. When we got married, I sold my townhouse and had to find places in Hubby's house to put my stuff - it was very frustrating at times!!! Now we want to buy "our" house and I can't wait!! We have found one that we like, but would like to have a contract on hubby's house before making an offer on that house. I don't understand why a house built in 2004 and at the price point they are asking for it, doesn't have granite countertops!!! We've been really surprised by the lack of nice kitchens. This kitchen is a good size with lots of cabinets, but down the road I want to replace the countertops with granite. Keep those fingers crossed!!!

I'd Rather Be Here

Happy Anniversary Hubby!! I'd rather be here where this picture was taken . . . on the porch of Poogan's Porch in Charleston, South Carolina on our honeymoon, enjoying Southern food, walking the streets of Charleston and hanging out with you!!

Saturday

It's 80s and sunny.

I should be laying poolside reading a good book.

Why am I stuck inside cleaning the house??

How do you guys deal with cleaning the house/chores once the awesome weather hits?!!!! I don't want to spend a part of every weekend cleaning.

Picture Posting Question

Is there a way to post photographs when you just have a hard copy of the picture?

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful and fun Memorial Day weekend!! Thanks to all who have served our country (thanks hubby!).

I am super excited that the summer is finally here!!

Be Still My Heart

Meet Louie . . . is he not just the cutest little guy?!!! See that tennis shoe lying there with him? That's mine. He would sneak into the room I was staying in at Cindy's house in Mobile, carry my shoe down the hall (how he did that I don't know because the shoe is just about as big as he is - he's a little Boston Terrier), and snuggle with my shoe on his bed. He never chewed on my shoe or messed it up, just wanted to snuggle with it. I'm surprised the smell didn't drive him away!!! Cindy said it's because he loves me :-) When her husband passed away unexpectedly 2 years ago, Richard's boots were by the door where Richard had left them. Louie would take one of Richard's boots and snuggle with it. What a sweet little guy.

Funk

Man, I am in a funk right now that even I don't like myself. Do you ever go through a funk where you say things that aren't very nice and that you wouldn't normally say? My hubby is usually the one on the receiving end :-( This is the part of my father I inherited and fight with to keep it suppressed . . . it's a nasty beast at times.

Just Wondering . . .

While Kate is traveling city to city promoting her book, and Jon is hanging out with a 23 year old female in the middle of the night, who the heck is watching their 8 kids???? And I'm sorry, I know Kate seems like she is a bitch, but honestly a 23 year old?? C'mon Jon. You take any mother with 8 kids and compare her to a 23 year old girl and gee, who do you think will be more "fun" to hang out with?? Give the 23 year old 8 kids to take care, a house to clean, finances to balance and we'll see how much fun she still is. Give me a break. And what really gets me is now my 12 year old daughter who use to enjoy watching the show is asking me questions as to what is going on with Jon & Kate and the "other woman." Great.

Mongrammed Beach Bag Giveaway!

Check out Mongrams and Mayhem for a too cute monogrammed beach bag giveaway!! Hurry, it ends Friday!

Mullet What????!!

While I was in Mobile 2 weeks, I attended my first ever "Mullet Toss" and had my first Bushwacker drink (my life is now complete!). When my friend Cindy said we were going to a Mullet Toss, I thought what the ?? How are you going to throw a guy with a mullet hairdo?!! I had no idea there was a FISH called a mullet!! So we headed to FloraBama, along with thousands of other folks, and watched contestants throw mullets from the Florida state line on the beach into Alabama - it was hilarious!!! The weather was awesome so we sat there, watched mullets being tossed, drank bushwackers and beers and got a little bit of sun - life is good!!

Great friends . . .
Mullet being tossed into Alabama . . .

The crowds . . .

Tag, You're It!

Another fun tag!

1. What is your current obsession? Blogs!
2. Which item of clothing do you wear most often? Dresses (no hose with cute summer shoes)
3. What's for dinner? Leftover Rigatoni Al Forno
4. What are you listening to? Country music radion station
5. Say something about the one who tagged you. Her blog is an inspiration - I hope some of it rubs off on me! I think if we lived near one another, we'd be great friends!
6. Favorite vacation spots? Anywhere warm, sandy with blue water
7. What am I reading right now? Paula Deen's book and several magazines that I've gotten behind on
8. Four words to describe myself: Friendly, Outgoing, Organized, Planner
9. Guilty pleasure? Shopping
10. First spring thing to do? Open the windows and air out the house.


Now I will pass this fun questionnaire onto...
DiehardDallasfan

8 Things . . .

I was tagged by Tammy at Up Hill at 40 for this all 8s post. Tammy is such an inspiration . . . she's getting ready to do her THIRD triathlon!! You go girl!

8 Things I am Looking Forward To:
1. Summer
2. Drinking Margaritas/Lemontinis, etc. on a patio somewhere
3. Laying on a beach chaise while reading a really good book
4. Going to next year's Jazz Fest in New Orleans
5. Selling our house and moving into a new, bigger house
6. Going to my daughter's softball games
7. Family vacation (somewhere . . . anywhere)
8. Getting a mani/pedi

8 Things I Did Yesterday:
1. Went to my stepson's soccer game
2. Moved furniture
3. Laundry
4. Cooked dinner
5. Watched some TV
6. Grocery shopping
7. Worked on this list!!
8. Cried

8 Things I Wish I Could Do:
1. Exercise regularly and enjoy it
2. Go on a romantic trip with hubby and not worry about the cost of it
3. Live further South . . . Charleston, SC would work
4. Lasik surgery
5. Quit having to work
6. Not be such a picky eater
7. Be able to be more in the moment and enjoy it, instead of thinking of everything I need to be doing.
8. Sing

8 Shows I Watch:
1. 24
2. Real Housewives of OC/NY/NJ
3. American Idol
4. Survivor
5. Desparate Housewives
6. Any show on Food Network or HGTV
7. Entertainment Tonight
8. Dancing with the Stars

8 Blogger Friend's I Tag to Have a Little Fun Doing All Things 8:
1. DiehardDallasfan
2. Mommy's on Vacation
3. Brittany
4. Carolina Girl
5. A Little Bit Delirious
6. Southern Savvy
7. Jillian
8. Confessions of a Semi-Slacker Mom

Sad

I can't believe we are going through this again. On February 23, my 14 year old husky, Kiki, passed away. About 3 weeks after that, we became foster parents to a redbone coonhound that we named Harley and planned to adopt. We had to put Harley down today. He was suffering from severe kidney failure and there was nothing that could be done. Both the shelter and the vet told us that Harley was lucky to have us in his final days instead of being stuck in a shelter. I am thankful that we were able to spoil him and let him be King of the house, but this happening and so soon after Kiki's death is just so painful. It just sucks.

You Gotta Be Kidding Me

One of the hardest jobs I've ever had is being a stepmom. At times I feel like I have to straddle a thin line . . . not step on dad or the other mom's toes, not become the evil stepmom, etc. Anyway, I went to Noah's soccer game this past Saturday. I drove separately from hubby because he had some errands to run afterwards and I needed to get home and start laundry. When I got to the field, I'm scanning the crowd to see where Noah's mom is sitting because I don't want her to feel uncomfortable with me being there so I was going to keep a distance. I know this is her turf, I get it. My daughter has had a stepmom before and I know what it feels like being the mom and dealing with a stepmom. Noah's mom has never had an interest in meeting me, creating a relationship with me, nothing. When hubby and I first got married, he tried to set up a meeting so we could meet, but she wasn't interested. She doesn't really care to know the stepmom to her child. I don't get it, but she and I are so completely different when it comes to parenting. I've met her once and that was at Noah's preschool graduation. So I scan the crowd and I don't see her. I'm thinking, well, maybe she had something to do and dropped Noah off. I find a spot and sit in my chair, wave to hubby who is a coach and is manning the goal, and settle in to watch the game. The kids finish warming up and the coach tells them to go take their soccer balls to their moms. Well, Noah starts coming my way and I thought oh, how cute, he's bringing the ball to me. WRONG!! I'm sitting RIGHT.NEXT.TO.HIS.MOM!!!!!!! I didn't even recognize her!! I thought oh crap. I thought ok, I can do one of three things - (1) discreetly get up and move, (2) do nothing but then at the end of the game when you are talking to Noah they are going to realize you've been sitting there the entire time, or (3) re-introduce yourself. I chose no. 3. I got up, re-introduced myself, and became best buds with her mom (Noah's grandmother). The grandmother and I chatted it up the entire game. Hubby said later he was wondering what on earth we were talking and laughing about the whole game!! Noah's grandmother said she's the evil grandmother and I said that's okay, I'm sure I'm the evil stepmother. I'm so glad that I chose to handle it the way that I did. I really don't want Noah to ever feel uncomfortable when we are all together, and whether his mom realizes that or not, there are going to be times that we are all together.

It's like the night before Christmas . . .

6 days
518,400 seconds
8640 minutes
144 hours

until I am in Mobile, Alabama hanging out with my best buds Cindy, Christal and Donna. I.CANNOT.WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stationary Giveaway!

Hurry over to Monogrammed Teacher to enter her fabulous giveaway! She has teamed up with Doodle Bugs Paper for a giveaway of fab stationary!

Devil Dog

Dog + Chicken juice/grease = Devil Dog.

I baked a chicken for yesterday's dinner. Roasting pan and cookie sheet were in the sink, soaking. At 12:30 this morning, I am waken by a crash (Hubby slept through it). I run downstairs to find our dog Harley licking the kitchen floor where the roasting pan and cookie sheet now lay. What the $%^&???? Yep, somehow he had flipped the pans to the floor and was having a party for one licking chicken juice/grease off my white kitchen floor. Nice. So at 12:30 this morning I am mopping the kitchen floor. Did I tell you hubby slept through the entire thing?? Double nice.

Happy Easter!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Easter, spent with family and friends. The Easter bunny was good to the kids, but I am such a slacker Mom - I took no pictures!! I don't know what I was thinking?!!!

Aggravated & Annoyed

Any suggestions on how to nicely tell hubby that when I take days off from work, trying to spend time with daughter, to please not call me 3 to 4 times during the day because you are bored at work and want to know what we are doing now. It is soooo aggravating!! Especially if I am up in the attic switching out my summer/winter clothes! Arrrgghh!!

I feel better now. Thank you.

Spring Break

It's Spring Break in our household. Daughter has been chillin' all week, sleeping in until 9am, getting dressed around 3pm . . .ahh, the life of a tween. I'm off today and tomorrow and we're going to have some mommy/daughter time. Today is lunch at the Silver Diner and shopping at the mall - what more can a Mom ask for?!!

Date Night

I'm so excited! I have a date tonight . . . . with Jack Bauer!!

I just may need a cigarette afterwards (and I don't smoke). Woo Hoo!

(And my husband is completely aware of my crush and knows to leave me alone while my show is on!!)

Check her out!

Be sure and enter this great giveaway - Lauren Nicole is giving away a fabulous necklace and a Lilly jewelry roll - love her stuff!

Blog Swap Jackpot!

I had so much fun with my first swap! I participated in Confessions of a Semi-Slacker Mom's Spring Swap and was paired with Life and Love in the South. I received my Spring swap package yesterday and I hit the jackpot!!! I had to shoo the daughter and husband away so that I could take pictures and before their greedy little hands got all into it.
Everything packaged so cute!


The goodies . . . I was lovin' those Sweettart jelly beans alittle too much last night.

Thank you Pam for everything - I love it all!!

Girlfriends

Last night I was reading the new Shape magazine and it had an article asking readers what was the best advice you’re received from your mother. I showed my daughter the page and asked her what was the best advice I’d given her so far. I sat there, fingers crossed, thinking, God I really hope she remembers some of the stuff I’ve told her along the way . . . you just never know though! After a couple seconds of thinking, she answers that being good to your friends because they are the ones that will be with you to the end was the best advice I’d given her. I wanted to shout hallelujah!! I have tried to teach her that no matter what you go through, your girlfriends will be there for you. I know from experience . . . we all know from experience. Your girlfriends are there during the good times and bad times, the marriages, the divorces, the birth of a new baby, helping you move into a new home, etc. I am still the best of friends with my girlfriends from college and that was a LONG time ago!! I have to stay friends with them, they have too much dirt on me :-) Then later last night I settled in to watch the Real Housewives of New York City. I usually love watching this show, but last night I really started thinking these women are just plain ole’ mean and they are suppose to be each other’s friends?? I’m sorry but with friends like that who needs enemies!! I started feeling uncomfortable watching it and the confrontations that have become the show. I just can’t imagine asking someone to meet me at a restaurant and then bitching them out or being at a party and telling a “friend” she’s rude. Good grief!!

Thank God for all my girlfriends!

Friday Night Sleepover

My daughter is having 2 friends spend the night tonight and they are going to watch the movie Twilight for the first time. I decided to have a little fun and play a little trick on her this morning. I told her this morning I couldn't wait to watch the movie tonight with her and her friends (even though I had no intention of watching with them). Well, if you could have seen the look on her face . . . total deer in the headlights look!! She stopped in her tracks, says "Mom, you know I love you, BUT . . . no 12 & 13 year olds want their mom to crash their party." I teased her a little bit more before I let her off the hook. The joys of motherhood . . . you've got to be able to mess with them a little bit :-)

Frump-A-Dump No More

When I left the house this morning, I felt reasonably cute in my outfit . . .an Ann Taylor cardigan with Ann Taylor Loft pants with a chunky brown necklace. That was until I got in the elevator with “her.” She was wearing the cutest Kelly green trench coat, adorable open toe black pumps, a large designer purse, hair that would rival Jennifer Aniston’s . . . I suddenly felt so frumpy. Yeah, she’s probably not in her 40s, probably doesn’t have kids so she can spend her hard earned money on being cute, but there are things I can do too. This is the motivation I needed . . no more sitting on my tush after dinner. The 10 pounds I lost are going to find a way back if I don’t get back on track. Those DAMN Girl Scout cookies!!! I bought the 30 Day Shred Workout probably 2 months ago – have yet to do it, but that is going to change. I’m heading to Mobile in less than a month and need to make sure my spring/summer cute clothes will fit. Tonight I will be rockin’ the 30 Day Shred!!

Quote of the Year

So my daughter broke up with her boyfriend. When he asked her why, she said "I'm 12, it's not like we can date forever." God love her . . . she is so much like me it's scary.

Wordless Wednesday

Let the Countdown Begin

I cannot wait!! In 37 days, Christal, Donna and myself will be headed to Mobile, Alabama to visit our friend Cindy. I desparately need a Mom's Vacation!!!!! We went last year and stayed at a condo in Gulf Shores, but this year we're going to stay put at Cindy's house and check out Mobile. There will be a little of this . . . .

and some of this . . . .

and more of this . . . .

Good times, good times!!

Please, Pretty Please

Dear Sun God -
Please come out. I need you, I REALLY need you. You came out last weekend with warm temps and teased me - now, that's not nice. If you don't come back out soon, I cannot be held accountable for my actions. I'm.Just.Sayin'.

Not Fair

Why do Girl Scout cookies have to arrive when I am trying to lose weight?? Don't they know bathing suit weather is right around the corner and I really don't need a box of Samoas attached to each hip!!!

Randomness

• Our new dog Harley SNORES!!! It is the cutest thing! Poor little thing must have been wiped out . . we were all laughing at his snoring and he didn't wake up at all. Fitting though that he is now in our family because my husband is a snorer.
• Do you ever buy beauty products and then after a few days become too lazy to use them? I just bought eye cream because, well, I am at that age, and after a few days I just can't seem to manage that extra step of putting the eye cream on. Oh well.
• Do you like my new Spring blog background? I get bored easily so I have a feeling my blog backgrounds will change quite frequently. Kinda like purses . . . change those often too. You don't even want to know how many purses I have. It's bad.
• It has been in the 80s the past few days and now it is calling for freezing rain on Friday - what the @*$#???
• Any tips on how to get my stepson from wetting himself at school and in the bed? He is in kindergarten and it seems when he is out on the playground he doesn't want to stop playing to go use the bathroom, so he ends up having an accident. My husband is afraid that soon the other kids will start teasing him.
• Got any good beach/chick lit recommendations?

Get me outta here!!

It is TOO nice to be inside in a stupid office building!! Don't get me wrong, I am thankful to have a job, BUT right now the sun and the 70s temperature are calling my name!!! Come on Spring!!

Welcome Heather!

This is soooo against my religion, BUT I am making an exception - I have added to my blog list DieHardDallasFan . . . . ONLY because it is one of my girlfriends from college. We love each other, BUT when it comes to football teams we are against one another. I am a HUGE Redskins fan, and she, bless her heart, likes the Cowboys. We can't all be perfect Heather :-) Welcome to blog world Heather!!

Harley

So it will be 2 weeks tomorrow since Kiki passed away. I had thought I would need alot of time before we got another dog, but I was so wrong. There has been such an emptiness in our house that I just couldn't stand it. We are now foster parents to Harley. Harley needs to gain ALOT of weight. Poor thing was found on the streets and is literally skin and bones. He has heartworms, but needs to gain weight before he can be treated for that. He also needs to be neutered, but again has to gain weight and be treated for the heartworms before that can happen. He also has a severe ear infection, but that is on the mend. Poor guy has had a rough life. After he is all healthy, we can then officially adopt him. By staying foster parents, the shelter will continue to pay for his medicals and be able to keep tabs on him. I think he needs me as much as I need him. Meet Harley . . .

Snow Day!!

Who would have thought we would have a snow storm in March!! The kids are out of school and the hubby and I are home from work. Lots of playing in the snow, eating, and watching movies going on in our house today. I'll be doing a load of laundry full of wet snow clothes very soon!

Daughter and her friend making snow angels in our front yard.

Hubby and son building Mr. Snowman!

I hope everyone is enjoying their Winter Wonderland . . . . but now I'm really ready for Spring!!

I'm a Cool Mom

Friday night my daughter spent the night at a friend's house and then I picked both girls up Saturday and took them to see Confessions of a Shopoholic (thought we both could use some laughter after a very emotional week after losing Kiki). Apparently I was deemed a cool mom by my daughter's friend . . . I liked that she thought I was cool mom.

P.S. to all you animal owners . . . give your pet an extra treat and love today. I have missed Kiki so much this week. You don't realize how much a part of your life they are until they are gone. I've missed having a walking partner, I've missed being greeted at the door by her when I get home from work, I've missed having a snuggle buddy on the sofa at night. I just miss her all the time.

I Love You Kiki Girl

Today I lost my best friend. My sweet little Kiki girl . . . she turned 14 in January and has been fighting arthritis in her back legs. Her bad days were out-numbering her good days and this weekend she got very sick. This morning I had to make the very painful decision to let her go. It was the hardest decision I've ever had to make. I adopted Kiki when she was just a few months old and she has been with me through alot of crap in my life and has always loved me unconditionally. I love you Kiki girl and I miss you.

Motto No. 2

Put your big girl panties on and deal with it!! I love this apron, not only for the motto, but you've got to love the tulle edging and the pictures of the panties on it!!

A Perfect Saturday

Got my hair cut and highlighted, a FREE manicure and pedicure, Starbucks . . . a perfect Saturday!! Whew, I'm exhausted :-)

Hope your Saturday was just as perfect!

Uh, I'm miserable . . .

I met two girlfriends for dinner tonight and I ate entirely too much - I'm miserable right now!!! The restaurant is called Comfort and serves true Southern comfort food . . . meatloaf, pork chops, mac & cheese, grits, mashed potatoes . . you get the picture. The diet went right out the window tonight!! Why do I do this to myself!!!!

Thank you Southern Savvy for answering my blog question - how easy is that?!!!!!! I would have never been able to figure that one out on my own.

It's a bit of a blah Wednesday here in Richmond . . . . a mixture of snow and sleet - where the freak is Spring?!!!!!!

Anyone watch Idol last night? Why do they have to drag out the show for 2 hours?!! Geesh! And I'm a bit bummed that last night was the final episode for The Housewives of OC, but bring it on New York wives! I only caught half of the first episode of the NY show . . . I would never want to get up this morning if I had stayed up and watched the whole thing. Looks like it is going to be a good season! Is it bad that I enjoy watching such drama?!!!!!

Blog Question

When you are referring to another blog in your post, how do you make it a link to that blog??

The Letter Game

I am playing in The Letter Game and was given the letter "F" by the FUN Make Mine a Mojito!! (I don't know how to make it a link to her site??) I am to post ten things I love that begin with the assigned letter, so here goes ~

1. Flip flops (duh!!)
2. Family
3. Friends
4. Fun
5. Fruity cocktails with umbrellas in them
6. Food Network - that show is so calming to watch!
7. Football - GO SKINS!!
8. Furry family - my "first born" Kiki who turned 14 in January.
9. Fifty dollar bills
10. Fridays!!!!!!!

Ok, that was a bit harder than I thought it was going to be!

Hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine's Day and a great weekend!!

My First Tag!!

I received my very first tag - woo hoo! Thank you Southern Savvy!!! Now, here's what you do ~

1. Go to your pics, choose the 6th folder and the 6th picture

2. Tell who and what

3. Pick 6 people to do the same.

This is my good friend Donna who volunteered to be our bartender at our wedding. Everyone involved in our wedding, from Karl who married us, to Donna our bartender, Elizabeth our photograph and Stan our caterer = all were friends who made our day even extra special and I love them all for it!! It was both mine and Hubby's second marriage so we wanted more of a party atmosphere then the traditional route, which we both had already done. We got married in my friend's backyard, white lights and paper lanterns hanging from the trees, surrounded by friends and family and there was absolutely no stress because I wasn't worried about having the "perfect" wedding - yet it turned out to be perfect!

I tag:

1. More Wine Please

2. Another Online Mom

3. Carolina Girl

4. Lipstick at the Mailbox

5. Tickled Pink and Green
6. Jillian, Inc.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

This joke was too funny not to share -
********************************

The Black Bra

I had lunch with 2 of my unmarried friends. One is engaged, one is a mistress, and of course I have been married for 20+ years. We were chatting about our relationships and decided to amaze our men by wearing a black leather bra, stiletto heels and a mask over our eyes. We agreed to meet in a few days to exchange notes. Here's how it all went.

My engaged friend:
The other night my boyfriend came over and found me with a black leather bodice, tall stilettos and a mask. He saw me and said, 'You are the woman of my dreams. I love you.' Then we made love all night long.

The mistress:
Me too! The other night I met my lover at his office and I was wearing the leather bodice, heels and mask over my eyes and a raincoat. When I opened the raincoat he didn't say a word, but we
had wild sex all night.

Then I had to share my story:
When my husband came home I was wearing the leather bodice, black stockings, stilettos and a mask over my eyes. As soon as he came in the door and saw me he said, "What's for dinner, Batman?"

Out of the mouths of babes . . .

Yesterday at work, a co-worker's son called while he was on his way to church to make his first confession. The co-worker says, "Well son, when I see you next you will be sinless." The son says, "Oh no Dad, I will have sinned by the time you get home." You gotta love it!

I'm So Not Ready

This is my baby . . . she's 12 years old and this was the night she was going to a friend's 13th birthday party - which I might add was nicer than ANY party I'd ever been too!! The theme was Paris and the colors were hot pink and black.

I'm not ready for her to grow up. I'm not ready for her to look like this!! She has a boyfriend that she met at her marital arts class. They don't go to the same middle school so they only get to see each other a couple of times during the week. They've had one movie date and her dad and his mom chaperoned. I teased her about the bf pulling the old yawn move to get his arm around her, but he didn't try. Good thing :-) I am so blessed to have her as my daughter. She's a great kid, As and Bs and in honors English, Science and Social Studies. I can't believe in just 5 years she'll be heading to college. Ugh, that's depressing. I need a drink now.

Wanted: Yellow House with Red Door

The mornings I take the girls to the bus stop, I pass the cutest house. It is painted a really pretty yellow with a shiny red door, has a white front porch and on the front porch is white wicker furniture. In the Spring there are ferns hanging on the porch. Oh how I want that house!!! I can just picture myself sitting on the wicker love seat, sipping some sweet ice tea (or mojito - it's 5:00 somewhere, right??), reading a good beach read, and watching the kids play. I heart that yellow house.

Boy Oh Boy Oh Boy

2009 is not starting off the way I wanted it to. My car was hit twice in one week. An older man backed into my car while it was parked in the parking garage at work. Thank God he waited so I was able to get his name, insurance, etc. That was on a Wednesday. Then on Friday I was rear-ended a block from work. I finally got my car back yesterday after having a rental car for a week. Ugh!! I shouldn't even be complaining about my little inconviences, because that is nothing compared to what a friend of mine is going through. A week ago Friday, her 40 year old husband died from a massive heart attack. They had spent Friday together and she left the house to go pick up the kids from daycare. When she and the kids got home, they found him in the kitchen. She did everything she could to revive him but it was too late. He leaves a 2 year old daughter and 4 year old son. It is just so horribly sad. Needless to say, I am glad that January is done and over with.

Okay, so I am sitting here on a Friday night with my 12 year old daughter who has talked me into creating a blog . . . will I have anything interesting or creative to say?? The pressure!! My daughter better give me some good blog material!!