This is What I Feel Like Most Days...

To Whom It Concerns

Let it be known to all

on this day of

September 23, 2009

2:00 PM

I officially became a mini-van driving

soccer mom today.

Sheesh...I thought I would NEVER say that!!!

It wasn't so bad. It was a blast to watch Pod's play.

And who says you can't look hot in a mini...van ...that is!

Hands Off!

My dear hubby has not been called out on a four day trip in over a year. Occasionally, at the right time, these can be a treat. I had been wanting to texture my half bath for quite awhile. So, when he told me the news last Tuesday, I jumped at the opportunity. He walked out the front door and I started ripping the wallpaper down.

Stay with me here... Thursday morning was school picture day at the boy's CDO. I put them in coordinating outfits and shined them pretty good. Everything was going to good to be true. When I dropped them off at school, Big E did not want to go. Frijole Man's plan was to run in, take his picture, and run out before Big E saw mom. No one cooperated. Frijole usually loves to be in front of the camera. No luck on this day. When I finally gave up and was headed home, guess who was coming around the corner. Yep. I ended up bringing both boys home and making them take a nap. Meanwhile, Pods and I did our lessons for the day.

After a rest, the boys were returned to school where Big E was left with his class. Frijole finally let the photographer snap a few shots. Pods, Frijole, and I headed out to run those errands.

I decided to replace the plain bathroom mirror with a fancier one. I went all over town looking for the perfect mirror. They were all right around $100. Ugh. I ventured into Kirkland's. The perfect mirror was staring right at me when I walked in the door. $39.95! Perfect!! I wanted to look in one more area just to make sure there wasn't something better. Some inner feeling told me to keep an eye on that mirror. I didn't want to haul the heavy thing around with the kids in tow. So, as I'm searching through some frames, I feel a presence nearing my mirror. I look over and low and behold it's Evie! I said in a very firm voice, "Evie McNe, you get your hands off my mirror right now!" She jumped up with open eyes and looked around as if God was calling her. It was a hilarious moment! You must understand that Evie and I are like long lost sisters that were separated at birth. She is one of the few people that understands my need to smell paint fumes on a monthly basis. We also can look at color samples for hours. Not to mention our whole New Kids connection. Anyways, the fact that we were in the same store at the same time and looking at the same mirror...weird. I did get my mirror and I love it! Love the bathroom, too!

Oh, By the Way...

61 days until

NEW MOON!!

Yes, I know this is "that creepy stuff." It's my one guilty pleasure...fascinating!

Attack of the Oreo Shake

Ok, so I don't know what is happening to me. Menopause? Kids? Mid-life crisis? I have been doing some really out-of-the-ordinary things lately. I've always been able to be a mind over matter type. Well, on Friday that all ceased.

I had to pick up Pods from school at 2:00 pm. At 1:40 pm, I had the most overwhelming craving for a Chick-fil-a Oreo shake. If you've never had one of these, you haven't lived. Here's another addict's comment that sums it right up...

The whipped cream and cherry is standard stuff and tastes as you would expect it and blends well with the milkshake. The milkshake flavoring itself can be summed up in one word: OUTSTANDING. The shake has a very strong flavoring of cream that lingers in your mouth for quite some time after each bite (and for about a half hour after you are done with the shake as well) and is mixed with a healthy helping of crumbled Oreo-type cookies. They really could do no wrong with this thing.

I'm telling you, I could not shake it! It takes fifteen minutes to drive across town to the school. I threw the boys in the car and raced over there. You're asking, "Why didn't you just go after picking up Pods?" Then, I would've had to buy everybody one and that gets expensive.

At 1:55, I was still stuck in the drive thru, behind the mom in the suburban who ordered five kid's meals...I would NEVER do something like that! How rude. Meanwhile, I was planning the fastest way to get across town. There is no fast way. Finally, got my shake and all was well - except that it was now 2:00 pm. There's always a line, so it'll be okay. Well, of course I got behind every pokey person in town. Figures. When I arrived, there were about two cars still in front of me and I was the last one to pick up my kid. All for a shake.

This would be no big deal except for the fact that for once I didn't care if I was being irresponsible. I just had to have that shake! Wow! That was fun!

One Moment in Time

The other day, my mom-in-law reminded me of a story that happened long before my blogging days. It was a pretty good one, so I'm going to add it... so I don't forget it...again.

She was up here helping out when the twins were newborns. I had the babies laying on my bed preparing to do the double diaper duty. In the middle of that fun job, our dachshund, Sydney, started going into a seizure. This happens from time to time. She was at the backdoor which is a good place to be when a seizure begins. I heard the vomiting about to begin, so I left the babies and darted across the house to let Sydney outside before her episode got ugly. In the meantime, I saw Bubbie, who was barely one at the time, walking around the house with the phone attached to his hear and passey in mouth. When I had gotten the babies in new diapers and Sydney recovered from her seizure, I found Bubbie and recovered the phone. He had pushed a million buttons. I turned it off and put it back on the charger. I had just sit down when the phone rang - of course. I didn't recognize the number, so I ignored it.

About twenty minutes later, an uniformed officer showed up wanting to know who had called 911 and why. He took a look around, said, "You have a good day ma'am," and scurried along on his way. Is it bad when you scare a cop away?

Give Me That Wink!

Caleb's figured out how to wink...as only a four year old can. His mouth is wide open while doing some sort of contorted movement as half of his face scrunches up and squishes his eye shut. The best part is when he adds a "thumbs up" with it. I catch these little winks at all the wrong times which is the funny part. During our dinner prayer, when I peek my eyes open to make sure no one is stealing a bite, I'll get "the wink." "Mom! Can I play the Wii??? I lub you bery much!! *wink*." "Mom!! Kathryn's hitting me!! (Aren't you going to give her a red bottom?) *wink*." "Mom!! Dad's gone for three days and I'm going to be a holy terror!! *wink*."

Our Latest Expedition...Camping

We've been looking for a fun family activity that will build memories with our children. Oh, and it needs to be cheap. Camping was the first thing that came to mind. Our kids are getting a little more independent, the weather is getting cooler, and we're all itching to get out of the house. So, for a trial run, Dad decided to take on the backyard with the two older kids.

It took us two days to get the tent to stand up alone. Once that small detail was taken care of, the kids were excited. Dad was determined to spend a Sunday night outside. Never mind the fact that Pod's first day of school was the next day. The kids did well. They read stories by flashlight and enjoyed the excitement of it all. Pods got a bit upset when the big rigs on I35 would downshift and make a loud noise. Other than that, the night went well.

Now, about four in the morning, Sydney had to go outside. The dogs were a bit confused on why the kids were outside. So, I took her out and watched over her to make sure she didn't bark at the tent. I threw myself back in bed, wondering why I didn't visit the restroom while I was still up. After laying there for ten minutes, I forced myself out of bed and into the bathroom. I flipped on the shower light to make sure I was in the right place. Well, earlier in the day, I had twisted the blinds just enough to let a little sunshine in the room. Didn't think anyone could see inside. Well, I learned my lesson! At the same time, Eric had gotten up to relieve himself outside...what a nature boy. He was standing right outside the window when I flipped the light on. A bit of a shock! He thought he'd been caught. I can only imagine the look on his face. He looked in the window only to find me hunkered down on the toilet. I guess after nearly ten years, we are becoming each other. We have to get up at the same time in the night. Maybe we should just go ahead and invest in the side by side potties right now.

The kids had a blast. They were very energetic the next morning and excited to tell me all about their camping experience. Maybe next time, we'll all venture out farther than the backyard!