One Guess, Part I

Any thoughts on which Superbowl Ad was our favorite?

(posted in two parts because I couldn't figure out how to post them together while stuck here at work on lunch with no real access to You Tube)

One Guess, Part II

You guessed it.  Go figure...  You gotta' admit it is the cutest ever!

Random Confessions from a MIA Blogger

I'm secretly happy that my husband caught my cold.  Misery loves company, right?  But of course this is a doubled edge sword because I can no longer expect him to do the little things around the house while I lie lifeless on the sofa.

I feel at a loss with dear sweet Aiden.  He's at that age where I know his mind is wondering while I'm ranting about his need to make good decisions and do the right thing.  Which makes me madder? That he doesn't DO the right thing or that he's thinking of Bakugan while I'm in the middle of my spill?  Either way, it makes me want to rant more.  So, effective yesterday - less rant more action.  I'm showing him with actions instead of words.  Which also means more physical labor on his part.  But hey, that's why I had kids, right? 

That last statement is from my own childhood because I was convinced - beyond a shadow of a doubt - of my parent's motivations for having us.  They needed someone to do the dishes right and sweep the floor.  Well, now I find myself saying the very same thing when he complains - hey, that's why I had kids - of course, I'm only joking, I think...

I'm embarrassed to admit that I have ordered 7 boxes of girl scout cookies.  S.E.V.E.N.  It wasn't intentional, I bought 5 from work because I didn't know any other girl scout to purchase from.  Well that was until our sweet little neighbor rung our door bell.

Aiden's preparing for his first Pinewood Derby for Cub Scouts. I honestly had no idea the importance and competition that came along with 'da derby.  Kinda wondering how we're going to shape this here wood into a speed giant?  Any tips?

Last Days of Summer

We took advantage of the last few days of summer and the great weather for a trip to the beach.

First stop: The Aquarium

How about this comparison...

2008

2010

The Beach...

First Grade Has Been Good For Us

So far Aiden has learned all kinds of cool new sayings... Luckily, it's none of the ones you're thinking of.

For one, girls are no longer pretty but they are now officially HOT. Apparently, I fall into the has-beens in this category since Aiden told one of his friends that I used to be when Daddy first met me. I'm hoping those are his words and not Jamie's... Correction: Jamie's hoping those are his words too...

Cars are now 'nice rides.'

Robin (as in Batman &) can apparently recognize 'the soccer team from hell.'

Finally, there is one unmentionable saying which was used in an unfortunate game of Twister. It includes the word 'pants' and another name for a cat. It's a good thing Aiden is still in denial as to it's meaning OR origin.

And for all of you that don't follow Facebook, a glimpse at tonight's conversation:

Aiden: Look! I think the Canadians are still at school.

Me: Huh? :-/

Aiden: You know, the ones that cleaned up my chips.

10 on Tuesday in Pictures

My initial plan was to do this entirely in pictures, as a general recap of the last six months. But what I've come to realize is - much like this blog, I've also neglected my camera. I'm not certain how this will turn out but here goes...

1.

Aiden and his Kindergarten teacher at Graduation

2.

Love this one. I think it's mostly because I can see this same type of photo taken again at his high school and college cermonies.

3.

Parent's night at the gym

4.

Weekend trip to Grandfather Mountain for the Scottish Highland Games


5.

Where everything goes from kilts to costumes

6.

Highland Games Hostess with the Mostest, Missing from photo Uncle Hal & John

7. Wouldn't be summer without a Disney Princess floaty and a trip to Lake Gaston. Thanks Sav, for letting us borrow it!

8.

Lake water consumption - yuck!


9.

First Day of the First Grade

10.

Maybe next time I should retitle the post as Aiden's six month recap not mine. But that's life as a mom, right?

In a Nutshell: Hiatus Over

By now, I'm sure you thought I forgot how to blog, didn't you? Well, I nearly forgot my password. So you're kind of right. It's been 6 months since I last posted anything. Anything. That is hard to believe. But I'm telling you - time flies whether you're having fun or not.

During my sabbatical, it's wasn't that I didn't know what to say but that I didn't feel like I had anything to say that anyone wanted to hear. What I've realized in the mean time is that it's not about you... hehe.

Was that offensive? I'm sorry.

Here it is though: I've missed you, baby blog. There have been so many times when I think Oh, that would be great to blog about. But then when came time to write, I was out of steam or just so tired the humor was no longer there. But I've also put restrictions on what I felt I could or could not write about. There were times when I couldn't write about one thing when I was holding back on another. So, I'm letting that go. I'm writing for me.

Do Hard Things

I'm continually amazed at what this mom has to share and the depth of how she parents. Each time I read from her blog, I'm brought back to the true meaning of being a parent and a Christian. Her most recent post really hit home just as I have revamped Aiden's chore list for the umpteenth time. I was thrilled to learn that our library was able to hold a copy of the book for me.

PS - Yes, I'm still alive and breathing. I can't say the same for our recent fish... but that's another story!

Sunday's Funnies

This was my favorite...

Public Service Announcement...

I received this by email today and thought it was both humorous and truthful. Meanwhile, I'm scheduled to see my opthamologist this afternoon for swollen-puffy-red eye-syndrome. Such fun. If it's contagious I plan to give it to Aiden since I suspect that's where I got it from to start with. Just kidding... it's not worth a sick whiney kid to return such a favor.

In Case You Were Looking For It...

I've found Santa's address.

Aiden has been determined to write Santa a letter this year. Lets hope Santa can read sanskript - just kidding, it wasn't that bad. While I was finally getting out Christmas cards last night, he wanted to send one to Santa as well. Thought I'd save you the effort of looking for the address yourself if you needed.

Next up, where do you send baby Jesus's birthday card?

Santa Claus
1 Reindeer Lane
North Pole
99705

or

Santa Claus

North Pole

HoH oHo

Canada

or just...

Santa Claus
North Pole

FYI: (and cover all little eyes)

Apparently the Post Office will just forward this back to you... Does that still cost a stamp?

It is Tuesday, isn't it?

1. Okay - yes, I struggled in remembering my password when logging on tonight. A sure sign that I haven't blogged in what... crap, nearly a month. Where did the time go? To be clever, I had planned to blog for the 12 days of Christmas but that didn't work out either... But I'm down to 9 days now, right? Would that count? Maybe I'll give it a try. No promises.

2. So, I'm concerned with the passage of time. It seems like between Thanksgiving and now, time has flown. I guess in defense of it all, we were in Georgia for Thanksgiving (yeah, what a wonderful trip!), then there was the casting call of birthdays (btw, happy birthday to all...), gifts to be bought for Christmas (but yet to be wrapped), and now I feel like there's just enough time for me to smush in some holiday spirit before Christmas is over and done.

3. Doesn't it feel like Christmas is missing something? Even Aiden's noticed it. He keeps telling me he just doesn't feel like he should for Christmas. I know what he means. Maybe now with the tree finally up and the house decorated (somewhat...) it will feel more like the holidays.

4. Aiden's Kindergarten class held a Christmas play last night. Aiden was one of the three wisemen. He did a great job - despite scratching himself... the entire time... Leave it to my son.

5. Work's work. Jamie and I both agree that it stinks for us this time of year. For him, they're swamped with Christmas parties and business luncheons at the restaurant. For me, everyone wants a little extra help this time of the year, which makes my life insane. See #3 for more venting.

6. On a happier note, my Christmas shopping is d-o-n-e. Still doesn't stop me from continuing to shop. Why is that?

7. I think this is the first year that I've come to some peace about our shabby little tree. Typically I spend the entire season fretting about it all. But this year - it is what it is - and I'm okay with it. It's a tree and that's enough for me.

8. Any holiday solutions for whining? If it's not Aiden, it's Andy (our dog). Holy smokes, it amazing me that I'm sane any day of the week.

9. I don't want to over do it for my first night back in blogging, so I'm cutting it short by one. I'll make it up to you next time!

Ten on Tuesday

1. Let me begin by getting the bad stuff out of the way... I have a sinking feeling tomorrow is going to s.u.c.k. It might have been a rumor but I thought I over heard something to the affect of case file reviews at work. Nothing makes my stomach sink more. You think you're doing a good job but there's always someone out there to let you know otherwise. And these people are generally brutal and have NEVER done you're job before. So, say a little prayer with me tonight!

Update: I started this list last night. Today went better than I thought or at least it could have gone a lot worse. Prayers worked and you didn't even know you were praying for me!

2. On to better news... we held another successful yard sale on Saturday. It's amazing how much stuff one has. Even now, we could probably hold another one and still make another $100. Insane.

3. In my personal opinion... there are two things that create a successful yardsale (1) hold it in a good neighborhood. Rich people's junk is always better than mine, right? and (2) one hyphenated word makes all the difference: Multi-family.

4. Besides getting rid of two pets, any thoughts on how to stop my dog from barfing on the floor and stop my cat from shedding? You'd be my hero if you could figure that out for me. And while you're at it, figure out a way to teach them to clean my house while I'm away. That would seriously make my day.

5. I love this time of year but there is one thing that drives me crazy year after year... I'll send weeks hunting down the best deal on the perfect gift and either 1 of 2 things will happen - I'll miss the best deal waiting for another one to happen (ie. last year's blu-ray incident) or I'll purchase too soon and find a better deal later on (ie. this year's moon incident). And I'm too cheap to pay shipping to return an item. I wish there was a way items would say "Hey loser, this is the best deal your going to get - Take it."

6. Aiden lost another tooth yesterday. We're down two now. And I can already see the need for orthodontics. Guess that gives me 5-7 years to start saving, right? Ah, I say that like I can even save for Christmas, let along dental work a decade from now!

7. Saturday is our annual Pirate football game. There was apparently an unwritten statement in our marital contract which requires me to one live-and-in-person football game a year. As a dutiful and faithful wife, I have fulfilled my requirement for the last 8 years - totalling 8 games, not one more :-). But seriously, I don't mind them. It's just difficult to entertain a 5 year old in 24 inches of wiggle room for 3+ hours.

8. Having said #7: Lets go Pirates! (guilt...)

9. I'm still recovering from Saturday's night Orange Chicken incident. Thank you Parker's for coming to my rescue.

10. And for the finale... We're counting the days until we get to spend a great Thanksgiving with the Lewis'! 9 days and counting.

YOU MAY BE A DAVE RAMSEY FAN IF…

I totally copied these from another site. If you thought this list was long, you should have seen the original one.

...the value of your car doubles every time you fill the gas tank!
…you see a guy driving a 15 year old car and you think, I wonder if he would sell it to me .
…you had 4 very successful yards sales and you can still find things to sell.
…your automatic response to the phrase "Mom, I want..." is "Save up!"
...you count late fees from the library as an addition to your debt snowball.
…you respond "better than I deserve" every time someone asks you how you're doing.
…you start a sentence with "Well, Dave says..." and your friends just roll their eyes and walk away.
…the guy who works at Quik-Trip makes fun of you for putting cash your QT Gas Card every week instead of just using your debit card. Replace this with Walmart and you’ve got me…
…you walk down a row of cars at the mall and wonder how many might be paid for.
...you say, "Because Dave said so," every time your kids ask why they have to eat beans and rice again. I’ve never actually eaten beans and rice but we eat our share in sausage and peppers or PB&J, does that count?
…you rinse out a sandwich bag for reuse.
…your children run and hide in a panic when you ask them "I wonder what I can sell on Ebay Now?"
…you've cut your dryer sheets in half to get double the use per box. No, but there’s an idea.
…you've cut your own hair to avoid paying a hairstylist. Okay, no… but I’ve shaved Jamie’s head a time or two and threatened to do Aiden’s.
...you feel sorry for your friend when she goes on a shopping spree, instead of jealous. Only if she just put 5 pairs of GAP jeans on her credit card , this actually just happened.
…the internal temperature in the house is 62 degrees and you try to justify turning the thermostat down a little bit more to save on energy costs.
…your 9 & 7 YO kids believe in Santa because Mom & Dad would NEVER buy all that stuff!
…you go shopping for a new purse, and it HAS TO BE a shape to work with your envelopes.
…the thought of shopping for stuff you don't need makes you ill.
...you move in with your in laws to save money.
...you see furniture on the side of the road and you realize it's in better shape than your own.
...you use credit cards and Satan in the same sentence.
...you price compare thrift shops for the best bargain.
...you still have money on your Christmas gift card cause you really really can't spend the money.
…you make your own laundry soap for 3 cents per load and cannot keep from telling everyone you know how to do it themselves!!! Can you really do that?
…you are excited at the opportunity to go grocery shopping and whip out the crazy envelope wallet in the hopes that it will spur a conversation with anyone about getting out of debt!!
…you shed tears watching the baby gazelle escape the cheetah "go baby go go go go go!"
…you see someone driving an economical 88 honda accord and you know that it has to be paid for and your are jealous...
…you keep a budget on your fridge in your purse and on your mirror in the bathroom to remind you what you are trying to do!
…you can spend less than $3 dollars at Wendy's and feed two people.
...your pets have their own envelope.
...you are shopping for office supplies with the company credit card and still feel bad.
...you are shopping for office supplies for work and can't bear to not compare prices, buy generic and get the very best deal.
...you are eating off a card table because you would rather put your money toward a fully funded emergency fund.
...you have enough checks to last you three years, because you ordered them BDR (Before Dave Ramsey).
…your 5&6 y.o. go around saying, "Credit cards are EVIL! Evil I tell ya" and your 2 y.o. follows them around saying, "Evil, Evil."
...it's a good thing to be awake in the middle of the night thinking about money. Not because you can't sleep from fear but because you can't sleep for thinking about what you can cut to pay off the debt sooner.
…you see the "immigrants" driving some beat up car with 4 guys riding together and think that's really smart, good for them.
…you hear about someone winning a large sum of money and you think about how much debt you could pay off if you had won it.
…your 6 year old asks you if we're debt free yet This has happened, but he was 5…
…you have to tell the bank teller the number of each specific denomination you need when you get your cash so it will be easily split between your 7 envelopes AND so the 3 kids on commission who need to be paid in all ones can easily split their commission for their OWN envelopes. EVERY time.
…"freeeeedom" is no longer thought of as a phrase from Braveheart, but rather a signal that someone is debt free.
…you would rather learn how to sew a slip cover than to spend money on a new couch
...you plan camping vacations months in advance, not to make sure you can get the time off but so it doesn't throw your budget off.
…you begin referring to yourself as the "King of cheap Saturday"...you know, walks in the park, making sandwiches, free movies at the town plaza.
…the van breaks down and you think, "Is this REALLY an emergency, I could just walk to work for the next month. It's only a couple miles." because you don't want to disturb the BEF.
...you associate "Another One Bites the Dust" with plasectomy.
...you actually know what a plasectomy is.
…you spend hours, literally, making out weekly menu's based on sale papers.
…the highlight of your trip to the grocery store is reading the total savings on the receipt when you leave the store.
…you think about Christmas coming up in 4 months, and you know that you cannot afford it this year. You tell your kids "Christmas is a craft"!
…you fantasize about the day you'll be able to scream "I'M DEBT FREE!!!"
…you and your spouse exchange the SAME Christmas card back and forth to save money.
...you think all these things are funny and awesome instead of down right pathetic.

Pumpkins Anyone?

(And now you're caught up on the last 27 days! )

Briley's Pumpkin Patch

A Ball of Conflictedness

I don't write because I feel like a big ball of contradiction and conflictedness. And typically my conflictedness comes with the gifted ability to piss someone off. Sweet skill, huh?

But what I'm slowly learning though is that people don't really want to know what your thinking when it's not the happy, happy, joy, joy types of feelings. So, then you learn to keep all these thing to yourself but eventually they start to get you. And you find yourself not wanting to say anything because anything is too much. And it's difficult to stop once you've started.

And to make it worse, my conflicted contradictions seem to be about those closest to me. No, I'm not talking about you, promise ;-) But I have issues with the SAHM, the working mom, with work, school, church, with family, even with the weather...

And what I find is that it really comes down to ALL the roles. Too many hats and my head's not the right size for any of them. Meaning that I don't fit any of them well. So, at the end of the day I give everything and accomplish nothing, always feeling as if I've failed, fallen short (no pun...), typically leaving one relationship behind.

So, what's a girl to do? Whoever said you could do it all never actually had to do it all. It's great in theory but try putting it into practice.

I guess what makes it worse is that in the end, there is nothing I can do. I just keep trudging on but in the meantime how do you keep from feeling empty and lost?

For those of you that don't like to hear me whine, I'm going to post a bunch of pics to make up for it. :-) Your welcome!

He Read to Me

Tonight marks another milestone - Aiden actually read a story to me! He's so freakin' smart!

Mixing Things Up - Posting a 10 on Wednesday

1. I'm sick. It sucks. I can't decide if it's some yucky sinus issue or the beginnings of a cold. I'm leaning towards the cold - I'm just too tired and achy with a slight head. It is not the flu. You can leave your masks at home if coming to visit me.

2. Work s.u.c.k.s. Nuff said.

3. Sucks appears to the word of the day. Maybe I'll try to add it to each of the following for your enjoyment. Just kidding. I'm not feeling that creative tonight.

4. I owed the biggest library fee ever. Seriously. I promise. You better sit down for this - $110.96. Yes, can you believe it?!? I borrowed a book on CD from the library and apparently when Jamie drove my car recently he moved the seat back, breaking it in half. Just my luck, the CD is no longer in print ANYWHERE. Who knew it could be so freakin' expensive?

5. I was brave and did the grown up thing. I went to the library director to negotiate a reduced fee. Used my DR skills. Even did research so that I could ever-so-kindly argue the valid point that even if I paid the full fee, the CD set was no longer in print and it could not be replace (yes, I felt bad about this). But surprisingly, the director was way more reasonable (and friendly) than the first woman I spoke with and we were able to negotiate a very reasonable deal. Thanks Mr. Nelms!

6. Jamie just corrected me about the chronological order of events for the movie Ghost. I find that mildly amusing. Slightly concerning.

7. I'm itching to revamp our living room. Well, the entire house to be honest. But I should go one room at a time. Should probably start with the ones I still haven't finished from when we move in 4 years ago - ie our bedroom, Aiden's room, etc - but that seems too reasonable.

8. The living room seems like a good place to start. It feels too formal for my taste. I want something warm and welcoming. If you have a flair for interior design, feel free to stop by and give me some tips. Just call in advance so that I can make sure the house isn't in a destroyed state.

9. Aiden's sleeping on his top bunk tonight. That's pretty big stuff around here.

10. I'm struggling with Halloween and Christmas ideas for the kid. I want so desperately to move away from the traditional media types things. Any suggestions?

My Friend, the reusable water bottle

Sigg and I just made up - I just completed my return form for a replacement bottle!

If you have a Sigg bottle check out their website to see if you're bottle has the new and improved EcoLiner, or the old BPA friendly one, like mine... Then go here to obtain the return form and mailing address for your BPA friendly bottle.

Thanks Sigg for doing the right thing! And making my day!

This is my public service announce for the month :-)