Christmas 2008 Recap

This Christmas was so much fun. Madie is at the age where you can just look at her and see the magic in her eyes. She told her daddy that it was the best Christmas ever---I thought that was so sweet, knowing that she probably doesn't remember the other ones she's experienced. Despite Madie having the fever virus, hubby being sick in the bed on Christmas day and me getting a sinus infection the day after Christmas, this has been one of the best. We are truly blessed to have our friends and family. And the toys----oh my the toys. Let's just put it this way, I have decided to convert one of my extra bedrooms into a playroom. I can't take the over flow of toys much longer.

Well, Christmas is over. All of the decorations are put away until next year. My house looks bare. I've been cleaning out closets, drawers and anything else that I can get my hands on. I'm taking the "out with the old" very seriously. I'm amazed at how much stuff we have accumulated--I always think that I might need that, want that, wear that, use that....and THAT is just not the case. So, I'm getting rid of a lot of things. To bad I'm not the yard sale kind of person....I could probably do pretty good. But I'll have a warm fuzzy feeling knowing that I helped someone in need when I go drop it all off at Hannah Home.

If I don't post before the end of the year----Happy New Year! I can hardly believe that it will be 2009----I had just gotten used to writing 2008.

Naughty Or Nice?

I must have been really nice.

Look what hubby got me.

It's a Nikon D80---Ashton Kutcher has nothing on me.

Say cheese & Merry Christmas!!!!

Friday Photo

Love and hugs, tickles and laughs........

Bottling it up.....so I can keep it forever.

Meet Edward....Our Elf.

Meet Edward.

a.k.a Edward Jacob or E.J.

He came to live with us this year until Christmas. He says that he will be coming back every year to watch over Madie and see if she has been a good girl and report back to Santa.

He has been getting into plenty of mischief since he has been with us. At night he raids the pantry, throws marshmallows everywhere, rearranges the furniture, climbs in trees, knocks over chairs, hides things, eats all of the candy in the house and who knows what he will get into next--I think he has a party every night.

Madie is VERY aware of his presence and knows that he is watching her. The other day, I could tell that she was about to get upset and I looked around to see where Edward was. She saw what I was doing and looked up at Edward the Elf and said, "Hey Edward! You Not See That!" And her fit was over----I'm thinking its too bad I don't have Edward as back up year around.

Friday Photo

Yes, Madie. There really is a Santa Claus.

It's Okay...Critics Agree.

I was getting Madie ready for bed tonight when hubby calls out, "Hey! Come look at this."
I go to see what he wants and it is a Twilight commercial on TBS. (Yes, he even knows I like to watch the commercials. If you need to know the back story see my previous post, Addicted to Twilight ) The commercial clearly states: "Critics agree. Twilight is the movie to see over and over again"

We'll hey, if critics agree.... then I think I should start making my plans for my next viewing.

Shoe Store Crap

Today Madie and I went to the Library to see Mr. Mac. It had been several weeks since we have gone. We have had a lot going on. Afterwards, we went to eat Mexican with a mommy friend and her two little boys--Madie loves them.

After lunch, Madie and I walked to the shoe store that is in the same shopping center as the Mexican restaurant. We walked in and she was being very well behaved. She wasn't running off, she wasn't throwing shoes on the ground and she actually asked me if she could go in the back and look in the mirrors. I told her she could, keeping one eye on the wide variety of shoes to choose from and one eye on her.

A few minutes later I called to Madie and told her it was time to go. She walked up to the lady at the counter on her way out and said, "Hey Lady, I just poo poo'd." I thought to my self, no she just didn't... but she did. The lady behind the counter replied, "That does happen sometimes."

Not what I expected out of her mouth---or the other end for that matter ---in the shoe store.

Addicted To Twilight

I haven't been blogging very much lately. It seems as if Madie, the holidays and Twilight have been keeping me busy. And honestly, it's been the last one that has been taking up most of my spare time. I'm a Mom! turned me onto a magical vampire love story, The Twilight Saga, By Stephanie Meyer , that I wouldn't have even known existed had she not been obsessed and blogged about it herself.

I know I'm not crazy, but lately....I have been wondering. Why am I so addicted to these books?
And how do I know I'm addicted? Just judge for yourself.

Let me first preface that as I write this post I am listening to the Twilight movie soundtrack.

Reasons I know I am addicted to the Twilight Saga:

1. I think about it all the time.


2. I've seen the movie 4 times (3 times over the Thanksgiving holiday) and I'm trying to figure out when I can go see it again before it goes off at the theater.


3. I've researched when it will be out on DVD.


4. I've read Twilight, New Moon, all of both books deleted chapters, the online book Midnight Sun and anything I can find on the Internet about it.


5. The 3rd and 4th books, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn, just arrived on my front porch and I feel giddy!


6. I ordered a "Team Cullen" T-shirt (long sleeve so I can wear it know)...it's really cute by the way.


7. The only thing I am listening too right now is the Twilight soundtrack. I should be listening to Christmas music but "Flightless Bird, American Mouth" prevails.


8. I've googled Forks, Washington.


9. I only look /want Twilight Flair on Facebook.


10. I research to see when there will be something on TV about the Twilight movie and DVR it. On both TV's.


11. I have a folder in my favorites to hold all of my favorite Twilight websites and Youtube videos.


12. I have bought 4 magazines in the past week just because they have Rob Pattinson (the actor who plays Edward Cullen in the movie) on the front or something about Twilight.

But the main reason is because of this conversation between Madie and Hubby.

Hubby: Where did Mommy go?

Madie: To see Twilight.

Hubby: What's Twilight about?

Madie: Vampires.

Hubby: Where do vampires live?

Madie: At Wal-mart.

Who knew? Well, I 'm off to read Eclipse. I hope it doesn't let me down. And believe me, the next time I go to Wal-mart----I'm looking for Edward Cullen.

If I Had A Hundred Dollars To Spend

Let me just say that ones mind can think of the craziest things at the strangest times. With that said:

If I Had A Hundred Dollars To Spend

If I had a hundred dollars to spend
or maybe a little more.
I'd hurry as fast as my legs would go,
straight to the animal store.

I wouldn't say how much for this or that?
Or what kind of dog is he?
I'd buy as many as wagged a tail
or rolled an eye at me.

I might by the parrot all red and green,
or the monkey I saw before.
If I had a hundred dollars to spend,
or maybe a little more.

This is a poem that I had to memorize in the 2nd grade. And for some reason it has been on my mind for several days. Why? I have NO idea. I thought maybe it was a sign to document it for Madie before I go all "Denny Crane" and get Mad Cow.

Happy Holidays!

Terrific Turkey's...Gobble Til You Wobble!

Today was Madie's Thanksgiving Program for Mom's Day Out. Madie's class was the Terrific Turkeys! Hubby had a flat tire on his was to the church so he was a few minutes late and didn't get to see all of the program. Nana and Paw-paw were there---which was truly a blessing considering that Paw-paw was in the CICU (Cardiac Intensive Care Unit) only one week ago today after his second bypass surgery. He is doing great with his recovery and I am so glad that they were to come.

Paw-paw, Madie, Nana & Hubby

The Terrific Turkeys sang several songs and were dressed in Turkey aprons. The aprons were so cute--They said "gobble til you wobble" on the front. They were all adorable. I video taped them singing their songs and was able to get some "close-ups" of Madie, until she decided to sit down and a piano blocked my view, I could only see the bow on the top of her head. She had no idea that we were there. There were so many people there and she couldn't find us in the crowd. I could see her mouth move and ask Ms. A, "Where's my mommy?"....my heart melted. Then they sang a song about being thankful and one part they sang said I love my mommy and I love my daddy. I saw Madie look at the teacher and say...not sing, "I love my mommy." My heart melted again.

After the program we went to Madie's classroom to see all of the art work they have been working on. I was so proud and very impressed with artwork.

Madie and her artwork.

I love you too Madie and I am so thankful for you!

Madie's Top 5

Madie's top 5 reason's why she didn't want to go to Mom's Day Out today:

#5-She wanted to stay home with me.

#4-She had a headache.

#3-She was sleepy and wanted to take a nap.

#2-Her leg hurt.

And my personal favorite:

#1-Her stomach was bleeding.

I have to give it to her. She knows how to come up with some good ones. And she's only 2! I guess she figured if you add some blood to something it makes it a lot worse.

Family Picture Day!

Today we went to the park to have some family Fall and Christmas pictures. I wanted to get one for our Christmas cards this year and I also wanted to get some poses to give some family as Christmas presents. Nothing says "Happy Holidays" like a good old family photo. I wasn't sure that hubby was going to make it. Up until today he was motionless on the couch downstairs with a case of food poisoning. He has been out of commission since Thursday and I wasn't sure he would feel up to a picture day. But, he was feeling much better and was a real trooper. I think it did him good to get off the couch and get outside.

Once we got to the park I could tell that Madie was not going to cooperate as I would like for her too. You know, smiling like an angel at every picture taken, posing and loving every minute of it. No, that didn't happen at all. After 20 minutes of a total meltdown, a busted lip (Madie's...not mine) and a "make me feel better sucker"---we were able to get several good pictures. The girl who was taking our picture got these shots with her last role of film. It was well worth the stress and anxiety.

Madie and her daddy

Our Fall Family Photo

Sea Of Leaves

Isn't it great to be a kid?

My, My, My.

My.

This word has been used a lot around our house lately. And I think it is so cute.
Madie has gotten into the habit of saying "my" for everything. Although, I do say a sentence the right way when I repeat it back to her, I can't help but giggle to myself as I watch her little brain put words and sentences together.
For example she'll say things like:
My want to do it.
My not want to.
My did already.
My need you to get me something to drink.
Yes, my did.
No, my didn't.

And the list could go on and on, but you get the idea. I know this is just another phase in development. I'm just glad it's not all about the word "mine."

Disney on Ice 2008

This morning we went to see Disney on Ice. It wasn't as good as last year's Finding Nemo, but the over all ice skating was a lot more entertaining. Madie, who I think may have still been on a sugar high from all of the Halloween candy she has eaten, had a great time. She laughed, clapped and danced almost the entire time and wanted to get down on the ice to "dance"with them.

But before it started she had to get serious about some popcorn with her daddy.

Trick-or-Treat 2008

We had such a great time on Halloween this year. Madie loved dressing up like Snow White and she was glad her Aunt A, Nana and Paw-paw came to join in on the fun.

Here is My Snow White and Dr. McDreamy!!!!

The Fam-Me, Madie and Hubby

The Witch, Snow White & Dr. McDreamy

Nana, Madie & Paw-paw

Old McDonald, Snow White and a Cow

Aunt A & Madie

Scarecrow & Snow White

And my favorite picture of all. When I told them to give me their best sorority girl picture pose this is what I got and then Paw-paw asked, "What's that?" Look at the smiles on this group, I thought it made a good photo.

Madie enjoyed going from house to house and getting her candy and paw-paw entertained himself by playing ring toss with glow bracelets on his utters.

Happy Halloween!

A Tornado?....In My Living Room?

Yesterday while I was getting ready for the day, Madie came to ask if she could watch The Wizard of Oz. Of course, I went to start the movie for her while I finished getting dressed. After a few minutes, Madie came to get me to tell me to come and look to see what she had done. She was telling on herself, she loves to do that. When I walked into the living room, the decorative tree behind our recliner had been robbed of all of its grass at the bottom of the trunk and scattered all over ...I mean REALLY scattered all over the living room.

The next exchange of words between me and Madie went as follows:

Me: Madie, why did you do that?

Her: The wind blow and a tornado came in here! (She exclaimed with much enthusiasm and she was very serious about her excuse)

Me: Like the tornado on The Wizard Of Oz?

Her: Yes...Mommy, where's Dorothy?

Just like the tornado in The Wizard of Oz.....Oh my! How can you not laugh at that?

I was upset because I had to clean up this terrible mess and it certainly was not in my schedule for the day to take the time out to do so. But on the other hand, I couldn't help but laugh because she had been so creative. And I couldn't wait to tell hubby because I knew he would think it was funny too.

So, I cleaned it up and now I wait for the next tornado to come through the house.

These past few days I feel as if the "terrible two's" are here and in full force.

What Do You Say When.....?

How Much Sharing Is Too Much?

Madie and I share everything. We share food, chairs, kisses, hugs, books, toys, pillows, blankets and the list goes on. Everything that is mine...is hers and everything that is hers is....well, hers. Now it seems that we share germs!!!!!

I know that it's impossible to avoid but every time Madie gets a cold....I get one too. I guess our immune systems are not used to the germies. But, in the past 2 months I think my nose has been stuffed up for a least 4 weeks during that time. Two trips to the Dr., 1 round of antibiotics and 1 bottle of nose spray later and we've got it again. I think we may be sharing too much.

Thank goodness we got our flu shot and flu mist last week. Looks like it is going to be a long "cold" winter for us.

It's Potty Time? Part II

Milestone Alert!

Madie went #2 in the potty!!!!!!!!!!
She got up and said, "Mommy, what's that?"

I took a picture, but don't worry, I have no intentions of posting it here. Madie would kill me when she's older if I did.

It's Potty Time?

After 2 days of taking on potty training very seriously. Here is a recap of how things are going.

In the past 2 days Madie has:

• pee'd in the potty 7 times. (YIPPEEE!)
• pee'd in the floor 2 times.
• pee'd in my kitchen chair
• pee'd in hubby's recliner
• pooped in her Cinderella panties
• worn a diaper only at night and to take a nap. oh, and when we went to get her flu mist yesterday, I didn't want to have to clean pee out of the car.

I think I have asked a minimum of 100 times if she needed to go potty, so much so that I think we are both tired of me asking. I think I may be making it a little more stressful than it needs to be, but hey it's my first time teaching someone else to do this. Pray for me!

Picture Tag!

Okay, so I was tagged by I'm A Mom for picture tag. Rules are that you go into your "Pictures" file and download the 6th picture in the 6th folder. Like my blog and my life, my pictures on my computer also revolve around/involve Madie.



So, here is my 6th folder 6th picture.
It's Madie with her favorite Miss Kitty....she still sleeps with her!

Rules are that you have to tag 6 more people to share their 6th folder's 6th photo. Sad thing is, I don't have 6 more bloggers to tag. So, I'll just tag a few and hope it is good enough.


I love my crazy hectic life
Moments That Matter
Princess Motormouth

And anyone else that will be my blog friend....feel free to participate.

Fall Festivities

It has been a busy week for us. And as usual, it has been all about Madie. Instead of writing about everything , I thought I'd tell with pictures, some of them are really cute.

Last week we went to visit Nana and Paw-paw for a few days. Madie enjoyed driving the pink barbie Ford Mustang that Nana and Paw-paw bought for her to ride at their house. If the picture is a little blurry, it's because she went by so fast.

On Saturday, we went to the Fall Festival at Mt. Laurel. It was a beautiful day and Madie got to see Snow White. This was a really big deal because she is going to be Snow White for Halloween.

On Sunday, Nana and Paw-paw came to visit and we went to Old Baker Farms to the Pumpkin Patch. We have gone every year since Madie was born and love going out there to spend the afternoon. Here is Madie sitting on some pumpkins just being cute.

Here is the family! Hubby, Madie & Me.

Hubby helps Madie pet a horse.

This is Wilbur. He heard that Madie was a friend of Charlotte's and had to come over to say "hi" and give her a kiss.

Enjoying the hayride with Nana & Paw-paw.

Madie found the perfect pumpkin. It was just her size.

Running in the corn maze is so much fun!

What a busy week and what fun we had. We love Fall Festivities and we are on the hunt for more!

Hand In Hand

I took this picture Saturday of Madie and her Paw-paw. I thought it was too sweet not to post.

A Beautiful Day For An Outside Wedding

Today we went to my cousins wedding. It was a beautiful day for and outside wedding. Not too cool, not to hot. The bride was beautiful and the groom didn't faint. The wedding went off without a hitch as far as I could tell. It was so nice to see "the family" and spend time with everyone. It was a fun wedding. We had BBQ and the cake was great.

On the ride home, I was thinking that as we get older, by "we" I mean us kids in the family, we have fewer and fewer big family "get togethers" so its nice when everyone is together. I remember when I was growing up, we were together ALL the time because we all lived so close to each other. Now that I have moved away (even though it's only an hour, it is still moved away) I've learned to cherish these events because they are really the only time that I can give Madie a taste of what I had growing up. We never really have any family feuds or even a lot of drama at our gatherings, but we always have generations of love and laughter.

Congratulations Mantney! I love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness!

Madie especially had a good time. She got to spend time with her cousins.

Lil' E, Madie & R.J.

Friday Photo

Yesterday Madie and I decorated the front of the house for Fall and Halloween. We had such a good time doing it. She is old enough now to be Mommy's little helper. She really likes the scarecrows, that's why there are so many. I hope we didn't over do it. I think it will look even better once we go to the pumpkin patch and get our pumpkins!

Me, Crafty?

Here is my attempt at being crafty.
It's October but I already have the Christmas spirit!

'Tis the season to be crafty!

I Laughed So Hard, I Cried....Twice

The other night before Madie went to bed, we were playing in the floor and she came up to me and was saying what I thought was she needed a tractor or cracker or something like that.
She turned around pointed to her diaper and said, “No, Mommy. My diaper in my cracker!” One side of her diaper was…..yes….in her crack-er.

Once we fixed the problem, all was well with the world.

I laughed so hard, I cried.

******************

Last night we were watching Extreme Home Makeover, good clean, heart moving entertainment right? If anyone has seen the show, you know the drill. They build a house for a family in need and reveal the finished house by saying "Move that bus!" Then they show everyone their new rooms one at a time and let them oooohhh and aaaahhh over their new living quarters. Last night was a very sweet episode and a little girl was shown her room, she was almost speechless she was so happy. All she could say was "My room, Oh my gosh....Oh my goodness!"

It was time for Madie to go to bed and she runs into her room as if she has never seen it before and says, "Look Mommy, my room. Oh my gosh, oh my goodness!" She even raised her hand over her mouth for a more dramatic effect.

I couldn't help it. I fell in the floor laughing. Could I have another Dakota Fanning on my hands?

Homestead Holler

It's really called Homestead Hollow, but Madie insisted it be called Homestead Holler. It's an arts and crafts festival that is held each year about 45 minutes from our house.

Today we met Nana and SIL (a.k.a Lyn Lee) at Homestead Hollow. We got there right after the doors opened, the weather was great, we got a close parking spot and I was ready to see some crafts.

We had such a good time. I had never gone before so I didn't really know what to expect but it was a lot of fun. The only thing I would have changed was the yellow jackets, they were everywhere and we spent a lot of time swating them away. But other than that....it was great!

Here are some of the things Madie was able to enjoy...

Madie enjoyed the company.

Madie made a new friend.

Thanks Nana, she's sleeping with it as I write this post.

Madie got to see some chickens.

Madie got to pet some rabbits.

Madie got to pet a 5 month old pot belly pig....he was cute!

Madie got to ride a pony.

Madie got to bounce, bounce, bounce!

Madie got to sit with some pumpkins and look real cute while I took some pictures.

What a great day. As you can see, we were really busy. And I didn't even mention the funnel cakes....I can't wait to go back to the "Holler" next year!

100 Things About Me

I can hardly believe it! My 100th post. Happy 100th post to me!
When I first started blogging, I had read another blog that was celebrating their 100th post and posted 100 things about themselves. I thought, what a great idea, I'll have to do that....not knowing if I would stick with it and make it to my 100 post.

Well, here I am, my 100th post and here are my 100 Things About Me:

1. My Birthday is February 28th.

2. I used to sing in church, beauty pageants and at weddings.

3. I was very insecure in college.

4. I love music of all kinds.

5. I was 18 before I was ever allowed to go to a concert.

6. My first concert was Elton John

7. I have a younger brother who is 7 years younger than me and we look alike.

8. I graduated high school 4th in my class.

9. There were only 75 people in my high school graduating class.

10. I made the Dean’s list my last 4 semesters of college.

11. I have a B.S. in Political Science and a minor in English.

12. My middle name is my Grandmothers maiden name.

13. I love watching TV.

14. I take my makeup off every night before I go to bed.

15. My parents have been married for 37 years.

16. I am a light sleeper.

17. I love PJ’s.

18. I got married when I was 26 and hubby was 23…I’m 3 years older!

19. I love to organize and plan things.

20. I love the way a baby smells after a bath.

21. I love cookies….all kinds…all assortments.

22. I hate driving at night.

23. I don’t like watching scary movies.

24. I’m usually in bed by 10 or 10:30, even on the weekends.

25. I have rheumatoid arthritis and I have had it since I was 14 years old.

26. I would love to have another baby.

27. I drove to school when I was 15.

28. I love the soap opera General Hospital. I've watched it for as long as I can remember.

29. I worry a lot.

30. I love watching/listening for the mail to come. I also love getting mail as long as it isn’t a bill.

31. I love Nascar and the drama that goes along with it.

32. I made the best friends of my life in college and we are all still friends and keep in touch.

33. I love taking pictures, having them developed and organizing them in photo books.

34. I’ve read every Nicholas Sparks book.

35. I met Hubby at work.

36. He left that job so that we could date each other.

37. Hubby and I only knew each other for 9 months before we got engaged.

38. We were married 6 months later.

39. We have been married for 8 years.

40. I love morning/breakfast time with Madie.

41. I drink 2 cups of coffee every morning.

42. I drink at least 3 diet cokes a day…I love it!

43. I HATE lemon pepper seasoning.

44. I am not a huge fan of sushi. But I eat it when I have a chance.

45. I want to be a good wife and mother.

46. I drive too fast sometimes.

47. I rarely do things spontaneously, I am a planner.

48. I like to make lists.

49. I miss working sometimes.

50. Some of my favorite movies of all time are: The Outsiders, The Breakfast Club, 16 Candles, The Wizard of Oz, Princess Bride, E.T., Mary Poppins, Wedding Crashers, The Notebook, The Lord of the Rings Movies, Footloose, The Lost Boys, Top Gun…there are more, but I’ll just leave it to these for now.

51. I love being a mother.

52. I’m 34 years old.

53. I haven’t slept past 8:30am in over 2 years.

54. I dread Alabama summers….they are way too hot.

55. I like to swim but I hate getting my hair wet.

56. I love buying things online.

57. I like buying things online with free shipping.

58. I would love to have all of my home movies on DVD…I just haven’t had time.

59. I love reality shows and news networks…go figure.

60. Most of my professional career has been in sales, advertising and public relations.

61. My first “real job” out of college was at a radio station. It was a fun job.

62. I won the state 4-H public speaking contest when I was in the 5th grade and 1st place in woodworking in 6th grade. When I was a kid…I loved 4-H.

63. I love to go out to eat.

64. My first job was a cashier at a grocery store when I was 16.

65. I was born on my Parents anniversary.

66.I got fired from a bartending job when I was in college for giving away a drink. It was also my birthday.

67. Places I have visited: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Kentucky, Ohio, Louisiana, Texas (just to the airport), Washington D.C. Jamaica, and the Bahamas.

68. My favorite color is blue. But I wear a lot of black and khaki.

69. I hate my hands and feet.

70. I make my bed every day. It was a New Year’s resolution many years ago that I actually kept.

71. I love it when my house is clean.

72. When I was young, Little House on the Prairie was my favorite show. I wanted to be Laura Ingalls Wilder and marry a man like Manly. I got lucky, Hubby is much better….my prince charming.

73. Madie was born almost 8 weeks premature and spent 30 days in the NICU. I wouldn’t come home without her and stayed at the hospital until she was able to come home.

74. Hubby and I still have separate checking accounts. Even though I am a stay at home mom now and my only income is residuals from a previous job. Needless to say, there isn’t much activity on my account.

75. I don’t have any pets. Not that I don’t like them. I just don’t want one.

76. I used to hate to shop. I think because I didn’t have any money. Now I love to shop now and still don’t have a lot of money.

77. I am a bargain shopper. I love getting a bargain.

78. I buy things for Madie even when I know she does not need them. I think this is referred to as “spoiling your child.”

79. I hate going to the DMV.

80. I don’t have any tattoos. I could never think of anything I would still want on my body when I am 80 years old.

81. I think I have a good sense of humor.

82. I like being around people who make me laugh.

83. Before Madie was born, Hubby and I would go stripe fishing every weekend.

84. We were going to join a couples tour, but never did.

85. The biggest fish I ever caught was 26lbs.

86. I love it when I have a tan. I haven’t had one in 3 years.

87. My last supper would include: steak, spaghetti, something sweet (cookies or brownies) and something from the Waffle House.

88. I had my tonsils removed when I was 5 years old.

89. I also had mono when I was five.

90. I was engaged when I was 19. Thank goodness I knew better.

91. I am a loyal and trustworthy friend.

92. My family (hubby, Madie, my entire side of the family, in-laws & friends) is very important to me and I think that I display that on a day to day basis.

93. I’ve always wanted people to like me. It used to really bother me if I thought that someone did not like me. Now that I am older, I still care, just not as much.

94. I hate hearing other people eat, chew or smack food. All accept my daughter, it’s different with her it’s like I’m doing it and it doesn’t make me cringe.

95. I’ve never been to Disney World…but I hope too in the next few years.

96. I wish I lived closer to my hometown. It’s only about an hour and a half away but it would be really nice if it were only about a 30 minute drive.

97. I hate it when people drive slowly in the left lane and you can’t pass them.

98. I have a very high tolerance to pain, but seeing someone else in pain makes me woozy.

99. If I could go anywhere in the world tomorrow, I think I would be on a plane to Italy.

And………

100. I had a really hard time coming up with 100 Things about myself. Which leads me to believe that writing down 100 things about myself has let me get to know myself a little better.

My Madie's Little Shoes

Today, as I was getting ready to head out to the library, I went to put on my shoes. They were scattered all over the place. Just like they have been for the past 6 months. Madie loves to play in my closet and wear my shoes. They don't always match. She may come out with one high heel and one flat or two high heels, one brown and one black. But, the point is that she loves shoes. And I have come to the realization that my closet will not be organized unless I lock her out and that would just spoil all of her fun. So, I'll just cope with it.

I was thinking back today about a shower gift that my bestest of friends gave me at my baby shower. They gave me a basket of little shoes and a poem in a frame entitled, "Little Shoes." It still hangs in Madie's room today----She's growing up so fast....sooner rather than later, I'll be wishing I couldn't keep my shoes organized.

Here is the poem.....get your tissue.

LITTLE SHOES

In the top drawer of her dresser is one pair of little shoes
And a pair of little booties which her Mom can choose.
Although she cannot walk just yet, out with her Mom she goes
For strolls in different shades of pink from her head down to her toes.

But soon the little newborn babe has to a toddler grown,
In patent-leather party shoes she’s walking all alone.
But someone’s watching closely as she takes each shaky stride,
And though she may not notice it, her Mom is at her side.

The nursery’s now a bedroom, the baby’s crib is gone,
The little girl is off to school with brand-new sneakers on.
She skips onto the schoolyard with a step as light as air,
While Mom, though smiling bravely, feels at loose ends, standing there.

The little girl grew older, and with each passing year,
Her first high heels and cowgirl boots eventually appear.
And then, as if by magic, the little girl is grown,
She wears the latest fashions bought with earnings of her own.

Then one fine day she’s walking with her father at her side,
In shoes of fine white satin, for now she is a bride.
I wonder where the time has gone, and wistfully recall
My little girl, in little shoes, so innocent and small.

And now I am a Granny, and daughter, you’re a Mom.
Your little newborn daughter is the sunshine of your home.
The top drawer of her dresser is filled with little shoes,
And many pairs of booties from which you now can choose.

Cherish each passing moment, the laughter and the tears,
For days go by so swiftly, and gather soon to years.
The little shoes she will outgrow before you realize,
She’ll blossom like a summer’s rose, before your very eyes.

Be always there to walk with her when up against the odds,
Make sure she knows the she can count on Mother and on God.
And though she’ll spread her wings and fly, as all our daughters do.
One day she’ll wear a mother’s shoes, and she’ll come home to you.

*********
I still get chills when I read it.
Love and hugs to my friends who gave me the little shoes and poem---It is still a treasured gift. And love and hugs to my baby girl who loves wearing my shoes.

Mrs. Stuffylufagus

My nose has been so stuffed/stopped up! I can hardly breathe.
It all started Sunday night when I noticed that my nose was itching and burning. Before I went to bed I took a Tylenol Sinus and tossed and turned all not long. I didn't get any sleep and I still couldn't breathe. Same thing on Monday. By Tuesday morning I couldn't tell if I felt bad from taking all of the sinus medication or if it was from sleep deprivation.

So, Tuesday morning I decided to go to the Dr. while Madie was at Mom's Day Out and get me some potent sinus medication. AAAAAhhhhhh. Eureka! I can breathe AND I had a wonderful nights sleep. Between the allergy meds, mucinex, nose spray, kleenex, and saline gel, I think I have figured out a way to breathe.

I love this time of year and the cooler weather that it brings. But I wish that the cooler weather didn't mean allergy season...yuck!

It's Finally Here!

It's finally here! It's finally here!
I have anxiously awaited since May. I've watched hours of reality shows and the same news clips on the news channels over and over all summer awaiting this week.

It's National Stay At Home Week!!!!!

So, pop your popcorn and refill your diet coke. The 2 weeks of premiers are about to begin. I like ABC for obvious reasons and because they have great shows, but whatever you watch....enjoy!

Over the next 2 weeks, I will be watching:
Dancing with the Stars
Eli Stone
Samantha Who?
Boston Legal
Two and a Half Men
Pushing Daisies
Private Practice
Dirty Sexy Money
Grey's Anatomy
Life on Mars (It's new so I'll check it out)
My Name Is Earl
The Office
And I'd like to start watching 30 Rock.

Gosh, looks like I'll be busy!

Here is a quick preview so you can plan your evenings.

If it wasn't for the DVR, I might never leave my house.

To you and yours Happy National Stay At Home Week....I'm so excited!

Friday Photos

Girls day at the Zoo!

We went with our neighbors to the zoo today.

We had a great time and the weather was fantastic!

See......

Our OMG Afternoon

This afternoon Madie was playing on the bed in our guest bedroom and went to jump on the pillows at the head of the bed. When she dove, she jumped over the pillows and hit the corner of the headboard. I heard the thump, rolled her over and saw the blood. OMG! She had hit the bone right over her left eye and it popped it wide open. Thank goodness Nana was here to help me get towels and get things together so we could head out to the Dr. I knew she was going to need stitches.

Madie was upset and crying so instead of putting her in the car seat, Nana held her tight in the backseat and tried to get her head to stop bleeding and calm her down. I'm sure her head was hurting and she was scared not knowing what all was going on. All I could think was thank you Jesus that I am not by myself.

Turned out that Madie needed 6 stitches to close her cut. She was so brave and did such a good job. She tolerated the shots to numb the area and then they had to wrap her in a blanket and restrain her so the Dr. could sew her up. I felt so helpless. I watched as the Dr. did the 1st stitch and I started feeling a little woozy. Nana said my face turned white and I felt as if I was about to faint. I held it together though and so did Madie. She was such a big girl. I am very proud of her.

Afterwards, we went to get her an ice cream. She is a resilient little thing. You could tell that it slowed her down a bit and that it was hurting. But, we walked in the door and the first thing she wanted to do was watch Dora.

Madie is a real trooper. A few stitches didn't get her down.

Thanks Nana for your help and support today. I don't know what I would have done without you.

Learning The Hard Way....So You Don't Have To

Never make brownies with a white T-shirt on. Especially if you are going to lick the spoon and bowl clean.

It can get pretty messy. And more than likely, your shirt will not be white anymore. Mine wasn't.

The Roof Just Came Off Hooter's

Not to make light of the serious situation in Texas, but leave it to Geraldo for the dramatics.

September 12, 2008, 3:55 pm —The New York Times

Ike Lashes Galveston; Geraldo: ‘The Roof Just Came Off Hooters!’


As Fox’s Geraldo Rivera stood along the sea wall in Galveston, Texas and watched Hurricane Ike pummel the coastline Friday morning, the graphic on the bottom of the TV screen could not be more ominous. “People who stay face ‘certain death,’” it said, citing the dire prediction by the National Weather Service that residents of low-lying areas will not survive the storm.
Already, the conditions are brutal there: at one point Friday afternoon Mr. Rivera was knocked down by the waves along the sea wall. An hour later, reporting again from the sea wall, he exclaimed: “The roof just came off Hooters!”