Just Being Me

I'm an Aunt & a Trip to Oregon

2011-10-28T10:56:00.000-05:00

I recently took a trip back to Oregon. My sister gave birth to her son and I HAD to make the trip to see my first Nephew!! He is such a doll!!!

This is sweet little Izeyah Lamar.

While there I was able to see our old friends. This was the 1st time since moving away over 7 years ago that I really enjoyed being there and didn't want to leave. I am not sure the exact reason, but there may have been many!

I have to admit it was a nice treat to be "free" for 5 days. I've been a mom for so long it was hard to know what to do with myself without school schedules and a long to do list! :o) I actually forgot to eat a few times, because without having to concentrate on anyone else, I just didn't remember! lol

Not only was I able to see people I hadn't in years, I was able to do things on a whim, like going to the opening of a movie and taking a trip up a mountain to see the scenery and shoot guns. I could have stayed up on that mountain all day!! It was brisk and beautiful. I sorely miss seeing and experiencing fall every year!!

While leaving my sister and family and friends was hard, I belong here with my husband and babies! But I will tell you, I am ready to go back! :o)

Lost My Way

2011-09-30T07:38:00.002-05:00

I have really missed my blogging. I catch myself sitting down to blog, but find that my usual going-ons to be not so news worthy! lol Not to mention there is an active little guy here that makes it difficult at times to sit and get my thoughts down. And if you are a blogger, you know you have to be in the "zone" and in the right mood to blog!

Since the birth of Tatem, my life has been pretty much a routine of getting Regan off to school, going to the gym then either shopping, lunch with friends, playgroup or cleaning house. Not too, too exciting! :o)

In all honestly a lot has been going on within these walls and with my family and friends!!

Regan is a big ol' 2nd grader now, Tatem turned 1 almost two months ago, Bub's approval from the AFT and the State came through and he is now certified and a business owner and I am about to be an Aunt! Not to mention I am in my 3rd year of being a Girl Scout Troop Leader and my Playgroup is celebrating it's 7th year!!

Ok, I guess I have a few reasons to get back into the groove. I do love being able to reflect on the past by going through my blog! I've miss it!!

I want to thank the 2 who posted comments in my blog yesterday and this morning! I think it gave me that push I needed to sit down here this morning!! :O)

So stay tuned......there's more to come!!!!

Kicking off Mardi Gras 2011

2011-02-28T08:15:00.006-06:00

I guess falling back into blogging is going to be more of a challenge then I originally thought! lol

Is life passing anyone else by at about 80 miles an hour?? I mean surely it can't just be me. I find it hard to fit everything in on most days, let alone finding a little solace by getting a few hours a day to myself!

Some morning, like this one I get a good hour to mess around on the computer while Tatem is playing and watching Barney. What I really need to be doing in laundry or cleaning! But a girl needs a little down time before the rush of the day!

This weekend was the kick off of Mardi Gras. It's a great time to live down here. All the more reason for family outings and an extra excuse to get together with friends and just hang out!

This weekend we hit the Rio parade, which is a great night parade. Tatem stayed with a sitter and we took Regan and met up with our ALLONs friends and few others. We had half of the parking lot on our side.....it was a great way to enjoy the night!!

Then Sunday we went to the Scott Parade which was probably the biggest I've been too. Regan really racked up! It was Tatem's 1st parade!

Tatem, he didn't last long. He was thrown a little plastic football and held it while he watched the floats until he just passed out.

It was the cutest thing! And everyone on the floats evidently thought so too because they kept trying to throw him stuff! lol

More to come next weekend.....

Where Does the Time Go?!

2011-02-20T12:57:00.003-06:00

Well, it appears that I have let my blog go over the past 7 months! But really, I have a great excuse!! I do!! You see, I have a new man in my life...............

This is Tatem.

On August 5th we became a family of 4 and my life became very full again!

As a mom of a 6 year old. No wait. As a mom of a very independent 6 year old, I quickly forgot how busy one becomes when a baby enters the house! Not to mention, when I had Regan I was not an oilfield wife and she was the center of my whole world.

This time around there was the emergency c-section, Bub's blood clot, a husband who had to go back offshore to work and a baby that was not as easy as Regan. Tatem was not any different than any other baby, but Regan was just THAT easy, making this little guy seem pretty hard at times.

He is almost 7 months old now, and still a little momma's boy. He is sweet and loves to give kisses. He loves Samara and our cats and just ADORES his big sister! He spends a lot of time staring at her when she is in his view! It really is sweet the love these two already share! He is a big fan of Barney and is already wanting to walk and explore. If he's sitting and he gets ahold of two hands he will quickly stand himself up and start going. Then he tries to let go........he's really gonna give me a run for my money I fear! lol

The last 7 months have been very full! There is still dance classes and playgroup, my social group and Girl Scouts, being the room mom at Regan's school and of course there's the house and such. Somehow it's all remaining balanced. I feel a little crazy at times and definitely enjoy the weekly massages and trips to the chiropractor.

All in all, we are blessed beyond words and my heart is so full!! I hope to keep up with this blog from now on.......but for now - Tatem just woke from his nap! lol

Good Day!!

Happy 6th Birthday Regan!!

2010-06-04T07:04:00.007-05:00

About this time, 6 years ago, I was getting out of bed. Having been in labor for 7 hours and waking every hour since midnight, I could no longer sleep! On my due date, it appeared Regan was ready for her entry into the world!!

About 8 am I very calmly called Bub and let him know I was in labor and that at some point today I would need him to come home and bring me to the hospital! For the next few hours I proceeded to clean my house, take a shower and shave, and finish packing for our hospital stay!

Bub came home after noon and after eating lunch and showering, we were on our way to Lafayette Women's & Children's Hospital.

We arrived around 2:30. The nurse abruptly let me know that I couldn't have an epidural until I was 4 cm. I laughed and said, I am not worried about that, I have been in labor for 14 hours...... Needless to say when they got me to my room and checked me I was already 5 cm. I was given my epidural and then time seemed to fly by.

Later that night, it appeared I could not get past 8 cm. Regan hadn't dropped and was sunny side up in there. So, Dr Fell took my epidural away! I swore he was trying to kill me by doing this, but wouldn't you know it - she turned the right way, came down and I dilated to a 10!!

After 45 minutes of pushing, Regan was born! June 4th, 2004 at 11:50 pm and weighing 7 lbs 5 oz. She was the prettiest baby I had ever seen!

For the next few days I hardly slept!! All I wanted to do was look at her and hold her. I never thought I'd have my very own child!!

6 years ago we were blessed with an angel that would forever change our lives for the greater! The past 6 years have been wonderful and I don't know what we would do without her!

Though being a parent is far from being easy, it is easily the most rewarding and amazing job I will ever have!!

I wish I could revisit those early days when she was new, but I wouldn't trade a second of the last 6 years for anything!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY GIRL!!!

Looking at My Life

2010-05-27T19:43:00.003-05:00

I am just in the best mood! Not sure what it is, I guess it's just the combination of a bunch of things, but life is good!

Life is always good, no matter how rough it may be. But when things settle and I look around, I am so very grateful and happy!

My daughter is beautiful and so very smart and is growing up so much each day!

My husband is the rock of this family! He works his ass off (even though I give him hell and tell him he doesn't) to give us a really great life! We are able to do what we want and get what we need when we need it! And most of all it allows me to stay home and raise our family and make the best of every moment!

I am blessed to be pregnant again and so grateful that it was even possible! Though having a boy was such a scary thought, I couldn't be happier about him or about our family growing!!

I have the most perfect marriage! I mean, who gets to marry their best friend and soul mate and spend all their time laughing and goofing off?! We do and I love it! I laugh so much when he is home and it makes life that much better!

We have been blessed with some really amazing friends! I can say that some of them I thought I'd never be close to, partly because of my stand -off-ish nature when it comes to letting people get close to me! But I admittedly have some of the most trustworthy, do anything for you friends and I am glad they are mine!!

My playgroup has now been around for 5 1/2 years! It is successful mostly because we have the cream of the crop when it comes to amazing women! It is a privilege to be in this group and around these women!!

All in all, I have nothing to complain about! And in a world that is very upside down and uncertain, it is great to feel this way I think!! :o)

School's Out - for - Summer!

2010-05-25T19:29:00.004-05:00

School is officially out for the year!! Regan is done with Kindergarten and will be in the "digits" next year!

This year has flown by, it really has! You think a SAHM with a child in school 7 hours a day would have a boring life with nothing to do but clean house and wait for the kid to get home! On the contrary, I have filled my weeks with lunches with friends, playgroup potlucks, pedicures, shopping and I even started canning this year!! 2 pm came very fast each day!!

Next year of course will be just as full, if not more so with the arrival of our baby boy! I have to say I am very happy with the way we spaced his and Regan's ages. She will be in school and I will still get to have that one on one time with him, just as I did with Regan. And he will get to go to playgroup and make his own friends, just like Regan did! And by the time he is in Kindergarten, I will be able to volunteer in his classroom, just as I did for Regan!

Now that summer is here Regan will go to her old daycare twice a week like she did before school started. I wasn't going to send her, but she really wants to go and I figure that as the pregnancy progresses, a quiet day at home or a kid free lunch will be nice! lol

She will definitely be busy this summer though. Between swim lessons, Girl Scout Day Camp, Hip-Hop dance class, playgroup, Summer Movies each Monday and playgroup twice a week - I am sure our summer will breeze by! Then before we know it baby boy will be here and she will be starting 1st grade!! It really is bittersweet how fast they grow up!!!

What a Week!

2010-05-21T13:45:00.004-05:00

This has officially got to be the wildest week ever!!!

Tuesdays my Playgroup threw me a shower! It was awesome and so much fun! My friends bought me such wonderful things and I got lots of personalized and homemade items which just rocks!!

Tuesday afternoon, I decided to get Regan a little early from school so we could be home, waiting for Bub to arrive. I then got a call saying he had gotten a flat tire, which sent him off an overpass and into a tree. That was the longest drive to New Iberia - EVER!! Thank God he was okay. Other than some bruises from the airbag and the impact he was fine! His truck however, not so much!

Since he was due for a new truck anyways, the next day we went out and found him a truck he loves! I actually love it too! It has so many bells and whistles - it's nice and he deserves a great luxury truck!

So Thursday we went back to get his truck and I must say, I love it!!

The same day we went for our 2nd 3D/4D Ultrasound of baby boy! Man he is a cutie! He kept his hands over his face the whole time, but we caught some open eyes and some yawns and a cute little face!

Things are really blessed for us these days and I am so thankful! I am 28 1/2 weeks along and feeling great! I am already ready for him to be home with us!!

Regan has 2 days left of school and I never thought I'd be so happy to have her home for the summer! We have big plans for the summer! Lots of movies and swimming and time with our friends and family!!

Life is good! We are really, really blessed!

So I guess even with some bad, there will always be some good!

No Guns or Pens in The Park!

2010-05-15T08:39:00.004-05:00

Yesterday on the way to drop Regan off at school, she happened to notice the sign in the park. We have driven by these signs five days a week for over 9 months too......

So she says to me "No guns or pens in the park!"

Of course I am dumbfounded and confused! lol I ask her where she saw that and she said "the sign says no guns or pens in the park - I saw it!" Of course I missed the sign and have no idea why she thinks something is a pen. I asked if she was sure it was a pen. She said, " You cannot bring a gun and no pens because when you make a mistake, you cannot erase it!"

Thankfully there was another sign a little ways down, and it turns out the other symbol was a syringe. I can't remember the last time she made me laugh like that! I love the way her mind works!!

It's Going so Fast

2010-05-06T07:10:00.004-05:00

It is getting so depressing around here these days! :o(

My little girl is trying so hard to be that big girl that can do everything for herself. For instance, in the mornings, she insists that she can and will get her own bowl down, pour her cereal and milk and even make her morning juice, complete with her vitamins and all.

I was thinking yesterday how I was like her, only probably worse at her age. At about 7 I was waking up on Saturday mornings and making myself scrambled eggs - on the stove! Thinking back I realized that Regan is almost 6 and I was doing this at an age not much older than her. This scared the SHIT out of me! lol

I have always been very independent! And I have watched Regan try her hardest to follow in my footsteps. As a mom, it is very hard to let this happen. In a way I know I should be encouraging these changes, but I don't wanna! *insert pout here.....

With the baby coming, everything she can do for herself will be an immense help to me. But at the same time, growing up as quickly as I did wasn't always fun. I mean, once you are old enough to do everything for yourself, you are no longer able to ask for help when you want the coddling from your parents. It really is hard!

In the last few months Regan has really astounded me with her maturity and her sense of her surroundings. She is so aware of what time is it, what needs to happen, what is not okay and schedules! She really is a big girl and it saddens me to the core!

I know she will be so helpful when I need an extra hand next year, but I am hoping that she won't have to worry about me or the baby. That she helps when she wants to and enjoys the hell out of her childhood!!

Update

2010-04-21T08:21:00.003-05:00

It appears this blog has been pushed to the wayside since I spend more of my effort writing in my other blog......so I feel bad!

Here is an update to the craziness in our life! lol

Joy & Wes moved in across the street a few months ago! It is nice being able to walk across the street and visit or go across the street for a BBQ!

We are still in the process of selling the rent house, though we've had a few issues along the way! Just yesterday I found out they pushed the closing date another week! It's really getting annoying! The cool part is that Aunt Boobie is part of our closing, so that's been nice!!

I can't wait until this house is gone and we have $800 a month just to put in savings or to just do whatever with! My thinking is Bub will eventually need a new work truck, since he's decided not to use the chop top once it's finished! So the hot rod will stay here and we can get Bub something new!

There is only 25 days left of school!! Then it's swim lessons and we will probably spend the rest of the summer with our friends or soaking at Red's! lol

I will be turning 32 in a few weeks!! Yikes! But I am very excited about my birthday plans........so it's worth it! lol

Other than that things are as they should be! Life is good and things are going well!!!

A "Belly" Shirt! :o)

2010-04-03T21:52:00.001-05:00

I just love my new shirt!!! Hello Baby!!

Funny!

2010-04-02T21:24:00.002-05:00

I gave Regan a wedgie tonight......to which she replied, "when you put panties on, I'm gonna give you a wedgie!!!"

(if you know me, you know why this is funny! LOL)

Houston & Cookies

2010-03-03T07:57:00.005-06:00

Lots going on over here, making it hard to blog daily, or even weekly! Nothing overly exciting, just lots to do and lots of places to be and we snuck out of town for the weekend to Houston to visit friends and check out the local Zoo and Aquarium. We stayed at the Crowne Plaza Suites in Sugarland and I am officially spoiled and don't want to stay at any other hotel anywhere! lol Regan loved the indoor pool and I loved the fact that it was practically a mini apartment, with a separate bedroom. The bed was so comfortable and the hotel was just amazing!! :o)

The best part was of course seeing our friends, even though it was only for one evening. The Houston Zoo and Aquarium left a lot to be desired, especially for the size of the community - we expected amazing. We are glad we went - they were both on our to do list. But I doubt we we revisit those attractions if we make a trip back that way!

Regan doesn't much care for road trips these days! Even a mere 4 hour trip, with a stop for food midway seems like an eternity for our little lady. We are possibly planning a trip to Petersburg in the summer if I am feeling well and if they don't make it down this Spring. But I am wary of how miserable Regan might be, additionally drive us crazy the whole time! lol

m

It is officially Girl Scout Cookie Time. The cookies actually came in the Thursday before we left for Houston, so it was a mad dash to sort and distribute before we left. Luckily our neighbors and one of the girl's moms came to help. And even then it took us an hour and a half to sort the 94 cases! My troop is doing really well and I think the majority of them will be meeting their goal! I think Regan is really enjoying her Troop time and will continue to get a lot out of it. ..........as long as we make it through cookies season every year that is! lol

Mardi Gras ~ Here & Gone

2010-02-16T21:33:00.006-06:00

Isn't it funny that all the things we look forward to each year (holidays, vacations, events...) and impatiently wait for them to come......that we are just as ready and look forward to them passing?? lol

Mardi Gras is looked forward to all year in this house! We are fans of parades and fairs and all the festivities! But by the time it is all over, I am warn out and so thankful it is over! HAHA!

It was a great Mardi Gras season! We spent time with some awesome people, Regan had a lot of fun and this year daddy was even home for the majority of it! Now THAT is a treat!

But, just as glad as I was to see it come, I am glad to see it go! :o)

I do wish I had made a ball or two, but pregnancy sort of hinders a few things.......fitting into a ball gown being one of them!

Well..........there is always next year!

This was a Bavarian King Cake - to date the BEST King Cake I've EVER had!

These are the McBrides......I totally dig them!

These are my peeps from ALLONS! Good fun! (above and below)

This is my baby girl! She is my world!

This is my Boobie - I <3 her

I......am a jackass! LMAO!

These are the Navarette's - we miss them!

Putting on the hurt.....the pain! lol

Rebeca......needs to move back! <3

HAPPY MARDI GRAS!!!

I Fell in Love This Week

2010-02-15T18:16:00.001-06:00

So I'm Just An Idiot!

2010-02-09T15:03:00.006-06:00

I have officially decided you just cannot help stupid.......and really, if you try, all effort is wasted and for nothing! Lesson learned! I'm and idiot, end of story!

I guess that I needed a reminder that my family is #1 and needs all of my efforts and attention.....PERIOD!

Kids Say the Darndest Things #5

2010-02-03T08:08:00.003-06:00

This morning on our way to school it was business as usual. Regan was eating her breakfast while we went over her flash cards. About halfway there, we saw a landscape crew consisting of convicts on the side of the road. I wasn't even sure Regan saw them until instead of reading the word on the card she exclaimed "They have one of them blindfolded!!!!" I looked over to see a skinny little white guy with a widely folded bandanna across his forehead and over his eyes! lol

I guess he looked ridiculous even to my 5 year old! lol

Secret Life....

2010-02-02T21:19:00.006-06:00

So last year sometime I started watching a show called "Secret Life of the American Teenager". I doubted I would continue to watch it, but I scheduled to DVR it anyways. The commercials talked about a girl who gets pregnant the first time she has sex at band camp with the bad boy. It seemed worth checking it out.

Well, it is the second season and for reasons unbeknown to me, I have continued to record and watch it into it's second season.

Let me tell you, this show is CRAZY! I think I got hooked when the Christian girl in this series decided to have sex with her boyfriend, of course going against their religious beliefs. She happened to fight with her dad about it, he left on a plane to go somewhere and the plane went down and he died........and she blamed his death on the fact that she had sex and enjoyed it. I still am like, "are you kidding me?".

This series is just outrageous! Sex is the number one topic and it's just weird. And somehow I cannot seem to turn off the train wreck!

The reason for me even bringing this up is because the show hit an all time high....or maybe I should say low. The mom of the Christian told her daughter that maybe she could sustain from having sex if she "took it into her own hands". So then the girl starts having these "trysts" with herself! And if that wasn't weird, she proceeds to go to school and start a "Just Say Me" campaign telling girls that if they just masturbate, they don't need boys or to have sex! Someone made stickers and posters......utterly ridiculous!

It really is laughable. I mean, really?! I know a TV show is just a show, but usually they are based on the possibility that something could happen. How many people talk to their children about masturbation?! As in - they should do it?! And how many teenage girls would think it is perfectly acceptable to start a masturbation campaign at school?? Some things just never cease to amaze me! lol

Anyways, if you are ever in need of a WTF sort of show.....you should definitely check it out! lol
.................But don't say I didn't warn you! :O)

**Molly Ringwald, Kathy Kinney and Mayim Bialik are some of the bigger names in the show.....

The Oilfield

2010-02-01T21:37:00.003-06:00

Sometimes I think people don't understand that being an oilfield husband/wife/child/family is hard! There is a LOT of sacrifice involved and a lot of times big milestones or times when your family needs you, you're not together.

Granted, the money is good...okay, great, if you work for the right company in the right position. If you are lucky you have a set schedule and you can plan a year in advance if you'll be off for holidays or how to schedule a birthday party. On the downside you cannot always be home for those dance recitals or Christmas Programs. But where there is some give, there is some take.

One bonus is always having a paid vacation, because you just take them during your scheduled week(s) off. Then you save the time off they give you and take a month or two off when you need to!

Another thing that the oilfield gives us, and most families is an opportunity for the mom to stay home with her children. I have had the privilege of spending every day with Regan since the day she was born. Unfortunately Bub doesn't get to see her as often as I, but that is a sacrifice he makes so that our daughter can have the attention we've been able to give her. And thankfully this is the same attention our newest arrival will get, all because Bub works how he does.

On the upside, when Bub is home, he gets to see Regan from sun up to sun down for days, sometimes even weeks at a time. And with her schooling, if Bub worked 9-5, he'd only get to see her a few hours a night. I feel he makes up for lost time and then some because he is home for stretches at a time.

Why am I trying to validate the oilfield and being an oilfield family?!? Because it hurts my feelings when people make comments about Bub "not being home with his family". Like he does it to be an ass, or that I make him do it because I want him gone. Rest assured we endure a lot of sacrifice to be an oilfield family. And for us it's the best choice because it has given us an opportunity to raise our children hands on. I know how lucky I am and I know how hard he works and how much he misses out. Being judged does not feel nice! Remember the old saying......"walk a day in one's shoes". Our life may not be cut out for everyone, but it is the best life for us!

The oilfield has allowed us to build a house, and based on the circumstances of our rent house, be able to afford two mortgages, have multiple vehicles and be able to pay for all the classes and sports and other activities Regan does (not to mention my shopping!! lol). And all of this on a single income! And since I don't have to work I can volunteer in Regan's school once a week, attend all the field trips and parties and be active in her education. I also was able to do Girl Scouts for her and I am sure there will be other things as well!

I don't judge people for not being able to stay home with their children (though I wish ALL women had the option, because I know how great it is), or people who work all the time or multiple jobs. But, it is what it is. Everyone does what they need to or want to in life. The oilfield has been a blessed for us! Especially when you look back at when we first moved here!

So, lets try to be supportive and think about the sacrifices people make to better their lives and that of their children! Not every decision we make is for ourselves or to have the perfect life. But it's our perfect life!

Life is Good!

2010-01-29T08:13:00.003-06:00

Life is good!! Just wanted to say it.

Actually, life is great! Who am I kidding?! I am so blessed and cannot help but express it!

My family is healthy and we are together! Work is steady and for this I know we are blessed!

Bub and I will be celebrating 8 wonderful married years in a little over a month. And honestly, we are lucky! There is no fighting or jealousy or bickering. I know what it's like to be in a family and even in a marriage where someone is always upset or fighting and things are never stable. This has never been us and I am certain will never be! I am forever thankful that I found the man of my dreams!!

Regan is a precious gift and Bub and I know how amazing she is! She is so smart and has such a soft heart. She is also very strong willed and has a determined side about her. She is a dancer at heart and wants to be a teacher when she grows up! She is so very close to being able to read on her own and she is ready!!

We are also very blessed that a new addition will be coming into our family. It has been a long time coming, but we were finally ready and are feeling so blessed there has been no complications! I am feeling great and have been walking 2-5 miles a day!

We continue to be surrounded by great friends and a loving family! Without whom, our lives would be lonely! We are lucky to have so many amazing people in our life!

Life really has been blessed for us and for that we are thankful!

Thai-Tie

2010-01-20T21:25:00.003-06:00

Tonight was MNO! If you don't know what this is, it stands for Mom's Night Out. Some friends and I get together about once a month for a kid and husband free dinner at various restaurants.

Anyhoo, after I picked Regan up from school and reminded her that Shelby was going to be coming over to watch her she questioned " Where are you going tonight?" I said, "To a Thai restaurant". She said, "Oh, where they tie your shoes?!"

Oh my silly little girl! Life is NEVER, EVER dull around this place! <3

My Day

2010-01-14T18:24:00.003-06:00

I had a great lunch with a table full of some really great ladies! They really made my day and are such amazing people!

I ran to Destination Maternity today after lunch. A few things happened.

I tried on a few shirts and for fun tried on the "belly". What I saw made me smile and brought back memories of when I was waiting for Regan to arrive! I am getting more excited, if that is even possible!

The sale lady seemed so familiar. After speaking for a while we both realized we knew each other from Everybody Rides........from 5 years ago. Man, that took me back! It was a brief "wow, look how times have changed and how far we've come" and it made me grateful and feel oh so blessed! Having a rent-to-own car isn't the worst thing in the world, but it isn't any place I'd ever like to be again! :o) .............life's little reminders........

I finally made an effort to pay the plumber that dicked us around for two weeks and could have possibly cost us our sale on the rent house. And do you know I think he was flirting with me! He asked about Bub because out and I said yes, probably for a month. He said "aww, you must get really lonely". GAG! I never thought getting hit on could be so nauseating! lol Oh, and get this he still managed to tell me to be sure to call him if I needed a plumber again......WOW. The audacity! I guess it takes all kinds! heehee

I sat in the car line and visited with the Grandma of a boy in Regan's class. She is such a positive and uplifting person, but I don't think she realizes it! I always enjoy our chats and I always feel so warm inside when we are done. I wonder if she knows this about herself!?

The rest of the night is being spent with Regan. After her bath we are going to watch Snow White. I bought it for her months ago and we just haven't taken the time to watch. I can't even remember the last time I've seen it, so it might be like the first time again! Hi-Ho.....Hi-Ho! lol

Some things can just describe the mood........can you feel it?! I can!

Here's to a great day.........

Sleeping In..........Twice

2010-01-14T07:08:00.003-06:00

I absolutely love waking up at 1 am feeling like I have slept a full night and then being able to go back to bed to sleep some more! I wish this happened every night!! :o)

Report Card & Not Closing!!

2010-01-12T20:58:00.004-06:00

As you can see I am having a hard time keeping up with this blog! Life has gotten very fast for me! Volunteering at school, Chiropractic appointments 3 days a week, lunches with playgroup, lunches with Allons, lunches with other friends, running errands, Dr's appointments, shopping, cleaning........hmmmm did I miss anything?!

Regan got her 2nd nine week report card today and I am so pleased! She cleared level B in her reading and is now making headway through level C! This pleases me SO much! My girl wants to READ! lol

I am doing and feeling well! And feel very blessed about that!

As I assumed there was a flaw in the sale of the house. Of course THREE days prior to closing her lender finds something wrong and they "dis" approve her loan! Sigh! I am told she found a new lender willing to accept whatever financial flaw she has. But, this will put us off signing papers for another month! Ugh! I am not surprised! lol But, we've done it this long, another month surely won't kill us! Though I might be the one killing, but maybe not! :o)

Time Flies

2010-01-03T19:53:00.003-06:00

Well, the new year has officially snuck up on me and here it is already the 3rd. On this third day of two thousand ten, my family was together! We slept in, ate breakfast together and then daddy got called out to work! Ahhh, it is true - life just marches on! lol

Regan was more upset than usual, but Daddy got an extended amount of time home and over the holidays no less. So letting go was a little harder this time. Not to mention they only gave him about an hour notice!

The past few days I had not been able to sit down and write this entry. I really wasn't even sure where to start! lol But now that I am sitting here, I guess we should start at the top!

2009 started off a little rough for us! After only a few months of moving into our house we had built, Bub was laid off. Very bad timing to say the least! lol But we managed! Income taxes were on their way and Bub got hired on at Haliburton before he ended up getting rehired at Tetra! Everything ended well, but what a pain in the ass and not to mention a perfect way to screw up our finances in two short months! lol

Bub and I celebrated 7 years of marital bliss in March and Regan turned the big 5 over the summer and started Kindergarten in the fall! Man, now there was an adjustment for this family! At that point all things changed for us! No more weekly playgroup events and getting to do things when we wanted! No more week day vacations on a whim!

Regan took to school well and really loves it. I think Bub and I had the hardest time adjusting to the new situation! lol

One new thing this year was being introduced to some extended family! This has been both good and bad. As with everything, I just take it for what it's worth and try to remember that just because I am related to someone does not mean that they have to be in my life! Hell, I didn't know them for 30 years........guess I wasn't missing much! lol Thankfully there are all different branches to my family tree! Ones I intend to reach out to soon and am hoping like hell they are branched a little closer to the type of "family" that is more like me! :o)

And speaking of family, it appears I can predict one event we'll be having sometime in August! :o)

I guess when I look back, we have had a pretty blessed year! One without death, thank God! Because the previous 3 years have been full of loss and I am not sure how much more I can take!

We are all happy and healthy and Bub's work has been going very well this year! We are supposed to close on the rent house sometime this month, so that will be a great burden off of us. Our renters bailed on us in October, so we've been paying two mortgages since then and honestly - it SUCKS! lol But soon that will be over! So, so far the new year has started out good! :o)

My hope for the coming year is that Bub continue to have success with Tetra, Regan continues to do well in school and learns to read soon. She wants to be able to fully read so badly! I cannot wait till the light bulb goes off and it all clicks! She will be even more in love with reading! I hope that the next 7ish months are healthy for me. I hope that I will be sitting in a pool all summer with my big belly and my little fish named Regan. I hope that I continue to keep those who care about me and my family close and those that don't.......well you know!

I hope everyone is ready for the new year and that all your hopes and dreams come true!!

The Holidays - Good Riddence!

2009-12-27T09:23:00.005-06:00

I have always been a lover of the Holidays.......that is until the last few years!

To me the Holidays are a time for Family and Friends and Charity and Togetherness, and these past few years it has lost all the magic for me! I assume it has all gone downhill since my Mamaw died! Once we moved here the only real Family time we all had revolved around the Holidays. And since I am all about family, I looked forward to these together times! Since Mamaw passed, what little bit of family we had, was torn into two. Now our Holiday celebrations seem to be just a passing. We do see each other, but it's not the same! Nothing has ever been the same!

In Oregon, once Bub and I bought our house we made the Holidays what they were! We did Thanksgiving and Christmas every year and we brought our families together (I think). It was an all day thing. Lots of food and togetherness. We talked and played games and just spent the day enjoying each other! I miss this! I miss this SO much!

Every year starting in October I look forward to Christmas coming. But the past few year the anticipation soon disappears as it gets closer. I guess part of what makes Christmas has been missing! Last year to start a new tradition Bub and I took Regan and we went to St Joseph's Diner, which is like a soup kitchen. We went Christmas morning and served a Christmas Lunch to families who normally do without. It was a great experience. We all enjoyed our time there and planned to make it a yearly tradition! Later that afternoon we went to see a family movie!

This year we intended to do the same thing. Only this year between how I had been feeling and the fact that Regan kept Bub up all night, we were unable to make it! I was very disappointed! But we tried! I would say there is always next year, but unless we have family in town for Christmas, we won't be able to do this for another 4 or so years! But when we can, we will start again!

Anyways! Our Holiday was good though, because we were together! We didn't expect to have Bub home, so I was very grateful it had worked out in our favor! The holidays are definitely not the same without Daddy!!

So below is a few pictures of our Christmas.........

Christmas Eve at the Pellerin's

Christmas Morning

I am truly grateful for so many things this year! We have been so very blessed! I hate that I have such a sour feeling about the Holidays, but maybe next year things will change! At least I have a whole year before we have to do it all over again! LOL

Thanks!!

2009-12-13T08:13:00.003-06:00

People can be so uplifting even when they don't realize!!

I wish people knew how amazing there are. Even when they don't realize it!!

I have had a lot on my mind recently. Lots of stress and fear of the unknown. And too, we are still dealing with this rent house and it needs more repairs before we can get it inspected and sold. More stress, more money out the door..........I don't know how much more I can take!

Anyways, I have been in a worried little funk and encouraging words of these ladies have been a great source of encouragement. And it really came when I was feeling like I was in a hole and a little alone.

I have been so emotionally and physically drained and with a long to do list and a husband who has just returned out to work.......I needed something! :o) So thank you! Thank you for your kind words and encouragement and your prayers! And thank you for giving that to me, even though I am certain you (nor I) realized it is what I needed.

Not Much to Report

2009-12-10T10:45:00.004-06:00

Hmmmm, I truly have nothing today to write about! Sucks! Been feeling crappy lately, got a lot of stuff on my plate and have been feeling pretty overwhelmed about some stuff! Sigh!

The holidays seem to be way more hectic this year than in previous years! I can only assume it's because Regan is now is school, she started doing tumbling and Girl Scouts this year so that has added to extra "stuff" to do and places to be.

My house hasn't been "my kinda clean" since my little party here a few weeks ago! And it is driving me insane!

Looks like Bub will be leaving late tonight to head back to work. I was worried this would happen. Since it's so close to Christmas, he probably would go out and be gone for Christmas. They are saying they will shut down the Wednesday before......I really hope they mean it! We have something special to celebrate this Christmas and I want him with us! And also, going to the Diner won't be as fun or as productive if he is gone!

Here's hoping ALL of our Christmas wishes come true! :o)

Disclosure!!

2009-12-07T20:30:00.006-06:00

I think I may need to start putting disclosures on my entries.

Please keep in mind that this blog's purpose is for me to express feelings, frustrations, emotions, talk about my family and things that happen to me. It is my own personal diary that I share with those who care to read it!

RARELY is anything ever intended to be malicious or to hurt people!

I have strong opinions and feel very passionately about a lot of things!

This is what I use my blog for! To get these thoughts and feelings out.

I don't shove them down anyone's throat, as they are here for others to read IF they choose to!

This blog has actually been a great resource for me. Starting with the death of my Mamaw a few years ago. Being able to write my feelings and experiences down helped SO much. It was probably the best coping tool for me. More recently it helped me to make peace with a few things that had been bothering me.

I swear getting things down into words really helps me cope and/or "get the demons out".

As with the title of my blog I'm "Just Being Me". So if ever you feel offended by my writings, just take it with a bit of humor and a grain of salt! It's half for my release and the other half for a little comical asshole idiocracy!

Adopt a Family

2009-11-28T08:39:00.004-06:00

Every year my playgroup does 2 or three charity events or fundraisers. The most recent was the one for Animal Aid. Usually this time of year we do a food drive or collect items for Faith House......

This year we have decided to adopt 3 families in our community!

I will say at first I was very put off. The first Charity we got families from was Faith House. And while the people who are in a situation to use Faith House's resources are very in need......you would never know it by the wish lists! First, it is all anonymous, which is understandable, don't get me wrong! I understand the need of privacy and protection of these individuals. But my thinking is that the anonymity gives these individuals an excuse to request very extravagant NON necessities!! For instance GPS Navigators, digital cameras, Wii Games, Sheer Bed Canopies and gift certificates to Victoria Secrets and Bed Bath & Beyond.........

Now you must understand my sheer shock when reading these wants! I mean, we are trying to help people in our community that need a hand up......not buy them things they do not NEED! Our intention is to help ease the burden on these families who barely make it throughout the year, and coupled with cold weather and Christmas they struggle that much more!

Needless to say, these people will not get a thing from me! Their selfish requests and attempts to "get everything they can while it's free" do not make me feel charitable towards them and their families!!

Then there is one of the families we were sent from Catholic Services, they are the epitome of what we were looking for in a family! Single mom, with three growing boys! When I received their wish list I was so happy it wasn't filled with crazy expensive items! She listed one toy for each of her children and clothing sizes! She said that anything we could give would be of great help, but that they really needed clothes!

This family really touched my heart and I am determined, with the help of my friends give this family the best Christmas ever!!

My encounter with this mom was really great! She was holding back tears as I asked her what they needed. I found that they usually don't have a tree and when she can she gets the boys each a single toy from the Dollar Store!

We have been financially in all different places in different stages in our life. And especially after moving here from Oregon, pregnant and starting over.....the first time I wasn't sure how we'd buy the next can of formula......I can relate with the emotion of not being able to provide for your child! It is a horrible feeling!

I hope that we can turn this year into a memorable one for this family. That she will not have to worry about how she will get her boys coats for the winter or clothing for the year!

I am not certain how Catholic Family Services finds their families.......but I am glad we got a deserving family. One that appreciates the help and will allow other to help ease their burden this time of year!

Our first surprise for them will be a huge tree with decorations.........I think she will be pleased!

Number Two

2009-11-25T09:13:00.001-06:00

When Regan was about 1, everyone - including people I didn't even know would ask "so when are you having your next one?". This got old very quickly! lol

I honestly wasn't even ready to "entertain" the thought of having another child until a little after Regan turned 4. Soon after she turned 5 I decided that I was close to deciding on a time to try for #2. Regan is now almost 5 1/2 and I am still a little undecided! This is partially because I would be going through a lot of the pregnancy issues and such alone with a 5 year old. It's scary to think of having another when your husband is only home part of the month. Additionally, there is no guarantee that having a 2nd child is in the cards for us, so I am a little worried that I will decide yes and it will never come to light!! I think deciding yes and then having to fail is far worse than never saying yes.......not sure if that makes sense!

Anyways, ever since Regan started school, I don't know what the deal is but everyone I encounter says to Regan, " ooh, time for momma to make you a baby brother of sister!". I mean, even people I don't know! Like the lady at the Chinese restaurant we frequent. And I mean EVERY time we go she says it!

C'mon, no pressure there! Let's tell the 5 year old that she needs to tell her momma and daddy to get started on the baby brother or sister! lol It really is funny when you think about it, but it's been about 3 months now and I want everyone to get off my back! Hehee!

While I sometimes feel that I am waiting to long, I also have not been ready! And when I start to feel badly I remind myself of how nice things are right now. And how privileged Regan is! I mean, she has my undivided attention! I go to her school every Monday for about 4 hours and help her teacher. I attend all of her field trips and school parties and activities. I also am able to take her to dance and tumbling and whatever other activity she wants to be in. In addition to being her Troop Leader and room mom and the playgroup's organizer!

So for now, even though the pressures of other people get in my head, I am reminding myself daily that the things that I am able to do for and with Regan would not be possible right now if there was a little one here! So maybe for the moment this is what is right for us. For our family. And what Regan needs!! She will have the rest of her life to share us with a brother or sister! This year and this time in her life is hers........And this makes me happy! :o)

Little People Doing Big Things!

2009-11-24T21:37:00.005-06:00

I just had to gush a little!!

As many of you know I am the Girl Scout Troop Leader for Regan's troop. This was not intentional, even given the "organizing" role I play in many of the other aspects in my life. I really swore I wouldn't, but when they said there would be no troop without a leader I said, what the hell.....I can handle one more hat! lol

Anyways, I am finding the bonus to being the Troop Leader is that I am able to 1, set the schedule to suit our hectic life! Thankfully this has happened to also work for all the other parents - so it's definitely and win/win all around! Secondly, I am able to continue my whole charity/fundraising passion within the troop. Thus, fulfilling the purpose of Girl Scouts and helping our community!! :o) I LOVE it!!

So, for our first fun patch I decided the girls could do a canned food drive! We read a book to them about a Food Drive, then explained what they needed to do! I asked each parent to have their child request canned goods from family or friends or walk up and down and ask neighbors.

Well, I of course had no idea how this would turn out - but was happily surprised at the amount donated!

Our 10 little ladies donated a total of 210 pounds of food! It really is a lot!! I was so happy and proud of my girls!!

Regan did really well, as seen by the pictures below.

Here are my girls, well 4 of them couldn't attend the donation, but sent their goods!

Their food is in the basket behind them!!

This picture is them holding their earned patch!!

And after, we took a trip to Kart Ranch to celebrate, have some fun and eat some pizza!!!

I am so very proud of my girls!!

Next month we will be packaging up care packages for the 4 soldiers we adopted!!! Stay tuned!!

Forgiving!!

2009-11-18T09:23:00.003-06:00

I have been doing some soul searching the last few weeks. Mostly because I have been holding in some pent up anger and hurt. I kept saying it wasn't there, but it was and it surfaced last week!

Why is it that when someone hurts you, which is basically a moment of their time to thoughtlessly cast out hateful things, does it stay with the one who receives it the longest??

But I have come to a point of clarity. I am now getting a better understanding of this and am going to move past it!

So the first of these two situations was between myself and a friend. Someone I actually considered to be my closest friend for a few years! Hell, my daughter called her daughter her sister. We were all very close. Well, as a mom and a grown ass adult, I made a call on her judgment (as a parent). It was such a bad and uncomfortable situation that I started to withdraw from our friendship until I could figure out how to approach such a moral dilemma. When it all finally came out - I felt better and felt like we could move forward, but this "friend" decided that my opinion of her bad moral judgment wasn't okay. She started to attack my family and more specifically my daughter and started airing things told to her in private about my childhood.

This hurt deeply. And unfortunately, after this there was no going back! Sad thing is, that instead of us just parting as friends, she had to say things to hurt me. So I grew to hate her for the pain she caused! And I will admit, I wished bad things upon her! I mean, in my head, people who do bad things and wrong others do not deserve anything! They deserve to feel the anguish they cause to others! Will this happen? I don't know. I am sure that while I was dealing with the hurt of the things she said, she was probably dealing with guilt and isolation.

The second situation was with a cousin of mine. Again, this situation was caused by me making a judgment on his character! After being the only supportive person in his life while he had no job, thought he had cancer and had no money, he decides to bring up something from my childhood. De Ja Vue, huh?? I guess everyone who wants to hurt someone must read the same book on how to be a crappy person! lol

Anyways, this unfortunately has to do with money. Money that my husband works hard for and that I loaned to this cousin so that he wouldn't lose his apartment. And so that he could have stitches removed and pay his Dr. And so that he could get a new battery for his car and get gas so he could get the job he was trying to get.

Well, shit on me because I somehow didn't "deserve" the money that I was owed because I wasn't supporting him wanting to buy a house!! Ummm, he didn't have a job! I wasn't being unsupportive, I was being realistic!! Anyways, long story short he never paid my back and then started slandering me, calling me names and stalking me on my phone! It took a trip to the police station to get him to leave me alone!

It is really hurtful when you are there for someone and they not only treat you like crap, but they want to use words to hurt you.

Well, on this day I am moving forward!! This hate that is filling my heart is doing me absolutely no good. I have been told numerous times that I need to forgive. And this, for me, is extremely difficult. For the way I see it, forgiving them will not teach them that what they did was wrong. It will probably show them that they possibly had merit in acting so shitty.

Well, this is my blog and my life for that matter so I will do some forgiving.....but MY way!!

So here it is.

Miranda, I think that it sucks that the 3 years of our friendship and all the good memories we had have to be tarnished with the horrible things you said. But, you are an adult and you made the decisions to do and say what you did. Hopefully you can live with it!

But I forgive you for what you said. I will never forget it and you will always be "that type of person" in my mind. I hope you took something from this and learned how not to treat people!

Billy, it is unfortunate that at your age you cannot see the error in your ways! Asking for money and saying you will pay it back and then finding reasons that I don't "deserve" my money back is just ridiculous! And saying things to me you had no business saying really speaks volumes about the type of person you are. But thank you, because knowing now the type of person you are will save me from lots of drama and pain down the line! Not having you in my life is almost....well, a GIFT so thank you for that!

But, I forgive you! For being so cold and insensetive and really just plan hateful. Hopefully you learned a lesson from it and that will be the good that comes out of this!

So, I will no longer let these feelings plague me. The two of you will one day grow up and realize there are ethics and a moral code that productive people in society live by. How you behave and treat people speaks volumes! Your character is what defines you! I cannot help but pity the both of you because you really do not have enough respect to see what you put onto others. I am certain though that something or someone will hurt you the same and teach you this valuable lesson!

Something to think about..............Our character is but the stamp on our souls of the free choices of good and evil we have made through life. -John C. Geikie

Self Discovery?!

2009-11-08T10:21:00.005-06:00

Regan: "momma, who do I look like?"
Me: (in my most serious tone) "you look like Samara!" (our dog)
Regan: Scoffing " No really, who do I look like?"
Me: "I don't know what you mean, honey!"
Regan: "well, I was looking in the mirror today. and I look like .............. Michael Jackson...."
Me: More confused than ever, jaw slightly on the floor.......
Regan: "......and I think I like it......"
Me: ........................................"bwaaaahaaahaaaaa!"

Lessons

2009-11-05T21:10:00.002-06:00

So today I found that it is indeed possible to go shopping one day and nothing fit you. And yet the next day, everything you try on will fit....SO weird!

I also learned that "deli" sushi from Albertson's should not even be labeled as sushi. I would rather wait a month for good sushi that waste time or money on that crap-o-la! Blech!

I have learned that even though people know someone is a bad person, not everyone can walk away or take a stand against them. I guess having pity friends is better than having no friends, right?! lol

I have found that lots and lots of shopping for clothes amount to lots and lots of laundry!! What a double edged sword! :o)

I have come to realize that a true judge of ones self is looking at their children.......it definitely tells you a lot! For instance, my kooky little social butterfly definitely didn't fall far from the tree! I love her! <3

I have learned that teachers are angels on earth for sure! I spend 4 hours one day a week "assisting" Regan's teacher and leave there feeling like I've worked a 12 hour shift! God Bless you teachers, for putting up with all our or little pains in the butt for more hours than we have them a day!!!

I continue to see how blessed I am. Every breath I take, every chance I get, every moment I am gifted with and all the love and family I am surrounded by - I am truly blessed!!!

Catching Up!

2009-10-31T08:34:00.016-05:00

As usual my life is busy and hectic!!

October seems to be one of the busiest months for me each year! Then, tends to be followed by two almost as busy months that have me wondering why I look forward to these Holidays so much! All year I say how much I am ready and cannot wait for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.......then it arrives and I am just trying to keep up with it all!

So here it is, October 31st. Half the month has passed since my last entry but there is SO much to tell. So, in an effort to catch up so I can move forward to November, here ' goes....................

First - Lafayette Animal Aid

My playgroup does a few fundraisers each year. One of our favorites is the Lafayette Animal Aid. This was our 2nd year donating to this great cause/place! We take a few weeks, collect items on their wish list, ask family and friends if they'd like to donate as well. We schedule our drop off date, bring our items and monetary donations, get a small tour of the facility then head our for a celebratory lunch.

Here's how our day went............

I fell in love with this handsome cat, Heath!!

Then, on Sunday I had my Passionately Pink for the Cure fundraiser.

I called it Paint the Town Pink. Found a place, got a plan and set it in motion!!

It was at Painting with a Twist, we painted our "Whimsical Tree", I had received LOTS of generous donations to raffle off and we had food and drinks!! It went really well! And I raised $300 for Komen Acadiana!! How cool is that?!?!

The Wonderful Door Prizes

The lovely ladies who support this great cause and our instructor in the center!

My Masterpiece! :o)

My mom was in town so we had to do what us girls always do.......go skating! lol

Good times!!

We took Regan to a Halloween Carnival at St Anne's Church. It's close to the house and for $5 Regan did a lot, got a lot of goodies and had a blast!!

We also had a family reunion this month. It was for the Guidry side (my mom's mom's side).
It was interesting to say the least! I don't know the majority of this family since we didn't live here while I was growing up. And those that I do know, I either love to pieces or wish there was a way to cut a few limbs off the family tree! lol

Here are a few highlights from the day! My mom won an award for being the eldest grandchild and for traveling the furthest, I won one for being the eldest great grandchild and Regan won the scavenger hunt!!

Momma & Uncle Carroll

Bub and Papaw

Mi-cah-cah

My bestest cousin Micah

The cousins.....love these boys!!

The Guidry Kids - Belle, Dean, Lena, Zoe, Blackie, Newbon

The Whole Crew

Yesterday Regan had her Halloween Party at her school........since I'm a room mom I get to join in the fun and capture it as well!!

They let the kids dress up, but it had to be a career......Regan is a Nurse here, because theat is the costume I found. She has announced though that instead of a Doctor like she has been saying since she was 3, she now wants to be a teacher! I think this probably has something to do with how great Mrs Mouton, her teacher is! :o)

Last night we finally carved our pumpkins!! I think they are fabulous!!!!!

Regan's Beauty!

Daddy's Ghost

My Frankentstein

Well that about catches us up for the last 2 weeks.........

Halloween is tonight! This trio will be dressed in our Vampire best tonight as we wait for our friends for some Halloween fun and Trick or Treating!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!

I am.....

2009-10-13T13:10:00.002-05:00

I am many things!!

I am that girl who hates when someone turns off the fans that stay on all the time and anyone glances at the possible build up on the fan blades that I may not have gotten to this month.

I am that mom that thinks my child is talented and can do great things with her life!

I am that wife that loves the fact that my husband is just as goofy as me so we can be stupid together!

I am that girl that loves wearing jeans, tank tops and kicks.....

I'm that person that wants to walk up to someone and hand them the cigarette butt or trash they have thrown out their car window.

I am the one that wishes I could ticket people for parking in Handicapped parking spots when they do not have a sign saying they should be there!

I am that mom who doesn't like "dirty" kids........

I am that friend who will go to great lengths to be there for someone I care about.

I am that person behind you when you drive yelling "GO!!!!" or "don't mind me I was just DRIVING HERE!" yep.....that was me! lol

I am that woman who thinks that family is one of the most important and blessed things one can have!

I belong to that family that goes crazy decorating for Holidays!

I am the class mom, team mom, Girl Scout Troop Leader, the Playgroup Organizer, the Volunteer and all about "the cause" - mom.....

I am the one that cannot be idle. Someone or something somewhere needs me....... :o)

I am the wife that stays home to raise my daughter and wish that all moms had this choice!

I am the woman that enjoys a house full of people and laughter and love.......

I am the Wife, Mom, Daughter, Sister, Cousin, Niece, Granddaughter that is thankful for all of life's miracles and blessing!

Making a Spooky House!!

2009-10-11T09:16:00.004-05:00

Some Halloween fun with Regan, Joy and Myself! By the end of it we were all sticky, we had made a mess and were hoping our house wouldn't fall apart! Oh and Regan had a sugar high from licking sprinkles off the table and getting icing to eat like pictured below!

ENJOY!!

e

Glad She Didn't See It!!

2009-10-08T08:16:00.003-05:00

Have you ever had one of those oops, I'm glad no one saw that moments? Especially that your child didn't see??

I had one of those this morning!

This morning I was trying to fit some play time with our dog Samara while getting ready this morning. I have been feeling so bad because I've been on the go so much and she stays in her kennel when we are gone. And since today is another on the go day, I was trying to play.....

Anyways, she waits for me to take her toy, she growls, I pretend I can't get to it, I take it, then walk to the living room and throw it to the far end of the kitchen. We do this over and over. Well my last throw flew out of my hand before I could get good aim, hit the ceiling, dropped into the fan and the fan smacked her toy fast and furiously into the kitchen! It was definitely an Oh shit moment! lol

Now this is even funnier, because I am an adult, this is my house and if I break something chances are it's mine and I will be the one mad about it. But being a mom in this house, the 2nd thought was, 'Man, I am glad Regan wasn't here to see that!'. For two reasons. One, it's hard to yell at your kids for doing something they see you doing and two, there is nothing worse than having your 5 year old child explain to you - the mom, why you shouldn't have done that and what could have happened! And yes, this has happened to me before! And it sucks when they are right! And my child, doesn't let it go! She tells you over and over and THEN will proceed to tell others about it too! There are a few examples of this! I will have to write about them soon!

Have a great day!!!

Food For Thought!

2009-10-07T17:01:00.003-05:00

Last night I went to bed early! Well, I was in bed early! I laid down about 9:30, relaxed and watched TV a bit. We don't have digital cable in the bedroom, so if nothing I usually watch is on (Chelsey Lately or something on the Food Network) I usually just flick until something interests me.

I ended up on some show on BET. I am not certain the name, or even the point of the show. It was a lady and her mom sitting with a Life Coach. I am not sure why I watched it, especially since I spent most of the time trying to figure out what was going on!

Anyhoo, in this short little show, or at least what I caught of it, I actually learned something!

It appeared as though the women were reaching the end of their sessions with their Coach. The Life Coach had each of them, based on the lessons learn throughout their "show" write their own "Laws to Live By". The Mom's first law was "Stop treating the wrong people right, and the right people wrong." I was like, holy shit! That makes so much damn sense! I was literally laying is bed going "WORD!" in my head! I mean really, how many of us, or how many people do you know that always treat the right person wrong?! And how often do we find ourselves treating people who do not deserve it good?!

Man! It really had me thinking! In the past 8ish years I have made a huge stand to get people out of my life that do not deserve to be there! Life is too short, my time is too precious and I just don't need shitty people clogging up my life!!

The point is, I guess I had never heard it put that way and it really hit home!! Now I want to shout it from the roof tops! It really makes you want to check your life and the people in it!!

So the second thing I heard on this show was that the daughter had a book and every day she wrote down something she was thankful for!

We all know what stresses us out, what hurts us, worries us or we wish we could change. How often do we sit and meditate on the good and all the blessings??

I do, but not always! Because the difficult things in life have a way of over shadowing all the good things! And for me, writing things down makes them more real and memorable! And too, I think stopping once a day and finding that thing that permeates the bad can be a very empowering thing!! I just may have to add this to my things to do list!!

2 Rants for Today!

2009-10-06T12:57:00.003-05:00

1. Every old person (70+) needs to drive a Buick or Cadillac so that when I am riding behind them I know why we are going TWO miles an hour! Driving behind a new Honda Accord, going 20 mph on La Neuville SUCKS!!!!! Oh, and this was after the jerk in the bright yellow corvette pulled right out in front of me when I was going 55 and didn't go! Then, as I got up to turn on Verot, the old man in the truck turned into my lane almost hitting me and then swirved into me again when he almost got by a pickup. Man I just want to smack people!

2. Just because the weather is getting cool, does NOT mean it is okay to take a knee length summer dress and slap a long sleeve shirt on under it! EWWW! It might as well have been a turtle neck girlie! And what makes it even more ridiculous is the fact that today is muggy and sticky and hot.......dummy!

Other than that, it's been a great day! :o) Sale at Old Navy!!!!

Yes, This Chaotic Life is Mine!

2009-10-04T10:04:00.003-05:00

I have been a busy, busy girl lately!

Oh, who am I kidding?! I am always a busy girl!

Seems that when I finally get some free time, I find myself packing in events or things to do. I appear to need to want to squeeze in things when I need to take advantage and relax for a bit! lol

But I guess the need for activity and purpose is me just being me!

In the past few weeks I have signed up for a few committees with Komen Acadiana as well as started Volunteering!

Regan has had one field trip already and is scheduled for her 2nd one this coming Friday.

Every Monday Regan has dance class, Tuesdays we go visit Papaw and usually eat supper, Thursdays Regan has tumbling.

Also, since our schedule isn't too crazy (HA!), I guess I thought that I could squeeze in being the Troop Leader for Regan's Daisy, Girl Scout Troop. I swore I was going to say no. That for once instead of being the organizer as always, I would sit back and be a follower.......

This lasted all of 1o minutes since they wanted a new troop formed and someone had to step up or there would be no troop! With hesitation I agreed. I feel like a dummy, because my plate is full enough. But I decided this is something I wanted for my daughter. And if no one stepped up, not only would she miss out, but so would the other girls in the troop. (of course I find out later that one of the moms in Regan's class is a troop leader, and had she not been sick we would have been able to join her troop. But, since I am the leader, I am able to designate how much we meet and this I think will help me in the long run! )

So added to our schedule is a Troop Meeting the 2nd Wednesday of each month, followed by some sort of activity by the end of the month, then there are Troop Leader meetings once a month, oh and then there are the two classes I have to take. One of them was last week. The final one is Thursday.

I still organize playgroup, but Kelly does a lot really! I still try to see the girls once a week if I can. Between Breakfasts, Lunches, Potlucks and such it has been working out!

Really the only thing that suffers from me being so busy and running all the time is the list of house hold things I cannot seem to get to. Like going through the things I need to donate, organizing the closets and sorting through the stacks of papers and such. Oh, and cooking. I do not seem to find the time to cook full meals these days! It used to be when Bub was home I would cook a few meals, but his stays are so short lately and we are more so on the go it doesn't happen then!

So far we are all still happy and taken care of, so I guess a hectic life doesn't hurt anyone! Regan is doing good in school, loves going and looks forward to it! Bub's work is steady! Sometimes too steady, but in this economy I am not fussing too much! Especially since we no longer have renters in the other house and until it sells, we are footing the bill for two houses!!

With the holidays around the corner things will no doubt continue to be busy! But I love the Holidays and welcome the chaos! lol

Winged Visitor

2009-09-20T20:19:00.003-05:00

I had a visitor come into my yard the other day! I was sitting in the dining room and saw some white out of the corner of my eye. I glanced out in time to see a beautiful egret swooping down into our yard and proceeded to watch him walk from our yard into the neighbor's. So sweet!

Today he came back. I hope he continues to visit us. I could really watch him walk around on those long legs for hours!!

Just enjoying the simple things........ :o)

BBQ & Thai ~ Oh My!

2009-09-13T21:24:00.005-05:00

Today's venture involved two new recipes for canning.

The first, a Zesty Peach BBQ Sauce.

Now, when I mentioned this to people over the last week I got a few different responses. From "ooh that sounds so good" to "ew, I've never heard of such a thing". I had to remind people that it is probably similar to a honey or other sweet and savory BBQ sauce.

So, my adventure began with this sweet and tangy sauce this morning. First, the ingredients:

6 cups finely chopped pitted peeled peaches (about 3 lb or 9 medium) 1 cup finely chopped seeded red bell pepper (about 1 large) 1 cup finely chopped onion (about 1 large) 3 Tbsp finely chopped garlic (about 14 cloves) 1-1/4 cups honey 3/4 cup cider vinegar 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce 2 tsp hot pepper flakes 2 tsp dry mustard 2 tsp salt 8 (8 oz) half pint glass preserving jars with lids and bands

I think I may have been short on the peaches, as I bought 3 pounds of peaches. I think it may have been 3 pounds of the "meat" of the peach - not the weight at the store......

Peaches, Red Bell Pepper and my lovely Assistant Regan

A change I made is that this sauce didn't cook down into a sauce. Even when cooked longer than recommended it still looked like a chunky fruit salsa. So, I put it in my food processor when it was done and made it into an actual sauce.

Peaches, Red Bell Peppers, Onion & Garlic

Directions:
1.) PREPARE boiling water canner. Heat jars and lids in simmering water until ready for use. Do not boil. Set bands aside. 2.) COMBINE all ingredients in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until mixture thickens to the consistency of a thin commercial barbeque sauce, about 25 minutes. 3.) LADLE hot sauce into hot jars leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Remove air bubbles. Wipe rim. Center hot lid on jar. Apply band and adjust until fit is fingertip tight. 4.) PROCESS in a boiling water canner for 15 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Remove jars and cool. Check lids for seal after 24 hours. Lid should not flex up and down when center is pressed.

I am not certain if it was because I didn't use enough peaches or because I processed the sauce, but unlike the recipe, I got a little less than 5 half pint jars from this recipe. I really think it is the lack of peaches, since this is a semi spicy sauce also. So if you make this, be sure to get about 5 or 6 pounds of peaches total! And I guess the texture of your sauce will depend on how you like it!

This sauce actually tastes really good! It has a tangy, sweet & spicy flavor. It definitely has a kick to it! I cannot wait to put this sauce on some meatballs!

I do think I will attempt this sauce again. I think it is definitely worthy for gift giving!!

The 2nd recipe (sorry no pictures!), was quite quick and easy! Definitely an easy starter recipe for new canners!

It is a Thai Hot & Sweet Dipping Sauce. I was excited to make this because I thought it was this sauce:

My husband loves this sauce. But this Thai sauce is more of a sweet vinegar sauce with pepper flakes and garlic.

It is a very good sauce, just more liquid-y than I expected!

Here is what you'll need:

1/2 cup finely chopped garlic (about 36 cloves)
1 Tbsp salt
6 cups cider vinegar
6 cups sugar
1/2 cup hot pepper flakes

Basically you get your vinegar to a boil, then add your sugar and simmer until it is dissolved. Then add your garlic and pepper flakes and salt. Done!

I actually halved this recipe, which was quite easy (because I didn't buy a large enough bottle of wine vinegar).

It is a pretty sauce with a kick to it and I think it will definitely be a hit. Especially since not only can I make this sauce, I can make some pretty awesome spring rolls to go along with them! :o)

Football Season........sigh

2009-09-13T13:19:00.003-05:00

Because I wasn't raised in this area, most people don't realize that I was born here. I was born in Dauterive Hospital in New Iberia. The majority of my family still resides there, if not the surrounding areas!

About 5 years ago, I finally followed my feet and came to live here again, 23 years later like I always dreamed of doing as a child.

I love it here. This is the place for me!

But every year around this time I feel like I don't belong......

Why?

Because there is one thing in this area that runs deep in everyone's blood.....

One thing I have no desire or wish to have any part in............FOOTBALL!

If you don't live around here, or have never been here or I guess weren't raised here, you have NO idea! This isn't just a community or town supporting the local college teams. Hell, it isn't even a state with a pro team rooting on Sundays!

This is an ENTIRE state that lives and breaths sports! College, pro......

Most people are like what's the big deal, they are fans? Well, one of our 1st years here I was having a huge anniversary party and I was being told left and right that they couldn't attend because LSU was playing. I was like, "oh, yall are going to the game?" ....answer "no, the game is on....can't miss it" .....me - looking in astonishment.....

Literally, people around here revolve their lives and schedules around football. Not just a few crazed men and their friends. Entire families, including wives....... I mean, people even schedule their children's birthday parties and other things around games.

Now obvioulsy to each their own! Everyone has their "thing". But, I've lived in many states, 7 to be exact. And have never had the ?pleasure? of being around people like this. I guess I just don't get it. My life and schedule revolves around my family.....my child, my husband......things get put on the back burner for them....not the other way around.

I've been here 5 years and still don't get it. Not sure if I ever will. But I still try! Hell, don't get me wrong, I don't hate sports. I have been to pro games and when I lived in Texas in a previous life, a highlight was going to the High School football games. It was fun and a great Friday night thing to do.

I guess to me it's one of those things to put into my schedule if the opportunity arises and it works into our calendar. Scheduling my life around something as trivial as a football game just seems absurd to me.

But........this is my opinion......looking from the outside in.......

Maybe next time I'll write about how obnoxious it is when people who have never attended LSU tag their vehicles with LSU, buy and wear everything LSU! Blech!

Canning - Apple Butter

2009-09-06T20:03:00.005-05:00

Today I tried my hand at another canning recipe! I wanted to share my experience and my recipe.....and it wouldn't be complete without pictures! :o)

Most recipes call for you to start out making your own apple sauce first.....but this just wasn't an option for me. For one, it calls for a sieve and I don't have one, nor wish to purchase one!

Lucky for me I found a recipe that gives the option of using applesauce and through looking at tons of recipes I found tips here and there and think I have found a solution and a shortcut! ....this makes me smile!

So here's the ingredients needed:

11 - 24 or 25 oz jar of apple sauce
2 Tablespoons Ground Cinnamon
1 Teaspoon Ground Cloves
1/2 Teaspoon Allspice
4 Cups Sugar

There are two ways to go about making this butter. You can use a crock pot if you have one big enough (10+ quarts). This guarantees you won't have to worry about scorching and also allows you to cook it over night. Everything in the process is the same, whether you use your stove or crock pot.

The most important part is the first step. Take your apple sauce and process it in a blender or a food processor. We have a Magic Bullet and that is what I chose to use. Getting your apple sauce as smooth as possible is key!

After you process your apple sauce, add it, along with all ingredients into your pot. Simmer on low for 8-12 hours. The longer you cook, the thicker it will be. I stopped mine about 8 hours so that I wouldn't be doing the canning process after 10 pm.

The butter turned out really good. Even Regan likes it! Next time I will start my butter earlier and simmer it 12 hours or more. I think it would add to the texture and also the flavor!

All in all it was a good experience! It is definitely a loooonng process! lol

Destination Unknown

2009-09-03T20:41:00.004-05:00

First, watch this!! It's so worth it and so inspiring!

One thing I've always wanted to do is travel! In luxury of course, but any type would do really!

How neat would it be to have everything you need in a backpack and travel with the wind?? No plan at hand, just getting on a train and heading where it leads and hopping off when the mood struck.

Now, if you know my personality and my need for order and knowing details, you'd know this is way more than just a pipe dream. I am not sure I can physically accomplish something so spontaneous. Even though I wish I could. Maybe one day, when Regan is grown and time and patience is on Bub and Myself's side we can accomplish such a wandering journey!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Song in My Heart

2009-09-02T20:02:00.002-05:00

Regan's favorite song.........

Yearbook Yourself

2009-09-02T17:06:00.004-05:00

YearBookYourself.com Ever heard of it?? It can be the source of a lot of entertainment!

Here are a few of my favorites......almost can't tell they aren't real, huh? Good fun! Go try it!!

would be - 1952

would be - 1966

would be - 1978

would be - 1998

Just Rude!!

2009-08-31T20:58:00.002-05:00

In my humble opinion.........

I think anyone who, at a grocery store, parks their cart BEHIND someone's car should be beaten to a pulp......and maybe set on fire............Hmmph!

I had never encountered this until moving to Louisiana. And keep in mind that was at 26 and I had lived in 7 different states!

People who do this are the rudest, the most inconsiderate, obnoxious pieces of crap! I mean, not putting it in the designated "cart area" I can see that, and have done it on many occasion. Especially when Regan was an infant since walking across the parking lot with my child in the car alone was not an option. But parking a cart behind someone's vehicle knowing that they will have to move it to drive away is just rude and oh so stupid!!

The first time I had dealings with this was about a year after we moved here. Bub and I, living in New Iberia, went to Walmart around Christmas time. We took the long walk to the front of the store since we parked in BFE and as we passed this car we watched this lady park her cart behind this van. I look at Bub and was like "how rude". As we were passing the ladies van we saw a man and a woman each carrying a bike and the other hands full of bags....I realized these were the owners of the van when I saw the defeated and frustrated looks on their faces.

Well, since I was in such the holiday spirit and ran to their van, grabbed the cart really fast and pushed it behind the lady's vehicle as she was putting her car in reverse!

The couple with the arm loads of stuff thanked us and you could tell the lady getting out of her vehicle to move the cart was probably cussing me, but was also a little embarassed as the parking lot full of people watched as she returned the cart to the cart return!

My heart was pounding as we walked into the store. I had never done anything as bold as that, even though I may have wanted to teach someone a lesson like that! I definitely don't regret it and I do hope that the lady realized how rude it was for her to do that. Do I think she learned a lesson? Probably not, but I can hope!

Moral to my story is, be courteous! Even to the people you may never look in the face or encounter!

You rude act or inconsiderate ways really effect others, no matter how small the act! Be aware of how your actions play a role in someone else's lives!! I know this story is about a grocery cart, but in general I think this is a great outlook on life!

Ready for Fall

2009-08-27T10:53:00.004-05:00

This week started off great! ....well except for the fact that Bub left out a few days early AGAIN...

Monday I had a date with my friend Jeanne, a whole lot of vegetables, a canner and a dozen jars!

The end result?! I BEAUTIFUL thing call Adzhika! A lovely dip made of tomatoes, red pepper, zucchini, onions, carrots and peppers! De-Lish!!

It was a LOT of works! Lots of chopping and grating and hours and hours of cooking! It was a nice treat to spend that time with a friend doing something I enjoy! I enjoyed chatting it up with her and I always enjoy cooking! All in all it was a fabulous day and we have lots of goodness to show for it!

We already have plans to attempt a new recipe and probably before long do this one again!!

Other than that, I have been sick! It sucks! I haven't been sick if forever it seems! I guess some could say I was due to be a walking germ......I personally think why mess with a good streak! Everyone know moms aren't allowed to be sick! ANd it really sucks to have to do dishes and laundry and wake up at 6:30 to get my kiddo off to school feeling like I've been hit by a truck! Sigh!

Yesterday was my 1st full day of being sick. I basically threw on clothes, got Regan ready and to school, came home watched TV a little, ate some grits, took Nyquil and slept till quarter to 3, which is when I needed to run get Regan from school! Poor kid had mac n cheese for supper followed by a pop tart. I am sure she didn't mind, but you know!

I missed playgroup's potluck and my house stayed a wreck! It sucked! I've done a little so far today on the house, but all in all, I am ready to be 100% and back to my life!! :o(

Moral to this story is, canning the Adzhika and being sick keeps faking me into thinking it's fall! And I am SO ready! I miss fall! It's my favorite season! I am ready for brisk nights, apple cider, Halloween & Thanksgiving, hay rides and corn mazes!! Sigh! :o)

Best Money We'll Ever Spend!

2009-08-24T17:43:00.003-05:00

Most parents, at one point, do like I do and when their child turns about 4 start doing the endless research online to find another way to keep their child safe! You see, from the time they are born we use car seats to keep our children safe. Unfortunately there are those people who do not put their little ones in seats....but that is a WHOLE other story!

Well, between the ages of 4 and 5 most toddlers reach the 40 pounds that most car seats max out at. This made me nervous! Even a booster with a lap belt made me nervous! My child is little and precious and it was important to Bub and I to do whatever it took to make her safe!

Enter, the Britax Frontier!

While not cheap, definitely a small price to pay to know I am doing everything in my power to keep my child safe! If you have ever heard the tales of children being decapitated by their seat belts Story Here or watched the videos from parents who wish they had kept their children in a 5 point harness for as long as possible, you would understand what drives me to this decision! The Frontier allows you to keep your child in a 5 point harness until they reach 80 pounds.....at the rate Regan grows she will be able to use this seat until she is like 10! lol

I never want to be a parent with regrets! At one time we would not have been able to afford a $279 car seat! But since we can, there is no excuse!

Some people buy purses more expensive than my child's seat! Half the phones out now more than the cost of this car seat! Hell, think about all the vacations and electronics and other non necessities we all pay for throughout the year! Isn't your child worth it?! I know mine is!!

Kids Say the Darndest Things #4

2009-08-22T19:30:00.003-05:00

The other day on the way to school Regan asks, "momma, when I am older can I say bad words??"

I took a long pause, because I had NO idea where this might be going!

I responded, "Um....no. Why would you want to say bad words anyways?"

Without hesitation she commands," Because when I am older and drive, I will have to say them!!"

Oh my! I let out a huge burst of laughter.....only my child looks forward to being older and driving.....so that she can rightly say bad words! lol I wonder which words she wants to say....but I dared not ask!

School Days!

2009-08-20T10:12:00.005-05:00

Well, my little lady's first day of Kindergarten has come and gone!

Surprisingly we both did rather well! No tears from either of us!

The walk back down the hall, and she is the LAST class at the end of the hall, was hard. I had a huge lump in my throat and my nose starting to sting because I was fighting back the crying! There were far too many parents and teachers near the front doors to be crying on my way out! Plus I knew there were a lot of people waiting to hear if I had been able to hold it together or not! lol I had to prove myself and them wrong! heehee!

I was very excited and impatient to pick Regan up after school. It just couldn't come fast enough. And I have to admit the waiting in the car line was torture! But when I drove up and saw my little girl sitting outside waiting with her class I was happy! She glanced up and saw me and she got on her knees, grinned from ear to ear and waved! I pointed to her to go get in line and she did! I wanted to say screw the car line, I want to squeeze my girl and talk about her day....unfortunately it was a "Hey honey, hurry and buckle". But there was lots to talk about on the way home!

All in all it was a great day and I really am glad it's over.

I still wish the time hadn't come for her to be in school already! Bub and I are still wishing for the days she was home with us and we could do things on a whim. I think it's especially hard on Bub and Regan because they already don't get to see each other, and it was nice that when he was home we could spend all his days together. Now they are missing out on a lot more time. Hopefully we will be able to do okay as it goes on!

Well, here are the pictures from the morning. Her putting her shoes on and posing with Samara. I even snapped a picture of her getting out of my Element, though I really wish I had had the nerve to take one of her at her desk! But I didn't want to be that over board mom! lol

And here is a little interview before we left! I am sure I'll look back on this little video one day and cry! Sigh!!

Just a Little

2009-08-15T20:13:00.004-05:00

Not too, too much to blog about tonight! No funny stories or rants or ponders.

First to report is the newest addition to the "Etie" side! My cousin Clint and his wife Monique just brought their third child into the world about 6:30 this evening. His name is Clay. I haven't seen him yet, but I am sure he is perfect! A new child, what a blessing!

Regan officially starts school on Monday! I am certain a blog entry will follow that day for sure! I am a little more ready now than I was a few days ago....but she doesn't go for another day or so.....will I still be this ready?!

She is definitely ready. At least she says she is. Do I think she's ready, nope, not at all! lol That's my story and I'm sticking to it! :o)

Daddy comes home on Tuesday! I am being selfish and really hoping he gets his actual 7 days home! I am trying not to gripe too much that he hasn't gotten a full week off in between hitches in about 2 months, but it is really starting to wear on Regan and I! She has been highly emotional and I have felt like it's been a month since he's been home!

Bad thing about him not getting much time home is the "honey do" list gets longer and longer and then I'm the bad wifey (in other's eyes) cause I'm working him so much at home! Hey, I can only do so much when I am home and some things I just simply cannot do by myself!

This hitch we are supposed to construct our new shed! Jason offered to help and that ROCKS! Now I just hope that he is home long enough to complete it!

I have a project I am ready to start on the house. Haven't decided when I'll start it..........

Well, that's about all the report as of now! Wasn't much, but with school starting there will be more and more to write about I am sure! lol

For The Love of a Deviled Chicken

2009-08-08T10:15:00.003-05:00

Like most people I am sure, I go through phases. Small obsessions with an item or food. Lets just call them momentary addictions.......

Well, the past few weeks it has been this::

Behold Underwood's Chicken Spread. I have always referred to it as Deviled Chicken, as it's counterpart is the Deviled Ham.

Now while I am not a fan of the Deviled Ham, hell I am not sure I've ever had it really, I am in LOVE with this chicken in a can!

I am sure you are probably gagging and thinking this is something like a potted meat. This definitely isn't a cheap meat in a can!

Deviled Chicken reminds me of when my family lived in California. We would go to the beach all day and for lunch my mom would make us these sandwiches. They were so good! The best part is you don't need any condiments. All you need is bread, this can and something to spread it with. No soggy sandwiches!

I have been obsessing over these the past few weeks as I said before. I bought a few cans to keep in the pantry in case we headed to the sprinkler park or something. Well, by the time I got home I was craving some. I ended up eating what I bought over the next 2 days.

At almost $2 a can, it is pricey for a little can that makes me 1 1/2 well filled sandwiches. But at the same time, that's a $2 meal and one that I L-O-V-E! :o)

At the moment I have about 6 or 7 cans in the pantry. Every time I head to the store I grab a few! I think that's what I will be having for lunch today too!

Assuming others shared my love for this canned meat I asked a few of my girlfriends if they liked it and none seems to know what it was. And to my surprise most have never even seen it! I guess if my mom hadn't given it to me when I was a little girl I wouldn't know either! But I have to say, I am SO glad I know about it!!

So trust me and try it! It's a great pantry item!!

Kids Say the Darndest Things #3

2009-08-07T21:21:00.003-05:00

Tonight, like every other night, Regan was doing flips onto the chair and couch. She did this long headstand onto the chair when her nightgown went up, revealing a white tush with a tan line.

I told her, "go put some panties on crazy girl!"

She replied "I do have panties on...."

I said, "oh....yeah right!"

She quipped, "I do, they are butt panties.......they look just like my butt!!"

OMG, I wish Bub or someone had been here to witness that ingenious response! Even I would have never been quick enough to come up with that! lol

Man, I love that little girl!!

I am Not Ready!!!!!

2009-08-06T10:43:00.005-05:00

I am officially MUSH!

Yesterday I made the trip to Green T to speak to someone about a few things. It was a week till everyone else started school and I had yet to find out when Regan's first day was. And on top of that I had SO many questions.

I think it ended up being maybe the Vice Principle I spoke to. She let me know when the orientation was, the day half the classes would go and then the official first day way. Well, she said "Tuesday will be their first full day and then they will go every day after that!". I got an instant lump in my throat, so big it almost choked me. And my eyes swelled with tears. I was fighting it back as hard as I could and then my little girls says " my momma doesn't want me to go to school!" I laughed and the lump got bigger!

Normally I would have cried in the car, but Regan would have probably made fun of me and then told everyone at playgroup that I cried because we visiting her new school! lol

Well since I got my dates for everything, I now knew that Thursday (today) was indeed Regan's official last day at her old "school". I bagged up the teacher's gifts and we bought a cookie cake to bring as a treat for the kids (I bailed out on making the cone cupcakes....I am a tired girl!).

When I dropped her off this morning we delivered the gifts to each of the teachers. When they asked why I said "today is Regan's last day", and here came that damn lump again. I couldn't even swallow anymore! It's sad when phases of our lives end like this! Nothing will be as it once was! Regan attended this daycare for over 3 years of her 5 year life. This is a huge part of her life and of mine!

You know I have been dreading this for over a year. When it was way too soon to be worrying about her starting school and all. I sometimes thought to myself, I will probably stress about it now and when the time comes we will all be ready and it won't even be a big deal! I also thought that by then I would be so ready for her to go I'd be counting down the days.

Well, the time has come and I'M NOT READY!!! I want to cry just writing about this!

I sometimes think if we had decided to have another child by now, the transition wouldn't be half this bad. But at the same time, I'm a mom and she is my baby and I hate change! Grrr!

I feel powerless because I want to have things the way they are for just a little while longer! I guess since I was able to make the decision to keep her out of Pre K, it feels like I should be able to do the same this time around. Unfortunately this isn't happening!

I should be happy for her. She is so very ready! I have never met a child who will wake up at 6 in the morning, turn on her TV, grab her workbook and sit on her bed and start writing letters and matching shapes and identifying patterns.......she is ready....

............me, not so much!

Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes

2009-08-04T22:00:00.007-05:00

Tonight's venture is the ice cream cone cupcake.

I have had these before, always loved them SO much but somehow never had the urge to make them. .........Until the other day.

Now I am making them for playgroup tomorrow and then again tomorrow night for Regan's class at her daycare. For the New Iberia kid (where her daycare is), class starts on Friday. So as a treat I am making these for her class and the teachers and workers and have ordered candles from a friend as an end of the year thank you!

Anyhoo back to my task at hand. Like I said, I had never made these and decided I could wing it and didn't need to look it up on the internet to save myself the guessing work.

So here are my magic ingredients - minus the stuff for the cake.

Here is a pan I got last minute because I was unsure as to how I was going to bake and/or transport said cone cupcakes.

Turns out I am a pretty smart damn cookie, cause the 24 cones that came in the box fit perfecting in the sized pan. And since I spent the little extra for the ones with a lid, I can ice them tonight and keep them all fresh AND put them in my Element and safely transport them to my friends house for our potluck! GO ME!! lol

I was not sure how to fill them, but as luck has it, my perfect cookie scoop was unbelievably the perfect answer!

I decided to fill the cups up to the lower rim. This gave me extra batter. I wasn't sure what amount they would rise and wanted to leave room for the icing. And I didn't want the icing to be smooshed (is that a word?) by the lid.

I found out that I could have probably used all the batter in the cones, but it still worked out.

Now baking time......don't even get me started on that one! I think they were in there like 30 minutes! This doesn't seem like a long time unless you are checking every five minutes. And everytime you think they are done, they aren't! lol

This was my first, pull them out of the oven, thought they are done. Upon further inspection I found that the base of the cones were filled with liquidy batter still. Not good.

But when I pulled them out the last time, it appeared there were visible signs they were done. They were golden, and the cake pulled itself away from the sides of the cone a bit.

I really hope these are a hit. I know I love them, but I've never had them the day after. Usually fresh the day they were made. Since I refuse to wake up at 6 am to bake, I am hoping they are as good!!

Update: Upon covering these things I found it was a PITA!! To get the lid to close I had to take some of them out. This sucks because I of course want them all to go to my destination. So technically to fit comfortably in this sized pan you can fit 18 in there!!

Update for the Week

2009-08-02T16:17:00.008-05:00

Well, Bub left out this morning, so yep - here I am blogging!

There is just no time when he is home to blog! Or better yet, I am spending the time I would be blogging with my husband......good enough reason I think! LOL

As usual, his hitch home was cut short. Home late afternoon Tuesday and gone Sunday morning. It sucks. And while I find myself bitching about it under my breath, in the same breath I am thankful he is working steadily. And not only steadily, but extra. And the extra is definitely putting us back with our savings and helping finish up around the house. We are finally getting our shed in a few weeks and once the dirt goes down in the back we will work on getting the fence up!

Last week we headed to New Orleans to get the Auto Start for my Element and also take Regan to the Aquarium.

Can I just say I LOVE my Auto Start!!?! Not having to get into a hot vehicle after shopping is fabulous! I really wish I had this when Regan was a baby, it would have been so nice!!

The Aquarium was nice. We had a good time! Lots to see and do! This time around we got to pet sting rays and a little shark of some sort! This was our 2nd time there, will probably be our last.

Here are some highlights from our visit!

Here is a video of the sting ray that let me pet it forever! So awesome!!

Ahh the 5 Year Old!

2009-07-26T13:16:00.001-05:00

What is it about 5 year old girls?? Are they God's way of testing ever fiber of a mother's patience, tolerance and pure self restraint?? Okay, that sounds worse than it really is meant, but do you know what I mean!

I mean, even men in the grocery store ask me if she's 5 and attest to the aggravation caused by said 5 year old sassy girls! lol Not moms, MEN!

It does make me feel better knowing that I am not the only one with a very head strong, resistant at ever turn and animated little girl!

She is funny and interesting and smart and imaginative and silly and high energy and sweet and loving and testing and frustrating and vocal and animated and beautiful and sassy and crazy and my daughter!

She can make me look at her crazy one minute, mad as hell the next and then says something too smart for her age that makes me start giggling!

Being a mom to this little lady is a whirl wind of highs and lows and lots of emotions and laughter!!

For instance, I was trying to get Bub to shave his face before a birthday party. He had returned the day before and usually comes home looking pretty rough. Usually he will cave in for Regan so I asked her "Do you like Daddy's face like that?". Without missing a beat she said, "Nope. And I don't like his attitude either!" LMAO! I about fell out of my chair I was laughing so hard!!

But seriously though, these days are rough. I say no you can't, she tells me yes I can. It's pretty hard some days. But I know as with all the years before, this is just another phase!! Here's hoping it is a short lived one!!

I keep joking that I am going to buy a pretty note book to send to school with her so that her teacher will have something pretty to write all of those notes regarding Regan's behavior I know she will be sending home to me! LOL

Regan is a lot like Bub and I it seems. Both of us are hard and fast workers. We used to finish our work quickly and then it was time to talk and play. Regan seems no different than us. She seems to excel at everything and she definitely talks 24/7. I can only imagine what notes we may get from her school!

Now she is definitely not a bad kiddo, but she gets her way so much from so many people. ...family, daycare, friends, strangers at the store..... Not sure she will be able to be the little princess she is used to being when she gets to school! LOL Should be interesting! Stay tuned, Kindergarten is about 3 weeks away....

My Own Nature

2009-07-24T17:57:00.005-05:00

The video below is what we get to hear on any given night in my back yard! We may have built a house in the city, but it's is beautifully pitch black and it sounds like we are in the middle of the woods! I love it!

It is a short video, if you watch it to the end you can see me turn from facing the coulee to walk back to my house. I literally have nature just yards away from my door! We picked a great place to live!! We get the best of both worlds here!

Another really cool thing is our "pet" frog! He is super cute and would sit on our back door and wait for his dinner to fly to him! Haven't seen him in a while! May have "moved away" since the rain! Hope he comes back! :o)

Do Your Job....and RIGHT if Possible!!

2009-07-23T16:04:00.002-05:00

How hard is it really to perform a task? Especially one you get paid for.....AND that isn't rock science??! I usually don't rant about stuff like this because everyone has off days and makes mistakes but I am pissed!

At the end of my shopping journey this afternoon (Old Navy, Target, Home Depot) I have to pick up mild and juice and a few other things so I go next door to Walmart. I must say it was a record for me between the time I spent in there "browsing" and that fact that I spent a whole whopping $24 this is less than half of what I spend, even if I go in two days in a row!

Anyways, I buy the Great Value apple juice and usually get 4 at a visit. Today, since I had put our last gallon in the fridge a few days ago I decided to get 5. I KNEW I should have done what I always do cause it kicked me in the butt.

As I am leaving since I didn't want her to bag the juices I had to show my receipt at the door. I'm used to it and have it out cause I always have something not bagged. Well he counted, and recounted, asked my how many juices and counted again. He then hands me back my receipt and tells me I have to go to the customer service counter because she charged me for 6! Go figure, right?! Well, I wasn't mad. I wasn't in a hurry and thankfully there was no one at customer service. I really just felt like as ass getting my $2.03 cents back. But it was quick and painless.

So I get home a while ago and realize the same cashier didn't even give me my damn milk! Hell, I was standing right in front, waiting for the guy to count my juices long enough that she would have been able to bring it had she have been paying attention!

So now I am mad. Not only did she waste my time having to get a refund, now I have to go back and get my milk. That I paid for. As if one trip wasn't enough!

I mean, really, two huge screw ups in one small checkout. Where exactly is your head woman?! I don't ask for much, but damn! I really think they need to start requiring something more than a HS diploma for people to work! Cause some people need more to function at a normal working environment! UGH!

I hope I am still this fired up when I go back. Lucky for them I don't have time to make a trip back there and then home again. I'll have to wait until I pick Regan up and we are on our way home! I think it's BS and they need to hire competent people! ......Just so you know I am yelling the F word in my head! It is all I can do not to write it here too! LOL

Going Private

2009-07-22T21:23:00.005-05:00

I found out today that I have the option of making my blog private. Not sure how this escaped me thus far, but I was unaware! At first I was going to do it immediately, then I thought for a bit...

I have mixed feelings about this.

On one hand, it would definitely prevent people who I have ousted (for good reason) from my life from stalking me(...still). On the other hand, I get a lot of hits from all over the world on my blog. (The traffic feeds let me see who comes to my blog, when, for how long - it's awesome!!) People who I don't necessarily know, who cannot really ask my permission. Well, they can, but what a PITA!

So, I've been thinking this over today!

What is more important to me?

Preventing nosey people from stalking my life......

Or letting those who enjoy reading my rants and raves and picture and poop blogs come and go as they may.......

I guess the answer is clear here!

Read on people.....and stalkers! LOL

Too Busy for a Job!

2009-07-22T15:38:00.004-05:00

I have decided.........that my life is just too busy to have a job!!

Take today for instance..........

7:25 am - alarm goes off 5 minutes early so that when my yard guy calls at 7:30, I am awake and have taken the dog out and checked the yard to make sure it isn't too wet.

7:45 am - I start cleaning up the kitchen, make my bed, and fold and save the blankets on the couch from the night before.

8:15 am - start getting Regan and I ready for playgroup.

9:30 am - chat with Mr Warren and head to Chuck E Cheese for playgroup.

1 ish - head to Capitol One to deal with my debit card issues.

1:30 head to Ryan's to bring him run an errand.

3:15 pm - finally arrive home

I need to clean out my Element, sweep the floors and possibly start a load of laundry. Oh and make something for supper. And then I have to get Regan dressed and leave for tumbling about 5 pm. Which finishes at 6:30 and when we return home shortly after 7, it will be two hours until her bedtime.

Man! lol

Tomorrow I am having coffee with a friend at 10, which means driving all the way to Regan's school in New Iberia then turning around and heading into Lafayette. At 11 I have a lunch date with some good friends of mine.

And at some point this week I need to hire an exterminator, call about some insurance claim issues.......

I really don't see how having a job will fit into my schedule anytime soon! ;O)

Granted, not every day consists of visits with friends and lunch - I am keeping out most of the boring parts like housework, paying bills, taking care of Regan and the critters, and other daily stuff. But I'm a mom and wife, those are the unspoken everyday duties!

Am I complaining?? Definitely not! But when I think that maybe one day I will return to work, or I think about working moms - my hats off to all of you! My days are so jam packed to get everything done every day. And then still, I don't always have to do it all either! Sigh!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-21T23:41:00.002-05:00

16 and Pregnant

2009-07-20T18:24:00.002-05:00

So speaking of reality TV......another show I DVR and have been watching for the last month is "16 and Pregnant". Not sure what made me start recording and/or wanting to watch this, but for the most part all the shows have been interesting.

I spend the majority of these shows thinking to myself 'these kids have NO idea what they're getting themselves into!' One of the episodes a few weeks ago had my blood boiling! The father of the baby was going out with his friends every night while she was trying to get help with their baby tofinish high school. It was sad! I feel really bad for that young girl......cause it says a lot about the man she chose to have that child with!

Anyways, I just finished watching the latest show and I cried! This couple decided to give their daughter up for adoption. Neither of them grew up in a decent home and starting a family in high school with no jobs, they decided it wasn't fair to the baby. The couple they chose was awesome. I wondered if they were going to change their minds, but they didn't.

Seeing those two balling after the baby was born.....wanting them to take her out of the room so they didn't have to see her, just broke my heart!! To be that young and have to make such an adult decision. And not just any decision, probably one of the hardest ever! Writing this, I have a lump in my throat!

It definitely isn't hard to get pregnant. It isn't even hard to just accept it for what it is, ready or not and raise a child.....or in the least try your best to raise it. But to knowingly pass your child to someone else and go home empty handed.......just heart wrenching!!

Thank God there are people strong enough and selfless enough to chose adoption. Bub and I have, before Regan, looked into adoption since we didn't know if having children was ever going o happen. As a mom, I cannot imagine giving my child to someone else. But I guess if my circumstances were not good, adoption would be an option.

My heart goes out to that young couple. To hurt that much for making a very smart and selfless choice is really hard!! And on top of that, their parents weren't supportive the entire time! So sad!!

If you are interested in checking out this tear jerker - here it is

MTV's 16 and Pregnant - MTV Shows

Just a Blurb

2009-07-19T16:51:00.003-05:00

I just realized today that my signature hasn't worked in a while! Not sure what happened! So, I needed to add it again and wanted to make sure it was working.

So while I'm here, might as well make use of the entry!

........I've always liked this! Heehee!

Just Too Much Fun!

2009-07-19T13:35:00.004-05:00

I had a pretty late night on Friday. It was the first time in.....probably 6 years that I have gone out, not getting to bed until 4 am. I guess having a child puts this behavior on the back burner! lol

My friend's husband.....well, he's my friend too so I guess I should say my friend's birthday was Friday. We ended up at Cowboys since Graham had closed down. None of us had been there before, so we had no idea what was in store.

The cover was $10 at the door, which meant there was a band. I never thought to ask who was playing, but practically screamed when I realized it was Geno's band that was walking around. I REALLY enjoy that band, so it was a HUGE bonus, for me anyways! lol

Kristey, Jason and my cousin Micah and I headed over about 9 and were able to get a good table. We danced and danced some more! It was a great night! Micah and I cut up as usual.....think we scared a few people! lol We were all hoarse at the end of the night because we spent so much time talking and laughing.

Well, here are a few pictures from our night! It was a great night start to finish! Thanks you 3 for an amazing and memorable night!!

Happy Birthday Chooey!

Reality

2009-07-18T10:44:00.003-05:00

Hello.

My name is Heather Baublit....

And I am addicted to reality TV.....

I am not proud of this addiction, but damn it I LOVE it! LMAO!!!

I really am into reality TV. It was one, maybe two shows that started it all and it was downhill from there! (BB & Survivor)

I have never really been a big TV watcher. It's never been a huge part of my life and I was one of those people that made fun of my friends when they would say "oh, I can't make it that night, my show is on". I was in awe that someone would revolve their life and plans around a show.

I can honestly say that I have never altered my plans to accommodate my TV watching - and yes, this was even before my beloved DVR!

Now, when I was home and Survivor came on I was glued to the TV. Don't call me or mess with me. But I could take it or leave it.

But watching Big Brother and Survivor has turned into watching So You Think You Can Dance, America's Next Top Model, Hell's Kitchen, Top Chef, America's Next Food Network Star, Design Star, Fashion Show, Superstars (thats a new one), American Idol - but only during try outs, Biggest Loser, Amazing Race, Real World Road Rules Challenge.....I've even watched Shear Genius and that pet groomer one! lol And for reasons unknown to me I ended up watching New Jersey Housewives this season! Not to mention I ocassionaly watch those pathetic VH1 shows like Charm School and So-N-So of Love!

Obsessed I tell you! I try to figure out why and I guess it's really a curiosity to watch other people. See them succeed, she the things they'd do or say. People fascinate me, what can I say. Plus reality shows are usually pretty light hearted. No killing and such. It's funny because I love reality shows, but real life reality is a bummer. Thus the reason I do not watch the news......EVER!

So yep, I am addicted to reality television. And since I am still not a big TV person, with the help of my trusty DVR I record the shows I like and watch them when I can or feel like it. Life is good, huh?

And certainly I am not the only one addicted to these shows?! Is there any shows you cannot live without? Maybe something new to me?!

With Life Comes Change

2009-07-17T15:58:00.003-05:00

I feel like I am beating a dead horse here, but I cannot get over the fact that I am about to be the mother of a Kindergartener. It's crazy! Where did the time go, honestly?!

Are we ready for this??

I guess the better question is am I ready for this!

That my ~~little~~ big girl will soon be in school 5 days a week! SEVEN hours a day! Ugh! Did I mention this makes my chest tighten?!?

Now Regan, she is ready as rain! She wants to go tomorrow! When I say school her eyes brighten and she gets an ear to ear grin! Why can't I be this excited???

I guess it's because to me, nothing will ever be like it was. There are no more morning playgroup events. No more leaving for a few days or a week on a whim to go out of town. No more being together as a family the whole week that Bub is home. No more vacationing in the off season so we can avoid the hot spots when they are crowded. Sigh!

I am over thinking it, I know! But, this is how I am.

For the next 13 years of Regan's life SCHOOL will dictate our schedule! Hmmmph!

Can you tell I am not a conformist?! And additionally don't really like to have others tell me what I have to do?! .....I have definitely been out of work a long time it seems! LOL Cause I am feeling like the school system is gonna put a damper on how I do things! Lordy, I am officially crazy! LMAO!

Well......crazy girls need love too! :o)

Whats in a Name!?

2009-07-16T20:02:00.004-05:00

You know, one thing I have never understood is people who name their children things that will never be pronounced correctly! It's one thing to change the spelling of a name to make it unique. Or name your child something that could have two pronunciations. (for example Regan has two spellings, and until she was a few years old I never knew it could be pronounced Ree-gon instead of Ray-gan) But why make up names to call your kid? Don't you love them enough to want them no not have to spell and correct people every day of their lives for deciphering a name wrong?

When Regan was born everyone thought she was a boy. It drove me CRAZY! At her first Dr's appointment I sat their and watched people go in that arrived after me. All because when the nurse called for my kiddo she said Rayquan. I was more than annoyed.

Today I have to correct people all the time for misspelling Regan's name. Even when I enrolled her in Kindergarten - the paper I filled out had her name on it, and Regan verbally spelled it for her. And do you know she still spelled it wrong?! And when I got her appointment and school info in the mail they had her name written the wrong way too! It really bothers me that people do not make it a point to get it right! I am very careful about people's names, it's a respect thing!

Anyways, with all these issues I've had with a common name with a common spelling......why on Earth would someone make up a name that no one can spell or pronounce?! For the sanity of your child, stop trying to be cool (or MORE insane) and give your kid a fighting chance!

This song ROCKS!! :o)

Funny Cajun Chit!

2009-07-15T19:26:00.001-05:00

Not much needed to introduce this! Welcome to Cajun Country! LMAO!!

Here & There

2009-07-15T09:14:00.002-05:00

I enjoy making my bed every morning

I love plants, though I don't always have the best of luck with keeping some alive

I wouldn't say I love to clean. But I definitely love having a clean house

I miss having company over each weekend like when we live in Portland

I love entertaining and cooking for friends

I need to learn patience

I also need to learn tolerance, especially for noise

I cannot seem to figure out why Regan has a totally different personality when her daddy is home or when we have company from out of town

I enjoy my over busy schedule with classes, friends, appointments, shopping and lunches

My life is definitely not dull

I find myself very guarded lately

I am trying to chose my friends wisely and not give more than I get in return

I am already planning Halloween and thinking about the Holidays following. I now have a whole new house to decorate for each - woo hoo

I am not ready for Regan to start school next month.....and yes I am still trying to convince myself it isn't really happening! Where did the time go

All Time Favorite

2009-07-14T21:35:00.003-05:00

Throughout life everyone will always ask you, "what is your favorite...." whatever it is. Sometimes used as an icebreaker. A great way to start a random conversation with almost anyone. Other times this is how you get to know people. Learning someone's favorite movie, color, food, saying, etc can give great insight about someone.

In my lifetime I have had two "all time" favorite songs. One when I was in Jr High and the other in the last five years or so.

When I was in Jr High life wasn't so grand. I was into the Doors pretty heavily for a few of those years.....posters, poetry books, his book their CDs......well during this time one song really spoke to me and really made me feel....well, I am not sure exactly how it made me feel. But even today as I listen to it, it still bring a certain sense of calm over me. Back then I decided I wanted it played at my funeral and even now at 31, I believe I would still like that. I know that is even weird to say.....but you'd have to know what I went through and where I came from to even start to understand!

Anyways, the song I am referring to is The End - by The Doors

Now about 5 or 6 years ago I fell in love with a, at the time, not even a new song. But I loved it. Still do! I don't really have a real reason for my love of this song. I don't think I'm a creep and don't necessarily relate to the words. I just like the passion behind the song and the feeling I have when I listen to it. So, my true all time favorite song, for whatever reason is Radio Head's Creep!

(I was unable to find a version that didn't have the embed option disabled - bastards - but if you are interesting is checking it out - head here Creep

So I wonder, has everyone narrowed down all of their favorite songs and decided that they have an all time favorite???

Is there a Balance?

2009-07-13T16:30:00.003-05:00

You know, here lately it seems that my life is either pretty great or I am facing turmoil with a friend or family member. I find that when I want to write about the great things happening in my life, I may come off braggish (even though that is not my intent), so I usually stop writing those entries; or that I am bitching about how someone has wronged or hurt me. Certainly there is a middle ground here, but for some reason those are the topics that, truly, are far less interesting (to who? me!? maybe everyone?!) and that there really isn't much to tell!

For instance, Sunday we woke at 6:15 am to see Bub's mom, step-dad and niece off. They spent 3 days here after taking a scenic drive from Oregon. Well, since we were up we figured we might as well make a day of it! So just shy of 7 we headed to Walmart to get Regan's school supplies. So I decided, since this was a turning point for my soon to be Kindergartener that I would bring my camera along and document her experience. Well, we stop into McDonald's at the front of the store for a quick breakfast and then head to the school supply isle. This is when I hoped to capture some great memories and too, have something to blog about. Well, a certain 5 year old decided to be a pain in the butt and the last thing I wanted to do was "capture" this moment! Truth be told I couldn't believe I let my husband con me into "you should take her with you to get her supplies so she can help pick them out". I knew far better than that, but didn't want to look like the bad mom. Next time, I will stick with my mom gut and do what I always do.......keep things as easy as possible. Easy equals shopping ALONE when she is at school! I get 2 days a week to accomplish shopping tasks interruption free and for good cause! lol

Anyways, our trip included lots of the normal issues. Her wandering away from the basket, the constant reminders that if she does not stay close she will return to sitting IN the basket. Then, upon choices of her supplies, she always wanted what she couldn't select even though we showed her the colors, etc she could choose from. The list said plain #2 pencils. No colors or designs. She is crying because she was the multicolored pack........the list said she had to have Fiskars brand scissors....she has a choice between green, blue red or orange.....she wants the pink pair for the 6+ year olds that are not Fiskars......sigh. So needless to say it was definitely memorable, but really nothing to write home (or a blog) about. We made it out of the store alive, and with all our supplies except one! Now hopefully I will remember to get it before she heads off to school!

Well, I guess it's these little things that are my daily life I should be writing about! Life certainly is speeding past and Regan is growing up so fast!

I plan to start writing a little bit of everything, fascinating or not. Hopefully I won't bore everyone to tears! lol

Thankful for our Military

2009-07-04T09:08:00.004-05:00

So today is the day that our country celebrates our independence! Like MANY other holidays I feel that it's meaning is lost in the "celebrating", at times even on me! When the thought of the 4th rolls around the first thing that comes to mind for everyone is....BBQs, fireworks, people partying and getting drunk..... The meaning behind this day gets lost!

I hate it!!

I didn't really grow up in a political family, or one with enlisted family members. Well, My Papaw was in the Navy, but not much is spoken about his career. I had an Uncle who passed away in 78 after I think fighting in the Vietnam war, and I had an Uncle by marriage who served in the Army, but he was stationed all over and it wasn't a presence in my life.

I am VERY grateful to the men and women who serve and protect our country.....and really everyone and everything I love! I think that anyone who is willing to sacrifice their time with their family, the births of their children, memories, their safety and even their lives to protect everyone else is just amazing!

I have a lil cousin who is a Marine. And let me tell you, he is a walking poster for the Marines. His passion and strength and devotion for the Marines is commendable. He really loves his country and is willing to fight and die for what he believes in! On his Myspace there is a picture of him with a huge grin and below it says "If you were A Marine at age 18, You'd be happy too..:)" I love it!

My cousin David....if you'd like to send him words of appreciation let me know and I can send you his Myspace info!

As a mom it is hard to imagine having your child so far away and really, in harms way. Not knowing if, when or in what condition you will see your child in again. As I write this my throat is swollen with a knot in it and I keep fighting away the tears. I really am amazed that there are such giving and brave people out there who would do anything for their country!

So, even though some will not remember why we are celebrating this holiday, I for one will be thinking of those serving us, those who have lost their lives or family members and those in the future that will do the same as those before them! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for doing what you do and being who you are! I know that my life and the life of my child is better because of all the sacrifices made by our service men and women! I hope that each of you know how special you are and always feel the appreciation you have earned and deserve!! Please keep up the good work and know that your dedication is not in vain!!

GOD BLESS!!

I Have Decided

2009-07-03T09:17:00.005-05:00

I have decided that I'd rather be angry at someone that be hurt by them.

I have decided that no matter how good of a friend you are to someone, not everyone will feel a sense of loyalty to you.

I have decided that not every step on the way to your destination will be a good one, but it will always be worth the struggle!

I have decided that everyone makes their own decisions and has to live with them. No matter how bad I may think a decision is, everyone has to learn from their own mistakes!

I have decided that even though I know I am supposed to forgive people, it is really not in my DNA to do so! I do not enjoy being hurt and will not forgive so they can do it again.

I have decided that with all the great friends in my life, I need not worry about those that turn their back on me!

I have decided that I need to stop being upset at myself for always being there, and even sending my husband to help. I wish I could take it back, but that is the type of friend I am.

I have decided that my life is too full and busy to dwell on lost friendships and hurt feelings!

I have decided that all I can be is me. Love me or hate me, this is what you get! And truly, I'm a pretty good person and a really good friend!!

Signs of Aging ~ The Poop Blog

2009-06-19T09:03:00.003-05:00

This will no doubt be one of my less attractive, non-flattering (of myself) topics to date.......

This morning, after showering, brushing my teeth, putting my contacts on, doing my make-up and my hair.....I walked into my room to get dressed and thought to myself, with a pause......."Did I poop yesterday?"

Okay, seriously?!?! Am I that old, really? Number one, do I already not remember something as trivial as a bowel movement from yesterday?? And secondly, at 31, how important is it that I poop every day or not!?

I guess I had to share because of all the 'make you feel old' or 'did I really just ask myself that' moments.....that has got to be an interesting one to say the least.

So here I sit, 9 am on a Friday. We are getting ready to head to a birthday party with playgroup and I am thinking about pooping! Ha!

So with the heavy question looming around my head I decided to try to figure out why exactly I asked myself such a trivial question. I know that at 16 or 21 or even 25, the query never came up (to myself of course) if I had yet pooped on a said day! I can only assume that as I have gotten older and been more aware of my body that this is now important. Where I once was able to feel like crap .....no pun intended....for a day from something so silly, I, as a mother cannot stop the world to wallow in a tummy ache. And truly, I guess I am old enough to know that being constipated or having my body contentious with me is never a winning battle!

So....my question to you is......have you made the poop today?!

On My Mind....

2009-06-06T14:32:00.004-05:00

Life is far too short! I have always known this, but got a huge reminder when I lost 3 family members over a course of 3 years. They were beautiful, strong women and I miss them!
Don't Lie! If you care about someone, have the balls to tell the truth. I just don't have the room in my life for liars. I have turned my back on many people I truly care about for lying. And will continue to do so. Everyone who knows me knows I hate liars. So if you do it, you knowingly ruin our relationship!
Family is always the first in line to screw you over it seems! Why is it the people you love and who are always supposed to be there for you will turn on you in a heartbeat?? Case in point - a sister who drives a car in her brother's name decides not to play the car note for 4 months. The car get repossessed and who is she mad at - her brother!! Seriously, you are old enough to know - you don't pay, they take away! And because of your irresponsibility you disown your brother! Sickening!
Say what you mean and mean what you say!! This has become my mantra in the last year! So many people say things they never make good on. It's stupid. If I say I will be there, you'd better believe I will be there! How hard is it to mean what you say?!?!
Why do people stand in the way of other's happiness because of their own selfish reasons?!
Having a child in multiple activities is exhausting!! My hat goes off to those parents who have a few kids, each in a few different activities!! You are amazing!!
I really hope Regan's love of dance is forever!! She is really good at it and I hope I can continue to help her stay interested and focused!

I guess thats all for now!

Dancing Queen

2009-06-06T08:32:00.005-05:00

What does every dancing queen need for her own...........................

Her very own dance floor! And we cannot forget a mirrored wall to practice our new dance moves in!! lol

Since moving into our new house we decided that Regan would have her own little dancing area. She wear leotards, dress up clothes and tap shoes on a daily bases at home. She is definitely a dancer at heart!

Well, we finally set our plan into motion last week and she couldn't be happier! There have been many a "show" since everything was put together! And momma is happy that her tap, tap, tapping is staying more in her room and not all over the very loud, echoey ceramic tile! LOL

This is a costume I found at the ARC, cute, right?

And for your viewing pleasure, Regan taking a little spin on her dance floor!

Regan is Officially 5!

2009-06-05T20:35:00.010-05:00

So yesterday, to my dismay, my little girl turn the big 5! She seems very ready to be this age! However, momma and daddy are still forever begging her to slow it down a bit. But, as usual time continues to pass and another milestone was hit!!

On Saturday of last week she celebrated said birthday with many, many of her friends!! I decided that making everyone suffer outdoors in the heat just wasn't fair. Especially since due to the lack of grass in our yard, a giant water slide like last year way out! So we booked her party at a Gym nearby. It went really well!! Even the adults were running around and playing with the kiddos!! It was actually hard to leave because everyone was having such a great time!!

Jessi, an amazing baker/friend of mine baked Regan's tiered cake.....Isn't it fabulous??

That E kept breaking on Jessi, but it was exactly what I wanted! I wish I had recorded Regan's reaction when she got to see her cake!! Definitely priceless!

I think she had a great day! Everyone close to us came to help her celebrate and I know it meant a lot to her! She loves her friends!!

Here are some pictures!!

Resting up before her big afternoon!

It was a great day! We are very blessed and our little girl is growing up before our eyes!!

Not in the Mood

2009-05-16T00:02:00.004-05:00

I am just dumbfounded at how NOT in the mood to blog I am.......

It's weird! I am never at a loss for words, or a story or in the least, a handful of pictures! The truth is, life has taken my by the [balls?!] and is having it's way with me! We have our weekly dance class and T ball on top of the playgroup and school days. Plus the weekly dinner at Papaw's. And my mission of growing grass has been taking up about an hour a day....EVERY day!

I have been too lazy to post the pictures I promised, too lazy to organize the garage, my closet and the laundry room that I have had on my list for weeks. I have barely been able to keep up with the house and laundry for all the running around and everything in between.

I did manage to polyurethane my cypress swing outside. It was a nauseating chore, but I did it and it looks great!

This weekend will involve 2 birthday parties, a dance recital some crawfish and a trip to the skate zone. And somewhere in between I need to finish laundry, get the plants I bought in pots, finish cleaning up the back patio, continued watering of the lawn and........well if there is time I we will decide what I will make additional time for!

In other news Bub will finally be home - just the 3 of us on Tuesday! When he gets home we are getting family pictures and Regan's recital pictures taken. Then on Saturday my sister Shainah will be flying in! This makes me VERY happy!

So......if you do not hear from me this weekend, I am sure you'll understand why! :o)

And for your viewing pleasure, Regan on Mother's Day!

I am......

2009-05-09T00:02:00.002-05:00

31!

Me and my girls at Shangri La

Been Busy!

2009-05-02T21:15:00.002-05:00

I have been trying to find the time to post the many pictures from San Antonio, but haven't had a chance!

We got back from San Antonio at Saturday late. Recooped on Sunday, had visitors, dance class and grocery shopping on Monday. Bub arrived home at 4 am on Tuesday and his parents came at about 1 pm, a day early, calling when they were already in Lafayette! It was hectic and crazy!

The in-laws left early this AM and I am slowly trying to get my life and house back in order. Especially since Bub is already scheduled to go back out on Monday. Sigh.

So in the next few days I will post our trip to Texas. And then some pictures and video from our fishing trip yesterday to Cypremort Point. It was a blast....minus the sunburn we all got!!

Stay tuned.....I will catch up soon, I promise!!!

Mean Mom

2009-04-20T22:40:00.005-05:00

Sigh, I am officially the meanest mom on the street! :o(

While no one has said I am, and more importantly my child hasn't either, this is how I am feeling!

We live on a block that ends as a cul-de-sac. Because of this, our neighbors, with children all under the age of 8, allow them to ride their bikes in the street. From day one this shocked me! Keep in mind we have sidewalks on both sides of the street!

Maybe they trust their child to "watch for cars", but what about the cars not watching or even seeing these kids on their bikes! For example, last week I was leaving the house about 9:30 in the morning. As I am backing out the driveway, I don't see any cars or anything and proceed to back into the street. Right before I reached where the sidewalk is, out of the corner of my eye I saw something so I stopped. Two kids on bikes were coming up the street fast as can be. I didn't see them until they were headed behind my truck because the neighbor's truck parked on the road was blocking my view of them. My heart was pounding because I honestly would have backed over these kids, no joke!

Why are these parents putting their children at the mercy of others??

Anyways, after dance class today, I decided to clean out my Element and sweep the mulch off the driveway (dang rain!). Well, the whole neighborhood seemed to be out visiting, and all the kids riding their bikes up and down the block. Of course the girls all came by the house to chat with Regan, asking if she could ride her bike. My answer of course is "Baby, you cannot ride your bike in the road, you know that." So Regan tells the little girl she is not allowed to ride in the street. Get this, the little girl - 5 years old says "I can watch you". Holy shit, really?! I felt like I was in a parallel universe!

Within minutes 5 different girls have come up to see if Regan can go ride her bike with them. I felt HORRIBLE! Like I was the meanest mom ever. It is so hard to tell your child they cannot do something when, and I'm not exaggerating, the entire street is traipsing up and down our block. Even the lady across the street's 3 year old is allowed to play in the road!

But you know, I have to give it to her.....she never threw a fit or cried about it. She just accepted it for what it was. I was so proud of her. Cause I think she understood the reasoning. But even still, I felt so guilty. I called her over and told her that I was sorry that they were all able to ride in the street when she couldn't. That I knew it seemed unfair. But that I was worried that something bad would happen. I briefly told her about those girls I didn't see until the last minute. She said "they could have gotten hurt or even died, huh momma?" I said "yes baby. I don't want anything bad to happen to you so I cannot be like all the other parents and let you go in the road".

This really does not make me happy. And you know, this is just the start. Summer is almost here and short of them blocking off the street, I will never allow her to ride up and down in the road by herself! My daughter is far to precious to risk anything happening to her! She is a blessing and I will always treat her as such. Even if I am the mean mom! I am really frustrated with the parents being so lax around here. It really makes things more difficult for others who have rules against things like this! Sigh!

Kids Say the Darndest Things #2

2009-04-19T23:44:00.004-05:00

The other day we were at Papaw's on our regular Tuesday visit. Regan was being cuddly that day and wasn't being very careful of how she sat on me. I told her she had to move a little, that she was on my bladder. She asked what. I repeated, "you're on my bladder baby and it's hurting me". I continued chatting with the family, she continued to wiggle. Then she asked.......

"Am I on your ladder momma?!"

I had to ask her to say it again to ensure I didn't hear wrong. But I heard right. She thinks I have a "Ladder". LOL

____________________________________________________

Our dog Samara is a mixed breed. I have to explain quite often that she is half Chihuahua and half Cocker Spaniel. (you'd be surprised how often I actually am asked her breed) Well, after hearing it told so many times, Regan decided that she can now answer people when they ask.

So, from the mouth of babes (Regan) "Samara is half Chihuahua and half of a Cockle Spaniel"

2009-04-18T00:00:00.002-05:00

It is Friday night, about midnight! I am sitting on the computer, listening to the rain and the ocassional clap of thunder. I love it! For some reason the sound of rain make me want to crawl into bed and get the best sleep I've ever had!

Today has been a great day! Not unlike any other Friday, but a great day! We went to see our playgroup friends at Kart Ranch, one of our favorite hangouts. There is much to do and we love going there, Regan and I! Plus, seeing our friends is always a treat! After our naps, yes I even took one today, we got ready to head out. Regan was going to Cousin Billy's to hang out and I headed to Zea's for a few drinks and a great dinner with some of my girlfriends. It was nice! ...well except when Shari got mad at the waitress, but the chocolate mousse pie fixed that bad mojo! Oh and the 1 1/2 margaritas helped on my end! hheehee

After supper I went to pick up my kiddo and spent about an hour with the cousins! Billy and Jared are fun to be around! Plus, it is fun to pick on guys bigger than me that won't punish me back! lol Regan and I dashed to the truck about 10 because it was starting to flicker outside and the sky was about to open up. And boy did it! A great day to have a garage for sure!

We got home, Regan ate apples and fell asleep watching Angelina Ballerina. I chatted on Facebook with Kelly and then decided I felt like blogging. As you can see, nothing really compelling to write about. Just a day in our lives. It was a good day. I am missing Bub though. Which is all the time really. But I am used to being on my own for half the time. It's just what we do!

The next few days are going to be hectic. I need to finally prep the guest room for guests! I have been putting that off since we moved in around the 1st of November! lol Bub will be home at the end of the month and then shortly after his dad and step-mom will be coming for a visit. End of May my mom and sister should be down and then beginning of July Bub's mom will be here! Dang, I should start charging for that guest room! We might be able to fund one of our projects for the house! lol

Anyways, in addition to the guest room I need to get everything ready for our trip to San Antonio! So if I am MIA for a while, that is why. BUT......there will be lots to report and tons of pictures to share I am sure!

Be Blessed!!!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Stop & Smell the Flowers

2009-04-15T23:37:00.004-05:00

Regan went out front to walk Samara before we left for playgroup. When she came in I said, "you were smelling flowers outside?" Confused at how I might have known this she hesitantly said yes.

The evidence....................

Don't forget to take time to smell the flowers!!!!

Want to Know Me?!

2009-04-15T15:49:00.010-05:00

My all time favorite song is Creep by Radio Head

I am addicted to chips and salsa.

I have two recipes that I REFUSE to share with anyone!

I strangely love wooden or bamboo cooking utensils.

I am completely incapable of doing things half-assed!

I think people should come with a warning label. Let people know what to expect before hand, so no one is ever hurt or disappointed by that person's habits or ways. I wonder what mine would say......

I am a true believer in Karma. And have actually had the privilege
to see Karma at work! Sad to say, it is quite enjoyable!

I am jealous of no one! What is the point?! If I want it, I will work to
achieve or get it. If it isn't meant for me, then I move on!

I support the death penalty. Could be being raised in the South, but I do!

I find a strange satisfaction in having a clean house, but more so clean floors!

I try to convince everyone I know that is/gets pregnant to name their baby
after me......which wouldn't be so strange.... if I actually like me own name! lol

I am the least patient person I know. And I'm okay with that!

I am unable to tan. I stay a golden red color, even after laying out for weeks
at a time!

I am scared of getting pregnant with twins......because I would have to get rid
of my Element......and I don't think I can do it! Do they make carseats for
the trunk?! :o) lol

I wish I had a closer relationship with my mom.

As a child I would always wish that all of my family lived in the same state.
I am 30 and I still wish for this!!