Twenty Years ago, today.....

Well, let's start with yesterday, actually...
December 28th, 1988.. Mom and Peggy came to visit me, and hopefully be with me when I had my first baby. Ryan was just a few months old (a little over 4mos.) and they took the trip from Idaho to California through some pretty treacherous weather, much to my brother-in-law's chagrin. They actually arrive in the Santa Cruz Mountains on Tuesday, December 27th, and we had a good time talking, catching up. Paul (James' younger brother, 14yrs old at the time) really enjoyed playing with "RT", and it was fun watching them play.

On Wednesday, I had a Dr.'s appointment all the way at Moffett Air Force Base. You have to realize that the base was AT LEAST an hour away, in good traffic. We loaded up in the car, Mom, Peggy, Ryan, Paul and I, and headed out for my appointment. The baby dropped while I was in the exam room, and I lost my plug at that time also (didn't know that at the time, but I do now.) I wasn't dilated, no contractions, so we decided to go to Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. We walked around for a bit, went across the Golden Gate bridge and then headed to Hamilton Air Force base to see our old house.. I started having contractions, but nothing heavy. By the time we got to Hamilton and walked around the old school, it was looking like MAYBE it was time to head over to Oakland to get things checked out.

We got to the hospital a good bit later (did I mention that we had to go through Bay Area traffic?) and come to find out, I really wasn’t dilated very much. The doctors thought it would be a good idea for me to walk a bit to see if we could get things moving. I remember walking the halls with Mom and Peggy switching off. Paul was happily (?) ensconced in the waiting room playing with Ryan and being a good sport. I remember discussing names picked out for my future child, and not feeling too happy about the girl’s name. Mom and I walked and walked, talking about names. We started talking about a couple that lived down the street from us, that went to church with us, Mike and Tansy. Tansy was from England, a delicate woman, beautiful. We figured that would be an awesome first name.

Well, unfortunately, I wasn’t progressing, so they sent me home…. home being Santa Cruz, about a 2 hour drive from Oakland. We were hungry, so we stopped at a greasy spoon in Oakland on the way home. Ah memories… All the while, mind you, I was having contractions, but not enough to be a total bother. I was able to fall asleep that night, and slept fairly soundly until the next morning.

I woke up and my contractions were about 5 mins apart. We called Cleone who was already at work, and James, who was at his house. We jump in the car, thinking we knew the way to the hospital. I’m in the back seat with Ryan (in a car seat!) and Paul. I was panting through the contractions as we are heading down the interstate. I remember Peggy writing on a piece of paper “WE’RE HAVING A BABY” to hold up when people looked at us funny. Kinda cute. =)

We took the wrong exit, or perhaps missed it, and ended up in Oakland, past the hospital. I remember having to find an exit and turn around. Remember this is before we had cell phones to use easily. Finally, getting turned around, we make it to the hospital. Entering the hospital, we find that James and Cleone made it before we did! YIKES! So, I get checked in, assigned a bed in the labor room, and get down to the work of.. well… laboring.




I remember Mom coming in once or twice to see me, and then she couldn’t handle the pain I was going through. I don’t remember Cleone coming in at all.. James and Peggy stayed by my side. I remember the surprise on James’ face when I tell him that we were going to name our girl Tansy Marie instead of Alexandria Rochelle. Poor James, he thought it was actually the transition talking, not the truth.

They wheeled me into delivery, and after not too much pushing, I had a beautiful baby girl. I remember there were some cute corpsmen, and Peggy was doing her best to get them on the video for me.. too bad I didn’t follow through with that. =) HAH! When the corpsmen realized that it was my birthday, they lined up down the hallway and made an arch with their arms and wheeled my gurney under them… cool, huh?

It’s so hard to believe that it’s been 20 years. It’s been so wonderful being Tansy’s mom. I’ve been truly blessed to have her as my daughter and best friend.

Allrighty then. =)

Happy Holidays one and all. =) It's been a GREAT week, and I'm bummed it's almost over. I got to see my girl Danielle on Christmas Eve and deliver her gifts to her. That was good. Went to the candlelight service at my "old" church with Tansy that night too. It's been almost a year since I've attended, so it was so nice seeing old friends.
Jody and I had a quiet day on Thursday, we cooked a quarter ham and sweet potato casserole, opened our gifts to one another, and then took the Del Sol out for a spin looking for a good spot or two to take pictures of it. Tansy arrived Thursday night and we tried to hit the hay early because we were driving to Richmond on Friday.
We took 2 cars, because Jody needed to bring an engine back from Richmond. We had the pleasure of meeting some of Jody's relatives on Friday, and eating another delicious meal with his dad, step-mom and sister. Will have to post the recipe for her greenbeans later. YUMMO!
Tansy and I headed to Virginia beach on Saturday morning.
We made it to Pam's house in time for lunch (what timing!) and then half the crew headed out for a movie... I volunteered to stay and watch Emily (Peggy's youngest) and Parker and Preston (Kate's oldest). It was a fun to play with the "littles" and see Emily act like an older sister... She's actually hoping for a baby brother or sister.She told me that she told Peggy that they could always adopt a baby sister for her. =) I love the way 7 year olds think!
We were able to play some games later on Saturday night, much laughter ensued.
Tansy and I had to head out this morning, we met up with Jody in Emporia, VA. Our 6 hour trip turned into about an 8 hour trip with a few backups.

Tonight is my last night with all three of my children being teenagers. I'm not sure how I feel about that. *sigh*Maybe I'll feel up to posting an *EDITED* birth story tomorrow. Tonight, I'm just enjoying the fact that my girl is under my roof. =)

I double dog tag you!!!

Since it's been slow at home, I decided to follow through with Beth Ann's tag. =) I love my family!

Wrapping paper or gift bags?
both. It really depends on the gift, and who it's going to... but after watching Jody wrap presents the other night, my efforts are so amateur, I may stick with bags from now on. I can't compete!

Real tree or Artificial?
Artificial.... and we actually have a tree this year! We never really had a "spot" to put a tree in, so it's been years since we've had one. Jody and I decided to put one up.. It's pretty. =)


When do you put up the tree?
Well, we put it up about a week before hand this year.. who knows what our next years will say?

Do you like eggnog?
Oh boy, do I ever! It can be "virgin" or not, doesn't matter. I keep looking at it longingly in the cooler every time I go to the store... maybe I'll pick some up tonight.

Easiest person to buy for?
It's supposed to be easy? When the kids were small, it was so easy, now that they have their own opinions and are pretty much grown up, not so easy. *sigh*

Hardest person to buy for?
I'm going with Jody... In fact we had the convo last night about what each of us would like, and we can't decide... so we're putting it off for us, and focusing on the kids.

Do you have a nativity scene?
Nope

Mail or email Christmas cards?
ummm, neither? I think I need to at least do an email, shouldn't I? My life is just pretty boring, no news to report, so why bother? I don't know. *sigh*

Worst Christmas gift you every received?
I don't think I've received a bad one.. I did get a Michael Jackson doll the year I was into Boy George... BUT, It's the gift I most remember in my life, and it was from my AMAZING younger brother, and I toted that thing around for years, even though it was missing legs and arms.. and probably clothing. It's one I cherish.

Favorite Christmas movie?
"A Christmas Story" isn't that everyone's?

When do you start shopping for Christmas?
Usually the first week of December.. sad to say this year, I haven't even started yet. AKKK!

Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Errrr, ummmmm, no. What a novel idea. =)

Favorite thing to eat a Christmas?
Spiral ham.... deep fried turkey... pumpkin pie. Pretty much the same as Thanksgiving. *we are having a club dinner tomorrow night, and Jody is making the Sweet Potato casserole. I thing this is my NEW favorite.*

Favorite Christmas song?
"Grandma Got Ran Over By a Reindeer"...now if I could only find my cd!

Travel at Christmas or stay home?
I've pretty much stayed home at this time of year.... however, I'll be in Virginia Beach for the weekend after. I'm so excited!

Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
Yup. and it only takes one try ;)

Angel on the tree top or a star?
Snowflake/star type thing... something that a family member made for Jody years ago.

Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Morning... we used to do pj's for the kids on Christmas Eve, but they out grew that tradition. AND we used to open presents for Yule on the Solstice, but since the family has split up, that tradition is kinda gone too. *sigh*

Most annoying thing about this time of year?
".... There are alot of ism's in this world, and the worst of them is commercialism"

Favorite time for Christmas dinner?
I prefer around 2pm. Dunno why.. I guess so we can nosh the rest of the day away.

What do you want for Christmas this year?
Haven't given that much thought. Ask me on the 26th. =)

Ok, so now the rest of the family has been double dog dared to do this tag!

Merry Christmas......

So, we got our first tree. Didn't think that would happen, for some reason. Jody went to Raleigh to a swap meet and made some money, so now we can get gifts for the kids, and we got ourselves a teeny, tiny tree that fits real well into our teeny tiny home. We got it out of the box (yeah, it's a fake one, SAVE THE FOREST!!!), Jody put it together, and we put his smalls stash of ornaments on it. He's managed to save them through his many moves, and most of them have sentimental value to them. Kinda awesome.

I had fun babysitting this weekend. It was much more low key than I thought it would be. Jody was able to help me Friday night, he's the one that rocked Payton to sleep and put her to bed. I don't know, but there is something about a man that is totally capable of nurturing a baby. Payton was looking for him pretty much all night Saturday night, but he didn't make it back into town before her mom and dad made it back home.... Sad. He has promised to come see her at the daycare this week.

Not much else to write about. Just thought I'd share our tree. :)

chicken and catchup....

That's what our youth group used to call the first Sunday of the month @ church. Everyone would get a chance to talk about their day/week/month as a way of connecting with one another. I really miss those kids! *sigh* But when I think about it, they aren't "kids" anymore, the youngest ones were a year older than Tansy, and she'll be twenty in less than a month... Oh I'm getting old.


Anyway. I'm sitting here, have about 10 minutes before I really need to buckle down and get ready for work. Was checking my email and read the one from my sweet mom. I love you Mom! I'm so sorry you were sick on the flight home. I'm so glad that you are feeling better now.

We went to our friend's baby's first birthday party last weekend. I was trying to figure out what in the world to get this little man.... Jill gave me some EXECELLENT suggestions. But then, as we were shopping, Jody was telling me that since he IS the second child/second boy, he has sooo many toys already, he really didn't need anymore (AND Christmas is soon, too!) SO, we got him a new little outfit... camo jacket, jeans and a jeep tshirt. His parents loved it at least. ;)

Not much going on here in South Carolina. We actually had 70 degree weather and tornado watches all day yesterday. CRAZY! Jody and I are babysitting tonight and tomorrow night for one of "my babies" (MissP if you were wondering!). Her parent's company Christmas parties happen to land on both days. Mrs.P asked me if I could babysit back in October, when she found out when her party was, and of course I said yes. She's been asking me quite frequently if we were still on. :)

I finished Paisley's afghan. I'm hoping I get to deliver it personally. I have just a few days left to decide what I'm going to do. Tansy will be spending some time with me after Christmas, definently will be spending our birthday together... So I was thinking ROAD TRIP! I guess I need to find out if 1) I'm getting my birthday off and 2) if she wants to drive up to VABeach for such a quick trip and 3) IF i get my birthday off, if I'll get my holiday pay ( can't remember if I take the day off before or after a holiday if I get the holiday pay... )

I'm sure y'all are very bored by now. There really isn't much going on. I love you all.

Thanksgiving, 2008

I can't get the stupid pictures to load right. *sigh* See the beautiful feast? Well,Jody cooked it all. All I had to do was 1) wake up 2) make the deviled eggs and 3) put the steamer bag of mixed vegies into the microwave. I'm a lucky, lucky girl.
If you've NEVER had deep fried turkey, you should try it. :)

Danielle spent the night, we had a good time. We went to see Twilight. It was... AWESOME! I love my girl. Isn't she beeeeeeee-youuuteeful? I think she is. So, it's nice and quiet here for a few days.... Aren't we lucky?

Funny..ha hah

I'm pretty sure that Kate is so happy that she has a girl, and that she doesn't have to face this... (any more)




Now I on the other hand... have to worry about it on a daily basis. LUCKILY, the baby boy in my charge hasn't done this yet... Lil S on the other hand... a GIRL HAS!!! EWWWWWWWWWWWW

Ken Lee.....

Ok, Pam thought the turkey was funny... I had tears rolling down my cheeks, my ribs hurt, and I almost peed my pants! Enjoy!

About the cake...

We finally broke into the cake last night about 9pm.... I was worried about it turning out because I had mixed the sugar/cocoa with the hot water.....

It was FINE! It didn't make enough of the pudding mixture (It never does ) So maybe I should try to double that part of the recipe. =) Next time I make that I'm going to try that.


Tansy called me on Thursday wanting to know what "our" plans were for our birthday. She's got from Dec. 23 to Jan 31 off, and wanted to be out here for the birthday at least.... I'll have to keep reminding my boss that I NEED that day off, but we get to spend it together.... We've only spent one birthday apart, when she was visiting James and Nicole in Washington.... That did not go well. She pretty much cried the whole day. Granted she was only about 10, but she still wants to spend time with her mom. =)

Friday, my phone starts ringing while I'm at work. I'm not really supposed to be on my cell at work, but I keep it on me just in case my kids need to call me. I look down, and see an "overseas" number. That puts me into panic mode right away.... Then, it's a voice I don't really recognize.... But she says it's Karalyn. Now, I know that she and Mike have been hunting in Idaho, and that they are still there. So, I ask her how she's doing.... (trying hard NOT to hyperventilate!) and she says "Not too good"..... FULL BLOWN PANIC MODE kicks in.....

She starts telling me about her house here in West Columbia. They had a contract with a property management team, they collected the rent/mortgage and put it into their account, but took care of making sure that it was rented out, was in good repair, etc. ANYWAY, they got an email the night before telling them that the business was shutting down and could no longer take care of the property. Come to find out, they hadn't even gotten October's rent, let alone November's rent.

Could I help?

So, I spent my lunch hour trying to reach the owner of said failed business (who's website is still up and running, btw) and the tenant. NO LUCK.... Called 411 to get phone numbers, and called those.... and then Thursday night after having dinner with a group of friends, we drove by the house... We saw a "For Sale by Owner" sign in the front yard. THAT had a different number on it than I had for the tenant and the business owner. The plot appeared to thicken. Called THAT number and left a message.

Go home and keep trying to call the number for the tenant... Finally reach her, and she had NO IDEA what was going on. I told her to go check her email and/or regular mail and call me back. She checks her email, and the owner wrote HER on Wendsday... NICE business practices, huh?

I'm trying to get a rental contract made up, but she told me that she was making a payment of "X" dollars, which just so happens to be the amount that Mike and Karalyn had been being paid for the mortgage payment.... So this guy wasn't charging MORE for his time??? I don't think so. So, I now need to get a copy of rental agreement etc. Hopefully, SHE has it, cause I'm not having any luck getting hold of the business owner. GRRRR.... I guess I need to send a certified letter to him too, but I'm not sure what to say. But that needs to be soon. Any suggestions on wording? Right now, I'm just voicemail bombing his inbox.
Mike and Karalyn need October's mortgage payment (Tenant says she has paid October) and November's too (she says she hasn't paid that, I'm supposed to get paid for that today.)

Ok, I need to scarf my oatmeal, it's getting late. *sigh*

HAD to share.....

Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

Ingredients:

• 1-1/4 cups granulated sugar, divided
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa, divided
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1-1/4 cups hot water
• Whipped topping

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Combine 3/4 cup granulated sugar, flour, 1/4 cup cocoa, baking powder and salt. Stir in milk, butter and vanilla; beat until smooth.

2. Pour batter into ungreased 9-inch square baking pan. Stir together remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar and remaining 1/4 cup cocoa; sprinkle mixture evenly over batter. Pour hot water over top; do not stir.

3. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until center is almost set. Remove from oven; let stand 15 minutes. Serve in dessert dishes, spooning sauce from bottom of pan over top. Garnish with whipped topping. About 8 servings.

So I made this a few weeks ago for Jody (been making it for the kids for a few years now...) and I knew he liked it, but didn't know how much..... Yesterday he practically begged for it... so I'm making it now.... It's almost been in the oven long enough for the yummy chocolate smell to ooze throughout our house. It works well if you double the recipe also...

It says to serve with whipped topping... vanilla ice cream is a MUCH better choice. Also, I wasn't paying attention to the recipe this time, and ummm, mixed the ingredients in the last step... I'll let y'all know how that works out. Oh yeah, I also added a smidge of vanilla to the hot water.

Ok, we can now run the dryer... but only if the washing machine isn't plugged in. For some reason, the dryer plug is grounded at the washing machine... or soemthing wierd like that.So, we can only do one load at a time. But at least it's possible to wash clothes. =)

something to think about...

Was reading this as I was eating breakfast.

WHY?

*sigh* those who know me, know I'm a pretty darn liberal person, and will share my opinion at the drop of the hat. I like to think that as I get older and more mature, I can hold my tongue when it's appropriate. I'm having a hard time with facebook right now. I know it sounds silly, but grrrrrrrrrrr.
So many of my old high school friends have now befriended me on there. Great. But knowing that so many of them still hold ideals and values that I find... hateful? divisive? rupugnant?, I'm still listed as their friends.. BUT I do try to temper my blasts and be careful to not offend, to not step on toes. Some of the hateful comments left on there by some of them leave me speechless. I don't want to get into a hateful conversation. At this point, I don't even think a respectful, intellegent conversation is possible. It is so hard, knowing that I am trying to take the higher ground, yet feeling that by keeping my mouth shut about some of the hateful language on there, I'm condoning it. I honestly don't know what to do. Kudo's to my brother-in-law who is able to speak so clearly and concisely about the issues. I am in awe.

I guess I just wanted to vent. Now I'm off to see how many rows I can get done on the afghan. =) I've got 7 of 10 sets of rows done.... whoot, that means more than half done. =) I really hope that I can hand deliver it.

The small things....

that get you down.. Yup, don't read this if you might get as upset as me. *sigh*

So, today started out good. Jody had an appointment to do a camera/alarm install this morning. I decided to be lazy and work on my new niece's afghan. I realized that I needed more yarn, and so I headed out to Hobby Lobby. No luck. *sigh* Couldn't find the right stuff... So, I headed out to Michaels.. the nearest one is another 20 miles from my place... But what else do I have to do but drive? :)

I find my yarn and get home. I start in on the afghan again... get a few rows done. OH yeah, I really need to get some laundry done... Put a load in the wash and we're good.... Well, we're good until all of a sudden we hear a *POOF* and there is NO POWER!!! We try to trip breakers, no luck. We call our landlord, no answer. We leave a message and head out for the store. We've been planning a trip to the drag races tomorrow, another local car club has put together a car and Jody's club wants to go show some love...... to save money, we are bringing our food to grill, all that good stuff. :)

We get home, still no answer from the landlord. It's now 4:30 and we need to do something. Jody pulls one of the main breakers out, and we head to Lowes. Get a new breaker, and he fixes the problem.

Finally hear from the landlord, but inform her that we've taken care of the problem. Fix some dinner and crochet some more. Oh yeah, I need to put my clothes in the dryer. So, I load up the dryer, and try to push start. NO LUCK. It is dark now, yes this is important, and Jody starts fiddling with the breakers in the box. The house plunges into utter darkness, and all of a sudden sparks come flying out of the dryer... OOPS!!!!!

So, I think we need a new dryer. Lucky us.

Back to school?

So, I'm thinking about going back to school.... Probably doing the whole online course thing. Yeah, me and the internet, always a good combination!

So, besides Liberty University (where my boss is taking classes) anyone else have any suggestions for schools? It was just my luck that the ONE university I contacted just happened to be a non-denominational Christian university. Not that that's a bad thing..... but well, you know.

I'd LOVE to be able to follow through with the midwifery thing, but at this stage in my life, it looks like early childhood education/program administration is going to be my best bet. *sigh* and yet another dream goes down the toilet. But maybe, one day, I'll be able to get back on that horse. :)

Nothing else going on here.

The leaves

We decided to go see the mountains today. We took the top off the car and headed out towards Clemson/Walhalla. Jody and I went exploring a really cool unfinished railroad tunnel that was started pre-Civil War but was never completed. (DUH!) We then took a look at the falls at the park, BEAUTIFUL! Thought about hiking all the way down to the bottom of the falls, but SOMEONE says I'm not real graceful and he's not strong enough to lug me back to the top... hummm.... We'll see about that. :) I actually think my knees are thanking me for NOT going down there. We were just about a week too early for full colors. :( but it was a beautiful day and we got our fill of vitamin D and fresh air. I actually got a sunburn on my face. WOW!

Drama!

So, it's been a LONG week at the lil ol' daycare. We had a new person start on Monday, and that was cool. Downside? She's never worked in daycare before, is young, and isn't very authorative. *sigh* She has a 2 year old, and unfortunantly, can't "control" her to begin with. She's been stuck in the 2 year old room, so needless to say, I think she feels a wee bit overwhelmed. *sigh*

I walk into work on Thursday and was told some horrible news. MissJ works with me and happens to be lil'J's mom. She's young, and was in a very bad relationship with the babydaddy since she was 16. They have 2 kids together, lilJ has a big sister that is 6. Anyway, for whatever reason, (we never got the full story!) babydaddy has been in jail for the past 3 months. All sorts of things have come out of this separation, but number one on the list is that babydaddy abused MissJ. She was FREE of this man, working on moving on, meeting new people (yes, kinda soon, but working on it). Babydaddy gets out of jail and MissJ keeps telling us that she doesn't want him back. He did her wrong... He would take her paycheck and instead of paying bills (like he told her he was doing!!) he'd spend it on something else. He left her with well over $600 worth of electric bills to pay when he went to jail. She swore she was DONE.

He get's out, and puts on the charm... She is resisting it, but then the man that she was "seeing" had some kind of melt down. Of course babydaddy is being super supportive, blah blah blah. So Wendsday night babydaddy finds out that MissJ was seeing someone earlier on in his incarceration and FLIPS! He starts banging on her door at 12am and forces his way into her home. He beats her for well over an hour and a half, while her kids are watching. She winds up in the hospital, he runs from the police. We find out that her daughter watched the whole thing, and that lilJ (he's 11 months old) got hit a few times during the beating.

We've heard that he fractured her jaw in a few places, her eye is still bleeding and if the swelling in her eye/face doesn't go down by tomorrow, she has to get it drained. So, not only is she facing MAJOR hospital bills, until the bruises fade, she can't come into work. It seems harsh, but how do you explain them to the kids/parents?


Child protective services stepped in and placed a restraining order on babydaddy. But that's only for the kids. We weren't too afraid that babydaddy would get out of jail once they caught him. BUT the last I heard from MissJ is that they were releasing babydaddy, perhaps he made bail?



I understand battered woman syndrome. I know how hard it is to get out of a bad situation.... but heres the deal.... she was OUT. she was FREE. I want to be supportive of her, but how do you do that without enabling her to continue in a very very VERY bad relationship? I'm afraid that she'll keep going back.

Not much else going on..... I needed to vent. *sigh*

Priceless.....

Every time I see this commercial, it brings a smile to my face. What can I say? The reason it does though, is pretty benign. I see the little boy in the khaki pants, and he reminds me of my nephew, Benjamin. I know Ben isn't this big yet, but soon! :) Can anyone else see it?

Idaho Barbies.... Enjoy

Mattel recently announced the release of limited-edition Barbie Dolls for the Idaho market:

' Sun Valley Barbie'
She comes with an assortment of Kate Spade Handbags,
a Lexus SUV, a long-haired foreign dog named Honey
and a million dollar home.
Available with or without tummy tuck and face lift.
Workaholic Ken sold only in conjunction
with the augmented version.







'Eagle Barbie'
The modern day homemaker Barbie is available with Ford Windstar minivan
and matching gym outfit. She gets lost easily and has no full-time occupation.
Traffic jamming cell phone sold separately.





'Garden City Barbie'
This recently paroled Barbie comes with a 9mm handgun,
a Ray Lewis knife, a Chevy with dark tinted windows, and a meth lab kit.
This model is only available after dark
and must be paid for in cash (preferably small, untraceable bills)
unless you are a cop, then we don't know what you are talking about.






'Boise Foot Hills Barbie'
This yuppie Barbie comes with your choice of BMW convertible or Hummer H3.
Included are her own Starbucks cup, credit card and country club membership.
Also available for this set are Shallow Ken and Private School Skipper.
You won't be able to afford any of them.











'Inkom Barbie'
This pale model comes dressed in her own Wrangler jeans two sizes too small,
a NASCAR t-shirt and Tweety Bird tattoo on her shoulder.
She has a six-pack of Bud light and a Hank Williams Jr. CD set
She can spit over 5 feet and kick mullet-haired Ken's butt when she is drunk.
Purchase her pickup truck separately and get a confederate flag bumper sticker
absolutely free.












'Ketchum Barbie'
This collagen injected, rhino plastic Barbie wears a leopard print outfit and
drinks cosmopolitans while entertaining friends.
Percocet prescription available as well as newly built high rise condo.







'Buhl Barbie'
This tobacco-chewing, brassy-haired Barbie has a pair of her
own high-heeled sandals with one broken heel from the time
she chased beer-gutted Ken out of Mountain Home Barbie's house.
Her ensemble includes low-rise acid-washed jeans, fake fingernails,
and a see-through halter-top. Also available with a mobile home.








' Boise East End Barbie'
This doll is made of actual tofu. She has long straight brown hair,
arch-less feet, hairy armpits, no makeup and Birkenstocks with white socks.
She prefers that you call her Willow. She does not want or need a Ken doll,
but if you purchase two Boise East End Barbies and the optional Subaru wagon,
you get a rainbow flag bumper sticker for free.





'Mountain Home Barbie'
This Barbie now comes with a stroller and 2 infant dolls.
Optional accessories include a GED and bus pass.
White boy Gangsta Ken and his 1979 Caddy were available,
but are now very difficult to find since the addition of the infant.






' Idaho Falls Barbie'
She's perfect in every way, mainly due to the
high levels of antidepressants in her system.
We don't know where Ken is because he's always at church meetings.




*** I wish I could claim ownership of this, but received this in an email and had to share!****

Sillyness

1. 99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.
2. Deja Moo: The feeling that you've heard this bull before.
3. The 2 most common elements in the universe are hydrogen and stupidity.
4. Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.
5. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.
6. Vital papers will demonstrate their vitality by moving from where you left them to where you can't find them.
7. Always remember to pillage BEFORE you burn.
8. The trouble with doing something right the first time is that nobody appreciates how difficult it was.
9. It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.
10. Eagles may soar, but weasels aren't sucked into jet engines.
11. If at first you don't succeed, destroy all evidence that you tried.
12. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.
13. For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
14. Success always occurs in private, and failure in full view.
15. To succeed in politics, it is often necessary to rise above your principles.
16. Two wrongs are only the beginning.
17. The sooner you fall behind, the more time you'll have to catch up.
18. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
19. If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you've never tried before.
20. Change is inevitable....except from vending machines.
21. Don't sweat petty things....or pet sweaty things.
22. Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now.
23. Two wrongs do not make a right, but three rights make a left.

He's so cool.

Ok. So Jody has this "thing" about unpainted toes. Not that he's ever complained about MINE, but we'll be out in public and he'll see some poor unwitting soul wearing sandals and unpainted nails... ahhh the comments. He's been telling me that he'd be HAPPY to paint my nails for me, but for some reason, that never seems to happen.. until today.

I had a BAD DAY. It started out with holding BabyS on my hip as I was getting stuff out of the dryer.... BANG!!! she hits her head on the dryer. She ended up with a NICE goose egg right smack dab in the middle of her forehead. Made me feel so very bad. I was crying as I called her mom and told her. Mom seemed cool about it, but man, I keep trying to rethink what happened, and all I can think is that it wasn't that important to try and get her blanket out of the dryer so she could take her nap. My stomach still turns when I know that she was in my arms when she got hurt.

A new baby started today. :) He's a sweetheart. 4 months old, 18 pounds already. OH MY GOODNESS, he's a chunk. Had another parent inquire about a place in the infant room. That would be a total of 5 in my room, with 2 in the "waddler" room. Crazy, huh?

So, MissR has been trying to bite all her "friends", and trying to deal with that, well, let me just say, my brain was feeling rather numb. I sent Jody a text, telling him I wanted a back rub when I got home.. he offered to do this instead....












Cool, huh? He chose the color and everything... It felt nice to be pampered. :) But I'm hoping for the backrub... I'm sooo hard to please. :) ha ha!

Sunday drive

Not much going on here. Jody and I drove up to Asheboro, NC yesterday. He wants to do a 5speed conversion on his car, and there was a boy with the motor he needed that was willing to swap for a turbo kit. We were going to just meet in Charlotte, which is about the halfway point. The young man called at some point Saturday, after he realized he doesn't have a truck and had no way to transport said motor.

I called Danielle to see if she wanted to take a trip with us, but she was at the RenFest with Adam, George and her ex boyfriend, Brandon.

Needless to say, we were pretty sad about that. Asheboro is about 4 hours from our house, but it was a GLORIOUS day, and I was so happy that we had a chance to just go. The young man offered to pay for our gas, to make up for having to go the whole way. It seems like he had a pretty amazing living situation. It looked like there were probably 4 generations of family living in the house, with an apartment over the 2nd detached garage. I think he had his wife/girlfriend (not sure if they were married or not!) with their little girl, his parents, and at least ONE grandparent living there. How amazing would that be, to have everyone live together? Of course, the house looked HUGE, and there was what looked like a nice sized apartment also.

We stuck the motor in the back of the wagon, hung out and talked for a few minutes, and headed back. I got a phone call from Kelly saying she had seen my beautiful daughter at the fest. Since we were going to be driving pretty much right past the old neighborhood, I called Danielle to see if she'd be around. Hey, it was ONLY 830ish. =) We were in luck.. she was home and "willing" to see us. :) YEAH!

We had a nice visit. I love my girl. Miss her terribly. We kept telling her that the door is open, and that we would LOVE LOVE LOVE to have her back. Hopefully, one day.. she will.

Ok, so that was boring. :) thanks for reading.

TAGGED!!!

Thanks Kate! Now.. I have to find people to tag...


Anyway, here are the rules:

1. Link the person(s) that tagged you (KATE)

2. Mention the rules on your blog

3. Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours

4. Tag 6 fellow bloggers by linking them ( I gotta cheat, cuz I don't many other bloggers!)
Jill Pam (hah hah, tagged twice, now you gotta do it!!)


Ok, here goes.... I'm diggin' deep here!

1. I hate sharing my food... well, if I don't invite you to share it that is. If I buy ice cream/treats, and I don't offer it to you, don't take any. I will GLADLY share, but don't just assume.. it ruins my whole day.

2. I have a hard time letting the phone ring. I can be sitting on the floor with 3 babies in my lap, and if the phone rings, I feel like I have to juggle babies to answer it... forget the fact that I have at least 9 other co-workers perfectly capable of answering the phone too!

3. I'm a picker. EWWWW, I see (or feel) a stray hair, pimple, dirt, bump... you name it, I gotta get it. DRIVES my kids crazy, but Jody appreciates it. (whew)

4. I'm a blog-a-holic. I go and check out random blogs of complete strangers and read them for hours. I'm always amazed at how boring my life really is!

5. I need coffee in the morning. I think I'm fine, but Jody says that I end up cranky by mid day if I don't have it. Usually, I feel like I'm in a fog... AND it can be decaf or regular, I think it's just part of my routine.

6. I can't STAND to hear people eat. If your lips smack or it's crunchy and I can hear it... it really makes me mad. Not just irritated, but MAD. But I hate when I can hear my self chew too!

Ok, Kate, how do you like them quirks?

Just a few pictures

Ours is the 2tone blue... we can't decide what color we want. ;) I'm leaning towards the slate grey... and since we now know 2 other people with the baby blue, I think Jody will go with that too.

An update may be in order.....

So, Last I posted was about "K". As I was trying to figure out what to do, Pam posted some great advice. Unfortunately, I was unable to follow it.. I was going to email her and just see how she was doing. I log onto myspace and her page is either 1. gone or 2. she's removed me from her friends list. So, the next time I see her, I'll see if we can't talk about things.

Not sure about anyone else around the country but we have some SERIOUS gas shortages out our way. It really hadn't affected us much, we don't go very far or use too much gas these days. I've been running on the same tank for the past two weeks, and thinking that I should maybe fill up before I run out of money. ANYWAY, there was a Honda Civic Wagon car meet in Atlanta yesterday. Jody's been on that group for a few months and really wanted to go and meet his "friends". We filled up the wagon yesterday morning, and were pretty sure that we would be fine.

Went to the meet, it was held at a lake west of Atlanta. The people were very cool, and they broke the old record for amount of cars/people at a meet (There were 8 wagons and 12 people.) A wagon came out from Florida, and they drove the furthest. Another guy came from Nashville, TN. It was great fun. Around 6ish, Jody decided that we needed to start heading home. We had a nice 3-4 hour drive ahead of us....

We load up, and head out. There were 2 small gas stations that we passed on the way in, and one of them had lines waiting for gas on both sides of the road. Didn't think anything of it. We had a quarter tank left, that would get us out of ATL. and we would get gas on the East side. Oh yeah, we had our friend Adam's tool box in the car and we were going to get it to him. He lives in Marietta, not *quite* on the way home. So, we get on the interstate, heading towards Adam's, when the needle keeps dropping further and further. Jody starts panicking, and stressing. We get off at various exits, looking for gas stations. NO NUMBERS are up. We stop at one, there are huge lines. We figure that there is gas there. WE get in line, a short one... There are only 2 cars ahead of us in line. Why is that car not moving? TEN MINUTES later the cars in front of us leave, but the car at the pump stays.... We pull closer, and that's when we notice the yellow bags over the pump handle.... GRRRRR.

Jody decides we are going to try our luck else where... Get back on the interstate and try a few more exits. NO GAS!!! Most of the stations are deserted, with no prices even listed, bags over the handles. We are getting scared now. Adam is sending us texts trying to help, but we have driven past all the exits he's suggested. We finally pull off an exit, and see a LONG line at the QT. We drive past, see numbers, and head up the hill to get in line.I wonder if Peggy and Mom remember the night before Tansy was born and we needed to stop and eat somewhere on the way home from the hospital. Yeah, we were in *that* kind of neighborhood. We knew tempers were short, everyone wants/needs gas. We are so concerened about running out of gas, Jody cuts off the car and uses the emergency and driving brakes to cut the cost when we move.. We creep along, car length by car length,watching the cops try to direct traffic (doing a fine job until the batteries ran out in their flashlights!) and about an hour later, we arrive at the pump... *WHEW* We were expecting a note limiting the amount of gas you could purchase, but no.. We filled up and were good to go.

Adam said he'd meet us where ever to get his tool box... So he hopped in his car and headed to us. It was GREAT seeing him. He hung around while we grabbed some KFC and we talked for a while. As we were saying our goodbyes outside (and across the street from the QT) we saw the tanker truck arrive.... the ironic thing? Saw 2 cars run out of gas in line right in front of the station. Man, I was feeling for them!

We got back on the road about 930ish. I'm not sure how we got home by 12:30, but we did... We stumbled into the house, Kelsea fell asleep on the couch and we've been sawing logs until I woke up about an hour ago. It's nearly 9am and I'm feeling like the day is a wasting.


I'll post some pics of the meet, all those "space mobiles" in one place.. it was kinda cool, soon. Jody needs to put them on his computer first. :) NEXT meet, my own space mobile should be there! Jody is working out a deal with a guy at the junk yard that has a 4Wheel drive one that needs a little work. THAT should be fun. :)

Feeling torn

I so don't know what to do.. I was just cruising my myspace page... I'm freinds with some children, one of which was Jody's old roommates step daughter.(How's that for convoluted?)

"K" is MAYBE 13.... I think she's actually younger, but not 100% sure... ANYWAY. I notice that she has some new pictures up. I decide to go look at them. She appears to be in a very provocative pose, wearing a sports bra, and what looks like boy cut panties. The shot is from above, as if she held the camera up herself.

Who do I tell? It has come to our attention that her mother isn't the most stable person. She and new hubby (old roommate) are expecting a baby anytime now. Back on the 4th of July, they take off and leave "K" playing at the neighbors (who happens to be Jody's best friend) For what ever reason, mom and stepdad come home drunk... (yes, mom being about 6.5 months preggers) and start accusing "K" of being a slut, etc. "K" tries to disagree, and mom decides that now is the time to slap "K" so hard that she slams into the wall.... "K" goes back to neighbors house, neighbor calls police, and police calls DSS. "K" is taken over to her grand parent's house until thing simmers down. Not 100% sure if "K" is living back with Mom and stepdad or just on visitation... Yes, "K"'s profile on Myspace is private, but why would she be posting those pictures... Is this now OK? Who do I tell if it's NOT ok??? I so don't want her to be hurt (and I'm pretty positive she will be) if her Mom decides to take care of the issue.

Is this something that is none of my business? It takes a village, right? I'm not that close to the child anymore, maybe I'm just being nosy.

I'm confused!!!!!

Does anybody...

`Have Mom's mailing address??? could you email it to me? I gotta get a card in the mail.... shhhhhhhhh don't tell her, it's a suprise!!! ;)

Don't ya just hate it...

When you wanna be alllllll mad and upset, and the person you want to be mad at takes the wind outta your sails??? grrr... But then how can you be angry when they are just being nice... I'm just silly, but I will tell you all about it.

When we moved, the dryer cord didn't match the plug in the new place. Since we've been having 90+ degree days, we decided that maybe we'd be better off putting up a clothes line and waiting for cooler days so that we don't put more strain on the air conditioner. The problem is that we just haven't had the spare time to put one up yet. I haven't done laundry for about 2 weeks.. I ran out of clean clothes. I had to go to the laundromat yesterday... was NOT happy about it.

Got home... sulked that I had to go do that, decided that I would "make" Jody bring in the clothes... He didn't take the bait, and so I "had" to do it...(perhaps if I cut out the passive/aggressive stuff, and just ASK for the help, that would solve the issue, huh?) I had decided that I would wait to fold the underwear and sox until I got home, so I had a basketful of them to deal with.... So there I was grumbling to myself about how I have to do everything... When Jody sees the basket, he told me to hand it over and he would do it..... GRRR, I couldn't be mad any more. =)

Also, I ran out of coffee yesterday. I didn't get to make my morning cuppa today before work, sent Jody a text about being "sleepy".... He shows up to bring me money for lunch... with an iced coffee in hand... AWWWWWWWWWWW... he just does sweet things like that that just melt my heart.... Makes the women at work jealous too. It's kinda funny. =)

Yeah Right.......

http://www.fbi.gov
ANTI TERRORIST & MONITORY CRIME DIVISION

ATTENTION: FUND BENEFICIARY,
THIS IS AN OFFICIAL ADVICE FROM THE FBI FOREIGN REMITTANCE/TELEGRAPHIC DEPT. IT HAS COME TO OUR NOTICE THAT THE H.S.B.C BANK LIVERPOOL DISTRICT DISTRICT, HAS RELEASED 49,500,000.00 U.S DOLLARS INTO YOUR ACCOUNT HERE IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, BY ATM MEANS. THE CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA KNOWING FULLY WELL THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH FACILITIES TO EFFECT THIS PAYMENT FROM UNITED KINGDOM TO YOUR ACCOUNT, USED WHAT IS KNOWN AS A SECRET DIPLOMATIC TRANSIT PAYMENT S.T.D.P TO PAY THIS FUND THROUGH ATM ,THEY USED THIS MEANS TO COMPLETE THE PAYMENT, AND INSTEAD OF PAYING 49.5 MILLION, THEY PAID $8,300,000.00
THEY ARE STILL, WAITING FOR CONFIRMATION FROM YOU ON THE ALREADY TRANSFERRED FUNDS WHICH WAS CONVERTED TO ATM SO THAT THEY CAN DO FINAL CREDITING TO YOUR ACCOUNT. SECRET DIPLOMATIC PAYMENTS ARE NOT MADE UNLESS THE FUNDS ARE RELATED TO TERRORIST ACTIVITIES WHY MUST YOUR PAYMENT BE MADE IN SECRET TRANSFER, IF YOUR TRANSACTION IS LEGITIMATE, IF YOU ARE NOT A TERRORIST, THEN WHY DID YOU NOT RECEIVE THE MONEY DIRECTLY INTO YOUR ACCOUNT; THIS IS A PURE CODED, MEANS OF PAYMENT? RECORDS WHICH WE HAVE HAD WITH THIS METHOD OF PAYMENT IN THE PAST HAS
ALWAYS BEEN RELATED TO TERRORIST ACTS, WE DO NOT WANT YOU TO GET INTO TROUBLE AS SOON AS THESE FUNDS REFLECT IN YOUR ACCOUNT IN THE U.S.A, SO IT IS OUR DUTY AS A WORD WIDE COMMISSION TO CORRECT THIS LITTLE PROBLEM BEFORE THIS FUND IS DELIVERED.

DUE TO THE INCREASED DIFFICULTY AND UNNECESSARY SCRUTINY BY THE AMERICAN AUTHORITIES WHEN FUNDS COME FROM OUTSIDE OF EUROPE, AND THE MIDDLE EAST, THE F.B.I BANK COMMISSION FOR EUROPE HAS STOPPED THE TRANSFER ON ITS WAY TO DELIVER PAYMENT OF $8300, 000.00 TO DEBIT YOUR RESERVE ACCOUNT AND PAY YOU THROUGH A SECURED DIPLOMATIC TRANSIT ACCOUNT (S.D.T.A). WE GOVERN AND OVERSEE FUNDS TRANSFER FOR THE WORLD BANK AND THE REST OF THE WORLD.

WE ADVICE YOU CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY, AS THE FUNDS HAVE BEEN STOPPED AND ARE BEING HELD IN OUR OFFICE HERE, UNTIL YOU CAN BE ABLE TO PROVIDE US, (WITH THE ENCODED F.B.I ORDER FOR TRANSFER),WE ADVICE YOU PRESENT US WITH A DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY SEAL OF TRANSFER WITHIN 3 DAYS FROM THE BANK WHERE THE FUNDS WHERE TRANSFERRED FROM FOR US TO CERTIFY THAT THE FUNDS THAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO RECEIVE FROM NIGERIA ARE ANTITERRORIST/DRUG FREE OR WE SHALL HAVE CAUSE TO CROSS AND IMPOUND THE NAME WE HAVE ON THE FUND AS THE RIGHTFUL BENEFICIARY IS YOUR NAME THAT IS WHY WE HAVE DECIDED TO CONTACT YOU DIRECTLY TO ACQUIRE THE PROPER VERIFICATIONS AND PROOF FROM YOU TO SHOW THAT YOU ARE THE RIGHTFUL PERSON TO RECEIVE THIS FUND, BECAUSE THE ABOVE MENTIONED AMOUNT IS A BIG AMOUNT OF MONEY, THAT IS WHY WE WANT TO MAKE SURE IS A CLEAR AND LEGAL MONEY YOU ARE ABOUT TO RECEIVE BE INFORMED THAT THE FUND HAVE HIT YOUR ACCOUNT , BUT RIGHT NOW WE HAVE ASK THE BANK NOT TO RELEASE THE FUND TO ANY BODY
THAT COMES TO THEM, UNLESS SO TO

YOU ARE TO FORWARD THE DOCUMENTS TO US IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE IT WITH IN YOUR POSSESSION, IF YOU DONT HAVE IT LET US KNOW SO THAT WE WILL DIRECT AND INFORM YOU WHERE TO OBTAIN THE DOCUMENT AND SEND TO US SO THAT WE WILL ASK THE BANK HOLDING THE FUNDS THE BANK OF AMERICA TO GO AHEAD CREDITING YOUR ACCOUNT IMMEDIATELY. THIS DOCUMENTS ARE TO BE ISSUED TO YOU FROM THE PLACE WHERE THE FUND WAS TRANSFER FROM, SO GET BACK TO US IMMEDIATELY IF YOU DONT HAVE THE DOCUMENT SO THAT WE WILL INFORM YOU THE PARTICULAR PLACE AND WHAT IT WILL TAKES TO OBTAIN IT IN FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, BECAUSE WE HAVE COME TO REALIZE THAT THE FUND IS TRANSFERRED FROM THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA.

AN FBI IDENTIFICATION RECORD AND CERTIFICATE OF OWNERSHIP OFTEN REFERRED TO AS A CRIMINAL ACT
GUARANTEE: FUNDS WILL BE RELEASED ON CONFIRMATION OF THE DOCUMENT: DOCUMENTED PROOF OF OWNERSHIP
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
final instruction: 60f credit payment instruction: irrevocable credit guarantee
61e beneficiary has full power when validation is cleared 62 beneficiaries bank
in u.s.a. , can only release funds- 62 upon confirmation from the world
bank/united nations. 64 bearers must clear bank protocol and validation request

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: we have asked for the above documents to make available the most complete and up-to date records possible for the enhancement of public safety, welfare and security of society while recognizing the importance of individual privacy rights... if you fail to provide the documents to us, we will charge you with the fbi and take our proper action against you for not proofing to us the legitimate of the fund you are about to receive. The United States department of justice order 556-73 establishes rules and regulations for the subject of an FBI identification record to obtain a copy of his or her own record for review.


Regards
Robert S Mueller
Director FBI Washington



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




Ok, so do I seem gullible? Is spam email just getting out of hand? I just had to chuckle, and well, wanted everyone else to laugh too....

On the upside.... Well, I've been offered a promotion (and a raise) at work. I'll still get to work with the babies, in fact, I'm still their "teacher" (yes, i have issues with calling myself that!) but as of Thursday, I'm going to be "building director".

What does that mean? An extra meeting once a week with another building director and our daycare director. The authority to handle issues that may arise within my building. The authority to talk with parents and handle their problems/concerns as needed. I'm torn about this. On the one hand, it's GREAT for my bottom line. I think communication at work is nill, and the director and owner feel that this is one way to combat that. On the other hand, it doesn't address one of the biggest issues the staff has with the director, that she is NEVER there.. and this is enabling her to continue to NOT bet there. *sigh* I want this place to succeed. I really do, but the way she goes about running this business is very shortsided, in my opinion.... But what do I know, I've only worked in daycare for 5 months. *sigh* BTW, when someone says "substantial raise" what does that mean?

Ok, by the way... I talked to Penny today. Mom, if you are reading this, you did good. She and I were both in tears over your decision. =) Happy tears. I love you!

Looks like we are going to get some food... YUMMMM, it's a good thing, cause all I've had were some perogies and sausage..... didn't eat breakfast today... NOT smart.

=)

Just wanted to let you know...

That I called up Uncle Phil's and Aunt Cuc answered. We had a nice chat. =) Anyway, it appears that the family that evacuated for Gustav has returned home to the N.O. area. We just need to keep our fingers crossed that IKE decides to peter out and NOT hit us. =)

Home Sweet... Home. ;)

So, we moved over the weekend. Well, Saturday and Sunday. We decided to celebrate Labor Day by NOT laboring. We still have stuff in the old place, but a few more runs and we should have it all done. Have to do some serious downsizing, though. *sigh* WHAT do you get rid of when everything is of "vital importance"? It's rough. Thankfully, I have a daughter that is just starting out and needs stuff. :) Now, if we can just get her to come visit and help me get rid of it.

So, we haven't had TV or the internet until today. SO, I had no idea that a hurricane hit the coast. We are gearing up for Hanna here, they think she'll be hitting our coast this weekend. Should be fun, riding out the storm in our "tin can condo". Actually, I can't wait to hear the rain falling on our metal roof. I know we are far enough inland that we'll just get rain and winds, so it should be all good.

Danielle called on Sunday. She and Nick wanna come down for Thanksgiving. Yeah, it's a few months off, but I'm starting to get excited.. whoot! Anyone else wanna come on out? The door is open. :)

May be my last post....

For a few days at least. Yeah, we got the trailer, and will be moving in over the course of the next few days. In fact, we unloaded our first load already. Jody broke down Kelsea's bed and the futon, the kitchen table and the recliner, loaded the car trailer up and brought it on over to the trailer.... We signed the lease agreement, and were handed the keys. (Key actually, they didn't make copies) We unloaded the trailer.. and already the house is feeling full. We are now sitting back at the duplex, waiting for domino's. We are hungry, but feeling very lazy... Guess what we'll be doing over the next few days.. that's right, MOVING!! Whoot!!

I'm excited, the stress level has really gone down once we decided to make the move. Life is good....

So, shall I tell you about the "baby momma drama" that happened at work (before I got there, even!)? Oh, alright, since you are begging....


I get a text from Jessica, my coworker while I was on my way in. It seems that MissP's mom has been upset because MissS has been "sick" and she thought it sounded like croup. MissP's mom has been reading and has found out that despite what MissS's pediatrician says, that croup is contagious. So, even though MissS doesn't HAVE croup (she had it at one time....and the ped. told mommaS that it was ok to take her to daycare), mommaP confronted mommaS and asked if she was gonna take her sick child to the Dr. A conversation ensued. Another parent from another room walked by and heard it, and ran up to the office to tell the director what was going on. FUN TIMES.. But did the director try and stick around to tell us what we should do about the confrontation? NOOOOOOOOOO... *sigh* But I'm thinking that it should blow over by Tuesday. MissP is going to be gone tomorrow, and we are closed on Monday. =)


Drama drama drama...

I'm so EXCITED!!!

Ok, so I was feeling kinda homesick last night. I called my old friend Traycie.. Haven't talked to her in nearly 10 years.. yeah, that's right TEN YEARS!!!! The girl that was nearly attached to my hip for nearly 6 years of my life. Anywhoo... We lost contact several years ago, and Me being ME, didn't want to "intrude". So I let it lie.

She wasn't home when I called. Her husband answered the phone and we had a nice little chat. He told me he'd have her call me tomorrow (today). I waited on pins and needles for her to call.. it was silly... So, she calls me as I was driving home... at 6pm. After catching up on family news (she's has 9 sibs as well as I do!) we caught up on old news, and then.. well, 3 hours later, we had covered just about everything. Her husband got home from work, and heard her laughing, and told her she sounded like she was back in high school! TEE HEE!

I get to drive to Durham tomorrow and go to a concert with Tansy.... WHOOT! I'm excited. We are going to a concert tomorrow night, and it should be fun. I get to stay at her and David's place.. yes, they have their OWN PLACE! My baby is growing up!

Love you all.. I need to hit the sack!
mok

Hump Day

I can't believe it's Wendsday. I can't believe I can't spell Wendsday, and that spell checker can't either! But I digress.

I'm a bit worried about going into work today. I've been having issues with M there, especially since Lil' RS hasn't been back. I'm hoping that Mom just had a few days off and will be back today. Crossing my fingers. There are just so many other issues going on, such as:

She fills MissP's bottles up with water first thing in the morning. MissP's mom brings bottled water (from target, but still).... the bottles start to leak after awhile. Always have. So, it makes a mess on the top shelf, and wastes the water. I've pointed this out to her, but she keeps on doing it. grrr...

She'll "borrow" or "share" the baby food from one baby to another. (HUGE NO NO according to DSS). She'll be making up cereal for one kid, and decide that she should share the wealth. We ended up giving MissP (and SB) fruit that they hadn't been given before, because *I* didn't realize that she was mixing this stuff up like that. The sad thing is, I'm the one that has to explain this to the parents. NOT GOOD.

So, I talked to the bosslady about it yesterday. I've been told that M wont be in the baby room any more. OH yeah... On Friday, when A (the new chick) was supposed to be covering my room M pretty much told her that SHE (M) would take care of the babies. Now A knew she was supposed to be in my room, but when someone with more "seniority" tells you something, you don't "question". I was told by one of the parents that all M did when they picked up their baby was complain that she couldn't wait for me to get back, cause taking care of the babies was "WAY TOO HARD"... HUH????? She chose to be in that room, INSISTED on being in that room. GRRRR.


Ok, so, I need to close this, must get ready for work. *sigh* I'll let y'all know the fallout from all this later on. :) BTW, say some prayers/send positive energy/cross your fingers. Jody and I are trying to get into a place that's MUCH closer to my work (ummm 5 miles MAX vs. 35.5 miles) and MUCH cheaper (around 300 a month less!) so we need all the "help" we can get. I figure we'll be saving roughly 450-500 a month if we get this place (yeah, yeah, it's a trailer, in a park, but man, I'm NOT complaining!)

love you all!

More complaining.... just call me eeyore!

Where to begin?
I took today off. I needed the break, to tell you the truth. Jody's daughter was supposed to come out to visit this weekend, but her plans got changed, and she ended up moving to her apartment today instead. Totally bummed, to tell you the truth. I should have gone in to work, but I really needed to get to the bank and close out Danielle's bank account. The nearest branch? Well, about 60 miles from my house. Hours Open? 9am to 530pm. What hours do I work? 9am to 6pm. Yeah, getting that little bit of work done wasn't gonna happen anytime soon! So, Jody and I decided that since I had already requested the day off, I'd stay "home".

Jody and I took the drive to Charleston today. It was cool. We were able to close out the account, and then we headed for the waterfront. Parked the car, walked a bit, went to Bubba Gumps for lunch (shrimp po'boy... YUMMMM) and then walked around the waterfront for a bit.... It started to rain, gently, and we kept on walking. It was pretty darn cool. He showed me where the Lt. Gov. of SC lives when he's in Charleston. Jody has worked on his alarm and camera systems and stuff. He says he's pretty cool.... (yeah, that was some MAJOR name dropping. *wink*)

We were driving home when I got a text from my friend at work. *sigh* One of the momma's called to complain. We have a new baby lil'RS, he's only 2 months old, and started with us on Tuesday. Lil'RS's momma came to pick him up, only to find his on the floor SCREAMING, bottle by his side. M was at the half door looking into the other room when Mom walked in. M told mom that Lil'RS REFUSED his bottle... then went back to ignoring mom!!!! OMG!!!!! So, needless to say that was some drama. grr.. you don't treat my babies that way!

Ok.. so, not too much complaining, I hope. Be prepared for Sunday, you may get an earful!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANIELLE!!!!!

Wow, 16 years ago, I was in Klamath Falls, OR. giving birth to my 3rd baby. 16 years ago today, I was lying on the gurney being wheeled from the labor room into the delivery room. 16 years ago today, the midwife thought that the lady that was hitting 10 while I was still at 7 would have her baby first. 16 years ago, today, Danielle made her appearance in the doorway of the delivery room.

I never would have thought that my sweet baby girl would actually grow up into such a beautiful young lady.




Jody and I made a run up to Concord and took my baby girl out for lunch. She showed off her early birthday present from her boyfriend, Nicolas. A lovely promise ring.. yeah I know... I'm not sure I was ready for THAT either. Anyway, it was a lovely day, she is off to see a concert tonight (my present to her) and was very happy to see us. *whew*

Just catchin' up...

Let's see, Pam asked for a picture of my Rockin' hair... I'm thinking about growing it out, but for now.. here it is.. No muss, no fuss. Lucky me, Jody likes short hair!


Not much going on in our lives right now. Just work, work work. We had a tummy virus going around the daycare last week, and that was rough!!! Usually, if a child is sick, they are sent home. HOWEVER.... J.'s mommy works with me, and since one of the teachers was out on vacation (out of state, unreachable!) mommy had to go to work, so therefore J had to come into daycare.

It was soooooooooo emotionally difficult to try to wipe his bottom after his messy diapers. He would SCREAM in pain, and his little bottom was raw. I came home every night just sooooooooooooooooooo drained. It was rough. I actually wanted to stop working and not come back until the babies were all better.... This week has been better, no sick babies! In fact, for the past 2 days, I've only had 3 babies to tend, and tomorrow, I think MissP will be back... fun fun fun.

I was able to get some touch ups done on 2 of my tattoos. Jamie needed some work on his car done, so he and Jody worked on it today. Yeah, they were working in 100+ weather, under a canopy, with a fan blowing, but it was rough. Jody loaded up a cooler with ice and powerade, and they were good to go. Got home from work, ate dinner and got some ink.










Jody got some more work done on his "family arm" he colored in the stars for his siblings in their favorite colors. I'll post that picture later.




Kyla, Jody's oldest, is going to be visiting in a few weeks. I actually get to have that Friday off. I'm sooooooooooo very excited. We are going to be hitting Charleston, and then perhaps Myrtle Beach. I'll post pics after that.

Ok, not much else going on here. I love you all!