friend making mondays

so once again. it is monday and i have finally gotten the hang of Friend Makin Mondays (thanks to Kasey over at All That Is Good) so here we go;

Today's task is to share 10 of your favorite things:

Wendy's List of Favorites:

Dressing up and going to Charity Events

it's even better when i can con my hubby into going :)

yes, i am an addict

i can eat a whole carton of cottage cheese all by myself

and did i mention i get a can of black olives in my stocking every year for Christmas

i love coach purses

and flea markets

the library, as Kasey so very well put it, lots of free books and the kids love it!

as always i have to include my VERY FAVORITE THREE THINGS. Had to use one of the outtakes so fitting of the way picture taking really goes in our house

this is a new one for me. Saw it on "Past kissing time, time to kiss again"
Friday Fragments are bits and pieces of your week that are usually brief; too short for a stand-alone post, but too good to discard. Collect humorous observations, "Heard" items, and other small gems and put them together in a Friday Fragments post.

SO here are my friday fragments

I started out getting ready for a Winter Ball for 200 people, It has grown to 500 tickets sold and alot of people are waiting to buy their tickets at the door. Our silent auction kicks major tail though and i am really pumped about it. it is this saturday and i even got to buy a grown up dress for it.

my son blew.chunks. majorly... twice this week. it is the first time he has thrown up and he kept trying to catch it in his hand and then give it to me. poor baby (and i mean me)

my 6 yr old informed me that it is ignoring (annoying) when i correct her. She was telling me about how her friends ganged up on her "YESTERDAY YESTERDAY". I said, "you mean the day before yesterday, two days ago?" and she said yes, stop being ignoring, i said that. yesterday yesterday.

guess she told me huh!

okay, so i guess i have to go finish bid sheets and hanging chandeliers...can't wait to post the pics :)

Writer's Workshop and my own little Britney Spears

So I mosied on over to Mama Kat's blog Mama's Losin It and have accepted the challenge of this week's writer's workshop





Directions:
For you newbies it's never to late to jump in!! Here is what you must do. Choose a prompt that inspires you most. Write. Come back Thursday and paste your blog URL into the Mister Linky that will be up...this way anyone can click on your name and head over to your place to see what you wrote.

Feel free to write on more than one prompt if you so desire. I do it all the time, but it's my game...and I don't know how to shut-up...so it should be expected. And remember the more comment love you give, the more comment love you get so comment comment away.

The Prompts:

1.) If you were starring on American Idol TONIGHT and HAD to sing, what song would you choose and why.

2.) Take a picture of yourself right this minute without primping and explain to us why it is you have not washed your hair today.


3.) I just asked Pat to help me with a writing prompt so here's his: "What do you think about the NBA All Star game"...blech.

4.) What's your number one pet peeve? Develop a punishment for anyone caught in the act.

5.) Write about something mean you did to a sibling growing up.

My answers

so this one was kinda easy for me. maybe because i was a singing,mean older sister with a lot of pet peeves...so what to choose? what to choose?

guess i will go with number one since i have already written about pet peeves earlier in the week (altough i may have to edit it because i did not think to add a suitable punishment)

if i had to go on American Idol TONIGHT i would have to choose "Womanizer by Britney Spears" and i would get my inspiration from my own little Britney (and i mean that with all due respect) tee hee hee.....






*shameless parent disclaimer: i know i have posted this before but i loved it so much it needed an encore presentation

Yearbook yourself

So i found this hilarious site called Yearbook Yourself and i thought let's just see what i would look like circa 1963




I am so glad it's 2009 and i look like this.

pet peeve

I get it okay! That in the interest of good customer service the gas pump people think putting a stopper on the gas flow at a certain point helps you to not go over what you paid for. BUT DO THEY HAVE TO DO IT THAT SOON? I mean, at this moment i cannot think of anything that peeves me off more than to have to sit at the dang pump for 40 seconds becasue the pump slowed down at $19.60 it makes me want to say to heck with the other 40 cents worth of gas.

i bet if they stopped that annnoying crap and just made you walk your happy butt in the gas station to pay for the 5 cents you went over you would be more careful about pumping just the right amount of gas.

okay, i am breathing again and the color has returned to my face. it will be okay

Friend Makin Mondays AND I GOT IT RIGHT THIS TIME...

Once again i find myself doing a Friend Makin Monday post. Thank you Kasey over at All That is Good congrats on your Tip Junkie guest blogging role, you have a great blog and i bet you had lots of good tips :)

Now on with the post.

Today we will be doing a game that I am calling the this OR that game.

Please pick the one that you prefer (it doesn't necessarily have to be what you have just what you would prefer):

1. jog or walk: walk (ARE YOU KIDDING ME, I HAVE 3 KIDS AND AM NOT 21 ANYMORE I DON'T JOG ANYWHERE UNLESS IT IS FOR FEAR OF MY CHILD RUNNING IN FRONT OF A CAR)
2. coffee or tea: tea LOVE ME SOME STARBUCKS...
3. pepsi or coca cola: FANTA ORANGE OR DR. PEPPER
4. flats or heels: flats (I'm a mother, Hello!!!)
5. fries or onion rings: fries (with HEINZ AND MAYO MIXED TOGETHER)
6. cats or dogs: dogs
7. skim or whole: VITAMIN D WHOLE MILK
8. small purses or large: large (HOW ELSE WOULD I BE ABLE TO CARRY MY FRANKLIN COVEY, TEN TUBES OF CARMEX, AND A PULLUP AND WIPES?)
9. van or suv: SUV
10. winter or summer: FALL
11. 1 piece bathing suit or 2: I HAVE 3 KIDS, YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE ME IN A BIKINI
12. sit down restaurant or fast food: sit down (NOT THAT I HAVE THE TIME BUT IT WOULD BE NICE)
13. McDonalds or Burger King: Give me a Whopper WITH CHEESE AND SOME CHESSEY TOTS Baby!
14. White Gold or Yellow: White
15. Fish or Chicken: Fish
16. Edward or Jacob: MY DAUGHTER WOULD KILL ME IF I DID NOT SAY EDWARD
17. Pizza or Burger: Both!
18. apple or orange: BANANA
19. Spend or save: Spend (however my husband is a saver!)
20. 1 story or 2 story house: 1 story



If you are joining in the fun all you have to do is copy and paste my 1-20 onto your site and then change my answers into your own (OR YOU COULD BE LIKE ME AND USE ANY ANSWERS THAT FIT AND MAKE THEM YOUR OWN. I LOVE SURVEYS!!

Not me Monday

This morning I did NOT go through the Chick-Fil-A drive thru and forget to get a straw. Ugh! So that is not entirely my fault since they are supposed to put one in the bag but I usually remember to look and ask if it's not in there. Sometimes I think that disgruntled fast food workers see me coming and say, "I think I will make her morning more difficut" and it has. I hate drinking coke in a cup anyways, I am a can/bottle girl. In a cup without a straw is almost too much to bare!

Yesterday, I did NOT go through the liquor store drive thru because I was in my pj pants and didn't want to get out of the car and while ordering sodas for 2 of my kids I ordered one for myself. I said "Sprite, Dr.Pepper and an orange" and what did the lady give me? Not Fanta Orange soda like I had been craving, but literally an orange. I was miffed to say the least, but I drove off anyway without saying a word and went to the nearest gas station. That's what I get for being lazy. I should have just orderd some liquor, bet she would have gotten that right.

This one really is true. I did NOT spend Valentine's Day with my husband. Well, I guess I did some of the day but that night my date was my oldest daughter Kaileigh. We drove to Ft. Smith and saw the stage show for "Footloose". The show was great, but watching her face was even better!!!!

It's only 9:15....today is NOT going to go by fast, I can tell!

Thankful Thursday (yes i realize how shallow i seem)

i am thankful for these things...

cause you can hide anything you want to in here


i love it so much when i get up to tinkle i check for the red blinking light first (even if i am standing there doing the pee-pee dance i have to go so bad)


this one i probaly shouldn't advertise online, but what's a birthday without the bottle?



how else would i get my daily caylee update?


or shake my head in amazement that i found someone with more drama than me


but i'm still thankful for all the hours of enjoyment...

i am VERY thankful for

cause they make me feel like someone is listening (in a world where it feels like noone else does)

and of course, gotta remember to say thanks (i think) for this motley crue




lots more i am thankful for.. but i have to get back to work now or risk having to be thankful for unemployment benefits.

Say what?!?! Wednesday

I saw a cute post the other day about a mommy's little girl and all the cute things she says so i decided to make that my today's post. hence, "Say what?!? Wednesday"

Last night i saw my two year old sneaking off to his favorite spot under the kitchen table, so i made a mad dash, screaming "No Isaiah, you have to go poo-poo in the potty" but I was not fast enough. i don't know how he does it so fast in his diaper cause when i make him sit on the potty he sits there FORRR-EVERRRR! So the funny part is after he was in his cough medicene induced sleep i went to check on him. He opened one sleepy eye and simply said "No pabby mommy"

What do kids have against the potty?

Emory, my middle and most challenging child (I describe her as prison or president and that could not be more accurate) was in the car yesterday and says to her 11 year old sister "Stop arguing with me you are being cartastic" and then she looks at me and says "cartastic is when you are being silly"

thus the new definition of SARCASTIC has been expained to me via my 6 yr old. She should know too, as sarcasm runs bountiful in our house.

Another Emory story revolves around the phone, her biological father, and me almost peeing my pants. Have you ever been corrected in a innocent and matter of fact way that you just can't help but laugh, and your child is completely bewildered because they were just telling you the truth.
We were in the car and Emory's dad called. She sat there describing her day and that she had gotten her card changed. She said "Taylor got me in trouble today and that is why I got my card changed" so I said under my breath (and vary cartastically) "Like you never do anything to get yourself in trouble" so she rolls her eyes, pulls the phone away from her ear and tells me "Oh yes I do, just this time it was not my trouble we got in"

At least she is honest huh!

Here are some words (and there translations) that have come out of the mouths of my babes

candy can (candy cane)

cretzels (pretzels)

hoohee (goofy)

meme (Minnie)

I would tell you what my 11 yr old used to call her FISHY (think female parts) when she was two, but it is not christian of me so i will let you figure that one out. Try explaining that one folks.

boops (elbows)


I will now have to go dig out the baby books where i write this all down, i know i have some more funny ones i just have too many kids to remember off the top of my head.

Tuesday for Tuesday and a day full of Kaileigh's

I have a special place in my heart for kids. Not just my own (and I love them with most of what I have inside me) but ALL kids. I read their stories, my tears drop on the pictures of their angelic faces and I fall in love with them. Wishing I could hug them and comfort them and fix them. But I can't.

I can however tell their story. I can show you their picture, direct you to their blogs or websites so you can leave a comment, and I can ask you to take a second and say a prayer. And then in turn you can do the same.

So today, like most of the Tuesdays recently gone by, I stop and take a second to remember Tuesday. I think of her precious family and the pain they must be feeling and I am in awe of the smiles and love and peace you hear in their words. If Tuesday reminds me of anything it is of a heart. and the love that came from her life.




I also want to remember Kaylee Anthony on this day that her family is remembering her for all the world to see. That can't be easy to do (not that it is easy in private but to be scrutinized and judged as they have been, has to make it harder) As sick as my husband is of hearing Nancy Grace's voice I will still watch. Not for my NEED to hear the gossip on the case, but out of my NEED to hear the justice for that innocent little girl who probaly had no clue of what was happening to her. I pray for acceptance and peace in the family of her killer. The very same family who is mourning her today. How heartbreaking to know that family is one and the same.


I also want to turn your attention to another Kayleigh. a little baby born three months early weighing only 1 pound 1 ounce. She is a very tough little girl with a strong will to live. Visit here to read her story.


I am gonna end my post with a Kaileigh of my own. My 11 yr old never ceases to amaze me. She truly saved me from myself and for a time it was me and her against the world. I can't believe what a gorgous, compassionate, artistic and caring young woman she is turning into (maybe there is hope for the middle one after all- keep your fingers crossed) back to Kaileigh, i am so proud of my first born and forever my baby "Baby"

Friend Makin Mondays (yes, I am the dork that did it twice)

So I have never procalimed to be a wiz at all things internet. In fact, i am quite the electronically challenged. Kasey over at All That is Good has a fun post i thought i would join in on. i have accepted the challenge and here is my task:

1.) My favorite book is: "Me and Emma" by Elizabeth Flock, Maya Angelou, "And All Our Wounds are Healed" by Julius Lester, The Little Book of Letting Go" by Hugh Prather and as cliche as it sounds The Bible (Sorry, I don't have just one of anything)


2.) I drive a: Ford Escape


3.) My Favorite type of food is: anything with sour cream, and cheese


4.) My Favorite dessert is: cheesecake with chocholate on it yummmmmm....


5.) My Favorite movie is: yes, I am a dork. I LOVE "Singing in the Rain"


6.) When I Go to Starbucks I get: a tall white chocolate mocha (okay, so i admit, i am the girl that likes to buy the coffee that tastes more like hot chocolate but i feel grown up with the cup and the coffee sleeve) yummy....


7.) My Favorite Veggie is: broccoli....with cheese (or asparagus...with cheese) wait, is chesse a veggie cause i can just go with that one.


8.) My Favorite Thing to Wear is: flannel men's pj pants are great, but i really feel strong, confident, and grown up in a nice pair of slacks and cute shirt.


9.) My Favorite Color is: with out a doubt purple


10.) I Decorate My house In This Way: I would say chabby chic, or Tuscan comfortable (i think i just made up a new "Style") bold sexy colors, kid friendly and lived in cozy.

okay, so this DOES not describe the room I just said my house looks like...but it's so cute i just want to pretend

11.) Right Now I am Reading: "Letters to My Daughter" by Maya Angelou (thanks Syard)


12.) If I Could Vacation Anywhere it would be: Without a doubt, Malta


So there you have it...a little more of me.

out of the mouths of babes

my son is a prince. he truly is my prince. but now, i can confirm that I am HIS princess.....



as we were sitting in my bed reading books this afternoon, we went through the routine of him getting his "Where is Mickey Mouse" book (which I can finally without guilt say I HATE MICKEY MOUSE) my son however, does not.


so we go through the "Where is Mickey Mouse" book and he says all the names of the characters and i have to say it back. If i don't then he will say it over and over and over (think Finding Nemo and the seagulls)

First there is "don duck"


and "Hoo Hee"


He loves him some "Meemee"


"daisy" comes out clear as a bell



While Mickey Mouse sounds more like "MO MO"


The book has several Disney favorites in it like Snow white, and Aladdin, Simba, Mowgli and then he comes to one and he screams "MOMMA" and points to a picture screaming my name. I swear my heart was so full when I looked down and this is what he saw




so there you have it, my prince thinks I am his princess!!! Future girlfriends and wife beware!!!

just dance...emory style

She is obsessed I tell you, with her ipod (translation; cheap mp3 player from Wal-mart) and even more obsessed with herself. So she begged me to "do a webcast" as she calls it, so here it is Emory's webcast. and as usual she wants me to let you know "no autographs please, I'm spending time with my family"

i got a spoon, i got a spoon, i got a spoon hey hey hey

So um....I got sent home sick from work and I was really broken up over the thought of getting to organize winter ball tickets from my couch and in my pj's. Added to that excitement was the thrilling rush that came when i checked the mail and found.......MY FAVORITE THINGS SWAP PACKAGE came today.

Yippeeeeee! So even though I really had to go potty and my pantyhose were itching and my milk and groceries were still in the car, I leaped up my ice covered steps (in boots with heels so it is impressive that i did not fall)and plopped on my couch to rip open the package. Inside were so many fun goodies. A postcard from TEXAS, some soft lips chapstick (can't get enough of that), lots of scrapbook stuff, some handy mesh mommy bags (i will use to tame my kids stuff taking over my car),a how to live green book for dummies (such a nice thought, i might actually try some of the ideas in the book), a nifty crust cutter for sandwhiches (sp?) (Emory will LOVE that),this beautiful scarf (that I will have to fight Kaileigh for),Candy such as rock candy and choc covered peanuts and gummy worms (i am eating that all right now and i am NOT sharing with my kids) but i will let Isaiah have the gum i got (cause we are potty training and that is the one thing he never gets so we are using it as the ultimate prize),

yes, i got a good partner JENNY. She made my day. I sent her package on the same day so she should get it today as well. but wait,,,,i am not done. after i sifted through all this fun stuff something silver and shiny caught my eye.....

SHE GOT ME A SPOON!!!!! You know, the small ones that most people see and say "who collects those how lame" well, now you can say "Wendy does".




I love them and I have with this last spoon filled my spoon holder. Which means I must scour ebay for another holder cause they don't sell them ANYWHERE!

oh the joyous day today has turned into.

Thank you Jenny for this, I hope you enjoy your fun things as well, I don't want to give it away if you have not recieved it yet but i think you will find several of the things amusing as it seems we have some of the same interests :)

I do this every birthday.....

Dear Maureen,

It is that time again. It's late and I can't help but lie in bed and wonder if you are thinking of me. I can't help but think of you, and wondering where you are and what you are doing? Are you talking to neices and nephews on the phone, neices and nephews i don't know i have. Does my brother or sister get on the phone when the little voices have grown weary of talking to grandma and tell you that yes, they will be there on Sunday for dinner like ususal. Did you finish up the dishes, fold the worn afghan that hangs over the back of the easy chair and put the dogs in the kennel for the night? Did you put on your old flannel robe covering your flowered nightgown cause it gets cold in your house at night. Are you kissing my step-father goodnight and laying your head on your pillow. Did you take even a second to remember the daughter you gave away 31 years ago today?
I know that it is not you, but the idea of you that I am so infatuated with. Not to hurt your feelings, but I do have a mom. I have never been so lacking for a mother figure, so it is hard to explain the why. I think it is the need to find where I came from. To see that two lives came met and for some reason and I came out of that meeting. To look at someone and see my eyes in them, to have that ah-ha that is where my long skinny fingers and love of music came from. I have almost given up finding you so the thought of finding my birth father is not one I have EVER entertained. Most of the time I push that thought of where you are out of my mind because I don't want to deal with WHY i need to find you so badly.But sometimes, like today, on my birthday, I can't help but wonder where you are...and are you wondering where i am?

With many questions left until next time,

Wendy.... but you may remember me as the name you gave me....Stephanie

Started to do not me Monday but that one got scrapped...just call this post "Why I like my husband"

Today I did NOT turn 31. Okay, so maybe I did turn 31 today, I am suprisingly okay with it (I think turning 30 was such a horrendous thought to me that from now in it's all downhill from here) I was shocked though when I opened the card from my husband. I really should not tell you what it says because when I complain about him you won't take my side anymore. But okay, I guess I will tell you

Once there was this guy.
A nice guy, really.
And he met this girl.
An incredible girl-truly amazing.
So naturally the guy falls
head over heels in love with her,
and pretty soon their picking out
china patterns and rings
and there's a wedding
and the starry eyed couple
rides off into what will surely
be a rosy future....

Okay, so now some time has passed
and the guy is living in that future.
He's still married to that girl,
but now that life includes alot of stuff-
appliances, and bills, and loads of laundry
and home repair projects.
But between the to do's and have to's
there are these moments
when the guy stops for a minute
and looks around him.

He looks at his wife
who is still truly amazing
he looks at their life together,
all the ways
and different direcions it has grown,
he looks at all the responsibilities he's got,
and he thinks to himself,
so, this is my life.

And then he thinks to himself,
I am one helluva lucky guy.

...man, he's good!