I exercised yesterday. Yep, I put Swiffer pads under each foot and proceeded to skate around the kitchen. Well, it made Owen laugh. But I damn near broke my neck.

I am going to rename the laundry room to The Place Where Spiders Go To Die. They probably all keeled over from a heart attack because I was actually sweeping the room. That has to be the most neglected room in the house.

Which brings me to last night's episode of CSI. I was actually pretty proud of myself. I sat through Nick realizing he was, in fact, buried alive. I sat through the thrashing and deep breathing. But, they had to bring out the fire ants and then I lost it. It was a great episode and I am so glad they didn't leave us hanging for months to find out if Nick actually made it or not.

I'm off to the scrapbook crop. I am armed with pictures and all the necessary paper and embellishments. If I can actually get some layouts completed it will be a red letter day.

I took Owen to get his picture made yesterday and can't wait for them to come back. She didn't have a hard time getting him to smile. He's such a little man.

Tonight is the season finale of CSI and I don't know if I'm going to be able to sit through it. They showed a preview the other night and I had to get up out of my seat. Nick apparently gets buried alive. I don't consider myself claustrophobic, but watching scenes like that make me feel suffocated. I barely made it through The Vanishing and Double Jeopardy.

Tomorrow night, I am going to a scrapbook crop and I really need to get my stuff together for that. I am hoping to get a few layouts done in the hours that I'm there. We'll see. I have a hard time scrapping away from home. Heck, I have a hard time scrapping at home!

Owen at Six Months

Seeing the world through your eyes is such an amazing experience. Who knew that blades of grass or sunshine streaming through open blinds could be so exciting? You have your Daddy's beautiful blue eyes and for that I am thankful. I was assured that if they haven't changed color by now they should remain blue.

You sat through church yesterday and didn't even cry. One day, mommy is going to be brave enough to drop you off at the nursery. Right now though, you are pretty content to wrinkle Aunt Jackie's shirt or pull on her hair.


You can sit up all by yourself, and pull to a standing position when holding on to our hands. Before long you'll be scooting around and terrorizing the cat. You love your Jumperoo and will employ anyone willing to let you jump in their laps. Always a ball of energy.

I am so thankful for you.

Summer Salad
The other night we went to dinner at our church and had the best salad. So now I'm on a salad kick. That salad the other night got thinking about my most favorite salad pictured above. I owe this one to my sister in law.


Romaine lettuce
feta cheese
1 can of mandarin oranges w/ juice
almond slivers
approx. 1 T olive oil

Put desired amount of lettuce in bowl. Top with desired about of feta cheese, oranges, and almonds.

Mix juice from can with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Pour over salad.

Warning: You might need a spoon to eat remaining dressing once lettuce is consumed. In a pinch, you could just turn the bowl up and drink it.

All postcards are here!

In order left to right, top down:

Oh Sew Pretty
Hanna
Amanda
Pamdora's Box
Six and a Half Stitches
Like Totally Cute
Snowbear
Kraf-O-La
Marieke
Myra

My mother is the first person I call when my anxiety takes over. I have always been a worrier. When I was little, I worried about nuclear war, disease, something happening to my parents or sister, you name it. Now that I am older, I still worry about some of those same things...and I still call my mom. I'm too big to crawl up in her lap and cry on her shoulder like I used to. Instead, I just call her on the phone and she always seems to know when something is bothering me. I am sure that I have put quite a few grey hairs on her head, not that she has any ;)

I didn't really go through a rebellious stage. You know some teenagers who don't want to be seen with their parents? Well, that wasn't me. I was never embarrassed of my parents. They were actually pretty cool. But, when I used to come home a little later than normal, or would do something out of character my mom would always say..."You are going to see someday when you have children." Boy, do I ever know what she means. Poor Owen can't even drive yet and I'm already worried.

I want Owen to have the type of relationship with me that I have with my mom. I don't know how she did it. I should have taken better notes. So Mom, with all my heart I love you. Thanks for being there for me when EVERY ONE else would have given up. I hope I can be half the mother to Owen that you are to me.

Postcard Swap

This is my completed postcard for Myra's Postcard Swap. I love mail so it's even more enjoyable walking out to the mailbox and finding a creative postcard. I'll have to post the ones that I receive. There are some creative people out there!

Who's Jogging?

We are going out of town this weekend. Tommy often enters four wheeler races so we are going to offer our support. Of course, I'll be the one racing, racing to keep up with the demands of a 5 1/2 month old. I'm actually looking forward to it and think I've thought of everything. We decided to purchase the Schwinn Instep Single Jogging Stroller since the area surrounding the track isn't exactly like shopping at the mall. Who knows, when we get home, I may even take up jogging to put this thing to good use...but don't hold your breath.

Between a rock
My mind is racing and I can't get back to sleep. First of all, I stayed awake until way past midnight surfing the internet and watching Season 9 of Friends. I knew it was stupid and knew I would pay for it today. I just couldn't bring myself to shut down the computer.

Then I start thinking about my classroom and how I haven't been there in 5 1/2 months. What if things are a wreck? What if things I have been collecting for 8 years go missing? Ugh. I hate that I am such a control freak. I miss that part of my life-teaching. I am so torn between these two things which I love. Being a teacher is so much a part of my life. On the other side, I can't imagine not being home with Owen. He does something new every single day and I just don't want to miss that spending my day with other people's children.

It's 6 AM and the little monkey is stirring.

I'm torn...and sleepy.

(Sigh)
We don't have the DIY Network in my area despite my countless attempts at trying to persuade the cable company. Granted, I have just sent the form letter provided by the DIY site but still, I'm trying. So today, when HGTV aired the DIY show, Knitty Gritty, I had to tune in. Because I can't knit it was all foreign to me but still I was amazed.

"What do you do with mountains of spare plastic shopping bags? Recycle them, of course. Simply collect the bags, cut them into strips and knit. This knitted carryall is such an easy project once you're used to working with the different textures of plastic."

And I thought recycled shopping bags were used to carry out used cat litter, silly me. See Tommy, there is a reason why I am saving all those bags that fly out at you when you open the pantry.

Early Mother's Day Present

I have had the Mommy Jewelry site in my favorites for a while now. Finally decided after getting the okay from Tommy to order a necklace for my first Mother's Day.

I have so much junk that I need to go through and get rid of. I'm having a yard sale with my mother and sister in May. I am sure someone can benefit from this clutter. One man's trash...

Having a little boy makes it so much fun to search for boy themed papers for scrapbooking. I adore this "Raygun" paper by Daisy D's. It has that wonderful vintage feel. Now I just need some pictures to go with it!

Your Linguistic Profile:

45% Dixie

45% General American English

10% Yankee

0% Midwestern

0% Upper Midwestern

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

For the record, the question about an easy course...I had to mark something but actually we called it a "bump" class when I was in school.

Owen at Five Months

Yesterday you did a lot of smiling at the doctor's office. Well, up until the time the nurse came in to give you four shots. Two in each of your little meaty thighs. You handled it like a champ. After the doctor's office we went to visit grandma at work. Everyone loved your pretty blue eyes and grandma left lipstick on your cheek where she kissed you. Mama left it there because kisses from grandma are pretty special.

It seems like just yesterday I was writing about you turning four months. The time is flying by. You are rolling all over the place, sitting up (almost on your own), and standing every time you can get someone to hold onto you. Your favorite foods are bananas and pears. I don't think I'll ever feed you sweet potatoes again since they seem to make you a gassy crankpot.

I wish I could capture the look on your face when your Daddy comes home from work every afternoon. Since Daddy started his new job, he's home every day around the same time...no more shift work. Your eyes light up, you get the biggest grin on your face, and you almost jump out of my arms when you see your Daddy. I know there will be plenty of times when you and Daddy try to leave me here to go ride four wheelers or do "boy stuff" but for now, you are Mama's boy. That is just fine with me.


Thanks to Auntie Tina for the cool t-shirt!

I never realized until I gave birth to a son with a congenital heart defect just how prevalent heart defects are. We've come a long way in the past fifty years but still have a long way to go. You would think that since some heart defects aren't detected until weeks after a baby is born that more would be done in the hospital to assure a child has a healthy heart before being dismissed. We are eternally grateful to the doctors and PICU nurses in Jacksonville and Owen's cardiologist here in town for taking such great care of our little boy.

"Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) are the number 1 birth defect and the leading cause of birth defect related death, yet there is very little public awareness of the 35 known diagnosis of CHD."

Comforts of Home

I am involved in another round of circle journals with sixteen remarkable women. I have been a part of this group of women for about four years now and I feel blessed to know each and every one of them. The first circle journal I received was a journal about the Comforts of Home.

My entry can be viewed in full here.

The full text reads:
"My home is a source of great comfort to me. I try to choose objects in my home which make me happy. I can remember pressing my nose against the glass of our family china cabinet when I was a little girl. I would stare inside at the small sugar bowl complete with spoon. When I grew up and had a house of my own my mother gave me that prized sugar bowl. It now sits on top of my china cabinet so little hands or clumsy husbands have to admire it from afar.

I love to scour flea markets, antique shops, and home stores for items to add just the right touch to our home. I know that "you can't take it with you" when you leave this earth, but having things in my home that remind me of my childhood or put a smile on my face is my definition of comfort."

We had a wonderful Easter. We were going to attend the sunrise service at our church at six but when we woke up to get ready it was pouring. We did make it to the 9:45 service.


I came home and made deviled eggs and put Owen's Easter outfit on him. We went to my sister's for lunch. Everything was yummy, as usual. Owen found one blue Easter egg and even had a taste of Grandma's Cadbury Mini Egg. I wish I had a good picture of the three grandkids together but they wouldn't cooperate.

A few random things...

Took the boy to the mall to get his pictures made with the Easter bunny yesterday. I could see the germs floating in the air so we ducked in and right back out again. I'm a nervous mother, can't help it.

I'm a little nervous because things are changing around here. Not in a bad way but change makes me nervous.

Really need to get back to working out on a regular basis. I'm already back to my pre-pregnancy weight (I chalk that up to breastfeeding, TMI?) but need to tone something fierce.

My house is finally clean and organized and I'm too obsessive about keeping it that way.

The wedding shower was yesterday and I should blog about the beautiful bride and how wonderful the games were or how nice it was to see family members. Even though all those things are true, instead I have to talk about the food. I made my pinwheels but Tommy's aunt made these:

Rock 'N' Rollers

4 (6- to 7-inch) flour tortillas
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup peach preserves
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup packed washed fresh spinach leaves
3 ounces thinly sliced turkey breast

1. Spread each tortilla evenly with 1 ounce cream; cover with thin layer of preserves. Sprinkle with Cheddar cheese.

2. Arrange spinach leaves and turkey over Cheddar cheese. Roll up tortillas; trim ends. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

3. Cut "rollers" crosswise in half or diagonally into 1-inch pieces.


I think I ate a dozen or more. Aunt Frances told me the ingredients but I had to go searching on-line and found this recipe. Apparently they only used two spinach leaves because as they were rolling them the roll-ups started to get too fat and wouldn't stay together. That's good to know since I'll be taking these to the next party I attend.


Image © Publications International, Ltd.

Yesterday would have been my Dad's birthday. I miss you Daddy and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you and how lucky I am to have known you.

It saddens me that Owen will never know his Grandpa Jack or what a wonderful man he was.

Lack of updating here is being caused by lack of sleep. My husband is such a dear and does take over for me most mornings when he is on a shift where he is able. I am trying to get my craft room organized and cleaning for Bunco which is being held here tomorrow night.

Then I have to prepare a yummy appetizer for Tommy's cousin's wedding shower which is being held Saturday. I'm making Tortilla Pinwheels which are addictive.

Tortilla Pinwheels

8 oz Cream cheese
1 pkg. Hidden valley ranch dressing
Flour tortillas
Black olives -- chopped

1. Mix 8 oz. cream cheese, chopped black olives and one pkg. Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing.
2. Spread this over flour tortillas. Roll tortillas tightly, wrap in plastic wrap and chill for a couple of hours.
3. Then slice in rounds and serve.

Owen Thomas you are a mess! You can now roll over (both ways). You seem to love rice cereal but aren't too keen on those organic apples I tried to feed you tonight. Your smile just melts your mommy's heart and when you squeal with delight I turn to mush. You are reaching out and batting things and it takes all we can do to keep you from wanting to stand up all the time.

I feel a little sorry for you being born to a mother like me who worries more than it's healthy to. I think you'll be going off to kindergarten and I'll still be counting how many breaths you are taking per minute. Your grandpa used to say, "There are no guarantees." And I know this is true. Life can change in an instant the way it did when they told me there was something wrong with your little heart. Defective they said. Even though it is fixed I won't truly relax because if I do, the bad karma demons may take notice and swoop in unexpectedly. I just keep thanking God for bringing you into my life. Because you are worth all the worry and all the sleepless nights.

Happy 4th month son. "There are no guarantees?" I'll have to respectfully disagree with grandpa, as I can guarantee that your mama will love you with every fiber of her being.

The weekend went by far too quickly. Saturday I attended Sewing Class and Embroidery Class (back to back). I feel a little more confident with the machine now. Before the class, I couldn't even thread the machine correctly. I guess I'm not used to the self threading mechanism. It is kind of tricky. The teacher is wonderfully patient and knowledgeable. I embroidered a line of pigs but they are marching uphill. I'll have to work on keeping the material straight. Working with the hoops is much more fun since the material stays in one place and the machine does all the work.

Next month they are offering a Machine Applique Class that I am looking forward to. The same teacher will be teaching it so I know I'll learn something.

Punkin

You-the way you would steal pipe cleaners from my craft stash and bring them to me all wet and slobbery to throw so you could fetch them and bring them back.

The way you would meow when anyone would go to the refrigerator until someone would put milk in your bowl.

The way you would try to steal my pillow in the early years, and warm my feet until you couldn't jump on the bed anymore so you settled for sleeping underneath it.

I miss you already. Rest in peace, my friend.

Valentine Album for Grandma

I made this album of Owen's first three months for my mother. If you are interested, you can see the whole album here.

Update: I have fixed the link and the album can now be viewed...sorry!

I got a new toy for Valentine's Day. I'm going to be a quilting, embroidering, fool! The place where we purchased the machine also gives free lessons for life. I'm really going to need all the help I can get.

I've been working on Owen's quilt which I am quilting by hand. I forgot how sore my fingers used to get. Especially the finger held underneath the quilt which inevitably gets poked nine times out of ten.

It's my mother's birthday today. Happy Birthday, Mom!

The Keith Urban concert was fantastic. Though we did get a nice laugh at people waving their open cell phones in lieu of a lighter during the slow songs. He is a phenomenal guitar player and definitely deserved to be this year's Male Vocalist at the CMA's.

Mother, sister, and favorite aunt came over on Saturday for a visit. Mother ended up spending the night and was a welcome help!

I can't believe that the weekend is almost over...not that I have to go to work tomorrow or anything.

I decided I was tired of having to get my hair done when the roots started showing. It's been so long since I've seen my natural hair color I was in for a bit of a shock when I went back all brown today. I'm between loving it and hating it. My hairdresser is always trying to talk me into cutting my hair shorter. I try not to take offense...what's she saying that I look like crap with long hair?

Tomorrow night I'm going with sister, niece, and a few friends to see Keith Urban. Since husband is working graveyard Baby O will be spending some time with granny.

I once said that my child would sleep in his/her own bedroom from the start.
Owen hasn't slept in his crib one night since he was born. In fact, most nights he can be found located in the bed with me.

I once said that breastfeeding wasn't for me and just seemed sort of creepy.
I now sometimes feel like a dairy cow Moo!

I once thought that I could manage a perfect household, a full-time job, and motherhood and it would be a piece of cake.
As the laundry piles up, I'm not going back to work, and I'd much rather lie on the floor with my son watching him kick and smile than anything in the world.

I would walk across continents barefoot for that little boy. As he turns two months old, I can't imagine my life without him in it. If it is possible to love another human being too much, then I am guilty.

The Whoozit Collection

Manhattan Toy Company has some of the best toys. My favorites are the Whoozit Collection. Tonight while shopping at Target, this little guy just jumped in the buggy.

Sometimes I don't know whether I buy the toys for him or for me.

I have decided not to return to work for the remainder of this school year. I will really miss my class because they were a great bunch of kids. But, my own child needs me during this time so it wasn't a hard decision to make. I never knew the joys and heartbreaks of being a mom would be so closely entertwined. I love that little guy more than anyone in the world.

Since we spent Christmas in Jacksonville, we haven't exchanged presents with our families yet. Though really the only present I need is lying three feet from me in his bassinet. We will be celebrating Christmas with my family this Saturday at my sister's house. I still have a few presents to purchase.

I meant to send out Christmas cards this year and didn't get around to that either. So, if you sent me a Christmas card I am so sorry I wasn't able to reciprocate. If I have learned nothing else during this whole ordeal I have learned not to take my loved ones for granted. Life has a way of stopping on a dime when you least expect it and turning your world inside out. It could always have been worse than it was and I am eternally grateful for our outcome.

We were discharged Friday and left Jacksonville this morning at 5 AM. I am so glad to finally be home. Owen will be monitored by the Pediatric Cardiologist here for quite some time which is fine by me. Of course I will be a nervous wreck watching him for anything out of the ordinary. His incision seems to be healing nicely, already. We just have to be careful not to pick him up under his arms...we have to scoop him up instead. He has been through more in seven short weeks than I have in thirty years.

As I write this, my son is sleeping soundly in his hospital crib. It has certainly been a frightening experience for us all. Owen was found to have a congenital heart defect called Coarctation of the Aorta which essentially means that his aorta had a narrowing in it causing his heart to have to work harder to pump blood through that narrow opening. We have been blessed with some of the finest doctors and nurses during our stay.

The surgery to correct the coarc took place Monday afternoon. Owen was then placed in NICU again where he was monitored for 24 hours by his own personal nurse. The chest tube was removed Tuesday morning and the breathing machine was unhooked Tuesday afternoon. We were transferred up to the floor this afternoon and hopefully will be discharged by the end of the week.

I would like to thank everyone for their prayers and thoughts for our son. It has been one terrible roller coaster ride. I am just so thankful that he is on the mend. It is amazing how much you can love someone you just met six short weeks ago. I thank God every day for this precious gift he has given us.

Please keep our son in your prayers. Owen was flown to Jacksonville on Monday due to a heart problem. They are having to wait to perform surgery until he gets over a respitory virus. I am out of my mind with worry but know that the more people praying for Owen the better.

Second Annual Bake-A-Thon
Today was our second bake-a-thon. The only recipe used from last year was the cornflake holly clusters. The picture above shows just a small sampling of this year's treats. From left to right: Holiday Pretzel Treats, Cornflake Holly Clusters, Nutty Caramels, Oatmeal Crisps, Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies, Tommy's Granny's Fruitcake Cookies.

My favorites? The cornflake holly clusters (reason why they were repeated from last year) and the Oatmeal Crisps. The Holiday Pretzel Treats were super easy and would make great treats for co-workers and neighbors. We ended up with 12 dozen fruitcake cookies even though the recipe was supposed to yield 18 dozen. We made about 4 dozen of everything else. Now that the dishes are washed, the kitchen floor is mopped, and the treats have been divided equally, I can look forward to next year!

A few weeks ago, I made a tomato pie. My mother watches the Food Network especially on the weekends and happened to see the recipe on Paula Deen's show. So she made one and told me how excellent it was. When she first told me about it I thought it sounded very strange. I watch Paula's Home Cooking occasionally and love her southern recipes. Well, the pie was a definite hit at our house. It may sound gross but it was a recipe I will be making again in the future. The only problem is I don't think the pie would be very good the next day reheated. So, we ate all of ours the night I made it.

In other cooking news, we are planning our Second Annual Bake-A-Thon this weekend. (It sounds fancy when I call it that!) So far, we are planning on Fruitcake Cookies, Oatmeal Crisps, Cornflake Wreaths, and a few candy recipes. The homemade Heath bars we made last year might sneak their way back into the mix, as well. We are baking at my house this year so hopefully Cousin Erica (hi, Erica) will come along to babysit the little one.

The little man of the house might finally be asleep. He's been fighting it for hours now. I really should be sleeping while he sleeps but instead I'm up and on the computer.

I didn't realize how little time I would have even staying home all day. I would love to sit down with some felt and do something crafty. I need to make Baby Owen's birth announcements. I think I have narrowed down the picture choices.

I still haven't decorated for Christmas. I feel like such a slacker. My goal is to do something crafty before the end of the week and to decorate for Christmas.

I'm finally getting around to posting the recipe for the Caramel Pecan Pie I made on Thanksgiving Day. I wish I had some right now. I used Werther's Caramels in mine. By the way, the credit for this recipe goes to all recipes.

Caramel Pecan Pie
1 9" unbaked pie crust (I used deep dish)
36 caramels
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup milk
3/4 cup sugar
3 eggs
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup pecan halves

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2) In a saucepan, combine caramels, butter, and milk. Stir frequently over low heat. When mixture is smooth, remove from heat and set aside.
3) In a large bowl, combine sugar, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Gradually mix in the melted caramel mixture. Stir in pecans. Pour all into unbaked pie crust.
4) Bake in preheated oven for 55 minutes.

Baby Owen is two weeks and one day old today. He keeps me pretty busy and I have neglected this blog, laundry, and pretty much all household chores. He is most definitely worth it, though.

We spent Thanksgiving at my sister's house again this year. The food was excellent and I can't wait until Christmas so we can eat like that again. I made a caramel pecan pie which was delicious. Instead of Caro Syrup, I used 36 caramel candies melted with butter. I was worried it might not be good so I made an old fashioned pecan pie as a back-up. I shouldn't have worried because from now on, we'll be eating the caramel pecan pie!

I tried to do a little Christmas shopping before Owen made his arrival but I didn't quite make it. I need to get busy since Christmas will be here before we know it.

He's Here!

Owen Thomas made his arrival into this world on Saturday, November 13 at 4:03 PM. Labor was incredibly easy. You just have to love that epidural. I was really only in serious pain for about 20 minutes...though it was the longest 20 minutes of my life. He weighed 7 pounds 2 ounces and was 19.75 inches long.

I'm starting to get a little nervous. In a week or two, I'll actually be in charge and responsible for another living being...besides myself. Me, who has to have an automatic shut-off iron and still worries whether I unplugged the darn thing on my drive to work.

The ticker at the bottom says 11 more days. Where has all the time gone. I was supposed to be mentally preparing for this but I think I put that task off until later. It will be okay. It will have to.

I haven't dropped off the face of the planet, nor have I had this baby yet!

It has been crazy busy here lately. We have had two showers, one at work and one for family/friends. I think we are just about set for baby clothes until he's in elementary school.

There are a few things we still need to purchase but all in all I think we have it pretty much taken care of. I just can't wait for the little guy to finally be here.

I have spent the last few weeks writing 50 thank you cards and preparing for the substitute who will take my place one week from Friday.

Unless Baby Owen decides to make an earlier than expected appearance, I will be working until November 12.

I went to vote today which makes me feel like a good citizen. It's the little things.

I had an ultrasound yesterday and the technician says the baby weighs 6 pounds 4 ounces. (Insert that emoticon with the bulging eyeballs, here). All I have to say is ouch. I know that measurements can be slightly off so I am hoping she over calculated just a tad.

This is going to be one busy week. My oldest niece turns 17 on Saturday so we will be celebrating her birthday tomorrow night. Thursday is my baby shower at work and that night I have Bunco.

I'd like to go see that new scary movie The Grudge which comes out Friday. Hoping I can talk niece into going with me but with her busy social life, who knows.

I am hoping that all this activity will take my mind off my expanding waistline and the fact that my maternity shirts are getting a touch too tight.

I think the kids were ready to return to school. We spent some time debriefing about the storm and then it was business as usual. Fall Break was canceled, four days were taken off Christmas vacation and one day removed from Spring Break.

I'm not sleeping well these days and I realize that the worst (sleeplessness) is yet to come. At least then I will be getting up for a beautiful little reason and not to stumble to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

I'm sure I am ruining my teeth eating ice non-stop. I guess it is better than craving chalk or rocks.

Busy

Preparing for the childrens' return on Monday

Trying out new recipes (chicken cordon bleu, white chili, bruschetta chicken bake)

Completing errands that should have been done months ago. The poor oil change guy said my oil had changed to gel...Pitiful, I know.

Worrying about anything and everything

Trying to get a good night's sleep

Random Thoughts

I still have not received my October MS Living magazine. I came very close to buying it in the store yesterday.

I tried to take the girls to the bookstore yesterday but it seems both of our bookstores (Books A Million and B&N) are closed due to damage from Hurricane Ivan.

Doctor's appointment yesterday went well. It seems that only one of my sugar levels is slightly elevated. I still have to attend a diabetes class next Monday. But, I won't have to monitor my insulin levels just follow the recommended diet.

Found out yesterday that I have to go back to work on Monday. The kids don't return until the following Monday.

I feel slightly silly writing about magazine subscriptions and bookstores when there are people living out of their cars in my city, but I have to return my life to normal or I might go insane.

We are alive. Thank goodness. I have to say that I have never seen anything like Ivan in my entire life. We were on the eastern side of the eye which really got the worst winds, storm surge, etc. Our beautiful beaches are totally demolished with no sand dunes to speak of. People lost their homes, some even lost their lives riding out the storm.

We were truly blessed only losing most of the trees in our yard and a few shingles off the roof. We were lucky only being without power for four days and some of our neighbors are still without power. The schools in my county will not reopen until October 11. Which will make a total of four weeks.

Tommy and I sat out in the garage and watched the storm which raged for at least six hours. We listened to the pine trees in our yard snap like toothpicks. I can't explain what it was like but I never expected anything like what I witnessed that night.

Things aren't going to be normal here for a long time. We were lucky.

Bracing for Ivan
Schools were shut down on Monday before we knew exactly where landfall would occur because most of our schools are used for shelters.

We have a large generator which should run the entire household but it supposedly uses a gallon of gas an hour. Gulf Power has warned that if Ivan hits the Gulf Coast at a Category 4, we are expected to be without power for three weeks.

We have stocked up on batteries, canned goods, and water. Of course, we bought some magazines and a puzzle, as well.

Some good news is that I did manage to go take the three hour Glucose Tolerance Test and we had our second ultrasound yesterday. The baby now weighs 3 pounds 11 ounces according to the technicians measurements.

As usual, the weekend was entirely too short. Even though we got an extra day off it still seems like it flew by.

I should be making dinner but instead I'm glued to this chair. I spent all day yesterday cleaning my office and washing clothes. My sweet husband finally had to make a step stool for me to reach our bed. Our bed is extremely high and with this belly, I was finding it harder and harder to get up on the thing. Not to mention the thousand trips I make to the bathroom each night.

As usual, he has outdone himself in the woodworking department. I'll have to post a picture as soon as the varnish dries. I did take it for a test run one night and I have to say it is going to make life much easier.

I failed my one hour glucose tolerance test. With a level of 212...135 and under is what they are looking for. I guess those tater tots and ketchup I ate around noon didn't really help, though. So, I have to go in for the three hour test before my next appointment. I'm not looking forward to that one.

Last night, we headed over to Biloxi, Mississippi for a show at the Beau Rivage. It ended up being so crowded we couldn't even enjoy ourselves afterward at the casino.

Belated Birthday Present

My sweet Mother-in-law sent me this 1-1/4 Le Creuset saucepan for my birthday. It arrived on our doorstep today. I was surprised and ecstatic. I am torn between cooking in it right now or putting it on the shelf to look at. I think now she has created a monster as I am thinking of using my birthday money to purchase a friend for this little saucepan.

My birthday was excellent. The only thing I have to complain about is turning thirty, but considering the alternative, I'll take thirty over dead any day. Actually celebrated on Wednesday with the family. We went out to eat at our regular "birthday celebration" steak restaurant. Now, I'm looking forward to a relaxing weekend and maybe some shopping with my birthday money.

Hot!

I have been on a popsicle kick these past few months. I'm like a walking furnace. Currently, we have five boxes of popsicles in our freezer. My new favorites are Edy's Whole Fruit Coconut. It's like a pina colada on a stick.

Tomorrow is Open House and all I can think is how sad I am I'm going to miss playing Bunco this month.

Since it is Open House, I will be staying at school from 7 in the morning until 8 at night since it is utterly ridiculous to drive 40 minutes home then back again. I know that I will get a lot accomplished so it's okay with me. Plus the next day is Friday so that helps alot, too. Things tend to get easier to deal with the closer it is to the weekend.

Whew...thank goodness it's Friday. My school children are great but my feet sure do hurt.

I haven't done anything productive this week. Right now, my husband is out there standing on the bucket of a tractor cutting limbs out of the trees in front of the house. His father is sitting in the seat of the tractor so I guess he'll save him if he falls. This weekend we hope to actually get the yard in order. Right now, it looks like a huge mud wrestling arena. We did sod part of the yard before moving in but the other part is in dire need of some tender loving care.

I would love to get some topiaries to put on the front porch and some hanging pots with huge ferns. My sister has a green thumb and I, sadly, do not. I need to enlist her help in choosing plants for the flower beds. Well, we would actually need to have flower beds before planting anything in them. One day and one thing at a time.

Today was the first day of school with children. It went pretty well. I did get tired and my feet hurt but other than that I think I can handle this pregnant thing pretty well. The only problem is that my first "real" break is at 11:35. I tell you it is pretty hard to go four hours with your uterus pressing on your bladder. Especially when you drink a 16 oz drink every morning before work. I guess I am really going to have to stop doing that.

There are no pictures today. Sadly because today the cable modem was finally installed. I had all but given up.

I am slowly getting back into teacher mode. The kids come up to meet the teacher and drop off school supplies this Friday. I am excited that I will get to see some of my students from last year.

They are coming to install the cable modem this afternoon. I might actually get to upload some pictures once they do that.

I had a workshop all day today and we actually got an hour and a half for lunch. The whole city must take lunch between 11:00 and 12:30 because I met them all at Wal-Mart.

There was a walking stick outside the bathroom window last night. Walking sticks give me the creeps. I don't know if it's because they resemble an inanimate object or its their beady eyes and fragile looking bodies. In my mind, not all insects are created equal. Give me ladybugs, fat bumblebees, and grasshoppers any day.

We're moving and packing!  I'll be back as soon as possible!

Ultrasound Today
When we first arrived, our baby had its foot right between its legs and for a second I was afraid we may not find out today. We saw kidneys, heart, feet, arms, hands, legs and BOY PARTS! We took away tons of baby pictures including profile pics. It was all very exciting!

It's A Boy!!!

Spent Friday night at my sister's house to celebrate brother-in-law's birthday. We had a fried food festival which included fried mullet, chicken wings, cheese sticks, fried pickles, jalapeno poppers...well pretty much anything you can roll in batter and throw in the grease.

Yesterday was spent installing the wood flooring in the kitchen which we have been waiting to do until the cabinets were installed. Oh yeah, after seven weeks of incompetence, we finally have cabinets.

Hopefully we should be moving in by next week. My fingers are crossed.

We have been having a Friends marathon at our house for the last couple of weeks. I never was a faithful watcher of Friends, not because I didn't think it was a great show but because I hate tuning in in the middle of something. So, instead we just spend a gazillion dollars on the DVDs. They did a great job releasing seasons 1-7 quickly. It really sucks that we have to wait until November for season 8 to arrive in the stores. I don't know what we are going to watch until then.

We decided to ride up to the in-laws lake houses (that is plural, makes me sick, too). Instead of relaxing, we spent the majority of our time installing flooring and trim. We did manage to take the boat out for a while. Makes me realize that we really need a boat. I'd settle for one lake house, though.

The neighbors have a really cool chocolate lab named Maggie. She chases chipmunks and isn't very nice to them when she catches them. Evidently there are a lot of chipmunks in that area. They say you have to get up really early to see them. Getting up early isn't my idea of fun. Well, not to see Alvin, Simon, or Theodore, anyway.

Random Bits

We should have cabinets installed by Friday. That makes me very happy.

We also went to see Dodgeball today. Wondering where Jason Bateman has been all this time?

Shopped for appliances today. I'm really not that particular about ranges and microwaves. I think we are deciding to go with stainless. All I care about is that we have a quiet dishwasher. I am so tired of this one we have now. We need earplugs just to operate the thing.

Shelby's party was a success. The kids swam while the adults broke every rule posted for the "jumping castle." Not nearly as much decoration and planning as last year. We just didn't have the energy.

Growing up, we had three scuppernong vines in our backyard. My father built the trellis for them to grow upon. Every summer, my sister and I would drag the barstools out under the scuppernong vine. My dad cut a few holes in the wire mesh so we could put our hands up through to reach the more stubborn ones.

Sometime after I moved out and got married, the vines disappeared. Maybe dad got a little too tired of taking care of the vines or they just got in the way. I have had to indulge my appetite for scuppernongs since then by purchasing them from the fruit stands. I have decided when we move to our house (if ever) we are going to plant some vines. They must be planted in pairs for successful fruit production. I guess they cross pollinate? I have learned that the female vines produce bigger scuppernongs than the male ones. My sister always called the last vine for herself since it was the one with the largest fruit. That's okay because after she moved out, I had all three vines to myself.

I realize that some people in the northern states may not be familiar with scuppernongs. Scuppernongs and muscadines are members of the grape family. You do not eat the outer casing just the inside of the fruit. Seasoned scuppernong eaters just squish the fruit in their mouth, throw the shell on the ground, spit the seeds out, and grab another scuppernong

Image: North Carolina Wine & Grape Council

Today was an interesting day at our household. For once, we didn't leave the house at all. It probably helped that is stormed all day long but still it was nice. We sat in front of the computer for hours, ate whatever we could find in the pantry, and watched half of Friends Season 4. Husband starts graveyard tonight so that was the worst thing about the day. But, we need more days like this one.

This past weekend, sister bought a Miniature Pomeranian for niece Shelby's birthday. I went to visit yesterday to check out their new addition to the family. He is just the cutest little roly ball of fur. He would play a little then go fall asleep. Already he has bounced off the screen at the pool and fallen in the pool. I think he is up for many more adventures, well after he gets up from his nap.

Friday I decided to go for a drive and ended up at the library. After four years of not using my library card, I thought I would have to apply for another one. I was pleasantly surprised that they still had my information on file. I looked for some crochet and knitting books for beginners but came up empty. I settled for two fiction legal thrillers instead.

On my little road trip, I came across this laundry tin at World Market. I have wanted one for a while after coming across it in a catalog somewhere. This one was much cheaper which is a plus.

Let's hope this week actually yields some cabinets in our house. It is so sad to just see our house practically completed just sitting there without our stuff in it.

Sister and I finally managed to take care of some title work we have been putting off since Dad's death two years ago. Just because time has passed, doesn't make it any easier though.

Today I met niece Erica's new boyfriend. Very cute and much improvement from last boyfriend. I think the whole family is in agreement on that.

Yesterday, Tommy and I decided to go see Shrek 2 and as we tend to do, we didn't check the time beforehand. We arrived at the movie theater thirty minutes early. So...we snuck in to check out Day After Tomorrow. Shhh, don't tell. From what I saw of it, it was pretty good and action packed. Since I felt bad, I did buy the book so maybe the police won't come after us for sneaking in the theater.

Tonight we watched 50 First Dates which we both enjoyed.

If I had lots of money to spare (I don't), I would most certainly purchase one of these appliance grips from Horton Brasses.

"You don't have to use conventional kitchen cabinet hardware. These are made from solid brass and are perfect for both fridge doors and pull out refrigerated drawers. Fits Sub-Zero appliances. They also work beautifully with compactors and dishwashers."

So much more snazzy than that ugly plastic handle and "You can hang a dishtowel on them, too."

It has rained for the last three days. So that tan I planned on getting won't be happening for a while.

Still haven't heard anything from the blasted cabinet man. The cabinets were supposed to be installed the end of this week.

Planning on going to purchase some drawstring pants as I am growing out of mine. No more news to report.

We spent the day installing wood flooring and staining the front door. I actually watched from a safe distance while the front door was stained. Toxic fumes, and all.

My sister is having a cook-out at her house this afternoon for Memorial Day. I'm in charge of deviled eggs which isn't unusual.

Tomorrow, I think I am headed to the outlet mall with my sister-in-law and mother-in-law. Should be fun. Hoping to get some clothes that actually fit. I guess Tommy will stay and finish the flooring since he likes that job much more than shopping.

We spent the day running around for house stuff, not our house, but another house "Tom the Builder" is building.

At this point, it seems like our house is never going to be completed. Once the cabinet man gets in and out, things should get moving again, hopefully. I guess at some point I need to start packing...

I am loving the summer already. Well, except for the getting fat part.

I would like to say a huge thank you to one of my first ever blog friends. I received the best package that really made my week! She is one of the most thoughtful people I "know." Always sending a little Hawaiian spirit off to those in need! Thanks, Pepperminto. I needed that.

We ended up doing all the trim work and setting all the doors yesterday. Well, actually I was the helper. Tommy, his dad, and a good friend did all the hard work. I scraped all the gummy sheetrock mud out of the receptacles and ran to Wendy's for food. Hey, that's hard work.

Today, I hope to finally get my car washed and my hair done. I am taking my niece with me today and look forward to a girls' day.

Can I finally spill the news that I am pregnant? I really don't want to jinx anything so I just ask for your prayers. We are at 13 weeks today. I don't know why I say "we" since Tommy hasn't been the one with his head over the toilet. Nah, it hasn't been all that bad, really. I am just super tired all the time. I was queasy mostly in the evenings but that seems to have passed. We had our third doctor's appointment on Wednesday and actually got to hear the heartbeat. We were spoiled since we were able to get pictures at the eighth and tenth weeks.

The house seems to be coming along. The painters were there today. We should be laying wood floors tomorrow. Never a dull moment around here.

Only 4 1/2 more days of school with kids!

It has almost been a month? Where has the time gone?

There are officially 9 and a half more days left of school and I can't wait until it is over. Usually it is bittersweet for me but I think I just have too much going on this year.

We have sheetrock and should have paint by next week. I am just ready to get into the new house.

We are celebrating Mother's Day at my sister's with a seafood dinner again! I'm bringing coleslaw this time.

Oops. It has almost been a week since my last post. Where has the time gone?

Monday we went on our field trip to Tallahassee. My brave sister was gracious enough to come along as a chaperone. We left at 4:45 AM. Which means sister and I had to leave home at 3:45 AM. The trip was very nice. We visited the old and new capitol buildings, The Tallahasse Jr. Museum, and another outdoor museum. I did nod off on the way up there but every time I did, I'd hear "Mrs. J. is asleep, look." So I'd have to open my eyes. Just to let them know I see and hear everything. Wouldn't want them to think they could get away with anything, ya know. The worst part of the trip was one bus went to McDonald's and one to Burger King and wouldn't you know our bus went to the latter. I detest BK.

Tuesday I was deathly ill so I stayed home to recuperate.

I really can't remember the rest of the week. It has been pretty uneventful. Our house is now awaiting insulation and sheetrock. Our luck it might come by next summer. How is that for a positive outlook?

I am really looking forward to the weekend I know that!

It doesn't feel like yesterday was a holiday. Tommy and I did so much running around that I was exhausted. We did make it over to my sister's to watch the girls dye Easter eggs. We helped, in our own creative way.

So for Easter tomorrow I guess I am bringing the deviled eggs (as usual) and grape salad. Grape salad is a recipe I was lucky enough to receive from the librarian at work. Cream cheese, two kinds of grapes, pecans, cherry pie filling...yum. Actually typing it out like that it sounds kind of gross.

I just finished reading The DaVinci Code. Now that was a fabulous book. It really makes you second guess what you think you already know.

I do much better with the "fall back" than the "spring forward." I am still tired and it is almost noon.

Yesterday, we went to the motocross track where I sat in the sun and read my new book. It was a relaxing day.

I plan on working on my handmade Easter cards today. Other than that, nothing very new and exciting happening here.

I am so very glad that tomorrow is Friday. I can not wait! It is not that anything particularly exciting is going to happen this weekend. Unless you count not having to go to work exciting...I do.

It is not the children or the job that really gets to me. It is that 45 minute drive to and from work.

My sister is going with me on our next field trip. We are taking the kids to Tallahassee. We are having to leave here at 4:00 AM. Let's hope the kids decide that they need more rest. I'm sure they won't since we are allowing them to bring Game Boys and such on the bus.

In house news, it seems to me we are a standstill since no outward progress is being made. Evidently the plumbers came today so next should be insulation, then sheetrock. Crossing fingers that it happens sooner rather than later.

We are having Easter at my sister's. She is such a great cook that I am looking quite forward to that, as well. I think we have decided that we are having seafood instead of the traditional ham, etc. I wish it was this Sunday!

Not feeling very well today. It seems I am having stomach issues. Nothing sounds good to me right now except fresh fruit. I did manage to eat croutons covered with my favorite dressing (mayo, lemon juice, pepper, feta).

I have been in bed most of the day and I am seriously contemplating returning there after typing this.

Well the house is almost completely bricked now. Thank goodness. Things are slowly coming along. Very slowly, but what do I know, I'm always impatient.

I am so very glad that today is Friday. Bring on the weekend and I will it to crawl by at a snail's pace. It is at this point that I am sick of school. Or maybe I just had a really bad day.

Bethanie has totally spoiled me! I received my Spring Swap box on Saturday. I would take a picture but my camera is MIA for now. So, I'll list the contents...
An insulated bottle with a removable freezer stick
ceramic daisy vase
A book from my wish list
2 ready to make frames
strawberry gel mask
wild honeysuckle fragrant sachet
pocket keychain fan
Tangerine Sours Altoids
Violet tin
Flower soap dish
Small flowerpot
Lip Balm
Cool Glass Beads
Spring Butterfly Ornament
Spring Mini Cookie Cutters
Blue M&M guy
Cool bracelets

Thanks so much, Bethanie! It feels like Christmas around here.

Sick. Head cold or allergies. Something is not making breathing and swallowing very fun at the moment.

It is such a beautiful day today. I just want to sit out in the sun in my reclining chair and read. I think that is just what I will do.

Sunday, we went out to the local motocross track so that husband could expend some energy. I, of course, spent my time catching up on reading and trying to get some sun and not freeze to death.

I can't recall just exactly what I did on Monday and Tuesday of this week but I do know that this Spring Break is going by much too fast for my taste. I think I could get quite used to this staying home business. That was me, living in my dream world, talking.

Tomorrow, we are planning on picking out fixtures for the house. I am excited about that. Right now, I am trying to make the time go by as slowly as possible to savor these days off until summer.

I have the best husband in the world. Now, as soon as I say that he will go and do something to drive me mad. Maybe he won't see this and be inclined to do something to make me feel otherwise. He bought me some metal alphabet stamps and metal tags for my scrapbook supply collection. I think I will keep him!

There isn't much happening here. The electricians were at the new house today nailing up boxes and such. The windows and doors are in now so it actually looks like a house. I am ready for the sheetrock so I can get a better feel for the layout of the house. Right now, walking through the walls doesn't count. I can't wait to see the finished product. Hell, I can't wait to move in...

Has it really been that long since I posted? Ugh.

I guess I really haven't had much to say. That's would be a surprise to the people who know me IRL.

Only one more day of work and then it is Spring Break time. Thank goodness for that.

Since there is nothing on tonight I think I will curl up in bed and watch a season of Friends. Sometimes I am glad I didn't religiously watch some of the most popular shows when they aired. I can just buy the season on DVD...no commercials, no remembering from week to week. I'm a lazy, lazy human right now.

I did end up spending an absurd amount of money on a desktop basket at the Longaberger party. My mother graciously purchased something for me and something for my seester! So, I ended up getting a basket for pens and pencils for my desk.

We decided on the spur of the moment yesterday to drive to Atlanta for the Supercross. We had a great time. The only drawback to the whole experience was the fact that husband had to work today so we had to come home last night. We crawled into bed at about 4 in the morning. I really sound put out by that, huh? Truth be told, I slept in the backseat the whole way home.

Today I have been cleaning like a madwoman. Don't know what has gotten into me. Tommy asked if it was spring already.

I feel like a complete moron because I am really looking forward to the Oscars tonight. I am thinking I need a nap since they more than likely will run over an hour or two.

House News: We actually have walls. Granted, you can see straight through them but they are walls nonetheless.

I am off to pick up sista for a Longaberger party tonight. The lady who gives these parties is always an excellent hostess. So I will eat lots of food and spend lots of money. I'll try not to drool all over the baskets.

This has been the week from hell.

I found out on Monday that my precious kitty has cancer.

A rock hit my windshield and put a big crack in it on Wednesday. I have to tell you that I am glad that Friday finally made it here. I was worried.

They removed the tumor from my cat but it will probably come back they said. I am a nervous wreck about it. The windshield company replaced my windshield on Wednesday afternoon while I was at a meeting so that was good.

In house news, the slab was poured today. I call that progress.

Happy early Valentine's Day!

Tommy and I gave presents a little early. I love my present!

I am celebrating with my family tomorrow. My sister is having a little get together at her house. We are having shrimp, oysters, and mullet. A seafood dinner for Valentine's Day. Sounds good to me!

My mother's 60th birthday is next Tuesday and I still haven't bought a present.

I need to shop for Valentine's gifts for my favorite people and favorite husband. Ummm...only husband.

My cat is sick and I don't know the severity of his illness just yet. I am a nervous wreck.

Circle Journal Explanation
A circle journal group is a group of people interested in journals and/or scrapbooking. Each person decides on a topic/theme for her journal. Themes could be Colors, Favorite Things, Songs That Inspire You, Quotes That Move You, etc. The journal cover is decorated or not...it is up to the creator. Next, a title page is made outlining the theme of the journal, giving an explanation, and any directions are included for recipients of the journal. A sign-in sheet is next for the recipient to sign. Then the creator makes her entry to go along with the theme.

She then mails her journal to another member of the group (usually the same member each time). The journals travel in a circular pattern until each member receives her journal back. Each person must follow the theme of the journal she receives. When your journal is complete, you will have original works of art from all members, thereby getting to know them better in the process.

I can't believe January is almost over. It has flown by. Pretty soon, summer will be here and I look forward to that.

I am tired of it being cold and dreary.

I am still busy painting the cover of my circle journal. I had to apply crackle medium before the last coat. I still have no idea how I am going to decorate the wooden cover. I'll post a picture when I finally get finished!

So they ended up taking the plastic piece off my car to repaint it. You really can't tell it is even missing a piece since underneath, the metal is painted the same. So that problem is partially solved.

We are working on leveling the dirt for our slab to be set and poured for our house. Speaking of new homes, I bought a great mirror last night for our guest bathroom at Hobby Lobby. They were having a sale...1/2 off. Our house now is pretty eclectic country/rustic. That is my own made-up decorating term. I want our new house to have a cohesive feel.

I am involved in a Circle Journal group and have to narrow down a theme. A circle journal is passed among a group and each person must create a layout according to the theme of the journal. I think I have decided my theme will be "A Love Story." Because I definitely have one to tell.

My new car. You know, the one we just bought? Well, while washing it on Sunday with the water hose...a piece of the paint about the size of a half dollar just fell right off! I kid you not. I have to take it in to the dealership tomorrow which is a double pain in the butt.

Along with the fact that my kids missed the afternoon bus due to my ignorance and this just hasn't been my day. Things could always be worse so I will not tempt fate.

In other news, I can't wait until American Idol comes on tonight. I lead an exciting life, yes?

Tommy is working so he misses out on all the great shows. Though really I don't think he cares. Now if it were a Motocross race or something he might be a little disappointed.

I wish I had something witty and clever to say.

But witty and clever is eluding me today for some reason.

I am trying to enjoy my day off and not looking forward to going in tomorrow.

Today is the day of our first anniversary. Had we stayed together we would have been married 8 years. Just a little interesting fact.

New house means more worries. Not that I don't already worry enough.

You know, I would love to be one of those people that stuff just rolls right off their back. Those people, I envy. Me, I worry without a reason. I worry about things that could or could never happen.

But, you know what? I have come to realize that most of the things I worry about never happen. It's the things that I don't give attention to that come up and bite me in the rear.

I have devoted a lot of my life to fretting. People say, "don't worry." Like I have a choice. Do they really think that I want to live in this constant frazzled state?

Not much to report. Today we marked where our new house will sit. I'm just ready to get started. Basically, we stayed around the house all day. We did manage to go out to breakfast. Tommy had fun on the tractor and his dad was on the bulldozer pushing down the old barn. I didn't stray very far away from the fire. It was pretty cold today!

I would like to get back started scrapbooking soon. I miss that. Actually, I miss doing anything creative.

Well it's almost time to go back to work...ugh.

I am not looking forward to it. The next few months are going to be crazy with preparing the kids for standardized testing. Tommy and I will probably be building another house during that time, as well. I always look forward to decorating but my mind may be on other things.

I will miss the house we are in. I guess I should look forward to new beginnings and not worry about what we are leaving behind.