Nothing like November

It's hard to believe that it's November out there. The sun is shining, a breeze is blowing and if the leaves weren't red and yellow and gold...I might think it's springtime. It's a perfect 70*. I've got the windows open and the music on....a great day to catch up on some housework. (Since the cleaning fairies consistently fail me.) I've swept up enough of Zoey's hair to make a wig or two, I've cleaned kitchen and living room and both floors, and encountered enough blasted dust bunnies to choke a horse along the way. So now it's after 2 o'clock in the afternoon. I'm pretty sure the king thinks he needs to clean the bathrooms, since I did the floors on my hands and knees, so we'll just keep letting him think that and maybe I won't have to do that too. He and Wyatt have gone to the dump....feels like an excellent time to get a quick shower and straighten up the bedrooms. When they get back, we'll get the leaves all chopped up and do a little yard work. Gotta make our weekly Lowe's run too....so....y'all enjoy your weekend and enjoy the fantastic weather! xoxox

My kid.....the bully.

Yeah...you read it right. My kid. The bully. Wyatt. Yes...sweet Wyatt. He flicked a kid in the head yesterday....the kid cried....Wyatt got In-School Suspension. Luckily, the assistant principle that he went to remembered him from his broken arm days. He didn't get to dress for the basketball game yesterday and I'm sure that he will have to run a suicide or two. All in all, he says it was NOT worth it...he was just trying to get the kids attention...and didn't flick him hard. "Not as hard as Ben flicks me", he said. But, the kid cried. So Wyatt got in trouble. Lesson learned: Don't flick kids in the head. In-school suspension sucks. (His words, not mine.) I don't mean that about Wyatt being a bully...he's not a bully. He was just made to feel like one...and I was made to feel like a bully's mom too. It was even said to me that they knew there was no malicious intent in Wyatt's actions....so...ISS?? Really??? Anyway, punishment has been served and the lesson has been learned and it's over. No more flicks in the head. Period.

October....

I can't believe it's October already....but it is. With October comes cooler weather, changing colors, and Halloween. October is also Breast Cancer Awareness month. September was Childhood Cancer Awareness month. It is very, very sad to me that we have to have our months assigned to raising awareness for cancer. I wish that we could dedicate the months to something alot more fun....like Tootsie Roll month....or Let's Take Mom to Lunch month. But.....Cancer is a huge part of our world today. Breast cancer gets alot of attention and funding. I don't know why it gets more than the other cancers....it just does. Last year, I walked for the first time in the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. I wish that there was an event like this to raise money and awareness for Childhood Cancer. Y'all know how I feel about Childhood Cancer. Just because we choose to walk in this event, does NOT mean that we are supporting breast cancer over childhood cancer.....Cancer robs us all of people that we love...our kids, our friends, our mothers, sisters, aunts, our fathers and brothers....uncles and husbands. Yes, childhood cancer needs so much more attention and funding.....but if you can get out and so SOMETHING....maybe...just maybe we can save another life. I will be walking....in Pink....on October 24th.....but just like every other time that I walk....I will have my sweet kiddos on my wrist....walking for Graden, Makenzie, Karli, Savannah, Bishop, and little Thomas, too.

No excuses.

I suppose I could go on and on about how busy we have been....but that's lame. I suppose I could go on and on about not having anything to tell y'all....but that's lame, too. Really...I have no excuse for leaving y'all wondering what's been happening in my world. Sorry, but that's just the way it is sometimes. Remember?....it's my blog...and I say that's just the way it is sometimes.
So, we really have been very busy....school, work, basketball practice, concession stand duties, wedding showers, out of town weddings, in town weddings, new babies.....the works! This past weekend, we got to catch up with some of my family at my cousin, Katy's wedding in Atlanta. We are a really fun group...y'all should join us sometime. This weekend, I hope to get to stay home. The laundry has piled up and the dust bunnies are taking over the house....not to mention all the Lola and Zoey footprints by the back door.
While I've been neglecting y'all, the baby next door finally arrived. She is a precious little bundle of all things pink. Lalaina. She is a sweet, sweet baby girl. Baby girls feel different than baby boys....how come? Baby boys are just as sweet....just different. I am collecting ways to spoil her, so any and all suggestions are welcome....her parents will thank us later!
Well, that catches us up a little...I promise to try to do better. Have a happy weekend....xoxox

WARNING: Contains graphic details...NOT for the squeemish or faint of heart.

So, the longer that I am MOM to 2 boys.....the more I learn....and the LESS I understand. For instance...when you're a BOY...apparently it's perfectly acceptable to wear the same clothes....dirty or not....day after day....just because they feel good. WHAT????
And if that's not enough....it's even ok to wear those clothes that feel good.....when you've just had a shower. Now, call me crazy....but CLEAN clothes go on CLEAN bodies. I thought it was easy. HA!
That's not to mention all of the other gross-ness that comes along with BOYS....not to name any names, but especially those BOYS that have just come into their teen aged years. I do have to admit, that in past experience...with another BOY....once they get past this phase, they really do like to be clean and wear clean clothes. I suppose this is my current pet peeve.
Oh yeah....and when the King said to me, "It's almost like riding in the car with yourself, isn't it?". Excuse me??? My mom taught me to ALWAYS have on clean panties....cause you never know what might happen...I'd hate to be in a wreck and have on yesterdays panties! OH...the shame! Thanks for listening....have a great week! xoxox

You made me a Mom.

Nineteen years ago today....at 11:07am...I became your Mom. That's the day that your firsts became my firsts. You were my little boy. Benjamin Joseph....named after your grandfather and your great-grandfather. We picked your name shortly after we knew that we had a little boy on the way. October the 9th was the first time that you smiled at me. Your smile is still one of my favorite things to see. We had a hall full of people at the hospital on the day that you were born. Your dad had been rehearsing the drive to the hospital for months.....and we made it at about 5 am...all that rehearsing paid off...he did just fine and we arrived safely. The rest of the day is a blur....from nurses to visitors to the candle light dinner that we were served after you arrived......all very exciting. Every minute of being your Mom has been exciting to me. I'm very, very proud that I am the one that you call Mom....I love you very much, Bubby.

I'm still at work....be home in an hour.

So, some of you know that my office is right next door to a sports bar. Not the ideal place, but we were there first, so what can ya do? Anyway, I see most of the comings and goings that happen at the sports bar. We even have our own names for some of the patrons. At the moment, there's Shorty and the Tongue, and the cute guy with the motorcycle. We know the real names of most of the other "regulars". So yesterday at about 3:45, a guy walks up to the sidewalk. It seems like they always stop to finish their phone conversation right in front of me. This guy was right in front of me as he wrapped up a call to his wife....or significant other....I assume. This is how his end went...."yes, baby....no babe....I'm still at work, babe. Yes...Still working. Ok baby...I'll be home in about an hour...ok baby....bye." And then he walked right into the sports bar! And sure enough....exactly 50 minutes later...he walked out of the sports bar. At least he was home on time!! I had to laugh out loud at that one!
Y'all have a great weekend....and I'll be home in about an hour!! xoxox

In like a lamb and out like a lion.

Except I thought it was March that inspired that saying. For us, it was July. It started out great....we went to a party on the 4th, then me and Wyatt went to watch fireworks the next night with an old friend and his kiddos. It was all good....right up until the last week of the month. Then it was just one thing after another...and another...and another. I am glad July is OVER! The king and Wyatt somehow managed to have good birthdays though, so that was good. I won't get into everything that happened last week, but I will say, that I no longer think that age 12 is the hardest. Nope. The first few years after high school graduation....now that's hard. Hard for his Momma anyway. Anyway...If you know is, then you should know that we go back for an x-ray on Wednesday this week. If all looks good, they they will cast his hand. If not, well, then they will have to fix his hand probably with a pin. Hope it looks ok!! Sorry to be so vague, but this is my blog and I can be how ever I want to be. Tonight I want to be vague. After last week.....I'm just glad I'm still getting to sleep in my own bed, in my own room....not in the pretty padded room that the King says he has reserved for me. Sleep tight, y'all. xox

Can't find the words.

Sometimes there is alot to say....but it's hard to find the right words....words that won't hurt anyone or get anyone in trouble....words that make sense and words that everyone wants to hear. That sounds much deeper than it really is....it's not meant to make y'all think big, profound thoughts or anything. It's just to let y'all know that I'm still around...we're still making things happen. So....since we last talked, Wyatt and the King have caught a mole. Wyatt turned 13. The King turned 41. Wyatt made his first trip under the house. Ben is working and being 18....soon to be 19 in about a month and like most 19 year olds...he doesn't know what he wants to do. It's ok though.....it takes time. Wyatt goes back to school for a 1/2 day on the 29th, then it's back at it full time on the 3rd of August. That really snuck up on me. I guess we'd better buy some school clothes....QUICK! So, that's about all that's been happening around here. The softball tournament is this weekend....we're hoping for a good turnout. It's been a little different this year and a little harder round up the teams to play....but we're hoping for the best.....some good donations to 3 families...and a little to fund some scholarships for the class of 2010. I probably won't make it back here until after the weekend...so until then....enjoy the pretty sunshine and cooler temperatures. xoxox

Tell me a smooky story.

Since Wyatt just had his birthday, I thought I'd share one of my favorite Wyatt stories. We had been grocery shopping at the Super Wal-Mart in Lebanon....before we had one closer to home. Wyatt was still in his car seat, so he was maybe 3 years old. It was dark outside and we were coming home. We were all acting silly and the road was dark. We had fried chicken in the back and all the boys could talk about was how yummy it smelled. They would be quiet for a little while, then Ben would say something about the chicken. I decided to keep their mind off of the chicken and started to tell them a scary story. Ben giggled the whole time and Wyatt just listened. When the story was finished, Wyatt thought long and hard about it. Everything was quiet and we were just about home when he asked, "Tell me another SMOOKY story, Mommy!" It doesn't seem as funny to type it out, but it was very, very cute when it happened. So from then on, in our family....we only tell SMOOKY stories!
Y'all have a great weekend! xoxox

13 years ago today......

......we were waiting. Not so patiently....but we were waiting. We had been waiting for months, and had been there since the night before. Everything was ready, planning was done, arrangements had been made, people that we loved and cared about were waiting right along with us. Out in the hall were Ben, GaGa and Pap, Nanny and Sissy, Doug and I'm sure several others....I wasn't in the hall, so I'm not sure. If they weren't in the hall, then I'm sure they were waiting by the phone. It hadn't been an easy journey this time....quite hard, in fact, with several bumps along the way. If you haven't guessed it already, we were waiting for a baby. Spenser Wyatt was due to make his arrival any minute now. Although it was 3 weeks before he was scheduled to arrive, it was just the beginning of living our lives on 'Wyatt time'. I had been to see Dr. Goodman the day before and told him we'd have a baby.....TODAY! He gave me the go ahead...no more meds and no more bed rest....try these 2 things and I'll see you back here tonight. (I won't mention the 2 things...use your baby delivery imaginations.) So, sure enough, by about 9:30 that night....I was in labor. Off to the hospital on the hill we go. Once we were settled in, things calmed down a bit....until the morning. Dr. Link broke my water at 8 am and it was on! At 9:25am....Spencer Wyatt was born. There are lots of stories about how Wyatt came into the world. His daddy was ready to deliver him...had his gloves on and everything...until the nurse came in. GaGa was ready at the foot of the bed with the video camera...to capture the moment. Too bad the only thing she captured was the inside of the lens cap. The little girl down the hall also had a baby that day....her experience was quite a bit more dramatic than ours though. Pap was undoubtedly ready to pass out, just because he was in a hospital...but he made it. Ben became a big brother that day...and I became Momma to another fantastic little boy. He's not so little anymore....he stands beside me everyday, just waiting to be taller than me. He's too big to hide in the corner cabinet anymore...I'm sure he'd still camp out in there if he could fit. I've told him the story about the day he was born....and I'll tell him again I'm sure. Everyone has a story....that's the beginning of Wyatt's. I love you, Wyatt!

Let's play catch up.

Not ketchup.....CATCH UP! I haven't talked to y'all in over a week. I know I said I would do better...but it's hard. My brain has been in a blogging slump for some reason.....I wish I knew why. Anyway, last Friday night was the slumber party at Nancy's house. There were 10 of us! We went to dinner and then back to Nancy's for swimming and NERTS! Nerts was a new game to me....I can't believe that Mom and Dad don't play...maybe I can show THEM a new card game next time. It was fun...confusing at first...but ended up alot of fun. We finally hit the sack at about 2:30am. We were up again, bright and early for a yummy breakfast and more swimming. By about noon, there were just 4 left in the pool. I'm pretty sure that everyone had a good time....there are pictures in various cameras, but I haven't seen them yet. Thanks to my 9 favorite girls for my 40th birthday slumber party...love y'all! Happy 4th.....to everybody...xoxox.

What about the Prize Patrol?

It's been a sad week for the entertainment industry. Early in the week, Ed McMahon died. Then, this morning, Farrah Fawcett died. This afternoon, there was Breaking News all over the TV....Michael Jackson died today too. Now, I can understand people being a little sad about Ole Ed. After all, he was Johnny's sidekick for years, and showed up to give people millions of dollars. Even though he'd had some troubles the last few years, I'm pretty sure he was one of the 'good guys'. Farrah has been sick for a few years......the dreadful 'C' word claims another innocent victim. Never really heard any negative news about her....except that she was a little spacey on the David Letterman show years ago. Again....I believe she was one of the 'good guys', too....she was an Angel, after all. So now this afternoon has been all about Michael Jackson. I agree that he was a brilliant performer....I'd even go as far as to call him a genius...musically. I don't know anybody my age or younger that hasn't at least tried to moon walk. Everyone had the Thriller album, the jacket and 'The Glove'. That was then. Fast forward to about 2003. Lots of bad things associated with the name Michael Jackson.....REALLY bad things. Maybe that's why all of the coverage tonight? I don't know. The best comment I have heard so far is "The Michael Jackson that I liked died YEARS ago."

Who needs a microwave.....

.....when you've got a shower? The funniest story to come from Wyatt's trip to basketball camp involves pizza and the shower. It's taken a little while to get the stories flowing....but here's my favorite so far. I guess, every night, the team would play in some sort of 'situational' tournament. Thursday night, the prize to the winner was pizza. Wyatt said they had more pizza than they knew what to do with. Well, at some point, the pizza got cold and they wanted to reheat it. Since they stayed in dorms that were vacant for the summer.....they had no way to heat their cold pizza. I'm not sure who's idea this was.....but.....they took the pizza into the bathroom, where the showers were.....and turned all of the showers on as hot as they would go...letting the hot steam warm the cold pizza! He said it worked, I can't imagine that the pizza got too warm....my first thought was soggy....not warm! Welcome to the minds of 7th and 8th grade boys!!! It seemed that they all had a good time. They won all but one of the games that they played over the 3 days that they were there. When we got to their game on Saturday, they were all happy and smiling. So, we have a break from basketball for awhile and Ben is finished with the quarter at school. Not much else is on the agenda except for some well deserved R & R for everyone. Y'all have a great week.....xoxox

39 years and 364 days ago....

I suppose that's when I was born! Yep....tomorrow I will be 40. One day of 30's left. It's not so bad. Leaving my 30's feels way better than it did when I left my 20's. I don't know why....but it does. 40! HOLY COW! When I was 30...I had an 8 year old and a 2 year old....I had been married for 9 years. Fast forward 10 years....now....Ben is 18 and in college and Wyatt is 12 and in middle school. The king and I were married 19 years ago. I live in the same house as when I was 30...in the same neighborhood that I lived in when I was in high school. Alot has changed in 10 years...but some things have stayed the same. I don't want much for my birthday....just to know that my family and friends are happy and healthy....and the few that aren't so healthy....well, I hope for peace for them. Happy Friday!!! See ya when I'm 40! xoxox

Imagine that....

Wyatt is getting ready to go to basketball camp at Tennessee Tech. They are leaving Thursday and will be back Saturday. Yep....3 full days of basketball. He says he doesn't need a sheet for his bed. (Yes, he does.) He says he doesn't need a pillow. (Yes, he does.) He says he doesn't need anything but his toothbrush and some socks. (Again, YES, he does!) I'm sure we will battle it out tomorrow when it comes time to get it all packed. They are staying in dorms....he absolutely needs a sheet for the bed! Someone suggested a sleeping bag....even better! I'm sure they will have fun...and learn some basketball in the process. He will probably want to wear the same pair of shorts the whole time he is there too. Oh well.....what can I do? Hmmm......maybe I should go with him! NOT!!!!!!!!!!!! Now, if I can just get Zoey to sleep past 5:30 in the mornings.....

Love y'all.....xoxox

One of the many diferences between Ben and Wyatt.

Of course, there are many differences....I noticed one very distinct difference today. Whenever Ben needed to be taken somewhere and picked up again, he was always ready and always wanted to be sure that I would be there as soon as (preferably before) he was finished with practice or whatever it was. Wyatt, on the other hand, prefers to just call me when he gets done. I took him to basketball practice at 5 this afternoon. Being the good momma that I am....I asked him when I needed to be back to get him. Instead of telling me a specific time so that I would be there waiting for him....he just said..."When I call you." What??? When YOU call ME??? So, here I am....waiting for Wyatt to call. Ben never liked to be the last one picked up. Wyatt could care less! There are a few things that the do that are similar....I guess there's no way around that. But some of the differences really make me laugh sometimes. I suppose I'm a little bit of a different momma to Wyatt than I was to Ben. I hope that's OK....surely it is. Surely it happens to everyone that has more that one child. I think it does, anyway......I sure hope so. So, now I must wait for his call.......Love y'all...xoxox

They might be human after all.

So, once again, Zoey has me up bright and early. The only difference is that Ben and Wyatt are up too. Actually, they're already gone....been gone for about an hour now! Yep....they got up at 6:15 and went fishing....TOGETHER! It's awesome to see them doing things together and not picking at each other or fighting. Sure, they could be fighting and picking while they are fishing, but I don't have to see it and I really doubt they will catch many fish that way.
If you've been reading for awhile, you know that I turn 40 this year....next week, actually....7 days....approximately 168 hours. I set a pretty big goal for myself and I did it....so, I don't feel too bad about the big 4-0. I'll admit that I didn't feel too bad about 30 a week before my birthday.....but I felt a little yuck about it on my birthday. I don't think that's gonna happen next week. Several of my friends have already had their 40th birthday...and they seem to be OK....I'm sure I will be too. Until next time....enjoy the sunny, summer days.....xoxoxox

I have a new alarm clock.

Her name is Zoey. She had been waking up for a few weeks at 5:45 every morning. Just a small bark from Ben's room to let me know that she's ready to go out. That was OK....but she's given me that small bark about 15 minutes earlier everyday this week. Yep...5:15 this morning. Time to stop, Zoey!!! No earlier....since no one else in the house seems to hear her small bark. It's not so bad though....y'all know how I love my quiet morning time. I just prefer to have it when it's DAYLIGHT outside! Oh well...I got the dishwasher unloaded and reloaded and 2 loads of laundry done. Hopefully Ben or Wyatt will play and play and play with Zoey today and she won't get up any earlier tomorrow. Isn't she cute though????? Happy hump day....make it a good one!!! xoxox

Watch out for Zoey's tail!

Just when I mentioned that there was nothing to blog about....well, here we go!
After work yesterday, I took Lola and Zoey outside....like always. Since the weeds like to grow in my flower beds, I bent over to pull some while I waited for the girls to do their thing. So, I'm leaned over the weeds and here comes Zoey....fast....out of nowhere....and WHACK! She hit me across the eye with her tail! OUCH!!! Have you ever been hit in the face with a tail?? I'm here to tell ya...it hurts! Wyatt was outside with me and I was sure that my eye would be black this morning.....but nope...it's not....thank goodness! Who would ever believe that story? Suuuure you got that nice shiner when your puppy hit you with her tail! Anyway...if y'all are ever over to pull weeds, (y'all come..there are plenty for everyone) be on the lookout for Zoey's tail.....it'll whack ya when you least expect it! That's all for now. Gotta get a shower.....have a great Thursday!! xoxox

Here we go....

Lately, everytime that I have logged into Blogger....I get here, all ready to type....and I realize that I don't have a thing to tell y'all. Not that things haven't been happening....the things just don't seem all that exciting. Does that mean that the closer I get to 40...the more boring I am becoming? (17 days and counting...FYI) I hope I'm not getting boring.....Boring people suck! Hopefully, there will be some exciting things to tell you about soon.

In the meantime, I can bore you with the things that have been happening. The boys have been going to school....the King and I have been going to work....the dogs entertain us on a daily basis, and the house always seems to be a wreck. The weather has been fabulous...a few pop up storms every now and then...but for the most part warm and sunny. Just so you know...it stormed yesterday. (YOU know who YOU are!)

So, that's that. Wyatt is at basketball practice already and I need to get in the shower. Do whatever it takes to have a great day today! xoxox

Where have you been???

...or maybe...where have I been?!?! Sometimes life just happens. No matter what we do to stop it...it happens. Nothing exciting or eve catastrophic....just life. I suppose that's good.....
So to update y'all on 'life'....my foot is feeling much better. 2 1/2 weeks in the ugly boot and I think I'm ready to hit the track again. School is winding down for Wyatt and the Spring Quarter is wrapping up for Ben too. The King has been working as much as they will let him. We've had car repairs, basketball tryouts, bronchitis, tendinitis, AC issues, and 2 new ceiling fans....all within the month. See what I mean?? LIFE happens! So, with the end of the school year right around the corner....I am ready for things to slow down a little. HA! Like that's gonna happen! Oh well...always exciting around here!
Hope your lives are happy.....and hopefully slowing down a bit! xoxox

Excuse me?!?!

I'm home. My trip was pleasantly uneventful....a few very relaxing days. Except that I took the rain with me to Florida. I got to spend about 5 hours on the beach. BUT....5 hours on the beach is much better than NO hours on the beach. Anyway....it was great to see my mom and dad and overall, a great trip. Since it was raining pretty hard this morning, Dad and I decided that we had better leave a little earlier than planned for the airport. I'm still hobbling around in the boot, so it takes me a little longer to get to the gate. So, we got to the Orlando airport in good time, said our 'see ya next times' and I was dashing through the raindrops to go check in. Blah, blah, blah, and it's time to head to security. Not a long line, should be a breeze. WELL! I took my shoe and my boot off and dumped everything into the bucket and onto the conveyor belt. It's my turn to go through the scanner and the nice man motions me through. I beeped! Holy crap...what made me beep??? The security man asked me "Do you have implants?" "EXCUSE ME????", I asked. That's when I remembered that my cell phone was in my pocket. So I dropped it into the closest bucket and went on through....no beep this time. What a question though....Do you have implants?!?! I'm sure he didn't mean breast implants....but that's what I thought of first! He blushed and I'm sure I did too....it was pretty funny actually! Gotta go now and get the house back together....stay tuned to hear about my new airplane friends! Love y'all...welcome home!

Life happens.

And sometimes we don't even know it. Not too much happening around here...other than the usual craziness. The rain finally stopped for a few days. Might get a little more today though. I've been busy trying to make sure that everything is covered while I'm in Florida. Ramsey has a birthday while I'm gone....so her present is ready for Wyatt and the King to deliver. Wyatt has basketball practice, so Sis will pick him up. There is food in the fridge and toilet paper in the closet....they should be just fine! It's a little bit easier to go now that the boys are bigger. Ben pretty much does his own thing and Wyatt is almost there. He just needs a ride and a meal every now and then and he's set! Oh...and a nudge in the homework department, too! The King is very capable of taking care of himself for a few days, too. So.....while I get myself ready to go.....y'all behave and I'll see ya when I get to sunny Florida! xoxox

I've had enough.

Rain. It seems that all we have had is rain. It feels like the sun is avoiding us. What's up with that, Mother Nature? I know it's been dry for the past few summers.....but c'mon now! Enough is enough! We were supposed to work in Grandmomma's yard today.....no chance of that happening....it's raining. I'm headed to Florida on Thursday morning. I sure hope the rain doesn't follow me there....rain or sun...I won't be wearing my ugly shoe on the beach. Maybe we need to be doing a "Sun Dance". Ok....done complaining for today...have a great RAINY day! xoxo

You gotta be kidding me!

So....I trained my butt off....reached my goal....and finished the 1/2 marathon. Y'all already know that and are tired of it by now. Well, my foot has been sore since the marathon. Kay and I walked 3 miles Wednesday before the softball meeting. It really hurt. So, I broke down and called Dr. Kinney yesterday. Thankfully, no stress fracture, just tendonitis. Now....for the REALLY bad news.....He put me in a really ugly shoe for 4 weeks. Uggghhh!! The king says that I should feel some sort of satisfaction. (I don't understand that.) Wyatt says "If it hurts, it's worth it". (I don't understand that either.) Ben just said "Nice, Mom". (That....I understand). Wonder how my pretty new shoe will do in the rain today....it kinda looks like a boat! Happy Friday....xoxox

Cupcakes and Farmer's Market

Sound like a perfect Saturday? Yep, it does....except it's raining. I've had plans all week to spend today with Lisa, doing the things we love.....cupcakes, yard sales, and purses! Now, it's raining. We're still going.....we're sure to get soggy, but who cares. I've missed my Lisa time. Now that the marathon is behind me, we can finally catch up. We need to get busy on the Softball Tournament too.....July 25 will sneak up on us quick! We have room for 16 teams this year, so if you're reading this and want to play...let me know...please! Remember...this year, in addition to one scholarship for a MJ student and one for a WC student, we'll also be making a donation to the medical funds of three precious little cancer warriors. So...grab your glove and cleats and come on out! Time to hit the shower....xoxox.

Post marathon blues???

What is that? First I heard of it today on Facebook. Seems that some of my marathon friends have the blues. They say the cure for it is to get back out there and walk or run. Hmmm. Makes sense, but I don't think I have the blues. Not yet anyway. In fact, I feel pretty good.....almost back to normal! Almost ready to get back on the greenway....except for hearing that cars are getting broken into. Yikes! Two friends had their cars broken into yesterday while they were on the greenway. I hate to hear of things like that happening. Anyway.....what's next? Memphis in December! Just when y'all thought I was finished...here I go again! Thanks for hanging in there with me....love y'all! xox

I. DID. IT!

I trained for it and I DID IT!!! I knew I could. At least....I hoped I could. My time was 3:20:40. Just 9 minutes over my predicted finish time. Lots of emotions yesterday....I was excited and anxious to start. Then once I got started I was a little nervous. What the heck was I thinking.....a half marathon?!?!? It took me about a mile to get over that. Then I think I walked the next few miles with a big silly grin on my face. All I could think was....I'm doing it!!! Once I settled down a little bit, found a pace that I liked, and some tunes to groove to....I was good to go. Mile 7 (as always) was tough.....and mile 11 was even tougher. The water stations throughout the course were invaluable. The cheers and high fives from the crowd were absolutely necessary. From the yacht man drinking champagne to the little girl in her mothers arms with her little hand out for a high five....they were all awesome! Most of all, the support from my family and friends was amazing. They have been totally supportive through my training, but for the last week.....y'all have been unbelievable. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. And last but not least....my inspiration...Karli, Makenzie, Savannah, and Bishop. When it got tough, I thought about these sweet girls....and everything that they are going through.....and I kept walking....and I thought about Graden...and kept walking. I came across the bridge...and people were cheering like crazy. I came around the corner and got the boost that I needed from a great friend....and I ran across the finish line. The king asked if I will do it again next year...I told him to ask me later. I think I will do it again....the time and energy to train....and the time and energy to do it.....so very worth it at the finish line. So......here we go...April 24, 2010...here I come!!!

Not the way I planned it.

That's the thing about plans. Sometimes they don't go according to plan. I am still walking in the 1/2 Marathon and my parents are still coming up. But, now we have to mix in a funeral. PawPaw Charlie passed yesterday morning. So, even the best plan, sometimes doesn't pan out the way that it's supposed to. We've adjusted things and I will still be just as happy and proud to cross the finish line as before...I will get my race number today, be there for my family this evening and tomorrow, and my ride will be here dark and early at 5am on Saturday morning. Karli's mom has written about plans that change and says that it always happens for a reason....we'll see. So, my clothes are laid out, my shoes are ready....I just need to fill up the iPod with some good tunes (thanks Sis and Roy!) and I will be ready. Y'all probably won't hear from me until I'm on the other side of the finish line....there is alot to do between now and then. So.....wish me luck...and when I come back....I will officially be a Country Music (1/2) Marathon finisher. xoxox

I didn't recognize you with your shoes on.

Here is another...."if you know me, then you know this".....I rarely have shoes on. The King and I have been married for 19 years...and I almost always take my shoes off when we go into somebody's house. So....I always take my shoes off when we go to Grandmomma and PawPaw's house. PawPaw Charlie has never gotten used to my naked feet. But that's OK...I still take my shoes off. The last time that we were there that PawPaw was able to get around and join us, I hadn't taken my shoes off yet. My back was to him and when I turned around....he said, "Oh...Tammi! I didn't recognize you with your shoes on!". I just hugged him and said, "Oh PawPaw! Yes you did!". So fast forward a few months. PawPaw Charlie is not going to be with us for too much longer. Soon, he will be getting his wings. It will be his turn to meet up those that already have their wings, and to watch over those of us that have yet to earn our wings. I will miss PawPaw Charlie. Besides my bare feet...my favorite story is about my fireplace mantle. When we moved into our house, there was a stone fireplace in the living room. The people before us had a gun rack hanging above the fireplace. (I swear, they really did.) So, I asked PawPaw if he would make me a nice mantle for my birthday. So, he came over and measured and got some of my ideas and went home and got to work. A few weeks later , my mantle was ready. Now, I have to tell you, that we hadn't had Wyatt yet. Our little family was just me, the King and Ben. Well, when PawPaw came over to put my mantle up, he had put pegs in it for us to hang our Christmas stockings from. There were FOUR pegs on the mantle. It wasn't too long after my mantle was hung that we found out that Wyatt was on the way. I'm not sure how the four pegs came to be or even why he decided to put pegs in it at all....it wasn't something that we talked about, but I'm glad that he thought of it, and I'm glad that he put four pegs and not five or six! So, to PawPaw Charlie....enjoy your journey and your new found freedom....I am almost positive that I will never have to wear shoes in Heaven. xoxox

Too late now.

On the way to Florida at Christmastime, Wyatt and I listened to Marley & Me in the car. If you haven't read the book, or seen the movie....be warned....you will go from hysterical laughter to big, fat tears at the end. So, last night...I was brave enough to watch the movie. Once again....big laughs, and Wyatt telling me to "grow up, Mom...it's not THAT funny" (it was THAT funny), to the kind of tears that you can't do anything about at the end. Conveniently, Wyatt left the room before the end of the movie.....so that he wouldn't get that lump in his throat, I presume. Once I recovered from the big, fat tears, I was all ready to post about the three that I love....one from doggy heaven and two right here in my house. I should have posted right that minute, because....I slept, and the words that I wanted have left my brain. Maybe they will come back, maybe they won't.....but I will tell you this...it's like Lola and Zoey knew what the movie was about last night. Lola was laying right up against my left leg, and Zoey just as close to my right. The closer to the end of the movie, the closer they got to me...until I was tucked in like a burrito....they each had a leg draped over mine and were sleeping soundly. Unlike alot of people, sometimes they just know....so when I make my daily list of things that I'm thankful for....I have to include my girls...I don't know what I would do without them.

My kinda day.

It's a gorgeous morning in Mt. Juliet. The sun is shining and the birds are singing. It's a little cool, but that's sure to change. I'm gonna have to make this a quick post...gotta get to Kaden's soccer game. We took him last night to get the cleats that we promised to get him for his birthday. What a little cutie! Kaden is 4 and just a little doll! First we took him to eat....of course we made our Friday trip for Mexican food. He wanted a bean burrito...with CHEESE SAUCE...no red sauce. I tell ya....that boy is serious when it comes to eating! Then we were on to the shoe store. He picked out his cleats and said that he needed some sandals too....and some shoes with lights. Boy, the shoe store sure knows how to place the things that kiddos want....and right at their eye level too! Anyway....yesterday was a pretty good day. 10 miles with Kay in the morning and hanging out with Kaden in the evening. Y'all have a great...sunshiney day! xoxox

Tammi is a Hebrew name.

Who knew? Probably alot of people, but I've had my name all of my life and just last night learned that Tammi is a Hebrew name. Sure enough, I googled it....and yep...Hebrew origins. According to one website, Tammi means palm tree and Tam means Twin. Works for me since I love the beach and I am a Gemini. So, you might ask...why the sudden interest in the origin of my name? Well, to make a long story short....I was at Opry Mills last night and got stopped by the sweetest Israeli girl. She works at one of the kiosk things in the middle of the mall...you know the kind. Anyway, she buffed my finger nail and proceeded ask me if I am Jewish. (No) Then she went on to tell me about the Dead Sea Salt and how good it is for my skin. My fingernail is still shiny, too, by the way. So 45 minutes later, with one side of my face "plump and pretty and LOOK! no lines!", I was on my way home....extremely conscious of the lines around my eyes, that I have never paid much attention to. Thanks, pretty Israeli girl. I could have spent $1,200 on all of her products and virtually erased the lines....but you know what? I EARNED my lines! When you get to be almost 40, baby.....every line has been earned! So, although the Israeli girl was very sweet, and pretty and said all of the right things.....she is 24. I don't think I will be back to see her like I promised. She even made me pinky swear. How 24 is that? (Sorry, Lindsay) Mazel tov to you all! xoxox

Happy Easter

Easter Sunday. Rebirth and new beginnings.
A few things that I remember about Easter....I remember coloring Easter eggs with my mom. We always would get the cutest kit that we could and make the prettiest eggs ever. Then we'd head to both grandparents houses.....in our Easter best. I'm sure there was a stop at church in there, but that's not what I remember the most about Easter. I remember the pretty eggs and the pretty dresses and sometimes there would even be a nice little dusting of snow. My sweet grandma would color her very own Easter eggs to share with me and my cousins. I would make a special egg (or 2 or 6) for her and she would then give me one her hers. Bless her heart...she would save my eggs. She would put them away and pull them out the next hear to show me. Thank goodness we never broke any of those old eggs! But she kept all of my Easter eggs in a special place just so that they would not break. I'm not sure what happened inside the pretty shells, but they all sounded like there was a little rubber ball inside....the yolk I suppose. Wonder why we never thought to blow the egg guts out and THEN color the shell for Grandma? I also remember my Easter baskets. My mom used the same basket every year and it seemed HUGE! I saw that basket a few yeas ago and it didn't seem so big at all! Anyway, she would fill it full of the best candy from the best candy store in town.....Rosalind's Candy Castle....best chocolate...EVER! Once I found my huge Easter basket.....I loved looking at all of the tasty treats that Mom so carefully arranged in the grass.....never any peeps or jelly beans for me (thank you, Mom!), just sweet, creamy milk chocolate....and my favorite chocolate covered pretzels. Happy Easter, y'all! xoxox

Almost there

Two weeks. Marathon Day. The last day that you will have to read about it, too. Sorry to go on and on about it, but it's pretty front and center in my brain for the immediate future. I got nine miles in this morning. Kay and I met while it was still dark out even! She had somewhere to be at 8:45 and I had something at 9:00. So we did it at 6am! We averaged a little more than a 14 minute mile. Not to bad if you ask me. I have to admit that there was a moment today (OK...a few moments) that I was seriously doubting myself. It was around mile 7...which turned out to be our fastest mile of the day...according to the gizmo on Kay's wrist. I wore my Karli's Kause shirt today, because that's what I'm wearing on "The Day", and Kay had all of her reminder bands on her arm. What pushed me through the doubt, was thinking about all of these children that we know.....fighting the FIGHT OF THEIR LIVES and the precious angels that have already earned their wings. Chemo, radiation, brain surgery, they worry about their blood counts and their hair falling out, to mention just a few of their worries. Their parents put on the bravest faces possible for their children and they all get through it the best that they can. How can I NOT get over myself and just walk???? So, that's what I did. These children...along with my boys....are my inspiration. So, bear with me for two more weeks....xoxox.

Skank fest.

So...I have a couple of glasses of wine with dinner, and apparently it gives them permission to go nuts. Everyone that knows me, knows that I love my baths. With bubbles. As often as possible. I CANNOT go days and days without bathing. I can't even go one day without a bath or a shower...most days I have one of each. Anyway, Wyatt happens to be the ultimate skank in the family. As much as I scrubbed him when he was little.....he can go days without showering. He doesn't...because I threaten to scrub him...but he could if I'd let him! So, the King and Wyatt.....over my second glass of wine...challenged me to a "skank off".....could I go longer than Wyatt, without a bath or a shower. The deal is...we can wash one part of our body. I won't disclose what part Wyatt chose to wash, but I'm sure you can guess. So, I poured another glass of wine, so that I could think about it some more....and I had to respectfully decline the offer to be the Skank Master of the family. Wyatt is the winner of the Skank award...congratulations son!

How many more?????

Warning: This is not going to be my all time favorite post.

OK....so y'all know about Graden....my first 'bonus child'........he died in 2005 from a rare form of brain cancer. Too tragic and sad for words. Since then, there have been numerous other children IN MT. JULIET to be diagnosed with some type of cancer. Right now, I have 4 reminder bands, plus Graden's, that I will be wearing in the Marathon. If these sweet, innocent children can go through what they go through, then I can finish the 1/2 Marathon. Easy. But....this post isn't about me and the marathon. It's about OUR children in OUR community that keep getting the dreaded, evil diagnosis. Are the statistics the same in other communities? I certainly hope not. What do we do to get answers? Who do we call? What tests need to be done? WHO'S FAMILY IS NEXT??? How many children went through this before Graden, that we didn't hear about? How many others are fighting for their lives NOW, that we don't know about? To take the questions to yet another level....how many ADULTS in MT. JULIET are fighting or have fought the fight of their lives? I'm afraid that number is alarming too. I read CarePages and CaringBridge everyday. I know that there are lots and lots of children...and adults... that get cancer. But why so many here? I think these children deserve some answers....I just wish I knew where to find them....CANCER SUCKS.

Here comes the sun....

.....and that's a good thing. I have a few miles to walk today. 6 to be exact, but I think Kay has plans for 8. Either way....it's nice to see the sun. We're 3 weeks away from the 1/2 marathon. Although I have been very, very determined to do it before my 40th birthday....I never actually allowed myself to think of it being this close. I've been confident that I can do it....just focused on training properly and .....well....just doing it. So, here we are....3 weeks out. I've registered and paid. My mom and dad are coming up and I've given them phone numbers to 2 local hotels. (Their choice, not mine.) I think it may finally be hitting me that I AM DOING THIS! You see....when I was a little girl....that's exactly what I was....a GIRL. Everything GIRLY...... that was me. Dirt...no way. Ball....no way. Snips and snails and puppy dog tails.....no way. Sugar and spice and everything nice.....that was (is) me. Fast forward 39+ years....and not much has changed. Since I have boys, though, I know a thing or two about the snails and puppy dog tails. I also know a thing or two about ball.....I know how many stitches are on a baseball (108 double stitches), I know the infield fly rule, and just enough to make the King nervous if I start yelling at the officials. Thanks to the boys.....I know about dirt now too. I still don't like it....but I know about it. So that puts me to today. THREE WEEKS away from walking 13.1 miles. I've never been an athlete....never wanted to be. But here I am. Although I am not competing with the entire field for the best time....I AM competing with myself.....stay tuned. xoxox

Get outta my bubble.....NOW!

I know, I know....I've already posted once today. BUT....a huge pet peeve just inspired another post. I have to be at a meeting at 7:45 tonight, so to waste a few minutes, I was checking email and catching up on Facebook. As Wyatt was reading over my shoulder (another pet peeve), I could feel him breathing on my arm. It wasn't just usual light breaths...He was breathing hard....ON PURPOSE! Now, since this blog is usually rated G...I will mention that breathing hard is by no means a bad thing. BUT....while I'm checking email, and minding my own business...GET OUT OF MY BUBBLE!!! It doesn't mean that I love you any less....just stop breathing in my space! I love you Wyatt...very, very much. xoxox

Rise 'n shine....it's morning time!

How many times have you heard that? Not as many times as I have said it! For some reason, the older the boys get, the harder they are to wake up. Ben is already up and out the door to work and Wyatt still has a few minutes of snooze time left. Ben was easier than usual this morning....I hope the trend continues with Wyatt. We're pretty low on the grumpy scale this morning too. I don't like morning grumps. Why get up grumpy....when there are plenty of things just waiting to make you grumpy throughout the day? Wake up happy that you woke up....happy that you have another day....happy there there IS ANOTHER DAY!

OK...off the soapbox now. We're halfway through the week...so far so good. No big plans for the weekend either. Just 6 quick miles for me and the usual weekend things around the house. Wyatt started the last 9 weeks of 6th grade this week and Ben will start his 3rd quarter next week. Time flies when you're having fun, right? Spring basketball is about to start. I miss my basketball friends....can't wait to get them back! I need to pour another cup of coffee into my body and hope in the shower to start another day. Have a great day....look up and smile at the sunshine!! xoxox

Counting the days....

There are a few events that are coming up soon.....First, Easter is in 2 weeks. Then the 1/2 Marathon....29 days. Next is my solo trip to Florida...May 14 (however many days away that is)......and THEN.....*drum roll please*.....my birthday. Yep...the big 4-0 this year. I will be 40 in June. I will be 40! Holy cow! Everybody I know that is over 40...tells me that
I really didn't like turning 30 so I hope turning 40 is better....I think it will be. I don't feel 40...whatever 40 feels like. Not sure how old I feel...but I don't think it's 40. 40. 40! That's not such a big number, really. I know lots and lots of people that have turned 40 and they seem to be just fine...better than fine actually! After my birthday, Wyatt will be 13 in July and Ben will be 19 in August. Thinking about that makes me feel worse that turning 40! So, if you're reading this....and have already turned 40 and have a tip or two for me....please pass it along in the comments. I know a few others that will be 40 this year and could use the tips too.....you know who you are!!! Have a marvelous Monday! xoxox

Earth Hour = 20 Extra Credit Points!

Yep...you heard me....we had to turn the lights off for an hour tonight, starting at 8:30. Not just the lights...but the TV and the computers and everything. Now I have to sign Wyatt's agenda and he will get 20 extra points in Science. So, we did it and now I just have to remember the part about the agenda. An hour without lights and TV and computers wasn't so bad. Mr. Bubble and I enjoyed it..... I wonder how many other people sat in the dark for an hour tonight?
Not too much else happening in the land of Make Me Some Supper. I got my 8 miles in this morning and I beat the rain. Also, did a little shopping and got my new shoes for the 1/2 Marathon. They should be just about right....just in time.
Wyatt is back to school on Monday and Ben has a week off. So, now we have to listen to the news about a little damage from a storm. Slow news day possibly? Actually, I think there was some significant storm damage south of here....sad for all of the people that have damage.
Hope y'all have a super Sunday...and stay warm! xxooxx

Bubbles, bubbles, and more bubbles.

Ever since I was a little girl, I've loved a bubble bath. The more bubbles, the better. My mom always had some bubble bath ready for me. First it was Mr. Bubble...and I think one of my aunts sold Avon for awhile, so we usually had a pink bottle of Avon bubble bath too. As I got older, I tried some 'big girl' bubble bath....they all smell nice and make a few bubbles....but NOTHING like good old Mr. Bubble! I bought a bottle of the good stuff just yesterday and I am happy to tell you that Mr. Bubble still makes mounds and mounds of bubbles in the bathtub. Just ask Zoey....I think she ate half of them. Anyway....don't waste money on expensive bubble bath when a cheap bottle of Mr. Bubble will do just fine! Oh....and not the powdery kind...splurge on the sweet smelling pink liquidy kind!

The one month countdown has begun. One month from today is the Country Music Marathon and 1/2 Marathon. I'm starting to get just a little bit nervous. Not because I don't think I can do it...I KNOW I can do it. I'm not sure exactly what is making me feel nervous about it. I'm sure it's temporary and I'll be just fine. There is a family issue that has been heavy on all of our hearts....maybe that's it. Hopefully, it will all work out and I won't have anything else to do on Marathon Day. My parents are planning to come up and be at the finish line with the King and the boys....and anyone else that wants to join them (HINT, HINT!). Even though I'm feeling a little nervous about it.....I'm ready.

That's all for today....I'm glad y'all are reading....xoxox.

Come on Sunshine!

It seems that Spring has Sprung in Tennessee. Winter was officially over on Friday and hopefully Mother Nature has flipped the switch too. Yesterday was nice...could have had a little more sun, but it is shining bright through the windows this morning. After I finished my 7 miles yesterday, we headed to Lowe's to buy a few pansies for the window boxes. We ended up leaving Lowe's with pansies, English Ivy, and boxwoods. Time to make the patio look nice this year....a little less like a bunch of hobos live here. Today, the King will be adding a nice step to the patio and a concrete pad for the grill. So.....I better get my hiney moving.....gotta get some groceries in the fridge before they fire me! Happy spring, y'all.....have a sunshiney day! xoxox

The beast.

I spent yesterday with one of my most favorite people.....she is the mom of a very dear, old friend. I also got a peek into the life of living with a beast, too. You see, my friend has cancer. I took her yesterday to have tests and scans done so that the doctors can determine whether or not she is "healthy" enough to have her own , hopefully healthy, stem cells extracted. Then they will dose her up good with poison chemo and replace the healthy stem cells with the hopes that they will generate more healthy stem cells (I think). I have known plenty of people that have had cancer. I have helped and visited those people, too. But, never directly, like I did yesterday. Hospitals and sick people don't bother me much. I just feel like I need a bath when I get home. But seeing my friend have to go through all of that yesterday.....sort of bothered me. She is exhausted.....and the medicine that she has to take to keep her "healthy enough" for this procedure....it sucks. I am thankful that she allowed me to be with her yesterday. Even though the mission was about as unpleasant as it could possibly be, I had a great time with her. Days like yesterday make me thankful for so many things.....I love my friend for reminding me of those things.....
On a brighter note, the sun is shining! Today is 7 mile day and I am ready! Also, I have booked my flight to Florida in May! Anyone that wants to climb aboard in my suitcase.....c'mon!

Sleepy puppy.....

I did it..... I wore her out! I took Zoey with me to the park this afternoon. She thought I was gonna walk her to death! One time around the park is not quite a mile.....she lagged behind the entire second lap...bless her little puppy heart! She kept looking at the kids playing on the playground like she just knew one of them was gonna jump the fence to rescue her. So we finished the very slow 2nd lap and as soon as I put her in the car, she laid down....slept the whole way home too. After dinner, I went to get some clothes out of the dryer. As I was folding the towels, I realized that nosey Zoey wasn't in the middle of the clean pile. So, we looked and looked and called for her.....where was she, you wonder. She was in the dark laundry room.....in her basket....with the door closed! Usually if she gets stuck in there, she barks and throws her little body against the door until we go get her. Not this time! Girlfriend was zonked out! So, now I have 2 dogs, 1 husband, and 2 sons...and none of them will walk with me! I suppose they can't help it that they're slow! Love y'all...happy spring!

My Girlfriends

I don't have many really close girlfriends....but the ones that I do have...They're the best. They are all unique and I love each one of them for very different reasons. You see, sometimes we just need our girls. Sometimes things happen and only our girls can understand. Sometimes things happen and we can't wait to tell our girls....FIRST! I hate to break it to all the guys that read this, but sometimes we tell our girlfriends before we tell you.....and there are even things that we tell our girlfriends that we don't tell you. I'm sorry, but it's the truth. Not big, heavy things, but smaller, lighter important girl things. Nothing can take the place of my girls....Love you all! And, yes.....sometimes we need to go to the beach...with our girlfriends!

Globetrotters, Snow Days, and Spring Break

First....we went to see the Globetrotters last night.....the guys had fun and it wasn't too much torture for me. Heck....I was there with 5 great guys...I shouldn't be complaining, right? Next....tomorrow is a snow/sick day for Wyatt. That means that Spring Break starts tomorrow! Too bad there is sleet and freezing rain outside...supposed to clear up after the weekend though. Zoey and Lola are starting to play with each other now....Zoey knows that Lola is the boss, but Lola plays with her a little now....really fun to watch. I suppose the biggest news of the week is the King's new job offer. Yep...a full time job......with decent benefits! Just about 8 weeks to the day that he was laid off. Now to figure out the health insurance dilemma until the benefits actually start.....oh well...always something, right??!!
Last night, before we went to the Globetrotters, Ben and I went to the High School Baseball game. It was the first home game on the brand new field. The Seniors on the team (many that Ben played baseball with when they were all little) decided that they wanted to dedicate the 2009 season to Graden Gaines. So, there was a little ceremony before the game and Graden's dad and the school principal threw the first pitch. It was quick and a little emotional, but a very nice gesture from the boys on the team.
Y'all keep warm and stay as dry as you can! xoxox

Pretty.....but they stink.

The Bradford pear trees are in full bloom. They are beautiful....but they stink. I walked this afternoon and that's all I could smell. Anyway.....they're pretty and the pretty will be gone tomorrow probably. It's supposed to rain and the blooms will blow away. Good riddens stinky blooms! So, tomorrow is Globetrotter night. Before that though, we have to go to the MJHS Baseball game. The baseball team is dedicating the 2009 season to Graden Gaines. Graden would have graduated this year and was an outstanding baseball player. Then it's on to the Sommet Center for some Globetrotters basketball....gonna be another busy day for us.....but busy leads to funny things around here and that always gives me something to tell you.
So...until we chit chat again....keep yourselves warm and dry.....xoxox

PS....It's almost time for my yearly trip to Florida....***BY MYSELF***.....if y'all know of a cheap flight..let me know!

Welcome to spring.

It happens every year and I think we just forget. We get a few pretty days and forget that we can still have winter. It seems like the white blossoms on the pear trees bloomed over night. They forget every year too. The weatherman says cooler weather and rain for this week. I think I also heard him mention sleet and snow. I suppose that just because we changed the clocks last night....winter is not officially over.....we'll see.
I promise to stop with the weather posts...I know it's boring. Bear with me until something better comes along. I'm really not as boring as I seem to have been the last few months. A trip to the beach....... and a frozen concoction could possibly inspire me to be a little more fun! Have a great Sunday and smile at the sunshine....xoxox

75 and sunny....

....Supposed to be, anyway. So far it's 59 and cloudy. Where are you sunshine? Today is 6 mile day. Then I have a few errands to do and hopefully a little yard work....if Mother nature cooperates. Zoey and Lola are getting along much better now. Lola isn't as mad at us anymore and has started playing with Zoey. Whenever Zoey isn't totally exhausted from her day with Ben, that is! A few of his friends have new puppies, too so they have been playing everyday. She is a sleepy head whenever she comes home! Plus, Lola gets a break ...so everyone is happy!
Speaking of happy....the King worked all week! Yay! So...all in all...it's been a good....but very busy week for us. Next week looks to be just about as busy....we have tickets to see the Globetrotters on Wednesday...Wyatt is pretty excited. Me, not so much....but I'm sure it will be fun....maybe? OK y'all....gotta hit the shower and start my 6 miles. Enjoy the sunshine...xxooxx

Mr. Bluebird on my shoulder.....

Not exactly....It's a Zoey on my shoulder! Yep.....Ben's new puppy, Zoey, is asleep on my shoulder. I don't know what he did to her today, but she is exhausted. She fell asleep while she was sitting on the floor! Ben has school all day tomorrow...so she should be able to get some sleep.....poor baby! Anyway....here is Zoey when she was awake yesterday. Zoey, meet the peeps....peeps...meet Zoey......xoxox.

If you need me, I'll be on the couch, under a blanket.

Once I get home from the grocery store, that is. It's cold. It's raining. And I have a new book.......the prefect recipe for a Saturday. I'm supposed to walk 5 miles today, but the weather is not cooperating. I don't mind the cold and the rain, but the combination of the two is a little much for 5 miles. But......if it gets a little bit colder and the rain turns to snow....I'll be walking.
Probably the best news of the week is that the King goes to work at 7 am Monday morning! WooHoo! It's a seasonal job and not as many hours as he would like, but its SOMETHING. And having not as many hours will allow him to continue his search for the perfect job. Is there such a thing as a 'perfect' job? Maybe there is....gotta have hope anyway.
Remember the post about boys blue jeans? Well, we went to Old Navy last night. Took one pair back and Wyatt tried on about 10 other pair. Well......*drum roll please*......Boys sizes will no longer work for Wyatt. Yes folks....he is in a 29 x 30. (Boot Cut at Old Navy....hint, hint Gaga!....just kidding) So, we bought one pair since he told us that he'd be wanting to wear shorts as soon as it gets warm enough. Pretty exciting Friday night, eh?
For those of you that know the story, PawPaw Charlie is doing better from what we hear and should be coming home today. We're hoping that he will do OK and be comfortable at home.
Thanks for reading....almost 1,100 now! Keep warm and stay dry today....xoxox

She knows he's a vampire.

I broke down and bought Twilight over the weekend. It's been awhile since I've had a good book, so I thought Twilight would be as good as any. Holy Cow! It's really good. It's a good thing I didn't buy the rest of the series....I'd need to take a week of vacation! Anyway, I'm past the part where Bella finds out that Edward is a vampire. I'm a little over half way through it and I wish I could stay home today! If you're looking for an easy read....Twilight just might be the answer. Even though it came from the Young Adult section in Books-A-Million.....I'm really enjoying it. Does that mean I'm not really an Old Adult yet? I hope so!
Well, I'm headed to the shower...y'all have a great day and I promise spring is right around the corner! xoxox

One Thousand!

Y'all have been here officially 1,000 times...WOW! When I started "Make Me Some Supper" in October...I wasn't sure that I would keep up with it. Now, 76 posts later....I suppose I have! Knowing that y'all are reading helps and your comments also help. The crew I live with here gives me endless inspiration. Things will happen and they will tell me...you gotta blog that or nobody will believe THAT just happened! A few friends have mentioned to me that they would like to start a blog. DO IT! It's a fantastic way to keep up with your life....and it's great to read back over the things that have happened that were significant enough for you to blog about. It's also fun to read the other maybe 'insignificant' things that you've blogged about. So, thank you for dropping by from time to time....the door is always open....just don't be surprised to see you name mentioned here someday! Love y'all....and thanks! xoxox

My Happy Place

So as we were coming home last night....the King and Wyatt were in rare form....in many ways! They were up to their 'boy' tricks....sometimes I just can't keep up with all that (since I am a girl, after all). The King asked "How do you put up with us all the time....is there a 'Happy Place' in your mind that you go to?". Of course there is! My happy place is always sunny. It's an island and I have food and supplies delivered weekly. Sometimes I am alone in my happy place, sometimes friends visit. When I told them that last night, they ran with it! That's OK though. It's MY happy place, and I like it. It's in my head, not theirs or yours. Everyone has a place that they go to in their head. Don't y'all??? Now that y'all probably think that I've lost my mind and gone permanently to my 'Happy Place'....I have to leave for a birthday party. I hope y'all have your own happy place...if not, you need to get one! xoxox

Baby, it's cold outside....again!

Every year it happens. We have a few warm, pretty days and then another cold snap. We all act like it's never happened before though. All day , we will hear about how cold it is outside. We forget that it's still only February...and February is still wintertime! I'll admit, though, I'm ready for some sunshine. Ready to get some color in every ones cheeks, ready to hear the mowers mowing and kids playing outside.....since obviously we aren't going to see any snow this year....again. But, remember what the groundhog said....SIX more weeks of winter...so I guess we will have to wait it out....this year....again.
At least it's Thursday. One more to go....then the weekend. We've got a very special 4th birthday party to go to on Saturday. Can't wait cause we all love the little fella! Y'all keep warm today! xoxox

Halfway there....

Halfway to the weekend, that is. Gotta love a short week. Too bad we can't have a short week every week! So, the King and I met with Wyatt's teachers yesterday. God bless all of the 6th grade teachers out there! Anyway, Wyatt has a lot of work to do. Since basketball has been over, he's kind of let a few things slide....Not any more! He knows what he needs to do....and he better do it. The teachers were great and the School Superintendent even poked his head in while we were meeting. Major bonus points for the teachers...maybe they will pass the bonus on to Wyatt! We can hope so anyway! Really though, they all seems to like Wyatt and want to see him do well. Thank goodness for that! We were talking afterward, and were very thankful that they all told us what a great kid Wyatt is and that he is always polite and very respectful and always has a smile on his face. So, we're all on the same page now and I think he will be fine...just gonna take some work. Y'all stay warm and dry today! xoxoxox

I don't get it.

So, once again, it's time to go through Wyatt's closet and argue with him about which jeans fit and which jeans don't. Why are the size 14's bigger around the waist than the 16's? But the 16's are like 8 inches longer??? Stupid. Whoever made the sizes must have been drinking that day. Anyway, he has 4 pair that are too tight, 2 pair that are too long, 1 pair that fits him, and 1 pair that he can't find. Come on springtime! I'm not going to get new jeans this close to warm weather. Call me a bad mom if you want...but I'm still not gonna do it. As soon as I go buy new jeans, it will be warm and he will want shorts. OH..the drama!
Anyway, back at it tomorrow...runny nose and all. The day after President's Day. At least there are no decorations to take down. Next up is St. Patrick's Day...bring on the green! Ok....where are the tissues....Bless me..I sneezed. Nite y'all....xoxox

Nothing.

Once again, I have nothing for you. I don't know why I have nothing. Maybe later....when I have more coffee...I will have something. But, until than...I got nuthin'! Thanks for the comments, though....especially you Mr. or Ms. Anonymous! Glad you like it...sorry I have nothing today. So, in case I don't see y'all later...have a great day! xoxox

Friday, Friday, Friday, Friday!!!

Remember when Y-107 used to do the Friday 5 o'clock whistle? Everyone would honk their horns and scream "Friday". OK....maybe that was just me in my car, but it was fun. I miss the Tookey Bird!
Anyway.....Seems we have a bit of a busy weekend ahead. Tomorrow, Lisa and I will join Makenzie's Maniacs for a walk at the green way. Lisa says that she is going to walk with me in April. I hope she does...we always have fun together...might even detour past GiGi's! Wyatt is going to a basketball camp type thing on Sunday. Then there is always the laundry and gross-ery shopping. Not to mention the rest of the weekend things. THEN.......I'm off on Monday! Yay! The last Monday that I was off for a holiday (MLK Day) was the day the King got laid off. Maybe this Monday (President's Day) will be the day he goes back to work. I hope so...good things are bound to be happening.
So, today is Friday the 13th. Big deal! I had a great day. Nothing in particular, just a good day in general.
I'm outta here for now, remember to leave me some love...don't be a lurker! Love y'all! xoxox

Let's get a few things straight.

I'm happy to blog and let y'all inside my mind for a few minutes.....but if you're reading...I'd like to know. Drop me a comment every now and then, just so that I know you've been here. Yes...I mean you over there in the corner, too. Y'all can remain anonymous if you'd like, just let me know you read. I'm not going to stop or anything, but...call me crazy....I'd like to know. OK...now that that is off my chest.....
How have y'all been? Hope y'all survived the wind today, if you're in Middle Tennessee. If not, I hope you're surviving whatever weather you have. I'm pretty sure this is the lamest blog post to date....so please forgive me. Just leave me a little love from time to time and we can resume our regularly scheduled programming. Love y'all....I mean it! xoxox

1 down, 11 to go

One week of walking done, eleven more to go. Well, eleven weeks minus 2 days to go. I started walking again to prepare for the 1/2 Marathon on April 25th. This is the 3rd time that I have started the 12 week training. It seems easier this time. Maybe because it's real this time? The other times we just practice and that's what it felt like. This time is for real....and it feels like it. No injuries, excuses or anything can get in the way this time. Cross your fingers for me, please!
Last week was also the first meeting to plan the 2nd Annual Graden Gaines Foundation Softball Tournament. It will be in July this year because that's the only time that we could get the fields, so we have a few more months to plan. This year is exciting because we will be awarding FOUR $1,000 scholarships! It's exciting, too, because we will have some very special guests. We have also talked about having a Dunking Booth, too....not sure how that will go over, but it sounds like it might be fun.
Nothing too exciting happening around here, just the usual things. Work for me, school for the boys and interviews for the King. Hunker down tonight....storms are on the way! xoxox

How to find love at the grocery store.

You know it could happen! I'm sure it has happened to lots of people before, and they have lived happliy ever after. If I were a single gal, it might have happened to me last night! (Thank goodness I'm not a single gal!) The King and I went grocery shopping last night. Saturday night, by the way, is a great time to go...the store was relatively empty. So there we were, in the baking aisle. I was searching for whole wheat flour. You know how sometimes you think out loud when searching for something in the store? Well, I said "Hmmm.....whole wheat flour...". Out of nowhere, I heard a voice...."Whole wheat flour? You should try Whole Foods!". I look up to see a guy. Not just any guy. I think this was the guy that Brad Paisley sang about in his song "I'm so much cooler online". I looked up to see a goofy, dreamy kinda look on his face. I also happened to notice that he was pushing the buggy (much like the King does). But he was pushing the buggy for a woman that I know had to be his mother. Not that there is anything wrong with grocery shopping with your mother....but on a Saturday night? Wearing a tie?? Come on now! Anyway, I smiled and was polite and gave him my most sincere "Thanks for your help!" and bought my whole wheat flour at Kroger. Shameful, huh? I don't care. I wasn't about to go across town for whole wheat flour at the suggestion of the buggy pushing momma's boy! So, now the King has been talking all morning about my new 'whole wheat boyfriend'. I just told him that he's not the only dork to ever look my way! Gotta love the dorks!!! So, this is in honor of my whole wheat boyfriend. Have a great day today!! xoxox

My favorite kind of morning.

I love good mornings. I love coming out while the house is still quiet. I love getting the first cup of coffee from the pot. I love checking email and Facebook with my first cup of coffee. Sometimes it happens that way, sometimes it doesn't. It kind of happened that way today, except that the King was up before me. It feels like a great morning though. The sun is shining and everyone seems "Saturday Happy". There is still lots to do today, so since I've had enough coffee, I better get to it. Enjoy the sunshine today! xoxox