The one that didn't get away!

Here's my father and me (and the dog, Teddy) with my BIG CATCH of the day!

Pretty impressive huh?

I wouldn't even hold up my BIG CATCH!
I know... I'm a chicken!

Time flies

Um, wow. May is almost over.

It is true that time flies when you are having fun... or, is it more appropriate to say that the older you get, the quicker time flies.

We've been super busy the last couple of weeks and I'm anxiously awaiting the long lazy days of Summer. Is anyone else? I just want to rest. Not have anywhere to go, no deadlines to meet, no traffic to sit in, no homework to help with... nothing, nada, zip. I'm ready for some down time!

I'll see you at the pool!

Finally!

Whoohooo... I finally have my new floors!

Kitchen Before

Kitchen After

Living Room Before

Living Room During

Living Room After

Mother's Day

The girls and I as we celebrated Mother's Day today!

Yes, that's a chicken dish, if you are wondering.

Last week, Elisan was goofing off and broke my green milk glass hen salt dip. I must admit, I LOVED that hen. It was Randy's grandmother's salt dip that we inherited. I don't know why I loved it so much, but, I did.

Well, Elisan told Randy that for Mother's Day, she wanted to buy me something "glass" to replace the broken hen dish. I told Randy about an antique mall in town that sells much of anything and that I've seen hen covered salt dip dishes before.

So, off they went to the antique mall yesterday. As it turned out, there were 3 to choose from. This is the one Elisan chose.

Let me just say, that while it may not have been my first choice as a decor' item, it was to Elisan and that's all that matters to me! Look at that proud smile on her face! One day, she'll inherit it from me.

Ironically, it matched the outfit I was wearing today!

Welcome my friend, Charlotte!

My dear friend from Denmark, Charlotte, has started a blog! Yippee!

Check out her blog at At home with Charlie!

Don't worry... there is English translation!

What a pain in the neck!

No, literally... what a pain in the neck!

I have had a crick in my neck for oh...over 10 days. And, I've been in an Ibuprofen high for at least 7 of those days.

Is it possible to have a crick for that long? Or am I just trying to convince myself it is only a crick? Oh, did I mention the tingling sensation sometimes felt down my shoulder blade once the drugs wear off?

Might be time to go to the doctor, but for what? Only for him to tell me to take drugs or get some exercise.

Randy thinks it is my memory foam pillow. I THINK NOT! I love that pillow and it can't be... no... it WILL NOT be the fault of my wonderful pillow!

So, the pressing question is... any home remedies for a pain in the neck?

The Far Part

It's official... I'm sick of the far part.

I'm sick of seeing woman constantly sweeping their hair over their foreheads to create the far part look. And, I'm sick of seeing hair in women's eyes, because of the far part.

People... your hair doesn't have to be in your eyes. BRUSH IT BACK, or OVER, or something... just get it out of your face.

Ahem.

Level of Responsibility

This post is going to come off like I'm a brat, but I wonder if there are other people out in this world who feel the same way I do.

The other day, KM and I went to lunch at our local Chick-fil-a. We had just sat down with our food and I was busy getting everything out and ready to eat. The next thing I know, is a mom comes running up to the play area glass door to rescue her 1ish old little boy, who apparently did not have enough strength to open the door. Yet... in the process, he managed to get his arm between the door and the jamb. He was not making a sound, so I didn't know what had happened until the mom came running up to rescue him. HOWEVER, the mom looked at me like I was a sorry worthless person because I was sitting right next to the play area, yet did not hop up from my seat to help him out before she got there.

Seriously, I didn't hear him and even the woman at the next table over, commented that he didn't even make a whimper.

Sitting there, in semi-guilt, I was reminded of an event that occurred last summer while at the swimming pool.

I was sitting on the steps of the pool with my friend, who also has two children, and we were watching the kids play in the shallow end. Elisan had just learned how to swim, so I was keeping a close watch over her, while keeping an eye on KM to make sure she wasn't drifting in the way of the older kids splashing around us.

Meanwhile, a family of about 12 were playing a very loud and boisterous game of Marco Polo and it was moving in our direction. One of the kids in the group was in our vicinity and began bouncing up and down and making a lot of noise too, but I didn't pay much attention because they were all so loud and well...boisterous.

The next thing I see, is one of the older kids yelling for their dad to help the boy. The dad jumped in and grabbed the boy and brought him to the side of the pool.

The dad then proceeded to yell at us for not helping his kid, since he was obviously struggling in the water and were closer than he was. He said, "Wasn't it obvious to you that he was needing help and couldn't swim?"

In a fit of anger, I said, "NO! It wasn't. I was too busy watching my OWN kids. How am I to know that YOUR kid can't swim. He's not wearing a floating device!" Ooooh! I was HOT!

So, my question is... what is the level of responsibility of a stranger? And when is it appropriate to step in or not step in? Do you, as a parent (or heck... a person!) expect a level of courtesy from strangers regarding safety issues?

I guess, to answer my own question - yes, I expect a fraction of a level of safety courtesy. I cannot be in all places at all time and it is nice to know that a stranger may see a hidden danger I may not see.

HOWEVER, I watch my kids when they are playing on the playground, swimming in a pool, riding their bikes, etc. I don't just let them run wild without supervision.

So, what do you think? Am I being oversensitive?

May Desktop

Digi Scrap Freebie Pack by Simply Clean Digi Scraps

Go-Go Girl

Elisan has now affectionately nicknamed Kyla Mae, "Go-Go".

Not sure how it was coined, but Kyla Mae now answers to Go-Go.

However, truthfully, I think KM would answer to anything, since I just tested this theory and called out to her as "Co-Co".

Yep, she answered.

Did I just say I missed Minnesota?

This week I volunteered at my church as it hosted a conference that welcomed pastors from around the world. While there, I had the opportunity to meet and speak with our former pastor of the church we attended while living in Minnesota.

It was such a neat experience to get to talk to him and hear about the growth of their church. That church was one of the few things that I enjoyed while we lived there.

It almost... almost.... made me miss Minnesota... just a teency wheency bit. But, I got over that real quick!

Milk Glass

My friend Leigh Ann, over at The Pink Kitchen asked me to blog about my milk glass collection. And, although it is not huge, it is impressive - if I do say so myself!

First up is a rose embossed plate with scalloped edges.
It looks lovely on my red painted kitchen walls.
(Maybe I could start a blog - The Red Kitchen?)

Next is a small oval serving plate and a set of salt and pepper shakers.

I love this sugar bowl and the ladle.

Here's the matching creamer.

Large water pitcher.


Here's the ensemble.

I have two styles of glasses - six each.


This candy dish holds Q-tips in the bathroom.


This is a vintage Avon bottle.


I love this footed fruit bowl. I bought it off of eBay for $.99...
okay, shipping was $10.00, but still... a great deal!


Hobnail candle holder - I think... anyone know for sure?

Set of taper candle holders.


These really neat plates with the art deco design
are from Leigh Ann herself.
Along with the mugs and the trivet below.

So, that's it. I'm still wanting at least one more piece from my collection and it is a milk glass hen salt dip dish. My mom has it, but she hasn't given it to me yet. I do, however, have a glass hen salt dip dish in green... but, the white one is the one I want!

P.S. - All of the dishes, unless otherwise noted, are from Randy's grandmother's collection that were given to us.

One of my favorite foods is Boudain. If you aren't from around these parts, then you probably don't know what it is, so click here and get educated...

Today, as I was preparing lunch I pulled out the boudain from the 'fridge and KM starting jumping up and down, saying, "Boo-dee, boo-dee, boo-dee!"

After a moment, I finally realized that in her own cute three year old way, she was sayin' boudain.

Fast forward 10 minutes later and I'm on the phone with my mom while we're having lunch. It's KM's turn to talk and my mom asked her what she was eating. Imagine her surprise when KM said, "Boo-dee."

So, my question is... was that a boo-dee call?

(Okay, that was just bad and wrong!)

Fast Walker

I am a fast walker.

I walk fast, even when I am not in a hurry. I walk fast in the parking lot, at the grocery store, at the mall, at church, even at home.

My poor children are usually dangling behind me, as I hurriedly walk from here to there.

I even push a cart load of groceries through the store fast. And I can't stand getting behind someone who is not pushing their cart with equal vigor!

I love escalators, but they are not fast enough, so I usually take them like stairs. Who can resist getting to the top even faster?

I cannot stand getting behind a row of 4 or more people as their bodies take up the entire expanse of a walkway. I mean, c'mon... who in their right mind does that? Not to mention the fact, that they are usually walking slower so they can all get in on the conversation.

Or, getting behind a person, and all of a sudden... they STOP in their tracks. That's worse than slow walking!

I don't know why I am a fast walker. Maybe it's because I'm a fast talker. Or a fast thinker? Maybe I have to walk fast to keep up with my thoughts? Who knows...

All I know, is that if you are in front of me and you are walking slow... you better watch out. I might bump your bottom with my grocery cart... (accidentally, of course!)

The Pit

Have you ever admired someone from afar? Like, that person who when they walk into a room, all heads turn in her direction. And, it is not because she is strikingly beautiful, but because there is buoyancy in her step, a smile on her face or a laugh to be heard. This is the kind of person I admire.

I recently met a person I have long admired. She is that person I just described. But, to add to that, she is the kind of person you want to be friends with. She never meets a stranger and it friendly to everyone. Her family is picture perfect, along with the doting husband.

However, just this week, she confided in me, something that is haunting. She told me that has been recently been dealing with extreme depression.

Talk about a reality check. It reminded me, that just because we look like we have it all together on the outside, we can be falling apart on the inside. It also reminded me, that without warning we can fall into that same pit.

I recently listened to a teaching by Beth Moore called "Get Out of that Pit!" Let me tell you, if you have never heard Beth Moore teach, you are missing out. I encourage fellow Christian believers to download and listen to all of her teachings.

She is such a poignant teacher that I literally burst into tears listening to her lessons on life and words of encouragement.

I now look at my new friend differently. Not because I feel sorry for her, but because I can relate to her. None of us are perfect, even if we try hard to put up that front. I hope all of my friends out there know that I love them just for who they are, no matter what the circumstances. And I hope the same holds true for me.

Life Choices

I've been away for the last few days. Not away from home, but away in my thoughts.

I've not blogged much this week because my mind have been on other things.

Randy and I are at a fork in the road right now and we're trying to decide which path to take. It's not necessary that I go into all of the details now, but trust me... it's a doo-zy!

So, all of my thoughts have been consumed with this fork-in-the-road-thingy and not on blogging. My apologies to the millions of readers out there that tune into my thoughts daily.

But, just so you know... our marriage is as strong as ever, so don't even go down that wretched path...

Happy Easter

We're in the middle of an Arctic Blast, so I didn't take these pictures today! But, here are my girls posing for an Easter picture.

This digital layout design can be downloaded here for free!

As I was sorting the laundry to wash, Elisan walked in the laundry room and offered to help.

I said, "Take all of the white clothes and put them in this empty basket."

She said as she was picking up her first piece, "Ew... but they're dirrrrty!"


Later,

Good Friday

I'm sitting here at my computer, with the window open, listening to my girls swing back and forth on the swing set. They are giggling, singing songs and playing pretend.

The cool breeze is blowing over my arms as I'm typing and I hear the song birds in the distance.

It is Good Friday.

The day that Christ died on the cross for my sins, so that I could be forgiven and have everlasting life.

Today, over 2000 years ago, a man, Christ Jesus, was crucified on a cross. A cross, with nails bore into His hands and feet. A man died for me. He died for my girls. He died for my family. He died for you.

And because he died for me, I'm free.

Like everyone else this Easter holiday, I will be making preparations for Easter... dying eggs, gathering goodies for the Easter basket and planning a huge dinner for my family.

Yet, I won't forget the cross. The beautiful cross that is a symbol of my salvation.

Boys! So soon?

A while back, one of Elisan's classmate's parents approached me giggling, "We want to meet Bryce's (not his real name - you know... to protect the innocent and all...) future mother-in-law."

I'm like... "huh?"

They go on, "Oh, Bryce talks about Elisan all the time. He even says he's going to marry her when he gets old enough."

Now, I'm all for the love-of-my-life-I'm-going-to-marry-them-one-day story..., but hey... this is Kindgergarten... STEP OFF!

So, I giggle with them, feigning excitement and never really thought about it until...

Yesterday, Elisan brought home a present. It was shoved down in her backpack in a crumpled gift bag. I opened it up and what do you know? It was a picture, in a frame of her classmate Bryce. IN. A. FRAME.

Ahem.

So, I ask her. Hey, Elisan what's this? She says, "Oh. Bryce gave that to me."

I probe further, "Did he give everyone in class a picture?"

She replies, "No, just me."

Me, "-----." (Speechless -- yes, can you imagine, for those who know me?)

So, I ask you, internet world... this is weird, no? Am I over-reacting?

I mean, I like Bryce, I like his mom. So what that Bryce likes Elisan. Who wouldn't? She's a great kid. But, wow... so soon.

So soon.

Needless to say, Elisan wasn't fazed. She still thinks boys are silly and stinky. Hun, I've got news for you... they still are.

Yummy Food!

With grilling season upon us, I wanted to share one of my favorite cream sauces that we put on top of grilled chicken and serve over a bed of angel hair pasta.

This sauce is very versatile and can be used as a dip, served with chips or veggies!

Chipotle peppers can be found in the Mexican food section of your grocery store.

Enjoy!


Chipotle Cream Sauce

2 chipotle chiles (from a can) plus 1 T. of their adobo sauce
4 Tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped
1 Cup sour cream
1 clove garlic
1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
1/4 teaspoon white pepper, freshly ground
1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste

Mix ingredients well in blender to smooth consistency. This can be made ahead of time and kept covered in the refrigerator. Serve at room temperature. This sauce will work well on grilled chicken or pork.

Something Neat to Do!

I "stumbled upon" across this website.

Check out this time lapse photo.
Photo from Daily Dose of Imagery

Do something creative!

April Desktop Art

(Feel free to download this image and save it as your desktop image!)

Wait time is subjective

The last two mornings have been spent doing required maintenance and repair to my mini-van.

Monday morning's repair was on the tire. Apparently I've been driving around with two huge nails in my tire. Not quite sure how ONE, much less TWO nails got plunged into my tire, but alas, they were there. And it was by chance that Randy happened to notice that my tire was going flat. Otherwise, I would have never noticed, because... well, because car maintenance/inspection is just not my thing.

So, first thing Monday morning, after dropping Elisan off to school, I stopped by the closest tire store, only to be told, I'd have to travel to the next town to get the tire I needed. I arrived - 20 minutes later - AND, having passed two different tire stores along the way... only to be 5th in line!! I was FIRST in line at the other store... GRRR! So, Kyla Mae and I waited for about 1 hour.

Let me just say, that the toilets in a tire repair shop are gross. As if you didn't already know that.

So, $200.00 later, we were on our way. I called Randy to give him the damage report and he commented that an hour wait was not too bad. (Uh, huh...)

So, today was the Honda dealership for scheduled maintenance and an oil change. I got there promptly at 8:00 a.m. and was seen right away. It wasn't until I went inside that I realized that I was one of about 8 people in the waiting area. Yippee!

Luckily for me, the Honda place has it all figured out. They have a play area for the kids, complete with a television, bean bags and toys. Whoohoo! Score. And, gourmet coffee in the waiting room. Yet, after about 45 minutes, KM was complaining that she was tired, hungry and wanted to go home. The complaining lasted until it was time to go - about an hour later.

So, again, I called Randy to give him the final report and he asked how long I had to wait and I told him 1 hour and 45 minutes and he said, again... "that's not too bad".

I scoffed and he said, "Well, when I go to do that kind of stuff on the weekend, I usually have to wait longer."

I then said, "Yeah, but you don't have KM with you. Next time, you can take KM with you and you tell me if you think 1 hour and 45 minutes is a long time."

Ahem.

I love this store!

I visited Hannah D's yesterday for the first time and OH MY GOODNESS! I love that store!

They have a website, but it doesn't do this store justice! You have to see it to believe it.

The girls and I walked in and it was like eye-candy overload. We all just went ga-ga over all of the pretties.

If there is a Hannah D's near you. Go.

Go now.

No, seriously. Now.

Bonnie

There's a woman that lives next door to us. Her name is Bonnie.

Bonnie is a person that is considered to have a special need.

Bonnie lives with her parents and probably always will. Bonnie doesn't drive, but she does have a job. She works at the local grocery store.

Bonnie will likely never get married or have children, but she loves children and children love her.

Bonnie is always happy, very talkative and never meets a stranger.

Bonnie is my age.

The reason why I am writing about Bonnie is because every time I am around her I am struck at how different we are, yet realize that we could be very alike. Because of her special need, she is different and her life has taken a different path. And yet, she is the happiest, friendliest person you will ever meet. You cannot help but love her.

And I say this with all sincerity. We do love Bonnie. My girls love Bonnie. And everytime we go to the local market, we go looking for Bonnie because we have to say hello and the girls have to give her a big hug.

There are days when I'm outside watching my girls interact with Bonnie on the other side of the fence and I realize how blessed I am. How blessed my girls are. We are healthy and fully functioning members of society. Yet, how often do we complain? A lot. More so than you will ever hear Bonnie complain.

We're blessed to have Bonnie in our lives. And if for nothing else, but as a quiet reminder that we can be (or better yet, should be) happy in the smallest of things... in the simpliest of activities... in the kindest of gestures - a wave, a smile and hug.

Oh, so that's how they do it!

Here's a quick illustration on how to make those super cute corker grosgrain ribbons. It's so super easy to do!

Whatcha need:

• skinny wooden dowel rods (can be purchased in pks of 12 at craft stores)
• wooden clothes pins
• 1/4 inch grosgrain ribbon

Whatcha do:

• Preheat oven to 250 degrees (trust me on this!)
• Wrap each dowel rod with ribbon, careful not to overlap
• Secure each end with a clothes pin
• Lay out wrapped dowel rods onto aluminum foil and place in preheated oven.
• "Bake" for 30 minutes
• Remove from oven - careful, it's hot!
• Unfurl ribbons and wha-la! Corker ribbons!

Great for decorations, hairbows, presents, etc.

Now, go forth and cork!

It could happen to you

Growing up as a kid, I remember my brother and I getting a kick out of my mom's uncontrollable flatulence. She'd walk down the hallway and it would sound like rapid fire with every quick step she made.

We'd snicker and giggle at her expense and I remember times when she'd say... "You just wait 'til you have kids."

I didn't know if she meant that I should wait until I have kids to 1.) make fun of me; or 2.) destroy my body's ability to function properly.

Now, I know she was referring to #2.

Lately, I've been experiencing unexpected and uncontrollable... let's just say... well, you know... THAT! What I described above.... you know....

I mean, I'm not THAT old! I'm only 34! What gives?

She wasn't kidding when she said that one day, I'll get mine. That day has arrived.

So, if you hear me coming down the hallway, just look the other way. I seriously can't help it. Really.

And, if I act as if nothing happened... seriously, you should too.

And if you dare laugh at me for exposing my weakness on the internet for all to read... just wait... you're day is a comin'.

And the winner is...

And the winner is Suzie Sews! Suzie wins 20 Custom Easter Cards. Suzie, I'll shoot you an email!

Thanks for participating!
Erica

Flush Issues

Today, as I was emptying the trash I noticed a scent in the trash can that was reminiscent of dirty diaper smells... and since everyone in the house is potty trained, I was taken aback.

After doing a brief (and let me reiterate! brief!) inspection of the trash, I noticed wadded up toilet paper in the trash can that was used for wiping... um,... (well, there's really no polite way to say this...) poop!

I knew who the culprit was and it was none other than Elisan. See... we've had this problem in the past. She has flush issues.

Apparently at her school, the septic system is so old and cantankerous that the toilet overflows at least once a day. I know this because Elisan comes home and tells me. And because of this the teachers brainwash... um... I mean, instill into their little brains that they should not use too much toilet paper or else it will overflow the toilet.

So, in effort to not have the overflowing effect, Elisan has been putting her used up poop paper in the trash can, even here, at home... where we have a great septic system with nary an overflow. I noticed this a while back and 'thought' I had nipped it in the bud, but apparently I did not.

Since she's been wiping herself I don't stand over her to monitor the toilet paper usage, but I'm assuming she's using a lot. To which, hey... use what you need. Who I am to stand in the way of cleanliness? It's next to godliness, right?

So, perhaps today, after coaxing her and coddling her fears of toilet overflow, I think that now, I have nipped it in the bud.

P.S. Is this my second post in two weeks about toilet paper and poop? Oh, yes... it is. Oh well... stay tuned... more poop talk coming soon.

Suburbia in the middle of farmland

One of the reasons why we bought this house, was because of the pasture that is literally an extension of our backyard. The only thing separating us from the cows is that barbed wired fence. 'Tis true about Texas - there's a cow in every pasture, even in the midst of suburbia.

My Local Goodwill

I love Goodwill. Within a 20 mile radius of my home, there are 5 Goodwills (and at least another two if you add 5 miles to the radius!)

I've found so many treasures there and truly, it is one of my favorite places to shop. I'd even venture to say, that at least 1/2 of the girls' clothing is from Goodwill. So, there. I've made my point, I love Goodwill.

So, imagine my surprise (of late) when I began noticing small increases in prices at the Goodwill in my town. It started off hardly even detectable, but then it became out and out blatant!

So much so, that the Target leftovers, that our local Target donates to Goodwill, were marked HIGHER at Goodwill, than what Target was selling them for in their dollar bin! Can you believe it? And in most cases, the red Target tag was still clearly visible on the item showing the super reduced Target price. Logic tells me, that if Target can't sell it for $1.49, the Goodwill ain't gonna sell it for $1.99. Righto?

The clothing has been pretty much standardized pricing across the board... but I've noticed that Goodwill 'reserves the right' to place a "boutique" price tag on (used) clothing when a brand name clothing item is donated. I've seen boutique prices on Gymboree clothing, even if it had a stain or was faded beyond recognition.

Our Goodwill is under new management and all of these price increases have come under this new woman's management. And every time I go in there, I see the same ol' stuff just sitting there, week after week. I've just about stopped going to that one all together since I have not been able to find a deal there. I imagine she sits in her office all day long surfing eBay to see what this stuff goes for online. But, the difference is, that if I wanted to buy it off eBay, I would!

And finally, one more story that is worth telling about price gouging at GW. I saw a pair of actual Crocs shoes priced at $19.99. You can buy them new for $29.00 at most department stores and you can even buy them for $19.99 at the outlet mall in the next town. Yes, I thought that was high for a pair of rubber shoes. But, that's not the best part. The best part, was that right next the pair of Crocs, was the Wal-Mart brand of moc-crocs for $19.99 as well! You can buy them new at WM for less than $9.00.

So, as you can imagine, I'm heartbroken that my local Goodwill would rather hurt the community than help it. I think I'll take my next round of Goodwill donations to the neighboring town's Goodwill. At least there, they don't price gouge.

Easter Freebie!

I'm joining the ranks of the blog give-aways! (I know, it's a shameless attempt at drawing traffic to my blog...AHEM!) But here goes!

The FREEBIE is for 20 Easter (or Spring)
Photo Cards!
Put your family photo on there, the kids or even the grandkids!
Put your neighbor's kids on there... I don't care!

This freebie comes with envelopes.

Leave a comment on this entry to enter.
Drawing will be held on Sunday, March 18th at 6:00 p.m. CST
and results will be posted on Monday, March 19th.

Have fun! Tell your bloggity friends!

The Break we've all needed

Blog entries about Spring Break are abounding and well, I'm no different.

Spring Break couldn't have come at a better time, what with the time change and all. At least we'll have a week to adjust to the new time. For that, I'm a grateful.

Outside the birds are chirping, the cows are in the pasture and the sky is cloudless. What a splendid morning. Now, if I only didn't have that pesky dentist appointment this morning, it would be the beginnings of a perfect day.

This week, I vow to have fun, not spend an inordinate amount of time on the computer, to play outside whenever I am asked to and to take my girls to the Dollar Tree to spend some saved up money. I'm also going to throw in a playdate (or two) in there and a Mommy's Night Out of shopping and ice cream with my best friend from Houston.

Happy Spring Break!

I'm still stuck in the 50's.

Photo courtesy of Project Laundry List.

Kids R Gross

We all know kids are gross and I'm about to give you another reason!

Yesterday, I brought KM to McD's to eat lunch. We usually go to McD's on Thursdays because I volunteer at the church on Thursdays and we have to grab a quick lunch before we pick up Elisan from school.

This day was no different from the other zillion times I've been to McD's. So... KM finishes up her lunch (or, she eats all that she is going to eat - which is next to nothing) and she heads over to the indoor playscape. She's playing and having a ball.

As I'm surveying the other kids, I see this one little girl in particular. She was wearing a bright sundress and underneathe her dress, I could see what appeared to be part of her diaper hanging down. My first instinct was... 'Wow, she's still in diapers?' because this girl looked to be the same age as KM. But, whatever...

So, the next time I see her, she coming down the slide. Leg up and out and I notice her diaper is deteriorating fast. She scrambles off the slide and climbs back up the playscape.

By this time, I'm watching for her. She comes back down the slide and as she gets off the slide, she takes a few hops and lo and behold... diaper filling and gel bits go flying about all over the (already nasty) floor.

Totally oblivious, as well she should be, she's a preschooler... she goes on about her play.

Meanwhile, kids are running through the gel bits and filling and at one point a small toddler began to crawl through the muck.

Thankfully! Thankfully, KM was in a totally different area when the diaper exploded and much to her chagrin, I told her it was time to go.

About the same time, mom of said preschooler, began collecting their things to leave as well. And she was totally oblivious to what had happened. So much so, that she left with the little girl on her hip and proceeded to buckle her into her carseat.

As she was leaving, I was thinking to myself that once the little girl stopped playing and was finally settled into her carseat, she would decide to relieve herself in the vehicle.

My guess is that she did. And, my guess is that mom finally realized the diaper had disintegrated.

Potty training, anyone?

Big Spender

It's no secret that I'm a thrifty kind of girl. Oh, alright - tight... cheap... whatever! And, it's also no secret that I love H.E.B.

Put those two together and what do you have? H.E.B. brand toilet paper.

Don't get me wrong, it's not great, but it's not bad. It's what I buy and my family is accustomed to it and I haven't heard any complaints about it from them.

Rewind to yesterday. We were needing toilet paper in a baaad way, so yesterday at Target I made a bee-line to the t.p. aisle to get some necessary supplies.

I went straight to the Target brand, because... well, because you know why... I'm cheap. It's toilet paper, made for the toilet. Haven't you heard the old saying, "it's just like throwing money down the toilet"? Well, there ya go.

Ahem.

Anyway, so as I'm checking out Target's brand, I notice that it a little skimpy and does not look soft and fluffy. Yeah, I don't think so... not on my bum!

So, I turn around and what do I see? (Insert angelic choir...) Charmin Plus Bathroom Tissue - With Aloe & E! I had forgotten about the soft fluffy Charmin paper. So, ya know what? I splurged and bought the fancy t.p.

Fast forward to this morning...

As I'm walking up the stairs, I see E is finishing up some morning business and in a very excited voice she exclaims, "Mommy! I love this toilet paper. It makes the poop come off easier!"

So, there you have it folks. Not only is Charmin the softest toilet paper around, it makes the poop come off easier.

Spring is Springing!

The difference is like night and day

Why is it so hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that two same sex kids...conceived by the same two parents...nurtured and reared in the same manner... can be so extremely different in so many ways?

Not only to KM and Elisan look differently, but they act differently, play differently, eat differently, talk differently, learn differently and even love differently. How can this be?

Okay, I'm not THAT blonde... but seriously, I figured that hey... having two girls - they'll at least look alike. Nope.

And the sad thing about it is, that I'm still dumb-founded by their distinct differences every day.

• Elisan is contemplative and intentional. KM is random and spontaneous.
• Elisan has concentration levels that can surpass that of an adult. KM? Not so much.
• Elisan is sensitive. KM is not.

The list goes on and on... and, I'll spare you for now.

But because of this, I've noticed I treat them differently. Because Elisan is so intentional and sensitive, I find myself seeking out items that I know she will love and be proud to have. Like a glittery shirt, or a new accessory or a new game. KM is happy with a piece of candy or a juice box.

Maybe it's the age of the girls that I find myself catering more to Elisan's needs/desires - because she is older and appreciates it more... or maybe it's just as I described above... that I have to feed her emotional well-being. Who knows?

I'm glad my girls are so different, but I need to begin to recognize - no, celebrate - their differences and not be so hung up on comparing the two. Elisan is Elisan and Kyla Mae is Kyla Mae. The are different. They are beautiful. And they are mine.

Guilty Pleasure

Nope. My guilty pleasure is not in some kind of delectable chocolate truffle. Nor is it shopping... although, I must admit, I do love to shop.

My guilty pleasure is not soaking in a long hot bath, reading a magazine cover to cover. And, it's not getting a much needed pedicure.

Nope. None of that... although, that all sounds pretty nice.

My guilty pleasure is stealing away in my craft room for an hour in the afternoon. And why is that? Why do I feel guilt?

I don't know... perhaps it's the dirty floors that need to be swept, or the laundry that needs to be finished up and put away. I don't know... but more and more, I feel 100% guilt ridden when I sit down at my table with a craft idea in mind.

That totally bugs me too. I want to be able to be creative, do something creative, do something for me... And you know, the only time I don't feel guilty... is when I'm doing something for the girls - like making hairbows, bracelets or pillows, etc. Because that's for THEM. But, when it comes to me doing something for me? Forget that.

Sheesh. How did it come to this? Am I the only one who feels this way, or am I just totally losing touch with reality? Is it possible to steal away an hour, in the waking hours of the day, taking time from my kids without feeling guilty? Anyone?

Recovering

(This is my official disclaimer for any events that are apparently out of my control.)

Last week was just the pits. Not only did we return from a long (and tiring) 4 day trip, with mounds of laundry to boot, I also returned home with seasonal allergies and a full blown allergy attack. Couple that with PMS and wha-la! You've got... well,... you've got a bad reaction to say the least.

My brain is still in defunct mode and I can't seem to break out of this fog. Trying to think if it because we're on the brink of Spring and I'm slowly coming out of hibernation? Or maybe just having a blond week? Or maybe I'm just tired, over-worked, underpaid and need a swift kick in the rear-end?

So, if I have neglected to return an email, wish birthday greetings, turn in important paperwork, miss an appointment or return a phone call, um.... what can I say... other than... I'm having an out of brain experience right now. Please check your number or try your call again.

Tag, you're it!

I've been tagged by Leigh Ann!

Here's goes:

1. If you could build a house anywhere, where would it be? I'm already living the dream...right here in Texas!

2. What's your favorite article of clothing? My jeans

3. Favorite physical feature of the opposite sex? Hair

4. What's the last CD that you bought? "Forget Paris" soundtrack

5. Where's your favorite place to be? At home

6. Where is your least favorite place to be? Stuck in traffic (I'm stealing LA's answer, because it is so true!)

7. What's your favorite place to be massaged? My back.

8. Strong in mind or strong in body? Mind

9. What time do you wake up in the morning? Around 5:40AM

10. What is your favorite kitchen appliance? Dish washer

11. What makes you really angry? Incompetence

12. If you could play any instrument, what would it be? I already play the flute and piano

13. Favorite color? Pink

14. Which do you prefer...sports car or SUV? Sports car - drove one for years! Loved it.

15. Do you believe in an afterlife? Yep! Heaven or Hell.

16. Favorite children's book? "Turtle Time: A Bedtime Story" or "Where the Sidewalk Ends"

17. What is your favorite season? Spring

18. Your least favorite household chore? Mopping

19. If you could have one super power, what would it be? To eliminate stupidity.

20. If you have a tattoo, what is it? No tattoos here.

21. Can you juggle? Nope.

22. The one person from your past that you wish you could go back and talk to? No one comes to mind...

23. What's your favorite day? Monday... yes, I know.

24. What's in the trunk of your car? umbrella stroller

25. Which do you prefer, sushi or hamburger? Hamburger

I tag: Kristi, Angie and Amanda

Desperation, not necessity, is the mother of invention

I'm a liar and I admit it freely. Ahem.

Let me start by saying I don't pride my self on being a liar, but reality is... I am one.

When we got the mini-van I remember telling at least one person (if not many) that the DVD player would be for long trips in the van to visit the grandparents or the like. I did not want to be one of 'those' moms who played the DVD player in the van just to zip down the road to the grocery store for milk or bread.

It began as a slippery slope of events that led up to this...my true confessional... that I am about to reveal today.

It started out as the only way Randy and I could get to have a conversation in the van on the way to run errands. "Can I put a DVD in so we can have a conversation?" is how it began.

Then, it was while we were in the pick up line at school, waiting for dismissal that I'd let KM watch a show.

Or, sitting in a traffic jam on the way to school because of the #$*@%!^ traffic on my morning commute.

And now, it's just darn near every time we get into the van. Why? Well, I'll tell you why. Because if I don't give them a distraction I end up losing my patience and I begin to get upset. Then it just... well,... it goes downhill from there. It's really for the benefit of my children that I set up a show for them on the DVD player, if not for my own sanity.

I can totally see now, why some moms insist on playing a DVD for simple trips to the store. It's saving my sanity each and every day.

Perhaps the mom who had the bright idea to just have those DVD players installed in mini-vans should be given the Nobel Peace prize... for maintaining... well, peace.

Highlights

Elisan was out of school Friday through Monday, so I seized the opportunity for a girl's weekend. We took a road trip to see the grandparents. Yes, exciting, I know.

We had a great weekend, but I'll only highlight the big stuff. Saturday, we went to see my nephew play basketball with the Little Dribbler's league. Come to find out, none other than Tracy Byrd was sitting within spittin' distance of my family and me. His son is on my nephew's team. So, basically, we were all 'Byrd watching' the entire game.

By the way... he's a local boy to where I grew up, but it's still neat to see a real life country music star take an interest in things such as his 9 year old son's basketball game.

Later that day, my mother and I trekked to the mall for what I thought would be one of the simplest shopping trips of my life. Boy, was I wrong. The deal is, that Randy has his company party this coming up weekend and it's semi-formal. The last two times I went to this party I swore I would not be under-dressed, like I had been before. So, after HOURS of searching for dresses and trying on endless amounts of clothing, I finally found a beaded top and flowing black pants. Other than the skirt part, this is how it will look on (a model). So, hopefully now, I will be dressed appropriately and make a good showing at Randy's company event.

Both girls had a night in mommy's bed while we were away. Kyla Mae spent Friday night in the bed with me. I woke up in the morning with Kyla's foot shoved down the back of my underwear. I guess her feet got cold overnight?

Then Sunday, Elisan had her turn in my bed and she woke me up with her usual sleep talking. This time she exclaimed, "bellissimo" 3 times in her sleep. Now, she's speaking Italian?

So, that's the highlights of the trip. Loads of fun, eh? As always, it's good to be back...

Entitlement

Randy and I often have conversations about the "Entitlement Theory". There seems to be a vast population of people out there that seem to think that something... whatever... is owed to them.

Not sure why. Maybe because of the plain and simple fact that they exist? Who knows.

We don't preach entitlement at our home. If anything, we teach our kids that you work hard for the things that you want and even then, you don't always get what you want.

So, imagine my surprise when my dear child tried to persuade me - using the entitlement argument.

Here's how it went down:

Me, "Elisan, what do you want in your lunch today? Peanut butter and jelly sandwich, ham and cheese sandwich, or a lunchable?"

Elisan, "None of those taste good to me anymore."

Me, "Uh-huh. Okay, so which one of those do you want?"

Elisan, "Nothing."

Me, "Okay."


Minutes pass...

Me, "Elisan, last time... what do you want to eat for lunch?"

Elisan, "Well, mommy, some of my friend's mommy's bring them their lunches from McDonalds. I think I want that today."

Me, "Yeah... well, that's not going to happen today. So, a lunchable?"

Elisan, "Okay." (Looooong sigh.)


So, yes, my child not only thinks she is entitled, but privileged as well.

(Darn those entitled kids.)

"CLICK"

The other night, after dinner, we sent Kyla Mae into the bathroom to wash her hands. She's known to spend an inordinate amount of time in the bathroom -- playing with the light switch, using too much foam soap or just running the water on full blast for, oh.... 2 minutes or so. This particular night was no different.

A minute later, Elisan doubles over and decides that she needs to go potty - and fast!

Kyla heard Elisan proclaim her bathroom announcement and as soon as Elisan is high-tailing it to the bathroom, we hear "click".

Kyla locked the bathroom door on Elisan. Meanwhile, Elisan is beating on the door pleading with Kyla to let her in, saying that she can't hold it any longer (she's like me... I wait and hold it until the last minute too!). But the door never unlocked. It was not until Randy and I both told her to unlock the door did she let her in.

A few moments later, Kyla comes bouncing out of the bathroom. Barely able to contain our laughter, I ask her if she locked sissy out of the bathroom. She said she did. I asked her if she was being mean to sissy and she said yeah. Randy in his best "stern voice, but I can't stop laughing because it's so darn funny" face, tells Kyla that what she did was naughty. Totally unfazed... she bounced into the next room to play.

Funny on many levels, especially if you know KM, but the fact that she thought fast enough to lock the door as soon as Elisan needed the bathroom was priceless. She's three, but she has the mind of a... well,... five year old?

They're multiplying like bunnies...

I'm all out of light bulbs

Elisan is sick... or maybe she isn't. Honestly, I'm not sure. But, we're home and she's not going to school.

She's five! Shouldn't I be able to tell when my child is sick? Her complaints are headache, tummy ache and sore throat. What is that? Oh, and she has 99.5 fever. Is it the flu? Or is she one good actress?

I don't know. So, meanwhile, she's barking orders from the couch, while I'm worrying whether or not I made the right decision to keep her out of school. I guess only time will tell.

Like I said, my light bulb must've burned out 'cause I can't make heads or tails out of this one.

EDITED TO ADD:
I got my bulb back... she's sick, but not with the flu, or strep... but, with some nasty virus that "been goin' around." And to further solidify the findings, she threw up while I was at the store picking up some weekend provisions. Joy.

The smirking bunny...

The last of the Wee Bunny installment.

Say good-bye to this bunny. I'm done.

But, I'll be back with more bunny news soon...

A mother's love

Sometimes, as I'm contemplating life in general, I almost always stop and try to wrap my mind around the fact that I have two girls. I realize that it is not uncommon to have girls and I don't find myself to be particularly out of the ordinary by having two of them.

However, what strikes me though each time, is that I (Erica) have two girls to raise into independent young women, with high morals, strong values and anything else that will equip them be responsible adults. Of course, I'm not going at it alone... I have Randy to help me along the way. Honestly, I would not be able to do it alone and I'm thankful I don't have to.

The scary part of it is, that although I turned out to be a responsible adult with strong values and high morals, I still shudder at the thought of what I put my mother (and father) through in my teenage years and early adulthood. There were times, I'm sure that they questioned my morals and values more than I care to know. I know what I was like, and I hope... no, I pray, that my girls will not travel the same paths that I did. If there were some way for me to guard them from making the same mistakes I made, I would, but I know that is not possible.

My mother protected me from one of my worst mistakes. A mistake that could have cost much more than I would have ever anticipated. That mistake is something that I don't mind sharing about because it taught me a lesson about a mother's discernment.

While I was in high school I began running around with a girl that was truly a bad influence. Oh, she was not a dope head or promiscuous... she was just rebellious. Her father was a high profile F.B.I. agent, which meant to her that she had to... no, needed to... buck authority any chance she could. Because of that, she was a bad influence.

I will admit though... I really liked her. She was fun to be around, had no inhibitions, she was creative, funny and best of all, she thought I was fun to be around, creative and funny too. We were like two peas in a pod the last two years of high school. I shunned my wealth of faithful friends for my one new friend. (Side note: One of my "shunned"friends reads my blog now, and we're still friends. Thanks for giving me a second chance!)

Fast forward to the Summer after high school graduation - 1991. It was during this Summer that my rebellious stage took a sharp turn. I began lying and sneaking out. I was drinking and partying. I was wrapped around the finger of my friend and basically her puppet. I did what she did and was happy to be doing it.

One day, we had plans to go to the mall. While we were in the dressing room at the GAP, my friend decided she was going to shoplift some of the clothes she was trying on. This was the first time I had ever witnessed her stealing, but by the looks of it, she was a pro at it. So, we walked out, and I was amazed at how easy it was. Truthfully, it had never occurred to me up until that moment to shoplift. I'm not wired that way.

We then headed over to the big department store. The whole walk over, I was grilling her about what had just happened. She just shrugged it off and said she does it all the time. I couldn't believe it. Here I am, in this hard place because as much as I knew it was wrong to shoplift, I was also with my best friend whom I trusted. So, in the dressing room she begins to stuff the clothes into her purse, into my purse, into our shopping bag, etc. It was insane. And there I was, right along side her. It was one of those moments where you are actually looking down upon yourself, saying, "what the heck are you doing!!" but not being able to stop it.

So, we walked out. And we did it. I couldn't believe it, but again, it was so easy.

I got home later that afternoon with the stuff and I shoved it in the back of my closet. I knew that if my mother saw what I had brought home, she would know that I would not have had the money to buy any of it.

Well, she must've sensed that something was up, because later that day she began to question me about the mall trip. Did you buy anything? You were there a long time... Did your friend buy anything? I gave you money to go to the mall... did you spend it? Etc., etc. The next day, still sensing something was up, she went poking around in my closet and of course, she found the stash.

Now, I know there is a faction of people out there who would not condone my mother snooping around in my closet. But, the fact is that I was a resident of their home and I was giving her a darn good reason to be suspicious. Besides, her finding the loot was one of the most pivotal moments in my life.

So, the short of the long of it was that she found the stuff and boy was I in trouble! My mother's original plan was to have me bring the items back to the store and apologize. Thankfully, I talked her out of it. I think she realized that I could have some serious repercussions from that. So, I hand wrote out an apology letter and mailed the items back to the store. My punishment? In exchange for not hand-delivering the stuff back to the store, I was not allowed to see my best friend ever again.

Trust me, being caught shoplifting by my mother may not seem as harsh, as being caught by the store security, but let me set that straight... it was probably worse. Not only had I broken her trust, but I let her down... immensely. She had warned me and warned me about my friend and was very vocal about her dislike for her, even before I really hit the highlight of my rebellion stage, but I never listened.

Yet at that moment, my mother seized the perfect opportunity to sever the relationship that I had with my friend, before it ruined my life for good.

Who knows what would've happened had I my mother turned me in to the department store security. It was a real and frightening possibility. She was not just tossing around idle threats. Instead, she looked at the broader picture and saved me from myself.

I guess what this all boils down to is this. You can't expect that your children will do what you want them to do, when you want them to do it. And you can't expect your children to make the best choices in life, even if you've equipped them to make right choices. But, you can stand firm, along side them and help them as they go.

Had I not gotten the love and help from my mom, who knows where I'd be today. And, not just in this instance, but other times, when she stood by and let me make my mistake, but was there to help me pick up the pieces, or when she stood her ground and made decisions on my behalf. Whatever the case may be... my mother's love, help and intuition guided me and molded me into who I am today.

Perhaps I shudder at the thought of having two girls who will one day be teenagers (at the same time!), but I know that in my heart, I will be there to help them, guide them, lay down the law when necessary and of course, love them through all of their pitfalls and victories.

I want them to know, just as I knew, that they are loved more than anything else, unconditionally and without a doubt by their mother.

A mother's love.

Weeeeeeee!

Once I figure out how to add the eyes and embroider the face (yeah...right!) I'll be done. Until then... here is my faceless Wee Bunny! And you thought I couldn't do it!

Lipstick Personality Test!

Let's have some fun! Take the Lipstick Personality Test and post your results in the comments area!

Erica's Results:

Stays close to original tip slant:

• Abides by the rules
• Great follower
• Does not like too much attention
• A little self-conscious
• Somewhat reserved
• Likes a schedule
• May occasionally color hair to attract attention

Do something creative everyday

I found these really pretty glass beads at my favorite craft store. I couldn't resist making not one, but two necklaces and matching earrings. This is my first attempt at making earrings and I thought they turned out nice.