It's the MOST WUNNERFUL TIME ...

It never fails...every year around the holidays I get a horrible head cold complete with hacking cough. It also seems to coincide with my opportunities to sing! It never fails that if I have to sing at any point during the holiday season (especially if it's solo) I am inevitably stricken with the "snotcoffsalotitus" and it lasts through the new year!! This is especially nerve-racking since the ol grey mare ain't what she used to be in the vocal sense of the word (well, or any other sense of the word for that matter). It just makes me a nervous wreck!!! All that to say, yes - I'm stricken and the Chancel Choir's performance of the Messiah is fastly approaching!!! This Sunday to be exact and I am hackin-snortin-sneezin-wheezin up a storm - which isn't conducive to a good nights sleep! I have 2 solos - soooo the hackin is a definite MINUS!!!

I also continue to struggle with my weight. This struggle has been made even more difficult by the depo shot I took in September. Had a known that the side effects were and increase in every single icky thing in the human body that I have tried to pluck, shave, lose, squeeze...well, you get the picture, I totally would have opted for something different! Sheesh, glad it's only a one timer for me...I'd have to commit harey carey (isn't that the saying) if this were to continue just right on. So, any how way, this "shot" has not made my battle with the buldge any easier - not that it was easy to begin with...I'm not incredibly blessed these days with an abundance of will power and any I had...GONE! I do try to tell myself that this to shall pass...literally, it'll pass right through the ol bodily system in 3 to 6 months. Perhaps then, I can get my mind set and hormonal balance in the right place. A very old friend of mine, with whom I have recently become reaquainted, told me that she had been through some really horrible physical ailments in recent years and that it caused her to really appreciate her body...fat or skinny. She says she's done worrying about how her body looks. I could probably do that...with a whole lot of work...but my thing is, I wanna have energy to do stuff - play with my kids, exercise...do anything - just be a more "fit" person. We watch a Veggie Tales video that deals with temptation - what makes it even more appropriate for our family is...the hero (Larry-Boy) is being tempted by none other than CHOCOLATE! One thing that the asparagus says (holy moly - I'm gaining spiritual insights from veggies...) anyway, he says " you can't be the super hero God intended you to be if you eat too much chocolate!" Basically, if you are constantly giving into your flesh...you can't be who God intends for you to be. OUCH!!!! So, what I realize is that my weight and giving into my food temptations is keeping me from being who/what God wants! And me, I'm so silly - I just keep letting the boogie man keep me in "the pit of despair - don't even think about trying to escape.." (oh, sorry - just had a "Princess Bride" moment - 'cuse). I want to be outta this pit - I want to be and do all that God wants me to be and do all He has planned for me to do. I know I've said it before but I'm saying it again - my weight is not just a physical issue- it's a spiritual issue and until I "let go and let God" well, you know.

So all of that said - I know how incredibly blessed I am with a wonderful family - beautiful, healthy children, a job, a hubby with a job, a home, food on the table, a warm bed, the love of my sweet family and friends...I mean WOW - how blessed I am - so this Christmas I'm going to try to focus on how blessed I am and how much God has done and try not to focus on my human flaws and the weakness of my flesh or how big that flesh is =0). I will focus on the awesome gift of God's love through His Son, Jesus who came that we may have life and have it more abundantly.

Merry Christmas friends!!!

"Ghost Whisperer" gone wrong!

Oh - muh - gahshhhhhhhhhhh I cannot believe that "Jim" - "Melinda" sweet hubby got "killed off" on "Ghost Whisperer"!!! Whassup wit dat? Now the whole dynamic of the show is going to change...with Jay Mohr gone and now David Conrad...aghhhhhh - what's going on...and just when they were trying to make a little "ghost whisperer/paramedic" -

Of course they can always pull a Dallas "Pam dreams a whole season" and make him not really dead...oooo, or better yet - let him father their child from "the beyond" (insert creepy music sounds here).

Oh well, I guess we'll have to see if he crosses over into the light or remains earth-bound to be near "Melinda" - can't wait til this Friday!!!!

Seriously now...

Well, I figured I'd take this non-hormonal moment to blog. Lots going on these days...eldest is playing in 3 softball tourneys in November - one is for a travel team! Yes, you read that correctly. Of course when I played, all the teams were travel teams but anyhow...she was asked to play and this is only her third season playing. She plays with alot of heart and she loves the game so it's a joy to watch her. Although, I do get quite nervous for her cuz she is extremely "success oriented" and gets upset when she doesn't succeed the way "SHE" thinks she should. The youngest is being "promoted" to PreK next week! OMgoodness...when did that happen? He's very excited because now he'll be reunited with his "girlfriend" B. He says he has another one but he can't recall her name...typical man =0) He's sooooo funny - and everyone says they can't wait until he's a teenager...all are proclaiming that I'm deserving of all that is going to come my way. I have NO clue what they would be talking about...(my mother says, "yeah right" with a smile). It's a super fun time right now...I still get to enjoy little ones for a little longer anyway. I still consider SB to be a "little one" - of course she'll always be my baby - that little teeny tiny peanut we brought home on Easter Sunday 8 years ago (well closer to 8.5 now)...WOW!

I'm singing in the Messiah this year. Sang it last in 2003 and didn't really have the chops to do all that was asked of me. This time around, perhaps the chops will serve me much better. I'm feeling really good about my vocal progress and my vocal coach is AWESOME (even if she is a democrat - love ya E=0) So, I'm anxious to sing my Messiah stuff at my lesson on Sunday - hope to be pleasantly surprised.

I can't believe there are only 55 days until Christmas! What? Get outta here - NOT READY!!! I'm determined to get-r-dun earlier than normal if I can get the hubby to come along on that ride with me =0) We follow the "3 Wisemen Rule". Santa only brings 3 gifts plus the stocking. Anyway, guess I'll try and get started on my decorating in the next week or two since all of our November weekends will be spent at the ball field. Wow, makes me really appreciate all that time my parents spent toting me from park to park and all that "bleacher time"

Well, I'm still no slimmer but less bitter today. I'm just gonna be happy to BE and enjoy life and try to be more healthful. Of course, this is not to say that there won't be days when I wanna sling that stupid scale through the dang-ol window! But, I'm just gonna be who I am in the moment and try not to wreck my kids just because I'm not entirely pleases with my "vessel". I do know fer sure that it is a spiritual battle for me on several levels and at some point I'll be ready to put on my big girl pants and get busy.

I'll post "Hallerweenie" pics after the candy fest is over. I think we're gonna T-n-T with the cousins this year.

Until next time...

Horror-Mones for Halloween...

Well, I have to say that my frame of mind has greatly improved...I think perhaps due to the fact that I'm a month into the "shot" and perhaps my body is finally adjusting somewhat...phew! It may also be due in part to me biting the bullet and weighing only to discover that I haven't gained ...I haven't lost but I haven't gained so that helped my feelings...weird as that is. Soooo any how ways, I'm much less of the witch variety...not fully recovered but on the road to redemption so to speak =0).

She's sooo skinny - you know she MUST be unhappy..

YEAH RIGHT!!! Whoever said that...was STUPID!!! So, I'm in one of the foulest (and let me add ongoing) moods I've been in for QUITE some time. I'm not sure if it's the depo-provera or just the mere FATNESS of it all but I'm royally hacked!!! And never fear...it's not just limited to skinny people...I'm hacked at skinny people and those who are getting skinnier and those who are talking about getting skinny!!! I enjoy "spreading the wealth" as it were.

I'm soooo glad that everyone in the entire universe (me EXcluded) is able to lose weight! YAY for y'all...okay all us fat folks are just flippin THRILLED for ya...now be quiet about it already! Or better yet...just give me all your fat clothes...I need some new clothes.

Hey, but I'm not bitter...not AT ALL!

On a lighter note...I did find some fabulous makeup that has all but erradicated the "swarthy-ness" of it all. Origins is my new favorite thing!!!

It is what it is...awwww, crap!

Well here I sit listening to the clickety click of the keyboards as my fifth graders work on their keyboarding skills. My goal is to have all 5 graders proficient in keyboarding...rather lofty goal you say...oh well, just wait - I have more "goals"-

I would love to say that the 10 lbs I lost over the summer has been accompanied by more lbs moving away...but alas, it's not a fact. I have gained those 10 and now I'm working on more. I'm completely frustrated and completely fat! And on top of that...suddenly my skin has decided that it is going to be all "swarthy" and "Mediterranean" like it was in my youth. So any make up I put on runs down to my chin by the time I get to work. I look like a dadgum raccoon because even the waterproof mascara runs on me...can you believe it!!! Soooo, not happy about this particular physical sitch!

On the greener side of the fence...my voice lessons are really going well. I'm slooowly regaining my range (and if I'd take care of said fat issue my breath control and stamina would greatly improve ...ahhh, but I digress). Elise is workin' my buttocks off but it is soooo paying off. I'm almost excited to go to my voice lessons now. I really wish I had a piano...it would make practicing soooooo much easier. Right now, I'm using a pitch pipe (and not a very good one at that - you have to hold yer mouth jes right or it won't sound) okay, so anyway....HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY about this sitch!

Soooo, all the people around me are either skinny or getting skinny!!! HATE IT FOR ME! It's great for them...but not so much for me...makes me all jealous, which makes me depressed, which makes me eat chocolate, which makes me depressed, which makes me eat chocolate...you can already tell this ends badly.

Oh, did I mention that my face is all "zit ridden" like I'm a teenager...which obviously based on the "heat wave" I frequently experience I am not. I mean, let's just add insult to injury...I'm fat, swarthy AND zitty! OMG!!!!

Reflections on "The Last Lecture"

As I'm watching Diane Sawyer's tribute to the late Randy Pausch, I'm just ... WOW, I just don't know how to express my thoughts. Here's this young, vibrant dad/husband/educator - his life ended far too soon. I watch the footage of him with his 3 small children and I know how the earthly story ends. I listen to the thoughts and feelings expressed by Randy and his wife Jae and I'm just amazed at the peace that that is displayed - and it's not just words...you can look into their eyes and you see that while there is sadness, there is peace and acceptance. Now, I'm not sure that I would agree with the acceptance part...because I believe in divine healing - I believe that Christ means what he says and that we are healed by his stripes. Why, then is there death and sickness? Two words...ORIGINAL SIN!!! The God that I serve, the one I love and worship and adore...He is NOT a God of death and destruction...but one of mercy, grace, love, healing and abundant LIFE - and these great and precious gifts are FREE for everyone BUT (ya know there's always a big ol but) we must BELIEVE and RECEIVE WITHOUT DOUBT!! So many times, we pray and "hope" that God will heal...or think he "might" heal this person or that one or ME! Or we say/think that God will heal others but don't think He'll do it for them(me). He totally will and wants to but we have to be willing to get out of the way and believe without doubt. Dear Father, help me to grow in faith...to believe without doubt that you'll do what you've promised. Father I do believe but help and forgive my unbelief. In Jesus' name...Amen.

Six Random Things About Myself

One of my favorite blog buddies (http://www.skirkman.blogspot.com/)"tagged" me with a new meme (thoughts transmitted from one blogger to a group) and each member of the group answers the same questions/ideas and continues the process.Here are the tag rules:

1. Link to the person who tagged you.

2. Post the rules on your blog.

3. Write six random things about yourself.

4. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.

5. Let each person know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.





#1 Random Thing:
I sang background vocals for Jeff Cook (lead guitar and singer in the group ALABAMA) and The Chosen Few...yes, I was one of the "chosen few"



#2 Random Thing:
For 3 years, I sang professionally with the Voices of Liberty at Walt Disney's EPCOT Center - best job I've ever had...soooo much fun!



#3 Random Thing
I sung "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" with it's original lyricist, Ralph Blane http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Blane - he sang the song beautifully every year at Disney's Christmas Candlelight Ceremony until his death at the age of 81.

#4 Random Thing
I attended 5 colleges (Tennessee Wesleyan, Lee University, Cleveland State, Valencia Comm. College, Armstrong Atlantic State Univ.) over a 9 year period, starting in the fall of '85 and FINALLY finishing in '99. I started out as a music education major with an emphasis in vocal and choral music in '85 but graduated '99 with a bachelor's degree in early childhood ed. ( I took a break from higher education from '91 - '94 to sing at WDW)

#5 Random Thing
I enjoy entertaining, having parties, etc...but don't do it often because my kids keep my house an absolute wreck!

#6
I almost attended Hiawassee Jr. College in Maryville, TN on partial scholarships for fast pitch softball and music.


soooooo, I have hardly anyone to tag cuz Skoot1 and Turning Points already tagged everyone I know except for:

Nancy- encourager, loving mother, great friend

Alex - preacher, teacher and all around cool dude - sorry to tag you but our bloggin' buds left me no choice =0)

Heard tonight...

Dinner table....

Me: "Okay Garrett, say the blessing."

We all bow our heads and Garrett begins

"God is great, God is good..." (Then he stops...opens his eyes and says:)

"okay spread out"

Sebe and I look at each other and grin because we weren't quite sure what he wanted us to do. He's said this a couple of other times and we've just kinda grinned and moved on not really knowing what he was talking about. However, that has all changed because he was insistant that we "spread out".

Garrett starts making all these motion and flappin his arms and saying "y'all spread out, spread out"and then...we had a revelation...we finally understood what he was trying to get us to do...
he wanted us to "spread out" our arms and hold hands to pray!

All together now...."Awhhhhhhh..."

What WILL I be when I grow up?

Well, here I sit on a Sunday night, surrounded by all the wonderful things in my life...namely my husband and children. God has also blessed us with all (and then some) that we need as far material possessions go. I know how blessed and fortunate I am...soooo why do I feel so...BLAAAH?

In recent weeks, I have had opportunity to hear about some wonderful things that some of my singer friends are doing or have done. All of them I met while singing at the "Mouse's House" otherwise known as Walt Disney World. My former roommate and singing buddy is getting ready to record her second solo album which is being produced by none other than the fab-tabulous Babbie Mason. Another has traveled with Dr. Jeremiah and his Turning Points Ministry...still others are doing studio work on a regular basis...and the list goes on and on. Now, I'm so happy that they are able to do what they love and are good at...BUUUUUT....(ya know there's always a big but somewhere) I find my flesh being envious and asking..."What about me?" "What happened to my dream?" "Where'd my voice go?" Yes, my flesh is REAL chatty and rather annoying at times!!!! Anyway, as I continue on the journey to regain my voice I find myself frustrated and envious...frustrated that all the "stuff" I'm re-learning isn't coming as quickly as I'd like for it to and envious because I'm not doing as much singing as I thought I'd be doing at this point in my life (nor am I doing it as well - unfortunately). I know I sound like a selfish little "poopie diaper" (infamous Garrett words). I just want my voice to be strong and clear like it used to be...I know it can't sound the same cuz I'm older (and one would think wiser...but alas). I just want to be free from these vocal limitations...free to sing as loud and as long as I want or need to...I want to be able to worship without my voice just stopping or getting all goofy! I know that I have a lot of work to do as far as reconditioning my voice and I haven't been able to devote as much time as I need to or want to...I guess this is just my little tantrum. I think I'm done now...or maybe not. Thanks for listening (well actually reading). Pray that God will give me patience and endurance to press on so that God can be faithful to complete the good work He began in me. Pray for my flesh...it is sooooo pesky in this area.

Thanks friends.

Out of the mouths of babes

So the other day, while waiting in the van for DH and DD at the kennel, I notice my 3 year old DS playing with some change and then out of the blue he says "God". So I inquired..."What about God, Garrett?" "God is for saving me." he replies and then continues on saying, "God is for saving everybody and this money is for gifts." So I asked, "Gifts for who?" DS says, "Gifts for God, Mommy!" Now, this may not seem like something significant to you but to me, to be watching my 3 year old arranging and stacking coins and hear him say that right out of the blue...I don't know, it just says something to me about the "faith of a child." DS didn't try to rationalize God's saving grace he just proclaimed it...very "matter of fact" with profound certainity. I think children have a innate spirituality and while we are born with a sinful nature, as children we are much more receptive and sensitive to the Holy Spirit. I hear it in the words and expressed thoughts of both of my children. Several weeks ago, on our way to a family outting, DS says, "There's God." So I asked him where God was (thinking there was a church sponsored billboard nearby). However, he pointed straight out the front windshield and said, "Right there in front of the car."

I want my children to grow up knowing and believing that Jesus heals their infirmities, cares about the little things in their lives, knows them (every part of them) and loves them unconditionally. I also know that sometimes, my flesh is very strong and I don't always "practice what I preach" so to speak. Many times I am weak, but then I hear and see the faith of my children in little things and realize that in my weakness HE is strong and that HE'LL use me in spite of myself to minister to my children. And in so many ways, HE uses my children to minister to me and to strengthen my faith.

"And a little child shall lead them..."

Let em eat cake...or something like that

My 8 year old DD wants to blog. Part of me thinks..."ooo, how cool would that be for her to start now and have it to look back on later" and another part says "hello, she's only 8". It would be something we would do together and she's pretty creative as far as the writing thing goes. She's very technologically minded and it might help her grow as a writer. Any thoughts out there in the blog-O-sphere? Should I let her "eat cake"?

Weirdness

I can't see the comments from the Disney post until I post another entry...what's up with that? Has anyone had that happen before...is it a user problem? =0)
Ok, so now I can't see them even AFTER I post another entry...am I on an episode of the "Twilight Zone"? doo,doo,doo,doo,doo (ya know...like the theme song)

My Disney Days

For those of you that may not know...I sang with the Voices of Liberty at WDW's EPCOT Center from '91 - '94. This is one of the medleys we did...the soprano soloist is my old roommate - she's awesome!!!! No, I'm not in the clip...there was no YOUtube or blog-o-sphere back in the day =0). You can see/hear more VOL music on YouTube...ahhhh, good times - lot's of fun! Can you believe at one time I had the voice to sing in this group? ...seems like forever ago.

Fallin Ouuta the Nest

We have the sweetest if not sometimes dopey black lab named Bella. She will be 2 years old in October this year and is still VERY MUCH a puppy. This weekend, to my horror, she found a bird's nest...yes, there were wee one in the nest. I'm not sure how she got them but she did. The first one she played with until it ummm...let's say expired. I tried to get her to drop the bird so that I could attempt a rescue, but the more I yelled "DROP IT" the bigger a game she thought it was. Then the chase commenced, which made her think - "COOL I've got my human out here playing chase with me so I'll hold on to this little squishy toy." The next day...birdie #2, I did manage a rescue and I put it back in A nest, not sure it was THE nest but anyhow way...I tried. I had to put it in the nest twice....not sure if it made or not, as I went out later to check on it but didn't hear chirping and couldn't really see in the nest. Kinda reminds me of myself. I keep "fallin out of the nest" and Jesus comes everytime, scoops me up and puts me back in the nest. He loves me enough to do that no matter how many times I fall out. WAY COOL!

Say WHAT?

Umm, might want to rethink this one...

Table Talk...

Dinner last night...
Garrett: "Mommmmeeeeeee, I farted." (huge smile)

Mommy: "Garrett, you should say excuse me when that happens." (in my "mommy voice")

Garrett: "It's not for butts"

Mommy: "What's not for butts?"

Garrett: "Excuse me is not for butts...only for mouffs."

Mommy: "Well, if your butt makes a noise...you need to say excuse me."

Garrett: "But it's only for mouffs not butts."

Okie dokie then.....

Over 40 years of experience...

Yes, it's true OVER, MORE....whatever you wanna say, however you wanna say it....I have that much experience. Poor OLD me! Yes, Hormones + fatness+ birthday = PITY PARTY!!!! Before I turned the big 4-0 last year, I swore I was gonna lose this weight...ummmm, didn't happen. Then last year I said, okay, this is it - you can do it. And I gave myself another year...welp, here we are again and right back to the same pep talk..."I can do it - I can lose the weight - I'll start walking (or streakin' which is now the popular thing among some fitness buffs). And somehow, when I go home tonight, I'll be sooooooo dang tired that I'll do well to get dinner on the table, kids bathed and in bed before 8:30 and by then...EXERCISE?! What?! Ain't happenin! Then I say, okay, go to bed and get up in the morning and exercise...so I try, but I end up going to sleep around midnight or so then try to get up at 4:45 or so to exercise. Guess what?! Yep, ain't happenin'. So I feel like a big rotten slug of a loser which makes me wanna eat the thing I LURVE most....chocolate. Feel like a bigger loser...eat more chocolate...loser...chocolate...loser...chocolate....you see the cycle here....right?

Okay, I guess that's enough pity partying....I don't think even I can stand much more! ACK!

Nuvi 660 - AWESOME

My DH bought me the Garman Nuvi 660 for my birthday! It is totally awesome...it's a bluetooth (very cool hands free gabbing), Mp3 player, photo album, FM radio...I mean, the list goes on and on. He was so worried I wouldn't like....puh-lease! That's going to provide me with hours of techno-fiddlin'! NOW, I can locate all of YOU with the touch of a button....ARE YOU SCARED?!!!
mou-wah-ha-ha-ha (that's sinister laughter in case you didn't know)

Plantar Fasciitis

Well, yet another evil by product of my fatness. This is a most uncomfortable...well, no, I take that back...it is PAINFUL! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plantar_fasciitis Looks like with the many CONS of fatness - I'd stop eating those nice warm chocolate chip cookies from McDonald's...it's just too easy to get stuff that's bad for you! Of course, then I have to sneak and eat the bad stuff so my kids don't see...I want to give the illusion of a "good example" HA! So, I have a fitness sandwiched between fatness blogs....hmmmmmm

Ahh Mahh Gahh - the sphere of dreams

who knew there was a WHOLE sphere dedicated to my beloved... check it out!!!
http://www.chocosphere.com/

I'm Thinkin Bout STREAKIN'

Read more about it here: http://atickettokona.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/01/da-rules---janu.html







And you thought I was gonna git nekkid....puh-lease!

So THAT'S the problem...

This is my story and I'm stickin' to it!!!!

As promised....wedding pictures

Click on the pics for a larger image.

GAHHH! When did she get to be soooo grown?

Flower Girls Galore

Garrett had a lovely shiner for the festivities!

Sara Beth and her buddy Mike (father of the bride)
She has loved him and he her since she's been in this world.

Check him out...my boy's got the moves AND the ladies!

Chubby is as chubby does...

Welp, it official...I've given in to the FAT that is me! I have gained every flippity floppin (and I do mean FLOPPIN) pound back that I had lost. I'm so tired of fighting the battle of the bulge...and I'm really ticked at all you "high metabolism" individuals who can eat an entire chocolate cake and remain ridiculously slim...GAAAAGGGG ME!!! - course there's a thought...just kidding. I can't figure out how to break the vicious cycle that is my eating! I mean, when I stick to my plan...I lose .5 - at that rate I'll be slim when I'm oh...say....210 years old! By then, who cares that your boobies are doubling as knee pads or worse yet - shin guards...I'm mean seriously I'm already in a "some number that I won't disclose here" with the cup size LONG!!!! Argh! I have my grandmother's boobs - just roll them babies up and stick in a bra!
I hate being LARGE...I'm a much better person when I'm slim - better attitude, more self esteem. ACK, I hate getting dressed - but realize I must...nobody wants "all this" exposed and besides...I don't think you can get chocolate in the pokey.

Then there's the exercise...when does one do that when one already gets up at 5:00 a.m. but can't go to bed before 11:00 most nights - gotta have clean drawers to wear (for those of you non-southern speakers drawers=underwear). I have tried to get up at 4:30 OMGah!!

Well, I can find all kinds of reasons/excuses but I guess the one thing I'm not owning is my lack of motivation to lose the weight. I guess it's kinda like our faith...we can talk about how we want to believe or what should and shouldn't be but then sometimes we don't put shoes on the faith...ya know. I talk about losing the weight, exercising being a better role model for my kids where food is concerned...but my shoes never make it on! Okay - I'm done

p.s. I do realize that I have much for which to be thankful - a wonderful DH, DD, DS and wonderful friends!

WALLPAPER....UH - MAH - GAH!!!!

I will NEVER...I mean NEVER put wallpaper in a house! The folks who built our house put wallpaper or a border EVERY stinkin WHERE!!! Kitchen, foyer, bathrooms (yes, all 3), bedrooms...musta had stock in a wallpaper company. And to add insult to injury, they used atomic everlasting wallpaper glue to adhere it to the UNpainted drywall. Now for those of you who have never hung or removed wallpaper...the cardinal rule is NEVER, EVER hang wallpaper on a "nekked" wall because when some poor schlep comes along later and tries to take it down...all religion is lost along with most of the flippin drywall. And then there's the whole "how do you get the wallpaper off that is behind the turlet" scenerio...are you kidding me...I mean c'mon people...if yer detemined to hang wallpaper leave the turlet wall off and just paint it a nice accent color or hang floor length "love the 70's " beads from the ceiling...something...ANYTHING but WALLPAPER. I have been standing on my head and contorting my hands and arms in ways that could very well get me a second job as a carnival side show...SERIOUSLY!

Okay, but other than that...it's all good.

Could that dress BEEEE any shorter?

Okay, this picture was taken when I was 4 1/2 years old - but what makes this a special picture is that it was taken at the wedding of Mike and Beverly Childs (whom my Dad married). These folks are the parents of Candy Childs - whom my Dad married up with Kevin Harbour two weeks ago.

Seeeeee....I was skinny, sweet and oh so cute at one time in my life. Getta load of those BANGS!

How's that workin' out for ya?

Welllllllllllllllllllll, so far, since my last weigh in (which was 2 weeks ago-outta town, blah, blah, blah) I've gained 7 flippin pounds! I HATE THAT!!!!! ARGH! Even when I feel like I'm doing well - OBVIOUSLY I'm NOT! Oooooo, such ugly thoughts going through my mind....feel like giving up - I've gone in REVERSE!!!! UGH!

More things that make you say hmmmm...

Why, when one is in a public restroom and someone pushes on the stall door or knocks on the door one says, "Someone's in here!" Is the person in the stall not sure who they are? (me included). Whassup wid dat? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....

Same song....different verse

Okay, I really mean it! I'm going to get this weight off (or at least some of it) before my birthday in May (how'd ya like that little plug?) I must, I must, I must DECREASE my bust!!!!! and various other parts.
So today, I make a promise - I promise not to eat the entire world while on spring break next week (hallelujah Friday came ...see "Where for art thou, spring break"). I will free the playroom of all superfluous happy meal toys and other random, tiny, make me crazy toys that no one ever plays with but still seem to finds a home on the playroom floor. I will clean my house from top to bottom (most likely with the help of a courageous professional - they'll have to be brave to come to my house - YIKES). I will work in the yard without almost cutting off any appendages or at least I'll try. I will try to make myself make time to exercise everyday (perhaps it will be habit forming). Welp, that's kinda more than one ain't it?
Seems a bit ambitious I know, but perhaps if I know y'all have read it...it'll keep me accountable.

CUTE! CUTE! CUTE!

Someone in her family must be a classically trained singer...this is too cute.

I'm a Weight Watcher....

Well, the past 2 days, I've walked during my lunch break. I only have to time for a 15 to 20 minute walk but I guess it's better'n nuttin - which is what I've been doing. About 8 weeks ago, I joined Weight Watchers....(Hello, my name is Lesley and I'm FAT) Anyway, I do really well for a week or so and then I fall off the weight loss wagon. This jiggly gut is problem for me not only because my son pats it and says, "You full a lunch, Mommy?" HAAAAAAAATE IT! I also suffer from LPR which is reflux that causes the burning in your larynx and pharynx (lovely - I know) beside that it is also a major hinderance in my singing...too much GUT to pick up with them thar sangin muskles!

Okay back to the walking, so yes, I've walked for the last 2 days and then immediately gone to my AP's office and snarfed down a ga-gillion of those tasty little peanut butter and chocolate eggs - and no, they're not even the reese's eggs...just some ol generic brand...none the less tasty though. I do have that little monthly visitor on which to lay some of the blame. Right before "Aunt Polly" arrives....I could eat my weight and yours too in...well this month it's peanut butter and chocolate. Sometimes it's chips and salsa and sometimes it's SEE Food - ya know I SEE it and I EAT it! All these folks around me seem to have the will power - I used to...long time ago I could sit beside a plate of warm chocolate chip cookies and never eat one...now I eat the plate (after the cookies of course).
Last night, there I was just standing there in front of the pantry....door open...scanning....what can I eat? Was I hungry NOOOOOOOOOO, but alas....I stood there wondering WHY I was standing there. I kept saying...just go to bed, you're tired - you're eating to stay awake. Don't fight it - give in to the sleep monkey. Which I did after a GInormous glass of really chocolatey milk! Curses...foiled again!

Where for art thou, spring break?

Holy cow! Let me just echo the sentiments expressed by Sarah about spring break!
It's like we're in a FULL MOON cycle around here!!! I mean non-stop talking accompanied by "spring-itis" - argh!!! A-NNOY-ING!!!! Seriously! Pulling out of the hair is surely to commence -

The days are long...but FRIDAY'S comin'
The days are LOUD...but FRIDAY'S comin'
The kids are NUTS...but FRIDAY'S comin"
My head is bald...but FRIDAY'S comin'
My nerves are frazzled...but FRIDAY'S comin'

...but not nearly fast enough!!!!

Spring Break, spring break, where for art thou spring break....

I want one too!

We were with some friends who have adorable 9 month old twin boys. They are sooooo cute and so at the really fun infant age...
I had always imagined myself having at least 4 kids (of course that was when I also imagined that I'd be married by the time I was 23....which didn't happen). I love children and I adore my own but one more....ahhhh, that'd be soooo sweet! I'd even be okay with a twofer - ya know twins...but I'm the pink zebra at the OB/Gyn office or at least I was when I was preggers with Garrett. They treat you like you just kill over at any minute due to your "advanced maternal age" ARGH! If my body and emotions (and mother) could tolerate another pregnancy....ooooo, I'd sooooo have another little one....but I am so blessed with two wonderful healthy kiddos - lights of my life!

Whirlwind Weekend or TMI...

Wow! What a weekend! We "married off" a dear longtime family friend in south GA (Sara Beth was a flower girl) on Saturday night AND THENNNNNNN we hauled it back up to "the city" for the children's musical on Sunday evening. It was my swan song as the Carol Choir director and Sara Beth had a solo! She was AWESOME (if I do say so myself). Soooo, my 7 year old had a "glamorous" weekend. She EVEN got a "french manicure" - she thought she was "hot stuff" and of course...she totally was!

At the reception, my children provided entertainment as dancers! When I get the pictures I'll post them. They both had their boogie shoes on - it was quite a sight to see! I got to looking for Sara Beth and couldn't find her anywhere on the dance floor - when I noticed this HUGE circle of dancing adults - ya know the "putcha in the middle so you can show yer stuff" Soul Train dancing circle...guess who's in the middle...SARA BETH!!! Those adults were hootin and hollerin and cheerin her on. She was eating it up...and Garrett found a stage - climbed up and did a little solo action. They both danced the ENTIRE time we were there from 6:30 until 10:00! Garrett was "bustin a move" BIG TIME. At one point, he had a cap on backwards (his dad's "trophy" from the wedding golf tourney) pretending to hold a mic in one hand while inciting the crowd to "raise the roof" with the other hand! One of our good friends (Uncle of the bride) said, "I didn't know the preacher was raisin' exotic dancers" (for those who may not know...I'm a PK - my dad is a preacher - does that explain "ME" a little better=0D

Anyway, I was asked to inflict my voice on those attending the wedding - I wouldn't have done it but I've known the bride all of her life - I was there when she born so when she asked.... I couldn't tell her NO. Well, actually I tried to tell her NO but she wouldn't hear it. I'm glad I did it for her. My dad performed the ceremony - he also performed the bride's parents' ceremony back in 1971 (as well as all of the bride's aunts and uncles weddings - on her mom's side. We're ALL originally from the Holy Land...oh, ummmm I mean, Tennessee and my Dad was their pastor "back in the day") It's pretty cool though, cuz my dad was one of the first folks to see Candy (the bride) other than her daddy just after her birth and now he was able to be the officiating minister. I told you it was pretty cool.

Soooooo, just prepare yourselves for pictures from the wedding and video from the musical...I'm just sayin!

A Meme (rhymes with dream)

1. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.
2. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
3. At the end of the post, the player then tags five people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves a comment letting them know they’ve been tagged and to ask them to play along and to read your blog.

What I was doing 10 years ago - 1998
* Finishing up my ummmm NINTH year of college
* Still being a newlywed
* Learning to share a bathroom with A BOY
* Getting ready to do my student teaching FINALLY
*

Five things on my to-do list today -
1. Find someone to "Bella-sit" (she's our dog)
2. Pack the van
3. Pick up my husband in McDonough at the CCC
4. Fill up the tank in my van (this should actually happen BEFORE I drive to McDonough)
5. Drive to Hinesville, GA for a friend's wedding

Five snacks I enjoy -
1. popcorn (lots of fattening butter)
2. chocolate
3. honey roasted peanuts
4. chocolate
5. gramham crackers
6. Chocolate
*Oh, did it say 5 ...oops. Ya know, it really depends on my mood and the time of the month =0D

Five things I would do if I were a billionaire -
1. Pay them dang bills off
2. Pay my family’s bills off
3. Pay the church’s bills off
4. Pay y’all’s bills off (bills are so unfair)
5. Travel my hiney off
6. Buy a house with a BASEMENT!!!! Oops, again with the 5!

Five of my bad habits -
1. eating chocolate
2. gaining weight - see #1
3. being critical
4. Leaving the world in my van (including my purse - much to my hubby's chagrin
5. Hmmmmmm, I know there are more...just can't think

Five places I have lived -
1. LaFollette, TN (Northeast of Knoxville)
2. Lexington, KY
3. Cleveland, TN
4. Orlando, Fl
5. Hinesville, GA

Five jobs I’ve had - (only 5? =0D)
1. grocery store cashier - loved it- got to see EVERYBODY(high school/college)
2. Entertainer at EPCOT Center, Walt Disney World, Inc
3. Pre K Assistant
4. Director of Youth and Children (I know...can you believe it)
5. Elementary school teacher...just to name a few

I tag…
Welllllll, nobody - cuz Fiddle*Sticks dun tagged em all! HUMPH!

Second Grade Conversations

My daughter's second grade teacher reported the following dialog with my child:
*some names have been altered to "respect" the innocent =0)

SB: "Ms. Melton, did you that Randy has already quit his flag football team?"

Ms. Melton: "Well, no honey, I didn't know that."

SB: "He quit because the coach wouldn't let him play all the plays he wanted to. But he shouldn't quit - hasn't he ever heard of perseverance?"

Ms. Melton: "Uhhhhhmmmmm, well I guess he doesn't. Let's talk about it later though, okay?" (big smile)

Her teacher was like...how do you argue with that? Ms. Melton was quite impressed with the "big word" usage and knowing the meaning! KUH-CHOW!!!!!
I love it, love it, love it!!! She gets it and she keeps us ALL on the straight and narrow!!!

Spring? Really?

Whassup wid dis COLD? I mean, I like a nice snowfall just like the next guy but c'mon...it's MARCH ALREADY!
Course it doesn't matter to the kids at my school...Easter has come and gone and by golly, I'm gonna wear them thar white sandals...don't care if my toes are BLUE - I'm wearin' em! And shorts, yep - wearin' em - who cares if the little hairs on their k-5 legs have broken off at the root due to the FREEZING cold! Seriously, do their parents SEE them before they walk out the door...I'm just sayin'....

Things that make you say hmmmmm... revisited

When you use a highligther...is the passage "highlighted" or "highlit"?

HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM...

Amazing Love

"The Lecture"

So, the kids are riding with Sebe to SB's softball practice Tuesday night and he overhears the following:

SB: Garrett, if somebody you don't know offers you candy do not take it. Run away and find me if Mom and Dad aren't around. I'll take you to them.

G: (listening intently and nodding in the affirmative)

SB: I mean it. Don't you take candy from anybody unless you ask Mom and Dad or come and find me so I can take you to them.

*The "lecture" as it were, goes on like this for several minutes with Garrett continuing to listen intently all the while nodding "YES"
This is how that conversation ended...

SB: Garrett, seriously, I mean it. If you don't believe me ask Mom. She has MORE THAN 40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE!"

I love that she is listening to the things we are telling her and that she wants to pass that information along to little brother but isn't that kinda like saying "You don't sweat much for a fat girl." Hmmmm, have to get back to ya on that one =0D

Let me say it again...I HATE TO DIET!!!!

ARRRRRGH! I hate being so dang "fleshy"! I mean seriously, why is it always soooooo stinkin' EASY to gain weight and soooooo stinkin hard to lose it. I think the putting on and taking off process should be equally simple! If you eat 1 Krispy Kreme donut everyday which caused you to gain 10 lbs, then I think if you stop eating said donuts...you should lose that pesky 10 lbs without having to listen to Leslie Sansone telling you to "pick it up, left, right" while intermittenly attempting to add humor (Honey, don't give up yer day job)! I think that for every 16oz of stank ol plain tasteless water one drinks in a day...you should lose that much weight times 2 in the same day(I mean there should be significant reward for giving up fizz and taste). And why is it that we, as women lose weight slower than men?! I can "Walk Away the Pounds" till I'm blue in the face....poot myself into oblivion while attempting to do pilates....ride my bike (ya get my drift) and my husband mows the lawn on Saturday and drops a pant size! Whasssup wid dat? humph!

Archie-isms

My kids are notorious for what we like to call at our house "Archie-ism". Ya know, how ol Archie Bunker would get reeeeally close to the right word but just off enough to be funny...yea...now ya see where I'm goin'...Well, these "Archie-isms" always make my husband and me chuckle out loud (of course they are OUR kids so we think that they are THE brightest, funniest, most wonderful....okay, I'll get ahold of myself- sorry)...

Sooooo, moving right along....I'm never near pencil/paper and I'm not all fancied up with all the cool techno gizmos that could record/write or otherwise save for posterity these wonderful little "isms" so I'm going to record them here as they come to me:0D


"Mommy, my tummy is grouchin'" (Garrett)
"Holy Mat-Girl" instead of "Holy Mackerel" (Sara Beth)
"Dad, can we go somewhere more expensidiv to eat?" (Sara Beth)
"Mom, did you see that velcro?" (Sara Beth - she meant VULTURE)
"You're crackin me nuts" (Sara Beth)
"You crack me off" (Garrett)
"quarter potty"(aka porta-potty)." (Sara Beth)
"you're bein mean at me" (Garrett)

Obviously, there will be more....=0)

What's the meaning of this?

For those who might be wondering why I chose this title for my blog or aren't familiar with musical vocab....mezzo forte is just a fancy, schmancy way of saying "medium loud" which I guess IS rather humorous if you know me at all (Thank ya Whit=0D. I chose mezzo because my voice classification is mezzo soprano - which means - can't sing the super-dee-duper high notes but I can sing high notes - or will be able to again soon thanks to Elise, my voice teacher! YAY!! So it is mezzo forte...not because I'm particularly a "medium" in the size or sound category but definitely not in an "I see dead people" medium kinda way. (read your mind Whitney) I haven't been a medium in size or sound since I was about...ummmmmmm 6 months old!

Blessed to be a Mommy

Before I was a Mom…
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a
lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were
poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom…
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom…
I never held down a screaming child so doctors could
do tests,
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby
sleep.

Before I was a Mom…
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't
want to put him down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when
I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my
life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom…
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside
my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a
hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child
could be so strong.
I didn't know that something so small could make me
feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom…
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every
10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the
heartache, the wonderment, or the
satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before
I was a Mom.

How blessed I am to be a mom - Thank you Heavenly Father for giving me two most beautiful, precious gifts in Sara Beth and Garrett!

Happy Meals....WHY?!

Happy Meals DO NOT make ME happy! Why? Those crappy toys!! They work for 10 seconds or you can't EEEEVEN get the flippin' thing to work or they never STOP working (even after being baptized by emersion) - and of course your kids want you to open this toy as soon as the infamous happy meal box touches your fingers. So you take out said "toy" and it is wrapped in stinkin industrial strength plastic - requiring hedge clippers or a hack saw to open. Piranah couldn't tear open this plastic. I think they should make prison cells outta this stuff - no one could EVER escape! So then, where does this "priceless gem" end up? On the floor in my van OR as yet another "tub toy" (like I need one more thing to stumble over in the morning or to inadvertently impale or otherwise inflict injury upon my "pre-caffienated" self). Our playroom is full of these lovely little items - and when you try and sneak one to the poly-cart there are tears and lamenting...."I've been looking for that for a long time!" Oh puh-leeeease! There are 15 thing-a-muh-jiggers just like this in the van - under the seat, in "the way back" as Garrett says (a.k.a the bench seat in the back of the van) and in the luggage/grocery/softball bag storage compart-tah-mentay. One of these days - I'm gonna take that stinkin toy outta that box and throw right back through the pick up window!

Sendin' out a "THANK YOU" holla to Captain D's for no toys just food! Love ya!

Things that make you say "Hmmmmmmmm"

Well, I wrote the stinkin title last night but didn't have time to finish and GUESS WHAT? Now I'M sayin "hmmmmmmmmm" cuz I can't remember what I was gonna say! SNAP! I do remember that is was quite humorous - DANG IT! I also remember thinking "what a great item for the ol "BLAWG"! Fartifinkle! Argh, I can't tell you how flippity floppin frustratin' this is...SERIOUSLY! Perhaps at some point during the day I will sit on the little invisible "button thingie" ON your tushy (I changed that just for my fiddlin' friend=0) that Bill Cosby talks about - you know, the one that makes you remember what you walked all the way upstairs for AFTER you come back downstairs and sit down on the couch. Man, it stinks to be OLD!!!

Anybody know a good, reliable cleaning service/person? My house is a HOT MESS! My kids have to be able to see every stinkin toy or belonging that they own, therefore it is ALL over the floor of the playroom, family room, their rooms.....ACK!!! Goin a little postal over it all! I have got to be the mean "clean this mess up now" fairy tonight! I hate it but holy moly - if Niecy Nash knocks on my door....I'll die!

Sweet Songs

Okay, so we're riding in the car yesterday and Sara Beth is listening to the CD of the children's musical-which by the way is coming up at the end of the month. Garrett is listening and singing along - happy as a clam then all of the sudden...sniffles...what happened? I look in my mirror and Garrett is all teary-eyed but not saying a word. I asked him what was wrong and he said, "this song makes me sad." I listened to what was playing and it was the song "When others see a sheperd boy, God may see a king..." It's a ballad and quite beautiful. I said, "no, it's not sad. It's pretty." He said, "no, it makes me sad and cry." So sweet, the song, touches his little heart but he doesn't know that's what is happening. He starts to cry every single time that song comes on. Just thought is was interesting....children really are the closest things to angels on earth.

Stouffer's Meatloaf

Okay what does it say about Mama's abilities in the kitchen when your first born says to you..."Mom, the more I have that meatloaf the less I like it." First, let me back up and tell you WHY we're eating meatloaf of the Stouffer variety. My family is very difficult to cook for...or at least I think so. Anyway, my kids are especially picky...certain foods with certain textures...uh, uh, nope ain't gonna eat it. My oldest is especially "texture tender" (I just made that up... just now, betcha couldn't tell - but I digress). Anyway, I try EVERYTHING under the sun to get them to eat (and to make myself feel like I'm lovingly preparing a "home-cooked" meal....here's where Stouffer's steps in. I thought MaMa Stouffer had finally made something that my crew would eat and enjoy and they did...for a while. Earlier this week, I said to my daughter (with an "I know you're gonna like this dinner" grin)..."I'm fixing meatloaf tonight...STOUFFER'S MEATLOAF." To which my very loving and extremely compassionate (which does NOT come from her mother=0) daughter replies, "Mom the more I have that meatloaf the less I like it." My heart was pounding and my palms were beginning to sweat! Are you kidding me?! I finally found something that I - what - doesn't like the meatloaf - ARGH. After my "befuddlement" subsided I said, "What? I thought you loved Stouffer's meatloaf?" To which she diplomatically replied...."Well the last time we had it, it was just a hair below excellent." ARE YOU KIDDING ME? WHICH brings me back to my original question...ummmm, what was my question? Oh yea, my culinary abilities otherwise known as the ability to screw up packaged dinners. Ahhh, the agony of defeat!!!! *s*

Jumpin on the bandwagon!

Well - if EVERYONE else jumped off a bridge, I reckon I would too. Thus, I will BLOG! Can't imagine I'd have anything to say worth reading, but perhaps someday my kids will get a kick outta reading how dopey their momma was/is! I guess I can force y'all to come along on my journey to rediscover the lost singer within...she's been struggling now for about 8 years but is finally re-emerging thanks to a great vocal coach named Elise..."HOLLA"!

Soooo, anyone who knows me, knows I can't go for very long without telling a "kid story"...
Well, I shant disappoint..

The other day my son "made a stinky" as we like to call it at our house. So to speed up the clean up, I decided to use a wet wipe - to which my son loudly protested while bent over my leg practically standing on his head..."don't wipe me with a wet wipe - I don't need a wet wipe" to which I replied "yes, you do" to which HE replied, "It makes me dizzy!" "What does?" I inquired. His response..."The wet wipe!"
So just in case you ever wondered...wiping the ol' tushy with a wet wipe may cause dizziness...so you shouldn't operate a fork lift or any other heavy machinery while using them. Of course, if you're operating heavy machinery in this particular situation....you're probably headed "downtown" and I don't mean in the fun, gotta buy some sassy new shoes, kinda way!


Welp, gotta start somewhere - guess this was as good a place as any.