"Where's the Beef?

Well...I have made it to 100! My ONE hundredth post that is. And for reaching this mile stone ~ I am feeling a little nostalgic....take a walk down memory lane to the 80's. I LOVED the 80's and last weeka friend and I got to reminiscing about old times. For any of you from that time....do you remember:

1. You've ever ended a sentence with the word "PSYCHE".

2. You watched the Pound Puppies. {had to have one}

3. You can sing the rap to the "Fresh Prince of Belair " ...and can do the "Carlton".

4. Girls wore biker shorts under their skirts and felt stylishly sexy.

5. You yearned to be a member of the Baby-sitters club and tried to start a club of your own.

6. You owned those lil' Strawberry Shortcake pals scented dolls. {erasers were the best}

7. You know that "WOAH " comes from Joey on Blossom.

8. Two words: Hammer Pants.

9. If you ever watched "Fraggle Rock ".

10. You had plastic streamers on your handle bars... and "spokey-dokes" or playing cards on your spokes for that incredible sound effect.

11. You can sing the entire theme song to "Duck Tales". (Woo ooh!)

12. When it was actually worth getting up early on a Saturday to watch cartoons. {SO TRUE}

13. You wore a ponytail on the side of your head. {GUILTY}

14. You saw the original "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles " on the big screen... and still know the turtles names.

15. You got super-excited when it was Oregon Trail day in computer class at school.

16. You made your mom buy one of those clips that would hold your shirt in a knot on the side.

17. You played the game "MASH ". (Mansion, Apartment, Shelter, House) {still waiting on my Mansion}

18. You wore stonewashed Jordache jean jackets and were proud of it. TOTALLY}

19. L.A. Gear... need I say more.

20. You wanted to change your name to "JEM " in Kindergarten. (She's truly outrageous)

21. You remember reading "Tales of a fourth grade nothing " and all the Ramona books. {Ramona was the BOMB}

22. You know the profound meaning of "WAX ON, WAX OFF". {saw them ALL}

23. You wanted to be a Goonie.

24. You ever wore fluorescent clothing. (some of us... head-to-toe) {what....so we glowed in the dark}

25. You can remember what Michael Jackson looked like before his nose fell off and his cheeks shifted.

26. You have ever pondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf. {nope never really thought of it....and actually - she isn't}

27. You took lunch boxes to school... and traded Garbage Pail Kids in the schoolyard. {so did this}

28. You remember the CRAZE, then the BANNING of slap bracelets. {YUP}

29. You still get the urge to say "NOT " after every sentence.

30. You remember Hypercolor t-shirts.

31. Barbie and the Rockers was your favorite band.

32. You thought She-ra (Princess of Power!) and He-Man should hookup.

33. You thought your childhood friends would never leave because you exchanged handmade friendship bracelets.

34. You ever owned a pair of Jelly-Shoes. (and like ..24, probably in neon colors, too) {AND THEY ARE BACK!!!!!}

35. After you saw Pee-Wee's Big Adventure you kept saying "I know you are, but what am I?"

36. You remember "I've fallen and I can't get up" {what about "where is the beef"}

37. You remember going to the skating rink before there were inline skates. {I remember the FIRST rink in our town}

38. You ever got seriously injured on a Slip and Slide.

39. You have ever played with a Skip-It. {mine was a lemon}

40. You had or attended a birthday party at McDonalds.

41. You've gone through this nodding your head in agreement.

42. You remember Popples.

43. "Don't worry, be happy"

44. You wore like, EIGHT pairs of socks over tights with high top Reeboks.

45. You wore socks scrunched down (and sometimes still do...getting yelled at by "younger hip" members of the family)

46. "Miss MARY MACK MACK MACK, all dressed in BLACK BLACK BLACK " {I like the elephant}

47. You remember boom boxes. and walking around with one on your shoulder like you were all that. {the bigger the better}

48. You remember watching both "Gremlins" movies.

49. You know what it meant to say "Care Bear Stare!"

50. You remember watching "Rainbow Bright" and "My Little Pony Tales "

51. You thought Doogie Howser/Samantha Micelli was hot.

52. You remember Alf, the lil furry brown alien from Melmac.

53. You remember New Kids on the Block when they were cool... and don't even flinch when people refer to them as "NKOTB".

54. You knew all the characters names and their life stories on "Saved By the Bell ", the ORIGINAL class.

55. You know all the words to Bon Jovi - SHOT THROUGH THE HEART.

56. You just sang those words to yourself.

57.You remember watching Magic vs. Bird.

58. Homemade Levi shorts. (the shorter the better)

59. You remember when mullets were cool!

60. You had a mullet! {nope...but I had the flip bangs}

61. You still sing "We are the World" {and what about the Coke commercial}

62. You tight rolled your jeans.

63. You owned a bannana clip. {fashion baby}

64. You remember "Where's the Beef?" {YEAH ~ WOO HOO...what happened to that lil ole lady}

65. You used to (and probably still do) say "What you talkin' about Willis?"

66. You had big hair and you knew how to use it. {Aquanet}

67. You're still singing shot through the heart in your head,aren't you! {YUP}

ENJOY

It has been HOW long???

It was your typical girl meets boy at a country dance club. Back in September of 1992, my friend Jennifer dragged me out of my dorm room for a girls night out to the Longbranch which has recently closed its doors. Well.....needless to say, I met a guy. I began going to the Longbranch at least 2 nights a week.....hey ~ I wanted to DANCE!!!!! But it was nice to "run" into our group of friends. We kept "running" into each other for about a month. Then on Tuesday, 10/10/92 I went there looking for Keith and Keith came looking for me. We exchanged numbers. We talked on the phone for 2 hours the next evening and by Friday {10/13/92} on our FIRST date ~ THE STATE FAIR!!!!

It is now 10/13/09 ~ and we are happily married !!! It has been 17 years that we have been together...and I would NOT trade a day away!!!

I love you Keith ~ now and forever!!!

Funnel Cake or Fried Snickers?

It is that time of year again. Fall is in the air {for now at least!!!}. Every year in October, the State Fair arrives with all its trucks and equipment for a FUN FILLED WEEK!!! Not to mention some AWESOME food {which I can not partake in b/c of my fructose malabsorption crap!!!} which any of it will automatically add 20lbs by simply looking at it!!!

I can not tell you over the past 38 years how many times I have gone....but it is probably up to at least 20 something! I know I have not missed on since 1990 and actually had my first date with my husband on Oct 13th, 1992 ~ the day the fair opened that year =)

So you can see that the fair has sentimental value ~ and I plan to have "A Whole Lotta Happy" this year!!!

Oink Oink

It begins with a stuffy head, a runny nose and a cough that rattles your brain. No fever yet....but you go through a whole box of tissue. A day off school...should have been two.....a few days off from swim practice and you begin to recover ~ except for that darn cough.

I dropped Bailey off at a birthday party ..... cake, lasagna, soda and FUN!!! Walk in to pick her up and I am confronted with a child who went from Happy to SAD within a few hours.

A few Tylenol and off to bed only to have her spike a fever of 101.2 this morning. I pack her in the car and off to the Fastmed we go. In walks the Dr. with mask and gloves to take the "swab". He was back faster than you could say Ahchoo!!! POSITIVE!!! The piggy flu has struck our home.

Back home on the sofa, box of tissue, bottle of water, a tsp of cough syrup, a dose of tami-flu and the TV remote....should help for a speedy recovery. According to Bailey...this will so not help her social life ~ having to hold up in the house for a few days!!!

So wish us luck and many prayers that Keith and I stay piggy free. {I am on tami-flu}

Oink Oink

Her memory lives on....

On October 7th, it will be a year since my momma passed. I am doing better...I don't seem to be crying all the time....but my heart strings still tug at all the memories. I was able to get my families photo albums from my father {took a lot of patience} and it is WONDERFUL!!! I now find myself sitting here reliving so many great moments with my momma.

I have thought of getting a tattoo long before my momma passed. I knew that whatever I was going to get would be with me forever, so I was taking my time in choosing the design....also, I admit...I was chicken!!! I also have been wanting to get my nosed pierced....yup - call me CRAZY!!!

So......what changed??? Bailey and I met my friend Jen at the mall on Saturday for a girls day. Over lunch, she asked if I wanted to go with her the next day...she was going to get a new tat. I figured that I may not be ready for my tat...but I would get my nose done.

Sunday - Jen and I head off to Warlock's to meet Mark. Jen new what she wanted...I was determined to get my nose pierced....but ~ it was not in the cards for me. The piercing person was not there.....so.....where did that leave me? Getting a tattoo. Standing there in the lobby surrounded by TONS of images....what to choose. I figured it was time....time to get my guardian angel. I asked if they had cancer ribbons....they were all pink, purple, multi color....but I new mine would be pearly. {lung cancer} I found the image above and new.....this was the one. I had it placed on the inside of my left wrist so that I can look at it every day, place it close to my heart and kiss it....knowing that my momma is always with me. It hurt like HELL...I can not lie...but I am so happy that I got it. no regrets!!!

So....what about the nose piercing...that will have to wait until another day.

Choo Choo.....chugga chugga ...Choo Choo

Anyone up for a game of Mexican Train game??? It was sevearl years ago while at a Thanksgiving retreat that I was introduced to this game....and may I say that it is totally addicting!!!!! Last Friday evening we had a "girls" night and played. AWESOME!!!! I met new friends, gabbed with my old friends and played a fun game of dominos. I am so ready for nest month :)

Heartache

Would you give up your relationship with your spouse and child just to have a relationship with your parents? {more so just one of your parents} Is having the biggest house and all the newest toys what is most important and truly needed to make one happy? Supposedly to my father you do.

My father does not know how to "love" unconditionally. Over the years, I have learned that my father is the type that likes to keep up with the "Jones". Because it is name brand or cost a lot "MUST" make it better than the rest. My momma on the other hand, loved unconditionally. She welcomed my hubby right into her family, unlike my father. During my momma's illness, I learned that my hubby was not welcome into my father's life. I have struggled with my feelings and wanting a relationship for my daughter with her grandfather. But I do not believe in sacrificing my family just so I can have a relationship with my father. My husband does not beat me, does not belittle me, provides a home for us and does what he loves ~ runs 2 companies and is a volunteer fire fighter} We may not live in a huge home {yes...it is a doublewide}, our cars are paid for, my daughter is in private school, my daughter swims year round, we have a Wii, ipods, cameras, do not mind shopping at consignment shops and vacation at the beach every year. Ask my daughter and she would tell you that she is happy. I work part-time so that I can be there to pick my daughter up every day....yet my father is embarrassed of me and feels that I am not providing for my daughter. My daughter is caring and compassionate and loves to give to others. To me, this is providing!

I grew up in an affluent family and lived in a 4000 square foot home.....and honestly don't care. That is just stuff...FAMILY is what is important to me and if you feel you need to judge me on "WHAT" I have or do not have, then I actually feel sorry for you. I have finally come to the conclusion that I will NEVER have a relationship with my father.....because my husband and daughter mean the world to me!

When you look at your life, the greatest happiness's are family happiness's. ~Joyce Brothers

ps. can you tell which pair of jeans actually cost over $800?

You found WHAT ......Where???

Last week was 9/11. I did not know anyone personally that was lost that day, but my husband is a fire fighter and I am so proud of all the people that serve this country. I was listening to a local radio station yesterday morning and what I heard was alarming ~ but not so very surprising. A woman had called in. She was traveling by plane from the RDU to I believe somewhere on the west coast and even had to change planes. She had a laptop {her sons} that was her carry-on ~ here at RDU she pulled the laptop out from the bag and placed both on the conveyor belt at the security stop. Everything looked good and she boarded her plane. Her trip was great. As she prepared to pack up to head home, she began to pack up the laptop. She opened one of the side compartments on the laptop bag and found a SIX inch pocket knife!!!! This bag had not left her side during her whole vacation....which means that it was there when she went through security in RDU...and their X-Ray machine did NOT pick up on it. THIS FREAKS ME OUT!!!! If this got through....what else is getting through???? I truly do not believe that after 8 years, we are any better protected from an attack. Next time I fly, I will most definitely be praying the WHOLE flight.....

Happy Birthday

Today is a WONDERFUL day {yes...each day is wonderful if we are aloud to see the sun rise!!} but today would have been my momma's 72nd Birthday. A lot of you know that I lost my momma to lung cancer last October ......but I know she is forever watching over me and my family. I want to wish her a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! I love you momma and miss you....



Photo: picture taken at dinner on my momma's 70th Birthday...the last one we were all able to celebrate {she was too ill last August to know anything}

Can you kick the Addiction?

I sent my baby off to middle school today {7th grade} and yes it is a Christian school, I know that she will not be shielded from all that scary stuff out there. What we did for fun back in the day is NO WHERE near what children do now. I am watching The Doctors this morning and they are dealing with teens and drugs and alcohol. It is becoming CRAZY out there and many teens are going to end up DEAD!!!!

I have dealt with many alcoholics in my life, my grandfather, my uncle, my father, my brother-in-law and friends. I have also seen what drugs can do to a person first hand..... What is hardest is that most of my family is in denial of their alcohol problems. The fact that someone has to have a glass {or 2} every day ....that is an alcoholic....you do not have to become "drunk" to be classified as an alcoholic.

What else is heartbreaking is when your family does not support those that are trying to help themselves. Once someone has admitted to having a problem and even makes the effort to get treatment, they have to make the biggest change by re-organizing their life. They have to find new friends and do things that help them to support themselves to stay "clean".... even if that means going to a meeting EVERYDAY!!! I have heard of someone who ended up back in treatment AFTER 22 YEARS clean!!! Addiction is a disease ..... and tempatations are always out there....but your family should be the BIGGEST supporters and REMOVE ALL temptations. . . . that means NO alcohol in the house!!!

I guess this show has hit me pretty strongly. I never have tried any drugs except alcohol thankfully, but I know that now a days, kids are trying more and more things. I often wonder where they come up with some of these ideas {who would have thought of putting vodka over dry ice and inhaling it????} I know my daughter is getting closer to her teen years and closer to becoming MORE independent and full of secrets. I just hope she can look back at her family and see what can happen when alcohol and drugs become the most important thing in your life. I think this is one of the greatest fears of a parent, along with your child becoming sexually active {thankfully we are not anywehere near that one!!!!} I can only talk with Bailey and be honest and open and PRAY everyday!!!

Even though my grandfather is no longer with us, my uncle and father are and I hope that one day they wake up and see what is happening to themselves before it is too late. I am very proud of my brother - in- law and I am proud to say that he is doing very well!!! We are supporting him in every way possible and he is CLEAN!!!!

Please....talk with your children and be open as much as possilbe.

Where did my lil girl go?

Today .... my baby stepped out of the car and began her 7th grade year. So many feelings for me....not sure what is going on in Bailey's mind other than "uuuuggghhh....6:30 is WAY to early!!! Where did my summer go?" I should be a "pro" at sending of my child to school ... I have been doing this since she was 4 ~ but I still want to grab her and not let go.

Rewind to 2001.....you were age 4 and getting ready to go off to K4 at Faith Lutheran. Cute bob, new uniform and a HUGE smile ~ you didn't even look back as I dropped you off in front of the school. That was one of the hardest days to go through.....watching my baby take her next step to growing up. Now it is 2009 .... and it still is hard to see you step out of the car and go off to your first day of SEVENTH grade!!! You now have contacts, a cute new haircut, a great new outfit and you are now OVER 5 feet tall!!!! AAAAHHHHHHH.....where did my little girl go????? I am so not ready for these TWEEN years. Not ready to see you "blossom"!!! Can I totally lock you in the closet until you are 30????

I hope today is GREAT for Bailey! I am still trying to figure out what to do with myself since I have lost my playmate. As it will take Bailey a few weeks to get back into the swing of school....I will have to get back into my life .... my house may actually get cleaned now!!!!

Happy First Day of School my sweet.....YOU ROCK!!!

Oh to have a pony!!!

The annual Chingoteague Pony swim is coming up. This year it is on Wednesday, July 29th. I remember when I was younger reading Misty of Chincoteague - and forever wishing I too had a pony. My parents took me to the pony round-up one year......and what I can remember most was not the hot sun and bugs....but watching those heads bob up and down as the ponies swam toward the island. The foals would struggle to keep up with their mothers. I would love to take my daughter to see this event that has been going on since 1925 - but I think she might enjoy it more if we went in the off season and toured the island .....so we can see these creatures at their best.

I think it would be awesome to be a wild pony....free to run the beach!!!

photo credit: laura travels, tviolette

Have you Hooked lately?

My momma was one that thought you should always learn to sew, knit, crochet and latch hook. Growing up I made so many latch work rugs.....I am surprised they did not cover the house. Sewing came fairly easy .... my momma was always sewing and I had a class in 8th grade. For my college graduation - my momma gave me my very own machine!!!
But ~ it was not until after I had my daughter that I took up knitting. Not sure why it took this long....I know that I had learned when I was younger...but it took a while to catch on. My daughter is a year round swimmer ~ therefore, many hours are spent sitting at a pool. Several of us moms decided knitting would be a good thing to try and many a scarf came out of our group.....never could make it to the next level ~ a hat! Of course the kids had to get into it and so we have MANY half done scarves or "doll" scarves.
Next came the latch hook kits from grandma. My momma thought it would be something fun for Bailey to work on in her free time. Bailey was about 5 or 6 years old......and she loved "hooking" as she called it. After we peeled ourselves off the floor from laughing, we told her NOT to refer to it as "hooking" outside the house.....she might get a few looks. Nothing like a 6 year saying she has been "hooking" ~ yup - I started her young :)
Now - we have decided to take up crocheting. My momma made Bailey a lovely pink blanket and she made herself a KING size comforter!!! So as a tribute to my momma, I thought it would be fun to take it up again. We bought the beginner book, a pack of needles and found my stash of yarn from my momma......and our journey has begun. We are off and running hoping to make a blanket.....ok...maybe a pot holder. But just like her "hooking" ....we are not crocheting....we are crotch-et-ing. Not sure where her mind is...remember, she is only 11 ....but I think we are in trouble. She is the only person I know that can take sewing and creating and turn it into a sexual reference. So for the time being....Bailey and I will be crotcheting and hooking our creations away.

sucking air through a straw

I think I have finally figured out what is going on with ME. For the last couple of months I have just not "felt" like myself....a little off. I go through the motions of each day, but can't seem to get motivated fully. I now know what is happening....I am swimming under water trying to "suck air through the straw of life" You know when you look up toward the sky under water and everything is distorted....and looks distant....well...that is how I feel. I want to climb back to the top and grab hold of life.

Part may be that after losing my momma and having my father disown me...kinda left me floundering for "who" I am. I have a GREAT & AWESOME hubby and daughter...and my in laws are the BOMB! but, {yup - the illustrious "BUT"} I seem to be at a loss for "WHO" I am. Over the past several years I have been in therapy and been able to look back and study my childhood. I am not a fan of "blame the parents" .....but your parents are who shape and mold you and are supposed to "guide" you. Please do not get me wrong...I do NOT blame my parents for who I am today.....every experience I have gone through has brought me to "who" I am today.

A little history - my mother and father were of the era that the wife was "devoted" to the husband. He said breathe and she did. He gave her an allowance - because he did not want her to work. They held their monthly bridge parties, and she was the glamorous host at his business get togethers. Times have definitely changed!!! But about 16 years ago, my mother LEFT my father because she was tired of that life and wanted to become her own person. Have her own life and do what she wanted when she wanted.....plus - she was tired of dealing with his bouts of depression {he did not get dressed for a whole year}

Coming up - I honestly can say I was a good kid. I never have tried drugs, I never snuck out or broke curfew. - now that is not to say that I did not drink, mess around and play pranks. My father had me studying ALL year, attending the best prep school all in the hopes to attend DUKE ~ HIS undergrad school. {as well as my mommas} Since birth it was drilled in me that I would go to Duke. Every ball I kicked, every day I volunteered at the hospital, every book I read was all for DUKE. Guess what....I went to NCSU!!!! go Wolfpack!!!! {could not get into DUKE}

I do not regret the life I have lived, but I do wish that I could have been allowed to follow my dreams. I loved to dance and did so for 14 years, but that was not something that I could pursue. I played soccer with reckless abandonment as well as fast pitch softball. I even was on a year round swim team for a while. I guess you can say I am VERY VERY competitive. I have always wanted to live at the beach, live a summer in Europe, and get in a car and just "GO". But...I has a "PLAN" - my father's plan. DUKE. {a little in site into my father....what he says goes, he gives advice, but if you do not listen to it and use it, you are WRONG}

I am now 38 and trying to figure out what I want to do. I am happily married {I married who I wanted to} and have a beautiful daughter. Yes I have many dreams, and one day they may happen. But I have a new outlook on life - I am not letting anyone dictate my life {except GOD} - squish my dreams and tell me that I am worthless. I even want to take more classes so that I can attempt a new career. GO ME.

So, now you can see how I can be in this "funk" I am trying to come up for air, and my hubby keeps reminding me that I am a GOOD and caring person. I guess it is time to visit my therapist again....register for classes next fall and begin the slow assent to the top of the "pool". I will find myself one day.......but until then, I am slowly "sucking air through a straw"

TIME Flies...wish I could

WOW - it has been FOREVER since my last blog!!! Sorry....I know that you all were sitting on the edge of your seats waiting!!! So much has seemed to pack itself into the last 2 weeks. Where to begin....giving the short version:

1. Second CAT scan came back inconclusive about the "growth" on my liver. They "THINK" it is nothing....but can not SAY for sure. soooooo.....what to do??? HELLO!!!! BIOPSY - DUH


2. 3 days later - laid out on the CAT scan table having a biopsy of the liver.....thinking that "I am too young for this" {said the same thing about the colonoscopy!!!} {June 8th}


3. TEST results - hemangioma - YEAH!!!!!! {still not happy to have it though}


4. My momma's estate lawyer gives me good news that I may actually get some of my momma's items from my father - seems we struck a deal - YEAH!!!!! {this was about JUNE 10th}


5. Leave for the BEACH!!!! - this is a GREAT thing!!!!


6. JUNE 17th - get email from the lawyer that my father basically is NOT going to cooperate and refuses to share ANYTHING!!! and even wants me to hand over anything that was my momma's {ie. the furniture} - TOTALLY NOT what he and the lawyer talked about....and to boot - he has taken me out of his will and will take his grand-daughter out too if I dont "get my shit together" {this is coming from a man who has spoken to his grand-daughter about 4 times since OCTOBER 2008} So basically I have NO access to any pictures or anything that may be related to my mother. He is trying to cut me out totally.


7. Based on all the "fun" stuff going on with my father {and I use the term loosely} you can assume that I DID NOT contact him for Father's Day {I didn't last year either - when my momma was alive}


SO...you can see there have been ups and downs. The Beach vacation was much needed and a welcome adventure. We go every year and meet up with friends ...... so relaxing!!! I will update with pics hopefully by tomorrow. Getting back into the swing of things is SLOW!!! Please bear with me.....

picture credit: ang brinker

Paitently Waiting....atleast trying!!

Anytime I look up and see a full moon....I am in awe!!! I love viewing that HUGE orb ~ especially while we are at the beach. Well.....we leave for the beach this coming Sunday - so I know that we will NOT have a full moon this year......We are having it right now - and it is GORGEOUS!!!!

I am kinda in a cloud with life going on around and around. Today I had a liver biopsy and I am trying to be paitent about the results. I reach age 38.....and it seems my body has decided to go to Hell !!!! So....my posts have been and probably will continue to be sporadic. I am trying to get some organization ~ but it is not high priority at the moment. I do come on and LOVE reading everyone's blogs....they do keep my spirits up.

picture credit: blondierox4u

Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Thankful Thursday - growing up

Today {and everyday} I am THANKFUL to God for giving me a daughter!!!! Today marks the end {*tear* tear*} of her 6th grade year.....and the beginning of a new adventure in 7th grade. I can not believe that we have 1 year of middle school under out belt. We are in the onset of puberty and I can tell I am NOT going to have a FUN ride!!!!! Girls really should come with a manual!!! I know I was a tween once....but that was soooooo LONG ago :)

A daughter is the happy memories of the past, the joyful moments of the present, and the hope and promise of the future. -- Author Unknown

What I wanted most for my daughter is that she be able to soar confidently in her own sky, whatever that may be.-- Helen Claes


Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Wordless Wednesday ~ "Squirt"

Meet our newest family member ~ Squirt {not sure of the sex} ~ a Painted Turtle. I found it outside Bailey's school while she was swimming. Now "Squirt" is happily sun bathing on a log in Bailey's bedroom.

for more Wordless Wednesday ~ head on over to 5minutesformom.com

Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
--Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Tasty Tuseday

Not sure how many of you out there know - but I am Fructose Intolerent {my poor body can not metabolize certain sugars} Woo Hoo for me....because Fructose is in A LOT OF food that I LOVE!!!!!!!! It takes "reading labels" to a whole new level!!!! Thankfully my daughter is game and actually is my helper.

So ..... I will be featuring FRUCTOSE FREE recipies on Tuesdays. If you have any that you would like to share - please SEND THEM ON!!!!!!

Today's pick is:

Monterey Shepherd’s Pie

From the recipe collection of Doris Yield: six servings

6 medium potatoes

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1 cup Cheddar cheese

1 egg, slightly beaten

1 pound lean ground beef

1/3 cup celery, finely chopped

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1 cup beef broth

2 Tbsp. cornstarch

Preheat oven to 3500 F. Peel and quarter potatoes, then simmer in water for 20 minutes or until tender. Drain and mash until fluffy. Add beaten egg and cheeses until combined; set aside. Brown ground beef; remove from pan to colander to drain excess fat. Sauté celery until tender; add seasonings. In separate bowl gradually mix cornstarch into beef broth until well blended; add to vegetable mixture, stirring constantly over medium heat until thickened. Add cooked beef. Stir tocombine. Place meat and vegetable mixture in bottom of a 10-inch pie pan. Spread potato and cheese combination on top of meat mixture. Bake at 3500 F for 30 minutes until light golden brown.

For more information and to see what type of restrictions that face us Fructose Intolerent people ~ check out this site: Fructose Restricted Diet Basics.

photo credit: varf

Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Thankful Thursday

Laughter -makes the world go round!

Have a little laugh at life and look around you for happiness instead of sadness. Laughter has always brought me out of unhappy situations. Even in your darkest moment, you usually can find something to laugh about if you try hard enough.-- Red Skelton

The best thing in the whole world is to hear a child laugh....it seems to come from their toes. I could be having a horrible day ~ but to hear my daughter laugh makes my DAY!!! I am so THANKFUL for the laughter they give.

photo credit: valco

Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

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Firsts ~ so NOT ready!

I will not forget the day Bailey decided that diapers where DONE!!! She would take a stack of books and enter "her" domain and not come out for like 1/2 hour! We were so excited that we had reached this mile stone.....becoming a "Big Girl"

Or how about the day that your daddy let go of the back or your bike and you peddled off on "Your Own" ~ not needing the support of extra wheels or a daddy's hand.

When you went off to school for the first time ~ not even turning your head as you ran off to join the other children......My heart cried out because I knew this was only the beginning ~ each year would bring her closer to "Growing Up"

There have been MANY mile stones over the years ~ but you have reached one that I am SO NOT READY FOR!!!! I knew it was coming, but I am in denial. You have threatened me ~ NOT to speak about your "boobies". I even have to pay you $10 each time I may have mentioned the "word". Last Friday you made the decision ~ it was "TIME"....we had to venture into unkown territory ~ in search of that "First Bra" {there I said it!!!}

My lil angel who will be 12 this August....is wearing her "FIRST" bra today to school. Wonder if the boys will notice??? {hope not!!!} Does she feel different??? Am I ready for the next step ~ you know ~ puberty {I am definitely NOT ready for that step} I think I can deal with the zits and attitude....but explaining ~ you know ~ THAT.....thank the Lord that American Girl has a book all about "your body".

So I sit here in shock today.....knowing that my sweet lil baby is making another step toward becoming a young lady. HELP!!!!!

photo credit: thejbird, rskoon, lcso72, rob2bobbie64

Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

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What to do with my Elephant now....

I was watching Arsenio Hall's show "funniest moments" and they had a segment about Dumb Laws. I wondered what was still out there for NC....so I did some googling and here are few that I found: {check out other states...pretty funny ~ Dumb laws}

The mere possession of a lottery ticket is illegal in North Carolina and may result in a $2,000 fine. {ok....so I guess that since we now have the lottery..this gets kinda tricky!!}

In north Carolina it is illegal to hunt on Sunday without a dog.

Elephants are not allowed to plow cotton fields {ok...I guess I will have to put my elephant out to pasture since I am not allowed to work him}

Singing off-key in the state can get you busted. {damn...will ya'll come visit me in jail?}

Topsail Beach ordinance that says hurricanes would not be permitted within the town limits {yeah right!!!}

A Charlotte ordinance requires women to cover their bodies with at least 16 yards of cloth at all times. {don't see that happening!!!}

Two people who check into a hotel room, pretending to be married, may not raise any eyebrows today, but it is still against the law, It is also a misdemeanor for two unmarried people to co-habitate. {guess you will have to arrest A LOT of people!!!}

While having sex, you must stay in the missionary position and have the shades pulled. {go ahead...tell on me...I dare you}

A marriage can be declared void if either of the two persons is physically impotent {ok....so does that mean if I say I cant orgasm...then I am impotent??? }

Chapel Hill, people can not ride their horse on the town's sidewalks

Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

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"The Crack~Up"

"Of course all life is a process of breaking down, but the blows that do the dramatic side of the work - the big sudden blows that come, or seem to come, from outside - the ones you remember and blame things on and, in moments of weakness, tell your friends about, don't show their effect all at once. There is another sort of blow that comes from within - that you don't feel until it's too late to do anything about it, until you realize with finality that in some regard you will never be as good a man again. The first sort of breakage seems to happen quick - the second kind happens almost without your knowing it but is realized suddenly indeed. Before I go on with this short history, let me make a general observation - the test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function. One should, for example, be able to see that things are hopeless and yet be determined to make them otherwise."

-F. Scott Fitzgerald, essay: "The Crack-Up", February, 1936

Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

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Sunday Stealing: 29'er Meme

1. What bill do you hate paying the most? Really ALL of them!!! but if I have to pick one ~ it would have to be my cable bill..highway robbery

2. Where was the last place you had a romantic dinner? hhmm...that would be Kanki

3. How many colleges did you attend? ONE...good ole NCSU

4. Why did you choose the shirt that you have on right now? It is my Team Parent shirt ~ Bailey had a swim meet today...GO WAVE!!!

5. First thought when the alarm went off this morning? 5:45 is way too early ...and we were not even going to church...but a SWIM MEET

6. Last thought before going to sleep last night? That I wish I could sleep in

7. What do you miss being a child? Not really having any responsibilities....and really no worries

8. What errand/chore do you despise? LAUNDRY

9. Have you found real love yet? totally....I am married to my best friend...the love of my life

10. What do you get every time you go into Wal-Mart? usally a book or some clothes

11. Do you think marriage is an outdated ritual? heck NO!!! it is a sacred institution ..but I think that some people can make it more about "things"... and less about LOVE and a union of two families.

12. What famous person would you like to have dinner with? Reba...she is so facinating

13. Ever had to use a fire extinguisher for its intended purpose? nope..that is why I married a firefighter....he can do it for me

14. Somewhere in California you've never been and would like to go? I have friends that are from Carmel...I hear it is beautiful

15. At this point in your life would you rather start a new career or a new relationship? heck - a NEW career..bring it on!!!

16. Do you have a “go to” person? Usually my mother-in-law....or my friends Cliston or Michelle

17. Are you where you want to be in life? Life is an ever evolving thing. I have many things that I would like to accomplish....I am very happy with where I am at.....each day is an adventure...

18. Over the years, what about you do you think has changed the most? That I look at life totally different. I am living life for me and my family.....and that no matter how much I try...my father will never be happy with who I am

19. Looking back at high school were they the best years of your life? uuuhh...not really

20. Are there times you still feel like a kid? pretty much all the time...except when my joints pop

21. Where was the hang out spot when you were a teenager? that would be the Farm Shop..

22. Who do you think impacted your life the most? Honestly...my momma

23. Was there a teacher or authority figure that stood out for you? no ...not really

24. Do you tell stories that start with “when I was your age”? All the time..Bailey is sick of hearing them

25. What is the scariest thing that has happened to you as an adult? having my daughter...Heck ~ it scared me to death to think I was responsible for another human body....but I would not trade this experience for ANYTHING

26. What advice would you give to someone about to get married? Listen, Communicate, be HONEST and do not try to change them.

27. What advice would you give someone starting their first job? pay attention and relax...you will be fine. Learn as much as you can...one day you will be the BOSS!!!

28. If you could go back and change one thing you did, what would it be? that I should have gone to Europe and played soccer for the USA...had the chance and like a dodo brain...passed!!!

29. If you could go back and change one thing someone else did, what would it be? I would love to see my father accept me for ME...actually spend time with me and my family and really get to know me.


Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Remember when?

Looking at this picture brings tears to my eyes. It looks just how my mother pictured it would look. This picture is of my childhood home. However, it looks TEN TIMES BETTER!!!!

My father sold this home about 3 years ago - my parents had purchased it in 1972. I cried to see it pass on to another owner...but my father COULD not keep it up. He could not afford to put it back to its GLORIOUS state. It most deff did not look like this 3 years ago.....similar...but minus a garage and a covered front stoop. I hope to do a walk through next week...pics to follow!!!

Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Anyone for a Drink?

Can anyone please explain why fast food restaurants have the need to fill my home with all these plastic toys???!!! Yes ~ some are cute....but MOST have NO use what so EVER and end up in my bathtub, or all over my car.

Remember the good ole days??? A new movie or show would come out and the fast food chains would create GLASS SETS!!! I remember telling my mom that I HAD to eat a hamburger EVERY day because I HAD to get ALL the McDonald's Star Wars glasses...or head over to Hardees and get the SMURFS!!!

They ARE cool....you can USE them on and on and on!!! {unlike those cute lil toys you get now} I would LOVE to head to McDonald's and see Charlie Brown staring back at me.

Or the Muppets!!! These are all classic movies and shows.

So I am off to DIG through my cabinets and attic or rummage through the flea market and see if I can salvage just ONE glass.... THEY ARE AWESOME!!!

{photo credits: powerbooktrance, jasonliebig

Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Ya can't say NO

Mary Ruth over at "Momma Ruth Says..." has some new puppies and I LOVE puppies. During my childhood, my parents used to raise afghan hounds. When I was born, my parents had about 15 dogs in our home {that included 1 litter of puppies} ~ so try picturing a new mommy caring for her newborn as well as tending to a litter of puppies in a house of about 1200 sq ft....with ALL dogs living INSIDE!!! {can't have SHOW dogs living outside!!}

But seeing momma ruth's page made me really think that seeing a puppy can brighten up the blahest of days!!! How can you not SMILE at their sweet faces....those BIG eyes!!!

Just wanted to SHARE some "SMILES" ~ Have a beautiful week!!!

photo credits: ladyoz, scott kinmartin, believer9, hella.vella, love and luck

Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Happy Mother's Day

Momma, I miss you very much! You are and always are in my heart!!! To my daughter ~ you are a true blessing in my life!

Happy Mother's Day ya'll!!!

Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!

The 2 for 1 Meme ~ Happy Mother's Day

1. What is on the walls of your room? wallpaper...we have not gotten around to decorating b/c I plan on redoing the room...

2. What type of music do you listen to? all kinds...I love dance, pop, country

3. What do you want more than anything right now? to talk with my mother

4. Do you get scared in the dark? depends...sometimes it is peaceful...but if I hear "Bumps" in the night...yeah maybe

5. What's you worst fear? death

6. If you could anything right now, what would it be? pay all the debt for my hubby's companies

7. What’s the most meaningful gift that you’ve received? the last 2 years of my momma's life were a TRUE gift!!! the time we shared together

8. Do you have a crush? yeah - sshhh...don't tell my hubby :)

9. Who is your favorite celebrity? hhmm....Johnny Depp

10. Could you fall in love with someone that you know must leave? love happens and knows now boundries

11. Share a favorite quote of yours. Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at the time. ~Oswald Chambers

12. What’s your weakness? I am soooo impatient

13. Do you believe that we all have a soul mate? I believe that there is someone out there for everyone.

14. What were you doing before Sunday Stealing? creating a card for my mother in law.

15. What do you get complicated about the most? that would be family...life with them can be soooo complicated sometimes

16. What turns you off the most from a potential partner? body odor

17. What is you worst habit? being LOUD

18. When was the last time that you were jealous? been awhile

19. Have you ever had a “friend with benefits”? yeah - haven't we all???

20. Do you use sarcasm? sometimes...

21. At the moment, what’s you favorite song? don't have 1 in particular...like a lot of songs

22. What is you favorite day of the year? EVERYDAY!!! that the Lord blesses me with another sunrise

23. Describe your love life. I am married to the sweetest man in the world...he is my hero and my shinning knight

24. When was your last one night stand? goodness me...well over 20 years!!!

25. How many past lovers are too many? when you begin to forget how many b/c the list is so long





Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!

oohhh....strawberries GALORE

Today was the BESTEST day....sunny, warm and perfect for picking strawberries! {one of the fruits I CAN EAT - has the lower amount of fructose} Me, Bailey and her friend went off on a mission.....lots and lots of berries. I wanted to create a strawberry pie, and the girls were all for strawberry/banana smoothies, chocolate dipped strawberries and a chocolate/strawberry cake. Boy was I in for a FUN afternoon!

I called my mother-in-law and got her recipe for her strawberry pie. {she has made 11 of them in 2 days} It is TOTALLY easy.

1 1/2 cup water

1 1/2 cup sugar

3 tbsp corn starch

mix ingrediants over heat until thick

mix in 1 Large box of strawberry jello~make sure everything dissolves

use either graham cracker crust or frozen crust ~ fill pie crust with cut strawberries

let sugar mixture cool a little ~ poor over strawberries and place in fridge

will make 2 pies

The girls had a BLAST mixing the cake {and especially LICKING the bowl} Once the cake had cooled, I sliced each half ...giving us 4 layers.

The girls decided that the layers would go as follows:
Cake

Icing

Strawberries

The girls had fun {I think more icing made it into their mouth than the cake!!!} here is the finished product: {it lasted about 10 seconds....and then we watched as the layers slowly slid in all directions.} Oh - it may NOT look pretty now....but it is DELICIOUS!!!!

Saturday fun and SMILES ~ the BEST!!!

Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Pac Man is running loose

I get "THE" call from my Dr. I have been having gastro issues and last week I had a breath test done {testing to see if I was lactose, fructose or luculose intolerant}

WELL....{drum roll please} Pac Man is running around my colon and NOT in a good way!!! I have a FRUCTOSE intolerance which means that fructose sugar is not being absorbed correctly and causing a build up of BAD bacteria which eats the good bacteria {atleast now I know what is causing me to look bloated and pregnant!!!!}All I can picture is a lil pac man running around my instetines gobbling all the "good" bacteria.

I sit here stunned.....ME....not being able to digest Fructose sugar! Me....who LOVES fruits and veggies GALORE!!!! The Dr. really knows how to make my Mother's Day weekend a good one! Here is the call"

Nurse: "Mrs. Murray? this is Dr. Herschlmens office. we have gotten your breath test results."

Me: "good. Ok. ~ that was quick"

Nurse: "the tests show that you do have a high amount of "bad" bacteria in your intestines. this is due to your intolerance to digesting Fructose sugar. We have prescribed a 7 day course of strong antibiotics to treat the bacteria."

Me: "Ok...so what does that mean over all?"

Nurse: "You will have to begin a diet free of Fructose Sugar"

Me: "Can you give me some suggestions?" {I am in shock and was hoping they had a list of Do's and Don'ts}

Nurse: "you can google fructose intolerance and that should help you with finding a diet"

Me: {in shock still} Ok.....thank you

Nurse: "we will see the first week of June for a follow up. call if you have any questions"

I DO HAVE QUESTIONS and you told me to GOOGLE!!!!! I go to pick up my killer antibiotics and ask the pharmacist if she could help. She basically told me that sugar comes in many forms, but that I was only tested for fructose intolerance. I will need to READ all the labels of my food and stay away from Fructose Sugar {which is in pretty most ANYTHING!!!!}

So here I sit on this sunny Saturday, GOOGLING my future.....wondering how bad my body will get if I eat that ONE cookie or drink that one glass of fruit juice. I am thankful to finally have an answer {we hope} to why I look 5 months pregnant. I am hoping my clothes will fit again!!! I will trust in the Lord that He has a reason for this - even though I still think it is a cruel joke.

So - everyone out there....please have a HIGH FRUCTOSE SUGAR day for me.....while I enjoy my meat and white potatoes and finally {hopefully} get my figure back!!!

{photo credit-waynesutton12}

Every time we remember to say "thank you", we experience nothing less than heaven on earth.
-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

Thank you for stopping by!!!