Party Time

This past weekend we had a combined birthday party for d1 and d2. We had the bash at Gymboree with lots of dancing, shaking, moving, bubbles and giggles. d1 had TWO pieces of multi-colored birthday cake (later added by two more at Papa's house) so he was full of life (and some other things!). We were very happy with the venue and how they handled the children. The parties they have are targeted for children 2-5 years old and since we had a mixture of 2's and 4's, it worked great. Thanks to all that came and partied with us and for all the great gifts! The boys have been thoroughly entertained. Here are a couple of the cool toys they got from Papa....d2 does great on his, d1 has some "growing" to do before he can work his gift without breaking a bone or tearing his knees apart.

Mother of the Year Award Goes To....NOT ME!

So, yesterday, on Father's Day no less, we traveled over to a friend's home to go swimming and hang out for awhile. As we were waiting in their driveway, we were letting the boys play in the van to pass the time. d2 had made his way to the drivers seat and was playing with the steering wheel and pressing BUTTONS. When it was time to go, D1 closed the hatch on the back of the van and made his way to the front. Unbenownst to him, d2 had pushed the LOCK button during his playtime. We soon realized the van was locked, both sets of keys were in the van and so was d2. And it was about 90 degrees....Talk about a freak out!

Our friends immediately called AAA and 9-1-1 for help while we "coached" d2 into somehow getting the doors/windows open. Of course he thought we were playing a game when we were "cheering" him on to push the button. He had the lock button figured out, only he didn't understand to push it up rather than down. And with our particular style of van (or maybe b/c of some add-on feature that we didn't know about), if you push the lock button three times in a row, the van starts. So at this point, my child is not only locked in a hot van, he has the engine running. And no, the air wasn't left on so it didn't solve the heat problem...only gave me another fear of him messing with the steering column and putting it into drive (if that's possible without pressing the brake). By now I'm starting to freak and have bad scenarios pass through my brain because I notice sweat beads rolling down d2's forehead. D1 was just about to borrow a hammer to break the window when we coaxed d2 into rolling down the passenger window (less buttons to mesmorize him). He pushed it, I grabbed the window and pushed it down and got him outta there! PTL he was perfectly fine but WOW what a scary event! I've heard the stories before but when you are in the drivers seat (excuse the pun), it's a whole different stream of emotions! So, word to the wise (not that anyone would ever do this!), keep your keys on you at all times and keep the kids out of the drivers seat!

I'm a Big Boy Now!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Yesterday was d1's 4th birthday and I am still in shock at how fast he's grown up. Although his actual party isn't until next Saturday, we wanted to give him some gifts from us on his actual birthday. All he asked for was a bike and we knew that's what we would get him but it's always fun to play little tricks on him. Of course he woke up bright and early (no different from EVERY other day - by 6:15) to a room full of balloons. We got downstairs and he found a couple of gifts waiting. He opened them and liked them and then said, "Thank you for my presents...but I asked for a bike!" HAHA! We apologized and said that maybe he would get one for Christmas. While he was playing with his toys that he had to settle for, D1 snuck upstairs and brought down the bike. He freaked! Loved it, wanted to ride it at 6:30 in the morning. Later in the day, I was having a sentimental moment and wanted to watch the video of when I was prego with d1 and at the hospital....wow, did it bring back some memories and emotions. Watching that video made me want another baby....but that quickly passed when I had to clean up d2's blowout diaper. Ahhh, good times!

Take This Job and Shove IT!

That's right ~ I gave my notice at my job. My last day worked will be June 20th (d2's 2nd birthday - double celebration!) D1 and I have done lots of praying and pondering and decided this would be best for our family (and my sanity) if I left my current position. I still have to find a professional P/T job (which I realize could be a challenge) but I'm hoping and praying it will work out where I can be home at least 2 days a week. If we can't find that, I may be going back to a full-time position in the fall until I do find something P/T...but at least I'll have the summer to search and spend some quality time with my boys. If anyone knows of a part-time position in the Accounting & Finance field, please send them my way. I don't wanna go back to a 40 hour job! WAAAAAA!!



Since D1 has the entire summer off, we've decided to make the most of the timing and travel back home for 3 weeks to visit family and friends. We're looking forward to this trip as are the boys to go back and have their fun on the farm while we get to catch up with old friends, many of whom have been popping babies out left and right! We can't wait to meet all of the new additions!!


It's Summertime!!!! Bring on the fun in the sun!!

Angel Food Ministries

On a BBC board I read, I have seen several threads about a food co-op called Angel Food Minstries. I went to the site and looked around and became interested in trying this out. I know I could sure use some help reducing my grocery bill to offset the increase in gas prices. It works like this ~ each month AFM develops a "menu" of items that you can purchase for $30. You bring the box and they fill you up on a designated day. Here is the menu for June:


1.5 lb. Rib Eye Steaks (4 x 6 oz)
1.5 lb. Hamburger Patties (4 x 6 oz)
2 lb. Pork Riblets
4 lb. Individually Quick Frozen Chicken Leg Quarters
2 lb. Breaded Chicken Tenders
20 oz. Supreme Pizza
1 lb. Mild Italian Sausage
2 lb. French Fries
16 oz. Sliced Carrots
16 oz. Mixed Vegetables
32 oz. Borden 2% Reduced Fat Shelf Stable Milk
6 oz. Pancake Mix
15 oz. Pork and Beans
14 oz. Ketchup
7.5 oz. Macaroni & Cheese
Dozen Eggs
Dessert Item

AFM also offers additional boxes that can be purchased with every regular unit. They offer grill boxes with steaks and pork chops, as well as some other random meat items. The amount of food you receive in the regular unit for $30 is comparable to spending $65 or $70 at the grocery store for the same items. It is said to feed a family of four for an entire week or a single person for an entire month.

According to the website, the program was founded by pastors from Georgia in an effort to help those in need. However, there is no income restrictions or guidelines and I have heard that for every, maybe 10, boxes sold, one is donated to a family in need. We have not yet tried it but it appears that our church, as well as other local churches, are distributors so maybe we should check it out. Worst case scenario ~ I'm out $30 for some mediocre food. But, best case scenario ~ I cut my grocery budget in half!! So my question to you bloggers and lurkers.....anyone tried it? If you did, what did you think?

Questions You've Probably Never Been Asked

This is just for fun so copy this entire post and paste into your own post. Change all the answers so that they apply to you and TAG someone else! Nikki & Caroline, I tag you!

1) First thing you wash in the shower? Face
2) What color is your fav hoodie? Gray
3) Do you plan outfits? Not for me but for the boys
4) How are you feeling RIGHT now? Hungry
5) What's the closest thing to you thats red? pen
6) Tell me about the last dream you remember having? I was arguing with my MIL
7) Did you meet anybody new today? yep, a new sales guy
8) What are you craving right now? Mutt's BBQ
9) Do you floss? Yes but not as often as Dr. Cofer thinks I should
10) What comes to mind when I say cabbage? Yum-O
11) Are you emotional? Not as much as I used to be but yes, I am
12) Have you ever counted to 1,000? Cannot recall
13) Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it? BITE
14) Do you like your hair? Not so much
15) Have you ever met a celebrity? yes - Ricky Schroeder and Bachelor Aaron
16) Do you like cottage cheese? it's okay
17) What are you listening to right now? office heater running
18) How many countries have you visited? Maybe 3? Is Jamaica & Bahamas countries?
19) Are your parents strict? HA! Good one!
20) Would you go sky diving? No Way Jose!
21) Would you have dinner with George W. Bush? Is he buying?
22) Would you throw potatoes at him? Not unless he made me pay
23) Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in? My personality
24) Have you ever been in a castle? Nope
25) Do you rent movies often? Every now and then
26) Have you ever made a prank phone call? Oh yeah, good ole' junior high days
27) Do you own a gun? No
28) Can you count backwards from 74? Of course
29) Brown or white eggs? Do they taste different? I buy white
30) Ever been on a train? Sure
31) Are you too forgiving? No such thing
32) Do you use Chap-Stick? Habitually
33) What is your best friend doing tomorrow? Probably playing with her kiddos
34) Can you use chop sticks? No
35) Ever had cream puffs? Yes, they are delish
36) What was the last CD you bought? Kenny Chesney
37) Is your hair curly? Nah, but it is wavy
38) Ever walked into a wall? Probably
39) Fav time of the year? Spring
40) Favorite color? Pink
41) Are you sarcastic? Never ;)
42) Do you have any tattoos? Yes, I have a purple frog on my left hip. Don't stone me, please!
43) Do you sleep with the TV on? No
44) What is your favorite animal? Goat
45) Can you hula hoop? No but I should be able to with these hips I've been blessed with!

Entertainer of the Year

Not that I ever questioned for a minute why Kenny Chesney has been named Entertainer of the Year for so many years now but WOW! Now I know why! He is an amazing performer with lots and lots of spunk and excitement in his shows. And despite a bone-crushing injury to his foot during his grand entrance onto the stage, he put on THE best concert I have ever seen!

D1 and I traveled to Columbia on Saturday afternoon for the Big Show and managed to arrive just a tad late, thanks to some heavy traffic. We missed some no-name band and Luke Bryan ("All My Friends Say") but made it just in time to hear Gary Allan (eh, I could take it or leave it), LeAnn Rimes (cute & spirited) and Brooks & Dunn (OUTSTANDING!). But all I really cared about was that we made it for the Big Show! This concert at Williams-Brice Stadium was Kenny's kickoff performance to his summer stadium "Poets & Pirates" tour. And even though he was limping and hopping from point A to point B (and drinking frequently from his Solo cup; I'm sure it was just apple juice!), he did not let his boo-boo stop him from giving his best to the fans. That was such an awesome experience to see him live and I would definitely love to see him the next time he comes this way!! We had a great time!