It's party time!

(I'm fully aware that almost all of these pictures in this post are blurry...I'm sorry. I obviously don't know how to use a point & shoot camera. I *miss* my Nikon. sniff sniff)

Ever wonder what 41 candles looks like?
It looks like we need to call the fire department...that's what it looks like!

Our family...this is about right. Tatum looks crazy. Anna eating some kind of sugar I'm sure...
Ok, if you saw Anna last night at the community pep rally...you saw her wearing this dress. If you're scratching your head wondering if she wears this dress everyday, the answer is yes. If it's not this dress, it's the Anita G pink & brown dress. Thats her "play clothes" (along with the very loud pink high heeled flip flops that Billy *hates*) and she's all about dresses right now. Her reason behind loving dresses....because everybody always tells me I look cute in dresses. When I wear shorts to school, people don't tell me I look cute. Oh my...what have I done? It's a good problem to have though..and sort of easy. Just buy her cute dresses and everyone is happy!

Anyway, I have the best parents in the world. For Billy's birthday, they came over, cooked us dinner and brought us the cake above. I really do have the best parents in the world.

Here are some random pictures of Hudson playing in the floor. It's not very often he gets to play without Anna squeezing the life out of him til he screams ahem "loving" him. He's such a big boy sitting up & playing with his toys..




he's even on those knees when he's sleeping. I wonder if he's dreaming about crawling? he he
man that's a lot of polka dots. I just realized his onesie and his sheet are polka dotted. I do love polka dots!

Here is Tatum & my mom the morning of Tatum's 12th Birthday...I told you she was taller than grandma!

yes, I agree with you. I know T's shirt is wrong..but she loves it. Her wonderful Aunt Madelyn buys her all those things that she *loves* that I *hate*. That will be a post all on it's on one day...about the sequined poncho..man Tatum has some...different...taste.

Tatum may not love everyone...but she loves her baby brother! Look...she's smiling! Saturday we had Tatum's birthday party...here is her invitation
Since it's end of summer and I'm not ready to let go of it, I decided on a summery flip flop theme. (ps...I love all things pink...oh and monogrammed)
See the cute little coconuts with the girls' names on them thanks to the Cricut (that I borrowed and had to give back..I miss you cricut. I ***NEED*** one these!)? THEY WERE A QUARTER! Yep...I found them at Target at the dollar spot for 75% off! Me & Tatum got all they had. We then got on the horn to call up the big guns (bff Revelle & her mom) to locate these at another Target and clean them out too! Not bad departing gifts for $3!
Here she is getting the one thing she *really* wanted...
no..not a cell phone. A camera! Grandma & Papa got her a camera. She now has 1598734159135793 pictures just like this: I'm pretty sure when I was this age I didn't take a picture of myself every 5 seconds like she does. Nor did I do the lips and peace/scissor mafia sign. but what-ever...

Anyway..back to partying. Here's me & my girl as we head off to the pool...
Yes...I know my hair is fuzzy up top. Do you want to know why? It's because I made fun of Katie Holmes when she got married.
See that crazy hair in the front..the baby bangs? Yeah...what was I thinking? I had forgotten that after you have a baby your hair falls out like crazy then grows back all at once. So, I have crazy hair like Katie's above. Oh...and the new growth is curly and likes to stand straight up & out. ick.

Daddy & Hudson
Anna..well...we couldn't catch her to get a pic of her. She was busy playing with Riley.

Whew...all in all it was a fun party. Complete with Tatum getting all the girls to do the Thriller dance with her...that's my girl!

Some fun pics from today..

Wow...what a great weekend. The weather was gorgeous. I wish it was like this year round!

Today we went to Palisades Park. Beautiful!!! Weather was perfect for some hiking trails!
After hiking we went to see the covered bridges in Blount County. This was the Easley Bridge. Sadly, the road was closed and we couldn't get to or see the Swann Covered Bridge. : ( I was so missing my Nikon today.After we got home, we stopped my Billy's parents house. We went to check out the baby goats and when we were walking back into the house the tractor was sitting there so I told Billy to stick Hudson up there and I would snap a couple.

This one, the look on this face cracks me up. He's just started cutting his eyes to the side like that, hilarious!
Now, I knew there was a picture of Billy on this same tractor when he was a baby. I didn't, however, pose Hudson like this. It wasn't til I was posting this picture did I realize that they are both looking the same exact way!
Billy 1969Hello...my name is Hudson. I just got out of the bathtub and have on fresh jammies. I smell delicious. My mom put that stuff on me from the pink bottle. She says it drives the ladies *wild*. Go ahead, fall in love with me. It's easy from my good looks and my charm. I have to be this way because at midnight I will wake my parents up screaming. By 4:00am they will contemplate selling me to the first bidder...

Consignment Season is upon us!

I wanted to go ahead and post this today since the BAMOM sale is tonight.

BAMOM sale HERE
Aug. 21 & 22
Need $2 and invitation if you plan on attending Friday night. You can get that invitation at the above link.

Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church (Hueytown)
Elite Repeat
August 28 - 30 Receiving Items
September 3 - 6 Open to Public
LINK

Cullman's Kid's Mart
Children's and Maternity
Fall and Winter
Saturday, Aug. 29 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 30 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 25% off day
Old Winn Dixie Building
King Edward Plaza
Go HERE.


Lil' Lambs Consignment sale
Trinity UMC (Homewood)
September 5 - 6 Open to Public
Link to Sale

Giggles & Grace Fall Consignment Sale
Asbury United Methodist Church
Friday, Sept. 11, 8 AM to 7 PM
Saturday, Sept. 12, 8 AM to noon
Description: Clothing (sizes infant-junior), baby items, furniture, toys, books,
maternity items and much more! Click HERE for more information.

Market on the Mountain Fall 2009
Mountaintop Community Church in Vestavia Hills
Friday, Sept. 11 Noon to 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 12 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
(25% off selected items on Saturday)
Description: Children's and maternity fall/winter clothing, children's shoes, toys, books, baby equipment (strollers, high chairs, car seats, etc.)
Consignor registration: Aug. 22, 10 am - 12 pm; Aug. 29, 2 pm - 4 pm; or register online through Sept. 6 at Click here for more info

Ready, Set, Grow Children's Consignment
Liberty Crossings United Methodist Church
Sept. 18 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sept. 19 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Go here for more info.
They will have special shopping times for New Moms and Moms to Be (baby under 12 months).
Call Liberty Crossings for more info 205-951-7707.

Bargains on The Bluff
Bluff Park United Methodist Church
A Children's & Ladies Consignment Sale
Receiving: Sept. 14-16
Open to public: Sept. 18
Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Click here for more info

Kid's Market and Mom
At the former Academy at Wildwood Shopping Center
Sept. 21 through Oct. 3.
Click here for more info

Twice Blessed Consignment Sale
Garywood Assembly of God in Hueytown
Friday, Sept. 25 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday, (1/2 off day) Sept 26 9 a.m. to noon.
Click HERE for more info.
Receiving starts Sept. 19.

Kids' Korner at Mountain Chapel United Methodist Church
Open to the public:
Thursday, Sept. 24 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday Sept. 25 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mountain Chapel
2541 Rocky Ridge Road - Birmingham
Click HERE for more info

The Church at Cahaba Bend (Helena)
New 2 You
September 6 Registration Begins
September 28 - 29 Receiving Items
October 3 - 4 Open to Public
click here for more info

Kingdom Kids Consignment
Gardendale Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church
Monday Sept. 28, receiving from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Wednesday Open to the public 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 3 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Most items 50 percent off.
Sellers receive 70%. 30% goes to missions.
Click here for more info

Growing Kids Sale
Trussville United Methodist Church
Sale Dates
Friday, Oct. 2 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 3 8 a.m .to 2 p.m.
(Saturday is 50% off many items in sale)
Click here for more info

Pinson Kids Consignment Sale
Nov.11-14 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Palmerdale Community Center off HWY 75, 3 miles past Pinson Valley High School.

Happy Birthday Tatum!

I can not believe my girl is 12 years old today. I swear to you it seems like just yesterday she was in cute little dresses and the pink cowgirl boots she insisted on wearing (and throwing at my head with incredible aim for a 2 yr old. Yes, that really *did* happen. It has forever been imbedded in Lindsey Berger's mind as well as she reminds me of this little nugget of info every time she sees Tatum and gasps when she sees how old she is now. No matter how much I try to block that memory, it always comes rushing back). I swear to you it feels like I've blinked and she's transformed into this...this..not a little girl but not yet a woman stage. (wait, wasn't that a Britney Spears song?).

When I look at her, my heart just melts. She is so beautiful. I look into to those big brown eyes and I see myself. I also see this person that is so much deeper and softer than she lets people see. On the outside, she's a shell. She's so tough. Physically (hey, she took a pitch from Hannah Reeves to the forearm without a tear. THAT is tough! Although, the mama in me could see she was holding back. I know it hurt. I also know she'd rather her forearm fall off than let someone see her cry.) and emotionally. I also never have to worry about her, she's always been able to hold your own and tell somebody off in a heartbeat, but I still do. It's my job you see to worry. All. the. time. about things I have no control over.

Tatum,
I love you so much. There aren't any words I could write to express my love for you. When it comes down to it, since you came to this Earth 12 years ago today, there has always been me & you. You've been with me through so many deep sad valleys and at the top of the happiest mountains. You've experienced more in your 12 years than most people do in their whole lives. I wonder so many times if you remember running to me after you saw me fall to my knees right there in the middle of the road when that police officer confirmed it was Haley. Do you remember it? You put those two year old arms around my neck and said "please don't cry mama. it's going to be ok.". You've always been so wise beyond your years, but you were right. Everything *is* ok. Do you remember standing next to me the day I married Billy? You were four and you looked like a little princess in your white dress. Do you remember what you said to me in kindergarten about the beauty pageant? You were 5. You came home telling me to fill out this piece of paper because you were going to be in a beauty pageant and you were going to win, and you did! (and you had to put hamburger helper down as your favorite food, how embarrassing.) Do you remember what you said to me after your very first softball game? You were 6 and you walked off that field boasting you were the best player there. Because when you slapped hands with the other team, even the other team and their coaches told you you played a good game. : )

I could go on and on with the many stories and quotes from you but I won't. I'll admit, when you turned 10 I had this realization. Not only were you at double digits, but I was at a point to where I had less time with you than the time I've already had. I'd had 10 ten years and in 10 years, chances are you'd be gone off to college (hopefully). So I was down to 7 years..now five. In the next 5 years I will slowly have to start letting you go, letting you have your freedom, letting you make your own decisions (Dad is still in denial and will have none of this letting go stuff. ever.). Have I taught you the things you need to know to make good decisions? I hope & pray that I have. When you start getting that freedom and making those decisions I hope that I have instilled morals in you that will guide you on your way.

Here's the thing you need to know. No matter what happens, I'm always here for you like you have been for me. I'm always going to be your biggest cheerleader. I'm always going to be there when you walk up to bat and you're scared to death of that pitcher. When you look up in the stands, I will do everything in my power to always be there to nod at you and give you that assurance that you're going to be ok (and I'm always going to be the one to yell "TATUM" when you swing at a ball ABOVE YOUR HEAD. Hey, if you have to reach UP to swing....it's TOO HIGH. Years I've been saying this...). I'm going to be in the stands when you cheer at your first game(I'm so excited for you). I'm going to be sitting in that gym when you get that A-B honor roll medal this year (hey...a parent can dream can't they? I *know* how badly you want that cell phone). Long story short, I'm always here. I'm here for all the happy victories and I'm here for all the dissapointing strike outs.

I wish I could freeze you right now. You're at the age where you're still a kid and like to have kid fun. Soon, all kiddie things will lose their luster and you'll be onto bigger and better OLDER things. I'm sitting here in tears at the thought that your beloved Piglet will someday become "Jessie" from Toy Story 2, and be forgotten about. (Unless your like my cousin Andreia from my understanding still has Baby Ann. Baby Ann now resembles a girl version of Chucky and really NEEDS to be laid to rest). I hope that you choose to be the big sister I was and even though the kiddie things will start seem stupid, you'll still do them anyway to entertain Anna. Believe it or not, she *does* look up to you.

So my sweet daughter, Happy Birthday. I really hope you have a great day. I'll be thinking about you all day and remember how 12 years ago today you were handed to me in a blanket and look at you know, you're almost taller than me (you are taller than your grandmothers)!

I love you,
Mom

PS, I'll post embarrassing pictures of you later today : ) Just because I love you that much. And...for payback for throwing that tantrum in the Galleria when you were 4. Dont worry, there are many more paybacks to come for all the tantrums and embarrassing moments over the years.

PSS...I'm going to let you in on some secrets about Tatum that you need to know. She does the opposite of what everyone else does. If she's mean to you and teases you, she really likes you (this applies to softball coaches IE Clay, Jamie, Bubba). If she truly does not like you, you will never get back in good graces (she's stubborn like that and I have no idea where it came from). If you've made her sad, upset her, or touched her heart some way, she's going to be mad at you and probably not speak to you. You (read this softball coaches) may yell at her and think you've not gotten through to her as she rolls her eyes at you while saying "WHAT-EVER" but when she gets in the car she cries. So just know with my Tatum, what you see (and hear) is not always what you get.

Happy Birthday Billy!

See, I told you this week is a roller coaster of emotions!

Today, my hubby turns...ahem...41! Gosh he is O.L.D. See, I can say that seeing as he will always be older than me. :)

Happy Birthday my wonderful Husband!!! I'm so glad you came into the world 41 years ago! Thank you for being you!

and before you remind me today...I know how lucky I am.

Thinking of Deanna Harding today. I *hate* breast cancer.

Click HERE to see slide show

It's been four years today.

I never knew how much our lives would change 4 years ago today.

Four years ago today, my sister-in-law, Deanna breathed her last breath. Breast cancer killed her. We had to sit by and watch it eat her alive.

I'm so selfish. I want her here with me...us. Not with cancer but the Deanna without cancer. The Deanna that Will never got to know. His whole life she was sick, on chemo, going through radiation. He never knew the real her. The adventurous her. The one who could run, ride bikes, work out and was physically fit. The one who wanted to work at the FBI. The cheerleader that won the toe touch competition at the UCA camp in Montevallo in 1989. (Let me just tell you, to a 8th grade cheerleader looking up to the seniors, watching the head cheerleader from your school beat out every girl doing the perfect toe touch over and over and over until she was the last one standing. She was a godess in my eyes.) Seeing her with the long gorgeous curly hair that every girl in school wanted. Watching her run track and win. Dang she was fast! That's the Deanna I miss, that's the Deanna I tell Will about every chance I can.

Now, like any human, she wasn't perfect. From what I'm told, she NEVER lost at anything. A game, a race, whatever. She didn't lose. (Now you see where my Anna go their competitiveness from. The fact that Anna never loses and everyone else IS a loser has to be hereditary. So when she calls your kid a loser, I blame it on genetics.) It didn't matter if she blatantly lost, in her mind, she won. I can tell you that it's almost weekly I call Anna "Deanna" because Anna is the *same* way. She was also stubborn...very stubborn. I also tell Will about these traits too. I also want some of her friends to know, that stubbornness was what led us not to call you at the end of her life. If you know Deanna, she was very private. She didn't want people seeing her when she was sick, when she had gained weight from the steroids, when she lost her hair. She didn't want people to see her...I can't blame her. She lost a lot of what women thinks makes them beautiful. Her breasts (although hers was reconstructed. and a good reconstruction I might add! I always tried to reassure her that she got an upgrade because hers were ALWAYS perky even without a bra! AND she never had to worry about her headlights being on bright.), her trademark hair, her figure...the steroids would make her gain then the chemo made her lose. I can completely understand her feelings so when we asked if we should call her friends and she blatantly said NO, we respected her wishes. I know this has caused conflict in a group of her friends, but we were doing what we thought was best and respected her wishes.

Selfishly, I think of myself. I'm about to be the age that Deanna was when she died. I can't imagine the sadness that filled her heart knowing she was leaving her son. I can't imagine leaving my kids. Knowing that I will not be there for my kids when they need me, during their milestones, during their victories and their losses. Since that day 4 years ago, every year school start I always think to myself "I'm so happy *I* get to see this. I get to see my child start a new grade, new school year, another milestone." I always start thinking of Deanna around school starting because when Will was starting school that year she wanted to go buy him school supplies. She was physically unable to. The cancer had spread and had taken over her liver and was in her diaphragm and it was pushing up on her lungs and she couldn't catch her breath. She wanted so badly to take Will to buy his school supplies. I kept asking her if she wanted me to go buy them and she said no, that she was going to. The night before school started me & Billy made a mad dash to Wal-mart to get his school supplies and snuck them in so she wouldn't know. Every year, as I'm picking up those erasers & crayons, I'm so glad I'm *able* to buy and pick out those school supplies. Even though I know Will's supplies are being taken care of, I *know* Deanna would want to be the one picking out that backpack and back to school clothes. It still hurts knowing she can't and never will do it again.

Selfishly, I think of the hurt Billy (and her parents) has to feel. We're in a unfortunate club together. The "our little sisters have died" club. Even though I've been there, I know the hurt, I still don't know what to say. There's nothing I can do to make it better. It really sucks being in this club. It really sucks having to stand by and not be able to fix the hurt. It really sucks being at the cemetery and being able to sit on the same bench to visit our sister's graves. It really sucks on Mother's Day (cemetery...for all the love...pick ANOTHER FRIGGIN DAY. Mother's Day is suppose to be happy and about celebrating Mothers..not hanging at the cemetery) that we go to the cemetery for decoration. For our sisters. When I was young decoration was for taking flowers to old people's graves. Not baby sisters...one who was 20 and one that was 33.

As I sit here and write this, there is a Race for the Cure pamphlet eyeing me on my desk. After Dee died, I had a really hard time with God for a while. After Haley died, I had peace. I know God gave me that peace. I know Haley didn't suffer, she went fast. She was gone before I knew it. I had to watch Deanna die, slowly. I had to watch her suffer. So, my relationship with the big guy was really strained. I didn't, and still couldn't understand why she had to suffer. I'm hoping to find that answer out one day but in the meantime when I prayed, cried out, begged for some kind of understanding, my answer was "maybe I wasn't the one who made her suffer, but I did make her pain go away". He also told me "If you don't like what made her suffer, go after the source". So I did. I poured my heart into Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Volunteering and eventually joining the board for the North Central Alabama affiliate. Me being on the board was short lived seeing I was a working mother of 2, building a house (but did finish it up in October), and then finding out I was pregnant with #3, I realized I was going to be short changing the Komen because I couldn't give them my 100%. My life with 2 kids was too busy and too hectic and the thought of bringing kid 3 into the mix was overwhelming. I resigned from the board but my heart longs to still volunteer for Komen. I enjoyed being a part of a wonderful organization who really wants to end breast cancer forever. Because that's my wish, is to end breast cancer forever. Once my kids are a little older and they don't need me as much, the Komen won't be able to get rid of me. My hope is by then, there will be a cure, but if not, I will be a force to be reckoned with.

This year, I'll have my Race for the Cure team again "Deanna's Friends and Family". If you would like to join our team please click here: JOIN TEAM This year's race is Saturday, October 10th. I really want to run the 5k this year which means I really need to knock the dust off of the treadmill. (FYI, there's really not dust on the treadmill. Anna uses it because she wants to build muscles up to be able to "kick Tatum's booty" <- direct quote from Anna. Yes, my 6 yr old uses the treadmill. Maybe I can get her to run with me!) I really would like to invite everyone to join me. If you want to sponsor Will, keep checking back I'll add him to our team soon.

This year I'll be running for:

In Memory of:
Deanna Harding
Midge Tucker

In Celebration of:
Dana Hammonds Levan
Frances Sanders
Jessi Webb's mom, Mrs. Mayor & her grandma too!
Rebecca DiPiazza (my sweet Komen friend who is still on the board. No person IN. THEIR. TWENTIES. should ever have to battle breast cancer! )
Kathy Stein (Komen friend and the race chair the last 3 years. You watch, she's always the winner in the survivors 5K category. She's that kick ass!)
Beverly Laird (Komen friend, smartest person I know!)

People I don't know but their stories touch me:
Troy Smith
Laura Black

One of these days, I'll tell you the funny Deanna's funeral story. I'm saving that one though for the funeral post. I have so many funeral stories, I could totally write a funeral book!

Don't say I didn't warn you, this week is a emotional roller coaster week. Tomorrow, will be much much lighter, I promise!

Hudson is 9 month old today!

It's flying by so fast, except at 2:00 in the morning when he doesn't sleep. Seriously, I can't believe 9 months has went by. How come my pregnancy didn't go by this fast?

At 9 months:

• He now has SIX teeth! Three on top, three on the bottom. Ready for some steak?
• Has been diagnosed with FPIES.
• Will eat any food I give him...loved that french fry I gave him last night. Hey, they were baked. That makes them healthy, right?
• Says "da da da da" on a regular basis. I'm still denying it's "dadda" meaning father. It's just cute baby babble.
• Says "ma ma ma" but only does it once in a blue moon so he can see me jump up and down and carry on like a fool. That *does* mean mama.
• He's waves when you say "bye bye".
• He claps on que whenever you say "patty cake".
• Giggles and laughs. Gives good belly laughs and lots of smiles.
• Wearing 9 month-12 month clothes
• Still in size 2 diapers. Pampers baby dry only goes to size 2 and I *love* those diapers. I may cram him in those forever.
• At last dr's appt (about a week ago) weighed 19lb 2 oz and was 29 inches long.
• Sits up and plays with toys and looks at books.
• Is doing the army crawl!!!! He's getting up on his knees and rocking like he wants to take off.
• LOVES playing in water. LOVES bathtime and the pool.

I would post a picture. But I'm just way too lazy right now..

Get ready for the emotional roller coaster this week has in store for us!

Random thoughts Thursday, brought to you by the insane sleep deprived mind of Gretchen

• What is Hilary Clinton doing with her hair? For the love lady, you need to hook up with Nancy Pelosi's stylist and colorist. As much as I can't stand either one of you or your politics...Nancy...you do always look good and your hair is fabulous. That's it, I agree with Jen Lancaster. Nancy Pelosi's hair stylist has my vote in the next presidential election. (better than what we have now...)
  
  • Truck drivers talking on cell phone. Smart or Not? I vote not.
  • My friend & co-worker Vicki told me a story this past weekend on how she took her cats to get rabies shots. One of them escaped and ran up a tree. Let me just tell you, Vicki has more patience than I thought possible. She waited 5 HOURS on the cat. I'm not sure I'd wait 5 HOURS on one of my KIDS. I think I'd wait 30 minutes...tops.
  • How is it I managed to search all over the greater Birmingham area (not really...I really started out with the pediatrician I saw as a child seeing my children) and the one person I choose to be in charge of my children's health & well being is from Walker County? Sipsey to be exact. When she told me this fact the light bulb came on. Put her in some daisy dukes and a tank top with the bra strap showing with a big ole tattoo either on the chest or her back with some dirty feet, barefooted at Walmarks and she'd totally fit. We love you Dr. G and think you're a great Dr. Just lose the mom pants. They don't do your cute little figure any justice. PS...Madelyn wants to rip those white sandals you wear off of your feet. They drive her mad. You're a Dr...you can surely find better. {Disclaimer: we are in no way saying our pediatrician is a skank. But if she wanted to go for the look...she totally could.}
  • Am I the only one that thinks this really can't be the end of American Idol & Paula Abdul? I mean, it's like the 1st episodes you watch to see all the bad people. I only watch the end episodes to see what she's say while she's high and what Simon will say to her. Now Randy, that's the judge we could all live without. Dog. Really? That's your contribution...hmm..
  • Cash for Clunkers. So..they ran out of money in less than a week. How long would it take for them to run out of money they have budgeted for our health care? My guess, less than a week.
  • To quote someone from a town hall meeting. "Obama took 6 months to choose a dog for his kids. However, he'd like to shove a health care plan {that will be the end of health care life as we know it. and not in a good way. Hello long lines and rationed care <- that part was from me} down our throats in 2-3 weeks". Interesting thought!
  • An awesome tidbit about me you need to know. I don't watch movies and read books about crap that can not happen in real life. So, therefore I have never seen a Star Wars movie. Harry Potter, no thanks. Twilight. Nope, this is a phenomenon that I won't grab a hold of. However, it has a hold on my non reading BFF Revelle. She doesn't read books like I do (read: about 3-4 books a week, and I must finish it. even it means neglecting my children. grilled cheese is a totally acceptable dinner. I mean, it IS food.). However, she has been sucked in by Twilight and is already on book 3. She tries to get me hooked on all kind of stuff (it's only fair since I convince her to buy expensive kids clothing for her adorable 4yr red head Tatum acting clone {yeah, I wished a red head Tatum clone on her. Judge my parenting skills during a Tatum meltdown and I'll wish a Tatum on you too. Your life will never be the same and you'll apologize to me!} ) like Tivo (not going there either) and her latest push is Twilight. She tried give me the summed up version of it hoping I'd be hooked. She totally lost me after speaking the words vampire & werewolf. I hope she finishes these books soon, I'm totally having a conversation with myself as she's giving me the "mmmhmm" and "uh huh" that Billy gives me when he's not listening to me. Meaning, I'm rambling to her on the phone and she's reading. {The only exception to this rule is the movie E.T. }
  • One of the greatest movies of all time is 13 going on 30. I know, you can tell I'm a lover of the arts. Whenever it's on, me & my girls will load up in my bed and watch it. Is it sad that my kids know the Thriller dance from this movie? I, however, still remember it from 1983 when me & Haley learned it by recording it on our parent's newest purchase called the VCR. We were one of the cool kids that had giganutous satellite in our yard that if you put it in the ground you could've had an olympic size swimming pool. Therefore, we were one of the few to have it recorded to watch over & over to learn the dance. I was so cool, I brought the video tape to school and the whole 2nd grade got to watch it. Yeah. I know. You're jealous. Well....it doesn't stop there. I also had the black version of the "Beat It" jacket. I was jealous of Madelyn who had THE Thriller jacket. A.D.D. moment (much like this bullet point that started as a I like the movie 13 going on 30 and morphed into a Michael Jackson theme) and only meant for those who went to Shondra's dance recital. Was I the only one wondering where Jesse, who did a whole Michael Jackson montage at the dance recital this year ( this was BEFORE MJ died, I wonder if he's in mourning?), got his "Beat It" jacket? I haven't seen one like that in YEARS. Awesome dance Jesse! Anna so wants to be in your class this year!
  • Anna & I had this conversation over the weekend:
  Anna: Mom, have you ever given someone at work a wedgie?
  Me: Um...no.....
  Anna: You totally should. It would be SO funny. Do it to Anthony on Monday and see what he does.
  Me: {picturing in my head giving Anthony a wedgie and laughing} You're right Anna. I totally should.
  Could you imagine? Me, going into corporate America and giving my co-worker, and Anthony at that if you know him (think a cross of Ross from Friends and Clark Griswold from the Vacation movies), and performing a wedgie on him. Wait, how does my 1st grader know what a wedgie is?
  
  • Speaking of Anna, I went to tuck her in a couple of nights ago and caught her slamming her Little Mermaid pretend cell phone shut and shoving it under her pillow. The conversation went like this:
  Me: Anna...what are you doing?
  Anna: Ok, you caught me. I was texting my boyfriend.
  Me: {totally surprised, texting?} You were? Who is your boyfriend and what were you texting him?
  Anna: {sigh} It's Fred (from iCarly) and I was telling him I love him.
  Me: Well...that's enough of that. It's time for bed.
  Anna then crawls out of bed and hides her cell phone. You know, since Tatum is chomping at the bit for (a real one) a cell phone. The last thing Anna needs, she told me this, is Tatum using up all her minutes and texts.
  
  • I found out the reason from a super reliable source that the reason the volunteer fire dept & paramedics were called to the school meet the teacher night hell night. Apparently a kid got sick (from the stress, I'm sure of) and puked. An elderly lady FELL IN IT. and I thought I was having a bad night. What I'm really wondering though, is how the elderly lady held up during the fighting to the end for a locker and standing in the lines in the heat to begin with? Only for some puke to take her out. I. would. die. right. there.
  • I'm leery of anyone with the name "Eddie". I don't know why, I just am. Not sure if I've ever met a "Eddie" that's on the up & up. Edward is fine. Eddie, is not.
  • I wish Jon (from Jon + Kate) would quit wearing Ed Hardy. I want to like Ed Hardy shirts but every time I see one I picture Jon's fat head in it. Why is he still getting chicks? Don't they know what his child support will be with 8 kids? Oh, wait. That's right, he'll probably get alimony from Kate since he's such. a. loser. and doesn't work. I'm thoroughly convinced the only reason Kate didn't kill his cocky a$$ is because there were cameras rolling at all times. All I know is Kate was a saint to him compared to what I would be.
  • Beth Chapman, (not Alabama's secretary of state) the Dog's (the bounty hunter) wife, may have hair and boobs bigger than my entire body but after watching last night's episode I've made up my mind that she totally rocks. Especially when she stomped the chick's crack pipe with her high heels (she totally has Miss Piggy legs!), took crack chick down and put pink handcuffs on her. If I were a bounty hunter or police officer, I'd totally have pink handcuffs and take people down in heels. I would totally rock like that.

First Day of School

I can not believe that school is already back in. I love summer time..sigh.

The girls looked beautiful going back the 1st day and I can not believe I sent my baby off to the 7th grade. How is that possible?
and that was it for Tatum. No. More. Pictures.

My 1st grader:
Hey..I made that hairbow. Rocks doesn't it? (Billy help make it too, don't let him convince you otherwise)

My 1st grader at her desk. Tatum didn't want any desk pictures taken :( 1st year I haven't gotten her at her desk.

Me & my 1st grader (notice that I'm in the picture and it's blurry)
Notice when I'm taking the picture, it's not blurry.


They had a great day. Now that the excitement is over it's back to the grind and having to be organized again. Luckily no elbows were flying and crazed people pushing. It was actually nice.

PS, Revelle..never EVER are you allowed to take the day off on the 1st day of school. We are suppose to have a therapy session (lunch) on the 1st day of school. Every year is hard! SEVENTH GRADER!!!!

Especially when I dropped my Nikon and it and the lens are in pieces. It's currently on it's way back to Nikon (AGAIN). Come back to me (again) sweet camera and lens!

What. A. Day.

Oh..look at what I caught my baby boy doing a few days ago.




SEVENTH GRADER. {sigh}

Climate Change Seen as a Threat to US Security

As reported by the New York Times.

In other, just as equally true news, Hudson's stanky diaper is hazardous to mom's health.

I love how they changed "Global Warming" to "Climate Change" thinking nobody would notice. Hey ya'll. People aren't stupid and they noticed. Climate Change, is a natural thing. Anybody ever hear of the Ice Age? Amazing how all that ice melted without one gas guzzling SUV here to do it.

Meet the Teacher fun...

Hey...grab a cup of coffee, glass of wine and get in a cozy chair. This is the longest blog post in history.

Meet the Teacher. Go ahead. Get that warm fuzzy feeling that I had in my head. You know, where you go around to the new teachers (7) and introduce yourself. Let the teacher know that you are looking forward to the school year, here's my email address, cell phone #, work #, etc.  in case Tatum starts acting like a heathen or failing, whichever comes first. Go ahead, get that image.

In years past, meet the teacher night is really one I dread. Typically because Tatum, when she gets nervous (she'd never admit that), she blurts out the most inappropriate things at the most inappropriate times. You know, like this:

Me: Hello Mrs. _____, I'm Gretchen. Tatum's mom. Nice to meet you.

Teacher: Hello. It is nice to meet you too. Hello Tatum.

Tatum: Hey {insert nervous giggle} My mom said damn this morning.

So, I was mentally prepared for this type of scenario. Not at all prepared for what actually happened.

Let me back up just a second as well to explain how this all went down last year. Last year, registration for 6th grade, was on a specific date from 10-2 (which I did call to complain about because hello, gas was $4 a gallon last summer and I had to leave work to drive back home {35 minutes}, register, then drive back {35 minutes, goodbye an hour & 10 minutes of unproductive time from my day} . Why didn't they do a registration night or at least at 8am to help us working parents out?) Anyway, back to last year. I walked in. Told the lady my child's name, she looked at Tatum's schedule, figured up fees. I wrote one check around $130. I got her schedule, her notes, supply lists, and locker assignment. Easy. as. pie.

If you don't know the importance of locker assignment, I need to explain it.  Lockers and specifically where they are located is a big freaking deal in the middle school world. When you're assigned this locker, you're stuck with it for the entire year. I mean, who wants to be stuck next to some freak kid or worst yet, a bottom locker where you could have books among other things dropped on you and have to smell butt all the time. Hey, have you smelled middle school funk? Let's just say, the locker position and getting next to your friends..is the biggest deal in the world. I mean, if you don't get the locker of choice, your 7th grader's life WOULD. BE. OVER. Do you understand the importance of the locker? I mean, who would want my 7th's grader's life to be over?

This year, registration was a week long and they had a night registration (they did hear me!!!). Tuesday (Billy's hell day at work, we don't see him before 8:00pm on Tuesdays), July 28th 5-7 was registration. So, I load up all 3 children and head to the school. I get there, armed with my proof of where I live ie: property tax notice, my water bill, the mortgage papers, the deed, the survey, the blood of my first born (ok, I'm totally kidding about the last 4 things..but dang.). I get to the person at the registration line, they take my stuff, make copies (holla out to Sharon & Kim...great teachers if you got them!) and I'm shuffled through the next phase. I'm glad this is going fast because Hudson is heavy as hell in his car seat and Anna's "energy" can't take much waiting. I'm then given 2 packets the size of a small magazine and shuffled to the library. This is where the hell begins. I sit down and start to fill out the paperwork for Anna. Remember, size of a magazine. for. each. child. Hudson starts to get sleepy and starts whining. So I'm trying to fill out paper work, rock his car seat, keep Anna contained to one table and Tatum is in my ear "what are we eating for dinner? Can I have a myspace when we get home? Can I have a pool party for my birthday? What are we eating for dinner? Maybe she would've ate before we came." All while I'm telling Anna to keep her hands off of Hudson (he SQUEALS like a pig when she touches him, loudly) and stay in her seat. Did I mention we're in the library with a lot of other parents who are giving me "the eye"? Yeah, I already know I'm that parent...quit staring.

Anyway, it got so much better when I asked Tatum to hold Hudson and walk with him to keep him quiet. Anna gets pissed because she wants to hold Hudson. So she charges to run through Tatum. Tatum (who is holding Hudson) catches Anna with her palm to Anna's forehead keeping her at a distance and Anna's arms are flailing trying to punch Tatum. Hudson then starts screaming as he sees that Anna is within reach. Yeah, let's just say SCHOOL...PLEASE PUT YOUR FORMS YOU WANT ME TO FILL OUT ON THE INTERNET. I WILL DOWNLOAD THEM AND BRING THEM COMPLETELY FILLED OUT AND NOT SUBJECT YOU OR ANY OTHER PARENT TO MY WILD CHILDREN FROM NOW ON.

And I thought that was hell....let's fast forward to the next Tuesday (read, Billy is at work). Meet the Teacher night for Tatum. We were told to get there early as lockers were to be issued that night. It was 5-7:00pm (at night, WOOT!) too. I get home, gather up Tatum and get there at few minutes before 5:00, proud that I wasn't late. I get my usual good parking space (woot!), and proceed to lunch room. I'm shocked at the line. The line that went past the lunchroom, past the 7th grade building, past the main office, around the circle where you drop your kids off. What. the. hell?

I haven't mentioned yet that was 94 degrees with 100% humidity. Fortunately my Chi straightener was put to use that morning knowing the humidity would destroy any chance of having a good hair day. I also used my bumpit (www.bighappiehair.com/ don't make fun. I live in the south. The higher the hair, the closer to God) to give my hair that great southern poofiness that humidity can destroy as soon as your foot steps out the door. I dressed that morning wanting to look like the put together (insane) working mom of three that I am (ha!). I chose white LINED capri pants, a green scoop neck tee and scarf with both colors and wedge shoes, all from Ann Taylor Loft. I looked so cute. Before debarking the car, I did lose the scarf once I saw the line as I knew it was blazing outside. Just an FYI, lining and heat do not go well together. While standing in the long line the pit stains and sweat spot on the back of my shirt was NOT the look I was going for. Have I mentioned before I get a little angry when I'm hot? If you don't remember, I do. VERY ANGRY.

Anyway, I find my place in line thinking oh. my. God. I started trying to delete pictures off of my cell phone to take a picture of the sizable crowd. I kept thinking, how are they going to handle ALL these people in the lunchroom and oh my lord how long am I going to have to STAND (remember, wedge shoes) in this heat (pit stains growing by the second)? Also going through my head, what time did that person that was 1st in line get here? Hello Mr. No Life! I start bracing Tatum at the prospect of a bottom locker seeing the massive ass line ahead of us. I think tears were starting to form but then at 5:00pm sharp, doors open. Massive line starts moving. Keeps moving. Moving quickly. I'm thinking, I was wrong. This school has something figured out as this line is moving and hasn't stopped. ME=0, SCHOOL= 1

I get to the doors of the lunch room which I now know why it's moving and I have a feeling of pure fear as I see a crowd charging for the door. The door I'm trying to come through.  I now see what's going on in the lunchroom. MAD  EFFING CHAOS. Let me explain the urgency and the chaos I'm witnessing at this point. It's Black Friday (that's the day after Thanksgiving for you idiots) and Walmart has announced they have $1000 computers for $99. The doors opened at 5:00 am. Didn't someone die last year from being trampled? Yeah..that's the fear I felt at this point. Remember this...because I will refer to this again.

 Let me paint the picture inside the lunch room for you. Each grade is posted on a wall. 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th. Underneath the grade are 8.5x11 sheets of paper. One paper for each homeroom. Your child's name is on one of those sheets of paper (I swear to you in 8pt font) . Your job, to find out the homeroom your kid is in and haul ass to homeroom because apparently that's where they're issuing lockers. Hence the parents hauling ass at me and out of the lunchroom with the urgency of someone has just yelled FIRE. I get to 7th grade, elbow my way through the crowd, pushing and shoving may have occurred. Search paper one, two, three. BINGO..we've found the homeroom. ME= 0 School= -1 (lost the point and I took one away for the pure chaos).

Me & T haul sweaty ASS to homeroom (which had moved by way..thanks for the notice). Get there and we're about 3rd in line. SCORE. I get to teacher (which I really like, btw) and she says that will be $38. Well, let me interrupt to say that Billy has our one & only checkbook. I realized this early in the day and get cash out to pay the fees. So I hand over 2 $20's. Here's how it went:

Teacher: I'm sorry, we don't take cash.

Me: (thinking WTH??) This is bankrupt Jefferson county and you can't take my CASH? You have got to be kidding me.

Teacher...what I meant to say is I have to have exact change. You need to go to the office and get change and come back (line is already about 15 people deep at this point) and bless her heart she's having to write a receipt to each person.

I think...um no. not going to happen.

Me: Keep the $2. Consider it a classroom donation. Stick it in your pocket. I. don't. care. but I'm not getting in this line again. Can you just go ahead and assign Tatum her locker? And dang, $38...a lot cheaper than last year's registration fees. WOOT.

Teacher: Oh...I have to give you this ticket and you have to go back to the lunchroom where Mr. Principal is issuing lockers. Here Tatum, here's your ticket.

Me: Go Tatum, I'll meet up with you when I'm done here.

Teacher then notices she has $2 in her envelope. I get change, receipt, supply list, Tatum's schedule and I'm on my way. That's when the teacher notifies me that the $38 is for Tatum's locker, class t-shirt, science fee, postage fee. After this fun experience I get to now go to all the teachers on Tatum's schedule and pay their fees, get their supply lists. So wait, if I had brought my checkbook, I would've had to have written SEVEN DIFFERENT CHECKS. Yeah...that seems practical. Me=0 School= -5

So anyway, I head to the lunch room and locate Tatum. Tatum is comparing schedules with her friends, chatting about summer. The line in the lunchroom for lockers is wound around so many times, think coiled snake. Luckily we weren't too bad in line (I'm confident that Tatum cut in line to hang with her friend Abby) but there is ONE person issuing lockers for all 4 grades. huge crowd of people + small space = hot as hell and my feet are aching from all the standing & waiting. Wait...how the hell did Madelyn get in line ahead of me? I know she didn't make it here until after 5:00. Typical. We switch looks a few times that only sisters can read. You know the "OMG I'm about to lose my effing mind." and "this is CRAZY". We were communicating well and then I see her eyes go to the size of saucers and she starts pointing to the size while mouthing "GO".  I'm like go where? She's pointing " GO THERE...they are opening a new line for 7 & 8th grade over there. GO GO GO".

Let me explain the urgency I feel that this point. Remember the  Black Friday scenario where Walmart has announced they have $1000 computers for $99? The doors opened at 5:00am and I survived the stampede to the palate of computers that a crowd has gathered around. The palate is covered in shrink wrap at 6:00am the manager rips off the shrink wrap. It. is. on. People start diving, elbowing, pushing, biting, whatever it takes to land that $99 computer.

That's what happened. People start running, jumping over a lunchroom table, slamming into me (this is where I got the elbow to the head), but by gosh they don't know who they're slamming into because I will FIGHT YOU TO THE DAMN END person for my spot in this line. {Please people, don't knock my hair crazy so my bumpit will be revealed and I'll be known as the fraud who's southern hair isn't naturally poofy} Mrs. Vice Principal is now issuing lockers for 7th & 8th grade. The elbow to the head was worth it because I was about 4th in line. I comment to Mrs. VP, "I'm really glad you guys changed registration and meet the teacher night. This looks like it's working out well for you". Sentence was oozing sarcasm and I'm hoping she takes note. She hands me locker combination with a blank look of "I want to jump off a cliff" look and we're off to see where the injuries got us in the locker world. Me=0 School= -12548

We make it back to 7th grade hall and the angels were looking out for us because she got a top locker. {angels singing} and it's next to Shelbie and Abby {I swear you can see the light descending from Heaven upon us}. There are girls squealing and giggling, comparing schedules, lockers...happiness. Me=100 School= -12548

After that we had to then go to 27 (FREAKING SIX) teachers' room, stand in line, pay their fee (remember...the whole cash problem and no one has change. ANNOYING), get their supply list & note and move on. There was none of the "Hi, I'm Tatum's mom blah blah blah"..it was pay the fee, get your list, NEXT. Totally not the teachers' fault....the administration's fault for setting it up this way. The teachers had to feel a tremendous about of pressure too as they are seeing a long line of tired, worn out parents there to pay fees and get the hell out of there. Me=100 School = -12354891358798456548153

Almost two hours after arriving. We left. As we were leaving we saw a volunteer paramedic & fire approaching the school. Tatum's theory was somebody (parents, not the kids) got in a fight in the lunch room over cutting in the locker line or someone passed out from the heat. or stress. whichever got to them first. I wouldn't doubt for a second that she was, in fact, right.

Once I got home, I relieve my poor mother who had been at my house, caring for my beautiful (wild) children since 6:30am. She was being held hostage by Anna and was force to play the Wii. She told me she was forced to play tennis, golf, bowling, baseball. all. day. long. Anna pipes in to say that grandma has lost at all of them and she was in fact a LO-SER. I then notice the Wii remote hit the floor as I see a flash go by me as I can only guess was my mother getting the hell out of there. Thank you mom...I love you.

With Hudson screaming and only wanting me to hold him, Anna jumping on the couch playing the wii, Tatum about to not live another minute due to starvation (which I've heard about the entire time we were at the school) I have to figure out dinner. I'm sure as heck not taking these 3 beautiful (wild) children out to eat somewhere alone so I resign to the fact that i have not choice but to cook something. I then, with baby on hip (so redneck but I'm desperate for him to shut up), I start searching for some alcohol of any kind. I found a bottle of whine, a big bottle. But I decide I don't want to open a large bottle to drink two glasses (since I'm nursing). Read: I don't want to drink the entire bottle myself because it will give me one hell of hang over. I call my dear husband WHO IS STILL AT WORK and tell him, hey stop by on your way home and buy some alcohol. Thank you RJK Video for delivering the dance recital video that day. It is a *awesome* video that kept Tatum & Anna busy long enough for me to cook. I may or may not have consumed enough alcohol at that point to feel the need to jump up and do the "Rock a Hula" dance along with Anna while the sauce was simmering.The children were fed some really nutritious spaghetti (not really nutritious, but it sounded good) and bathed by the time husband arrived home. He came in to find me sitting at the kitchen table staring at the chair across from me not believing what i had just experienced.

After consuming two (three) drinks. I told him the entire story. He does not believe that in today's civilized society that such a thing would happen and I'm totally being a drama queen. It did happen. Maybe the counselor I've booked to deal with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder I now have will believe me.

Tonight...is Anna's meet the teacher. Don't worry, I'll consume a xanax before I approach the school. The thought alone of going to the school brings on a panic attack. So, picture it. Me, Ann Taylor Loft'd out again (different outfit, this time a dress), bumpit in hair on nerve medication for meet the teacher. This. should. be. fun!

PS...school, you have a website. USE IT.

*also...did you know that spell check doesn't recognize pissed & poofiness? interesting*

Next up...Dr. appointment that drove me to go straight home and take a long nap.

Random

Ok, so today's post will be pictureless. You're probably so relieved. Unfortunately not wordless. : )

First off, I think I've pinpointed the problems Hudson has been having with cereals. You may remember back in March when I mentioned he was having problems with infant cereal. We've went on to bigger & better things (baby food  & table foods, hey that's big for him) and had no problems. Saturday I was feeling brave and gave him a handful of cheerios. We went to town like a little beaver and put those 5 teeth to use. He really enjoyed it. Just like clockwork, 2 hours after eating (just like all infant cereals, rice & oatmeal) he started the vomiting again and this time the lethargy was worse. The only moving he was doing was his eyelids and his breathing was pretty shallow. After sleeping for a few hours, he nursed and was back to his happy Hudson self. Sunday, I gathered all the offending boxes and started googling. First I started off  with "allergy to ingredients". I realized he wasn't having allergy like symptoms, no rash, no breaking out so I realized it was tolerance he was having problems with. So I then googled "tolerance to ingredients". Still nothing. I then googled the symptoms and viola I found it.  

Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES)
http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/resourcespre.php?id=99

Then I found this blog:
http://justjackingaround.blogspot.com/2008/02/video-of-fpies.html

That is exactly how Hudson was reacting. Vomiting to the point of stomach bile, then lethargic until he fell asleep.

After a visit to the pediatrician yesterday, she agreed and now we're off to see a pediatric gastroenterologist tomorrow. She also want to take blood (Evil vein missing girl. I have freaked out on her before when she missed Anna's vein and made her stop. Don't just dig around in their arm LOOKING for a vein. Take the gosh forsaken needle OUT and FIND the vein first then stick it. WHY is this so hard for you? 2nd girl and other arm went much better.) to check for Celiac. Please pray he doesn't test positive for Celiac.

While FPIES may be a problem, he will hopefully outgrow it. Celiac, you don't outgrow. It's forever and it's a intolerance to Gluten.

{Please say a prayer for my little man and for the Pediatric Gastroenterologist that God will give him the wisdom he needs to deal with Hudson's problems. }

Next up...total random thoughts.

• Facebook. I *really* want to post..."THAT QUIZ YOU'RE TAKING...YOU CAN STOP TAKING IT AND I CAN JUST  TELL YOU THE RESULTS. YOU'RE A IDIOT". I hate all those stupid quizzes. I've taken one I think, "Are you a southern belle"...yeah..it was pretty stupid. Here's the thing about status updates....I don't care about every dang move you made today and everyone else probably doesn't either. Status updates are meant to be sporadic and for important things, like you know I'm waiting on a ebay auction to end to see if I won a smocked dress. That's some important crap right there, not "I woke up, drank 2 cups of coffee. Had a terrific breakfast cooked by my wife/hubby. Took a shower. Then went to the grocery store and saw so so who is doing so much better after their surgery. Ate lunch at "X". Went to the mall. My kid smiled at me and she melts my heart.  Bought shoes at the mall. M kid went to the potty at the mall and it melted my heart to watch her wash her hands. We ate dinner at "X". We went to Walmart to buy socks since my beautiful kid's foot has grown. We're home how and we've all taken a bath. Kid played with her toys in the tub. Now we're all snuggled in bed watching "X" about to go to sleep"." FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS GOOD AND KIND. I don't care. Please stop being stupid, please. I asked nicely!

• To quote Anna:

1. "mama...you're the fattest person in our family. i don't mean fat (back-pedaling because she notices the look on my face which is horror)...you're not fat...you're medium. It's just that I'm really skinny, daddy is really skinny, Tatum is skinny and Hudson is skinny. You....are not skinny. You're medium. {note to self, knock the dust off of the treadmill}
2. (while arguing with Tatum) "Tatum...do you know why you're dumb? Because you have dumb in your name TA- DUM".

I'm sure there are more quotes from Anna...but I'm just drawing a blank right now. Probably due to no sleep.
Back to random thoughts:

• I can appreciate the "going green" movement (no, not really) but I want a cleaning product that is so abrasive and so kick ass that it will clean the shower for me without lifing a finger. So keep the going green crap away from my clorox.

• My friend Jessi & I have had a talk about the way she spells her name. We have came to the conclusion that spelling Jessi with a  y, aka "Jessy" looks trashy. I don't know why, don't be haters but it does. (sorry). I follow a blog of this amazing photographer I totally want to be when I grow up. She captured the essence of Jessy and how I picture a person named Jessy. http://thousandwordsphotographymontana.blogspot.com/2009/08/j-j-married.html
  
  A bride who's strapless dress shows off her tattoos...one her chest, one on her back. so classy. Here's the thing. This girl is really pretty...tattoos..well..they're not my cup of tea. They scream trashy to me (again..don't hate. just my opinion. remember...I put my son in smocked bubbles and daygowns. Everyone's taste is different.)
  
  A groom that looks like his mom had to sign the document for a underage child to get married.
  
  A grooms cake that has a mud riding four wheel drive with a missing a wheel on it.
  
  A bride posing next to a John Deere tractor. Don't get me wrong, I'm a lover of all things John Deere (especially that new lawn mower that Billy loves a little too much that cuts {I totally crack myself up..get it...cuts?} grass cutting time in half). Well...except for bedding (John Deere bedding is never ok. It's just plain WRONG). The problem is that BRIDE and JOHN DEERE do not belong in the same sentence.
  
  {Not meant to slam thousand words photography. i'm a big fan and wish i could be like thousand words photography when i grow up}

• This one cracked me up:

http://photos.al.com/birmingham-news/2009/07/jeffco_protest_4.html

A picture of a woman holding a sign saying "Impeach Bettye Fine Collins". Hey, Mrs. Intelligent. Maybe you should read up and find out who got you into this situation. It would be A) Larry Langford and his swap deals that lost the county millions. and B) The thieves that were in the past city council that put our county millions in debt over a sewer system that didn't need to be upgraded. As bad as I think this current council is, they aren't the ones that got us into this mess. Read up Mrs. I Pay Attention. Ole Bettye Fine isn't into spending money we don't have like ole Mr. Langford loves to do which is why she has shut down the city. Hmm...I wonder what will happen with my law suit?

 *** Which brings me to another quote from Anna. I was telling Billy how much trouble we would've been in a couple of years ago if what was going on now was going on then. Because the county inspectors are being laid off as well and well, inspections can't get passed and mortgage loans can't get closed without a Certificate of Occupancy from the county inspector. Anna pipes in, why don't they just get into their piggy banks to pay the inspectors? My gosh the kid is a genius at 6. I had to explain to her that the government doesn't keep a piggy bank. I had to explain to her that the government actually spends MORE than it takes in. She skipped off going onto something else... Can you imagine if we ran our households that way?

Ok, so much like most facebook statuses...this post is rambling crap that most people don't give a flip about. Thank you my 5 readers for letting you entertain you with the craziness in my head.

Now, off to Tatum's meet the teacher night. I'm sure at some point tonight, like all meet the teacher nights in the past, I will want to crawl under a rock from embarrassment at something she will blurt out. That's ok, though, teenage years of bring friends and (don't read this Billy) boys home are just around the corner.