Tell Me Thursday
February 21, 2008 | 4 Comments
This picture was snapped by my nephew when we were visiting them over a year ago. This is my youngest but she’s changed so much since this pic!
For one, she got hair.
Secondly she’s talking, walking, going potty… she “a big gurl”.
Anyway, in the picture she is trying to catch Psycho Kitty. She was all over that poor cat the whole time. Kitty beware!
Blog Memes
February 14, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Today on Moms Morning show, Cara, Chele, Tishia and Annette talked about blogging for fun -
They mentioned blogging memes. One of the ones I really like and used to to every week was Thankful Thursday. I have kind of forgotten about it and got out of the habit, but it’s one of my favorites and I want to get back to it.
I have several blog memes here on this site. If you like you can grab the code on the right sidebar for any of the graphics and use them to play along!
Marie Ynami started Tuesday Toot, and Chele and Annette launched Tell Me Thursday (as a follow up to Wordless Wednesday, which I almost never participate in because I am digital camera challenged and each time I buy one it breaks!).
So what are your favorite memes?
Bullet Points of Randomness
January 24, 2008 | 4 Comments
Hat tip to Mom to the Screaming Masses, one of my favorite mom bloggers for this meme.
Tomorrow: Got an eye doctor appointment. I’ve been needing to get glasses so I can drive at night.
Feeling: Crampy. I’m ovulating.
Happy Because: I went to IKEA today with just one kid in tow. It was such a nice trip.
Today I: Shopped at IKEA and ate breakfast at the cafe there. Got two indoor drying racks, 3 pots for plants, a clamp spotlight for oldest to read by at night, a throw rug that can go in the washer, various little cloth organizer things in the dollar bin, and a laundry hamper.
Laundry: All caught up and a load on the line outside.
Something I know: That Sadie is allergic to wheat. I hate that! But it will keep me motivated to stay away from it myself, because I have issues with it too.
Currently reading: Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats
Wanting: Chris Martin. Reread the feeling post people.
Favorite gadget: my laptop
Thankful that: I got to spend some one on one time with my 6 year old. That my AdSense check is going to be about $200 higher than the highest it’s ever been.
Wondering why: Laura and Mary Ingalls had ONE DOLL EACH (and Laura’s wasn’t even a doll, just a corncob in a handkerchief) and didn’t fight over them, and my kids have enough paper in the house to last at least them a year and fight over three sheets of it.
Care to fill in any of these with your own answers?
A Survey For Grown Ups (Meme)
January 21, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Alyssa over at Life from my Laptop shared a fun quiz at her blog and I thought I would paste my answers here. A ton of blog memes have been circulating around the blogosphere in the last few weeks but noone has tagged me (sniff, sniff)!
50 questions for the people who are a little older….
1. What bill do you hate paying the most? My car payment, because I’m unsecured debt free so the car note is my only debt, and I can’t wait to be free of it! Other than that I don’t mind paying bills at all.
2. Where was the last place you had a romantic dinner?
LOL! I don’t do romantic dinners. And I can’t even remember the last time I had any kind of nice dinner out. It’s about time, I think. 
3. Do you regret losing your virginity to who you lost it to? Was your husband your 1st?
Yes it was my husband. Moving on…..
4. If you could go back and change one thing what would it be ?
While there are a couple of things I would like to change because they were painful, it would change my current reality and who I am, so I wouldn’t want to change them. Does that make sense?
5. Name of your first grade teacher? Oh wow, I have no idea! I don’t remember most of my teachers.
6. What do you really want to be doing right now?
Going out with a friend to see a show (like Coldplay. Ahem.) It’s been too long!
7. What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A missionary - then I realized that I would have to leave my parents, and we’re close so I didn’t want to do that. Then, a writer.
8. How many colleges did you attend? Zippo!
9. Why did you choose the shirt that you have on right now?
It had a cute sailor look (it’s red with horizontal white stripes), plus it was around .50 (thrift store again!)
10. What are your thoughts on gas prices?
I couldn’t care less, honestly. Capitalism = supply and demand. I think people who complain about gas prices ned to stop their whining and drive less, get a more fuel efficient car or a greasel.
11. If you could move anywhere and take someone with you where would it be?
Italy. My parents and kids.
12. First thought when the alarm went off this morning?
no alarm this morning or any other.
13. Last thought before going to sleep last night?
nothing deep, just nice cozy snuggles with a toddler.
14. Do you miss being a child?
never
15. Who is your best friend? Why are they your best friend?
God. Because he always listens.
16. What errand/chore do you despise?
cleaning the shower. I wish someone made a “green” version of those automatic shower cleaners!
17. If you didn’t have to work, would you volunteer?
I’ve been volunteering all my life, whether I work outside the home or not.
18. Get up early or sleep in?
I like to get up early, but rarely do because then my kids will just wake up.
19. What is your favorite cartoon character?
Betty Boop
20. Favorite thing to do at night with a girl/guy?
Dinner, coffee, conversation
21. Have you found real love yet?
Nope. But I know what it looks like because I was raised seeing it in action with my parents and sister and bil.
22. When did you first start feeling old?
When the cute Starbucks barista guys started calling me ma’am. 
But, I’m not old.
24. Your favorite lunch meat?
Anything without nitrates/nitrites.
25. What do you get every time you go into Wal-Mart?
I never shop there. Bleh!
26. Beach or lake?
Either is nice.
27. Do you think marriage is an outdated ritual?
No I think it’s beautiful.
28. Do you own property?
Nope, and I don’t care if I ever do. I used to think that home ownership was smart, but that was when I was ignorant.
29. Favorite Guilty pleasure?
My daily mug of Senseo coffee. I LOVE this machine!
30. Favorite movie you wouldn’t want anyone to find out about?
I love old musicals like Fiddler on the Roof and The King and I. I know, that makes me a geek.
31. What’s your drink?
Coke, but I rarely ever drank them, and several months ago gave them up forever after learning about some of their icky poo business practices. Don’t tell anyone, that’s practically a sin here, I could get kicked out of Atlanta!
32. Cowboys or Indians?
Indians are way cool (I’m part Cherokee), but Cowboys are pretty hot (for example, Matt Damon in All the Pretty Horses)
33. Cops or Robbers?
cops…… my Daddy was one. But then he became a Christian and realized he would never want to take someone’s life, so he became a minister, which isn’t a huge stretch, when you think about it.
34. Who from high school would you like to run in to?
anyone from my pre baby days. I did homeschool.
35. What radio station is your car radio tuned to right now?
probably AM 640 so I can listen to Dave Ramsey
36. Norm or Cliff?
Blech. Neither.
37. Grey’s or ‘The Office?
I don’t watch TV. Although I did catch the last TWO MINUTES of Coldplay on Austin City Limits Saturday. I was so sad I missed it I almost cried. Boohoo!!
38. Worst relationship mistake that you wish you could take back?
That’s a teensy bit too much - not THAT transparent as a blogger!
39. Do you like the person that sits directly across from you at work?
yep it’s my kids
40. What famous person would you like to have dinner with?
As if you had to ask - if you’ve been reading this blog for more than 5 minutes you know it’s Chris Martin of course. Sans Gwyneth. And there’s that pic again! Ahhhhhhh…..
41. Indoors or Outdoors?
in Spring or Fall, outdoors
42. Have you ever crashed your vehicle?
nope.
43. Have you ever had to use a fire extinguisher for its intended purpose?
no, thank goodness
44. Last book you read?
The Summons - which is so odd because I never read fiction. It’s the first novel I’ve read in years. Right now I’m starting the Little House books with my kids for read aloud time.
45. Do you have a teddy bear?
no
46. Strangest place you have ever brushed your teeth?
outside at a campsite
47. Somewhere in California you’ve never been and would like to go?
Sunnyvale, to visit friends
48. Do you go to church?
every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday
49. At this point in your life would you rather start a new career or a new relationship?
neither thankyouverymuch!
50. How old are you?
32
C’mon - it’s your turn!
Annette at Quiet Mom
Tiffany at Nature Moms
Crystal at Money Saving Mom
Mothering Monday: Kids School Lunches and Big Bird on Breastfeeding
November 12, 2007 | 3 Comments
Jen talks about how she gets her daughter to eat all her lunch.
Super cute video of a nursing Mom on Sesame Street, hat tip to Melodie. According to Big Bird, breastfeeding is sweet.
Join the fun - grab a graphic on the right sidebar!
Thankful Thursday: Enforcers, Ikea, Blogging, and other stuff
November 8, 2007 | 6 Comments
Thankful Thursday is one of my favorite memes. I believe that gratitude is so important, and it keeps you in the right frame of mind for good things to happen! Here’s my list for this week:
- I’m grateful that I learned something new last Saturday that helped me get rid of my neck pain today.
- I’m grateful that I can sell my old stuff on eBay instead of having to throw it away.
- I’m grateful that although some people won’t do what’s right, there are systems in place that force them to be accountable.
- I’m grateful for blogging. It keeps me sane!
- I’m grateful that I have no credit card debt.
- And even though I’m still paying on it, I’m grateful for my car.
- I’m grateful for the kid’s new bunkbeds. On sale. For $79.
- I’m grateful for IKEA! (Although I do so wish they had an affiliate program lol!)
- I’m grateful for a few moments of peace and quiet while the older kids play outside and the baby naps.
- I’m grateful that, thanks to my parents, I can get away to work at Barnes and Noble sometimes.
What about you? What are you grateful for today? Play along by grabbing your graphic here.
Thankful Thursday
October 11, 2007 | 5 Comments
I haven’t done this in awhile, but feel a strong need to right now, because yesterday and today I’ve been a little discouraged. And the fastest way out of that is to focus on my blessings. So here goes. Join me?
7 Burning Questions - Moms Morning Show Meme
October 8, 2007 | 1 Comment
Have you been listening to the Moms Morning Show? It’s a lot of fun and starts your day off with a little mommy chat. When my Mom had young kids, she met with her across the street neighbor for coffee every morning. They thought they couldn’t start the day without their coffee klatch. Well I guess the internet is becoming a substitute for that.
Last week Tishia asked 7 burning questions that I’ll answer here, and you can answer them on your blog or below in the comments if you want:
1. If you could have an endless supply of any food, what would it be and why?
Rice. Because it’s so versatile and keeps forever in the freezer. You can eat it for breakfast (cooked with milk and with a little cinnamon or orange rind and sweetener), lunch (stir fries, with beans, inside tacos, etc) and dinner (with meat, veggies, in soups, etc) and for dessert (rice pudding!). You can cook it with Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Moroccan and so many other types of international cuisine.
2. If you were an animal what would you be and why?
A kangaroo. They’re one of my favorite animals. I think it’s so awesome how they can put an embryo on “hold” and stop it from growing during poor conditions (like not enough food) and restart the baby’s growth later when they get more food. How awesome is that?! (Also a proof of creation in my book.) They also have built in babywearing capabilities. Oh and they also tandem nurse, something I’ve done 3 times.
3. If you could only describe yourself using three words, what three words would you use?
Once a friend asked me this but in one word, and I said unpretentious. Still true. I would also add loyal and serious. Boy I’m a real riot aren’t I? LOL!
4. If you could be a super hero who would you be and why?
Hmm, I have no idea.
5. What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I honestly can’t recall ever having an embarrassing moment. So that means it’s coming and it’s going to be really, really BAD. LOL!
6. What is one of your biggest pet peeves and why?
People who jump to conclusions and react or judge without getting more information first. There is a scripture in Proverbs that says basically that people who do this are “foolishness and humiliation”…. couldn’t have said it better myself.
7. Out of red, green, blue, yellow and orange which one is your favorite color?
Blue.
My favorite memory. Definitely those moments after giving birth.
If you chose red what is one of your favorite hobbies?
If you chose green what is your favorite place?
If you chose blue what is one favorite memory?
If you chose yellow what is your dream job?
If you chose orange it’s a wildcard and you can tell us anything about yourself!
Ok your turn!
Stephanie at Adventures in Babywearing
Green Mommy aka Jenny
Too Fun Meme
October 3, 2007 | 3 Comments
Everybody’s doing it! Do yours and leave a link to your blog post below, ok?
1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car)
Brandy Sienna
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie)
Butter Pecan Macaroon 3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name),
CLAU (Hmm, would I pronounce it “claw” or “cee-law”?. Cool. I just might start calling myself this!)
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal),
Scarlet Kangaroo. Ok that’s just weird. LOL!
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, hospital where you were born)
Lee Brown (boring!)
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first)
LauCa
7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink)
The Blue Coffee (nah, doesn’t work.) Maybe the Blue Java? I’m faster than a speeding shot of espresso!
8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers)
Bill Denvil Bluford (yes, my Dad’s Dad was named Denvil Bluford. No wonder they call him D.B!)
9.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names)
Kay Albert
10. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter)
Who the heck can remember their 5th grade teacher? I can’t!
11. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower).
Autumn Bluebells (ok that’s just silly! And don’t read it too fast)
12. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)
Mango Tanky (LOL! Sounds like something funny happening on the produce aisle.
13. HIPPIE NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree)
Oatmeal Palm (is that kind of like whole grain tarot?)
14. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”)
The Reading Storm Tour
Ok your turn
Tackle it Tuesday - Emergency Savings
September 4, 2007 | 2 Comments
This week’s tackle doesn’t have anything to do with housework or work work, it has to do with a goal I’ve had for a few months now of having an emergency stash in my savings account. Today I made the final deposit to make my goal of a certain dollar amount that represents a safety net for me, and I’m so proud of myself! It’s enough so that if some emergency comes my way, like needing a major car repair or even a medical event, I can cover it in cash. Whew!
This kind of tackle won’t come every week but I thought I would share. My next major money tackle is to pay off my credit card. If I really buckle down I can do it in two months. Right now I’m not paying any interest due to the fact that I transferred my balance to a new, zero interest for 6 months card. I wouldn’t have this debt right now if it weren’t for the fact that my computer went kerplutz a few months ago and I had to buy a new one, pronto since that’s how I earn my livelihood! But therein lies the problem and the motivation - now if this happens again I have cash to cover that.
Now, it might not make perfect fiscal sense to have savings and debt… thinking purely of the numbers, I might have been better off paying off the debt first and saving later. But this is how I see it: doing what makes you feel safe and sound might be smarter in the long term than just doing what makes sense, number wise. If you feel good you make better decisions and money will show up more easily than if you feel stressed and vulnerable. And if in the meantime I have some emergency, I can use cash to deal with it instead of putting more on the card. Plus, as I said, I’m not paying interest anyway!
So what did you tackle today? The bathroom floor needs help, but that’s so boring.