Happy Halloween!

Save big for kids!

I had a great response from my last post, so I thought I would take it a step further and show you the huge deal I got on kids items this week.
Some of you know I work with a local children's consignment sale that happens twice a year. I shopped this week for my daughter and man, did I rack up!
I got 12 tops, 9 pants, 5 dresses, 3 pairs of PJs, 4 hairbows, 1 pair of shoes, a big wagon, a DVD and a small toy castle. The last 3 items will be put away for Christmas. Many of the items were name brand like Gymboree or Children's Place and one of the dresses was a smocked dress (translation: for Southern girls, these are must have for church and special occasions and can be very pricey!)
How much do you think I paid for all that????
$250?
$200?
$180?
$150?
Nope, nope and nope! I Paid $140 for all 37 items!!!

Happy birthday!

My blue-eyed blonde turns 5 today! Happy Birthday, Savannah!
P.S. While exhausting, the party was a success!

the cutest invitation in the world

I just have to brag on my aunt. I gave her an idea of what I wanted to do for Savannah's birthday party invitations. I wanted a bug theme and I had a note card from a while back that was a ladybug with opening wings to reveal the note inside. I didn't show it to her, I just described it to her and this is what she came up with...
How cute is that?! Then you open the wings and read the party details! My aunt has one of those fancy-schmancy Cricut (cricket) machines that cuts things out. It's pretty amazing.

Hopefully the rest of the party will go just as well. It was her birthday party last year that inspired me to write this post. In the meantime, happy Labor Day weekend, ya'll!

Leftovers

Remember back in February, Savannah was being stingy with a gift? It laid around her room forever. Well, guess what the little dear brings to me yesterday? Mm-hmm.
She comes up to me and says, "Mama, I have a surprise for you. It's something left over from Valentine's Day."
I guess better late than never! I just hope I don't get my Mother's Day gift in August.
Happy Mother's Day!

letter to Savannah

So I'm still trying to get along with my dearest daughter, Savannah. (see previous post "Terrible 4's?" before you offer any advice). I was blog surfing and came across this and thought I'd take the opportunity to play along...

Dear Savannah,
I know once upon a time before you were born, I wished for you independence and the ability to stand on your own. Little did I know your Independence would be from me and all your love and affection poured on your daddy (or "dada" as you've reverted to calling him lately).
I know you love him and I'm glad you have that special relationship with him, but could you be a little nicer to your dear, old mom?
It nearly broke my heart the other day. I had been out of town for 4 days, something I hardly do but your daddy does on a weekly basis. I walked into the room, hoping for a hug. Nope. All I got was a wrinkled nose and you pushing me away. Then turned and threw your arms around your daddy and said, "my dada."
I've been told for about 2 years now that this is a stage and it will pass. When? When she's 25? I really try to be patient and not take it personal, but it hurts. So could you please be nice to me more than when I drop you off at school? That's the nicest hug and kiss I get all day.
And I'd really like to be on your good side before you turn 13.
I love you,
Mama

Snowtorius!

(I stole that from a friend on facebook!)
I am eating my words because we got snow! Yes, usually us Southerners don't quite know what to do with ourselves when we get this much snow (about 6 inches here) but we played and built snowmen and sledded and all that good stuff!
It started yesterday around 3:00 and quit sometime during the night. We got out around 8:00 this morning and took some pics of the fresh snow.

Beautiful, isn't it? My dad found an OLD sled (wooden with metal rails) and we drug that behind the golf cart and 4-wheeler. What else do you expect a couple of rednecks to do when it snows?!

Savannah had a blast! After about 45 minutes though, she was done!

So pretty in the trees!

And now, almost 24 hours later, the snow is 90% gone! Yep, that what some sun and 45 degree weather will do for it. And we're glad! It's nice to see it come and nicer to see it go.

Now, who's ready for summer?

Terrible 4's?

I'm sitting here on the couch catching up on my soap and enjoying the peace! Steve and Savannah have gone to run errands and it's calling for snow here, so they are probably out getting milk and bread, too! That's a joke. But I'm sure many other Southerners are stocking up on the basics today. Seriously, the forecast is for 1-3 inches of snow in the area. My thoughts? I'll believe it when I see it.
Moving on....The reason I started this blog to begin with was to vent without everyone I know thinking I'm nuts. (disclaimer* If you know me in real life, please don't hold this against me. You know I am sane...for the most part...) But Savannah is killing me lately! And if I mention what a booger she is all people want to say is, "you just wait another 10 years..." And to that I say, "God help me! If we get that far!"
I nag her to do everything. I try to be patient and calm but then she pushes my buttons and I want to scream! And sometimes I really try to be patient and not let he get to me, but then she kicks me for no reason at all or says things like, "I don't like you. I only like my daddy." GRRRR! Like yesterday was their Valentine's party at school. There was a little beaded heart necklace in her goody bag I suspected the kids made for their moms. So like a dumbass, I ask her, "what's this? Who is this for?" She snatched it away, looked at me and said, "It's for dada."
A typical scenario is we're going somewhere and Savannah asks, "is mama going? I don't want her to go." She is so hateful to me!!!
I've tried to talk to her when things aren't so heated and explain that I need her to help me when it's time to get ready and it's better when she listens. And on the occasions she is nice and I don't have to tell her 10 times to do something, I try to praise her. I do know she's only 4, but on the other hand, she's 4! not 2!
Can anyone sympathize?
Changing the subject, I am looking forward to the rest of the weekend. Several of us couples are going to dinner Saturday night at one of my favorite restaurants. And no kids!

Bitches and hos

Hey ya'll! It's been a while so I have several random things saved up for you...
- I've gotten on my school soapbox before. Seriously, if people were better parents, crap like this wouldn't happen. A 7th grade kid had to drop out of a program at school in order to care for his infant child. That's right. I said infant child. Why? Because the baby's mother, also a 7th grader, had to go stay at the Dept. Of Juvenile Justice.
-I am loving those new Gap commercials! The dancing is awesome and the chanting is so damn catchy! "How cute are these boots?! How cute are these boots?!"
-There has been some family drama going on for the past several months. Some things have happened recently and I've had my fill. So I called up the family member and told him I'd like to sit down and talk with him about everything and see if we couldn't clear the air. He said, "that's fine, but I don't know what good it would do." We were not able to meet tonight, and maybe we won't get to, but by his words right there, I have peace knowing that I at least tried.
-I am loving Christmas in the new house! I'll have to post some pics soon. It's extra special knowing how fortunate I am to be spending Christmas with my family in our dream house!
-I have one more day of school! Then I am off until Jan. 4!!! Can I get a Whoo-hoo!!!?!?!
-Mama has a little Christmas village set up in her kitchen. It also has a few little figures and decorations with it. One day, standing in front of it, Savannah says, "Why is there a little singing bitch and a big singing bitch?" Or at least that's what WE heard. OMG! We laughed so hard. Finally realized she was saying singing "bench"- her phrase for the little group of carolers.
- just in case you haven't heard this one yet...What's the difference between Santa and Tiger? Santa stops after 3 ho's.

zhu-zhu wha?

Just sitting here sipping a cup of hot chocolate (with Kahlua!) and thought I would visit!
What have you been up to lately? I'm off work this whole week (Whoo-hoo!) and Steve's mom flies in tomorrow for a few days. It will be nice to see her and for her to see the house! She hasn't been here since it was finished and we moved in.
I'm not quite up for Christmas decorating yet, although many folks seem to be doing that early this year! I am probably a third of the way through my shopping. I was hoping to get Savannah some of the zhu zhu pets this year. You know, the cute little animated pet hamsters? She liked them so much when she played with them at her cousin's house last month. That was before I knew they were the "IT" item this year. You remember....Wii, Tickle Me Elmo, Cabbage Patch Dolls...The toy that is impossible to find before Christmas or if you do, it's at 8x the price, but somehow, they're everywhere by Jan. 2! So Santa's alternative is a dollhouse. Now if we can just get it on sale or with free shipping, we're good to go!
I saw a cute idea in a magazine I thought we might try: Create your own holiday "to-do" advent calendar. Choose a seasonal activity to do each day. Savannah is only 4, so this will be our first year with the idea of an advent calendar. We'll probably suck at it and end up scraping the whole thing by Dec. 9th, but we'll give it a shot! Got any cute Christmas projects or activities planned?

Halloween pics

Some Halloween photos...

Mmmms and Ahhhs

We had a nice weekend. We headed to Charleston for a friend's birthday and while we were going, we decided to stay the night and play "tourist" a little while. We hit the beach on Sullivan's Island for a brief sunset stroll. It was simply gorgeous...except for the &h*%#$ mosquito's!!! Afterwards, we head to "The Wreck" for dinner. This is the most plain-jane, no frills place I've eaten at, and it's one of the best. Shrimp and scallops followed by heavenly Key Lime Pie! Mmmmm...

Here is Savannah out on the dock by the restaurant. Ahh! Nothing like a trip to Chuck-town to restore the soul!

Smart Girl

It was Savannah's first day of pre-school today. Steve and I walked her in, said our goodbyes and we left. No problem! She did very well! So I asked her later, "What was your favorite part?"
"Nap time."

YAGBTS - Ben the Builder

Contrary to popular belief, building our house was not horrible and we did not once contemplate divorce because of it (the moving in part is another story). Overall, it went pretty well. We got along with our builder great! Sure, there was a misunderstanding or two, but no biggie. Just how well do we like our builder? Here he is with his #2 in charge, cozied up on the back porch with Savannah. With a beer in his hand. On a Wednesday afternoon.
Yep, that's how a good ole' boy rolls.

Randomness

-I totally understand while some species eat their young. Savannah is killing me these past few days. Helen Keller listened better than she does.
-We were in IL on the 4th of July. It was 65 degrees and raining. Sucked!!
-We have well-water, not city water, and it smells like rotten eggs lately.
-I am sick of unpacking. Advice noted, Slacker Mama. I'm gonna need some Red Bull or something to finish up and get motivated.
-I think I lost weight from all the moving/sweating/no time to snack. But I don't recommend it.
-Does anybody know where I can get a pair of traditional, white mirrors, about 29"x33" for less than $120?? Apparently they don't exist.
-One of my favorite things about the new house is my central vacuum system. Love it. It sucks.,too...in a good way.
-I am now a staff member for one of our local children's consignment sales (seasonal job on the side).
-Out of the blue my 2-year-old niece says, "Dexter (our dog) stinks. He smells like doo-doo."
-Oreo cakesters are pretty damn good.
-I freakin' cried during "Horton Hears a Who" this morning at the free summer movie.
-We already have our first overnight house guest arriving tomorrow...not MY idea...
-I told myself I was not going to visit bloggieland tonight, but then Savannah wouldn't go to bed so I figured the night was shot anyway.

from His House to my house

Savannah is fine. I haven't really been able to talk to her, but everyone that she is staying with assures me that all is well. Just as long as she doesn't come home with her aunt's accent and a taste for Old Style beer...

I have totally been enjoying my time. Monday I packed a little bit, went out on the boat that afternoon and later had dinner with my family (left-over wedding food). I don't think I told you Savannah was the flower girl. She did so well!

Tuesday I went to work and had the most productive day I've had in weeks. Things just fell into place and I was kicking butt and taking names! Figuratively speaking, of course. No children were harmed that day.

Then I had a super, amazing, fun, successful shopping trip with mama on Wednesday. I hadn't had a shopping day like that since before Savannah was born. I got a mirror, a chandelier, a chair, 2 shirts, fabric to recover 7 chair seats and a few other little things all for about $65! How did I manage that? Most of it came from thrift stores. I don't have any before pics, however, because I worked like a dog all day! My parents helped me recover 7 seats, sand down the table, I cleaned and painted a chair, painted the chandelier and STILL managed to come home, clean up and go out with the girls!
Downtown they have a Thursday afternoon concert series and 7 of us lovely ladies made a night of it. Only one injury, one lost piece of jewelry and a $200 bar/food tab so I'd say it was a successful night.
Today I'm finishing up the thrift store projects and having dinner with some friends. And I still have 2 days before they get home!!

Snap, crackle, pop!

I hope everyone had a nice Memorial Day. Mine included catching up with my old friend the Today show, some quality time with Wii Fit, a boat ride on the lake, riping staples off the bottom of my dining chair (to reupholster), packing some glassware and checking in on Savannah.
Yep, she and Steve made it to IL just fine, but I'll be damned if they didn't make a trip to the ER within hours of being there!
So I'm at my niece's birthday party last night when I get a call from Steve around 7:30. I can hear Savannah whimpering in the background. "What are ya'll doing?" I ask. "Savannah's mad because I hurt her." "You hurt her? What happened?" "Well," he says, "we were playing helicopter and I was swinging her around when I heard a crackle (his word) and she starting saying her arm hurt." "Well, I don't know what you want me to do about it 800 miles away. I guess you know where the ER is if she's still complaining about it in a half hour."
So...he calls me back later and says they, along with his sister who works at the hospital, are headed to the ER. And then suddenly he says he has to go. He will call me back when he knows something.
Now I am an easy going person. I don't worry, I don't obsess and I don't fuss over people. I won't call you to make sure you got there OK and I don't agonize over little stuff. Same rules apply to motherhood. But when Steve told me they were at the ER, I was freaking out! Damn, Steve! He's back home for a few hours and he's already damaged our child!
He calls me back a little later and says she is fine. She had Nurse Maid's Elbow (Google it. I did) and it's OK now. The swinging got her arm out of joint, but moving it during the x-ray got it back into place. He said she was happy, and moving it and that you'd never know the difference.
Whew!
I checked on them today and she is fine. Just figures, though. I guess that's what I get for not going.

Picks of the Week

I finally sat down and had some quality time with my camera, my computer and the USB cable. What does that mean for you? An update with pictures!
OK. Here is my hairdo photo. I had another one but the background was too dark and you couldn't separate my hair from the background. Anyway, I think I found the trick today. I like the ends flipped under, not out. It was a little too "shag" looking that way. Not a bad self-portrait if I do say so myself!
We went to Charleston a couple weeks ago to visit some friends who were in town from IL. We had a great time visiting old favorites (did I tell you I lived there for college?) and the weather was not yet sweatin-my-ass-off, so it made for a nice day! This was a really cute pic of Savannah and her Daddy.

The Poultry Festival (aka Chicken Fest) was this past weekend. It was OK. We only made it to the parade and it was less than fabulous this year. IT was also pretty hot so we didn't stick around long. Here are the girls stealing a cool moment in the shade.

Then we went to the zoo this week with some friends. The weather was perfect and the kiddos enjoyed a morning out. Here's a cool pic of the flamingos. Good thing they're so gorgeous because they STANK!

And last but not least, I have a YAGBTS update for you. I saw this painted on the ol' rock the other day and HAD to take a picture. As I was taking the photo, Savannah asks what I'm doing. "Taking a picture of this redneck crap," I said without really thinking. Then from the backseat I hear, "what redneck crap? I want to see redneck crap." fabulous.

Mother Clucker

Savannah is actually napping right now so I thought I would stop by for a minute... I asked her this morning what she was going to get me for Mother's Day. She said, "a wallet." "Why," I asked. "Cuz you have to pay more money." Nice observation, kiddo.
All this Mother's Day talk and sweet posts many of you are writing got me thinking... If you still have your mom, be very thankful. If you have a great relationship with your mom, be very thankful. I know some friends who have lost their mom already. I just can't imagine what that must be like. On the other hand, I love my mom and she's been great but I feel like my relationship with her is strained. For all of high school and college, she was the "fun" mom, silly to be with, fun to go shopping with, sending me all kinds of cute care-packages. She never pried and wasn't at all over-bearing. She let me have my Independence.
But now some years have passed and she just seems different. I think she's had a lot of "demons" to deal with in her life and some are catching up to her. We certainly don't talk about it. No, we are a private family and it's nobody's business. That's her stance, anyway. I dunno. Maybe she just needs some Prozac.
Switching gears...this weekend is the Poultry Festival! That's right! Who doesn't love a Southern festival celebrating some kind of produce/byproduct/internal organ (chitlins, anyone?)!? We kick things off this evening with some live music and the carnival rides. Saturday morning is the fabulous parade and craft vendors. But don't go home yet! Come back that night for a street dance, fireworks and beer trucks! Because nothing says, "chicken industry" like a drunk teetering on the railroad tracks. Ya'll come on! It's going to be a clucking good time!

A Star is Born

You may recall that Savannah and I were in the Christmas play at church last year. We practiced and sang and listened to that CD and she knew the words to all 6 songs and it was going to be great! Until she sat down sometime during the second number and then spent the rest of the show in her daddy's lap. I know...too much to expect from a 3 year old.
So when they decided to put on a spring musical, I didn't get too excited. They practiced every week during Sunday school and we played the CD at home some, but I didn't think she was really into it. Even so, they measured her for a costume and told us about the last 2 rehearsals.
Which we skipped. The one was Steve's birthday and the other was Saturday. It was so gorgeous out and it was date night...wait, that's another post....anyway, the show was going to be during the 8:30 and 11:00 services. We don't go to the early service and Sunday was no exception. When we walked in that morning for Sunday school, I said, "I know we didn't make any of the practices, but Savannah might get up there and sing." Yes, of course, that was fine and they had her a tree costume (the whole play was about trees and their hopes- a metaphor for our lives). I told her to stay with the other boys and girls to go sing and I'd see her in a little bit.
Ya'll...it was so cute, it made my eyes tear up! She got up on that stage and she sung her heart out and she did the motions and didn't sit down once! She was dramatic and confident and she even enunciated!!! I had no idea. She did so good. I know because everyone came up to us after the show and told us so.
My pictures turned out pretty crappy, but here's the best one I got:

So cute!