Hair cut!

I totally fotgot that I had may hair cut last week- like 5 or so inches. I had had enough of this wild mane and needed to do something. I really like it.

before: (it's kinda tucked behind one shoulder)

after:

I can wear it kinda wavy thanks to the Southern humidity and my hair's natural friziness texture. Or I can staighten it to look more like a sleek bob. That takes more effort, though.

Ramblings...

I feel the need to catch up here, but also feeling a little lazy so we'll see where this goes...
Had a good time out with the girls this weekend. We had great fun singing along with Steve C and the boys at Tommy Condons. Apparently we made quite the impression on the guitarist (which ain't saying a whole lot) because he professed his lust admiration of us several times. It made our week when we all got to come on stage and sing the Unicorn song with them. Yee-ha! Saturday was shopping and stuff. We had drinks with some friends and then Cupcake and I hit the town hoping to get our groove on. Sadly, we did not b/c our fav party town sucked! Either there was no dancing, or there was a massive line or we got there too late. We would say it's b/c we are getting old, but we know that CAN'T be it...
I arrived home Sunday afternoon to a huge mess, which I had to help clean up, courtesy of my slack ass husband. Enough of that...
What I thought was progress in the potty-training has, after a week, resulted in as many accidents as successes. On Monday alone, she peed/pooped in the library, Goodwill AND Wal-mart! So my plan B is to ignore all potty talk. That's right- no mention of pottying, no big-girl panties and no potty-seat. It worked for a friend of ours so we'll see if that has any affect.
I crossed a few more things off my summer to-do list which is good because this is my "last" week off before going back to work. Actually, I will work most all of next week, be out of town most of the next 2 weeks and THEN back to school with a regular schedule. I'm working on the rest of the list, but still, I'd say I've done very well! That's about all I can think of for now. I'll also have a house update soon.
TTFN! (too tired for now!)

WTF? blast from the past

I'd thought we'd have a little photo memory from 2004.

Here's me and my pal A at her bachelorette party. What's that in our mouth? A peppermint penis, of course! We had such a good time that night! We were winding down at this point. We're getting together again this weekend. We won't be up to anything quite so rowdy, unfortunately, but I'm sure we'll have fun!

Blueberry Hell

This is why some days I don't know if I'm really cut out to be a mother...
We picked some blueberries yesterday so today I thought I would make something with them. Mmmm...Savannah loves blueberries and this recipe is pretty simple so I had her "help." That was not the problem. She stood on her little stool and added the blueberries proudly. After we made and baked our goodies, we let them a cool a while before having one. I cut one in half and put it on one plate. I took it into the living room for us and told her to be very careful. It was still a little too warm for her so she spit out one of her bites...that contained a whole cooked blueberry...that fell on the beige carpet...that she stepped on. Oh no! Well, that one was my fault for eating in the living room. But I quickly grabbed the Resolve and a rag and after much, much blotting got most of it out. So then, I give her the rest of the treat and have her sit at the table. As I'm wringing out the rag, she says, "I pee pee!" And she had. I intended to make her go after we ate our treat, but then the mess and I forgot. So, now I go and wipe up the pee, take her to the potty, and change her pants. Next, I go into the living room to catch some TV as she finishes up eating in the kitchen. I go in a few minutes later to see she has gotten blueberries on her shirt, on the table and is "finger painting" blueberries all over the lovely while salad plate! So I get the rag, again, wipe up everything, put the rest of the treat in the trash and go change her shirt.
Anyone want some fresh blueberries?. . .damn little things. . .

She Thinks my Tractor's Sexy...

Well, not really, but this pic was too funny not to post. And I didn't even ask Steve to pose by the new tractor he and Daddy bought. He made me take his picture!

So things are moving along with the house. They have poured the foundation, set the footers and now are working on the brick work around the foundation. I hope that makes sense because I'm not really sure what I'm talking about. I just picked up some jargin and thought it would sound good to throw that in.

Our task now is to pick out 1,578,934 things to go with the house: interior doors, exterior doors, closet doors, door hardware, sinks, sink faucet, kitchen sink faucet, bar sink faucet, half bath faucet, kid's bath faucet, tub faucet, shower head, shingles, etc...

And on top of that, our go-to guy is not a get-back-wid-ya guy. Frustrating!Those of you who have built new homes can sympathize. If you've got any advice, feel free to pass it on. As always, I'll keep you posted!

100 Things About Me

A long time ago, when I first entered bloggie land, I saw this "100 things" post on other blogs and thought it was a fun idea. However, it has taken me quite a while to compile it. Therefore, I came up with my list and saved it for my 100th post! Cheesy? Yeah, maybe a little but that's OK. Weird, interesting and factual, here are 100 things about me:

1. I have been married to my hubby, Steve for almost 11 years.
2. My daughter, Savannah, will be 3 soon.
3. I am left handed.
4. I was almost a magician's assistant in college and learned the secrets to standards like making the girl appear out of an empty box.
5. I love to dance. I've taken classes most of my life and will still gladly shake my booty at dance clubs.
6. I could write my own "You Might be a Redneck" book based on real-life experiences.
7. I'll do karaoke. My fav is "Goodbye Earl."
8. I graduated college in 4 years (no summer school and no Fs!).
9. I don't like green peas, bell peppers or tomatoes.
10. But would choose a good salad over a steak any day.
11. I shop at yard sales, thrift stores and consignment stores. I heart a bargain.
12. I am 5'9.
13. I am Lutheran.
14. I can sing along to every song on Madonna's "Like a Virgin" album.
15. My perfect vacation involves palm trees and blue water.
16. I used to live in Virginia Beach and Illinois.
17. I wish I was more patient with Savannah sometimes.
18. I'm a loyal friend as long as you treat me like one.
19. If I could pick an actress to play me it would be Sandra Bullock.
20. Cake icing is one of my favorite foods and not that whipped crap either!
21. I'm kind of a slacker. I'm more sufficient than thorough. If there's a cheaper, faster or quicker way of doing something, I'm for it.
22. It wasn't always easy, but my parents are still married.
23. I'm not a big reader. I prefer magazines to books.
24. I like celebrity gossip and TV shows.
25. My current ride: green '97 Jeep Grand Cherokee
26. In general, I'm a laid-back, low-maintenance kinda girl
27. I like to scrapbook and be crafty, but don't have time anymore.
28. I teach Sunday School once a month (high school level) .
29. Steve and I met in a bar. He was in the Navy and I was in college.
30. Some people's are fake. Mine are real: fingernails and boobs.
31. In high school, I was in 2 school plays, concert choir and a few clubs.
32. In college, I partied and went to class.
33. My younger brother and I beat the crap out of each other growing up.
34. I think sleep is underrated. I'm not a big napper, but I need my 8-9 hours at night!
35. 3 random songs on my nano: "The only one" Melissa Etheridge, "Spiderwebs" No Doubt, "Play That Funky Music" Wild Cherry
36. I love flowers: daffodils, roses, daises, gardenias, iris, camellias...
37. I've traveled as far north as Wisconsin, as far west as Hawaii, as far south and east as the US Virgin Islands.
38. My favorite toy as a kid: Barbies!
39. 3 stations I watch the most: NBC, ABC, HGTV, but Disney, Nogin and PBS are more likely to be on.
40. I think Harry Connick Jr and Matthew McConahey are pretty hot!
41. As a kid, I thought of letters and numbers as male or female. 8 and R are female. 10 and L are male, for example.
42. My favorite ice cream is Riverdog Ripple (ball team), but they don't make it anymore. It was like mint and butter cream icing rolled into one flavor.
43. If I'm upset, I usually hold it in or bitch to a friend.
44. I think I want to be cremated.
45. Not that I wouldn't do a few things differently if I could, but I have no regrets in life.
46. I've never broken a bone.
47. I've never colored my hair or had a perm
48. I never had braces.
49. As a kid, I would ride the 4-wheeler all over the place.
50. I'm a pack rat. For starters, I have my original jelly bracelets from like 1985.
51. I think it's really special that our new house will be built on land that's been in my family for about 100 years.
52. My favorite color is kelly green.
53. I can't stand Lifetime movies, for my shoulders to be rubbed or the name Terry (Terri).
54. I'm pretty independent. I don't need hand-holding and being in front of a crowd doesn't intimidate me.
55. I watch Days of our Lives. Don't judge me.
56. Former nicknames include Rut, Snowy, Eddie, Door Dance Spice, Wonder Woman, Malibu and 'Melia.
57. 2 of my best-est friends live far away and I miss them dearly.
58. One time as a joke, I put clear packing tape across a door frame and my boss walked right into it. No, I didn't get fired, but I had to apologize.
59. I own real cowboy boots and real diamond stud earrings.
60. As part of my job, I supervise about 25 employees and am responsible for 85 first and second graders.
61. The only sport I give a crap about is Clemson football.
62. I was once a "special guest" judge for a beauty pageant, although I've never been in one.
63. My favorite alcoholic drink: frozen strawberry margarita
64. I don't have any tattoos.
65. I don't think motherhood is all butterfly kisses and jello. Sometimes it's tough and frustrating and I wonder if I'm cut out for this.
66. My first concert was New Kids on the Block.
67. I love summer!
68. I've had a diary/journal since 7th grade and I secretly think someday when I'm gone, they'll make a movie about me (but not air on Lifetime).
69. I actually like my mother-in-law.
70. Steve knows I have a blog, but I won't tell him what it is.
71. I love fireworks. The big ones that fill up the sky.
72. I think I've only watched one episode of both ER and Sex in the City.
73. We acquired our dog Dexter from friends. He's a hyper mix breed.
74. Childbirth was easier than I thought.
75. but being a new mom was harder.
76. I think Rob Bell and his Nooma videos are really interesting. We use them in our Sunday school discussion.
77. I can't live without some peace and time to myself.
78. I sleep with a bra on.
79. No matter how many times I see this, it's still hi-damn-larious!
80. I grew up in a conservative family.
81. I once got so drunk at a football game, that I thought it was a good idea to hurdle a road block. And I actually made it!
82. I married a Yankee (IL).
83. The celebrity perk I'd most like to have is having someone to do your hair and make-up.
84. I don't love my job. I'd like to be a stay-at-home-mom, for a few years, anyway.
85. I have a big extended family (aunts, uncles, cousins) and I see most of them regularly.
86. In fact, when we move into the new house, there will be 8 of us who live on the same road.
87. I was once in one of those hypnotist shows, but I wasn't actually "under" so I played along because I didn't know what else to do.
88. I have known one of my best friends since about 5th grade.
89. For a work fundraiser one time I had to dress up like a bowling pin.
90. No one in the world made me feel as special as my grandaddy did.
91. Steve and I don't have a lovey-dovey relationship. After 10 years, we're more like Raymond and Deborah.
92. I like antiques and old kitchen ware.
93.(I'm struggling here so I'm going to do some multiple choice) Coke or Pepsi? Coke
94. Chocolate or Vanilla? usually vanilla
95. Red or white wine? white- Riesling
96. McCain or Obama? I haven't decided
97. toilet paper over or under the roll? over
98. contacts or glasses? I don't need either
99. cats or dogs? I kinda prefer cats but Steve is allergic.
100. I wish more of my friends had thier own blog. It's free, easy and fun. I promise!

Whew! That was harder than I thought... Your turn!

WTF Friday...oops!

I meant to have WTF Friday yesterday but I did not get around to it with swimming at our friend's house, sitting down with incredibly helpful guy at Lowe's, and Savannah wearing big girl panties for 7 hours yesterday WITH NO ACCIDENT! I think it was pure luck, but I'll take it!
Anyway, My SIL sent me this the other day. To be honest, I was too skeeved out by the title, "Too Old to Breastfeed" and comments to actually watch the video. Let me know if you are brave enough to do so.
Come on people! If your child is old enough to walk, feed themselves, do pre-algebra, comment on your lingerie, or play the Wii, they are too old to breastfeed! And I thought this kid was bad?
WTF?!?

"Little Shop of Horrors" it ain't

Oh! I forgot to mention that I crossed off 2 more things from my summer to-do list. I made a scrapbook of our Disney trip (on-line, of course) and Savannah went to the dentist today.
The office was really neat. It has this jungle theme but in a designer way, not in a Rainforest Cafe kinda way. They also had a game room for the kids and not just hand-me-down Barney toys.
Savannah did OK. The hygienist was very nice and really tried to beg and bribe sweet-talk her into opening her mouth, but that girl would not! Later the dentist came in and we had to lay her out on our laps so she could at least peek at her teeth while she was crying. Maybe next time will be better. And I have this for the receptionist...

Dear pediatric dentist office receptionist,
While you may have wonderful organizational skills required to keep up with appointments, insurance and records, your personal skills need some work. When you ask me if I'd like to make an appointment for the next 6 months, I would prefer it if YOU would suggest a time and then I could accept or decline. I prefer not to play "guess which day will work." If the Dr. is unavailable on Friday, tell me that first. If Thursdays are Medicaid day, tell me up front. If it needs to be at least 6 calendar months before the next appointment, that would be good to know as well. It's easier than me going through my whole January to guess when would be good for you. Perhaps you are respected and revered in your office, but you are, after all a receptionist and not St. Peter. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. And HAVE A GOOD DAY!
Shannon

Don't "poo-poo" the rest of us!

Here's one for the mommies...if you don't have kids you can skip this one. Sorry.
Check out this post. It's from the Parenting magazine blog. Now, I read with some eagerness Daring Young Mom's (DYM) sage advice. Savannah will be 3 soon and I'd really like for her to be potty-trained (PT). We've done Pull-Ups for a while now, we have big girl panties, we had a prize box in the bathroom and grandma bribed her with a tricycle. None of this has really worked. She is just as likely to pee on the potty as she is to pee in the middle of the floor. She prefers to poop in the closet and I just don't have the time or patience to sit and stalk her all day.
Today she had a stinky and it was, well, stinky! While we were in the bathroom, she wanted me to cover my mouth and breathe, which I was going to do anyway. I asked if she liked the way it smelled and she said, "Yes, it smells like clean shoes." ?!? I wish...
So when DYM said to just wait until they are ready, I felt a little relief. But then, these other mamas seemed to chime in and let her know she was apparently a neanderthal because no one waits like that anymore! They're all, "We had our dear child PT at 10 months and it was so easy". Puh-lease! If you people have the patience and time to PT an infant, God bless you! But I'm not with you and I don't believe I'm in the minority. Maybe I'm just jealous because I still have to change stinkies and Pull-Ups get their share of $ from me each time I shop. So- what do you think? Any ideas for me? What was your PT experience like?

Baby, I'd be lost without you!

I'm back! As I mentioned before, Steve's mom was in town last week so that kept us busy. We all stayed in the mountains at my parents' place a few days then came back here. We went to the zoo and had pictures made of Savannah. Then we went back to the mountains at the end of the week. On Friday, my parents, brother and niece joined us at the mountain house. We got up the next morning and went to Ghost Town in the Sky. It's a small theme park situated on the top of a mountain. Originally opened in the 60's, it closed in 2002, but is back open for business. Now, if you are older than 20 and from the Southeast, I'm guessing you may have been here as a kid. We sure did and therefore my dad has been excited for all of us to go since it re-opened last summer. A little disappointing since some of the rides were not open, but the girls had a good time and we made a day of it. They even got the whole Indian "set" for a souvenirs (feather headdress, tomahawk, and drum - ironically made in Taiwan).

Today I've just been playing catchup and I DIDN'T EVEN LEAVE THE HOUSE. I know, amazing, right?!

Oh yes! I also spent the car ride home Sunday planning a eulogy in my head that I, thankfully, did not need. We thought we lost Savannah's beloved baby. Those of you that know us, know baby. She even made it in the Christmas card pic this year! Anyway, she did not make it to the mountain house so we figured she fell out at one of our stops. We called and looked, but no baby. We got home Sunday and Savannah asked for baby. Steve sat her down and told her that baby was lost and we probably wouldn't see her anymore. So what does she do? She starts calling, "baby! where are you baby?" Heartbreaking...but as we were leaving later in the day, I decided to look in Steve's office in the garage. There she was on the chair! Whew! Has anyone else lost a lovey? What did you do? Hopefully we won't have to do that again anytime soon!

Oh Happy Day!

Just a few quick mentions...I have been slack because Mother-in-law is in town this week so we are pretty busy. More about that later.
In other news, they started on the new house today! Maybe it's just a few sticks and some chalk lines, but damnit! It's a start!
Oh happy day!

Naughty Mommy!

Here's a new favorite blog I've been reading. She's a mom, a witty writer, oh- and she cusses a lot, but she's a good read.
Definitely check out these posts: "You're on crack...(a.k.a.F**k Elmo)" and "It's just a blog."
http://bejewell.wordpress.com/
On the one hand I'm playing into the madness by mentioning her here, but I don't care. She's good. Yeah Bean!

Lee Greenwood is the BEST!

We just got back from watching the fireworks on the lake. Wow... there aren't many things I love more than seeing great fireworks, especially out on the water, with good company, holding my baby all while listening to "God Bless the USA" (except it wasn't the superior Lee Greenwood version. Just sayin'). Ahhh...I love this holiday!

Friends and the Fourth!

Crossed one more thing off the list. Savannah and I went and visited some Low country friends last week. The girlies had a blast playing and us mamas got to visit. We also made our ritual stop to Cupcake - yum as usual King Friday (threw in that last part for fun and for A). As previously mentioned, we went to the Peach Festival yesterday. Another year of good fun, food and family, all while you sweat your butt off! We enjoyed the parade and stretched out on our blanket. We've got the best seats around in my grandma's front yard!

You pretty much know what to expect each year, but that's OK. That's what I like about traditions! The peach cupcakes were a hit, by the way.

We're hitting the lake to night for the fireworks. Hope the weather holds out... Hope everyone else had a great 4th!

PSA: How to Eat a Peach

In honor of the 4th and the Peach Festival tomorrow, I thought I would share with you the proper way to eat a peach. I know, it sounds simple enough, but plenty of people screw it up, my husband included. So just in case you are in town for the festivities this weekend, here is your lesson for today:
Step 1: Select a peach. It should be firm and fragrant with just a little yellow coloring.

Step 2: PEEL IT! Under no circumstances should you eat a peach with the fuzz still on!
Should you do so, you will instantly be identified as a foreigner - whether you are from Dublin, Quebec or Cincinnati- at which point some by standing South Carolinian will say, "Bless your heart! Lemme show you how to do that..."
Once you have mastered the ability to eat a peach, you can make some of these tasty treats:

Peach Cupcakes - makes about 18
1-1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1-1/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temp
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp grated orange zest
3/4 cup milk
2 large or 3 small peaches, pitted and thinly sliced and cut into thirds

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
1. In a small bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, nutmeg and salt.
2. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together sugar and butter until well combined. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each egg until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and orange zest, beating well.
3. Alternately beat in flour mixture and milk, making 3 additions of flour mixture and 2 of milk, beating until smooth. Fold in peaches.
4. Scoop batter (I used 1/4 cup measure) into prepared cupcake pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cake is done.
Let cool in pan for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and let cool completely on rack.
D to the E to the L-I-C-I-O-U-S...

Wordless Wednesday