Friday, September 30

Exuberant

{LOL-that's for you Aimee!}

See, several weeks ago, I said I was exuberant. I don't remember the specifics surrounding that, but we've been joking about it ever since.

Right now, I'm exuberant because:

::It's getting close to 5 p.m. on Friday

::It's payday : )

::I have a few friends and their children coming to visit me tomorrow. The reason is scrapbooking, but I don't know how much of that will get done. I'm really excited about this, even though I don't know HOW I'll get the house presentable by the time they arrive.

::If you look up at the address of my blog, you should see a little pink square with a J in it. Aimee rocks!! She showed me how to do that.

Thursday, September 29

Pretty Shiny Teeth


15682449
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

I just love the way my teeth feel after twice yearly visit to the dentist. I wait as long as possible to eat anything, because I know they won't be this clean again for six months.

But, am I the only one that feels strange having a stranger poke around in my mouth? And I feel really self-conscious--like I'll be one of the break room stories later in the day:
"I had this one lady first thing this morning, and she OBVIOUSLY doesn't floss twice a day...EEWWWW!" Or something to that effect. But the teeth cleaning girl (dental assistant, probably?) and the dentist are both very nice. They both have young children too, so we always talk about our kids.

Unfortunately, the two cavities she discovered in the spring are still there. No miraculous dissappearing cavities. Darn. So, on the 13th I guess I'll go ahead and have that taken care of. Especially considering my mother-in-law had 4 teeth pulled yesterday, I think I'll take the best care of my pearly whites I can!

Wednesday, September 28

Love This Little Grin!!


Sweet Grin
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

It's SO hard to keep a straight face, telling her she can't do something (like chew the cat's tail) when she grins at you like this!!

And those five little teeth? Razor blades. She has made me bleed.

I have several more cute pics for you to check out, just don't have time to post them all on my blog. I uploaded the one of her with a barrette in her hair, just to show I do try to keep her hair out of her eyes!

Ready for cold weather


Knit Hat
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

My friend at work, Melissa, knitted this adorable little cap for Ashleigh. I love all the different colors she has, but last year, Ashleigh wore a white cap most of the time, so I asked for white. After she was in her PJs I realized I'd forgotten to take photos of her in it!!

Check out the middle photo: doesn't she look like a little thug in training?

Super Human Strength?

OK, maybe not. But when necessary, a Mom can hold a half-asleep 23 lb. child in one arm and pee at 2 am. Without any "accidents." Alright, I know it's not lifting a car off a child after a wreck, but come on...I was pretty impressed with myself!

Guess you can tell from that that we didn't have the best night's sleep ever in the Taylor house. She was in bed by 8, but from 11-3 involved bouts of me & her in the recliner and her in the bed with me & Kenneth. After 3, she slept fairly well in her own bed. Thank God.

Hope you're all a little more well-rested than me!

P.S. I still wouldn't take anything in the world for her!!!!!!

Tuesday, September 27

My Shameful Secret

Well, it was, but now I'll share it with the world.

For four nights straight, Ashleigh wouldn't go to sleep. Not until 10 or 11pm anyway. That's just too late for a 9 month old AND her Mommy. I think (knock on wood) we have that issue resolved. She was tucked in without incident by 8pm last night.

But here's what I'm ashamed of: I totally lost my patience and got incredibly ticked off. I, the Mommy who usually has unending patience for her little angel, was just pissed about the whole situation. Don't worry, I didn't take it out on her in any way, but I'm sure she picked up my vibes. She took it out on me, though--I have the bruises to show it. She was violently opposed to bedtime and showed it by kicking and flailing about. OUCH!!!

Kenneth looked at me like I was an alien. I tried to explain to him Sunday night that after Ashleigh goes to sleep is my time. That's when I can relax and unwind, do anything I want, being pretty sure I won't be interrupted. And yes, Kenneth plays with her at night and will watch her while I do stuff, but it's just not the same. I can't go "off-duty" until she's tucked into her baby bed.

Each night, after she was FINALLY in bed, asleep, I looked at her sweet little face and felt so incredibly guilty. How could I ever be frustrated with this perfect little gift from God? Well, yesterday, I realized the answer is simple: I'm human. I need a little time for myself every day in order to keep my sanity and be the best Mom and Wife I can be. And that's OK.

So after explaining to my mother-in-law that Ashleigh taking a nap between 4&5pm every day is a BAD idea, I think we're back on track. Last night I played with Ashleigh for about 2 hours and we had the best time. Then I gave her a bath and put her to bed.

And all is well with the world.

Monday, September 26

Bowl Therapy?

This weekend, when Ashleigh would get fussy, I'd stick her blue mixing bowl on her head. That usually put a stop to the fussing. If not, I knew something was really wrong.

So I was thinking how funny it would be if I kept a bowl in my desk here at work and when someone got upset over something, I'd just plunk the bowl on their head. I think it'd have to work the first few times, just for the shock factor alone.

Just a little crazy idea....

Weekend List

OK, I think that list should have been called things I'll try NOT to do this weekend!!

::Housework-I did OK on this one, nothing spectacular. It's livable, certainly, but I did not mop.

::I almost completed the "friend tags" for Kelley & Kim.

::I'm in a foul mood today, so letting go of negativity? Not so much...

::Got quality time with Kenneth, no problems there!

::I half-way painted my nails after Ashleigh FINALLY went to sleep Saturday night. (I'll leave that topic for another post.)

::I did back up my photos onto CD. Every photo I've taken and downloaded since December of last year is now safely archived. Didn't get to backing up the ones I've color corrected, etc. BUT if my computer died today, I'd still have the originals of every photo. So that's OK.

::I chilled out PLENTY. Didn't feel like doing much of anything.

::I finished my mags, even a new one that came Saturday!

::CD's? What CD's? Outta sight, outta mind. I figure my CD's can stay unorganized awhile, it'll be OK.

::Plenty of Ashleigh time. Trust me.

Friday, September 23

This weekend....

I have many goals. Of course, those who know me realize I MIGHT reach 2 of them. If I'm lucky.

They are, in no particular order:

::Get my house clean, neat and in order. Especially the floors. Can stand for Ashleigh's knees and tops of her feet to be dirty from crawling around. (I said no order, but this is a priority!)

:: Do one creative thing. Hopefully make the "friend tags" for Kelley and Kim.

::Refocus my life on what makes me happy and let go of all the negative things that have crept in the past few weeks.

::Spend some quality time with Kenneth-wink, wink, nudge, nudge.

::Paint my nails.

::BACK UP MY HARD DRIVE, ESPECIALLY PHOTOS!!!

::Chill out for at least one hour.

::Finish reading my latest Parenting Magazine and revisit the LAST CK issue. (Did not renew--gave Mom a subscription card for SS and told her to buy it for me for birthday or Christmas, LOL!)

::FIND then ORGANIZE all my CDs. They've "escaped" and I find them in the darndest places all over the house. Not sure how this happened.

::Spend time playing with Ashleigh. (OK, really started to not put this one on here. Of course I'll play with her...I'm breathing, aren't I?)

Monday I'll let you all know how many I accomplished. Don't expect a long list!! : )

Ring Of Friends

I "borrowed" this idea from Kelley and Kim. I love the idea and hope a few people will participate. They were inspired by a project on Two Peas In A Bucket.

The end result of this will be a metal ring filled with tags from scrapbook friends, with the tag telling things about the person who created it.

There are two ways of doing this, and it can be done however you'd like:

1) you make a tag for my ring, and I make a tag for your ring (if you are interested in starting your own ring)

or 2) you make a tag for my ring (if you aren't interested in starting your own ring)

GUIDELINES FOR "RING OF FRIENDS" TAG SWAP

1) Your tag should be 3" x 6" in size.

2) Your tag should be about YOU. Things you like, pet peeves, anything you want to share. Include your photo, if you like. I just want to look at this tag, and know you a little better.

3) Put your NAME on the tag somewhere.

4) At the top of your tag, use a regular-sized hole punch to make the hole for the metal ring.

5) At the bottom of your tag (opposite the hole), use ribbons somehow hanging off the end.

Otherwise, I just want to see your unique style and learn a little more about you.

If you are interested in participating, please email me by clicking the link in my sidebar. In your email, let me know that you want to participate, and also whether you would like a tag in return (if you do, include your mailing address too!). I will respond, and give you MY mailing address at that time.

Listed here are just a few examples of what the Garden Girls created for theirs:
Tag 1
Tag 2
Tag 3
Tag 4
Tag 5

Thursday, September 22

Catch Me If You Can


Catch Me 9-21
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

Ashleigh has realized there is a big wide world beyond the living room, kitchen and dining room. Oh goody. My solution is just to close all the door and let her roam the hallway.

It's so funny, it's a game to her. She starts crawling away and you call her name. She looks at you over her shoulder, starts laughing and begins crawling as fast as she can-away from you!

I love that little laugh. It makes everything worthwhile.

I think this photo shows so many things. Even though she's getting so big, she is still so small. She's all about gaining some independence and exploring the world. And chasing the cat. And I'm going to spend years watching her go, wondering where that line is between giving her the freedom she needs to grow and the supervision she needs to keep her safe...

Wednesday, September 21

Hate these guys...


armadillo
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

I've had a long-standing hatred of the armadillo. It started several years ago, when the ones near my home made it their goal in life to kill anything I planted in my yard. And as I told Aimee earlier, if they were EATING my flowers for sustenance, I wouldn't be quite as upset. (She died laughing because I said sustenance, BTW.) But NO. They just dig plants up and leave them there to die.

They are plant assasins.

And Kenneth is good at killing them. According to my Daddy, it's hard because of that shell, but obviously Kenneth knows just where to shoot. Another reason I love him.

And if you find this offensive, tough! You'd probably feel differently if you spent LOADS of money on plants, then spent an entire day landscaping your lawn, to find most of it lying about the next day, with roots exposed. Sometimes, the plants could be saved, but often not.

Relaxin'

Awhile back, I asked Kenneth if he thought I was lazy. He looked at me like I told him I was going outside to wait on the mothership to pick me up! I took that as a no. I like to keep a clean, neat home, but also make family time a priority. So if I'm doing anything other that housework or spending time with Ashleigh & Kenneth, I feel lazy. Something I need to work on, I think.

Last night, Ashleigh was in bed at 7pm. And stayed there!!! I did a few things before 8, but then House came on and I watched that, then watched the season premier of Nip/Tuck. That was 2.5 hours of tv viewing...and nothing else!!! No folding laundry, dusting, or reading a magazine during commercials. I totally chilled out. It was hard, but I did it. Of course, tonight I'll be kicking myself for not doing laundry, or whatever, but it was nice while it lasted. I'll need to do more of this "nothing stuff." It's gotta be good for you, right?

Also, if anyone watched Nip/Tuck, let me know what you thought.

OK, break's over, back to work...

Tuesday, September 20

Standing Up


Standing in play pen
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

Last week, Ashleigh finally pulled herself up to a standing position. There was much cheering and clapping by me and Kenneth. She tries to pull up on everything, but so far, only succeeds while in jail. (That's what Kenneth calls the pack n play!) She gets so excited when she stands up, she's so darn cute!!! The flip side of that is when she's trying to stand up and can't, she gets so mad! I don't know where she gets that from. ; )

Monday, September 19

If you could be president

of a fictitious place, what would it be?

Let me explain.

Kenneth's new little phrase now that Ashleigh is so mobile is "You're getting into Whipping Land," even though she isn't old enough to be spanked. I have implemented the hand slap, which really isn't a slap at all. Trust me. It's more of a hard touch, but it gets the point across. ANYWAY, I think he informed Ashleigh and her cousin Elana that he was the mayor of Whipping Land. I thought that was pretty funny.

But forget mayor, I'd want to be president. And I think I'd like to be president of "Everyone Has Common Sense And Uses It Land."

So what would you be president of. (Keep in mind the president is rich and gets everything for free anyway, so don't waste your "Land" on anything money-related.

Happy Bug


Happy Bug
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

I am searching for that calm center that Kelley has been looking for. I thought that by creating a Happy Bug this weekend, I would possibly be bitten by it.

Alas, it is not to be. I thought of something last night though. What truly makes me happy is knowing that I have a life full of family and friends who love me as much as I love them. I know how much I love all of them, so I am a well-loved person, LOL.

Now if I can just put all the other less important crap in its proper place and leave it there, I just might find my way back to that calm and happy place...

Mad Bug


Mad Bug
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

Another installment in my "Emotion Bug" series. I was showing a friend these this weekend at home and she asked me what I was going to do with them. Hmmmm.......I told her I didn't know and I still don't!!!

Friday, September 16

Meet The Crybaby Bug


Crybaby Bug
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

Remember me saying Ashleigh was bitten by the "Crybaby Bug?" Well, I decided I needed to invent this little creature. When I converted it up upload, the colors lightened up, but you get the idea.

I plan to create more, like the Happy Bug, Mad Bug, etc.

Let me know what you think!

Food for Thought

::How bad is it really to take medicine that's past the expiration date? Just wondering...

::Why is it the more you need rest, the more the world conspires against you to keep from rest?

::Why do I have a psychotic aversion to crying in front of people? I don't mind if people know I cry, I'll tell them I cried about something. I just don't want anybody to see me do it.

::Why is it when faced with uncertainty, things go insane? It's like everyone just looses their mind. Things at work are that way now and I hate it. You can just feel the stress and tension, it's a palpable thing. Rumors and false information abound. It's like nobody trusts anyone, everybody is a suspect. Suspected of what, I'm not sure. It's just a feeling. I CAN'T STAND IT!!!!

::Thankfully, no matter how bad things are, just the sight of my daughter makes me smile and I know everything will be OK.

Wednesday, September 14

The Uncooperative 9 Month Old


The Dive
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

As many of you know, I take photos of Ashleigh on the 8th of each month. I call these her "Month Birthdays." Things have always went pretty well...until this month. Check out some more of the mayhem! I got a couple of cute "portrait-worthy shots" but I just love that I got so many that really show her personality. Some people might have considered this photo shoot a disaster, but I thought it was a hoot!! She tried to take the dress off. She tried to eat the dress. She HAD to see the tv. Then she HAD to study the backdrop (sheet).

My niece, Elana was over too. She was getting sick so she just sat there looking sad. Poor baby.

Anyway, check out the others if you want a laugh. And be sure to scroll down, I have a few more pics uploaded.

BEWARE! Child may bite...


Sharp Little Teeth
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

At this age, if she bites, it's just because she tries to eat everything. I keep telling her she isn't a goat, but since she doesn't know what a goat is, that doesn't do alot of good!

I just loved this pic where she is laughing and you can see all five of her teeth. (The fifth one is next to her bottom teeth, to your right.)

New PJs


New PJs
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

My Mom is wonderful about buying Ashleigh clothes. (Thank goodness!) Anyway, she got her this little track-type outfit and she is in dire need of PJ's so that's what they'll be!

Just love that ANGEL is across her booty. Kenneth says it should say "HEATHEN" but I'm not too sure about that.

Also, I don't know what that little hand gesture is about. Never seen that before or since!

Tuesday, September 13

Phone Company Bas****s

Oh yeah. I'm pissed.

I missed 3 HOURS-UNPAID of work yesterday and nobody showed up to work on our phone. We will receive a credit for every day our phone has been out of service. And I told the customer service rep in no uncertain terms I was NOT missing another minute of work. Period. Unless they wanted to reimburse me my hourly pay.

Otherwise an OK evening. Ashleigh took a late & long nap, so didn't go to bed until 10pm. And she was all over the place, into everything. And I'm such a freak-I LOVE IT!! To me it shows she is inquisitive, wanting to explore everything around her. And she knows what no means, she just doesn't care. I had to remind her again last night that she could be as stubborn as she wanted, I've got about 32 more years of practice at it, so she won't win.

Well, must be off to work. Matt is now in production full-time for an undetermined amount of time so it's just me & Aimee. And we're pretty busy. BLAH!!

Monday, September 12

Long Weekend

My poor niece was definitely sick Friday, so my sister-in-law called and made her a doctor’s appointment. I told her to make one for Ashleigh too and we’d go together. (I was already missing work-why miss half a day Tuesday to take Ash for a well-baby check-up when I could do it Friday?)

WELL, that was a big ole mistake. First of all, the receptionist made their appointments together. Same room, same time. Also, our pediatrician wasn’t in so we had to see the other doctor in the practice. I knew I preferred my doctor, but now I know if Ash has to go to the doctor and hers isn’t available, I’ll take her to another pediatrician in another city. Yeah, it was THAT freakin’ bad. He barely looked at her, did not ask ANY questions about her development, behavior, eating/sleeping habits, nothing!! The only thing that jerk said was when he came in and looked at her chart was “she’s still growing.” Well DUH! (22 lbs. 13 oz. now. Whew!) AND he wasn’t going to say anything else to me. So of course, I just started telling him things. About her cutting teeth, crawling and various other things. And when I proudly declared she’d been bottle-free for almost a month, do you know what that idiot asked? If I was still giving her formula. I WANTED to say no, we give her coffee in the morning and vodka the rest of the day. Instead I said, “Yes, in a sippy cup.” But with attitude that just won’t transfer into type. I only asked one question, which he didn’t even answer. I didn’t want to take up any more time because Kristi was sitting there with Elana, waiting her turn. BLAH!!!!!! I’m going to tell my pediatrician about it at our one-year check-up. If our money wasn’t so tight, I swear I’d go back Tuesday and see our doctor.

Oh well, live and learn....

After I got home, I decided to call the phone company to see why the heck we didn’t have a working phone yet. The woman said that a technician came out the morning after I reported the problem and determined the problem was inside the house. EXCUSE ME? I asked her why nobody called because they got a number where I could be reached if the technician needed to get in the house to fix the problem because we pay $4.95 a month for the inside wire maintenance plan!!!!!!!!!!!!! She didn’t know, but someone could be at our house between 3 & 7 Monday to fix it. Kenneth is out of town Monday so I have to leave work early. That technician better show up and fix our darn phone. Grrrrr.........

The rest of the weekend was great. Ashleigh was a doll. Wonderful, sweet and delightful. My home is nice and clean. My Mom came to visit Sunday and brought 3 big packs of diapers!! My Mom rocks. Even though it was three days long, it was just way too short. : (

Thursday, September 8

Random Thoughts

Don't you just love it when you roll over and look at the alarm clock and see it's only 1am? Meaning you get to go back to sleep for several more hours? I just love that.

Quote of the day: "You can't just hump any day you want to."
Explaination of quote: Rachel was saying something about today being "Hump Day" and we told her no, it's Thursday. She was saying that today was her hump day, and our boss then told her that "You can't just hump any day you want to." Great laugh to start the day, just thought I'd share.

Thank goodness for family

As many of you probably know, my mother-in-law keeps Ashleigh each day while I work. This is a great set-up. UNTIL she gets sick. My sister-in-law was off work yesterday and kept Ashleigh so I could work. Although I was a little worried, everything was just fine. I knew it would be or I'd have never left my daughter with her! Well it must have went really well, because she practically insisted on taking off work today to keep the girls again. FIne with me!!

It just makes me realize how very lucky I am to have family I can depend on. Also makes me wonder how people manage without family (or close friends) to count on that way. And if we lived closer to my family, I wouldn't even be facing the prospect of staying home tomorrow and babysitting so Kristi can work. I have several family members who'd be more than happy to keep both girls.

And did I mention Kristi fixed dinner for us last night? Can't beat that!! I'm making dinner for them tonight, I think it's only fair. And it will be fun because we actually LIKE hanging out with Phillip & Kristi. And the girls have fun playing together.

Hope everyone reading this has people they can count on. Tell me about them.

Wednesday, September 7

Busy Day

We're pretty busy today and Aimee is out sick, so not much time for posting today, or blogging in general. : (

{Get better soon, Aimee!}

Pretty good night last night, my brother-in-law had dinner with us, my sister-in-law had to work the closing shift where she works. My mother-in-law is sick (STILL) and finally gave up, admitting she couldn't keep Ashleigh today. My sister-in-law is off work, so she's keeping her today. Funny that even though she has a child 6 weeks older than Ashleigh, I'm still worried. Nobody has ever kept her except me, Kenneth, and our mothers. I wouldn't have dreamed of leaving her with Kristi if I didnt' know she would take good care of her, but still..... Just call me crazy over-protective Mommy!

One thing I will share quickly: I'm a little ashamed of myself. I stopped by the store to pick up a few needed items I couldn't get Saturday. And the store is cleaned out. The main thing I'm miffed about is there are NO DIAPERS in the brand I use, Parent's Choice. LOVE them AND they are cheaper. So I'm all ticked off because I have to buy Huggies Supreme and know I shouldn't be because I know all the cheaper diapers are going to hurricane relief efforts. I know this and still I'm upset because I have to pay more than twice as much for diapers and I don't have that extra to spend. Shame on me!!!! At least I have a home, right? Just something I'll have to work on. Otherwise, I'm happy and wonderful, hope you all are too!!!

Tuesday, September 6

Labor Day weekend

Hope you all had a great weekend! We had a pretty good one, all things considered.

Saturday morning I got to sleep until {insert drum roll} 9:30!!!!! This is a record. After Ashleigh and I had breakfast, we got ready and went to a nearby town to grocery shop. OMG!!!! It was so crowded everywhere. I found out later that Mississippi doubled the amount of food stamps that welfare people get this month which caused some general chaos. Of course, this made realize (again) how incredibly blessed I am. I looked like a millionaire compared to most of those people. At one discount grocery story, I think my Isuzu Rodeo was the only vehicle in the parking lot that was all one color! And Ashleigh was dressed all cute (of course!) and most of the kids I saw under a year old were either in just a diaper or some dirty ragged t-shirt. But everyone was really nice and I had 17 (yes, I counted) people come up to us and tell me how beautiful my daughter was. AND not a single person thought she was a boy this outing. Amazing. Oh, here's a funny little story. A little girl (African-American) came up to us and started talking to Ashleigh. Then when her Mom walked up, the little girl proclaimed Ashleigh to be the "prettiest white baby I've ever seen!" Her mother was mortified. I told her it was OK, Ashleigh was the prettiest white baby ever. LOLOLOL.

Saturday evening and Sunday, Ashleigh was VERY fussy. Damn teething. She had another one Saturday morning, then another Monday morning. That makes 5 total. That extra sleep Saturday morning was needed, because I've been up and down the past three nights, slept many hours in the recliner holding Ashleigh and she's slept in our bed some too. You do what you gotta do, you know?

In addition to my scrapbook pages (see below) I finished a book, painted my nails (fingers AND toes-WOO HOO!) and got the house clean. Especially the floors. I don't think they've been this clean since I got pregnant!

Well, I'm off to read everyone else's blogs!

Finally! Some scrapbooking


Seven Months Old
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

Well, I finally got a few more pages done. Of course, I still had to do my weird "do the page then scan it and place the photos on it because I can't afford to get prints and don't have a printer" thing. BUT, I got six LOs done! I forgot to put one of them on my jump drive, I'll try to post it tomorrow. It's one of my favorites! Please check out the others and let me know what you think! Just excuse the chopped off edges and weird lines where I pieced the pages together. My scanner at home has had it!

Friday, September 2

Future Rock Star?


Future Rock Star?
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

This blue mixing bowl and two plastic spoons are some of Ashleigh's favorite toys. She often uses them as her drum set. Anyway, I just think the first pic is so funny, she's got that stoned look that many musicians have! And I guess it's because of the squared-off edges, but I think when she puts the bowl on her head, it's a little Devo-esque. Just imagine it's red.

Wearing Daddy's Boots


Wearing Daddy's Boots
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

Kenneth thought it'd be cute to stand Ashleigh in his boots. It was alot better the first time; I made him do it again for the photo and as you can see, she wasn't as cooperative. Our poor baby, we'll be able to torture her to no end with these pics when she gets older!

Little Ashleigh Bunny


Little Ashleigh Bunny
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

My mother-in-law got these out for the girls to play with and you know me-I've almost always got the camera handy! Someone said something about her being a Playboy Bunny in training. NOT CUTE!!!

Ashleigh & Jackie


Ashleigh & Jackie
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

Once again, I think I look like poop in this picture, but don't think I've ever posted a photo of me wearing my glasses. And I like having Ashleigh in the photo with me, because her cuteness helps disguise my so-not-cuteness! ; )

Odds & Ends

First of all, Aimee just burped and it sounded like something you'd hear on a deep jungle safari. Made by something that would eat you. She is so talented, LOL!

Thanks for the positive comments on my new banner. I'll try to work up a little "how to" for those of you who've asked how. (Which is hilarious since I didn't know how until recently and still need help. Aimee will be helping with the how-to, she just doesn't know it yet)

I am so happy this morning. Here are some reasons why:
::It's a payday Friday.
::It's a holiday weekend.
::The weather is a tad cooler with less humidity. The past two mornings have held the promise of cooler weather. (Meaning it wasn't like walking into an oven at 7am)
::Kenneth and I got together a big box of non-perishable food to send to the hurricane victims. It's not much, but it's something.
::I've got the basics: food, shelter, and my loved ones safe and sound.
::My period finally started so my headache is gone. Also glad that I haven't gotten pregnant in spite of being religious with birth control. May sound funny coming from me who loves her child that she thought she could never have, but I am NOT ready for another child right now.

I am a bit sad that I'm missing my friend's out of town wedding. But we just won't dwell on that.

I am EXTREMELY FRUSTRATED with the situation on the Gulf Coast. Where the hell is the government? It's been five days, plenty of time for the calvary to ride to the rescue. It's like I heard on the radio this morning: THIS IS WHAT WE PAY TAXES FOR. Sure, I think many people who should have evacuated and could did not. But some people simply didn't have the resources to evacuate. And in Mississippi, the hurricane took a turn and we were hit MUCH harder than originally thought. So never mind looking back saying what should have been done. I want to know WHY massive amounts of troops haven't gone in to help with food & medical supplies. And to restore peace in New Orleans. I don't understand those people shooting at rescue workers. It makes things so much worse. So frustrating to see that and not be able to do much to help.......

Hope you all have a great weekend!!

Thursday, September 1

Out of Inspiration

I've put off posting all day because I really don't have anything to say. Shocking, I know.

I guess maybe because I've had a headache for a couple of days and I just feel blah. Plus the wedding I was all excited about that we decided we couldn't afford to go to is this weekend.

The biggest excitement in my life the past few days was 1-getting our electricity back, 2-Ashleigh has started standing up quite a bit on her own and 3-Rachel brought me a bag of clothes & PJs for Ashleigh, and a pack of diapers. Oh, and I bought a new mop. Woo hoo for me.

Want to work on a new banner for my blog, as well as a customized email button that matches everything else. Now since I've realized Aimee knows how to do all that stuff, I won't have to bug Chris & Kelley. I can bug her, LOL.

Talked to my sister again today, finally. She said they are doing well, that their community was just about the only one that didn't lose their water supply, so they are much better of than most. Also, since her father-in-law to be works for the electric company, they are hopeful to have power restored in their area by this weekend. I'd heard some horror stories about her area, so I'm glad she's OK.

Told you guys, totally bored and uninspired today.

Guess I'll go be bored by myself. : )