Have I mentioned...

that I love my husband? That he is really, truly wonderful?

I felt really bad today. I woke up with this weird crampy feeling in my tummy, but it would come and go. Then it came and stayed. Then I developed a monster headache. I hung in at work until 4, then bought some medicine and came home and went to bed. I called him on the way to tell him what was going on. He was properly concerned, which face it, sometimes guys aren't. He came home with Ashleigh who was demanding to see me because smart little booger she is, she knew if my truck was home, I was too. He kept her occupied and about 6 came back to tell me that he was fixing some dinner and asked if I thought I could eat. I had decided I was going to live and got up and ate dinner. Which hurt my tummy less than anything I'd tried to eat all day.

Thankfully, she was ready for bed by 8, and I need to head that way myself. I just wanted to sing my hubby's praises for just a moment. Because no matter how irritated I get with him at times, I love him unconditionally. What's not to love? He puts up with me, doesn't he? ;-)

I don't know

OK, I couldn't think of a title, so I just went with "I don't know." Lame, but that's just where I am right now, I suppose.

Hope everyone had a great weekend. Ashleigh and I went to see a friend of mine yesterday and I did some scrapbook pages for her. Tons of fun, AND I scored some awesome free paper. (Thanks Angela!) And I made a homemade apple pie. That's right, Kenneth called me Suzie Martha Homemaker. LOL! I bought apples that weren't very good to eat and Rachel suggested making a pie. I even made my own crust!! And get this: not only was it edible, it was really quite yummy.

Today Rachel came up to visit and pick up the bow I'd made for her to hang on her friend's door after she has her baby, hopefully tomorrow (she's going in to be induced early Monday morning!)

Following Kelley's lead, I subscribed to Dieter Pauwel's weekly e-mail. The most recent one talked about how when you have a problem, the problem isn't the problem itself, but how you deal with it. By focusing on a problem, you direct your attention on the causes and consequenses of the problem, and place blame. Instead, a more productive approach is to focus on the desired outcome or goal that is implied within the problem. Here is one example that really hit home with me:
I want to lose weight. (Focus is on the weight and losing something)

I want to lose weight. (Focus is on the weight and losing something)

The desired outcome is that you want to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

How can you adopt a healthier lifestyle that will allow you to feel good
about yourself?

It goes on to say that by using this approach, you can turn any problem into a workable solution, without blaming yourself or others.

This really got me to thinking. I do always try to stay positive and be pro-active rather than reactive, but I don't apply that to all aspects of my life. I think I might start trying. ESPECIALLY with the healthy lifestyle thing!

Ugh...

Today (Wednesday-since I screw around with my timestamp thing so much, LOL!), the gods of stomach discomfort chose me to torment. OK, it actually started last night, and I'm doing a little better now. I stayed home and between visits to the restroom, I'm working on catching up with laundry. And of course, playing with my adorable daughter.

I wish I could be a stay-at-home mom. At least for awhile. Then again, I know a part of me would slowly go insane if that wish were granted. I think the only way I could sanely be a SAHM would be if money weren't really an issue and I could get out of the house and go to lunch with friends, etc. fairly often. If this dream of mine could come true, I'd be able to scrapbook to my heart's content, and maybe do some freelance graphic design with my rockin' Mac and all the latest software. Hey, it's my dream-why not go all out?

Wishes and dreams aside, I'm actually quite happy with my life.

If you could have your dream job (or non-job), what would it be?

Weekend of Fear

OK, maybe that title is a bit overdramatic. But I had two BIG scares this weekend.

Saturday afternoon, Ashleigh fell. Not a normal fall and I'm not sure exactly WHAT she did to manage this, but she fell and the side of her head smacked the corner of the door jamb. She was only a few feet from me and it sounded like a baseball bat hitting a major league homerun. She was screaming and crying, understandably-and had a huge knot on her head! My panicky side wanted to rush her to the ER for CAT scans, MRI and whatever others tests were needed to make sure she didn't have a serious brain injury that would result in death. My practical side knew that I just needed to keep her awake and that if she was alert and acting normally and didn't throw up, there was really no reason to worry. But I had to make a quick trip to the store and took her with me. As soon as I had a good signal on my cell phone I was calling my cousin (an RN) and my best mommy friend to get their take on it. I just kept thinking of every episode of every television show I've ever seen where someone falls or gets hit in the head and then dies-either immediately or a few days later. She is just fine, although after lying awake for 15 minutes, straining to hear her every breath Saturday night after I went to bed, I just put her in our bed.

Sunday night, Kenneth and I both got scared. By this:

Doesn't look scary, does it? Well let me tell you, when you are in the twilight of sleep about 11pm and one end of a high shelf falls and two piggy banks bounce off walls and furniture, ending with the death of one of them, it IS scary, trust me! It sounded kinda like our 14 pound cat pulled the blinds off the window and he and the blinds landed in a precariously balanced display of cookware and china. OR that some madman had smashed the nursery window and was coming in to kidnap our precious daughter. Keep in mind this was all amplified by the baby monitor, so it was kinda like surround sound.

We jumped from the bed, ran to her room and I flipped on the light to find her sound asleep. While Kenneth investigated the house, I plucked her up and put her in our bed. Again. I'm telling you, I thought my heart would pound out of my chest and I needed her there with me. Kenneth didn't even give me a funny look!

On a totally different note, I decorated this little canvas tote (thanks, Sis!) for Ashleigh's little everyday diaper bag:

I think it turned out alright....

Oh, and I must share this craziness:

Ashleigh found one of my socks and was determined to put it on. I think Kenneth finally helped her out with it. That silly little goose! She tried to put one of her socks on ME last night. And she tries to feed me her food sometimes. She is such a sweetie-pie.

OK.

I'll quit now... : )

A Little Disappointed...

Well, I was SO looking forward to the CSI episode tonight. And not that it wasn't good, because it was. It was just that well...those darned previews were so misleading! To me anyway. So I had it all built up in my head and was let down.

Ashleigh crashed about 8:20. Can't even remember the last time she went to sleep that early. Maybe she'll do a repeat performance of last night and sleep straight through. That's one thing about having children: you never know when you might be able to sleep or for how long. It is definitely worth it though, to me.

I am glad tomorrow is Friday. And it's not just the always living for the weekend glad either. To let you know my frame of mind-this afternoon I needed to pee before I left. But I was so ready to get outta there I'd rather hold it until I got home. Which is about a 40 minute drive with traffic. And I can't tell you why. Maybe it's PMS. Because nobody or no certain thing has been getting on my nerves. Maybe it's just because I've had several non-graphic design related things going on this week. And while I'm always busy doing my job, I feel like I'm not because for so many years my main thing was just building ads from the floor up, so to speak. Now I think it'd be safe to say that's about 40% of my "job." And considering I was thrown into this with no warning or preparation, I think I've done OK. I just certainly can't forget my Prozac, LOL!

OK, now that I've done something I vowed not to do (discuss work on my blog) I think I'll go surf some blogs and let you guys know I'm still interested in you!

OH I ALMOST FORGOT!!! This morning, I glanced in my rear view mirror while at a red light and the guy in the car behind me was flossing his teeth!!!! I've seem people do lots of things while driving, but never that. Just had to share...he he he!

Idle Ramblings

::OK, first off, let me just clarify: I don't have anything against American Idol. I'm not a die-hard fan, but do enjoy it when I have the opportunity to watch. I just wish Fox could have found a way to NOT take two of my favorites off the air for almost a month. That's all I'm sayin'...

::The other night, I had to go by Kroger for milk and bread. Add eggs and I was the perfect cliche. Anyway, my now number one all time favorite cashier asked me who did my hair because it is "beautiful." Not pretty or nice but BEAUTIFUL. She said she'd been wanting to ask me for awhile but didn't want to seem weird. That totally made my night. Especially since I wasn't have a good hair day to begin with.

::Why can't McDonald's regulate the saltiness of their fries? Last night on the way home, I picked up our dinner at Mickey D's. I just had to for my emotional well-being. No way could I prepare dinner last night, just wasn't in me. (Although this decision was detrimental to my healthier eating plan, I'm back on the wagon today!) So I'm going to eat a few fries on the way home because I do not like cold fries. There was nary a grain of salt on the fries. So I sampled the other serving of fries and discovered they were saltless as well. I was so sad. But the lack of salty fries was good for my waistline.

::Why can't I remember I need to put a new bottle of body wash in the shower until I'm IN the shower? If I don't remember tonight, I'll be bathing in Herbal Essences tomorrow morning...

::Ashleigh slept all night long in her own bed!!! It's been awhile since she didn't end up in the bed with us so this is quite an event. Nary a peep outta that kid all night long. And I had to wake her up at 7am to go to her Grandma's house. She wasn't happy about that at all. I wish she'd went to bed before 9:30, but I'll definitely take what I can get.

::When you guys are installing new software on your computer, do you actually read the licensing agreement? I just always click accept. Maybe I've agreed to give away my kidney, for all I know!

::My company (mostly me, LOL) is contemplating switching from Quark to InDesign. Anybody out there have opinions on that? I played with it about 10 minutes and think I love it, but the idea of actually changing from something that I've become so used to over the years is a little daunting. But the powers that be at Quark have gotten so anal about registration and licensing and so on and such forth...I really don't like their attitude! Adobe is much nicer. And prettier!!!

Hubby Gone Missing...

OK, not exactly gone missing, but he's let me know in no uncertain terms that while Barrett Jackson is on, he's basically off limits. Not that I mind, but man, it's on forever! Last night 6-10 and the same I think through the weekend then it comes on much earlier and is on until midnight some nights! But I watch with him some, we talk about some of the automobiles. But we mostly talk about how nice it would be to spent that sort of money. Or have it in our bank account. Can you imagine $250,000 for a car? Or truck? That you probably won't even ever drive? Not me....

And House is off until February because of American Idol. And while I've watched AI on occasion, I do NOT think it's worth postponing House over. Or Bones, for that matter. I don't always get to watch them, but it's nice to know I can!

Guess I'll settle for time with Ashleigh. And the book I'm reading by Dean Koontz, Odd Thomas. Too bad I'm almost finished with it....

Obviously not very interesting today....maybe better tomorrow!!

Still Here...

OK, I know that I'm doing as well as I'd like to with keeping up with Blogging, but I will get better.

I had some fun stuff in mind to write about, but this afternoon we found out a co-worker was just diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. She doesn't know yet how far it has progressed or what her treatment options are, but we're all pretty devastated. She's about 23, and her wedding is next month. Please keep her and your family in her thoughts and prayers...

On a MUCH lighter note, I know many of you are going into withdrawal for some new Ashleigh photos (LOL) so here are a few:

I just love this little outfit! It's a hand-me-down from Ashleigh's "cousin" Caiden. This was what she was going to wear to the doctor last Wednesday to get her shots, but I took it off because she kept pulling it over her head. Little did I know she'd sit in my lap for the 10 minutes we were in the waiting room! Oh well....


My Mom made Ashleigh some cuddly little flannel PJs. They were for Christmas, but didn't get done in time. She even has a matching blanket! They are a little big; she might even be able to wear them next year. But I can't take the chance on not letting her wear them this year.


Kenneth was off yesterday and took this photo of Ashleigh being silly while they hung out.

Just Junk

Well, at the end of the weekend I didn't get nearly what I wanted accomplished, but that's OK!

::I am enjoying my little red MP3 player after getting some kinks worked out.

::I feel much more calm. Well see if this continues after returning to work tomorrow.

::Spent some quality time with my Mom. Dad didn't come to visit this time and we missed him, but we'll be seeing him soon.

::The healthy eating thing has went pretty well. I've cut WAY back on refined sugar. There have been a few dicey moments, but Friday was the worst. I've had loads of water and cut back on portions. (OK, except the Cracker Barrel visit you'll read about shortly. But that meal and a bowl of Special K w/skim milk that I shared with Ashleigh was all I ate all day long. So that wasn't too bad...

::I wasted my cleaning mojo, but it was SOOOO worth it. My brother-in-law invited our family to go with his family on a little shopping trip. Nothing major, just several stores and dinner at The Cracker Barrel. It was so fun! I honestly think mid-October was the last time Kenneth, Ashleigh & I just went somewhere for the sake of going. Just to have fun. How sad....{One of my friends tried to call my house and cell a few times while we were out. I didn't hear my cell but when I finally returned her call, she explained she was getting really worried because she couldn't get me. THAT is a sure sign your a homebody, folks!)

::During above mentioned outing, our daughter was a little doll. We got to show her off to several acquaintances we bumped into and the random blowing of kisses won over many strangers. Had a ball in PetSmart, letting her meet the cats for adoption, then showing her the fish (which she called cats) and the birds (which she called quack-quacks).

{On a little side note, I know I mention cleaning alot. I don't want you all to think I live in a pig sty, nor do I want you to think I live in a sterile environment. A lot of my cleaning "obsession" comes from a clutter phobia. My lofty goal is to maybe have an empty cabinet, drawer or shelf. (or two or three.) After we moved, I knew everything we had and where it was. I want to get back to that. All the stuff we forget we have until we dig it out to clean just needs to go to goodwill or something. It's all a matter of finding the time...}

What's your "pursenality"?

I just finished swapping purses and man, I feel better! Most of you women probably understand. It just feels so good to purge unnecessary junk and it all organized and tidy again. And sometimes, find things you forgot you even had.

I'm love all sorts of purses-really big and really small. Sometimes I feel the need for a big "open" purse, but I tend to like more compartmentalized ones. (I think this is very telling about my personality!) And I go from one extreme to the other. I've been carrying a fairly large one (it easily fit a few magazines) to one that holds all the essentials. OK, well, the essentials & a couple of extras.

I love purses of all colors, but tend to stick to black & brown. I think this is for two reasons: 1)I'm not big on matching purses to outfits, that's just too much trouble for me. And I'd hate to have a purse totally clash with an outfit. 2)In our days when we had a small amount of disposable income it was much easier to sneak a neutral colored purse under Kenneth's new purchase radar. :-)

Here's my basic purse M.O.:
::When I'm feeling stressed or overwhelmed in general, you might see me with an itsy-bitsy bag that my entire wallet won't fit into. I will always have my powder compact, lipstick and OTC medication in case a headache should strike!

::When I feel the need to be prepared for anything, I'll have a bigger bag to include lotions, manicure essentials, my digital camera, a magazine and possibly snacks.

::When I'm just a little stressed, but trying to keep it together, I go for a mid-sized purse. I need more than lipstick and a debit card but I don't need any extra baggage!!

So what kinds of purses do you like & what do you think that says about your personality?

Feeling Out Of Control

{Just a little note to anyone who pays attention to the time of my posts--I screw with them regularly on purpose. Since I couldn't figure out how to take it off altogether, this was the next best thing, in my mind. If anyone can tell me how to turn the time stamp off--please do!}

I feel so out of control in so many ways.

Nothing "exciting" like drugs and alcohol, but in more mundane ways.

::I feel like I've become reactive rather than proactive.
::I've got to start living a healthier lifestyle. I'm not even comfortable in my own body anymore. I hate to leave the house because it requires getting dressed and that my friends, is an ordeal!
::I feel like my home is in chaos. Kenneth would disagree wholeheartedly, but we have different ideas of chaos:
-I can't find about half of my CDs
-I can't find one of my favorite purses
-My closet is not neat and tidy
-Many of the drawers in my home should be labeled "Open at your own risk!"
-I know that we have all sorts of crap that just needs to be thrown away or donated to good will.
-We need to take better control of our finances
-Things are neat and tidy on the surface-I need things below the surface to be the same!
::There are a few other things, but I don't feel it would be wise to go into them here, as I can't control who reads this

I need order. I need control. I need to find that calm centeredness that helps me keep my sanity and happiness.

Oh yeah...I need more time to blog too!

Wish me luck as I embark on this journey to find balance. And peace.

Hello Again

Well, I haven't posted for awhile and I'm sorry about that. I haven't had much going on really, anyway. We had some phone line troubles and decided to swap ISPs, but now things seem to be going wonderfully. Except for the demanding toddler screaming at me right now.

Will write more later, the joy of my life is trying to "help."

i love being a mom....

What Not To Wear

This sight greeted me when I got home from work yesterday:



Are you through laughing yet? It's OK if you aren't. I still get a little tickled myself. My mother-in-law said she found this swimsuit and just had to have it on, and tried for a long time to put it on by herself--getting her legs stuck in it, wearing it on her head, etc. So finally Diane just put it on over her clothes.

I really hope this isn't a sign of her future fashion sense. I mean, I'm all for marching to the beat of your own drummer, but....this is a bit extreme I think.

Of course, it's one of many wonderful blackmail photos. I truly think it's #1 right now.

Have a great weekend!

Happy New Year!!

Be sure to scroll down, this is one of three posts for the day!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend. Mine was rather lazy, although I did get the Christmas decorations taken down. Mostly. Did alot of reading on Greg Iles newest book, Turning Angel. I'm upset I can't just sit and read until I finish it, actually.

Didn't do the whole "Resolution Thing" this year, because I never keep them anyway. I do have some "Intentions" though (KELLEY!) but I'll just keep them to myself for now. Because they're the usual boring stuff, not because the involve any sort of intrigue. But I will say that I'm trying to figure out how to get someone to take a restraining order out against me--Greg!

And for all who have inquired, we're all feeling better than we did, but this nasty mess won't go away! We should buy stock in Kleenex....Oh well, that just life living in the South. Freezing one day, running the AC the next...

Redneck Fun with Kids

OK, this title might be a little harsh...but workboots & a camo hat on a 1 year old girl? A little redneck-ish if you ask me, but let me say that I don't care! She looks so darn cute. I just hate that she is wearing boyish PJs in the pics...I think pink would have been better, don't you?






And just for the record, she has been curious about her Daddy's boots since she could crawl. Any shoes, really, but especially those smelly work boots. {Kenneth, don't get bent out of shape! No man's work boots smell like fresh spring rain, OK?}

Sleeping Beauty...Destined for Fame?

I know, I should be ashamed. But I'm not! This was last Thursday morning, after a night where my little "angel" didn't want to sleep. Why can't she be sacked out like this at 8 or 9 pm? I took a small amount of satisfaction in waking her up, I'll admit. (And YES, she did end up in our bed. I know that's not a good thing, really, but sometimes you gotta get some sleep.)

After I got her dressed, I took this shot:


I was so tickled by her crazy hair and sleep-swollen eyes. But I never expected this pose!!! She was really reaching for the camera, but it looks like she's a celebrity, well-practiced at warding off the paparazzi. (sp?) {Sidenote: if you haven't seen that movie-Paparazzi-you need to see it, it's great!}