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!}

Movin' On Up

Well, it's official. I'm catching up with the rest of the world. In 3-5 days, I will have this wonderful little 1G MP3 Player in my hands. I'm all excited about it, if you can't tell! ; ) And best thing of all is the incredible deal I got on it. Let me just say, tigerdirect.com rocks!!!

Now, in a related note....please let me know what online music services you guys use, what they charge, etc.

A little insight

I consider myself a nice, friendly person. But I do have a "dark side."

This can be quite evident when standing in a check out line. If I have a buggy full of items, I will often let the person with one or two things go ahead of me. I've even been known to give a stranger in front of me some change when they come up short. I'll chat with people sometimes, and I'll usually tell the cashier it's OK when they apologize for my wait.

But woe unto the idiot who pisses me off.

The other day, in Dollar General (for cryin' out loud!) there was an extremely rude woman. You could hear her being rude all over the little store. Well, it was lunch time and the check out line was sort of long. There were 3 people in front of me, a nice lady behind me, then Rude Woman, and some people behind her. The cashier was doing the best she could, and Rude Woman was yelling at her things like "Can you go faster?" and "Isn't there someone else who can check?" It got so bad, the lady between me and Rude Woman decided she needed to do some more shopping. I got to the register and placed my Gain Island Fresh Fabric Softener and gum on the counter. I pulled out my checkbook as my items were rang up and had the suspected amount of cash in my hand. Keep that in mind. The money was in my hand. The cashier told me the total and as I was handing her the money, Rude Woman says, "Would you hurry up?!" OH NO, SHE DID NOT! I turned and looked at her, giving her the Death Glare. I then smiled at the cashier and told her I thought I had exact change for that 42¢. I slowly dug through my bag and found my little change purse. I then dumped it on the counter and counted out the 42¢ in nickels and pennies. I had quarters. But explained I had to use those for the drink machine at work. OH.....I thought Rude Woman was going to have a stroke! But everyone else thought it was pretty darn funny. I'll admit that I made my way to my vehicle quickly afterward, for fear of retribution. (For any Dane Cook fans, I was NOT gazelle like, though!)

So there is a little insight into me. I'm really nice, unless you piss me off. ; )

Christmas

Well, this Christmas wasn't without a few "bad" things,(Kenneth and I were sicke) but it was a wonderful one. And I know it wasn't technically Ashleigh's first Christmas, but it was the first one where she could participate!

She doesn't really "get" Santa yet, but she loved what he left her under the tree!

It might not look like alot, but it was hard to find stuff she didn't already have:


She really seemed to like everything!





Then it was off to see my parents, sister and future brother-in-law, where she got even MORE toys and clothes. (Of course, Kenneth and I werent' left out either!





OH!!! Can't forget the Taylor family Christmas gathering. Below is an overall shot of the mass chaos after the gifts were exchanged. Also is a pic of Ashleigh and her cousin Elana with Mamaw & Grandpa Taylor. I'm so blessed to have wonderful in-laws AND wonderful parents. How does a girl get so lucky?



My family was so blessed with gifts and love from family members and friends. I was left feeling a little bad, because we couldn't give nearly what we'd like to everyone else. But that's what $1,000's in baby doctor bills will do to ya! Not to mention the everyday expenses of said baby. But I wouldn't trade her for all the money in the world.

Glad I finally got to share some photos with you all!

Merry Christmas!

Santa Visit 12.22 3.jpg
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

Well, Santa came by early last night to make sure Ashleigh was being a good girl and deserved a visit on Christmas eve. She was a little unsure of Santa at first, but decided she liked him, and didn't want him to leave! Check out theother photos from his visit.

The doctor called her in a prescription decongestant/antihistimine yesterday because the OTC stuff wasn't even helping, she was steadily getting worse. I don't know if you can tell in the photos, but her little eyes are all red a puffy. But she was in a really good mood until about 9:30 last night. Oh well....that's life with a one year old, I suppose.

I'm loving Advil Cold & Sinus. It has saved me. Try it, trust me. Too bad it can't help my stress from a messy house and lots to do and no time to do it. I'll just try to focus on the true meaning of Christmas and all the blessings in my life. And not let dirty laundry and a cluttered dining room table bother me too much.

Have a very Merry Christmas everyone!!!

Sleeping Beauty

Sleeping in Recliner 12.21.jpg
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

Wednesday, Ashleigh went to sleep while sitting in the recliner with Daddy. He got up, not and she just fell over like this. I was met at the back door with something like this: Be really quiet. Where's the camera? Be really quiet, go look in the living room. Why's the camera back there?

Missing Grandma

{I wrote this months ago and never posted it. But when I was going through gift bags the other night (yes, I recycle) I found one with the tag intact and it was a gift from my Grandma and I just cried and cried. So I decided it was time to post this. I'll have to find a good photo of her to post sometime.}

I miss her so much sometimes my heart hurts. She’s been gone just over a year now, I realized last week. I’m so glad I didn’t think of it on the actual anniversary of her death. I’ll never forget our phone ringing early that morning. I knew my Grandma was gone. Daddy told Kenneth and he had to tell me, even though I already knew.

I didn’t love her more than any of my other grandparents. It’s just that we were so alike in so many ways. I spoke to her several times a week and we’d talk about anything and everything (almost). I still find myself wanting to talk to “someone” and realize it’s Grandma I want to talk to.

I didn’t allow myself to become despondent with grief. I didn’t feel like I could; I was about 7 months pregnant and was not going to do anything to jeopardize the well-being of our unborn daughter. I think that’s why I still cry sometimes. That and I think it’s so damn unfair that she was so close to meeting her first great-grandchild. I wanted her to know my baby. I wanted my baby to know her. Of course, if we’d had Ashleigh 8 or 9 years ago, she could have known all my grandparents. But Kenneth and I did what was right for us and I don’t regret that. We’ll just have to make sure that she knows all our grandparents through our memories.

I also have to realize that my wanting Grandma to keep hanging on was quite selfish. My grandfather passed away two years before her and she was very lonely. She’d been battling cancer off and on for 19 years. (It was actually the treatments that basically killed her.) She was ready to go.

I know that she knew I loved her very much. She knew I was happy with my life and that I had a good husband. She knew that we were having a girl and naming her Ashleigh Reagan. She wanted to buy her going home outfit which made me having to buy it really hard to do. But I was sure to buy something she would have approved of.

A few things about my Grandma:
::She looked great in red.
::She loved looking her best and being around people, socializing.
::She made awesome strawberry pies. (And other desserts, too.)
::She’d buy me things and tell me that “nobody has to know about this.”
::She loved to gossip. I’d get such a kick out of her telling me about all the latest scandles.
::She was TERRIFIED of storms. She fussed at me when I’d complain about Kenneth staying up until all hours watching the weather during storms.
::She said all sorts of funny things. One that comes to mind is “drunk as Cooter Brown.” This could be because someone was intoxicated, or referring to herself during an inner ear infection.
::She loved to sit on her front porch.
::She was stronger than she thought she was.

Sorry to be such a downer with this post, but it’s been on my mind for a long time and I had to finally do it.

Just a Quick Note...

to let everyone know I'm alive and well! Just super-busy! When you work in advertising, life is extremely hectic at work and at home, unfortunately.

I did have a very nice birthday, got nice gifts--including cards that Kenneth made with my scrapbooking supplies! One from him, one from Ashleigh. Thanks to everyone for the great loot! ; )

Friday I went to an unbelievably awesome Adobe Photoshop seminar and learned LOADS of cool stuff. Now just have to find the time to practice. Friday night was my company's Christmas party. It was nice, the food was great, and...it was the first "date" Kenneth and I have had since Ashleigh was born. (Just to clarify, we weren't exactly party animals before!)

Saturday was a family Christmas gathering and that morning my beloved daughter woke up with a personality disorder. Whiney, grumpy and SUCH a mama's girl. Oh my! In the afternoon she started behaving a little more normally. Then she screamed for the last 45 minutes home. THAT was fun. Sunday wasn't alot better.

I've decided I must do my Christmas shopping. LOL! (Yes, I AM serious!) Trust me, it wasn't by choice. Being poor kinda sucks and I was waiting on my Christmas bonus! (And I did have some done already.)

At work we are swamped, but I think we'll be OK.

I got my first "official" Christmas gift yesterday! Kelley, I tore into that box like nobody's business! I LOVE the cute little tin sign and I'm afraid I might have to hide that Santa from my mother-in-law. {I'll have to take photos to post on here, the stuff is just WAY too cute!}

Today has been a long day. I got to Wal-Mart at 6:30 am to try to get everything I needed from there this morning. That went fairly well. Now I just a have a few loose ends to tie up and I'll be finished. I better get to "tying", huh?!?

Hope you are all doing well. I'll catch up on blogging soon. Really. I promise!

Today I am 33...

Me&Ash
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

Yep, I'm gettin' old alright! But that certainly beats the alternative! ; )

On my birthday, I am:
::Very thankful for my family
::Thrilled that God blessed me with a healthy daughter
::Wishing I had lipstick on in this photo (Aimee!)
::Tickled at how you can tell Ashleigh just woke up in this photo
::Stressing about getting everything done for Christmas
::Really trying to "live in the moment" and enjoy all the good things in my life (Kelley!)
::Determined to have a good day today, darn it!
::Not so happy it's raining and I have to get my photo made for our Christmas Greetings ad
::Glad I got my hair cut & colored last night.
::Determined to weigh a good bit less by the time I'm 34
::Thankful for all my wonderful friends
::Wondering how the last year flew by so quickly

Great Birthday Party

Lots of Loot
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

The party was wonderful! There were 27 people (including the three of us) and I think we all had a great time. There were 9 children who came and they were all so well-behaved. Ashleigh was just a little doll and I was so proud of her! (She wouldn't take a nap, so I feared a total meltdown!)

She got lots of presents which she loves! She's really kept herself busy playing with all of them. She got lots of clothes too, so she'll be quite the little fashion plate.

Sorry I don't have time to do all the links to photos like I normally would. Just double click on this photo, and it'll take you to flikr. Then you can look at the pictures I uploaded. They go onto the second page, be sure to look at them all!

I'm just so happy that everything went well. I think the table and sign Regina & I made turned out nicely. Of course, I thought of about 20 things I forgot to do-like get the ice cream out, take photos of all the guests, get everyone to sign a page for her birthday album I'm going to do (a few pages for each year), straighten the towels up in the bathroom....I could go on, but you get the idea.

Now, Santa just has to find something she doesn't already have to bring her!

First Year

First Year
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

Well, I don't know why the colors seem so washed out on this now that I've uploaded it, but you get the idea. I've always taken Ashleigh's photo on the 8th of each month and this is a way I've come up with to display them. I'm going to have an 8x10 printed for the grandparents for a little Christmas gift. Think I'll print one out to display at her birthday party tomorrow.

If you haven't seen the photos from last night, be sure to scroll down!

Big Girl

Year Old 1
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

Oh my baby is a year old. I just can't believe it. While her birthday evening didn't really go anything like I envisioned, it was pretty good. She was cooperative long enough to get a couple of good shots, with the help of her Daddy making her laugh. Of course, we had to deal with a nosey cat, not to mention camera delays that resulted in lots of great shots of the back of her head! And when we wanted her to stand in front of the tree, she wouldn't!

Oh well. Lot's of "personality shots!" ;-)

She did love her spaghetti for dinner though. (It just doesn't look like it in the photo because she's she's done, she is done!! Don't you just love the mess? Oh, the joys of learning to self-feed...

Her gifts were a huge hit! They might give us a headache, but what's a little noise when you have a happy, occupied baby?

Then came the cake. Oh boy. at first, she didnt' know what to think of her cupcake, but before long, she wasdigging in, offering us some, and ended up just making a big ole mess!

After that, it was bath time. We had another poop incident, much worse than the first one. Ick.

My house is a wreck.
I have to get it ready for a party tomorrow.
I have to get the food ready for said party.
I have to shop after work. Which means less time for preparations.

I couldn't be happier!

Hard to believe....

Ashleigh Reagan Taylor 004
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

that my sweet daughter was born a year ago!! This photo was taken when she was just hours old. She has changed so much! And our lives have changed so much, for the better, since this wonderful little girl arrived.

I could just gush on for quite a while, but I'll spare you all! ; )

Oh, and since I never got around to posting on the one year anniversary of my due date, you can at least see how huge my belly was!

I can't wait til tonight! to see her dig into her little cupcake (the cake is Saturday) and get her gifts from Mommy & Daddy. I'm such a goof.

{Also, I promise I'm not snubbing anyone, blog-wise. I've just been super-duper busy! But I promise to try to get back into the swing of things soon. I really miss all you guys!}

Another weekend gone too soon

Cute Grin
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

Well, don't really have time to "post," but please go to see my other photos because I did write a little bit of stuff on the comments underneath.

I'm feeling a bit better, although I fear it's been my nerves, not a virus making me sick. I've been working hard on getting myself in a better place mentally. I think it's working. If not, I'll be visiting the doctor soon...ugh!

Feeling Icky

Well, Thursday afternoon, I did a horrible thing--in a horrible place. I threw up (repeatedly) AT WORK! In the restroom, but still EEWWWW!

I hung in at work until 4:15 and was in bed last night by 7. I don't have what Ashleigh had, because I don't have a fever. Rachel and a few others think it is my nerves. Maybe. I know I've been stressed out, but to the point of physical illness? I'm just not sure.

All I can hope for is some weight loss out of the deal. ;-)

My mom is coming down (unrelated to my sickness) to keep Ashleigh today and should be here any minute. She has the day off and wanted to see her granddaughter.

I will hopefully make it through the day at work...wish me luck!!

When Life Throws You Curves

Yesterday was the one-year anniversary of my due date. I have a photo of me on that day, and had a blog entry prepared to post. It was really sweet and I might share it sometime in the future. But when I got home last night, I didn't want to see a computer.

For many reasons, I cannot go into any details, but things at work have gotten very hectic and complicated. Things will be OK eventually, but I was blindsided with something and it will take me quite awhile to adjust. Add to that the feeling of being in over my head because I don't understand the techinical aspects of computers as well as I wish I did and well....I've been in happier places. But what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right? LOL.

Meanwhile, I'l lost my appetite. I truly hope this trend continues.

Ashleigh is back to her sweet, wonderful HEALTHY self. Kenneth and I are doing well, although I'm starting to seriously stress about money again. You know how when it seems everything just falls on you at once?

But this morning I feel better than last night. And hopefully tomorrow I'll feel better than today.

Maybe I'll soon have time to do some more blogging and get caught up on everyone's lives. So if I'm not commenting, I haven't forgotten about you! I miss you guys!!!!

Thanksgiving...not what I planned...

Well, Thursday started off fine. Got to my in-law's home around 12 (they live next door, NOT a big journey!) and all was well. Got a few photos of Ashleigh and Elana in their matching outfits, and before long it was time to eat. Ashleigh wasn't hungry. Then I realized she was burning up. Gave her some medicine and shortly thereafter was thrown up on. (All in my hair, downmy shirt, etc.) But I think I handled that unfortunate event with dignity and grace. And a quick exit.

She seemed to feel better and played some at home. Then she'd be pitiful again. Then play some more. Friday morning, when her temp was 104.8, I knew I had to find a pediatrician. Ours was closed, but the best one in Columbus was open. We were told it was a stomach virus, that would last 3-5 days. No 24 or 48 hour virus for us! Good news: only contagious through saliva. So nobobdy had to worry. Bad news: except me. I was trying to get her to eat off my plate, with my fork. Ugh.

Spent alot of time getting my check, going to the bank, then tracking down needed medicine, Pedialyte, etc. And a one-second ear thermometer. That thing rocks!

Missed my family's Thanksgiving dinner, which they postponed to Saturday for us, pretty much. Had lots of ups and downs over the weekend with Ashleigh, but she's getting better, just has a way to go before she's back to 100%. Maybe a lot of Grandma's TLC today will do the trick!

My parents decided to give us an early Christmas gift, so we now have a new stove! And with help from Kenneth's Dad, it's installed, ready to go. Haven't used it yet, the fridge is full of leftovers. (We might have missed my family's dinner, but Mom sent plenty of food to us via my sister and her fiancé.

Also got my Christmas tree up. It's a work in progress, but it's up! (And it's actually the 7.5' pre-lit tree my mother-in-law got last year and didn't like. I like it just fine.) Also put some other stuff out/up. There's more stuff on the bookcases, but it's mostly scattered among the regular stuff. I can't take all that stuff down! I know I'm not a HGTV candidate, but I'm decorating at least. Kenneth isn't too happy about the tree, I don't think. He was eyeballing it last night and I asked him what and he said he was wondering how long it would take Ashleigh to pull it down on top of her. Geez. I plan on supervising her just a bit. I even tried really hard to put larger non-choking hazard stuff close to the bottom.

I think my mother-in-law might come over to help me put some finishing touches on my tree tonight. She just does the prettiest stuff! I was liking my stuff until I went in her house this morning. Now I feel like I have Charlie Brown decorations! LOL.

Thankful....

OK, I "have" to do a list of things I'm thankful for since it's the day before Thanksgiving. (Actually I don't really have anything interesting to say, LOL!)

I am thankful
::That I'm not a tacky, thoughtless idiot like the woman who blatantly cut line in front of me at Wal-Mart last night, just because she knew the woman in front of me. (And for you Dane Cook fans-I was not doing the "floaty-dance!")

::That I at least have a stove top that works, and a microwave. (My oven's been out a few weeks in case I didn't mention that.)

::That I have a dependable vehicle with a CD player and and radio that picks up all the stations. (My old car only picked up stations up to about 95--ACK!)

::That I have a home with central heat & air.

::That our home has 2 bathrooms (with 2 working toilets again, LOL)

::That I have a job, a pretty decent job actually. (I know I complain about it some, but don't we all?)

::That I am married to my bestest-ever friend, who has turned out to be a great Dadddy.

::That I have a wonderful, healthy, happy daughter.

::That Ashleigh's eye surgery seems to have worked like a charm!

::That my husband's family doesn't treat me like an in-law--I'm one of them.

::That my family loves my hubby and treats him like "one of us."

::That I have wonderful friends I can always confide in and depend on.

::That my mother-in-law keeps my daughter while I'm at work every day. I never have to worry about her care & safety.

::That Kelley introduced me to scrapbooking AND blogging. (I'm addicted to both, but feel my life is enriched because of it.)

::That we have satellite tv.

::For cell phones.

::For digial cameras.

::Can't believe I almost forgot this: hand-me-down clothes and toys for Ashleigh. (This would be much closer to the top if the list was in order of "importance.")

OK, I know it's a long list and I really should have just said I'm thankful for everything! Let me know what you're thankful for.

And have a great Turkey day!

Living the Good Life

It's so easy to get bogged down in the negative, depressed over the way money evaporates into thin air, how hard it is to lose weight...you know.

But when you really stop and think, it's easy to boost yourself up by realizing how lucky you are. This morning on the news they did a little story about a couple of hurricane evacuees who've permanently relocated to the area. This year, their daughter died of cancer, their son drowned in a swimming pool accident and then they lost EVERYTHING when Katrina hit the coast. Yet they were telling all the things they were thankful for! Oh my...makes my dread of steam cleaning the carpets seem really trivial.

LAST NIGHT was wonderful. Diane sent food over for dinner AND for our lunches today. YUM. So we just played and played. Our little tornado realized she can drag more toys out, not just be content with what I've set out for her to play with. Nice. ; )

I'm really excited about this cute little santa suit Diane got for Ashleigh this weekend. It even has a little hat! I've wanted to do a family photo for our Christmas cards, but might just get a photo of Ashleigh in this outfit to send out. She's who people really want to see anyway! Along with lots of other cute stuff, she also brought her this dress that I think might be her Christmas dress. The dresses I really like cost way too much. Or are sleeveless. I know we live in Mississippi, but the high for today is about 50. I don't want my baby to get sick for the sake of fashion. Besides, this is still a "little girl" dress and she's growing up so fast, I won't get to put her in these much longer. What do you think?

Odds & Ends

Ash BDay Invite upload
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

This is the birthday invite I designed for Ashleigh's party. I'd love to have done really nice scrapbook-ish invites, but I just don't have the time for all that. So I designed 4x6 invitations and had them printed today. Now, to find suitable envelopes and get them in the mail!

Train Wreck In A Skillet
I learned the hard way Saturday morning that Blue Bonnet Light does NOT do well to make grilled cheese sandwiches. I hate to blame in on the margarine, but that was the only variable that changed. They wouldn't brown well, but yet stuck and got all mangled. I said that they looked like a train wreck happened in my skillet! But they tasted good.

Christmas Fun
We took Ashleigh to look at lots of Christmas toys and decorations. We turned on all those singing dancing obnoxious things. You know, the things that are fun in the store but you'd never want to bring home? She loved it.

Housework
Got some stuff done this weekend-the kind of stuff that has to be done, but nobody notices unless they're doing a home inspection. Like cleaning light fixtures, scrubbing cabinet doors, changing a light bulb that's been out for over a year. (Laugh, but I'm dead serious!)

Got some serious hanging out quality family time in too. All in all a good weekend, but way too short!

Rite of Passage

Let me set the scene for you:

It's bathtime. Ashleigh has been washed up and rinsed clean, now we've entered the playtime portion of the bath. I'm singing my made-up second verse of "You Are My Sunshine":
You are my sweetie
You are my darlin'
You are my honey, you are my pal
I'll love you always and forev..noNONONONO!!!!!!

I jerk Ashleigh up because I see the look.

As I lift her, I hear plops in the water below. She dropped the kids off in the pool. (For those of you slow on the uptake...she pooped.)

I started yelling for Kenneth, but had to go to him, with Ashleigh wrapped in her towel.

He had to deal with her.

I had to decontaminate everything.

So I've been through another of Motherhood's Rites of Passage. Poop in the tub.

P.S. I don't want to jinx it, but Ashleigh's eye is looking very good--no goop, no excess tears. Keep your fingers crossed!

Jackie Needs...

Saw this on Kelley's Blog and thought I'd give it a try.

Google your name + needs and see what you get. It's pretty darn funny. I was able to get all 10 of mine of the first page of results! Try it and let me know what you get.

::A new neighbor
::A Friend
::Help with writing topic summary
::YOU!
::More Tiles
::To pose for Playboy (LMAO-I can assure you that NOBODY wants or needs me to pose for Playboy!)
::To get (her) credibility back
::A marrow transplant
::Child care for work
::Cash

Be sure to scroll down, I have a few other entries today.

Fun Day

At Home After Surgery
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

OK, the surgery portion of Tuesday was NOT fun, but the rest of it was. Got this pic of Ashleigh playing with her "new" Winnie the Pooh toy, courtesy of Aunt Rachel and Caiden. Check out some photos from the Surgery Center. I was upset that I didn't get a photo of her with her doctor or where he initialed above her eye (they cleaned it off when she was in the O.R.) but I think I did good to get any photos at all!

Cold Weather...Finally!

Warm little hat
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

It FINALLY got below freezing last night. About time. Anyway, when I dropped Ashleigh off this morning, I had to take a couple of photos of her in her little hat Melissa made for her. She was still half asleep, so she left it on.

Surgery Details

Well, I didn't sleep well the night before, and felt like I was going to throw up all the way to Tupelo. I sat in the backseat with Ashleigh and a couple of times she reached out and grabbed my hand. It was all I could do not to tell Kenneth to just turn around and go home, eye gunk wasn't that bad.

We arrived at 6:30 and didn't wait long to be called back. Then people were in and out of the tiny room, cramped with me, Ashleigh, Kenneth, my parents, and a student nurse that was going to follow/observe Ashleigh through her procedure. Everyone was so nice and competent. Plus I just knew I had to push my fears aside, so I was OK. When the nurse came to get Ashleigh, she went to her, ready to go see what was past that curtain. If she had cried, I would have lost it, big time. Maybe she knew she had to be a big girl for Mommy.

We went to another waiting room and chatted for about 5 minutes and a nurse came in and told us everything went well, Ashleigh was in recovery and Dr. Wesson would be in to talk to us in a minute. He took us to another room and told us that she was only under the gas for 3-4 minutes, that she did great, the amount of blockage was average and possible side effects, etc. He said since we live so far away and I work even further away, that if she was doing well next week, just call in and we wouldn't have to do a post-op visit. By the time we got back to the waiting room, a nurse came to tell us she was awake to follow her.

It was hard not to run.

Then there Ashleigh was, smiling and happy, in the arms of a nurse who wanted to be cute and not give her immediately to me. (She is lucky she didn't get smacked, but I was a little over-anxious, I suppose) We went to yet another little area with rocking chairs where I just loved and kissed on her and gave her something to drink. When she saw her cup, she threw her pacifier! I finally let everyone else hold her a bit. I knew I'd have her all day long.

We were headed home by about 7:40. I was so happy. Ashleigh was a delight all day long. No crankiness, none of the side effects, just happy and hungry and ready to play, play, play. I have a few photos, I'll try to post them tomorrow.

In other news: we either have to rewire our oven or get a new one. BLAH! Both our toilets are leaking in one way or another. (Clean water, not the-ahem-"used" stuff) We don't have any money for anything. But you know what? It's okay. We are blessed in all the ways that matter and everything else will fall into place. It always does.

All Is Well

I'll post a detailed account later, but just wanted to let everyone know things really couldn't have went better!

It was over in a wink! No bad side effects, we had a great day playing yesterday. She NEVER cried, was NEVER cranky, not even right after she woke up.

Surgery

I know it will be OK. Really I do. So why am I so anxious? Because she's my baby, that's why! I just hate that if she gets hungry or thirsty after 2am, she can't have anything to eat or drink. I hate that she will be knocked out in an operating room. (Although what parent hasn't wished they could knock out a child fighting sleep?)

Surgery really isn't even the right word. It's more of a procedure. People deal with much more serious things all the time. I don't know how they manage. I think I'd be out of my mind with worry if they were actually going to be cutting on her! If you're interested and/or have time you can check here or here to see what she'll be having done tomorrow.

I just hope I don't cry. I've got an almost psychotic aversion to crying in front of people, even Kenneth.

But I'm ready for her eye to be all better. No more watering, no more gunk. I'll just focus on the positive outcome.

Think of me tomorrow. We have to be there at 6:30 a.m.-YUCK!

Saturday photo shoot

Jackie Ashleigh
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

Rachel and I decided to meet Saturday afternoon and take photos. We met at The W and it was just perfect. The weather, the changing leaves, the children..*STOP* OK, the children were not the most cooperative. That was kinda like herding chickens. BUT we had a great time anyway. I haven't seen Rachel's pics yet, but check out a few of my favorites. I'll probably post a few more later.

The rest of the weekend was nice. Well, partly. Relaxed alot, spent loads of time with Ashleigh, but we didn't see enough of Kenneth. I feel like I barely saw him at all. And that makes me a little sad. But maybe I can get a little time with him tonight.

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas...

Weird Santa
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

OK, not really.

BUT in the quest for the perfect thing to build the perfect ad (even if it will end up butchered, LOL) I run across some interesting pieces of art. This is one I had to share. I don't really "get" it. WHY is he holding the telescope backwards? Is he falling into or leaping out of the water? Why is the bird so close to the water? Is the bird his magical spirit guide after Santa was enlightened with some pharmaceutical assistance?

WhatEVER would you use this for, anyway?

If you have the answers to any of these burning questions, please let me know.

And have a great weekend!

Today I am...

::Stong in my faith
::Totally in love with my husband
::Thankful for my healthy daughter
::Proud of myself for coming to work every day even though I'd much rather be home
::Optimistic that things will be good since I have a new boss
::Sad that my friend Rachel has been moved to another department
::Thankful for my family; they are wonderful
::Digging my eyeglasses (the way they look, NOT the way they feel.)
::Happy the weather turned cooler. Again.
::Glad I have wonderful friends
::Looking forward to CSI tonight
::Disappointed that all the leaves have fallen off all the trees in my yard overnight
::Thinking it's cool that we have a home we can be proud of, with a big ole yard full of leaves!


How are YOU today?

Sweet Baby

11 Months Old 2
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

{Be sure to scroll down, there are several things posted today.}

How could you not love this sweet little baby? Of course, I think that, LOL! She was a little bi-polar yesterday; one minute very happy, the next having herself quite the temper tantrum. She decided she hates her car seat and stiffened up like a board and screamed every time I tried to put her in it. That was fun. But after she was in, she was fine. Weird.

Interesting little thing happened at the surgery center while waiting. The HUGE waiting room was practically empty and I let Ash crawl around a bit and play. She didn't yell, squeal or anything. Well, an older (mean-spirited evil hag) lady kept giving us the evil eye and whispering to her companion. Well, once we got within earshot and she said (loudly) "I would have NEVER let my child run around wild like that." To which I replied, "When I give a s**t what you did with your kids, I'll let you know."

Sometimes I wonder what happens to the filter between my brain and mouth. But she did leave us alone after that and everyone else snickered not-so-secretely.

The pre-op was fine, though. Just paperwork and answering questions. Why it matters if me and Ashleigh's father are married I have no idea. But it seemed to be of utmost importance. Was happy to hear she won't have an IV or anything, they'll just knock her out with gas. She even gets to wear her pants and socks to surgery. And she gets to take a favorite toy. We wonder if she'll chose her remote control or a spoon...

11 Months Old

11 Months Old
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

Oh yeah, another "month old" photo shoot last night. To say she wasn't cooperative was an understatement.

Expensive T-Shirt

Expensive T-Shirt
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

This t-shirt cost over $100! Well, it's allegedly free, but we're paying the surgery center well over $100 for "use of their facility" so I'm just considering it a really expensive t-shirt. The little stinker wouldn't stand up on her own for the photo. Her rebellion is starting early.

Testing something out

Check out my silly girl.

Will try for a "real" post later! REALLY busy today, darn it!

Let me know if you can view it-I think it's funny at the end.

A better place

I think the world would be a better place if everyone agreed with me. ;-) Don't you?

OK, maybe a little boring at times, but it WOULD be nice. At least if everyone in my circle of influence agreed with me. A girl can dream, can't she?

A Little Clarification
I think I might have given a bit of the wrong impression in my last post, which was brought to my attention when Kim commented. I will strike up conversations with total strangers as well. There just has to be some sort of reason or common denominator. Like I talk to other people in waiting rooms, or if we're standing in a long line waiting to check out. Of course, only if they look nice. Why try to talk to a mean person? I suppose I'm just wary in situations where some random person talks to me in a situation where people don't normally converse (like gas pumps) OR in situations where my purse may be stolen or my daughter snatched. Which could be anywhere, I suppose, but I like to think I have a sixth sense about these things. he he...

Paranoid or Cautious?

Sometimes I wonder if I'm just being reasonably cautious because of the time we live in, or if I'm just downright paranoid.

I live in the "Hospitality State" so why is it that when a stranger strikes up a conversation with me, I'm instantly suspicious of their intentions? Unless they are 1) commenting on my daughter, which is perfectly normal ;-) or 2) another woman asking my opinion on a child-related item/issue-when we both have our children with us. Otherwise, I go on red alert.

Here are a few examples:
::I stopped to buy gas last week and a vehicle pulled in behind me. I hear a man's voice say, "Hello Monroe!" (The county I live in-it's on my car tag) I didn't acknowledge him, then he asked me where exactly I lived and it was obvious he was talking to me. I turned to answer him and was VERY vague. This wasn't really necessary because people have trouble finding my house with directions AND he was about 70. We discussed the gas prices and weather. Then I suppose he noticed the sunshades and car seat, because he asked if I had a child. I told him yes, but was really quick to point out she wasn't with me. What? Like a 70 year old black man who weighs maybe 130 lbs. is going to sprint over, snatch a 24 lb. child from a car seat that I have trouble getting her out of sometimes, then make it past me into his truck and drive off? Of course not. But then maybe he's distracting me so someone ELSE can....

::About a month ago in Wal-Mart, a Mennonite lady asked my opinion on cough/cold medicines. She explained she was buying a good bit of medicine to send to her granddaughter. Her daughter and son-in-law are missionaries in the Ukraine and can't get medicine. Don't worry, I helped her, even to the point of promising the Equate brand was just as good, and she could buy twice as much for the same price. However, I clutched my purse tightly to me, as if it contained a million dollars AND the cure for cancer AND the answer to "what's the meaning of life"! She noticed and I explained that several women had gotten their purses snatched in Wal-Mart recently. So she grabbed hers up to. Now, if you don't know what a Mennonite is, the best way to explain it is they're sort of like Amish-lite. Did I really think she was part of a purse snatching scheme? Of course not. But can you be too sure?

There are many more examples, but I'll leave it at those two. I have to wonder where all this paranoia of mine came from. I mean, I've lived in rural Mississippi all my life! But I never leave my doors unlocked at home, even if we're there! Unless we're in and out of the yard, something like that. I never leave my car unlocked either. And it isn't being a mom, I was this way before.

So, are you extra cautious or a trusting soul? Do you think I'm careful or crazy? Let me know....

P.S. I know I'm crazy, I mean about this one issue!

Enjoying Fall

Enjoying Fall
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

Decided to get out and try to get some photos of Ashleigh this afternoon, taking advantage of the changing leaves, even if it is 80 degrees. {Be sure to check out the others.} She was semi-cooperative at best. She loves to look outside and be carried around outside, but being placed on the ground-well, she's still getting used to that. And forget trying to get her to stand by a tree!

OH! That reminds me: LAST NIGHT SHE STOOD UP ALL BY HERSELF! I was on the phone with Aimee when it happened and my little mini-fit made her think something was wrong. (Of all the people in the world to be talking to at that time, LOL!) And we thought she'd take a step today, but she didn't. Oh well, she'll be running away from us before we know it.

I've done a bit of cleaning out/organizing today. Got the printer my Dad gave me going and printed a few sheets of pics. Began the process of organizing my recipes and have already found some really good ones I forgot about. Found a tea cake recipe and tried it out with my little duck shaped cookie cutter. They turned out rather well, even though tea cakes aren't my absolute favorite. Now need to decide how do dress them up for the birthday party. By the way, any little hints/ideas/suggestions about that little extravaganza would be greatly apreciated!

Guess I better get off line...I'll regret staying up this late tomorrow!

Bed Head

Bed Head
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

Some mornings I just laugh out loud when Ashleigh wakes up. Her Grandma Diane says that she sleeps on top of her head sometimes, I think she might be right. The other day, I just had to take a picture to show everyone. Kenneth laughed and said he could see already she'd never be on time in the mornings. The front view was priceless, but she wouldn't look at the camera. I don't know why...who doesn't love having their photo taken at 6am?

The Wooly Mammoth & The Spoon

{Did that get your attention?}

I don't know what it is with Ashleigh, but I have a fear a scenario like this is in her future:
She's sitting in a therapist's office and explaining that she really doesn't understand her uncontrollable obsession with colorful little plastic spoons. She'll say that she's been told it started when she was less than a year old, but she's sure it's her parent's fault in some way.

She doesn't have a special favorite blankie or stuffed animal. Three nights this week she has went to bed with a spoon in her hand. And when I'd try to take it out, she start to wake up! One day she carried a red one to her Grandma's and held on to it all day long. She finally let it go about 7:30 that night, but picked it right back up. I just don't get it. My Mom once said about me that if it was different, I'd like it. Maybe Ashleigh will be the same way..."screw blankies and lovies-give me a spoon!"

The Wooly Mammoth bit refers to my overgrown eyebrows that are overdue for waxing. That is a top priority this weekend. Actually, a top priority for tonight. I'll not go into my other lofty plans for the weekend, I probably won't do any of it anyway.

Have a good one!

Wonderful Surprise

Last night when I walked in the house, I smelled food. YUM. I'll admit, I thought my mother-in-law had sent food over again. Imagine my surprise when I walked into the kitchen and found Kenneth standing at the stove cooking! He made a pot of chili and it was so good! He didn't even make a big mess or anything. {Kenneth, if you are reading this, I'm not implying that you can't do things without making a mess. I say that because lots of women say they'd almost rather their man NOT cook because they make a huge mess.}

A few people asked what he wanted and I told them nothing, that he often does things just to help out, especially since Ashleigh was born.

I've got a good man. Think I'll keep him! ;-)

P.S. Be sure to take the test below and let me know if you're good or bad!

Naughty or Nice

Take this test yourself and let me know if you're good or bad!

You Are a Normal Girl

You are 50% Good and 50% Bad Sure you've pulled some bad girl stunts in your past. But these days, you're (mostly) a good girl.

Are You a Good Girl or a Bad Girl?

How's Your Inner Child?

Found this on Cowboy in the Jungle's blog, thought it was kinda cool. He's got some other neat stuff on there, you should check him out if you get a chance. You've gotta read "I've got a big snake in my pants!" It's hilarious!

Your Inner Child Is Surprised

You see many things through the eyes of a child. Meaning, you're rarely cynical or jaded. You cherish all of the details in life. Easily fascinated, you enjoy experiencing new things.

How Is Your Inner Child?

Oh No!

Hear No Evil
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

You'd think we'd just told her when her eye surgery was! But when Angela took these sweet photos Friday evening, we didn't know when it would be.

I got the call yesterday afternoon, though. Her surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, November 15. We won't know what time until I take her in for pre-op. I'll probably do that one day next week. Not looking forward to the actual surgery, but will be very glad to have her tear duct unclogged so it won't be watering all the time (and gunky often).

Archive Searching...

Took this "challenge" off Kim's blog:

The Blog Archives and Hidden Meanings meme.

The criteria: Delve into your blog archive. Find your 23rd post (or closest to).Find the fifth sentence (or closest to). Post the text of the sentence in your blog along with these instructions.

Ponder it for meaning, subtext or hidden agendas.

Okay, I went back and found my 23rd post and the fifth sentence in that post.

Here is what I said at that time….

Soon my sadness was replaced with anger.

LOL! I could go anywhere with that one. I think it "means" that I was going through the normal grieving process of losing my beloved little color Epson printer. No subtext or hidden agendas there, folks!

Don't Miss Out!

Be sure to scroll down, I've posted quite a few photos today!

Feeling Better

Feeling Better
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

Last night, Ashleigh was running wide open all night! It was so great to see her playing, to hear her sweet little laugh and squeal. The little car you see Kenneth holding was the source of much delight. I bet my Mom had no idea Ashleigh would love that little car so much. She had alot of fun hanging out with Daddy, too!

Bath Time

Bath Time
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

She's going to hate me someday for all these photos, isn't she? Maybe if they don't end up published in the newspaper or yearbook....

Happy Birthday Elana!

Birthday Princess
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

My sweet little niece turned a year old Saturday and I just can't believe it! She had a nice party, but the poor baby was getting sick. I just love this photo of her, but I got some other cute ones, check them out!

Now I'm thinking about Ashleigh's birthday party. She'll be a year old one month and one week from today! YIKES!

Cute non-trick or treator

Halloween 2005
Originally uploaded by Sunshyn93.

Well, we ended up not even taking her to her grandparent's house to Trick or Treat. She seemed to be feeling quite a bit better and I didn't want to mess that up. I wanted to get some photos of her standing up, but she woudl not cooperate. (She can almost stand up by herself!)

We just had a good time hanging out and playing, and giving out candy to trick or treators. Maybe next year will go a little better!