Cat Tails

It's funny the things that remind us of our youth. As I was driving today when a group of cattails caught my eye. It triggered a memory I did not realize I had. My Mama died when I was 8 (back in 1976) and honestly, I do not remember very much about her. Nor do I have many memories of us being together. But when I saw this group of cattails it reminded me of my Mama and Daddy. My Mama loved cattails and she wanted my Daddy to go down by the railroad tracks to pick her some. She wanted to dry them and display them in this huge wicker vase she had. I can remember being in the car with Mama and Daddy getting out by the railroad tracks to cut some of them for her. Gosh ... it was so nice to be blessed with this memory today.

Oh Happy Day!

Just a quick post today ... it's warm outside ... the sun is shining and we did NOT have to wear jackets when we went out. We are doing a little warm weather happy dance!

G's First McDonald's Hamburger

I was in town today and decided to go through McDonald's drive thru for lunch before heading home. I ordered my meal and a plain hamburger to bring home to Wyatt (our dog). After arriving home I was getting Wyatt's burger out for him and thought ... mmmm ... I wonder if Griffin would like a bit of hamburger. I took off a tiny piece of the bread and gave it to him and he gobbled it right down. I then took a piece of the hamburger and gave it to him and again, he gobbled it down. So ... I cut the burger in half. Wyatt enjoyed his half in one big gulp. I tore the burger into bite sized pieces and placed it on Griffin's tray. He fed himself for the first time. He ate every single teeny tiny little morsel of his hamburger. I was shocked. I think if I would have had more, he would have eaten more. Well, of course he was still hungry, so he had some green beans and apple sauce as well. Do you see the sippy cup there in the picture? Our little guy and I are still going round and round with it. Mike and I have decided ... no more bottle. So, each meal I offer his milk in a sippy cup. He's constantly throwing it on the floor and I just pick it up and place it right back on his tray. He has no problem at all drinking his white grape juice out of his sippy cup ... but when it comes to milk, he wants no part of it. I'm feeling a little unsure of this situation though. Normally he drinks about 20 (or more) ounces of milk each day out of a bottle. But he's really not getting near that much with the sippy cup because he refuses to drink out it. I keep reminding myself that we are the adults and we will win this battle. Wish us luck.

Weekend Adventures

We had a really nice family weekend.

Friday night we went out to a buffet type family style restaurant. Griffin ate his first complete meal without any baby food. He had peas, carrots, mashed potatos, macaroni & cheese, spaghetti and sweet potato. He was so cute. I think he really enjoyed having "real" food.

Saturday we went to our neighbor's house for a birthday party as a family. Harry & Jack turned 2, so we went to help them celebrate. It was really alot of fun. The interesting thing is there were 9 children there and there were 3 sets of twins among them. Cyndi and Dean hosted an excellent, fun filled birthday party. The rest of the day was spent doing things around the house.

Sunday was another family filled day, just spent around the house. I really wanted to drive to Washington, DC because the cherry blossoms are at peak right now, however we didn't get a chance to. Daddy is trying to help Mommy with the sippy cup situation. Griffin will still not drink MILK from a sippy cup. He has no problem drinking juice or water out of the sippy cup ... but milk forget it. So, this is something we still have to work on.

It really was nice spending "family time" this weekend. I hope we can do it more often.

Wash 'N Wear Kinda Girl

I'm a Wash 'N Wear kind girl ... what I mean by that is I normally wash my hair ... and let it dry naturally and do nothing else to it, except maybe blow dry my bangs.

Yep ... that's how I wear my hair.

Well today ... I actually styled my hair with the curling iron. And you know what? Someone noticed!! It made me feel really good. Christina (one of the BEAUTIFUL Moms) came up to me during storytime at the library and asked if I had my hair done. She told me I looked nice. Gosh ... that was a real pick me up. It's nice when you make the effort and someone actually notices.

I have to confess ... since I rarely style my hair anymore I had to dig the curling iron out from way back under the sink. And ... after I styled my hair, I went back upstairs 3 times before I left to make sure I unplugged it ... ridiculous huh?

Anyway ... it was nice getting a compliment today. Thank you Christina for making my day.

Fun Stuff

A friend of mine emailed this to me and I thought I would post my answers here

IF YOU COULD BUILD OR BUY A SECOND HOME, WHERE WOULD IT BE?
Winter Haven, FL

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING?
Dressy shirt ... that does not tuck in over jeans

WHAT WAS THE LAST CD YOU BOUGHT (or received as gift):
It was a CD of children songs like Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, The Wheels on the Bus ... Can not recall the name of the CD

WHAT TIME DO YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING?
Between 5:00 and 6:00 every morning. Griffin is an early riser, so I like to be up
before he gets up.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE KITCHEN APPLIANCE?
Bottle Warmer

IF YOU COULD PLAY AN INSTRUMENT, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Drums

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE COLOR(s)
Yellow, Sage Green (the perfect Trading Spaces Green), Red, Pink

WHICH DO YOU PREFER, SPORTS CAR OR SUV?
Actually ... I prefere a nice van. I drive an SUV ... wish I had a van

FAVORITE CHILDREN'S BOOK?
Any of them ... Griffin is really into listening to stories right now.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEASON?
Fall ... I just love the colors, the smells, and the crisp air

IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE SUPER POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
To grant wishes

CAN YOU JUGGLE?
Well kind of ... I try to juggle being a mom, a wife, a business owner

THE ONE PERSON FROM YOUR PAST YOU WISH YOU COULD GO BACK AND TALK TO?
I would choose two. Both my mother and my father.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE DAY OF THE WEEK?
Saturday

WHAT'S IN THE TRUNK OF YOUR CAR/TRUCK?
Two strollers ... Griffin's big Eddie Bauer stroller and his smaller umbrella stroller

WHICH DO YOU PREFER, SUSHI OR HAMBURGER?
Hamburger

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FLOWER?
Without a doubt ... sunflowers!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL?
Seafood

SOUP OR SALAD?
Salad

MOUTHWASH OR BREATH MINTS?
Both ... mouthwash in the morning and evening ... breath mints throughtout the day

WHEN IS YOUR BIRTHDAY?
September 14th

COMPUTER OR CELL PHONE?
Computer

POPCORN OR PEANUTS?
Popcorn ... at home ... then sprinkle with thinly shredded mozzerella cheese

FAVORITE SODEA
Diet Pepsi and Diet Sierra Mist

CABLE OR SATELLITE TV
Satellite

NATURAL OR FAKE?
Natural is best in most things

VANILLA OR CHOCOLATE
Vanilla

MOVIE THEATER OR BLOCKBUSTER NIGHT?
Blockbuster Night ... with a one year old movie theatres are out of the question.

DO YOU GET ALONG WITH YOUR PARENTS?
Both of my parents have passed. My mom died when I was 8, I was lucky to have my
father until I was in my 30s. My dad was my best friend. I am also very lucky to have Mike's parents. I consider his mom and step-dad MY parents as well as his.

PARTY GOER OR PARTY GIVER?
I would rather give parties

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT(S)
Nell's Country Kitchen, Sonny's BBQ, Peebles BBQ, Crispers, Outback, Red Lobster, Carraba's

BUNGEE JUMP OR SKY DIVE?
Neither ... I'm not much of an extreme sport enthusiast. I would rather be at the park with my son.

My amazing online friends

Over the years I have been honored to make some really good online friends.


These are ladies I have shared some of my deepest feelings, secrets and dreams with.

The funny thing is ... I've never ever met them ... and only one of them have I actually talked to on the telephone.

I have had the priviledge of their friendship for many years ... and I hope to have it for a lifetime. I just wanted to say THANK YOU for being my friend and send a really big cyber hug your way.

Julie - what can I say about Julie? Oh my gosh ... I consider Julie one of my dearest friends. Not only is she supportive, she listens and loves me for me. Although Julie and I have never actually "met" in person ... our hearts met online many years ago. We do talk on the telephone often. We've helped each other through many things ... both wonderful and difficult. She has offered so much wonderful advice since Griffin has arrived ... thank you Julie for being my friend.

Tricia - wow ... she is the real deal. We can go months without emailing or chatting, yet when we do ... we pick right up where we left off. I feel very honored to call Tricia my friend. She is so supportive and loving. Again ... we've never "met" before ... but I just know we will someday! We live less than 8 hours apart.

Cheri - another great online friend. I get these long beautiful, insightful, funny emails from Cheri and I feel awful that I can't share the same beautiful writing skills she does. I so enjoy getting and email from Cheri ... it just brightens my day. She is very encouraging and I love her for that. Again ... we've never "met" in person ... but don't you know if I'm ever in California I'm looking her up!

Heidi - my sweet nurturing friend. I just love Heidi. We haven't had much of a chance to email or chat lately ... but just know you are in my thought and prayers and I love ya girl!

Becki - one of my newest online friends ... although we've "known" each other a few years now, just recently have we emailed each other. She is such a "blooming" delight!

Muriel - another Floridian. We met years ago on a Florida online group. Although we rarely get a chance to email/chat I still hold her dear to my heart.

Deb - my sweet Texas girlfriend. So sweet ... so beautiful ... inside and out. Do you think we will ever get that QVC contract?

Jami - another of my beautiful Texas online friends ... such a sweetheart!

Sue (yes ... it's you "MOM") - so creative, so fun ... and such a wonderful person!

Robin S. - from Florida. Robin is the one that encouraged me to first sell my stuff on Ebay. She's such a sweetheart. I've actually met Robin in real life at the Scrapbook Expo in Orlando. Although we have lost touch a bit ... I consider her a very dear friend.

There are soooo, soooooo many people that I've met online that have made a huge impact on my life. I know there are sooooo many that I haven't named above, but know this ... just because your name isn't listed above, doesn't mean you aren't in my heart. (It just means I'm having "Mommy Brain" and I should be beaten for forgetting you). Send me an email and say ... but what about me and I will be sure to add you. (wink)

I just love that song by Garth Brooks titled "If Tomorrow Never Comes" ... it says it all ... (and by the way ... it was mine and Mike's wedding song.)

If someone touches your life and makes a difference ... let them know.

Spring Snow

We woke up to a light dusting of snow this morning
It's actually very pretty


It looks like God decided to dust everything with powdered sugar
I took these pictures about 6:30 am from my front porch

The Library Toy

Griffin and I go to Mother Goose Story Time at the Library each Thursday. After we sing songs and listen to the story, it's "free play" with the library toys. Someone opens the two big tubs of toys and the kids just go crazy playing. Each week Griffin is drawn to the same toy. It doesn't matter if someone else is playing with it or not ... he plays with it too.

I looked and looked for a similar toy at different stores and I could not find one anywhere. This toy is actually from either the 70's or 80's.

So ... I did the next best thing. I searched for "it" on Ebay ... lol ... and guess what? I found "it"!! (I guess their TV commercials are right ... you can find whatever "it" is on Ebay!)

Anyway ... it's actually called a Busy Box and he love, love, loves it. He plays with it all the time. One of the best things about this toy is it is practically noise free. No lights, no singing ... no batteries required.

Comments ...

I wonder if anyone reads my blog.

It's a fun way to share thoughts, goals, dreams, etc ...

It would be nice to know if anyone is actually reading it.

I think I've had like 3 comments so far.

If you are reading my blog ... please leave a comment so I know you've been here.

You do not have to share your "real" name ... you can post anonymously ...

Take good care ...

Random Thoughts For Sunday

1. Griffin is congested and has been coughing all night ... our sweet baby is sick

2. Pizza Hut Pizza is the BEST!

3. It's March 19th and it's 20 degrees outside ... so unfair!

4. I don't have to wash clothes today ... I finished them all yesterday

5. We just got Tivo and I love it

5. I'm hoping Grey's Anatomy is a new episode tonight ... it's the best show on TV

6. My sweet husband is dropping by the pharmacy to get Griffin some medicine (we are almost out) after his flying lesson so I do not have to go out today

7. The new season of Blow Out begins on Tuesday night ... can't wait!

8. If you want to read a good, funny blog check out Ashley's Cooking School Blog on marthastewart.com

9. I love my family

Good Things

Some very good things that have happened in the past 24 hours

- My husband took Griffin & me out to dinner
- We saw a shooting star on the way home
- I stayed up past 9:30
- I watched Martha's Cooking Class on frying
- After giving Griffin a bath he put his boats away ... for the first time ... no prompting!
- Wyatt and I had "just us" time going for a walk while Daddy watched Griffin

Feeling ...

I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately. I have so much work to do and I just can not find the time to get it all done. I hate to say the word ... but honestly ... I'm feeling depressed. If I'm honest with myself, I've been feeling this way since September.

I have to find a way over this hurdle. It's a tough thing to overcome, however I know I will be able to do it.

I have a doctor's appointment in April, so maybe the doctor can offer some insight (and help!) to get over this.

I was very worried I would have post-partum depression after Griffin arrived. I don't think it's PPD ... it does not seem that severe ... however ... I do believe it's important to talk to a doctor about it.

My gut feeling is I'm just overwhelmed. I think it's time to take a step back, regroup, get organized and get to work so I'm happy and my customers are happy.

ON A MUCH BRIGHTER NOTE...

Griffin is walking ... I'm a proud mommy. Now it's time to tackle the dreaded sippy cup.

Being A Parent

Being a parent is hard work.

When you have a "normal" job, you get performance evaluations to let you know how you are doing. You are doing great here, you need improvement here, etc, etc, etc.

Parenthood has no such "instructions" or evaluations.

I often wonder am I the best parent I can be. Does Griffin get the time he needs. Am I doing things "right"?

Most times I'm certain I'm doing the best I can. Other times I feel like I'm not.

Do all parents have these feelings?

Happy Birthday Wyatt

Our dog Wyatt is 11 years old today. He has been the best dog you could ever ask for.

He came into our lives on Mother's Day 1995. He has always been the "baby" of the family, and he pretty much gets whatever he wants.

Since Griffin was born I do not get to spend the time with Wyatt that I once did. I often feel very guilty about this. But Wyatt is still his loyal self, always trying to please us.

He's the King of Indoor Dogs. His favorite spot is right on the couch. He knows he's only allowed to get on the couch if his special covers have been placed down ... well, since he's older now that's pretty much all the time. He does enjoy going for walks and sitting in the shade outside with Griffin and me.

Another favorite thing to do is to go "bye bye" with us. Of course we take him only when we take short trips to town. He so enjoys sitting with his head on the back headrest watching the world pass him bye.

As Wyatt enters his twilight years we plan to spoil him to no end. A few extra treats, a whole hamburger every now and again ... and plenty of "bye bye" trips are in store for our sweet Wyatt.

Happy Birthday Duder Bug ... we love you.

Excited about today

We woke up this morning and it was 47 degrees! We are experiencing a warming trend.

I'm kind of excited about today. It's "Library Day". Griffin and I go to the "Mother Goose Story Time" each Thursday. It's so much fun for him and me. He gets to be around other children and I get to interact with other adults.

After the library we have plans to meet Cyndi and her boys at the park for a picnic. It's supposed to get in the 70's today, so this will be a really nice change.

Speaking of the library ... how cool is it to have a place to borrow a book, read it and take it back. I've never been a member of a library until just recently and I'm loving it! I've read 6 books in the past month. Mind you ... it's what Kelly Ripa would call "beach trash" ... you know like Jackie Collins books. But it's been a great way to read alot of books without having to buy them. So ... if you get a chance, visit you local library and take advantage of the great atmosphere and opportunities they offer. Until next time ...

44

Dana Reeve has passed away. She was only 44 years old. So young and such a sad thing. It makes me realize how young my mother was when she passed away in 1976. She was only 43. She had a long life to live, however that was not her destiny. When you are 8 years old, 43 seems so old. When you are 38 years old, 44 seems so young. We can not take one day, one minute, one second for granted. We all need to live our lives to the fullest. That's my plan ...

What a day!

Griffin is currently in his play yard singing his little heart out. He's 13 months old today. He just layed down on this John Deere blanket a dear friend of ours made him for his birthday. We've had a pretty busy and successful day. Our morning began at 5:45 ... I guess that's why I'm so tired now. After morning playtime & breakfast G went down for a 3 hour nap. I was able to get alot of work done, which was wonderful. After his nap and lunch we went for a walk with our neighbor Cyndi (the very person who made the above mentioned blanket) and her two boys. It's always so nice to be able to get out of the house and enjoy some sunshine. My little goofball is currently jumping up and down on his bag of soft fabric blocks and sing/songy screaming. Gosh ... am I the luckiest girl in the world or what? I get to stay home with our son ... I get to do something I absolutely love for a living (Scrapbooking) ... I am blessed. It's such a priviledge to be able to live this life.

Where Did February Go?

Exactly where did the month of February go? It's as though I blinked my eyes and February just passed right on by. I have so much work to complete and I just don't know how I'm going to get it all done. I'm just going to say a little prayer and ask God to give me the strength (and time!) to get it all done as quickly as possible.

I can not believe G will be 13 months old tomorrow. He's such a little goof ball. He's so cute, funny, charming, witty and down right adorable! How did we get so lucky to have such a sweet son?

He's getting so smart ... he's beginning to really play with his toys and he's walking more and more. Just the other night he took 13 steps straight in a row. Before we know it he's going to be running!

Spring Is Coming

We saw our first robin today. That's a sure sign that spring is actually on the way. Someone needs to tell Mother Nature that though. The outside temperature is currently reading 31 degrees. I can not wait for Griffin to be able to get outside and play. Mike hung a swing up this past week for Griffin. He's been able to enjoy it just a little. Of course he's been bundled up with his winter coat and hat on. It will be so much fun to go outside in SUMMER clothes, barefoot and enjoy the sunshine. Spring ... bring it on!