NOT SO LITTLE WEENIES

This morning I fixed little weenies, or little smokies, however you wish, for the kids for breakfast with some O.J. and onion bagel w/cream cheese. We got up late, but we did pretty good. So, they left for school and I decided to indulge in some little weenies for myself. I took five, a fancy glass full of vanilla yogurt w/some "nutty" nuggets {cheap Grapenuts} on top and a glass of O.J. On a whim, I decided to see just how much fat was in FIVE little weenies. To my horror, FIFTEEN GRAMS OF FAT! Those are certainly not LITTLE, least not on your buttocks. I probably should have made myself gag them back up...but with so much "junk in the trunk," what's five little smokin' dogs?

Gerald and I went walking last night for about an hour and a half. We took some "adventurous" roads that were much steeper on foot than they seem in the car. We like to walk together b/c it always accomplishes two things: 1) we talk alot...and in private, 2) we excercise! We try to make it a habit, but somehow we always get sidetracked. We have both made a commitment to lose ALOT of weight this year. I'd like to get close to my high school weight--reunion coming soon and I would like for people to be able to recognize me. Anyway, I am definitely SORE this morning but it feels good, in a weird-I'm-losing-weight-or-I'm-becoming-bulimic sort of way. No offense. Wish luck, cross your fingers, pray, feng shui, whatever you do, do it for me :0)

I took a picture of our desk and "office" so that all two, three or four of my followers out there could sneak a peek of where I "work" my blogs. It takes ALOT of wall space to keep track of all the paperwork and schedules that keep us afloat down here in Alabama.

The next picture is a picture of my laundry--all clean! But, alas, not folded. I stayed up and folded all of it last night; it's now all tucked snug in each kid's basket, ready to go to their rooms this afternoon after school. Went out and bought each of them a cute, little xsmall basket for them to keep their socks.

Socks are a tough item of clothing to keep track. I really despise them; I immensely loved going barefoot and, most of the time, shoeless in FL. Except for those darned fire ants...and pine needles...and the grass {which is really a vine} was prickly. The sand was soft though...and warm. Ahhh, sand in my shoes...got used to it, but still never really enjoyed it.

BLAST! Wow, it's been a few weeks since I've heard blasting of test missiles. Took me back a little. It's been pretty cold here. Only 45 yesterday for the high. They're predicting "wintry mix" here on Tuesday, they'll probably call off school--hilarious! They have to close the mountain passes, etc. They have, like, ONE snow/salt truck. WOW!

So, I missed the President's speech last night, dang-it. I think I know what he had to say, though; he's pretty unflinching when he sets his mind on something. I appreciate a strong leader in our top office; what do they say, "A strong leader always has much controversy around him?" Makes sense. I'm gonna' have to get off of this thing so that I can watch FOXNews to see what everyone's saying.

One more thing, today is "I believe Thursday" on the local "positive" radio station out of Nashville. They're talking about THE speech last night. They report fairly, no leaning either way. I appreciate that; it's certainly unusual in this day. It rocks! So much more so than our "positive" radio station in FL, for those of you privy to that information. I find in inspiring and most often, humbling to listen to what people say about their belief, especially during hard times. The hardest one was the week after the bus full of kids plunged off the overpass down here--Thanksgiving week. Terribly heartwrenching, and yet, brought the community together. Four teenage girls died, for those of you who maybe did not hear about the tragedy. A couple of them had small babies of their own and were overcoming many trials in their own lives. They were all four Christians, if I remember right, part of a HUGE missionary Baptist church here in Huntsville. God's reasons are most often not easy, but in a weird way, they are comforting. Knowing a loving, REAL God has charge over everything is always comforting. That's peace, in these hard times.

Have you noticed more and more believers coming out of the woodwork in Hollywood these days? Sylvester Stallone was on the radio last night, talking about his new movie. We went to see it over Christmas and it was a pretty good movie. There was an old boxing "foe" of Rocky's that read the Bible and prayed OFTEN in the movie. This did not go unnoticed by me. They say EVERYthing in a movie means something; EVERY little move is planned or scripted. Anyway, last night he was talking about Hollywood and all the "faith" films being made. Talked about his faith alot--definitely inspiring. He's friends w/Mel Gibson and says that whole thing was blown totally out of proportion, which I figured. {Can I just say, that when you do something as big as "The Passion," the devil is gonna' come at you HARD. Obviously, he's coming hard at Mel. You could say alot of things, but it's all hearsay. I think that "The Passion" speaks highly of who he really is, what he believes. He's not a perfect person, he's a sinner; imagine that!} I'm so excited, and apprehensive, at the same time. It's AWESOME to be a part of this time in history and I don't know what it is about our life, but in the past few years we've taken many new paths in our life and we've been priviledged to meet MANY people that know alot of Hollywood insiders. Hollywood is changing...a little, and I believe it's the next step this next generation will take in changing our world. Yes, the media. It's here to stay no matter how much you rail against it. We, as believers, need to learn to "go with the flow" sometimes and use it for God's glory, not spend so much time in a worthless battle. Jane Fonda, Mel Gibson, Patricia Heaton, Bono, Sylvester Stallone, Kirk Cameron, Faith Hill, Allen Jackson, Rascal Flat, The Afters. Authors, actors, singers, songwriters, producers and music execs behind the scenes. Sony is actually seeking out and signing deals to do many, many faith-based films. Yeah, Sony. Look up all the new, awesome churches growing rapidly in CA. Notice how bold and outspoken is this generation? They care about it all...faith, environment, politics, family, morals. Go Next Generation!! Has there BEEN a generation like this? I don't know. The songs they sing are incredible and inspiring. They call out the church, they talk about issues, they're starting change within the church and that is where it needs to begin; where it should begin. {Sidebar here: rent the movie, "Luther". GREAT movie about Martin Luther, his life, the 95 Thesis, the Inquisition and his faith. He was YOUNG! It will inspire you if you're a little weary in your faith} There IS something going on, don't *BLINK,* you might miss it.

WOW, heavy for this early in the morning...sorry, must have been my breakfast of champions.

HUG your kids today. Buy them something special...a lollipop, an apple cider, just because. Hope your day is AWESOME and INSPIRING!

CHILD LABOR 101

I had some good blogs in my head...this morning about 2am but decided that would be too weird. Why? I don't know, it was a 2am decision, should it make sense?

Then, this afternoon, I had to clean my house because blogger was doing maintenance and I couldn't get on. You can be SURE that I will be sending off a complaint letter tomorrow; what do they expect us bloggers to do all day?

A few minutes ago I was stumped, but knew I HAD to write a blog because I have a couple of friends that are...well, blogger addicts, and they get really obnoxious and highly irritated if I don't blog consistently. Cold sweats, tremors, the works. They need help. I was getting desperate when I remembered some pictures I took yesterday of Zac. They are hilarious. He is a somewhat willing subject for my new habit--taking pix (got a digital cam for Christmas, sooo stoked!). My camera is not near the level of Tams or Kat, who stole my "announcement blog" when she announced her "early" Christmas present of an awesome high-tech cam...cheat...showoff! So, here goes and, for the record, legal minimum wage payment was alotted for this "shoot."


"COME ON MOM, I PROMISE NOT TO
THROW POPCORN SEEDS ANYMORE!"




"THEY LET ME USE THE YELLOW MOP, I LOVE YELLOW!"

"THEY WEREN'T MY FINGERPRINTS!"

"JOKE'S ON YOU, MOM:"
"I'M POOPIN' AS SOON AS I'M DONE"

"HI-HO, HI-HO, I HATE THIS PIAN-O!"

"COULD THEY MAKE A BIGGER DRYER?!"
"MAN, THIS IS GONNA' TAKE FOREVER!"

"MAYBE IF I BREAK A GLASS, SHE'LL LET ME QUIT"

"ALL THAT FOR A CANDY CANE? SHEESH!"
"I THINK I'M GETTIN' A HEADACHE"

This one is REALLY special.
NOTHING SAYS CHRISTMAS LIKE A CANDY CANE HANGOVER.

THE DRUNK ELF '06
Okay, the date gave it away. I let him eat the candy off the dead, dry tree. Stupid camera.

PRISON AND NEW HAIRSTYLES

What?!

My hubby and I are totally, unflinchingly hooked on "Prison Break". I've been interested in watching the show since the first season, whenever that was, but was unable... so, when we started with Netflix, which is awesome, we rented "Prison Break". I think we're about halfway through the first season; have no idea what this year's season is...anyone know? DO NOT give me any info on the show, I like to be surprised. Can I just say that it is pure torture to have to wait for the postman to deliver the next disc. There are usually four shows on a disc and we usually watch all four in one sitting. Next.

Nexflix is awesome. I originally signed up for a free try and liked it so much, I continued. We already have a Blockbuster card and still use it frequently, as well, but Nexflix movies are delivered TO MY DOOR and I choose from an endless list of movies to put on my own personal queue (list). I LOVE documentaries but they are hard to find and who knew there were so many out there?!? The list goes on and on. I have a $9.99 plan which means I can rent as many movies as I want in a month, one at a time. Depending on your mail service, you can rent probably three movies a week if you watch them the day they're delivered and then slip them right back in the mail. What could be easier? Why didn't I think of this?!

What does "Prison Break" have to do with new hairstyles? Gerald completely shaved his head. NOT! Got your attention or maybe you could care less. Maybe you thought, "Pfff, it's about time." The fact is, I am the common factor, and it's ALL about me, this blog, I mean. Weird how that works, huh? I'm ready for a new hairstyle; I do this, on average, every two years. Grow it long, cut it short, color it, never shaved it. So, I look up hairstyles online. Pick your favorite. Try not to look at the actress under the tresses...I know, that's hard to do. Hmmm, I want to look like HER, wait, she's not overweight and her face has color. Next. I want to find one of those websites where you put a picture of your face on the screen and then try out different hairstyles. Can anyone help me with this? They say the best haircuts are those that are best for your frame, face type and skin tone...can anyone help me with a stylist that does that...that I can afford? Do they DO that at Regis? If so, I definitely want my money back.

A little dance now, get up... one hop...two hops this time...cha, cha, cha...break it down. I LOVE that dance; it was just on the T.V. Hard to type a blog when you're boppin' your head and shakin' your tush.

Two blogs today! I'm on a roll. Gerald calls me an Internet Potato; today, that would be true. Tomorrow the kids go back to school. I'll miss them alot, but it's time to clean up and take down the holiday gear and that's easier done alone...with Zac. Gerald and I will enjoy going out to lunch again...with Zac, and I'll start looking for something to do at home that will bring in the little green rectangles. Would you pay somebody $10-15 to go to the grocery for you? If you were a working mom or a senior. If I'm going anyway, why not pick up someone's grocery list and make a little money to boot. Gerald doesn't think there would be enough interest. I'm not so sure. Whatcha' honestly think, and, please, pick me a good hairstyle.

OH MY GOSH, I'VE BECOME MARTHA STEWART!

We like good food, especially when we make it at home. I love making foods that most do not eat on a regular basis...Chicken Cordon Bleu--easy, just sounds complicated. Sausage w/peppers, onion, bacon, parmigiano and pasta; deglaze w/a little cooking wine and pour in some heavy cream, mmm. I have a recipe for Fettucine Alfredo that is out of this world and Alfredo is SO easy...butter, cream, cracked pepper and parmesan. Add the noodles and grilled chicken, serve w/fresh salad and crusty-chewy french bread (I like French better than Italian). Heavy food, but we like light food just at well...we make a MEAN grilled pizza, yes, grilled and it's the best-tasting pizza EVER. Chicken and veggies in a little olive oil is to die for. I often just throw stuff together that sounds good and I try to make it as easy as possible. Fresh ingredients *definitely* make the difference and cut prep time down considerably when thawing is not necessary. I have a habit of waking up with a "hankerin'" for a particular food and then go buy the ingredients to make that meal; unfortunately, when we've already used our food budget to buy groceries for the week, this is not a positive. I keep meaning to just pickup ingredients for meals everyday, like they do in Chi-town or NYC. How fun! We have TWO year-round farmer's markets and I love going there, plus Fresh Market just opened down the street. It's phenomenal, so much so, that I took the time to look up the correct spelling of the word. Today, we made homeade Caesar dressing--yeah, raw egg, anchovies; it was, to use a seventh grade word, Fantabulous, Hail to Caesar! The first time I discovered real Caesar dressing was in a fancy-schmancy restaurant that Gerald's mom took us. I was surprised that night to find out that real Caesar didn't come in a bottle. They made the dressing right at our table and the ingredients looked disgusting; being that I was pregnant with Anna, I was able to decline "for the baby," plus raw egg, little flat hairy fish, and morning sickness do NOT agree; just the sight and smell of the dressing had me choking. Thankfully, I have matured.

A house with five children is run, I would imagine, very much like a factory. The main objectives are speed and cost without sacrificing quality. Lunches are made every morning assembly-line style...eight pieces of white bread, or, four tortillas, no cheese, eight with mayo slapped on with a large spatula, two with mustard, squeeze-squeeze, lettuce on three. If we're behind schedule, dry bread, just deal. Pack each in a reusable plastic sandwich box (you wouldn't believe how many Ziplocs we used to go through), Pringles in special pringle-shaped containers, cheese sticks for two, three chocolate puddings, one vanilla. All four like oranges or apples, easy. Four small bottles of water, everyone order milk at school, cold packs, one napkin each and zip, zip, zip, zip, we're out the door. Got it down to a science. LOVE pringles containers, they're easy and they keep the chips from being squished, plus there are about 1,001 varieties of Pringles so pleasing everyone's palette is simple. I know, some (mom) would say, "Why not make lunches the night before?" Several reasons, 1)the bread gets soggy--gross, 2)our fridge is already VERY full, but mainly because 3)I'M TIRED after dinner and the last place I want to be is the kitchen.

I have learned some tricks through the years. I call them my "Lady in a Shoe Solutions" Here are a few:

• "Mom, will you cut my food?" Solution: A handy little kitchen gadget I like to call a pizza cutter. You cut through steak, chicken or the other white meat as fast as a Samurai and you can now eat YOUR meal warm...maybe.
• "Mom, where's my OTHER sock?" Solution: A Walmart (ugh) lifesaver, little plastic round disks that hook two socks together and stay on through washing and drying...ultimate awesomeness!
• "Mom, I don't know where my uniform is!" Solution: Fold and put ALL the uniform clothes in one basket in the family room. Nobody loses their uniform in the bottom of their unkempt drawers, under their bed or behind their dresser. If the basket starts looking empty, I know it's time to seek out uniforms in gym bags, lost and found, etc.
• "Mom, someone took my toothbrush!" Solution: Go to Dollar Tree and buy each kid their own wire bathroom basket in a different color. Store all their bathroom supplies in their own basket under the sink and free up drawer space, at the same time, avoiding the gooey toothpaste all over the drawer and hair on toothbrushes.
• "Mom, did you sign my papers?!" Solution: Bought five expandable plastic folders in five different colors and hung them on our "office" wall at kid height. They are responsible to put all school papers in their file and I get in the habit of looking through them at night and figure out who needs help with what subject.

A few years back I decided, thanks to two good friends, that the way towels are folded and wrinkles in clothes and a perfect house were DEFINITELY not THE all that ENDS all, BUT simplicity and organization had to become my game. It's still a work in progress, we've been married 14 years, moved at least 12 times-four among states, are rearing five children and a stupid dog. We're constantly scheduled and with Saturday being the most feasible day for chores AND family time, we don't want to spend all day cleaning. The kids are responsible for keeping day-to-day trash emptied and feeding the dog during the week but on Saturday, they have a big list of chores...vacuuming, dusting, bathrooms, etc. So, the best thing we've done for our family is keeping it simple. The less clutter you have, the less you have to dust/clean around, the less you feel owned and confined BY your clutter; buying less clutter saves money! *BONUS* I'm also not anal anymore about the kids' toys/rooms, I just shut their door if it's messy. I have THEM clean out what they don't want every year at Christmas and their birthday; they do a fantastic job, especially when you give them limitations like, "You can keep what you want as long as it fits in three toy bins." I bought a bunch of colorful buckets and bins and all they have to do is throw everything in--if they have just a few toys they play w/alot, they can find even little items at the bottom of the bucket. We ban eating in all rooms except for kitchen, dining and family(on special occasions) so that I don't have to worry about finding cookies and ants in the kids' toy bins--that's a whole day shot when you have to follow the ants back to the source and then clean all the toys cause they're sticky, etc. It helps now that my kids are four and older, but it DID take a little while to get through to them, "No eating but in the kitchen," I don't know how many times we repeated it. Now, it's just habit. Am I giving a lecture or what? I don't "stock up" anymore on anything except Kleenex and paper towels because, really, who needs five bottles of Windex? They're just going to be in your way for the next year and use up valuable space for say, linens. Is saving a few cents worth the aggravation? Finding an all-in-one cleaner, like Target's Lavender cleaner is awesome. Not only does it clean, it doesn't leave behind a film like those cleaning wipes AND it makes your house smell fresh, not like perfume. White vinegar is DA' BOMB for mopping floors, it's cheap and gets rid of pet odors. It smells at first, but then disappears. So, now instead of having a "cleaning closet" full of chemicals, I have about three bottles of cleaning and the rest is open for linens, vacuum bags, light bulbs, candles...you get the picture.

Wow, I just realized that I've written a small booklet; I should be published. Funny how your thoughts just start pouring out on "paper." I should eat Caesar dressing often. Well, this is kind of embarrassing, so I'll just return you to your regularly-scheduled Sunday and we'll leave it at that.

My Goals For 2007

Eat good food

Simplify

Get organized

Write short blogs

Be relevant

BLUE MELANCHOLY

I have to be fast. Gerald is waiting on me to help him grade papers that he procrastinated grading. He's singing his version of "Killing me Softly" as I type. He's such a BUTT .

I had a mediocre day. Woke up with a scratchy throat and body aches. Throat is still sore, but body aches are gone. In the words of Napoleon, YES-S-S!

This evening, took Molly to buy a birthday gift for a sleepover and walking out of Target, the sun was setting behind the mountains, it was humid and gently raining and the sky was three shades of blue. It was breathtaking, couldn't quit looking. It made my day. I'm so glad my God is a living, breathing God that paints the world for each of us just when we need it. Sometimes I forget how real he is, how human he is, how great he is. No, I'm not going to break out in a modern rendition of 'How Great Thou Art', I'll just say it.

We have ants. I hate ants. The previous owners assured me they'd never had ants...yeah, right! This IS the south. We left all of our Christmas goodies out on the counter while we traveled to K.C. and ten days later we return to ants in our goodies! We put out poison. I hate to kill them, but it's our pantry or them...and they ate all our goodies. I was so looking forward to a chocolate pretzel. Remind me to tell you one of these days about how I thought I was "Miss Thing" this year making my homemade cinnamon popcorn for Jake's class and was totally outdone by all the "southern belles," doesn't anyone buy their goodies at the store down here? No, they all make everything homemade which is GREAT when we go to dinner parties but not when I'm trying to be "Miss Thing." Forget it, I just told you the whole jist of the story. I'm starting THIS MONTH to come up with something extraordinaire by next Christmas. I'll show these southern belles what a YANKEE can do. Hmph! (Actually, I'm just from the midwest--half yankee.)

I did not intend to write this much. Just tell you about my day. Oh, we had tacos. Our favorite. Turned out to be a good day all around, except for Gerald now just singing, "Killing me, killing me, killing me." I'm definitely going to kill him.