Confession.....(sort of)

There is a chance that this complete and total nonsense of a mess MIGHT be my fault.
Our garbage disposal stopped working yesterday and instead of running right out to get a new one like I suggested the commander decides to investigate. He took the stinky thing apart and pulled it outside to find lots of little blue rocks that "look like the rocks from the fish bowl".
UMM, WELL, HMMMMMM, OK, I MIGHT remember some of them falling (OK being poured) down the drain when the fish tank was being cleaned. If I were to remember such an event, it wasn't very many rocks and there is a toddler culprit in the house that can never be ruled out during household disaster events.
Now, since NOT pouring rocks down the drain is common sense for most adults the commander gently reminds the toddler that we don't put rocks down the garbage disposal, but all the time he's looking at me. :)
NOT PICTURED...the large puddle and four towels from the dish washer leaking as a result of the garbage disposal debacle.

OK, OK!!...food waste only noted!!!
In my defense (and the toddler's), the commander informs me that it is fixed because he tested it with the cardboard roll from the paper towels! So.. if he finds cardboard in it next time, I'll refer him to this post.

TUSK II

This is Tusk II. When he's not firing up the hog fans on game days, he's hanging out on a local farm. Tusk weighs over 500 lbs and likes to eat grapes. He is much bigger than his dad was (Tusk I). On game days, the owner opens the back of the trailer then gets ready for the day and comes back to find Tusk settled in and ready to go. The trailer stays on the farm with the door open so he can come and go as he pleases.
(I asked a few questions if you can't tell).

Food, Fun, Friends, and Fellowship!

There were so many blog worthy events this weekend that I don't even know where to begin. I had about a months worth of social activity in two full days and it was GREAT to catch up with friends that I haven't seen in way too long!
I met up with her and her along with the Millar's and Steven for dinner at the best pizza place. Since I didn't pull my camera out, I'm forced to post these pics from 20 years ago! I'm just keepin' it real girls!

UMMM, she's going to college now!


And just to show you that some things never change...here is Riley being forced with the same pose that was photographed 20 years ago.


Saturday morning I met Solar and T.W for breakfast! T.W promises to have her blog up and running soon. I'm excited to have an old friend and new babysitter moving to the area. My social life might be on the up and up...more trips to target :)
Saturday was filled with Razorfest activites and the red/white game.
Here's a few highlights.

finally!

AHH! After many months of waiting, anticipating, wondering when it will be back, there is finally a new Grey's! I'm off to catch up with my "friends".
I can't wait to discuss!

ummm, i fell asleep before it ended. i don't think the welcome back episode was everything i was hoping for.

story book introduction

The first page of this book reads "My name is Sally and I run the Cozy Cone Motel if you are looking for a good place to stay."
I caught Riley "reading" this book and saying "hi sa-eee car, my name is ri-eee" (he would point to himself as he said it).
Then he picked up the next book and introduced himself to Doc Hudson.
OH, how he loves books!

random 5

I'm fulfilling the random 5 tag from marmalade.

1. i LOVE to eat reduced fat snacks like RF oreos, healthy choice ice cream sandwiches, and harvest cheddar chips since you can eat more and they taste the same.

2.i love to plant a garden in the spring..especially tomatoes.

3. i like to make fresh salsa in the summer from my home grown tomatoes..yum, yum better than chili's!

4. i prop my pencil on my ring finger not the middle finger like most people

5. i have abnormally short toe nails for no apparent reason. they just don't grow so my socks never get snagged.

more tales from a tool woman

Yes, the tool woman even cooks. Eat your heart out Paula D. and Pioneer woman on my breakfast for the commander. He showed me this Sat. morning from his maxim magazine and said "this is a real breakfast if you want to cook me something" so I surprised him with this little dish when he came in from working in the yard.

goofin' off

Riley looks 10 years older with his new hair cut.
yep, he climbed right in the chair and got his big boy hair cut. He only jumped out of the chair once and face planted on the ground while she was cutting his hair. It didn't bother him though. He just got right back in the saddle.
(Nearly scared the poop out of me)

Well Spoken

Granola girl wrote this last week and it has stuck with me ever since.
Thanks for the great message! I just wanted to pass it along.

sometimes i have to remind myself that even a good mom gets tired...wants to scream...speaks rudely to her children...sobs into her imperfect hands...

but i further remind myself that a good mom also...picks herself up...calls a friend who never judges...says a prayer...apologizes to her children explaining that we all make mistakes and that's why God is so amazing...takes a deep breath...and pushes on...

Everyone have a great Monday!

Ready for the week

Groceries---check
Meals planned---check
2 weeks worth of laundry completed--check
(AHH...fresh sheets)!
House cleaned--check
Nap time for all---check

The commander fixes dinner! AHHH again. It's going to be a good week!

Fairfield Bay...with a hair update

This is a VERY FLOODED, VERY RECORD BREAKING Fairfield Bay.
This is the back yard. There is an arbour, landscaping with walkways, and a japanese maple underneath all this water. Even the walkway to the dock is covered.



I'm told there is a cliff down there that one would think twice about jumping from that is completely under water. Also, it's usally crystal clear and beautiful!


Bring it on Forrest Gump


LIONS, AND TIGERS, AND SCARY HAIR, OH MY!
Look at the shock in the little boy's face (this was the only delightful pic i had to post...you asked for it)


HAPPY BIRTHDAY SCOTT!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SCOTT!

We went to Fairfield Bay for Scott's Birthday.

The driver on the bus says: MOVE ON BACK, MOVE ON BACK, MOVE ON BACK


The driver on the bus says: MOVE ON BACK


ALL THROUGH THE TOWN


The boys on the bus say: DRIVE REAL FAST, DRIVE REAL FAST, DRIVE REAL FAST


All through the town




Then every good thing must come to an end so we got this..I WANT MY SCHOOL BUS


Which brings me to our road trip game. After growing weary of hearing this phrase my dad says "i wonder how many more times he can say that" so we counted and 32 times later we arrived in Fairfield Bay where he rapid fired "MY SCHOOL BUS" as we pulled in behind the bus. They had a joyous reunion.

Full Friday....

So much to blog about...
You know when things are going OK that you think WOW, I've really got it together. Nothing can mess up my day today. When things try to block your path, there's always a plan B or a way to get around to keep things flowing smoothly.
Not everyday can be one of those days..
I've worked lots of overtime, nights, and even a few weekend hours over the past 2 weeks so it's been hectic. I called my colorist/friend Thursday night and asked if she could fit me into her schedule and she obliged.

I grab my things after work and head down for my "appointment" (aka girls night).
Forget my camera as I'm leaving town so I have to turn around.
Get to her town and realize that I forgot my hair stuff to do it with. CRAP!
Call my salon friend and beg her to bail me out. She asks the 16 year old assistant/step daughter to get me some blonding color #3 and developer. We exchange family up to dates and then off I go.
We're excited for our girls night. I start reading the bottle and our conversation goes something like this...
A: I wonder why this stuff says for professional use only. What do you think makes it different from what you buy in the store.
N: Because the professionals have to know how to mix it. It doesn't come with instructions.
A: oh, (continue reading the bottle) you are correct indeed. It doesn't mention anything about how much to mix. Good thing Salon friend sends moral support and instructions. We must get around to finding something else to do for girls night because that's just working over time for E. so we understand her sending moral support. Focusing back on the issue....
Finally we are to the point of adding the color
N: do you need a hat or heat for this color
A: ummmm, i forgot to ask
N: well, what did you do last time?
A: ummm, i went darker so I think it was different. I'm getting ready for spring this time.
N: applying the blonding gel very generously all over my head.
A: began to notice her holding the strands out for a closer look, so i asked if it was just me or was it getting darker?
N: i think we should call the salon friend
A: immediately call the salon friend and hand the phone to nik....I hear this..

N:what color was A. supposed to get? (as if she already had a clue something wasn't right)
N:blonding gel 3?? is that the same as 3N expresso?? OH, UM HUH, ooHhhhhhh, um,
A, what do you think about going brown?
Panic rises! I'm immediately thinking LILY from the MUNSTERS! It was looking BLACK!
N: (back to the phone): well, it was only on for 15 min so we'll get it off right away. i hear from the other side of the phone :IT WAS A 20 MINUTE COLOR. Now I'm scrubbing my scalp very, very hard and really panicked and asked if salon friend had an 8:30 appt.
N: well, you know it's very L.A. to be brunnette. Think Katie Holmes (I was thinking more Kate Hudson originally). I'm sensing amusement on her part.
N: i think lighter colored people look better with dark hair (now i'm goth and pasty???)
N: its really not looking bad at all. It even has a nice shimmer.
yes, that's right i'm swimming in fear that this can't be fixed before i head out in public.
As it turns out, it's not goth.
It's not Lily.
It's a 3N expresso to go.
NOTE TO SELF: ask salon owner to check product prior to leaving.
Its really kind of OK. I think I can get used to it.

The phone call

My good friend Brittney calls me last night to tell me that I had to find a new hair cutter! HUH? I immediately thought to myself. She explained that our wonderful girl that cuts our hair was only going to work one week/month and only was keeping certain customers. I'm being dumped, broken up with, the relationship is ending just like that?
Her mom goes there too and said that we didn't make the cut. I tried to call today and make a desperate attempt for an appointment, but I only got an answering machine.
I've never cheated...not once in 3 1/2 years. I've been there religiously every 6 weeks. I asked if she was only keeping the color/cut jobs because I'm only a cut job girl. Sorry, but I have a great self taught colorist/friend that does the coloring in her kitchen. (BTW, I'm due for a color, Nik)
But my hair cutter girl...ahhhhhh. What am I going to do? I have to meet someone new. Make new, friendly conversation. Our conversations were established.
Maybe I'll give her a week to think about it. Maybe she doesn't really want to end with me. I'm desperate! I'm being dumped to color/cut girls!!

Dinner

We didn't get the hair cut yesterday, but we did go to dinner with Ross's parents.

If any of you don't know this little trick..let me just tell you that it's a life saver. If you have kids that don't like to sit still then go get one now. Thank you.
It's the best babysitter when you're in public and waiting!

BTW, if we were to take the skinny kid to Disney World right now, he would probably walk right past Mickey to get to Pete. You probably aren't familiar with Pete (I wasn't). He's the big secondary character on the Mickey Mouse Club house who also happens to be Riley's favorite.

Lunch date

The tall, skinny kid and I went to Atlanta Bread Company for lunch.
As you can see he needs a hair cut! That was our next order of business, but I got distracted by Hobby Lobby and then he pooped out on me in the car so we headed home.
Maybe we'll venture back out and get that much needed hair cut.
BTW, tea + 2 DC's = shaky girl syndrome!

update

I have another blog linked to the "other blogs" tab. If anyone knows a better way to list links PLEASE HELP!

new and improved?

yep, that's right...I got a blog lift. I'm now 6 hours into it on my Friday night and my nails are getting shorter by the second! I figured out how to add the tabs, but I don't know how to get my friend's links in the other blogs one...anyone know??
HELP! I can't be without the blogs at my fingertips.


There are still some glitches and I'm having some panic over losing my blog links, but I have to call it quits for now.

Thanks Lindsay for telling me about flickr. It's great!

Random-ness

You know why else I love blogs so much? Well, the comments aren't SPAM! I do not like to open my email thinking I have 8 messages (after 3 days) when I really only have one! At least when you see a comment on a blog and you get that warm, tingly feeling inside as you anticipate who it's going to be from, you can know it's not going to be some random winning that you never entered...ugh! I DON'T like spam!

By the way, I started out my week all positive and perky, but somewhere, somehow along my commute of I-540 I tossed that girl out somewhere and am stuck with the evil alter ego! The one that demands fast food three times this week (one of those being this morning). It might have something to do with the stress of our hospital doubling it's bedsize but my staff of ONE staying the same! UGH! This too will pass, nice girl will be back, and help will eventually come. RIGHT??????
It better or Fatville will have it's gates open waiting for me!

word play

With all those words in the English language, one could easily understand getting them all mixed up. Here are a few of my favorites that I hear from Riley

Check up =Ketchup
Beef Turkey =Beef jerky
and my personal favorite...BUZZ BITE YEAR