Bogue and Weejer

Little Manipulators

2012-01-27T08:11:00.005-06:00

As the girls get older, they get wiser and more devious. I was expecting that to happen, but I wasn't expecting them to manipulate David and me the way they do. But, I'm catching onto it. At least I hope I am. It could be a long con. Oh man...I hadn't thought about that.

For example, during any meal, mainly supper, we'll most likely put something in front of them they're not going to want to eat (i.e. everything). So, we'll offer them a bite of chicken, like, "Here, let's take a bite. You'll like it."

"Ooooh, no...thirsty. Uh...milk! Water! Juice! Milk! Thirsty!"

So, we'll offer them a drink of something. They'll take a big swig. Then, we'll go back to the chicken.

"Ooooh, no! Thirsty! More milk!"

Geez, are they fish? Another sip. Another chicken attempt.

"MILK!!!"

Another sip. By this point, their eyeballs are swimming in milk. They'll hold the cup to their lips, not drinking, but just blocking the entrance to their mouths. You're not really thirsty, you little fakers! You just don't want chicken. They still try that, but we're totally aware of the gig.

Another thing they do during the day is try to take toys from each other. Most toys, we have two of, but there are a few things that we just have one of and those are the prize items. Not because they're awesome toys, but because there's just one and it's more valuable because of it. So, someone will be playing with it and the other someone will want it. This is something really only Harper does. I'll hear this blood-curling scream and from the living room comes running Harper, crying and holding her head. She's blubbering, "Pi bite Sissy. Ouch! Oh, ear! Pi bite ear!" Well, an ear is a strange thing to bite when a hand is much more accessible and convenient. But, I'll go into the living room and see Piper Lee minding her own business, playing with the toy. I'll assume that Harper was bitten by Piper as a means to take the toy from her. I'll give the toy back to Harper. The end.

Not so much. I noticed Harper doing this more and more and I'd ask where Piper bit her and she'd hold her right ear. I'd set her down, we'd go to have a talk with Piper and I said, "Show me where Piper bit you," and she'd hold her left ear. I thought that was strange. She did the same things with the fingers or feet or knees that Piper had bitten. It was as thought she was FAKING.

One day, I happened to see the series of events. Piper Lee is playing so peacefully by herself and Harper obviously wants whatever she has. She tries to take it, but PL (the quiet but scary one) growls and snatches it back. Harper grabs her head in extreme pain and runs to me. Ohhh, my sweet child...I figured you out.

One of the most hurtful things they do is ask to go outside to jump. We put on our shoes and jackets and head out. I toss them up on the trampoline and zip up the enclosure. "No! Mama jump!" They unzip the door (yes, they figured out how to do that, sigh), reach for me, and pull me up. It just melts my heart that my children want me to play with them. I'll jump a little just to give a slight bounce and they'll run back to the opening and say, "Off, off!" Girls, we just got up here! But, I'll lower them safely to the ground and right as I'm about to step off, too, they'll say, "No, Mama jump! Zip. Up." Those little punks want me to zip myself back up in the trampoline. It crushes me. But I'll jump and get up really high and then they'll want back on. Uh, huh. It's a lot more fun when you have someone heavier on there with you, isn't it?

Sometimes I use their powers of persuasion to my advantage. Like, "Hey girls, go give Daddy a kiss...and ask him to make me some hot chocolate."

"Daddy! (kiss) Mama! Chocolate!"

Love those kids.

The Stories...Edition 2

2012-01-25T21:41:00.004-06:00

This story comes to us from an "Anonymous" contributor. But, you might could guess who it is. And I would say she is a lucky, lucky gal...having given birth to such a beautiful baby girl...a marvel really. The world is better for it.

when i was giving birth to my second daughter, i was in the hospital for 4 days prior to her birth, being induced, because my blood pressure was high. it was late august/early september in the deep south and you know how hot that can be. i was miserable being in semi-labor every day but not progressing fast. finally, on september first, she was ready to enter the world. would you believe that about 30 minutes prior to them taking me to the delivery room, the power went out in the hospital. even though the hospital had a back-up generator for essential functions, the air conditioning was not one of those functions. it was easily 100 degrees in the hospital, i had been in labor for 4 days (induced labor which is very painful), and i had to transfer from my hospital bed to a stretcher (this was in the old days). neither the bed nor the stretcher could be electrically raised because there was no power so i had to physically get on the stretcher myself while in lots and lots of pain, hungry and with sweat literally dripping off my entire body. finally, i make it onto the stretcher and as they are wheeling me out of the room, the nurses hit the door frame with my stretcher and almost throw me to the floor. at that point i yelled out...OH ****....only to look up and see my pastor standing right there looking at me. he never said a word to me about that outburst and never brought it up again:)

This next submission is also from an "Anonymous" contributor...what is up with the anonymity? It's like you don't want people to know you pooped your pants. This was also the story David picked as the winner of the giveaway.

Several years ago, my whole family took a trip to Disney World. While at Epcot, we ate at the restaurant in Paris. The meal was delicious! Roast chicken and onion soup :) Half way through the meal, my daughter got really sleepy, so I held her in my lap while I continued to eat. Then I felt a warm sensation run down my leg. My child had peed not on herself so much, but all over my white capri pants. Great. I went to the restroom to try and clean up and that’s when it happened. Stomach cramp. Uh oh. Not good. Maybe roast chicken and onion soup in 90º weather is not such a good idea? There are no empty stalls and I am about to, well ... go. Finally a stall! I run inside take care of business (first properly lining the seat with a proective covering). Ahhhh, relief. I’ll deal with the pee soaked pants later. As I finish up, I go to flush and notice the paper seat cover is stuck to my rear. But there’s more than paper suck to it. At that point it was too late. The poo paper had gotten all over the back of my pants. So now I have my daughter’s pee and my poo all over my clothing. I thought surely someone in my family would come check on me soon. It felt like I had been in there for hours, but I couldn’t leave the stall. I removed my pants sat back down and cried. A grown woman. Stuck in a stall. Pantless. Bawling. Finally, my mother came in to check on me. I burst into tears and told her I needed new pants. Just go, I’ll be here waiting. And I did wait, about another hour for her to return with $70 pants (hey - Disney aint cheap). I cleaned myself up, put on horribly expensive and ugly capris, regained the small amount of dignity I had left, and walked out of the bathroom with my held held high. My family was outside of the restaurant trying to contain their laughter. As I walked past all I said was, “not one word. not ONE word.”

This story comes from Courtney over at The Life and Times of Me. Of all the things in all the world in front of any particular age group...you picked it good, girl. I'm trying to think of how you would recover from this. Bless you. Heh heh rocket ship.

Once I was teaching youth for Patrick because he had to study for a test or something along those lines. I don't even remember what the lesson was about, but I was trying to say the words "rocket ship" only it came out "rocket s***t" in front of a room full of 13-17 year olds. They thought it was hilarious. I turned 27 shades of red.

This one is from my sweet super stylish Amberoo, a.k.a. The Pink Pixi! She has made me spend way too much at Sephora with all of her recommendations. Okay, the running theme of the Dr. Peppers was awesome. Whatever you do, SAVE THE DR. PEPPER! If only I had seen that stair incident. I'm just picturing it...over and over...I love you, girlie.

so...i think i normally block out my most embarrassing moments...or maybe i just don't get embarrassed?
but, when i was in college at auburn i took a philosophy class that i LOVED. but it was a super small class in a super small classroom. during this time in my life i carried a 20oz dr. pepper with me everywhere i went. naturally i would take a sip during class on occasion. however, i happen to have a spastic right hand. and one day as i was setting down my dr. pepper my hand spazzed and the bottle flew and landed right at the feet of the teacher. luckily he liked me...
that very same day leaving class in one of the busiest buildings on campus, which just so happened to have A LOT of stairs, i slipped and tumbled down the stairs in front of a crowd. never let go of that dr. pepper bottle though.
luckily i just think stuff like that is hysterical...

These next two are from Jenny at The Underside of the Universe. So many reasons I like Jenny. Her middle name is Ruth, for starters. That gets her points right there. She's also one of those people that has the most interesting and unusual stories. She's super crafty, too. I mean...awesome crafty. It makes me sick. You make me sick, Jenny Ruth. I can barely write in cursive.

I can't tell you how many times I've done the exact same thing as the following story. Maybe not the Marilyn Manson backpack incident, which is superb and David nearly lost it, but definitely done the thinking someone else is my husband. I've actually held another guy's hand before.

And this isn't the "best", but to make you feel better about your mom stories, this past summer, Stephen and I had just come out of seeing Thor at the movie theater at the Summit. We both had to go to the bathroom, so we went in our separate doors and said we would meet outside when finished. I came out and found Stephen reading something on his cell phone, so I went over to him and stood closely by him. And then I got really close so I could tell him something about a weird shirt someone was wearing--as in our heads were just a couple of inches away. One little move and I would've kissed him. Only to look up and see someone who looked nothing like Stephen. He also wasn't dressed like Stephen. What was I thinking. So I looked at the strange man and said, "You're totally not my husband." And immediately walked away to see Stephen come out of the bathroom. Face flushed and red, I hurried him away as fast as I could.

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When I was a senior in high school, I was president of the largest club in the school, and I would often make announcements over the intercom in the mornings concerning the service projects and such that our club was doing. I was also an athlete and very involved around the school. I wasn't "popular" but was very well known, and the whole school knew who it was when I was making morning announcements.

One morning, a lost backpack had ended up in the office. This was during the time when kids thought it was cool to "paint" or write on their backpacks with whiteout. This particular one had some artwork and the name "Marilyn Manson" very largely and boldly painted on the front. My announcement was at the end, and as I was finishing, the assistant principal asked me to announce that Marilyn Manson's book bag was in the front office. So, me having no clue who the heck Marilyn Manson was, did so. Over the entire school. During morning announcements. And everyone knew it was me who did it. As I cluelessly walked back down through the hallways, I could hear laughing and giggling coming from each homeroom. When the bell rang to go to 1st period, some friends came up to me laughing and talking about how awesome that was. "What do you mean? Why is everyone laughing?" Apparently the assistant principal and I were the only ones in the school who didn't know about Marilyn Manson, and that this person was neither a girl or a student at our school.

My blunder became classic fodder for laughs and was even featured in the student council Christmas assembly skit the next year--after I had graduated!

Here's one from Katy over at Monster Proof! I can't believe Robby is 8 months old. That's ridiculous. He was just born. What happened? Katy has a German Shepherd named Harper, which I adore, because my Harper is kind of like a German Shepherd. Less furry. But, she's pretty formidable on the outside and a big teddy bear on the inside. Katy, when I was reading David your story, I snorted from laughing while envisioning you hanging off the ski lift. Well, I've never been snow-skiing so my hat's off to you.

I have to choose ONE?!?!

My dad took my brother and I with him on a business trip to Switzerland when I was a junior in high school (torture, I know). We decided to go skiing, and while I wasn't that experienced, I thought, "Sure, I can handle the Alps."

Beyond the graceless actual attempts at skiing, I had never been on a T-Bar ski lift before. My father got on first, and made it all slanted, and I tried to load...and failed miserably. Shortly after it started moving, I slid down, and was hanging off of it by my hands, ultimately falling off about 1/2 way up. I had to take off my skis and walk all the way down the mountain as people shouted at me in German. The upside was I didn't know German, and had no clue what they were saying...

(Would the time I was skiing and ran into a picnic table have been better? I don't have much luck with the whole skiing thing...)

And the last one is from Jamie B. over at Jamie's Rabbits. Now, I've never met Jamie, but she knows my sister Sara somehow. And she also knows Erin and a few others. I need to find this connection. She's hilarious, though. I am so so so happy (and sad) that this happened on your first date ever. I know it wasn't awesome then, but gyah, it makes for a good story. I do that all the time in the theater. I have grabbed so many über personal body parts in the dark...accidentally, of course. People in the theater just need to know I'm gonna be crossing some personal boundaries.

First date - ever. So nervous...spend hours getting ready...struggle through dinner trying to be so cute and funny and so lovely that he would for sure want to ask me out again!

Finish dinner and go to a movie at the Summit (which was BRAND NEW at this time). It's a Saturday night, so the movie theater is packed and we are a little late. We walk across the front of this PACKED movie theater, wondering if we will even be able to find two seats together - except I don't walk. I slide on someone's spilled drink. I awkwardly manage to not fall by flailing my arms around and doing the running man. The packed theater laughs and some give me a standing ovation. Needless to say, I was so glad the movie theater was dark and I didn't have to talk.

The Stories

2012-01-24T08:08:00.002-06:00

Here are the embarrassing stories...edition 1.

You guys, this is Emma's embarrassing story. Emma...that cracked me up. I laughed so hard at your story and your following comment. Thank you for submitting it anyways. :) I'm trying to decide whether I would have left the water park or kept on trucking. Hmmmmmm...I would have stayed. Every other person's got 'em. Also, Typhoon Lagoon at Disney had a similar bucket thing. Definitely will have to remember not to stand under it.

It was my freshman year of highschool, and my youth group decided to take a trip to Carowinds one summer night. We were sectioned off in groups, and I was with a few girls and a few guys. We were all walking around, and decided we wanted to go to the "kid's water park" part of the park. There was a giant bucket suspending at the top of a pole, and it was being filled up with water. When it gets full, it dumps the water onto whoever is standing under it. So naturally, me and a couple girl friends go and stand under it. I was wearing a tankini that was a little "loose" up top (if you know what I mean), and let's just say I was not expecting this: hard. water. pressure. The bucket fills up, and then pours the water on top of us. Well... my tankini was no match for that water pressure because the shoulder straps and top part CAME DOWN. At and amusement park. In front of men, women, and children. Bad thing is: I didn't know it. I was just relishing in how refreshing that water felt because it was so hot outside. It was a good 5-10 seconds (and when something like this happens, 5 seconds is an ETERNITY) before my friend looked at me, eyes bulged, and she started laughing so hard. Ummm, yeah. So. Embarrassing.

I will refrain from telling the story of when I was on a youth lake trip riding a water tube, when we hit a big wake, and well.... I'll save that one for another giveaway :)

And here is Laura Grace's story (David's younger sister). Girl, I had NO idea this happened. I'm trying to remember who Dr. Miller was. Either way, this was AMAZING. I wish I had known this earlier...think of the jokes we could have been making all these years. "Watch out, you guys! LG's reaching for something on the floor! No telling what she'll try to touch!"

It was an average day. College. American Lit. Dr. Miller. Ripped. Single (divorced). Walked the aisles as he taught.

Every day started with a quiz on the previous night's reading. "Number 1"...Crap. Already misspelled my name. What a way to start the day. As I erased what I'd written, I tried to scrape the eraser shavings off my paper. But alas! The paper flew off my desk! Me, always quick on my feet, or butt in this instance, ninja-ed my hand out to grab the paper mid-flight. But, my head had been down. Dr. Miller was coming down my lane....Let's just say my hand grabbed something that wasn't paper. Something that was below his waist and above his knees....

Speechless.

"Why Ms. Tinsley!, he exclaimed, "I haven't had this much action in a LONG time!!!" (And yes, he really, actually said this.)

Mor-ti-FIED.

This one makes me cringe so hard. And makes my heart hurt for the poor soul who endured it. And I honestly have no idea what that boy in your story was talking about. Don't worry about it. He's probably a hobo now. Or the guy that smell-tests air fresheners for cars, since he's apparently obsessed with smelling things. Oh, and yes, typing...I wish it had been an elective in school for us. Mom made us set an egg timer and type every day for not 10...not 20...but 30 minutes EVERY DAY. Well, every week day. Our fingers got a break on the weekends. However, I am grateful now because I can type 96 words per minute with 3 errors...BOOM! Beat that, Hugsy! Psh...I'll always be the best. Anonymous...we all cringe for you.

I bloomed early. Really early. As in my Aunt Flo came for the first time when I was 10 years old…the summer before I started sixth grade. In sixth grade (the first year in middle school) you had to take a sampling of each elective class so you’d know what to pick the following two years. EVERYONE had to do EVERYTHING…drama, fine art, practical art, chorus, typing (why was THAT an elective?), home ec, and shop. Like most kids, up to that point, I took a shower every night. Well, you know what it’s like when your Aunt visits. You’re a bit more oily and smelly. So we had done PE that day and the next class was shop. UGH. Hated that class. This nasty, mean boy was lined up behind me getting out the door and he proceeds to tell me LOUDLY that I smell like “period juice”. I have no idea if he meant it, but from that day on I ALWAYS took a shower every morning. Which also accounts for me using the highest rated deodorant I can, lotion every day, perfume every day, and even aerosol deodorant on my feet. I’m psycho, but you won’t smell me.

Phoebe Ball: Part 2

2012-01-20T10:22:00.005-06:00

(So glad you liked the penguin party pictures! Thanks you guys!)

As many of you know, Phoebe Ball is one of my most favorite games. David's cousin Brittany taught us to play many many moons ago and it just gets awesomer and awesomer. If you didn't get to read the first Phoebe Ball post, including how to play the game, you can read it here.

It's such a great game. No score. No winners. I mean, let's be honest...nobody's a winner when they play this game. As you can see, Eric holds the record for "Creepiest Drawing Ever". But, you guys...I may have a new contender.

Over Christmas, me, Mom, David, Noah and Bryan sat down to play. Everybody else (cough cough Sara Dad Peter cough cough) was being lame. LAME-O. Whatevs. We don't need them. Normally, we stick to movies for the category. David hates that, but I'm in charge, so...the category was movies. I don't even remember who started this sequence of drawings. I think it was Noah. I didn't save the timeline. Think, Ruth, THINK! Regardless...the title of "Beauty and the Beast" came around to Bryan. And this is what he draws...

WHAAAAAAT?!?!?! IS?!??!?! THAT?!?!?!?!

It's horrifying! Is that a tail or a mutated arm thing with which the beast clubs its victims? The wiry, razor sharp grimace. I think it's smiling a little. The dead, lifeless eye.

I don't know which one will haunt my dreams more...

Eric's Intergalactic Monster Lion King

Or Bryan's Mutated Humanoid Beast

It's Party Time!

2012-01-16T21:18:00.015-06:00

Saturday, we had the girl's 2nd birthday party. And it was SO much fun! Oh my gosh, I think I had as much fun as they had...even though they still don't really quite get that it's a party for them. They had a blast, nonetheless. At their 1st birthday party, Mom and I were already trying to decide what to do for this years'. So far, all two of their birthdays, we've kept the theme around something cold because they were born in the coldest winter in the history of all time. And until they pick their own theme, we'll just keep doing cold stuff. Last year was snowflakes. This year was penguins.

(I borrowed a lot of these pictures from Dad and Papa T [David's Dad]).

And everything was black, white, and all things penguin.

Penguin Caviar (chocolate candies)

Aptenodyte Bytes (chocolate orange cream-filled cupcakes)

Baked Silverfish (it's kind of obvious what they are)

Krill Kisses (also obvious)

Squid Twists (these are those Synder's of Hanover chocolate-covered pretzels that are AMAZING. I dare to say they're better than Flipz.)

Penguin Poo (cocoa dusted truffles)

Crustacean Crackers ( bacon-wrapped cheesy butter crackers)

Bacon-Wrapped Cephalopod (bacon-wrapped smokies with brown sugar)

The spread and Mamaw sampling in the background.

We also had fresh glacier water from Antarctica.

"Penguin needs a water break."

"I hear that."

Mom made this super fab banner!

Penguin building station. The kids weren't sure at first what to do with this. Reid grabbed a handful of the "skins" and toted them around on his arm like a rugged trapper in the frozen wasteland carrying penguin pelts home to his ice house.

Virginia Kate

Building penguins!

Little Finn and Shane

Bryan and VK

The twins and Reid

Water break. Okay, back to partying.

Reid

The hearts for the penguins.

Holland, the professional penguiner.

I adore this picture. Megs and Harps.

Mmm...plastic is delicious.

Opening the loot! They got the cutest stuff, you guys.

Finn

Story

Ashley and Savannah

Virginia Cake

Such a great day! I was sad it was over. We're already planning next year's par-tay! Unless the girls decide they want a particular theme, of course. Yay for birthdays!!! And penguins!!!

Noah's Story

2012-01-16T07:43:00.002-06:00

You guys, this weekend was awesome. I mean...if this weekend had a name, it would be spelled A-W-E-S-O-M-E and it would be served with a side dish of awesome. Just a great weekend. We had the girls' 2nd birthday party, which was a blast! They had the best day. But, I'll tell you all about that later. I have lots of pictures, but haven't had a chance to load them, so I'm going to go back to the embarrassing stories and start sharing them with you so you can all revel in their fantasticalness.

I'll share a few at a time, but today, I wanted to specifically focus on one in particular: Noah's. Sweet baby brother, Noah. Also known as Boog, Booger, Shmoog, Hoop, Hooper, and Ellawheeza.

Noah took it upon himself to leave a one-sentence embarrassing story...it is as follows:

"Ruth is my sister."

Oh, Noah. So witty and clever and NOT FUNNY. But, that's okay...since you were short on embarrassing stories, I remembered one that I can totally let you borrow for your submission.

About three years ago, maybe four, Noah came to visit us in the Ham and he decided he wanted to join the tattoo club. It wasn't a spontaneous decision...he had been thinking about it for awhile. He knew exactly what he wanted. Abstract wings on his wrist. His favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 40:31..."But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." It's a great verse. It's uplifting, encouraging...and more fitting for this situation than Noah realized at the time. (Spoiler alert: faint being the key word.)

We go to the tattoo shop, the same one Sara and I had been before getting inked. The guys there are great. Noah sits in the chair and Jacob, the artist, starts prepping. Jacob transfers the temporary tattoo to Noah's wrist to make sure the placement is okay, Noah approves, and Jacob starts up his gun. If you've never gotten a tattoo before, it's a very annoying noise. It's like a miniature jackhammer, but whinier and more tinny. Sara and I are in the room with him, talking to Noah. Sara and I are mainly having the conversation and Noah is joining in here and there. Jacob's working on the first wing.

After a few minutes, Noah's contribution to the conversation becomes more sporadic, aloof, and not at all pertaining to our chosen topic. I look over at him and well, he's pretty gray. His lips are a soft pink. His eyes are kind of glazed over. But he's smiling and nodding his head. Sara asks, "Noah, are you okay?" Noah replies, "Wha-yeah...totally. I'm totally fine. I'm totally...fine. I'm...fine... I'm. Fiiii......." He's still smiling, enjoying the conversation. His head lowers slightly to his chest and he slowly leans to the right...toward the floor. Jacob and Sara catch him and lay him gently on the carpet. I dig through my purse for some candy or chocolate, which I always have nearby. I find a Hershey's Kiss and give it to Sara, then run to the coke machine to get a Mountain Dew. When I come back, Noah is white as a ghost, his eyes are closed, but he's still smiling. Sara and Jacob are asking him questions, trying to get him to respond: "Noah, can you hear me? Noah, wake up! Noah, can you open your eyes. You need to open your eyes." Noah finally does open his eyes. They're all wobbly and can't focus. Sara props his head up and makes him take a sip of Mountain Dew. Thens he force-feeds him the Hershey's goodness. (MY chocolate!) We're still asking him questions. He finally responds, "Guys...calm down. I'm okay. I could hear you the whole time. What's the problem? I'm totally fine!" But it was super slurred and sounded more like this, "GuysclalmdownsahmokayIcanheayouahtheghulltumWhazztheproblmAhmtotllyfun." He starts laughing hysterically. I stop panicking a little. Sara makes him lay back down and keep drinking while she holds his feet up. Good ole Dr. Sara. Finally, Noah starts looking more peach colored and less ash colored. His normal speech returns. He sits up and says he didn't eat a big lunch. Well, NOW you tell us, Noah, sheesh. He adds, "It's hurting more than I thought it would." Yeah, tattoos hurt. Jacob was only halfway done and Noah wasn't leaving until he had it finished. Noah finishes his drink and I fish out the rest of my precious chocolate stash, which he consumes selfishly, and he sits back in the chair to finish his hardcore tat session. His normal color had filled his face and he was back to himself.

Jacob starts the whiny gun again. PTHTTTZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz, etc.

Sara and I resume our conversation from before the incident. Noah and Jacob each add in their two cents. About 53 seconds later, Noah's head slumps to his chest again and boom!...down to the floor. We couldn't catch him that time. This go 'round, it took about 3 minutes to revive him. I would have been a little more worried except that that sucker smiled the entire time. His eyes were closed and he was unresponsive and pale as the full moon, but he was apparently happy. Jacob finally asks, "Should we slap him?" When we were just about to do so, Noah wakes up laughing. "You guys...don't slap me. I'm totally fine. Totally. Fine." Same procedure as before. But this time, he had a look of determination plastered on his face, along with the queasy green. Jacob was able to finish the tattoo, while Sara and I stood on each side of Noah, and the finished product was awesome.

So, Noah, next time you want to be "funny funny funny guy" in your comments, remember the fact that neither of your sisters have passed out once during any of their tattoos...much less twice in one session.

The. End.

And the Winner Is...

2012-01-12T21:26:00.007-06:00

Thank you guys SO much for playing!!

I gotta tell you...I delight in the comical misfortune of others. Your stories were amazing and truly entertained us. And next week, they will be the entertainment of anybody passing by to read this blog. So, thank you for being klutzes and weirdos and for sharing your horrendously embarrassing stories with all of us. They make me so happy.

Noah, your submission was disqualified. You've got it coming...just wait.

I read all of the stories to David anonymously and any proper names were disguised so he wouldn't know who anybody was. It was completely unbiased. I laughed so hard reading them. A few of them, I acted out for him so he could get the full effect. You people are funny.

He genuinely had a difficult time deciding. It took him awhile to come to his final decision. He narrowed it down to three and then tried to imagine what was the worst situation he could be in...this is what he picked.

So, Poop Pants, you win!! Hopefully, your new lotion will make you smell better and your new lip balm will help heal your chapped lips from all the crying in the stall at Disney World. I promised I wouldn't share this individual's name, but I know where she lives. Just think, that was a stressful time for you, sure, but it's brought a lot of joy to others. See? Silver lining.

I really wanted to be able to give everyone some of the fabulous lotion and David had such a hard time picking a winner. He really was upset. I wish you could have heard his comments on everyone's. I should have filmed that, shoot. Thank you guys again!

The Day We Turned 2

2012-01-09T17:06:00.009-06:00

Don't forget to send me your embarrassing stories for the giveaway! I gotta tell you...I'm loving reading them. Makes me feel better about myself. AWWW, jay kay!

These pictures were taken on their birthday.

You woke me up...for this...

Thinking...thinking...not interested.

Take the picture. Take the freaking picture. TAKE THE PICTURE!

Heee-eeeeey...

Piper Lee

Harper

Tongue. Yep, still there.

I look at you, ball, and I ponder your existence.

W'sup, sugar.

Hey, look at you! You CAN come out in broad daylight and not scare everyone away. Alright! Baby steps...baby steps.

You see this ball? It's going in your face.

Whooooo...sweet and smooth. This is why I only smoke Cubans.

Your round, plastic surface is perFECTion!

OH!

Nothing...just wanted to say OH!

Why are no birds landing here? It always works in the movies.

Dude...man...I don't know, you know. It's like...life and rainbows and you just gotta be happy. Yeah. I mean. Fish gotta swim. I love fish. Salmon. Yeah, you know. You just know, you know.

My ball. And I shall call you Oliver. Oooh, Oliver.

Something's up with Oliver. He's super lethargic.

Thinking...thinking...still not interested.

Something's happening to me...

Whoa! Something CRAZY is happening to me...

My muscles...I can't explain it!! I'm She-Hulk!

Oh, wait...ha...it's just the bouncy balls. Thanks, Mom.

Giveaway!!

2012-01-09T07:33:00.006-06:00

Okay, so, for part of my Christmas present, David and Sara gave me gift cards to Sephora and I went on Saturday to get a makeover! So much fun! I know HOW to put on makeup (I hope I'm doing it right), but I really wanted someone to teach me a good look for my eye shape, color, what I can do better, etc. I had a list of products I wanted to try out and, Heather the Consultant, suggested some different products she thought might work better with my okay this is boring. Basically, I got some fabulous makeup I'm super happy with and it was a good time. While I was in the store, I decided to check out their Philosophy line of bath/body products. I've never actually used any, but always heard it was pretty likable.

First of all, Sephora is overwhelming. Don't ever go there alone or without an idea of what you're looking for. You'll end up in the corner huddled in the fetal position.

I found the Philosophy section and tested out some of the lotions. I always heard the Amazing Grace scent was the most popular, so I tried that. Smells great, sure. Really clean and fresh. I saw there was another scent called Eternal Grace. I squeezed out some, which ended up being a lot. I only intended to get out a smudge to put on top of my hand, but ended up having to spread it all the way up my arm. I'm pretty sure people thought I was about to start tanning somewhere. So, that was awkward. I compared the two scents on each of my hands. Y'all, Eternal Grace smelled like heaven! AG smelled more like a nice lotion. EG smelled like a nice lotion PLUS something else. I don't what that "else" was, but I liked it. It smells divine.

So, I bought that. I don't normally spend a lot of money on bath and body products. But, this smell lasts all day long and it's makes my skin so soft, which is especially important during this season. My hands don't feel like sandpaper anymore. It was worth the money. I picked y'all up a bottle, too! Well, one "y'all." And I want to give it to you. Along with some amazing lip balm by EOS. The best lip balm I've ever used. Smells wonderful and it'll make your lips so sweet and puckery. And it comes in a super fun container to boot! It's a great icebreaker because people will wonder what you're rubbing on your face.

All you have to do is tell me your most embarrassing story(ies). I'm going to let David pick the winner. He's a good, unbiased judge. And he's cute. Also, you should know I'm totally going to post the stories on the blog, too, not just in the comments.

Just so you're not alone, I'll tell you a few of my most embarrassing stories. I have so many, it's hard to pick.

One time, in high school, Mom and I were at the mall and we were supposed to meet at Chick-fil-A in the food court for lunch. I'm heading toward the front counter and I see Mom already ordering, her short pixie hair a dead giveaway. I walk up to her, get right behind her, pinch her butt, and say, "Hurry up and order, lady!" Yeah, it wasn't Mom.

One time, on a youth trip, Mom was with us, and we were at a Cracker Barrel and a few of us went to the bathroom to, you know, and wash our hands and fix our hair before lunch. I went into a stall and Mom was in the stall next to me. I see her tennis shoes and reach down, grab her ankle, and whisper/shout, "Hey, lady! What's taking so long?!" Yeah, that wasn't Mom either.

One time, in college, me, David and our friend Mark were studying for a biology test, when someone commented that we lose flexibility as we get older. I think it was David that said he used to could lay down flat on his back and bend his knees to where his legs were up beside him. You know what I mean? But, he couldn't do that anymore. I said, stupidly, "I can still do that!" Mark says, "Prove it." Uh, okay. So, I did it. Easy peasy. David, knowing very well how ticklish I am, proceeds to stand over me acting like he's going to tickle me. He never did, but I laughed so hard that I well...peed my pants a little. I knew I had to walk all the way across the quad to get back to my dorm, so I went into the bathroom and splashed water (from the sink) and completely covered my blue jeans until they were soaked. Nobody knew. Except, now, all of you.

Okay, I told you mine, now tell me yours and get some sweet stuff! If you'd rather, you can email it to me at bogueandweejer@gmail.com

Send me your story by Friday!

Tacky Sweaters

2012-01-06T07:47:00.008-06:00

So, waaaaaay back in last year, we went to Tris and Eric's annual tacky sweater Christmas party. And here are some pictures from the photo booth! There were a ton more than just of me, David, Zack and Malinda, but I didn't want to post pics of others without them knowing about it. And I think Z & M will be okay with it. Is that okay, Malinda?

You should know I have a propensity for smiling like a crazy person in these kind of pictures. I'm like, "SMILEEEARGHAARRRAGHAPPYHAPPYHAPPY!!"

Also, I know my sweater isn't particularly "tacky" (I actually really like it), but David had the only tacky sweater and he really really really really really wanted to wear it. He was so excited about wearing it. He was begging me and kept asking, "How many more days until I can wear my sweater?!?" So, I let him wear it.

Enjoy!

Awkward "What Do I Do With My Hands" Pose

Attempted Chest Bumps

NKOTB's Pendulum

Merry Christmas!! Man, Christmas is so far away. :(

Resolutions

2012-01-03T19:56:00.000-06:00

And so begins my least favorite time of year. I love Christmas. I love New Year's. January 2 through March 31...you are dead to me. It's cold for absolutely no reason. I mean, I was in a Hawaiian shirt on Christmas and oh, NOW you decide to get fah-reezing cold? All that frigidness wasted on nothing. And I hate the cold except during Christmas. So, now it's no good to me. It's dreary and wet and there are no holidays that we get off for. I do love Valentine's Day, though. That's one of my faves. I long for the beach. Maybe that's why I don't make New Year's resolutions. I don't know that I ever have. Except, this year, I decided to. I didn't write them down...got 'em stored up in here (pointing to my head). I'd like to share them with you so you guys can help keep me accountable.

Read fewer pointless magazines (i.e. style, celebrity gossip, etc. [except for Real Simple, because that's very much pointful) and read more actual books. NO, MOM, I HAVEN'T FINISHED THE HELP YET. I'd like to finish The Help and read The Hunger Games. I have a bad habit of re-reading books I've already read because I know I'll like them. I've done that about a million times with all the Stephen Lawhead books. I need to branch out. I am reading Mindy Kaling's book, though. That counts, right?

Drink a glass of water whenever I want chocolate at any particular moment. So far this year, I've eaten 102 Snicker's bars and 73 truffles and I'm dehydrated. So, that's going well.

Find the perfect pair of black boots. I actually found the perfect pair, but they're $2,300 and that's $25 over budget, so, you know...still looking. (I don't ever go over budget.)

Convince David to watch LOST all over again with me from the beginning.

Not pick all of my fingernail polish off 10 minutes after I've painted them.

Unsubscribe from any and all apparel-related email lists. It's gonna be hard to let Baby Gap go. I love to buy clothes for the girls. It's like having my own little dolls to dress up however I want. One day, they'll have a say, but right now...I have the power!!!

Not buy any more blue jeans until I ABSOLUTELY NEED a pair. I have a sickness, really. I counted how many pair I have the other day...it's not pretty. Well, it's pretty shameful.

Learn to make petit fours. (If you've got a recipe, I'd love to have it!)

Teach my kids to reenact a scene from Star Wars.

Paint/draw more. I'll do a post sometime with pictures of some of my fine art pieces. I am in no way a fine artist. I just had to do a lot of painting and drawing classes in college and I'll show you some of the things I did. It's really therapeutic when it's not for a grade. I enjoy it.

Actually finish the Dream Job posts. I have a few more.

Get Mrs. Micki her shortbread cookies.

Find a way to get fried crab claws to Virginia.

Not whine about the cold so much.

Not whine about January, February, and March so much.

Not whine about silly stuff so much.

Find a way to get Erin to make me more pesto and make her think it was her idea.

Put the laundry from the washer into the dryer. Hey, that's one thing I can check off the list! Woo hoo! Even if everything else goes to pot, at least I accomplished that.

Happy 2012, everybody!

The Two Are Two

2011-12-30T06:06:00.005-06:00

Despite yesterday being kind of not great–the girls are sick, no sleep, etc.–I'm just so excited and happy and grateful because my favorite kids, the ones that I have, my beloved Twinsleys, are two years old today. Two. 2. TWO. I cannot even believe it. I have two-year olds. That's so weird to me. Noah asked me this past weekend, "Ruth, do you ever stop and think about the fact that you have kids?" I responded, "I haven't had time to, but yeah...that's CRAZY!"

When the girls were born (and even before that), I had a ton of people who either had twins themselves or knew of someone with twins tell me that "it gets easier after the first year." I panicked, thinking, "Oh my gosh, I don't think I can do it. A year is an eternity!" But, of course, I was being dramatic and the first year flew by. I mean, I blinked and it had passed. It wasn't easy and I remember it not being easy and I felt like I was never gonna sleep again, but as time goes on, those parts are starting to fade away. So, 2011 shows up and I'm thinking, "Heh heh, this year is gonna be a breeze." Uh, no, those people were liars. Well, not all the way liars...

This year has been easier in some ways and harder in some ways. Easier in the sense that they can communicate things to me..."Nana water (I want water). Cookie gone bye bye mouth, uh oh, no for Mama. Cold. Hot. Where's Sissy? There she is! Uh oh, spaghettio. Oh NOOOOOO! Poo poo, diaper." But harder in the sense that they. are. into. everything. They run everywhere. They never walk. They're not like normal kids who stay near their parents. Neither of us can take them anywhere by ourselves. It'd be like chasing two mongooses. They can climb out of or over anything. They chatter incessantly. David even pointed out, you spend 18 months trying to get them to talk and 100 years trying to get them to zip it. They're crazy people. Really. If only I could harness that energy. I could power my own spaceship. Moment to ponder how cool that would be............it's quiet in space.

The easiest time with the girls has been when they were 5 months to about 10 months. When Harper started walking at 10.5 months, it was a whole new ballgame. This year has been less stressful, but more physically exhausting. And they're bigger this year. It's tough when they both want to be held at the same time. I usually end up in one of the recliners and they squirm until they're comfortable...elbow in my chest, knee in my liver, toes digging into my thigh. I'm pretty sure I have internal bleeding right now actually. It's like having two greased potbelly pigs in my arms.

They fight more, but are also more loving. I've caught them countless times giving each other hugs and kisses for no reason at all. Just because. Melts my heart every time. And I can't explain the feeling when they give me a kiss right on the lips for no reason other than because I know that's them telling me they love me. Or after I've given them some chocolate. They'll have hug wars to see who can hug me the most. They do the same with David. They love to wrestle with Daddy. They usually win. I'm telling you...two greased pig-bear hybrids. They know your weak spots and they work together.

But no matter how exhausting this year has been, I wouldn't trade a single second of it for anything. It has been completely perfect. I was jumping on the trampoline with them the other day and they were laughing and I was laughing and I stopped and thought, "This is the best thing ever. I want a million more!! Wait...NO! No, God, I was just saying I love kids. Maybe just one more. Not a million. JK. Please."

Having these babies is the most magical experience I could ever imagine. Disney World is magical, but this is like Disney World every day and you can't beat that. Speaking of DW, I cannot WAIT to take the girls!

I still can't believe God chose us as their parents, but I won't doubt His perfect plan and I sure am glad he picked us. They completely change your perspective on everything and I'm thankful to them for that. They're awesome and two years old and I can't believe they're ours.

Here's a link to last year's "one year olds" post with more newborn, all 13 pounds of them, and more one year pictures. You guys know what they look like now. I can't believe how fat they used to be. Love it! Nothing cuter than some baby pudge.

Piper Lee

Harper Missouri

I thought I'd show you guys a before and after picture. I was determined to lose my baby weight...mainly because people said I couldn't do it. Don't ever tell a pregnant lady or new mom that because you'll probably get punched. It took me 8 months to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight, but about 18 months to get less squishy. It's still a work in progress, though. It's amazing what your body goes through when you have a kid or two.

Here's me at 35 weeks...6 days before the girls were born. Most of my weight was in my stupid face.

And here I am today!

Christmaaaaaaas!

2011-12-27T21:21:00.011-06:00

We had the BEST Christmas. I mean, the BEST. It was so much fun. David and I got to my parents' house Friday early evening and the girls were running around like tasmanian devils. I missed those monsters so much. Once we got them settled down for the night, my family did our Christmas together. Everybody was there...Sara, Bryan, Me, David, Noah, Peter, Mom & Dad. It was a lot of fun. We've gotten into the tradition of opening our gifts ahead of Christmas. That way, David and I get to spend Christmas Day with his family and Sara and Bryan get to spend it with his (his sister and her family live about 30 minutes away).

Then, on Christmas Eve Day, both sets of my grandparents, my great Aunt Wylene and great Uncle Emory, my second mom–Miz Di, her son (and a third brother for us)–Connell, and Bryan's parents joined us for a huge breakfast. It's such a good breakfast. We have it every year. Fruit, breakfast casserole, cinnamon rolls, and OJ. It's been the same for as long as I can remember. My favorite breakfast of the year. Yes, I have favorite meals of the year. My favorite lunch is New Year's Lunch. It beats out Thanksgiving.

The girls, of course, were in love with all the attention. They were the happiest kids. Their great grandpas helping them dress their Cabbage Patch kids (which used to be mine and Sara's).

Bryan's Mom telling captivating story.

The girls got some new books and you see who is reading them.

Aunt Moo got them some new glittery Toms and they LOVED them. I have never seen someone prance around showing them off like they did.

We decided to mix and match.

I'm telling you, this kid loves the sun.

She's got a little Pentecostal in her.

We raked up some leaves and engaged in the childhood activity of...well, playing in the leaves.

Sneeze!

Done.

Run.

Slide.

SAFE!

"I question your motives, leaf."

And then I was lame and took pretty much zero pictures after the leaves. Christmas morning, we headed to see David's family. Everybody got to be there except for Rebecca, Richard and Liam. Laura Grace, James, Allen (whom I've aptly named Rocket Man [that's a good story]), and Tinsley (T-Rex) were all there. GranJan made us cranberry orange scones for breakfast. Y'all...I'm gonna tell you the truth...those scones were the best scones I've ever had. By "the best," I mean THE. BEST. They had this orangey glaze for on top. I'm gonna get the recipe. You have to try them.

She also made this amazing lunch. That whole family can cook, I tell ya.

Uncle James building stuff.

That afternoon, we visited my grandparents for supper and were joined by the rest of the family except Uncle Danny's family because Benjamin was sick. I hope you're feeling better, cousin!!

My third cousin, Jeremy, and his wife, Shannon, had a son about 3 weeks before the girls were born. His name is Tristan. So, he's 2...but you would think he was 17. He's about 6'100" and I think they said he weighs 38 pounds. THIRTY EIGHT POUNDS!!! But he's not chubby. He's a solid rock. My mom tried to pick him up and it's like he's bolted to the ground. But he sure is a cutie. White blonde hair and a sweet little laugh. The girls LOVE to play with their own kind and they had a ball. Tristan was a little nervous at first because they were double-teaming him, but the evening ended with a "4th cousins jump off the coffee table" contest. (I don't do the "once, twice-removed" stuff. Too confusing. I don't even know what it would be...Mamaw A's sister is my great Aunt Johnny. Johnny's daughter is Jena, first cousins with my Dad. Jena's son is Jeremy. Jeremy's son is Tristan. So, fourth cousins. I don't know. Whatever, it's family.)

We got home Monday afternoon where Santa left presents here!!! Santa was a little lazy this year because she, uh he, didn't put together all the toys like he did last year...he just left them in the boxes. So, the girls ran in, saw the toys, screamed in delight and thus ensued a 2-hour toy assembly. I don't know what Santa was thinking. It was raining outside, but I couldn't stand not to let them see the trampoline, so we walked outside and they wiggled out of our arms into the safety net and immediately went to jumping. Harper had to warm up to it, but she loves it now. Raining again yesterday, but we found a 30 minute window where it let up some. They wanted me to jump with them and they kept asking, "Mama jump more!" So, heh heh, I did. They couldn't stand up and I just bounced them in the air while they laughed. One of the top most precious moments of my life. I don't know that you can have more fun than that. They were out of breath, their noses red from the cold, and sheer delight in their eyes. That trampoline was worth every single cent. As was the safety net.

Sorry for the craptastic lack of pictures from Christmas. I'm gonna try to get some trampoline pictures soon. Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!!!

Two More Days! (including today)

2011-12-23T11:26:00.005-06:00

There's no way to transition from these photos into the normal post, so here are some pictures from Noah's camera from this past weekend.

No one was there to catch her, Mom!!!!

The origin of Supergirl...a small child, catapulted from her intergalactic space pod, landed on a white sanded beach in northern Florida. The feeble men of this planet were thrown back in the wake of her immense powers.

And when she turned to face them, her glare made them do the exact same thing.

Beach Fight Club

Dirigible Baby

You guys, it's almost Christmas!!! It's the best time of the year. It makes me so happy.

This week has been so wonderful. After the beach, we took the girls to David's parents' house. They kept the girls until Wednesday afternoon, when Mom went and got them for the rest of the week. We're headed home tonight after David gets off work. Since I work for the most awesome people ever, I was off Wednesday, Thursday, and today. It's been so quiet...eerily quiet. I've not known what to do with myself. I kept thinking, "I'm just gonna sleep late and relax and watching pointless shows on TV and do absolutely nothing." Yeah, that lasted about 5 minutes. I can't stand being unproductive. So, I got up at 8 every morning, ate breakfast, and got to work. Wednesday, I wrapped all of our Christmas presents. That took forever. I usually do bags, but I ran out of Christmas bags, so I had to wrap everything else. I hate wrapping. I'm horrible at it and I just hate it. I finally finished about 4pm. David got home and we assembled the girls' birthday present, a trampoline. Since they're not 100% aware of the difference between their birthday and Christmas, we just merge the two right now. Next year, we'll make sure they're separate. Y'all, that thing is bouncy. I haven't jumped on a trampoline in ages, so it was an experience. We have a safety net and we threw ourselves into it to make sure it would hold us. It did. So excited to see them jump on it!

Thursday, I started packing things that we won't be needing until we move. No buyers yet or anything, just wanted to get a head start. It's amazing how much crap a family can accumulate in such a short time. I threw away so much stuff and have an entire yard sale's worth of junk out of just two rooms. It's liberating, though. I love to purge and declutter. Last night, David and I had our own Christmas, which was so much fun. He always gets me the best stuff. That man knows me. And he follows the links to the things I send him so well. He's perfect. Really. (He actually does pick out most of the stuff himself, which I'm so proud of.)

I woke up this morning to the tune of the the firetruck siren. I immediately thought, "It's Santa!!" But since I have no kids with me today, I thought it'd be weird if one adult was standing outside waiting for him to drive by. He comes through every year on the firetruck, waving a kids waiting outside their houses. I peeked through the guest bedroom window and he stops halfway down the street. Weird. Seven emergency personnel get out. Huh, those elves are dressed weird. The elves pull out a stretcher. OH! It's an actual emergency! So, about half of the neighbors on the street open their garage doors, pull out their lawn chairs, and watch the drama unfold. Seriously, I thought, you people have no respect for others, I muttered to myself as I discreetly watched through my window for 20 minutes. The guy was okay. They rolled him out, he was sitting up. I think he's diabetic. They come out here a lot. I'm like, "Lay off the cake, man!"

Today, I'm folding laundry, cleaning the house, baking and packing our suitcase for the trip home. And maybe watching a cheesy Lifetime movie.

I hope each of you has a wonderful Christmas and good (and relaxing) time with friends and family. I pray Christ's blessings on you and as fun and joyful as Santa and the tree and the stockings and the gifts and the fellowship are...it's kind of humbling to think that it's all really just because a loving Dad sent His only Son as an innocent baby to die for us, because He loved us that much. Thankful–and underserving–for that.

Merry Christmas!

For unto us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be on His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6

Beach Bums

2011-12-21T08:36:00.001-06:00

Another fabulous Christmas at the Beach with my Mom's crazy side of the family. Literally...crazy. (pointer finger doing circles around my ear) Everybody was able to come this year except for Nathan, Lacey, and their two (Olivia and Abigail), Chase and fiancé Jessica, and Sara, Bryan, and Virginia Kate...or as Megan likes to call her, Virginia Cake.

The girls have only been to the beach one other time when they were 7 months old and they weren't really impressed by it. They weren't really impressed by it at first this time around either, but they warmed up to it.

The weather couldn't have been more perfect. I know I say this every time, but I've never seen the beach so beautiful. The sands were so white, it looked like snow and completely over-exposed every picture. The water was smooth and crystal clear. It was like a scene in a movie when someone is dreaming and they're in this perfect place.

We weren't a fan of putting our feet on the sand at the beginning.

But, we finally got there.

Harper's hands stayed like this the entire time. David has a great video of her walking.

Day One and Piper Lee wasn't having any of it.

I'm walking...walking...now pick me up!

Mom took some miming classes in college.

Mamaw Grass to the rescue!

Hey, this sand isn't so bad.

I kinda like it!

No water!! I'll do the sand, but no water!

And actually, Harper stood in the water for awhile up to her ankles, but one random wave came up when she had her back turned to the deep blue and it got up to her fanny, so no more water for the rest of the weekend. And it was cold, so that probably had something to do with it.

Mom's not a huge supporter of this picture.

I want one of these! A parasail type thing with it's own propeller.

Uncle Pete and his gals

Swinging with Mamaw

Mmm...I think I might go down to the sand on my own.

Nope. Changed my mind. Don't wanna.

Ugh! My ball is stuck in that minuscule amount of sand! GEEZ!

I think I can brave it.

Somebody help!! It's surrounded by sand!! Ugh!

Bouncing my ball...

Hey, ball, where you goin'?

NO! My ball rolled off into the SAND! OH, THE HUMANITY! I'm gonna point and whine until somebody gets it for me!!!!

Okay, we're good. Uncle Pete got it.

Stuck in this prison forever...

Oh, hey, there's a door.

It pains me to say this, but I share a lot of things with you guys on my blogs and I think it's important to be open and honest about stuff. We were quite devastated to discover that our children are involved in an underground gambling ring. Texas Hold'em is their game of choice...Omaha High rules. Also, Go Fish.

Papaw and his very stylish pajamas.

Sam and Drew battling it out via Rock, Paper, Scissors over who gets the Ultimate Guy's Grand Champion prize since they both Bingo-ed at the same time. Droops won the $20 prize.

Papaw calling out the Bingo numbers.

The Bingo cards that have been used since the dawn of time.

Day Two on the sand.

Oooooooh....yes....oooooooh, so cold to my toesies.

Hey, iznosobad.

Trying to get a picture of the two of them. This one doesn't work. Let's try another.

Yeah, that doesn't work either.

Sand. Barf.

WHAT?!?! Safety Pig is COVERED IN SAND!!

It's a long, lonely journey on the white sands of Florida.

Stayin' alive, stayin' alive...

Let me see if I can traverse this bottomless ravine.

Five more minutes guys...I'm on the pot.

Oh, the sun. The. sun. It's...amazing. It holds a power over me I cannot explain.

WHOA! Whoa. I think my feet are on backwards.

It's too high, I can't make it! Go on without me. Well, wait...maybe if I just scooch down an inch at a time. YES! It's working!

The twins: Coming and Going

This is my pondering face.

This is my what you say?? face.

Uncle Hoop and Piper

She's holding up a shell to Safety Pig's ear to let him hear the ocean.

DANCE!

LEVITATE!

THE END.

Piper Lee and the Seagull

2011-12-19T15:44:00.002-06:00

Okay, I thought I'd have more time to post all the pictures from the beach, but nope. But I do have time for one story...so, gather 'round and I shall tell you a tale worth the hearing. (Didn't that sound dramatic and interesting? Yeah, yeah?)

There once was a girl, a mighty warrior, named Piper Lee.

She lived alone on an island, surrounded by the white-capped sea.

She searched tirelessly for something, someone, a companion, a friend.

Our heroine was beginning to think her endeavor would never end.

Alas! Hark! What goes there! A seagull! Another living thing!

Much to Piper's dismay, the bird didn't find the curly-haired creature very interesting.

He trotted away with a smirk on his face.

Laughing, "You'll always be a loner here in this place."

Piper Lee, heartbroken, downtrodden, and sad,

"That stupid bird. He makes me so mad."

She cried to the heavens,"Why? Why? Whyyyyyyy?!?"

But there was no answer from the cloudless blue sky.

The tiny person determined unto herself that day,

"Ain't nobody, I don't care who it is, gonna treat me that way."

So, she set forth to find the fowl that rejected her before

To make sure he knew he couldn't hurt her anymore.

"Where are you, gull?! I can hear you! You coward! Oh, there you be."

The bird replied, "Uh yeah, I've been here the whole time while you've had a pity party."

"Oh yeah? Well, you're a dummy and I don't like you and you can keep...

...your silly bird friendship. So, read it and weep."

Le Pix

2011-12-19T08:03:00.002-06:00

Pictures from this weekend coming later today. Hey, guess what, guys...it's almost Christmas!

Men Vs. Women: Addendum

2011-12-15T07:38:00.003-06:00

Exhibit K

"Checking on the Girls" - As still fairly new parents, we check on the girls regularly when they're sleeping. Not through the night, especially if they're sleeping good, but taking naps or after they've gone to sleep, but we're still up. David and I have quite different methods of "checking" on the girls. Let it be said that we both love the girls just as much.

Ruth:

I go in and tip toe to their beds. I take out the books they were reading and any other toy besides a stuffed animal. I brush the hair out of their faces and slowly cover them with their hand-knitted blankets. I rest my elbows on the side of their cribs and watch their tiny chests raise and lower with each breath. Sweet baby girls.

David:

Peeks his head in the door, looks around, comes back out, "Yep, they're still in there."

I don't have pictures from Eric's photo booth at the tacky sweater party last Saturday yet, but I do have a couple of pictures from Audry's tacky sweater cookie exchange on Sunday.

Mom let me borrow her sweater from way back in the 80's. I'm surprised she still had something like this way back in the dark recesses of the closet...the place no one goes. My side ponytail is making my head look oblong. It's not really shaped like that. I hope it's not.

Audry and Ruth: Step-sisters

Tomorrow morning, we leave for Christmas at the Beach 2011 with Mom's side of the family. So excited! So, when we get back, I will post lots of pictures and videos of the crazy.

Also, a few folks asked how I was able to get work done and have the hoodlums running around all day. I shall share my secrets with you next week...da da duuuuuum.

Everybody have a great weekend! *kiss kiss*

Men Vs. Women

2011-12-12T21:09:00.007-06:00

A wonderful weekend was had with pictures to come, but first...a post about the subtle differences between the male and female genders.

By "subtle," I mean huge, of course. I just have this image in my head of that moment when God created woman out of man and He says to the heavenly host, "Heh heh, guys...this is gonna be hilarious. Gather 'round, cuz it 'bout to get gooooood." For comparison purposes, I'm going to use myself and David, because that's super convenient. I'm a gal. He's a guy. It worked out nicely.

Exhibit A

I'm by myself with the girls from 6:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. every week day. I work from 7 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. every week day. When David gets home, my regular work is done, most of my freelance is done, the playroom is in order, the living room is immaculate, the kitchen is clean, the laundry is put up, and the girls are still alive.

On the weekends, every now and then, I'll go out by myself for two hours to run errands or meet up with friends or just get out of the house for a bit. I come home...TWO hours later...the playroom floor is gone, the living room is unrecognizable, the kitchen is–don't get me started on the kitchen–, but the girls are still alive...daughters and father laying on the floor, gasping for air after finishing a wrestling match. And I'm like, "Wha–?! Wh–? H-How...like, HOW?!"

Let me clarify this one by stating that David is a wonderful father and husband and I know just how good I have it and he gives me breaks and lets me go out and do whatever. I'm merely describing the differences in housekeeping tendencies. I'll ask, "How did this happen?" And he'll say, "Uh, I've been watching the girls, duh. You try keeping the house clean and watching two crazy kids at th...oh, wait, sorry."

Exhibit B

David is an amazing launderer. While our separate closet sections look the same, you can definitely tell which drawers are his and which are mine. His open smoothly and all of his articles of clothing are neatly arranged. I have to leaaaaaan way back and puuuuuull to open my drawers and then everything in them explodes outward like a can of worms. And then, when I'm putting clothes up, I get the drawer as closed as I can and then use one finger to poke everything sticking out back in.

When David folds a towel, it looks like this.

When I fold a towel, it looks like this.

Exhibit C

A PB&J sandwich.

Ruth:

Bread

Peanut Butter

Jelly

Bread

Boom

Done

David:

Warm up the skillet

A splash of extra virgin olive oil

Butter two slices of bread

Bread #1

Peanut Butter

Jelly...grape. No...strawberry. NO!...fig preserves.

A sprinkle of nutmeg

A dash of cinnamon

Bread #2

Lightly toast sandwich in skillet

Flip

A pinch of sea salt

Sprig of mint on top

No boom, because the boom was an hour ago

Done

Exhibit D

I'm not ashamed to admit it, but most of the time, I just put the toilet paper roll on top of the holder. David cannot stand it. Like...I get a lecture every single time. It's toilet paper, who cares! No...some people care. "How hard is it to put the roll on the holder? It will take you an extra 7 seconds. Why, why won't you do it??" At first, it was just because I wanted to use those 7 seconds for something else, but now I do it just to aggravate him.

Exhibit E

David likes video games, what guy doesn't. I'm more like "meh" about them. I do like some of them. I don't like first person shooter games. I don't like anything where anybody is chasing me. I'm good at Mario Kart. I like puzzle video games, like Prince of Persia. David plays the hard parts where you have to fight people and he lets me play the parts where you have to solve this puzzle by pulling this lever and swimming through this cavern and twisting these dials this way, etc. A perfect example of this is Castlevania. I like to stay in the town and talk to people. He likes to go fight Dracula. I mean, why fight when you can shop in town?

Exhibit F

When I'm cooking, as I finish using a bowl or spoon or ingredient, I immediately put it up. I'll either wash out the bowl or put it in the dishwasher and I put the ingredient up in the pantry. David piles everything up in the sink until he's done cooking and then loads the dishwasher. But, during the cooking process, the kitchen is insane. My way gives you so much more counter and sink space. Also, David arranges the dishwasher like it's a diorama he's presenting to the Queen. I load that sucker as full as it will go and cram things wherever there's space...even if there's not space.

Exhibit G

When we're watching a movie, I cannot miss a single line. It's a little OCD, I realize that. But, I also think, "This may be the only time I ever see this movie and that line may have given us a pivotal plot point. I cannot miss it!" So, if someone talked or I didn't hear it clearly, we have to rewind it. I don't have a problem in movie theaters...probably because I subconsciously know I can't rewind it. David will get up to get a drink or to go change out of work clothes and I'll ask him if he wants me to pause it and he's like, "No, it's cool," and he'll miss THREE MINUTES. I can't do that.

Exhibit H

David: Let's get out the laser level so we can make sure these pictures on the wall are aligned properly.

*hammering*

Ruth: Pictures are already up.

David: They're kind of crooked.

Ruth: Hmm...gives it character.

Exhibit I

David: Let's watch Holmes on Homes.

Ruth: That stresses me out.

Ruth: Let's watch Toddlers & Tiaras.

David: That stresses me out.

Exhibit J

Ruth: We need to think about getting a new vehicle.

David: Okay. What were you thinking.

Ruth: Hmm...something black.

David: Well, what kind of car? Let's try to find something with good gas mileage.

Ruth: Whatever. Just something black with silver door handles.

David: Okay, that...that doesn't help us. Do you want something bigger?

Ruth: Does that come in black?

We're so different, but we have so much in common. I think we make a good team. We complete each other...awwwwwwwwwwww....I'm serious about the toilet paper roll. He gets so frustrated with me.

Egh...Sorry

2011-12-12T07:30:00.001-06:00

I will have a blog post tomorrow! Promise!

Christmas Thoughts

2011-12-09T07:09:00.002-06:00

Fellow bloggers, do you ever think of something to write for your blog, but it's not quite long enough to make up a real post, but you can't really think of anything else in time to write the post for today. This is one of those days. So, here's a collection of Christmas thoughts. I think of these things when I'm either halfway asleep or in the shower and I can't write them down at those times, so I can't 100% remember it all, so this post will be fairly disjointed. And most of this isn't about Christmas. I just couldn't think of another title. One of those weeks.

A Time to Give

I love giving (and getting) gifts. It doesn't have to be expensive, of course, just have thought put into it. I like gifts specifically tailored to a person. I will say that I think even gift cards can be thoughtful. I know there's a debate over how "impersonal" a gift card is, but y'all, I love those things. I like to get them, duh, but also, if I know of a specific place a person likes to go and there's a lot of things in that specific place that person likes, it's easier to get them a gift card and let them pick out exactly what they want...especially if products in aforementioned store cannot be bought and shipped because it'll spill everywhere. AH, I'VE SAID TOO MUCH. Okay, I got a gift card for someone I know reads the blog and I can't say the store, but he...uh, she...or maybe he will find out later.

I think we all have one (or two) specific gifts we've gotten growing up that we'll always remember getting. I remember the year Santa brought us the original Nintendo with Power Pad. We played that thing into the ground. And by "into the ground" I mean we played it until Peter got frustrated with it one day and chewed through the controller wires. But, we played with it for a good 10 years. It still works...just needs some new controllers. Thanks, Pete. We were so excited, though. It came with the Olympics game and we figured out how to cheat on the Power Pad. We'd put two chairs on each side and hold ourselves up so we could run faster on our tip toes and jump further. We also had Qbert. I HATE that game. The further I ever made it was about 30 seconds into the 1st round. Sara and I played Spy Vs. Spy a lot. That game stresses me out, but I'm amazing at it.

I also remember the year I begged and begged and begged for months to get the William Wallace Braveheart replica sword. I was 15 and that sword was beautiful. We woke up Christmas morning and waited by the hallway door, waiting for Dad to set up the camcorder, which always seemed to take FOR.E.VER, and then we rushed into the living room. I looked around hopefully...where is it?! Surely, it must be here!! Gasp...wait...and there it was, leaning against the couch...gleaming in all its glory (zing!). That's still my favorite sword in our collection. Thanks, Mom and Dad, for humoring my Celtic nerdism and getting it for me.

I know all of our friends are sick and tired of hearing me reference Real Simple magazine, but last year, Rebecca got me a subscription to it for Christmas. I adore that magazine. Good reads, good buys. It's my "me time" magazine in the water closet. Oh, hey look, I crossed a line.

I remember every Christmas and birthday with David. He is the BEST gift giver. Chocolate and sparkly things. Or shoes. He knows me so well.

Christmas Bags

The bags have been a HUGE success. I wasn't sure if they'd be that interested in them, but they've woken up every morning chanting "Bags. Bags. Bags." By chanting, I mean screaming. They tell me what number is on each bag and then we open it. This morning was glittery candy cane stickers which are now all over the couch, TV cabinet, and recliners. My living room is quite festive.

Christmas Running

(I'm trying to make each mini-post about Christmas.) Every night when David gets home, he gives me a break and feeds the girls supper and bathes them. It's so wonderful. I usually go out for a jog. Even though I hate it gets dark so quickly this time of year, I do like looking at all the Christmas lights in the neighborhood. It's interesting to see all the different tastes and styles of the homeowners. Inflatables don't bother me at all, but I do think some of the neighbors are amassing an army to take over the community. Simmah down with the inflatables, folks. One or two is fine. There are two couples that run together about the same time I go out. And they are decked head to toe in flashing lights, reflective clothing and shoes, and glow sticks. I'm like, whoa, preparing for take-off?? I mean, the sidewalks are pretty well-lit. Not sure who they think's not seeing them.

Christmas Hair Woes

I've been growing my hair out for almost two years for Locks of Love and well, I'm pretty over it. I haven't had hair this long since I was maybe 13 and it's about to have to go. Don't worry, I'm sticking with it until it's long enough, but don't think I'm not cheating on it by looking at other hair styles.

Food I've Been Eating Around Christmas

David found these sugar-free Russell Stover chocolate mint patties the other day and he was like, "You have to try these!" I'm thinking, "Yeah. I'd rather eat congealed mold." That makes no sense. He eventually won and I tried one...y'all, they're better than York Peppermint Patties and I don't say that lightly. I love YPP, but these things are incredible. I always go into hyper-chocolate mode this time of year, so these have been helping a lot. Well, no, I take that back. I did eat an entire bag of Snyder's white chocolate pretzels yesterday. But, I couldn't help that. Lives were at stake!! For the greater good.

Christmas Amazon

You well know of my infatuation with Amazon. Right before Thanksgiving, I made a huge order. All of the girls' Christmas and birthday presents and most of David's. It's so funny...uh, Amazon decided to completely double the entire order. So, yeah, I got two shipments (and charges) of everything. I called and they fixed it all, but I've still had to ship everything back. It's free, but David's had to drop stuff off at the UPS store every day just about. I've heard reports that's happened a good bit this time of year. But it's cool. Still love them. Their customer service is beyond superb. We got the girls a trampoline for their birthday...SHHHHHH, don't tell them!!! Or, actually, it might be from Santa. Not sure yet. They won't know the difference this year. But, the UPS guy knocks on the door and says, "Did you order two trampolines?" I explained what happened and he laughed and said, "Oh, okay. I was wondering who would order two trampolines. I see you have two kids. I thought maybe you were going to put them side by side." While that is an excellent idea, yeah, we're not gonna do that.

Ghirardelli Christmas Lady

Thanksgiving weekend, Mom and I went to the outlet mall. They have a Ghirardelli store there. Rebecca and I ravaged it last year. But you can get the best deals. When you walk in, they have a greeter that offers you a square of their seasonal chocolate. You know when you walk into a store and they're like, "Welcome to Whatever," and then tell you about their deals, etc. And you leave and come back and they welcome you again and you think, "You don't remember me? I was just in here." But, they see a gazillion people a day, they can't remember you. BUT, this Ghirardelli lady.... So, Mom walks in and she's like "Welcome to Ghirardelli, try some of our peppermint bark." Which Mom takes and puts in a napkin for later. She looks around and calls me to tell me about the deals. Turns out, I'm in the store right across from her. She steps out of the Ghirardelli store and waves to me through the window of my store. I start walking out and Mom turns to walk back in. The Ghirardelli lady offers her more chocolate. Mom took it. I walk into the store and the lady gives me chocolate. Mom and I peruse and walk back to the front to look at their individual candy bar selections. The lady turns around and welcomes us to the store and offers us more chocolate. It's getting ridiculous at this point. We have so much chocolate. But, I mean, we didn't want to be rude, right. I ended up getting some hot chocolate, because I already had a lifetime supply of peppermint bark.

Christmas Breakfast

I'm really hungry, so I'm gonna go eat breakfast.

SANTAAAAA!! I know him...I KNOW HIM!

2011-12-06T07:41:00.003-06:00

Heh heh...that movie will never get old. (It's Elf, Mom.)

So, this past Friday, we took the girlies to see the big man himself...Santy Clause. I was a tad apprehensive as to how they'd be with him this year. Last year was a breeze. They were pretty chill until the last few seconds of being in Santa's lap and then they were DONE. But, they're so much more aware of stuff now and I was afraid the beard would scare them. Nope. They went right to him. Piper Lee reached out for him. Harper was a little more wary..."What do you want, old man? I've got my eye on you." But she did great. I was so proud of them. They both asked Santa for exactly what Santa is going to bring them, so that worked out great.

We then strolled through the mall, stopping to look in every window, but we lingered in front of the Auburn store a bit longer. They love tigers. If it wasn't ridiculous and ridiculously priced, I'd totally get them a huge tiger like that. But, I mean, what would you do with it, honestly? Fake tigers take up so much room and don't even help around the house.

Megan

2011-12-05T08:36:00.004-06:00

This Friday, we took the girls to see Santa and I have pictures, but no time today. So, I would like to share with you a video of my favorite little redhead, Megan. This is our friends' (Audry and Wes) daughter. I remember the day Megan was born. We walked into the hospital room and there lay in Audry's arm, a teeny tiny baby girl Wes with red hair. We earnestly wondered if Audry was the mom. But, as Megan's gotten older (she is now 4.5), her facial expressions, especially her "sassy" face, are most definitely Audry's.

Megan is the least dramatic person I know. For instance, last year, we went to the Christmas Festival an hour north of here and Wes got a bowl of homemade ice cream. Megan wanted a bite and Wes offered her one. No. She wanted to hold the spoon. Wes explained that he didn't want her to get ice cream all over her shirt, so he was going to hold the spoon. Tragedy!! Megan covered her face with her hands, fell to her knees, and cried to the heavens, "Whyyyy?!?!?!?!?!?!" It was spectacular. And I use the same tactic to get my way with David sometimes.

Megan is also one of the most philosophical people I know. I've told Audry time and again all she had to do was create a "Quotes of Megan" book and she'd be set for life. That kid says the darndest things.

"I don't like BBQ. It makes my eyes hurt."

Megan: "I got in trouble at school today." Audry: "Why?" Megan: "I was chasing a boy." Audry: "Well, did you at least catch him?" Megan: "Twice."

"Mommy, Daddy is the most handsome man, don't you think? (thinking...then whispering behind her) Daddy, I forgot what else I was supposed to say."

"Mommy. MOMMY! Listen to me. Listen. To. Me. Do you know...the Muffin Man?"

Megan is also an accomplished musician and dancer. As you can see in this video. She was wearing her Barbie heels. The real showstopper is at 46 seconds.

Christmas Bags

2011-12-01T07:37:00.004-06:00

So glad you guys liked the pumpkin pictures! I tell ya, those kids can make the weirdest expressions. They have to get it from their dad, because I don't make funny faces in pictures at all.

When Sara was about 4 and I was about, well, awesome, Sara would go on and on and on and on about "how many more days until Christmas?" (which is how she is with everything even now) and Mom was like, "Oh my gosh, Christmas will be here when it's here!" But to help poor little Sara with the wait, Mom started the Christmas Calendar. It was a chimney about two feet tall and had little drawers all the way up with the numbers 1 - 24 on them. Mrs. Claus was at the very top, I distinctly remember. On December 1, we got to open a drawer and there was a little surprise inside. On December 2, we opened the second drawer...see how it works...until we got to the very top and Mrs. Claus. Sometimes, it was a piece of candy for both of us, sometimes it was a Hello Kitty mini-pencil set or erasers. It helped Sara cope with the long days of December until Christmas.

When Noah came along, Mom had to start doing bags because she couldn't fit our prizes in the drawers anymore. And when Peter came along, she put all of the bags in an old thing that looks like an ancient laundry basket with a lid on top. I have no idea what it is, but it held the bags. And every morning, we'd rush to open the bag and whoever opened it got to pass out the prizes. Sometimes, it was chocolate, sometimes it was fun Christmas socks, sometimes it was a mini-nativity, sometimes it was one of those hard trick puzzle things...every day it was something different. And we couldn't open the bag until everybody was up, which was laaaaaaame because Sara was SO SLOW getting ready.

We had the bags all through middle school, high school, and yes...college. Mom would send the bags back to school with us during Fall break and we couldn't open them until December 1. Of course, our roommates would make fun of us, but as sure as the sun sets, every December morning, they'd ask, "Hey, what'd you get in the bag this morning? Look. What's in it?? Openitopenitopenit!!" The year you graduated college was your last year and it was DEVASTATING. So, David and I started doing the bags for each other because I was having withdrawals. Last year was the last year that I would ever have a brown paper Christmas bag, because now, we're continuing the tradition for our kids and I am so excited! Last night, David and I numbered the bags and filled them with goodies. The $1 section at Target was perfect for this. David was in charge of labeling the even numbered bags. Sweet thing probably had to throw away 7 bags. Even numbers, CPA...even numbers. But, we got it done.

This morning, the girls opened up number "Uyun" and their surprise was A TIGER! Not a real one. That would be inhumane to keep him in a paper bag overnight. They love little animals and people figurines and Target had a whole section of zoo animals. I forgot what was in each day, so I'm excited to be surprised with them.

It's December, y'all! Crank up the carols!!

Fun with Pumpkins

2011-11-28T21:03:00.017-06:00

So, I was going through those Fall pictures I took of the twins and well, the pictures further solidify the girls' place in the world as the most ridiculous kids.

Publix and Wal-Mart were both out of pumpkins, so Davey got them some gourds and baby pumpkins, which were even better because they were miniaturized for miniature people.

You have something of mine, sister.

Drunk baby pictures are the best.

Hyooooooo...whateeztheeese?

Huh?

Wha-?

My gourd.

See this pumpkin.

Why yes.

There is no caption for this face.

Disinterested. Stupor.

The leader of the apocalypse giving a rousing speech, for she knew her followers' days were numbered.

As the undead reached toward the living...

Nonchalant. Drunk.

Babies come from where?

The two extreme emotions demonstrated.

Mmm...pumpkin feels nice on my face.

I glare at you.

Mmmm...gourd on my face.

Finally, a "smile" from Harper. A creepy gremlin smile, but a smile.

Heee...heee...heee... (heavy breathing)

Aaaaaaand...

Sit.

Still life pose.

I throw this gourd at you.

I curse you, pumpkin!!

Turkey leg! Chomp!

I kiss you, squash.

That...was...bumpy.

Who's up for another round??

Why have you betrayed me!

Sup.

All the pumpkins in my hands. Steady...steaaaady.

And smile.

But why? Whyyy? Why? But why is the pumpkin round? Why? Huh? Why?

Back it on up...yeah, back it on up.

NO! Don't back it up!

Daddy bouncing us on the ball.

Harper mad in the background because it was sister's turn.

Cyber Monday

2011-11-28T07:37:00.002-06:00

Okay, this may be a completely stupid question or maybe I've been living under a rock for awhile, but is Cyber Monday a new thing? I woke up this morning to 109 Cyber Monday emails in my inbox. Not really 109, but seriously like 30. So, there's Black Friday and now Cyber Monday? But has it always been here...at least since Al invented the internet? Or is this just in recent years, because this is the first time I've noticed it.

I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving and ate a lot and relaxed and didn't strangle your family. Ours was kind of a mix and match Thanksgiving and it was wonderful! David had to work Friday, so we couldn't go home to see our families and my Dad was on call over the holiday, so Mom came up Tuesday and spent the week through Sunday with us. Noah came down from grad school and Mom's best friend and my other mother, Miz Di, and her son, Connell joined us as well. It was a lot of fun...super relaxing. I cooked the entire meal by myself. I was so proud. People offered to help, but it really was no thang at'all. We had a whole turkey, Mamaw A's dressing recipe (which I cook in a crock pot), asparagus, sweet potato soufflé (which is equal parts butter, sugar and sweet potatoes...ooooh yessssss), crescent rolls, homemade cranberry sauce, and Mom brought a 13-layer chocolate cake and peanut butter cake and Miz Di brought her fabulous pound cake. It wasn't a huge meal...just all the good stuff...and plenty of it. I've got leftovers for at least a week. So happy about that. I could eat Thanksgiving every day.

Thursday night, Noah, David and I went to see the new Muppet movie. You guys...it's adorable. I cried. I'm not gonna lie. I mean, we grew up with the Muppets. I played Rainbow Connection for countless piano recitals. I think every kid has played Rainbow Connection in a piano recital. When we were buying our tickets, the ticket gal goes, "Are these all adult tickets?" We looked at each other and whispered, "Who among us looks 12?" Hey, we'll take it as a compliment. I told the boys it was me because David could grow a full beard in 3 minutes, Noah's 6 foot forever and I'm 5'3 and had my hair braided, so....I'll take it!

Mom and I weren't about to brave the crazy crowds on Black Friday, so we chilled at home and Noah headed back to school. We read news reports of ladies pepper spraying their fellow shoppers right as kiosks in Wal-Mart were opened and people tearing others' clothes over a DVD set. Haha, people are so ridiculous...and will spend Christmas in jail. Hope that Die Hard trilogy was worth it.

But, we did head to the outlet mall on Saturday while sweet David stayed and watched the girls. I love this new outlet mall. I'd always rather be at the beach, but this one has a better layout. I ate a really good breakfast because I was not going to have another throw-up scene in the food court. If you don't know that story, you can read it here. Y'all, I got some deals...like, STEAL DEALS. I'm so excited. I got some good booty jeans. Actually, between me and Mom, 10 pair of jeans now have a new home. I know, I know...a bit excessive. But, one pair, I got for $8. From GAP! I could shop for hours...days, really. But after about 6 hours, I was feeling a little tuckered out, so we headed back home.

It was a really great week/weekend. I am very blessed and thankful.

I have a lot of pictures to post and hopefully I can get those up soon, but I was gonna ask if y'all would pray for David's family. His grandmother on his Mom's side is not doing well. She's in an ICU in Missouri. David's Mom called yesterday to let him know and he left in the morning to drive up and see her. He took a bunch of pictures and videos of the girls to show her and said she laughed and smiled the whole time seeing them. She's having a little trouble remembering people, but knew that David and the girls were family. He left her our Christmas picture to hold on to. She's a sweet lady with a lot of sass. David's driving back right now 6 hours and heading to work. I know his heart is heavy, but he had a really good visit with his Memama. Thanks, you guys!

Undeserving, but Thankful

2011-11-23T21:13:00.003-06:00

I'm thankful for...

My God. Thankful I live in a country where I can worship where I want, when I want, Who I want. Beyond thankful for His blessings.

My husband. Who–even though he tried to have an entire conversation with me at 5:45 this morning as he was leaving for work and I'm like trying to sleep because I was up all night with Harper and her cold and he's asking questions and telling me to have a good day and it was so sweet, but he was going on and on and on and trying to elicit some deep answers out of me and Im like just leave me alone!–is unbelievably perfect and surpasses everything I ever dreamt about in a man and provides and supports his family and fulfills me and utterly completes me. He is my best friend. I love him so much.

My children. They, too, are unbelievably perfect. They are beautiful and the most kind and generous people I've ever known. They make me laugh and cry from laughing and cry from loving them so much. They are so smart and energetic and have the biggest and brightest spirits and hearts. I could not be more proud or humble or grateful that God chose me to be their Mom. I can't wait to know them more.

My parents. What can I say...I was a pretty awesome kid, so they had it easy with me. Ha. They win the award for most patient and gentle parents ever. They put up with so much of my crap. They let me choose my clothes (hello, platform sneakers), my hairstyles (although I kind of wish they had stepped in on that one), my boyfriend, my college, my career. They were, and still are, nothing but supportive in everything. I could never thank them enough.

My grandparents. They're the greatest people ever. I love you, Mamaws and Papaws. Thanks for letting us eat whatever we wanted at your house and for teaching us all the stuff Mom and Dad tried to keep us from learning. Thanks for letting us make mud pies on your back patio and for taking us through Indian hikes in the woods. I have so many fond memories with each of you and I can't wait to share them with my children. I'm glad my kids look a little bit like all of you.

My siblings. Although they're not as pretty as I am, my sister and two brothers have come in handy throughout my life. Noah and Peter have been great scapegoats and Sara is a lot of fun to dump cold water on in the shower. They're my friends and my confidants. It's been amazing to watch them become the adults they are and it's been an honor to "grow up" beside them. They're great partners in crime when it comes to aggravating the parents. And Peter, I'm so glad God sent you to us. You complete our family. And you're the coolest out of all of us.

My in-laws. I couldn't ask for a better family for my soulmate to come from. They helped David become the man he is today and, well, like I said, he's perfect and I know they're partly to "blame" for that. They are some of the most compassionate people I know and I'm glad I've gotten to grow with their family over the past 12 years. You guys are weirdly wonderful. Thank you for accepting me for all my oddities.

My extended family on both sides. The strangest bunch of people I've ever known and I am SO PROUD to be one of them. You guys are hilarious and lovable and loving and gross and sweet and crazy and awesome.

My country and the men and women who serve to protect it and the freedoms for which it stands. Humbled and proud that I have family members who have served in past and current wars. I am utterly undeserving of the sacrifices they've made. They deserve much more than my gratitude, but I freely give it because I could never show or tell them how thankful I am.

My friends. They're the best. Truly. And you can't have them. I saw them first.

My job. I have nothing to complain about. I have the best job ever. I love what I do. I especially love Patrick, because that little genius fixed my email yesterday. God bless him. I love my co-workers, who are also my dear, dear friends (see above). You guys make me laugh and it's an honor to serve beside you.

My cars, Honah Lee and Don. They get us from point A to point B.

My house. It's warm, secure, pretty cute I like to think. It's been our home for almost 7 years. But, good gracious, I wish it would sell.

Chocolate. I mean...it's chocolate.

Food. Because I like to eat.

Maternity pants. Because I'm totally wearing them tomorrow.

Pinterest. I don't get on very often, but it's pretty addictive when I do.

Etsy. Same thing.

The Winter. Because I don't have to shave my legs as often.

Winflash and Vistaprint. Holy monkey, I order so much stuff from those places.

AMAZON. How could I forget Amazon?! 99% of my Christmas shopping done...one click..."Place Order" BOOM! The end.

You, my blog readers. You really have no idea how happy you make me. I realize that sounds kind of needy. But, sometimes I'll get an email (from Mom) saying, "Tell a funny story," (dance, monkey, dance!) and I'll write something that I'm hoping is funny and then I see how many folks have read it and I'm like, "Aw yay!" I feel like we have a symbiotic relationship. I'll keep away the cheetahs and you guys pick the fleas off my back. Wait...what animals ARE we? It's so much fun to connect with you and stalk you on your blogs!

I hope each of you has a very Happy Thanksgiving! I've got the sweet potato soufflé and homemade cranberry sauce done and ready to go in the fridge, the dressing and turkey will start in the morning, asparagus and crescent rolls at the last minute, peanut butter cake, 13-layer chocolate cake, pound cake, and chocolate hazelnut macarons ready to go. Rawrhghargharghghgargggh. Like Courtney at The Life and Times of Me said so well, "It's just one day, go crazy and eat what you want." You have the other 364 days to work it off.

Zion Adventure: Day 7

2011-11-21T21:17:00.011-06:00

Kidney update: IT'S. OVER. This (Monday) morning, David woke up and was feeling pretty good, so he went in to work. Mid-morning, he passed the mother of all kidney stones. That's what was causing all the pain the past two days. That stone was a fighter. It was hanging on. But, it gave up in the end. And David caught it in the strainer that he took to work with him. And he showed it to me. And I took a picture of it for Mom and Dad. And it's ginormous. And disgusting. It's the size of a small child. I'm not kidding. But, I won't go into a lot of details because it's super gross and inappropriate and David would kill me.......oh.

But, it's over. Thank you for your prayers! I think we're finally back to normal. Woo hoo!!

So, finishing Zion, only after a month of being back.

The last day, we wanted (needed) to do some hikes that were fairly easy. My knee and foot couldn't take it anymore. After seeing the Watchman every day during our entire trip, we decided to actually do the Watchman trail. The peak is one of the park's most iconic landmarks. And it's at the very south end of the canyon. This was a fairly easy trail, but it was labeled as moderately strenuous. It wasn't too bad. I LOVED the hike. It was very nice and led to a great viewpoint.

There was a couple in front of us starting off on the trail, too, and the wife insisted on stopping and reading the entire information board to her husband. I like to read them, too, but David can read.

These flowers were everywhere and I finally found the name of them on an info board somewhere, but now, for the life of me, I can't remember what they're called.

At the end of the hike, my knee was telling me, "One more hike, but it better be easy peasy," so we did the Pa'rus Trail, the easiest trail in the park. It's a paved path that meanders along the valley floor, criss-crossing the Virgin River. It was really beautiful. It was easy to imagine how the first settlers of the canyon viewed their surroundings. So grand, but peaceful. There were a lot of bicyclists on this trail, too, and they needed to slow. it. down. 'For somebody 'bout to get a branch in their spokes.

Ridiculous, I know. But you have no idea how long it took us to get the Watchman Peak coming out the top of my head.

We stopped for a lunch break along the river. See David sitting on the rocks?

At the end of the trail was one of the shuttle stops, so we hopped aboard and went to the lookout for The Patriarchs. From left to right, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And Jacob is not that reddish peak (Mt. Moroni) on the far right, it's actually the white mountain behind it. Silly, right? I kept thinking that the whole time, because that third peak clearly fits better as the third Patriarch, so whoever named it was lame. Well, at the Visitor Center, there's a topographical map and you can see the canyon from a bird's point of view. And sho nuff, Mt. Moroni is closer to you than you think and Jacob fits better with the Patriarchs. But, you can't tell that from the lookout or road.

A lady offered to take our picture, which was very sweet, and I was telling her how to use the camera on the phone and she scoffed and said, "Oh, haha, I have an iPhone. I think everybody knows how to use one." Here's the picture she took for us.

A Kidney Stone: The Neverending Story

2011-11-20T21:04:00.002-06:00

I know you guys are sick and tired of hearing about this dadburn kidney stone. I'm sick and tired of the kidney stone. David's sick and tired of the kidney stone. The kidney stone is sick and tired of itself.

Thursday afternoon, the girls and I picked a very groggy and very pale David up from the hospital. The doctor was able to laser the stone into a gazillion smaller pieces. I had to stop and get gas on the way home. David, soooooo high on pain meds, decided, "Hey, I'll get out of the car, too." I'm saying, "Uh...sweetie...why don't we stay in the car, okay?"

"Nope. I, uh, I'm just gonna take a walk."

"I'm pretty sure you're not gonna get very far."

"I'm pretty sure you're right...I don't feel great. I have to throw up."

"Here's a trashcan."

After looking around for 45 seconds for the trashcan that was right in front of him, he pleads, "Where is it?!?!?!?!"

I lead him directly to it. He pauses for a second, looking into its depths, and declares, "I'm good. No throwing up. But I am gonna sit down."

And he sits down in front of the car, on the concrete. I finish pumping gas and then hoist my invalid husband up and back into the car, where he proceeds to lower the seat back all the way, pinning Harper against her car seat. She laughed.

We get home and I send David straight to bed. He's pretty doped up the rest of the day, but starts coming back to the land of the living by that evening. He was still in a lot of pain, but slowly getting better. The doctor gave him a strainer to catch...stuff...so they can determine what type of stone it is and how he can better prevent them in the future. It's really weird and gross because he has to save all the pieces of stone in the strainer, so I won't get into all the details...except I just did, so there you go. Mom suggested putting the pieces in a little necklace. Ha...oh, Mom. You're so strange.

Friday morning, David decided he was okay enough to go to work. I wouldn't have, but he's tougher than me. He was tired, but feeling much better. Same with Saturday. Then, Saturday night, he started getting a bad stabbing pain in his lower back on the side they did the procedure. It continued on through this morning. Dad is saying it could be bruising of the kidney or he's still got some pieces left to pass or something else. So, he's got to go back in to the hospital tomorrow. Blah. Everybody is sooooo over it...especially David. I just want him to be able to feel like himself again. Praying that happens soon.

So, the saga of the kidney stone continues...but hopefully only until tomorrow.

I still have one more Zion post, but I didn't have a chance to get that done this weekend, so here's some videos of the girls.

As you can see, we are all excited about Santa Claus. At the end, she says "I" a few times...she's noticing the letter on David's shirt in the video on the phone.

Harper singing.

The girls were being super quiet and David went to check on them and found them like this.

The Klaser!

2011-11-17T07:38:00.003-06:00

Haha, y'all's coffee comments. Amy, I think you're part coffee bean. Mmm...it does smell nice, though. But NO...I can't have any more.

So, you guys be praying for David this morning. He's got his kidney stone removal procedure in 30 minutes. It's apparently lodged and the doctor said it will only get worse and cause more damage if they don't do something, so they're GOING IN! They'll use some sort of kidney laser to break it up and get it out. It has a very technical and scientific name like LCTW triptostynosisectomty, but I like to call it...The Klaser.

And this is kind of what I'm picturing.

I actually think it's a little more humane than that. He left early this morning and the girls and I will go pick him up sometime later this afternoon. Bless him...he's nervous, but sooooo happy to be almost done with this ordeal. It's been a craptastic two weeks for him. And I miss him dearly.

Y'all, yesterday morning, the girls woke up so early and I got up to change their diapers...both had on poopies. David had just changed the trash bags the night before and I didn't want to stink it up first thing, so I opened the garage door to chunk the diapers out there. I forgot about the alarm. It started beeping, telling me I had 15 seconds to disarm it. I had on socks. On the hardwoods. It wasn't like I fell and caught myself on my hands and knees. Both of my feet went behind me and straight out. I belly-flopped directly onto the floor, my face taking the brunt of it. I didn't have time to say certain things, I just got up and turned off the alarm, only then taking a break to assess the damage. My chin, my left elbow and my right knee...all three a beautiful palette of turquoise, eggplant, and sky blue. My chin has a chin. If you see me in the next few days and think, "What's that on her chin?", that's where my face cushioned the fall for the rest of my body. I wanted to cry, but I couldn't. I just splashed water on my face, making sure I hadn't busted anything open. Then, I pictured what it must have looked like, and just cried from giggling instead. I would have paid good money to have had a camera there, because I'd be $10,000 richer on America's Funniest Home Videos. I woke up this morning so sore. My arms, neck, chest, back...craziness. Stupid socks. Stupid alarm.

Oh my gosh, you guys...Thanksgiving is next week!!!!!!! I cannot wait. I'm so hungry. I mean, I will eat before then, but I want some dressing ASAP.

coffeecoffeecoffeecoffeeCOFFEEEEEEEE

2011-11-15T22:47:00.002-06:00

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It's A Zoo 'Round Here

2011-11-13T18:40:00.006-06:00

This weekend, the parentals and Peter came to visit us this weekend and it was so much fun to get to see them. David is still in an immense amount of pain from his kidney stone. He had an appointment Friday morning to see a man doctor and the doc said that due to the size and location, there was only a 50/50 chance he could pass it on his own without intervention. David was like, "INTERVENE! INTERVENE!" Apparently, there's only one machine in all of Birmingham that can do whatever they do to kidney stones (I think it's that the sonic wave stuff) and it's not available until Thursday. So, David waits. We've been praying he passes it on his own so he won't have to wait that long, but it's not looking that way. I don't even know how he's working. Either way, we'll have a new addition to the family on Thursday. I can't wait to meet the little guy/gal. I'm gonna punch it in the face.

Mom and Dad wanted to take the girls to the zoo, so Saturday morning, we all went (sans David). He decided to stay and rest. We met up with Sara and Bryan. This was the first time I think the girls thoroughly enjoyed the zoo. And they actually stayed with us when we walked as opposed to running off in a crazy fashion like they normally do. Took 6 adults to watch 2 kids. It's almost impossible to go anywhere with them because we've each got a wild child and somebody's gotta carry the bags and push the stroller. But, they actually walked semi-beside us.

And yessss, I know I know I know I said I wouldn't dress them alike, but when you find a buy one, get one sale or certain things that are really on sale, you get two of each.

Jenny, look how cute those hair clips look!! Y'all, go to Jenny's Etsy shop. She made months of the year hair clips. This was obviously November's clip.

Papaw G has a strange fascination with Dominique (or Dominicker) chickens. Every year, my mom gets him one for his birthday. Not a real Dominicker chicken, that'd be ridiculous, but a little stuffed animal or figurine. I actually don't know why he likes them so much, but there was one wandering around the zoo and the girls took a fancy to him. They were very upset he didn't want to play.

Mommajoe and Poppadoc went for a ride on the carousel with the twinsers. They had to switch animals a million times until everyone was satisfied.

We went to the petting zoo. I realize I was the worst photographer that day. No faces at all hardly and you'll see in a minute that halfway through the zoo, I just stopped taking pictures. I don't know what happened to me.

Oh, here's some faces. Piper Lee stuffing her's with a snack.

So, we went into one of the zoo houses and they had an enclosure with a Prevost squirrel and red pandas. Mom didn't see the sign about the pandas being in there, too, and she saw it and was like, "Oh, wow! Girls! That is one big squirrel. That's the biggest squirrel I've ever seen." Oh, Mom. That's a red panda. The squirrel, like, a normal-sized squirrel is right over on that branch. Okay, well, it was funny to us. Guess you had to be there.

People misspell stuff. I misspell stuff. It happens. But, it really shouldn't happen on a permanent informational sign in a learning facility. Ansester? Really? That's not even slightly misspelled.

And the last picture. Ha. We were waiting for the zookeepers to come feed the daddy lion and show us his tricks. The momma lion and cubs were sleeping in their "bedroom." Yeah, like lions have a bedroom. But, it was really cool. We got to hear the daddy lion "speak" and "purr" and he was ginormous. The zookeeper asked, "Can anybody tell me how we know it's a male lion?" Everybody: *snicker snicker*

Zookeeper: Keep it clean, people!

We went on to see the elephants and the rhinos and the monkeys and the kangaroos and the other stuff. Dad got some really good pictures of the girls in the lorikeet (tropical bird) exhibit. Bryan and Peter would catch the birds and hold them close to the girls. They were interested in them from a safe distance, but up close, it was like, "Baaaaaah!!" So funny.

After the zoo, we had lunch and went to look at houses. Mom likes to house hunt as much as I do and we went to the two places we're considering building a house. Sigh. If ours will ever sell.

We made plans for Thanksgiving. It's going to be kind of a hodge podge holiday this year because David has to work on Friday, Peter has to work, Dad's on call, so Mom and Noah and Miz Di and Connell are joining us. I'm sad not everybody can all be together, but I'm sooooo excited about Thanksgiving! My second favorite holiday. I went ahead and got our turkey and while I was there, I was going to get some pomegranates to make a salad with. Y'all, those things are like $800 for one. They're good, but they're not that good. And it's a bunch of work to actually get the stuff out. Stupid elitist fruit.

Zion Adventure: Day 6

2011-11-11T07:56:00.022-06:00

Thursday, we donned our very stylish water-canyoneering gear (which consisted of canyoneer shoes, neoprene socks, fleece tights [so sexy], and drysuit pants) and headed to the park. After a 45 minute shuttle ride to the northernmost stop in the park, The Temple of Sinawava, we hiked a mile on dry land on a very nice, relaxing hike called the Riverside Walk (because it was beSIDE the RIVER) and ended at the Gateway to the Narrows.

We grabbed our gear the night before at Zion Adventure Company. I reserved the equipment several months ago and I read that all you really needed this time of year was the dry pants. When we went to check out our stuff, the lady recommended full drysuits because the water was a little deep in a few areas and it was extra cold (43F water temp), but they were out of suits for the day, so we'd have to pick them up in the morning when they opened at 8 a.m. It takes about thirty minutes to rent gear from them because you have to watch this video about Narrows safety, which was informative. But, it also included a 10 minute segment of how to properly use a poop bag (for overnight trips). And, they demonstrated it for you on the video. It was...well, I'll be disturbed about it for awhile. We didn't want to start that late in the day, so we just grabbed pants a size bigger and hiked them up WAY high.

Riverside Walk

Gateway to the Narrows. You basically just keep on walking past the paved trail straight into the water. A lady asked me, "How do you get into the Narrows?" I pointed and said, "You just keep on walking." She looked puzzled, her brows furrowed, "Well, I know that...but how do you get INTO the Narrows?" Trying not to smile, I replied, "Well, that's the beginning of the Narrows. You just start. And the trail is the water. There is no other part of the trail. That's it right there." Still worried about this, she asked, "But, I don't see anything." Trying so hard not to sound like I'm making fun of her, "What are you looking for?" Innocently, she responded,"I don't know. It's called the Gateway to the Narrows." I explained that it's just the beginning of the Narrows trail and the end of the Riverside Walk. In order to go further, you have to get in the water and it goes up several miles. God bless her, I still don't think she understood it. I really think she was expecting to see some kind of sphinx gateway like in The Neverending Story with naked, winged lady things waiting to shoot lasers out of their eyes at those unworthy to proceed further.

Either way, this is where you started.

After this picture, we pulled our pants up as high as they would go and tucked our jackets into them. I got mine close to under my armpits. The area of the river around the bend behind me was the deepest section we had to go through and it went about an inch below my pants. Baaaaarely made it.

This waterfall is huge when it's rained. But, that also means the river is nearly impassible.

This is the beginning of Wall Street. In some places, the walls were as high as Angel's Landing's peak. Most of Wall Street had no high ground, so if you saw signs of a flash flood coming, you had to scurry out fast or, well, die. If you did make it to high ground in time, you'd have to wait it out on your own. They won't rescue you. And be sure to take poop bags.

This was wall to wall water.

This was a sub-slot canyon called Orderville Canyon that branched off from the main Narrows. We hiked up it for a mile on the way back down.

There were a few rock beaches here and there we scrambled over.

Stop taking pictures...let's gooooooo!

Three and a half miles up and we stopped for lunch. After this part, we'd have to wade/swim through chest-deep pools and we weren't up for that. The Narrows is the world's largest slot canyon. Everything we read said it was really strenuous, but it wasn't at all. It might have been because we were rarely in the sun and the water was so cold, but we were comfortably warm in our clothes, but it was very pleasant. I mean, it's not like walking on a flat road. Most of it is carefully stepping over huge rocks in a swift current. There were some sandy bottom parts, but it was just taking your time crossing back and forth from beach to beach or just staying along the shallowest parts in the Wall Street section. But, it really wasn't tiresome at all. We had a blast!

I'd say about 80% of the people we saw didn't have any kind of protective clothing. Most were in shorts and hiking boots. And all of those people were blue. They had snotcicles. A lot of the ones we passed we never saw again, so we assumed they turned back. It was way too cold to not have something warmer on. And their hiking boots would have been filled with water. The shoes we had allowed the water to pass through them and had great grip. The neoprene socks kept our feet warm. The only couple we saw that made it as far as we did without special gear ended up stripping down to their undies (not kidding) and sunning for a bit on a beach.

Mmmmm peanut butter and jelly never tasted so good.

It might be hard to see the guys on the rock down there. They were having a sword (walking stick) fight while their friend took pictures.

It's probably hard to see in this one, too, but in the shady part on the right, below the big rock, there are some people in drysuits (you can see the blue and red). They asked the best way to get to the beach in the sun. I told them to climb up to the top of that rock and go down the other side because there's a really deep pool right past that rock. That's where I took the previous picture. I don't know if they maybe didn't believe me or were just determined to go around the rock because they had full drysuits on, but they didn't climb up like I suggested. Every single one of them went under. I mean, they were okay, but they got soaked. Heh heh.

Heading back! The whole trail is like 16 miles one way (people do overnight trips from the top down to the Temple of Sinawava), but you have to have a permit and lots of climbing gear.

Heading up Orderville Canyon.

The cliffs' insatiable heights claim another innocent rodent life.

We made it as far as this little waterfall and then you had to turn back. You could continue on as long as you had a permit and rappelling equipment.

Back in the main canyon.

And we made it! Back on the Riverside Walk. SUCH a fun hike. Totally unlike anything I've ever done before.

We ate supper that night at the Red Rock Grille at Zion Lodge. Best food we had all week.

The Watchman before supper.

The Sick House

2011-11-10T09:07:00.005-06:00

Sorry I've been MIA this week. And sorry for the weird Photobucket background earlier. I'll get a new one up, but for now, Photobucket's being dumb, so I turned it off.

So, last Wednesday, David's lower back and sides started hurting and since he'd had it twice before, he knew immediately...kidney stone. It got progressively worse on Thursday and Friday morning, he headed to the doctor. Some blood work, pee in a cup, and CT scan confirmed a 4mm stone. The doc said some folks are just prone to have them more than others, despite the fact David drinks water like nobody's business. There was nothing they could do then and nothing Hugs could do but wait for it to pass on its own. And it has been determined to take its precious little time. A week later and he's still working on it. Some heavy duty pain meds have helped him through this week, but he's pretty much been an invalid at work and a home. He's able to get work done at the office, but he's just miserable, bless him. It could be a couple more hours, it could be a couple more weeks. I'm praying it happens like, in the next 30 minutes, just because I miss my husband. He's just not himself. I can't imagine how uncomfy he is.

On top of that, out of nowhere, the girls have gotten sick. Croupy coughs, snotty noses like you've never seen, sore throats, etc. We've had to do some breathing treatments at night because they were struggling catching their breaths and I've been rotating sleeping with them in the recliner in the living room, so it's been a pretty restless week. Then, I got sick...just a sore throat and headache, but it's like COME ON! Add insult to injury, please. And then, because of the time of year (Squeee! Thanksgiving! Christmas! My favorite!), work is crazy busy.

*whine whine whine whine whine*

Okay, thanks for letting me whine for a second. Back to keeping things in perspective. We're all alive and well, all of our needs are provided for, it's Fall, the bestest holidays are right around the corner, I'm going shopping this weekend, Amazon is as awesome as ever, I am very blessed.

Praise the Lord that my Aunt Becky was coming up to stay with me this week anyway. So thankful for her. I would not have survived if she hadn't been here. I mean, I would have survived, but I might be typing this from a nice, soft padded room. Actually, that sounds really relaxing.

So, that's what we've been doing. But, I will finish the Zion posts, two more to go, and I have a ton of Fall and Christmas pictures we took of the girls this past weekend, which was a lot of fun!

Hmmm...a sound-proof padded room....