-salads are always better in restaurants than at home?
-people in my house cannot manage to shut cabinet doors?
-no matter how much I clean I still feel as if there is more to do?
-the junk in the dollar section at Target always lures me in?
-I seem to have the bedtime of a kindergartener?
-cookies disappear faster than carrots?
New Kids on the Block will return to The Today Show on Monday, September 1.
Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to go begin teasing my hair so it achieves maxiumum height and stability by then.
I took care of that little brownie problem.
But thanks to Kassie for pointing out the raincheck thing. I'd kinda thought of that but wasn't sure how to do it. How do you do that? Is it only if they're out of a product?
(While we're on the subject of grocery stores.)
Brownie mixes are 10 for $10 at my K. Roger this week. My heart was so happy it did a little somersault. Brownie mix is a staple in this house. Moreso than what most people consider important such as milk and bread.
So anyway long story short they were out. Of all of them.
I cried right there on Aisle 10.
(And now I have to flipping go back to the grocery at some point this week becuase I.Will.Get.Brownies!)
Seems I speak a lot of the dentist quite often here. Well, I had to go again today.
While I do love the feeling of the fresh clean teeth when I leave, I hate the way they take that metal thingy and scrape and scratch all over my mouth. I feel like I'm going to smile Mount Rushmore when it's all over.
But I did get a fancy new super soft bristle toothbrush and sensitive teeth toothpaste of which I'm very excited.
I know, I should get out more.
Many a time have I talked about grocery shopping for a teenage boy. These pictures were taken two months semi-recently. This is what a weekly trip looks like. Formerly, this was my bi-weekly trip. The goods all laid out. 
The goods all laid out. 
The fridge contents.
I have a job interview at 7 a.m. tomorrow. Yes seven in the morning! I'm busy all day today babysitting (a six month old boy....precious!), the lady will be out of town Tuesday thru Thursday and she was adamant that she wanted to see me sooner than later. I'm not exactly in a position to be picky so I accepted. Even worse this is a breakfast interview at a restaurant. EWWW! I hate eating interviews with the fire of a thousand suns. It's the worst ever to be decked out in your interview attire and nervous as it is but then to eat while answering questions on top of all that just sucks.
This isn't the job I'm pining for, but that organization has yet to do anything further. I'm still hoping for at least an interview to win them over. However I'm not in a position to decline any decent daytime job (given my previous experience) and this would be in the realm of Marketing/Communications although from the little bit I know about it, it wouldn't be my choice.
On the bright side, if I do get a job, any job, I'm going to stalk out George and bring him home! On the down side, I've driven by that little shop twice in the past few days and didn't see George from the road as I had previously.
I had these picture frame coasters that I never quite filled with pictures. I wasn't able to find anything to fit in them just right and I have more than enough pictures all over my house.
So I made a little monogram (surprise!) to put in them:
I used some rich textured scrapbook paper that matched my living room and kitchen decor. I cut sqaures in double layers and glued them together. Using a gold paint pen I freehanded the classic looking "M" in the middle.
I think it turned out quite nice and looks cute on the teacart.
You well know that I'm a list maker. You should also know that I'm a sorter and a filer. Shocking, I know.
I've longed for some pretty pattern folders to sort all of my household stuff in as well as my ideas out of magazines, etc. However I'm thrifty and just haven't been able to shell out the $5-$10 when I already have plenty of folders. Besides I've not found a pattern that really floats my boat.
Then a lightbulb went off. I have folders. I have loads of scrapbook paper, and I have decopage.
Ta-Da!
I made my own pretty coordinating file folders at home. I traced the front of the folder onto the back of a 12x12 peice of scrapbook paper and cut it out. I placed a layer of Mod Podge (found at any craft store and Wal-Hell as well) onto the folder, placed the cut to fit paper on top, and then another layer of the Mod Podge to seal it. Lie flat to dry overnight. I didn't do the backs and I've not yet decided if I'm going to do the inside part that shows with the tab.
These were a thrifty option for me because I already had all the materials and also like to do thinks on my own and have a custom look rather than the store bought. However it was super easy and took minimal time.
My decopage fun and games didn't stop there.
I found this darling silver tray at a garage sale for fifty cents. You can tell but it's all scratched up and looks as if something hot was set on it to cause burn spots in the middle. However I had a vision when I spotted it for a cute memo board for my studio. My studio also doubles as a guest bedroom. I've been staying busier and busier with monogramming and sewing projects as well as sales of items to I thought a little board to post projects, deadlines, etc would be great. But I'd like to keep it pretty with the asthetics of the room.
So I came up with this:
Is that not adorable? It was the same decopage procedure as above but I used fabric that matches the duvet that I made in that room. (Full confession: I have loads of that fabric left. Even after I finished the duvet, shams, etc. the fabric went on a great sale and I loved it so much that I bought the rest of it!). I placed the fabric in the tray with the bottom side up. I traced the rounded sqaure of the tray on the fabric and cut. When I flipped it over it was a perfect fit.
As for the magnets I think I'm going to monogram hair dots and put a magnet on the back rather than a rubberband. I have a great blue polka dot fabric (as seen on the cushion in the link above) that will coordinate quite cute.
There was a shooting at a local high school today. Luckily not in the part of town where we live or at the high school Little Brother attends, but nonetheless scary.
How is it that guns solve everything for kids? Whatever happened to a good ol' fist fight? At this point I'm nearly condoning that. "Hey--meet me by the tree!"
Being in high schools is scary.
Everytime I hear of something like this it makes me think less and less about getting a teaching certificate (no, I'm not pursuing that but still toss it around in my mind).
Also this comes just a few weeks after a man walked into a church in MyTown and opened fire killing two people. It was close to home.
What is going on in MyTown? This safe little suburban town?
My friend T2 is at the school and was also at the church next door where the kids were ushered. Bless her heart! Please be thinking of her and praying for her.
(Note: This is just what I've needed to hear lately as I feel I'm on the brink of making a big decision that God is leading me toward! I hope this speaks to you as it has me.)
Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshiping what's right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze new trails. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don't try to be who you're not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away.
Chase the lion.
---The Lion Chaser's Manifesto by Mark Batterson http://www.evotional.com/
Why is it that when I wear sunglasses I feel invisible? It's like I think people can't recognize me or won't know who I am, even though I know exactly who they are. I have to admit I have a bad habit of feeling like I can stare people down when wearing my shades.
However, what's really sad is when I'm wearing my regular ol' glasses rather than contacts and forget people can see my eyes as I stare them down!
Anyone else have the problem of the incredible invisible sunglasses?
Did I ever mention that Hubs and I are Youth Leaders at our church now? There is a full-time Youth Pastor and his wife but we've became offical leaders. Growing up in my little church the Youth Leader was the volunteer to teach the lessons and plan a few fun things and there was no Youth Pastor. However, we just help out how and where needed. All the kids think we're cool except for the one that lives with us, go figure.
Anyway, the Youth Pastor is on vacation for 2 weeks. Hubs is up! He's totally responsible for teaching the lessons and planning the events for both middle and high school youth. Oh, and that starts tonight!
You'd think they'd have a better screening process, huh? Kidding! I'm so excited for him! Be thinking about him in the next two weeks at he molds young minds!
I have a weakness for bags! Totes, purses, clutches, and satchels of any kind: come to me and I will give you love!
Remember the great closet purge of June? Behold that which was yeilded from the great clean out:
This picture is acutally less a stack of t-shirts, a couple pair of jeans, and also an AE terry cloth short and jacket set because I felt a little like I wanted to be 17 when I wore it. There are two layers of clothing on hangers across the back of the sofa and four ample stacks on the front consisting of pants, capris, and sweaters.
Little Brother's first day of school was quite a success! Boy was I relieved! I was so nervous yesterday morning.
No really, I was nervous! We're talking blowing out my pants nervous! I all but begged him not to go with promises of homeschooling! I was so afraid he'd get to lunch and not know anyone or have anywhere to sit. Can you imagine anything more horrible than hanging out by the wall all alone for 30 minutes?
I wish I were lying when I say I nearly called up the school to ask what time his lunch was according to his third block class so I could call/text/etc. (because I know he didn't actually have his phone off) and go make it all better!!
Yeah I know, worry much?
You'll be happy to know I didn't do that (I'm sure he's happy too) and also that his girlfriend is in his lunch. Have I mentioned his girlfriend? Yeah, he wastes no time. She's just the cutest and sweetest thing ever and he met her at church. She's at our house all the time and eats dinner with us nearly every night, well before school began anyway.
In addition to the sweet kids I mentioned yesterday, there is another kid from church (a junior) who met him after every class and made sure he found all of his classes and didn't have to walk alone.
I could cry! That kid made my day.
Little Brother could cry because his Honors Geometry class had 40 problems to do this evening.
Hubs is probably crying because we went out and bought all necessary school supplies last night. Cha-ching! I think I'm going to start calling him Daddy Warbucks since he's floating all of us!
Today is Little Brother's first day of school. He's a sophomore and going to a new high school, where luckily he does know a few people from church. A sweet kid (who is a Senior) lives up the street and has offered to pick him up, he has a girlfriend who is one year older and of course excited to show him a round, and also a friend in his grade and they do have a class together today. Praise the Lord for our church!
Still I'm nervous. The butterflies where there. For me more than him I think. I'm sure he'll be fine as he is one spectacular kid. I'm very pleased that this morning was a good one with him getting up easily and in a surprisingly good mood, so there was no growling before he left.
Also, I had to sew a button on his shorts so let's all pray he doesn't moon the sophomore class when he walks into homeroom.
Hubs informed me this evening that he thinks he'd like to attend Law School. He graduates with his MBA in December, he plans to work a few years, and then perhaps attend Law School.
He was nervous to tell me this. He thought I might feel negative about it and not like the idea. While him getting his MBA hasn't been all daisies and butterflies, it's not been that bad. Of course seeing the light at the end of the tunnel is helping. And also I'm not sure what we were like before he started this program a year and a half ago. Seriously, I don't remember how we spent our time.
I'm actually rather excited about this possible endeavor and very proud of him for thinking he'd like to do this and for being gutsy enough to keep on truckin' in school. As long as I get to have kids in that time frame somewhere I say go for it! Apparently I'm going to make him a little scholar, indeed. I must be a good cheerleader for his sudden motivation of highter education.
Now perhaps we should find a bit of time for me to get a Master's Degree. How about sometime in February as I think I have an open weekend and it will be quite chilly anyway. I'm nothing if not ambitious.
I had the best visit ever! The kids were so excited they couldn't stand themselves. They knew I was coming but didn't know I'd be there when they woke up. Boyfriend woke me up promptly at 6am everyday. We had breakfast together and I'd walk him to the bus stop. Girlfriend woke up promptly thereafter as to make sure he wasn't getting any extra special time with me.
We went to a few cute boutiques in the area and also a furniture consignment store which I totally wish they had in MyTown. I played outside on the play set, swung in the hammock, watched Boyfriend on his new skateboard, and also hit the pool. They have not one, but two neighborhood pools complete with lazy river and slide. And also a snack bar that has ice cream and beer, you know, the finer things in life.
Mama R and I did a few projects and I admired her lovely new home and stole lots of ideas (as always from her). She also loaded up my little sport coupe with extra goodies that she can't use. Score! I get the best goods ever from her.
The highlight of the trip was just being with my kids, reading them bedtime stories, tucking them in each night, and not having a meal without someone on my lap, you know, as to get the most out of me as possible.
Boyfriend didn't want to go to school because I'd be gone when he came home. I was a little teary eyed leaving and then Girlfriend ran down the driveway after me with just one more hug and kiss and also a picture she wanted me to take home.
How I miss them! I cannot wait to visit when new baby (a girl!) is born and to take my husband. If worse comes to worse and I don't have a job soon, I'm going to go be a temporary nanny when the new baby arrives and help them to find someone else suitable. Not nearly as fabulous as I, of course, but suitable. :) No one (less the parents) will ever love those kids like I do.
The fabulous penthouse guest suite. I'd already rumpled the covers before the picture but it was divine!
The welcoming box of goodies should I need a late night snack. The R's are such gracious hosts.
My darlings: Boyfriend, Girlfriend, and Bear.
Playing with the new train track we set up in thier fabulous new playroom.
It's road trip time, a al me! I'm leaving to visit my kiddos who moved in May. My temporary and schedule sucky job prevented me from visiting for so long. Now of course I feel frivolous spending the gas money. However, Mama R said gas money wouldn't be a problem if "La La would just come visit us."
Words can't express my excitement and the sheer joy I feel of going to see my kids.
Oh, and may I continue to dazzle you with my light packing Internet?
This little boat and tote bag is doing me for 3 (yes, three) nights. Contents include: yoga style capri pants, three tanktops, one t-shirt, 2 dresses, one pair of flip flops, swimsuit, swimsuit cover, undies, meds, camera and charger, phone charger, book, and toiletry bag containing shampoo, body wash, body spray, razor, deoderant, lotion, loose powder, eyeshadow, mascara, lip gloss, toothbrush, face wash, and moisturizer, all in small travel friendly sizes.
Today Little Brother is 15. FIFTEEN! Seems like only yesterday I was at the hospital thinking he looked like a conehead. And also wondering why I got a little brother when I asked for a pony. Clearly there was a mistake.
But I practically raised him as a child. In fact he didn't speak until I left for college because I simply took care of that task for him. A good big sister was I.
Although there are challenges, extreme challenges, to being both Big Sister and "Mom", I wouldn't have it any other way.
I never got the pony, but I sure love my Little Brother.
I found a fabulous job today! It's with a non-profit (I've longed to work for a non-profit) as an Assistant Director of Community Relations.
The pros are I'm already a volunteer for this organization and have been for several years as it was my sorority philanthropy, I'm currently on the board of volunteers for a big event they have this Fall, I know two people (very well!) on the Board of Directors and both are all for helping me, I've previously met the Director whom I sent my resume to, and I am most definately qualified for the position.
The cons are these great positions are currently so few and far between and that although I'm very qualified, there are probably at least 10 more people are more qualified or over qualified who have applied for this same position. While knowing people helps, the organization, of course, has to do what is best for them.
Say a prayer that I can get an interview and this position would work out. It would have a great schedule and be semi-flexible as well as being super close to home.
Today both Mack and Little Brother are 14, in canine and human years respectively. So in essence they are twins. Until tomorrow when Little Brother turns 15. Of course in February Mack will surpass him and he'll never catch up, but still!
The Boys
Mackipoo surprising Little Brother with a kiss.
There's a point in your life when you're mid twenties with a few years of marriage behind you and the universe starts to expect you to have children. (Case in point when your jobless and already have a fourteen year old and a dog. I hear ya universe! It's my husband you need to talk to!) People begin to ask more and more. You turn down a drink and suddenly speculation is running with wild abandon. You feel sickish one day and raised eyebrows of morning sickness are upon you.
So during this time don't you dare call up a friend and exclaim to have big news without specifically pointing out you're not pregnant; lest you receive a pacifer and baby booties in the mail!
Did anyone else dream that they were held captive in a house by the Wicked Witch of the West and although they knew they'd be rescused because eventually a house would fall on the old hag it was still frustrating to be kept in there?
No one?
Oh.
Didn'tthinksomeeither!
