Getting His Feet Wet

Well, what an exciting day! Mattie Moo took his first step toward becoming a swimmer! We put on his swim trunks (which do not require a diaper), his groovy hat, his cool dude shades, and a bit of sunscreen and headed over to the YMCA to test the waters!

Mattie did not cry or scream (and neither did Randy). In fact, it was a very pleasant experience for all concerned. Now that we know swimming can be fun, we are sure to do it again soon. I know Granny and Poppy are anxious to see us down at the lake for some splashing good fun.

I am so glad that Randy is thinking of getting some swimming lessons so he can feel safe and comfortable in the water with Moo. He even mentioned a pool for the backyard! I say, one step at a time!

Creative Chaos? -- I think not!

Look at this mess. Is it any wonder I can get nothing done? I have so many supplies that I can't find anything. I am not feeling any kind of flow in this new room, so I don't know where to begin when it comes to organization.

I lost my previous space to Mattie Moo, which I was happy to concede, but now I am finding it darn near impossible to document his memories. The current state of things was originally created when the doctor took me off work with a week to go in my pregnancy (not that I would have been woring but 3 days with the Christmas holiday there), and Randy wanting to keep me occupied. The smaller table was added after Moo arrived so I could watch him while I cropped -- this never worked -- All of his seats were too big for the tables and the tile floor was too cold! Now with Moo being awake so often and wanting company, this arrangement has become little more than a dumping ground for supplies I purchase and sketches I make. Randy and I looked at a craft table, but it just wasn't working for me!

I am not ready for the Clean Sweep people to come in because they will want to take my stuff. I sometimes suffer under the delusion that I will add on to my house and have a fabulous craft room, but that will be no time soon. So, if you have any ideas or know of any organizational gurus, please let me know! I have scrapbooking to do and no where to do it!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Yep, here I am -- a 33 year old! Wow! I don't feel that much different. Do I look that much different? Yep, I am still carrying some of the baby weight I hoped would be gone by now. (Diet starts tomorrow!) Some days I don't bother to curl my hair. But I guess I think I look healthy and happy.

Had a great weekend. Shared lots of quality time with the Moo. Won my tennis match, I mean won BIG -- 6-0; 6-0. Woo Hoo! Had two great meals with family and two awesome desserts -- cranberry cheesecake and banana pudding pir -- thus sealing the deal for the diet tomorrow! Got some cool gifts and funny cards! Got to greet my fellow church members and guests before the services today. Have been asked to teach my Sunday School Class. Like Joe Walsh says, "Life's Been Good to Me So Far."

Had no candles this year, but did get a really cool hot dog cooking machine. I have most everything I need, so not really sure what to wish for. I am sure if I had wished, they would have related to health and success for those I love! And maybe another big win at tennis! Ah well, there is always more practice and always next year! At the tender age of 33, I hope to have a lot more birthdays in my future!

Election Day

Wowee! What a day! I went to exercise my right this morning and voted today! In our town there were some big winners! I am pleased that two of my fellow church members were elected to their desired positions and one is the lead contender for the run off election to come in the fall. Congrats to Livy, Lynn, and Jason! Other friends were victorious in their primary bids -- way to go, Jim and Marby!

I have to say I am glad we will get a reprive from the ads and yard signs. I know it is part of the process, but I have to say a month of that seems to drag on forever. I guess we are on a break until October.

I am glad to live in a country where I am free to cast my lot and have my voice be heard. Hope everone else took advantage of their privledge too!

Happy Days

When I get the blues or someone in their infinite stupidity gets me into a darn near incurable case of the meanie reds, I have to get myself some happy thoughts -- stat! Had a run in with a rude MD today and it got me in a mood, so here are a few cheerful ideas that get me back to my chipper state:

perfectly painted nails
banana popsicles
Gilmore Girls marathon
homemade rice krispy treats
receiving a handmade card
a walk with Moo in his Stroller
enjoying a yummy meal you helped prepare
an afternoon nap
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
comments on my blog
a really good sermon
a totally brainless magazine
polka dots
hitting an ungettable tennis shot

There, now don't you feel better!

Let It Sno - a lover's lament

Where has it gone? Summer is almost here, but the tell-tale signs are nowhere to be found. This saddens me. As a kid I looked forward to it. When I could drive, it was where I spent a great deal of my summer income. But I guess it is to be no more.

The local Tropical Sno shack that was once in the Big Lots (formerly Walmart) parking lot seems to be a thing of the past. Once again I will miss the icy goodness and cool refreshment I used to count on. From Banana plus Bubble Gum to Cotton Candy and Red Hot plus Green Apple to Fresh Strawberry, these sweet memories are all that sustain me. I think I would even settle for some Tigers Blood or Peach without Cream if it meant I had access to that frozen delight.

Sure I go to Kroger and buy Banana Pops, but it isn't the same. I even caught myself today trying to crunch up some ice then chase it with a swig of lemonade to recreate that familiar sensation, but to no avail. I have even considered scouring the internet for a French Mouli and a block of ice so as to attempt to make this delicacy for myself, but I know it would not compare.

I know there will be a stand at our local fair, but I have a hard time paying an exorbitant entry fee for something that used to be part of a nightly car ride. I guess this will just be one of those things about which I reminise as I sit in my rocking chair at the old folks home. I will recall fondly the shack's shabby exterior, the obligitory picnic table out to the side, and the thrill that the instillation of the drive-thru brought in the summer of '89!

The Things Moo can DO!

Wow! I can't believe it. I know I will say it many times, but my little boy is growing up. From this fragile little ball that needed constant attention and adoration to this stout little man that has so many skills and talents at such a young age. Here are just a few of the things he is doing now....
1) Smiling -- and not just when he has gas
2) Laughing at loud -- especially when feet are being kissed, ribs are being tickled, and funny words are being said
3) Holding his head up -- rarely does he flop around any more. He is starting to enjoy his Bumbo seat
4) Sleeping thru the night. Of course, he has been doing this for a while, but I still love it.
5) Watching some tv -- he loves Sesame Street and Baby Mozart!
6) Holding toys -- he loves his link-a-doos and a few of his stuffed animals
7) Responding to his name -- sometimes.
8) Sucking on his hands and fingers -- hopefully bink will be reserved for emergencies only!
9) Kicking -- toys, his captain's chair, whatever
10) Holding hands and fingers -- wow does he have a grip!
11) Going for rides in the stroller wearing his cool dude shades
12) Eating nicely at a restaurant -- I am savoring this while I can
13) Enjoying church

More on this later!

The First Saturday in May

What a great day to be from Kentucky! It's almost Derby day! I think I will bet on Sinister Minister, since that is the only name I can remember. There is one that is something like "Rob and Bob" or maybe that is the name of a scrapbooking line. Well, the first Saturday in May is also National Scrapbooking Day. As I have said, I will be cropping from home, but I am going to hit the sales at my favorite store, SCRAPLANET! They are even opening an hour early, so Moo and I may get an early start. Or maybe we won't but as long as we are home by 4ish to watch the horses run, it will be fine!

Got some bad news today. Our minister is being transfered to another church. In the United Methodist Church this is commonplace, but I don't know if one is ever ready to let friends go. I know Brother Phil and his wife will be back often to visit, as their elder son has a farm and a house here, but it will not be the same. Phil and Barbara are the kind of people who don't mind if you just drop by for a visit. (Or at least they are so polite they have never complained about me popping in!) Barbara is a lively part of our scrapbooking club, and at times Brother Phil has taped the QVC scrapbooking days for us to watch while we crop. He even does a pretty got David Venable impression. They have been so good to our family in good times and in bad, and they have been a strong force of positive growth and change in our community. I know I have to give the new guy (or gal) a chance, but I sure will miss them. I am glad I have made other good friends at church to lessen the sting of it all.

The things you do for love

Hmm, we've al done'em. Things we swore we would never do for anybody, especially not for that special someone. But here we go.....for that special someone we will break all of our own rules and fall short of all of our expectations. Well, that is a bit dramatic. What I mean is what have you done that you said you would never do or thought you would never do?

I am at one of those places. I am missing the National Scrapbooking Day crop for two of the men in my life. Saturday is NSD, and I am usually front and center at an all day crop (or at least I have been for the last 4 years!) But this year I am not going. May 6 is also Randy's first Saturday off since we brought Moo home from the hospital. He is so looking forward to getting up a golf game in the morning and having a spot of family time in the afternoon. I could try to find a sitter, but I know I would miss my cuddle time with the Moo! Hey, if it is pretty, we may even go for a stroll before the horses run.

I know there will be many more crops in many more Mays. There will even be days when Moo will be off doing his own thing and i will be left looking at my scrapbooks and missing him. Scrapbooking is not only about preserving memories but making them too. This year I am going to use NSD to make a few memories with the ones I love!

Five Things

Have seen this elsewhere, so decided to try it too....

FIVE THINGS IN MY FRIDGE
1) fig jelly
2) off brand turkey
3) milk - chocolate and white, but I only drink the chocolate - small glass at night like a little cocktail
4) Kraft Cheese
5) Poppyseed Salad Dressing

FIVE THINGS IN MY PURSE
1) Coupons for diapers and baby wash
2) My checkbook (I think -- I need to reorder checks though)
3) Lipstick
4) Bic 4-color pen
5) Business card from Dot's, my new favorite restaurant (in case I get the urge for takeout!)

FIVE THINGS I WATCH ON TV
1) QVC (It is the happiest place on tv)
2) Gilmore Girls
3) Paula's Home Cooking
4) HUFF
5) Something good on one of our movie channels

FIVE SHOWS I HAVE NEVER WATCHED
1) Oprah
2) Lost
3) Amazing Race
4) Ghost Whisperer
5) Dr. Phil

FIVE MOVIES I COULD WATCH OVER AND OVER
1) Shag: the Movie
2) Anything Harry Potter
3) Legally Blonde (first one not the second)
4) Minority Report
5) Breakfast at Tiffany's

FIVE JOBS I HAVE HAD
1) Warehouse worker at a blue jean factory
2) Congressional Intern
3) Nanny/Babysitter
4) Bookeeper at a bank
5) Psychologist/Professor

FIVE BOOKS I HAVE READ THIS YEAR
1) In Her Shoes (Good in Bed was better)
2) Million Little Pieces (I bought it cause it had candy on the cover)
3) What to Expect the First Year
4) Supply Saavy Scrapbooking
5) The Going to Bed Book (to Mattie every night)

FIVE BOOKS I LOVE
1) Beach Music
2) Hand Hand Finger Thumb
3) Guess How Much I Love You
4) Skipping Christmas
5) all of the Harry Potters

FIVE EXTRA ACTIVITES
1) Tennis Team Captain
2) Rotary Program Chair
3) Subsitute Sunday School Teacher
4) Scrapbook Store Design Team Member
5) Adopted Golfer

FIVE THINGS I DO EVERY DAY
1) Brush my teeth
2) Put on Lipstick
3) Hug Randy
4) Kiss Moo
5) Pet Wechsler

What about you?