A 2 year old's conversation (Part 2 & 3)....

Man the last several days have been a whirlwind-- Christmas was nice but fast, only 2 days off for me and then I am back to work with no one else--

Everyone else is off. I tend to use a lot of time at the beginning of the year with sick kids, but I am hoping for a better 2008, good news is I will get another week of vacation next year-- that is what they give you at 10 years of service, and maybe a handy dandy CIGNA watch or something. Anyway with all of the hustle bustle of Christmas, I haven't sat down to blog lately, and my one blog fan is on me to get "a-writing"-

So as I was putting Carter to bed tonight; I recalled a cute little conversation we had the other night, and we had another tonight so thought I would put them in writing:

Conversation #1

Mommy: What do your friends call you at school? (Note: I was looking for Carta Bown-- because I like when he says that and that is what his friends call him)
Carter: Ticken
Mommy: Your Friends you Chicken?
Carter: Uh Huh
Mommy: They don't call you Carter Brown
Carter: Nope Ticken

Conversation #2

The scene: Carter laying with his Panther's football that sings when you hit it 3 times --it says"Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina for the Panther's football game" He would hit it over and over to get to the singing and would start wiggling as if he were dancing. Each time he would do it I would Giggle

Carter: That funny Mommy?
Mommy: Yes that is funny
Carter: That real funny Mommy?
Mommy: Yep that is real funny

No pictures needed....

I had decided this year would be the year that I would teach Payten the joy of giving. We have always adopted a child or family, and this year was no different in that respect, but I always wonder if Payten really understands what is happening when the stuff is taken away to be given. This year I wanted her to see the joy of others when she gives, one of those life lessons that I want to stick with her.....

So I had this wonderful idea, I would dress the kids up and give out Candy Canes at the local Nursing home-- that idea was squashed by the Nursing Home's activities director-- I guess hard sweet candy is not good for everyone at that age and that is understandable.

So my friend, had the great idea of having the kids paint sun catchers to hand out (great thought Mindy). So that they did. For 2 weeks now the Horner kids, and the "Brownie" kids have been painting sun catchers. Today we stuffed bags and delivered them.

Payten was dressed in her Reindeer ears, and Maci in her Santa hat, and off we went to the nursing home. The girls went room to room and gave out; I am guessing over 50 sun catchers. It was a great experience, the joy in the residents' faces was just unforgettable.

One little lady said-- "This is a Happy-- and she kinda got stuck on Happy, when the nurse said-- "do you mean Merry Christmas?", she said "no, I am trying to say this is a Happy day, and everytime I look at this I will remember your sweet faces"

Tonight I asked Payten, "What do you remember most about today". She said "giving out sun catchers with Maci, and those people giving us hugs". I said "Did it feel good to make them happy" she said "yep".

So I was a bad mom and forgot my camera-- but when it is all said and done-- no pictures are needed, because I know the memories made today will be etched in the minds of Payten, Maci, Mindy and I forever.

Thank you Horners for helping us pull this off ---you are all awesome (even Grandmama and Papa, thanks for your help too ).

A little Christmas Cheer

A little Christmas cheer from the kids...

(Before you play-- go to the bottom right hand corner of my blog and press pause on my blog music-- also if the movie stops in the middle, just click where the moving arrow stops, just a little to the right of where it stopped and then press play again---- for some reason it stops after Payten sings sometimes and you should see Carter sing after Payten-- also I found it may play better the 2nd time around--this is my first try with a real movie--obviously)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!!

It's Potty time...

Well maybe not quite yet-- but Carter did ask to go to the potty tonight-- so we ran to the bathroom, took off his little diaper and sat him on the toilet-- (not sure the best way to train a little boy-- but when daddy is not home, this is the only way I know)

So there he sat-- grunting away-- not sure what he was trying to do, but Payten and I were just encouraging him as much as we could. Then Payten says "maybe he is nervous, I will turn on the water for him"-- good idea sis- that helps me sometimes--- still nothing--but we both clapped for him for trying...

Oh well-- maybe next time will be a success story-----

Some moments are just to sweet to resist...

Last year Payten brought home a poem that was laminated and she had added her own little picture, when Joe was cleaning up the other day he found it and posted it in his computer cabinet. I caught this cute moment tonight and sat down to just add a picture and a few words but when I looked over I saw the poem and thought it was perfect for the occasion; it says:

Daddy's Little Girl

She's at his heels begging to go along

Washing the car together and singing a silly song

Riding on his shoulders,

Laughing on his knees

A pair where love is mutual and very plain you see

So like him in thousands of ways,

From her toes up to her curls

Cry your eyes out Momma,

She's her Daddy's little girl

(Gotta fix that date on my camera, this was tonight really :))...

Daddy's little girl.....Hmmmmm....I guess some things are inevitable.....

And the white stuff keeps coming.....

I am stuck in the Hotel room-- office closed at 12:00 noon today; snow started coming down at 11:00am and we are supposed to be getting 2 inches per hour until 8:00 tonight. It is beautiful-- if I could figure out how to get a cell phone picture on here you could see too. I am sure I looked like quite the tourist to these Connecticut folks when I was snapping shots of the snow to send back home-- but it is okay -- I don't get to see this enough at home-- and brings back that little kid feeling--

You know it is bad when you are in the North and they are closing schools, offices, the airport etc-- so I am just hoping tomorrow is as predicted-- 40 degrees-- just like I like it-- snow comes, you see it, get some good pics, then leaves the next day--

And most importantly -- tomorrow is my travel home day-- I can't be late for that-- I MISS MY BABIES-- (all 3)

One fancy contraption...

Okay here's the situation-- traveling in Connecticut this week, went to the bathroom in the restaurant two little old ladies were standing there staring in the stall with the door open-- as soon as I opened the door they looked at me and said--- you have to see this --come here....

The lady waved her hand over this sensor on the toilet ---and there we all stood staring at this contraption-- this little arm came out over the toilet seat, and the toilet seat lifted and started going around in a circle-- in this little arm was a sanitizing cloth that wiped the whole top of the seat-- as we stood there in amazement the little old lady said "I have never seen anything like that" and turned to me and said-- "now you can use that and you won't think it is wet because someone wet on it, it is wet because it is clean"

When I went back to my table I saw the ladies telling everyone at there table-- I wonder if they all took the tour before they left--

They sure do have some fancy contraptions in these here Northern parts---

Friendship that is good for the soul...

When was the last time you and a friend......

• Raced through the check out line at Walmart (and when you won had the Cashier rub it in with--- WE WON!!!)



• Started a foot race to the car in the Walmart parking lot



• Bought the same fuzzy PJ pants and called yourselves "Twinkies"



• Had to potty so bad but couldn't get to the bathroom for laughing at each other for no apparent reason besides having to potty so bad



• Took pictures in every silly spot you could find around the house just to get the right picture that hides your not so favorite parts



• Laughed uncontrollably about a little bit of nothing



• Talked on the phone for over an hour with nothing important to say



• Played fun couple games with your hubbies like Mad Gab



• Left long winded rambling messages every day, or actually enjoyed-or looked forward to getting those messages
  

Do you have anyone in your life like this? If not -- find someone--fast--don't waste time-- find someone that allows you to be yourself, no matter how silly that may be-- I promise you will thank me for the advice!!!

Can't keep up

This is how I feel this week-- I can't keep up, my next week of Black Belt starts Monday, I have Christmas cards to address and send, presents to buy, a tree to decorate, appraisals to complete, homework for training, project work ... and on and on and on and on...Calgon take me away

How to Stay Young

Got this from a friend today (Thanks Rena, You are special to me) in email and I really liked what it said-- Good advice on here-- and I want all of my friends to stay young and happy!!!! (Added a few of my own comments in Red for your enjoyment)


HOW TO STAY YOUNG

1. Try everything twice. On Madam's (of Whelan's and Madam) tombstone she wanted this epitaph: Tried everything twice...loved it both times!


2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down (keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches).







3. Keep learning: Learn more about computers, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain get idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's!

4. Enjoy the simple things

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with that person. (And it is okay if you make your ownself laugh uncontrollably-- even if your friends pick on you about it-- HE HE HE)







6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with you your entire life is you. Lost time can never be found. LIVE while you are alive.


7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county, or a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is. (OOPS-- THIS IS THE ONE I HAVE TO WORK ON)






10. Tell the people you love that you love them at every opportunity. (I love you, my special friends !!!!)

11. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second time.

12. Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Aww Shucks....

Thank you to my Anonymous Ashley Fan-- That was pretty darn cool and a very nice surprise-- To everyone else reading--I promise I didn't write that myself-----:) --

Blog Held Hostage

Yes, Ashley is awesome! This blog has been temporarily taken over by an Ashley fan. I'm not going to get too sappy here because that isn't how we roll...but I need to take a few lines to give a shout out about Ashley. Many of you reading this have known her much longer than I have and I imagine you will be collectively nodding your heads as you read on. Here are the top 5 reasons why Ashley is awesome.

#5- She has the BEST sense of humor. Hands down - the best.

#4- She's really smart. I'm not talking book smart (although her simple math is impressive) she is also good ole common sense smart- Her advice is the "why didn't I think of that" kind.

#3- She is a people person. Strangers are drawn to Ashley. They just begin talking to her in stores, airports, restaurants, everywhere. I say her smile draws them in and before either one knows what happened she has made them and herself laugh uncontrollably.

#2- She is one of the most thoughtful people I have ever met. I'm continually amazed at how she listens, remembers, and acts on our conversations. Go to her house for dinner and she will present your favorite dessert- even if you don't remember ever discussing it with her.

and the #1 reason Ashley is awesome-----

at any given moment she'll outdo herself by breaking into song and later surprising you with the craziest and most thoughtful gift in the world!

You rock Ashley! I love you girl...but not in that indigo girls way... ;) Thank you for the dvds. Thank you for bringing out the fun in me. Thank you for being free with all those verbal affirmations you know I need. Thank you for being crazy enough to roll like that. It's no secret here, you are the best!

Just Nominated Best Mom of the year...

Yep-- that's me-- we pulled off the biggest surprise ever tonight for Payten and her 2 friends..... we took them to the Hannah Montana Concert. You could hear them scream for miles when we told them they were going tonight-- we let them know by writing a message in their Chicken Mcnugget boxes-- one box said-- U R Going, the next box said 2 C, and the last box said Hannah Montana----the girls put their boxes together to decipher the message----Results were as follows:

THE SURPRISE:

THE MATCHING SHIRTS:

THE LONGEST WAIT EVER:

THE STAR:

THE DANCING:

THE NON STOP DANCING........

THE AFTER PARTY:

(P.S. This really was taken last night--the date is crazy because my batteries died)

WE LOVE HANNAH MONTANA!!!!!!!!

A 2 year old's conversation..

Carter and I went to get my registration renewed today-- below was the conversation with the Lady behind the counter--

Lady(addressing me): Did you have a nice Thanksgiving?

Ashley: Yes mam

Carter: I ade turgey!

Lady: You did, was it good

Carter: Uh Huh

Ashley(addressing lady): Did you have a nice Thanksgiving?

Lady: I did

Carter: Dyu had turgey?

Lady: I sure did

I loved how he just fell right in like he was part of the conversation-- what a fun age when they begin to talk..... more to come...

Happy Anniversary Joe!!

Tomorrow Joe and I will be celebrating our 7th anniversary, and in honor of our special day I have added a little tribute to him.

I love you Joe, Thank you for 7 wonderful years, and many more to come.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone---I hope you all have a SAFE and HAPPY Holiday!!

Revenge is Sweet....

To get a little history you must double click on the "good clean fun" blog attached and read...
Sweet Tea for Me: Just some good clean fun

I like when people get me because it just gives me a chance to get them back-----let me tell you about it..

Was walking in the Walmart Parking lot yesterday... Noticed a Black and Silver Durango owned by Mindy Horner. Had a turkey fryer to return in customer service, had a flashback of situation described above.. had an idea..and what happened next? Everyone in Walmart heard the following:

"Attention Walmart guests, This is a customer page for Mindy Horner, please meet your party in Customer service, Mindy Horner please meet your party in customer service"

AHHHHHH revenge is sweet

My Week in Review---

What a week, I have been in Bloomfield, CT all week--in Black Belt Six Sigma training. For those of you that know what that is you may be able to empathize with me, if you don't know what it is you may know more than you ever want to know over the next four months, as I have a feeling it will have me blogging so as not to lose my mind....so since I haven't been around this week to blog--thought I would do a week in review----so here goes


Highlights of the week

• My farewell luncheon (always nice to be surrounded by friends and fam before you leave)
• Laughing at the lady whose undies fell out of her suitcase which came open as she got off the shuttle bus at the airport--and laughing at the shuttle bus driver saying--- Mam are these yours (this is SO going to come back and get me--why did I laugh)
• Learning that the lady I was traveling with was on the Newlywed show, and lost because she didn't want to tell the truth in front of her in laws
• Laughing at my boss saying "If it's yellow let it mellow, if it's brown flush it down". I have heard this phrase before recently in reference to all the water shortage and how often you should flush, but this time I found it extremely funny-- that was after 6 hours of statistics training on a Wednesday
• Good Food (and Free food at that)
• Laughing uncontrollably at the bell curve graphs which once the trainer added dots to the top ended up looking like boobs. (this was pointed out to me by someone at my table who shall remain nameless) After 7.5 hours of statistics training on a Wednesday I was getting the "to tired to stop laughing giggles" so bad that I was crying. The funny part is the instructor thought I was crying because of the stress of the class and came to check on me after class--
• Daily calls from the Family-- with I love yous, good morning, have a good day, and good nights-- I even got a couple of cute voicemails saved that I can reference anytime my heart needs it
• Daily check in voicemails from my buddies (even a nice serenade from Amos), and nightly debrief calls with my debriefing buddy.
• A great welcome back and a welcoming committee full of people that make me happy...

Not so Highlights of the week

• 36 hours of Stats (especially since it has been over 12 years since my last Stats class)
• Leaving the Fam on a Sunday and being away from them all week
• No exercise to counteract the good free food --even though I was fully prepared to walk every night and told everyone that was my plan...didn't happen
• Anticipating the next 3 weeks of training over the next 3 months
• Leaving the Fam on a Sunday and being away from them all week
• Anticipating a report out on my project on week 4 in front of a lot of really important people
• Leaving the Fam on a Sunday and being away from them all week
• Anticipating an end of class test
• Leaving the Fam on a Sunday and being away from them all week
• 30 minute delayed Flight home (30 mins doesn't sound like a lot, but seems like hours when you are trying to get home to see the fam)

Well there you go--- my week in review, I know I will be proud of myself once I accomplish my black belt (this is not in karate by the way-- that would require that exercise I didn't do all week) but it may be a stressful road to get there.... May have to increase the # of times I get hair color before this is all over with----

A Little Shout out....

Today was one of those days. The things that made it one of those days are not important. What is important is how great my buddy is, that stepped up to the plate many times today with no hesitation. When someone is there for you like she was, a million thank yous are just not enough-- believe me I have said it a million times today and still don't think I have said it enough.

So I would like to give a little shout out to my buddy Mindy Horner (it is not necessary to blog her whole name I know-- but I tend to call her by her whole name--so it only sounds right for me) Your friendship skills continue to impress me in every new experience and adventure.

So thank you again (#1 Million and 1)

By the way, I saw a card today that made me think of you it said "Some People are lame, Some people are awesome" when you open it, it says "you're awesome". I was going to get it for you but decided I would just show it to you the next time we are in Walmart and tell you this is the card I wanted to get for you (;

Moving on up....

Payten is moving on up to the next level in Swimming. We just found out tonight and I am so proud of the little squirt. In June we went to the beach and she wouldn't get in the pool without some sort of float or floaties, and she would not stand in the shallow end by herself. Then right before she started her swim school, I took her to watch her friend Grace swim, just to get her use to what she may have to do. I said see how she puts her head under the water, she said "I don't care I am not putting my head under water" now she is a little fish, and has only been there a couple of months. Her teacher said she couldn't believe how fast she has progressed. Yeah Pay Pay and Little Otter Swim School-- (BTW obviously mom hasn't done a good job at getting pics of the swim school-- so just added one of her silly little self)

Saved for future use...

Is it Kosher to blog 2 times in one day? Not sure will have to read the blog handbook .. I would have saved this for tomorrow, but since my friend blogged that she gets upset that I don't blog enough I thought I would over do it and blog twice in one day--

Anyway caught this cute moment today with Carter and Payten. She was pushing him around in her Baby Doll stroller, she put a pacifier on a holder and clipped it on him and he was sucking on it (he hasn't taken a pacifier since he was 5 months hold). It was one of those cute moments that I had to catch.

So I will hold on to this picture, maybe show it to Carter's first love, or even before that, when they are in their "not getting along stage" that is sure to come ---I will pull this out and say-- remember when you liked each other... and you would just do what sissy said-- can we get that back???? I am sure it will go over well and they will love me reminding them of this loving moment.

So Proud...

Joe has finished his first two years of school with flying colors, and I am so proud of him. I am sure the kids would be too if they really understood the full meaning.. either way, to show how proud we were of him we bought him a mountain bike (even got him a cute little horn that he removed immediately-- I don't understand) and gave him a well deserved, morning out with a friend to go bike riding.

And thanks to our sweet friends, we were able to pull it all off as a BIG surprise...He was so happy yesterday when he got home and that always makes me super happy.

CONGRATS DADDY WE LOVE YOU-- and the best part-- you are half way done-- it is all downhill now...and we will be right here supporting you every step of the way....

Our (Overly) Friendly Neighborhood Walmart

I went to Walmart today-- the Cashier was really nice, almost too nice, she commented on everything I bought. As I walked off I was thinking--- man it sure is a good thing I didn't buy anything personal, I mean what would she have done? Commented on everything but that one item and then we would have had that awkward silence, or would she have commented on the personal goods too.

I mean what if I had to pick up immodium, or preperation H, or new undies, or what if I would have had to buy all three-- would she have said- Honey I guess you are having a bad day-- Just glad it was not one of those days, my modesty could not have taken it...

Good ol' home cooking

What is it about fall weather that gets you in the mood for warm comfort foods? I have wanted something with gravy all week, I finally treated myself today.

Not only was it a comfort food-- I made one of my mom's specialties -- and one of my favorites from growing up--she cooked it for me every time I came home from college (yes a little spoiled). So what was on my menu tonight? A roast with gravy. I use to think that mom slaved over the stove for hours to make this wonderful meal, I now find that with a crock pot and a couple of ingredients it is easy easy-- it is the sides that had me slaving.

So I know I have everyone on the edge of their seats for the recipe huh--well it is a family secret --not really-- Just put a sirloin tip roast in your crock pot, and cover it with french onion soup, and beef consume. Normally I use about two cans of each and then top it off with water until the roast is completely covered. Once covered I leave it in the crock pot all day-- I had it on 8 hours low today and it came out just fine. The only problem is for about the last hour or so you get really hungry if you are home, because it makes your whole house smell really yummy.

You can get as fancy as you want with sides, but I think you have to have mashed potatoes--- that is a must--and real ones not spuds-- tonight I made mashed potatoes, gravy, squash, corn on the cob and biscuits-- and that is probably the most I will cook for the next month :).

So if anyone else is like me and is in the mood for a little warm comfort food, try this Murchison Family treat-- it is sure to make your belly say umm umm good.

Fun Times, Fun Times...

For the last several weekends, we have been busy hosting our friends and family for fun little cookouts, and every weekend we have brought out the Perler beads, or what we call "Melty Beads" (we can't take credit for that name, that is what Payten calls them from afterschool)

Either way, call them what you want--- I recommend melty beads to all moms. It is great entertainment for kids, and adults too, it is kinda like cross stitching of my time.

The kids can be as creative as they'd like with their own made up designs or they can get books with different ideas. You can check this out at http://www.perlerbeads.com/, but they are easily purchased at Michaels, Walmart etc. etc.

I just thought I would give this great little thing a plug, and help all of you moms out that may be looking for creative Kiddo entertainment.

My future ..As told by the cookie...

I went to a wedding today. At the reception the couple had tables set up of memories and pictures, and on one of the tables they had a picture frame and inside of it was two (fortune cookie) fortunes from their first date. Both of their fortunes related to a new relationship, that would be permanent.. and there they were today getting married.

I thought it was really cute---do you believe in fortunes???? I had Chinese tonight (not because of the wedding fortunes... I promise...just in the mood for it), anyway, my fortune from my cookie tonight says "You will obtain your goal, if you maintain your course". A couple of weeks ago, I had Chinese, I kept my fortune, and it reads "Use your abilities at this time to stay focused on your goal, You will succeed."

Oddly enough I have put a lot of thought lately into my future goals... I will hold on to these, maybe one day I will have a reason to frame them too.......

My future aspirations

For those of you that know me fairly well-- you may have at one point heard me say that when I get old, I will one day collect shirts with funny sayings, like the little old men that collect hats with funny sayings, and I will wear a different funny shirt every day.

Since I am not old enough to do that today and it be socially acceptable, I guess I will just have to take it out on my kids.

But look how proud he is to wear it.......

Bathroom Pet Peeves

I received an email today with a few cartoons about typical coworkers-- I could relate to all of the cartoons, but the one attached, unfortunately I relate to way more than the others. Yep those are my feet in that stall-- no not my pointy shoes, would never wear those, but being in the profession I am in-- I do tend to attract those people that want to follow me to the bathroom talking-- they don't really peek under the stall--- that is creepy, but they do follow me in and talk through my entire bathroom break-- and it is a bit annoying, and reminded me of some of my other Bathroom Pet Peeves..........

1. The Cell Phone Talker--okay there are only a couple of friends that I feel comfortable enough with that I can keep them on the phone while I potty---but to consider taking them into a public bathroom where they can hear everyone else and think it is me--- oh no, especially our bathroom at work-- the sounds that come from there are scary (Right Cindy :)) . Also it is annoying to everyone else in the bathroom-----I have actually responded before to people talking on their cell phones-- I think they are bathroom talkers and trying to talk to me.
2. Mrs Excuse me....Why-- why would you excuse yourself-- you are in a bathroom, and it embarrasses me for you. I would rather not know who you are. Really-- manners are not needed in the bathroom (well except for courtesy flushes that people don't use enough)
3. The Mr. Rogers (well I guess it would be Mrs. Rogers)--Either way--I don't want to be your neighbor--- at work we have 15 stalls, I counted them one day-- so when they are all empty, why do you choose the one beside me? I mean I have a preferred stall myself, but I can improvise if someone is right beside it--

I am sure these are not all of my bathroom pet peeves, but for today these were the things that came to mind when I saw this cartoon, and just had to get them off my chest.

First comes love…. Then comes Marriage (this is long but way worth it)

You know I have always said I am not a lucky person, in fact I am so unlucky that if I put my name in a hat for a drawing, I wouldn’t win, even if I were the only name in the hat. But there is one place in life that somehow I lucked up and if I never get lucky ever again—I am glad that I got lucky with my hubby--- okay—that didn’t come out right—but you know what I mean……….

I have felt the urge to make him one of my first blogs, partly because I feel a little obligated to give him a shout out since blogging takes time from him (well sometimes) — but also I am sure I will have plenty of kid blogs—so I can’t let his wonderfulness get lost. There are so many things that make him special, he is smart, strong, caring, silly, and most importantly the BEST Daddy ever!! There are days when I look at him and fall in love all over again—sounds a little corny—but what an awesome thing.

It is really crazy how much our lives intertwined before we met. He was born in the same town that I was raised, and for the first 3 years of my life we lived about 3 blocks from each other. Our families went to school together, and knew each other, and what is really great is that his Grandfather can tell me stories about my grandfather who died when my mom was 3….he has told me what he looked like, and how Mamamurk use to break up their poker games (I told you she is/was feisty)---and other really cool stories--- I find it so interesting how close our lives were--- way before we were even thought about…we always say we were meant to be.

One of my favorite things about him is his ability to keep up with me. I know that sounds funny but he keeps me laughing, which is pretty important in my little world. He likes to play on my air headedness--- like the time he told me that a truck with a propeller trailer hitch was one of those new floating trucks—he didn’t realize I believed him until I was telling Mamamurk about these new trucks—and he said --did you think I was serious??? Well obviously – I am telling someone else about it, aren’t I?

Just Sunday, he had fun at my expense twice. First at Walmart, he yelled across the isle—Hey did you get those TAMPONS you needed? For anyone who knows how modest I am – that is enough to make me go from 0-Red in less than 2 seconds. Secondly, we went to check out these wooden chairs that are for sale and sitting on the side of the HWY 74 (which for those of you that do not know ---74 is a really busy HWY in Charlotte). So I got out to look at them and came back to the truck and said, okay I like them, and he said—you are not going to sit in them and try them out???—I said—there are a million cars riding down the road—I don’t want to look stupid—he said—just go see if you like them. So there I go trotting back over, I back up and sit down—and what does he do—just started honking the horn over and over--- what else could I do--- I just started waving…….

So whether you call him Joe, Joey, Joseph, Mr. Joe, Josephina Nickolina, it doesn’t matter to me… I just know that I am proud to call him my best friend, my hubby, my confidant, my security blanket, and of course my baby daddy……

Another good blog spoiled by dead batteries.....

--Can you believe that..so since I know everyone is patiently awaiting my next blog-- I decided to wing it. That is right-- wanted to tell the blogger world about my wonderful husband-- but guess it will have to wait for another day-- because I have no pictures of him.

I thought, however, since I talked to my grandmother today I would take a minute to highlight some of my favorite "Mamamurk" stories. She is 95 years old and fiesty as ever, she has lived through many hard times, and could have such a bad outlook on life-- but instead she is still full of great stories and fond memories and loves to make people laugh. She reminds me often that the most important thing in life is that you have family that loves you -- and we do love her-- so here's to you Mamamurk, a little look at some of my favorite stories.....

• Mamamurk is color blind, she took the time to color with me as a kid, but I always wondered why the trees were purple


• She lived with my family for most of my childhood, she found humor in wearing panty hose over her head and knocking on the windows to scare my friends at my slumber parties-- I think she has officially done that to all of my cousins, so we got her back on her Surprise 89th birthday when we all shouted surprise with Panty Hose over our heads--


• My grandfather died when my mom was 3-- Mamamurk dated very rarely--the one date I remember her going on was short lived--she did not date him anymore because he had untrimmed nose hair -- speaking of which, she made my grandfather shave his underarms-- they say he walked around for days with his arms up in the air---guess she doesn't like hair on men


• She now tells me she doesn't need a man, that she keeps one in the closet and only lets him out to use the potty :)


• She hates this story-- but when I was young we shared a bedroom, she had this trick (after stomach surgery)-- if she laid on her left side she would have gas forever-- I always thought it was funny, and she would do it to make me laugh-- but she doesn't like it when I tell people-- so SHHHHHH


• Her oldest son is in his 70's and after the sudden loss of his wife he began dating again. We were all very happy for him, and when he decided to bring his new girlfriend home to meet everyone we were all very excited. Before they came; mamamurk called and said, now Jack I have to ask you one thing-- do you sleep in the same bed, his response was mama yes we do, I will bring a switch so you can whoop me when I get there. Mamamurk tells us, "I had to ask him because I had to prepare myself-- I knew if they were to show up and just go to the same bedroom, I would not be able to hide the look on my face"-- remember uncle Jack is in his 70's ---guess being a mama never changes


• She reminded me of this story today-- she had twins I guess about 70 years ago (can't remember how old my aunts are) either way she always tells us they looked like rats and slept in dresser drawers--


• And finally my FAVORITE Mamamurk story of all-- About 3 years ago (remember she is 95) she was at the "Beauty parlor" and she was trying to tell the lady about her 5 kids. (remember she has a set of twins) so she tells the lady (as my mom stands patiently awaiting mamamurk's story) that she had 5 children-- but no she didn't stop there-- she ended her comment with "but I only had to ride the train 4 times"...my mom was mortified-- the stylist loved it--

So there you go-- funny stories of one of my favorite people....I hope to one day have grandchildren that love to share my stories as much as I love to share hers--

To my IBS friend ***This Blog's for you****

So before today-- I had the best idea for my next blog, but then life happened, and I couldn't miss out on an awesome blog opportunity to spotlight a rare connection---

Have you ever met someone and as soon as you meet them --you know there is something cool-- and pretty instantly you relate to them. Well today that happened to me with my new friend, and I found out today, that we don't just relate-- we relate in a way that only we can understand. With that said........

• We may never be able to go on long trips together-- we may never make it
• And we may never be able to handle stressful situations with all the kids---there may be no one to watch the kids

But one thing is for sure-- we will have great stories to share that only we understand. So in honor of this great connection made today -- I have written a little song for my IBS friend--

When you're riding in the car, and the station's just to far-- think of me your IBS friend

When you're with a group of strangers, and you feel like you're in danger--think of me your IBS friend

When you're driving in the snow, and all the stores are closed--think of me your IBS friend

When you're anywhere but home, and you feel the need to roam--think of me your IBS friend

So I have said no names to protect the innocent-- but you know who you are-- and here's to you my IBS friend-- may we share with each other--many great memories of our racing minds and last minute, frantic, dashes to that safe place----

"Cuz all the cool people are doing it"

Yep-- that is it, I heard all of the cool people were blogging and I just had to try it. I once jumped off a bridge for the same reason and it didn't hurt too bad, so I thought what the heck---



Really I have never been a journaler-- (is that a word????) even as a kid--- but the same person that told me everyone our age was doing it -- even though she is older than me (he he he)---- had me read her blog and I found it to be quite interesting--so I thought let me become technologically savvy and figure this out ---just so I can say I have been there done that--maybe this journaling could be pretty cool--



So here I am--for anyone that happens to stumble into my page-- hope you enjoy, and if no one does-- hope I enjoy--if this is my last blog-- the answer will be clear "I ain't cool"............