IT's Kickin' Tail and Takin' Names

* Update #2 5:00 p.m. *
Another One Bites The Dust...

*Update* We made it through the night with no more casualties. Thank you Jesus! Keep praying!

Oh friends, it's not good. Not good at all. We have been stricken. Afflicted. A very contagious virus has been going around the hospital rehab facility where my dad is a patient. It's so bad at this point that the hospital won't admit any more patients. See this fellow... He got IT.

IT = a very unhappy little virus that makes one very unhappy. There is a general sense of unhappiness when one is in contact with this unhappy little virus.

Because his family loves him so much, he had lots and lots of visitors (before we knew about IT). Thus far, IT has captured my Mom...

And BOTH my brothers. Here they are in happier times.But, smack me a somerset if it didn't get this little guy. My sweet little Pumpkinhead. He has been hit the hardest. He was up ALL NIGHT LONG last night. He seriously didn't get any rest because he was so sick. He's finally feeling some better tonight. We are all exhausted and waiting on pins and needles to see who will be IT's next victim. Please pray that Parker and the rest of my family will be completely healed soon and that the rest of us will be spared.

It Takes One To Know One, Sassy Pants

American Idol (Top 36, Round 2)

I wasn't planning to do an American Idol post until the top twelve start performing, HOWEVER, when Norman took his turn last night I just couldn't resist! So here goes...

1. Jasmine ~ cute, but ehhhh...
2. Matt G. ~ Fastforward
3. Jeanine ~ Fastforward

This is a mind-blowing recap so far, isn't it? Remember, I didn't start taking serious notes until Norman took the stage.

4. Norman/Nick ~ Well, according to his song, he thinks he's not going. The judges seem to wish he would go (away). I'm just not sure what to think, but y'all, when he did that karate kick I almost fell off the couch.
5. Allison ~ The judges said she "blew it out the box", could "sing the telephone book" (that's original), and "girl can work a microphone stand". Good to know. If AI doesn't work out, maybe she can open up a microphone stand, kind of like a lemonade stand, only with microphones. WHAT?!?!
6. Kris ~ Simon says the chicks are gonna love him. While I do think he's a cutie-patooty, I'm not sure he has what it takes to make it through to the next round.
7. Megan ~ Her song talks about letting her hair down. She definitely accomplished that. Girl's got alotta hair. I'm just sayin'. The judges seem to like her. I mean come on, Paula said, "I Heart You". That's serious. Simon called her "a funny little thing", and Randy said she's definitely "drop dead". Nothing about her made me drop dead though, not even faint.

PAUSE: I'm struggling here because I want to be honest dawgs and dawgettes, but I don't want to be ugly. ALL of these folks on AI can sing WAY better than I ever thought about singing. I couldn't even blow it out the itty-bitty box. I applaud the talent that took them this far, and their courage to get on that stage at all. That being said, shall we continue?

8. Matt The Welder ~ I had really high hopes for this cat, but it was a little bit safe. The judges seemed to think he "fell flat". They reminded him that he's a cool guy though. I'm sure the "cool" part made up for all the negative comments.
9. Jesse ~ She looked like she was in pain while she was singing parts of this song. I thought she sang ok, but that "talking back" to the judges DRIVES ME CRAZY! I don't tolerate my kids talking back, and I won't tolerate it on AI either. A lot of the contestants have been talking back, so I am wondering if the producers are encouraging it. I really, really don't like it! Jesse was the worst in the talking back category last night. The judges did have some interesting comments. According to Randy, she didn't "blow it out the box". Kara called her slinky with issues and moments, and Simon said she was forgettable, but not before calling her performance "too cool for school". That was another laugh out loud moment for me.
10. Kai ~ I thought he was pretty good overall. His wild hair kept my attention. The judges thought is was corny, old-fashioned, and safe. Paula said something about him basically being good, except when he wasn't good. Huh?
11. Mishavonna ~ I liked this gal pretty good. The judges weren't overly impressed, but based on her competition for the evening, she did really well in my book.
12. Adam aka Pete Wentz ~ We found out he's been in musical theater since he was 12. That might have a little effect on his performances, ya think? It remains to be seen if that experience will help him or hurt him in the long run. Simon called it excruciatingly brilliant (or something like that). The other judges seemed to really dig him. He definitely has the best voice of that group, but then they compared him to Edward Cullen. Umm, Not so much.

My predictions:
Adam, Mishavonna or Allison, and (gasp) Norman/Nick

What do you all think?

Together Forever

Wayback Wednesday February 20, 2006

April 1, 2006

March 25, 2006

April 1, 2006

April 9, 2006

Isn't he handsome?

If you think he's cute, you should see my Mom...

This Morning In The Kitchen

Parker: "Mommy, did you know that Brian didn't get any toys at all for Christmas? He only got three movies and a t-shirt?"

Me: "Who's Brian, are you talking about the little boy at church named Brian?"

Parker: "No, I'm talking about the Brian upstairs."

Me: "Do you mean Daddy? Why did you call him Brian?"

Parker: "Because I know his name."

I guess that explains it.

Does Talking With Friends Burn Calories?

I sure hope so! Last night, I had a great Girl's Night Out with two wonderful friends. We went to see a movie and then stopped for dessert. We saw He's Just Not That Into You.

It was really cute and better than expected because I had heard mixed reviews.

Here's a picture of our "Cookie Monster" dessert. So yummy! We shared the dessert, but I'm still hoping all that talking used up some of those calories!

Because I know you just can't wait to know more about me

1. Make a list of what you can see without getting up.
A huge mess right now! Calendar, Computer, Bible, Stacks of papers, Bills that need to be paid, etc.


2. Favorite Football Team
UT of course, but I also like Titans and Colts


3. What are you wearing now?
Old, and I mean old, ugly tshirt with a big bird on it and old gray shorts with a hole in them. Try not to be jealous of my obvious fashion sense.

4. What's the last thing you read/are currently reading?
The last thing I read was Book 4 from the Twilight series "Breaking Dawn". I'm currently reading "Heaven" by Randy Alcorn.

5. Who is the last person you hugged?
Brian, when he left for work this morning

6. What's your current addiction/obsession?
Probably my Blackberry


7. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Always wanted to be a teacher ~ always!


8. What is the last thing you bought?
Sweet tea and chocolate milk (You didn't know my life was this exciting, did you?)


9. What are you listening to right now?
Tom and Jerry


10. What is your favorite weather and why?
Fall weather. I love everything about fall!


11. What is your most challenging goal right now?
Trying not to control everything, but just to trust Jesus!


12. If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished, anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Probably right here close to my family and friends.


13. Favorite vacation spot.
Well, I'd be telling a lie if I didn't say Myrtle Beach, SC. I know it sounds redneck, but it's a tradition for me and I love it! I do love all beaches though!


14. Favorite children's book.
This is way too hard for me. I have too many favorites.


15. Name one thing you can't resist no matter how bad it is for you.
Cheese! Oh, and bacon! I told Brian this morning that bacon is probably the best single food in the world. He corrected me with "ribeye". However, he is wrong.


16. What is the first tape/CD you bought for yourself?
No clue! Probably something country ~ I'm a redneck, remember? Ha!


17. Say something about the person who tagged you.
I can't remember who sent me this meme, but I'm sure she is fabulous.


I tag:

Becky, Shannon, Rachael, Staci, & anybody else who wants to play along!

I'm showing them my mean face

Years ago, I was teaching 2nd grade and a mom told me a story about a child who would get mad and then threaten to "show her mean face". Well...I am soooo showing my mean face right now! To who, you might ask (or you may not care, but it's my blog, so I'm telling you anyway)?

Applebee's

Let me back up a little. Before Valentine's Day, Brian and I went to lunch at Applebee's. I should pause here to tell you that I am a huge creature of habit, and I do not enjoy change ~ AT ALL. I usually find a dish that I like at a restaurant and stick with it. Yes, I know I'm missing out on so many other great foods, blah, blah, blah. Whatever. I ordered "my usual" and low and behold and smack me a somerset, it arrived with a totally different honey mustard than usual.

I gnashed my teeth while I sweetly asked the waitress if there had been some mistake. Surely this was not the honey mustard she meant to bring, surely they must have more back in the kitchen, surely this was a salad dressing or marinade or something, but IT WAS NOT MY HONEY MUSTARD. She assured me that yes, in fact, it was my honey mustard.

I should back up again. This honey mustard and I go way back. When I was in college, I was a Resident Assistant (RA). Once a month, I had weekend duty so I couldn't leave the dorm from Friday night until Sunday night. It was pure torture most of the time, but that's another post for another day. Anyway, my sweet mom would bring Applebee's honey mustard to the dorm with all kinds of varieties of chicken fingers. I can just imagine her walking into Applebee's ordering just honey mustard the 2nd weekend of every month. The employees probably saw her coming and yelled out, "Michele's on call at the dorm again this weekend". My mom ~ she is a saint.

Fast forward a few years when Applebee's tried to "mix it up" a little. It became way too honeyish and not nearly enough mustardish. I adapted. They have changed it again. I am drawing the line. I am done.

Applebees ~ You are dead to me.

Dude, you might want to fasten your seatbelt

"We're not going to Guam are we?" Um, no ma'am, we're all going crazy trying to keep up with "LOST". So last night, Jack and friends went back to the island. Only the island is apparently 10 years behind the current time when they arrive. Here we go again...

Every Wednesday night, Brian and I watch "Lost" and then it goes off. I growl and say, "Whatever". Brian laughs at me. Every. Wednesday. Night. Why do I keep punishing myself this way? Because I'm sucked in, completely. Whatever.

A Daddy's Love

Way Back Wednesday

I LOVE the beach! It's one of the places I feel closest to the Lord. Brian and I left for the beach the day I went to the doctor and confirmed my pregnancy with Parker. I remember standing at the edge of the ocean, praising Jesus for my baby. I am in awe that the God who controls the tides and the universe loves me. Thank you Jesus!

Valentine Weekend

We had a fun Valentine weekend that started on Friday with Parker's Valentine party at school. Parker enjoying his party food
Look at those Cheeto lips!

Parker bowling

Pin the arrow on the heart

Cookie Decorating

Face Painting

Saturday morning we exchanged our Valentine gifts at home. I'll give you one guess which one of these gifts was from Brian! He was so cute to point out that it had a bow at the top. He learned this wrapping technique from his dad.

Then we went to Sam's for a bit. Here's Claire eating an orange slice. Parker and Claire love to go taste all the Saturday sample foods at Sam's. Free entertainment!

Then I took Parker to his t-ball party.

He was so excited about his trophy!

We stopped by the hospital to show it to my dad. (Update on my dad: He has been moved to a rehab facility, so hopefully he will get stronger and be walking again soon. Thanks for the prayers!)

Yesterday, we went to church, then over to Brian's aunt's house for lunch. I got a couple of pictures with my little Valentines.

Lunch was fabulous, then we rested a bit and went to the playground.

It was a fun-filled weekend!

Let me count the ways...

Brian,

I love you because...

1. You love me unconditionally
2. You act silly with me
3. You make me feel special and loved every single day
4. You let me call you at work just to tell you silly things like how I broke a nail or that I heard a great song on the radio just now
5. You also let me call you at work to cry about anything that might be making me sad at the moment
6. You call me just to say hi and see how my day is going
7. You wash the dishes almost every night (and never complain about it)
8. You don't expect our house to be spotless and often remind me that it won't be as long as we have children living here (and that's ok)
9. You suffer through my favorite tv shows (or at least go sweetly into the other room)
10. You've grown to love the beach as much as I do
11. You dream with me about our future
12. You are the best father that our children could ever have
13. You are the best husband I could ever have
14. You are the most sincere listener I've ever known
15. You make me feel safe
16. You are the most wonderful chef ~ really!
17. You work so hard to provide for our family
18. You treat your clients with respect and always, always do what is in their best interest
19. You wear your hair messy sometimes just for me
20. You "make lists" for me when I need to be reassured ~ reasons you love me, reasons I'm a good mother, etc, etc, etc. Yes, I'm very needy!
21. You are intense and determined
22. You make me hot chocolate
23. You drive my old, two door car so that I can drive the newer, safer one
24. You tolerate my hypochondria (better than anyone should ever be expected to)
25. You love Jesus and live your life for Him!

Happy Valentine's Day Brianaby! I love you now more than ever!

Valentine Memories

Flashback Friday

Here are some of my sweet little Valentines from the past few years.

Parker 2004 (above) and 2005 (below)

Parker and Claire 2006

2007

2007

Old King Cole

Parker dressed up for Nursery Rhyme Day as Old King Cole. He was very excited to wear his costume and recite his poem. Brian and I got a little tickled at how he was enunciating his words. Old. King. Cole. Was. A... you get the picture. So cute! Here he is at the home dress rehearsal ~ ignore his dirty face!

A very serious Old King Cole on his way to school holding his "bowl" and "pipe".

Showing you the back version.

He would have liked for us to get him some "fiddlers three", but we were unable to get our hands on 3 fiddlers for hire for kindergarten appearances.

Pitiful

Claire. Double ear infections. Really Bad. With blisters. Nuff said.

Imagine if we'd gotten her some socks...

Look who got some new pajamas

She was so excited! She made Parker and Brian close their eyes while she prepared for the big reveal. Then she danced around with glee while admiring her new pajamas. Who knew pajamas could cause such joy? We're thinking next Christmas we may just get her some broccoli and call it done.

She even broke out the "Thriller" moves!

I'm not sure why my kids stick out their tongues for pictures!

In other Claire related news...

Have you ever seen Incredible Hulk with curly hair?

I'm Back!

And I've missed you!

I've been spending A LOT of time here...

That's the hospital where my dad has been since Thursday. He broke his leg last week and then had surgery on Saturday. Thanks to all of you who have been praying for him. He's had so many health problems, so the recovery process will probably be very difficult for him. I'd appreciate your continued prayers.

We went to church this morning, the out to eat with some friends. Good food and fun!

Then we stopped by the hospital so the kids could see my dad. It was probably just as much so Papaw could see his best buddies!

Here's some of our crew in the hospital room. Karen, Megan, & Claire

This afternoon it was finally warm enough to get outside for a little while. Parker and Claire loved riding their bikes and playing with bubbles.

Then tonight, I made a bunch of these "Itsy Bitsy Spiders" for Parker's Nursery Rhyme Day at Kindergarten. The instructions looked so simple, but I had a hard time. Leave it to me to make something simple so difficult. All the cookies kept breaking when I tried to put the pretzel sticks in. I even bought Double Stuff Oreos because I anticipated trouble! I'm sure Parker and his friends won't mind. Those spiders won't even know what hit them!

So what's going on? What have I missed while I was out of blogland?

Snow Day

Here are the pictures I promised of us playing in the snow this morning. Fun and Cold!

What's a snow day without hot chocolate?