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Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Pumpkin Pickin'
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Thanks friends for coming to my girls 4th birthday party at Berry Patch Farms. What a great day it was. My girl had 13 of her little friends at her party. How special is that??!! I was worried about her leaving all her friends back in Cali and it taking awhile to meet friends here in Georgia, but it has been great. We have met some very special friends here and are so thankful for them.
All the kids rode the hayride out to the pumpkin patch where they all picked out a pumpkin and then came back and decorated their pumpkins, went to the petting zoo, played on the playground and ate cake. It was a great day and we LOVE the pumpkin patch.
Fancy Nasty
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Blue Ridge, Georgia
Proud. Just plain, proud.
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Thursday, September 18, 2008
Nice Girl
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Boys- That girl (pointing to my daughter) is going to be the "Sea Monster."
My Girl- I'm not a "Sea Monster." I'm a nice Girl. And Jesus likes nice Girls.
Oh, how that made me proud. And more proud that she spoke up to the older boys. And even more proud that she wants to be a nice girl for her, Jesus!
I just can't take it off!
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Fall. My most favorite time of the year!
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P.S.......If you have been wondering (the two of you!!) I haven't abandoned my blog just yet. I've had family in town and then went to Kentucky and Tennessee. And my brother left for Iraq. I have some posts in the works. Stay tunned.....
Monday, September 1, 2008
Lord of the Cord!
Let me set-up the scene:
We were leaving Dillards at Northpoint Mall yesterday and as we were leaving they were starting their nightly cleaning. There was a large vacuum cord in the middle of the walkway.
Me: "Watch out baby, there is a cord right here. Please watch out and don't trip."
My Girl: "Where is the Lord?"
Me: "No. Not the Lord. The cord."
(She thought I said the Lord.)
Even funnier because a lady walking by heard our short conversation and started laughing.
We were leaving Dillards at Northpoint Mall yesterday and as we were leaving they were starting their nightly cleaning. There was a large vacuum cord in the middle of the walkway.
Me: "Watch out baby, there is a cord right here. Please watch out and don't trip."
My Girl: "Where is the Lord?"
Me: "No. Not the Lord. The cord."
(She thought I said the Lord.)
Even funnier because a lady walking by heard our short conversation and started laughing.
Done!
I'm so happy to say that I'm officially done with:
* My girls baby books. Am I the only one that takes almost four years to complete them? I mean, it's ridiculous. I have to go in my computer and find a picture of her crawling. Another picture having her 1st bath. Her 1st Birthday. Her 1st. Her 1st. Her 1st. It has been tedious. But I am done. Truly done. Every single line filled out. This has been an ongoing project and I'm so happy to say that these little books (that took 4 years to complete) will be safely tucked away in their Memory boxes. Not to come out for years to come!
*Caught up on my pictures. And this is huge for ME. I literally take thousands of pictures. And they cost money to print. And I'm tedious about it. One picture for the "family"album, one picture for my girls album, and one for sissy's album. After all the printing and sorting, I have promised myself to upload and print each month. I even wrote it on my calendar each month! It will be easier on my budget and more manageable for me.
*All my pictures are backed-up and on CD's. They are labeled with the year on it and tucked away in a CD case. I had to go back to 2004 to start the process. (Have I mentioned all of this has been SOOOOOOOOOO time consuming?)
*All videos have been transferred to DVD. Nothing fancy. No music or no editing.I didn't have the time for it. Just transferred to DVD. I had them transferring in the middleof the night. During the day. Take my girl to preschool, stop by the house to transfer another one while running errands. You get the idea!
*Caught up on my Christmas album. Every year since 2004 is in there. Every Christmas card. Every Christmas letter. (Our Christmas cards and letters.) Pictures from every year. I also typed up what we did each year. This album sits out on our table or mantel every Christmas. It's a fun way to look back at our Christmas every year.
Whew! That was a lot of work. But let me tell you, I'm so glad I'm done. If you are behind, go for it and do it. You will find it so worth it when it is all finished.
* My girls baby books. Am I the only one that takes almost four years to complete them? I mean, it's ridiculous. I have to go in my computer and find a picture of her crawling. Another picture having her 1st bath. Her 1st Birthday. Her 1st. Her 1st. Her 1st. It has been tedious. But I am done. Truly done. Every single line filled out. This has been an ongoing project and I'm so happy to say that these little books (that took 4 years to complete) will be safely tucked away in their Memory boxes. Not to come out for years to come!
*Caught up on my pictures. And this is huge for ME. I literally take thousands of pictures. And they cost money to print. And I'm tedious about it. One picture for the "family"album, one picture for my girls album, and one for sissy's album. After all the printing and sorting, I have promised myself to upload and print each month. I even wrote it on my calendar each month! It will be easier on my budget and more manageable for me.
*All my pictures are backed-up and on CD's. They are labeled with the year on it and tucked away in a CD case. I had to go back to 2004 to start the process. (Have I mentioned all of this has been SOOOOOOOOOO time consuming?)
*All videos have been transferred to DVD. Nothing fancy. No music or no editing.I didn't have the time for it. Just transferred to DVD. I had them transferring in the middleof the night. During the day. Take my girl to preschool, stop by the house to transfer another one while running errands. You get the idea!
*Caught up on my Christmas album. Every year since 2004 is in there. Every Christmas card. Every Christmas letter. (Our Christmas cards and letters.) Pictures from every year. I also typed up what we did each year. This album sits out on our table or mantel every Christmas. It's a fun way to look back at our Christmas every year.
Whew! That was a lot of work. But let me tell you, I'm so glad I'm done. If you are behind, go for it and do it. You will find it so worth it when it is all finished.
A GREAT deal!
Anyways, back to the story. So we were at the mall. In the famous Disney Store. My girls running around like crazy women do the day of a HUGE sale.We found these aqua-light-up Little Mermaid shoes. My girls said, "Please, please, Mama?" My first thought was, "no." Until I saw the $2.99 price tag. Then I thought again. Sure, why not? After all, they are only $2.99. So we proceeded to try them on. Turns out she is in-between sizes. One will only fit her for a bit longer and the other is way too big fo now. So what do I do, buy both pairs, a pair for Sissy and call my girlfriend Lindsay as I know her daughter would want a pair too. So after my GREAT deal, we all left the store happy. And I might just visit that Disney Store again one day.
And please reassure me that I'm not the only one who doesn't care for character clothing. And I'm not the only one who has given up on the battle of character clothing.
UPDATE- one thing I forgot to mention. Since I'm not a fan of character clothing, I have always allowed my girls to wear character jammies and dress jammies to bed. They can pick. Princess, Barbie, Hello Kitty, Strawberry Shortcake, whatever they want. I think I can do that!!!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Princess Language
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Happy Times
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Did you know about "Best Friends Day?"
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Monday, July 21, 2008
Change of plans!
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My Girls!
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Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Especially Easy & Exciting Entertaining
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One thing about me is that I love entertaining. I love themed party ideas. Whether it's a simple outdoor BBQ (or "cookout" for you southerners) or a planned dinner party, I love having a party. I usually coordinate the theme to match the season. That is what I like to do. For this Fourth of July we had some friends over for a BBQ, pool time and for some fireworks.
I love doing appetizers. And who doesn't like appetizers? I think they are essential. Especially if you have kids.
Here is the rundown on the 4th's Apps:
* Deviled Eggs, Candied Coated Pretzel Sticks, Cantaloupe Fruit Wedges (these are super Kid-Friendly and fun), Crusty Parmesan and Artichoke dip, and many, many other fun small snacks.
Dinner on the grill was:
* Mini Burgers and all the fixings. Potato Salad, Crunchy Broccoli Salad, Tater Tots (fun for the kids) and Corn on the Cobb.
Dessert was:
*Velvet Chocolate Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting topped with Americana Jimmies (the girls had fun with these.) And of course we sang "Happy Birthday to Amercia."
Sipping (a must have at any party):
Beer for the boys. Raspberry Spritzers for the ladies. And Raspberry Rumble for the kiddos.
Here's to some easy entertaining! Cheers!
GRITS. Part 2.
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"Yes, Maam."
Another southern thing has been floating around our house. And this is of course is a southern thing as well. My girl has been saying "Yes, Maam" to me, to her teachers, to my girlfriends, to the starbucks man. And yes I said man. I don't think she quite understands that she says "Yes, Maam" to females and "Yes, Sir" to males. As she has been caught saying, "Yes, Maam" to a man or two. Many of us around here have had a few laughs with this one!
"Bye. Bye, Mama. I'm going to Target."
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Yes. These were the words of my girl. As my husband says, "she is a reincarnation of you." And that she is. I love to shop. She loves to shop. Like mother. Like daughter. So glad I have girls. God knows what's best. And He sure did bless me with my two little ladies!!!!
By the way- this was her outfit of choice. I think she was a little confused and thought she was possibly going to dance class with those frilly socks and bright white shoes!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
G.R.I.T.S.- Girls Raised In The South. Part 1.
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OK, so I think I'm going to start this GRITS thing as a series. Why you ask? Because my babies are changing and they are adapting to the good 'ole south and I want to document these things they say and do. And it's funny. And it's something I never knew was possible. Us. Living life in the south.
So today, My girl and Sissy were playing store and restaurant (Two of their favorite things to play. They are quite imaginative). Sissy was taking my girls order. She usually takes the order and then "cooks" it in her playroom. While taking her order she says:
"What do you want? Cheeseburg (for cheeseburger in her 2 year old language)? Brocli (for broccoli)? What do you want?"
My girls says." Sweet tea, please!"
Matt and I just looked at each other and said....WOW!!!! I guess my girl is picking up on everything around here. More than I thought!
As you all probably know. Sweet tea is a southern thing. If you were to ask someone for sweet tea in a restaurant in Cali they would look at you like you were crazy and ask you what it was. When I visited Birmingham, Alabama a few years ago we were at a Ruby Tuesday's and I asked for Iced Tea. The waitress brought it over and I dumped my sweet and low in it and proceeded to take a sip and was struck by the sweetness. Well sure enough, she brought me sweet tea. (FYI. Usually they ask you in restuarants around here if you want it sweet or unsweetened.) But that was my "Cali moment."
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Girlfriends ROCK!!!!
Thanks to my girlfriend Lindsay who sold my Kenny Chesney tickets for me while we were in North Carolina. You rock girl. And I owe you!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Kenny Chesney Tickets For Sale!
I have two Kenny Chesney tickets for sale. Unfortunately, our weekend plans have changed and now we are unable to go. :(
Here are the details:
Kenny Chesney at Turner Field in Atlanta, Ga. Poets and Pirates Tour!
Sunday, July 13, 2008 at 3:30pm (THIS SUNDAY!)
Section 115L
Row 22
Seats 103 & 104 (These are FABULOUS seats. You will NOT be disappointed!)
We paid (face value) of $110.00 per ticket.
Will sell for $150.00 (total) for both tickets.
Please leave me a comment or contact me if you are interested!
Thanks,
Amy
Here are the details:
Kenny Chesney at Turner Field in Atlanta, Ga. Poets and Pirates Tour!
Sunday, July 13, 2008 at 3:30pm (THIS SUNDAY!)
Section 115L
Row 22
Seats 103 & 104 (These are FABULOUS seats. You will NOT be disappointed!)
We paid (face value) of $110.00 per ticket.
Will sell for $150.00 (total) for both tickets.
Please leave me a comment or contact me if you are interested!
Thanks,
Amy
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Why do they even mess with this Cali girl???
A few minutes ago as my girls and I were finishing up lunch, our tornado sirens in our neighborhood started going off. I look around at the sky and think, "are you serious?" It is blue skies outside. Not one dark cloud in the sky. But then I remember. I remember the last tornado that came by (our first!) and we were playing out in the cul de' sac. The girls were riding their bikes. Then the siren goes off. Blue skies. But one side of the sky was pretty dark. So today I'm thinking, "hmmmm.....is this for real or what?" I go outside and my neighbor was in his yard and I ask, "are those the sirens?" He says, "Yes." And we both just shake our head and wonder. I turn on the TV. Nothing. No beeping like we have heard before. Nothing. No storm warning. Nothing. So after 45 minutes of nothing, I'm beginning to think it was just nothing. Maybe it was a test. But if it was a test, why wouldn't they notify us? Well maybe because anyone but me would know it was just nothing if you look up into the sky. But I am not fond of those sirens. And when I here them I literally freak out. I call my husband in a panic. I start planning my move back to Cali (mom, I know you would be happy to hear that!) :). I just freak out! I look around at all myneighbors and they are just going about their business. Going for walks. Grillin' on the deck. Playing at the park. Just being normal (unlike me). So I guess I will just go about my business and in the mean time, try to freak out less.
Monday, June 30, 2008
My Baptism
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Last night was the night. The night I was Baptized. And I have to say that it felt great. And the more and more I think about it, I thank my mom and dad. Why do I thank them? I thank them because they let it be MY decision. Not THEIR decision. They didn't baptize me when I was a baby. The decision was left up to me. And I feel that it has more significance in MY life because it was MY decision. Unlike some other faiths, we as Christians get baptized after salvation. And you have to understand what salvation is and means. And as babies we just don't understand that quite yet. Obviously there were no babies at my baptism. We believe in full immersion (under the water). But there were people of all ages. And I loved that. There were kids who were 6 and 7 years old. Adults who were in their 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's and even 60's. I just relished the fact that in all these generations of people, all these people were coming to be baptized. Everyone was there out of love. Everyone had a different story. But we all had the same story. We all love Jesus and want to have that personal relationship with Him. And that's what it is all about. Our relationship with Him.
Sunday, June 29, 2008. It was a special day!
Check out my baptism here http://www.fbcw.org/media/mediacenter/ondemand.html?detail&id=363
Just Being Real!
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This post is all about me. My faith. Lack of my faith. My spiritual journey. Being real. Getting real. My heart. Here it is.
My life changed on Father's Day. June 15, 2008! First, let me give you some background on my faith. I was raised loving God. I have always had a heart for God. Somewhere along the way, I lost that love. Why? I don't know. What I do know is that I wanted to change it. I have wanted to change that for a long time. While living in Vegas, we attended church. While living in Fresno, we attended church more actively. Getting our girls dedicated. I was involved with some MOM groups and even volunteered in different areas in the church. I really enjoyed Northside Christian Church in Clovis. Great people. A great church. But there was something missing in my heart. And after years and years of self exploration, I knew what it was. Jesus!
(Here is the email I sent to my family and close friends):
I want to share something with you that i have wanted to do for a long time and finally made the decision to do. on june 15 (father's day) i publicy and officially asked Jesus into my heart (in front of thousands of people. our church is quite large!). i feel that i have done this before as a child and maybe even as a teen, however, i wanted to remember this special event in my life and KNOW that june 15, 2008 was the day that i was saved! i was the girl at the very top of the balcony with sweaty palms and tears running down my cheeks and as the invitation song played to come forward, i did. and i'm so glad i did. i can't tell you how many times i have been wanting to do this. i made up every excuse in the book. this time there were no excuses. God was calling me and i couldn't resist Him any longer. so i began my journey down to ask Jesus into my heart. so even though it was on father's day, this will be a day that i will forever celebrate. the next step in my spiritual journey is being baptized . i will be baptized this sunday at the 6pm church service. being so far away from my dear family and friends during these special times in my life is hard. but i find comfort in your love and just knowing you are there in my heart. if you want to view the baptism live (sunday at 6pm EST. 3pm PST) you can. just go to http://www.fbcw.org/ and find the link to that particular day and service (look for podcasts/webcasts links). if you can't view it live, check back a few days later on the website to view it. this will be an amazing day for me and i appreciate all your love, support and prayers. i'm ready for this. my heart is in the right place.
For all of you who might be in a similar place as me, one thing I want to say to you, is don't feel embarassed. Don't be ashamed. Just be you! Show your heart. Feel your heart. And listen to your heart. You will know when it's right. Whether you are 11 or 31 (like me!) or 61, it doesn't matter. I know many people who might have asked Jesus into their hearts as children but want to REALLY ask Him into their hearts or KNOW for sure as adults and there is nothing wrong with that. So if you are that girl at the top of the balcony like me or the girl in the front row not sure where you stand with God, please go to Him. Go and talk to Him. Your life will be forever changed. And you will be so grateful. So very grateful. I am.
Just Like You!
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Friday, June 27, 2008
We heart Georgia pines
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I Heart Daddy!
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This one is for you Uncle Jon!
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Thursday, June 26, 2008
Damage Control
The title should speak for itself. As I was taking my shower this morning, my girl comes to me and yells through the shower door...."Mommy, Sissy has damage." Yes, she said "damage." I laughed. Anytime Sissy has a "poopy diaper" and my hubby is around, he always calls it "damage." I just have never heard my girl call it "damage." Should of known that someone is ALWAYS listening. Those little ears. Those little ears.
Here's to a damage-free day. Well, maybe we want SOME damage because we all know how the little ones get if they have NO damage.
Here's to a damage-free day. Well, maybe we want SOME damage because we all know how the little ones get if they have NO damage.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
"Mommy. Mommy. I have something to tell you."
As many of you know, my girl is a talker. She loves to talk to anybody and anybody is literally her friend. This morning at breakfast she is "chatty kathy " as usual and asking 101 questions. Why this and why that and I want to do that and this and that and this. Then she says, "Mommy. Mommy. (trying to get my attention) I have something to tell you." I say, "Yes, baby." She says, "Do you know that I love you?" I say, "I know you do and I love you too." Then she says, "...but, but, but Mommy. Do you know HOW much I love you? I need you to know. I just love you." I think to myself, "she is listening." These are the words I speak to her daily and now she is forming those words to show her love to me. I love it. While she is talking A LOT. She is listening too. And I'm so glad.
Here's to a happy day!
Here's to a happy day!
Monday, June 23, 2008
Have you Heard?
Bulldogs vs. Bulldogs????
How cool is that!!! Fresno State (where we moved from) vs. Georgia (where we live now). It's going to be a battle of 'da dogs!!! Fun, Fun!
How cool is that!!! Fresno State (where we moved from) vs. Georgia (where we live now). It's going to be a battle of 'da dogs!!! Fun, Fun!
A Broken Shoe and a Grumpy Dry Cleaner,etc.,etc., etc.
Let me tell you about my day. It was been quite an ordeal and it's only begun.
1.) Sissy still woke up sick this morning. Wants nothing to do with me. Only wants "Daddddddddddddddddddddddddyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy" And is letting everyone in the
neighborhood know it.
2.) Walking into Walmart my shoe (a pair of thongs) broke. YES. What timing. So my options:
Go into the store and buy some new ones OR Go home and change shoes (If you know me, this wans't happening. Once we are gone. We are gone. Too much work getting two kids in and out of the carseats and all the drama in between) OR Continue walking into Walmart and do shopping with a broken thong. Drum roll please..................... I chose the last one. Why? I have no idea. Maybe because I'm crazy and I like to make everything I do difficult. I don't need another pair of thongs. Even when they are only $2.00. I don't want them in my closet. I like my ROXY thongs. Thank you very much. I know, I know. I'm a thong snob! :)
3.) The dry cleaner lady. WOW. First thing- Everyone I have met in Georgia has been nothing but nice, warm and welcoming. Not the dry cleaner lady. And I have used this place since we have moved here. She has been rude a couple of times and I just thought "maybe she is having a bad day" or is hating her job as the "dry cleaning lady." Well, today proved that she is just a disgruntled I-hate-my-life person. This place is right by our house and has a drive-thru. Key when you have kids. Today as I drive up, I give her my ticket. She brings out the clothes and I give her my debit card. She looks in the back seat and says "oh, there are babies back there." And I say "yeah, can you just put them right here (motioning to the passenger side where she can hang them." As she is walking over there she says, ".....that was rude to ask me to hang them there!" Ok, so my first thought is, "well, this is kind of your job and that is rude to even make a comment." I picked up about 19 pieces of clothing (my man's stuff, which is heavier than womans stuff) and there is no way for me to hold that stuff and hang it up on the passenger side of the car.....unless I get out of the car. So anyways, I wasn't going to just "let go" (which I probably should have) of her comment and I said something like," we just moved here and I'm sorry but I was just used to having the girl hang them wherever there was space and they were a bit heavy to lift while sitting in the car." And she said, "yeah they are heavy to walk to the car." Are you kidding me.....This is YOUR job and I'm paying YOU for YOUR service. So to say the least, I will be happily finding me a new dry cleaning lady. And I'm sure all my neighbors and friends will be finding a new one too! :)
4.) Sissy's short nap. Enough said about this one. You all know what kind of night I am in for.
5.) My husband forgetting to hook up the DVD player in the family room. I rented Bucket List from the $1.oo rentals and want to watch it. Sure we have a DVD player in the playroom, but sitting in the girls pink (child size) chairs, doesn't sound so comfy to me.
6.) My beloved MAC studio fix is a shade too dark. Looked great at Nordstroms, not so great in my bathroom.
1.) Sissy still woke up sick this morning. Wants nothing to do with me. Only wants "Daddddddddddddddddddddddddyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy" And is letting everyone in the
neighborhood know it.
2.) Walking into Walmart my shoe (a pair of thongs) broke. YES. What timing. So my options:
Go into the store and buy some new ones OR Go home and change shoes (If you know me, this wans't happening. Once we are gone. We are gone. Too much work getting two kids in and out of the carseats and all the drama in between) OR Continue walking into Walmart and do shopping with a broken thong. Drum roll please..................... I chose the last one. Why? I have no idea. Maybe because I'm crazy and I like to make everything I do difficult. I don't need another pair of thongs. Even when they are only $2.00. I don't want them in my closet. I like my ROXY thongs. Thank you very much. I know, I know. I'm a thong snob! :)
3.) The dry cleaner lady. WOW. First thing- Everyone I have met in Georgia has been nothing but nice, warm and welcoming. Not the dry cleaner lady. And I have used this place since we have moved here. She has been rude a couple of times and I just thought "maybe she is having a bad day" or is hating her job as the "dry cleaning lady." Well, today proved that she is just a disgruntled I-hate-my-life person. This place is right by our house and has a drive-thru. Key when you have kids. Today as I drive up, I give her my ticket. She brings out the clothes and I give her my debit card. She looks in the back seat and says "oh, there are babies back there." And I say "yeah, can you just put them right here (motioning to the passenger side where she can hang them." As she is walking over there she says, ".....that was rude to ask me to hang them there!" Ok, so my first thought is, "well, this is kind of your job and that is rude to even make a comment." I picked up about 19 pieces of clothing (my man's stuff, which is heavier than womans stuff) and there is no way for me to hold that stuff and hang it up on the passenger side of the car.....unless I get out of the car. So anyways, I wasn't going to just "let go" (which I probably should have) of her comment and I said something like," we just moved here and I'm sorry but I was just used to having the girl hang them wherever there was space and they were a bit heavy to lift while sitting in the car." And she said, "yeah they are heavy to walk to the car." Are you kidding me.....This is YOUR job and I'm paying YOU for YOUR service. So to say the least, I will be happily finding me a new dry cleaning lady. And I'm sure all my neighbors and friends will be finding a new one too! :)
4.) Sissy's short nap. Enough said about this one. You all know what kind of night I am in for.
5.) My husband forgetting to hook up the DVD player in the family room. I rented Bucket List from the $1.oo rentals and want to watch it. Sure we have a DVD player in the playroom, but sitting in the girls pink (child size) chairs, doesn't sound so comfy to me.
6.) My beloved MAC studio fix is a shade too dark. Looked great at Nordstroms, not so great in my bathroom.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Pink and Perfect!
Sick of Being Sick
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Out on the town
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