Ewwww . . .

(From Christmas.  Ignore the mess)

I learned something unnerving today from my five year old. 

This afternoon, he was wanting a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and he wanted to make it. I told him he could make a sandwich, but he couldn't use the jelly because the kids always get huge globs of peanut butter in it.  Then it's ruined.

"Not me," he said.  "I always lick the knife off before I stick it in the jelly."  Then, my husband informed me that they have in fact been using the jelly.

Momma needs to make new jelly. =)

Poor Charlie

This is our newly adopted kitty Charlie. 

He is a very sweet kitty, but the transition to our house has been a little nervewracking for him.

He's a hider. 

And this pillow is his hiding spot of choice in the office. 

But, what is he hiding from?

This guy. 

He outweighs poor Charlie by a good sixty pounds.

It's okay Charlie.  I'd be nervous too.

This guy isn't any help either. 

He isn't exactly pleased to be sharing his food bowl with Charlie. 

I daresay he REALLY needs to share.

He Smells Better

(Banana Stock Photos)

Or maybe I should title this Adventures in Nose Stuffing? What is it with boys (maybe it's just mine?) stuffing things up their noses?

My four year old has had a strange aroma for months. Months I tell you people that this poor child has smelled like something crawled inside his head and died. Then it started to decay. It's been an off and on thing, but unnerving to say the least.

He baffled us and the doctors. At first, we thought it was his breath, so we increased the brushing. No luck. Maybe a sinus infection, so we tried saline to flush the boogies. Again no results.

Then, one day, he blew his nose. It was the worst smelling Kleenex ever. It's wasn't his fault, but who wants to be the stinky kid? Very bad thoughts ran through my head about the unknown origins of whatever was going on, but I braved them and took him back to the doctor. AGAIN . . .

Today, she found something up his nose. My four year old replied "It's a dead bug." Really?!?

After retrieving the kit,

she went fishing,

and found what looked like a chunk of tissue. Of course, I asked if that might be the case. The nurse and doctor couldn't figure out what it might be. After the doctor ran it under some water to rinse it . . . PLASTIC. Clear plastic.

What child puts plastic up in his nose?

This one. (Though his story is someone else put it in his nose.)

His first reaction, to take a deep, smiling breath and proclaim, "I smell better!"

Really he does. The aroma is gone, and he spent a good amount of time "sniffing" all the things he hasn't smelled in a while.

Hopefully, he's learned his lesson. Did I mention my oldest son shoved a wad of cotton up his nose once because he got tired of blowing when he had a cold?

BOYS . . .

Writer's Workshop: At least they weren't tighty-whities . . .

The Prompts:

1.) Ask A Dad! Write a letter asking your husband for advice regarding any issue you might have and record his answer

2.) Describe a situation that forced you to confront a neighbor.

3.) Tell us about Grandpa.

4.) Which appliance in your home would you most miss living without if you had to live without.

5.) What are three things we would love to know about you!

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**This wasn't so much a confrontation on our part, but a neighbor confronting us. It was just too funny not to share. =)**

We were so excited when we bought our house three years ago. We thought we were moving to a nice quiet neighborhood. We were mostly right. We bought in winter. No one was outside.

Note to self: house hunt in summer -- the crazies don't like the cold.

Within two weeks of our moving in, our neighbor to the west came over to discuss a problem he was having. He asked me to please keep my kids and dog in the house until 2 or 3 in the afternoon because he and his wife work third shift and sleep during the day. Kay . . .

To me that is a bizarre enough request. I make sure my kids and dog aren't being unnecessarily loud at all hours of the day, like yelling and incessant barking. This was also coming from the man who has no problem waking me up at 3 am because he is watching TV too loudly in his backyard.

**clears throat**

My biggest issue that day is that the man showed up (in my front lawn mind you) in the middle of the day IN HIS UNDERWEAR.

I'm sorry, but I just didn't need to know that he prefers boxers. I am thankful however, that he doesn't wear briefs.

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Don't forget to read the other entries and sign the linky at Mama Kat's.

5 Things: Fast Food Strangeness

I currently work fast food. I also worked fast food, at a different establishment, back in high school. It's interesting to say the least.

Here are the top 5 strangest things I've seen at work:

1) A very sweaty (damp?) man cruising through the drive thru in an open robe. Thankfully I didn't see THAT, but he did tell me I have a sexy voice **shudders**

2) A woman balancing a small baby on her steering wheel so she could breastfeed and drive at the same time. Don't even get me started on that one.

3) A Jeep full of college boys with a blow up doll strapped into the back seat. Gotta love frat hazings.

4) Count them six inches of tighty-whities hanging out of the back of someone's pants as he played chess. In addition, he's creepy in general. You know the kind that makes you want to shower and lock your doors.

5) The busty lady who hides her money in a sock in her bra. I've become well acquainted with her breasts. I feel like I should buy her dinner or something.

How about you? What is the strangest thing you've seen at work?

WFMW: Peeing in the yard

No it's not a typo. You read it right.

Hi my name is Beulah. I have two boys, and I let them pee in the yard. Thank you.

Sometimes I encourage it. Like when my oldest son was potty training, but we were never near a public restroom when nature called. Let's just say, he saw a lot of parking lot action.

Or when our single bathroom is otherwise occupied, I shoo them to the backyard.

The little one eagerly goes out with the dog.

It can be a little embarassing for the hubby. Like when the little one dropped his drawers at the park. I wish I'd been able to capture those little cheeks for you. That and the look on the hubby's face.

Now if I could only get them to pee in the toilet rather than on it . . .

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For more Works For Me posts, visit We Are That Family.

5 Things Friday: The Senior Center

Last fall, I had to complete "service learning" as part of an assignment. Actually a major assinment. I ended up in the thrift store at the senior center right around the corner from my house. Sadly, I've been here three years, and I.never.knew.it.was.there.

I know. I suck.

BUT, I loved volunteering there so much, I didn't stop after my hours were complete. I even try to arrange my school schedule around it. But sshhh, don't tell my boss!

---5 Reasons I Love Volunteering at the Center---

1) I'm surrounded by a bunch of great people. The employees are great. The volunteers are great. The customers are great.

2) Being around seniors is just downright fun.

3) I can bring my kids to work with me.

4) If I take food to Bruce and Jimmy, they always like it and never complain.

5) I get first dibs (and a discount!) on some great stuff, and I mean great. I bought six chairs fro my kitchen for $9. A pair of wonderful Steve Madden heels for $1. Brand new clothes (tags still on) for just a couple bucks.

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What five things do you love about your current job? Your favorite job? Share in the comments section or leave a link!

Writer's Workshop: When I Grow Up

The Prompts:

1.) If you could cut back on something in your life that takes up your time what would it be? And what would you prefer to spend that time doing? Mmmm. I'd like more time for cleaning or better yet, a house that cleaned itself. A girl can dream.

2.) Share a recent adventure you had with a friend. I went rummaging this weekend. It was fun yes, but not adventurous. I have lunch date with Val Monday. Our latest conspiracy is sure to be an adventure.

3.) Describe a memorable gift. Why was it important to you? The best gift I ever recieved was a thank you.

4.) If you could change career paths now and be anything you wanted to be...what would you be and why?

5.) Kim's email: In the St. Louis News-Dispatch paper, they had an article of a man who wrote his own obituary before his death, and gave it to his sister to post when he died. He summed life up in 45 words: (Click here to read his words).
I know it's a morbid subject, but what about a prompt about what would one's obit say, with a word limit. You could stipulate that everyone died at 100, so we'd all be predicting what our future would be like.

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If I could change careers, I'd be a stay at home mom. I really want to be at home with my kids, and I wouldn't mind expanding the family. I've always wanted a big family. =) Ideally, I'd like to homeschool as well.

Maybe some day right? A girl can dream . . .

For more Writer's Workshop, go check out Mama's Losin It!

Writer's Workshop: What makes me happy

1.) What is your life's anthem? You know...that song that is ALWAYS in your head. The one you'd go to sing first if someone told you to sing a song right NOW. What is it and what does it mean to you? I get random songs stuck in my head all the time, but if I were forced to sing a song on the spot it would be Amazing Grace.

2.) We love telemarketers don't we!?! Describe a memorable experience you had with one. They only call us for money, so . . .

3.) How much does focusing on weight affect your daily life? Not much, but it is getting warmer, and I saw some very unflattering pictures of my thigh area from the weekend. I'm thinking I should think about this more.

4.) Describe in what ways you expect too much from your significant other. Do they deserve an apology? Ha!

5.) List ten things that make you HAPPY.

6.) Share a sleep walking story of your own!! One time when we were little, my younger brother woke up in the middle of the night and peed in a paper grocery sack because he thought it was the toilet. Actually, I think he did that for a while . . .

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1. My kids and hubby

2. sunshine

3. smores. yum!

4. time with family. we had a wonderful time at out cookout monday!

5. lavender. the smell not the color. i'm growing some this year and making sachets and tea =)

6. hot showers

7. cuddling with the boys

8. babies. all babies. not just mine.

9. the garden. i'm anxiously awaiting the fall bounty. remind me of that when i'm neck deep in canning

10. Reading. i do love a good book. by the way michelle, the book was wonderful. i loved it. you rock!

For more Writer's Workshop, visit Mama's Losin It.

Writer's Workshop: July 17, 1890

The Prompts:

1.) Share a love letter.

2.) Memorial Day Weekend plans?? I highly doubt it. It's to rain and the hubby has to work.

3.) List ten things you are currently sick of. Umm, better not. =)

4.) Put an outfit together using pictures you found online and show us what you'd LIKE to be wearing today. ugh!

5.) What have you been too busy to pay attention to? The blog. Sorry. I really will catch up and write posts ahead, so you don't miss me. Someday. Maybe. I hope.

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This a letter written by my great-grandmother to my great-grandfather while they were dating. I wish my scanner was hooked up to the laptop, so I could so you how beautiful it is.

1890

Royerton, Ind. July 17

Mr. C. Jefferson

Friend Charley,

I expect you will be surprised to recieve this note. Allie and Ned was home Sunday evening and we decided to have that long talked ove picknick next Sunday afternoon out in the wood's near the base ball ground. And I thought I would rite and let you know when it is.

Charley I would like for you to come over and take me over to town. We would like to start a bout one oclock. We would be glad to have you come for dinner if you can.

If you can't come for dinner come by one oclock any way. Please don't disappoint me. My twin sister went back to Muncie last Sunday night and I am so lonesome without her. I went over to see her Monday night and came back Tuesday on the five oclock train.

We had a nickpick. We had company from town last Sunday the company that went over to Eaton that Sunday picknicking and we had a nice time. They surprised me I was not expecting them.

Lena and I are going to rite a long letter to minnie to night. Lena is riting now.

Well I close by asking you to excuse poor writing and spelling.

Good by

Truly

Hannah

Please let me know if you can come if you can. If you can't let me know Come anaway.

Nannie

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For more Writer's Workshop, visit Mama's Losin' It.

Krazy hair day

Writer's Workshop: You did WHAT in the bathroom?

The Prompts: (Mama Kat)



1.) Book review!
I LOVE books!I usually read about two a week. Maybe I should start reviewing them . . . I really enjoy the inspirational romance novels from Steeple Hill.


2.) When is it okay not to listen to the words? Explain about a song you really love that has lame lyrics or lyrics you simply don't understand.
Hmmm . . . generally I prefer not to understand the words if I can't make out them or the meaning. I'm usually traumatized once I find out. Why do people write about things like that? Why are people okay with hearing it on the radio?


3.) Why won't you forget? List six true sentences that begin with the words 'I'll never forget...' Then use all six of your sentences in a paragraph, poem, or longer descriptive piece.
I'll never forget finding out I was pregnant at 18.
I'll never forget getting proposed to in a driveway.
I'll never forget the way things have made me feel.
I'll never forget taking a pregnancy test in a bathroom at the mall. (We had to know! =) )
I'll never forget my grandma's words of encouragement.
I'll never forget this thank you.

4.) Write about an interaction you had with a salesman.
I was the sales lady for years and years. I do avoid magazine salesmen. I'll not be duped again. The last time I refused to talk to one the guy got pretty mad -- he was also on work release. Go figure.

5.) What's for dinner? I'm starving.
I'm making Beef & Mushrooms over noodles. I guess it's kind of like a homemade hamburger helper, but much, much yummier! And something green. Maybe brussel sprouts?

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I'm gonna cheat and go with the preggo test story. Besides, I know someone will wonder. Right?

My oldest son was concieved on birth control. I went back on it after he was born, but I had to change methods more than once. My body just can't handle the birht control. Pills/patch gave me horrible migraines on the off-week. I-can't-get-out-of-bed migraines. I'm able to control them with diet without the hormones. The shot was just a nasty mess.

Once my husband and I got married, I went off of birth control all together. It didn't take long for us to get lazy. Five months later, I was convinced I was pregnant. My silly husband didn't believe me. As if I hadn't been down the preggo road before =)

In between his step-sister's wedding and reception, we went to the mall to pick up her gift and a card. We just happened to pick a pregnancy test up too. I promptly took in the MCL bathroom. Sorry MCL, but I had to know. I couldn't have the test burning a hole in my pocket.

and I was right. Women just know these things.

I miss

I sure miss this mohawk.

and the little bit of baby fat on those cheeks. I miss that too.

The red paint however, I still have nightmares about.

Not a baby anymore

I'm still wondering how this

Turned into this so quickly

Has it really been four years?

Say it isn't so . . .

Writer's Workshop

Choose a prompt that inspires you most. Write. Paste your blog URL into the Mister Linky that will be up...this way anyone can click on your name and head over to your place to see what you wrote.

The Prompts:
1.) Why did you do it?

2.) What is a common misconception about you? That I think I’m perfect. If only people could see inside my head and heart. This is something I need to pray about.

3.) Describe a moment when you felt afraid. I was followed by a man with a crow bar once. It was pretty creepy.

4.) In what ways are you turning into your mother? I think being like my mother would be a great answer for #3.

5.) Are you always right? No, I’m wrong . . . on occasion.

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I did it because I felt as if I had no other choice. I still wasn’t sure that the choice I was making was even right.

At 15, how do decide which the worst of two evils is?

Spring break of my eighth grade year my family was going through some difficult problems. For us, problems were the norm, but this problem was much more serious. In my parents’ minds, the solution to their problem was to send me away and ignore the issue hoping it would go away. I wasn’t the source of the problem, but I quickly became the scapegoat.

It was decided that I would move 800 miles away to live with my older sister and her family. Thirteen is a difficult age in and of itself. Moving so far away with but a few days notice was incredibly difficult. Knowing I wasn’t wanted was worse. I left one weekend in March with no more than two bags.

Mississippi wasn’t all bad. It was a more rural setting than I was used to. I sounded weird to the other kids, who sounded equally as weird to me. It was a completely different world. It wasn’t all bad. I made some wonderful friends, and aside from my great fear of snakes, I really enjoyed country life.

Home life, however, was difficult there as well. My sister and her husband both had substance abuse problems. This was something I wasn’t used to. They also had a very unstable relationship. While I had fought with my parents, this new level of verbal conflict was something entirely new to me. Add to this, some serious problems I was experiencing in my new high school and I soon felt again as if I didn’t really belong.

For a time, my mother left my dad and brought my younger siblings to stay with us until she got on her feet. It was nice to have them around, but the tensions in the house grew. The arrangement didn’t last long. Soon my mother snuck my siblings out of school and left without any sort of goodbye to me. It was months before she even called. I’d been abandoned again.

Eventually, my parents got back together and began speaking to me again. They wanted me to come back to live with them. One weekend while my sister and her husband were away, things worked out that my dad would be in town.

I decided to go. I wasn’t certain that the situation there would be any different than it had ever been, but the situation I was in wasn’t working either. It was one of the hardest things I’d ever done. I didn’t want to hurt anyone. At fifteen, I don’t feel it was a decision I should have been faced with. I did it because I wasn’t sure I could handle another year.

If you're going to watch a pirate movie, you should always look the part.

Sunny Days

Sunny days are here again if only briefly.


Last weekend we took advantage of the unseasonably warm weather and used it as an occasion to play at the park.


Aydan had fun playing catch with his "mitten"





Swinging didn't go over as well. He hasn't quite mastered his fear of going any quicker than a flutter.








Alex on the other hand, had a good time hanging upside down off the merry-go-round. Put him in a dark room or even a well-lit room with Halloween stuff, and well, that's another story.







I hope the fair weather is treating you as well. I guess it's supposed to hit the high 70's here tomorrow.



I might just have to bust out a skirt to wear with my St. Patty's tee...

I came home from a long (but enjoyable) conference today to find not only my yard raked and my very sad tre trimmed, but this guy was smiling down at me from the top of the tree.

Happy Friday!

What I Need. . .

Bear with me. This just sounded fun to me. I know I should probably get out more. Here's the rules:

Type your first name needs in quotes in your search engine. I used Swagbucks and won a buck! Then, just giggle about all of the silly things you "need". Thanks to Missy at Grasp the Love for the fun idea. You can read what she needs and find links to other lists here.

Beulah needs:

1. EMTs (um, okay)

2. the imaginative capacity for transformation that can lighten the burdens of history and allow for change

3. a tech makeover

4. affection, intimacy, and conversation

5. help

6. get back together (with who or what are we speaking?)

7. to focus on her own vivid blood (that one's just creepy)

8. only one win (what's the prize?)

9. a new water tower

10. a good fine-tooth cleaning (lol. . . I showered today, I promise!)

See wasn't that a waste of time, I mean, fun. Lots of fun!

Random Wednesday #3

From the mouth of babes:

my youngest: Daddy you can't throw me in the trash. I have a head.

Apparently, that small distinction is the deciding factor.