It's Over

The kids and I had a wonderful Christmas.  It's funny how after waiting all year long it is always over way too quickly.  I was worried that I didn't get the kids enough, but they loved everything they received, not just from Santa, but from my family as well.  We spent the day with my mom, sister, brother, and their families.  Nothing is better than being surrounded by the people you love.

Now that Christmas is over and I spent all my money on my kids, it's time for me to find some cash to spend on myself.  I need new clothes and sneakers, but honestly, I just want money to blow.  I want to buy things I want, not need.  I do have a birthday coming up in a few weeks.  The big 4-0.  I am thinking about making a list of the things I want, making it easy for those of you who love me to buy me gifts.  Searching sites like www.paviliongift.com and www.h2-z.com can make putting a list together pretty simple.  It also makes it easier for people to buy me things, since they can do it from the comfort of their own home. 

Okay, so I am not really that into the whole "I'll tell you exactly what I want so buy it for me".  In fact, I would rather spend time with the people I love instead of getting a bunch of presents. 

And honestly, the only thing I am looking forward to getting for my birthday is a divorce.

The Birthday Boo!

Quite a beauty, huh?

Buying Boat Ladders

The kids and I went to my dad's house today to help celebrate his birthday.  There were tons of kids there, and lots of fishing and other games. Dad even gave out a couple of boat rides.  I went out with my kids and Carson (my nephew) on the first run, and for some reason, when we got back to the dock, I felt nauseous.  I am sure it had nothing to do with the drinks I had last night and everything to do with the choppy water.  The kids love going on the boat.  Brandi and Carson were having a blast, as you can see:

Look at those smiles!  My dad has a pontoon, which allows a bunch of us to ride at one time.  I am not sure what type of boat ladders it has, if it even has any.  I know some boat ladders look like ladders, while others look like actual steps.  I guess it all depends on the boat and the owner.

We also ate pizza and cake, which I allowed myself to enjoy.  I have really been watching what I eat, but gave myself a pass for today.  Maybe that has something to do with the way I feel right now, too.

Should We Rent A Photo Booth For Kasi's Birthday?

 I can not believe it is almost April Fools Day.  This past month has gone by so fast.  I seriously hope this next year goes by just as fast, because I can not wait to be divorced.  Kasi has a birthday coming up in May, and I am not sure what we are going to do for her.  I know that will be right around the time we are going to be moving to my mom's house, so the house will be mostly packed up.

I need some party ideas that are not only inexpensive, but fun as well. If the weather is nice enough, I can hope mom has the pool open and I can let her have a pool party.  Otherwise, the girls will have to hang out outside, which means no slumber party.  Unless they want to pitch some tents and camp out.  Now that would be fun for me, because I would make sure that I found a way to scare them in the middle of the night.

I was also trying to think of ways to make her party special, because of everything that is going on around here.  Two years ago, we had to skip her birthday party because I had surgery and we were moving.  I don't want that to happen again.  I know I can't afford to rent photo booth, even though that would be pretty awesome.  The girls would love having keepsakes, and I am sure they would come up with some interesting poses.

For now, I am going to try and find a way for her to have her slumber party.  My best friend volunteered her house, so that might be an option.  Or I might see if she wants to do a bowling party or something.  Any ideas on what type of party 14 year old girls would love?

My Rose

Bob gave me a rose for my birthday...isn't it beautiful?

My Two Cakes

Yes, my birthday cake does ask the question, "does size matter?".  For those of you who do not have a Carvel near you, trust me when I say that these are the best ice cream cakes in the world!  Bob knows that I love them, so he was on a mission to make sure I had one for my birthday.  The only problem is that they are pretty expensive, so he bought me one that serves two people, which led to the "does size matter".  Trust me, it doesn't, especially when you refuse to share your cake.  

For the second year in a row, my mom made me my other favorite cake, a crumb cake.  I had to share this one, though I did take a bunch home with me.  Mom also made the most delicious dinner...I will post pics of that on my food blog.  I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family. 

It's My Birthday

How cute is my cake?  My dad's wife made it for me...she makes me some sort of elephant cake every year. 

I am 39 today.  Wow.  When did this happen?  I don't feel almost 40.  I don't think I look almost 40 either. 

Anyway, leave me some love today, kay?

I Learned A Couple Of Things Yesterday

 First, I learned that this is one of the last pictures my beautiful purple camera will ever take.

I also learned that when you drop a camera, while it's on, onto the road, the lens will bend to a horrifying angle and become unfixable.

I also learned that the easiest way to clear out my house is to announce that Santa is going by outside on a fire truck.  I have never seen so many little kids run outside so fast.

I learned that my house is way too small for all the people that were here yesterday.

One of the worst things I learned was that in the last nine years, since I had a baby, I have lost a lot of my patience.  There were several times yesterday that I lost my cool, and I feel bad about it today.  I think it's a boy thing, too.  I forget how rowdy boys can get when they get together!  I have promised myself that I will try harder next time to be more understanding, and let the kids be kids.

Here's a shot of my birthday girl with Santa.  This was taken after my camera was dropped, so I am impressed it came out at all.  I am now shopping around for a new one...I really want another purple one, and Dawn found me an HP one that looks really cool.  I don't need anything fancy, just a simple point and shoot.  Any recommendations?

It's My Sweet Girl's Birthday

Today, my baby turned nine.  My baby!  It is so hard for me to believe that it has been so many years since she was born.  She was my hardest pregnancy, simply because I was working at the time (I didn't work with Ryan or Kasi) and I was always tired.  By the time I went on maternity leave, I was swelling so bad I was falling.  That's right.  I could be walking a straight line and simply fall over.  I had a tendency to do it in parking lots, in front of tons of people.  It was so embarrassing!  After I had her, my feet swelled so bad I couldn't get shoes on my feet.  But, she was worth every second of pain and discomfort. 

In her nine years of life so far, she has shown everyone who knows her that she is a super smart, caring and compassionate little person.  She worries about everything, and is a perfectionist to the point of being anal sometimes.  She is a mommy's girl, and I love that.  She shares her birthday with her cousin, Kevin.  They are exactly one year and eight minutes apart.  I try to get a picture of the two of them every year, but my sister hasn't been down to visit this year.  Maybe next year.

Anyway, I want to wish my beautiful baby a very happy birthday!  I love you!

Ryan's Birthday (CHEESE)Cake

Only my son would ask for cheesecake for his birthday!  I don't have a recipe for a home made one, (or the time yesterday) so I ended up making one of those no bake ones.  It was good, but nowhere near as good as the kind you bake.

Anyway, we got him the little mini radio he has been wanting.  Think MP3, only it only plays the radio.  He has an MP3, but he like to listen to the radio (rock station) on the bus, and his MP3 doesn't have a radio option like mine does.  I got tired of him asking to take mine to school every day, so when he found this little radio, I knew it would be perfect for him.  He also had fun spending all his birthday cash, though he didn't buy a swim nappy.  He bought clothes and soda.   Yes, you read that right.  He wanted camouflage pants, so he got those.  He bought the soda because I refuse to buy it for them unless it's a special occasion, so he figured if he bought them himself he could drink all he wanted.  Turns out, he drank so much he made himself sick. 

All in all, I think he had an awesome birthday.

For Ryan

Today is my oldest child's birthday.  He's 15.  Legally, he will be allowed to drive this year, thought I won't allow that to happen.  This is the year he will probably have his first girlfriend, thought I'm not sure I want that to happen, either.  He's growing up so fast...it seems like only yesterday that I found out I was expecting him. What a surprise that was!  He made me a mom, and I couldn't love him more.

Happy birthday Ryan!  I hope you have a wonderful year!

Brandi's Birthday Party

Now that Ryan's birthday party is over, I can focus on Brandi's birthday, which is coming up the first week of December.  Usually, I only do a family party for her, because I learned with Kasi that at that age, the kids from school don't show up for birthday parties.  Thankfully, the few close friends I invite have kids her age, and she also loves having her cousins come.  

Right now, her favorite singer/actress is Selena Gomez.  We saw some Wizard's Of Waverly Place party supplies at Walmart recently, and she decided that she just has to have them.  They had plates, napkins, cups, table cloths, and even treat bags.  Next thing you know she is going to request having Selena Gomez herself at the party.  I am sure that would be just as hard as if I tried to Book Kesha for the party.

I am going to try and find a Selena Gomez pinata, too.  I know the kids loved hitting the pinata at Ryan's party, so I am sure they will enjoy doing it again.  I have already informed my mom that she has to make a Wizard's cake, and I am looking forward to what she comes up with.

Three Shots

I took a lot of pictures before the party of the food and Brandi and I in our costumes.  During the party, I took, um, about ten pictures.  I was so busy enjoying myself, I forgot all about my camera.  As you can see in these three shots, the kids had as much fun as I did.

Here's Brandi, taking a swing at the pinata.

Here's Kasi, after bobbing for apples.

And my son, acting like a goober, as we were singing happy birthday to him.

Another Halloween Themed Birthday Party

 It's almost that time of year again.  In a little over two months, Ryan will be turning 15.  Most days I can't believe I am old enough to have a child that old, but I guess I am.  Where have the last 20 or so years gone since high school?  It's crazy how fast time flies.

So, I asked Ryan the other day what he wanted to do for his birthday this year, and he said he wants to have another Halloween party.  You have no idea how happy this makes me!  For the past three years, he has had Halloween themed parties for his birthday.  Last year, after Halloween, I bought all kinds of Halloween Decorations when they went on clearance, so I have tons of new stuff to use.   I even have a pumpkin pinata.

My house is small, so I will probably set up the gazebo tents in the yard and string some lights on them, that way the boys can hang out outside.  I am hoping that this year Ryan will want to invite some girls.  I think he's getting to that age where having a boy/girl party is the thing to do.

Either way, I am looking forward to seeing how all the kids dress up.

It's Crystal's Birthday!

Do you guys know Crystal?  She has had a few blogs over the last couple of years, and is now blogging at The Sounds Of Laughter.  I met her a couple of years ago...now that I think about it...maybe almost three years ago?  I know it was before my surgery, because she was such a great support to me during that time.  It was crazy to me that I could be so close to someone I had never met!  Anyway, she knows I love her, and I want all of you guys to go show her some love today, too.

A Bunch Of Floosies

From left to right: me, Brandi, my sister Colleen (holding Lylah), my sister Tami (holding Jake), my sister Cheryl (holding Ashleigh) and my mom.  In front: my Aunt Cindy (mom's sister) and Matthew (my nephew).

Saturday morning, as we were walking around Gatlinburg, my mom spotted this place where they do these old timey pictures.  She decided that she wanted all of us to do a picture, and I had no choice but to go along with it.  I was stressing, because there was no way I was changing in front of everyone.  I know, they're family, but look at them.  All skinny.  They all wore these sexy, floosie outfits, and there I am in a long dress, off to the side.  Kind of how I spend my life.  But, it was for my mom, and since it was her birthday weekend, I sucked it up.  And it did come out pretty cute.

My Mommy Guilt Is Kicking In Big Time

I have a secret.  Well, maybe I should say that I had a secret, but now it is okay to share it with you.  But just a little, because there are still some secrets that go along with it.

Confused yet?

Let me explain.  Sometime in January, my sister approached me and asked if I would be willing to do something special for our mom's birthday this year.  She's turning 60.  Of course I said yes, so a trip was planned.  We are taking mom away for her birthday weekend.  She doesn't know where we are going, only that she will need to pack comfortable shoes and clothes she won't sweat in.  Brandi will be coming with us, because she doesn't want to stay home, and honestly, if I left her behind, I would be worrying the entire weekend that she is home crying.  I know she's 8, but I have never been away from her for more than a few hours, and really, it's not a big deal that she comes.

Anyway, we are leaving May 13th, and coming back on the 16th.  This is where my mom guilt kicks in, because Kasi's birthday is May 14th, and I won't be here for it.

And it's her 13th birthday. 

Yeah, I know.  It's been killing me.  She says she doesn't care if I'm not here, and we are planning two different parties for her the following weekend.  But, I know if my mom missed one of my birthdays, especially the one where I became a teenager, I would be a little upset. 

This is Kasi the day we brought her home from the hospital:

She was jaundice, but perfect.  I was so happy that I had a little girl.  Don't get me wrong, I love my son to pieces, but I wanted a girl so bad. 

Anyway, Junior plans on taking Kasi wherever she wants on her birthday.  In fact, I told him to make the whole weekend special.  And I plan on making the following weekend special for her, too.  We are planning a slumber party for the 21st, and a big party at my mom's house (with the pool!) on the 23rd.  My grandmother and favorite aunt are coming up from Florida that weekend, so Kasi will get to see them.  They haven't seen my kids in about six years.  That will be special, too.

I just wish I could get rid of the guilt I feel for missing Kasi's birthday.  Any suggestions?

A Birthday Dinner To Remember

Sunday is Junior's birthday. He is going to be 44 years old. We decided to celebrate his birthday tonight, because he will be working on a car over the weekend. The kids were out of school today (teacher workday) so when Junior got off at 1, we headed out. We had to pay a few bills, and then we were going to eat out.

It's kind of our tradition that the birthday boy (or girl) gets to pick where they want to eat on their special day. Junior couldn't decide where to go, so we drove aimlessly towards Gaffney (SC). When we got there, he decided that he wanted to eat at a fish camp in Shelby (NC) that he used to go to as a kid. I love riding in the car, so the 40 minutes it took us to get there didn't bother me, but the kids were getting restless. We finally get there, and go in.

It was so expensive! We spent more than I had planned, but it was for his birthday, so it's all good. The food was great - except for my calabash chicken. Now, for those of you who have never heard of a fish camp (I didn't until I moved down south) it is basically just a seafood restaurant. The girls and I ate chicken because we don't eat fish, and Junior and Ryan had fish. My chicken was chewy (not good at all) so the waitress brought me a different type, and it was 100 times better.

Let me tell you about our waitress. She was the sweetest old lady I have met in a while. While we were ordering, Junior was debating getting the oyster stew (ewww...), and I told him to go ahead and get it because it was his birthday. The waitress asked how old he was, and he said 21 and holding. She laughed and said that when you get to be her age, you love telling people how old you are, because it is an accomplishment. (she will be 70 in April) She told us her name, and asked what Junior's was, then walked off to put our order in.
Not two minutes later, the manager announces over the intercom that everyone in the restaurant wish Junior a happy birthday. I thought he was going to die! Everyone seated nearby of course wished him a happy birthday...but it gets better.

This guy:

came to our table and sang happy birthday to him! The kids and I were laughing so hard! It was great! Junior vowed never to go out with us in public again. I still hold to the fact that i didn't tell them to do any of that. It was all our 70 year old waitresses idea.

I also told Junior that from now on, where ever we go, I am going to casually mention that it is his birthday, just to see what happens.!

Kasi

Kasi's birthday is coming up in a couple of months. She is going to be the big "13". I am not sure if I am ready to be the mother of two teenagers. When I was thirteen, all those pesky woman issues started, and I am not looking forward to that at all with her. I am really not looking forward to when Brandi becomes a teen, and thankfully I have five more years to prepare for that.

But, in five years, Kasi could be planning a wedding. She could be picking out invitations and china patterns, and Junior and I could be crying. Don't get me wrong, I want all three of my kids to get married someday and give me lots of grand babies, but not right out of high school. That is too young, in my opinion. I want them to go to college, and get a great job that they love before they start a family. That way they won't struggle financially like Junior and I do.

For now, though, we will put all our effort into making sure Kasi has a great 13th birthday.

My Birthday At Mom's House

This past weekend, I celebrated my birthday at my mom's house. Colleen, Mike, Carson, and Lylah were there, as well as Missy, Sam, Alex and Hayden. I had such a wonderful time! As you can see, my birthday cake wasn't of the "normal" variety....it was a delicious home made crumb cake. My mom did an amazing job, and because I was the birthday girl, I took it all home with me. Okay, maybe I let mom keep a piece, and I think Colleen took a couple of pieces, but most of it came home with me, and I have been enjoying it little by little. I wish I could eat the whole thing at once, but it is so rich, so I get to enjoy it for a while longer. Mom also made some delicious brownies, and I will be posting those on my other blog.

Want a close up of that cake?

I know, it looks yummy. I wish I could share it with all of you...nah, who am I kidding? lol! It's all mine!