I'm swollden

Yup, that's right, I'm swoll-den. Day 7 of the prednisone. 6 more to go. I tried to go to the gym yesterday to do my run but I.just.couldn't. I got on the treadmill and started to work and had the most terrible throbbing pains in my legs starting below my knees and extending down. Terrible. Then I started to run... I thought "I'll just jog it off" umm... yeah, right. I lasted maybe .25 miles and had to stop. I have terrible swelling and pain in my legs when I try to do anything and my belly is near about grown out to Africa or maybe Egypt, I'm not sure which. I have gained 9 pounds since starting this wonder drug, which did ward off the hives, but I'm so over it and ready to be done. Too bad the weight, water and bloat won't magically fade as it so lovingly appeared. All this, just in time to attend the wedding. I'll be nice and moon faced I'm sure. Nice.

Tomorrow I get my hair did and I'm excited for that. Everytime it's time, it's time I think I can't go another day longer with being the fugliest person around. I'm sure it's not that bad, but I'm ready and excited... not that it's been more than 5 weeks or so.

Ashley's preschool is participating in Vacation Bible School this week and she appears to be having a blast. I still really enjoy the fact that she is soaking up religion, even it is not particular to our own. Today when I went to school to pick her up her teacher told me I wouldn't believe what she had been telling them today. Of course, I had to know. Apparently Ashley thinks her Mommy has a baby in her belly (and with the prednisone, it's actually hard to deny that it looks to be true) but oh no no, it's not. How is this... now even the two year old thinks I'm looking fat and her spreading the news people will probably start to ask me more and more about it. I think Ashley's Daddy thinks it wouldn't be such a bad idea and although I'm not against the idea, I just know that we'd set ourselves back so far in all money progress we've made by trying to swing the daycare of a then 3 year old and an infant. Daycare was average $641.00 a month before Ashley turned 2 and went to her preschool. Now it's $380 to go up to $400.00 in September. I can't be adding another $650.00 on top of that and expect to pay our bills. We'd be right back where we were before and although I know some might say it would be more friendly if I just didn't work and stayed home, I'm close to reality knowing that even though I don't make a lot more than that a month, I do get insurance for the whole fam-damily for free (good insurance at that) as well as BONUSES... one of which is hoping to be right around the corner. YAY!!!

I guess since I've been thinking about it, I'll share some of the "Dave" in my life. Referring to Dave Ramsey. Since September, we have paid for everything we have purchased. Okay, so maybe that's not completely true... however, the only purchases that were made on a credit card totalled about $100.00 while hubby had my check card and were paid off within the same month and therefore, incurred no interest or fees. We redid our spare bedroom, or maybe I should say "did" the room because it was a trainwreck with a blow up mattress in it, before my parents came to visit and we PAID for it. We bought a new mattress for our room, switched our old one into the spare room, bought a bedframe, paint, decorations, it looks spectacular and WE PAID FOR IT. Now that feels good. All in all though, our spending has been a bit steeper than it should and we haven't been buckling down it still feels good to know that we aren't CREATING more debt to try to wipe away later. I do plan now though to get back on the boat after this wedding crap and visits to Virginia the next two weekends... I mean, damn, a girl does gotta look good for it, right?

So, we are still in debt but I think it's cracking and it feels good although we, of course, like most still yet have a way to go. We're getting it, not accepting it... I guess that's what really matters :)

I find this blog thing funny. I enjoy it, but I really haven't had too much to say. I find myself rather boring at times and just follow you all but I do like the sitemeter thing. I find it interesting to see what has brought people to my blog. The #1 hit getter has got to be the word "yuve". I talked about Ashley saying "I don't yuve you" and apparently from that, I have found that my little one speaks spanish because folks from all over spanish speaking countries have come to my blog from far and wide with regard to the word "yuve". I still haven't really figured out what it means though. Any idea? Is it bad?

Okay, so I've come, I've blogged, I've shared some not-so-interesting stuff and I'm not going to proof... I'll just spell check and post, hope it makes sense! TTFN blog land.

Ohmigoodness... did ya miss me?

I'm baaaack... and been up to so much that couldn't even begin to share or tell it all. Life is rolling, indeed with no way to stand it still.

I've been around. Gardening, getting tattooed (for the 3rd time), running, parenting, disciplining, traveling and alot more whatnot in between.

Right now I'm itchy. Seems as I'm having one of my terrible allergic reactions that send me into shock (literally) but this time I presented myself to Urgent Care within minutes of noticing my rash had turned to hives. See people, this is bad for me. The hives put me in the hospital, swell my throat, drop my blood pressure and oxygen saturation... it's bad stuff. This time I'm not playing around. A $25 visit to urgent care, and $80 later at the drug store I'm stocked up and will be pill popping for the next 15 days. Yay... okay, not really yay. I'm sure to be swollen and puffy after 15 days on steroids (good old dose pack) and gee, just in time for the wedding I was asking fashion advise for a while back.

Ashley.is.potty.trained. Yay for that... no doubt. She's done so well, and actually has been since about the time that I left you for my short stint away, 2 months ago!!! Geeforevertimeflies :)

It's hot and my flowers are blooming. We are seeing all sorts of critters that I could do without. You see, I'm from the mountains of VA and we don't have critters, bugs and snakes this big up there. I don't know what it is but one glimpse of a 2-3 inch flying roach will set you scared, well it will me anyways! I could do without the frogs, toads, lizards, snakes and big a*s bugs I see daily, however I don't mind the cute little bunny that hangs around my house from time to time.

I've starting running on the treadmill during lunch. I had previously been going to Curves and quit there and then started at the club I belong to now. Did I mention that the firm I work for now pays for our family gym membership? But at any rate, I had been doing and doing the elliptical and lifting a little big of weight and seeing no results. Over the past 3 weeks I have switched it up and now I spend my entire workout time on the treadmill. I've gotten to where I walk .5 miles, run 1, walk .5 and then run 1.5 (total 3.5 miles a day) damn do I feel good afterwards, despite the terrible sweat I break out into. Sometime I feel like I can't breathe, but it's getting better and truly, the feeling of accomplishment when I cross my finish line is all the encouragement I need! Talk about feeling good!

Also, I have put down the Dr. Pepper. I have figured out that I drank approximately 5 sodas a day on average. Regular sodas at that for a total of 750 calories and 200g sugar so what did I do but put it down. I'd never really thought about it but I was consuming probably about 1/2 of what should have been my daily calorie intake in freaking Dr. Pepper. Oh how I do love it and miss it so. I started out last Monday, drank 1 12 oz can this weekend and had 1 can this evening. Only 2 sodas in 10 days is crazy good for me and for that I'm also quite proud. Talk about DT's though coming off all that caffeine!

Okay, I'm tired, 15 days of benadryl is also bound to take a toll. I'm going to finish up so you think you can dance and then go to bed. Here's to showing up about 2 months late :)

P.S. yes, that's right, you read that I got my third tattoo. Yes I know it's big and if tats aren't your thing I'm really okay with that and really don't care, so just don't share.

all fixed

Today around 10:00 am I received the call.. little one has a fever. She seemed all right to me this morning, and last night too, but none the less her little body is hot and so we are home. Beautiful day outside too, we'll be going out after little one gets up from her nap. Nothing that sunshine and bubbles won't heal, right?

I got my video working that I was trying to post last night. Blogger thought there was something wrong with the html code, I told it to ignore it and now it works, yay! At any rate - Happy Friday!

For your viewing pleasure

Nothing much new to share except for a little tidbit of everyday life that was so amateurishly put together by me. Enjoy.


P.S. I don't think this video is working but I'm tired and tired of trying so I'll fix it tomorrow! Night Night!

Yup, I said it... it was Me.

Somewhere along the way "Damn it" has become my new favorite word. When you are at that point, when you think you might break, when frustration is at the peak just before losing it, there's nothing that a good loud "Damn it" won't heal. You say it, and it all loosens up and dissipates... like "Damn it"... (POOF... it's gone... did you hear it, did you hear it?) Well, okay, maybe it's not quite that healing but man, it does tend to feel good.

So maybe, perhaps, it was me, in a few of those 'I'm either going to lose it or curse' moments, that I take the high road and curse. Not directly at anyone, just to lay it out there. So it was me that said it... it was me. Damn it. In the words of my bosses' granddaughter "Damn its the magic word" and I so believe that cute little 3 year old.

So here we go...

Rewind to March 15 (I think). We had gone to Virginia for Joey's nieces' birthday party. She turned 6. We were going to stay at his brother's house in VA Beach and had left the party and followed him to a gas station. Joey got out and topped off our tank because, why not, gas is about 30 cents a gallon cheaper in VA than NC. While waiting in the car I looked over at his brother's big red truck and saw the biggest dent/scratch running down the passenger door. When hubby got back in the car I asked him what happened to Jimmy's truck. He said "damn. I don't know". And there we have it spewing from the back seat "damn, damn damn".

Now, fast forward to about a week or so. Nice, beautiful day here in Eastern NC. Came home from work and Ashley and I went out front to blow bubbles and wait for Daddy to come home. When Daddy arrived home it was time to go inside and get dinner together but Ashley just wasn't ready yet. A 2 year old is never ready to do something just because Mommy said so.

So, in an effort to appease, as I do so often, I decided it would be okay to sweep off the back porch really quickly cause the pollen was BEYOND thick and leave the sliding glass door open and let Ashley blow more bubbles on the screened-in porch while I got dinner together. Okay, done. I even moved her little Dora table and chairs from the corner to the middle of the porch and set up the matching umbrella that had been hiding in the garage for her. I was finishing up the last little bit of sweeping as I see her, walking around the edge of the umbrella touching each little plastic piece at the end of each spoke along the way putting the magic word in full effect. "Damn it, damn it, damn it". Calm and collected.

Fast forward... Daddy was at work last night, Ashley and I were fixing baked potatoes for dinner. I had cooked them in the microwave, cut hers in 1/2 and turned in upside down on the plate to smash the insides off the skin so we could put butter and cheese on it. She was standing next to me, on the stool so that she could help. I ended up somehow touching a piece after I had repeated to her over and over not to touch it, cause it was hot. I said, "ouch, it's hot" she adds "damn it".

Having already known that this was a fun new word for her I had asked her teacher if she had ever shared it at school. She's young and laid back and she and I are on friendly terms. She laughed and said no, but she would tell me if she did. Today was the day.

I went in to pick Ashley up at regular time. Her teacher told me she had said "something" today but she wasn't sure if it was the same word. I mouthed it to her and she chuckled and said "yup". Apparently Ashley, in great angst was trying to tell one of her friends during snack or lunch or something. One of her friends moved her cup:

Ashley looked at her and said "no, it goes right der, damn it".

Friend said "yeah, damn it".

Oh lawd... I've done it now!

So apparently I'm not the only one that feels that there is a magic word out there and it just ain't please or thank you. What am I to do now... can't really take it back, now can I? All I can do now is either learned to spell it real fast, which will only be a temporary fix until such time she learns to spell or just cut it out all together... I think I'm make a conscience effort for the second idea.

*Disclaimer* Please be advised that each and every time the dear children using said word or adult phrase were corrected and told, without too much drama, cause that would just make it even more fun, that we should not say that, that it was a bad word and that sometimes big people say things that they should not and that little people really shouldn't. Ahhh... so funny, like when your teacher made you say "Penis penis penis, vagina vagina, vagina" in sex ed, kind of way. Do not punish, do not chastise, I know, dears, I know, "I bad, damn it".

Hey there...

so it's been awhile. I find myself saying that quite often these days. I guess the bottom line is that my life just isn't.that.interesting. It's funny though, cause when I do have something to say I really have something to say but the times in between are just that. The times in between.

Tonight hubby went to bed really early and for some reason, that just makes me stay up even later. I suppose because he's usually the one that makes me go to bed. He's always wanting more sleep, as I am, but the night owl in me always gets the best. So, when he goes to bed early it's like my free pass to stay up way later than I should and not "be in trouble" for it. Not that I'm ever really "in trouble", it's just that we like to go to bed together. Don't get any ideas though, it's not at all, most of the time, for the dirty adult reason that one would expect. It's just cause that's what we do and its nice to climb into bed and spend those last waking moments with the one that you love. Simple as that.

So, in my time using my free pass tonight I spent a while looking at the blogs that I heart and then hopping on myspace and then facebook. Facebook has a thing, new to me, that tells you, based upon the information you provided who you might know. I thought, oh, interesting. Wrong. Clicked on the link, and they were right, they are all, 100% people that I know, or used to know for that matter. Mainly old girlfriends. Not a single one of them is one that I think I wish to know now however.

I don't regret my decisions. I don't. But they make me different, they make me hide from those that I knew long ago. Mainly in the way that I look. I suppose that's why I can be free and post pictures of the here and now on here, my blog... because you all didn't know me, with the exception of one, two counting hubby, and you all just don't know any better. Not only that but I've not yet come across a blog that I care to read in which I've thought, 'if I comment, if they know I'm here they will think I'm fat'. 'They will think I'm ugly'. You all just aren't that type, now are you? (If you are, please leave). Even better yet, you didn't know me, the young, rested looking Lisa (did you even know my name?). You all didn't know me, the skinny, fit Lisa of years ago. The Lisa before life became beautiful and I met my hubby and had Ashley. It's just that. My life became beautiful but yet, I hide from those that might remember the old me, not know the new/different me and might look and say, 'wow, she's put on some weight' or 'did you see Lisa, she's fat'.

In response to that I'd probably say "well duh, you dumbass" but I know, it would hurt my feelings, even if I didn't know and of course no one would think that and actually say it, well I would hope not, but still, I don't even want to give those an opportunity to think it. I looked for a picture of me to update those above referred pages but pictures of me are few and far between because I love to be the one to harass others with the camera and the ones that are between the few and far between are just.plain.bad. Cheese and Peas, I look like shit. Do I really walk around like that all that time or do I just somehow break and morph the camera every time we two come in contact?

I think I've had this discussion a dozen million times with myself. The one in which I will get up earlier, fix my hair a little better and apply makeup in front of a mirror on the wall rather that the one attached to the visor in my car. Yup folks, I'm the lady you passed the other day putting mascara and lipstick on in her rearview mirror. I've had the conversation with myself in which I will be hot when hubby comes home and he will look at me and think wow, she's hot, but truly, most evenings, by the time he gets home from work I'm already worn out and used up the rest of the way, wearing pajamas (and I don't mean the sexy kind) because who can bear to wear those clothes a second longer? Funny, he loves me anyways.

So, that's it. They.just.don't.matter. I need not worry or give a care but maybe it wouldn't do harm to use that mirror on the wall rather than the one in the car. Love you all. Happy Thursday!

Before it all becomes too dated to post

So... a lot has been going on here. So much, that I can't decide or figure out exactly what I should share - especially since I tend to be so long winded.

Hubby applied and interviewed for a new job about a month ago (because he had great dislike for his old one). He waited and waited to hear back and finally, 20 minutes after deleting all the evidence in the form of old emails and writing the possibility off he received "the call" offering him the position. Not quite as much money as he wanted, but I don't run with the crowd that ever really gets as much as they want. This all came the day after his "old" boss had sat him down and told him he knew that he was due to "be bumped up" (pay wise) but that the work they had him working on wasn't making him (bossman) any money and they would have to revisit it another time. Jerkface much? You gave him the work, that's what you told him to do, he's doing it - so why is that his fault that you gave him a thankless task? So... in the afternoon, the day after being given that talk, when he was offered the new job we were, or I was beyond estatic. I couldn't believe Mr. Thomas has such gull, such nerve. So, the next morning, 2 days after being given "the talk" hubby was able to march himself into bossman's office tell him that what he had said to him was extremely unfair and that he was formally giving his two weeks notice. Imagine - bossman was shocked. Go figure. I believe it was a few minutes later that bossman walked up to hubby, handed him 2 paychecks, one of the remainder of last week and one for this week and told him if he didn't want to be there he could go ahead and go. That rawks. Specially since hubby was able to start his new job a week early and we got an extra week's pay! Yippy!

WOOOHOOO... we are cruising down the Road of Dave. This morning, officially, the final payment on my Victoria's Secret CC was posted and the balance is now 0. Big fat 0. Imag that at one point I had managed to rack up over $900 in undies, bras and clothes on that mammajamma! Now that's a lot of panties folks, even at VS. But now, it's officially PAID OFF and we are down one more credit card, in fact, that leaves us with just one (okay, it's huge) credit card - the revoked one - to be exact. How exciting. Next we will be working to pay off my car. Indeed, one chunk, one step at a time! We are so excited for that we decided it would be a great idea to wash the car... okay... not really cause we are going pay it off, but because it was FUN!

We had a good Easter and Ashley also enjoyed herself. Hubby, being jobless at the end of last week, and me, having the day off on Friday were able to go to the egg hunt and lunch at Ashley's school. My, what fun. Ordinally we don't get to participate in activities such as that and we were even able to volunteer our time to set up, hide eggs and clean up. We really enjoyed ourselves. It was also nice because after the lunch and clean up was over it was Ashley's naptime so we left her that at school and headed to the gym for a little while. It was nice to be together and not have to worry about Ashley. Geeforever, that never happens.

Ashley was excited about Easter. She's forever going around, singing Jesus Loves Me and The Bible Song. At her preschool, which is at a methodist church. They go to Chapel twice a week, and although we are Catholic, I see nothing wrong with that. She is little. They are teaching her that Jesus loves her, who Jesus and God are and all at the age of 2. I love to hear her tell me, as we talk about the people that love her, that Jesus loves her. I always smile, and say "yes, baby, you are exactly right, Jesus loves you. I think it's special. I think it's sweet and most of all, important. She and I read part of the Bible, right before Easter and we talked about Easter. I think it's imporant and not the least bit harmful for the littles ones to believe in Santa and the Easter Bunny but I also always want her to know and remember there is a more important, divine reason for the hoopla, presents, eggs and hoopla. We talked about "Jesus is Alive!" and read the story and she's gone about exclaiming it a few times. Love it.

We went to Church on Sunday, had a egg hunt, dyed eggs and had a marvelous time. Illustrated below:

It was soooo naptime!

Another note - the gym and Curves. I was having a really hard to getting to Curves like I needed to because they are only open 3 days a week during my lunchtime, which is not flexible. So, I decided to abandon my old lady friends and join the gym that a few of my friends/coworkers go to. It has been great so far. I was able to get to the gym 5 times last week and dripped sweat like I haven't in a long time. This week I've started off strong. Made it Monday and today - both days, especially today, sweat pouring off when I was done. Seriously, what an absolute wonderful, soul healing feeling for me! I'm looking forward to seeing results! I do miss my old ladies though - although, now that I think of it, I did spot one on the recumbant bike yesterday. At least 70. Maybe I'll befriend her :)

Okay... That's enough... Talk at ya later! Enjoy your week!

I come seeking opinions...

It's been a while.. I know, I know, I'm a slacker. I've come today looking for opinions big and small. I'll update you later on "life".

In June, I know, its a ways away, I will be attending a wedding with hubby.
Bride and Groom are high school classmates of Hubster. Groom is also a former roommate of hubby, one that I didn't end things all that well with. lol. What a little bitch I was. *insert evil laugh here*. Hubby is a groomsman, his ex-girlfriend (oh my) is also a part of the wedding party - Maid of honor or bridesmaid.

I am not part of the wedding, don't get me wrong, this does not upset me, I'm just adding it for clarification purposes but you see, damn, I'd betta be looking good.

Hubby has had measurements taken for a tux, so obviously, the attire is formal. Here's my question..

What the hell do I wear? I want to take the chance, of this possibly Mommy-Free Moment, to look nice and to somewhat compliment my husband that will be dressed up and snazzy in a tux but I don't want people to look at me thinking I'm all trying to be a part of the wedding party and what not.

I told hubby to ask what color the vest/ties are when he calls the tux place to tell them he's lost 30-some pounds so that I could make sure that I do NOT match. Suggestions, comments, loaners? Leave 'um here.

Yesterday was a good day. Despite Ashley being sick we had a good time together. We laid in bed until 12:00 or so watching movies and catching some much needed zzzz's. I know it will sound horrible of me to say, because she wasn't sick, but it was even more relaxing because she was just laid back, kickin' it, not whiny and needy. She.was.just.happy. I think sometimes all mommies and their babies need days like that. To.just.relax.

Today however, it was back to the daily grind. I was a little worried to send her back to school so soon, even though she no longer had a fever, because she has a cough but I really couldn't say home another day and hubby didn't feel like he could either. It's sad... I wish I weren't in that position, but I am, so I must accept it and just go with it, despite my discomfort, like it or not.

This morning when we got to school Ashley walked in the room and all her friends were so excited to see her back! I really get a kick out of those little kids. So small, so innocent but yet with such big people ideas! I told her I loved her and I bent down to give her a hug and it brought joy to my heart when she said "I yuve you, Mommy" and planted a big one on me! Oh how I do love her so.

It's amazing to me, how you can spend so much time with a little one and fall in love with them more and more every day. Don't get me wrong, I've always loved my child, but if you have children of your own, I willing to bet you probably understand!

Today was a day. Beside my boss going crazy, not so much on me so much or the other girl that works for him, but more on our situation. We are drowning in car accidents, good ones and bad ones. Ahhh... the joys of personal injury.

I've been thinking of going back "home". To my home, in the mountains of Virginia. Of course, I would want hubby to go too, and wouldn't make the move without him, but I doubt we will. I really do like it here in eastern NC and I can't wait for this summer cause I know we will have the most fun ever beachin' it but it is so hard to be away from family, especially when you have a sick child or Heaven forbid an emergency and no where to turn. Not that I would expect anyone to stop what they were doing or take the day off, just that there would be someone to count on, some back up, some relief. All the warm and fuzzy feelings aside, however, I know that we both have jobs that pay decently, we own a house, in need of "fixing up" before it could be sold for a "profit" and we truly do love it here. Catch 22.

Well, I'm off now, to finish my toes in case its warm enough for flip flops tomorrow (I don't think it will be, but I'ma gonna wear um anyways), clean up the "was clean 5 minutes ago" kitchen and finish my laundry for the week (yay... that usually doesn't happen until Sunday!). Thankgoodness tomorrow is Friday!

One more thing

because I'm a bitch (well really, I like to think I'm not) and I know some of you all are buried in white stuff that you are sick of looking at, I am hereby sharing another "spring is a coming" picture. Here he is, first one of the season... "idn't he cute"

*insert something catchy here*

So I found myself clicking around tonight. The usual spots for the most part and then some others I click on at random times. I found myself clicking with some disappointment that there wasn't all that much new to read since the last time I clicked around, some time earlier today. And then... returning to my own blog, where I started from, I caught a glimpse of the last time I posted and realized I've left you all (if anyone is out there) with nothing new to read. So, here goes...

This past weekend Ashley and I went to Blacksburg, VA to visit with my parents, Ashley's Nana and Poppie. Oh how she loves them, not to mention, of course, that every single bit of that love is returned and exceeded by them. We had a good time. I got a rental car because mine is getting up there in the miles and since we would be traveling the almost 7 hours without hubby (who had to work) we decided it was the best thing to do. I reserved my weekend special - only $56.00 for Friday afternoon through Monday morning (I thought that was really good) - through my former employer (from whom I'd never rented a car before) and scheduled pick up for 12:00 on Friday afternoon. I wasn't able to have them fulfill their slogan of having them pick me up until around 1:45 when I was able to get home from work. Got there, got my car - a not so cool Hyundai something or other. Left the branch and got a block away when I remembered to check the inspection to make sure that it wasn't expired or expiring and sure enough the inspection expired that day, 2/29. So, kind of pissed off, I whipped her around, I was so not going to take the fall for that. In NC and in VA (the state of my former residence) an expired inspection goes against your driving record, even if the car does not belong to you and they so were not going to taint me and my clean (knock wood) driving record! I pulled back into the lot, walked back in to the branch, put the keys on the counter and told them that. "Oh we are so sorry, our computer didn't tell us that, we just got the car..." blah blah blah. "Do you want the Grand Prix or the Dodge Caliber?". Yay... I'll take the new, beautiful, shiny, black with black interior Grand Prix! And there you have it, my ride was spectacular! Ashley even enjoyed it to... when I picked her up from daycare she hopped in and exclaimed in her little 2 year old voice "this is a cool black car". She and I were both so sad to have to take it back Monday morning.

We had a good time in VA, staying up late and sleeping in. But now, the price will be paid, as always happens after times like this... my baby is sick. Last night after bathtime she laid on her Daddy for a while and said that she was sick and needed medicine but I figured she was really tired from our trip. This morning around 5:00, Kyle (the yorkie boy) started pacing around on the bed growling and faintly barking. I sat up, worried, I could hear scuffling, someone was in my house. Then, there it was, the little silhouette of a two year old. Her tongue hurt. I gave her water and medicine and told her it was dark outside and it was still time to sleep a little bit more. This morning when I went to wake her up she wasn't grumpy but very quickly told me again that her tongue hurt. I couldn't give her medicine again because it was too soon and made the decision to make the "working mom, need my job" move and hurry along to preschool and work.

This afternoon I got a voicemail saying that Ashley hadn't let her teacher put her down since 3:30 but I didn't have to come get her because she didn't have a fever. By the time I got there, 35 minutes after the voicemail was left (but almost immediately after receiving it) she was indeed running a fever. She went through a list of the things that hurt. She had told her teacher it was her belly. She told me it was her tongue and opened her mouth and pointed inside. Then in the next breath she said, "no, my ear" and pointed at it. Then on the way home it was her "booty" because apparently she slept or slipped or swept (I couldn't figure out which one) on a fire truck. Ahhh... so tomorrow, apparently I will be staying home. Thankfully I was able to squeak a call into the doctor's office in the last few minutes before they closed this evening and get an appointment tomorrow, although not until the afternoon, to get her checked out. Geez I hope it's not an ear infection. She's had 100% effective tubes since December of '06 but they most likely have worked their way out which will most likely leave us with the decision of whether to go for the tubes again, which undoubtedly, the answer will be yes. Gee, my boss is going to be so happy.

Yesterday I made my a doctor visit of my own. To the crotchologist. Yeah, I think I made that word up, but I really like it. Thing of it is that all the girls that I work with and I make sure that we go right at the year mark or as soon thereafter as we can schedule an appointment. We have some "ducky" insurance that includes a cancer wellness policy so after we go for the usually dreaded pap smear (sorry guys) we pay our $25.00 copay that our regular health insurance requires and then send a letter along with our doctor paper slip thingy they give you when you go and wala - they mail a check for $75.00. Now come on, you get to have the reassurance that everything is okay, or not okay, but at least you know about it and you get to make $50.00 profit for doing so. My closest coworker and I like to refer to this as the yearly "whoring ourselves" and joke that without a doubt we'd go every day at lunch to make our money if we were allowed more than one time a year. Okay, okay, so I seriously doubt it but at least it sort of makes it worth the trip to go! Hmmm... how will I spend my extra $50.00. After all, it should be mine to spend on myself personally, shouldn't it? LOL.

So I'll be staying home tomorrow. It you read this, if you are out there, please post wonderfully hilarious things that I can read during naptime and rest times in between and oh yeah, if we have to have one, wish us an illness that is quickly healed and non-traumatic.

Scrubbing Day is my Favorite Day...

Okay, so not really, just thought the words of Pippi Longstocking were so catchy. Thanks Pippi!

So this morning Ashley came in around 8:30 or 9:00 to say that it was not time to sleep anymore. She took the invitation to climb into bed as usually upon her arrival, the thought of actually getting up makes me want to do something really bad. It dawned on me sometime within the past 24 hours that since motherhood began just 2 years and 4 1/2 months ago I don't recall a single day when I have awoken on my own. It's always an alarm clock screaming at me throughout the week day or a child deciding it's just that time. I know, I know, I'm no different from the rest of the free world really, but it's just that I've always thought of myself as a champion sleeper of sorts.

I am not a morning person, never have been, but rather a night owl of sorts and indeed, I do cherish a nap in the middle of the day on the weekends!

Growing up I could sleep and I mean SLEEP. Mom said it started from a very early time, as she took me into the doctor and asked what was wrong with me because I slept so much. During childhood, growing up and on into my short stay at college I continued with my marathon sleeping abilities. I always had to be drug out of bed, basically by my hair - never voluntarily - and there were even times when apparently I have said horrible wretched things to loved ones during their quest to awake me. Hubby really doesn't even try anymore and I feel compelled to add that one time my own mother did not speak to me for 3 weeks because of something I said. I promise you... I do not remember... I really was asleep... I do not know what I said... I did not mean it and I suppose I really don't even WANT to know what I said! Geeforever. Now that's bad!

Those were the days of glory. When I was a true champ, sleeping in until 3:00 or 3:30 in the afternoon. With the worst sleep headache/hangover possible, but still was completely in love with doing so besides the "hit by a bus, spent all night under the tire of a mack truck" kind of feeling that always came with my hobby. I never felt like I was wasting the day away, like I was missing out on something good and I never really cared for breakfast anyways. I'd much rather have it for dinner thank you!

Then, of course, there was Ashley. She too is a sleepy baby. She has always done very well in the sleep department. I think if my sister were reading this she was scoff at the 8:30/9:00 I'm complaining of that Ashley woke up this morning. Well it is early, isn't it?

And here's where the title all falls into place. Scrubbing Day. I've declared Saturday my new scrubbing day. We got the house tidy, all clothes put away, vacuumed, cleaned up and out last week and now I've decided that I will dedicate each Saturday morning to getting everything done, in line, in place and be able to relax the rest of the weekend. By 11:00 a.m. we were in the final stages of scrubbing day, dancing around the kitchen in our scrubbing shoes amongst the bubbles, and it was before noon when the entire house was picked up, vacuumed, bathrooms cleaned, blah blah blah and we were out the door to enjoy our day!

So I've begun to reevaluate the scrubbing day vs. sleeping situation and perhaps, just perhaps I'm getting old as when Ashley wakes me up and climbs into bed sleep is really over, no matter how hard I try I just can't get back to sleep. I've come to realize I'm so much prouder of scrubbing day than I would be telling someone I am a champion sleeper that slept til 3:30, my house looks like shit and my kid ate the dog's food cause she was hungry and Mommy was sleeping. lol. (Please believe, this never happened)(ahhh the googlers that will find this).

And P.S. If you haven't ever had the pleasure of The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking you must check it out! It's the BEST!

Don't yuve me...

A conversation last night between my precious 2 year old and I... I'm telling you, this child is goofy:

Me: I love you!
A: I don't yuve you. (you see she can't say "l"s)
Me: That is so mean. That hurts my feelings.
A: Go cry in orrs room, Mommy.

A little bit of Dave in my life...

So its been quite some time since I spoke about Dave Ramsey and his role in our life. Back in May of last year my husband and I sat down (as my birthday present to him - that's what he wanted) and figured out that every month we were $400.00 in the hole. NO WONDER we couldn't pay our bills on time and every debt collector from here to China or maybe it was India was calling to ask where their money was. Not to mention that just on monthly bills we were $400.00 in the hole... that didn't account for gas, food, diapers or any of the extras that we always seemed to think we could afford. I didn't realize nor had I ever been willing to admit just how bad off we really were despite the fact that I found myself calling the electric company asking for a little more time and even the city regarding our water. It was bad - but we really didn't want anyone to know so we really kept it to ourselves. I hope that my parents don't read this... I think it might make them sad or perhaps disappointed. It seemed beyond all hope and then... we made a plan... but these sorts of plans take time, patience and dedication.

We sold my husband's beloved truck. '04 black Z71. Nice truck - Just not for us cause it carried a BIG monthly payment. That saved us $506 in payment, $100 or so in insurance and $70 a week in gas because he started driving the more economical 98 Saturn SL2 that my parents had given us. Although we did have to take out a small loan on the Saturn that was free and clear in order to make up for the negative equity an expensive vehicle can carry to enable us to sell the truck but that payment is only $115.00 a month. Don't worry... Joey actually cleared this with Dave himself (by calling the show and being heard on the air) and Dave thought it was the right thing for us to do in this situation and even went so far as to say, "you see, that guy right there, he's got a plan and he's going to be all right." Words of encourgament from the man himself! At any rate, from there, we started to try to get things more in line.

One day about the middle of summer we were outside working in the yard, enjoying a beautiful day. It hit one of us that we should check the mail. It was the usual - bills we still couldn't really afford to pay and a notice regarding our MAJOR debt, "The Credit Card", that carried a huge balance and a huge monthly payment - one that we had not been able to pay for months. It wasn't the usual statement inside but rather a notice stating that "The Credit Card" had been REVOKED. (Capital letters and all). Need to remit payment in full immediately, blah blah blah. Believe me, I wanted to... but I just couldn't find it in me to shit that much money. Don't I wish I had been able to. Instead, I wanted to do nothing but DIE.

Then, it hit me even harder that we still weren't doing everything we could be doing. Although we had gotten rid of the "monthly deficit" we still were overspending. We were still living a lifestyle that we could not afford. We still weren't being honest with ourselves and how much we really could spend and still be okay... not to mention the fact it's hard to catch up once you get behind - and we were that... behind.

One of the things that hurt my feelings the most was the way we were treated. NO ONE that could help us would or wanted to help us (bank wise. We did not ask family friends or relatives). In all eyes - we were bad people. Terrible people that didn't pay for what they purchased that never sent a payment in on time and in most eyes we were going straight to hell. Thing of it was that we were not bad people and we had not intentionally created the mess we were in, although we assume full responsibility for doing so. We were young. We got married. We bought a townhouse. We had a baby. We decided it was in our best interest to move from VA to NC. We had medial bills. Sale of home fell though therefore Mortage in VA, rent in NC. My job in NC fell through while I was still on maternity leave from job in VA. Ended up having to live in different states until we could get it all sorted out. We were in a living hell and were too proud and almost too stupid to realize just how bad our situation was spiraling and raging out of control.

We were trying and we really do and did intend to make EVERY payment and repay EVERY cent we have ever borrowed but like I said, these things take time and I still hadn't figured out a way to shit money.

Next plan of action... in September our neighbor got Joey a job working as a pizza delivery boy. Ahhh... breathing room and relief.

Since that time, with the job and bonuses from my job we have been able to get back on track with all payments being paid on time enough to count. No more late fees for us and as of December we have paid off 3 medical bills and two credit cards which reduced the deficit even further. Today we are busy chipping away at our other debts.

One of the things I am most proud of is that since September we have PAID for everything we have purchased (including Christmas). We really don't have any/much credit available to us but none the less we have found a way to purchase and actually pay for everything for the past 5 months.

We have cut back enormously. We have scrimped and found ways to scrape by when before we would have said "oh well, what can ya do?" Within the past month and 1/2 we have taken it even further and I know before long we will see it bigger than we are able to see it right now.

Our "further" is this: Hubby and I each get $100.00 a month and that buys it ALL. If you want shoes, if you want your hair cut, if you want those pants or shirt or that shit, your $100.00 a month has got to buy it. If you want lunch with your friends or you want to stop by and get a sub cause you are really really hungry, that $100.00 had better cover it, cause if not you are SOL. At first when I got my $100.00 I thought that would buy me the world. I quickly, oh so quickly, found that $100.00 a month really isn't much in the grand scheme of things. You think it is, I dare you to REALLY add up when you spend a month... hair cuts, shoes, clothes, fast food, coffee, beer - whatever your vice... I really was shocked!

The only things that are not inclusive of the $100.00 are food from the grocery store, from which you are highly encouraged to pack your lunch and gas for the cars. We also have a $100.00 a month rule for Ashley, which has not been as closely followed because in all honesty, I've paid close mind and we don't think we buy her $100.00 worth of crap each month or even close to it. It's not like she's begging and dying to cruise up the road to catch a movie with her friends. Thank goodness for that. She's only 2 and is just as entertained by the dollar tree as she is about some expensive something or other.

Also, I have begun to put $10.00 a week into A's savings as I would like to be able to have a nest egg for her some day in the FAR FAR future when she is old enough to know it is there. But don't fret, we also plan to try to instill other saving brainwashedness into her head just as soon as we think she is able to understand the concept. And further don't worry because she does love to hoard the "monies" in her "pocketbook" already.

So... there are many ways to save. We no longer eat fast food as a family and we only have basic cable which costs $7.80 a month for our 5 channels (there was a clarity issue with the rabbit ears). I haven't had real cable for 2 1/2 years now and although there some times occassional things I hear of that I just so wish that I could watch - you all are so much more entertaining anyways!

Now of course, let me step off my high horse - cause there are of course, those downfalls. We have the internet (which I believe is an ABSOLUTE must). We both have our memberships to health club/work out facilities. Me to Curves, he to Golds Gym HOWEVER believe me, I've implemented a rule. You must attend at least 10 times a month (just shy of 3 times a week) in order to have the money come from our account. If you do not attend 10 times a month and you are a slacker, you must pay for it out of your $100.00. Now that would suck, wouldn't it?? So get your ass to the gym and workout... now, damn it! LOL.

All this talk... despite the fact that we have been able to get ourselves in a better position, it's still just not good enough. We want to be debt free. We want to be free from those things that tie us down and we want to be able to provide better than we ever had, which, I promise you is QUITE A LOFTY GOAL.

I do not have a new car, nor does hubby... in fact I'm almost scared to say it out loud... mine will be paid off next January and his the following May at which time we have all intentions of running them til the floors rust out. Shit - I think I just heard my car die out in the driveway. How grand would it be NOT to have a car payment and to be able to save that money to pay cash towards our next un-new car? Believe me, if I could have one, if I thought someone would actually loan me the money for a newer/nicer car I'd want to be all over it like bread on butter, but I like to tell myself that there is no harm from a mistake if a lesson is learned and therefore I realize I must not have a new car, I must keep mine and I must love it cause that's all I've got.

Thing of it is that I've learned a hard lesson that hubby has been right there beside me for and although I may want something so bad I think of my $100.00 and then I analyze the situation a little bit harder and a little bit longer and usually *usually* I put it back.

I've looked at my post and nearly wanted to laugh but I'm much too brainwashed for that now. When hubby first started talking about this Dave Ramsey character all I could do was roll my eyes and shrug him off. Ha. You really think you are going to trick me into reading and falling for that shit? You got another thing coming. And then I realized we were trapped and no one was going to bail us out. No one was going to throw us a life vest or even one of those kiddie pool floaties and boy was I tired of treading water and desperately in need of CPR. So here it is. This is now and let me be self indulgent as I stand on the roof top and scream while I take control of my life.

I would like to add one final thought. a disclaimer of sorts. After all, this is my "space". This is my life. Just my thoughts on where WE are and where WE want to go and be. It is NOT at all a hit, a stab, a slap or a freaking upper cut on any one of you beautiful individuals that may happen to grace my blog. I enjoy everyone of you and I'm so glad you've stopped by. Words of encouragement or here to tell me my struggle is over because you've just found me a rich uncle?? Joy!! leave a comment!! Otherwise, please realize I'm speaking of my trap and my trap alone and do not speak a word of this to judge you so please, don't hate :)

"...you see, that guy right there, he's got a plan and he's going to be all right."

It's on it's way

The first bloom of the season. We've had our cold days but we've also had our nice days here in eastern N.C. I so much enjoy the flowers outside my house and much to my excitement this bloom opened yesterday, just a couple of days after first appearing. I can not wait to behold the beauty that hopefully will continue to bloom outside my door! Yay for spring that appears to be on its way!

A little bit of randomness coming your way

Thoughts that have occurred to me and some of which I have dedicated way more time than I should have throughout the day:

1. Every clothing store should have a "funeral" section. One in which no bold vibrant reds, blues or greens are allowed.

2. I am a girl, 26, uncomfortable in her own skin. I am short, I am thick, I used to be skinny and now I have no waist. I'm waiting to blossom - waiting to bloom. Just that... waiting. Just a girl attempting to be a woman.

3. When will I 'grow up'? When will I learn to speak my complete thought rather than parts of the mixed up shit in my head, thinking all the while that someone is following my complete thought? It's always later, after I walk away that I realize something I said didn't make sense, that I only actually said bits and pieces of what I meant and that something I did was just a little bit or a lot a bit stupid.

4. When will I stop being a "dits"? Please refer to statement/thought #3.

5. When I get to spend one penny I want to spend 5 more.

6. I was almost in a bad accident coming home from work today. Two lane semi-curvy highway, 55 mph, me driving 59, gotta mind since I got out of having my other ticket count against my record. Blazing towards me I see headlights as it was starting to get dark. Closer, closer, slam on brakes and horn (horn - not cause I didn't think he saw me coming, just as sort of a f*you), partially pull off the road and good thing at that because the space I pulled off was the space he needed to squeeze back into his proper lane. Dear Lord, please, if I ever HAVE to get in an accident please allow my baby to be safe and sound at preschool or with her Daddy.

7. Mrs. Alice was brought home one last time today... poor "Mr. W." Please refer to yesterday's post.

8. Damn, Cheerios Snack Mix is good and you really must try it.

9. I miss my parents. Why do I live so far from home and what is really tying us here, to this place to which we have no connection but yet we chose?

10. I guess this answers #9 as I can't wait for summer and to hit the beach.

11. I am pasty. Please refer to #10.

12. I am proud of my hubby. Check out his blog.

13. Working vs. Stay at Home Mom. Another blog, written by sisters, I just recently found that I like to stalk, touched on this today but not necessarily on my own situation:

I work not because I want to, not because I love to but because the company I work for pays 100% of health insurance for me, hubby and baby.

I work not because I want to, not because I love to but because, even though I don't come out much on top each week, its still worth the benefit, and we couldn't make it any other way.

I work not because I want to, not because I love to but because we got married, a baby was born a year later.

Lets just say I work not because I want to, not because I love to but because I love my child and therefore I must be responsible for the choices that were made and I have faced the facts that I must.

Not because I want to, not because I love to turn my child over to a preschool/full time program or some individual other than immediate family each and every weekday and although she may cry and she may fuss - I can do nothing but kiss her and tell her I love her and ask her to tell me to "get outta here, Mommy" and then leave with my own guilt.

So no, thank you very much, I haunt myself, leaving me without need for anyone else's gift of guilt.

A Legacy and His Wife

This morning, shortly after arriving to work I was told by my boss that the wife, Mrs. Alice, of the "most senior" partner in the law firm I work for passed away this morning at 3:00 a.m. Neither of them have been "well" as they both have had their ailments. Mr. W, as we'll call him, although we refer to him by his whole last name, was born in 1918, making him 89 years old, to turn 90 this August.

He and Mrs. Alice had been married since they were fairly young, somewhere around and above 60 years, I believe I remember him telling me, not that long along, it was 66. Although "Mr. W." has retired approximately 4 times, he has never lasted more than a few hours out of the office aside for a couple years of military service during WWII, since joining this firm, the firm that his Daddy founded in 1941. He has had surgeries, cancer and only has one eye remaining. It has been said, by his son, also a partner in the firm, that during one surgery, to have most of his colon removed due to cancer, he requested that the doctor withhold the full amount of anesthesia as "he had to get back to work". I think he's going for the excellent attendance award.

Despite his outward grumpy demeanor, which I think he has earned every right to, "Mr. W." is a man that deserves and is given much respect. He has stood out and above in his field, and although we all wish that he "would go home", now, sad to say, he has absolutely no reason to, as he has missed his chance and Mrs. Alice has made her own trip "home".

This has really got me thinking. He has worked so hard, he has strived and he has succeeded and now this man is all alone. Sure, he has his grown children, but he no longer has the presence of his bride. Despite the fact that she was probably mommicked and cursed a few (thousand) times in her life (cause we've all heard those stories as well), I know he loved her and I know that he must be so badly heartsick right now that it makes me hurt for him, especially knowing that there is nothing that anyone can do.

As was done "back in the day", "Mr. W." was to bring Mrs. Alice's body to their home today, where she will stay until her funeral service on Wednesday. That too, just makes me hurt for him. He will have her brought home for the last time, where he will stay, alone with her, his love, until she is to be taken to be buried.

Recently, we have been able to hear him coming from down the hallway and around the corner, as his breathing is so labored and heavy. We have seen his big frame stumble into walls and doorways as he probably has more ailments that this strong willed man is willing to admit. We've noticed a decline in the use of the left side of his body, without a doubt he has suffered strokes that he also, so stubbornly, has failed to tell anyone about. It has been said, not out of nastiness, just out of understanding and compassion, that it won't be long for him now as well. What more to live for when your love, your companion of 60+ years has made their journey home? I pray for him, I pray for his peace.

This is my tribute to Mr. W. and Mrs. Alice. May he find peace, may he not be as heartsick as I suspect he is, as I don't believe a single one of us would ever wish such pain on anyone and here's to eternal life for Mrs. Alice.

MUST pray for U.S.A...

So I was surfing, looking for a particular color heels and stumbled upon this. I will say no more, just show pictures and ask that each of you say a silent prayer as this... well this... is uncalled for...

Yes my blog world friends, that label does say NASCAR and that for sho is a checked flag on the heel that apparently is on all pairs whether jean, plastic, on fire or checker flag print. Wow.

And honestly, I have to add... these are not cheap shoes... way more than I'd ever consider paying even if they didn't say Nascar. (despite being a new found penny pincher and on a budget).

Now that is what I like to call just a little bit country or a lot-a-bit redneck.

*Disclaimer* I'm sorry if you own these, it's just my opinion, but you might want to consider Free cycle.

why don't I have anything to say?

The daily goings on of life just don't seem that interesting to me these days, not that I'm bored or upset with it, just really not anything that interesting to share or that I wouldn't feel guilty wasting someone's time with. It's pretty much the same stuff, just a different day. I feel provoked to share some of the sweet things that my daughter, just 2 years and 3 months old has recently said to her Daddy & I...

Me (on the car ride home): Did you have a good day baby?
Ashley: Yes Mommy, I had a very bood day.

Ashley was upset about the fact that her dvd player for the car is broken.

Ashley: My movie broken, Mommy?
Me: Yes Baby, it is.
Ashley: Daddy gonna fix it?
Me: Baby, Daddy tried to fix it but he couldn't. We have to safe some extra money to get you a new one.
Ashley: Oh, we got to get extrada monies, Mommy? I got some extrada monies in my pocket book. (As she gets up off the bed to go get her "pocket book" to show me.
Me (laughing): yes Baby, you do have money in your pocket book but its not enough, we need more money.
Ashley: Go to work Daddy, get more monies.

Bathtime.
Daddy: you ready to get out now?
Ashley (pointer finger up in the air): Wait, just one more minute Daddy.

Nothing else to blog about

So it's been awhile since I've shown my presence here so without anything further to add of any substance I thought I'd share with you a few of my crafty moments... I love to be crafty and I love to make things. There, now you've learned something about me that you may not already have known. Promise... you might find it interesting as I must warn you, the last one is NOT for children's eyes. Enjoy!

I love to make hairbows & clippies, both for Ashley to wear and also to sell! Here are a few...

I made this sweet baby's dress as well as, of course, her hairbow...

Yay for scrapbooking... if I ever had time... also, I love to take pictures...

Made this ornaments as Christmas presents, went straight to the beach, my favorite place of all time, and picked the seashells and sand myself...

And last but not least, this little beauty, my lastest creation, as of this evening, finished just a bit ago... yes folks, its a cake and I must say, unfortunately its so not modeled after my own mommy boobies...

God bless the Bedtime Chart...

So seeing as it's been a really long time since I've posted and I feel like the biggest slacker alive, seeing as I've been reading all of the goings on of you all I suppose the only thing left to do this very boring night is to post about my seemingly not-so-interesting life.

I came up with the magnificent idea that I should start bring the work laptop home on nights that hubby has to work so that I could catch up on some files at the office that I NEVER have time for. Seems some of our clients want their accidents settled and there are just not enough hours in the day to take a terrible mess of a file for a person that seemingly was not that hurt and turn it into a masterpiece that an insurance adjuster is going to offer thousands of dollars on to settle. bummer. After setting up my new wireless router and getting the work laptop connected to said router, I am unable to remote into the work server. Seems no one knows the password. bummer... or maybe not.

Life is happening here. Same old stuff really, nothing too interesting to blog or brag about for that matter. I've cleaned, washed piles of clothes and kept the dishes up only to look around and realize it all needs to be done over again. I've dropped off and picked up at daycare, I've given baths and brushed teeth only to realize the day is gone again and its time to start over. What is this life and why the hell is it moving so fast. My darling baby is now 2 years and 3 months and I'm asking myself where ever did that 60 pound pregnancy go other than to my never shrinking gut?

And then... there is the Bedtime Chart - Ashley, as you may have read about before was having quite the time getting and staying into bed. I previously admitted that I had to lock the door to keep her in her room at bedtime and was backed up by several other commenters as well as a doctor saying that was indeed the thing to do. Afraid to admit that after giving this a go and awaiting the epiphany that my child was supposed to have - 2 months later - it still wasn't sinking in. Hubby and I then discussed the bedtime chart. The rules are simple. Stay in your bed, in your room for that matter, and in the morning, if you succeed, a sticker is given to be placed on the next open square. And there it is... God Bless the Bedtime Chart. My sweet baby has fallen for this, hook, line and sinker. She has undoubtedly stayed in her room EVERY night, EVERY naptime since the creation of the beloved Bedtime Chart and without fail, immediately when she comes into our room in the morning or after naptime she tells me "I need a sticker, Mommy" and if I don't remember then, oh she remembers to sweetly remind me again later that she needs a sticker for her "cart". Here is it, crooked in the picture, hanging in the hallway next to her doorway, in all its glory, I present you with the Bedtime Chart:

Sweet child of mine received her first prize, for filling up the first row on Friday morning after staying in on Thursday night. Friday after work she and I went to Wal-mart ("yay Wal-mart" as she likes to say) to get her prize. We thought that a movie would be appropriate. She wanted a pincess movie (aka Princess) but when we got there she saw "Cars" and had to have that one instead and so I must admit, for the better part of the weekend "Cars" has been playing at my house non-stop. (cute movie). I am proud of her, but the prizes are going to have to decrease in value as I will be the first to admit, that if she keeps this up, I will go broke buying a new movie every 11 bed/naptimes. I somehow doubt though that this 2 year old is going to notice the value of her prize decreasing if the value of a shiny little sticker is so high despite the fact that regularly she tells my hubby and I: I want money, Mommy (or Daddy), whichever she is speaking to. LOL.

On a funny note, speaking of "yay Wal-mart" I do have a story to share of our travels over the Christmas holiday. On the 22nd of December, we left to go to my Mom and Dad's house on the south-western side of Virginia. We stayed there, over Christmas before driving to the eastern side of the state on the 27th - to our ears in presents - where hubby's parents live. On the 30th we began the drive home. As we were driving down the highway, somewhat late in the night, we passed a prison out in the middle of no where. Ashley should have been asleep, but as usual, was not (not a car-sleeper). She saw the prison, all the fences, the barbwire and all the lights and with delight shouted "WAL-MART". Conversation continued as this:

Me: "that's not Wal-Mart baby..."

interrupted by her with: "uh-huh it is"

Me: "no, that is a prison, baby... that was where bad people go"

Her: "Bad people go a Wal-Mart?"

With a chuckle, I just had to leave it at that... so bad people go to Wal-Mart and maybe now she'll be more convinced she really does need to hold Mommy's hand after all. lol... only kidding.

Another time, during the trip hubby and I were having a discussion over something or another. I really don't recall what it was but let me make it clear we were not fighting and we always try our very best not to do so in front of her. She will never learn to divide and conquer this pair, I tell ya... and out of the blue she says - "yay, fighting". Conversation dropped, middle of sentence leaving us both chuckling while trying to explain that no one was fighting, that Mommy and Daddy were just talking. (promise, its true). Where on earth did she get that from?

Seriously though, this child amazes me, perhaps because she's my first, perhaps because I only have baby sitting experiences from long ago to compare her to but her vocabulary, her understanding and the things she comes off with never cease to amaze me. She is such a little person and understands way more than I think she should - anyone found the "stop time now" button we're all so desperately in search of?