It's the most. wonderful. time. of. the. year!!!

Friday, August 31, 2012


Miles Today: 0.0  That's right...GOOSE EGGS!!
Miles This Year: 1512.5
Goal for the year: 1000 (so there...in your face!)

Little too much celebrating at Big Mama's birthday party last night and really wasn't feeling the need for speed this morning.  

 

someone loves the camera!!!

                  

It's not a real party until there's a head injury, right??

We had a great time with the whole family!!

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No worries though...last night was not only a celebration of a fantastic woman, but also the 

return of college football!!!

ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!

Being from Alabama, we take our football very seriously...

Come Saturday night, my whole clan (and, of course, some extra friends) will all be screaming and cussing at the television, drinking too much, chanting Rammer Jammer, shaking our shakers, wearing HOUNDSTOOTH and crimson, dressing up for no one but ourselves and eating some of the BEST (and most fattening) foods a girl could dream of!!    

And, I cannot wait!!

I kinda wish I was on my way to Dallas right now, but the 70" tv ain't a bad view, either.

(plus, personal bathroom and bar...nice)

The kids like it, too...here's a few picks of the young'uns.

         

whoops...there's Christmas again!!

ROLL TIDE ROLL!!

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Labor Day Weekend Announcement

So--we have a long weekend this weekend and we do not really have any plans yet?  If you want us to make an appearance at your beach or lake house, we are available.  Just call me.  We are reasonably priced and have several references!

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Don't know if you have seen this or not, but I have already bought tickets for this party...

Discover the Dinosaurs!!!

Dub and Roo are both in love with Dinosaurs, so we will be there, fo' sho!!  

See you there??

Questions for today...

Are you a football fanatic?

Would you rather go to the game or what it in the comfort of your own home?

What are your plans for the long Labor Day weekend?

What's your favorite dinosaur?

You ask...I'll answer!!

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Miles Today: 2.5
Miles This Year: 1512.5
Goal for the year: 1000 (so there...in your face!)

I had grand plans for another long run this morning...and. it. didn't. happen.  Oh well...it always seems like the morning when I plan a long run, I never wake up and feel like doing said long run.  Poo...

My good intensions came in the form of an introduction last night.  I am very competitive...sometimes just with myself (or just in my own head).  I met a girl last night at church and she was talking about running and that I should run with her (she lives in my neighborhood).  Spoiler Alert:  Before you read this, just know I am really not this mean--well, at least not to your face--but, sometimes, I admit to being a "B."  We talked about races and stuff and I just kept thinking to myself..."oh, I run more than that daily" and "ha--weakling" and "did I mention I ran a 10k and a half marathon last weekend?"  So pleasant to be around, huh?  

Anyway--I think I am going to start running with her group.  They do long runs on Tuesday and Sunday nights and I love night runs!!  

While the kids were in choir practice, I sat with the running girl (I think her name is Heather--I'm sorry for forgetting it already) and several other friends just chatting.  My friend, Alexia, told me that I should start putting upcoming races and stuff on my blog so she can go and sign up.  No problem.  

I have pretty much quit doing 5k's.  I run more than that daily and unless a friend asks me to support their charity, I just would rather save that $25 for mexican food, wine or crack (kidding about the crack...not about the mexican and the wine).  

My New Year's resolution this year was to run a half marathon each month.   I use this  website and this website to find upcoming races to sign up for.  I also keep a spreadsheet going (it changes constantly) with races that I want to do, races that I have done, dates, times, cities, if I have signed up and if I've paid.   (Lord knows, if I have paid for it, I am running it!!)

Note: it is hard to find a half marathon in or around Alabama in June and July...it is just too hot for that.  I just made my own course around town for those months.  That is easy to do using this website...you just make a map and it tells you how far you are going (or have been).  The only problem with making your own Half Marathon--there is no medal and no after party.  boo...

fyi - that's not me!!    source

Here's how September is shaping up...

Talladega Superspeedway Half Marathon on the 16th
Nashville Half Marathon on the 22nd

I have a true test coming up in November...I have 5 Half Marathons within 10 days!!  Ugh--Man UP!!  I gotta run off all that turkey!!

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Just got an email from Dub's teacher saying he is off to a great start today.  It might only be 10:30, but this Mama will take any good news!!

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Shout out!!  One of the girls I was sitting with last night at church is an amazing photographer.  Her name is Holland and she is so fun...you should check her out!!  Such cute kiddos!!  


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I warned you yesterday, that I am more than a little obsessed with Christmas.  So, is it strange to anyone that I got my Christmas card list out this morning to start working on it for this year (adding new friends, kicking some to the curb!).  

can you find you??

 Add a comment if you want to be added to the list...and your prize will be a precious picture of my children to adorn your fridge come December!

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Happy Birthday Mama!!!!

Donna Mac is the greatest mother of all time!!  She turns 69 today and she runs absolute circles around anyone/everyone that I know.  She does it all...from striping and refinishing antique furniture to sewing (anything--curtains, french hand sewing, knitting, etc) to cooking (um...pound cake, anyone?) to painting (on canvas and houses) to driving cross-country (Lawd, she won't step foot on an airplane).  
She is super dooper crafty and has an incredible imagination!  As Dr. Scrabbage (Roo's Vet name for her), she has glued, err operated, on Dub's lizard three times this month.  She has more tools and super glue than most men have in their garages (Lowe's gift cards are always on her Christmas lists).  
If you know her, you love her.  If you are around her for more than 10 minutes, you begin to feel completely lazy.  And if you are just meeting her, you fall in love with the Southern Belle!!  She gets up at 6:30 and usually does not sit down until about 1:30 am...she is constantly on the go.

She is an amazing mother, Big Mama, friend and teacher and, one day, 

I hope to be just like her!!

yeah...she climbs ladders, too!! 

Anyway...that's my day.  I swear...it'll get better!

Questions for today...

Are you a runner?

Are you psycho competitive? (I even get anxious when there is another blonde in the room)

I would love some questions for me!!!

Are you having a great day?

Tell me about your amazing mom...

7 YEARS...

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Miles Today: 10.0
Miles This Year: 1510
Goal for the year: 1000 (so there...in your face!)


Great long run this morning!!  I was afraid it would be raining, but when I didn't hear the drops, I hit the pavement.  NIce, quiet (and VERY dark), and peaceful run.  

I guess God sent the peace early, because I got the stress later.  Both kids had horrible days at school.  It breaks my heart to hear that they are not listening, being disruptive and Dub is even being aggressive.  As a mother who thought her children were so well-behaved and have never had any behavioral issues, this is so stressful.  

As a last resort, while tucking them in tonight, Ben and I told them that Pierre (our Elf on the Shelf) would be hiding in their classrooms watching them today and he would let Santa Claus know how they day goes.  PLEASE WORK, PIERRE!!  We need a fantastic day tomorrow!!

                

we believe in you, Pierre!!

We got home from school and I just felt defeated.  I have been taking away toys...and dessert...and anything fun at home as punishment for poor behavior at school and we are just about out of things to take away.  I have tried rewarding them for being good, but that hasn't worked either.  I told them if they had a great day, we would go to church tonight and choir practice.  However, even after a bad day, I didn't feel like I should take away church.

Plus--to be honest...having them at home with nothing to do and play with is a beating on me!!  I feel so terrible.  I pray for patience all day!

We did run into some old buddies at church tonight...and that is always fun!!

Michael and Juan...you stinkers!!  I have missed you so much!

7 YEARS...ago today, our lives were turned upside down by a little beaut' names Katrina.  Benny and I were living in New Orleans at the time.  Earlier that August, we had moved into a nice 2 story duplex and were just settling in when our second car was stolen (yeah--2 cars in nine months).  So, in a deluxe Buick rental car, we headed home to Montgomery for the weekend to buy a new car.  Little did we know this was right behind us...

source

Our house, although 6 feet off the ground, had about 7 feet of water in it and it didn't "drain" for quite some time.  They let residents back into town by zip code, depending on the levels of damage and amount of water, and we did not get back until November.  There was mold EVERYWHERE.  It was truly gross.  Needless to say, we didn't bring much back with us after that trip.  I have some pictures of our house before and after the storm...I'll have to find them...

source  

We bought a house here and have been here since then.  Even while living there, we knew that one day we would move back...we just though we would get to decide when.  Oh well...

Times like that in your life really make you sit back and look at all the things that you have (or had) and see all the things that you REALLY don't need!!  Thank goodness for large families and wonderful friends, we didn't want for anything.

And--when we sold our house this summer, we looked at each other and the 2 jammed-packed PODS and thought....where did we get all of this crap?!?!?!  We literally moved into this house with NOTHING!  haha...

Just another note--the storm hit on Monday morning and our rental car had to be turned in by the end of the month (Wednesday).  We called Allstate on Tuesday to ask if we could hang on to it for a few extra days since we were a little scattered.  They said no problem--the deluxe Buick rental car was now the least of their worries.  We actually drove it back down to New Orleans in November when we went back to survey the damage.  Thanks, Allstate, for letting us procrastinate buying that new car!

I am thinking about all of the people on the coast, who are once again battling the wind and the rain.  Praying that the winds die down and your damage is minimal.

I am about to head to bed and thinking about tomorrow makes me anxious.  My fingers are crossed for a very good day!!

Anyway...that's my day.  I swear...it'll get better!

Questions for today...

Are you a Christmas fanatic, like me and my whole family?  (just get ready for the December posts)

I will gladly take any advice given for bribing children to behave.  You got any?

Any other Katrina refugees out there?

1500!!!

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Miles Today: 4
Miles This Year: 1500
Goal for the year: 1000 (so there...in your face!)


Whooooo hooooooooo!!!!  1500 miles for the year!!

Coach Saban would be proud, right?!?!?

I really kinds felt like running more than 4 miles this morning, but I am sure a weirdo, I wanted the milestone of 1500!!  

Other than running this morning, I have had a pretty great day.  I have gotten a ton of stuff done at work, which is always a good thing.  I have been working on getting everything from last year's paperwork updated for this year.  

I just started a new job on August first and the woman who retired had kept such great records, it has been a very easy and smooth transition taking her place.  Thanks, Zan!!

BAMA!!!

Only 4 days 'til kickoff!!!

RTR!

Anyway...that's my day.  I swear...it'll get better!

Questions for today...

Are you a diehard college football fan like me?

Who is your team?

Any milestones for anyone else today?

What is your job?  

No excitement here...

Monday, August 27, 2012

Miles Today: 6
Miles This Year: 1496
Goal for the year: 1000 (so there...in your face!)

My sweet Aunt sent Dub a cap gun for no real reason...and HE IS IN LOVE!!  

Thank goodness, he is a aware that guns are dangerous and we only use them outside!

And...my mom comes in with baby bongs...er, I mean weird sippy cups.

Della has regressed back to a baby this week.  She has started throwing a "W" into words and crawling.  She is a mess!!

A very good Monday.  

Friday (only 3 days late) and the awesome weekend!

Friday, August 24, 2012

Miles Today: 3.0

Miles This Year: 1484

Goal for the year: 1000 (so there...in your face!)

We did it--we made it through the week.  Dub and Roo both had wonderful days at school today and for that--we got to PARTY!!  3 year-old style!

We set up the killer little fort (circa 1986).  Dub actually lined up their 2 sleeping bags and made an indoor Slippin' Slide that went into the fort.  Nice moves!!

here I go.....!!

he truly was so excited he was shaking!

THey watched a little tv from inside the fort...

best seat in the house!!

But, eventually settled into their easy chairs!

And...look what Big Mama left for the kiddos.  My mother has some crazy infatuation with Krystal Burgers and she thinks they are more valuable then Olympic Gold Medals.  Therefore, they should be passed out, like medals, for awesomeness!! 

Yes--she buys 24 at a time and puts them in her freezer so she can enjoy them whenever her cravings attack.

Everyone was in bed by 7:45 - Awesome!  Hey--Can I get a Krytal Burger over here?!?!  Whoot Whoot!

Saturday, August 26, 2012

Miles Today: 4.0
Miles This Year: 1488
Goal for the year: 1000 (so there...in your face!)

This weekend, Montgomery hosted the 2nd Annual Dragon Boat Race!  I did it last year and it was really cool.  However, we could not seem to get our team together again this year.  We had so much fun last year, I just couldn't get into it this year.  I never signed up for a team.  

source

There were over 70 teams this year and 12,000,000 spectators, just a guesstimate.  Good for the city!  I love it when we do stuff like this!  It makes me very proud to say I am from Montgomery, Alabama!  

HOWEVER, instead of being active and social and all that good stuff, Benny and I packed up the kids, loaded up the car, and we went to the lake with some good friends!  

(More or less...this was our weekend in pictures)

the Chefs...hard at work!!

Here's Roo playing peek-a-boo with her new little buddy, Rivers!  These were taken about 30 minutes after Roo was stung by 4 hornets (she got in a nest).  The guys at the house were amazed by her speedy recovery and high pain threshold.  I reminded them that she is a girl!!  We all have high pain thresholds.   

All the buddies on the boat for a booze cruise...

Roo loved to drive the boat!

Dub and C'man are checking things out!

I'm the King of the World!!

umm....who's in charge here?

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Miles Today: 2.0 (walk/jog at the lake)
Miles This Year: 1490
Goal for the year: 1000 (so there...in your face!)

first time tubin'

he needs this nap!

about 5 feet out of the driveway...on the way home.

A very nice weekend!!  Thanks to Morgan and Kelly and especially Wylie and Hillary!  

We had a blast.

On the very long, 30 minute drive back to reality/Montgomery, we discussed ourdinner options.  It was quickly settled...chinese take out!  Perfect ending to our wonderful weekend.  

Questions for today...

Do your kids play with any toys that popular when you were young?

Do your kids actually play with any toys that were yours when you were young??

Anyone else get a last minute trip invite this weekend?

The Booze Cruise...Redneck or Remarkable??