I'm not dead yet...

Just a little overwhelmed with life right now. I'm just extremely frustrated with some people and things in my life and what's worse is that I have allowed myself to get this far gone! Ya' know? It's time for a quick swift kick in the booty and a little 'come to Jesus' meeting for myself.

I apologize now, for not keeping up with my blogging and I'm not sure when or what I will post next, so please bare with me.

Nothing in particular is going on in my life, I'm just going through some strange funk that is overtaking me and I need to figure out how to pull myself up and out of the murkiness of it all.

Maybe it's a mini-mid life crisis? If that's the case - well I better drop about 40lbs and go on the search for my young hot stud.... oh wait - I don't have the energy for that! Fooey!

Keep blogging and come back in a few days to see what I might have mustered up to write about. Between now and then I'm going to take a nice long hot bath and read my latest copy of Southern Lady, say a nice long prayer -or several, and drink a Sonic Coke!

What kind of Mom am I?

This is fun - give it a try? http://juiceboxjungle.com/truth-and-dare

So now we all know - I'm not such a terrible mom.... just sorta? LOL

Results: Type-A Cool Cat
You are a complex Mama! You are organized, never run out of milk, and you book birthday parties 3 months ahead. But, you're able to let go: you're not an anal foodie, and you're not a strict disciplinarian. You do your best to get the kids a healthy meal but if pizza pops up three nights in a row, so be it. And if the Lion is the King of the Jungle, then you - Cool Cat that you are - must be Queen. As queens tend to be, you are more suited to expert supervision than down and dirty tussling with the cubs. You know how to involve them in important activities of course, but Mama's got to have her space! But watch out! With your laissez-faire discipline and hands-off play style your kids may think you are less interested in being a part of their play than you actually are. Or not. :)

**UPDATE** Apparently they went on their trip, on my way back to the office from lunch I passed the school buses with tiny heads bobbing around in them... LOL... I can't wait to hear about the day's events!



See this??? Today is the second grade's ONE BIG FIELD TRIP of the year! Their school only allows each grade to take ONE field trip each year and this year they were supposed to go visit the Butterfly Discovery Gardens at Fair Park! What do you think the chances are that they ended up going? I haven't heard from the school, so I really don't know if they had an alternative plan, but I do hope the kiddos get to have some sort of fun - what a bummer - raining - torrential down pours on the ONE FIELD TRIP of the school year!

LIfe after dark....in our house

What exactly goes on in my house after dark? I know that I go to bed each night around the same time - 10:00 p.m. and I am generally asleep by 11:00 p.m... but much to my dismay there is some sort of activity going on all night in our house - more specifically the kitchen and laundry room - which happens to be less than 10 feet from my bedroom. UGH!!!

Now I ask you - how is it that when I clean up the kitchen after dinner, load the dishwasher, wipe down the counter tops and make certain that there are no food crumbs left for the would-be buggers - I get up in the morning to sink full of dishes and crumbs on the counters? Where do these come from? I'm pretty sure that I saw each of my children go to bed the night before - I don't leave them up and about to fend for themselves.

I think I've already shared with you that I'm not a very hard sleeper and I spend more hours awake at night than I do asleep, so I hear a lot of varying noises - which will drive me crazy until I can identify the source of each sound. Oh never fear - I can identify them all!!! Which in and of itself drives me crazy! (Yes, we've already determined that I have issues.)

Last night at 1:30 a.m. The garage door opens and closes and practically shakes me out of my bed! That noise can wake me from a dead sleep and leave my heart racing! Quickly, I determine that it was Brit coming in from work and I try to take a few deep breaths to settle my heart rate! UGH!! I wish she would use the front door - at least then I wouldn't have to recover from near heart failure!

Next I hear the pantry doors open and close - again, just Brit looking for a snack. Not too long after that, I hear the washing machine going - again- Brit doing her laundry for the next day. Hmmm???? Then I hear the clicking sound of the dryer - oh yes, it was Bailey's school uniform clothes that she left in the washer and luckily Brit discovered them and moved them to the dryer. We all know what a horrible morning it would have been for Bailey to have WET school clothes! Been There Done That! Finally, maybe I can get settled back down to sleep - uh - wrong!! The rain storm starts and the house is moving and creaking. UGH!! Where's the pillow? The winds have started blowing across the front porch and now I have to listen to the rocking chairs creaking and moving, as the rain is hitting the window screens and window panes - Will this night ever end?

Slowly I feel myself dropping back off to sleep and suddenly the cat jumps on the bed and startles me. Why the heck can't she sleep on someone else? Oh never fear - Brit is still up and sends me a TEXT message from her bedroom - Oh Good Grief , what now? SHE's HUNGRY! My response - 'tough - I'm sleeping'! Why must she send me a text message at 2 am? Seriously - are you bleeding? Are you lying in a ditch somewhere? Don't send me a @*&%$ text message at 2 AM!!!

Oh you guessed it - now I'm really awake and furious that she would expect me to get up and fix her a snack! OH what a brat! (I can think of a few other choice words, but I'll refrain!) At this point, I'm sure you've figured out where the sink full of dishes and counter of crumbs comes from?

Now I don't want you to think that Brit is the only culprit in this.... oh no.... on the weekend it is not unusual to find Bailey's empty coke cans, pop-tart wrappers and top ramon soup packages left on the counters. Her dishes don't ever make it back to the kitchen - I have to go in search of them when we are running short on forks and spoons! I'm sure I could run a tighter ship and roll a few heads, but this is not a battle that I choose to fight! (I would much rather fight the battle of low necklines and short hems... if ya' know what I mean? That's a topic for another day.)

Continuing on - I am lying in bed - tossing and turning - trying to push the cat off of my feet and then it starts! What you ask? THE SNORING! If I didn't know better I would think a freight train was moving through the neighborhood. Oh it was a freight train alright- A 250lb, 6'4" gray headed one - try rolling that over - it's not easy!

If I'm not awake to hear all of these noises, who will be awake to hear them? Who will operate the all night laundry service? Who will load the dirty dishes into the dishwasher at 3 am? I give up! It's not meant for me to sleep!

Inherited Body Parts

Maybe I've had too much migraine medicine, but last night as I was lying awake at 2:00am and pondering the universe, I began to wonder why it was necessary for a cat to snore - in my ear no less.

Additionally, I began to wonder about the origin of our particular and peculiar physical characteristics. Every family member in every family has something unique and 'special' to their family tree. If you don't believe me, just ask the matriarch of your family as she observes the new life that each generation brings and upon her observation announces that this newly formed perfect child has so-and-so's forehead or such-and-such's ears. Why is it necessary to stigmatize our fresh babies with this genetic affliction? It's almost like a curse of sorts, maybe if we don't call attention to the identifying marks of our family genetics, maybe they won't be noticed and we can just ignore the ever obnoxious foreheads and big ears that have passed from generation to generations?

Some may have large ears, or pug noses, or even the awful snoring trait.... have you ever wondered just how far back through the generations these pesky traits may have been evolving? Did my great, great grandmother stay awake at night pondering the universe?
For me personally, I have been plagued... or maybe I should say blessed with the bony square toes and feet of my father which are presently attached to the end of my legs? For this reason, I am never without painted and polished toes - imagine the horror to look down one day and see my own father's feet staring back at me... I shuttered in horror! Say it isn't so.... quick... add some pink! How did this happen -I know for a fact that I once had cute little girl toes that were just perfect for my sweet little girl feet? What genetic grouping decided that those perfect feet would change and why? What did I do to deserve this? As luck would have it, I would not only inherit is bony feet, but I would also inherit his popping feet sounds. Yes, I creak and crack when I walk, just like my dad. I can never sneak anywhere in our house - Each step is a symphony of sorts (well you get the idea?). How long has this trait carried through the generations? Did my great, great grandmother have creaky feet??

Another shocking observation is that my mother's hands are now permanently affixed to my arms! UGH --when did this happen? I know I saw my mom using them last! Which of my three girls will be the lucky recipients of my wrinkled - work woman- looking hands? Will one of my own daughters stay awake at night asking herself these same questions? Holy Cow - I really need to get some sleep or else a really good manicure.

I have three daughters and luckily they are all very different individuals with very different physical characteristics and personality traits. I feel that I must apologize to my Bailey for the plague that she has received - her own father's feet! Yes, at the end of her legs are funny looking toes with big nail beds. Just like her daddy... LOL... For the most part, and much to her dismay she looks so much like me, but well... those toes are another story! Sadly, I'm not even sure that pink nail polish will help at this point! LOL

What are your inherited physical features that plague you....uh....I mean.... bless you? Big ears? Long Fingers? Cankles? Double Jointed Elbows? What did you inherit?

Yep, you guessed it - I've got nothing to talk about today. Well, not exactly -nothing-but I don't think my migraine headache is anything too exciting and certainly doesn't deserve a blog post!
So with that said, I'll leave you wishes for a Wonderful Tuesday and maybe I'll have some divine inspiration and pain alleviation by tomorrow?

Happy Easter!

Patio Pizza

This was an easy to prepare dish that would be great on a hot Spring/Summer day! My household isn't much on eating heavy pizzas that are laden with tomato sauce and meats, so I wanted to find another use for the packaged pizza dough I had stored in my pantry (you know... it was one of those food warehouse deals that I thought was a great deal... not so much!).

I've been trying to find healthier and tastier alternatives to just plopping down a bowl of green beans or corn and I'm proud to say that this was a definite crowd pleaser among my finicky bunch. The veggies used are simply what I happened to have on hand and I'm new to this whole veggie pizza thing, so I'm sure there are lots of other alternatives that are just as tasty.

I promise – if you love fresh veggies –you will love this fresh twist on pizza!

Patio Pizza

* 1 quick fix package of pizza dough (Just add water and stir kind)
* 1 bell pepper sliced – your choice of red/yellow/green
* 1 zucchini, peeled and cubed
* 1 yellow squash, peeled and cubed
* 10 small grape tomatoes, sliced
* 2 scallions (green onions), diced
* 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese (or whatever kind you like)
* 2 tbl spoons of olive oil
* Fresh Parsley, Chives, Garlic, Oregano (as you like)

Prepare the pizza dough according to package instructions.
Once you have the dough spread out on the cooking tray, spread the olive oil evenly on top of dough.
Now you are ready to start piling on your veggie toppings, in no particular order.
Next add your various fresh herbs and seasoning.
When you have all of your veggies and herbs in place, top with fresh grated mozzarella cheese.

Bake in oven according to the pizza dough instructions.

My family couldn’t get enough and next time I need to make a 2 pizzas.

**Thanks so much to those of you that left me comments on my front porch! I am going to address the 'red door' idea with my husband! I know he's going to need a bit of persuasion when it comes to painting, but I'm not giving up!!! LOL I've wanted a red front door for YEARS....your suggestions have motivated me to PAINT! I'm going to start working on adding more colors to the porch and I'm going to a few antique/junk stores this weekend between my daughter's softball games, to see if I can find any cute tables or accessories that I can paint and use. Hopefully I will have some Before and After pictures to share in a few weeks!

A Formal Introduction... of sorts?

Meet the heifer - the black Angus that is planned for Bailey to show this next fall. She is a 14 month old gal of prestigious blood lines (or so I'm told in an effort to justify the price my husband paid). This lovely cow is not so patiently waiting for us to learn how to halter train and walk her.

Let's just say that she's not at all excited to be tied up and led around by Bailey or anyone else for that matter! Bailey hasn't named her yet, but right now we are all calling her 'CRAZY'!

Is it just me? Or does she NOT look amused by us?

I'm looking for some porch guidance.

I need help! I think I have a front porch that will accommodate some really cute southern decorating ideas, but I don't have any of those great ideas and am just really too overwhelmed to try to sort through tons of home improvement books!

Short of adding a table between the two rocking chairs and maybe a fern here or there, I'm stumped!

I'm open to suggestions! What would you recommend? I want to create an inviting and comfortable porch that just screams 'SOUTHERN CHARM' as guests arrive. Now once they walk in the front door, all that is screaming is 'CRAZY HOUSE', but I can dream and aspire to reflect a soft gentile image.

I have this great wooden high chair that my dad used as a child, currently its sitting in the corner by the front door holding a boring potted plant. I would still like to incorporate it into my porch scene, but I don't know what else to do with it - other than hold a boring plant. I will have to take some close up pics of my porch to submit for your review.

Okay - so basically - if you have any great web sites that you draw from for inspiration....well send them my way. Or if something is just screaming to you that I NEED to change or add - well bring it on! I know I need help!

Trade Day Goodies

I have become a frequent shopper at Canton Trade Days and have evolved into a pretty shrewd and resourceful junk shopper. (Is that something I should really be all too proud of?) I owe my little Canton addiction to one particular friend, whom shall remain nameless to protect the identity of the enabler!

I have one particular vendor that I stop by and visit with each chance I get - which is each time I go. She usually has the best assortment of vintage dish towels, aprons, table runners, linen napkins and such. This weekend was no exception. Obviously this little old lady is a garage sale shopper extraordinaire - how else would she always have a new supply of these items each month?


This is a table runner that is about 3 feet long. It is in excellent condition with no visible staining or tear. I simply couldn't resist this little treasure, it was calling my name! (Oh and it was $3!!!!)

This is probably my favorite snag of the day - I just wish I had ironed it, (as any proper southern diva would have before showing it in public...oops). This piece is also in mint condition and the fabric is very delicate, with no stains or discoloration. I can't wait to wash and starch this, I have the perfect spot for it in mind.

Of course I don't have any idea the age or origin of these wonderful finds, but I would like to think that some one's grandmother used it for her Easter Table each year.

These are some various cloth napkins that I just had to have to add to my already growing collection. I can already envision these draped on the shelves of my china cabinet, as I showcase my grandmother's dishes. Again, each of these were just a dollar - uh... hello? How could I turn them down?

Next, I found another sweet table runner of sorts, much smaller than the first but just as pretty.

Last but not least - I saw it and had to have it - it really was the first thing I noticed among the assorted tables of junk and knew that it was meant to be.... My grandmother has the tea pitcher and glasses that are the mates to this wonderful vase, which she has been promising to clean out her cabinets to give to me. So you see - it was kismet? Right? Why else would this exact vase have been blatantly left for me to discover and for only $8? I realize this vase probably holds no monetary value and basically it is a simple representation of my many wonderful memories of family gatherings at my grandmother's house and drinking sweet tea from the glasses and the tea pitcher that are the mates.
So there you have it, my little finds of the day and all for less than $20! It was a good day!

**Check back tomorrow - I will have new pics of the heifer. Please contain your enthusiasm!*

This weekend, Briley and I stumbled across this wonderful vendor's booth at the Canton Trade Days. It just so happened that she and I were a tad bit hungry, so the idea of free samples was quite appealing! Let me just tell ya'... this stuff was great! The company is Company's Comin' and they specialize is quick meal starters, such as mixes for soups, dips, and casseroles.

After a few minutes of sampling and taste testing, we agreed on four of their soup mixes and last night for dinner, we served the Baha Chicken Soup! YUMMY!

(Pictures taken from their website)

I've never really been big on these sort of meal starters or the almost homemade products, but these were very flavorful and currently I am at a stage in my life where quick and easy are way more appealing to me than cheap...if you know what I mean?

Briley enjoyed the Baha Soup so much last night, that she asked for the leftovers in her lunch at school today!

If you run across a Company's Comin' vendor at your next craft fair or swap meet, give them a taste! You won't be disappointed.


**Come back tomorrow to see the other great items we brought home from Trade Days. Oh, and I promise to move away from so many pig posts!**

This little piggy went to the fair....

This is Daisy, our prize winning Blue Butt Pig. The entire experience of raising/feeding/showing a pig has been a family affair. I certainly never realized the amount of time and effort that the 4-H and FFA kids had to devote to the handling and raising of their animals. Basically, I thought they just fed and watered every day and then on show day the animals were loaded up and brought into the fair grounds, for everyone to see.

Oh how wrong I was!!! Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! This poor pig suffered through the winter with pneumonia and we suffered through the vet bills, then she had mites - I'm not even going to elaborate on the nastiness of that! Next up she wasn't gaining as much weight as we (I say 'we' because this pig has frequently been the topic of conversation around our dining table.) wanted, so more pig experts (pig farmers) were called and visited to teach my husband and Bailey about the various mixes of feed and the effects of these combinations. I guess they knew what they were talking about, because Daisy weighed in at a whopping 226 pounds, and according to said pig experts, that was exactly perfect. Perfect weight that is for the light weight class, which is where Bailey wanted to be.
By Thursday morning the pig was weighed, shaved, lathered up with baby oil, and looking bulky around the middle, as it should, and we were hoping that all was well with nothing more to do but wait until the actual show on Thursday afternoon.... UH... not quite!

The pig began to limp - UGH - oh yes...day of the show and we've got a pig with a bum foot! It was the end of the world, I tell ya' - the end! Okay, so maybe I exaggerated just a bit, but the mood in our stall was less than friendly as Bailey and her dad rushed around to figure out how to alleviate the pain in the foot and try to fix the problem.

It just so happened that since the pig had been walking around on the concrete at the fair grounds, she had torn the pad on her foot and the nail and raw pad area were giving her a great deal of pain. The pig experts told us to try and fix this problem with super glue - yes, folks... super glue - apparently it is 'supposed' to help seal off the sensitive nerve endings and thus the pig will not feel the pain.

Did you know that a pig can take approximately 11 aspirin, at one time? We know that now...we didn't try that out, but in the future we might need that ever important information for those occasional pig ailments! As it turned out the super glue trick didn't really help much and the pig's gate was definitely changed for the show, but Bailey still placed 5th and made the Saturday Livestock Sale - which is of course the reason for the entire process. Right? Sell the pig to make money for the next animal or COLLEGE??

Whew... what an experience - I suppose the next animal we learn about will be our newly purchased heifer! Yep, you read that right - we're in the heifer business now. Additionally, Briley has big plans for her first pig show next spring - Oy vey!

It's the little things in the mailbox that delight me.

Not only am I beginning to see signs of Spring along the roadside with the beautiful blue bonnets and other wild flowers, but I see signs of Spring in my mailbox!

Today I found a wonderful surprise in my mailbox - two NEW catalogs to ponder and browse through.... The Country House and Pierre Deux. I'm so excited to see the new lovelies and their delicious spring decorating ideas. I can never decide what items I NEED and can't live without(because we all know I NEED new things...with each new season), so I keep my catalogs in a basket beside my bed, and as I'm lying in bed watching George Lopez (hey, don't judge me...it's my quiet time :)), I browse page by page making a mental wish list or dog earring the pages for my return.

Quite often I realize that an item I had once fawned over, just isn't any longer as appealing to me. I'm certainly not an impulse shopper, but I still like having my new wish books close at hand. I sit and dream about how I can redo my bathroom or redecorate my entry way with the latest furniture and accessories, but all the while I realize it isn't likely to come to fruition - LOL. I have completely accepted the fact that I am living with champagne taste on a beer budget, but still - I can look!
I am absolutely certain that this would look gorgeous in my entry way, but the boring and responsible mother in me knows that there is no way on God's Green Earth that I can justify paying so much for something that will only sit in my home and collect dust! I already have cheap junk that does that for me! :)

I must leave you now so that I can begin to ponder through my new arrivals. You know? I have a theory - if I don't order from these catalogs they will no longer send me their catalog, so really - I must order something so I can keep day dreaming. Right? Okay, I don't want to know any different - it's my theory and I'm sticking to it!