Sunday, July 26, 2009

"Thirty, and Flirty, and Thriving..."

Isn't this cake FABULOSO?!?!?!


30th Birthday Cake
Originally uploaded by neviepiecakes


Obvously, I've been thinking a lot about turning thirty. The first thing that comes to mind is one of my all time favorite movies, 13 Going on 30. As Jenna would say, "I want to be thirty, and flirty, and thriving!" I've got the thirty thing covered...flirty, well, I don't know about that! Thriving? Life is good! New home, three soon-to-be completely weedless acres to turn my boys loose on, great career, lots of wonderful friends, great family, mostly super kiddos, and one fun-loving hubby...so, thriving seems to be covered, too!

So, here's to thirty...flirty (?), fabuloso, and fun!

White Trash and Strapless Bras...

Last evening, Eric and I and our friends, Darren and Jennifer (http://www.meetthemcfamily.com/), had a night on the proverbial town to celebrate my impending 3oth birthday (tomorrow). We began the festivities at Doe's Eat Place, home of the BEST steaks in the tri-state area...and beyond, if you ask me, but nobody did. After devouring a succulent steak dinner, our foursome headed over to the Riverfront Park, located alongside the not-quite-pristine Arkansas River in downtown Ft. Smith, to the Montgomery/Gentry concert.

The gates opened at 5:30, we arrived around 7ish, I think. It wasn't until 10:30 (ARGH!) that Montgomery/Gentry took the stage and we didn't know that until 10:30. So, we spent the down time listening to the opening acts which consisted of some no-name group and a guy who played piano and sang just like Jerry Lee Lewis. It wasn't bad. The air cooled off as the sun sank below the horizon and we had plenty of fodder for conversation, fuled by the numerous personages who can only be described as "white trash."

Now, this is slightly reminiscent of the encounters I had at the social security administration...except that there was an enormous amount of alcohol involved. In the three or so hours between our arrival and the actual show we were there for, all four of us hooted about the gal just across the lawn from us. She was caucasian, dyed dark hair, manish looking in the face, flabby arms (you know, the unkempt tricep flap), protruding belly, and a sleeveless tank top that didn't even come close to covering that belly sticking out. Seriously, we just had to laugh...either that or be sick.

So, it was the worst when the Jerry Lee Lewis impersonator was on the stage. This woman was flapping her arms back and forth in the air, as if she were swimming through the O2. At the same time, she sort of wiggled her hips and stuck her belly out...every now and then gently rubbing it as if there were a baby in there...trust me, there wasn't...just serious beer belly! From time to time, a nausiating woohooing sound protruded from her cigarette-wrinkled lips, sort of a drunken call of approval for the dude on stage. Let me tell you, folks, this was not pleasant. It was one of those freakish things that you don't want to look at, but just can't seem to tear your gaze away from. It was grotesque to look at, but we all just kept laughing...mean, huh? Not really. This activity escalated until we all thought that perhaps this was a drug-induced performance, rather than simple alcoholism. It was pretty bad.

At some point, she and her pals disappeared. We didn't see them for quite a while, and then they suddenly reappeared right before M/G came on stage. She was escorted into her lawn chair by her man and she just sat there through the most exciting part of the concert...coming down off her high, I suppose.

The really unfortunate part of the whole thing was that this gal didn't even bother to don her appropriate chest-binding undergarment. Ick...
Meanwhile, those of us who do care about such things were fighting the battle of the strapless bra! I love the idea of cool, comfortable summer tops that allow skin to breathe through the humid, hot, sweltering evenings...but they require the strapless bra. OR, that one that I have with the clear straps that dig into my shoulders and stick to my already sun burned skin. Either way, not pleasant. I chose to go the strapless route for the concert and became one of those ladies who sneeks a tug now and then and prays that no one noticed! You know what I'm talkin' about...perhaps you've been there yourself...unless you're a guy and let's hope you've not been there! EWWW! Long story short, I made it through the evening and it really wasn't all that difficult to hide the bra tug because I had my own personal diversion, wiggling the night away, just a few feet away. After all, who was going to see me when not a single eye could be removed from the "show" midfield. Problem...solved.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Department of Finance and Administration...And Other "Stuff"...

Unlike my infamous journey into the bizarre land of the social security administration, complete with strange creatures and odd rituals, my trip to the department of finance and administration this morning was completely uneventful...thank the good Lord! I prepared beforehand, as is my way, by making sure to bring along a good read (Schooled, by Gordon Korman) and my umbrella since it was literally dumping rain when I arrived. I do feel the need to note at this point that, as mentioned previously, it was DUMPING rain...my feet were water-logged! Even though the skies were quilted in heavy rain clouds before daybreak, there were SEVERAL folks out with no umbrella. They would simply stare at the sky and wonder aloud "What are we going to do?" DUH..seriously people...get an umbrella! Anyway, I pulled a number, but there was hardly anyone there due to the DUMPING rain, so I didn't even need a number! Now I have a renewed driver's license, an updated address (now they can find me, oh no!), and my license photo looks infinitely better!!!!! The last one was left over from when I was pregnant with Garrett...chubby face/really short hair! ICK!

This afternoon, I'm travelin' south to the booming metropolis of Searcy, AR...wahoo...

I have a conference/professional development thingie to attend at Harding University. You know, there is a dress code there for women? NO short skirts, No shorts! I haven't ever seen any of that posted on the literature I get from Harding for these conferences, but I'm thinkin' they keep those rooms nippy just so we'll wear the "appropriate" attire and they won't really have to address that issue. Just a thought...


I'll miss teaching the preschool craft class at VBS for the next two evenings, but will be back for the grand finale on Thursday night. The boys are NOT happy about this! Garrett reverted back into babytalk mode this morning and wouldn't get out of the car at school. Braden sort of takes it all in stride, but he reminded me several times on the way to school that I would be missing VBS. Poor kids...so mistreated.

One last note of interest: Eric was sort of unofficially made a preschool crew leader for VBS on night one. Garrett wouldn't go with his leader alone, so Eric sort of followed along for moral support. Turns out its a group full of ring tail tooters and they need all the help they can get! Isn't he a gem, folks?! My hubby chaperoning the little ones...LOVE IT! :0)

Saturday, July 18, 2009

My New Love...

BIG news all...I have a new love. NO, not lovER...a new love, passion, hobby. I am totally into sewing! I don't know how all of this is going to work out since I'm mathematically challenged and all, but I am going to give it my best shot.

My new favorite spot for sew cool sewing projects and inspiration is the sewcuteshop! You have to check it out! There is an awesome give away going on over there right now for the most darling Cat in the Hat dress (little girl) or top (big girl). So, head on over to the Sew Cute Shop at www.sewcuteshop.typepad.com. Good luck! :0)

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Making Memories...

After reading a mom's recent blog about suddenly and inexplicably losing one of her toddler twins,I sort of became obsessed with seeing what else was on her blog. She had posted MANY videos of her little ones and their normal, everyday interactions and activities...not necessarily special occasions.

When Braden was born, I used to film nearly every waking moment, but as time wore on and Garrett came along, I found it was difficult to do any such thing. In fact, there are few video clips of Garrett as an infant, or the two of them at all any time in the past three years. I had basically put down my video camera, in leu of still photography, and filmed nothing. Not a graduation from preschool, not a Christmas pageant, not a t-ball game...some mother I am.

Long story short (sort of), in reading this mother's blog, I realize that she is blessed to, at the very least, have her son's voice and actions captured forever on video. So, I dug out the ole' video camera last evening and began capturing the silliness the pervades our household on a daily basis. They were wearing king's crowns and waving foam swords...singing "Twinkle, Twinkle." Loved it! Today, I filmed the boys playing t-ball in the back yard and running imaginary bases in their swim trunks!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Trouble Times Four...

Let me assure you, folks...what one doesn't think of, one of the other three will! And Lord help us when they all get together on the same page of the same plan at the same time!

Last Friday night, I took Braden and Garrett over to Tyler and Jacob's house for slip -n- slide and movies. After the fun had worn off of getting wet and dirty and jumping on the trampoline, Erica and I got the boys' jammies on and we thought they'd settle in for a little Disney action...Wrong! Those boys were up and down and all over the place. And see that Wall-E pillow Tyler has? That became a major problem between four preschoolers. Finally, it had to be put away. Poor Tyler. "But, thas my fwiend!" :0(

I just love this one of Braden and Tyler climbing on the trampoline! Ironically, they both have the same swim trunks on! As is the saying, great minds think alike...but is that the boys, or their mommies who actually bought the trunks? I think we'll credit the great minds thing to the mommies for now.

Gifts for Baby Girls...

I wish I'd had my sewing machine when my sons were infants. I have really gotten into sewing baby items for friends and family. Saturday, I cranked out four "designer" burp rags and a "lovie," a little scrap of felt fabric to snuggle and play with. My friend from college, Nadia, had a daughter and a month later, so did my cousin, Kelly. So, Karlyn and Addi Grace, these little beauties are all for you...not perfect, but made with love!




This John Deere print burp rag is especially for my cousin, Addi Grace. She doesn't know it, but her Papaw was a tractor drivin' fool! Her mommy, Kelly, and all of us kids, grew up on John Deere tractors...so this is my nod to Addi Grace's heritage. And of course, it's pink! :0)

This "lovie" was also customized for Addi Grace. Maybe I shouldn't be, but I was pretty proud of myself for this one! What started as just an idea Saturday morning turned out to be the cutest thing I've made so far by the afternoon! And that monogram...well, it used to be a pair of my old work jeans...from one farm girl to another! I just love sewing for GIRLS!


In the Mooood for Chicken...

Notice that I, the prissy, no-fun, stuck-up person that I am...I am wearing homemade cow ears. Yes, I thought of that all by myself. Say you're proud of me! I just kept thinking that no matter how rediculous I felt, all my sons would remember is that their mommy dressed like a cow and went out to lunch with them...also dressed as cows.
Last Friday, Chik-fil-A had a promotion to dress like a cow and receive a free meal. Now, in these trying economic times, you can bet that there were tons of folks dressed like cows at the restaurant, but who in their right mind would have ever thought that I would be one of them? Mind you, I had great difficulty prying myself from the Tahoe. There were lots of others there dressed in bovine attire, but all of the ones arriving when we did were little kids and their sane non-cow-dressed parents and/or daycare sponsors. Grace had a group go over, but none of my kids' teachers were dressed as cows, either. I did happen to get Ms. Patton, Garrett's teacher, to snap this photo of us together before we ducked out...AND, after we all three ate for free!






Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Swimming...A Giant Leap in the Right Direction...

SPLASH!

At swim lesson today, Braden and Garrett both jumped from the diving board, into 10 1/2 ft. water, without floaties!!!! I was very nervous and almost had to look away, but they put their heads down and swam like little fish to the side of the pool! What an accomplishment!

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Collage of the in-law visit...




Due to the sheer amount of activity during the visit from my mother-in-law, Carol (Grandma Susie), sister-in-law, Stacy, and brother-in-law, Pete, I decided to post a collage of photos that represent the bulk of action over the course of their stay.

Stacy and Pete cuddling at the 4th of July cookout, but they're in the kitchen.

Pete unknowingly being photographed chowing down on Erica's famous homemade icecream.

Pete and Stacy, the kid entertainers in residence, sort of calmly doling out sparklers to the antsy children...you guys were great!

It's back! Eric and Pete brought the tree fort swing set back to life last week and I have never been more grateful for anything in my life! Now the kids will be playing outside more! :0)

Stacy gets in on the "manly" work of building the tree fort.

Pete and Stacy battling aliens together at Chuck E. Cheese! I swear, nothing brings a couple together like blasting the h*%& out of a bunch of cranky cyber alien life forms.

Braden riding the waves on the jet ski game at Chuck E. Cheese...he has to do what Dad does...see next photo!

OOOPPPPSSSS! I think the flash broke his concentration...maybe that's what that look is for.

Grandma Susie, AKA the coin carrier, looks on as Garrett intensly plays a game at CEC.

Brother and sister bond...actually, he might have been making fun of her...I don't remember...

















Sunday, July 5, 2009

"Show Me Your Muscles..."

The most fun part of the Fourth of July celebration (for kids and adults alike) was the Slip -n- Slide. Most or all of the parents of the featured munchkins played on one of these as a child. They also went by the brand name Wet Banana...I know that's what we had at our house. It came complete with a banana shaped water sprinkler to wet down the surface...but I digress.

To me, watching the kiddos run and slide reminded me of how easy life once was. My Aunt Lisa and I discussed 4th family gatherings of old, and we all reminisced over one family story or another that we all remember...like Papaw getting bent out of shape over a fire cracker run amuck! Man, those were the days.

So, when I began snapping pics of the kids sliding and squealing and generally having a fantastic time, we all got into it. All I had to say was "show me your muscles," and the rest is history!

Garrett

Braden

Tehya

Jon, my brand new step-nephew, who is built like Braden and looks just like Garrett...fits right in and now he's FAMILY! :0)

Jacob

Tyler

Most of the family showing of their muscles, too! Told you we were all into it!






My "Big" Sister is Finally Stateside...

I am the middle child...enough said, right? Anyway, my big Air Force, butt-kickin', tough yet feminine sister just arrived "home" from a LLLLOOONNNNNGGG station in Japan...yearssssss, in fact. She is now stationed at Tinker Air Base in Oklahoma City, much closer than the other side of the dang world!

Last night, on the 4th, the day of our literal and metaphorical independence, most of my extended family joined us at our "estate" (long story) in the booming metropolis of B, Arkansas. We let loose, let the kids have fun on the slippin' slide (another post for another time), and posed for some fun pics. Enjoy...


SEE WHY SHE'S MY "BIG" SISTER? THAT'S HER ON THE LEFT...NO, NO, YOUR LEFT, SILLY! WOW...I LOOK REALLY TALL...

WE MAKES OUR MOMMA PROUD...NUTTIN' FINER IN ALL OF OKLAHOMA. SWEAR, THIS GIVES THE STATE A BAD NAME, BUT WE HAD FUN!

BIG DADDY GETS IN ON THE ACTION...


THIS IS MY BROTHER-IN-LAW, DAVID, WHOM I HAD NEVER MET UNTIL LAST EVENING. HE SAYS HE'S SHY, SO I ASSURED HIM I AM AS WELL. THOSE OF YOU WHO KNOW ME BEST KNOW THAT I AM IN FACT SHY...UNTIL I GET WARMED UP...HONESTLY, IT DIDN'T TAKE LONG TO WARM UP TO DAVID. HE'S A GENUINELY NICE GUY, DOTING FATHER, AND I DID NOTICE THAT HE OFFERED TO GET MY SISTER ANYTHING SHE NEEDED OR HELP IN ANY WAY. LET ME TELL YA'...THAT'S THE SIGN OF A REAL MAN! DAVID, WELCOME TO THE FAMILY!

DID I ZOOM IN ON MATT AND ERICA TOO MUCH? THEY WERE JUST SO CUTE, I WANTED A CLOSE-UP!
You can all thank me later for doctoring all of our photos at picnik.com! They help us look amazing, don't you think?