Monograms & Mayhem

Be My Valentine

2012-01-12T14:40:00.002-05:00

Two posts in one week. I'm on a roll. See what's up at Peekawhoo....

http://peekawhoo.com/be-my-valentine/

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T22:59:00.004-05:00

Wow. Has it really been over a year since I wrote a post. Apparently. But not because I didn't love my blog. Or because I was buried under the laundry - ugh, I always am. I was just creating another something new with another creative mind...

Take a peek at what we're monogramming now.

www.peekawhoo.com

And you can read our blog there too. Kelley writes more often and alot better than I do... did. I'm still working on a piece from Big Girl's 9th birthday slumber party in November. With 16 girls. For real.

Happy Halloween. Happy Thanksgving. Merry Christmas.

2010-10-26T00:16:00.005-04:00

Where did September go? Or October for that matter. Now is when I hit the ground running and don't stop until Christmas Eve. I'm tired already.

I do love this time of year. Lots of family birthdays. Trick or treating. Cool weather. The kind that if I still was running, I would totally be running in. Cool, sunny, 70. I digress. Thanksgiving and Black Friday shopping. Our anniversary. 10 to be exact! Christmas.

And in just a short week's time, Simply Stitched Monograms will be celebrating 5 amazing years! SSM online is almost here. Its alot of work to code all that stuff! Thank goodness I have 2 amazing people making it happen for me. They are awesome, and I can't wait to show you what they've done to put SSM online! It's worth the wait. Pinky swear.

I also have lots of goodies coming my way for Christmas this week. I will post all on my Simply Stitched Blog. So, stay tuned. Think teacher gifts, stocking stuffers, mom and always baby. See you after the UPS Santa arrives this week....

Why my kids should fire me

2010-08-23T23:26:00.006-04:00

Busy, busy weekend. CPA and I finally getting some projects done around the house. I {heart} a good project. I am queen of having a list of them to do and never fully getting to any of them. But this weekend we checked off alot.

And to kick off the weekend of projects was a night out courtesy of the Y. I don't know about y'alls YMCA, but ours rocks. Every second Friday of the month they have parents night out. You have to sign up (limited space) and you can drop your kids off at 6pm and pick them up by 10pm. The kids love it. All kinds of activities, games and swimming. Sometimes a movie, I think. Its great not to have to pay a babysitter once in a while.

So, we met some friends downtown for dinner. Got ourselves a drink at the bar, got seated, pouring over the yummy menu and not a kids menu in sight. CPA looks at me and asked, "What did you feed the kids?"

OMG! I didn't feed the kids! And if you know my kids, they are always starving and thirsty. Not to mention its Friday and they both eat lunch {aka brunch} at 11. So, yes. They probably are starving. I feel absolutely horrible. It was not as fun ordering off the menu knowing my children are probably starving and thirsty. CPA wasn't concerned, "they're fine" and then the waiter passed by and he ordered another drink...

Crossing my fingers maybe they aren't hungry and telling everyone at the Y their parents didn't feed them dinner. We go in to pick them up, but before we get out the door they are both yelling that we didn't feed them. I slink out as fast as possible. And that's what the McDonald's drive thru is for late night. So, yes. I fed the children happy meals at 10 o'clock at night. Don't judge. They loved it. I may have just redeemed myself. I also may or may not have got myself a chocolate sundae.

Day Four

2010-08-19T22:15:00.007-04:00

Well, Little Man made it to day four until getting in trouble. I was really holding out to get at least a week or two under our belt. But no. The kids are fully aware of the behavior system at school. Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Purple, Red, & White. Everyone starts the morning on green {good} and can work your way up to blue if you go above and beyond in behavior and/or helping others, etc. Yellow is the beginning of your downfall. Not too bad, but not good. It means you've been warned once and you continued to misbehave. And you can always work your way back to green before the end of the day... and your mom {a.k.a. me} will never know. Now orange and purple will have you missing activities, red is bad and equals a conference and White... well that gets you straight to the principal and possibly suspended.

Little man's teacher happened to be running carpool today and let me know he got in trouble walking to carpool with another boy. Punching each other, and not stopping after being told to stop, lovely. So, he is starting off the day tomorrow on yellow. Ugh. Day Four. He couldn't wait until next week to start this crap? But, you know what. She apologized to me for having to start him on yellow tomorrow... wha??? No apology necessary, that how he needs to learn the rules! Its the "first day" surcee... see, I swear by those ;)

Little Man gets in the car screaming that he got on green today, which in all fairness was true. So, the following is our conversation:

Little Man: I GOT ON GREEN TODAY!

Me: Great sweetie.

Little Man: I know.

Me: How was carpool line?

Little Man: {confused}

Me: Did you do good in carpool.

Little Man: {thinking: Does she know... no way she knows.} Yep.

Me: Really? You going to start on green tomorrow?

Little Man: {she knows} No. Is daddy going to spank me when he gets home?

Me: Tell me what happened...

And he did. With a lump in his throat and tears in his eyes. You could count on one hand the time CPA has spanked the kids. Clearly that resonates with him. No spanking today, but yellow again for the same offense? Little man won't be so lucky. Welcome back to school....

Back to School {Survival of the Fittest}

2010-08-16T23:10:00.005-04:00

Today was the first day of school! Was I ready? Ab.so.lutely. And I'm never ready, for anything. Kids hopped out of bed like it was Christmas morning. That will wear off by Friday... I'm sure of it. But, none the less, I made pancakes {or as Little Man says "panny cakes"} because I rock like that on the first day. Tomorrow, cold cereal for sure.

{walking them into school}

I also like to send treats with the kids for their teachers on the first day. Because I rock like that too. I've done this since pre-school. My sister-in-law is also a 2nd grade teacher and has always told me that treats/surcees are never forgotten about on days when your child has less than stellar behavior in class ;) Big girl has never been a problem, but Little Man needs all the extra help he can get. And this chick isn't above some bribery via treats and surcees. Monogrammed no less.... and yes, I do get their monograms on "Meet the Teacher" night. Thankyouverymuch.

{First Day Survival Kit}

And just so you know... if it doesn't help {Little Man} that I send treats, that's okay. I think teachers have a tough job. So, if anything, I hope they know how much we appreciate them. So, go on... send your teacher a little surcee. She'll love you for it.

Twas the Night Before School....

2010-08-15T22:31:00.007-04:00

The night before school when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, got rid of the mouse. The lunches were made by mother with care, in hopes that morning would soon be there. The children were nestled all snug in there beds, while visions of the school yard danced in their head. CPA was catching up on the days' news and I had just settled down with a hot cup of decaf {and a brownie or two}...

Ahhh.... first day of school for Big Girl {2nd Grade} and Little Man. Who, is not that little. Tomorrow is his first day of kindergarten. Tomorrow is my last, first day as a kindergartner's mom. This makes me full of emotion. Soooo happy for him! He could not be more excited! Sad a little, because I have no more preschoolers in the house. Happy a little, because I have no more preschoolers in the house. You get that, right?

Well, I'm back starting tomorrow. To doing lots of things with my new found 8 hr/5 day/week freedom. Back to blogging. But really, back to work. I've been working on my newest baby.... no not number three. Lawd. My website. It's been a long spring/summer. Full of mayhem. Of course. But she finally should arrive just in time to celebrate Simply Stitched Monograms' 5 year anniversary in the next month or so. I am so excited to share her with you when she arrives. Until then, I'll be getting back to routine, getting our lives {and house} back in order.

Silly Putty, really?

2009-11-12T00:30:00.005-05:00

Big Girl and friends are getting hustled at school by a girl with silly putty. Really. I pick Big Girl and the BFF up at school the other day. They get in the car and excitedly show me their silly putty. They each have in their tiny hands what amounts to the size of a nickle. Really.

Me: Where did y'all get the silly putty?
Girls: Grace! Isn't it cool? (In unison).
Me: Sure. Cool.
Big Girl: We traded for it.
Me: Traded what?
BFF: Tic Tacs!
Me: Okay.
Big Girl: A bracelet!
Me: Heart sinking, thinking its the silver charm bracelet given to us from Nana, you know the one filled with memorable charms. WHAT bracelet?!!
Big Girl: The one I made at BFF's house.
Me: (Whew, that one's plastic) Okay. But, girls I don't think you should be trading stuff at school with your friends.
Girls: But, its silly putty!
Me: Yes, yes, I know, but really. Let's not trade our things, k.

Fast forward to the weekend. At the bookstore with Big Girl shopping for a birthday present. She brings her tooth fairy money. She wants to buy a new book for her. Great! We get in the car, Big Girl excited about her new book....

Big Girl: I'm so glad I got this book. I was going to give grace my $10 for silly putty!

Put car back in park. Turn around for a discussion about Grace a.k.a. the Hustler and silly putty.

Me: We are absolutely NOT trading $10 for silly putty. Why would you do that? You seem to be getting a bad deal, if Grace is getting money, bracelets and what not and you're getting a dime size of silly putty.
Big Girl: But everything is worth points and the more you give her, the more putty she'll give you.

REALLY? Am I having this conversation?

Me: What else have you given her?
Big Girl: A watch. My purple purse. Other stuff.

Back up....REALLY? The purple purse she is referring to is the purple HOBO wrislet I bought her last Christmas. Mind you, it came from Gift Market, I did not pay retail, but REALLY! Now I'm going to loose it that some 1st grade chick has my Big Girl's HOBO. That's where I draw the line.
No more trading, I tell her. I continue to explain to her why its not right for friends to ask for your things in return for silly putty. NO TRADING. (Also known as hustling - no, I didn't tell her that about her friend.) I told her to go back to school on Monday and tell Grace she needed her purse back and she would not be trading for silly putty anymore. BFF's mom and I both agreed, and told the girls to not trade with Grace or any other friends. There's strength in numbers, right?

What did Big Girl do this week. Came home Monday with her purple HOBO. She told Grace she wanted her stuff back and she wasn't trading with her anymore. That's my girl. Strong, confident, and unwavering. Really!

Big Girl: Mama, will you get me some silly putty? Please?
Me: Yes, but no trading. K.

Thepast28daysofmylife

2009-10-26T23:06:00.005-04:00

Highlights from the past 28 days of our life... When I last left all twelve of my readers I was headed to Disney. The following is in no way exaggerated.

Oct. 1: Packing. No, throwing stuff into the basement and POD before we leave for Disney. The hardwood floors in the whole house are getting sanded and stained while we are gone.

Oct. 2: Morning: Still throwing stuff in the basement. My sweet builder and crew are going to move all furniture in the POD for us, as he can see we are in no way going to be able to leave for our trip if its up to us to get it all out of the house. We love him.

Oct. 2: 4:30p.m.: Little Man falls down the stairs. Backwards, I'm being told by the 6 year old, who swears she had nothing to do with it. My builder was present. Little Man was bleeding, we think he needs stitches. We are leaving in about 3 hours to go out of town. My electrician shows up, while I'm on the phone telling the nurse we need to come in immediately. I'm on hold and ask him to get the chandelier out of my car. I'm calm and able to multi-task.
5:00 p.m. Little Man gets a staple in his head. He proceeds to call its his "stapler". The doctor's office is a whole other post in and of itself.

Oct. 3: We successfully leave from the farm with Aunt, Uncle, cousin, friend and our children in their mini van. CPA and I drive ourselves to Disney in peace and quiet. We arrive at the Disney resort. The kids think, and I quote, "this is the best vacation EVER!". We haven't even been to the park yet. They are going to have a heart attack.

Oct.4: Disney Day 1: It's hot as hell in Orlando. Like record breaking hot. We start in Animal Kingdom. The kids think this place is awesome. It is. Its Disney. The kids rode all the roller coasters. Like twice. I rode Mt. Everest once and threw up 3 times after. I had to go back to the hotel. Motion sickness.

Oct. 5-8: Remained hot at Disney. Kids did great! They asked for snacks and juice between all the rides and drove me crazy doing so. Although Disney could be the happiest place on earth. It doesn't make whining for juice and snack less annoying than when at home. Btw Disney, your Nescafe coffee sucks. You know about Starbucks, right?

Oct. 9: We headed back to the farm for the weekend because we knew the floors needed extra drying time. That is until my builder called and said it rained all week in Greenville. Which set back the drying time on my new dark floors. Which set back the day they put the first of three coats of poly on the floors... which was today. We can't stay at home until at least Thursday. Frick. Frick. Frick.

Oct. 11: We check into another hotel in Greenville. They call it a two bedroom with kitchenette. I called it "gross". This was not the Ritz. And I am pretty much over sleeping in confined spaces with my kids.

Oct. 12-14: I'm working from the new basement studio, trying not get high off the coats of poly. This totally sucks.

Oct. 15: Kids have no school today or tomorrow, so are off to the farm again, so CPA and I can get us moved back in.

Oct. 16: My AWE.SOME builder and crew move us back in from the POD. We spend the weekend trying to reassemble our lives.

Oct.17: My birthday is Tuesday, so today is Saturday and CPA says we'll go out for a nice dinner since the kids are away. We end up spending the day in Charlotte at IKEA getting more furniture for my new studio... we are there until about 7. We ate dinner at IKEA. We were those people. And I was okay with that. We were alone ;) And just to be clear, this was not CPA's original plan for my birthday dinner. He's not that frugal.

Oct. 19: One of my sweet friends took me on an early bday lunch. She is super cool and a load of laughs to hang out with ;)

Oct. 20: I'm 36 today. I was okay with my age up to 35. Suddenly my ob-gyn is telling me I need a mammogram and I'm that much closer to 40. The carpet came for the rec room. Finally! CPA tells me that my birthday present. Funny. I don't recall my birthday present being in the itemized budget from my builder. grrrr.

Oct. 24 & Fun Facts: Today is my niece's bday! She is exactly 4 weeks older than Big Girl. On a side note, my nephew (her brother) is 4 weeks older than Little Man. My sister (their mom) is 4 years younger than me and we got married the same year, just 4 months apart. Crazy, right?! CPA took me and the kids out for a late birthday dinner. I do like to celebrate my birthday for at least a week... He also got me the Keurig coffee maker I've been dying to have. This thing makes a cup of great coffee in less than a minute. Its AWE.SOME.

Oct. 26: Today. I'm starting to breath a little. Get caught up a little. Enjoying the space ALOT. It was worth the wait. Thanks CPA ;)

Sunday, Nov. 1: My littlest sister is getting married. My sister and I will be standing beside her. Big Girl, Little Man and cousins will be her flower girls and "ring buriers" (as Little Man keeps calling it).

Sick & Tired

2009-09-30T21:50:00.004-04:00

Evidently you can't stay up until 2 in the morning (monogramming, cleaning up, doing laundry, just catching up) and get up with the kids at 6:45 everyday for school for a month and stay well.... I am sick, run down, just bleh! Not flu sick, just cold, snuffy, cough, sore throat sick. Oh, and we're leaving for Disney World (our first trip) on Saturday....

Not to worry. I'm totally resting. While I cram in last minute monogramming, do laundry, pack for trip, and move my house into the POD sitting in our driveway. Moving everything out because the hardwood floors are getting done while we're gone. And yes, its quite like moving. I have to pack EVERY.THING.

I did have one of my sweet friends take little man to the park with her boys the other day to help me out while not in school. And I'm on the ball and have another play date lined up for him tomorrow. I'm just taking one day at a time and trying not to drown before we leave.

Pure Madness

2009-08-30T22:20:00.003-04:00

I have been:
1. Dying for my builder (whom I adore) to finish up the house, like yesterday. Not until the end of September I'm being told.
2. Cleaning up a vicious cycle of sheet rock dust, saw dust, sanding dust, tile man dust, and the regular dust. All over the house! I told my builder if he witnessed me losing "it" sometime soon, not to be alarmed.
3. Moving into the one space I asked nicely (read: told immediately) to finish, which was my new studio, so I could move in. It would make life a little nicer upstairs on the main floor. He did. And I'm 75 % moved in. 90% of new items from IKEA are bought for organization of the new studio. Zero are put together yet.
4. Learning 1st grade homework sucks for me and Big Girl. She spent 30 minutes (I'm not kidding) redrawing a star (which was part of a math pattern) that was not perfect enough (for her) to turn in. Many tears were shed. I kept trying to tell her its the concept that's important, not how the star is drawn. She got the concept, it was the star she was not accepting. Can we say OCD?
5. Cleaning out the basement for a last minute yard sale this past weekend. Because I don't have enough to do.
6. Trying to entertainment Little Man (and keep out of trouble) until he goes back to school. Next Week.
7. Working on getting CPA's birthday present framed in time. Birthday is Tuesday. Picked up framed picture Friday. Check.
8. Asked to get TV hung back up before Thursday.... Stupid ESPN thursday night games. It's his birthday week. And because of that, I will beg my sweet electrician to squeeze finishing that before Thursday.
9. Trying to remember how fabulously calm my life will be, when this house returns to normal.

Back to School

2009-08-20T00:13:00.003-04:00

I love the first week of school. Everyone loves going to bed early to get up early for school. Big Girl is thrilled one of her best friends (my friend's daughter) is in her class this year. However, all the sunshine and rainbows stop during week two, when the novelty of the new monogrammed backpack and lunch box has worn off already. Little Man's 4K doesn't start until AFTER labor day. I do love the time alone with him. He is just too sweet, I could eat him up. Although, I did catch him wandering around the house with the work crew today... looking for trouble to get into.

My new studio digs are almost done. The house is almost done really. The painter just got here this week, so we asked him to finish up my studio first before anything else. I've GOT to get my stuff out of my current office, the dining room and what is creeping into the living room. The work crew was literally hanging crown molding around me and one of my customers in the dining room this morning....

The kids are headed to the farm this weekend with the in-laws. CPA and I are doing some painting. The painter is painting all the trim, moldings, ceiling, doors inside and out. We opted to save a little bit by painting the walls. We are down to nickles and dimes here people, and if painting the walls means I get to spend that money getting the whole house sanded and stained espresso the way I want... this chick is painting. I'm also tackling the kitchen cabinets. I consider myself a jack of all trades.... so I'm pretty excited to take this on. I'll be sure to take before and after shots. By the way, did I mention CPA and I do AND do not work well together on team projects. This should be a ball....

Let the mayhem begin...

My Big (Little) Girl

2009-08-16T23:33:00.004-04:00

School starts Wednesday for Big Girl. First Grade. Sniff. Sniff. She's getting older, which means I'm getting older. She started Kindergarten last year at a wonderful public, neighborhood elementary school.

I was a little nervous, only because we've spent the last 5 years at our private, church preschool. Very sheltered, and very much a controlled environment. Controlled, meaning, I got to handpick her teacher and pair her with her playmates. I knew the director well, all the teachers, all the parents, am friends with most of them from town. All that halted when we entered the elementary school with 800+ students. So, did any sense of cute (age appropriate) attire.

After the first day of public kindergarten, gone were the days of wearing anything smocked to school. No Ragsland. No Kelly's Kids. Not because she couldn't wear them, Big Girl wasn't having any of it when her new friends were wearing jeans. Every.Day. AND anything that sparkled. Bleh. I wasn't giving into that much crap. I settled for two pairs of jeans with cute tops. She also agreed to wear the Ragsland embroidered pants. Shoes were a whole other issue. Nike running shoes, bleh. Every. Day. Nike's just don't go with skirts or a-line dresses. More Bleh.

So, this year.... I almost cried with delight when we went to Stride Right and Big Girl bypassed all the crap running shoes for these....

I have been buying these Keds for her since she was 18 months old!!!! I love them! They are sweet, white shoes that go with everything! And she WANTED them! Let's just pray that some little girl in her class with pink, sparkly Sketchers doesn't tell her that her shoes are ugly....

Old or New? Old or New?

2009-07-27T23:37:00.010-04:00

Let's not beat around the bush.

OLD.

Bleh. I don't even know where to begin telling you the things I know are wrong with this picture. (disclaimer: The back of the house in no way represents how cute the front of the house is.)Lets start with the actual atrocities on the outside of the home.

One. The oil tank located under the stairs. We have lived on oil for six years now. No gas. Yes, we have to fill it up (250 gallons x the price of oil) about 4 1/2 times a winter. Yes, we've run out on accident. It was the first thing to go!

Two. That white, glassed in porch thing... that was my laundry "room". Not heated or cooled. So, I froze in the winter loading laundry and sweated my arse off June-September. That's my new front loading washer/dryer that I stacked just to get a few more inches of room out there. No, it didn't make doing laundry any more fun.

Three. From the left side of the house, top floor... the 2nd window over. That atrocious glass cubed "window"... That was in my shower. The one shower in the house. It could be worse. The previous owner actually replaced the old wood sill window that was there.

Four. That huge window in the middle. About the biggest thing in the house. I just don't like it. It was drafty and just ugly. It's gone.

Five. The garage door. Yes, you are correct. There is no driveway leading to the garage door. It's just the basement. It's gone now too. Behind that old door, in the old basement is my new laundry room! 15x15 sq. ft. of laundry room and I love it ;)

And now... the New....

More new...

The top on the main floor of the house is our new master bedroom. The door and window you see are part of the bedroom. The other side of the bedroom has two windows symmetric to those. The corner of the house, where you see no windows is the closet. The double arched window is over the garden tub. The shower has no window ;) Around the corner is another arched window where the vanities are.

The new basement you see bricked is the kids new playroom, guest room & full bath. They just started on the deck and we are very excited about that.

A closer look at the new doors. The set of three doors walk into the den & kitchen We knocked out all the walls and expanded it. I can't tell you how many times I've drooled over homes in Traditional Home, Southern Accents, etc. that showcased a room with 3 sets of doors. Had.To.Have.Them. The one on the far left walks into our master bedroom. My new studio will be in the old basement. Here's my new door for customers into all the monogram madness....

That concludes the tour for today. Better, right?!!!

The Money Pit

2009-07-23T00:35:00.005-04:00

I realize since I started blogging back in January, I have not written a word about the renovation. I promised lots of stories of what I thought would be a nightmare. It's been somewhat of a painless process. Other than the fact that CPA has asked me no less than 57,000 times "is it in the budget?" whenever I show him something. I guess I have felt guilty to complain on a bad construction day about adding onto my house, when so many people are losing theirs and their jobs right now. I will say, I could have picked red polka doted tiles and orange carpet and CPA would not have cared as long as it's in the budget....

I'm headed back to Greenville from Atlanta tomorrow sans the kids. I've been in Atlanta helping my sister with her two kids, while she does some teacher training. I'm meeting my fabulous SIL on my way back to Greenville, where she will be taking my two until Sunday!

CPA is at home and informs me tonight that the kitchen is officially torn up (the floor that is) and the one wall that was separating the old house from the new addition is down and we are officially connected. Which means the crew is in my house starting at 7am from now until its done. Monday-Thursdays. For 3 more months.

I have also not wanted to post pictures of the atrocity that was the back of our house, until I at least had some pretty to show you of the new back of the house. I'll show you old vs. new when I return. And trust me, it was that bad.

XOXOX

Dollar Signs

2009-07-18T22:44:00.002-04:00

Little Man is really into practicing writing his name and letters these days. Which is good. Because at the end of the school year, he either wasn't grasping how to spell his name or didn't care. Now he knows how to spell his name, my name - mommy, Daddy and Big Girl's name without help. Yeah!

So, tonight I go to tuck him in, kiss good night. He's sitting there all cute, working on his name and such...

Little Man: Look mommy.

Me: Awww! Good job man, you wrote all our names!

Little Man: (Starts writing...) Look mommy! It's a dollar sign!

Sure enough, its an S with a line through it. Dollar sign. A month ago, we couldn't write out our name clearly. Today we know all about dollars and cents. Just what I need. Another CPA in the house. Great.

The devil made me do it...

2009-07-17T01:10:00.005-04:00

I may or may not have gone Linda Blair spinning head on my children tonight during the hour car trip to my niece's night swim party. I know they were very excited for the swimming, cake and such, but I just cannot think and drive while 2 Tasmanian devils sit behind me. For the record, I did ask nice to quite down. Like June Cleaver nice. Linda Blair works better with my kids.

Let's just say I did make sure to put my Georgia Tervis Tumbler in the dishwasher tonight. Because I will be drinking this ...

Got Firefly?

starting around 4:30ish tomorrow. Or should I say tonight since it is 1 a.m. and I'm still up working on some stuff.

Road Runner

2009-07-08T00:18:00.008-04:00

Happy belated 4th! We spent the weekend in Atlanta to watch CPA run in the 4oth annual Peachtree Road Race. Touted as the world's largest 10K, it is quite amazing to watch. 55,000 runners ascend on Peachtree Road at Lenox Square in Buckhead. Just a mile from where CPA and I used to live :)

Waiting for Daddy!

We stayed in Midtown at Peachtree and 17th street, which was about mile marker 5. The kids were thrilled with anticipation watching the runners go by waiting for daddy. The official race starts with those seeded in actual contention to win the race at 7:30. At 7:52, we watched (while eating breakfast) the official start motorcade race by with the winner behind them. Remember, we are at mile marker 5. The winner dominated this 10K in 27 minutes and 22 seconds. And just so you can imagine... This guy had legs as tall as me and was hauling ass on the tail of these motorcycles. Pretty.Amazing. CPA finished 57:12 -- the 9,392 fastest runner. Out of 55,000, I think that's pretty amazing too! He worked really hard to finish under an hour.

So, now CPA is on a running high and wants to run a half marathon. With me. Who does not run, or walk, or anything. (Yes, I'm pretty much using the Y membership for the pool at this point...) It's on Kiawah Island, SC December 12, which also happens to be a few days after our anniversary. He thinks this will be fun? I love Kiawah, we have vacationed there several times. So, he's almost convinced me to do this so I can check it off my life list. I don't even know where to begin with the things that are wrong with this. The two biggest things are one, training during the cold months of October and November - I hate the cold, and two, the fact that October to December are my busiest monogramming months of the year! I could go on, but won't. Just wish me luck. Oh, and you can start laughing now, if you haven't already. I still am.

Stupid

2009-07-02T23:37:00.004-04:00

I hate stupid people. Especially when their stupidity results in the death of a child. Have you read this? This has me a lot fired up today.

Distressed caller to 911: "Our stupid snake got out in the middle of the night and strangled the baby!"

Shame on the stupid snake for getting out of his unnatural habitat of an unlocked aquarium. I think the stupid owners who choose to live with an 8 ft. 5 in. Burmese Python in their house with small children should be sentenced to a small cell with their Burmese friend. May the best snake win...

Pure Awe-Sumness

2009-06-21T00:15:00.010-04:00

I stumbled across the blogging world maybe a year or so ago. I think I joined blogger a couple years ago to log-in and do what I’m not sure? But reading and getting hooked on all the FABULOUS blogs by other ladies, who seemed to be, you know, like me was a way for me to relax at the end of a long day.

You definitely read who you relate to. I find what I read most are the ones who make me laugh, those who monogram (of course), and those who love design. I started blogging just to let out a little steam, a little laugh and maybe some other awesome ladies would stumble across me and laugh with me along the way.

Well, 6 months into my little blog, one of my favorite ladies to read gave little me this….

Breaking News (Mrs. News Readin’) gave ME the Queen of ALL things Awe-Summ Award! I will try to keep my mayhem as awe-summm as she thinks I am. This is my first award, and I think that’s the coolest thing to tell someone. (Am still trying to figure out which one is Mr. News Readin’ when I’m visiting Atlanta watching each and every news channel… hmmm.) Thanks Mrs. News Readin’ - I think you’re Awe-Summm too! One of my favorite reads. She is dangerously smart, witty and I would absolutely love to treat her with a drink the next time I'm in my hometown.... without Big Girl and Little Man. Of course.

As the newly crowned Queen, I am obligated to do the following:1. List 7 things that make me Awe-Summm!!! 2. Pass this onto 7 bloggers. 3. Let those bloggers know that they have been tagged. 4. Link to Her Majesty who tagged me. 5. Copy the picture onto my sidebar to let the world know I am the Queen! (Not sure if I can manage this...)

Seven things that make me Awe-Summm!!!

1. I have sister who is truly one of my best friends and I miss not living closer. She keeps me grounded and she thinks I’m funny.

2. I have a husband who is totally fun to be around.

3. I have some of THE best friends, old and new - Smart, witty, talented and funny ladies.

4. I can say I’m sorry and admit my mistakes. I hate people who can’t or won’t do that.

5. I’m a simple girl. What you see is what you get - I don't take myself too seriously.

6. I am pretty awesome at the monogramming and sewing. Hence, the business.

7. My kids alone think I’m the best mom ever. That’s what matters at the end of my day.

We are also directed to tag 7 people:(in no particular order)

1. Kerrigan Boys-One of my smart, witty, talented and funny friends ;)

2. My Monogrammed Tahoe-She is just too funny… and she monograms!

3. Ashley.Unscripted-Just plain funny!

4. Adventures in Renovating a Brooklyn Limestone-Fabulous Design sense!

5. Jewish Girl In WASP’s clothing-Wishing I lived in NYC in my 20s because of her.

6. Fishy Busyness - Very witty. Very funny.

7. House of Turquoise - Most unbelievable design eye candy!

I love checking in with all of you for a good laugh, good design... but mostly just goodness!

XOXOXO

There's No Place Like Home

2009-06-16T23:39:00.005-04:00

What my niece will be telling Little Man subliminally in his sleep tonight. My sweet niece is an only child. And she's eight... poor thing not only got an instant sibling for the week, she got Little Man. He is of course touching EVERYTHING. I sent him with a Transformer, but he's more interested in what she's got. He's already used up a roll of her tape, which he claimed to be the boss of, and it seems they are bickering over nonsense like any good brother/sister would. It's only Tuesday folks. It seems a drive to Madison may be in the near future.

One down, One to Go and ALOT of Love

2009-06-14T23:53:00.004-04:00

I'm down one child this week and one week to go until the beach!

Since Big Girl has VBS this week and Little Man was too little to go, Aunt L insisted he stay at the farm with her for the week. (Just to be clear, she doesn't live at the farm with her parents, she lives in Madison with her husband and daughter...) She IS after all volunteering at their VBS... NOT like me. Yes, I'm a bad mother. Staying at home while my children get free child care at VBS. Sue me. I've been gone for a week. Have monogramming to catch up on and 57,000 loads of laundry to do before I pack up and leave again for a week on Saturday.

Have I mentioned how fabulous my SIL is... All her nieces and nephews think she hangs the moon. Actually, she does. She's a 2nd grade teacher. Not just any teacher. She's THAT teacher. The one EVERYONE loves! And her house is totally fun, so Little Man was in her van and buckled quick like a cat today, while I headed back to Greenville with Big Girl.

She said he could stay for the week. And he could just ride to the beach with them. On Saturday. (Insert silence here) Sorry... was busy listening the birds chirping and rainbow watching. Because that's what I'll be doing this week, while NOT listening to two little people scream and bicker at each other. Ahhhh.

She even said she would take Big Girl another time by herself. To be fair and all. And then she may take them both another time this summer before school starts! Mimi said she would also host "camp" at her house. Just let her know when I need a break this summer. The love is overflowing here people. Over. Flowing.

Emily Post would die

2009-06-13T18:20:00.007-04:00

Dear Friend of my father-in-law,

I understand you got reacquainted at your 50th High School Reunion last week. You mentioned how you visit Atlanta often because of family who live there and my in-laws nicely said you should come by and visit the farm next time you were in town. The farm is only an hour from downtown.

It was so nice to meet you at the farm today. I can't believe you waited 6 whole days to take my in-laws up on their offer to visit, since you have not seen or spoken to them since 1996. It was especially nice that it was the same weekend I was visiting with Big Girl and Little Man. I'm sorry CPA wasn't here to meet you too.

My kids did enjoy playing with your two grandchildren we knew you were bringing with you for the visit. They also enjoyed playing with the other 4 grandchildren, your sister, her daughter and your two daughters we didn't know were coming. What a surprise! Unexpected company is so much fun when all I was really planning on doing was relaxing quietly by the pool with my kids and in-laws.

I did enjoy running to town for the extra hot dogs and buns to grill, since we didn't have enough food for the unexpected company. Because, when you bring an extra 8 people in two cars with you over lunch time, information like that makes planning too easy. I like to live spur of the moment anyway. Thanks!

I'm sure when my sweet in-laws invited you, they had no idea how well you would receive that invite, but clearly you all enjoyed the grilled lunch, horseback riding and swimming. Y'all have a safe trip back home. Thanks for staying for the day.

XOXOX,

M&M

Mixed CD

2009-06-09T22:38:00.005-04:00

The kids and I treked to ATL today for the rest of the week... then head to the farm on Friday. We are out of school and between camp and beach and need additional adult support!

CPA sent us off with a mixed CD of songs. How cute is he? I lurved me some mixed tapes in high school! This CD was made with the likes of: Hanna Montana, Demi Lavato, and Jonas Brothers for the kids. (Yes, CPA knows enough Disney Channel to know all those guys.) And in there for me... some ABBA Dancing Queen, Counting Crows, Outkast and Beyonce - all of which the children know and love as well. Single Ladies is one of Little Man's favorites to belt out. It's hilarious.

We are hanging poolside with my sister, niece and nephew tomorrow!

Pool Toes

2009-06-09T00:00:00.004-04:00

I totally forgot about pool toes when I was little! Do you know what I'm talking about? My sisters and I lived at our neighborhood pool during the summer AND loved it! It wasn't until my minis came out of the pool crying today because their toes and finger tips were bleeding, that I remembered about pool toes! You know, when your toes touch the bottom of the cement pool so much and your fingers get worn from hanging onto the side of the pool.

I forget. Does this go away when your toes/fingers toughen up? Or will this be a constant battle at the pool. 'Cause they don't understand, and they want me to make it go away. They collectively agreed to not go to the pool until their toes were healed. Seriously? We'd make it to the pool twice a week between toe healing.... NOT going to the pool is NOT an option. This will be our daily activity to expend as much energy as possible.

Tomorrow's agenda: buy pool shoes. Also, tell my two to toughen up because mama is layin' by the pool this summer. With or without you. (No, not really without, but you understand what I'm sayin').

Day One

2009-06-05T09:58:00.002-04:00

After Big Girl's last half day of school yesterday, my girlfriend and I took the kids for ice cream to celebrate the last day of school and summer. My two darlings spent the whole time arguing over who could sit in my lap. I don't really want anyone sitting in my lap whilst I sip on my crushed ice coffee toffee, but there they are. One on one leg, and one on the other. Then they fight over being too close. Big Girl is crying over what appears to be... NOTHING. My afternoon is not looking good.

57,000 more tears are shed between Big Girl and Little Man for the rest of the RAINY day. Not kidding. It was not pretty here.

Today... my sweet babysitter is coming in 30 minutes. Tootles!

XOXOXO

Game On

2009-06-04T10:55:00.002-04:00

Today is Big Girl's last "half" day of school. Game on. Summer is officially here at the Monogram House and everybody is home.

Purchased so far: One slip in slide, one soccer net, one bowling game, baskets filled with mix and match t-shirts/shorts, crocs and flip flops.

The mayhem starts in one hour.

Weekend Recap

2009-06-02T00:32:00.003-04:00

Friday:
Roofers show up 7:30 a.m. and start shoveling shingles off my roof. I'm up, but damn, it's LOUD. I had an appointment with my decorator to finish out the colors, wallpapers and fabric for the first floor. It is FAB.U.LOUS! I will also be monogramming from now until 80 to pay for said fabulousness. Big Girl had her kindergarten end of year program at school. Very sweet. I didn't cry like I thought I would. Dinner with friends to celebrate the girls kindergarten graduation.

Saturday:
Roofers show up again at 7 freakin' 30 and start shoveling off the front of the roof. The children WERE sleeping soundly, as were we, until this... Wouldn't you love to be OUR neighbor right now? Little man scored two goals at his soccer game and is becoming quite the athlete. Me, I fought back a cold, but managed to squeeze in a little shopping at my friends store. Cute shirt and maxi dress. Score! We got "Knocked Up" from Netflix, but didn't finish. CPA says he couldn't wrap his brain around Katherine Heigl falling for Seth Rogan. I know, don't ask.

Sunday:
CPA waited for the AT&T guy to show up and fix the DSL that's been out since the bad storms last week. I ran around like crazy mom to get me and the kids to Sunday school. I was literally sweating when I got to class. I had on my cute new shirt with crisp white pencil skirt, so it was okay. Note on Sunday school class door read: Focus Class canceled for summer. See you in August! R&S R*** Insert dead silence here. ???? How do you cancel Sunday school? For the summer? I wasn't sure if I was more upset that class was canceled for the summer or that I had sweated my arse off for the past hour and half trying to get us there. I felt better, our friends showed up too... they have three minis they got ready to get there on time. We rounded the kids back up and headed home. humph.

No. 288

2009-05-25T23:10:00.004-04:00

That was Little Man's number in this morning's race in Athens, Georgia. Preceded by... wait for it... mine, number 287. CPA was number 286. Big Girl was at Aunt L's house... sleeping. Lucky girl.

CPA is always running those little 5k's on Saturday mornings for exercise and what not. We were at the farm this weekend (that's the in-laws). It's outside Madison, Georgia about 25 minutes to Athens - Go Dawgs. Today was the Running of the Dawgs 6th Annual 5k downtown Athens, and CPA thought it would be fun for Little Man to run it. Of course Little Man was thrilled, but someones gotta stay with him. CPA isn't... because he is racing Uncle C for the master bedroom in the condo we are sharing at the beach... Juvenile I know. But why flip a coin or pay more when you can let a road race determine who gets it. I digress.

Ms. Wendy, a friend of Aunt L's and mine said she'd run with him, which in turn I said I'd go too. How hard can this be. And he's 4, right. Damn if he did not run the first TWO MILES. He rocked it. CPA ran back to find me and Little Man to run in with us. I'm sore, but we all finished the race. Little Man did it in 45 minutes and loved every minute of it. I may not be able to get out of bed in the morning.

Oh, and yes, CPA beat out Uncle C for the master bedroom... he rocks too.

My days are numbered...

2009-05-21T21:09:00.007-04:00

10 more days to be exact. That's how many school days before Big Girl is home with Little Man for the summer. She is graduating kindergarten. I'll save that sappy post for next week.

Today is about this morning... and this afternoon... and tonight.

Big Girl woke up grumpy. Like bees in her bonnet grumpy. We don't have time for grumpy this morning. CPA had an early morning, so its my job to get to school on time this morning. We are also giving our friend a ride to school with us. We don't want anything I've got for breakfast. She grumpily eats waffles. I added whip cream thinking that would cheer us up. No. Want me to make your lunch today? No. Didn't want to wear the outfit I laid out. Silly Me. I go get dressed. She's still not dressed and Little Man is standing too close to her and looking at her the wrong way. She takes him out. Knocks him flat on the floor. For no reason, other than being grumpy. I made a split second decision to spank because I'm done putting up with the crap this morning. I also yell at him for pushing her buttons on purpose. She falls to pieces and says she doesn't want to go to school and everybody is picking on her today. It's only 7:26 a.m. I pick out another outfit I know she likes, get her dressed, ready to lock the door.

Big Girl: (still with alligator tears from the spanking) I want you to make me lunch, please.

Me: No time now honey, we are late and have to pick up your friend.

Big Girl: No words, just HUGE alligator tears.

Me: I'll come home and bring you lunch.

I know, I caved. But it got us out the door.

This afternoon, we came home in a better mood. Until she and Little Man henpecked me to death to buy them this and that while on an errand. No. No. And more No. I made them bathe early tonight and get PJ's on before dinner. Not usual here. So... Big Girl showed all out, pitched a fit, stomped into the bathroom and mumbled words under her breath. Hold up.

I'm fired up now... "Mama's got game. BRING.IT.ON. Because I'm gonna win, TRY.ME." I told my 6 year old to bring it... I think I'm losing my touch.

Tonight, while saying prayers and good night kisses... Big Girl tells me she wants me to home school her. All I could think to tell her (besides HELL NO mama doesn't home school) was I didn't go to college to be a teacher by trade, so I didn't know how. This seemed to satisfy her for the time being.

Home school. Are you freakin' kidding me? T minus 10 days to full blown crazy.

And the winners are....

2009-05-18T00:46:00.003-04:00

It's been a long Friday, Saturday and today! So, I apologize for just now posting winners from Friday!

The green lattice winner is Shannon.

The red & black poppy winner is ClemsonGirl.

Email me at simplystitched@bellsouth.net , and I'll send fonts for you to choose for your monogram!

Thanks to everyone for stopping by to read! And win! I'll do more of these... promise.

XOXOXO

Giveaway Ends Tomorrow!

2009-05-14T08:15:00.012-04:00

I have TWO really cute Beach/Pool bags to GIVEAWAY! You are making it too easy for those who signed up to win... there's not many! So, either you don't want my cute MONOGRAMMED bags or my attempt at a giveaway is too early on in my blogging career... sigh.

Quick, make a comment and you could win this!

XOXOXO

Breakfast In Bed

2009-05-10T23:19:00.006-04:00

This morning the kids woke up at the crack of o'clock hour. I could hear them. They're fine. There are pop tarts and juice boxes in the kitchen. Then they come barreling in our bedroom giggling and excited. With breakfast for me! "HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!" Big Girl handed me a big bowl of Raisin Bran with extra raisins and strawberries on the side (milk included). And Little Man handed me an apple and a Diet Coke. They did this all by themselves! I know. Because CPA is still dead asleep next to me. How cute are they?! Note to self: Teach children how to make coffee...

Whew... what a long day. Big Girl's end of year ballet recital was today. Yes. Mother's Day. For the third year in a row! Don't get me started. Both sets of parents in town to see the big show, it's crazy and very UNrelaxing. The opposite of what I wish my Mother's Day was. But it's a special day for her, and I love that for her. I teared up when the little 3 year olds were on stage this year... She was just 3. And this was her then...

And Big Girl now...

Happy Mother's Day!

Beach Bag Giveaway!

2009-05-08T10:21:00.008-04:00

Beach Bag Giveaway!

School is almost out and I don't know about y'all, but I am ready for the beach! We go every year with CPA's family in June. And this year, I will be toting myself and our towels down to the beach/pool in this...

I want y'all to have one too! You can do 3 things to enter:

1 Entry... Leave me a fabulous comment!
3 Entries... Become a fabulous follower!
5 Entries... Post the beach bag giveaway on your blog and be sure to let me know you have!

And Georgia Girls....

I couldn't help but think of Georgia Football and packing my tailgate goodies in this....

I want you to have one too! So, if you're a Georgia Girl (by marriage counts too!) you can enter this way:

1 Entry... Leave a comment AND tell me your favorite bar or shop downtown Athens!
3 Entries... Become a fabulous follower AND list your favorite bar or shop downtown Athens!
5 Entries... Post the beach bag giveaway on your blog, let me know AND tell me your favorite bar or shop downtown Athens!

Bags are reusable, recyclable, made of 100% polypropylene, wipes clean with a damp cloth, and holds over 40 lbs! How cool and cute is that?!

Pick one or the other bag giveaway to enter this week! I'll let Big Girl pick the preppy lattice winner and Little Man pick the Georgia Girl winner after school next Friday, May 15! I'll contact winners for monogram initials, fonts and thread color choice.

Quick, go tell your friends ;)

XOXOXO

**If you noticed my monogram is different on the bag than on my blog... yes. yes it is. Something I use my midde name "M" and sometimes I use my maiden name "C". I don't always play by the rules....

Sorry!

2009-05-06T00:36:00.002-04:00

It's coming.... I'm just back online from my electrician cutting off my internet Friday! Will post my fun little giveaway THIS week. I have NOT forgotten :)

On a side note, I have tried not to complain about living through this renovation, but there isn't a day that goes by that something isn't cut off, messed up or starts costing us more money. And just so you know, all they've been working on is the new construction... they break through the back wall of the house in a few weeks. What fun...

Today, the air got cut off and we just found out we definitely have to waterproof the existing leaky basement. And no, the cheap waterproofing (painting some crap on the walls) won't due... they're digging a trench around the perimeter of the basement through the concrete, laying a drain pipe system, which will flow nicely out into the back yard. Not.Cheap. What's that you hear? Oh, the sound of any and all extra money I was using to buy some fabulous sconces and chandeliers... going down the drain. No pun intended.

I'm thinking.... Giveaway!

2009-04-29T10:46:00.004-04:00

I know you're out there.... reading, lurking... not commenting... I'm thinking a cute giveaway might get you sayin' something. You'll have one of the cutest bags at the beach/pool this summer... pinky swear. Monogrammed, of course :) I'll have it posted before the weekend...

Oh, and if you're a Georgia Girl (the Red & Black kind), I may have a seperate giveaway for you ;)

XOXOXO

Lucky 13

2009-04-25T21:52:00.005-04:00

That's Little Man in his new soccer jersey. He got #13.

He scored his first goal today! And I missed it... Being supermom sucks. I had just left his game half way through to take Big Girl to her dance recital practice, when CPA sent me a text that he scored. CPA said Little Man was sooooo excited!

He also just had his 4 year old well check appointment. (The one with 4 shots... ugh!) At 4, Little man is 44 3/4" tall, and weighs 45 lbs. That put him in the 99th percentile for height and 95th for weight. She measured him twice. Yes, he's tall for his age. Yes, daddy is tall, 6'4". Yes, we think he's going to be tall too. Did I mention, he's also starting to eat me out of house and home!

Soccer is his first sport to play on an organized sports team. He loves it! Next up... Tee Ball. And he insists he wants to play football. For GEORGIA. Slow down Little Man. You'll get there. One day. Sniff. Sniff. Right now, I like you being my lucky 13.

Stuart Little lives here now...

2009-04-23T17:58:00.015-04:00

I have mice. IN MY HOUSE! The construction has evidently stirred them up. Where the hell are the stray neighborhood cats when you need them.

Meet one of the Little Family:
Little #1 scurried across my dining room floor the other night while CPA and I were watching TV. We closed in the dining room and got him within a few minutes. BTW, CPA and I rock at teamwork. CPA walked him (in a gift bag) down the street and let him free in the neighbor's ivy.

Little #2 showed up the next night. We lost him. Great.... CPA went to bed, while I stayed up to monogram. CPA sleepily walks into my office at midnight and tells me he thinks our friend is in my closet.

Me: Okay?

CPA: Will you come help me?

Me: Okay. You get something to catch him and I'll start pulling all the crap off the floor that's crammed in my tiny ass closet, so we can find him.

CPA meets me back in the bedroom with a set of those tiny Ziploc plastic containers that you'd store your last two bites of chicken salad. And a broom.

Me: Are you serious? Get a huge ass department store bag from the pantry for him to crawl into.

CPA: These are fine.

I continue to pull crap out of the closet. And by crap, I mean the 1500 bags and purses I bring home from market, which I LOVE, but have no where to store in my 3ftx4ft closet. I digress. Stuart falls out of my black fleece jacket and scurries towards CPA (still holding the powerful Ziploc containers). But not before CPA jumped 12 feet off the ground. Don't worry, I flinched a little, but was too busy laughing my ass off at the grown man with the Ziploc defense. He finally got me a big ass bag. We caught Stuart Little in the big ass bag. I handed it to CPA to walk him down the street.

CPA: Can you take him out? I'm in my PJ's.

Me: Seriously? What are you, 8? It's midnight. You take him.

So, I'm walking down the street at midnight. Because CPA's in his PJ's and I'm the best wife ever.

Little #3 wakes me up at 5a.m. He's in my closet. What the hell is in my closet that's so mouse attractive besides the small nest-like space?!! Don't worry CPA tells me to go back to sleep, we'll get em' in the morning.

Coming to a Trash Can Near You

2009-04-22T00:02:00.007-04:00

I realize I just wrote a really nice thing about CPA, our marriage, etc. And its true... however, I am about to LOSE IT on his ass if he doesn't figure out how the trash can works. CPA usally goes to bed before me... why not, when you don't have to finish picking up from the end of the day, lay out school clothes (after you make sure there's something clean to wear), OH, and squeeze in some more monogramming. Because it lives in your home office 24/7. Staring at you, until its done.

I used to be all about taking care of my honey. But now... I'm sorry, I've got two additional humans to take care of, the house, a monogram business... oh, and what's all the racket going on? Yes, a renovation I'm trying to oversee. This house isn't picking out its own windows, doors, tile, fixtures, floors....... by itself.

So, I swear if I pick up one more wrapper (from the granola bar I saw you eat tonight), throw away one more EMPTY cereal box left open on the counter (which I know you ate and finished this morning) AND have to put away the crap you leave on my desk while you piddle around on MS Money I AM GOING TO LOSE MY SHIOT! I realize I am essentially a SAHM (a good SAHM would not complain about this, she'd be ALL that and a bag of chips, but I'm doing the best I can here), but last I checked your arms weren't broken and if you got out the box of Goldfish crackers to eat while sitting watching 57,000 games of MLB tonight... you probably know where to put that Goldfish cracker box back, right? And NO, its not on the table in the living room sitting next to the Waterford crystal picture frame... So, BACK IT ON UP and put it in the trash for me, k?

XOXOXO

Duh, mom!

2009-04-17T00:13:00.007-04:00

So, it's one of THOSE days... nothing goes right, you run late for everything, multi-tasking sends you in a tail spin... you know the drill. It also doesn't help when Little Man is in tow for morning errands, which I'm trying to accomplish with one child... and Big Girl is around for the second set of short, very short errands in the afternoon. Two children. Two errands. I can do this.

We are not even to the post office yet, and they are wild in the back seat. I can feel it. This is not going to go well. I'm frazzled already, they don't listen while waiting in line with me, small amounts of pushing/shoving/silliness. While walking to the car Little Man makes a mad dash through the parking lot to the wrong car. Big Girl is dragging her feet 15 steps behind me and sad from me yelling under my breadth inside. We get in the car, I'm yelling at them, loudly, under my breath again about how ridiculous it is that I can't even run a simple errand with them. Then Big Girl says, "You should run these errands while we're in school ya know." She's smart, this one.

I wasn't sure to be mad at myself because she's totally right or that it sounds exactly like something CPA would tell me. After he tells me they're always good for him on errands.

More mayhem later... promise.

Lucky

2009-04-13T20:23:00.009-04:00

I have been loving this song by Jason Mraz with Colbie Cailat. You see... I am lucky.

CPA and I have alot of friends that aren't. We got married in our late 20's, when ALL of our friends got married in their early 20's. I was in 5 weddings in one year's time shortly after college! Three of our friend's marriages were ending in divorce the year we were engaged. None of them had children. So, those marriages weren't even hard yet... sheesh.

Now, in our mid to late (that's CPA, not me) 30's, we are going through another slew of divorces. Most of them seem to be the men up and leaving because they have decided it is just too hard. Seriously? Um, too hard to be committed, too hard to be faithful, too hard to be a good dad, too hard to be a good partner... UM, too hard to BE A MAN! What the hell is wrong with all these people? As happy as we are, this marriage is a work in progress everyday. And yes, its hard. Are you telling me someone thought it was going to be a first date everyday, forever? I don't know about y'all, but this pretty doesn't roll out of bed like this... its work too. Is it roses and rainbows everyday? No. Is it wonderful most days. Yes.

Am I missing something... are all these other marriages falling apart because they are really that much harder than mine? Or does no one else care about commitment, loyalty or for heaven's sake LOVE of your spouse and family. There's some cheating going on (that's no good in my book), but mostly just alot of giving up. It makes me sad. I can't imagine being with someone who would give up on me so easily. Did I really get that lucky that I found a good man or that he found me? That's another fabulous love story ;)

Either way, we are completely, madly lucky in love. Lucky me.

More mayhem at a later post....

Transformers & Band Aids

2009-04-02T10:46:00.005-04:00

Little Man just brought me a band aid. He's worried about my fingers. How sweet is he! I told him they hurt from transforming all his Transformers he got for his birthday, and I can't transform them until they heal. He helped me put the band aid on my finger and says:

Little Man: You better now mama?

Me: Yes, sweetie, thank you.

Little Man: I'll go get my Transformers, so you can fix them now. Let's start with Ratchet.

Me: Thanks man. Thanks.

The transforming never ends.

Bleh!

2009-04-02T00:02:00.008-04:00

I owe my blog more than this boring post... ALOT more, like actually posting more than bi-monthly. But, feel sorry for me... I have strep and fluid in both ears. I spent an hour at the doctor's today with Little Man to find that out. From 4:30 to 5:30 with no snacks, no juice, and not even a crayon & paper in sight. My fault, no? I was screwed before I even got there.

When I get out from under the mountain of laundry that never goes away and the monogramming to be done before I leave town, I will post my fun finds from market. Here's a sneak peek...

Maybe I'll even get around to posting some pictures of the paint, wallpaper and fabrics the fabulous decorator I hired is working on for the house. All of which I will be selling my left arm to buy... sheesh. Please come into my foyer...

My last post included my first posted picture (of my cute Big Girl and Little Man) and it took FOREVER to download into the blog! Am I doing something wrong or is it always that slow?!!!

Spring Is Here!

2009-03-20T10:00:00.009-04:00

This is what we do at our house everyday around 5 o'clock in the spring, summer and fall. They love running around the front yard. Being kids and just having fun. And we love watching them. I sit and watch and wait for CPA to come home from work. Then he joins me on the stoop to watch. Some nights we add cocktails to the watching, also fun. I just love the light at night, welcome spring - we've been waiting for ya!

TGIF

2009-03-13T18:02:00.003-04:00

The birds are singing and a rainbow is hanging over my house...

CPA just left with Big Girl and Little Man for the farm for the weekend.

I am finishing packing myself and headed to Atlanta in a bit. In the car... by myself... for 2 1/2 hours. What should I listen to??? Am about to load up a CD with iTunes RIGHT NOW!

Will start posting pictures in my blog next week. Will start with fabulous purse I ALWAYS come home with from market. Then add more fabulous finds I find for the house ;)

No mayhem this weekend... not on my end anyway.

Annoyed

2009-03-12T16:21:00.007-04:00

Do you check with your better half FIRST before you make plans and make sure someone is watching the kids? If unavailable, THEN you get a sitter.

Why don't husbands check first to see if we're available if they want to make exercise plans after work or whatnot. Not that I've got fabulous girl's night out plans tonight, but this annoys the crap out of me. CPA doesn't not ask first alot. It's just that I'm annoyed by it today.

Maybe I'm annoyed because I've been home all day with Big Girl, who's home from school, with strep throat and Little Man, who doesn't have preschool on Thursdays. Maybe I'm annoyed because we've been outside to play and now I want quiet, but they won't stay in their separate spaces for quiet time like I've asked. Maybe I'm annoyed because I have a ton of monogramming to do, but haven't been able to get much done because I've had two kids at home for the past two days and I'm just too tired to work after I get everyone in bed. I'm also annoyed that I've been staring at a slab of rough plumbed concrete for the past two weeks and zero framing has yet to be done. Maybe, just maybe I'm annoyed because [remember] the monogram house has been running at 1500 sq. feet, two bedrooms, one bathroom and 4 people for 4 years...

Tomorrow is Friday. Thank GOD! And what am I doing you ask?? Going to the Atlanta Gift & Home Furnishings Market! BY.MYSELF! Of course looking for things to monogram... but mostly looking for fabulous chandeliers, drum shades, sconces and furniture for the new renovation. Shopping. By myself. For two days. Ah, bliss.

@#$% Transformer

2009-03-06T09:26:00.009-05:00

Little man has a thing for cars. Matchbox cars, CARS movie cars and most recently Transformers. Robots that turn into cars, of course he loves them. And he LOVES the Transformers Animated cartoon on Cartoon Network. I find myself watching it with him and sadly, enjoying it.

So, we've been having some bad behavior at school, which is very unusual for him. Correction: Unusual at school, at home - not so unusual. CPA and I don't put up with shenanigans at home (it happens and the kids get in trouble [often] for it), so getting sent to the preschool director's office is UNACCEPTABLE. That was a couple weeks ago. Since then, and much punishment later, Little Man has been doing good. We requested a note sent home after each day at school on his behavior. Good, bad or ugly. He's been doing great!

So, I took him to Target yesterday to get him a little reward. Of course he wanted a new Transformer. He doesn't have but one he got for Christmas and a couple from a Happy Meal or too. He picked a Decepticon. One of the bad guys. Maybe this is the problem, no? So, this thing is little, should be easy to transform from robot to car and vice versa right? NO. First of all, I thought these things stayed in one piece and you just have to swivel their parts around to transform. NO again. They come apart. In pieces. I had to help Little Man transform this @#$% thing 57,000 times yesterday! My fingers hurt from piecing this @#$% thing back together! I now hate Transformers. Yet, have already put the damn thing back together again this morning before school.... grrrr.

So, my dilemma is that Little Man's 4th birthday is in a couple weeks and ALL he wants are Transformers. And I was all set to hook him up with ALL of them for his big day. Having second thoughts... @#$% Transformers.

More transforming mayhem later...

sNOw School...

2009-03-02T00:14:00.005-05:00

Why can't I just enjoy the snow like my kids? This afternoon when it started falling, Big Girl and Little man's faces lit up brighter than Clark Griswold's Christmas tree. CPA is child like himself, so he loves it too.

I hate it. Its cold and wet and messy. The kids changed clothes 57,000 times. I've got an ass load of laundry to do now to get ready for tomorrow. Because... yes, school has been canceled. It couldn't have snowed Saturday night, so that CPA could do all the play in the snow time Sunday... ugh. I know, they're only young once... blah, blah, blah. But seriously, my kids are going to be up at the crack of o'clock hour, pulling me out of bed to get them dressed before I have even had my first cup of coffee. I'm sure work isn't canceled, so CPA will be off bright and early. And in his child-like ways, will call me all day to see what the kids are doing and if we are having fun. Do you know how many times I'm going to have to dress, undress and dry my two kids tomorrow. Probably 84,000 times! So no, I'm not having fun, because I will be at home drying out 57,000 loads of more laundry, hoping the dish picks up a TV signal, keeping the kids from climbing the walls, watching my addition NOT get framed like it was supposed to this week, and praying school is back in session on Tuesday.

More mayhem after the crack o'clock hour...

Pink Panties

2009-02-26T22:45:00.003-05:00

CPA came home with these. For me. From the concert.

He bought me concert panties. Motley Crue concert panties. Let's just say CPA had a few beers in him. He had to of... he spent $25 on itty bitty concert panties. In a recession. While we are in the middle of adding onto the house.

Thanks honey, but next time could you just give me $25 and we'll call it a day. But thanks for thinking of me at the Crue ;) Oh, and did I mention they say "To Fast For Love" on the bottom? Nice.

Honey, I'm Home

2009-02-25T00:43:00.004-05:00

Usually its chaos when CPA comes home from work. I'm in the kitchen "cooking" dinner, kids are running wild with every ounce of energy before we eat, house is a mess.... I get the usual, "How was your day, kiss on the cheek" while Big Girl and Little Man jump up and down with excitement becasue daddy's home.

Tonight was different... CPA called, said "I'm taking the kids to the Y when I get home... give you a break. K?" No complaining from me, I just gained about an hour of quiet time.... ahhh... THEN, he walks in the door.... I get a BIG hug, BIG kiss and this is what transpires:

CPA: "Hey Honey!" Remember, BIG hug, BIG kiss AND his cute smile.

Me: "What did you do or what do you want?"

CPA: "What are you doing tomorrow night?"

Me: "You asking me on a date or you making sure I can stay home with the kids while you do something fun.... again... this week. Basketball is on Monday and Thursday nights and now what is it you want to do Wednesday night? Without the children, by yourself?"

CPA: "Motley Crue. Box Seats. Free Beer." Again. Cute smile.

Now, I used to love me some Motley Crue. Saw them in high school... Dr. Feelgood Tour 89. Sixth Row. Caught Nikki Sixx's guitar pic. So, I'm a little jealous, but don't worry, my wheels are turning.

I happlily tell him to go, have fun. I'll tell him later I'm gonna go stimulate the economy this weekend... :)

Marshall Pickens Here I Come...

2009-02-23T00:10:00.002-05:00

That is the mental health hospital in town my children are trying to send me. I am convinced they are secretly plotting together against me.

Thursday afternoon I took them to Target for new pjs for a pajama party for my nephew in Atlanta, to spend their $5 Papa sent them in their Valentine's Day cards and get a couple things I needed. Easy, right? NO. They didn't have Transformer pjs for Little Man, so that bent him out of shape. Big Girl must have swallowed a cup of sugar before we left the house because she was all over the store, the floor and between the racks during the whole trip. I had to stop about every other aisle to reel them back in from where the wild things live and back to civility. I'm sure security got a good laugh at me from their security camera view. Clearly this whole trip is MY fault for thinking I should take them both.

Friday, we leave for ATL after Big Girl gets home from school. This should be easy right? Plug in DVD player and/or iPods for kids. NO. Duel DVDs are not working. iPods are not charged. @#&*!!! I nearly drive off 85 trying to break up several fights over blankets, crayons, picture books and just plain looking at each other wrong. Stopped and put Big Girl in 3rd row. Caused another fight. Because that's not fair to separate one from the other when they were clearly getting along so swell. Oh, and yes I was only 30 minutes into my 2hr. and 30 minute trip and approaching Atlanta rush hour. Again, my fault, no?

Saturday, spent morning at Bounce U jumpy place for the party. XL coffee from Chick-fil-A sucks and now I'm in hell with 30 kids jumping and screaming. I hate anything that requires me to be somewhere before 9 a.m. Kids love it though and yes, Bounce U people, I'm gonna need that 30 ft. climbing tower thing for my backyard. Do you take cash or check? Yelling, jumping and crazy continues for the rest of the day. Think I have sensory disorder, because constant noise sends my nerves through the roof and I think the kids are on to this.

What? Oh, where's CPA you ask? At home. Alone. Tells me he's bored.... I think he's in on it with the kids to send me to Marshall Pickens.

Cupid...

2009-02-14T22:26:00.004-05:00

Sent me one of my migraines today. Ugh.

The Firefly from last night's game night with friends CPA and I hosted, could have helped cause said headache that turned malicious migraine. More ugh.

Spent morning in the car on way to the farm (in-laws house) for 3-day weekend, since kids have off Monday. Singing from kids in car = worse suffering + migraine.

Stopped at Golden Pantry for sprite, crackers and self-induced shot of Imetrex. Yes. Gave myself a shot. In the bathroom stall. At the Golden Pantry. I felt kinda dirty doing that and pretty much imagine that's what strung out drug addicts do. Nice.

First time I've had to do it, since my neurologist prescribed it for me. It rocked! Migraine was gone within the hour. However, nausea stayed with me for remainder of day. CPA did keep the kids busy and away from me so I could sleep it off. No romantic Valentine dinner for us. Will try again tomorrow.

Pretty In Pink

2009-02-05T14:21:00.002-05:00

CPA got a raging case of pink eye on Sunday. And of course like a man, is touching his eye and everything else in the house.

Me: STOP touching everything with your pink eye infected fingers!

CPA: You're not going to get pink eye.

It's Thursday... Have self-diagnosed myself with pink eye. And am now sharing his bottle of eye drops. Because, yes, I am that selfish [and lazy] to NOT want to wait in the doctor's office for like 2 hours during my alone "the kids are at school" time.

First toothbrush germs, now eye germs. One big happy, sharing family.

April 15

2009-02-04T13:16:00.002-05:00

Last night was tax day at the monogram house...

The good thing about having CPA around... taxes are done (personal & business!), filed and sent! Always the first week in February. Always.

Refund in the mail in about 2 weeks. And like always, it goes in savings or such.

Sometimes if I bat my eyelashes, cook dinner every night for a week & fold laundry, I can skim a little off the top ; )

BTW Mother Nature, I could use a little more April 15th type weather and a lot less North Pole weather. Thanks!

Minty Fresh

2009-02-03T10:33:00.001-05:00

I crawl in bed last night, face washed, teeth brushed... ahhh clean and ready for sleep.

I hear CPA from the bathroom:

CPA: I'm red.

Me: What?

CPA: I'm red. My toothbrush is red and you just brushed with it. Didn't you say you weren't feeling good?

Me: No, I'm red, you're brushing with mine.

CPA: Well, whatever. Can you get some new toothbrushes tomorrow?

Now I'm grossed out that we've been brushing with the same toothbrush since the last time I got new ones. My mouth doesn't feel so clean anymore. Off to Target for toothbrushes and whatever else I don't need.

Getting Fit: Day 2

2009-01-30T10:38:00.006-05:00

I got my fitness evaluated at the Y yesterday, so I could start some sort of an exercise program and act like I know what I'm doing in the gym.

Results from yesterdays resting heart rate test: I have a shin splint in my right leg. (I had to do steps for 3 minutes)

Results from yesterdays flexibility test: I think I pulled both calf muscles trying to stretch to far.

I'm going to the Y today, but I think I'll just rest and watch the kids swim in the indoor heated pool. Then hit Mexican and margaritas for dinner. That will make me feel better.

I hate bar graphs

2009-01-29T20:06:00.007-05:00

No CPA did not sit me down for another bar/pie graph discussion (see my first post). My new fitness trainer did...

We joined the revamped Y a few weeks ago. Its fabulous! Btw, I love the word fabulous and use it often. And they have an indoor pool. The kids LOVE it and sleep like babies. Love me some indoor pool action in the winter.

Had my first meeting today with the fitness trainer. I haven't worked out since.... I don't know when. College? I figure if I don't start doing something other than chasing my kids, my muscles will atrophy. And that can't be good. My weight is great, resting heart rate - great, bmi - great!

Flexibility and core muscle strength - WELL BELOW AVERAGE. Yes, Below Average was listed right above Well Below Average. Right there. On the computer screen. In a bar graph. Thank you fitness girl. Did CPA call you? Did he tell you I might understand my fitness level better in a bar or pie slice? grrrr. Well, fitness girl... I think you have a cool accent (British it sounds like), so I'm gonna stick with you. I'm gonna work my way up to Below Average, then Average. I'll show you. You and your bar graph.

More mayhem later...

Jumping In

2009-01-28T00:54:00.016-05:00

I’ve been staring at this blank screen for a couple days. Where do I start? This may be long, but you don't know me yet. You should. Future postings will be less long and alot funny. I swear.

Do I start with 25 facts about me? Have you read enough of those yet on Facebook or your favorite blogger? Maybe a later post down the road.

My mayhem is either created by me (at least I‘m honest), my kids or my husband. Outside forces creating more mayhem is just a bonus.

I have two kids. Big Girl is 6 and Little man is almost 4. Big girl is not big and little man is not little. They are the same height and weight. They reached the same height/weight at 4 and 2 and have grown at the same pace ever since. I get asked if they are twins by strangers daily. This gets Big Girl all fired up and mad because she’s older. Little Man does not help by chiming in to tell her, “You small, I'm bigger.” Thanks Little Man. This is usually a daily conflict.

CPA (my husband) is just that… a CPA. Great with money and even better at driving me insane keeping track of it. Bill Gates, thank you for MS Money. I love the pie charts and bar graphs. Seeing the money I spend in a pie slice or bar doesn’t make me want to spend it less and save it more. Sometimes I like to irritate CPA by seeing how big I can make the slice of Starbucks & Target. Having said that, he’s not all that bad and he’s not your typical accountant. CPA is totally as hot as the day we met and I love him to death. CPA does know how to spend some money on occasion. He does spoil me with the other love in my life. David Yurman. I'm never found not wearing a piece of it. Something good does come out of all that saving, pie chart stuff.

The opposite of CPA would be me. If its in my checking account I’m going to spend it. I have had many of my own bailouts. Thanks CPA. Banana Republic did me in. The clothes. Just so much fabulous. And no BR, CPA does not care if you’re on sale fabulous sweater, jeans and bag. ”You’re still spending money!” He tells me this all the time - It’s one of my favorites. He must like it to - he uses it ALOT!

I started monogramming when Little Man was 6 months old. I run a commerical machine out of my house. It started in the dining room. Then we renovated the sunroom to an office. Now it takes up the office and is back in the dining room too. I started by word of mouth. After 3 years, I stay busy all the time. Even now in these times. I am thankful for that. I love my friends and customers. They are the best! As if CPA didn't have enough number crunching to do at work, he comes home and gets in my books. Asks questions. Bank deposit this. Pay that. Blah. Blah. Blah. I'm creative honey and that's about all my brain can handle. Add the kids, laundry, cleaning and making dinner to that and I'm usually toast by 8pm.

If regular life wasn't enough, we started an addition and renovation at the monogram house last week. I. AM. EXCITED. Let me tell you... We rented the house we are in for 1 1/2 years. Which is how long it took us to sell our place in Atlanta. A mortgage and rent did not equal happy CPA. Oh, and the hardwood floors in the Atlanta condo - we had to replace those while on the market because of water damage from a flood. More not happy CPA. The house we were renting was on a fabulous street in town. We loved it's potential, so we bought it from the owner. Two bedrooms, one bath and 1500 sq. ft. Big girl was only 10 months old. Not a problem. Well, 3 1/2 years, 2 children, 4 people & one bath and a home business later... its a problem. One bathroom didn't bother CPA. Still doesn't. Did I mention this one bathroom had a pedestal sink. WTF? Who puts a pedestal sink in the only bathroom in a house? Can we say storage problem? I digress. CPA doesn’t move quick on anything. He’s more about the saving, planning, budgeting. I’m all about the get it and be done. I have the patience of a gnat. Zero. We’ve got a lot of yin yang going on over here. Are you feeling it yet? So, our 2 bedroom, one bath house will be a 3,500 sq. ft. 4 bedroom, 3 bath house in 8 to 9 months. I can pretty much guarantee many CPA stories from this renovation.

Two kids. CPA. Monogram business. Renovation. They don't make strong enough pills for this.

More mayhem later.