Southern Mom

I'm still here...will post an update soon!

Comments are disabled blog-wide until I have time to get this spam situation under control (you can always email me at southernbellemom [at] gmail [dot] com)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Posted by Southern Mom at 10:36 AM | Permalink

I'm still pregnant...going on month 23. At least it feels like it! I haven't been around much at all because we've been decorating 2 nurseries. NO, I haven't been holding out on y'all...we are NOT having twins. We moved Southern Girl to the guest bedroom, and we are moving the baby into Southern Girl's original nursery. Both moves involved lots of paint, and I am proud to say that the baby's room is finally ready to be decorated. I've got pics of Southern Girl's room (the room from the pic below) that I will upload to Flickr soon, and I'll take pics of the baby's room when we get the finishing touches on it (hopefully by Tuesday night!). All I know is, I have done very little of the work portion of getting the rooms ready, but I am absolutely worn out. I wake up tired. And cranky. I toss back and forth between wanting this baby out NOW and wanting it to stay in as long as possible because the thought of three kids (two of whom are 16 months apart) scares the living shit out of me. Oh well, too late to back out now, right?

Posted by Southern Mom at 11:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Since having a child in preschool (whoa...2 whole years!), I've always hated the beginning of the school year. It's $10 here, $20 there, and on and on until you are just bone dry of any form of currency. I never expected the end of the school year to be like that as well, but after field trip money, fundraiser money (which of course I end up buying myself because I'm too lazy to sell to someone else), CAP and GOWN money for his little graduation, of course tuition, and I'm betting my bottom dollar (no pun intended) that at least 2 more things will come up before we are officially out of school in 3 weeks, things are spiraling out of control. Not to mention I had planned on doing teacher gifts ( 3 for Southern Boy, 2 for Southern Girl - but Southern Girl's MWF babysitter is also Southern Boy's TT teacher, it's all confusing, but I'm just doing 1 "nice" gift for her) Then of course there's the co-pay for the starting school physical Southern Boy has to have. AND I have to send off for Southern Boy's birth certificate, since I haven't done that yet (and while I'm at it, I'm going to get Southern Girl's, too. I really meant to do that last week!)
I would say being a Mom is hard, but damnit, being a grown-up is hard. I am so envious of those days that I had NO care in the world.

Posted by Southern Mom at 12:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

I was just informed that my comments are messed up on some posts AGAIN! How annoying! I have no clue what causes it to happen, or how to fix it when it happens. I am at the will of the comment gods, which is quite unfortunate.

In other news, I found the checks...in my purse. Which I had looked through 3 times. Gah. At least I found them, no matter how stupid I felt when I did.

I'm going to hit post now...comments may or may not work...it all depends on if I have made the comment gods angry with my ramblings. We shall see.....

Posted by Southern Mom at 10:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Have you ever lost something important, and it just killed you because you couldn't find it? That's me RIGHT NOW. I have lost 2 checks from my mom - and I am going crazy looking for them.

Um...speaking of looking for things...I had this exact same scene yesterday at home looking for Southern Boy's birth certificate. Hubs finally found it, thank God! Did you know that you have to send off for a certified copy of a birth certificate? Call me stupid, but Southern Boy is 5 years old and I NEVER knew that! I'm going to fill out the paperwork for him and Southern Girl this morning. Mommy brain is creeping throughout my head like that black ooze on Spiderman 3 (which is PG-13! How insane is it to promote promote promote with toys for KIDS then have the movie be too violent to take them to! Pisses me off!) ANYWAY! Please send me some good-luck-finding-the-checks JuJu, or hell, just send me a working brain! Or, hey, Mello Yello will work as a quick replacement...I'm not picky. Heh.

Posted by Southern Mom at 08:58 AM | Permalink

Things that have happened over the past few weeks (that I have been MIA)
• I finished THE EASTER DRESS! (pics to come later…I’m behind on that, too)
• I even made beloved Baby Stella a matching dress!
• Southern Girl had her 3rd laser surgery…she was very bruised for Easter, but they have finally faded away. I pray that we will be through with the treatments by the end of this year.
• Seasons have progressed…I went from being a football widow, to a basketball widow, now to a baseball widow. It’s funny how I don’t mind Southern Dad being a referee/official (whatever it’s called) as much as I used to – maybe it’s that I don’t object to that steady extra income he brings home each week!
• Standardized test week came in with a bang, and THANK GOD IT’S OVER! That’s all I’m going to say about that!
• I failed my little one hour glucose test at my regular doctor visit and had to go in for the loooooonnnnnnnggggggg 3 hour test last week– but I passed it with flying colors! Yay! I think the first one was tainted by the large 100-grams-of-carbs burrito I ate about 30 minutes before my appointment, which ended up being about 1.5 hours before they drew my blood for the test. Oops! (but it was soooooo good!)
• We got a new car! We knew it was something we were going to have to do with the baby coming and all, and an opportunity arose that we couldn’t pass up. It was a very hard decision for me to say yes to, because we have been without a car payment for a year, but with a few sacrifices (bye-bye weekly house cleaning) I think we’ll live!
• Did you know that I am now 32.5 weeks pregnant? OHMYGAH...this baby is coming in 2 months (somewhat), and I have NOTHING READY!!!! I do have bedding (we are reusing Southern Boy's crib bedding), but Southern Girl is moving bedrooms - so her new room needs painting. The baby is going into Southern Girl's old room so it is going to need a new coat of paint as well! luckily I'm not the one to do all that painting! I had a little worry party last week that consisted of "what if the baby came early....nothing's ready...we have nothing for this baby...holy crap!" So I marched (well not literally marched) to Target and bought 3 little outfits. Not a big start, but at least it's something!
• Speaking of getting ready...It's major milestone time in our house...KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION is a week from today! I can't believe it's already time for Southern Boy to start "big boy" school! From this point on, life is going to fly by in a series of blinks until he is walking across that stage at graduation! WAAAAAHHHHH! I'm not ready for all this growing up business!
• and speaking of growing up...Southern Girl has been WALKING for a wee bit over a month now! She is doing great, and it's pretty cool to have a knee-high person walking around the house, haha.

I guess this sums up what's been going on in my life over the past few weeks. I guess this bulleted list is beter than the other one I wanted to write about: "things I am currently coveting", which includes an adorable pair of red sandals for Southern Girl and a new cell phone for ME, and a wardrobe (just to name a few). Too bad I can't afford all the stuff I covet (baby coming! Diaper cost will DOUBLE! Commence freaking out!)

Posted by Southern Mom at 01:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (292)

One hour and 7 minutes until SPRING BREAK officially begins!!

Posted by Southern Mom at 01:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Originally there was supposed to be a Grey's Anatomy repeat this Thursday night, but I just realized (thank you TiVo!) that it is NEW!!!! I'll even share the preview because I love y'all so much (or I'm a Grey's addict...yeah, that too)

Posted by Southern Mom at 11:16 PM | Permalink

(because where did last week go?)

So, last week just totally passed me by...sorry about that!

I've been feeling rather large lately, and the matter is NOT helped by Southern Dad telling me (often) "you are really big!" or "you weren't this big when you were ready to deliver Southern Girl!" FUN TIMES! But I was told Friday at my Dr. appointment not to worry at all, because I am measuring a wee bit behind the 25 weeks that I am. So let me give a big "one finger salute" to Southern Dad! (ETA: Not that he's trying to be mean...he's saying it in a joking manner. I just wanted to clear that up so y'all wouldn't think that he's a big ole jerk to his pregnant wife!)

I'd love to be able to bitch about a couple of things that are REALLY bothering me, but it just so happens that one thing deals with work and the other is about certain family members (one relative, her spouse, and their 2 evil spawn kids), which we all know BOTH are big NO-NOs to discuss on your blog. So I guess I'll just have to stew on my own.

I am sick of re-runs on TV. I NEED new Grey's! (never mind that I have several other shows on my TiVo that I can't seem to find the time to watch)

I've mentioned before that I sew a little...I've smocked several outfits for Southern Boy in the past, and I've made Southern Girl several simple dresses. Well, I was given a smocking pleater for Christmas (the one thing I had been missing to be able to make my own smocked clothes for So. Girl), but I can't seem to get my act together enough to get Southern Girl a dress made for Easter. I have to get my butt in gear, because It's not something that can be whipped up in a couple of days. But really? Who am I kidding? I can't even find an outfit to BUY Southern Boy for Easter.

Speaking of Easter...Do you know how hard it is to find a decent maternity dress that doesn't look like a circus tent? Next to impossible!

That's it....I'm spent...Daylight savings time may have only taken ONE hour from me, but it feels like I've pulled an all-nighter. I guess that's what turning 31 TWENTY-ELEVEN will do to you! At least my birthday this year has been leaps and bounds better than last year when I was in the throws of post-partum depression with a wee tiny 3 week old baby AND leaving my twentys behind. That sucked big time! I'm proud to report that (unlike last year) no tears were shed during the birthday festivities today! And now I'm going to bed to keep it that way...

Posted by Southern Mom at 09:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

So much for that moblog thing, huh? Oh, well!

We had a great time, and even though we drove south-ward, it was still colder than cold! It even spit snow and sleet Saturday afternoon/evening. We had ideas of places to take Southern Boy so he could play and explore, but ended up not going because of the ARCTIC! chill in the air. Instead, we let him spend his birthday money he had been saving for a whole 2.5 weeks. He did pretty good...Star Wars Legos, an Incredibles video game (on sale!), a Star Wars Transformer, 2 Star Wars Lego t-shirts (he insisted on that one and one with R2-D2 and C-3PO). It was like 5 year old heaven! Also, Gymboree was having the best! sale! ever! and I scored Southern Girl several pieces for her birthday (which is FRIDAY!) and for next year, too. I even found Southern Baby a cute little outfit - It's the first thing we've bought for the baby!
It was quite funny that Southern Boy kept singing "we're going on vacation!" as if we were headed to Disney World. His highlight was staying in a hotel and going to Toys-R-Us...MY highlight was him falling asleep 20 minutes into the drive home, and actually sleeping the ENTIRE WAY! That boy talks non-stop!

Weekend realizations:
• we have GOT to purchase ourselves a king size bed, especially when this baby comes.
• Southern Girl can now go a whole weekend without baby food, and boy does she love chicken!
• I have a sincere hatred of the Heely’s shoes. Sincere. Hatred.
• Our son is a poop machine. And? He will always need to go when the conditions are less than perfect. I'm just saying...
• People are CRAZEE. When you wake up and it is freezing outside, DON'T wear flip flops or sandals...I really don't care how many jackets you have on. Also, shorts and a polo shirt? I'm telling ya, crazy!
• I need a new cell phone. This is not a want, it is a need! Preferably one that will hold a charge and not have sound issues.
• I can't resist the power of Babies-R-Us.

Really, y'all know how it is...sometimes just getting away from the same 'ole, same 'ole does wonders for how you feel. It's a good thing, because now we are in full-out 1st birthday planning mode. The actual big day is Friday, but we are having her party on Saturday. Let me just say...pink and green everywhere! That's where we are...

Posted by Southern Mom at 12:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (18)

I'm blogging to you live from the top of Mt. Bajillion Papers. The view up here is spectacular, but that slide down will be oh, so sweet.

Posted by Southern Mom at 02:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

You know how last week I said I have around 20 bajillion papers to grade? Well, guess who hasn't graded a single. damn. paper. since that post? Or before that post, for that matter. Yep. Me.
I have a long day ahead of me, folks. Really, I had it worked out where I could grade 2 classes on Saturday, 2 on SUnday, then finish up on Monday with the last class. HA! That plan only works when you, um, take the papers home.

So, today is being labeled as QUIT PROCRASTINATING MONDAY!
What are you putting off until tomorrow what you could do today?

Posted by Southern Mom at 08:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

We interrupt this blog to say...

There is something inherently wrong when the Volent Femmes' "Blister in the Sun" is the theme song of the new Wendy's commercial.

Ok, about your business...

Posted by Southern Mom at 04:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (33)

I'm telling you a week can just fly by without even a blink! My work week has been filled mostly with preparing for yesterday's observation (which went WELL) that I have to endure twice a year every 5 years. (Southern Dad rolls eyes at this) But it's over now, and all I have to do is grade 20 bajillion papers to prepare for parent-teacher conferences next Thursday. (I roll my eyes at that).
SO...yeah, it's been quiet around here - but I just haven't had the time to write, or frankly anything "special" to write about. I realize I have a loose end from a previous post, so I'll just update on that...
Southern Girl's daycare issue has become SO much better. Turns out that the teacher was just copying down the menu on the "what I ate today" spot her daily report instead of what Southern Girl really ate...also, the director did some staff shuffling, and Southern Girl has a new teacher - that I know and really like! I am much happier now, and I am glad I was able to talk to the director about my concerns without seeming like one of "those" moms (never happy, always complaining, etc). You know, I don't remember being this aprehensive when Southern Boy went to preschool, but of course he was 3 already. This is a whole new ballgame, and sending an 11 month old is completely different than sending a 3 year old. It's just hard on everyone when she is at this in-between stage of eating, table food vs. baby foods vs. bottle. And you know? Just when I get through it with Southern Girl, I'll have the baby following right behind. Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?

But, damn, at least I have a tunnel...as I was typing this, the news about Anna Nicole Smith just came on the TV....I can't say I didn't see this one coming (can you say drug problem?), but I really hate it for her innocent baby girl. Huge shocker for the day!

Posted by Southern Mom at 03:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Today is THE day!!!

At 2:30 I have the big ultrasound, where hopefully we will find out if we will be a one boy, 2 girl family OR a 2 boy, one girl family. I am more nervous than I ever dreamed, and I don't know why. It's not like it matters one way or the other, but as this is (hopefully) the very last baby we will bring into this world, every one of these "lasts" are big to me. That sounded wierd, but I think you know what I mean! We decided to leave the kids at home for this visit and just make it the two of us...I just don't think Southern Boy understood last time (he was 3 1/2) nor would he this time, and I KNOW Southern Girl wouldn't have a foggy clue if we were to try to take her, as she's not quite at that year mark yet. Actually, I'm excited that it's just the two of us - and I think baby3 is too, because for about 24 hours he/she has been doing baby gymnastics in my belly practically non stop. It's weird to go from random thumps to such active movement. At any rate, keep your fingers crossed that baby3 cooperates to give is a peek at the gender; it should know that mama is an impatient soul, and wants to know already!

Speaking of fingers crossed...
We finally have some hope for winter weather
(no, I don't live in Memphis, but "somewhat" close...)
*praying for no school tomorrow!*

Posted by Southern Mom at 09:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (17) | TrackBacks (0)

Ok...I admit it.

I hardly ever notice blog ads when I visit people's blogs, and I click on the ads even less (well, usually only if the blog owner specifically asks to click on a certain ad). Come on, I can't be the only one, right?
The other day I was reading a blog, but a picture of a tombstone in the sidebar caught my eye (tombstone on a blog? odd...right?) So focus my attention on it, and it reads:

"I knew I was living in the fast lane when I surprised my daughter by picking her up at school and she asked me if the nanny had died."

"After shopping for my twins birthday parties, I was late to a business appointment. I got into my van and noticed some strange papers on the front passenger seat. Then I heard a “Hello!” from the rear and turned to see a woman breast feeding her newborn. I had gotten into the WRONG CAR!!!"

I highly recommend you take a look, because we all need a laugh every once in a while, even if it is at another poor mother's expense.

*This was not written because I have any associations with the book or author, I just like to laugh. You will, too, I promise!

Posted by Southern Mom at 09:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

Dear Lord,
Please help me have patience and grace today, because I feel like I want to snap someone's head off.

Thanks...
Southern Mom

Posted by Southern Mom at 09:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)

For Southern Boy's very first Christmas, way back in 2002, Santa brought him a Leap Frog Leapstart Learning Table. He loved it, played with the thing all the time,, but when he outgrew it we put it away in the garage to save for future use. Fast forward to, oh, around November. Southern Dad pulls the table out of storage, cleans 'er up, and plops it down for Southern Girl to play with. She LOVED it! She has played with it daily since her daddy gave it to her with no problems...it works just like the day we, er Santa bought it. That is until Monday night. Both kids were in bed, as were Southern Dad and I, when we hear a jazzy little "one two three four five six seven eight-nine-ten!" Southern Dad put the TV on mute, and once again: "one two three four five six seven eight-nine-ten!" I made him go check to see what was causing it, fully expecting him to say a little mousy visitor had decided the table would be great fun. While he was walking down the hallway I hear once again: "one two three four five six seven eight-nine-ten!" I hear Southern Dad click on the light and the sucker goes crazy "one two three four five six seven eight-nine-ten! one two three four five six seven eight-nine-ten! one two three four five six seven eight-nine-ten!" He picks it up and turns the switch off, which solves the problem for the night, and all was well. Maybe?
Yesterday morning I switched it back on for Southern Girl to play with while I was getting ready for school, and just left it on for the day. We get home (from her fabulous, napless, first day of daycare), and she goes straight for the table. After playing for a while, it's time for supper, so I snap her in her high chair and get her food ready. The table must have decided it was lonely, or maybe hungry, too, because it launched into a festive rendition of the ABC song. Not once, but THREE times!
Um...We have shut the thing off and put it up. I have no time for haunted play toys in my life. FREAKY.
Speaking of no time, I also do not have the time for the near 1200 spam comments I have recieved in the past week. Ohmygah, y'all! The spambots are KILLING ME! Does anyone know any plugins, maybe a captcha or something I can put in? I am drowning in SPAM!!! (maybe that gross mental image will make you feel sorry for me and give me some pointers, haha).

**updated: It's been 6 10 19+ hours since I posted this, and I have been spammed 60 89 206 times...drowning, I tell ya!

Posted by Southern Mom at 01:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Today marks Southern Girl's very first day of daycare.

I've said several times today to coworkers what a good feeling I had when I dropped her off this morning. She didn't cry at all, in fact, she was quite happy. The center (a local church) was so inviting, and I was left with such a good feeling as I drove off. I can't wait to pick her up in just a bit to see how she fared today.

I just can't believe how fast she is growing. She will be a year old next month. That's one. year. old. A friend, whose SIL has 2 of her 3 children 13 months apart, mentioned to me the other day how her SIL can barely remember when child #2 was a baby because #3 came into their family so fast. It saddened me so much to think I might be in the same boat in a few years, but mostly because Southern Girl is such a GOOD BABY. She could entertain herself for hours, rarely cries, and sleeps 11.5 hours a night in her own crib (things that Southern Boy never did). I just hope that, even though I am terrible at documenting the little milestones in life, her babyhood is not forgotten.

Posted by Southern Mom at 02:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(sorry to stick the cheesy 80's song in your brain)

Hi there...it's been a while, huh?

Just milking every last minute I can out of my summer vacation before school starts back NEXT WEEK! I can't believe August is right upon us. I am so dreading the beginning of a new school year, mostly because of the schedule. I never got into the "get to work on time" groove when I went back to work those last 5 weeks of the school year, and our summer schedule has been willy-nilly to say the least. Let's just say I'm in for a RUDE awakening come next Thursday. BUT, as a last hurrah (you might say), the hubs is whisking us down to the Gulf Coast for a long weekend. What a good man!

Am I the only one who is sick of summer TV? One thing I have enjoyed very much recently is "The World Series of Pop Culture," which is on VH1. I could so compete in a game show like this one, haha. Speaking of pop culture...I have to say I was surprised at this (not shocked, just suprised). And, what a piece of arm candy for Lance to have with Reichen Lehmkuhl.

And, since it's been a while since I've posted, I want to update on my Weight Watchers progress: 17.8 lbs! That's motivation enough to be super dedicated on our trip this weekend. I really want to hit that 20 lb. mark before school starts. Wish me luck (or willpower - haha)!

Posted by Southern Mom at 11:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

*also referred to as going to Wal-Mart

It's been a very frustrating day. I don't know what's gotten into Southern Boy, but he has been in a show-out phase for weeks now. Y'all, it's about to drive me insane! It really only happens when I'm taking to another adult outside of the family. (Of course, because THAT'S when it's embarassing!) I just don't know how to make him calm down when it happens. I know they (who is they?) say to ignore it, but how the hell do you do that when the small person beside you is making loud shrills as he runs around your legs and tries to lick your hand. Anyway...despite all this, I decided to haul myself and the kiddos to Wal-Mart for a few things we needed (peppered turkey - YUM!). WHAT WAS I THINKING?? It got to the point where I announced to Southern Boy that we were going to play a game where no one was allowed to speak. This gave me a little time to browse in peace, however during that time God chose to sprinkle my visit to Hell -er Wal-Mart - with a nice variety of my former students.
Great.
It's quite funny when teachers and students collide in a place other than school. Usually if I see a former student first, and I really didn't enjoy having them, I just turn down the nearest aisle...you know the "grocery store duck". Then there are the times when I notice a student look very uncomfortable because they know I'm there, and they try to look very interested in the industrial size jar of mayo. That's when I march up to them and say "HEY 'former student!' How are you!? Is your summer going well?" in a super loud voice. Because, you know, I'm mean like that.

But a better idea just occurred to me...I'm just going to send Southern Boy to their buggy. What a win-win!

Posted by Southern Mom at 04:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I'm back online!! Lest I speak too soon...my blog is just fu*ked. I don't know what has been wrong with this place. I've been getting an error for quite some time now, and I didn't think anyone else could see it either, until I did a test post (yumy Starbucks caramel brownie) that Jamie and Rbelle saw. I think my PC is haunted. I still can't comment on BelleChats. Strange!

GNI #2 was so fun. Thanks, Mrs. Flinger, for coordinating it all. I can't wait for GNI #3 on July 27th!

I have thought of a blue million things I wanted to write about in my "broken blog" time, but now I can't quite remember what they were. I'm not surprised, so I'll just share some good news...I have lost 10 lbs. in the month of June! I re-joined we*ght w@tchers on May 30th, and hit 10 lbs. lost on June 27. I'm being super faithful to it, drinking LOTS of water, but still sorta slacking on my exercise. It's too bad, because I really like to walk. It's just hard with 2 kids and this humidity (or at least that's the excuse I keep telling myself). I hope to be able to lose 10 more this month, to make it 20 before school starts back. *fingers crossed*

Here's hoping your holiday weekend is a blast!

Posted by Southern Mom at 02:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

**I am about to flippin' lose my mind! I had my entire post typed up, had been working on it for a while, and when I hit publish *poof* it was gone. Farking (thanks Mrs. Flinger) DSL! I'm going to throw it into the TN River! Here is what I had originally written, to the best of my tired memory:

Did you know that this is my first week of Summer vacation? Yessiree it is! Last week was so chaotic, that I am relieved to be able to do absolutely nothing this week. I think it is so odd to be out of school a full week before Memorial Day. Not to mention we have to go back the first week of AUGUST! WTF! I'm already dreading it.
We took Southern Boy swimming yesterday for the first time this year. I was sort of afraid that he would be scared or not remember all that he learned last year, but he took to it, well, like a fish to water. I still think I'm going to send him to swimmig lessons, though, because a boy can't wear floaties all his life. (well, I guess he could, but I would have to point and laugh) He has been doing great with his cast; he hasn't complained about it at all. He got it off today, thank goodness, because it was starting to look pretty gnarly. I can't imagine what it would have been like if he had been "sentenced" to 6 weeks in the cast. S Boy has also been playing in the Parks & Recreation T-Ball league for the first time. I'm telling you, it is absolutely hi-larious! It's fine entertainment for those of you who have never experienced 3 and 4 year olds playing T-Ball.


I've lugged my camera to each ballgame, and I just realized tonight that I have taken some great pictures of the chain link fence, and some mediocre pictures of my son. I'm good like that.


Itty Bitty Southern Girl turned 3 months Tuesday. I can't believe how fast she is growing! She's just a little chub-monkey.


She has been enthralled with her feet this week.


I'm sure it won't be long until she'll have them in her mouth, but we haven't gotten to the "I've gotta put that in my mouth, NOW" phase.

I've been wanting to order her one of those...umm...unique Bumbo seats for a while, and finally bit the bullet last week and ordered one. It just so happened that it arrived on her 3 monthday. She likes it a lot, but gets tired quickly. (wouldn't you if you had jiggly-neck?)


S Boy had just as much fun with it as S Girl did - probably more, if you really think about it. He ran around for the longest last night with it on his head. He took it to his bedroom to play with, he put it on his toy chest when it was time to go to bed. I'm sensing trouble in our near future.


Well, I'm going to try to post this and get to bed. It was 2:10 when I finished it the first time, and now it's 2:52. I have just about had it with this DSL...you see, about a month ago the hubs upgraded our DSL, and since then, every time it rains (yes, rains) in West TN out DSL goes out. We have called the phone company several times, but it's still happening. It is driving me CRAZEE! And we all know that crazy & the middle of the night equals nothing good.
Oh, I almost forgot! I got my crafty hat on tonight and made some burp cloths!


I've been itching to decorate some cloth diapers with some cutesy grosgrain and trim, and I think they turned out great. I'm going to get them monogrammed, oh, sometime. ( I never seem to get things done in a hurry) It's just too bad that I'll always remember the awesomely bad fight that the hubs and I had on the night I made them. That's all I'm going to say about that!


Heading down to Mississippi for the weekend, so I'll try to moblog some. Ya'll have a great Memorial weekend!


**Edited: Can not connect to DSL at all. I'm beyond pissed. I'll have to post this later. Between the DSL and not being able to post a comment at R*Belle's site, I'm starting to develope a twitch.

Posted by Southern Mom at 02:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

While watchting the end of the Kentucky Derby, my very southern, proper aunt announced that "the Red Hot Chili Peppers had just won." ??? All I can guess is that she saw the Saturday Night Live commercial where the RHCP were the musical guests that night.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My Mom (after a sending a little gossip my way): ...but he didn't want [family member]to know he told me, so let's keep that on the Q-T
Me: Ummmm...you mean the D-L?
Mom: ??? Q-T...you know, quiet.
Me: Um...okay?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Southern Boy (pointing to a local nursing home): Dad, what's that place?
Southern Dad: That's a nursing home where people can live when they get a lot older.
Southern Boy: Pause (evidently for dramatic effect) Mama's getting older.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Posted by Southern Mom at 09:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I can't stand when someone sends out a mass email asking for news for an upcoming newsletter, and, after you take time to send them your news (like the BIRTH of your CHILD!), they fail to include it in said newsletter. It's not like they didn't include 3 other people's birth announcements, plus 10 "yay we're pregnant" announcements. Not that I'm bitter. No. I'm just sayin', that's all. < / snark >

Posted by Southern Mom at 09:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

busy busy busy busy busy busy

please. rescue. me.

Posted by Southern Mom at 10:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I am addicted to TV, and all praise the wonderfully fabulous TiVo that I have had for a year now (what did I EVER do before then?). The trouble is, I have tried for months to network it into out home network (where I can make SB his very own Little Einsteins DVDs and get the 20 effin' episodes off MY TiVO). My TiVo recoginzes the network, which is great, but my computer doesn't recognize my "Now Playing" list in the TiVo-to-go menu. Any thoughts out there on what I can do? It's driving me crazy!

Speaking of my TV addiction, I have (in addition to 20 Little Einsteins episodes)12 Veronica Mars episodes that I am trying to come to terms with the reality that I just won't have enough "free time" (HA!!) to watch. The thing is, I have a problem with deleting them. It's like that fear I have of dropping a possession from a really high place or into deep water. What would that be called? Insane?

and the biggie:
This is my 7th year teaching, and I have spent the entire time in the same Middle School. I have always had the desire to transfer to the area High School, because I truly believed I would enjoy the curriculum and age better. The thing is, all English positions were locked in by the same aging hags women who have been there forever. Now, 7 years later, a position has finally opened, and I don' t feel like I want to go. Why? It has taken a LONG time, but I am finally in a situation where I am "teamed" up with some fabulous women (and 1 man) and we have TONS in common. We're all relatively the same age, and have children in the same age range. I can't help but ask why would I want to move into a department of women old enough to be my mother (in fact, most of the women at the high school have children that went to school with me). It's been a big cloud hovering over me this semester. What would you do in a similar situation?

Now, WAKE UP...boring entry is over!

Posted by Southern Mom at 11:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I am having a tough time making it to work on time. This morning I even woke up 30 minutes earlier (woke the baby up to nurse!) plus I didn't have to take SB to school, and still was late! How do you moms do it? Please let me in on a few pointers. In my rush, I tried to place the blame on my hubby...and I still think he could have done a few things to help...but it's not entirely his fault. It also really doesn't help to have your mom sitting there telling you over and over "you'll never make it" "you're going to be late" "you just need to get up earlier." Here I am going to bed at 12:30 because I'm packing lunch, etc. so I don' t have to in the morning; I can't get up much earlier and function properly. To make matters worse, I forgot to change out my contacts and they are dry as a bone. (how dry is a bone, btw)
AND, this is the kicker, I had 15 bucks yesterday that has mysteriously disappeared. I don't know if I left it in my car, or if the hubs took it (not at all unlikely), but I have literally 43 cents to my name today. Not even enough for a coke. Damn this day has already gone to pot. I miss maternity leave!

Posted by Southern Mom at 08:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Not to be confused with dropping a kid)

I have started two posts this week, but haven't finished either of them. It's been a really rough week in my household. Ya'll, I'm sick. I started coming down with this mess last week when I was so thirsty, remember? It has progressed to some kind of horrible infection in my head. I couldn't breathe through my nose at all (up until yesterday), I can't hear because my ears are stopped up, and I can barely speak because my throat is so raw. I went to see the OB Monday (becasuse remember my Friday appt. was cancelled), who completely dismissed my obvious illness. He said to drink plenty of liquids and get plenty of rest. HA! Hardy damned har har. I wasn't able to function all weekend and you think liquids are going to make me better? Yesterday morning I woke up and I could barely talk. My throat was so raw that I was coughing up specks of blood. I called the OB nurse and absolutely broke down. I cried and cried when I told her that something was wrong, and that I was really sick, and that the (fucking) Dr. just acted like I was some whiny pregnant woman when I told him on Monday, and that if I were to go into labor today I didn't think I had the strength to go through it. She said I needed to get to a doctor NOW! I was so relieved to hear her (or anyone!) finally agree with me. She said to go to my family Dr. for the sake of time, which I did. Turns out I DO have a severe sinus infection that has just gone haywire in my head. He gave me an antibiotic, and I swear, after just 2-3 pills I could feel the difference. I am finally able to breathe, my throat is still scratchy, but not as raw, and maybe, just maybe my ears will pop soon. I am so mad at that Dr. I saw Monday (he's not my regular - I rotate between all the drs. in the practice). The only good thing out of that visit is that he told me I am 1.5 cm dialated, and 60% effaced. Maybe when I go tomorrow (not seeing him again!) this doctor will tell me I'm 6cm! and I need to go to the hospital! < / wishful thinking> That would be the perfect end to a suck ass week. (speaking of week...the weather this week has been cra-zee! It snowed Friday, Saturday, & Sunday...was in the mid-60's Wednesday and Thursday, and is supposed to snow/sleet again tomorrow night through this weekend! It's bi-polar weather!! Can't make up it's mind!)

And finally, my overdue meme for Jamie.....

Continue reading "Dropping the ball" »

Posted by Southern Mom at 08:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Well, word is trickling around work that we are dismissing early due to the "threat" of bad weather that is to come this afternoon. Hmmmmm.... Don't get me wrong, I am THRILLED with this information, but "the threat?" Ooookaaaay..... Other things cancelled because of this threat are 1. My OB appointment this afternoon. and 2. My son's ped. appt. this afternoon. Both clinics are closing after lunch to avoid the "threat" of bad weather. I got a wee bit pissy at the appointment lady from my ob/gyn clinic for cancelling on me today without being able to fit me in this morning, because, well, I could drop this baby any day now (not to mention that they STILL haven't "checked" me). She did put me in on Monday, but still, it's annoying. Snow falling, yes I understand. But the THREAT! Sheesh!

Posted by Southern Mom at 10:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

I have been swamped this weekend with the birthday party and with trying to wrap up work. I am literally making time to sit down to write out a post before I start going again. This has been the most wonderful weekend! Not only did we have a great 4th birthday party for the boy, but something very special happened to a good friend of mine.

A very long time ago I mentioned that I had a friend who had suffered for a LONG time with infertility. She had all but given up hope of ever having a baby...until Friday evening. Her baby girl was born into this world, and although R. wasn't the one giving birth, she and her husband were there every step of the way. I can' t tell you how excited they are to have finally found a child to adopt and make their family whole. It has been the highlight of my weekend!

Now let me bitch about the low of the weekend:

Continue reading "Making time" »

Posted by Southern Mom at 04:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Oh, my! I’ve got a lot to share; where do I start?

Should I talk about how my doctor moved my due date up a week at my weekly appointment Friday? (can I get a whooo-hoooo!!)

Should I talk about how pissed I am that I tried to take one of the 2 bouncy seats back to Tar*get Saturday night to exchange one for a jump-up thingie, only to find out that those dern bouncy seats (if they were still in the store) are now marked down to $9.99? I have to track down a receipt from one of the 2 people who gave it to me (which is kindof embarrassing… “hey, thanks for the gift, I’m returning it though”) because I know they spent almost thirty dollars on it.

Should I talk about how my son’s 4th birthday party is Saturday, and my house is such a wreck in some places that my dad has offered to have someone come clean it for me, which is GREAT except for all the cleaning I have to do for her to be able to come clean. Why hasn’t this so-called “nesting phase” hit me? All I’ve been hit with is uncontrollable bladder and lower back pain phase.

Should I talk about how I have 3 weeks worth of papers to grade and post because parent*teacher conference is next week…and I have NO interest in doing it. I can’t help but wonder what would happen if I went in labor without getting this done, but that still hasn’t motivated me to do it.

Should I talk about how I don’t have a bag packed for the hospital yet, because I don’t know what to put in it. Somehow I packed a bag the first time I had a child, yet it seems I can’t get my shit together enough to put more than a gown and a robe in the bag. ANY SUGGESTIONS?

I think what I’m really going to talk about is my scary moment Friday evening.

Continue reading "So much to say!" »

Posted by Southern Mom at 01:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (31)

I swear I have not fallen off the face of the earth; I've just been sick sick sick. Things are starting to look up - I can actually see the light at the end of the first trimester tunnel (I'm 12 weeks now). I am so sorry I haven't been by to visit any blogs in the past month. Do know that I miss all you guys, and I will get back in the saddle again soon!

Posted by Southern Mom at 05:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Yes, I'm still here, and there is much more time for blog surfing this week than there was last week. Last week was wild, and I could usually get to a few blogs from the list, but not quite enough time to comment (or post on my own for that matter). I just wanted to tell any of you who stop by that some behind the scene changes are happening...first off, a new design by my friends over at Daisyhead Delectable. I am super excited about that! Also, this site will be moving very soon...I have decided to change my location and become "anonymous." I want all of you who do stop by to know when I move, so please just leave a comment here and I'll email you when everything is finalized. Fun, fun!

Posted by Southern Mom at 07:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Do you ever feel like you've reached the end of the internet? That's me today.

**************
Update:
We just got back from swimming, so boredom cured for a little while :o)

Posted by Southern Mom at 05:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

...That I got a TIVO for mother's day (/late birthday)! Yep. It is now officially "my new best friend." A friend once told me that she didn't think she could live without hers now that she's so used to it...well she was right! It is the first thing I go to when I wake up in the morning, and the last thing I look at. I literally want to lick it. If a person could marry an inanimate object, I would totally be honeymooning with my tivo. It has a brain, you know. It knows things that I like, and records them! Without me asking it to! I do wish it could record two programs at the same time, but, hey, nothing's perfect.

...That my son is now POTTY TRAINED! Oh yes, we are now a diaper-free home. It is more liberating than I could have ever imagined. We had a bumpy start...peeing was good, pooping was BAD. Now he has things pretty much figured out (except the pooping away from home thing), and I am so relieved because he starts preschool this fall (and must be potty-trained).

...that a friend of mine from my Knit-In group wrote a children's book, and got it published! She sent me one this week...so sweet of her!

...A belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Leslie of Rubber-Sol. I hope you had a wonderful time!

...That we bought the original Star Wars trilogy, and my son has watched each episode 4,286 times! I'm sure we can all quote them by now! He has also become unhealthily addicted to this:

and these:

(Obi-Wan and Darth Vader in the Galactic Heroes series)

...and last (but never least), a huge thank you to all of you who emailed and commented words of encouragement during my deep, serious funk that was February-May. I can never, ever put into words how much you mean to me. Thank you!

Well, enough updating for now...must go prepare supper (ha!)

Posted by Southern Mom at 05:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

mobile phone picture

Posted by Southern Mom at 11:32 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

What is it about the Chase credit card commercial featuring "100 years" by Five for Fighting that makes me cry every. damn. time.

Posted by Southern Mom at 11:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (15) | TrackBacks (0)

This morning as I checked my email, I had a comment from my "100 things" list. It was from a person I knew from "real life" from, apparently, a very long time ago. As I read it (7 times to be exact), tears filled my eyes. I don't know why...it wasn't "hate mail." I suppose the thing that disturbed me the most was that this person from my past was thinking about me and googled my first and last name. Apparently something about the way "Jack" treated me made her feel bad after reading through my posts from the past year. What can I say? I would like for this person to email me so I can know more information than that she [removed to protect the innocent]. I would also like for this person to know that high school/college was a very long time ago, and I feel quite certain that neither of is the same person we were then at all. I don't know what they did that was so bad, but I'm pretty damned sure that I wasn't innocent. I would love the opportunity to discuss in more detail, so please email me if you do come back, "Jack."

On an unrelated note, I am in the mood for change. I am kind of sick of being stuck in a rut, so, in honor of my first week of summer vacation AND my one year blogiversary (which was May 15), this place will be undergoing a few changes (hopefully). Stay tuned. :o)

Posted by Southern Mom at 01:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (36) | TrackBacks (0)

The past two weeks have been a blur. I have barely had time to touch the computer (non-work-related), except to read a blog or two here and there every other day. Sickness has hit here BIG TIME! I have tried so hard to keep it out of my house, but damnit if it didn't move in despite my close, personal relationship with Germ-X. Today begins a small "winter break" (Friday is an optional inservice day, and Monday is President's day), but I already have visions of either a) having the evil stomach virus or b) cleaning up my 3-year-old after his bout with said evil virus. My mom (who kept Chase yesterday) and Tim both came down with it this morning. Bleh. It's just a matter of time.

In other non-sick news, I had a moment yesterday in the car on my way to pick up Chase...When did I become an old fogey?
For example, I can't tell you how many times I've said this school year "If you'd cut that long hair maybe you could hear what you're supposed to do!" I might as well be saying "Get out of here you long-haired hippy!" because I sound. that. old.
Also, I hate, hate, hate teenage drivers! This coming from the person who had 3 speeding tickets before I graduated high school. I am forced to drive beside, behind, in front of them every morning to school and every afternoon away from school. They are DANGEROUS! Sometimes I fear for my life. IT'S THAT BAD.
And the sex...oh my, it puts a deep fear in my heart to think that these kids will soon (very soon by the looks of it) be having children of their own! In school with my child(ren)! I'll have to bring birthday party cupcakes and feed the children of the children that I taught in class. *shudder* It's already happening...I have 2 former students with babies less than a year younger than Chase.

I can't believe I grew up. I still feel like that 16 year old girl with her brand new license, but it's suddenly painfully obvious that I'm not.

Posted by Southern Mom at 04:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

I have tried (unsuccessfully) for the past few days to upload the picture of my finished baby 'boggin, and I give up! I can't figure out why MT won't generate the HTML for my uploaded pic. Anyway...I've decided to just go with Flickr. The link to my account is over in the sidebar ----->

Busy weekend! We celebrated Chase's 3rd birthday Saturday (there are a couple of pics of it in Flickr as well). I just can't believe he is 3! My baby boy. He had a blast. I (luckily) got away with just having a small family party again this year, but I know once he starts preschool next year that will all change. He wanted an "Incredibles" party, which I couldn't believe because he has wanted a Rescue Heroes party since his b-day last year. But, fun was had, pizza and cake were eaten, presents were opened, all of which made one happy little boy.

To switch gears suddenly, I finished my 2nd round of Clo*mid with nary a symptom! What?!? I'm not complaining, but I just can't believe what a difference this month was compared to last month. Maybe different is good...last month was obviously not successful.

And to round out this rambling fest, I did not win the Volunteer of the Year award Thursday night, but the lady who did win was certainly more deserving than I. I was amazed because her first real job was working for President Eisenhower! She is also a former IRS employee, and now does free tax services for those who need help but can't afford to go to the professionals. Yeah. I'm not that dedicated. It was really an honor to get recognized, and the hubs and I had fun getting out for the night, too!

Posted by Southern Mom at 09:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

I have had a wild week (a very tiring week) but first things first!

GIFTY!!

It has been such an honor to get to participate in Rubber-Sol's Gifty! goody swap. I have learned so much from visiting the journals of some of the most crafty, intelligent, and genuinely good-hearted women I have ever met. I was so excited this past weekend when I opened my mailbox to find this from the super sweet Jill:

I *adore* toile...isn't this the most lovely package!! Wait until you see the goodies inside!!

I loved the cute peony pen, and her "For a Sunday Morning" CD was divine...so soothing. The eye mask smelled heavenly! In fact, the whole shipping box (appropriately a J.Jill box - ha!) smelled of the wonderful goodness of the eye mask. Jill was so thoughtful in her ideas of a "post holiday de-stresser." She even printed a copy of the recap of the first episode of Wickedly Perfect because I missed it! Look at the notes in the margins! So awesome!

I can't wait until Gifty! 3, and I am so thankful to Leslie for coming up with such a feel-good project. She rocks!

----------------------------

The root of my tiredness this week stems from the Krispy Kreme doughnut fundraiser run I made at 4:00 am (yep that's IN THE MORNING!) on Tuesday. The cheerleaders held a KK fundraiser last week to raise the remainder of the money we owe for our new uniforms, and as the sponsor I was the one to go get the dern things! Off we (me and the other sponsor) go at 4:00 to the KK that's one hour away to load 319 boxes of sugary goodness. It was downright frigid loading them into the back of the other sponsor's Yukon XL, and the only employee that would stay outside to help us was a one-arm man! bless his heart, he has a sling on the other arm because of an accident, and could not use it at all! It took us 45 minutes due to the cold and the...um...lack of employee participation. You should have seen the sea of doughnuts! They were stacked as high as the head rests the ENTIRE length of the vehicle (all middle and back seats were removed). We made it back to the school by 7:30 to commence the handing out of the doughnuts. We were finally through with the blasted things by 8:15 (school officially started at 8:00, but we had people watching our rooms), and were ready to start our very. long. day. By the time school let out at 3:00, my ass was dragging. But, oh, it gets better! I had a basketball game to attend that night! Oh what fun 2 sleep-deprived cheerleading sponsors were at the last home basketball game of the season! Ha. Ha.

I still have not caught up on my sleep, despite the fact that I crashed yesterday when I came home from school. I'm hoping that the hubs will take Chase for a boy's morning on Saturday so I can sleep in! Here's to wishful thinking!

Posted by Southern Mom at 01:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

I intended to post my wonderful Gifty! pictures this morning, but Chase and I slept much later than I meant. (Not that I'm complaining...it was grand!) Now I have to get ready to run to a neighboring town for the afternoon. So...I'll post pictures this evening of the lovelies I received from Jill for Gifty! Round 2.
In the meantime, you simply must go visit Fussy to see Mrs. Kennedy's January 14th post. Be sure to read the comments as well. I laughed so hard that tears were streaming down my face. It just struck me the right way, and I couldn't stop laughing. (Aren�t those the best kind of laughs?)

Have a great holiday Monday (if you are off work like I thankfully am)!

Posted by Southern Mom at 10:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

I hate that saying. It's just not a pleasant thought. Snakes and biting and ME, eeeww. Today it just keeps ringing over and over in my head, though, because dear friends: I am an idiot.

I woke up late this morning (not unusual in the least), and I was running around trying to get all the pieces of my clothing together (truthfully I was cursing myself for not doing it last night - but I always do that...it's part of the "morning routine"). I decided to put my pants in the dryer in lieu of ironing them "to save time." On my way to the dryer to retrieve my cozy warm pants, I stopped at the laundry basket of folded-yet-not-put-away-clothes for a pair of socks. I finally found two that matched (well, sortof - they were both white) and took off to the dryer. I ran back to the bedroom - grabbing my shoes on the way, pulled on my pants, and sat down to get my shoes and socks on. No socks. Where were they? I ran through the house twice. No socks. Went back to the laundry basket. No more matching socks (man, I need to get all the laundry done AT ONE TIME! next time). Back to the bedroom, not on the dresser, not in the bathroom, not effin ANYWHERE! I decided to give up my search for a bit so I can get some make-up on. I look in the mirror.

My socks. Draped over my shoulder. What an idiot.

I feel really bad about laughing at my mom that time she lost her glasses...on top of her head. I guess it runs in the family.

Posted by Southern Mom at 04:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Comments are fixed, thanks to my wonderful host! It sure helps to have someone smart around! :o)

I am so irritated because I missed Wickedly Perfect last night! I had a ballgame to go to (no choice in the matter), and was so rushed to leave at 5:00 that I forgot to set the recorder. Just another check on the reasons we need a DVR. Up until now digital cable (and TiVo) have been one of the things to do without for the sake of "the budget." I am slowly creeping to the "I want it real bad" phase. Especially when American Idol starts in a couple of weeks. I just have to convince the hubs that it is necessary. Ha! Maybe soon, though.

Not much planned for my weekend. I tend to get bored this time of year. Christmas (and all the hubbub that comes with it) is over, and I feel like there's nothing interesting to get out and do. Not that sitting home is bad, but man, there's only so many times a person can sit through Spider Man (1, 2, and various cartoon versions). We rotate them constantly. I'm quite sure Wild Child can quote them by now. Speaking of Wild Child, his new favorite word is "sideways." However, he thinks it is the replacement word for backwards, inside-out, and around. Everything needs to be turned sideways . Quite funny. And, the other day I walked in the living room to him standing on the ottoman changing SpiderMan DVD's out (a big no-no). I told him "Mommy is not happy with you!" and he put on his "charmer" face and said "Yes you is!" How are you supposed to deal with cuteness like that? I've got my work cut out for me here!

Posted by Southern Mom at 10:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

Since I joined Blog Explosion yesterday, I have (like everybody else in the world) noticed a HUGE daily jump in visits. The only problem? I have no idea who you are! So, while I'm off to get some Christmas shopping done this weekend, why don't you leave a little comment and say "hi."

Have a fantastic weekend!

Posted by Southern Mom at 05:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

Holy crap my school internet is wacked today! I can't even check my email without having troubles. This tiny post during my "planning" time is a huge feat. This week I have