1st day of Kindergarten!

Today was Spencer's first day of Kindergarten! I think we ALL learned something today....

• Mommy and Daddy BOTH cried after they dropped Spencer off!
• Traffic in front of an elementary school is as bad as a rock concert! We need to adjust our leave time 15 minutes sooner!
• Getting up an hour earlier than you are used to is rough!
• It's really cool to have a new CARS backpack and lunchbox!
• Teachers aren't even phased when they have 5 children that don't speak English!
• Teachers are VERY grateful when you bring lots of extra supplies.
• Even though you spend hundreds of dollars on nice, new school clothes, your child will insist on wearing the $3 clearance Dino T-shirt on the first day.
• When they teach your son a new song about a dog named RAGS, he will sing it over and over all evening.
• Spencer's biggest thrill was buying chocolate milk at snack, going to PE class and giving Nana and Boppa a tour of his classroom after school today.

Peer to Peer rocks!

My brother is the king of mp3 files. Okay maybe not the king-- maybe the court jester. We stayed up half the night last night sharing mp3 files, loading up the Ipods for upcoming vacation! It was fun reminiscing through 80s tunes, making fun of songs and finding new favorites!

Car Shopping

Mom and Dad got a new Honda Pilot yesterday. Jimmy and Melissa got a new Honda Odyssey Friday. Now we have the new car bug..... Toby wants a hybrid but I'm worried about the "newness" of this technology. But the bonus and tax credits are quite an incentive....

But, I test drove the CR-V yesterday and loved it! Maybe I will go out and try something else tonight just to compare...

End of Summer challenge

I received this blog challenge from my friend, Oscar:

Challenge: Since summer is coming to a close soon..Answer this list of questions about your 2006 summer.

1. What was your favorite summer event? This summer has flown by! We have done lots of fun things (trips, visits, games, outings and goofing off) but I think the best moments have been surrounding ourselves with good friends around the pool and cooking out and mixing drinks-- just total relaxation!

2. Favorite picture of the summer? I love my summer pics of my little guy playing ball and the pool pictures!

3. Favorite movie of the summer?Probably Cars-- it doesn't take much to amuse us!

4. Best song of the summer? Buckcherry's Crazy Bitch

5. Did you go on vacation, where? We went to DisneyWorld this spring, we went to Virginia several times to visit Family, we are going to Myrtle Beach in a couple of weeks, I did several scrapbooking events (crops, conventions, retreats), We had a great trip to Atlanta to see Wicked, The Braves and shopping. Oh! and my birthday Romanza package at the Oh Henry was pretty sweet!

Mystic Force

Legend says that when Darkness arises, the chosen will embark on magical adventures, befriend mystical dragons, encounter evil and transform into the Power Rangers Mystic Force.

My little, red Power Ranger's journey began tonight with an inspiring Halloween costume choice at the Disney store. He has two months to wait....but he will be ready to Trick or Treat and fight the bad guys!

Random Blog

It has been a few days since I blogged--so this will probably be a pretty random entry.

First of all, my Uncle Jim passed away. I went to his memorial on Monday. I'm glad he is no longer in pain and battling cancer. But I hate that my aunt lost her soulmate and my cousins lost a fantastic Dad. I hate that he worked hard all his life and then died so soon after he retired.
Despite the reason for the trip, I really enjoyed seeing the family. It's a shame that we only see everyone at funerals. My cousin is getting married next month and I'm looking forward to the family coming together during a happy occassion.

Toby is in Las Vegas on a business trip. Before his flight out, he was all "I wish you could come with me, I'm gonna hate this trip, blah blah blah" Then once his big, stinkin' feet hit the Vegas strip his phone calls have been all "WooHoo! Having a blast--gotta go honey!" Hmmmpf!
As a funny side note... When I took him to the airport, I was giving him my cash since he had forgotten to stop at an ATM and I made a point to dig out extra singles for him -- I was thinking for tipping at the hotel and quick purchases in the airport, etc. He sat there and grinned like a bandit and said, "Do you realize that I'm going to Vegas and you're making sure I have plenty of singles???? What a wife!!!" Ugh!!! Hoochie Coochie capital of the US and I load my man up with ones--where was my brain? (in my defense, I drove him to the airport at 4am and I had gone to bed at 2:30 am!!!)

I went back to the doctor today. I will not need the second surgery for the kidney stones--Yay!! (but I have 4 other appointments to follow up on a minor complication...but that's typical for me. never a dull medical moment in my world.) Anyway... when I was in the waiting room, a little old lady was yelling at a little old man--obviously her husband of many years. It was such a lively little spat that I couldn't help over hearing. It seems that the little old man started the dishwasher and they didn't have any detergent so he used.......shampoo!!! Now their floor is covered in suds and they had to leave for his doctor's appointment and they were arguing over who should clean up the mess when they get home. He blames her for not having dish detergent for him to use. She thinks that anyone with half a brain would just wait and run the dishwasher AFTER she went to the store and picked more up. He was determined that it wasn't his fault. It was hilarious! When I left she was still yelling at him and he told her to pick up paper plates and plastic forks and it wouldn't be an issue. Pffhhhhht!

I loaded an additional 97 songs to my Ipod tonight. I got on an 80's kick tonight-- gotta love some Hair Metal! Speaking of Hair Metal-- we got crappy seats to the Motley Crue/Aerosmith concert. But I'm sure we will make the best of it.

By the way-- if you're reading this and you know Donna A. --her parents were hit head-on by a drunk driver this weekend. They are still in ICU and could use some prayers!

I went to a scrapbooking retreat this past weekend with my Mom and Melissa at www.scrapnthecarolinas.com. It was awesome! I finished my Disney Album!!! Pam had a company there to emboss our albums. I had my wedding album, Disney album and Spencer's baby album embossed. Mel and Vera (our CM reps) came and did make and takes and had fantastic deals for everyone, too! We had a blast, as usual and I can't wait for our next retreat in October!

Wibbly Wobbly Gone!

9 days after Spencer lost his 1st tooth, he lost his second tooth! And when I say "lost" I don't mean it *just* came out... I mean IT IS GONE! We were out to eat with The Halls (Happy 40th B-day Mike!) and Spencer was eating salad and bread and the next thing we know, the tooth is GONE! I think he swallowed it but Spencer is ADAMANT that he did not. He won't even entertain the idea that he *might* have swallowed it! I think this is because my brother has told Spencer that if he swallows his loose tooth that it will bite his hiney on the way out.... ugh!!!!!

We looked everywhere but couldn't find it. The waitress wrote a note to the Tooth Fairy explaining that the lost tooth might be somewhere at the restaurant. That way the Tooth Fairy can get the tooth from there and still leave Spencer some $$ under his pillow!

The Tooth Fairy was very understanding. She left $3.50, an encouraging note and a funny Missing/Reward poster.

This is SOOOO not right....

Don't laugh. You will go to hell if you laugh.

Hangman

Today at church, I saw two kids playing hangman. I haven't played hangman in years but I nearly giggled out loud remembering all the games my brother and I played. Hangman was not only a game of vocabulary skill-- it was the ultimate in mockery! Oh yeah...when we would draw our hangman, the bodies were fat and bloated, the eyes were crossed, the nose had boogers, the mouth had pumpkin teeth, etc. Yep, it was funny to draw each other-- no simple stickman for us!

OOOOH! and Dots! Did you ever play dots? You know, the page of dots and you take turns connecting them and claim squares. III and I played a mean game of dots growing up!

We played normal board games, too. And UNO!!! But my brother always cheated....That Draw 4 card would appear from beneath his leg and he would SWEAR he had just drawn it-- what a goober.

Now that we are older, we play Rook. Toby and III against me and Melissa. And by the way, III still cheats--haha!

The Tooth Fairy is coming to our house!

Spencer lost his first baby tooth tonight!!! We were at Creekside Park at Toby's softball game and the little tooth was hanging down by the end of the game. It has been wibbly-wobbly for the past couple of weeks and tonight it was literally hanging from one little, tiny shred. He barely had to tug it and it cleanly came out. He couldn't wait to go to Nana and Boppa's and show them his tooth!!!

He has his tooth in a little Carolina Blue (of course) pouch and is waiting for the Tooth Fairy to bring him some "pocket dollars." I asked him what he is going to do with the money the Tooth Fairy brings and he is going to save it for when we go to the beach in a few weeks. Such a practical little guy!

What a weekend!

What a weekend! Mom and I went to the Creating Keepsakes Convention in Charlotte on Friday and Saturday. We really enjoyed our classes and had a great time shopping at the vendor faire. Unfortunately, I had "kidney stone" issues on Saturday and came home a little early on Saturday-- but overall, we had fun! I met my first ScrapJazzer this weekend-- Faith! She is so much fun- I wish we would have had to more time to chat!

Toby played in a softball tournament this weekend. His team didn't do that well and he has slide burns up and down his legs but he said he had fun. He also got into a nest of yellow jackets while mowing the yard and was stung 7 times so I guess in comparison playing softball in the heat was fun, huh?

Sunday, we had a few friends over for a cookout/pool party. The kids had a blast and of course, cookout food and cold drinks by the pool are always nice!!!

Today, I went back to the doctor. I still have a few kidney stones to pass. He gave me more pain pills, told me to drink tons of water and gave me two more weeks to pass them. If not, I have to have another surgery(lithotripsy) to break them up. UGH!

Casual date night

We could not think of anything we wanted to do for our anniversary. We did the luxury hotel night out thing a few weeks ago at my birthday; we are going to the beach in a few weeks, we couldn't think of any restaurants we wanted to try...so we decided to have a quiet, relaxing evening at home. I made us some of our favorite goodies, we rented a funny movie and we just enjoyed a stress-free evening! Spencer stayed the night with my parents--- but before he left he put a big dent in the fruit/cheese/goodie tray I was making!!!!

Fun Weekend!

Other than heading up to Virginia, we also spent Friday night at the water park at the Kernersville YMCA for Maddie's Bday party. Maddie and Jenna are too stinkin' cute (no pics on my blog because I didn't ask their mommy if it was okay) but Spencer sure had a fun time at the party!

Sunday night, we went to the American Idols tour at the coliseum. The show was great and we had awesome seats (7th row center!) We went with a group of friends and had a blast! Chris is awesome live and I can't wait for him to put out an album! Bucky's family sat to our right and it was cool to watch how proud they were of him. Bucky's twin got *TONS* of attention from silly girls, but his wife was pretty cool about it. Chris's band was there to support him, too.

Congrats Lydia!

We went to Virginia this weekend for a bridal shower for my cousin, Lydia. Mom and I went to the shower while Spencer and Dad stayed with Aunt Jean and Uncle Jim. Toby had to work and didn't get to go with us. Lydia's shower was very nice and she looked beautiful! The wedding is September 30th and I am looking forward to coming back up then and seeing her on her special day!
Sadly, Uncle Jim is struggling with his battle against cancer. He could use some extra thoughts and prayers.

Dinosoles!

I *finally* found Dinosoles for my dinosaur obsessed son! He was SO EXCITED to get his blue suede stegosaurus shoes! The outside has the 3-D molded dino, the instep has the piercing eye and the sole makes dino tracks--are these the coolest or what?!?!

It doesn't matter to Spencer

It didn't matter to Spencer that he didn't have a smooth, concrete playing surface.

It didn't matter to Spencer that he couldn't find his tennis shoes and had to play in his baseball cleats.

It didn't matter that Daddy was 3 feet taller.

It didn't matter that the goal was WAY higher than it should have been for his size.

He was shooting some hoops and having fun!!!

Spencer has developed a keen interest in basketball recently-- and has firmly announced that he is not playing on Auntie's soccer team with IV but wants to play basketball this fall. Is this his first non-influenced social decision????

Liar!

My urologist said that my kidney stone would need about 45-60 minutes of shockwave lithotripsy to bust it up and then it would be blasted into tiny little granules of sand that would come out painlessly with my urine. He said the procedure was mild and felt like a slight tapping on my back. He said I might be a little tender or bruised in my back but I would be okay in a day..... OH MY!!! He knows he shouldn't lie like that!

The lithotripsy lasted an hour and 15 minutes. It was painful. It felt like I was being snapped with a big-ass rubber band in the same spot over and over and over. They administered pain meds and "twilight" sedation but it was still MUCH more than what I was expecting! The stone was resistant and didn't want to break up. The first day, I passed lots of that sand he bragged about. The second day the stones started. I guess that's why they gave me a huge bottle of Percocet--that should have been my first clue. They don't dole out stashes of narcotics for "mild discomfort"-- it hurt like hell. It felt like a bad bladder infection and crippling contractions at once. THEN they tell you to walk it out!!!!

So now it has been a week since the surgery. I am still passing stones. They are getting smaller and not as painful but I still feel rough. I only took Monday and Tuesday off from work last week. I had to work, while on the drugs, and in pain, and I had a project due. Not good for me or my team. I wish I would have known and I would have asked for more time off.

I go back to the doctor August 7. Until then, I stay on meds and keep passing what I can. They will re-do my x-rays then to see if I got all of the stone out. I sure as hell hope so!!!

He's not happy unless he is dirty

Do you know how when you bathe the dog and he runs outside and wallers in the mud because he hates to be clean????? Well... Spencer has that same problem. Everyday, that child gets SO DIRTY that I am tempted to hose him down in bleach. He turns on the water hose and makes mud puddles, catches frogs, builds forts, plays in the mud, helps Boppa in the garden, plays in the dirt piles down behind the house and plays in Boppa's garage to finish off with a nice coating of grease. If he isn't filthy, then he thinks the day is totally boring.

Green Machine

Back in 1977, I was the coolest in my Green Machine-- whipping down Gary Ave. in Chester, VA. It was awesome. In 1976, Toby was looking pretty cool in his BatMan Green Machine in Greensboro, NC. Now, in 2006, Spencer discovered the Green Machine at Toys R Us! The Steering Sticks had the WOW factor and sold Spencer right away! We think our Green Machines were about $35ish-- Spencer's was $99.99 plus tax--yikes! But I think his is much better made than our old plastic contraptions. He and Boppa put it together as soon as they got home and he has been riding it non-stop since then!

OUCH!

Well-- I had the lithrotripsy done. The stone was as stubborn as my momma and didn't want to crush until after an hour of pounding. Today, I am sore and thanking God for Vicodin and Percocet. I am having spasms and pain with every "particle" that passes. Some of the fragments didn't get crushed as small as the others and they are VERY difficult to pass-- check that-- they are excruciating, screaming, painful to pass!!! But, at least the surgery part is over with and hopefully all the big "particles" were expelled today because I only have 3 more days of Percocet!

With everything that has been going on with me, yesterday was the *PERFECT* day for Spencer to get a fun pack from my friend Lois from ScrapJazz. He received a beautiful handmade card and poem, Kool-aid, stickers, and balloons. Hey Lois-- those dinosaur stickers rocked his world!!!! Thanks so much for thinking of my little guy!

We rocked!

Toby and I went to Charlotte last night for the Journey / Def Leppard concert. We met up with my friend, Deann, and the three of us had a blast! The concert was a sell-out and most of the people there were our age-ha! Journey was solid--the new lead singer was energetic and sounded great. Def Leppard can still rock hard and loud-- their set design was loaded with cool graphics and their playlist was a good mix of all the songs we know and love. They played a couple of new songs from their new cover album, Yeah!, and I'm pretty sure I will be buying that CD today! I was a little disappointed that they didn't play my favorite song, Slang. But I guess they have TONS of hits to choose from and can't play them all in one set. Traffic getting out of the concert sucked--but that's normal, right?

Oops--stale blog

Okay-- so I haven't updated my blog in a week or so. Time flies when you're...lazy. So what's new with me? Well for starters all I have done this week is whine!!! My freakin back hurts so bad that I'm actually looking forward to surgery on Monday. Hopefully once they get rid of the kidney stone I will feel better!

Did I ever tell you about the little survey club that I do? I have been in it for about 4 years. It is totally legit-- no spam, no weird stuff. I take surveys, I sample products and I get points. The points are turned in for cash. Right now I am using two different antibacterial wipes for two weeks and then comparing the two. The yellow canister is BY FAR the best. I wish I knew which brand it was-- THEY ROCK!!! Toby is using a new bar soap-- it stinks. I can't wait for his "survey time" to be over so he can go back to his usual soap smell!!! I just looked at my account/points and I have $30.00 in my survey awards. It adds up fast!!!!

A friend of mine challenged me to do an "About Me: A to Z" list on my blog - here goes...

A: Alderin
B: Bing Bing (what I call Spencer)
C: Cassandra.
D: Disney - I am working on my Disney album
E: Earrings-- I love to wear silver hoops.
F: Food Network (I Tivo Paula and Alton)
G: Global Corporate and Investment Banking (my job/division)
H: Hiccups-- I always have those loud, obnoxious ones!
I: Instructional Design and Development (my job title)
J: Jazz! (as in ScrapJazz)
K: Kidney Stone--UGH!!!!
L: Liberty - the restaurant where we had dinner tonight
M: Mobile Meals -- I have been a Mobile Meals volunteer for 7 years
N:Nancyroo - who gave me this A to Z challenge
O:The Office (my fav TV Show)
P:Pins- I collect pins.
Q: QTips (I'm addicted to eargasms)
R: RAK- I have 5 RAKs sitting here to mail out....
S: Spencer-- my little guy!
T: Toby-- my big guy!
U: Umbrella-- I always have an umbrella in my car, office or briefcase.
V: Vacation: my next vacation is not until September!
W: Wicked: The book I am currently reading
X: X-Ray: I had X-rays done today as part of my pre-surgical work-up.
Y: yard-- I despise yard work.
Z: Zoo-- Toby proposed to me at the zoo!

Congrats Steven!

Last night, Toby, Tom, Spencer and I drove out to Sumner Civitan Park to watch Steven, Jr. play in the all-star games! Spencer really enjoyed seeing Destiny and Steven. Steven is quite the ball player!! It was fun to watch the kids play at that age because they have such passion. We enjoyed watching the game and chatting with Gena and Rodney while attempting to censor Tom's comments about the athletic abilities of all the children. I guess Tom just doesn't understand how his editorial comments about the kids (in front of all the parents!) can be taken as rude. I tried to explain it to him but he just doesn't get it. Inlaws---geez! Whatcha gonna do with 'em?

Disney Magic?

My brother and I took Spencer and IV to see Disney Magic last night. First of all, III had a flat tire and we were 10 minutes late. But those things never start on time so no big deal right???? Pfhht! This one was on time and we missed the beginning. Since we were late, we didn't get a chance to feed the kids before we got there. No big deal-- we will have "concession" food and make dinner of hot dogs and nachos. Wrong again! The show was in the auditorium-- no food and drinks. The first part of the show was okay, cute little humor, lame magic tricks, pretty decent stage design. Intermission came-- I was suckered into buying a $15 sword with Goofy on it. $15 for a little piece of plastic that will probably break before I finish updating this blog!!! During the entire second half of the show, my poor kid wiggled and whispered every 2 minutes that he was STARVING!!! When the show finally ended, we raced to the car and went straight to the nearest restaurant, Ghasson's, which happens to be my son's favorite place to chow down! He ordered up his favorite plate and ate like a starved refugee. So our "Magical Disney" outing with the kids was filled with not so magical memories-- but at least we did something together!

Warning: Whiney Post!

Yesterday was not fun. Let's just say if you ever go to the Urologist and they tell you that they need to stretch your urethra-- there is pain and blood and more pain involved. JUST SAY NO!! Just piss out your ear or something for the rest of your life-- UGH! I can't move without whimpering. I can't cross my legs. I can't pee without screaming!!!

I also have a kidney stone. It is too big to pass so I will have surgery on July 17. I don't know much about Lithotripsy so I guess I need to read up, eh?

Rainy Sunday

We picked Spencer up from VBS last night (at a local church not our regular church) and asked him what he learned. Spencer cheerfully said "Say No to God!" Toby and I looked at each other and again asked Spencer, "WHAT??!!!" and he again said "SAY NO TO GOD!"" What were they teaching our child???" Then I noticed a little medallion he had colored and was wearing around his neck that said, "Say your prayers so you can KNOW GOD." Whew! a slight misunderstanding... after we figured it out, it was kind of funny.


Toby and Spencer joined up with Melissa, IV and Gail to watch Ashley and Kristin compete (in the pouring down rain!) in the State Soccer Games on Sunday. The girls were dissappointed to come in 4th but we are very proud of how well they play!

Getting older wasn't so bad this year

Toby really "WOW'd" me this year!! My birthday was wonderful! A nice, easy day at work included Toby and Spencer surpising me at lunch with flowers and a singing balloon and then they took me out for a quick lunch! The afternoon flew by and before I knew it, it was time to meet the family at PF Chang's for an early dinner! Dinner was great and I opened lots of wonderful presents while we shared awesome desserts!

My last present from Toby was the WOW gift. He had packed my overnight bag and booked us a relaxing evening at the O Henry Hotel! http://http://www.o.henryhotel.com/index.html
Our Romance package included a beautiful and luxurious suite, Romanza playing upon entry, chilled champagne, Godiva, cheeses, nuts and fruit tray for late night snacking, bubble bath for the whirlpool, gift baskets and goodies galore!

You know what really impressed me? Toby PACKED FOR ME and didn't forget anything!!! He paid attention to even the smallest details (hair, make up, medicine, etc.) this was hard for him and I'm sure my Mom gave him some reminders-ha! Taking care of the house, Spencer, the packing, the pets, the planning, etc. meant much more to me than any of the gifts and fancy stuff!

When we got there, he started with champagne, bubble bath and Andrea Bocelli! I'm not sharing any more details after that....

Who are you calling nerd?

My Friend Oscar challenged me to a nerd test. I think there is a flaw in the assessment! I demand a recount!

It said:

8% scored higher (more nerdy), and 92% scored lower (less nerdy).
What does this mean? Your nerdiness is: Supreme Nerd. Apply for a professorship at MIT now!!!

We're all Caniacs!

North Carolina made history tonight! What an awesome season--we are so proud of our Hurricanes! Thanks Oscar and Jen Sizemore for sending good vibes!! Hey Oscar-- when Cam Ward brings the Cup to Red Deer, make sure you get a picture!

Bat Man and Big Daddy!

Saturday was Spencer's last game for the spring season. He is going to miss Baseball. Of all the sports he plays, I would have to say that Golf and Baseball are his top two as far as organic talent. He had a great last game and made some fantastic little catches. He is still talking about one of them! III and Melissa gave him a new batting helmet for preschool graduation. Boy does he loves that thing!

Father's Day was a blast! We taught Spencer to play the card game WAR-- he loved it! We played in the pool, had a huge cook out with the family, played in the pool some more and then made banana splits!

Random Thursday

I am establishing Random Thursday. Every blog should have at least one day of random thoughts with no clear direction or purpose. Today is that day for me.

First of all, the Canes lost last night on purpose. Nothing else can explain that lazy-ass passing in sudden death overtime!! They lost on purpose to extend out the series to create more income for the franchise, network and local economies in the two host cities. That's my story and I'm sticking to it-ha!

There is a kid at little league that eats boogers constantly. Now anyone who knows me knows what a weak stomach I have. The parents will tell the kid to "look alive" and "pay attention" so they have to see him gobbling goobers but they never tell they little kid to STOP EATING BOOGERS!!! What is with that??? So gross!!!!

I am going to Memoranza this weekend at my Creative Memories rep's house. I am working on my Disney album. I have a gazillion pictures from that vacation. Geez! I tried to narrow it down to "just the good pictures" and that left me with only a billion. Whew--for a while there I was almost overwhelmed!

I sprained my ankle Tuesday. I have no idea how I did it. I felt my foot get tight and I looked down and the purple streaks were already up the side and the big swollen knots were on the other. Toby has been helping me with the ice, compression, elevation rotations and it is better today. Now my other ankle hurts from me hobbling on it for two days!

Sending safe travel wishes to Val-- have a great trip to Alabama!

Cool for a monday

Today was pretty cool for a Monday. Let's see.... I was actually on time for work (Is that a record?) I met my friend Lesley for lunch. Remind me to kick her arse for choosing Mexican. I bellyached all afternoon! She is doing the SAHM thing now and can go for Mexican and have Margaritas at noon --what a show off. I had salsa-itis all afternoon and NO margarita with my lunch!!!! Then I had to return to corporate world and host conference calls and muffle the heaves-- but at least I got out of the office and met a friend for lunch right? After work, I hit Hobby Lobby on the way home and picked up some cool stuff for a scrapbooking crop I am going to this weekend. Then Toby, Spencer and I met Mom and Dad for dinner-- Spencer of course, went home with Nana and Boppa. I tried really hard to bribe him with the new Walter the Farting Dog: Trouble at the Yard Sale book but even that wouldn't convince Spencer to stay at home tonight!!!! and last but not least....the best part of the evening was watching the Hurricanes spank the Oilers!!

It snot funny

Toby had quite the softball game last night! He was a batting, catching, throwing machine! A three run triple was his most impressive trick of the night--but he was pretty sore later on. I was rubbing Icy Hot on his elbow (cuz I'm such a sweet wife--ha!) and then I accidently scratched my nose/upper lip-- YIKES!!!!!!! my lip/nose/even up into my tear ducts were ablaze for 20 minutes!!! And no-- I was NOT picking my nose despite what Toby might tell ya....

For those of you that do not know about ScrapJazz-- just skip this part--- but for my Jazz friends: I MADE DIVA YESTERDAY!!!! I would have updated this blog yesterday--but blogger was down all day!!!! Yay!! Finally a DIVA!!! I passed my crown to Karen (Kacomi)--what an awesome day! My ScrapJazz buddies are so cool!!!

Spencer still thinks he lives with Nana and Boppa. We beg and bribe him to come home. He actually slept at home last night--and whined all the way home. He doesn't understand why we punish him by making him come to his own house! I guess we will have just settle for limited hugs and quick visits and be thankful that he is so in love with spending time with Nana and Boppa. Studies show that kids with a multi-generational influence are more intelligent. If that is true, my kid should be a freakin' genius!!! HAHA

Go Canes!

It's all about HOCKEY right now!!! Go Canes!!!! and I have to post a big BITE ME to DISH network for not carrying OLN, and therefore, the most of the Hockey season. We keep having to go to Wild Wings to watch the games--which means Toby runs up a huge Wings and Beer tab through 3 periods (and the occassional OT) !!! The final games will be on NBC so we will be able to watch them at home--yay!!

Happy Memorial Day!

Gotta love a three day weekend! I had a wonderfully relaxing weekend. Poor Toby worked all weekend, but Spencer and I had fun! We shopped, played in the pool, scrapbooked and grilled out with friends and family. I finished my scrapbook from my Atlanta vacation (YAY!) and I organized my pictures.

On a sad note, my best friend's husband (Joey) was in an accident at work this past week and broke his hip, pelvic, and shoulder. He is still in ICU, has had hours and hours of surgery and is facing more surgery. He is on a ventilator and could use some extra thoughts and prayers. If you are reading this, please say a prayer for Joey Reynolds in Richmond, VA.

Well, Toby and I have been talking non-stop about the finale of LOST. Spencer is TOTALLY psyched about the CARS movie coming out. We saw Over The Hedge with him this past weekend. He really enjoyed it, but all he keeps talking about is CARS!!!!

Congratulations Spencer!

Spencer graduated from preschool today! With a cute little ceremony and an adorable cap and gown, my little guy went from preschooler to a young man getting ready for Kindergarten!

After graduation, we had some friends over at Nana and Boppa's for a Luau themed party/cookout/pool party to continue celebrating! Spencer received many nice gifts and really enjoyed all the attention. We combined Spencer's graduation party and Mom's birthday party--what a blast!

Thanks to all of our friends and family for making this day special!

Atlant-Ahhh!

Toby and I just got back from vacation! It was wonderful -- despite a nasty little stomach virus that decided to show up!!! The drive was easy, with very little traffic. We stopped at a few of the outlets and shopped some- which was very nice! We spent the night in Greenville, SC and ate at our favorite restaurant (California Dreaming) and then we drove into Atlanta. We spent too much, ate too much and had a blast-- but isn't that what vacations are all about? Our first full day was all about Toby. Sports shopping, Sports clubs and the Braves game. We found an awesome Sports Collectibles store where Toby found the perfect Michael Jordan UNC Last Shot framed picture--Cha-Ching! Instant Father's Day Gift! Then we went to another sports store and loaded up on souvenirs for the family and even some bigger ticket items for Christmas gifts. (Yep! I'm starting my shopping early this year!) After shopping we went to Jocks and Jills for fattening sports themed chow (wings, tater skins, chicken fingers, buffalo chicken sandwiches, rich desserts, etc!) Then we were off to Turner Field for the Braves game! This was our first time to Turner Field and we were really impressed. There were restaurants, shopping, museums, activities and play areas for the kids on site. We found our seats--which were awesome by the way-- and got settled in just in time for the game. The seats had a great view but were under the overhang just in case it started to rain we would be protected--awesome! Toby LOVES (and I do mean LOVES) ballpark food but we were so full from dinner (plus that nasty stomach virus was coming on) that Toby didn't eat one thing at the stadium. A big disappointment for him. BUT-- he used all that $$$ he saved towards an auction that night and bought an autographed Chipper Jones hat. The $$ went to a Children's Charity but I still nagged him all night about spending $75 on a stupid hat.......until ol' Chipper hit a 3 run homer in extra innings to win the ball game. What a finish!
Okay-- I'll fast forward through the next twelve hours of sickness--let's just say we didn't do anything we planned to tour and we were sick sick sick. But that's okay--the rest of the vacation was awesome. We went to our matinee performance of Wicked at the fabulous Fox Theatre. The Fox is BEAUTIFUL by the way!!! Wicked was awesome! It is one of those productions that is well written, with awesome effects, awesome stage design, EVERYTHING was PERFECT!!! We were mesmerized! I would love to see it again! After the production, we drove to midtown, had a light snack at Borders and then we went on to Spa Sydell for our Couples Massage--which was the most relaxing hour of our entire vacation. After the massage we went to a local beer garden for hors d'oevres and drinks and then back to the Wyndham. The next day we shopped our way back home and arrived home in time to bring in dinner (big salads from California Dreaming, of course) for everyone and give Spencer big hugs and kisses!

Happy Mother's Day

What a nice Mother's Day! Spencer gave me beautiful flowers and a pin he made at preschool. It says #1 Mom --see it in the picture? Toby gave me a book, my favorite wine and a corsage. The entire family met for dinner at Macaroni Grill and then we went back to Jimmy's and watched the hockey game. What a nice, relaxing day!

Did you miss me?

I haven't been in cyber world in a few days. I have been slaving away at work and the motherboard fried in my home pc. After my business trip and a quick purchase at Circuit City (nope--I didn't get a new computer at RadioShack!!!) I am back online!

Arthur Itis plays 3rd base for the Y?

Oh snap! I laughed my rump off tonight! Toby and Jimmy are playing softball for a YMCA league. It is made up of 25-49 year olds-- most of which are in their early 30's. You should see these guys get ready to go on the field!!! I have NEVER seen so much icy hot, ibuprofen, wraps, braces, packs, splints, supports and bandages in one place in my life! I bet the special olympics and Jerry's Kids combined have less medical equipment than these "athletes." The team that played after our team showed up an hour early *just* to start putting on all their supports and braces! We watched a poor guy wiggle, squirm and eventually pour himself into a hamstring support-- which by the way looks like my granny's old thigh girdle!

Everything about this entire evening was silly. I think I laughed the hardest when one guy walks up to another guy and says "Hey man! I guess you have big party plans for tomorrow with it being cinco de mayo and all!?" and the other guy looks right at him and says, "FOR THE LAST TIME! I'M CUBAN-NOT MEXICAN!!!!"

An update from Toby

An update from Toby: Tom and I took Spencer to the driving range tonight. Spencer hit two large buckets of balls without even flinching while Daddy could only hit only 1/2 a bucket before his back gave out. Spencer would line up the balls and hit them back to back. Spencer enjoyed placing the balls in the divots and trying to hit out of the holes. Uncle Tommy hit 1/2 bucket before Spencer took over and nailed the rest! Afterwards, Spencer wanted to go home and hit some more-ha! Daddy was tired!

Can I brag a little?

Spencer aced his Kindergarten assessment! He got a perfect score! Toby and I are so proud. His awesome score validates that he is ready for Kindergarten but I am still so scared for him to face all the big boy decisions that going to school will bring. (Or am I just scared because my "baby" is growing up?)

He bought me flowers.

My little man bought me flowers for the first time. Ever since he was old enough to grasp he has always picked dandelions in the yard for me, but this is the first time he worked, earned money and bought me flowers. He helped Boppa out in the yard and cleaned up in the garage and Boppa gave him "pocket dollars." Nana had bought similar flowers to take to her Red Hatters meeting and he immediately asked his Boppa to buy some for me. Boppa gave him chores to do to earn the money. He was so proud of himself and I cried I was so happy. Nothing in the world compares to love of a child. Even when the house is a mess, work is crazy and things seem out of control, these flowers sitting on my table make me feel happiness and calm that the pharmaceutical companies only wish they could formulate--ha!

Been There. Done That. Got the T-shirt.

Spencer had his adenoidectomy this morning. He did great! The people at the High Point Regional Surgery Center were fantastic! Kelley (from church) came to wait with our family and we got tons of calls, emails and well wishes and prayers from friends. Spencer was very proud of himself and is more than happy to tell you ALL ABOUT his day! He got a special Tshirt and yellow socks at the surgery center that really impressed him and we can't get him to change clothes! Right now, he is enjoying a popsicle and watching SpongeBob.... what a trooper!

Easter!

Easter was a blast! The Easter Bunny left Spencer lots of nice surprises!

After church, we had a FANTASTIC egg hunt. I WON! (Yes, Mom and Dad still have an egg hunt for us and hide $$ in the eggs-- you should see our big butts running around the yard looking for the eggs! It is hilarious! Toby and I racked up this year!!!$$$$$

Afterwards, we had a nice dinner at our house! We had a big, traditional, southern ham dinner and all the fixins--plus several desserts!!!

Lovin the new pool!

Even though the concrete isn't poured yet, the new pool is SOOOOO nice! The water is heated so it is nice and warm. Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!

Egg-cited!

After church today, we went to an Egg Hunt at Erik and Caroline's church. We enjoyed seeing Erik and Caroline and Spencer had a great time coloring, listening to story time, hunting eggs and then having treats. All the kids were polite and adorable! Spencer's favorite part was finding a little orange egg--much smaller than the others-- it had one little Tootsie roll in it (which Spencer doesn't even eat!) but for some reason that little egg meant more to him than all the big eggs filled with his favorite goodies. I guess we assumed the candy incented him but he "hunted" for enjoyment!

He knows. And he doesn't want to talk about it.

Well. We told Spencer about his surgery. Toby and I agreed to give him enough detail to be honest but not to scare him but to answer anything he asked honestly. As expected, he had a million questions. His biggest concerns were what the doctor would use to cut with and --get this one-- what if the doctor thought he was asleep but he could still feel everything. Geez-- don't we all have that same fear about anesthesia??? After all his questions he matter-of-factly said, "I don't want to talk about this any more."

Spencer's surgery is April 19th. Remember him in your prayers!

My baby is growing up!

We registered Spencer for Kindergarten last night. Shocking, huh? Spencer is going to school in August. I can't believe that. I want my baby back!!!!!!!

At registration we saw several parents/kids that we know from baseball and preschool so at least we will know some people there. The principal seemed knowledgable and approachable. We took Spencer to the Media Center and he walked in, looked around and asked, "Is all this for ME????" Too cute!

What a week at Disney!

What a busy week! We were worried about the boys being tired--but they were fine--it was us that pooped out each night!

Monday- MGM
Tuesday- Animal Kingdom
Wednesday- Magic Kingdom
Thursday- Epcot
Friday- Park hop all day!

Now I need to get to work on my scrapbook, right?

Ready Ready Ready

We are SO ready for our trip!!! I can't believe it is almost here! Toby got all the laundry caught up last night and I started packing! We are stopping Saturday night in Savannah-- that's a nice half way point between us and Mickey! Plus we get to eat at The Lady and Sons-- you gotta love Paula Deen!!!

Spencer is SO excited about Disney! Pray for a safe trip for us!!!!!

Warning-- you *WILL* have to suffer through my Disney scrapbook at some point in the future!!!!!

a wee little excitement

Well let me tell you about our exciting evening last night. I am having some trouble with swelling in my right leg so my doctor put me on a very aggressive schedule of fluid pills since we are leaving for Disney in a few days. Anyway.... I came home with my new prescription. I took my first pill out of the bottle and laid it on the counter. I turned around to get some water out of the door of the refrigerator and when I turned back around (like literally 4 seconds later!) there is Spencer standing in the kitchen (where in the hell did he come from??) and MY PILL WAS GONE!!!!!!!! What? What? What? NO!!!!!!

I *tried* to be calm and asked Spencer if he took the pill that was lying on the counter. In Spencer's defense, I lay a Claritan on the counter for him every morning. Anyway, Spencer just looked at me. Again, I told him, it was very important that he tell Mommy if he took the pill. All of a sudden he started crying and asked if he would get in trouble if he said yes. We assured him that he wasn't in trouble but immediately called the pediatrician on one line and they had poison control on the other line. After checking his weight and the strength of the medicine, they instructed me how to re-hydrate him because that pill would really flush him out at that strength. I was so upset and totally mad at myself--what kind of parent leaves a pill on a counter even for 4 seconds????? Where was my head????

About an hour of crying and beating myself up, I went back in the kitchen and moved a piece of mail on the counter--and THERE WAS THE FREAKIN PILL!!!! I only had one out of the bottle and this was my first prescription so I know it was the ONLY one that could have been on the counter!!!! I showed it to Spencer and asked why he admitted to swallowing it if he really didn't. He said that when I got upset he got confused and then he couldn't remember if he did or not. How's that for a valuable lesson? My emotions can completely skew Spencer's ability to process information. Good to know right? My kid can be convinced he did something he didn't do all the while his daddy is sticking his fingers down the kid's throat trying to get him to vomit a pill he never took. I hate that we all had to go through it, but we learned a few lessons about (1) not leaving pills out. (2) Not letting emotion confuse Spencer (3) the pediatrician thinks I'm a nutcase and (4) Toby can't make Spencer vomit.

IV is IV

Today was IV's birthday party! I can't believe my little Ivlet Givlet Jackelina Hyena is 4 already!!! I love this picture of him. Mom had just handed him his plate of cake and icecream and he could barely contain how excited he was! IV is my nephew (Jimmy and Melissa's son.)

We had a nice, casual get together including a big spaghetti dinner-- hence the "sketti" stains all over the kids' clothes and faces in all the pictures!

I tell ya-- I don't know what they are using for food coloring dye in the cake icing but that stuff is nearly permanent!! We ALL had Power Ranger blue fingers by the end of the evening!!!

Baaaaaad one

A young cowboy from Prescott, AZ. Walks into the White Cafe in Winslow, AZ. He sits at the counter and notices an old cowboy with his arms folded staring blankly at a full bowl of chili. After fifteen minutes of just sitting there staring at it, the young cowboy bravely asks the old cowpoke, "If you ain't gonna eat that, mind if I do?" The older cowboy slowly turns his head toward the young wrangler and in his best cowboy manner says, "Nah, go ahead." Eagerly, the young cowboy reaches over and slides the bowl over to His place and starts spooning it in with delight. He gets nearly down to the bottom and notices a dead mouse in the chili. The sight was shocking and he immediately barfs up the chili into the bowl. The old cowboy quietly says, "Yep, that's as far as I got, too."

RAK high

I have a RAK high. I received a RAK (random act of kindness) in the mail from a friend. Something wonderfully unexpected, a little gift with no reason, no obligations, nothing but "here, this is for you just because I thought of you." Isn't that nice? Made an average day an exceptional day!!!

Mr. Snotty

Well.. April 19th Spencer is having surgery. But SHHHhhhh! We're not telling him yet. You know what a sensitive little worry wart he is for 5 years old-- no need to make him stress out (and subject us to a million questions) over the next month. We do his preadmission stuff on April 3. Plus we have our Disney trip coming up-- we will definitely wait until after that to start "preparing" him for what will happen.

Hopefully, post surgery, his newly cleared out sinus cavity and his removed (abnormally large) adenoids will clear out all this constant infection. He sure deserves a break!!

Go Heels!

Carolina 83 Dook 76
It's all good!

Germ-a-palooza

Yep-- my poor little Spencer is still sick. We have Disney coming up in a couple of weeks so we need to get this kid well! He had ANOTHER doctor visit today and then he went for a CT scan. He was a perfect little angel and was v.e.r.y still for the technicians- I was so proud of him!

Scrap Retreat!

What a weekend! We left Thursday afternoon for Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for a Scrapbooking and Stamping retreat. We arrived that evening just in time for Margaritas at our favorite Mexican restaurant (Fiesta Del Burro Loco) and lots of laughs. Our poor waitress was having an "off" night and spilled an entire thing of Salsa on Dee and Mom. Dee's jacket was splattered in red--looked like a drive by salsa-ing!!!


We were set up and scrapping by 10 am Friday morning and pretty much worked until 1 pm on Sunday. We slept a few hours Friday night and very few hours Saturday night. We enjoyed the Make-It Take-It classes and I managed to get 54 pages done as well! I burned through all my Blitzen, we made obnoxious Merkin jokes, and we pretty much laughed the entire time!

Valentine's- Preschool style

My son brought home his bag o' love from preschool and I was ready- camera in hand- to capture his excitement. Joke was on me. All he cared about was the candy attached to some of the Valentines. He didn't even care about reading what they said or anything. I guess he is still too young to appreciate the fun of the exchange. He thought this was the most boring holiday ever!

Spencer's Social Calendar

It's pretty sad when our 5 year old has a better social calendar than we do.

He spent this week at Myrtle Beach with Mom, Dad, III, Melissa and IV. His week was filled with heated pools, sunny days playing in the sand, warm afternoons of miniature golf, basketball, shopping, eating out and goofing off! Next on his social schedule? Arena Cross with Daddy and III and then the Monster Truck Jam with Boppa and III. Geez! Little boys.....

Toby and I stayed at home and worked, worked, worked. Speaking of which, I have to give a shout out to my co-worker Susan who has been awesome on a project I am working on! Other than working long hours (and missing Spencer like crazy!) nothing much happened this week. We decided to keep Valentine's Day "low key." We picked up take out from Chili's and stayed at home. We had Champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries and watched the Wedding Crashers. It was a nice, quiet evening for a change!

So... as Spencer spends wild days and nights doing all the fun stuff, Toby and I will be about as boring as this blog at either home or work....

Superbowl Sunday!

Sunday, Feb 5

We celebrated Melissa's (my sis-in-law) 30th birthday and had a Superbowl Party at Mom and Dad's house. We pulled for the Steelers in honor of our friends, The Camps. Everyone brought heavy hors d'oevres and sweets--we were stuffed all night! We enjoyed ranking the commercials and just goofing off together. Spencer and IV thought "streaking" was the best commercial. They laughed hard and then we laughed harder at the thought that they understood "streaking" humor!!!

We gave Melissa a huge pack of Disney scrapbooking papers and embellishments to take with her on the next retreat and a "bling" T-shirt that says Caffeine Rules to poke fun at her Starbucks addiction. Speaking of the retreat... Mom, Melissa and I (along with some some friends) are going to Myrtle Beach, SC for a scrapbooking retreat Feb 24-26. We can't wait!!!

January 2006

We started January 2006 with several rounds of antibiotics and infections. Poor kiddo-- he has become an expert on the flavors CVS can add to his medicines--blech! Good thing he keeps a happy attitude! Fortunately, we have had a mild winter and I think that has helped keep him from getting really sick. But the little nitwit prays for snow just about every night. Nana and Boppa gave him a snowsuit and snow boots for Christmas and he wants to play in the snow SO badly. We really haven't had snow since he was about two so he doesn't remember it. Last year at the beach, he made "snow angels" in the sand and pretended that he had snow. For his sake, I kind of wish we would get a couple of inches (no ice!) just for a day so that he could made a snowman, a snow angel, and throw some snow balls. I, of course, really need some snow pictures for my scrapbook--ha! Other than staying busy with work and all three of us fighting sinus and ear infections all month, January 2006 was quite nice!