The Point of It All

Target is a trap. Plain and simple. And yes, despite being there 2 days ago, we went again today. In our defense, though, it's a SuperTarget, so first we buy things we absolutely do not need on one side of the store and then move to the grocery area and buy more things we absolutely do not need. Very, very enterprising of those bullseye-Target people.

You may recall the trip Wednesday to Target was less than splendid ... well, today was absolutely nightmarish. I have no idea where my sweet and hysterically funny little girl went ... as always, I love this whatever she is more than I ever thought I could love another human being, but holy cow, it's unbelievable what is going on with her these days. It was hit-and-miss at first, just a bit of crying here and there (normal since she's cutting those molars) but then about 2 minutes into our little journey, she said "bye bye" and when I said those horrific words, "not yet," everything just fell apart in her little world. I don't know if it was her teeth, the fact that she's 2, or just because she can, but wow, did she start screaming.

I just calmly but a bit more briskly continued shopping and then began sprinting, taking out entire displays as I went, and honestly nobody really even looked our way. I don't blame them; they were probably terrified I would toss Annie into their buggy and make a run for it. Ok, there was this one lady who looked our way but only because I think she thought I had a hyena with me.

Now I did a gigantic "no no" and please nobody write in and tell me this because I know. Something just took over, and we are now the proud owner of a Mater pillow from "Cars." I know, I know, this is NOT a good habit on my part at all, but Annie did stop crying for 15 seconds, so it was way worth it, plus the pillow is super cute. But back to the point ... oh, who am I kidding? I don't have points anymore.

Maybe I never had points.

Sewing 101

Alright, I couldn't help it ... the first picture is of Kristy Lee Cook, who was finally eliminated from Idol last night. Now I'm sure Kristy Lee is a lovely person, but her exit is long overdue in my personal opinion. However, I do hope she gets her horse back. (she sold it to pay for getting to the audition.) So now we are down to 6 contestants ...

You may notice we are blogging early today ... some of the pictures were from yesterday afternoon when I was doing anything to entertain Miss Priss as she had a grand total of 25 minutes of napping (including Moms Day Out.) She actually did pretty well, though, but still, the camera is almost a never-fail option.

We have KinderMusik in a little while, and then I'm hoping (PRAYING) she will feel like a nap. Of course, right? Don't all our days with children go exactly as we plan they will? Sure, sure. And while she's napping, I'll catch up on my crafting, cleaning, darning of necessary socks and other sewing. Right.

David, You Had Me At Hello

Ok, I have to get this out of the way first ... guilty pleasure. American Idol. Without Michael Johns, last night just wasn't the same, but David Cook MORE than made up for it. Plus, his 36-year-old brother with brain cancer that has spread to his spine was in the audience for the performance. Turns out their hometown footed the $80,000.00 bill to get Adam (the brother,) his wife and their two kids to see David do his thing. And yes, it made me cry ... of course.

Ok, I'm including random pictures for your viewing pleasure. And no, there are none of me, but be grateful. Since becoming a mom, the most I do to get ready to do errands and whatever else Annie and I have to do in a day is change out of my jammies. At least I hope I do. Sometimes we walk in Target or wherever, and I mentally think to myself, "did I remember to not wear my pajamas and did I at least comb my hair?" Of course sometimes I actually say that out loud. What is it about kids that just sucks those brain cells right out?

Speaking of brain cells, Annie and I were in Target the other day (no, we don't live there, but I wouldn't mind if we did) and she was having a serious Sybil breakdown moment, so she saw this little "Cars" book she wanted. Against my better judgment, I gave it to her. Who knew the *&^%^&*%^&* thing honked? So there we go through Target honking and occasionally screaming. Both of us.

It's My Birthday

To the most amazing and patient husband a girl could ever ask for and the most incredible father to Annie, Mary and Hope ... we all love you so much and wish you the most Happy Birthday!
(and, Bubba, we love you, too, and hope you have a wonderful birthday as well!!)

Anthony's Birthday Weekend

Well, we have had a lovely, lovely weekend! Anthony's birthday is Monday, so he declared this was his birthday weekend (i.e. trip to Lowe's, yardwork, and watching the Master's or incessantly checking the leaderboard.) And, of course, our most favorite thing: family time. The major landscaping came this morning, despite the fact that Nashville has once again become the weather-insane frozen tundra ... didn't stop us ... we just kept on planting our hardy plants, certain (and advised by others) that the flowers were just about unkillable (is that a word?)
Still, I'm praying pretty hard they'll survive as we may actually have snow showers tomorrow. So strange.
And Julie, I, too, am still in shock about Michael. What is Idol coming to? Of course, you know my favorite is Carly, but still, I thought Michael would be one of the last ones standing ... maybe he'll come stand in my living room now. Jealous?

Sam

This is a post I have intentionally put off writing because, for once, I honestly didn't know quite what to say. But still it must be written.

My cat, Sam, passed away on March 26, 2008. He got sick very, very quickly and died very peacefully in my father's arms. He was 12 years old, and I have had him since I was in college.

When Anthony and I first got married, we had a small zoo that included 2 cats (Sam and Katie,) 3 dogs (Mary, Hope and Alex,) and several parakeets. Well, it didn't take long to discover that Anthony was allergic to cats, and Hopie and Alex absolutely did NOT get along. So our parents graciously stepped in, and Alex went to live with Anthony's mom and dad (spoiled rotten of course) and Sam and Katie went to my mom and dad's, where they were treated like royalty. Katie is still ruling the roost there.

If you're not an animal person, then this post may not mean a whole lot; however, my family is an animal family, and most of us have pets of some variety. And so it is that you take these incredibly loving and loyal animals even though you know their eventual deaths will almost take your breath away. To me, animals are like angels and somehow they give so much more than they take. It was that way with Sam ... my dad used to say, "That Sam, now he's a good man."

And so he was.

The Absence of Sybil

Ok, I'm taking a tiny break from posting pictures on account of the posting marathon I just finished.

I am extraordinarily happy to report that Sybil (Annie) (thanks, Julie, for letting me use your word!) has been away today. We've had a busy but fun day, and Sybil has only popped up occasionally. I figure we'll just take it day by day by day by day by day. Maybe it's her big old molars coming through, maybe it's the terrible two's, I don't know. Parenthood is such a guessing game, isn't it? Nonetheless, I have such fun with Annie and am so grateful for that.

Now onto my guilty pleasure: American Idol. I fear tonight's elimination. I THINK it's Syesha's turn to go bye-bye, but honestly, I have no idea. If it's Carly, I will hurl myself onto the carpet screaming and never watch TV again.
Yeah, right. Sure, sure.

Role of the Slave Already Filled

Ok, the teething has GOT to end ... poor little Annie. (and, of course, poor little me.)
She had Moms Day Out today, so I was out running the never-ending list of errands and stopped at Walgreen's to pick up some pictures I had developed there. Whilst perusing the aisles, I came across those super magic markers (just like the ones Aunt Mandi, Uncle Matt and Anna Lauren sent) and a Disney Princess coloring book. Ah, visions of the two of us spending the afternoon coloring together filled my head. It was truly lovely.
Instead, I picked our beautiful daughter up, she started screaming in the car (no clue why but really do moms usually know why?), had a giant poop (her not me,) then when we got home her personal slave (part played by yours truly) dutifully changed her diaper. She then proceeded to be oh-so-briefly excited about the new markers and book and the thoughtfulness her slave had put into purchasing them for her, then something in her little world went hideously wrong and she threw herself onto the floor screaming bloody murder not once, not twice but three times. Needless to say, she is now in her crib completely silent and napping.
Good grief. I think maybe I'll go downstairs and color. Now isn't that just great? Pray for those little mood-altering molars to come in quickly. Very quickly.

All of God's Creatures

And so will end my marathon day of posting pictures ... these are what I like to call pictures of "the end of the day and let's do whatever it takes for Annie not to have a meltdown." Therefore, you will see the end result of her dressing herself in a "Cars" outfit, Vanderbilt socks, and pink Crocs. You will also see her loving on her big sister, Mary, and very obviously being able to tell she is seriously cutting those molars ... Nonetheless, any meltdowns were averted I am proud to say, and now Anthony is home and I have a moment to finish up posting pictures for the day. Enjoy.

A Day In the Life

Family Pictures

So this is our family on my dad's side: my cousin, Danielle, her husband,Craig and their three boys: Carson (oldest,) Canon (middle) and Cohen (14 months.) There are LOTS of pictures, but one in particular may stand out -- in the group picture where we're all sitting around a table playing a board game and my mom looks like she's about to keel over ... well, that's because she was. That game is super hard (unless you're Carson) and she was tired from thinking so much!

Still More Pictures

More Family Pictures