Destructo Strikes Again!

I'm only blogging right now because Eric thinks it will be therapeutic.

While organizing the clothes in drawers that Emily "Destructo" Botley likes to empty, I set the girls down at the table to color with Crayola "No Mess" Markers. I just bought them yesterday because Emily has colored on our table, the walls, and herself. So, I said to myself, "Self, at least this way, if she colors on something besides her paper, you won't have to break out your 'Mr. Clean Magic Eraser' that you bought to take the pencil and crayon off of the wall that Emily scribbled a couple of months ago." (Pauses to take a breath and sigh)

So, while in the bedroom, I heard Bradley(the little boy I watch during the week) crying for me to put him down for a nap. I came out and laid him down in Michael's room and walked into the dining room to discover the brand new markers on the table with the tips bitten off of them.......!

It gets kind of fuzzy after that because the room started spinning and turning red! I've heard stories from my mother of my brother being a bit of a "Destructo", but I always just laughed and thought, "I won't let that happen with my kids." So, how do I eat crow? Today, I'd like it fried with lots of ranch dressing and a piece of humble cheesecake to chase it down!

Who should you vote for?

Mike Huckabee				69
Mitt Romney				34
Ron Paul				21
Rudy Giuliani				6
John McCain				3

You expected: Mike Huckabee
Your recommendation: Mike Huckabee

Party: Republican
Born: 1955, Hope, Arkansas
Family: Wife and three children
Career: Staffer for James Robison; Church Pastor
Political career: 12th Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas, 1993-6; 54th Governor of Arkansas, 1996-2007
Hot topic: Fair tax
Did you know? First job, at 14, was working at a radio station where he would read the news and weather
Supported by: Chuck Norris, Ted Nugent, Ric Flair

In Chains

If you know anything about crocheting, you know, at times it can be maddening. I have really come to enjoy this hobby, but I'm just not very good at it. I'm learning. I have one pattern down to a science, but for some reason the Granny Square continues to give me problems. I'm working on a blanket for a friend, who's baby is due in March. The photo above shows the progress made so far. I keep having to unravel it because it doesn't look right.

The photo to the right is a blanket I just completed for another friend who had a baby in November. Lauren loved her blankie (aka "Minky") and we finally had to throw it away because it got so nasty. If I can find a picture of her with her minky I will add it to this post. If you have any crochet advice click "Whuddya Thinks?" I'd love some help........

Toodles.......

Busy, Busy, Busy

Okay, that's just my way of excusing myself for not posting everything I did after 6 p.m. on Saturday. I did do quite a bit, but I just never got it typed.......If you're wondering to what I'm referring please see Robin's Blog.
Okay, I made supper. I grilled chicken in the pouring, ccccold rain. I set the table. I served everyone. I cut up meat for the kids. I cleared the table. I unloaded, then reloaded the dishwasher, with the help of my husband. I sent Michael to get a shower. I wiped everything down. I got a shopping list together and went to CVS, Publix, and the bank (ATM deposit). I came home and plopped down to watch Pirates III with my hubby. I fell asleep, as ususal, while watching the movie. That's about it.
I do want to share with you, however, the recipe for the chicken I made. It's the best marinade because it takes very little time to make.

Italian Grilled Chicken
3/4 cup olive oil
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup Italian seasoning
1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Marinate chicken breast in a bag with these seasoning for about 10-15 minutes. Grill........It's incredible! One of my favorites....

Okay, most of you know, I don't subscribe to the global warming theory, but who knows......maybe I'm wrong....

Girls Night Out!

It feels like I was just 18 years old. I met Eric when I was eighteen. I graduated from high school when I was eighteen. A lot has happened and changed in my life in the last 14 years. Yesterday, Kayla, a close family/church friend, celebrated her 18th year of life. She has been counting down the days for sometime now. I, along with some other close friends from our church, decided to surprise Kayla and take her out on the town for her birthday. We went to The Outback and saw the movie, Enchanted. The waitress at The Outback, mistook me for the girls' mother! I quickly corrected her......The nerve of some people....:) I would be proud to be the mother of any of these girls. They are a classy, top notch group of young women, who love Jesus. They actually remind me of three others girls I knew before I got married......Melissa Melba(Kayla), Robin Faulkner (Amy), and Kristie Collins (Kristin). It's actually kind of frightening the similarities between these ladies. Three close, Christian friends who are creating lots of memories to look back on fondly. I would claim these girls as my daughters any day of the week! Even if I was only 12 when the first was born.......

Little Miss Lauren Pageant

Lauren received some birthday money from family so we decided to go shopping. It was just me and her. We had so much fun. I don't really get to spend time with my kids individually, so this was a real treat for both of us. We went to Goody's Outlet and did quite well. Lauren has sprouted up quickly and was in need of some new attire. When we got home last night, Lauren wanted to model her new wardrobe for her daddy. It was so cute to see her walk back and forth and do the "hip turn". She's definitely been studying her runway technique. Here is a preview of the "Birthday Collection". Enjoy.......

Little Lauren Turns 4!

On Wednesday, my second born turned 4 years old. We celebrated by taking her to Burger King for a kid's meal and playing on the playground. We had church that night, so we had a party for her at my In-Laws on Saturday. We had a great time. My mom and dad came with my brother and my grandmother. Eric's grandparents were there, along with my sister and brother-in-law and nephew. Whew! Did I forget anyone? Eric's mom got Lauren a horsie cake. She got some very nice gifts from everyone. We laughed and ate and just had a really nice day.

I can't believe it's been 4 years since Lauren came into our lives. She is such a blessing. I love that each of my children bring something different into our family. Lauren is definitely the dreamer. She has quite an imagination and the world is her stage. She loves to sing and dance and gallop around. According to her, she doesn't have hands, she has hooves. She's a horsie girl, through and through.......Thank you to everyone who shared in her birthday celebration.

Happy Birthday, Robin!

I feel so blessed to have such a great friend in my life. I know not many people are as fortunate to have stayed so close with a childhood friend. Robin and I have known each other since we were 8 years old. We had our ups and downs the first few years. She called me "Zebra Feet"! I think I was wearing striped socks or something......

By the time we were about 12 or 13 we were spending lots of time together. She invited me to church with her when we were freshmen in high school. I decided to go because I wanted to see if there were any cute guys there.......I have been boy crazy since birth! Little did I know the change about to take place in my life. I became a believer in Jesus Christ. That's what has bonded us throughout the years. Of course, we talk about food and reality shows, but Jesus is eternal. I love the talks we share about our Savior. I love the way I can call Robin and vent about whatever is the current crisis of my life. She is great at giving me sound, Godly advice.

Robin, I hope you have a wonderful birthday. I love you and treasure your friendship more than I could ever express in words.

For Details, see.....

If you want a play by play of our awesome Orlando trip click here.

We're Back!

We had a wonderful time in Orlando with the O'Donnell Family. I am totally exhausted, but it was worth it. Robin is so resourceful. She can find free stuff really well. We did a lot of things without spending $$$. We even went inside Disney World for free! We didn't pay for parking or buses and our kids still felt like they got to see Disney! Lauren even got to see Cinderella's Horses! I will say that it will be a long time before I take my kids to a theme park again. Waiting in lines for over an hour is for the birds! Especially with a 2 year old. I'm glad we didn't pay for those tickets! Yeah, I said it.....free.....We did a time share schpeel thingy and they gave us tickets to Islands of Adventure at Universal. Also, Michael's dad works for Universal and he help the rest of our family get in for free.....I'm telling you, if you're travelling, call Robin first! I will set up a slideshow when I get all the pics. Robin and I have to email each other....TTFN!