Happy Birthday USMC

This girl and her family love and miss their Marine terribly. To any other Marines that may happen by here Thank you for all that you do. You are all so brave and our Heroes.

My Kiddo

Today Aubs was telling me some of the things she learned in school. She told me about how she uses her dominant hand for more that her non dominant hand. Someone also must have told her that the best way to learn Spanish is to practice at home. I asked her to please bring something blue to me and she asked me to please say azul.

Oops.

I knew I should not have turned on live TV. I had planned on watching Tivoed shoes and not checking the election results until later tonight or tomorrow. Now I am glued to the tv and laptop. I have tons of pictures from Sunday night which I will post later once I can get them off of the camera.

Here We Go!!

A Charissa Style Checklist

Shower - check
Clean Out Car - check
Pack - check
Pluck Eyebrows - check
Paint Toes - check
Bring Jenny to the concert she has been waiting to see since she was a tween - In Progress
Scream like a 13 year old girl - Will Commence at 7:30 PM

Yesterday

Yesterday was a fun day. Aubs' school had invited us to lunch with our kids and then to the book fair. It was one of those moments where the memories of elementary school came flooding into my mind. I think I can still describe the gym/lunchroom at Fishcreek with painstaking detail. The book fair had the same effect and I found myself upset at the lack of Mad Libs. Today is Storybook Day and Aubs is very excited to dress up as Pinkalicious.

Cookie Decorating

We went to SeaWorld today. They had their Halloween Spooktacular. Aubs went trick or treating, got to pet one of the Clydesdales, and we decorated a cookie. The cookie decorating may be one of my favorite things I have seen in a Theme Park. For $5 we got a cookie and toppings, chocolate milk, and a lunch box to take home. We had an absolute blast today.

Hero Worship

My Thursday

We had quite a busy day today. Here is the rundown of what Aubs and I accomplished:

- I voted. I did not want to take the chance that I would have to be late to work or adjust my schedule. Florida offers early voting so I took advantage. I will not go into which candidate I chose but I am happy with my decision. It really took me a while to decide.

- Aubs also chose her candidate. I tried explaining she is not old enough but she seems to be obsessed with him all of a sudden. She even taught the son of a friend who usually leans the other way of her candidate to say his name. The kid is just learning to speak and now has one new word that may cause me some trouble. I swear I had nothing to do with any of it. She asked me on our way out the door who was running, she decided on one person and that was that. She didn't even ask who my choice was first.

- I realized what a problem all the "Yes on 2" people are creating. It is not a gay marriage amendment. Even if it is why are people so afraid? Come on people read for your self. If you have any questions please go here.

- I filled my tank for under $21 I cannot even remember the last time that happened.

- We went to Target. That store has a way of sucking the money right out of my wallet.

- Aubs and I went to my work. She decided to play shy.

Apostrophe

Shawn and I think that today's lesson in Kindergarten must have been using the apostrophe to show possession. We have decided this because the following items were written on Aubs' dry erase board:

Aubrey's momy is home with her Daddy.

Aubrey's throt hurts.

She tends to repeat the lessons each evening to her invisible students. We have seen story webs, letter webs, and practice sentences almost every evening.

Raising A Child In An Internet World

Aubs has been playing on the computer most of the morning. She is home from school today with a bit of a cold. While she was asking the correct spelling of a website the following question popped into my head: Are teachers having a hard time explaining the difference between a dot and a period? I for one can see Aubs telling the teacher "No that is a dot. I use it on my computer all the time. You know like dot com?"

Ten

Dear Pat,
I miss you terribly. I cannot believe it has been ten years. I still remember every word of our last conversation. I can still see the tears in your eyes. As hard as that memory is, I am finally starting to appreciate the fact that we had a proper goodbye. People have told me how lucky I was and I just couldn't see it. I realize that even though we had tears we had a wonderful last moment. I look back and wonder where I found those exact words at that moment and thank God that I did and am pretty sure he had them for me. At the same time I have always had peace that I promised you I would see you again.
I am so glad you were with us that last summer. I remember so many random things from that summer it is almost as if I knew how important those memories would be. That was the summer we discovered we liked the same Canadian music. Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan still make me smile for that reason.
Today I am going to celebrate with Carly. The day you left us was the day she came into my life. I figured you would prefer it this way. Everyone at home is meeting for a football game. There will be tons of new faces, most of them very small.
I will try to find a vodka drink to have in your honor though I doubt they will have one mixed with Gatorade.
Love Always And Until I see You Again,
Missy

Great Day

Today Aubs and I went to the Southern Women's Show. It was really fun and Aubs got to meet some of her favorite people on TV. Jon & Kate Gosselin from Jon & Kate Plus 8 were there doing a meet and greet.

Welcome To Your Thirties...

My dearest Sister Helen. I hope your first day and all that follow of your thirties are amazing. We had a "math" lesson this afternoon and baked blondies in your honor.

Budding Fashionista Strikes Again

Aubs just told me I need to go on "What Not To Wear".

Ten On Tuesday

I don't usually do these but I figured this would be the best way to catch up. (The order has more to do with how blogger loaded everything not necessarily chronological)
1.
My cousin Danielle came down from Ohio and her lovely boyfriend Ben drove her all the way from Tampa to see us. We went to The Rainforest Cafe. Right before she arrived I looked at the coffee mugs and noticed these two names. I check these racks religiously just in case they ever decide to make an Aubrey. I do not usually see my grandparents names together like that.

2. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month I donated my ponytail to the Florida Hospital Cancer Center's Eden Spa for Image Discovery. Due to the dress code at work I could not get their October Promotion so I decided to cut and donate my hair. As a fundraiser they are giving hot pink hair extensions to anyone who donates ten or more dollars at their location.

3. School seems to be going well for Aubs. Today we had a lesson in Play-doh Diplomacy.

4.
This is our fall foods picnic. They did not have the items I needed to make the dinner I wanted to eat at Publix so we just went with plan B. The items were homemade Pumpkin Muffins and Mrs. Craig's Apple Dip. Some days I just like to be different.

5. Thursday is officially 10 years since I moved to Florida.

6. Carly and I will be celebrating 10 years as friends. I do not usually remember the date of when I meet people. Unfortunately the morning I started working at FAO I was awakened by a call letting me know that someone very dear to my heart had passed away suddenly. I decided to celebrate instead of mourn this year.

7. Pumpkin Spice Latte's are back at Starbucks.

8. I went to Halloween Horror Nights last week. This may not seem like a big deal but to anyone who knew me before 2001 knows that Haunted Houses and I did not get along. I used to cover my eyes, shake, and sometimes cry if someone made me go through. Thanks to my brother's coaching I now think they are a riot and love to see the make-up and try to figure out which props are actually boo holes.

9. I think that a Marine is to Aubrey what A Ghost was to Bobby. She will be a Marine again for Halloween this year. I believe this may have quite a bit to do with #10. She was given the glossy version and believes that the Marines kick the bad guys.

10.
Jake left for Iraq on Sunday. This young man means the world to us. Please pray for the safety of him and the other men in his unit.

Prayers To All

Prayers to everyone at home. I just read the reports about Ike causing some major damage up that way. I hope everyone is safe and well.

Conversations With My 5 Year Old

Aubs on sharks.

A: What is in the woods?

M: Trees and animals.

A: Maybe bears?

M: Possibly.

A: Maybe there is a lake with sharks and alligators.

M: Alligators probably but no sharks. Sharks require salt water.

A: So they can live in pools.

M: No, they cannot live in pools. They need salt water.

A: They can live in some pools. Daddy has salt at his store for pools. (For salt generators)

M: Sharks cannot live in pools.

A: Can they live in a saltwater pond?

M: No, their food isn't there.

A: Sharks only eat fish and people that swim to deep and close to them.

9/11/08

This photo is from Jesse's Air Force Graduation. Today I have been thinking how amazing Jesse and Jake are for choosing the Military path. They both knew there was a good chance they may be called overseas. Jake leaves in three weeks. I know this is what he trained for, I know he is brave, and I know he will carry the prayers of all of us with him. I am still worried.

This year's anniversary is so different for me. Today Aubs is old enough to question why today is a sad day. I remember those feelings so vividly from that morning that when Aubs asked today I couldn't help but cry.

The longest ten minutes of my life happened when I couldn't find Carly. She had been in New York on the tenth and I couldn't remember when her flight came home. The funny thing is looking back it was probably only one and a half minutes. The time to leave her a message and then call Jenny.

Prayers and Love to all today.

Why We Love Our Neighbors And Other Titles For Yesterday

- I am Superwoman And Can Push This Riding Lawnmower Out Of This Ditch.

- How To Add Gas To The Mower Without Dropping The Gas Cap In A Pile Of Fire Ants

- How To Make A Roasting Pan Double As A Casserole Dish When One Realizes They Underestimated The Size Of The Pyrex.

- Officer, I Am Really Sorry A Chunk Of Your Fence Got Caught In My Mower. (The neighbor happens to be a Sheriff's Deputy)

- How I Killed The Women's Lib Movement In One Simple Act Of Helping The Husband With The Mowing.

- I Got The Two Hour Ironing Down To One and A Half Hours. (The Pleats Will Not Win!)

- Don't Forget The Height Setting Of The Mower Or You May Just End Up With A Lawn That Closely Resembles A Marine Corps Recruit Hair Cut.

Contrary to the titles above I had a great and productive day yesterday. I managed to do all of my errands and visit with Kiera all before noon. Once I got home I was feeling a bit antsy and thought I would help Shawn by mowing the lawn. We are a bit behind since TS Fay came through since in order to effectively use the riding mower the lawn must be sort of dry we had to wait for the ground to sort of dry out. Once we were ready to go it started to rain again and things got postponed again. Yesterday I decided in true Missy fashion that I could totally do this myself. I got the mower out and set the blade to the highest setting for the first pass. My father taught me that when mowing the lawn each pass should overlap to ensure equal cutting. Since our lawn was a bit long I decided to go long first as to not choke the mower. The problem came when I tried to remember Shawn's setting for the regular cutting. I chose one a bit too short. When Aubs saw it she said "Wow, the lawn is short. At least you can wait longer to cut it again because it will take longer to grow back." During the course of the cutting I got the mower stuck in the ditch. I guess I did not allow the ground to dry enough. I had to push/pull it out myself. I could have gone to the lovely neighbor and asked for help but I was determined. I managed to get the mower out of the ditch and continue on my way only to grab a stray board from the neighbors fence. I did go to his door at that point. He got a good chuckle out of the situation and said that most of our side of the fence was a bit loose from the rain/storms. I only got stuck one more time and was able to fix it without a problem. I then decided to cook dinner. I am trying to cook enough food that I can get a few lunches out of the meal. I cooked two boxes of pasta last night and realized they would not fit in my casserole dish. I had to use the roasting pan. Anyone want some baked spaghetti?

New Hair

Aubs got a haircut this weekend. She had wanted it up to her ears and I had talked her into chin length. She was a bit apprehensive for the first day or two but now that she knows her and Aunt Honey have the same hair all seems well with the world again. Aubs had enough hair to donate to Locks of Love, when we explained what it was she was awfully excited to donate.
The after picture is from then next day. I had to do some fixing when we got home so the after pictures from the first day aren't a good representation.

Thoughts

- Oh S***.

- Is it okay to think someone is a hypocrite when wearing a "Green Chic" shirt they have their groceries put into plastic bags and then climb into their SUV?

- Did you know you can get a suntan at eight in the morning while walking Aubs to school?

- If anyone ever hears me say that the pleated skirts are so cute on little girls tell me to put it back on the rack. Please, I beg you. I just had to iron the two pleated skirts and one jumper with pleated bottoms and it was pretty freaking annoying.

- Ironing all the clothes for me and Aubs for the week took almost two hours. Stupid pleats.

School Has Resumed

Aubs has been back in school the past couple days. The weather still really sucks but at least my poor five year old is not stuck in the house. Her behavior can only be described as confirming the cabin fever myth. (We watched this Mythbusters this week) It wasn't that there was nothing here to do she just wanted to go outside or to Michaela's. She is loving kindergarten. Here are the things I learned from her the past two days:
- The art teacher is magic.
- The art teacher taught them color magic today but Aubs ripped her paper.
- The cafeteria makes really good jell-o with fruit. (She bought her first lunch today)

I have no idea what has happened in her regular class. Her Pre-K teacher called her last night. I only wish I could have been here to see her face. She has talked endlessly about Mrs. P. over the summer and how much she misses her. It really made her night.

Inner Barbarian

I just discovered BMX racing. How have I never seen this before? I hate to say this but I kind of liked it.

My former boss is one of the top ranked riders in the world in his age group. Gary S. I just gained a whole new level of respect for you.

Storm Update.

It has been wet, wet, wet all day. It is only a bit breezy but the water is out of control. Our front and side yards have standing water in them and from what I can tell we still have a few hours of rain ahead of us.

Aubs does not like the severe weather reports. She came and asked if I could find her a show that did not go BZZZZ, BZZZZ, BZZZZ and flash yellow stuff on the screen.

We had a very angry hawk friend for a while. He sat in one of the trees looking around and very very wet. He must have decided being in a high tree was not so smart and flew off.

What A Day.

Aubs and I both survived her first day of Kindergarten. Her second day of Kindergarten has been postponed until Wednesday at the earliest. I think it may be Thursday before she returns.

I had the best of intentions today to pick her up as a walker. As a child I always thought it would be fun to walk to school but always lived too far away. As it stands now Aubs will not take a bus until high school. As I walked the long way to pick her up 2.5 miles (there is a 1 mile path to get home). I made it 2 miles in and the first band of TS Fay hit the Central Florida area. Luckily Shawn was able to come and get us so that Aubs did not have to get soaked. I am still feeling a bit on the cold side, wet feet and air conditioning don't mix.

I also learned that a bike lock is the forgotten supply. Unfortunately for me everyone else did not forget.

Through Aubs commentary we learned the following:
- They all thought they would get a nap. They did not. Poor K was so tired that they laid their head on the table and may have gotten in trouble.
- Everyone but T was well behaved today. Aubs seems to think that this child pretends not to speak English so that they don't have to listen.
- They colored.
- They read. Not all of the kids can read like her and some just pretended.
- They did centers. The kitchen is not the same as pre-k so they had to use puzzle pieces as cookies.
- PE is no fun. They measured the kids and told them the rules. Aubs said that they were yelling. I think that is actually because the PE area is outside and has a roof on it. The roof is metal and may amplify the sound.
- She says that she likes Kindergarten but not so much.
- She had so much fun. (She is reading over my shoulder and yelling out corrections as I type.)

I Didn't Cry,

Not even one tear. I am not sure how I made it but I did. We dropped her off this morning. She was a bit nervous but I am sure she will be just fine. Her nametag has been scrapified. The teacher said that they would need to wear them all week so I decided we should fancy it up a bit. I also figured that it would go in a scrapbook so I might as well make it stronger with double cardstock. A bit of ribbon, some buttons, and a lanyard and we were good to go. She is by the way the only kid who remembered their nametag today.
The second picture is for Maury. That is the flag Shawn bought for the house.

The Big K

Dear Aubrey Beth,
Tomorrow you start Kindergarten. I am just not sure how this happened I am quite sure deep down in my heart that you are still the girl who can't say milk (nulk). You are well past those days now but still seem to like to throw in an extra n here and there for me. We have bought all your supplies and uniforms (new county wide policy for K-12) and have all of them laid out for the week. On paper it seems we are ready. I am nervous for you to start this new chapter of your life as a school aged child. You have done well at anything placed before you so I know you can do it. I am concerned that they may not be able to keep up with you, but I am sure you will let us know if there is a problem. We were so spoiled last year with a teacher that was willing to set aside time to work with you at your level. I hope the new teacher will do the same. You express yourself so well and can make decisions better than some of the adults I know.

I will have to remember to tell the teacher tomorrow that you think you are a Marine. I realized this when you saluted Miss Bobbie in dance class this weekend. Although I am quite sure if we tell you that Marines only get green dots behavior will not be an issue.

I can't wait to see what you learn this year, it will be quite an adventure for us all.

I love you and am so proud of you.

Love always and forever,
Mama

As If I Wasn't Already Sure

It has once again been proven to me that I am in real trouble with this kid. We just finished watching August Rush. As always she got up and danced to the final credits. She then started improvising a drum solo on her chair to go along. She also asked for a guitar. Anyone know where I can get a real child's sized guitar?

Why I Could Never Win A Gold Medal

Besides the fact that as far as coordination goes I am a bit lacking but I am pretty determined when I decide to do something. The real reason I could not have won a Gold Medal is I would have been a blubbering, sobbing, red faced, and runny nosed athlete on the stand. I saw them interview the women's backstroke winner and they asked her why she kept crying. Well DUH! I cannot even watch the telecast of the medal ceremony or the winning moments without tearing up. Example the Men's Gymnastics All Around Competition. God Love the Underdog. Also watching the US men win the 4 x 100 relay AWESOME. I cheered and cried. I also sent glaring looks at the French Team. I am all for competitive spirit, however if you are published saying you are going to "Smash" the other team, you should be able to back it up.

This Girl Is Just Not Normal

I should be keenly aware of the fact that my daughter is just not like the other kids. I am obsessed with the Olympics and hoped that my girl would want to watch some of the events with me. When I asked her if she would like to watch swimming she responded "No, Tennis." The only tennis that Aubs has ever seen is on the Wii.

Aubrey will start Kindergarten next week. She is having a bit of anxiety, but not over the things that one would think. First she was worried that we hadn't gotten her third folder. Today it was that she didn't think that she would be able to do the homework. I let her in on the secret that since she can read she is going to be fine. I told her that they would also have spelling lists and she said that she already knows how to spell. Once she realized that these things would be okay she informed me that she had one other problem. "I don't know how to write cursive." I had purchased the wrong type of notepad, who knew that the beginning writing tablet and Primary Composition with the dotted line in the middle are not really the same thing. She decided this morning to practice her letters and discovered that there is another way to write them.

Yes, I am aware that I am in some deep trouble here.

Bedtime Conversations With My Five Year Old

Not to be outdone by Michael's bedtime adventures we had one of our own this evening. Aubs was in quite the mood this evening and just did not want to go to bed. After much arguing and doing the exact opposite of what we asked the following scene occurred.

Aubrey crawling out of her room. (This is what she does when she does not want to be caught)

Aubs: I can't sleep.

Me: I don't want to hear it.

Aubs: But Mommy I can't sleep because God is talking to me and He just won't stop.

Me: (choking) What?!

Aubs: God is talking to me and He has a lot to say He won't stop.

Me: Is He saying anything important?

Aubs: No, He is just talking about comic books.

Me: Aubs, God is a pretty understanding man I am sure if you ask nicely He can comeback and talk to you in the morning.

Aubs: I keep asking Him in my head and He keeps going.

At this point Shawn came in and offered to intervene.

November

May be the best month of the year for me. First I got floor seats to NKOTB. Then today I saw this.

I cannot wait.

Conversations With My 5 Year Old

On Nature: Horses are just like lawnmowers. Except they are horses but they both eat grass.

On smiling for pictures: Me: "Aubs why are you making such a silly smiling face in all of your pictures recently?"
Aubs: "I am just trying out some new things. I haven't found one I like yet."

Me: "Can you only try out new smiles when Mommy is the photographer and use your real smile for other pictures?"

Aubs: "Well I can't find my real smile, I think I left it at Michaela's and she may be trying it out. Can you ask Jenny if they have seen it?"

Sometimes I Forget...

How lucky I am to have been born an American Citizen. It is something I think we all take for granted. Today at work one of the ladies came in beaming and said that she passed her test. When asked she stated "My citizenship test, I am an American Citizen.". Wow. Everyone in the break room cheered for her. I wish you all could have seen the pure joy on her face. Her ceremony is on Monday. It was such an amazing moment to see.

Congratulations Y!

I Am In Big Trouble With This One

Aubs has really been stepping up her developing fashion. It is so amazing to watch her put things together. We recently went accessory shopping (for Me) and she kept telling me that her necklaces she picked out were prettier than mine. She even went so far as to tell me "Carly would wear this, if you got this you would be pretty like My CarCar." She was right Carly would wear it but it wasn't appropriate for work.
Speaking of Car Car I think that she has really helped Aubs in her current obsession to be fashionable. On Sunday we took her shopping. She mostly dressed herself and went out wearing the following: 1 maxi dress in pink, white, orange, and purple, 1 pair of purple flip flops, 1 pair Juicy Couture earrings, 1 Coach patent leather pink wristlet (mine by the way, I forgot the rule of pink. If it is pink and comes into the house Aubs may just claim it as hers) and 1 pink sunhat. She was adorable. All that was missing was the giant sunglasses.

My Bravo TV Obsession

My obsession with all thing Bravo reality seems to be spilling over to Aubs. She has asked that I wait until we can watch the "Runway Girl Dress Making Contest Show" (Project Runway) together. She also loves the "Hair Cutting Show" she is so funny. Top Chef was also a big hit. I didn't know it at the time but it is relatively high rated show for 2-14 year olds (or something like that). It proved to be so popular for Bravo that I read they may even make a Kid's Top Chef.

I don't know if I can make it to Friday for Project Runway.

Movies From My Childhood Week

After Annie was such a hit with Aubs, I decided to share another childhood favorite. Tonight we watched Muppets Take Manhattan. I love Jim Henson and miss him as much as one could miss a person they never met. He was responsible for most of my very favorite movies as a child. All of the Muppet movies, Labyrinth, and The Dark Crystal still have a special place in my heart. Here are the thoughts I had while watching this movie:
- I still know this movie nearly word for word. Same for Annie.
- Watching the Jim Henson shows/movies make my heart sad.
- I am thankful for the digital media that allows me to share these films with my darling girl, and that she loves them as much as I did. (She has not yet seen Labyrinth and Dark Crystal, they may scare the crap out of her)
- I remember seeing this movie in the theater with the Binders.
- IMDB is a treasure trove of knowledge. Did you know that Dr. Crusher from Star Trek TNG was first a muppeteer, choreographed scenes in Labyrinth and the Dark Crystal, and is originally from Cuyahoga Falls?
- Thanks to IMDB I also learned that Uncle Traveling Matt is in the wedding scene.

Watch Out Uncle Danny My Uncle Danny*

I think Aubs may grow up to be a bit of a choreographer. She is watching Scooby Doo and has a whole dance for the theme song. It comes with a tumbling pass, cute plays on the words, and of course pointing at the audience. It is absolutely adorable.

*Uncle Danny My Uncle Danny is Kristen's husband. Uncle Danny Your Uncle Danny is Aunt Mary's husband.

Baby A Update

Our daycare providers grandson is doing really well. He is now breathing on his own, and eating. When I have more I will update. Thanks for all the prayers.

What A Great Day

Today Aubs and I spent a wonderful day together we made muffins, chicken and broccoli casserole, and popcorn. We also watched Annie. Aubs had not seen this movie yet and I convinced her it would be a great idea. She wasn't sure but decided to humor me anyhow. She has decided that it is a wonderful movie and has been dancing around all evening. It is amazing how a movie that came out when I was her age can bring the two of us such a great evening.

Happy 4th Everyone

I hope you all have a wonderful and safe Fourth of July. On the Fourth I really get a bit homesick, Stow had one of the best parades ever. I also want to take the time to tell Jesse and Jake how proud I am of them. They made the decision to join the Armed Forces. Thanks guys.

New Milestone

Mom you may need a breathing treatment handy for this one and put down the coffee.

I have started a new job that requires I work some evenings. Yesterday was one such evening and when I spoke to Shawn this morning he asked if Aubs had told me what happened last night. I told him that she had not and he went on to recount the following harrowing tale.

Aubs was reading a catalogue that had come yesterday. She found a discount card that was stuck in with the sticky glue, kind of like the glue dots for scrapbooking, and pulled out the card. She took the stuff off of the back and must have thought it looked like snot because the next thing she did was stuff it up her nose.

She then went in to see Shawn in the next room and said "I have to tell you something" In our house those are the six most feared words. If they are followed by "and your not going to like it" one should run quickly away. She then explained to Shawn that she had stuck this stuff up her nose "and it won't come out".

Shawn had her lie down on the bed so he could look up her nose. He didn't see anything (probably because the stuff looks like regulation boogers). Aubs decided to just blow really hard out her nose while Shawn was looking and the glue came flying out at him.

Man am I ever sorry I wasn't here to see it. Aubrey has now joined the ranks of kids that stick things up their nose. Somewhere in Heaven my mother-in-law is laughing so hard I am surprised we cannot hear her.

Aunt Maury

Happy Birthday Aunt Maury.

Yes I do realize that you may very well want to "Kick My A**" for posting this picture. However I thought that since your favoritest Great Niece had taken it you may forgive me. I love you. Have A Great Day.

Prayers Please

We have been very fortunate to find a daycare provider for Aubs that is really more like an extension of family instead of just a place she goes every day. Her daughter's son was born very early Monday morning. He was born somewhere between 8 and 12 weeks early. They had originally thought he was 12 weeks early but since he started breathing right away and is quite wiggly they think that she may have been a little further along. He is doing well and has a breathing tube for rescue situations. He is a little over 3 lbs and 16 inches long. They say that he is doing very well for a preemie. His father is currently a contractor overseas and is rushing back and hopes to be home by tomorrow.
Please pray for this family that means so much to us and wrap them in prayers and loving thoughts, just as they do for Aubs on a daily basis.

Conversations With My 5 Year Old

Aubrey is painting today. Here is what occurred while she was trying to mix colors.

A: What happens when you mix black and red.

M: Since Black is the darkest it should still be black.

A: Oh.

A few moments of silence later this took place:

A: Mama, mama if you mix a little black into red it turns brown. It is a lighter brown than I already have. I have to tell everyone about this.


I stand corrected. In order to help Aubs tell everyone about this I thought I should post it.

Nothing Much

There hasn't been too much going on around here. I thought I would post a few pictures that I have taken recently.

My Daddy

Dear Daddy,
I am so glad you are mine. I love you more than you could ever know. I love the fact that you drank out of the same coffee mug for year just because it was from your first Father's Day gift. I love the fact that I was your first Father's Day gift, sorry for scaring you in those first few days.
You have raised us to be faith filled, fun loving, most excellent parents. I know that the things I do with Aubs and the person she is becoming are directly related to the lessons from you and Mom.
This past year has been quite an adventure. We have made it this far and I am sure we will be stronger on the other side. You gave us quite a scare this year, I guess we are even now. I am glad that you are doing so well and hope and pray you continue that way for a very, very long time. I am sorry for the other rough stuff we have faced and know that if I had the power to stop it all I would, because I would do anything for you.
You are the most amazing grandfather to Aubs. She just absolutely adores her Papa. Thank you for loving us all unconditionally.

I love you Daddy.

Your Nunky

30 Project Year 1

Today marks the close of the first year of the 30 Project. I thought I would list the items I have crossed off and the ones that are in progress.

Completed Items
#11 To take tap dancing lessons. I have taken one year of lessons and will be going back for more next year. I have also been inspired to try lyrical. September 07 to May 08.

#21 To see my mother preach at her own church. October 07


In Progress, some of these by nature are continuous goals.

# 4 To explore cultures through food. I have tried both Indian and West Indian food this year.

#5 To read one classic per year. June 08. I came in just under the wire on this one but I finished Jane Eyre last night.

#6 To explore the places where history happened. We went to the Alamo. January 08.

#9 To be less wasteful. I have switched over to reusable bags, If only I could find a filter that actually worked on our water I would be able to give up the bottled water.

#13 To be there for family events. I made it to one wedding, One health crisis, Two Military Graduations.

#14 To raise a happy well adjusted child. Aubs has had an amazing year. She is reading and writing and excited for Kindergarten

#15 To pass on a love of music to Aubs. The kid can't sit still and must dance to any music she hears. She also plays the drums and constantly wants to play the piano.

#19 To remember it is okay to play. My mother's day gift was a Wii.

#26 To learn something new everyday. I am sure I have done my best on this one. While most of it is probably useless info, I have learned to sew this year.

#27 To lead a healthy lifestyle. I trained for and completed a 15K. Next up is a 10K and a half marathon.

#28 To see all 50 States. I can now cross Texas off the list.

How Did I Miss This?

Snacktime

Current Favorite Links

I thought I would share a couple of my favorite websites that I have found quite entertaining.

Ravelry This is a site that I stumbled across recently. It is an online community for knitters and crocheters. They have tons of patterns and inspiring people.

Craft Gossip This site is hilarious. Most people who know me know I have a small habit of reading the celebrity gossip sites. It is a sickness, I know. This site does not contain celebrity gossip but seems to be written by "Not Your Grandma's Crafter" types. Their sidebar contains a link to crafts I didn't even know existed. I especially like the recycled craft section.

Passive Aggressive Notes If you have ever worked in an office or lived in a dorm you will definitely appreciate this site. It is definitely a good laugh.

Hello Kitty Hell Whether you love or hate Hello Kitty this site is awesome. Anyone who has ever lived with a collector can relate to this poor man's personal hell dominated by "the evil feline". Not that anyone I know has gotten to this point but still very funny.

My First Ten on Tuesday

1. I have never done a Ten on Tuesday post but have some rather random thoughts and since it is Tuesday this seemed like the best way to do it.

2. Shawn found me a Wii Fit for my birthday and I am not allowed to touch it until Friday.

3. I loved the Sex And The City movie and didn't really give it much thought until I read a review saying that it just made the writer miss the show more. This got me thinking.

4. I found out the episodes are on twice a night so Tivo has allowed me to become reacquainted with the episodes.

5. After reading the review about it making you miss the show made me start thinking about other shows I missed which led to me rewatching Friends. We are going to watch some of our old favorites during the summer. The last five will be my very random observations after watching seasons 1 and 2.

6. How in the world did I find a husband dressing like that. I am quite sure that at the time I thought I was hot sh**, but come on. The waistbands on those pants may very well have been cross marketed as bras.

7. I do still really love a giant coffee mug.

8. I miss Ronda.

9. Knowing how the show ends some of jokes are actually funnier now. Especially the Monica/Chandler scenes.

10. Aubrey thinks the theme song is the best dancing song ever.

Oh Baby Girl.

Dearest Aubrey Girl,
Tomorrow is your last day of Pre-K. I don't know why this is such a difficult transition for me. It is just that being the mommy of a kindergartener makes you sound so grown up. You have had a great year and I couldn't be more proud. Mrs. P. has been a better teacher than I could ask for. When I told you I was going to write the letter you asked if you could read it yourself. This is a first for you, I usually read your birthday letter to you. You can read almost anything, it can cause a bit of trouble sometimes. When you get older I will tell you about the coffee shop with the donkey name bumper sticker that you nearly read. We can no longer spell secrets unless we do so very, very quickly and even then sometimes you catch what we are trying to keep from you. You can count to over one hundred the goal for VPK is twenty. I am amazed by you everyday. Today as you were painting you were so pleased with your project that you told me "I must be an Artist". You have the most amazing imagination even if the programming is not quite what you are in the mood for. I love you always my baby girl. As you so lovingly reminded me "I will still be your baby even when I am big and in Kindergarten".

Love,
Mama

Question

Is there anyone else out there as addicted to the Bravo reality shows as I am?

I have recently discovered Top Chef and Step It Up And Dance. I am already a fan of Project Runway, Work Out, and Shear Genius. I also wonder how I have made it to season three on Top Chef without watching. I love this show. I am finding these shows much more entertaining that the scripted shows that came post strike with a few exceptions.

AAAHHHHH!!!!!!

I. am. sitting. on. the. floor. section. 1.

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK. OH holy holy cow.

Conversations With My 5 Year Old

This child is just too much some days. The things that come out of that sweet little mouth of hers. By the way if anyone and I repeat ANYONE is around when Aubrey wants a blue Icee make sure she does not get said Icee. I am sure they put some sort of kid speed in them. If I should forget remind me of the day we saw Indiana Jones. She has been a riot all afternoon. She got upset when we got home and told her not to turn on the TV. Here is what came next:

Shawn: Why don't you use your imagination?

Aubrey:What?

Shawn: Use your imagination.

Aubrey: There is nothing on in there.

I don't think I can make it to six at this rate.

Self Portrait

Yesterday the girls all dressed up a bit to go to the movie. I have a scarf of my Nana's that I had been afraid to wear because I think I look silly in scarves. I found a great shirt and had wanted to dress it up a bit. I couldn't find anything at the store and remembered the scarf sitting in the closet. I decided they were perfect together and what better to wear to Sex and the City than a fabulous vintage piece. I think it turned out looking okay and decided to take a picture of myself. Hilarity ensued and I only got one semi usable shot. Hope you like it.

SATC GNO

Is that enough acronyms for you?
The countdown has begun in less than 12 hours we will be seeing Sex And The City. Yay, Yay, YAY!!! Carly, Jen and I are hitting the town!! Watch out.

I Did...

- Not throw up.
- Not hit anyone with my cane.
- Not forget the steps.
- Not fall of the stage.
- Tap Dance!

Welcome Back

There were a few of us doing our first recital in a number of years. One of those was Kris my sister. Kaitlyn just couldn't get past the fact that Kris and I refer to ourselves as sisters and usually drop the in-law part. We explained that few people are as lucky as us to get someone that just fits. It is something I am even more grateful for now. Unfortunately I seem to be living on both sides of this one. So Kris and Danny thanks for being there and being as much a sister and brother as one could ask for.

Always Time For Twirling

Nerves

As my sister mentioned on her blog this weekend both Aubs and I are in a dance recital. It has been a number of years, thirteen to be exact, since I last danced in a recital. We are eating a dinner of comfort food and will be trying to go to bed early. I will take tons of pictures tomorrow or Monday. I hope everyone has a great Memorial Day.

New Fun Game

Jenny came up with a new fun game today. Here are the rules: Go to ebay and type in New Kids On The Block.

It makes for a fun trip down memory lane. I am not responsible for the resulting stomachache from laughing or sore throat that may result from your screaming.

Mission Accomplished

As usual I set of to do a simple task. I had to alter my tap costume. Then I realized that I only had one chance with the costume and hadn't used a sewing machine since sewing class in seventh grade. I realized that I should probably try to sew something else first. I bought a one seam project and made Aubs a little sun dress. Once I figured out that I could use the machine without a problem, I started on my costume. I managed to get the elastic into the costume and no longer have the droopy drawer syndrome. By droopy I mean falling off my bum. After watching Aubrey be so proud and happy to have a dress made just for her I decided to be adventurous and try a dress from a pattern. The picture above is the final result. It took a little while longer than I thought and I realized that the Simplicity 123 patterns are not necessary a beginner easy pattern but I made it through.

Welcome to Blogland

Please join me in welcoming Helen and Co. to Blogland. The link is in the sidebar under Hassels.

Happy Late Mother's Day Or Why Am I Still Awake?

We have had a very eventful weekend. While out and about yesterday I decided that it was time to paint Aubs' room. She now lives in a Perfectly Pink Princess room. It is definitely pink. She picked out the color herself. My Mother's Day gift to myself was letting go. It is so hard to realize that she is now a little girl not so much the baby whose ideas I can help go my way. She wanted pink she got pink. I also finally let her sleep on the top bunk. That was a huge move for me, I didn't even sleep on the floor in her room just in case.

We did not go to Disney this year as is our normal tradition because the weather report called for rain. It did not rain but that is okay because I used my Disney Cookbook to make the Cheddar Cheese Soup. We had our favorite Disney meal in the comfort of our home, no lines or over 90 degree heat!

I have tons of pictures from our adventure and I promise to post them soon.

FYI

This can go under things you learn if you stay up to late. The version of RENT that they play on regular TV even after midnight is missing a lot of words.

An Invitation and An Aubs Story

What: Disney's Race For The Taste 10k (6.2 mi) and Picnic
When: October 12, 2008
Where: Epcot Center and Hollywood Studios.

Any takers? You get a collectors Pilsner glass since it is a part of the Food and Wine Festival. They also feed you at the end. If you are not up for running you can buy picnic only tickets. I will also be celebrating the fact that 10 years ago on that same day I started working at FAO Schwarz.

For the kiddos out there they are also having a kids race. I promised Aubs that the next race I do she can run the kids events. She heard me talking to Shawn about it on the phone and had a few questions for me when I was done. First was "Well what are we going to dress up as?" The poor kid thinks you have to dress up for races now since I had a costume for mine. We came up with the idea to run in Chef Hats and Aprons. I can always pin my bib to the apron and the chef hat is just plain fun.

Second was "Do they make treadmills for kids? I would like to train next to you so I should have a treadmill so I can be healthy too." Any help with this one would be greatly appreciated. Do they still make these? We had them at FAO but that was a long time ago.
Update:I should have known Target sells them.

The Thing About Today.

Is that I achieved a goal I had set when I was over 9 months pregnant with Aubs. In order to take my mind of the fact that I was nearly a week over due Shawn took me to Downtown Disney to walk around and wait for the doctor to call with my induction appointment. I saw all of these people wearing their 1/2 and marathon medals. I waddled over to Shawn and said "One day I want one of those." I decided right there that I would run/walk one of the Disney Endurance Series Races. So besides realizing that I am much stronger than I thought, and that the support of good friends means everything, I achieved a goal 5 years in the making.

Ready to line up!

Off We GO!

About five minutes after this picture I tried to get everyone to let me go back to the car. I completely freaked out and thought I shouldn't do it. Then I went a bit further and Jessica said that if I didn't finish this one she would make me run the 1/2 marathon. While now I think a 1/2 marathon is doable at that point it seemed pretty darn ridiculous.

Almost There

Shawn got up at 4 AM with me and stood near the finish line with a sign that Aubs made for me. It said GO MOM RUN.

The Girls

I couldn't have done this with out these two. Literally. They made me keep going when I wanted to stop in the first 1/2 mile.

I did it!

I Think...

...My new favorite accessory is my finisher's medal.

I must go shower and rest but I promise pictures later.

Off To The Races

Well, here I go. I will be leaving soon for the 15K. I am a bit nervous but that may be more due to the fact I am leaving my house dressed like Minnie Mouse! I will post more later.

OMG!!!!

I thought I had pulled of something amazing by getting the Disney Channel Games Concert tickets for Aubs and Kait. I thought it would be an acceptable replacement for the tickets I just couldn't get. The ones that I cried over because I wanted to do something so amazing for my child while others got them with greed as their only motive. The ones I prayed I would get. The tickets that Aubrey had wanted so very badly even though she wouldn't actually say for fear that I would be even more disappointed that I couldn't pull it off. I only wish I could be there to see her and Kait's face when they realize this.

I guess prayers no matter how silly they may seem are answered in their own time.

Aubrey the Author

The Sand Book By Aubrey Barrieau, Illustrated By Shawn Barrieau
I apologize for it being sideways. My computer won't save them right way up. It is only a two page book. If anyone needs a translation it is this "Once upon a time there was a man That man was in a book".

A Secret

What We Have Been Doing

I have been pretty bad with the postings since our rainy day trip to Epcot. She got her ballet costume, we had a beautiful sunny day at Epcot with a bonus visit with Uncle Bill, we bought our summer pool, and Aubs did some crafting.

Aubrey The Stand Up Comedienne.

Some of you may remember "Two drums in a truck". Apparently since that day she had been working on her delivery and some new knock knock jokes. Today we called Aunt Honey because Aubs had a new joke. She got on the phone with Uncle Brian and it went something like this:
Aubs: Knock knock.

I couldn't hear Brian's side of the conversation but I imagine he answered appropriately.

Aubs: Gladiator

Once again I guess he answered "Gladiator who?"

Aubs: I love you!

I started laughing of course.

C"wii"n Up

Yesterday I received an early "Mother's Day" gift. Mother's Day is in quotes because as much as I wanted the Wii for Mother's day it has quickly become a family favorite. Did you know that you can download classic Nintendo and Sega games? How awesome is that? I have already added Metroid, Toejam and Earl (A game that makes me think of Bob :(), and Super Mario 3.

C"wii"n Up is a game that Aubs and I invented. We played video games and ended up with a clean house. In order for this to work it needs to be a 2 player game where you take turns. When it is not your turn you must pick something up and put it where it belongs. I am not sure how long this game will work but I will enjoy it while I can.

Conversations With My Five Year Old

While driving to Jenny's today I mentioned that I had to use the restroom and hoped that the light would quickly change. Here is the conversation that followed:

Aubs: Well Mommy, You have to wait for God to change the light.

Me: Huh?

Aubs: God is the boss of Florida. He changes the lights.

Me: Isn't He the boss of the world?

Aubs: Yes, and the world. He also makes the people. He even makes our skin and our blood, and our bones.