World AIDS Day...

While World AIDS Day comes once a year, the fight against global HIV/AIDS is a central piece of the ongoing foreign policy and global health agenda of the U.S. government. In 2003, the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) was launched to combat this pandemic – the largest financial commitment by any nation to combat a single disease in history—with CDC as one of the implementing partners. PEPFAR—reauthorized by Congress for another five years in 2008—employs the most comprehensive prevention, treatment, and care strategy in the world, with an emphasis on accountability, collaboration, and results.





Ryan White

I would like to add that 1,224 individuals have died from H1N1 virus according to the CDC. This statistic is readily available on their website. As a result of H1N1, I see individuals buying hand sanitizer in bulk at Costco. I have even seen the hand sanitizer section of my grocery store completely empty. 33,000,000 people on this planet are living with HIV, but I don't ever see anyone pick up an economy size box of condoms at Costco. Thirty-three million people. Say it out loud. More than 4,000,000 children have been orphaned because of HIV/AIDS. Four Million Children.





Please visit the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation website. There you can make a tax deductible donation to help children affected by HIV/AIDS.

Or, consider shopping JoinRed partners this holiday season.

Ain't Nothing Like 'Em...

Last weekend, the hubs and I decided to make a Costco run. It's important to have 6,000 fluid ounces of laundry detergent. Just in case.

On the way there, we stopped and ate at Dreamland. To be completely honest, ribs have never been one of my favorite things to eat. Messy. I will, however, chow down on some Dreamland ribs from time to time. It reminds me of happy times in my childhood. My mom's family loves Dreamland, and it was usually a staple around 4th of July.




Before you are brought your ribs, the server brings a basket of bread and a cup of sauce. It's really spicy. I wouldn't recommend it to those who suffer from frequent heart burn.




Layton was as wild as ever. He is never a tame child when eating out. I'm not sure why.




Ella and Charsy were precious though. Very, very good girls.

A Paddle in the Pond with Uncle...

My mother lives in a neighborhood that has a large pond. It's called Lake Ida, but it's not really a lake. Anyway, my brother was in town recently and took two of his nieces for a ride.




There used to be a restaurant on the pond, but it closed a few years ago. My brother would put the children in the raft and paddle to the restaurant. They would eat and then paddle back to the other side.

My brother loves his nieces and nephew. In fact, he never refers to Layton by name. He will ask, "How's nephew?" He enjoys recreating the danger of our childhood and then returning the children to their parents. When I say danger, I don't mean that we were dangerous children, but we did have an interesting grandfather. For example, if he were coming over to our house to grill, he would throw charcoal in his grill, load it in the back of his truck, light it on fire, drive to our house, and announce that the coals were ready. He taught us the joys of eating sardines while fishing and how to catch snakes in the creek. I think I am going to try and dig out some photographs of us with him. That would make an awesome post...things you did as a child that you would never in a million years let your child do.

Bad to the Bone...You're Going Straight to Hell...

I have never been known for having a sparkling personality or charming wit.

If anything, most who know me in real life would probably describe me as the most unbearable person on the planet. I am cranky and don't possess one bit of southern charm. It's like I am the anti-southerner. I am socially retarded. I haven't a clue what is appropriate to say in a conversation. I probably cross "the line" all the time and don't even know it.

Earlier this week, though, I did accomplish something great, something great in my book indeed. I kept my mouth shut. I had the overwhelming urge to give a group of women a harsh cussin', but I kept my mouth shut.

I was at the dentists' office (yes there are four in the practice. I am not making use of the plural possessive for fun.) with the children this week. I was the only mother in the waiting room who was not a member of a certain home school group relatively nearby.

Woman in Denim: Do you home school your children?

Me: No. They go to public school.

Woman in Denim: Do you love your children?

Me: Yes, I am just not a very good teacher.

Underneath my restraint, was the urge to get up and whack her bun right off her head. It was 50 degrees outside, and her three girls had on short sleeved shirts with knee length denim skirts and flip flops. There wasn't a coat in sight. I wanted to look at her and scream...I LOVE MY CHILDREN ENOUGH TO DRESS THEM APPROPRIATELY FOR THE WEATHER!!! I LOVE THEM ENOUGH TO KNOW MY OWN LIMITATIONS!! I LOVE THEM ENOUGH TO NOT GET ARRESTED FOR BEATING THE MESS OUT OF YOU FOR IMPLYING THAT I DON'T LOVE MY CHILDREN BECAUSE I DON'T HOME SCHOOL THEM!!

From that point on, it was apparent that this pack of home schooling wolves was not going to be polite to me. I tried to offer a crayon from the bowels of my purse to one of the pack's screaming toddlers; her mother told her not to take it. She was looking at the orange crayon like I had dipped it in a petri dish of small pox before offering it up to her. I tried to make small talk about the upcoming holiday season and the lovely decorations in the lobby. You'd think I just confessed to murder based on their reactions. After being asked what church I attend, I was told that I was going to hell if I didn't accept Jesus the proper way. I guess they meant that I had to attend their church if I wanted to have an actual relationship with Christ. Thankfully, I received a phone call about that time. I didn't want to learn the name of a church that condemns other denominations to hell. I believe there are many paths to the same God. The path that I choose to believe in and practice does not have to be the same as yours. I also believe that enough war and killing has taken place in the name of the Lord.

The point is that each of us has to walk a path in life. Every one's path is not the same. Why are we still fighting about whose path is best? So, instead of fighting, I bit my tongue. I was silent. I had time to reflect on what had just happened. I let go of my anger and judgement. I had a moment to realize that I was going to turn the other cheek. And so, as I left the building that afternoon, I held the door open for a small group of children and their mother...a mother who had openly stated that my final destination will be hell. As she walked past me, I shouted, "Happy Thanksgiving!" Maybe I am a fool, but I slept well that night.

The Blurry Robe Picture...

The other night I was working with some laundry when my middle child pranced into the den. Yes, she prances. Anyways, she had gotten out of the tub and went to put on some jammies. That's what she calls pajamas. Imagine the smile on my face when she pranced in wearing a robe and slippers. I've never seen a child love a robe as much as she.

Facebook or Fakebook?...

Are you on facebook? I'm not. It's just not something I can take on right now. I have a blog, twitter, email, text messages...I can't handle more social media.

The photo above was captured by a local news station. Apparently, the man in the picture is a deputy, and the woman is a city employee. Neither has been named publicly.

The deputy has been placed on leave pending an investigation. The photos were taken at a Halloween party.

I have an issue with this being an issue. If this same photograph were taken in 1950, no one would have known about it. The Internet, specifically facebook and blogs, force all of us to be on our best behaviour. Is this the first law enforcement officer to use his cruiser as a prop in a photo? Probably not. Will he be the last? Probably not.

Do you think that the two individuals in the photograph should lose their jobs because of this?

Okay, I Admit It...

So, I did a whole post about the things I am not thankful for. I felt I should take a few moments out of this week to show off the three things I am always thankful for in my life. I could list hundreds of bullet points about why I love them, but I have chosen to link a series of fragments instead.


The Hadley. The one. The only. The master of strange food combinations. Seriously, who eats salsa on cool ranch Doritos? She is my first child. My relaxed child. My quiet child. She is thoughtful and kind. A lover of animals. A child who loves her younger siblings.



The Ella. Sassy. So much potential. My cuddle bug. The only person I have ever known who truly loves unconditionally. She idolizes her big sister. Adores her brother. Loves to cook. Gives more hugs and kisses than anyone I know. My middle baby.




The Layton. The chop. The one who makes funny faces for pictures. The curly hair that captivates my soul. The dimples that melt my heart. The one who calls his teeth chicklets. My boy baby. At least that's what he tells me. The youngest of my brood.




These photos were taken at a local restaurant. I used my cell phone, so they aren't really good pictures. I sat with my family eating chips and salsa and was overcome with love for my little ones. I know that I am cynical sometimes. Ok, a lot of times. But, when you sit and listen to innocent children talking about the upcoming holidays, it sparks a flame. A longing for the days of yore when I was ridiculously excited about eating turkey with my cousins. A time when it seemed like Christmas took FOREVER to arrive. A time that seemed magical. So, I will make every effort to make the holidays as magical and wondrous as possible for my young.

Things I Am Not Thankful For...

Over the last several days, I have noticed a trend among bloggers, radio shows, television programs, and people I know. It seems that everyone is listing the things he or she is thankful for.

Traditionally, Thanksgiving was actually a day to give thanks for the harvest. Some time during the last 388 years the holiday morphed into a day of general thanks.

I've heard all the lists...I'm thankful for my children...my parents...my friends.... So, I've decided to prepare a list of things that I am not thankful for...things I will never be thankful for...

1. The plastic stuff that companies feel the need to package products in. You know what I am talking about. You wind up cutting the whole darn package and yourself trying to free a desirable new toy. Whoever invented this stuff is going to get a Christmas present from me this year....wrapped in plastic.

2. The twisty tie things that hold toys into the boxes. I want to hunt down the twisty tie inventor and twisty tie him to my front door.

3. Stomach Viruses. I will admit to seeing the silver lining of having a stomach bug...buttoning pants that you haven't worn in three years because your backside got too dang big...but I will never be thankful for a stomach virus. Gross.

4. Disease. In general. Cancer, flu, AIDS, cholera, heart disease, genetic disorders...nope. I am not thankful for disease.

5. Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag. Yeah. Whatever. I just can't tolerate them. I'll say a prayer for myself for being so rude. Speidi would approve of that.

I guess that is all I can think of for now. I have no doubt that I will think of 12 more things I am not thankful for now that I am done with this post. I'll just make another one later...

Dental Appointments...Like Pulling Teeth...

Monday, I took the children for their dental appointments. Everything went well for the three nuggets. All their teeth are exactly as they should be. Ella will go back in two weeks for an adjustment to her expansion joint. Other than that, the teeth are good.



The office has a hamster cage for the children to play on. No, not a real hamster cage...that's just what I call it. Layton played hard on it. Here are a few shots from my phone.

This is what the cage looks like from the outside. It has a warning about shoes, weight, and other stuff.

While I was there, I was confronted by a group of women. It was like they turned into a pack of wolves or something. I am going to devote an entire post to it later in the week. I think I actually need to cool off before writing about it.

Little Man...Big Fight...

Lacy recently informed me about Noah. He is a beautiful little boy who is fighting a brain tumor. Please keep him and his family in your prayers if you feel compelled.

Gifts and Guns....

Over the weekend, I worked the Christmas Open House in downtown Athens. My willingness to help out with open house (wrapping Christmas gifts) meant that my dear spouse was going to have to be in charge of the children. He took them to Lowe's, Village Pizza, and the family farm. While at the farm, the little ones elected to shoot their rifles.

Hadley did not wear camo and did not wish to be photographed. She was in the house playing on her DS.

Galaxy of Lights...

Friday night, Jay and I took the children to Huntsville to the Galaxy of Lights. It's a mile and a half long drive through the Botanical Gardens.

The wonderful thing about this particular night was that it was a walking tour instead! So, we put on our coats, paid to enter, and began our walk through the lights.


The Clubhouse....






Halfway through the walk, there was a tent set up with tables, heaters, and hot cocoa for sale.
It was a welcome break. The three little ones were all tired after 3/4 of a mile on foot.

I am not very gifted in the photography area, so none of my pictures are any good. You can see how the lights looked along the walk though.

After the walk was over, the volunteers had arranged for a certain man in red to be waiting for all the children. Ella was our only child who wanted to sit in his lap. Hadley claimed to be too old. Layton appeared to be scared. Ella was just right.

The children were as wild as ever! Layton made funny faces, Ella posed and smiled non-stop, and Hadley would force a smile when I begged for it.

Norman Rockwell...Eat Your Heart Out...

Preface: Yes, I know I scanned the first one crooked. Deal with it. :)

This weekend is the kickoff of the holiday season in Athens!!! Christmas Open House weekend is so wonderful!!! The stores in downtown usually have some type of sale going on...a horse drawn carriage provides the ambiance of yesteryear...Santa shows up for a photo op...Christmas carolers will be bringing the spirit to downtown...it is one of the best weekends in Athens!! The courthouse is already decorated with wreaths and garlands, and all the stores are beginning to smell of cinnamon and cider. My heart is overflowing with the warmth and joy of the season to come.

Norman Rockwell's images and artistry have nothing on my small town Christmas Open House. I am helping a friend this year too! Tammy (owner of Trinity's Gifts and Interiors) is one of my best friends, and she is expecting a baby girl. She needs to spend time resting not working open house, so I am going to be assisting in the store. YEA!! I am super pumped about it.




And, just look at this list of participants!!!




If you have time and are relatively close to Athens, I would highly recommend a visit to open house. Everything from clothes, candles, hardware, books, candy, and fine art will be available. Come get a jump on your Christmas shopping!!

How Many Feminists Does it Take to Screw in a Light Bulb?...

I cannot count the number of times in my life that I have heard the following statement:



You can do anything you want.





Teachers, parents, motivational speakers...they all kept telling the females of my generation that we could do anything we want. They pushed the issue...women can do anything that men can do. For the most part, I grew up believing that I could pursue any career I wanted to.



So, I went to college. I pursued my education. I worked hard. I entered the workforce, and I still worked hard.



Because I can do anything I put my mind to. Right?



Then, our family began to expand. I paid for daycare. I still pay for daycare. And, I still worked hard.



Because I can succeed in any job I want. Right?



The work didn't stop at the office. As our family grew, so did the piles of laundry and toys. The fingerprints on the glass seemed to multiply while I was asleep at night. So, I worked harder to try and keep up with the office, the house, the husband, the children.





After all, I can do anything I want to. Right?



I find myself at war...an internal war between my emotion and my cognition. The brain half of the war keeps telling me to just deal with it and keep working. The heart half of the war keeps telling me to be more like June Cleaver.

How does anyone ever truly find the balance between family and career? Is there a magic formula that I haven't figured out yet? Do I need antidepressants? Should I call Oprah's booking agent?

It seems to me that many women I know struggle with this.

Women who were pushed to stay home with the children dreamed of equality in the workforce. Women who work dream of staying home with the children.

My math skills are admittedly not what they once were, so I'm having trouble solving this equation.

Beef...It's What Was for Dinner...

After the baton competition last weekend, Jay and I stopped at All Steak to eat. It's a restaurant in Cullman, Alabama. They have lots of items to choose from, and I couldn't resist the kabobs. I think I ate my weight in crackers before the food came out though. I was really hungry. Anyway, I would recommend a trip to Cullman to anyone.

I mentioned my friend Kellee yesterday. Her husband died this morning from a massive heart attack. If you have a minute, please say a prayer for her family.

I am Ashamed...

I am ashamed to admit it, but I did some shopping outside of downtown Athens recently. The children really, really wanted to go see the new Christmas Carol movie. I caved and took them to Huntsville to see it in 3-D.



We went to Bridge Street. I'm sure that it has some proper name...like Bridge Street Towne Center....or something like that, but I just call it Bridge Street. I've only been there a few times and was a little nervous that I'd get lost on the way to/from the shopping complex.


We bought our tickets a few hours before the movie started. Then, I took the children to a few stores and to Cantina Laredo to eat. It was yummy. Layton ate a corn dog....in a Mexican restaurant. Hadley and Ella were a little more adventurous with their meal selections though.


Here are the three of my babes looking out at the fake lake that goes through Bridge Street. They also have gondolas and peddle boats. If only Bridge Street had been completed several years ago...Jay wouldn't have had to take me all the way to Italy for a gondola ride. :)




Ella had the most fun out of all three during the shopping/walking portion of our trip.





This is the fountain right in front of the movie theater. They just had to look at it and throw money into it.

Overall, it was a fun time, but the movie was too scary for Layton. He sat curled up in my lap with his hands over his ears. I actually enjoyed holding him.

Confessions of a Twirler...

Way back in the day, I was a competitive baton twirler. You read that right; please don't try to adjust your eyes. I spent many Saturday afternoons in muggy gymnasiums covered in sequins, rhinestones, and hair spray. After I aged out, I started judging competitions too. I haven't judged one in years. In fact, I was around 14 weeks pregnant with Layton the last time I judged a competition. Until now.


My friend Mary called me up a few weeks back and asked if I would consider judging one near my hometown. I thought it over and said sure. It was a blast from the past. Literally...


This is my friend Kellee. She was one of the first judges I ever performed in front of, and she has a special place in my heart.

This is what one of the seating areas looked like. It wasn't a huge competition, so there weren't that many people there.

This is one of my fellow high school majorettes, Jamie. She is teaching lessons now and is pregnant with her third child. I squealed out loud when I saw her, and I had to get a picture of her with one of her groups.

The old rules wouldn't let you compete past a certain age; therefore, I had to quit. Now, the rules have been changed. Even old birds like me can compete. I was in awe at the number of 30-something contestants. It almost made me foolish enough to pick up my sticks when I got home. I said almost....

I Live in Excess.....

Amazingly enough, I have completed in excess of 200 posts on this blog. What started as something inspired by my cousin has turned into something I love to do. I love my blog! Sometimes I put silly things up, and sometimes I put serious things up. Either way, I love to put things up.

The Last Days of Warmth...

We are nearing cold weather here. The days are just warm enough for playing outside, but the days are too short for much fun. Daylight savings time is something I will never fully understand. I understand the pro/con list for DST, but I just DON'T like it.

Anyways, the children have been enjoying playing outside and are not ready for the cold. Last winter was relatively mild here, but it was still TOO cold for outside fun.









It was too cold for the swing set in the back yard.

It was too cold for rides on the little four wheeler.

It was cold enough that an extra layer of clothing was necessary some days. Layton is ready for that though. He's been sporting his Batman costume on top of his clothes a lot lately. Batman Layton melts my heart.