24 til 24

Finally. After about a year and a half hiatus, 24 is returning to television...in 24 days. It's about time. Jack Bauer, we need you!

http://www.fox.com/24/redemption/

Happy Halloween!

I hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween all day!

Here are our pink leopards from Wednesday night. We had a huge crowd at church. The girls loved petting the miniature horse.

You're Next

I got an email from Recipezaar and thought this photo was funny:

"I. B. Gone"

"U. B. Next"

Wish I could see the rest of them to read.

Everything to Me

This song has been out for quite some time now and I heard it again this week and no matter how hard I try I cannot listen to it without crying. There have been times when I just changed the station because I didn’t want to drive through town or pull up at work with tears and smeared make-up. The song was written by Mark Schultz, along with Cindy Morgan, about his biological mother who gave him up for adoption at birth.

My granddaughters’ daddy was adopted by a wonderful, loving couple. They ARE his mom and dad, no doubt. There have been a few times though that I have wondered if the girls may have inherited any traits or characteristics, such as their red hair, from those biological grandparents we don’t know. That will remain a mystery I’m sure.

To all of those who have been a part of either side of the adoption process, I greatly admire you. For all the couples who have taken a child and given them unconditional love, God bless you. For the biological parents who chose to give their child life, and not abort, God bless you. I know that was not an easy decision.



I must have felt your tears
When they took me from your arms
I'm sure I must have heard you say goodbye
Young and so afraid had you made a big mistake
Could an ocean even hold the tears you cried

But you had dreams for me
You wanted the best for me
And you made the only choice you could that night

You gave life to me
A brand new world to see
Like playing baseball in the yard with dad at night
Mom reading Goodnight Moon
And praying in my room
So if you worry if your choice was right
You gave me up but you gave everything to me

And if I saw you on the street
Would you know that it was me
And would your eyes be blue or green like mine
Would we share a warm embrace
Would you know me in your heart
Or would you smile and let me walk on by
Knowing you had dreams for me
You wanted the best for me
And I hope that you'd be proud of who I am

You gave life to me
A chance to find my dreams
And a chance to fall in love
You should have seen her shining face
On our wedding day
Oh is this the dream you had in mind
When you gave me up
You gave everything to me

And when I see you there
Watching from heaven's gates
Into your arms
I'm gonna run
And when you look in my eyes
You can see my whole life
See who I was
And who I've become

You gave life to me
A brand new world to see
Like playing baseball with my son late at night
And reading Goodnight Moon
And praying in his room
I'm so grateful that I have this life
When you gave me up you gave everything to me

Hookers-R-Us

I was so amazed when we went in The Halloween Store in Hattiesburg this past Saturday. My daughter had thought she might dress up with the girls for our Fall Festival at church this Wednesday night like many of the adults do. But absolutely every adult female costume in that store was a short skirt with a plunging neckline, no matter what the theme. Fairies, Pirates, Military, Nuns, yes, even Nuns, were the same. Short skirt, bare breasts. Do they think every woman wants to dress like a slut for Halloween???

They got my email address while I was there and I had mail when I got to work this morn. I just had to look at some of the costumes.

Now who would dress their baby like a whoopee cushion? Seriously.

And another listed in the children’s category, “In Goth We Trust”, you just have to look at:
http://www.spirithalloween.com/childrens_in-goth-we-trust/
Scary.

Be safe this Halloween.

Saturday Shopping Trip

My daughter and I took a quick shopping trip to Hattiesburg this morning. I don’t know why but I couldn’t hardly get to sleep last night thinking about what all I needed to look for today. Of course, the twins require a new wardrobe every six months so they needed several more things for winter. A neutral colored, button up sweater was on the list. I have a couple of beige ones on order from The Children’s Place but they have not shipped yet. I had hoped to find them in town and cancel that order. But all I saw were beige with some type of adornment or pattern in either pink or red on it. Guess I’ll have to wait on the ones I have ordered.

Same thing on the heavy coat. I have white ones ordered (I prefer a tan but couldn’t find one) but found an excellent deal on two nice, heavy pink ones at Belk. I got those. Pink will just HAVE to go with everything. I came home to cancel my order and they had shipped today. I can take those back to Target though when they come in. Or maybe I’ll wait and see if I like the white ones better than the pink ones.

They also needed black or green tights and long sleeved shirt to wear under their pumpkin costume. We stopped in The Halloween Store and came out with two pink leopard costumes instead. They were only $12.99 so I figured that would work just as well as buying tights/shirts especially since the pumpkins had been given to us so no money out there. I’m just waiting on the girls to get home from their other grandparents house to make sure the leopard costumes fit. If not, back to the pumpkins and the hunt for tights/shirts and the leopards will be put up until next year. Whew, even Halloween can become complicated with two little ones to deal with.

We found adorable Christmas dresses. Grabbed two before they are all gone. I’ve learned not to wait. We got some good deals on a couple of play outfits at Kohls and my daughter found several things on sale there too. I love that store!

We had some good bourbon chicken from JJ’s Cajun Grill in the mall and then headed home.

I’ve been watching a lot of QVC this afternoon. They have Christmas decorations and such today. The shopping season is about to pick up full speed with Christmas just right around the corner. I’m sure people will really be looking for bargains this year with the tight economy. I know I will. But this year should be so much fun with my family. The girls will be old enough to open and enjoy their gifts. I only hope we can keep them from tearing the tree down….hmmm, any suggestions?

Superior Scribbler Award

I've been tagged for this award by DHCoop who authors It’s Just Me.

Most of the MRBA bloggers have already been chosen so I’m going to try to branch out a bit. Some people I tag I know personally and others I know strictly via their blog or maybe even a mutual friend. I choose:

1. Brenda – My co-worker and friend who writes at The Life and Times of. She is a single mom of two boys. She writes from the heart about her life, both good and bad. Hopefully she’ll have more “good” to experience in the future.

2. Horriblelicenseplates – Who hosts the neatest blog called Creepiness in 8 Characters or Less. I’ve just discovered this blog and am an avid reader. What strange things people will post on their vehicles?!!

3. Leigh Ann – Who writes Leon’s World. I’ve never met her but her sis is one of my BFF’s so I’ve heard a lot about her. I can say she is admired and loved by her lil sister.

4. and 5. I’m also tagging Beth at Bountiful Blessings and Jill at In His Grace. I have no idea who these folks are but they were on Leigh Ann’s blog roll and their blogs were very interesting. Like I said, I’m trying to branch this thing out some! Hope these ladies don’t mind getting tagged.

· Each Superior Scribbler must in turn pass The Award on to 5 most-deserving Bloggy Friends.
· Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author & the name of the blog from whom he/she has received The Award.
· Each Superior Scribbler must display The Award on his/her blog, and link to This Post, which explains The Award.
· Each Blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit this post and add his/her name to the Mr. Linky List. That way, we'll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who receives This Prestigious Honor!
· Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog.

Shopping Weather

Cool, rainy weather always puts me in a shopping mood. I guess the cooler air reminds me of Christmas. And in Mississippi, you never know when we will have these nice cool days. We may run the heater on the way to work in the mornings and turn on the AC on the way home. Now I’ll have to go shopping tomorrow to find the girls a long sleeved shirt to wear under their pumpkin costumes since it will be much cooler next week according to the latest forecast. I already had short sleeved shirts ready but they won’t work now.

And it is only 61 days until Christmas so the shopping frenzy will begin in about a month or less. Believe it or not, I have already picked up three Christmas gifts. That’s early for me. I’m not a Christmas Eve shopper but I usually don’t get started until Black Friday. I don’t always do the Black Friday shopping trip every year but I wait and see if there is anything that is worth the hassle of getting up early and fighting the crowds. If we do go, I have learned to take my time and enjoy it and not get stressed out. We shop a little and then eat a nice breakfast somewhere. We did go to Hattiesburg last year and will probably do it again this year. Thank goodness I work for a company that gives us that day as a holiday. I’ve already received a couple of emails from my favorite Black Friday website: www.bfads.net. They try to get the jump on the ads so we can plan our shopping. Sign up.

This weather may stay cool a few days and then warm back up. We usually have a couple of months in the fall where the air/heat isn’t running full time and get some relief on an electric bill or two. I well remember my sister and me wearing shorts on Christmas day years ago. And right after I got married, we had a live tree and I put real candy canes on it. The weather got so hot and humid the candy canes melted and dripped all over my presents.

So I guess for now I’ll enjoy this nice, cooler weather because next weekend it could be back up in the nineties. But I love this Mississippi weather. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Sixteen...

Months. Yes, the grandbabies are sixteen months old today. They are two busy little redheads. Here they are ready for Sunday School.

Free Bird

It was October 20, 1977, thirty one years ago, Ronnie Van Zant, lead singer for Lynyrd Skynyrd, and five others were killed in a plane crash near McComb. Van Zant was 29 years old. Being raised on classic rock, I was heart broken. I well remember the newscasts about the tragedy. And since this happened locally they showed it a lot. The band never was the same without Ronnie.

Even though some parts of the movie Conair creeped me out, I loved the line where the serial killer says, while Sweet Home Alabama plays in the background, "Ironic, isn't it? Flying an airplane while listening to a song played by a band whose members got killed in a plane crash."

If I had to pick a favorite LS song I guess it would be “That Smell”. Truly Classic Southern Rock. The song was written by Ronnie Van Zant and Allen Collins about band guitarist Gary Rosington who had a drug and alcohol problem. He had a car crash that affected the band’s tour for several weeks.

Whiskey bottles and brand new cars;
oak tree you're in my way.
There's too much coke and too much smoke
Look what's going on inside you.

Ooh, ooh that smell
Can't you smell that smell?
Ooh, ooh that smell
The smell of death surrounds you.Yeah.

Angel of darkness is upon you.
Stuck a needle in your arm (you, fool, you)
So take another toke, have a blow for your nose,
one more drink, fool, would drown you.

Ooh, ooh that smell
Can't you smell that smell?
Ooh, ooh that smell
The smell of death surrounds you.

Now they call you prince charming.
Can't speak a word when you're full of 'ludes.
Say you'll be alright come tomorrow,
but tomorrow might not be here for you. (yeah, you)

Ooh, ooh that smell
Can't you smell that smell?
Ooh, ooh that smell
The smell of death surrounds you.
Aw, you, fool, you.

You stick them needles in your arm
I know I been there before.
One little problem that confronts you,
got a monkey on your back.
Just one more fix, Lord, might do the trick.
One hell of a price for you to get your kicks.

Ooh, ooh that smell
Can't you smell that smell?
Ooh, ooh that smell
The smell of death surrounds you.

Oh, you, fool, you
Don't stick those needles in your arm.
You're just a fool, just a fool, just a fool.


Take a listen, it will bring back memories…
http://apps.facebook.com/lyricsdomain/artist/lynyrd_skynyrd/song/that_smell

The Twins Type

Almost every time I get on the pc at home I’ve got two little girls right with me wanting to type too so the other day I thought I’d let them get after it!


This is Big Sis’:

B nmmmc ,,

Ophn bgccXCCCCCMTFH V `V V C VCD GFHDDDDDDDDDDDFSDCV FVMN ncfffqaAAAAAAAAAAA` zn bzzvc f dx zx cvvcfvdfffdeeeoiujuuuuuuuuuu;666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666614llllawsdddqaxa a hbbbn,xznnzzn

She managed to get the bold and caps on somehow. I got a little leery when she started on the 666…but naw, we won’t even go there.


And this is Lil Sis’. She’s like her Papaw, a person of few words.


A`AZZO

(Actually she hit the space bar most of the time!)

La La Land

I do not like taking medication of any kind. Thank goodness I do not have to take any daily meds, except for some vitamins required by my gastric bypass surgery. Unfortunately, I do not even take those. I know I need to start though.

Sunday morning I was putting Lil Sis down from the changing table. I felt a "ripple" across my lower back and then intense pain that made me gasp. Literally, it took my breath away. I've pulled a muscle in my back before but this time it was much worse. I suffered through Sunday night, was tempted to go to the ER but insurance made me wait until I could get to Statcare the next morning. I trust the doctors there more than an ER doc anyway.

The pain was so intense I was more than willing to take the meds they loaded me up with; a nice steroid shot to the buttocks, an anti-inflammatory, pain killer and muscle relaxer. When I take all of those I go straight to La La Land for a few hours. But it sure is some good sleeping and all the meds have improved by back tremendously.

I hate not being able to help with the grandbabies. They don't understand why Mamaw can't pick them up either.

I'll try to make it at work tomorrow. We'll just see how it goes. I'll load up on all the medication one more time tonight and drift away...to La La Land once again.

My Three Girls

It is not an easy task doing a photo shoot with two fifteen month olds. When we first got there they were clingy and shy. Once they warmed up they wanted to run around the studio and play with all the neat stuff in there. The ONLY thing that got them still for a few seconds were the little chairs (hence the one red, one white rocker in the group photo). They thought it was fun sitting in those…for about thirty seconds. But the photographer snapped away for those few seconds. The smiles were few since we were trying to make them sit still and they didn’t want to. I was sweating after that wrestling match. At least my seventeen year old was cooperative.

Kudos to Portrait Innovations. They do a great job and the photographer was wonderful with what she had to work with.

But it will probably be a long time before we try that again.

p.s. There’s one pic with my feet showing…I added that one for JB even though my feet aren’t nearly as pretty as Coop’s! Ewwwww. I just creeped myself out. Feet are disgusting.

Home Sweet Home, Well, Sort of...

Since I spend half of my waking hours in this blue cube it is like my second home. I’ve been in this particular spot for about ten years now. No, I’m not a very neat person as far as my desk. And if you look closely you can see the duct tape hanging from my chair. I’ve had a few castors replaced too. They’d get me a new chair if I asked, actually we have several around the office I could get, but this particular chair is so comfy and as long as it is holding up I’m going stick with it.

I’ve spent a total of twenty-seven years with this company. I’ve changed offices, locations, and job titles a few times. It is not the greatest company in the world to work for but it has helped make a living for me and my family. I’m mostly surrounded by good people and the hours are great. It is about a 28 mile drive one way but it’s about as close as anything else in this area would be.

The economic crisis and decline in building has really hit this place hard. This is the lowest productions figures I’ve seen since I’ve been here. At one time we had around 800 employees with three shifts going. Now we have around 230 employees. We used to have two other manufacturing plants and a research and development center. Those were closed when the company founder passed away.

Times are tough. I’m praying things get better. But I’m afraid they are going to get worse first.

One Big, Happy Family

I got to meet my first MRBA member face to face today. Since we were in his neck of the woods, Old Bopper dropped by where my husband and I were having lunch and said hello and chatted a bit. Even though I’ve seen pictures of him it is good talking to someone in person.

I know several of you have written about the MRBA in your blogs. I guess this is my version. And for those of you who don’t know, MRBA stands for Marshall Ramsey Blogaholics Anonymous.

Of course Marshall is the head of the household. I can’t say “grandfather” cause that just sounds old. Godfather maybe?!! Boss? Anyway, it’s his blog. He can be whatever he wants to be. He’s an amazing artist with the wit to make his cartoons Pulitzer Prize material. Seriously. He’s been nominated twice.

I kind of look to OldBopper as the father figure of the blog. And LegalEagle would be our mom. Not an age thing now guys. They just have that parental type of advice and knowledge they always share with us. But now at times, Eagle is more like Peg Bundy than June Cleaver!

There are many brothers, sisters, cousins, and friends.

DHCoop is our motivator. The blog tends to drag when she’s not around.

Supermom, Clucky and Stacey are the witty sisters. You never know what those girls will come up with! Watercolor is the creative, thought provoking sis. Cardinallady is like the independent big sister coming and going all the time. Sounds like she has the most interesting job.

JB (tnmsu) is our little brother because he’s always picking and trying to start a fight. But we love him…just like a little brother. He’s also a former pastor and still keeps pulling out those corny pastor’s jokes.

MSUDEERE would be our loving big brother who is always keeping an eye out for us and defending his sisters when necessary. And Chas3r is our little brother that we have to keep an eye on!

Beninthejack and Reximusaugustus are like twin sons of different mothers. They keep us laughing. Sometimes their humor goes right over my head though…

Choclablover is our spunky little sis. She speaks her mind. She also shares her struggles of infertility in the most heartfelt way.

MMrsH and Mark are our level headed ones. It’s a good thing. We need them!

Bloggerman is the prodigal son that pops in and out. You never know when he’ll show up!

Grammargirl is our inspiration and hero. She’s a breast cancer survivor and prods us all to get our yearly check-up and mammogram.

We’ve got military, photographers, MSU fans and Ole Miss fans. And many more cousins and friends that join us daily or just drop in every now and then. It’s way too many to name personally plus I don’t want to forget someone and offend them!

Like I said, we’re just one big, happy family. Well, usually. Just don’t offend BonsaiPig!

That 70's Show

That’s our band’s program this year. The songs sure bring back a lot of memories. How many do you remember and who sings them?

That’s the Way I Like It
ABC
The Love You Save
I Want You Back
Free Bird

This is my first year as a band mom so I’m learning what it’s all about. My daughter is in the color guard along with 21 other beautiful girls. We are a 4A school but have a little small band. I think the previous band director wasn’t well liked by the students so they dropped out of band. But for a small group I think they do pretty good. One of the seniors does a trumpet solo and then gets on the electric guitar for Free Bird. Yeah, an electric guitar in a marching band. A first for me too. But this guy does an excellent job. He always gets a huge round of applause.

I went to my first competition this past weekend. Our color guard got a 1 which is the best score from what I understand and the rest of the band got 2’s. We have another competition this Saturday. Maybe the band will improve with another week of practice.

The band t-shirts are really neat (though I'm glad they are wearing uniforms for performances now, much nicer). This is my friend Tina showing the back of them:

And this is my daughter (left) and a friend:

And another friend joins them:

Oh yeah, I bet you'll be going around all day with "That's the way, uh huh, uh huh, I like it" in your head!