The BIG Reason I want a Tummy Tuck!

I'm standing straight up and my tummy is hanging straight down. Not a good picture but you get the drift.

I'm bent over and I have about 3 inches of skin hanging from my stomach. Eric actually called me on it one day when I was bent over blow-drying my hair. "Mom! What is wrong with your stomach?" A very embarrassing situation. I couldn't believe how much was hanging off. I'm sucking my gut in and the skin tone didn't even change. It needs to be sucked, tucked and tied off!!

Heating Pads

How many cats does it take to keep you warm at night?

5

Yeah, 5 cats! One to warm your feet. One to warm your right side. One to warm your left side. One to warm you back (if you lay on your stomach). And one to keep your head warm. How would I know? Because it was such a cold night last night, my loveable furr balls decided it was a good night to share my bed!

Neighbor Woes

I sit here in tears.

My neighbor is a stupid jerk.

The story:
I come home from dropping Eric off at school and making a quick trip to Walmart. As I am getting groceries out of my truck, I smell this fowl smell. I look down and there is the neighbors dog. A puppy. It's a Basset Hound. He's the cutest thing but smells awful. The nails are terribly long, obviously hasn't had a bath, and something else that totally blew my mind. The poor thing has a weeping wound around his neck. The collar is dirty and rancid and the neck is just festering. So guess who is calling the Humane Society. Why get a pet if you can't take care of it? They are our friends and they depend on us. If I could, I would keep him. But then Bobby would kill me. He is so terribly cute and he's friendly. Why, oh why??? Oh, and I went next door to let the guy know his dog was loose......there was no water, no food where he chains him up. Yeah, chains him up! Eeeergh! I don't like seeing chained dogs. They deserve a back yard or let them live inside as long as you can walk them.

My main concern is that he'll get hit by a car or die before the "neighbor" finds him. The neighbor wouldn't answer his door and I know he is there. I thought to put him in the back yard with Daisy but she wouldn't have any of it....and then the thought occurred to me that the poor thing might be carrying something and I didn't want Daisy to get sick. So I had to regretfully put him in front of the neighbors door and run home.......and cry. I'm just hoping the HS gets there. I can't stand watching this poor thing suffer!

Why do I have to care so much???

Goobers!

Bear Necessaties!

Matthew and his friend Andrew!!! Best buds!!

I wish!

You Are 31 Years Old

Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe. 13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world. 20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences. 30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more! 40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

What Age Do You Act?

Blitzed

You Are Blitzen

Always in good spirits, you're the reindeer who loves to party down with Santa. Why You're Naughty: You're always blitzed on Christmas Eve, while flying! Why You're Nice: You mix up a mean eggnog martini.

Which of Santa's Reindeer Are You?

Chicken of the Sea

You Are a Mermaid

You are a total daydreamer, and people tend to think you're flakier than you actually are. While your head is often in the clouds, you'll always come back to earth to help someone in need. Beyond being a caring person, you are also very intelligent and rational. You understand the connections of the universe better than almost anyone else.

What Mythological Creature Are You?

So True, So True!

1985 by Bowling for Soup

"Where's the mini-skirt made of snakeskin? And who's the other guy that's singing in Van Halen? When did reality become T.V.? What ever happened to sitcoms, game shows?" You took the bitter with the sweet in 2004 - and kept laughing.

What 2004 Hit Song Are You?

From a purple thong??

What Your Underwear Says About You

You enjoy wearing nice underwear, even if it comes at a hefty price tag. You're a closet exhibitionist who gets a thrill from being secretly naughty.

The Underwear Oracle

Mild??? Bummer........

You Are More Mild Than Wild

You're confident, and you really aren't concerned with how "hot" you are.Other people's ideas of what's sexy don't concern you. And this is exactly what makes you attractive.

Are You Hot?

True Blue

Your Heart Is Blue

Love is a doing word for you. You know it's love when you treat each other well. You are a giving lover, but you don't give too much. You expect something in return. Your flirting style: Friendly Your lucky first date: Lunch at an outdoor cafe Your dream lover: Is both generous and selfish What you bring to relationships: Loyalty

What Color Heart Do You Have?

Mmmm.....Pie!

You Are Pecan Pie Soda

Sweet, but totally nuts

What Jones Holiday Soda Are You?

Austin City Limits

The top of the capital building.
The Senate and the House of Representatives.
Did you know the Texas Capital building is larger than the US Capital building?
The boys!

Texas Wildlife and Outdoor Expo!

Petting hermit crabs, crabs, sea cucumbers, starfish, and whatever else that can be touched!



The boys suit up for the kayak!


Eric showing his abilities!!



"Sissy" waiting patiently for her "bubbas".



Lauren makes a friend.

Peace.

It's a dreary, cloudy day.

The breeze is filtered through the window drapes.

They blow in and out from God's breath.

The windchimes play their music to the rhythm.

The occasional clink of metal on metal and the "whir" of the dryer add their drum.

Kids are over Kenny's.
Lauren is taking her nap.
The Cowboys game in the background.
I play a game of Sudoku.

Could it ever be more content than this.

This is what I call bliss.

Sharkin' for Grub

"Dang it! She keeps taking my picture.....

I'm tryin' to keep the floor clean....

The little girl in the chair always shares her food with me....

And this woman keeps flashin' me with her light in that small box.....

Ooops! Another piece of spaghetti fell....gotta get it. I sure do love spaghetti....especially with the meat sauce! Mmmmm......."

Spaghetti Uh-Oh's

I HAVE A BEEF!!!

Man, let me tell you something....I'm so very upset right now! I just want to cry. I just got a very disturbing letter from the Military Star credit card (military use them at the gas stations on post and the PX....pretty much anywhere on post where it's accepted.) Well, the guys can use it overseas also. No, Bobby, I'm not mad at you!

Well, in the letter it states we are responsible for charges that were "not accepted by credit card companies upon processing and are now being billed directly to AAFES." They apologize..yada, yada, yada. Phllllllllllllllllbbbbbbbbbbb! What??? Okay, the charge isn't outrageous...only $25 and change but it's the principle of the matter.

Why is it upsetting? Bobby did buy something.....in KUWAIT!!! In Kuwait......in 2003!!!! Yeah, we are in the year of 2006 and these charges were in 2003. I look at the date of the charges and that was when Bobby was coming home for R&R during the WAR!!!! The freaking WAR! WE WERE STILL AT WAR!!! You would think since it has been such a long time that they would just have absorbed those charges and forgot about it. My God! We had just invaded Iraq in March of 2003 and Bobby was home for a measley few weeks and they can't cover it. Oh, I'll pay it. Yeah, I'll pay it. It just sickens me that they wait 3 freakin' years.

Oh yes! I'll pay....the JERKS!!

What's Your Fitness Personality?

Fierce Competitor

Nothing gets your heart rate pumping like a formidable opponent standing on the other side of a tennis net or basketball court. In fact, you find ways to turn almost any event into a contest ‑- from who can skip a stone the farthest to who can bake the most killer chocolate chip cookies. Pick fast-paced sports that have clear-cut winners and losers, like tennis, squash, one-on-one basketball, boxing and fencing. Team sports like hockey or baseball are also good ‑- just make sure your teammates take the game as seriously as you do.

First Friends

Big Pooh
Little Pooh
Baby Pooh
Birdie
Bear
Lamby
Baby
Dolly
Agneau (awn-yo), French for lamb
Eeyore
Pinky Bear

They all live in her crib.....and she "loves" them all!! They are always smiling and are always ready to lend an "ear". They never get bored of her babble.................

Why?

I'm sick of psychos! Sick. Sick. SICK!

Why did he have to shoot those young girls? They were innocent. They bothered nobody. They were Amish. They were just young girls.

Is my Lauren safe?

Just last week, girls were separated from their class in Colorado...one was killed.

All I can do is cry for those young girls' family. And yet all I can think about is "what if it was my Lauren?" And I cry even harder.

Just Another Manic Monday

Six o'clock already
I was just in the middle of a dream
I was kissin' Valentino
By a crystal blue Italian stream

But I can't be late
'Cause then I guess I just won't get paid
These are the days
When you wish your bed was already made

It's just another manic Monday
I wish it was Sunday
'Cause that's my funday
My I don't have to runday
It's just another manic Monday

Have to catch an early train
Got to be to work by nine
And if I had an air-o-plane
I still couldn't make it on time

'Cause it takes me so long
Just to figure out what I'm gonna wear
Blame it on the train
But the boss is already there

All of the nights
Why did my lover have to pick last night
To get down
Doesn't it matter
That I have to feed the both of us
Employment's down

He tells me in his bedroom voice
C'mon honey, let's go make some noise
Time it goes so fast
When you're having fun

____________________________________________________________________

As of this moment, I have a raging headache.

Today, I started off with a 10.4 mile run. Yea! Then, for some reason I checked my schedule, and there I had written down that I had a WIC appointment. Oh joy. So I took the fast route home from walking Matthew to school. I grabbed Eric's Boy Scout uniform and took that with me too. Since I was going on post, I would head to the alteration shop (conveniently across the street from the WIC office) and had them sew a patch on and fix a litte tear on one of his breast pockets. That alone was an ordeal because they don't take checks, I don't carry cash, and they wouldn't take the credit card if the total was under $5 (my total for the sewing was $3.15). Soooo......I walked over to the ATM machine. It was broken. Great. Told the lady I was walking over to the bank which is also right down the road from the WIC office. So we walked over there. The drive-thru ATM was broken. Again, great. So I walked over to the front and luckily that front ATM's were working. So I got my money, walked back to the alteration shop. We had a 20 minute wait for the sewing. Got that done. Then headed over to WIC. What a waste. I knew heading in there that our chances for WIC renewal was coming to an end. Bobby's promotion had us cut from WIC. We make a whopping $50 too much to qualify. $50 freaking dollars! Oh well. I knew the hammer was coming down soon. Now we have to buy milk. LOL! The other stuff I never normally bought anyway. It was just extra. Anyway, then afterward I went to the local HEB and used the very last voucher I had for Lauren. And now we are home. I think I'm having a sugar crash. After eating my lunch, my head is throbbing and I feel like I could sleep for days. That would be nice. Still have more to do. It's Scout Monday. Oh joy.

It's My Party..........

Witchy Woman!

"I'll get you my pretty, and your little kitty too!"

She's ONE!

80/20

Your Body Image is 20% Unhealthy, 80% Healthy

You have a great body image. You know that no one looks perfect, and you're happy the way you are. Also, you don't judge other people on their looks... and it helps them feel better about their own bodies!

How's Your Body Image?

Type A

You Have A Type A- Personality

You are one of the most balanced people around Motivated and focused, you are good at getting what you want You rule at success, but success doesn't rule you. When it's playtime, you really know how to kick back Whether it's hanging out with friends or doing something you love! You live life to the fullest - encorporating the best of both worlds

Do You Have a Type A Personality?

Yep, That's Me!!

You Are a Tomboy

You're having too much fun to bother with nail polish and crazy diets. Guys are instead impressed by how much you know and do!

How Girlie Are You?

You Jest???

I'm a Democrat, I tell you!!!

You Are a "Don't Tread On Me" Libertarian

You distrust the government, are fiercely independent, and don't belong in either party. Religion and politics should never mix, in your opinion... and you feel opressed by both. You don't want the government to cramp your self made style. Or anyone else's for that matter. You're proud to say that you're pro-choice on absolutely everything!

What's Your Political Persuasion?

Mmmmmm! Pie!

You Are Apple Pie

You're the perfect combo of comforting and traditional Those who like you crave security

What Kind of Pie Are You?

I LOVE ICE CREAM!

You Are Dublin Mudslide Ice Cream

You won't remember any of this in the morning

What Flavor Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Are You?

A Happy Drunk!

You Are a Strawberry Daiquiri

You're a fun, playful drinker who loves to party. You may get totally wasted, but you're always a happy drunk!

What Mixed Drink Are You?

Strawberry

You Are Strawberry Ice Cream

A bit shy and sensitive, you are sweet to the core. You often find yourself on the outside looking in. Insightful and pensive, you really understand how the world works. You are most compatible with chocolate chip ice cream.

What Flavor Ice Cream Are You?

Pitta

Your Dosha is Pitta

You have a quick mind, a gift for persuasion, and a sharp sense of humor. You have both the drive and people skills to be a very successful leader. Argumentative and a bit stubborn, you have been known to be a little too set in your ways. But while you may be biased toward your own point of view, you are always honest, fair, and ethical. With friends: You are outgoing and open to anyone who might want to talk to you In love: You are picky but passionate To achieve more balance: Be less judgmental of those around you, and take cool walks in the moonlight.

What's Your Dosha?

August

Your Birth Month is August

Ambitious and strong, you find it easy to be successful. You are brave and stubborn. No one's going to set your limits! Your soul reflects: Strength, character, and devotion Your gemstone: Peridot Your flower: Poppy Your colors: Orange, red, and light green

What Does Your Birth Month Mean?

Ride'm Cow....kitty???

Another day in the life of Daisy and Apache.

Daisy pisses off Apache.

Apache concocts a plan of revenge.

Apache sets the trap.

Daisy unwittingly takes the bait.

Apache lays on the arm of the couch, appearing to be taking a nap.

Daisy saunters by unknowingly thinking all is well.

Apache waits. And waits. And waits........

Daisy is closer. Sniffs Apache's butt. Lovingly licks Apache's face.......

Apache: "That was the last straw. Stupid dog licked me. Now she must SUFFER!"

Daisy turns to walk away. BAD MOVE!

Apache sticks butt in air. Gives his hind quarters a wiggle. Then "woosh".....into the air he flies.

He flies high.......and lands on Daisy's back. POOR DAISY!

Daisy yelps. From pain or fear...or both.

There is Apache on Daisy's back, biting into her neck, and Daisy bucking trying to shake the big, fat, orange cat off her back.

Never lick a cat in the face!

Mamasita's Early Birthday Present

I couldn't help myself. I had to pull it out of the box and put it together. While at Toys-R-Us, she giggled and was just so happy to be in it. So the next day, I bought it at WalMart because it was so obviously cheaper!

We pulled out the box. She saw the picture on the box and got soooo excited. I pulled it out and she squealed with delight! Yep, definitely a good choice!

Mi Amor

I LOVE YOU, BOBBY!!!

Sorry I've been such a puss!

Lauren Monster

Exercise:
Tuesday~10.03 miles
Wednesday~6.63 miles
Thursday~7.01 miles
Friday~7.63 miles

It's Friday! Yea!

Nothing much has happened so far. Lauren is taking her nap after an exhausting trip to the commissary. Girl is sooooo spoiled rotten. Can never make her happy. I got one of those shopping carts that has steering wheels for the kids to pretend with. It allows the children to face forward, than backwards, while pushing the cart. Well, I thought this would be perfect since when she is in a regular shopping cart, she turns herself around. I'm so afraid she'll fall out. Well, this "special" shopping cart would do the trick. Nope. She turned around, stood, moved around, houdini'd herself out of the seat belt....you name it. She cried, laughed, squealed to get attention. Of course, when you would sit her correctly, buckle her back in.....all you hear is this scream. I swear she was cussing me out. The girl's got 'tude.

Got home, and of course, that didn't make her happy because she didn't have my undivided attention because I did have to unload the truck, then unpack the groceries. It wasn't like we had a lot.

Then another episode right after the other. I had to strap her in her chair so I could feed her. Oh, that didn't go over well. She doesn't like restraint of any kind. Doesn't like her diaper changed....to her another kind of restraint. Put on her shoes....foot restraint. Put clothes on....bodily restraint. Put a clip in her hair or brush it....head restraint. See! Restraint all over the place....she doesn't likey.

Now someone restrain me from beating my head up against the wall.........LOL!

Mamasita!

Matthew's First Day of School...a pic.

Eric's First day of School...a pic.