Tuesday, March 1, 2011

The Collins Report

So it has been a while since I have grabbed a chair and let thoughts flow... and since my last posting A LOT has happened.  Let's break it down...
Walker has been enrolled in Tee-Ball.  It is a HUGE deal around here... since according to him it is one step from being a Pro Player.  I let him believe this.. who am I to sqwash a Four year old's dream... One of my oldest friend's husband is the coach so Walker is familiar with him... but he still has his questions re: Mr. Evan's ability to take him forward in his career.  One day we were headed to preschool and we were chatting about ball.. he asked " So mom, Is "Eban" the real coach or is he the Vampire?" *** Those closest to me know I have a sick fascination with the Undead.. this comment alone made me wonder if my strange addiction could have seeped into the womb with its friends Sweet Tea and Potatos*** I shrugged off my inner commentary to answer his question " Walker, Evan is the Coach- he is not the UMPIRE"- sigh- I am pretty sure that is what he meant to say and it got lost in his four year old vocabulary.
Yes, I said Four.  Little dude had a birthday much to my chagrin.  Things seem the same except on his actual birthday he needed to report the fact that he can now run a little faster.  Well, Sure!  The all important "run-faster" milestone has been reached- take that Growth Charts!  (ahem- 7th percentile in height- bless him)

Today Kenzie and I celebrated our 9th year together- Adoption is a such a blessing.  That said-Mackenzie and I have had a fantastic day playing hooky!  We have shopped till we dropped at the stores of her choice.  When we needed more fuel, we stopped and ate our way thru Mexico or so it seemed when the dishes were bare!  It is impressive the amount of chips and salsa we can consume in one sitting.  I don't write often about my priss because she is almost ten and I tend to embarrass her... but today I will make an exception because she is just too fabulous not to include in the report.  While we were tootlin' around and bonding over girl time, I decided to make sure she understood how awful smoking is and that if I ever see her with a cigarette I will kill her faster than the smokes.  I explained it is filthy,expensive and dangerous.  It is something I am not proud of but I am addicted.  I told her it all started when I was with an ex-boyfriend in high school.  I thought I was cool.   Here is the short of the long:
Mackenzie- "YOU had a boyfriend?"
Me- ( while thinking WTH?)  "Yes- I had a boyfriend.. more than one but who is counting"
Kenz- "more than ONE?"
Me- " Well Sure"
Kenz- " Before you and daddy got married- was he your boyfriend?"
Me-  " Of course- you have to date before you get married unless you want me to arrange something for you"
Kenz- Blank stare
Me- " I am kidding- you have to date and have boyfriends before you fall in love and get married"
Kenz- "I thought a boy just said  let's get married"
Me-  "Kenzie, your sense of romance is only rivaled by your dads"
Kenz- Blank stare returns
Me- "Well, would you look at the clock.. time to get brother"
*** What would really make her brains flip inside out is IF she knew the ex-boyfriend I was talking about turned into my EX- husband-  decided to let that skeleton stay hidden for another day -***
Did I mention I love spending time with my girl... she is fantastic and entertaining to a fault.

Since the post is growing quickly... I will save the updates of the adults in this household for another day... but never fear.. we have been pretty busy too! What with Valentines and a new property in the gulf... the fiasco's just keep coming...

Have a pleasant evening!  Be Safe

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Unmentionables

So over the past month or so I have been on a quest to find the ultimate "unmentionable".... I have found as 29 and holding approaches,.. I need a super suit. (Girls- you know this is a correct statement)   This perfect undergarment must not only lift and look natural... It must lift, look natural, not produce back fat, be smooth under t-shirts, create a perfect silhouette  (As much as I do enjoy Madonna- a few of her unmentionables would put your eyes out- it is a safety concern) keep cleavage intact and out of my throat,  be bounce free, comfort is of the upmost importance and NOT look like an old lady let me borrow hers. I would also like it to be economical, because if such a super suit existed.. the ones in the drawer would have to be thrown away. It is a lot to ask of a small undergarment.  But I have no shame in asking it- see a need- someone fill a need!  I am pretty sure no such thing exist.. but it should.  We can send a man to the moon, create medicine in a petri dish, wash dishes in an electrical cube, and track a package across the world with a few clips on a keyboard... why can't we create an unmentionable that works?  So I call on you Playtex, Bali, Victoria- heck I would even consider you Fredrick... create something that works.  Once you have a solution- prove it.. prove it with models that have real oobies and not the ones that defy gravity at the age of 90... It is the ultimate challenge-  One that 50% of the population would benefit from (a huh- it is that SERIOUS)....Game On!

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Mystical Unicorns

So no longer fearing that I will tarnish the imagine that I live with shiny, mystical unicorns that enjoy tap dancing to the song "On The Goodship Lollipop" down the yellow brick road, in hopes of finding the brilliantly colored rainbow so they can frolic in the pot of gold... I gotta tell ya-

During the summer months, when the kids are home, most days are stress free.  Why?  Well, we have the luxury of a pee free,private pool in our backyard.  When things get a little "iffy", I soak everyone down in spf 50 and truck on out the back door.  We get some exercise, we soak in the sun and enjoy the afternoon with the grand finale-....wait for it...... Popsicles.  Oh yea, it is a huge deal.

Unfortunately, during the winter months, when the kids are home for over two weeks... this is NOT the case.  It is cold and/or wet.  We are all couped up for the most part and tempers flare.   Let me go ahead and debunk the myth that Cage Fighting is basically a Vegas attraction.   My house, located in Smalltown, Alabama is now an elaborate arena - or cage.   We have encounter the following but not limited too altercations-
A fist "accidentally" landed in someone's face
A foot was in the "way" and tripped someone
A cry because someone was laughing at the other one
A fit because someone didn't throw the game and let the other person win "again"
Accusations that someone hurt someone's feelings
Hair pulling
Stomping
Running from across the room and jumping on an innocent person...
and so on and so on and so on!
Our little guinea pig, Porkchop is indeed a "slut animal".  We know this because one morning we found two additional little (adorable) fur balls in her condo.  I witnessed the husband, squatting down in front of the said "slut animal's" house, while bobbing and weaving his head to ask her "Who Your Baby Daddy?".  ahem.......  We have had several serious issues to address that would shake even the strongest of foundations.   Toss in a couple major holidays and overeating during the past weeks.... and YES, What I have described is...
SEASON ONE- JERRY SPRINGER.   Am I embarrassed?  Well, Yea!  Fresh out of Unicorns.

As each day comes to an end, we have what you might call a routine, or structure.... or Rut we all follow.  Let me give you the highlights-
Mackenzie, being the loving child she is, gives out her sweet hugs and I love you's to everyone including the tiny terror that has made her life miserable that day.  She heads on up the stairs to her room to soak in a little quiet.  I allow her to watch an hour or two of Disney Channel and/or read a book each night.   I feel she needs this.  Now, Kenzie  with being the smart cookie that she is and housing so much Moxy in a little person's body, I feel it is safe to say she is also building a battle plan for the upcoming combat she will surely face with her brother when the sun comes up.  Safe Bet!

Now, when it comes to Walker- it is the same script.
Me- " Walker, here is your binkie (brushing the hair off his brow), let's get you all snuggie in this bed"
Walker- ( HUGE, innocent eyes looking up) "I yoves you, mommy.... I will sees ya in the morning..... good nights.... I will miss you- so, so, so much"
Me- "You know I love you to the moon and back... and that is a long, long way.  I will be here when you wake up sweet angel"
You would think that would be the grand finale of the day - but nope, the chatter then begins.  We have to discuss what he liked and didn't like during the day.   He tells me he is soooo "Haun-gree".  I tell him "no" at first, but always give in since he is a whopping 32 lbs and I can not stand the thought of him actually being hungry.  After an hour of I need water, I gotta go potty, and chilling conversation.. he falls a sleep.
EXCEPT-  one night this past weekend he tossed me a curve ball.  Call it children's intuition... but he knew what I needed..
Me- "Walker here is your binkie,  let me get you all snuggie in this bed."
Walker-(Same beautiful eyes looking up) "Mommy, I yoves you to the moon and back and you say that is a big, big way"
Me- (leaning in to kiss his forehead) " Walker, I  do love you to the moon and back and it is a big, big way!  I think you are so awesome"
Walker- " I think you are awesome too mommy"
and he rolls over.  What no chit chat?  No food request?  Just peace... PEACE!
Welcome back shiny, mystical unicorns... I MISSED YOU!

Time Lapse 15/20 minutes...
Mackenzie enters the room.."Mommy my stomach hurts"   and POOF!  Damn Unicorns are GONE!


Have a great day! :)



Monday, January 3, 2011

When All Seems Lost

You know I think Mr. Gump was onto something... let me explain-
Last night, I piled up in the bed with a box Whitman's Chocolates... I knew the first of the year means to straighten up my eating habits that have turned all willy nilly over the past few months... so I thought I would eat all temptations in one sitting (I know- genius)... and while I was biting into each little piece of chocolate it hit me like a TON of bricks.  Mr. Gump was correct in listening to his momma.  Life is like a box of chocolates and unfortunately most of the little pieces SUCK.   Bad attitude?  Perhaps...but I am working on it... see below

I sent a post out on New Year's stating I was shutting my blog down-  I have received A LOT of emails as to why.... Well, I have thought long and hard about this.  This is a personal topic, I would normally not share.  Cade has encouraged me to talk to my friends.  I was somewhat reluctant to do this... I still am.  In all fairness there are two sides to every story.  Talking would perpetuate a problem or make him seem like some rabid animal chewing out my heart- which he is NOT.  So I have decided to return to what I have always done at one point or another in my life and that is to write it down.  It is therapy.  I made a huge error in judgement shutting it out.  If something brings you joy, you should never feel you don't deserve it.  So let me explain-

My marriage, like all marriages has had its ups and downs. I will not get into details.. but I can tell you this- never hide from your problems... it makes everything worse. That said- There comes a point and time when someone has to quit sweeping the issues under the carpet and make waves.  I have made waves and for over a week, I had a large hole in my lifesaving device. So....  We have argued, I have cried and we have made knew vows to each other in an attempt to correct the error of our ways.  As I pull up my big girl panties to move forward and not be a quitter... I am thankful for this outlet. May the post be funny or true life.  I need to write.  I need to document.. I need the therapy.
So thanks for reading- and I wish us all happiness and contentment.  It's important.  Being a parent doesn't mean giving up yourself.  It doesn't mean you live with regrets or the feeling you owe someone for your life.  Being a stay at home mom doesn't make you less important  - If anything- It makes you a hero to the little people in your lives.
Hugs,
Jennifer

Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy New Year

The New Year is approaching quickly... and with a New Year there are new hopes, dreams and changes.  That said, I am shutting down my blog.  It has been fun and it has made me happy.. but I need to focus on other things that are in need of my full attention.  
Thank you for reading and I hope at one point or another I could make you smile.
 I wish you all safe, healthy and prosperous new year.  I hope each of you can find your inner strength and determination to live a happy life.

Thank you again,
Jennifer

Monday, December 20, 2010

Wow- It's The Week Of Christmas

Wow- every year it seems Christmas gets here faster and faster... they say that comes with age- Since I have a birthday coming up - I am witnessing life at the speed of light now (which is less than impressive).  The children are home from school and the bickering has began, the ham and turkey are in the fridge waiting to be cooked and devoured.  The menu's are in place.  The baking is at an all time high, and the elastic waist pants are front in center of the closet.  The gifts are wrapped and placed lovingly under the tree. I have shared with others that are not as fortunate as my family this year.  It is time to breath and enjoy the magic and true meaning of the season.  I will not preach on my blog, too each their own- and I will not judge.   I will, however, stroll down memory lane and reflect on Christmas past.

HO HO HO and away we go-

Most of my memories take place at my grandparents house.  I have decided to make a top 10 list- I bet a few of mine match yours...
 1. A Full House- Our family was whole.  We were blessed to have all of our loved ones alive and with us under one roof.  Over time, we have lost members to failing health and age.  I had no idea as a child how I would long to relive special moments.  Had I known, I would have soaked in every single detail that was before me.
2. Fruitcake anyone?  Now I am not a fan of  "fruitcake or cannibalism" - BUT, my grandmother use to make a yummy one with condensed milk (I can and will eat a can of this-ahem -I could careless if anyone is looking)- Condensed milk is kinda like cream cheese...if it is part of the ingredients you KNOW it is gonna be good.  Anyways, this fruitcake was moist and rich- not your typical brick.  Why cannibalism? Hello- a bunch of fruitcakes eating fruitcakes..I thought that one was self explanatory.
3. My Grandmother in her apron- Ok- I have shared in the past that Ellen Roof was a fine cook back in the day and I have also shared how she didn't cook anything "fit to eat" if you asked her.  I can see her in marathon mode- whipping those dishes out, heating those rolls and dictating to her "girls" to get ice in the cups and see who wants "what" to drink.
4. The Blessing and Remembrance of the day- My granddaddy's job and he was good at it.
5. Which brings me to my next memory-  The Feast- oh, it was a feast fit for kings every year.  I was a child so I didn't have to "bring a dish".  That in itself is magical.  Someone brings you a plate- you eat- and enjoy.  ** Side note- somehow my sister got away with this tradition until two years ago- pretty cool magic trick right there- she is thirty-something- sigh**
6. Swapping of Gifts- Toys, Toys, and Socks or possible underwear (that is how I remember it).
7.  Idle Chatter at the table-  is it loud in here?- YES - it is.  After dinner and gift giving everyone would head back to the kitchen for dessert.  This is the time everyone would talk over each other- I know there was a half a dozen conversations going on at any one given time.  Charming - huh and it made my list.  *** another side note- this tradition still carries on loud and proud at any holiday, birthday, day of the week, time of day... doesn't matter***
8. Are there any Pecans left to pick up? - didn't see that one coming did ya?  Well, the Grands had a couple of pecan trees in the yard and we would go out with our Woolco/Kmart bags and start the search.  Hindsight, I now know this was a ploy for the smoking adults to sneak outside and burn one when granddaddy wasn't looking.  mmhmmm-
9. Do you remember?  Time to pull out some of the oldest photo albums that exist outside of a museum.   Pretty sure some of them were brought over during the potato famine- Irish to the core over here.
10. My Granddaddy Could Channel Bing-  This by far, is my favorite memory.  Every year, Granddaddy would sit at the head of the table and belt out " White Christmas".  The chatter stopped and everyone listened. He sounded just like Bing Crosby.  To this day, when it comes on the radio- I can not hold back the tears.  I miss this one - more than any of the others. My granddaddy made an impression on me and I had NO idea at the time.  I think he knows now.

 I hope I could remind you of your memories and made you smile.  I know I have grinned and dropped a few tears today- happy tears.
That said, I wish you all a Safe, Healthy and Very Merry Christmas.
Jennifer

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Meet Beth

Did you have a favorite toy?  I did.  Her name was Baby Beth.   She was a little blond, with a pink knit cap and sweater.  She had a material body with tiny flowers on the rump to simulate a diaper.  OH, How I loved my Baby Beth.  She was hands down the best toy ever!  As an adult, I have thought about her from time to time.. like when Mackenzie was a little tot she carried around a particular baby everywhere she went
 (the good old days before she thought Barbies and babies were for BABIES- rolls eyes). Well, one day baby no name was a little too dirty for my liken'... so when Mackenzie sat her down, I tossed her in the washing machine.  Fast Forward 20 minutes and baby no name had no head.  Sheer panic came over me. I know about toy attachment- I experienced the same for Baby Beth. ** As I did the "holy crap" dance in my kitchen - your familiar with it, we have all done this dance- and paced back and forth, I came up with a plan**  At the time, me and the husband were just dating, but I called him asking for assistance in this matter.  He drove from Montevallo, while Mackenzie was a sleep and attached the dolls head.  She had no idea that I had decapitated her baby.  All was right in the world of baby dolls again.  
This past year, for my anniversary present the husband located an Original Baby Beth.  He packed her up in a box inside our luggage as we headed for Vegas - our original knot tying spot- with a letter to the TSA agents to please not "gut" her while looking for drugs that it was a present for his unsuspecting wife.
  (I KNOW- Pretty COOL huh?- he put a lot of thought into that)  I have never been so surprised in my life, except maybe when I found out Walker was a butter bean in the ol' oven- THAT DID SHOCK THE FOOL OUT OF ME! Huh... come to think of it, he is responsible for both surprises, well I be darned.   Anyways, it was a huge, well executed surprise.  
Why is this on my mind?  Well as we all get caught up in the Christmas rush- do you ever stop to think, this toy... pause inserted here... could be the one?  The one that provides security at night and comfort during the day for the special child on your list... IS that the toy the child will remember and automatically smile about as an adult?  As you shop, may you make memories to last your family a lifetime!
Later, My friend