Height, Clothes, and a little Shrinkage

During the summer between fifth and sixth grades I hit a growth spurt. I went from being short, to tall in just a few months. Five feet two and-a-half inches at 12 years-old was tall. My family is on the average side of tall, and everyone thought I was going to follow suit. Why wouldn't I? My father is about 6'1, and my mother 5'8.  

The thing is... I've been that exact height EVER SINCE!!! I have not grown one.inch.since!!! Enough of the back story... Let's spring forward to last week.

I stopped by the mall looking for a particular kind of warm ups for my daughter. And wouldn't you know it, I stumbled on a sale. Not just any sale but a $5 sale! Yes, I found her warm ups, and really nice workout gear for myself... all $5 a piece. I ended up with two pair of long yoga style pants, and three pair of fitted tight like pants, along with tops! I felt like I had won the lottery.

Of course I had to model my new digs for my family. That's when I realized the yoga pants were really... really long. No problem. Most of my pants have to be cut off or hemmed. There was no way I was going to attempt do either to these pants. Can you even hem spandex/polyester?
Instead I got the bright idea to shrink them.

After finding the directions How-to Shrink Polyester and Spandex, I went to work. Bam!!! It worked... for one pair, so I'm back to the drawing board for the other.

Do you ever have to alter your clothes before wearing them? What are the best, or craziest methods you've used?

Digging Up Holes

Mr. Husband puts a lot of time and effort into our yard, and it looks good. He mows, trims and edges, waters and fertilizes the yard to a beautiful green lawn.

About two weeks ago utility workers sprayed a line starting at the house on the corner, ended in the yard next door. That's five yards. Last week they dug a huge hole in the yard two houses over. They eventually made it to our yard with shovels and dug two small holes. Whew!

Yesterday those men and that digger (I don't have a clue what's it's really called), made it's way to our yard. They dug a little, and then more and more. When they were finished... they left the machine in our yard over night. That means they're not finished, and will be back.

I felt sorry for my husband. He's going to have his work cut out for him to fix the mess they've created.

Hide & Seek

I've been wearing contacts for more than a few months now, and I truly enjoy being able to see without wearing glasses. So far my contacts haven't given me any trouble... That was until yesterday!

First, I must give you a little back ground. This summer I've had a terrible time with a weird cough, and breaking out in hives. Sunday night was the latest episode resulting in a trip to the ER. The next day I was suppose to see the allergist, but couldn't because to stop the allergic reaction I had to have histamines. And histimines would affect the allergy test.

I was able to reschedule for Thursday. Lucky me, the next available appointment is November 15.

Fast forward to Monday. My daughter's legs were sore, and I rubbed her achy legs with BioFreeze. Afterwards, I washed my hands, washed my hands, and washed them some more. I could not get the smell to go away. I was positive BioFreeze was no longer on my hands, but I wasn't willing to stick my fingers in my eyes to remove my contacts. With everything else going on with allergic reactions I was not willing to take the risk. So I slept in my contacts.

Last night, after a full day my eyes were a little dry, tired, and irritated. I kept feeling something a little scratchy... then it got worse. Realizing it was my contacts I rushed to take them out. It didn't take long to realize the left contact was no longer where it should be, and was lost. The contact had made it's way up, somewhere under my eyelid.

My first instinct was to panic. On second thought I calmed down and started working to get that thing out of my eye! Finally, after a little maneuvering, and ingenuity the contact and my eye parted ways without incident.

This morning like all others, I put my contacts back on and went on my merry way!

Now You See It, Now You Don't

This is my daughter's cheer camp t-shirt, after my mom washed it. The red bled and turned the white... a nice shade of pink. She tried to correct the color, but was unsuccessful. Friday morning baby girl needed the shirt for an event, I had to move fast.

My initial thought was to find stain snatcher sheets, but remembered a line of stain removers by Carbona Stain Devils.  We were introduced a couple years ago, when a pen was washed, and dried in a load of of khaki, and white uniform clothes. After setting for more than a month, the ink remover worked like a charm. I was sold.

When I saw Carbona had a color run remover I was confident it would work. I followed the directions, and started watching... 5 minutes, 30 minutes, and no change. One hour passed, then three stirring occassionally per instructions, but still the shirt remained pink.

Finally, we moved the soaking shirt into the bathroom, where it would be out of sight, and out of smelling range. It smelled like a dirty fish tank. After hours of soaking, it seemed to be less pink... more like a hint of pink. I finished the process, by rinsing and washing the shirt, and throwing it in the dryer. The next morning the outcome was...

Pretty good huh?!

I know right!

No one knew the shirt had been pink the day before, and my mom was amazed! 

Disclaimer: I did not receive any compensation, or products for this post. All opinions are my own.

Open Letter To Summer

Dear Summer,

SLOW DOOOOWN!

I am begging you, please slow your roll. What's your hurry??? June has literally flown by, and we've started on July. If last month was any indication of what to expect for this month... I'm in trouble.

We've taken the girls to Texas for University of North Texas' girls basketball camp, they've  National Baptist Congress of Christian Education Conference, in St. Louis, and Mr. Husband took them to Tulsa, for Oral Robert's University's girls basketball camp. And they're not through!

Although they have enjoyed themselves, and done way more than most kids, I still want to do some of the "fun, fun" summer things. I've taken the time to at least dream about doing a few things our state has to offer. Between the girls busy schedule, and me teaching summer school... it's up to you to slow down.

If you  keep up this sun up... sun down pace you've established, it will soon be time for school to start. I'm so not ready for that.

So think it about, talk it over with the other seasons, and see what you can do... please and thank you!

Sweet Brown... Aint Nobody Got Time For That!

I often wonder how, and why the most crazy, comical, and often unreliable people are interviewed for news stories. With the genius of technology the craziness can be shared, doctored, and become Internet sensations.

Sweet Brown... bless her heart, watch for yourself!

Digital Dr.'s Office

This morning at my regular scheduled Dr.'s appointment the receptionist announces, "We're going digital. You'll soon be able to access lab results, schedule appointments, and request refills all online."

That's great... I think. Then I started to think, WHAT IF something happens, and everything is wiped out... THEN WHAT!

I am one to embrace technology, and all that it has to offer. But with something as delicate as my medical history, I'm concerned. My bank is backed by FDIC, so if someone should steal all $5, I am guaranteed it's safe return.

Who's protecting my medical records. I know I'm probably over thinking it a bit, but it's heavy on my mind. Call me crazy!

What about technology, and being able to access so much information from just about anywhere in the world are you concerned with? 

Cinnamon Challenge

Keeping up with my 29 Day Challenge, has been a challenge for me recently! My girls playing basketball, mom sick a weekend, my 16 year old's birthday, work... and general life. Finally, I'm back.

I couldn't for the life of me think of one thing I wanted to blog about. Then it hit me. Recently, my children told me about the Cinnamon Challenge, and we took to Youtube to watch a bunch of them. You've never heard of the Cinnamon Challenge either. You're in for a really good laugh.

Idiots  People purposely attempt to swallow a spoonful of ground cinnamon. As absurd as it sounds, it's seriously funny! Watch.

Warning... Go pee before you watch the following videos. If your shoulder, back, stomach, or head hurts... watch at a later date. These videos are hilarious!

I Cooked, I Ate, I Gained

This summer I've had a lot more free time than summers before! For the first time, I took advantage of the "teacher break," along with my kids. If I did nothing else this summer, I cooked *whispering* and ate!

I made new dinners, old dinners and plenty of desserts! During the course of the summer I've made sweet potato pies, cheese cakes, my very first bread pudding, banana pudding, and homemade ice cream. Baby girl has also made several batches of cupcakes, with her very delicious cream cheese icing. And I've eaten almost all.of.it!

Last week my daughter commented, "You've cooked like Sunday all summer long." 

Not only have I cooked like Sunday, I've cooked like every other day of the week. I've also made less heavier meals. But the fact still remains, I've eaten a lot of everything. And it is showing up.

Out of curiosity, I stepped on the scale a few mornings ago, and every morning since to see if there's been any change. Each time it says the same thing... I've gained about 5 pounds. I was horrisprised!

I tried on a pair of my dress pants, and they fit a little tight snug. So I tried on another, and another... and they were too. It looks like I might have to go back to class in loose fitting dresses!

Excuse me, I made a cheese cake Saturday, and it's calling my name. I know you thought I was going to tell you about starting a fitness program to get rid of the extra weight. I chose not to lie to you right now, and fooling me doesn't work any more.

I'll let you know when.

Feeling A Little Beachy

It's been almost two weeks since our semester ended. I've been doing the domestic goddess thing cooking, cleaning, washing...

Now I'm having a hankering for something different. I REALLY want to be on a beach, somewhere, anywhere! I want a scene straight out of the movies. You know the one... walking hand in hand with Mr. Husband at sunset, running out of the water with a bikini, and sitting under an umbrella sipping something non-alcoholic and tropical. *insert screeching train halting sound*

Cancel all the romanticism.

Mr. Husband really doesn't care about the beach, or playing outside. I'll settle for just walking along the beach , or sitting close to the water with a notebook, penning something profound. *Ha!*

The point is, I WANT TO GO TO THE BEACH!

Right now, I'll settle for a lake, any lake, or even the Arkansas River.

TLC's Extreme Couponing

I am an occasionally couponer, my thing is ad matching. I love gathering circulars from other stores, and getting a huge savings when I shop for groceries. When I watched TLC's new show Extreme Couponing, I felt the need to step my game up! I don't want to be extreme, but I CAN stand to save a little more!

This show has intrigued me so much, I pulled out my coupons, and matched them to sales in ad papers. I've also signed up with several printable coupon sites, and printed off a few. I tweeted about watching Extreme Couponing, and Double Saving Diva's responded. They will be on Extreme Couponing next week, how cool is that!

After that, I checked out Double Saving Diva's blog, and Youtube Channel. These sister's are serious! I also checked out The Krazy Coupon Lady's site, so much information! I've always loved to shop for groceries, and they've ignited a greater spark. I WANT MORE SAVINGS!

My dvr is set to record next week's episode, and I'm exercising my scissor hand! Ready. Set. Save!  

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise

We kind of surprised my daughter with a new car, and... of course I had my video camera!

We Have Sun!

It's been so gloomy here, and I was missing the sun, so I made a video. I was my own camera person, so don't laugh, I did the best I could. I am very excited!

And to my friend Angela of Hanging With Mrs. Cooper, who is getting more snow today, this sun is for you!

Letter To My Soon To Be EX-Dryer

Dear Mr. Dryer:

We have had a warm and wonderful relationship over the years. But lately you've continued to let.me.down. I don't understand.

Because of your recent shenanigans, sending me to the laundry mat (you know I hate it there), I am forced to end our relationship. Consider this letter due notice.

Tomorrow, I will start looking for your replacement, a younger, more energy efficient and timely dryer. Although your services are appreciated, we must end this before someone gets hurt. I wish you all the best.

By the way: your partner in crime has to go with you. I want a new washer and dryer SET. For your convenience we will help you move.

Thanks again.

Driving Lessons - A Third Time

Having 5 children, I learned very early, they're all very different. No two of them have the same personality, likes. dislikes, or thought process. 

Now that, I'm teaching child number three to drive, the same holds true. Driving lessons has proven to be a different experience with each! This summer 14-year-old middle daughter declared she was ready to start learning to drive. This was music to my ears. With our son being a senior in high school, and planning to be away at college next year, she could really help me out.  

Middle daughter is my "thinking child." She over analyzes EVERYTHING! I tell her to put her foot on the brake, and she has to think about what I meant. Did she mean just put my foot on the brake, or does she want me to mash it. All while we're barreling toward the rear end of the vehicle in front of us.

I try really hard to be calm, when I'm giving her instructions.

Returning home after a driving lesson, a couple days ago, there was a bag of fertilizer laying in the driveway. Calmly I said, "Go around it, to the left." It lead to... "Go around it.to.the.left. GO AROUND IT!"  And I grabbed the wheel.

My husband who was outside in the yard, and the two younger girls in the back seat, along with Middle daughter, thought I had lost my mind!

I got out of the car, walked into the house and poured myself a cup of Coca-Cola! Coke is the answer to everything.

Do you have crazy experiences learning to drive, or teaching someone else?

Was That A Christmas Tree?

On my way home I saw what I thought was a Christmas tree. There was no way I was going home "Thinking," I saw a Christmas tree, I had to investigate. I circled the block and this is what I found.

Okay, it's not technically a "Christmas tree," more like a Halloween tree, but it does send subliminal Christmas messages. Am I right? The first thing I thought, was 'I've not started my Christmas shopping yet!'

We all know how that tree will be decorated November 1st.

30 Days

Thirty days ago, I vlogged that I was going to keep up with how many times I visit Wal-Mart. And I did.

In a 30-day period, I went to Wal-Mart a total of 17 times. I checked in Foursquare 15 times, plus an additional two times that I forgot. This doesn't include the times I sent my son. Believe it or not, I really didn't go that much. There were a few days I didn't go at all.

I know you're wondering what in the world am I buying? I buy groceries every other week. My kids always need something, or I just have to run by and pick up an additional little something.

Mr. Husband seems to think I'm addicted to Wal-Mart. I wouldn't call it an addiction. It's more of a very strong like.

What's In Your Purse?

The bigger my purse, the more junk I put in it!

When I was younger, and my babies were small, (It seems like I had babies for ever!), I always carried a large purse, for necessities, snacks, toys, crayons.

I had gotten away from large purses after the kids got older, and a Dr. telling me I would have back problems if I continued. In the past few years I found my way back to them, although unintentional.

Picking up my purse a few days ago, I thought, "Wow, this is really heavy. What's in this bag?" The contents of my purse today include:

Inside

• A 20 oz Vanilla Coke. My favorite!
• Digital Camera
• Cell phone charger
• Wallet
• Flip Video Camera
• Two notebooks
• CD, Black Berry manual, lip gloss and a host of receipts.

Outside large pocket

• More more receipts, and about two months of bills

Two little front pockets

• Three sets of car keys, and the keys to my office
• Cell phone
• And even more receipts

How much did all of that weigh? About 5 lbs. What's in your purse?

Too Cool For My Eyes

Look over my shoulder my daughter got in the picture, sticking her tounge out.

Click on the picture to see her.

Yesterday, I went to the eye doctor, and he dilated my eyes. Check out the cool insert shades they gave me. I looked a HOT mess!

After dilating my eyes, I got a chance to pick out new frames. Trying to pick out frames with dilated eyes is a monumental challenge. I couldn't see well through the dummy lenses, everything was blurry and fuzzy. I finally chose a pair of cute frames.

At least I think I picked out cute frames. They looked cute through the haze. I pray they're cute!

When I got home my daughter (the one caught in the picture), asked "Why are you wearing those?"

My Tweets

After the weekend I had, it's a wonder I can think AT ALL! So instead of a "real" blog post, I thought I'd give you a glimpse into my Twitter activity. These are a few of my resent favorites. Okay, my life isn't very eventful, but it's mine!

It's Time to do it all over again, Merry Monday.

I found the answer to losing your car at the grocery store... Always park on the same isle.

Yeah!!! I successfully sent my first MailChimp email campaign. I feel like I'm doing something.

Checking out webcam for Skyping. Why didn't I think of that before?

About to get out in the rain, without an umbrella!

I just drove around the culdesac, past my neighbor's mailbox. I was WAY out in the street. Not going to hit it today!

Okay, back to the basics. Keep it simple stupid!

The weather lady said rain this afternoon. It looks like rain any minute.

I think I just put too many towels in the washer! *looking stupid*

Someone shrunk my Spring/Summer pants. I'll try holding my breath! Putting down the cookies.

My Baby-Girl is playing around in Oldest daughter's things. She just put concealer on her lips for lipstick. Too funny!