Time keeps on slippin', slippin', slippin' ...

Last family picture - 2004
Not kidding when I say cherish every moment. It sounds so cliche' and when my girls were babies and toddlers, I couldn't wait for them to be able to do certain things, like potty, eat real food, talk, walk, etc. Oh, how I wish I had those days back, especially the days of rocking them, holding them, singing to them, and them thinking Mom and Dad were the best people in the whole world.

Now, I'm not saying there are benefits and joys from them being older now. I'm just sayin' treasure it. You can't get it back. I hate when I can't remember some of the things about them as babies, especially K Belle. Take lots of pictures and journal.

Family pictures - 2008 (Still working on them for Christmas cards) Just some samples.

Must crop fat rolls.
Love this one.





The silly ones.

Just Another Random Monday

Yeah ... it's Monday.

And, what's better on Monday than random bullet points. Not much that I know of.

1. New Do.

It just keeps getting shorter and shorter. 

We took a few family pics yesterday outside in our yard. I'll post some tomorrow so you can really get a good look at the hair ... because I'm sure you care and it will be the highlight of your day.

2. Laundry ... no explanation needed.

3. It's the little things in life that please me. I know this because I am so happy to have these in my house.

Actually, I have the pumpkin spice and the egg nog, but will pick up the peppermint mocha when I get to the store. Mmmmm.

4. Speaking of egg nog ... I love it! But, so many others don't. Why do people have such strong opinions of egg nog? Either they detest it or love it. Maybe it's the raw eggs. Borden makes the best, but the thought of making my own or drinking it homemade makes me want to hurl. Weird.

5. I had decided I was going to stop watching "Grey's Anatomy," and really haven't seen it for two weeks. I was not pleased with the writing and could not handle the homosexual relationship that had been written into the show. But, guess what, the relationship suddenly ended and the chick is off the show. So, maybe I'll resume my watching. It's good, but it ain't "The Office."

6. I think there is a conspiracy to make me fat. It seems like every time I turn around, someone is offering me food ... good food, or bringing me one of my favorite candies (four boxes to be exact ... movie-size boxes of SnoCaps ... Love you, Jane ... FYI: she's skinny). I've got to get a handle on my eating and exercise. I've been lazy and have probably gained at least 5 pounds or more. I WILL RUN TODAY!!

7. Roxy Belle has a good life. She awakened from a long night of sleeping, just to go outside to relieve herself, eat her breakfast, and now she's asleep on her chair again. What a life. Later she may run around the house with her squeaky hamburger chew toy. Then, she'll be exhausted.

8. I'm very excited about going to market next week in New Orleans. It's this huge shopping experience specifically for business owners. Wholesale prices, people! Cheap, cheap, cheap! I'm going as a guest of a friend who is a business-owner. (Rachel, I'll be in New Orleans next week, but only for the day.)

9. It's actually cold this morning ... 36 degrees. Don't you dare laugh, Northerners. Let me enjoy my winter day. Although, it will probably be in the 70s this afternoon. Bummer.

10. DARE TO WEAR only 14 days away. Keep your eyes open for that one item you will post about! If you haven't already done so, grab that button, please, and talk it up.

You Asked For It.

OK. I'm going to let you all see some fine pieces of acting.

But, really, in defense of the pieces ... I found out I was actually going to be in these commercials on Thursday. I got the script an hour before we were to shoot. And, most importantly, I didn't have time to get my hair done. My ROOTS are HORRENDOUS! But, no fear ... hair appointment tomorrow. I just wish I could go dark, but my hair is way too thin for that. I'll try to come up with some daring color and hair cut for you for tomorrow.

FYI: I'm sorry I couldn't read any of your blogs last night. It only took me about four hours to post two stinkin' videos. Blogger, you need to get with it. The whole night consisted of me trying to upload them and then getting errors. Beau would then try to change the format of the video, and still it would not work. This was extremely frustrating! I started trying to upload around 6:00 and they didn't get posted until 10:20. So, I'll catch up on my reading later. I already miss you gals.

If God can use a donkey ...

Yep, you got it ... He can use me!

And He did last night. The reason I was feeling so inadequate and humbled was because I had to preach last night.

Yeah ... me ... PREACH ... in our Wednesday night church service.

I felt inadequate because, let's face it, I'm not a preacher and don't have much experience preaching.

I felt humbled thinking about where God has brought me from and by how He was choosing to use me ... totally out of my comfort zone. I could have sung the whole service and been less nervous, but I don't think the pastors would have appreciated that. Obviously, they don't know that the hottest movie ticket right now is a musical.

I actually considered taking Nyquil beforehand ... in early enough time for it to kick in and I get that "feeling good" feeling before I went on. Seriously, I stood in front of the medicine cabinet in contemplation. I figured it really wasn't a good idea, seeing as I had to drive my kids to church.

I didn't eat a thing since about 10:30 that morning. I thought that was using good wisdom, considering the bathroom issues that might occur.

Before I went on stage, I was a little overwhelmed and your nerves can just freak your body out sometimes. I wanted to just say, "OK, I changed my mind. I can't do this. I don't want to do this." 

And I cried.

But, I got myself together and just said, "Lord, You know me. You formed me. You know my abilities. You wouldn't ask me to do something I couldn't do. So, I'm giving You all I have and that's all I can do. Please show up and do the rest."

And He did and I preached.

I felt pretty comfortable, except for some nervousness, which was evidenced, I thought, by how I couldn't breathe (probably because my heart was racing). People said they didn't notice that.

Beau said he got choked up when I started and everyone said how great I did and how proud they were of me. But, I pray, most of all, that God is pleased and am wondering what He's up to.

TOTALLY SWITCHING GEARS ...

18 DAYS 'TIL "DARE TO WEAR." WHATCHA GONNA WEAR? GRAB THE BUTTON (DRAG TO YOUR DESKTOP & ATTACH LIKE A PICTURE. PHOTO IS LINKED.) & TALK IT UP. CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL!

Two Words ...

Inadequate & Humbled

How I'm feeling today.

Will explain tomorrow.

Right now ... Must pray.

Peace Out.

My Day Off

I had a great day yesterday. Mondays are actually my "day off," which means I do all the laundry for the week, clean the house, cook a good dinner, and try to run all my errands and grocery shop ... not to mention pick up the kids at school, work on homework, and then, run them around town to different events that they need to be at.

That's how my "day off" usually turns out.

But, today, was different.

Beau drove the children to school, while I stayed home, relaxed with a cup of coffee and read a few blogs. I got dressed, make-up and all. Then, Beau and I headed off to our video shoot.

Yep ... we shot two commercials for a local furniture store.

I know. A furniture store?

It wasn't your typical lame announcer-type guy yelling about sales, but a funny commercial involving an even funnier married couple, played by yours truly. We got paid for this, mind you. Good acting doesn't come for free ... a full $100 for the both of us. That's $50 a piece. We don't come cheap.

If I had to choose someone as my actress double ... who could play me in a furniture commercial ... my understudy ... the one actress who I often get mistaken for (about 15 years ago, when 90210 was popular) ... Gabrielle Carteris. 

I must admit she looks really good in this picture ... a lot better than when she played the geeky Andrea. I used to get mistaken for her all the time. Not kidding. Weird.

And, Beau's understudy ... well, the one actor that everyone says he looks (and actually acts) like is John Belushi. Since he's no longer around ...

I'd have to say ... Kevin James. Beau is a lot like his character (except not as dumb) from "The King of Queens." 

So, imagine Gabrielle and Kevin in this commercial and you get the idea.

Anyway, Beau and I worked up quite a hunger with all that acting, and ate at a local Greek restaurant for lunch. I was having a craving for grape leaves. Delicious.

All that eating made me sleepy, so we came home for a nap. Did you hear that? We took a nap for about an hour.

Beau went to pick up the kiddos from school, while I did a little laundry. The family's gotta have some clean clothes for the week.

And, I actually ran tonight ... two miles, not the three I had been. But, that's what happens when you haven't run in over a week. Hey, but it's something.

I made a smoothie and had it with cheese and crackers for dinner. Then, watched a little TV.

It was a real day off ... no need for quotes today.

If you haven't already, grab that "Dare to Wear" button on my sidebar and talk it up over at your blog. It will be loads of fun. Still contemplating my fashion item.

Dare to Wear

Well, here it is.

Now, I know the picture is a little over the top, however, be brave. Step out of your comfort zone. The choice is yours.

Pierce your nose.

Wear that jewelry that you once thought was gaudy, but is now IN.

Put on those leggings ... maybe, even leg warmers.

Buy that flashy purse.

Wear those incredibly high heels.

It's up to you. How daring do you want to be?

Don't worry. You will not be alone. I will also be participating. I'm not sure what I'm gonna get, but it'll be good. I've given you plenty of time to find something. So, get out there, and shop, ladies. Get a little crazy.

What do you dare to wear?

I will put the Mr. Linky up on Dec. 1st, so that you can link up, and we all can view your new style or flair (just like the Nanny).

Hey, and grab the button and put it up, would ya' please? Let's get others to participate. I'm not too sure how to put up a button that will link back to this post, but I'll try. So, here goes. Cross your fingers.

Whatcha Think?

OK, so I'm lovin' the comments from yesterday's post and am thinking about doing one of those carnival thingys, where you get people to participate by linking up.

Well, first of all, I have to figure out how to do it, because seriously, I have no idea.

Second, I have to get Beau to try and create some little cute button thing that people can click on and it takes them here.

Third, well actually, ... this should be first ... see if anyone would even want to participate.

So, here's the idea, related to yesterday's post ... Dare to Wear. Basically, what are you afraid to wear because you either think it's too young for you or too daring or out of character for you?

 You get several weeks to find something new for your closet, whether it be leggings (like me) or shiny red pumps (which I own) or giant sparkly hoop earrings (also own). Then, when the date arrives you post a picture of yourself with the item on and write about your purchase and how you feel about it, link up here, and post a link for others to come on over.

Whatcha think? Would you want to do it? At least twenty people would be a good start. Come on ... you know you want to.

Enough about Obama. Now to the really important stuff.

Excuse the flip-flopped image and the ginormous zit.

The things I do for my peeps.

Tears for McCain

La Petite Belle woke up this morning and headed downstairs to eat breakfast where Beau asked her and K Belle if they wanted to know who our new president was.

Of course, they did.

Beau said, "Well, it's Barack Obama."

K Belle gave the typical shrug that an 11-year-old would give.

La Petite Belle continued to stare at Beau in amazement (kinda the same face I had last night) when her eyes filled with tears and she began to cry.

Beau said, "Baby, it's OK. We're going to be OK. Why are you crying?"

La Petite Belle just cried, "I don't like Barack Obama."

Kinda reminds me of God and me. I'm La Petite Belle, crying about the condition of our country and now, the current leader, and God's just saying, "It's OK. You're going to be OK. I'm still in control."

Romans 13:1

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.