May you and yours...

have a year filled with health, wealth and happiness!!

Movie etiquette...

I took the baby to see "Chipwrecked" yesterday and was absolutely floored at the noise level inside the movie theatre. Now, don't get me wrong, I know this is a childrens movie and they laugh and get giddy.. I am talking about the FOOD NOISE!!
The audience sounded like they were digging in brown paper grocery bags plundering to the bottom of a potato chip bag on their way to a 2 Liter coke!! Sheesh..I almost got up and said something, but didn't want to upset my little girl who was quietly enjoying her Gummie Sour patch kids and oblivious to the whole noise thingy!! Trust me, this isn't a shout to her..she is a talker too, but she knows when NOT to make noise.. UGH!

Christmas Day..

was magical...all three of my girls proclaimed it the "best Christmas ever"! I am not sure why, they got some cute things but certainly were not over indulged.."3 gifts from the 3 kings", and then some mommy and daddy splurge! The 2 youngest girls received NOOK COLORs, as the oldest has an iPod already, they are really enjoying them and have been using them for READING too! ha! Lots of clothes, boots and monogrammed jewelry and scarves and girly makeup for the 2 oldest.

I don't think I mentioned this..but on Christmas Eve, I had a small catering job and noticed that right before I put the Pork tenderloins in the oven that there was GREASE in the bottom of my oven..not from me I assure you..husband..so I tried just wiping it out because I couldnt spend the time to properly clean it..anyway..I smoked the house up.UGH! I love my house to smell beautiful, not like a bonfire, so I opened the french Doors off of the dining room and our front door, yes I know we looked like white trash, but I didn't care I wanted that smell gone..anyway.. a bird flew in YIKES and immediately flew out. Fast forward to 4 o'clock our dear friend and godmother to my middle child Sister Christina came for our traditional visit and she proceeds to tell me it means DEATH! What, shut the front door! Don't tell me something like that, I almost cried all day and night! No one died that night..enter christmas morning..got up early to make coffee.. coffee maker DEAD!! Shot, kaput!! whew! I was never so happy for that DEAD coffee maker, made for a weary morn, but at least we are all still here!

Sugar Cookie Mishap..

So, the baby had a friend over Sunday Evening and by Monday morning..they were "bored"!! I swore to her if she used that ADJECTIVE at all during Christmas Break she would be cleaning baseboards with HER toothbrush.. so she replaced BORED with "we have nothing to do" so we are going to walk to Publix!! What? Publix!! First of all, it is 3 miles from our house and secondly, she has never, ever even thought of that..enter her sassy friend, who I find refreshing, but sassy!! Where am I going with this story, ahh Yes, the Sugar Cookies.
No you are not walking to Publix..do you want to make christmas sugar cookies?? YEAH!! squeals.you get the picture.. I made the dough, gave them the rolling pin, the cookie cutters and sprinkles and told them to call me and I would put them in the oven..I was folding laundry... HAHA!! they rolled the dough into the letters of their names! no stars, trees, or stockings!! I did chuckle..

I am in awe...

of C Wonder and dying to do some shopping here..anyone else?

Love this Idea!!!

Wouldn't this be just the cutest for a wedding instead of the traitional Tiered Cake?? I just adore this!

Soup...

We have officially gone soup crazy in Casa de Cleary!! Here are 3 so far

Cabbage Soup (dieter's version) I , of course, have doctored and altered it, still keeping it LOW CALORIE!
Turnip Soup..hubby is making this..I will let you know how this turns out..
Chicken Tortilla Soup for the girly's.

I think soup is good for you..plus it is easy!! let me know if you want the recipes!!

Here we go..

GAMECOCKS! Here we go... Biggest game of the year for our in state rivals, and this year even more so, both teams are 9-2!! We NEED and WANT this win bad. Both teams are stocked with talent..I, of course, miss our,misbehaving QB Stephen Garcia, but I am pulling for Connor Shaw and our Mighty Gamecocks!

We were going to go, but we have out of state company..so we invited the peeps from the hood over!! heehee!
My menu
Meatball Subs with provolone
side pasta with marinara
leftover kahlua cheesecake and pumpkin praline cheesecake and my honey's Pumpkin gingerbread trifle( seriously, my 6'3 230lb. husband made this)..he's in the kitchen right now making sweet potato biscuits from my left over souflee!!
May the best team win..better be mine!

UGH!

I would rather drink a BLACK RUSSIAN, than go out shopping on BLACK FRIDAY!! You can still order and get those deals online. Seriously, opening stores on Thanksgiving is just unforgiving in my books..

Not just today...

May God watch over each and everyone of you and may you all count your blessings..I sure have!!

Let's turn those...

Gators into TOAST!!!

God Bless America..

and the Americans who have served and those that continue to serve. One of my favorite all time WAR HEROES is George Patton..."Lead Me, Follow Me, or get out of my way."~George Patton~ Born 11/11/1885

Happy Birthday...

my favorite Lilly store in Columbia, SC..The Pink Sorbet.. Love them! Happy Birthday to the Queen of

Happenings...

The baby has her last soccer game Saturday..I hope she scores a goal this season, she was a high roller last year, she's close,but missed a few good opportunities!!
Middle Baby has a dance part in "The Princess and the Frog", so we are full of rehearsals weekly, and 2 dress rehearsals next week and 3 performances..YIKES, time to get out the RED BULL!!
Oldest daughter has been babysitting for this family whose mommy travels a good bit for business, she just returned from London, must be rough, and has earned $340.00 so far..she is saving for a car, her Godfather said he would contribute $2000.00 we will contribute a $1000.00 and she needs to save$1000.00.. Don't you think you can get a decent used FIRST car for $4000.00?

I must say the weather here in SC has been nothing short of delightful! I catered 2 big parties last weekend and I am catering an OYSTER ROAST this Friday.

I am dedicating myself to losing weight, especially after I saw my 4 chins and 3 asses on FB! LOL!! No more 2 glasess of, ok 3, of Pinot anymore.. slow and steady takes the wheel..I just want to feel great!

What do your children want for Christmas..mine want IPADS, duh, so do I, not.. we are leaning towards Kindle Firestar!! look it up on amazon way cheaper and awesome!

Have a great Tuesday. I love the time change do y'all? I get up so much easier!

Just a thought..

trying at times..I am the proud mommy to three so alike yet SO different girls. I am proud that all THREE made the honor roll. I am proud that they are all thoughtful. I am proud that they make people laugh. I am proud to say they are mine.

The most wonderful time..of the year

FALL.. I adore this time of year.. Pumpkin bread, apple Streusal muffins, Halloween and Thanksgiving..and if you live below the Mason/Dixon line, finally a break in the temperature. I love wearing sweaters, wraps, cardigans...I love to cuddle with my girly's..I love to make them hot chocolate with a big fluffy marshmallow!

My middle girly went to pick apples with her BFF and brought our family back all of these apples she picked herself..and a jar of apple butter for her mama, my personal fave.

I am pooped..I catered an Engagement party for (100) maybe, maybe! 40 showed, kind of sad! They loved the food..and when the pics come in I will post. I hope y'all are enjoying this most wonderful time of the year..

Weekend in review..

First of all, I would like to personally thank GOD for such a glorious weekend, it was very well appreciated in this household!

First of all, the baby girly went to Raleigh,NC with my husbands sister for a visit with her cousins..the Auntie spoils my little poopsie..Pumpkin Patch, bowling, bubble forest, "camp out' at church... she was exhausted..

Middle Girly went to the SC State Fair Friday with her BFF"S and Saturday participated in our cities USMC Mud Run..Loved it and spent the weekend with her BFF!

Oldest Girly earned some cash by helping me cater this weekend(Friday) and Saturday we watched our beloved GAMECOCKS squeek out a win over the Bulldogs from Mississippi ST.!

So sad, Marcus Lattimore will be out for the remainder of the season with a torn ACL!. We wish him a full and fast recovery but realize there is NO I in TEAM!! Unless you were on Auburn's team last year,,jk!

I made Oatmeal Craisin Cookies with white chocolate chips..for SIL, for taking the baby and some for our older neighbors..and of course, for the family

I made chicken enchiladas for a friend who had a baby girl last Monday and Chicken and Rice Casserole with a side of green beans for dinner..I am NOT a fan of casseroles but the girly's loved it..score..trifecta when they all enjoy what I make..the baby is so picky lately.

Funny story..speaking of the baby and her sweet tooth. Her Raleigh cousin has Crohn's disease, so they are on a very strict Organic, Gluten free diet..no sodas either, but we don't have those either, anyway, first thing when she gets home is hug me and says PUHLEESE get me some candy and gum..I am have withdraws!! LOL!! Daddy O bought her a snickers..

It's Official...

I am a licensed South Carolina Driver!!! Whew! So at 47, I let my SCDL expire..and was required to take the Vision(tricky)passed, Knowledge(who knew we had so many ROAD SIGNS) and Driving(parallel parking) parts of the test. I am happy to report I PASSED all THREE!! Oh and I got my rental car..a Jeep and I love it!! No Hubby I don't want a new car, I will NEVER have a car payment again after my Suburban(winnebago) is paid off!

Today I am catering dinner at our Club's Member/Guest Tennis Tournament..a Chili Bar

Texas Chili..with BEEF, Ground beef 10 different peppers, tomatoes,Kidney Beans, onions..

Fresh Shredded Cheddar(not bagged..ewww)

Red Onion//Green Onion

Sour Cream

Frito Scoops/Tostito Scoops/Saltines

Mixed Organic Green Salad with feta, peppers, pecans, craisins,green onions,tomato

Fudge Brownies

I am officially getting over my man Stephen Garcia being dismissed from my beloved USC Gamecock Football team...sigh.. and yes I love a rebel, but he really was a nice KID!

This is how I feel...

overwhelmed.. I am so overwhelmed with,real job, children, catering, rear ended car, getting car fixed and oh, guess what..I have to take the vision, written and road skills test to renew my license...I am so scared..please pray for me, I am about to die..remember Parallel Parking??YIKES

imagine my surprise...

so I am at work Friday, qualifying hopeful clients for homeownership..and taking a loan application of a gal that is qualified, when an email popped up...reminding us to enjoy our long weekend because we are going to be closed for COLUMBUS DAY!! Yippee, I love a surprise!

I will be home waiting for the adjuster to come to my house to give me an estimate on my rear ended Suburban!!

Trust me..

this is easy peasy and delish!!
Spray crockpot with PAM
add 3 boneless, skinless chicken breast, stab with a knife a little..salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic
add 1 block of 1/3 less fat cream cheese..smush around on chicken
add 1 can of each..Rinsed and Drained Black Beans and Corn
season again..say with ADOBE seasoning..or more chili powder
add 1 can of Rotel Tomatoes
cook on low 6-8 hours
if you are home stir every 3 hrs. if not your ok!
take off lid and shred with 2 forks
serve over yellow rice YUM or roll up in a tortilla!
perfect for family of 5 with NO leftovers!!

A conversation with an 8 year old..

Me: " Wouldn't it be fun to live in NEW YORK CITY?"
8yr. old girly: "NAAAA, you would get raped too much!"
Me: " well then, Forest Acres it is."

sidebar: I guess we need to stop watching Law and Order SVU Marathons together. she also knows what a SHANK is and where Rikers Prison is also..oopsie!

It is ...

beautiful here in Columbia, SC today, and the forecast is even more delectable for the weekend. I just put a PORK BUTT in the el crockeroo and we will be having BBQ sandwiches with slaw and a sweet pickle for Gameday..kickoff 3:30pm..the fighting Gamecocks of the University of SC will tackle the reigning Nat'L Champion Auburn Tigers..GOOOOOOOOOOCOCKS!
My "TIGER"(the husband) has to work this weekend he gets off at 4:00pm, so we will be going to the family home for gameday..where I will have his favorite beverage iced down for him and a big kiss. He probably will go for the beer first! HA! I am going to make White Pizza Dip also, very delish.. I love Saturday and Sunday..family and football..southern style!

"HER" true colors..

don't you just hate when you notice them from a "friend"!! Now, I have seen these colors before and I tried to ignore them and press on..but honey, she put them out there the other day, and I do NOT think I want to be friends with someone, so self serving, selfish and inconsiderate of others. You know what I am talking about..the person who always shows up late because obviously "her" time is more important then yours. God forbid you make "her" wait! This "friend" totally bashed my friend and I was so upset for her..I defended her of course, but to hear this other "friend" go on a tirade made me sick to my stomach..just because she could NOT accommodate her wants!! One word! Lonely...

I think....

my brain is bleeding!! I NEVER and I mean never get headaches..I have had a dull headache on the left side of my head and face for TWO days now!!.. I hope it isn't a result of this nast drink I had Saturday for game day that everyone tried..FOUR LOKE.. didn't they ban that in like 5 states? Why did we over 40's feel the need to experiment? Anyway our vegetarian chili was delish as were our mexican potstickers and Fudge Cake!! The Gamecocks win was great..just hope our offense gets a little stronger..ie Stephen Garcia I am talking about you!

You will never believe this...

after my previous POST you will undestand this one.. No sooner was I freaking out about MONEY..when, my Lord and Savior came through in a BIG way..no WE did NOT win the lottery. I got 3 back to back catering jobs$$!( i have a small catering co. on the side) My loan month is decent based on record low rates, but I always feel we can never enjoy the fruits of our Labor because we always rob Peter to pay Paul..Just as I was thanking GOD for my windfall..he reminded me to be more careful of my spending on unnecessary wants... IE daughter goes to Target with you and picks up $50.00 worth of sweaters(2), $62.50 for dancing daughters 3 day dance weekend(in town) not to mention.. frozen yogurt, Starbucks, movies, chick fil a night.. cut it all out.. We are living like Puritans...

where does...

all the money go?? I feel like we can NEVER have enough!! With 3 girls(dance, soccer, tennis, dance, plays) GROCERIES and just everyday living.. I find myself with nothing left when payday rolls around again.. and we both work!! I just get so frustrated.. number one priority.. meal planning and sticking to a budget..I swear I am PUBLIX number one customer..no wonder they all smile when I walk in! Any suggestions on less spending...

I felt it this morning..

a cool September morning...and a cool weekend is predicted, makes for a happy me, who will be watching my Carolina Gamecocks take on the Navy Midshipman.... GO COCKS!

A stolen message...

I just love this.. I try to love my girls so much and sometimes I get so frustrated with their sassiness, but this is how I truly feel..

Gameday...

Go Gamecocks..beat them DAWGS!!!

Taco Cupcakes, Cheddar Jack Chipotle Chicken Dip, Buffalo Wing Dip, homemade salsa, and lots of beverages for the tailgaters... I hope we win today, I think this is the most talented USC team we have ever had!!!

WHY?

So my husband has a Cold... ugh! Is it just my husband, or every man out there that acts like I am operating on him without anesthesia! Men are such babies.. I am not kidding, he laid in bed all day yesterday, which he never, ever does. My husband is not a napper either so this really just put me over the edge. I am so damn mean.. I hate that I am. I did make him hot tea with lemon and homemade chicken noodle soup, but it ends there..I am NOT a good nurse.. Nurse Ratchett maybe, but not a sympathizer. I do not coddle the sick.. I make you soup, tea, water, juice..but I don't sit by your bedside and pat your back.. I say go to sleep you will feel better and shut the door... Now that I think of it... I wish someone would shut the door and let me rest!

The Help...

Wonderful, tragic, hysterical, sad and...true.

Call me sick....

I love watching this train wreck!! Toddlers and Tiara's. Don't act like this show doesn't suck you in either! My girls love watching this, especially the 8 and 11 year old! I think they are moving on to "Dance Moms", because I heard them howling over that the other night..begging me to come watch! I just couldn't, with Eden Woods retiring from pageants and all, I was too depressed!! LOL!!

The Phone Lines are burning...

with.. "who did you get for Teacher?" I love it! When I was a grade school girl, we had to actually drive to the Elementary School and they were posted on the office door!! Did I just tell y'all that! My girls are super excited this year and I couldn't be happier with their class assignments! I am now the proud mother to a rising Sophomore*!@! what? a rising 6th grader..and drumroll..my baby is a rising 3rd grader..say it ain't so!! Now, my next mission is to find Reebok Zigs for the baby..she "must" have those for the first day!

This week...

2 weeks and it is back to school for the Cleary girls! I will have 3 girls at 3 different schools..wish me luck! We didn't do a full week vacation anywhere..just weekend or weekday jaunts to places, because quite frankly, my little one gets "bored" at the beach after 3 days, I know, crazy huh!

So here is what we have planned for this week! Don't laugh, because quite frankly I am!

Girls Weekend..without my girly's...

going with a High School BFF back to our childhood home for a little R & R!! Murrell's Inlet, SC!! We are going to get a hot dog at Sam's Corner and lay out by the Pier! Our night time activities will consist of libations at Bubba's Love Shak..(it's a restaurant) and dinner at one of Murrell's Inlets finest seafood restaurants. I can't wait, and the little girly is already pestering for spend the night guests, because I loathe and despise them..teehee, I am honest!

Permit??

My oldest got her permit yesterday, her braces off a few weeks ago..next 10th grade.. I don't know if I am ready for all of this! We waited in a NON-AIR CONDITIONED DMV for an hour and a half BEFORE she took the test. I wish I had the guts to take pictures of the odd people in there and their clothing choices. It went from hoochie shorts to obese people in skin tight clothing.. I leaned over to my daughter and said : "see, I told you we were normal"! She and I both had a quick laugh, because right there at that moment we were on the same page. I love her so much. I taught her how to make coffee last night, so you would think a child that makes straight A's could master pour water in.. put filter in.. add coffee. turn on.. right? WRONG! LOL she made it today and said " uh, mommy somethings not right" and I said laughing.. " you have to put the coffee in to MAKE coffee"! Oh well, I guess she still needs me..sigh

1960's Retro Cutting Edge...

Personally, I miss the WALL PHONES!! Can you even imagine?

This is how I feel..

my neighbors should live here..because they are PSYCHO!!.... not to mention REDNECKS!

Look who got her braces off...

my sweet girl.. 15 and freckly and sweet as the day is long.. Funny, smart, thoughtful and polite...a tad lazy, but hell I am an enabler..NEVER, sasses me and tickles my back when I need it!! Love her..next up..praise Jesus, her Driver's permit!!

sometimes I wonder..

why I cannot for the life of me say NO!! Is this a weak characteristic? Am I a people pleaser? Is it because I want everyone to like me? Case in point. I have a current plumbing bill of, oh $125.00. So, plumbers wife calls and would like to trade for "some of my delicious cooking"! Oh, ok, sure.. I should have written the check..here is her request
2 pans of lasagna
1 buffalo wing dip
1 Colby Jack Chicken dip
1 pan of Macaroni and cheese
1lb of chicken salad
1lb of Pimento cheese
I email her back and tell her she now owes me $40.00, she says, just make it one pan of lasagna and we will call it even..geez thanks! needless to say, I spent more than $125.00 at the store.. when will I learn!!!
on another note, a good friend brought me 25 tomatoes and I made 2 tomato pies..one for me and one for ...her..see I can't stop being nice!! LOL!

Crazy Blog...

Well, I have unsuccessfully tried to post 3 Blogs and they wouldn't post!!?? crazy huh.. Well, we have been extremely busy this summer.. 3 girls at home..mommy, mostly working from home, pool, sleepovers, tomatoes galore, corn on the cob like crazy, cookouts, fireworks, peaches, lemonade and sweet tea and time with friends at the beach.. All in all a fun summer but I am pooped, oh and did I mention a flood downstairs..again! It's all good, we needed new carpet! How's that for the glass half full! That is the University of South Carolina Gamecock Flag flying over the State House..did I mention they won back to back national Championships?? They Did!!

Today...

I took time for ME... No Laundry, No children, No housework!! I had my hair highlighted and am now sporting a fresh summer do.. ran to TARJAY and bought stuff I LIKE..dashed over to Polished and had a luxurious mani/pedi. then I came home, had a little lunch and watched tv and took a little nappy poo!

Woke up, picked up the girls and now I am back to my chaotic life...that I love. I promised the girls that if they ate Fish stix and Rice and green beans tonight without complaining we could rent a movie, eat popcorn and ice cream and I would polish their toes!! They agreed, after much persuasion of little girly who "likes to eat her MEALS out"! Haha!

Camp....

this cute middle girly is going to Camp today and I am melancholy :(! I know she will have a great time, make new friends and enjoy the fellowship of this christian camp, but when one of my birdies flies the coop, I welcome the break, but I just don't feel the same!

YARD SALE spells..

YUCK SALE to me! I loathe and despise having them, but my sweet neighbor who orchestrated our WHOLE Circle to have one made me do it!! Dansko Clogs worn 4 times $5.00 sold! Yikes! Brand new never worn Land's End sneakers I never returned,, $5.00 sold.. I gave things away! The best part of the day.. baby girly thought to have a Lemonade Stand and netted $14.00, which she quickly spent $2.00 on TWO Vera wallets!, and saved the rest for the "snack bar" at the pool so she won't charge it!! Thanks..that's why had the Yard Sale for..to foot that bill!

Where to begin...

So we went to Wild Dunes for Spring Break and on the last day.. I get an early morning call from my husband (unusual).. his mother had a Massive Stroke and is not expected to live.. OMG!! I hurrily pack up the girls and friends and calmly head back to Columbia..she died that night, surrounded by her 12 children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and niece. It hit me hard! My mother in law has NEVER been sick.except the one time she had walking pneumonia. Never a pill, nothing, just a 3 mile walk everyday and good eating habits. She was our rock..slow, soft and steady... never one to give her "2 cents", just loved you the way you were.

The girls finished school.. All A Honor Roll and a 5th Grade graduation,and dance recital for my middle girly. Oldest girly is chomping at the bit to get her PERMIT! Yikes..when did she grow up!

above pictures.. Wild Dunes and baby girlies First Communion, I can't find middle girlies Dance Recital, but we had that in May as well!! Did May kick your butts, because it has kicked mine!

Little baby girly.finshed 2nd grade whew! Her baseball team finished 2nd in the playoffs and she did quite well, considering she was the ONLY girl.. they loved her, well, most of them anyway!

Spent 2 days at the pool and I must say alittle color on the cheeks has done alot for my morale, don't you just feel healthier with sun-kissed cheeks!

Spring Break here we come...

We are going to Charleston, SC, Isle of Palms to the Wild Dunes Resort! Weather is going to be perfect upper 70's low 80's! We are leaving Sunday and returning Wednesday, just enough of a break, but not enough to make them think it's summer! I fret, because my hubby isn't invited we were invited by my middle girly's friends mom whose family owns the condo and it is a GIRLS Vacay! So basically, free accommodations, however I am showing up with

1. 2 bottles of wine

2. chicken salad

3. breakfast casserole

4. Lasagna

as my way of saying THANK YOU!!

When your last name is CLEARY...

St. Patrick's Day is a national Holiday!!

Where do I begin???

Lots going on here at the Cleary Compound! Husband's good, kids are great..Mommy.. getting there! I have to say I don't really like my job that much.. more book work than I expected and they switched (I am going to have to) QuickBooks over to a new system..quite frankly they don't pay me enough to do all of this BS, however, I am excited I am employed, but I am currently looking for a REAL job with benefits and a 401 K and vacation,,yada yada! I am not an accountant...

My little slugger got a base hit Monday night and fielded a ball and threw to 2nd to end an inning, however they lost 9-7! Tonight we are back at the ballfield!!

Here are some cute pics of the girly's!! Why don't they post down here? Oh well I am beginning to see a speck of light at the end of the tunnel!

My Little Slugger...

notice the Pink Cleats..she is the ONLY girl on the team..and all of the boys are so sweet towards her..

When the going gets tough..

the tough get going..right..RIGHT!!!!!!!!! I have had probably the most miserable year of my life so far..aside from the years I lost both parents. I mean, I just cannot for the life of me catch a break, however, I do have ONE thing going for me FAITH! I cannot even begin to fathom what this journey would have been like if I ddin't have my trust and faith in GOD. I know, this too shall pass, and I will look back and reflect on this as a learning lesson, but dang it is hard. We were hit hard in our pockets and pocketbooks this year..but we are healthy and most importantly happy people who with our love and FAITH can weather any storm.. hey do you mind saying a little prayer for the Cleary family..it would make my heart happy!

Tomorrow is...

my middle girly's birthday!! Mallory is going to be eleven!! Oh my, I just cannot believe it is true. Mallory was my tiniest baby 7lbs. 10.5oz and 19 in. long! She was and is just perfect, just the right amount of freckles sprinkled on her milky white Irish Skin, a beautiful head of sun-kissed brown hair perfectly coiffed in a pony or BOB and always dressed for success..(school), where she strives for success always on the Mostly A and B honor roll. She is quite the musical girl both in dance and drama and trying out and accomplishing several solo spots this year! She is somewhat moody at times and wears her heart on her sleeve (most like me) at that age, not as moody anymore..(me). She is beginning to wonder into the , how shall I say it, more mature version of herself, and quite frankly I don't like it, although she has a younger sister, I always have felt like she is my baby, I don't kow why, NO she is NOT my favorite.. just something about her makes me want to protect her, I don't know why, she is steadfast in her convictions, who she likes and DOES NOT like and she cannot be swayed just because someone is POPULAR, she would rather be friends with someone she likes and who likes her NO PHONINESS with her..

I am taking her and 2 of her girlfriends to Charleston tomorrow after school for the weekend..picture to follow. HAppy Birthday MOO!

They are back and in full SWING!!

my boys are back.. and off to a great start. They won the season opener 12-5!! They are not just champions on the field, but carry the schools Highest GPA and do so many community service projects, could be because they are led by a true christian and stand up COACH..Ray Tanner.. Way to go boys..keep it up!

Today...

Tried to figure out many outstanding invoices at the PI Firm on QuickBooks..who invented that piece of SH#T software.. aggravating, probably because I am super daffy..

Baby Girly home with Strep,,with Daddy, who made her a chocolate syrup, cream coffee this morning, he clearly must think caffeine will NOT affect a 7 year old..and sugar

Middle Girly got her CAST off (third broken bone) I know DSS right!

Hubby conncocted some Sausage and Bean Cassoulet with a homemade Cornbread topping.. sorry Weight Watchers, my Fat arse is eating tht tonight!!

Oh the below cookies I made for Valentine's Day.. I asked Baby Girly this morning if she liked them and she said "UH Not really, I mean I like the chocolate, but the white part (me: you mean the COOKIE) tasted like old dry bread!! Sweet Baby.. I told her.. you are close. it is SHORTBREAD and she said I KNEW IT!! Clearly, there is a genetic defect we do NOT know about yet, but I am having her tested!!

I tried...

Happy Valentine's Day to all of my Bloggy friends..the above is for middle girly's class party..hope they tase good, Martha Stewart's recipe was not on spot said they yielded 4.5 dozen..I got 20!! Oh well, they look better in person!!

Sweet Pink!!!

Valentines!! The Hubby calls me today and said "you received a package from Nichelle"?? I squealed with delight..and said " She's my Bloggy friend and we had a Pink Swap for Valentine's Day"! He was like Oh Gawd... Duh! He doesn't get it. But SHE did! She nailed this on the head!! Cookbook, Ghiardelli chocolate, candles, wonderfully scented soaps that made the whole house smell heavenly when I opened the box, cupcake plate and a SPA kit..the hubby said, how did she know you needed a pedicure? I said she didn't dumbarse, but since you KNOW I do, hint, hint!
Thank You sweet Nichelle.. I think you are going to love your goodies too!!

OMG!! You will never guess..

I got a job working for a Private Eye!! Should be most interesting, and yes, I asked him to call me Jill Monroe!!

A new family member?

Everytime I look at this picture I get a good chuckle. June 2009 my "poor" husband had to work in Charleston, SC for 8 months, and we had a condo at Waterfront park on Vendue Range. We "sadly" went to see him every weekend and the girly's were able to frolick in the Fountain and run around in historic parks whilst daddy and I were nearby sipping "drinks".. anyhoo, imagine my surprise when I went to print these pictures.. I have 3 girls, but not a one of them is this tan...heehee..little one said "she's my friend" so I said she could get in the picture!! Love it!! Guess you had to be there, but funny to me!!

Her favorite....

breakfast!! Blueberry Waffles, with Peter Pan Honey roasted SMOOTH peanut butter and sugar-free syrup... only thing missing..bacon, they gobbled that up during the blizzard. The girly's returned to school today after a 2 hour delay!! I love the South, you know, we can never be too careful about those icy roads!!

Snow day...

Yes it was fun.. Yes I did 40 loads of wet/dry laundry. Yes I invited the neighborhood over for Chili and libations to watch the BCS game. Yes I may or may not have a slight hangover.. and YES they are out of school AGAIN..me no likey the snow anymore!! I may have been taking a little nap when the baby went outside in a GAP hoodie and NO coat.. oh well, she's fine today and ready to roll again today!! She thinks I am awesome I made cheese grits and eggs for her and her friend and she said they are ALMOST as good as grandma's, and I was almost there!! LOL!!