Five Question Friday...This is a GOOD one!

It's that time again...Five Question Friday.

I haven't had the pleasure of joining in on the fun in quite some time,

but the muscle relaxers and pain killers have given me a temporary moment of less than 10 on the pain scale...thus allowing me to write this post!

(Turns out my vacation left me injured... the plane hit the runway too hard and too fast and I get to enjoy a torn trapezius muscle along with a possible concussion and whiplash! LUCKY ME!)

So, this weeks questions are really fun and good...

and brought back some great memories!

1. What was the most productive thing you have done this week?Making a doctor's appointment with my primary doctor, scheduling my physical therapy and allowing my shoulder to get the rest it needs to begin to heal.

Hopefully, no surgery will be needed!

2. Enjoying the winter or ready for spring?So ready for spring!!

Though I hate the horrible and usually unbearable summers here that follow,

I am ready for the newness of spring....

pastel colors, hearing the birds outside my window in the morning, seeing my rose garden take life, enjoying the wildflowers that decorate Texas highways.

This will be my first Spring with out Mom, so it signifies a new beginning for me as well.

I am still transitioning into my new normal, becoming who I am, a woman, a mother and wife.

And I am doing this all without her.

For so long, my whole life up to that point, I was her baby and I knew I never had to do things on my own. I knew she was always there to hold me hand, encourage me, love me, take over if things got too overwhelming.

Learning to live without her has been unbearable at times.

So this Spring is a fresh start for me...for us as a family.

3. Are you an introvert or extrovert? Is your spouse the same as you?I am definitely more of an introvert. I have never sought out to be the center of attention.

I would much rather stay behind, quietly observing my surroundings and venture out when it feels safe.

My husband...oh my husband...he IS the life of the party.

He is not prone to dancing on tables, breaking glasses, telling the most offensive jokes...having everyone in stitches from laughing so hard.

Put it this way....

if he's going out alone, I've been known to shave pictures and words on his back to ensure his clothes stay one.

It's crazy but true!

4. Would you rather go without music or television for 1 year?A year without television absolutely.

I hardly ever watch it. I watched it more this past week, being home injured. than I probably have in a few months. Some days I don' t even turn it on.

Between 10 hr work days, homeschooling, my university courses and trying to run my home, television is often the last thing on my mind. It's usually always depressing, sad news anyway.

I'd much rather grab a magazine or book, turn Esperanza Spalding on soft and low and drift away.5. Have you ever been truly scared of someone?Oh my goodness yes...

Two people..

Chicken George and Leonard

Chicken George (who knows how he got that name) was a man that would walk up and down the streets in my little town where I used to live.

He never spoke to anyone. No one spoke to him.

He had a crazy look in his eyes.

When Chicken George came a'walking...

the kids went a'running.

And I did just that.

I remember playing school on my front porch. I saw Chicken George walking down the street...I dropped my chalk, dropped my books, ran inside the house and locked the door.

He was THAT scary!

But even scarier was Leonard...

When  I was little  my mother was married to a man named Leonard. They separated over time but he still "loved" me, I guess.

Anyway, when my Mom left he threatened her that one day he would find me. He would take me away and she would never see me again.

He told her, I'll be there when you least expect it. I'll get her and she'll be gone.

This resonated the deepest fear in me during my entire childhood.

I didn't know this man, only the horrible stories told about him from my Mom and siblings.

I couldn't imagine life without my mom. It just didn't seem like a possibility.

......WELL.....

one day when I was about 13, we were in Wal-Mart. I rarely ventured far from my mother's side, even at that age, that fear set still in me.

I went off on my own, to look at what? I don't know.

But I know that man with curly hair, those menacing, crazy eyes and that awkward ill fitting hat was following me, aisle by aisle.

As I walked faster, so did he.

I started a jog..so did he...grinning the whole time.

I ran through the store to the front desk, crying, telling them he was chasing me and had threatened to kidnap me before.

He looked me in the eyes, gave me the nastiest laugh and ran out.

I never saw him again.

I never forgot that moment.

He passed away a few years ago, and only then did I feel some sort of relief.

However, that fear has never completely left.

I still make my girls, ages 17 & 12, be no more than an arm length away from me even now.

How many other times had he seen me but never had the opportunity to take action?

What would have happened if we were closer to the exit and not farther back in the store?

These thoughts still enter my mind at times.

 

Five Question Friday...

Wow...it has been quite a while since I've participated in Five Question Friday. These questions are so fun I couldn't skip this week!


1. If you could buy any car, money not an option, what would it be?

I have always wanted an Aston Martin Virage... sleek, fast, classy, beautiful and probably costs more than my house!! Oh well, a girl can dream!

2. What was your worst first date ever?

My mother and I once went to a car lot to buy a car. I noticed the salesman's photo of his girlfriend on his desk looked alot like me. We talked and he did ask me out, stupidly I said yes. For starters, I had to pick him up from his friends house. Then we went to a cheap Mexican restaurant...and I had to pay. I dropped him off at his friends house and he asked me for $20 for gas for him to get home... classy! Needless to say I never saw or spoke to him again and we did not buy a car from him either! Ugh!


3. How old were you when you fell in love for the first time?

I know I had "boyfriends" when I was young and just knew they were "the one". Then I met my Papa Bear, whom I am celebrating my 9th wedding anniversary with today. I met him when I was 17. We've been together for a total of 16 years. He is my first and only real love! I love him more than words can say! He is such a wonderful husband, provided, father, person. I love, love, love him more and more each day. I appreciate him so much more now than I did before. He's my first love!

4. When was the last time you reconciled your checkbook?

I don't use a checkbook. Thankfully I have an app for that! Lol... I don't write checks, I don't carry cash. Everything is done with my bank card. It's just so much easier that way.

5. If you were going to fashion a "Wanted" Ad for a best friend, how would you word it?

"Wanted: Partner in Crime, Honest, Faithful, Open Heart and a Listening Ear. Someone who listens without judgement, gives a shoulder to cry one and happily takes 2 A.M. calls. AND someone who doesn't mind being showcased on Blogger!

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Stop by My Little Life to see more Five Question Friday answers hosted by Mama M!
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Also, don't forget to stop by my Giveaway Post....
I'll be giving away a $25 Scentsy gift certificate and two Aromies by McKey!
Comments must be entered on the giveaway post to count as an entry.

5QF!!

1. Have you ever forgotten your child in a store or at school?

I have never forgotten them anywhere but once I was late to pick CC up from kindergarten. She was the second to last person to leave for the day. She was so scared and nervous and I remember it was the day before they left for the Thanksgiving holiday. She brought home this little tiny jar with homemade cranberry in it with a little poem attached to it saying how she know I love her and she is thankful for me... I felt like the absolute WORST mother in the world that day. I was never, never late even once after that and still up to today!

2. Where did you go on your very first date? (Like...first first, not first with your spouse or current significant other!)

My husband was my first date. We went to the Pig Stand. A very popular restaurant here in town. I was so nervous. I didn't eat a thing, only had a glass of water. He munched down though. I remember being hungry but too nervous to eat. He had a nice hamburger and fries.

3. What's your "silly" fear? (We're not talking water and heights.)

Bees, wasps, hornets. I get so scared I can't breathe. I feel all shaky and nervous. I start sweating and my heart pounds. It's really bad. One summer we were all in the car with my mom and had the windows down. I was driving over an over pass when a bee flew in the car. I let go of the wheel and started flipping out. Mom had to grab the wheel to get us safely over. It was terrible but it is something I am working on.

4. Confrontation: do you cause it, deal with is as it comes, or run far far away?

I usually deal with it as it comes. I try to avoid it as much as possible by approaching problems as they arise so as to avoid a confrontation. However, it has happened a couple of times where I had to confront the person, but I knew I was in the right and I was being honest and true and I let the person know. Please don't think just because I am nice I will sit quietly to the side while you talk about me and lie about me. Especially when I know what the truth behind the matter is. I stated my case once. No need to go on and on about it. Then I walked away. Things straightened out very soon after.

5. Wood floors or carpet?

Wood!!! When we bought this house there was carpet everywhere!! Even in the bathrooms. Ugh!! So, we took all the carpet out and replaced it with wood. Carpet causes so many allergies. There are enough here in south Texas, I don't need to add to it with carpeting. I don't miss carpet, I don't like carpet and I hope I never have to have carpet anywhere again. My mother in law is moving in with us in September and we will have to move to a bigger house. I'm starting to look around and if I see a house with carpet I immediately add on the cost to have it ripped out and wood flooring installed. I just can't do carpet!

~~~~Find more fun blogs participating in Five Question Friday here!

Five Question Friday

Ahhhh, it has been so long since I've done anything fun AND anything on my blog. I can't believe I neglected it this long....!


I guess college will do that to you. These past two weeks it's been nothing but studying, tension, a few good arguments, headaches and allergies. Nothing much fun to blog about! But today I am finally able to play along with Five Question Friday!



1. Have you worn the same outfit more than one day in a row?

Oh yes, especially since I quit working. I am ashamed to admit it, but there have been a few times when I didn't get out of my pj's for a couple of days. IF I wear the same jeans I make sure to wash them in between!


2. If you had to choose any LARGE city to live in, which would it be?


I would guess Paris. I've never been, would love to go, but I love the French Cottage decorating style and I love that people walk to get where they need to go. I love that! That was one thing I loved about New York, if you needed something you walked to get it. We are way to mobile here, just hop in the car and drive.

3. Fly or drive with the kids on vacation?


Fly...it's faster! Then once you are at your destination you can rent a car to see the sights!

4. What is your idea of "spring cleaning"?

I go through my closets and get out the clothes that I needed to lose a few pounds for and give them to my friend who donates them to needy members in her church. I also like to wash all my sheets and pillow cases that have been stored in the linen closet. I hit my container cabinet and throw away any containers that no longer have fitting lids or any that have cracked. I try to keep up on the dusting and basic cleaning consistently through out the year so it's not like I have any MAJOR cleaning to do.

5. What is the best book you have ever read?

Honestly, the best book I have ever read was Social Crimes by Jane Hitchcock. I read this book in one day. I could NOT put it down. I kept saying over and over, "Ok, this is last chapter. I'm stopping after this...." But the thing is, you can't! It is just that good! It's about a woman who is part of NY society and her husband cheats on her with a young French woman. He dies during "the act" and the wife is left with nothing while Monique moves up in NY society and the wife is forced to work (gasp) at an upscale department store she used to shop at. The book takes many twists and turns...there's bribery, spies, mistaken identity and a Marie Antoinette necklace! It is a MUST read. I always envisioned Meryl Streep playing the wife and Penelope Cruz playing Monique if this book was ever made into a movie!

5QF....

It's been a while since I've been able to participate in Five Question Friday....I always try to sneak over and read some of the responses even if I didn't get to join the party!!

The questions this week are fun..they are always fun.... but I really liked this weeks questions... so let's go!

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1. If you could have any talent and turn it into an occupation, what would it be?

I have always wanted to make lamp shades or pillows and aprons. Always...I can't sew at all but this has always been what I feel bursting inside of me that I need to do.


2. Would you rather have a house at the beach or a cabin in the woods?
This is hard.... I would love the sound of the beach but hate the humidity and I would LOVE the peacefulness of the woods but HATE the bugs! I guess it would honestly be the cabin in the woods!

3. Is there any meaning or reasoning for the names you chose for your child/children?
Sierra Rayne... my mother picked CC's first name. Emil and I were young when we had her and she pretty much told us if we wanted to continue to live with her we had to name her Sierra. I wanted to name her Waverly or Arden...I really liked Arden. And her middle name, Rayne, was the name of one of my best friends in high school.

Yelena (Lena) Marie.... Yelena was my husbands grandmother's first name and Marie is my mothers middle name.

4. What is your guilty pleasure?

ohhh... I don't know... ok I do. I love to watch people try to walk in heels. You can tell who knows how to walk in them and who doesn't....it doesn't take long to find out. And I love looking at model homes for decorating ideas! Doesn't everyone?

5. Do you live in a house that is deep cleaned or straightened?

We're at #5 all ready? That was fast!!! Straightened during the week and deep cleaned on the weekends. I can't stand dirty kitchen floors, so those usually get mopped each night when the girls are in bed! And I have to dust almost daily because of Toby's shedding!

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This is looking to be a busy Friday for us. I plan to make beef stew tonight.... And buy some firewood. I can't wait to get my fireplace going! I love the smell...the sounds... the smile and awe on my girls faces. We love to play either Life or Clue in front of the fireplace and drink hot cocoa....I guess it's kind of become a winter tradition!

5QF!!

1. What is your favorite Halloween candy?

Candy Corn and the pumpkin shaped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups....

love, love, love them!

2. Do you fold your socks?

I fold them over the top... so yeah, I guess I do?!?! Lol!! Do some people NOT fold their socks?

3. What is something that you wish you had been warned about?

Credit scores are SUPER important! I wish someone would have educated me on their importance when I was younger and credit card companies were throwing offers at me. When you're young you don't think that the way you handle those debts (yes, they are debts you later learn) will decide later on in life if you get a car, or a house, etc.
4. What is the most significant difference between you and your significant other?

What we consider a real friend and how many friends a person can have.

5. What are three words you would use to describe yourself?

Honest - If someone confides something in me I do NOT divulge it to anyone. I know how important it is to have someone to confide in and I will not tell others what you have told me. At my former job, every one of my coworkers would tell me what was going on in their lives or how they felt about other coworkers. I never took sides...I just listened. I could have gotten sooooo many people in trouble, but that's just not the kind of person I am! Further, if I made a mistake, no matter how big or small, I fessed up to it. I would never let someone take the blame for something I did.

Truthful - I will tell you what I honestly think. If you don't want the truth then it's best not to ask me. I feel if you are asking me for it I have a duty to give it to you. I will put it as nicely as I can...but I call it as what I see it.

Quiet - It takes a loooonngg time for me to warm up to someone. I have to be around this person for quiet some time and see if they have similar qualities as myself. I sit back and observe from afar. I've had many of my husbands friends (or acquaintances) say that I am rude and stuck up. That is soooo not the case at all. I am just quiet. I don't just run and jump into a conversation...I don't like to be the center of attention. I don't drink or party. I just like to be at home with my family.

Five Question Friday

1. Did you have a pen pal when you were little (or now)? Where were/are they from?

I did. And this is funny because I have been thinking about her so much lately. I wrote in to an ad in my Barbie magazine, could have been Highlights but I'm pretty sure it was Barbie. Her name was Christina Rogney. We wrote each other for about a year. We even exchanged school pictures. I think she was from Colorado but I'm not sure. I tried to find her on Facebook but couldn't. It would just be fun to say hello and see how she is now!

2. If you could do a different job for one day, what would it be?

Before I would have said SAHM but now I can't say that anymore. And the reasons why I wanted that were selfish..to stay home and rest. I know now that there is NO resting for a SAHM....at all! So this is hard...I would like to do two different jobs.
A.) OB/GYN - As long as I can remember I have always wanted to deliver babies. I've also always wanted to open a clinic for low income/no income young teen girls to have their regular prenatal check-ups. In San Antonio there are so many young pregnant girls and we have the highest number of repeat pregnancies. I think if the girls are cared for and educated the first time there wouldn't be as many getting pregnant a second time.
B.) LOCAL MORNING TALK SHOW HOST - I'm not wanting to sit beside Regis or anything....just host a local morning talk show. I would know more about what's going on in SA and they ALWAYS get great free tickets to whatever Broadway show is here! Ahhh! Yes, I'm jealous! And again selfish!

3. Do you remember your biggest fear from when you were little?

Getting lost from my mom or kidnapped. I don't think there could have been a bigger fear ever. Now I have that same fear with my girls. Seriously, they are 9 and 14 and they know the rule is never to be an arm length away from me at any time any where. It only takes two seconds for something bad to happen and then you can never get those two seconds back. I refuse to allow something bad to happen because I turned my head or let them go grab something from another aisle real quick! This is also why I do not talk on my cell phone when I am grocery shopping with either one of them as well.

4. What do you think is a waste of time? Why?

Sleeping until 12. I cannot find any reason for doing so unless you are very sick.
Telemarketers - In this technologically advanced society, if we want a new credit card, cell phone, charity, etc. we probably know how to get it. Calling me at 8:01 Sunday morning or 8:58 any given night will usually not get a very nice response from me!

5. What is the oldest item you have in your closet?

I have a nightgown set that belonged to my sisters aunt. She passed away from cancer when I was very young. Why I have her nightgown set I have no idea but I've always held it in a special place for my sister and have taken excellent care of it for her. My sisters daughter is 15 and I would think she would want to pass it down to her but she's hasn't even asked for it yet. It's a thin red nightie made of silky material with soft thin lace at the neckline and edging the housecoat (of the same material).

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Today is the last day to enter my giveaway. All you have to do to be entered is leave a comment on the giveaway page! I will announce the winner tomorrow!

Five Question Friday

It's 5QF!!! I'm a little late joining in...there's been LOTS of work here!

1. If you could speak with a different accent, what would it be (i.e Australian, Scottish)?

I think the French have a pretty neat accent. And Africans have a very unique accent.

2. Can you fall asleep anywhere? (i.e floor, couch, deck)

This depends. I can sleep on a couch, comfy chair and in the car. BUT I cannot sleep good on the floor or some hard surface. I will he so grouchy the next day!

3. Do you use public restrooms? If so, do you sit on the toilet?

This made me laugh!! I remember my mom would layer sheets and sheets of toilet paper on public restroom seats. Now they have those disposable seat covers. I do occasionally. BUT they have to be super clean AND restrooms that only paying customers can use. Hey, I don't mind buying something if I can potty in a clean restroom!

4. If you were stuck in an elevator for 24 hours, what celebrity would you most want to be stuck with?

Oh man.. This is hard. It would have to be someone well traveled, kind hearted, open minded.... I guess Oprah, even though she's not one of my top favorite people. I think you could learn something from her.


5. Where did you & your significant other go on your 1st date?

1995...Papa Bear picked me up for our first date. I remember he was playing this awful scary rock music and I was sure he was some crazy person and he was going to kill me and I would never see my mom again...seriously...I was almost in tears! So he took me to the Japanese Tea Gardens and we walked around, looked at the koy ponds then we kissed for the first time. After the Tea Gardens we went to The Pig Stand. It's a famous restaurant here in San Antonio. I remember getting hungry because I relaxed knowing he wasn't going to kill me! Ha! I didn't eat...but I watched him scarf down a huge burger.... You can read more about our first date here.

You can read the answers to other bloggers questions here.... and while you're there you can link up and join in the fun.

Also...don't forget to participate in my giveaway!! It will end Oct.2. All you have to do is leave a comment to enter!

5QF

Today is Friday...which means...5QF!!!

I have really begun to look forward to posting my 5QF answers and reading everyone else's...


1. What is the first nightmare you remember?

When I was little I would dream over and over that I was in this big dark carwash. Each stall was huge, it could probably fit 2 rows of 10 trucks parked sideways. So anyway, I was hiding behind a big truck up on those big wheels and there were some guys at the opening of that stall.
Behind them is just alot of green, green trees. I could hear them talking, whispering.. and they were saying, "Ok. It's time. Let's bring him out." They were talking about a big-foot type of creature. I see this huge hairy form, darker than the darkness of that stall emerging from a side hall. He gets closer and closer and I try to shrink down lower behind the tire because I am so scared....and then I wake up. I had that dream over and over from about ages 4-7. Don't know what it means but still today I can vividly see it and it still creeps me out because I can remember how I would wake up with my heart pounding. And it was the exact same dream.. never a change.

2. Even if you're not a sports fan, what's your favorite sport to play/watch?


I love, love, love boxing! And these two are my favorite boxers!

Gatti killed himself earlier this year. His fights with best friend Mickey Ward were an amazement to watch. In two of their three matches Gatti actually broke his hand while fighting and his heart was so into the fight that he continued boxing in that condition. Look up Gatti/Ward fights on youtube. You won't be disappointed!


Next up are the Klitschko brothers. Vitaly on the left, Vladimir on the right. Both brothers are boxers from Kiev, Ukraine. They both hold PhD's in Sports Medicine. They speak Ukrainian, Russian, German and English. Vladimir trains under Emmanuel Stewart. They are so skilled and intelligent boxers. Youtube them as well... again, you won't be disappointed!
I also love basketball! Living in San Antonio I have to love the Spurs by default! You can read about my run-ins with players here.

Now I root for my Spurs 99% of the time... however, when they play the Mavericks I am sooo on the fence. I would be happy what ever the outcome of that match, but honestly I think I would lean a bit towards the Mavs. I can't help it...they are AWESOME!

3. If you could pull off one piece of trendy fashion, what would you want it to be (jeggings, hats, thigh high boots, etc.)?

Oh, this is a good question. I would love more than anything to be able to wear maxi dresses!

However, because I am so short and so very, very large chested these dresses are a complete no-go for me.....

Another thing I cannot wear, which I think would be adorable for the fall season are shirt dresses paired with some fuzzy leggings.

But since I have so many extra pounds, big chest and super short...again this is a no-go!

4. Did you make good grades in school?

Yes I did. In fact, I was a member of the National Honor Society!

I got my first "B" in fourth or fifth grade and I thought it was the end of the world! I was soooo upset! I also took Japanese in high school. I loved that class! It was so fun!

5. What magazines do you subscribe to?

Oh my favorite reads...and the only reason I look forward to checking the mail!

House Beautiful, Country Living, Nail Pro (my mom's) and Southern Living! Pure bliss!!! Do you love those magazines too?? Am I the only one who can read my House Beautiful front front to back in one day???

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you enjoyed my five answers!! I can't wait to read yours!

Five Question Friday

It's time again for Five Question Friday. I really enjoy participating each week and it's fun to get to know more about other bloggers!

{1.} Do you feel guilty spending money on yourself?

Now, yes. When I worked, no! Just a while ago the girls and I were talking about our spending before I quit working and our spending now. Before my check was just that, MY check. I paid my credit card bills and the rest went to things the girls and I wanted to do. In all honesty, what I brought home in two weeks my husband can make in half a day, so it's not like we relied heavily on my check. So when I worked I always bought things for myself. The girls and Emil were ALWAYS first, then I would treat myself. Now that I'm not working I am just so thankful to be home with my family I haven't really even thought about spending anything on myself. I guess I would feel guilty since I am not personally bringing home any income. And that does bother me.

{2.} How well do you know your neighbors?

My next door neighbor yes. We have a love/hate relationship. We always say if we move THEY will be the cause of it. You can read all about how he allows his dogs to poopy in my yard here AND how they didn't want to pay for trash service and would put like 12 bags of trash in front of my house! And when I complained to the HOA and trash service he had the nerve to confront me one morning and asked me if I had a problem with him putting his trash in front of my house!!! The thing that first ticked me off about them happened when we first moved in. If you have ever read my blog you know how me and my Charlie are absolutely, definitely, deeply in love. Their two little terrible boys (who would also poopy in the yard) would chase Charlie and tease him to no end. So he started hissing at them. Duh! Well, my neighbor took it upon herself to call the HOA and tell them that every time they walked past my house my cat would lift his tail and defecate at them! Really?!?!

Just last week our neighbor knocked on my door and asked if he could use my water hose. He said they are so broke he doesn't have money to buy a water hose so of course I said yes. Well, a few days ago he knocked on my door and asked me if I had a stud finder. They bought a 50 inch flat screen and he needed it to hang the TV on his wall!! He still hasn't fixed the fence that broke from the storm in June (first picture shows the fence then. Now it's completely fallen down and ivy and weeds growing over it) because he told me when he was borrowing the water hose that he didn't have the $20-$30 to buy the boards.... hmmmm.... ok. Makes total sense, right?

{3.} What age are you looking forward to being?

When I was younger I always thought being 17 was soooo cool. Then I thought man, 30 will be awesome. And it is. I am so much more settled now than I was before. I used to look back at my mom, thinking she was crazy to have me at 32. It seemed so old and I just couldn't figure out how or WHY she would want to have a baby at that age. Now, I get it! I think now, in my thirties, I am so much more able to be a mother. I feel like I have it figured out now. I know so many things now that I didn't know then. I'm glad I know it now and my children are still young enough that I can still teach them these things and guide them in the right direction. So, now in my thirties, I am looking forward to my forties. I'm not afraid and scared... I'm ready!

{4.} Do you get excited when the mail comes? Why?

When I worked, yes....because..... I would buy something almost daily on eBay. Thanks to my eBay app...haha! Now not so much anymore...except when my three favorite magazines come...

Southern Living, House Beautiful and Country Living... and now I have time to read them!!

{5.} What is your earliest childhood memory?

Earliest...it's pretty private so I'm not sharing that. But the next one is definitely one of my favorite and funniest!!!

My cousin (a boy) is only two months older than me and he hated Barbie dolls, which I had several of. He would spend alot of time with me and my mom. My mom had a rocking chair and her lap in that chair was reserved FOR ME!!! Well, Michael was spending the night one night and he wanted her to rocky him...and she did!!! I did. not. like. that. at. all! Sooooo, the next morning I decided to show him who was boss! We sat at the breakfast table. Mom gave us both cereal. Michael opened his mouth real wide to eat a big spoonful of cereal....instead...he got my Barbie doll head! He hated Barbies but hated their hair more. The doll hair would make him nauseous...still does today. So once I took the Barbie out of his mouth he was vomiting and gagging...and I told him.. "You shouldn't let other peoples Mom rocky you!"

Five Question Friday

I usually put the 5QF logo at the beginning of each blog. However, right now I am getting my tires replaced, so answers to the questions is all I can do!

{1.} What do you do when you have time to yourself?

Read. I usually just sit down and open my book and read. I love to read but I what I love more is not being interrupted when I read.

I also ... blog! When I try to blog while helping the girls with school work or helping Papa Beat with work it can take me an hour or more to write a simple quick post!
Sometimes I wait til the girls are in bed (which can be late!) and then I sit down to blog. Those nights I usually get to bed around 2 a.m.!!!

{2.} When you look out your kitchen window, what do you see?

My rose bushes. For years I complained that everyone else had rose bushes and I hated that big ugly bush in front if the house. Well, the ugly bush is still there, but for my 32nd birthday my Papa Bear and the girls made me a rose garden in the back yard. Originally there was a yellow rose bush, white Kennedy rose, magenta double knockout, the most beautiful Peace rose and a regular red cutter rose bush. All have thrived and produced beautiful roses except for the yellow bush. The Texas sun claimed it. It sat in direct sun for many hours during the day and it just couldn't make it.

{3.} Who/What would you want to be reincarnated as?

I've never thought of this, possibly because I don't believe in reincarnation. But if I did I would want to be an artsy hippie living somewhere by the beach. That seems perfect and relaxing!

{4.} What is your biggest pet peeve about other people's kids?

Behavior. I simply cannot stand it when children talk back or speak disrespectfully to their parents. I don't like children who hit, cuss, run around, hide in clothing racks, scream, whine... I really REALLY cannot stand (almost HATE) whiny children, children who interrupt, don't listen... I think you get the point.

{5.} Regular or Diet soda?

Both. I've read that Diet is bad for you because if the chemicals, but then all the calories in Regular are just astronomical!! Sooo I switch it out. Usually I will just stick with Sweet Tea!


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Five Question Friday

So Friday is here all ready! Where did this week go?

Here are my answers for FQF!!!

1. How many pets do you have?

I have 3 pets... two cats and one dog~

Charlie is the oldest and my baby. He turned 10 this month.

In my eyes he is perfect and can do no wrong.

He doesn't get along well with Luigi, our dog. This is my battlescar from their last fight a few days ago. Lately he has been super aggressive towards Luigi.
And he is Charlie's arch-enemy.... Luigi.

Luigi is 8 years old and just a big, ole baby! He loves Sonic drinks.... he can't wait for us to go! We usually put his water with no ice in the drink holder and he lays on the carseat and drinks.

He loves pizza and well, pretty much anything! Luigi weighs over 100 pounds!!

But he and Toby are best friends... Here he is with his giant beef jerky treat from Petsmart.

And this is Toby. I'm not sure why this picture came out light. But we just adopted him in May. He was originally a Mother's Day gift for my mother. We purchased him a week early and fell in love with him. He is now the newest member of our family. He will be one next month.

He loves boxes, playing under the covers when I fix my bed. He eats more than any cat I have ever seen and he sheds something terrible. I think it's dust balls on the floor but it's Toby's hair. I am constantly sweeping...it never ends!

2. If you could switch places with anyone in the world for one day, who would it be?

This question was hard. I like both Laura Bush and Jacqueline Kennedy.

Laura Bush is a true southern lady in every sense of the word. She always put family first and sought to improve literacy in our country. She has raised much awareness and funding for grants for women's health issues as well. And she knows how to decorate!

Jacqueline Kennedy is an easy one. She epitomizes elegance and grace. She remained cool and calm through so much heartache and difficulities. She too put her family first and signifies how a lady should act, answer and behave.

3. What is your favorite money saving tip?

Coupons... I know that this is nothing new for some people, but it's new to us and I have fun adding up my savings along the way!

4. What do you want your kids to be when they grow up?

Honestly....happy. If they are happy they will be successful in whatever they do.

5. What is your favorite quote?

George Edward Woodberry said -"Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure." How very true is that?

Another quote I found on a blog. She simply asked the question... How do you appear in your husband's eyes? That made me think. I want to be a good wife, a good mother and a good homemaker. I want him to see I am an honest woman with a true and honest heart.

Five Question Friday

This is my first time partcipating in Five Question Friday.

I think it's fun to join in the party and get to know others out in blogland....

So here goes...


1. Do you have any nicknames and if so how did it come about?

Blue - from a birthmark.
Apey - short for April, not so sure I like it! Lol!!
Mom, Mommy, Baby (my Moms)
and a couple of not so nice ones given to me by my husband that I can't, no I WON'T put on here...
Let me give you one...

He's Russian and would call me "karova" sometimes. He always told me it was a cute little something, just a sweet nickname. SOOOOO..... we were watching Russian Tv and a child's program came on. This segment was filmed on a farm... so across my TV walks a ...COW... and then you hear... karoovaa. My mouth dropped open. I turned and looked at him.... You should have seen the look on his face...priceless!

2. What is your birth order amongst your siblings?
I am the youngest of 6..
Jr, Wayne, Tony, Lisa, Stacy and me

3. In a movie of your life, who would play your significant other?
ummm... no one is that perfect... j/k. If I could choose anyone I would choose Clark Gable!

4. What is currently your favorite song?

Keith Urban... I'm in...love it!

5. Are you saving your money for anything right now? Big or small purchase?

Yes, but not for any ONE thing in particular. I'm not working now so we are just saving in general!