Mom, it's raining in the pantry!

Yes, that is an actual sentence recently uttered by our nine year old son. How is that possible? Well, actually it was pretty effortless for our six year old son to accomplish. You see, we sent him upstairs to start his bath water. He knows exactly where to point the handle to get the perfect temperature. He also knows that the water is not to go above his belly button (while sitting in the tub of course). Now I know what you're thinking and no, he did not overflow the bathtub. Hubby went upstairs to check on him and immediately noticed water coming from under the closed bathroom door. Upon opening said door, water gushed out into the hallway. Tater Tot was seated comfortably in the tub and apparently could not hear the water over-flowing in the sink because the water was still running in the tub as well. When hubby showed him what he'd done, he was so very upset and apologetic. "I just wanted to see if my boat would float," he said. His Gee had given him a new pirate ship a few days before. He ran water in the sink to see if it would float before putting it in the tub. He then got into the tub, forgetting to turn the water off at the sink. Inside the entire vanity was soaked. The clean towels I'd just put in a few hours before to the toothbrushes and toothpaste floating in the drawer. And, as you can see from the picture, the water was not just contained to the bathroom. Now, you know how to make it rain in your pantry. Although pretty cool in the effects department, not so good for the cereal boxes actually in the pantry. Needless to say, Tater Tot is now supervised any time he's in the bathroom!

Breaking the Bank -- Update

Just one word of advice......If you have health insurance be thankful, be very thankful! Last night I strolled into CVS to pick up a one month supply of prescriptions for me, hubby and Bubby. Five minutes later, I walked out in disbelief. That was the fastest $381.67 I have ever spent. Like I said....be thankful! We certainly will be when May 1st comes around. Until then, I'm quarantining my entire family. I absolutely refuse to let anyone get sick between now and then. So, if you plan on visiting, please don't take it the wrong way when you see the basket of medical mouth & nose masks by the door. Just slap it on and come right in!

P.S. -- I've been asked if we've checked into continuing our health insurance through COBRA until our new insurance kicks in. Yes, we have. It's only $1,423.00 a month! So, we're going to take our chances.

Happy Birthday Uncle Barbe! (a.k.a. Grandpa)

Maxine, Barbe & me

Today my Uncle/Grandpa Barbe turns 82 years young! This is one very special man in my life. God originally gave him to me as a great uncle, he is my Papaw's brother. However, he & his lovely bride of many years (he'll tell me exactly how many years, days and hours after he reads this) have just recently agreed to adopt me as their grand-daughter. A girl, no matter her age, always needs a grandpa. And, since my Papaw passed away in May 2005, he is the perfect substitute.

If you could only meet this kind, gentle, extremely organized man. He is truly amazing. He's such a joy to converse with. We had the opportunity to stop by his N.C. home this summer while we were on vacation. Oh, the stories he can tell! His memory is as sharp as a tack. I would love the opportunity to just sit and listen to him for days...all the while committing every word he utters to memory. See his pipe? Well, that's his trademark. It smells so delicious. Since I was a wee tiny girl, the smell of any pipe has always carried with it memories of him. You'll hardly ever see him without it really.
Look at him here...wasn't he handsome? He was a Yoeman in the U.S. Navy a few years back. He couldn't have been better suited for a job. A Yoeman keeps records for the entire ship. This would truly be his calling. He still keeps records of his records. He has kept a journal every single day since his daughter, Susan, was born in 1960. Can you imagine? How fun would it be to have the ability to relive any day for the past 47 years? Want to know what he was doing on April 22, 1978....give him a second and he can tell you.
Oh, and what about this picture? Yep, that's the exact same uniform that he wore when he was active duty. I don't think he's gained an ounce since he was 18 years old. Doesn't he look dapper? Now you see why Aunt/Grandma Maxine snatched him up! By the way, that's a really interesting story he shared with me during our visit.

Maxine, Barbe & Susan (their daughter)

The truly amazing thing is how much he looks like my Papaw! I never really saw it before (and you won't either in his picture), until the day of my Papaw's funeral. As I walked into the church for the service, Uncle Barbe was in the foyer to greet me. Instantly it hit me, the resemblance was amazing. He is exactly what Papaw looked like after his illness had taken away some of his weight. He gave me the biggest hug and I didn't want to let go. He was the closest thing I had left to a Papaw. Since then I've just felt this extra special bond with him. I only wish we lived closer so we could visit more often. His frequent emails are always encouraging, but his hugs are a lot warmer.

Even though the majority of you will never have the opportunity to meet this noble man, will you say a little blessing for him anyway on his special day? He's a blessing to all those who know him and he deserves the best birthday ever. So, Happy Birthday Grandpa!!

Hugs & Kisses,
Shane :)

*More posts honoring my "Grandpa" -- missparker.vox.com & SusieWrites!

Mexican mini meatloaf recipe

I am by no means Betty Crocker and really do not even enjoy cooking. However, since it's a necessity of life, I do it. My repertoire does not consist of anything fancy....BBQ chicken, homemade chili, spaghetti...you know, easy stuff. So, when I found this recipe in Kraft's winter edition of their free magazine, Food & Family, I was super excited. When I have all of the ingredients for a recipe on hand, that's a sure sign that it's simple and quick. This recipe did not disappoint. Everyone loved them...even my six year old. So, without further adieu, here it is. I made the "fiesta" version. The recipe calls for 2 tsp. of chili powder, but the next time I make I'm only going to use 1 tsp., as it was a little too spicy for my liking. If you decide to make it, come back and let me know how you liked it!

Dress for Success Day

Yesterday the students at the boy's school were encouraged to "Dress for Success." This meant they were to dress up as what they want to be when they grow up. I totally left this up to the boys discretion. Garrett chose to dress up as a business man. Payton, no surprise here, decided to dress as a motorcycle racer...complete with mohawk. I guess that's better than what he wanted to be six months ago, a demolition car driver!

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen reasons I'm glad my husband has returned to work:

1. He's getting a paycheck again
2. We can pay our bills
3. We have health insurance again
4. He's happier
5. I'm happier
6. We'll stop getting past due notices
7. We can start having our weekly lunches out again
8. Life has returned to normal
9. He's keeping busy
10. I get more housework done now
11. After he and the boys leave, I have a few hours of quiet time
12. I get to see him dressed in his finest every day
13. He has his very own space again (his office)
    

Want to play along? Go here to read more 13's.

Works For Me Wednesday

My handy, dandy desk organizer works for me! It is actually a basket for paper plates and silverware. I keep my bill organizer and important papers in the large compartment in the back (where the plates would go). In the three front compartments I organize my pens, highlighters & sharpies. It works and looks great! For tons more ideas go here.

Bubby, brooms, mops and doors

Today was a learning day for Bubby. He has a bad habit of going outside and leaving the door wide open. And, since he isn't being raised in a barn, that is unacceptable. I've repeatedly asked him to "please close the door behind you." Today, however, I decided it was time for a different course of action. I immediately summoned him back inside, explained what he'd done (again) and then told him to stand there and close it (gently) 10 times. He thought it was sort of funny at first and happily complied. It wasn't ten minutes later that he left it open again! This time I had him open and close it 20 times. It was still fun and he amused me at this point. Throughout the course of the day, he had to close it 30...then 40...and, finally, 50 times. By the time he reached 40 the fun of it had disappeared and he was quite annoyed. Yeah! That's what I'd hoped would happen. So, after opening and closing the patio door 150 times today, I think he's got the idea. We'll see how tomorrow goes.

Next, we moved on to teaching the lesson of "not wearing your shoes in the house." He's also been told not do to this and to make sure that any friends he has visiting remove their shoes as well. After seeing muddy shoe prints on my freshly mopped kitchen floor this afternoon, I again summoned him inside. He was hoping that is usual "I'm really sorry" would get him off the hook. Nope, not today. He had to sweep and then mop the kitchen floor again. He did not take too kindly to that. After he was finished, he returned to his friends who had been waiting outside for him. And, much to my satisfaction, he soon told them (upon entering the back door) "Guys take your shoes off, I just mopped the floor!" Ahhh....music to my ears.


*Disclaimer: Tater Tot spent the majority of the day at his friends house next door. But, Bubby quickly informed him of the days goings on upon his return. It is my hope that Tater will learn something by hearing Bubby's story of anguish. Also, there was no school today due to a "teacher's work day."

Pretty in Pink

I was getting really tired of the old template...........so, here's a new one. Pink is my favorite color you know. Hope ya like it!

Queen of Nicknames

I don't know why it is, but if I'm around a person (or dog) any length of time I will inevitably wind up assigning them a multitude of nicknames. If my family & I were ever out in public, and we communicated only with our nicknames, people would think we were nuts for sure. See what you think:

• me: Shaney Raney
• hubby: Goober
• son 1: Bubby
• son 2: Tater Tot

And those are just the main ones we use! I suppose you could say I have a nickname fetish because one is just never enough for me. I also call my hubby "Daye," son 1 "Bubbles," and son 2 "Tootle(s)"." Our dogs Bo and Chase have also succumbed to my affliction. They've learned to answer to: "Bozie," "Teddy Bo," "Chasie," and "Chasie Bug." As a matter of fact, it's really a rare occurrence to hear me refer to anyone by their actual given name. My extended family have not escaped either. I call my dad "Weezer," and my grandmother "Lucy Bell." My mom, of course, is "Gee" and my oldest brother is "Jimbob." Growing up we had the most lovable dog named "Andy." Did I ever call him that? Of course not! Around our house he was always "Drew Bucket." Don't ask why because I have no earthly idea. That's just who he was and that's that. Bam Bam, our Yorkie of 14 years, was "Beezie Bones." I know, it's nuts but I can't stop myself. So, if you want an alternative name that will stick like glue, let me know. I'm pretty good at it and will usually come up with one right away.

My Husband is at WORK!

I know for most of you that is an every day occurrence, but since Dec. 21, today is a blessing for us. He's starting his new job with five days of training in Charlotte, N.C. I'm sure he'll be bombarded with new information...computer programs, brand history, 50,000+ fabric swatches, company policies, etc. I know he's super excited though. I just pray that his brain will be like a super absorbent sponge and just soak every single drop of it in.

Of course we're really looking forward to the one little thing that we've missed the past few weeks...a paycheck. But, after having him home 24/7 for the past three weeks I sort of hated to see him drive off this morning. It's been nice having my hubby around!

Since he's in Charlotte (all of 1 1/2 hours away) the boys and I are going to take full advantage of it. After their basketball games Saturday, we're going to head east. They love to stay in hotels, especially ones with indoor pools. So, we're going to relax and take in some sights while dad's at work. Then, on Sunday, my in-laws are going to drive down and meet us for a birthday dinner for little ole me. Yep, I turn 36 on the 14th. That's really just too close to 40 for me, but what can I do? So, here's to starting '07 off right.....with a new job and back to normalcy.

Chuck E. Cheese coupons

I got an email tonight from Chuck E. Cheese himself! Yep, that's right...I'm on his list. I'm basicly on a first name basis with him. I don't much care for his food, but the one token games are great. Anyway, I wanted to share the coupons he sent me tonight with all of you. There is one that allows you to buy 100 tokens for $12.50. Even though the coupons expire 2/7/07, I'll probably swing by and just use the coupon to by the 100 tokens and keep them. What a treat for the boys on a rainy day!

An interview with our resident artist

Shane Shares (SS): Hello, sir. What is the name of your piece?
Tater Tot (TT): "Body Parts"

SS: What inspired you to draw this?

TT: Well, um, my brain just thought of it and I drew it.

SS: How long have you been drawing?

TT: Ten years and 10 months (he is 6 years old)

SS: Are you going to be an artist when you grow up?

TT: Yeah

SS: Is there anything you'd like to say about your drawing?

TT: Yes. I worked really hard and if you don't like it I'm sorry. Remember I'm only six years old.

SS: Well, I love it. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me Mr. Tater Tot.

*For a closer look at TT's artwork please click on the picture.

More "Taterisms" to enlighten your day

"Know what I learned today, dad? If you have hair, you're in the mammal family. But you're not! You're in the bald family."

He came downstairs the other night and asked if I had more cotton balls. "Why?," I asked. "Just wondering" was his reply. I told him I did then he says..."Well then, you have got to come and see this!" He proceeded to take my hand and lead me to our master bathroom. He had emptied our cotton ball container on the vanity. Why you ask? So he could wet each one with water (thus making spit balls) and throw them onto our mirror. The entire mirror (which is quite large) was covered with them!

Last weekend we were at hubby's brother's house. His Nana noticed that he had skid marks in his underwear and asked him about them. He said, "Well, I'm just going to start using those things mommy uses." We all just looked at him because we had no idea what he was talking about. He soon enlightened us. "You know, those things she puts in her underwear so she won't have skid marks!" Talk about embarrassing.

That's our Tater Tot!! :)

"Mommy, I like you more than anything else I like!"

"I'm glad I'm me"

What I'm going to be thankful for in 2007

Instead of resolutions for '07, I have come up with a list of things that I'm going to be thankful for. So, here goes...I'm going to be thankful for:

1. The bed I have to make


2. The clothes I have to wash


3. The furniture I have to dust


4. The dishes I have to wash


5. The shower I have to clean


6. The floors I have to vacuum


7. The car I have to put gas in


8. The line I have to stand in to buy groceries


9. The bills I have to pay for our utilities

I've come to realize that all of these are a blessing, not a burden. Nothing in life is guaranteed. I am going to live each day to the fullest and be thankful for my chores. Happy 2007!

The best birthday present EVER

Celebrating at Red Lobster

Today is hubby's birthday and boy did he get a great gift....a job! He initially interviewed with Boyles Distinctive Furniture last week. Today he had another interview (3 1/2 hours) with the owner of the company. We are so very excited. With this job, he has better hours (no Sundays & open until 6:00 pm nightly) and an increase in pay. The store is right here where we live, so we don't have to move either. I knew the goings of of Dec. 21 would be a blessing in disguise. Thank you for all of your prayers and most importantly, thank you God!