Day #17

A self portrait

Day #16

Apologies for the delay in picture updating, but we were out of town visiting our super-duper Pinkie cousins in South Louisiana. The kids had a ball...and sadly, I forgot my camera at home (doofus), so I was unable to document our many moments of wild, outdoor park-induced abandon. So, you'll have to be content with the most recent Pinkie Photo coming from the previous weekend of backyard bliss. Have I mentioned how ready we are for summer? Sophy frequently sits and stares longingly at the pool. Each week, the kids inch closer and closer to full body immersion. Last weekend, it was the feet. She appears entranced, does she not?

Day #15

After the tea party, PDaddy brought the boys out and my brother brought my nephew who is 3 and not in this photo because he had had enough pictures, thank you very much. We were attempting a group shot for my mama for Mother's Day. PDaddy had his Big Boy camera, and we tried our best to get several different group poses. As you can see by this shot that I snapped, we weren't working with the most cooperative bunch of cousins.

Day #14

~Our third annual tea party~

Aren't they lovely?

Our elbows are off of the table (at least in this photo!)

Day # 13

As of Thursday at 1 0'clock, there will be NO more homework at the Pinkie house for several, several days!

Day #12

Remembering and longing for summer....

Day #11

My next project will be to turn the pool bathroom into a tropical oasis. As you can see from this photo, I have my work cut out for me. The fabric has been ordered, a lamp is patiently waiting on Ebay, certain fixtures are screaming to be replaced, and all that remains is for enough hours in my day to get it all accomplished! After pics to follow....

Day #10

The most beautiful tree in my yard!

Day #10

It was another project for the Pinkie family. This is the cottage we are putting in one of the garden beds. It came in a nasty shade of blue-grey, but it turned out cute in the end. Sam was determined to see the project through from start to finish. PDaddy started putting it together Friday eve, and Sam and I finished painting it today. The final shot here shows the house minus the shutters and window boxes that will be on it. It's just too cute for words.

Day #9

Attack of the hillbilly zombies!

Day #8

Thanks to the begging and pleading from my red head, we headed out to our local rodeo tonight. We're aren't your typical rodeo folk....but we may be from now on! Mercy, did the kids have a great time! It was quite a show, and I think because it was a PBR event it was that much better. Jack LOVED the bareback bronc riding. It was very exciting! I was amazed at all of the different types of people there. It was like a giant pep rally. The music and the magic shows and the kid events and the cowboys. WWOW! The cowboys!
Sophy turns out to be a whiz with the lariat! She got mad skillz!

This guy was WILD! This poor pony may never be the same. The minute he was in the saddle both boy and pony got a strange glint in their eyes. Sam brings out the animal in animals! Ha.

Day #7

Another photo from our planting day. I am happy to report that our little seedies have poked little green heads out of the soil today! To say that the kids were excited would be an understatement!

Day #6

I came home from school with a migraine like no other. Actually, I ran out of gas on the way home from school, and PDaddy had to rescue me. He did supper for 3 kids. He managed homework. He took Sophy to dance. He put the kids to bed. He made me supper when he got finished with all of that. Oh yeah, and did I mention that I love him? 'Cause...I do.

Day #5 of 30 Days in Photos

His future is so bright. He's gotta wear shades!

Day #4 of 30 Days in Photos

We worked outside all afternoon while PDaddy had wedding interviews. Sam and Soph started their lastest project. They planted sunflowers, zinnias, and four o'clocks. We're going to count the days to see how long it takes to see blooms! ((Ironic side note: We left school early Friday morning thanks to a snow cancellation. Jack will return to school tomorrow with a sunburn he received while shirtless outside all day today. Only in East Texas.)

Day #3 of 30 Days in Photos

Our sweet Thomas. She (yes, SHE) is such an awesome kitty. She loves to play fetch (yes, FETCH) and is the most patient, long-suffering gal around. This is her fav spot to nap. The receiver box for our kitchen TV. It's warm, so she uses it for a heating pad. Smart kitty.

Day #2 of 30 Days in Photos

A rare sight in East Texas, for sure! These shots were snapped within the first few hours of snowfall, but we had about 7 hours+ of solid snowfall before all was said and done. In the photo above, I was outside snapping a few shots when I realized that I was being stalked, hunted, attacked, etc. The little devil was forming a snowball as I took this photo! Within seconds, I was running for the house and threatening him over my shoulder. Luckily, his aim was off! Never fear. His big brother avenged his mother's brutal attack with swift and efficient retaliation. I've never heard the likes of giggling from the backyard as I heard today. We pretty much hibernated indoors with a pot of ham beans and warm crescent rolls after the initial snow fight frenzy. Weatherman is calling for temps in the 60's tomorrow. 70's on Sunday. Ha!

Day #1 of 30 Days in Photos

I apologize that my first photo in my stolen neato, 30-day-photo theme turns out to be of a dead bird. Still, it's a pretty, dead bird. Bless his heart.
With a horrible storm that is threatening snow and ice barreling down on East Texas, my yard this afternnon after school was filled with a rainbow mix of sweet, little birdies. They were frantically trying to eat every scrap of birdseed in our yard. It's no strange thing for our yard to be filled with birds. I love, love birds, and I try to plant berries for them and plants/flowers that they will like. Anyway, this gorgeous fellow hit our glass door and broke his leg and neck. When I found him, he was dying so slowly. I brought him out of the sleet and wind and just let him die in warmth. It was so, so sad. It took him about 3 hours to die. The saddest thing of all was when he started making strange clicking noises and making several final, desperate efforts to fly away. Oh, it was so sad. Jack snapped this photo of him before PDaddy handled the burial arrangements.

A stolen idea

I saw a really cool idea in Posy's blog that I am going to copy. Since Posy doesn't know I exist, I feel like she won't mind if I copy her! HA! Besides, she copied the idea from someone else in bloggy world. So there ya go! Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right? (Truly, check out Posy's blog. She's wonderful!)
Having said that, thus begins my next 30 days of blogging in photos only. Beginning tomorrow with Day #1 of 30 Days in Photos! I should be ashamed of myself for being such an idea stealer. I should, but STAY TUNED anyway!

This and That

Kids:
The kids are like animals anticipating the arrival of Spring. They are insane. What is a parent to do? ((I mean, literally, what can I do? I'm open to suggestions.))
Jackson took his first ever TAKS test. My poor, dear son. It's a rite of passage, I reckon. Swim team shall commence in a month or so. We all wait with bated breath. The eldest of the herd jumped a size in britches this month. He's now sporting a size 12 in jeans. They go so nicely with his size 6 and half men's shoe. Must be all of the waffles/syrup. As I type, he is in bed reading his latest book about the Titanic under the bed covers with a flashlight.
Sam is about to lose tooth #3 for the Pinkie Family's '08 Tooth Fairy Count. He has #4 on standby, and Sophy has #'s 5 & 6 hanging by a root as well. Last month, the Tooth Fairy billed us for her traveling expenses after having to visit our house 2 nights in a row. She wasn't thrilled about that. I think she's getting testy in her old age. Sam recently exclaimed over a story his teacher read to the class in first grade. It was called (in his words) "The Terd is in the Hair." I'm sure if you ponder long enough, you'll guess the true title of the story. Sam's teacher recently informed me that it was imperative that Sam "stop telling the other students that they were going to Hell for their classroom misbehavior." Sunday School lessons are very black and white with Sam. You're either really, really good, or you're going to Hell. There is no middle ground.
Sophy has added plant and botanical texts to her recent obessions, as well as bird information. She loves reading about different types of flowers and all of the different things that make up plants. Her class has been studying about birds this week, and her teacher has been letting them listen to various bird sounds to recognize. She has turned into quite the horticultural-ornithologist.

Summer Trips:
For now, we're on the books to stay at this place for our family vacation for my side of the family. We'll be hauling cousins and GrandPinkies with us, and the kids are getting more excited by the day. We've planned horseback riding, swimming/fishing in the river, a day of laying in the meadow picnicking and flying kites, a visit to this neato place that we have visited before and LOVED, and because one of our little Pinkie cousins is a dino-nut, I'm sure we'll stop by this place on one of our days in the area. The host of the place we are staying assures us that the fishing is amazing and the nightly firefly displays are super! Sam has already planned a s'mores night followed by flashlight tag with the cousins. Should be a bang-up week!
Also in June, we're going to Hot Springs to visit PDaddy's father and step-mother. July is our beach trip with PDaddy's side of the clan which the kids never fully stop talking about. As we're at the beach, they're planning the NEXT year's visit. Can't say that I'm far behind them. I'm pretty excited too! Of course, PDaddy and I are heading to Florida alone the first week of August, but I'm hoping that we can squeeze a road trip in to somewhere close in July while the kiddos stay with the GrandPinkies. We'll have to see what we can come up with.
TV:
Survivor is great! If I'm honest, I'm pulling for the favs. The fans are too whiney. Idol is as entertaining as ever. I love David Archuletta. I just want to pinch him until he's black and blue all over. Paula...wow! What is she smoking? Dirty Jobs has the occassional new episode which allows me to get my Mike Rowe fix for a week or two. Samantha Who. Will it ever come back on? What else? Hhhhmmm, Oh yes, Dancing With the Stars will return soon, and how could I forget Lost? Yikes! LOST! Who knew so much would happen in just 3 or 4 episodes! When they said they were going to deliver the goods, they weren't kidding.
Garden:
My bulbs are creeping up, and the Fairy Garden is taking shape. We're in dire need of a trip to Lowe's to pick out some backyard lighting for our pool area, so I guess we'll have to get on that soon. I'm kicking around making a small garden for tomatoes, peppers, etc. I dunno. That's a commitment that flowers will not require, so I'm giving it more thought. Still, is there anything better on the face of the Earth than a fresh tomato plucked straight out of the garden? Nope. Ok, maybe a small veg garden.
Little doggie needs go outside and winkie...TA!

Let's Party! Tea Party, that is!

Some of you may remember that we've had our tea party for several years here in Pinkieville. Mostly cousins, a few friends situated nearby, good food, pretty dresses, etc. We're doing it again this year on the Saturday before Easter, so if any of you dear girlies with little girlies of tea partying age are interested in coming let me know ASAP! Ang and/or Sar if you are in town/The United States, COME! Anyone who wants to come, it's a swell time! We'll be at Roseville B&B again this year because the food is to die for, and Mrs. Virginia is as sweet as they come. Our main goal is to eat good food, but we're hoping that along the way the little girls will pick up some nice etiquette practice and get to wear their Easter dress one extra time! Hehe. If you want to come, PLEASE come!! Just let me know soon! :-)
My boys will be camping that weekend, so send your male species away and come have tea!

A few more dancing shots!

Uh-huh! Oh yeah! PDaddy doesn't know this photo exists!! HAhaha. Yep. He's doing the Macarena! Ahhhh, life is good. Life is REAL good.
Doesn't this just make your heart melt?

A Night at the Ball

Sophy and PDaddy went to the ball tonight, and they had a lovely time. I popped in long enough to snap some of the cutest shots ever. The event was a Father/Daughter Sweetheart Dance, and it was sooo sweet.

I'd like to share a meal with all of you!

Please take a moment out of your busy day to experience the wonderful meal that I enjoyed on my European tour this past weekend. Alright. Alright. Sarah actually enjoyed it, but she was sweet enough to think of me while she was eating it! You can read all about it (and her amazing adventures) here. Sar, I'm not sure if this virtual moment equals my previous moment at sunset wearing a Speedo. That was hard to beat, ya know? Heehee! Still, this one involves cheese, so I guess that counts extra!

Kid News

It has been a while since I've stopped to divulge the lastest news on the 3 amigos. Let's see.

Jack is knee-deep in 3rd grade and doing great. Somehow we have made it to the ripe, old age of 9 with our love of school and learning still intact. He never complains about school or anything else, for that matter. He's such a good natured kid, and I'm so thankful he has PDaddy's big, sweet heart and gentle soul (more on his antithesis little brother in bit.) While we wait for swim team season to commence, he's been so enthusiastic about staying in shape. He does sit ups and push ups each night with PDaddy and occassionally will do some hand weights. He's very fitness and health conscious, and I'm very proud of him for that. Especially considering how much the boy loves pancakes. And cinnamon rolls. And biscuits. And rolls. And waffles. HA! Remember American Gladiator from our middle school years? You may have seen it back on tv lately. Jack LOVES this show. He is so competitive, and he loves watching the folks compete against the Gladiators. Who knows...maybe he'll be on the show one day!

Whoooweee. Where to begin about Sam. Gee, I'm almost speechless. Ya know, he's a complex fellow. He is so deep and concerned with mortality (his and everyone else's,) wants to please so badly, can not stand someone being slighted or mistreated and will tell you off in 4 words or less at the drop of a hat as he pinches you on the behind and winks at you. Yeah, right? First grade is going good. Sam is very hot and cold when it comes to school work, so we're working more on our consistency than academics, persay. He LOVES learning new skills, and he seems to crave learning about how the world works. Lots of ideas he comes across in class, he tries to apply in the real world..i.e. the backyard. In Social Studies they're talking about what happens when natural disasters happen, and he is currently drawing up plans to fill sandbags to store in our backyard to stockpile in case of flooding. PAH! He is a mess. We're pretty sure he has the hots for a little "Julie" in his class, but you'll never get him to admit it. Girls, of course, are nasty, disgusting creatures, after all.

There are some things you expect to be important to a kindergartener. For my girl, it's being "stylish," getting her "beauty sleep," and keeping "her girls" in her class happy. Luckily, she loves her class and her teacher. You never know how your kids will be once they reach school age, but I'm happy that Sophy is such an over-achiever when it comes to her school work. She is very hard working and is, surprisingly, a perfectionist when it comes to her work. That's a refreshing change by comparison to one of her siblings who will remain nameless at this point. I'm sure you can guess what color his hair is. She's still waiting for her fairy wings to grow in and loves anything that involves sparkley wings and fairy girls. Next Saturday, she and PDaddy are going to a Father/Daughter Sweetheart Ball. Her dress came in Saturday, and it's precious! She's already planned out the hair-do, the nail color, and the accessories her dress will require. I can't wait to hear what she has to say afterwards. I'll be sure and post pics. Don't worry!

If only every Monday went this fast....

Man! Today was a flash! I love it when that happens on a Monday! Usually Mondays are grueling and painful. Today it was more like a lightening bolt. No less painful, but WAY quick! Hoorah!

On Sunday afternoon, we met the GrandPinkie's at IMAX to see the DEEP SEA movie. It was great! The kids were just enthralled, and of course, Sophy is obsessed with the sea, so she absolutely loved it. We had a great time, and I highly recommend seeing it.

A huge box of clothes I ordered for the boys came today, so it was a little like Christmas after school today. I got some great deals on shorts, polos, tees, etc. Cute, cute.

I made roast, asparagus, and mashed potatoes for supper tonight. It was rather yummy, but I'm not feeling so hot now. Please don't let me be coming down with the flu.....pretty please?

The View from Saturday

This is what my Saturday looked like. With Sophy still on the mend, we've spent a lot of time at home. And a lot of time NOT doing laundry! See that furry, little guy? That is Pongo the Wonder Mutt! He's all fur and tongue. When he is lying down, he can be really sweet. Mostly he is on the move, acting like a two year old...stealing and hiding toys, begging for chocolate chip cookies, barking at Sam when he knows he is doing something wrong, pouncing on the cat, pouting like a baby when he is in trouble. He's a mess!

Hold it right there, Mister!

Remember The Tree Frog Attack? Remember how I felt as if the entire fiasco was a set up? Earlier this afternoon, I intercepted this nasty guy on his way into our house, only it wasn't the toad's idea to come inside. Beware Mom-of-Boy-to-Be!! You know who you are!!

VDay, Tamiflu, and Bowling Lanes

Oh. How I love this picture.

PDaddy took the boys bowling today while the Sophster and I stayed at home and chilled. They had a good time, and I actually convinced PDaddy to stoop his professional camera preferences and snap a few shots with my piddly little snapshotter.

It was another banner holiday at the Pinkie house. You may recall other such banner holidays. We seem to have these banner holidays every time a holiday (or birthday--we don't discriminate) rolls around. As a matter of fact, they just keep coming! It's amazing. It really is. Sophy is battling the flu, so we spent Valentine's Day administering Tamiflu (OH MY GOSH--WONDER DRUG!!!) and fluids and Motrin and Tylenol. Sometimes, it's really great to be me. Truly! So, that was Valentine's Day. I just want to say right here and now that the little, nerdy, scientist guy or gal who dreamed up Tamiflu deserves something awesome and wonderful. Jeepies, is that stuff amazing. We saw so much improvement in Sophy's condition within hours. Seriously.
PDaddy has little-kid-team-basketball pics in the a.m. Mr. Weather Man is calling for 100% chance of more rain/storm/lightening/tornadoes. Depending on how much better Sophy is, we may attend a birthday party in the morning. Otherwise, I think we'll just stay inside and watch it rain. Uh-huh.
In other news, we're planning our camping trip for my side of the family. We've bounced around lots of ideas, but I think we've decided on a place. I'd love to just stay with one place every year, but my daddy likes go to a different place every time. Sigh. We had hoped to go, just PDaddy and I, to Biltmore this Spring Break for our anniversary. PDaddy will be shooting weddings each Saturday in March, so we've decided on Florida in August. We've booked 5 nights, and I'm sooo excited. We've never been to the beach without the kids, so it should be a totally different experience than we are used to! Can't wait. Can't wait!!

Hiatus

The 100th Day of School!

100 warm fuzzies hot glued to a hot pink cowboy hat!

I've been digging in the dirt lately while the sun shines, but I promise I'll be back in the blog soon. Mr. Weather Man is calling for a rainy weekend, so I'm hoping for a little time to kick back with a bit of hot tea and a nice, mushy book and my laptop. In the meantime, I'd like to wish yet another happy and safe Globe Trotting Adventure to Ang and Sar. Happy Mozart-Austrian-Sound of Music-Alp-Swiss Miss-Heidi of the Hills Adventures!

The View from Tuesday

You are looking at the view from kitchen window this evening. Nice, huh?

Where I ramble on about nothing, again.

The Dear Lord in Heaven had mercy on my pitiful soul and efficiently arranged for last week to FLY by so quickly I barely had time to register just how ridiculously ridiculous last week was. I shan't dwell on the ridiculousness that was my job last week. Yes, I am referring to my profession as a JOB after last week. After the way my week went, teaching felt like a JOB for the first time in a long, long time. If only I had to contend with children all day and no adults, THAT would be a beautiful thing. A really beautiful thing.
In brighter news, I can't tell you how excited I am that we are one month closer to spring's arrival. I am so sick of rain, wind and cold. Blech. We accomplished a lot in the yard this weekend, and I have my goldfish pond ready to go into my first garden sometime this week, I hope. Once I can get my hands on my daddy's tiller, I'll start on a little rose area near our back porch. I've always wanted a bed strictly for roses, so I hope this one works out. After that, I'll get to start on my BIG project. This will be a garden similar to the one at our old house, but I'm planning to make this more of a storybook type garden. PDaddy found a cottage that is adorable in a kit at Lowes on half price, so once we get that put together and painted, it will be in the center of my garden. Sophy is about to stroke out waiting for that to get started. I'm hoping to start on my big garden during Spring Break. Spring Break.....where are you?
Well, I suppose I'll go finish my laundry dispersal. We spent the evening at a birthday party, and I'm behind on my pre-week chores!! Gotta jet.
**RANDOM TIDBIT OF INFO**
Of all the preggo people I know at the moment (and that is about 6,) only ONE is having a boy! HAHHAAA!

An update so boring, even I can't believe I'm going to post it....

Life: No one has puked or had fever this week. It's a January miracle. There is always tomorrow...which is more likely anyway, seeing as how tomorrow is Friday. Viral likelihood increases as the weekend gets closer.
Jack: Today was report card day. All 3 kids had really good reports, so we're alright for another six weeks. Jack will take his first ever state assessment tests in a month or so. EEK! He seems totally unphased by this new reality of his life. Ever the bookworm, Jack is obsessed with all things Titanic. He loves nothing more than a rousing conversation on the problems associated with the doomed vessel. Yes, he uses the word 'doomed.'
Sam: Sam's life is a perpetual round of dirt digging and stick collecting. I hate to squelch the kids creativity and inventive nature, but I'm sick to death of finding sticks (of varying sizes) in the car, in the pantry, in the mudroom. There is presently a pile of sticks stacked up in our side yard that reaches about a foot higher than Sam does. We're not sure what he plans to do with them, but we have hidden every fire starting utensil we can account for.
Sophy: Barbie. Barbie. Barbie. We've reached that age. I'm rather enjoying it, seeing as how I was a Barbie fanatic as a girl child.
Weekend/Life: American Idol is back on. WHOOHOOO!! Survivor will be on in a few short weeks. WHOOHOOO!!!! We have dinner plans tomorrow eve with some friends, Saturday PDaddy has senior photos and a school dance to shoot, and the kids and I will more than likely chill at home. Although, I need to find the guys some new tennis shoes...but oh jeepers, do I hate shoe shopping. Torture. Torture!! Sunday is supposed to be the first warm day we've had in weeks, so I seriously am looking forward to some time in the yard after church. Not sure if PDaddy has pics on Sunday or not.
We've got several trips planned for this summer, with kids and without. Oh, and we're excited about going here with the cousins in June!! HOOHOO!! Check out the indoor water park! Oh yeah, honey. I am so looking forward to summer....and warmth. HEAT!!! Give me HEAT!
Sophy is looking forward to our annual tea party. I guess we'll shoot for some weekend in March or April. Last year, it was still really cold when we did it. I'd like for it to be warmer. Having it around Easter time is always a plus, but it's usually colder here at that time than it is in December.
We have 2 birthday parties to attend this weekend. One at a roller skating rink and the other at Chuck E. Cheese. ARRRGGHHHH! I'm fired up about roller skating, even if I should be ashamed to admit that. I'm a skating maniac. Will anyone find it shocking if I bring my own skates with pink wheels? Hhhmmm....
Well, gee. I hear a snack calling my name......

I thought I was a goner...

With my body being invaded by a NASTY bug that wouldn't leave, I've been unable to post (or hold my head up) for several days now. I'll be back soon. Ter, I've seen the tag. I'll be on it! I promise! I'll let ya know when I finish!
Happy Friday!

Twiddle-twiddle

Gee. I'm sort of lost here. For the first time in WEEKS, I had a hair appointment because my roots were screaming at strangers as I passed them in Kroger. They were shouting things like, "QUIT LOOKING AT US!" and "WHAT ARE YOU STARING AT...HAVEN'T YOU SEEN BAD ROOTS BEFORE?" Mostly the poor, innocent strangers just turned away in horror and tried to ignore me and my screaming roots. So! What does this mean? What is my point? It means that my kids are at my mother's due to the fact that PDaddy is shooting another wedding tonight....which is leaving me home alone for at least the better half of the evening. The yard guys are here working on their first landscaping project, I've been colored, snipped, and flat-ironed, so I'm beautiful and you'll just have to take my word for it. What's a girl to do? Everyone I know is doing something. I'm alone. Well, Ms. PacMan is here. I guess I could go visit with her and try to beat my high score of 13 trazillion points. There is that. Hhhhhm. Ya know...I think I'll go to Kroger and pretend like I'm one of those hair commercial girls and swish my non-roots at people. Whoohooo! Try not to be jealous people. Try not to be jealous! One day, you'll get to go to Krogers and play hair commercial too. For now, it's all about me.

100 Things About Me

Whether you want it or not!! Yes, I'm going all the way to 100!!

1. (We'll start off easy...) I was born in July of '73. NO! Not 1773.
2. I have been pregnant 4 times and birthed 3 children.
3. My grandmother and her twin sister shared my birthdate. It was wonderful.
4. My sweet, dear friend Rachel also shares my birthdate. Or do I share her birthdate?
5. Rachel's sis and PDaddy's sis share the same birthdate.
6. My grandfather and my oldest brother share the same birthdate.
7. The birthdate connection is getting old, right?
8. I once taught myself to do a back handspring. I forever regretted what I did to my back in the teaching of that little trick.
9. My honeymoon sucked like nothing has ever sucked before. Have I told you the story?
10. I am married to the nicest man on the face of planet Earth. He makes me look like Cruella DeVille.
11. I have lived on a peanut farm.
12. I attended 3 colleges in 5 years. Hehe. Go me!
13. I was born in Albuquerque.
14. I have 16 first cousins on my dad's side of the family.
15. There are 23 first cousins on my mom's side of the family.
16. I have a rare and creepy birthmark that only PDaddy knows about. If he tells, he dies.
17. A jaguar once sprayed me....marking me as his territory.
18. I have never been arrested.
19. There was once a warrant issued for my arrest.
20. My favorite job ever was the time I spent working as a bank teller. I loved it!
21. My middle name sounds like a French hooker.
22. I do not eat fruit.
23. My lips have never tasted cantaloupe.
24. And they never will.
25. My middle brother was born in a tiny Texas town called Pecos.
26. Bones I have broken - 2, if a nose counts. 1 if only toes count.
27. I don't care if I never get to visit South Dakota.
28. I DO care if I never get to visit England, Ireland and Scotland.
29. If I could go back in time, I would want to go back and see where my great-great-great-great ancestors came from and who they were and what sorts of crooks people they were.
30. I have taken a multi-vitamin every day since January 1.
31. PDaddy just bought me an exercise ball, a jump rope and a resistance band. It was a thoughtful gift.
32. My favorite scent from Bath&Body Works is White Cherry Blossom.
33. My secret dream is to write a book that lots of people want to read.
34. That would involve me actually writing something other than this blog. I don't see it happeneing.
35. I would love to live in a cottage decorated entirely in pink, white and green. The male factors in my household would object, I'm afraid.
36. I detest David Letterman with every fiber of my being.
37. I detest Gloria Estefan equally as much.
38. I live for Survivor.
39. I was once addicted to Lost, but it broke my heart.
40. Wanna know what scares me? Wasps. Bees. Stinging things. I'm phobic.
41. I've never been stung by anything in my life. Well, ants don't count.
42. One of my favorite smells is dirt. Nothing smells like dirt. Or as good.
43. When my hands are in dirt, I am a happy, happy girl.
44. I could shave my legs 4 times a day. It wouldn't help. I am a hairy beast.
45. I've had 3 c-sections. One happened as a rather emergency sort of c-section.
46. My water broke with all 3 pregnancies.
47. Normally, I do not wear sunglasses. I HATE wearing sunglasses.
48. It has been 15 years since I have balanced a check book. To this day, I do not balance my account. It's called....Fuzzy Math.
49. My great-grandfather was killed in Arkansas by Missouri Red Legs. Whatever those are.
50. If I could be healthy, wealthy or wise, I'd choose healthy....every time.
51. Sometimes I send emails to people without proofreading them....ok, ok...I NEVER proofread emails. I tickles me to think of people reading my emails and going, "Tsk. Tsk. And she teaches children..." HAHHAHAA. Life is good.
52. I can play a flute.
53. I can't play it very good.
54. I love Vienna sausages.
55. Am I the only one who calls them Viennie Weinis? Admit it.
56. I always wanted 4 kids. Sniff, sniff.
57. If I could play any musical instrument really well, it would be the piano. Oh, and the cello. And the french horn.
58. My dad learned how to fly helicopters in Vietnam. They let him keep flying them.
59. My brother was injured in Fallujah.
60. I have 4 nieces.
61. I have 4 nephews
62. I have $4 in my account. Hehe. I'm mostly not kidding. Good thing PDaddy shares with me.
63. My dad didn't believe in giving an allowance.
64. Strange that he gives my kids $ all the time now.
65. Favorite tv show of all time: Three's Company....and Seinfeld.
66. My feet are always, always cold.
67. I love 6th graders like no other creature on this planet.
68. Inside, I am a 6th grader.
69. PDaddy shaves his head. He looks like Mr. Clean.
70. Oprah Winfrey scares me. I think she is evil. I know...I know.
71. Dr. Phil too...but mostly Oprah.
72. I think Robin Williams is a genius. And probably evil.
73. Favorite sport(s): The Summer Olympics. Bring it on, Baby!
74. Secret Indulgence: Romance novels...bad me. Bad me.
75. Longest time without shaving my legs: 14 days....it was a social experiment to prove that the survivors on Survivor WERE shaving between episodes.
76. Favorite drink: Cherry Coke
77. Breakfast? No thank you.
78. PDaddy is the nosiest fellow alive. Hello dear.
79. Great movie: Nanny McPhee.
80. I hate bananas.
81. I've never eaten an orange.
82. Cheese is a great topping for ANYthing.
83. Special K with chocolate pieces? It is surprisingly good.
84. I should be sleeping.
85. Just because you don't sing bad, doesn't mean you sing good.
86. Viva Viagra? I just saw this commercial. Oh. My. Gosh.
87. I love to roller skate.
88. If I had one more daughter, her name would be Maggie.
89. Least favorite household chore: All of them.
90. # of baths taken a day: 3
91. Neil Diamond is my boyfriend.
92. I am petrified just THINKING about flying over an ocean.
93. Remember when Saturday Night Live was funny?
94. Presidential choice: Oy.
95. Chicken and dumplings? SURE!
96. Chicken pot piet? SURE AGAIN!
97. No intiendo.
98. Tomorrow we'll have 3 palm trees planted by the pool.
99. I hate peanut butter.
100. See! I made it!

Childhood - It's Sweet.

Samantha Who?

Must watch. Must.

A remote control tarantula. It's war.

Why would my husband purchase a remote control tarantula? What could he possibly hope to accomplish? Perhaps he intended to relive some of our more memorable family moments. To this day, I maintain that the creature in question was planted. It was a set up. I'm sure of it. (Strangely, I think I've had more readers from around the world with that one entry. Seems lots of folks in Jakarta have googled stories using the words naked and tree frog. Yeah, weird. ) Where was I? Oh yes. A set up. A remote controlled tarantula. I saw the empty box for the blasted thing in PDaddy's office. I know he has conspired with the male children he has spawned. I smell a rat hairy spider.

A List

Ang loves a good list, so I thought I'd start the New Year off with some of the questions, comments and remarks from the Pinkie clan. We celebrated the holiday by losing another tooth. That puts the 2008 Tooth Count at ONE. Only time will tell if we surpass the 2007 record--8...or was it 9?

Questions, Comments, Remarks, etc.
1. If you live in a cave forever, will you grow a long beard? (Sam wants a beard at ANY cost.)
2. I wish we had a jaguar to keep in our backyard.
3. Why do hula girls wear coconuts on their stomachs? (Clearly we need to discuss the finer specifics of anatomical correctness.)
4. Look at that kid over there. When did he get so big? (PDaddy just realizing the startling rate at which his eldest son is growing.)
5. I want my teeth to rot out, so I don't have to brush before bed. I hope they turn black.(Again, Sam is willing to pay any price to have his wishes fulfilled.)
6. Mom. Sam's trying to saw me in half. Mom. I'm not. Kidding!! (Sophy is BIG on theatrics.)
7. Hey, I was gonna smell your bandaid before you threw it away!
8. Mom! Mom! Sophy's tooth fell out in the sink all by itself. I PROMISE! I didn't do anything to her this time.
9. Do ya see something ya like? (Jackson tries his hand at witty sarcasm while Sam stares at him as they watch tv on the couch.)
10. Sometimes, when I go outside to aggrivate the birds, I just stand really still like I'm a tree, and then they land on me and figure out that I'm not a tree...and they HATE that. (Sam. Being Sam.)
Happy New Year!

My Little Darlin' is a firecracker....with regrets to Josh Turner

PDaddy sponsored an illegal display of firecrackers for the kids tonight. Luckily, no police showed up on our doorstep.

I'm not one to frequent the country end of the radio dial. Don't get me wrong. I'm proud to be a coalminer's peanut farmer's daughter. Still, today's country music sort of makes me long for a long walk off of a short pier. Sophy, on the other hand, heard the above mentioned song as I channel-surfed through the radio dial the other day and instantly realized that this song was for her. With an illegal contraband of leftover NYEve fireworks, PDaddy put on a ridiculous display for the kids tonight in our backyard. It's a wonder our house didn't burn to the ground with the large amount of sparks and embers that landed on our roof. The kids were enthralled and inspired beyond words, and Sam has given up his previous future aspirations of being a tv host like Mike Rowe. Now, he wants to "blow things up" when he "turns into a man." Oy.

An identity crisis and other ramblings.

Here you have the Red Monster dressed for our Christmas Eve service at church. He wasn't sure whether to go with business casual, formal, industrial...it was all just too much. GrandPinkie got Sam a set of gas station/work shirts with his name on the name tag. Yes, he is quite the happy child now, and he can't be persuaded to take them off. Even for church. (Notice the pencil in the pocket? HAHA)
We made good time today on our way home from Austin-ish. We all had yeehaw fun, and I just hope the Pinkie family members don't move without giving us their forwarding address. We can't be easy to live with. Hehe.
There was just enough daylight left when we got home to begin Phase I of my new garden. Well, ONE of my new gardens. It felt good to get really dirty and do something physically challenging. I took before pics, but I'll wait to show them until I have the AFTER pics to show with them. Sophy and I are planning a Fairy Garden. It will have fairy lights and lots of nooks and crannies for a little fairy girl to play. I am watching some fairy lights on ebay, but they're not cheap (at least not the ones I can find), so I'm giving myself a little time to win them. I've missed my garden, and this is my favorite part of gardening....ideas!!
PDaddy just showed up with Chili's burgers....ta.
(Billie! I just got your pic of Freddie-Li! Congratulations! I've missed the whole adoption saga. Update me! She is adorable! Love the hairy pups, too!!)

Be back soon.

I'm taking the kids to my bro/sis-in-law's house this weekend for a family gathering of sorts near Austin. PDaddy has a rehearsal dinner to shoot tomorrow evening and a wedding on Saturday, so he'll be holding down the homefront while we're away. Thank goodness I have one more week off because this one was a vapor. Where did it go?
Say a prayer for me tomorrow. I'll be in the car with three kids for 5 hours. EEK.
Later!

Shameless Product Endorsement-Christmas 2007

Sophy:
Sophy received most of your usual girl toys that require no explanation....Barbie, Barbie car, dance clothes, jewelry, bobbles, clothes, make up etc. Her favorite, and mine, is the Rose Petal Cottage by Playskool. I was afraid that she would be too old/big for the likes of this cottage, but she (and Sam) have played in it all day today. It's a really pretty, little house. All three of the kids got a Plug n' Play video game. These were a cheap compromise to any of the more expensive video games...plus, they're old school. Ha. Sophy got Ms. PacMan......I am happy to report that I have not lost my PacMan touch!
Sam:
A favorite toy for Sam....a security system for his bedroom. Due to how cheap inexpensive this set was, we figured it would be a joke and cause nothing but heartache. However, it really works....and it works really, really well. I now wave my hand past the door threshhold before entering to ensure that I do not get pelted by a barrage of missiles triggered by the laser beam trip wire. Yyyyeah. It works. Sam also got a cheap, kid version of skateboard along with every piece of safety gear one might need to hurdle himself down the driveway. The GrandPinkies from Hot Springs brought the guys each a RC controlled monster truck that is capable of driving 30mph...or so it would seem. Of course, his favorite gift came from Auntie Pinkie. 500 pieces to add to his old bucket of parts and pieces. Overall, these were a few Sam's fav things. Oh, and this. I am thankful I read the reviews and did not get the Fisher Price version like I had originally planned. This seems to have been a much better buy.
Jack:
Jack begged and begged for a Rip Stick. We caved and bought him one (along with all the safety gear.) Now, the endorsements all say for ages 8 and up. Jack is an extremely proficient Razor scooter rider, but this little baby is gonna take some serious skill and practice to even be able to mount. He's an agile guy, so I guess he will eventually manage. I just assumed it would be something he could jump on and zip off into the sunset. Not so. Still, he was so excited to get it, and I guess it will be something to challenge him. This was not his favorite gift, although he has played with it a lot already. For a Hot Wheels item, it is suprisingly fun. We've wasted a lot of money over the years on Hot Wheels items that aren't worth the box they're sold in. This one had a little more bang for the buck. A little. Jack loves Hot Wheels, but I'm not sure if he is too old for them or not. Oh well! He also got several DVD's, lots of books (happy boy), and the subscription to a train magazine that he really, really was hoping for. OH! And his very first bottle of cologne. He asked for it!! It made me weepy just paying for it. Hehe.

Shameless Product (and food) (and movie) Endorsement of Christmas 2007 to follow

I plan on updating later on with a few shameless product endorsements from some of our favorite gifts of Christmas 2007. PDaddy's father and step-mom are here for a few days from Hot Springs, so I'll update when they leave tomorrow. PDaddy has them out of the house for a few minutes to make a quick grocery run and to pick up some lunch, so I'm trying to get a start getting the Christmas decorations down and the house put back to rights. I love decorating for Christmas, but I can not stand Christmas decorations that are left up for too long. Pet peave!!!
Anyway, we had nice Christmas dinner (ham, sweet potatoe casserole, green beans with tomatoes, etc.) and fire last night, while the kids played with their Christmas toys that PDaddy's father brought (he made them guns that shoot marshmellows...yay.) It's raining and cold today, so the kids are a bit restless and over-stimulated from 3 days of family gatherings and present openings. Not a good combination!! I'm hoping to UNstimulate them as fast as possible!
I think for dinner tonight we'll have white chili, guacamole, pico, etc. Dessert?? Hhhmm. Oh, last night with dinner I made the Olive Cheese Bread from Pioneer Woman's site. Heavens to mergatroid....it was delicious and so simple! Check it out....and then make it for someone you love (and yourself.) In other news, have you seen Alvin and the Chipmunks? Cute movie for kids. We met PDaddy's sis and little girl on Sunday to see it, and the kids loved it. I wouldn't have seen it without the kids, but it was enjoyable (unlike some kid's movies we've been tortured with over the years.) Jack LOVED it so much. And now he wants a chipmunk. Uh.....no.
Better run and get back to my Christmas break-down before they get back from town. Hope you are all well and HEALTHY!

Yuletide Virus

Pics from Sam's book parade and Sophy's Christmas program.

True to form, we're knee-deep in the same virus (I assume) that ravaged through Jack's poor body for 13 days. Sophy came down with bronchitis, a double ear infection and a throat infection. After 10 days of antibiotic, we took her back to the doctor to learn that the antibiotic had not worked. At all. So, now we're on to a different type of antibiotic to see if it has more luck. The girl is 6 years old and has never had an ear infection in her life. She's paying back double for that now. On Thursday, Sam had his book parade at school--dressed as a taxi. He designed his taxi and was so excited that he got to read a book of his choice to the class and parents. It was a nice little program, and he promptly came home that day with a 101 degree temp. YAY! By Friday a.m., his temp was 103. By Friday p.m., it was 104.4, and he was delirious. Didn't know me from Adam. Or Eve. I worked like mad for 2 hours (tepid bath, cold rags, popsicles, motrin, tylenol, etc.) and finally got it down to 102. After that, he started slipping down under the 100's. Sigh. Of course, it's a holiday, so you'd think I'd be expecting this. I've learned that my hopes renew every year. Maybe it's the holiday spirit, but every year I (mistakenly) believe that we're gonna creep by.....make it through one major holiday without someone being violently ill. I'm sure it will happen one year. It just won't be this one. Ha! However, I am thankful that my kids have something that can be treated with meds from a pharmacy when so many moms and dads are hoping their kids just make it through the night. I'll take a virus every holiday. Gladly, if it means we're healthy otherwise.

Sophy had a kindergarten Christmas program on Friday. It was too cute for words. I love how she loves to perform in front of people. She's not exactly shy and retiring. Hahhaa. Wonder why?

PDaddy is about 6 hours away today watching a local high school team play for the state title. He and my dad left really, really early this morning, so the kids and I went to town and bought PDaddy's Christmas gifts. I let the kids pick out a gift each for him, and we wrapped up the day (no pun intended) by riding the Christmas train at the mall. That made the kids very, very happy. Then I popped into Long John Silver's for the first time in about 4 years for my yearly quota of grease and sodium. And THAT made me very, very happy. What is it about those little crunchie things? What ARE those little crunchie things?

Tomorrow, I hope to take the kids to see Alvin and the Chipmunks before we go to my folk's house for Christmas festivities. Or should I say Festivus activities. Hehehe.

Pam!

Of course I remember you! How are your kids? I can't reply directly to guestbook comments (because I'm a techno retard), so I had to make a quick post to say hello! If you want to sign my guestbook with a private comment and leave your email address, I'll email you! Glad to hear from you!

Say hello to Fred.

Santa sent us an Express package from the North Pole earlier this week. Inside the box, was our very own scout elf from the ranks of Santa's finest. Santa, ever-efficient, also sent us a book that told us the job of this elf and our duties as well. Seems that Santa's best kept secret is his useage of scouts. Have you heard? Your first duty is to give your new elf a name and fill in his certificate that dedicates him into your family. The elf, in our case it's Fred, watches and listens. Fred listens and will always hear about news in the car, the park, or at school if a rule is broken. Then. THEN! Each night while you are asleep, the elf flies to Santa by way of magic. Yes, magic! He chills with his pals. He reports to Santa. He eats and takes a nap. In the morning (after the elf returns to your house), you have to find the new spot where the elf is sitting. The kids wake up earlier and earlier every day to see who can find Fred first. So far, at our house, Fred has perched in the kitchen, on the ceiling fan (see photo above) in the living room, the boy's room, and just this morning....amongst Sophy's glass elephant collection. There is only one hang-up. One rule you have to obey. You can NOT touch the elf lest he loose his magic. Fred can't speak, but we can talk to him. You can tell him your wishes, apologize for being bad, plead your case as it were. Of course, Santa has the executive decision on all things toy-ish. In the end, Fred will hear the sleigh bells on Christmas Eve and say adios to the Pinkie family. Take heart. Next year, he'll be back when it's Christmas-time again.

The info above is from a book by Chanda Bell and her mother Carol Aebersold, The Elf on the Shelf~A Christmas Tradition. The book is so neatly written, and my kids love it! The illustrations are really pretty to boot. The book comes with the Elf, and my only regret is that I didn't have this when the kids were younger. Nonetheless, they have eaten this up--even at their advanced ages. ((Smile))

Shopping, weather, thanks, and a movie

Shopping - We're finished! HOOHOO!!! ((Except stocking stuffers!))

Weather - Is it cold or what? Yikes! It was nice to do Christmas shopping in cold weather. East Texas Christmas shopping usually means you wear shorts and flip-flops. We commemorated the cold snap by having, as planned, lunch at my tea place. Yes, it was nice.

Thanks - Tricia, thank you for the recipe! I will definitely give it a whirl! Sounds really tasty!

Movie - Also as planned, we saw I Am Legend.....and....Wow. Uh, it was good. Creeppppppy, in a Doom's Day/end of the world kind of way. Nonetheless, wow. Didn't see it coming.

Now that I've spent an entire day shopping, wrapping and eating, I must make up for it by doing laundry tomorrow. Haha...or should I say, WAH-WAH!

Friday Night Fever

Today, we learned that Sophy has infected ears, an infected throat, and the beginnings of bronchitis. Honestly, she doesn't seem THAT sick. Then again, she has the constitution of a horse....so there ya go. Anything else that knocks the boys off of their feet, she just takes in stride. My back is still hurting like nobody's business, but I think it's something muscular...and not anything big. I just really thought it would be better by now, or maybe I was just HOPING it would be better by now?
PDaddy and I are going Christmas shopping tomorrow, and I really hope we get to see a movie. It may not work out in our favor, but it would be nice if it did. I imagine we'll be in town all day, so I may get supper at Caraba's out of the deal. HOO-HOO. At least I know I'll be eating a scone and having hot tea. Is it just me...or am I really obsessed with food at the moment? Heehee.
I think we'll make some sugar cookies tonight. A sort of pre-Christmas dry-run. For some reason, Shepherd's Pie sounds warm and yummy. I only know one way to make this. I'm curious if anyone out there has their own recipe for it? Anyone? Anyone? I wonder if Pioneer Woman ever makes Shepherd's Pie? Can you imagine? Maybe I'll get that going for supper with a salad....some rolls.....slurp.
PDaddy just came in and made a fire. Niiiiiiice.
Thanks for all the lovely Christmas cards! Jack is scoping out who has cute daughters and inquiring as to their names and ages. Pah!

Parade & Recital pics

Here we are on the parade float waiting our turn in the processional. Our float was pulled by an 18 wheeler with a giant guitar on top with a sign that said, GIRLS ROCK! Hahaa. We only thought we were dead once on the parade route when the giant, electric guitar pulled down a power line. Were we frightened? Uh-yeah. I'd say we were a teensy bit scared. In the end, our float placed first for having the "Best Lights." I guess that is unavoidable when there are 78 little girls wearing flashy-light Santa hats on board.

The girls wore their regular dance leotards for this little program, but they had the option of wearing antlers while they danced for us. I can't wait to see the program in May. They spend August through May learning the 3 dances for the recital, and they sure are working hard. Their tap routine is to Material Girl (heheheee). One of their other dances is to some Hannah Montana song (try to control your gag reflex...ha!) It's all very cute. The ballet dance will be the last one they learn, I believe. There are 12 girls in Sophy's group. Here she is with 3 of her partners for the tap dance.

See this guy?

This poor kid. 11 pounds lost and a horrible case of pneumonia....I don't think I've ever seen him so sick. He's slowly getting better. Still no appetite to speak of, but his energy level seems to be on the upswing. Sam took this picture of Jack last night at Sophy's Christmas dance recital/party. The Grandpinkies came to watch, and the boys were surprisingly supportive of Sophy despite the fact that they were at an all-girl event.

DaddyPinkie and I plan to take the whole day Saturday while the kids are with my folks to get our Christmas shopping started and finished....all in the same day. We probably will be in town all day, and I'm hoping that we can catch a movie while we're in town. DaddyP. says that if he gets to pick the movie, he'll let me pick where we eat lunch. Hehee....I am dying for some cheese scones and chicken salad at a cutesy-girlie tea room that I love. It's not much of a man-food place, but hey! he said I could pick!! Besides, he usually isn't one to turn down a fluffy, hot pastry...and their scones are rather tasty. Maybe I'll get really lucky, and he'll drop me off at the nail place for a pedicure while he does some shopping. HAHHA. Never hurts to plan.

Nutcracker

We had a swell time at the ballet. Sophy and Pinkiecousin are always excited to see the dancers, and it's neat to watch how they experience it over the years. This year, Sophy was more taken with what the dancers were wearing. Pcousin follows the story and watches every move the dancers make. She's a diehard fan!Both girls came away with a ballet slipper ornament. Here are some pics. For some reason, I look pregnant in the pic below. I am not. At least, I think I am not. Here are the gals after the show. Is this not a sweet shot?

Pay no attention to the dead bush behind us or to my bad hair day! Here we are...on our way to the ballet!

Week before last, this week, next week, the week after that....

1. Jack had a fever of 102+ for 10 days. A plethora of tests, 4 doctor visits, a CT scan, and a chest xray....well, we discovered he has pneumonia. Yeah, it was a CRAZY week. In the process, Jack lost 9 pounds and is soooo weak. Today he is feeling a good deal better. I hope this is the end of it. Until the other 2 get it......of course, that's what Christmas Eve is for, right?
2. Week before last, we went to see Mr. Magorium's Wonder Imporium. It is super cute and brings up a lot of questions about life/death. It's a sweet, sweet show. It made me cry....and then we went to have choc. chip, Mickey Mouse pancakes and hot chocolate at our fav pancake place. Maybe I've already posted about this? Can't recall...
3. Yesterday I did something insane to my back. It's called standing up. I have no clue what happened, but I've been in extreme pain ever since. As I type, I'm sitting in bed with an ice pack on it. Sophy and I are meeting our Pinkiecousin, PinkieAuntie, and GrandPinkie to go see the Nutcracker. If I am properly medicated, I should make it through. Pics to follow (not of me medicated..har-har!)
4. Sophy's dance group rode on a float in the Wonderland of Lights parade last night. It was fun, but we missed seeing the coll things in the parade. Daddypinkie and the boys (and the GrandPinkies) were in a good spot on the parade route, so they got to see the riders, bands, twirlers, clowns, firetrucks, etc. After the parade, we met up at our new neighbor's house for our cul-de-sac's annual post-parade party. We are the youngest of the group, but everyone seemed really nice.
5. Yesterday we went to S'port to JulieAnne's bakery to get Christmas cookies to take to the cul-de-sac party. We stopped in for lunch at Jason's deli on our way home. It was so yummy. I stuffed my face like a wild woman.
6. Next week we have a dance recital party and showcase. The girls get to invite their families to their dance class for refreshments, and they show off all that they have learned for the big, Spring recital.
7. 2 more weeks of school. Oy.
8. Our Christmas cards should be in tomorrow. I hope they turn out cute.
9. Have you read/heard of/or do you have The Elf on the Shelf book? I saw this book in Southern Living magazine this month, and I love the idea of it. It's this story that comes with this elf that you set on your shelf. The story explains that the elf (by magic) goes to the North Pole every night to report on how the children of the house have behaved to Santa. Each morning he is mysteriously in a new spot. The kids have to search to find him. There are also rules. You can't touch him with your hands, etc. I loved this idea! I'm bidding on a couple on ebay in hopes that I will win one, and thought I'd make it a new tradition for the kids. I wish so bad that I could've started it when they were much younger! Still, it will be fun for as long as it lasts, and then maybe to pass on to their kids.
10. Better try to get moving and see if this back will work. I'll try to post pics of the N'cracker this eve.
**Ter-Have you made a Santa yet?