Pretty cool.

Pootie's grades are such that he is one of the 27% of 7th graders (95 of the 345 7th graders qualified)in his middle school that qualified for the Duke TIP Program, which means he can take the SAT test....some other stuff too.  (Taking the SAT or ACT this early supposedly lets them/us greater insight into his academic ability; in addition to having acces to greater benefits and resources for his "giftedness".   At least that is what the website says. 

Not sure how true it is, but I just wasn't ready to throw him into that just yet.

But it's cool to know that he could if he/we wanted to.

We are very proud of him and think he is a pretty nifty kid.

He obviously gets his smarts from....ME!!! OF COURSE IT'S ME!!!!!  Like I'm going to let Hubby take credit for this??  No way jose!

My Favorite Things

Betsy played "A Few of My Favorite Things" on her blog the other day...it was funny because if you know her at all, the answers really are her....know what I mean? So I thought I would give it a try. See if I am what you think I am..


1. What is your favorite thing to snack on while blogging?

A cold Diet Dr. Pepper or another cold beverage!! It all depends on the time of day. If I'm writing early in the morning, I like a bowl of ceral with my blog..afternoons, DDP and some chips!!! If it's evening, a cold beer and some chips will do!!!

2. What is one thing that you wouldn't want to live without?

Um tough one, right now I'd say I can't live without my Outlook email, but I am....not liking it, but I'm managing. On a more sentimental note, I could not live without my friends and family. (I think my friends are a part of a bigger family). Our friends have gotten us through some pretty tough times recently!!!


3. Beach, Mountain or Farm? Where would you live if you had a choice?

Beach Beach Beach. Nags Head to be specific. It is my favorite place in the world!!!

4. What is your least favorite household chore?


All of them. I hate laundry, putting it away. And with FOUR kids, there is alot of laundry!!!


5. Who do people say you remind them of?


When I was younger, much younger, like junior high and high school, people said I looked like Emma Sams. At that time, it meant NOTHING to me, didn't watch General Hospital....but once I figured out who she was, I was totally flattered!!! Oh and for a while, I got the MaryLou Retton (gymnast) comparison...now that I am old....nobody.

6. Do you prefer parties and socializing or staying at home with the family?

Tough one, I like partying at home or at small informal gatherings at my friends house. CASUAL type situations.

7. What is your all time favorite movie?

Can't answer this one. No possible way. I have many favorite movies. Steel Magnolias. Die Hard. Terms of Endearment. Breakfast Club. Sixteen Candles. Princess Bride. Sense and Sensibility. Gone with the Wind. The list goes on and on.

8. Do you sleep in your makeup or remove it every night like a good girl?

Most of the time, I sleep in my makeup. It's terrible for my face....HOWEVER, when I do dress up and have on a lot more makeup than I would normally have on, I do wash it off. But, I do moisturize like crazy. And I use old school stuff.....PONDS cold creme. LOVE it. Put it on my face every day, whether or not I have on make up.

9. Do you have a hidden talent? Do you have a deep desire to learn something that you've never learned before?

Not really a hidden talent, but I can sew. I really enjoy it, just don't have lots of time. I can also make hairbows....Lola has a million of them to go with any and every outfit.

10. What is the one strange thing that you are really good at?

Nothing strange. I can't tie cherry stems with my tongue or pick up quarters with my toes. Pretty boring person.

11. What first attracted you to your spouse?

He was nice. He was cute and had great legs (it was spring time) but really, he was nice and we would talk for hours.

12. What is something that you love to smell?

Obvious first answer is my sweet baby when he is all clean. But I also love the smell of the beach. Our family tradition is that as soon as we cross a certain bridge as we drive to Nags Head, we role the windows down and turn the radio up!!!! I smile thinking about it!!!

13. Tell something about you that you know irritates people.

I can be pretty opinionated and sometimes have a hard time hiding how I feel. Since serving as PTA president, I have gotten a tad better at concealing how I feel....

14. When you have extra money, what is the first things that you do with it?

I had to look up that one in the dictionary..those words extra money don't exist when you have kids playing soccer.

15. Are you a silent laugher or loud laugher?

Both - just depends

16. Where is your favorite place to shop?

I really hate shopping right now because my butt is so big!!!! I need to get myself back and shape but I am just too dang tired!!!!

17. What is the one thing that you would do if you had more time?

MORE TIME??????!!!!! Sleep!!!!!!!!!!!!

18. Are you a big spender or are you frugal?

I think I am pretty frugal where I need to be.

19. Who is your favorite character of all time, book or movie (not a real person)?

Another tough question. Because I love movies, there are tons of characters that I love. Book wise, though I would have to say Dr. Kay Scarpetta, created by Patricia Cromwell.

20. Would you want to be famous?

Lord no. Can you see me dealing with all the crazy things that come with being famous?

Back on Track

No, not with the computer situation, but with my meal planning. I know you've missed hearing about my dinner plans, you can admit it.

I made my list - loaded Peanut into the car and we headed off to Aldi. Not sure what order just yet but here is some of the plans for the coming days.

Tonight I am pretty sure we are doing Taco Bake - a family favorite and it's so easy and yummy.

1 Cheesy Chicken Casserole
2 Pork Chops
3 Ravioli
4 Chicken Sundaes
5 Sausage Penne Pasta
6 Chicken Tortellini in Alfredo Sauce
7 Turkey (I bought a 12 pounder at Aldi, 99 cents a pound so I will roast it and then use the l leftovers for a different dinner). Consider it a practice run for Thanksgiving, although we do that over at mom's so I'm really not practicing anything bu eatin!!!
8 Turkey leftovers, in form of casserole or man-sandwiches (what my kids a hot open faced sandwiches)
9 Hamburger baskets

It seems that we eat alot of pasta - we do. Carb city right now. I sneak in the whole wheat type, the kids can't tell the difference and it makes me feel a bit better.

I think that was it. I also got stuff for salads, and the cut and bake cookies. My kids have really enjoyed me baking "homemade" cookies for their lunches each week. And so have I. I did my stock of staples such as oatmeal, cereal, peanut butter, fluff, jelly, bread, rice, egg noodles, pasta, black beans, green beans, peas and corn.

I am woman hear me roar.

oh want to hear a funny - Peanut is sitting in his swing right now watching CMT - guess what is on...the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader tryout show. HONESTLY, there is NOTHING on tv right now and it is one of those train wreck shows I can't stop watching!!!!! And right now, if he's happy, I could give a rodent rear end what it is!!!!!!

Sticks and Stones

I'm going to go back to the days of pen and ink. I am DONE with computers. Pretty funny coming from me, eh?

CG computer Doc called and I'm pretty much hosed on the ole desk top. Bummer. There are a couple experimental things that could be done, but they may or may not work, and could cost me a small forture. (Oh and to boot, we are having issues with the wireless network in the office..)

Computers age in dog years if you didn't know.

My computer was 5 years old.

In computer years, might as well be 300 years old. Major bummer. I am hopeful that my boss sees the benefit of me having a computer at home and wants to help me get another one.

But enough about that.

I've got dad's laptop right now, so let me run thru a quick what's been going on...

Peanut had his 6 month check up...he weighs 15 pounds 4 ounces and is 24 3/4 inches long. He has been allowed "food" - he is mastered rice cereal, applesauce and bananas. And he is still a boob man.

Pootie, Crash and Lola are doing just great. They have fall break on Thursday and Friday and I cannot wait!!!! All are doing well in school thankfully. Soccer is going really well for the boys, and Lola is anxiously waiting for Spring when she can play again.

Hubby and I are well...he is exhausted from all the driving everyday to Shelby. The kids are pretty much over it too because he gets home so late. Wasn't part of the deal, he was supposed to be able to leave work earlier since it's over an hour drive each way....but that doesn't happen except 2 times a week....and it's not going to change.

Other than that.....we are all good!!!!

No News is...

well let's face it, no news is not always good news. Mr. Puter is still dead. I did get to talk to computer techie CG and HOPEFULLY he is going to be out here in the next couple of days. And HOPEFULLY he will be able to work his magic and FIX it!!! And HOPEFULLY, it will not cost a fortune.

I have confiscated my dad's brand new work lap top which is how I am able to get access. My laptop is having wireless card issues. And after spending about 4 hours on and off the phone with the support folks and struggling to understand them, I gave up.

It was very frustrating.

I felt bad for the the last guy.

The conversation went like this.

(you must say this with an accent)

Support Guy: Please if you will ma'am, click on the garble garble gable.
Me: I'm sorry, could you repeat that?
Support Guy: Yes ma'am, no problem, please if you will ma'am, click on the wahwahwahdoda
Me: Yeah - no still didn't get what you just said.
Support Guy: CLICK ON THE START BUTTON, please ma'am if you will.

And this went on for HOURS!!!!!! HOURS!!!!!

I gave up for the night. I know, it's not like me to just give up. But my head HURT from trying to concentrate!!!

The biggest draw back is no having access to my email address that are trapped in my outlook. Very scary to think of not getting them back.

OH and to boot, Monday I spent about 6 hours on and off the phone with Verizon trying to get new cell phones and a new contract and NOT spend any money, or as little as possible.

Pretty impressive feat when dealing with cell phones. Cause they can stick it to ya and not blink an eye. Now, you might be asking yourself, why in the world would you spend all that time on the phone with them.....

UM HELLO - I have a baby and it was a heck of alot easier than spending 3-4 hours in the store - or not, but I wasn't going to temp it. And let's face it, when I needed to nurse Peanut, no one was the wiser!!!

Today, Peanut and I will head out for his 6 month doctor appointment, complete with a round of shots, one being the flu and one being the RSV shot deal. Still not sure about the H1N1 shot - but his doc and I will be chatting about that.

I am anxious to see how much is chunky butt weighs....

and then we will head to ALDI - need to get my list together and get my 2 weeks of meals planned.

The Big Crash

Well - it's been a long time coming, but my computer finally crashed. I am a tad bit emotional about it. I'm hoping that my computer angel is going to fall from the sky and KNOW that I need him to contact me about fixing my 'puter....

So for this weekend, I have my dad's laptop - and will sit and pout and try to figure out what I am going to do. RC was my computer guy and he has dropped off the face of the earth!!! Really stressing me out!!! Haven't heard from him since last year about Christmas time. Dad and I have a another guy that we like, so i guess i will bite the proverbial bullet and call him on this afternoon and see when he can come next week...

It probably didn't like the fact that it was using the big old monitor because my flat screen monitor went belly up 2 weeks ago...and I haven't had the time or inclination to go look at new ones.

I think if that's the case, it's just wrong of a home appliance to be so mean and hateful!!! I take of it, ya know, give it regular updates, new software and let's face it, I download the best music ever!!!!

Protest if you must - but I'll find a way to get you back!! I might just flat out replace ya!!! What about that Mr. Smartypants COMPUTER???

Don't' mess with me!!!!!

Explanation

As you might have noticed, I have added a PETITION to my blog. Why? Well look closely at it - it's a petition to sign to show the powers that be that little ole Charlotte NC is a fabulous place and should be one of the host cities for the World Cup Soccer games in 2018.

What planners they are!!!

One of the big wigs was here a couple of weeks ago to check out the Panther's Den (ie, Loser City, Bank of America stadium) and also visited one of our clubs (Charlotte Soccer Academy) soccer fields. Very cool.

This could be a HUGE deal for Charlotte. Nine Years from now...but we have do get ready people!!!

I have to practice my GOOOOOOOAALLLLLLLLL chant for goodness sakes!!!

But in all honestly - the MONEY that it would bring to this town would be BIG BIG BIG!!! While the USofA hasn't be as fast to embrace soccer (they like foot ball, not futbol) - it is the number one sport internationally!!! And since the games would be in several cities throughout the country, air travel would be up, hotel stays, restaurants - big money. Big Money! Huge!

So, if you would ,please sign the petition. Do it for me. Do it for my kids!!! Do it for the USA.

Just do it!

Tried it once

So last week I got a wild hair to let the kids make their own caramel apples.

I know, I'm a cool mom. AND it's a good after school snack because it's APPLES!!! I'm a smart one eh?

Burned my tongue on the caramel. That was the best part, dipping the spoon, forget the apples, into the hot caramel.

And we melted chocolate, white and milk. Cause that's what a cool mom would do. The white was terrible. The kids liked the chocolate.

It was a huge mess. Still have several left. They didn't turn out like the ones on the internet pictures.



But we were making memories right Aunt Artie? That's what it was about. They really did have a blast.



And one more cute picture for you. Crash got a new book from the schools book fair yesterday. He was so excited - Wimpy Kid series. So last night, he was sitting reading his new book, and he sat next to his little brother and read to him....this was not a staged moment. It was totally genuine and I just about cried my eyes out!!!

In another life

You might want to silence the music before you read this one.....

In another life I would have done tons of things different. I would have studied harder in school. I would have played girls soccer. I would have started running when I was younger. And I would have been in the Glee Club!!! I'd have been the SUPERSTAR!!! And yes - this is because of my new fav show.

I am having the best time watching!!! I know at my real high school there wasn't a glee club that performed like the one on tv - but oh my - how freaking awesome would it have been to be one of them, for real? (Ok, minus the prego cheerleader, although I do love her name.)

I've added some of the songs to my playlist. My kids LOVE it too - it's the singing and dancing. Even Pootie is enjoying it, must be because of those fabulous (stupid) Modern Dance classes he is taking instead of the French class that was canceled.

Let me add -that the producers of the show DID NOT contact me for song choices. But dang - it sure could fool someone - all the songs that I LOVE!!!!

Here is one my favorite clips!!! What an absolute riot!!!



And my favorite character is PUCK...such a hottie for an above ground pool boy!!!!! He is the very last guy on the video clip- he reminds me of Rob Lowe....

Heavy sigh....

Anywho - if you have missed the show - you need to watch it!!! MARTHA!!!!! That means you!!!!! DVR the dang thing!!!! This clip is from the girls vs boys night - and they are singing one of my fav's!!! BON JOVI!!!!

Bad Neighborhood?

No, we don't live in a bad neighborhood. There are just bad, dishonest hoodlums in this world.

Monday night four of the cars on our street were broken into. Two of them were unlocked. Two were not. One of the unlocks was my suburban. And my dear son Pootie left his wallet in there from over the weekend...and guess what they found? His wallet and his money inside the wallet. And his knucklehead brain had way too much money in it..and it's all gone. They left the wallet.

But all his money he has been saving for a mega pair of soccer cleats. Gone. Hard Lesson learned. We have told him several times to 1- not have that much money in his wallet and 2- don't leave things in my car. He cried all night long. It was heart breaking. Truly it was.

I didn't sleep very well - kept listening for noises outside. Like they are going to come back the next night to see what else they can find.

And yes - I have two big dogs who never made a peep. So did the other folks - all have dogs and all the dogs slept! Dogs are fired for sure.

I feel very violated and mad. Mad for my son - and mad that someone bad was that close to my family!!!!

He said, she said

It was a movie.......


:)

Just good TV.

Today I want to talk about TV. I love it. I do. I admit it. Nothing like a good TV program, a cozy blankie, and a cold b--- um diet dr pepper.

There are some GOOD shows right now. Some are new this season, others - just getting better!

Glee - it comes on Fox. Oh my gosh. If you have not watched it, you must. It is a total HOOT! The music is awesome! There is one jock guy (he's the one with the mohawk) and he looks so much like Rob Lowe it freaks me out.

NCIS Los Angeles- I love Chris O'Donnell. Love love love him. Remeber his little stint on Grey's Anatomy as the vet - this photo was taken about that time. I just love that he married a normal girl, she was a school teacher, and they have a semi normal life with kids. I can relate to that. (for the record, his role in Circle of Friends as Jack, the college student, is one reason I chose that name for one of the boys...ok him and Harrison Ford as eh-hem, JACK RYAN..get it?) PLUS LL Cool J is also starring in this super murder and mayhem, action packed series. I Love me some LL too.

Do ya remember his songs....I've added a couple of them to my play list...those were the good old days weren't they???!!! Anyway - the show is really good and has totally roped me in.

Private Practice! Hello - did ya watch last nights? I was in tears at the end!! Soooo good! If Violet leaves the show I am going to be so ticked!!!

Project Runway. I admit it, I'm addicted to it. Tim cracks me up.

The Mentalist. Love Simon Baker - how does he get rid of the accent? He is super cute and just as a great, albeit tormented, character on the show. The banter between him and the leading lady is fantastic.

Shark Tank. OK - seriously - this is such a good show!!! Some of the goofiest people in the world come up with the goofiest ideas and try to sell their idea to one of the ba-zillionaire Sharks. And then, there are the folks on there that make you slap your head and say "Why didn't I think of that?"

Heard the best line on there the other night. One of the Sharks was implying that the higher you climb in the business world, well, sometimes it isn't always a good thing.....the statement goes something like this -

"The higher a monkey climbs in a tree, the more of his ass you see!"

Survivor. This guy Russell is a stitch. He truly looks like a troll! Most definitely he has to stay just to keep it exciting! Haven't watched last nights episode just yet - so don't tell me what happened. Guess what I'll be doing tomorrow night? Blankie and my b--- diet dr pepper.

Have a great weekend.