Here he comes!!!

You know the song and you know what it means. Children hear it miles away and come running- The Ice Cream Man!!! Get your cash because its time.


Waiting, waiting, almost here...
C helps the little ones with their selections...
Dora, Bugs Bunny, and Sponge Bob, oh my...
Have you ever seen anything cuter?
But what person thought that cotton candy and tutti fruity were good ice cream flavors? And what flavor IS a gray bunny??!?

Check out the Lawyer's wife to see Babycakes and Curls in action with their ice cream...

Who's Crabby?

We decided to have a Field Trip to St. Joe's Island. (About 1 1/2 hours away)

We needed nets for catching hermit crabs.

After a stop at Target, in which we found NO nets; we purchased Nick and Nora jammie pants, a straw hat, dive shirts, swim shoes and goldfish crackers. (You would think we didn't pack to come to the beach)
We went to a Dollar store. No nets, but we found buckets and shovels and a really cute straw hat for Curls.

Walmart was a success! 2 Barbie nets, 3 Cars nets and 2 REAL crab nets later, we were on our way. 1 1/2 hours down the road.


The crab hunting was a success! Fun was had by all...
Showing off the spoils of the expedition...
The race back to the sea...
They caught about 100 crabs! It was so very exciting...

until...

the ride home.

1 1/2 hours to the crabs, meant 1 1/2 hours home. Sandy. Tired. Hungry.

McDonald's drive thru dinner was the only answer.


ETA- Visit the Lawyer's Wife to see what WE ate. And it was closer to 100 crabs, there were 27 in one bucket alone!

You can do it!

J has had an issue with the pool for years. We have had lessons by a myriad of people to no success.

This trip something clicked.



He is so proud of himself! I am too!

In the course of one hour, the child went from doggie paddling to full on, face in the water, taking breaths swimming.


To celebrate we went to the Green at Seaside and had snow cones.
I had a snow cone that tasted like Peaches-N-Cream. Peach ice topped with sweetened condensed milk, SOOOO yummy. It tasted like homemade peach ice cream. C invented a new treat of vanilla ice topped with the sweetened condensed milk and chocolate sauce. It tasted like an ice cream sundae! J had rainbow ice, but decided that mine tasted better, so Mommy gave hers up for the BIG, swimming boy.

While we sat and listened to the concert, J decided that his new name is J Swim-o, C is C-o and I am Mom-o. ( Little Mr. told Lawyer's wife that she is Big mom-o! She decided that was NOT funny and he needed to try again.)

JELLYFISH!

So everyone talks about the BEAUTIFUL beaches on the Northern Gulf Coast. Not So Much.

Today, we were welcomed to the beach with the ocean looking like lime Jello. I am not exagerating. There was more sea weed than in a Sushi Bar. There were also jelly fish.

From experience, June and Lawyer's wife know that urine will remove the sting and itch.

C was body surfing and came out crying. He was the first to be stung. No one had to go potty to help the kid out. Finally, Wally (June's son) had to go. We grabbed a cup and got a sample. Instant relief!

Thank goodness that I drank a pot of coffee this morning. When I went to make lunch, we received a very large donation of "Jellyfish Medicine". I figured that a water bottle labeled with "urine" was a bit redneck.

We are now the proud owners of a "Jellyfish Medicine Bottle". Everyone has made a donation, because they have ALL needed a withdrawal. The jelly fish are stinging right and left. Some people more than others. C is the Grand Champion! He has had about 5 stings. It's because the child is a fish, he never gets out of the water.

When we came in for showers tonight, I checked the boys out. They were fine. All the stings are tiny red pricks. They are not bothered a bit. Too bad they had a salad in their suits.

On the road

We are at the beach!

What an eventful trip. The 7 kids as a whole, were really good for a 6 1/2 hour trip. It helps that we stopped for gas and a potty break and let the kids pick out their own snack.
My two were very much into vacation mode. J selected a honey bun, gummy worms and a Gatorade. C selected candy corn and gummy worms with his Gatorade.

Babycakes loves my boys. She had to have candy "carrots" like C. He is very sweet to her and she loves to bat her eyes in his direction, which he thinks is too funny. There is a 9 year age difference. ( The same as Lawyer and his wife). These 2 better wait at least 20 years before we need to send the engagement announcements.

As we were heading over the BIG bridge, we rolled down all windows to let in the sea air. Babycakes had just woken from a nap and was very excited about being close to the beach.
All of a sudden she lets out several blood curdling screams.
Then starts screaming, "My dankie! Its you fault it blew out da window. That was my favorite dankie!"

I was totally confused, the blanket had slipped from her lap and was laying on the floor.

I tried to explain, but she was too busy screaming that "it had flown out da window!"

I finally reached back and placed "dankie" back in her lap.

No response. Just such relief on that little face. I couldn't have my future daughter-in-law associating me with such a painful childhood memory.
Dankies out da windows. Beach trip 2008.

Paint boy loves me

When I got home from work today I had to pack for the beach. I had started a few piles, but had a looooong way to go. It was going to be a long night.

Paint boy greeted me with a cocktail and a smile. He is already missing us. We head upstairs for me to start the packing and him to just talk and keep me on task. I was almost finished when he came up behind me and started his snuggling thing he does when he wants something.

Paint boy- Will you do me a favor before you leave?
Me- Sure, ( eyes rolling, I think I know where this is going and his birthday is NOT for 6 months!) what can I do.
PB- Could you make me chocolate chip cookies before you leave tomorrow?
Me- (thinking, I have to pack for 3 people to go to the beach for a week, cook dinner and now make cookies from scratch.) I would love to make you a special treat.
PB- Well... I don't want this to sound wrong, but I don't want the organic-y ones you make from scratch. I want the kind that come in the tube, like you used to make a long time ago.
Me- Really?
PB- I just remember them being REALLY good.
Me-( thinking, as opposed to the ones that I make)What ever you want.

He just left for the store to buy rolls of processed cookie dough.That he thinks are going to taste really good. compared to mine.

I feel GOOD!

June Cleaver and the Lawyer's Wife took me on a field trip last night.
After having a yummy dinner of fish tacos, we went to the Super Walmart. I have never been there. ( I live closer to Target and have been in a normal Walmart years ago but have never been to a SUPER one.)

If you ever need to feel good about yourself visit the Super Walmart at 10pm.

*There were way too many people in pajamas and slippers.
*There were way too many kids (we left at midnight!)
*There were A LOT of bad haircuts.
*You could get a pedicure- very frightening to me.
*You can buy $1 shorts for your kids (don't tell Nana Judy, C will never get another Lacoste shirt)
*You can buy an embroidered steering wheel cover with hearts or Tinkerbelle- your choice, not mine
*You can spend $68 and get all the snacks and junk your kids want for the week at the beach.

* You could be walking out at midnight and have a very international person let you know that they think you look "Very professional!"

I think its because I have all my teeth and my babies are in bed, but I'm just sayin'.

Ice Cream

My children's crack dealer came to the salon today.

They are addicts, I know. We will pay for a very expensive detox program one day.

I have a client that owns a Cold Stone and we swap discounts on hair for half gallons of ice cream. Its a Win/Win!

The issue is, if I take all this ice cream home, Paint Boy will eat it while we are at the beach. I think I will just leave it at the salon and threaten a death penalty on any one that touches it while I am gone.

You can leave a $100 bill on your station and it will be there for weeks, you leave food in the break room and its GONE. I am serious about the death penalty thing.

I swore after the accident in the car earlier this week that I would not be purchasing said ice cream again for a very long time. This was "FREE". Totally different thing. Kinda.

Are you kidding me?

Great day yesterday, it was all about the kids.

*We went shopping for clothes for the beach. (Nana Judy spoiled them a little- 6 outfits a piece. She likes thing to have a specific match.)

*We went to a Japanese place for lunch. J loves the fire. C loves the food.

*We went to buy the summer reading list. Everyone walked out with a stack of books. Very happy family.

*We went to the game store for new DS games. They had money from report cards burning a hole in their pockets.

*We went to Cold stone for ice cream. Better to buy the half gallon and eat it all week, than 2 bowls. Its almost the same price. The boys chose mint ice cream with brownies mixed in.

Driving home, the day was over, the boys are happily eating ice cream and they dropped the OPEN half gallon of ice cream on the backseat floor. The ENTIRE half melted carton splattered everywhere!

Were they worried about getting in trouble? No
They wanted to go back and get more ice cream. I think NOT!

You're the Man!

Happy Father's Day, Paint Boy!

Wow, 12 years of being a Dad. A fantastic, super involved, best friend to our boys.


They love to wrestle and play. You have taught them that.

They love to explore new things and travel to great places. You have taught them that.


They love baseball and a day spent with family. You have taught them that.


They know when to be serious and when to let loose. They know that adults are allowed to have fun too. You taught them that.


They know that you will be their coach and fight for them on every front. You have taught them that.


They know you are so proud of them in every accomplishment. You are their biggest fan. You have taught them that.


They will know how to be excellent husbands. They will be a true partner, helping on every front. They will love their wives and their children with all their hearts.
You have taught them that.

Smack down

I went shopping with my mom (Nana Judy) last night. Nana loves some Macy's.

We were shopping for a new bathing suit for the beach trip, and a huge disturbance started right outside the cosmetics department. I thought it was a fight. We had to go watch.
Seems that a group of women had "picked up" a few things and "forgot" to pay. The security woman was trying to escort them back into the store. ( She looked and was dressed like a typical Macy's shopper, not in uniform) The were resisting the offer of coming back into the store, when the security woman pulled out a pair of cuffs. One of the ladies took off running. Into the mall. Then she comes running back toward us screaming that she "needed her purse"!
I mean the BIG girl ran in a circle, around the atrium back into the arms of security guards 'cause she wanted her bag!
"I NEED MY BAG! I NEED MY BAG! AAAAAGGGHHHH! I NEEEEED MY BAG!"

It must have had been some kind of purse or had some really good sh*t in there.

According to a Macy's worker-
if you cooperate, you would have had to fill out a form and give back the merchandise.
if you throw a fit, you go to jail.

11 minutes

I had some wonderful advice a few weeks ago that has been floating around my head.
A New, Fabulous Friend told me, "It's only 11 minutes. What else would you rather be doing for 11 minutes?" (She was referring to giving your husband 11 minutes of attention. Yes, that kind of mutual attention.)

I tried her advice last night. No kids, great dinner and normally Paint boy and I would hit the couch and watch TV or surf the net.
I decided to give him 11 minutes while still awake and coherent. Well worth the effort.

I am going to start a list of things that take 11 minutes and I would like to avoid

1-Feed the dogs.
2-Change sheets on the beds
3-Dust a room
4-Do the dishes
5-Quick shower
6-Fold a load of laundry
7-Drive to work
8-sweep hardwoods
9-clean the bathroom
10-2 aisles of the grocery store
11-half a haircut
12- the other half
13- the blow dry
14- waxing eyebrows
15-waiting for a cocktail from a slow bar
16- picking out an outfit for work every morning
17- reminding my children to brush their teeth during the summer
18-one phone call to Direct TV concerning DVR again

That is 18 things I could avoid and find time for Paint boy, but we would be smelly and live in a dirty house and people would go hungry. I am just saying.

Next...

Paint boy and I LOVE to travel!

The best trip is always the next trip. We are always planning a trip, getting ready for a trip or just getting back. I love to have a trip in the planning stages before going on the current one.

I just booked tickets to New Orleans for October. (Just a warning, you will have a hard time getting your hair done in October. New Orleans and Mistletoe Market and the annual Halloween party. Book NOW!)

Yeah, Airtran and web fares! Definitely less than driving with current gas prices.

I'm Free,

I'm free, I'm free, I'm free!
I'm free, I'm free, I'm free, I'm free!!!!!!!!
( Can you picture me doing the Happy Dance?)

The boys are off for a week at the IL'S!

I met the Passive-Aggressives at a mall on their side of town. They were in an extreme hurry, so I had to meet them exactly at the time specified. Not a minute late. They were in a HURRY.
Except MIL wasn't finished shopping, so I had to walk around JCPenney's while she touched EVERYTHING in the store. She bought the first shirt she had picked up and as usual didn't try it on. I know it will be returned. It always is the same, I hate shopping with her! (I told this story to the Lawyer's wife on my way up there, I just didn't know I was going to be reliving it today!)

Did you see that?

I am sick again with allergies.

I am not ever sick and if asked I do NOT have allergies.

I am getting old and sick and my husband is going to trade me in on a new, younger model. ( Can you tell I am a little dramatic?)

Last night, trying to get over this round of allergies, I took some Nyquil and my happy pill before bed. I had also taken a Zyrtec at 8:30 pm. DUDE! I had some crazy dreams.

Dolls were walking around my house, biting at my ankles. Think Barbarella. It was bad.

Paintboy would come and scoop them up to save me, but they kept escaping. The neighbors were very angry at us for being mean to the little dolls. They called the FBI. I had a street full of blue lights, screaming neighbors and chomping dolls. All I wanted to do was wake up.

Lessons I learned:
Do not mix drugs.
Admit that you have allergies and call a doctor.
Do not tell Paint boy about my dreams, he blamed it all on the Happy pills. Does he not know that they are the only thing keeping me sane right now? Dumba**

Tag- weird food

I have been tagged by the Lawyer's Wife to list 5 crazy/weird things that I eat. This is hard for me. My dad is a chef. I don't mean, "he is good with the grill". The man went to the Culinary Institute and has owned restaurants, won awards and we used to have to dress for dinner as kids.

I eat most everything, its probably weirder what I won't eat.

1. I will only eat cooked "big" tomatoes or grape tomatoes. Grape tomatoes must be cut before eating, because I can't stand the pop. I also hate tomato snot. You know what I'm talking about.

2. I eat "warm bread" according to my husband. Toast can't be brown and crusty. I will throw it away and start over. ( I know this is how most people eat it, just not me.) Forget about cold toast.

3. I like boxed mashed potatoes. Growing up I always wanted to try them and was never "allowed". They are too easy and my boys like smooth mashed potatoes, NO lumps.

4. I will not eat Sushi. I like my food cooked. My steaks Medium rare. But my fish cooked. Its not my thing.

5. I LOVE Eggs Benedict! Holy fat grams, Batman! Got to love the hollandaise sauce. and ham. and poached eggs. The runnier the poached eggs the better. I grew up calling them "dippy eggs". If they are on a Brunch menu, I am ordering them. Paint boy is finally getting used to them. He was grossed out for years.

I am going to tag AFRo, Teri and Card Girl.

I can't wait to see your lists. Don't confuse vegetarian or organic as weird.

Explain please...

how in the world I went to work at 9:30 am and did 17 clients; 10 of them Foil/haircuts at 1 1/2 hours each and 7 haircuts 1/2 hour each and I worked 12 hours today.
Lets do some over worked hairdresser math-
10 foils x 1.5= 15 hours
7 haircuts x .5= 3.5 hours
15+3.5= 18.5 hours work in 12 hours

When did I get to go to the bathroom? Or eat? Oh yeah, didn't happen.

Baseball fun

We had a HUGE day of baseball yesterday!

J started off the day with an All Star game at 10:15am. Great game, good hitting, we won big time. 5 innings in 50 minutes. It was fantastic.(Against "Candyland". That's my nickname for the coach of the other team. She wears shorts with writing on the bootie. I don't care if you are 22, not good for 6 year olds or their Daddies to see. Needless to say, Paint boy doesn't see a problem! We lost against her in the Tournament. I really wanted to win!)

Home for lunch and rest.

Back to the park at 3pm for C and Paint boy to practice. Their game was supposed to start at 4. We were just waiting on the umpires. and waiting. and waiting.

Seems that the League Coordinator forgot about the 12 year tournament. Fortunately, 2 umpires were found and the game started at 5. Double header.

I had to run J to his field because he had another game at 4:30. Another great game, a few disputed calls. (t-ball coaches are very serious.) J had a great slide into 3rd base right under the kid trying to tag him out. The kid never expected J to slide, so he kept the ball at chest level and J went underneath. (I caught it all on video since Daddy was at the other field.)
We won again. Yeah, Red Devils! ( perfect name for a bunch of heathen 6 year olds)

Back across the park to C's game. They win the first one easily and get a 10 minute break before the second game.

By now C has an entire cheering section: My SIL , BIL and nephews came to see their local High School play in the State Championship game in Cartersville and came down to see the boys games. The Lawyer family took a road trip over to our side of town to watch C's game and have dinner. Of course, Nana Judy never misses a game. It was quite a crowd. He felt so special and played great.

The second game was much closer because the boys were all getting tired. Top of the last inning we had 2 outs and C was up to bat. I thought I would vomit. I literally walked away and hid my eyes. 3 balls, 2 strikes, 2 outs, bases loaded and we are up by 1. they walk him. And walk a run in. and then another. We had to hold them.

Pop fly and double play later. WE WIN! Go BIG BLUE!

I am so proud of my "Coach" and C and J. It was a loooong fun day!