Sleep Well, Chopper

Some of you will read this post and roll your eyes at what you might think to be a silly fascination, obsessesion, or relationship with a family pet. Some of you will read this and have genuine sympathy and empathy at the relationship and loss of a family pet. I relate to the latter.

This past Monday, my sister and her family had to put one of their beloved family dogs to sleep. Chopper was a 5 year old Pug that was full of life, energy and love. He was your typical Pug that snored when asleep and snorted when awake. He was hyper even to the point of frustration. Regardless, he was very loveable and loved just as much. And although he had a face that only a mother could love...his mamma certainly lived upto this statement.

He will be greatly missed as already seen by his fellow dog brother, Buster. For several hours after they buried Chopper, Buster layed on his grave and wasn't up for much fetch. Alex cried many tears this past week as this was her first experience of the loss of a pet. She has since come to terms while surrounding herself with his pictures and stuffed pugs.

Although Chopper will be missed, Buster and UGA will still be just as much enjoyed and loved.

"The pug is living proof that God has a sense of humor." ---Margo Kaufman

Until next time, HB

How Dry is it Georgia?

It's so dry in Georgia that the Baptists are starting to baptize by sprinkling, the Methodists are using wet-wipes, the Presbyterians are giving out rain-checks, and the Catholics are praying for the wine to turn back into water. Now THAT's Dry!

I got this through email from a friend, thanks, Leah. Thought I would share the humor with the rest of the world.

Until next time, HB

I'm going Bare...

And I'm wearing nothing but the Escentuals!

I have never really liked makeup. And I absolutely hate wearing lipstick. However, my favorite makeup of the past has been Prescriptives because they would custom mix a foundation and powder to match my skin tones. When I began wearing makeup, I started with Clinique because my mom swears by it. However, I was never fully satisfied with the foundation colors Clinique had to offer. Their makeup tends to be too pink. And only when I put my Clinique foundation next the Prescriptives did I really notice just how pink Clinique's foundation was.

Part of staying home has required that I sacrifice a few things. Expensive makeup was one of them and the time it takes to go out trying new makeup and re-supplying my stock is another. I started picking some out from the local drug store or Wal-Mart, trying different brands and colors with every re-supply. Nevertheless, I have never been satisfied with the less expensive brands of makeup. They, too, tend to have pink tones when I need yellow to offset my pink toned skin. There are some you, my friends, that can use those brands and it looks great. I've even asked friends,"what makeup do you use?" And then find myself trying the same brand only to find, again, dissatisfaction.

Well, last weekend I spent with my best friend and college roommate, Rebecca. While in college, she only used Clinique and like my mom, swore by it. I learned while visiting her that she had left the Clinique "clique" and started wearing Bare Escentuals. I have actually been wanting to try this brand for sometime but hesitated because I didn't know anyone that used it. She took me to the local seller and had a "make over" using the Bare Escentual makeup.

I must say that I was very pleased. It's true what they advertise, it is very light feeling and less is more when applying. I am still getting used to it as it doesn't feel like I have makeup, nor does it cover as heavy.

I bought the starter kit and will use it til it's gone. I threw out my current makeup that was supposed to be so smart that it could "read my skin tone and automatically change it's color to match" as if it were some type of camellion lizard. I hated that makeup but used it anyway in order not to waste my money. Apparently my bottle was illiterate, because it couldn't "read" my skin tone correctly leaving the dreaded, horrific orange makeup lines.

Hopefully I will like Bare Escentuals. I'll keep you posted as I continue to wear it and let you know the long-term prognosis.

Until next time, HB

7 Things About Me...

Some of you may have already seen this on other blogs. However, I was tagged from other fellow bloggers to write 7 things about myself.

1. I love cereal. I could live off cereal alone. I prefer pre-sweetened...Frosted Flakes, Frosted Mini Wheats, Frosted Cheerios, Fruit Loops, Apple Jacks. You get the idea. There are many nights that I can not fall asleep until I have had my nightly fix of a bowl of cereal.

2. I love hot chocolate with hazelnut flavoring. And it must me made with real milk. Don't give me that powdered stuff you mix with hot water. That's just chocolate flavored water...YUCK! I also can't fall asleep some nights until I have had my nightly fix of hot chocolate with hazelnut flavoring. It's my guilty pleasure. Oh, and it can't be with any milk less than 2%.

3. I HATE onions. I don't care if they are the teeny tiny dehydrated onions. It's not necessarily the taste but the texture. It's like eating sand. My mom has seen me pilfer through food in search of those little bits of grain. And once I've found them...I'll no longer eat the food. If they are big enough to pick out, it's ok, I'll eat around them.

4. I have Social Anxiety. I get very nervous and anxious in large crowds and around people that I don't know very well. I am scared to silence in front of a crowd but do rather well in a small group of people. There have been times when JB has accepted an invitation to eat with friends and I have literally cried all the way to their house out of anxiety. (Don't worry my friends, this happened years ago). I didn't even repeat vows in my wedding due to my fear of being in front of people. I simply said, "I Do" and "I Will". I occasionally take medication which works wonders. But I typically get off thinking that it actually cured the problem only to find myself taking the medication again.

5. I have to have a project. When I first became a SAHM (stay at home mom), I hated it. Don't get me wrong, I loved being home with my children, but needed more than just being mom and wife in which I had when working as a Social Worker. I knew there was more to me than being a mom and I had to find ways to express my creativity, hence the reason for me monogramming. Now I have the best of both worlds.

6. I am not a phone person. I usually call with what I have to say and soon end the conversation. Occasionally my conversations will last awhile, but it didn't start off with that intention. It's not that I don't like talking to the person on the other end, but I am just not a phone person. I actually prefer communicating via email. I know this very impersonal, but I think this has evolved when I had children. When I get on the phone, they are like magnets...grabbing for attention which can make phone conversations unpleasant.

7. I absolutely can't stand fakes and those who try to impress others and me with their material things. I will write you off, if I perceive you to be that way. Don't try to impress me by being someone you are not and definitely don't try to impress me with your material things. I don't care what you have, how much you paid for it, or where you got it. I know this may sound cold...but how can be a friend to someone that's not who they say they are. Another words, I wouldn't be a friend to you, I would be a friend to who you want me to think are.

Well, I am through. I could write plenty more about myself. But instead will "tag" others to do it. Shana, Elaine, and Tracey, I'd love to read what you have to say about yourself.

Until next time, HB

Gizmo's New Hide-Out

The other night, I was up late as usual when I heard a "chicken scratch" type sound coming from the boys' tent. I peeked inside to find Gizmo making a nest amongst the pillows that had been piled in there. She has found that the tent is a great place to hang out late at night while I'm at the computer designing or emailing.

Gizmo is my late night "buddy" when everyone else has gone to sleep. Her new hide out has made for one more use of the tent.

Until next time, HB

You Had A Bad Day

JB sent this to me and he has been laughing since the first time he saw it. I too find it hilarious. I don't know if the onset of laughter comes from actually relating to the people and their frustration. Regardless, I think we can all say that we have been there and done that. Every time I watch this video I seem to live vicariously through the workers. They did what I wanted to while working but never had the courage to actually "kill" a computer.

I will never hear this song the same again. I used to listen with a thought of someone having a day of hurt feelings and emotions. Now when I hear this song, I will probably break out into laughter as I picture people throwing rages of frustration.

To activate the video, click on the triangle at the bottom of the video screen. Also be sure and turn on your sound to get the full effect. Hope you enjoy this bad day!

glumbert - Bad Day at the Office

A*L*E*X

This past weekend, Alex was in another cheerleading competition. She and her squad did great as expected but didn't place 1st this time. Regardless, we are all still so proud of her.

As usual, I'm there with my camera taking all kind of phot ops.

Abbey had fun being herself...

She needs no entertainment as she tends to be the entertainment.

I look forward to cheering on my cheerleader in the future...until then a few more photo ops from the day.

Weathering the Storm

As most of you experienced last Thursday, we had some strong storms to come through sending off tornado sirens throughout the day. Cousin Abbey was visiting while her mom was working. As the sirens started we headed to the hall bathroom, dog and all. We packed in a comforter and several pillows. Even the animals in the form of crackers were safe, that is, until they were eaten by one of tub dwellers.

I walked back and forth from the bathroom to the den to watch the weather report on TV. I happened to look outside and I kid you not, I saw a squirrel float by trying his best to tread water. I felt so sorry for him and would had loved nothing more than to save his little struggling body. I think he eventually found safe ground down the way.

As you can see, there was enough water for Noah's ark and definitely enough for a squirrel to drown. And after the rain finally stopped there was even enough for 2 boys to splash in the rubber boots that Meme and Pappaw gave them for Christmas.

The boys were enjoying what boys do best...getting dirty in puddles. They were covered in wet and mud. The fun ended when sweet, little CB fell in the water. As upset as the fall was, he was even more upset to have to leave this boy's dream of a playground.

“The world is mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful.”~ E.E. Cummings

Until next time, HB

My Teeny Moppers

Santa brought the boys some mops so I put them to good use this past week. The boys had fun mopping like mamma, while I enjoyed watching someone else do my "dirty work". However, our mopping was cut short when both boys ended up on "booties" from the slick floor. I figured I better not push it...I don't have enough insurance to cover workman's comp and I didn't want to push the Child Labor Laws too much.

They make even a janitor look cute.

Until next time, "today teeny moppers, tomorrow...teeny boppers", HB

Not Much to say these Days...

We haven't been doing much these days to blog about. My monogramming is keeping busy enough. Thought I would post a few pics from playing outside yesterday. It was too pretty to stay inside so we ventured out to soak in a little cool air and sunshine.

Everything I Need to Know about Life...

... I learned from Noah's Ark

(1) Don't miss the boat.

(2) Remember that we are all in the same boat.

(3) Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.

(4) Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.

(5) Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.

(6) Build your future on high ground.

(7) For safety's sake, travel in pairs.

(11) Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.

(12) When you're stressed, float a while.

(13) Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

(14) No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting...

Just a side note...Y'all notice that wood-pecker? I swear it's the same one that has pecked on my house.

Until next time, staying afloat, HB

Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road?

DR. PHIL:
The problem we have here is that this chicken won't realize that he must first deal with the problem on 'THIS' side of the road before it goes after the problem on the 'OTHER SIDE' of the road. What we need to do is help him realize how stupid he's acting by not taking on his 'CURRENT' problems before adding 'NEW' problems.

OPRAH:
Well, I understand that the chicken is having problems, which is why he wants to cross this road so bad. So instead of having the chicken learn from his mistakes and take falls, which is a part of life, I'm going to give this chicken a car so that he can just drive across the road and not live his life like the rest of the chickens.

GEORGE W. BUSH:
We don't really care why the chicken crossed the road. We just want to know if the chicken is on our side of the road, or not. The chicken is either against us, or for us. There is no middle ground here.

COLIN POWELL:
Now to the left of the screen, you can clearly see the satellite image of the chicken crossing the road...

ANDERSON COOPER - CNN:
We have reason to believe there is a chicken, but we have not yet been allowed to have access to the other side of the road.

JOHN KERRY:
Although I voted to let the chicken cross the road, I am now against it! It was the wrong road to cross, and I was misled about the chicken's intentions. I am not for it now, and will remain against it.

NANCY GRACE:
That chicken crossed the road because he's GUILTY! You can see it in his eyes and the way he walks.

PAT BUCHANAN:
To steal the job of a decent, hardworking American.

MARTHA STEWART:
No one called me to warn me which way that chicken was going. I had a standing order at the Farmer's Market to sell my eggs when the price dropped to a certain level. No little bird gave me any insider information.

DR SEUSS:
Did the chicken cross the road? Did he cross it with a toad? Yes, the chicken crossed the road, but why it crossed I've not been told.

ERNEST HEMINGWAY:
To die in the rain. Alone.

JERRY FALWELL:
Because the chicken was gay! Can't you people see the plain truth?' That's why they call it the 'other side.' Yes, my friends, that chicken is gay. And if you eat that chicken, you will become gay too. I say we boycott all chickens until we sort out this abomination that the liberal media white washes with seemingly harmless phrases like 'the other side. That chicken should not be crossing the road. It's as plain and as simple as that.

GRANDPA:
In my day we didn't ask why the chicken crossed the road. Somebody told us the chicken crossed the road, and that was good enough.

BARBARA WALTERS:
Isn't that interesting? In a few moments, we will be listening to the chicken tell, for the first time, the heart warming story of how it experienced a serious case of molting, and went on to accomplish its life long dream of crossing the road.

JOHN LENNON:
Imagine all the chickens in the world crossing roads together, in peace.

ARISTOTLE:
It is the nature of chickens to cross the road.

BILL GATES:
I have just released eChicken2007, which will not only cross roads, but will lay eggs, file your important documents, and balance your check book. Internet Explorer is an integral part of eChicken. This new platform is much more stable and will never Reboot.

ALBERT EINSTEIN:
Did the chicken really cross the road, or did the road move beneath the chicken?

BILL CLINTON:
I did not cross the road with THAT chicken. What is your definition of chicken?

AL GORE:
I invented the chicken!

COLONEL SANDERS:
Did I miss one?

DICK CHENEY :
Where's my gun?

AL SHARPTON:
Why are all the chickens white? We need some black chickens

I received this through an email. Hope you enjoyed it.

Until next time, watch out for the chickens, HB

New Poll Open

Just wanted to let you know that there is a new poll "opened" on the side bar. Remember, there is no personal information required in order to vote. And, no, I have no way of knowing who votes. So don't be shy, go ahead...use your right to vote.

This poll will give me an idea of how old my readers are. Not that there is anything I can do with that information, but it's fun to know.

(For those who read my blogs through Facebook, this will not apply to facebook but rather my personal blog)

Until next time, exercise your freedom to vote, HB

Thanks, Santa!

I didn't mention in the previous blogs what Santa brought for JB and me.

Santa was really good to me, better than I deserved. Because if gifts measure your "goodness", I must have been a really good girl this past year. With much doubt as to that being the reason for such great gifts, I am most assured that the reason I received such great gifts is because, I have a special Santa that loves me very much. One that I am most blessed to be Mrs. Clause to.

He left me Photoshop Elements 6.0 (the newest version) and Quick Books Pro 2008 (also the newest version). He also gave me enough money to purchase my Tax ID number that will allow me to buy some of my monogramming supplies and inventory at wholesale prices. As soon as I get this number, I hope to have new items for monogramming.

I am still trying to learn Photoshop. I welcome any advice, tutoring, or instructions. I can run a commercial monogramming machine and learn most of its software, but this Photoshop is kicking my butt.

As for JB, I guess he wasn't as good as me this past year. He only left him the Apologetics Study Bible, a new alarm clock to replace the old broken one, and a custom monogrammed "Roll Tide" sweatshirt with matching crimson windpants. All of which, he liked generously.

I have some girlfriends that I know Santa was good to..new Dooney & Burke purses are sure nice gifts. There Santa must really love them also. They must have been as good as me, also.

Until next time, HB