Weekly Winners 8/31

August 24 - 30

This week Daddy was out of town and we spent some time playing inside due to the heat. But of course, we had to get outside a little. Unfortunately it was discovered late in the week that Little G had pink eye so we stayed close to home, not wanting to spread anything to our friends. Here's a few "winners" for you to see!

Talkin' it over with Cheer Bear

The Interrogation of Woody

"So Daddy, when you comin' home?"

Late Summer blooms

How very ODD - 3 feet!

Lying down in the grass, looking up

nom, nom, nom, apple is GOOOOD!

Campin' out in the living room

The illustrious host of Weekly Winners is none other than Lotus (a.k.a Sarcastic Mom). Go check out more at her place.

It's the SSVS!

It's time for Sizzling Summer Vacation Spectacle!! Kristin from We Are THAT Family is hosting this fun carnival for us to get a peek at what everyone was up to this Summer. For all the "regulars" this is a little bit of a summer "re-run" (the pics are still great y'all) and welcome to those of you who've popped by for the first time. So glad you're here!

Ever since I was a little girl my family has gone on a summer vacation. Whether it was a few hours drive down to the Gulf coast of Texas or a road trip to Washington D.C., my parents prided themselves on taking us somewhere every year.

This is always been something I knew that I would want to pass on to my kids. I want them to see something as awesome as the Grand Canyon and frankly someday I want to see it through their eyes, from their anticipation before we arrive and then ultimately their complete and utter awe of its vastness and beauty.

I want them to have the same memories that I had as a child of glorious scenery, the open road before us, lunch out of the trunk of the car and time with family that is irreplacable.

This year we took our boys to the ocean and although it was The B Man's second time, it was Little G's first and the memories are so sweet. We went with my brother and his family as well as my parents and I am so glad that my sons were able to spend time like this with their cousins and grandparents (oh and aunt and uncle too!).

We did all the things you do at the beach - frolicked in the water, shopped for cheesy souvenirs, went out to the fishy smelling pier and ate seafood. It was too short but a fun time and I am so glad to continue this tradition that my parents began so many years ago.

Here are some of my favorite pics from our time there down in Port Aransas (Mustang Island), Texas. Oh the memories...

Go check out all the other fun vacation stories at We Are THAT Family and if you have some fun to share, join the party. There's even prizes too! : )

Face Recognition - It's a Talent That I Always Have Possessed

Ok. Ten points to the first person who can tell me which movie I stole part of my post title from. Moving along...

See, there's this thing about me that's kind of quirky and sort of fun and just a little crazy all at the same time. If I've seen your face once I can recognize you again. In person, on t.v. or on someone's camera phone. Or perhaps even from the profile pic on your blog (hmmmm....) I mean it. If I've seen you once and I see you again, I know it.

During the last holiday season we were in a mall in my hometown having lunch with my mother in the food court and I knew I recognized a woman at one of the tables next to us. She was about my age and had her husband and kids with her. Turns out her sister was in my grade at my high school and that she was just a couple of years younger than me but also went to my high school. My mother was mad that she didn't recognize her (the woman has lived in her neighborhood for 32 years. she knows everyone). Well Mom, you just don't have the mad skillz that I do, SOR-RY!


Tim freaks out ALL. THE. TIME at how quickly I can recognize actors and actresses in movies for what they have been in before. They may have different hair color and gained or lost 20 pounds. I still know their face. I can be overheard saying things akin to this a lot, "Oh, she used to be Margot on As The World Turns." (this actress was in Independence Day). Or, "Oh he was the not so nice father of Beth on The Guiding Light!" (and now you know which channel of soaps my mom watched when I was a kid!)

So, all this leads up to my latest "it-only-took-nano-seconds-for-me-to-recognize-him" story.

Last Thursday (a week ago) we had a guest speaker at my Mom's club meeting. He was a nutritionist and health professional from a local fitness center. His name was Derek Southers and he had a good presentation that focused on what we shouldn't eat at our age (carbs at night! AHHH!) and other diet tips.


Then on Friday night the hubs and I watched a movie called Idiocracy (very funny but sad take on the way the human race may be headed) and before he could finish his first sentence I recognized Derek in the short little bit that he had in the movie. It only took a quick surfing trip over to imdb.com to confirm (and convince the hubs) that I was right. Oh Yeah, score another one for Elaine. Tim couldn't believe it. He's like, "Uh what... Uh how... Uh who?" Ok so maybe it's not THAT amazing, I mean I did listen to the guy talk for 30 minutes. But still, how crazy is it that the guy who did our presentation was in the movie we watched the next night?

So tell me, do you have any quirks like this? Inquiring minds want to know!

Wordless Wednesday #30 - Cute But Stinky

This picture was taken in the boys' play tent right before we had to evacuate due to the gas this child passed. Oh the joys of boys! : )

Make a bee line over to 5 Minutes for Mom for more WW fun!

Jibber Jabber

I don't really have a soap box about socks to get on today or anything like that. So pardon me while I ramble a little, will ya? Are y'all along for the ride? If so I got some chocolate to disburse since I can't eat any of it myself. See, I had a weak moment and bought some dark chocolate peanut M&M's cause she said they were making them now. And yes they are in the drawer in the kitchen just a about 10 feet away. But I don't want any. NO, not me. So help yourself...

Anyway, where was I?

Oh yeah, I saw Shawn Johnson on the David Letterman show and he asked her about the whole are-these-chinese-girls-really-old-enough thing and she was very sweet and diplomatic about it. Good for her because if I found out that they were under age and I were her I would be totally P.O.ed. Just sayin'. Also, she's just the cutest thing.

The hubs is out of town again this week and it's pretty much an every-other-week thing now. At first it was a little crazy but now we are kind of getting used to it, him being gone that is. And I don't mean that in a bad way, I just mean that I guess I've figured out that I really can handle 2 boys on my own. Not that I EVER want to have to figure out how that would work full time but at the same time I am proud that I can do it. But all that being said, I cannot wait to see my man again on Thursday...

I got sat on over the weekend. Random, huh? Yeah, while a friend and I waited in the lobby for some more of our friends at a crowded lunch spot on Sunday this woman walked up to us where we were sitting and said, "You girls is gonna have to move over so I can sit down." (or something really close to that, with bad English and all.) And when I didn't move over QUITE far enough for her needs, she sat on me and then didn't even thank me. I really cannot believe how rude some people are these days. I proceeded to get up since I then felt just a wee bit claustrophobic.

Tim and I had date night last Saturday and it was very nice. It consisted of dinner out, just the two of us and then we went to see the latest Batman movie. I didn't get to sleep until around 1:30. And then I got to sleep until almost 9 a.m. I do not remember the last time I slept until that time. God bless my boys for sleeping in playing amongst themselves!

On Sunday I had the most delicious bagel I have had in a while my lifetime. And here comes confession time for various reasons. Several months ago I had an entire post about the closing of my VERY favorite pancake place and how it was being replaced with some new eatery. I was NOT happy. Well, that all changed on Sunday. The new place is Panera Bread and although the Cinnamon Crunch bagel is not on my "diet" I had to have one. I am also a sucker for anything cinnamon and bread-like and sweet. I know, there's no help for me. Now you know why I can't have any of those peanut M&M's. Oh and why I can't lose any weight. My will power is shot. Seriously, it's needs some major CPR.

Lastly, I have taught Little G some baby sign language and he's actually using it. Unfortunately he seems to think that the sign for "milk" is actually for anything to drink so I still have to guess what he actually wants in his sippy cup. But, he's also learned the sign for "more" and the one for "eat" so these have been quite helpful. Now if he would just use some words we'd be golden.

Ok, I guess that's enough rambling for today... Y'all be good!

Blinded by the Socks

I don't mention fashion and style very much here on the blog simply because it hasn't been THAT big a part of my life in a while. Of course I like to dress nice when the hubs and I go out or I meet friends for dinner but let's face it, the daily wardrobe does not require much. I mean who wants "kid juice" (which encompasses a WIDE range of liquids, by the way) on their latest Oscar de la Renta (yeah, because I can SO afford that! HA!)?

I did get a degree in Fashion Merchandising and before the SAHM gig, worked in both the clothing and home decor industries. So, I feel I know just a tad about these things. Plus, I have subscribed to VOGUE magazine since I was 15 or so and surely that makes me an expert, no? I mean I even paid for my subscription with my own baby-sitting money back in the day. (At the time, Mom didn't really think that the magazine was good for an impressionable teenager. I disagreed.)

I had big deams of going to fashion college in New York and watching my designs hit the cat walk but alas it turns out I am not that much of an artist and well, there wasn't much money to go to school out of state. So here I stayed.

Anywho, fast forward to September of 2008 and I have just received my latest edition of my beloved fashion mag that is about 3 inches thick and weighs just a little less than my 15-month old. I am tellin' you the mail carriers must bulk up in September because that issue is a beast! Yeah, most of it is ads and such but it's still fun to flip through and dream.

That is until you get old-ish. Like me. I sat there wondering how in the world anyone thinks that some one like me is going to even think about wearing a knock-off of these things from Target. (I know that sentence made no sense, but just read it again and it may...) Seriously, you must be kidding. Oh and ladies. The eighties are back. You want proof. I got you some right here.

Do you see what I see? Yes kids, it's sock with sandals/heels. I had to avert my eyes at first because I was so scared.

Let me just tell you right now, I don't care how many celebrities people are sporting this look in the Fall, I still will NOT be jumpin' on that bandwagon. NO, NO! My ankles are about the only thing I like about my legs and this is NOT happening. Oh and these are only two examples of the horribleness "trend" that I found.

So let me ask you, is it just me? Is it because I am getting a little older and therefore (oh no, here I go, I am gonna say it!) frumpier? Can I just not "hang" with what is hip these days? Please say "No!" Please tell me I am not the only one who is anti-sock and sandal. Please.

Weekly Winners 8/24

August 17 - 23

"This is how you do it brother..."

A different view

The newest Conductor in the house

Pale Rider

Blurry, but still cute


Want more? Go over to Lotus' place ...

Let's Take a Little Trip Around the Blogosphere, Shall We?

I have a lot of "business" to handle today but stick with me 'cause I promise it's worth it. Ok, well I think it is anyway. It's Friday, I mean what else have you got to do, really...

So let's get started.

Jen sent me these granola bars for some Good Mail (a couple of weeks ago - I'm late. I know).

Why you ask? Because I mentioned on here a month or so ago that I and The B Man like eat a lot of them. That girl is good. After that same "shout out" for the those morsels of yuminess the company themselves emailed me thanking me for mentioning that I like their goods and promised me a couple of free boxes. I have yet to see those. So Jen, you are better than them. You totally rock!

And... Steph sent me this cute t-shirt and a bracelet (not pictured, sorry the boys got ahold of it and I haven't seen it since. I will find it, I promise!!) for guest posting on her blog last week while she was takin' in the sun and surf. That is SO sweet of you Steph and I love it!

And in more bloggy world news, Brittany's babies were GIRLS!!! Head over there to congratulate her if you haven't already. They are gorgeous and SO sweet...

Do y'all know McMommy? I know a lot of you do. I love her weekly POW and have been participating in it for several weeks now. What was your favorite post this week? If you want everyone to know about it go over there and join her Post of the Week party!

Oh and Wendi is gracious enough to be hosting a Favorite Things Swap. I think this is such a fun idea!! If you want to share some of your favorite things with someone else you should join up. I did! : )

Lastly, on a more personal note my friend Michelle's boy Cooper starts Kindergarten next week. Big deal, right? Well, he's the first kiddo in our playgroup to leave the nest. His big send off is at the big mouse pizza place tomorrow. I can't believe he's old enough to start school already. But alas, he is and although it's bitter sweet we know he's going to do great!

Alright, that's all I got. Y'all have a great weekend. We're havin' a much needed date night on Saturday (thanks to my MIL for babysitting!) and I believe I forsee a nap in my future on Sunday...

Elaine Needs...

I saw this over at Christy's blog and I just had to do it myself.

You go to Google and type in your name and then the word "needs" and the first 10 appropriate things that come up are what you list in your post. Let me tell you, a few of mine were NOT all that appropriate. Anywho, here's what I got. I found them quite amusing... (my commentary is in parenthesis)


Elaine Needs to spend time undergoing complex treatment number 4 (I hope this isn’t painful…)


Elaine Needs this net of scissors shirt (I think they’re right, it is a pretty cool shirt!)


Elaine needs your prayers (always.)


Elaine needs… to find a hobby (no, I already have plenty of those thanks!)


Elaine needs your vote (yeah. I am running for slacker of the year. I have a good chance of winning)


Elaine needs an e. (well, actually to be spelled correctly, it needs two “e”s)


Elaine needs our help if she’s going to lead our city to a sustainable future. (I may “need” to do this but it probably isn’t going to happen so don’t get your hopes up people)


Elaine needs no help in getting in touch with her feelings. (‘nuff said)


Elaine needs to do ab workouts. (how rude)


Elaine needs to line up her actions with her desire and intentions to find love (I think I am ok in this department, but you other Elaine’s out there might wanna work on this.)



Let me know if you try it too! : )

They're Here!

Ok, so I have been following along with Brittany's pregnancy since the day she announced she was carrying twins on her blog, 4 Little Men and Twins. And, I had followed her blog before that. She has four boys preceding the babies that she delivered yesterday, surrounded by a fair bit of drama. Let's just say her labor was "induced" in a rather unconventional way.

We still don't know the gender of these babies but I thought I would send my readers over to send her and the newborns some extra love and prayers. I feel like I know this woman even though I have never met her and as I was reading about her impending delivery, etc. my heart began to beat faster. It's amazing to me how we can feel so much emotion for someone we've never met IRL.

Anyway, go over there and congratulate her and perhaps make a new bloggy friend yourself. ; ) She's awesome.

Wordless Wednesday #29 - Brothers

Stolen Moments

I grabbed you up in my arms as your chubby baby hands reached up for me. One little tear was coming down your face. It was time. Time for you to sleep and be rejuvenated.

We made our way into the hall that we walk down every morning while I made circles on your back with my hand and whispered into your ear. By now you know that my entrance into your room and the closing of the door behind me means it is time to rest.

This day my mind was reeling with all the things that I needed to accomplish once you were safely inside your crib, off in dream land.

It didn’t matter though. As you rested your head on my shoulder and I took in the sweet smell of your hair, I tried to forget about everything else except for this moment.

You raised your head and looked into my eyes and I into yours and I began to think about the day when I could no longer hold you like this. Your brother is already there. I tried to memorize your face - your sweet little nose and long lashes as you laid your head back down.

I squeezed your toes and felt the baby soft skin on your short little legs. I said a quick prayer that it wouldn’t go too fast, this time, these days when you are still small, still my baby.

Instead of lying you down right away I held you longer and hummed a lullaby while you relaxed into my embrace. I wished for this moment to last forever.

I would have stayed longer but you did need your sleep. I promise to find ways to steal more of these moments with you from now on. The laundry and dishes and dusting can wait. But these times will be gone in the blink of an eye. I will close my eyes and hope for them to last just a little longer…

Moppin' Monday

It's been way too long and I can no longer procrastinate.

Hope the rest of y'all have a great Monday.... Meanwhile, I'm...

P.S. Thanks to everyone who left such nice comments yesterday about my hair, etc.! Y'all are the best, really! : )