That's What She Said

I know you are eagerly awaiting the thoughts that are rambling around in my brain today...the birthday festivities continue...

• people want to know...do you purchase birthday gifts for yourself? (well, heck yeah, I do)



• one of the gifts I gave myself...budgeted and donated money to disaster relief and other charitable causes...needs continue LONG after the holidays are over and done.



• have you thanked your parents (if you can) for "having" you whether by birth or by adoption? My Dad always said he was lucky because he was able to pick me :) I sure miss him!



• why is paperwork triplicated (I know it is probably not a word) and quadruplicated etc. anytime the government is involved? I blame them on my now poor eyesight...quit changing stuff already unless it is ABSOLUTELY beneficial to all.



• if you are driving a GIANT TRUCK or SUV do you not think it would be a really great idea to watch what you are doing...stop texting, put the phone down...use your mirrors for crying out loud and quit pulling out in front of me :)



• some months ago, a blog buddy wrote about a man (not her husband) that wished to have a polyamorous relationship...no surprise he and his wife have or are divorcing...new word for age old dilemma of how to have your cake and eat it too...just sayin...HE says it is for personal growth and development...hmmmpf...(A Big Raspberry to you Mr. Personal Growth and Development I'm Bored and Lack Committment) I hope you don't rub off on the little growth and developments and that Mrs. G & D has a great life without you.



• I really am striving to be the epitome of sweetness and light...some days a diamond, some days a stone!



• To quote the late, gorgeous and tragic Marilyn Monroe "If you can't handle me at my worst then you don't deserve me at my Best" for some reason this resonates with me...we each have our best and worst days!



• what happened to glamour and "dressing up" p.s. I am the worst offender these days...a life long family friend, a SAHM, always...always...put on makeup, fixed her hair and dressed in nice clothes before her husband arrived home from work.



• on that note...I seriously budget for my fabulous hairstylist every six weeks...too bad I am not photogenic and my hair IS always a mess when someone snaps a pic...what's up with that? I blame it on my personal temperature fluctuations (hot flashes)

Life is Good, Friends are Great, Our children are FABULOUS and our grandchildren are even MORE FABULOUS!!! Now if someone would just pass me some chocolate...life would be even better! She has electric boots, a mohair suit...I read it a magazinoooooooooooo...yes this song is still stuck in my head along with TURN THE BEAT AROUND (Miami Sound Machine) and I FEEL GOOD (James Brown) more than you asked for...we aim to please around here.

vintage (1954) mohair suit...love it!

Celebration

After attending church and children taking naps we celebrated...

For "Ree Ree's" 25th birthday, she requested the bunny cake from her childhood...go figure!

I haven't made THE "bunny" cake in...oh...about 20 years! It took a LOT of icing to hold that silly rabbit together. My Mom tinted the coconut for the grass! I thought the cake was rather cute...til a couple of boys put jelly beans everywhere. One would have to get very creative indeed to top CurlyWurlyGurly's Easter Repast ...I shall say no more, you have to see that for yourself, in addition the "Curly Gurl" painted some lovely eggs and Curly invited the s.l.o.b.s. poolside for some Florida fun! Thanks CWG!!!

I painstakingly decorated the Easter Egg Tree...several grandchildren whom shall remain nameless have redecorated it several times...much to my OCD chagrin...oh well, at least it was fun!

Michelle, Heather and Lindsey before the blowing out of the "trick" sparkler candles

P.S. Lindsey is expecting Baby # 3 in September!

Ree Ree gets a little help from the boys! The trick candles did not re-light as often as I hoped for...however did sparkle and crackle quite nicely. After dinner and cake eating...on to the eggstravaganza...Good Times for All!

Many eggs were found filled with candy, toys and dollar bills! Hunter always gives his dollar to MiMi...(great grandma)

Happy 25th Birthday Baby Girl!

Happy 25th Birthday "Ree Ree". You have brought such joy and adventure into our lives! Our bargain hunter, shopper, bungee jumping, parasailing wonder...where did you get that sense of adventure? You always love to have a good time!!!

"Ree Ree" and "Meech" (also know as Shellie Poo) circa 1984ish

Sullivans Island near Charleston, SC...

St. Augustine, Florida (with Katharin and me in one of my jumpers)

Any beach is still one of your favorite places to be...actually I think you just love water! You couldn't stand it when your sister and cousins would swim in the "deep" end...so you jumped off a diving board (much to my horror) and started swimming! People were always amazed to see such a tiny girl diving and paddling in deep waters.

Now that is funny, I don't care who you are... (this past weekend at "Big Buck")

Love ya bunches! And yes, my sweet girl, I am making your favorite "bunny" cake for your party on Sunday!

Office Surprise!

No surface(including the inside of my desk drawers) was left untouched, my family loves me! even if they did make a giant poster of all the wacky outfits I wore as a child.

The big day is actually tomorrow, January 24th! The party extends throughout the weekend with many festivities planned. My darling husband bought this car in December as an early Birthday/Christmas gift(b/c you are only 50 once, that'swhat he said)...trying desperately to avoid speeding tickets! It amazes me that a half a century has passed! I have seen so much and done so many different things. Alot of history has been made! I have spent a huge portion of my life rearing children and the second chapter has begun with incredible grandchildren. My family and friends mean everything to me. Life is Good...I am looking forward to the next 50! Cheers, I give you permission to celebrate a glorious day!!!

Exciting Election Day Coverage 2004 - Happy Birthday Hunter!!!

Do you remember what you were doing during the last presidential election? I do, my first grandson, child of my firstborn was pushing his way into the world!!! Just as the current election will make history...the prior election was an historical event for our family! It was the first time I actually stayed awake and watched election returns sitting/dozing in a chair while my daughter labored all through the night! As she pushed and breathed, I placed cool cloths on her head...Kevin was in the room somewhere awaiting the birth. It was a long night and an even longer delivery...I was exhausted! I realized that I had been holding my breath every time Michelle "pushed". My first born was born prematurely with an emergency c-section...she and I were grateful to be alive for THIS day in our personal history! Thank you Kevin and Michelle for allowing me to witness this miracle!

Yes, much to my dismay, this is a real motorcycle and Hunter is a little dare devil and he LOVES riding.

Hunter is thinking, Hurry Up with the song already I WANT CAKE!!!

This is how a real slugger swings.

Happy Birthday Hunter. 4 Big Years Old! (Walkin with Nonnie) Who knew that one little baby could bring so much Joy and Love into the world!!!