Monday Minute Memorial Day Edition

It's Monday Minute w/ Ian at The Daily Dose of Reality. Go on over and join in the fun!

 1 - Have you or a family member joined the military?

My father served in the Marines, and my husband served in the Air Force.

2 - Have you or a family member served his/her country in times of war?

My father was serving and was in the Vietnamese War

3 - What's your favorite BBQ food?

I love a little bit of everything.

4 - Do you fart in public?

Uh no, I don't fart in front of my husband! Gross!

5 - What's the one question that if it shows up on a Monday Minute, you refuse to take part?

I don't know that there is any I'd refuse to take part in. I'll let you know should the that time evers come.

So y'all know how this goes, go link up and play along!

Most Treasured Belonging

So here I am in thinking mode again. Thinking about all the things we treasure in life, and if there is one in particular we couldn't do w/ out, or would never let go of, aside from our families of course.

My most treasured belonging is a ring. It's a cheap little ring that says Mom on it. I don't wear it because it's to big and it's been bent to hell from when I did wear it. My mom bought me the ring, when Lexi was just 10 months old. She got it for me for Mothers Day. That ring is carried w/ me every where I go. My mom cried when she gave it to me, told me that I to would grow to be as proud of my children as she was hers.

That same year my sister (not the one that blogs, so don't go jumping on her) got my mom a ring that said Mom on it. I was living in a apartment w/ both my sisters, (imagine that, all 3 of us voluntarily living together) and for one reason or another my sister got mad at my mom and made her give the ring back. God, I remember the tears my mom shed. She was so heart broken! After a big fight w/ my sister she tried to give it back to my mom, but mom wouldn't take it.

 

So what is it, besides your family that you treasure?

Always the Last To Know

I read the news all day while I'm at work, what else have I got to do, but I still feel like I'm never caught up on the worlds' going ons. I think I get all my news from The Truth About Motherhood.

 For instance, I swear I was the last to hear about the video w/ the little girls dancing to Single Ladies. Shock, that's what I felt when I seen it. Seriously, I mean OK, let them dance, but like that?!? OMG! My daughter was in dance, but never would she be making some moves like that. I of course have to go around reading about it so I get the whole story. One of the mothers said "this was a competition and they were competing like they should be." Really? Did you ever think to teach your child that it doesn't take sex, or sexual moves to win a competition. Sex sells right? It does, I'm not gonna deny that, but not w/ a child! Why can't we teach our kids that great dancing comes from talent, and hard work, not being sexy. Oh and a side note, I don't think 7 year olds can be sexy, but if that were a dance of a grown woman it would be considered sexy.

 

Then there is the case of the teacher beating the child. Outrage, that doesn't even begin to describe what I felt when I seen that video. I understand that she may have "thought" that he was threatening a girl, but to beat him the way she did was so uncalled for. Even if she had witnessed him hit the girl, it was not her place to beat and attack him the way she did. I think she has been abused herself. For her to react the way she did, she either has serious anger issues, or was abused herself by a man. In any case she doesn't belong in any schools. I hope her license to teach is snatched out from under her. I hope that she is charged w/ assault and child abuse. One thing I can promise you, if that were my child, I'd be sitting in jail right now! There is no way I'd let her escape after doing that to my child.

 

Then there is the oil leak. Oh please BP get this under control. I know they have had some success, but not enough. We are going on vacation to Pensacola at the begining of July. While I can totally recognize that my vacation is the least of their worries, it's still my vacation and I'm going to whine about it!

 

Do you ever feel like you are always the last to know something?

Foundation of Marriage

Scott and I just recently celebrated our 2nd anniversary. This man means the absolute world to me. He pisses me off, makes me so angry I wanna knock his head off his shoulders, and can hurt my feelings like nobody else. But more than that, he makes me laugh, makes me feel loved, wanted, and is always there for me when I need him. He has his faults, and while I'm 100% perfect, I accept his faults and love him just the same.

Scott has taught me so much about life, about love, about who I am and who I wanna be. He gets frustrated w/ me when I don't get something the first time, or the 100th, but in the end he doesn't give up. We've had our ups and our downs, but all in all we know we love each other.

This makes me stop and ask people....what is the foundation of marriage? What makes a marriage last 40+ years? What do I need to do right, so my marriage never goes wrong? How do you keep the love alive?

I've gotten many different answers: communication, honesty, commitment, forgiveness, love, patience, devotion, and loyalty. All of which I think are required to have a good marriage. There was however one that really stuck out to me. It came from an older gentlemen, he had just lost his wife, and they had been married 64 years. Can you believe it 64 years!!! That's fantastic! So I wanna know, I wanna know how did you make it last 64 years. He gave me a slight smile, got a sparkle in his eye, and said "Never fall out of love at the same time." WOW...of all the things I thought the foundation of marriage was, he tells me something so simple, yet makes so much sense. You can believe I will be taking the advice from a man who has been married 64 years!

Monkey Minute

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1 - Do you *snort*?
I'm sure I do sometimes, but I can't remember the last time. I do how ever get to laughing so hard that I can't breathe.

2 - Our friend, has a nickname and it's http://batcrapcrazy.blogspot.com/">Daffy.&nbsp; What's your nickname?
I have a few, lissy, lissa, monkey and lizzard.


3 - Do you know sign language?
I used to know a little, because a girl I worked w/ was deaf. She taught me some, and it's one of those things, use it or lose it.

4 - What's a sample http://batcrapcrazy.blogspot.com/2010/05/convos-from-hood-v16.html">convo from your hood?
Don't know any particular convo's from my hood but there are words I use that make people laugh:
Choni's = underwear
Warter = water
Down Yander = where ever I may be going to
Y'ant to = want to
Warsh - wash
I'm sure there are more, Heather help me remember.

5-  Do you sleep with electronic devices - i.e. laptop, Blackberry, iPhone, etc?
No, I have to have the TV on to fall asleep if that counts, but phones and all other stuff is put away when I go to bed.

Make sure you link up and play along w/ us!

What I've Been Doing

Ever wonder what I do in my spare time? Here's a peak:

Love For A Duck And A Monkey

I would like for everyone of you to visit Daffy, lend her your support, prayers and thoughts. Daffy is going through one of the toughest times in her life. She needs our love, she needs our support, she needs prayers. Please take just a minute to say a prayer for Daffy and her family!

Hello blog-world!  I am participating in what's known around the world as Mission Monkey day!  What is Mission Monkey you ask?  Well, there's this blogger friend of ours known as Pixie Momma, aka Michelle.  Michelle has a little girl, or Monkey as she's known by who was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma.  To learn more about it, click here. Monkey is a sweet little 16 month old girl.  She doesn't deserve this.  Nobody deserves this.

But the good news is that Monkey only has Stage 1 (low risk).  The bad news is the medical bills are mounting and the Physical Therapy (starts today) isn't covered by insurance.  Michelle is using the donated money to offset medical bills.  She will donate and unused portion to another family dealing with the same issue.

This is why the blogging universe is banning together like never before to rally around Michelle and Monkey to provide support.  In addition to further entice you to lend your hand, and donate to the cause, we have over 50 items that have been donated.  Many bloggers are hosting these fabulous giveaways and all you need to win one of these items is just one raffle ticket.

Donation pages:
Princess of Sarcasm - http://bit.ly/9nUmBp


The One and Only Oka - http://bit.ly/9KZSOG


SupahMommy - http://bit.ly/bSMrGw


Jenn B Says #1 - http://bit.ly/bYzHAH


Jenn B Says #2 - http://bit.ly/bej01D


Amber - http://bit.ly/cTGq29


Two Little Monkeys - http://bit.ly/cZKjzK


Mommy's Nest - http://bit.ly/9tLjoy


Chief's Hiding From the Kids - http://bit.ly/cfKIiO


Jenny - http://bit.ly/dftIS2


Jana (link forthcoming)

You may donate any amount of money via PayPal as it's linked directly to Michelle's bank account.  However, in order to be a part of the raffle, this is how that's going to go.  If you donate the following, you get the subsequent number of entries:

• $10 - 2 entries
• $20 - 5 entries
• $30 - 10 entries
• $40 - 15 entries
• $50 - 20 entries
• $75 - 35 entries
• $100 - 50 entries
• $200 - 125 entries

 The raffles for each item will start on or around July 1st.

Click on monkey to donate!

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If you are donating money via PayPal, I need to know who it's coming from.  For example, look at the first picture below.  The link takes to you this screen.  Press the plus sign and then indicate your blog name/blog email address so I can track you accordingly.

And, here's the thing: this could be any of our kids.  Thank you for your time and thank you for your donation.

There are also a few other things going on to celebrate Mission Monkey please visit them all!






Twitter party!
More info can be found here - CASH PRIZES!!!!!!


Kerri over at Kerri's Klutter is donating $1 for each and every linkup she receives for her weekly meme, Comment Love Letters.  In addition, Adrienne is matching Kerri's donation dollar for dollar!  Go and link up and support Mission Monkey!

ZGirl and Travis are participating in a weight loss challenge and they are asking for your sponsorship.  Please visit them and lend your support!

Jenn over at BabyStepsInHighHeels has a challenge where she's going to donate $1 for every comment/new follower from now until the end of May.  Please visit her!

 

comment's off here today

Most Memorable Birthday?

I'm thinking back to when I was a kid, and of course that was not so long ago because I am very young and hip. (It's my story and I'll tell it how I want to!) So my most memorable birthday, I lack childhood memories for some reason, though I know I should have a ton:

 

It was my 16th birthday, and I was sad, depressed, and thought it was the end of the world. I was sick as a dog for the past week and didn't know why. My boyfriend, had up and disappeared (he was in jail, I just didn't know it) and I was so saddened. My mom, being the person she was, couldn't stand for me not to be happy on my birthday. We were broke, we didn't have any money, but my parents always did their best. So mom got a few of my close friends together, and took me out to ChiChi's. They embarassed the crap out of me. They told the waiter it was my birthday and mom told them I needed some cheering up. So next thing I know, I'm eating my food when they bring this extra large hat, not just the big sombrero, but a really big one. They put it on my head, have me stand on the table and everyone started singing. That was the day I learned not to let stuff embarrass me.

 

I was sick because I was pregnant and just didn't know it. My friend had her baby on October 10th, I was there and said "MY GOD I NEVER WANNA DO THAT!" 7 days later I found out I was pregnant. I wanted to die! Now I have a beautiful daughter who will be 15 in just a few weeks. I hope that I am able to make her birthdays and holidays as special as my mom always made ours.

The ex was in jail, but I finally seen the light and left his butt. Best thing I ever did for me and my daughter!

 

So what was your most memorable birthday?

Monkey Minute

Monday Minute w/ Ian has been renamed Monkey Minute. Still the same concept, just a new name. So show your support and link up. If you don't know about Mission Monkey you can read all about it here.

1. Have you ever peed in the shower/bath/pool?

Nope, not to my recollection, but perhaps when I was younger.

2. What is  your biggest pet peeve?

I have so many, and I don't think that one is the biggest in particular. Stupid drivers, mouth noises, bad table manners, lies, faked stupidity, idiots, and the list can go on and on.

3. What is the story behind your blog title?

Being bipolar, I have had to learn to deal and handle w/ things differently than I used to. Now I am doing my best to live my life one day at a time.

4. What's your definition of success?

My kids growing up to be responsible, successful adults. If they do that, I will have succeeded.

5. If you were famous, what would you want to be famous for?

I have an extreme love and passion for animals. So I guess if I were famous I'd want it to be for some great work that I did w/ animals.

Ok now go answer the questions yourself and link up! 

Sorry I'm so late on this Ian.

Mission Monkey Begins Today

Click on monkey to donate...please help!

Today we are asking that all bloggers come together and help support Michelle and her beautiful little Monkey. They are going through a very tough time, and need support, love, thoughts, prayers, and donations if you can. We aren’t asking for a lot, every little bit will help. This family has a tough road ahead of them. They have many, many Dr appts, treatments, time off work, and emotional stress to go through.

On May 3, 2010 Michelle received the devastating news that Monkey had been diagnosed w/ Neuroblastoma. Monkey is only 16 months old. She’s beautiful, full of life, and as any young child full of hugs and kisses. She needs our help, our support, and so does her family.

I want to make sure that everyone knows exactly what Neuroblastoma is so here is a little educational info:

Neuroblastoma is a cancerous tumor that begins in nerve tissue of infants and very young children. The abnormal cells are often found in the nerve tissue that is present in the unborn baby and later develops into a detectable tumor.

As with any cancer, prognosis and long-term survival can vary greatly from individual to individual. Prompt medical attention and aggressive therapy are important for the best prognosis. Continuous follow-up care is essential for a child diagnosed with neuroblastoma.

For the next week, all my posts will be dedicated to this sweet angel we call Monkey, to her family who needs lots of support and prayers. Ian at The Daily Dose of Reality is being such an angel and is setting up a raffle to help raise money for Monkey and her family, in addition to any donations linked straight through Paypal. The button above will take you directly to a donation page that is set up completely in Michelle’s name. All proceeds will go directly to the family!

Tuesday Review

Lately I have noticed that my dishes are coming out of the dishwasher w/ a slight white film. I couldn't figure it out, until I looked down at the coil and seen there was a white film all over it. I knew it needed to be cleaned, but how. Honestly, and this may be a little horrible, I have never cleaned the inside of my dishwasher. I've actually never even thought about it. So I went online and tried to find a way to clean it. Well all the suggestions I came across consisted of me scrubbing it....UHM NO! I do enough scrubbing, I was not going to be forced into doing more. I came across one suggestion that said to put a cup of vinegar in the top rack and run it. I did....it didn't work. So I came across Finish cleaner, I was skeptical, because they will say anything to sell a product right? Well my choices were: Spend $4.12 and risk it not working, or scrub it myself. Screw it I will risk the couple bucks. So I got home, and it was the first thing I did. I put it in my dishwasher, set my washer to run on the hottest cycle, ran some water in the sink first to get the water good and hot, set it and forgot it. After dinner I opened up the washer and to my surprise it was fantastically clean! White film completely gone! I'm so happy I don't have to scrub it. I have to say this was well worth every penny spent. 

***I bought this product on my own, this is my opinion and I have not received any incentive for writing this review***

1 - How old do you act?

I guess that depends on the situation. I'd like to say that I act my age 100% of the time, but I don't wanna lie to you.

2 - As far back as you can remember, what did you want to be when you grew up?

First a model, then a nurse, and now...I'd still love to go into the medical field.

3 - If you were to write a book based on your life, what would the title be?

Crazy, Hectic, but Usually FUN!

4 - What's something that you do that's considered "childish" by most?

I throw fits when I don't get my way. Yep, I will throw a stink, and I know it's childish, but at the moment it doesn't seem to be.

5 - The last question isn't a question.  Write a story of a time of when you or someone you know overcame great adversity.  

A story about a young girl I know:

I will not use any names to protect the identity of this person. I will not use any locations for the same reason. This won't be much of a story, but more of a statement. I'm not good at story writing.

A young girl, raped at a very tender age, got pregnant as a result. She chose to keep her child, and love her, and cherished that little girl. The strength she showed, the love she had, and the maturity, still amazes me to this day.

What Is Your Passion

First I want everyone to give all their love, support, and prayers to this sweet little face above. She needs all that she can get. So any spare moment you get, please ask God to watch over her and her family. 

My passion is animals! I love animals of all sizes. I hate when an animal is abused, forgotten, or abandoned. In Nashville's recent flooding it's been announced all over the news and radio stations that the animal shelters are over run w/ animals. Animals that people abandoned, left to fend for themselves in the flooding. There are dogs who were found drowned because they weren't taken to safety. How can someone do that? I would forget every posession I had (aside from the hubs and kids of course) and grab my dogs. I wouldn't leave them at home and just hope they could survive. I would make sure they survive!

My neighbor has 5 horses, when we were down there watching and waiting for the rain to stop my neighbor sat there, tears in her eyes, making sure her horses didn't drown. She didn't take her eyes off her barn for a second. She couldn't take them out of the barn because the fence was destroyed and laying across my yard. If needed we would have pulled them out and held on to them, but since I have never handled a horse, we sat, we waited, and we watched. She would go walking through that rushing water to give them shots, to keep them from panicking and getting an infection. Not once did she think about leaving them. A lady down the street got her horses out of the barn because the water was too deep, her horses were all gathered under one tree...lightning struck that tree and all of her horses were killed. She is mentally destroyed right now, why...not because she had property damage, but because her horses died. I can't imagine.

Yesterday at work, I got cussed out because some guys dog was locked in his car and we couldn't give him the key code to get in the car. Well sir....that is illegal, and oh yeah dumbass, that is exactly why you DON'T leave your animals in the car. It was 85 out and I hope that dog made it ok, but I also hope that he learned a very valuable lesson.

My heart and prayers are w/ everyone in Nashville who was hurt by this flood!

Everyone has a passion about something other than their family.What is yours?

Forgive My Absence...

The only thing I can promise right now is that I probably won't be around much. Many of you know I live in Nashville, well north of it, and the weather was not kind to us this weekend. We had a lot of flooding. Please pray our driveway makes it through all this, we really can't afford to have it done again. It only got done just a little under a month ago.

If you have children please mute this..I have very colorful language!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Short & Sweet

She makes me laugh!

Picture this (and I have to add, she's a natural blonde, that color is dye!):

We are outside, taking the dogs for a little walk so they can potty and she says to me "Mom, have you ever done something stupid and thought, now that is a story I can tell?"

I say to her "My dear child, you must have a whole book to write!"

I love him so much! He has a soccer game today! Wish him luck!

I can't believe I'm having to use Internet Explorer just to blog! I hate IE!