February « 2011 « Girly Muse

Archive for February, 2011

Shoes, Cars and Vitamin D

February 28, 2011

Good Morning, friends. Things are looking up, especially since the last time I wrote.

Oh my.

Thanks for putting up with that last post. Just had to get that out. Apparently that was the topic of last week, getting things out.

OK, I’m done, I promise.

So. Some interesting things have been happening around here. Why don’t I tell you the bad first?

Our only car died. Please pray for it, that it can be resurrected.

My girl is still not feeling well at all, but is getting better. Pray she can be resurrected as well.

I totally missed the Oscars. Oh wait, that’s not such bad news, is it.

Found out that the tests I’d done a couple weeks ago showed that I was severely low in Vitamin D. REALLY, scarily low. The thing is, I’ve been eating Vitamin D chewable tablets like they’re candy all winter, so thank goodness I was doing that or I might have keeled over. I’m on prescription mega doses for the next year. Who knows? Maybe I’ll be Perky Patty when this kicks in!

My feet have been numb for 5 1/2 weeks (souvenir from Market) and that’s been sort of miserable. Doc said I have nerve damage in both feet, particularly the left. BUT, this weekend, I got some good news, hopeful news that there’s signs of life in there so that’s a relief.

The worst news is this…are you sitting down?

Ready?

I need to not wear heels anymore…

Let’s all have a minute of silence, please.

If you’ve been around me at all, you know I LOVE ME SOME SHOES.

I prefer heels because I have high arches. And because heels rock. Flats have never been comfortable to me. I guess I have to find the right ones.

I don’t want to wear ugly shoes.

I have to end this now, I’m going into the depths of despair.

Posted in Confession is Good for the Soul, Fashion, February 2011 | 11 Comments »

Are You There, God? It’s Me, Lori

February 24, 2011

Things You Think About When You Have The Stomach Flu:
(Warning~ Not for the faint of heart and/or stomach)

1) See Title. Insert your own name.

2) I REALLY wish I hadn’t eaten that Mexican Corn Chowder…or the peanut butter and jelly toast…or the Chipotle Burrito Bowl…or the chocolate sheet cake and snow ice cream…or the cheese & crackers and salami…

3) I recognize that, but I have no idea what THAT is…

4) The toilet bowl is not prettier close-up.

5) I really need to clean this woodwork.

6) This tub feels so good against my cheek. I think I’ll rest here a minute or twenty.

7) 7-UP is delicious going down and not so bad coming up either.

8) God, are you hearing me yet?

9) See #8.

10) I’m sorry for every bad thing I’ve ever done or thought.

11) See title. (Your name)

12) I promise I will never do another wrong thing.

13) I also promise to never eat again.

14) Ouch.

15) Ugh.

16) Oh no. Please. Not again.

17) Maybe if I lie here really still…

18) See title.

19) Hot, cold, hot, cold, hot, cold…

20) Just take me now, Lord.

21) Help me, Lord. Maybe I do kind of want to live.

22) My children need a mother!!!

23) Who is that angel who keeps coming and looking at me with worried eyes?

24) Please take my head. It hurts too much to keep.

25) Sweat, chill, sweat, chill, sweat, chill.

26) Oh, toilet bowl, I thought I was finally done with you.

27) Stomach, you have thoroughly betrayed me. I will never trust you again.

28) You’re the angel! I love you, my husband. Thank you. Please don’t look at me. Or get too close.

29) Maybe you are hearing me, God.

30) Sleep is really, really good~maybe I’ll sleep a day or two.

31) I know you’ve been listening, God. And thank you. Truly, I thank you. I don’t know what I would have done without you. Can I just humbly ask if you could be a little quicker next time? Like, maybe 48 hours quicker? I’m kidding, I’m kidding! But maybe you could give it some thought. Thanks. I love you. Amen.

Posted in Uncategorized | 10 Comments »

Spoiler Alert~ The Bachelor

February 22, 2011

I caught up on a few weeks’ worth of The Bachelor last week and WANTED to write about it then because I was overjoyed…overjoyed, I tell you.

I was so ready for Brad of the Monotone to get rid of this one…

Oh Michelle. I don’t even want to go into all I thought about you. It is sufficient to say that I am SO glad to not have to hear you whine or complain any longer.

She licked her lips like a snake. That should have been a big enough sign.

Now, Brad, let’s see. First off, my friend, Christa, wrote a great post about him on her blog. It is hilarious and so true. I think I might like him a LITTLE more than she does, but would have to say I’m with her on a lot of it. I’m not sure yet, but…

Does he have a personality?

Is he just a little bit D-U-M-B?

These are not things I think we can settle through the show…we’ll probably never know for SURE. Let’s pretend he is great and nice, OK? Because either way, we know he most likely will NOT marry any of these women.

Moving right along…

So…Chantal.

I liked her a lot in the beginning. She was the one who slapped him for all the women in America the first night they met. I didn’t care for THAT, but she seemed to turn it around quickly and was nice. However, she also quickly became annoying. I think she’s cried a few times in every show. At least that’s how it seems.

She brings out her menagerie of pets when she takes him to her home. You can tell he’s a little nervous about the thought of keeping house with all three pets. I happened to see pictures of his loft in Austin and can see why. Brad, you do NOT want all those animals on your white comforter and comfy pillows! Trust me, you don’t!

Chantal’s parents’ house~ WOW!

Brad seemed to really bond with Chantal’s dad.

Nate and I have taken to kissing like Chantal kisses Brad…meaning platypus lips to platypus lips. Have you noticed her pucker? Hysterical. Eww.

Ashley…

I have never felt any sparks between Brad and Ashley. She seems like a nice girl~ insecure, but nice. Brad talks like he really cares about her, though. I’ve thought they seem like great friends. However, on their hometown date, he actually seems excited to be around her. He seems more outgoing, more interested in what she has to say and I kind of like the way he is with her.

He talks about picking her up when he met her. I had forgotten that. She is a tiny little thing. I like how the family seems easy and down to earth.

WHOA, massive lobster! That’s worth it right there.

He doesn’t want to leave her house. Good sign. I am a little surprised.

Shawntel…

I have really liked her. She seems so easy to be around. She’s such a pretty girl and without all the fluff. I like that.

But WHY CAN SHE NOT SEEM TO OBSERVE THE FACT THAT HE IS NOT INTO KNOWING THE INS AND OUTS OF HER PROFESSION~ EMBALMING!

She seems almost obsessed with her job and he is SO creeped out. She is so into it that she just can’t help but let him to know all about it. He says he’s impressed by the end of the tour, but I can’t tell if he’s telling the truth or not. He just wants to get out of there.

The dinner with the family is going well until the whole subject about her taking the family business comes up. I can’t imagine Brad in Chico and Shawntel seems firmly planted in Chico…so, big problems. The dad lays a big guilt trip on her about her taking over the family business and what it would mean if she left.

Uh-oh.

Shawntel and her dad seem to “magically” work it out. Brad and Shawntel leave each other saying nice things and she’s mushy, but I think the damage has been done. Nope, she’s not going to be the last one standing. AND he’s not really kissing her back as they say good-bye.

Emily…

Emily is my favorite. She’s a sweet Southern belle. None of the girls have been able to feel anything but love for her and that is saying a lot in a house full of girls vying for the same guy. She is a kind, classy and reserved woman…with a little girl.

I think Brad has been intimidated by Emily, not only by what she’s been through, but by her reserved manner. They seem to like each other a lot, but can’t seem to get quite comfortable enough.

Emily isn’t sure she is ready for Brad and her daughter to meet, but they do and boy…is it ever awkward. The little girl doesn’t want to say a word to Brad. They finally make a little progress, but when they get back to the house, it seems like they are still awkward. Even when they’re having fun, it’s taking a little work, which is understandable.

If he calls her “Little Ricky” even one more time, Nate is going to slap him.

After “Little Ricky” goes to bed, Emily seems to open up to Brad more than she has and he says he feels uncomfortable kissing her with the daughter upstairs. He says his piece and it doesn’t go over well with Emily. He does end up kissing her on his way out the door, but it still seems a little forced on his part. I think his intentions were good, but he should have seized the moment when Emily FINALLY opened up to him.

I will insert Nama’s thoughts here…

On Emily: “She is CRAZY to buy into that line!”

On Brad enjoying hearing about Shawntel’s line of work: “He is such a liar!”

I think he’s going to kick Shawntel to the curb. We shall see…

First he picks Ashley~ he has really surprised me by showing more affection for Ashley this week. I can actually imagine him picking her after this week.

Then Emily…

Then Chantal…

Yep, Shawntel going was clear a mile away…it’s too bad. Super nice girl. I hope she finds someone who treats her so well. When she said she’s never been treated that great, it made me sad for her. Now, if she can just keep her dad from running men off with the whole “succession” talk.

And they’re off to South Africa.

I think at this point, he’s got the feelings for Emily. I’m not sure they’ll be able to let their guards down, but I think he likes her the most.

Thoughts, anyone? Anyone?

If you’re still around, watch this clip with Michelle on Ellen…funny!

Posted in February 2011, The Bachelor | 5 Comments »

President’s Day & Winter Coats

February 21, 2011

I’m overjoyed that it’s President’s Day. We got a LOT of snow yesterday and since we don’t typically have snow days, we’re pretending this is one. I’m going to be snowed in all day and I’m very happy about that.

It started falling while we were at church yesterday morning and by the time we got home, it was downright blizzardy out there. We ate, played games, I cooked enough soup for an army…these are the things that I love about the snow. It’s so cozy. If I’d made brownies, the day would have been complete. Hmm…hopefully I can make THIS day complete..

Spring needs to get here soon so I can shed my winter coat…and I’m not talking about fabric. All this snow we’ve had just makes you feel entitled to have your dessert and eat it too. And coffee, lots of coffee. And pajama pants, with stretchy waists…not good, not good.

I’m seeing lot of friends on Facebook and Twitter getting motivated with Jillian Michaels and other intense workouts and I’m so happy for you, I truly am. However, I seem to have jumped off the bandwagon in search for a piece of cake….or brownie…or cookie…or even Fritos and a talk glass of Coke.

Or chili…or pork roast…or cheeseburgers…and ice cream with hot fudge.

We need to pray this snow will go away, y’all. Otherwise, I will have more than a winter coat to shed.

Tomorrow…it can go away tomorrow.

I may as well live up this one last snow day to the very fullest…oh, it’s going to be tasty.

Posted in February 2011, Snow | 9 Comments »

Six & Sledding, Part 2

February 17, 2011

Where were we?

Oh yeah, that’s right. My BABY is six.

Last night he called me Mama Cutie as he nuzzled my neck. He has me so wrapped.

I’ll stick to fewer pictures with this post. I thought my computer was going to revolt against me with the last post. I can’t help it~ I have so many pictures I want to share. It’s not every day I have a fabulous camera that makes everything and everyone look exceptional.

I’m curious~ did anyone have trouble opening the post?

Well, let’s see if I can cause more trouble, shall we?

Why look! It’s Jillie McBean!

Jill’s mate is Steve. Remember yesterday I said that Indie thinks Steve is his age? Well, Greyley thinks she’s Jill’s age. They’re forever best buds.

This is the top part of the luge…before it gets to the LUGE OF INSANITY section…

Hang on, Son! Hang on for your life! Are you sure you want to do this???

Asher! Oh, for goodness sakes, you kids are going to revive my prayer life.

Mimi, aren’t you cute! Mimi is a Dear Friend and Mama to Josiah & Isaac

Miss Nora again…this girl makes me smile.

The man responsible for all this fun…and then some. I title this picture, My Man in the Branches.

I suppose I will keep my word and not overfill this post with quite so many pictures. While my computer is still cooperating~ just barely!~ I will end on this last one.

Tosh & me…this picture makes me want to “Happy Cry” as Lila would say…

Have a splendid day. I hope you enjoy sunshine, smiles and loved ones…XO

Posted in Family, February 2011, Friends, Heartwarming Events, Kids | 10 Comments »

Birthday Fun, Part 1

February 16, 2011

The birthday party on Saturday was one of the best times EVER. I was a little concerned about this party, to tell you the truth. There were lots of people coming and I wasn’t sure if our activity would really keep the kids occupied…enough. It’s important to keep kids occupied at a birthday party.

Well, let me tell you, they were OCCUPIED.

The luge…it was the savior of all things fun and childlike…adultlike, too.

Yes, that’s a word I just made up and I’m going with it.

I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves from here on out…before I start making up other words.

See, there’s an adult right there…or wait, is that just a really tall kid? Indigo’s pretty sure Steve is his age.

This is Nora. She’s one of Indigo’s favorite people even though she’s a girl…and maybe because she’s a girl.

Isn’t she delightful?

Noah. Aww.

Miss Lila Snow Bunny

Micah, paving the way

Ethan, wishing I’d stop with the pictures already…

Aubs & Tosh~ our girls are catching up to us!!!

Axel is very serious about this sport. He’s also fearless. Go, Axel!

Oh, be still my heart. There he is. My BOY. I love you so.

Hi, Josiah! What a sweet heart he has…

There’s my girl! I was looking for you!!! Hello, Loveliness.

Uh-oh! Nora’s scamming piggyback rides from Mark! Great idea. Get in line, kids!

Preciousness… Andrew & Miracle…

And since I think my computer will swallow me whole, chew me up and spit me out a ragged mess if I don’t quit this post soon, I will have to continue this later. Who knew high quality pictures could wreak such havoc on my old laptop? (Don’t answer that, Matt!) So to be continued…

But one last look at this face…my 6-year old little man.

Posted in Birthdays, February 2011, Friends, Heartwarming Events, Kids | 1 Comment »

Hearts and All That

February 14, 2011

Happy Valentine’s Day!

I hope even if you are single or have no boyfriend/girlfriend possibilities as of today, you still have a wonderful, happy Valentine’s day. Do something fun today. Avoid hearts if you want, but take a deep breath~ Spring is around the Corner.

I think the Groundhog wasn’t lying. I didn’t believe it until this weekend, but the 40 and 50 degree weather convinced me…

Indigo was very bummed that there is SCHOOL on Valentine’s Day (even though he was off last Wed-Fri). How dare they have to go to school on a HOLIDAY? Once I told him about the fun things they’ll do today, he seemed to not mind so much.

Greyley went bedecked in hearts. I cannot BELIEVE I didn’t get her picture this morning…

I am going to spend the day with my HUSband. Yes, the caps are intentional. Think it how I wrote it, please. HUSband. We don’t have any big plans and that is just fine with me. We have had an action-packed weekend. (I borrowed my niece’s camera, which was AWESOME and LIFECHANGING, except I can’t show you the pictures just yet…until I get them…no pressure or anything, Cheri. ) I’m looking forward to a day of low-key…with my loverly…

I’m thinking chocolates, movies and snuggles are in my future.

Love to all of you dear people. OK, to the not so dear too. But mostly to the dear.

Posted in February 2011, Valentine's Day | 5 Comments »

Let’s Save Art

February 11, 2011

Conferences went well this week. We had positive reports for each child and I am amazed once again at all the wonderful teachers out there. However, there was one significant drawback. After realizing her favorite things in life/subjects in school~ Reading and Art~ are suffering from severe budget cuts this year, my daughter came home and retreated to her room with something resembling quiet outrage.

I let her go and hoped that she would cheer up for the rest of the birthday celebrations that were to take place that evening. It wasn’t long before I heard clacking away on her antique typewriter. The typewriter deserves its own post~ it is a prized possession that our dear friend, Brenda, sent Greyley after going antique shopping with us and noticing that Greyley was drawn to every typewriter she saw.

Greyley came in my room a little bit later, handed me the note and said, “What’s the address to the White House?”

“I don’t know.”

“Let’s look it up.”

She was completely serious.

Here’s what the note says…

Dear President Obama,

My name is Greyley Sabin. I am 12 years old. I go to (School Name here) in Minnesota. My school is having budget cuts, so they are cutting back hours on some of the best classes…such as Art, Reading and English. Art may not be completely educational, but everyone loves Art. As for Reading and English, I would say they are pretty important, wouldn’t you? Please help out our school. Thank you.

From Greyley Sabin (6th Grader)

Well said. Now if you’ll pardon me, I have a letter to mail…

Posted in February 2011, Kids, School | 12 Comments »

Happy Birthday!

February 9, 2011

Guess what today is?

It’s somebody’s birthday…

Today is the happy occasion. Indigo is still sleeping, but at school yesterday they celebrated his birthday. And we enjoyed some early festivities last night. At this rate, we will be stretching out this party all week. That’s the way to have a birthday, I always say.

We had a rehearsal and Court, the beautiful Court, brought a cake. It’s an instant party!

Indie & Court

Indie & Aaron

We get so tickled at Indigo taking pictures because he pulls out this grin every time…the camera grin. Usually it also involves squinty eyes, so he’s improving…but this grin just makes me laugh so hard.

Oh, how I love my little man.

Indie & Mari

The birthday boy doesn’t have school today~ can you believe it? We have conferences coming up shortly, first for him and then later for our sweet girl. Then they’re BOTH off school the rest of the week. Sounds like a party to me!

Greyley & Indigo

My children are truly the joy of my world. They make me laugh every single day. I love them both so very much.

Every year around this time, I reflect on the miracle of Indigo’s birth. I thank God every day that he was born and that he lived.

There will be more pictures of celebrating this week, I’m sure of it. The big hurrah will be Saturday. We intend to live it up on these days off…even if it just means sleeping in a little later and relaxing the days away. Woohoo!

Happy Birthday, my sweet son. I can’t believe that I love you more each and every day.

Posted in February 2011, Kids | 14 Comments »

The Ms.

February 8, 2011

My garage door is half human. Truly, she is. For the most part, Ms. GD is a sturdy, dependable garage door with a side of temperamental.

Specifically, she does not like the cold weather.

In the summer, there is full cooperation. Up, she goes, with not an air of hesitation. In winters past, she has shown signs of frustration, but in the end, came around to cooperating.

This winter, not so…

If it is anywhere below 20, she will raise herself up a full foot and say, “No more…not unless you beg and plead and lovingly coax me up…” So we push her button and wait and one of us will go (sometimes) lovingly (mostly not) touch her chilly frame and try to talk her into budging.

Now when you have to make numerous trips out, this can get mighty annoying.

If it is below zero, as it has been the last few mornings…today the high is supposed to be 5 degrees…she will raise to about 3 inches at most and I promise you, she is chewing me out with every nudge of the button.

I will not go up, I will not go up, I will not go up...

Yes, you will. Yes, you will. Yes, you stinking will, you filthy dirty rotten GD! I don’t care what you think you are, but you will not talk back to me!

And then she goes up and all is fine.

I won.

Until the next time I have to go anywhere.

Posted in February 2011, House | 6 Comments »