"MOM, LOOK AT MY ARMPITS"

"MY EAR'S NOT WORKING,"

Says Asa to Dad on Sunday morning.



Asa thought it would be a nifty idea to make an impression of his ear with SILLY PUTTY. Not so silly. I was thankful Rusty hadn't left for meetings yet so he could deal with this one

BELATED MERRY CHRISTMAS...

AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

NEW BACKGROUND

So as you can see, I'm feelin' a little LOUD today. Perhaps it goes right along with my "computer stud" hubby teaching me about "YELLING." Back to putting my house in order for 2009. I'll post christmas soon....

ASAISMS

An Asaism is a funny, unexpected remark from our 7 year old. The kid is just naturally HILARIOUS!

So today's Asaism came while Rusty and I were smoochin' in the office. Asa entered and decided to make it a threesome...kind of. He did NOT hesistate to come right up to his lip locked parents and give them a big ole' group hug. We paused and told him to beat it (but in a nicer way). His Asaism? "That's okay. I'm not looking at you." Rusty and I just looked at each other, said "Asaism," then busted up. Our passionate moment had been ungrudgingly interrupted and dissolved thanks to ASA.

GINGERBREAD HOUSE 2008

It’s been a couple of years since we did a gingerbread house so when a friend (THANK YOU TRICIA) gave us a kit, I was thrilled, but the kids were ecstatic! They asked daily if we were going to do the Gingerbread house...so for FHE, I mustered up the energy and voila’…...

The Icicles were forged by Rusty.

The candy (including gumdrops and candy canes) were arranged with Shea and Asas' care,

And the Snow Monster in front was the creative works of Rett

THANKSGIVING '08

So I realize most of us have moved onto Christmas, but I'm still reflecting on some of our recent memories which include Thanksgiving.

Grandpa & Grandma Speidel invited us down to Crystal River, FL where they are 'hibernating'. We would be just a few short hours from them after Cumberland Island so we accepted their invitation and made some great memories.

We spent our time canoeing, swimming with manatee (cue Veggietales...."Barbara Manatee, Manatee, Manatee...You are the one for me, one for me, one for me...), playing on a great playground, consumming yummy turkey, and playing shuffleboard and darts.

Even after swimming with the manatee, Rett and Asa couldn't get enough petting of these docile creatures.


I don't think Ivy can take a bad picture.

Shea was a great subject that day!

Rusty and his Dad are young at heart. They had to hop on the swings just like the children.

I have so much to be thankful for!

ONE WORD GAME...

Where is your mobile phone? AWOL
Where is your significant other? Basement
Your hair color? Brown
Your mother? Compassionate
Your father? Bass
Your favorite thing? Rusty
Your dream last night? interrupted
Your dream goal? punctual
Room Your In? Office
Your hobby? forgotten
Your fear? snakes
Where do you want to be in 6 years? debt-free
Where were you last night? Church
What you're not? organized
Where you grew up? AZ
The last thing you did? napped
What are you wearing? coat
Your TV? projector
Your pets? Alive
Your computer? slow
Your mood? Chilled
Missing someone? Grandma
Your car? BIG
Something you're not wearing? ring
Favorite shop? REI
Your summer? memorable
Love someone? YES!
Your favorite color? Blue
When is the last time you laughed? Dinner (another ASAISM)
Try keeping it to just one word.
TAG to Whomever wants to play along

I LEFT MY HEART ON.....

Cumberland Island with the wild horses, bazillion dead horseshoe crabs, ghost crabs, deserted beaches, amazing live oaks...





You couldn't wipe the smile off my face. I was in absolute bliss!

You can view more pictures (a whole album of 20+ pics) on my facebook

Why I'm a SAHM

I actually don't like the label SAHM (stay at home mom). I prefer CEO of Spytribe, Inc. I'm responsible for more than staying home and being a mom. I'm a cook, taxi driver, nurse, maid, teacher/tutor, events planner....Some days I don't even stay home. I do love being home when I am and this is what it's about...


Ivy learning to use scissors

Ivy fed the fish...the whole NEW cannister of fish food

Ivy giving her good friend, Prince Sinatra, a ride on her bike (He just sat there lounging across her arms for like 5 minutes)

I LOVE my Man!

Over the past couple of weeks, I've had some wonderful memories ingrained into my mind of Rusty. I guess it started in LV. The week after LV was Rusty's big 4-0 birthday. I hadn't planned anything because of our trip, funds, timing, etc. So for his big day...he gave himself a mohawk. Some of you may have noticed the hair change from LV to Halloween...or not. His driver's license expired on his birthday. So being due for a new license, he gave himself a mohawk, went down to the DMV, and documented his rite of passage "over the hill." You've never seen someone so willing to flash his license. He's proud. Upon his return from the DMV, he finished the job, hence the very short hair for Halloween. Which brings me to another great memory...shopping for costumes 2 eves before Halloween. Let me just tell you, that is the way to go. They mark Halloween stuff way down. Rusty and I had a great time and well....you've read that blog. So a few days later, Rusty came home from work and I had noticed the water pressure way down. I told him it had been like that all day. After contrasting with the neighbors, scanning the perimeter of our home, and finding the water meter at the street spinning insanely fast, we concluded "Broken Water Pipe!" Shoot! We called our friendly plumber and recieved some guidance in finding the break. Rusty rose bright and early on election day to go vote and then rented a diamond blade cement cutter because we figured the break was UNDER the cement driveway. UGH So I prayed and my prayers were answered. The break was near the house, thankfully. Rusty had to sledgehammer out a 2 1/2 foot by 2 1/2 foot square that was about 12 inches deep. I was glad for my brawny, rugged guy.


And it just hasn't stopped...we were in the local building supply (Rusty, Ivy, and I) and another customer just casually threw out an offensive expletive. My husband was so awesome! He called him out. He said "There are small children present." The man apologized and later apologized again. My man left with a nice goodbye. How I love that about the male race. They just get it out and move on. Later, we were discussing it and he said he should have included "Lady" with "children." I knew that.

Soooooooo...I just am so thankful for his love, support, respect and appreciation.

I LOVE TAYLOR SWIFT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've kinda fell away from country music. Loved it, but like Donny and Marie, I'm a little bit country and he's (Rusty) a little bit rock and roll, which wins over most days.

So my obsession with Taylor Swift? She totally awes me! The CMAs were 'bout as impressive as ACMs! And her new song Love Story reminds me of my life about 17+ years ago (Which was about the time she was born! Yes I'm old)

CMAs know how to throw a party. I'm headed off to buy Taylor Swift's Fearless.

The Munster Family

So while Ivy vascilated between batgirl and Cute little Witchy Poo, Shea chose to be a vampiress, and Rett an......iduhno scary guy, Asa opted to be a vampire. Which is the EERIE conclusion. 6 Years ago, Rett was Dracula and Shea was Batgirl. There was no cohersion on my part for this. IT JUST HAPPENED! (start the twilight music) DOO DOO DOO DOO.........
BEFORE...
Halloween 2002 - Shea (batgirl), Asa (Robin), & Rett (Dracula)
FAST FORWARD 6 YEARS...

Halloween 2008 - Asa (Vampire), Ivy (Batgirl), & Shea (Vampiress),
BUT THAT'S NOT ALL...
Rusty dressed up in a creepy, rib cage bearin', robe touting, skull faced creepy guy and I lived out my dream of 3 years to be a Witch. With our makeup, we were unrecognizable.


It was another Candy Loaded, Fun Halloween Season!

BATGIRL TIMES 2

Today Ivy and I went through the costume barrel for Halloween costumes. Ivy decided she wanted to be Batgirl.
Then I recalled Shea was Batgirl 6 years ago.

Ivy turned down the purple caped crusader for the masculine version.
This is so descript of my two daughters. Shea the Diva. Ivy for Real.
Stayed tuned for the conclusion of my findings.

I've found a cure for the common cold...

I caught a cold while in Vegas and fought it all week. Then yesterday I...
Went to the Fabulous Fox Theatre for the First time
PLUS for the First time saw...


PLUS this morning ran my First Half Marathon

EQUALS No more Cold!
My love and gratitude go out to...

AND

(Dawn, Stephanie, Camille, & Katy)

Vegas Baby!

Rusty had a conference in Las Vegas and it fell amidst our birthdays so I flew out to join him for a couple of days. Neither of us were impressed with Vegas the last time we visited 14 years ago so we just looked forward to spending time with each other. However, this time I did find a few redeeming qualities in Sin City though...

The Temple of which I was in tears because it was such a welcome relief from mortal realms.

Running the Strip because it was the only time of day where there is a calm before the stampede of people all day and into the night.

Unicyclist in hot pants at Circus Circus who was fabulously funny compared to the cheesy and seriously S-T-U-P-I-D Sirens of TI.

Lion Habitat at MGM where the Lions came right up to the window to eat and the lioness ate right out of the trainer's hand like a kitten.

Freemont Street because it was MY Woodstock with Viva Vision (Did ya' see the olympics), 80s music, & lots of happy people. A meth/crack addict even got Rusty to 'bust a move' with her. It was great!

And we didn't have to pay a cent to experience these shows. ;o)

TAGGED

Okay LORA...here we go. ;o)
1. I was voted wittiest in my senior class. I don't believe I was funny, but I do believe I was: spaztic, clumsy, and an airhead.

2. I broke my leg when I was 6 and was laid up in traction for SIX WEEKS! No cast just traction, THEN crutches for like 6 MORE weeks! Great memories....

3. I'm a granola girl. I love the simplicity of nature and would not mind a bit living there. Mountain house over beach house baby.....

4. I have a phone phobia.

5. I get bored with my life and relish best in change. The learning curve is my friend.

6. I'm retarded...I do things slower than most people (I think I have trouble focusing...is that ADD?)

7. I miss my "environmental terrorists" aka goats (kinda') & chickens.

Tag Sarah Y, Katy (welcome aboard...I saved Tracy and Stella for you ;o)), Maci, Joele (tell Jeni to get blogging), Sara S, Tori, Angie

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASA!

Asa has loved and relished life even before his official arrival 7 years ago today! Those who know Asa, know that he has something extra about him. I call it PASSION! Whatever he's doing, he's passionate about it! Whether he's happy, sad, mad, or feeling the love...He's Passionate!
Happy Birthday Lover Boy!

Sacrificial Run

"If you ran without sacrifice . . . Congratulations, you just jogged!" ~Runner's World (and my sister-in-laws' tag line)

I RAN! You're reading that right...in 99 minutes and 45 seconds, I ran 9.99 miles and burned 1046 calories.

POCKET CHANGE

I have a fun game I play where I love to gather change from around the house. If it comes from the Laundry (or pretty much anywhere it's laying around), I deem it a "tip for mom." I then put Mr. Miser to work sorting. When the roll is full, It goes into the Spytribe Bank (tin). I then hoard my coins (kinda' like Scrooge) until I feel the urge to 'splurge.' So today, I made $18.50 plus in tips. Not a bad for 3 loads of laundry, PTSA directory work, heating ABC123 rings with meatballs, painting some boards, talking to Mom and Dad.....

A NIGHT WITH THE BRAVES!

Braves Tickets: $FREE?
Braves Spirit Wear and Treats: $35
Dinner at QT: $20
Ice Cream at Turner Stadium: $8
Gas for the Excursion to drive Downtown: (gulp)$45

Annual Braves Game where Rett was caught dancing on The Cam, Shea showed off her fashion sense, Asa coincidentally sat with his classmate, Wyatt, and Ivy learned the tomahawk chop: PRICELESS!

Fall Harvest

I had noticed a vine growing where last year's feeble attempt of a garden was. Last week, Rusty was killing crabgrass and noticed the vine had produced a vegetable, a cucumber to be exact! Mmmmmmmmmmm. Ivy and I love a good cucumber with some yummy tomatoes and a little Italian dressing. Mmmmmmmmm

In memory of 9-11

Where were you on that tragic day? I was:
* going for a day out in the Perimeter Area
* very pregnant with my third child
* listening to news of Michael Jordan's return to...baseball? while the first Twin Tower was crashed into
* Having some mother/daughter (Shea age 2) bonding shopping at Barnes & Noble while the second Twin Tower and the Pennsylvania field were crashed into
* Walking through The Container Store while the Pentagon was being crashed into
* Abruptly leaving The Container Store because we didn't know where the next target was aiming
* Hurrying home and debating whether to pull Rett out of school, but opted to remain calm

Last year, Rusty and I visited Ground Zero just following the 6th anniversary of 9-11. It was impressive. There was still a reverence. We then walked away from Ground Zero, down the street, and across the Brooklyn Bridge in memorium of that Forever Fateful Day 9-11-01.

First fieldtrip of '08-'09

Today, I chaperoned Shea's class on a fieldtrip to the Kangaroo Conservation Center in Dawsonville, GA. Yes. You read that right. There are Kangaroos in 'them, there hills" of North Georgia. http://www.kangaroocenter.com/ and did you know:
* Kangaroos are the second fastest land animals at 55 mph?
* Kangaroos have a gestation of 30 days, but nurse for about 15 months?
* "Kangaroo" means "I don't understand" in Aborigine so they told us at the center?
* There are more than 300 Kangaroos living in the North Georgia Mountains?
* I've always been intrigued by Kangaroos? I mean...they start with the letter "K" & seem pretty fun. How could you not love these animals?

I'D LIKE TO THANK....

* The group wearing flourescent "Happy Runner" shirts
* My 6'4" pacer
* Novartis Consumer Health, Inc. for my enhanced performance supplement
* The guy wearing "Pain is WEAKNESS LEAVING the Body"
* Our new friend, Wendy, for her Wisdom...when going uphill "only look 10 feet in front of you"
* Dr. Swayze for bilateral arthroscopy and showing me proper form. I'm sorry Doc, but I couldn't resist returning to running despite Dr. orders
* Liquid gold aka liquid chondroitin glucosamine
* My MP3 player containing: Daughtry, Heart, Destiny's Child, Madonna w/ Justin Timberlake, LeAnne Womack, Club Nuveau.....
* The girl wearing "It's not that BAD"
* Jordin Sparks for the National Anthem, Freeze (see my playlist), and a fun FREE concert!
* My Sister-in-law, Katy. I love ya'! We are going to rock the half marathon!
* My family (and Katy's) for coming down and being at the Finish Line
* My Heavenly Father for a strong healthy little body.