The Causey Clan

Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-18T12:19:00.002-05:00

Thursday 13 - "P" Edition...

2009-11-12T17:10:00.002-05:00

1. Playful -...yep, that's me :)
2. Pouting - Because my daughter (Alli) just said - playful? you? really???
3. Perfect - My kids...what are you laughing at?
4. Pizza - Because it's good.
5. Pancakes - Because there good too.
6. Peace - It's coming, I know it is...
7. Parent - Still working to be good at this one...
8. Pink - Favorite color :)
9. Poop - It happens...
10. Public bathrooms - Ughh!
11. Peanuts - I laugh because of this every time I hear the word...
12. Puppies - Adorable :)
13. Princess - When you ask Abby what she wants to be when she grows up...this is her answer

Be sure to play along over at Kimber's!

If I don't take the gift....is it rude???

2009-11-02T07:12:00.002-05:00

So, I'm new on facebook...and really confused about all the gifts....

I'm hitting ignore when I get them because I don't know what to do with them.

Do they know I ignored their gift???

I don't want to be rude but I don't know what to do with a basket of berries...

Someone sent me a horse?? A HORSE.

If I accept the horse - am I then required to buy a stable to keep it in??

Is there virtual Peta out there making sure I feed my horse???

Will the horse eat the basket of berries???

Bit the bullet...

2009-10-28T13:40:00.002-04:00

I said I wasn't going to do it...but....
I'm on Facebook now.
Yes, I just signed up 10 minutes ago and sent out tons of friend request but 5 minutes later I only have 2 friends...
Maybe patience isn't my strong point....
So, look me up!!! Jennifer Wallace Causey
Can I put a link on my blog to facebook???

Random stuff...

2009-10-20T14:46:00.003-04:00

* Anthony's birthday is tomorrow - he's going to be 12. He doesn't want to do the family party thing anymore - so this weekend he's going to have a few friends over for a sleepover and rent the Transformers movie that came out on DVD today. Pray for me with a house full of pre-teen boys...

* Allison joined the disc golf club and the archery club at school. I like golf so I get that...Archery? Really?? She thinks it will be cool to shoot a bows & arrows at stuff.

* Abby has her first field trip tomorrow to the Pumpkin Patch. That's all she's talked about for the last 2 weeks.

* The weather today is beautiful!! I love Fall :)

14 years ago....

2009-10-14T08:42:00.008-04:00

14 years ago today, a new chapter in my life. I was so excited I was fixing to be some one's wife. The love of my life. The man that could take my breath away with those beautiful blue eyes and gorgeous smile....

It was going to be great! Being a wife. I could just imagine it. Having him gaze at me at the breakfast table telling me how wonderful everything was and how great his day was going to be as he thought about me all day long at work. The "Honey, I'm home" in the afternoon's... Singing and laughing together as we did the dinner dishes.... Holding hands on our way to the grocery store....

The joys of marriage. I couldn't wait!

What??

How could it not be that way? I'm 19 years old - I know everything.

So, real world kicks in. Come to find out, John wasn't in to holding hands while grocery shopping.

Washing dishes together?? ....yep, that singing and laughing crap never happened.

It looks more like this....

Yet, don't underestimate the power of love.

Love - let's him see me all frazzled and still think I'm beautiful

Love - gives me patience when he's ill

Love - shows kindness and eats the muffins I burned for breakfast with a smile

Love - is forgiving after an argument over money to pay the bills

Love - compromises and grows after 14 years of marriage...

This LOVE is still a work in progress

and he still takes my breath away when he looks at me with those beautiful blue eyes and gorgeous smile

Remember me???

2009-10-11T20:19:00.003-04:00

Sorry it's been so long since my last post. It seems like our household has been sick forever...
We've passed a stomach virus around for over a week now -on a positive note - my jeans are loose on me ;)

Anyway, promise to do better this week! Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Writer's Workshop

2009-10-01T09:35:00.004-04:00

Another week with Mama Kat! I chose prompt # 1

How I met one of my best friends...
I met Mandy when I was a teenager working at a christian daycare. Even though I have moved a zillion times over the last 15 years, we've always managed to stay in touch.
She's the friend that I can spend 2 hours on the phone with talking about weight or a new hairstyle I want to try and never make me feel superficial for not having anything better to talk about. She's the same girl that drove 2 hours up the road to come get me when I was pregnant with Abby and let me and the kids stay with her for a week. If I need prayer, she's one of the first I call for support. If I need to vent - there she is.
She also has a twisted sense of humor like myself, so when no one else gets what's funny -
I know she will:)

She's the reason I stared a blog - be sure to go check out her's!

We would all be so lucky to have a friend like her!

Friday Funnies... I love Walmart

2009-09-25T07:30:00.002-04:00

For more funny pictures of people at Walmart click here!

All is well...

2009-09-23T08:02:00.003-04:00

FINALLY!!

John went back to work Monday and his back is feeling much better.

The kids are adjusting to their new school good.

They hooked up our Internet service and home phone yesterday.

We have completely unpacked everything :)

Thursday 13 - "K" edition

2009-09-17T11:49:00.003-04:00

If you want to join in on the fun be sure to link up at Kimber's

1. Kids - Started new school today... pray that they love it!

2. Kind - Trying to be to the hubby - he pulled a muscle in his back moving & has been put on bed rest by the doc...

3. Krazy - Yes, that's how we spell it today - the way I feel, soon it will all come together...right??

4. Keebler - The best little elves in the world!! They can make cookies in a tree :)

5. Keep - I think that word was used way too much when packing...

6. Ketchup - A must in our fridge!

7. Kisses - Because they fix everything...

8. Kelly's Korner - I LOVE her blog :)

9. Kindergarten - Abby's grade

10. King - not mentioning any names but who he thinks he is on enough pain meds...

11. Keys - Do I really need all of them??

12. Kitchen - Mine is clean :) ...today anyway :)

13. Karaoke - Some of us should just stick with singing in the shower (I'm one of those!)

Friday Funnies

2009-09-11T08:37:00.004-04:00

If this is your uncle's brother's wife's third cousin's house - please do not be offended. I am only admiring your creativity

This looks legit. Have fun kids!

Stick. Damn you

No worse than hot metal...

If you want to see more go check out thereifixedit.com

***Update*** I did this earlier this morning and then found a blog that does Friday Funnies to link up to...who knew! If you want to play along be sure to go to Homesteaders Heart!

Thursday 13 - "J" Edition

2009-09-10T12:14:00.003-04:00

1. Jennifer - ME!

2. John - The hubby

3. July - The 15th - my birthday! The 28th - Abby's birthday

4. Job- It's out there...I just haven't found it yet...

Jesus - Because He loves me... :)

5. Jeans - It's fall... time to buy some new ones

6. Jokes -Q: Where do you find a one-legged dog? A: Where you left it :)

7. Jello - Strawberry Banana with cool whip

8. Juice - Orange is my favorite

9. Joe's Crab Shack - Mmmmm...

10. Jennifer Aniston - Angelina's not that great...

11. Junk - What all of my stuff looks like as I'm packing

12. Jaws - The ocean's never been the same since...

13. Jen - We're friends now...you can call me that :)

Now be sure to go check out the rest over at Kimber's

Be Different...Act Normal

2009-09-08T12:56:00.002-04:00

Giving some blog love...

Need decorating ideas for fall? Want to make something delicious?

Lorie can find it!

She does several post a day about all these great projects and ideas she's found on other blogs.

Need a crafty guru - go check her out at Be Different...Act Normal!

Random stuff...

2009-09-08T08:42:00.007-04:00

It has been really busy around here... we are in the process of moving. My husband drives over an hour to work each day so we've been looking for something closer to his work. We finally found something in an excellent school district and will save us A LOT of money in gas.. So in a couple of weeks the kids will be starting a new school {the timing is not so great} but I'm sure they'll adjust fine. We are excited... but it wouldn't hurt my feelings if I never see another box again

And.... I'm so honored another award! I've got this one before and to get it twice - well I think that just makes me extra special! {Smile}

Thank you so much to Mama 4 Real, who gave me the Splash award. I LOVE her blog!

You have to go and check it out!

I'm going to cheat on this a little - since it's my second time... and the moving and all...

and just say thanks again to Mama 4 Real!

Writer's Workshop - Friendly Advice

2009-09-03T13:05:00.004-04:00

The Prompts from Mama Kat:

1.) Write about a time when you were wrongly wronged.(inspired by myself.)
2.) Geriatric peeping Tom neighbors? Do tell.
3.) Mommy play dates? What's your experience with mom dating?
4.) The first day of...
5.) Share your friendly advice for someone you think needs it (ie your mother-in-law, other drivers, cell phone users, etc.)

I chose #5...

My friendly advice is for Mrs. "Kindergarten" teacher

Please only listen to half of what my child says. She tells everything. I mean E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G.

*I did not try to give her away at the grocery store. When the sweet little old lady asked how much she (Abby) would cost her to take her home. I said she was priceless.

5 year old translation - free.

Then there's yesterday. The kids are giving Roxy a bath. She gets away from them and takes off down the street. Although we love our dog very much.... the neighbors love for her- not so much.

So, we rush to get herback and obedience is not necessarily her strong point and in frustration John says - I'm going to kill her.

(Back off Peta - It was said out of anger no real intentions)

After 20 minutes of coaxing and begging we finally get the dog back. "We" as in me and John, the kids have already gave up and went in to the house. She is fine and well and securely pinned up in her kennel.

Before bed last night Abby is drawing a picture and I ask our sweet angel what she's working on.

The very attentive Abby tells me - Tomorrow when my teacher ask what we did last night, I'm drawing a picture in case I forget - to tell her that daddy wants to kill the dog...

You think I still got a shot at Room mom???

Thursday 13 "I" Edition

2009-09-03T09:53:00.004-04:00

1. Isabelle - My niece's middle name

2. Icee Stand - Where I first met John. He worked there as a teenager and I went EVERY afternoon until he asked me out.

3. Internet - Thank God for it!

4. Ice Cream: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough is at the top of the list

5. Italian - The closest I come is Ragu Spaghetti...

6. Imagining - My house clean...

7. Icarly - I have 2 girls...what do you expect...

8. Independence Day - Best holiday for BBQ!

9. IHOP - Best breakfast...(I think about food way too much!)

10. Ipod touch- John wants one for his birthday

11. Idea - need one I'm running out of words that start with "I"

12. Idaho - Potatoes ...if all else fails go back to food :)

13. I'm - Done!!

There you go my 13 "I's"

If you are playing along link up at Kimber's...

It's not about the fire...it's about the candy bars

2009-09-02T10:33:00.004-04:00

I've had a couple inquiries about burning down the house...Yes, at eight years old - I burned my house down. Completely to the ground, nothing left...nada.

The stories not really about the house though - it's about the candy bars inside the house. Let me back up a little. I lived with my mother and step-dad. He was a jerk to put it nicely. He was mentally and physically abusive. {FYI - my mother is no longer with him} We were those kids everyone knew what was going on but nobody did anything. Anyway, I don't want to say my childhood was a bad one - that would take away from all the good times - rough maybe but not bad.

Anybody familiar with the school fundraiser where you sell candy bars??? Back in my day, they gave you a case to take home to sell. Well, as a kid we didn't get candy/sweets on a regular basis (holiday or birthday) Not that it's bad, I think it was a good thing. So long story short...I eat the candy bars. ALL of them, never told my mom I had them - just eat them, each and everyone.

Then comes the day I'm home from school sick. My mom's there with my baby brother, we're in her bed and I decide to fix something to eat. Mom worked a lot so it's not out of the norm for me to cook something and take care of my smaller brother and sister. I decide I'm making french fries and turn the stove on to heat up a pot of oil for the fries. I go back in the bedroom with my mom and forget about the oil. Later we hear a popping sound coming from the kitchen...and that's how the fire originates. By the time the firemen got there, the house was gone. My mom lied and told them she had something in the crock pot {I'm sure to avoid a beating for me or her} they determined it an accident and something with the wiring in the kitchen...

Which brings me back to the candy bars and my already guilt stricken self.... first the chocolate and now the fire - I'm going to hell for sure. My morale dilemma brings me to the fork in the road where I have (a.) own up to eating the candy bars or (b.) tell my teacher they melted in the fire. I spent a lot of my childhood living in fear and getting beat for things I didn't do so when I did do something wrong -I was afraid, really afraid.

I went with option B -

It took a while and I finally owned up to it with my mom and now (probably because of me) if you want to participate in the school fundraiser and sell candy bars you must prepay for them first.

Where did he get that from????

2009-09-01T10:45:00.003-04:00

Before dinner last night my kids were actually arguing over who could say grace. What a proud, sweet moment. How well John and I have done - our kids (all three) wanting to say the blessing! {Smiling in pleased contentment}

Then Abby says: [whiny, agitated voice] Why do we have to say the blessing EVERY time we eat??

Then Anthony replies: [the smart, confident boy he is] Because Abby, if we don't - Jesus will make us sick.

Proud parenting moment thrown out the window....

Another award!

2009-08-31T13:03:00.004-04:00

Well, two to be exact. Stacey over at Bloggin it like it is has to be my most favorite person right now! She was kind enough to give me not one but two awards this week!

The Splash Award is given to alluring, amusing, bewitching, impressive, and inspiring blogs.

When you receive this award, you must:

Put the logo on your blog/post.
Nominate & link up to 9 blogs which allure, amuse, bewitch, impress or inspire you.
Let them know that they have been splashed by commenting on their blog.
Remember to link to the person from whom you received your Splash Award.

Ok, here it goes...

1. Life as we know it

2. This blessed life

3. Stanton's Journey to Adoption

4. Day in the life of a girl named Kimber

5. My Little Life

6. Stay at home mom

7. The Bubble...

8. The Mom in Little Man's World

9. Should be Cleaning

The second award - I have to list seven things about myself....hmmm...

1. I have seven brothers and sisters. My parents divorced and remarried so we did not all live in the same house growing up - but yep seven.

2. I try to find humor in everything.

3. I may have burned down our house when I was in 3rd grade (but that's another post!)

4. I love super glue/gorilla glue! There's not too much I can't fix with it...or at least try!

5. Long ago when my 2 oldest were little (before there was google) - if my kids asked me a question and I didn't know the answer - rather than say - I don't know -I'd just make something up. (think Waterboy - Adam Sandler...mama says)

6. I am counting down the days to the Season premiere of House.

7. I believe Happiness is a choice. "This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice & be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 TLB"

Back to school funnies

2009-08-28T21:11:00.004-04:00

What makes John and Jennifer...well, um...John and Jennifer..

2009-08-26T13:05:00.007-04:00

I knew from the minute I met him that he was the one... I loved everything about him. He was adventurous and fearless. A natural leader that commanded attention just by walking in the room. So, we fall in love and he tells me how he loves the fact that I see the world through rose colored glasses and my determination and how I can make him laugh when he's had a hard day...

I'd love to say from there it's been happily ever after but I won't lie to you. ~~I can't, you already know we're in marriage counselling~~. It seems that whenever we came to a fork in the road - our youthful wisdom always led us down the bumpy road. So after many years of mountains to climb, valleys to walk through, burying John's daddy and grandparents, opportunities lost and some just not taken and three kids later - here we are...

The persistence and willfulness that I loved about him looks more like um ... pigheaded and my determination that he was infatuated with just a few years earlier is now seen as stubborn. His adventurous fearless side now seems more like reckless... and me seeing the world through rose colored glasses??....now interpreted as denial.

Do we love each other? Yes. More than anything.

Did we go in to a marriage with unrealistic expectations? Probably.

Katherine Hepburn said it best...Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get - only with what you are expecting to give - which is everything.

I'm just sayin'....

2009-08-25T15:42:00.004-04:00

Maybe I'm guilty of doing too much for my kids...

Not my child

2009-08-24T13:05:00.004-04:00

McMama is hosting her "Not my child Monday", so be sure to go by and check out what every one else's kids are not doing either...

It was not my darling daughter Allison that surprised me with her kindness towards her sister this week. She went by Abby's classroom to check on her several times this past week and make sure she was okay.

...I'm going to pause for a minute and hold that thought in my brain for as long as possible

because it was just this morning that she was telling her (Abby) that we were going to sell her to the circus...

Abby was not extremely disappointed in me for putting the picture of her mad from the first day of school on my blog.

Mama! You can't put that picture of me on your vlog! They'll think I'm mean and nobody will leave me any comments!!

No, this is not her, trying to take a happier more suitable picture of herself for the vlog...

The love for a child

2009-08-22T17:04:00.006-04:00

I've never known the heartache of infertility. I have seen it through my IRL friend Mandy. I've also seen the joy and happiness that adoption brings. I look at sweet little Seth (pictured with Abby) and you can see the love and security that he KNOWS he has from his family. He KNOWS he has a mommy and daddy that would do anything for him and a big sister that would give him the world. Then I read Stephanie's post about her friend Bethany. (who will soon welcome home her sweet little girl from Ethiopia) She and her husband are selling these t-shirts to fund this mission. Did you know the UN estimates there are 6 million orphans living in the country of Ethiopia??? 6 m.i.l.l.i.o.n.
It breaks my heart to think that 6,ooo,ooo sweet little one's out there that are just waiting to feel that love that Seth has and to KNOW that they have a family.
Maybe you're like me ~~fertile mertle~~ and you struggle to pay for your own, much less be able to afford to adopt but you can for $16 make a difference. If you don't have $16 to give, how about putting a button/link on the side for free. :)
Almost forgot! I entered Stephanie's give away for one of these cool t-shirts and WON!!
Thanks Stephanie!

Not me Monday

2009-08-17T09:49:00.012-04:00

Welcome to the blog carnival started by Mcmama - be sure to go check out what everyone else is NOT doing over at My Charming Kids.

No, these are not all three of my sweet kids starting school this morning.

(Anthony's 2nd day)

No, it is not my baby's FIRST day of kindergarten.

No, my confident little 5 year old is not sitting here telling us how pretty all of the boys are going to think she is and how everyone is going to be her friend.

No, I did not document moment by moment of this morning...

And then..... Abby did not realize that she was not staying all day...

She was not mad about having to come home - of course not!

One down

2009-08-15T17:33:00.004-04:00

Mama, pleeeeeze do NOT get out of the car and take my picture - it's embarrassing!!

So, I promised and said of course not son ~~it's only your first day of middle school - my first born at a milestone but whatever!~~

Technically - I didn't get out of the car so I only sort of lied....right???

What I learned on vacation...

2009-08-13T13:40:00.012-04:00

Vacation pictures of this mama of three in a bathing suit should be cropped to a head shot as to not scare away any readers...

Lori and I went here on Wednesday night. Wonderful!! No, there is not one picture from that evening, if fact there is not a single picture of Lori for me to post. Although very pretty, she's not as excited as I am to share herself with blog land...

This is the view from her house, so other than that one night at Oceanic Pier. We stayed on the water. It was a LOT of fun - the sun poison I have now- um, not quite so much...

Ever had one of those moments and you say this would be GREAT on my blog?

Well, I learned every time I had one of those moments - I didn't have the camera...

Instead, when I had the camera I ended up taking pictures of stuff like this...

... and this???

As for any great stories...not much to tell.

We did ~~accidentally~~ get kicked off Government property but I better keep that one to myself!!

So, I leave you with another cropped head shot...

Give away at "this blessed life"

2009-08-11T14:32:00.003-04:00

Go check out Stephanie's blog and enter in her give away and make a difference for an orphan!

My first award!!!

2009-08-10T11:59:00.003-04:00

I am SO honored! Stacey, you little sweety! You've made my day!

Thank you so much for the award!

You must go by and check out her blog!

The rules:

List five current obsessions and pass the award on to five more fabulous blogs

1. Blogging! (Of course) I'm so obsessed that last week while on vacation, I logged on every chance I got because I was afraid I was going to miss something...

2. School clothes shopping. This is a last minute one week obsession, the kids start school next Monday and well, um... I've still got a lot to get...

3. Body Image. I shouldn't be, I know. However just the same, I can talk about weight all day long and would be perfectly content with being as small as Victoria Beckham. Just lack the willpower to get there.

4. Chocolate. Not a good thing considering #3 obsession...

5. Celebrity Gossip. I check TMZ and People.com about as much as I check blogs. I may know more about what's going on in Jennifer Lopez's life than my own brother's.

Ok, now for my five picks... it's hard because I love so many!

1. Stanton's Journey to Adoption - Mandy's a real life friend and she's the one that talked me in to starting my own blog.

2. Mommy Needs Coffee - Jessica is a cute little mommy that's about to pop any day now!

3. My Little Life - I love her! She brightens my day because I know I'm always going to get a chuckle from her post.

4. I'm a REAL LIFE mom - Her tell it like it is wit and charm is a must read!!

5. The Little things in Life - I just found Jolene's blog and she is such a sweetheart!

Ok, I just thought of five more... so people feel free to give me more awards!

LOST on an island

2009-08-06T08:53:00.003-04:00

Ok, I'm not really lost but I'm going to pretend to be when it's time to go home. The kids are at John's sister's this week, so I packed my bags and went with my friend Lori to her beach house on a small island just outside of Wilmington, NC.

I suppose ~~if I must~~ when I get back, I'll have tons of pictures and stories to share...

What are bloggy friends for...

2009-08-04T07:29:00.009-04:00

Bailey has entered her dog, Sadie in the cutest dog competition. Look at her! She is pretty darn cute! Please take a minute (really only take a second) to vote for Sadie. Good luck Sadie!

Maybe they're not as big as it seems...

2009-08-03T14:42:00.004-04:00

School will be starting here in a few weeks. This year Anthony will be starting middle school (really struggling with that) and Abby will be starting kindergarten (really, REALLY struggling with that) We know she's our last, so there's not going to be another child that we'll see make those first steps in to the school ... and then there's Allison, she's 10 going in to the 5th grade but ~~thinks~~ wants to be 18....
what happened to those sweet LITTLE children of mine???

It feels like I'm losing my little one's to "Father time"...
but then I'm reminded that they are not as big as it seems...

Writer's Workshop / My favorite things

2009-07-30T08:19:00.007-04:00

Welcome to Mama Kat's writer's workshop. My choice this week is 7 of my favorite things. Believe it or not, this was hard for me. Like most of you, I'm sure, as a mom your favorite things are put on the back burner...so, it took me a while to come up with my list ...

I LOVE the smell of Marc Jacob's Daisy! John got this for me last year for my birthday.

I love any and everything flip flops! My favorite pair at the moment is these lovely zebra print ones! Aren't they cute!!

It doesn't get any better than a $1 movie from Redbox - some popcorn and Diet Dr. Pepper...

Ok, I told you this was hard for me so I'm going to cheat ( a little) - right now blogging is probably my MOST favorite pass time. So, the next 4 are my top 4 favorite blogs - and it's HARD to narrow it down to 4...

Stanton's Journey to Adoption - She's the reason I even started a blog

I'm a Real Life mom

Mommy Needs Coffee!

Life as we know it

Happy Birthday Abby!

2009-07-28T09:21:00.003-04:00

Look who's 5 today!!

Pray for Stellen

2009-07-27T10:43:00.003-04:00

It's amazing how easy it is to forget these people are strangers... I read your blogs, laugh with you and cry with you. I feel like I know you and yet we've never met... so this morning my heart hurts for Jennifer and her family. Please pray for sweet Stellen.

I'm giddy about...

2009-07-23T11:55:00.003-04:00

I'm participating in Mama Kat's writer's workshop this week, the assignment I chose - What are you giddy about? Inspired by Heather.

I am giddy about a lot of things. It doesn't take much to excite me...

I am giddy about triple coupon day at the grocery store, the new Asian spicy chicken at Wendy's. It is absolutely delicious! My absolute favorite thing right now, that gets me all excited inside - something to really get giddy about....

It's Craigslist's free postings. You know where people post there old junk that they can't stand anymore, rather than sale it for cheap, would just as soon give it away than fool with it. Yep, your trash may be my long awaited for treasure. Sure I check Craigslist ten times a day and maybe it'll take me two months to see that super find that you've posted for free (just for me!)

and yes, I may drive 30 miles down the road just to get my new found prize - oh but it was freeeee!!

Marriage Counselling

2009-07-20T16:20:00.005-04:00

Well, John is back. We've decided to go to marriage counselling. I hope and pray for our sakes and our children's sake that this works. It's going to be hard for me. I've got a little bit of a complex about sitting in front of a stranger - divulging all of my inner most thoughts and them ~~judging~~ guiding me on how to fix it - but for my family, I would do anything :)

3 things you did not know about me

2009-07-16T08:24:00.005-04:00

I am participating in Mama Kat's writers workshop. I love her blog, you must go by and check it out!

1. I did not get my license until I was almost 19. In our state you could get them at 15 but I was very sheltered when it came to driving...so it kind of took me a while... Did you know that driving on the wrong side of the road is automatic failure?? Nothin' gets by me, so it only took me ONE time to figure that one out! I tried for my license 5 different times and yep 6th time is a charm! To really throw irony in there, I somehow landed a job as a Fleet Safety Administrator for CDL drivers at a local company to ensure they were driving safely and up to DOT standards... Just to let you know, this was many years later and I had matured at this point and did a great job - ya'll are all safe out there!

2. I love - LOVE chicken. I can eat it for breakfast, lunch & supper, don't even mind a little chicken nugget for a snack in between. Yes, I'm waiting on feathers to grow.

3. I find humor in everything. E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G. You tell a joke, I laugh. You fall, I laugh (secretly, in my head - so not to hurt your feelings) Weddings, funerals, sickness, health - all of it, not AT them just during them. I find something humorous in it, whether it's - it took Mrs. Daisy dying before they could finally get the blue out of her hair or it's OK ya'll that I had the flu for 12 days, almost died. I lost 10 lbs and look great now...I'm even thinking of contracting a tapeworm to finish off the last few pounds...I don't know why. Sick and twisted? Yes, but it's how I cope. OK.

What do Jessica Simpson and I have in common??

2009-07-15T20:49:00.003-04:00

Well, besides being dumped the day before your birthday and having to smile about it and act like everything is okay...unfortunately nothing...

I guess technically, I wasn't dumped...but my husband did leave and we are on a trial separation...whatever in the heck that's suppose to prove...

So, it's my birthday and I'll cry if I want too - and I have. It hurts. I am not for divorce and certainly DO NOT want to put my children through this but never the less here I am.

I love John with all my heart. We have been married for almost 14 years, grew up together. I've made him my everything and so today I feel lost, hurt and alone...

Blog Hop

2009-07-07T14:17:00.005-04:00

This is the girls, very rarely do they get along and it's hard to get a picture of both of them together (smiling)

***Hope this works...this is my first blog hop. This week, on TUESDAY, 7/7/09, the theme is A FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPH. Post up one of your favorite photographs and a caption that tells the audience about it. Here is a sample: http://mcklinky.blogspot.com/2009/07/mcklinky-photo-blog-on-tuesday-sample.html ***

I'm still working on how to add the list...?? I have to be missing something, I don't think it's suppose to be this hard???

Gotta love Nanny's house!

2009-06-23T11:17:00.002-04:00

Anthony spent last week at Nanny Gwen's house. It's hundreds of acres of fields out in the country, miles of dirt roads with a huge mill pond in the middle. (Plus it's about 30 minutes from the beach so we all love that!) It's one of those places that "takes you back" - if you know what I mean... nothing ever changes, makes you remember how it was when you were a kid.

Can't you just see the excitement on Allison's face?? I'm not sure what she was looking forward to most - the 2 hour trip or seeing her brother...

John with his grandmother aka "Nanny Gwen"

It's miles of dirt roads, all family and your lucky if you pass another car... so we let Anthony and Allison ride in the back...

While Abby drove...

Cameron, Anthony's cousin stayed down there with him last week.
Anthony loved it.

Just random pics at the mill pond...

Truth time Thursday

2009-06-18T07:41:00.003-04:00

It's truth time Thursday and the truth is, I don't want to weigh myself today. I'm one of those people that eats their emotions and since I'm being honest... I have manged to eat sad, angry, happy, excited, scared, and even nibbled on bored a little bit this week when I didn't have anything to do.
I'm going to skip this week's weigh (I know - accountability...)
I'm already back on track, so I'm sure next week's numbers won't be so bad.

Movie time

2009-06-17T08:08:00.006-04:00

We have a season pass for the movies this summer. We go on Thursday's at 10am. It's great, no one's hardly there and the kids know each week that they get to go on Thursday's.
This was Abby's first time at the movies. I was a little nervous of how she would do but she did great. Her observations were: Why do they make the seats so hard to hold down? With her little tail, the seat kept trying to fold up on her. She also decided something that we all already know...you get the BEST popcorn at the movies!

That's my mom with all the kids before the move. Yes, Anthony does look overwhelmed by all the "estrogen" :)

Politically Incorrect....

2009-06-16T09:38:00.007-04:00

A friend and I were talking about how blessed we are and how easily we forget. Their are so many families out there struggling, financially, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. We talked about it for quite a while and I can honestly ~~ashamed to~~ say that's all I did...
I didn't even take the time to pray...

I was privileged enough to represent a former company I worked for on the Chamber of Commerce. Our company had a great outreach program and now with connections with the Chamber of Commerce - we could really make a difference in that little town! (Let me go ahead and say, I do not want to offend anyone affiliated with there local chamber's or any other organization, this was my own personal experience, not ALL are like this) I quickly learned that they spent the first 6 months planning for a festival in June and the following 6 months planning the Christmas Parade.
Really people? Are we still talking about how Joe Blow doesn't need to display all of his stuff on the sidewalk for the festival? How many meetings does it take to decide that there was plenty of parking last year and probably will be plenty of parking this year?? All of these influential people that can really make a difference....
So many times I wanted to say (but didn't) - Any of you ~~assholes~~ thought a food drive might be nice to plan??? I don't know, maybe the fact that Joe Blow's business is going under and he's fixing to file for bankruptcy - he just might NEED to display all his items on the sidewalk to help them sale...

SO, that's my gripe, we're out there talking (me included) wrapped up in the upcoming festival or event - missing our opportunity to do something...
It doesn't have to be complicated, most of us can step outside in our front yard and look to the right or left and see that elderly neighbor that needs their trash taken off, or the kid down the road that doesn't look like they've had a new pair of shoes in forever... How hard is it to smile and give a word of encouragement? Give Joe Blow a break, he's had a hard enough day...

I encourage each of you today to join me in doing (not just talking about it) something extra for someone else....

Truth time Thursday...

2009-06-10T21:03:00.003-04:00

Straight to the point - I weighed and 148. Much better this week! Slowly but surely! I am also going to start measuring by the inches I lost to help me from getting discouraged on the weeks the scales want to act up... Thanks Amber for the tip!

Goodies!!

2009-06-09T20:37:00.006-04:00

I was lucky enough to win some fun stuff from 62 cards last week for having her button on my blog!

Look at all my cute stuff!

Please take a moment to go check out her Etsy shop, besides all the great crafts, Sammye Jo is a super sweet girl and I love reading her daily post!

I thought it was summer vacation??

2009-06-09T13:36:00.004-04:00

The positive to being unemployed right now is summer vacation. I was so excited, thinking the kids and I can go to the water park, we can go stay with family at the beach for a week here and there, or just lay around the house watching movies...

taking it easy...

Are you laughing yet??

Truth time Thursday

2009-06-04T09:11:00.002-04:00

I guess I'll get straight to it, ya'll I am fat. The scales told me so this morning. I have gained back the two pounds I lost last week. After three weeks and now only three pounds... I'm kind of leaning toward going to the GNC Store and getting some diet pills...

Woo hoo for Anthony!!

2009-06-02T10:00:00.006-04:00

It was the 5th grade's award ceremony yesterday. I can't believe Anthony will be going to middle school next year... It seems like yesterday that I was walking him down the hall to kindergarten. First of all, I'm going to blame it on "that time of the month" ~~(TMI...I know)~~ but I was so overwhelmed with emotion. John, Abby and I went to his award's show and I was crying before we even got in there, between watching my littlest one walk down the halls of the school and knowing she will be here next year and my oldest one going to middle school...they're just not babies anymore...

Well, the award show starts - the chorus sings a couple of sappy songs about saying goodbye and growing up and my mascara is now covering my cheeks more than my lashes. Abby has past the point of embarrassed and asked to move and go sit with grandma. (I think John wanted to move too..)

They give pins out for the highest average of the year in Math, Science, etc.. (all the subjects) and then there's Most Improved, Creative award, Honesty award and so on...

Now for my time to brag....

Highest average of the year in Math - Anthony Causey

Highest average of the year in Language Arts - Anthony Causey

Highest Average of the year in Science - Anthony Causey

Highest Average of the Year in Health - Anthony Causey

Our little man received an award for the highest average in EVERY subject plus he received the Spelling Bee award (class winner) and some video award - he operates the camera for the school news and a Creative writing award and a Leadership award.

I just thought I was crying before... I am now at full blown hysterical cry (you know the kind with snorts and bobbing head)

There goes John, he's moved and pretending not to know me either...

Anyway, here's the best pictures I could get of Anthony ~~as he's leaving and going back to class~~

~~and telling the kids around him he's never seen me before in his life~~

Great job Anthony!

My Girls

2009-06-01T21:36:00.011-04:00

Ever had one of those days when you realize your little girl has turned in to a little young lady??

Where has the time went?

Allison is such an animal lover...any and all kinds...

and that is why it broke my heart to see her so upset when our rabbit Peanut died the other day....

Abby's question of the day...

Before you got old mom, did you know how to have fun??

So what is worse, being called old or no fun???

Truth time Thursday

2009-05-28T10:37:00.002-04:00

Ok, I've weighed myself and I have lost another 2 pounds. I'm tickled this week because that moves me out of the 150's and into the 140's! Yes, it's still just 149 but it's in the 140's!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-27T09:58:00.001-04:00

Gratitude

2009-05-26T10:31:00.001-04:00

I have had a really long weekend and not in a good way...

Just when I think I can't handle one more thing - there it is...
I'm still struggling with the fact that I'm on unemployment, it's still hard to deal with the "not take it personal" that you got laid off from a job that you worked so hard at and loved...
Financially right now is tough and I know it's that way for a lot of people right now..
It still doesn't make it any easier when I have to tell my child no, because I know that we can't afford it.
As far as my husband right now...Lord knows I love him but that's still not taking away the urge I have to run him over with my car...
(Wouldn't really! Just nice to imagine...)
Oh yeah, I'm still hungry...and why do I torture myself to be thin?? Who are "they" that decided I would be a prettier person at a smaller size???

Anyway enough of my pity party...I found this quote on the internet, so I'm going to try to have a better attidude...

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.
-- Melody Beattie

Here goes,

I'm thankful that I have a Father in Heaven that I can kneel down to and pray in times of need and KNOW that He is there.

I'm thankful for my husband and my children, that they are all healthy and love me and know how much they are loved by me.

I'm thankful for the home we do have and the payment that we struggled to make but DID make.

I'm thankful that I am struggling with money right now, therefore can't afford to go to get a Chocolate Shake from Chick Fil A ~~that I'll just regret later~~
Ok...maybe I'm not so thankful for the last one :)

Give away

2009-05-21T19:10:00.002-04:00

KK's Kreations is having a give away of 3 of her engraved tiles. They're absolutely beautiful! Be sure to go by her blog and sign up for a chance to win!

Truth time Thursday...

2009-05-21T07:05:00.003-04:00

Well, I weighed myself this morning and after a long week of passing up all food good...reading blogs of recipes and daydreaming about eating them...yes people, this girl is hungry
I have lost 3 pounds.
I'm disappointed, I guess I should be glad that I lost something that clearly come out of my elbows because my fat roll is still smiling at me bigger than ever
Oh well, maybe next week I'll be a size 6....
Unrealistic goals you say??? Surely not!
My plan this week (I think) is to get serious on the Atkins diet. I know it works, my friend Mandy did it and has had great results and kept it off.
Will see...

Yard work

2009-05-19T14:58:00.009-04:00

Times are hard... so yes, we believe in free child labor...

What's that??

I know what you're thinking...no, the blade is not on

Like I said, times are hard...so I'm willing to rent my "yard help" out for a small fee...

I'm just kidding, I would never do such a thing...

(unless the money was right)

...still kidding for anyone who is gasping right now :)

Afternoon fun

2009-05-19T14:53:00.006-04:00

John and Anthony playing with Roxy in the yard last night.

Happy Birthday!

2009-05-15T17:49:00.010-04:00

Today is Tiffany's birthday (John's sister, aka Aunt Tiff)

Happy Birthday!

Hope to see you soon!It is also my niece's birthday too...

Happy 2nd birthday Kayli!

Truth time Thursday....

2009-05-14T15:29:00.003-04:00

I have been struggling with my baby weight for quite sometime...Ok, maybe you can't call it baby weight when she'll be five in July...
I've been up and down trying to get off 25 pounds, shed 10 - gain back 15...
So, here's truth time...I am about to tell you exactly what I weigh...

Umm, might take me a minute to get this one out...my drivers license still say 120lbs (as if I'm fooling anybody) When I went to get them renewed, the lady at the DMV asked if I'd like to update anything...address??weight?? I boldly looked her straight in the eyes and said - No, everything's correct ~~and waddled my butt out of there~~

Anyway...I'm telling you all of this hoping that if I post weekly updates, that it will give me some sort of accountability. So every Thursday I'll post my progress - good or bad.
I'm still not sure if I'm ready to tell you exactly how much I weigh...

Ok, here goes..I'm 5'4 (and a half) cause that half makes me feel better about my BMI and 154lbs.
Breathe Jennifer breathe...there I said it. Now please pray for my success ~~and that miracle weight loss shake that taste like chocolate cake that'll make you lose 10 lbs instantly~~

"Not me!" Monday

2009-05-11T11:50:00.006-04:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was all started by Mckmama. If you want to see what everyone else is not doing check out her blog.

No, I did not eat everything in sight yesterday in the name of "Mother's day rights"

No, I did not swear off all and anything carb or sugar related this morning to make me feel better about yesterday...and then give my child a Swiss Roll, sit her in front of the TV watching Noggin just so I can get on the computer...not me

Who knew...

2009-05-09T21:09:00.005-04:00

Who knew....

Click here

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-09T20:13:00.002-04:00

Girls night out

2009-05-09T20:06:00.009-04:00

I took the girls to Mandy's for a "Girl's night". They had a ball!

Ok, girls night out plus Seth...but he's too little to know that he's not a girl!

They begged all night to get in...only to stay in for five minutes.

Yucky weather

2009-05-04T19:46:00.003-04:00

It's been raining here off and on all day...

So, yes...that's Anthony on his skateboard in the house!!

"NOT ME!" Monday

2009-05-04T11:53:00.003-04:00

This is my first "Not me Monday", I'm still relatively new to the blog world and have been following Stellan and McMama's journey. Glad to see Stellan home!!

No, I am not that parent that would take her child to the grocery store in her Little Mermaid outfit just so I could have a peaceful shopping experience...NOT ME!
No, my daughter did not ignore everyone in the store that spoke to her unless they acknowledged her as "Ariel"... and no she did not walk through the store with a wiggle the entire time as if she was walking on land for the first time...NOT HER!

Future photographer

2009-05-02T21:51:00.006-04:00

Allison took these pictures of our pets. Our rabbit Peanut and our dogs Roxy and Gret.

Simple forms of entertainment...

2009-05-02T21:29:00.009-04:00

Allison making a wish

On the water at my mom's

Busy Mom's Tip # 7 Carry a spare pair of shoes in the car at all times

2009-04-28T19:51:00.003-04:00

I stay so busy trying to juggle 50 million things at one time and you want to give 110% to each and everyone…it’s been a little easier for me since I’ve been home but it still gets chaotic…
Reason for tip # 7 happened last summer…

Alarm goes off at 5:30am, I’ve got to get ready for work – in the mean time get Anthony & Allison up and ready for school. Wake up Abby to take to daycare, after a very hectic hour and a half we’re off to the car…
All 3 kids? Check
Clothes, fed, backpacks? Check
Laptop, cell phone & office keys? Check
Buckled up? Check

And we’re off…
Go to drop off my sweet little eccentric Abigail at daycare and something’s just not right…
Backpack? Already checked
Cute little sundress? Check
Dora helmet on? Check
Matching knee pads? Check

She looks at me with those sad eyes and says, “Mommy, you’re not going to let me wear shoes today??”

Which led me to tip #7

Patience is a virtue

2009-04-26T12:28:00.000-04:00

Patience with others is Love,

Patience with self is Hope,

Patience with God is Faith.

Allison and Roxy

2009-04-26T09:12:00.001-04:00

Date night

2009-04-26T09:03:00.001-04:00

We are breeding our dog Gretchen, for the first time.

This is her before the "big date"

Getting acquainted...

After...

How cute will those puppies be??

Daddy's little helper

2009-04-26T08:49:00.001-04:00

Abby is helping her daddy wash the truck. She’s getting ready to squirt ~~John~~…I mean the tires.

2009-04-26T08:46:00.000-04:00

So Sweet...

2009-04-26T08:42:00.001-04:00

So sweet......when they're sleeping

Precious moments...

2009-04-24T08:49:00.000-04:00

You would never know from these sweet little faces that just an hour before this, they were fighting like cats and dogs...

Abby and Roxy

2009-04-24T08:47:00.001-04:00

Play date buddies

2009-04-23T17:11:00.001-04:00

This is Abby's play date friend Seth.

How cute are they??

To follow Seth's adventures - http://stantonsjourneytoadoption.blogspot.com/

Did you know???

2009-04-23T10:17:00.001-04:00

Abby is at least three different characters a month...

Allison is the chef of the family...

and we can't seem to get Anthony out of the tree...

Just to update you...

2009-04-22T12:21:00.000-04:00

Abby is our baby (4) ... she keeps us on our toes. To me, she is her daddy in personality and looks. She has such a zest for life. She's a natural born leader and to be the smallest in this clan... she always seems to be the one running the show.

2009-04-22T12:13:00.000-04:00

Allison is our second (10) ... She is a perfect mixture of her dad and I. She's the most honest of the bunch and so quick to tell you what she thinks! :) She's my dependable one, I can count on her to be there to help me with whatever I need.

Just to update you...

2009-04-22T12:05:00.000-04:00

Anthony is our oldest (11) and to smart for his own good...

or should I say for us...he's the kid that knows everything.

We're very proud of him. He's polite and respectful -just a great boy!