MarytheKaytheBlog

How NOT to celebrate your birthday, so you end up celebrating it REALLY WELL

Here's the big news I alluded to last week...  I have some dear friends in my hometown who surprised me with a birthday getaway (it is the BIG 4-0, you know!) this weekend.  It all started a couple of months ago, when a couple of them started asking about what kind of big blowout party I wanted.  I really didn't want any big kind of celebration...  I am not a center-of-attention kind of girl, nor am I a life-of-the-party kind of girl.  Don't get me wrong--I am the life of my OWN party all the time!  But, the thought of tons of people showing up to celebrate me, kind of made my stomach hurt, and my palms a little sweaty.  Plus, all the thank you notes?  I still haven't finished the ones from December... 

I'm being a little overly dramatic.  But, I asked my friends if we could instead just do a girls' night of dinner and a movie?  Yeah, they thought it was lame, too.  Little did I know they started e-mailing, and chatting amongst themselves about planning a getaway weekend.

But, all they told me a couple of weeks ago was to pack my bags and be ready for a busy weekend of FUN.  (And to shave my legs, because just maybe there would be a pedicure involved.)

And, now...we're back and all happily exhausted from all of the talking, eating, and shopping--you know--a girl's favorite 3 things!!

I hope to post a few pictures tomorrow...  Also tomorrow I want to tell you a little bit more about what this weekend has meant to me.  Because if I were to talk about it tonight when my heart is utterly overflowing with gratitude and love for these friends, I would become a blubbering mess. 

And did I mention that these dear friends also invited my 2 sisters?  Inviting and encircling my sisters with friendship love may have meant more than any of it.  Loving my sisters is like loving a part of me. 

In lieu of all the blubbering mess, how about I just give you a whirlwind tour of our weekend? 

We left Friday morning, drove through Arkansas and picked up 1 of my sisters at Chick Fil-A (how convenient!  Right at lunch!)  We arrived in Dallas!! just in time for rush hour traffic.  After praising Jesus, and waving at the nice fella who even waved at us out his window, we arrived safely at our hotel in Frisco, where we met my other sister.  We had a yummy dinner at Uncle Julio's, especially enjoying the complimentary mini sopapillas for dessert. 

That dinner satisfied 1 of my 5 favorite Dallas food groups:  Mexican, Pei Wei, Cheesecake Factory, What a BURGER, and CPK.  I know you are blown away by my sophisticated palette, but I am just keeping it real here.    

Saturday morning, we woke up and headed to the very lovely Aveda Spa for some pedicures.  I chose the charming, and oh-so-appropriate Up at Noon color.  (I'm sure my mom will send a hearty "Amen" to that appropriate name!)  After a little pampering and a little Pei Wei, we spent the afternoon hitting up some of my favorite stores--Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Williams & Sonoma, Half Price Books, The Container Store (aka, Heaven).  That night was topped off in our jammies, with Cheesecake Factory cheesecake on our laps, in front of a movie back at the hotel.  What could be better than that?  A better movie, perhaps...  Right, girls?

Before the evening ended, the girls passed out gift sacks to each of us.  Inside each was the darlingest black and red aprons ever!!!  Custom made, with the cutest little red ruffles at the bottom--and MONOGRAMMED!!!  The girls explained that the last part of the surprise weekend was a trip to a wonderful bakery, where we would have lessons on sugar cookie and cupcake techniques.  Perfect, perfect, perfect!  Those girls know me so well!

Hopefully, tomorrow I will get to post a few pictures from the weekend's adventures.  It's time to let you go for now, though it's hard to let you go, in the Father's hands we know...

Cause a lifetime's not too long, to live as friends.

A confessional sandwich...not as good as chicken salad, but slightly better than a Spamwich

I'm going to make some confessions today.  I feel like we've gotten to know each other pretty well so far, and I'm ready to take things to the next level.  I mean, if you are gracious enough to stop by for a chat, I need to let you know (what a dork I am) some annoying things about me.  If these confessions don't scare you off, I would be ever so grateful if you'd stop by again.  I have some really FUN things to tell you about next week.  I bet there will even be PICTURES...  But, enough about that.  I need to get these confessions off my chest...

1st confession:

I'm just gonna say it quickly and get it over with:  I still use a curling iron.  I mean, I try so hard to be hip and cool, but I just cannot get a flat iron to work with me.  I watch my stylist (that word sounds so much better than beautician, doesn't it?  If I can't be cool and use a flat iron, at least I can say I have a stylist.)  Anyway, I watch my stylist so carefully as she whips that flat iron around my hair...but when I get home and try to whip my wrist around this way and that, I look like I have a weird tick in my arm.  And my hair either looks flat like I slept on the floor, or the ends flip up like little fins on a dolphin. 

And while we're at it, I might as well tell you that I kind of like (said in a whisper) my hair fixed with a curling iron.  I guess I just cannot get those glorious 1980s out of my system.  ...But, I do want you to know that I will continue to TRY.  I promise that my personal tragedy will not affect my ability to do good hair.

2nd confession: 

I am a loud movie laugher.  I mean LOUD.  If you have ever been in the theater of a funny movie, and there was someone really obnoxiously loud laughing at every single thing...well, that was me.  I always warn--and apologize in advance--whoever is with me.  I just cannot help myself.  Comedy writers would get a total ego boost to have me in their movie theaters.  In fact, my one moment of fame was in the audience of the Oprah show several years ago.  Yep, there is a millisecond shot of me guffawing, head thrown back, and not in an attractive way.  I'm sure the producer had moments before spoken in the ear of the camera guy, "Pan right and get a shot of the dorky girl laughing at every single thing."

Here are some movie lines that about made me fall out of my chair as I was guffawing at the movie theater.  Even now, as I type them, I cannot help myself.  They are just so FUNNY to me!  Can you guess the movies?

A HOT DOG is singing.  You need quiet while a hot dog is singing?

 

If you have to go, just...go!

What? What am I, five years old? This is my car!

It's only a Volvo.

People don't just *go* in Volvos.

I'll buy you another Volvo.

No, besides, that is the only thing you'll ever remember about me...that I am the woman who *went* on the front seat.

Well, that would be hard to forget.

And then, in the same movie...

What baby?  WHAT? BABY????

 

 

Can I refill your eggnog for you? Get you something to eat? Drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead?

Oh, and the black turtleneck dickie...I really WAS falling out of my chair laughing so hard, tears streaming down my face.  (Right, Gina?)  You know what?  That was a CLASSIC moment in cinematographic history.  Let's just pause a moment and savor it:

And, on that note, I'll stop the confessions for now.  There are plenty more to make.  But, with my training in education classes in college, I was taught to "sandwich" those negative things you need to tell a student.  So, in closing, I will sandwich my terrible confessions with something really great about myself:

In high school, my parents and I drove to Dallas for me to take a really fancy 2-day aptitude test.  After all of the written tests, little skills "games," and oral interviews, I was excited to find out about my TRUE GIFTS, my aptitudes.  As the psychologist stepped into the room and placed the bar graph in front of me, I immediately saw that one of the black lines went all the way across the page.  I was even more excited when he started with that category.  He told me I had gotten a 99% in that category, which, evidently, means with 99% certainty, I would make an excellent FACTORY WORKER.  Honestly, I am not pulling your leg.  After my parents had paid so much money for the aptitude test, as well as travel expenses, they were told their daughter's best aptitude was assembly line work. 

Now, let me state right here that I am in no way knocking assembly line work...Because, funny enough, there is nothing more soothing to me than doing the same action over and over again, like collating papers.  Love it.  But...since it looks like this computer stuff is going to stick around for a while, and all you modern people are trying to save the trees, it looks like my future as a professional paper collator is greatly diminished.  I'd better stick to typing out this ole blog of mine...

Ya'll come on back now, ya hear!

On raising good girls...it's the little things

 

My husband and I work hard (and pray hard) to raise girls who love Jesus in this crazy world of ours.  We are raising them in our local Baptist church, surrounded by good people who also love Jesus.  We understand that our girls are growing up somewhat in a little bubble...and honestly, we'd love to keep it that way as long as possible.  That's not to say that we don't want them to get their hands dirty, or rub shoulders out in the world.  We try to provide lots of opportunities to serve, and walk alongside, and encourage those who don't look like us, or talk like us.  We just want those little bubbles to cushion and protect them as they're bumping around in the dirt and grime of the world.

 

I giggled yesterday, and my heart just smiled a great big grin, right in the drive-thru of Wendy's.  I felt like I had been given little glimpse into the simple-faith heart of our 5-year-old daughter.  And, even though it's silly, I sure liked what I heard.  And saw. 

 

I had bought Sara Beth a Kid's Meal just how she likes--cheeseburger, pickles only, oranges, and a chocolate frosty (calcium, you know). 

 

As we were pulling out of the drive-thru, my sweet little Baptist girl shot her arm high in the air and yelled out, '"HALLELUJAH!!!  I got a bonus!  There's a FRY in here!"

 

And, as a Baptist girl myself, and fellow lover of the fry, I raised my right hand in agreement, and cried out, "Amen, sister!"

It's the little things...

 

WFMW: Ahhh, Organized Travel Tips!

 

Tools of the (organized) travel trade:

Nothing can make me shriek, "Eeeeek!" more than traveling with kids cross-country in a minivan.  However, I have learned a couple of tricks that help me say, "Ahhh."  (A little help in the form of caffeine and snacks from every gas station along the way doesn't hurt, either....  However, those things make my husband say, "Eeeeeek!  So there's a mighty fine balance to navigate.) 

 

1.  Travel Bag - Since we're talking about travel in a car (rather, minivan), my favorite favorite travel bag is this one:  It's Vera Bradley, and let me just state here that I am not making any money whatsoever by linking to this amazing site.  However, if Vera finds it in her dear heart to compensate me with any of her products, I would not object.  No mam.  Anything Vera would do, too.  I love it all! 

You might think this duffel is too expensive for a weekend travel bag, but I will say that it is a hardy bag.  I've had mine for over 10 years, and it shows little to no wear.  You can toss it in the washer, if needed.  What's not to love about a darling bag that lasts?  Plus, Vera puts her discontinued fabrics on sale several times a year.  I bought my daughter a large duffel at Christmas, and paid half price!

 

2.  Pop-up Laundry Basket- Ohhhh, can you feel my love here?  This is one of my FAVORITE things.  However, please let me give the proper credit.  My sweet sister-in-law, whom I actually call one of my sisters, gave me one of these several Christmases ago as one of her "Favorite Things" gifts.  Indeed, it is!  This folds up into a teeny tiny thing, so that tucking it into your bag for a trip is easy. (I actually store mine in my travel bag, so I never forget it!)  Once you arrive at your destination, pop out (literally) this magical tool, and the organization of your hotel room is well underway!  Having a laundry basket on a trip gives the whole family a place to throw the dirty laundry...instead of, you know, the bathroom, under the bed, in front of the door...  Once you're ready to leave, just grab the full laundry basket, and stuff it in the car.  Because it is mesh, it will squeeze into any ole place you want it.  (You can purchase these at Wal-Mart in the "laundry aisle."  For some reason, I couldn't find it on Walmart.com.)

 

 

3.  Bins, Bins, and more Bins!- Can a girl own too many organization bins?  The answer to that question is "No!"  For car trips, I typically pack 3 bins.  1 bin for each of my daughters as her "Travel Bin"--in which I pack books to read, coloring books, a ziploc of crayons and sharpened pencils, a notebook, a couple of toys, and a small dvd player and movies.  The 3rd bin I pack with snacks and travel medicines (I always travel with Motrin, cough syrup, Benedryl, diaper cream, and Aquaphor.)

I like these collapsible bins from Target.  They're lightweight, and easy to store when not in use.

 
Happy organized travels, friends!  And, that is just redundant, isn't it?  Happy travel IS organized!!

 

Linked up with:

Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family

 

 

 

Mommy-phemisms...OR: How to Keep Mean Mommy in Check

 

I have a bridge.  No, I don’t mean the mouth kind.  Geez, I only just turned 40, give me a coupla years!

 

I mean a bridge inside my brain that connects Nice Mommy and Mean Mommy.

 

With enough sleep, cold Coca Colas, an occasional chocolate, and smiling, obedient children, the Nice Mommy is very happy to oblige.

 

However.  If any of the above items is hijacked, the bridge is one-way.  And Mean Mommy is back in business.

 

Here are some examples of my bridge.  I am sure educated, linguist kind of people would say, “Hey lady!  Those are called ‘euphemisms’.” 

 

Okay smarty people, so here are the euphemisms ahem, Mommy-phemisms:

 

Nice Mommy:  “Take a deep breath…”

Mean Mommy:  “Oh, suck it up!”  *

 

Nice Mommy:  “Mommy needs a break…”

Mean Mommy:  “Leave. Me. Alone.”  *

 

Nice Mommy:  “Use your inside voice, darling.”

Mean Mommy:  “SHUT UP”  *

 

*Lest you judge me, and think that I actually ALLOW Mean Mommy to say any of those horrible, horrible things…  Let me reassure you that, mostly, I do not.  Sometimes, I leave the room, and only utter them through clenched teeth, usually in my closed bathroom--to myself--as I have this very scary, as in should we lock her up? conversation with myself about how I cannot do this anymore, Lord, please help me, help me, because these children are driving me crazy, and if I do not get a break soon I am going to have to, have to, I don’t know, get on the treadmill and run a mile, or run away….

 

See what I mean about scary conversation?

 

What are your Mommy-phemisms?  And what do you do to keep Mean Mommy in check?

 

 

And, now, a word from our sponsors:

 

 

Just look what my SWEET SISTER (Nice Sister) brought me this weekend!

 

Sweet Sister + Cookies = Nice Mommy

 

 

And LOOK at what NICE HUSBAND made for me!

Nice Husband + Perfecting his grilling techniques = A Full, Nice Mommy

 

One more thing...

 

Why is daughter clinging to her daddy?

 Get ready--I'm throwing some COMPLEX addition at ya:

 

 

Nice daddy + Taking his girls skating + Happy, grinning daughters + Mommy at home 

= HAPPY MOMMY

 

 

the end.

 

 

Monday Monday....or just another Manic Monday?

Well, hello, Monday.  I see you've knocked Saturday and Sunday out of the way again.  You're mean that way.  You just can't leave them alone, can you?  You know what, though?  I ain't scairt a you.  Cause I have a plan, that's why.  And it is written on a delightful little pad of paper--in INK.  So, there!

Who loves a Monday morning list?  Sunday night almost always always sneaks up on me with all of the TASKS for a good Monday morning.  I mean, there's the lunch to make, the uniform to iron (well, first ya have to make sure it's WASHED, ya know?).  The carpool texts to peck out.  (My husband cannot for the life of him figure out why we don't just call each other and work it out in one simple call?  Men can be so straight-forward, can't they?)  Oh, but back to the Sunday night insanity...Then, there's the preschool outfit to put out.  And, when said preschooler is picky about only wearing soft clothes, and preschooler mother just can't allow her darling little preschooler to wear what looks like pajamas to her (she just can't do it), and same preschooler parents try to live on a clothing budget...Well, you get the picture.  There are only a couple of Gymboree outfits to choose from which have the matching curly Q barrettes.  (That sentence could actually be funny, or metaphorical, if only it weren't true!)

Oh my.  I just can't type out a simple list, can I? 

And this list just gets me GIDDY.  Because it involves words like "Lowes" and "Target" and "spray paint."  Do those words have the same effect on you?  I can guarantee you I will be breezing out the door with list in hand, a grin on my face, shuttling my preschooler to her carseat for carpool...all on a Monday morning, no less! 

Want to see my Monday list? 

Lowes

wooden rods

finials (fence post?)

brackets

brown "hammered" spray paint

black spray paint

Target

exchange lamp?  measure smaller one

purchase different style? 

If you can guess what happy projects my list encompasses (that's a serious word for a Monday, isn't it?) you can be the Monday Monday! Big! Winner!  (Need a hint?)  And just as I tell either my co-op students, or the students at my daughter's Valentine party...when I have forgotten to bring prizes, and they ask, "What did we win?" 

Well, you win satisfaction. And of course, bragging rights. 

OR, I have an even BETTER IDEA.  You can record yourself singing either Monday song in today's title, and I will POST IT.  Yes mam, I will.

Happy Weekend...Tomorrow's not just tomorrow. It's like the future ya' know?

A couple o' links, a couple o' thoughts

 

 

Oh my goodness!  I stumbled onto this post by Ann Voskamp.  I sit here and keep trying to type an explanation of her post, and her blog...but just go read, and be blessed.  I have no adequate words to describe the picture she paints...But, as I read, I kept thinking that this is how I feel as a mom sometimes...  While you're on her site, stay and look around awhile.  May your heart be blessed by the soft music, and peace-filled words.

 

 

 

What perfect timing!  As I redecorate our Master Bedroom, a dear friend sent me a link to the ever-beautiful The Nesting Place.  Today's post is about helping to make your bedroom a place you want to BE. 

 

 

 

Speaking of redecorating our Master Bedroom...my mom and sister are coming over tomorrow to see the room so far.  Ruh Row!!  (Name that cartoon dog of my childhood)  Actually, I'm so excited to get their opinions, and see if they can help me decide on a headboard and artwork for over the headboard.

 

Here's the REAL Ruh Row:  Since they are coming tomorrow (morning, probably), I still need to iron 2 more curtain panels and put up....AND, of course the bed skirt I slaved over and slaved over last night DID end up looking dippy.  Sooo, now I have to pull the more tailored bed skirt out of the 3 inch package and IRON IT.  And put it on the bed.  Which always makes me instantly sweat, and also think words that are not kind and loving.  Nasty bad thick cushiony mattress that I have.

 

So, on that note, I should sign off and get that ironing board set up!

 

Happy weekend, everyone! 

Bedroom Makeover on a Shoestring...a few new elements!

(Just in case you missed the embarrassing BEFORE pictures, go ahead and catch up--and get your snickering out of the way...)

I've been skittering around here and there, picking up a few things for our Master Bedroom...always keeping the shoestring budget in mind!  No, this is not the big reveal yet.  But, I did think it would be fun to show you a few things!

In a room, there is nothing I love more than good organization.  I saw these hooks at Hobby Lobby yesterday, and I couldn't leave them in the store.  Plus, they were 50% off--what a bonus!!  I plan to anchor them just to the side of my dresser, and hang necklaces on them. Oh, and don't you know the necklaces will be sorted by color, yes mam.

 

Here are a couple of clear acrylic lamps that I have been eyeing FOREVER at Target.  I can't walk down the aisle without running my fingers over their smooth, cool surfaces, and imagining them in my room.  Tomorrow, I plan to make all of that imagining a reality!  Also, their "scale" is much bigger/better than my old one. Which one is your favorite?

Oh, and a lampshade?  Check.  And, lucky me--I found this one all by itself on the Clearance shelf.   Would you believe me if I told you it was marked $3.24?  See for yourself...but, you're going to need a magnifying glass! 

 
I also picked up a few fabrics for a little project...  However, after getting them home, I am not sure this little project will work...  Oh how I love pretty fabric!   I wanted to buy about a yard each of about 356 different gorgeous fabrics in the upholstery section, and tack them all to my walls.  But, I only had time to wait on these 5 to be cut.  My picture of them doesn't do their colors any favors... Sorry about that.

Lastly...I still need some inspiration for artwork--or something--over the bed.  I have a few ideas, but nothing is inspiring me yet.  Any suggestions?  Here's a peek at the space:  (Still debating over headboard options, too)

Ahhhh, isn't that the prettiest duvet cover you've ever seen?  I'm not bragging here--I didn't make it.  I'm just bragging on Pottery Barn for putting it in their catalog so my mom could see it and order it for my birthday.  Smile.  (That birthday present totally helps the shoestring budget cause!)

And now, back to ironing the bed skirt that I may or may not keep.  Can I tell you how utterly depressing that will be to me if I decide it looks dippy--after spending hours and hours slaving over a hot iron?  And then trying to find the one and only way to fold it in order for it to fit in the 3 inch package!  Enough talking, and back to the ironing...

This is actually the curtain...

 

The end.

 
 
 

Throwback Thursday...Our journey through time has taken a most excellent turn!

'Cause it's Thursday, and you know--not Friday...Let's shake things up a bit and start a conversation about our Glory Days.  You already must know I graduated from high school in the 80's...if you can do the math in your head (which I cannot), deducing that since I just turned 40, I've been out of high school...well...a long time!

Here--I have (embarrassing) photo evidence that I was in high school in the Glorious 1980s:

Nothing says the 1980s like a bold, bright print, some shoulder pads (remember the removable velcro kind?) and Liz Claiborne--my 80's signature style.  I do believe this entire outfit AND classic "plastic" purse (embossed all over with the tiny triangles--the famous logo) are PURE Liz Claiborne.  Oh, how I loved shopping MM Cohn's back in the day, and finding a new line of Liz had just arrived!  Too bad my shoes don't show in this picture...I am quite sure they were Nina leather flats.  I had them in every color.  

And that pink Swatch?  Let's have a moment of silence for the Swatch. 

It is a crying shame that my hair does not show up in this picture.  I bet we could all get out our rulers and measure the dizzying height of my bangs. The 1980s were gracious years for a girl with a widow's peak.  I barely needed the green-top aerosol White Rain to get any height.  I just sprayed it to oblivion to hold every hair in place in case there was any wind.  And, as I'm sure you remember, if there was wind, whole sections of hair would bob up and down in the current.

Here is a delightful pic to show some hair height.  It also illustrates how I have always been a dork.  My dorkness goes back a long way...

Right in the front I bet I had a good 3 inches, don't you think?  It's difficult for me to talk ugly about my bangs here, because I feel like this was a really good hair day.  Even 30 years later, I am really appreciating how beautifully those bangs are feathering back.  Nice.

So, the Kotex...It's a little funny that I posed so elegantly with a package of maxi pads.  It's REALLY funny that I actually convinced someone to TAKE the picture!  However, in that poor person's defense, when I think something is going to be funny, it is really hardimpossible to convince me otherwise.

 

Okay, enough embarrassing pictures.  Let me show you my sweet ride--my first car:

Ah, yes.  The Ford Bronco II.  In red, of course.  I especially like how skinny this picture makes me look.  Which, of course I was.  Why do all girls in high school think they are too big, when 30 years later they would give ANYTHING to look like that again?

Goodness gravy--enough about ME.  Tell me about YOUR Glory Days!  I would love to start a conversation!  Here are some words to get you started:

In your Glory Days, what were some of the Sounds?

Smells?  (Noxema, anyone?)

Favorite Sights? (Jelly bracelets?  Tight wad jeans? Lesley Lucks dresses?)

Tastes? (Sonic mini burgers after school?  On the cool side, of course!)

Feel? (Banana clip holding your hair?  Folding a note to pass after class...)

And as I sang along loudly, back in the day...Hasta la vista, baby.

WFMW: I’m not trying to invent the chicken, just the chicken flavor

Magical Chicken Bouillon…

 

Around our house, I need things fast, and I need them easy.  Now, back in junior high, my mama told me those were not appropriate adjectives for a good girl like me.  But, in describing my household and kitchen habits, those are good words.  And chicken bouillon, if that’s the case—you’re a little hussy!

 

I always have chicken bouillon on hand, and use it many ways.  Here are my 3 favorite:

 

1.  Fast, homemade chicken noodle soup – If someone in my house gets sick, and I am out of canned chicken noodle soup, I make my own in less than 5 minutes!  For 1 serving, boil some water (2 cups), drop in 2 chicken bouillon cubes, some noodles, and seasonings (pinches of pepper and celery seed).  Cook until noodles are al dente.  When I am making this for someone sick, I don’t add chicken.  Usually the sick person needs a clear broth anyway.

 

2.  Making a nice chicken broth when boiling boneless skinless chicken – Naked chickens make for a boring, bland broth.  To amp up the flavor, drop in 2-3 chicken bouillon cubes.  My other standards for a good chicken broth are onion, garlic powder, celery seed, pepper, a little salt (chicken bouillon is already salty—so don’t add a lot), and the magical chicken bouillon.

 

3.  Yummy green beans – A nice way to flavor green beans (and around our house, that means canned green beans) is to add 2 magical chicken bouillon cubes per can of green beans, 3-4 good shakes of pepper, a shake of garlic powder, and a Tablespoon of sugar (the South’s secret to good vegetables, or so my Gram used to say)  The end result is green beans my picky girls will even eat!

 

And for that, I say…

 

Winner winner chicken dinner!