Christmas Rush Into 2009!

Well, after a whirlwind Christmas, I'm actually feeling ready for 2009 although it does not seem like it should be here yet! We had Christmas at my family's on Monday the 22nd, then Christmas with Jeff's family on Thursday the 25th. These celebrations were after Christmas at work, Christmas with the Girl Scouts, etc.

Christmas with family began at my Dad's house in Brookhaven. There were 30 or so people. I remember a few years ago when there were only 10 or so - and that was if my uncle and his wife came. Now, it's like the Walton's :-)

Christmas Day we were with the Moncriefs. Every year it seems like there is some kind of family drama there and this year the drama came ahead of Christmas by about six months. However, everyone kept their feelings off their shoulders and managed to have Christmas together without any issues. The kids had a great time and that is what really matters. The adults just need to get with the program and get over it;)

Here is a picture of the Moncrief grandchildren. Standing in back are Nate, Emeree holding Valentine, Cassie, Bailee with her arms around Raine, Holly and Alyssa. In the front is Patrick (a/k/a Little Mike).



Santa was good to us too so I guess that means we were good girls and boys this past year. What I enjoyed the most was visiting with family and friends, eating too much tasty food and watching the kids open presents with wide-eyed wonder.

I guess I'm getting to be an old lady because I'm feeling a little thoughtful and philosophical. With the state of the world, the US, the US economy and the uncertainty of many things, I feel very blessed to have the friends and family that I have. I hope that each and every one of you has a happy, healthy, prosperous and peaceful year in 2009. Keep your hearts close to God, to your families and to your faith.

Below is a picture of the girls each opening presents at our house too.

Cassie is listening to her iPOD shuffle and Bailee is opening everything else and being silly.

Later - W:-)

White Christmas (Almost) in Mississippi!

Last night it rained ALL NIGHT - then turned to sleet and snow today. It went in a counterclockwise motion around Jackson to the east and into my home, Rankin County. My hometown, Brookhaven, is south of here and some areas got up to seven inches there. I went to work, took the girls to school - only to have the school call and ask that they be picked up. In the a.m. commute, there were so many wrecks. Mississippi drivers do not apparently believe they should slow down in rain and sleet conditions. You fly, you pay :-)

Jeff picked up the girls & I worked until 4:00 p.m. That's right - banks are like the US Postal Service - "neither rain, snow, etc. will stop us". I will post a few pictures of our front yard and the girls below. It would be great if we could just get this stuff, that it would stick and NOT include ice.

Later chickies.
Wanda:-)

It's Raining Babies Again !

Today, Taylor & Krisa welcomed two beautiful twin baby girls - Mary Morgan and Laura Kennedy. They are absolutely beautiful and will have the best parents. I can also list many people I know who are expecting: Matthew & Mandy with baby Windham in December, Rachel with baby Jordan in December, Kem with baby Analynn in January, Leslie with baby Lorin in March, Jennifer with twins in May - the list keeps growing. Funny thing about some of these babies is that both Taylor and Jennifer's husband worked for me (at different times) and sat in the same office. Must be something about that office...hmmmmm............

With this upcoming holiday season, it's a great time to remember our Lord and Savior and to be so very thankful for all that we have in our lives - food, clothes, homes, friends, family, etc.

Take care everyone & thanks for being my friends & family!

WandaM;)

Business Ventures & Such !

I am now a sales rep for Compelling Creations Jewelry. I own several pieces and love them. Please see my site link to the right and if you buy any jewelry, please use referral code 872639 so that I get credit for your purchase !

This jewelry is sterling silver, easy to care for, beautiful, etc. This jewelry is not only pretty - it can be a testiment to your Faith for others to see. It is also very economical which is a plus for anyone. It's time for Christmas shopping & I hope you keep this jewelry in mind for those presents you haven't bought yet !

Thanks !

WandaM

Pictures.

Not too much to post here - just some pictures from Halloween for everyone to see. Brandon, MS trick or treated on Thursday, the 30th and Madison County trick or treated on Friday so we double-dipped. We also had a contest at work - BankPlus knows how to have fun !

More info later.

W:-)





Bailee in her Hollywood Glamour costume.




Candy Corn Cassie helping Raine trick or treat.



Bailee & Raine - redheads RULE !!




We did Monster Mash as the Adams Family at work - won second place.

Pooped Out On Friday !

This is Bailee within two minutes of saying "I'm so sleepy and turning away from the Harry the Potter movie on TV at 10:15 pm." Cassie is still watching it with her fingers in her ears. You know how it is - never mind what you watch as long as you don't hear it, it's okay.

I was off this week for Columbus Day - cleaned out closets, decorated house, made a typical aggravating trip to Walmart & Kroger, then home again. Wednesday, the girls were out of school - Teacher work day. I took off too. I had their pictures made, Cassie had an Orthodontist appointment and we just hung out together. I took them to a new portrait studio, Portrait Innovations, in the new Renaissance mall in Ridgeland. Great place - wonderful photos, GREAT prices, you leave right then with your pictures and they also give you a CD of every pose. I will post more pictures later.

Tomorrow I will be participating in the Breast Cancer Walk in Jackson. Very worthy cause - I look forward to it. I will post pictures from the even too.

I'm off !
Wanda;)

Teeth, Shots & Cancer !

This week has been another busy one. Tuesday, both girls had dental appointments. Teeth look great - found out that Bailee has three - yes 3 - loose teeth. Do you think I knew before Dr. Cook did? No way - she never tells you anything. She has a high tolerance for pain and I guess she is not really worried about the Tooth Fairy coming. I feel sort of left out :-(

Tonight, they went and got their flu shots. At our doctor's office it's like a cattle ranch - herd them in and herd them out. You go in, get in a certain line depending on your "appointment" time, you fill out papers, you go back, you get shots, you pay and you leave. Parking was a nightmare! The shots are small this year, they don't hurt but Lord knows you wouldn't be able to tell that from the crying & screaming going on. The child mentioned in paragraph one above who has a high tolerance for pain was basically scared of the needle and everyone in our family will verify for me that she belongs in the Guiness Book of World Records for her screaming ability......so needless to say, EVERYONE knew we were there. I think the folks hanging around in the parking lot even knew. Cassie, on the other hand, was a trooper. Chin quivered but didn't cry - trying to help Bailee's feelings I think. Daddy was sweating bullets - literally bullets - he absolutely HATES needles but he went and helped. They got to eat out - their choice :-)

Now - on to the cancer. I am walking for Breast Cancer on the 18th. Tonight I have also made two cakes - one to sell in our work bake sale for raising money. It is a Praline Bundt Cake and smells wonderful. I made a second one just for us:-) Going to have late dessert and go to bed. If I've emailed you about giving to this wonderful cause, please donate to help - we all know someone, maybe even you, who has been affected by breast cancer.

Later gators;)
Wanda Woman !

School & Sin City - What a Combination!

I promised a new post after school started but, despite my best intentions, I've been too busy :-) The girls are doing well in school. Progress reports were sent out this week and we are all A's so far. Cassie is being taught a new type of math, Everyday Math. It is learning math by applying it to everyday situations. The third grade is a big adjustment as I had heard - the children are made to be more responsible. Her teacher is right out of college and very gung-ho about teaching so that is inspiring to the kids too. Doesn't help that she is young and cute too. Bailee is eager to learn as always. She is reading well into the first grade level and has gotten "on green" every day. Maybe she is learning to control that little "redheaded" temper. Here is a picture of their first day of school.


Two weeks ago, Cassie was Star Student of the week. She got to bring home Speckles, the class mascot. He spent the weekend with us and went to the girls book club and rode bikes with Cassie (see picture below). We took pictures and she got to make a page for the class scrapbook so everyone could see and read about Speckles adventures. I think he had a great time at the Moncrief hotel - I know the girls had fun with him. He even rode to church with us!


As shown by the next picture, the girls were totally exhausted every evening the first few days of school. I think this picture is from the second week of school. They have gotten used to the time changes - getting up earlier, going to bed earlier, etc. Bailee will still fall asleep while waiting on dinner at night but not so often.


I also went to Las Vegas for a conference this week. I stayed at the Paris Hotel which was a very nice hotel. Funny thing about all the casino hotels. You have to go through the casino to check in - they want to get you gambling right off the bat I guess :-) I went to see LOVE, the Cirque de Soleil that is set to Beatles music. There is less acrobatic entertainment but more drama and music. I sat very close to the front - it was great. I also went to the opening night of the new Donny & Marie show at the Flamingo. Surprisingly, it was not as dorky / goofy as their old TV show. They both sing well and they had dancers (they danced too). I can honestly say that it was really good. My last night there, I went to the top of the half-scale Eifel Tower that is in the Paris Hotel. Here are two picture from up there - one of the Bellagio Hotel and one of their water fountains that dance to music. As you see - Vegas has LOTS of lights and is very flat.


I am still recuperating from jet lag so I'm off to a bubble bath! More later,

Wanda

I'm Ready - Are YOU Ready ?

I don't know about you but we start school here in Mississippi THIS WEEK - the hottest week of the year. I just can't figure it out - it gets earlier every year. The high every day is 100 with a heat index of at least 110. It never ceases to amaze me why we don't start after Labor Day like other sections of the USA. We get out earlier but June is much cooler than August so why not stay in later and start later?

Most of you know how much I hate to shop. We bought school supplies three weeks ago - all at ONE TIME. My girls have plenty of clothes so we're not doing that part of the school shopping until it's cooler and clothes are needed. Thankfully we do not wear uniforms so no money expense there. I ordered lunch boxes and backpack from LL Bean so no shopping there.......needless to say I'm sure there will be many parents out there this week and this coming weekend, scrambling to find those last few elusive items:-) I do not envy them at all either.

The girls will be at separate schools so I'm sharing carpooling duties with another mom. We will be switching every other week so each set of two children can have their mom dropping them off on a rotating basis.

Be on the lookout for school day pictures.

Wanda

Birthday Girl !

Here's the birthday girl with her ice cream cake. She has officially had two pieces of it and had fun skating today with Cassie. Here's a picture of Cassie on her skates. Never got one of Bailee - too busy helping her skate.



Later - Wanda

Birthday Blues !

Bailee will be six tomorrow sometime around 10:30 a.m. We took her shopping today and I think she would have been able to make up her mind if it weren't for all of the "help" she kept getting from big sister Cassie. You would think it's Cassie's birthday:-) She went to Justice, Target and Shoe Depot. We also went and picked out party stuff at Party City. She got skates, a "Beauty Salon" chair and accessories, shoes and clothes. Cassie got skates too so "she can teach Bailee".

I'm mentally and physically worn out. My head aches and my ears feel like they will fall off. Jeff's eyes glazed over. Some of you know I'm not your typical girl when it comes to shopping - I absolutely HATE to shop. I get tired of crowds, tired of trying on things, tired of running and looking, etc. Give me a good bookstore with no noise and I'm all for it - but put me in the middle of a crowded sale and I'd rather eat barbedwire.

Now - the great thing is that she got some great birthday gifts so........she's happy and that is what matters.

Later folks - off to a bubble bath and bed. Will post pictures tomorrow maybe.

Wanda;)

The Diet Has Ended - I've Reached My Goal !!

This past week, I passed my Certified Anti Money Laundering Specialist certification test. I have been studying for about two months. About one month ago, I put myself (for lack of a better phrase) on a book & magazine diet. It has been so hard - those of you who know me well, know how much I absolutely LOVE to read - more than most people that I know. When I was young, my mom would drop me off at the library while she ran errands and go groceries. I would leave with at least 15 books twice a week.

There was one woman who worked there who was really harsh, spoke very bluntly, etc. She made the mistake of accusing me of not really reading all those books - in an offhand manner mind you, but an accusation none-the-less. My mother who was quite passive, spoke right up and let her know that I definitely read all of them. She went on to explain that I woke up with a book in my hand, brought it to the breakfast and lunch tables, took a bath with it and that I could shell beans, watch TV and read all at the same time and not miss a beat.

I have a definite thirst for knowledge and do not read junk books - no romance novels for me. I love mysteries, although not gory ones and I love biographies. I do like nicely written (not all about sex) romance novels such as those of Richard Paul Evans and Nicholas Sparks. I really have developed a love for Amish romance novels, particularly those of Wanda Brunstetter (no, has nothing to do with her name).

I also do a Bible Study each night from some book that I keep by the bedside. With children, I pick and choose what I read and read when I can.

If it paid well, I'd love to be a Librarian - all those books at your fingertips - Oh My Goodness!!

Later - gotta to go read now :-)

Wanda

The Year So Far In Thought

Those of you who know me know I'm strictly conservative and very logical in my views. I listen lately to "In The Fight" with Matt Friedeman on the way home everyday. As opinionated as he is and as much as he aggravates me, I agree with his views on this year's Presidential election. Barack Obama really concerns me. He comes out of no where inviting "change" after saying we live in the greatest nation of the world. He is linked to Islams, is pro-abortion (even those on full-term babies) and is pro-homosexuality.

I live in the good ole' South but I do not believe I am racist in any way. Every Democrat says that those who don't like him are racist but he is half white - so I think that is a non-issue. He stands for everything a Christian is against, has done nothing noteworthy during his brief time in office and he thinks he's qualified to be president.

Susan Surandon said today or yesterday that if McCain is elected she will leave the US (sounds familiar you Alec Baldwin fans??) - I wish I could leave if he's not elected. The world is really crazy and the US is at the top of the crazy list if you look at how society in the US has downfallen.

People are intolerant of Christianity but expect us to be okay with same sex marriages, public displays of affection, hatred remarks against religion, murdering innocent children, etc.

Food for thought - I pray more nowadays than I ever have.....................

School, Teeth, and Hardware!

Tomorrow is the last day of school - the girls and I both can no wait.  Cassie leaves Thursday morning to go to Kids Kamp at Twin Lakes in Florence, MS.  Thankfully it is only 20 minutes away - I am definitely not comfortable letting her go far to camp yet and her Daddy is even worse.  She got her expanders in her mouth today.  No pain so far but she dutifully ate small bites and slowly at supper.  Maybe that's what I need to aid with weight loss:-) This is a quick blog - just to say Hi!

Wanda

Good Friends & Good Memories

It is with great sadness that I am posting that Dot passed away this morning. I had tried to reach her since she returned to Kansas and finally left a voicemail telling Steve, her son, to please call me because I was worried. He and I played phone tag for a few days (he'd been at the hospital).

He called today to tell me she had passed away. Per her request, her body will be donated to science and he will coordinate a memorial service here in MS later. He seemed to be doing well considering. She had a great last week before becoming sicker. She visited friends & family in Mississippi, went to Jazz Fest in New Orleans and had a blast and spent some quality time with her son. She did not want to suffer and she always wanted the end to be peaceful and easy and, bless her, she got her wish thankfully.

I am very sad - she was a great and wonderful lady. Full of tenacity, loved her friends, loyal, honest, hardworking, single mother, never down or negative, etc. Heaven has gained an angel & I have another guardian angel I hope looking down on me as I continue on through life. During our friendship, Dot and I endured two bank buyouts / mergers, getting severance from the third merger, divorce, remarriage, two births (Cassie & Bailee), a lung disease that blindsided her, and then, finally melanoma (The BEAST she called it). She was always there for me and me for her. The girls & Jeff loved her too and we will miss "Miss Dot & her cats" as the girls always said. "We wanna go see Miss Dot and her cats". "Have you talked to Miss Dot and her cats?" "Daddy, did you see Miss Dot & her cats when you cut her grass?", etc.

Those of us who saw her exactly two weeks ago tonight would NEVER believe that she would be gone now. She looked wonderful and you would have never known something was wrong except for the pretty pink bald head under her cap.

Please remember Steve in your prayers - and selfishly, me too. I am very sad but I know that I will see her again one day:-)

Wanda

Second May 3 entry

I forgot to say that my friend Dot, who is fighting melanoma cancer was in town briefly this week to take care of some personal business. Her spirit is amazing as she fights this deadly disease. Several of us old DGNB (Deposit Guaranty) folks met her and ate at Primos. It was fun to visit for a while. The manager ran us out of the restaurant 15 minutes after they closed but he took a picture first. Here is the group photo:



Everyone who worked together at DGNB is still very close - it's like seeing old family. Dot - if you read this - we all love you dearly and we're praying for you daily!!

Wanda

Sleepovers and Such

We've had lots of changes with Bailee lately - my baby is growing up! She lost her first tooth a week ago and last night, she had her first friend spend the night with her. They were so cute and so precocious. They ate pizza and watched a movie. After their bath, they watched another movie until I told them lights out at 10:30. Bailee was so excited she talked and talked until I went and laid on the bed with them. I intended to only lay there until they fall asleep but Jeff never came and got me so I woke up at 6:30 and moved to my bed with two numb arms:-)

Here's a picture of them on the couch in their gowns ready for their movie:



Here is Bailee with her lost bottom tooth - the tooth fairy brought her money.



Well - I've gotta to pick up big sister Cassie at her friend's house. Last time I talked to them, they were singing to Hannah Montana.

See ya,
Wanda

Girls Growing up :-)

My oldest, Cassie, had her eight year wellness checkup yesterday. She steadily remains in the 50%tile for her age. She has grown so much in the last couple of months I guess she was undersized back then! She skipped 1 1/2 shoe sizes and went from a 6x Slim to an 8 slim / regular (depends on how it's made).

Bailee, who is five, steadily refuses to eat periodically. She LIVES for dessert..... "how many beans do I have to eat before dessert", "how much more Mommy before I get dessert"..........you think she'd be overweight she loves sweets so much:-)

Me - I love all kinds of food. BUT - I'm trying to love it less so there is less of me. I don't realize how big I am until I try on clothes in a dressing room. I would hate to see me on TV since it makes you appear 15 pounds larger ;) I have started walking and hope to run soon - for weight, for stress, for me !

Until next time...
Mobo

Another busy week :-)

Well..........the girls had dental appointments yesterday. I am so glad that Bailee got my teeth - healthy, strong, never any problems. Poor Cassie got teeth from her daddy's side of the family. Soft, prone to issues, etc. They are putting sealants on her teeth. I know some of those critical moms who are saying "she really doesn't make her kids brush their teeth". Well they are wrong. I am fanatical about it because of Jeff's family's teeth and because of all the sugar kids eat nowadays. Poor Cassie takes very good care of her teeth to no avail. She also has tight room on the bottom - one of her uncles, again on her daddy's side of the family - has the same problem and has always wanted to get his teeth corrected.

She goes to an orthodontist this month to see if he wants to put a retainer or braces on to widen her gum line to make room for all the teeth so they will fall into place. I'm amazed at what they do to help prevent issues today compared to 25 years ago when they waited until all your teeth were in before doing anything !

Bailee has two loose teeth on the bottom - I'M NOT READY FOR MY BABY TO LOOK OLDER ! She's still my baby;) She is so excited and works on those teeth. She doesn't want to have them pulled but I really think she wants the Tooth Fairy to bring MONEY !!!

I have heard not-so-good news from my friend Dot who's melanoma is now in her brain in addition to her liver and lungs. She started radiation today - please keep her in your prayers. She is a dear lady and we all love her dearly.

Take Care,
Mobo;)

Spring is Here !

Last week was spring break in Rankin County. The girls studied Bugs & Slugs at after school care. Friday I took off to spend the day with them. We took 12 bags to Goodwill and hunted Bailee an Easter dress. Easter was quiet for us - we stayed home & invited Jeff's parents over to eat. The afternoon was spent bug hunting for a bug collection. The girls won first place:-)

Not too much to post but here's a picture from Cassie's birthday party in February.

Mobo:)

Spring is on its way!!

Today was the first day of spring break. If it is any indication of how the week's going to go......I'm ready for school again.

Bailee did not want to get up and then did not want me to leave the day care. They are going to have so much fun this week there----Bugs & Slugs week. Today they got green slimed (lovely in long hair by the way)....... Tomorrow they go to the park to play and look for bugs !! I guess I'll have new pets on the way.

Today was migraine day for me too....I barely made it home, took drugs & laid down for a while. Work was quiet so I guess it is residual from this morning or either it's hormones.

You know...........men just don't know how lucky they have it :-)

Later.
Mobo ;)

Weirdos, Children & Stress

This week I truly believe that the weirdos are coming out of the woodwork. Banking customers have gone off the deepend, employees are having brain flatulence (trying to be politically correct), drivers on the road are trying to become murderers, and children's bodies are being invaded by body snatchers. It must be the time change !! There is absolutely no other explanation.

I've been cussed at, whined at, flipped off (drivers), yelled at, complained to (by everyone) and to top it all off a customer told me that I was a watch-dog "b*&^CH" for the IRS. I told him "thank you for the compliment. I hope you have a nice day". THEN, I walked around our parking lot three times to cool off :-)

The kids did not adjust well to losing one hour and neither did mommy. Then, last night, my DH decided that his knee hurt enough to keep me up for three hours in the middle of the night so that I was dazed all day today since I got 3.5 hours sleep.

Knee still hurts but he is on drugs so hopefully tonight will be an improvement. Of course, I'm so tired, it won't matter - I plan to be like the dead in about 30 minutes.

Later folks @
Mobo

Fresh Start

Welcome once again.

I got busy as usual and gave up doing this but am going to try to be more diligent again.

Tonight, we had two tired girls......hormones abound in the house - my PMS and little female hormones. Tears over having to read, tears over a bath, tears over not getting a "green dot" in school, tears over having tears..........Mama is just plain tired :-) Too tired to shed my own tears ;)

I really wish there were either more time during the day or more sleep at night. I had a Monday on Wednesday at work and don't feel as if I accomplised anything.

Tomorrow is a better day.
Mobo;\