Proud Mama Bragging

My son, Chris, aka Jason Cage is a DJ in Little Rock. His show just got syndicated, and now he's also in Charleston. Check it out at www.93sx.com
My middle son came by yesterday at lunch and brought me red roses and told me he appreciated all I had ever done for him. Aren't they pretty? Then I got a hug!
And my daughter is growing more pregnant by the day and is the cutest thing with her big tummy. I'm so proud of my kids!

Time Flies...

When I was a teenager, I met a guy through one of my aunts. Their family was friends with her family, and even though they were in another state, a lot of visting was done back and forth between them. This was the summer I was fifteen, I think. Well, this guy was so cute, and we had it bad for each other for awhile. We even talked about getting married "when I was older" which seemed very far away. He joined the military and I don't remember exactly how it all feel apart, but my memory is we just sort of drifted apart through my high school years. However, he was my first love, and you know how you don't forget that. I still have all his letters and pictures, along with a lot of other stuff I've saved through the years. (Chances are if you ever gave me a card, I still have it.)
Well, his sister found me through classmates.com, and we have been writing, sharing stories of kids and grandkids, etc. She told me her brother is now "single again" and I told her I'm very happily married. We've exchanged a lot of pictures of our family.
Well, she sent me a pic of her brother now. For over thirty years, I had pictured him the way he looked then...which was like this...


and like this:



and like this (Yes, the girl in the pictures is me.)



Well, when she sent me his picture now, I sat and stared forever and my only thought is, Oh my, I must be old.
Here is him now.



I guess it's better to keep memories as memories. At least in them, I felt young.
And yes, if you're thinking that one picture looks like we were at a motel, we were. We shared adjoining rooms with his mom, dad, sister, my aunt, another aunt, two cousins, and us. So no hanky panky. I was such a good girl then. If I had it to do over, I'd jump his bones in a second. Can't believe I passed that up....

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Sanjaya on American Idol

My husband and I are American Idol junkies. We cheer for Melinda and boo Sanjaya every week. I guess we're not the only ones who couldn't figure out why he's still there when he obviously sucks as a singer. Well my son, the DJ, has taken this anti-Sanjaya thing to a whole new level. He's vowed not to BATHE until Sanjaya gets voted off. This could get really ugly. Check it out at www.jasoncage.com

C'mon! Be Practical !! ( I hate when people say that.)

Oh well....it was a good dream while it lasted. But as is usually the case with me, practicality overrules indulgence. My husband and I had a "talk," and decided what we needed was a bed for the upstairs bedroom so that we'd have more room for family during the holidays. There went my Target shopping spree, by way of a mattress set. Again, need overrides want. What I wanted was to go to Target and walk the aisles with the gift cards burning in my palms while I picked up and looked at thousands of things before carefully picking out what I wanted to buy. Then carrying the bags into the house and sitting down on the couch and going through each of them one by one.
On one hand, I hate shopping. I hate going to the store to buy something practical, like a coat, or groceries, or garbage bags, or mattresses. But I love shopping when it's just for the pure joy of deciding what I want, not what I need.
I shouldn't complain too much though, because I know what kind of shopper I really am...the guilty kind. Two weeks after I would have had my major Target shopping spree, I would have looked around at the things I bought and thought...Gee, I didn't really NEED that. If I hadn't bought that, I could still have the shopping spree to look forward to. I don't have anywhere to put the stuff I bought anyway. I would wish I had my gift cards back...And so I wouldn't have enjoyed it much long term anyway.
We get a new mattress set, and put the $300 bucks toward that. There's a nice pillow-top Sealy set he thinks would work well.....
Oh well. I do still get to eat at Red Lobster and buy a few books from B & N. So all is not lost.

Gonna Shop Till I Drop

My husband has a credit card he's had since before we married. He's paid it off a couple of times since, and then put a few more things on it, etc. I've never paid much attention to that account, but we knew we had it in case we got out somewhere and had car trouble or something. He pays the bills, so I rarely look at the statements.

Well I was cleaning off the table after helping my son move today, and came across the credit card statement. It said he had earned 38,903 premium points and had never redeemed any. I asked him about them and he said he'd always seen that on there, but really had no idea what you get for them, or how to redeem.

I went online and found the website where they could be redeemed and he said I could spend them any way I wanted...So get this...I bought a $300 Target Gift Card, $50 Red Lobster Gift Card, and a $30 Barnes and Noble Gift Card!!! He loves Red Lobster so he was happy with that. I love books! And there is a new Target opening in our town in October so I can go shopping!!!! I told him this can be my anniversary present and he said great, because he didn't know what to get me. I am so excited. One minute I had $4 in my purse and $9 in MY personal bank account, and the next minute I've got shopping money!

Moving Day

Today my middle son moves into his new apartment five minutes from his new job. He's been working all day and packing until late at night all week, and said he'll still have to come back and pack more boxes later, but at least we can get the big items moved today while he has a u-haul trailer rented. (Yes, I know he bought a new pickup but putting something in it could possibly scratch it, ya'll.....That's what he said.) A friend's son is going to help for some extra cash and my husband will pitch in, so hopefully the three men can handle getting a sofa sleeper couch down the stairs of our townhouse. Thankfully his new apt is on the bottom floor.
We have been busy planning the baby shower for the end of April. We, being my friend Dawn and I. We have family and friends who enjoy eating so we decided to have "real food" instead of the nuts, mints route. So it looks like so far....sweet and sour meatballs, pigs in a blanket, rolled sandwich wheels, cheese ball and crackers, fruit tray with dip, veggie tray with dip, boiled shrimp, petit fours, cookies, and punch. I'm not sure how well all that goes together but hopefully they will all like it. I know have thirty onesies and four large sets of fabric markers to have the guests decorate a onesie for the baby.
I have been taking some clothes by a consignment shop here as I've been cleaning out the closets. I usually use up my credit buying cute little dresses for my grandchild to wear when she arrives near July 1. I took a dress by there a month or so ago, a white silk dress that was VERY expensive (very very) because it's too small for me now, it's not something I have any place to wear anymore. So I thought I'd sell it. I went by there and they have it marked for like nine dollars. I almost died. So I came home and kept thinking about it. I mean rationally I know I'll probably never wear that dress again, but it was the most expensive dress I'd ever owned and would make a perfect mother-of-the bride dress with the sheer overlay over the silk (more flattering for fuller figures you know. ha). Well to make a long story short, I went back and got the dress yesterday and brought it home and hung it back in the closet. I decided my peace of mind was worth more than nine dollars and it would have driven me nuts to sell it for that.
I'd never be a good professional organizer...They'd say I really want to keep this, and I'd say ok, no problem!

And On it Goes.....

I have been wheezing all night and coughing my head off. They cut our grass today, and I thought that was what was messing me up but my husband reminded me that our step-daughter spent today with her cat and probably has cat dander on her. So it could be that. Whatever it is, I wish it would get better. Cough cough, wheeze wheeze! This is miserable.

I got the first copy of Letters to My Mother, where one of my story appears. I ordered a gift wrapped copy of it for my mom for Mother's Day, which is about when it is due to be released. I think authors just got some advanced copies or something because Amazon is still saying pre-orders only. I've got several of "my books" on my book shelf now, but I still get excited every time I open one and see my name on the contents page. It makes me sound like a real writer, which even now I don't see myself as being. I guess I think a real writer would be writing books, and since all I do is short stories right now, I don't qualify. I got the final editing for the book coming out by Chicken Soup in August. That one is about my granny telling me about the change of life, and that is really one of my very favorite ones I've ever written. Sometimes I am amazed as to what sells, because some I didn't really think were all that great.

We've become American Idol junkies. I like several of the girl singers and not any of the guys. The girls are WAY out-singing them this season. We are sort of late getting started as viewers, as our first season was the last one with Taylor Hicks. But we are usually late catching on to most things. For example, my daughter just explained to me today what the letter saying I needed to renew my domain meant. It was for a page my son made me for my writing stuff. I thought we paid for that every month, but that was hosting, not domain. That stuff is like Greek to me.

Yes, we still watch Lost, but only because Sawyer is hot. I remember my ex MIL saying one time she thought some guy was hot. I remember rolling my eyes. She said, "Hey, I may be old but I still know a good looking man when I see one." Amen.

My son is busy packing boxes to move to his new apartment. He went by there yesterday and got the keys. He came home telling me how his one bedroom apartment has a side by side refrig with water and ice on the door. No apartment I ever lived in had anything that nice. And he even has a built in microwave.

Preparing One Nest and Emptying Another

My husband and I went with my daughter and son-in-law to see the pediatric surgeon that is on the team who will do the baby's corrective surgery. She talked to us a long time about the things that could happen, even the rare things that can occur, but said it's impossible to really predict how well a child will do until they are actually delivered and assessed. They have all the latest equipment available, including the ECMO machines (heart/lung bypass machine) if we need that. They seemed very knowledgeable, and had a one-to-one ratio of nurses to babies in the NICU. These nurses stand at the baby's bedside, not sit at the nurses station like you see in most hospitals. Each baby we saw had a nurse standing over it, constantly monitoring that child. Right now, they had two babies there with CDH, one who needed very little intervention when she was born three days ago, and who underwent the corrective surgery today. She's doing great and is at the best end of the spectrum. On the other end was a CDH baby who has been there since September, a little boy. This hospital says although it's normal for them to average about 15 CDH babies per year, for some reason they've had fifteen births with this since December! They think there is a link to some sort of toxin but the verdict is still out on that one. Makes me wonder if there isn't some problem in that area.
Anyway, all the people are very nice. They gave us much information, and gave my daughter several books and good website addresses for information. They offered her their phone numbers and email addresses to write anytime they have more questions. We toured the NICU and it wasn't as frightening as I expected. Several times I felt like crying when the doctor was talking to us, because I dread what my daughter will be facing if her baby is sick, but I know she's upset too. I guess we'll just cry on each other's shoulders when we need to and deal with what we need to do to get this baby here, well, and home.
My nest will soon be empty. A week from this Saturday, my son who graduated from college in December will be moving into his new apartment nearer to his new job. He's excited. My husband and I have been married four years this month, and have never really lived alone. I know the empty nest thing would be really hard if I didn't have him. But I miss them all every day. I watched my daughter today as a young woman talking to the doctor and thought it seemed like yesterday she was the premie in the hospital nursery. I can still remember the sounds, sights and smells like it was yesterday, and it's been twenty-nine years. Twenty-nine YEARS. I still can't believe that. Time goes by so fast.
My daughter's best friend is due in October, and she's asked me to babysit her baby during the day while she works. I'm really looking forward to it. It's been a long time since I've had a baby to hold and rock. It will fill in the times between when I can see Claire.
Our list for the baby shower is growing. I think it will be a lot of fun. I've gotten games and some of the decorations. I went by party city and got even more ideas of things I want to get. I need some ideas for party foods. C'mon, Amy, I know you're our chef--what do you suggest?
We have hearty eaters in this family, so I wanted more than just a veggie tray and chips and dip. I need some ideas.

Another Dumb Survey

No, that dog is not mine, but he looks just like one of mine. I thought this picture was precious.
I got this survey from a friend. So if you're reading it, you're tagged. So gimme your answers!

What is the biggest lie you ever told your boss? Probably that I was sick when I was just tired and sleepy or that I wasn’t gossiping about his freak wife.

What do you pretend to like but secretly hate? Watching 24, eating Mexican food

What is the one thing you wish you had said to someone in rebuttal but didn’t think of at the time? No, our marriage didn’t fail because I gave up too easily. It failed because you’re an ass.

If you were invisible and could spy on someone, who would it be? My therapist. She knows all about me, and I know nothing about her.

How many skeletons are in your closet that you would never tell anyone? My closet is stuffed, but I don’t feel as much need to keep secrets as I did when I was younger. I think it’s getting easier to admit I screw up.

What things turn you on? Hot fudge sundae with whipped cream and nuts. Yellow roses with pink tips. New furniture. Doing laundry.

What turns you off? Cleaning bathrooms, mopping floors, driving.

What would you like to change about your significant other? His talking to the tv all during the shows. Drives me nuts.

If you had a day to do whatever you liked, how would you spend it? Would you be alone or with someone else? In bed sleeping, reading, snacking. Alone.

What is your secret fear? My children dying before me.

When you are in your lowest level of self-esteem, what one thing do you say to put yourself down? You’re lazy.

What do you like most about being the age you are? My heart still beating.

What is one term you hate? Age-defying. The only thing that defies aging is dying.

What do you wish you did more of? Winning the lottery!

Amnio Results Are Back

My daughter called again today and they finally got the results back from her amniocentesis and everything is normal, so other than the CDH, the baby has no problems. We meet with the pediatric surgeon on Thursday and I'll let you know more then. We are so relieved!

Redneck Treehouse?

We went to the baby sale and really racked up. My hubbie and I bought a porta-crib/playpen thing to keep at our house for the baby. We also found an infant seat with the toys hanging down, some children's books, and some cute baby toys. My daughter found a new infant tub, some maternity clothes, and a nice baby swing. I found a high chair I really wanted but it had no price. It turned out someone had spotted it before me and removed the tag so she could come back and get it later. Oh well. Better luck next time.
We had lunch at Steak and Shake, then went to a huge indoor flea market near here. I think there were four warehouse type buildings stuffed with vendors and all we saw was JUNK JUNK JUNK. I can't imagine why anyone would actually buy any of that stuff.
I saw a Gilmore girls show this week and they had a baby shower. They bought a white onesie to decorate with fabric paint for each guest at the shower. Then they gave them to the mom-to-be. I thought that was a really cute idea, so now I'm looking for a place to buy a large number of onesies. So far it looks like Walmart has the best prices.
My family doctor still thinks there's a good chance I have something called hemochromatosis. My sister has it and two of her children. Since menopause, I've had a lot of the symptoms. I see a hemotologist this month to find out. It won't kill me but it sure needs to be treated before it gets any worse, if that's what it is. The way it is treated is by giving blood OFTEN, and that depletes the iron in the blood, which my body stores too much of, at least it does if I have this disease. I'm still hoping they are wrong. Not that I mind giving blood, but it sure does sound like a hassle to have to go that often.
My son, the DJ, called me the other night and said Hey, You're on the radio! Then he proceeded to ask me about whether I loved him or his sister best. The clip is on his website, and click on the podcast that says call to my mom or something like that. I told him he would definitely not be in the top of three if he kept making me do stuff on the radio. I sound like such a redneck.

If Women Ruled the World....

Still no results on my daughter's amnio. Now they are saying three to four weeks and it will be three next week. Several people have written asking why I hadn't said anything about it in my blog. I'll be sure to post something as soon as we know.
My daughter is coming today and we're going shopping for baby things at a huge baby yard sale they have here in our town twice a year. All the new moms bring things to sell and there is a lot of buying, selling, and trading going on. Most sell the clothes their babies have outgrown and buy sizes that will fit now or in the future. They also have great deals on furniture from what I'm told. We'll see.
Well I'll post more later today.