To Sweet "P," With Love

We have a tradition in my family and it's one I love. EVERYBODY in our family has a nickname. At least one. I don't know how this started, but I get the biggest kick out of it and I continue this quirky little habit in my own family now and with all my friends.

How does a nickname start anyway? I like to think of a nickname as a term of endearment. Maybe your sweet little one has done something incredibly cute, or they may remind you of something or someone. Maybe it's just plain laziness and you don't feel like exerting the effort to say someone's full name. Us southerners do this a lot, not just with proper names. How do you think "y'all" came to be?

But I digress. I love nicknames. I love giving them too. If you are dear to me, you probably have one from me. You know who you are. And You probably have more than one: CharlieG, Sugarplum, Punkin'Pie, SquishyBottom, BigMama, Poppy, MoMo, Corky, Hooker, Big'Un, Griff, TayTay, Lo Boat, Jay, The Trebi, Mim, ChiChi, Mamasita, Ash, I could go on... but I'm afraid half of you have quit reading already.

I go by a few nicknames myself these days and have acquired many over the years. I won't bore you with their meanings: Ling Long Lootitie-Hootie ( or Ling... the nickname for my nickname), Lillie-Willie, Linz, LB, Pig, Daisy, SoCo, Hootch, Grand Master, Prezbo, and yes, I'll answer to each and everyone of them.

The latest recipient of a nickname in our family would be that of my precious little niece that was born on my birthday! Her nickname is EXTRA special because I gave it to her and it looks like it's gonna stick. Her name is Peyton Elaine, but she's known to the rest of us as Sweet "P." Pretty self explanatory, but fitting none-the-less. What about the rest of you? Do you do the nickname thing? And more importantly, are you brave enough to tell what yours is?

"Happy Anniversary, Baby... I Got You On My Mind"

I'm LOVING the lyrics to this song. It's like he wrote it just for us. Happy Anniversary, Charlie G! It's been the BEST nine years!!! Love you.

If You Can't Say Something Nice...

Wouldn't life be a lot easier if we could keep the frankness and honesty of our youth? The old saying, "out of the mouths of babes" comes to mind, and as a mother of a four year old, I've had the (dis)pleasure of seeing just how honest kids can be. Only recently has my little one discovered that there is an alternative to telling the truth. But that's another post altogether...

I have to admit that sometimes it can be funny. Like when JR asked me why I had a big tummy and why the girls on the cover of my workout video didn't. Or the time when she asked my mom if she had drawn on her legs (referring to my mom's varicose veins). Other times can be a little more frustrating: like when she exclaims at the top of her lungs that the food she's eating tastes DISGUSTING and the person who prepared it is (unfortunately) well within ear-shot.

But just imagine the freedom that telling the truth or saying exactly how you feel could bring... if only the person bearing the brunt of it would give you the same consideration that we give children when they do it. No more "political correctness." No more tip-toeing around delicate egos. No fear of what the consequences will be to any question you might be asked. No more racking you brain on how to let someone down "easy." Calling things as you see it. A true "it is what it is" mentality, so to speak. Doesn't that sound refreshing?

I think it would reiterate the fact that none of us are perfect. So why are we trying so hard to be? I think fat people know they're fat. Awkward people know they're awkward and despite what American Idol has taught us, people who can't sing have GOT to know that they can't. Stupid people, on the other hand, need to be reminded that they're stupid. Come on, they're STUPID! If this paragraph is making you angry, or at the very least uncomfortable, then maybe this kind of freedom is not for you. Let me clarify... I think there is a difference in telling the truth and just being mean. Wait, I might not be on board after all. I don't know about you, but I can't sleep at night if I know I've hurt someone. And then there's that "do unto others" commandment. Maybe I don't like the truth. Jack Nicholson said we couldn't handle it. Maybe he was right.

There are times when I think people are just asking for it. The truth, that is. Maybe you've been there too. Allow me to set the scene: It's dinner time and all of us (including the in-laws) proceed to a favorite sit-down restaurant to eat a bite. Our hostess approaches us and to say she was a little "goth" would be an understatement. Pretty girl, mind you. Just some conformity issues, I'm assuming. Anyway, I look at Jamie Ruth and she is staring like an animal caught in the headlights of an oncoming Mack truck... mouth gaping and all. I'm hoping... no, more like PRAYING that she doesn't state the obvious. I must have found favor with the Almighty that day because much to my surprise, my little one remained as quiet as a mouse. When we got to our table she whispered to me, "Did you see that lady?" To which I replied, "Yes, I did." Nothing else being said, I figure she just wanted some confirmation that we had not stepped into a Halloween party by mistake.

It made me think... what would be the harm if she did state the obvious in front of this slightly rebellious, yet obviously hardworking young lady? Seriously, if someone is purposely going to that much trouble to be so "different" from the status quo, aren't they in fact wanting you to take notice? Verbal acknowledgement might just be icing on the proverbial cake. Heck, I may have diverted a compliment towards her without even realizing it! My apologies, Miss I-want-to-be-Marilyn-Manson's-girlfriend. Wherever you are.

Calgon... Take Me Away!!

After a most hysterical e-mail from my sister to "get to blogging" I thought I'd peck out a few lines to those of you who actually are looking forward to me writing something (I'm flattered... I really am!) and let you know where I've been.

Well, first there was Anna's birthday festivities at the house and all the planning to go with it. Then it was all the end of the year stuff with the girls and their schools. Then all of us went to Gulf Shores with Chuck's parents...the packing... the unpacking. Then I had to high-tail it in to 1st gear upon my return from the beach to get ready for Bible School. I'm the director again this year and to say I like to take the decorating to the extreme would be an understatement. Hey, it's for the kids, right? And that's where I am now. One day left of Bible School and then the commencement tomorrow night. I need to be making certificates for the kids right now, but alas, here I am... blogging at my sister request (oh yeah, and checking in with Facebook! LOL! Priorities!)

Notice that there is no picture attached to this post. No time. I wanted to find one with a woman in the tub relaxing: what I wish I was doing. But right now a picture of a woman drowning would be a more accurate description. Forget the Calgon...throw me a lifesaver! Mmmm... lifesavers. Okay, now I need a sugar fix. Looks like those certificates will have to wait...
Stay tuned faithful readers (er, Courtney) there's more to come!!!!!!

Works For Me Wednesday: Jewelry Organization

I'm a sucker for organization stuff. I have spent a lot of money over the years buying gadgets and gizmos to help with this obsession I have with organization. This tip I found while watching HGTV and what I love most about it, is that it's SO CHEAP!!

The best thing I've found to store my earrings in: ice cube trays!! That's right! Go ahead and get you a few (only about $1.00 a piece... some times I've seen a 2 pack for a dollar!) and put a pair in each compartment. Viola! Instant (and inexpensive) organization. One tray holds about 16 pair of earrings. You could probably use it in the "junk drawer" or sewing cabinet for buttons, safety pins, push pins...the options are endless. Head over to www.wearethatfamily.com for more awesome tips from the blog world!

Top Ten Tuesday: Things To Do In Car-Line While Waiting On the Kiddos

Thought I'd join in "Top Ten Tuesday" hosted by www.ohamanda.com. These are really fun. Go on over and check 'em out. I laughed out loud!

Top Ten Things To Do In Car-Line While Waiting On the Kiddos

1. Pick up the miscellaneous garbage that accumulates on a daily basis. I always keep an extra Wal-Mart bag or two in the van just for this purpose.

2. Grab a rag and the Armor-All on the way out the door and clean the dashboard while listening to what YOU want to listen to on the radio.

3. Open and sort the mail.

4. Update your to-do list.

5. Catch up on your reading. Smutty novel or Sunday School lesson... your choice!

6. Read to your pre-schooler. A trip to the library beforehand is helpful or keep a few books stashed in the little pocket behind the seat.

7. Balance your checkbook. Buy a small calculator to keep in your purse for times such as this. Also comes in handy when you're at Wal-Mart trying to decide if the coupon you want to use will be worth the savings or if you should just buy your old stand-by. Yes, I have done this many times. You'll be glad your checkbook is balanced then too. :)

8. Return phone calls or make one to someone you haven't talked to in a while.

9. Pray.

10. This is probably my favorite: Put on your sunglasses and close your eyes for a quick nap. Just be sure to set the alarm on your cell phone! LOL!

Things I Love Thursday: Teachers Who Care

Hello all! Yes, it's been a while since I've created a new post. My kids CANNOT get well. It's Anna this time and she has been sick and running a fever since Sunday night. The pediatrician says it's not the flu, it's not strep throat, and it's not an ear infection. We'll be heading back tomorrow and I'm going to insist that they test her again. Sometimes Mom has to do what Mom has to do. Know what I mean?

Today's post is more about WHO I love than WHAT I love and I hope you can relate. Anna has always been blessed with extraordinary teachers (Special Ed and otherwise) as well as aides and nurses at school ...and this year is no exception. I just got off the phone with her teacher, Candi McCullars who religiously calls and checks in on us when we're not there. Before we hung up she told me that she wasn't sure how "professional" her comment would be, but she wanted me to know that she would be praying for us. Praise God, I couldn't be happier! As I explained to her, it's sad that we live in a society where you have to preface a comment like that with a disclaimer. She agreed wholeheartedly.

I'm just so glad that in the little things and in the big things, God is showing us that he's taking care of us. Thank God there are still teachers out there who pray for their students. Thank God that there are women and men who have a love for special children and devote their lives to them and their education, their well-being, their safety, and apparently their spiritual condition as well. I swear if she didn't have a family of her own, I'd take her home to live with US!! Thanks Mrs. McCullars and all the Christian educators everywhere. You are worth more than gold!