Sometimes I Just Can't Ride The Safe, Middle Line

        It’s been such a long time since I’ve blogged. There’s been plenty to write about: our 2013 Iceoliday, Thanksgiving, my Secret Santa woes, all things Chloe related (Did I mention she was moved up from the mommy and me class to the preschool class?!?), the never ending Christmas shopping, those pesky 10 pounds I’ve gained that just won’t budge (thank you, 32!).  Oh how the list goes on and on. There’s no way I could ever catch up. So, I think I’ll just blog with what’s on my mind this morning.

Sometimes I can be super opinionated on issues, but usually I just ride the line straight down the middle, especially when it comes to politics. I tend to be “wishy washy” and easily swayed one way or the other.  Last night, I was half-heartedly watching Barbara Walter’s special on the most fascinating people of 2013. I say half-heartedly because I was also reading a ridiculously long article on Kidd Kraddick (you can find a link to that article by clicking HERE) that had way more of my attention. That’s why when Barbara was interviewing Hillary Clinton, I had no idea, I repeat, NO IDEA, that she was named the #1 most fascinating person of 2013! In fact, her interview is probably the one I paid the least attention to. I find her rather boring mundane stale yawn worthy.  Really, Barbara? Really? On what grounds is she fascinating? What has she done this year to earn this title? I could think of so  many more interesting, fascinating, and deserving people. It’s not that I don’t like Hillary, it’s not that I do like her. I really could care less either way about her. (Once again, I ride the middle a lot.) I just don’t get it. She hasn’t been in the spotlight for any good deed, she hasn’t done something amazing this year; heck, has she done much of anything this year aside trying to avoid the subpoena to testify under oath about her part in the whole Benghazi attack? You know, the security lapse that was her ultimate responsibility and cost four American’s their lives? Let me tell you, I don’t know just how fascinating those four families feel she is. What about Miley Cyrus? Hasn’t she had way more “press making” moments? (Not that I like her. Actually, I kinda detest her and think she’s gross. But still, she’s more interesting than Hillary freaking Clinton!) What about the new Pope who’s the epitome of what a 21^st century, new world Pope should be?  I hate to say it, but Barbara, my dear, you are way off on this one.

Now, on to the next topic that caught my attention this morning. Apparently, Phil Robertson, the patriarch of the Duck Dynasty family, made some comments in GQ magazine that he opposed the gay lifestyle, bestiality, adultery, and several other things.  The conversation began because Phil told the reporter, "Everything is blurred on what's right and what's wrong ... sin becomes fine." He’s totally right! How many times have we all asked ourselves, “What IS wrong with our world today?!” What’s right and what’s wrong have truly become totally blurred. It’s the new, 21^st century lifestyle. Ask for forgiveness later, turn your head the other way, let your kids get away with murder, and condone everything.  The magazine went on to ask him what he considers sinful. "Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there -- bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men," he said.  Once again, isn’t he right? Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with any of my friends or family being homosexual. It truly could matter less to me. Mainly, because it’s not my place to judge. The Bible says it’s wrong, it’s a sin, but until I am free of sin, and I am so far from it, my job is to live my life the best I can and love those around me. I have gay friends who are amazing people.  I would never judge them.  This too is how Phil Robertson lives his life. He ended his discussion about the sins in our world today by telling the reporter, "We never, ever judge someone on who's going to heaven, hell. That's the Almighty's job. We just love 'em, give 'em the good news about Jesus -- whether they're homosexuals, drunks, terrorists. We let God sort 'em out later, you see what I'm saying?" 

I read this all this morning in an article reporting that he has been suspended by A&E for his comments. It really angered me, the walk the middle line girl. He said he would “never, ever judge someone,” he just disagrees with their choices.  BIG DEAL! I seriously doubt there is anyone in the world that totally agrees with the choices that every other person in their life makes. Isn’t Phil the one being judged by the network and the world for his personal and religious beliefs?  Frankly, I admire him for being committed enough to his beliefs to stand up in front of the world and say so.  These days, we are so concerned with what is politically correct, what might offend someone, blah, blah, blah…Sometimes I feel that as a whole, we are forced to bite our tongue and not embrace our true beliefs except behind closed doors.  Need I go into the whole “Happy Holidays” rather than “Merry Christmas” crap?

            I can also see though how the homosexual community could feel hurt when their lifestyle isn’t accepted by someone. Really though, isn’t that life? Not every decision and choice I have made has been one that everyone would support or agree with. And, it has bothered me when others have disagreed with me. Ultimately though, we are adults living in a free nation with a right to do and say how we please to do and say. Where on one corner there is someone opposing you, on the next is someone who will have your back.  So why does everyone have to be so PC? It’s truly done out of fear. Fear for their job, their friends, and fear of an uproar. The reality of America, the land of the free, has truly taken on a new definition. Welcome to America, the land of the free, the land where political correctness reigns, and the land where we must now only wish our fellow Americans a happy holidays.  But, of course, in God we trust. Ironic much?
            On a lighter note, today is pajama day at Chloe’s dance studio. Since I pretty much bolt in a mad dash straight from Jakki’s house to the studio to get there on time, she got to wear her pajamas to Jakki’s house today. Here she is in our morning picture to send to daddy who is working in Kansas this week. 

I hope you all have a fabulous Thursday and find your way to the weekend safe, happy, and not completely broke from Christmas.

Till next time,

Lori

Reasons To Be Thankful

This past week I've seen tons of my Facebook friends posting everyday something they're thankful for. I pondered joining the craze, but knew my intentions would probably fall short, and I wouldn't make it all the way through the month. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I'm not grateful for all God has given me. It's more that I'm a realist. Reality is, my plate is already too full, and I don't have enough time as it is.

This morning as I lay in bed with Chloe, holding her hand as she slept, I couldn't help but be overcome with just how thankful I am that God chose me to be her mommy. Chloe has truly been my answer to so many prayers. She is my sweet, kind, caring girl. She loves to help, is always looking out for her mommy, and has a heart for animals that's bigger than Texas. She is passionate and insistent about holding my hand when she is sleeping, and still will beg "hold me!" I am lucky enough to have a daughter who is independent and adventuresome, yet never too big to crawl up in mommy 's lap and be babied.

She also has her quirks. That's what makes her special. Since infancy, she has never wanted to be alone. I had one of those babies that you had to drag to the bathroom with you just so she wouldn't cry. She's still that way. Chloe doesn't ever want to be too far away from me at home. She's not one to go off and play in her room. Rather, she wants to be with me, helping me, or, unbeknownst to her, hindering me. ;) How can that bother me though? She's just so darn loving. It's the same way at bed time too. We have never been the parents that could lay her down in her crib and walk away. I've said it time and time again...I'm going to have the only 5 year old girl who still gets rocked to sleep at night. That's okay by me, though. I love those moments together. I'd rather be there to  comfort her in her most dreaded moments than to worry about "sleep training" my child or whether she will sleep in her bed. And, that brings us back to this morning. Like most nights, she is in our bed when I wake up this morning. Of course, I am holding her hand. I'm pretty sure she has a death grip on it while she snoozes away. As I lay there, staring at my beautiful princess, dreaming sweet dreams, and holding my hand, I was overcome with love. Never have I loved so deeply, so purely, and with everything that I have. There is much to be thankful for in this world of mine, but nothing more so than this precious little girl that is mine all mine. For her, #30daysofthanks just won't suffice. #365/24.7daysofthanks still may not be enough.

I love you, Chloe, my sweet baby girl!

Mommy

There's Nothing Like A Muffin Making Mini!

Yesterday was one heck of a long day. After school ended, we had an evening filled with parent conferences until 8pm. Luckily, unlike last time, Rusty is in town this week and was able to pick Chloe up from Jakki's house and take care of her.  Last time, the poor girl spent three hours up at school with me being semi-entertained by one of my cheerleaders.  I know it's probably weird, but I truly get excited when Rusty and Chloe get to spend alone time together. He's gone so much, and I think it's good for both of them. I know Chloe sure does enjoy it.

As usual, after he picked her up, she wanted to go on the "foh weeyer." It was cold outside, but daddy is kind of a sucker. Here she is all bundled up. It's a bit blurry, but it cracks me up. How many people have a sippy cup holder on their four wheeler???

After their off roading adventures were complete, they made mommy dinner. I must admit, daddy is much better at letting Chloe help than I am.  I'm working on it, but messes make my head spin a bit. Anyways, after helping daddy season the chicken and make the rice, Rusty let Chloe make me organic blueberry muffins! He took about a million pictures along the way, too. Rusty swears she really, truly made them herself. He said he would show her what she needed to do and then she would take over. When the next step in the process came, he would show her that process, and she would take over again.  Here's a few of the pictures he took chronicling the process.

When I arrived home, Chloe was so excited for me to come in the door. She met me in the garage, grabbed me by my coat tail and practically dragged me into the kitchen all the while telling the dogs, "MY mommy!"  Then, with daddy's help, she grabbed the plate of muffins and handed them to me saying, "Es yours!"  I truly do have the sweetest girl. :)

After dinner we indulged ourselves in Chloe's organic blueberry crumble muffins, took a bath, and Chloe passed out in about two minutes flat on me.  To be honest though, I'm not sure it even took me two minutes to pass out.  Rusty took this picture.  It's definitely not my most flattering moment, but she looks so dang funny on me.  Who would have thought my almost two year old would still want to be rocked/held every night? #iloveit

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

Lori

A Little Rant And A Big Ole Bunch Of Halloween Cuties

Oh happy day! We made it, people! It's FRIDAY! In teacher terms, it's also November 1st, the absolute worst day in the entire school year for sugared up kids.  Seriously, if you're a parent, take heed. Are you one of those that let's your kid stuff their pockets and lunch box full of last night's chocolate coated treasures before you send them off on the bus, out of your hair for the next eight hours?  If so, I think it's safe to say, you are not on my list of favorite people today.  Just saying...  I seriously had one girl walk into my first period class with her entire bucket of Halloween candy. No lie!  Learning is difficult on November 1st.

Enough of my soapbox...on to something fun. Last night was a blast in the Thompson household!  For the second year in a row, we trick or treated with Jakki's and Jen's girls.  Everyone had a blast, the girls got way more candy than their sweet mommies will ever let them eat, and hopefully, we walked off a few calories as we made our way around the neighborhood.  The dads joined us this year too! Jakki and I joked that we needed to bring them along every year because our job was so much easier. :) Here's a few pictures of our evening:

Points to note: Maddie, the flower, wore this outfit on her first Halloween at a mere 5 months old. She is one skinny mini! Also, look at Jenna! We took this photo right before we set out trick or treating. Jenna's sweet face is already riddled in chocolate! 

My little Minnie Mouse. I really wanted to make her a homeless woman this year, but who can say no this sweet face?

Chloe getting a ride from her daddy.

Take a look at the girls last year compared to this year! They're growing up way too quick! :(

Here's to a fabulous weekend, friends! Hopefully it won't be rainy and wet again. Oh, and let's all go ahead and celebrate daylight savings time! We gain an extra hour of sleep on Sunday!  Woo hoo!!!

Till next time,

Lori

It's A Halloween Sweetie And Stinky Bacon Kind Of Morning

Happy Halloween friends!  

This beautiful girl is all excited that her daddy got home in time to take her trick or treating tonight. He didn’t get to go last year because he was out of town.  The first thing Chloe said this morning when she saw her costume laying out was, “Daddy doh tick ah teatin’ too!”  Yes, sweet girl, he’s going too.

Now, on to the reason why I am posting this early today.  Sonic is officially on my list of places I will avoid from now on.  They can’t ever seem to get my order completely correct! Usually they forget my condiments, or they can’t seem to make Chloe’ milk shake the kid friendly way even though I specify it in my order. TODAY, topped it all though.

Here’s how it went down:

Sonic: Sonic, can I take your order?

Me: Can I get a junior potato egg and cheese burrito and a diet coke, please?

Sonic: Do you want sausage?

Me: No, no meat at all. Just potato, egg, and cheese.

I am truly not too much of a meat eater at all. I’ll eat chicken, but that’s about it, and it better be smothered in cheese or something yummy.  I’ll let you in on a little secret, too. Not only do I not like bacon, I LOATHE the smell of it. It is just so fowl smelling. Disgusting…

So, anyways, I drive to the window, receive my food, and, due to previous experiences, ask if there’s picante sauce in the bag.

Sonic girl: Yes

Me: (Looking) Um,  no, there’s not. Can I get some napkins also? (No napkins and my drink had diet coke all over the lid.)

Sonic girl: Hands me ONE napkin.

Me: Could I get more than one? Did you see my lid?

This story could go on forever. Let me get to the truly irritating part. Did I mention I don’t like meat? I wasn’t joking. It’s seriously gross…especially breakfast meats. I can’t tell you the last time I ate breakfast sausage or downed a piece of bacon.  Actually, yes, I can. TODAY. The first  bite!

Take a look, folks. 

This is disgusting. I took apart my potato, egg, and cheese burrito to find that it was FILLED to the brim with sausage, bacon, and cheese. No potato, no egg. Just a big ole meaty mess.  To say I was livid is an understatement. So, as I sit here taking out my frustrations on this blog, I am eating my cheesy tortilla and longing for my potato and egg.  I literally pulled out every piece of bacon and sausage. As for the sausage and bacon, it’s now sitting in a trash can.  Poor pig died for nothing.

Oh, and, to top it off…MY CAR SMELLS LIKE I’VE BEEN FRYING BACON IN IT FOR A WEEK. G.R.O.S.S.

Here’s to a tasty, no meat lunch that better come sooner than later because I don’t think this tortilla is going to last long.

I hope you all have a fun and safe Halloween, my friends!

Lori

My Weekend With Tori

Those of you who know me, know my obsession with Tori Spelling. She is my celebrity idol. I would go so far as to say celebrity crush except for the whole “she’s a woman” thing.  Seriously though, I love me some Tori.  When I was young, like pre to early teens, I was even a member of her fan club. I have the “Donna Martin-esq" post card to prove it. :0) To say that I was excited a few weeks ago when I logged onto my Amazon account only to be suggested that I pre-order Tori Spelling's new book is the understatement of the century.  Why, YES, Amazon, I should! THANK YOU for knowing me SO well! I'm pretty sure Amazon might know my likes better than my own husband. Or, at least they know my purchase tendencies.

Friday night, I purchased the Nook version of Spelling It Like It Is.  Then, promptly proceeded to fall asleep without even a glimpse at the first page. I was just that tired.  Being a working mom, who is typically also a single mom Monday-Friday, I have little time for hobbies.  A typical day for me consists of going to work, picking Chloe up from Jakki to play mommy for a while, starting on my many Cinderella chores once Chloe goes to bed, and off to bed to do the same thing all over again the next day. It's a rare day that I sit down before 8:30pm and that's usually to rock Chloe to sleep.  So, back to my point, these days there’s very little time for hobbies, much less personal time. This weekend was no different. Weekends are for family time, chores, and laundry.  Don’t get me wrong, I love family time, relish in it, but this weekend I was bound and determined to spend some time with Tori. Sadly, my day Saturday was just plum full. Not to mention my body was still trying to recover from the seemingly never ending week of commitments that had just ended. Literally, I had a commitment, mostly work related, EVERY. SINGLE. NIGHT. LAST. WEEK.  It was tiring exhausting downright draining.  To top it all off, poor Chloe was drug around like a rag doll to everything. She was such a trooper, but I could tell, come the weekend, she was as exhausted as I was.  When I got home Saturday evening from dinner, all I wanted to do was read. My heart was in it, but my eyes were SO NOT. I was a determined chick, though. May I introduce you to my friends for Saturday evening, one berry flavored 5 Hour Energy and an ice cold Diet Dr. Pepper?  That's right, I downed an energy shot, popped the top of a DDP, and snuggled up in my bed, just me and Tori.

I must admit... it was pretty much love at first line. Tori's been pretty MIA recently. With her reality show ending and having two babies in a one year period, she hasn't exactly been at the forefront of the tv lineup or even really in the press. Miss Lori has been surviving solely on reruns of Tori and Dean and stalking her blog. I swear to you, by the end of the first chapter, I was literally addicted. Tori's writing is like a drug. I just can't get enough.  She has such a personality, and her writing is no different. It has such voice! Needless to say, I felt like I was at home. You know that feeling you get when you've been gone way too long, and finally arrive home? That "aah!" feeling? Yeah, I totally got it. N.E.R.D....I know...

Tonight, after I post this blog actually, back to the book I go.  I'm totally reading this the smart way. Just a little bit at a time, not too much, not too little. I want to savor the moment. I wonder just how long I can make a 205 page book last???

Till next time,

Lori

A Fabulous Weekend Comes To An End

I have been anxiously awaiting this weekend for several weeks now. Not for any good reason. Simply because I HAD ABSOLUTELY NO PLANS! Life has B.U.S.Y. these days.  No kidding, I haven't had time to do much more than eat, sleep, and work. So, my plan for the weekend was to do pretty much nothing. I think, overall, I was pretty successful! After I picked Chloe up from Jakki's on Friday, we went off roading on the four wheeler for about an hour and made a pit stop at the park for a little fun.  I'm pretty sure Jakki jinxed us because when I picked her up on Friday, she mentioned that Chloe had not had an accident all week. So much for that. There's nothing quite like the look on a two year old's face when she's got one foot firmly planted on the ground, one foot on the first step of a ladder, and her bladder decides to burst. Like, FULL ON BURST. The poor girl lost every ounce in it, and it ran down her leg while she stood there, looking all sad, head leaned over, watching it run down her. :(  DADDY TO THE RESCUE! We stayed at the park, and he bolted back to the house for dry clothes and disinfectant wipes! Once Chloe went to sleep, I sat down and made 16 pink cheer bows for our pink out pep rally. I hope the girls like them!!

That night Rusty got called in to work at midnight but got off at around 6am.  Obviously, he needed some sleep, so Chloe and I left for a few hours Saturday morning while he got some zzzzzs.  We needed to go to the dairy farm to get Chloe some more raw milk and to Roanoke to pick up Spanky's $100 skin prescription that I loathe buying.  Now, before complaining, let me tell you, it could be much further that we have to drive for raw milk.  The family we buy from says that people drive from the other side of Dallas to buy their milk, but the other side of Decatur is a good 30-35 minute drive.  So, when I pull up only to be greeted with this sign, I am not a happy camper. 

I was forced to buy my girl non-organic Lactaid. Alas, we will try again tomorrow. Hopefully they will have some milk, and I will be stocking my freezer up with it.

After we ran our errands, we pretty much did nothing. NOTHING! It was amazing.  On Sunday, Chloe woke me up with two demands: 1) "I need to poo poo, MOMMY!" 2) "I wan donuts, mommy." So, once we took care of number 1, (which was actually number 2, hahahah!), we went to the donut store and filled her little belly full of fried, sugary goodness.  Last night we promised Chloe that she would get to carve pumpkins today.  Shortly after breakfast, Chloe remembered.  Off to Walmart we went! We picked out four beautiful pumpkins and grabbed some meat to put on the smoker as well.  Below are our final products in the pumpkin carving category.  Chloe is likes loves is a slight bit obsessed with Minnie Mouse these days. Rusty really wanted to make Chloe a Minnie Mouse pumpkin this year. If you know my husband, you know there is NOTHING he can't do.  BTW, Chloe loves her Minnie "punkin." Daddy also smoked me some totally yummy awesome AMAZEBALLS chicken.  It was so juicy! He also made himself some pork tenderloin that he said was to die for, but we'll just have to take his word on that one. Somewhere in between all of this we also got some four wheeling time in.  (This has quickly become Chloe's favorite pass time.)

Our Sunday In A Nutshell:

You know it's been a fun filled day when Chloe wants to go to sleep before it's even 8pm. Who was I to argue? Right now her precious, sleeping self is snuggled up next to me on the couch snoozing away. I know, it's after 11pm; I just haven't wanted to put her to bed yet.  I like my baby sleeping peacefully on me! Now, my weekend comes to a close.  In one word, I would call this weekend...RELAXING!

I hope everyone has a fabulous Monday!

Lori