tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44926086190254768362024-03-18T22:28:52.678-05:00Howell-ings of a Wannabe HousewifeMrs. Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763466441917781109noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492608619025476836.post-91889579440962075812010-06-11T12:21:00.000-05:002010-06-11T12:21:25.908-05:0030 Things for SummerI've noticed that alot of the blogs I follow use <a href="http://www.mamakatslosinit.com/writers-workshop-directions/">Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop</a> as inspiration for their blogs. I fully admit that I had the best intentions of checking out her site and getting a little direction of my own, but I just haven't had time. . .till today! I saw that yet <a href="http://ktmoxie.blogspot.com/">another blog I follow</a> was using her guidance, so I FINALLY clicked and decided to give it a whirl! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mamakatslosinit.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Mama's Losin' It" src="http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac331/mamakatslosinit/poodle4.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I chose to follow her prompt: 30 things you vow to do this summer. So here goes!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">1. Read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Help-Kathryn-Stockett/dp/0399155341">The Help</a> (it's been on my nightstand since Christmas!).</div><div style="text-align: left;">2. Get serious about carving out time for the Couch to 5K program (since I have committed to <a href="http://www.therhok.com/2010/06/lose-it-with-rhok.html">Lose It with the RHOK</a>. . .I need to get my booty in gear!).</div><div style="text-align: left;">3. Have at least one Girls Night Out per month for June, July and August.</div><div style="text-align: left;">4. Have at least one Date Night per month for June, July and August.</div><div style="text-align: left;">5. Cook at home (aka GRILL) at least 5 out of 7 nights per week.</div><div style="text-align: left;">6. Enjoy our neighborhood pool more.</div><div style="text-align: left;">7. Schedule end-of-the-summer swim lessons for Bubs (we already did beginning-of-the-summer lessons).</div><div style="text-align: left;">8. Help make our school's fundraiser a huge success in July.</div><div style="text-align: left;">9. Save, Save, Save!!!</div><div style="text-align: left;">10. Finish the <a href="http://www.lproof.org/">Beth Moore Bible Study</a> that I am attending and sign up for another one for the Fall.</div><div style="text-align: left;">11. Finish our rotation teaching Sunday School for kids and start going to the adult class.</div><div style="text-align: left;">12. Officially join our church. . .we have been going, we teach Sunday School, we love it. . .just haven't made it "official" yet.</div><div style="text-align: left;">13. Have a fabulous family vacation!</div><div style="text-align: left;">14. Don't go a single summer day without perfectly pedicured toes!</div><div style="text-align: left;">15. Lose more "baby" weight.</div><div style="text-align: left;">16. Utilize the extended daylight hours to spend more time outside with the kids.</div><div style="text-align: left;">17. Have friends over to our house more often.</div><div style="text-align: left;">18. Plan Busy's 1st Birthday Celebration.</div><div style="text-align: left;">19. Be more creative on my blog -- <a href="http://howellfamily3.blogspot.com/">here</a> and <a href="http://www.918moms.com/blog/author/going-green-mom/">here</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;">20. Don't let my tomato plants die!</div><div style="text-align: left;">21. Don't waste the tomatoes!</div><div style="text-align: left;">22. BBM, call or email my Bestie at least once per day. . .we both need encouragment these days!</div><div style="text-align: left;">23. Keep my running dates with McBFF!</div><div style="text-align: left;">24. Walk-Run a 5K every month for June, July and August.</div><div style="text-align: left;">25. Perfect Schmoops' morning Mocha.</div><div style="text-align: left;">26. Hide Schmoops' Blackberry for at least ONE weekend.</div><div style="text-align: left;">27. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7:12">Treat others as I would have them treat me</a> (even my boss)!</div><div style="text-align: left;">28. Get out of the office for at least one lunch per week.</div><div style="text-align: left;">29. Make a new friend.</div><div style="text-align: left;">30. Have a Happy and Grateful Heart!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I am going to follow <a href="http://domesticdisaster.com/?p=175">Heather's lead</a> and check back in at the end of the summer for a post about which of these I actually accomplished!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I was also going to put 31. Get a tattoo. But I just don't know if I'm there yet. Do you have a tattoo? What is it? Where is it (if you can share)? Did it hurt? Do you love it?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Mrs. Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763466441917781109noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492608619025476836.post-77456476059809342382010-06-10T13:39:00.000-05:002010-06-10T13:39:08.634-05:00Thankful Thursday Five<center><a href="http://mannland5/"><img alt="Thursday Five" border="0" src="http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad217/mannmom3/thursday5.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today's the day to post 5 things that have made us</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><strong>Joyful</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;"><strong>Giddy</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><strong>Excited</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: cyan; font-size: large;"><strong>Thankful</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-size: large;"><strong>Jubuliant</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">or </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Just plain ol' happy (orTHANKFUL) this week!</em></strong></span></div><br />
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Once you do that..<a href="http://www.mannland5.com/2010/06/thursday-five-with-giveaway.html">go visit Keely and link up</a>.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><strong>My Five...</strong></span></div><br />
1. I am very thankful that my husband could stay home with Busy today because she was running a fever again (we actually think it is only teething this time) because I could NOT take off another day from work!<br />
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2. I am very thankful that the prep I did for an important meeting yesterday was all worth it and the meeting went very well.<br />
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3. I am thankful that everyday I am one step closer to the day that I can stay home with my sweet kiddos!<br />
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4. I am thankful for the special morning I had with my son today. Since Daddy stayed home with Busy, Bubs and I got to have a donut date just the two of us.<br />
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5. I am thankful that Schmoops and I will get a little mini-vacay on Saturday night when we travel to Dallas sans our children to our friend Johnny's wedding -- he's marrying the very wonderful Melissa!! And I am very thankful that such a sweet and deserving friend has found a wife, lover, friend and soul mate with whom to share his life!<br />
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Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. <em>1 Thessalonians 5:22</em>Mrs. Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763466441917781109noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492608619025476836.post-81332567621953823692010-06-09T10:23:00.001-05:002010-06-09T10:25:29.638-05:00Wordless Wednesday. . .except to say. . .INSERT ME & 3 BFFs HERE!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQ7JPzP6fOAgxxoXG8hA5Z6iQY1bzWLvgTrkyjwMhUikRWTEJhLw0xgcgS-QeJKjQEQ4cCogA83B7Hklem-ZCxqg9H7xfhkiqtvdJwVvDuERZOSIZ0EqWQbTDrbxq4WMt1FeQe78r7Lw/s1600/SATC2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQ7JPzP6fOAgxxoXG8hA5Z6iQY1bzWLvgTrkyjwMhUikRWTEJhLw0xgcgS-QeJKjQEQ4cCogA83B7Hklem-ZCxqg9H7xfhkiqtvdJwVvDuERZOSIZ0EqWQbTDrbxq4WMt1FeQe78r7Lw/s400/SATC2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
As much as I would absolutely love to be friends with Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, and even Samantha (though I already have a Samantha friend. . .in both respects!). . .I would like it better if this pic were ME, my dearest Bethie, Nikki, and Melanie. So fun!!! And you know "Stanford" would have to be there too because Garon would just be too much fun to leave at home!<br />
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XOXO to all of my Besties and to all of your Besties too. . .Here's to tried & true undying friendship!!<br />
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For more Wordless Wednesday Photo Fun. . .<a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/23069/wordless-wednesday-ballerinas/">visit 5 Minutes for Mom and link up</a>!!Mrs. Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763466441917781109noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492608619025476836.post-27961945371586463422010-06-09T10:12:00.001-05:002010-06-09T10:14:32.476-05:00Post It Note Tuesday. . .er, Wednesday. . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpPvDnPJ9-pn9bMMNHdOoqh55DCuk8EoZYFz0lzndCl7rdrwDCykK4cDIc6YZ-k3Q6AKWDHKRKZp34Slxg_C5wWJigmDU_i83wIgsI3GsFW4s2ghSs1Fi_0tQozzNE98eXldUZKTU8Ws/s1600/superstickies+06082010+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpPvDnPJ9-pn9bMMNHdOoqh55DCuk8EoZYFz0lzndCl7rdrwDCykK4cDIc6YZ-k3Q6AKWDHKRKZp34Slxg_C5wWJigmDU_i83wIgsI3GsFW4s2ghSs1Fi_0tQozzNE98eXldUZKTU8Ws/s320/superstickies+06082010+1.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://supahmommy.blogspot.com/2009/09/post-it-note-tuesday-what-will-you-say.html" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s27/dperry_2007/superstickies-413-1.png" /></a><br />
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Go Link Up with Supah. . .<a href="http://supahmommy.blogspot.com/2010/06/post-it-note-tuesday-schweaty-balls.html">here</a>!Mrs. Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763466441917781109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492608619025476836.post-29689273519304932042010-06-03T10:20:00.000-05:002010-06-03T10:20:02.132-05:00Thankful Thursday Five!Today's the day to post 5 things that have made us<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Joyful</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">Giddy</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">Excited</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">Thankful</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Jubuliant</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">or </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Just plain ol' happy (of THANKFUL) this week!</span></div><br />
Once you do that..<a href="http://www.mannland5.com/2010/06/thursday-fiveim-giddy.html">go visit Keely and link up</a>.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">My Five...</span></div><br />
1. As always, super duper thankful for my AMAZING kiddos who brighten my day EVERY DAY!!! I love them more than I could ever express!!!<br />
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2. Also, it is too bad that sad/tough times often remind us to really appreciate those that love us. . .I am SO thankful for my INCREDIBLE husband who is SO supportive and loves me so much that sometimes I have a hard time believing it. We don't have a lot of help in our lives so we struggle sometimes to make everything work with both of our jobs and the kids and his travels for work. But somehow we make it and he truly does go above and beyond in the love, understanding, and support departments!!!<br />
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3. On that same note, I am reminded these days that I have some FABULOUS friends who have been so supportive and helpful to me that I don't know how I would make it without them. Even when I "fall off the grid" with stuff that has come up and responsibilities I have, all I have to do is call any one of them and they are there to help!<br />
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4. I am thankful that although I definitely do not like dieting, I am finding success this time -- 10 lbs down! :) And I am noticing that I am alot more conscious of what is going in my mouth these days. I typically just yo-yo diet to get where I want to be for a certain event or something. That is how this diet started, but it has turned into be really giving thought to what I am doing. Hopefully it will be a lifestyle change!<br />
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5. Oh. . .don't want to forget that I am tremendously thankful for above-mentioned fabulous friend for inviting me to a Beth Moore Bible Study course that started last night. It was just the introduction night, but I could already tell that it is going to be amazing and the small group is a bunch of interesting and phenomenal wives and mothers. So excited for the next 7 weeks!!!Mrs. Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763466441917781109noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492608619025476836.post-24416119152120409032010-06-02T08:22:00.000-05:002010-06-02T08:22:37.313-05:00Wordless Wednesday - 4th Birthdays Sure Are Sweet!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bOsDH3y3D_WvBBf962SA3KG-0xoY_GORMgFZ_nzUWBLY7fBw4_7cMudyzEqmZIN4wu2iaOKmsmLZGzp6VQNSnDPes9eB4FaBhcK41XlbpYaCptsoq-nN1UjX88Mr-6luTOefbrHftXI/s1600/kyan+bday+tongue+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bOsDH3y3D_WvBBf962SA3KG-0xoY_GORMgFZ_nzUWBLY7fBw4_7cMudyzEqmZIN4wu2iaOKmsmLZGzp6VQNSnDPes9eB4FaBhcK41XlbpYaCptsoq-nN1UjX88Mr-6luTOefbrHftXI/s400/kyan+bday+tongue+2010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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For more Wordless Wednesday FUN. . .visit <a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/">5 Minutes for Mom</a> and <a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/22779/wordless-wednesday-buttercup/">link up</a>!!Mrs. Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763466441917781109noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492608619025476836.post-66258800500698178902010-06-01T14:29:00.000-05:002010-06-01T14:29:12.956-05:00Where the heck I have been. . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I haven’t posted in two weeks. That is a long hiatus since I brought the blog back up and running. And really I have missed it! I have missed checking in on my bloggy friends too! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">A week ago Friday, Miss Busy was just not acting herself. She had been really fussy all afternoon as we visited the ENT to talk about getting tubes. She slept off and on; she cried A-LOT! She would not allow me to put her down. She was running a very low fever, but she has been teething so I chalked it all up to that. We finally got her down for the evening (or so I thought) and I snuck out of the house to go purchase a birthday gift for one of Bubs’ friends. During my shopping escape, Schmoops called me on the phone to say that Busy was awake, vomiting and running a high fever. I dropped all my shopping finds and headed out the door. On the way home, I texted our pediatrician – yes, I texted and drove; not something I typically do but hopefully I am forgiven this time! I told him of the vomiting, fever and how she had been lethargic all day. He immediately called me and said that she needed to be seen right away. He called ahead to the Pediatric Urgent Care and I headed home to load up our precious little girl.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We arrived at the PUC and the waiting room was abuzz. Several kiddos were apparently not feeling well on that Friday night. We were given our place in line and we began to wait. Not too long after taking a seat, Busy proceeded to begin her projectile vomiting again. This precipitated us being “bumped” to the front of the line and taken back to a room immediately. The doctor saw us and took a bunch of notes and then sent two nurses in who proceeded to take a “clean urine” and several vials of blood. Busy is only 10 months old so you can imagine how this went over. I sang her favorite song, Old McDonald, repeatedly until the torture had subsided. Then we were moved to another room and she was hooked up to an IV for fluids. We both got a little rest and waited for the doctor to give us the all clear.</div><br />
The “all clear” never came. After about 1 hour of IV fluids, the doctor re-emerged and instructed that Busy needed to be hospitalized. Now it is about 11:45 p.m. at this point and I am all alone with my baby girl. I called Schmoops and told him that we were not coming home. After waking my mom up and giving the short orders that she was needed at my house so Schmoops could me us at the hospital, Busy and I set off for the children’s hospital.<br />
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I have never been so scared in all of my life. Bubs has had two sets of tubes and his adenoids removed, but he has NEVER been in the hospital for an overnight stay. . .or ever even been on the verge of being sent to the hospital. This was new territory for me and I will admit I was very upset.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Luckily, the PUC doctor had arranged a direct-admittance for us so as soon as we arrived at the hospital we were immediately given a room. The nurses proceeded to do a few more tests and then an intern doctor came in and told us that they would perform tests for a variety of things and Busy would need fluids all night. We would probably go home the next morning. Um, no.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
The next morning came early. . .4:00 a.m. Busy was convulsing (or so I thought) and burning up. We called the nurse and they took her temp which was 102. However, the convulsing was “just the chills”. They gave her some Tylenol and I wrapped her up and hugged her to me. She seemed unaware and slept soundly. I did not. At 6:00 they took her temp again and it was 104. But the nurse assured me that often a temp goes up before coming down. I had never heard this especially after Tylenol had been administered but Schmoops told me not to worry and wait like the nurses said. Around 8:00, Busy was awake and seemingly back to her old self. However, she would not drink. They took her off the IV and we proceeded to try to give her bottle after bottle. She was not having it. At 6:00 p.m. we finally saw a doctor and were told we were told #1 she had para-influenza and #2 we were not going home. . .DUH! They hooked the IV back up and we set in for another night. Here's a picture of Busy with her little IV cover on her arm. She is all smiles charmin' those nurses. . .but we still had to stay!</div><br />
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I am going with the power of prayer because I had not prayed harder in those 24 hours. And around 8:00 p.m. on Saturday night, Busy drank an 8 oz bottle. Then she slept a glorious sleep and at 6:30 a.m. she drank another 8 oz bottle and ate breakfast as normal. By 12:30 that afternoon, she was eating, drinking and playing as normal. The doctor sent us home. . .just in time for Bubs’ 4th Birthday party!!! (I had been telling the nurses all along that I had a birthday party to manage at 2:30 - -more on that later! -- and they all said they could tell I was a “task-master”!)<br />
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It was a scary experience but we were lucky that it turned out fine. Busy got tubes Monday morning and has since been her normal self. . .my wild child!!! So between hospitals, birthdays, tubes and a tiny bit of sleep (oh, plus my fabulous job. . .cough, cough, cough). . .I missed out on adding my little bit to the blogosphere. I am glad to be back and truly truly thankful that my daughter is on the mend and happy as ever!<br />
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Below is a pic of Busy and Bubs at Busy's post-Tubes/post-hospital stay visit with our pediatrician -- 2 days after getting her tubes. . .as you can see both kiddos are healthy and happy!! YEAH!!!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6jGPKIk7Pf5Uqu2VyxBvumeVQ2BvVBeaij9hfLfN9Tv-UbobuHFoqQcCP_WjS6pSmblf1w0pv-2jihJ0h0uABzNpD2_B9khhOdsQOlrvYi1jWBgZYch05CMvb3IDtr0_2-7SgjAWzKU/s1600/kids+at+raleys+May+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6jGPKIk7Pf5Uqu2VyxBvumeVQ2BvVBeaij9hfLfN9Tv-UbobuHFoqQcCP_WjS6pSmblf1w0pv-2jihJ0h0uABzNpD2_B9khhOdsQOlrvYi1jWBgZYch05CMvb3IDtr0_2-7SgjAWzKU/s320/kids+at+raleys+May+2010.jpg" /></a></div>Mrs. Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763466441917781109noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492608619025476836.post-8740371009605970432010-05-20T14:44:00.000-05:002010-05-20T14:44:03.141-05:00Happy about Thankful Thursday!I'm going to shake things up a bit today and link up with <a href="http://www.mannland5.com/">MannLand5</a> for my "Thankful Thursday". (I'm not "meme-hopping", but it looks like <a href="http://www.theoutdoorwife.com/">The Outdoor Wife</a> might be taking a little break. . .) So here goes. . .<br />
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Today's the day to post 5 things that have made us<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Joyful</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">Giddy</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;">Excited</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">Thankful</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">Jubuliant</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">or </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Just plain ol' happy (of THANKFUL) this week!</em></strong></span></div><br />
Once you do that..<a href="http://www.mannland5.com/2010/05/thursday-fivea-rescue.html">go visit Keely and and link up</a>.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Five..</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">1. I never thought I would say this, but I am super thankful for CUCUMBERS!!! If you close one eye and stand on your left food and in your dieting mind pretend really really hard, they are surprising good as a substitute for CHIPS!!!! These long green friends cut into slices are certainly helping me stay on my diet.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">2. I am thankful for my camera phone so that I can send my hubby pics of our kids when he is out of town and make him smile. . .gosh I love that smile!! Today I actually sent him a picture of my lunch so he would feel sorry for me that I am living on rabbit food so I will look ultra hot for his friend's wedding next month! ;)-</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">3. I am thankful that no one I know was hurt during the tornadoes that have been descending all across our State. I have a good many friends that live down the turnpike from me and they tend to get it worse than we do in Green Country. Continued prayers for everyone during the Spring and Summer months when this type of atmospheric activity is at its worst. (P.S. I wish I had gotten a picture of me and my kiddos SLEEPING in the closet last night as the tornado sirens repeatedly went off. Obviously if I was asleep as well there wasn't much picture taking. I guess my back started hurting and I woke up at 12:30 a.m. and took everyone to their beds!)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">4. I am thankful that I have lost 4 lbs so far so I know that I am not dieting and exercising for nothing! Isn't that so discouraging when you try and try to "be good" and you step on the scale to see the SAME OLD NUMBER??? It's nice to debit something other than my bank account!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">5. Bubs and Busy would like me to extend their thankfulness that Daddy is coming home tomorrow!!! Um, yes, they love me. . .but Daddy brings presents AND never disciplines!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">As a post script, I'll add two more things since I typically do 7 thankful thoughts. . .</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">6. I am very thankful that so many of Bubs' friends can come to his IRON MAN birthday party on Sunday. It should be a blast and he is beyond thrilled that the countdown is nearing to an end.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">7. Somewhat thankful (and somewhat that time keeps marching on at such a fast pace) that Busy is now standing all by herself. I know that the first step isn't too far beyond. Then WATCH OUT WORLD!!!</div>Mrs. Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763466441917781109noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492608619025476836.post-16751910488430421402010-05-19T13:04:00.000-05:002010-05-19T13:04:45.639-05:00WW: Picture of a Good Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQiqUhNGWwyt-ynG3NQkjA2ZCehkeZ5y0nDY8trFgKfQ6TX_WCv8CoIqt5NsO9TaOyJVWw2VRW65gOUSMVAuCYMK5bTfKbcEYEH5fdpDWlW6Fx6StkziWGQLCxz5KKPRAmodYK2FZ43s/s1600/stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQiqUhNGWwyt-ynG3NQkjA2ZCehkeZ5y0nDY8trFgKfQ6TX_WCv8CoIqt5NsO9TaOyJVWw2VRW65gOUSMVAuCYMK5bTfKbcEYEH5fdpDWlW6Fx6StkziWGQLCxz5KKPRAmodYK2FZ43s/s400/stars.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I assure you that Bubs is one othe GREEN STARS! Yeah! Those days are far and few between for my "all boy" boy!</div><br />
Visit <a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/22076/wordless-wednesday-the-last-magnolia/">Five Minutes for Mom</a> for more WW fun!Mrs. Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763466441917781109noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492608619025476836.post-56947852008137711952010-05-18T16:03:00.002-05:002010-05-18T16:09:35.507-05:00Post It Note Tuesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://supahmommy.blogspot.com/2009/09/post-it-note-tuesday-what-will-you-say.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s27/dperry_2007/superstickies-413-1.png" /></a></div><br />
Welcome to another addition of PINT with <a href="http://supahmommy.blogspot.com/">SupahMommy</a>. Click and join the fun this week!<br />
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At the request of Supah, I am posting this as well: <br />
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Twitter Party For Mission Monkey Next Week! Donate ANY amount to be able to join and win win win! (each dollar = 1 entry for prizes- donate more= more entries) Next Tuesday - 5/25 - 9-10 PM EST <br />
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Please POST THIS ON YOUR BLOG!<br />
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<center><a href="http://supahmommy.blogspot.com/" target="_self"><img alt="Supah Mommy's Swag Bag" border="0" src="http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s27/dperry_2007/TwitterMonkey2.png" /></a></center><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NgWsmAORuCg3ctH2X6L50_c-gb_pHdXYtEX7PyL4dBrZ-qeTq_MaqT5NVdi4udcq9K0KQGzZz5q6S713fP2KNNB4VRfTTjGVP8cDLOA9wWswbn0pD5vHZLZ43_hVWpWcL5C7vKTAAto/s1600/superstickies+0517+13.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NgWsmAORuCg3ctH2X6L50_c-gb_pHdXYtEX7PyL4dBrZ-qeTq_MaqT5NVdi4udcq9K0KQGzZz5q6S713fP2KNNB4VRfTTjGVP8cDLOA9wWswbn0pD5vHZLZ43_hVWpWcL5C7vKTAAto/s320/superstickies+0517+13.png" wt="true" /></a></div>Mrs. Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763466441917781109noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492608619025476836.post-28530907535951127822010-05-17T10:14:00.000-05:002010-05-17T10:14:19.179-05:00I'd like to thank the Academy, God, my family and friends. . .<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpxm0KN8qU9R3_fMFjKk7lyziFpZ-aw6sDHp_GL70Qmhgra9fcg_swTkselZFpqD74O_9_AlAtHuDbjzFEa5wsQMQQ5h9SQyEYWucR4WTQoXPMGqy93gMcDL6Gh9ABjJRn0A3HG2Bpxw/s1600/versatile+blogger+award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpxm0KN8qU9R3_fMFjKk7lyziFpZ-aw6sDHp_GL70Qmhgra9fcg_swTkselZFpqD74O_9_AlAtHuDbjzFEa5wsQMQQ5h9SQyEYWucR4WTQoXPMGqy93gMcDL6Gh9ABjJRn0A3HG2Bpxw/s200/versatile+blogger+award.jpg" width="200" wt="true" /></a><br />
Oh, sorry. . .while I am rather dramatic, I did not receive an Academy Award. . .I got something better! My 1st Blogger Award -- The Versatile Blogger!!! I am so excited that my friend Ms. Wendy over at <a href="http://runningonmtt.blogspot.com/">Running on MMT</a> awarded me this award. I am very honored! I can't remember how I found Wendy's blog, but we have fast become bloggy friends and I love reading her posts. We also have alot in common. . .we're moms, we're runners, we're reality TV junkies, we're totally fabulous, AND WE ARE BOTH VERSATILE BLOGGER AWARD WINNERS!! :)<br />
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There are a few rules along with this award in order to "officially" add the fancy award badge to my blog! <br />
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I'll call this Rule 1a - Post the rules so whomever I nominate knows what they need to do!<br />
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Rule 1 - <strong>Say thank you!</strong> Thank you, thank you, thank you Ms. Wendy!!!! I was so thrilled to see that YOU got an award when I looked at my blog roll this morning that I opened that post FIRST. . .imagine how SUPRISED and THRILLED that MY NAME was listed as one of the people you nominated. I am still so excited that I am having trouble typing this. So THANK YOU!!! You have absolutely made my day!!!!<br />
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Rule 2 - <strong>Share seven fun facts about yourself!</strong> <br />
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1. I absolutely love love love coffee!!! Honestly, I am not sure I could function without it. I don't know how or when the obsession started and it might be directly attributed to my college boyfriend who loved to go over to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbia,_Missouri">Columbia, Missouri</a> and hang out at the hippie coffee shops and philosophize. . .yes, I was entranced. I actually got hooked on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chai_tea">Chai Tea</a>. . .then <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mocha_latte">Mochas</a>. . .then <a href="http://www.starbucks.com/menu/drinks/espresso/skinny-flavored-latte">Vanilla Lattes</a> (which I still love once in a while). . .and now I just go straight for the hard stuff straight up! My hubby got me a <a href="http://www.keurig.com/">Keurig</a> coffee maker for absolutely no reason and I love it. You can get any types of coffee you like in little pods and make a cup. . .or 6. . .all for little old me!<br />
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2. I am so freakin' tired today I can't even express it! Sometimes I like to surprise my husband with little treats that I know he will love even if it is not something that I would particularly choose. One of those things is going to concerts. So....a while back we attended the <a href="http://www.nickelback.com/">Nickelback</a> concert at the <a href="http://bokcenter.com/index.asp">BOK Center</a>, but the band Schmoops really wanted to see was <a href="http://www.sickpuppies.net/">The Sick Puppies</a>. Hmmmm. . .I know, but stick with me. Well, they just so happened to be the opening-opening-opening band (before <a href="http://www.shinedown.com/">Shinedown</a>, <a href="http://www.shallowbay.com/">Breaking Benjamin</a> and then finally Nickelback). Well, our babysitter was running a little late and we didn't get down to the arena right at 6:30 when the tickets said it started. . .we got there at 6:40. . .and The Sick Puppies were OVER! Literally, I thought Schmoops might cry. . .he certainly pouted. . .and I could tell that the rest of the concert was a letdown (as it was for me but that is a totally different story because let's be reminded that I went FOR HIM). Enter my "Bright Idea of the Day" also known as things that sound great at the time but in reality are not very well thought out. So after the Nickelback concert debacle, I got on the internet and found out that The Sick Puppies were playing last night in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fayetteville,_Arkansas">Fayetteville</a>, a short jaunt from our home. So I ordered up some tickets, asked mom to watch the kids and off we went. Now Fayetteville IS a short jaunt at 2 in the afternoon when you are driving over. . .at 2 in the morning when you are driving home. . .not so much. Ugh. (See #1 above. . .it will be my life source today!)<br />
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3. As you might have guessed from reading my blog, I long to be a Stay At Home Mom and <a href="http://www.therhok.com/">Housewife</a>. We have a plan. . .it is coming. . .I can't wait. Until then, um, I really really really hate working. :(<br />
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4. Re: work. . .the dude that walks down the hallway whistling and humming all day long. . .UGH. . .SO ANNOYING! I can appreciate happiness and I love it that he must have such a joyful life, but seriously. We have cubes. It is not quiet on a good day when everyone is working. Do we need another distraction???<br />
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5. I am a closet rap music lover. I know, I know. . .it is hard to believe. And I am not talking about the ones that cuss more than anything else or where they talk about raping, pillaging and killing. But I gotta say that I love me some Ludacris, Jay Z and a bunch of guys that they play on the radio that I don't even know their name but when their songs come on and I have the sunroof open, I could not be in a better mood! Seriously. Please note that I do not listen to rap music with my kids in the car and I have also come to the realization that most parents at my kids' school do not understand my appreciation for this genre of music, so I make sure to turn it down when I hit the main street leading to the school!<br />
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6. I miss my grandma EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. It has been 12 years since she died. Everyone says it gets easier with time. I guess. "Manaw" was the most awesome individual to me in the entire universe. I loved her so much. . .still love her so much. It kills me that she never saw me get married (she did get to meet Schmoops since we were friends in high school), that she didn't see me become a mother, that I can't call her and tell her that I am so tired and will she make me some hot chocolate. I don't know why I just told you guys that. . .I'm not sure if it is a "fun fact". . .but it was on my mind.<br />
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7. This is the last one, I better make it a good one. Like Ms. Wendy. . .I am the LUCKIEST girl in the world!!! I am married to my very best friend and soul mate. It took us a long time to get together but it was definitely worth the wait. And I have the two most AMAZING kids in the entire world! My family is everything I ever dreamed of and so much more. I am truly happy. . .and sadly, I'm not sure how many people can say that in the world today. I wish everyone half as much love as I have and surely their cups would runneth over!!!<br />
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**********************<br />
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Okay, back to the rules. . .<br />
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Rule 3 - Copy and paste the picture of the award at the top of my post and add it to your sidebar so all your bloggy friends know you received it and someone thinks you are special. For good measure you can thank me for giving it to you! <br />
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Rule 4 - <strong>Pass this award onto other bloggy friends who I think are pretty special! </strong>GLADLY!!!<br />
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<a href="http://allthingscakeshop.blogspot.com/2010/03/feeling-cake-love.html">All Things Cake</a> (not currently updated, but a good friend of mine/cousin who I think is AMAZING!!)<br />
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<a href="http://familyofshorts.blogspot.com/">Family of Shorts</a> (I'm a Stalker of "Muffin Top to Skinny Jeans")<br />
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<a href="http://greenmommas.blogspot.com/">Green Momma</a> (one of the inspiration sites for me on my own going green journey)<br />
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The <a href="http://www.therhok.com/">Ladies of the RHOK</a> at their individual sites which I have come to read and love:<br />
<a href="http://www.thatsbaloney.com/">That's Baloney</a> (<em>actually been a follower for a long time because I know her from "the real world"</em>)<br />
<a href="http://www.kellyology.net/">Kellyology</a><br />
<a href="http://dawnsdiversions.blogspot.com/">Dawn's Diversions</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thesouthernfamily.net/">The Southern Family</a><br />
<a href="http://ournewjourney-alicia.blogspot.com/">Our New Journey</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theredneckdiva.com/">The Redneck Diva</a><br />
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Geez. . .I follow so many super fabulous blogs that there are TONS more, I assure you!!!<br />
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Thanks again, Wendy, for the great honor and happy blogging to all!! XOXOMrs. Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763466441917781109noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492608619025476836.post-63901111101273145992010-05-14T11:54:00.002-05:002010-05-14T11:57:35.776-05:00Bloggers Without Makeup DayI just love this idea!! And FYI. . .I can often be found sans make up! I love a clean face and natural beauty. . .plus I like sleep alot so I will gladly take away from "puttin' on make up time" so that I can get a few more zzzzzzzzzzzz's!! I will say that it is somewhat hard to find a pic of me without make up though due to the fact that typically I am the one taking the picture. . .or we are having the pic taken for a purpose -- holiday, special occasion, etc.. . .so I have applied my un-natural beauty products!<br />
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Anyhoo...<a href="http://mummy-mayhem.blogspot.com/">Jodie with Mummy Mayhem</a> has sanctioned this day, May 14th, as <strong>Bloggers without Make Up Day</strong>! She posted a picture of herself in all her natural beauty and she asked female bloggers of the world to do so too. I actually jumped on board after reading <a href="http://www.therhok.com/2010/05/bloggers-without-makeup.html">Beautiful Momma's post</a> over at the <a href="http://www.therhok.com/">RHOK</a>. I echo her sentiment that showing our daugthers (<em>and our sons!</em>) that being beautiful naturally inside. . .and out. . .is the most beautiful thing about being a woman. . .well, that and raising a naturally beautiful child as well! So here are three pics of me in all my freckled-face glory and without a stitch of make up. . .coincidentally they happen to be three of the happiest days of my life as well. . .birthdays of my two babies and finishing my first 5K with McBFF.<br />
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I hope you will celebrate this glorious day and link up over at <a href="http://mummy-mayhem.blogspot.com/2010/05/bloggers-without-makeup-day.html">Jodie's original post</a>. 130 of your female sisters have already done so!Mrs. Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763466441917781109noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492608619025476836.post-83208151357823470782010-05-13T16:51:00.002-05:002010-05-13T16:56:24.475-05:00Thankful on Thursday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVz9i2JIzdUPD89od4Y1y3mcz1zXxv5syhyRourkTdjEejWANWyC-PXOEsaZrvC8ykgznkbFP4Vfm9VT_BiI0XhDRDmU7X6IZMpT7E1OwyWOeGG4J_y_BZ3OGtVTgdWSnIZSCL4ZHZkM/s1600/thankful+on+thursday+pic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVz9i2JIzdUPD89od4Y1y3mcz1zXxv5syhyRourkTdjEejWANWyC-PXOEsaZrvC8ykgznkbFP4Vfm9VT_BiI0XhDRDmU7X6IZMpT7E1OwyWOeGG4J_y_BZ3OGtVTgdWSnIZSCL4ZHZkM/s320/thankful+on+thursday+pic.png" wt="true" /></a></div><br />
Feel free to head on over to <a href="http://www.theoutdoorwife.com/">The Outdoor Wife</a> or join me here for Thankful on a Thursday. Here are 7 things I'm thankful for this week! (<em>I just checked and there was not a post today, but maybe she will get one up and we can all link up. . .and you can still be thankful regardless!)</em> And you can also participate in Thankful Thursday with <a href="http://www.eph2810.com/thankful-thursday-code-blogroll/">Grace Alone</a>.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.eph2810.com/?page_id=459"><img border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/eph2810/TTButton.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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Week Four:<br />
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I'm thankful for...<br />
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1. Lunch "hours" (plural) with a good friend. . .two days in a row!<br />
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2. Creative recipes (read "concoctions") for diet-friendly food. . .<br />
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3. Great friends who have planned a great girls' night out, a great girls' weekend AND a great girls+family mini-vacay and all I have to do is show up!<br />
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4. Good books and an awesome book club to share them with<br />
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5. My mom (Happy Mother's Day -- again!)<br />
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6. My children (Happy Mother's Day to me -- again! Because being a mom is the greatest honor in the world!)<br />
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7. My hubby for being so understanding and doing everything he can to try to alleviate my stressors -- real and imaginary!<br />
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Thankful, thankful, thankful!!!Mrs. Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763466441917781109noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492608619025476836.post-48390871626061621092010-05-12T08:56:00.001-05:002010-05-12T09:05:56.732-05:00Wordless Wednesday. . .In Honor of Mother's Day!<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-GB1TOE7YJJucA0dsOH5P4u_rnqNB4piPengXY98mcsuYrlcpPMZkFyT8aab4iQTm7k8Rsf3KE_Ian-m74cFt__qNZUZsRNQhTcq-009g6Lmj7jRDL4m6iFZeyUC1pg_pCULNt3RxvA/s1600/supermom.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-GB1TOE7YJJucA0dsOH5P4u_rnqNB4piPengXY98mcsuYrlcpPMZkFyT8aab4iQTm7k8Rsf3KE_Ian-m74cFt__qNZUZsRNQhTcq-009g6Lmj7jRDL4m6iFZeyUC1pg_pCULNt3RxvA/s400/supermom.bmp" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For more WW fun, make sure and visit <a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/">5 Minutes for Mom</a>! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Mrs. Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763466441917781109noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492608619025476836.post-10108421994940091972010-05-11T09:26:00.000-05:002010-05-11T09:26:08.561-05:00Post It Note Tuesday<div align="center"><a href="http://supahmommy.blogspot.com/2009/09/post-it-note-tuesday-what-will-you-say.html" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s27/dperry_2007/superstickies-413-1.png" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For more Post it Note Tuesday fun. . .head on over to <a href="http://supahmommy.blogspot.com/2010/05/post-it-note-tuesday-keep-me-out-of.html">SupahMommy's site</a>! She actually just got her ONE THOUSANDTH FOLLOWER. . .Wow! Ms. 1000th Follower happens to be a very nice lady named Trish who could use your support so head on over to <a href="http://mylittledrummerboys.blogspot.com/">her site </a>too!</div>Mrs. Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763466441917781109noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492608619025476836.post-22104172217028792722010-05-10T08:39:00.000-05:002010-05-10T08:39:37.509-05:00MckLinky Monday: Know Me from A-Z<div align="center"><a href="http://therhok.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The RHOK" src="http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo160/ajsouthern/RHOKBUTTON-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Those <a href="http://www.therhok.com/">Housewives</a> are making me WORK this morning. . .but I guess this will give you a little more insight into Mrs. Howell and my life. <a href="http://www.therhok.com/2010/05/mcklinky-monday-know-me-from-z.html">Thanks Mrs. Sinclair</a>!!!<br />
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<strong>Mrs. Howell from A to Z. . .</strong><br />
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A - Age: 36. . .of if you ask my son 30 which I like better! :)<br />
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B - Bed size: Queen<br />
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C - Chore you hate: Cleaning the bathroom.<br />
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D - Dog(s') name: Clementine and Pete (we also have a cat, Musashi)<br />
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E - Essential start your day item: COFFEE!!!!<br />
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F - Favorite color: I may be a <a href="http://www.wcmo.edu/">Bluejay</a>, but I bleed <a href="http://www.okstate.edu/">ORANGE</a>!!!<br />
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G - Gold or Silver or Platinum: All, duh!<br />
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H - Height: 5'6 1/2"<br />
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I - Instruments you play(ed): forced to take piano lessons as a child. . .ruined me for all musical instruments. . .although my son and I have a mean air band!!<br />
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J - Job title: Compensation Consultant<br />
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K - Kid(s): Bubs (3 1/2) and Busy (10 months)<br />
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L - Living arrangements: House<br />
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M - Mom's name: Anne<br />
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N - Nicknames: Ma, Mommy, and KW<br />
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O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: zero<br />
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P - Pet Peeve: Oh GAWD. . .I'm such a hag lately. . .pretty much everything is peeving me!!<br />
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Q - Quote from a movie/show: "The most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you find someone to love the you that you love, well, that's just fabulous." –Carrie Bradshaw - An American Girl in Paris (Part Deux) –Series 6 <br />
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R - Right handed or left handed: Right<br />
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S - Siblings: zero<br />
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T - Time you wake up: 5:00a.m.<br />
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U- Underwear: granny panties<br />
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V - Vegetable you dislike: peas<br />
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W - Why you run late: KIDS<br />
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X - X-rays you've had: teeth, hand, foot, back, chest. . .heck, I don't know?!?!?!?<br />
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Y - Yummy food you make: EVERYTHING, of course! Why? What did my husband say?????<br />
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Z - Zoo favorite: Flamingos because my son just LOVES them. . .it makes me smile!Mrs. Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763466441917781109noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492608619025476836.post-14306222543102688392010-05-07T09:37:00.000-05:002010-05-07T09:37:24.744-05:00The Best of the Best - Real Housewives of. . .OKLAHOMA!!God Bless Mrs. McGillicutty!! If you are a fan of Bravo television's Real Housewives series. . .go <a href="http://www.therhok.com/2010/05/best-of-best-real-housewives-of-new.html">here</a> and read a fun recap! Here's hoping those RHOK ladies never come close to the drama going on in "Nu Joisey"!!!Mrs. Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763466441917781109noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492608619025476836.post-23219278893002981812010-05-06T16:26:00.000-05:002010-05-06T16:26:09.509-05:00Happy Mother's Day<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>I am on a roll today! I had so much catching up to do from this week. Even my e-mail was backed up and that is where I found this. I don't know how many times I have read it before today, but it always touches me. I got this version from a mommy-friend of mine and just wanted to say. . .</em></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Happy Mother’s Day! Celebrate the family that you have created and all of those who began creating it long before you!</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em></em></span><br />
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I'm invisible.<br />
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It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?"<br />
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Obviously not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible.<br />
<br />
Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order, "Right around 5:30, please."<br />
<br />
I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again.<br />
<br />
She's going, she's going, she's gone!<br />
<br />
One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a banana clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this."<br />
<br />
It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: "To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees."<br />
<br />
In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.<br />
<br />
A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it."<br />
<br />
And the workman replied, "Because God sees."<br />
<br />
I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become."<br />
<br />
At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.<br />
<br />
When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there."<br />
<br />
As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>All your children will be taught by the Lord, and they will have much peace. Isaiah 54:13</em></span>Mrs. Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763466441917781109noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492608619025476836.post-8737820178954704242010-05-06T15:37:00.000-05:002010-05-06T15:37:19.910-05:00Post It Note Tues-ursday!<a href="http://supahmommy.blogspot.com/2009/09/post-it-note-tuesday-what-will-you-say.html"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s27/dperry_2007/superstickies-18-1.png" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For more Post it Note Tuesday antics. . .head on over to <a href="http://supahmommy.blogspot.com/2010/05/post-it-note-tuesday-hey-yall-things-i.html">SupahMommy's site</a>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBA4p97ViS0Ta0w8Pk9oVHk8lkdprv-OkOuMhrYO-kLzHzseE21NQs2og2xsUvZ7G1WylxLryxvGShOCRZwQ_y8x5nzwvARvmehDJuHAgXp3qKtyhdj747EUDsTYY6OaEo0q43_daC1s/s1600/i+heart+p+i+n+tues.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBA4p97ViS0Ta0w8Pk9oVHk8lkdprv-OkOuMhrYO-kLzHzseE21NQs2og2xsUvZ7G1WylxLryxvGShOCRZwQ_y8x5nzwvARvmehDJuHAgXp3qKtyhdj747EUDsTYY6OaEo0q43_daC1s/s320/i+heart+p+i+n+tues.png" tt="true" /></a></div>Mrs. Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763466441917781109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492608619025476836.post-87733500785751969612010-05-06T13:59:00.000-05:002010-05-06T13:59:05.371-05:00Wordless Wednesday. . .er, Thursday (and not totally wordless)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzw6ykBmqmVjnVyB7gMsMrtI0ZYH__Mu8WR69NQ1J_UmSmkxGbytk2PZnjZPecpRgM7GKWQurYTbJiNB4UQwuqxvmlwjZ6HVV5gwA_5ztbNaZcHEKi5EUg5H2QHSa77D1ELB3QiRQtaws/s1600/giant+cupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzw6ykBmqmVjnVyB7gMsMrtI0ZYH__Mu8WR69NQ1J_UmSmkxGbytk2PZnjZPecpRgM7GKWQurYTbJiNB4UQwuqxvmlwjZ6HVV5gwA_5ztbNaZcHEKi5EUg5H2QHSa77D1ELB3QiRQtaws/s400/giant+cupcake.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Something in his eye says "You can take a picture, but don't even THINK about touching this cupcake!"<br />
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For more WW fun, make sure and visit <a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/">5 Minutes for Mom</a>!Mrs. Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763466441917781109noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492608619025476836.post-77266760758434465442010-05-06T13:36:00.001-05:002010-05-06T13:55:08.886-05:00God Bless Me. . .it's been a week. . .I'm late on EVERYTHING. . .So tired. . .BUT STILL THANKFUL!!!!!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFLcMP85Z8gOefShwLftaejR1WOlOpyPM-VQAXq0JbPDF9gTVZF9pdNHku0UzCvMmJXvmxa4-tNxHFYKdTYKte86RxwmDYDbRXj1JY_8tqcW21oPAL8xWZ_guoprZPaQXAh6ov2stS-k/s1600/thankful+on+thursday+pic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFLcMP85Z8gOefShwLftaejR1WOlOpyPM-VQAXq0JbPDF9gTVZF9pdNHku0UzCvMmJXvmxa4-tNxHFYKdTYKte86RxwmDYDbRXj1JY_8tqcW21oPAL8xWZ_guoprZPaQXAh6ov2stS-k/s320/thankful+on+thursday+pic.png" tt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Feel free to head on over to <a href="http://www.theoutdoorwife.com/">The Outdoor Wife</a> or join me here for Thankful on a Thursday. Here are 7 things I'm thankful for this week!</div><br />
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Week Three:<br />
<br />
I'm thankful for...<br />
<br />
1. Coffee<br />
2. Diet Dr. Pepper<br />
3. Chocolate<br />
4. Vitamin B12<br />
5. organic certified CLIF® energy bars<br />
6. my quiet desk at work (<em>bet you never thought you'd hear me say that, huh?</em>)<br />
7. the hours between 7:30p and 11:30p. . .also known as the hours my daughter sleeps. . .all other hours of the day and night are subject to crying, biting and wanting to be held. . .I am thankful my daughter is getting teeth (finally). . .but the process of getting them. . .I don't think any of us are so much thankful for that! :(<br />
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Happy 10 month birthday to my sweet little Busy. . .oh, how I love you so and wouldn't trade my mama's girl for anything under the sun. . .I wish I could make your pain go away!! I will continue to ingest mass quantities of caffeine in honor of your new chompers!!! XOXOMrs. Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763466441917781109noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492608619025476836.post-51693556998994201832010-04-29T12:33:00.000-05:002010-04-29T12:33:50.874-05:00Thankful on Thursday<a href="http://www.theoutdoorwife.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The Outdoor Wife" src="http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/5534/button2s.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Feel free to head on over to <a href="http://www.theoutdoorwife.com/">The Outdoor Wife</a> or join me here for Thankful on a Thursday. Here are 7 things I'm thankful for this week!<br />
<br />
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Week Two:<br />
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I'm thankful for...<br />
<br />
1. Lunch dates with my husband. . .it is nice to have a chance to catch up when the kids aren't around. . .and BONUS. . .they're at school, so no $80 babysitter!<br />
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2. The $80 babysitter when we need her. . .AR is awesome! My kids love her, we trust her, and she leaves the house cleaner than she found it!<br />
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3. Book Club. . .the one social activity that will make me leave my kids on a weeknight. Sometimes we haven't all read the book but the conversation is always great and the women are so intelligent. . .every conversation is enlightening!<br />
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4. My Blackberry. . .I'm addicted.<br />
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5. My dear Bubs. . .growing up so fast, but still loves to snuggle with Momma (THANK GOD!!)<br />
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6. My sweet Busy. . .not even a year old and already fiercely independent, but she already knows the power of the "Mommy Loves You" song. . .it can fix anything!<br />
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7. My Schmoops. . .funny, hot, smart, successful and loves ME!!!Mrs. Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763466441917781109noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492608619025476836.post-580753649811194592010-04-28T09:24:00.001-05:002010-04-28T09:25:50.713-05:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9sk9Qr1NE5HELe0tAy0rxzjou3HPqNCNjZy8iSIDds7FlHKEmAQdo7ZtVi4sD2rt2LG-OLnQFzirtAbaRt98ZyNNGXnr0OC2Y9LsouesmWctk98Fat7m7m91BHxPjc5i3T7GSeuT-08/s1600/kyan+soccer+stamp+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9sk9Qr1NE5HELe0tAy0rxzjou3HPqNCNjZy8iSIDds7FlHKEmAQdo7ZtVi4sD2rt2LG-OLnQFzirtAbaRt98ZyNNGXnr0OC2Y9LsouesmWctk98Fat7m7m91BHxPjc5i3T7GSeuT-08/s400/kyan+soccer+stamp+2010.jpg" tt="true" width="400" /></a></div>The really important part of soccer practice. . .THE SOCCER BALL STAMP! (Yes, I know it's not "wordless"!)<br />
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For More Wordless Wednesday pics, visit <a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/21049/wordless-wednesday-hugs/">5 Minutes for Mom</a>.Mrs. Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763466441917781109noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492608619025476836.post-29662190453369048162010-04-27T11:15:00.000-05:002010-04-27T11:15:57.259-05:00Post It Note Tuesday<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://supahmommy.blogspot.com/2009/09/post-it-note-tuesday-what-will-you-say.html" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s27/dperry_2007/superstickies-413-1.png" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Mrs. Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03763466441917781109noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4492608619025476836.post-75096248634043496552010-04-27T10:05:00.003-05:002010-04-27T11:23:57.858-05:00MckLinky Monday with the Ladies of the RHOK: Newlyweds"I love being married. It's so great to find one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life." - Rita Rudner <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://therhok.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The RHOK" src="http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo160/ajsouthern/RHOKBUTTON-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Okay, it's Tuesday. . .I'm late again (sorry!). However, I do want to <a href="http://www.therhok.com/2010/04/mcklinky-monday-newlyweds.html">MckLinky Monday with the ladies of the RHOK</a> and give you all a little story about the funny lessons the Howells learned during their first year of marriage. . .dare I say we are still learning?!?!?! (<em><strong>By the way, I can't wait for next week's question because I have it on VIDEO!</strong></em>)<br />
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Schmoops and Mrs. Howell have known eachother for a LONG time. I already told y'all about <a href="http://howellfamily3.blogspot.com/2010/04/first-day.html">sitting next to eachother in Psychology</a> circa 1990-91 (Schmoops wanted me to mention it was a SENIOR class and because I am a geek I got in as a Junior. . .I'll mention he's an ENGINEER. . .'nuff said!). But as the story goes, we didn't actually date or get married til much later. This is not, contrary to popular belief, because I was on a mission to ruin my mother's life by not letting HER have a wedding or HER have (grand)kids til well after all her friends. No. . .Schmoops and the Mrs. had to kiss some frogs before we found eachother. <br />
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So long about July 31, 2004, we became Mr. and Mrs. Howell. This was first and foremost a very hard adjustment for me because Mrs. Howell is my mother-in-law. I would trade her for a root canal on a good day, so being the "other" Mrs. Howell didn't really appeal to me. Second, I have been "myself" for 30 years at that point and changing my name was a little hard -- as my grandfather liked to say I am one of "those" women, you know, the strong-headed independent type (<em>said with an ounce of disgust</em>). But Schmoops wasn't up for being Mr. Maiden Name so we erred on the side of tradition. I'll go ahead and admit that this small sticking point is still kind of "a thing" for us because some of my stuff still has my maiden name on it and I often use my maiden name as my middle name. Not because I love it or I am that I am especially close to my father. . .but because it is "me." My friends still call me "KW" and so the maiden name debacle of 2004 lives on. Since we've had kids and I prefer to be known as their mom, I try to pretty much stick to Mrs. Howell. But every once in a while I throw a check in the banking stack that has my "old" signature on it just to keep him on his toes. It's all about independence and that is a lesson we learned in year 1 (. . .and 2. . .and 3. . .and 4. . .and 5).<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Last name aside, we lived in an apartment when we were first married and immediately started looking for a house. This was my first lesson in what I like to call "Schmoops Math". Now how "Schmoops Math" works is that if Schmoops wants something. . .the math for sure works out and we will have "just enough" money to make it work without putting us in the food stamps line. If Mrs. Howell wants something, it is a 50-50 shot that "Schmoops Math" will make it so. If you skipped over the paragraph of this post where I talked about how I am one of "those" women, then I'm sure you can guess how this has worked out over the years. If you can't guess, I'll tell you. . .IT IS EASIER TO ASK FOR FORGIVENESS THAN PERMISSION! If "Schmoops Math" makes it so the house he wanted (in the dreaded suburbs with a 30 minute commute in heavy traffic) is affordable, but the house Mrs. Howell wanted (in midtown with no commute. . .and, okay, no 3rd garage). . .then we can go with Schmoops' choice. . .but we will also be going with a new Gucci bag, a pair of Manolos and some new furniture! It's all about compromise and that is a lesson we learned in year 1 (. . .and 2. . .and 3. . .and 4. . .and 5).</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We've covered feminism and money. . .and I'm not even going to touch the subject of s-e-x (<em>remember, we whisper/spell lots of words in our house</em>). . .so moving on, let's talk about the next lesson. . .KIDS. You know, you're cruising right along learning the lessons of marriage. . .pretty much thinking you are kicking butt (<em>despite your feminist wife and your cheapskate hubby</em>) when all the sudden you pee on a stick at 5 in the morning and you throw all whole new kink in the (ball and) chain! You're going to have a kid! Luckily, Schmoops and I both wanted kids and we have been blessed with two. . .three if I had my choice, but that's a lesson for another day! I will say that on most matters surrounding our little prince and princess, we agree. However, when you disagree about something regarding kids is there a bigger fight? If so, I've not come across that subject. Thankfully, there is a LOT of passion around the care and well-being of our kids.</div><br />
Learning the lesson of how to raise your kids (without killing your spouse) is probably a lesson that is never truly totally learned. I'm pretty sure that when Bubs is off at Harvard and Busy is off at Yale, Schmoops and I will still be arguing over how many toys Bubs actually <strong><em>needs</em></strong>, the variety of pink bows Busy <strong><em>has</em></strong> to have, and whether or not our own screwed up relationships with our parents has trickled down to somehow soil our family. And that's really the "lesson" isn't it? Of all your parental duties and responsibilities. . .you do not want to screw your kids up! You look to "experts", you look to God, you look to your friends. . .but in the end you look to EACHOTHER and you love eachother and love your kids and cherish your family and you forget about what your last name used to be or how much money the 67-inch TV in the living room cost or how many times Kathleen's Kids shows up on the credit card bill. . .because REALLY your marriage and your family are the most important things in your life and that is one lesson you won't soon forget! It's all about LOVE and that is a lesson I hope we continue to learn forever!<br />
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