On Sunday my son was caught picking his nose and "burping on people" during kid's church. As punishment, we took his iPod away for the day on Sunday. Something he has been a little too attached too anyway. However, it turned out to be a punishment for me as well. Good thing I can be just as stubborn as any 7 year old. What did parents do in the days before modern technology? Drink themselves silly? I probably would have.
I love couponing on Sunday afternoons. I got off track for a few months because life seemed to get so crazy. But now I come home from church, eat lunch, clean out my expired coupons, organize my new ones, and make my list and take my coupon trip while everyone at my house has their Sunday afternoon rests. Getting away by myself is great rest for me. Sunday at CVS, I bought 2 jumbo packs of newborn diapers (Huggies), 4 tubes of toothpaste (Colgate), and Toy Story Band-Aids for the kids for $20 out of pocket. In addition, I received $10 in CVS extra care bucks (which is like money to use on your next purchase on almost anything in the store). So, technically, I spent a total of $10 for diapers, toothpaste, and band-aids. I love couponing, and while I'm on the subject, for those of you who coupon, please don't hoard. Save some for those of us who would like to get a good deal on something we actually use. (This is why I can't watch the show "Extreme Couponing". It makes me ill. No one needs 100 boxes of macaroni and cheese stockpiled in their garage--- unless you are feeding the homeless.) Deals will eventually come back around. So please, don't take all 30 bottles of soap, shampoo, and deodorant just because you can get it for so cheap. And I know what you're thinking-- this is coming from someone who bought 4 tubes of toothpaste in one trip. If you know me at all, you know I brush my teeth at least 20 times a day. No need to fear my teeth rotting out. I just won't have any enamel left in 10 years. Plus, I left plenty of toothpaste for others. So quit being hoarders just because you are getting something for such a good deal!!!!
My dad joined the church on Sunday morning. It was an answer to prayer I had been secretly praying for a couple of years.
Our office is moving to a different location/city this week. Thursday is supposed to be THE day. I'm very excited, but my poor boss has been so stressed out about it. There are so many little things that keep piling up into big things. It's only inevitable for a move like this. It will be worth it in the end and after the dust settles, but I just hope things transition smoothly this week.
I have been going through the boy's clothes and taking them to consignment. I didn't realize how sad it would make me. I did keep a lot of things, but it's still hard looking through all those clothes and remembering how tiny they were and how it seems like only yesterday they were wearing them. Kids grow up too fast and time goes by too fast. I wish I could freeze time or bottle it somehow. Five more months before I have this baby girl, which seems like an eternity. But I know before I turn around she will be back talking and fighting with her brothers. I'm trying to enjoy this pregnancy since this is probably the last. Turns out, my body is begging me to never conceive a child again. My mind would have to agree.
Chad and I are going to Natchez soon. It is just an overnight trip that we were supposed to take for our anniversary. Then my grandfather became sick and we never made the trip. Do you know how excited I am to get away for 24 hours? It's sad, I know. I would rather have my toes in the sand somewhere for a few days, but at this point I will take what I can get. No beach trips for us since we might have to have our air conditioning unit replaced. Life!!!! Why were we dumb enough as kids to want to be grown-ups? Did we really think our parents had it that easy??? God definitely has a sense of humor.
And Chad and I might end up in divorce court over naming this baby. Seriously. Some days I just want to smack him. He still refuses to like the name Mary Clayton. I still refuse to compromise. However, one name that HE suggested-- Mary Clair-- rolled around in my head for a day and I told him that might could be a possibility. So then he told me he didn't like that name!!!! He was the one who suggested it to begin with. Do you see why I want to smack him?
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
I love good deals!!!!!
Yes, I am having SOOOOOOOOOOO much fun with this girl shopping!!! (And this is coming from someone who wanted all boys at one time--- but then I had two boys and was reminded God has a sense of humor.)
If you have girls or boys or like to shop in any form or fashion--- check out www.zulily.com.
Everything on this website is discounted. And I'm going to need lots of discounts for the damage I'm going to be doing to our checking account by shopping for so many cute girly girl things. Although, I'm very fortunate-- I have a husband who is SO excited about having a girl, that he is almost encouraging me to buy her all the cute things we can afford. (Or can't afford, whichever way you want to look at it.) Chad got an unexpected bonus at work last week and cashed the check and gave it to me to spend on myself and the baby. (I think it was more for the baby than for me.)
I have always, ALWAYS bought nice things for my boys. But the older boys get, the less there is to choose from. It's mainly t-shirts and jeans or shorts. That's about all you have to pick from. That is one reason I am having so much fun with this. I love getting good bargains, and if I can find something for a steal, even if it won't be worn for another 2 years, you better believe I am snatching it up. I bought Baby Girl her first Christmas dress and a few other Christmas outfits the other day at Tuesday Morning for a steal. I went to Apple Annie's gift shop last week while they were having their moving sale and bought a diaper bag, a baby book (a NICE baby book) some burp cloths and bibs to be monogrammed, a sign that says "Cutie Patootie" for the nursery and a few other things all for $35. The baby book alone was originally that much by itself. I really racked up.
I'm also looking forward to Mistletoe Marketplace this year. Yes, that is about 2 days before I'm supposed to be giving birth, but if I'm not on bed rest or having any complications, I am there with bells on. They always have FANTASTIC girl clothes-- smocked dresses, cute jumpsuits, cute jewelry, and toys. They have cute boy things, too, but Chad will not allow me to dress our boys in most of the things they sell.
Anyway, moving on to my purchases this morning........
If you have girls or boys or like to shop in any form or fashion--- check out www.zulily.com.
Everything on this website is discounted. And I'm going to need lots of discounts for the damage I'm going to be doing to our checking account by shopping for so many cute girly girl things. Although, I'm very fortunate-- I have a husband who is SO excited about having a girl, that he is almost encouraging me to buy her all the cute things we can afford. (Or can't afford, whichever way you want to look at it.) Chad got an unexpected bonus at work last week and cashed the check and gave it to me to spend on myself and the baby. (I think it was more for the baby than for me.)
I have always, ALWAYS bought nice things for my boys. But the older boys get, the less there is to choose from. It's mainly t-shirts and jeans or shorts. That's about all you have to pick from. That is one reason I am having so much fun with this. I love getting good bargains, and if I can find something for a steal, even if it won't be worn for another 2 years, you better believe I am snatching it up. I bought Baby Girl her first Christmas dress and a few other Christmas outfits the other day at Tuesday Morning for a steal. I went to Apple Annie's gift shop last week while they were having their moving sale and bought a diaper bag, a baby book (a NICE baby book) some burp cloths and bibs to be monogrammed, a sign that says "Cutie Patootie" for the nursery and a few other things all for $35. The baby book alone was originally that much by itself. I really racked up.
I'm also looking forward to Mistletoe Marketplace this year. Yes, that is about 2 days before I'm supposed to be giving birth, but if I'm not on bed rest or having any complications, I am there with bells on. They always have FANTASTIC girl clothes-- smocked dresses, cute jumpsuits, cute jewelry, and toys. They have cute boy things, too, but Chad will not allow me to dress our boys in most of the things they sell.
Anyway, moving on to my purchases this morning........
This dress was too adorable to pass up. It reminds me of dresses my mom dressed me in when I was an infant--- not that I remember, but from the pictures I have seen of myself. I got this one in 9 month size.
There are no words for this dress. Except WAY TOO CUTE!!!! I got this one in 12 months because I was thinking this would be AWESOME for a first birthday party. And if it's cooler weather, you can easily put long sleeves on under it.
Both of those dresses were at least 50% off.
Bought this one for myself, of course. It's turning out to be a hot summer and nothing like feeling like Shamu the whale AND being hot and sweaty. Might as well try to look cute being preggo. (Key word: TRY). And I loved this because the model is almost as white as I am. She made me feel better about showing my fair skin. This dress was originally $60. I got it for $24. SCORE!
And p.s. Don't forget to vote on the right-hand side of my blog page for a baby name. This is mainly for fun, but also to amuse myself.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Rambler am I......
Every year for about the past 3 years or so I find myself saying, "This has been such a terrible year for so many people". Then at the end of the year, I find myself wishing for better things to come as we ring in the new year. I had hoped for that as we rang in the year 2011, even as we dodged tornadoes and terrible storms in the midst of winter. I remember trying to sleep that night (I'm such a wild animal, I rang in the new year trying to sleep) and thinking to myself, "I wonder if God is trying to give us a warning. Is this an omen for things to come this year?"
It's June. The middle of the year. What a half of a year it has been. The tornado on New Year's was only the beginning. In the months to follow, more heartbreak, destruction, and death occurred. And I'm not just talking about these terrible storms and natural disasters that the world and the nation has been slammed with in 2011. I'm also referring to personal losses from unexpected things that life hands us. And I'm also not just referring to personal loss in my own family. But so very many around me once again.
There's an old saying: "When life hand you lemons, make lemonade". That's never really made sense to me. I'm not exactly a lemonade fan myself, but it's hard to deny the bitterness and sourness of lemons and lemonade. Personally I'm a bigger fan of the saying "When life hands you lemons, bust out the salt and tequila". But, I'm the wife of a Southern Baptist deacon and it's somewhere in the rules and regulations of the Southern Baptists handbook that alcohol is of the devil himself. But, so could many other things be of Satan...... wait, how did I get off on the subject of the devil and his alcohol? Oh, yes.... Life, lemons, and lemonade. Or tequila. Whichever way you look at it, life can be full of things that can be bitter, sour, and make you break out in a sweat.
It seems that each day that goes by, someone I know personally is affected by something bigger than themselves. Or something too big for them to handle themselves. I've known people who had homes destroyed in the tornado that came through Clinton, who have had homes affected by the flood, and many close ones dealing with the sting and grief that saying good-bye to a loved one on this side of heaven leaves behind. Job losses, marriage issues, health problems, and just plain stress are among other things that I've witnessed firsthand happening to friends and acquaintances. Even the media is constantly bombarding us with heartbreaking, disgusting news. Everything from the Caylee Anthony trial to the Weiner ordeal.
What can one make out of all these tragedies and heartbreak? Take it as you want it. But, if you can't blatantly see the signs that God is giving to us day in and day out, then maybe you are lost. Now I'm not saying the end of the world is coming this year, next year, or in 20 years. But I'm pretty sure it's got to be close. Technology is expanding and so is the evil, the greed, and the wildfire of the media. People who praise Lady GaGa, Obama's presidency, and homosexuality are the very ones demanding for Caylee Anthony's mom to fry and for Weiner to resign. I think this world is very full of some sick and twisted double standards. Yes, I've done some pretty stupid, selfish things in my life, but I also had a heartbreaking wake-up call. If you want to know what I've done, I might be inclined to tell you on a very personal level. I don't think it's something I should admit to all who read my blog, but I do believe that it is a personal issue I dealt with that can one day help someone else who is lost as a goose.
Harold Camping and all his "followers" convinced many people (for the second time) that the end of the world would take place on a certain date. I thought it was very sad that this man was leaving such a bad mark on Christianity. However, it got me to thinking that we should be living each moment as if it's our last. It's hard to really do that.
Life is always full of stress and worrying about day to day things (like how we are going to afford a new air conditioning unit without financing it for the rest of eternity) but it sure is easier when you put your priorities in order. My kids drive me bonkers and one shopping trip with them a couple of days ago almost put me in the nuthouse after a few hours, but I don't get so frazzled about a lot of other things. My house is a disaster 98% of the time and clutter makes me want to poke my eyeballs out with a dull butter knife. But my kids who drive me nuts and make me want to scream are making this mess. When I change my perspective and tell myself it's a "beautiful" mess, it helps take the edge off. Not only am I fortunate enough to stay at home with children most of the week, but they are healthy and full of life. Chad and I were about to have enough cash in our hands to pay for wood floors in our house--- I've been holding out 6 years. Now it looks like we will be doing something a little more practical--- like buying a new a.c. unit for these unforgiving Mississippi summers. It upsets me. But, we are blessed to have a little extra cash in our pockets from time to time.
Wait. Again. I got off the subject. It seems that I am rambling. Back to what I was saying 3 paragraphs ago. Heartbreak, loss, tragedy, and hurt. When my grandfather passed away 3 weeks ago it was such a hard thing. I had never watched anyone fade away in a facility meant for just that. The pain in our hearts was sometimes physical. It was emotionally AND physically draining for my entire family. But, even though I grieved for our loss, I was never overwhelmed with sorrow or grief. I kept waiting for that one moment that I would break down and sob until I couldn't cry anymore tears. That moment never came. I know without a doubt that there were many people praying many prayers over my family in the days and weeks of my grandfather's illness and death. For days after we buried him, I still received cards from people who told me they were still praying for us. I know that is the only reason my mom and the rest of us have been able to handle the grief that we are feeling. And the assurance that my grandfather had received his crown of life certainly helped with our loss on earth.
For Brennan's birthday, he received and iPod Touch to play games and listen to music. Sunday afternoon while the rest of the house was napping, Brennan went to his room and recorded himself preaching a little sermon. It lasted for 12 minutes. Twelve minutes is a long time for a 7 year old to talk about God and Jesus and the way God loves us. But this little sermon was a gift from God to Chad and me. Whatever doubt I had in the way we are trying to raise our children disappeared for those moments. I knew that God was telling me, even though these are trying times in this world, as long as our children are being raised in fear and admonition of the Lord and we as parents are praying sincerely and daily for our children, it may not always be an easy road-- it won't always be easy---there is still the foundation that our children are being brought up on and raised on and in the end, their lives will not be shaken or moved from that firm Foundation.
I know this blog was a rambler, but I guess I had a lot to say and a lot on my heart and mind. God has woken me up early every morning for the past several days and I have been able to verbally get a lot of things off my heart. But, my blog is also my form of therapy. If I've bored you to tears, I make no apologies. After all, you are the one who read this post through the end........
It's June. The middle of the year. What a half of a year it has been. The tornado on New Year's was only the beginning. In the months to follow, more heartbreak, destruction, and death occurred. And I'm not just talking about these terrible storms and natural disasters that the world and the nation has been slammed with in 2011. I'm also referring to personal losses from unexpected things that life hands us. And I'm also not just referring to personal loss in my own family. But so very many around me once again.
There's an old saying: "When life hand you lemons, make lemonade". That's never really made sense to me. I'm not exactly a lemonade fan myself, but it's hard to deny the bitterness and sourness of lemons and lemonade. Personally I'm a bigger fan of the saying "When life hands you lemons, bust out the salt and tequila". But, I'm the wife of a Southern Baptist deacon and it's somewhere in the rules and regulations of the Southern Baptists handbook that alcohol is of the devil himself. But, so could many other things be of Satan...... wait, how did I get off on the subject of the devil and his alcohol? Oh, yes.... Life, lemons, and lemonade. Or tequila. Whichever way you look at it, life can be full of things that can be bitter, sour, and make you break out in a sweat.
It seems that each day that goes by, someone I know personally is affected by something bigger than themselves. Or something too big for them to handle themselves. I've known people who had homes destroyed in the tornado that came through Clinton, who have had homes affected by the flood, and many close ones dealing with the sting and grief that saying good-bye to a loved one on this side of heaven leaves behind. Job losses, marriage issues, health problems, and just plain stress are among other things that I've witnessed firsthand happening to friends and acquaintances. Even the media is constantly bombarding us with heartbreaking, disgusting news. Everything from the Caylee Anthony trial to the Weiner ordeal.
What can one make out of all these tragedies and heartbreak? Take it as you want it. But, if you can't blatantly see the signs that God is giving to us day in and day out, then maybe you are lost. Now I'm not saying the end of the world is coming this year, next year, or in 20 years. But I'm pretty sure it's got to be close. Technology is expanding and so is the evil, the greed, and the wildfire of the media. People who praise Lady GaGa, Obama's presidency, and homosexuality are the very ones demanding for Caylee Anthony's mom to fry and for Weiner to resign. I think this world is very full of some sick and twisted double standards. Yes, I've done some pretty stupid, selfish things in my life, but I also had a heartbreaking wake-up call. If you want to know what I've done, I might be inclined to tell you on a very personal level. I don't think it's something I should admit to all who read my blog, but I do believe that it is a personal issue I dealt with that can one day help someone else who is lost as a goose.
Harold Camping and all his "followers" convinced many people (for the second time) that the end of the world would take place on a certain date. I thought it was very sad that this man was leaving such a bad mark on Christianity. However, it got me to thinking that we should be living each moment as if it's our last. It's hard to really do that.
Life is always full of stress and worrying about day to day things (like how we are going to afford a new air conditioning unit without financing it for the rest of eternity) but it sure is easier when you put your priorities in order. My kids drive me bonkers and one shopping trip with them a couple of days ago almost put me in the nuthouse after a few hours, but I don't get so frazzled about a lot of other things. My house is a disaster 98% of the time and clutter makes me want to poke my eyeballs out with a dull butter knife. But my kids who drive me nuts and make me want to scream are making this mess. When I change my perspective and tell myself it's a "beautiful" mess, it helps take the edge off. Not only am I fortunate enough to stay at home with children most of the week, but they are healthy and full of life. Chad and I were about to have enough cash in our hands to pay for wood floors in our house--- I've been holding out 6 years. Now it looks like we will be doing something a little more practical--- like buying a new a.c. unit for these unforgiving Mississippi summers. It upsets me. But, we are blessed to have a little extra cash in our pockets from time to time.
Wait. Again. I got off the subject. It seems that I am rambling. Back to what I was saying 3 paragraphs ago. Heartbreak, loss, tragedy, and hurt. When my grandfather passed away 3 weeks ago it was such a hard thing. I had never watched anyone fade away in a facility meant for just that. The pain in our hearts was sometimes physical. It was emotionally AND physically draining for my entire family. But, even though I grieved for our loss, I was never overwhelmed with sorrow or grief. I kept waiting for that one moment that I would break down and sob until I couldn't cry anymore tears. That moment never came. I know without a doubt that there were many people praying many prayers over my family in the days and weeks of my grandfather's illness and death. For days after we buried him, I still received cards from people who told me they were still praying for us. I know that is the only reason my mom and the rest of us have been able to handle the grief that we are feeling. And the assurance that my grandfather had received his crown of life certainly helped with our loss on earth.
For Brennan's birthday, he received and iPod Touch to play games and listen to music. Sunday afternoon while the rest of the house was napping, Brennan went to his room and recorded himself preaching a little sermon. It lasted for 12 minutes. Twelve minutes is a long time for a 7 year old to talk about God and Jesus and the way God loves us. But this little sermon was a gift from God to Chad and me. Whatever doubt I had in the way we are trying to raise our children disappeared for those moments. I knew that God was telling me, even though these are trying times in this world, as long as our children are being raised in fear and admonition of the Lord and we as parents are praying sincerely and daily for our children, it may not always be an easy road-- it won't always be easy---there is still the foundation that our children are being brought up on and raised on and in the end, their lives will not be shaken or moved from that firm Foundation.
I know this blog was a rambler, but I guess I had a lot to say and a lot on my heart and mind. God has woken me up early every morning for the past several days and I have been able to verbally get a lot of things off my heart. But, my blog is also my form of therapy. If I've bored you to tears, I make no apologies. After all, you are the one who read this post through the end........
Saturday, June 11, 2011
The new has not worn off yet.....
Give me time!!!! I'm still giddy about buying pink. And speaking of pink, Chad wore a pink shirt to work yesterday in celebration of the new girl in our family. And we also went and registered at Babies 'R Us last night. Above and below is the crib/nursery set we registered for. LOVE it!!! So colorful and it has birds. I love colorful and I love birds!
These are the wall decals.
With both of our boys we used Avent bottles and pacifiers. These are supposed to be top of the line and state of the art as far as bottles go.
And aren't these the CUTEST things ever? Someone sent me a link on Facebook to a site that sells faith based children's clothes. (www.FaithBaby.com)
This is my absolute favorite. I HAVE to get this one!!!!!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
It's a ....................................................................
For all of you who are not on FB or on the contact list in my phone....... Chad and I found out what we are having-- boy or girl-- (we already know it's a BABY).
Drum roll, please.................................................................................................................
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Looks like we will be buying..............................................................................................................
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PINK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT'S A GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There were a lot of people praying for a girl. I was beginning to feel like I was going to disappoint everyone (like I have any control over it) if it turned out to be another boy. I don't think when one person told me they were hoping and praying for a girl that they realized there were at least 100 other people telling me the same thing. It was starting to wrack my nerves because I didn't want to to disappoint.
But my grandfather had wanted us to have a girl and had been praying for us to have a girl before he died. Brennan also had been praying for a sister as well as Chad praying for a daddy's girl. And apparently every person I've come into contact with over the past 4 months has been praying. And prayer works. I was convinced I was carrying a third boy and had even told Chad I wasn't going to look at his face when she said, "Congrats, it's a BOY". I about died when she said it was a girl.
And since my mother-in-law works at the hospital where my doctor is also located, the minute she found out, she ran to the gift shop and bought the baby her first pink gifts. I guess I am no longer the princess anymore.
And names......... We seem to disagree on names. My grandmother was Mary Louise Rice Clayton. I want a good, southern, double name. I really, REALLY like Mary Clayton. And for her to go by just that or be called Mary Clay. Chad likes the double name and he likes the Mary part. He just isn't sold on the Clayton part. His mind must be changed and WILL be changed. And hopefully she will be born on my grandfather's birthday. If she is, all 3 of my children will have special dates that they were born on: Brennan's birthday is an hour and 30 minutes after our wedding anniversary date and Ethan's is on 9/11.
So there it is. My good news for the week!
Drum roll, please.................................................................................................................
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Looks like we will be buying..............................................................................................................
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PINK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT'S A GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There were a lot of people praying for a girl. I was beginning to feel like I was going to disappoint everyone (like I have any control over it) if it turned out to be another boy. I don't think when one person told me they were hoping and praying for a girl that they realized there were at least 100 other people telling me the same thing. It was starting to wrack my nerves because I didn't want to to disappoint.
But my grandfather had wanted us to have a girl and had been praying for us to have a girl before he died. Brennan also had been praying for a sister as well as Chad praying for a daddy's girl. And apparently every person I've come into contact with over the past 4 months has been praying. And prayer works. I was convinced I was carrying a third boy and had even told Chad I wasn't going to look at his face when she said, "Congrats, it's a BOY". I about died when she said it was a girl.
And since my mother-in-law works at the hospital where my doctor is also located, the minute she found out, she ran to the gift shop and bought the baby her first pink gifts. I guess I am no longer the princess anymore. And names......... We seem to disagree on names. My grandmother was Mary Louise Rice Clayton. I want a good, southern, double name. I really, REALLY like Mary Clayton. And for her to go by just that or be called Mary Clay. Chad likes the double name and he likes the Mary part. He just isn't sold on the Clayton part. His mind must be changed and WILL be changed. And hopefully she will be born on my grandfather's birthday. If she is, all 3 of my children will have special dates that they were born on: Brennan's birthday is an hour and 30 minutes after our wedding anniversary date and Ethan's is on 9/11.
So there it is. My good news for the week!
Friday, June 3, 2011
Dude. Really?!
I guess long gone are the days of greeting customers with a genuine smile and an enthusiastic "Welcome to (fill in the blank)". I have just accepted that I don't like going out in public anymore unless it's around people I am familiar with and that I know. Plain and simple: I'm a homebody and I'm not ashamed to admit it. It seems like everyone these days-- especially the younger generation (including mine) carries that proverbial chip on their shoulder and have a "you owe me something" attitude. I was reminded of that last night.
Chad and I had to make a couple of returns to a couple of different stores. While we were out we decided to go eat at a restaurant. After my family was seated for close to 10 minutes, a waitress finally showed up to our table. She never introduced herself and never smiled. She seemed to be having a bad day. Taking our orders seemed to almost inconvenience her. It seems in my own personal thought process, that if you worked mainly for tips, you would bend over backwards if that's what the customers at your table wanted you to do. I pretty much suck spit all day at my job among many other unglamorous things that come with dentistry. Whether my day is turning out good or bad, I better paste that smile on my face and do my best to be courteous and friendly and throw out a conversation or two. Otherwise I probably wouldn't have a job.
Ethan decided to start showing out a little bit while we were waiting on our waitress to take our order. We were right next to the gigantic stack of high chairs. Chad grabbed one and put it at the end of the table to threaten Ethan with. After a few minutes the waitress rudely asked if we planned on using the highchair. I responded "possibly" and she informed us that we were not allowed to have a highchair in that section and she would have to move us. Well, that's fine, but last time I checked, the hostess-- seeing that we had a toddler-- never even asked if we needed a highchair (or a booster seat). We might have said yes. So after seeing that this apparently annoyed her I told Chad to put it back.
After my mom and I were served our salads, (there was no other food on the table at this point) we had not even taken our first bite before the manager came over and asked how we were enjoying our meal....... Um....... Well........ I'll let you know when we GET OUR MEAL. My mom looked at him, looked down at her yet untouched salad and looked back at him and said, "Well, I guess so far it seems to be okay". Dude. Really? He then comes back again before we even cut into our steaks to ask us again. No, really, dude. If I have a problem I will be sure and let you know AFTER I take that first bite.
After our mediocre experience at this mediocre restaurant, we proceeded to Target to return something I bought a couple of weeks ago. My mom and I had picked up a couple of items to purchase while we were there (after all, you can't go into Target and NOT buy anything) and Brennan proceeds to have the beginnings of a meltdown. I told Chad to take the kids on out to the car while my mom and I checked out. When Chad was almost to our van, this lady yacking on her cell phone, whipped in the parking place on the driver's side of our van. She parked so crooked and so close that Chad couldn't even get to either of the doors on the left side. She proceeds to get out of her car like she was oblivious to what she had just done still flapping her jaw on her phone. If you know Chad, you know he is the least confrontational person you will ever meet. But this just rubbed him wrong. As the lady continues on her way he politely told her that he couldn't GET INTO HIS CAR because she was parked so close and so crooked to us. I probably would have said it with a little more attitude and a lot less niceness, but nonetheless she was very upset that Chad had the audacity to politely ask her to move her car so he could GET INSIDE HIS. Again-- Dude. Really? What is wrong with people?!
That's not all. I then had to take some shoes back to a shoe store. That's all they sold. Shoes. The cashier had nothing else to do at the moment I came in to return my shoes. I always thought when you returned something (like shoes) you needed to take them out of the box to make sure they were undamaged and had no wear marks on the bottom. Apparently I have never worked at a shoe store, so I don't know much. She never asked me why I was returning them. Yet I saw her write on the form that I filled out with my name and address that I "changed my mind". She never opened the box with my shoes. For all she knows I could have put my 4 year old Adidas in there and she would have never known the difference. I could have been $32 richer with a free, new pair of shoes still sitting at home.
As I was waiting (very patiently) for the manager to make his appearance to override the transaction, a teenager came in with what seemed to be her job application filled out. I haven't held many jobs in my lifetime, but I would think even if it's to drop off an application, you might want to look decent. As in tactful. This teenager had on a very, VERY tight tank top. Which was white. She was very well developed (if you know what I mean) and had on a black bra under her VERY tight white tank top. Dude. Really? I know this isn't a high end job she's applying for, but REALLY? Of course, I don't care who you are. I don't like seeing cleavage, boobs, or anything else that would seem better equipped for the privacy of your own home. God gave us breasts for a reason. And I don't think that reason was to show them off to America. As we are all waiting on the manager at this point, one of the male employees proceeds to become VERY friendly with her. Wow. That is the future of America right there, ladies and gentlemen. We have so much to look forward to.
I want children who will be respectable, respectful, friendly, hardworking, and enthusiastic friends, employees, parents and spouses. I want them to stand out apart from the stereotypical, average human being. I just hope I survive in the meantime without pulling out my hair.
Please, God, give me the strength and the wisdom to raise my kids the way You would have me raise them and not how the rest of the world deems "the right way". Amen.
Chad and I had to make a couple of returns to a couple of different stores. While we were out we decided to go eat at a restaurant. After my family was seated for close to 10 minutes, a waitress finally showed up to our table. She never introduced herself and never smiled. She seemed to be having a bad day. Taking our orders seemed to almost inconvenience her. It seems in my own personal thought process, that if you worked mainly for tips, you would bend over backwards if that's what the customers at your table wanted you to do. I pretty much suck spit all day at my job among many other unglamorous things that come with dentistry. Whether my day is turning out good or bad, I better paste that smile on my face and do my best to be courteous and friendly and throw out a conversation or two. Otherwise I probably wouldn't have a job.
Ethan decided to start showing out a little bit while we were waiting on our waitress to take our order. We were right next to the gigantic stack of high chairs. Chad grabbed one and put it at the end of the table to threaten Ethan with. After a few minutes the waitress rudely asked if we planned on using the highchair. I responded "possibly" and she informed us that we were not allowed to have a highchair in that section and she would have to move us. Well, that's fine, but last time I checked, the hostess-- seeing that we had a toddler-- never even asked if we needed a highchair (or a booster seat). We might have said yes. So after seeing that this apparently annoyed her I told Chad to put it back.
After my mom and I were served our salads, (there was no other food on the table at this point) we had not even taken our first bite before the manager came over and asked how we were enjoying our meal....... Um....... Well........ I'll let you know when we GET OUR MEAL. My mom looked at him, looked down at her yet untouched salad and looked back at him and said, "Well, I guess so far it seems to be okay". Dude. Really? He then comes back again before we even cut into our steaks to ask us again. No, really, dude. If I have a problem I will be sure and let you know AFTER I take that first bite.
After our mediocre experience at this mediocre restaurant, we proceeded to Target to return something I bought a couple of weeks ago. My mom and I had picked up a couple of items to purchase while we were there (after all, you can't go into Target and NOT buy anything) and Brennan proceeds to have the beginnings of a meltdown. I told Chad to take the kids on out to the car while my mom and I checked out. When Chad was almost to our van, this lady yacking on her cell phone, whipped in the parking place on the driver's side of our van. She parked so crooked and so close that Chad couldn't even get to either of the doors on the left side. She proceeds to get out of her car like she was oblivious to what she had just done still flapping her jaw on her phone. If you know Chad, you know he is the least confrontational person you will ever meet. But this just rubbed him wrong. As the lady continues on her way he politely told her that he couldn't GET INTO HIS CAR because she was parked so close and so crooked to us. I probably would have said it with a little more attitude and a lot less niceness, but nonetheless she was very upset that Chad had the audacity to politely ask her to move her car so he could GET INSIDE HIS. Again-- Dude. Really? What is wrong with people?!
That's not all. I then had to take some shoes back to a shoe store. That's all they sold. Shoes. The cashier had nothing else to do at the moment I came in to return my shoes. I always thought when you returned something (like shoes) you needed to take them out of the box to make sure they were undamaged and had no wear marks on the bottom. Apparently I have never worked at a shoe store, so I don't know much. She never asked me why I was returning them. Yet I saw her write on the form that I filled out with my name and address that I "changed my mind". She never opened the box with my shoes. For all she knows I could have put my 4 year old Adidas in there and she would have never known the difference. I could have been $32 richer with a free, new pair of shoes still sitting at home.
As I was waiting (very patiently) for the manager to make his appearance to override the transaction, a teenager came in with what seemed to be her job application filled out. I haven't held many jobs in my lifetime, but I would think even if it's to drop off an application, you might want to look decent. As in tactful. This teenager had on a very, VERY tight tank top. Which was white. She was very well developed (if you know what I mean) and had on a black bra under her VERY tight white tank top. Dude. Really? I know this isn't a high end job she's applying for, but REALLY? Of course, I don't care who you are. I don't like seeing cleavage, boobs, or anything else that would seem better equipped for the privacy of your own home. God gave us breasts for a reason. And I don't think that reason was to show them off to America. As we are all waiting on the manager at this point, one of the male employees proceeds to become VERY friendly with her. Wow. That is the future of America right there, ladies and gentlemen. We have so much to look forward to.
I want children who will be respectable, respectful, friendly, hardworking, and enthusiastic friends, employees, parents and spouses. I want them to stand out apart from the stereotypical, average human being. I just hope I survive in the meantime without pulling out my hair.
Please, God, give me the strength and the wisdom to raise my kids the way You would have me raise them and not how the rest of the world deems "the right way". Amen.
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