The problem with teen idols....

A sweet Georgia peach of a reader asked me about singer's I thought were in my son's terms Schmexy. I believe that is a blend of smooth and sexy, but I am afraid to ask. You must understand that I am a big fan of oldies and mellow music. Schmexy singers are more sound than look to me, but here is my list of yummy singers for your amusement.

This guy was not bad looking then.....

but now....

it's a little scary

late '80's, early '90's yummy-------- not aging well

Sugar Ray's Mark McGrath---yummy

Jerry Reed and BJ Thomas (not bad in their heyday and if the lights were low, who knows?!)

Hanson (too young, but sweetie cute as older artists)

Jonny Lang---rocks out barefoot and definitely edible.

Will Smith-mm hmm

The good years, but mainly because he reminds me of my dad's younger pictures

Luckily, my father didn't age like this.

That's right I dig the Funkadelic groovemaster.







And no list is complete without the Hoff. (Although, technically, I cannot consider him a singer. But come on, the guy must drink formaldehyde for breakfast. He still looks good.)

High as a kite

My husband painted our downstairs hallway (finally) and the fumes are making me high as a kite.


Taking my oldest son to my parents, my youngest son announced his need to throw up. Never give a carsick-prone child a book in the car.

It's the day after Christmas and that tree is already in the basement.

A trip to the gynecologist the day after Christmas is not a gift.

My children survive on Dora soup, peanut butter, cinnamon bread, and oatmeal.

The commercial with Ryan Seacrest and his breath that's "like a minty fresh snowstorm, in heaven.", makes me roll with laughter.

I switched sides of the bed and there is nothing Ted can do about it.

I love my devil children. Even if they are rotten little stinks.

This may be a bit disturbing

We all know that the holidays can be stressful. Perhaps we are at the end of our already short fuses! While this suggestion may be morbid, it is effective. The next time you find yourself annoyed with your loved ones and cannot stand to be around them for just one more second you should begin to mentally compose their eulogy. Not because you are going to off them--- jeeesh people. But because that little exercise may just remind you how important they are and how much you love them. If that doesn't work, imagine what they may say for you in a similar circumstance. If the only thing you can come up with is "My mommy was a crabass", perhaps it is time to take a moment to oneself.


In this season of traveling and large amounts of family time, I want you all to be safe. Enjoy the moments you can and power through the ones that are a little tougher. And if you find yourself painted into a mental corner, just call me. I will gladly sing any variety of novelty songs to get you back into an appreciative state of mind.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

the hippos holiday peeps

Random

Is it a curse for me or a blessing for him that I have to constantly tell my youngest son to stop sticking his johnson in his waistband?

How long is the winter break?

How many times a day can I be expected to respond sincerely to "You my best friend mommy."

Have you seen the two girls and one cup video? Don't do it. I've only watched the reactions of unsuspecting grandparents and college students, but for the love of all things good, DON'T DO IT!! (this also applies to BME Pain olympics). Even Joe Rogan from Fear Factor was grossed out. HUGE CLUE!!

Our oldest has an interview Saturday!! Yippee.

Is it ok to consider a 9x13 cake eight pieces (translates to four servings for Moo-wah)?

Will 2008 see a return of fashionable spandex options for us larger ladies?

My New Year's Resolution---- I won't worry, I'll be happy!

Drug Testing

Our local school board is considering testing the student population randomly. I think that is a great idea. Silly that they can't randomly test the teachers, but a good idea nonetheless. But they are behind the curve here at Mommy land.

Cory has had to submit to tests like these:

since the beginning of his high school career.

As a matter of fact, I just reordered. The website for those who are interested.

I believe I will start testing the entire under 18 population after the New Year. They have been VERY moody lately.

day off - ferris buller - twist and shout

Hey baby, what's shakin? C'mon you know you wanna dance. I see your foot tapping. That's right, get up, loosen up, shake your grooooove thang!!!!

Remedies

So yesterday didn't start out so well. It was a cruddy winter day and we were all pretty crabby. But later in the day, Ted decided to take Aurelia out to pick up shell casings at the gun range (um, a lot disturbing, but they were spending daddy-daughter time). I decided to take Daniel to see the new Alvin and the Chipmunks movie. Not too shabby. He really enjoyed it. The credits rolled to the new verison of their 'Witch Doctor" song. Daniel, normally reserved, took full advantage of the lights still being out and danced all the way out the door. Playfully, I asked him if he was still dancing, and his response was to break out every move he had. Including the swinging arm robot. His sweet little face shining with silliness the whole time.

Since all I had moneywise was a $20 and the parking was a dollar, we strolled to the Coldstone to break my huge bill. Red and green M&M's in French Vanilla for the boy and straight chocolate for mammy. I told him his looked like Christmas boogers. Oh fun times. As we finished up he held up two fingers and said " The movie was double good, but ice cream with you was (flashing me three fingers and a high eyebrow wink) triple FUN!"


:0)

ok, yeah, whatever

I feel like this dog looks today. Winter is the pits. I need to clean this house for our upcoming party, but I really can't move toward it. The princess of the house has a little conjunctivitis. I need to go to the store and I don't know what to buy. If I were a little younger and somebody was in charge of it, I would yell that I was bored. But I'm in charge, I've found the end of the internet, there are books that need read, calls that need made, and children that need tending.

AND IT IS GOING TO SNOW..... BLECH.

Mama said there'd be days like this

What can I say? GW is set to veto the child health insurance bill. What a dumbass. I absolutely want to hibernate until this dorkfish is finally booted out of office. But I don't have political discussions, so I will just say again. D-U-M-B-A-S-S!!

Ike Turner is dead. To be honest, I kinda thought he was already dead.

Jessica Alba is pregnant. Now there is a short list of famous female hotties that could make me consider a switch to the other team. But pregnancy and motherhood distract from mind numbing attractiveness. That also happens when she speaks though.

And the final blow- Aurelia told me my breath smelled like Daddy's butt. Ahh, brutal honesty. Time to grab the mouthwash.

Christmas tree, O Christmas tree

I am in the Christmas mood. This is evidenced by the presence of our Christmas tree, front and center, in our living room. Normally, I wait until about a week before Christmas to put it up and take it down before the last of the wrapping paper hits the garbage can Christmas Day. This is a full TWO weeks before D Day.

Our tradition is everyone gets their own ornament every year. This helps with lovely memories, but also because we tend to break things. Our tree is a fake, pre-lit deal with white lights. Teddy-o decided to put a few strings of colored lights. Not too shabby. The kids put their ornaments on and I fill in the gaps (move stuff around and such). I would love to say this all comes off without a hitch, but there is almost always the sound of "GET OFF THE TREEEEE, BACK UP, DON"T LICK THE OUTLETS, LET GO OF THE CAT!!!!!!!!!!". Overall it was still a nice little evening event. And when I wander downstairs, after the kids are asleep, I will lay on the couch, bloated from too much ham and pumpkin pie, and watch our Made In China tree with its lead paint covered ornaments and gaudy array of lights twirl (because did I mention our tree twirls??).

Merry Christmas all.

remembering Colby

Colby Shane Jackson
Colby Shane “Dawg” Jackson, 33, of Hico, entered into eternal life on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007, in Yampa, Colo.
Colby was the beloved and cherished husband of Tara Leigh Isaacs Jackson and the loving and adoring father of Cyrus, Brody, Ryleigh and Kyleigh Jackson.
Born Dec. 28, 1973, at Ronceverte, he was the son of Steven W. Jackson of Greensboro, N.C., and Karlen Anderson Adkins and Wilbert “Tony” Adkins of Mount Nebo.
Welcoming Colby to his heavenly home are grandparents, Herbert “Oley” Anderson (1999), Betty Jean Holiday Anderson (2007) and Carl Lee Jackson (1981.)
Colby was a 1992 graduate of Midland Trial High School where he was an outstanding linebacker and halfback for the Patriot football team. After high school, Colby attended Concord College where he played football and was a member of Sig Tau Gamma Fraternity.
In 1997, Colby married Tara, his soulmate and love of his life. Together they had four beautiful children, Cyrus Kade (10), Brody Gage (9), Ryleigh Justyce (5) and Kyleigh Aspen (5.) Colby treasured being a father and devoted himself to his children above all else. Whether it was taking a trip to Hershey Park, playing baseball in the yard, or calling for a “Jackson Family Hug.” Colby's true happiness came from the time; he spent with his wife and children. He will forever be alive in their hearts and memories.
Colby was employed as an ironworker/welder with Southern Cross. He took great pride in his work and was well liked and respected by his co-workers. His profession allowed him to travel to many different places throughout the U.S. and Canada, where he was fortunate enough to meet and make friends with many who will miss him deeply. Colby proudly passed the Lloyds of London Welding Test in Maine.
Colby was a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers and WVU fan. He enjoyed NASCAR racing, hunting, fishing, grilling out for family and friends and riding his Harley on a warm sunny day.
Others left to cherish his memory are brothers, Caleb Jackson and companion, Jennifer who thought of Colby as his hero; brother and best friend, Cory Jackson and mother, Donna; sisters, Brandy and husband, Shannon Lesher of Mount Nebo, Abby and companion, Kenny Sheets, of Mount Nebo, and Leslie Adkins of Charleston; grandmother, Faye Jackson Inman of North Carolina; father and mother-in-law, Pat and Barbara Isaacs of Hico who loved Colby as their own and he will be in their hearts forever; grandmother-in-law, Ruth Sedlock; sisters-in-law, Tammy Isaacs, Staci and husband, Brian Keeney, Stephanie Isaacs and companion, Howard Karns.
Colby was the most awesome uncle to Zhoe Jaden, Zebelon Creed, Silas Bryar Lesher, Jurney Isabella and Maiden Annabella Sheets, Oley Parker and Grady Lee Jackson, Ryan, Christian and Patience Isaacs and Savannah and Michael Keeney. Also left to miss and love Colby is Jesika Cooper, a great little friend. They will all greatly miss him as will his aunts, uncles, cousins and many, many friends. Including special friend with whom Colby worked and traveled, Lee Taylor and fiancée, Nikki Browning.
A service to honor Colby's life will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Sunday Road Baptist Church with Pastors Alan Donaldson, Gene Bennett and Johnny Critchley officiating. Entombment will follow at the Chapel of Rest Mausoleum, Victor.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, at Sunday Road Baptist Church.
Pallbearers will be Caleb Jackson, Lee Taylor, Mark Nuckols, Brian Keeney, Ryan Isaacs, Tommy Stull, James Nickell and Seth Norton.
Please send condolences to wandwansted@hotmail.com. Services provided by Wallace and Wallace Funeral Service, Ansted.

Email Santa and report health nasties

In case anyone would like to do this, it allows your little one to email Santa and get an instant printable email in return. Daniel gets really excited about it every year.

In other news, may I mention that the local Fazoli's on 3rd ave is just gross from the view of the drive thru window. I believe I'll be making a phone call come Monday.

The Humpty Dance

I can only imagine that as annoying as I find todays cartoons, my mother equally hated MTV. It may not surprise you to know that I can rap this entire song with no mistakes. And I did, many, many times as a teenager. i don't think it was really my mothers dream. The song still rocks though.

Gingerbread men on the block

Missing

My kitty, Desmond, has been missing since Saturday night. If you are in my neighborhood and have seen him lately, leave me a comment. His sister, Molly, is very unhappy about his absence and walks the house looking for him and yowling. Thanks.

Rest in Peace

In a conversation with my mother this evening, she told me one of my cousins had passed away. I didn't grow up near this cousin (Colby Jackson), but when I would visit my great grandparents, the cousins in this family and another next door were my playmates. I remember playing under huge pine trees that werw just in view of the front door, but were enclosed enough to seem like a world away. He was either a little older or a little younger than I am and had several children. I am not sure how he passed, only that he did.

Within the last couple of years, another cousin (whom I never remember playing with) passed too. She was also in my age range with little girls.


You can't outrun mortality. A reminder to speak gently, keep the peace, and say what you need to every day.

Love you all.

Weekend

This weekend my oldest son performed in his high school play. He didn't land a leading role, he was the queen's petulant toady. But he was great. He got laughs when he was supposed to and really did a wonderful job. I filmed as much as I could (there was only 40 min left in our recorder, so I got his scenes). I will be uploading that and posting it in the next few days.

I also spent a little time with my cousin's baby, Jada. She is just a little younger than our neighbor baby and he even came down to show her his dashing personality (they both slept through the event). I planned to take pictures, but that didn't seem to to happen. I can tell you she was a really good baby, but it was enough for me to remember why I don't want anymore. They need constant supervision, they are heavy for such little people, and they need to eat every few hours (so does Cory!).

Overall, the weekend was great. The holiday season is really getting into swing and it hasn't created stress (YET) so I am still able to enjoy it!

I am still thankful for each and every one of you and wish you the brightest, happiest, most peaceful of holiday seasons!

Pictures for Laura

My lifelong friend, Laura, asked that I post pictures of the kids. Here they are.

Long time CASA volunteer

I came across this interview on the CASA website. This woman has been volunteering almost as long as there has been a CASA program.

Hippo life updates

* Cory/Adam will be playing Sir Dandiprat in HHS Snow White performance in the next week or two.

* Aurelia has a pair of very glittery red shoes (a la Dorothy) that she doesn't mind wearing to school with sweatpants. (photos to follow)

* Daniel is in a holiday funk to beat all funks.

*I am detoxing from the computer. (It is really hard to do)

* Christmas is about loving and sharing time with loved ones. I have asked all potential gift givers to my children to spend their money elsewhere. The more they receive, the less they are aware of what they received. My preference would be they donate the money they were going to spend to feeding the homeless or donating warm clothing to those who don't have any.

* Holiday music (at least the peppy ones) make me happy.

* Aurelia is obsessed with Christmas (pronounced cwithmath), when he is going to come, if he is going to play with her, bring her a doll, eat her cookies, etc.

Memories

By

Book Preview

Hiatus

Staggering into the daylight, the Happy Hippo took a long breath of clean, crisp autumn air. Disheveled and tired, she realized somehow six months have gone by. But then it dawned on her. She was finished. Done. No more pictures to sort, no more worrying about getting it done for Christmas. The project was uploading and headed for the printer. So now, for today, she will breathe in the smell of autumn and wait for the agonizing between print and delivery. Tomorrow is soon enough to worry. Today is for enjoying.

The next several days will be internet, computer, and possibly telephone free. I am exhausted of this computer screen. It makes my eyes hurt. But I will be back to babble soon enough. Happy Turkey Day! I am thankful for you all.


I am also going to give that little slideshow thing a try with Blogger. Hope it works.

So......

I went to the conveniece store and bought five copies of the newspaper. Only to discover the article was actually in FRIDAY's edition. Such is life.

BUT, tomorrow is the best day of the year!!! My local radio station begins playing only Christmas music 24/7 until after Christmas. Oh, JOY!

Many chances throughout the day to sing at the top of my lungs the bestest song in the whole entire free world-----THE HIPPO SONG.

For those of you who still do not know this wonderful tune, I have provided this handy link. Learn the words, sing it loud and proud. Embed it into the subconscious of those around you. Happy day, happy day.

Fifiteen miliseconds of fame

My baby girl and I are in the newspaper this weekend.

Have a look-see for yourself....

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/x2105970211

A minute of happy

From the corner of my street to my driveway, there are beautiful trees whose leaves turn bright gold and orange in the fall. We had a bit of a delayed fall this year and the leaves have fallen quickly. For the last two weeks, these brightly colored leaves have drifted down onto my van as I come home every day. The trees are so tall that they drift a long way and pile up in vibrant heaps. The instant I turn onto my quiet little street until I pull into my own treeless yard it is a little like a sweet movie. There should be a soundtrack. It fills me with peace and happy glowing feelings. Those feelings drift away when I get into the house and begin refereeing yet another kid fight, but for those 60-90 seconds I can float away in my mind. Everybody should have a quiet little street to drive down once a day. Try it, you'll like it.

Edie Brickell - Good Times, Bad Times

I love this artist. Thought I would give a little audio/visual to go with the previous post.

Edie Brickell lyrics

These are the lyrics to the song Edie Brickell has been singing in my head all week:

The title is IN THE BATH:


In the morning in the bath
Water pouring from the tap
I don't want to go out
Lie back
Relax
Ever lazy never free
What my conscience does to me
Always something I should do
Something I should be
Run around
Put me down if you want to
I can't hear a sound
'Cause I'm not listening to you
I've taken today to be off and away
Unwinding
In the morning in the bath
I'm restoring from the past
The mistakes I made
Never seem to fade away
In a wash of memory
Everything is coming clean
Run around
Put me down if you want to
I can't hear a sound
'Cause I'm not listening to you
I've taken today to be off and away
Call me Freda
Freda day
Going down a busy road
Looking out of my window
In a taxi backseat
Out of control

Perception, Reality, Disillusionment

This particular blog is the mixture of the last couple of entries that I have meant to do, somehow today they seem to come together. Enjoy.

PART ONE

These past months I have been actively working on the photobook. I live, breathe, eat, dream these pictures. They are always on my mind and I have begun to feel like I was present at these events from long before I was born. The progress of those I love from birth, adolescence, adulthood, and golden years spills out before me to examine. What was that glimmer in their eye? Can I imagine the surroundings as the camera flashed? Could this young version of this person have possibly imagined themselves as I know them now? Are they disappointed, relieved, happy? When I was a kid in this gigantic family (and this is only my father's side of my enormous family), I wanted to be left alone at the same time I wanted to feel like a part of it all. Nothing brought more joy than quiet time with a book, unless that something was feeling with it for a second. There always seemed to be a vibe I just couldn't tune into. I wasn't extroverted or socially skilled. I couldn't glide into a conversation with ease. There was no doubt I was loved by these people I was always with, but I didn't feel like I fit. But the more I have looked at these pictures, the more I think to myself, that maybe none of them felt like they fit. Maybe they felt the same way, from kids to the dream of what growing up would bring. Because, surely, growing up would bring some comfort with our own skin, with an identity strong enough to be claimed. None are as good or as bad as we may remember. The distance and knowledge with which I look at their faces now, allows me to see the flaws, sweet human flaws, that we all have. But those flaws are what make us whole.

Part TWO

So I grew up. Now I am the mother of three beautiful kids and the wife to a sweet and loving husband. I don't have to work, I have time to volunteer for other kids, I will finish my degree when they are all in school. Life for me is good. But at the same time, that bit of kid left deep inside me knows this wasn't the dream. Seven kids... that was the insanity I wanted. Four girls, three boys. As a sane adult with perspective, I know that I was never cut out for that. I pictured a house where I would be patient, kind, gentle, nuturing to each and every one, each and every minute. Well, that my friends, is a crock. I yell, I lose my patience, I frown, I curse, I pray daily for their little tongues to fall out of their little heads so they will be stricken mute. I love them deeply, no doubt, but I know that the happiest moments are far between and I have to fill in the rest. I wonder what their memories of me will be. Will they have the same days where they are disillusioned by what they believed was true, what they dreamed would be? Bless their hearts, I know they won't look wistfully back on the days of mom's good ol' cooking (cause mine is crap), but I wonder what they will wish back for. In the meantime, I will keep doing the best I can, taking pictures of as much good stuff as possible, to build on what illusions we all have.

Part Three