Batter Up!

Last night, as I was headed up the stairs to go to bed, something caught my eye. I stopped in my tracks and waited. I saw it again and BOLTED upstairs. "BIG DADDY...THERE IS SOMETHING IN THE HOUSE." He was not terribly concerned at first because I have a tendency to blow things out of proportion from time to time. "BABE. I'm serious...there is something flying around." That got his attention, because we have A LOT of bats out here in The Hills. If you want to freak Big Daddy's freak...talk about bats. He tried to keep it cool and told me, "Well...go look and see." I peeked out of our room and flipped on the lights just in time to see our little nocturnal friend buzz by again.

I ran back in our room and did the heebie geebie dance and informed him that it was indeed a bat. His eyes got huge and he froze. "Babe, you know I don't do bats." That's when I knew...I was on my own.

I did what any girl would do. I called my mommy and daddy of course! They tried, through their whooping laughter to guide me through this little adventure. I decided I would shoot it. I got my pellet gun and put the rents on speaker phone. I found our little buddy hanging out on our rock fire place. Here is the conversation that took place.

Me: "I'm just going to shoot it."
Dad: "Just reach up there and grab it and throw the D!#$ thing out the door."
Me: "Um....no. I'm gonna shoot it."
Mom: "YOU'LL SHOOT YOUR EYE OUT!"
Me: "No I won't...but maybe I will put on some glasses."
(Found Big Daddy's shades. Put them on)
Dad: "make sure you are straight on."
Me: "Wouldn't it be better at a 45 degree angle?"
Dad: "No."
Me: "Ok."
Dad: "If you're gonna shoot it, steady your gun on a chair."
Me: "Got it."
Me: "You should see me. Sunglasses, greasy hair, pellet gun...hot."
Dad: "Where is Brian?"
Me: "UPSTAIRS!!!"
Dad: (laughing hysterically)
Mom: "Don't shoot! I'm googling!"
Mom: "It says, 'you should not have bats flying in your house!'"
Me: "NO $&#@ MOM!"
Me: "I can't see with these glasses on."
Dad: "Take them off."
Me: "I'm shooting." (Fires a shot) PING!
Mom and Dad: (laughing hysterically) "Did you get it?"
Me: "I don't think so."
Mom: "DON'T SHOOT IT!!! IT IS ILLEGAL!!!"
Me: "whoops."
Mom and Dad: (more laughing)

Big Daddy comes down at some point...wearing his superhero tighties. Awesome.
Big Daddy (from the staircase): "JUST KEEP SHOOTING!"
Me: PING! PING! PING!
Mom: "I WAS BEING SERIOUS!! IT'S ILLEGAL!!!"
Me: "Okay, fine."

Either I'm a bad shot (which I highly doubt), bats have really thick skin or the most likely of all...I couldn't bring myself to get close enough to do any real damage. At any rate, plan A was a major fail. Which is good because I don't look good in orange.

Dad: "Open all the windows and doors, go get Brian's ball retriever from his golf bag and smack it so it will fly out."
Big Daddy: "I will get the ball retriever."
**MY HEEEEERRRRROOOOO!**

Mom: "It says you should cover your skin in case the bat has rabies. Has it been in contact with your dog?"
Me: "No, Queen Google...not as far as I know."

Windows are open, and the house is now a cool 90 degrees. I grab a fleece blanket to cover myself and grab the ball retriever. I have started to sweat profusely...super sexy. I approach the bat....

Me: "I'm going to set the phone down...and I'm probably gonna scream."
Mom and Dad: "Okay."

I poke at the bat...it flies directly at my face. I collapse to the floor, covered in my blanket and scream my ever lovin' head off. I peek out of my blanket only to see that sucker flying straight for my face! I retreat back to my blanket fort and scream my ever lovin' head off again.

Mom: "ARE YOU OKAY?"
Me: "I'm FINE!"
Dad: "Is it out??"
Me: "I don't know! Brian! Is it out? Brian???? Babe?"

*Big Daddy had retreated to our bedroom...door shut.*

I peeked out and didn't see our furry friend. I checked the house and found no trace. I closed the windows back up and puffed my chest out. HMPF! I did it...and I didn't even break the law...that much.

My Smarty

Today I was explaining to Cohen the purpose of Relay for Life. Here is our conversation.

Cohen- "What is Relay for Life?"
Mommy-"It's to raise money for cancer research."

Cohen-"What's cancer research?"
Mommy-"It means that someone really smart is going to find a cure for cancer, but they need money to help them."

Cohen-"Oh, I see. I'm smart!"
Mommy-"You most certainly are, are you going to find a cure for cancer?"

Cohen-"YUP....what's a cure?"

My Favorite DJ is DJ Tanner.

Friday night I had dinner with a group of wonderful ladies. Beautiful ladies who love the Lord. After our bellies were full, we headed north to fill our hearts with the word of God. You see Friday was the Women's Rally at James River Assembly. Pastor John's wife Debbie was able to secure a special speaker for this rally, and when I heard who it was...I could not pass it up!! Trust me, after a week preparing for our giant garage sale and all day with a garage FULL of people...a nap sounded really good. But missing CANDACE CAMERON BURE speak at our church, in person, was NOT an option!!

As we walked in, clips from Full House were playing on the screens in the sanctuary. I was immediately taken back to a time that my children cannot fathom. A time when we waited for Friday night at 7:00 so we could watch Full House. If you weren't home, you didn't see it. We found an entire row just for us and settled in. Little did I know, my world was about to be rocked.

She came out and was just adorable! She was rocking white pants (which made me regret not wearing my cute outfit that included a white dress for fear that I would violate the "white before Memorial Day" rule!) and was beautiful. She shared her testimony which you can read or listen to HERE. Her story really hit close to home. I could relate so well because she was a "good kid" too. Just like myself, a good kid for the most part. I did the same thing she did in college. "I'm a good person. I'm kind to people. I'm good to my parents. So I go to a few parties, use a few curse words and don't go to church regularly...it could be a lot worse. PLUS, I pray to God and He forgives me! So I'm good." Then she gave us an analogy that made SO much sense!

Picture a fluffy white sheep grazing in a pasture of green grass. He looks SO white and clean! Now picture a beautiful blanket of pure white snow all around that sheep. Against that backdrop, he now looks filthy dirty!!

I am SO very guilty of putting my sins up against the world. Compared to a lot of really bad sins, my sins don't look so bad. However, when I put my sins against the backdrop of a perfect son....not so great anymore!! I don't want this to sound like I think I am better than the next person just because I don't cheat on my husband or have a drug addiction. A sin is a sin and mine aren't any better than the next. The truth is, I have things that I know I need to work on. Things that deep down, I know I need to change but it's just easier to ask for forgiveness than to actually change them. I loved when she talked about the difference in diving into your sin and falling into it. God understands that we will mess up and He forgives us for those mess ups, but it's different when you dive right into sin KNOWING you are not doing the right thing.

I am looking forward to making some changes. One of my goals is to make quiet/prayer time my #1 goal. I have some soul searching to do and have been putting it off because I don't make time. To my family and friends, don't worry...I'm not in trouble or making some earth shattering, life changing decisions. Just "little" things that are going to make a huge difference in my family. I am so excited!

Father Daughter Dance

Last night was Claire's second Father Daughter Dance at school. I just LOVE this event. All the girls get dressed up and everyone makes a huge fuss over them. I love it. Here are just a few pics from the night.

I cropped this one because my blog is public, and I wasn't sure where everyone stood on having their child's picture on here!! Claire looked so precious, but was still comfortable which is key at our house. This was actually the picture with all eight of the dads standing behind all of their girls! I have to say, it was such a special moment. I just looked at all those proud dads and felt so blessed. I am so thankful for Big Daddy and what he means to our family.

Right before I snapped this picture, Big Daddy had a sweet little moment with Claire. He is SO sweet with her and there is NO denying she is a daddy's girl!

Like I said, there aren't many photos without the other girls in them! Claire would NOT let me take pictures of her for some reason! I had to get most of mine when the whole group was posing! It was a great night and all the girls had a wonderful time!

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Turd Purse

A few weeks ago, I was in a local designer discount facility when I came across this treasure.

If you follow me on Facebook, or we are friends IRL...you know that I have affectionately named this beauty, The Turd Purse. I picked the name based, not only on the creamy brown color, but also because of the lovely "rosettes" that adorn the front.

I'm sure the designer had every intention of making these look like flowers. But let's just call a spade a spade...it looks like a purse decorated with turds. I can honestly say this MIGHT be my favorite post ever because I love the word turd. Turd is the word.

I decided to purchase The Turd Purse today for a few reasons.

A. She looked sad still hanging in the same spot she was hanging a few weeks ago.

2. I enjoy making people laugh, and THIS my friends is comedy.

D. I was on the phone with my BFF Monica, BOTH times I encountered The Turd Purse and if that ain't destiny I don't know what is. (And yes, I said ain't because she's from Arkansas and I'm from the Ozarks...so it works.)

7. We had a great idea about what we could do with The Turd Purse. We immediately named that plan, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Turd Purse.

It is going to be amazing. If you want in on this action, e-mail me your name and address with TURD PURSE in the subject line at cgeorge1980@gmail.com. Like I said on Facebook, this is your chance to be a part of something amazing, with absolutely no benefit to society. I will post the rules as soon as I get the specifics in order. Stay tuned!!!

Best St. Patrick's Day...EVER!

I remember the days when I was....oh, say...21 years old when the best St. Patrick's day ever would NOT involve a day at the hospital! But March 17, 2011 will go down in our family history as the best St. Patrick's Day ever.

We received a precious gift from God at 10:14 when sweet baby Elise Susanne came into this world weighing in at 7 pounds 10 ounces and measuring 20 & 1/2 inches long.


Here she is just minutes after her arrival...and yes, that is my sister-in-love who actually birthed her!! And now I will share the story that this little girl will hear every year on the day of her birth.

Her birthday had been on the calendar for about a week. Thanks to modern medicine we knew she would be a St. Patrick's day baby. We also knew that the Pitocin (used to start labor) would be the only modern day medicine used because my girl Ashley, is Super Momma. I woke up with a spring in my step and a song in my heart because I KNEW it was going to be a beautiful day! It was in fact a GORGEOUS day. The sun was shining and the warm wind was blowing...a great day for a baby. We dressed in our green and headed to school. Claire was on Spring Break but our amazing Pre-school family insisted that she stay and help in class with the littles. She was thrilled and LOVED every second she was there. As we left the school we told everyone we saw, "We have to go!!! We are getting a baby today!!!" My mom went on to the hospital and I ran up to grab a special lunch to take back to Claire and Cohen. (Special lunch means, mommy didn't have time to make lunches before we left the house.) I dropped them off and kissed all the kids one more time. I thought about stopping to grab an iced tea on the way to the hospital, but decided to wait. THANK GOODNESS!!!

I arrived at the hospital and walked in with Nee Nee and Pa (Ashley's parents) and we strolled into labor and delivery. The receptionist pointed us in the right direction and told us to knock before we went in. Assuming my mom and dad were in the birthing suite just chatting up the soon to be parents of two, we knocked and waited. To my surprise, a nurse poked her head out and said, "Sorry, she is actually getting ready to push!" WWHHHAAAATTT????? Just then my parents returned from grabbing a snack and we all did a little happy dance in the hallway! They hooked Ashley up at 7:00 and just 3 hours later she was pushing....then 14 minutes later, she delivered a perfect baby girl.


I heard her first cry and was overcome with emotion. I was there for the birth of my nephew Hunter, Drew, Levi, Alivia and of course my own children...but this emotion was different. With the older kids, I remember my main emotions were excitement and pure love that I could hardly contain. This time was different. I was flooded with gratitude. As I made my way into the room and the grandparents snatched up that sweet girl, my focus was on my brother and sister-in-law. I closed my eyes and thanked God for these two people....for so many reasons. I looked at Jarad, and couldn't keep the tears at bay. I am so proud of him and the man he has become. I am so thankful for our friendship...and for his flawless wife picking abilities.

When it was finally my turn to hold the baby, I remember silence....and then a song started playing on the ipod.

I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay.
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say.


Word of God speak.
Would You pour down like rain.
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty.
To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness,
Word of God speak.


I'm finding myself in the midst of You.
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice.


Word of God speak.
Would You pour down like rain.
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty.
To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness,
Word of God speak.


I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay

-Mercy Me
Word of God Speak

The tears could not be stopped. As I cried I looked at this precious girl and was overwhelmed with gratitude. Our God is so good. He is SO, so good.

As the song ended, I heard whistles in the background and turned to see the NCAA tournament just starting....and I knew Steph was watching.

PoopTastic!

This post comes with a disclaimer. If you don't want to hear a story about dog poo....stop reading now.

This is Major. He's a good boy. He is also a BIG boy. Weighing in at approximately 145 pounds, nothing he does is small. We rescued him at the end of the summer and he has fit perfectly into our family. When we got him he was already house trained and he is wonderful with the kids.

This morning, I had just gotten up and was returning to my bedroom after picking out the kids clothes for the day. I was walking across the landing between our bedrooms and heard something spill. I whipped around because I seriously thought one of the kids had dumped a giant cup of water on the rug in the middle of the landing. To my dismay, a dump certainly had occurred. Unfortunately, the dump came from Mr. Major. His name has never been more fitting. As I tried to guide him AWAY from the rug and to the nearest door, I realized that maybe we should just stay put....I will spare you the details, but man...it was BAD.

I led the poor guy out the door onto our deck that is off our bedroom. (This would be the first time I went outside. This will be important to another part of this story.) I went back in and began securing the scene. The children were instructed to stay in their rooms, which really wasn't a problem. They were both gagging. I was trying to only breathe through my mouth. I also have allergies, which causes a runny nose, which I could not sniff for fear I may lose it...so I was looking SUPER SEXY with that going on. I started mopping and disinfecting. I scrubbed a little on the rug, but realized I would not have time if I was going to get Claire to school on time. I made the decision to take the rug out and hang it on the deck. As I was flipping it over the rail, I felt quite a breeze only to realize...I was still in my pajamas. My pajamas were a short t-shirt....and that's about it. I quickly took a survey of my surroundings and prayed there were no golfers that might have been subjected to my morning glory. I thought I was off the hook until I looked to my left where the maintenance shed for the course is located. OH. MY. GOODNESS. There stood an entire crew of workers. There I stood in a t-shirt and my scoobies.

As I hung my head in shame and cowered back to the safety of my bedroom I thought to myself, "The good news about starting a day like this...It really can only get better from here."