Untethered

Where to begin... Well lets see we have been busy. At least Mason and I have been busy. Mason maybe more so than me if my house is any indication.

Last weekend I was untethered from the mother leash for a whole night.

Last Saturday I went to my little cousin Jessie's 21st birthday. I left Saturday morning and came back Sunday in time for work. It was so nice to get to ride in a car without playing the 'what now?' game. Blissful silence, then I realized the radio wasn't on and that I could listen to whatever I wanted. In celebration of this event I stopped at WalMart and got the new Sugarland CD.

I know crazy times.

A person can only handle so much Trace Adkins before wanting to throw the CD out the window. Trust me on this...

I got to Grandma's around lunch time. I even passed by McDonalds knowing that Grandma would have something good to eat. Thankfully she didn't disappoint. I hadn't planned on seeing my mom and dad while I was down so it was good to see them at Grandmas.

After lunch Jessie came over and we went shopping. She decided she didn't want to do laundry and needed a new shirt so we went to Rue 21 where my cousin, Little Massive Don's wife, Sunshine, works. After Jessie had tried on every shirt in the store she finally settled on one and then it was off to look at shoes. Shoes are my favorite thing but these were ugly shoes. Thankfully she decided to wear some she already had at home.

As we were leaving my little sister Cammie showed up and we went actual shoe shopping. I got the cutest little shoes. I was a little surprised by how comfy they are. My feet didn't hurt at the end of the night and I've worn them several times since and haven't had a single problem. Wonderful and they were half off!! Score...

Next we went back to Grandma's to get ready to go out to dinner. I was ready by the time agreed upon. I know a huge shocker how fast I can ready when I don't have a two year old hanging on me... Jessie and Cammie though were not. So we had to go to Cracker Barrel for supper. I was not disappointed in the least. They have the best tea. Just add two packets of Sweet-n-low and it is great.

After we dropped Grandma off at home again we went over to the Candlelight bar and met up with everyone else. I'm not a beer drinker and their mixed drinks were not good so I stuck to pop. Probably a good idea since I was driving anyways.

The night went good until around midnight when the MTV crew showed up. You know the show 16 and Pregnant. Well the little skank has a new show. I don't know if it part of the Real World or what but they were following her around.

Now a little back ground on this...

The father of this girls baby is Derek Underwood who was killed in a car crash with Jessie's cousin. No where in the show is this mentioned. You can just imagine the tension in the room when they realized who it was being filmed. Never mind that the girl is just 19. Not even old enough to be in the bar after 9. Especially considering our DD who is 20 wasn't allowed in. But publicity will get you into a lot of places.

So anyways that is the background.

As this girl was leaving we were too. Jessie and Massive Don were drunk and might have been yelling obscenities while they were filming. Whatever. I personally think the girl needs to decide to be a mother and raise her child instead of letting her mother raise it. What do I know though. I think I'll stick to CMT though because you know I don't need all the drama.

After the bar we went to the Horseshoe Casino. I'm not a huge fan of casinos but that is okay because it was fun watching Lena try to walk in her heels while drunk. I played the nickel machines and won 50 bucks so I called it a night and watched everyone else play roulette.

After the casino we went to Village Inn for breakfast. It was horrible. We had the sweetest waitress though and she didn't charge us for everything so it was okay. After all it wasn't her fault.

Cameron and I poured ourselves into bed somewhere around 4. The next thing I remember it was 10:30 and my alarm was going off. So after some brunch and conversation I headed home. I got home with enough time to change for work. Work thankfully went fast. Maybe that was because I just didn't care. Yep that was probably why.

Now for the pictures to go along with the night...

(point and shoot camera in dark bar, and I didn't take these, I'm not real sure who did.)

Sunshine after her 3rd shot.

Massive Don.

Jessie's boyfriend Rafael and his brother Ramone.


Massive Don playing pool with Lena. She beat him 3 games in a row.


Jessie and her dad Big Don.

Cameron, me and Jessie. Not my favorite photo of me but that is okay. You know I try to keep it real.

I Don't Know

My husband just asked if we were in daylight savings time or not.

I have no clue. All I know is that the time changes twice a year. I cannot wait to 'fall' back.

Camping

Labor Day weekend Mason and I went camping with my family. It was so much fun.
Right when we get there Mason found the most dusty spot to play with his cars and got covered in dirt from head to toe. Being a boy and being with all his boy cousins (7 boys under 9 total) they decided to add water to the dirt and I'm sure you all know where this leading...

The first thing I did was unload the car. First came out the tent and air mattress. My husband call the air mattress cheating. I told him that I wasn't going to boy scout camp, I was going to fat girl camp and they sleep on air mattresses.

There was no way I was leaving behind my queen size memory foam air mattress!!

Next I set up my tent. Naturally being that I have this huge awesome family none of them offered to help me set it up. Instead they formed a half circle around my tent and mocked me. Great times I tell you...

Next I grab my mattress from it's hiding place and everyone placed bets on whether or not it would even fit in my tent.

As if they hadn't laughed hard enough already watching me set up the tent they also had to watch me get my mattress in the tent and aired up. You know to see who won the bet and all...

I seriously thought my brother-in-law Jesse was going to throw up from laughing so hard.
They were all thoughly disappointed when I got the mattress in and set up with out anymore hilarious moments with which to mock me with later.

After getting everything ready for the night I went to my car and made myself a nice full glass of punch. Immediatly everyone started asking me where I got it from and why I wasn't sharing. I have never seen Cammie and Jesse run so fast. I had the last laugh though because the car was locked and they sure weren't getting my keys. I did give in but only because I needed a refill.

We didn't start addding the alcohol unitl after all the little kids went to bed. I had never even been tipsy before... ever... my memory is hazy. I only remember pits and pieces. I have no clue what Jesse was adding to my drinks but it took like 6 before I was feeling anything.

My husband was so proud when he called and my speech was slurred. Yep, so was my mother...

I was not the drunkest one there though and I made it to my own bed by myself.

My cousin Little Don wasn't so fortunate. He got to feeling good and went off on how he is tired of being called Little Don. All these little kids call him Little Don. He now wants to be referred to as Massive Don.

Just a bit of Don History;
My father is Old Don
My brother is Donnie
My uncle is Big Don
My cousin is Little Don
My mother is Nancy Dawn
I am Laura Dawn
and my little cousin is Sarah Dawn

Little Don decided that he wants to be called Massive Don. He said Old, Ugly, Stupid were taken, and he would get his butt kicked over Stud so Massive would have to do.

He went so far as to tell our Grandmother that he just wants Massive on all his cards and gifts. He said that Old, Ugly and Stupid would know who it was referring to.

The rest of the weekend was spent trying to keep track of all those boys, feeding everyone, picking up after everyone, and roasting marshmallows.

A great way to spend a weekend.

Now on to the photos. As always if you click on them and it will enlarge and you can read my notes.

A photo of the tents. Disregard Cameron sitting there. Although it is a 'great' photo of her.

My Grandma Shirley even made it out camping.

She didn't 'rough' it in a tent though, she slept in the camper.

Jesse's niece. It was getting dark and I took this over my shoulder with my 50mm manual focus.

I got lucky it was in focus...

I love the nail polish!!

My cousin Little Don called my son q-tip. Never mind that his oldest son is just as albino with just as white of hair.

Note to self: Little Don wants to be called 'Massive' Don.

I have no clue what he was trying to do here.

It looked like he was doing step aerobics.

They say they were playing football but it looked more like follow the leader to me.
What do I know though. I'm just a girl.

My son was fully dressed before this but since he has learned to undress himself

he has decided that anytime he sees a guy without his shirt on that he shouldn't

have to wear any clothes.

I tell Cammie to smile and this is what I get.

Just another photo to add to the 'bad photos of Cameron' folder.

Camping is dirty business.

Mind you we had been there maybe 15 minutes.

It was a great weekend! Mason and I had so much fun with my family.

My husband, you ask, was at home. I have no clue what he did all weekend. I'm sure he had fun also though.

Where, Oh Where, Did It Go

September went way too fast. Where has the year gone?

Mother of a Son

As the mother of a son I have learned that little boys are totally different than girls...
I know huge surprise there right?
I have learned to make all kinds of noises with my mouth that as a girl I never needed to know until now.
There is no such thing as playing quietly or nicely.
There is no gentle only rough housing.
If it can be taken apart it will be.
All wheels on vehicles must turn and work correctly or I suffer through hours of 'Why mom?'
Little boys would rather be dirty or naked. There is no inbetween here. Dirty OR Naked period.
When they learn they can pee standing up.
Then.

They.

Must.

Pee.

Standing.

Up.
This makes for interesting potty training when they have to do more than just pee.
Hugs and kisses are to be given only, and I mean only, when there is a boo boo or tears present. No other times, don't even bother asking.

If there is anything they can stand on to declare themselves king, they will.

Even if they have to take 'monkey' with them to do so.

They love to play 'fierce'.

They won't smile when asked but ask them for fierce and you get all kinds of eye contact and wonderful expressions.

Sand boxes are sacred areas that are obviously no moms allowed areas.

I bribe with twin pops.

Works wonders for the disposition.

He refuses for any of it to fall on the ground. It can drip all the way down his arm but no chunks will touch the ground.

When I ask for a kiss I must go get it.
I was lucky enough to get a kiss out of this and twin pop in my hair. Awesome. White is no longer allowed in the wardrobe.
He gets all excited when Red and Buddy are allowed out to play.

'No Mason'

'Don't you dare think of it'


'I said no!'

But there I stood getting a photo of it for prosperity anyways.

He's thinking...

'Yes

I can'

He gets this look from his dad. I am sure of it.

Remembered that Red and Buddy were outside...

He gets the crooked little finger from my side of the family.

His Aunt Marianne and Aunt Cammie have the same little fingers.

One touch,

and scream.

I told him that we were going to go inside and so he determined that he wasn't going to enjoy his last push and he didn't.

That'll show me.

Whatever...

Answers

Just answering some comments and e-mails;

If I eat anymore soy just plant me! I've eaten it for months, years, well since Austin went on his health food kick. I didn't notice a difference but have gotten used to the milk and some of the other products.

My doctor has put me on a mild antidepressant and increased my metformin so hopefully the hormones don't go on vacation. I'm really hoping that it is like last time and they just level off to that blissful time of the two weeks between the last period and the PMS. I like that zone and it isn't as rough on the husband.

My doctor suggested s*x. I laughed. I laughed really hard! Austin turned red, like a tomato red. I had to explain that that is one area that has never been lacking and I thought that my husband would die of embarrassment. I know TMI.

Acupuncture: makes me squeamish. Last time I walked out feeling horrible and was sore for like a week later. I don't think that is for me.

I asked my husband last night why he was just getting to the 'honey do' list and he responded 'Because I love you' like I was an idiot. I might have lost it at that point.
I had to write for him to get his tools off my shelves 32 times, 17 times to hang my nick-naks in the office, and he claims because he loves me.

I might have had to apologize afterwards but I think he got my point.

I know he loves me but he shouldn't have used that as an excuse for doing the list. I threw him his shovel and he is now finishing the list in hopes of filling in the hole. He is even doing things on it that I've only wrote down one or two times. Hopefully I can keep the guilt trip going and I can start a new list because everything is done on the old one.

He did mark one item off without doing it though. Evidently he doesn't want to paint over the hormonal red trim in the upstairs landing.

I think that is the first item I'm putting on the new list...

Some Changes

Some things are changing around here. Nothing exciting like a pregnancy though...
We are done trying for that. The next option is clomid or something equivalent. We do not wish to pursue it farther. I thank God everyday for the one we do have and that is good enough for us. If it is His will that we have another one then we will have one without the medical help.
I am not discouraged. I don't want to give out the wrong idea. I am just ready to lose this weight. I have been unable to lose any because when I do my period goes MIA for several months and while I was able to get stuff to make me have a period I was unwilling to get stuff to make me ovulate which my body does on its own. My doctor has never seen anything like it. I lose or gain weight and my hormones and sanity go on vacation. A very long vacation.
Just imagine being my husband when this happens. Sometimes I think he would like to hide under a rock and I really just can't blame him. We talked all this over and then he started in on the 'honey do' list. I couldn't believe it.
Now let me explain about my 'honey do' list. It is not the typical list. I keep a note pad on the fridge and if something is bothering me then I write it down and let Austin take care of it. Somethings are down there multiple times. I leave it up to him to cross things off and keep track of it. At this moment it is around 6 pages with 25 lines per page. I know it sounds like a really long list but it isn't because 32 of those lines were for him to get his tools off my red shelves and out from underneath them. Twenty-four of the lines are for him to run coax antenna for my tv in the kitchen, 12 are for him to plant my rose bush I bought earlier this year, 43 are for painting the living room, 37 for painting the dining room, 11 for painting the ceiling in the office, 17 for hanging up my nick-naks in the office (since he took my hammer away).
I know now you all think I'm crazy. You might be right but it works for us.
I was so shocked when he took my list off the fridge, which in itself is the biggest no no in this house, and started going through it. It was cute though because about 4 days ago I wrote on it that I wanted a dishwasher in the kitchen. When he got to that last page he jumped up, grabbed his tape measure and got to work.
He came back to me about an hour later and said he thought he could make it work. We could just put a sink and the dishwasher by the stove and move the deep freeze out of the kitchen.
He is trying to make the next few months as easy on himself as possible without having to move in with his mom and dad.
So here it is Monday and my shelves are clean, I have full antenna to my kitchen tv, my cabinets are ready for paint on the insides, he is picking up paint brushes and roller refills to paint the office ceiling, living and dining rooms, and he is picking up paint swatches for the trim in our bedroom, tomorrow night he is planting my rose bush because he wanted to get some 'fertilizer' from his mothers and shampooing the carpets.
I wonder if this would be the time to put second office desk on the list.

Fall is here...

Fall is here with a vengeance. We just turned the air off last week sometime but I am more than ready for the heater. It was 59 in the house this morning. I like it just a little warmer than that.
Of course it wouldn't have been that cold if my husband had remembered to close the windows down stairs like I asked. O'well I will get over it eventually. Maybe.
Just think another 6 weeks and we could have snow on the ground... YAY! I get excited every time I think about it. I mean really excited! I already have Mason snowsuit out and washed. I even washed the liners of my snow boots and have them sitting by the back door. The electric blanket is ready to be put on the bed. Mason's little heater is ready in his room. I am so ready... well I guess we should probably purchase some propane before the flakes start flying but other than that I'm ready.

Well...

Life is good.

Sometimes I just need a reminder.

Today is Sunday. The sun is shinning and there is a wonderful breeze. I can hear the wind blowing through the trees outside my office window. I love days like this.
My husband is sleeping and Mason is sleeping through watching some cartoon in the living room. No I don't feel guilty. He woke up in a grumpy mood so a mid morning cartoon won't hurt him one bit.
I know there are other things I should be doing but I just don't want to. I have two newborn shoots that need edited but I have so much other stuff going on that I haven't even got to touch them yet. I'm thinking tomorrow morning I will have to start on them.
Today I am taking for me.

Sweet Baby T

Here is your preview Tricia. I hope your drive home was uneventful. If you'll email me your address I'll get your CD in the mail.

Hands, Flowers, Planes, and Rough housing

If you don't want to see any of the funeral photos you can turn back now.

My little family had a rough couple of weeks. Three funerals in 5 days is a lot. Granted tragedy does happen but these were all people who weren't related to each other. They all knew each other and were friends but not related. I don't know how people pull through those tragedies where more than one family member dies at a time.

I stayed a couple of days after everyone else went home to help grandpa. He seems to be a lot more open with me than his own family. We both cried while going through grandma's jewelry, the closets, teaching grandpa how to run the washer, writing a grocery list. It was rough but I don't think he wanted to let his son and his family see him break down like that.

We both cried really hard when it came time for me to head home. I just pray he doesn't do anything stupid if you know what I mean. That would be horrible.

I think I have him talked into coming up and visiting us after harvest. I wish I could talk him into actually retiring from farming but I doubt I'll get that accomplished this year anyways.
It breaks my heart to think of him alone in that little house. They were married 58 years and she did everything for him and he did everything for her in return. I know how lost I would be without Austin and we've only been together 13 years.

I know I'm rambling. I should be looking forward to my weekend and I am don't get me wrong. We have the Vanatta family reunion this weekend and during that I'll be taking family photos of the individual little families that come this year. Sometime this weekend, depending on the rain, I am taking photos of the cutest little girl. And after that I am taking photos of my pregnant sister-in-law. Yep. She's having a girl. I don't think that is fair but it should be fun. I'm almost afraid to have another one because I know it will be a boy because that is the way things work in my family. My brothers have the girls and us girls have boys. Naughty little boys.

Well I'd better get going if I want to make it down there by midnight. So here are the photos. I was too tired to edit my raw files so these are just the basic jpg. Yep, I've resorted to that. O'well.

Grandma always loved it when Mark would fly over the house so after the cake and coffee he flew over several times for old times sake.

My wonderful husband took this photo. I know he's got some mad skills... hehe hehe hehehe Amazing what my camera will do on Auto.

Austin and Mason playing in the yard after the funeral.

After all their horsing around Austin taught Mason how to roll down the hill. Naturally it had to be in the ditch in the front yard by the road.

Does anyone else see something wrong with that?

Mason and Austin's roses from on top of the casket.
The flowers were beautiful. The next day I went by the cemetery and as I was walking up there were hundreds of butterflies all over her flowers. As nature would be, there were birds after those butterflies and I couldn't help but laugh because grandma would have loved it. She always liked birds better than butterflies.


We wanted to be able to remember what Grandma's hands looked like.
Mason has the option of giving his future wife grandma's ring. I think it would be sweet but what if he marries a bitch not very nice girl and something happens to it. What then? I think it would make a good anniversary present. You know like a 50th anniversary or even 60th. You know after we know if she will stick or not...