[Doe's Blog]

Proud Mama

2007-07-31

I just popped over to my daughter's MySpace page and I can't believe I made something, someone, so beautiful :)  The really wonderful thing about her is that she's just as beautiful inside as she is on the outside and smart, is this girl ever smart!  I miss her terribly.  She's lived in Florida for 2 yrs now and not a day goes by that I don't think, I wish "A" was here to do this or that with me. 

I couldn't find my other daughter's page.    More pictures later.  I have lots of beautiful children.  4 pink, 1 blue.

I do good work ya know

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Say Yes by Dusty Drake

2007-07-31

I should say that my soon to be son in law and daughter are both very country.  Mike is a former marine...big guy and he sings.  I think he may have a surprise up his sleeve.  I'm thinking he's going to sing to Ashleigh either during the wedding or at the reception.  Actually that's how he proposed to her :)  I feel very lucky that she's found someone who loves her so much. 

Say Yes by Dusty Drake

DUSTY DRAKE SAY YES LYRICS

We've only known each other since the moment we met
But it seems like forever to me
I haven't figured out the perfect way to say it yet
But I suppose at times like these
A man should get down on his knees

How'd ya like to be in my wedding
And how'd ya like to walk down the aisle
You could be the center of attention
Everyone would look at you and smile
We could send our friends invitations
You could wear a long white dress
If you'd like to be in my wedding, darlin'
All ya have to do is say, "Yes"

Your folks could be seated in the very front row
And cry when we all turn to look at you
We could cut the cake
And we could strike a pose
Like the little bitty plastic bride and groom
And then begin our life-long honneymoon

How'd ya like to be in my wedding
How'd ya like to walk down the aisle
You could be the center of attention
Everyone would look at you and smile
We could send our friends invitations
You could wear a long white dress
If you'd like to be in my wedding, darlin'
All ya have to do is say, "Yes"

Say, "Yes"
Say, "Yes"
(How'd ya like to be in my wedding)
Please say, "Yes"
(How'd ya like to be in my wedding)
Say, "Yes"
(How'd ya like to be in my wedding)
(How'd ya like to be in my wedding)
(How'd ya like to be in my wedding)

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Continued from yesterday....

2007-07-31

I'm more awake at 7:10 AM than I was yesterday in the afternoon. 

Everyone is wanting to get their hands on Gus now!    He does have magic fingers, who can blame you.

The problem is, I love Sara to pieces (Sara is my regular massage therapist) but, she doesn't do me half as much good as Gus.  I was always leary about having a male massage therapist, I could have started seeing him from  the get go but, I chose Sara strictly because she was female.  She and I have developed a friendship now.  I adore her.  She makes me laugh, she knows my children by name, I know hers...you get the idea.  Thing is, I seriously need these massages for medical reasons.  Sara is a great therapist but, I'm a special case.  I have severe spasticity on my right side and moderate to severe on the left.  (although I can't feel the pain on the left side due to nerve damage)

I know exactly what I'd say to someone with this predicament, I'd say, you're there to get better, not to make friends but, that's easier said than done.  Sara is someone I would be friends with outside of a medical setting.  She has the sweetest disposition and truly cares about me as a person and a patient.  Thing is, so does Gus and he gets the job done with better results. 

So my compromise is that I'm seeing them both, each every other week.  So far it's worked out that Sara hasn't been there when I've seen Gus.  But, on the 13th of next month, I think she will be there and I have an appt. with Gus.  This isn't earth shattering but, I would hate to hurt her feelings. 

Wedding news...

Nothing much to report except, that I've hired a caterer!  I finally came to my senses and decided I want to enjoy the day and not try to be super woman!  I'm so relieved.  I was worried about the budget but, I found a lady who is very affordable.  *knock wood* that she's also good at what she does.  I figure the worst that can happen is that the food will be gross and we won't have enough.   Come to think of it, that's pretty bad. I am still getting estimates from others and I haven't signed the contract yet but, she has me on her schedule.  I'm going to ask her for references today via email. 

I've been working on the music along with 2 of my daughters.  This has been one of the more fun tasks.  If you have suggestions for music (love songs appropriate for the 30 mins prior to the wedding) please post them for me...OK? 

I'm going to post one that I'd never heard of before that Ashleigh has chosen to have played right before she walks down the isle.  I teared up listening to it the other day.  I think it's called "Say Yes" by Dusty Drake.  (I'll post it later)

Again with the dress.  I promise not to bore you with anymore details but, the one I ordered was too small across the bust and made me look like I had 4 boobs!  I let it out as much as I could but, still no go.  So I have one picked out but, I'm not ordering anymore dresses, that's been a disaster!  Apparently I'm not a normal size and will have to have it made.  Who knew I was such a freak?  BTW, I will be having a dress sale hahahahahaha! 

Only 1 month until her Bridal shower and about 2 and a half months 'til the wedding.  I think we're on  track :)                                                                                                                                             

Can you tell it's consuming my every thought?

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You're feeling very sleepy...

2007-07-30

I just returned a bit ago from PT and massage so I'm feeling almost too relaxed to think.  Mr. Gus, my massage therapist who tends to me when my regular therapist, Sara, isn't there, is so wonderful!  He's a slight man but, man o' man can he apply the pressure!  My hips tend to become unaligned and I knew they were but, had been avoiding seeing the chiro to have them realigned...I sound like an old car, don't I?  Gus fixed me right up!  Nothing like having a little Spanish man messing with your butt.

I guess I really am too relaxed to think.  I had more to say but, I just can't put my fingers and brain together right now.

Until later :D take care everyone.

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One of my all time favorite songs

2007-07-27

I had a good life
Before you came
I had my friends and my freedom
I had my name
Still there was sorrow and emptiness
'Til you made me glad
Oh, in this love I found strength I never knew I had

And this love
Is like nothing I have ever known
Take my hand, love
I'm taking you home
I'm taking you home

There were days, lonely days
When the world wouldn't throw me a crumb
But I kept on believing
That this day would come

And this love
Is like nothing I have ever known
Take my hand, love
I'm taking you home
I'm taking you-home
Where we can be with the ones who really care
Home, where we can grow together
Keep you in my heart forever

And this love
Is like nothing I have ever known
Take my hand, love
I'm taking you home
Taking you home

And this love
Is like nothing I have ever known
Take my hand, love
I'm taking you home
I'm taking you home

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The Four Cats

2007-07-27

Went home for the rest of the day on sick leave.......

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The House

2007-07-23

Tony and I went to see the house yesterday and it was exactly as I'd pictured it.  At least the layout was.

I don't think the kitchen has been touched since the house was built.  Same cabinets, appliances & flooring.  Functional but, very outdated.  Think, Brady Bunch.  *IF* we were to buy the house, the first thing we'd have to do is completely tear out the kitchen. 

The other thing I didn't like about it was that the laundry room is in the basement.  Same thing I have here and I absolutely do not want that again.  There's no place to move it upstairs.

Otherwise, it was a perfectly lovely home.  The lot is gorgeous, the house is as neat as a pin and has been well maintained. 

BUT! It's not for us.

I really think we're going to have to build.  It's not that we can't find a house to suit our needs, it's usually the l ocation.  All of the homes that we like are in subdivisions and hub absolutely does NOT want to live in a subdivision.  I wouldn't mind so much but, would prefer not to either. 

So that's that for now, until the next time....

wondering why the word L O C A T I O N won't show up in my posts!  This is the second time this has happened?  I think I fixed it but, that's a silly word to block.

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Doing the Happy Clean Kitchen Dance

2007-07-22

Who doesn't enjoy a clean house?  Who likes cleaning?  Bah! 

I couldn't stand it another second!  I tied into my kitchen this morning and scrubbed every square inch.  The sinks are shining, the floors are clean enough to eat off of, the dishes are done, the counters have been bleached back to their original color or at least to the best of my recollection.

Now the candles are burning and everything smells lovely.  What is it about me, Sundays and cleaning?  Sundays are supposed to be day of rest...right?  For some reason though, I do my best cleaning on Sundays.  Cleanliness is next to Godliness :)

Now I have a pile of towels laying in the hallway waiting for me to haul them down the stairs.  Damn dirty towels, damn stairs!  I so hope my next house has the laundry room on the main floor.

Speaking of my next house.  Tony and I are going to look at a house this afternoon.  It's on the same road we live on, probably only a mile and half away.  It has a bit more land, a pole barn and one half more bathrooms than we have now.  The only thing I'm not sure I'm going to like is that it doesn't have the open floorplan I want.  I'm really not going to settle for less than I want.  We need that open living, kitchen & dining area.  With 5 children who are now either married, getting married, have children of their own, etc..our family is downright HUGE!  When we're all together, we need room to breath!  Even though those days are only several times a year, I'd like for those times to be the most comfortable that they can be.  Besides, I like the feel and look of the open floor plan. 

Still, it's fun to look and see how other folks decorate and who knows, maybe I'll fall in love with this house?  Tony seems to like it and it's in our price range, which is a big plus.  It's much, much newer than our home and that pole barn...I know my hubby would love that!  I think I would too.  Then I could use the actual garage for parking my car in!  Imagine that!

The back of the lot is lined with a thick wooded area, so no need to worry about neighbors behind us but, there are neighbors on either side, they are spread far apart though.  Both homes are newish,  very nice and neat, so again, no worries and I think I prefer neighbors, that is if they are nice.  Right now I feel as though I'm surrounded by crazies!  They may feel the same way :) 

We've lived here for 12+ years and even though I want a different house for a lot of reasons, I know I'll be sad to move from here.  I like my house but, it doesn't fit us anymore.  It's big, really big but, it's not laid out in a way that works for us.  There are 3 levels and I grow to hate stairs more and more with each passing day.  I even have stairs coming into my house from the outside.

3000 sq. ft of house is getting to be more than I want to clean, not to mention, when we moved here the kiddos were still little and all at home.  Now we only have our son at home, so there are 2 spare bedrooms, one that we've turned into a den but, what the heck do we need a den for?  It's not like we're going to be having lions for pets. 

It may be a couple more years before we find exactly what we both want or it may be today, who knows?  Ideally we will build a new home.  Only time will tell. 

So.....HAPPY SUNDAY!  HAPPY CLEANING AND HAPPY HOUSE HUNTING!

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Who Knew?

2007-07-18

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Round One, ding ding

2007-07-17

Bridzilla!

I shouldn't say that because my daughter has been very flexible about all the arrangments and some things that she's not flexible about, are things that she shouldn't be.  I mean afterall, it is her wedding.

Today I was looking at invitations and found a great (economical) post card wedding invitation.  They are pretty and as I said, much more affordable and the big plus is the postage will be less expensive.  I told Ashleigh and she was A-OK with that.

Then we started discussing the fact that only immediate family and a few close friends will be at the ceremony but, everyone is invited to the reception and she wondered how we should word that on the invitation.

My idea was that we don't word it at all.  We just say when the reception is and make it clear that they are coming to a reception and only a reception.  She didn't like that.  She wanted something like, wedding @ 2, reception @ 4.  That made no sense if you aren't inviting everyone to the wedding.  She agreed.  Then she wanted, wedding for family @ 2 and reception for friends and family @ 4.  Again, that doesn't work because family can be third cousins and you also have those few close friends that you want invited.  So basically we would have folks that we didn't intend to attend the wedding show up.  We are trying to avoid that lapse in time when the pictures are taken, etc..

So the compromise is that we are doing only a few invitations for the wedding and the rest will be for the reception.  We managed to work that out in only 5 hours and 6 phone calls.  Pretty good, huh?

Round 2.

Tomorrow we tackle table linens.  I'm setting my alarm to get an early start.

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Tammy verses the Dust Bunnies

2007-07-15

I'm taking on the dust bunnies in my bedroom.

So far the score is....


TAMMY: 2

DUST BUNNIES: 1000,000!

ACHOOOOO!     "bless you"

Oh shut up you stupid dust bunny!

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Sex in Your 40s and Beyond

2007-07-13

I found this article and thought I would share.  I hope you find it helpful or at least interesting.

Being 42....these are things that I hope I won't need to know but, just in case ;)

While there are more challenges to great sex after 40, there's often deeper satisfaction, too. Many women in this age group report higher levels of intimacy, self-confidence and partner compatibility, since, in many cases, the couples' relationship has grown with time. If you still haven't found your groove by your fourth decade, take heart: Sex after the big 4-0 can prove the perfect way to rejuvenate your relationship and set off some fireworks in the bedroom...

Starting around age 35, hormones begin to decline. Symptoms like sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness and even hot flashes can occur. They're known as perimenopause, the time leading up to menopause. Many women are surprised to find it beginning as early as their mid-thirties.

Suzanne Roth, a nurse practitioner and founder of the Menopause & Sexual Healthcare practice in Massachusetts, says: "Menopause is a natural and normal process. However, most women underestimate when the symptoms begin and wait too long to get treatment."

The key to a sexually satisfying menopause is part medical, part emotional and part relationship-based, Roth says. "With women, you have to look at what's going on with their hormones, but also with their relationship and overall health."

Hot Mamas
The good news is that two of the most common menopausal complaints - hot flashes and vaginal dryness - also happen to be the easiest to treat.

Both symptoms stem from declining estrogen levels. Hot flashes can interfere with a good night's sleep, and that's bad for anyone's libido. Believe it or not, studies have found that yoga can reduce hot flashes by up to 100%. No hormones needed. So can 400 IU of daily vitamin E, healthy eating and regular exercise.

Vaginal dryness takes a direct toll on sex by reducing pleasure and, often, creating feelings of frustration for women and men who think it translates to a lack of arousal. (Sometimes it does, but more on that later.)

Roth suggests using lubricants as a first line of defense against dryness. Applying a water- or silicone-based formula can not only make intercourse more comfortable, but can also help increase arousal as you apply it.

However, if you still feel pain during or after sex, lube isn't solving your problem. In such cases, Roth recommends vaginal estrogen to replace moisture that's being lost as your hormones decline. "The whole idea is to restore estrogen where it's needed and to fix the problem, rather than cover it up," she says. "I prescribe estrogen cream or tablets that help restore lubrication and deliver estrogen where it's needed most - the vagina."

When applied directly to the vagina, the estrogen doesn't have to circulate through the whole body to the degree that it does when taken orally.

Closed for Business?
Another common complaint during menopause and the years leading up to it is low libido. Many women wonder if their sex drive is waning right along with their hormones.

"Lots of women come to see me and say, ‘Help! I need some testosterone. I have zero sex drive and my husband's about to leave me,'" Roth says. Testosterone is the hormone of desire. It fuels our sex drive and can work wonders for women who've experienced a drop in libido and have low testosterone.

However, hormones alone won't help a woman who is bored with the way her husband makes love to her after 25 years or who has drifted away from her partner emotionally.  "The problem is that low libido is so much more complicated than hormones. You have to look at what's happening in a woman's relationship and other areas of her life," Roth says. "I always recommend that a woman who has more factors at play than low testosterone seek counseling, either for herself or with her partner.

However, "testosterone plays a part in restoring libido for some women, but it's not the magic cure," Roth says. The real key, in her opinion, is complete hormonal balance, including estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. If you think hormones may be to blame for your lackluster love life (or lack thereof), see your doctor.

A Slow Hand
Sometimes, the problem stems from a lack of foreplay or the right kind of foreplay. And what turned you on at 20 may leave you cold at 40.

"Women often don't realize that loss of sensation can occur in the genitals and the nipples as hormones begin to decline around age forty," Roth says. "Many women are uncomfortable talking about this with their doctors or their partners, and it's where the sexual disconnect can begin to grow."

Unfortunately, many women begin to avoid sex or adopt a just-get-it-over-with attitude because nothing their partners do feels good.

Some wait years to tackle the problem and, by the time Roth sees them, it has often grown into a huge divide in the relationship. "As we mature, we all need a greater amount of stimulation," she says. "But couples are hesitant to talk about what they might need because they think it will be perceived as a rejection."

Roth recommends Lou Paget's book How to Give Her Absolute Pleasure (Broadway, 2000) to educate both men and women in the intricacies of the female sexual response.

"I've found Paget's book often creates that ‘a-ha' moment for couples, which validates what women have been experiencing and gives men an education," Roth says. "Women need more than just genital stimulation. Our skin is our largest sexual organ."

Every woman needs a different amount and kind of foreplay. The best way to find out what works for you is to read and experiment as a couple. As a general rule, more is better. If you've enjoyed 10 minutes of foreplay, try for 20 minutes. Bonus: It should help him, too, since - whether they admit it or not - men tend to need more foreplay as they age as well.

Are You in Perimenopause?
Do you suspect you might be in perimenopause, the time leading up to menopause? It can occur as early as your late 30s. But remember, you can still be years away from menopause even if you're experiencing the symptoms. Take our perimenopause quiz to assess whether menopausal changes are upon you.

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Who calls at 7 AM?

2007-07-11

My daughter for one and the bakery for another!  Of course, they both pick the morning after I don't sleep well.  I tossed and turned all night.  First I was hot, then I was cold, then I was uncomfortable, then I heard my son come in, then.....

Just before 7 AM, the phone starts ringing~

My daughter called to tell me her car was broken into.  It's terrible but, what can I do about it at that un-Godly hour?  So, I get up and make coffee and try to get my head screwed on straight.  At about 5 mins after 7, the phone rings again, I think it's my daughter but, oh no, it's the bakery!  "Hello", "Is this Kim?"  "No, this is Tammy"  "Oh, did you call about a cake?"  "Yes"  blah blah, yakity smackity.....

Glad I had my head screwed on or I could have really embarrassed myself.  I guess it's a good thing Ash called or I would have been incoherent.  I returned the favor to Ash and called her back and told her to get her hiney to the bakery to look at this woman's wedding cakes.  I think one good turn deserves another.

The good news is, we now have a cake!  Well, not the actual cake but Ashleigh chose one and we've agreed on a price.  The baker tried to talk me out of having it delivered!  Say What?  Like I'm going cut corners on the delivery.  It's only $15 and as far as I'm concerned, probably the best money spent.  $15 for peace of mind.  What the heck would I do if I dropped the cake?  Skip town?  Cry?  Yep, we're having it delivered!

I had intended to make the cake myself but, decided sometime ago, that it wasn't worth the angst .  I'm sure I'll be plenty busy during that time.  Well worth the few hundred dollars.  Sometimes you just have to know when NOT to be a Frugal Franny! 

The phone is off the hook and I see a nap in my future.

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Now for the flowers

2007-07-10

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Thank You :)

2007-07-10

Thanks for all the input on the dresses.  I like the second one best too, although my husband preferred the first one. 

My only concern about the second dress was that since it is a Fall wedding that it might be just a bit on the light side.  I thought maybe the other one would be more appropriate.  They're both beautiful dresses.

Now I just need to find a shrug or wrap to match the dress. 

Sorry repertoire, no blue beads or shoes.  Maybe pearls and ivory sling backs :)

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Which is your favorite?

2007-07-09

I'm looking for a dress to wear to my daughter's October wedding.

Her wedding colors are burnt orange and brown (and other fall colors)  The girl's dresses have a simple ribbon and bow on them like the first dress pictured above. 

Which is your fave?

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Hoosier Heritage!

2007-07-09

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Which Positive Quality Are You?

2007-07-09

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My Weekend Hello

2007-07-08

Hi everyone :)

I hope this finds you all doing well.

It's been a busy few days, busy but fun!  Friday was my birthday and I was treated like Queen for a day, all day!  Lots of presents, cards, phonecalls, etc..  Just as birthdays should be.  New Bling too!  Hubby bought me a new braclet and ankle bracelet that I just love!  I'm all sparkly.  I also got a gift cert. to a day at the spa!  I can't wait.  My Mother and I went shopping and I came home with an armload of new clothes, pj's and shoes.  Maybe turning 42 isn't so bad afterall.

Yesterday we traveled to KY lake for a wedding.  My cousin married his long time sweetheart.  The ceremoney was 15 mins. total.  Our trip there and back, including stops, the wedding and reception was 10 hrs!  His brother is getting married in May, so we'll have to make the trip again then.  All in all, it was a lovely wedding and reception.  They are on their way to the Bahamas!  Good Luck to Dan and Nicole.

I learned something new about myself yesterday.  I'm much less tolerant of BS than the rest of my family.  Or maybe I'm a bitch and they aren't?  Indecision about where we're going to eat and other monumental things drive me batty!  Good grief!  It's one meal, one time, just stop and eat!  I also hate talking about the obvious.  Nice wedding, pretty bride...blah blah blah.  Well yes, DUH!  Oh and if my Dad asked me one more time if I needed to stop to pee, I thought I might whack him on his head!  I'm a grown woman Dad!  I'll let you know if I need to stop!  Pretty obvious that I'm a bitch, eh? 

We're having company for dinner tonight, so I guess I should straighten things up around here and throw some food together. 

Have a great rest of the weekend!!

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Happy Birthday to Me!

2007-07-06

Happy Birthday to me!

I'm almost 43...

But, I'm only 42

Wooooo Hoooo! 

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Happy 4th Everyone!

2007-07-04

I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday!

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