In between the Race Madness we attended my great niece Hannah's sixth birthday party Saturday morning. It was at a place called "The Barn"

They fished, Madison caught the biggest one! She also ran when she pulled it out of the water and it swung towards her. That's my girl! LOL

I just thought this was really cute photo op. Each child had their picture taken. The party was really nice, the cake was yummy, they did the gift bags etc. If you don't care to fish the kids can take pony rides and do a working farm tour.

Yep this is STACY coming over that hill driving that big ol' Dodge! He said it was literally straight up and straight down!

If you look closely you can see his outline it was really hard to take pics with the sun so bright. I drove the Dodge Charger around the obstacle course and of course had the camera WITH me so no pics of that. OMG can I say I want one even MORE now? Please Fairy Godmother if you read my blog, send me a Dodge Charger. Even a used one. Any color! Pink would be hottest!

Dale Earnhardt Jr. when he was being interviewed on SPEED Channel. Too bad he wasn't facing the crowd but I got a pretty good pic.

That is DW (Darrell Waltrip) beside Dale Jr. He is a retired driver, quite popular in his day but not by My Dad *snicker* Long story - i'll share it one day.

Here is little Missy dressed up in her finery from the racetrack that we brought back for her. Diggin' the Dodge Racing Bandana she's wearing!

Note the multiple layers of pink "Dodge Girl Racing" beads LOL Madison does NOT subscribe to the "less is more" rule but she will one day (I hope).

All in all it was a nice week-end and I look forward to it next year!

I want to pay tribute to my Mother In Law, "Miss Hazel". She raised a wonderful son who grew up to be my husband and my child's father.
No, we don't always see eye to eye. We are two VERY different people. She is a perfectionist and a control freak. She knows this however and tries to work on it. She has a heart of gold and her family means everything to her. She lives for my little girl whom she calls "Princess". Honestly I don't think i've heard her call her "Madison" or "Maddie" half a dozen times in her whole life! To her grandchildren she is "Ma".
She is a person I know I can be myself and be completely honest with and knows I expect the same from her. A few weeks ago Madison and I went down and spent the week-end with her and that was one of the best week-ends I have ever had.
P.S. Does auto publish work for anyone else? It sure doesn't work for me!

I'm writing this ahead of time because I won't be at work on Friday. I have to go to "Muffins For Mom" at Madison's school from 7:30-8:30 and i'm excited about that. She is too!

Then Stacy and I have some errands to run and we are going out to the Track to walk around and visit the exhibits (they have racecar simulators, a game similar to Plinko on Price is Right, just lots of neat stuff and freebies) and I plan on going by a certain drivers Souvenier Trailer and getting a shirt. Ryan knows who and some of the rest of you may also (Cheeky).

I will TRY and remember to charge up my camera and take it. I'm sure the FUG will be running rampant. Always lots of FUG and drunks at a Nascar Track. I have to admit that. I've been to enough! Anyway y'all be good and I will try to put up a post on Mothers Day also. Try. I know we are going to the Lake on Sunday after Church so i'm looking forward to that too. Lots of good stuff!

That sound is my heart when I see THIS guy's photo!
Manblogger, significant other of Disgruntled Daisy sent me a bunch of pics of "Brett after retirement".
This one really caught my eye. *sigh* I was just thinking football training will start up soon. It just won't be the same watching the Packers without my boy leading them. *sigh*

I had to leave work at 11:00 yesterday to go pick Mad up. She had two nosebleeds.
I got some "Little Noses" to put in her nose every morning and that should do the trick. She does have allergies. We run a humidifier in her room at night also.

After we got home she and I got in her Daddy's chair (his has a better view of the TV - mine sits under a reading lamp) and before I knew it we both fell asleep AND she peed all over me. Oh well none got in Daddy's chair. Guess that will teach me to let her lay on me with a sippy cup in hand *groan*

I'd like to welcome a new member to my BlogrollPink Owl I have also sorrowfully deleted a few who have either stopped blogging or haven't updated in over a month or more.

Instead of having it at a restaurant on Saturday cos' she had to go to Clemson with her sis-in-law we had it at my niece's house last night. Here are me & Madison. It was SO nasty and stormy and rained buckets but everyone came anyway.

Here are me and my goofy nephew. OMG I laughed so much last night. He is crazy and funny as heck. He is not "good with kids" (he SAYS he's not but he is) and I keep threatening to drop Madison off on his doorstep with a bag. He claims he'll call her a cab but I don't believe it!

I really think my Sis had a wonderful birthday. She got alot of nice gifts as well as some nice Red Hat Club gifts!

My parents are having to have their cat Sam put to sleep today. He has tumors that have started bleeding and it just seems like it is best for him. They are heartbroken. I am so sad for them. It's so hard to lose a beloved pet. Sam was one of the meanest cats I have ever known and he was treated like a king but that was just his nature. He was a rescue, so small when he came to them that he could slip underneath the doors. Now THAT is tiny! He had a good life and was well-loved. Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone (animal and human) could say that? Peace.

Is it really Monday again? Really? Blech.
I have to talk to Boss about something I wish I didn't have to... but I do.

I did get some things organized clothing wise but not as much as I would have liked to. I tell myself "baby steps.... baby steps".

This is "race week" here in Darlington as they will be running the Dodge Challenger 500 this Saturday but actually the fun runs just about all week:
*Starting with "A Taste of Darlington" on Tuesday (which I just might get to go to this year finally if I can get a babysitter as it is an adults only thing),

*Wednesday they are having a Car Hauler Parade which is alot of fun

*Thursday racing at FMS but we will be at dance class and Stacy & Madison will have their first practice together before the recital!

*Friday is the day we usually go over and walk around at the Track looking at all of the fun vendor stuff they have and buying souveniers. They run the Busch Race that night I'm off Friday and that morning 7:30-8:30 a.m. I have "muffins for Mom" at Maddie's school. I can't wait!

*Saturday Night the "Big Race."

I am really hoping Ryan will be able to make it and give me my great big hug he has promised me!

Gee just writing all this has cheered me up and chased away those Monday Blahs. Off to see how all of YOUR week-ends went. Hope it was a GREAT one!

Okay y'all got a good peep of the one with the parasol but I had my sister re-scan the other two. Here (rightside up) is the boa one in her jazz skirt.

This is the one I didn't show you before.
I am having it made into an 11x17 and framed and hung in our livingroom alongside the ones Katie took last summer at the Isle Of Palms.
I love them all but this is my favorite.
We did take her to the beauty salon to have her hair done but NO make up. I don't believe in that. Doesn't my sweet babygirl look GROWN!

Sorry to bore you with more pictures - these were the only three poses I promise!

I stole this from the adorable.Jessica,who stole it from Miss Ash who stole it from..... I Forget...
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My roommate and I once: were shot at in Charlotte, NC.

Never in my life have I: did drugs (including marijauna)

High school was: A wonderful time in my life.

When I am nervous I: get very quiet.

My hair is: Dark brown and Long.

When I was 5: I thought I had the world on a string!

By this time next year: I hope to have visited Minnesota and maybe Louisiana and Texas.

I have a hard time understanding: People who are bigots, racists and haters.

You know I like you if: I talk to you. If I don't like you I ignore you. You are not on my radar. You simply do not exist.

My ideal breakfast is: Scrambled eggs & fried potatoes in a sandwich form on buttered toast cooked by my darling husband.

If you visit my hometown: You would probably be watching the Little League World Series!

If you spend the night at my house: We would probably sit around talking all night.

My favorite blonde is: My SIL Buffy

My favorite brunette is: My husband Stacy

The animal I would like to see flying is: Pigs.

I shouldn’t: Swear so much.

Last night I: Went to bed early because my blood pressure was up.

If I could have any car it would be: a Dodge Charger!

I’ve been told I look like: Stacy's friend Terry's wife, Amanda

Okay sorry these are not better! She has on her jazz skirt!
My sister is re-scanning the 5x7 of this one.

Isn't she sassy!!! I love it! She likes the tutu better (of course)

The third pose not pictured is the one i'm going to have made into an 11x17 and framed in my livingroom. Can't wait to share that one!
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Also Happy Birthday to my wonderful Father. You've taught five children how to be successful adults. I love you Pop!

A little princess asleep on her Princess Pillow. I could just eat up those little lips and itty bitty nose LOL

Since I bitched yesterday I thought i'd leave you all today with a cute pic of my girl. Stacy is going fishing with the guys at Santee and me & Mad are going to the MIL's.
I got her dance recital pictures back last night - OMG they are awesome. When I get my sister to scan them i'll post them. Beautiful. The recital is May 17th at 2:00pm at the Music Barn on the Harry Byrd (Hartsville) Highway if anybody can come :) Remember Stacy will be dancing with her in the opening number!

Some of you like my PSA's, enjoy! - Some don't and it's okay to just say "Hi" in my comments without reading. It REALLY helps me to "get things out" so.... without further ado........

To "Boss Boss": No, I don't really "know you". BUT you come off as a beyotch with a stick up your ass sucking on a lemon. When I just see you in passing, you annoy me.

To "Friend": I am SO frigging sick of your whinging and whining every !@#$%%^ day of the week.
If you are that miserable here: Quit.
If you are that miserable with your life: Kill Yourself.
If your husband is that horrible: Kill HIM. I kid,- I kid. I think.

To "Preggo Chick"- You might think you are Barbie in those stiletto heels but girlfriend, you've already lost one baby. It would be a shame for you to lose another because of your idiotic narcissim. I feel sorry for your husband too.

To "FrienDoc"- You had better not have made a huge mistake and if things are no better in a few months we better do things MY way. I don't give a damn how long you went to school. A woman knows her own body.

Now i'll make nice... a little.

To "New Kid"- I did not think I would like you. I thought you would be an annoying twit but seriously you cute as a doodlebug and if I had a son I would like him to grow up to be like you.

To: "New Girl #1"- I can spot your fakeness a mile away. Seriously. Brown nose Alert! Danger Will Robinson!

To: "New Girl #2"- You are seriously a sweetheart and I hope you don't get sucked into the politics and bullshit that go on in your area.

Have any of you ever heard the Brad Paisley song "She's Everything"? Wouldn't it be wonderful to have someone feel that way about you?

Did you celebrate earth day?

I kind of did, I purchased these. I liked the bags, as they are some of the only ones I've found that have a strap instead of a handle. I thought these would also work well at the Farmer's Market this summer. I also found these.

I have also been busy shopping, it seems like I've been getting a gold star in that. Last weekend my family came to town and we headed to the Outlet mall, and I got myself a new purse & wallet, then today, I had these waiting at the office for me. I *needed* them when I am at the nursing home. I need to wear shoes that cover the toe & heel. Since I mostly wear flip flops in the spring / summer, I figured they would fit the bill nicely.

Other than that work's been plugging along and tax season is over. Apparently the issues we had at the end of the season are MY fault. Oh well, it is what it is.

So that's what I've been up to. Nothing too exciting.

Can you see him? A little caterpillar! (click on the picture to "big" it)! It took her a few days to pick one up when we first started seeing them. She wanted to but unfortunately she has inherited my fear of bugs and creepy crawlies! It's so much fun seeing things through a child's eyes. She gets so excited when we see a caterpillar or ladybug or butterfly! Brittany caught a butterfly on Sunday. I told her it was not a good idea to do that because their wings are very delicate but it flew away and seemed okay (maybe it flew off somewhere and had a heart attack but I hope not!).

Having a small child let's you kind of re-experience your own childhood. I love blowing bubbles, kicking a ball around the yard, swinging on her swingset. I WISH I could ride in her Barbie Bug!

They did not have cool stuff like that when I was her age but I did have a Big Wheel! Remember those? Man we wore ours OUT. We would race them around the huge parking lot at Ascension Catholic Church and the old lady who lived next to it (Mrs. Gentz) would come and tell us to get out of HER parking lot.

She was the one we thought was a witch cos' bats flew in and out of her chimney and we would stalk her on her way to the store. She always wore black. She would keep all balls, frisbees etc. that made their unfortunate way into her yard. I think most neighborhoods had an old curmudgeon like her.

That title sounds exciting eh? Don't get your undies in a twist just yet. No picture to accompany this post (lazy) and really not alot went on.

Oh yeah, I still have my sanity :) I had Brittany from Friday night to Sunday night along with Madison. On one hand they do play together and keep each other occupied but oh the nit-picking, arguing, etc. It reminds me why i'm glad I only have one kid!

We went to church on Sunday (and no I did NOT burst into flames when I walked into the narthex).
I really enjoyed Saint Matthews. It was alot for Stacy to take in (having been raised a southern baptist) but he seems agreeable also. He didn't know what to do with the communion wafer (I hissed put it in your mouth!) and commented on the communion wine being strong (i've always found it to be delicious) hehe.... He really is a good sport about things.

His fishing trip to Santee with the boys is this week-end and me & Madison are supposed to go to the MIL's to the Rice Festival in Walterboro. I hope everything pans out.
Right now just let me get through this work week!

Helga accompanied us to Madison's dance class. Here she is posing beside Madison's pink satin backpack replete with ballet slipper :) Mr. Roger is writing out receipts and keeping the books. He is the dance instructor's husband. Helga liked him.

Here is Madison showing Helga the gym at the building where she takes dance. Behind her is Richie. He is one of Madison's dance classmates big brother. He loves wrestling and is Stacy's buddy. If I had a son i'd want him to be just like Richie. Helga agreed.

Helga visits the infamous Raceway Grill. Dale Earnhard Sr. & Jr, David Person, Richard Petty, are just a few of the Nascar Greats that have eaten here. Now Helga can be added to the list!

Sometimes this is how I feel, that life is a big blur. Is it possible April is halfway over - more than halfway?

Madison has her first official dance recital next month on the 17th. We have been looking forward to it since September - and it's almost here!
She and I ran into one of my old Jr High boyfriends in the grocery store last night and we stopped to talked. His Mother passed away last year and I offered my condolences. It was nice to talk to him, he still lives in the same neighborhood and I live right down the road from my parent's neighborhood. He talked to Madison, asked her how old she was etc. Then he said "Wow, I can't believe you have a little girl" I tartly replied "Why because i'll be 42 this year?". He said "No, because I still see the same girl you were in 8th grade that used to go to the Time Trials with me at Darlington". I started laughing and said "Oh Mark take off those beer goggles boy" and he said "No, you look the same to me". Then Madison started pestering me to go as three year olds will and we said our good-byes and left. It was strange yet nice. Was he a great love of mine? No. He was a neighborhood boy and you know how that goes. We went through Junior High and Highschool together. Our school was small, you see the same people etc. That's all. He was familiar and sometimes familiar is comforting.

This is Brett aka "Booty". He is 7 years old and came from the Animal Shelter. He was a very welcome Christmas Gift after my cat Winston died unexpectedly.

He is such a good kitty he was praying everything would be okay with his Mommy. See those paws crossed?!

Okay the Monogram Queen has been holding out on y'all. You know I went to Urgent Care a few weeks (maybe even months heck time flies) ago? Well I have been back and forth to the Doc ever since then. I had an ultrasound and a biopsy and yesterday I got the good news that I do not have Cancer. We will have to keep an eye on my tummy area and I have medecine for the pain it's causing me but hopefully it will get better. I don't have to go back to that doctor until August Hooray!
Now those of you that care about animals please say a prayer or send some healing vibes to my parents cat Sam. He's a mean cat, cantankerous and ornery ever since he was a kitten but they love him dearly and he's got tumors that have re-appeared after expensive surgery to remove others and the vet says there really is no point in having them removed again. He is not seeming to experience discomfort so they are letting things be. My parents are understandably very upset as they have had this cat about 14 years now. He was a rescue also.

I'm feeling sassy.... "Kiss my grits" kinda sassy!

Things I am happy/thankful for:
Being there for her at the end of her life ... she knew she was very loved and she is VERY missed.

That I have this little booger and will have many more years with him hopefully. It's so funny how he will sit on Daddy's lap and roll his eyes sorrowfully at me as if to apologize for not sitting with me!

That I have this little Diva to make me laugh and make a mess of my house! She sure is entertaining!

Yeah I know these are all old pics, you've seen them before but i've got them stored at work. Not much else going on and I don't feel like posting anything negative cos' like I said i'm feeling kinda sassy! How are YOU feeling today?