All Things Rice

30 weeks!

2012-01-25T07:06:00.000-08:00

I am officially into the 3rd trimester of this pregnancy with baby M and things are going well and I feel pretty good. Clearly, I haven't gained the weight I did with Tatum and Dalton and I know that has had much to do with it. Tomorrow I go for my 'glucola' test. This tests the sugar in my blood and is always done around this time of pregnancy. Also, the doctor is going to do another ultrasound to check on the position of the placenta. At our first ultrasound at around 18 weeks, it was pretty low, not a complete previa, but low enough that they want to take another look now. Most of the time, nature has a way of fixing itself. As the uterus grows, the placenta moves up. There is no way around the fact that baby must come first, not the placenta. In mid-December our friend Kristi did another ultrasound for us so we could see little man up close and she noted that the placenta looked like it had moved for sure, so here is hoping that this is an absolute tomorrow. So I drink the nasty glucola, have my ultrasound, a blood draw and then my appt. with the OB. I always get a little nervous--it's in my genetic make-up to worry.

The nurse got on to me for NOT gaining enough weight last time. Damned if you do and damned if you don't. As long as baby and I are healthy, than I think it is all good; and Dr. confirmed that. Monday night we had a 'refresher' baby class here at Cox. A friend did the class and it was good for both of us. Walking down the hall during the tour past the rooms where the babies were actually being born made it very real that labor will be here sooner than later.

Another great thing I learned from this class was to download some relaxation apps on my phone. WOW!!! I played one for the first time last night and Dan said I was out within a few minutes. I am going to continue to pursue the relaxation techniques I have read up on. This type A first born kid is again, by nature a little strung out so this should be a good thing for all! I have a busy day ahead of me now. More later.

Keeping Up with the Rices

2011-12-21T14:23:00.000-08:00

I really hate myself for being such a piss poor blogger. I had wonderful intentions the first couple of years with this blog and did a 'fair' job I guess on updating it....the truth is, it's mostly for me, since no one else ever reads it---alas I have fallen short. Since my last post, there have been many developments in our lives. Most newsworth would be that we are expecting a little boy in early spring!!!! We are very blessed with this, and are all very excited. It's not our first rodeo so to speak, so we know what to expect, but even so many changes will be upon our family!

Baby Rice is by FAR the most active of all the rice babies---it's like he hasn't stopped moving, shaking, dancing, whatever it is he is doing--! since I felt him for the first time. If I am hungry, he is VERY active, I think he is getting us prepared for the FOOD NOW days. I am almost 25 weeks along, and up until just this week, haven't had much to report. However, it seems as though I have 'popped' as they say. The belly is very much out there, and simple things like putting socks and shoes on are a little more tricky.....and will be even more in a couple more months.

I gained a LOT of weight with both Tatum and Dalton. What is a lot? Try 86 pounds with her and 65 with him....yup, I gained a 7th and 5th grader respectively. This was NOT good. I have been more determined this time to make sure this isn't repeated. The first trimester had ups and downs; yes, I felt nauseous sometimes, and yes there was some rushing to the bathroom. So far the 2nd trimester has been better with the pukes.

I continue to be AMAZED when this little guy moves all over! It is such a miracle.

Tatum and Dalton are rocking along quite nicely. Doing wonderfully in school, and just all around great kids, we are very lucky (we do, have a part in this luck, since kids don't raise themselves, and let's face it, we all know MANY kids probably who are miserable to be around). They are both excited to see baby Rice in spring. They like to feel him move and talk to him.

Dan is, OF COURSE, wonderful. He is so supportive, and although it probably makes most women want to gag with a spoon, he does SO much all the time, without ever complaining. Yes, I know I am very lucky.

Work is still going strong. I am still at the CoxHealth Foundation. I have had full intentions of returning to work after the baby comes, but I have decided to not make any decisions 100% at this time. I am easily the most OCD control freak I know, and I want to have everything down to a T marked off my list and always be set and ready for every little curve life brings. I think after almost 10 years of running and gunning at an insane pace, without any time off of work EVER hardly, I might need to slow down and bit and smell the roses. With that said, I am not a stay at home mom 100% of the time. Ideally, I would love to work part-time. These are things I need to think about, pray about, and trust that the best for our family will happen in it's own good time. (Easier said then done for this OCD chick).

In the mean time, I am trying to peck away at my 'baby needs' list. Wow, I know everyone says it but you do forget that you need the essentials and I had long ago given away all my baby stuff. Where is that wealthy friend who just had a baby and wants to 'give' me stuff for free!!!!

That is all for now....and I am promising myself to get back to blogging more regularly!

Welcome back Kotter.....

2011-08-19T12:27:00.001-07:00

It's been a long time since I have posted. I really don't have much of an excuse...I guess just an extremely busy summer, and frankly I got lazy on blogging. So much is going on. At press time, I really can't talk about the biggest things that are on our horizon, but I will say that it is exciting! One thing that is for sure is that we are staying in Springfield. Yes, this has been the big stressor the past few months. Dan was offered a really great position in KC, and after MUCH, and I mean much going back and forth, we have decided to stay put.

I know that there are many things in life, changes, decisions we make, etc. that are not easy and this was one of them. The idea of a new, fun city with more opportunities for our careers, shopping (eh hem), etc. was a huge draw for us. But like most things, there were some very strong pros and cons, and in the end, with other changes happening in our lives currently, we decided to stay put. The 'business' side of all of this, (that I won't get into), was really intense, so we are glad to have this major decision, well, decided and over. Sadly, Dan still needs to call and 'break up' with an amazing company that really really wanted him in KC!

A busy summer of work for Dan and I, and the kids had a BLAST in the crosstraining program this year for summer school. It is a religious based program through South Haven Baptist Church and both Tatum and Dalton had an amazing summer there. We did get to jet off to Florida just in time to catch 5 glorious days on the beach and not get one rain storm! (August is Florida's wettest month and just to roll the dice, it rained 3 days straight before we got there and then right after we left!) Back home, and ready to start 3rd grade and Kindergarten respectively.....!

Though I do not want to spill the beans quite yet on some of the fun stuff coming up for us, I will say in all good time we will share. In the mean time, enough of this hot hot summer and bring on some fall weather---I want to wear my new Hudson jeans and plant mums!!!!

Happy Anniversary

2011-04-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

Nine years ago (yesterday) I married the most amazing person I have ever known. We had a wonderful wedding almost 350 people to be exact, and it was so much fun. We hopped into Dan's parents 1979 red corvette and met up with friends for a night cap. Then we headed off to STL and then to London. I remember being so hungry when we landed in the early morning hours and eating some chicken thing (it was gross). I am convinced if I had to eat what the British eat daily, I would lose all the weight I need!

It helped our travel around London that Dan had lived there a few years before, and pretty much knew his way. We toured the Tower of London, The Globe Theatre, saw Les Mis on the West End and Matt Damon, Casey Affleck and Summer Phoenix in a shot play called "This is Our Youth." These were all great, but the huge score was standing in line to get tickets to "The Phantom of the Opera." Okay, so we were just starting out, had a very limited budget and this was going to be one of our 'big spends' of the trip. Dan walks in to buy tickets. I waited outside and just SO happened to be standing by a very rice Russian couple who were West End regulars and had double booked the show that night with "Cats." Interstingly Cats ended around that time for good and ever. They asked if I was wanting tickets...I said yes, they said well we would sell you ours for 20 pounds TOTAL. For both. I looked at the tickets and they were 3rd ROW CENTER. I grabbed them, paid them, thanked them then ran into Her Majesty's Theatre and told Dan GET A REFUND NOW! Graciously they refunded him his 175 pounds (almost $225 American) and I re-told him my story.

I can remember it like yesterday. And sometimes it feels like it was so long ago! The main point of this story is that I am so happy and we have such a good life together with our sweet babies. I am truly a lucky girl.

Hold me close young Tony Danza??

2011-04-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

I laugh EVERY time I think of this Friends episode, where Phoebe is talking about her favorite Elton John song...you know, the 'one about that guy from Who's the Boss. You know 'Hold me close young Tony Danza...." of course that episode along with the one where they are moving the couch up the stairs, "PIVOT...PIVOT!!!" Ross yells, or the one where Joey puts on Phoebe's maternity pants for Thanksgiving and calls them his 'turkey eatin' pants....okay, so that just leads me to actually SEEING ELTON in concert this past weekend! And even crazier?? In SPRINGFIELD MO!!!! Our night started out at dinner at Bruno's with friends Lucas and Cindy. Dan had swordfish and I had a light pasta with jumbo shrimp in a vodka red sauce. Cindy had the seafood special and Lucas the clazone. Some cab and we were set for the show!!! What amazing seats. Lucas and Cindy's parents really hooked us up! Elton went on a little after 8 p.m. and played for 2.5 hours straight (ahahaha) okay that was bad, I said Elton and straight in the same sentence. HE WAS AMAZING. I couldn't stop singing and it was just a once in a lifetime thing. I kept thinking in two weeks he will be at the royal wedding in London! We had fun, got home late and let our new favorite babysitter finally go home! Unfortunately by Sunday night the little ones had pretty intense sniffles and both had their vicks humidifiers going at full blast. Along with my new 17 inch screen HP laptop I got this weekend, I have re-done our study downstairs, pics to follow soon. Just picked up the new chair I think will match nicely.

Toof-fairy

2011-02-17T09:13:00.000-08:00

It's a rite of passage for all kids, losing their teeth. Some take it better than others for sure. I remember wiggling teeth with my tongue, as I am sure most of us do. I lost teeth late, not any until 2nd grade, I remember vividly being quite distraught because the giant tooth on my first grade classroom's wall was filled with all the names of student's who had lost teeth, and my name wasn't on there. Fast forward 25 years and my little Tatum was dealing with her own tooth issues. First of all, she lost her little bottom teeth several months ago, and in November we could tell her other top tooth was getting loose....but then it just didn't come out. What DID happen was it started to stick out and it looked kinda silly. We took her to the dentist and he gave her 2 weeks to get it AND it's next door neighbor (other front tooth) out....

Monday night she and Dalton were upstairs and I hear wailing. Dalton was standing next to her wide-eyes and she was leaning over the sink. In the midst of 'playing silly' he had popped her in the mouth and out came said tooth. She was moderately traumatized and Dalton just kept saying "I DID IT!!! I DID IT!!!"

Well everyone KNOWS that when you lose a tooth, that the tooth fairy comes to visit you. UNFORTUNATELY, the 'tooth fairy' went to get change out of the bowl and realized that it had been raided and stashed in two piggies banks....so here was a broke tooth fairy that had to steal back some change out of the piggy bank to deliver $2 in dimes to a very excited little girl. What cna I say, I was desperate!

Today is the day we go back to the dentist, and here is hoping that it goes well and the Toof Fairy will be better prepared tonight.

White House/Black Market

2011-02-07T07:40:00.000-08:00

I am a bargain shopper. I actually feel like I have really accomplished something when I find a great deal. Like the little designer dress I found at a resale shop for $8, or the brand new Limited Too jeans I picked up for Tatum at Children's Orchard for $7.....these things make me feel thrifty and like I found treasures on the cheap. However, when I walk into White House/Black Market (though not often), my brain flip flops and something crazy happens to me. I LOVE everything about that store. I love the clothes, the materials, the shoes are amazing, the jewelry....oh holy night, it's just too much for my little brain to handle. Yesterday, in fact I went in specifically to look for a clearance only dress for my upcoming event. I dutifully walked straight to the back and tried not to make eye contact with the insanely expensive new items in the front of the store. I picked up a pair of cool light gray jeans, a skirt and a couple dresses. The jeans fit, the skirt was too big and they didn't have a smaller size, and the dresses fit, but weren't appropriate for this event,..... then they started on me. Here try this dress, it matches these shoes and this belt.... oh and these earrings....NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I needed a calculater just to add up how much that glorious outfit would cost. I felt bad b/c the little sales girl looked disappointed that I wouldn't try it on...."come on, you might really like it." Yes, I KNOW I will, have you seen how much all this crap costs?????? At least I am a clean dressing room tryer on-er....I hung everything up, grabbed my cute clearance priced jeans, used my WH/BM 5% discount card, AND my $10 birthday coupon they sent me and I left spending very little money.....good job me. I am however, going to try to copy that outfit for cheaper somewhere else!

Dish it out.....

2011-01-25T14:32:00.000-08:00

When I was a little girl, my mom and grandma tell stories of how I would 'help' bake cookies and ever so Not slyly steal chocolate chips when I thought no one was looking. I have great memories of baking sugar cookies around the holidays, and no one can forget the blueberry pie making spree I went on in 8th grade after learning how to perfect the best crust in home ec. It really wasn't though, until the past few years that I have begun this love affair with cooking. Yes, I still enjoy baking, but for me it's the unique and gourment ingredients that I really love. Nothing is more fun to me than watching Food Network and Paula Dean or Bobby Flay, or Big Bites with Guy, or barefoot Contessa (even though she is totally snobbish and weird) and THEN trying to remember all the ingredients and making the dish myself....I LOVE IT!

Cooking is like anything else, the more you practice, the better you get. It takes many years to learn 'tricks' and I am NO WHERE near a chef,,,but I hope to get closer to that someday. Tonight is homemade chicken parmesan, pasta, spinach gorgonzola and maybe something lemony for dessert. The other thing that is important to me is healthy cooking. Sure everyone wants cheese on a burger,,,,duh.....but my challenge to myself is preparing tasty, inexpensive (if possible) meals that everyone (including the kids) love. It can get tricky, but it is possible. I was at Target today picking up some needed items and I thought "I will just go over and LOOK at the cooking supplies" I stood there for far too long and one of the employees asked if I was working on a registry...hahahahaha....no but maybe I will register for my 9th anniversary in April! And I also think I am the last person on earth that does NOT have a kitchenaid mixer....hint hint.....!!!

This happened.

2011-01-10T11:08:00.000-08:00

The reason I want to post this is that I want to be able to remember all the details of this one day many years from now, because I am quite certain that it wouldn't/couldn't ever happen again. Also, this post isn't exactly 'politically correct' I guess, but it is my blog and I can say whatever I want. It's hard enough for me because I am very funny and I have to turn my filter on a lot so that my humor doesn't come out wrong. But there is nothing quite like what happened a few weeks ago when I was returning back to work after a mid-morning meeting. This is where my politically correctness goes down the drain.

I have always had a fascination with midgets. I KNOW they are people, I am not saying that, but it's just....well, I stare at them. I can't help it. And so you have to know that first off. They also make me nervous, I HAVE no idea why, but it's true. Back to my story.

So there I sit at another very long stop light and I just happen to glance over through my passenger side window and I see the (I am not kidding here)...absolute largest van I think I have ever seen in my life. I thought...WHOA.....what in the world is in that thing? Then it happened. After processing this giant van, I will admit I expected to see a huge big truck driver looking man piloting such a beast on the road.

Nope. I saw the smallest little person I had ever seen. I could see the tops of his wee little shoes sticking up from the seat and then WORST of all, he grabbed a can of coke and then tipped back to drink it. OF COURSE my eyes must have been huge...what can I say? My mind was racing....how could he drive this thing? Is this legal? Safe? Does he wear a seatbelt? How does he look to change lanes!?

I guess I must have stared a bit too long. The light turned green, the guy behind me laid on the horn for me to GO, and the little person in the big van flipped me the tiny bird and sped off.

I have told numerous people this story, I even announced it to some just minutes after I walked back into work completely astonished.

Today I miss my dad

2011-01-06T19:19:00.000-08:00

I know that it's been 16 years,,,but today I miss my dad. I want to talk to him. I want to tell him that I need him. That I think about him all the time. I want to ask him questions about life...I don't want to be harshly judged...I just want to talk to him. I so crave and hurt for his opinion and I have had many years to 'heal' but sometimes I just want to be the little girl that still had her dad. This post is NOT about feeling sorry for myself. I know that things happen for reasons that hopefully one day I will know. But I can not say that sometimes I wish to ask my dad about what he thinks. God gives me my dreams with him occasionaly. My heart hurts because I wonder so often what he would think; I want his opinon, I need his advice. This pain never goes away. I trust in God that all things happen for a reason, and I know that my Dad was taken when I was 15, my brother was 13 and my mom was so young...for a reason...but at times I just wish I had him here. Tonight I am sad. My heart hurts. Because I rejoice that my dad is in a good place....but tonight I miss you dad. I wish you were here so that I could share my worries and my happiness with you. I will always have you in my heart.

2010

2010-12-29T09:21:00.000-08:00

I know it's clique to say that 'time goes by so fast' but it really really does. It's almost scary sometimes how quickly it seems the year has raced by us. The holidays have again come and gone, and this year had some unique events, but was overall a wonderful time for us.

Quite suddenly, we found out that my sister in law's father passed away in his sleep the day before Christmas Eve....this of course was devasting to their family, and a very hard time of the year to say the least to plan a funeral. I know from losing my dad suddenly how very hard and tragic this is....we did get to have our nephews over to spend the night on Christmas night and all four kids had the best time together! In fact, the dreaded nighttime routine went quite smoothly---of course they were exhausted! My nephew Luke yelled AUNT LINDSAY AUNT LINDSAY at about 2:30 in the morning and when we went in,,all he wanted was a drink! They were very sweet and had a blast.

My step-dad also lost his mother after a long illness, so they were making arrangements for her funeral which was this past Monday. It was a nice service and everyone was pleased.

My Christmas tradition is DECOR IS DOWN ASAP AFTER the 25th! I LOVE Christmas decorations, but I am ready to get it all cleaned up and put away when it's over. This year I finally went through old decor, and tons of other stuff, clothes, toys, sheets, comforters and stock piled 5 massive bags that we took to Goodwill. I am the very opposite of a hoarder, I probably throw too much away (except for the kids art work and stuff).

This weekend we have various parties to attend and I will be doing some more cooking, I truly love cooking now more than just about any other hobby and trying out new recipes hasn't made anyone too upset in our family!

I can't believe it's almost 2011.........

Happy Holidays

2010-12-22T07:25:00.000-08:00

It's a fun and hectic time of year for most people. This season, I feel like I have literally shopped and shopped and shopped some more. I think it has to do with (in my case), starting TOO early with shopping. What happened was that I literally started forgetting what I bought. I even forgot what I had purchased for my nephews. Between co-workers, secret santas, nephews, parents, teachers, etc. 'Santa' had to finally drag everything out and take inventory. Good thing I did too, b/c the gifts weren't exactly even....Dalton had more big things, while Tatum had tons more stocking gifts. We are ready now.

Reindeer food---check
Santa cookies (making tomorrow)---check
teacher gifts---check
Santa's massive load of gifts---check!

And this holiday season, as I prepare my grocery list to make yummy treats I AM SOOO EXCITED that my in-laws bought me a FABULOUS new cookware set...top of the line! It just makes baking and cooking that much better! Christmas to me, is really no longer about anything I get. I know growing up I was very blessed to have wonderful Christmases.

These days, I find it more gratifying giving gifts to the people I love and care about more than getting gifts. So that is why my holiday cookware was such a treat!!! ---(Oh and don't get me wrong, I do not go without---Tatum looked at me the other day as we were shopping at Charming Charlie's and said "Mommy, you sure have a LOT of handbags").....I put it down straight away!

The holidays are here and it's time to remember once again how thankful I am to have the blessings in my life that I do. Wishing everyone a fun and happy Christmas and new year!

The innocent child

2010-12-13T13:18:00.000-08:00

As the end of the year approaches, I reflect on all of the activities and adventures my family and I have had.....it has been quite a fun year. With that said, I must be a bit sappy...

The moment I saw their faces, heard them breathe, and felt their touch,
I awoke to the most amazing love I had ever known.
Who could have imagined your heart could love, cherish, hurt for and long for another human as much as it now did.
I often say "I love you more than ever today" and they giggle and ask HOW Mommy!!??!!!
The answer is my love grows deeper every day for my innocent children...

Thank you God, for allowing me to have two wonderful children that brighten my life every second of the day.

The poor reindeer

2010-12-09T13:15:00.000-08:00

Recently life has been pretty calm en Casa de Rice....sure we've had a few sick times here and there, but overall nothing too remarkable has happened. The weather and having some kids 'under' the weather forced me to make my very own Thanksgiving dinner by myself this year...and I must say, it all turned out quite nicely....except the gravy, must work on the gravy. We also had family pics done, which is so cool, but also very expensive and very hard to choose...I generally hate any and all pictures of myself, so making the process even harder.

In other news, our doggies are practically potty trained! They don't really go to the door yet, when they need to go, so that is next on the training list. Their mommy is so very proud of them!!

Christmas has arrived at our house for sure. I THINK I am about done with buying gifts, but just as I feel about ready, I remember something else and out I go again. I have shopped smart this year, taking advantage of really great deals, and for that I have saved some $$$.....of course when I see FANTASTIC deals when I am out buying for others....sometimes I accidentally come home with something great for me :)

After seeing Santa this weekend, Tatum felt better about the reindeer/eating issue. Let's go back a few weeks. My little veterinarian was quite worried and concerned that the sweet reindeer just simply could not do their job on carrots alone. She was downright upset. So, of course, it being 2010, we 'googled it' as she asked to do. I found a site that basically helped parents out by saying "Oh yes, the reindeer love cookies too." I said, "SEE? They do like cookies, it says so right here."

Her response? "You seriously don't believe everything you read...do you mommy?"

She is smarter than I am.

I'm Floored.

2010-11-19T12:03:00.000-08:00

The past two days have been spent stacking piling and pushing funiture aside so that our new wood floors can be installed. Two kids, two dogs, two big people, trying to navigate around construction and still 'live' there has been interesting. I will say my biggest fear with this particular project was how in the world they would match our existing wood floors to the new wood floors....this is where I was really holding my breathe. TWWWWALLLLA! A perfect match! Today when we get home the downstairs should be complete so that we can start the clean up, move stuff back into place project. Tomorrow the team will be laying wood upstairs in the hallway and then Monday new carpets on the stairs and then DONE! It's a messy job, but it will be worth it. Some funny things we have noticed: the carpet muffled sound in our house....it's even louder now! This comes in handy when I am singing at the top of my lungs and the echo sounds so cool, but not so lucky when two kids are talking over each other.... anther thing, the dogs pissing playground has now been tossed, REALLY hope they can pick up on potty training with the smell gone and a re-focused mom and dad training them. Speaking of dogs, everything was in such array last night, at one point we couldn't 'find' Zippy....we looked and looked and looked. I thought maybe he was outside or had been swallowed up by the stuff we had piled high in every corner of the house. Nope----I found him sitting inside the car in the garage with the doors shut....no one remembers him outside and by the way this is the 2nd time in a week I have found him in the car like this.....crazy dog.

I am excited to decorate this year with my new wood floors!

A shot of courage

2010-10-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

After looking into the flu shots this year, I decided it would be best if we all skipped the mist and did the shot. First of all the shot is not a live virus, and I just feel like it's a better choice. To each their own! Nevertheless, much 'shot' talk has been taking place in our house. Tatum was pretty mad about not getting that nose misty stuff, so we'll see how she reacts today when it's game time. Dalton had almost talked himself into everything being okay today. We showed up at his preschool and though he was not his usual happy self, he wasn't crying. We got checked in and walked into the room where the nurses were giving the shots. Two kids in there....screaming.....crap. He looks up at me, tears filling his eyes and he says:

"I USUALLY GO WITH THE FLOW.....BUT THIS IS CRAZY!!!!"

Luckily, I am wizard in the department of distraction. I say, "DALTON, tell them about your halloween costume..I bet NO ONE here would believe how SCARY it is!"

D: "Well....sniff sniff....it...sniff is pretty scary...it's actually freaky" (side note...actually is one of his favorite words to date).

Smart assistant nurse brings bag of candy over while shot nurse gets ready to aim.

Aim. Fire. Done.

Me: GREATTT JOB!

Dalton: "I WOULDN'T say that DIDN't hurt mommy."

Alas, Dalton loves him some chocolate and the mini twix seemed to comfort the wounds so to speak.

I am much more worried about my drama diva getting her shot today. I am sure I will have more to write about that later.

The Pumpkin Theif

2010-10-25T14:08:00.000-07:00

I love fall.....I really love when the air feels crisp and you can sit out and enjoy the fire pit and watch two stinky little people eat smores---! This past weekend we had fun with the Skeleton Scurry, a little run/kid vendor booths/pizza event....Tatum dressed as Lo the Warrior Princess and Dalton went as the 'Unknown Phantom.' The weekend seemed to be going smoothly, until I noticed that the GIANT Green pumpkin gourd Tatum and I had so lovingly picked out the weekend before along with several other unique harvest decorations was jammed like a stake through the heart on a neighbors mailbox...I was sad....then I was MAD....I get it, you are 14 and that is just SO funny, but really it's not and I wanted to grab the little turds and beat them. Of course it was a good learning experience for the kids (eh hem, after I got done saying "I'M GONNA KILL THEM")....we talked about how it's NOT nice to do that to someone else's property, and it's like stealing, etc. They both were VERY sincere about it.....(I know I know.....I am sure they will smash a few pumpkins at some point) but still, it was important to talk to them about why that isn't cool.

In other weekend news....not like anyone DOESN'T know this, but MU upset #1 OU for probably one of the best football games I have ever seen in my LIFE! What a fun game to watch! And now here is where I KNOW I am old...after the game, I thought "WOW,I am SO glad I am not there, I bet that place is insane." And I went to bed.....

A busy week ahead!

Let's try this again...

2010-10-15T07:40:00.000-07:00

The frustration of posting a really cool blog only to somehow completely wipe it out is, well, FRUSTRATING!!!! I don't have time to re-cap much, but to say that my brother got married last weekend, and my two sweet babies were quite gorgeous in their duds....they were waited patiently and had so much fun, but as we all were, they were quite ready to go home when it was over. I also got a nice case of pneumonia right in the middle of everything and even though it's a week later, I am still not 100%.....working on it. Here are a couple pics of the kids.

2010-10-15T07:32:00.001-07:00

Oh nuts.

2010-09-29T09:27:00.000-07:00

I know I am weird. I just don't dig hot hot weather. I am great with summer in the beginning, but by mid-July I have checked out of the 100 degree weather. Fall is my favorite time of the year, granted with global warming it certainly seems that we almost go from HOT summer to COLD winter without seeing much of Mr. Fall.....but those few weeks he is here are oh so wonderful. Pumpkins, Halloween, long boots, and sweathers OH MY!!!! Puts this girl in a great mood. I love to wake up, walk outside and take a deep breathe of crisp fall air. Not too mention blasting up that fire pit outside! So, the weather seems to be heading in that direction and so many other things are happening at the Rice house......it's almost too much to even mention! Everyone is doing well for the most part...

I usually include some 'kid' stories, b/c quite frankly they are so funny and I feel like if I don't write about them, I will forget! The latest OBSESSION in our house primarily with Dalton is his Halloween costume. He is going as the 'lost phantom' or something freakishly dark and disturbing this year....Tatum is going as 'lo' Perseus' love in Clash of the Titans... this was the conversation in the car this weekend:

Dalton: Mommy..Daddy...hey guys??!! Why can't kids trick or treat by themselves? Alone and stuff?

Us: Because you are too little and someone could take you....so you don't do anything like that without mom and dad around...or an adult that you know.

Tatum: I would scream and run away if someone tried to take me!

Dalton: I would Kon Fu them (Kung Fu) and hi-----yaaaaa them!

Tatum: I would kick them in the nuts.

Us: Looking at each other in dismay and trying not to laugh and realizing they both had NO idea what that means b/c they weren't laughing at all.

I sat there and thought, do I tell her not to say that again when she doens't know what it means? I am sure she heard it at school,,,and my next thought was..nope, when push comes to shove, a good kick in the nuts to a 'bad guy' isn't so bad after all!!!

Going Organic

2010-09-03T14:27:00.000-07:00

I think we all know that eating organic would be the ideal--fruits, veggies, meats, everything void of pesticides and crazy antibiotics. Lately, I have tried to make even better choices for our family meals and snacks. Like making buffalo burgers (much healthier and so delicious), pad thai with gluten free tofu, organic sprays instead of tons of olive oil, etc. Unfortunately going organic also means a hit to the pocket book. For example, the buffalo meat from Mama Jean's was appr. 3 times the price of it's ugly step sister ground beef! I also made this fantastic sandwich the other night! Focaccia bread thinly sliced down the middle, light brushed with olive oil and put on the grill, then 3 whole red peppers lightly dusted and grilled whole, egg plant, goat cheese and a garlic spread lead to a tasty finish! I am loving to cook (when I can) and try out new recipes. It is cool to make food FRESH...and I like that Tatum can't wait to have sushi with miso soup tonight(because she loves the kale and tofu in it!) What are some of your favorite dishes?

A happy coincidence

2010-08-27T08:47:00.000-07:00

Five years ago today my sweet angel boy was born. He was about 2 weeks early, but big and healthy and ready to meet his family. We were so thrilled. This day also marks the 16th anniversary of my dad's sudden death. As I think about how out of all the 365 days of the year that a baby could be born it would be on that day, I feel that this 'coincidence' is a blessing of promise, and of new beginnings. So often I wonder what dad would think, or I have dreams that he and I have conversations about life in general. August 27th will always be a bittersweet day for me. Bitter with the loss of a great dad at such a young age (for all of us)---sweet that a little angel was born on that day to help represent love, hope and promise.

We miss and love you dad!

Happy birthday to my HYSTERICAL, brilliant, adorable little man....we love you so much!

Look Ma....no hands!

2010-08-11T12:43:00.000-07:00

The one thing that seems to be constant here in SW Missouri...IT IS CRAZY hot outside. You hit the door and immediately at 7:30 a.m. the heat and humidity starts to make you sweat. In my case, that usually means in work clothes...yuck. It's really gross when you are wearing heels and your feet sweat and you slide around. I almost lost it twice on the walk into work the other day.....I have always said by mid-July I am ready for this part of summer to be over.

Last Saturday was no exception. We were up at the booty crack of dawn to head down to Joplin for my soon to be sister in law's bridal shower. I loaded up both kids and we were off. After a long day, we were back in Springfield by 4:00, and hit Sam's Club. Of course it was 'no tax weekend' and we had to park 8 blocks away and walk in the heat. That place was crazy busy, lines were 10 poeple deep and our quick little stop ended up taking over an hour. I was practically dragging everyone back to the car and Dalton said, "Mommy, I think our car needs a bath."

In fact, our car DID need a bath, so I took it over to the Sam's Club car wash and after pulling up realized it had been newly renovated, adding the 'put your car in neutral' and let the machine take over. COOL! I hurriedly ran my debit card and waited for the light to turn green, all the while telling the kids..."WATCH THIS...MAMA ISN'T USING HER HANDS AND THE CAR IS GOING TO KEEP DRIVING!!!"

Tatum and Dalton both started saying: "nu uh....I bet you can't do that........SHOW ME MOMMY!" (appropriate for living in Missouri).....so I pretzel myself around the steering wheel dangling my arms and....then my legs to prove that this was some car wash magic going on.

Then the blast from the car wash hits me in the side of the head. Yup. I forgot to roll up MY WINDOW after paying!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was so distracted trying to prove my 'no hands, no feet' trick I forgot the number one rule in car washing.....roll up your window before proceeding.

Dalton did ask me after we had finished the car wash....'Mommy, was THAT part of the car wash show too?"

Uh...not really!

A pain in the neck

2010-08-05T07:29:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning early... turned over, and bellowed out with pain. It was a VERY badly pinched nerve and the bottom line was I could barely move around. Driving into work in the pouring down rain and not being able to turn my neck also proved quite a feat. Dalton said "Mommy, you look funny, like (he mimics me here turning like frankenstein---then giggles profusely)...this and this and this!!"

My very large, big strong 4 year old who I (yes, I still do) carry into his pre-school class, put his arms around my neck and I about lost my cookies with the pain. I am not sure how I did it. Might it be the new 50 minute hard core workout I mixed into my routine? Maybe. Or how about the 1.5 hours of cleaning up a very strong little weiner dog (Zipper), who single paw-dly crapped in his crate, got himself so covered in it and then with the hot weather let it bake into his fur? That could have also been part of it. Either way, ibuprofen, biofreeze gel, etc. is not doing the trick.

Back to work, and also making plans for the weekend! Stay cool in this horrible Missouri heat!

A brother for Buttons

2010-07-19T13:33:00.000-07:00

This was an unplanned adoption, but we are now a family of 6. December 24th 2008, Santa so kindly sent us a sweet little dappled daschund Buttons Rice. OH YES, she has had her moments...all you have to do is walk through the house and see the 'spots' of Buttons chewing wrath! She is however so sweet, and CALM.

Last week, I was preparing for our "Girls Just Wanna Run" event and a co-worker mentioned that her parents had a farm in Arkansas and lived pretty far out and that a daschund had showed up on their deck and had not left after more than a week. They made calls, posted flyers, and no one claimed him. She also mentioned that a family friend was a retired vet and that he had seem him, said he guessed him to be appr. 1.5 years old and in good health.

We talked some more about him and then she told me that where her parents live, there is NO WAY a dog that size could survive for long. Wild coyotes, and wild dogs, etc. would snatch him up. He was probably dropped and abandoned. Her dad planned to shoot him (I KNOW WHAT THE???) after she said that I said, either way, bring him back here and I will find a good home for him.

Fast forward to later that night and Dan and I both decided that we should give it a try and see how he was and how Buttons was, and the kids, etc. So on Saturday night, Stephanie dropped him off and now we have two weinie dogs running around. I am not happy to report that he did some serious chewing on the carpet....it's basically destroyed in one room---but that was my fault for leaving him unattended for 5 hours. He is quite sweet and such a boy..very strong and muscular. He is at the vet right now for his shots and then later this week, he gets the boys clipped off!!!

That Fish is POISON

2010-07-09T07:54:00.000-07:00

Two parents, sick at the same time=crazy house. It all started with two bad pieces of salmon. I ate some, Dan ate some and 24 hours later, the wrath of food poisoning took us both under. Dan took the first hit, feeling bad mid-afternoon and from that point it got worse. I will leave the gory details out of this post, but let's just say I quietly excused myself to sleep in the spare bedroom and closed all doors, because I thought our neighbors could probably hear him (yes it was that bad). I wasn't feeling 100%, my workout had about killed me that day, but I just thought I was tired.

Then just like the ghost of Christmas past, I bolted up about 1:15 a.m. and headed straight for the potty.......what happened after that was a blurr....I crawled back to the bed, and we both laid there like we had been beaten...weak, tired, in pain, I made claims that my tonsils had been ripped out. At some point Dan's poison stopped sending him to the bathroom, and about 4 hours later mine did too. But even though the tornado had passed, it still left a lot of destruction. How he managed to get up and take both kids to school, I have no idea. I don't even remember calling into work, or what I said, or texting a co-worker to take over some duties....

It took another night and part of a day before we felt ok again. We might not be having the salmon for a few weeks, at least.

35 days in....

2010-07-02T07:47:00.000-07:00

To my Jillian Micheal's workout and I am a believer in this workout more than ever. No, I have never been 'fat' ---chubby as a pre-teen...YES, but not fat. I had issues in my latter teen years with weight and being obsessed with it (not healthy), but as I have gotten older and more mature in my thinking, I have realized quite a bit.

First of all, I will never be skinny---you know the Calista Flockhart-type girls, and that is okay with me. In fact, really okay with me. I want to be trim and toned and healthy. In the past 3-4 years, I have started working out at a very regular pace. Mostly I have focused on cardio, but in the last few months, I just wasn't happy with the results. I felt I was spending a long chunk of time on this 'workout' and not seeing anything from it. Now, doing 20 minutes a day of circuit training is really all I need. I try to fit in some running a few times a week on top of it, but that is about all. I never thought I could sweat so much in 20 minutes but this workout is really different.

The pressure to be thin is so intense on girls and women (on men too, but nothing like it is for us ladies). Sometimes that really pisses me off, that we as girls fall into the trap of trying to look like the movie stars. I look at my beautiful daughter and remember that she is watching me, my habits, my attitude toward myself, etc. and it's important that I set an example for her!!

With that said, I am thinking about all the yummy non-healthy foods I will be making for the holiday weekend!! Hope you all have a safe and fun 4th.

Pain

2010-06-29T10:46:00.000-07:00

Pretty sure every inch of my body hurts. Knees, feet, shoulders, back, arms, etc. I think my hair even hurts. I helped Dan move a bed and mattress and box springs up 2.5 flights of stairs, that could be part of it. I am still kicking my own butt at the Jillian workout, that might be part of it too. Either way, I am in pain. As we were lifting the VERY heavy new bed up the stairs, both of us were watching the way we turned so as to not damage the light fixtures, etc. We made it to the first landing and Dan yells out "PI--VOTTTT" Anyone who EVER watched 'Friends' remembers this episode when Ross and company get stuck in the stairwell moving the couch. After a few minutes of laughing, we muscled up again and got it up there. It looks good I might add.

Okay back to being productive---or trying to be anyway.

Welcome Weekend

2010-06-11T07:21:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that I honestly think this might have been one of the longest weeks of ALL time. Working this past weekend and then the whole week really REALLY takes it out of you, and I am ready to chill out a little bit. I have been doing the Jillian Michael's shred (I will be honest, no weight has been lost which makes me frustrated, but I am going to stick with it). The one thing I have noticed is that all the levels are different and not just difficulty, they are all working different parts of the body. Unfortunately, I have pulled a serious muscle and pinched a nerve in my shoulder/neck. Also I can tell the knees are hurting a little bit from all the strain...does this just mean I am an old lady??!!!! Hopefully all the blood, sweat and tears will pay off.

The other BIG thing on my agenda is re-doing the spare bedroom upstairs. I have been looking for a great deal on a queen bed that matches our furniture up there and then probably going to do overstock.com for the mattress. Can't beat that deal. Of course, I have my comforter, and all the trimmings picked out at Target and even the new rugs......I literally go to Target and 'visit' my goodies. We are following the tight budget of only getting the things we can easily afford, so it's a little bit at a time, but that is okay. Confession: I hid a rug behind a comforter at Target so no one would hopefully see it until I get to it this weekend....I know, I am weird.

Next weekend is my cousin's wedding, so facials, and body scrubs here I come....I am really hoping to get some great pics of our family. The kids will be all dressed up in their flower girl and ring bearer attire, and I will try to pull off a strapless yellow bridesmaid gown....yikes. Dan will be in charge of our camera. My concern is my hair. It's SO long right now, which I really like that, but I am terrible at fixing my own hair, putting it up, etc. NOPE...can't do it. So let's hope the hair salon that we are going to doesn't make me look like Lady Gaga.

Wishing all of you a fun weekend!

And I'm spent.....

2010-06-09T14:40:00.000-07:00

This has already been a long week. Working all day Sunday and then jumping into a busy week has left me feeling tired, and I think my attitude could do for a little time off. Not really in the picture any time soon, so I better just grin and bear it. Lots of changes going on....today work has made me a little crazy and frustrated, so I am looking forward to just chilling out tonight. My cousin gets married in a little over a week and I have been working my tail off to get in good shape. Getting older, physically just sucks. Emotionally it's awesome. You learn how to totally brush your shoulders off, and 9 times out of 10 not give a flying fish about MOST things that could have potentially really pissed you off 5-10 years early.

With that said:

It is hard to keep my mouth shut when I KNOW I am right and someone else is just full of it.

Listening to my son laugh his tail off at a movie seems to make things always so much better.

I make dinner, and good dinner almost every night----this equals tired mommy.

I have projects I want to do ASAP around the house and I have the patience of a crazy person, so it's hard to not want to jump into this right now.

My best friend from high school just had her 4th baby today----which is super cool for her. Congrats Steph and fam :)

If you have an ego the size of Texas, chances are you and I will NOT get along.....

I am not friends with people who are so superficial...it makes me sick. Be real for crying out loud. My time is precious and I choose to spend time with real friends only........

I am very blessed with my family. How I got so lucky I do not know.

These are my random thoughts for today. I wish everyone a great day and night. And stay tuned for some VERY funny stories to come.

Okay...who is with me on this?

2010-06-05T17:27:00.000-07:00

I have tried, ok let me re-phrase this....I have really worked hard most of my adult life to be in shape. NO, I am not fat, but there is a reason why. AND NO I am not a supermodel, there is a reson for that too. I am 31, I have two kids, I work 40 or more hours a week, sometimes on the weekends and I try to manage, birthdays, weddings, gifts, lunches, dinners, bath times, and laundry like most of us do. But I have made a commitment to be in the best shape of my life. And I really think I have found the combo. Very unfairly, the best things in life seem to take the most work to accomplish. Relationships, jobs, parenting, friendships, etc. and so eating right and exercising is no different. It's physical but mostly mental, and I want to start a mini 'we can do this thing' group. Here is what I have been trying to do: run 2-3 miles 3 or 4 times a week. Start small, try to walk or run a mile, and then build up to it. But the truly amazing thing is the Jillian Michael's 30 day shred. I have been only doing it one week, and I have seen weirdly amazing results. You will put in appr. 25 minutes a day...sounds easy? It's not. It's 20ish minutes of HARD work. But you will finish it and feel such a high of success, it will bring you back the next day. Make it a habit. I want to hear from everyone who is working through the process of 'looking realistically great.' I say that, b/c Lord knows I will never look like Gisele....but I can be strong and tone and also not look like an NFL linebacker. Buy some light hand weights at Walmart, get a mat if you have hard floors, and buy the 30 day shred for $9 at Target. Then please leave your comments. I want to hear how it works for you and that will inspire me to keep pushing myself. Best of luck to us, and our new toned backsides!!!! As a side note: you can NOT eat like a 17 year old boy. Sorry, you will have to drink some more water and cut the sugar and bad fat------then watch your body change in front of your eyes...

Goodbye Kermit

2010-05-24T12:35:00.000-07:00

I woke up last night about 1:30 and my legs felt like someone had beaten me. They were cramping so badly that I must have been sweating pretty hard in my sleep b/c I woke up in terrible pain and soaking wet. I went downstairs to pop ibuprofen and get something to drink. I wasn't really that concerned b/c 1.) I had worked out a lot and done a ton of lungs, and then the next day really pushed myself hard again. Bottom line was my eletrolytes were way out of balance and that was causing my legs to cramp like I had been shot. (I have not been shot, thank goodness, so perhaps they didn't hurt that bad---but bad enough). I couldn't sleep. I was up and down for the next 2-3 hours, and then somehow the motrin took over and I slept. I am a little draggy today.

It was a great weekend other than that and the frog homicide, yeah that's right, there was a straight up frog murder at appr. 3:25p.m. central standard time at the home of Rice Family. Dan and the kids trecked over to the clubhouse pool and I did my thing, cleaning up, etc. I went out to the garage to sweep it out and I picked up a damp clothe and a little kermit the frog jumped straight at me. (Not a huge frog fan, so I yelled something). Then I thought,,,hey it's just a little frog, and the kids would LOVE to see it. So I trapped it with a cup. The adventure scientists (or so they have called themselves) came home and were fighting for a few minutes of holding the frog. Yuck, but whatever. Tatum of course, using her vet like skills, actually was rubbing the frog's belly and the frog shut it's eyes like "AWEEEEE."

Dalton then grabbed the poor little thing, and I told him NOT to squeeze it, etc. Tatum decided it best to let little frog jump back to his family, etc. Great idea. So she ever so delicately put 'frog' down into the grass. Dalton scooped him up and pulled his arm back like he was going to throw him. I yell..U BETTER NOT! So he gently lays 'frog' on the ground. And then steps on him.
WHHHHHHHHHHHHAT?????????????! ARE YOUUUUUUUUUUU DOING!!!????

It's kinda a blur after that. Tatum bellows how horrible this vicious act was... and how, and I quote "Dalton you just don't have an appreciation for small animals like me!!" Dan points the frog killer to his room as he walks head down passed all of us. I just could not believe that. He has for the last couple months been on a 'bad bug' stomping spree. Fine. Kill the june bugs, and nasty beetles, etc. but not a poor wee little frog, who, and I just couldn't stop thinking of The Princess and the Frog, had unfortunately been in the wrong yard at the wrong time. R.I.P. little frog. Sorry about that, if I would have known that Jeffrey Dahmer would have unleashed his wild side, I would have never captured you for 'adventure science' purposes.

Dalton promises to keep his stomping to only 'bad bugs.'

Dalton's Big Adventure

2010-05-19T10:25:00.000-07:00

I have bittersweet memories of going to the dentist. I loved my dentist growing up, he was so great and always made 'the worst of cavities' seem not bad to us. Today I took Dalton Patrick to the dentist. This might be the only child in the WORLD that gets totally pumped for the dentist. He loves to floss his teeth, take the x-rays, and, in the end, proudly beam with pride as Dr. Scott says "no cavities and WOW, what a great job with that flossing!" Today was no different. He proudly walked in the door (board shorts and spikey hair), and announced "I LOVE THIS PLACE!" There were no less than a dozen kids sitting in there, most of which had a terrified look on their face. Skipping ahead, when we were all done at the dentist, I promised him a happy meal at McD's. So we sat down to his lunch and there were 3 older gentlemen sitting behind us. I would say easily in their late 80's and older. They were talking SO LOUD that after about 10 minutes I could see people getting up and actually leaving. I know they can't hear, but I mean they were REALLY loud. Dalton kept looking over my shoulder and I knew at some point he was going to say something, because he too was trying to talk about the 'new Shrek movie' and the old folks were so loud I could barely hear him. He looked at me finally and said, "MOMMY what is the DEEAAAALLL? Why are those old Papas yelling everything they SAY???!!!!"

Of course this evoked laughter from the others in the crowd that CAN hear. Luckily the three fellas behind us did NOT hear Dalton make this annoucement. I am not being mean, I will probably be there someday too, yelling just to hear myself. Wait a minute, I do that already at home :)

Organize

2010-05-17T07:50:00.000-07:00

If you know me at all, you know that I suffer from bouts of OCD. Now, I don't wash my hands 50 times, or knock 5 times before I enter a room, etc. but I do have some serious issues when I feel things in my life are out of control. Or maybe just out of MY control. Yes, I am a little bit of a control freak. I can't STAND when my house is a disaster---it drives me bonkers. I realized this weekend that my Explorer looked like I had been living out of it for weeks. There was a massive bag of clothes intended for drycleaning, donut covered child seats, and dirt and crap from all the tables and chairs we hauled last week for Tatum's party. Okay, so my point is I woke up Saturday and it was time, once again to do some organizing. Dan helped with the closet under the staircase. He is very patient and can tackle the really REALLY big messes. I usually get overwhelmed and use inappropriate words (bad bad, I know). I hit the kids closets. Honestly am I raising fashion super stars? The kids have more clothes and shoes than Carrie Bradshaw! Then, I did the REALLY OCD thing. My closet is pretty big, but there is just no more room left for all my clothes and shoes. So I started to purge some of it. Then I organized my shoes by color and style: Boots, sandals, heels, casual, and then by color.....
Next up was the kids toys. Dinosaurs go in one bin, barbies go in another, jungle animals need their own space too! I still have more to go, but I think I have come to grips with what all this 'organizing' means.......garage sale......

Sonic's got it...and the other ones JUST DON'T

2010-05-07T07:49:00.000-07:00

It was appr. 9:45 last night...as I sat there finishing my tivo'd Grey's Anatomy (I am behind on episodes), and it just hit me. One savory bite of a double cheeseburger and tots from Sonic. Just. One. Bite. I started to beg and plead and offer up promises to Dan. I have to have that burger bite....or 5. He must really like me. At almost 10:10 P.M. I took one long loving look at probably one of the worst and most unhealthy things I have ever consumed and I attacked like a T Rex. 4 bites after this I pushed it away to Dan. Then I really went overboard. I took out those crisy in all the right places tots and used those little ketchup packets and.....well........I ate like a total fatty. I am having a little 'eaters remorse' today, but decided that after how many grilled chicken this, and tilapia that, sometimes you just need some Sonic burger.

Happy Birthday Tatum Brynn

2010-05-03T07:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my sweet baby girl turned 7. How is that even possible? I was just holding her yesterday it seems like and now I have this amazing little lady. We had a good weekend. Saturday Tatum and I went to my cousin's wedding shower. Tatum looked adorable in her new summer dress from Gymboree and matching shorts underneath (you never know when you might need to do a cartwheel!) and bows. After that she and grandma went shopping and picked up some other summer time fun clothes. Nana hooked her up too with some precious little summer dresses and some $$$ for her Kangaroo Account at the bank. We had a nice lunch after church and the kids played and we headed back home. I wanted to swing by Lowe's and pick up some plants for the front porch area. Dalton helped me pot the plants, and they turned out great! Then we to see how our little garden is doing and sure enough----it's really coming along!!! I see some serious lettuce coming in. I am a dork, but I am loving the idea of growing our own herbs and veggies.

This week is a busy one.....aren't most of them??!!! I will get some new pics posted up here asap.

Happy Anniversary

2010-04-27T12:17:00.000-07:00

It's been 8 years ago today that we got married. I sat there last night and tried to wrap my brain around the fact that time has gone by this fast. I remember every little detail, the huge wedding party, the reception, London, moving and finding out that our little Tatum Brynn was on the way!! Now, she will be 7 on Sunday. It's just crazy. It has been quite a journey.... but a fun journey! I love my family!

I lay in bed last night with Dalton and Tatum (Dan was at MSU for a retirement reading by an old professor)....and we read and read our books and then we sang songs and I just soaked up my little angels. Today Tatum is being tested for the enrichment program. She has already been going some and she likes it. Dalton on the other hand, has been training to be a full time pirate. He looks at me last night and says "ARRR MATEY.....I needs a drink of water and to go pee pee ARRRR."

Until next time........

Grow little Garden

2010-04-26T07:26:00.000-07:00

We had a garden when I was growing up, it was always fun to pick tomatoes and bring them inside. I remember squash and cucumbers too. I think we grew green beans and other stuff. But this year marks the first that we planted our own little garden. All four of us went down to check it out yesterday and sure enough there were sprouts all over!! We were all oooooing and ahhhhing over it and the weiner dog jumped right up on the tomato plants! I yelled, so did Tatum and Dan swatted her little butt. Bad Dog.

I think the basil and thyme are coming up really well. Not sure what everything is. I got so excited I just started planting and lost track. Which makes me FAR from a master gardener, but oh well, I must start somewhere. I love to get my hands dirty and plant flowers and I just love love love the idea of growing fresh food and herbs. Wow, I sound like Paula Dean or something!!

My baby girl's birthday is this Sunday...7 years old. I can not believe it. Her party is on the 8th, I have been so behind this year and haven't sent out invitations! I must get on this, along with 9 million other things to do just like everyone else I am sure......

2010-04-19T08:33:00.001-07:00

It's funny when I think about how much I have changed in the past several years. For example, I always liked to cook, but now I find it therapeutic and I really love to feed my family good food. Food that is healthy (albeit last night's breakfast dinner was not!) Yes, I must say that the 3 big pancakes, two biscuits with jam covering them, two massive sausage patties and a huge bowl of eggies just hit the spot for Mr. Dalton. I couldn't even believe my eyes as I watched him eat it. Where does he put it? He is so big and tall.....I like that he is a big boy! Now, if only he would give his mama more kisses then we would be good. Gotta get going on another project! :)

JUST BREATHE......THROUGH IT.

2010-04-15T07:21:00.000-07:00

I love my children more than my life. I would take a bullet for them. I treasure every silly moment, every wonderful new idea and thought. The times when I hear "I love you" or "this was the best day ever." With that said.......I DO NOT enjoy the clothing crisis that my beautiful wickedly smart, amazingly talented daughter is into right now!!!!!!!!!!!! The melt down of tax day 2010 was that she couldn't wear a dress and flip flops on PE DAY.......there was crying and nashing of teeth....her tears...my teeth. Then her belly hurt....well duh you just cried over your clothes for 45 minutes, of course your belly hurts. So as I take her into school and she is holding her tummy (now before anyone gets all "wow Lindsay has no heart or soul" she has been doing this off and on and she is fine). If I don't see blood, a fracture, fever or puking....you are fine in my book. Call me old school. She is still following me as I check her in. I sit her down and basically do this: "honey...remember the boy who cried wolf?" ummmm yes.....sniff sniff....Well he cried wolf so many times that no one believed him..and when the wolf was ACTUALLY there one day, no one came to help him and then the wolf ate him, or something like that. Sooo, unless you are REALLY sick, then let's not do this.

Walking out of the school my high heel got caught in the sidewalk crack and I tumbled down hard on my knee. So yup, I am in pain. My tummy hurts. Maybe I should go home :)

Say what?

2010-04-13T13:53:00.000-07:00

Some conversations my kids have had this week. I want to write a book or do stand up or something b/c this material is just too good.

Dalton to Tatum: why do girls get to call tank tops meatball straps?

Tatum laughing hysterically to me although I am completely confused: HE MEANS SPAGHETTI STRAPS MAMA!!! He started laughing too.

Dalton getting dressed this morning, laying on the floor insisting he is too tired to sit up. "MOOOMMM, I am so not into this today." Oh yeah? Me either, get up and get dressed.

I walked in Sunday and the TV was up so loud and Tatum was sitting wide eyed.

The lady on the screen: "Do you want to learn to draw?"

Tatum: YES YES.

Lady: Have you ever thought about taking your art skills to the next LEVEL?

T: YES, I LOVE TO DRAW!!!!! (remember she does not see me watching her).

Lady: The art institue at California blah blah blah blah blah wants you to be the artist you have always wanted to be. It's simple really, blah blah blah.

T: running to the white erase board to write down the number and calling after the TV 'Hold on, that is too many numbers!!!"

I walked around the corner pretending not to know what was going on. She tells me she just simply MUST go to the 'art institutional' they can draw really neat barns, and tigers.

I tell her that sounds like fun, but there are a couple issues: she is 6 years old and really needs to think about finishing 1st grade for now. 2.) this place is in California, let's go look at the map and see how far that is 3.) you can't live with me when you are 35 and still do not have a job. Now draw me a pretty picture I can treasure and frame. Ahhhhh kids.

2010-04-12T11:51:00.000-07:00

I have no title for this blog entry today. I can't think of anything really. I just had my GTS strength training class, it was good (by good I mean really flippin hard). But I survived. My intern is a 22 year old cross country runner at Drury and he is in immaculate shape. Now, it's not quite fair to compare myself to a KID who runs 8 or more miles a day! BUT, I can't seem to help it. I WANT TO BE lean like that.

I have some obstacles: 1.)My age. 2.)My gender (women seem to have more fat then men---thanks a lot EVE for that whole forbidden fruit thing!) 3.) TIME--it's not so hard when you are young and it's part of your actual job to run. Add two little kids, 40+ hours of work, making dinner, soccer practice, swimming lessons, grocery shopping...you get it. 4.) My feet are HORRIBLE. In fact, it's a miracle I can do anything. I have suffered for YEARS with flat feet that hurt non-stop and my wicked high heels don't help that at all. But I am not about to wear ugly shoes....not going to do it. 5.) I have a COUPLE things I indulge in......calories I mean.

My only few advantages: 1.) I hate chocolate-just do NOT like sweets at all. 2.) I am OCD and very strong willed and if I want something bad enough, I usually find a way to get it. Within reason of course. 3.) I guess, maybe, kinda I am athletic. I sure was strong as an Ox in high school.

Speaking of healthy, I am slamming a diet dr. pepper as I type. I know it's not great for me, but I am hitting the wall and I need a little pick me up.

On a different note, the weekend was a bit short with our special event taking up most of the afternoon and evening on Saturday. When we have weekend events I always just feel my days are off, I woke up today (monday) much more tired than usual. We did get to plant our first little garden yesterday. Tatum helped me and it is cute. I just want to get some big trees planted soon. Dan raked the dead grass up with this machine (I am sure it has a name but I have no idea what it is) and then watered and seeded the back and front yard. The landscaping is looking good, but I still have many things I want to do inside and outside the house. But with no credit cards and following or trying to follow the Dave Ramsey plan, we restrict ourselves much more on the extras.

The other good news is the weather is AMAZING.......76 degrees and feelin' great. Cheers to a great week to everyone.

Tank tops and flip flops

2010-04-06T12:57:00.000-07:00

One thing, among many, that the parenting book doesn't prepare you for is the fashion crisis that you will be thrown violently into when your daughter/son feel their apparel is not 'of code.' Now, if you know me at all, you can probably imagine that my response isn't "oh honey, you can wear whatever you want." My kids do NOT run the show. But, I do attempt to keep them looking fly on the cheap if possible. Tatum only wants to wear bedazzled tank tops, flip flops, skirts with shorts underneath (for recess purposes) and now she is in the hair in a pony tail phase. She will walk into my closet in the morning while i am getting ready and say things like.."OHHHH, I wish I WAS a mommy, then I could wear nice jewels and high heels, and short sleeve shirts with sweaters.....!!!" And all I can think is R U KIDDING ME??? I would take your flip flops, jeans, and sneakers any day of the week! There was also the pajama meltdown last night. I don't want to re-live it, let's just say it was dramatic. While Tatum is going to break me (or my bank account) with her wardrobe, Dalton may quite literally eat me out of house and home. It's like his legs are hollow, I have never seen food consumption at that level for that size human being. He eats two breakfasts, two lunches, two snacks, all his dinner and usually two more snacks. He is going through a growth spurt and I know it...I can't imagine how much he will eat when he is 16!!!! I love those little people more than anything in the world!

Back for more torture....

2010-03-29T12:36:00.000-07:00

It was another torture day of strength training. If you are looking for something that really kicks your butt into shape then do this GTS machine combined with a teacher who is pretty hard core and you will see what I mean. I got there and the ladies were giving me grief because I didn't have much weight on the bar, so they bumped me up and (all in jest of course and I was giving it back to them :) they were saying things like "you are young! Come on add more weight!" I really did a pretty good job, but the a couple of the arm workouts KILL me. My left arm is just not as strong as my right arm, and with sports injuries, dislocated elbows, etc. I struggle with that. It's 30 minutes of intense hard cardio/strength training.

I walked out and my whole body had the shakes, but I guess no pain no gain right? The good news is it's getting nice out and I want to look my best for summer, so I guess this is the way to do it!

Germs

2010-03-16T08:28:00.000-07:00

I really...really.....really hate to be sick. I also hate when my kids are sick or anyone I know is sick. This weekend started with Tatum getting a fever and then finding out her little buddy Connor (who has diabetes) was rushed to the ER after a day of the flu in a diabetic coma. It was terrifying. I 'started' to feel a little off Saturday night, but didn't think much of it. I went to go visit Connor and his family up on the Peds floor here at Cox, just to check on him. Bless his heart he was so sick. He did smile at me when I walked in, and I could see that he was so weak. They had to put his IV in his neck, his little veins in his arms wouldn't work. After leaving there, I started to REALLY.. REALLY feel bad. Then I felt even worse. What if I was sick and was up there on the PEDS floor? Anyway, I started on my regime of OTC drugs to help my terrible chest cold. I actually slept all day yesterday. I have extreme OCD in some cases and it was killing me to be away from work this close to an event. But I had to make a mature decision. Get better now or later....and I can't afford to be sick later this week! I feel better today. Tatum is better today, and her little buddy Connor went home today. So that is the best news of all.

It's like what Dalton said.... "I know STUPID, isn't a very nice word, but sometimes things are just stupid"

Well, I think germs that make us sick are STUPID.......and I don't care if it's not a nice word :)

I hope everyone out there steers clear of this stupid virus that is going around!

Death by Strength Training

2010-03-08T11:37:00.000-08:00

I always thought of myself as somewhat 'strong.' Like I can carry heavier stuff than most chicks, maybe it's that I am just cocky and think I am stronger. Maybe b/c I was very athletic growing up and I have attempted to keep that, not sure but today was the 'torture day.' So many people do the GTS classes and they love them. I really hope I get there.........I do my usual workouts but this is something altogether different. I didn't even add weights today and I am dying. It's 30 minutes of INTENSE EVERYTHING. I can't even explain it, except I think I might have fooled the instructor and she thinks I am 'a natural' or something. I AM NOT. I can barely move, tomorrow and the next day will be worse. I was worried even walking out of the gym to my car. That I would pass out. It's muscles I am CERTAIN should not be used for anything. So I get to the car. Then I start to feel sick, like really it's going to just come flying out of me. I then realize PROBABLY why. For a portion of this time you are basically laying upside down at times and I have terrible motion sickness, so I think that is what caused me to feel sick. I got back to my office, threw up (water), and felt better. Just like if I get motion sick in a car. Same thing, get sick feel better. I know if I continue this class for the next 8 weeks I will look JUST like a gorgeous celebrity, so I guess there is that.......ha!

That MIGHT have happened if I hadn't inhaled a subway like a ravished pig. More later...

2010-03-03T18:20:00.001-08:00

Happiness

2010-02-18T07:46:00.000-08:00

2010 has been a year for changes for the Rice Family. We now have very little debt, we are paying things off, and it just FEELS GOOD. I guess when you start out on the roller coaster of marriage, law school, kids, moving, jobs, etc. etc. you just have no choice but to be at the mercy of craziness. Dan taking a new job with Jack Henry as corporate counsel was an amazing thing that happened in the past year. What a wonderful company, a huge raise and little to no travel! My job continues to be my job, I like what I do, ready for some new challenges and I am not shy about sharing that with ANYBODY......in this econony I think I am pretty lucky though.....

I do however wish to lose about 10 pounds. I NEED to do this for myself, I will feel so much better.....the first order of business is the calories at night time. I am great throughout the day, but that is where I am weak. I do eat healthy though!

I also have two amazing kiddos that just impress me everyday. They are smart, funny and getting so big. Tatum is becoming such a girl. She is very much into her hair and clothes these days. She wants to have short hair.....I want her to keep her hair long. She brings me pictures in today of the hair style she wants....UM NO KATE GOSSELIN you will not have that hair style....EVER...

Dalton continues to fight the bad guys and is learning a LOT from his sissy. She reads to him all the time and he is starting to write much better. He is only 4, but the earlier we get him going the more advanced he will be like his sister.

Dan is wonderful. I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful husband. I look around and I see all these men who are just horrible to their wives, have put them through so much, etc. and I feel so lucky!!! This is happiness.....now to just drop those pounds!!!!

Oh, how can I leave out my friends and family and my sweet dog Buttons. (who chewed another hole in the crotch of my good pants).....let's not talk about that; I am talking strictly about happiness and that did not make Lindsay HAPPY at all.

For crying out loud

2010-02-09T12:50:00.000-08:00

I think (I'm sure) I blogged about the 'toe incident of 2009.' Tatum and the door of The Meyer Center didn't agree. She had only her leotard on for her gymnastics class and her poor little naked toe was sliced and smashed in a horrible way, I was there, it was horrible. I was certain the nail would fall off but after almost 3 months, it simply grew out. Now, the dead part was still on there and needed to be cut off....but to a six year old, heck to a fully grown adult, that was scary. We negotiated, and begged and pleaded and she finally lost her cookies and was wailing "NO FOR CRYING OUT LOUD, NO DO NNNNOOOOOTTTT CUT IT, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD" ---I'm thinking..yeah, literally.

"DON'T CUT THE STINKIN' TOE NAIL MAMA, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD"

I am not sure if it was her yelling this, or if it was the 'stinkin' part but I had to turn away and not laugh, she would have been even madder if I had laughed.

That night, while she slept her daddy and I snuck in and clipped it off. She woke up the next day and was like a new woman. She was so excited to have that 'STINKIN' toe nail off. It's perfect timing too, she has a date with her dad for the father/daughter dance this Friday and she needs to be in tip top shape to boogy down; they have a dj and everything for crying out loud. Awesome.

The Body Wrap Questions.....

2010-02-05T07:29:00.000-08:00

I am VERY ready for this week of work to be over. It seems to be dragging on. And on. Tomorrow the agenda is: take Buttons to the vet for shots, run by a boutique to check out their stuff, cable guy coming (between 8 a.m.-12 p.m) I always love that, they give you a four hour window and usually show up about 12:15! I am sure we will play, go to the store and then off to a friend's house for sushi!! I am a little mad at myself for not losing a few pounds before my birthday weekend with Maggie next weekend, but oh well. I am doing this body wrap at a local spa here called 'slenderquest' has anyone ever heard of it? If so, have you done one and does it work? I googled it and it seems to be the real deal. I am working with the spa director over there on some community partner advertising and flipped through their brochure and saw this treatment and it caught my attention. I guess they spray you down, slather you in this mud product then wrap you tightly for awhile......I don't know, it sounds pretty rough! But I will give it a shot. I guess you really have to drink a LOT of water, so that will be my goal next Thursday...then I am off to KC for my Maggie weekend.

Buttons Rice

2010-02-01T13:35:00.000-08:00

Last Christmas Santa (well an elf of his that lives close, is retired, etc.) helped bring Buttons the wee little dog into our lives, and although we weren't totally sure before we had her, she is absolutely precious. She is smart, sweet, LOVES to snuggle, she is just good all around. There is just this one problem. The peeing and the pooping. She did better when it was warm out and she could run around outside, but she is stinking up the carpets badly. We are going to put wood floors in the living room and study, that will help, but it won't fix the problem. We did the crate thing and (though I guess it's rare) she will still pee and poop in there too, so then we come home to a massive disaster every night. We put her in a bathroom, toys, water, etc. she chewed up the sides of the door. It's frustrating, when the stinch of pee hits your nose...yuck. We have steam cleaned the carpets several times too!!!!!! I feel like a bad adoptive parent that hasn't done right by my baby. Maybe we should hire a pet therapist.

Dude...where's my car?

2010-01-25T12:14:00.000-08:00

I mean really.....is it just me? I have 'where is my car dementia.' I leave walmart, come out with 25 bags of stuff, it's bitterly cold and I walk the parking lot for-EVER trying to find the damn car. What is the deal? It's not like I have 7 cars in my collection, I drive a black explorer most of the time, or a silver audi...I really must have looked like a fool today leaving target. It's over lunch I was in there for less than 20 minutes and it wasn't like the parking lot was packed. I luckily had only a few bags, but the wind feels like ice going through you and I truly could NOT for the life of me remember where I parked. Some older gentleman must have been watching me because he pulled up in his old cadi and asked if I needed help finding my car.

Hi little girl, want a piece of candy?? NO WAY...I am not getting in a stranger's car, even if I do look like a fool. I was shivering but graciously declined. I don't want to end up at the bottom of a lake :)

I did find my car, but it took about 5-10 full minutes before I felt it was safe to use my frozen hands to actually navigate driving back to work.

I am ready for the day to be done, go home and make some salmon with lemon and fresh dill, asparagus, etc. play with cheech and chong and watch some dexter.

I am a little ticked off at the wee daschund, Buttons scratched the bathroom door up very badly and so now she is back in her crate during the day until she can win back my trust, that is for a later post.

A Bright Future

2010-01-20T08:42:00.000-08:00

I am feeling so good about things. For one thing finances. Listen, I got married when I was barely 23, had Tatum 5 days after my first anniversary, and have moved 5 times or so in the past 7 years. Dan in law school, school debt, daycare debt, etc. you get what I am saying. It has been overwhelming, but with some great consolidations, we are going to be coming out so far ahead and that is very exciting. We both have pretty good jobs, well Dan has a GREAT JOB, and together we do quite well, but when you look at how young we were with kids, and moving, and school, it all added up quickly. But the light is there and we are really going places!!! We have great families too that have helped us out, babysitting, etc. along the way and that has made a huge difference. For example, this weekend will be the THIRD working weekend for me and Dan helps and so that means the THIRD weekend that the kids have to stay with one set of grandparents. We are lucky to have them around to help out with that.

Now I am looking at a little over a year and no car payments,,,,WOW!!!! This is all sounding so great to me right now. I have made financial mistakes in the past but frugal has been our attitude for quite awhile now, and it will pay off in the end. Now, if only I could get a raise, then I would be sitting pretty :) !!!!!

The other thing I am excited about is my girls weekend in KC with my BFF Maggie in a few weeks! OH MY I need to get in tip top shape for this b/c we plan to look GOOD!!!! She has it all planned and I am along for the wild ride and that is going to be fun. I am so blessed to have her in my life,,Maggie I LOVE YOU!!! Can I lose 8 pounds in 3 weeks? I doubt it, but let's give it a shot.......!

It's Thursday....

2010-01-14T12:24:00.000-08:00

Not much to comment about today.....I am pretty much wrapped up on this weekend's upcoming event, the t's are crossed the lower case j's are dotted, etc. so hopefully it goes well. I feel special event-ed out these days....! I am hungry, that silly diet frozen lunch didn't cut it, and now I am faced with major hunger!!!

My good friend Dave sent me this pic I am going to post yesterday....how funny is that??

Re-thinking things...

2010-01-07T08:47:00.000-08:00

It must be the timing in my life, but I am in the middle of re-thinking things. In my career I mean, I have decided to keep Dan, Tatum, Dalton and Buttons!! :) Do you ever have that 'what will I be when I grow up' feeling? I sure do, although I have truly enjoyed what I do for the past 6 years, I am thinking it's time for a change. Where that will lead me? I have no idea.....will it be in 2010? Don't know that either......what I do know is that I need to be challenged, use my creativity, etc. I know I have a big personality, and that intimidates many people, but mostly I just feel passionate about what I am doing/saying.

My thoughts for Thursday!!!

Here is what I do know:
1.) You don't have to be a jerk to be a good leader, you have to care about people, be fair, be consistent, and always work hard.
2.) You aren't better or certainly smarter than me, or the guy that just walked across the street, so stop acting like it, I hate big egos.
3.) God will always take care of those who have a good heart and do his will......I don't see as much of that as I wish I did......
4.) I know personally I need to watch my mouth,,, it's a liability :)
5.) I truly think you only have a handful of true friends in life. These are people who would be there for you for anything....they don't care about your status, your job, your weight, your car or how many square feet your house is, they just love you---everyone else is in the 'acquaintance' category......

Adios 2009

2009-12-31T06:41:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it's almost scary to think that the year 2010 is here. I guess I think about the last 10 years, and then the next 10 years and I wonder where I will be with my career, my kids will be 16 and 14 (Holy *&^%)......and I will be 40. Crazy. Right now I need to focus on this coming year and all the things I want to do, change, etc. I am very lucky. I have these two brilliant children, they are having trouble controlling the VOLUME OF THEIR voices recently, but I think that has a lot to do with being in school and having 20 other kids around to vie for the teacher's attention.

Christmas 2009 was good, the mom and the dad didn't get much, but that is okay, b/c it's mostly about the kids. And they had so much fun. They got just what they wanted and were thrilled, it was so cute to see their faces. Even Buttons the dog got all the way hooked up by Santa. It even almost snowed a little bit. I so miss snow, here in SW MO, we just don't see snow like the old days.

My New Year's Resolution is to get into great shape, drop a few pounds and be more positive. I know that sounds funny but I really think it's something that most people should strive for; life throws curves and it's hard to stay positive sometimes but I am going to give it my best shot. Also, I want to not stress over the things (and people) that I simply can't change. Being the first born, type A, etc. etc. I seem to fall into the 'control' category, if I feel something is out of my control I kinda lose my cookies, so here is to straight up CHILLING out.

Wishing you all a happy and safe New Year......p.s. I will NOT change my wicked sense of humor and amazing wit......ha!

Baby, it is COLD outside.........

2009-12-09T09:44:00.000-08:00

It was downright cold this morning when we all woke up! The kids, bless their hearts, want to have snow so deperately and so the few flurries we had were SO exciting to them. Unlike all our friends that live up north, we don't get to see snow much at all here, so even flurries are exciting! Dan, Dalton and I got our H1N1 vaccines this a.m., Dalton had the shot and we had the mist. Yuck, I hated it. No more mist for me, shots only. It has made me feel weird and I don't like that. Dalton was so brave, I was proud of him.

I have to go to the dr. today for my check-up. I have severe white coat syndrome, which is weird since I love the medical world, google surgeries and wish I had gone to med school myself. When it comes to ME though, uh I'd rather pass on getting jabbed and nabbed. And I HATE getting weighed. HATE IT.

My goal is to try a detox diet for 4 weeks, and see how that makes me feel. Fresh fruit, veggies mostly is what I need to aspire to. That won't be easy, b/c although I eat mostly very healthy, I have trouble getting fruits and veggies in :(

I have started back on a very regular exercise regime. This time around, I am doing longer cardio intervals with less resistance and doing weights with lots of reps and low weight. I need to tone, NOT build biceps Tina Turner.

The other thing is water. I have a love and hate relationship with water. I KNOW it's the best thing for me, and sometimes I crave it, but there is this other beverage that makes my heart palpitate, his name is Diet Cherry DP, and he "looks like a cool drink of water, but he's candy coated misery."

I know the holiday season is a hard time to be health conscience, but I think I am up to the challenge!!!

Sit back and be happy...........

2009-11-27T12:07:00.000-08:00

I am at work today. Taking a little break from the ty cards I was writing to committee members, and since NO ONE is working in this whole building (the day after Thanksgiving) but me and some girls here, it's quiet to say the least. My phone rang three times, Dan 2 times and the wrong number once, so I thought I would jump on and write a few things down.

Life can be so stressful; we get caught up in buying all this stuff for Christmas, and keeping up with the next guy and I just don't think we (including myself at the top of this list), just sit back and think about how lucky we are. I am truly blessed. I have two amazingly smart, healthy, wonderful, beautiful children, a husband who adores me, and would do anything for his family, and my extended family too, whom I love very much. I also have friends that are TRUE friends. They aren't about appearances, they are loyal, dependable and wonderful all the way around.

Last but not least, I have God. I know he is there, but sometimes when life gets to be too much, I seem to forget he also loves me, is loyal, dependable and wonderful all the way around.
This Thanksgiving I am thankful for all these people in my life who make me a better person, and a God who has compassion and love for all of us and who sacrificed the most precious thing, his Son for all of us.

Here is to a Happy, healthy holiday to you all. May you sit back and be happy.......................

Toe-tally unexpected

2009-11-23T09:08:00.000-08:00

Tatum was getting dressed for gymnastics the other day and didn't have her shoes or socks on, she opened the door and the massive door sliced her second toe on her right foot very badly, I thought the toe nail was off, it was black almost immediately and I though for sure the toe was broken. She bled all over the place and I picked her up and ran out to the car with her and over to pediatric urgent care. 3.5 hours later the radiologist FINALLY got around to reading the x-ray and she had no breaks; Dan took her by mcdonald's (she was starving), and home. I really thought the worst part would be the cleaning of the toe, bandaging it, and all of that. But she was such a trooper, she stuck her foot in the water and was really great about it all. I stayed home with her on Monday, I was just worried about it, she didn't wear a shoe for 3 days and today wore flip flops!

The one thing that is great is that since she had to sit around so much, it gave her ample time to write Santa Claus numerous letters......for her and on behalf of her little brother.

She wants a nintendo DS, and she is adament about that......along with 10 other things, at least.

Dalton would love a Castle Gray Skull and something else and lizard man, and a 'rideable cow'

I tried to explain that Santa doesn't bring everything, I even told Tatum that the DS is pretty expensive and she smiled and said 'THAT IS the GREAT thing, you don't have to worry about it, Santa will take care of it"

Uh huh. Same thing with the Castle Gray Skull, which hasn't been made since 1987, alas not to worry mom, Santa has some pretty crafty elves on his team and they can make "anything mommy, ANYTHING"

Uh huh. Shhhhewwww, I am glad Santa has all these connections and knows how to get the best stuff around.

P.S. I tried to take a picture of the toe, but she told me absolutely NOT, I would NOT take a picture of her toe, so do NOT even try. I don't like to be threatened and she meant business so no pictures were taken, but let's just say it wasn't pretty.

There's a New Moon tonight

2009-11-18T08:11:00.000-08:00

I did this with Lord of the Rings; I knew that for 4 consecutive years, in December, a new Lord of the Rings movie would come out. It was exciting. Now, I would NEVER compare Tolkien to The Twilight Series author Stephanie Meyer, but move over Harry Potter, the vampires are in TOWN.

It's addicting. Sure, the fan base it mostly female, and I will admit that the romance crap out there, lovey dovey...kissy huggy movies are not my top pick. BUT....mix some hot vampires, a few werewolves in there and you have a recipe for success. It's hard to not get caught up in the poor girl in love with a vampire who struggles to protect her, whilst also trying desperately NOT to kill her...then he leaves her....she is hollow....clings to new guy friend (werewolf---and hot), then werewolf falls for her, and OH MY WORD she finds herself in a bloodsucking hairy love triangle. SIGN.ME.UP.

Movie #2 (New Moon) opens tomorrow night. I sure hope there are some tickets left for the weekend because I have seen the trailer several times and SQQUUUEEALLLLL....I am pumped.

Back, from a long absense

2009-11-13T12:40:00.000-08:00

It has been far too long since I have posted on our blog. No great excuses, just that I am so busy I do not know which end is up....

Everyone seems to be doing well in the House of Rice. Wait! Well, I guess anyone who reads this already knows this, but Dan got a new job with Jack Henry, an awesome company with their home office here. He is now 'corporate consel' it's exciting. He now wears jeans every day to work, had better hours and makes more $$$.....pretty cool all the way around.

We are also coaching, and I say that term loosely, Dalton's indoor soccer team. 5 girls and 3 boys, 3 & 4 years, old, it's a riot, although Dalton seems to not be that into it. I have no idea why, he is bigger stronger and faster than all of them, but unless he is playing goalie, he's not happy.

My brain is fried, and tired. This week beat me up and tossed me around, so I am MORE than happy to welcome the weekend!

The only thing that is freaking me out is Christmas. I love it, the decor, the food, the festivities, etc. what I do not like is the stress of some parts of it, but for whatever reason, I do not feel like it is 6 weeks away, and lo and behold it IS. I have NO idea what to do for the kids, NO idea.
I will figure something out, I always do.

Happy weekend to everyone.

Oh crap, was that today?

2009-10-13T14:08:00.000-07:00

One of my co-workers sent forwarded me an email that I just laughed so hard that I can't get it out of my mind. It's a picture of two dinosaurs on the shore and Noah and his ARK have sailed on into the distance, and the caption from one of the dinosaurs is: "Oh crap, was that today?"

It is PERFECT. It is my life in fact. Okay, for one thing, I have to brag and say with everything going on, I rarely forget anything BIG....knock on wood. That said, I have several 'oh crap that was today' moments.

I awoke to the sound of Tatum in the bathroom. She is 6 now, and well, she likes to take a nice hot shower in the morning----this child has been up at the crack of dawn since the very beginning. SO I hear her talking to her daddy in there saying that today WAS in fact 'wear your school shirt day' and her shirt was red with white letters, but she couldn't bring herself to wear her black long sleeve shirt underneath it! AHA! I jumped up and walked in and said,

"I BOUGHT YOU A NEW long sleeve white shirt on Sunday!!" I so rocked for remembering that one. :)

This morning I took Dalton to get his flu shot. But I did NOT say anything about it. NO need to fret for an entire hour before it happens. So we pull up and he says very happily, "OH MOMMY, do I have an ear infection? Strep throat? Fever?"

I said no, he just kept on walking happily with me. Then we get in and fill out the information, and he goes nicely over to the nurse, whom I happen to know too. She asks him his name, and how old he is:

"Dalton Patrick Rice, and I just turned 4"

She says which arm, and then asks to see his strong mucscles. HE SMILED and said "SURE!!"

Then she looked at me as he sat on my lap and picked out his candy and I nodded to just DO THIS THING!!! Wow, she said, you are brave and she stuck him. He didn't even flinch. He sat there, everyone roared with applause (okay people clapped), and the nurse announced he was probably the bravest boy she had ever seen.

Dalton is NOT a humble child, he knows quite well he is cute and brave, he moonlights as a super hero for crying out loud!!!

Well after that he chats non-stop

"I KNOW I was brave, it still was a shot though, mommy, did you see it? I rea--yee big one, and I was so good, so good. Mommy can I have pancakes and eggies? I know how we make chocolate milk, we take milk and put brown sugar in it, and shake it as hard as we can, that's how mommy...mommy, do you like shots? Mommy, did you cry when you had a shot? Mommy can we call Tatum and tell her I had a shot and didn't cry at ALL? Mommy can I have pancakes and eggies? (insert that one 4 times).

What a kid.

Sick? I'm not sick....I am NOT SICK.

2009-10-02T12:45:00.000-07:00

I am sick. I have this weird thing about me, it's the I-don't-get-sick-like-the-rest-of-you-people,,,,thing. It's totally cocky, and well guess what, I GUESS I DO GET SICK, B/C THIS WEEK has been HORRIBLE. It started last week with Tatum getting strep and bronchitis, then it just got worse. Going out didn't help either on Saturday, but once again, I laugh in the general DI-REC-TION of sick ahahahaha......the last laugh was on me this time. Cuz I got SICK.

No, I don't have the swine, penguin, dog, parrot or beta flu. This thing started as the tightness in your chest, then the horrible nasty cough, headache, eye aches, sinus aches, body aches, that sent me to the Dr., to determine that I had a severe sinus infection, two ear infection (what the?), and bronchitis. She kept temping me, and although my temperature was a lowly 97.7, she couldn't believe it, and also that I was walking upright and making conversation. She said it was my youth (I almost french kissed her for saying that).....kidding,,,,,,and the fact that I was in good shape (arguable at this point), that had prevented me from basically being in the hospital.

That was Tuesday. I had just come off a LONG day after a BIG event on Monday, and off I went to Walgreens. A LOT of $$$ later, my bag was filled with generic this and antibiotic that......HOLY CROW, I was thinking, I am going to end up like Michael Jackson, or River Phoenix, or WORSE....Heath Ledger, if I take all this stuff. But I took what I was supposed to,,,and then I coughed. And felt worse.

Wednesday....no better, Dalton has strep throat now (but somehow feels just FINE), so I awake to quite a sight. Dan has LEFT ME ALONE WITH THIS MAD SCIENTIST,,,aka DALTON. Dan headed off early to work and took Tatum with him, leaving Disaster Patrick Rice, (also the love of my life), alone to 'HELP' his mama. Or so those were his instructions when last his father left him. Here is what I do know:

1.) He knew 'mommy is sick' so take care of her. So, he sprang into action.

A.) He went to the play room, quickly took off all his clothes (General Hospital?), and put on his doctor's jacket. Then quickly grabbed his dr. kit, he had a sick patient for crying out LOUD!! --Very sick I might add.

2.) I awake to him rolling me over on my back (college) hee hee....and strandling me.

"MOMMY, YOU ARE GOING TO BE ALL BETTER SOON....BUT YOU WILL HAVE TO HAVE SOME SHOTS, OPEN YOUR MOUTH."

I just did what he said, I was THAT tired and worn out to fight him. He shot me here and thumped me there, and pushed me and pulled me, I felt like Maverick in Top Gun during round one of flight school.

Somehow the attack stopped, he mumbled that I needed to go to the hospital straight away, and that 'This looks really bad.' Then Dr. Dalton got bored and moved on to the next thing. Which was the game Battleship...ALL OVER ME AND MY bed. I got up, dazed and hazed and coughing up actual parts of what I swear HAD to be part of my lungs, and we got dressed and played to the best of my ability.

Convincing him of a nap was not easy, but I fell asleep before him in his bed and he finally did get a bit of a nap. That was a long night!!!! I am still coughing, it's getting OLD FAST, but okay I am humbled to the fact that I too can get this sick. I might just even start taking those vitamins a little bit more regularly. Because I have found that NOT having a voice makes it really hard to yell at your kids like you should :) Ha! Thank goodness it is Friday. A word to the wise, wash your hands and lysol the crap out of everything you have, you do NOT want what I just had.

Here are some pictures of Dalton from school. It's like, are you kidding me? What a pimp!

The Workout

2009-09-11T13:08:00.000-07:00

I have been working out religiously for the past 3 years or so. I am not bragging, but I always considered myself an athlete, or athletic, strong, etc. And just take a look at some high school pictures of me and I AM BIG. BIG MUSCLES,,,not attractive really.

Fast forward a few years, (does one even COUNT college?) HA!! And before I knew it, I was 23 and pregnant. I gained 76 pounds with Tatum, and then 53 pounds with Dalton; point being that's rough on the body. I handled the recovery okay, lost most of the weight over time, but now at the Dirty 30, I can see that I am working TEN times harder at looking good, and maybe it's old age just catching up with me. Today I did 30 minutes of HARD resistance on the elliptical, 20 minutes spinning, then lifted with a trainer. It felt good, but it was hard work. I like a challenge. My challenge is to look better than I have in my whole life, or at least be in the best shape possible. I have some work to do, but I am dedicated.

I am also realistic, I don't always WANT to be, but the bottom line is I am NOT Heidi Klum, gorgeous and 6 feet tall. Just wasn't in the genetics. So I have to work with what I have, embrace the curves (and there are MANY of them), and be okay with this one and only body I have.

I fell victim to society's views on beauty and a lot of us girls have at one point, but I realized a LONG time ago, no one thinks Ashly and Mary Kate Olsen look anything but hungry and tired, and that's just not the way to live.

More importantly, I have a daughter that I want to raise to have a healthy self image, and THAT is the most important thing to me. Oh, I also want her to know that Brunettes DO have more fun,,,just ask her mama :)

Happy Friday!

Superman's Birthday Party

2009-08-31T11:51:00.000-07:00

What a great weekend we had! The weather was amazing, and Dalton had the best birthday party ever! We had it at The Discovery Center downtown, and I was very impressed. There was a little room (perfect size) with two long tables and little chairs and plenty of space to put napkins, plates, etc. out for the kiddos. Of course we started off with pizza and juice and then dug into the Superman cake....

Thank you to everyone who came and had fun with us! And thanks so much for the great gifts, we have great friends and family, and so generous!!

I have MANY other great pictures on facebook, if you would like to take a look!!!

Our Angel turns 4

2009-08-27T08:35:00.000-07:00

At exactly 8:32 a.m. this morning, my sweet Dalton Patrick turned 4 years old. I can NOT believe it. Time has gone by so fast. I remember every detail. The moment I saw him, how BIG he was, how perfect he was, how sweet he was. He attacked me immediately and started nursing, and as I had fallen in love with Tatum at first sight, I fell in love with him, and as I sit here today, my eyes are filled with tears of love for my angels, but also I have some tears of sadness. I don't think it is a coincidence that Dalton was born (2 weeks early) on the anniversary of my father's death. My dad died August 27th, 1994, and Dalton was born August 27th, 2005.
A day of sadness but also now a day of happiness.

His big party is this weekend, and he can not wait!

Happy Birthday my sweet angel baby.....

So much going on.....

2009-08-19T14:31:00.001-07:00

I watched this cool movie the other night "Taken" with Liam Neeson.....WOW, it was good. The problem is, I haven't been able to stop thinking how great I would have been in the CIA....oh yes, that is right...running around kicking butt, shooting stuff, wearing crazy clothes to lure in the bad guys.....shooting more stuff, using my kung fu moves to ax someone.....alas I am a fundraiser....not NEARLY as much action, but oh well.

Moving on, Tatum starts 1st grade tomorrow, AND SHE IS SO EXCITED. We met her teacher today and she is all ready to go. One problem, she has her dress picked out and tomorrow is PE day, well screw that, she is just bringing her shoes to change into, a lady doesn't get a 1st day at 1st grade but once, and she is going to be all glammed out. We brought the teacher some flowers (I know, what a kiss up) and then I also bought tons of glue sticks, I guess they never have enough. But tomorrow, we will bring all our supplies and start our new experience. She talked and talked on the way over today about how great it will be to have music, and technology, and art again. I am so proud of her and how much she LOVES school.

Dalton. He will be 4 a week from tomorrow. Doesn't seem possible. His Super Hero party will be at the Discovery Center and he will be dressed at SuperMan, he can NOT wait. Every night before bed he just giggles to himself with anticipation.

I have been running and working out quite a bit, but to my total horror, I haven't lost any weight. I just want to look like a STUD, so I am still working on it.

Happy HUMP day.......

Am I dreaming this?

2009-08-03T13:09:00.000-07:00

Wasn't there a tv show in the 80's or 90's called THIRTY SOMETHING????!!!!! I was just sitting here and laughing to myself after some dancing that we did the other night with friends and how even though I still 'BROUGHT IT' eh hem......that it HUUURT much more the next day than I ever remembered hurting after busting a move.

Shawty got LOW.

Anyway, I will probably have to google this now, this "Thirty Something" but I don't think I am making it up.

I might even have to google 'Alf' to see if that is just a horrible memory or if I made that one up too.

Like not Love

2009-07-22T07:18:00.000-07:00

I seem to mostly post about Tatum and Dalton; to the four people who ever read this, I am sure you don't mind too much, since you probably think they are cool little people like I do. Tatum has been such a big girl lately. We did have an incident last week. She has been asking to wear dresses to school, she is fixing her hair, and wearing her wedge flip flops, (because they are closer to heels then anything she has)......and it's all over a boy. Named Eric. That's all we know. Oh, and she wrote on the dry erase board "I love Eric....." we told her no, she only loved her family, she liked her friend. So she changed it to "I like Eric." Much better. I am in the process of doing a background check on him. Little bugger was born, appr. 2003, hasn't dated much, still lives at home, can ride a bike without training wheels, and has almost mastered shoe string tying......interesting. *By the way, I am kidding about everything except his name :)

Deep Thoughts........

2009-07-16T10:53:00.000-07:00

Dalton is quite a little man. He is very smart and very funny. He has been called impish by so many people. His imagination (along with Tatum's).....I am in awe of, not to mention his tireless energy. So after school the other day I took him to get take out. As we waited for our food, he sat up on the high bar stools and put his little face in his hands. I asked him what he was thinking about and the conversation went like this......................

L: kiss kiss kiss.... "What are you thinking about little D?"

D: "Well, it's a secret."

L: "But I am your best friend."

D: nothing.....

L: I cleared my throat and made a funny face...."Mama is your best friend you can tell me a secret."

D: Well, ok. Tell me, if Superman and Batman are both good guys, and they can both fly, then why IN THE WORLD, does batman have to wear a mask and superman doesn't.

L: Well, knock me off the stool and call me spanky, that is a GREAT QUESTION.

L: "Honey, I will have to really think about it, that is a great question."

D: "I know, Grant and Sylas and Ethan want to know too" (there are the cool kids in the sunshine class).

The unanswered questions hovered over us until the chef showed us how he made Dalton's brick oven pizza, and the 'inequality of super heroes question' seemed to be forgotten, for now anyway.

What a wonderful place to be. A place in your head, where you are truly concentrating on Batman and Superman's differences. Awesome.

By the way, he is a great date, never ends up paying for anything, but he knows how to have a great time. And he loves older women, lucky for me :)

25 things about me, you probably could care less about......

2009-07-08T09:39:00.000-07:00

I know that I am on an island BY myself when it comes to one thing: I do not LOVE summer. It seems that saying that around here is about as dangerous as putting an Obama sticker on your car in rural Arkansas. But it is what it is. I have never been a sun worshipping chick, probably because I usually have darker skin year round then most people I know, a bonus. But at the end of the day, I just don't seem to fit in with the hot sweaty summer lovin crowd. Don't get me wrong I love nice weather, but the four+ months of nasty hot MO weather with bugs and flies and mosquitos, yuck yuck yuck.

I crave fall weather. I just love it. It seems like the air is cleaner somehow. I have no idea why I felt the need to rant on about that, except I keep getting these '25 things about Me' emails from my friends, and I thought I would post mine. Here is goes:

1.) I gained 76 pounds when I was pregnant with Tatum and 53 with Dalton. Girl you HUGE.
2.) I am terrified of revolving doors and staircases that are very long. Both of which I have fallen in or on and it hurt. Badly.
3.) When I was little my grandpa told us the coolest stories,,,,and I also thought my grandparents were rich because they ALWAYS had the strawberry pop tarts with the frosting.
4.) I used to be so bummed that I didn't have blue eyes and blonde hair. I am totally okay with it now that I am older, I accept myself the way I am.
5.) I don't like chocolate, and I LOVE to cook.
6.) I could eat sushi every day.
7.) I am fiercly loyal to my family and friends.
8.) I. LOVE. THE UFC.
9.) If I could still have my family just like it is, I would have gone to medical school. Who googles surgeries at the Mayo Clinic in their down time?
10.) Trust me, I know just about every lyric to every song. Ever. And I will sing it to you, just ask me.
11.) I want a tattoo, but I don't have one.
12.) I had a pet chicken growing up named Gwen that I used to bring in the house and hold in a dish towel like a baby. I have pictures to prove it.
13.) I was on a Children's TV show called Romper Room.
14.) When I was 5 I had incephalitis, and for all practical purposes should have not made it, but I did, and I am so grateful for that.
15.) At my 8th grade birthday party, I had my first kiss with my boyfriend named Billy. This isn't interesting except my parents saw the whole thing, and I was traumatized for a long time.
*Billy ran home that night. Literally ran all the way home.
16.) I want bigger boobs, they left after kids never to be seen again.
17.) I can't roller skate. I can roller blade but not the old fashioned kind, they scare me.
18.) I was PLATINUM blonde the summer of 1999.
19.) I think..I know I can be intimidating to people sometimes.
20.) If someone has the hook up, it's usually me.
21.) I still want my mom to be proud of me.
22.) I have really flat feet but they are still cute.
23.) If I know you, I know when your birthday is, I have it memorized.
24.) Diet Cherry Dr. Pepper is the most amazing product of 2009.
25.) I will take a scary movie over romantic comedies any day of the week.

I look at this list and think, who really cares? Why did I write this? Oh well, now you know how weird I really am :)

Thriller.....

2009-06-26T11:45:00.000-07:00

Look, I am not going to blog about WHAT AN AMAZING MAN Michael Jackson was, because unless you live under a large rock, in the last 15 years this guy has gone wiggidy wiggidy whack. He named his kids prince this and prince that, etc. BUT, you can not ignore his musical/artistic genius from the early days at least. I mean ABC,,,it's easy as 123,,,,it's simple as Do Re Me, ABC,,,123...baby you and ME GIRL!!!!!

I wasn't even born yet....and then came THRILLER. It was amazing. Don't you remember that video? Michael was still black, and actually a good looking guy, it was such a scary video to a girl that is 4!!!!!! But like a moth to the flame I was hooked!! Now my brother won't admit it, but when it came on he ran behind the couch and hid, (*sidebar, just ask my mom, he did this also when the wicked witch of the west was on Wizard of Oz,,,,,YES YOU DID MATT...hahahahaha!!). Anyway, the album was amazing. I knew every word to all the songs. I performed them, which if you know me at ALL, you are not surprised one bit by this. I remember that album cover, yes kids,,, we actually had massive record albums back then. Michael was in all white with this tiger with him and it was so cool. I had this little blue record player in my room, it was the BOMB!!!

The King of Pop died yesterday, again this is not a tribute or anything to him personally, but his music did make an incredible impact. From the Jackson 5 days to Black or White in the early 90's....... I loved his music!!

Not to change the subject TOO much, but Buttons Rice got her nails did, and got sorta 'bejeweled' today. She had her kennel cough vaccination, and then they did shampoo, nails, trimming, etc. She looked "OH SNAP" cute......I will post a picture of her.

Also see the picture of Dalton in his Margaritaville shirt, he knows every word to that song....but he thinks it's called "Livin on Sponge Cake."

*Sidenote* In honor of MJ's passing, I think I might do a little tribute concert/dance off for the gals in the office---really take them through MJ's best 70's 80's and 90's hits!!!!!!

Varmint

2009-06-23T06:54:00.000-07:00

You know, we live in Ozark, MO. We don't live on a farm, or out in the sticks,...a river doesn't 'run through it' in the back yard, etc. etc. So I guess I am perplexed that the Rice family seems to be haunted by 'varmints.'

Please recall the opossum war of winter 2009......I am still not sure who won that one, that thing is probably eating dog food and hiding in flower pots and terrorizing some other poor family in Nixa or something.

Okay, on with the story. So we have a 'mole' problem. Not unsual I know, but this morning kind of sent me over. 'Mole' keeps digging up all over the sides of the landscaping. A friend suggested juicy fruit gum, so there I was the other night as neighbors drove by, just chewing up gum and sticking it down in the ground....seemed to work over there too, until..... 'Mole' decided to just switch gears and tear up another part of the front yard.

This morning I am getting things in the car and Dalton follows me out and I stand shocked just looking at the "ENORMOUS" mounds of dirt that 'Mole' has left....

Lindsay: "THIS IS OUT OF HAND,,,,,,,,stupid mole, I can't believe this thing, ugh, they are sooo gross too, yuck, I'm going to get you MOLE....

Dalton: (gritting teeth, talking in Hulk talk)...."YEAH MOLE.......you are making my mommy very mad, and so probably I will go buy a buggie shooter gun (yup that is what he said)....and I will take care of this!"

Dalton: "Mommy, does the walmart have buggie shooter guns?"

Lindsay: "I don't think so honey, why don't we just kill it with juicy fruit gum.." (dumb thing to say)

Dalton: "Gum kills things?"

Lindsay: (crap) No, not at all, but I think in this case maybe, blah blah blah.....

Dalton: "I will ask daddy for a buggie shooter gun."

Close curtain.........

It takes a Man to be a Father

2009-06-22T11:50:00.000-07:00

Father's Day will always be a bittersweet day for me. It's been almost 15 years ago that I lost my dad. I don't talk a lot about it, especially to people I don't know very well, because I guess I am a pretty private person about my emotions, especially ones that cut pretty deep. But I was with my dad when he passed away, he had gone for a run and then a quick swim and then he collapsed, I will not go into much more detail, it's pretty tough to hear, but I knew he was gone. I called 911, mom was in there with me, we sent my brother across the street for help (I am glad he didn't really see all of that), but by the time the paramedics got there it was too late. We followed the ambulance to the hospital, and family and friends started to show up. The doctor came out and told us he did not survive, and my life changed forever in an instant.

In one instant, I was a young girl (15), that loved volleyball, and my family and friends, and my church, and (whatever boyfriend I had at the time), and my dog Lucy, and school, and all kinds of things----and the next I was fatherless. I remember that first night coming home, and going to my room and curling up in a ball and hoping the pain that was tearing through me wasn't real......but it was real. I woke up every morning for I don't know how many years, and my first thought was "he is still alive, that was a dream." But then after just seconds the reality would set in.

Somehow we survived. Each holiday was hard, here we were this normal, happy family and now the Man of our house was gone. My poor mom was only 37 when my dad died, 37!!!! I still don't know how she did what she did and got through all of the shock and horror of it all, the responsibility must have been overwhelming.

We weren't alone though. We had great friends, and people from our church that were supportive, and most importantly we had my grandparents and my Aunt Karen and Uncle Drew. They did SO much especially those first few years, we would not have made it without them. And what about all their pain? They had just lost a son and brother in law too.......

Time does heal. I never blamed God for what happened, he didn't make it happen. He does allow life to happen and with life comes death. I know that my dad was a good man, and that he is in a place where there is no pain, and no worries. Selfishly though, I still miss him and I also miss that he never got to meet my little angels Tatum and Dalton, he didn't get to see me graduate and marry Dan, and sometimes I just want to sit down and tell him what has gone on in my life, I hope he would be proud of me.

I don't seem to have the nightmares anymore, but occasionally I am pleased to say that my dad visits me in my dreams, and we usually have a nice chat and go for a walk. Maybe it's my conscience helping make some kind of contact, either way, I always feel better after those dreams.

Dalton was born two weeks early on the anniversary of my Dad's death, which I think is another very interesting coincidence. A day of sadness turned to a day of happy celebration for a new life.

The sun does come out again, eventually.............

We are all very lucky when my mom met Jerry and they have been together for 12 years now. He has been a great step dad to both Matt and me, and has loved our family like his own from the beginning. We will be forever grateful for that.

And last but CERTAINLY not least, to Dan who has been such an incredible father and daddy from that first night back at the ghetto hospital in STL when we found out we were expecting Tatum. He was calm, although I know he was nervous as &^%$, he was supportive, and excited, and has been the most unselfish and loving daddy in the world. He has two little people that worship the ground he walks on, and two little people who are so lucky to have him for their daddy.

I know this is a long post. And it's not funny and light like my usual posts are. Fathers are so important. I miss mine everyday.

Here's to all the dads out there.....keep up the good, hard work.

A stream of unconscious banter........

2009-06-16T11:11:00.000-07:00

I am the dirty 30, and this has/ is continuing to be the year I update myself, or I try anyway. Getting in the best shape of my.......life, well I know I am not 18, but I have really stepped it up on working out. I still look at my tush in the mirror and I am certain it will never be where I want it to be, but I'm not perfect. Leading me to the giggle vest I had earlier when I was reading my friend Nancy's blog today about McDonald's breakfast burritos----they are seriously an addictive drug to me. I blame McDonald's for making the most amazingly scrumptious little burrito that has my brain playing a tug of war constantly.....

Bad Fat Lindsay: "DO IT! That burrito is so delicious and you KNOW you won't be able to function without it...." Do it, get the burrito you crazy woman and then run more later...

Good Lindsay: "Just eat some Special K, or maybe a fiber one bar, it's easier, and you won't feel guilty for it....

Lately I am about at a two burrito a week mark, but the wind could change and I could be there every morning, it's just something I am having to work through right now, and I would appreciate your support...

Speaking of funny chunky things, I absolutely lose it when I hear the hippo from Madagascar 2 sing "I like em chunky, I like em plumpy" AND especially when he looks at the Gloria (the female hippo) and says, in a deep african voice "GIRL, YOU HUGE"

Dalton thinks it's even funnier to say that to his mama, except it comes out "GULL, you HUGE"

I have just had the best time reading through my friends blogs. My friend Maggie rivals me in the wit department, and I laughed until I cried reading her blog.....we have several friends who are adopting children from all over, and that is exciting to read about, friends that love the same food as I do, etc. etc. I think blogs are great....now on to twitter.

Am I missing something? I don't think I have the time to add another form of communication: phone, text, email, facebook, blog....I think I might pass on the twitter thing.

Dinner tonight: I need to make something good, but I don't have any ideas. Dan gets home tonight, the poor guy has been on a plane every week this month, and he is coming back from Minneapolis tonight, looking forward to that. I should probably shut up now and get back to work!!!!!!

Come and get it bad boy....

2009-06-10T12:23:00.000-07:00

Only the people I work with know about this yet, but today I got the call from Dalton's school that there had been an 'unfortunate slapping.' The teacher explained that Dalton had been minding his own business in the 'house keeping' area, when 'another child' (little $%@&), slapped my baby across the face.

Then came the call. I asked to talk to him and he came to the phone.

Me: R u okay honey?

Dalton: No, this boy in my c'yass (remember Dalton can't say his L's very well yet) s'yapped me.

Me: I'm sorry, what did you say to him?

Dalton: (Silence)

Me: What did you say honey?

D: (Nothing)

Me: hello? Teacher gets back on the phone, kinda giggles, and tells me he said some funny things.

Later I found out that he had not hit this kid back but instead "booty thhhwacked him" a couple times to teach him a lesson.

I guess if you have met Dalton this will not come as a surprise, but just picture it for a second. I hope I don't have to end up paying for "this other child's" therapy or something.

The monkies are running the zoo

2009-06-03T07:21:00.001-07:00

I just want to start by saying, all the single parents out there should be knighted or given free passes to mcdonald's forever, or something spectacular. I think of all the moms (and dads) in the military and how hard that must be to have all the responsibility of parenting the kids. That is why I am lucky that Dan and I both are a pretty good team with T & D. BUT this week, he is in LA for work and mama be doing this thing solo!!!!!!!!

Last night:

I pick up free pizza from my buddy (thanks Chad) and the kids and I head home. Tatum falls asleep in the car, she is TOTALLY out, and Dalton is reaching across and messing with her and then laughing because she is so tired she isn't responding to him being a stinker. I tell him 5 times to stop. He finally does and takes his shoes off and puts his toes up on the window....awesome, at least he is being quiet.
We get home, wake Tatum up, she is unhappy and claims she is car sick AND hungry. I put the pizza on plates and ask what would everyone like to watch. Tatum wants Hannah Montana, Dalton wants Agent Oso, so they compromise and watch VH1 (isn't that funny)?

I decide that after a long day, I need to get in a quick workout, so I jump on the elliptical machine and get going. 14 minutes in, I hear this:

"OH YUUUUUUCKKKKK..... BAD GIIIIRRRRLLLL BUTTTTONSSSS!!!!! MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMOOOOOMMMMMMMYYYYYYYYY,,,,get IN HERE!"

I jump off and run in and here is what had happened: Tatum and Dalton were so into the Beyonce video that they left their table of pizza post to get a closer look at the new Halo video, in that short 4 minutes, Buttons had reached her hot dog body up and grabbed a giant piece of Tatum's pizza, pulled it down to the ground and had eaten most of it. By the time I ran in and we were all looking at her, she was on her back with the last of the pizza by her face trying to stuff a couple more ounces in.....what a fat kid thing to do. Nom nom nom nom nom nom. I picked her up and she looked at me like oh crap, and I spanked her a couple times.

Tatum got a new slice of pizza, Dalton had two big pieces and a PB & J sandwich, and I returned to working out.

32 minutes into working out, I am cognitively aware that Dalton is in the room and talking, maybe to me or maybe to the hulk or batman, I am not sure. But although I am reading my book somehow I do make out the "I guess I am a dog now"

I look over and he has shoved his entire body into Button's crate. WHAAAAT???

I get off the elliptical machine.

"Dalton!!" (He bumps his head inside the crate).

"Yes mommy?"

"What are you DOING in there?"

"I am a doggie now."

"It's stinky and gross, let's get you out." I can't get him out, he is stuck. I say you are too big, you are kinda stuck.

D: "Okay I guess I will just have to seep here tonight, I won't yike it, but I will just seep here."

We finally got him out. I finished working out. And then proceeded to clean the Nastiest dog poop I have ever seen in my life. I guess when you are 6 pounds of bad news and you eat a 2 pound piece of pizza, it's bound to mess with you.

Dalton couldn't sleep, so he called out for me about 11:00 and I went in there, got him back to sleep, and then he got upset about 11:30 again, so I went in and laid down with him until about 2:30 and finally got back into my bed.

Stay tuned to hear more exciting stories from tonight's adventures.

Dalton, Buttons and maybe Tatum.....

2009-06-02T12:35:00.000-07:00

Where in the WORLD are..... my sunglasses? Where is mama's name badge? Where is Brother Bear the movie? Where is Toy Story the movie? WHERE is the remote control? WHY is batman in the refrigerator? Why are there scarves tied together and hanging from the bannister upstairs? Dalton did you just pee outside, again? No we don't have any more cheetos....I can't go get more it's night time and you are in your pajamas. Fine, Dalton you can wear your batsuit to the store. No Tatum you can't eat all those goldfish crackers before dinner. Cereal isn't dinner even though that is what dad just had. Dalton, don't say boobies, and don't say big fat mama, and Dalton stop thanking God for Santa Clause in your prayers, especially in June. No we can't watch frosty the snowman, it's weird to do that in the summer.

And although that is probably a typical HOUR in our lives........they are precious and sweet and smart and the most wonderful babies in the world.

* The above comments are true. They have not been altered in any way.

Stress=Road Rage

2009-06-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

Today hasn't been so great. I had a rough night last night (I was feeling sorry for myself, which lead to crying and being a big dumb baby), and the worst part I was being kinda mean too. I should have been grounded for at least a week! Bad me, no sushi for a week :)

Really I think it had more to do with stress. I think I do put a lot of pressure on myself with the assumption that since I am superwoman I can do it all, master it all, and be 100% all of the time. Well, I can't and I am tired. That is why, after much thought, Dan and I are quitting our jobs to become full time pirates. We can boat school the kids, it'll be perfect. A couple great doo rags and we will be on our way.

Okay, so we can't be pirates, but one thing I have to do is try to control the road rage. I just WANT to know ONE THING....WHY WHY WHY do people drive like THEY DO??!! Driving is important, you have to PAY ATTENTION. So, that means NO you don't go 30 miles over the speed limit BUT U DON'T GO 30 miles UNDER IT EITHER. It's dangerous. If I am merging onto the highway, and your %*&% is in the right lane and there are no cars in the left lane. GET OVER MAN...just GET....OVER.....

I feel so much better, now that I got that off my chest. I may not even honk the horn at anyone tonight driving home.

We Need a Costco

2009-05-29T07:43:00.000-07:00

Listen, Walmart has great deals, I know that. You can't beat the rollback prices going on up in there. Chicken breasts on sale....your favorite dishwashing liquid.....skips for the kids, YES YES YES!!!! But I need a change of scenery. Last Sunday I was shopping and I started noticing some of my fellow shoppers and their "fashion choices." Hey, I usually look pretty casual and even a little rough for me when I am at walmart, but there were some folks there that were downright SCARY looking. I walked by two guys in the baking isle that smelled like weed (perhaps they needed a snack).......but really the highlight is when the weather gets warm and the ladies break out the ultra tight ultra short shorts. Big mamas....YIKES!!! Listen, I am not trying to be mean, I am not Sarah Jessica either, but perhaps I need a change of venue. THIS IS WHERE COSTCO comes in. Have you ever been? It's like Sam's but even better. They have it all. I love it.

I am excited for summer and to try out some new recipes. I have always loved to cook, but the last couple years, I am really really enjoying it. It's so fun to come up with new things. I really like to cook for friends too, so come on over and let's eat!!!

One more funny thing to add. Saturday morning Dan and I are sleeping and Tatum is up blarrrrrrrring the Phantom of the Opera from her room, so I guess we weren't REALLY sleeping if I can remember that, but anyway. This goes on for about 30 minutes (so keep that in mind while you are picturing this), I open my eyes to see Dalton is full Batman costume standing inches from us just starring at us while the MUSIC of THE NIGHT is playing even louder now. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After a little shock, I thought how did he get all this on? Then again, he is a super hero, don't ask don't tell.

Tomorrow Dan is going on a fishing trip with my brother and my cousin Alex, just the boys. So it will just be me and cheech and chong. I think we might go to Silver Dollar City, we have season passes. Then it's telethon weekend so I will work most of Sunday doing that and then Dan leaves for the entire week. I think he is going to Canada and then to LA for work....

Have a great weekend!!!

Taco Bell

2009-05-21T12:45:00.000-07:00

Imagine if someone asked you where you wanted to go to dinner and the FIRST thing that popped in your head was "Taco Bell." It was just the kids and me last night and so I thought it would be good to grab something quick. But when you are 6 and 3, going INSIDE the "lunch place" (which is what they call every restaurant) is really the ringer. Now cheech and chong weren't exactly on the BEST behavior right at the Taco Bell deciding moment. There was a finger that got bitten, a water bottle was tipped over and so there were wet eyes and some serious threats from mom to 'TURN THIS CAR AROUND AND GO HOOOME'

So there was a five minute stretch of 'good' and we parked and went inside. Well, immediately the kids were overtaken by that fantastic bouquet of smells that hits your nose. The meat and cheese, and sauce, OH MY!!! They went over to a booth as I ordered. Dalton stood up and eh hem, LOUDLY said, "HEY MOMMY, PROBABLY I WILL HAVE A REAL-YEE BIG SPRITE, OKAY?

OKAY Dalton SIT DOWN.

They get their soft tacos and cinnamon twists.

Tatum: "I really like these tacos, they are so yummy. I take a big bite and I go YUUUUUUMMMM (that was too loud, so I shhh her) she makes a face at me, I say don't be disrespectful, she says I'm not, I just like to joke with you,,,, Sorry kid, I wrote the book on this stuff, you can't fool me. She then looks lovingly at me and says, "I really love your shirt mommy, it's so pretty"

I say, OH THANK YOU I GOT IT ON SALE, etc. etc. etc. she is already looking around poking Dalton she could care less.

Tatum: 100
Mommy: 0

They finish and D man is COVERED in sugar and cinnamon. How can you NOT love the Taco Bell.

Patience is a virtue.........

2009-05-21T11:47:00.000-07:00

At Least I ADMIT IT. I have NO Problem admiting my MANY faults. (Trust me, I know some people that are pretty darn perfect, just ask them). If you know me at all, you know I suffer from a mild case of OCD. I say mild, because in all seriousness, I don't wash my hands 155 times a day, etc. But there are some things that I have to have. I want my house to be clean. And if you have a problem with it then FINE!!!! I can be irrational about it, and I know it. It just makes me feel better. It all comes down to a control issue. I like control. I am MUCH better in many ways than I used to be, and I am so medicated I can barely walk-------hahahahahaha. I'm kidding okay?

Alright, so what's the point in all this crap right? For one thing, I HONESTLY LOVE/HATE technology, which most of us do I think. But for the last few nights I haven't been able to upload Tatum's pictures from her party, mostly because I think my 3 year old computer is SOOOOOOO outdated, blah blah blah. Anyway, I have said some things I am ashamed of to Mr. Computer. Like WHAT IS GOING ON HERE YOU STUPID THING??? WHY IS THIS TAKING SOOOO LONG????? I just got a letter from AARP!!!!!!! Your SCREEN IS ALWAYS SMEARED AND GROSS!!! Then I just turn it off, ha. That'll teach the stupid computer :)

Dog.

Buttons is adorable, as you can tell if you have seen her. She is cute, she runs all over, her little body is so long that when she walks, her butt kinda goes to one side. It's funny. She loves to fetch, she loves to play.....AND SHE ALSO LOOOOVVVESSS VICTORIA'S SECRET PANTIES......THE NICE ONES. No cotton ones, ONLY THE BEST FOR THE WIENER DOG. What might you ask? How can this be? Victoria's secret doesn't even MAKE under pants small enough right??!!! Let me explain: Buttons has been going into the laundry room, taking the clean underwear and chewing a hole through them so they fall apart.

8 PAIRS SO FAR. IT'S NOT FUNNY, AND SHE HAS BEEN SPANKED AND GROUNDED, BUT SHE STILL DOES IT.

Then there is the potty training. Someone PLEASE help me with this. She is at MAYBE 50%...maybe. And when she is outside, does she follow directions?? NO! I have told her time and time again, do NOT go in the street, it's dangerous, there are cars and big dogs, etc. out there. oooo Buttons, Buttons, it's a Wild World. She still does it.

We still adore her. She is SO good with the kids. She sleeps part of the night every night with Tatum. She lets me rap and make her dance to my rapping while T & D howl with laughter. She never bites, growls ( unless there is a stranger at the door), or anything like that. She is very calm, so we are lucky in most ways. But she owes me 8 pairs of underwear.

Tatum's last day of Kindergarten was yesterday. HOW IS THAT Possible?? She is such a big girl. She brought home her journal that they kept all year, and WOW, what amazing changes she has made. You couldn't read her entries well in the beginning, but at the end they are so great. In fact, I am certain she can speak and write better than people that work in my building. As I have posted before she is obsessed with musicals, especially Phantom of the Opera. The child goes to sleep every night with the score playing LOUDLY in her room. Ok. I love it too, but we are REALLY taking "The Music of the Night" to another level,,,,hello kitty stereo and all.

Enough for now.

Tatum turned 6.....

2009-05-19T20:08:00.000-07:00

So, my little diva turned 6. She has loved horses since she was 2, and so I had to come up with SOMETHING that would be great. Enter the miniature horses and tons of friends and family. We decorated our clubhouse and it was awesome. Two mini ponies, and pizza and cake, tons of gifts and you have a VERY happy 6 year old. Mama was tired, but it was worth it. I have to say I feel pretty proud to have pulled it off, and ALSO that the weather wasn't bad. This time of year it could be raining at any time of the day. See the pics.

Tatum's last day of kindergarten is tomorrow. I really can't believe it. WHERE does the time go? She is incredibly smart and funny, (of course), and is just the coolest little person ever.

Now Dalton. Dude. He has the 'Edward from Twilight hair' going for him. The "HEY LADIES" thing going for him and he also is 3. So that means he is WILD. But he and his mom are going to have a "date" in the next week of so, SO he is excited.

I have to admit that I am re-reading the Twilight Series again. I don't know why, except I guess it turns out I am a 17 year old girl. See my facebook page, my friend Dave photoshoped my face into the 2009 New Moon promo, and it's hysterical. I feel so cute :)

Work is steady. Dan is going to be out of town MOST of June so that will be interesting.

Things I should be proud of, or ashamed of:

Tatum had her last meeting tonight for her Girl Scout Daisy Group. Look, I am busy and I can't be Betty Crocker all the time, but I try. One of the things that Tatum was supposed to learn was the girl scout law. All the girls have been learning this all year. And, well, I forgot okay? So last night Dan and I gave her the "college cram session" on the law and all be &^%$ if she didn't learn that thing inside and out in an hour. Tonight she smoked everyone on it. SO proud.

I guess it's time to post pics and go back to my Twight Series Books. I can't wait for prom :)

Just a Bunch of stuff......

2009-05-06T11:14:00.000-07:00

I seriously can't believe it's already May. Where does the time go? Tatum turned 6 last weekend, but the huge bash isn't until this Saturday (please no rain)!!! I have a LOT of work to do on her party, so I need to get focused on that. I need to clean the clubhouse, clean MY house, and do some other things and we should be set to go!

It's been pretty rainy here, and sometimes chilly, so I haven't had the desire to get out and plant much yet, where is the SUN!!!?????? Last Friday and Saturday I had a garage sale, well we had a neighborhood sale, and it went pretty well. Except that it takes a lot of time and energy and I always feel like I open the garage door and suddenly I am in Tijuana... (not what you are thinking!!) more like I am having people bargaining with me. Dude the shirt is $1, but fine yes, take it for 50 cents, it's cool. Well, I realized that after the garage sale, I really had so much more stuff I needed to get rid of but oh well.

Last Saturday night the kids went to G-ma's for the night and Dan and I went to dinner with our friends Katie and Ron, they just moved here from OKC, and we are so excited to have them here! We went to Kai downtown, and then to Bubbles, it was a lot of fun. Of course, we were home at a VERY reasonable time, (old) !!!!

One last thing, Tatum told me the other day that she would like to 'un-invite' these two little boys in her class thank you very much...... I am not really sure what went down, she was pretty coy about the whole thing, but either way I told her we could not un-invite them, this of course did not sit well and there were some grumbles:

"I don't know WHY I even sent them one"

"I don't even think they will BE in my class next year"

"so in so isn't as FAST as I am when we run at recess"

I can't leave Dalton out. His passion is dressing in his spiderman, batman, fireman, policeman, doctor etc. outfits. Last night, he was 'Dr. Dalton' and he had his bag of tricks out. I was of course a VERY sick lady. The rug in the play room also doubles as a patient bed. So I lie down and I am saying, "Dr. Dalton I am so sick, I really really need some help."
He is so serious, checking my blood pressure, listening to my heart, etc. He would say, "ah,,,,good" and " you are better now." Well then I started to make my move, I said Dr. Dalton if I had some kisses I think I would feel so much better. He ignored me until I finally got two or three big juicy ones on the lips. He wiped them off very nonchalant and told me that I was going to need MANY shots, so I needed to "Be brave of this"

I am recovering just fine, and if anyone needs a great doctor I have his number.

7 Year Itch......

2009-04-27T07:42:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh, but it feels so good!!! I will be the first to say Happy 7th Anniversary today to my wonderful husband Dan!!!! Yup, 7 years ago today. Honestly, so so so so much has happened in that amount of time. Two of those things are Miss Tatum Brynn (who will be 6 this Saturday!) and Mr. Dalton Patrick who is 3, but is already a lady killer.

Dan and I went to St. Louis this weekend for a quick getaway. It was good, we stayed for FREE!!! Even better, and had fun. The Cardinals were in town, so it was a bit busy in the city, and there was also a Taylor Swift concert (I secretly wanted to go),,,,but it was fun.

Now, we are planning Tatum's big party. Her official birthday is May 2nd, but her school party and her big party won't be until May 8th and 9th. Saturday, May 9th we will have her HORSE PARTY!!! I am having two mini horses brought in, for her and all her buddies and family, some pizza, cake and ice cream,,,doesn't get much better than that! She is excited. I will post pics of that soon.

Here's to a Happy Monday...

What you talkin bout?

2009-04-17T13:54:00.000-07:00

Kids are funny. The things that come out of their mouths are truly interesting. They can be hysterical, whiny, creative, truthful, innocent, INSANE, etc. I know I am biased, but my children are really quite intelligent. I know everyone thinks their kids are great, but sometimes I just have to stop and smile and think, "WOW," God has really blessed me with these amazing little souls.

Ok, onto funny things. I just thought I would share some interesting things that have been said by the mouths of the Rice kids.

And if you know Dalton, you know that he still says his y's for his l's....like "I yuv u," uook at this, etc.

D: Are you going to extracise now?

T: Don't tickle my arm picks

D: What did you said?

T: Where are my glubs? (gloves)

T: Thank you God for China

D: I on-yee want to wear my Hulk jammies.....they are the on-yee ones I yike

T: I'm not kidding you this

T: I got my eye on ya,,,,

T: I like this boy in 4th grade, he is sooo nice. I don't know his name.

D: (To his mama) When I grow up, I will kiss you and fall in yuv with you and we can get married
Me: Honey, I am married to Daddy.
D: (A bit irritated) I will kiss Tatum and fall in yuv and get married.
Me: You can't honey, she is your sissy.
D: (ANGRY), FINE WHEN I GROW UP, I WILL KISS GRANDMA, AND FALL IN YUV AND GET MARRIED.
Me: Dude.

There are so many funny things they do and say. They get so big so fast.

Anyway, hope you all have a great weekend! It's Friday! Dan works all weekend prepping for trial next week, so me and the kids are going to Disney On Ice tomorrow!

RIP little bunnies

2009-04-08T14:35:00.000-07:00

I am truly raising Venus and Mars. On Sunday afternoon, Tatum and Dalton were outside in the backyard really having quite a time investigating. There were rocks to pick up, dirt to move, etc. so I could tell they were very busy and had a LOT of business to discuss out there. About 45 minutes in, I hear Tatum bellowing "THIS IS JUST SO TERRIBLE,,,,,,,IT'S THE MOST HORRIBLE THING EVER.......(crying ensues).....I came down the stairs and she says, "there are dead animals out there".....Um.....what in the? Just so you can visualize this, Tatum is crying now, and Dalton keeps saying "Can I pick up the dead thing mommy? Please mommy, I want to keep the dead animal" Venus and Mars.

Sure enough it was 7 dead baby rabbits, and when I said that to Dan, Tatum just cried even harder "RABBITS??!!! WHAT HAPPENED MOMMY??!"

Dude, I am not on trial here, I have no idea,,,I say, "I don't know honey, but they will all go to heaven" (but for now, this nice plastic bag I have), she says..

"YOU CAN'T put them in that,,,!"

(Dalton) "Are u reayyee reayyee (really really) sure they are dead mommy?"

Luckily none of this drama is nothing two white powdered donuts can't fix (close curtain).

I had fun last week in New Orleans, I went there with my boss for a convention, but it was good. Not my favorite city by any means, but it was cool to get away. I was sure glad to come home though, a LONG day of travel made me so tired I felt sick. Here are some picks.....

ALSO, (it's been awhile since I posted), our Red Hot Night event was spectacular, I will post pics of this too!!!!

Well, we are all heading to the cabin this weekend with the in-laws, so that will be fun. Hope you all have a very happy Easter (in memory of the seven baby bunnies that Tatum has already forgotten about).

Another one bites the dust......

2009-03-22T08:12:00.000-07:00

Jaws the second is dead. He/She died the first day! And the stupid thing cost me $6!!! As it was floating on the top of the fish bowl I looked down and said "YOU WILL NEVER BE JAWS the First!!!!" Stupid blue fish. Jaws the first may not have had that beautiful blue shiny look, but he had the heart of a beta warrior fish, it's just not easy to find these days, a beta fish that truly loves his bowl, and fights for his right to party.

Well, I don't even know if I will get another one for awhile, this has just been too hard. The kids could care less......

It just occured to me that I am listening to Miley Cyrus on my ipod and I am wearing a Twilight shirt too, I guess it turns out I am 15, ha!!!! Whatever I like this song and I like the Twilight series,,,,

We had a good night last night. Our friends Laurie and Eric came over, we had some great food and watched some of Twilight, but we are old and we couldn't even finish the movie, we were all so tired!

I have to run to the mall today and buy some Spanx (sp?) everyone says they are great and I have a big event on Thursday night and I am wearing an awesome dress by Nicole Miller, but it's pretty tight, so I better make sure everything is in the right place :)

OH MY WORD,,, I almost forgot, Tatum's debut performance in Chickin Lickin was a smashing success. Everything I have read has been very positive "Breakthrough performance of the year"
"This young star shows much promise and talent" "The most fun I have had in an elementary gym since the 80's" etc. etc.
She was so cute, her nana made her outfit and she looked about as 'chickeny' as a 5 year old could. See pics

Jaws the Beta Fish 10(ish)06-3-16-09

2009-03-17T17:47:00.000-07:00

Well, everyone who knew and loved Beta aka Jaws the beta fish, I would like to announce that he/she has gone on to a better place. I know, I know, it's devastating. Jaws the beta fish was a part of our lives for almost 2.5 years. He lived a good life, had a good bowl, etc. but on Monday, March 16, 2009 Jaws kicked it.

My first reaction was OH NO!!! The kids were really more concerned with seeing "him" upside down dead. Comments like WOW, he REALLY ISSSS dead, and CAN WE HOLD HIM, made me realize that I don't think the kids were really not very horrified about the whole thing.....I will attach a pic. Poor Jaws the beta fish. Maybe lived longer than most of his kind.

Anyway, on a different note, things are going well here. Tatum will be in her play "Chicken Licken" on Thursday night. She is very excited!! Her nana made her a very adorable outfit complete with feathers, yellow tights and orange crocs so that she can portray 'Henny Penny,' will be a lot of fun.

I am busy busy with work. So is Dan. I leave for New Orleans in a week and a half....work related, but will be nice to get out of the office for a few days.

OH, I did save Buttons life the other day. You know, typical day in the life of a mom. I was getting ready for work and this silly goofy little puppy decides to steal a ponytail holder and then choke on it; well naturally I sat there watching her like 'hair ball?' not so much. I had NO idea what to do, so I pick her 5 pound little body up, and see something in her mouth and pound her back a few times and out pops this ponytail holder. DUDE. She is fine, but nothing like adding a little spice to the morning.

Hope you all have a great St. Pat's Day!!!

And the Oscar goes to..........

2009-03-02T14:33:00.001-08:00

Friday when Tatum got home she had some information in her backpack about the Kindergarten play that is coming up, I saw that she had a role in it and I thought well, that is cute, I am sure that many kids will all be dressed as this character running around, but NO!!! Miss Tatum is one of only 7 in all the kindergarten classes to have a lead role!! And what a role it is,,,,,,the part of 'Henney Penny' in the play 'Chicken Licken' goes to Tatum!! Her music teacher told me she was very talented (of course) and I am sure it is that partnered with some SERIOUSLY great stage presence that just sent her over the top!! Honestly, I just think it's so precious, it's my baby girl's first school program. Of course pictures will be posted when said night occurs.

Save the Best for Last

2009-03-01T17:16:00.000-08:00

WOOOOOW........

What a week. It's been busy and hectic, but it's over now. My event (well, I say that, but it's not just MY event) but one of the many things I am working on was VERY successful, I had a great weekend with my best friend Maggie and her family. They drove down from Des Moines and we had such an awesome weekend. Thank you Dan and Chad for realizing that sometimes girls just need some time together to 'hang out'

Here are some pics from the weekend. The kids had fun, the big kids had fun and I am just SO lucky to have the best friends in the world. I will post more later, but here are some pictures.

Once Upon a Time.......

2009-02-25T07:21:00.000-08:00

Well, it's here. The last day of my twenty something decade. A friend told me the other day that she never had a problem with the 0's....like 30 or 40 or 50, she said it was like a brand new start...I have been talking about turning 30 for awhile now, and NOW that it is upon me, it's kinda weird. I just actually sat here and thought about the last 10 years, and what amazing things have happened, all the challenges, the good times and bad times. 10 years ago right now, I was a sophomore in college, and that's about all I need to SHARE, b/c those were some WILD DAYS!!! I met Dan when I was 21, but we were just good looking co-workers at The Olive Garden at that time!! We started dating when we were 22 (which is funny, because now I look at the younger kids I know who are about that age or OLDER and I think...they are WAY too young to be serious!) ha... I was just a pup myself, but I sure got lucky with my boy.

I mean when I look back at it, we started dating in August, I BOUGHT A DRESS IN OCTOBER,, (what the?) and didn't get engaged until December. Wow, mom that was pretty awesome of you to go along with all that!!! Then we got married that NEXT April...what a whirlwind. Dan and I moved to St. Louis that summer the end of July, I started a job at Yellow Book USA (which has forever scared me), and Dan started law school at SLU.

Hmmm, then two weeks into my training in the arm pit of the USA (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) sorry, it is. I love Des Moines, but Cedar Rapids just STANKS. I noticed that I felt HORRIBLE. Kidney infection? Bladder infection? What was the deal. SO I called my dr. back home and got some meds. They just didn't seem to help. When I finally got back to STL, Dan and I made an executive decision to drive straight into the ghetto and find the scariest hospital known to man, where I sat shivering on a cold hard table, preparing for certain death when our very unfriendly Indian dr. informs us "Congratulations, you are going to be parents" and turns around and walks out.

We went home that night (3 a.m.) and just sat in bed. Wow. Life can really be interesting. I have a bad job, you are in school and we are going to have a baby. Fast forward 8.5 months, and 76 pounds later..Yup that's right; big mama gained 76 pounds, I DO NOT advise that, and Tatum Brynn was born. She was our angel baby!!

Ok, so then we moved to Columbia, MO when Tatum was 2 months old, Dan transferred to MU Law School, and I got a GREAT job with the American Heart Association. We had our adventures there for two years, and moved back to Springfield after he graduated so he could take the job with the firm he is at now. Not too long after that Mr. Dalton Patrick was born!!

So much more has happened, new friends, jobs, Buttons Rice, etc. The kids are 5 and 3 now, and getting bigger by the minute.

I know this was a long post, but I guess I needed to just re-cap some of the big things that have happened for me in the past several years. So here is to the 20's........you have been wonderful and stressful and crazy. Just another chapter in what I hope is a very long books of stories.

What a weekend!

2009-02-15T16:40:00.000-08:00

Well it's Sunday night and it's about time to put the kids in bed and get ready for another fun week of work! Um, that was me being sarcastic. But no really, I have a lot of things coming up at work the next couple of weeks and I am actually pretty excited about it. ALSO, IN CASE YOU HAVEN'T BEEN PAYING ATTENTION....I TURN....ok,,,,just say it out loud Lindsay...30,,,,,in less than two weeks. I really can't believe it, but you know what? I am excited. My best friend is coming to see me, I have an event coming up, and life is pretty good.

This weekend has been great too. Friday I took off and went to Tatum's Valentine's Day party at her school and helped out. Good thing too, one other mom and myself were the only ones there and they kept me pretty busy passing things out and making sure all the kindergarteners had a fun time. Ta and I left after that, went to the store and then she helped me (uh, right), clean the house and make dinner. It was a good day and a fun night. Saturday we were up early and played around, then met some friends for Incredible Pizza for lunch so that Tatum could exchange valentine gifts with her "boyfriend" I use that term loosely at age 5. Then we met g-ma and gpa Rice and they took the kids for the night (THANK YOU!!!)

Dan and I proceeded to steam clean all the carpet areas (thank you neighbors Andy and Angela for letting us borrow your AWESOME steam cleaner) and then ordered sushi in for the night and watched movies.

Today has been good. Tonight I made dinner and homemade cupcakes, and we are just chilling out. Nothing too exciting. I am going to post some pictures of Tatum's 'father/daughter dance' last Thursday night. She had SOOO much fun. I can't believe she is so big.

On another note, my Fabulous friend Bevin from LA wants me to come visit this summer, so she and I are trying to figure out a way to see each other which is very exciting for me!!!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend...stay tuned for more crazy RICE adventures.

Igga Ma Jigga Ma Doo

2009-02-12T07:01:00.000-08:00

I know I talk a lot about my kids. I think I have a bit of a gift of 're-telling' the stories that I post, but trust me my friends, they are all true. There is no way, even my creative mind could come up with all the hysterical things that come out of my kids' mouths.

So, the older they get the more in tune they are to their surroundings, but at 5 and 3, they honestly say what is on their mind, make observations that are completely innocent that-- usually are pretty accurate and funny.

This morning as I was dropping Tatum off, she and I were doing our usual morning banter of "you are a silly head that lives in the zoo and eats rocks" for example, just made up stuff. I said Tatum,,'you are a igga ma jigga ma doo' and you match the color too (again, just trying to rhyme and be funny), she stops and says 'what color is that' I said, 'uh yellow?' Then she turns to me and says 'Mama, you have browner skin than some people'

I acutally said, (good bronzer)......, she didn't get it so I just said, oh honey we all have different shades of skin. She said, OH like Barrack Obama.

I said, yup you got it.

The point is, kids are so funny, their thought processes. And they really are innocent, and I just wish we could keep them that way as long as possible.

Tonight is the Father/Daughter Valentine Dance and Tatum and Dan are going OUT ON THE TOWN!!! Or, up the street to Ozark West Elementary. Dalton and I are going to have a FUN night together too! We may even go to WALMART! So how do you like them apples?

I must do work now.

Tatum and Bobby McGee

2009-02-11T11:47:00.000-08:00

Like most families, we have our routines. In the morning the boys leave early for work and school and the girls take a little more time to get going. With the addition of Buttons Rice, it's 3 girls hanging out in the mornings now. Usually Tatum kinda hangs out in my bathroom with me, while I do the hair, make-up thing. Today she brought her guitar in and serenaded me the WHOLE TIME. I don't have a picture (dang it), but just picture this:

She is laying on her back with her legs up on the door, just strumming away, which made me think of a little acoustic action, with one exception, she was singing Beyonce's 'All the Single Ladies' I didn't dare laugh, but it wasn't easy. I kept saying WOW, Tatum that is really beautiful, etc. etc. She then announced that she would like to play a guitar when she is a 'mom' and also she wants to make dinner. What? Be my guest!!! She is so funny.

Buttons........is getting a little bit sneaky. Things are happening in our house and getting moved and disappearing and then re-appearing. Her favorite thing to do is take items like socks, shirts, you name it and hide them under one of the beds. Of course since she is so tiny, she can crawl under just about everything. She also knows in the morning when it's almost time for us to go, I get her crate out, turn on The Backyardigans or Dora the Explorer and get a puppy pad out for her....she usually runs very fast up the stairs.

A Time for Change

2009-02-05T09:43:00.000-08:00

What a week so far! The weather here in southwest Missouri is looking brighter and a little warmer for the next few days, so that is great news! Maybe we can get out and do some hiking around at The Nature Center this weekend, the kids love that! There is a lot going on with us (what's new?)!!! But I like it that way, eventually it would be great to not work AS much, but I get bored very easily. Plus, I would just clean the ba juu juu out of my house all the time and that's just weird after awhile.

I think I have decided that I am going to start going back to school for my MBA, not sure when I will start and there are some interesting options I am looking into, but I really want to go places in my career and in today's world, if you don't have at least a Master's degree,,,well, good luck.
It's exciting, but nerve wracking too.

We found out my best buddy Maggie and her family are coming to visit us the weekend of Feb. 28th (MY birthday weekend)!! So that is going to be an awesome gift just to see them. Her little ones are getting big so fast, and it's about time we had some time together!! Boy do WE have stories from back in the day. We had many many fun adventures together.

I have a big event the day of my birthday, Thursday Feb. 26th, and it is almost SOLD OUT!! So that is exciting. I love to see that people are really having fun at these events.

My baby brother just bought a new Infiniti G35!! I am jealous!! But he deserves it! Matt, I will be expecting many joy rides in the next few months! I told Tatum about Uncle Matt's car and she said she liked it better than any car in the entire universe....uh, you haven't even seen it yet, but OK!!!!

Dan and I are trying to keep each other motivated to work out hard!! He has been getting up in the a.m. and doing about 45-50 minutes of cardio, and then I do it at night. WE are going to be SEXY!!!

I must go, but I do have one more thing. Why. Why why why MUST I insist on wearing the most amazingly cute shoes that KILL MY FEET???? Carrie Bradshaw would be impressed, but my piggies are about to give out on me!

Well, this is all kinda jumbled into one big post of tons of things, but if you know me, then you know that makes perfect sense, my brain works in funny ways.

Wishing everyone a Happy Thursday.

Is the weekend over ALREADY?

2009-02-01T17:56:00.000-08:00

It's been a good weekend, Tatum and I had our nails done and we look cute!!! We are watching the superbowl, but it's not really as exciting as it used to be :(

Dalton got some new Iron Man shoes today, not what his mom wanted, but when you are at Payless, and the superhero shoes are yelling at you, it's almost too much to resist. So he got them.

I promised I would post pictures of our crazy opossum, and so I will. I hope you all had a good weekend, I am counting down the days til the next one.

What a week!

2009-01-29T10:13:00.000-08:00

It's so funny to me that people in the Ozarks get SOOO crazy when we have a little ice and a LITTLE snow. This week we had a some accumulation, but NOTHING compared to our friends up north, and this only happens maybe once or twice a year at most. But everyone freaks out, drives crazy, etc. It was pretty, but now most of it is melting away. The kids had fun watching the snow on Tuesday night! Tatum has been out of school for three days, so she spent one of those with me (we had a girls day) and she is at Dalton's school today.

I HAVE to post a picture of the opossum. It, he, she whatever it was, was spotted on the top of the garage door opener, how it got there, who knows. In the flower pots and finally on Sunday night at about 11:00, we heard something in the garage. The door was closed so we knew it was in there. After about 30 minutes of looking EVERYWHERE, I had a flashback to a cat we had growing up taking a ride in the engine of my mom's totally awesome 1978 Monte Carlo (might have been older, not sure), and I said, I BET IT'S UNDER THE HOOD OF THE CAR!!! Sure enough Dan popped the hood and there it sat hissing at us. Dan took a broom and starts hitting it in the head, that just makes it mad and hurts it and it hides down in the engine where we can't get to it. Fast forward about an hour and a half. We gave up and went to bed. The next morning, it was still there, so Dan drove the car to school and then to work and when he got there the opossum was STILL in there. So he called animal control and this tiny little girl shows up and just reaches down and grabs Happy Gilmore by the tail and that was that. She drove him off to a far away place, hopefully NO WHERE NEAR Ozark.

So now we are opossum free. Tatum was concerned he had a brother or a girlfriend, but we reassured her that probably wasn't the case.

I am just ready for the weekend. Aren't we all? No events this weekend, just hanging out. Hope wherever you are, you are staying warm!!!!

I promise to put a picture of the rodent up soon :)

THIS....IS......WAR

2009-01-23T10:47:00.000-08:00

I don't even know where to start. This evil little fat opossum just decided to move in to the Rice garage. I don't know how this thing keeps getting in and where it hides, but there it was again last night. I went after it with a broom but I am afraid it's going to turn and attack me. I have already had a couple dreams about this. On the way to work this morning after I dropped off Tatum I had a box in the passenger seat with a bottle in it for work, and as I was driving 'something' was bouncing in there and I thought "HOW DID THIS OPOSSUM GET IN HERE?" I stopped the car, and sat there and flipped the top open only to find a bottle, but that is how paranoid I am.

SO Dan went to Home Depot to get 'death of a opossum' in a bottle but turns out they don't make that, so now I am not sure what we are going to do. This is like the James Bond of opossums. I think of the Mission Impossible music and this ugly thing making a break for it. It ACTUALLY is moving our stuff around. So great, I have a very gutsy, gross opossum who also has OCD and is rearranging things on our shelves outside.

OH! And I forgot when I got home last night, one of my flower pots was SHATTERED on the garage floor. Our little circus freak must have been climbing up pretty high and knocked it over. It was on the very top shelf. It also knocked over the kids' box of sidewalk chalk.

This is war, and I am going to win. Tonight begins operation KILL THIS OPOSSUM. I'm wearing camo and everything. I might even drink a beer and bring out my gun, except I don't have any beer OR a gun. Either way, this OPOSSUM is GOING DOWN.

Unsolved Mysteries

2009-01-20T07:27:00.000-08:00

I am a big fan of most of God's creatures, but there is something about opossums that are just gross. Their tails are weird, they hiss, yuck. Last night I had left the garage door open after we got home from work and I went out to get something out of the car and when I opened the door shaggy the homeless opossum casually looks up at me from drinking out of a bowl in the garage; like 'what?' I slam the door, get the chills and tell Dan there is THE BIGGEST opossum in our garage and I think it was about ready to attack. Maybe that is a little dramatic, but it was about 5 times bigger than Buttons!!!!

So the thing runs over to the shelves and Dan (with broom), tries to go over and get 'it' out, but has to pull the car out first, so he crawls through the passenger door (my suggestion) so that the bearlike opossum doesn't attack his legs, etc. Once the car is out, I get a better view of our little friend. He is stuck and he tries to escape but falls and his legs and ugly tail are dangling in the air.

Right about now it hits Dan and he says, "THIS explains everything!"

What?

The last couple of days when Dan got home from work his shoes and boots were moved from the shelf to the garage floor and the bird seed was all over..........so it wasn't Lindsay doing it after all it was the INTRUDER!!!!!!

I also didn't look under my car this morning with a flashlight just in case, if that's what you were asking.

Happy Obama Day!