Thursday, May 28, 2009

Mother's Milk

Sometimes, I drink it straight from the bottle. There, I said it. Even though I absolutely flip my lid when I catch Doug drinking directly from the gallon of milk, when given the opportunity of discreetness, I will save myself the labor of cleaning one more dish, and drink from the juice jug.

Now, my confessional ends, and I can begin my story.....I feel better. Don't you?

In the hopes of feeling more lively and limber, or just no pain while walking up a few stairs, I have been on a regimen of natural and herbal remedies. Most of the stuff I take is in pill form, but I heard about a drink loaded with good stuff, and after reading some of the info I obtained on a google search, I decided to give it a try.

The stuff is called Mona Vie. Don't run....I am not going to try and sell it to you or layer you beneath me on a pyramid scheme. A friend's mom sells it, which kind of makes her like my "mule", doesn't it? (That will up her street cred here in the 'hood.) In my quest to stay off the heavy narcotics, I felt this might be a step in the right direction. It comes in a cute little bottle like this:



I had to take it to my doc's office to get approval before starting to take it. My doctor thought we were having a party when she walked in to find me holding up a boozy looking bottle that I tried to secretly sneak into the office wrapped in a paper bag......which only made it worse.

Anyhow, since starting the stuff, I constantly find myself having to explain why I have a stock of "wine" in my fridge. Most folks are aware that neither myself or Doug are much for alcohol consumption, so when they see a couple of bottles stored around the house, they start to wonder themselves when exactly the party starts.

I treat my Mona Vie in a very medicinal manner. I have a little measuring device like the ones in a hospital, and each day I remove my bottle from the fridge and pour just the right amount (too much can be bad, who new acai berry was so serious?), and take it whilst I consume my other vices. Occasionally, (and again, I stress this is a rare occurrence) I am in a hurry, and I just grab my bottle and guzzle the approximate 4 oz. and head on my way.

Story prepped.....now, the meat for your taters.

Recently, while visiting a friend's house for a group dinner, the kid's were playing near a huge wine rack the family has in their dining room. Fearful of my child using the rack as a step ladder (eek....what a carpet stain that would be), I tried to lure the children to another room.

"Let's go play in the romper room. You are making me nervous around those bottles", I told Kaelan.

"What is that thing?", one of the other children asked.

"I know, " called my all-knowing toddler. "It's a big tower to hold MOMMY'S MEDICINE!"

All the adults stopped their conversations and leaned in for more info.

"Really?", one of my friend's questioned, with a coy smile. "Does mommy need her medicine often?"

"Yep, every day. Sometimes early in the morning AND at night, too. Sometimes she just gets it out of the fridge and drinks it out of the bottle before we jump in the car....."

Gasps and giggles erupted from the grown-ups. Perhaps Sandra did partake of the spirits more than she let on.

I took a deep breathe and started my plea, "Wait! It's for medicinal purposes....really! Let me explain!"

Friday, May 22, 2009

The Law of Reciprocity


Your Random Acts of Kindness have touched my heart and have made a ripple in the world around you! Thank you so much to all of you who have sent emails, cards, text messages, smoke signals with beautiful words detailing your kind acts! I hope the giving continues. I will get a list of those received together for all to share!
A principle found throughout the Bible is: people return “like for like.” What you make happen for others God will make happen for you now. Jesus said, “Give and it will be given back to you….” In other words, acts of compassion will be returned with acts of compassion. If you desire to have more respect in your life then start giving out more respect to others. Whatever you give will come back to you in greater measure. Jesus said, “Pressed down, shaken together and running over” (Luke 6:38). If the positive is true, the negative is also true. Some people give out criticism and it comes back to them packed down and overflowing.

You well know that whatever right thing any one does, he will receive a requital for it from the Lord...
Ephesians 6:8
Thank You!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

The Best Gift You Can Give!


I got asked three times today......"So....what do you want for your birthday?"
I always have the same reply. "Oh, nothing. Really."(sheepish, blushing smile) I don't know why people ask....I've given the same answer for over 25 years. And I REALLY mean it.....well, almost all the time. Every once in a blue moon there is something that I feel the need to hint about when the birthday or holidays come around. For the most part, though, I really have a hard time coming up with things I feel I really want. Now, ask me about buying for someone else, and I can break your bank!

This year.....things are different. I am taking a stand. I am shouting my wants and desires from the rooftops! My birthday wish will not be held beneath closed eyelids, a silent tongue and the linger of birthday candle smoke. No! This year you will all be prevy to giving me the best gift ever!!!!! Are you ready for a challenge?


This year, I am requesting a gift from you that will not only warm my heart, but you will also find yourself on the receiving end of awesomeness! Starting today.....starting right now, I am challenging you and yours to go out in your world and perform as many Random Acts of Kindness as you possibly can.....all in my name, of course! My goal is to reach a magic number of 34+ (don't ask why I picked that number....just know it is magical!) RAK performed by my friends and family. Hearing and reading about these acts will make my birthday more wonderful and fulfilling than even the sweetest of ice cream cakes from Baskin Robbins! The only catch to this birthday wish challenge, is you have to actually share the RAK with me...either send me an email or post on the comment portion of this blog(you can click anonymous if you don't have an account). Heck, you can even post if via Facebook.....just get the info to me so I can add it to our "magical 34" list! Upon reaching my goal, I promise something wonderful.....I promise to take a cake to the face in honor of your hard work.....

See? I told you that you would get something out of this! Who knows...we may even capture the moment on video for all to share!

Random Acts of Kindness can be so simple, taking out the neighbor's trash, giving a sandwich to a homeless person, paying the tab for the person behind you in the coffee line......however simple of extreme you want to go! This will make for the bestest birthday ever! The challenge is on....go out there and make mama proud, and God Bless Us Everyone!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Love from the Dotter

Recently, while digging through a pile of useless paperwork and artifacts from days past, I came across a very old and faded piece of artwork from the yonder years of 2nd grade. Somehow, this little paper had found its way into the heaps of junk I towed from my childhood bedroom and off into the world awaiting in me in college. marriage. motherhood.

The handmade card was stuck to the backside of an old journal from my junior high days (why do we keep this stuff.....and by 'we', I mean me) with some sort of syrupy, coffee-like matter.

I did not immediately recognize my own masterpiece, but upon closer inspection, I found my name and age printed on the bottom.....Sandra Owens 7 years old.

2nd grade......Mrs. Cox was my teacher that year. She was a kind and fair teacher. She was also the teacher who administered the one and only true corporal punishment I ever received in my educational career. I never told my mom that......I hope I don't get in trouble now.

Anyhow, the paper I found was a card or craft sheet that must have been the Mother's Day gift assignment from Mrs. Cox's class. On the card as a simple stick-like figure with yellowish hair and a skirt.....obviously, my mother. Beside her stood several sticklits....me and my numerous siblings. Our little stick arms and legs were waving about in various directions. Written beneath the picture in the finest penmanship this teacher has ever seen(I might add), was a little note.

Mom-

You are the best mom. I love it when you danse silly and sing. I love to eat yor food. I love to go Alamo with you. Think you for making me smel a lot. (smile, not smell)

Yor dotter,

Sandra Owens

7 years old


I think that still sums it all up!

I love you, mom! Thank you for dancing silly (did you do that?) .

Happy Mother's Day!


We couldn't end without wishing this fabulous gal the Happiest of Mother's Days as well!

We love you, Maw!

Thursday, May 7, 2009

ChefBoyArDon't


This week rocked in that I only had to cook dinner like 2 times, and we all know, that is good for all parties involved! Doug's work had some sort of blitz thing, which meant we got to eat out at different restaurants all week, and then we ended the week with dinner treated at a friend's house.....awesomesauce!

In other news, the swine flu numbers have dropped drastically......hmm.......are you making the same connection? Perhaps it wasn't a virus after all..........

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Ole!

HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO......a day late. Too many margaritas, I guess.