F is for.....

FRIENDSHIP

Do you ever wish you could turn back the clock? I admit it...I do. I am a 30 something mom, working full time on ebay, girl scout leader. And don't get me wrong. I love my life. For the most part. And I have friends. Obviously if you are reading this, I consider you one of them. I have people I could call if an emergency arose and I needed a sitter for Madison. I have people I can call if my car breaks down in the middle of the night. I have friends that mailed me books just because they knew I wanted to read them. I have friends that have loaned me 20 bucks when I didnt have the gas to get madison to school. I have people I enjoy chatting with. I have friends. What more could a boring old 30 something mom ask for?

But the thing is...do you remember being young? That friendship bond that was unbreakable? Back when people didn't drift in and out of your life depending on circumstances of theirs? Back when you would not know of any place you would rather be or any person you would rather share it with? Before conversations turned to school or scouts or soccer? When you knew that no matter what someone had your back?

I miss those days. Don't get me wrong. I am still friends with the same people. But over the years we have drifted apart. So even though in my heart they are still my BFF. In reality, I don't know much about their lives anymore and vice versa. I miss the fun. The spontaneity. The craziness. And knowing that that person can see me at my best or at my worst and still love me just the same.

Just a fleeting thought in my overflowing mind. Friendship. Does the definition of it change over the years? Or is it that what we need from it changes as we grow?

I think Madison has the friendship thing right. She has many many friends. But there is that one very special friend. And they have 'grown up' together. They've known each other for five years now. And just last week on her birthday, that was the one person she wanted to spend it with. Much to my dismay, it didn't matter if I was there or not LOL.

But as a 30 something working mom and girl scout leader.....and very avid reader....I am glad for the friends I have in my life now. And glad for the friends who have been there for years no matter how distant we may be. And glad that those wonderful memories are burned in my heart forever.

In a sort of "ode to friendship" fashion....here is my baby growing up with her BFF Tori. May they be 30 something moms and still the very best friends....

and for all my friends who read this...dont worry...I got ya back :)

E is for....

ELECTIONS

Of course. What else could it be? After all this is a major election year. It's the end of the Bush era...thank heavens. It is the beginning of something new. But yet I find myself sad this year.

I am sad because I don't have a candidate that I can truly get behind. As most of you know, I was/am a big Hillary fan. She was who I wanted to see make it. I believed in her and her plans. But she didn't make it.

Yes I am one of "those" people. The bleeding heart liberals. LOL. I always laugh at that description. But yet I have serious concerns about "our" candidate this year. Concerns that most often get met with brushing me off as overdramatic. That makes me sad too. I feel very strongly about some things yet feel I can't really say much to my liberal friends about it.

Then of course the 'other' candidate. I have nothing against him so much as against his stance on issues. So I am stuck. I don't know where my vote will end up, if I even vote at all. And that makes me sad.

I say all the time I want a do over. I want new choices.

But what saddens me the most is seeing people I love and care about and respect change in front of my eyes. Suddenly the candidate of choice becomes a personal issue. If you question things, you are questioning them. In return your thoughts/beliefs/morals get questioned. When in reality it has nothing to do with them. You love and respect them just the same. You just don't believe in their candidate. And I see this on both sides. And it makes me sad. I don't respect them any less, but I don't like the side of them I am seeing either.

So thats why this election year is hard for me. I am ready for it to be over, yet scared at the outcome.

I liked my protective bubble and it seems to have popped. Is this what growing up feels like? If so, I don't much like it!

Prayers...

I needed to take a break from the ABC's to say a few words.

For starters I want to say my prayers are with everyone out there who was affected by Hurricane Ike. I can only imagine what it must be like to recover from this.

But I want to request prayers for two very special ladies who are still dealing with the aftermath of this hurricane.

The first is Becky. She is an amazing woman, wife and mom to beautiful Abby. Her and her family are still without power. They have struggled over the past few days.

The second is Wendy. She is also an amazing woman, wife and mom to 4 gorgeous kids. Her family is not only without power, but facing damage to their home.

Both of these women are the classic definition of what I want to be when I grow up. They are truly inspirational women. And while it is in their nature to find the good of any situation, I am sure they are struggling at this moment with all that is going on. I am certain the kids are having a rough time being displaced as well.

So when you offer up your prayers today, could you throw in a couple for Wendy and Becky and both of their families. I am sure they would appreciate it very much!

D is for....

DAUGHTER.

Ten years ago this very day was the day my life would change forever. Madison Ashleigh came into my world and soon became the light in it. I can not imagine a day without her here. I can not begin to describe the magnitude of my love for her. The years seem to have flown by to me. It makes me sad, yet I can't underscore the amazing bond and love we share still today. Her personality just attracts people like you could not believe. She is always, and I mean always, ready to be the center of attention. Someday that child is going to be on a stage somewhere.

Well as I cherish my daughter on her birthday...I share small pieces of her life through the years
as she has gone from my little sunshine to a wonderful young lady.

Man I love that kid :)

C is for.....

Cupcake Pops!

Bakerella I am NOT. Unfortunately.

But I still decided to give these boogers a try. Might I say Bakerella is now my hero! At least for today. Tomorrow is Madison's birthday so I made these to take to school. I thought I wanted to be unique. Now I wish I'd just made regular cupcakes. That was a LOT of work!!

We started off really well. I baked a cake and it turned out right. I know I know, how hard is it to screw up a boxed cake mix. You haven't see me bake.

So from there I was happy. Then I got my balls all ready to chill. Yes April, I have balls! LOL

So far so good....so then I dip the bottoms in chocolate. And at this point I am still happy with my progress....but I am soooo over making these things.

Well from there it went downhill. The vanilla almond bark didn't melt like the chocolate did. So I had to spread it on. Which was hard. So then they got all messy. And the styrofoam I bought to transport them to school wasn't large enough. Have I mentioned I was over making these? So I had to really cram them in.

But I am pleased to announce that Madison LOVES them. I haven't tried one yet in protest. And so far they all stayed on the sticks, which I didn't have enough of!

So while I am sure tonight I won't attempt another project like this....I know I will change my mind the next time the Britches say Ooooh you've got to try this.

So wanna see the finished product?? Please ignore the condiments on my counter and the lone taco shell on my stove lol

B is for.....

Busy, Britches and Back to School!

How do those three go together you ask? Well they just do. They describe my life this past week. I've decided to double up on my posts tonight simply because I am BUSY. I expect to be up to my eyeballs in photos and listings over the next few days so I might have to neglect you for a bit.

Busy is good. Busy means I am working. Working means I will make money. Money means I eat LOL. So its good. Plus I like being busy. I am one of those people who just HAS to have something to do. If not, I invent something. I work best in chaos. Good thing around here.

Britches...ahh where would I be without them? They are my sanity in an insane world. My laughs, my tears of sadness and joy, my friends. I look forward to the times I get to "chat" with them.

And back to school. Which around here is the day after Labor Day. Which was last week. And back to school always brings its own unique chaos. But its scheduled chaos and I like that. I like having my routine and schedule.

Here is Madison all decked out in Back to School High School Musical outfit (i tried to get her messenger bag too but she stuck her tongue out at me and walked off).

Well speaking of chaos my friends...I am up way past my bedtime. I will catch up in a few days...

A is for.....

Angel.

There are so many angels that have been in my life lately. I can't begin to describe it. Some made a small difference in an otherwise bleak day. Others did more. But each individual angel has made a huge impact in my life.

I have felt very blessed over the past few months. With great family members, loving friends and a relatively happy life.

I'd like to be able to express my thanks to each of them. But there are no words. And to do so here would only leave out others who have blessed my life in other ways.

But I wanted to touch on three very special angels.

The first has helped me to take care of some obligations. She has also helped Madison to have some things. She can't begin to know how very much what she has done has meant to me.

The second has made it possible for me to give Madison something she desperately wanted. I've thanked her profusely but I am sure it wasn't enough.

And the third but definately not the least. She is continually helping me to be able to help myself. She gives of her time and advice so easily. And the things she has taught me will continue to benefit my future.

For these women and all the other special people in my life...You have my heartfelt thanks. Just know that I intend to pay it forward and keep your good deeds going strong.

So folks, believe me when I say this. Never overlook a person. No matter how they appear. As the old country song goes....what if she's an angel?