This One's For You....

Oh my sweet girlies and a few guys...I love this song! It's soooo where I feel like I'm at in my life. Things are crazy, but crazy is excepted with me..lol. EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE OK!

Do you ever get the sense I'm the perpetual cheerleader..lol? I do. It's ok, though..I have some people in my world that do the same for me.

So...just because I'm able to...here's what I want you to know...
Melanie and Mudge (Baby inside of her..lol) I love you baby. It's almost time!
Erin Leigh....I am so proud of you and wish I could be your age with you and experience your world with you. I love you so much! I hope you know that.
Lizzie Girly...This one's for you baby! Cocktails? Va Beach? August? LOL. I think we're soooo on!
J...I love you baby. You're one of the best friends a girl can have! Who knew having such a partner could be so rewarding?!
Kelsey..Mommy loves watching videos with you in the morning. It's our little ritual. I love it.
Ava...My baby and your dancing! You make me belly laugh!
MD...I just keep going back to you. I read...I enjoy..and relate on so many levels. You're one of my originals. You're sense of humor is soooooo what I need sometimes.
Jewel..Norfolk or anywhere close to that soon? I could so use a marine wife somewhere close to me.

It's a busy crazy day for me today. I just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you guys.

Many more of you...but for now this is what I have!
XOXO
C

A Little Hootie For My Sisters..lol.

I'm thinking of my sisters right now. I love you guys so much! Erin, can you believe our Mel is going to be a mommy?!

Mel..Can you believe that Erie Leigh is going to be a lawyer?!

I just can't believe us. I miss you terribly. Terribly.

If you have sisters..you know what I mean. I love my babies. I practically raised them..in the love department. Oh, and the eating and getting dressed part. I found Erin before she almost died. I used to have to take Melanie to the mall with me and my friends. Can you even imagine? So on all the ramps Mel would get pushed in her umbrella for nice rides down the ramps with no hands from me. :)

I just love you guys. Now, I know you think I'm lame and in my 30s...so you LOVE the HOOTIE I chose with you in mind.

XOXO
Christie

Memorial Day With Marines...

Have you ever spent a Memorial Day with Veterans? Well, today was a lovely day. I did spend it with Marines. I don't like to focus on the danger of war. I never sit on my high horse and preach anything.

My husband is a marine officer. He looks lovely in is dress uniform. I get in trouble for calling it a "beautiful outfit." Hmmm...Even today I said that during a memorial service on CNN. However, they really do have the most beautiful outfits..:)
I watched the "Wounded Warrior" that we had Tivo'd during the week. If you can watch it..or catch it somehow...I suggest it! It doesn't matter how you feel about the war. Wateching that documentary just brought it soooo home. My Major Dad was there. He did all of that. It scared me to death. I can't even imagine.

I am here to say to our warriors, wounded or not...Thank You. I'm full from the BBQ, crispy from the sun...but thankful to be with some men who sacrificed more than I think I am capable of doing.

I love you guys...
C

Summer Summer Summer O Fun...

So I'm thinking...Surprise, huh.

First of all let's recap my morning..

• Woke up to a foot in my face showing me a little pussy blister. Lovely. Huh.
• Went potty, brushed teeth, washed face....and through the entire time had 6 eyes on me. (Ava, Dog, And Little Dog.)
• Walked down to let the doggies out, make coffee, and feed the kids and dogs.
• Kids begged for pizza from last night. I gave in. Oh well.
• Read my email.
• Sipped my coffee.
• Sipped some more.
• Watched Good Morning America with my daughter.
• The oldest is still sleeping.
• The boy is occupied.
• A and I have looked, looked and relooked at the pussy little wanna be blister. UGH.
• Hmmmm and it's only 9:30

HAPPY SUMMER..LOL! A is making complete action filled list of everything she wants to do this summer. She kissed a boy yesterday and immediatly crossed that off her list. LOL. Lovely. She's planning all her trips, swimming plans, and play dates. God Help Me! She's the easy one. Let's now factor in my preteen! LOL. Holy Crap!!!!

OH and now Mocha (little dog) is eating a candle. Yummy! Ooooh Can't wait for him to throw it all up.

Here's something to share with you my shallowness. I don't sit around and watch soap operas, but I do TIVO a few. I do that for the witching hour. I watch them around 4ish and fold laundry or ignore the screaming kids. So, as I was doing a load around 11 yesterday and saw the Breaking News I watched. Ken Lay and Jeffrey Skilling were found guilty. Justice I thought, then it was followed by me thinking that they better not screw with my soaps..LOL! I'm so fucking shallow. Who cares, though. At least I know I am.

Ok..loving the DIXIE CHICKS new CD.

Here's a thought for you. Imagine what it's like when I go on my Rumsfeld rants. I'm told to just be quiet and not to go there. Hmmm.

My world is a sitcom. I could write enough to fill scripts for years.

Oh Sweeties. There's enough for now.

Love,

Christie

Gutts..

When is enough, enough. I wish I had gutts like they do.

I'm house hunting in Virginia Beach. I guess moving is one of those cathartic things. We purge, we pack...we move on to new things. I'm looking forward to the new things, but at the same time I'm anxious about it.

How does one put the anxiety away and just deal? I wish I were one of those people. I do have a close close friend who told me I analyze everything! LOL. Me? Analyze? LOL...wow..! LOL. Surprise? LOL.

I wish I knew how to not be the one who analyzing everything. Maybe things would be easier.

New Motto. Just do it. Stop thinking about it... Just do it.

Love you guys..
Christie

White Bread...

You want to lose weight...cut the white bread.

Ok..I know. I get it. I've done it. I look at anything white, whether it's sugar..flour..or bread..and yes I know it's not good for me.

Sooooo, what I'm about to tell you will is going to sound horrid. The way it makes me feel is giddy. In the moments since it happened...I feel dirty, but dirty in a good way!

I had the husband buy white bread the other day. Yes...white bread to go with the Salami and cheese I also had him buy. (however, he's not Italian in the least and totally bought the wrong salami.) LOL. Ok...I just had white toast, a banana..and coffee. OMG!!!! It's soooooo good. I feel the headache just going away as I type.

White Bread, I Can't Believe It's not Butter, Coffee w/ half and half, a little sweet n low...and a banana. LOL. I feel flashback to the 80s coming on fast. LOL>

Oh who cares. It was yummy. I'm typing about it..it must have been good. I'm a loser..I know...typing about toast. LOL. Oh well...better than typing about all my funky dreams, who I'm missing and all the sappy crap!

XOXO
Christie

Monday Monday...

I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day, you Mommies out there.

I woke up to a fabulous breakfast in bed. Followed by the best sugared up breakfast, you can even imagine. Chocolate chips, syrup, waffles, toast, jam, lol...coffee, though. Very yummy. My sweet kids. They woke up so early to give me a special day. They had it planned it for a week. Sooooo cute!

My kids are out of school next week!!!!!! WTF! How did this happen so fast?!!!!!

SUMMER SUMMER SUMMER SUMMER! LOL.

Well, Happy Monday friends.

Love you..
XOXO
Christie

Just Breathing...

Do you ever have those lonely days.

I'm ok, but feeling lonely even though I'm not alone.

Call it the cycle. LOL...Aaaah the cycle.

I don't want to move.

I hate to start all over again.

I am blessed, though. Yes..I know all of that.

So, another weekend with the kids with out my partner.

Just Breathe Christie.

Just Breathe Christie....

And life goes on....
xoxo
C

Rain Rain Go Away...

Yes, it's raining! Again!

Doesn't the rain realize that when it comes down in buckets like this, that it makes the day very long with the kids? Ok, maybe I'm whining, but really...when will it stop..lol?!

Coffee is yummy this morning, banana is too, the Xbox controller is shot (i haven't a clue), and let's see...business is just moving along. I've been coming up with some new designs. I'll have to post some pictures so you, my lovely friends, can give me some input. I'm still doing the "Burpies" with new designs, though. I'm adding in a bag or two..carseat covers (yes carseats for children) and I have a few more ideas coming along. Designing is the part of my business I love.

Well, no dog poop or pee in the bonus room..lol..yeah TMI, but who cares. When it's raining and they manage to make it outside..then my morning rocks! Welcome to my world.

Hmmmm anything else...? Not much, I have to say. I'm just trying to do something good and that matters in my world. That's about it.

Love you..
xoxo
C

Coffee, Kids...and the Gas Station!

Coffee is important to me! We all know that. So, what happens when I run out of my creamer. I go into freak out mode. Yes..I planned the whole morning around an emergency trip to get the coffee creamer. Oh and let me add...horrid rain storm with lightning!

The kids blazed in getting dressed. I took the dogs out to potty in the rain. Oh, and while I had little Mocha outside, Reeses was freaked out and pooped and yes peed upstairs. UGH UGH UGH! He totally threw an obstacle into my emergency plan.

I took out the carpet cleaner. Washed the pee spot...and then I was off to brush hair and get things together. Mmmmmm the coffee smelled good. I had just enough half & half for one yummy cup. In 15 minutes I had us all together. We ended up at the gas station mini mart. HOW TACKY! I know. However, I know they have creamer. It's my emergency stop on quite a regular basis. LOL.

The kids got dropped off and I am sipping my yummy. I even have a bra on this early...LOL! Woohoo! I think I do more before 8:00 AM than most people do in a day. Hmmmm...
xoxo
Christie

The weekend is waaaay over!

Yes, I know that the weekend is over! LOL. Blogger just wasn't working with me!

Get this...first of all, the oldest girly can't stop talking on the phone. My mom must have gotten her revenge. That's the only thing I can think of at the moment. She wants to be a cheerleader. Hmmmmmmm...I don't even have words for this one. You just kiss them, love them...and root them on, I guess..LOL.

Ooooh I found a fabulous web designer. Hey, get this...he's even nice! Woohoo! You wouldn't think that's a big deal, but trust me...it is. I haven't found to many pleasant people in this business venture of mine.

Next...I'm so jealous of MD! She is going to Mexico. Have you seen her hot suit and outfits! She's one hot mama D.

Ok, so friends...enjoy a little JT and imagine a nice drink in your hand, sand in your toes..and sun on your skin.

Love you guys...
C

Happy Weekend..!

How does a weekend away sound? Anyone...Anyone?

Hmmmm a nice sandy beach, along with a few drinks, with umbrellas would do wonders.

Just some relaxing! Ok, I'd have to bring the kids..lol. No way on earth I could plan a getaway without them. LOL. They can frolic, I can relax...and still I'd sip some fruity colored yummy drinks.

Now...what should I make for dinner? I'm thinking tacos. I just don't have any salsa. Oh well, tacos it is.

Happy Friday!
xoxo
C

Finally!

My sister sent me this picture today! How funny is this?!

Well, it's perfect, actually, because I've been working on finding some good blog material. :) Yeah..I've sucked.

Hmmmm, let me just say this, It's expensive to start a business. Very expensive. Once you get your licenses, and everything legal with the state and federal government...get your name legal... find a good accountant to make sure everything is legal...find a partner to be the brains when yours isn't really working (and someone you can trust)...I could go on and on. The thing is..it costs money. It's not easy, friends. It's been consuming me and all of my time. I've dropped many balls and it's learning as we go. I love it, though. If you see a good small business...go and give them some business!

J(my partner) and I have worked our asses off the last few days (not to mention weeks) and I feel like we're almost there! Woohoo!

It's feels great to be on this side of good. I know you all know what I'm meaning. :)

XOXO

C

Sunday and Passion...

How can summer be around the corner? I'm loving it, though.

So, I've been sucking in the blog department, but I'm back. I'm feeling better and as ThursdayNext wrote about, the ghosts are no longer haunting my head. :) I soooo got that TN.

Coffee and a paper sounds good right about now. Here are some othere things that would be great...

• Mani and Pedis with my sisters
• Coffee and breakfast with Lori (even though she doesn't do coffee)
• Having the little weeds that pop up in my flower beds just all of a sudden disappear!!
• Waking up with all of my special friends in the same city a few minutes away!
• Getting all my music on my Ipod organized.
• Spooning all day during the rain!
• Tapping into that passion that has made me who I am...
• Peace for my mom...

XOXO...Wishing all of you are able to find your passion again....

Love,

Christie

Wednesday Already?

Things I'm looking forward to:

• Finding a Website Designer ASAP!
• Connecting with my bestfriend sometime soon.
• Getting the bod in shape for the summer.
• Listening to my music today.
• Yoga at the Y just relaxing.
• Surprises.
• The Beach.
• Hmmmmm...That's it for about now.

Life has just been different lately. Not bad, but different. I'm enjoying things and the way things are coming together.

Happy Wedding

It was a gorgeous wedding. My sister was amazing. Her gown was so beautiful and she was glowing the whole day and night. I wish you many years of love and happiness Melanie. I love you so much. I miss you, too.

Greetings From Cali...

How about a little Beach Boys! The REAL Beach Boys!
Every summer we would see them. I long for summers like that again!


I'm feeling soooo good right now! So Cal is home and I'm loving it.

We're relaxing and enjoying the weather. Ok, maybe not totally relaxing as we get ready for the wedding..but fun busy!

TTFN my friends....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIZZIE GIRL!!!!!
XOXO
Christie

What do you do when the kids are hungover?

That's right friends...kids that are hungover! The suger rush is over and the Peeps have disappreared from the baskets. BTW...I can't stand Peeps. LOL. My kids, however, love them! Oh and when did Easter become the "other" Christmas? There are even Easter circulars in the Sunday papers, including Toys R Us ads. It's just perplexing.

Soooooo let's see what else. I've been getting the house set up for the move. I love HGTV and all the "sell this house" stuff. I'm hooked. I cleaned out under all the sinks and next to the washer and dryer. I moved two bookcases in the living room and it really looks nice this way. The new Plantation Blinds look fabulous! Why couldn't I get him to do this a year ago.

Hmmmm...I'm not thrilled about Virginia, but what can I do?

So, that's all I have. Oh, and I'm going to California on Wednesday! Woohoo! Napa is off, but it will be revisited soon. My sister is getting married on Saturday, so it's a big week.

I hope you all had a beautiful Easter weekend.
XOXO
Christie

Peace on a Saturday Morning...

It's Saturday morning, calm and quiet.

Coffee is yummy...the paper is good...and the kids are playing nicely. How good is this? I'm glad we're having a nice morning. After yesterday and all the crap...we deserve a nice one.

I've got moving stuff to do today. Time is flying and I can't believe the house is going on the market in a month. Time is flying!

The Easter Bunny still has some Target shopping to do. LOL. If you get my drift. :)

Happy Saturday my friednds...
xoxo
C

Good Friday...

Friday Friday...what to say?

Yes we're going through with the move. There have been changes to the move, though. We have orders (military ways to say official move papers..lol.) It's going to be on the east coast and yest Tiny A...closer to you, but not as south as Georgia. Hmmmmm...guesses anyone?

Not thrilled with the state, but yes we'll be coastal. So, I'm looking for a house online and trying to find a good realtor. I love my realtor here. She's become one of my really wonderful friends. Maybe I'll be that lucky this time.

I went to church lit a candle and walked the Stations of the Cross today. I wanted to share it with the kids this year.

Other than that...it's just a quite Friday. Hubby is home and the Sierra Nevada is flowing into him. Ugh.

And life goes on friends....

XOXO
Christie

So Much Better...

The last blog looked sooooo dark. I think it made me not want to post, because I couldn't stand looking at it soooooo dark.

Well I'm house hunting and not wanting to move. You heard it straight from me. He's got all the realtors called and projects going, but I DON'T want to move again! LOL. It's life, though.

Today is a big day for Blooming Violets! We have a our Sales God who's starting to show our line to his customers! HUGE DAY! I can't believe I've become an LLC, have more than just me working, and this might actually take off big time!

Excited doesn't even begin to describe the emotion!

XOXO
C

Questions Questions Questions...Answers?

1. Would you have a relationship with someone that never wanted to get married?
2. Do you long for something you know you'll never have?
3. Can you have a fabulous life and fake happy when you have to?
4. If you were married and your husband had to leave for a year at a time, could you do it?
5. Do you have a moment in your life you want a "Do-Over" for?

Now, don't tell me you wouldn't do anything over...!!!! We all have some moments, don't we? I'm talking about "those" moments. You know the ones.

I'm reflecting. Can't you tell? R?

I have no clue why I do this..lol...but it's probably all my alone time these nights.

Love you all..

Christie

xoxo

"Sammy Richard....!!!!!!"

He keeps me on my toes! I find myself saying first and middle name sooooo many times during my morning, day, and night. "Sammy Richard!!!!" Those words just roll off the tongue. Second nature...probably.

However, the boy is....such a boy! Here are just a few of Sammy boy's activities in the last few days that have caused the first and middle phenom:

• During my shower (short, but hot) he managed to get a chair in the kitchen and get the glue from on top of the fridge and, yes, glue the dog's hair. Hmmmm , Just because.
• Being quite the sneaky one...he figured out how to get into the garage (through the kid's gripper) and to sneak out the Reeses Peanut Butter Cups out of the freezer. He enjoyed quite the sugar high!
• Hmmmm....what else.
• He played Yoda and Sith Lord with little Mocha. Hmmm...oh yeah, imagine the barking that took place during that. Oh...and lots of "Sammy Richards" LOL!
• Oh, he took Reeses' scarf (which the dog loves more than anything) and put it around his own boy neck and then had the dog chase him around the living room table for said scarf.

I'm sure there's much more....Actually I'm positive! However, I don't want you to think my boy is a holy terror. No...he's just here to kick my ass into gear. I am not complacent while sipping coffee. I am sure to have my ear on him...if he's too quiet...then we all know he's being curious!

It's a happy Friday. Business is "Blooming!" Yeah yeah yeah. Cute, though. :)

Once again I'm the solo mommy this weekend. It should be fun, though. We're playing Scrabble big time these days. The little one might not know how to spell, but he's learning. We don't go by the rules too much with him and let him do small easy words. It's really fun.

Ok, well SR wants me to go be the Sith Lord and he is going to be Yoda. I'm always the bad guy..LOL. :)

XOXOXOXO

C

Laughter...I've got that covered!

Love that song...

So, here are a few funny things to get you to Friday..

First of all, I read fluff. I mix in some good old fashioned fluff with the good stuff. :) Ok, but you knew that. I'm reading Cinderella Rules. Very funny. Fluff galore. Here's Cinderella Rule #4:
Never underestimate the power of fashion as a business tool. Unfair as it may seem, a well-tailred skirt matched with the right pair of heels often influences people more than the corporate presentation you spent weeks slaving over. Embrace that reality ...and accessorize ruthlessly.

If that doesn't crack you up..I have another.
Last night Sam and ava were in bed. I just tucked them in and walked downstairs as I heard this little exchange:

"Hey Ava, I dropped a plate today. It was an accident, though. Hey Guess what Mommy said," asked Sammy?

"Go to your room," Ava laughed.

"No, she said Shit! It was like Ooooooh Shit! Shit Shit Shit. (yes from my 5 year old,)"He then just cracked up!

"Shit," she spell, "S....H....I....T, SHIT."

"Good Ava...now we can say and spell shit," my sweet sammy proudly announced.

xoxo
C
PS..I only said it once!

Mommy Have You...

"Mommy have you made me a 'My Space Blog,' yet?"

She wants a BLOG?!!!!!! There really is more ahead, my friends, I swear. Once you get through the constant earaches and colds, not sleeping through the night, lack of a life.....they hit you out of the blue with a biggie.

My 11 year-old wants a blog. "But why not Mommy...you have one?"

Holy Crap..! Yes I know there are lots of "!!!!s" and ".....s" today. I'm just really at a loss for words. How does she even know what My Space is? I totally gave in when she wanted a Yahoo ID, because I can keep an eye on her. Oh and I wanted her off my Yahooo...lol. Yes, I know smoothe mommy.

Trust me, I'm in all of her business. She doesn't stop talking about anything...lol. Hmmmm who does she get that from? I have all the passwords. I just don't know if I'm ready for a blog?

I hope you're all having a great Tuesday and laughing with me. I might not be so great at many things, but I sure can laugh. Along with vitamin Z...it keeps me sane.
Love you guys..
xoxo
Christie

Oldie, But Goodie...

GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE...

• Timing...Timing...and Timing...
• I was looking you up at the same time!
• Still connected after all these years..
• I love that great minds think alike.
• Yes..You.
• Thanks for the smile.
• So long ago and one little elevator ride.
• Remember the invention of the word "hunny?"

Sunday Happenings and Thoughts:

• Kids are getting along soooo well (do you sense the sarcasm?)
• You all know this and probably don't care, but my coffee is sooo good right now!
• I'm getting ready for my sister's wedding and a trip to California alone.
• I'll miss the kids, but I'm actually going to Napa with my fabulous dear friend. We're going to do some wine tasting for a few days and enjoy the great Inn we found. Then we're heading down to Santa Barbara and stay there for a few days. At least I'll have my friend at the wedding with me so I won't be alone.
• The kids not going to the wedding is a whole other story for another day.
• Why is it when the numbers on the scale get smaller, then our day can be completely brightened? LOL..so fucking crazy..I know.
• I need a mani and a pedi today, but since it's Nashville..nothing is opened on Sunday! Go figure.
• Finally...I love my blog and having a place to dump.
• I love the friends that take the time to read it more.
• Oh...and let me say....LURKERS..say hello! I have so many visitors and you at least owe me a little hi...:)

Love,

Christie

Friday Friday...

Happy Friday! Can you believe we're springing forward this weekend?

I'm getting the trees trimmed and flower beds ready. Ok..well not me personally, but the gardener is doing it for me. I'll do all the planting and beautifying. LOL. I'm working on giving us the curb appeal to get us a little extra for the house. :)

Anyway...the girls are in rare form this morning. I'm working in deep breathing and the mantra "they're just kids..."

Happy Day my friends. Enjoy your day...look at the flowers....smile...remember that is good or it will get better. Grab a cup of coffee or get a diet coke. DO what Tiny A suggested...call a friend...laugh...read the paper. It will be ok....I promise.

Just a little something...

I was over reading one of the "oldies and original bloggin' babes" this morning. Mama Duck to those of us who love her was posting about lonliness. She's always beautiful and even her self portrait today is gorgeous. (so there.)

Anyway...I feel it, too. I'm not alone, but feeling it horribly. Here's a little Video that she suggested. I thought I'd post.

Always On Your Side...

Loving this video right now...

Things are flowing together here. Can you believe April is in a few days?
Where is time going? Just another month until another birthday! Woohoo...yeah right! LOL.

Always On Your Side
By Sheryl Crow
CodesAndLyrics.com

Monday Monday...

Aaaahhhhhh!

Deep Breath and a Wooohooo! Spring Break is over!!!!! The kids are back into school and I have my little sense of normalcy back to my day..lol. I loved hanging out with them. No, I really did..lol. :)

It's just that it rained mostly every day. Ava baby had a fever for 4 of the days. Princess K seemed to be getting very PMSy, oh and Sammy boy just seeemed to drive them crazy with his Star Wars stuff.

Let's see...Monday...coffee, MY music, and yes...my computer. Three kids, three computers, and one would think it that would be sufficient. Ugh!!! If the mommy wants to use the computer, then we must do a rotation and timer for the computers. Yes, it's come to that.

I'm going to enjoy some hip shaking of my music. It's doing it's job.

Love you guys...
xoxo
C

SAYS IT ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My New Toy....

No not that kind of toy! Ok Lizzie...Darlene...all of you..minds out of the gutter. LOL...even though that might not be a bad idea these days. Anyhoo..lol..this is the best thing I can recommend!
The Bissle 2X Heater Carpet Cleaner!


I've been the vacuum whore, remember. I have used them all. I would only use Stanly Steamer for the house. I'd pay $500ish twice a year and get the carpets cleaned, deoderized, and protected. Now, the old rule of thought is that these machines leave in soooo much soap in the carpets that traffic would pick up the dirt.
THIS ISN'T SO ANY MORE!!!!!

This amazing machine heats up very hot, you regulate the cleaner, and when you're done you can do a little rinse cycle with the turn of a knob. Now, I have traffic...3 kids, huge hubby feet and the dogs. My white carpet is not picking up any extra traffic dirt! AMAZING. The thing is there is a Scotch Guard spray you can hook up to it and protect the carpets yourself!!!!! Absolutely the most amazing product ever!!!!!!

So there you have it. Yes, I wish I had hardwoods throughout the house, so I wouldn't have to worry about this. However, since I have a house, obviously designed by a man with white carpet, this Bissle is worth every single penny spent on it!

That being said...Happy Friday Friends.
XOXO
Christie

Busy Busy Busy Me...

Things have been busy and happening.

Have you ever had a time in your life when you've needed a true friend? I mean the kind of friend that is there for you, regardless of anything. I do have a few of these. Yes, a few. I love them dearly...heart and soul.

The last month, it seems, I've been scattered. I've been living with an alcoholic and let me tell you...it has been hell. I'll wake up with my happy self, or fake happy self and be ok until 4:30ish. Then the knots come. I don't know what's coming home from work.

What to do? I have no idea. I'm getting gutts, though...and as someone told me to do...I think I've grown a set of balls..LOL. Ok, maybe I've just grown one. I feel a little more at peace taking my life back, though. Hmmm, I guess I have, even though I'm clueless about the future.

Dr. Calm was fabulous today, once again. He told me it's ok to not argue with a drunk. It's ok to live my life based on my own terms. We know these things, but it's just the way he describes it to me. Life will be ok.

So, my friends I've missed you all.

.....and life goes on.

Love and Kisses..
Christie

Baby It's Cold Outside....

The little Blooming Violets is thriving. I've been working it, like there were no tomorrow. It's all about the Passion! When you find others as passionate as you are....then you need to gravitate towards one another. I don't mean in the love sexy way, either.

Soooo hoping this is a Happy Sunday for you guys. The paper was empty. However, it's a Nashville paper. LOL...what can you expect. I just want to get into a good book, but I have laundry.

XOXO
Christie

St. Patty's For All....

Today is the day for the Irish! Everyone is Irish today! Are you crock pots going? Do you have the cabbage ready? Guiness in the fridge?

I wish you all could come over and partake in a really "festive" St. Patty's Day party. Enjoy whatever you do! I hope wherever you are the green is everywhere!
XOXO
Christie

GET THAT GREEN READY!

The weather is gorgeous! I'm looking out the window at a beautiful morning. The sky is blue and it's already 57 outside. My coffee is yummy and I'm looking for a dress for my sister's wedding online at Nordis (Nordstrom to all you Non Nordi shoppers..lol.) I'm online, because it's Nashville. We don't have one here.

Let's see...I only heard one disturbing word from my daughters' mouths this morning. Stripper.

"Ava stop dancing like that. You're dancing like a Stripper," screamed my 11 going on 20 daughter!

Stripper! Let me say it one more time...Stripper! Not a word used in this house. LOL! Holy Crap. Ava learned this little, I'll call it a Tush Push...from her friend at school. Imagine Beyonce. Get the picture? OH MY! She's cute and just dancing...then Ms. Princess mentions stripper.

"Mommy,what is a stripper," Ava eagerly asks. Yep...we had a stripper talk.

I'm afraid to type what I told her...lol..in case there are any ex strippers out there. Let's just say no self respect was mentioned. No..me go off on a tangent. LOL. Imagine that.

My girls know better than to hit me with the doozies (yes i typed doozie) before the coffee hits. :)

Ok...now...on to tomorrow!

Get your green ready babes. Get your corned beef at the market, a little cabbage....crock pots out, your drink of choice....and get ready for St. Patty's Day! Too bad you're not here. You could partake in Christie St. Patty's festivities. :)
XOXO
Christie

Lip Gloss and Jesse McCartney...

A conversation with Kelsey.

"Mommy, what are some of the things you can't live without?"

Hmmm.

"Mommy, I'm talking about makeup!"

Oooooh.....I thought"I'd say mascara...to open up my eyes."

"Oh mommy...you should really think about making it lip gloss. I can't live without all my lip gloss and glitter! I love all my gloss and face glitter."


Oh yes friends, it just happens overnight. One day they're watching Arthur and the next day it's all about glitter. Ok, I'm exaggerating, but you know what I mean. I even know Jesse McCartney's favorite color. Do you? Well, I'll help you..it's orange.

Nothing else really going on, except....EVERYTHING. LOL. I just wanted to post before I did the mommy taxi thing. The coffee is waiting....
Love you guys..
XOXO
Chrisite

BloomingViolets.com

Do any of you know people who want to grow a sales area with specialty gifts? You've all seen the products. You know it's my labor of love. I'm trying to get into some new markets. Head over to the Blooming Violets blog and read up on what I'm looking for.

Thanks friends.....
Christie

Me... Quirky? Ok maybe

• Yes I baked my phone! Yes, it worked! Just make sure that if you try it take the battery out (duh), put it on a cookie sheet, and leave it there for 3-5 hours! Just think of it like this. In AZ the inside of a car in summer gets to be hotter than that. I bet a phone would last in there..:)!
• I watched "Say Anything" this weekend. Love that movie.
• "Mommy what does Heaven look like (watching Star Wars?) Do you think I could bring my light sabres with me?" Doesn't get much better than that.
• My blog is for me.
• My music is for my mood.
• Yes...drunk again.
• And....life goes on....

XOXO

Christie

CHRISTIE-ISM OF THE DAY....

Don't laugh...but if you do, it's ok.

So, I dropped my cell in my Diet Coke on ice. Ok, laugh. Just wait, though. I take it into the bathroom and start the blowdryer. As you can tell, I wasn't a phone dropper virgen. LOL.

Well, it wasn't working. Hmmmm. Well, I go to the internet. OF course! There has to be an answer. I found it!

* Put the cell phone in the oven at 125 degrees for 5 hours. Then take it out and charge.

Well I'm trying it! LOL.

Ok...Laugh. I'll let you know!
XOXO
Christie
The Queen of Christie-isms. :)

Early Early Early...

(Added 8:30AM
Music according to Kelsey..
Jamie Foxx's video..."Oh Mommy Noooooo. I soooo don't like him. He's the boy Madonna! YUCK!!!!")

Aaaahhhh and to think I thought I was going to sleep last night.

WRONG!

The hubby is gone this weekend, so of course Ava baby is all excited that she'll get to sleep in bed with me. If you don't have a little girl..or you weren't one...you won't understand. So, about 11 she came down and told me it was time for me to get upstairs. LOL..well ok.

Sometime around 4ish Sammy boy came in. He wanted to "cuddle." LOL. I love them...I was just really tired.

So about 5:30 Reeses hears something outside so we have some serious barking. Then about 6ish Ava was freaking out because she couldn't find her crayons...she could only find Sam's.

So there I was. I dragged my ass out of bed. The babies all followed me down like ducks in a row. It went like this...Me, Ava, Mocha, Reeses, and then .....Sammy and his blanky. My largest duckling was still soundly tucked into bed.

I'm warming up with a little yummy coffee and feeling like it's going to be a wonderful relaxing day. I have no worries about having to walk on eggshells today. We're going to have rain and I love to hear the rain fall on Saturdays. I see a wonderful day ahead.

I know some of you friends wonder about peace and happiness. It's there waiting for you to grab onto it. This is what I've figured. I can live in all the past or trust the future. The future is an unknown, but there's hope and you can make it whatever you want. This my friends... I know to be true.

We get one life hunnies. Try to smile. Find some good music. Get a chick flick and laugh. If none of that works, do what I did a few days ago. Light a yummy candle. Then get a piece of paper and write down all the good things in your world. I have Dr. Calm for these fabulous ideas. :) Yes, there are negatives..but for now just focus on the good. Things might suck, you might not have any money, you might not have love, you might have trust....but you have friends. If you don't....email me and I'll point out positives.

My last few years have been a handful of crap. Not just things that "happened to me," but events that were made of my own doing. I've met some amazing "wise" "keep your pecker up" women...and let me say...without them I might be hopeless right now. I'm not. Life turns around. I'm here to say it does. Ok Ok...I'm on a little tangent, but I do have a point; If you take on your life...you can get it to be the way you want it to be. Don't settle for a quick fix. It will never ever...be ok.

Let me say this again....Quick Fixes...Feel good moments...Moments you would be ashamed for people to know about...not worth it.

Love you guys...
XOXO
Christie

Things that make you go HMMMMMMMMM!!!!!

Here are some things for things I've been wondering....

• PDA or Day planner? Day planner...I just can't get into using a PDA.
• What the first blog of your morning? StoppingTraffic and BethyGirl(She's first on my blogroll.)
• Do you need a new digital camera and if so, which one do you want? I totally need a new one! I just don't know what to get. I've been through 4 in the last 3 years!
• Laptop or Big computer? My Laptop...aka Sweet Tosh! She's so good to me. Never have a problem with her!
• Wireless or Wall mounted..lol? (i don't know what it's called) I have both, but really only use my wireless. How lucky are we that there are wireless computers now!?
• What CD is in your car player right now? When my girls allow me to listen to my own music and not Jesse McCartney or Kelly Clarkson (love her,) I have James Taylor going right now. He's in right this second..but I promise when we get in the car to go to school...it will change. :)
• Today, GMA, or Soledad on CNN? I love Soledad and mix it up with Katie!
• What are you wearing right now..? Caribbean Cruising and pink striped jammie bottoms
• What are you drinking? Christie Coffee!

I really don't have much else. I'm trying not to have a pity party. :) Sooooo, I'm keeping it light and fun my sweet bloggies. Oh come on answer .... I dare you!

XOXO

Christie

Oooooh Lizzie A Tease!!!!!!!

Yes, I guess I was a tease. :) Ok, so let's see what I have done today.

• I made a Blog for my BV site. BloomingViolets.com/blog! (I'm talented I know..lol)
• I have had some yummy yummy coffee.
• My list of things to do has been shortened by 3 items! Woohoo!
• Laundry is steadily going in the background.
• The kitchen is picked up very nicely. (Yes my sweet Lummin...fixed from someone's attempt last night..lol)
• Oh ...let's not forget I've posted a few comments in some blogs.
• Now I'm looking for a cool song for today.
• I do love Jackson Brown. LOL...they just don't have enough of his songs with videos.

Love and kisses babes...

Christie

Life goes on....

Can it already be Wednesday?!

Well I am still here, no worse for the where. You all know what I mean. I am sipping some famous Christie Coffee and listening to my daughter just talk and talk in the background. LOL. It's so cute. She is one beautiful girl. I can't believe how she's just blossoming. We are officially through the growing out of the bangs. I suggest you all start now with the little ones! Let me tell you this, if you you wait until they're a preteen it's hell! LOL.

She's up and we're watching "Jump Start" on VH1. I'm loving this video with DMC from Run DMC. It's about his adoption. I love it. It's beautiful.

Hmmmm... let's see what else is going on. :) Oh...I asked how many times can one watch Star Wars without completely losing it. Obviously...it's an endless number, because my boy is just all over it! LOL. My little "Jedi Master in training." I'm not sure if you guys remember how I made fun of all the Star Wars geeky men who would the light sabre choreographed dances. Ummmm I have one that just does the same thing. Ummm yeah. Seee....KARMA COMES BACK TO BITE YOU IN THE ASS!

Ava is dressing Mocha up and the dog is looking very nice in "HIS" little sundress. :)

It's true....

Life goes on.....

I'm just doing the best I can do. I am building my business. The site is looking great! Go take a peek and let me know what you think. I'd so appreciate it....

www.bloomingviolets.com

LOVE YOU,
XOXO
Christie

A bunch of nothing kind of Sunday...

Sunday...

First let me say...My sweet old friend and you know who you are..Say hi. Email if you feel like it.
xoxo

• Yet again another hung over morning (and not for me)
• Coffee was fabulous. My first bright spot.
• I was the best mommy in the world, according to my babies.
• The dogs went potty fast this morning...so it was fast. (good because it was cold.)
• I tried..but the Sunday paper was empty.
• My site is coming along.
• I totally planned a fabulous trip.
• I found great fabric today.
• My music was a nice distraction today.
• I am looking forward to everyone being in school tomorrow.
• The Academy Awards are being Tivo'd so I can skip through commercials.
• I have figured out so much last night and today. I feel like a ton of bricks have been lifted.
• Mmmmm and I made the best fajitas tonight!

XOXO

Christie

Can it only be 9AM?!

I do more before 11AM, than most people do the whole day!

• Woke up to, "Are you going to get up already, or what? I'm hungry." I think it was only 6:07 exactly.
• Licks on my face from baby Mochs.
• Took the dogs for a long walk to make sure they had poopies. Wouldn't want to upset the husband with an accident by Mocha.
• Made two different breakfasts...oatmeal for sam, and apples w/peanut butter for ava and me.
• Made and sipped coffee.
• Worked on my Blooming Violets website.
• Talked to my mom.
• Sipped more coffee...

Now it's 10:48

• The roof guy is here looking at a few tiles that need to be fixed.
• Kids are jumping on the furniture.
• Ava has dressed Mocha like a ballerina in a pink tutu...and now like a princess in a purple.
• Kelsey and Ava are fighting over the dog.
• I'm on second load of laundry.
• Ummm they're still fighting.
• Oh and let me add this. The hubby is upset with me because I said anything about the other night to him. He's giving me the silent treatment. I hate that more than anything you can imagine! F-er!

Happy Saturday...

xoxo

C

There's always a silver lining...

What a wonderful group of friends I have on here. So many things you all know that scares the hell out of me to share to people who see every single day.

You, my sweet bloggies, matter to me. :)
Love,
Christie

Happy Hump Wednesday...

My Hunnies...you all need a Dr. Calm. He did wonders for me today. Not only did he listen, but he got me in right away. I called him at 2:30 and he took me at 5:30. I had the kids and he didn't care if I took them with me. I only ended up bringing Princess A...but still he was fabulous.

Here is my new mantra..

"I'm sorry hunny I can't do this right now. I'm busy."

When asked what I'm busy doing, all I have to do is say is, "It doesn't matter. It doesn't have to be anything. I'm just busy."

I love that. He saw me with no makeup, tired, and frazzled. He didn't tell me he's going to give me happy medicine. He first suggested I put a block on my phone. LOL. (yeah like that would go over with Jan the mom.)

Another thing. I didn't make Kelsey go to school with Ashes on her forhead. LOL..a friend of mine told me I was being a "hardass bitch." Hmmm...Ok...LOL hard ass bitch and lent all in the same topic. Lovely. Hey, this is my life, though.

No sugar day #1...Fabulous. Ok, it's only 8:15, but I'm having a wonderful feeling about it.

Love you guys...
Christie

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN....

Lent begins tomorrow and I'm going for the fasting of it thisyear. I'm giving up all forms of refined sugar. It's not for the weight loss of it, but to make my body feel better. I don't want to be a slave to the cravings. Hmmm...good idea for me.

Anyhoo..this morning I went and bought a nice latte and extra large coffee, at the drive-thru Starbucks. I didn't even need to get dressed. I should have thought of coffee for Lent, but I love it. LOL. I didn't have any creamer or sweet n low..so it was off to make an emergency coffee run.

I don't have much today. I've been working hard at getting my website up for my business (specialty gifts.) My brain is a little fried and I'm sitting here in a fog this morning. I've got my baby Mocha curled up next to me and hopefully the Aleve is kicking in here any moment.

Enjoy your day my friends...
XOXO
Christie
PS..Did anyone see Oprah yesterday with the woman behind Jimmy Choo! All those fabulous gorgeous .... shoes. :)

I LOVE MY SUNDAYS

This video is because I love my Bono..and love The Corrs. Enjoy.
Yes, I love my Sunday mornings. I decided to go to early Mass this morning. I was up and just decided to head out myself. I went to ... get ready for this 6:30AM Mass. I needed a little peace of mind. I didn't want to deal with the kids and keeping them quiet. So I went.

Now I'm back home, comfy cozy...and sipping my coffee. I have my paper ready to be read. It's sunny out, but deceiving. It's 32 outside! Brrrr.

I haven't got too much. Enjoy your day my friends.
Love you...
Christie

MOMMY MY SOCIAL STUDIES PROJECT IS GOING TO BE AWESOME!

The Princess wanted me to post this song. She loves it, but told me you can play an instrument, be a cheerleader, and be the homecoming queen all at the same time. LOL!

Do you ever feel like a loser baby?

Holy Crap..I feel like a loser today. I have this way of stretching myself thing to everyone. It fucking sucks. (Yes..this will be profanity laden.) Why do I wonder why I feel a mess of knots in my tummy? I do it to myself. I've decided not to say yes to everyone, but I'm failing.

Yes. Yes. Yes. You'd think with the ease I have to say Yes...that I'd be easy. I'm not! lol.

Maybe if I type this it will help me say No when I need to.

Ok, one other thing. You are all amazing. I feel special when you all share feelings and thoughts with me. We've all gotten to know certain parts of one another's true feelings that we don't just share with even our closest "others." This helps.

Oh and who knew that blogging would help me find my soul sisters!
xoxo

C

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE...

I'm tackling the issue of me. I've been told a few things over the last few months that I've pondered. This if for no one and anyone. It's me on paper. At least it's what I see.

1. I'm 35 and very ok with it. (Yes MD...20/15)
2. I love my kids more than life or anything else.
3. I gave birth to a daughter that does amazing math! (if you know me you can laugh.)
4. Loving myself has taken awhile.
5. Pathetic is not a word I would use to describe me. So there!
6. GH is tivo'd in my house every single day.
7. Mistakes have been made by me.
8. Huge mistakes have been made.
9. I've lied more than a few times to ones I have loved.
10. Forgiveness is magical.
11. Living feels great.
12. Health is something I don't take for granted...ever.
13. I'm well versed on nephrology and my girl's kidney.
14. Going to the doctor makes me anxious.
15. My favorite color is pink and it just makes me smile.
16. I love good hair.
17. I've loved madly and deeply.
18. I've loved horribly.
19. I've "thought" I loved, when in reality it wasn't love at all.
20. I love mission style furniture.
21. John Mayer and David Gray are my favorites.
22. San Diego really is home.
23. I miss Arizona.
24. Friends are to be cherished.
25. To trust requires one to be trustworthy. (hmmmmm I've learned that.)
26. Music is part of every day for me.
27. I love my Ipod.
28. Yoga soothes me.
29. The treadmill kicks my ass and I love it.
30. Lizzie knows more about me than people I've known a lifetime.
31. Bart is such a kind soul with very wise words. (Most of you know him.)
32. I love to laugh.
33. My laughter can be mistaken for insecurity.
34. I'm giving these days.
35. Thank God for Dr. Calm. Such a wise wise Dr. :)
36. Thank God for Dr. K who save my Kelsey's life on more than one occassion.
37. I wouldn't have made it as a pregnant woman in a covered wagon. LOL..I'm too delicate!
38. R..I still think about you and hope you are well. (I have no doubts of your success.)
39. I believe in happiness.
40. My life is better than I deserve.
41. When all is said and done...my boobies still look nice.
42. I've had 4 digital cameras because Sammy boy has broken all of them.
43. I'm on my 7th cell phone, because I've broken all of them. LOL.
44. Lotions and perfumes are my thing.
45. Smells bring me back in time.
46. I'm a fabulous cook.
47. My sisters think I'm Mother Christie.
48. Ava told me I smelled like a princess today.
49. I don't worry about my looks these days.
50. If you're reading this...thank's for your time.
51. Ok there has to be a 51.
52. Kelly Clarkson is my guilty pleasure.
53. I cherish my Bloggin' Babes.
54. I'm sipping a class of Blackstone Merlot as I type this.
55. Flip Flop weather can't come too soon for me!
56. I want another baby...
57. Melanie is having a boy!
58. I'm going to have a nephew!
59. Erin is going to Europe this summer.
60. Clarity would be a good thing in the days ahead.
61. I wear my heart on my sleeve...but not all of it.
62. HOPE AND LOVE ARE THERE FOR ALL OF US....

XOXO

Love and Kisses....

Christie

Humpy Day!

Here's a picture of my baby Mochs. Yes, "He's" wearing a dress and has a little pony in his hair. He can thank his sweet sister Ava for his daily dressing up time.


It's Wedensday...hump day.

I feel like it should be Friday, after that long long weekend. Yes, the hubby finally went to work today. All together...Thank God! I need some alone time.

Kids are in school, doggies are walked, and I am doing some work. Oh, and I'm watching Sammy boy play Star Wars Xbox. He wants me to play, but I haven't got a fucking clue! LOL. I try...and I guess that's all that matters.

Happy day friends. I'm going to work on building my little "Empire." (aka..my business.)
XOXO
C

Bruised, Dentist...and Vegas

Funny thing happened on the way out this morning to walk the doggies. Let's just remember there was no coffee yet in me. It was still brewing.

I started to stop off the steps of the deck and before I knew it my body was in slow motion. My ass was slamming into the steps and just sliding...one two three four....boom. OMG! For a minute I thought I broke my butt. LOL! Ok, I have a little padding, but still. So now, I have a fabulous huge black and blue bruise right there on my left cheek! Ugh. There's even a nice side bump to go with bruise. Hmmmm. Yep, that was my day.

Oh...and let me just mention I had a tooth filled. It wasn't a new filling. It was a replacement filling. I love nice clean teeth. A few weeks ago I tried out a new floss and somehow it just didn't agree with me. LOL..yep...the filling cracked. Hmmm. Well the dentist told me I needed my wisdom teeth pulled. There's a funny wisdom teeth story.

Back in the day (before kids and marriage) I told my boss I was off to get my teeth pulled. Instead, I went off to Vegas with my boyfriend of forever...my love. Aaaahh. Memories. I digress. :) Here's a little James Taylor...he speaks my language.
XOXO,
C

Snowy Stuff!

Update: Living with a drunk can make a life hell. On the outside...things look completely wonderful and at night the partner is left alone with sadness. When is enough enough. Hmmmm. Deep breath.
Love you guys...xoxo...Post something you lurkers! I'd love to know who you all are. Go on...I DARE YOU. Just click comment...and send me a note!




What do a bunch of Southern California Kids do when they get snow? They build a snow man of course! The was the day after, so some has melted, but the back yard was still full of the white stuff. The kids fight over the gloves and the daddy goes out in his shorts and Uggs to show them how to roll the snow. (He's from Denver.)Ummm it was only about 18 outside when I took these cute pictures!
xoxo
C

More Snow!

It was 70 on Thursday and Snowing today. Isn't the weather crazy this year? Happy Saturday everyone. Here's a look at my babies. Hmmmm, I feel younger than I must be to have these little ones. Kelsey looks way older than the 11 years that make up her age. :) My Uncle and Cousin came to visit today. It was just for the day, but it was fabulous to visit with family. You'll see Ava and her cute cousin after playing in the snow.

XOXO
C

I haven't dunked in forever!

UPDATE: On top of Oreos..I'm loving this song. I watched, listened..and my tears flowed. I'm such a wuss. XOXO...C
We Belong Togther
By Gavin Degraw
CodesAndLyrics.com