More Than You Ever Wanted To Know

Dana and Daisy said...
how do you keep up with your hectic pace? what vitamins do you take?
I don't know that I do "keep up" I only know one pace. I can't sit still. Never have been able to. Some people have called it ADHD or overactive. I chose to think of it as "spirited" - you can take the girl out of cheerleading, but you can't take the cheerleader out of the girl. Ready? Okay! {insert hitchkick}

And let me just be honest, I do not keep up with it all. I have a lady who cleans my house. I only cook prepared meals from Whole Foods on weekdays. My kids wear mismatched socks ... often. They sometimes miss breakfast or don't even brush their teeth before school (I will pause for gasps and calls to CPS). But I don't sweat the small stuff. And I tell them it adds character.

Vitamins? Well, no. I did get some tests run this summer cause I was having some weird symptoms and my B12 levels came back neagative. Like I was a B12 sucker. So they told me to come in and get B12 shots! Uhm, seriously? So I have not gone. But I did go shoe shopping. Cause I have heard that genuine Italian leather has high levels of B12. It's the new homeopathic way and all. And it is WAY better than a shot. And what is B12 for anyways?

did you get a new super nanny?
Oh yes Honey - did we ever. She is from Romania and a nice round soft grandma. She LOVES my spawn and cooks supper everynight and does my laundry and folds my underwear. And she has a thick accent and speaks broken English. As you all know, Baby Twerp has a speech impediment and is not always the easiest to understand. But BT and Nanny understand each other when no one else can. Which came as a surprise to all of us. And then I realized it...the only logical solution to this was OBVIOUS. BT does not have a speech delay -- he is a gifted child who speaks fluent Romanian. This also explains his love for lettuce. Duh. I can't beleive we never saw it before.

How old where you on your first date? When you got your first curling iron? when you started wearing eye shadow?
I don't remember my first date. I am sure I was 16ish. I only had 2 "boyfriends" in high school. One was my long-term baseball boyfriend. I cheered and then went to all his games. He played baseball and we spent every waking moment together. My other guy was an older guy in college. He wore silk shirts, too much hair gel and sealed the deal with me when he asked me take a ride on his motor cycle. He was the coolest thing I had ever seen and was quite smitten. He actully was in an accident on his motorcycle one night and did not survive. He was a fabulous young man and left this life way too early. But he made a difference. At least to me. He taught me a smile can go a long way in turning around an angry heart and a sense of adventure is always worth it. He made a difference. You can read more here.

I came forth from the womb with a curlig iron in my right hand and glitter in my left. What was the glitter for? Why to throw in celebration of my arrival, of course. I always make a grand entrance when I arrive somewhere. I have always loved make-up but did not wear much. It was hard to really focus on my face when my hair was the size of a rainbow. And if your life ended today, what one thing would you wish you had done before it was over?
Two things: Make a difference and live on the farm back in Indiana.
I stay awake at night thinking about the first. Usually my sleep is stolen due to the diasppointment in my own actions. I have a desire to make a difference aorund the world, but I so often fail with makig a difference in my day to day actions. Are people's days better because of me? Do I make an impact? Do I build people up and allow them to see themselves fo who they can be instead of who they are? Right now I have been quite judgemental to a consultant at my work. And when I think back on it, I am quite embarrassed and diappointemnt in myself. If I can't be kind to the people beside me why should I even try to go out and make a difference elsewhere?

I truly want to equip people (especailly kids) who do not even have an opportunity. Those where equity does not exsist. Those who have no one to believe in them. Those who just need a little extra help. Cause haven't we all been there? Maybe not financially but professionally or emotionally? We all have needed someone to be our biggest cheerleader -- I want to be that for those who have no one. I want to stand in their corner and be their voice -- epecailly when no one is looking.

Also, is Aunt Betty's mac and cheese recipe on here somewhere?
Aunt Betty's carrot cake is on here -- create at your risk -- will increase the size of your thighs. But I have not posted my Aunt Barbara's mac and cheese. It will make your hiney swell, but it is totally worth it.

Linda said...
How are you my friend? I'm sending Dr Pepper lipgloss to make you smile and Crazy Glue to help you hold things together. Now for my real question and since you've answered almost every one I could think of so lets make this about others....should I color my hair? snicker:D
First, is there anything that does a soul any better than Dr Pepper lip gloss? The shade can do wonders for any skin tone. Second, YES COLOR COLOR COLOR. Go with one part hooker blonde and two parts peanut butter. Amen.

Scrappy Girl said...
I remember going to my grandma's house and sitting by the gooseberry bush and eating the ones that had the pinkish tint. A few years ago my grandma surprised with a ziploc baggie filled with gooseberries...so good...took me back!My question is what is your favorite movie of all time? Juno.

Jaime Mac said...
Now I have another question. Moving?! Whaaa?! What planet lined up or blew up to make this happen?! And what does this mean for YOUR job?!
Yes, I always knew it was out there, but I don't know if you know this about me - but I am an avoider. If there is something out there in this world that I just don't like, I go all Mr Rogers and take the trolley to Make-Believe world where there are no moves. So I have set up camp in make believe world for a year and avoided the fact we might have to move. I could avoid no longer when the big Air Force cheese called IJ and said, we need your list. So I sent it to them -- it said:

1. Bali
2. Dubai
3. Paris
4. Paradise

He sent it back. Those four star generals are so full of themselves.

So we had to be realistic. Whatever that means.

We sent in a list of three. They are all places I could still keep my job - probably - or at least do something within the company since we have offices in each of these places. But I more than anything just wanna stay in the deep south. For many many reasons.

1. Eldest Twerp - do you need to go back and read August two years ago?
2. I have a hair lady who is a goddess
3. I {heart} grits
4. No one makes fun of my accent
5. Nanny Romania
6. It's warm
7. And 2 hours from the beach
8. Amen

jill (of snowy cold mn) said...
hi CG -- i didn't run away. i'm commenting instead.first, since you can cook like nobodys business will you share more recipes? please?! because i love love love your german coffee cake (that will make you yodel). i even made it for a class potluck since we had to bring a food related to our ethnicity. except i didn't grow up on ethnic foods. i grew up on meat and potatoes. and my teacher said that didn't count. so i brought your coffee cake. although i (and my dad) ate a third of it beforehand. also, my boss makes an amaaaazing rhubarb cream pie. and we serve it. in a restaurant. seriously, it is delicious! she makes all her own pies. so please come to nw minnesota and i will be sure to give you the biggest slice. or maybe the whole pie.
You are the cutest thing ever. That coffee cake was my Great Granma's recipe. And she also made sugar popcorn that was sooo good. And persimmon pudding -- gah. What do you want a recipe for? Send me what you want and I will post something for ya.

what's your advice on hair washing. in the morning or at night? at night you have potential bed-headedness. but in the morning i am too lazy to blow dry AND style. thank you thank you!have a beautiful day!p.s. i LOVE your humor!
I only wash my hair 2 or 3 times a week. And I almost always do it at night cause I want to spend all the time I can with my spawn in the mornings. If I am traveling I wash it in the morning though. So basically I was no help at all. But I am not a very normal girl.

theelizabethhighsmith said...
Dear Country Girl,I once made the grave error of getting a fitting at the local VS, i did it for the free lip gloss, not only should you not ask someone's size you shouldn't tell someone their size. I need therapy. Will you pray for me?That's not really my question, my question isdo you think ,given enough cupcake wine, scrunchies and crimpers could get a do-over?
Oh honey, we have all been there. I did the same thing at Victoria Secret. And I will never be the same again. But I still love the place and spend WAY too much of my paycheck there. Well, actually, I spend IJ's paycheck there. Cause it is for him and all. Amen.

Sweetie, I will do about anything for a bottle of Cupcake wine -- the Sav Blanc. Screw cap. Please book your ticket to the Plantation and we will stay up all night braiding each other's hair and painting our toe nails and giggling about boys.

Will you please write a tell all of life in the ministry? Seriously, pray tell? Sincerely,Elizabeth
This is really hard for me. It was one of the happiet times in my life cause I had this --But there is so much hurt from these three years that I cannot even begin to talk about it. Basically IJ got out of the Air Force for three years. We both felt we could be doing more...investing in others....helping...serving....so we ditched it all and threw ourselves into the ministry. And I was a very UNtraditional pastor's wife. But we made it work. I had my two baby boys during this time and I worked mainly with the high school and college girls. They were my passion. And we took mission trips to truly make a difference and invest in others. And this is one child I will never forget...Nacho. Actually, I oragainzed these mission trips for 10 summers. Last summer I was set to take ET, but couldn't make it due to some work conflicts - we are all set to go again this summer if it works out. This is my passion. My love. Others.IJ preached and did all that stuff....I learned more from the compassion of those girls in those three years than I have from anything else in my life. We fundraised $30,000 each winter so we could go spend two weeks each summer trying to bring a smile to people who might not have realized they had a reason to smile. And honestly, those who I went to invest in, gave me more than I could ever give them - every single time. We built churches and schools and just loved on others. And we danced. We danced in the sun. We danced in the rain. We danced every day. Cause I believe in dancing. It always makes you smile. We developed relationships that we returned to and embraced year after year.

But the realtionship I developed with these teens and young adults remains to this day.

I spent so much time with this fine young lady. She stretched me, worried me, called me, and taught me.

And last summer we made the voyage to her wedding. And IJ hosted the ceremony and I cried like a proud momma the whole time.Cause at the end of the day, she taught me what life is all about --

OTHERS. And riding a horse bareback in the middle of Mexico to get a Dr Pepper, but that is a story for another time.

Hair Bows & Guitar Picks said...
I love Cupcake Wine and music and Mexican food! Wow we could be like BFF's and everything :)Have a great weekend!
I will make the matchingt BFF t-shirts, bedazzle them, and put them in the mail. Amen.

Chris said...
Hey, CG!I totally get you...umm, I think? I only have one question but I think it might be a hard one. Do you miss being a stay at home mom? You know, like having all that extra time to get all those things done that don't get done now. Does that night owl miss being able to stay up late? The reason why I ask because I totally miss being a stay at home mom when I am working but I am so stir crazy when I am a stay at home mom. I can't seem to find a equal balance so I only work from Feb to June for the IRS.
You know I balance this everyday. But I tried being a stay at home mom for 6 months. And I was almost suicidal. I LOVE my job. Is it a strain on my family? At times, yes. Is it selfish of me? Maybe. But if I am not true to myself then what kind of example am I to my kids? And judgement from other moms is the insecurity in themselves. If you want to stay home __ STAY HOME. And if you need to work __ WORK. I don't think there is a right answer for all. I think you know yourself and you need to do what is right for your family. I gain so much satisfaction from my job. I love the people I work with. I love how I grow everyday. I love how people believe in me. I love investing in my team. I just love life. Love whatever it is you are doing. And don't let anyone transpose their insecurities on you. You are beautiful and perfect doing what it is you have a passion for.

Do I have it all together? LORD NO! I lie in bed sometimes and cry. Cry that I forgot BT's snack AGAIN. Cry that I cannot do it all. But I also cry that I have some of the best spawn this side of the Mississippi. And do we always get it right? NO. But we always do it in love. And if I can teach my kids that doing things out of love is more important that doing them right -- that your heart is more imprtant that your success -- then I think I have succeeded. I want my kids to know and to see that the important things are to work hard and treat people right. ET and I say that every morning together. If she gets that, then she can truly make a difference.

J said...
OH, Gooseberries! That brings back memories for me...it's funny I had just mentioned them to a co-worker this week and she had no idea what I was talking about. :) My great-great aunt had Alzheimers, and my great-great uncle and I had picked a huge bowl full of gooseberries for pies. We left them on the counter and went out to do some yard work and when we came back in my Aunt had "pitted" all of them. SHe thought they were cherries. He was so disgusted. There was only like a cup full of mush left when she was done. Don't know why I just shared that with you....I guess I feel the same way as you do when you start a post. I don't really have a question, I think I have gotten all of my questions answered on other editions of "Ask CG"PS~I love Cupcake wine, too!
Kid you not, just got back from Whole Foods. And they had PINTS OF GOOSEBERRIES. I bought some and can't WAIT to have them.

Kim emailed ...
Do you look ridicuous when you get your hair highlighted? I want to go blonde but am afarid of how I will look getting it done.
I always look ridiculous. But I have become accustom to being embarassed. I live in that land. And honey we ALL LOOK RIDICULOUS getting out hair done. That's why we don't allow men in. I bet you look beautiful just they way you are, but if you want to come to the Deep South, I will make an appointment for two and we can look ridiculous together. I promise I will have you beat. in the hideous factor.
MM Good emailed...
IJ never smiles in your pictures, how do you get him to smile?
IJ and I are like oil and water. He is sooo - well, military. And I am so, well sorority. This is a wedding we went to, and I could not get him to smile in the picture....So I had to use my skillz.

See? You just gotta know his love language.

Mom2six emailed...

What would make you not go to the beach? would a hurricane keep you away? You seem to be obsessed with the ocean, is there anything it could do to keep you away.

NO! I love her and she loves me. Last summer there was a hurricane coming in -- as you can tell, I didn't care. I threw caution to the wind. We laugh in the face of danger. We go with the flow.... And love every minute of it.

Kari emailed ...

Have you ever listened to the song “She’s Country” by Jason Aldean? I heard it on the way home from work yesterday and I immediately thought of you. I guess that’s not a very good question, but I was wondering if you think you relate to that song. You should look it up and let us know what you think!

I had never heard it -- I do have the southern drawl, but nothing else in that song is accurate about me. No sexy swing and walk. I do have a trip and fall that I have mastered well though. Thanks, Kari -- I will aspire for this. :)

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An All New Ask CG! Ask and I Shall Tell. Seek and You Shall Find. Knock and I Will Open the Door and We Can Have Some Cupcake Wine.

I like to start my posts to you as if we're already in the middle of a conversation.

I pretend that we're the oldest and dearest friends as opposed to what we actually are, people who don't know each other's names and met on a blog where we all claim we have never been before.

Who shall I meet today, I wonder. I turn on my computer, I wait impatiently as it boots up. I go on line, and my breath catches in my chest until I see two little words: New Mail.

I hear nothing, not even a sound on the streets of New York, just the beat of my own heart. I have mail. From you.

And since I have spilled my guts about almost everything here ... like my fraternity neighbors with goats, and my ghetto house, and my deep desire for balance, and my legal addiction to skinny vanilla lattes... I thought I would just go ahead and tell you the rest. Cause we are friends, right? And you won't tell anyone, right? And I have a decision to make -- actually several. And I don't want to. So I am avoiding. And when I avoid I talk -- a lot. I also talk a lot when I am not avoiding. And when I am awake. And sleeping. But that is about it -- really special circumstance.

Anyhoo ...

I have a sarcastic and self-deprecating sense of humor. And you either get me or you don't. And many more don't than do. But I love to laugh and if we click, we will laugh all day - of you can keep up with where my mind could take us.

I hate to exercise but love Yoga...but I stop when I start to sweat. And I LOVE to dance. I dance every morning while I am getting ready. I am a maniac...maniac on the floor. And I'm dancin like I never danced before.

I have no "home" talents. I cannot sew, quilt, can, knit, or sashay. But I can cook and use duct tape like no body's business.

I am a night owl. My creative juices start flowing around 11 PM. And what beautiful clear juices they are.

I love to write - for me. I have to. It is how I think. Sad, but true. I have kept a daily journal since I was 16....

I have never dieted.

I change my mind 47 times per minute. Wait 48...

I want a job, where I make a difference....And at the end of the day someone is better because of me. If not, then what am I here for?

I love shopping for shoes and sundresses and lip gloss.

I love Mexican food and the hotter the better. Just like my cabana boy...I kid. I kid. Kinda.

I love people. All people. I find them interesting and I ask a MILLION questions. I truly feel like I can relate to anyone. And I learn so much from others. People are my hobby and I have only met one person I truly did not like. There is no one I cannot learn from ... and no one that does not make me grow. Even if a lesson on how NOT to act.

I wish I had a 14 lives to live cause there are so many things I want to do and be.

I have the best parents ever.

I miss having a church desperately but still give religiously to charity. And although I love my church family, I hate religion and churchy people give me the heeby jeebies. I have a minor in religion and use to be in the full time ministry. Church people can be the cruelest. Genuine people can be the best. But at the end of the day...people are people. And I love them for who they are.

Dr. Pepper with lime is my lover.

But Cupcake wine is my hunka hunka burnin love.

I love pecan pie, but I scrape the pecans off the top.

Rhubarb pie is my favorite but I have NEVER found a restaurant that has it. My mammaw makes the best gooseberry pie. She had a bush and would make me one every summer. I have not had gooseberry pie since I was 11. I miss it gooseberry pie, but I think its my mammaw I miss more.

I love investing in the stock market. But IJ makes all the decisions.

I love eating out, but I like the ambiance more than the food. I only eat to survive. But to socialize in a cool joint? Now that is what I live for...

Christmas makes me fall in love all over again.

I want to live in the mountains. In Montana. Are there mountains in Montana? If not I will have to re-evaluate. Geography is not a skill of mine. I also want to live where I can walk out and be on the beach. So I need mountains and beach. And I want it to be 80 degrees all year long. Except it can snow on Christmas Day. That's the only pass I am givin though.

I am more comfortable on a stage in front of 1401 people than in a room one-on-one. I love being the center of attention. But only if I am prepared.

I like to scrape the skillet after pork chops have been fried.

I hate when people make fun of me. And it is so easy to do. I have the most tender heart this side of the Mississippi. And although I KNOW I can be the dumbest girl at the ball, I just want someone to believe in me.

I can make the best queso (HOT) and chili (mom's recipe) and carrot cake (Aunt Betty's recipe) and mac and cheese (Aunt Barbara's recipe) in the world. And don't even get me started on Granma and Auntie persimmon puddin.....

I count on my fingers almost always.

I think in an outline form.

I love music, it can totally transport me. I can be right back at my Middle School dance, my first car ride, the summer I was 17, or when I felt my stomach flip as fell in love.

And I am tellin you more than you could ever wanna know.

So while I am in this overshare mode...and since my inbox is fillin up...lets have an all new and improved

ASK CG!

I know...I know...I lost about half of you there. So basically I am writing to an audience of one.

I am warning you RUN RUN as fast as you can. RUN HIDE FLY AWAY.

I know what you are thinking "What can there POSSIBLY be that you do not know about me???"

Oh trust me. There are so many layers honey. So many layers. I am like a wedding cake. Without the little bride and groom figurines on top. But other than that, just like it.

So - either do things that are exponentially funner than asking me a question...like:

A) Clean the hairs behind your toilet
B) Get a bikini wax
C) Chop wood
D) Have your BMI taken
oooooorrrrrr
D) Ask CG some questions

All of these rank in the same "funness" category.

I will answer all your q's by the end of the week.

Either post me your q's here or email me at

dreamscountrygirl@gmail.com

Ask me anything bout me (except my bra size) or I can totally go all Dear Abby on you too if you need advice. Cause I am all into every body's business anyway. And who else should solve your problems other than a silly girl who can't solve her own. Yeah, that is what I am here for.

I LOVE YOU ALL - Remember this week what life is all about - OTHERS.

No go forth and ASK AWAY!

My Answers. Cause I Love You.

Well Lord have mercy on your sweet precious souls. I have not stayed true to my word. But I have good reason... I was trapped under something heaven and I broke a heel and I ran out of Dr Pepper Lip Gloss and coffee....and (GASP) wine. And in all honesty I am in DC and I just left NYC and I think I am jet lagged. The time difference is atrocious and hard to deal with.

Please still love me. I crave acceptance. And peace. And an end to world hunger. And Dr Pepper Lip Gloss for all. But that is another story for another time.

Anyhoo -- you all had questions. And You know what I gots -- RIGHT? Ding Ding Ding ANSWERS!

Now I am not claiming they are accurate answers, but again no need to get into the details. The fine print is not relevant here. We are large print people here.

So here I go -- answers to your burning questions. Cause I love you.

Scrappy Girl said...
What would you do if you were going to New Orleans on Halloween?

I would eat. Oh honey would I ever eat. Of course I would also do this if I went there on Valentine's Day or the Fourth of July or Rosh Hashanah or Leap Year Day or The Year of the Dragon. So that is not really specific

Oh I know -- I would totally wear a feather mask with sequins and look alluring. I know you would think pink, right? But no. Most definitely turquoise. It would bring out my love handles. Which would be growing by the minute. Amen.

Tracie said...
How are you managing all the travel with the twerps schedules?

Not great. IJ and I are adjusting our schedules to meet the needs. And we hired a sweet angel sent from heaven above to be our "night time" nanny. And I love her with my whole heart. But she leaves for China in January. I am trying to tell her it is a communist country -- she does not listen. Come December I will burn her passport. On accident. I kid. I kid. Probably.

Oklahoma Granny said...
What is your favorite movie of all time?

Oh this is easy schmezzy beautiful cover girl. JUNO. Yes most definitely no questions about it. Oh and WHEN HARRY MET SALLY. And the PRINCESS BRIDE. and SANDLOT and DEFIANTLY MAYBE. I think that says is all right there.

Linda said...
Oh and I know you can't wait for the birthday to give the present so spill it!

IJ's birthday is Monday? Is this the birthday you are referring to? No? Eldest Twerp? Ohhhhhh -- we have narrowed it down to two choices -- bowling or sleepover. And NO we cannot do both. I am cruel and evil like that. Muhwahahahahaha.

Alyssa said...
Do you watch T.V. at all? If so what are your favorite shows - any reality T.V. addictions?

I don't watch it much but my "musts" are House, Grey's Anatomy, Brothers and Sisters, and the World News with Charlie Gibson. Also, anything with George Stephanapolous - cause he secretly has a crush on me. He just has not realized it yet.

What are your favorite children's books?

Where the Red Fern Grows, On the Night You Were Born, and The Giver

Do you like to read? I know you are super busy - if/when you have time who are your favorite authors?

YES YES and YES. I like stories that inspire me...make me want to do more, be more, love more -- The Education of Little Tree, Marley and Me, My Sister's Keeper, Cosmo -- you know, the norm

If were stranded on a desert island with your family what three things would you want to have with you?

laptop with Internet access, camera, and curling iron/make-up -- and the last one is really for IJ, he would benefit from me having make-up and a curling iron...GREATLY benefit. And it would prevent him from leaving me for a coconut.

If you could take your family anywhere on vaca where would you go?

A mission trip to Africa to invest in others. Cause at the end of the day -- what is life all about? OTHERS

If you and IJ could go anywhere on vaca where would you go?

Probably the same -- but he would not say Africa. But this is my Q and A -- he will have to do his own. I don't share attention well.

What is one thing you have always wanted to do but haven't had the chance to?

Make a difference.

Melinda said...
Whats your favorite thing to cook?
Carrot Cake

Bailey said...
Hey CG,Thanks for writing such an entertaining blog! You have such a fun sense of humor and I think you have great ideas about teaching and raising kids. I can "hear" your accent when I read - and I love it!I was wondering if, being a country girl, you had/rode horses when you were growing up. Any experiences there to tell us about?If (when) you move to the country, do you plan on having horses, cows, goats, etc?I've had horses for 15 years, so when I think of country living, they're the first thing that comes to mind!PS: What's new with your job? :-)

Nope, no horse. Cows? Check. Pigs? Check. Chickens? Check. But no horses. But can I come to your house and ride them? I will bring the wine. Of course, it will be in a box but please don't judge me.

Dana and Daisy said...
Does IJ know how to fly airplanes? Have you ever flown with him? Would you let him fly your spawn around in an airplane?<3>

He does not fly airplanes, but I trust him enough to throw us all into one if he told me too. He would figure it out. If not, we would all burn in a firey crash. But I try to not focus on the negative. I am more of a glass half full kinda girl.

KBN Indiana said...
CG I so Love to read you Blog it is my Early Sat Morning Thing. Hope all is well since everyone asked about the Job. Are you going home for the Holidays or will everyone come to you?-- How Do you find the time with 3 kids to keep up with it all? Ar you sure you are not a Spawn of Satin??? I Kid !!!

We go home for Thanksgiving and my parents come down to us for Christmas.

I don't keep up with it all. I let lots go. Like I have given up on the battle of laundry. And painting my toe nails.

Am I the Spawn of Satan?!?!? IJ has been asking for genetic testing for YEARS.

mimi said...
I'm coming out of lurking to ask...Would you ever move away from the South? Or, have you ever lived anywhere else?

I was born in Kentucky and lived in Southern Indiana for 20 years. I moved to Oklahoma for 13 years and now am in the DEEP south. It fits my personality. Big hair, twang, and love for sweet tea. But I would be willing to go anywhere or do anything if I am making a difference.

Anonymous said...
last round i had questions about my resume and getting a new job... and i'm happy to report i got one!!! but it's a long way away, and i'll be moving my family 10 hours north of where we currently call home. what did you do to help your babies adjust? mine (5, 10 & 11) are excited, but i'm not sure they fully realize how their lives are going to change. thanks! xo

Oh sweetie how exciting. I will speak for me and all I can say is I am for sure you have all this thought through -- I did not. I stunk. But not like BO stunk. I just needed to clarify.

I thought I was all prepared for my move -- I packed, got shot records, turned off utilities, said good bye to friends -- ya know, everything on the list. But I forgot to PREPARE the kids. I told them. But I did not PREPARE them. I don't know if you ever really can fully. But I did not ever kinda little bit try. No siree bob. I stunk. But even worse than that I DID NOT PREPARE ME. It was wayyy more intense than I thought. If I had to do it over again, I would have slipped into a drug induced coma for 3 months. Instead? I blogged 3 times and day and fell in love with you all. Amen.

Marchelle said...
i just want to know when you are coming back to the land of milk and honey.and have you bought any cute new shoes lately?

Thanksgiving. And YES!!!! Wanna see em at Thanksgiving?

alisnwonderland@blogspot.com said...
is that your real hair? it's fabulous either way but is is real?i am a new blogger and i am trying to find new blogs to follow.i am seriously enjoying yours!!

Yes, it is real. And I only wash it for full moons and weddings. Cause I am lazy.

Gracie and DJ said...
Also, I am dying to know how is your fantasy football league going??On Pins and needles!
I weepeth. I weepeth. That is all I can say. Me and Jesus? Weepers.

theelizabethhighsmith said...
i found your blog from my friend Michele's blog (mama in high heels). After looking at your blog and realizing you don't use your real names on here, I had a weird dream where I met you and your family and learned their names. And their names were weird. And when I woke up and thought about the dream I realized how smart you were because who wants random strangers dreaming about you knowing you're real names. And then I realized how stupid I am because I put my whole stinking name in my blog title and url. And now I'm probably going to die. So I want to know if you know of any cute single boys who live in Atlanta who want to go out with me before I die? p.s. I'm sorry this is a novel versus a comment and i hope i haven't freaked you out i assure you I'm normal, scouts honor.

Oh my Heavens to Betsy. I love you. With all my heart I love you.

Anonymous said...
First of all the commenter above is not normal. That was all a set up so she could get you to meet up with her with some single man in Atlanta where she will probably murder you. I kid. I bet she's cute as a button.But, I need to know... 1) what are you doing for the birthday party; 2) have you given the gift already (we know you -- never a secret); 3) are you as funny in person or are you like a real dud and you are just a great writer; AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST -- 4) how is your job going?

Bday party? Bowling or Sleepover.

I have a gift in the "making"

I am a total geek in real live person. I snort and talk like a hick and way too LOUD and I spill wine. But I have nice shoes.

Hair Bows & Guitar Picks said...
Please tell me CG how is your job going?
Linda said...
How's the job?
CindyDianne said...
How's your job going, CG?
Jaime Mac said...
Country Girl - I'm SOOOO glad you're doing an "Ask CG", cuz I've really been wondering lately how your job is going?!

Why I do declare! I never thought anyone would ask me about my job. I wonder where that question came from?? So so random.

But since you asssskkkked.

First, I want to share with you so badly, but it is kinda hard for me. I really know who I am and all my faults. And I do not for a single second ever think that I am anything more than a simple country girl who happens to be at the right place at the right time quite often.

But I love my job. I love my boss. I love everything about it. But it is overwhelming. And kinda killing me. And I know i have a hard time saying no to people, but I also have a hard time not taking on the things that need to be taken on. So I was drowning. Loving it - but drowning.

And my boss in his infinite wisdom and glory saw it -- so he gave me the opportunity to bring a plan to our President and COO in NY. And I did. And I peed my pants. But just a little.

Anyhoo -- he then made a recommendation for me to hire a team of 5 to work for me across the nation. A team. A real true team. To love and share and grow and laugh and make a difference. A team.

And then he promoted me. Like really really promoted me. Like unbelievable promoted me. And I passed out. But when I woke up I bought a new pair of shoes. Cause I have my priorities straight and all.

So now I am interviewing and planning and preparing and I feel like I am pregnant -- with 5 new babies. And I am doing their offices in toile. I am also registering at Pottery Barn.

So that is my big news. I am so so so excited and humbled. Humbled that my boss believed in me and recognized me. I just wuvs him.

Anonymous said...
It's Wednesday...you told us you'd answer everything on Monday...what happened?
Please still love me. I have lots of issues.

Ask Me -- I'll Tell Ya

I am feeling a little cantankerous this morning. I know. It's a big word...for me. Do I know what it means? Uhm, I do not really see a need for details here people.

Anyhoo, I am in Philly. And I have a secret to share with you. But I can't. Not yet. It's like waiting for your birthday, but better. Cause this contains no crow's feet. And can I just say Crow's Feet have never been on my birthday wish list, but alas they keep showing up. I'm just gonna go ahead and say it. Then I will ask for forgiveness and pray. But Crow's Feet are the spawn of Satan. And I think Jesus would confirm. Amen.

Anyhoo -- in anticipation of my announcement Monday evening (maybe Tuesday morning, we can't get too into the details here) I am gonna have an all new Ask CG.

I know. I know. Contain the excitement. Deep breaths. Stop the squealing. Hello? Hello? Is anyone there? Bueller?

So here is how this rolls in case you have not participated in this joyful event before. You get to ask me anything and I am bound by a court of law to answer. You can ask me how many pieces of cake I REALLY ate at my wedding or my favorite Gilligan's Island cast member or how many hairs are behind my toilet. You can ask anything -- just please don't judge me. Cause Judgement is Crow's Feet first cousin. Which means Satan is his Uncle. These genealogical skills come from being born in Kentucky. Hold back the jealousy.

Anyhoo -- go forth and ask away. Or multiply if it suits your fancy -- but not while reading my blog. This is a family site and all.

Ask away -- and I will answer Monday -- in detail.

Post a question in my comments or if you want to be anonymous, email me at

dreamscountrygirl@gmail.com

And for the love of sweet Jesus, some one ask me how my job is going.

I love you all.

Country Girl

Answers To Your Burnin Questions {giggle}

You had questions and I have answers. I also have a bad case of the giggles today. So please don't take anything I say seriously. And for the resume girl? If you need help, email me. I will do anything I can. xxxooo CG

Melinda said...
I really want to know if your family has any pets...dog? cat? bird? fish? If so what and if not, why?

Did my Twerps have you send this in? Seriously?!?! They have been beggin for a pet. And I, being the cruel and evil mother that I am, have said -- Wanna Popsicle? And then they forget all about it. Sure they are going to be 8,421 pounds, but PET FREE. I consider it a small price to pay.

In all seriousness we had Jeter. He was a 100 pound chocolate lab. And he was WILD. And when we moved from the Ghetto to the Plantation, we gave him away to a nice single young man who lived on a farm and can show Jeter the amount of attention he needs. And he knocked me and the Twerps down every chance we got. The dog, not the nice young single man on the farm. Just thought I should clarify.

We had 2 fish since. I think we should just leave it there. Notice the past tense.

August 29th is Baby Twerps birthday. We have told the boys when they are 7 and 5 we will get them a pet. BT will be 4 -- so technically we have another year. Funny thing about 4 year olds, they don;t really play on the whole technicality thing.

Soooo -- I MIGHT MAYBE KINDA consider a hermit crab or hamster. Now, need I remind you of what happened to ET's class hamster a WEEK after we watched her? Again, past tense.

Soooo -- we will see. I also enjoy pet rocks immensely.

Linda said...
A mini vaca? Hmmmm...I know where you can find some Dr Pepper lip gloss;-)

I think you know -- and it will be BT's birthday and I will have a glass of wine to celebrate. He likes me better after a glass of wine. And then we will get all dolled up with Dr P lipgloss and paint the town -- or our toenails -- whichever seems like a better idea.

Jenn said...
I think we need a tour of your new house! We have seen bits and pieces.
Okay -- I am more than willing to do that. The thing is I will have to make my beds and stuff everything under the beds. But still, for you, I will.

How is the organic diet for the family going?
Very well. Thanks for asking. We are sticking to it 90% of the time but not freaking out if we eat something PROCESSED or heaven forbid -- WITH SUGAR. The great thing now is we are learning enough to shop at the regular grocery store but just KNOW what to look for and avoid. It is cheaper that way cause Whole Foods can sometimes be a little pricey.

How does all your traveling for the job affect the twerps?
When I travel I either leave late at night once they are in bed or first thing in the morning Then I am back by supper time. So, really -- they only miss me when they wake up and IJ handles it. It is good for them to have mornings with dad sometimes too. So really, it works out quite well.

One the days you are in town, is your job a normal 8 or 9-5?
I really can set my own schedule. But yes -- 8ish to 5ish. I drop the kids off at school and then come in. The nanny picks them up and is with them for 2 to 3 hours then I am home. :)

What kind of camera do you use?
Nikon D40x -- Lover of my soul.

Did ET ever confess her water bottle "lies" to the school?
YES -- and the principal thanked her for being a girl of honesty and integrity. LORDY BE!

What's your favorite mexican dish? (I know, it's like picking a favorite child)
OH I DON'T KNOW. I was at this Mexican restaurant one time in a little town in Oklahoma and had this chicken with this white sauce and spinach and shrimp and it make my hiney tingle. And then I had these fried flautas -- my thighs sang out in glory and anything with HOT sauce. Cause I do not know if you are aware of this fact or not -- but I am the Boss with the hot sauce. Roll it on back to my crib. I yie yoo yippe ki aye ae

Tinman said...
Have you replaced your Dr. Pepper Lip Gloss with the new and improved stuff?Tin Man
Uhm, no. But I think I know what I am getting my dad for Christmas.

Dana and Daisy said...
you are so the shiniest glitter on the heart CG!
I love you.

Anonymous said...
Any top secret surefire tips on getting one's resume noticed in this tough job market? Or something just crazy/bold enough to get their attention that doesn't scream I'm crazy?
When I graduated college and wanted to get a job, I made a spreadsheet of EVERY elementary and middle school within a 30 minute drive of my house. I listed the school, the address, the principal and the secretary. I then printed off that many resumes and a binder of my work. I took the next 4 days going to EVERY SINGLE SCHOOL and calling the secretary by NAME and asking to see the principal (BY NAME). I then spent 30 seconds tellin him WHY he should hire me. I visited over 100 schools. I got 4 interviews and one job offer.

The BEST way is to network -- if you know someone have them take your resume in. BE AGGRESSIVE. Call -- call again. Go visit. Look almost stalkerish. If you get arrested, you have gone too far.

Chris said...
Now, CG, I know you don't have any hairs on your big toe because you shave them off........like me. Right? You do shave them off, right? Please, tell me I am not the only one?
Yes, I shave them. And my middle toe too. Please don't judge me.

Jen said...
Ok... new to the blog thing and I just think you are so funny!!Thanks for the fun and laughs while reading. I wanted to know what you do? (besides of course raise your sweet babies)Jen in California
I work for a non-profit education company to promote equity and access to students of diverse backgrounds and ethnicity.

Lisa said...
Hey CG!We (2 young adults, no kids) will be flying over to Ga in December for a wedding in the Atlanta area. We have 3 weeks to travel the US but will concentrate on the South. Any travel advice? Things we don't want to miss?LoveLisa from Germany
1. In one day go see the World of Coco Cola and the Aquarium in Atlanta. They are right beside one another. Also see Olympic Park across the street. Eat at Paschals and order shrimp and grits for an appetizer (BEST in the WORLD) the BBQ chicken, mac and cheese and collard greens followed by peach cobbler -- and of course sweet tea. Then burp.
2. Come to my house and drink wine with me.

Shelle said...
Have you tried the Chicken Poop Lip Junk yet?
No

What cd is in your car right now?
The Great Divide and David Gray

Do dips in the pool count as baths for twerps?
Uhm, yes. And if you are not judgin, for me too.

Your Burnin Questions Answered -- Cause I Wuvs U

You had questions and I gave ya'll some answers. Some might not love me anymore -- but I beseech you dear brothern -- PLEASE don't judge me. PLEASE still love me. PLEASE love me and hug me and call me George. Sorry -- I digress.

But here you go -- if you asked about the new healthy way of eating I gave you all your own post on Monday -- so ya'll are not below. Don't fret though -- I gave you your own day. And I almost got kicked out of Whole Foods for you. That is the kind of dedication and love I have.

Scrappy Girl said...
Are you a Twilight fan?

No. But I read the first 3 pages of the first book. In the depths of my soul I am a "Guiding Light" and "As the World Turns" fan. I mean who doesn't love Josh? Sorry, Twilight? Nope. But in case you have not heard, Marchelle is. I know. She keeps it on the down-low.

Jaime Mac said...
How does IJ feel about you taking pics for the blog? My hubby gets irritated & says, "You need to concentrate on what you're supposed to be doing...Not taking pics!" What do the twerps do over summer break? Since you're nanny quit you & all...

IJ is about as laid back as they come. And I really have no other hobbies. So he lets me be. And his philosophy is, I better get my money's worth out of that silly expensive camera. I know....he called my camera silly. We went through therapy and I think he sees the error of his ways.

Shellgirl said...
I want to know something very, very important. Because of all of the travelling you've been doing lately, I know you've ran into this situation.What do you do when you're out of town and you really want a Dr. Pepper, and there are none to be found??This is one of my biggest travel problems!

OK -- I will tell you the truth if you PROMISE not to judge me -- I drink Dr Pibb. and I like it. I am so sorry. I feel like an adulterer. Please still love me. But living on the road is lonely and secluded and a woman has needs. Amen.

Cassie said...
Do you ever unintentionally (or, well, even intentionally) play favorites with your twerps? Is it hard to balance your attention between the 3 of them?

Yes -- I do. Not intentionally, but they each have their season. When ET was going through her "rough" spell I probably gave her more attention. ET will tell you I play favorites to MT -- but that is because I treat him like he is 5 and her like she is 11. Baby twerp can do not wrong in her eyes -- none. He is perfect. Just like his mother.

Farmgirl Paints said...
I wanna know why you are so funny? Where did your sense of humor come from??

I really say more things that are awkward than funny. Usually people just stare. I guess I learned at an early age to tackle things with humor instead of anger. And I really just type how my brain thinks. Please don't judge me.

City girl turned Country Girl said...
My question is the same as "Farmgirl Paints"!! I too want to know how in the heck you manage to be so stinkin funny!!! You seem to juggle alot so how do you keep from getting overstressed??

I do get overstressed. Often. That is why we have wine in the house. And I try to deal with stress with humor. And if I don't -- I curl up in a ball on the floor and twirl my hair and suck my thumb and cry for my mommy! I think everyone appreciates humor more.

Anonymous said...
Such a beautiful smile! Did you have braces? Do you whiten?

No braces. I did use Crest White strips after I had Middle Twerp in 2003. And I brush -- occasionally. :) When I don't fall asleep on the couch.

Marchelle said...
I will be thinking of you on August 21 when Mr. Clean and I are at the Jimmy Buffet concert (probably drunk) and you are picking your kids up (probably drunk) from their first day of school. You know I was kiddin about the drunk part. For you I mean. I will probably maybe be drunk. Because Meemaw & Pa are going with us and she can be the DD. Is it bad that I'm planning on getting drunk with my parents?Speaking of parents, I bet yours won't let you hang out with me anymore after this comment. OK so my question is for Country Ma and Country Pa. Please ask them if they think I'm one of "those" girls or if they know I'm really just full of hot air and I would never get drunk with my mom & dad. Probably.

I am grounded from you. They think you are not a good influence. But my mom wants to hang with Meemaw. Actually, my mom said WHO????

Dana and Daisy said...
What is ET looking most forward to about middle school? Will she try out for cheerleader? Take up an instrument? Try the drama club or debate team? Is she the Student Council type? Learn a second language or maybe a third? I want to hear in her own words... what's shakin' in ET's world?

Dana -- I am going to let her do her own post this week -- stay tuned!

ptamom3 said...
Are you on facebook? I am totally addicted to that now and have slowly been falling away from blogging, sadly! But I always come back to check yours :)

I am on FaceBook -- email me and I will tell you my screen name.

Stacie said...
Uhm, when are you getting precious little BT that puppy he asked for while he was all laid up in the hospital? You can't say no to the cuteness, can you?!

We made a deal with BT -- when MT is 7 and BT is 5 they can chose a pet -- anything they want --that is legal. You think I will hold out?

Country Girl Goes Healthy

I posted an all new and exciting (please stop rolling your eyes, I can see that!) Ask CG on Friday and had planned on answering all your burning questions today. But it was hard to overlook all your q's on the new diet we have adopted. You see, Middle Twerp was beginning to have some "hyperactive" issues at school - and we noticed them as well at home. So we thought BEFORE we look at medical options (which I am NOT opposed to) we would search out some other things first. It is summertime and really no harm would be done. So for about 5 weeks now we have changed our diet -- DRAMATICALLY. And it has not been hard -- honestly. It has been more expensive. And my colon is cleaner than it has ever been. (sorry -- tmi?) And we CANNOT have any other alternatives in our house...or we will eat them. And can I just say? WE ARE ALL LOVING IT! Really. We started off just kind of "teaching" about protein and healthy foods. We focused on how it makes you STRONG like super heroes...and you will be able to take your momma down in arm wrestling too. It is the small things in life.

Anyhoo -- this is where it all begins. Now IF you do not have a Whole Foods in your town, all this is still possible -- you just gotta LOOK in your own grocery. Harder and more time consuming, but not impossible.

Here are the 3 main changes:

1. No sugar (or high fructose corn syrup). And by "no" - I do allow some in cereal -- but we SERIOUSLY reduced our intake. Like by a lot.

2. Nothing WHITE. If it is white, we threw it out. Now only whole wheat -- brown is best. Whole wheat pasta, wheat bread, whole wheat flour, brown rice, grains are ALWAYS whole wheat. And honestly, we really limit ourselves on this is general.

3. Snacks are fruit and nuts. (or seeds) Period.

Welcome to my weekly shopping adventure at Whole Foods. I have to go weekly. Why? First, I do not freeze anything. Second, I only buy what I NEED (and I save). When I buy monthly or for multiple weeks, i always buy too much and end up throwing stuff out or it sits in my pantry for months. Lastly, I believe in FRESH! And it is hard for things to go bad in a week.

I start my shopping in the fresh produce. This is where I spend the majority of my money -- peaches, nectarines, apples, oranges, cantaloupe, watermelon, kiwi, grapes, strawberries..... We eat fruit as dessert. Fruit is now a "TREAT". They also have 100% fruit Popsicles. And the Caribbean Mix makes my toes curl and my eyes roll back in my head. Amen. But only 4 come in a box so the Twerps have yet to taste them.

Anyhoo -- so sorry. Fruit. You can buy it whole or already cut up. Obviously, if you buy it whole and cut it yourself it is cheaper -- but not always. Keep an eye out! This watermelon we buy about 4 of those a week -- they are usually dessert (NO SALT ON THEM). They cost between $2 and $2.22 each. I am just sayin...it is less than those Hostess Ho Ho's. but not as good. but my thighs appreciate my efforts. Anyhoo, we use nectarines and peaches to cut up in non fat plain yogurt. We add organic granola sweetened with honey and they LOVE it.

Dairy is an area in which we changed. In our house the only two options to drink are water and milk. And we limit the milk. It is UNGODLY how much sugar is in fruit juice. My twerps use to have about 24 oz of fruit juice a DAY - each. Now they have MAYBE 4 oz a week. CRAZY!

Anhoo, IJ is on this goat's milk kick. he swears it is going to make us live longer. So, we get it and I put it in the kids' cereal. they really cannot tell a difference so it is kind of whatever I grab out of the fridge first.

So this is our drinks for the week -- I buy bottled water at Wal Mart. Cause it is cheaper. Amen.Now on to the snacks...Nuts and dried fruit. This is what we buy for snacks. the Trail mix really is good. It is $6 a bag and we go thru a bag a week. They watch TV and snack away. This is the "snack section" of our house. You can see the walnuts, almonds (unsalted) and trail mix. The last jar has breakfast bars. We call them candy bars at our house. They are treats or "breakfast on the go". The are NOT organic. They have SUGAR. I need to cut them out, but I haven't yet. I am where I am.The next section is meat. I buy 2 to 3 dinners. The chicken kabobs are DIVINE. They are $5.99 a pound. It cost me $20 to buy for family. this is the "most expensive night". I have enough left over for lunch for the kids the next day. It has veggies on the skewer so this is all we do. You could add a side of steamed veggies and a salad and it would be perfect. But I ain't that kinda woman. The meat is already season/marinated/prepared....you just cook it. we usually grill. I get 5 hamburgers seasoned and ready for $7....then we have a salad with them and fruit. Peanut butter and jelly is a staple at our home. We start off with 9 grain bread. It had a lot of seed and nuts in it -- any whole wheat will do. (Side note: At this point in the shopping experience the manager came and told me I could not take pics of prices in the store. I told him my name was Marchelle and I had a site called Chronicles of a Working Mom and he could check me out. Then I promised him I would only take pics of my kids.....and then I died of embarrassment.) Now peanut butter -- you would not BELIEVE the amount of SUGAR in peanut butter -- and the additives -- YUCK! So we grind out own peanuts.

It is about $1.98 for a container. And it is kinda bland....but they are use to it now. On top we have just plain unsalted peanuts. On the bottom we tried something new -- honey roasted. I will let you know. Now on to Jelly -- Lawsie Mercy -- SUGAR SUGAR SUGAR!!! Make sure you get the kind that is just FRUIT and sweetened with FRUIT JUICE. No added sugar. AND FOR ALL THAT IS GOOD AN HOLY IN THIS WORLD DO NOT NOT NOT NOT use artificial sweeteners of any kind. Unless you wanna. But please don't tell me. You can see the ingredients here: strawberries, concentrated grape juice, fruit pectin, and lemon juice. Nuttin else. Amen.
The seafood section of the store is WONDERFUL! But we just look cause it is too expensive.

Now on to my favorite part of the store: pre-made supper. For one night -- we have homemade pizza -- all organic.....$8.99. And we do a salad and fruit for dessert. Pre-made meals -- $14.99 and they include a family salad. this one is pork, peas and rice, and cabbage. I kid you not is is delish.
These are the salads that come with them.

This one is rotisserie chicken, rice, and steamed squash. They were out of family salads so I got this salmon one instead and since it was $1 cheaper they took it off my final bill. I just love generosity. They have baked ziti, chicken florentine, and all kinds of yummy meals -- it feed my entire family (5) and we have fruit as dessert.

Now I am home -- let's see the damage, shall we? Here it all is....

These are also a GREAT snack food.... And cereal ... it has sugar.... My only rule is it has to be 10 g or less...Honey nut Cheerios has always been the best for us. You can add banana or strawberries if needed.

And this is the fridge....

It will be completely empty in one week. but I feel good about what is going in...AND I CAN TELL A HUGE BEHAVIOR CHANGE!!!!!So now the moment we are all waiting for....THE BILL!For one week we spent $173.40. I do no coupons. None. And this is not any cleaners or shampoo or deo or stuff like that. Only food. And we will have to stop in for some oatmeal or milk as they week goes on.

But it has been so worth it -- so stop on in for some oragnic breakfast or snack.... But don't worry -- I still have wine.

I didn't go ALL crazy!

The rest of the Q and A tomorrow.