SUMMER TIDALWAVE

Do you know why I love having children to hang out with? Because they motivate me to get off my lazy butt and DO something! Before I was a Mom it was nothing for me to sit on the couch all day flipping through the channels or worse, sleeping all day. (Actually I wouldn't mind that one!) But now that Ive crossed over into Motherhood, there's no going back. When I became pregnant I set out to be the best darn Mama I knew how to be. To me, that starts with getting up and getting out! I've enjoyed this summer to the fullest of our abilities this year and I plan to continue that pattern. In the midst of doing our summer exploring we have found some really cool places to start great family traditions. Honestly, I didn't know Missouri had quite so much to offer. So far since Spring we have visited Springfield, MO for a little cave exploring, drive-thru zoo-ing, and a some Bass Pro Shopping! The southwestern portion of Missouri actually has a lot to offer for the outdoors. We also have been to Van Buren, MO a few times to swim in the Current River and see Big Springs in all its beauty. This is one of my favorite areas and I am a little sentimental about it since Big Springs is where I got married. We've done a little camping at Deer Creek and Sam A. Baker which was equally as beautiful and cool. And we found some neat little places like Castor River Shut-Ins to do some great fishing and swimming. When I moved here 2 years ago, I honestly hated this place. Over time and adventures though, I am learning to see this place in a whole new light. It might not be the Appalachian Mountains but it is unique all the same.

During our most recent adventures, we re-visited a little spot we found on Father's Day per my Aunt Rachel called Castor River Shut-Ins. This time luck was on our side because the place was empty except for a few people enjoying the day. We had the best area all to ourselves where we spent the whole afternoon splashing and wading and swimming and picking up cool rocks. The kids had a blast and Jade couldn't stay out of the water. Which I am glad for because at the beginning of summer I was worried he would never get in. Now that he's walking though, he's a lot braver.

So, once again we had an amazing weekend to add to the scrapbook. (Considering I kept a scrapbook, more like a box of stuff, ha!) What is your family doing this year to have fun and make new traditions? Even if there's nothing to do where you live or if gas is just too darn expensive, get your butts out to a park, playground, backyard or something. "They" say kids need at very least 15 minutes a day outdoors. Are your kids getting it?

DOING THE WWW DANCE

Today I've been walking all over the web just seeing what I can see. As most of you who know me personally know that I love to talk health, organic, parenting and lifestyle changes. Well I've found some really neat sites that do just that. I added a couple to my Blog List on the right of my page so please by all means, check them out! I will be adding more tomorrow. Now finally I have something to back up my "crazy ideas" so that all of you that think I'm full of crap can see: No, I am not! I sometimes think that most people believe I am just blowing out hot air when I discuss things like BPA in baby bottles and plastics or why sugar is in almost everything commercially produced and why it is bad for you. So, if you think I'm full of it then read for yourself. These blogs that I've found have some very valuable information and they have done the research to back it up.

So grab you a glass of something cold and take a few moments to read something good for you!

ITS A BIRD, ITS A PLANE, ITS MELISSA AND JADE!

For those of you who are concerned you already know that I will soon be making a trip to South Carolina. And well those who don't, now you know! In just one short little itty bitty month Jade and I will be taking our first trip solo sans airways. I'm a little nervous seeing as this is the first time in my 25 years my whole body will be completely detached from the earth. I'm not sure I'm gonna like the feeling of that. I mean, I'm a little involved with the idea of keep my feet firmly planted on the ground. Ah well, it will save me a bunch of money and tons a time and not to mention I wont have to drive for 12 hours with a baby. There are so many restrictions to things you can and cannot take in the sky. I had no idea. You can take a pair of really sharp scissors but you cant take a knife. You can take a lighter and hairspray but it has to be 3 oz. or smaller. You cant take a bow and arrow or a sword. That one really disappointed me. I was really planning on doing some hunting while in SC. :) So I guess this will be a new experience for me to add to the books. That's a good thing though, I need something new right now. Ive become too stuck in my ways, too comfortable with my surroundings. I'm a Gemi for pete's sake, I need some damn excitement. Maybe that's why Ive been so stressed out lately. I just know it is going to be super great to get to see my Mom. Ive become a little resentful towards people because of it. I just think it sucks that my Mom doesn't get to see her only grandchild grow up. She's cheated out of so many of his first because I'm stuck in this hell hole. Its just not fair, but what is.

On a lighter note, Ive been wanting to tell you about this awesome camping trip me and the fam took last weekend. Well, it was just part of the fam, Alexia was with her Mother. But we had a really fun weekend camping at Sam A. Baker. It was really beautiful splashing around in the river and walking along the trails. Jade had a ball throwing rocks and showing me the pretty ones. I cant wait to take Alexia with us next time, I know she will love it. Especially the river part. And our new tent worked out wonderfully. Its the perfect size for all four of us without the hassle our last one gave us. Word of the Wise: a porch on a tent is not worth the trouble to put it up. Just get some bug repellent. But make sure its DEET-free! You don't want to give your kids cancer do you?

Ok, I'm going to enjoy the next 10 minutes of Jade's nap to myself. Please everyone enjoy your afternoon...its a hot one! Drink lots of H2O!

DO THE HOKEY POKEY AND YOU TURN YOURSELF AROUND

These past few days have been a whirlwind of obstacles as usual. I'm left out of breath, out of patience, wondering what the crap just happened. I'm an easy going person, not used to so much going on at one time. I guess I better get used to it. This is my life now.

Last weekend we had a two day yard sale. It was slow business being Fourth of July and all. We were trying to raise money to go on a trip next weekend that we ended up deciding not to go on. Instead, we blew the money as fast as we made it. WE are good at that! But it was the 4th and there was a carnival in town. The kids enjoyed it a ton anyways, so what the heck...its only paper, right? And I did get to ride my first carnival ride in over 5 years. I was more afraid than Alexia. I was hanging on to that girl for dear life. It will be a while before I do that again!

On Sunday, we took it easy and watched the kids play in the yard all day. Then we went out for a movie and pizza! We had a blast! I highly recommend going to see Wall-E if you haven't already. I do believe that is the best kids movie I have ever seen. It really makes you stop and think what are we leaving for our kids. But I don't want to say too much and give it away, I'm bad about that. Just go see it!

Yesterday I had the car so that Jade and I could go run errands. We went to Poplar Bluff unfortunately. Man, I dread going to that stupid town. It seems most people's IQ drops at least 40% when they hit city limits or get behind the wheel of a car for that matter. For instance, this one dude that I encountered must have thought the road was built just for him. But I let him know otherwise. So, it started in the Wal-Mart parking lot (which I was already peeved because I despise that place.) There is a 3-way STOP and I'm pulling up to it, the only car at a stop sign. As I begin to turn left I quickly catch a glimpse of a white vehicle speeding from behind me and passing me at the STOP sign! I was instantly enraged! I thought well maybe he has an emergency. So I caught up with him and he is bouncing his head around like a chicken watching everything but the road. So I gave him the finger to let him know he had wronged me and I wasn't happy about it. I was afraid he didn't see me so I go to get in the lane beside him and he cuts me off! I was beyond any relevance. So I pulled back over into my original lane and then, hallelujah we get caught at a red light! I rolled down my window and laid on my horn. I gave him all I had. I called him every name in the book and a few I made up. And do you know what he said to me?!? "So what, get over it lady!" Get over it? Get over it? I feel like I'm the only sane driver left around here and he is telling me to get over it? He endangered my child and he is telling me to get over it? I started to come out of my car at that point, but the light turned green and he drove away. What kind of arrogant B*ST*RD has the nerve to tell a mother to get over it? I don't know, maybe I should have gotten over it. But every single time I go to PB I get cut off, pulled in front of, almost sideswiped, or worse. I'm sick of it! It should be a requirement to take a driving test every time you go to the DMV, for anything! It amazes me there aren't more wrecks in that town. Oh well, I said my piece and am done with it. That dude just better hope I never see him again. And again Jade, I am sorry you had to see that side of Mama. I will try to better behave in the future!

Welcome Aboard, Now do the Monkey Dance

So I suppose Ive jumped on the bandwagon and picked up a hitch hiking hobby too! Yes, Im talking about this blog. I figure everyone else is doing it and Im a pretty entertaining writer (sometimes), so why not give it a shot? I really could use the extra cash worst than your Mama needs another McFlurry with Oreos!

I promise to deliver my up to the moment wittiness for your pleasure and will make it a five minutes well spent reading over my rambles. Just pull up a chair and sit back with a margarita and take time to enjoy the day, for just a minute.

Thanks for stopping by. Stay cool kids!