To V or Not to V?

To V, or not to V: that is the question...

The vasectomy that is.

Although my husband is willing and ready, I can't make up my mind.

Truth be told, two kids are a handful, but something about a third baby seems so right to me.

A little background...my hubby is approaching 44 and I am soon to be 36. I know our ages should tell us to stop. Factor in our limited income (I work part-time). And, consider the fact I almost died during childbirth with my second child.

I should be ready to say "NO MORE BABIES!" But I'm not. Yes, I know, I know...I have a boy and a girl...one of each...I should be satisfied, right?

But I'm not.

Friends aren't much help (bless them for trying). They will tell me "Oh, vasectomies are reversable today!" True, but at a high cost and with a low success rate.

So someone please tell me, how do I make this decision, and feel comfortable with that decision? Oh Shakespeare, share your wisdom with me!

Originally posted April 21, 2008 at:

http://anotheronlinemom.blogspot.com/2008/04/to-v-or-not-to-v.html

Oh the car ride!

Oh, the car ride.

The PLAN was to get in the car around 6pm, the kids would fall asleep around 7:30/8:00, and we would arrive at our hotel at 10:00pm.

Well, didn't quite go that well. At 9:30pm the kids were still WIDE AWAKE and more than ready to get out the car.

Mimi kept repeating, "Are we at Granny and Pop Pop's yet?"

Hubby kept repeating, "Can you just give them some Benadryl?"

Tom-Tom kept repeating, "WWHHHHAANNN!"

And Mom kept repeating, "Oh, lord help us tomorrow when we have seven hours in the van!?"

P.S. Husband is now calling me "Kate" (Kate Gosselin) because I am too organized and too bossy these past couple of days. Funny thing, I actually take it as a compliment!!

P.P.S. We did arrive safely in Louisiana. As mentioned early I will be re-posting some early blog entries during the week while I am spending time with the family. Enjoy!

If You Can Meet a Mate Online, Why Not a Best Friend...

Amy and I became best friends about two years ago, when our daughters were a few weeks old. We had so much in common. We were both first time mothers who were leaving full time jobs to stay at home. Our husbands had stressful jobs that kept them working long nights so many times we turned to each other for adult conversation.

Even better, we have many of the same believes when it comes to raising children, religion and politics. We love to talk about movies, celebrity gossip, and the best new self-tanner on the market.

Last summer, we both became pregnant for a second time. We would joke about how many times we would hear "You are having another baby already? Are you crazy?" And, ironically, we gave birth to our sons within days of each other.

What makes our friendship unique compared to other best friends? Amy and I have never met in person.

You see, Amy and I met on a bulletin board for new mothers. It's kind of crazy; I have tons of "mom friends" nearby (including my daughter's Godmother who lives five minutes away & I haven't spoken to in 6 weeks!), yet I have this "online buddy" who knows everything about me and my kids than possibly my husband.

Welcome to the modern world, uh? I mean, if I can find my husband online, why not a best friend?

NOTE: Originally posted April 18, 2008 at:

http://anotheronlinemom.blogspot.com/2008/04/modern-pen-pal.html

Packing, packing, packing

I just realized that I am way too anal organized. I have notes EVERYWHERE.

I have notes on all four bags on what I need to add at the last minutes (kids blankets, my makeup, hubby's shave bag). I even have clothes laid out for all of us labeled "to wear in the car on Friday". And, I have notes on the kitchen cabinet to remind myself to turn up A/C and run dishwasher. Sometimes I think I am my own worse enemy! ;)

Oh, and on a funny note, I have packed more shoes for Princess Mimi than I did for myself! lol. What am I teaching my poor kid!? :))

While I'm Out...

While I am on vacation the next few days (yay, we leave tomorrow!) I am going to re-post some entries from when my blog first began. Hope you enjoy!

Oh yea, the Oprah story

I forgot to answer you all! When I did the "100 Things About Me" post, many of you wanted to know why I was on Oprah.

So...here's the story...in Spring 2001, my mom and I were going on a trip to Chicago (we used to take a mom-daughter trip once a year). I was trying to find tickets to see the Oprah show so was playing on the Oprah web site.

I saw an area on the site where you could comment on upcoming shows. One of the topics was "Women and Alcohol". If I remember correctly all theses studies came out around that time showing that men could have 2 drinks a day but the benefits weren't the same for women (or something like that).

So I wrote in something like "I am 26 and single, and I see nothing wrong with drinking. My friends and I meet often over a bottle of wine. It helps me losen up and enjoy the conversation. I also occasionally drink for pain relief". (I was suffering from endometriosis at the time.)

Well, not even 3 hours later, a producer from the show called me and asked me more questions! She then had me over-night some photos and videos of myself to her. A few days later, they booked a flight for mom and I, and we were off! It happened so quickly.

I remember my boss was not happy at the time and didn't want me to do it. (I was working for a faith-based nonprofit and he was worried about the "drinking" topic). And, I recall some of my family worried that I would embarass them. (Okay, chill, it was Oprah, but Jerry Springer!) But I was young and knew it was a "once in a lifetime" experience.

Oprah paid for our flights, hotel rooms, limos, etc. It was great. We had to wake up early and get to the studio for hair and makeup...and I had to do my voiceovers for my segment--you know the "Dear Oprah" letter. Oh, and get this, the show was LIVE that day, for all days! But it was fine.

They highlighted 5 or 6 women who drank on a regular basis...just an open discussion on drinking and if it was acceptable and when. And there was an author of a new book (was it called Happy Hours!?! Again, 2001, so I don't recall too well--ha!)

I didn't really meet one on one with Oprah. As a guest of the show, I was able to take home that book (these were the days before the audience would take home $100s worth of prizes--ha).

After the show's taping, mom and I went shopping on the Mile, and I remember a few women stopping me, "Were you on Oprah today!?" Kinda cool. My five minutes of fame!

I hope that answers all your questions--if not, comment me! :)

4 more days!

Sorry, I don't really have much to talk about today. We leave for vacation in four days! I guess my mind is busy preparing for our trip.

Tagged again!

Thanks Toni! :))

Get this badge here ^_^
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3. Tag 5 blogs that is not yet in this post (just to avoid duplications ^_^ )
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It's Friday!

I love Friday's nights! The start of the weekend. I get my hubby for two whole days! yay. And the house is nice & clean from all my hard work chores. In our home Friday night is "pizza and a movie". We order in a pizza and watch a movie with the kids. I think we like it more than than they do. It's our little "tradition". Do you have a family night? Comment me!

You Know You're a Redneck...

...when you have been hitting "redial" on your phone for 20 60 minutes trying to win a free gas card from a local radio station!

Comments on Sex Movie

Okay, sorry sorry sorry...I'm a little late...a few of you asked for my comments on the movie.

Well, it was good. I liked it. Great story line. Great clothes. Brought back most of the characters. AND those sex scenes. My, oh, my. I think I got used to watching repeats on TBS and forgot about the original HBO shows, hehe! :))

But it was a little too long. Just a little. At one point I thought for a brief second, "Okay, let's move on!" and it did. I just think 2:20 was a little long. They could have made it 2 hours.

Did I read they are writing scripts for a second movie now!? YAY!

Tagged: ABC of Me!

I have been tagged by P.S. He Loves You, - How fun!

**Make sure you pay attention to the letter “T” cause I may be tagging you!**

A. Attached or Single? Attached (happily married!)
B. Best Friend? Gosh, it's hard to choose one!
C. Cake or pie? Cake (cupcakes!)
D. Day of choice? Sunday!
E.Essential item? Concealer
F. Favorite color? Green
G. Gummy bears or worms? Worms (sour ones)
H. Home town? Somewhere in South Louisiana
F. Favorite indulgence? Dark chocolate
J. January or July? January (my anniversary!)
K. Kids? Yup, two
L. Life isn’t complete without? LOVE!
M. Marriage date? January 2005
N. Number of brothers and sisters? 1 sister
O. Oranges or Apples? Neither
P. Phobias? FLYING!
Q. Quotes? "Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and celebrate the journey!" -Barbara Hoffman
R. Reasons to smile? My hubby and kids
S. Season of choice? Christmas
T. Tag 5 people: Melanie, Sasha, Jenna, Lindsey, & Toni
U. Unknown fact about me? I have a second, private blog for family.
V. Vegetable? Do potatoes count?!
W. Worst habit? Actually, here are six quirks
X. X-ray or Ultrasound? Pregnancy ultrasounds!!
Y. Your favorite food? Shrimp!
Z. Zodiac sign? Saggitaruis (can't even spell it!)
Z. Which zoo animal is your favorite? Monkeys

Wedding Song/First Dance

So I was just reading a list of "most popular wedding songs for first dance". God, some of them are so nauseating--ha.

Hubby and I danced to "When you Say Nothing At All". We loved the version from Notting Hill by Ronan Keating, but the DJ only had the Alison Krauss version. You can check it out here:



Leave me a comment. What was your first dance song?
(Or what would you like it to be if single?)

Toy Story 2

A few weeks back I joined the "Disney Movie Club". I put some of the movies away in the closet for "later on", but on Sunday night, hubby pulled out Toy Story 2 and Mimi LOVES it. We have been watching it atleast twice a day:

Please don't send me your POOP pictures!

So, yesterday my sister gets an email from her sorority little sister. There were several pictures of her little girl, and one was labeled "first poop". My sister opens the picture expecting to see a picture of the little girl on the potty, but instead sees a GIANT TURD sitting in the toilet.

Um, no thank you!!

In fact, last week, I was watching a "Jon & Kate Plus 8" episode where Kate says she takes pictures of the kids' first poop. Okay, I would never do that personally. But if your family chooses to take that picture, great---just please don't email it to me! Thank you. :))

10 more days to VACATION!

In ten more days we leave for our annual summer trip "back home!" I can't wait to eat some real food (yummy shrimp po-boys, shrimp etoufee, gumbo!!). I always gain 3 to 5 pounds after a trip to Louisiana, so I will be doing extra time on the treadmill and some sit ups the next few days--haha!!

Yum, Need an Idea for dinner!?

Yum! I originally found this recipe on AllRecipes.com but tweaked a bit . ENJOY!

PEANUT BUTTER SKEWERS

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tsp minced garlic
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 or 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

DIRECTIONS: In a saucepan, combine the first eight ingredients; cook and stir over medium-high heat for 5 minutes or until smooth. Reserve half of sauce. Slice chicken lengthwise into 1-in. strips; thread onto skewers (if using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes). Grill, uncovered, over medium-hot heat for 2 minutes; turn and brush with peanut butter sauce. Continue turning and basting for 4-6 minutes or until chicken juices run clear. Serve with reserved sauce.

Southern Living (June) = SHRIMP!

Did you see the article on Bayou Lafourche and the great shrimp recipes!? I grew up on that bayou (about 30 miles north of "Timmy"). For those of you who don't get Southern Living, check this out: www.southernliving.com/timmy

4th of July Shirts

I ordered two appliqué shirts for the kiddos to wear on July 4th from my friend Dena who owns an embroidery store (http://www.writteninthread.com/). They are so cute that I had to share them with you early in case you wanted to order one as well! (She also does really cute baby burp clothes if you need a shower gift!)

Here are some Mickey and Minnie shirts she did for us back in March...

Father's Day Plans

We are going to a friend's home today to grill out burgers and swim. I am bringing cheese potato casserole and lemon cream pie! YUM! I'll post pictures later today.

Wow, my 100th post!!

Wow, here we go...staying with "blogging tradition", here are 100 things about me:

1. I grew up in Louisiana.
2. I love shrimp--cooked anyway!
3. I hate crawfish.
4. I moved to Florida after college.
5. I have lost my Louisiana accent.
6. I am a huge LSU football fan!
7. The first car I purchased was a Toyota Corolla.
8. I currently drive a Toyota Sienna mini-van.
9. My first job (in high school) was a receptionist at a radio station.
10. I currently work part-time in Public Relations (PR).
11. As a child, I wanted to grow up to be a teacher.
12. I love country music.
13. I love the color green.
14. I am addicted to sweets.
15. I am addicted to Diet Coke.
16. I like dark chocolate; not milk chocolate.
17. I talk a lot. I don't shut up.
18. I am on email all the time.
19. I have five email addresses.
20. I was called the "email queen" at two old jobs.
21. I don't own an iPod.
22. I don't own an Blackberry.
23. I am attached to my cell phone.
24. I like PC (over mac).
25. I have never tried drugs.
26. I love wine.
27. I have been to Napa Valley once.
28. I have never travelled to NYC.
29. The only country I have been to outside the US in the Dominican Republic.
30. I have never seen snow.
31. Hubby and I did not have a honeymoon.
32. I don't like to fly.
33. I get motion sickness very easily.
34. I have had five colonoscopies in my life.
35. I need an upper GI but have put it off.
36. I need a dental crown and have put it off.
37. I got braces at the age of 8.
38. As a result, I got many cavities/fillings as a child.
39. I occasionally suffer with panic attacks.
40. I have one sister.
41. My parents are still living, and healthy.
42. I love the Holidays, my favorite time of the year.
43. I have never cooked a turkey!
44. I am not big into Halloween, I hate the pressure to find the perfect costume.
45. I haven't stayed awake until midnight on New Year's Eve in three years.
46. I love old-fashioned picnics on July 4th (barbecue, ice cream, lemonade, etc).
47. I love dogs.
48. I hate cats.
49. I grew up with a fish tank.
50. I love to entertain.
51. I love champagne brunch on Sunday's mornings.
52. I am very organized.
53. I hate to balance the checkbook.
54. I don't like to read books.
55. I like to read magazines.
56. My favorite store is Target.
57. I fit best into the clothes at Ann Taylor Loft.
58. My wedding dress came from Nicole Miller.
59. I wear basic shoes; not designer shoes.
60. I have never paid more than $90 for a purse.
61. I was once a guest on the Oprah show.
62. I love tulips.
63. I hate baby's breath in floral arrangements.
64. I was in Delta Zeta sorority.
65. By year four, I hated sorority life.
66. I was an honor graduate in college.
67. As a kid, I would only eat cereal.
68. I don't know how to swim very well.
69. I don't know how to roller skate.
70. I used to take yoga lessons (pre-kids).
71. I used to scrapbook alot (pre-kids).
72. Now, I create my scrapbooks on Snapfish.
73. I witnessed Hurricane Andrew (in LA).
74. And Hurricane Charlie (in FL).
75. I have never seen a tornado.
76. I used to collect Peanuts/Snoopy stuff.
77. My home is now filled with Disney memoribial.
78. I grocery shop with coupons.
79. I never stay within budget.
80. I went to public school.
81. I started my MBA (one semester) and hated it.
82. I grew up Protestant/Presbyterian.
83. I am now Catholic.
84. I am a registered Republican.
85. I ran my first 5-k this year.
86. I used to compete in beauty pageants.
87. I took 10 years of ballet and tap lessons.
88. I can't sing, at all.
89. I played the flute for one year.
90. I was on high school dance team one year.
91. I don't wear glasses or contacts.
92. I have never had my teeth professional whitened.
93. I'd love a breast reduction, if it wasn't so painful.
94. Heck, since having kids, I'd take a tummy tuck too.
95. I haven't had a hair cut in 8 months!
96. I have colored my hair since I was 15 years old.
97. I gained 25 pounds with my first pregnancy.
98. I gained 22 pounds with my second pregnancy.
99. I think I want a third child.
100. Heck, I think want a fourth child, too!

FINALLY, I get to see IT tonight!!

Finally, at 6:50pm tonight I get to see THE movie!

Shopping trip to Target

Good news: All the Cynthia Rowley summer picnic/beach stuff was half price today at my Target! Cute napkins, towels, picnic baskets, plastic wear, iced tea jugs, totes, cooler bags, lawn games--you have to check it out! *update--my sister said it's all sale at her Target in LA too!*

Bad news: Knowing I was going to the pool today with both kids, I decided to shop at Target for floaties. They didn't have the standard arm floats, but it didn't matter because I saw this great "swim sweater" (http://www.swimways.com/teachmetoswim/step-2.asp). I am thinking "HOW AWESOME!" There several great products based on ages. I was debating Step 1 or Step 2, and get the Step 2 swim sweater. Ugh, Wrong! First, you have to blow it up with a bike pump (I couldn't blow my own hot air!). Second, while Princess Mimi can't wait to put it on (and model it for everyone), the minute I put her in the pool, she screams and hates it. So I try it on Tom-Tom but it's too big and he just topples over. Dang, they looked so neat and I am so disappointed that my kids didn't take to it. Oh summer fun.

STOCK PHOTO (Swimways)

Going Fast: Dooney and Bourke Sale

Found at SlickDeals today: Macy's has many Dooney & Bourke Products on sale at 43% off. Items start at $22 plus shipping charges. Check it out: http://www.slickdeals.net/

Energy Saving Light Bulbs, 2014

Got five minutes? Check this out. Never thought I'd care about light bulbs, but this is pretty interesting (and scary): http://youtube.com/watch?v=e-LOtKIIKcg And how crazy that the new bulbs are only made in China--WTF!?! (Thanks Dad for the link).

Father's Day is a Coming!

What my hubby is getting this Father's Day
(three months of lawn cutting service):

What my hubby really wants:

New Fossil Watch

Bluetooth

Hammock for the back patio

Tool cabinet

Army Wives is back tonight!!!

Finally, some GREAT summer television! Last season, hubby and I both got into "Army Wives" on Lifetime. And the second season premiers in just a few hours. I am so excited!! (I just hope I can stay up to watch it!!--ha!) If you haven't ever seen the show, you can check out old episodes and more online at: http://www.mylifetime.com/on-tv/shows/army-wives/army-wives-video

My 90th Post: 1990 High School Graduation

Well, this is my 90th post...which has me thinking back to 1990, the year I graduated from High School. Oh, High School...the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The good:

• At 17, I didn't have to worry about my weight. (I could still wear a bikini, too!!) In fact, I did a little modeling and beauty pageants that year. Yea, I thought I was hot--lol. Who doesn't at 17!? I wish I had all that confidence today.


• Great TV shows: The Cosby Show, A Different World, Home Improvement, Golden Girls. (Great family comedies, not today's reality shows)...and oh, Beverly Hills 90210 hit the airways!


• I had access to mom's mini-van (I could squeeze in like 7 girl friends at once!) and never had to pay for my own gas! On the weekends, we would tell our parents we were off to see a movie, but ended up guzzling can beer in a sugar cane field.


• And college, wahoo. College and sorority life was just a few months off!!!

The bad:

• Oh, the peer pressure (yup, you know what I mean, to have sex or wait! Was I to be "Donna Martin" or "Kelly Taylor"?).


• "Mean girls" and cliques. (I ended up not going on "senior trip" due to this one crazy girl who made my life hell because she wanted my boyfriend. Oh the drama, ha.)

The ugly:

• I have to ask mom to scan a picture of my prom dress. It was huge and shiny. And PURPLE! (Funny story, my date/boyfriend left me at the prom because I had broken up with him a week before prom! My parents hated the guy and we dated for over two years. Ugh, looking back at pictures of him, I could throw up--ha.)


• We really did listen to M.C. Hammer and Sinead O'Connor.


• Ugh, the fashions sucked (talk about BIG bangs and shoulder pads!)

Quick Trip to Disney

My high school best friend is at Disney for the week, so I brought the kids out for a bit last night. I tell you, Princess Mimi is really starting to "get" Disney. She wants to see the characters now (we don't have to force her and then watch her cry--ha), and she gets excited about the rides. (I think three is going to be a fun age!) And she thoroughly enjoyed the SpectroMagic Night Parade. In fact, the entire way back to the van, she kept saying, "Thank you Mommy!"

Tom-Tom is just happy to have found water (Splash area)--the kid is a fish!