Finally...

We have been fighting with our camcorder off and on for a year. Something wasn't compatible with it and our computer. We finally (after many not so nice words directed at Windows) got a program that works with it. I will now be driving y'all nuts with the videos.

Little Drummer Boys

Brodie was giving Chase a drumming lesson. It is killing Brodie that it is snowing and windy so he can't go out. They are making a nice racket in here.

Day 30...The End

Day 30...The End, originally uploaded by Frazzled LaShawn.

No more NaBloPoMo....this challenge has been a pain, but worth it. I might do it again in January. MIGHT!!!!

So that is what a housewife looks like...

Most days I have real clothes on by 8 am. Most days I brush my hair and make myself look somewhat human by 9 am. Today is not most days. It is very wintry here today, with our temps being in the high 20s/low 30s (after being 78 yesterday. Can you say SINUS INFECTION?). Last night I went and stocked up on fire logs and food. My plan is to not leave. Jason even took my car to work and is going to get Austin from school. So....imagine my surprise when I see a van pull up outside?

Company?

Today?

Wha....?

As I looked at the sign on the van I realized that we had the maintenance guys scheduled to come service our A/C and heater today.

Why is this bad? Well, I was wearing my sweats that are about 4 sizes too big (I could wear them when I was 9 months pregnant). Since they are so big I roll them about 500 times. They have brown stains that look like dog crap all over them. No, it isn't dog crap, it is cause I put them on when I dye my hair. Yes, folks, I was wearing them. I had on a faded out pretty much see through t-shirt (no bra mind you). I had not brushed my hair, I am not even sure I had brushed my teeth.

Luckily, I had time to dash into my room and throw on some jeans and a sweatshirt (and a bra!) and brush my hair quickly. He, thankfully, was taking a phone call in the van. I normally don't really care what I look like in these moments, but there is a limit to how white trashy I want to look. Even I have some dignity.

Day 29...Authentic

Day 29...Authentic, originally uploaded by Frazzled LaShawn.

I am mostly posting this to remind myself in the next few days what I want to talk about. Did that make sense? Seriously, I am running on pure caffeine at the moment.

I have been thinking a lot about "Authentic Self" and what that means. I will post more about it as I get my info together.

In other news, Brodie got 5 shots today and Chase got 4. Yes, we are a house running on caffeine and Motrin now.

Day 28...Not Today

Day 28...Not Today, originally uploaded by Frazzled LaShawn.

Take one cranky, teething baby...add the inability to sleep...shake well. What do you get? A Mommy that doesn't want her picture taken today.

We don't have a prayer...

If these two crazy kids can't make it...what chance do the rest of us have???

Day 27...Teething Hell

Day 27...Teething Hell, originally uploaded by Frazzled LaShawn.

Well we have officially entered teething hell. Chase has hit a spurt of growth lately. He is crawling on his knees (he has been combat crawling for over a month), he is sitting himself up, and he can pull up to his knees. Yes folks, that is a lot for a little body all in a few days time. And now...fussy central. Seriously, Chase is SUCH a happy baby. He smiles all the time. Well, we are not smiling now. We are also not sleeping. Caffeine is becoming more necessary everyday...for me, not Chase.

Day 26...O Christmas Tee

Day 26...O Christmas Tee, originally uploaded by Frazzled LaShawn.

The boys and I got the Christmas tree up today. OK, so Jason got the tree up and we decorated it. The only thing missing is my tree skirt. It is MIA. Jason put some of the lights on the house. All I need now is my wreath and a few more things we will be all decorated up.

BTW, I hate this picture of me, but liked the way the camera skewed the lights.

Day 25...New Jammies

Day 25...New Jammies, originally uploaded by Frazzled LaShawn.

Jason bought me new PJ pants today. I am officially in the Christmas Spirit now that Thanksgiving is over.

We had a great visit with Jason's parents and grandparents. I was very proud of all the yummy food I made. The boys and I are going to get out the Christmas tree tomorrow and get it put up!! So exciting for them (and ME)!

Day 24...Love

Day 24...Love, originally uploaded by Frazzled LaShawn.

Since my in laws are in town for Thanksgiving, Jason and I went out to eat alone tonight. I took a picture while we were eating with my camera phone, but it turned out really yucky. So I forced Jason to pose for this one and then proceeded to squish his face.

And then...he squished my face.

I am very lucky to have this man.

Day 23...Give Thanks

Day 23...Give Thanks, originally uploaded by Frazzled LaShawn.

I have so much to be thankful for! Hope your Thanksgiving is blessed!

Day 22...OOPS

Day 22...OOPS, originally uploaded by Frazzled LaShawn.

Back a few weeks ago I ran a red light. It was a blonde moment. I thought it had just turned yellow. Totally my bad...just one of those bad days. I literally almost cried when I did it. I never do things like that.

Today I got a ticket for $75. OOPS!

Day 21...Rachel Ray

Day 21...Rachel Ray is Everywhere, originally uploaded by Frazzled LaShawn.

We are a Rachel Ray household. My kids LOVE her. They literally stop everything when they see her on TV. Brodie wanted to buy Ritz crackers today just cause she was on the box. I just love that she is so down to earth and a dork. Jason and I actually set a reminder on our cable to watch her Iron Chef episode. YES, even Jason is a fan.

She re-ignited my love of cooking.

*psssst* A subscription to this magazine would be an awesome Christmas present

Reaching...

Sometimespeople just look for a reason to be offended. Isn't there enough REAL hate and nastiness in the world? Surely we don't have to overthink simple comments. Don't know what I am talking about...go read. Ridiculous!

Day 20...HOT!

Day 20...HOT!, originally uploaded by Frazzled LaShawn.

This was taken with my phone so not the best quality.

Don't I look hot (and excited) in my paper gown at the doctor's office? Everyone looks good in pink paper.

So it was yearly exam time today. Always fun. Could they make those places any colder? I love my doctor...I haven't seen her in 5 months, but she remembered in amazing detail my kids' names and Jason's name. She is awesome. Doctors like that are hard to find.

Day 19...I'm no expert

Day 19...I'm no expert, originally uploaded by Frazzled LaShawn.

I have never claimed to be an expert at anything....but I think something is wrong with one of our cameras. YA THINK?!?!? I promise this was not me just messing around. This is really the quality of picture it is now taking. Not good.

Funny (not ha ha funny, more like isn't that interesting), this is how I have been feeling lately. A little out of focus. Still happy and smiling, just not quite right. Hmmmm...

If only it weren't true...

Luann is ME! When I was a teenager her life was EERILY like mine. She even did Color Guard!!! Oh Luann..you know me so well!

All I ask is that I maintain the weight I have lost through the holidays...then I can work on getting more off.

I love Christmas and all...

BUT...could we please do the holidays in order? PLEASE?!?!? I want to have my Thanksgiving and still be able to see fall decorations up. Instead here I am trying to plan Thanksgiving and all I can find are CHRISTMAS THINGS!!!!! NO! This is wrong. Everyone is already talking about gifts and trees and all. This totally takes the focus off of Thanksgiving and what it is for. I personally LOVE Thanksgiving.

Halloween is for October....Thanksgiving is for November..THEN THEN THEN we do Christmas people.

So until Nov. 24th, I say, BAH HUM BUG!!!

Day 18...Playing in the Grass

Day 18...Playing in the Grass, originally uploaded by Frazzled LaShawn.

The boys and I were playing in the grass....nevermind the fact that all three of us are allergic. Hmmmm.

Day 17...A Better Day

Day 17...A Better Day, originally uploaded by Frazzled LaShawn.

Today has been a better day than yesterday. I at least feel in control today.

Thank you to those of you that commented yesterday (both here and by email). Especially to Shannon...not sure if I know you or not, but thank you. It made me smile.

In other news, I am gearing up for Thanksgiving (I refuse to start anything Christmas related until after then). I am excited to be having it at my house this year. Of course, that means we get to do it my way. My way is not always traditional. Wonder how many people I will irritate :-)

Have a great weekend everyone!

Day 16...Hugs

Day 16...Hugs, originally uploaded by Frazzled LaShawn.

Did you ever have one of those days where you felt like a complete failure? Like everything you touch turns to crap? I am having a day like that today. I can't do anything right today. The only thing that has gotten me through today without a total meltdown is hugs from my kids.

Day 15...Ouch

Day 15...Ouch, originally uploaded by Frazzled LaShawn.

Dearest Sinus Infection/Cold:

PLEASE LEAVE!!!! I have too much to do to spend my time fighting with you.

Sincerely,
Frazzled LaShawn

Day 14...Bonfire

Day 14...Bonfire, originally uploaded by Frazzled LaShawn.

Here are the boys and I at the Cub Scouts bonfire. You can't see the fire, but that is where we were. My cold has gone into my chest and throat, so I wasn't feeling all that hot, but it was still fun. The boys all did skits and songs by the fire. So glad we went even though we were under the weather.

Six Months...

Chase turned six months old yesterday. That ASTOUNDS me. Six months have come and gone so fast and yet, it is hard to remember what it was like without him. He is just such a delight. He is still in love with his brothers and VERY determined to catch up with them. He is into everything. He is FAST. His current favorite is sneaking into the kitchen and playing with the cat food. He still loves his Daddy time. He smiles constantly. He is a very "touchy" baby. He likes to touch faces when people talk to him. He loves to be sung to. He combat crawls at hyper speed and can sit himself up. He loves to stand on his toes and his hands. As you can see from the picture he LOVES to drive cars. If he had it his way he would always be outside. His eyes are the coolest color right now. They are still blue, but have hazel in the middle.


He is just such a joy and we look forward to seeing what he does next. He is just like Austin and Brodie, in that he is growing up way too fast.

Day 13...The Science Lab

Day 13...The Science Lab, originally uploaded by Frazzled LaShawn.

I am fascinated by mundane things in other people's lives. I like knowing silly things. What is their favorite food? Where did they meet their husband? What is on their play list? So at the urging of a friend...HERE ARE THE CONTENTS OF MY REFRIGERATOR (you are excited I can tell):

2% milk (cause whole is nasty and Jason won't touch skim)
Butter (the real kind...not nasty margarine)
Eggs
Creamer (flavored...Chocolate Caramel)
BBQ Sauce (3 kinds, cause I am finicky)
Kool-aid (Sugar Free)
Miracle Whip (cause I love that tangy zip)
Mayo (for making ranch and cooking...not for sandwiches)
Chicken Broth (use it a lot)
Sage leaves
Coffee (leaded and unleaded)
Cream (for cooking)
Dog Food (free sample...the dogs love it)
Cinnamon Rolls (we make them on weekends)
Leftovers from last night
Apples (green Grannie Smith...the only kind Jason really likes)
Lunch meat
Bacon
Salad
Baby Carrots
Cheese (many kinds...love cheese)
Wine (Pinot Grigio at the moment)
Salsas (about 10 kinds...we love salsa)
Olives
Pickles
Anti-biotic (for Chase)
Salad Dressings (Ranch and a few Vinaigrettes)
Ketchup, Mustards, and other assorted condiments
Sweet and Sour
Stir Fry Sauce
Country Crock
Slim Fast (for days I don't want to eat breakfast)

It is usually not this nice...I am bad about cleaning it out. But, Jason and I cleaned it out this weekend. Usually I have some science experiments in there....you caught me on a good day.

Honestly...

Did I really just post a picture with a Walmart bag on my head?!?!?! The things I won't do for you people in the blogosphere.

Day 12...Walmart

Day 12...Walmart, originally uploaded by Frazzled LaShawn.

I think Walmart goes out of their way to hire stupid people. There is no other explanation for it in my view.

Example of the day:

I was doing MEGA shopping today. With us being gone to Lubbock last week and Thanksgiving coming up, I needed a lot of stuff. After fighting for an hour to get all the things I need without killing or maiming anyone (this is why I don't like to grocery shop on weekends), I make it to the checkout. I notice that as the checker checks out the person ahead of me he seems a little dumbfounded and agitated. Not good. But, I don't have time to move lines.

It's my turn. I, being the nice and courteous shopper that I am, immediately hand him my coupons so that he knows I have them. He begins scanning my things. All is going well...at first. Over $200 later we are down to my last item....sage leaves. Sounds easy enough...apparently not. The bar code is not scanning. The checker, Geraldy (eastern European I gather from his accent), looks at me as if I am supposed to know what Walmart protocol is in this situation. He tries to scan them 5 more times. You know they say that the definition of insanity is repeating the same action many times and expecting a different result.

"Do you know how this was?", he asked in a very heavy accent

"No. Those are the only fresh sage leaves ya'll have. I just grabbed them," I say...sweetly of course.

"You need for these today?," he asks, hopefully.

"I wouldn't be purchasing them today if I didn't need them," I state...sweetly of course.

Again he looks dumbfounded.

Finally, as if he has suddenly been given supernatural wisdom, he goes to find the price. YES, finally I can get out of Walmart.

He comes back, looking dejected. "CRAP," I think...sweetly of course.

Finally a woman in a red vest appears. We all know the red vest people are the smart ones in Walmart. OK so they are the ones that have worked their long enough to at least have a clue. She gets it all straightened out. Thank you goddess of Walmart.

Then...he forgets my coupons and I have to go to Customer Service to straighten it out. I didn't want his head to explode or anything.

Next time why don't they just put the bag over my head and suffocate me?

Handy Man...

Jason is sitting IN his car. No, not the cab...IN where the engine and carburetor should be. He is doing some routine maintenance to his car. Love a guy who is good with his hands. Austin and Brodie thought this was HILARIOUS!

Day 11...Kill Me

Day 11...Kill Me, originally uploaded by Frazzled LaShawn.

I bragged too much about not getting the cold everyone has. On the way home yesterday I started to feel ROTTEN!

Took Chase to the doctor, he has an upper respiratory infection, sinus infection, slight ear infection, and pink eye (not the contagious kind...the kind you get from a cold). So it has been just a fun time around here today.

The only thing that I like about this picture is that I have my flower behind my ear. Brodie picked it from outside to make me feel better.

You can totally see up my nose.

Home...Day 10

We are home...and sick. Very tired. Will post more tomorrow.

Off to crash.

Day 9...Tired, but smiling

Day 9...Tired, but smiling, originally uploaded by Frazzled LaShawn.

We are exhausted...but we are still enjoying seeing our families!

Be back to normal posting soon...

Day 8....No Picture

Well, there won't be a picture today. It has been a looooong day. We arrived in Lubbock about 1:30 this morning. After getting Chase settled back down we all went to bed around 2. Then it was up A LOT for me with Chase as he had a hard time staying asleep. The memorial service was great. It was a joyous service. Austin did the closing prayer and brought people to tears. I have gotten to meet some of Jason's uncles and cousins that I have not met before.

Sorry for the quick post, but I wanted to get credit for today even if I was exhausted.

Day 7...Brought to you by CAFFEINE!

Day 7...Brought to you by CAFFEINE!, originally uploaded by Frazzled LaShawn.

It is NO secret that caffeine is my vice. It is what fuels me most days. I used to not be a coffee person and merely get my caffeine from soda....but that my friends has changed. Today, I will most definitely be fueled by a shameful amount of caffeine. We leave tonight for Lubbock and there is still much laundry and house stuff to do.

Pray for our travels as we don't usually like to drive at night. Hopefully the kids will sleep.

Day 6...Ministry in the toilet

Day 6...Ministry in the toilet, originally uploaded by Frazzled LaShawn.

My ministry at this point in my life is taking care of my family. I don't always do a very good job of it. Sometimes in the midst of cleaning the house I get frustrated (anyone with ADD can understand why), but it is then I realize that I have chosen this time in my life to be about my family. This is my ministry. Scrubbing the toilets is an act of service to my family. I was cleaning the toilet when Brodie came in and said, "Mom, that stuff kills 99% of the germs that can make us sick. Thank you for cleaning that."

Just call me Pastor Tidy Bowl...

Gone home...

Jason's grandfather, Otto, passed away this morning. He had a stroke over the summer and had since not been doing all that well. The picture is from when we saw him in October. While there is always some sadness in death, we rejoice that he has gone home to Jesus. He was a sweet man who was always so excited to see all of us when we came to visit. We will miss him. We will all be traveling to Lubbock tomorrow night to be there for the memorial service on Wednesday.

Day 5...C is for Cookie

Day 5...C is for Cookie, originally uploaded by Frazzled LaShawn.

I have done really well in past months food wise. I don't talk about weight or diet on this blog much. It is just not something I am wanting to get all out in the open about....YET. I have gotten loads of compliments lately from friends saying I look thinner. That is always nice to hear. Hopefully I can get over my "issues" and not sabotage myself and keep it going.

Every girl deserves a treat now and then. Jason LOVES chocolate chip cookies. OK, Jason loves chocolate. I made him some cookies tonight, which is a feat since he usually eats the dough before I can make them. I indulged in one....JUST one. Progress....

Devotion...

*This was a picture taken OF a picture..that is why it isn't that great. Our scanner is being retarded.*

Jason took Austin to Tigermania last night. It was an event for just the Tiger Scouts in the area. Yes, my husband went to an event with 150 six year olds. We have all developed a cold and Jason wasn't feeling that great, but he still took him. Austin had a BLAST! Jason, because of his love for me and the boys, will do things that he doesn't always want to do just because it makes us happy. I doubt that last night with a sore throat and a cough his idea of fun was being in a room of screaming 1st graders, but he took Austin. That is devotion to your children.

Austin, Brodie and Chase may not realize what a wonderful man Jason is yet, but they will know as they get older. I am thankful every day that Jason works so hard to be such a wonderful dad. He lets NOTHING get in the way of that. The boys and I are truly blessed to have him.

Day #4...Domestic

Day #4...Domestic, originally uploaded by Frazzled LaShawn.

Few things in life give me more satisfaction than cooking for people. There is something very therapeutic about cooking. If only someone would do the dishes for me. (Am I speaking to anybody?)

Day #3...Speak

Day #3...Speak, originally uploaded by Frazzled LaShawn.

I heard Beth Moore once say that some days she needs to hear from God so badly that she will sleep with her Bible open on her face. There are days that I so badly need to get in the Spirit that I will rest my head upon His Word and hope that maybe osmosis will take effect.

On the days I feel unbalanced I bring myself here to try to even the scales.

Unbalance is something I have struggled with lately. I am finding the more I try to stabilize myself IN the word, the more balance I am feeling. I guess that should have been obvious.

Thursday Thirteen...Products

Thirteen Products and Items That I Love And/Or Am Currently Drooling Over (Are you taking notes for Christmas?)

1. Philosophy Purity Made Simple (I would bathe in this stuff if I could afford to)

2. Paul Mitchell's Super Skinny Hair Serum: It cuts the blow dry time down insanely on my hair. I have thick hair used to take forever to blow dry. Plus it makes my hair look very silky and nice. Love the stuff.

3. Journals of any kind...I love the possibility of a new journal. This one is pretty.

4. Cascade 2-in-1 Action Pacs Dishwasher Detergent. Seriously, anything that can make dishes come out clean in my ancient dishwasher has to rock. (a girl has to be practical)

5. Füri Rachael Ray 3-Knife Set: Cause I could do some serious chopping with those puppies.

6. PJ's from Victoria's Secret. Too cute.

7. Coach...need I say more? This is my current favorite.

8. A New Digital Camera...still researching which one I want....will get back to you on that one.

9. New Bedding for our bedroom.

10. New Coffee Pot...but fancier.

11. New Dishes...I am tired of the mix n match stuff we have been sporting.

12. The Schick Intuition Razor...I swear this is one of the best inventions EVER

13. Oh yes...and World Peace.

Day #2...daydreaming

Day #2...daydreaming, originally uploaded by Frazzled LaShawn.

Today was a good day. Kree and I decided to head out to IKEA and well any day in which I get to go to IKEA is a good day. Being that I am in my domestic mood still, I picked up a few items for the kitchen. I love just walking around in there. Brodie likes to go just cause he gets to go play in the playroom for an hour while I shop. After IKEA we headed out to lunch. Kree has been out of town and I have been busy so we haven't had a lot of time to chat lately. We had a good chat over lunch and enjoyed some mighty tasty Mexican food.

The picture was taken in Kree's car. We stopped off to pick up Austin at school and Chase needed to be fed (he is getting a cold and is NOT patient with Mommy at the moment) so we stayed in the car. I found myself staring at the trees while Chase was nursing. I love fall. Today was crisp and sunny. I loved it. It could stay this kind of weather year round and I would love it.

Day #1...Laundry

Day #1...Laundry, originally uploaded by Frazzled LaShawn.

This is day one of my 30 day photo challenge. What better way to start a month in the life of Frazzled LaShawn than with a picture of my laundry. Seriously, where does it all come from? Just when I think I am getting caught up...BAM...truckload of laundry falls from the sky. I need a bigger washer...and a maid.

Not to Open a Can of Worms...

I don't want to turn this blog somehow political. I do follow politics and have VERY strong opinions on the matter. I am not one of those that won't be your friend if we disagree in politics, however. I debated even talking about this, but it just bothers me so much.

What few brain cells Kerry may have once had in his brain have left his body completely. I am sure of it now. How in the world can you stand up in front of people and actually utter those words and then try to deflect the blame onto other people. Look I know a lot of people disagree with Bush and a lot of people disagree with the handling of Iraq. Some of their points are even valid. But to say something so insanely disrespectful to the troops is just incomprehensible. Having lived on a military base let me tell you something Mr. Kerry...these men are brave, not dumb.

In trying to defend himself against his insane rantings Kerry once again hid behind his past military service (which has been proven to be less than admirable at times). Kerry seems to believe those Americans who have never worn a military uniform in battle are somehow not allowed to be patriotic or have an opinion. I think Kerry just lost a few democrats their seats in the mid-term elections.

**Just for the sake of clarity...these are MY opinions on MY blog. I don't care if a person is conservative, liberal, or purple. These comments were just wrong and Kerry should apologize...period**