An Iowa Mom

A Favorite Gift

As parents, we always try to remind our kids that the holiday season is not ONLY about the presents.  Ya know ... there is so much more to it.  However, even as adults, it's easy to look forword to and get excited and find joy in a simple gift that is unwrapped on Christmas morning.

And I did.

Only it wasn't one of my gifts.  Or a gift given by me.

This present was given to Big Daddy ... from my mother.  And I think it's PERFECT for him.

What do you think?

Is that not hilarious!?

What was your favorite gift?

Beware Of The Naked Baby

Remember last month when I enlightened you all on the simple fact that my high school mascot is a KEWPIE?

And that Big Daddy just couldn't get past that?

For the longest time he thought I was lying.  Like really, why in the hell would I lie about THAT?

Spending too much money on needless Target items ... THAT is something to lie about.  Not my high school mascot.  What?  Is he going to divorce me because I'm a former Kewpie?  Please!

Well, my sister-in-law thought his reaction to this whole Kewpie scenerio was hilarious.  Bless her heart, she had to sit next to us, and pretend we were total strangers ... to save herself from complete and utter humiliation as Big Daddy and his big mouth went on and on about how silly and ridiculous a Kewpie Mascot was.

We all got through that football game and no one beat Big Daddy up ... thank goodness.  But, a couple weeks later, this arrived in the mail and was addressed to Big Daddy himself ...

HA!

That sister-in-law of mine is one funny lady!  Don't you think?  She cracked me the heck up.

Ask And You Shall Receive

Yesterday afternoon I finally was able to take a breath and sit down to check my email.  Oh, shush, I AM that busy, okay?

As I open my inbox, I immediately notice an email from Big Daddy.  Because he's my favorite, I opened it first.  Ya never know when one will be sent saying, "Drop everything and don't bother cooking ... I'm taking the family out to eat tonight!", and no one would want to miss an email like that, right?

Well, that's not what this one said.  The email from Big Daddy read, "Enough with the <insert inappropriate word here> giveaways and get back to writing funny stories about your family on your blog."

And because I always do everything my husband tells me to do, I got right on it this morning to do what I've been told.

Excuse me while I get myself together, because I crack myself up.  That statement right there was hilarious as far as I'm concerned.

Anyway ... on with the story about my family.

See this?:

That is my husband, Big Daddy, on a motorcycle that he purchased for FOUR HUNDRED DOLLARS!  It's older than I am, I think (hee hee) and while it runs ... it's doesn't start ... unless you run with it.

I was going to take a video, but I'm not THAT mean ...

That's not entirely true ... I just wasn't quick enough to capture the moment. 

So, I'll try to paint a visual for you ...

Picture Big Daddy.  Picture his motorcycle above.  Picture Big Daddy running down the street, pushing his motorcycle.  Faster and faster.  Picture a school bus rounding the corner.  Then go back to picturing Big Daddy ... jumping on the bike.  And low and behold it starts.  Back to the bus ... it stops right next to Big Daddy, happily situated with his new toy.  The doors to the big yellow bus open, and the driver hollers, "MID LIFE CRISIS?" ... shut the doors and drives on.

Maybe you had to be there ... but it was hilarious.  I promise ... the next time this happens ... I'll get it on video and you all will be the first to see it.

There ya go Big Daddy ... a story about our family. 

I am here to please ... just ask and you shall receive.

It's All About Big Daddy

In honor of Big Daddy's birthday today, I thought I'd do a meme that Jill did a while back and I never got around to doing it.

Happy Birthday Big Daddy!

1. He's sitting in front of the TV, what is on the screen? Usually sports.  College football.  That or something that I've insisted on watching.  And we all know by now, that it's easier to give into my constant nagging about something than to endure the constant gripes.  Right?

2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? Ranch. 

3. What's one food he doesn't like? Peas.  His PaPa had a favorite story he'd always tell.  When Big Daddy would return from grade school his PaPa would ask, "What did you have for lunch?" and Big Daddy would respond, "PEAS, PaPa, just peas!"

4. You go out to the bar. What does he order? Tangerai and Tonic

5. Where did he go to high school? In New Albany, Indiana.  They were the Bulldogs.  And he insists they were much tougher than the Kewpies.

6. What size shoe does he wear? 10.  I think.  Or a 10 1/2.  Obviously, I don't buy his shoes.

7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be?  Autographed Drew Brees Merchandise.  And quarters.

8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? God, I'm a sucky wife.  I don't know.  He eats PB & J a lot.  And turkey with swiss and bacon.

9. What would this person eat every day if he could? "If He Could?" ... HE DOES.  A bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios ... every.single.morning.

10. What is his favorite cereal? Raisin Bran.  I know.  Don't ask about the Cheerios every morning.  We are strange, strange people.

11. What would he never wear?  A Cardinals Shirt or hat or ANYTHING.

12. What is his favorite sports team? College Football = Purdue; NFL = Cowboys (Saints for Drew Brees); Baseball = Cubs

13. Who will he vote for?  I can guarantee it will **not** be Obama.

14. Who is his best friend? Me!  It better be.

15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do?  Leave my clothes on the floor when the hamper is just two feet away.  That and drink too much beer.

16. How many states has he lived in?  Indiana.  Texas.  Illinois.  Iowa.

17. What is his heritage? German

18. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind of cake?  Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting.

19. Did he play sports in high school? Yes. Football (Quarterback); Baseball (Catcher?)

20. What could he spend hours doing?  Groping me.  Or watching football.  Or groping me while watching football.  :)

I tag EVERYONE reading.  This is fun!

A Faithful Family - Through and Through

When it comes to football, whether it be professional, college, high school or the rec league ... it is very serious stuff in our household.   We stand true to our teams ... in good times and bad. 

We go.  We support.  We cheer.

Well, maybe I shouldn't use the the word "we" exactly ...

How about ...

THEY.

And by "they", I mean ...

They're there.  They're smiling.  They're happy.

And this is how things are looking in our neck of the woods.

Now, I'd call that loyal.

Well, either that or stupid.

Side Note:  The photo is fuzzy because anal Big Daddy doesn't want his phone to get wet ... so it's in a baggie.

Soul Mates, It's True!

I don't know if you all can remember back to the week before last, when I was searching for a new camera, because mine bit the dust and I can't live without one.  Never mind the fact that I always find it too much trouble to pull it out and snap some photos when I should, but I'm trying to do better in that department.

Anyway, after making my decision with the help of Mark, I decided to start working on Big Daddy.  I gave him a ring and nonchalantly asked if there was a Best Buy between where he was and where he was going.  He confirmed there was and I pleasantly asked him to stop in there and call me, because there was a camera I was going to beg and plead with him for the next couple of days to purchase for me, and I at least wanted him to see it.

He said he'd call.

And he didn't.

So, being the persistent bitch that I am, I call him again.

He says he forgot.

I got mad. (Remember, I'm a bitch like that)

No joke, about 10 minutes later, Big Daddy rolls into the driveway.

With a camera.

The exact one I wanted.

And I never once mentioned to him which one I had decided on earlier.

I'd say that's love.

Soul mates through and through.

And for those who lost faith in Big Daddy over the whole chair thing ... I'm sure it's restored now, right?

However, any bets on how long it actually takes to get my chair?

Perfect Timing

This afternoon the nurse was in the room taking Emily's temperature and I was standing by Emily's side to assist.  Yeah, I know there is nothing I can do and the nurse has it completely under control ... but appease me by thinking that I am of SOME SORT of help here.  Okay?

Anyway, as the nurse is pulling the thermometer out of her ear, Emily announces, "Mommy, you don't look very beautiful at all today.  You must be having a bad day, huh?"

Thanks, dear!  Glad you were feeling well enough to notice.

--> Update:  No vomiting since yesterday.  Also, refuses to eat since yesterday, with the exception of 5 bites of chocolate pudding.  Taking in very little drink on her own.  Temperature is coming up at 102 as of right now, so things are a little better.   Don't know if they will let us go home today or if we'll be here another night.  We'll see!

Oh ... and good Lord, Big Daddy wants me to add that he is doing all the laundry while at home and I'm here with Emily.  Why is it that men need so much praise for doing the little things that we do on a daily basis with no recognition at all?

Just kidding, Big Daddy ... I really do appreciate it.  Now get back to folding and putting it all away ... I hate that part.