$*&! R. Kelly says {and does}

I had some bomb Moe's for lunch, and some caffeine.

Y'all know what that meannnns ...

another post in the same day! - one inspired by some old R. Kelly I heard in the car.

Y'all know I love me some rap.
Try as I might to give it up, I lovez it.

Now that I'm old as Methuselah, I don't care so much for some of the super explicit descriptions of various body parts and what all they do.

Why can't they make songs without all that goin on with a bomb ass beat? Is it that hard?

But, really, though. Have you ever paid attention to the lyrics?

I give you some of the craziest shit eva by R. Kelly {the majority of the song was "oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh and ooooooooh and na, na, na, na anyway}

"Half On A Baby"

Oh, na, na, na, na

  Baby yo body, yo body na, na, na, na, na
Oh, na, na, na, na, na, na
Yo body, na na na na

blah, blah, blah ..

Since computer love
Been wantin to set it off

Like a hotel room
I'm checkin' into you
I'm diggin' like a shovel
All the things you do

Take a leap over the broom
That's how you're makin' me feel

blah, blah, blah

 Like a baseball field
Wanna hit a home run
Me and you get together babe
And raise a little one
____

I mean, what female in her right mind wouldn't wanna jump at a chance like that?!

Here, enjoy the video. Even on mute, it's classic.

Did you watch it?

Lord have mercy.

First of all, where is he? A church? A castle? Is it haunted? Whattup with that owl? {Beware, Tracy.}

What is represented by all the flowing white ...curtains?

Tiny R. Kelly on a big arse couch? Yo no comprendo.

The boxers shot of him walkin up the steps? A teeeeny winkle too much. I am scarred for life. 

And why is he layin out on that balcony in the rain?

And does anybody besides me think it's strange there is no chick in this video?

Bless his heart. 

__________

And here's what else:

They are sellin "moonshine" at the licka sto, y'all!

Apparently, I have been livin under a rock. I mean, I've had moonshine and fruit, but not with a label on it. ;)

 I was askin the little Indian man runnin the store about it, and I told him I'd never seen such, but I know people who make it. And he smiled, and was like, "Yezzzz, but your people make the real stuff. This stuff here is mostly water."

How precious was he?

Alexa, did you blog about this, or am I makin shit up? 

know what's good?

beans. {especially black or pinto} cooked with a hint of garlic and some salt.

  served hot with some fresh diced yellow onion. and corn bread. and a little shredded cheddar.   i think it's key to make sure the beans have at least 6 hours to soak, overnight is best.   the best part? well, actually, there's several: they are good for you! and cheap! and super easy!
soak em, throw in garlic & salt, boil em, reduce to low for about 45 mins.   BAM!   nothin like em on a cold day.   

on having babies

* this post inspired by this one ... her whole blog is awesome, check it out, and also by conversations i've had with numerous friends lately

babies - isn't it an interesting topic? or is it a taboo one?

for so long, i wanted to have a baby, but i never blogged about it, or told anyone i wasn't close to. why? i'm not really sure. i basically think that i didn't want to hear everyone's opinions about EVERYTHING - when to have em, how many to have, which gyno to trust, which hospital to deliver in, whether or not to have an epidural, HOW to get pregnant. seriously, all you people out there givin unsolicited "advice", STFU. really.
then, i sort of went the opposite extreme, and told everyone i had surgery for an ectopic pregnancy. i guess the point is, you can't really hide from people's "advice" .. you just learn to tell them you don't care to hear their opinions. it wasn't something i wanted to deal with in secret. i felt better after sharing. others aren't so open. to each her own.

then there's the IF ... some people don't want kids - and other people make them feel like something is wrong with them for feeling that way. well, is it any of your damn business? nope.

some people got in laws with the nerve to tell you that they don't think you should have anymore because the one you have is enough. EXCUSE ME?!

then there's people in your own damn family holding a grudge because they don't like the baby's name, or you didn't name him after so-and-so, or you took somebody else's advice over theirs. GET OVER YOURSELF!

sometimes, one spouse is ready, and the other is not, and the one who's not is considered selfish. WELL guess what? NOBODY SHOULD HAVE KIDS BECAUSE SOMEBODY ELSE TOLD THEM IT WAS TIME. i mean, who the hell do they think is gonna raise these younguns? if you wanna tell somebody when and how to get pregnant, then you better be willin to raise their kids and pay for that shit too.

then - there's when the kid is actually here ... co-sleeping, crib-sleeping, crying it out, nursing vs. bottle feeding, cloth diapers or disposable, Montessori or whatever you call people who just do whatever, or mamas who choose to stay home instead of work, or mamas who choose to work instead of stay home ... regardless, if the parents want your help or opinion, they will ask.

or, while we're on that topic, how bout people tellin you when it's time to get married? when it's time to have your second child?

whatever happened to the art of mindin your own damn business? Seriously.

i was talking with a friend the other day about how things are different when you are grown. especially when you are married. as a child, your parents and your family were your guides. they taught you everything you know, whether directly or indirectly. but, as an adult, you have to put your own marriage and family first, and do what you think is best, whether his mama or your mama or your maw-maw or whoever likes it or not. 

to all the people in my life who have supported without judgment or unsolicited advice, thanks. this is why i still like you. 

that is all for right this second.

 

a video and some Polo

1) How friggin hilarious is this?

After awhile, you feel like the dog is trying to get the kid to understand how annoying she is, like, "Pleassssssse, for the loooooooove, zip it!"

2) Last night, hubs & I were looking for clothes for his Christmas list and came across these shug pies on the Polo website, and I just wanted to share.
That is all.

* I kinda like the blonde, aviator-sportin Ken doll.

  pre-bleached, for your convenience







Let's all get our horseback ride on, take a quick ski trip, hit the beach, do some patchwork quilting then call it a day.  

life, as told by a charm bracelet

I came across this post about charm bracelets on Garden & Gun's blog {so jealous she has her mother's and her grandmother's!!}, and was inspired to dig up my old charm bracelet:



I got a silver link bracelet from my aunt when I was about 13, I guess, and decided to turn it into a charm bracelet. I was all gung-ho about it for about a year, and then I sort of lost interest.  Then, when I was in college, I decided to switch all my charms over to an Italian silver bracelet, which was a little less dainty than the one I started with, and a little more substantial for holding charms that I'd received over the years. I decided to transfer several of the charms I'd collected over the years as gifts, or as part of a necklace to one location on my charm bracelet.



I have always adored all things old - old stories, old recipes, anything that tells a story of another time, especially if it involves someone you know.



I love that each charm has a story of its own, and that I can still remember where each one came from, and what it means, even if it is something as simple as being an object that I loved at the time {like the sun, moon, stars phase I went through in middle school, or the Eeyore phase I was in with my friends in high school}. I especially love receiving them as gifts, because I think it is sort of a little symbol of a connection you have with someone, or a little trinket that reminds them of you, and it always means a lot to me that someone took time to pick something with meaning.



To be perfectly honest, the constant jangle of the bracelet gets on my nerves a little.  But, I still enjoy collecting charms, telling their stories, and wearing my bracelet as a girlish {I know!} finish to an outfit.



I hope that one day, I will be able to pass my bracelet on to someone in my family who will appreciate the bracelet for what it is as well as the stories behind it.



Do you have a charm bracelet of your own, or one that belonged to someone you love? I'd love to hear about it, and see pictures!  Feel free to share a link to a photo in the comments ... I'd love to hear from you! Anyone can comment!!

let's talk about sausage

you know what i am really thankful for?

pigs.

and their bacon.

and their sausage.

doesn't get much better than this:

{with mustard}

how many of these have you had first thing in the mornin, on the way to christmas shop, or go yard salin, or tailgatin at 7:30 a.m.? i mean, there is nothing like a sausage biscuit. no-thing!   mmmmmm. it's one of the hardest parts of bein gluten-free. i LOVE me a biscuit.   but, i found a way to fake it. no, it's not "the same", but it's damn good.      meet sausage "biscuit" via cornbread {sans gluten} with the insides of the cornbread cut out because a) it's too bready and 2) it's too carby    add a lil dab of mustard   BAM!! party in your mouth!  

shiz was goooood.
you should hit a drive through right away. i recommend mcdonald's or hardee's

dear diabeetus,

bite me, you beezy.

guess what, snuggle pies?

which is an average blood sugar of a little less than 120, which is effin badass

say word.

almost criiiiied in this dude's office:

  but, i did manage to hold it together until i got in my car, then i did get a lil teary. with everything that has happened with the ectopic pregnancy, and  me worrrrrrrrrrrrrkin my assssssssssss offffffffffffff the amount of effort I have put in for several years to get where i am today, this made my year!!   words cannot describe!   never give up, fellow diabetics! it can be done!   the best thing i've done: * frequent checking of blood sugar * don't eat any carbs until blood sugar is in target range * eat very low carb protein snacks throughout the day * when eating carbs, eat good ones {fruit, grains} and severely limit trash ones {fries, fatty carbs} * take insulin 30 mins. ahead of meals {when it's safe, like when you're not driving} for more info on all of this, click here    thank you JESUS for giving me the brains and resources (doctors, acupuncture, scrilla, health insurance) to get this thang done!  He is an awesome God frands!! seeing results makes it so much easier to stay on track, too! whoop whoop!   have a good one, shugs!   check out the diabetes label for more of my ramblings about the good, the bad, and ugly of dia-bee-tus

Garden and Gun

Have you considered the gift of Garden and Gun?

I am in love with this magazine.

It has something for both the ladies and the gents.

It's not just cooking and decorating, it's guns, whiskey, good dogs, road trips, where to visit, music, the people, the south as a culture, everything.

Somebody you know needs this - young or old, guy or gal.

Plus, there's nothing like the gift that gives all year long!

All magazine covers via Garden and Gun's Pinterest.

the halls are decked

i wanted to stick to mostly neutrals mixed with a little vintage this year.
i am a sucker for vintage ornaments and bulbs

the mantel:

the dining room bookshelf and surrounding areas:

the white stand on the left used to hold chips/snacks at the store - i spray painted it white and will use it to display christmas cards we receive

the card in the middle was made by my sweet cousin

the far right is the image on the old round candy tin shown in the first picture on the left

the downstairs bathroom:

the living room:

stairs/landing:
{vintage christmas cards printed with hubs' great aunt and uncle's names}
 

Get yours here.

hallway outside of kitchen:


  the rest of the house is covered in craft materials. ;)
and here's the christmas tree post in case you missed it!

hope y'all's decor is comin along real nice!
forever yours, SIB

Brody speaks out.

Whattup peeps?

Brody here.

I hope y'all have enjoyed the last few days of eating way too much, and lying around doing nothing at all, except letting your food settle so you can eat some more. I know that's what "Shug" has been doing.

You know what I get? Bits of dog food as "treats" while the humans are shoving ham, turkey, gravy, dressing, and God knows what else down their pipes as if they're about to go into winter hibernation. WTH?

The other night, this doofus on the couch held my ball for I KNOW three minutes to get a picture of me just sitting there. Really? Have these people never seen a black dog sit? And I've had hardly any ball throwing time. Seriously - it's only been like 15-20 times a day. The neglect is disgusting. Just look:

All of my humans are lazy SOBs. Straight sloth-style around here.

So, know what I say? To hell with this shit.

With a little research, I learned to cover my own self up with my blanket. Can't even get somebody to tuck me in. And then, they act blown away when they wake up and find me covered up. I mean, how stupid do they think I am?

There are no words.

If any of you others are interested, I got in touch with my cousin Ezzell, and I learned how to handle my own business. Hopefully y'all's humans are at least competent and caring enough to leave a blanket layin around somewhere in case you get cold while they are off stuffing their faces and shopping and watching sports.


I'm hoping that at least that fat dude with the red suit will leave me a new ball in my stocking. Anyone besides me think it's straaaange that people willingly let an old dude who wants random kids to sit in his lap, come into their house in the middle of the night while they are sleeping? And to top it off, they leave him a snack! While I am begging for a damn bone!

Anyway, my ball - see, I had my ball and my back up ball. But somebody threw one of them on the roof, and this is the shape my other one is in:

The shit we go through, right?
I'm off to plead for my bedtime bone, and then I'm getting some shut eye.

Until next time,
Brody

put away your phone, and stop bein greedy

hello sugar lumps, 

hope y'all are havin a magical time with friends and/or family.

remember the real spirit of this season.

it's not about stuff.

it's not about complaining.

it's not about rushing around and camping out to get cheap shit.
it's not about pouting because you didn't get the lastest iphone - and it's not about sitting on your phone/ipad/whatever when you have the chance to spend time with your family.

suck it up, think about what you truly have to be grateful for.

some people are pained with the memory of a lost loved one.

some are ill.

some are overseas so we can have our freedom.
 some are lost - in drug addiction, in alcoholism.

some are going through divorce.

some have no family.
some are lonely in a house full of people.

some are hungry.

some are cold.

so even if so-and-so gets on your nerves, or you don't like your inlaws, or you don't get along with your sister, or so-and-so's thanksgiving meal is not up to your standards, there is still something tons to thank God for.

i saw this post over at raven's recently, and thought i'd share, because
i agree.

__________________

But The Greatest Of These Is Love

It's the holidays, and everywhere I look in my personal life, I see so much love, family, support, kindness and so much good. My kids are happy and healthy and they will have a Christmas filled with all the aforementioned and presents. We didn't go all out this year, in fact we kept their gift giving pretty small, but the fact is, unlike so many other children, my kids will have something to open. So many kids will have nothing this Christmas. 

 

And that breaks. my. heart.

 

So many people won't have anyone to spend the holidays with. They will be home alone on Thanksgiving, eating solo at a diner or standing in line at a homeless shelter. We may pass these people every day and not know it. They could be the person in front of us in traffic, driving too slow, too fast, maybe taking a few extra seconds to realize the light in front of them turned green, so if we could all think about that before angrily honking our horn or driving by and shaking our finger at them. They could be the person who bumps into us in a crowded store and makes us drop all our gifts we were taking to the register. Before yelling at them to "watch where you're going," we could instead smile and say "pardon me." A little kid who is acting up at the childs play area could very well be a little kid who won't see a single present this Christmas and won't get a chance to sit on Santa's lap. We should remember that, and not be quick to judge or act in anger or frustration. 

 

I think this holiday season we should go even further then that. To not just stand back and stop ourselves from acting in anger, but to reach out more. Say hello and smile more to strangers we pass, offer to return someones cart in the grocery parking lot, pay for the persons order behind us at the Starbucks drive-thru, hold the door open for someone even if they are just far enough away that you could let it close behind you.

 

To extend grace. 

 

To realize that maybe, just maybe, the person who seems like they deserve it the least, need love and compassion the most. Actions are powerful, yes, but words are paramount. Watch your words. You never know what it could mean to someone. I can tell you there have been very specific times in my life, that I remember vividly like it happened yesterday, where I was completely overwhelmed, felt like I wanted to curl up in ball and cry myself into oblivion, when a complete stranger said something to me, reached out and said something. They didn't have to, but they did. It may have been simple to them, but it meant the world to me. There are people out there who feel like no one in this world cares about them, and as someone who has no idea what that feels like, I don't want to contribute to that feeling for anyone. It literally hurts my heart to think of the deep, deep pain and loneliness that others feel (except murderers and child molesters, I hope they burn in hell. Just had to throw that one out there) and I think we as human beings have a responsibility to be good people. To build others up and not tear them down. 

 

It's important.

 

Because as one very wise person once said, BE KIND. FOR EVERYONE YOU MEET IS FIGHTING A HARD BATTLE.

__________________

see? wasn't that awesome? thanks, Raven, for letting  me share! 

enjoy your time with your own shugpies ...
and say thanks ...