CAN'T SLEEP

I am up way too late tonight and just can't sleep. I fell asleep on the couch when I got home today and am paying for it now. It's quite eventful even at 12:52 in the Acree house. Between Izzy farting and Jeff's acid reflux, I'm about to go try to sleep in the den.
I got a new doctor last week and started a new medication and it's got me all screwed up. Side effects are a real you know what.
I've been working on laundry getting all geared up for our trip to LA this weekend. I think we are going to make a pit stop at the water park in Choctaw. We had ruled it out yesterday, but I can't resist a great water slide. I don't know when else we would fit it in and I love me some sun.
Not too much drama around here tonight. The kids were pretty calm and everyone was friends again. They actually bathed tonight too. They think the pool is the same as a shower. Most days I just try to pick my battles and that isn't one of them. Tonight though, I got a nice whiff of Dalton and had to insist, not to mention Savannah has been at soccer camp everyday this week. I'll be glad when cleanliness becomes a priority for them.
My baby bird is still alive and BUG is doing well. I called to check on him today. They went ahead and wormed him again and he got his goat shots. Who knew you needed goat shots? The kids want to go see him tomorrow before we leave for a long weekend so I guess we'll take care of that tomorrow afternoon. I think we are going to leave after soccer camp on Friday. We are staying with a friend that stayed with us over the marathon weekend last year. We just sort of adopted her and now she has been kind enough to take us in. I'm sure I'll have lots of pictures when we get back.
I'm sure the babies are in bed, but hug them every chance you get and share your love.
Cya,
Kacy

HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM!

Oh my, where to begin.......

It was high drama around the ole Acree Abode this afternoon. I got home tonight a little late, I guess it was about a quarter to 7. I came home to a full out dog fight in my back yard. It's typical for me to come home to a backyard full of kids swimming and playing and having a wonderful summer, but NOT today.

Let me back up a little. It became apparent a little earlier today that Savannah had a little crush on the neighbor, Cole. Jeff brought it to my attention while I was still at work. He's usually right about these things especially when it comes to reading Savannah. ANYWAY, Dalton caught on to what was going on as well, and apparently didn't like it. SO, he proceeded to whoop Cole's butt in the backyard. Yep, that's when I got home. Cole is two years older than Dalton, but have I ever mentioned that I have GIGANTIC children? Needless to say, Dalton won that battle. How are you supposed to feel in that situation? On the inside, I'm kinda glad Dalton was trying to be protective of his little sister and I'm definately glad that he won the fight: ) On the other hand, he shouldn't be fighting and his little sister is devastated and certainly a crushed little girl tonight. She's worn out from soccer camp today, which was from 1 to 4 in the heat of the afternoon and probably about to be awarded some fabulous punishment because she is really pushing the envelope with her daddy tonight. They are in a screaming war right now and she is just crying. OH BOY, hormones! I'm so glad mine come from that neat little patch these days. They tend to stay much more level.

OK, so after the butt whooping in the back yard and pulling soaking wet boys off each other and apologizing to his parents and giving Dalton a lecture I wasn't real sure I wanted to give, I realized I was a bird murderer. Well, maybe. Yesterday, I made a really insensitive comment on my blog about how I wish my baby birds would grow up and move away. Well, one fell out of the nest today. I was freaked out. I got online and read about what to do and everything said to put him back. I had always thought you couldn't touch them or their mother wouldn't have anything to do with them again. Apparently, that is ducks and not these birds. Jeff picked him up and put him back and Chiquita got up there and checked on him. I hope he lives. I took his picture on the ground but I just can't put it up. I've jinxed my little birds enough.

We are gearing up for Shake 4 Jake!! We are Louisana bound on Friday!!! I can't wait. We are trying to decide whether or not to take a detour to the water park afterwards on Sunday. We keep going back on forth on that one. I kinda want to go but we have so much going on. The next weekend is the 4th and then we hit the sea for Mexico on the 19th of July. PLEASE, if you can't make it to LA this weekend, click on Jake's little picture and visit his foundation website. MAKE A DONATION! Give up your Starbucks for one day and help a family fighting for their child's life. YOU can make a difference and I promise, there is no greater gift than acts of kindness for others. Think about it for a minute....What would you do if you were in their shoes?

Did you know green is Jake's FAVORITE COLOR?

Hug your babies, say your prayers and share your love!

Cya,
Kacy

MAGNIFICENT MONDAY!!!!!

I have NEVER been so stressed out in my life!!!!!

I PASSED!

I have been studying all weekend long and I took the test today at 3:30 in Tupelo and PASSED. I was absolutely terrified. I threw up 4 times today including once in the parking lot after I passed. Did I mention that if I didn't pass that test this time that I would have to sell my agency? Yep, that's right, my contract with Allstate would have been terminated. Nothing like a little pressure, huh? ANYWAY, I can now move on with the rest of my life....I have passed my Series 63 and don't have to take it ever again.

Look at my baby birds....

They all go crazy and open their mouths and holler when Chiquita comes home.

They are too cute! But there sure is a big mess on the ground underneath the nest. I didn't take pictures of that. I'll kinda be glad when they grow up and move out.

When I got home tonight the kids were all involved in Guitar Hero. Cole, the neighbor, was over making himself right at home.Dalton and Savannah were playing, too!

Savannah is a little sunburned. Let me bring you up to speed on this child. She quit cheerleading. After much Acree home turmoil, we made the decision to quit. She is still doing gymnastics, but she isn't going to cheer. She was doing well and really liked it. Honestly, it was more Jeff and I that weren't so sure about it. We both felt like 5 days a week was a bit much practice for any sport for an 8 year old. Soooo, she decided to go back to her true passion, soccer and stay in the rec league. AND, Jeff isn't coaching this year. I think that will be best for her. It's time for her to spread her wings and fly under someone else's instruction. She's a great soccer player and a little on the aggressive side (I wonder where she gets that?). Anyway, there are some Brazilian soccer pros in town doing a soccer camp at Desoto Central this week. My baby girl went today and is going all week. She happens to be the only girl, but that didn't seem to bother her. She's used to hanging with the boys.

And here is my cute little man...

He's been doing a lot of fishing. Jeff keeps taking pictures with his phone and I can't put them on here. He caught a huge bass Friday and then a REALLY big catfish yesterday. I guess I'm gonna have to go to get any pictures. I like to fish, but I've been too busy studying. NOT anymore. Dalton is also getting ready to go to church camp the week after next with some friends.

Mom and I went on a little excursion yesterday. We took off on the golf cart and found all kinds of new places to explore. We found a great creek with huge carp and snakes. Then we took off down a gravel path and ended up in Olive Branch's Crack Alley. Yep, literally, we were in crack alley. We just kept going because we didn't know what else to do. Two women on a golf cart rolling through crack alley. Hummm, we finally realized we had two options....turn around and go back the way we came or call Jeff to come get us. They were both dangerous but we went with the first option and held our breath. We made it. We stopped to pick some wildflowers along the way and mom even peed on the golf course in the daylight. HA!

Is that a cool vase or what? The yellow really looks good in it. Last but not least, check out this hot hydrangea.....

Alright, I'm out of here. The kids are in the pool and I'm going to join them. Maybe it will help work this kink out of my neck. Have a great night and a great week.

Hug those babies and share your love.

Cya,

Kacy

FRIDAY? OR IS SATURDAY?

Wow, sometimes time flies. It is early Saturday a.m. I just finished studying. I started about 8 Friday night after working all day. I made some pretty good progress, but still have more to do over the weekend. I am preparing for my Series 63 exam which is the Uniform Securities State Law Exam. It is a requirement within the first two years of being an Allstate Agent. My two year anniversary is September 1. I've GOT to pass this test. I'm scheduled to take it Monday at 3:30. I've been studying some all week, but really got back into it tonight.
Jeff and the kids went to see Kung Fu Panda tonight. Jeff and Dalton liked it, but SavyG said she didn't really care for it.
BUG moved to the farm Wednesday night. We went to visit last night and he really seemed to like it there. He is now with 5 other goats. They wormed him when he got there and are taking good care of him. I'm sure we will go visit again this weekend.
Next weekend we are heading to West Monroe for the big Shake 4 Jake event. I can't wait!! I am so excited about going to see everyone I miss so much and share in such a wonderful event. I was so sad when I had to miss it last year. We are all looking forward to going.
I'm tired, Izzy is laying on my feet and Jeff is sawing some serious logs. I think it's good night for me. I'm looking forward to lots of sun, fun and studying this weekend. Hope you have a good one.
Hug those sweet babies and share your love.
Cya,
Kacy

Another Day Down

I am home alone. What is up with that? When five people from 3 generations live in one house, you are almost NEVER home alone. It won't last long. Sorry no pictures tonight. I'm on a mission tonight to finish hanging all of the ones in the house I already have. I made a great start on the wall in the hall and then stopped. I am returning to the task tonight. Maybe I'll have some pictures of more decorated walls tomorrow. This place is shaping up some. The cabinet folks are coming Thursday morning to finish a few things and the painters are coming Sunday for the downstairs trim.

This is the first day in a long time I've come home and didn't have a pool full of kids. One of the neighbors had ball practice tonight and all of the other kids apparently promised him they wouldn't swim until he got home. He should be home any minute. Jeff is at the grocery with our two and we are cooking hamburgers on the grill tonight.

BUG is still here. He's not going to Jeff's uncle's farm. He would walk right through his fence. When we said goat, I'm not real sure what he had in mind. We have some friends that live right up the road from him though and he's going there. He just can't go until tomorrow. BUG is worn out tonight. Jeff was off work today and he was out all day cutting grass and such and apparently BUG just roamed around and did what goats do. He is asleep in his kennel right now.

We've had some more mess with ole Aunt J. Just pray for us if you don't mind. Caring for the elderly can be very difficult and particularly trying at times.

Have a great night. Spend some time with those babies and don't forget to hug and kiss on them.

Cya,

Kacy

Acree/Sanford & Son/Dolittle House

SAVANNAH IS CHUNKY DUNKIN RIGHT NOW! OMYGOODNESS! That's what we call skinny dippin around the Acree house. We figure you gotta be skinny to go skinny dippin and that's just not happening around here. Oh well, she must have inherited my mom's genes on that one.

I didn't work today. Actually, I worked all day just not AT work. I couldn't handle it today. I needed a day to get some things back in order around here after that crazy weekend we had. I think I just needed a day out of the office. Working by myself for a couple of weeks really took a toll on me and my household. A lot of things got ignored and I've been a little too overwhelmed. I have a much calmer feeling tonight as I sat down to write.

We are so in love with BUG the GOAT. I have had more people ask if Jeff "wanted" a goat. The answer is NO. He never mentioned it, but he is an animal lover. And now, he is in love with his goat. You have to really know Jeff to understand the connection of him "needing" to have a goat. He is just a baby. I gave him a bath today and he smells really good. He has followed me around all day inside and out. The crazy thing is he actually uses the doggy door to go outside and potty. He is moving to the farm tomorrow. Our backyard has NO shade. He would have to be moved throughout the day to keep shade. Plus, goats don't swim. We've had a couple of close calls with him already. He jumped onto a float in the pool yesterday and luckily my mom was standing nearby and he often tries to just walk down the steps in the shallow end.

Here are a few of his pictures from today...

BUG went roller blading with Katie this afternoon. I got some of his stickers off in his bath today. He got tired after rolling blading and layed down with Jeff in the yard.

Afterwards, he came in and laid down on the couch with Dalton.


Chiquita and Banana have procreated. We now have baby birds in the nest on the side porch. If you look close you can see one of their little heads sticking up on the left side of the nest. I was trying to get pictures, and Chiquita got a little upset with me so I left them alone.




That's about it for around here. We had another Father's Day dinner tonight for Jeff's grandfather. Of course, their was plenty of feuding going on. I wish sometimes things could just be peaceful....guess I'll just keep on wishing.


Have a GREAT WEEK. Hug your babies extra super tight and tell people how you feel.

Cya,

Kacy

HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!

Well, the children and I pulled it off. We went to our FIRST ever livestock auction yesterday in Ponotoc Mississippi!! When we sat down and I realized that I was actually about to bid and I looked around at all of the characters in this story, I couldn't believe I had left my camera at home. Thinking about it though, I would have looked even more out of place had I been there asking men in overalls to take our picture.... my wedge flip flops and Coach purse were a little out of dress code for this event. That wasn't something I thought about when we left, but if I ever go back, I'll know.

We set out on a mission Saturday morning to find a GOAT. We decided to get Jeff a goat for Father's Day. It is a very fitting gift. After many years of enduring either some really off the wall inappropriate gifts or just no gifts at all, I decided to give him a goat.

Go figure, HE LOVES IT!!

It really is a cute little billy. Jeff named him Bug and taught him to use the doggy door. He's been eating everything in the back yard. Some of that is good and some of that isn't. I think he's going to live on Jeff's uncle's farm a few miles up the road. He has several horses and said today that Bug could come hang out with them. He is very social and prefers to be sitting in your lap.

I wasn't real fond of him in the house and since he REALLY LIKES phone cords, we took this party outside..

We have tried everything we know to get those stickers off of him. They are just going to have to wear off. I guess I could get the scissors out. I thought surely I could get them off, but not so far. I got into a bit of a bidding war over him, but I WON. When you have two kids telling you that is THE goat...no man in overalls was gonna beat out this mama in her wedge sandals.


That is little Miss Tatum. She is one of our local swimmers. I think I'm gonna make up some frequent flyer cards for our regulars. I'm sitting out here typing this tonight watching Dalton and Cole and Savannah and Tatum swim. I actually only got out myself a little while ago.
Savannah went into pose mode and I couldn't resist those blue eyes.

Here are my sunflower seeds I planted. I had to get them up off the ground because BUG really liked them a lot!
We had a GREAT day! We got Jeff a shop vac, too. That was something he actually wanted. He loves animals and he even loves his goat. He said he didn't figure too many other dads could say they got a goat today! HA.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY JEFF!! WE LOVE YOU!! AND SO DOES BUG!

I better cut it short tonight. The kids have left me out here by myself which means there are wet kids and clothes flying all over my house right now and Bug is eathing a towel hanging on the back of a chair. I hope everyone had a FABULOUS Fathers Day!

Hug those babies tight and share your love!

I just heard David Cook's new single and I like it. He's a good guy! Go DAVID!

Cya,
Kacy

Oh My Goodness, I almost forgot!! Go Junior!! Congrats Dude. I've been pulling for you since Talledega. You needed a win and I was happy to see it for you even if it was under caution. AND, Go Kasey!! pulling in 2nd ain't half bad big boy!

Jeff watched Talledega Nights this morning and his favorite word today has been TURD.

Savannah has a new saying...."Don't make me do my hands in a Z formation, butt rotation, elbow, elbow, wrist, wrist, You just got Dissed." It has hand and body motions to go along with it. Well well. What happened to "Cinderella, dressed in Yellow....".

FRIDAY FRIDAY FRIDAY FRIDAY

I LOVE Will Ferrell! He is a flaming idiot! I'm watching Semi-Pro! I hadn't seen this one until now. He cracks me up, but this movie is pretty bad.

Work was work....but when I got home the FUN began. Savannah Grace was in rare form tonight! We finally caved into Dalton's wishes of going to Applebee's tonight. Yes, I know, I can't believe the children wanted to forgo my culinary delight and eat out, but for some reason they did. When we got there, we had a very interesting little waitress named Sara and I'm pretty sure she would have made a most excellent waitress at Applebee's in Talladega Nights. Every time she would come to the table we would crack up, even the kids. Her favorite thing to say was, "Nooottt a Proooblem".

Savannah was all over her daddy tonight. She held her fingers up making the quote sign on either side of Jeff's head and kept saying "Jeff Acree". Then she told me that our family was just HOT. Next she informed us that Jeff was Spicy Hot and Dalton was JUST temperature hot. I'm not real sure where she comes up with this stuff.

We went to Blockbuster and rented movies. She's waiting on me to watch 27 Dresses. The sheets are in the dryer and then I'm on my way to watch a movie with my gal. We also went to Home Depot tonight and bought some more flower pots and seeds. I don't know if I mentioned we planted sunflowers about two weeks ago and they are growing like mad...well they are actually coming up (that's like mad to me). HA...of course now I think I can grow anything and have planted tomatoes and watermelon (I did that last weekend) and tonight we bought pots and 4 different kinds of seeds. We bought daisies and I don't remember anything else....whatever we thought was pretty on the package.

We have a busy day tomorrow. We have a very special gift to get for BIG DADDY tomorrow. I hope we can pull it off. He's got to work tomorrow at some point and we are on a mission!

Have a great night and weekend, hug those babies and share the love.

Cya,

Kacy

WOW

Check out my hot little stud....in the middle of his fine dinner of Taquito's and Cheese Dip.He was less than trilled to learn that I wanted pictures of those BIG BROWN EYES tonight!!!! He is the sweetest little boy. He is so caring and so tender hearted. I snuck this one before he caught on and then he started posing....

I quit after that. I wasn't wanting posed pictures tonight. Savannah and Katie were in the pool and they are camera hogs, so tonight it was just my Dalton.

I went to the doctor today to find out that even though I think I'm losing my mind, I am actually perfectly normal. (Well, in this case anyway.) I have been so overwhelmed lately and exhausted feeling and short tempered and just really tense. Apparently, most women feel this way somewhere along the way. The doctor says I have what is normally called generalized anxiety but he likes to call "hurried woman syndrome". He told me to sit still for a minute and think about all of the things I do in a day.....HA! I almost told him I didn't have time; ) He said, think about it for a minute. When your mom was your age you had one phone in the house and it was attached to the kitchen wall. You had three channels on television and the Internet didn't exist.....I started to see his point. I am a "hurried woman". And, there isn't anything I can do to change it. It is the world I live in, so I have to figure out how to deal with it. Honestly, just having a little perspective on the situation helped and to know that I'm not crazy and what I feel is normal meant a lot. Thanks Doc for the talk. I needed it.

I'm outta here. The chitlins are in the pool and I'm going to join them!! Screw this "hurried" mess! Hug on your babies and share that love.

Cya,

Kacy

Lovely Lovely Day

<<>>

Well, I have hummingbirds now. I moved the feeder to the back patio and now have two regulars. That was a good thing today.

Tosha started today at work and I like her alot. That was a good thing today.

I wrote a life insurance policy today. That was a good thing.

I'm going to pray tomorrow is a better day.

Hug your babies tight and share your love.

Cya,
Kacy

I HAVE A CAMERA

Finally, my batteries are charged! (for my camera that is...) How exciting is that? I went around and took goofy pictures of a lot of things standing still around here. When I got the camera out, everybody decided to scatter. I missed a good picture though. Jeff killed a 4 foot water moccasin out front in the street. That is the first one WE have seen, but the neighbor had one in her yard about a week ago. There is a big ditch across the street between those houses and the golf course. I guess that's where they come from.

I'm worn out. I went to Tupelo today for some classroom time with an excellent teacher before attempting to take my Series 63 test. I have to pass this test in order to remain an Allstate Agent. No such thing as pressure, huh? I'm ready to take it and my instructor says I'm ready, but I'M SCARED TO DEATH! Pray I can work up the nerve to do it. I want to test Friday. I need to test Thursday but can't fit it into the schedule.

Ok, check out the Coke situation in my pantry right now...This is after not buying any for two days, which I can't believe Jeff has let happen....I'm sure he'll have us all lined up again soon.

I guess I could have cleaned up around the Cokes a little bit before I took the picture, but I'm just trying to keep it real. I don't really have time for a clean pantry and even if I did I'm not sure that's how I would choose to spend my time. HA. Maybe someday, I'm just not that girl.

I've been doing a little decorating around the Sanford and Son house lately and when I took this picture I realized how crooked everything was and realized, I probably need some help....

Those big tall thingys are really cool, but they need some straightening up, humm, where did that free time go? By the way, that was "The Moment of Truth" on TV. Why did they create a show that ruins peoples lives? Why does the truth ruin peoples lives? Jeff and I decided we could go on there and go all the way. We are both pretty honest people and just take our hits when the truth hurts. Ya know, it is what it is...

Alright, I played with my camera settings and check out this close up that I never would have been able to get before.....

Not only am I proud of my camera, I'm proud that my clematis is doing so well and growing up the trellis and blooming! YES! I even spotted a few little blooms on one of my Crepe Myrtles. Considering I stuck these in the YARD right after we built the house last year to keep from getting fined by the Homeowners Association, I'd say they did really well. I can't even believe it is alive, much less trying to thrive.

Here is the hallway, I finally decided to hang some stuff in. This is when you first come in off the side porch. I love my crosses and this is one of my favorite pictures and sayings.

Speaking of the side porch, Chiquita and Banana (my birds) are still with us. I got Chiquita in the nest but Banana was being a little turd tonight and wouldn't come hang out with Chiquita. I don't think he likes me being out there. I had to get him over on the street sign. I still haven't painted around the trim on this side porch because I don't want to disturb their nest. I've finished the others.
Then, I took a little trip down memory lane and took pictures of pictures in the house of my babies....this is just a small sample of what adorns the walls in the Acree/Sanford and Son Home. I have a small fetish for photography in case you couldn't tell after all of this. Jeff says it's just a really expensive habit. Hal Jaffe is my FAVORITE photographer of all time! He started taking my picture when I was 4 and still takes my kids pictures, I LOVE THAT.

THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITES!! I have another one similar when they are younger. I'll save it for next time because I have no idea where it is tonight.


The pictures aren't grainy....I was having issues with my flash. I'm still holding out for that new camera. I may be holding out for awhile, especially since I just hired someone at work. Overhead scares me.

Check out that bow!! She'd rather eat poop than wear a bow in her hair now. Do you think it was because I made her wear them as a child? I've warped her.

Here are my latest ones. Check out my little models. Hal was doing a new project and wanted to try it out on my kids. He took them all over downtown and shot pictures of them. I have a cool DVD of the whole session. OMGoodness, I wonder if I can get that DVD on here. That's another night, but I bet I can. I'll work on it. In the meantime, here are the pics of pics.....

Well, it's 9:45 and I'm outside watching a diving contest. The neighborhood is still here. I love that. It happens everyday. I wish there were more hours in the day and I was physically capable of staying awake.

I'm feeling like a cruddy mom lately. I've been working my tail off, which makes more money and grows my agency for the future, but then I miss my kids and my family. If I spend time with my family, my business suffers. I can't find the right balance. I've talked to other women in my shoes and it seems to be a common theme. Having a family, owning a business, and trying to stay balanced and satisfied is really trying sometimes. Sorry if I sound like I'm complaining, I don't mean to. I'm very thankful for everything I have and the ability to do what I do. I've just been working hard on my agency trying to meet my goals and I had too much travel time today to think about all of the things at home I haven't been able to do or that I have missed.

The main problem is, Dalton has a doctors appointment tomorrow morning and I have a new girl starting at work and a conference call at 9:30. SO, Jeff is taking Dalton to the doctor and that just bothers me. I was wondering today if it was human nature to want what you don't have or is that greed. I think it's human nature or at least that's what I decided today somewhere between here and Tupelo.

I need to send the neighborhood home and get my herd in the house. We haven't had dinner. I told you I was a GREAT mom. Hug those babies tight. They grow up before you know it. Share your love and SHAKE & BAKE (I couldn't help it, it's on again tonight).

Cya,

Kacy

Yep, I'm a total redneck...It's 11:11 (oh my goodness, that's a special time) I just finished feeding my family Hamburger Helper and I'm watching NASCAR now. HA.

PICS AS PROMISED

Well, here ya go! I promised the pictures of the Turquoise "moment" and I am a woman of my word. Here is the story as it unfolds. Here we are on the way to our little concert....

Yep, that's me in the middle looking all sweet and angelic in my cream colored dress.

And the night goes on....

That was my SUPER THIN POSH SPICE POSE! HA!

Partying like ROCKSTARS. I wonder who I was thinking I was in this picture.

HERE COMES THE BRIDE IN HER NEW DRESS! OMG! I CAN'T BELIEVE I DID THAT!

Ok, so those were the pictures you asked for and I promised to deliver. These are the

DAYS OF OUR LIVES! HA!

So today, I hired a new girl at work. I sure hope it works out. Lord knows, I have needed someone, I just put it off as long as I could. My other camera battery came in today so they are charging. Hopefully, I will be able to take pictures soon. I found out today, I have to be in Tupelo in the a.m. at 10 for a class so I can pass this darn test.

It just started lightening and that cleared the neighborhood out of the pool. Savannah is going to try to spend the night with a little girl down the street. That never works but we keep trying. Mom's friend Jo is here spending the night with us.

I'm out to go study. Have a Terrific Tuesday and I'll holla when I get back!

Hug those babies and share some lovin!

Cya,

Kacy

By the way....Staci and Dawn....I'll be waiting for your embarrassing moments to be on your blog!