Happy Not Me Monday, Vacation Edition

Hey and welcome to the Not Me Monday Vacation Edition!
Today is the day where anything that can go a little crazy, during your vacation, will.
Our morning activity for today was saltwater fishing at The Point.
The point is located over by the Alabama State Park and pier.
We headed out around 7am, a little behind schedule.
Since we were running late we decided to substitute our scheduled breakfast of cinnamon toast, for Burger King's drive-thru.
Once we got closer it was time to stop for bait and fishing license.
We picked up our bait and t-shirts for the boys.

When we tried to buy our license we found out Walmart was the closest place that sold them.
Uh, no way were we busting a trip to Walmart!
Our option?
A 1-800 number that allowed us to call in our license purchase.
Worth every penny of the additional $3.00 per license they charge you for using their phone option!
As I was finishing up my phone call, I glanced out the window, only to gasp as I saw this...

Which was most certainly NOT the BIGGEST grasshopper ever!!!

Although we started out slow, the boys caught the hang of things quickly.
Andy caught the most fish, but Joseph wasn't far behind him.



And James, well he caught a few himself.
James got the dirtiest bait award.
Because he DID NOT drag his line and bait through the dirt as he walked over to his fishing spot!

I came in last for a total of ZERO fish caught.
Oh, no worries, my dad did give me a "pity fish".
I named it a pity fish because he felt bad that I hadn't caught any fish on my own.
SO, when he felt a bite he gave me the rod to reel it in.

No I DID NOT pose for this pic just like I caught this all by myself!

Here's one of the fish the boys' caught...

NO we DID NOT catch the ugliest fish known to man!

Wondering what we did with all that leftover squid we were using for bait??
Boompa finished it off for us...

JUST KIDDING!!! ;>

God's blessings, and Happy Not Me Monday!

Not Me Monday, To Do List

Hi everyone and Happy Not Me Monday!

Tonight I'm recounting the things that WERE NOT on my to do list today:
1. Clean the bathrooms.
2. Mop the bathrooms and kitchen.
3. Vacuum the hallway and return vent.
4. Clean the oven... this task is all the more reason for why I shouldn't cook! ;>
5. Replace the toilet seat in the boy's bathroom.
6. Run to Walmart and swap out bottles of Aloe for Aloe Lotion.
7. Strip the bed, wash the linens, mattress cover and duvet.
Random tasks that DID NOT occur because of my to do list:
1. Remove and clean floor vent covers.
2. Teach James how to use a Shop-Vac... hello 6 year old survival skill!
3. Take the oven racks outside and REALLY clean them.
4. Teach Joseph how to replace toilet seats.
5. Pick up multiple items on our Walmart list, plus a few other things that made their way into our buggy!?
6. Remake the bed before Andy fell asleep on a naked mattress!

Wow, leaving for vacation at the end of the week is exciting AND exhausting.
Thankfully I was able to accomplish all the above today, and tomorrow I'll start again.
The problem is that I just keep thinking of all the things I SHOULD DO before we leave.
Really, who wants to come home to a dirty house after a fabulous vacation??
So happy Not Me Monday and God's blessings on your week... and To Do Lists! ;>

Happy Not Me Monday!

Hi everyone, Happy Not Me Monday!!!
Today was rather busy and productive.
Lots of cleaning and errands.
The boys even helped me catch up the laundry.
I know, that alone calls for a Not Me Monday post! ;>
For dinner we enjoyed a homemade Taco Salad.
Yes I cooked, Not Me Monday for sure!
Then we were off for our family bike ride.
We were on our way home when we saw this...

If you look close you will see that there is a cat asleep on the roof!
Crazy?!
God's blessings on your week!!! :D

Not Me Monday Strikes Again

Hi Ya'll and Happy Not Me Monday!
This morning the boys and I stopped by the florist. You see we were on our way to my Mom's for a visit. Since she just got back in town (from a 17 day mission trip) to Honduras we thought it'd be nice to take her fresh flowers. While the florist did her magic, the boys and I looked around. When what to my wondering eyes did appear?? A beautiful black and white toile door hanger. What a FAB-U-LOUS mommy treat for me!!! Now honestly did you think I could resist?? No, not me! After all it was only 9:30am and I had already cleaned the bathrooms, and the garbage cans, stripped my bed and washed the sheets, showered AND dressed myself and the boys, for the day. So, now when I think of bringing simple beauty out to the front porch I'll already have a great start. God's blessings!

Happy Not Me Monday

Hi and happy Not Me Monday!
Monday started very early here At Home With The Hinsons.
We (as in Joseph) had summer football workouts starting today.
Since I was up early I thought I'd make the most of it.
When I picked up Joseph from practice, at 8:30 (yes, AM) I HAD NOT already accomplished the following things...
1. Clean both full bathrooms.
2. Shower and dress (that'd be with fresh hair, makeup and accessories).
3. Feed 2 boys breakfast.
4. Have everything together for running errands.
5. And finally, have both boys dressed for the day.
Guess that's why by 1pm, as I zoned out online for a few minutes, I let Joseph teach James how to play poker.
My rules you ask?
Only that they not argue!
So now I'm off to get James' t-ball uniform ready.
Tonight's the last game of the All Stars!
Have a great afternoon :D

Not Me Monday, All Star Style

Today was a busy Monday.
Among other things, James and I had dentist appointments.
That's right what better way to start off your week than with fillings??
So since James was having a filling done I thought he should go first.
He didn't have a cavity, just needed a filling in the tooth he chipped.
Remember when he broke his nose jumping off the top bunk bed?
Well, that tooth was in need of some attention.
Anyway, back to the story.
James made it through his filling without any numbing, AT ALL!
That kid is t-o-u-g-h!!!
Once I was in the chair Dr.B said he thought he could do my fillings without any numbing as well.
Who was feeling the pressure??
Yep, that's right, NOT ME!
I was so glad not to have my face numb the rest of the evening.
What kid needs his Mama looking like two-face at the ball field?
And speaking of ball fields, tonight was James' first All Star game.
Here's the handsome player now...





Our team won 24-23!!!
Happy Not Me Monday ;>

Happy Not Me Memorial Day!

Happy Not Me Monday and Memorial Day!

Today we'll start with our Memorial Day lunch at my Mom's.
As our family was enjoy Bar-B-Q Boston Butt and Hot Dogs with all the trimmings,
I DID NOT look over to see my sister and youngest son eating Edamame.
What is that you ask?
That would be a type of soybean.
That's right, we DID NOT have two vegans crash our bar-b-q! ;>


After lunch it was time for some fun in the sun.
The boys and little Addison certainly DID NOT swim in freezing cold water.
And every picture I attempted to take DID NOT end up with someone's eyes closed.




Once we got home Andy laid down for a nap and the boys headed outside.
While the boys were playing with their friends I thought I'd make the most of my time.
I spent several hours prepping for the yard sale we're having this weekend.
My family DID NOT walk in the living room and see this...


That's right, I would NEVER let my living space look like a yard sale threw up.

Last but not least,
I certainly DID NOT monogram every old dish towel in my possession,
nope, NOT ME! :D


Late Night Add In:
11:30pm- I WAS NOT asleep in my bed when the door bell rang... durn ding-dong-ditchers again. This was the second time tonight. I certainly DID NOT load up in the pimp bus with Joseph and his CO2 gun. Driving through the neighborhood chasing a group of boys, all the while loading their tails up with B-B's. Oh NO, NOT ME! To see those boys run you'd have thought they were on a football field, and to hear their talk you'd have thought they were sailors. I'd say we scared the meanness right out of 'em. Once we realized it was the neighbor boys I most certainly DID NOT go to their house and tell them to get their mother. They scurried around like a bunch of roaches. We all had a nice little chat and they promised not to ring my doorbell again. So, when Andy asks me, in the morning, if I heard the doorbell ring I will just reply, nope NOT ME!!! ;>

Not Me Monday, Birthday Edition

Hi everyone and happy Not Me Monday.
Since my birthday is this week I thought we'd celebrate by discussing what I'm NOT asking for.

Anyone that knows me well, knows two things about me.
Number 1. I grew up saying I would NEVER become a nurse, and I am.
Number 2. That I said I would NEVER want to learn how to sew, and now I do!

For my birthday I have asked for the Brother 350 Sewing and Embroidery Machine...
wait, did you hear it??
The angels were singing!!!
Don't laugh, you know you heard it too. ;>

Now don't get me wrong, I am not about to leave my BFF JJill.
No, I don't intend on making all my own clothes.

Why do I want to sew you ask?

I want to make throw pillows and dust ruffles.
Oh yeah, that's me.
The one who's bedroom is in desperate need of some attention.
Since I can't find what I want, without paying the equivalent of a house payment for it, I will create it!

Yes, with the help of my new "Brother" and a few online tutorials I will become the master crafter.
And yes, said master crafter will share her creations with you.
Promise!

I have even downloaded the owner's manual and I'm secretly reading up on it.
Go ahead and laugh, but I don't intend on wasting any time!

So, when asked if there's anything I've done that I said I wouldn't, I'll simply reply,
No, Not Me! :)

Happy Not Me Monday!

Not Me Monday... AGAIN??!

Hi everyone and happy Not Me Monday.
The day where anything that can go wrong does and more importantly, without warning!

So today started unlike most others...
a few minor bumps in our morning routine, but nothing major.
The kids made it to school and I made it to work on time.

As I began to sort out my day and prioritize my to do list my cell phone rang.
Hmm, I didn't recognize the number so I thought I'd better answer it.
A very nice but concerned mom on the other end of the line asked if I was the homeroom mother for James' class??
"Yes, I am" I said. Thinking to myself, there's ONLY 9 days of school left, haven't I relinquished that title?!
"Did you realize that this week is teacher appreciation week?" the other end of the phone questioned.
"OOOhhhh, it seems like I remember hearing something about that" I replied.
"Well all the other classes took flowers to their teacher this morning and Mrs. C was the ONLY teacher whose class didn't do anything for her!" said my new friend.

Yes, that's right, I'm not a homeroom mother, I'm a LOSER!!!
Thankfully, my new friend was more than willing to take on the responsibility of coordinating the remainder of the week's events.
She was even nice enough to ask for my input AND act like she cared.

Here's my story and I'm sticking to it...
There was a homeroom mother meeting several weeks ago.
James had been sick and he had a doctor's appointment that afternoon.
So, I emailed the queen-bee homeroom mother explaining my absence.
I asked her to email me any important notes that I missed.
When I didn't hear from her, I assumed I was off the hook for the rest of the year... HOORAY!
Because in all honesty I'm not cut out for this. But, that's another story altogether. ;>

Moral of the story?
If it's Monday,
the phone rings,
and the person on the other end of the line asks you if you're the homeroom mother.
The best possible reply is,
"NO, NOT ME!!!!".
:D

Not Me Monday Part 10...

Hi everyone and happy Not Me Monday.
The day where anything can and will turn crazy without a moments notice!

As you know James has a stomach virus.
He spent most of his day asleep on the couch.


I had a full day worth of "to do's" on my planner.
And more loads of dirty laundry than I care to count.
Since I didn't want to wake James, I decided to stay within hearing range and work in my office.
As I looked at the pile on my desk I most certainly DID NOT see this fella staring back at me...


I would NEVER leave Santa out 'til May.
NOPE, NOT ME!

Now in my defense he was ( not ) sitting on my cluttered desk.
The desk that I have avoided using for anything other than a junk pile.
In the office that only I go in.
You know I thought I could explain, but I realize it's not helping.

So, here's Santa, one last time.
As he was being packed up with the other Christmas decorations.


Because really, who waits until May to pack up their glitter Santa?
NOT ME!!! ;>

Not Me Monday Part 9...

Hi everyone, happy Not Me Monday...
the day where anything can and will happen.
This Monday was thankfully uneventful.
I worked with Andy, did some cleaning and even took the boys to the gym for a workout and swimming.
I had bathed James and he was shaving (with a pretend kit, promise!).
As I was fixing dinner I heard Joseph yell, "Mama come look at this!"
Here's what I did not find...

Apparently Joseph and James were horsing around.
Which led to Joseph falling into the tub on top of James.
You can see Joseph is still in his swimsuit!
Happy Not Me Monday!!! ;>

Not Me Monday Part 8...

Hi everyone, welcome to another addition of Not Me Monday.
Today's installment may be the best one yet!
This actually took place Saturday night during an almost non-stop drive from Auburn.

My friend and I certainly DID NOT use these two car doors and three blankets as a porta-potty.
AND, this vehicle WAS NOT parked in the middle of I-65 traffic.
NO, we would NEVER stoop to such!!! :D

Not Me Monday Part 7...

Happy Not Me Monday boys & girls!
The day when anything can and will happen.

This Not Me Monday started out right.
Before my lips had tasted a drop of coffee I heard this statement...
"The weather last night must have been bad, a tree's down in the front yard. I'm on my way to Wal-Mart to buy a CHAINSAW!!!"
Yes, that's right, my Big Daddy of Love was purchasing a power tool.
I was appropriately nervous!
Thankfully I had errands to run so I missed the big event.
It seems Andy and Joseph used a little team work.
Andy (wise man that he is) used this opportunity to teach Joseph how to handle a chainsaw.
By the time I came home the tree was cut and hauled off.
Most impressively, NOBODY was injured.
Wow, that was easy!



The cherry topping on this Not Me Monday came from the mouth of James.
He was taking his bath and I was at the sink taking out my contacts.
James: Mama, last night I got soap in my wink and I had to pee it out. AND IT BURNED!!!
Mama: Oh baby I'm so sorry, I bet it did burn!
James: Yeah, did that ever happen to you Mama, when you were a little girl?
Mama: Yes it did and it hurt really bad.
James: SO, you got soap in your VAGINA?!
Mama: YES SON, I did. By this point I am praying for the conversation to end!
James: You know what... VAGINA, that sounds like some kinda PASTA!
Mama: Unable to respond verbally, only able to stare blankly towards James...
James: MAMA, DON'T YOU THINK THAT VAGINA SOUNDS LIKE A TYPE OF PASTA??!
Mama: Yes son, I do.
Honestly, we should become more modest.
There has NEVER been a good conversation that took place in the bathroom...
especially on a Not Me Monday!!!

Not Me Monday Part 6...

Hi everyone & welcome back to Not Me Monday. The day where anything can & will happen.
Today started out like most...
With me running around getting the kids ready and taking them to school. Of course I was wearing my morning uniform (which consists of a velcro towel, robe and slippers).
Today was James' field trip to the BJCC, to see Stephen Fite in concert. You see I was already struggling with the fact that my baby boy was going to load up on a bus and traveling 60 miles without me there to chaperone. That's right, I volunteered, but wasn't chosen to go. Not that I'm bitter or anything! With that background info shared, on with the story.
So we're on our way to school, me half naked, mostly worried and completely frenzied. That's when Joseph noticed that it might rain. After sharing his observation I replied, "Well maybe it'll wait and rain after James makes it home safely from his field trip".
That's when James little wheels started turning...
James: "Well, if our bus catches on fire then the rain can put it out!"
Mama: "Uh, no James, your bus isn't gonna be put out by the rain."
Before I could say anything else he added "Oh, so if my bus catches on fire I'll just die?!"
Mama: "NO, there'll be NO fire, NO dying and NO bus ride today - YOU'RE STAYING HOME!!!"
It was at this point my sweet, tender hearted Joseph started crying. The kind of crying where his face turns red and puffs up.
That's right, you guessed it, this half naked and completely exasperated Mama turned her bus around and both Hinson boys stayed home from school!
Now honestly, this would have never happened on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
It's gotta be Not Me Monday!!!
Here's a pic of us making the most of our day with some lunch :)

Not Me Monday Part 5...

Hi everyone & welcome back to Not Me Monday! To start off I need to ask for your prayers...
The creator of Not Me Monday, MckMama from My Charming Kids is on day 9 of a hospital stay with her baby son. He is having cardiac problems. Their family is certainly in need of some Godly comfort. Please lift them up in your prayers along with those of us from At Home With The Hinsons. MckMama this post is for you!
Now, I know you all need your Not Me Monday FIX, so here it is...
I did not allow my children to play Airsoft guns this afternoon. I did not let them ditch their afternoon responsibilities to invite friends over and shoot each other with plastic pellets, nope Not Me!

Not Me Monday Part 4...

Hi everyone and happy Not Me Monday! You know, the day that anything can and will go wrong without a moments notice.

Today's post comes in the form of a conversation.
Let me set the tone: I am a shop-a-holic.
I will use any excuse to spend a little money.
So, a couple of months ago one of my husband's co-workers invited me to a jewelry party. Since I knew I would fall victim to my shop-a-holic ways I decided to look at the catalog and place an order while my mind was clear. I picked out two bracelets and gave her my order.
Now I had heard, if you bought two items that you received two items at 1/2 price. So, I devised a plan with one of the other girls in the office (who was only ordering two items as well). She and I would place our orders together and then split the cost. She would get an item at half price and so would I.
Let me remind you, this was several months ago.
This morning as I walked into the office said co-worker was standing in the hallway...
Her: "HEY, I got your order with me today."
Me: (Oh crap, that means $40 I didn't plan on spending today! I sat my purse down and pulled out my wallet.) "I need to pay you". (As I reached in the bag I caught a glimpse of the receipt - $73.24!) "Um, I thought I was getting one of these at half price?"
Her: "Oh no, the saleslady said you couldn't do that."
Me: (Ohhh crap again! Now I've really blown my budget out of the water!!) "Well how was the party..." blah, blah, blah like we girls do.
Her: "It was great..." yada, yada, yada.
Me: As I'm handing her the check "Now if you don't mind give me a couple of days before you cash this, ok?"
Her: With a blank look on her face "Ok, I can wait."
Me: "Thanks, just a couple of days so I can transfer some money over."
Her: "No problem, it'll probably be next week before I go by the bank anyway."
Me: Laughing "Oh no, now don't wait too long or there won't be any money in there then either?!!"
Her: Totally shocked at the route this conversation has taken "OK"
The rest of the conversation consisted of me trying to explain that I might forget I wrote her the check if she hung on to it for too long.
Now, does anyone else understand my side of the story? I have a play money account for my frivolous purchases. I budget my expenses at the first of the month. Since I had ordered the bracelets months ago I had actually forgotten about them. AND, this is the 23rd. Really, who has play money left over at the end of the month?! So, I'll swap some money around to cover it. BUT, what if she waited too long to deposit it? WHAT IF, I ran across my bank balance and thought I had a little extra money I needed to spend when in reality it was just that her check hadn't cleared? I know, I know, this is the exact reason that adults balance their check books on a routine basis. That is why I included this post as part of Not Me Monday... because we're all adults, RIGHT?! ;>

Not Me Monday Part 3...

Not me Monday began early this week...
Monday actually cast it's first shadow late Sunday night. As I was drifting off to sleep I heard Joseph say "Oh I forgot, my school field trip is tomorrow. I have to be at school by 6:30!" Like I said, Not Me Monday was showing up early!!
After making two separate trips to school and back, Joseph at 6:30 and then James at 7:30 it was time for work. I showered and got dressed. Needless to say I was running a bit late! As I put on my makeup my eyeliner broke. So what's a girl to do? I just substituted my lip liner. Cranberry really brings out the green in hazel eyes!! NO worries, I did add some extra brown shadow to conceal my trick.
After working with Andy I was off to the primary school. I volunteer in James' classroom on most Monday afternoons. While I was preparing the kid's take home folders James' teacher walked by and said "Please don't take this the wrong way, but your son is driving me crazy right now!!" Oh yeah, she must be having a Not Me Monday too. It seems James' was having one of his days where he was finding it very hard to listen and follow directions.
So, one kid down and just one more to go. James and I arrive at the middle school only to find no other 7th grade parents there. Hum, wonder what's going on? I texted Joseph "Son, where are you?" His reply "On the side of the interstate. Our bus broke down and we're waiting for another bus to come pick us up!" What time did he finally make it back to school you ask?? 4:30 pm!!!
FINALLY, last stop of the day. Joseph and I take Maggie to the vet's office while Andy and James are at baseball practice. It seams that Maggie has food allergies. Basically we can either put her on a special diet and prevent her from having any treats or human food OR we can give her shots every 2 months to help control the itching and inflammation. After our vet promised not to call Doggy DHR on me I chose option number 2. Honestly, I could try to control it with diet alone but then who would eat the crumbs under the kitchen table?! NOT ME!!! :D

Not Me Monday Part 2...

Ok, I thought the previous post concluded this NOT ME MONDAY. But, wrong! As I was checking my email Andy ran into the room & in a very loud whisper said "Hurry, come look at this, & bring your camera". I grabbed my camera & took off to the bathroom. This, is what I found...


James ASLEEP IN THE TUB!!!

Now to give you all the facts James has been very sick, and today was his first day back at school. But, honestly... poor kid!!! He did wake up long enough to give me a big smile. Thanks James, now dry off, jump in your jammy tales & get in the bed! :D

Not Me Monday...

Hi everyone, welcome to Not Me Monday. The day that I share with you the things I DID NOT do. Today, I DID NOT go into overachiever Mom mode while making the boys their afternoon snack. No, I DID NOT make my children's snack into funny faces. I DID NOT make those funny faces out of sugar filled garbage, NO, NOT ME. And, I most certainly DID NOT serve that edible garbage to James while he laid on his bed watching TV. Nope, NOT ME!!!

"Not Me" Monday

Ok, I am becoming totally addicted to this whole blogging thing. I'm not sure if it's the creative aspect that I find so appealing or if it's the challenge of something new. Either way I have stumbled upon a blogging challenge by mckmama titled "Not Me" Monday. On said day we celebrate & tell about the moments that certainly did not happen to me. So, here it goes:

This morning while running errands my children did not lure me into the reptile section of the pet depot. And, my children most certainly did not expect me to enjoy watching caged slithery animals. No, not my children!

While shopping for our family pets I did not purchase a $30 Cat Cave. No "not me", only lonely bag ladies purchase silly cat shelters!

And finally, after showing Buddy his silly Cat Cave, he gave me a kind meow and curled up for an afternoon nap. That's right, I did not find Buddy cat on the table sleeping in James' Valentine's box from school. No, that's right, you got it "not me"!!! ;>