tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35249492011-04-21T15:14:22.352-05:00I'm an ex-Hooters girl with a military fiance and a 2 and a half year old clone of myself. Tell me you're not interested.Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comBlogger9071100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1121520815524434662005-07-16T08:32:00.000-05:002005-07-16T08:33:35.530-05:00

www.ohdeir.comThis site has moved.

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1121361141691585082005-07-14T11:57:00.000-05:002005-07-14T21:33:09.006-05:00

Of all the branches of the military to enlist in during times of war, to me, the Navy is most desirable. Of course, you won't find me at a recruiting office any time soon (unless to visit my hunk of a husband). But the Navy seems like a pretty safe bet for young men and women looking for some direction and stability. Aside from the attack on the U.S.S. Cole in 2000 and a suicide bombing that

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1121282616695125232005-07-13T14:23:00.002-05:002005-07-13T14:23:36.703-05:00

Let me just wipe my booger.....here. 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1121282600633993592005-07-13T14:23:00.001-05:002005-07-13T14:23:20.640-05:00

Yeahhhhh. I know. I'm cute. 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1121282581303152402005-07-13T14:23:00.000-05:002005-07-13T14:23:01.310-05:00

See Mia run. 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1121282566742266722005-07-13T14:22:00.000-05:002005-07-13T14:22:46.746-05:00

I'm coming! 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1121281990221358242005-07-13T13:42:00.000-05:002005-07-13T14:13:10.250-05:00

Yeah. Totally overrated. I've begun the job search. I think I'm as settled as I can be, and Mia has made the transition very smoothyly. It's time for me to go to work and start making some cashola. She really needs to be around other kids more, anyway. It will do us both wonders to get out of the house, for sure.I've submitted my resume to several sites, monster.com, hotjobs.com, and I've

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1119963362293340082005-06-28T07:56:00.000-05:002005-06-28T11:50:46.630-05:00

Meghan got Mia this dinosaur at the Children's Museum of Richmond. Mia takes the thing everywhere. It goes on every car trip and in every store. When she eats breakfast, he's usually standing somewhere close by. She's asked me what his name is a couple times. I told her it's up to her to name him, but I can tell her what KIND of dinosaur he is. He's a brachiasaurus. Yesterday we went to Target

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1119920792154498772005-06-27T20:06:00.000-05:002005-07-15T20:57:57.370-05:00

"Hi, what's your name?" That's the dialog she's come up with so far. Neither of them ever answer the question though. Hehe. 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1119563698853605242005-06-23T16:46:00.000-05:002005-06-23T16:54:58.860-05:00

Mia and I went to The Little Gym today. She had so much fun! I did, too, actually. They have all those giant foam gymnastics pads and various gymnastics equipment. The instructor started the little ones out with a warm-up. They jumped and galloped and did all that fun stuff. They played with a parachute (which was my favorite part of gym class when I was younger), and then they learned some

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1119413877369012812005-06-21T23:17:00.000-05:002005-06-21T23:17:57.433-05:00

Excellent photography...even better model, I think. ;) 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1119316816576718692005-06-20T20:09:00.000-05:002005-06-20T20:20:16.583-05:00

Rus and I had date night on Saturday. Grandma #2 came to pick her up Saturday morning and kept her overnight. We went to this neat Mexican place called Nacho Mama's and it was DELICIOUS. The salsa was the best and I had a BLUEBERRY dacquiri!! YUM. After that we went to a late showing of Batman Begins. That movie was SO cool. I really liked the plot and all the characters. Christian Bale

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1118950027542844672005-06-16T14:21:00.000-05:002005-06-16T14:30:43.370-05:00

I'm glad Mia has a vivid imagination, because we won't be getting a REAL dog any time soon.Whenever she gets a new baby doll, she never can come up with a name. But today, she introduced me to her dog. Her name is Shyla. Shyla is a purple little dog and wouldn't you know it? She's shy....and also a burn victim?? Not quite sure how that happened, but I'm happy we can provide her with a safe

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1118632788205112482005-06-12T22:17:00.000-05:002005-06-12T22:19:48.210-05:00

Mia picks up a hairclip in the bathroom."What's this, Mommy?"It's a hairclip, Mia."Mia not need this, Mommy?"No, Sweetie, you don't need that."I have lots lots toys in my room?"Yes, you do."Good deal. That's good deal, Mommy."I'm glad you think so.

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1118543350305472112005-06-11T21:29:00.000-05:002005-06-11T21:29:10.310-05:00

She told Rus, "I be ca'tain, you be ca'tain." 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1118543321662358782005-06-11T21:28:00.000-05:002005-06-11T21:28:41.666-05:00

Aye, aye, ca'tain! (notice the framed fingerpaint art in the backgound) 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1118543267816246052005-06-11T21:27:00.000-05:002005-06-11T21:27:47.866-05:00

Upside down :) 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1118361938293392542005-06-09T18:51:00.000-05:002005-06-09T19:05:38.310-05:00

Rus came home from work mid-day to take me to Fort Lee to get my official Navy Sailor Fan Club card (my military wifey ID that gives me the medical benefits and permission to go on base to shop). He went back to work and I headed to the social security office in Glen Allen because apparently it's the closest one? and then I went to the DMV in Glen Allen from there. Um. Home? I-295? I got

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1117730868709242922005-06-02T11:32:00.000-05:002005-06-02T11:47:48.723-05:00

If they had said that the first time I called, I wouldn't have had to call customer service and make a complaint. JERKS.We had decided to order pizza last night when Rus got home from work. Pizza Hut is delicious and pretty close to the house, so I called and asked for specials. The only one they have right now is the dippin' strips pizza for $9.99. I ordered a medium pan pepperoni lovers,

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1117231213727831562005-05-27T16:48:00.000-05:002005-05-27T17:00:13.743-05:00

I guess now is as good a time as any. Rus will have the weekend off, plus Monday. We in our new place, loving it, loving it. It's in a very nice area of Richmond and I couldn't be more thrilled. Mia is warming up. For the first few days we got the "I don't wanna new house. Wanna stay Grammy's house" thing, but she is doing well now. We got her a new big girl bed and she's got her Hello

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1117204492441705602005-05-27T09:33:00.000-05:002005-05-27T09:34:52.450-05:00

We're up and running folks! Comcast just left. Mia is headed to Gramma #2's for the weekend so I'll be messing around online and figuring out the DVR. YIPEE!!Real posts to follow...sometime.

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1115335102922807022005-05-05T18:18:00.000-05:002005-05-05T18:18:23.276-05:00

Does this one really NEED a caption? 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1115334880519420362005-05-05T18:14:00.001-05:002005-05-05T18:14:40.756-05:00

That sticky-out lip eve works in her sleep. 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1115334856903182632005-05-05T18:14:00.000-05:002005-05-05T18:14:17.166-05:00

Sleepy girl. 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1115334819270014332005-05-05T18:13:00.000-05:002005-05-05T18:13:39.523-05:00

Okay! 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1114878152181204702005-04-30T11:22:00.000-05:002005-04-30T11:22:32.180-05:00

There were hammocks sprinkled around the resort. We stopped to rest more than a couple times!! 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1114878112554813952005-04-30T11:21:00.001-05:002005-04-30T11:21:52.553-05:00

My turn! 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1114878091923682212005-04-30T11:21:00.000-05:002005-04-30T11:21:31.923-05:00

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming, swimming... 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1114878045804291672005-04-30T11:20:00.000-05:002005-04-30T11:20:45.803-05:00

We definitely enjoyed having a pool right outside the villa! Our villa housed 4 suites and I think we were the only ones that ever used our pool! Very nice. 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1114877975124933592005-04-30T11:19:00.000-05:002005-04-30T11:19:35.123-05:00

This pic was taken by a porter outside the main building of Sandals Ocho Rios. 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1114877918032870342005-04-30T11:18:00.000-05:002005-04-30T11:18:38.033-05:00

I swam out to that bench!! For those of you that are familiar with my ocean fears, you should be very proud of me!! 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1114877844451940822005-04-30T11:17:00.000-05:002005-04-30T11:17:24.450-05:00

Here's one from OUR camera of the wedding. We were married by a minister. That was a very nice surprise. All the paper work we had before hand said "Marriage Officer." Reverend Black is from St. Ann's Parish in Ocho Rios. 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1114877748344737232005-04-30T11:15:00.000-05:002005-04-30T11:15:48.343-05:00

Rus was still looking sharp for our wedding dinner at San Genarro's, an open-air Italian restaurant right on the ocean. Our 5 course meal was planned by the wedding coordinator and was wonderful! 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1114877667300736762005-04-30T11:14:00.000-05:002005-04-30T11:14:27.300-05:00

I had to change out of my dress. It was so hot!! 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1114877593463921142005-04-30T11:13:00.000-05:002005-04-30T11:13:13.463-05:00

Booze cruise. 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1114877539286991612005-04-30T11:12:00.000-05:002005-04-30T11:12:19.286-05:00

This is the gazebo we got married in. I took this shot from the boat we took to Dunn's River Falls. 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1114877491791029632005-04-30T11:11:00.000-05:002005-04-30T11:11:31.790-05:00

Rus went snorkeling on the way to the falls. I took pictures. 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1114877382130599072005-04-30T11:09:00.000-05:002005-04-30T11:09:42.130-05:00

Peaches! 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1114877191076483482005-04-30T11:06:00.001-05:002005-04-30T11:06:31.076-05:00

Promising new 'do? 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1114877164651253802005-04-30T11:06:00.000-05:002005-04-30T11:06:04.650-05:00

Newlyweds Rasta-style. 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1114521767830310542005-04-26T08:22:00.001-05:002005-04-26T08:22:47.830-05:00

Here's a kiss. It's not THE kiss, but it's a kiss. 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1114521723040467982005-04-26T08:22:00.000-05:002005-04-26T08:22:03.040-05:00

We were both smiling so hard, it was so fun. 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1114521698695227222005-04-26T08:21:00.000-05:002005-04-26T08:21:38.696-05:00

We were able to add "On land and at sea" to our vows, somewhere after in sickness and in health. I also got that engraved into Rus' ring. It was really neat. 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1114521645060429572005-04-26T08:20:00.001-05:002005-04-26T08:20:45.060-05:00

Exchanging of the rings 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1114521600739408922005-04-26T08:20:00.000-05:002005-04-26T08:20:00.740-05:00

I really liked the colored carnations; we decided against the blue boutanniere for Rus though. 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1114521547225062462005-04-26T08:19:00.000-05:002005-04-26T08:19:07.226-05:00

Isn't my husband so cute? 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1114521526474463912005-04-26T08:18:00.001-05:002005-04-26T08:18:46.473-05:00

Our witnesses were right behind us. The woman stocked our fridge with Red Stripe and champagne!!  

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1114521482479331902005-04-26T08:18:00.000-05:002005-04-26T08:18:02.480-05:00

We danced to "Ribbon in the Sky" by Stevie Wonder. 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1114521458836978442005-04-26T08:17:00.000-05:002005-04-26T08:17:38.836-05:00

Cutting the Jamaican cake...kinda pineappley, but delicious! 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1114521419214479042005-04-26T08:16:00.001-05:002005-04-26T08:16:59.213-05:00

Mr. & Mrs. Durbin 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1114521382418502962005-04-26T08:16:00.000-05:002005-04-26T08:16:22.416-05:00

Here are the wedding pics!! 

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1112545352048868222005-04-03T11:08:00.000-05:002005-04-03T11:22:32.050-05:00

Mia had to go potty before bed. When she was finished, I had to go potty. Not even thinking, I forgot to move her ducky potty topper. She started freaking out and saying "No Mommy, Mia gucks!!" And I said, "Mia, what's your PROBLEM?" And she yelled, "Mommy, gucks too tiny!" And I asked, "Oh, Mia's ducks are too tiny for Mommy's big butt?" And she said, "Yes, Mommy!" That's what I get for

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1112397473745547362005-04-01T18:09:00.000-05:002005-04-02T07:56:57.530-05:00

The separation of Jen and Brad was a severe blow to the little confidence I had left in Hollywood couples. At first, I thought...'oh Jen, you should have had a baby. Brad wants kids, no wonder things aren't working out. Stop making movies, lady!!" But after the news broke, stories slowly started coming to the surface. And now this? JASMINE and BRYCE PILAF. You've GOT to be kidding me.I

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1112312945197841582005-03-31T18:34:00.000-05:002005-03-31T18:49:05.200-05:00

My car will be TRYING to pass inspection again on Monday. Actually, it's not so bad. I just need a couple light bulbs and an exhaust pipe (the big long one had been patched previously and now it just needs to be replaced). Fortunately, those repairs are well within my "annual inspection budget." Mia is doing much better. I didn't mention it earlier, but she's had an ear infection accompanied

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1112226148211715182005-03-30T18:39:00.000-05:002005-03-30T18:42:28.213-05:00

"No, Baby, Mommy can't open those boxes [from Target!!] until Rus gets back from school.""Pessent Mia?""No, Mia. Those are presents for Mommy and Rus.""Mommy Rus getteen may-eed.""Yes, Mia, that's right."

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1111961609879252222005-03-27T17:05:00.000-05:002005-03-27T17:13:29.880-05:00

My Russell is the best Russell ever.Soon, very soon, "hootress" will be no more. I've already dropped the shorts (figuratively, of course) and the position, the blogspot is next, babies. I posted about my purchase of ohdeir.com not so long ago and that will be my new digs once the lovely ladies of BlogMoxie have done what they do better than anyone. Christine, the "techette", has been very

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1111946870141387672005-03-27T12:49:00.000-05:002005-03-27T13:07:50.146-05:00

Good times!! Last night, some girls from work took me out to celebrate Rus' and my fasting approaching (still not fast enough) nuptials.We started at the Red Star Tavern with dinner. We had a couple appetizers: Calamari (the best I've ever had) and Blue Cheese Kettle Chips (something Rus would LOVE). I had a couple martinis :) "Blue" was my favorite: Bacardi Limon, lemonade, Blue Tropical

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1111697140841262012005-03-24T15:42:00.000-05:002005-03-24T15:46:11.603-05:00

Meghan posted so many pics of Brian looking all cute and all "home of the brave," I thought I'd post a picture of my Beloved Sailor in HIS hottie clothes! For those of you that don't know, he's the baldie on the left.

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1111636136683975622005-03-23T22:47:00.000-05:002005-03-23T22:48:56.683-05:00

YAY TARGET!!

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1111443138704670842005-03-21T17:04:00.000-05:002005-03-21T17:12:18.706-05:00

Not so much the trains, though...I'm flying down to Pensacola next month to meet my Beloved. His recruiting class is over on the 15th, so I'll be there in time for his "graduation" (as the Navy calls it).Then we'll drive home together. That drive is just too long to do all alone. He SAYS he'll stop if he gets tired, and I made him promise to stop even if he doesn't, but the only to make sure

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1111011522095992062005-03-16T17:11:00.000-05:002005-03-16T17:18:42.096-05:00

My dress is here!! All I'm waiting for now: breast implants. :)I tried to order the dress a size smaller than I am now, but I tried in on and it basically fits. I'll need those implants and some stilts, but I'm willing to settle for some good alterations. I'm planning on losing a little weight before the big day, so I'll be cutting it close with the alterations. I have to have the dress in

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1110940589284791482005-03-15T21:22:00.000-05:002005-03-15T21:36:29.286-05:00

Updates, updates.My fabulous Mia is well on her way to being potty-trained!! Rus, Mia, and I all left for Alabama on Thursday. That is one heck of a drive, let me tell you! We stopped in Shorter, Alabama and stayed at a hotel because I didn't want to drive :) and Rus was getting sleeeeepy. Anyway, we woke up Friday morning and Mia sat up and said, "Mommy, wanna go pee-pee potty." I asked, "

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1110485349335485932005-03-10T15:08:00.000-05:002005-03-10T15:11:11.026-05:00

Be back Tuesday.P.S. My dress is en route. WOOHOO!!

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1110318721349336892005-03-08T16:31:00.000-05:002005-03-08T17:00:30.870-05:00

I was about to be removed from Meghan's links list (and Twinnie's, too, probably) for lack of posting.News, news, news. It IS official. On February 15th, with the help of Mia's MagnaDoodle, Rus proposed and we are engaged. The trip is all set, we're just waiting for the tickets to arrive at the travel agent's.Here's the hand, by the way:Dianna and I went to David's Bridal last night. She's

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1108307241921720122005-02-13T10:07:00.000-05:002005-02-13T10:07:21.923-05:00

Rus is home! And if you can imagine how big my smile was, you should have seen Mia's!We are in the process of getting ready right now...well, he is. I'm blogging :). We're taking Mia to the park, going to my grandparents' for a visit, and coming here for lunch.The first couple days after a deployment are always nice. He was gone for so long, I could make macaroni and cheese for lunch and he'd

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1108064916911619612005-02-10T14:38:00.000-05:002005-02-10T14:48:36.910-05:00

If Meghan hasn't just been here to visit, I'm sure she'd be nagging me about posting. Mia spent 2 nights over at her grandma's house the weekend before Meghan and Elek arrived (not MY mom, obviously...she does that every night). After her nights in Hampton, it was "so long big girl bed, helllloooo Mommy!" I missed her anyway, so we started at square one. A few nights on the air mattress

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1106407101448753342005-01-22T10:15:00.000-05:002005-01-22T10:18:21.446-05:00

I really do. And thankfully, I've been actually getting some lately! I took a few pointers from the book "Good Night, Sleep Tight" and incorporated some of my own maternal instincts, and Mia is excited about sleeping in her own bed and she even slept through the night last night. We went to bed at 10:30 and I didn't hear a peep until 8:30 this morning. My baby's growing up...

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1106101143097113492005-01-18T21:17:00.000-05:002005-01-18T21:26:50.960-05:00

Right click, "save target as", you know the drill. TA-DAAAAAAAAAA!

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1106078681670648042005-01-18T15:03:00.000-05:002005-01-18T15:04:41.670-05:00

With the money politicians pay themselves and the major advancements in dental technology, how is it that Condi's teeth still look like that?

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1105807081608627512005-01-15T11:26:00.000-05:002005-01-15T11:38:01.606-05:00

Mia and I went to Barnes & Noble last night to pick up a few things. I got my planner for the year (50% off)...people that buy those before the first of the year are INSANE, by the way. I got a Cat Cartoons from The New Yorker planner. I always thought I was a dog person, but I'm really not. Cats are so much more cuddly and adorable. I'm embracing my inner cat-lady. Unfortunately Mom is so

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1105552812902041492005-01-12T13:57:00.000-05:002005-01-12T13:00:12.903-05:00

ROGERS, Arkansas (AP) -- There's another reason Mom is right when she says you should always have a fresh pair of underwear. A city attorney learned last week that they can attract rescue helicopters. Ben Lipscomb found himself lost in the flooded backwoods this week while duck hunting with his Labrador retriever. He only managed to make it out by tying his white briefs to the end of his gun

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1105406920375493972005-01-10T20:12:00.000-05:002005-01-10T20:34:18.566-05:00

Jessica Simpson actually inspired me, sort of. Really, an article about her "dramatic weight-loss" (from a size 4 to a size 2) made me realize what a lump I've been since Rus left. I've been SOOOOOOOOO busy working and taking care of Mia.... I know. I can't force myself to believe that either. Mia is a best 2-year-old on the planet and my job gives me no stress past 2:30 in the afternoon.

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1105407138870601272005-01-10T19:31:00.000-05:002005-01-10T20:32:18.870-05:00

Mia put her arms around me yesterday, rocked me back and forth, and said, "Bes fren."

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1104543849484662542004-12-31T20:23:00.000-05:002004-12-31T20:44:09.483-05:00

Mia brought me one of her dolls tonight. She wanted me to "take moff." She wanted me to take dolly's dress off. Okay. No problem. Apparently it was. Baby Doll is one of those dolsl that has a plastic head and plastic appendages with the soft cloth body. Mia must have thought it was a onesie or something. "NO MOMMY. Take MOFF. OPEN IT. Baby bellbutton go?" She was confused. She looks

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1104026601150963932004-12-25T21:00:00.000-05:002004-12-25T21:03:21.150-05:00

I was changing Mia's pants today. "Oh! STINKY MIA." And she looks at me and says, "NO! Stinky MOMMY." I got her dressed to go to my grandparents' for dinner. And I said, "Oh Mia, you are SO cute!" And she looks at me and says, "No Mommy. Not cute, BU-FUL." What a peach :)

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1103685068205507102004-12-21T22:08:00.000-05:002004-12-21T22:11:08.206-05:00

We got home yesterday afternoon and I started work this morning! I had lots 'o fun :) Nothing else to report. :)

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1102922479264434302004-12-13T02:14:00.000-05:002004-12-13T02:21:19.263-05:00

Week One is coming to a close and I can tell Elek is bigger than he was when I first got here. He's so cute :). I'll see about posting some pictures later today. I'm watching Obsessed on the Lifetime Movie Network. Gotta love the satellite! Good times. Tomorrow, we're going to see Santa Claus. Mia is having a good time. She's protective of Elek. When he cries, whoever is holding him is

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1102671189043846902004-12-10T04:28:00.000-05:002004-12-10T04:33:09.043-05:00

I can't sleep. It was 2am and there were 2 episodes of House Hunters on HGTV and I HAD to watch. I never see it at home because it's on at 7 or 7:30 and that presents a major conflict with Law & Order. So I watched...and then I wasn't super tired, so I tuned in to Crossing Jordan. It's a great show, but tonight's episode had a crimes against children theme...and I'm really just not a fan of

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1102570451501785152004-12-09T01:29:00.000-05:002004-12-09T00:34:11.503-05:00

Both plane rides went well. Mia slept through the whole first flight and was so awestruck by being in the clouds for the second one. I'm always impressed at what a great traveler she is. Elek is so adorable. In the pics I saw at first, he looked kinda big, I thought! But he's SO little!! There's no fat on him! It's SOOO cute. The whole "boy baby diaper change" thing is new...and scary!

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1102302341268272262004-12-05T21:57:00.000-05:002004-12-05T22:05:41.266-05:00

Ah, yes. Adult ADD. I've often said that I'm self-diagnosed (because who goes to the doctor to be seen for ADD without insurance?!), and after watching (half of) a piece about the condition on 60 minutes tonight, I thought I'd do one of those self-assessment things. I only watched half of the piece (written by a Deirdre something) because I lost interest and switched to something else...which

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1102275463956645142004-12-05T14:30:00.000-05:002004-12-05T14:37:43.956-05:00

We'll be getting to Ohio sometime around 1. Mia has a fever right now. It's reacting well to the tylenol, but I'm concerned about staying with Meghan. Looks like we might put ourselves up in a hotel for a night or two. Good times.

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1102319508003262682004-12-05T02:48:00.000-05:002004-12-06T02:51:48.003-05:00

Hopefully, I won't be seeing too many of THESE in Cleveland. I made this one all by myself at http://snowflakes.lookandfeel.com

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1102210402721432752004-12-04T20:32:00.000-05:002004-12-06T02:39:05.310-05:00

You Know You're From Cleveland When... Your idea of fine cuisine includes keilbasa and Stroh's beer You think the Antichrist walks among us and moved to Baltimore in 1995 You refer to Pittsburgh as a Third World nation You have to look at a map before you realize Cincinnati is NOT in Kentucky You think political correctness involves using the term "certain ethnic" when telling a joke You

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1101941637569254082004-12-01T17:45:00.000-05:002004-12-01T17:53:57.570-05:00

I bought lottery tickets for tonight's Lotto South drawing. I play once in awhile and I have my own special numbers, but if I didn't buy tickets tonight, I know I'd be sorry. I woke up at 11 o'clock this morning (by alarm). I had things to do and places to go...and to do those things, I had to get gas. I suffer from adult ADD (albeit self-diagnosed) and was distracted by something I don't

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1101743724391077462004-11-29T10:44:00.000-05:002004-11-29T10:55:24.390-05:00

I'm 3 for 3 again. The lab I interviewed at last Monday called this morning and I will be contacted by Human Resources sometime soon to set up my physical, PPD, and drug test. No poppyseed muffins for me! The hours are .75FTE (30 hours a week), 6am- 12pm and that is JUST PERFECT because I won't have to have Mia in daycare anymore. So I'll basically be breaking even but saving the money I

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1101621700929735782004-11-28T01:59:00.000-05:002004-11-28T01:01:40.930-05:00

NOT TOMORROW, SUCKERS. For those of you that enjoy calling me at 8am, my cell phone will be TURNED OFF. I already talked to Meghan and Rus today. Mia is home with me. I have no need to speak to anyone else until sometime after noon.

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1101525377742738612004-11-26T22:15:00.000-05:002004-11-26T22:16:17.746-05:00

Head to Meghan's site (Aunt Seester link on the right) for more pics.

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1101482368311035932004-11-26T10:14:00.000-05:002004-11-26T10:19:28.320-05:00

My little baby nephew, Elek, was born this morning at 9:46. He is 7lbs. 6oz., 21 inches. Meghan says he has brown hair and looks just like his Daddy. I am just SO excited that Brian got to be there for the birth of his son. That's the best news ever. I'm not sure how soon he'll have to go back to training (for his deployment to Iraq), I don't know if he'll get to take his two weeks now, or

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1101424922701864682004-11-25T18:13:00.000-05:002004-11-25T19:36:07.420-05:00

It's a beautiful day..again. I had a great Thanksgiving with many things to be thankful for. Let me share just a few of them: 1. Mia & My WHOLE HUGE Family (Rus included) 2. Sandals (the shoes AND the resort) 3. Good health 4. Recruiting school (the reason Rus will be coming back to me early) 5. The US military 6. The fact that Canada isn't too far away 7. Grandma's stuffing recipe 8.

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1101308919934420902004-11-24T10:02:00.000-05:002004-11-24T10:08:39.933-05:00

At 9:53am, this morning, Mia woke up and turned her big blue eyes to me and said, "Poopy, pah-ee." I checked her diaper. DRY. (Usually she tells me right AFTER she already went) I asked her, "Do you want to use the potty?" She said, "Okay." And my baby girl tinkled on the potty. I know, she said, "Poopy, pah-ee". No matter how much I try with this kid, poopy is peepee and vice versa.

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1101157047317281532004-11-22T15:49:00.000-05:002004-11-22T22:55:52.443-05:00

But it seems as if your ad people are a bunch of idiots. Here's the scene: Mom is giving medicine to child. Mom dumps medicine all over said child's shirt, missing his mouth by 8 and a half feet. Narrator guy says, Blah blah blah, that's medicine your child needs, but didn't get it! Mom (sans eye-hand coordination) exclaims, "What do I do?! Wait? Give more?" WELL, MORON. It's too bad

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1100877051298080282004-11-19T09:57:00.000-05:002004-11-19T10:10:51.300-05:00

I'm still getting married. We picked Peanut up at the airport last night. But it looks like the job isn't happening. D'oh! What a pain, too! I had TWO interviews with these people and they called me on Wednesday to OFFICIALLY OFFER me the position. I was told to report Tuesday with my driver's license and SS card to fill out paperwork and start the training. Then last night at about 6:35,

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1100795933436692472004-11-18T11:34:00.000-05:002004-11-18T11:38:53.436-05:00

1. Rus and I have our wedding date set and reserved in Jamaica: April 22, 2005. FIVE MONTHS!! 2. I got a job!! I'll be starting at a local doctor's office on Tuesday! My school has also asked me to come back and talk to some of their new classes about my "success story." Single mom, 4.0, got a job straight out of school, blah blah blah. 3. We're getting a new dog!! (We miss you Stella).

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1100698024383479422004-11-17T08:22:00.000-05:002004-11-17T08:28:22.773-05:00

We have a full length mirror on the inside of our coat closet downstairs. Mia likes to look at herself in the mirror when she wears something new or has her hair put up in a pony. Yesterday...it was her Big Girl Princess Pants (Huggies Pull-Ups, Disney Princess Design). I left the door open so she could admire herself and about 20 minutes after the novelty of Cinderella on her bloomers wore

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1100535098731741962004-11-15T11:10:00.000-05:002004-11-15T11:11:38.730-05:00

The Canadian Alternative. Too bad Rus is in the military. Do we have bases in Canada?

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1100302870790303752004-11-12T18:35:00.000-05:002004-11-12T18:41:10.790-05:00

Mom and I took Mia to see The Wiggles in concert last night at the Hampton Coliseum. It was a lot of fun. She seemed a little...unresponsive for a few moments when her favorite Aussies were on stage and not a TV screen, but she had a good time and so did we! After Jeff "woke up", he ran around the coliseum and Mia was about 18 inches away from her favorite Wiggle. I really enjoyed the bit

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1100143996215294912004-11-10T22:32:00.000-05:002004-11-11T07:24:50.166-05:00

"Love you too, much, Mommy." -- Mia Elizabeth

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1099873981996104332004-11-07T19:31:00.000-05:002004-11-07T20:09:38.286-05:00

You're Betty Grable! What Classic Pin-Up Are You? brought to you by Quizilla

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1099701320668460902004-11-05T19:09:00.000-05:002004-11-05T19:35:20.666-05:00

I'm sure most of you are wondering who I voted for after all the politcal banter on the site. I know Laura is from her comment and I know Richard is from our IM conversation. I didn't vote for George Bush. I voted for John Kerry. Not because he is John Kerry and not because he is not George Bush. I voted for him because he's a democrat. I realize that a lot of my family is republican and

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524949.post-1099259244593506202004-10-31T16:45:00.000-05:002004-10-31T18:59:39.920-05:00

and your little dog too!

Deirdrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330709793614378067noreply@blogger.com