Tonight, I will SLEEP

Today, I finished my audits. There was a magnificent sense of completion. I love knowing that I started this gi-normous project and did all of it, without help from anyone. For the last three weeks, I have dreamed of numbers and missing invoices and computer crashes...but tonight I will sleep well. Speaking of work related stuff, Janet quit today. She walked out in a huff after having said what the rest of us would like to say to our boss. Chyna, Lisa and I helped her carry her things out to her car, wishing that we were packing up our desks too. GOOD FOR HER!

Tanner and I had a nice weekend. Saturday he helped me bake cookies. He really enjoys being my little helper. Then we just kind of lounged around. I also got to see Jeremy this weekend. He has been working so much that we just kind of pass each other on a daily basis. Sara, he did mention that he would stay home so he could see you this weekend. I think he likes you more than me ;-)

And since I am talking about people who are liked more than me...Everyday when I pick Tanner up from Carol's house we have a ritual we go through. As I am buckling him in his car seat, he always asks me, "Who's your favorite boy?" I say, "Tanner." Then I ask, "Who's your favorite girl?" And he says "Mommy." We've been doing this for a long time now...it's just a habit. Today, we got all the way to me asking him who his favorite girl was and he said "Dixie." Aunt Dixie has stolen his heart with one phone call. No one else matters now. I am fairly certain that if you called to talk to him and didn't have a sweet southern accent he might hang up on you. Sorry.

Well, Jeremy just walked in the door which means I have about an hour to talk to him before I go to bed, so I am off to visit with my hubby. Night night.

It's Happening!!

I think that I am getting old. I am mildly disturbed by this. I don't feel old, but apparently there are signs that indicate that I am no "spring chicken". Let me give you a few examples of what I mean.

1. Three years ago, the magazines I received in the mail were trendy and up to date...Cosmo, Vogue, Shape. Today, I received something called "Midnight Velvet" that showcases gaudy dresses, jewelry, and shoes. Everything in the magazine has beads on it or shoulder pads...I kid you not. And I have looked through it three times.

2. A cute guy called me ma'am today. Yup. I was so shocked I couldn't respond...I think he assumed my silence meant I was hard of hearing since he repeated what he had just asked me...only louder.

3. I have used Flex-All more than once this week. I suspect Jeremy thinks I have made a poor choice on some new perfume.

4. My last pair of shoes were purchased from an orthopedic store...they go with nothing and I wear them with everything.

5. I am empathetic to the plights of "The Golden Girls".

6. We are planning our five year anniversary trip, and I suggested seeing a Gospel show and a trip to a museum.

7. I am constantly looking for ways to get more fiber in my diet.

8. I have been watching movies...on Lifetime.

9. I enjoyed them.

10. And last but certainly NOT least, this morning an eighty year old woman with road rage and steel blue hair cut me off and used some inappropriate hand signals because I was going too slow.

It is official, I am pathetic and have no life outside my family and work. I am out of touch with the world around me...I am NOT fun. SIGH!!! I need a pick me up. Perhaps a visit from a friend, or a night out on the town. Sara, if you don't come see me, I may be doomed. I'll give you directions. We can go get Chinese food. Steve and Jeremy can go play pool and we'll do young, hip girly things. That is...if my hip isn't broken by then. SAVE ME!

Ah, L'amour!! Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!! I hope that each one of you is lucky enough to be with the one you love today.

Jules

February Fun!

Since fun is what I am all about lately, there was plenty to be had today if you were with the Bradshaws. I got to sleep in this morning--which for me is GREAT fun and almost unheard of. Jeremy and Tanner got up this morning and had some play time and Mommy snored the morning away. I got up at ten and got us ready for the noon service of church.

Tanner has been very reluctant to leave Mom's side and hasn't wanted to go to Children's Church. Today Shelly and I convinced him that he would have much more fun there...so with minimal tears, he went. Today's service was as good as the rest of them, and was the last sermon in "The Winning Hand" series. Next week we start a series called "Help." I am really looking forward to it.

After church, the Bradshaw family and Shelly went to Chuck E Cheese for lunch. It was Tanner's reward for being so super good all week long. Not that he isn't ALWAYS a perfect angel...but this week he was extra special perfect. It was very comical to watch the afternoon play out. Tanner ate his pizza and ran off to play in the jungle gym and left us adults to figure out how to get rid of eight bazillion tokens. Shelly and Jeremy fought off six year olds and played games until they were sick of them. I supervised Tanner and about eight other seemingly parentless children in the play area. One little boy, who looked to be about three came up to me and asked me if I had seen his Mommy. I wanted to cry. After three and a half hours we had finally had enough and left. Tanner had a great time...and I think Jeremy and Shelly did too. Kids at heart those two.

Currently, I am all tuckered out. Jeremy and Tanner have crashed on the couch, and I think I am going to head for bed early this evening. But NOT before I ask for volunteers to drive to Springfield on Memorial Day weekend. I need a babysitter...so if any of you know ANYONE who might be willing to spend some time with an incredibly cute and cuddly four year old who just happens to think that his Nana and Papa are the best in the whole wide world, let me know. We can make a deal.

Just Tanner

Chillin' In the Fort!

Tanner Loves Cirrus


Please sir, May I have some more?

I AM sitting!!



Sweet Dreams, Angel of Mine.

Everyone say a prayer for my tired, sick boy. Look how raw his nose is! Poor little man! I think he needs some of Nana's soup.

Winter Wedding

Today, Jeremy's younger cousin Kayla got married. Since the batteries in my camera died, I do not yet have any actual pictures of the wedding, but it was very nice. Kayla and Kurt had the ceremony at Drury Chapel (which was FREEZING). It was one of those short but sweet ceremonies that wedding guests everywhere have come to love. Jeremy and I got a good laugh at the minister's expense. It was very obvious that he had just met the couple (I think he was included with the chapel rental). And he had the bad habit of pausing.....in between.....his words. Tanner was on his best behavior, even though he was having the hardest time sitting still. He was also having a bit of a problem understanding why he wasn't the center of Kayla's attention. But Jeremy and I promised him a party at a Castle if he would behave...and we delivered.

The wedding reception was at Pythian Castle, and I have to say, it was wonderful. I am DEFINITELY going back soon to take a tour of the place. They occasionally have Murder Mystery dinners there, and I am more than ready to take part in one. Anyone care to join me?? It would be a blast. Anyway, back to the reception. Tanner thought it was the coolest thing in the world that he got to go to a castle and dance with girl in pretty dresses. Jeremy and I just sat back and watched him in action. He's a lady killer that one. SIGH. What am I going to do when he gets in school?

So since I was at the wedding today, that means I missed the Auto show and consequently Pedro. Sorry Dad. But I wanted you to have a little something anyway...so enjoy!!! And for the rest of you who may not be as into Napoleon Dynamite as Dad is...sorry. I love you all, and will be back soon.

I am a Red-liner

Have you ever sat in church and realized that the minister was speaking directly to you??? Of course you have, we all have. Well today, I discovered that I, Juli Bradshaw, am a red-liner. Today's sermon was titled "Know When to Hold 'em, Know when to fold em." In summary, it was all about how red-liners (people who are in danger of taking on too much and are never able to enjoy the moment because they are always thinking about what could happen tomorrow or the next day) need to let go and realize that God's purpose for our life does not include being stressed out all the time, but to have a beautifully balanced life centered on Him.

It really spoke to me...especially since I am not doing so great a job at remembering my word for the year...FUN. It made me wonder how many moments I have missed because I was caught up in something stressful going on at work or home. How many times have I only half listened to Tanner or Jeremy because I was thinking about all the bills I had to enter or because I was still trying to figure out why a loan wouldn't reconcile? I don't know an exact number, but it's really too many. Well, enough is enough. I FOLD! Sometimes losing a hand, can be a good thing! Oh and for the record, the praise and worship team sang "The Gambler" as we were all leaving...I thought it was a nice touch.

F-R-E-A-K-I-N-G OUT!

Tanner and I are home alone right now...as we typically are on Saturday nights. I don't usually mind being home alone, but tonight I am a bit freaked out. I keep hearing strange noises coming from one of the vents in the living room. Actually, it's the one right next to the computer. I can't believe I am even sitting here right now. If my instincts are correct, then I have a mouse. Let me say that again for those of you who dismissed it as NOT BEING A BIG DEAL. I HAVE A MOUSE! A tiny, furry rodent with big beady eyes and a long skinny tail is in all liklihood sitting in my vent right now....watching me, and waiting for the opportunity to scurry across the floor. Which, as you know, would only cause chaos. I am twenty seven years old, but let me paint a picture of what it might look like here if I actually were to see this mouse. Picture me, standing atop whatever piece of furniture happened to be closest (probably the couch), with whatever weapon I had available (if I had to guess an empty water bottle) being waved menacingly toward the offensive creature. I would most likely be jumping up and down on one leg and shrieking. Do you have a good mental image going? I know it might be silly to be afraid of a little mouse, but for whatever reason, they frighten me. When Marianne and I were in college and living at the Park, we had a mouse in our apartment one night. We completely freaked out and lured it onto the balcony with a slice of pizza. Then we shut the door and watched it as it tried to claw its way back in. I am guessing it was trying to seek revenge for being ousted. I still get the creepy crawlies when I think about it.

So you were all apparently tired of my Monday post and felt I had been neglecting you this week. I apologize. We've had a busy week here...still kind of dull, but busy. Jeremy got the yard cleaned up...which basically means he got to buy a chainsaw. He called me at work on Wednesday from Home Depot giggling because he had found one that he NEEDED. I couldn't really tell him no. Well, I could have...but then his grandmother would have had to loan us her chainsaw...and that means that she would actually have to come to the house...and THAT, my friends, is the only thing I fear worse than the mouse. I worked late a few nights this week. Michele and I haven't even started the 1099's or the W-2's that HAVE to be done next week. So on the nights that I wasn't working late I was in bed by 9 or 9:30. I am just very tired right now. I need to take a LONG nap...in a tanning bed or on a beach. I keep telling myself Spring will be here soon.

Gotta run. I just remembered that I have movies due back tonight and Jeremy doesn't want to go back out "into the freezing cold" since he just walked in the door, so I will have to go. I will update you all again very soon--and next time with pictures!!!

Another Monday has come and gone. Today was very quiet at the office and I got a lot done. Still not enough, but I felt like I had accomplished a great deal as I was crossing the last item off of my list. I even had time to rock out to some tunes while I was working.

I am really loving Pink's new song "U + UR Hand". It's another one of her angry girl songs...and Sara, you know how I adore angry girl music. It's probably because I grew up in the ghetto and was very under privileged. All those times that I had to take care of my seven siblings because my parents weren't around...Oh wait, that wasn't me...

Things are a bit slow around the Bradshaw ranch right now...nothing exciting in the least is going on. Although, last night, I almost C-H-O-K-E-D Jeremy. He didn't necessarily do anything wrong...I was just REALLY annoyed with everything yesterday. We were watching An American Haunting and he just didn't get it...and I absolutely abhor having to explain movies to people. It drives me bonkers. Anyway, the discussion ended with him STILL not getting the movie and me hatefully forbidding him to ever watch anything rated above a PG ever again. I might have overreacted. The movie wasn't even that good. I'll apologize later, and he'll probably forgive me.

Tanner and I had a good time this weekend. We rented some movies for him to watch and played with his new doctor set. He soooo didn't want to go back to Carol's this morning after being at home for a week. But I convinced him that he would have a lot of fun with his friends and told him he could take his Backyardigan's DVD. I am NOT above bribery people. I won, and he had a great time but was glad to get home for some cuddle time with Mommy. Or was it the other way around???

Well friends and family, it is currently 10:20, and I am fading quickly. Time to go and get some beauty rest. Sweet dreams to all of you, and don't forget to tune in for American Idol tomorrow night.

Buddies

Jeremy and Tanner have spent a LOT of time together this last week. Jeremy was home Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday with him while I was working. Carol is STILL without power...poor woman! Typically Jeremy works from 10 to 9 (or later) on Friday nights, but without a babysitter we've had to rearrange our schedules a little. So I worked an earlier schedule today so he could go in and work for a while tonight, and then he has to work Sunday to make up the rest of the hours. Tanner was NOT happy when Daddy left for work tonight. He sulked for about an hour and asked every ten minutes or so if Daddy would be home soon. It's official. Mommy is chopped liver and Daddy is the coolest guy in the whole wide world. But don't worry, I am already scheming of ways to win back Tanner's affection this weekend. Since Jeremy is working Saturday and Sunday I have 48 wonderful hours with my little boy. There will be forts and cartoons and dancing and LOTS of hot chocolate. With another snow storm coming through we might as well have all the fun inside that we can. This time, we have fire wood, and propane, and all things that we might need to stay warm. So wish us well and say a prayer for everyone here in Southwest Missouri who is still without power (HONDO!!!). I'll check in again soon.

We Made It!

Well everyone, the storm is FINALLY over and the Bradshaw's made it through. It was pretty miserable at times. When the temperature in your house is forty degrees, you haven't showered in days, and you can't move more than ten feet from each other without freezing, you tend to get a little testy. Tanner was bored out of his mind, and Jeremy and I were worried about keeping him warm...so needless to say there were a few tense moments, but the power is back on now, and the house is registering a FABULOUS 70 degrees. Tanner is sitting on the couch looking at some books and listening to his Backyardigans CD. I am at home today, since Tanner's babysitter is still without power.

This morning, I heard that there were 30,000 city utilities customers that hadn't yet been restored. There have been crews working around the clock to get everyone back up. The National Guard has been going door to door checking to make sure people are making it OK. I have heard that President Bush is allowing FEMA to come in to aid in the cleanup (which means that by August or so everything should be back to normal :o)!!!). Everyone is working so hard to help out...and I am incredibly grateful.

Aside from the limbs we will have to clean up (the picture above is a view from my front porch) and the one small hole in the roof, we're no worse for the wear. Thanks everyone for the prayers and the support. You are the most awesome family and friends a girl could have!

In the Daylight...

We made it through the rest of the night without too many more big limbs crashing down to the ground. But the daylight revealed a huge mess that will inevitably get bigger before it's all over with. Wave two and three are still to come!

Currently we still have power (obviously, since I am blogging). But there are 50,000 City Utilities customers who aren't so lucky. So today, while there seems to be a break, I am cooking enough food to get us through the weekend. You know, stuff that doesn't taste bad cold. Hey, if the power stays on, at least all I will have to do is reheat and eat!! I hope all of you are weathering the storm well. Stay warm!!!

The Ice Man Cometh

Um...the winter storm is here. With a vengeance. It is currently 3:25 a.m. on Saturday Morning and I am WIDE awake people! Oh come on, you know what it takes for something like THAT to happen. Well, my wake up call came in the form of an enormous branch crashing down on the roof directly above my bed. I spent some time on the front porch for a little while and it sounded a somewhat like the fourth of July outside. You can hear snapping, crackling, and popping from miles away. If I still have power tomorrow I will share some pictures with you. Our yard already looks like a war zone and they're saying it's only going to get worse. Actually, they are saying that this is the worst ice storm in 25 years. I guess we'll just have to see how it plays out. Well, I should probably try to get some more sleep...Tanner won't care if I have been up half the night. I just wanted to give you all a status update in case I can't check in later. Nighty Night all!

What Happened to the Pineapple Under the Sea???

Spongebob is on my ceiling. I'm not kidding. Apparently he has fled Bikini Bottom and is seeking solace above my love seat. Take a look.

He's been there all day and has managed to not come crashing down to the hardwood and what would ultimately be his death. Well, perhaps he hasn't been there all day. I think Tanner chucked him up there sometime just after noon...but still that's a LONG time.

So, if you have been expecting a phone call from me and haven't gotten one, don't fret. I am fine...better than fine, actually. But for the last week, my cell phone has been MIA. I found it at around three o' clock this afternoon wedged between some couch cushions. I also came across four dollars in change, a pair of scissors and a tangerine (you win a prize if you can tell me who I borrowed that bit from). I was so happy to find it. I learned that I CAN function without my cell phone--but that I never want to have to do it again. I do not have a single phone number memorized for anyone I actually call, however, I remember phone numbers of people I haven't spoken with in years. My theory is that seven or eight years ago, my brain filled up with all the information that it could hold and since then it has not been accepting any NEW information. Instead, I make lists of things I need to know and keep them in an easy to find spot. And of course phone numbers go in the phone. I can't tell you how many times I said, "I have to call my Mom and tell her that..." and now that I have my phone I can't remember what I wanted to say.

Also, to my father whom I love very much, for some reason I can't send you instant messages anymore (sniffle)--I think my MSN is possessed. I have tried to answer you every time you have talked to me this week, and I keep getting a "this message could not be delivered to the recipient" error. I tried re-adding you as a contact...so we'll see what happens. But I am not ignoring you.

Well people, it's time to say adieu for now. But I will be back a bloggin' soon, and I will DEFINITELY be calling.

January

Typically, I have a pretty negative attitude when it comes to the month of January. It has never been anywhere close to my favorite month of the year. I'm more of a September kind of gal. January is just YUCKY! It's gray and cold and I work fifty hours a week. Why??? Taxes. Need I say more? And it has begun. This year, I think Michele and I are doing the tax stuff for only 20 of the 27 Matt Miller affiliates so we'll get a break. (If you do not notice the sarcasm DRIPPING from that line, then you are not my true friend.) There are other things that I don't like about January...but it's complicated and do we really want to delve that far into my psyche? I think not.

Despite all the bad feelings and gloominess that I associate with January, I am going to make a real effort to make this one good. I had lunch with my friend Keisha yesterday. Every year for New Years, each member of her family picks out one word to describe the type of year that they want to have, and they make it their mantra for that year. This year, she picked "fun". I was a little surprised when she told me...not because it is out of the question...but because it's not something I would have thought of. But why not?? Why can't I wake up every day and think to myself, "today, I am going to have fun". I think it is because deep down I have told myself that being a responsible adult and Mommy that I am not allowed to have fun, now I have to be serious all the time. Poppycock and Rubbish. I told Keisha that I was going to steal her word for the year. Don't worry, she was ok with it. So this is my year of fun...how bout it ya'll, anyone up for joining me????

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year Everyone! May 2007 bring much joy and prosperity to all of you, may the Lord bless you richly, and may the love of your friends and family see you through every single day! We love you!

The Bradshaw Clan

It is NEVER ok...

...to wear socks with high heels! I don't care what movie you saw it in, or who told you it was cool...do NOT do it. And Dad, please refrain from snide remarks about how you had to throw all your sock/heel combos away due to this blog...or how you promise not to do it again. Just agree with me. Tanner and I were out and about today when I saw this heinous fashion crime being committed...right in my very own town!! I had to shield his eyes from the horror of it all. What is this world coming to when a fairly sophisticated woman feels that she has to don a pair of white athletic socks to go with her heels??? Truly tragic!

Aside from having to witness the aforementioned catastrophe, Tanner and I have had a wonderful day together. We made a fun little snack today...pineapple upside down biscuits. Tanner liked helping make them more than he liked eating them...but you can't win em all. We snuggled in my bed and took a two hour nap, we have played with new Christmas toys, we are still in the middle of a Scooby Doo Marathon, and the dog has only eaten half of the shoes in the house today. Right now I am cooking dinner...ham with pineapple glaze (I had leftovers from the snack), and later when Tanner is in bed, I am going to curl up under my new fuzzy blanket and read the new Janet Evanovitch. A perfect Saturday if you ask me!

Tomorrow is New Years Eve. I purposefully asked Jeremy not to make any plans for us. All I want to do is stay home with my family and veg out. I bought some bubbly (sparkling white grape juice) today so Jeremy and I could have our midnight toast, and we have rented a couple of movies that will help us ring in the new year with out having to be out on the roads. I hope you all have a splendid New Year as well. I want a post of at least ONE of your New Years Resolutions in my comments. Love to you all.

Jules

Give the People what They Want!

I am not going to say that I have been "hounded" to do a new post...but it was heavily suggested that I should. So I am giving the people what they want. Sorry about the delay in getting some Christmas pictures up, but it has been a busy week (read: it has been the worst week I've had in a while and I didn't feel like blogging). Hopefully, everything will be calming down now and getting back to normal.

As most of you know, since you were there, Christmas Eve was spent in Joplin (actually Purcell) with my wonderful family. We had a great time and I wish that we could have visited longer.

Tanner spent the night with Nana and Papa and Mommy and Daddy came back to Springfield childless. Which was great, since it gave us some time to get everything ready for the next day. When Mom and Dad arrived with Tanner the next morning he was so excited to see that Santa did not forget to stop, even though he wasn't here.

After opening some presents at home, we piled into Ramone and headed for Jeremy's Grandma Jewel's house (the mean one!). Surprise Surprise!!!! Santa had left some stuff for Tanner THERE too!

Even though going to Jewel's house is not my most favorite thing to do, Tanner really has a good time when we're there. It may have something to do with the fact that she is constantly shoveling sugar into him, or it could be that she lets him drive the farm truck up to feed the cows. In any case, he always has fun. So combine all of the above mentioned things with presents and you can picture the pure ball of euphoria that was my child.

He loved his kitchen, and has been cooking non-stop since we (by we I mean Jeremy) set it up. Who knows, maybe we have a master chef in the making?? Also at Grandma Jewel's house, he got some clothes, and a new coat, and a few toys and of course some money for his Piggy Bank. Jeremy and I took him up in the field to feed the cows, and then Jeremy gave him a driving lesson. Tanner was so proud of himself. I have to say he did a pretty good job, at least better than half the drivers here in Springfield. After some play time, we headed to Wayne and Erma's for dinner. This is my fifth year at the Philbert family Christmas, and I think it was by far the best. All of the cousins, but the youngest, had their boyfriends there, and Meleshia's boyfriend brought his cousin, so it was a full house. And Tanner was the center of attention! He LOVED it!

We got home pretty late that evening, and Tanner was completely wiped out. But I would have to say that this was the best Bradshaw Christmas by far. And I realize how truly blessed I am to have gotten to spend time with almost every single person that I hold dear to my heart this year. I hope everyone else had a wonderful Christmas as well. And I hope that this post will satisfy your need for Christmas pictures...I'll leave you with one last one. I'm thinking of having it blown up and giving IT out as a present next year. I know Jessica, at least, will love it!

Broil Ban

I have been banned from broiling. Seriously, it just happened. I personally think that it is an unjust sentence. Here's what happened. Tanner and I decided that we wanted cheeseburgers for dinner. I thought it might be a good idea to broil them. You know, less fat and all that. As the burgers were broiling one of them caught on fire. It wasn't a BIG fire, and I put it out without any trouble whatsoever. I told Tanner it was flame kissed. DON'T JUDGE ME!!!!! The smoke alarms went off and there was a big to do about trying to open a window. (They were all caulked shut by the maintenance man.) But everything was FINE. The burgers were good, and I thought the house was mostly smoke free...Jeremy has informed me otherwise. And he proceeded to ban me from the broiler. I think his exact words were "The broiler is not for your use." So there you have it. There will be no more broiling at Casa de Bradshaw. It is a sad day indeed.