You Saw it Here First

Christmas present alert! Christmas present alert! The Bradshaw family Christmas present for 90% of the people on our list is almost complete. All we are missing is some nice frames and some ribbon and we will be set. We decided this year to do pictures of Tanner for just about everyone, and after much fidgeting, fussing, and fighting it is done. I guess in retrospect it wasn't TOO bad. Tanner just can't hold still, but I was victorious! So, here's a sneak peek at the hottest Christmas present going this year! Funny how the last picture you take is ALWAYS the best, isn't it???

How to Build a Castle

Step 1: Wait until your Mom is not in the room (when she is cooking dinner is the best time).

Step 2: Remove every single pillow and couch cushion from all the furniture in the living room and pile them in the floor. Do this quickly--if you can finish before you get caught, you are more likely to be able to play on the castle.

Step 3: Repeat step two with all the pillows from all of the beds in the house.

Step 4: Climb to the top of the castle and declare yourself "King".

Step 5: When asked, "What happened in here?!?!?", blame it on the dog!

Despite the mess that has now been cleaned up twice ( I let him do this again today--on purpose), Tanner has enjoyed the castle building. At one point, he was using the large couch cushions as slides. Thank you, Corinthian, for making such durable, yet attractive furniture! It has been a great day here with just me and my favorite guy. We've been enjoying the ABC Family Classic Christmas marathon (he has now been introduced to Heat Miser and Snow Miser), and playing with play dough. And we dusted and did some laundry too. I am trying to decide if I want to give him a nap this late in the day, and let him stay up late with me tonight...or if I want him to go to bed at the usual time and spend the evening alone in solitude. I have to say that as much as I love my little guy, option number two is sounding very appealing. He's not really wanting to take a nap right now anyway. SOOOO, an evening alone in solitude it is! Right now, it is time to make some dinner. I think Tanner is going to let me off the hook with cooking, he has been wanting a PB&J all day. Bless him! So sandwiches and chocolate milk all around, and then back to relaxing on this most wonderful of Saturdays! Love to you all.

For the Ladies...or Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon

Brad Pitt and Angelina are in town this week...whoop-de-doo. This, to me, is pretty uneventful...but to the rest of Springfield...well, let's just say it's been the biggest news so far this week, and I can't turn on a radio without hearing about the newest Brangelina sighting. Brad Pitt holds no appeal to me. Everyone I work with has a Brad Pitt story. Keisha went on a blind date with him in high school. Matt and Brad were good friends...and on and on and on. My Brad Pitt story consists of me watching "Meet Joe Black" and thinking it was a terrible movie.

I have a list (one of you, maybe two, will know which list I speak of) and Brad doesn't even come CLOSE to

getting on it. Thorsten Kay and the Rock are on my list...but no Brad.

Thorsten (pictured here) has a gorgeous cleft in his chin, molten chocolate eyes (I'm a sucker for brown eyes), and a deep gruff voice that makes my heart palpitate. Oh, did I mention he writes poetry and gives the money from the books he sells to underprivileged children. Yeah, I know...dreamy.

The Rock is equally as beautiful, with his square jaw, dimples, and again chocolate brown eyes. I became attached to him during my wrestling phase. I think it was his great smile and personality that reeled me in more than anything, or something like that. Doesn't matter...I DEFINITELY smell what the Rock is Cookin'. I LOVE the People's Eyebrow.

Eeek! I have digressed. So, I don't love Brad Pitt--but because of him I, Juli Bradshaw, can be linked to Kevin Bacon. Now you all know how the game works, so I won't explain it. Instead, I will just share MY connection to Kevin Bacon with you all. Feel free to revel in the wonder of it all. I, Juli Bradshaw, work for Matt Miller, who lives next door to Doug Pitt, who is Brad Pitt's brother. Brad Pitt was married to Jennifer Aniston who was in Picture Perfect with Kevin Bacon. TA DAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You're probably not impressed, huh? Hey, I can't please all the people ALL the time. Well for those of you who are not easily impressed, let me amaze you with the picture of the cutest guy of all time--the one who has my heart completely! Now THIS is the face of a heart breaker!

Heffalump Cookies

Today, while grocery shopping, Tanner pointed to a bag of cookies and said "Mommy, Can I have some Heffalump cookies?" Even though we went in with a "no junk food" policy today, we quickly caved when we saw that he was referring to a bag of iced animal crackers. Jeremy and I looked at each other guiltily.

Jeremy: I was going to tell him no, but he asked so cutely.

Juli: We caved because he's cute?? We're horrible parents!

SIGH! Does this parenting thing ever get ANY easier. I was reflecting on how it seems now that MY parents were always right...so how come I feel like what I am doing isn't??? It's so frustrating! But regardless of whether we are horrible parents or not, one thing is true...Tanner IS cute.

We spent much of the afternoon outside building the snowman that I couldn't build yesterday. I wanted Tanner to get as much time outside as possible since by next weekend it will all be gone. He shoveled, and threw more snowballs, and helped us build his very first snowman. The snow was so fine that we had the hardest time getting it to pack...so we grabbed the water hose. He's not as tall as we would have liked for him to be, and he is a little crooked, and then there's the fact that he has a hot dog for a nose, but Tanner was so proud! He keeps running to the window to look outside and make sure he is still hanging out in the back yard. He even suggested taking some toys outside for him to play with...in case he should get bored. I may be a little biased...but I think he's the cutest snowman in Springfield!

After we were all sufficiently frozen, we trekked back inside, changed into some dry clothes and

then, on the advice of one of my favorite people, I made Tanner some hot cocoa--in the very same mug that MY mom used to make hot cocoa for me and snuggled up with him. Sadly I don't have "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (but I'll see if I can't find it somewhere), but I can tell you that he was excited to be inside snuggling with Mommy, watching the Fox and the Hound and drinking his hot chocolate. It has been a pretty splendiforous afternoon.

Later I plan on taking a wonderfully hot bubble bath and treating myself to a facial before I have to begin my week...Don't you wish that the weekends could last forever?

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

It's cold, but that hasn't stopped Tanner and I from having some outdoor fun. This is Tanner's first real snow, and he is loving every minute of it. The first thing he did was fling himself onto the ground so that he could make a snow angel. It was comical watching him try to move his arms and legs at the same time...oh I hope the poor child didn't get his mother's coordination! He was mostly successful in the actual MAKING of the snow angels...but the "getting up so that you don't completely destroy what you have just created" part still needs some work. He'll get it eventually!


Next the snowball throwing began...sort of. This snow is pretty fine and hard to pack together. So Tanner was picking up a handful of snow and just tossing it at my head. No harm done, and it made for a super cute picture. Daisy has been playing outside with us. She's a trooper, but she definitely doesn't like the snow as much as Tanner. Currently, we are inside thawing out so that in a little while we can go and do it again. Tanner has been rummaging for a carrot in the hopes of building a snowman. I wonder if a baby carrot will work--I think that is all I have. He is now BEGGING me to go outside...so I am off again. Perhaps later I'll be back with pictures of Tanner enjoying some snow ice cream. YUMMY!

Winter Wonderland

Can I just say, "BRING ON THE SNOW!!!!" I was thinking yesterday about how long it had been since we had seen a good snow. The last time I remember was December 2002. We were living in the house on Annie Baxter in Joplin and it was Tanner's very first Christmas. Mom and Dad, took him out to Grandma's to spend the weekend and we ended up getting around nine inches of snow. I didn't think Jeremy and I could make it out to Purcell to get him, and I just bawled because I wanted to be there for Tanner's first Christmas. We braved the ice, though, and made it without a hitch.

Since we have moved to Springfield, we have seen virtually no snow at all. It always goes North of the interstate of just South of the Christian County line. Bummer! The last report I heard had us getting anywhere from six to ten inches, and I couldn't be happier! I promised Tanner that if it snowed we could gang up on Daddy and have a snowball fight. With any luck Old Jack Frost will come through for us!!! Stay warm everyone and talk to you again soon.

I'm thinking of a career change

When I am feeling sad, nothing cheers me up faster than watching something that makes me laugh. One of my favorite guilty pleasures is Reno 911. The following clip has made me desperately want to be a police officer. What do you think?? I'd look cute in a badge??

BLAH! Every day can't be sunshine.

Current Mood: MELANCHOLY

Juli is feeling a little bit blue today, all. Very weepy. And sometimes crying doesn't make you feel any better. Humph, I always thought it did. So if you spoke with me on the phone today, and I wasn't my normal cheerful self, do not be alarmed...I'll be fine (and dandy, like a hard candy Christmas--I love Dolly). I just need a few days to work through the million spinning thoughts in my head. No, I don't want to talk about it, I just want to curl into my bed and cry my eyes out for a few days, then I am sure I will be ready to conquer the world again. But I wanted to leave you all with some pictures to get you through the week. I wouldn't put you through Tanner withdrawals. So enjoy, I am going to go in search of some hot tea, a good book and a quiet place where I can be by myself (bah humbug). Jeremy will get a medal if he can handle this ;0)

Let the dieting commence!

We are home safe and sound from the lovely state of Kansas. Thanksgiving was wonderful. Jeremy, Tanner and I left Springfield around 1:20 on Wednesday afternoon and began what probably should have been a four and a half hour trip to Mom and Dad's. Daisy was extremely carsick, however, so the trip did not go as quickly as it should have. But we arrived in Wellington at about 6:50. We got to sit in on my Dad's Wednesday evening lesson, which I enjoyed very much. Then the cooking began. I had a great time in my Mom's kitchen cooking for the family that I love...and we did a pretty good job even with just one oven rack...huh, Mom?

We laughed and talked and watched cartoons with Tanner. The puppies played together. And of course, we ate....and ate....and ate some more. I still managed to come home with leftovers. Jeremy and I agreed that this Thanksgiving was a lot of fun, but that next time we'll definitely want to stay a little longer. By the way, it only took us about four hours and forty-five minutes to get home. Jeremy had to work today, but I plan on enjoying my three day weekend as much as possible. I hope each and everyone of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving day. I'm sure I will have lots of long weekend stories to share later...so check back soon.

Decking the Halls

Christmas seems to have come early to Casa de Bradshaw! Yesterday afternoon, Jeremy and I decided that it would be the best day to put up our Christmas tree since this next weekend is going to be so hectic. We haven't had one for the last three years, because there simply wasn't room for one at the Townhouse. Ok, that's not entirely true...we did have the little three foot fiber optic tree that we had on our end table. This year, that little tree is in Tanner's room on his coloring table. He loves having his own tree! So now that we have 2000 square feet to work with, we wanted to decorate. This will be, after all, the first year that Tanner actually knows what is going on. Of course, our old tree had been in a box for three years and definitely wasn't in good shape. We only had one choice.

Let the shopping begin!!!

Target was packed, but we managed to find the perfect tree for our little family...and they had some fantastic deals on decorations. Tanner was so excited the entire time, and kept insisting that we need one of this...or two of that. And we DEFINITELY had to have some "Christmas socks". He was so cute! But of course the REALLY fun part was actually decorating the tree!

Tanner got his little chair out to stand on so that he could help Daddy reach the higher branches...The only problem was that he didn't want to move his chair, so all the ornaments were ending up in the same spot! But with a little direction he did a great job! Now the only thing we're missing is the presents to go underneath it! I think the finished product is beautiful.

This Week...

This week seemed to be crammed full of activity...it is Saturday and Jeremy and I are desperately trying to catch up on some much needed relaxation before we have to do it all again. Here's a rundown of some of the high points of the week...cause why would I want to dwell on the negative??

First, a long lost friend resurfaced. Buffie Bennett (Jarmin) found me magically and we have been reconnecting. It's been so nice to hear about her beautiful family and play catch up. She was one of my closest friends at one of the most awkward stages of my life and I feel blessed to have gotten a second chance to get to know her!

This week also brought the return of another friend whom you all know as RRRRRRAMONE! Roll the r, it sounds better. He has been repaired and looks as beautiful as he did the day we brought him home. I drove him yesterday and today, I think he missed me as much as I missed him.

Construction is slowly but surely wrapping up at work, which means that I will only be choking on drywall dust and paint for probably another two weeks. That will be a joyous day for me...now if I can just get someone to replace the light bulb above my desk (it burnt out two months ago). I have hopes people! Don't take that away from me. One day I will tell you about the "Benefits" package that we have created for new hires. The highlight is the Free Fitness plan (parking seven blocks away and having to walk to the office from lack of downtown parking).

I'll leave you with a funny story that prooves my husband's patience. Thursday, I ran home for lunch to grab a nutritious and delicious protein shake. I mixed it up in one of Tanner's little cups and when I was done I tossed it in the sink. Somehow, it lodged itself in the drain...and WOULD NOT COME OUT! Jeremy stood at the sink for about thirty minutes. He finally, got the stubborn thing out. I took a picture of him wrestling with it...and I may have told him I WASN'T going to post it...I lied! Um, I think in this one he was asking me how on earth I had managed to get a cup that was bigger than the hole in the sink stuck. What can I say, I am gifted.

The look on his face is pure amazement folks! Doesn't he look cute in his new sweater and pants??? Gotta love him!

27

Today, I turned 27 years old. Long ago, I quit expecting to feel any older on my birthdays. So I knew that this birthday would pass much like any other day. It was, however, surprisingly nice. I arrived at work to a much needed case of Diet Dr. Pepper, left by the Dr. Pepper fairy a.k.a. Chyna. I received a lovely email from my beautiful Mother that made me smile. Sometime around 11:30, a gorgeous bouquet of flowers walked in the door. My bosses Matt, Matthew and Jeff got them for me. They can be thoughtful when they want to be. Then the girls surprised me with pizza and ice cream cake for lunch. I am the one who plans all the parties at the office, so the fact that someone else had taken on the task made me feel very loved.

I left the office at Four to go and get my Drivers License renewed...it was almost too easy. Now I am home with my favorite guy (who is eating his dinner--or rather, NOT eating his dinner). I plan on playing Tanner's new computer game with him and reading him an extra long bed time story before tucking him into bed...his own hopefully.

I don't know if I mentioned it, but Tanner is now afraid of the Boogieman. It's just a phase, it's just a phase, it's just a phase. The last two nights he has slept in our bed. I tuck him in tight with "Bravery Bear" (an old stuffed bear that sits on my dresser) and turn on the humidifier that Mom and Dad got us for Christmas last year. He watches the colors and mist until he falls asleep. Last night, I added some Lavender to the water and he was out like a light. My plans are to do whatever necessary to get him to sleep until Friday, and then have a camp out in his room. Maybe that will help--maybe not. For now, I think he is finished eating...so off I go.
Talk to you all again soon.

Trivial Pursuit and Chinese Food

My tummy is full, and I am happy. Chinese food happy. Jeremy and I have found a teeny tiny hole in the wall restaurant that serves THE YUMMIEST Chinese food. And it's right up the road...how glorious is that?? I think we decided that if Mom and Dad ever come visit we will buy them dinner from there (hint hint). What??? You want some too?? Well, come on then. EVERYONE'S invited! We had a busy day, lots of shopping. Jeremy has a new wardrobe, Tanner has a new toy vacuum and I have a headache. I crashed hard this afternoon. I think I slept for three hours or better. It was blissful. My bed was cozy and the room was dark and oh so quiet. No one disturbed me...probably because I was so grumpy all morning and they were afraid. I know what you are thinking. Juli??? Grumpy? It cannot be true! But I awoke feeling refreshed and much nicer.

Now, I am gearing up for some Trivial pursuit with my husband. (I am going to crush him into oblivion) It was my SURPRISE birthday present. Totally 80's. I have the greatest hits of the 80's playing on VH1 to "get me in that Rockin' 80's mood". In case you were wondering, Bon Jovi's "Living on a Prayer" took number one. I love me some Bon Jovi. I may have to bring the game to Thanksgiving--so be prepared!

Alright blog followers. It is time to put the munchkin to bed. And then GAME TIME! So, nighty night and talk to you again this week. Cause I have to do a Birthday blog!

'Tis the Season

Well, I guess the cold and flu season is here...rearing its ugly congested head at us all. Or at least at all of us here at 404 E Morningside. Tanner and I stayed home today. And slept. And coughed. And sneezed. It wasn't pretty, I assure you. So I didn't make it to the polls and can only hope that there were enough people who agreed with me that were able to make it...or I can hope that the votes of those who don't agree with me get lost somewhere. Either way.

Currently, I am cooking my beloved son a gourmet dinner (read: Swanson's Pot pie). It is times like this when I am greatly appreciative of the convenience meal. Although, I would much rather be cooking something myself. Jeremy will be home soon, and I can go crash and hope that tomorrow morning when I wake up my throat is no longer swollen and red and that my cough is gone. And I will happily go to work and put in my eight hours.

For now, I am going to say goodnight. I am going to go find my Nyquil and get some rest. I love you all, and thank you to the two of you that noticed I was missing in action and made sure I was ok (you know who you are!).

I Heart Jeremy

I love my husband. No really, I do. Lots and lots and lots. Wanna know why?? Well, let me elaborate. My birthday is in 13 days. Truth be told, I hadn't thought too much about it yet. Cause, really, 27 isn't too big a deal. We have a standing tradition as far as my birthday present goes. Every year in September, Disney releases an older Disney movie from their "vault" and does a "special edition" DVD. Because I love Disney movies so much, every year I get which ever one has been released for my birthday. This year, it happens to be The Little Mermaid. MY FAVORITE!!!! I have been anticipating it since September. Today, on my way home from work, I was talking to Jeremy on the phone, and he casually mentioned that he had picked up my birthday present. You know me--I immediately asked, "What is it?" He muttered something sarcastic. So I said, "Is it The Little Mermaid?" "No, I haven't picked that up yet, but we can go to Target and get it next week." COLOR ME SURPRISED!!!!! TWO Birthday presents!?!?!? He wasn't home at the time, but he informed me that it was on the table so I would see it when I got home. So I proceeded to speed (just a little) so that I could get home and see it.

Isn't she adorable??? Jeremy M-A-D-E- her for me at Build a Bear today. You can't really tell from the picture, but her shirt has lady bugs on it and says "Love Bug". Her shoes are little lady bugs. Inside her is a little pouch that holds a guardian angel, and a small pouch that holds confetti (which represents my hopes) is tucked inside her head...so that I can whisper my wishes in her ear. I think she is the perfect birthday present! I am still very touched that my husband took the time to make something that is so representative of me instead of just going somewhere and buying something that someone else already has. HE SO GETS ME!


I named her Belle (for those of you who don't speak French, it means Beautiful). In addition to Belle, and the not yet received Little Mermaid, my husband has built me a roaring fire. And I am going to go and snuggle up in front of it and watch "Over the Hedge". So Good night to you all...and Jeremy, I really do love you lots and lots and lots!

Happy Halloween!!!

Yes, I am aware that Halloween was yesterday, but Tanner and I got home pretty late, and I was too tired to blog. So you get it tonight. Last night, Tanner and I went Trick-or-Treating. This was really his first Halloween that he understood what was going on. I might mention that he had been anxiously awaiting it for MONTHS. He had a lot of fun. Every single person we met said that Tanner was an adorable Spider Man, and Mr. Modesty always said "Yeah. Happy Halloween." We stuck to our street but that didn't keep Tanner from getting a pretty full bucket. Then we took a break and handed out some candy of our own. After we had exhausted our munitions, I loaded him up for two "special" stops.

The first was "Aunt Shari", who used to be our neighbor at SunVilla. She filled his bucket to the brim. He was more excited to see her than he was to get the candy...which means he's not COMPLETELY spoiled. Then we headed to my co-workers house. Michele loves kids. But most of all she loves Tanner. She is always sending candy home with me to give to him. We had a big surprise when we got to her house. She had gotten him ANOTHER bucket and had it as full as it could be. Essentially, we came home with more candy than I had purchased to get rid of. Which makes me wonder why we do the whole Trick-or-Treating thing in the first place. Couldn't we just cut out a step and give him the bag of candy we purchased for kids I don't even know?? It's just a thought. I'll leave you with a couple of pictures. And look for another blog tonight. I have something else to share that has NOTHING to do with Halloween.

This is the jack-o-lantern that I made for Tanner. For those of you who aren't privileged enough to watch Noggin or Nick Jr., it's Dora The Explorer. I found a template on the Nick Jr. web site. They also had a Blue's Clues Template...but Tanner wanted Dora. I think I did a pretty decent job!

This is MY jack-o-lantern. In my opinion, it didn't turn out as well as Tanner's. Do you see the Spooky house AND the smiling moon??

And last but not least, I will leave you with a picture of everyones favorite superhero! Eating nachos, as any good superhero would do.

Spooktacular

Tonight, as the darkness enclosed us, we found ourselves wandering through a wooded area. We were never quite sure what lay ahead...all we could do was wait and see. Then, suddenly, a scream in the night..."MOMMY, LOOK IT'S SCOOBY DOO!!!!!"

Spooktacular at the Dickerson Park Zoo was tonight (actually it's been running for a while, but tonight was the only night all three of us could go). So, we trudged through the dark zoo with the HUNDREDS of other people who went. It was soooo crowded. It took a lot of the enjoyment out of the night (well, for me and Jeremy, that is--Tanner could have cared less). There were spooky displays, and games, and candy stations and Tanner loved it all. We went through Narnia, and Candy Land. We saw Scooby and went through a maze. We went through a Dr. Seuss book walk, and watched glowing eyes off in the distance. We walked through the reptile house...which was Jeremy's favorite part. He had never seen an Anaconda before and said that it had made the whole thing worthwhile. The only thing we didn't do was take a spooky train ride. It was getting close to closing time so we decided maybe next time. It was fun, maybe not quite what I had expected but Tanner had a good time and that's really all that matters, Right? Here's my little Spider Man showing off his spidey-ness!

We've had a busy weekend, and there's much more to hear about. But it's late, and I am starving. SO...tune in next time for tales of falling leaves, and jack-o-lanterns.

FINALLY!!!!!

May I please get a STANDING OVATION for my boys the St. Louis Cardinals...the 2006 World Champions!!!!!!! It's been an exciting night of baseball here at 404 E. Morningside. Shelly and I (and Tanner...until he went to bed) settled in to watch Game 5 of the World Series. I have to say that I sat with my hands clenched the entire game...I REALLY didn't want to play Game 6 in Detroit. But the underdogs pulled through and did what everyone said they couldn't do. I am a proud Cardinals fan tonight! Celebrate with me.

In other non-baseball related news, we have had another fun-filled week here in Springfield MO. Aside from having to work, that is. We have carved pumpkins--and they are wonderful, we have colored spooky pictures from the Crayola website. We have played until we are exhausted and are looking forward to playing some more this weekend. Sunday evening we are planning on taking TW to Spooktacular at the Zoo. He's so excited he can hardly stand it. Tomorrow we plan on just lounging and enjoying each other's company--and I THINK tomorrow night is FrightNight 06. FrightNight is a fun time for me. It's a no holds barred, scary movie marathon in my living room. Um, we will be starting with Scooby Doo--Tanner's choice, obviously, and from there...who knows! But in case you didn't know, I LOVE SCARY MOVIES!!!! So I am super excited about it--I may not sleep tomorrow night, but it will be well worth it.

So, I should probably get some sleep tonight, right? Good night everyone. Love you lots.

La Vie est Belle!!

We have had such a great week that I really don't want it to end. This week brought our very first family cuddle session in front of a roaring fire here at 404 E. Morningside. Tanner was enthralled and very excited by the whole prospect of it. And we have LOTS of wood to burn--I am looking forward to a winter FULL of family cuddle sessions.

Jeremy and I enjoyed a scary movie before this lovely blaze. If you haven't seen The Fog yet, let me tell you...it's creepy!

This week also brought the arrival of the already VERY spoiled Daisy. At least, that's what her name will be if I get my way. Let me introduce you to the sweetest little puppy that has ever existed. Everyone, meet Miss Daisy Bradshaw.

I had convinced myself that I had done a fairly decent job of talking my husband out of getting Tanner a puppy. Yesterday, he called me at work to tell me all about these Jack Russell Terrier puppies that he had found in the paper. Actually, he had found SEVERAL listings. I distinctly remember saying, "Honey, we really need to think about this before we rush into anything." Which in girl talk translates into, "I don't think it's a good idea!" Sadly, Jeremy doesn't speak fluent girl. So at 7:30 p.m. we arrived in Aurora at what has to be the largest kennel I have ever seen. I fell in love with her almost the second I saw her (I fell in love with the adorable cockapoo too, but Jeremy was unyielding on that one). My husband knew he could convince me if he could get me to hold her...how can you say no to those eyes. The puppy's not Jeremy's. It's a decision I doubt that I will be regretting any time soon. As I said before, she is a sweetheart! She's a cuddle bunny, LOVES Tanner, and has yet to potty in the house. I think she is the perfect match for our quirky little family.

So now it is the weekend, and I am sure that it will bring more family fun. Life is Beautiful, and I can't wait to share more of ours with all of you!

WHY???

I have often been minding my own business when out of the blue, I will see or hear something that makes me think "Why??? Seriously, what is the point?" Today, on my way to pick up Tanner this man in an old beat up truck cut me off. That alone didn't surprise me...as a matter of fact, I have lived in Springfield long enough that it didn't even make me flinch. Here there are two rules of the road. One, the driver of the larger vehicle can do whatever they want (I am NEVER that driver, since 90% of the population drives something that requires Diesel fuel to get it going), and two, WHEN someone whips out in front of you...even though there is NO ONE behind you...you are required to SLAM on your brakes and smile and wave happily as you let them into traffic (I haven't quite gotten the hang of that one yet). But I digress. So as Joe Dodge cuts me off I notice two things, neither of which are unusual by themselves. But together, they puzzled me. The man had a cigarette sitting, fashionably behind his ear. Nothing new, I have seen this before. His left arm was hanging out the driver window and nestled comfortably between his left index and middle finger(in cigarette holding fashion) was a pencil. I had to look three times to make sure that I hadn't inhaled too much white out during work...but no, my eyes did not deceive me. So please, explain this one to me...cause I don't get it...I mean unless the cigarette behind his ear wasn't your every day tobacco product, and he had smoked one previously, then I am completely lost. Did I miss out on some new trend? I'm not about to start smoking, but I can hold a pencil all day long with the best of 'em. HELP ME UNDERSTAND!!!!!!!!!!!

What a Degree can do

My husband is usually a smart man--he has a degree and everything. So the following conversation may leave you wondering:

Setting: The Bradshaw's are driving home from Wal-Mart on Sunday afternoon and are almost home when they spot a vehicle...obviously inoperable in the left hand lane...all parties are standing outside the vehicle waiting for help to arrive.

Juli: Uh-oh, that doesn't look like fun.
Jeremy: Yeah, they must have had a flat or something.
Juli: Sure, which is why they have the hood up.
Jeremy: (SILENCE)
Juli: Dork!

Pure Sophistication

I don't know if you know this about the Bradshaw's, but we're pretty sophisticated people. We throw dinner parties for our friends that consist of gourmet meals, cooked by moi! We tell witty stories that keep everyone laughing, we wear our best attire and use big words like "Perforation."

Ok, only about half of that is true. We had a dinner party for our friends and I DID cook--fried chicken, pork chops, and mashed potatoes...no vegetables, because, frankly, who has time for them with all the grease and carbs? Did I mention the strawberry shortcake and chocolate gooey butter cookies for dessert? Jeremy and I wore pretty much what we wear everyday...jeans for him, slacks for me. Tanner did get a little more festive when he stripped down to his Sponge Bob undies and ran around the dining room. He also talked Mommy and Daddy into buying him a set of those funny teeth they sell at Walmart--that was good for a laugh.Oh and it should be said that I DID use the word perforate in a sentence. I know, impressive. I told everyone that if they didn't have at least one three syllable word to contribute to the conversation then they needed to leave. Hey, if I have to be beautiful, witty, AND smart, then others should have to contribute as well. This is where I tell you all that my FANTASTIC husband cleaned up after everyone left and didn't grumble once...such a prince. That being said, he was relinquished from the three syllable word rule--if I made him leave he really wouldn't have anywhere to go.

We had a great time tonight--Tanner was excited to see Shari and Chelle and Shelly and Aunt Meleshia too! We laughed and ate and laughed some more. I always hate for evening like tonight to end--but getting to cuddle on the couch with my husband and relax makes it a little more bearable. So that is what I am going to do. Good night all...I love you, and you definitely MUST come to the next dinner party!

Tanner Montage

Oh the wonder that is my beautiful boy! He's literally a blur he has so much energy.

I have had the bestest weekend ever! My parent's 20th anniversary is next week and my dad planned a getaway for the two of them at a Bed and Breakfast in Independence, MO. What mom didn't know, was that we had conspired with Dad and were going to be there also. Jeremy couldn't get off work for Friday and Saturday, but Tanner and I, and Hondo and Jess headed to KC to be with them. We arrived at the B&B before Mom and Dad did. Our Rooms were lovely. Tanner and I had "The Magnolia Room", and Hondo and Jess had "The Judges Library". My parents had the fancy digs. Mom was so surprised to find us waiting outside their room--I think she would have whooped with joy...had her voice not been compromised. We had a fun family dinner together at the coolest restaurant ever! Then, we headed back to the Inn for a good nights sleep. May I just say that the bed in my room was the most comfortable one I have ever had the pleasure of sleeping on. (Please forgive that I just ended that sentence in a preposition). We got up early on Saturday and had a DELICIOUS breakfast of waffles and some kind of yummy egg wrap thingy (I am sure that's not the technical term). After a fun little outing at the Lakeside Nature Center we all headed for home. Tanner and I got home around three--although if I hadn't sat in traffic for thirty minutes it would have been a lot sooner (I'm not kidding, mom, as SOON as I had hung up the phone from talking to you traffic came to a screeching halt--there was an accident on I-44 and it had backed up traffic for two miles on Hwy 13. Then we watched some cartoons together and just kind of lazed around until it was time to go to bed. This afternoon we have just enjoyed our family time as usual. Tanner and Jeremy are outside playing soccer and Tanner is teaching Daddy some kind of "victory dance" he has picked up from somewhere. It's cute. He stomps his feet, swivels his hips, does some kind of "raise the roof" move with his hands and then shakes his head from side to side. I was impressed. I am thinking I need some quiet time and may go hop onto my bed and watch one of those wonderful English chick flicks my father dreads so much. I love you all and will blog again soon.

Haircut Horror

My poor Tanner did the unthinkable today. Well, maybe it's not all that unthinkable since you hear about it all the time...he took a pair of scissors to his beautiful blond hair! And the only way we could fix it was for Jeremy to buzz it off!!! Later I will cry, right now I am still in shock. I know that in the grander scheme of things it's not really all that big a deal. But it REALLY looks bad. I love my husband with all my heart, but the man is no barber...I mean, he TRIED to fix it so he gets bonus points for that--but secretly I think the buzz cut looks worse than the choppy cutting job Tanner did on the front. C'est la vie, I suppose. We were planning on getting it cut later this week. I guess Tanner just decided that he didn't want to wait anymore. It was just yesterday that he was so proud that he could spike it up really tall. He even made me take a picture of him to share with Nana and Papa. Rest assured there will be NO pictures of the "new do" It is something I won't want to remember! On the bright side, at least it's not a mullet (a.k.a. the "achy breaky big mistakey")!

Goodbye Ol' Faithful

Today, Jeremy bought HIS very first new car EVER (I have had TWO since we've been married)! He is so excited about it...and durn it all, I am too. The Mazda...aka Ol' Faithful...aka Smoky...aka The Death Trap, was just about to give up on him...it just turned 16 years old so he was really due. Chrysler was having a Fantastic 96 hour sale and this little beauty caught his eye...

Isn't it pretty??? I think I have been banned from driving it for a while. Something about Jeremy wanting to keep it dent free for at least two months. He's so selfish! But there "she" is in all her glory...although SHE doesn't have a name. Apparently, real men don't name their vehicles...or something like that...I didn't quite catch it as it was being muttered under my husband's breath. Mom, I have it on good authority that you can drive it when you guys make it for Tanner's belated birthday celebration. Well, it's time to give my little duckie his bath...and then someone volunteered to make cookies for tomorrow. So nightie night all.

I have gum in my toaster. Green bubblegum. The kind that comes in the band-aid cases. Yup. And let me tell you, it's down in there REALLY good. Now I KNOW that I didn't put the gum in the toaster, and I am fairly certain that Jeremy didn't either--but if he did, BOY is he in trouble. Of course, Tanner does not know how the gum got in the toaster...so I am at a loss. But I do know that my dinner (eggs and sausage) is not complete without toast. I am instead having bread. I tried to make toast, but alas, it did not happen. If you're thinking about running to the kitchen to see what happens when bubble gum gets toasted let me just stop you now. It smells. Bad. And it smokes. ALOT! That's really all you need to know. For those of you that were hoping to find out what I needed for my birthday and weren't planning on donating to the "Save Ramone" fund, here's your chance. But for the record, I like the bagel/toast toasters.

My Karma ran over your Dogma

For those of you who might possibly be deluded about me having any sort of good luck whatsoever, let me just enlighten you. Remember Ramone??? Once beautiful and shiny and dent free. He was glorious to behold. Remember the accident? The one that kept me from witnessing the happiest day of one of my best friend's life. I think that I handled everything pretty well considering. I'm fairly certain that Shelly and Alex voted me "Best Person to be in an Accident With". I remained calm, cool and collected throughout the whole ordeal, and even managed to laugh about the situation. Why? Because that's the kind of girl I am. I take life as it comes at me and enjoy whatever it doles out. A bit "Miss Mary Sunshine"? Perhaps--but why worry about the little stuff, right?

Well, as of Wednesday, that Juli no longer exists! Say hello to the new cynical and bitter Juli. I am cursed! What caused this huge turn around, you ask? Getting rear ended at a stop light...less than 5 days after my accident...SIGH. Oh friends, I wish you could have seen it. I got out to ASSESS the damage (for the second time in under a week) and just threw my hands up in the air...literally. The poor guy that hit me NERVOUSLY got out of his tank. I don't know why, maybe the maniacal gleam in my eyes scared him a little. By the time he made it over to me I was starting to laugh a little and he looked like he wanted to cry. He looked over at the front of his car--not even a smudge. Mine...well, here's where I admit that it wasn't THAT bad, it just took a chip out of the bumper..but that's really not the point here! So on seeing my semi-psychotic behavior, my husband (who had said NOTHING to this point) got out to see if he could be of assistance...HA! Long story short...after deciding it wasn't worth the hassle of having to exchange information and try to explain to my insurance company how it is possible to have two accidents in under a week, we shook hands with the still very nervous man and left. Jeremy was VERY quiet all the way home--I think he was afraid to say anything...perhaps he noticed that my right eye had started to twitch a little. In any case, God BLESS him for his silence.

I have been very excited to make it to work two days in a row without incident. But really, I don't know how long it can possibly last. We have a Friday the 13th next month, by then I may have worked up enough bad karma to actually get the vehicle stolen, or struck by lightening. On the LAST Friday the 13th, I spent the morning getting my flat tire repaired so I'm due for a biggie. We'll just have to wait and see! By the way, if anyone would be interested in carpooling with me, give me a call--I'll drive the first week!!! :0)

Our Birthday Boy!

Today, Tanner turns FOUR!! In the last month, I have run the gamut on emotions, feeling both sad and excited. Time has just flown by since the first time I held my little baby in my arms. Now he is this little man who is stubborn and independent --just like his Mommy. (Someone recently pointed my stubbornness out to me.) He is growing up so fast and today just made me realize how quickly that happens.

Last night we baked cupcakes for Tanner to take to Carol's house today. I just helped a little bit--he did the majority of the work...as you can see from the pictures. It was funny listening to him chattering away as we hung out together in the kitchen. And it was even more comical the way he bossed me around as if he was a master chef! "OK, I'm gonna crack the eggs, and you get out the mixer!"

Today, when we went in with the finished product, the other children swarmed like bees! Tanner told each and every one of them, more than once I might add, that HE had baked them all by himself. Carol and I just smiled and let him brag a little. After all, you only turn four once. He had a good day...I was a little sad that I had to work, but we have big plans for the evening.

Dinner is in the oven, and The Fox and the Hound is on TV. We are planning to snuggle up under his sleeping bag and watch the movie and munch on caramel corn. We are having his party this Sunday afternoon after everyone gets out of church. He has requested hamburgers and hot dogs (on the grill) and a Smiley Face cake to match his pillow. I'm still up in the air on the cake--I would like to do something just a little cuter for this particular birthday. Maybe I will make two, we're planning on having a house full--so it won't be wasted. We'll just have to see how much energy I have after the rest of the week. Right now, I am going to go cuddle up with the Apple of my Eye and watch some cartoons. Could anything be better than that??

Death of a Disco Dancer

Perhaps "Ramone" is not EXACTLY a disco dancer, but I am mourning my loss none the less. For those of you have not yet heard the story, let me entertain you.

Shelly E., Alex and I left Monett en route to Eureka Springs on Saturday for Marianne's wedding. We were all in good spirits and pretty excited to witness the nuptials of our beloved Marianne. The excitement was a bit short lived when approximately one hour into our journey a disaster struck. We entered a curve and were about half way into it when we saw a motorcycle heading straight for us IN OUR LANE. It was one of those surreal moments where I had to blink twice to determine if it was truly happening. A split second later I was slamming on my brakes, jerking hard on the wheel, and plowing over a sign on the side of the road. Maybe three seconds after that, my passengers and I sat in stunned silence as we tried to wrap our heads around what had just happened. After establishing that no one was injured we removed ourselves from the ditch and found a safe spot just a few yards up the road where we could asses the damage.

It's a little sad, isn't it??? Jeremy and I will be making our first payment on it this week. Go ahead, cry if you want to, I can wait. (Luckily, my husband is such that he realizes that this "hunk of metal" kept us safe and secure as we were plowing over a driveway and into the ditch. ) After the initial shock wore off and I realized that there was absolutely no way that this could have been avoided, I just let it go. The almost flattened motorcyclist came back with his friends to make sure everyone was ok and apologize. The young man had just purchased the bike and honestly shouldn't have been out riding on that particular highway--and hopefully staring down the front end of my Envoy will be an image that sticks with him for awhile. We waited for the ONLY highway patrolman in the county to arrive and by the time he got there the wedding ceremony was WELL under way. We did eventually get all the paperwork taken care of and since Ramone was still drivable we headed for the Wedding reception.

We got to witness the first dance, and talk to friends whom we hadn't seen in a while. It was a fantastic reception and I must say that Marianne and her husband Zach looked blissfully happy. (I have pictures to share with you...but blogger is being a turkey and isn't letting me post more than the two I currently have.) Then it was time to turn around and come home--the drive back went better than the drive down and we arrived home without incident.

The trip wasn't' exactly what we had expected, but even with the accident we had a fantastic time just getting to talk and laugh. I couldn't have asked for better road trip companions--and Alex when you read this--Thanks for being there...I probably wouldn't have been as calm, cool and collected without you. You're THE BEST!

Table Talk

Looking back, one of my favorite things about growing up was getting to sit down at the dinner table as a family. I'm sure, at the time, I didn't appreciate it as fully as I do now--but when you're all grown up with a child of your own you see the BIGGER picture. So it's very important to me that we sit down together at the table whenever we can and have some family time. Unfortunately, Jeremy doesn't get to join me and Tanner every night...but we do what we can.

Tonight we sat down to enjoy dinner and each others company. The food was good and the conversation was...ummm...stimulating???

Juli: (Well, I can't really tell you what I said for risk of self-humiliation--note that it was a slightly suggestive comment directed at my husband--also note that it was one of those hidden suggestive comments, since little pichers have big ears)

Jeremy: (says nothing...but eyes widen in disbelief)

Tanner: mmmmm...these noodles are yummy!!

Juli: (Laughing) You should see the look of incredulity on your face!

Jeremy: (Very blank expression) What???

Juli: (S-L-O-W-L-Y) You should see the look of incredulity on your face.

Jeremy: Did you not hear me say "what??" the first time? Who uses a word like that in everyday conversation??? I mean, you used it in a sentence, so I now know what it means...but honestly???

Juli: (laughing harder now) You just looked so incredulous...sorry...skeptical.

Jeremy: (also laughing) Why didn't you just say that the first time?? I'm a country boy! I can count on one hand the members of my family that would know what that word meant

Juli: Sorry honey, I forget I have to use small words with you.

Tanner: (with noodles in mouth and laughing hysterically) SHAKE YOUR BOOTY!!!!

Jeremy and Juli: (stunned silence followed by more laughter)

We love our child! He just always manages to say something crazy and wonderful at the most perfect time. And since he talks pretty much non stop, we're always guaranteed a laugh. Anyway, dinner ended without any more big words or outbursts, Tanner has been tucked into bed, and Jeremy and I have been thoroughly horrified by "Celebrity Duets". Now it is time to prop our feet up and just enjoy the evening. Good night to you all, and look for some good stories Sunday evening. Marianne is getting married THIS SATURDAY!!! Alex, Shelly and I are trekking to Eureka Springs for the event. I am so excited about it!

We're Expanding!

Jeremy and I have an announcement! The Bradshaw family is growing larger and we couldn't be more happy. Please join us in welcoming the two newest members of our happy home!



This afternoon, we went to the pet store with the sole intention of buying a third goldfish for Tanner's fish tank...since he said we needed one for each of us. But while we were there, Jeremy strayed away from the fish aisle and found these two little guys. After a little pouting and a small temper tantrum, Tanner and I consented and told Jeremy that he could get one if he wanted. He wanted the fire-bellied newt. I, OF COURSE, fell in love with the fire-bellied toad. You know of my frog affinity. But, I was perfectly content in letting Jeremy get his newt, Tanner his goldfish, and myself nothing more than a quiet evening. Jeremy somehow talked me into getting both of them.

Long story short, I LOVE THEM--maybe even more than the boys do. I keep taking them out of their tank to play with them. I am pretty sure that I am going to name my frog "Fuego" for his fire-red tummy, and Jeremy wants to name the newt "Vader". I'll have to sleep on it though. But I am so excited to have them and
wanted to share them with you all.

Dear Vehicle Manufacturer,

I know that I may be a bit presumptuous in writing this letter considering that YOU are the experts and I am just a lowly consumer...but I felt that after ten years of sharing the road with others I should give you a suggestion that might be useful in cutting down the number of accidents.

I was driving some very precious cargo to the baby sitter's this morning when I was forced to slam on my breaks so the man in the 1985 Ford truck in front of me could turn. I, of course, was very concerned for his well being when this happened. What if I had rear ended this poor unsuspecting individual??? He was very busy at the time trying to figure out why his Billy Ray Cyrus tape wasn't working and he never would have known what hit him. What if the toothpick he was chewing on had gotten lodged in his throat?? I shudder thinking about the carnage that "might have been". I keep picturing his overall buckle getting caught on the steering wheel and the half empty bottle of Jack Daniels on the floor board breaking causing the liquor to spill out and ignite with the lit cigarette that was dropped in the collision. The images that follow make me sick!!!

I know You are constantly striving to make improvements to the vehicles that fine citizens like this man and myself buy, and I believe I might have a solution. Just go with me on this one and picture, if you will, a vehicle that has some sort of apparatus that would alert the people behind you if you are going to turn...some kind of signal that would just give a little bit of warning to other drivers. Think of the good it could do!!! I don't know what exactly would work, I'll let you, the experts figure out the exact design and logistics of it all, as I'm sure it will be more complicated than what my little mind could conceive. I just thought I would throw it out there! Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Motorin' Mama in Missouri

My Life in Bumper Stickers

Have you ever just been driving along and seen a bumper sticker that fits you to a tee?? Have you ever realized that your life is just one bumper sticker after another??? This happened to me today.


This one describes PERFECTLY how I have been feeling this last week. After all, it's pretty discouraging to get turned down for a job that mirrors one you already have. I have tried to maintain a sense of humor about the whole thing. Even if the sense of humor was a bit self-deprecating. I did call upon my creative side and lo and behold a song was born. Tell me what you think.

To the tune of Garth Brook's song "Shameless"

I'm jobless!

Baby, I don't even care.

Every time you see me standing there

I'll be saying "spare change please?"

Ok, that's as far as I got--but I think it's a good start. I'm hoping to get it put in the little known, off broadway musical "Can't pay my RENT".

I will admit that I have been feeling a little blue. And I will even admit to eating some ice cream just cuz it made me feel better. Cookies and Cream. It was pretty tasty. This reminds me...MOM--Breyer's has cartons of light "Fried Ice Cream"!!! Yes, I said Light! Can it get any better than that?? I submit that it cannot! Disclaimer: The author of "The Bradshow" is fully aware of the consequences of emotional eating and in no way does she support it as a way of dealing with one's problems.


So, in light of everything happening here, I have found myself pondering the meaning of life. Have I just not been putting my left leg in enough?? Maybe not, but I do know I can't dwell on it. I just have to move on and keep my chin up and my head held high. By the way, I WAS offered my job back...and I accepted on a trial basis and with some conditions. Hey, it's a paycheck! We'll see how it goes. So Tuesday, I have to get up early again and back to the real world I go. It will be another adventure in the book that is my life.