Meanwhile.......

***WARNING*** this post may contain a PLETHORA of pictures.  But writing is kept to a minimum.  Enter at your own risk.  Or just totally enter and enjoy. 


GUESS WHAT?  I/We survived this week, and somehow my kids did too.  That's not to say there weren't a few meltdowns, utter exhaustion and frustrations, and that I may have looked like this:

I seriously woke up with the GREATEST bed head EVER this morning.

It had been a particularly long and harrowing day/night before. And sadly

this picture doesn't fully capture "the awesome" that was my hair.

but overall.....we did it.  I think it's been a little confusing and hard on the kids to have me gone so much.  THANK GOODNESS for Auntie Julie being here with them every night. I don't know WHAT i'd do without her help. So, I thought I'd give you, my fabulous and faithful readers out there a little pictoral rundown of moments in the week. I know, i know, I'm just too kind.  But, I know how much you've MISSED me and my chaos and I want to keep you all happy.

We overcame Max's mild case of chicken pox with little to no issues.  Jere still won't believe it really was...but it WAS!  The pictures don't really show it well.

They were on his bum bum, his leg, his chest and back too. 

But it's difficult to get a shot without showing his "junk".

And I don't want to be accused of kiddy "you know what" around here.

The week consisted of several days where I was gone from 8 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. or later.  I was either working at the shop, running errands for the show or in rehearsals.  And I've been BURNIN UP the cell phone lines, FO SHO!  It is UH-MAZING how much crap you have to do to get a show done.

Working in the shop is actually pretty fun.  It's so cool to see pieces come together to create places and things that create the "reality" in the show.  So, I give you some shots from our workday yesterday.  We got A LOT accomplished.

Jer has been OBSESSED with his stick that he has as Mr. Bumble.

So, he made it his personal project to make JUST what he wanted.

The result makes a statement, that is for sure.

I'll be sure to get a picture of him all in costume with it.

At least he's happy now.

I never said I was a good painter, but at least I get it done.

And let's just discuss how NOT cute my pajama/workout shirts make me.

Word to the wise ladies....big, boxy t-shirts are NOT a good look....EVER!

WOW!

All the LONG days building, painting and working are worth it when you get to be in rehearsals and see nearly finished product like this....

Scenes from Fagins house

I particularly love the handkerchief lines, and the fireplace, which will

eventually have a "glowing" fire and hanging pot among other things.

I also LOVE my kids here.  They're a good bunch.

Oh hey, just a little shot of me rockin the headset.

I sit in the back at my big table and deal with lights, take notes, yell at the cast.

You know, just generally rule over them like the evil dictator that I am.

It is really exciting to see things finally come together.  This is the point where it gets fun.  You start to really see how it's going to look, and move.  I can't wait for Monday when they'll finally all be in costumes and makeup.  FUN!!

But, while I HAVE been consumed and busy with all things Oliver.  I did get to have a brief break on Wednesday and go into the recording studio and do backup vocals for a commercial.  It was soooooo much fun.  We laughed and laughed and had the best time.  And the finished product is pretty dang awesome.  I can't wait until the commercial is done and they release it so I can post it here.  Jer is directing it and starring in it and it's gonna be cute.

We were totally rockin the 50's kind of doo wop girls.

What?  Not everyone does choreography while in the recording studio?

Whatever, we TOTALLY do!

My friend Jamie, sister Jenny and Moi!

Thanks Jer and Rob for "casting" us.

We sound awesome, it can't be denied.

Sometimes (read most times) I just have to laugh at the "wierdness" of my life.  It's not normal, that's for sure.  And while occasionally I crave total "normal" and set life schedules, for the most part I wouldn't trade what we have.  I mean, how many people get to be a SAHM that does occasional choral recordings with world famous orchestras, or commercial recordings (besides you Jenee the commercail queen) or direct musicals or teach college classes, or be out with their husbands that get recognized EVERYWHERE we go for shows he's done, OR have friends that star in commercials or star on Broadway?  I mean seriously.  Silly, crazy life...that I love.

Here is hoping that everything runs smoothly with dress rehearsals, costumes fit, make up looks good, we can finally get the lights to be better than they are, etc.  And that we have the BEST opening weekend ever!  PLEASE, if you live in AZ, come see the show...it's gonna be good.

If I'm gone for another week, just know....we're in the final stretch friends, and I'll be back soon.  As it stands, it's now 8:30 a.m. and I have to change Maxs poopy diaper lest I asphyxiate and then clean my house before church, or I might explode. (or should I go meet my lighting designer and fixt what needs to be fixed because this is the ONLY day he can see me before the show starts...dilemmas)

Workdays and tired brains,

Allyson

These are the days of my life....

 
Man I love these two kiddos.

You guys.....seriously...................................


Life is just a crazy roller coaster of, well
CRAZY!!


Here's the deal, my house is filthy, my kids are getting baths like every 2nd or 3rd day, I'm completely exhausted, I yell at the kids for not sleeping, 'cause I WANT TO SLEEP.  It's not cool people.  BUT, I see a light at the end of the tunnell.  Soon, very soon it will all be over and I can get back to some semblance of normal (whatever THAT is).


Here's just a brief little rundown of the last 2 weeks, straight up.


Monday Sept. 27  1:30 p.m.:  Jere no longer has a job with what was s'posed to be a "dream job".  We are in shock.  Don't know what we're going to do.
9:30 p.m.:  Jer gets a call from my cousin offering him a onetime job that will pay him twice what he'd normally make in a month.  First miracle.


Friday Oct. 1: Keeping my head above water.  Finish blocking the entire show. ready to run all of the 2nd act and see where we're at.  Jer has some great possibilities for new groups.


Sunday Oct. 3 7:45 p.m.: Very exciting meeting for Jer with the parents of all the kids in the Glee group he co-directed with Tracie.  Seems they all recognize what a lying whore his former boss is, and they ALL left the studio and decide to keep the Glee group together with Jer and Tracie as the directors.  He will make slightly MORE than he was making at the studio for doing less time.  Miracle #2. We are grateful.  (Sidenote...my bro. in law drove himself to the emergency room and was admitted for emergency gall bladder surgery.  WHOA!)
10:00 p.m.:  Jere comes home from the meeting complaining he doesn't feel good.  Freezing, shivers, aches, sore throat.


Monday Oct. 4:  Notice some dots on max, but figure they're some more heat rash.  Jere is MISERABLE!  We don't have insurance, or money, so try to wait the sickness out.  Ran the 2nd act of Oliver....Hot mess! (My crazy bro. in law drove HIMSELF home from the hospital, not for the lack of offers from others)


Tuesday Oct. 5:  Hmmm, are those more dots on Max, nah, I'm probably just imagining it.  Jere is worse, alternating 102 degree fevers.  Talked to my Mom, she says it definitely sounds like strep.  CRAP!  I call the doctor, only available appointment is Wed. morning at 7:30 a.m.  We take it.  Jere actually ASKED for a Priesthood blessing (miracle) and asks our friend Jim to come and give it.  They had a wonderful visit and he gave Jere a beautiful blessing, assuring him of his health and many other personal and wonderful things.  That night we had another miracle that I won't go into, just know that it was HUGE and another affirmation to us that God is real and constantly aware of us and our needs.


Wed. Oct 6:  Jer goes to the doctor, as she recoils in "fear" she declares it a HORRIBLE case of strep and gets him on an antibiotic immediately.
I notice MORE wierd dots on Max.  It occurs to me that this could be "something" not good.  I called my Mom, my Sister, because they're my all knowing, go to Moms of knowledge.  Couldn't get a hold of them, so i called all my best knowing Mommies until I found one who answered.  Explained the spots, where they were, etc.  Yep, CHICKEN POX!  My weeks was getting better by the day!  Tried to run the entire show, didn't finish.  I need to work with my leads...get them in the "right place." (bro. in law goes back to work, crazy)


Thursday Oct 7:  Woke up at 2 a.m. could NOT go back to sleep.  Brain would not shut off, show stuff, job stuff, life stuff.  Got up, checked e-mail.  Finally went back to bed and sleep at 4:30 a.m.  Maggie came in at FIVE A.M.  Of COURSE she did.  Chicken Pox confirmed by 2 more all knowing Moms.  Thankfully Max has had the vaccine, and it's a mild case.  Plus, I have the nicest "sick" kids ever who hardly ever show how sick they are.  Well, unless you count Maggies "Sass" problem.  That is a sickness I can't figure out HOW to cure.  YIKES!


Friday Oct 8:  I'm EXHAUSTED!  Have I mentioned Max has CHICKEN POx and Jere has strep. OY!  Dealing with Jere, figuring out show stuff, taking care of the kids.  Total breakdown over set stuff.  (Sweetest moment EVER:  As I was laying on the bed sobbing, umm maybe because I'm sleep deprived, stressed and not fully understanding the set situation. Maggie is very concerned.  After asking me several times what was wrong, and patting me, hugging me, offering kind words, she left the room and returned a moment later with her beloved "night night" blanket and laid at next to me.  Seriously, SWEETEST moment.) Finding out my set designer is LEAVING TOWN for an entire week the week before we open.  We're nowhere near done.  Misunderstanding on a set piece.  Pissed off the shop guy on accident. 
Dance/spacing rehearsal.  We're in good place. Got to talk to most of my leads, really discuss character and figure stuff out.  Long emotional day.


Saturday Oct 9:  Maggie woke up at 1 a.m. and 3 p.m. just for kicks and giggles.  OR because she somehow KNEW that I had to get up early and do a workday for 9 hours.  Such a sweetheart.  Got up and out to workday by 8:00 a.m.  Made up with the shop guy.  All is well.  Worked on the set until 6:00.  Got a lot done, but sooooo much more to do.  My legs and feet sort of HATE me.


In the meantime...the kitchen floor looks like Max painted a masterpiece with yogurt and cereal.  My bedroom is buried under shmutz and dust.  And somewhere there is a bathroom sink under the soapscum.  I can't seem to drum up enough energy to do the deeper cleaning I need to. However, I DID organize all the books in the kids room, change my sheets and do 3 loads of laundry.  So i guess I'm not a total loss.....yet!  One day I'll get a nap or a decent nights sleep, AND I'll be able to get back to blogging something other than, blah, boo hoo blah, blah, I'm tired and my family is all sick.


Starting tomorrow we go into tech week.  5 hour rehearsals, fixing, polishing, lighting, spacing, running, etc.  It's gonna be long, but soon enough it'll be over.
Then 3 dress rehearsals and we OPEN!


Lest anyone think I'm a bawl baby complainer...I do want you to know that there are a lot of good things.  I'm grateful for wonderful people in my life.  Great family, loving friends and small miracles each and every day.  I know that this "crazy" time is just a small moment.  Soon enough it'll be over and we'll look back on this time and either laugh at it or wonder how we survived.


In the meantime....at least you now know..."the days of my life."


Sleepless in Mesatown,


Allyson


P.S.  Update on my little Payne family, pledgie account from the post before.  There has been an amazing response.  They're up to $6200.00, which will definitely pay for nursing care for a month.  Tom and Joy are overwhelmed by the generosity of others. And so thrilled at the idea that help is on the way.  Just thought you'd like to know.

A Time of NEED

Two people meet, they fall in love, they plan their future together, they get married.  Life is full of possibilities and excitement.  Love is toxic, the future is open.  They move to a new state, they make friends wherever they go.  They are the life of any party.  They hope to have a family.  Setbacks happen, it takes a little longer than planned.  In the meantime, they work, they serve, they laugh, the BELIEVE in the future they've planned.  They get to buy their first house AND have their first baby, things are looking perfect.  More education is finished, but new jobs aren't forthcoming.  It's ok, life is still great.  They're happy, they're in love.  Another sweet baby joins the family, and life seems perfect.  A few years later they're excited to be pregnant with baby number 3.  Things aren't exactly how they'd "planned" but they're still good, so good.  Unexpectedly baby 3 comes early, too early.  There are a lot of problems, complications, unexpected issues.  He is in the hospital for a very long time.  But still they persevere.  They have eachother, a strong love and their beloved kids.  FINALLY they get to bring their fragile new baby home, which means A LOT of round the clock care, tubes, wires, medical supplies.  The big brother loves his new little brother so much.  He is his protector.  They're all tired, exhausted really and don't know how they're going to do it all, but they have eachother.  Then their lives take a turn they never saw coming.  Perfect, beautiful, happy big brother is taken from them in a horrible drowning.  This was NOT in their plans, this wasn't what they saw as they planned their future together. 

Sometimes life is NOT what you expected or what you planned.  Sometimes you have to stop and take a different route.  A route you never intended, you never wanted to walk down.  Some people face these changes in direction with grace and dignity.  These people are that way....grief untold, fear, exhaustion, pain...but they walk this new path with faith, grace and dignity.  Unfortunately this new path requires A LOT of them physically, emotionally and monetarily.  They weren't fully prepared for all of that.  They need help.

I can't say that I've ever done something like this before, BUT sometimes more drastic measures are needed to be taken.  When you see a struggle and sorrow to this depth, you have to make efforts to help.

As you are all aware, I wrote about our sweet friends  the Paynes losing their 3 year old Son Jaxon just over a month ago to a tragic drowning.  And then I wrote about the funeral as well.  Needless to say life has been difficult, at best.  I didn't realize HOW difficult (beyond losing their son) it really was.

Meet the Paynes in an older pic

On top of their EXTREME grief and guilt over losing their son, they also have a tiny newborn with A LOT of medical issues that are overwhelming.  He requires round the clock feedings and care, which means these parents are NOT sleeping.  Then you add in the immense amount of medical bills just from Easton (the baby) and the life flight and funeral expenses for Jaxon and they're literally drowning.

Meet Easton

These are truly the MOST amazing people ever there was.  They have worked so hard forever to do what is right.  To treat all they come in contact with with love and respect.  They are incredibly giving of their time and resources.  And now, it is them that needs help.  So, so much help. 

My sister in law (their best friend) wrote up a quick description of what is going on with them and set up a pledgie account.  PLEASE, I am imploring you my beloved readers, PLEASE take the 2 minutes to read their story.  And if you can spare even five dollars, or anything at all please do.  No one should have to shoulder THIS much burden and pain.  They need to know that through this all there is SOMETHING to hope for.

http://pledgie.com/campaigns/13668


Thanks for hearing me out.  And for taking a minute to learn about my friends. My sister in law set this account up yesterday and the response has been remarkable.  I won't lie when I say it has restored my faith in humanity a little bit.

Love and appreciation,

Allyson

Stuck on You

Good news folks, GOOD NEWS!

When trying to read a little article about "Does pride keep us in debt, Reality show untrue, Mormons say" (cause I always gots to read about how we Mormons are portrayed in the media) I came upon this little gem.  No really, a gem I tell you. (I shall let you read it, and add my commentary, 'cause I'm good like that)

Did you know........

This October marks the 29th annual National Stamp Collecting Month in the United States. Who knew? We have a MONTH to celebrate this special little hobby. And is a month really necessary.  Couldn't we be satisfied with a week?  How about a day.  Rah rah, stamp collecting hooray!  Beginning in 1981 as a collaborative project between the United States Postal Service and the Council of Philatelic Organizations, stamp collecting is a popular hobby for people of all ages. You don't say?!  There is even a name for the collection and study of stamps: philately.WHAT?  Who came up with THAT?  That doesn't even have a remote resemblance to the sound of stamps.  Surely there must be a more clever name.  And WHO does this stamp collecting?

This seems appropriate...no?

I especially love his tongue sticking out.

The U.S. isn’t the only country to recognize stamp collecting.PHEW!  So we're not the only country of awesomeness.  This is a relief. Germany’s Stamp Day is celebrated every two years at least they have the good sense to give it a year in between.  Time to really work up a GOOD celebration with a special postage stamp,NO FAIR! They get their own special stamp. What gives? while the Philippines has an annual National Stamp Collecting Month held each November.

The American Philatelic Does this sound too close to fillatio to anyone else? Society suggests three essential tips for stamp collecting: proper soaking of stamps, choosing the right storage album, and using tongs. (Read more at stamps.org.) Excellent tips, thank you Philatelic society, THANK YOU!

And that's all they wrote.  I feel as if I was left hanging.  Isn't there anymore they could share with us, the American public about this exciting and important MONTH LONG celebration?  Such as, where to begin collecting, what to collect, proper water to stamp ratio, perhaps the right pair of tongs to get. Or, just WHAT is done to celebrate? Are there parades to attend? Conventions, large groups of people sticking stamps in books? My head is spinning with possibilities. Can you see, the options were limitless.

Hmm, guess I'll have to run off to stamps.org and get on this.

You all can thank me later for broadening your horizons.

Lickity yours,

Allyson


As a final thought...I may or may not have just eaten WAY to much popcorn.  My stomach does NOT thank me.

Also, Jere is still SO sick, which is SO sucky!  Think he might have strep.  Going to the dr. in the morning.  Blech!

I'm NOT a fan

Let's get one thing straight...I do NOT deal well with change.  It's just not something I enjoy.  I can't process it.  NO BUENO! 

For those who know me, this is not news.  For you, my other cyber friends, I just wanted you to be in the know.

So, with my NON-proclivity for change...you can imagine my true disdain when products go and do THIS:

You see that?

The OLD one is on the right.

It's blue, nice color.

Has a pinch of design there on the bottom.

The Curel is large and visible.

It's been this way FOREVER!

The NEW one is on the left.

It's WHITE, lacking in all color.

There is NO design asthetic.

Curel is small and harder to see.

I HATE it.

WHY do these stupid companies feel it necessary to change something that has NOTHING wrong with it?

I just DON'T GET IT!

It happens FAR to often.

I mean, it's WHITE.  I literally walked past in in the lotion aisle THREE times.

It blends in with the shelves.

WHO thought this completely plain, bland and boring bottle was a good idea?

Bother!

I am FULLY aware that this is a ridiculous thing to be bothered with.

But hey, this is me.  This is My blog.

Jere just told me I'm retarded for writing this.

I agreed.

But, so it goes.

A pox upon your house

As I'm changing Max's approximate 4 billionth and one diarhea-ish diaper, and Jer is laying in bed with what is clearly the plague of death (which literally stampeded in out of nowhere last night and sat on his face), and my tummy is churning in the pre-throws of "something wicked this way is coming", I'm trying to figure out why we're all suffering.  WHAT has brought this all on.  Did I say something wrong?  Not watch enough conference?  Why oh why.  And then it hits me.

This is alllll Jeres fault.  Yeah, I'm blaming him (and perhaps a little by my brother Porter).  Why you ask?  Well I think you'll be agreeing with me when you see what he went and did.

Clearly,  when you purposely go and give yourself the look of a 70's porn star, current resident of Wyoming or complete ghetto stash, as it were, then you are definitely calling a pox upon yourself and apparently the innocent bystanders in your house.

Shame on you Jere VP, SHAAAAAAME be upon you.

Why would he do this ridiculousness?  All because my brother Porter thought it would be hilarious if he did.  He told Jere he should do it, "it'd be so cool."  And Jer is nothing if not a follower of all things Porter.  So, imagine my surprise, and or creeps when Jer sauntered in yesterday morning with this beaut of a look.  Of course Porter thinks Jer is sooo cool for doing it.  Ewww.  Thanks P, thanks A LOT.  I blame you; you for the hideous look, the poopy diapers, the churning stomach and the sick husband.  Don't you feel bad now?

Bad bets and nasty stache,

Allyson

**All opinions in this blog are just that, strictly snarky opinions of yours truly.  IF you sport a stache, or know someone who does that looks anytihng like this. My apologies (on all accounts).  I don't really think that porno mustaches can really bring a pox upon your house, though PORN can.  Just sayin.

Me so "Versatile"

So recently, like last week or so, I had a little awardsy bestowed upon moi.  I was especially pleased with this award, because it was given to me by someone who I don't know at all.  She had JUST been the featured blogger on SITS and I started following her, and commented, and apparently, she decided she loved me.  I realize it's hard NOT to, I mean what's NOT to love...but still.  So, thanks to Vee at Every Day Kings for this awesomeness.  She thinks I'm......Versatile.

I'm honored, really, I am.

Okay, this is how it works: I tell you a few things about myself and award some new blogs I'm following.

7 new things about me? I don't know if I can come up with that many. I mean really, I've been pretty forthcoming, if you will, in all my bloggedness.  But, I shall try.  Because I'm all honored and crap.
 
Here goes...........
 
1. I hate animals(ducking for cover).  Like really do NOT like them, most especially to EVER be in my house.  And cats are my LEAST favorite EVER!  I know, I know, I've just crushed some of you.  I'm sorry.  I can't help it.  They make me feel like everything is dirty and hair covered if they're around.  Please know, we can still be friends. And then remind me to tell you a horrifying cat story from my mission.
 
2. I have been "trying" to get pregnant for a year.  No such luck.  Now, I'm getting selfish, and realizing I'm in a good place with kids being able to do things themselves.  No helpless babies around.  Either this happens pronto, or I may be OUT!
 
3. I love, LOVE and adore all things that are mocha or coffee flavored (candy, ice cream, etc.), or anything that smells like coffee(I will just walk down the coffee aisle in the grocery store to take a sniff).  And, I have literally NEVER tasted actual coffee one time in my life. (This tidbit is what I like to call a twofer)
 
4. I have never tasted alcohol in any form, EVER.
 
5. I have dream roles that I would give anything to play....someday.  I WILL play Miss Hannigan in Annie (I rock Little Girls) and Queen Agrivane in Once upon a Mattress. I wished to be Martha in Secret Garden, but that ship sailed about 10 years ago, hehehe. (shutup Melissa, just shutup)
 
6. Hair, in any form, once it has left your head makes me literally gag and wretch.  It's ridiculous, but I have a SERIOUS fear of hairballs, and rogue hairs being places where they shouldn't be.
 
7. My Mom REALLLLLY wanted to name me Veronica, or Monique.  Either way, I shutter at the thought.  NOT that there is anything wrong with those names, they're just so wrong for ME.   So, instead, she named me Allyson, after the actress June Allyson.
 
Oh hey, I did it.  Yay me!  Ok, so now I need to bestow this upon some people. Blech. Everyone I read and love, I've pretty much given awards to already.  OR, they're bloggy rockstars and have a million of these already.  The pressure.
 
Ok, I've got it.
 
Random Pockets of Chaos Because she is like my BEST "I don't know her in real life" blog friend. AND, she really is oh so versatile.  She has great photography posts, and makes fabulous party hats and cake toppers, AND, she's quite witty.  I loves me some wit!
 
Funny or Snot Oh Poppy, how she makes me laugh.  You really must give her a looky loo.  Plus, I will love her forever, because we're the same age, but once she totally complimented me and said she was sure I must be much younger than her, 'cause I look younger than her.  SWEET!  Totally made my day.
 
 
Now, in some other news...I totally busted out my inner power tool diva and rocked the scene shop today.  I got to use this big mamber jamber power saw and cut pieces of wood.  I measured, I cut, I wore the safety goggles, I did it ALL.  Then, THEN I totally made 7 little crates that will house fake vegies for the street scenes of Oliver.  I felt so super cool.  And, it was really fun.  Power saw, nail gun, safety goggles.  Hotness all the way around.
 
Speaking of Oliver....the show is now completely blocked.  I have 2 weeks to clean, clean, clean and make this show GREAT!  I'm excited about that. And goodness knows, we NEED the time to fix and clean.
 
 
And then there is this:
 

Look at that little stinker boy.  He's such an adorable little mess maker.

He really does look/listen to the stories, sometimes.

A DELIGHTFUL byproduct of Jers newfound free time in the evenings.

He brought home all his great kids books

Each night he picks one out to read to the kids.

Maggie has been completely enraptured by it all.

She loves each new book so much, she usually asks to take it to bed.

Then she "reads" it to whoever will listen the next day.

It has been so fun to see them have this Daddy time.

And he really is amazing at story time.

Guess that's enough for now.

Stories and truths,

Allyson

P.S. Many thanks for the kind comments and compliments on my "slutty" dress. I really appreciate all input there!

Guess me and my big boobies ain't goin nowhere. Though I do believe a cami is in order for future wearings.

"Dress"ed for Success

Alright, enough with the Debbie Downer post.  Something had to be put up here stat.

So, forgive if it's lame, and or hastily thrown together, but I HAD to do it.  Hells, i only have like 45 minutes before I need to leave for rehearsal and I am in NO WAY prepared to go.  BUT, this seemed MUCH more fun than prep work.

First of all....just wanted to say...I LOVE my Mom.  Just had a lovely chat with her when I went to pick up my kids.  It was so nice to sit at the kitchen table and talk and discuss.  She's a great listener, and I love her and appreciate her.  Thanks Mom, for ALL you do to help me out.

That said....

The other Sunday Jer and I took an impromptu visit over to my sister Danas house.  We don't often go over, well, anywhere these days.  So, it was a treat to go over and have dinner, hang out, visit AND even play a hysterical game.  When we were getting ready to leave Dana threw this dress at me that she was getting rid of.  I eyed it a little warily.  Let it be known that she and I just have different style.  She will pick bold prints that I NEVER would choose. Yet, they totally work for her.  Also, she wears short (knee length) skirts or dresses. I DO NOT!  I have this wierd obsession with keeping my knees covered.  I feel like I look wierd in shorter dresses, PLUS, I'm not so much a fan of my legs.  NOT.TO.MENTION....I tend to sort of sit like a trucker.  Lady like is not so much in my description.  So, put me in a shorter skirt/dress...I'm screwed.  AND, try keeping my lucious sized thighs all the way together...it's a trick!  But, I digress.

Dress in hand, we left.  I let it lay in the corner of my room for nearly a week before I decided to at least try it on.  I was rather skeptical that it would even fit at all, she's a lot smaller than I am for goodness sake.  However, when I tried it on, I was surprised to find that it did for the most part fit.  A bit tight at the bubbies, but it fit.  "Hmmmmm, maybe this would work."

I put it back on the floor and left it for Sunday morning.

Getting ready for church, thinking about how I really did NOT want to wear the one and ONLY dress I have, yet again.  I'm sick of wearing the same thing every week.  So maybe, just maybe I'd put this "new" dress on and just go for it.

I put it on, got myself situated and then walked into the other room to ask Jer to help me zip it (totally lame side zipper).  His reaction was pretty awesome.  After he put his eyes back in his head and picked his jaw up off the ground, he happily helped me zip.  Apparently...this dress makes my already bodacious ta tas even more BODACIOUS!

Won't lie, he made me feel good.  Even if I did feel naked and exposed with my knees showing, which SURELY meant that my butt was hanging out too.  And, my buh-zooms felt more exposed than I thought necessarily appropriate for church.  BUT, time was out and i had nothing else to wear, and my man thought i was hot.  So, I went with it.

I may or may not have felt a little whorish in church.  Just sayin.

Good thing I had Max to hold on my lap the ENTIRE time.  And I absolutely refused to bend over, and or chase the kids, because nothing needed to be more exposed.

What?  You want to see a picture?  Ok, fine.
Let it be known, I made him take the pics before we left, so I could assess if I looked Ok, or totally hefferish in the dress.
Note Maggie and her positions.  Cracks me UP!  There is a shot of my backside, which I shall spare you from, but she is standing the same way as me in that one too.  So funny.

So?  Whore of Babylon?

Or is that just in my head?

Why did it feel like I was WAY more exposed than this picture shows?

And lastly...that dress says it's a size 16. WHAAAAAT?

Like a size 16 GIANT perhaps.

But, I'll totally take it.

Thanks Dana for a new dress.  For convincing me to give it a whirl.

And now....I'm off like a herd of turtles to get ready for rehearsal.

Boobaliciously yours,

Allyson