Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Mermaids


Have you seen this movie? It's not a great movie. The best part of it in my opinion is the sound track. Anyway, it's about a not-so-good single mother and her 2 girls. My sister and I have joked about this movie for years and years. She serves cheese doodles in a bowl for dinner. I mean like, calls her kids to the table for their meal, and literally serves cheese doodles. So if we have had a long day, or if we're just not feelin' it, we will be like.....I'm serving a Mermaid dinner tonight. Or....I'm serving a Cher dinner tonight. Or if I go somewhere where I personally would serve a meal, and instead receive a bowl of chips, I'll say...I went to a Mermaid style party today.
Growing up, I never EVER ate something that was pulled out of a box in the freezer. It just never happened. We never sat down around the table with bags of fast food. We never ate sauce out of a jar, or lettuce out of a bag. Chef-boy-r-dee? something my mother would consider to be dog food. Other than the occasional Chinese food, and the ever so rare White Castle, we ate a home cooked meal every single night of the week. All 8 of us. You learn what you live. My kids don't eat frozen food out of a box, and we stay away from fast food.
Once in a blue moon, I pull a "junk night". I would say once a quarter. Tonight was the night. Here's my conversation with Amber, and a show of how well my kids know me.
A: What's for dinner?
Me: Junk.
A: YES! Chicken wings!!
Me: How did you know that?
A: Because any time that you say were having "junk" it's chicken wings and finger foods.
Me:_________
I got nothing. She's right. I guess I am predictable to my 10 year old. You have to see their faces light up when they see it's "junk night". It's hilarious.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Livin' the Dream

Most of the time when I hear this phrase, it's in a sarcastic way. Like a wise crack. It's funny how all people see the world and their life through different sets of eyes. "To each is Own." "One man's trash is another man's treasure." "It's not what you've got, it's what you give". So on and so forth. I sometimes think how you see the world and your life is a reflection of your life experience.

I can honestly say whole heartedly, I am livin' the dream.

I have my God that blesses me endlessly.

I am 100% healthy, and always have been.

I have 2 healthy, amazing children. 1 girl, 1 boy.

I am getting married to a good, kind hearted man who loves and respects me.

I have been able to remain in my home through these uncertain economic times.

I live in the United States of America.

I am among the top 3% wealthiest people in the world.

I have more than I need.

I have a car that takes me everywhere I need to go, and I own it.

I have warm blankets, and food on the table everyday, and a roof over my head.

I have God, I have Children, I have Love, and I have Faith.

I am Livin' the Dream.

What's Your Dream?

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Up Sellin'

I experienced some hard core up-selling at the post office in my recent visits. Times are tough all around. I mean...would you like to send this first class over night? How about 2 day delivery? Of course you need stamps right? As I am trying to be coaxed into spending more money than I intended (never happens. I am the queen of "No, thank you") I am listening to all of the other clerks doing the same thing. Almost like they were given an actual list of questions that they were asked to run through with each and every customer.

There are certain places that you expect the up-sell to come. Restaurants. Cable/phone companies. Infomercial companies when you call to place your order.

But the Post Office?

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Showered With Love

Today was my Wedding Shower!! We had an amazing time, and my sister threw an over-the-top party. She really out did herself this time, and I am so thankful for her. Before I get into the pics, I want to say how thankful I am to have all of these lovely ladies in my life. They are truly a blessing to me. In addition to all that you are about to see, I was also given gift certificates to cover my hair and nails for the day of the wedding! My sweet friend Jill gave me a beautiful Iron Cross to hang on my wall, with vinyl lettering to put above it that says...TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART. One of my favorite gifts for sure. I actually started off my day with an incredible message from PF at 8:30 service. You should watch it here sometime Monday afternoon.

We ALSO got an AMAZING joint early wedding gift from a trio of seasoned married couples who have walked through trials in life and stuck together through thick and thin. They wrote us a beautiful letter, and along with it was a wedding night stay for Robert and I at The Duke Mansion!!!!! Can you believe? First a week long stay in Charleston from Marie and Joe, and now this!! 2 things that weren't in the budget for us! AMAZING gifts! Even more AMAZING people!

Alright. Ready?


This cake. YES. That's the cake. I don't even know what to say. I should have had Regina make my wedding cake! Look at this thing! All of the layers were different flavors too. I guess you can say I finally found my Prince. Thank you so much Regina!!

I introduce to you Miss Vivian. She has been in our family for quite some time. Depending on the occasion, she is either in evening wear draped in diamonds, or she's gone Geisha, or she sports Santa's jacket and belt and rocks fish net stockings during the holidays. Either which way, no matter the attire or hair color, she's always around. Today, she wore my bridesmaids dress. Strange you say? I don't ever recall saying the Corbett family was 'normal'. Have I?
My mother and my big girl.

Me and my favorite girl in the whole world.

Bri, Amber, Kennie and Danielle.

Displaying the favors that we made with Small Group. They were a hit! People were leaving with more than one for sure!!

Here is just a small portion of the spread, compliments of my brother, and Panera Bread.

Marie printed out the blog post that Robert wrote, framed it, and put it on display for everyone to read. His Mom and sisters really loved it. This was a great idea!

I wanted to lay these gifts out better, but just didn't have the energy. You wouldn't believe all of the great gifts we got! They are really going to help me to be the wonderful wife I hope to be. I'm still getting used to that. I am going to be a wife. WOW!
Honestly, I didn't get very many pics. I am hoping my sister will do a post too with the pictures that she took. I couldn't have dreamed for a better day.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Chopped Salad

This is an awesome salad! It is actually a replica of the chopped salad at the Cheesecake Factory, but the ingredients are simplistic, and it is easy to duplicate.

Romaine Lettuce, chopped fine
Grilled Chicken, chopped fine(you can buy the pre-cooked 'short cuts', or cook your own, or even use leftover chicken that you made on the grill!)
Avocado
Tomatoes
Green Apple
Bacon (I always keep already cooked bacon in the house. It's leaner, and less mess!)
Corn
Bleu Cheese Crumbles

All chopped fine, all tossed in a Balsamic Vinaigrette. Don't toss it if you do not intend to eat it all, because it will obviously wilt. Toss what you need, and save the rest!

Enjoy!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Tell us what you really think!

I met Colleen on eHarmony in October of 2007 (yes, I said eHarmony), our first date was on Dec. 2, 2007. We met at the Discovery Place in down town Charlotte and ate dinner in this romantic little restaurant called Monticello's. When I first laid eyes on Colleen I had the typical first glance thought in my head that any guy would be thinking at that moment...(WOW SHE'S HOT!).

Remember when you were young and your mother or father told you that when you meet the person that your suppose to be with for the rest of your life you'll know it, and you were like whatever, sure I will. I never really understood what that meant until I met Colleen and the light bulb came on in my head and I was like 'wow, that's what my parents were talking about.'

Now having said all that I still think my wife to be is hot, but beyond that I also know how beautiful she is, inside and out. I fell in love with a women who is strong in her personality but is soft spoken in her words, who loves and takes care of her family tirelessly, whose patients with me is endless and for a guy that means a lot. She accepts me for who I am through and through and I couldn't have prayed to God for anything better than what she is as a woman, I'm just grateful she chose me to spend the rest her life with.

God knows I love Colleen and I know why he put us together. God and his angels were up in heaven and God was talking to his angels and said, do you guys wanna see something funny and BAM! he put the two of us together. Now I like to laugh and have fun and sometimes I do silly things to get a laugh from friends and family, Colleens the same way...Put the two of us together and watch out. I'm guessing were like a comedy sitcom for all the heavens to enjoy, and they say God doesn't have a sense of humor. I've told Colleen that one day I'm going to put up a hidden camera in the house and get her on tape doing some of her silly dances and other crazy things she does to make me laugh, speaking of laughing you guys should get her to do her new laugh that she does for me, ITS FFFUUNNYY! She should have her own character on SnL.

Guest blogger,

Robert C. Gebhardt III

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Gossip

Can't stand it.

Tired of hearing it.

Won't entertain it.

Turns into exaggeration and lies.

Nothing good comes out of it.

Hurts people.

Makes you a phony.

Makes you a coward. (Say it to their face tough guy)

I witnessed some cheesy gossip at work between last night and this morning.

I go to work, I work, and I leave. I try not to get involved in nonsense. I watched a game of 'telephone' from last night to this morning turn one incident into a big dramatic story that wasn't even true. I know. I was there at the scene of the drama.

One of the biggest lessons I have been trying to teach Amber is this...."Don't believe everything you hear". I always say that to her. Especially when she tells me some obviously off the wall made up story that someone told as a truth. Being gullible is not a good quality. Lying is ugly. All the he said she said garbage is ridiculous.

I set the record straight for the girl that wasn't even there to defend herself.

Then I worked, and did my thing.

Then as I was leaving and she was coming, I told her all that was said about her and what transpired this morning. Then I left.

No one had a word to say to her when she got to work, but had a whole lot to say when she wasn't there.

I can't stand it.

Gossip. No Bueno.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Have you been scanned?

I haven't. On Facebook. Yet. But it's coming. I've been threatened. Twice.

Have you been scanned? Is your prom picture on facebook right now? Or your 5th grade class photo? Are you o.k. with this? Have you forgotten just how funny looking you really were? Or how great you used to look? My sister said there should be a rule that any photo that was produced from a non-digital camera should stay that way. No scanning rights for those photos.

I just started scanning photos like 3 months ago. I'm very much behind with technology, I know. I love scanning old photos. I'm going to dig through my stash. You will probably be seeing some Old School Corbett photos soon. Good Stuff.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Great News

************************************UPDATE**********************************
Here he is! He's beautiful!


I got a phone call at 8:30. It was a very proud 2nd time Daddy! My friend Lisa had her baby boy tonight, and they are doing awesome! Happy and healthy! I'm sure they will share all of the incredible details!

What moved me tonight was her husband Dave on the phone. He described his son from his head, to his toes. His fingers, toes, eyes, hair, eye lashes, skin tone, features that match his sisters....it was the sweetest thing I've heard in a while. The excitement of a new baby. I can't wait to meet him!

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Food, Friends, and Fun

Last night, my sister Marie, and my bridesmaid Regina gave me the most beautiful gifts.

They are both engraved with our names, and our wedding date.


Do you see that bling?

My small group came over tonight along with Marie, Regina, and my friend Johanette and we made the favors for my wedding shower. I set this center piece up so they could see my theme and some things that I have picked out for the wedding.

ICE ICE BABY. (That's my necklace hanging on the glass)

Here are me and my girls from small group!

The Favors. Flower Pens. Melissa's great idea.



Too cute! Thanks guys! You Rock!

Thursday, March 5, 2009

How I Fail

There is no such thing as a perfect parent. We all know this. If you think you're a perfect parent....umm...you're wrong.

Right now my 3 year old is stuffing his gorgeous little face with an Oreo Mcflurry at 8:50pm. ding..ding..ding..FAILURE.

Fail is actually my problem. I hate to let my kids fail. Robert tells me that I have to let our kids fail sometimes. He says it is how they will learn, and grow. I...key word I have done several 5th grade projects this year that I have done so well on! I will bring Amber back to school for a book or paper, rather than letting her tell her teacher she forgot it, and pay the consequence. I get lost somewhere between....They are my kids and it's my responsibility to make sure they do well/succeed/pass go and collect $200 dollars, and....When they don't behave, forget to do homework, leave something important behind....I should let them hold that responsibility and suffer through the end result.

I stalk my son at school. At least once a week, I 'drop in'. I want the teachers and director to know that I am right around the corner, and can pop in at any moment. Psycho. I know. I watch him through a window that I can see in, but they can't see out. I never have a word to say if my son needs discipline, and I give him plenty. Sometimes all I have to do is look at him, and he walks over to the time out chair. I don't have a problem with his caretaker (Teacher, Aunt, Nana, Robert etc.) keeping him in line and making sure he is doing the right thing. Had I walked up to the window, and saw my son in 'time out', I would have thought to myself....Oh boy, what did he do.....but instead, I actually had to WITNESS him get told to go sit in the time out chair. My heart sank into my stomach. They were sitting at the table waiting for their lunch, and his teacher was reading a story. He was talking to his friend Abigail. He had the cutest smile on his face. I was enjoying watching him. I guess his 'talking out of turn' is what got him in trouble. I watched him take his little self to the chair and sit down. He wasn't upset. Only I was. 80% of me felt that she did the right thing, and he was where he needed to be. Here comes my failure...the other 20% of me wanted to go in there and poke his teachers eyes out and tell her to leave my baby alone. Isn't that horrible? I can't shield them from everything in life. When you do that, you know what happens when they become adults? They are nothing more than toddlers in an over sized body. Jumping and stomping their feet when things don't go their way. So, this is how I fail. But I am working on it.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

WHAT ARE YOU DOING?????

Changing my clothes!







Can you tell he is standing on this toy??? Killing me. The two of them.