What's going on in my noodle???

Baby Boy

2011-10-13T10:32:00.000-07:00

I cannot even begin to express my excitement with this baby Carlos. I am already head over heels in love. One of the greatest things about pregnancy is feeling his little body move. I can't wait until I can tell where he is. LOVE~~~~~~~~~~~

Update Schmupdate

2011-10-03T08:55:00.000-07:00

I am terrible at updating my blog. Okay, since my last post, I found out we are having a boy. I really thought girl, but I was wrong...again. We are very excited and I can't wait to see what he looks like.

Saturday we attended my sweet nephew's first birthday party. So fun. They had a petting zoo -- farm animals. They had the cutest little black pig I've ever seen. I wanted to stuff him in my purse & take him home. Afterwards, we decided to venture to the in-laws and spend the night. I went to Canton with my MIL yesterday and it just about killed me. 2 1/2 hours of walking. low baby. ouch! When we (finally) got to the car, I couldn't bend to sit, I was in much pain. We headed home and when I arrived I took 1 tylenol and laid down. I hated to take that pill, but I didn't see relief coming any other way. I felt better when I got up. My wonderful husband got my recipe for White Chicken Enchiladas (Pioneer Woman) & made dinner - another big thanks. I don't think I could have stood in the kitchen for any period of time. The little boys came home from their dad's house, we got them all settled. I sat outside on the back porch and looked at the stars...enjoyed the quiet. Back to the hustle & bustle of the week! Woo hoo.

Feeling Bleh

2011-09-20T14:40:00.000-07:00

This baby and I do NOT agree on food. Here's a rundown of what he/she does not like: pizza, mcdonalds (i really don't either), salad, mexican food, hamburger meat.

Carlos did okay with sushi on Saturday and we've enjoyed a steak and sweet baked potato with no problems.

I'm so tired of eating TUMS............

Weekend Wrap Up

2011-09-19T07:57:00.000-07:00

I've noticed lately that I can't remember simple words. I know what I want to say, but I can't remember the word I want to use...so frustrating.

The constant baseball schedule coupled with pregnancy has me exhausted. The weekends are no longer for catching up around the house, laundry, cleaning, organizing...wait, I don't do that stuff. Honestly, it's no longer resting and feeling like I have a weekend, instead it's baseball, baseball and more baseball. Quite frankly, had I anticipated this kind of schedule, I would have given it a second thought. Too late now? So, D had a tournament this past weekend. It was their dad's weekend. I decided to bow out and give their dad the details and cross my fingers that he would show up. When this has happened in the past, D stays with my sister & brother in law (also coach of the team). Lo & behold, his dad never showed up. Dennis and I spent the day together, had lunch, went to Babies R Us, looked at a discount furniture store for a dresser for the baby. Really spent some bonding time together. It was great, but I felt terrible for not being at the baseball field. D stayed the night Sat. night too (they had early games) and I picked him up as soon as he got back yesterday. So much for time away from the baseball fields.

So....back to Babies R Us. To sum up this experience, hilarious would be an understatement. Den has my kids, but when he got us, Rylan was 4, hardly an infant. This is all new to him. We look at pack n' plays, I suggest one that has a place for a newborn so we can use this beside our bed if need be. Moving on to strollers, he's shocked at the $200 minimum price tag. He wonders why we can't use the $20 umbrella stroller. I tell him we can hold off on high chairs for a while. We mosey around, I think mostly he was in shock. When we get to the baby beds, he said, "we already looked at beds". Me, "no honey, that was a pack n play, those are more for naps, they have a cardboard bottom, the beds have real mattresses". Next we move to bottles. For some reason, this is a real issue for me. I've always used playtex bottles with the drop-ins. However, this time around, I see the expense associated with the constant need of more drop ins. I like the sanitary part of it and minimal washing, but the expense....? On our way to the bottles, we pass the formula. I mention that I might "pump" but I'm not sure. After seeing the price tag on the formula, he is insistent that I should produce enough milk to feed the baby. Pumps...the good ones....$300! My poor hubby love was in sticker shock. That was enough for one day.

Prego Pains

2011-09-15T12:20:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks I've been dealing with extreme indigestion. It doesn't matter what I eat, I get it. TUMS are my friend right now. I have a big ole bottle in my purse.

I've also been having hip pains when I lay down at night. I have to put a small pillow under my hips to keep them from hurting.

This week, I've noticed my feet are swelling, or maybe my shoes are shrinking. When I got home last night, those strappy shoes I wore all day had left permanent imprints on my feet. Luckily, I have the greatest husband ever who gave me an awesome foot rub to help relieve the pain.

The temps have dropped and I am so grateful. I slept like a baby last night...first time in a long time. Ahhhh, how I love my sleep

Pink - Pink Everywhere

2011-09-13T13:42:00.000-07:00

Subconsciously, I think if I surround myself with pink, maybe I have a better chance of having a girl! Ha. Yes, I'm aware of how absurd that sounds. 11 days until the sonogram.

M had a baseball tournament in Waco last weekend. Luckily, the weather was bearable and the seating covered. This weekend....notsomuch. It's back in the 100's.

I've been collecting tons of recipes via pinterest (new obsession) and elsewhere. I LOVE crock pot cooking during the fall. For some reason, most of my crockpot recipes seem like cool/cold weather food. I need to organize them all so I can actually get back to meal planning. With our weekends so busy with ball, I haven't really gone to the store for "meals", I just buy things that I know I can throw something together.

Countdown to the 26th

2011-09-13T13:32:00.000-07:00

I had a dr. appointment yesterday. Initially, I was struck with fear on dr. days but I'm passed that now and excited to hear my little thump, thump. Den had to go out of town so the first "real" appointment...the one that makes you realize there IS a baby growing in there...he missed. I was kinda bummed and I'm sure he was too, but there are more to come. The big one is to come. September 26th. We will find out if we are having a boy or a girl. I cannot wait. I did a little shopping with my mom over the weekend and as soon as I find out...I'm stocking up on summer clothing. JCP had clothes for $1.97 up to $4.97--cute stuff!

Random Things about me

2011-06-21T13:15:00.000-07:00

I don't like fake people

I don't like people that think they are better than everybody else

I have been married twice, the 1st time I was young, the second...the love of my life

I love to shop and even better, love a bargain

I'm a strong believer that everything happens for a reason

I am a terrible liar

I live in quasi-clutter, so I can see what I've got

I prefer to be home with my hubby and kids on a Sat. night instead of going out

My kids are my world!

I love taking pictures

I wish I had a good camera I wish I were crafty

I love sweet tea

I'm borderline obsessed with shoes and jewelry

I hate when my toenails are not painted

I love my life

That's as random as it gets.

My life has changed so dramatically in the last few years. Not a day goes by that I don't feel completely blessed for where I am. I'm giddy with excitement today.

Feeling blah

2011-06-02T12:09:00.001-07:00

I'm in a funk....100% sucked into a place that is suffocating. At work, I've got a very bad taste. 18 years.....yes, EIGHTEEN years and nada...I might as well be a new employee. UGH, very very frustrated in my place right now.

Home....les see, my husband was gone for a week, got a promotion (yea) that has been pretty stressful as he settles in, baseball is in full force (oh gaw, 2 more weeks to evening freedom), all of which has me just there.

No invitation is rqeuired to my pity party. I think tonight....after my glass of wine, I will settle down with my current read, "Black heels to Tractor Wheels" by Ree Drummond aka The Pioneer Woman. Kinda makes me want to write MY love story, oh wait, I'm still pouting.

OH, something to look forward to....Keeno girls night Saturday! Woot Woot

Acknowledged & Appreciated

2011-05-24T11:24:00.001-07:00

We all want to be appreciated - whether its for a job well done, going above & beyond, just doing what we do. It's nice to have someone express appreciation. Lately, on the job...after 18 years...I'm feeling very UN-appreciated. I'd like to think (work-wise) that the world would stop if I weren't here because yeah...they need me THAT much, but i'm beginning to realize, maybe i'm just another low-level nothing. I don't know how to move out of this place, because I don't like the way I feel about it. I wish I were crafty. Do you have any idea how many people quit their jobs and sell their crap on etsy & promote themselves through blogs? I wish I had some god-given talent that could sustain me. Ugh. So depressing. Must go wipe my weepy eyes.

TAKS

2011-05-23T13:00:00.000-07:00

TAKS tests are difficult for everyone - parents, teachers and especially students. There is so much pressure and focus on TAKS that sometimes there's little "fun" to keep kids focused on learning at school. My 10 yo was really struggling this last 6 weeks. I had several meetings with his teacher and buckled down hard at home. I sat with him for hours reviewing, preparing, mock-testing, and guess what? HE PASSED! I am so incredibly proud of him. I knew he could do it!!! GO MASON

Weekend recap

2011-05-23T11:04:00.000-07:00

lets see...the weekend was fun. On my way home from work Friday I stopped at Michael's (with my 40% off coupon) and bought some paint, paintbrushes and canvases. The weather for the weekend was iffy so I thought it would give the boys something to do if we were stuck in the house all weekend. Luckily, we weren't, and I'm having a little buyers remorse for the $30+ "project" with the canvases that are larger than I wanted. Yea, I may take them back. We went to the in-laws on Saturday. It was nice because we took our sweet time getting up and ready. Hubby love made the boys clean up before we left. Why are boys SOOOOO messy? So we headed to the lake. We spent the day fishing and visiting. Mason caught a pretty big catfish and Rylan caught a fish that was, um...petite, but he didn't care because it was HIS. I love fishing with my boys. Mason and Dalton both tied on the weights & hooks (I think I lost 2, got stuck on something underwater) - I was so proud. They told me that Dennis taught them how to tie "fisherman knots" - I didn't know there was such a thing...but I guess when it's broke I always hand it off to a man to fix it! HA

Better already

2011-05-18T12:02:00.001-07:00

The constant pain in my throat has finally subsided and I'm kinda getting back to normal. I had lunch with my bestie and a long overdue conversation with my hubby so I'm feeling better now. Amazing how communication bridges all gaps. TALK PEOPLE.

Being sick puts me in a funk, like the stars are misaligned and I can't figure out how to put things back. Oh, and I started. That really put me in a funk. :-(

Only one baseball practice tonight and I'm making Pioneer Woman's Lasagna for dinner, I can't wait. Dalton is starting the meat for me before I get home so when I get there, I can layer and bake.

We were planning a weekend at the lake, still are, just a few adjustments. Thankfully Den looked at the calendar and realized Mason has a game Saturday morning. Then I get an email that R. has photos on Sunday afternoon. Kinda puts us on a "schedule" but we are still planning to go & make the most of it. I can't wait to dip my pole in the water!!!!

SICKLY

2011-05-18T07:49:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning I woke up not feeling too great. A little hungover, a lot of a sore throat. As the day wore on, I realized how bad my throat hurt. I spent most of the day on the couch and drinking gallons of water. Monday I woke up and felt worse. My uvula was BRIGHT red (in case you didn't know, that's the little thing that hangs down in the back of your throat). Fast forward - strep throat. Ugh. I haven't felt this bad in a long time, but everyone expects me to carry on like I'm perfectly well. So irritated! I can only carry the superwoman title for so long, even superwoman gets sick sometimes

Finally Friday

2011-05-13T09:50:00.000-07:00

This week has been so hectic. I sometimes feel like work is interfering in my life. I should probably think the other way around but family is SOOO important to me...and in the grand scheme of things, family, people are irreplaceable. Memories are made on a daily basis. I wish I was more organized to keep up with things teh kids say. Luckily, I take tons of photos. I don't print them or do much, but I do take them. Dalton had an assignment in his Reading class to make a scrapbook. I printed pictures from the last year, he took his camera to school & took pictures and we have been working on it for the last several days. I must say, it looks really good! We have a few more stories to write. I say "we" because I'm writing them and he's telling me what to write. He claims I have better handwriting and....well, I agree. It became a family project and now the little boys want to make their own. I just need to send more pictures to Walgreens.... It was fun reflecting on vacation and things that happened, places we went, things we did.

Weekend, oh weekend, whereforartthou?

2011-05-09T09:25:00.000-07:00

It was so super busy and action packed, I missed it. Baseball tournament on Saturday and Sunday. I LOVE baseball. Fun games to watch. My boys are so stinking sweet. Mason and Rylan both made me flowers and cards at school and Dalton's coaches took pix of each boy for him to give me along with two roses. Mason also made me breakfast --- bacon sandwich, oh yum. My hubby love (& boys) got me a coach purse and wallet (YEA ME!) and I spent the day with the four boys who make my heart melt.

Saturday night we had a family get together at my sis-in-laws. I LOVE having a big family and everyone together. The only one that couldn't come was Sharon and Gay made a suprise visit. Good food, good company. Sweet babies!

Weekend recap

2011-05-02T12:29:00.000-07:00

The plan was to have a kinda low-key weekend and looking back, I think we were successful.

Friday I made several stops on my way home, to return a shirt I didn't try on before I bought it (i KNOW better), to buy my son some overpriced cologne that he's been begging for and to look for some black sandals that don't kill my feet. My dad called but I had turned off my ringer (see son that wanted overpriced cologne) so when I came back to the cellular world, he called again. It was unexpected, but a cousin was found dead in his apartment. Shock. I kinda went into a zone and finished my errands in silence and ready to be home with my honey. He knew right away that something was wrong but I felt like if I didn't say it out loud, maybe it didn't really happen. My stomach turned, I felt nauseous so I climbed into bed. The royal wedding recap was all over the television but I just didn't feel like applauding such extravagance at the moment.

Saturday morning we headed to Rylan's game, which was a bloodbath. Not really, but it was bad, they were playing a team with kids 2-3 years older than ours and also a select team. Ha! Our kids had fun & ultimately, at this age, that's all that matters. Afterwards, Den and I headed to Allen for a day of shopping. We got a few things at the outlet mall which was HUGE. It was a long drive but I'd say well worth it. We had a late lunch, came home and watched movies~perfect ending to the day!

Sunday Funday. I went grocery shopping, discovered a pretty awesome policy offerred by HEB, took a nap, made Paula Deen's lasagna and ended the day with Khloe & Lamar ~ insert big puffy heart here ~

Raining today, so ballgames have been cancelled. We will welcome the brief haitus and real food for dinner vs. hot dogs and nachos with flourescent cheese.

Fabulous Friday

2011-04-29T14:05:00.001-07:00

I'm so far from my last post, it's not even funny....actually, it is really funny. I gave up on ww. I know, I suck at commitments but at least I'll admit it. Here's my true gripe and it really is the truth. As much as I try to be organized...I'm not. My organization stretches as far as my schedule (as it relates to the boys) and beyond that, it's just luck. You need to know the point value of every thing you put in your mouth so a trip at the grocery store takes about 2 hours. I'm sure it would get easier with time, but I'm not organized enough to plan and coordinate and you get it. I gave up.

I follow several blogs and today I am absolutely SMITTEN with The Pioneer Woman. I can't get enough of her...or her recipes. She's pretty friggin awesome. www.thepioneerwoman.com Trust me, you won't regret the countless hours you spend with her!!

My hubby love and I have been busy the last several weekends so we're excited about a low key weekend starting the moment we get home. Since I am the queen of buying things without trying them on, I have several RETURNS to make on my way home, then I'm hitting the couch with force and staying there until I'm peeled from the cushions. I'm pretty stoked about catching up on Housewives of Anywhere, Betheney (my hubby can't stand her jawline) and anything else that doesn't require much thought. Wish me luck!!!

Not to go completely to the other end of emotions (although that is exactly what I AM doing), my heart bleeds for those affected by the tornados in the southeast. I cannot fathom the devastation, the lives lost....it sickens me. Say a little prayer ~ they could use all they can get.

Conquering food

2011-04-19T13:51:00.000-07:00

Week 1 of Weight Watchers was good. I counted points for every. single. bite. I weighed 9 days after my starting date and had lost 3 pounds. I was excited....but not excited enough. We had a gas leak. plumbing leak. our savings was exhausted to make the repairs. I was exhausted. points didn't make me feel better....food did. so I caved. I ate like there was no tomorrow. I had dr. pepper, chips, candy, and fried chicken, and guess what? It didn't make the gas & plumbing leaks disappear. It didn't replenish our savings. I was hurting no one but myself. Changing a lifelong food addiction / consumption doesn't happen overnight. It doesn't happen in a week, or two, or three. One day at a time. I will make healthy choices. I will let WW help me.

Got Gas?

2011-04-14T11:39:00.001-07:00

Why yes...so glad you asked. I was so excited to come home yesterday to a brand new hot water heater, repaired gas and plumbing leaks, and a HOT BATH! Those 2 minute showers weren't cutting it. My hubby love has been painting the house this week...I'll post some pics of before & after once the after is done. Weekends are typically busy around our house with errands. Since we have baseball 7 days a week, its the only time I do laundry, clean house, grocery shop, etc. This weekend the boys are with their SD ('sperm donor') so I thought I might be able to fit in a little relaxation, until I realized D has an out of town baseball tournament. he knows I love and support him, so last night I told him I might not go. He really doesn't care. Hubby love suggested maybe we go to San Antonio for the weekend...I know he is ready to get away from the house since he's been there since friday...working. Sounds great, but I'm not very good with last minute getaways, it kinda stresses me out. We shall see...

No gas

2011-04-13T07:01:00.001-07:00

For the past month or so, I've smelled sewer gas in and around my house. I knew I needed to call a plumber, but I also needed to be home so the plumber could make repairs. With D and I both working in Dallas....that's difficult. Maybe I was just in denial that anything was wrong. D took off this week to paint our house so the timing was perfect. Last Friday, he arrived home to Atmos and a fire truck. Atmos had turned off the gas on Thursday, without notifying us. On Friday, they came back with the fire department as a follow up. Okay....seriously, we didn't even know WHY we didn't have hot water, so a follow up was not necessary when we didn't know....UGH. We had a gas leak and needed it repaired. Our plumber came out Saturday and started their mission.....upon inspection, determined that we also had a plumbing leak. Go figure, right? Two more days and $3,000 later the repairs have been made but the city hasn't come to inspect it, nor has Atmos turned back on the gas. I am DYING for a hot bath....holding out hope that it will be on today....otherwise, I'm kicking some ass!

Arts, Crafts and Shoe Porn

2011-04-06T11:37:00.000-07:00

I heart shoes. I'd rather buy shoes than clothes, mostly becasue I know they'll always fit regardless of the cheeseburger or ice cream that I've eaten. My shoes are loyal :-) I love a good wedge just like the next girl, but I just read an article "50 Chunky Sandals to Wear this Spring" on ivillage.com and some of the shoes were a little......disturbing~

Ewww.....really? Maybe I'm not trendy enough to appreciate some of these styles and if that's the case, I prefer to opt out of trendiness, if that's even a word.

Over the last few weeks I've felt the urge to be CRAFTY. People put things on etsy and my trip to canton, and I think, "oh, I can make that". Der, der, der. So my mission last week was to make a fabric rose. I had a cotton blend material, I had instructions from 3 different sources so surelyl one would be successful, right? I started working on one Thursday....it didn't look like a rose, more like a cinammon roll. Friday, I tried again, with lots of glue, it kinda resembled a rose. While at Canton, I saw several variations, so I tried another style....it would be fine if it was 1995. So...I've given up my need to be crafty. Luckily I was using scrap material and didn't invest much more than my time in attempting to perfect the fabric rose. So you etsy sellers...keep on making your stuff, I can't compete.

Food Deprived

2011-04-05T12:53:00.000-07:00

So it's been 5 days since I started WW. Today.....I'm starving. I've given up my Dr. Pepper addiction (3 per day) and my daily date with Whataburger. I've settled for Carnation Instant Breakfast, fruit, sandwich, fruit, popcorn, fruit and a Diet Coke (bleh) here and there. Yea, I'd say today is pretty much torture! I know it's a lifestyle change and it will take time to adjust, but it really really sucks. really! I got in bed last night because I knew if I was asleep, I wouldn't be hungry. I slept in a little this morning becasue the first thing I want when I get up is a Dr. Pepper. It's just delaying the inevitable, I know I have to come face to face with my addiction to food all day, every day, I just had no idea how stressful it would be. I hope it gets easier.

I took the first step

2011-03-31T08:45:00.001-07:00

one day at a time....that's the best way to look at this. The good news? I signed up for weight watchers this morning (go me!). The bad news? My breakfast & morning dr. pepper's have used 1/2 of my daily points. Yikes!!! I joined today so I could look over the food choices, etc so when I go grocery shopping on Sunday, I buy the things I should (fruits & veggies), not the things I want (little debbie, blue bell). I may have to give up real dr. pepper. Ugh. This pains me! I've committed to 3 months. I am hoping (fingers crossed) that I will see results in 3 months so I'll stick to it for the long-term. Tomorrow I'm going to Canton and I WILL try the crepes that I saw someone eating last month, and I'll probably have a corn dog, but maybe I'll replace my dr. pepper with water...small changes....Wish me luck~

All over the place...

2011-03-30T13:01:00.000-07:00

I just skimmed over my blog to see what I've been talking about this week and realized that I need to utilize a small little button with a check mark...aka spellcheck. Every teh jumped out at me! I must dote on my loving hubby for a minute. He is SO....FRIGGIN....AWESOME. Every single day I feel blessed to have such an amazing partner. I don't know what I did to deserve him. I just hope I'm doing a good job at expressing how much I truly appreciate every thing he does for me. Okay, this is a biggie. Are you sitting? of course you are... Last week, Friday to be exact, I started researching diets. I was especially interested in the hcg diet. Funny, when you are not looking closely, it looks like HOG diet. LOL. So I posted on my facebook asking for any experience with or knowledge of the hcg diet. hog. I got several replies, most everyone recommended it. It's a calorie restrictive diet, only 500 calories per day, but the hcg drops curb your appetite enough that you don't feel like you are starving. Sounds easy enough, right? Well....probably okay for the average guy or gal, but since I'm hoping to be pregnant by/in the summer, and hcg is a hormone produced in pregnancy, well, my dear friend convinced me that it's probably not the best idea. But I still want to lose weight BEFORE.....so now I'm considering Weight Watchers. I just suck at diets. I really do. I lack motivation. I lack willpower. I'm still doing some research but I know the best way to lose is diet and exercise and to keep it off, I need to develop healthy eating habits. I'm pretty sure the justaburger from whataburger that I had for breakfast does not fit well into the weight watchers plan. **sigh**

Baseball Scrimmage

2011-03-29T10:49:00.000-07:00

M had a scrimmage last night. Since I'm juggling three boys & practices, mostly either overlapping or at the same time, I've missed M's practices & haven't seen his baseball SKILLZ..... Last night he Rocked! He pitched very well. I'm so proud of him!

Shopping anyone?

2011-03-29T10:04:00.000-07:00

I live close enough to Canton, Texas to enjoy First Monday Trade Days when my schedule & the weather allows. http://www.cantontradedays.com/ Check out their schedule. I love this place. You can find just about anything and I mean that. Last month I bought a super cute baseball shirt and the same co. has a coupon for Canton for 20% off -- which makes their shirts more affordable :-) Here's the one I might buy this month...or one that says "Make Cupcakes Not War" Saweeeeeet! You can check them out here http://www.mytiarafits.com/ I'm going with my mom, sis (V), niece and GREAT niece. We had loads of fun last month so I'm sure it will be great. I'm more excited about being OFF WORK! I should probably help my hubby love do something house-related, but .... I'm not. He doesn't mind though.

I puffy heart baseball

2011-03-28T08:59:00.001-07:00

My kids are my world. Seriously, everything I do is surrounded by whatever they are doing. I love those boys. The last month has been consumed by baseball practice. We had practice 6 days a week, sometimes multiple practices on teh same day. Yesteday we got our schedule for teh season and with three boys playing, my schedule is a FULL 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper, through May 27th! I skipped D's game on Sunday because I had too much to do at home and all three had practice that afternoon, so the morning game was out. He plays select although he's not really "select" material at this point, so he spends a lot of time warming the bench. Whatever~ Games start this weekend, and I can't wait to watch my boys play - they've been practicing so hard!

Hair Dilemna

2011-03-28T08:49:00.000-07:00

I'm such a sucker for new products. Actually, I'm a self professed beauty product junkie. If I took a picture of my bathroom shelving or my make up bag, its a mumbo jumbo of products, most I like until I run out, but I'm always up for trying something new. Last week my hair was a wreck. I hadn't changed much of my routing but both my skin and hair were making me crazy. My skin is breaking out, my hair looked fried, frizzy and just gross. If my hair sucks, it really affects my entire mood. My sweet niece is a hairdresser and I talked to her about getting a Brazilian blowout to fight the frizzies. In the meantime, I decided to color my hair, sometimes I notice a difference after coloring, plus the last time I colored, I used a 28-shampoo color so it was faded. I had a coupon for the new John Frieda color foam which claims to be less messy. Ha! I had this crap all over the cabinet, my shirt....I think it was more messy than the traditional gel color that I normally use. Don't think I'll spend the $12 again, but the color is pretty and shiny (see, it DOES looks better after color).

Random

2011-03-17T13:58:00.000-07:00

Have I ever mentioned that I have a ridiculous login password to my blogger, a bit of an ego stroker I suppose. Everytime I log in, it makes me laugh a little.

It's spring break and the highlight I guess is that our house got TP'd one night and "yarned" another....we're guessing they were out of toilet paper and yarn is all they could find. So last night my boys decided they wanted to tp and they did....a neighbor kid who was actually with them, which made it even more odd. They (my 3 boys plus 2 friends) decided to pull an all-nighter. They were still awake when I got up at 7. Oh the joys of being young.

The boys are with their SD this weekend and after this week of them being home, I will welcome the quiet time and most definitely plan to sleep in.

I guess my body is finally getting back to normal, whatever that may be, and I'm getting the fever again. I know we still have to wait a few more weeks before officially trying, but I'm ready.

Baseball Season

2011-03-10T13:50:00.000-08:00

I am so super excited about baseball season. Luckily, all three of my boys love baseball. Now, we're not eat, sleep, breathe baseball kinda of people, but nonetheless, we do love it. D has been practicing for several weeks now. M & R have their first practice tonight. I told them to get dressed around 5:00 and I would be there about 5:30 to pick them up, my mom said she picked up R, he went straight into his room and got dressed. Excited much?

I was at Canton over the weekend and got this adorable shirt. I'm not a "MOM" shirt wearing gal, but I loved this one....and so what, I AM a mom!

You can get yours at www.mytiarafits.com

Kardashian Love

2011-03-09T14:46:00.000-08:00

I love, love, love the Kardashians. I realize they are famous for being famous, but the insight to their family cracks me up. For CHristmas I bought myself Kardashian Konfidential...yes, I am a little obsessed.'

My hubby made fun of me and my love for "picture books" as he calls them. Yes, there were lots of pictures. Family photos, recipes, likes/loves, etc. One of the things Kim noted she loved was a nailpolish by Orly, called Confetti. Immediately I started my search for Confetti nail polish. Let me interject real quick by saying, I love nail polish, but I mostly wear it on my toes because my fingers get messed up too easily. Great Kim, thanks for the info but its 2011 and the polish was debuted in 2009. Hardly an up & coming item that anyone could find. Well.....today I found it.....and purchased it......for $16.23 including shipping, on good ole ebay.

I know this is a ridiculous price to pay for a bottle of nailpolish but I look at it this way, if I don't LOVE it like Kim does, I'll ebay it & get my money back....I hope.

I promise to blog better

2011-03-08T14:01:00.000-08:00

Seriously, December since my last blog? ha! So much has happened since December. Dare I even dive in? Ahhhhh, I will briefly touch on it. Christmas ~ Holidays ~ Chaos. I love the holidays. Love - LOVE. I have a very large family so any holiday is loads of fun and smiles, and babies, and did I mention chaos? Nah, wasn't too bad actually. We have two new babies in the family Braxton (September) and Mia (November) so the holidays were so much fun. I remember when my babies were "the" babies -- now D is all of 14, going on 30. December complete.

My DH and I have decided that adding to our brood is a great idea, I mean, when you have three...what's one more? Honestly! We were ecstatic to see that little pink plus sign on the pregnancy test mid-January. We wanted to keep it quiet, but we were so dang excited. The boys found out by seeing an app on my phone about pregnancy - oops, cats out of the bag. My DH told some friends when he was playing cards with the guys, who then told their wives....it spiraled. I've always heard you wait until 3 months to tell, Just in case. I never followed that "rule" per se. The kids told their friends, we told my mom....and the rest is history -- everyone knew. I felt like I was ballooning quickly, but by #4 - what do you expect. We went to our 8 week checkup, excited, nervous. My DH has no children of his own so the sonogram experience is all new. Dr. starts looking.....three sacs, no heartbeat. Three sacs? WTH? We were heartbroken. Here we were, all excited to see the very first glimpse of the life we created and in a moments time, it was shattered. The dr. assured us the the pregnancy was not viable but we were to come back in a week. A week was a very long time. 2nd visit - 2 sacs, no heartbeat. I came into work, although looking back I'm not sure why, because I blubbered my way through the day. After the 3rd visit, we had to make a decision. My body was not letting go, and in order for me to emotionally let go, I decided to have a D&C. The anticipation was the worse part of it, I was out during the procedure and pretty much slept the afternoon after it was done. I'm moving on, and after our follow up appointment tomorrow, we plan to try again.

Sweet goodness

2010-12-03T08:04:00.000-08:00

for the last three years, the girls in my family get together every december and make homemade candy. i think the initial idea was to give it as gifts but my family ends up eating all that we make, so it's merry christmas to us! i'm looking forward to spending time with my girls and holding babies! oh...i can't wait. Baby Braxton and Mia will both be there. I may spend more time with the babies than in the kitchen. I'll nominate myself as official baby holder for the day. as if i didn't already have baby fever, this will kick it into high gear.

since we are all moved back into our house, unpacked and pretty much settled in, we pulled the tree out of the attic & set it up. i usually decorate any space in my house with christmas decor but this year, with the move and all, i wasn't exactly in the mood for unpacking and repacking MORe boxes, so we just put out the tree and decorated it. the kids seem okay with that. maybe they never noticed the snowmen and reindeer and mr & mrs clause's.

a very dear friend of mine lost her mother unexpectedly last week. my heart is so heavy for her right now. i cannot imagine that loss. i have no words that will comfort her. i just pray for peace for cara and her family.

way too long

2010-11-17T14:31:00.001-08:00

I know it's been forever since I posted - actually, only a few months, but I've been engulfed in my life, not so much typing about it, so sue me. Truth be known, I think this is closer to "dear diary" so no one may even notice my three month hiatus. What's been going on? Well, my recap: My house flooded, my sis in love had her darling son three months too early (he's perfect, but it was scary), my ex- continued harrassing me, i lost my best friend (not by death), my sis abruptly quit her job and moved to colorado, my youngest son turned SEVEN (he's not a baby anymore), the ex- quit paying child support, we moved into a rent house and this weekend, we move back home! Did I mention that next week is Thanksgiving? Where has this year gone? A

Missing my tres amigos

2010-08-11T10:26:00.000-07:00

Chopped my hair off and guess what? I love it. It's not boring and drab and crappy, it's super cute and despite the fact that I have to actually take the time every morning to FIX it, it's great, besides, I wanted to "fix it", I just didn't know how. Go me! I love changes like this sometimes.

So the boys have been with their dad since Friday. It's Wednesday! The weekend, fine - i'm okay with that. Monday, mmm, okay if they want to stay. Tuesday, yeaaaaaa.....momma needs her babies. It's the longest they've been away from me in quite some time. Don't get me wrong, it was quiet and I didn't have to cook or clean up (much), and I could come home and flop on the couch and not look out the window or door every 10 minutes to check on anyone, yea - that part was nice, but i feel so lost. Seriously, I don't know what to do with myself. I can't wait to see them when I get home tonight. The hen is ready to get her baby chicks under her wing!

Speaking of my boys, I'm taking them school clothes shopping this weekend. Ought to be interesting! D is all about name brand everything and while I've been looking for coupons online, no such luck for these stores. M wants a lot of the same things his older brother likes, but D can wear and XS in mens, M...not so much. R just wants his own "cool" clothes. We're hitting up the mall, a place I rarely visit although I'm pretty pumped about the mall pizza.

It's all about the hair

2010-08-05T13:46:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know this. Hair makes you. Such a great way to express yourself, right? Well, sure - if you have long, shiny, flowing locks. I don't fit into this category. I was afraid to cut mine becuase I wasn't sure of my "wedding hair" (which I just pinned up) and I'm so bored with it now, it's ridiculous. I want new hair! I have a cut scheduled for Saturday....what to do?

Where did time go?

2010-07-22T14:08:00.000-07:00

I can't believe its been so long since my post. The pre-wedding jitters, anxious, not sleeping, nervous days and nights are over. On Saturday, July 17th at 7:00 pm I married my love muffin. The ceremony was perfect (although a little long), the decor was perfect (really, it was), the weather was cooperative. I would not have changed a thing! We had an intimate reception and I was able to speak to (almost) everyone that attended. I wanted to bottle the evening and open it later to remind me how amazing the night was. Perfect! Absolutely perfect!

We spent the night at a hotel and then came home to (finally) relax. In one day, I couldn't let go of all of the stress from the previous two weeks but I sure tried. We cooked out on the grill and watched tv. ahhhhhhhh

Back to reality. back to work. I don't mind though, I really do love the people I work with. most of them, anyway. Feels strange NOT to have a "project" on my back burner. No more Ave Maria. The preparation is over. Now my focus will be 100% on collecting child support. Yes, it is a full time job. Ridiculous, our government. So I've sought out an attorney, we've met and are "building" our case. Fun times! (not) You gotta do what you gotta do and when it comes to my boys....I'd stop the world for them.

We've planned a weekend with some friends floating the Comal River. Yes, I'm probably too old for that, but I'll try my luck.

31 days

2010-06-16T07:53:00.001-07:00

I can't believe how time is flying. Seems like I just posted 50'something days! Den and I had our first counseling session last night with our pastor (anna) that is performing the ceremony. I was emotional. I'd had a really rough day, between work issues (payroll conversion), comments (again) about my wedding dress, scheduling/planning, money issues, I was ready to break; so when Dennis started talking about our meeting and how he felt...yea, I lost it. We talk about these things, but it's different to hear him tell someone else about me. He told her I was a "blessing". I am super excited about beginning our lives together as a married couple. I didn't think it would change much since we live together, but anna made us think about some things that made me realize that everyday things may not change, but our commitment and that new start will bring us even closer.

I can't even explain how exhausted I am! I don't know if there are words for it. I am ready for the baseball season to end. Monday: work, home, leave work early, two baseball games at 6 (we have to split our time at each game so someone doesn't get their feelings hurt), game at 8 - over at 9:45, drive home, oh...dinner then bed. I don't stop "go'ing" I will welcome our beach vacation and not being on a schedule!

38 days until the wedding

2010-06-09T08:56:00.000-07:00

Crazy goings on in my life. We had a great weekend. Ashley's wedding was Saturday afternoon. It was very pretty. It's amazing how fast it's over after the months of planning. I'm sure it's somewhat of a relief though - done, check it off the list! We had previously invited friends over for Sunday which ended up conflicting with a going away party for my niece, but we decided to fore go the party and enjoy some of the weekend at home. Good food, good friends. Came to work Monday to a power outage - no computer, no phones. it was frustrating to just sit, so I stuffed my wedding invitations and cut out photos of the boys that I've been carrying around for 2 months. left work and headed to a ballgame, 2 actually. When we got home, we realized there was a plumbing issue. Love Muffin can fix it - it happens frequently. Only problem, my dad borrowed his auger so he needed to pick it up. I told him to take care of the house issues and I'd go to the games. Lovey called me during the game to tell me he got home and there was no electricity. WHAT? We get home after a long, tiring day to no electricity and I was not a happy camper - actually, nobody was. About 11 we decided it was time to go to the hotel. What a day!

School's out, for ..... summer!

2010-06-04T10:23:00.001-07:00

You wouldn't know the boys were excited about this last day...I had to PRY them out of bed this morning. I think R got up the 5th time I asked. We're planning some fun things for the summer, six flags, drive in movies, beach vacation, wedding, lake weekends. I'm stoked!

RELAX

2010-06-02T17:41:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited that we have no baseball, no tear jerking graduations, no school functions, no fast food, no bright orange nacho cheese, nada tonight! Love Muffin is cooking chicken on the grill and I'm making fresh corn on the cob. Yum. How I miss "normal" food. We've basically been living at the ballpark lately, but that's what you do when you have 3 boys!

Children=happiness, love, caring, laughs, tears, learning, craziness, messy house, a brain that doesn't ever turn off and a heart walking outside of my body - I wouldn't change a thing for those boys of mine!

Fabulous Friday

2010-05-21T13:43:00.001-07:00

Woo hoo - I did it again, remembered my password. Go me!

Yesterday was interesting. While I was working in Dallas with no rain and bright blue skies, a tornado was tearing through Midlothian and Waxahachie. The schools were on lockdown until the watch/warning passed. My nephew was driving & took this photo. It's both cool and scary at the same time. Luckily no one was hurt, but I answered 20 questions last night about tornadoes and was I 100% sure there would not be one after we went to bed.

We really didn't have plans for Saturday so it wasn't a big deal with J asked if the kids could spend Friday night & be with him for a birthday party for their cousin on Saturday. We do have company tickets to the Ranger game on Sunday. I'm super excited about seeing Josh & Ian. Huge crushes!

I was planning to take a little trip with my future MIL to see some wedding decorations tomorrow morning, we though 10 or 11 at the latest but she told me today it would be closer to 12 or 1. That kinda doesn't work. I was going to start marking some stuff off my wedding to do list and run errands since the boys wouldn't be with me. I was thinking we would be done before noon so I could do my thing. We'll see how the morning progresses and how far I progress out of bed!

Speaking of...I have been so tired lately. Last Friday night I was supposed to go to a GNO party at a friend's house but came home and crashed, like I laid on the couch watching tv at 6:15 and woke up at 8:15 to move into my bed. I feel like such a slacker, but I really can't help it.

My neice is getting married the first weekend in June. I hope to get some ideas for my big day :-) She got her dress yesterday and its being altered now. Talk about last minute plans. We're having a bachelorette day next Saturday. food, shopping, pedicures -- what more could a girl want? It will be fun!

If the rain from yesterday dried enough, we're playing ball tonight; otherwise, I'm probably lounging on the couch.

Oh -- big news! Almost forgot. Since I'm 57 days away from the big day and I've done absolutely nothing to prepare my flabby body to be 100% focus if just for a few moments, I'm busting out the cookbooks. Oh yes my friend, I will be "eating clean". I've done it before....for a week...dont' judge. I have ZERO willpower. It's fruits, veggies, lean meat, whole-grain carbs only, no candy, no Dr. Pepper, no sweet tea. :-( okay, this isn't looking so fun. Eat to live, don't live to eat! Right?

Amazing

2010-05-18T14:43:00.000-07:00

Amazing that I was able to log in/ For whatever reason, I NEVER can remember my blogger passcode and have to reset it about 3 times a month.

Things are pretty normal in our household. Baseball games, rained out baseball games, time at dad's, attitude problems, wedding planning, wedding stand still, family problems, remodeling the bathroom, low water pressure, sick kid...green snot. Oh, the life I live with four boys. Never a dull moment and I assure you that quote is SO true! They went skinny dipping Monday. 5 boys in the pool, skinny dipping. Love muffin thought it was odd, but they were laughing and giggling as they splashed into the pool showing the "hump back whale".

Finally Friday

2010-04-30T07:50:00.000-07:00

Good day, grumpy mood. Last night/this morning were pretty emotional for me -- as far as my kids go. A mother is instinctively the protector and when I feel like i have no control or the issue is out of my hands, I get a little freaked out...okay, a LOT freaked out.

I'm wearing a maxi dress today that I bought a few weeks ago. I put it on this mornign with some wedges and hated it -- I think it's meant for flats, which puts me back on wedding shoes...I want flat wedding sandals. There - done - decided! Now I still have to find them.

I ordered some books on amazon last week and they started rolling in on Wednesday, so I began reading a book called "I Will Carry You: The Sacred Dance of Joy and Grief". My SIL lost little Logan over a year ago so the story is somewhat close to my heart. One of my favorite bloggers commented on it and gave it kudos. I read the first chapter online and was hooked. It's not only about losing a child, but also about faith and how God heals. I'm a few chapters in but it's not a long book and I plan to finish it up this weekend.

Busy weekend ahead. Our flooring will be installed today so we'll start putting the house back together and maybe rearranging, but definitely, reorganizing. I want to register at Target this weekend for our wedding, look for clothes for the groom & his buds, see a movie "The Back Up Plan", crawfish boil on Saturday night and maybe, just maybe get a little rest *sigh*.

Shoe Obsessed Bride

2010-04-27T14:06:00.000-07:00

I'm getting back to blogging!

I've got a wedding coming up and so much going on with planning and all. What's my biggest issue, you ask? SHOES! I'm completely torn! On one hand I want something super trendy cool...like me (ha), on the other, I need something practical and heel-less aka wedges and most wedges are cork-styled which look a little too casual for a bride.

I found some hand painted works of art which I nixed because, well... I think they may be too "over the top". What do you think? For whatever reason I am completely obsessed with peacock colors, don't hate - I just like green/blue and the feather looks very majestic. I've even considered a feather for my first tattoo (don't tell my mom).

THEN....I decided I could create the masterpiece myself since I can't find exactly what I want. I found this DIY version from wedding bee

So for now...I'm moving on to another wedding related project: hair accessories, music, candy bar, groom attire, etc.

oodles of stuff

2010-02-24T08:43:00.000-08:00

oh holy hell---it's been so long since i've blogged, it took an act of congress and my first born to get back in here. so much going on, i don't even know where to begin. i'll start with today's happenings, here goes my rambling.

So I tried being a landlord which didn't exactly work out, my renter moved out without notice and without rent, so I immediately put my house on the market. 2 1/2 weeks later, we had a buyer. The offer was less than desirable, but you gotta do what you gotta do. For me, it was more of an emotional attachment that I needed to cut the ties on. That has been hard for a lot of people to understand, most people see the $$, and don't' get me wrong, I saw that too, but the bottom line was about me moving on. Jimmy is closing today, I'll close tomorrow. We've gotten (sometimes) where we CAN be around one another without fighting, but it is sometimes difficult. Initially, we were scheduling our closings separately because he was being an ass, but today we can actually get along, regardless.....we close this week. Money will be wired next week! Chapter closed, onto writing the next one.

Baseball is just around the corner and I cannot tell you how excited I am. It's so chaotic and I sometimes can't keep my head on straight, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE baseball season...and I hope my boys do too! Who can resist fluorescent lukewarm cheese on stale chips? not me!

Chips.....yummmmm, that brings me to the next topic. Diet and exercise come hand in hand, right? A few weeks ago I took a kickboxing class. Loved it [Get Fit (moving to the old Tammy's Dance Studio by Quizno's in March)]. Then I took ZUMBA. REALLY loved it. So my goal was 3 classes per week. I aimed high considering the classes start at 6 PM in hatchie and I commute from dallas...basically, I have to leave work about 15-20 minutes early to have time to come home, change and get there. Difficult, yes - impossible, no. I did good for 3 weeks straight, then I got sick, the snow came in, rylan had a stomach bug, i got sick (again, or STILL), so I missed two weeks. I was out sick yesterday with bronchitis but I was feeling better when I went to pick up kids from school so I decided to go to ZUMBA and try to sweat out the toxins. I did feel better, went home and steam cleaned the carpets, cleaned the kitchen, it must have worked. Feeling much better today.

My honey bunches comes home today. He's been traveling a lot lately, but that's what he does.

Boys

2010-01-20T10:54:00.001-08:00

I think the entire male species is off kilter. Actually, I'm pretty such this is true. Boys cannot seem to remember one idea from point A to point B without distraction. Ugh! It is so frustrating!

I don't know how to impress upon my children how important education is. I never struggled during school (expect that damn algebra class in high school) so I just went along with the flow. D, struggles every day. I email and have conferences with his teachers and they all say the same thing - he is a joy to have in their class. Okay, great -- joy, how the hell can I convince him to pay attention, focus and if you don't understand, seek help. He's very social, talking, asking is not the problem, I don't know what is....but right now I feel like I have my hands tied and I don't like the way it feels.

and 2009 comes to an end

2010-01-01T13:17:00.000-08:00

what an interesting year. Most everyone can say that the year brought ups and downs, good times and bad, but why bring the bad into 2010? It is a new start. Get rid of the baggage and move forward.

I've learned a lot this year about those who have in any way influenced my life; but as I've said before, you cannot change anyone. Each person is responsible for their own actions. The only thing you can change is YOUr reaction.

Goals for the year:

Simplify
Encourage
Be a good friend
Accept compromise
Get married (had to sneak it in)
Be a good mom
Get healthy
Try not to be judgmental
and with the help of my love muffin, be the best that I can be!

That sounds like a commercial of some sort. Wonder if I"ll get paid?

Farewell 2009!

Fa La La La La

2009-12-13T16:14:00.001-08:00

Whew - what a weekend. Friday night we celebrated by brother Lynn's 50th birthday with a surprise party at my sister, Gay's house. Although he was not surprised, I think he still had a good time. When you have a big family, a birthday is a good reason to get together!

Saturday was the much anticipated "doggie day", as Rylan called it. We volunteered at the Ellis County SPCA. I wasn't sure what to expect. When I called Friday to confirm, I was told we should come at 1:00 for "training". Okay - whatever. Well, we walked in, told them we were there to volunteer, handed our application and the fun began. 2 dogs at a time, we could take them outside to the fenced area, keep them separated - have fun. Dalton started with a sweet chocolate lab named Marilyn. She was a charmer. She wiggled her way out of the kennel as soon as the door was cracked and wiggled her way even further into our hearts. Dalton took her to fenced area 1, picked up a ball, threw it....and forgot to let go of her leash.....she dragged him through the grass, poop, everything. The other boys and I were laughing so hard we were almost crying!

I made sure we spent time with every doggie there, so as not to hurt anyone's feelings. This gal was preggers, and was a sweetheart

Then we went to the kitty room. After I lost both of my cats to old age, I swore I'd never again have a cat, but the kitties were oh so sweet.....Soft and cuddly and purring in your ear. :-)

After our doggie day, we went to the movies to see The Blind Side...finally everyone else saw it. The theater was still full, but wow - what a great movie. You walked out and just felt good!

Today my love muffin went out of town for work (again) and won't be back until Thursday. I miss him already.

I've got a busy week ahead....Friday is the big Christmas party at Ry's school (I'm room mom) and hopefully afterwards, we'll go over to mason's party at his school....Lot to prepare.

friday blubbering

2009-12-11T07:47:00.000-08:00

that's about all this blog will be -- blubbering, about the fifty thousand thoughts swimming in my mind.

we had family pix taken, i bought the cd so i could order christmas cards, still haven't decided on a card design, still haven't ordered - may not make it out this year :-(

december 27th will mark the one year anniversary of the birth and death of my sweet little nephew logan. my heart aches knowing what my brother and sis-in-law must be feeling. you never expect these things to happen close to home and when it does, it shatters your heart.

my sis in law (shannon)'s mother was diagnosed last week with an aggressive type of cancer. she chose not to endure chemotherapy and the family is makign the most of the time they have left with her.

tomorrow (12/12) my 2nd oldest brother lynn turns 50! we're celebrating 50 years of LIFE with him. tonight. i still have to figure out what else I'm making for the party...baked potato dip and.... ?????

i agreed to be rylan's room mom. next friday (12/18) is their christmas party and i'm basically "in charge". i've had some feedback from a few mom's but pretty much winging it. i have 24 5/6 years olds to impress, i'm a little flustered. i have to plan the crafts and get everything to make them work -- maybe this weekend i'll have time to sit down and review my list.

i REALLY want to teach my kids to be selfless. i know its an age thing, but dalton is all about dalton. the world revolves around him, what he wants, where he wants to go, how he wants to do anything. it is very frustrating. as a parent, you learn (quickly) to put your kids before yourself. i know i was all about me earlier in life and its a lesson i learned and adapted to. i can't expect my 12 year old to understand, can i? well....my start is that tomorrow we begin our volunteer work for the spca of ellis county. i have a huge heart for animals and my kids do too, so i decided that would be something they would enjoy and help with - and learn about helping others and not being so self centered.

On a positive note, my eyelashes are ROCKIN' today!

i really want a nice, sit down lunch. i need sandie time. i hope she's free.

Bad Carbs, Bad Carbs

2009-11-25T11:21:00.001-08:00

a few weeks ago I decided to change my eating habits. A light bulb just went off and it all made sense. A started following the Eat Clean Diet (although I don't use the "D" word). Last Thursday/Friday, I started feeling sick and comforted myself with crackers, mashed potatoes, 7 up -- carb-a-palooza. Then I realized I never really bounced back. I kept eating crap...quite frankly it's so conveient. Then I thought - thanksgiving is coming, I'll screw up then anyway, so instead of eating good and "cheating" on one day, I made it week long. Yesterday as I munched at my desk on Coca Cola and chocolate chip cookies, I started thinking -- I feel tired, bloated, blah and the common factor was that I went back to eating bad. Today I'm back on track. Yes, I know thanksgiving is tomrorow but it is one day, not a pass to eat bad for a month. I had fruit for breakfast and for lunch had grilled chicken with a salad. No Dr. Pepper today. Just tea. I do feel better. Fat + Carbs = Feel like crap. Not an equation I have time for.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-18T12:54:00.000-08:00

--not because I have nothing on my mind or to discuss, quite the opposite. VERY busy lately. The Thanksgiving holidays are sneaking up on me, kids are busy with school, I'm trying to monitor their school work and help where I can, trying to stretch the dollar for christmas, bills, life in general.

Looking forward to a fun-filled weekend. Friday night is keeno with the girls. I really enjoy the girl time. Saturday love muffin and I are going to a party with fajitas and margaritas...talk about a good time. The rest of the weekend I need to fit in - searching for a range/oven for my rent house and coordinating a few contractors to give me bids for some work there.

busy-busy-busy

school projects

2009-11-11T13:17:00.000-08:00

dalton just finished a project on sasquatch in which we had to do a shoe box with a "scene" and survival items. It was interesting. I think it looked good when we finished. Funny thing is that school projects really bring us together. Mason was coloring the tee pee, dalton gluing and I was cutting out trees.

mason's project (due next week) is to disguise a turkey. he wanted to go with elvis. it's funny.

Who are you?

2009-11-11T13:14:00.000-08:00

ever feel like you really know someone, only to see them say/do something so out of character which makes you start to re-evaluate the relationship? it's been a foggy thought in my head this week. people change. i get that. but 360?

Changing for the better

2009-11-06T11:38:00.000-08:00

I’m an emotional eater. I celebrate with food when I’m happy, console myself with food when I’m sad. Food helped me cope with my feelings and became a friend. Three kids and a failed marriage later, I’m at the heaviest I’ve ever been. I have continued to see myself through rose colored glasses. I knew I had gained because when my love muffin and I decided to go to Mexico for vacation, none of my summer clothes from the previous year fit. What the hell – I’ll go up a size, they’ll be comfortable when I lose this extra weight. Guess what? I’ve never lost it. Fall came and my clothes (again) from last season didn’t fit.

I used to enjoy going out, meeting with friends, etc. but now….I don’t. I know why. I’m embarrassed at the obese person I see in the mirror. A few months ago we met some friends at a concert. I’ll call them J (him) and L (her). I thought I looked okay, but when L walked in, heads turned…even mine. I want that for me, I want that for love muffin. I want him to be proud of me.

I don’t eat a balanced diet, unless you call burgers and fries balanced. I don’t allow any “me” time and exercise is purely non-existent. I’m disappointed in the person I have become. I’m always tired….exhausted actually. So much so, I was in bed at 8:00 last night and asleep by 9. My body aches. My hips hurt so much that I’ve had to put a pillow under my hips to sleep. I could blame my aging body but the truth points to my overweight body.

I contacted a long time friend yesterday. She made a dramatic slim down and I wanted her secrets. I knew the answer before I asked – eat right and exercise. Duh! It’s always been the answer, but I’ve continued to search for the quick fix, reached for the diet pills, whatever I could convince myself to turn the corner. For some reason, today I realized all that’s been in front of me for so long. One life – one body – one chance!

Today I ordered the books that will change my life….I feel it! The Eat Clean Diet by Tosca Reno. You basically eat balanced meals of protein, fruit, veggies and no sugar, flour….the bad stuff. I printed out the grocery list from the website (www.eatcleandiet.com) but will have more insight when the books arrive.

I haven’t owned scales in years. I bought some about a month ago that remain in the box. Tomorrow morning I will step on them and let reality slap me in the face. It will be more motivation! I know it will not be easy, but it will be worth it.

Wish me luck and tune in for my progress.

so sorry

2009-11-03T12:00:00.001-08:00

for the few that actually read along, sorry for my non-existence in the blogosphere. I've been both busy and lazy. luckily, work is steady, home life is crazy and my downtime is minimal.

Friday night I went to a friend's house for a glass (ahem - bottle!) of wine. We sat and chatted for hours. It was great to catch up and relax a little.

Halloween night was not so glittery and sparkly like I wanted. Dalton has decided he was too old to dress up, Mason just wanted to wear a head wrap that looked like a dog and rylan's mummy costume was destroyed when he walked two houses down and returned to tell me he strings were coming off. I realized that night that I overextend myself which in turn puts unnecessary pressure on me to fulfill yet another obligation, so if I say no, don't be offended. :-) I think because I love halloween, I want my kids to get that excitement but I can't force it down their throats.

Sunday was laundry and grocery day. The boys spent the night with nana and pops so I drove to cedar creek lake to pick them up, came home, helped den with the laundry and went to the store for lunch necessities. It was daylight savings time and I was exhausted. it takes at least a week to adjust.

To Twit or Tweet

2009-10-21T10:41:00.000-07:00

Since I got my much desired iphone, I think I'm set up to tweet effectively, if I chose to. I'm just not so sure I want anyone knowing my every move -- kinda stalkerish, don't ya think?

Another busy week. Last night I had a headache when I left work and it stayed with me until about 9:30.

Today: Tonight we have to bake cupcakes and pick up 2 ltr drinks for Mason's fall festival tomrorow night. I'm also getting my hair cut. I can't decide what to do. I want to grow it out, but this stage sucks! Decisions.....Dalton wants to go to some church even called CHAOS, I told him, open his eyes, we live in chaos every day. lol

Tomorrow night is Mason's festival/carnival at school. Dalton also plays football tomorrow night (is the weather allows). Clone?

Ex and I switched weekends so he could actually spend some time with his kids on the weekends that he has them. He's off this Saturday, so we've planned accordingly... I hope he'll get them Friday night so I can go to the store with love muffin and get a gift for my Ry.

Saturday morning is Ry's birthday party. I need to pick up the cake (early). It's a GI JONES (as Ry calls it) cake - I hope it's cute. After the party they'll go with their dad for the remainder of the weekend. Saturday night we have a costume party to attend. I want to make some creepy food items to take. I found a recipe for a dip with carrots coming out as fingers and almond slivers placed as fingernails. GROSS! I love halloween! My other idea is to make cake balls (kellyskorner recipe) and make them look like eyeballs. Great ideas, I'm lacking on the crafty part. My mom has that trait. I will try though.

So back to my initial thought. I guess blogging is nearly the same as tweeting. When I'm out and about, I'm not really the type to document my every move. I prefer to savor IN the moment.

Southern Belle

2009-10-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

THE SOUTHERN BELLE: red velvet cupcake with cream cheese frosting. YUM. Thanks Matt for the yummy cupckake! You rock!

one perk of working in dallas. Yummy treats that you can't find jsut anywhere. it was so sweet it made me quiver ~~

Perfect end to the day.

ahhhhh

2009-10-11T15:14:00.000-07:00

Friday night was keeno with the girls. much fun. we talked more than we played. I drank a little much (mental note for next time). My ex- asked me to set him up with one of my friends..WTH?

Last night Den and I went to see COUPLES RETREAT. I love Vince Vaughn. Cute movie. I highly recommend it.

This morning I ran errands, bathed the dogs, started laundry and then went to a Mary Kay facial party at my neice's house. Now I'm home and ready to get cozy for the night. We're having fajitas for dinner.

Oh - I went to target today and only bought what we NEEDED (vs. WANTED). I got the dogs new collars and Georgia a harness....she's so strong and a little b**** that it hard to walk her so I'm trying the harness on her. AND I bought the boys some halloween pencils for $1. Proud of myself.

Gotta start onions & peppers for dinner. Much love to ya'!

flu flu go away

2009-10-07T10:00:00.001-07:00

I must say I feel better at the moment. I'm not planning to run a marathon or anything, but at least I got dressed today. That was a huge step. Mason went back to school. He is still coughing, but fever-free. The house has been disinfected and hopefully we're on the mend.

Life has been crazy lately....a lot has fallen onto my plate and forced me to deal with some ME things. I need to take responsibility for me, my children and the future. There...said it. Whew, now the action part. lol Steals and deals are just that, but bargain shopping for Tobey, or shopping period, for Tobey is coming to a halt. I've convinced myself that I can live the simple life, but my actions are showing otherwise. I don't need STUFF to be happy. I don't. I know I don't, but I empty my closets to consignment and donations, only to start filling them back up. I need to find control in my life and this new found "budget" he speaks of, will help me gain it back. No more frivolous spending. No more target (aka crack house) binges. No more shoe dazzle. I'm living on a budget and within my means - that is my new motto.

I'm supposed to play keeno with the girls Friday night. I HOPE HOPE HOPE I feel well enough to enjoy some girl time. Living with 4 boys....I need it.

Saturday snapshot

2009-10-03T17:17:00.000-07:00

Canton was fun - I was tired though, after walking around ALL day -- we never stopped to sit down, probably because we couldn't find a seat. We even ate our corn dogs standing. Fun trip -- got some cute shirts, a jacket and some jewelry. They had the instyler for $50 but I couldn't convince myself to get it.

Last night love muffin and I went to the Texas Theater to watch The Dallahachie Boys perform. I had not been to the Texas Theater since it was an actual theater. I went with Jack Hughes and he put his arm around me and I was scared he wanted to kiss me. LOL. I think it was 6th grade.

This morning I got a call from Uncle Dustin that Mason was running fever and not feeling well. I went to pick him up and made a dr. appointment. Swine flu. Poor baby, as soon as the doctor walked out after telling us, he broken into tears. All of the hype on the news had him scared. She came back and assured him that he would be okay.

We came home, I made him some chicken noodle soup and he played on the computer....yes, the same computer I'm typing on right now. We all took naps this afternoon. I heart naps. When I got up, I started couging and my shoulders and neck hurt. I left my vitamins at work. Crap! Cross your fingers.

OH -- and big news, I got my iphone. Ordered it about 4 yesterday and it was delivered today -- still getting set up now so nothing to report really

Now on hold

2009-09-29T11:43:00.001-07:00

So after debating yesterday, talking myself in and out of the decision to buy an iphone, I was ready -- doing it! Refurbished 16 gb. Going for it. I log on today and BAM! Account past due. No upgrade for you missy. Past due meaning, it was due yesterday, not like 2 months ago. I'll have to wait until Thurs. to pay my bill and orrder my new phone. Tick Tock Tick Tock

I'm taking off work on Friday, spending some time with my momma at Canton. I hope the weather is nice. I really just go to look at overpriced, handmade crafts and EAT. corn dog and funnel cakes are calling my name. I've been to dog alley once. My mom won't let me go, because she knows I would walk out of there with an overpriced, puppy mill, sickly dog and be heartbroken when it doens't survive. Boo...

On another note, I the v.secret stuff I ordered last week has shipped! I hope this weekend my honey and I can go out on the town and I can dress up in my new kicks! :-) MUAH!

On the verge

2009-09-29T11:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I logon to att.com to see the date (again) that I'm eligible for the iphone and much to my surprise, it's NOW! Well, I didn't budget a new phone so I was a bit bummed, but thinking I could somehow scramble and make it work. Hmmmm.

Panic!!!!

Do I really want to be obligated to pay $30 extra per month for data service? Is a refurbished phone just as good as a new one? How may GB do I need? Do I need the new 3GS? Do I really NEED an iphone?

Things I cannot live without

2009-09-28T11:13:00.000-07:00

I think the list is meant to be kept to a minimum, making each "thing" even more special.

My Family (this includes parents, love muffin, my boys and friends. my friends are my handpicked family)
Dr. Pepper (sorry, but I can't seem to knock this one)
Cell Phone (just to keep in contact. I'm not a huge phone talker)
Internet
Shoes (duh!)
Etsy (can you say SERIOUS addiction)
TV - Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, Housewives, Brothers & Sisters, Khloe Kardashian
My camera. I just have a small, portable version but this year I hope to upgrade to a SLR
Music. it inspires me and lifts me up
My dogs

So these were the best I could come up with off the top of my head.

Woo Hoo it's Friday!

2009-09-25T08:46:00.000-07:00

TGIF! nothing planned for the weekend but hopefully it will be pleasant.

I ordered some shirts from victoria's secret today. I returned some items and had a gift card that was burning a hole - plus, since I've consigned a lot of clothes, I open the closet and see nothing to wear, except for the same things, over and over again. Anyway, used gift card, some online offers and only paid $3 out of my pocket. That's awesome.

Love muffin will be home tonight. I tried calling him last night, becasue the power went out in 1/2 of the house -- I wasn't sure what to do and my biggest concern was Grey's Anatomy was coming on -- I couldn't miss it! He didn't answer or respond to my texts so I hoped that he was on his way home and planning to surprise me...no such luck. Tonight he will be back!

State Fair of Texas starts today. I really want to go this year. We went last year after the TX/OU game (want to go there again too) and enjoyed some fried treats. The fried bacon was overrated.

Wishing all my peeps a fun filled weekend!

Off the box

2009-09-24T17:35:00.001-07:00

the soapbox, that is. Margarita in hand....all is good.

Bitching blog aka my life

2009-09-24T14:40:00.000-07:00

Seriously -- this is it? I have been so incredibly frustrated today.

I feel an extreme disconnect with my kids and their school. I seriously don't know how I manage to balance full time work with full time mommy. Believe me - NOT easy and not much can compare....no working late nights, early mornings, on your feet or off. This is 24/7. There is no OFF switch. Being a parent NEVER EVER ends. I've got mr. social butterfly who is slacking on his school work and will soon be grounded for months; sweet little mason that doesn't get his way and turns into a devil; and french fry who has reverted to a 2 yr old with his meltdowns and the only way to get him back, is.....treat him like a 2 year old. He's 6!

Den had to go back to Tulsa today, so I saw him for like 30 minutes tops. He'll be home for the weekend.

UGH. Now mason doesn't want to get in grandma's car because he wants to play with his friend, the answer was no. God bless my mother who deals with these tantrums in person, while 45 miles away, I get to blog about it.

Susan said it best....I am a walking advertisement for birth control!

Concert

2009-09-24T08:17:00.000-07:00

The PINK concert was awesome -- great performance. Ting Ting's were good but I don't know but a couple of their songs. So much fun. Interesting crowd. I haven't seen that many mullets since a monster truck show back in high school. I went with my friend Sandie, her daughter and a friend. We decided to grab a quick bite to eat at Hooter's, then headed to the AA Center. We arrived early so the girls got t-shirts and sandie and I settled on an ice cold alcohol treat. The theme for the concert was "playhouse" so it was carnival-like, which was cool except for the clowns, which I am terrified of. I know -- too many horror movies back in the day. Great night, great show. Thanks sandie.

Mumbo Jumbo

2009-09-23T13:57:00.000-07:00

The swine flu is attacking America. Mason's been sick, thought he had strep but turned out to be a viral infection. Dalton's been coughing his head off this week. I'm shocked that he's made it through school each day.

Tonight Sandie & I are going to the PINK concert. I'm super excited. Wish it were on a weekend, but at the most, I'll be tired in the morning, which is no different than any morning.

Den is away on business this week. He's coming home for a softball game, going back, and returning on Friday. I so miss him when he's away.

I took clothes to consignment. While they were going through my fall clothes, I wandered around the store and only saw 2 items of mine - I hope that means everything sold and I'll make mucho $ from it. My contract expires 10/10 so it won't be long before I find out

Rylan's birthday is next month. He's been fickle about where he wants to have it. First it was bowling, now it's Flip Fusion. This is obviously a big decision for a big boy -- he'll be SIX!

The boys had their photos taken on Sunday. After all the rain, it was nice to be outdoors. Rylan had a few meltdowns but it wasn't out of control. Tiffani did a good job. She's given me a "sneak peek" on the photos... www.tmsphotography.blogspot.com
We have family photos scheduled in a few weeks. I need to figure out what we're all wearing.

TGIF

2009-09-18T12:46:00.000-07:00

Crazy, busy week. The rain is depressing but the forecast for the weekend is promising. The boys are having pictures taken on Sunday. I'm super excited. Since I'm an aspiring photographer (maybe in my next life), I soak in the direction from photographers and try to pick up on things that may not be obvious to the naked eye.

Found Fred!

2009-09-15T07:03:00.000-07:00

great news for an otherwise non-great Monday. He was over a mile from home, and in an area that I would have NEVER looked, had Animal Control not told me they spotted him. He hasn't been eating well over the last 3 days, but other than that, he looks fine. The kids and dogs were so excited to see him. He jumped on the bed and rolled around with Georgia. They are so friggin cute together.

Football
There are 120 players in 7th grade football since no player is turned away. That said, they split into 3 teams, A, B and C. Dalton is on the C team, which I'm saying means Cool team. Yea. So I get to the game last night about 6ish. A team plays. it rains. B team plays. it rains. i'm cold, tired and wet. majority of those in the stands had already seen their kids play, so they leave. rain, rain, rain. 9:00....C team takes the field. Remember watching little kids play soccer and they all just stay in a pack, around the ball. repeat for football. The ball kept slipping from the rain, every play they had to get a dry ball. I don't know if this team has had the least experience (i.e. no pee wee football). Finally, at 10:00, the game is over. Did I mention my kids and I haven't eaten yet? Yea...apparently, they don't open concessions for jr. high football - another thing I wish I'd known beforehand. So I go to JITB, grab some tacos, head back to the field house to pick up dalton, load up his bike, go home and get everyone settled and ready for bed. EXHAUSTION!!!!

Oh Monday

2009-09-14T10:54:00.001-07:00

my favorite day of the week....NOT! The weekend sucked. Lost dog, sick kid, rain, rain and more rain. I've decided I'm a person affected by the weather. :-( It's supposed to stop Wednesday/Thursday, so I have to make it a few more days. Dalton has a football game and so far, it's still ON. seriously? It's been raining since last Thursday. UGH! See....I'm pissy.

I started working on a flyer for Freddie. SPCA is closed today. Put an ad in the paper. Left a message for animal control. I hope we find him!!!!

What a day...

2009-09-12T11:43:00.000-07:00

This morning didn't start off so well. Our big love dog, Fred, escaped last night. We brought him in the house and had the window open, apparently sometime during the night, he jumped out. I've called the pound, spca, vet. No luck, but I'm hopeful.

My morning:
Mason woke up with a barking cough. He's sick. Called the dr. for an RX
Dropped presley at the groomer (he hates me)
Drove around looking for freddie
Took rylan to wal mart to get a gift for his friend's b-day party
Came home
Looked for freddie
Took rylan to the party
Dr. called - wants to see Mason
Took mason to the doctor
Went to HEB to buy groceries
Drove around looking for freddie
Unloaded groceries
About to start gumbo for dinner

It's only 1:30. I'm beat!

Good Golly it's Friday

2009-09-11T09:35:00.000-07:00

I'm SO ready for the weekend. No big plans, Rylan is going to a birthday party tomorrow. Mason can go to one on Sunday if someone else can't go. I think it was a last minute invite or a pressured invite. :-) I'm sure dalton has grandiose plans but nothing has been brought up YET. Oh yes, it will be -- 3:36 I will get a call, "mom, can I ......." I'm looking forward to watching What Not to Wear and enjoying a bottle, ahem glass of wine.

Halloween

2009-09-10T16:55:00.000-07:00

I love this holiday. Always have. My kids think they're too old to dress up, but not me. This year love muffin and I are planning to be Pocahontas and Davy Crockett. I'm hoping to look for material to make our costumes this weekend. It's only 6 weeks away. I've tried to convince the boys to be 3 blind mice, but they're not buying it. :-(

Football Season

2009-09-10T08:59:00.000-07:00

After much debate, dalton decided to join football. I've managed to keep him out for 12 years and thought I could succesfully continue to do so, but that didn't happen. The first scrimmage was Monday and there were -- wait for it -- 120 kids! They're supposed to separate them into 2-3 teams so everyone can have a shot at playing. I was quite nervous but once we got there, the game was exciting, even if my child wasn't playing.

It's what.....?

2009-09-01T07:34:00.000-07:00

Seriously, September? Seems so foreign, that my autofill feature in word didn't recognize Sept. wow. this morning was much more productive than yesterday. we even had time to pop something in the microwave and toaster and eat breakfast.

with september, i envision cool evenings and a stroll in the neighborhood. we'll see if the forecast agrees.

Next week is a 4-day week. I even forgot about the Labor Day holiday. what to do

I don't do Monday's

2009-08-31T07:46:00.000-07:00

ugh. i'm not a morning person, and especially not a MONDAY morning person. my kids aren't either. unfortunately, it makes for chaos and temper tantrums to start our week. i was up last night with kids and dogs, so i didn't get a good night's sleep. rylan woke up, i put him in dalton's bed, dalton kicked him out (literally), rylan started crying again. it was a rough night and even rougher (is that a word) morning.

Since school started (last monday) I leave the house with my hair wet and let it air dry, and let me just say, i prefer my hair straight and shiny. I'm a mess. I went to belk and the crack house (aka target) yesterday and nothing fit. I know I've put on weight in the last year, but I do nothing, have energy for nothing and expect it to just fall off of me because I want it to. I told den last night that I want to start walking every evening. we'll see if i can make that happen. I've been overwhelmed and out of control lately, and I need to regain some of that.

Glad that's over

2009-08-27T12:29:00.000-07:00

Whew. I finally finished a project that I've been working on for weeks - literally. It kept coming back to haunt me. Last night I even had nightmares about it, but about an hour ago I sent it to the owner and marked it off my to do list. Now, onto other things. Lately, there is no shortage of work here, or at home. Busy - Busy - Busy.

Hump Day

2009-08-26T17:48:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness it's Wednesday - one day closer to the weekend. I really hope to get some REST this weekend. The last few have been so busy, I will welcome a break -- even if it's just a nap each day. Work is crazy busy -- lots of deadlines to be met, school back in session and moving. I have a great renter at my house and I intend to be a really good Landlord. :-) Helped Rylan work on his school project, Den helped Mason, then the boys went to ride skateboards with their friend. They just came in so I need to feed them, fix lunches for tomrorow and crawl on the bed to relax. I hope the evening works out as planned. Wish me luck.

Concert time

2009-08-25T17:30:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year I met up with my friend Jill and we went to see Celine Dion. Yes, I know - don't laugh. LOVE her! I can sing along with probably every song of hers. Luckily my love muffin was spared from this one. He said he would have gone, if absolutely necessary (he's so awesome). Last weekend we went to Def Leppard, Poison & Cheap Trick. What a change of pace from Celine. We met some friends, sat (or stood) on the lawn and took in the 80/90's rock bands that signify my high school years. We had a blast. I wasn't ready for it to be over. Next month I'm going with a girlfriend to see Pink. I'm all over the board when it comes to music -- I don't fall into one genre, I like it all.

Me and love muffin.

This is my friend, and hairdresser Cara and I. I was wearing a shirt, you just can't see it. LOL

Homework!

2009-08-25T17:20:00.001-07:00

Can the teacher's cut the parents a little slack? It's day two and have had homework every night. Besides unpacking, cooking dinner, cleaning and bathtime, we now are trying to work in homework - not to mention that I was stuck in traffic today so I got home late. Ugh! I hope I get some R-E-S-T this weekend. I could sure use it! Must get back to Rylan's project. Ahem, I mean, HELP him with his project -- All About Me book.

living in chaos

2009-08-25T08:22:00.000-07:00

Blogging has fallen to the bottom of my to do list but i hope to get back on track. Besides the back to school activities, we also had to completely move out of the sycamore house this weekend, which left us wall to wall in boxes and among complete chaos. I know it will take some time to sort through what's there but we will get there!

too busy

2009-08-13T12:41:00.001-07:00

sorry for my lack o' blogging lately -- i've been super busy. i've taken on some additional work at work, and school starts back next week (for Ry) and the following for the other boys so I've been trying to get organized, get forms completed, shots, orientations, etc.

taking off work tomorrow to spend the day with my boys.

hopefully i'll get back on track next week

Ambien rocks!

2009-08-07T10:34:00.001-07:00

I was an ambien-addict for quite a while. During the divorce, after the divorce, my mind would race and I had a difficult time sleeping. I'd had a few episodes of sleep eating and I was convinced ambien was solely responsible for my weight gain. I tried other sleeping pills but most everything had some sort of side effect that I wasn't willing to live with. Around April I took myself OFF ambien...went cold turkey. I could sleep without help -- it was great. Wednesday night I was exhausted and ready to go to bed, but once I got there, I couldn't turn off my mind and in turn, couldn't sleep. Thursday I was dragging. I decided last night that I would take an ambien so I could get a good night's sleep. and I did. until about 4 AM when I awoke and couldn't go back to sleep, even with the perfect hum of love muffin's snores. I got enough rest and I feel refreshed.

This morning I talk to love muffin and he tells me that I was loco last night. I asked him what he was talking about and he told me that I was singing nursery rhymes, talking about flowers, birds, colors...apparently it was quite entertaining. The problem is that I don't remember at all! That's a bit scary.

weekend

2009-08-07T10:20:00.000-07:00

So we have a mucho busy weekend planned. Taking the boys to the lake tomorrow for one last time before school starts...not that we can't go during school, but it's been our staycation since we didn't get to go anywehre as a family this year and I don't know if my Puerto Vallarta trip counts because it was in April which seems SOOOOOO long ago! I want to start planning a mexico vacation next summer with the boys, I think it would be fun. Okay, focus -- back to the weekend. Sunday the boys have to go with their dad because he is delivering them to ex-MIL. My mom is out of town next week and she and my dad keep the boys during the summer. I think dad could handle it but he tends to get easily frustrated. I need to finish buying school supplies, it's always been a "group effort" and when I went the first time, I couldn't buy everything cuz I needed my three little helpers.

Boy oh Boy

2009-08-04T14:36:00.000-07:00

I'm so ready to see my boys!!!! The were with their dad over the wekeend, then last night they wanted to stay at grandma's so they could sleep in, so I haven't seen them since Thursday. Dalton asked me earlier if I could pick them up "late" so they could go fishing down the street. Geez! I guess he's getting to the age where mom isn't so cool and I'm the last person he wants to be around; good thing I have two more that aren't yet convinced!

Angel prevailed

2009-08-03T12:55:00.000-07:00

oh yea...I was good. Sat. we worked at the old house - yardwork, I sorted clothes [fit vs. don't fit], boxed up stuff. Pretty productive. Rested for about an hour and it was time to go to the Rangers game. BUT, it was POURING!!!! We decided to head to arlington amidst the FLOOD but once we hit I-20, it was open, blue skies. great seats, great company, fun time! Yesterday, I slept until 1:15 in the afternoon. I haven't done that in ages. but I woke in a panic because I had a "to do" list that would never get completed because I slept half the day away. so what did I do? throw in the towel and call it a day. not very exciting, i know....but sometimes I like it that way.

Weekend Plans

2009-07-31T06:48:00.000-07:00

Den and I have SO much to do. The kids are with their dad this weekend so that frees us up to work around the house and tie up some loose ends; unfortunately, when the kids are away, i like to play. Let's see.....do I want to stain the dresser, or go to Canton? It's such a toss up. Yea, not reallly. We'll see if the angel or devil prevails this weekend!!! Wish me luck.

Showing the furry family some love

2009-07-30T14:27:00.000-07:00

I love my fur, four-legged family. Love, Love. Presley loves riding in the car so if I'm going for a quick ride, he gets to go. Last night we were going to grab a bite to eat and as we walk towards the door, Presley & Georgia both come running. I hope the car door and they both jump in. Georgia used to be TERRIFIED of riding in the car -- she would literally shake. Don't laugh but we couldn't agree on one place for dinner (aka fast food) so stop #1 was Chick-Fil-A for Rylan and Mason. Georgia was in the front seat with Dalton. The girl at the window hands me a little milk bone for Georgia.....Awwww.....I told her we had another dog in the back, so she gave me another treat for Presley. Next stop, Wendy's. Again -- "ma'am...here's a treat for your dog". and again, "can I have another?" I'll never get my dogs out of the car at this rate. Third stop, Taco Bueno (I didn't feel like crossing over to JITB). I wanted to ASK if they had a treat for my dog but I'm sure the guy behind the counter would think I was NUTSO. No treat at the bueno, but that's okay, I wasn't fond of the food so I won't be going back!

Migraine!

2009-07-29T11:14:00.000-07:00

Doc says I'm suffering from a migraine. I just didn't realize it could last this long, but I guess since I wasn't treating it with anything other than advil or tylenol...? I have pressure built up in my ears, like when you get on an airplane, but my ears haven't "popped" per se, and this will go away in time. Nothing like being in pain and knowing there's nothing that can be done about it. Thank goodness it's not a constant pain. I haven't had a migraine in almost 2 years, but the pain in my left eyebrow is all too familiar! I'm on the mend

To the Doc

2009-07-28T09:27:00.001-07:00

going to the doctor today....i can't take it anymore. I can feel my pulse in my ears, it hurts that bad.. I put on a brave front because I'm a mom and mom's aren't supposed to be sick. Last night I was in bed and rylan came in to sneak a little cuddle time and he was rubbing my head...such a sweetheart. i have to self diagnose before I go in and while I was initially convinced it was a sinus infection, I'm now leaning towards migraine symptoms...although I haven't had a migraine in a VERY long time. I just want to feel better regardless of what it is. I actually have 2 appointments with 2 diferent offices. Old doctor -- love him, work in appointment. New doctor -- booked, scheduled to see nurse pract. I'll be seeing old doctor today.

Phooey

2009-07-27T11:57:00.000-07:00

Friday I had an earache, headache and sore throat. Went home, took benadryl and crashed. Today---still have an earache. It's not constant, so it's bearable, but geez!

Saturday went to the old house and worked....and worked....and loaded up shoes. MOST of my shoes are safe and sound and WITH me! :-) Whew

I feel like this move is dragging me down. I wish....I wish I had dozens of prepared boxes and a roll of tape and could just go in, box up, tape up and send on, but I am sorting as I go...deciding what goes with, what goes to the donation box and what "someone" Might want...The latter is where I'm going wrong, it goes or it doesn't -- should be cut & dry, but I'm a pack rat, clutter collector, whatever you want to call it, and by golly it's HARD to part with some things. So, I just hold onto it for another round. My goal to be out is August 1st so that gives me a week. I hope once the furniture is out, I will be motivated to finish up and get outta there for good! Moving is bittersweet, but I usually spend at least a moment, shedding a tear or two.

GNO

2009-07-23T14:25:00.000-07:00

much needed girls' night is Friday. keeno actually. can't wait to visit with the gals -- fun times!

Book

2009-07-21T19:53:00.000-07:00

Oh...watching a commercial right now for my next novel....The Time Traveler's Wife. Time to order a book.

I read My Sister's Keeper before the movie came out but I still haven't watched the movie -- it'll be heartbreaking and I haven't wanted to sit and cry for 2 hours.

I blog because that's what I do

2009-07-20T10:14:00.001-07:00

I blog when I'm happy; I blog when I'm sad; I blog when I'm frustrated; I blog, I blog, I blog!

Today's blog feeling - frustration

In my early parenting years, I often wondered what I was doing wrong. My kids fought constantly. I assumed it was a phase. Hoped it was a phase. I was wrong. I never fought with my brother growing up. We were the best playmates. I didn't understand. I still don't understand.

Ring~Ring. Dalton's phone number is displayed on caller id. My thought - what now? He already called and described how he was going to spend every penny of his birthday money on cleats for football (which with patience, I would've bought), basketball shoes (hmmmm...that is months away), a chin strap and a hat. I tried explaining that after the football meeting mid-August, they would tell us what we needed. Okay, back on track. What now? I answer the phone to Dalton, frantic, crying....I can't even understand him. through the blubbering tears, I manage to catch - "mason stabbed me in the arm with a fork". huh? twilight zone......WTF!?!? I ask if my mom or dad are there to find out what really happened, leading up to this. If you know dalton, you know that he NEVER does anything to instigate... I'm still not sure of the details. I'll call later to find out -- all I DO know is that it was Dalton AND Mason - both of them, so BOTH of them are in trouble. good thing I have time to think about their punishment - I'm none too happy at the moment!

Ugh....

2009-07-16T08:31:00.000-07:00

That is my only comment for today - just ugh.

I have a busy weekend ahead. Taking off work tomorrow to take care of some things that can only be handled during regular business hours, which are the same as mine. It is times like these that make me wish I worked closer to home -- some of these things could really be lunch hours, but since I don't have that convenience, I bundle them all into one day and take off, which isn't exactly feeling like a "vacation" day - but whatever.

Pick up letter from cornerstone to confirm Rylan's identity.
Go to the social security office and sit (hopefully not long) to request a replacement card for Rylan.
Uniform shirt for Rylan. go to store to check sizing, order (Duncanville)
Pay bills (I hope I can squeeze some out of this check)
Take photos of the house for marketing purposes
Box up (more) of the house....when will this end??
Contact ARC to schedule pick up of furtniure & household goods -- I'm done garage selling, just get it outta here!

Hopefully I can squeeze in a LITTLE r&r or something fun - pedicure? swimming?

Happy Birthday to Dalton

2009-07-14T08:38:00.000-07:00

he is TWELVE today!!!! he & mason spent the night with nana & pops (or papa as he keeps referring to him). they spent yesterday afternoon fishing from the dock. dalton learned to clean a fish -- 4 of them actually. he got a new pole for his birthday and when he comes home tomorrow, he plans to use his birthday money for a new skateboard. that money is burning a hole in his pocket!

My Mom meets future Mom-in-Law

2009-07-14T07:32:00.000-07:00

I think throughout the 1+ year relationship with my love muffin, I've dreaded this moment. We've discussed it before but I think I always pushed it to the back of my mind, and hoped I could prolong the inevitable.

F-MIL: It's nice to meet you. ..... I'm so glad that they found each other....

MOM: Well, we'll see -- only time will tell

WTF? Could she show maybe just a little support and happiness (ha) thrown in my direction? Can you say pessimist?