Fa La La La La

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

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

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

--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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Woo Hoo it's Friday!

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

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

Bitching blog aka my life

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

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

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

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!

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

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...

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

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

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

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.....?

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

Book

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

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....

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

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

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?

My newest guilty pleasure

Can you say addicted? It's a little bit ebay but a LOT of original. I can't stop surfing the jewelry section where there are so many originals pieces.

www.etsy.com

~Fun~

I want these for the Def Leppard concert next month -- aren't they cool???

Busy Weekend

What a weekend! Saturday Dalton had his birthday party. I figured he was old enough (12) to invite whomever he wanted, so he did. He had 4 boys, 3 girls over plus his brothers. We're working on a tight budget so I made cupcakes and decorated as "beach themed". I'll upload pics tomorrow. I thought they turned out cute & I bow to the Cake Boss! Decorating is not an easy task! I think it turned out well.

My mom thought she had round peppermint with the red stripe (which was to be the beach ball), but turned out they were plain white, so I dipped them in red food coloring....the red marshmellow thing is supposed to be a beach ball....

Yesterday I went to work on the old house. The boys went to their dad's (first time since June 21st -- yea, don't ask unless you want an earful) and ended up spending the night. Of course I didn't know this initially so I was trying to hurry & finish so I could pick them up. I probably didn't make much headway at the old house...I really needed help to motivate me. It'll get done eventually! Yesterday afternoon my friend Beth came over with food (she is a GREAT cook). We cooked out, swam and ate. I had a full tummy & was ready for bed but found it difficult to turn off my mind, which continued to race until I finally went to the couch & turned on the TV for a few hours. Needless to say, I'm beat today!

Really...it's July 9th?

I feel like I'm in a twilight zone, my life on fast-forward. Mid summer. 168 days until Christmas. Wow.

My oldest son turns 12 on the 14th. I can't believe I have a 12 yr old. My youngest starts kindergarten in August. And Mason....my smack in the middle sweet child, is changing schools this year, but I think it will be a great change!

Time flies when you're having fun. Or time just flies - regardless of the fun factor.

Check - Check - Check

I'm whizzing through my "to do" list.

• Emailed coach about football
• Dalton is too close to the school to ride the bus
• Dish network DID receive all but one receiver and have credited me for all equipment
• Got the schedule for transferring mason to new school zone (northside)
• Shot clinic for Dalton's shots (need record)

Still need to find Rylan's SS card....hmmmm, where could it be?

I feel like I've made some headway on my home duties. Still not budging on painting the kitchen....I'll work on that one.

Recipe Book

I need a recipe book. Not a cookbook, put a place to store all of my recipes. I print MANY from the internet, use them, then lose them because they are full page (8 1/2 x 11) sheets of paper. I write BIG, so the index cards just don't work for me. What do you use?

Color

Every room in my house is painted a COLOR - not beige or tan or boring brown, but Red, Gold, Green, now my house seems like a circus...LOL. Den's house - beige with white trim. Everywhere. Rug - beige. Comforter - brown & beige. You see what I'm getting at? So last night, I asked if I could paint A...ONE wall in the kitchen. His response, No. Hmmmmm..... guess I'll have to cover the walls in vibrant art, floor to ceiling. Oh, this is an adjustment.

Clutter, Clutter, Eat Some Butter

Sorry but it's all I could think of the moment my fingers hit the keys. So the boys and I are living with Den. We are by NO means moved completely out of our house, but we brought enough to survive - clothes, shoes, food, television and the wii! I stop by the house randomly to pick up things that I need, but I'm finding more and more, I leave with little in my arms, which poses the thought - I really CAN live without all of the "STUFF". I'm a pack rat. I come by it naturally as my mother is the same - although my sis is not...nonetheless, I keep crap. I had a garage sale a few weeks ago attempting to clear the clutter but it was 'round one'. Den and I had a talk last night about what really needed to come over, what could go in storage, and what goes to file 13. I'm planning to spend some time on Sunday at the old house to sort through more "stuff". I dread it. I'm indecisive on things like this! It is imperative though.

My to do list

My to do list keeps growing:

• Sort out details for Dalton's birthday
• Contact the school about Mason changing zones
• Find out if dalton can ride the bus to/from school
• Football schedule
• Call dr & schedule shots for dalton
• Contact prospective buyer to see the house
• Clean up the house (somewhat) first
• Go to the house and box up more stuff
• sort bills
• the list goes on.....

Fourth of July

We packed up & headed to Cedar Creek lake. are we there yet? how much longer? i need to go to the bathroom....can't wait. can you believe it's only an hour away? traveling with kids! we stop & get bait...worms! the boys head straight to the dock to start fishing. We had a good afternoon. my sis, her husband and daughter, as well as my nephew, his wife and their son came too. We had BBQ for dinner with chips & dips. Delish! Den got fireworks for the boys but nothing too extravagant. The firework show around the lake was awesome -- better than last year. The boys had fun. we went in the house and all i wanted was a nice, hot shower and a pillow! The boys took a shower in nana's shower (it's bigger) and we got them all clean at once. then I showered and climbed into bed. Fireworks still popping outside my window but it wasn't long before I closed my eyes and fell fast asleep! ahhhhhhhhhhhh. bliss!

We came home yesterday afternoon, I fixed lunch and then flopped on the couch for a nap. The boys worked outside with den & swam. last night we cooked burgers on the grill (yum)

I got to work this morning and to my suprise, my work family brought me birthday goodies (and I thought they'd forgotten about me) :-) These gals are the best! So I've been snacking all day and I guess it's to blame for my sugar rise & fall throughout the day.

Next weekend we're having a b-day party for dalton -- he'll be 12! YIKES. I have to get details sorted out. Call

Happy birthday to me

where oh where to begin? We got off work early on Thursday, so that was a good start. Friday was my birthday. Den went fishing but Dalton woke me up with breakfast (bacon & eggs). We ran some errands and went grocery shopping. We went to Lone Star Park. I love the horse races. My sis gay, her husband and daughter came, as well as my friend Kim and her daughter, Traci, her boyfriend and kids. Rylan made his first bet - $2 on horse #1 -- he won $22! I thought that was awesome. We continued to bet on each race and kept enough to keep playing but overall had a loss. It was fun though. After the races they had fireworks to music -- you could barely hear the music and it echoed but it was enjoyable.


Mason and grandma made me a carrot cake which Mason says was made with LOVE AND JOY! Den got me a PINK fishing pole. You have to know me to understand how much I truly appreciated this gift.

Crazy Morning

Gay and I have been carpooling and dropped of the boys at my mom's house this morning. As we're driving down the road, we notice a man, with a bike on him, lying in the ditch. She rolls down her window and asks if he's okay ~ no response....SIR....SIR..... nothing. She backs up and pulls into the ditch. I jump out of the car and run to him. Check his pulse - faint, but there. I touch his chest - he's breathing. Thank goodness I didn't have to put my CPR skills to use. Gay got him a peach. He said he'd been riding since midnight & had not eaten in several days. He was disoriented so we had him stay on the ground. We got him talking and he told us that he was planning to commit suicide - had a rope tied to his bike to do just that. Several people stopped but went on. I asked one man to call 911 to have someone check him out. Gay put her counseling skills in effect and it was great - she talked to him and helped him feel like he's not alone and nothing is worth taking your life. Paramedics arrived although "mike" didn't want to go with them. The police arrived. He shook his head. He had a warrant so they handcuffed him and put him in the police car. Mixed emotions -- we were sad that he was in trouble, yet hopeful that a roof, food and a bed would help, albeit in jail. I hope he gives life another chance...because my big sis gave him plenty of reasons to do just that!

Georgie Boy

OMG. I just met the ex-President of the United States.....Wow. I'm elated right now.

Technologically challenged

Last year it was time to upgrade my cell phone so instead of a traditional phone, I went with a Palm Treo', thinking I would be able to lose my "planner", store music, use the calendar, phone, etc. Well....I didn't use half the crap on the phone. NOT the easiest phone to use, plus our office didn't support the Palm so syncing was a b****. Now I think I want the iphone, but is the iphone better than the blackberry? Can I store music on an iphone that can be docked on a d. station? Do I really NEED an iphone? How easily will it scratch/break? I'm so confused.

I miss the moon

No, silly - not the moon in the sky, the Sam Moon. OMG. I haven't been in over a year but I just went online and...wow. I must make time to visit sometime soon! Anyone want to go?

The Fourth of July

The many things that I love about the fourth of July -- and what I associate with the day:

• marching bands


• summertime


• patriotic music (Lee Greenwood anyone?)


• fireworks


• cookouts


• family & friends


• red, white & blue


• water / beach

When I was little, I remember spending many birthdays at the beach -- it was our vacation destination. Because the fourth was a day after my birthday, I always thought the fireworks and celebration were for me. Yes....that's why I STILL make a big deal about my birthday. Maybe one day, when my "number" is much higher, I will not expect everyone to wish me a happy day, but until that day comes.....:-)

Sweetest Boy

My boys are all so different and they all have their sweet moments, but Mason takes the cake. Last week we stayed at Dennis' house and have started gradually moving over our things. Mason is pretty territorial -- he likes his space. When I was cleaning out his dresser, he had one drawer of what I call "treasures". Things that are important to him and he wants to hang onto. There were erasers, bookmarks, money (he is my SAVER) and other little knick knacks. Sunday night, I found him organizing Dalton's room -- putting clothes in the dresser because we haven't moved the desk out of the office - which will be Mason & Rylan's room. Everyone is adjusting well to this move. I'm so pleased. I feel like we're falling into routine and structure which is so good for them -- they need it. Yesterday he made Dennis and I cards.

Here's the notes he wrote for us:

Have you ever seen anything so sweet? I love this boy!!!!

Sweet Little Brycen

matt is so proud!

ouch

Friday, during my errand runnning, I went to get my brows waxed. I've done it many times before but try to pluck to maintain. Maintenance was no longer an option.... So I go to my fav. place and in about 5 minutes, i was done. afterwards, i went on about my way but before bed, noticed my eyelids were burning. one look in the mirror confirmed what I feared....a burn. my eyelids hurt so badly. it scabbed over and despite my efforts to lubricate with vaseline, i have burnt eyelids. Next time...tweezerman!!!

Success!!!

....sort of. Took off Friday and spent the day preparing for the garage sale --- it is a lot of work. Ran errands. Spent some time with my mom. All in all, a good day. This morning was the sale. Den helped me get an early start (my fav. morning quote is 5 MORE MINUTES - he he) and we began setup. Woo Hoo. For the most part, the customers were great but we had a few that....did some SERIOUS negotiating. Okay, really...? You want to negotiate over a brand new boys shirt (with tags) marked for $1? Yea, well - I didn't feel like arguing so I lowered the price when asked....We made a decent $ for 4 hours work. THANK GOODNESS IT'S OVER~~

3 down...more to go

On Monday I started a "new, healthy way of eating". I'm old enough to know that magic potions and pills are not the solution. Eating right and exercise is it. Seems simple enough, right? The first 3 days were a prep and some people lose quite a bit in those 3 days. Apparently I'm not "some people" because I only lost 3 pounds. Today I'm tired, but I don't have to worry about feeling overly stuffed anymore. It's similar to Atkins minus the cheese but it's just smart choices - eating healthy, portion control. I'm not discouraged, but I wish those scales had moved a little more, alhtough a pound a day is not bad... Next weigh in is Sunday.

Tuesday

Today is day 2 of a 3 day cleanse/diet. It's not so bad really, except that I'm having caffeine withdrawals and general bitchiness from no-carbs... :-) I will survive this.

We've started staying at Dennis' this week. I don't feel like the house is 'mine' so I'm a little on edge - making sure the kids don't drop a crumb, but this morning I get up and one of the dogs (MINE) shit in the rug in the living room. I cleaned it up the best I could at the moment but I was gagging the whole time. Tonight I'll have to see what I can do.

We don't have the boys rooms set up yet, so mason and rylan wanted to sleep in the floor beside us. Sometime in the night rylan snuck into the bed. A habit that must be broken....and soon. He's getting so big and doesn't stay still.

Getting back to work. I am NOT going to dwell on the dr. pepper or sweets that I cannot have. nope -- not doing it.

Weekend Wrap up

I wasn't feeling well on Thursday or Friday. Friday night I met up with the girls for a drink and then keeno. It's always fun to have some girl time. I was glad a shot and a beer got me going and out of my funk.

Saturday I spent the afternoon working on my house -- clean up, sorting for garage sale. I felt a sense of accomplishment...I had 4 bags of trash. Big bags. After the garage sale this weekend, I hope I really have a dent in getting moved out and getting the house ready to rent. My entire house must be cleared out. It's a big task, but I'm very excited about our future!

Yesterday we had a late lunch, visited w/Den's uncle, came home, checked out his jeep in storage, went to my sister's, grocery store, home, swimming. By then, the day was near over. Amazing how time flies when you're with someone you love.....:-) went to bed early but couldn't fall asleep.

11 PM - can't sleep

I'm reading My Sister's Keeper. I wanted to read the book before I saw the movie. I think it starts next weekend. Sad, sad story. I'm close to the end but my eyes won't let me keep reading tonight so I put my book down and tried to get into the sleepy zone....no such luck. My mind is racing. I told ex- this evening that I'm renting out the house. He was not so happy with my decision. I can't say I blame him but I really don't care what he thinks. So I think that is on my mind, along with the idea of packing up and moving, plus the kids don't want to go with ex- tomorrow, plus I've got a weekend of work lined up ahead of me, plus....it really doesn't end. Dalton asked me tonight why I look so sad. I think the word is stressed, not sad. Overwhelmed, not sad. Anxious, not sad. I tried explaining my lack of energy, no TV, etc. but how much can an 11 yr old really understand? So here I am, sitting at the computer, trying to clear my head so I can settle in and get some rest. I started cleaning off my bathroom cabinets, yes -- my lack of sleep is THAT bad. Okay, back to cleaning, then hopefully off to dreamland soon!

XOXO

Changes

Change is very difficult for me. VERY. It's difficult to get motivated, slow moving, then I procrastinate and run through the finish line with full-on energy. That is exactly where I am, the slow moving part. I am officially putting my house on the market for rent. To me, this means, compressing the last eight years in my home into one of these categories:

• garage sale
• trash
• storage
• comes with me

The decision is so tough, but I've kept these categories in mind while sorting through our stuff. If you've read lately, I'm planning a garage sale. Next weekend, I think. I have LOTS of decor items, clothes, some furniture, kitchen stuff. I'm taking work type clothes to a consignment store tomorrow. Clothing generally doesn't make much at garage sales, & some stuff is still good condition, I just outgrew it.

SO....I'm hoping to be out of my house in July. get the word out if you know anyone looking for a house to rent. 3/2/1600+ SF

Monday is Over~

Woo hoo. As I've gotten older (not REALLY old), I have realized how difficult Monday's are for me. I don't sleep well Sunday night, I think in anticipation of the following morning (thank you Sandie :-) so it just all starts out on a bad note. Not that all Monday's are bad, just slow to get going, I guess...

So it's Tuesday now. Last night we went to Den's. The kids helped him lay grass in his yard (it looks SO good). We swam. Ate dinner. Went to bed. OH...and I watched TV. SCORE!!!! I can't explain how difficult it is to have no TV. i did at least have a couple of fuzzy channels but with the HD switch over last Friday, I lost even that. movies or video games. being broke really sucks. really!

Looking forward to the weekend. Friday night we're having drinks at the Pub then going to Keeno, which is always a blast.

Productive Weekend

Friday night was pretty much NON-productive, but after taking 2 hours to get home, I thought a little relaxation was in order.

Saturday I cleaned house then got ready for the wedding. My AC in my car was on the fritz so we had a quick detour to go back and get Den's truck and off to Weatherford. The wedding was beautiful, but HOT. Can you see the sweat on my face?

Sunday, Den came over and put us all to work. Fo' real. Dalton started it, but it ended up us working all day - the boys mostly in the yard, and me in the house (sorry, I can't stand the heat unless a pool is closeby). All in all, it was productive. The boys cleaned their rooms. I worked on the kitchen/dining/living rooms, although Mason swears he did more than I did, and I just walked around. LOL.

Garage Sale

It has been brought to my attention that my house is full of needless stuff....crap, if you will. Den and I told the boys whatever they get ready to sell, they can keep the $$ from. Talk about incentive. Right now they are going through the toy box and I'll bet they find toys that they didn't know they had. They really don't play with many toys.... This will be great. Lots of prep work, but hopefully we'll make a little cash-o-la. I am taking quite a few clothing items to a consignment store next Thursday and I hope that stuff sells for more than what I could make in a garage sale. It's work, but it is necessary!

COMPLETELY off topic....I think my inner 12-yr old girl is dying to get out. Last year (around Halloween) I got into tutu's. Love them. Everything is better wearing a tutu. Housework in a tutu, is suddenly not too bad. Tutu + stilletos = Oh la la. This year, my obsession is the flowers in the hair. They look so freaking cute on little girls. I downsized the flowers and made my own hair clips because I couldn't find them anywhere (anywhere = waxahachie).

Accomplishment

I did it. The day is not over yet, but it's pretty darn close. One Dr. Pepper and guess what? I survived! I'm having a glass of wine...and might have another, but my mini-goal had absolutely NOTHING to do with wine! Oh...and I found some low-cal alcohol treat recipes that sound pretty delish. I'll post them Monday in case anyone else wants to try.

LOL. Ry is watching Kung Fu Panda and has apparently seen it enough times to have the lines memorized....too funny!

HOpefully getting some cable hooked up tomorrow....no more fuzzy 4 & 8, although I have to go thru the trouble of packing up my dish receivers and shipping them back...but desperate times.

Going to my friend, Jill's wedding tomorrow night. Super excited. I haven't been to a wedding since....Jeff and Meegan, several years ago. It'll be fun. I think we're staying the night because it's in Weatherford & we don't want to drive back to Hatchie afterwards. I hope the storms stay away. Must check weather.

Bug bites

In the last few weeks, my kids have been eaten alive by bug bites. I have no idea what is biting them but due to these bites, we've had 2 dr. visits and limitless lotions, potions and concoctions to stop the itching. This weekend I am bombing my house for all buggies just to make sure it's not here.....we'll see!

Mini-Goal #1

I wandered across a website today called bookieboo . Funny name, inspiring stories. It's where mom's discuss and encourage other mom's to reach their weight loss goals. My first (& only thus far) post was about my lack of willpower. It's too easy to that the path of least resistance...the drive through, the dr. pepper, the quick (& non-nutritious) meals. I set a mini-goal. ONE dr. pepper per day. I have been drinking about 3 on average. THat's bad! It's an addiction, but I am determined to slim down. No big number goals. I'm going to try the mini-goal that is achievable and see if I can stick with it. Wait, I AM going to stick with it. Go me!

Jon & Kate Plus Eight

Back in the day when I had a television that showed more than a fuzzy channel 4 and 8, I watched Jon & Kate + 8. I thought their story was pretty amazing. I would imagine that 8 children would be hectic and that a very consistent (strict) routine would be imminent. How else could you keep structure in a house of 10 (plus help)? So, I was a little disappointed when the news broke about Jon having an affair. I hope it's not true. Last week US Weekly ran a story about one of the kids calling Kate "mean". Okay, obviously the writers were grasping for straws. I'm told at least once a week that I'm mean. For what? Saying No for the most part. Hell, Rylan even asked his teacher to pray for me. when I asked him why, he said -- "i prayed that you would be a nice mommy". Great. Christian school, come knocking on my door. So I asked what he was talkign about, he said, "remember when you said I couldn't go to hannah's house to play?" Good grief. So, give Jon & Kate + a million a break & let them (hopefully) mend their relationship.

...and if a child calls their parent mean, it probably means they're doing something right!

I don't want it to be over....yet!

I took the day off on Friday, partly some previously made plans that didn't pan out, partly because I wanted a day off! Thursday I had a very traumatic experience with my love muffin's mother. She wanted to see my house. YIKES. I wanted to vomit! Seriously. I am not a "tidy" person and a phrase rings in my head that my ex-mother-in-law once told me in a heated debate....I am a horrible homemaker. Well, first of all, not a homemaker...a breadwinner. Second of all...when I get home, I'm exhuasted and finally...I see no end in sight. My house is so overwhelming, I don't see a starting point and ultimately an ending point, so I just pretend I don't see the crap everywhere. We're discussing our future plans and renting out my house may be an option (just not sure on timing). Anywho, she wanted to see my house. I was mortified. She was kind but I know she was probably thinking I'm a slob. HUMILIATION = MOTIVATION. I spent my day off on Friday cleaning house. I had 3 bags of trash (clutter) and started some boxes for a garage sale (hopefully in the next month). Work in progress but headed in the right direction.

Friday night Den and I went to the movies to see The Hangover. I seriously think this ranks on my top 5 movies. It was greatness...absolutely hilarious. We left and went to Courtside for a drink but left without finishing because the place smelled like vomit.

Saturday I had a hair appointment with my super awesome hairdresser - Cara! I wanted to go dark, I love my hair dark. I think it makes my eyes look more blue. So we put some LAVA on it...yes, that was the name of the color. I look like a straight up rocker chic. Cara....I may have to do this again just before DEF LEPPARD in August!!!! After my hair appointment, Den and I had a couples massage (a Valentine's gift) at One Fine Day. He was asleep in the first 5 minutes but I enjoyed mine...of course it's always over a little too soon. Sat. night Den went to TMS for a race, so I hung out at the pool, reading and watching TV.

I woke up this morning at 11! Who the hell sleeps til 11? ME!!! Got up, Den cooked lunch and I came home to feed the dogs, steam cleaned the hallway and Dalton's room, went back to Den's, fell asleep on the couch, came back home. Dreading the work week.

Did you notice I mentioned vomit in this blog twice? LOL!

Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

....those are things little boys are made of, and rightly so.

Last night we get home and I told the boys to clean up the front yard. It's time to mow (again) and Dalton and his friends had some boards in the front yard that they used as ramps for their skateboards. They last moved these boards about a month ago - i remember this because I REFUSED to move them and I just mowed around (sorry Den). they were excited about moving the boards. Why? When grandpa helped move them over, they picked them up and snakes scattered. baby snakes, but snakes nonetheless. In my previous life, as a princess, I wouldn't dare get near this plot, but as a mom of three boys, I stand there with my stick, waiting to "catch" the slithery little creatures. Sure enough -- 2 baby snakes. And what do boys want to do with snakes? What else -- kill them. I supervise while Mason runs to get a shovel....wait, no - a rake. A rake? that's what he came back with. Gotta love them. They proceed to cut the heads off, then carry the lifeless slinky around the front yard and down to the neighbor (girls) to chase them with a snake body!

This morning I took Rylan to grandma's and there is a possum in the flower bed. Looked like a giant rat. GROSS! I try to scare it with the sound of my car -- success. I shoo the giant rat to the carport, then down the driveway. I follow him in my car to get it far away from the front door that I'm just about to go into. Rylan is in the back seat yellling -- RUN OVER HIM MOM!!!!! :-)

I wonder what creature awaits me tonight!

Baseball Weekend

We had a baseball field (hee hee) weekend. Den and I took Mason to his tournament in Irving. We were there for about 7+ hours on Saturday and headed back at 9:00 Sunday morning. We got beat -- all weekend long. The kids toughed it out although their frustration was pretty apparent during the game on Sunday. We felt sure that we were playing against select teams, not rec teams, so we had a disadvantage from the start. I must say we were glad it's over.

Divine Intervention

Do you think that sometimes, divine intervention takes over when nothing else makes works out? Well, this was my situation last night. Let me back up. Yesterday I took Rylan to the doctor for shots & check up so he can start kindergarten in the fall. No, I can't believe it either, my baby will be in kindergarten. On our way out the door, I step on the scales. After I picked my jaw off the ground, I moped to the front desk and checked out. Decision made -- I need to do SOMETHING. It's a catch 22. I'm exhausted all of the time. If I lost weight I probably wouldn't be, but I'm too tired to work out. So what to do? I ordered a Jillian Michaels DVD that arrived last week (before I realized how broke I would be) but I hadn't taken it out of the pkg yet. After the kids and I got home, I decided to break out the dvd. I connect the dvd player to the tv, press play. The selected option is "Recommendations". I hit play. It gives me a recommendation -- don't start without doctor's approval, eat a good diet, blah blah blah. Well, I have a gheto dvd player and the only way to rewind, fast forward, etc, is through the remote control. Well, guess what? I don't know where the remote is. so I can't select "workout" without a remote. Dammit. I grab my dish manual and start the process to program my tv/cable remote to operate the dvd player. Problem #1 -- there is no "dvd" control on teh remote. My options were SAT - TV - VCR (really) - AUX. I went through all codes on the VCR mode but nothing worked. Then I started through AUX. After about 40 minutes, I gave up on the dvd. But, I still remember the number on the scales, so I need to do something. I get a Wii DVD that my sister let me borrow, also Jillian Michaels, unplug the dvd, plug up the wii, insert wii game, balance board won't connect. Ugh! After dressing my mii, which I really could care less about, especially at this point, I start my workout. Running. The one thing I really hate. How might you ask does it know? Good question. You hold the controller and nunchuck in each hand and the motions you make, tell the wii you're going through the motions. Once I got to the monkey bars, man I had it figured out. You were supposed to hold the controllers above your head and do the motion of moving from bar to bar. Ha. I can sure fix this. I put the controllers at waist level and shook them back and forth -- guess what? My mii is still moving. I've sabotaged the system. Workout complete. I have to get that DVD issue figured out!

Summertime

It's official. Backyard barbeque's. Lightning bugs. Swimming pools. Margaritas. Sundresses. Flip flops. Sitting in the swing, reading. No more school. Stinky boys. That last part is absolutely a sign of summer. Why do boys smell like wet puppies after they've been playing outside? Multiply times three and my house is stinky. And why don't they like baths anymore? I guess the appeal is gone for an 11 yr old with the cute, squeaky rubber duckies. Hmmm. Maybe I'll put food coloring in the water -- who wouldn't want to take a pink bath? Bad idea...they may all come out pink. Time to wrangle the boys in for the night and force them into the tub. Oh, the joys of motherhood.

dogs, dogs and more dogs

last night mason had a 2 hour practice (getting ready for baseball tournaments). We got home and a little dog was running across our yard. just call me the spca on sycamore. after almost getting hit by a car, we brought him in. georgia and presley were none to nice to our new little friend. mason made a sign and posted it on the street corner -- Found Dog! Please, oh, please, let someone claim this doggie. he was older, and not much liking georgia's hyperness. We put him in the backyard with food and water and i crossed my fingers. just as i got in the tub, the doorbell rang. it was our neighbor. she is dogsitting for her nephew and the dog escaped her fence. Whew. That was a close one. seriously, i cannot have any more dogs. between the two I have and fred, plus 3 boys --- really! today i got an email for a weimaraner that needs a home/foster home. [biting nails]. do you know how hard this is for me?

Therapeutic, or not?

I'm not sure how therapeutic my blog has become, since I started out as "dear diary, I'm bearing my soul, my all" and today, I would have a LOT to share, but I kinda don't want to. Instead, I'm blogging about absolutely nothing. So...I may stop blogging. Not that anyone will notice, I don't think anyone reads these -- well, maybe a few people. Going home for the day. I've shed tears. I'm confused. and I don't want to talk about it.

Peace out! (that's what I saw when I'm avoiding real emotion)

No TV, No money

It's amazing how your mind begins to wander when you have no TV. Oh no, it's not on the fritz, I didn't pay the bill and my cable was turned off. Not exactly something I'm proud of, but the "sperm donor" to my boys lost his job and that means no child support, so without knowing I was digging myself into a hole, I did just that. Courtesy should have prevailed in telling me that he had no job, thus I had no money coming - but that's something that was never instilled, so here I am --

Just stuff.....

Baseball season is nearly over. Of course, we opted to compete in a 2-day tournament at the end of the month, which means more practices, but for the most part...it's over. Thursday is Ry's last game, Fri is Dalt's. Whew..... This means that we can hit the pool most every night and cool off from what I expect to be an unbearable summer.

My yard has been looking awful. I needed to mow, but between work, games and practices, it was difficult to find the time. Sunday we returned from the lake, I got out of the car and went straight to the garage to start mowing. Oh yes -- denim mini skirt and all. Of course I stepped in several ant beds and am now trying to get the big red bites off my ankles. So, it was so bad that it needed a "do over". Tonight the boys wanted to help. I wish I had taken pictures. Rylan was mowing, Mason and weed-eating and Dalton was doing what he does best -- talking on the phone. There are definite lines in the yard, but they aren't straight. I'm sure my neighbor wishes we hadn't mowed the grass dividing line between my house & hers, but I was so proud of my boys. They didnt' stop until it was done. Well...almost. I was tired and begged to be finish, or told them we were out of gas, or something to make it end so I could come in and take a nice COLD shower.

Baseball

I've had a lot going on but I've fallen behind in blogging. The boys are almost finished with baseball season. I have a love/hate relationship with ball. Love that the boys are involved and showing such improvement, but hate that between the three playing games and practices, not to mention Dalton's choir recitals, I'm just exhausted. Spend a lot of time running the boys around. Tournaments are at the end of the month and Mason has several practices, but I've learned to use that time to just chill. I mean, there's nothing I can do, right?

Not too shabby

We got all moved into our new space and while it will take some time to get settled and all, it is quite nice and I'm very pleased. All was top secret so we weren't real sure what we were getting, but I think it's worked out overall.

Spent the weekend with Den and Kim. We had a fun-filled weekend. Need to upload photos.

Change is not welcome in Tobey's world

I am such a creature of habit. I have lived in 3 houses, all in waxahachie (this includes my childhood), worked at the same job for 16 years, kept the same car for 10 years, you see my point. I will stick with things just because they work and they are comfortable or, more evident in the last few days...because I fear change! Our offices are moving after 25+ years in our space. I've been there for 16 of those and while initially I was in denial, this week, as we are down to the wire, I am absolutely frustrated, irritated and downright pissed. I can't find things I need, we're supposed to continue to work, yet somehow manage to find the time to pack. I feel like I'm being pulled in fifteen directions, plus, I have some medical issues on my mind. Doubt it is anything serious but still in my thoughts. My mom and I have had a disagreement and neither of us is willing to budge. Kids, kids, kids. I'm just overwhelmed and the office move is pushing me over the edge. Good thing it will be over Thursday!

100% stressed

How could this be possible? Let me count the ways...

Lower back STILL hurts. Traffic sucked this morning. The traffic lights were out downtown making traffic even worse. I didn't get to work until 9:45! Dalton is still struggling in school. Dennis is still out of town. Jackass didn't do what he told me (& the boys) he was going to yesterday. Monday is not my favorite day of the week. I'm STILL only one person, trying to juggle many balls at work. My friend Christie is dealing with some relationship issues and was very upset yesterday. That's all for now.

The day WILL get better!

Depressing thoughts

• I don't get paid until Friday and I'm already in the negative
• I'd like to grow a goatee to hide the double chin(s)
• Damn I want to be photogenic

Never a dull moment

I've been in a funk lately. Actually, I'm trying to get in to see the dr. next week. I don't know what it is, I just don't feel "right". I'm exhausted, my body aches, I can't sleep, when I do sleep I break out into sweats. I think I've gained 15 pounds in teh last 2 weeks. Ask my mom, she'll glady attest to that. Did I mention I'm exhausted? Well, I've chalked it up to being busy. Between work, moving at work, baseball, choir recitals, and all other "kid things", I'm just pooped. Pooped or not, I'm going to the dr. to get a check up. Cross your fingers.

So I come home from work and head to baseball practice, but not before I go to Walgreen's to get my $5 coupon that they jipped me out of on Sunday. I find BREAKING DAWN in the backseat so I gladly pick it up as the boys practice. I can jump back into this book in no time. Practice is over so I head home. The boys go outside to jump on the trampoline. I decide to take this opportunity to read some more...I can't put this book down. I'm doggie sitting for Dennis while he's out of town so I have his big doggie Fred. So I spoil him rotten, just like my own. I grab my book and head towards the front door. Fred is pretty big so he's not allowed to go out without a leash. He sits down like a good little doggie, I leash him and he's quite anxious to get outside...he can't sit still. He doesn't have very good walking manners but he is on a choke chain so once it tightens up, he knows what to do. He twists around me so I am wrapped completely one time in his leash. I open the door, he starts to run, throws me onto the ground as he untwists me and takes off after this dog that was sitting at the corner of the street. Fred running. Tobey yelling (as I pick myself up off the ground). Adrenaline pumping. I chase him almost to the end of the street when I realize, he ain't coming back. Run back home, get in car, drive neighborhood with my head out the window screaming "FRED!!!!!!" Go back home, pick up the boys for extra eyes on the lookout. Drive up and down the street. Drive, yell, drive, yell. Panic. What will I tell Den? Oh shit. Drive, yell. We pass the Cooper's on Grand Street and Mike is outside. Dalton yells....I see him. I back up, jump out of the car, completely oblivious to traffic. Sweet Mason says, "mom, should I lock the doors?" Mike comes across the street, said he just saw him. He asked if he still had his leash on...Yep....that's him. Mike calls him, he comes running. Tongue hanging out of his mouth, panting, I pick him up and get him in the car. Whew. This could have been disastrous.

Monday is over

I survived. I'm not sure how, but I did. I had a short day at work because I had scheduled a dentist appt before I went on my trip. I had a cavity and needed to get it filled. Today was the day. I really don't freak out about dentists because I have the best ever but I must admit I was quite READY when they put the laughing gas on me. I always think they have (or should have) this ridiculous big red clown nose on me while I'm inhaling deeply for the greatest safe floating feeling ever! It was over before I knew it. Whew.

I'm looking forward to my long time high school friend, Kim coming to visit in a few weeks and ultimately moving back to Texas. Woo hoo....

Glimpse of the evening...well, 2:30 till now.
Left work. Drove to Midlothian. Dentist appointment. Talked to Kim before and after. Drove to pick up Dalton from tutoring. Took him to get whataburger. Went to Dennis' house to "shock" the pool. It was green and cloudy and we have some work to do before I'm so much as dipping my toe in that water. LOL. Grabbed the dog food from Dennis' so I didn't have to go to the store, it was heavy! Came home. Changed clothes. Took Dalton to the Fine Arts Center for a choir program. Watched/listened to the program. Went to baseball - Mason was playing. So exciting when your child is on the field! Game was over at 9:00. Took the boys to Taco Casa for some very nutricious dinner. Uh..hello, CHEESE is a milk product. Duh. The boys are in the bath and I've realized I am once again, addicted to blogging.