Confessions of a Crazy Lady

2009-07-20T11:54:00.010-05:00

THIRTY-FIVE

Some of my gurlz helping me celebrate!

I know it is hard to believe that I am 35 by looking at me, but I am. lol If you ask me how old I am...well, I'll lie!

Let me also say, that I am apprehensive to be transparent on here. When you do not know who is reading or who will be offended by what you write, it is hard to be completely real! But, really... why am I concerned with that. (let me answer that... I don't like conflict and I have enough in my life right now!)

Brooke and I

This year my actual birth date was not a happy time for me. Why? For several reasons. First of which, every since I lost my mom in 2006, my birthday's are not the same. When the woman who carried me in her stomach, cared for me, taught me, laughed and cried with me and for me is gone, my birthday has not carried the same significance as it once did.

Secondly, this year my husband and I are getting a divorce so that also makes this birthday hard. No only the divorce, but everything that it has entailed with the family has been difficult for me to accept. But it is what it is!

Finally, my birthday was on a Sunday this year. Those of you who know me know that I work EVERY weekend in Dallas. Working is part of life and as adults we don't get to treat our birthday as if it is a national holiday (but I'm thinking mine should be). Therefore, I did not get to see my kids. Ashley left for camp that day and Payton was with his dad.

Now, the combination of the three of these together is what made me an emotional wreck on June 28th.

Kesleigh, me, Stephanie, Marsha, and Heather

On the other hand, I have been blessed with some of the greatest friends IN THE WORLD! I feel so lucky to have such great people in my life. I love all of you girls, Waco and Dallas, y'all are so special to me!

I went to Dallas on Friday and went to dinner with girls from work! Wish I had pics for you, but I don't. (got a pic, see below) We went to Benihana's. The food was wonderful, the friends are hilarious and priceless, and the gifts were amusing, to say the least!

The following Wednesday was just as memorable! We had fondue and drinks at Uncorked and the after party at Hondo's. Thank you Stephanie and Marsha for the food from Taco Bell since Hondo's couldn't even get chips and salsa because the "cook went home".

What was one of my worst birth date's in my 35 years turned out to be my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE birthday yet! Yes, I would love to have my mom here, but she is in God's hands now. I missed my kids like crazy, but they came home soon. You girls are the ones who made it unequivocal to no other birthday!! I hope you are all in my life for an extremely long time!!! If you do not carry the same sentiments about me being in your life - TOO BAD! You should have got out when you had the chance.

Top row: Jordan, Casey, Fran
Bottom row: Tanna, Shavonne, me, Cathy

2009-04-28T21:29:00.002-05:00

HI!!!

I know it has been forever since i've blogged!!
Please forgive me and know that i love you and miss you. We are still alive. Ashley will respond to the previous post soon and i will continue my blogging career. Yet another thing i love to do and don't get paid for. lol.
Many of you know that my life has been crazy lately and I thought it best to spare you from that.
Until I blog Again.
Much Love

2009-01-20T09:26:00.002-06:00

Ask Ashley

Here is a fun idea I am stealing from a friend. Ask Ashley is the blog post where you ask my 11 year old daughter all kinds of questions. Keep it clean! But if there is something you would like to know about the lack of parenting skills i have, Ask Ashley. Do you want to know about her childhood, Ask Ashley...what color is her bedroom? Ask Ashley. Questions you've never asked an 11 year old girl, Ask Ashley! Are you getting the idea?

Click on comments below and type in your question. Then stay tuned for the next post, Ashley Answers!

2009-01-19T22:53:00.002-06:00

Just in case you are wondering...yes I am still alive.

2008-12-14T22:23:00.004-06:00

What's Your Type?

At some point in your life, you have probably taken a personality profile test. You know, are you the golden retriever, lion, otter, or beaver? Does the sanguine, phlegmatic, choleric, or melancholy
personality describe you best?

I have read some of the book JUST YOUR TYPE by Paul Tieger and Barbara Barron-Tieger. It was enlightening to find out just why I act/react the way I do in certain situations.

Here's the test:
http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp
Here's another explanation of your type
http://www.personalitypage.com/home.html

Take it...

Then lets talk about it!

I am the ESFJ.

2008-12-11T20:25:00.002-06:00

Throwing Fits...

You know how you feel when your sweet angel is yelling and screaming! The warmth that washes over you until your face is red and neck splotchy. What about the thoughts..."If I put duck tape over his mouth will he be quite THEN?" or "White room, padded jacket, people bringing me pills and water...that sounds nice!" I wonder if my kids think that about me when I am throwing my fits.
This week has proven extremely difficult for me. I just want to put a BIG BLACK X over my last post. All the hot chocolate and watching kids play blah, blah, blah is for the birds today! Well, maybe I should have read my BIBLE today. The things that are driving me to the beautiful white is the same things you face! Why is my headband in the floor when I distinctly remember putting it in the bathroom drawer. The garlic press is in the living room and I didn't cook today. My wooden spoons now have a very artistic black sharpie marker stripe down them. These decorations have not been part of the decor in the kitchen for as long as I can remember. Why is the phone unplugged? I know I didn't do it 'cause I always welcome the distraction of speaking with another adult! Usually my sister.
I guess it's time for me to go to Time Out!

2008-12-04T23:16:00.007-06:00

HURRY... COME ON...

Are you overwhelmed? Rushed? Fatigued? I know I am!! I asked my husband tonight what it was about this time of year that make people love it? Christmas is my favorite time of year, but there is no enjoyment in the 8 loads of laundry that are separated and waiting for someone to wash them. The toilet that just broke and the dishwasher that needs to be unloaded are going to have to wait! That is why people have more than one bathroom, you know!

Now...Slow down for a moment. Just sit.

Have a cup of coffee...

Watch your kids...

Read your Bible...

Just for a sec.

Meditate on the reason we are here. Jesus Christ.
That is why I love this time of year! I am blessed and I am thankful!

Now, hurry up and look at these pics, cause it's bed-time.

HALLOWEEN 2008

Payton, Keaten, Kaden, Makenna
Halloween Cousins

Haliegh, Landen, Madison, Tanner, and Ashley
Don't I have the most beautiful family! lol!

November 17th

Pre-Birthday. Gifts from Great-Grandma Sugar!
I remember being a little girl and couldn't wait to get into the box that my Grandma sent from Colorado. My mom would let us open one gift from Grandma Sugar Christmas Eve's Eve and sometimes the night before our birthday. (warm fuzzy memories) Why make the poor baby wait 12 hours until his birthday.

NOVEMBER 18, 2008
MY SUPER-HERO TURNED 5!

Mimi's Cake

We absolutely adored the Jumping Party Birthday!
Payton, Miles, Keaten

THANKSGIVING DAY 2008
and Breanne's 18th Birthday!

The Bird. Yum...Yum...

Kaden and Payton threaten to run over everyone's toes on Thanksgiving day. How is one suppose to take a nap when your feet are a constant target?

It has been a good couple of months. I hope the same is true for you.

2008-11-17T15:47:00.010-06:00

Teachable Moments

Teachable moments for my kids are not something I have thought about praying for until the past couple of months. However, today was one of those moments. Being hurt by someone does not feel good. We've all been there, but sometimes... the best response is no response!

A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. Proverbs 29:11
(Thank you Angela)
Thank you Lord for friends who can text msg. you a scripture in a blink of an eye!

It makes me tearful when my daughter is relaying what this scripture means to her and then making me memorize it, who's the mom here anyway? Not only the words, but the address as well. So often I think my kids are going to be lucky if they make it to adulthood with out bumps and bruises on their character and our relationships. But, in times like today, when I can look in their innocent eyes and fill their spongy brain with the TRUTH of God, it makes me think that I can make it! My mothering capabilities may not be that of Claire Huxtable or June Cleaver, but they are Mine! And that's good enough!

I can do all things through Christ. Philippians 4:13

2008-11-04T22:16:00.001-06:00

I THINK I MAY THROW-UP!!!

you figure it out!

2008-10-12T21:40:00.004-05:00

THE SHAVER

I've been tagged by my sweet friend Autumn.

Well, I thought that this tag would be a little easier. That was until I looked at my pictures. When I open PICTURES from the start menu there is an extremely cute picture of Ashley and her friend. Just in case you don't know this, pictures do not show up in the same order when you are downloading from blogger. OK, well maybe yours does...but mine and has to do things backwards. On the other hand, THIS is a pretty cute picture!!

It was right after Christmas last year and Mimi bought Payton a fake shaving set. Ashley offered to "shave" Pay and he obliged.

Now, the rules:

Go to pictures file
Click on the 6th folder of pics
The 6th pic in that folder is the one you post
Let us know the details

I tag the first 5 people on my blog roll with the exception of Autumn (since she is the one who tagged me) Adrielle, Amy, Angela, Becky, and Barb.

2008-10-08T23:33:00.004-05:00

FUN OR CRAZY???

Over 15 A+ cards sold by each kid
Free Limo ride
Free pizza

Sounds like fun...RIGHT...

23 5th graders singing at the top of their lungs.
23 5th graders in one limo.
23 5th graders and me as the chauffeur
23 5th graders....

WOW!!

That was yesterday and I am still exhausted.

2008-09-29T22:59:00.004-05:00

TAGGED!!!

It has been a while since I was tagged by a couple of friends (Kylie and Rose). Honestly, It has been really hard for me to come up with anything. So (drum roll please)... here is my pitiful list.

Some unknown facts about ME!

1) When I buy a Starbucks coffee, the emblem on the cup, the emblem on the cardboard-thingy, and the sipping hole have to be in alignment. I don't make the employees line them up, I will do it myself. You know when you have a travel mug with a handle and it is pointed the wrong direction, it's hard to drink out of it comfortably, so you re-do the lid until it is correct. Same with me and Starbucks.

2) I HATE to pass 18 wheelers and buses, especially when there is concrete barricades. Every weekend I pray myself past them. First I pray for protection then I pray there are no cops up ahead. Plus, how am I to know if they are awake or asleep?

3) It really bothers me when I see people stopped on the shoulder of the highway. Please, if you are reading this, go to the next exit and find a safe place to stop. If you run out of gas or some other circumstance that prevents you from getting to the next exit, get as far off the road as possible. There have been too many people get hit and die from stopping on the side of the road to change a tire, get something out of the trunk, and even being pulled over by a state trooper.

4) I love cute notepads and spiral notebooks. Even though I have a couple of cases of spirals, if I saw a cute one at Target, I would probably still buy it. And, I have recently paid $22 dollars for a notepad (but it's cute!). How ridiculous is that?

5) There are absolutely too many striped knit shirts in my wardrobe. I am drawn to stripes. Anyone want to analyze that?

6) I count red cars. What do I mean? Well, when there are several or more red cars around the same area, ie. traffic light, parking lot, in line at the bank, I count them. Only red though. For instance, when I took my son across town to MDO, I knew that there would be 8 to 10 red cars at the school down the block.

Ok, Now that you know that I am totally insane, tag your it. If you have read this I challenge you to write 2 (or more)unknown facts about you in my comment section. Thanks for playing!

2008-09-24T21:43:00.004-05:00

The Number 14

What is so appealing about number 14? It makes 2 weeks complete, is the atomic number for silicone on the chemical element chart, and I will bet you did not know that the number 14 is a Stella Octangula number (If you already knew that, you are reading the WRONG BLOG!)

14 YEARS! I have been married for 14 years! It seems unreal. Sometimes if feels as if the time has flown by, and other times it hardly inches along at all. This is the beginning of our fiscal year. And I BELIEVE it will be an exceptionally productive year.

Some may remember this post. I got nothing from my husband for my birthday. He has been redeemed though! Our anniversary was Sept 17, although I started receiving gifts on the 3rd which is 14 days prior to the actual date.

14 GIFTS... (in no particular order with the exception of the last one)

Roses
i Tunes gift card
Compass gift card
Hastings gift card
Starbucks gift card
Willow tree angels
ink cartridge
new Lexmark printer (compatible with Vista yea!)
Shopping in Austin with THE girls.
Hobby Lobby gift card
Car charger for my phone
Car adapter for i pod
Movie passes

AND

A card! He told me to plan a cruise for the two of us. What? Really? I get to go on a CRUISE!

You did a good job this year Mike. A very good job!
Thank you. Love you.

2008-09-08T23:18:00.005-05:00

Feeling Better

Just a quick note to say that I found out that someone in my family/extended family has suffered with hair pulling. It started around the same age that Ash is now. After many tears falling and a lot of prayer... she does not pull anymore. That is just a inspiration to me. During "new" adventures for my family, it is extremely important to get that support needed to help deal with, and find avenues to change behavior. Or to just be a sounding board...

2008-08-23T00:47:00.014-05:00

PRE-K AND THE PARKING LOT

First day of Pre-K!! Pay was so excited to be going to his new school. He loves his new teacher as do I. I think this Pre-K thing will work out. We defiantly miss our other friends from Kids Kingdom (esp. Matthew and Carson)

NOW!! DO You See This? Huh? Do You wanna know what happened?

Well too bad, I'm gonna tell ya anyway!

I went to Home Depot today to get some paint and "stuff". While we were in there, I was thinking to myself in true blogger fashion, "Maybe I should blog about how I love home improvement type stores. There are so many fantastic things here." No matter what project you are starting, in the middle of, or need one more box of screws to complete..."Home Depot is not just your home improvement store, it is so much more". ;0)

As I was leaving the parking lot...
It happened...
I looked over at Ashley's friend sitting in the front seat...
the big work truck pulls out of his parking space right into the side of my car!!!

DO YOU KNOW WHAT HE SAID TO ME?
" Did you not see me pulling out of that parking spot?"

WHAT!!! SERIOUSLY??!!

(Note to the MM small group girls whom I told about the water department and having to by an I'm sorry gift card - I stayed composed.)

"Well, did you not see me driving behind you?"

Now, I would think that this man would know what to do in a situation like this. You know, step up... take the bull by the horn's. Nope! He said, "well, what are we suppose to do now?"

We have all the business taken care of and I hope the company insurance will pay for my car to be repaired. What makes me angry about the whole thing is his truck was fine with the exception of some scratching on his bumper and tailgate!

"God, I really do want to know what you are trying to teach me."
In the grand scheme of things, we are healthy, we are not hungry, we have our family.
The car is fixable! (I don't want to have to get it fixed, I want it to be like it was) It is fixable.

Ashley and BethAnn goofin' while in car pool lane to pick up my Pre-K boy.

I must tell you that I am going nuts because my font and boldness is not working correctly. Is it b/c i'm tired? OR...is it b/c I'm blonde?

2008-08-17T22:27:00.005-05:00

Medical Olympics

Many weekends in the Trauma ICU are crazy busy, and this weekend was no exception! As I was practically running from one patients bedside to another, I started thinking about what you would see at the Medical Olympics.

Here is what I thought based on what I do, help with, see done, or make fun of!

Wrestling a patient back into their bed. Who will win?
Marathon intubations. How many will be done in a hour?
How many poops can you clean in a shift? Excludes coworkers poops.
Guess the diagnosis.
Following protocols. A 1/2 point will be deducted for every faux pas.
Critical care patient transports. Getting all monitors, IV pumps, oxygen tanks, chart, and ambu bag down to CT and back up as quickly as possible. Don't forget the patient!
Embarrassing co-workers (not excluding MD's) Speaks for itself.
How quick you can untangle tubes and lines without making it worse.
Stay smart while keeping emotions in check during emergent situations.
Find a ugly OMFS resident. Honest, you can't do it! If you do...Gold Medal!

2008-08-13T23:49:00.005-05:00

Growing Pains

You know how your kids have the tendency to grow up? No matter how hard I protest this natural phenomenon, it tends to transpire anyway! Of course (being a mommy) it disturbs me to think that my daughter will be going to fifth grade this year and my son is only one year from being in Kindergarten. I want them to be sweet little kids forever. Ok, Ok, not forever! There are days in every mothers life when you think, this child may not make it to adulthood if they don't straighten up...right?
Last night was an epiphany moment that my kids are growing up. Both of them woke up in the middle of the night complaining of "growing" pains. In the past I have tried the natural route. You know... ice packs...rubbing...heating pads. Really, in the middle of the night is not the time for me to go natural.

Ashley wakes up at 1 AM ...
"Mom, my legs are hurting."

"I'm sorry babe, you want some Tylenol? Here drink some water. Now, go get back in the bed."

"I'm having a hard time sleeping. Can I read?"

"That's fine, but turn off your lamp before you go back to sleep."

3:30 AM Payton wakes up SCREAMING! Uncontrollable, blood curling, hysterical, SCREAMING!
"Mmmmaaaaaaaaaaaaaa mmmmmmaaaaaaaaaaaaaa"

Thought- "Oh no, some one has came into the house and is trying to get my baby."
"No, no, maybe he just had a bad dream, I'm just going to lay here and see if he goes back to sleep."

"MMMMaaaaaaaMMMMMMaaaaaa!"

Another thought- "Well, I guess I'm gonna have to get up and see what he is screaming about"

"Mmmmmmmaaaaaaaaaammmmmmmaaaaaaa!!!"

"Ok Payton, I'm coming. Whats wrong?"

"mmmyyyy wwegs aaarrr hurrting!"

"I'm sorry babe, you want some Tylenol? Here drink some water and wash it down. Come get in the bed with mama. You have to quit crying though. Do you want me to get an ice pack?"

Of course, the ice pack lasted about 5 seconds.

Needless to say, not a great night for sleeping. Now, as I was reading on the American Academy of Pediatrics website (and a couple other places), it may not be growing pains at all. More than likely it is due to more physical activity than normal. hummm.

Thought-"Guess I should have left the mall earlier."

And by the way, check out my little favicon in the address bar. Cute huh?

2008-08-11T22:01:00.002-05:00

LAZY!!!

Do you ever have days where you don't get out of your pj's... you lay on the couch... and let your kids fix there own lunch?

Well today was that day for me. I did get up and go get donuts for breakfast, and consenquently lunch for my kids. But the rest of the day...nothing. I even passed up the opportunity to have coffee with some wonderful girls b/c I did not want to get dressed. Olympics has been good though!

2008-07-16T10:25:00.003-05:00

Dirty Secrets

Are you guilty of turning your clocks up a hour so your kids will go to bed earlier? What about passing store bought food off as your own? Have you ever called into work sick and failed to tell your family (because you were too busy shopping)? These are a couple of examples given today on Rachel Ray.

Trisha Ashworth and Amy Nobile wrote a book titled Dirty Little Secrets From Otherwise Perfect Mom's. Some of the "secrets" were defiantly mom-knowledge, but there were also invigorating A-HA moments.

What are your dirty little secrets?

2008-07-13T23:16:00.005-05:00

My Home Makes Me Think Of...

1. Comfort - Put on your shinny red slippers and say it with me...there's no place like home...there's no place like home...there's no place like home.

2. Grateful - When I was toe-headed little girl, we were penniless. No matter where we lived, it was home. Despite how small, cluttered, or unorganized my house is...I am lucky enough to live in a HOME that when you put a ball on the kitchen floor it doesn't roll into the livingroom (if you want to call that luck?!).

3. Stressed - Because my home is small, cluttered, and unorganized... I am diligently attempting to establish some order but, the dishes overflow from the sink onto the counter and clean laundry free falls from outer space. Since I am a working, stay at home mom and not a house-wife, my kids are hauling more stuff out while I am purging drawers and cabinets. But...I wouldn't change it for the world.

4. Appreciative - There are so many people living in our backyards that don't even have a home to go to. No place to lay their head and feel safe, no family who values them enough to make sure they have a hot meal, and no one to care enough to make sure they have clean clothes or a shower. (enter your own clever comment to people living in my back yard)

5. Family - There are so many memories surrounding a home. The smell of a Thanksgiving meal, sound of children on Christmas morning, or the taste of your daily coffee... these are the memories that mold us into the adults we are today. Every child deserves a sanctuary where they feel loved and nurtured.

2008-07-10T10:51:00.004-05:00

ORGANIZATION

This is another one of my one question quizzes.

What do you do about organization and keeping the creepy crawly clutter at bay in your home?

a) What do you mean organization? I have magazines from 1997.

b) I don't have a problem with organizing. Everything is in its place before I go to bed each night.

c) Every 3rd year I clean out all the clutter and organize again.

d) I am on an 8 week plan. Each room of the house is reorganized every 8 weeks.

e) add your own...

P.S. Do you clean out your husband's dresser and closet? Or, do you suggest that he does it himself and wait to see if it gets done?

2008-07-07T13:45:00.004-05:00

WHAT'S EXPECTED...WHAT'S NOT EXPECTED...

To follow up on the previous post...My birthday was not forgotten. We were in Colorado visiting my Grandma and Grandad. My aunt was very kind in hosting a "cook out" for my birthday. It was great!! Steaks...hotdogs...baked beans...cake (made by my grandma)...kids swimming...blow up jump castle...etc. I had a great time and received wonderful presents from my Grandparents and cousin "Gretta".

But...there was something missing.

Yet...I was silent.

There was no guilt trip, there was no questioning, there wasn't even any pouting.

Until...I got home from Colorado. I just wanted him to know that my feelings were hurt. Anything to acknowledge my birthday would have been nice. Even a homemade card.

I don't expect my friends to recognize my birthday. Because, I so often forget theirs. Sending a card seems like an easy process. Somehow, between the store and home it becomes difficult to actually get the card into the mailbox. This is the mailbox I walk to every day!
My special day was forgotten by my Dad. But, my family did take me out to dinner on Friday night to make up for not doing anything for me on my birthday.

Here are a couple pictures taken on our vacation.

Seven Falls (Beautiful! But look close. See those stairs going up beside the falls? "Good Morning calf muscles")

Ashley and Payton at Focus on the Family

Aria and Payton - The "summer siblings"

Estes Park - Pay, Grandma, and Ashley

One more thing, last year I posted that I just turned 34. I was born in 1974, so I just turned 34 THIS year. What is it people say? "The mind is the first to go". But if anyone asks, I'm 29!!

2008-07-04T14:50:00.002-05:00

One Question Quiz

How would you feel if your husband and children did nothing for your birthday?

a.) I would be fine. Its just a waste of money anyway.
b.) It would hurt my feelings.
c.) I don't even have birthdays, therefore there is nothing to forget.
d.) I would not buy them anything for their birthday and pout for the next year.

2008-06-04T11:51:00.002-05:00

RESENTMENT AND EYEBALLS

I want all one of you who read my blog to know that I am on hiatus.
Yes, I need a break and you will thank me. It's not because I dislike blogging, because you should know from previous post that I heart blogs. It's not because I am boring, at this stage I am anything but that. It's not even because I am too busy, just like you, I find the time to do what I enjoy. The real reason I am on hiatus is because I have a lot of negative thoughts and feelings, wrapped around resentment and anger that I am dealing with. Thanks you for letting me be honest.
So, I will not blog for a while. Never fear, I will let you know when I am over my "funk".

But, before I go. I am just wondering if you ever bet your kids to do something? Like, bet them real money...$10 worth of real money...is that illegal? We went to a Cajun restaurant that over looks the river here in town. Ashley and I both love boiled craw fish but she is disgusted by their heads. Being the immature parent that I am, I tried to gross her out by holding the bucket of heads up to her. As she is pulling away and telling me to stop-iiiiiittttt, (blink - that's the sound of the light bulb going on) I say, "I'll pay you $10 RIGHT NOW to eat one of the eyeballs."
"Really?" It sounded like easy money to her.
"Yeah, eat one right now and I'll give you $10."
With much preparation over 5 minutes, I finally said, "You have a time limit."
Over this five minute period she kept trying to POP the eye out with her fork...IT WAS STUCK IN THERE! She was even more repulsed!
Finally, she was able to look away and pull it out with her bare hands...threw it in her mouth...GULP! No drinks for 5 seconds then she showed me it was gone.
"Ashley, you are disgusting. There is no way I would have done that!"
What some people will do for the almighty dollar.
Now we need to learn lessons about what is appropriate and inappropriate to do for money.

And, yes...I did pay up!

2008-05-22T23:36:00.004-05:00

"There Is No Crying in Baseball"

Payton on the bench.

Who's ready to run?

Sweet Matthew

Ashley and V-ball coach Alyssa

Ashley and V-ball Coach Brianna

Wish I had pics of Ashley's dance recital to share with you. Being a child of the 80's, I was totally excited that she was dancing to G N' R Welcome to the Jungle. There was a period of time Saturday night when I was having a hard time controlling the urge to take the hairspray and hairbrush. Ya know, sometimes you just need to tease the hair up high. It's like putting on an old pair of acid washed... ripped out holes in the knees...Jordache jeans.

One of my friends once sent me a post card with a picture of the entire planet Earth taken from space. On the back it said, "Wish you were here."

~Stephen Wright~