My Crazy Life

Significance of Number 3

2011-10-07T22:12:00.002-05:00

In the past sixteen hours there has been the birth of an idea, a plot, A PLAN. This is a plan that involves me. A plan that involves my passion for girls who have survived the sex trafficking industry. A plan that involves a short term mission trip. A plan that, if it comes to fruition, I will be able to mark something off of my bucket list.

As I am writing these words, a thought strikes me...This is much bigger than me! It's much bigger than me marking something off of my TO DO list. This is about God and what His perfect will is for my life!

God started a work in me a couple of years ago. It was really after Mike and I divorced two years ago. I'll spare you all the details, and hit the highlights instead. After our divorce was final I started to notice that my eyes were drawn to men with darker skin. It seemed that the ones I found (and still find) "oh, so hot", were Indian men. There is no rhyme or reason for this. But I like it. I embrace it. It's different from everything I've ever known. There have been a few casual dates with these "brown boys" and I enjoyed my time with them. Well, except for with the Chef, Vijay. He became controlling after one week. And my personality is not one that compliments controlling very well! He sucked the life outta me!

What I believe has really been happening within me is not what I like in a man, but more of a stratigic move for me to learn more about myself. Learn about the country of India. Learn about their economy. Learn about their history. Learn about their culture.

Anywho...
During the past couple of years I have also learned that I have a passion for victims of sex and human trafficking victims. I've read several places that sex trafficking is the third most profitable organized crime industry, but can't actually find the source of this. But if there is ANY truth to this claim... How Sad!! For some of the facts on how prevalent this problem is click here or here . I just want to cry out all of the things that is wrong with this, and be explicit in everything I would attempt to inflict upon someone if it was one of my children who fell victim to this nameless, faceless crime! However, since I'm with holding the details, I won't. This passion runs deep and I'm not sure why. My childhood was fairly normal. What ever THAT means. So, why me God? Why THIS passion? Why now?

At the beginning of the year, I attempted to make contact with some people who could direct me in how I could help. But the doors were shut in my face. Quietly my heart cried out, "But Lord...I feel like you are the one who birthed this passion within me! What am I suppose to do?" To which I believe the response was, "Wait...Pray..." And so I have.

NOW (very emphatic and dramatic)... A mission trip....to where? India?

I just have to tell you the significance of the number 3. Every time I feel the urging of the Lord it is always confirmed in three's. That may actually be in the Bible somewhere, I'm not sure. (note to self: look that up)

So....

Number One and creation of THE PLAN: Last night I received and e-mail from my friend Kylie. The organization that she introduced me to, As Our Own, has a home and school where girls from the ages of 5-20 have been rescued from the red light district in India. And they will be sending a group over there next summer.
What?!?

Number Two: Then, I get home last night and read a chapter in a book called Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist. Guess what she wrote about in that very chapter. A mission trip.
What?!? What?!?

AND Number Three: NOW TODAY...I was casually scrolling through some blogs and came across my friends sister. What was her last post about? A mission trip!

What, What, What the heck is going on here?

There are so many thoughts curving, running, and rocking through my noggin right now.

I don't have the money
Is this why You made me wait and told me to pray?
But God...
You were the one who gave me the desire to go on a mission trip
I'm not well versed on Bible verses
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength Phil 4:13

Okay, I just had to laugh. Earlier when I was writing out all of these things, I wrote them in this exact order. Notice what the last two say. Ironic? No, I'm sure God was very intentional in the way I wrote this.

Is this for real or am I making it up in my head?
I must pray over this
How will I raise funds
What, God? Me?
But you know I wanted to go to Costa Rica on a mission trip.
Your kingdom come, Your will be done
I am stronger than I think I am
Really, I just wanted to run a half marathon. That's a miracle in itself!
Guess I'll need to get a Malaria medication, right?

Will I really do this? Will I really go to India? I'll stay cautiously optimistic and excited about going, in hopes that it will all work out!

LETTERS TO BOSSES

2011-10-04T01:38:00.002-05:00

After working the past three days (Fri, Sat, and Sun) I have a couple of issues that I am concerned about. I know that some of these areas of concern are already being looked at by upper management, but I would still like to put in my two cents. And feel free to share this e-mail to whomever it is relevant to.

On being a charge therapist – After this past weekend, I’m really not interested in filling this particular role as the work load stands now. When we are staffed accordingly, I will be more than pleased to assist in being charge therapist again. I love helping my co-workers and have said before, I do not mind pushing a vent all over the hospital when someone calls me and needs one right away! As you know, on Sunday, I was taking care of the patient on 3 North ICU who is on HFOV, had my own ICU duties on 3 Truett, covering Roberts PACU, on Rapid Response Team, and charge therapist. This is extremely overwhelming! The quality of patient care I gave was not my standard of care. And there were numerous treatments I marked as not done due to “therapist unavailable”. There was no one else to call on, as all ten of us on staff Sunday could not be spread any thinner. There is a safety issue here, not only for the patients but for us as teammates. From my observation, when there is plenty of staff during the week, the charge/RRT therapist usually does not have an area to cover. This should be across the board. I would also like to see the charge therapist be compensated monetarily for the role they fill (not clinical ladder). As far as scheduling, maybe it would be beneficial to have one person on Saturday and one on Sunday, instead of being in charge the whole weekend. Just a suggestion and I’m not sure how the other therapist would feel about this.

On Staffing – Simply put, we do not have enough on the weekends! I do understand the need to cut back on hours for the therapists who work over a 60 hour week on a regular basis, and I agree with that being dangerous. However, these are the therapist who would pick up a shift here and there to help the TDA staff out. And as I previously stated, I believe it’s a safety issue the way we are understaffed presently. I have several solutions that would work in my mind. One being that the straight PRN staff we currently have (as small as it is) is used as just that. As it stands now, these therapist sign up for shifts Monday through Friday, and then are unavailable when you ask them to work on Saturday and Sunday. Another option would be to have our ICU therapist rotate mandatory on-call and be compensated accordingly when called upon to work. Or maybe hiring more PRN staff and once our FTE schedule is complete, calling them with the options of dates to work. This would also help with the weekend FTE’s who are unable to pick up extra shifts during the week because it is fully staffed by PRN staff. One thing I would like to have cleared up is this, when I am in charge on the weekend, is it my responsibility to find staff? When I don’t work on Friday’s, I don’t know who has called in or who’s on FMLA, or who’s off on PTO and if anyone has found a replacement. This is one area I need clarification. I’m not always available to stop and make phone calls to find staff for the weekend if I am at home taking care of kids and such.

On HFOV’s – Where can I find the policy and procedure on the HFOV? I looked several places and can’t find anything. Maybe it’s because I’m trying to read it from home, maybe it’s due to the new policy and procedure library, but I don’t know where to look. Is it in the policy that a therapist must be available in that ICU at all times? Anyway, you know and I know that everyone has been in serviced on the HFOV. We had three running this past weekend. Just because someone has been in serviced does not mean they can run a HFOV. As I have said before, if there is a HFOV on 4North and I need to train someone or even move to a different ICU for other therapist to become more familiar with this intimidating machine, then I will do so. The TDA staff needs more exposure and hands on, but basically this also boils down to a staffing issue. We don’t have the staff to pull someone and train them on the HFOV therefore Becky and I will continue to be the ones running them. And that’s fine with me, I like taking care of these critical patients. But we won’t always be here. All of this to say that this was another issue raised over the weekend. And in fact if the policy does state a therapist must be present on the unit at all times, then again, we have a safety issue, because this simply could not happen this past weekend.

Now, for the miscellaneous questions and concerns – Why is an ICU therapist covering the comprehensive care portion of 3 Truett? I can see where this may be a non-issue during the week, but on the weekend it would be very beneficial for comp care to cover this area. Consider it a trickle down of sorts. We take on the responsibility of BHVH and they take on the responsibility of 3 Truett. Checklist…I’m a rule follower, so I will be doing this mandatory check list, but I have to tell you that between the computer charting and the checklist and other things that are “mandatory”, we are stretched too thin as therapist. Actual patient care is going down the drain. And it doesn’t matter how many oral care protocols you have in place, or ventilator weaning protocols, or even VAP protocols…when it comes down to it we need to be able to take care of the patients and quit checking so many boxes. I also think there needs to be a reminder sent out to the ICU therapist about the re-taping schedule. There should not be any reason for a nurse to stop me on Sunday October 2 and say “Will you re-tape this patient? The date on the old tape says Sept 29!” I mean, come on friends. We are adults. The nursing staff should not remind us to do our JOB.

Thank you for letting me vent my concerns and feelings!

See you Saturday,

Dona

And there you have it! My frustrations in a nutshell from this past weekend at work and the e-mail that addresses them sent to my supervisor and manager. Will anything change? Probably not, but we'll see.

The Platform

2011-09-21T21:51:00.000-05:00

Give me a platform and let me vent!

I am mad, frustrated, irritated, and feel like I'm hog tied because I can't do a dang thing about it! Of course it has to do with one of the little darlings. And of course it just so happens to be the one who is in the double digits and thinks she knows everything.

Why is it when you ask your little precious if she is for-sure for-sure that so and so's mom will be picking them up that the answer is yes. (BTW, for-sure for-sure is SERIOUS business. Almost like a pinky swear.)

Now it's 45 minutes after you should have been picked up, you are not answering your phone, I have no idea whether you have been picked up by named mom or by some stranger. So I call the other party's mom and find out that she didn't know that she was suppose to be picking you up! WHY THEN are you telling me that you have a ride when the driver of this ride was not even aware that they should be driving to give you a ride!!! NOW, a whole hour after you were dismissed from this gathering you are finally picked up. Which is great! You finally call. And I am happy that you are ok!

Why now? Is it because you are in the car now and feel safer from the wrath of mom?

I do find out that adult overseer was watching out for you. Thank goodness. Because that is not a neighborhood I would want to hang out in after dark...alone! Even at 30-something. I am very thankful that I know and trust this guy as well as humbled for him sitting with you girls after everyone else was gone!

NOW, I'm embarrassed because adult overseer has a family and little babies and I'm sure he wanted to kiss them goodnight before they went to sleep.

But what is it that really makes me mad has very little to do with you in this moment! I am frustrated because I am at home packing all of my stuff and getting ready to leave at 4:30 in the morning to go work 4 straight 12 hour shifts. Maybe that's not a lot for some. But it is physically and emotionally and on occasion, spiritually exhausting work. Not only that, but this work that I speak of is not down the street. It's two hours away. Therefore, I can not discipline you. You are spending the night with your friend and dad is ok with that. I AM NOT! It is in your dad's hands and we are not seeing eye to eye on this one.

Basically I am in tears because I don't like this! I want to be home! I want a job that is closer to my home! I want to have some weekends off! I want to take care of my kids and make sure they are safe and sound where ever they are suppose to be. That's what I want!

This is posted and un-edited because my dryer is finished. I need to get my scrubs out and pack the rest of my bags for this stupid work!

pouting :(

Mastermind

2011-09-20T22:59:00.001-05:00

Being that I do what I do, and what I do just happens to involve a lot of people who've had trauma to their brain, I find it interesting that I am trying to grasp the concept of how beautiful and intricate the human brain is. I mean, over 100 billion neurons and it only weights a couple of pounds. Approximately a quadrillion synapses in the human brain alone! Is that even a real number...Seriously!?! The hologram of thoughts that our brain can think in just one minute is impossible to count.

It's no wonder that when Satan wants to attack us, his portal of entry is the brain. If the Bible says "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." (Prov 23:7) then of course the enemy wants us to be self critical, worry about the future, or even doubt our Creator. He is really good at having me believe that I am unacceptable as I am. He is great at telling me to look at my friends and notice that I don't belong there. He is even better at using my past hurts and hangups to get me down.

As I have grown spiritually, I now realize a couple of things about the plot of the enemy. When I made a commitment to press in and really seek the face of God, things were about to really get shaken up. I've heard people talk about their journey and the difficult things they've faced while walking on the path less traveled. My goodness, I've survived some of these battles waged in the spiritual realm. But, I don't think I was really prepared to be attacked the way I have been since I made that vow.

My girls are the best. They are mom's, and wives, and sisters, and daughters who desire God's best for their families. These ladies and their husbands are established and connected in this community. Several are teachers, a couple are entrepreneurs, a pastor's wife, attorney's wives, it's just a whole gamut of wonderful women. Some work at home, some work outside the home. We are a mash up of all things girly and wonderful! We are LIFE GIVING!

So, ya see, Satan is really good at getting me to question my existence in this circle of friends. He tells me lies. These lies go from, you don't exercise enough or eat healthy like these women. You're fat and don't deserve to be such good friends with so and so. You're divorced and judged. All of these women are married and have great husbands. You defiantly don't make enough money. Look at your life and then look at theirs. See, you don't belong...do ya? To which my first response is, this is a lie and I do not receive it. But day after day of hearing this tends to wear on me and makes me start to question. Do I really belong? He's smart! He knows exactly what to say to me to get me to eventually crumble. He is keenly aware of my rejection issues from my past.

The good thing is, my girls have a sense that something is wrong. And when I am able to rally my boldness and speak out the lies I was believing, it just melts away. I feel loved! I am blessed! I do belong!

My fleshy hologram thoughts of rejection, judgment, and indigence disintegrate and I am reminded that not only does he know my name...But He knows every single thought!

I RUN

2011-09-14T09:42:00.000-05:00

Today I Ran...

I'm hoping this will be the beginning of a new love. My desire is to be a runner. One that can run a specified distance without feeling like puking on the street in front of them (which is how I felt today). One that has a good runners body, you know, long and lean. Maybe I'm a bit over zealous about that, so I will settle for short and in better shape than I am now.

I finally have a purpose to run.

PASHI

I will dedicate every step that I run to her. I will dedicate every step I run to the little girls who are stuck in a life of sexual slavery. I will dedicate every step to God! Because otherwise, I will not be able to do this!

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~

2008-05-11T14:08:00.003-05:00

Not In Her Storm

I see the clouds rolling in and oh how it looks like rain

And it is always I; fight for the welcome change

When it rains it pours on this heart of mine

So, I take the storms I feel to her each time.

But I know she has lived under her own pouring rain

Yet under her water her heart still doesn't change

She can walk away from what hangs overhead

And, not in her sotrm, are words left unsaid.

Not in her storm have I ever felt alone

Her storm ends, so I, may find my way home

It's for me that she pushes away her own rain

So, that I may find comfort in calling her name.

She lives in this world for the sake of another's heart

God, how she eases the miles when we're worlds apart

And she never wanders when your world falls trough

Not ever in her storm would she do this to you.

She has wings that I know not only I can see

Cause only an angel could find strength to carry me

It's the way that the eyes can surley view

How her heart's written so clearly in what an angel can do.

I made Dona cry with this poem (this is Becky not Dona talking). I have a tendency to make a lot of people cry (not always on purpose). I gave this poem to Dona because she is my friend and I love her and I know Mother's Day is a hard time of the year for her even though she tries to act tough. Dona is one of those friends that I can always count on or unload my frustrations on (and she never tells me how stupid I am or what mistakes I am making). She loves me for who I am and that is the definition of what a friend really means.

I had a dream last name about Dona's Mom. Mind you I had never met her Mother , but she, Dona, my Mom, and myself all went to Luby's to eat. I got the blue plate special and Dona's Mom got liver and gizzards. I just remember Dona smiling the whole time and how happy we all were. When I woke up this morning I got onto the computer and wanted to find a quote to give her this morning to lift her spirits (along with a flower pot my stepson and daughter made with their fingerprints for her) and what I found was this poem. I decided to give it to her since I knew today would be a hard day because of how much she loved her Mom and especially because I know what relationships and family mean to her. This is what Dona is to me-my friend and little guardian angel and Dona's little angel (her Mother) wanted me to let her know she's watching over her now this Mother's Day.

I have to go now. I'm not letting her see what I type. I hope I don't make her cry again because I don't think she's wearing waterproof mascara.....Scary!!! I love you Dona. Happy Mother's Day (to a good Mother and great friend.....sometimes she acts like my Mom too)

Love, Becky

2008-05-08T18:27:00.002-05:00

MY PEEPS

Ashley's piano recital.

I wish I could have been there, but I had to work. She did great according to the reports from my "people".

Introducing the Wanna Be Gansta's.
These are the CRAZY PEOPLE I have to work with every weekend!!! Please... have pity on me. Drum roll please...(from left) We have Amanda (4N go to girl. She is in high demand), Becky (my RT partner on 4N weekends), Maddie Mac (6 mo old cuttie patootie and Becky's daughter), Fran (part of the 4N RN gang), and Cathy (Heads up the 4N RN Gang).

The "No"Hay Ride Girls
More of the 4N RN crew (from left) Tanna (can't make her mad, she has to much dirt on me...but I have a lot on her too.), Margie (the wildest RN out there ;) ), and Shavonne (my twin sister - I know many of you didn't know I had a twin, but now ya do. You can only tell us apart because she tans and I don't).

Baby Duty
Cathy, Spencer (Becky babysits him during the week), and Shavonne.

The Lil' Boyz
Dominique and Cameron - Whatcha think their up to? I don't know either but it can't be good.

2008-05-08T18:04:00.006-05:00

PEEPS CONT.

The Big Boyz
Vince (4N RN and married to Tanna) Cedric (Dallas Fire-Rescue and married to Fran-a-licious)

Pay and I

need I say more?

Two Peas
Don (4N RN) and his daughter Ruby.

And the Host
David (4N RN)

2008-04-29T22:35:00.004-05:00

BRING THE RAIN
I know there are a lot of you out there who may have already watched this video. It is the one posted on Angie Smith's blog. But if you haven't...

Watch this video http://www.vimeo.com/951902/
About Todd and Angie Smith (Selah)
What amazing insight into the Love of God.

Let me know your thoughts.

2008-04-27T22:28:00.003-05:00

10 Guilty Pleasures

1. Above anything else there is Dr. Pepper.

2. Then there is Starbucks. I have gone from drinking the wonderful Chi Latte 240 calories and 40 grams of sugar (oh my gosh!) to Solo Skinny Hazelnut Latte 130 calories and 17 grams of sugar. This is interesting to me because I thought the Skinny lattes were make with sugar free syrup. Anyhoo, its better than the Chi, right?

3. Mimi's cookies. I don't care what color, shape, or season of the year. I love her cookies!!

4. Blogging. or more appropriately stalking blogs.

5. Eating out in Dallas. I love the awesome restaurants in uptown D-town. Some of them are very pricey but when I am eating alone, it is sooo worth it to have good food. And I don't eat expensive every weekend. Sometimes all I can deal with is driving through Taco Bell.

6. spray tanning. Can someone actually be neon white?

7. Paying to much to have my hair done. But I like the way she does it.

8. Travel size soaps, shampoos, conditioners, deodorant, face soaps, q-tips, etc. Yes, they are practical for my "Rescue-pack" (do your kids watch Diego?), but I have always liked the mini size stuff. There have been times I have bought things that I did not need b/c the travel size was "cute". Come on its only a dollar!

9. Thursday nights. But only when it is girls night out. Everything else about Thursday night is the same as Mon. Tues. etc...

10. In Style magazine.

So there you have it. There are many more guilty pleasures, but I refer to them as necessities.
What are your guilty pleasures? What do you love? What is it you do when there is $20 in your purse and it is screaming at you?

2008-04-25T11:49:00.003-05:00

I HEART BUNKO NIGHT!

Except for when it is my turn to host. Everything turned out great, but i am not the natural entertainer. I wish that it did come easy for me and I absolutely loved it, but I don't. What I do love is when all the prep work is done and everyone is here. Now it is time to relax and roll some dice.
Anyhoo, I stress out when people come to my house. Here is the crazy lady's confession...I worry. Are they going to like my chicken. I hope everybody eats broccoli. Now what about my house, is it clean enough. The dishes really need to go into the dishwasher now. When am I going to have time to put on my makeup. I hope they like the drinks. Will everyone show up? Why do I have so much CRAP in my house. I need a new table. The ceiling fan is disgusting. Mike needs to hurry up and get home so I can put him to work on his list. I CAN'T DO IT ALL!!! Pay, please pick up the pillows and blanket and put them back up. Ashley, I really need you to clean your room right now. I hate this huge TV. I wish the fish tanks would disappear. I need a bigger house. Look at this yard. Why do I have so much CRAP outside my house. The back deck and yard are a mess. I just don't have time to clean that up. I know every one will see all the junk on the back deck, but I just can't clean it.
Were you holding your breath while reading this. I was holding mine while typing. I'm OK though. Only passed out once.

Side-bar...Do y'all ever notice how you type when you are passionate about something? I have noticed that I am typing fast and pounding on my poor computer when I am really trying to get my point across. I feel like a concert pianist. You know what they look like. rocking back and forth. Hands up and down constantly. Head bobbing in different directions. Then, when done... Silence... Hands in the air. Sweat beads on my upper lip.

Anyway!! Bunko turned out wonderful and I think everyone had a good time. The chicken was good, I must say. We were 3 people short but it worked out.

You ladies looked AWESOME in your frugal finds!

I am looking forward to the next time I host. Not the prep part, just the part where my friends come over to have a good time!

2008-04-18T22:20:00.002-05:00

FRIDAY NIGHT

It is not the ordinary Friday night scene here at our house. Mike is gone camping in Arkansas. The kids are at my friends house (thanks Ken and Kristen:)). And I am here alone. Of course it is not a night of luxury for me. Nope, just Starbucks, a shower and to bed I go. Got to get up early for my two hour commute to work. But, since i was walking by my computer, thought I would whine to y'all for a sec.
A "normal" Friday night for us is dinner out, come home, I am rushing around trying to find what scrubs are clean and a shirt that will match, iron, clean underwear, do I have nightclothes packed?, what about socks, oh yeah, I need socks. Now, where did I put my tennis shoes?
"HAS ANYONE SEEN MY TENNIS SHOES?"
Oh, here they are - right here on my feet.

TV blaring what ever is on Disney Channel.

"I WILL NOT TELL YOU AGAIN TO GET YOUR TEETH BRUSHED, NOW"
"OK, I'M TURNING OFF THE TV" (screams, moans) (pitter-patter of feet off to the bathrooms)

"Pay, go tell your daddy it is time to come inside and help" (Payton screaming at the top of his lungs from the back door.)(me thinking, well, I could have done that)

Kids finally in the bed. Now two CD players blaring different tunes.
"Mom, do I have to go to bed right now?"
"No, Ashley. Do you have a book to read? Then go read"

"Mike, the kids want some water"

NOW, shower, get in bed, watch some TV and fall asleep at 11:30 (or later)

Tonight, just me. It's nice not to have 3 sets of teeth to look after and 3 bladders to empty and water for everyone. BUT, I have become so accustomed to the CD players and all the closet lights on and saying "brush your teeth" 101 times.
Now, all I here is the fish tank running, my cat snoring in my ear (the stupid cat snores, who knew?) and the dog barking outside. I guess I would like to try this staying at home alone for a night when I don't have to be on the road by 4 am. For right now, I just pray that I won't get scared. Which brings up another issue.
Why do I get scared at my house, in my town - but I don't get scared while I'm at the hotel in big D? Well ok, sometimes I get a little nervous.

Guess I'll sleep now.
Nothing else to do.

2008-04-16T16:35:00.004-05:00

PLAY GROUP AT THE ZOO!!

Are these some cute kids or what? I love play group dates! Anyone would be blessed with these girls and their children as friends. I am continually blessed by these ladies!!

2008-04-11T16:35:00.004-05:00

Jealous?

You must be jealous if you do not live where I live. It was BEAUTIFUL outside today. I had to call my grandmother and brag about the weather. Who does that? Brag to their grandmother? I DO. Love ya grandma. I really called her to let her know that I was thinking of her and missed her because it felt like I was in Colorado today (which is where she lives). That is when I found out that it snowed there yesterday and she felt the frost bite kicking in on her way up to the mailbox. Anyway, low humidity, 74 degrees, and a nice breeze. Awesome! Doesn't sound like Texas does it? I'm sure next week I will be totally miserable, that's just the way it rolls here.

Pay and I had to do some art on the drive way. Pay's pic is so good, don't you think? Truth is...I did that...He wanted me to. But he still wanted to take the credit for it. That's ok with me.

In other news... I got my contacts today. You know, sometimes I wonder if I really need glasses/contacts or is there really a problem? Since I have worked in a Dr. office before, there were time when I thought to myself, "Why is he prescribing that?" "This patient does not have problems that warrant this treatment?" "Whatever...I'm not the doctor." That is why I think this way. There has been improvement, post spectacles, but really do I need them that bad? All I know right now is these contacts are not comfortable. My eyes itch, I feel a headache coming on, and I have to consciously blink, a lot. If you have any words of encouragement that will keep me wearing these things, Please send it my way.

2008-04-09T15:48:00.003-05:00

SPECTACLES, TIRE SWING, AND GETTING OLDER

I have gone my 33 years of life and never any trouble seeing. The past couple of weeks I've had headaches in the morning and headaches in the evening. So, I am lucky enough to start wearing glasses/contacts.
This has not been a pleasant experience, however. There is no love for the Dr. I am seeing. He is professional, which is a plus. But, no personality AT ALL. I just wonder how people get through life with no personality and playfulness. Maybe because he had such offensive halitosis, no one wants to be around him, therefore he has not developed interpersonal skills. Also, the way he said "clear-err" annoyed me. That is exactly how he said it too. With the hyphen. He didn't say the hyphen though.

Mike made this tire swing for the kids this weekend. Apparently they played all weekend on it. I have issues with this. Look how much fun they are having!! Aren't they sweet. Yeah, they are not able to push themselves on this swing. Do you know what that means. You guessed it....I get to spend a lot of time pulling a rope to swing them. My other problem is this...What if the rope breaks and someone is not paying attention. Ashley's head is up approx. 7 ft. That could be a serious closed head injury. But, I am the mom otherwise known as the constant party poop-er. (tee..hee..hee. poop-er)

Mike is now the big 4-1. He was so sad yesterday. There are many things causing him to be sad. The fact that he is 4-1 does not seem to be one of the reasons. Maybe it is a little. So, balloons make everyone happy, RIGHT? Forty one balloons in my car...They were hitting me in the back of the head!! Now as I speak (type) they are hitting me in my head again. This time we are in my living room and there is a very busy 4 year old making them dance all over the living room. There is also a dog growling at the very busy 4 year old.

What a week. Gotta go, church is calling.

2008-04-05T20:08:00.006-06:00

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Watch this -> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW4LLwkgmqA

There are several things that come to mind when I watched this.

1.) It is scary that she has such an influence over so many people.
2.) She says "What about Jesus?" (in the video clip) as if He is just another man on the street.
3.) This goes against everything we learn from the Bible.
Many other things bother me, but lets stop there.

Of course, there is a very uneasy feeling in my gut.

She took "god" out of the box? What in the world is she meaning? I never knew God was in a box.

But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them-bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2Peter 2:1 (from BlueLetterBible.org NIV version)

I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. Romans 16:17-18 (from BlueLetterBible.org NIV version)

I must tell you that I have not researched this extensively. These are a couple of scriptures that stood out to me. The fact is, it does not matter if I am vastly educated on this subject or not, it disturbs me because it is not in alignment with the Word of GOD.

How do you feel?

2008-04-03T10:55:00.003-06:00

MY ASHLEY

I want her to stay a little girl, as we all do with our children. But, I know she must grow up. That's just the way things work here (just in case you were wondering). However, the anxieties that I am having are almost overwhelming at times. I want her to be prepared for the changes going on with her body. She needs to know about when she starts her period. etc... The American Girl book has been helpful and I think has taught her some things. So that's good. Right?

Our latest issue is her not minding and lying. I am sure they are both normal for her age. How do you keep the communication open with your pre-teen girl? Please let me tell you, her lying is not a frequent thing. We just had a episode last night at bedtime. Mike and I have always told Ash that she will be in a lot more trouble if she does lie to us. And, to date, it has worked.

Our strategy at this point is to pray, pray, pray. This is the only thing I know to do. Of course, I ask for your advice and love to hear it, but it all boils down to me praying that God will cover her with His hand of protection, and praying with Ashley for wisdom for us both to walk through this time in her life together. Also, asking God for our communication lines to always be open (with Him and each other).

2008-04-01T11:55:00.005-06:00

Is that Ross?

Most of you remember the Friends episode where Ross spray tanned, right?

Well, I am going to attempt the Mystic tan next week and see how it goes. My fear is that I turn out like the guy in the pink jacket and blue pants. Y'all don't laugh at me if I do look like that. Actually, you can laugh at me if I look like that. For more pictures to make you feel better, check out this blog.

I just looked at some of the other pics on the above blog. There are some that are funny and some that are disturbing to be. Just BEWARE if you are going to check out some of the funny stuff! Don't do it with your children beside you.

2008-04-01T11:40:00.002-06:00

APRIL FOOLS

My friend Becky called me and left a message that I needed to call her as soon as I got up. I was worried sick over her last night, so of course I called her right away. She said she won the lottery and wanted me to go to Austin with her to claim it. The Texas Two Step $350,000. Of course, I kept saying "you did not!" "quit joking me!" "no way!" "Are you serious?" "No you didn't". Finally getting to the point where I was starting to believe her, I asked if she was going to pick me up because I was not going to have my car today (another story in itself, still due to the wreck I had 3 1/2 weeks ago). She was so happy and excited, which she absolutely needs right now!

Then...

She said it...

April fools!

You will pay BECKY! Oh yes! Payback's a comin'!!

2008-03-27T22:10:00.004-06:00

I am blocked....

There has never been a time when I thought of myself as a writer. However if I were a writer, I would be suffering from a serious case of writers-block. >:( Many times over the past week I have sat down to write a blog entry and it just isn't there! So look at my pictures...

2008-03-12T21:43:00.005-06:00

WHY I LOVE MY SON!!

Don't get me wrong...I love my daughter equally as much! But since she is 10, she doesn't say cute things like she use to. Now she says...
"When we goin' to the mall, mom?"
"Can I get a pedicure?"
"You just went to the bank today, why don't you have money?"

Anyhoo, this is one reason I love Payton and all his cuteness...
He came into the kitchen last night as I was cooking supper (gourmet grilled cheese - that means I cut the cheese off the block myself) and said to me "Mamma, you want to see my ding-ding dance?"
Funny stuff!!

2008-03-10T15:42:00.003-06:00

I wish I had my camera!!!

I love reading blogs that have pictures. However, I do not know where my camera is. Have you seen it?

So here in my world, everything seems crazy!! My calendar is lying here beside me and I have been trying to figure out how to work things. I hate this being the American Way. I am not the only one who feels completely overwhelmed. You are too! I know!! How am I going to pick up Ash at piano @ 5:15 have her to V-ball practice @ 5:30, pick up my friends kids and have her daughter @ 5:15 and dinner, homework, etc... ? Why do we do this to ourselves? This is why I am crazy. Now multiply that by more kids and you have my sister in law. She is amazing. I don't know HOW she does it!! It always works out!! Thank God we have our health and are able to run about town like this, right?

Anyway, I had a wreck on Thursday. I picked Pay up from MDO and was on my way to Ashley's school to get her. The weather was not so good and a man pulled out in front of me. I couldn't stop. He hit me and pushed me all the way out of the road. There are many details (from the thoughts I was having prior to the wreck, to what I said to Pay about the seat belt, my friend Kristen calling me, and more) that just confirms my belief in GOD and Him keeping me safe!!

Now here we are on Spring Break and what is there to do? I don't want to travel too far in my rental car (piece of junk), but I want to do something fun. We went to see ENCHANTED today and I thought it was so cute! This could be a movie we buy.
HUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM...................What to do?????????????????

2008-03-03T16:43:00.003-06:00

RANDOM

Thursday is Game night at my house and I am very nervous… I have never been taught how to properly entertain, so I will be doing the best I can. This is what I am perpetually thinking. Who will attend? My carpet should be cleaned. I don’t know if my house will be adequately cleaned. The bathroom door must be painted. What will I do with all the clutter that is sitting in various areas of my house? Where will we all sit. I hope everyone has a good time. Really, why do I worry about these things? And I sit here and blog…

My sister told me she went to a new furniture store (here in Waco) this past weekend. My 13 year old nephew is too tall for his twin bed and needs a new one. Well, while looking at mattresses in this store, she picked up a pillow and a rat was on the bed.AAAAAHHHHHH! (jump, scream, shiver, and cover eyes). YOU… HAVE GOT… TO BE KIDDING ME!!

I am in LOVE. Yes, I am a dork for being in love, but you have to know this love is running deep within me! It’s CENTRAL MARKET! The central market “goods” at HEB are wonderful, BUT the store is amazing. I want to go there every day. There was a time I was in love with WHOLE FOODS and still like them a lot, but I have broke up with them. The produce is captivating, the meat case is extraordinary, and the wine selection is unbelievable. I AM in Love!

There are weird comments showing up on my blog.Is anyone familiar with the possibility of viruses being linked this way?Where did they come from?How do I get rid of them? (each time I have read this bullet point while proofing, I want to sing "Where did they come from, Where did they go, Where did they come from Cottonie Joe")

Tonight is pork loin and spinach salad night. Gotta get cooking

2008-02-19T20:37:00.005-06:00

Father Daughter Ball

He took her to get a manicure and pedicure Saturday AND took her dress to pick out the nail polish color. He bought her a wrist corsage. After filling up on candy and dessert at the ball, he called Baskin Robbins and asked them to stay open until they could get there. They had Starbucks after that.
Who is gaining weight just reading this?
They went home and fell asleep watching Night At The Museum.

Both will be returning next year!!

2008-02-14T00:12:00.005-06:00

REPROOF

I have finally done it! My entry way has been “resurrected”!! I am so excited to have my part of the work order fulfilled. Now all we need is a light fixture hung and the electrical outlet connected in the attic then it will be complete.

So, Pay and I suffered through looking at light fixtures today. Actually, I love Lowe’s and Home Depot. Pay is the one who was in misery over shopping and I was in agony over his whining.

Why does it bother me when someone corrects my children? While in one of these stores, there was an empty place under the shelving. Of course, like any curious George, Pay went right into the depts of the shelving. This is a dream come true. He is occupied, I can scan the inventory, and we are both happy. Well, up comes a lady to crash our party and tells him “Sweetie, get out from underneath there. You could hurt yourself. There are bolts and screws and all kind of things you might bump your head on.” My response…nothing. I didn’t smile and encourage him to come out. I didn’t pretend I didn’t know he was underneath there (you know you’ve done the same thing). NOTHING. Why? Because I was mad. My thoughts… Just let us take our chances, lady. We didn’t have enough time to see if he would get hurt. Being a mom, you get to kiss and make boo-boo’s better frequently. Nothing is different about today. I actually think I am being a good mom today. There are no injuries to speak of. Why can’t you just go away and let us take our chances.

Needless to say, we didn’t stay much longer. Not because she reprimanded my son, but because the whining started up again.

Thanks, I’ll be back at the store tomorrow.

2008-02-05T23:21:00.001-06:00

MY FAVORITE THINGS!!!

Conversation Hearts by Neeco

I have loved "hearts" for as long as I can remember! There have been times when I have eaten a whole bag in a day. Not a small bag either! My favorite colors - pink, purple, and white!

Bath and Body Works hand soap

I love the variety! My love of this soap could be that I am a girl, or it could be that we used LAVA soap growing up. Anyone ever used or heard of that? Feels like you are washing with a piece of green sandpaper.

Guy’s who smell good

Here's my favorite! I have to confess that I was a sniffer when I was pregnant with Payton. There was a time during my pregnancy when I would go to the cabinet, get the dishwasher soap out, and sniff...for a while. There were no dirty dishes. Just me wanting to get my sniff on. I think I brain damaged Payton. He is even more of a sniff freak than I am. No stinky smells of any kind. However, his favorite book at this time is called I STINK. Figure that out.

Digital Scrapbooking

Never said I was good at it, but I do love the feeling of actually completing something. And oooooohhhh so much cheaper than traditional scrapbooking!

Skinny Hazelnut Latte (which replaces all time fav. Chi Tea)

mainly due to the fact that one is 130 calories and the other is 240 calories!

Grey's Anatomy

Alex Karev/ Justin Chambers
I just think he's HOT ( and I am sure he smells good)!

My weekend bag

My life is so much easier because of this bag. It took me about 6 months of traveling to realize getting my shampoo, conditioner, face soap, body wash, hairbrush, hairspray, q-tips, pony tail holders, deodorant, etc... every Friday evening was too much packing!! Now I get the bag and go!

My Laptop

When the weather is beautiful outside, I am just like you and want my children outside. My children are just like yours and want there mamma outside also. I can still read other peoples blogs or surf the internet while also responding to "Mamma, look at this, what I can do."

BLOGSPOTS!

I think I will need professional help to get me over this addiction. Have you ever sat at the blogger sign in page and clicked on some of the blogs that have been updated? Does this make me nosy or just inquisitive?

2008-02-03T22:34:00.000-06:00

NY Giants 17 - New England Patriots 14

Did you see that? How exciting!! How awesome!! I walked in the door from work right when NE made their last touchdown. I thought I would just go on to bed. It's never
over 'til it's over, Right? But I didn't because of all the ribs,
wings, chips, cookies, cheese, and ummmmm what else, oh yeah fruit. Very balanced meal my husband made. In
reality, I wanted Eli Manning to win, but I didn't really care about the game. I love being able to watch the last 10
minutes and be done!! That is as long as my attention span is.

............................................
.................................................
............................................
WHAT?

oh, I forgot.

I just have a thing for the Manning boys. They "seem" to be good guys, but all I know is what the media tells me. They're a reliable source from what I hear though.

So, From the sports desk, I'll see you next year.

2008-02-01T17:06:00.000-06:00

HANDYMAN PAYTON

WELL, I don't know if I have a carpenter, electrician, or contractor living here!!

However, as I was sitting here creating my "favorites" list, I decided it was time to get the kids moving on doing their chores before Dad came home.

To My Surprise, Payton was already starting on his and quite proud of it!!

P: "Look mommy, I have been using dis and dis." (showing me a screw driver and wine bottle opener)
M: "Oh that's good Pay, what have you been using them on?" (Thinking that he has been playing with his cars or food, but looking around and not seeing anything out of the ordinary)
P: "I making hoes... see..." (pointing to the wall under the light switch)
M: "PAYTON, GIVE ME THAT RIGHT NOW! YOU CAN'T BE PUTTING HOLES IN THE WALL!! WHY DID YOU DO THAT?"
P: "Because, I want some one to go up dere wis the ting (pointing to attic) and put sunthing down"
M: "You better just leave it alone and clean your room up right now! You understand me? You are in big trouble, and I don't like that you did this!"

Now I have to tell you that while I am upset that he put holes in the wall, I really think it is quite funny and Mike can fix it. How long will it take to get fixed? I don't know, but it is fixable. As I was getting on to Pay, I had to hold both sides of my face. You know, like in Home Alone. I just did not want him to see me smile. That would totally ruin the mood I was trying to set.
I called dad to let him know, and he thought it was funny as well. BTW, I did let Pay know who I was talking to, and strongly encouraged him to keep cleaning his room. Mike and Pay just recently put in a electrical outlet in my entryway. Something I have been wanting since we moved into this house 8 years ago. See it might be a while before I get the wall fixed. And dad went "up dere wis his ting" and poked the wire down through the wall. Therefore, I will be blaming Mike. Is it his fault? No, but I will be blaming him. Just kidding. But the tool box that Pay and Dad made will stay in the shed from now on!!

Pay came and apologized to me and seen that I had his pictures on the computer. He points to the one of him and says that's my favorite picture mommy.

My punkin, you are so cute!!

2008-02-01T16:27:00.002-06:00

MY FAVORITE THINGS!!!

Conversation Hearts by Neeco

I have loved "hearts" for as long as I can remember! There have been times when I have eaten a whole bag in a day. Not a small bag either! My favorite colors - pink, purple, and white!

Bath and Body Works hand soap

Guy’s who smell good

Digital Scrapbooking

Never said I was good at it, but I do love the feeling of actually completing something. And oooooohhhh so much cheaper than traditional scrapbooking!

Skinny Hazelnut Latte (which replaces all time fav. Chi Tea)

mainly due to the fact that one is 130 calories and the other is 240 calories!

Grey's Anatomy

Alex Karev/ Justin Chambers
I just think he's HOT ( and I am sure he smells good)!

My weekend bag

2008-01-31T19:53:00.000-06:00

10 COMPLETELY USELESS FACTS

Approximately sixty circus performers have been shot from cannons. At last report, thirty-one of these have been killed.

In the kingdom of Bhutan, all citizens officially become a year older on New Year's Day.

On average, there are 333 squares of toilet paper on a roll.

The numbers on opposite sides of a die always add up to 7.

The glue on Israeli postage stamps is certified kosher.

Success magazine recently declared bankruptcy.

There are 52 cards in a standard deck and there are 52 weeks in a year. There are 4 suits in a deck of cards and 4 seasons in a year. If you add the values of all the cards in a deck (jack=11 queen=12, etc.) you get a total of 365 the same as the number of days in a year.

The official soft drink of the state of Nebraska - Kool-Aid.

Did you know that Beetle from the comic strip 'Beetle Bailey' and Lois from the comic strip 'Hi and Lois' are brother and sister?

Astronauts are not allowed to eat beans before they go into space because passing wind in a spacesuit damages them.

I don not know if all of this is true, but very entertaining I thought.

2008-01-31T16:40:00.001-06:00

ARE YOU A MOM OR A DAD?

One of my friends e-mailed this to me and I thought I would share it with you.

Mom Test
I was out walking with my 4 year old daughter. She picked up something
off the ground and started to put it in her mouth. I took the item away from
her and I asked her not to do that.

"Why?" my daughter asked.

"Because it's been on the ground, you don't know where it's been, it's
dirty, and probably has germs," I replied.
At this point, my daughter looked at me with total admiration and asked,

"Momma, how do you know all this stuff, you are so smart."

I was thinking quickly.

"All moms know this stuff. It's on the Mom Test. You have to know it,
or they don't let you be a Mom."
We walked along in silence for 2 or 3 minutes, but she was evidently
pondering this new information.

"OH...I get it!" she beamed, "So if you don't pass the test you have to be the dad."

''Exactly," I replied back with a big smile on my face.

2008-01-30T08:12:00.001-06:00

STOLEN IMAGES

I know that me stealing images off of other peoples blog's is kind of creepy. Right?! But, this one just brought tears to my eyes. It is from Girltalk.blogs.com and the picture is titled Mom-Mom and Owen. It just reminded me of my mom for several reasons: 1) we called her Mom-Mom. 2) when we went to see her, she would bathe my kids and wrap them up in a towel on her lap until they warmed up. 3) Her beautiful loving smile.
You never get over loosing a parent! The days get easier, that's all.

2008-01-27T14:56:00.000-06:00

HOT!!!

What is the difference between 102 degrees in the summer and 102 degrees in the winter?

With a temp of 102 in the summer, you are probably talking about how hot it is outside. You want ice tea, lemonade, or a bottle of water. Your kids are begging for ice cream or a slush from Sonic. Reading a book inside an air conditioned house is all you think of while you are at the pool with the kids. Plans are being made to go on vacation or for the annual 4^th of July bash. Just think, it will be here before you know it!

But, the temp of 102 I am referring to now is my daughter, Ashley’s. This is the temp that bothers me more than anything. I would take all of the illness on myself so that she would not have to endure it? The pitiful sound of her cough, the heart-rending looks on her face, and loss of upbeat personality just break my heart.

There are many of you that have children who have been sick during this season and I am glad they are well. The one’s who have not been blessed with the “bug”, keep it clean! Maybe they won’t get it!!

2008-01-21T22:59:00.000-06:00

ARE YOU READING MY BLOG???

Please let me know that you are reading. It is simple to do.
At the bottom of each blog entry there is the time and date I posted. Beside it there is the word "comment". Click on that and simply type your comment. If you have an account you put in your user name and password. Below that, you click on Publish your Comment. If you don't have an account, simply close your comments with your name and choose anonymous. Then publish comment.

Also, let me know how you like the new look of my blog spot? My friend Angela created the header for me. She is soooo talented. I especially love the crazy lady pic. That is the way I feel most days.
The background I got off of pyzam.com. Just don't let your kids get on there, because there are some risque pics. Show Angela some love by checking out her blog. Just click on her name to the right and it will take you there.

2008-01-20T22:10:00.000-06:00

WHAT DOES CYNICAL LOOK LIKE??

As I was on my way home tonight from work I was thinking, I really have become a cynical person. This is really hard to admit, but along with being cynical, I have also become judgemental. Why is that?

This was an especially hard weekend and I will gladly give you a peak into my Sat. Sun. life. I do not expect you reading this to know some of these terms, but since I am simple minded, I'll keep it simple minded.

Sat: Female drug dealer stabbed in neck down to chest, open chest, planning on going back to the OR, unstable blood pressure, O2 sats keep dropping. What the heck? I don't know what else in my scope of care to do? What perfect timing...Dr walks in. Lets Bronch her. I think she is going into ARDS, but what do I know, I just a Respiratory Therapist. Lungs are bloody, but we already knew that. Increase vent settings. To unstable to go to OR. Put it off until Sunday.
Crazy family, but is that really her family? There are several different people who claim to be her mamma. We already know mamma died several years ago.

SUN: She seems to be doing some what better..UUH....Until...she comes back from surgery. Chest closed and a new chest tube in. O2 sats dropping again. Nurse calling me to come "fix" her. I perform magic. My wand must be broke, because it's not working. Call Trauma Dr., He is scrubbing in for surgery, call the resident. Blood gas, CXR, and change settings on vent. We can't go up on O2 any more. She is already on 100%. She is in ARDS, I am telling y'all. We need to do something else. But what, the only other option is High Frequency Oscillatory Ventilator that is last ditch effort and they are NEVER to anxious to start one. Why doesn't the resident just come and look at her. Call Blood gas results are crap. Almost EXACTLY the same. Finally, he is going to come up to the unit. What do you think "Dr." "Oh lets just ride it out for a while. " WHAT? Ride it out, until when? We're going to wait until she codes, then do something.
What the heck? Why didn't you just sell that crack rock for $5 lady. Then you wouldn't be in this mess.

Ok, now multiply that by 4, through in a couple of other patients and you have a day in the ICU where I work. No not all were drug dealers. One was a 17 y/o girl who was doing the drugs and in a wreck, one was a lawyer who was also in a wreck and fractured C3-4. One was a man from Baton Rouge, up here with business and missed the curb & hit his head after several glasses of wine, and one has been there for so long he is seriously rotting in the bed. He codes several times a week.

Now, Why am I cynical?

The other way to look at it is, she is still God's creation. There is no doubt that she has been trough a lot in her lifetime. That is really sad. No body should have to face whatever pushed her to this point in her life. So, while I am cynical, I am still sensitive to the fact that she is a human and God loves her no matter what!!

2008-01-05T22:17:00.000-06:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS

AND

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Just thought I would share some of the most recent scrapbook pages I have created.

NOW, Look what I got for Christmas -->

I have not had time to learn all of the specifics of my new camcorder. However, from what I do know about it, my favorite feature is the ability to take digital photos and then go right back to the video feature. As for this other "black box", I love it!! My new external hard drive. 25o GB or something like that...I really leave all of the number talk up to Mike. After exhausting a 2 GB and a 4 GB jump drive, he finally realized that I needed an external hard drive. "YEA!!!"

2007-12-31T13:36:00.000-06:00

Ashley's Favorites

Time of year: Winter
Time of day: 9pm (bedtime)
Food: Peanut butter and syrup sandwich
Color: Blue
Animal: Cats
Subject: Science
Place 2 eat: CiCi's pizza! (cinnamon rolls)
Music: No body's Perfect by Hannah Montana
TV show: Suite Life of Zack and Cody
Movie: Night at the Museum
Clothes: Blue jeans
Vacation: Roddy Tree Ranch with the whole family
Birthday Memory: Making shower gel at Bath Junkie ( The NON- birthday party)
BFF: BethAnn

What do I have to say about Ash? She is so much like me it is scarrrrry!! The only difference is she talks more than me. Wow how she has grown. We celebrated her 10th birthday on December 22. That was a Saturday and I could not take off of work so, we just celebrated in the hotel in Dallas. She said that she had a great day!! I am so glad. We are facing the point in her growing up that every warm blooded parent has anxieties about. She is in between a little girl and a pre-teen. Oh the emotional roller coaster we ride on frequently. But I have to say that she has been a great joy to raise this far. She has a great sense of humor, a dedicated friend, a wonderful piano player, sporty, and loves fashion. I am sure I could go on and on. I love you sweetie and can't wait to see where this year takes us.

2007-12-25T23:55:00.000-06:00

Payton's Favorite's

Time of Day: Morning and watching TV
TV show(s): Hannah Montana and Suite Life of Zack & Cody
Song: Life is a Highway
Place 2 go: Museum
Color: Everything, but my favorite, favorite, favorite is brown
Animal: Cats
Place 2 eat: Soup er Salad
Word: "cookienut" (is that a real word?)
Shoes: All of them (not only am I raising my daughter right, but my son also.)
Drink: Chocolate Milk and Orange Juice
Food: Brown beans and chicken nuggets. (We argued about the brown beans, b/c he will not eat them!
Movie: CARS!!!!
Thing to do outside: Jump on the trampoline

We had such a great year watching my sweet boy grow into a wonderful 4 year old. What a blessing it is to have children. He keeps me laughing, worn out, happy, irritated, loved, full of pride, did I mention laughing?

2007-12-07T15:52:00.000-06:00

My annoying five.

1. Shoes not being on tiny feet when we arrive at our destination. IT NEVER FAILS!!

2. Loud eating / smacking. This is not just an adult annoyance, it has been with me for as long as I remember. I can not handle hearing someone else eat their food. YUCK!

3. Open cabinets, drawers, or closet doors. I have cultivated this pet peeve from childhood as well. My sister - total opposite. She doesn't care if all the cabinets are open.

4. Parents who only pull half way up the drive when dropping their precious babes off at school. Come on people!! There is enough room for 4 more cars to let out their children if you would just pull up. It will not hurt them to walk several more feet to the front door.

5. Retail clerks who feel the need to ask you every 5 seconds if anything has jumped out at you. No, but if you keep jumping out at me, I'm leaving.

2007-11-27T11:04:00.000-06:00

I am THANKFUL...

What a wonderful Thanksgiving. I hope yours was awesome as well.

What are you thankful for? (feel free to respond) As I was rushing about trying to get everything I was cooking into the oven on time, this came to me. So often we grumble and complain about what all we have to do or the kids being in the way during "crunch time" of preparation, but when you STOP AND THINK...
...I have been blessed. There is much to be Thankful for.

I AM THANKFUL...

that I am able to have children
that I have a wonderful family
that I have food that I am able to cook
that I have dirty dishes to clean up
that I am able to work
that I have a house to clean
that I have dirty clothes
that I have a awesome network of friends
that I am able to proclaim God as my Savior!

HAVE A THANKFUL DAY!!

2007-11-19T08:59:00.000-06:00

PAY'S 4TH

My baby boy has turned 4 years old. In line with the normal birthday events, we let him choose what he wanted to eat for lunch. I asked him early in the week, because sometimes I need to know if I should prepare mentally or eat a large breakfast that morning. Pay choose Souper Salad and stuck with it!! I was go glad. I am sure this decision was based on the possibility of Ice cream and sprinkles, and had very little to do with the fruits and veggies. As you can see from the picture, he didn't just eat his ice cream, but licked the bowl as well. Sure am glad you enjoyed that, punkin'!!

Present time...Present time....Present time!!! What a ham !!

My favorite part of the day...the part where I was crying, nose running, makeup all over my face...attractive, was the part where I was in church, feeling complete! (and bedtime)

We also had the "Let Your Light Shine" musical at church last night. Ashley had a speaking part for the first time and a part in a dance, but she was feeling terrible. By the time we got home last night she was running fever. I hope she didn't breathe on anyone. She did a great job despite how she was feeling.

2007-11-14T08:55:00.001-06:00

So Precious...

There is nothing more precious to me than my sweet children sleeping so peacefully!! I am sure many of you would agree with me. It just seems that all is right in the universe when you see their innocent faces in a far off magical land. This was the scene that awaited me Sunday evening upon my arrival home from an especially busy weekend at work. This is why I sacrifice my every weekend!! Ash and Pay had a very busy weekend of fun camping with Daddy and a couple of friends.

Here is another precious picture memory. What beautiful faces. My bf's children with mine. Because her daughter is the same age as Ash was when Pay was born, I just look at them and it takes me back to 4 years ago. My...how time flies.

2007-11-07T21:54:00.001-06:00

Halloween and My Convictions

Hello... Helloooo... Is there anyone left out there... Do you still have me on your list of blogs that you visit? You know, I have to say that things have been so busy and stressful lately that I really have not even wanted to sit down at my computer and do anything. I am sure no one else knows anything about that :)

Let's just start with Halloween and after that just log off and don't read any further because I am sure the rambling will come.

I am not big on spending money for Halloween. I just don't. I know some people will spend a lot of money on costumes for their children. I have no problems with that. It is totally your business and your money. I just don't like doing it. Ash has been a princess with an outfit that she got for Christmas one year, a ballerina because she could still fit in the dance recital outfit, and a pumpkin that Mimi made for her. Actually Mimi made them for all of her grandchildren that year (I think). They all went as the punkin' patch (adorable). Well, I have to say that I did buy costumes this year for my kids. You may look at the pictures and think, OMG how could she spend money on this. I must tell you that I didn't even spend $10 on these outfits. Now you are probably thinking, no wonder. This Halloween was a first for us. It is the first time I have let Ash dress as any kind of "dark sided" figure. This was suppose to be the bride of Frankenstein. However, when looking at her, I don't really know what to call her other than "freaky". She really enjoyed this outfit and people not knowing who she was.
My "Army man" is still sad that we had to give the borrowed gun back to my friend. It was a noise making gun and I have to say that I was more than happy to return it!! He is still talking about the dirt on his face. Every time I get out my eyeliner he is telling me that I can't use that because it is dirt. We had a good time at our church fall festival as well as walking the neighborhood with cousins!! OK, another first for us. I actually made my kids choose their favorite pieces of candy and we threw the rest away. We didn't even wait for Easter to come around before we threw it out.

What else is going on? Payton is doing fine and loving Mothers Day Out this year. Tomorrow is the big field trip to the library. Exciting stuff! Tonight on the way home from church he was making observations about the color traffic lights and what you are suppose to do. He said "mommy, for a red light you have to stop. A green light you go slow. And a orange light you go weel fast! Did I say the wite number mommy?" (meaning is that correct) To which I responded, "it is not an orange light baby, it is a yellow light." He has such an imagination that it just blows me away sometimes. I think that he is the smartest little boy ever. I do realize that those of you who have little boys may think the same. But I am just telling you, Pay is very smart.

Ashley got her report card last week. She is doing well. But, she was sobbing when she told me that she made a B in Social Studies. This is the first B she has ever made on her report card. I did tell her that I will not punish her for a B, considering I made my first F on a report card when I was her age. She has been bringing her S.S. book home almost every day since then. Otherwise, she is doing great. Loves to cook and made spaghetti for us last night.

Mike...I don't even know what to say about him. Everyone who has seen him lately says that he looks totally different. Like another person. Even his Dr. said yesterday how well he is looking. I just don't know how to respond to this. My only response is Thank You God! You have heard my cries and answered. Not in my timing, but in Yours! Work is well, and Mike is getting outside and doing more. This week he has cleaned out the shed and he informed me that he will do the garage next. Yea!! We have a small path from the door to the freezer, and from the door out of the garage. There is so much stuff that needs to go to goodwill and I hope he keeps up the work.

Me...I have had 3 very good friends have babies. Brooke had Matthew 3 weeks ago. She has to be superwoman! She had a C-section and has been up moving around, driving, cooking, etc since the week after she had him. Angel had Loren the same day. She is a beautiful baby. And Becky had Madelyn on Halloween. I have not gotten to see her yet, because she lives in Dallas. But, her pics are beautiful. My sister just moved about 2 miles from me. They have been living on campus at TSTC for almost 4 years. Now, they are over here by me and I can keep an eye on them and make sure she is doing her laundry. (I'm watching you sis!) Other than that, I have been through extended-family grief that has shaken my foundation. Really something that I never even thought about facing. But with God's guidance, it will be ok. It is amazing what we can learn about our Heavenly Father when we let Him teach us. I have been in a Precepts class and we have been studying about the Kings of Israel and Judah as well as prophets. As you all know, there are tons of stories in the Old Testament. Great stories that can apply to life today. You all are probably smarter that I am when it comes to this, but I had no idea that these stories could apply to me. They are so much deeper than what they seem to be. So, I challenge you to read deeper into them.

2007-10-01T20:55:00.000-05:00

KICKBOXING!!!!!

Just want to say that you all need to watch out. Soon, I will be the kickboxing champion of....my house.?.
Yes, I went to a kickboxing class today. One of my friends at work does kickboxing and loves it so I thought I would give it a try. It was a lot of fun and a great total body workout. But I do have to say that it kicked my booty. And, is it really necessary to look at yourself in the mirror while you are working out?

2007-09-23T21:49:00.000-05:00

I'VE BEEN TAGGED!!

My friend Adrielle tagged me. What is that? Read on.

The Rules:
1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog (about their 8 things) and post these rules.
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

So my 8 random facts:

1. I LOVE motorcycles!! (especially Harley's) There is something about them that make my adrenaline pump. When I was in high school my dad bought a Harley. Where he was, there you would find me sitting on the back of the bike. We took many road trips and was a special time for us. After Mike and I got married, we bought a motorcycles also. It was just amazing to pack a bag and go up to Arkansas for the weekend. However, when Ashley came along, Mike decided it was time to sell it and be at home. I was not happy about this decision, but would I have been happy stuck at home with a small baby while he was off riding every weekend. NO. So in hindsight, not only was Mike being a good daddy, he prevented us from having some arguments. Smart thinking Mike.

2. I am scared of steep declines when I am in a car, either driver or passenger. There is no reason that I should be, UNLESS my parent rolled me down a hill when I was little and never told me. I have always felt that I would loose control of my vehicle and roll down. STUPID...I know.

3. I've wanted to be a doctor for years. What kind of doctor? Anesthesiologist or Forensic Pathologist. There is only a couple of issues that I have with this now. Mainly having small children, the money, and time commitment it would take. Otherwise...

4. I need someone to show me how to organize my house. As I sit here in my sun room/office right now, I would totally be embarrassed if someone were to show up. My goal within the next two weeks is to get rid of some of this "stuff" and buy organizer boxes or whatever you are suppose to buy to make this room not so cluttered. If you have any tips that work well for you, let me know about them.

5. I would love to have the courage to sing in front of a large group of people and "rock the house". There are so many singers in my family on all sides. Music has been such a wonderful part of my life. Therefore, I change the radio / CD to fit the mood that I am in. The majority of the time I do listen to Christian music. I feel my voice is average at best and have never taken the opportunity to take voice lessons. So, occasionally my voice is not under control. Maybe one day.

6. I am currently doing a precepts Bible study and it is just amazing the stuff that is in this best selling book of all times. There are funny stories, sad stories, stories to make you feel good, stories to tell your friends, etc. I mean, everything you need is RIGHT THERE! If you are like me, I love people with a sense of humor. Let me tell you, God has a sense of humor. If you don't believe me, Read it. Find out for yourselves.

7. Shoes, purses, jewelry! Shoes, purses, jewelry! Shoes, purses, jewelry! Shoes, purses, jewelry! Shoes, purses, jewelry! Shoes, purses, jewelry! Shoes, purses, jewelry! Are y'all catching my drift?

8. I am a proud new blog spot parent to my cousin Gretta and my sister Sabrina. It is about time you girls get up to speed with the rest of us cars on the information super highway. Now you two are tagged. HA! and much love.

2007-09-12T08:46:00.000-05:00

THIS & THAT

Well, the new school year is off to a great start. I am so glad we are back into a routine and getting things done. Since school has started, I have cleaned behind my washer, dryer, and refrigerator. What a disgusting mess!!!! On the agenda for today...I have already cleaned up some stuff outside and I think I am going to do the touch up work in my bathroom. I am tired of that hanging over my head.
Pay had a great day at MDO yesterday. He normally is crying and throwing a fit because he wants to stay with me. I can't blame the kid. I would want to stay with me also ;-) What keeps him from loving it? Keaten is not there (cousin). He says that he doesn't want any other friends. Only Keaten!! But, yesterday he walked right in and looked for his cubby, put his lunch in, and went and played!! Is this a one time thing, or will it be like this every T&Th? I hope the latter.
After I dropped him off, I had several errands to run and was going to get some donuts. For some reason, I swung by WeightWatchers to see when the next meeting was. It just so happened that one was about to start. So what did I do?? Got donuts after I joined. LOL! You who are reading this are the only ones who know that I joined so far. Why? because my family will be watching my every move (mainly one named Ashley)!! Plus, I want to see how much I can loose without all of the pressure.
OK, so now I need some help from you all. Monday the 17th Mike and I will be married for 13 years. Oh My Gosh!! What would be a good gift for Mike? I always buy him clothes or a watch etc... because that is what I would like to have. Besides that, he is always in need of new clothes or a watch. Maybe I should buy him some more glasses. The ones we bought after his wreck have been lost. (How do you lose glasses?) Y'all give me some ideas for gifts.

2007-08-30T23:00:00.001-05:00

A TRIBUTE TO CHRIS HENDERSON
DECEMBER 29, 1971 AUGUST 25, 2007

Chris on the drums at
Mike's house.

Chris, Kip, and John

Chris escorting Cecile

Ronny, Mike, and Chris

Dona, Ronny, and Chris

What a Motley Crew!!
Daylen, Mike, Chris, and Kip
in Arlington

As I have been thinking about Chris over the past couple of days my mind has "classified" him as Mike's friend. On the way home from Mt Pleasant it dawned on me that Chris was my friend as well. I have known him since my high school years. He was one of those guys that was always there. When we would go back to east Texas we would always see him.

The best summer of my life was right after my friend Denise and I graduated from high school. Mike and Chris were always together and Denise and I were inseparable. It was only fitting that when I started dating Mike that Denise would date Chris. Not hard to do because he was such a cutie and his attitude and arrogance were so entertaining. We were devoted friends and where one or two were on the weekend, there you would find all four of us.

My first job was at Pizza Inn in Kilgore and they would come eat almost every Friday night. Then they would go across the street to Sonic, where Denise worked and get something there. When the two of us got off of work, we would meet up with them. The majority of the time we would find them at Mike's house "jamming".

The last time I seen him, he came to Waco to stay with us for a week. It was so nice to have him here making me laugh. He was in several accidents the previous year and having some ongoing issues with that. Just letting him hang out while we were working did good things for him. During that week he went and bought a Bible and some Christian Music. When he got back home, he continued to study and started going to church on a regular basis.

I'll see you in Heaven Chris.
Love Ya!!

2007-08-28T07:42:00.000-05:00

First day of Fourth Grade!!

Wow, how my baby has grown into a beautiful girl. I can not believe that she is already in fourth grade!! Ashley had a great day at school today. She says that her teacher is nice and loves Mickey Mouse. She has an A+ in my book already. This year the kids start to change classes and I remember how "grown-up" I felt when I got to change classes. It is amazing how much change happened over the summer.

Pay and I had a good day together, but he wanted to go get sissy. I insisted that she needed to stay at school to learn her letters and numbers. He was ok with that, but still wanted to call her and did not understand why we could not call and disturb her.

Mothers Day Out will start after the holiday and I am ready, but just don't know what I will do with my time. Don't get me wrong. It is not because I don't have plenty to do. Quite the contrary. I just don't know where to start.

Y'all keep Mike (and me) in your prayers over the next couple of days. We will be traveling to Mt. Pleasant to attend a funeral of a long time friend who died on Saturday. His name was Chris and in his mid 30's. Please lift his family up as well as I am sure the pain the are feeling is a heavy burden to carry. Mike is having an extremely hard time dealing with the reality of the death of his friend. He did ask Chris some time ago if he was a Christian, and Chris said that he did invite Christ into his life. But you know, most of the time people still think about what they could have done differently, and if they would have done it their loved one "might" still be alive.

2007-08-20T10:43:00.000-05:00

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2

Our small HSM2 party was a hit. Bethann and Candice came over and the whole spread of everything you don't want your child to eat prior to going to bed was set before them. Even Payton joined in on the fun. They were so hyper that I couldn't hear the movie!!! With every song and dance number, the girls and Pay were up dancing, jumping, and posing. It was a lot of fun for us all!
Mike was commenting on how big the premier of this movie was and that there were probably more parties on Friday night than there was for the Super bowl. For those of you who have children old enough or young enough to be excited about this movie, how many of them were at a party or had a party at home?

2007-08-16T22:55:00.000-05:00

GALVESTON

Well, to set the tone for the vacation, I should tell you that I goofed on the day we were to leave. We rented a house on the beach and were to check in on Saturday the 11th, but I thought Sunday was the 11th. Only when we called the guy to set up the time to pick up the keys was I enlightened to what day it was. Since we paid for Saturday night, we were going to sleep there Saturday night (Sunday morning was more like it). The property manager was kind enough to meet us at the house at 12:30 am. It was nice and clean, with plenty of bedrooms for everyone. The kids were so excited to be there that we couldn't get them settled down for bed until 3 am.

Sunday, my dad got into town. He was expecting a piece of equipment to be delivered and was not sure if he was even going to come. Also, his car broke down, and was going to have to ride his motorcycle down and didn't want to do that. My grandmother graciously let him take her car. For those of you who know me well, you probably know that my dad is always working and rarely takes time out to enjoy his grandchildren (and daughters). He realised how talkative Payton is and had good time teasing the kids. Of course, seafood is a must when you are at the ocean. We found shrimp and dad fried it up for us. yummy!! But sadness came when he left on Monday. He missed his bed, dogs, work, and his own car!

Tuesday, we decided we would take time out from the beach and drive over to Houston to NASA. My nephew, Chris, loves science and wanted to go, as did the rest of us. It was wonderful to take my kids somewhere my mom use to take Sabrina and I when we were small. But, OMG how it has changed. Back to Galveston for dinner at The Rainforest Cafe. The ambiance and desert were great. The food....so so.

We were having to keep an eye on the weather due to the tropical storm, but Wednesday was the day to play in the ocean. I must say, and I have before on my blogspot, Payton does not like the water. Kind of hard to play in the water when he refused to go in. I tried to take him in earlier in the week just to wash the sand off of his body (and thinking he might have fun once he got in) and he freaked out and was squeezing my neck so hard I had to get out before I passed out. He is perfectly content to play in the sand.

Thursday, Happy 13th Birthday Chris!!
The time has come to leave. We were able to load the cars between storms being caused by tropical storm ERIN. Getting out of Galveston and Houston proved to be difficult at times because of the rain. But, we made it and I am very happy to be home!!

Maybe we can plan a vacation with dad again next year and have him stay 2 days!! Love ya Daddy! Glad you came.

2007-08-09T23:09:00.001-05:00

What have I been up to ????

So, now I know, for the first time in my life, how it feels to be a (part-time) "stay at home mom" during the summer months. First of all, I must confess that I have not been that great at it! It is really hard to get chores, shopping, relaxing, re-modeling, etc... done with children. And I know many of you out there have more kids that I do!! Some of you have 3 times as many kids as me and do a much better job. My problem lies in the fact that my sweethearts do not play real well together. I always thought the 6 year age gap would be great. Maybe when they go to college. So, Ashley is constantly trying to tell Pay what to do, and I am trying to remind her that she is not his mother. And Payton whining because of _________. You feel in the blank.

Since this is confession time, I have to say that time management here at home needs some work. A lot of frustration could be alleviated if I would schedule my day better. Now, give me a specific task or my job and I am all over it!! But at home, not so good. Any of you moms with some inside information on what works for you, Please let me know and I will give it a try. My last confession is that I play on my kids webkinz website. It is very amusing and quite entertaining.

Let me think back as to what has happened since the beginning of the summer, which was my last blog entry. :(

I turned 34 and had a great birthday. I was with my kids all day and then Mike and I went shopping. We all went to Shogun and greatly enjoyed watching Payton as the cook lit the hibachi grill and put on a show.

Payton has been all about mommy. Most of the time, where ever I am, there he is!! He is starting to hang with dad more and ask for him during the day. But, he doesn't want me to go anywhere.

Ashley has been a busy girl this summer. She went to jazz dance camp and had a great time. Her dancing amazes me and I hope she will continue to presue dance. Another passion is singing and music. She went to music camp at our church in July. Although there was some tears, pep talk, hugs, and tickles, about not getting a solo or speaking part, she was chosen for a dancing part and we were happy with that. After dance camp started, she found out that she was going to do a dance with ribbons. Come to find out, one of her "dreams" was to do a dance with the ribbons. ;) The drama with some friends has not been excluded this summer either. I am sure you moms know about this kind of stuff.

Mike has recuperated from the wreck, but is still healing. I trust that God continues to keep him in His hands and guide him toward the life that He saved him for!!! Lately he has been very busy at work and ends up working at home at night.

And I am still a wife, mom, daughter, sister, granddaughter, friend, employee, co-worker, doctor, Mr. fix it, electrician, plumber, maid, tickle monster, role model, complainer, SUPER MOM!!!

About the pictures... I am proud of the work in the bathroom that I have done. The floor was tiled by me. The toilet was also set by yours truly. So pride and the sence of accomplishment I have goes without saying. The labor that has gone into our newly remodeled bathroom was overwhelming at times. It only took 4 years to get to this point. Ashley had a non-birthday party at Bath Junkie. Her birthday is actually in December, but she never got a party. So, this was special for her and fun for me. The only preparation was the gift bags!!! A good time was had by everyone. The scrapbook pages above are from the end of July. We went to the suspension bridge over the Brazos River and took pictures. We were going to eat our lunch at the playground first, but the ducks were charging us and wanting our food, so we had to make a run to the car.

And a huge thanks to Angela for threatening to delete me from your blog list. You got me going on the blog again. Let me see if I can keep up the work.

2007-06-14T18:09:00.000-05:00

FISHING

Mike took over as the "fishing expert"

and made sure all of the poles were

ready to be used. All of the line was

strung properly with the appropriate

hooks and what ever else you put on

a fishing pole. The first fish were

caught by my daughter and son, but Mike

wanted to make sure that all the other

children in the family caught a fish

also. And they did! First time fish catchers

were Payton, Landen, Makenna and Keaten.

Tanner actually caught a bass in this small

pond, but the line broke. Well, not to be

out done, Mike had to go to the store and

get hooks for bass.

Needless to say, no one else caught a bass!!

It was a catch and release pond, thank goodness.

Could you imagine us trying to feed everyone on

these scrawny fish in the pictures.

2007-06-11T21:32:00.000-05:00

SWIMMING...SWIMMING...SWIMMING

ASHLEY

PAYTON

This has been such a busy summer so far, but wonderful. This is the beginning of the pictures from our vacation down in Hill Country. Roddy Tree Ranch is a beautiful place and was much needed relaxation. I have started with pictures of all of the kids swimming because that is what they wanted to do the majority of the time. They hit the "cement pond" (as the sign read) soon after we arrived on Monday. And, while the parents (mostly mom's) were packing to leave on Friday, the big kids were getting their last rendezvous in the pool.

There were several pools at the ranch, thank goodness. Being that there is 12 kids just in our family. We swam in the main pool and it had a small 1 foot pool with a "waterfall" into the big pool.

My children are polar opposites when it comes to swimming. Ashley is the fish and loves to try or play anything in the water. Payton, on the other hand, does not even want to play on the steps of the big pool. Mike did bribe him with a piece of gum to get in and play on the steps. I was thinking that I could get him to let me hold him in the deeper water. NO WAY!! On the other hand, it was nice not to have to be so on my toes with watching my kids. Payton did wear his life jacket in the baby pool and I knew he was not going to go anywhere. The major concern for me was, what were the bigger kids playing and was it dangerous.

Needless to say, getting my babies to go to bed each night was not to hard. It was late of course, but took no time for them to go to sleep.

TO BE CONTINUED...

2007-06-11T21:16:00.000-05:00

BREANNE

KEATEN

MABREIGH

2007-06-11T21:00:00.000-05:00

TANNER

MADISON

HUNTER

HALIEGH

2007-06-11T20:49:00.000-05:00

KADEN

LANDON

MAKENNA

2007-05-29T20:24:00.000-05:00

SUMMER VACATION

We are so ready for a vacation!!! This year we are taking a vacation with all of Mike's family. This is something that his parents and sisters have been doing for years. Usually not every summer. More like every other year. For one reason or another, we have not gone. We have been married for over 12 years and have NEVER been on vacation with his family.

I said the kids and I are going this year, no matter what! Mike is going to take off of work to go this year as well. Of course, it comes with a price. He has been working day and night. Staying up until after midnight, most every night, trying to get quotes out.

We will be staying at the Roddy Tree Ranch in Hunt, Texas. Hopefully, we will be able to float the Guadalupe River, swim, fish (I'm not touching the nasty things), and relax. All of our meals will be made in the comfort of our own kitchen at the ranch. Each family will take a day for meals. It turns out much cheaper this way, because there will be 20 of us. Cooking is not my idea of fun and cleaning up after 20 people is worse than that, but I can pitch in and do my part. Check out the link below to know more.

http://www.roddytree.com/index.html

No pics this time. (I'm sure many of you are happy) BUT, there will be more after the vacation!!! FEAR NOT!!!

I hope you all had a great Memorial Day and stopped to think, pray, and love the men and women who have served & are serving in the Military. They have sacrificed a lot so that we have the freedom we have!! So many of us don't even know what it is like to have family over seas fighting a war, or have lost a loved one in the war. I appreciate the time they sacrifice with their families so that I am free to teach my family as I see appropriate.

2007-05-23T21:00:00.000-05:00

SOFTBALL!!!

Well, our softball season is over for the Wildcatz. Tonight was our last game of a wonderful season. The girls were great and learned a lot during the season. We had a 10-5 record. Going into tonight's game we were in 2nd place and ready to go to the city championship game. BUT, sadly, we lost tonight. The team we played has our same record. So they will be going to the championship game. There were many tears tonight after the game, as you can imagine. Ashley being one of the girls .

So, when we got home, Ashley and I spent some quality time in her closet, just talking. For my sweet and sensitive social butterfly, her biggest complaint was not that they were not going to the championship game, but that she did not make any "good" friends. I must say that she did make friends. But that is never enough for Ash. She wants great friends. What do you say to that? That makes me happy though. I know that one day she will be a "100%" friend. How lucky can someone be to have a friend like that?

2007-05-21T22:32:00.000-05:00

ARE YOU KIDDING ME???

Ashley's dance recital ( center front)

Piano recital

Payton at dance recital

You have to be kidding me!!! I cannot believe it has been a month. I have been thinking that it has been a while since I blogged, but when I logged on tonight I was very surprised that it has been almost a month.

So....What has been going on in my live over the past month? It seems as if time has just flown by. Does anyone know what that feels like:)

We bought Mike another vehicle a couple of weeks ago. 2003 Ford Expedition ~cheap~ with a lot of miles on it. Since he has totaled 2 vehicles since last fall, we don't want to put much money into another truck. (We need to save it for medical bills.) Poor guy couldn't even drive it for several weeks. He finally got released from the ortho dr. last week. Now he can drive again and started back to work today. His spirits seem to be doing well. I just ask you all who are reading this to continue to pray for him, though. There is still quite a bit, emotionally and physically, for him to overcome.

What have I been doing? Trying to hear God when ever I can. Other than that, just being a taxi driver. Today I did work in the yard quite a bit spreading poison to kill the ants etc. and spraying around the perimeter of the house. I did start trimming the shrubs and the lawn service I use was across the street. The guy came over and said they would do it next week for cheap. Luckily, I got out of having to do that!!! Payton loved being outside with me today. He said he was having so much fun. (I'm glad somebody was)

Ashley's had field day, dentist appointments, dr. appointments, softball games, piano lessons, dance lessons, field trips, etc... I see a light at the end of the tunnel now since school is almost over. On Saturday, she had a softball game that put her team in 2nd place. We have one more game to win to maintain this placement, if they do, her team will go to a city playoff game. Saturday was also her dance recital (jazz) and she did so well. I love to watch her dance. Sunday was her piano recital and Mike said she did great. Unfortunately, I had to go back to work Sunday since I took off at 3 on Saturday and did not get to see her piano recital. But, I hear her play all the time and know that she plays well.

Payton has imaginary friends now. I don 't know if he actually "sees" them or not. A couple of weeks ago he let me know that he has babies. They do not have names, just referred to as "my babies". So there is always more than one friend. Some days there are two, other days there's five, but today there was ten. He lets them get up on his bed by themselves, sit in the car without seat belts on, and tonight, they got thrown into the fish tank where they became fish almost instantly. Mothers day out is over for the summer and some of us are sad about that, others could stay with mom, be under my feet all the time, and be completely happy about that. I can't say that I mind it between the hours of 9 am and 8pm with several much needed breaks in between.

2007-04-24T22:14:00.000-05:00

MORE PAGES

Here are a couple more pages that I have just completed from spring break. Since everything has been so busy, I have not had time to sit and scrapbook. This is so addicting that I told Mike tonight that I was having withdrawals. Thankfully, he took that hint and had the kids help him clean the kitchen so I could scrap. How sweet!!

2007-04-19T20:31:00.000-05:00

WHEN YOU CANNOT FIX THINGS

Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you. 2 Chronicles 20:17

Have your children ever broken something valuable, like a vase or a lamp, and tried to fix it on their own? They might have used a glue that was wrong for china or glass, and made matters worse. They should have told you what they had done and let you choose a method of repair. Instead, they ruined the item by taking matters into their own hands. They meant well, but the outcome was poor.

There are situations God wants you to stop trying to fix. You need to let go of your desire to fix all the problems on your own that you encounter as you raise your children. You need to trust God enough to let go and let him handle the problem. He knows the solution for every problem you face.

The only way to know when to work on something and when to let go is to take everything to God. Pray and ask him to show you when to give up your efforts, and to give to you the strength to do it. Once you see how much better God can fix difficult situations with your children, it gets easier and easier to give them to Him. He knows the outcome before he starts, and he knows what he wants to do in their lives. Trust him to fight the battle for you.

God works for you and your children. Let him deal with situations you cannot fix, and watch him work on your behalf.

From: The 100 Most Important Bible Verses For Mothers

This doesn't just apply to your children, but all aspects of life. You know God has been telling me to get my hands off of His problems for a long time now!! For a short amount of time I am able to give my problems to God. My hands are off. But why is it in our human nature that we take our problems back? Well, maybe you don't, but I do! So does that mean that I don't trust God?

I take these "situations" to you again God. You ARE the solution and I am so grateful to know that I have you to take care of me. Thank you for entrusting me with what you have given me. You tell me in your Word that you have a plan for me, one of hope and a future. God, you are my rock and strong tower. I DO trust in you. Your strong hand has always been over my family. It is just so hard to see through the storm. You know how tired I am of storms, I ask you again to lift the rain and darkness and let Your light shine bright through me again! I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart.

2007-04-17T22:20:00.000-05:00

SEXY JOHN DEERE!!

Spring Break 2007

Greeley, Colorado

When we were kids, every time we went up to Colorado, Grandad would get his tractors ready for everyone to ride on. I can remember how much fun we had riding around and around the yard on that old John Deere. The kids were not the only ones having a great time, but the dog, Brownie, also had to go for a ride when the tractor was out. I have never seen a little dog jump as high as he did when we turned around in front of the house. A lot has changed since then. We have all gotten older, like it or not!! There are now great grandchildren. We have lost several people whom we love dearly, and Brownie is jumping at angels in Heaven.

But, much to my surprise, Grandad got the tractor out for us again. It was so exciting to ride on it. Not only for myself, but my kids were able to experience riding on the tractor. I hope that is a memory they will never forget. We all took turns, riding and then driving. Thank God for power steering now days. (My first car did not have power steering and I forgot how hard it was to turn.) Grandad was able to get Grandma up there as well. That is when this page started to come alive. I think it was my cousin Marla, (whom I love dearly... Hi Mar) that said something about Grandma thinking Granddad's tractor was sexy. Anyway, I think it is cute and can't wait for them to see the picture and here their response. LOL.

I have been blessed with great family and memories. We can't wait to see "y'all" again soon!!

2007-04-12T12:50:00.000-05:00

I DID IT!!!

No time to blog. Mike has another doctor appointment. But I just wanted to share my first scrapbook page. It is not the best page I ever done, but my mom was so cute. Now that I know how to do this, I will be sharing more.

2007-04-02T22:29:00.000-05:00

SOMEBODY'S PRAYING HIM THROUGH

As most of you know, Mike was in a wreck on Friday afternoon. He was on his way home from a couple of churches that he had been working at that day. There was some severe weather conditions which complicated every one's driving. Outside of McGregor, on a two lane road, witnesses say that Mike hydroplaned into oncoming traffic. He hit the tail of one truck and sent it spinning around. Another lady and her daughter were in a van behind that truck. Mike hit them head on. His truck flipped and landed upside down in the water filled ditch. The fire department and EMS had to extract Mike from his truck and took him to the ER. As the ambulances were leaving the scene, DPS pulled up and all but a couple of feet of the undercarriage part of the truck was up out of the water.

There were no casualties, PRAISE GOD!!! Mike sustained multiple fractures to his face as well as many contusions and broken teeth. He also has a broken rib, sternum, and toes. On admission to the hospital, there was some internal bleeding, but that has resolved. He spent a couple of nights in ICU and is now in a private room. There is no word on when he might get out of the hospital yet.

When he was first admitted to the ICU, we met the family of the lady in the van. She has more injuries than Mike, but is expected to make a full recovery. As for her daughter, she was released from the hospital on Saturday. Please keep them in your prayers when you think of Mike.

We KNOW that GOD was the master planner during this time! If it were not for HIM, there defiantly could have been more than one casualty. Not only do we see that, but the DPS officer, Firefighters, and Wrecker guy's have all made statements of how lucky Mike was. His response to that, "It has nothing to do with luck, and everything to do with GOD!!"

Thank you all for the support and prayers for Mike and our family. Please don't stop praying. There is a lot of recovery time left!!

Love,

The Crumpler's

2007-03-20T10:07:00.000-06:00

SPRING BREAK CONT.

This was Tuesday. We left around 10 am and headed up to Estes Park, CO., which is about a hour trip from my grandma's house. There was eight of us in one vehicle so Sabrina, and her family of 3, drove their own car. Because of the curves of the road and my car-sickly daughter, we had to stop and let Ashley out for a while. She got in the car with Sabrina and was fine the rest of the way up the mountain. When we got there, we had first class vittles, and then went shopping.

Don't y'all think Payton and Aria {my second cousin} could be brother and sister? They aren't even blood related and yet sooo cute together. Aria called Payton her brother when we were together. Also, Alle and Ashley are two peas in a pod. Alle is a couple of years younger than Ashley, but they had so much in common. Before we left Colorado, they decided that they would be pen pals. Christopher was kind of the odd man out, but I think the little ones thought that he was their big brother and treated him as such.

We all found some great deals while shopping. Of course, there were t-shirts for everyone and a hat for dad, even though he wasn't there with us. I also found a Arkansas Razorback Christmas stocking for Mike in this awesome, year round Christmas store. What are the odds, you go to Colorado and find something from Arkansas.
What a great time we had with family. It was so good to see all of you and I can't wait to see you again. Y'all are welcome in Texas anytime. Marla, you and Ken need come stay with us sometime.

More to post soon...

2007-03-17T15:19:00.001-06:00

SPRING BREAK
FDGADSF

Pictures to come

I am back at work today (Saturday) after a week in Colorado. What a great time we had, but a long trip. My kids did unexpectedly well riding in the car for eighteen hours.

It was wonderful to see my family in Colorado. Favorite thing about Colorado: Being told how much I am like my mother. Least favorite thing: Snow on the mountains. JUST KIDDING. How could anyone not love the beautiful sight of snow on the mountain tops.

My children and nephew came in muddy and wet the first day we were there, because of the left over snow from several weeks ago. They were trying to build slides and make snowballs out of a small amount of snow. We are soooo Texan!!

As expected, I ate to much while I was there. But that is one thing I love about my Grandma's house. She always has Little Debbie Snacks, Klondike bars (Yum! Yum!), and of course Dr. Pepper. I just can't resist.

When I am able to get home and have access to my pictures, I will post more.

UNTIL THEN

2007-03-06T21:20:00.000-06:00

A WRINKLE IN TIME

I was just looking back at some pictures of when Payton was born and thought this was such a cute picture of Ashley and Payton. WOW!! It seems as if it were just last week that he was born and Ashley was in Kindergarten. How time flies (whether you are having fun or not).

The real reason that I put this picture on my blogspot is because I cannot figure out how to get it from my digital camera to the computer that I am using. I can view the pictures, but not upload them. This is our "very old" and "very slow" computer I am using until the other one gets back from repair.

The kids and I will be leaving for Colorado on Thursday. Everyone is so excited. Bags are almost packed. My car is organized. Laundry is caught up. The only thing left to do is go. It will take us about 18 hours to get to Greeley. We will be staying in Lubbock on Thursday night and will drive on up the next day.

OK.... so to anyone who is reading this, please pray for us as we travel. Specifically for safety on the road, for my children to get along and be entertained by one another and their large bag of fun stuff to do, and I know this is minor, but our portable DVD player quit working yesterday and I would love for it to start working again. Also, pray for the weather, and Mike as he will be home alone. I have a long list of stuff that he can get done for me while I am gone, but he will be working also.

Anyway, I can't wait to share pictures. (Hopefully my computer will be back by that time).

Have a safe and wonderful Spring Break!!!

OUR WEEK

2007-02-26T09:23:00.000-06:00

What a week!!

Ashley's school let the kids dress up on Monday, since they were not out for the holiday due to TAKS test being on Tuesday. So it was 50's day. Ashley really gets into the dressing up and has a lot of fun doing it. She did well on TAKS as far as we know.

Both kids had a great time playing outside this week. Thank God for beautiful weather. They built a "house" in the driveway several times this week. It was complete with a kitchen where they ate fruit gushers, peanut butter, fun dips, and chocolate cereal. Man, I wish I were a kid again!!!

Mike went to Fredricksburg again to finish up the job he has been working on. While there, he was having some dental issues. Finally on Friday, he had emergency oral surgery. What Fun. Saturday he was back in Fredricksburg with his Papaw for the grand opening of the Nimitz museum. I think they look very handsome dressed up. Mike said that they had a good time together. I am so glad.

What did I do this week? You know. Mom stuff!!

WHATEVER!!

2007-02-18T21:34:00.001-06:00

Ok, so it is Sunday night and I just got home from work. Let me warn you now, this is my gripe session. Griping is what I tend to do the most of when I am tired. You would think that I would just go get in the bed, but I need to "vent". If I don't do it on this blogspot, then guess who gets the majority of it? Mike. He is tired also after being with the kids all weekend and getting ready to go back to Fredricksburg again tomorrow.
So the week started with the trip to Kilgore, which was fine. I got to see mom's headstone and clean some of my Daddy's house. You know how nasty bachelors are.
Mike left for Fredricksburg on Wednesday morning to work on a job at the Nemitz Museum which will be incredible once completed.(see picture) If you think back, this was Valentines day and I didn't get to spend it with my Sweetheart for the 2nd year in a row. I guess after 12 years of marriage, it just tends to be another day. Hopefully we will get the chance to go on a MUCH NEEDED date once the museum project is completed. As I said above, Mike will be leaving again tomorrow morning to go back to Fredricksburg and finish this project. They have hotel rooms reserved for the whole week, but he thinks that they will complete it and be home late Wed night. Then he turns around and goes back on Saturday for a "Black Tie" grand opening event. Those of you who know my husband will understand that this is NOT something he looks forward to doing and it is totally out of his comfort zone. My complaint with this is that it is on the weekend, so I don't get to go with him. But on the bright side, Papaw Russell, Mike's grandfather, is going with him. He is a Ret. Lt. Col. from the Army and there will be many other "military people" at this event as well. My prayer is that Papaw Russell's presence will act as a buffer for Mike and give him some relief from the anxiety he is experiencing.
Ashley had a good week and received a lot of Valentines from school. I miss her not being smaller where I can go to her Valentines parties. Now they are "non-parties". A lot of that has to do with the state regulations on foods that went into effect a couple of years ago. She is ready for her TAKS test on Tuesday and I think she will do very well. Tomorrow is 50's day and Ashley will be wearing a black poodle skirt and bobby socks as well as red and white saddle-oxford. (Thank You MIMI). I think they are doing this because they have school on Presidents day and to let the students have some fun before this highly stressful test. Yesterday Ashley went to a softball clinic and seemed to learn a lot. But more than anything, she had fun. I can't wait to see how she develops this year. (see pictures)
Payton didn't go to Mothers Day Out on Tues or Thurs this week. Tuesday, because we were out of town and Thursday, because he got the stomach bug that has been going around. He is doing much better now. He really needs to go to MDO this week for my sanity. Otherwise, Pay is his same sweet little self.
I think because I sat here and wrote about my kids, my dishpan hands have gone away and I am not as aggravated about the pile of dishes that were awaiting me when I walked through the door tonight. We have all experienced the frustration of walking into the house after a particularly tiring day and facing a sink full of dishes, dirty clothes piled up, and one or more rooms looking like the latest natural disaster happened in your home. Why does this put me in a terrible mood. As I was loading the dishwasher, I kept trying to remind myself that my real job is at home. The job I go to every weekend is just for the money. (Since my real job does not pay very well, I have to go for the money in the 2nd job.) If this is all I have to complain about, I should just be quiet. RIGHT??

TRIBUTE TO MOM

2007-02-13T20:11:00.000-06:00

Kilgore, Texas. Mom finally has her headstone. My sister and I drove to Kilgore so that we could see it for the first time with my dad. Love it!! I am very happy with the way it turned out. The irony of it is, today is the year anniversary for mom going into the Bone Marrow Transplant unit to start her chemotherapy. Wow!! This past year has flown by. She was my best friend, she loved my husband as her own son, and her grand kids were the light of her life. So often, when Ashley or Payton do something I disapprove of, I think of how my mother would have reacted to me. She would tell you that she made so many mistakes as a mother, especially while Sabrina and I were small, but, she would react with love and guidance. In my mind, I don't remember all of the mistakes she made ( I remember some of the big ones though). She was a fun, loving, happy, and fair mom. The Bible was her main instruction book and her love for God was so apparent in her daily life. As an adult, I want to model my life after that of my moms. Can't wait to hug her again when I get to Heaven. There are so many things I need to talk to her about.

Love you Momma!!

2007-02-08T23:45:00.000-06:00

INSIDE PLAY

On the way home from school today, Ashley told me that they "actually got to play outside in the cold front". :) The kids didn't want to go outside and play this afternoon. How can I blame them, it was so dreary. So,Payton would get on his bike and Ash would push him for a while around the living room, then they would switch. Not for very long though. Pay wanted to be the one getting pushed, not doing the pushing. Payton has been so funny lately. When I am doing something that he would rather me not do, like tickle him, he will start yelling, "Swiper no swiping, swiper no swiping, SWIPER NO SWIPING". Of course I say "OH MAN" (for those of you who do not have small children, this is a very common phrase from Dora the Explorer). Or he will say, "Do you understand me? Say yes sir!" when he is trying to get his point across. I REALLY don't know where he got that from.

Ashley is doing great in school and is one of the top three in her class at this point. That makes me so very proud. I was never that dedicated in school. My prayer is that her love of learning will continue through high school. But we all know, it probably won't. Just as long as she keeps her grades up though. Softball tryouts are this weekend and she is very excited about that. As much as we love basketball and would like for Ashley to play, her extracurricular activities of choice are jazz and softball. Can't argue with that.

2007-01-10T23:41:00.000-06:00

I'VE BEEN NICE

Does anyone know the number for Gamblers Anonymous??

On Christmas afternoon at the "in-laws", we all get together and do a little scratchin'. This is the only time any of us scratch lottery tickets, REALLY!! It has became a fun tradition in the family because everyone from youngest to the oldest is involved. For a family that does not gamble, we sure do enjoy it!