One woman, three boys

Sean's 5th Birthday!

2011-10-13T20:03:00.000-07:00

Today was Sean's 5th Birthday! Can't believe he is 5 now. He woke up to some presents that we had left out for him sitting by the fireplace. He slowly woke up and relized what the day was after I asked him how old he was. He rubbed his eyes and said 5! Brother got him a BubbleBee transformer costume. Also got a new supply of playdough with a transformer station, Bubblebee car, Hot Wheels and Hot Wheels truck with changable parts and whole bag of goodies from a visit with Grandma. Also had breakfast at the donut place and dinner at Napoli's. It was a fun busy day today. Happy Birthday Sean. I hope you have a great year being 5! Sleep good and tomorrow can be another day of playing with you new toys :) Love you, Mommy.

First day of school August 22, 2011

2011-08-22T12:56:00.000-07:00

Our first day at school.
Julian is now in 3rd grade. He is studies are: Math U See (Gamma), McRuffy Spelling, Reading, Language and Phonics, Beka American History, Cheerful Cursive and for Science the Body Book.

Sean is in 1st grade. His studies are: Math U See (Alpha), Christian Light Education Learning to Read, Language Arts and Beka American History.

Bubby's 7th Birthday party.

2011-07-11T14:50:00.000-07:00

Well yesterday was my Bubby's 7th Birthday! He had his party at the Main Event in Plano. Bowling, games, pizza and cake. All of his playgroup came and our neighbors Mason and Simon across the alley. Had a blast. He got a new DS1 and lots of games, a portable basketball hoop. He's getting good at ball :) He is growing up fast. Too fast for me. Love him so much. He is my sunshine, couldn't imagine my life without him in it. Bubby have an awesome 7th year! Love u.

Saying good bye

2011-06-25T12:06:00.000-07:00

Had to say good bye to an old dear friend of mine today. Miss you Kuba Scuba.

Great news

2011-06-02T16:55:00.000-07:00

Got my 2nd recheck mammogram this morning. The report is good! Doctor's report was that no cancer was found and only dense breast tissue. I am very relieved and very tired. I got the letter say that they had found something on my mammogram that I had a couple of weeks ago. Got it on Saturday on a long Memorial weekend. Made an appt for the next Thursday as soon as I could. Said that there was two areas on my right breast that needed to be checked out with another mammogram and ultrasound. Dr didn't need to do the ultrasound after seeing the films. I've been a grump all week, trying not to worry but it's hard not too. It was a bit confusing. I got the very vague report that said that I needed to have some additional films done and that a copy of the report was sent to my Dr. I called Dr. Kampas and the nurse told me that Dr. Paula had recieved it and already signed it off. I asked what they meant. She said that the film stated that the mammogram on my right breast was "incomplete". So she told me that it was a technical issue and that it was nothing to worry about. But after seeing my films and talking with the Dr at the Breast Center it was NOT a redo and that there was two areas on my films that looked suspicious. Also they were late recieving a Drs order from Dr Kampas's office and I had to wait until their office opened today. Honest, it stinks not trusting anyone with you health. Really makes you rely on God even more since it's all about money now. Sad.
Not sure now what I'm going to do in the future with getting screened for breast cancer. After looking into it, it seems that radiation is not good, Duh. It's about 2 percent increase risk per mammogram. That a 20% increase risk of breast cancer over a 10 year period. That's not sitting well with me. I mean you are using something that is known to cause cancer to diagnose it? We also use it to treat it as well. Something is wrong with this picture. I purposely waited three years to get another mammogram because of that concern. And ended up getting 4 more views to recheck to see if anything was there from the first views! Not sure what I am going to do in the future. I really don't want to end this on a bad note. I'm glad that today's news was good. Thank you Lord.

Ok, I'm a loser

2011-06-01T16:22:00.000-07:00

Well it's been a while. A good long while. It's face book's fault, honest. I've love to hate that thing. I've been motivated to get back on the blog and write. I really don't write it for me or for friends because most don't check on this thing anyway. Again because of face book. The real reason for me writing this is for my boys. I suppose it's some sort of open diary for them to read one day when they are grown. So what's happened since my last post? Uh alot. Lets see.....
We moved in August 2010 after we sold our home after being on the market for 2 months. I've been wanting to get out of there for a long time but hubby wasn't so sure. I could see the gang activity creeping up to our doorstep. Yep, Garland has had the goody chewed out of her. She is done and so was I. Grew up there since I was 4 and it's not even close to the cool little town it once was. Do I miss it? Nope, not at all. We moved to a really cool spot in Rowlett. A one acre lot. The lot is flat, completely square and has a nice 1800 sq ft home in the center. It's all fenced in with a chain link fence. I really like it. It's not fancy and big but it fits us great.
The only downside is the drive for daddy to work and back. Ouch. Los Colinas is a good drive for him.
Pet wise, we still have our Kuba cat though we are in the process of keeping him comfortable. He has lost a great deal of weight in a short time. We suspect Lymphoma but can't confirm it without a biopsy. Something he is in no shape to have. Treatment would be the same anyway. Steroids, Vitamin B injections and Sub Q fluids as needed. The sad truth is that I don't think he will be with us much longer. But as long as he is active and still comfortable I'll keep pushing. So far the treatment is keeping him at the same weight so we will continue. This is not easy for us to let go of him. Had him since he was born, 15 years ago. I mean the moment that he was born from a stray Calico cat that was left at the back door in a box at Lakewood Animal Clinic that I worked at. Fell in love the moment we met. He's excepted every critter and kid we brought into his life, never gave us any trouble at all. He's seen it all since Daddy and I have been together, outlasting all other critters we have had. On another hard note, we lost our pug Marty three weeks ago very suddenly. Broke my heart. We went through some behavioral issues for a while but moved past them and he was my shadow in the house. HGE (Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis) of unknown reason is what we think happened. He got sick and within 12 hours he was gone. Boys seem to be doing ok with it. I asked Bubby since he never seems to ask about Marty since he died. He said that he didn't want to bring it up because it made me sad. Told him that it's ok to be sad, we should be now. I heart that boy.
After moving into the the new house, well really before we got here we got a German Shepherd puppy. Her name is Kako. The plan is for her to patrol the lot. She is a good dog but she is a puppy! Damage and destruction is common for the first three years. Hope we make it. lol She is now 11 months old. Really she is daddy's dog. They seem to have a special understanding with one another. Next is two King Charles puppies, now 13 weeks old. A female named Darla that is tri colored and a male Frampton that is Blenheim. Our plan is to breed them. I've always wanted one but they are a bit pricey. Daddy thought since we now have some property we could manage having them. They are sweet, very friendly. Sometimes too friendly to the point that they forget you and go right past you for someone or something else's affection. Kind of nerves me and makes me think that they are un loyal. I suppose it's some unturned repressed feelings of betrayl from times past :) Anyway they are lovely dogs, soft in nature and in heart. Then daddy brought home a six week old Pug puppy. He got him from the same breeder that we got Marty from. I was afraid that it might be early from us losing Marty but the pup has found a way in my heart. Yes, he's my favorite. Can't really pin a name of the guy yet. I don't want to rush and give him a good fitting name. For now I call him Butch or Duke, Dookie. Bronson might be it but I'm not sure. And I had two hens. I said that I had them. Decided to give them to the gardener that wanted them for the eggs. He also took the million dollar coop that Daddy worked so hard making. We traded him for his work skills.
Julian and T=Bone finished the school year! Bubby went through the year without a hitch. T-Bone had some "bumps" with letter blending and I thought we might have to wait another year but he came through and it now able to read three and four letter words! So T-Bone will be in 1st grade and Bubby will be in the 3rd next year. I'm feeling comfortable as a teacher now. As always glad to be able to home school them.
Bubby lost his first baby teeth in April. Lost both bottom ones at the same time!
I had a birthday in March, I'm now 47. 47? That's nuts.
I'm really planning on posting regular again if I can think of something I forgot I'll post it later. Oh and on another note I have a 2nd mammogram and ultrasound tomorrow morning. Seems that they saw some shadowing on my right breast that they want a better look at. Hoping God keeps me around for a while until I get the boys grown. Honest that is a very heart felt prayer that I have alot. Being 47 and having two boys ages 4 and 6 makes you think about stuff. This whole "mammogram" experience is one of the reasons for me returning back on here. Anyway hope and pray for a good report.

First Day of School

2010-09-20T06:59:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of school for us.
Bubby is now a 2nd grader and I am attempting T Bone in Kindergarten all though he is three but will be 4 in October.
I'm excited and anxious as always. Wondering what the new year will hold for us and praying that God with give me the skills and wisdom that I need to be a good teacher this year.
With each new year I wonder if I can pull it off ")
I myself was one of the poorest students ever! I spent most of my student years lost in a system that was unwilling and unable to help me learn. Simply put, they just kept passing me to the next grade. I went all the way to High School without knowing my multiplications. After teaching math I realize why I was so lost. Math builds on it's self. And if you don't master what you are learning, you will not be able to master the next step. Well I'm learning what I didn't in my schooling now I suppose. lol
As I said before, God help us walk through this school year. Help me to pace myself and not just rush through and get it done. I want my boys to learn and enjoy learning.

Bubby's training wheels are off!

2010-03-22T17:49:00.000-07:00

After sitting outside in the nice warm sun today watching the boys ride their bikes up and down the sidewalk Bubby came to me with a request. He wanted me to remove his training wheels. My first though was "He can't be ready can he?". I told him that maybe we should let Daddy take the wheels off with his tools but he insisted that we could use his own tools that Daddy got for him. So he got them and I tried. To my surprise they came off very easy. He then took a few tries while I held the back and he only fell once and caught his self very well riding on the grass. No boo boos at all. Then he wanted to get on the sidewalk instead of the grass. He did and was off! Soon he was able to start himself off without my help. As I stood there behind him for the first time he rode all alone I felt a great joy and sadness all rolled up into one. My boy is growing up.
Sad note: I realized that this should have been a 'daddy' moment instead of me teaching him. Sorry Daddy "(

My Birthday

2010-03-10T20:59:00.001-08:00

Bubby's first T-Ball practice

2010-03-06T06:58:00.000-08:00

Today's is Bubby's first T-Ball practice.

T-Bone is now a BIG boy! Bye, bye diapers.

2010-02-17T18:08:00.000-08:00

Well it's been now 11 days and T-Bone has not had one accident! He has been using the potty every time and I am very impressed. He went from not caring at all to stepping up and joining the big boy club. I decided to put the little potty in the living room just like a did with big brother and tell him to go potty every hour which I did. He took my lead and hasn't looked back. I really thought that he would just want to be like big brother and have no problems with wanting to do it but he surprised me just like he always does and seemed to not care whether or not he was soaking wet in training pants! I was dumbfounded when he didn't care. I bribed him with candy treats, under ware but nothing seemed to interest him. Then Daddy mentioned the Big Boy Club and I kept it positive even after a few accidents and it all turned around for him.
We celebrated with a 6 pack of assorted super hero underwear and putting all his clothes (new under ware included) in his OWN dresser. T-Bone, your a big boy and you've done a great job! Momma, Daddy and Bubby are SO proud!
Love you!

Christmas 2009

2009-12-25T19:02:00.000-08:00

Well we woke to a wonderful white Christmas this year! How awesome!
Bubby woke up everyone with a sweet "Merry Christmas before running down the hall to see what Santa had brought during the night. T-Bone is a slow riser and just kind of laid in bed until I said that Santa had came. He then stumbled down the hall as fast as his sleepy little legs could carry him. Next thing I knew I could hear paper being torn. He didn't wait for anything or anyone. Just started to open up gifts, never mind who they were for! I had to stop him and promptly give him a present that was for him. He really was still half asleep but knew just what work was laid out before him!
We all opened gifts and then bundled up to set outside in the cold and snow outside. Out of all the years (42 to be exact) of living in Texas I've never seen a white Christmas. I can remember it snowing a few days after and on New Years but not Christmas. What a blessing. Of course it was not like a snow that most get up north, a somewhat light dusting. But snow just the same! I have waited for such an occasion as this with the purchase of some snow suits and sled from the local thrift store. How can I say how much I LOVE snow? It reminds me of my childhood and it's beautiful, quiet and makes just about anything appear lovely.
After freezing we then came in for hot coco and some monkey bread. I then got busy cooking. Ham, stuffing, potatoes, sweet potato casserole, gravy, corn , deviled eggs and rolls. I also baked a pumpkin pie and pecan pie and of course got the wonderful Satin Chocolate pie from Tom Thumbs. Daddy's favorite by far. We ate. Well Daddy and I did. The boys did manage to pig out on rolls smothered with butter and a large serving of Jellied cranberries ")
After eating Grandma came by and it looked like Santa visited us again!
I spent the day picking up toys, gift wrap and boxes while Daddy exercised his skill at patience helping the boys with all their various toys.
The day ended nice with warm baths and an early bedtime for T-Bone since he missed his nap today. He fell asleep with a Chick Hicks car in his hand. Ahhhhhhh.
It was a nice Christmas and as always goes so fast and it's just over like that. But we have the celebration of 2010 just around the corner. Did I just say 2010! Yikes.
Merry Christmas boys, we love you and cherish these wonderful early years with you!

Waiting on Santa 2009

2009-12-24T20:42:00.000-08:00

Well this is our first year having Santa visit. Shocked? Well don't be, we have good reason. We really struggled with doing the "Santa" thing since it's basically a lie and use's certain conditions (the naughty or nice list) to bribe your children into good behavior. Also I've wondered how would my boys believe me when I speak of a unseen God that came to die and save us and that he watches over us and cares for us when I would lie to them about a nice old jolly fellow that visits us every year at Christmas time. Well anyway.....
Bubby told me this year that he understood that Santa was pretend but wanted to believe anyway. I'm fine with that. So Santa land here we come.
Complete with iced cookies and milk as a snack for his long hard sleigh ride we joined into a new tradition this year. So far it's been a bit of a challenge. Never before had I considered the great lengths that my parents went to for us so many years ago. Hiding presents, using different unseen wrapping paper and bows. Having a Santa signature.....etc......
Wow it takes some effort and teamwork but so far I think we've pulled it off.
Can't tell you just how excited two little guys went to bed tonight.
Merry Christmas!

Gingerbread houses, Advent and the mall. Oh my.

2009-12-16T20:44:00.000-08:00

Well Christmas Eve is fast approaching us and it's starting to get busy, something I don't like around the holidays. Slowing down is much better ")
With Bubby and I being so behind in school and having to double up on school days and with all the "errands" of running around for Christmas I beginning to feel overwhelmed. I'm trying not to get so caught up in it all but.....
Today we went to the mall. Whew. Wasn't to bad till the afternoon hours. Bubby just wanted his favorite pizza and Sean sat strapped safely in his stroller. I went with list in hand and for the most part got it done.
Tonight we decided to make our gingerbread house. Too bad one side wall was warped and the roof kept sliding and ended up taking the whole house down. At first tempers flew from Bubby but soon realized the "house" pieces still tasted yummy whether they were whole or in pieces. ")
Also I good squirt of icing in the mouth never hurt anybody :)
So it now sits broken in a glass container to be picked on for the next day or two.
Can't believe Christmas is coming so soon and it will be gone for another year. Even more 2010 is right around the corner. wow.

Daddy's Santa screw up

2009-12-09T20:38:00.000-08:00

Daddy comes busting in through the door after a long day of training to announce to the boys that he has Santa's phone number and asks if the boys would like to call him. I'm thinking "What?".
He tells me that he got the number off a radio station on the way home. Talk to Santa?
Of course the boys are very excited. Bubby is walking circles saying he's shy but you can tell he's about to pop with excitement and T-Bone is ready. So Daddy gets on his cell phone and gathers the boys and puts "Santa" on speaker phone. Sure enough it's Santa's voice that answers the phone with a recording for the caller to please leave him a message. Daddy then encourages for them to state what they want for Christmas. WHAT? Why would he do that?
It's two weeks before Christmas, not a lot of shopping time left Daddy! Bubby then states that he wants a new Superman hot wheel transporter. His broke during the last year and I'm ashamed to say I had to put it out of it's misery and of the house. "(
And a real iron man outfit. Oh that's great Daddy. I've looked over the globe for the Superman hot wheel transporter for the past year with no luck. Now he's asked for it himself to Santa. I start to fight with visions of the movie "Jungle all the way" and ringing Daddy's neck. I then mouth to Daddy that I am going to kill him and he's at a loss. I tell him that I hope he enjoys his dinner because it will be his last. We scamper off to the back bedroom for me to clue him in on the problem. Oh, I didn't even think about that he states. I then quickly and with deadly skill dive into my computer to reach Google for help. Nothing but Target promises me that they can contact me when more are available. Yikes. I have a boy that is going to have a broken heart on Christmas morning. I then pray and get on Amazon. Five left. I make my purchase and Daddy's life is spared once again.

T-Bone's gonna get the best of me yet!

2009-12-07T13:02:00.000-08:00

After stating the happy joyful news of producing "poo poo" on the little potty this morning from T-Bone I went in the bathroom for a clean up. After looking in the potty I spotted something "funny" wrapped up with the gift he had made. Oh Gosh, is that a worm? My son has worms? Where did he get them? Does that mean we will all get them? I need to call the doctor. No wait a minute, is that a rubber band? After a few minutes and some soiled latex gloves later, I was correct on my 2nd guess. A rubber band! Honest why in the world would eating that even seem good in any way?
He's going to get the best of me, without a doubt.

Thanksgiving Day 2009

2009-11-26T16:23:00.000-08:00

Well today begun with watching the Macy's Thanksgiving parade and the boys eating oatmeal while Daddy slept in.
I had already made the deviled eggs, stuffing (dressing since we didn't have a turkey) pumpkin pie, and a pecan pie made from our pecan tree out front.
After Daddy got up I started making the sweet potato casserole, mash potatoes and heating up the ham. We decided we would eat lunch instead of dinner. Every thing was yummy. Bubby served himself about a half a can of jellied cranberries and three yeast rolls. I did manage to make him eat two bites of ham too. Honest how does he live on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches?
T-Bone dug into the ham and rolls. He wasn't too big on the stuffing and any of the potatoes. And of course he loved the eggs.
They all pigged out of the chocolate pie that I defrosted the day before while I went next door to visit with my friend for a bit. It's favorite with the boys around here. I did enjoy the pecan pie with our very own pecans on it. Yum.
We went out later on to try and catch some good light for our traditional Christmas card picture. Didn't do so hot. The boys were tired and couldn't get any good shots. Oh well we'll try again later.
Later after watching the Cowboys play Bubby and Daddy went out front and through the ball around. It was a nice sight too see.
All in all we had a nice day.
Tomorrow we will be putting up the Christmas decorations like we ussally do the day after Thanksgiving.
Being filled with food I think we will all sleep well tonight. ")

Daddy's Birthday!

2009-11-13T20:13:00.000-08:00

It was Daddy's Birthday today.
Too bad he had to work "(
He decided on Red,Hot and Blue for dinner. It was great and the boys where trilled to have a grilled cheese and munch on their special sauce with chips. Daddy dug in deep with his favorite sausage plate.
The boys wanted to get Daddy a Hulk mask and T-shirt which we did. Daddy is known as the Hulk around these parts and the little super heros daily have to try and tame him after he gets home from work.
Also we did order him a Hulk cake from Walmart. Here is a funny story about that. We went to pick up the cake this morning. Whew it was there. You never know with Walmart.
I looked at the cake and noticed the script on the cake was "Happy Birthday pick Tim". What? Pick Tim? What's that?
I then told the lady and she apologized and asked for a minute to do repairs. I was puzzled.
We got the cake back and was happy and went home.
After we got back I realized what had happened and laughed until I cried.
When placing the order, the lady informed me that the total script that I wanted (Happy Birthday Tim) would be too long for the 1/4 sheet cake with Hulk on it. So she suggested using a "Happy Birthday" pick instead of writing it and then write Tim under it. I agreed that would be fine. Do you see what happened here? The order started "Happy Birthday pick Tim" on it so that's what they wrote. Sad and funny. So they where able after all to fit all that script on the cake with an added word "pick" in the center. Walmart. Sheesh. Can't say I like that place much and really try not to go there but I'm thankful for a laugh they gave me today.
Happy Birthday Daddy!!

Our pecan harvest

2009-10-29T08:44:00.000-07:00

Today was a windy day and we decided to go out and do some pecan picking. This is only our 2nd season of having eatable pecans on our young tree. We got some the year before last. Enough to make a pecan pie! I was SO excited and had waited for this day to happen only to burn them while cooking the pie. "(
Grandma was so kind to forward us a nice zip lock baggie full of hers, cleaned and all. I am going to attempt it again this Thanksgiving making sure to keep a close eye on the cooking process.

Algebra skills aready?

2009-10-27T06:08:00.000-07:00

Today math lesson was finding the unknown number. Bubby is now learning the beginnings of Algebra. I'm again amazed by how he grasps new unknown concepts. I admire his ability to learn and accept new things. As we age we gain a sense of "know it all" and close our minds to different ways of looking at things. I know that speaking for my self I buck up against change, always have. No matter if it's easier or harder I ALWAYS feel that it's harder when first starting out and hate it until I get into a routine again.
Enough about me, way to go Bubby! Good work.
We are now studying Language, Reading, Social Studies and Math. He is doing well.
T-Bone and I are working on colors, shapes and following directions. He too is doing well. I'm having a bugger of a time getting him to say the color red when I ask him what color is this but he can pick the correct color everything when I ask him "where is red?" He likes to call it green and it tends to drive me nuts. I'm not sure why he does this but I think I figured out a way around it. I ask him to find the color red, he then points to it and then I ask him what color it is and he then says it's red.
But at least I know that he enjoys it and I do try and keep it short and sweet so he doesn't get too burned out with it. Keep up the good work T-Bone!

2009 Fair Day!

2009-10-15T19:49:00.000-07:00

Well this year we did some things different. One was that we used Home school tickets for free admission on Thursdays in hopes of saving some money. I don't think we will be doing that again. In the past we have always gone on coupon day. All rides are a fraction of what they normally cost. Can't say we saved much today. Although we had a great day (as always) we almost spent as much as when we went on our Cruise! OK well, almost.
After 4, 4 dollar corny dogs and three or four rides at 4 bucks a pop we where running low on cash.
Anyway, it's still worth it for us. We have made it a tradition and have for years. I have some super cool memories of going when I was my son's age and they are cherish.
The day was mostly cloudy without rain thank goodness since it's rained for like a month or two now! The weather was a bit on the chilly side and as usual I clothed everyone well but for me. I dressed a bit light but was SO grateful for my windbreaker.
We got there about 11 and stayed till 8 pm after the parade and a major pig out session at " Dollar Dogs"! Grabbed a bag of cotton candy and hit the rode back home.
Another super day at the State Fair of Texas! Thanks Big Tex for the corny dogs!

T-Bone's 3rd Birthday

2009-10-14T07:08:00.000-07:00

Oops. I wanted so much to post this on T-Bone actual birthday(yesterday) but wasn't able this year. We had a great day today. Grandma paid us a visit and came bearing gifts. We then opened presents after Daddy came home and then out to eat at Napoli's for some pizza.
You got a new Flash and Fireman costume, a Leapfrog hand held for playing games and your favorite was a new PC computer just your size. Bubby, Daddy and I all have one but for you so you really love this one. You cry every time I put it up, holding really no interest in any of your other gifts. Bubby and I had to make you put on your Flash costume this morning to play Super Hero's! We measured and marked your height on the door frame as we do every birthday. You have grown for sure. I can tell since most of you clothes are now too small. All your shirts are too short and show your tummy now!
This is a big week for you since tomorrow we will be going to the State Fair! We are hoping that the rain will let up for our outing. It's been raining for ever and we are SO tired of it. Mud and mosquito's!
You have become sweet, hardheaded, pouty and funny all rolled up into one wonderful self. God made you special just the way you are!
Well Happy 3rd T-Bone! Hope you have a year blessed with growing, learning and health. We love you.

T-Bone's 3rd Birthday party.

2009-10-12T07:37:00.001-07:00

Chuck E Cheese, here we come!
Spent a good part of the morning and early afternoon playing games eating pizza and seeing some of our friends. Seany, you did great with meeting Chuck E Cheese! No tears but a few great big high fives! Your hardheaded, sweet and funny all rolled up into one and we love you just the way you are! We hope you have a great year at being three!
Momma, Daddy and Bubby

Kenny and Sabena's wedding

2009-09-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

Daddy was asked to be a groomsmen for one of his oldest friends, Kenny. Daddy begun his day at 10 am and stayed loyal until way past when the cows came home (midnight). Bubby and T-Bone came with me to the evening wedding to meet up with Daddy. We danced, ate dinner had a few drinks and saw some old dear friends that we had not see in a long while.
The boys loved it but was very disappointed when the cake was not handed out ") Pretty sure they just simply forgot to hand out the plates after the official cutting. But for the boys, that was the whole reason for attending the event, well with dancing coming in for a close 2nd.
My men looked sharp last night, all in suits. And they all acted like complete gentlemen all night. My I have a great family!

Did you say "you want to go potty?"

2009-09-24T20:58:00.000-07:00

Well over the course of the past few weeks I've been trying to slowing bring our T-Bone more into the "potty" mode. I suppose that after our cruise, it got me thinking about just how nice it would be to have no more diapers. I had to pack a good amount for the cruise not to mention some wipes too. Well T-Bone keeps me guessing in this dept. ") For quite some time he would sit on the potty and do pee pee before his bath. I think the reason for this is apparent. :)
But too my surprise he didn't take to the potty in the beginning. We got candy jars and decorated with names and filled them with candy. Ready for the whole potty training experience. Ready,Set and wait a minute. T-Bone loved the idea of getting some candy but the minute you would mention the potty he would just cry. Then he would sit on the potty and cry. It's a sad sight. Mommy and Bubby are spreading positive words his way only to fall on deaf ears. So he's not ready? Hum?
I'll try a different angle. Training pants, that should work right? He'll wet himself and hate it. Nope. Didn't bother him a bit. Bothered me, he leaked out! Ok I'll back off, he's just not ready yet. No biggie. I don't want to take any steps back in this dept. I'll keep patient and he'll come around.
No wait again. He's doing it really well. No crying now. And tonight he announced in bed that he needed to go potty. Whoooooo Hooooooo! Poo Poo he did! And we are not even using a reward system anymore. That's my boy, keep it up and you little booty will be covered with Batman under ware instead of those nasty paper/plastic diapers!
And on another note the both boys rode in the neighborhood today. Yes T-Bone on his trike, peddling away. We went all the way to the school and they took turns going downhill (alittle faster than I liked) in the parking lot. I was proud that T-Bone peddled all the way and back without one complaint even with a few hard falls. Your growing up little guy! Momma loves you.

Bubby's first day of 1st grade

2009-09-08T06:28:00.000-07:00

Today is Bubby's first day of first grade! I can't believe I'm teaching a 1st grader today! Wow.
We are using a different curriculum this year instead of My Fathers World. We are using Christian Light Education. We will be learning: Learning to Read, Language and Social Studies. Also continuing with Math U See, using Alpha. I really struggled with finding him a good match with a science curriculum. Most seemed to be too easy or too advanced for him at his age. So I got nothing for science this year. Also I did get him a bible study with Christian Light but decided to pass after going over the material. I have a hard time finding a perfect match for him to learn about God without all the gore and violence of the stories. Some are about God's judgment and I'm not sure that he can understand why God destroyed all the people he made during the flood when God is suppose to be good (which He is) but some of this is just too big for him to really wrap his brain around right now. I'm not sure that teaching about God's perfect perfection and will are appropriate without the simple understanding of his grace and truth about salvation first. It troubles me that some Christians can understand that an adult that does not have a "personal" relationship with Jesus cannot understand biblical truths but assumes that a child does. Also I feel that "most" curriculum and churches teach children as if they already know Jesus without ever really getting them to a point of conviction. So just like with all other areas of schooling, I choose to teach my son's about Christ myself. I know with God guidance and sensitivity I can do it in his perfect timing.
Anyway, happy 1st grade Bubby! Have an awesome year of learning!!

T-Bone says good bye to a friend

2009-09-07T18:45:00.000-07:00

Bye Bye Paci. We will miss you. You comforted little baby boy for those naps and at night time for a while now. We found that using you saved a little boy from sucking his thumb. You served your purpose and now we say good bye.
T-Bone hasn't had his paci since Thursday night on the 3rd and to our surprise he didn't cry once for it. Oh we could tell his wanted it by the look in those big brown eyes looking up at us from his bed but he bit it and was a big boy about it all. I did the count down of days till he had to say bye to it and I suppose he was prepared for the moment it wouldn't be there any more. "(
I had tried to do some potty training with him but he's bucking up against the system in that dept for now. Again I was surprised by his reaction. Every night for MONTHS we have used the potty before bath time without a problem so I assumed it would just be an extension of that but he hated it when he would sit on the potty. We made a really big deal about it too. I told him about him getting a container full of "potty candy" for a treat for using the potty. We happily went to Walmart and bought a container and I colorfully put his name on it and filled it with Skittles. He was so excited about it all. But soon excitement turned into tears. What can I say but he's just not ready. I kept it all positive and even tried using training pants but he would just wet them and say nothing to me. So we will try again in a month or so. No biggie, it will happen. So with that said I decided to tackle another "growing up" step, giving up the paci. He started using it when he was a baby. He had one when we brought him home from Gladney. He sought comfort in it with his infant reflux and when it wasn't available he sought his thumb. I made the conscious decision to get him "hooked" on a paci in hopes of preventing him becoming a thumb sucker. You see, you can take away a paci but not a thumb. ") So as the years passed we got down to only using it for naps and nighttime. It really rarely left his crib. I took Bubby's away when he was 6 months old but he didn't have reflux either. I knew that he would do poorly at giving it up and so I chose a long three day weekend because I was prepared for some long nights. It never happened. He just talked abit more than usual and went to sleep. Good job T-Bone, we are very proud of you! Your on your way to being a big boy!

Back from our 7 day Cruise

2009-08-30T16:34:00.000-07:00

Well we just got back from 7 days on the Caribbean Sea. We visited Jamaica, Grand Cayman Island and Cozumel.

Bubby's Birthday party!

2009-07-14T21:09:00.001-07:00

I asked Bubby where he would like to go for his 5th Birthday party this year. Since July is really too hot for an outside party we have so far opted for an indoor party. He chose Chuck E. Cheese's to my surprise. Last year we held it at Surf and Swim close to home with all other parties at Chuck E. Cheese's.
We decided to have a party early to beat the crowd and hopefully the heat. Instead of having it around the corner from us we held it at another location that was newer and was closer to our guests.
All guests came. It was a playgroup party. Games, pizza and Chuck E. Cheese himself. They gave Bubby a crown, metal and we feasted on Nascar cake! Daddy even took off the morning to join us. We had fun and I relized just how much bigger my little boy was now!
Love you Bubby!

Bubby's 5 today!!

2009-07-10T08:23:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Bubby Boy!
Well Bubby's hit the big 5 today! Wow. I know that I say this every year but I can't believe it.
Daddy stayed home from work today to help celebrate. Bubby woke up to find a new bicycle in the den waiting for him. We had it stored at Grandma's for a few weeks. Since a friend of Bubby's was having her Birthday party at Hawaiian Falls in the afternoon and he wanted to go SO bad we decided instead of him picking a place for dinner we did lunch. He wanted Dave and Busters. He's a smart kid realizing that he not only gets to eat but play games. Grandma came by in the morning with birthday wishes and gifts. We then headed off to Dave and Busters. He opened gifts after lunch. Instead of getting two cakes, one for today and another for his upcoming party at Chuck E Cheeses we just got the big ole piece of triple chocolate cake! Mommy did manage to get a few bites in and Daddy tried to finish it off. We then went and played games counted our tickets and got some toys. By then it was time to rush home in hopes of everyone (but me) to get a nice little nap in before going to the water park. After a short nap we then headed off to Hawaiian Falls. We met up with friends and spent the day in the assortment of water rides and pools. Bubby and Daddy seemed to really enjoy the river ride on tubes. I rode once only to decide that it wasn't a good idea for me. It made gave me motion sickness! Get me off this ride! So most of the day Bubby and Daddy ran around the park riding, T-Bone and I preferred hanging close to the cabana on the man made "beach" area at the wave pool. Nice. As the sun went down the movie screen went up and they were getting ready for the evening movie, Kung Fu Panda. We passed and headed home after having some birthday cake.
All in all it was a great day, busy and great!
Hope your year is blessed Scooby! We love you.

4th of July 2009

2009-07-04T21:46:00.000-07:00

We spent most of the day indoors since it was SO hot. We are up to the 3 digits this week again. Yuck. We did manage to run up to Lowe's before lunch. We then headed out to some friends of ours for a 4th of July celebration after a nap.
The kids did some swimming and serious playing. They have a HUGE yard and the boys just run wide open while we are over there. They LOVE it. We had a great rib eye steak dinner and watched a fireworks display all around us from their backyard and shot off a few ourselves too.
We had a wonderful time and got home late with two very tired little boys. Daddy and I are hoping to sleep in tomorrow. We'll see if a pair of big brown eyes wake us up at the usual time.
Happy 4th of July!

Our pop up camper trip

2009-06-28T19:46:00.000-07:00

Well we took the pop up and headed to Bob Sandlin Park with some our friends and their pop up. It was full of fishing, swimming,biking and moments of desperate need of heat relief. Yes it was hot. In the 100's, not uncommon for Texas weather in this time of year. But in spike of the heat we all had fun hanging under the canopy of the forest pines. I really love the forest, no doubt about that. This was my first time to this place. It was nice. We got two hook ups side by side with our friends and shared time with one another while our kiddo's played together. It was a nice trip. Highlights? Hummmmmm? Can you say bugs? I saw too many different species of new bugs to mention here. Big ones, little ones, some that looked like a cigar stub with wings. Why I was even so kind as to share my sleeping quarters with a couple of daddy longs legs and a what I would call a medium size beetle. I'm very uneasy with any kind of bug but for the lady bug. My great fear them occurred from the neighborhood boys when I was a young girl. They used to chase us girls around with them in their hands. I never really got the chance to get properly socialized to them and the fear set into my adulthood. Sad but true. I suppose with some work I could make a change but...............Yuck.
I did manage to catch a few little Channel catfish from the stocked pond that they had and my friend caught the "cutest" little perch on her huge hook. No pics of that "( Daddy also managed to get a small turtle to come to shore by coaxing him with some bait. The kids enjoyed that one.
T-Bone and I skipped the swimming and decided to stay in the AC and take a much needed nap while the others went for a dip in the lake. The kids played in the sand and rode their bikes back and forth between the campers.
I did spot a small copperhead when I stepped out of the camper this morning but he boogied fairly fast when we spotted each other thank goodness.
All in all it was a nice trip but the heat and lack of sleep made us welcome coming home to our controlled climate and own beds. ")

Happy Fathers Day!

2009-06-21T08:24:00.000-07:00

Happy 5th Daddy Day Daddy! We love you! Thank you for being our daddy.
Breakfast in Bed with a back rub by Bubby. Got some new swim trucks and shirt and some money tucked into the shirt pocket to buy yourself something special.
Hope you have a great day today. Your the best daddy ever!

4 Wheel trip cancelled "(

2009-06-20T17:24:00.000-07:00

Daddy and Bubby had a day of 4 wheeling planned for today with one of Bubby's and daddy's buddies. He woke up during the night complaining of a sore throat. I knew the trip needed to be canceled. Today he's had fever and just lying around most of the day. I'm hoping we all stay healthy for our pop up camping trip that's coming up. Poor Bubby. Sorry you missed you day with daddy and the Jeep. "(

MNO and a tree pulling party

2009-05-31T22:07:00.000-07:00

Last night I had a mom's night out with my friends at Aunt J's house. We ate, drank, talked, laughed and danced. It's always great to be with the girls. ")
Today we took a good and much needed nap. And then we got up and went to a friends house for a tree pulling party. They made a brisket and we all brought different sides. It was a great day hanging out. The kids love it out there, plenty of space to run wide open in. There even was an adult/children game of kickball. The kids won out of the older ones. ")
We got home very late and tomorrow I'm hoping for a low key day. We'll see.
We are in the planning stage of a pop up camper trip in the near future.

Blood work results

2009-05-29T13:49:00.000-07:00

I got great news from the dr today.
About a month ago I went in to see the dr because of high blood pressure and some swelling in my lower legs. During the check up she suggested an Echo Stress test on my heart since the EKG came out abnormal. I did I found out that my heart is in good condition (thank you) but my lipid panel was very bad. It seems that I have struggled with my Triglycerides for about the past 5 years or so being very high. They have gotten up to over 560 before! I've tried to cut the fat in my diet but it's never really helped to knock down the number too much. With my blood pressure going up, my weight going up, Cholesterol going up my next stop was my glucose. Welcome to Drug City, it's where I'll be living until my time is up on this side. Nope. I'm not going there without a fight. My doctor suggested pills for all the problems. I suggested a change in diet. After searching the web for my problem I decided to do the "low carb" diet. Two weeks ago my Triglycerides were 750, I had not fasted and ate a chicken salad from Chick Fil A a few hours before going. But that still is mighty high. And the one before it a month ago was 460 and that was fasted! Well the good news is that after just two weeks my Triglycerides are an amazing 134! My HDL (good cholesterol) has risen and I finally got a reading for my LDL (bad cholesterol) which because of the high Triglycerides I've not been able to do for a very long time. And I've lost 4 lbs in 2 weeks as well! A grand total of 12 lbs in a month and a half! Yahoooooooo! The thing that bugs me is that it's been me that has taken the time and effort in seeking an alternative to taking the drugs, not my doctor. Though our conversation she was very excided about my improvement she still suggested a pill for my high LDL! Please lady give me some time here it's only been two weeks since I changed my diet! She told me that if I chose not to take any drugs that I need to come back in two months for a recheck on my levels.
I can't even put into words how much better I feel. I have more energy than I have in years. I have no cravings, no acid ingestion like I did before the diet change, my mind is no longer foggy and my breath even smells better when I wake up! Strange. All from changing the stuff I eat. What I did was totally elminate sugar and starch (pasta, rice, white bread, corn and potatoes) and eat anything else I wanted. It was hard for about 3 days at first but after that I was fine. Being half Japanese letting go of rice is kind of hard for me since I ate it with EVERYTHING. But instead of rice, pasta and bread I now use veggies as a filler and it works. If I do eat bread it's not much and whole grain wheat. I still go to Wendy's. Now I get a burger and chili instead of fries and remove one bun. If I need more I'll get more, no limit just carb limits. A year ago I would have not agree with this diet. It seemed unhealthy to me since grains are pushed so much in our country. But that is what keeps us so fat. Our bodies are never allowed to burn any fat it just keeps storing it by our consumsion of carbs and sugars. Too my surprise I eat better now than I ever have, alot more veggies to fill in the carb void. All in all I'm please and really hope to continue this way of eating for the rest of my life. To be continued.......

Daddy's sick "(

2009-05-27T11:11:00.000-07:00

Well over the three day Memorial weekend, Monday Daddy was not feeling too good. He complained of being very weak and having a really bad sore throat. Hummmmm? I was praying it was allergies since he didn't have a fever. But....... He came home Tuesday from work with a fever and runny nose, sore throat and sneezing. I'm pretty sure it's a head cold. Poor Daddy. He is home today, locked away in the master bedroom until he proves healthy again. I'm putting on a mask and throwing drugs and food at him every so often. I sure don't want it to make the rounds over here! We are all on Elderberry for the time being. It sure did help us through the flu season this year. It was the first time none of us got the flu! Get better Daddy. We all miss you.

A question for T-Bone

2009-05-24T15:47:00.000-07:00

When I asked T-Bone what he was going to be when he grew up he answered " A boy mommy")

2009-05-19T11:21:00.000-07:00

Hummm, wonder what it would be like if I was in there too?

Mothers Day

2009-05-10T10:01:00.000-07:00

Well my day begun with breakfast (complete with a flower) in bed then a nap shortly after without ever leaving the bedroom. What can I say but NICE. Being a mom does have it's perks, today is one of them. Yes, it's selfish to love to be bathed in attention and have everything done for you. So what? It is my day right?
I think we will be going to one of my newest favorite Chinese buffets in Irving later. Maybe do at Lunner (between lunch and dinner time) and try and avoid the crowd. Yum, I think I could put a dent into their Japanese chicken. ")

Bubby's last day of Kindergarten!

2009-05-07T12:45:00.000-07:00

Well today marks a milestone in our life. We have completed Kindergarten today!
It feels awesome to have walked into my son's education this year. I was SO nervous when I began and thought "how in the world can I do this?" and "I'm not qualified to do this at all". I give a great big THANK YOU to my friend and support Aunt J for helping me to remain calm when I was clueless and scattered brained. It gives me great comfort knowing that someone I can talk to has walked where I am headed.
I've learned to that being a teacher is the same as being a mom. I've taught Bubby since he came home with us (eating, drinking, sleeping,talking,walking, using the potty) and home schooling is just an extention of that role.
Bubby has done great and has learned TONS this year. I am amazed by the things a four year old can comprehend and retain, honest. I can remember skipping towards the end of the curriculum during the school year and think that there was no way he was going to be able to get the skills needed to finish, but he did.
This is what he learned this year:
Reading - Letter names, letter sounds (consonants and short vowels),sound blending and handwriting. He was reading short vowel words towards the end of the year and reading short stories. With each weekly letter a subject was taught from apples to a zebra. We learned with some of God's scripture his promises and his creation of our earth and ourselves in his image.We also got to see our butterfly larvae turn into flying butterflies and sent a few free in the back yard. We kept two of them since one was born without an bulb on the end of his antenna and was not able to fly and of course he needed a friend to keep him company in the butterfly house. ") We also had an ant farm in the classroom with us until Bubby felt bad for them and wanted to set them free in the front yard.
He also completed his primer Math U See program. In it we covered what seemed to be alot for his age but he walked right through it again to my amazement. I suppose I kept comparing it to the things that I knew when he was my age and that's why it freaked me out so much what children his age can really take in! Alot. This is what we covered in Math:
Number Recognition and Counting from 0-9, 9-20
Writing Numerals
Geometric Shapes: Rectangles, Circles, Triangles and Squares
Place Value: Units, Tens and Hundreds
Addition: Introduction and Symbolism
Addition: +1, Addition: 2+2 and 3+3, 4+4, 5+5, by 10's, by 100's, Horizontal and Vertical
Skip Counting by 2,5 and 10's
Solving for the unknown
Tally marks
Skip count to find a area
Telling time by minutes and hour
Subtraction, subtraction by -1

Yes it was so much that I cheated and used cut and paste. ")
Whew. Anyway he was so excited about finishing school tomorrow that he said he wanted to do all of his work today and be done with it. He was squirming on the edge of his seat as we got closer to the last problem. When he as done he told who ever he could that he was done. His brother, Kuba cat, Noki kitty and Marty! Tim and I wasn't sure what we wanted to do special for him for rapping up Kindergarten but we figured out something. We are surprising him with his first guitar and amp. He's been wanting one for quite a while now and has all the moves practiced out with a blow up one that he got from a birthday party a few years back. And of course he plays one of Daddy's when he's got the chance. It a mini Strat to be more fitting for his age with a matching small amp to play through. What better joy can a Daddy have giving his son his first guitar? I'm so happy for them both.
Congrats son for completing this year, you did awesome! ")

Along the same lines I will be attending a home school convection this Saturday in Arlington to gather up next years curriculum. Fitting huh? Finish and start again :)

Yes you are seeing newborn kittens

2009-04-24T12:28:00.000-07:00

As you can see my old vet tech skills are in motion again. I have been throwing around the idea of bringing in another kitty in the house to lighten the load of my poor 13 year old Kuba Cat. Kuba is VERY patient cat and lets the boys carry him around the house and cuddle him sometimes with a look that says "Could you help an old Buddy out over here please". I feel for him and thinks he deserves a nice quiet retired time on the huge cat condo that we brought him and placed in the corner without children clamoring to get to him and play "rescue" the cat from the tree fireman hero's. ")
He is the BEST cat ever. He was raised gentle and grew to a be a gentle cat. After working for a feline only practice for serveral years in Dallas I learned ALOT about cat physiology. I did not grow up with cats only dogs so I was pretty clueless about the whole thing. I learned a big lesson. Cats do not like to be rolled on their backs and rubbed into the carpet. The biting and scratching with thier hind legs is not a game it's a defense. I never let anyone handle my cat like that and never will. Treat them like you would like to be treated and you'll have a good companion pet.
I really feel I must tell the story about how I inquired this great cat.
While working at Lakewood Animal Clinic in Dallas someone left a cardboard box on our back porch. Inside was an adult calico cat. So we took her in and planned on spaying her and find her a good home. That WAS the plan but something change. Early one morning while I was getting ready to treat some animals I heard a faint cry from her cage. When I went to see I found three young kittens rolling around in cat litter. She had been pregnant and gave birth during the night in her litter box. She was not that big bellied so we had no idea that she was preggo's. Well one of those kittens was Kuba. He was a male orange tabby, my favorite. The kittens didn't have a good start and was not very healthy and I'm sad to say the others kittens had to be put down. But I could not give up on my Kuba. I did everything I could with his eye infections, upper resp infections and ringworm. My friend Dr Dixion, a temp vet that would relieve the doctors one day a week was my help. We would rip into the medical books to see what we could do for such a young kitty. She now works in her own practice in Highland Park and is the only Dr that Kuba sees. In time he came out of it all and he never forgot my care and returned it with years of gentle companionship. He is named after the country Cuba with is properly pronounced "Kuba". A sweet man that worked in the kennel name Felix was from Cuba and gave Kuba many "ringworm" bathes so the name just kind of stuck.
Also if your wondering just how Kuba will take to them he is very good with ANY other critter be it dog,cat, chicken or any old thing you happen to have. Again I think it comes from the humble and social beginnings he had.
So now we have two tiny kittens that are in a crate in the school room. They can not be in any contact with Kuba yet until they are tested for FIV and Felv. They were found abandoned in a house. They were born on Easter Sunday. I got them when they were 4 days old. They are not for the faint hearted to care for but it's so worth the investment when you come out with such socialized kittens towards humans! They are bottle fed every 2 to 3 hours. Yes that's around the clock. You also have to wipe their privates when a damp cloth every feeding time because that are unable to go potty without the assistance of mommy cat simulation of her cleaning them. And of course don't forget the heating pad on low. Seems like a lot but it will be over in a few weeks. I first had my eye on the orange tabby but it's seems that the white one is male and the tabby is female. I'm very partial to males in the cat department. Also I've grown very fond of him since he is so willing to let me clean, feed and hold him without a fuss. So we will be finding a home for the female, much to Bubby's argument and tears. They have just opened their eyes today. I have noticed that the white kitten is showing orange ears, maybe I have a flame point cat, like the marks of a Siamese. That would be cool. A few years back I bottle fed a Seal point Siamese kitten and it was cool to see her dark points come out as she aged. They are born white or cream and they points appear as they age. The cause is a mutation of an enzyme that is involved with melanin. The enzyme is heat sensitive and causes the colors to appear on the cooler parts of the body, the feet, tail, ears and mouth. Cool huh? Ok the science portion of this blog is over. ") I've alwasy loved medical stuff!
Anyway welcome my new critters to the house.
Oh I threw in the dry erase marker to see just how little they are. ")

Fishing day for Daddy and Bubby

2009-04-18T16:49:00.000-07:00

In the very early hours of this morning my son and his daddy snuck out into the darkness in the Jeep. Their destination? Callendar Lake close to Athens, Texas. Their goal? To catch every Crappie and black Bass in that lake!
Daddy has a friend that he used to work with that has a lake lot out there and a boat to fish from. Happy fishing boys! Bring some home ")
Last time I checked Bubby had a Black Bass and Daddy had none. Poor Daddy "( He's too busy helping untangling and unsnagging fishing line to catch any fish I'm sure.
Well at the end of the day they had a great catch of Crappies and put back the Bass catch back for someone else to hook later. They came home about 9 in the evening. Fished all day long even in the rain and had a day to remember. ") Bubby was a trooper, a real fisherman!

Happy Easter 2009

2009-04-12T16:24:00.000-07:00

Well the day for us was very low key. We hung out watching the Mavs play, huh I mean loose and gorged on candy and left overs. We did manage to rise up for a breakfast at Chubby's. It seems to be our new weekend breakfast hangout. We had a great day yesterday for an Easter Egg Hunt and picnic with some new friends at Lookout park in Richardson. Had sandwiches, chicken strips, cup cakes and some wonderful jello surprise thing that M had brought. Yum. We took advantage of the nice weather and let the kids play and hid Easter eggs. Today the weather wasn't too bad but the ground was a muck mess of mud so we hid eggs in the house. Hiding them in the house really was pretty cool. There are a lot of hiding places inside!

Sleeping big boy style

2009-03-28T14:42:00.000-07:00

While Daddy and Bubby were out 4 wheeling today it came nap time for T-Bone. I ask if maybe he would like to nap on the couch while mommy watches some TV. He said no and wanted to sleep in bed. I couldn't believe it. Not sleep on the couch? He kept saying the word Bubby to me and pointing at the bedroom where they sleep. He was very excited about it.
When we got into the room he bounced into brother Bubby's big bed. Ohhh I figured it now.
So I gave him his woobie (blanket) and paci and tucked him in. I told him that he couldn't get out and he said ok mommy. He fell right to sleep and never got up until I told him that he could. Wow, sleeping in the big boy bed!
I guess it's time to take the top bunk bed off and put it on the ground next to Bubby. ")
Does that mean that I have to take the crib down now? Now wait a minute that thing hasn't been down since Bubby was in it. I'm having 2nd thoughts. ")

A cold 4 wheeling day!

2009-03-28T06:45:00.000-07:00

Well that cold front is here. Yikes it's cold. I reminded of a few years ago when another family and us went to Sea World in mid April in San Antonio. The first day was great the second not so great. During the night a bitter cold front came in leaving us in the cold and wet. We all ran to the closest Walmart like every other tourist in the area snagging up anything that looked cheap, warm and waterproof. It didn't help us out much. After unloading and attempting to walk across the parking lot we gave up on Sea World. Freezing and disappointed we headed to the closest Chuck E Cheese's to not make a waste of the whole day.
We ended up driving back home later that afternoon. While headed home we ran into a hairy snow storm. It was so bad that Daddy was having a really hard time seeing the road. I can remember pulling over to a station standing in the heavy snow fall looking at my friend J in amazement. It was mid April and snowing in Texas! Crazy.
Nothing new.
Daddy and Bubby bundled up with a lunch and headed for a 4 wheeling trip about 1 1/2 hours away. Hope they have a good time and keep warm. T-Bone and I are hanging low today. Just the two of us. Right now he's loving the time with mommy and the toys to himself but later he'll be missing Bubba pretty bad I'm sure. If it wasn't so cold out there we would make a day of it and maybe pay a visit to a museum in Fair Park. But having a warm quiet day at home sounds much better. ")

Better day

2009-03-27T11:25:00.000-07:00

Today is much better for me. Thank you Lord.
I slept better and my nose is not bothering me now. So far my pressure is about 113/61 without any discomfort. I hoping and praying that I've found the one that will help me. I'm only using a very small amount (2.5mg) once a day and hope I'll stay there without having to increase the dose. I walked this morning and felt good doing it. Lately it's felt like climbing Mt. Everest going for a brisk 30 minute walk so it was very nice. ")
On another note we are getting ready for a cold front to blow in! I've already planted my herbs, green onions and strawberries. Daddy planted some hot peppers too. Thank goodness we decided to plant in pots so I've moved them into the garage for the next few days. The nights are suppose to bring in the mid 30's! Crazy Texas weather. Isn't it Texans that say "If you don't like the weather, stick around and it will change"!
I had already dewinterized the chicken coop last weekend thinking for sure that the cold spells where gone for the year. Wrong. Nothing that I few trash bags and cardboard couldn't fix! Ha.
Turn on the heat lamp honey I'm coming home to roost! Poor girls.
And Daddy and Bubby had some serious 4 wheeling planned for the last few months this weekend with a co worker of his. Maybe I'll just bundle them up and pack a lunch with hot coco and sent them off anyway. We'll see.

Crying over split milk

2009-03-26T06:19:00.000-07:00

Well I've tried to keep a good attitude about all this blood pressure medication but to be honest I'm cracking. I'm on my third medication, Lisinopil. I am taking the lowest dose possible 2.5mg once a day. I'm hating it as much as the others. Yes they all do a great job of lowering my blood pressure but with the cost of terrible side effects that hinder my physical being that in turn hinders my attitude.
My first drug Benicar so far seems to be the best but is a non preferred drug with my insurance. The side effects where feeling sleepy, foggy brained and dizziness, tight chested and short winded.
The second one was Diovan, a similar drug in the same class but cheaper. I did well with light headiness, dizziness for the first week. Then my lower back pain and heel pain became unbearable (Doctor said that she didn't think that this was related to the med). Funny that about 24 hours after getting off of Diovan my pain was going away. Also their are literally hundreds of reviews stating the same problem. Hey what does she know anyway.
My third is in a different class and an ACE inhibitor. I took my first 2.5 of Lisinopil yesterday morning hoping for the best. I did well but for some dizziness and a couple of episodes of a creepy cold feeling running from my shoulders to my back. Later in the evening I started to notice that my nose is starting to swell and I feel all stuffed up. My sister tried two different kinds of ACE inhibitors only to have consent sinus infections. I've had all the sinus problems I want in the this life with 3 sinus surgeries, thank you. I'm going to continue to try it out but not too far if I don't get better with the side effects. I'm trying to eat good and exercise so I hopefully can get off the meds but it's really hard to exercise when I feel so bad. This stinks.
I've tried to check into the more natural herbs to see if anything could help me out. The ones that I 've found are for maintaining a normal blood pressure. I've known too many people that suffered with high blood pressure and then suffered a heart attack so I'm taking this seriously.
Yes this in one of those venting posts.
I was getting the boys some milk to drink with their oatmeal this morning. As I was trying to pour, I kind of had a light headed moment and spilt the milk all over the counter creating a good little waterfall down the cabinet door onto the floor. I just wanted to lay in the milk and have a good cry. Then I remembered the saying of " Don't cry over spilt milk" and gathered myself again. The moment may have passed for now but I can feel it building inside of me. I'm praying that God give me the wisdom and and direction that I need to get this under control and the perseverance to get there. ")

Funny story about Daddy and T-Bone

2009-03-22T19:27:00.000-07:00

Tonight as I was getting our dinner ready in the kitchen I couldn't quite hear what Daddy was saying but I could hear serious concern in his voice as he was talking to one of the boys. My curiosity got the best of me and I walked around and peeked into the den. I could see Daddy holding his finger in the air asking T-Bone the question "What is this? and Where did you get it from?" I couldn't see anything on his finger so I asked what "it" was. He said he wasn't sure but it was sticky and he needed to know where he got it from. He was even asking the older son about it but he seemed clueless about it. So I moved in closer to see if I could help out. He again asked T-Bone the question of where he got "it" from. T-Bone said no. Hummm this is baffling. I asked if I could see the goo in question. As soon as I did I thought it appeared to be some type of booger. As the words were coming out of my mouth Daddy asked again where it came from. T-Bone this time acting a bit bothered answered again "no" but this time pointing at his nose. Ahhhhh he's not saying no, he's saying nose! I fell to the ground laughing so hard I thought I'd pop. Daddy on the other hand ran off to the bathroom to do some serious hand washing.
That will teach him to keep to himself next time! Hey if there not crying and no bodies getting hurt, leave them alone! ")

My Father's Day Curriculum last day for Bubby

2009-03-20T17:15:00.000-07:00

Well today is Bubby's last day in My Fathers World Kindergarten Curriculum. For our math curriculum we are using Math U See and we still have a few weeks till we wrap that up for this year. He has blown my mind with all the things that he has learned this year. It amazing just how much a 4 year old can retain. In the Curriculum he has learned the recognition, phonics, and writing skills of the alphabet. He has also began the skills of early reading. He has also learned about different subjects starting with each letter per week. We watched as his ant farm workers set up trails to make a home for themselves and his Painted Lady larvae went through different stages to become beautiful butterflies that we let go just a few days ago (He couldn't wait to set them free just like the ants, so they would be happy and free). We also learned about God's word and the simple truths and promises that he has given us if we are his children.
It been a fascinating year for us and he's made teaching him an easy task. He's been a great student and I'm looking forward to 1st grade next year. ")

A day at the Japanese Botanical Gardens

2009-03-19T15:33:00.000-07:00

As a playgroup day during spring break, my friend Ms. T hosted a day at the Japanese Botanical Gardens in Fort Worth. The weather was a great day to be outside. And most of the traffic appeared to be headed out towards the Zoo. We walked admiring the simple beauty of nature and the wonderful feeling of being in it. The sounds, smells and the sights of spring in the air!
After walking around the garden we found a nice spot under the big trees in the 4 seasons area and had a picnic. Bubby climbed (ok I helped him) his first tree and felt like the King of the trees. It was a proud moment for him and he did want it to end understandably. T-Bone ran like the wind with every step looking like he was going to stumble he was moving so fast but only did a few times. As always he wound brush himself on and continues on his journey not missing a beat. All the kids ran around the trees playing tag and having races after lunchtime. Then soon it was time to pack up and head homeward. Surprising no one took a nap heading home. Even me ")

Test Day

2009-03-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

Happy dance!!!! Praise God! My tests results from my Echo stress tests from this morning are normal! Even my EKG was normal and he said that I tolerated the stress well. I'm free to move about now! So my plan is eating a heart healthy diet and continue exercising though I will increase my cardio part. I want to age without drugs if all possible. I'm hoping that I can reach that goal and get off my blood pressure meds and lower my weight and get a better lipid panel in a few months. Please feel free to say a prayer for me. I really need to change the way I eat and take care of my self. I have three boys that need me around here! ")

The war wages on in the health front

2009-03-16T18:39:00.000-07:00

Well I got some more news from my doctor today. It seems that my Lipid panel that was run in my blood work came back high. Tygliserades are over 400! Since turning forty I've notice a increase in that number when ever blood work was done. That's when I started taking garlic, fish oil and vitamin e supplements. It helped. But I stopped taking them in the last part of January a few weeks before getting the derma filler injections. It seems that they can increase the chance of bruising and swelling if you are taking them. I had a lipid panel ran last November for my Ob check up and the number was more that half that! So a long story made short my doctor wants to put me on another med called Vytorin to see if we can get it lowered. After reading about it I'm not too sure I'm going to give it a try. It can really cause some liver damage and I would need to be monitered every few months with bloodwork. Plus it can do some serious damage to you muscles. I already feel yucky from taking the Diovan for my blood pressure. I really thinking that a serious change in lifestyle is in order instead of doping up on drugs. I believe that with a good diet(something I don't do) and exercise (something that I already do) I can get this stuff under control, that is if my Echo stress test comes back good tomorrow. If it doesn't I'll have some serious thinking to do about my future health.
They say that if the test comes back with good results it's a safe bet that there is no heart problems yet.
You know I'm kind of upset when the doctors never had suggested eating good and getting some cardio exercise to me. Thier first suggestion is medication and I notice that the drugs that are being chosen are the most current kind in the market with samples to try them out. Beware of the pusherman! The story continues......................................

Hypertension meds

2009-03-12T12:15:00.000-07:00

I'm on my third day of hypertension meds. I think I'm doing good compared to some.
The first day so far was the worse. Light headed, dizziness and some tingling in my feet. I just felt sedated. My pressure has gone down with each passing day. In some ways I feel better in another I don't. I'm hoping that the side effects will disappear in time as my body adjusts to the lower pressure and medication. I'm still fighting the fact of taking daily meds. I just don't like it. I feel like I feeding the big pharmaceutical monster.
I'm scheduled for an Echo Stress test next Tuesday morning, St. Patrick's day. (Did you know that that St. Patrick was not Irish?) They told me that I will get the results that day after the tests are completed and speak with the doctor.
I had plans to go out and dance with some of my girl friends this Saturday for my birthday. I asked my doctor about it yesterday and she gave me the clear. Yahoooo. I promised not to get too out of breath.
I was joking with Aunt J, one of my friends that is going that I would give her a list of my medications and some emergency numbers when we go out. ")

On second thought.........

2009-03-12T11:48:00.000-07:00

After telling him that he HAD to take a nap today Bubby's reply was "Go away Mommy, just go away" followed by " but not too far ok momma?".
Love that boy!

Bringing in 45 years in style

2009-03-10T10:39:00.000-07:00

Well today I'm 45. Ugh. I can't say that I was looking forward to this one. I remember doing poorly on my 35th as well. It's like 5 years to 50! What's that about?
I'm young darn it and I'm staying that away too!
And it's also my 13th Wedding Anniversary too. Yes I got married on my Birthday. I have always said he was the best gift I ever got. We eloped in a way. We didn't tell our families just some close friends came to the Chapel. I was 2 hours late to my wedding! We kept getting lost over and over again. My friend was driving and I was a nut case in the passenger side. It was like that dream you can't get where you need to be. What a nightmare. It was like some evil force was at work. By God's grace we made it and my nerves melted the moment I saw Daddy Dude all dressed up in a tux waiting for me. I had NO second thoughts about what I was doing that day. It was an awesome day that brought us to today and I'm thankful.
So are you wondering what I got for my birthday? Well I got some wonderful flowers delivered from my boys today. And I consider my derma injections a gift too. Great 45th present don't you think. I might be asking for the same thing next year. ")
And my dear sweet doctor Paula thought about me too. She gave me a brand new prescription of hypertension pills. How thoughtful don't you think? Yes, I've been battling to keep my blood pressure down for a few years but it's winning so we have to try and do something. I HATE taking meds! Most seem to solve one symptom and cause many more. But I reached a place of a rock and a very hard place. If I don't get my pressure down I'm going not only increase my chance of a stroke or heart attack I'll damage my organs, and I kind of need those. As I stand now I am at stage one hypertension and that increases my chance of stroke/heart attack by 4 times. Yikes. Before prescribing my meds Dr. Paula decided to do an ECG because of some of the other symptoms I was complaining about. Well it didn't come back looking right compared to the one I did in 2003. So I'm off to do a Eco stress test to see if there is any heart damage from loss of blood flow or as they call it heart disease. Of course I'm hoping for good news. She told me to not exert myself until we get the results of my tests. She doesn't know what she's asking of me does she?
I took my first pill this morning. So far it's made me feel tired and I bit light headed. I hope that all I have to deal with until my body gets used to of the lower pressure. I read over 173 reviews for this med and some of those poor people went through some pretty awful side effects. My sister suffers with hypertension too. She started about the same time and very similar symptoms as me. She told me the same thing as the doctor, sometimes it takes a few different drugs to find the right one for you. Hope not for me. ")
So though I glad for been given another year I'm bumming about the getting old part. It's hard to avoid when it's hitting square in the eyes.
And yes I'm having a pity party theme this year. It's my party and I'll cry if I want to!
Yuck.

God's toothbrush

2009-03-02T18:50:00.000-08:00

Tonight after brushing his teeth, Bubby said to me "When God's mommy tells him to brush his teeth he has to use a HUGE scrubbing brush because he's SO big a brush like mine wouldn't work".

Chicken monster

2009-02-28T14:38:00.000-08:00

Well we went to the local animal shelter and picked up a trap for whatever is scratching at the chicken coop at night. Whatever it was, it came out two nights in a row and made me nervous so I decided to see if we could trap it. I sent the trap up for 4 nights in a row with a yummy stinky tuna bait. Nothing. I think it was a Possum, we've been seeing alot of those guys lately. The scratch marks didn't belong to a cat and a Raccoon would have just unlocked the door! But don't think I've given up, I'm sleeping with one eye open.

A little tongue and cheek?

2009-02-23T15:05:00.000-08:00

So they found a way to "express" themselves using Mr. and Mrs. Potato Heads parts. How inventive don't you think?

Taste like chicken..............

2009-02-19T14:46:00.000-08:00

I got up this morning to let the girls out and noticed some serious claw marks on the coop doors. Something was doing some scratching around last night. I'm sure it's not a cat. I'm pretty sure it's Possum or maybe a Raccoon. I've been making sure I put the girls up right at dusk since I noticed our old outdoor cat Doug (he seems to have found a new home else where) crouched by the fence staring hard at them when it starts getting dark. Grown Chickens are quite able to defend themselves well in the daylight but are very night blind and are easy prey. I witnessed them chasing a grown cat one time when I drove up in the drive way after running errands. I never saw that cat again! I'll be locking them up tight from now on. Maybe I'll set a trap out and see what I get?
On another note, my under eyes are looking much better today. All of the redness and peeling seems to be gone and all that's left is some bruising. I put on some make up today and it looks great. I've taken pics and need to download them since there is no space on the camera anymore. I'm thinking about posting all of them on one post from beginning to end.

Restylane injections update

2009-02-18T06:18:00.000-08:00

Well it's been two days since the injections. My left eye (the worst one) is holding up ok. But my right eye looks like the hollow on the outside is showing through again. I sure hope not just after two days! I've heard that sometimes when the inital swelling and bruising goes away things appear to be the same until the Restylane starts to adsorb water like it's suppose to. As for the bruising it's doesn't look pretty. It does look like it's yellowing a bit so it getting better. It's really hard not to be checking it out all the time in the mirror. I will be disappointed if it doesn't help that much but I knew all the possibles going into it. I always have my back up of thicker framed glasses that I ordered last weekend. ") Aging yuck.

Restylane injections

2009-02-16T14:12:00.000-08:00

Well I did it. I got Restylane injections for my under eye hollowness. I've thought long and hard about this one. Since turning 40 I have the repeated comment of looking tired. I used to wear contacts but now wear glasses to hide my under eye flaw. After trying every and anything under the sun to correct this problem I realized that my issue was not under eye circles but a loss of fat in my tear trough area due to age and heredity that causes a shadow under my eye. Depending on the light, sometimes it's more noticable than other times. Evening is the worst since most lights are from above creating a nice ugly shadow that looks like huge eye bag! The struggle with getting the injections? It's cosmetic. It's expensive and temporary. Surgery is another opption but I'm not quite there yet. So Daddy let me get it done if I wanted. I wanted so I got. I felt a huge amount of guilt sitting there with a dab of cream under my eyes to numb them for the injections. I almost told them I changed my mind. I just couldn't stop thinking about how vain this all was and that some people didn't have food to eat. But as you know I went through with it. It only took about 15 sticks under each eye! No kidding. Good thing they numb you, though I did feel a couple. Ouch.
After it was done and I put some ice on it. After I was given a mirror. I was shocked but not surprised by some bruising from the sticks. But the big whole ditch was gone! I can't lie it was a great moment after fighting that thing so long with every cream, cosmedic thing that came in a jar. The bruising is not too bad and should be gone in a couple of days. I'll be icing it and using some herbs stuff to help with bruising and swelling. Next week I'll be going back for a check up.
How long should it last? Well could last for 8 months on the short end or a year on the longer. I've done alot of reshearch and it seems that it's different for everyone. Some with a higher metabolistion break the stuff down quicker like in a few months. I am of course hoping for the later lenght. We just have to see. I be posting pics after I get Daddy to download the one's from today.

Valentine's Day 2009

2009-02-14T14:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!
We all thought it would be nice to all go out for breakfast instead of cooking one at home today. We went to one of our favorite breakfast places, Chubby's. Yes you read that right. It's called Chubby's. Nice name don't you think? It's a small home cooking kind of place that seems to LOVE children. We had a nice breakfast and I enjoyed not having to cook and clean.
We all traded our Valentine's cards and told each other how much we loved them. Daddy's home for a three day weekend! Yahooooo. It's much needed time to be with him since his been busy at work.
I got some stuff to make some Valentine cupcakes but I'm not sure we'll get to it. We still have alot of goodies left over from our playgroup party last Wednesday! Plus we don't need any sweet cupcakes laying around on the kitchen counter do we?
T-Bone and Daddy are taking a nap right now while Bubby and I are hanging out. He didn't want to nap today. Seems like the normal for him lately though it catches up with him and then he's a mess. I've tried to stop them altogether but he tells me that he still needs them so.........? I guess we are playing that one by ear. I think it's been an adjustment for him since Daddy's new job. Daddy leaves alot earlier now and he doesn't get spend any morning time with him like he did before and he misses it and gets up at the crack of dawn with him. It's messed up our schedule a bit.
So Daddy spends special time with him when he's home to hopefully help him through the adjustment. He's growing up so much! He's now getting himself in the van all by himself and making his favorite peanut, jelly and butter (peanut butter and jelly) as he calls them. He's seems to more capable than I think and amazes me when he proves me wrong. I suppose I still see him as my baby boy, and always will.
Anyway hope everyone has a great "Love" day today!

Whew! Daddy's back.

2009-02-06T09:49:00.000-08:00

Ok. I now have a new appreciation for single parents out there! After spending a week being the only parent I'm spent! When you are the only parent/caregiver 24/7 it can be trying on one's mind. I love my boys and do cherish my time with them don't get me wrong. But it's nice to take a breath once in a while and have some come around and back me up. I suppose it would be different if I worked outside of the home and could get some "adult" time in there too. The only time I had to myself was at night after they were asleep for the night which meant staying up late to get some "me" time in. That didn't work out because it just made me tired and cranky for the next day! It backfired on me.
Anyhoo Daddy came home late last night to tell me about his 5 star dining/hotel experiences and share about the wonderful beaches. Thanks Dad. Oh me? I've just been hanging on to sanity by a thread and living off of whatever scrapes I could find around the house. OK, I'm kidding. But there was no lobster or seared Salmon with capers on my plate.
Well it seems as though Daddy may be doing some business travel this year. It did state that there was a 10% travel involved. But at the rate he is going it's looking more than 50% since he's only been there since December and have already gone out twice. Oh well it's part of the position. They are trying to get him integrated into the company and travel/training is just part of it for now. Maybe there is a way that I could use this to my advantage? Hum? Anyone up for a short trip to Mexico? ") Ok maybe for now I just get a massage tomorrow while he watches the boys!

No DisneyLand trip for us "(

2009-01-31T13:35:00.000-08:00

Daddy's going on another business trip to Anaheim California. Daddy had thought we could pull something together and all go as a family and check out Disney Land while we were there. We decided it was just going to be too rushed to enjoy so Daddy will be going alone. "(
So as plan B we are thinking about a Disney World trip to sunny Florida this fall. Are we nuts? Yes I think we might be. I'm thinking I would prefer an all inclusive trip to the beach somewhere! But the boys are not buying it. I've got some time to work on them and change their minds. Hummmmmmm......................

You know your getting old when........

2009-01-26T19:44:00.000-08:00

One of the most EXCITING new discoveries is that you can set your computer font to a larger setting! I never knew it could be this good. SWEET.

It's been awhile

2009-01-17T15:26:00.000-08:00

Well I see it's been a while since my last post on here. Reason? I guess I'm still trying to catch my breath from the Holidays and Daddy getting his new job. I can't say that anything new has been going on around here lately. I've been trying to get back into "normal" mode. Getting Bubby plugged back into a home school routine and doing some serious decluttering. Daddy and I both seem to use any open time to clean something out and organize. It's just time to do it. We've got to put some time and money into the house and get it back up to par. My excuse is having two little ones under our feet all the time. It's hard to much done with so much toddler help! ")
On another note I did manage to have some "mommy" time last night with my friend Aunt J. She hosted a neighborhood Pocino night. We ended up playing Bunco instead once we got around to doing it. Food, wine and laughter filled her house. It was fun to check out some new faces and have some down time as an adult. My the memories we make at those things!

Happy New Year! 2009

2009-01-01T09:05:00.000-08:00

Wow Ok so it's now 2009. I can remember how my parents used to say how time flies as you get older. Well I now know what they meant! The years roll by almost like the days did when I was young. Why is that?
Anyway we brought in the New Year with a quiet night at home. Complete with Rotel cheese with sausage, chicken wings, bbq little smokies and a veggie tray to keep things healthy. ")
And of course a bottle of the bubbly and watched Elf on the tube. The boys slept. They both have missed two days worth of naps and it was really starting to show.
So we hope that everyone else had a nice time bringing in 2009 too. I hope that the new year brings many blessings to my family and friends.
On another note we went out and purchased a new automobile two days ago. It's a Sport Jeep. It's pretty nice and we got a great deal on it. Did we need it? Well no but I've always thought Daddy Dude would look so nice driving one. He's got the jeep guy look I think. He's got the facial hair, baseball cap and loves flannel shirts! (Shhhhhh I also thought it would be so cool for me as well. I was right). T-Bone and I took it out for a spin while Daddy and Bubby cleaned out the garage yesterday to make some space for it. Let's just say it was a Christmas present or part of our mid life crisis maybe ")
Any way here is a picture of it. BTW is anyone in the market for a '91 Ford Explorer with really low millage? Thought I'd ask :) How about a huge Coleman pop up camper that's in great condition? Some downsizing is in order over here.
Well Happy New 2009 to everyone. Hope it's a wonderful one!

Merry 2008 Christmas!

2008-12-25T15:55:00.000-08:00

The day begun early about 7 am and we hit the floor running with opening the gifts. My was there a lot! I've had them all tucked away and had forgotten how many there were!
Bubby was a great Santa handing out the presents and T-Bone was great at opening them up! He did seem to get alittle overwhelmed and kind of backed off after a while. They had a blast.
Bubby got alot of Spiderman stuff and T-Bone got Lighting McQueen. Bubby got a remote controlled truck and helicopter. The helicopter is fun! Can't quit wanting to play with it. No body wanted to take a nap but for daddy this afternoon! All the boys napped while mommy took a shower and had some quiet time. I did manage to make lunch before they all went down. I decided that I wouldn't do the traditional again as for Thanksgiving. I made Tempura with sweet potatoes, onion rings and large shrimp. Yum. It's kind of messy but worth it.
I think leftovers or a hamburger is in order for tonight. ")
It was a very nice Christmas. I'll be downloading the pics later and well post them on here.
Hope everyone had a great one too!
Merry Christmas!

A Christmas Eve reminder

2008-12-24T11:22:00.000-08:00

As you know we volunteer with Meals on Wheels and today was our route day that happened to land on Christmas Eve. So with a quick breakfast and bundle up off we went to make our deliveries. I tried to keep myself humble and not get caught up in the "hurry" of it all but it was a struggle. I have a few last minute things that I had to tie up today just like most. I had made out some Christmas cards for my boys to hand out with the meals in hopes to brighten some days for those that are home bound. Little did I know that the tables would be turned.
All of the people that receive meals are grateful and kind people but a few of them just give me that warm and fuzzy feeling. One of them is Alberta. Just looking at her I can see the stories of her life in her eyes. A strong Christian women of faith is apparent with every visit I make to her home. She is a small elderly women that lives alone in old dated home. Yes a dated home, she tells me but I'm blessed, it's paid for. She greets me at the door with use of a walker. When I ask her how she is doing she always replies 'very blessed dear'. In her home is the pictures of her when she was younger with her family and a few of John F Kennedy and Martin Luther King sitting on the TV top. Lately she has had one or two of her top burners on the stove to help keep her warm while the weather is cold. Well today we all came to the door complete with Santa hats and a Christmas card. She was so touched with Bubby giving her the card that she wanted to give him a sucker. I tell her that she shouldn't. She insists and goes to get her purse. As she is walking down the hall I can see that she is missing a sock on one foot and that her night gown is in need of being replaced. I glance at the wall beside me and see a plaque that was given to her for her years of volunteer service for the elderly. I thought wow she did what I'm doing now for a very long time. She comes back and pulls out a dollar instead to give him. I refuse. She tells me that she knows that we don't need it but that the spirit told her to do it. My first thought was why God? I got my answer soon. It was a reminder of what Christmas really is all about. A sacrifice. Well I melted right there standing on her living room floor. All my problems and worries left me as I saw God use this sweet little elderly women that didn't have much at all and was homebound to teach me a good lesson. Humble me he did. Don't you just love it when God speaks to us in a way that we can understand and uses anyone or anything to do it. Merry Christmas.

Our Gingerbread house

2008-12-22T19:34:00.000-08:00

How do you like it? It no longer looks like this. Some of the pieces (clears throat) or should I say candy are missing. Duh. This year T-Bone helped. And did a great job I might add! Christmas is so yummy.
We also went out tonight and looked at Christmas lights in Plano. Bundled up very well. Baby it's cold outside! ")

The week of Christmas! 2008

2008-12-22T06:44:00.001-08:00

We're ready, are you?

Daddy's back

2008-12-19T12:56:00.001-08:00

From where you ask? Well he went to Waterloo, Ontario in Canada this week on a business trip. It was an opportunity for him to meet up with the people that work at Research in Motion at their Canadian headquarters and get a clearer picture of what he'll be doing at his new job. Daddy said they EVERYONE up there was nice. He didn't have any negative interactions with one Canadian. Hummmm really? He said that he would like to live there but the cost of living is out of this world and it's a bit on the cold side. ") Outside of that he had a great time meeting everyone and getting to know the company.
The boys missed him greatly and couldn't wait to pick him up at the airport on Thursday. We did alright on our own but it's sure nice having daddy back home! Now could you please change that light bulb in the garage that I couldn't reach while you were gone? It's dark in there! Thanks Daddy. Ahhhhhhh nice not having to do the 'Daddy jobs' :)

I'm so busted!

2008-12-11T14:02:00.000-08:00

Ok I know that alot of you 'experienced' moms are going to be saying to yourselves " That was not smart" but please have grace on me, I've been a little distracted lately with Daddy Dude's new job and feeling the rush with Christmas right around the corner.
Here's my story:
I put the boys down for a nice afternoon nap. I figure I've got maybe an hour and a half or two to get some much needed Christmas wrapping done. I know, I know, my mistake. I seemed to have forgotten that the sound of paper rustling travels the speed of light for a four year old. I mean what was I thinking without having Daddy here to cover my back? Duh.
So there I am all splayed out on the floor with my tape, scissors and wrapping paper. I've aligned myself nicely in front of our TV screen so Dr. Phil can tell me like it is while I get busy with my elf work. All the time in the back of my mind I'm thinking "He's going to come busting through that door and then what?". I never did have time to finish that thought through.
I'm so busted.
No he didn't see any of the presents without wrap. I was smart in that dept. ")
I quickly (mom may need a new hip for Christmas) caught him at the door. You should have seen his face. All lit up like the Christmas tree. Oh my. I hurry him back behind the door and beg, plead, scream for him to stay put until I tell him to come back in. I throw all that I have into the garage into our secret hiding place (Dad's unplugged brew fridge) in about 3 trips tops. I then tell him that it's ok to come back in. I'm trying really hard to play it cool now. It's not working. He is giving an interrogation that the FBI would be proud of. All the while I see the Batman helicopter right behind him at eye level on the stove that I forgot to put up. I distract him while I'm kicking myself in the booty, all at the same time. So I come up with the story that the presents are for someone else. That worked. Now he's bugging me about how I didn't get him and T-Bone anything. HELP.
In the future, they are going to be wrapped while he is gone or I'm doing it elsewhere. Lesson learned, next.

Daddy 1st day at his new job

2008-12-08T19:08:00.000-08:00

Whew. Glad that's over! Poor Daddy had a long busy day at his first day at work. A day of setting up his computers, getting security clearances and trying to get his Blackberry going. Not to mention meeting a whole bunch of people. Warning: Overload! ")
He's decompressing as I write this while messing with his new Blackberry.
The next few weeks will be transition time for him until the dust settles down a bit.
I'll keep everyone posted.

So that's what that was

2008-12-04T06:18:00.000-08:00

It all started when T-Bone had a very high fever the Friday after Thanksgiving. No other problems but maybe a little stuffy nose. When I say high fever, I mean high! It would only stay out of the 104 range for about 2 hours on Motrin or Tylenol. If you are a parent, you know the feeling of helplessness in the middle of the night struggling with whether or not you want to take them to the emergency room. I will try to do anything to keep my kids out of there if all possible. So for three long days and nights we "fought" the fever. On Monday the fever dropped only to return. That's it. I'm done. Plus now I was starting to feel bad too. A sinus infection maybe? I need help.
They said that he had a bad ear infection in his left ear. I wasn't surprised, he has been pointing at it and saying "hurt". I'd been using drops from a previous infection and was hoping that whatever was going on, his body could fight it off. As for me, a sinus infection. Both of us was given a round of antibiotics, something that I don't like but sometimes necessary.
Well the next day the fever again dropped and then a few hours later a rash appears on his face and trunk area. Oh yeah, I remember this. We went through it with Bubby. Roseolsa was one of the names for it. High fever with a stuffy nose for 3 - 5 days then a rash for a few days. I did have the thought of it once while giving him a midnight cool down bath. It felt like I'd been here before. ")
So now things are better. I'm much better and T-Bone's fever is gone and all that's left is a lite rash almost gone. And Bubby's safe since he's already had it. Thank Goodness for that.
So the clouds part once again and the sun shines as it did before. (Enter sigh of relief here)

Giving Thanks

2008-11-27T09:59:00.001-08:00

Giving Thanks is what today is all about. We have so much to be thankful for. When I look back in history and in some of the lives around me today. I realize how much we have.
Not in the tangible things but in our mind, souls and spirits. Peace, love and forgiveness to name a few.
Though our suffering we come to a cross road in our lives. We either become hard, bitter and afraid or soft, thankful and free. By God's grace I try to stay in the later.
I thank you God that you know me and I know you. I thank you for giving me a new life more than 12 years ago and your still setting me free with each passing moment. For my family that surrounds me here on earth and gives me the joy and tears that I call my life.
For friends that come to call and welcome me into their heart and lives.
For this day, this moment in time with a grateful heart.
Happy Thanksgiving

Daddy's new job

2008-11-25T12:44:00.000-08:00

Well after much prayer, talk and time, Daddy Dude has found a new job. He will be a new designer for a company that makes Blackberry (Smart phones). This is an awesome opportunity for him. It was a difficult decision for him to leave his job. He has been there for over ten years now and they have become like part of our family.
God has opened a new door for him and we give him all the glory. He has ALWAYS been faithful to provide for us. With us being a one income family and having two little ones it's a big responsibility for Daddy to provide for us. With this new position, comes new changes and challenges for him. I personally hate change at first but in time it all becomes my normal and I bend to it. Daddy says that change doesn't seem to come as easy as it was when he was younger. ") I know that he will do great. Daddy LOVES a challenge and a opportunity to grow and learn. He's never had a problem with that whether it's his work or for him personally. He's got a knack at figuring stuff out. His gift is gathering information and putting it together. Something I'm not too good at doing. My goal seems to be just getting it done and figuring it out as we go!
Anyway this is great news for us and we are humbled to have this been given to us. He will start the 2nd week of December. Since they are a company from out of Canada, they will be flying him up there in a few weeks to meet some of the higher ups and do some training. Nope we're not moving up there. They have their US headquarters here in Texas, not that far from where we live so he doesn't have to pack long underwear or anything!
We spent the evening at one of Daddy's favorite German restaurants, Bavarian Grill. We celebrated the German way. Beer, sausage, wienersnitzle and some yodeling!

Daddy's Birthday

2008-11-13T20:31:00.000-08:00

Today is Daddy's Birthday!
Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to Daddy. Happy Birthday to you!
Bubby and I started his day with breakfast in bed. A linen napkin was used. Daddy always considers a real linen napkin to be a sign of something good. He has commented more than one occasion if we go out to eat about whether or not they offer cloth or paper napkins. ") I never gave it much though before he brought it up to me. My pet peeve is: Why do some take the time and trouble to wrap your utensils up only to leave the part that will be going into your mouth exposed? That's wrong.
Anyway, we sent him off to work with a full belly of a English muffin with egg, ham and cheese toasted of course. Orange juice, a V-8 and completed with a small chocolate kiss that Bubby added at the last minute. (Put a Ahhhhh, in here)
After coming home we headed off to Red Hot and Blue to snag some BBQ. Daddy's kind of fond of their sausage plate. I like anything with their sweet BBQ sauce on top of it and Bubby's big on the sign that has two pigs with sunglasses on playing the blues on guitar. T-Bone threw back some serious fries and a grill cheese. I can remember it was the first place we went out to eat at after we became parents. Kathy was our waitress then as she was tonight and even before we came with child! It's kind of homey to us.
After coming home we had cake and Daddy got his gift from us. It was a gift certificate at Fry's for some memory on his laptop. Bubby over heard him saying that he needed it and so that's what we got him. Maybe now he won't have to wait a half an hour to get on the internet!
Happy Birthday Daddy. We love you. You take good care of us and we appreciate your hard work and fun attitude when you come home from work each night (even when your tired). We hope you have an awesome year!

Beavers Bend State Park

2008-11-06T17:23:00.000-08:00

Well we got back from our stay in a cabin in Beavers Bend State Park in Oklahoma last night. We had planned on staying for only two nights but ended up staying an extra night.
We have gone out there BC (before kids) and have always loved it. I think that we've been out there a total of 6-7 times. I still get awed by the sight of the forest. All the trees where changing colors and the leaves falling made it look like it was snowing! We hiked, fished, cooked hot dogs and marshmallows on the campfire, canoed. The boys were in full throttle the whole time we were there! T-Bone hiked with us like a trooper. They of course slept like a rock when the time came time to lie down. ")
We saw several deer in the park and they came surprising close to us. At night while daddy and I sat around the fire we could see the deer grazing in front of us while we listened to an owl call echoing through the forest. We did see two wolves. One was in the back of a pick up in a cage, it appeared to have been trapped and they were moving it to a more suitable home. The other I saw running in front of me at night no more than 30 feet away! That kinda freaked me out since the boys and Marty was out there with us. He/she didn't seem very interested in us at all and ran right past us. And we did see a few critters (raccoons, cats) trying to get a night time snack from the dumpster.
The highlight was the day we left. We all pack up for a great canoe ride along the river while Bubby did some fishing.
The weather was awesome the whole time. Mid 70's during the day and 50's at night.
Though I'm knee deep in smoke smelling clothes that need washed and three days behind in Bubby's home school, I have no regrets. ")

Halloween

2008-10-31T13:41:00.000-07:00

Well as most of my friends know we really don't "do" Halloween but the boys and I did manage to do something kinda scary today. We went to vote! ") Seems like so did everyone else over here!

Ms Diva

2008-10-30T15:03:00.000-07:00

Well I have really struggled with blogging about this one but it's such a big deal to me I just can't pass. Have you ever heard of a diva cup? Well if you haven't you should have. I am talking about a menstrual cup. Yes a silicone menstrual cup. I found these a few years back while researching different alternatives but I thought there was no way that I could use it. I won't go into the details but if you are interested you should check it out for yourself at: http://www.divacup.com/ The reviews where too tempting for me to pass at Amazon along with the low price. Once I got passed the "Ewww" factor I was pleasantly surprised. And I kind of took the stand of wasn't it about time for me to feel ok with myself down there? I mean I am 44 years old now. ") These are so nice without the hassle and mess of other products and you can save a few bucks too. I'll even go as far as to say I've "forgotten" more than I few time that I was even on my "girly time"! It should last me 10 years and I don't have to worry about running out and replenishing my stash hidden from my family of boys in the bathroom. Not to mention the comfort! Wow.
I feel liberated by taking this step.
Why didn't I do this sooner?

Living with Super Heros

2008-10-29T17:18:00.000-07:00

Tonight another episode of Batman and Superman!

Eating those eggs!

2008-10-25T16:27:00.000-07:00

I usually make a big breakfast for us on the weekends. Today I got to use our fresh eggs. So far we have gotten 5 of them. Both hens are laying now. So this morning we had biscuits, hash browns, sausage and eggs. One word about those eggs: Yum.
How did they really taste? Well clean is the only word that I can think of. Really clean, without any funky taste. Same thing with brewing your own beer Daddy says. Of course you really can't tell that most eggs have any funky taste unless you have something to compare it with. ") Also the white was very thick and the yellow was REALLY yellow or maybe orange would be a better color. All in all we were not disappointed. I properly thanked the girls for them.

Jumping for joy!!!!!

2008-10-21T11:48:00.000-07:00

I thought this day would NEVER come. The boys and I sat down for lunch today when we started hearing some serious clucking out back. I went out to check on the girls and found my larger hen (Henrietta aka Icky) moving about on the nest in the coop. She was making all kinds of racket while getting off and on the nest. The other hen just looked concerned and confused about her being in the coop during the day. I just knew she was getting ready to lay. I've read that they act different before they lay and can cluck alot. I also noticed that she was a bit aggressive about her food this morning and she is the low one in pecking order. So I wondered.
Well after checking the nest a few times I went out back and she was back to her old self running around the backyard. I peeked around and looked inside the nest to discover the most beautiful egg I've ever seen! Yes I said beautiful. A large soft colored brown egg!
After months of feeding, watering, fly control and cleaning, we have produced fruit! Don't get me wrong they are the easiest critters to care for but you do have a goal in mind for having them.
It's awesome to feel somewhat self sufficient! ") The harvest is sweet. No more buying store bought for us.

One of those great Texas days in the fall

2008-10-18T15:14:00.000-07:00

This has to be my FAVORITE time of the year. Every thing's cooled down from the hot Texas sun and people are coming out of the indoors and getting out some. After breakfast we decided to pack a lunch, fishing poles and bikes and head out to a favorite park of ours not too far away. I won't share it's location since it's a great kept secret around these parts. Yes, I'm being selfish.
We always seem to have a great time out there. Bubby caught his 1st couple of fish and a turtle out there. I was an awesome day. While Bubby and Daddy Dude did some fishing T-Bone rode his Big wheel and I walked beside him around the pond. We then had a nice lunch under some cypress trees as we watched the world go by us. Here are some pictures of the day. Enjoy, we did!

Great minds think alike right?

2008-10-15T15:47:00.000-07:00

Short funny story:
Today I got two free tickets to "On Golden Pond" at The Contemporary Theater of Dallas. They have this offer of giving out a select number of tickets out for free for different plays. So it's race to get them if you can because others are doing the same. Well my friend Ms. J told me about it a few weeks ago and I got notice from a email that they were offering again and that the doors would be open again today at 3. So I checked out what was available and what time the shows are for ahead of time so I would know what I was shooting for. I picked "On Golden Pond" at 2 this Sunday afternoon. I thought this would be a good time for the both of us to go.Well I got them! Soon as I was finished I called Ms. J to tell her the great news that I scored two tickets online for us! She didn't pick up so I left a message. The reason why she didn't pick up was that she was calling me to tell me that she got us two tickets to "On Golden Pond" this Sunday at 2!

T-Bone's 2!

2008-10-13T18:39:00.001-07:00

The day started with getting him up and dressed. Then as he turned the corner walking into the den he discovered his presents on the floor. He was stuck for a moment trying to decide what he just had walked into. Soon the camera was on and he was opening one after another. I must say the boy had some great present opening skills this time around. I couldn't help but think ahead to Christmas and what it will be like. He got a box full of new hot wheels, a large monster truck named Gunslinger, a tool box and a hot wheels dare devil track. We got Bubby a Spider man motorcycle so didn't feel too left out. As you can tell T-Bone loves cars and trucks, don't all boys. It just amazes me that boys seem to migrate towards certain things as do girls.
Bubby being the first and not having a older brother to learn from did it without any suggestion. T-Bone like I said before is all boy!
As our family tradition we went out to eat. The birthday person gets to pick the place they want to go. Since T-Bone loves Tex Mex we decided to take him to El Fenix and get him a child size enchilada platter. I'm thinking that this might be a mistake but hey it is his birthday. I'll let you know how it all passes. He loved it. This guy likes his food spicy. Hot sauce is his choice while Bubby sits back and eats his chips with butter. The staff then came out with an awesome strawberry sopapilla and sang Happy Birthday to him. Later Grandma came by as always bearing gifts. The boys love her visits and enjoyed showing off for her while she is here. After some dinner we all had cup cakes and again sang Happy Birthday to him and had him blow out the number 2 candle. Ahhhhhh another year passed and now his is a two year old. I'm having a hard time wrapping my brain around that one. :)
Happy Birthday T-Bone.

Wednesday Oct 8th 2008, T-Bone's B-Day party!

2008-10-10T12:45:00.000-07:00

Ok Ok so I'm running alittle late with this. This week has been a blur to me.
I put Wednesday's date on the title because this was the day that we had T-Bone's birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese's. So I'm playing like today is still Wednesday. You with me on this?
Well today we had another great Chuck E. Cheese birthday party! T-Bone's official Birthday is not till next week but we had it a few days early. We had most of our playgroup there: Aunt J and her three sons, J#1, J#2 and J#3. Uncle P with Bubby (another Bubby nickname), and Aunt S with Bean. Most of the time was spent with the kids spending their tokens playing games and riding some rides. Only bump in the road was a late entrance by the mouse himself wishing T-Bone personally a Happy Birthday! I feel for the one in that thick suit, barely able to see the little tots running circles around his legs and pulling at some extremity. Some happy to see him and others not. Probably all for min wage too. Thanks who ever was in that Chuck E Cheese suit. ")
We all had pizza and a Lighting McQueen cake to help celebrate the day. I didn't even realize that T-Bone had "blowing out the candle" skills yet! It surprise me when he quickly blew it out before we even started singing! I covered his mouth the 2nd time around and we weathered just fine.
As always I'm in awe that he will be two years old! It was just yesterday that we brought him home from the adoption agency. He's still a baby to me and I suppose will always be in one way or another. Happy Birthday T-Bone! Your living up to your uncle's name for sure. You have an incredible since of humor though your not too up to sharing that side of yourself with just anyone yet. At home your full of robust and usually wide open. You are the stunt man of the family for sure. I call you my webble wobble, because you fall and won't stay down! Your very physical and all boy, tough. I can see you playing football when you get older. You can be sneaky and trying when it comes to disciplining you. You don't fall into place too easy and can buck up against the system sometimes!. We love you and are glad that God brought you into our lives! Have an incredible year little boy.

Fall Yummies

2008-10-07T20:22:00.000-07:00

My son Bubby is in the top 10 of picky eaters thanks to me. So one of my tactics to get him to try new foods is take him to the local Sam's and turn him lose on the sample carts! Honest, it amazes me how he eats new and different foods taken by a stranger. Come to think of it, I'm going to have a talk with him about that. Anyway during our last visit, they had all the fall goodies out in full force. We came across a nice lady serving out samples of the most wonderful pumpkin bread. Bubby ate it up and T-Bone and I liked it too. Now I'm not usually the one to fall for the ole bait and hook but this time I did. I got one big box that contained three packages of mix. So far I've made two of the three and yum. If you were to put some butter cream icing on these it would......Well ok I'm back now. Sorry. They have turned out to be a great breakfast in the morning for the boys. I can't say that they are all that healthy and I can't remember just how much they cost. Maybe I should sit down with a few of them and think about it. ")

Fair Day!

2008-09-30T20:13:00.000-07:00

Today was are annual State Fair family day. Daddy always takes off a day and we go during the week hoping to avoid crowds. Daddy and I have never missed a State Fair since we have been married (12 years) and never will if we have anything to say about it! Yes we will be the couple riding our scooters through the crowd with our sombrero hat's on. It's just a tradition for us to go and it holds some history with us as well. We went when we dated a very long time ago. I have this very special memory of us at the Fair. I'll share. We were walking out of a pavilion from seeing a horse show (my favorite, and sadly something they no longer do :( ) There was the song "Pretty women" playing in the air. When I turned to look at him he smiled and I could tell he was agreeing with the song while looking at me. It was a magical moment for me. He's always had the ability to make me feel so special. So with that said it's a very personal tradition for us to go. Now that we have a family it even makes it more special. I have many fond memories of my family and I going. When I'm there, I can see my mom carrying one of those big Toyota bags everywhere while I followed her around. Man I miss her and I would have LOVED to have taken her around that place with the boys! We played hard today! It was coupon day which meant that all rides where only 5 coupons each! Bubby likes just about it all and T-Bone is just as willing but unable because of the height requirements on some of the rides. Most of them will let the little ones ride if an adult rides with them. I can't describe the joy I have seeing my hunk of a man sitting side by side with our youngin on a huge green caterpillar ride! I just sit on the side line and laugh out loud as they pass! So this must be what they mean when they say "They'll keep you young"! We then went to the planetarium and then chowed on some corny dogs. The highlight was seeing the miniature trains go around Big Tex's boots. The boys could have watched them for hours! Bubby was concerned that Big Tex's jaw didn't work right when he talked. He said that his jaw should not go into his neck when he spoke and next time he wants to tell the "Fair people" to fix it and make it right. ") We of course hung out at the science museum and I even got some sand between my toes with the boys in the dino dig. Ahhhhh, that sand felt good on my tired dogs! Last but not least we stayed and watched the parade. It always make me kind of tear up when I see the boys light up at the magic of the lights and sounds of the parade. We ended the night with a few more last minute rides, one of which was the carousel. I felt proud and full having a boy on each side of me as I stood between them as they rode by the lights. It was a nice ending to a long day (about 10 hours long). I remember the first time we took Bubby out there he was just 3 months old and we stayed for 9 hours. Most of that time he slept quietly in the stroller while we did the Fair for the first time as "parents"! Maybe we can go back just one more time this year?

Bye Bye baby stuff

2008-09-25T17:09:00.000-07:00

Grandma has graciously offered to sell some of our belongings in her garage sale this weekend. I jumped on the chance of course! We have been wanting to have a garage sale this fall but just haven't been able to pin a date down yet. We are done with extending our family and we no longer need the "baby" stuff that we have. It was great to have adopted two boys! As I stated in an older post Bubby grew so fast that most of the baby things we have were very gently used and was in good shape for T-Bone to use. I do have to admit to feeling the heart "twang" seeing this stuff leave our house. :( No more babies. But soon the feeling leaves and I'm convinced that we are fine at four! I love the fact that Daddy can look after one and me the other. Any more than that would go beyond our league. I freely admit that I am not "special" enough to go having more than two children. ") Actually some days I wonder if I am fit enough to have two! Anyhoo I hope to rid ourselves of some unneeded baby stuff this weekend.
Oh and on another note, we scored Bubby a great used school desk. It was just what I wanted for just 5 bucks and right down the road too! Yahoooo! It made me think about the day that we will get one for T-Bone too. Yikes, Home schooling two! That's a whole other thing to think about and for now I choose not too! :)

Get that boy some new shirts!

2008-09-15T12:57:00.000-07:00

Well as some of you know the weather has become much sweeter these days in Texas! I LOVE it. I have my windows wide open with the breeze swinging in through the curtains as I write this! Did I say how much I love this already? ")
Well with the cooler weather comes out the warmer clothes. I kind of dread pulling out last year's batch in Bubby's drawers. He is SO tall and is not showing any signs of slowing down lately. We decided to take a stroll (T-Bone and I) while Bubby rode his bike around the neighborhood. It was a bit nippy and I thought a long sleeve shirt was in order. The poor guy sleeves were almost sitting on the inside of his elbows! It was sad. Of course he didn't care. He was thrilled to be out and about in his element. But as you know it really pulled on the mommy in me. So off we went after the ride/walk to get a new supply of shirts. T-Bone will always have a great set of clothes in good condition. Bubby had yet to wear the same clothes for longer than about 8 months. The opposite is true for Mr. T-Bone. He is almost 2 and can still wear some of his 6-9 month old stuff! I also have a huge box full of great shoes that look almost new. T-Bone is only on his 2nd pair! Funny how they are so different from each other. Oh well it's great that i don't have to get alot for T-Bone. He'll have the great hand me downs. ")
So Bubby is set up for the next ride around the block. He should be riding in style.

Grandma and gifts

2008-09-08T20:26:00.000-07:00

The victim

The technique (note the fishing hat)

Success!

Hey these thingy's fit pretty good on my fingers!

Doorbell rings. Well it really doesn't "ring". It's one of those late fifties models and it screamed until we brought Bubby home and I fixed that wagon with some good ole duct tape! Now it's more like a sad dud noise but hey it gets the job done. ")
I was cleaning up after dinner and Bubby was yelling "Grandma, It's Grandma!". Poor T-Bone was unable to see because he was still strapped in his chair but he was just as excited. She brought them some fishing poles with fish (toy of course) and some cute little visor hats. The hat made T-Bone look like a pool hall hustler (sorry no picture). She always brings them something. They of course love it when she does. Nothing like a seeing their Grandma come by for a visit!

Bubby's first day of school

2008-09-02T18:31:00.000-07:00

Just sit down for the first lesson. Look at that excitement!

My work is done here today. Mission accomplished.

Today was Bubby's first day of Kindergarten! It was my first day to be his teacher too. We had a great time and he loved it. He was so excited about starting he could barely wait. We turned our spare bedroom into a classroom for us to home school in. I found a huge dry erase board last week on Craig's list for really cheap and had Daddy mount it on the wall this pass Labor Day weekend.
It looks great in there. I was really nervous about teaching one on one with my own child. I've taught preschoolers before but only in a class room setting. For some reason I thought I'd lose some of my old abilities with just one student. Though it still very early in the game it was quite the opposite. It was GREAT to be able to have the time to focus on just him and not spread my time out between several students! We are using My Father's World Kindergarten program and Math U see for our math curriculum. He is only 4 and I'm starting him early but he's ready for something now. No questions about it. I'm so excited to have this opportunity to home school our boys. Upon doing some national research regarding the regulations and laws with homeschooling I realize just how blessed we are to be here in Texas. Texas and Oklahoma are one on the rare states that do not have any laws or regulations regarding you homeschooling your children. Ok that's one good mark for Texas. Hate to be sarcastic but I can't say that I'm much for living here. I know, it sounds horrible being here for so long (40 years) and I know how Texans just LOVE their state but ........ Please forgive me. The first problem is that I don't do the Texas heat in the summer at all! I just can't stand the fact that we have to run our air conditioner almost around the clock for 3 to 4 months out of the year and have to pay for it. We are a slave to the electric company! Ok I'll move on here. Enough venting for now.
Back to the real reason for writing this today! Bottom line, we had a great time learning together and I look forward to the educational journey that begun today! ") Love U Bubby, good work.

Could this be??

2008-08-31T06:34:00.001-07:00

As I was rough housing my youngest boy T-Bone yesterday I felt a strange feeling in my wrist. It was my wrist with the cyst (sounds kinda Dr. Suessy huh). I looked down at my hand and the hard knot on it was gone. There was a small amount of swelling still there but it was alot smaller and It felt kind alot softer than before. It didn't really hurt and the stiffness was gone. Funny though, I did feel some discomfort on the top of my hand for a bit. Maybe the drainage went up into my hand and made it feel weird. (?) I've put an Ace bandage on it to help keep some pressure on it hoping to help drain it all out and maybe keep it from refilling.
Anyway it seems to have popped! I've read that sometimes this happens. I'm more than thrilled for now. I tried without success to schedule a surgery date with the doctors office because of the long holiday weekend. I really wanted to get it done as soon as possible because I'm starting school with Bubby this next week and it was really starting to hurt me. I had to call the doctor last week and ask for pain medication because the Tylenol was not cutting it for me (I couldn't take anything that would thin my blood out before the surgery). I was so disappointed when I found out that I had to call them back the next following week. I know that sometimes these cysts return but sometimes they don't. I hoping for the latter in my case. ")
For now I'm thanking God for his provision. I'm grateful for sure.

Meals on Wheels

2008-08-27T18:13:00.000-07:00

Well today we went on our first Meals on Wheels route. We all were excited to begin a way helping in our community. They were very nice and helpful when we went to their on site office in Dallas to sign up and get a quick low down of how it all works a few weeks back. I was amazed at their facility. When we walked through the door ahead of us was a huge glass window from the floor to the ceiling revealing the whole food making/packaging process. I couldn't help but think about Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory! All the people there were so helpful. They were nice enough to see me one on one instead of attending a class because I didn't have a sitter for the boys. They even supplied Bubby with some markers and paper to help keep him occupied while we talked. I knew of them but never had any idea of the amount of people they help feed daily. 45,000 per day in the Dallas area!
Most of the people on our route are the elderly but not all. Some are disabled and unable to drive. All were very grateful and happy to see us at their door. Without going into detail of their living conditions, I was humbled to say the least. It's always sobering to see how some others live. It helps to keep me grounded. Makes my problems seem small. I wanted a way to serve God with my hands and not just throw money at something. My friend J had done it a few months back and it came to my mind to do it. I thought that it would be a great way to help Bubby see the world is larger than his own too. It did. As we drove from house to house he would ask questions about the people that he just met. He even drew pictures to give to them. I handled the hot meals while he carried the cool items in a bag. We picked up the hot and cold coolers at a local church, made the deliveries and then returned them with a checked off list of the people and their addresses. It will be the same route for us every time so we should get to know some of them better as time passes.

Boogered up hand

2008-08-21T18:23:00.000-07:00

I've had this wrist thing for a few months. First really bad pain and then a weird looking bump. To have pain in my hand is not that big of a deal to me but has become a chronic condition that's been self induced. After having 11 years of repetitive motion by animal restraint as a vet tech as proved to be the culprit of my hand problems. I have struggled with a condition in both middle fingers called trigger finger for many years. It's a condition where the tendon that is suppose to slide in and out of band of tissue has become enlarged and locks into position. So my middle fingers, specially on my right hand is not able to be pulled all the way down towards my palm without becoming stuck. Yes it's a bit creepy and I have to use my other hand to pop it back out to release it. The bump on my hand is called a Volar wrist Ganglion. Fancy name for a cyst. I've been able to manage the discomfort by getting steroid injections into my tendons and trying really hard not to over do it for my trigger fingers but unfortunately the cyst will have to be surgically removed. So might as well fix them all while I'm there huh? So I am planning to get my right hand done in the near future. It's the one with the cyst and has the worst trigger problem. I'm not looking forward to being in a plastic cast for 10 days and recovery but it won't get any better or easier as I get older so........ I just hate surgeries and recovering from them. I don't like being down and not being able to do things myself! Ah pride, it's a booger when you need someone's help! ")

Slumber Party!

2008-08-16T17:10:00.001-07:00

Well last night I stayed the night in order to provide help and support ") for my friend Miss T and her daughter's 7 year old slumber birthday party! Now let me tell you that those little girls know how to party right!
I'm not used to of being around so much "girl" stuff with having two boys. They come with alot of accessories! I've never seen such a nice array of hair bows, ear rings and necklaces. Wow. I felt my head spinning with the colors of pink and purple.
T-Bone was the only boy allowed for the event. He was at first overwhelmed with the masses of young girls running circles around him and searched for a hide out away from the traffic. But he soon realized that they were kind of fun hanging around him and aided him with his playtime. Someone was always there to help him with finding the right toys to play with at the time. :)
We enjoyed pizza and snacks, I did what I could to keep with up the demand of ether grape soda, root beer and lemonade. I think root beer won hands down for the drink of choice by 7 year olds.
They watched movies, colored their craft pillow cases, played games and even did some karaoke.
They were a blast to watch and I admired their comfort level with sharing their vocal and dancing skills! My friend Miss T was nice enough to allow me and T-Bone to stay in her bedroom. So I got to bed early compared with the rest of the party. Most stayed up till about 3 in the morning! So imagine some naps happened today, I know they did over here! While this was taking place Bubby and Daddy had a slumber party of their own over here at our house. Since no boys were allowed to the party, birthday girl's daddy and brother came over here to hang with the boys.
They had their night out at a place called Amazing Jakes in Plano. They played games, rode rides and ate pizza. Daddy Dude was very excited to tell me about his Go kart ride. He said that he was in his element going around the track and "smoked" every one around him! Too bad that I missed that one. :(
The boys rode shot gun while the Daddys drove. They loved it as well!
So we all survived the night out with the kids and all had a blast. Only thing that went array was when the girls were having a "shaving cream fashion show". Miss T and I filled a large bin of shaving cream while the girls changed into their bathing suits. We all went outside and then they covered ( and I mean COVERED, to the point it was hard to tell who was who under that stuff) themselves with shaving cream and strut down the pretend catwalk. While Miss T was inside and I was with the camera getting some pictures, out of nowhere they were chasing me around the yard trying to cover me with the stuff! I was screaming like a little girl myself holding the camera in the air hoping to not get white and foamy. I kept the camera clean but not myself. I was coated. I'm still in shock just how quickly those cute little girls turned on me! Now that I'm thinking about it, maybe it was all a set up. Hummmmmmmmmmmm?

It is done.

2008-08-10T16:37:00.001-07:00

As you can see the coop is finished. Yahoooo! Daddy Dude has done an awesome job. It has both a top and bottom area. Daddy put in a nest box and roost in the top with a cool ramp for them to go down to root around in the fresh air downstairs. Also has a shingled roof.
After deciding to cut the flight feathers on the girls (hey we just had to check out our chicken wrangling skills) we put them in their new home. The chicken lady(the person that we got them from) said that it wasn't necessary for us to trim their wings since they are older/larger and unable to get over the fence but I didn't want to take any chances when I let them out. They will spend the next few weeks in the coop until they become accustomed to their new surroundings then freedom rings and they get to go "free range" during the day. As you can see the nest is empty. We will be placing a glass egg or a golf ball in the nest to help give them the idea. They have a lot of paying up to do for all the hard work that went into their new chicken pad! Chicky(Oprah) and Icky(Harriet) now have a place to lay their beaks.