Major update ;)

Since my last post, a lot of changes have happened.
One of the biggest ones is that we moved to Northern California. Though my hubby moved away from our small home town of Garland, Texas after joining the Navy, I never did leave Dallas county.
I can't say that I thought I ever would leave but the mind and heart sometimes changes after you grow older. I suppose I might be a bit backward but I feel the need to take chances now. When you realize that once you reach a certain age, time is shorter than it's ever been here on earth. And the chances of staying grow shorter with each year that passes. I've grown tired alright. Tired of living in fear of the unknown and the undone. I want to push past all the fear in my life. Though it was sad to leave the only place and friends I've known, I was happy to spread my wings out and do some flying. We moved to San Jose, California in August 2014. I found that moving was like grieving. At first I was just sad, at times heartbroken for my old ways and place. I can remember just crying at times in the most inappropriate places. I felt like no body liked me that I was different than them. It didn't help that my hubby was working some insane hours at his new job at Apple and dealing with his own amount of super stress. I tried not to bother him to join my ride of emotions. Next came anger. I'm talking some serious thin skin here. I was like looking for someone to look at me wrong! lol. Traffic rage was becoming an issue. And while in the "anger" period, I learned that people tend to respect Texans here. We can and do come across as well, Christian defensive gun lovers (Sadly after stepping away from Texas, I can see some truth to this view). Anyway, I used that to my advantage. Especially in traffic. Even got a "Texas" magnet for the back of my Jeep. Hey, why not keep them guessing? Shame on me.
Then came some exception of my new surroundings and the people in it. After letting down my guard, I found that some people here were different and some were not. I figured out that life was bigger than I had once thought it to be. That it's not so "them against us" if that makes any sense. For me it really helped stop being so defensive and see how life is beyond my own backyard. People are people no matter where you are. Most work hard and care about their family and community even if political views differ. And I've made some friends. That always helps. To have someone to laugh and share with. I've now got neighbors that I know and like. Who would have known just how wonderful it is to wave at familiar faces while pulling in and out of my driveway? They have all taught me a lot about myself and opened my world up like never before. We too have brought our own Texas contributions here to them. I have found the people here to be very open and excepting to all kinds of people and beliefs. And they have a great way of doing it with respect. I really like that.

Sean's 5th Birthday!

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

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.

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

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

Great news

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.

1. 
   

Ok, I'm a loser

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

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!

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

Bubby's first T-Ball practice

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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!

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

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!

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

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.