Kathleen About Town

Going to the Lodge

2009-10-04T16:25:00.006-05:00

I decided on Friday knowing that the boys were getting out of school at 12:35pm that I would take them away for the weekend to the Great Wolf Lodge, Grapevine Texas. It was a surprise! All they needed to do for me in order to find out where we were going was successfully get a seasonal flu shot. Successfully means no fussing or loud screaming, mostly from Stone. He did amazing. The tears started to come, but he pulled them back at the thought of not finding out where we were headed.

Way to go guys! Success!

This place was absolutely amazing. There were so many activities for us to do as a family.

The place is like a little city in a HUGE hotel.
There is even a MagiQuest interactive game that you play all throughout the hotel going from clue to clue, solving riddle after riddle to fight the dragon in the very end.
You just point and shoot your magic wand to gain access to the next quest.
Time consuming-yes.
Fun-YES!

The boys even had their own little wolf den complete with a flat screen TV and bunk beds inside what is designed to look like a pile of rocks a wolf might sleep in. I was tempted to get in there and snuggle up too!

And of course
THE INDOOR WATERPARK!

I think the boys thanked me just about every ten minutes. They are so sweet and so grateful just to have some time being together. I am more and more thankful everyday that I have the boys that I do. They are becoming such nice young little gentlemen.

I don't remember who I was talking to recently that told me that every stage in their children's life seemed like their favorite...I think it was Mrs. Smith from work. You know, when they are babies, you love that dearly, but then when they are toddlers and able to say words, you love that. And then they grow a bit older and can do things with you and it no longer requires you to carry them from place to place, then you love THAT stage the best. I think I have to agree with Mrs. Smith (I'm thinking for sure it was her). I love EVERY stage and can't wait for each stage of life still to come.

Treat Yourself

2009-09-26T10:12:00.004-05:00

These past couple of weeks have been so hard around our house.
There are changes coming for the boys and I.
I know that I have not been myself lately and I just hate that.
I want to take every opportunity to let the boys know that even though things will be different, I will always love them and work hard forever to make them just as happy as possible.

My FAMILY means the world to me, has since day one.
This will NEVER change for me.

Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs was such a nice movie! Maribel and I took the boys to see it in 3D. WOWZA are they getting good at this 3D stuff now!... no more red and blue lenses. Just AMAZING.

We always wait just a few days after a movie has been out before we go that way we can be just as goofy as we wanna be in the theater!

I'm serious when I say the good days have been so few lately, but when you are having a good one why not go for some ice cream?!

We were especially fond of this banana man! What a job!
He may have been a little humiliated,(you could tell) but all of the laughs we had driving home just because he was there were wonderful!

That place is always hoppin! The weather wasn't even nice.
And no, I could NOT stomach the ice cream even though it looked delicious, so Maribel was a good friend once again and took care of it for me.

OINK!
Maribel has been staying with us until she heads out this coming week to Norfolk, Virginia where she will be at a new command. Good Luck to her. She has been a great friend to me. I'm not sure what I would have been these past few days without her. I will miss her dearly. WE have found a true friend in her.

Happy Birthday Stone

2009-09-12T16:54:00.004-05:00

It's six days after his birthday and I haven't posted in awhile.

We went to Lubbock to celebrate Stone's 8th birthday! As usual the trip was fantastic and seeing everyone was AWESOME!

I now have two eight year olds. It's like this for a month and a day and then Sam turns a year older. They grow way too fast. I hope that I remember every little thing about every single day with Sam and Stone and I hope they remember me in everyday as well. There is nothing more important than these two little boys. They are perfect. So kind, sweet, and beautiful in every possible way.

Happy Birthday Stone! You are such a big boy now!

The best part about going to Lubbock is that we get to see all of the cousins! Family...the reason I would agree to move to Texas in the first place.

Celebrating a birthday is so special when you are a kid and even more special with a bunch of people who love you.

Hunter, JT, Daphne, Haylee, and Brandon. Thank you for being there!

And Sam and Hunter, I had no idea how great you two would look with this hairstyle!

Let's let it grow out now that we know how good it will look!

I took this picture of beautiful Haylee blowing bubbles. She is absolutely gorgeous! Makes me wish I had that little girl I always wanted, but I guess the hugs and love I get when I see her and Daphne will have to do! I am NOT COMPLAINING!

Have you seen a more perfect baby than Jackson? I could love him, hold him, and kiss him on those cheeks forever! He smells great too!

It was such a good time and thank you Ninny again for being such a wonderful hostess...
AS USUAL!
It was so nice seeing everyone.

Finally

2009-08-31T20:59:00.010-05:00

Now that the 2nd week of school is in full swing. (And just by the skin of it's teeth too for Stone. He was feeling awful all weekend long. He had a fever starting Friday evening and it lasted into Sunday. This morning he was ready to get out that door!) I can finally rest easy with a schedule in hand!

I signed both Sam and Stone up for the school's IZONE program this year today. It's an after school care program where the kids from school get to play games, watch movies, and do activities until their parents come get them sometime before 6pm. I'm feeling pretty guilty about this, but I needed to do SOMETHING. I am in such a bind. I am at my office until at least 3pm. Just when school lets out. There is just no way I can make it on time, GUARANTEED, every single day. I'm hoping they like it enough to not complain to me about it anymore than they already have. Breaks my heart. I just need time to do things, time to myself, and time for the gym.

Finally posting a few of the pics from the Simply Skin Med Spa event I was asked to photograph recently. I think they turned out pretty well. I was just a fly on the wall.

A lot of everyone just doing their own things and me snapping in the middle of it all. I hope they like them. Thanks again, Simply Skin, for having me! It was really fun!

Can't wait to get my lips done!
or maybe get that fat wrinkle between my eyes taken care of...
or maybe fill these laugh lines...
or maybe get this beard that I'm working on over here taken care of...

Richelle and I both needed a break it seems. We've been going pretty strong for some time now. It seems like I am at work every day (I know I'm not, but it seems like it) plus I am SUPER excited about starting to write some things for Dallas/Fort Worth Child Magazine! So hopefully I will find myself busy from doing that as well.

Where did we go?! What did we do!?

CASINO baby!
I snapped these...

Winstar World Casino in Oklahoma has been doing all of this construction. It's practically quadrupled in size since I first moved here to Texas and I think the outside looks pretty unique aside from trying to emulate some of the world's most recognizable landmarks. Fun stuff!

First Project

2009-08-25T18:38:00.008-05:00

It was the second day of school and already we have a project to work on!
We like to knock these things out as soon as we get them so they don't get lost in the mess of everything else that we do daily.
So like I tell the boys, "Just because it says you have til (fill in time here) doesn't mean you wait until the day before to do it!"
Procrastination makes me worry! I'm not comfortable doing it. It makes for more stress than you need.

It was little project this time! A writing folder with a few neat little things to label on it like friends and family, what you like to do and interesting things that have happened to you. From what Sam tells me the folder sort of assists you with ideas throughout the year on what he can write about if he can't think of anything at the time.

Serious credit goes to these teachers that think up the BEST mind expanding tasks for kids to do EVERY SINGLE DAY!

And this gave me a smile when I saw it at pick up time!
HOG HEAVEN!
Maybe not as good as the Redneck Woman (previous post). I don't have any idea what this one means...
Is it for a sports team? Is it an inside joke? Is Kennedale, Texas REALLY Hog Heaven?!?

It's that Time Again

2009-08-24T09:07:00.007-05:00

The first day of school is upon us! The boys have never been in such a good mood as this morning. They are just so excited about going to school and seeing all of their friends, working with their new teachers, buying lunch on Fridays and learning new things! Really they are!...On the way to school this morning Sam was telling Stone and I all about how this year he is going to learn all of his multiplication tables!
Alright Sammy! I cannot wait to see!

Remember when you were little?
The first day was so special partly because you finally got to take out all your new things and wear them. The boy's school is a dress code school (which I totally agree with and love) so the clothes are kind of same ole same ole, but this year, they got their first pair of JORDAN's. They'd been wanting them since basketball season last year!

This was a bigger deal than you may think and for those couple of moments this morning when Stone thought they weren't going to fit, it was just like TORTURE!

and Slimer from Ghostbusters backpacks!

Can't wait to hear all about it boys! I'll see you at 3:00PM.
5 1/2 hours left...

Chopsticks

2009-08-13T20:42:00.003-05:00

We ate at Ton's. Its this great Mongolian grill thing. Stone was so cute trying to use the chopsticks. He eventually decided it wasn't for him since he could barely get it on a fork!
Both of them are better at it than I am. I am so not cultured!
Heaven knows I need to put the fork down

To Stone, his fortune read: "You are going to the store to get a surprise."
I took them to Target and bought them some wrestlers.

My fortune read:

I am taking it for what it says.

After finishing up some school shopping we went for some well deserved manis and pedis!
Sam especially loved it.
Stone was trying to figure out how he could get one of those chairs in his room at home, but didn't enjoy having to have his pedicure done by a man and refused the manicure.

Here's to Dreaming in Color Tonight!

2009-08-07T22:58:00.008-05:00

I was asked and given the opportunity to photograph Simply Skin Medical Spa in Mansfield, Texas at their "Champagne on Ice and Everything Nice" event. It was very fun! The place is beautiful and everyone on staff was so professional and sweet. Thanks for having me Simply Skin!
***I hope to be able to sit down to edit on Monday. I'll post some pics then.

Shackler's Revenge

2009-08-03T14:43:00.016-05:00

The boys LOVE Rockband.

If I let them, they would play morning, noon, and night. It would never end. They would play it while eating breakfast, in the shower, feeding the dogs, cleaning their rooms, while they read books, and while they swam in the pool. They would take the guitar and drum sticks to bed with them every evening when they finally passed out from Rockband Exhaustion. (I know the condition exists because I can barely get through one song on the drums-It's some work!)

Thank goodness I am not willing to let that happen. When school starts it is back to the old routine...

No games during the school week.
Bedtime at 8pm

and their absolute favorite...

Lawn Biscuits every Saturday (use your imagination here)

Anyway, the boys have discovered this little girl Piper, at Piper's Picks and now have this "YOUTUBE kid star" idea in their heads. So when the whole band could be together, Daphne, Sam and Stone, I told them I would record them and put it up.

I am a woman of my word.

This is going to be the best to watch when they're older...

On vocals, Sam

and Stone!

H E R O

2009-07-28T21:52:00.011-05:00

This afternoon at work I experienced something that I hadn't before. I know that people are giving their lives for this wonderful country that we live in. I know that families are losing their brothers, sons, sisters, cousins, daughters...

But how often do you think about it? Maybe we should all take a moment or two or three or longer and really be thankful for the HEROES that ensure that we are able to sleep in our beds each evening without fear.

This HERO, US ARMY Sergeant Gregory Owens Jr was brought home to be laid to rest today. Sergeant Owens was the oldest of four brave soldiers killed during the same incident in Afganistan on July 20th, 2009. He was 24.

Who are all of the motor cyclists accompanying The Fallen Soldier? Patriot Guard Riders. Please take a moment to check out their website. This organization has done such good and I cannot begin to imagine all of the sadness they have seen. I thank them for taking time from their lives and displaying such respect to our military and families.

I hope to never be a part of something like this again.

Sew What

2009-07-15T17:47:00.005-05:00

I have been wanting a sewing machine for so long. I just haven't bought one because I really have absolutely no idea even how to thread one or turn it on. But for my birthday (July 7th, ugh what a day) Richelle bought me one!
Thank you. I know you really thought about that gift and you KNEW that I would love it. It is so special to me.

I am dying to go to Michael's to take a class or for Maribel to hurry up and finish school so she can devote all of her time to teaching me how to use it!

I must make pillows and aprons, and drapes, cute hair things I can try to make everyone wear and skirts! Oh SKIRTS!!! How I would love to make my own! The boys are so lucky to be boys let me tell you! They would be so decked out in frilly attire. I-NEED-A-GIRL

Let's just hope the word SIMPLE on the machine really means something.

My sister gets here in a couple of days. Can't wait to see her!

Believe It or Not

2009-07-13T18:45:00.006-05:00

We had such a good time at the Palace of Wax.
It was our first time there. We took Daphne, Sandy, and Brian along for the fun!
There was a really neat mirror maze inside that Little Sam nearly knocked himself out in running for the exit. He will remember that forever...he hasn't quit talking about it since we came home.

I think the Fear Museum was my favorite part. The kids were all so scared, me included. Stone was trying to play the tough guy role. It was adorable.

The outside is beautiful and despite the crowd it really was NOT that busy inside.

How could Sam resist getting his picture done with Harry!? I'm not sure what he is doing with his fingers. EXPECTUM PATRONUM!

The Wizard of Oz section was pretty amazing! Look at the triplets. These three just kill me!

Good and Evil... Brian posed with Hitler. You be the judge.
Yes, he is carrying my handbag.

Awesome

In the Backyard

2009-07-12T19:04:00.010-05:00

There is something to be said about the fun you can have right in your own backyard.
I convinced the boys to run through the sprinklers after about 2 hours of them saying just how bored they were. One can of shaving cream, a little football and two 35 minute sets of sprinklin action they were no longer bored.
"Oh there's nothing to do," Sam said "Let's go to Wal-Mart and buy a Slip and Slide."
I don't think so...Wal-Mart on the weekend with a 107 degree Texas day is NOT my idea of fun.

Of course the big boys, Big Sam and Brian (visiting from Florida) had to get in on the action! It's hard to say who had the most fun. Made these collages for the boys. Hanging out with Dad is so important.

Wonder if he gives lessons?

2009-06-13T23:26:00.009-05:00

Such a cute video. This little guy made me laugh and laugh. If only I could move like that. If only I had half the energy!

Thanks Marsha!

Lubbock, TX

2009-06-09T12:13:00.006-05:00

Lubbock is dusty. Very dusty. Doesn't matter. I love it anyway. The sky turns a dingy orange and if you're outside your teeth feel gritty and your eyes get nasty. There was a pretty neat storm one evening that I wasn't able to catch on camera, but it was like no storm I had seen before.

There are more cousins out there to do fun things with that we have never done before. Like a little light hiking to Silver Falls in Crosbyton. Watch out for snakes.

Thanks for showing us an awesome time Haylee and Hunter.

And Ninny... It's not the other picture I could have posted.

These little trips and get aways are so important for the boys. They really do get to do things they normally wouldn't. Sam and Stone fell in love with tree climbing and ducks this trip. We even left a duck egg that we had found at Ninny's for her to rotate daily and keep warm. (No, she is NOT sitting on it) Cross your fingers for it to hatch!

We took bags of bread to share with our new duck friends and made sure to go twice while we were there visiting. These are some HUNGRY birds and so friendly. I want a whole bunch for my yard now!

There were these amazing trees at the lake. The branches right out of the ground type that you just KNOW would make an awesome place to have a fort. Incredible.

Sam and Stone could spend all day at any playground. Well, Stone could, but Sam needs to leave to use non public facilities...high maintenance.

Legacy Play Village is the BIGGEST playground I have ever seen! Built by members of the community in 2002 this place is beautiful. I wish I had turned around and snapped a landscape photo of the entire place. I didn't

We did lunch at the 50th Street Caboose the afternoon before picking up Haylee and Hunter and Sam and Stone must have missed home because the first thing they played was the Guitar Hero. It's awful, but they're addicted...and awesome at it!

Look at Ninny looking on. These kids are nuts!

Thanks for another great time Ninny, Papa, Haylee, Hunter, and Aunt Paige (you are a fabulous mechanic). See you in September!

Clovis, NM

2009-06-08T18:40:00.008-05:00

The guys are really into skateboarding right now. They are always looking up new tricks on YouTube and asking everyone to watch their newest trick. (mostly it's just them going for a little bit and then hopping off before crashing) They are so adorable. I always had the biggest crushes on skate boarders growing up. Both of them were having a blast "teaching" Daphne a thing or two.

The best times in Clovis were spent playing together out back with Daphne on her HUGE, (Not exaggerating a little) HUGE play set. It's so nice to see them play together and be so close even though they are usually pretty far away from each other.

secret: They liked playing with all the Barbies the most. I walked into the playroom the 2nd morning to Sam asking Daph where one of Barbie's bras were...UGH

We all did a nice afternoon at the movies too.
UP is fantastic!
I was so glad the kids sat one row behind Sarah and I because I was just crying my little eyes out at the emotion in the movie. If you haven't seen it you should! I have to get Stu one of those collars...Oh if he could talk.

Muleshoe, TX

2009-06-07T21:19:00.006-05:00

We just walked in a little bit ago so I uploaded this highlight of our summer road trip. Finally we have been to this wondrous land.

Their dad grew up in Muleshoe. (Yes, it's really called that)

Right now I need to get moving on bedtime. Stone looks like this...

It was a long trip to Daphne's and Ninny's Houses.
More later.
Goodnight.

Road Trip with My Boys

2009-06-01T23:21:00.005-05:00

Heading out in the morning for our little West Texas trip. I am so nervous. I've NEVER EVER driven this distance alone before. I will feel so cool if I do this with everything just going the way it should! Wish me luck! I think I may need it...

The List:

Pack up entertainment for Sam and Stone a
Get car serviced a (thanks Sam)
Pack clothes for boys (hasn't happened yet)
Pack clothes for myself (hasn't happened yet)
Get sleep! (hasn't happened yet)

UGH!

Planning on leaving after breakfast in the morning. I may be more pumped about going than Sam and Stone!

Beautiful Disaster

2009-05-31T20:05:00.007-05:00

I love this house. I see it every single day on my way to work and when I found out there was an estate sale there a few weekends ago and I missed it I was really kicking myself. I took this drive by picture today. I must have looked a little crazy trying to take it at the stop light out front. It just looked so bright and pretty today. I couldn't resist.

There is just something about this place. It has a cottagey feeling, like a little dollhouse. The area is beautiful and it's surrounded by some pretty unique properties, (Ross Perot JR lives down the street) but this one is really my absolute favorite. It was even when it didn't look so clean and neat on the outside.

It went on the market not too long ago. I don't know if this house is a product of the poor economic times or just an old couple moving on. Whatever the situation the inside is NOT what I was expecting. I wonder if they're going to remodel the inside as well as they did the outside. I think I would keep a few things if it were mine.

Check it out. Click THE HOUSE I think you're gonna have to log in. Sorry! But maybe you're like me and just happen to have a fake log in for these real estate sites.

The dining room wall paper is so old and has a little tacky elegance. I am sure there were a lot more pictures on the site before. Maybe they're updating them.

School's Out

2009-05-30T11:11:00.014-05:00

The boys have worked so hard all year and now they are out! Well, school was actually over for them last Friday on the 26th, but I was just now thinking about it.

I have so many great things planned for them this summer. They are at that stage now where the memories are going to really be special when they are older. I want them all to be good ones.

We are heading to West Texas/New Mexico for a few days this coming week to see Daphne in Clovis and then heading backwards to Lubbock to spend some time at Ninny's. Hopefully I will be getting my hands on Baby Jackson again!

This year's first day of school pic. I cannot believe how fast the time flies by and how much the boys grow and change every single day! Both of them had the usual first day of school fears about making friends and learning new things. Now they are both wondering when they are going to see their friends this summer or if next year will be harder. They are completely different kids from the day that I took this photo. 1st and 2nd grade were really good to them.

I would LOVE one of these!

2009-05-29T12:35:00.005-05:00

Click it! Whichever site (1 out of Top 20) that has the highest volume of clickers will have a chance to win one! I am not important enough to think that too many people (probably 4-TOPS)read my little blog, but there is a chance for people who do not have that much traffic as well! One for the BIG DOGS and one for the LITTLE WEENIE DOGS!

CLICK! Come on! Do it!

I may never drive my car again if I had one of these.

Makes Me Miss the Mud Shovel

2009-05-25T19:25:00.009-05:00

This video was sent to me by Mary, who knew I would just LOVE it!

A little fact about us:

We owned a pig in Hawaii. Mud. She was a joy and a great big pain but a TON of fun!

She was quite the snuggler.

My new Hat

2009-05-18T21:45:00.020-05:00

I was so excited to get home today. I knew that my new hat would be waiting for me in the mailbox!

Thanks Pink Alligator Designs! I love it so much.
My favorite is actually the piggy hat, but I would look a little silly in that at 29 years old. I look ridiculous enough in a hat with a caterpillar on it.

I wish I had found this when my boys were really little. I'm pretty sure they're not about to let me put any of these creations on their heads now that they are old and tough, though you know I'm still going to try!

I am so impressed with how special this hat is. It's so soft and the colors are so bright! I wanna wear it even alone at my house. Maybe I will tonight!

This year is the 40 year anniversary of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

I still remember reading this book when I was a little girl.
YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

I'm so Sensitive, Always Have Been

2009-05-14T20:33:00.019-05:00

The day started out just horrible for me...

It was zoo field trip day for Stone and he already did not want me to go with him. I just didn't want him going somewhere so busy with just anyone's supervision so I signed up to chaperone against his wishes. He has been going through this little stage where he is all about his friends and won't hug or kiss me at school in front of them. Almost like he is embarrassed of me. Now at home it's a different story, he is all over me laying in my lap for hours and smooching on me every chance he gets and cries if Sam has been with me longer than him. This is probably how it is going to be with him I guess. More than likely this is NOT a stage or faze. Sad but true. I've heard that you are who you are going to be by the time you turn 6 years old.

Anyway, this morning after Stone fussing about how he didn't want me to wear what I had on or if I did wear it he wanted me to keep my jacket on, (Ugh! How hurtful...he's 7) I drove to the zoo to meet the buses there and got pulled over by Fort Worth Police. 75 in a 60. I really don't think I was speeding. I mean, I was distracted with my thoughts of my child being a mean spirited little punk this morning, but there were so many vehicles around me traveling in this little pack and he was even pulling people over WHILE I was sitting there on the side of the road waiting for my ticket. I cried because of the morning with Stone and even told the policeman about it. He asked me how old Stone was and gave me an "Awe" face. Then he gave me the ticket.

The zoo was OK. Hot, but OK. (been there 100 times since moving here) Turns out because of the fantastic turnout of chaperone volunteers and small classrooms I only had one other student other than my own. They had the best time together and now that I am more aware of Stone's feelings of wanting to be independant I just sort of hung back.

They mapped their route before we entered. Yeah, we stuck to that!

Lunch time with the rest of the buddies from Mrs. Thompson's class. What a fun bunch!

He really is something special. I just wish I could slow this process of growing up down just a touch.

Tomorrow there is a backyard campout at our house.

Busy... B-U-S-Y

2009-05-13T12:26:00.023-05:00

We have done so much these past few days. "Worn out" is an understatement. These are the times that I wanna be a stay-at-home mom. Having two little boys nearly the exact same age means that they pretty much do the same exact things in school. One just does one thing one day and the other the next. You get it? So, 2nd Grade Track and Field Day is Followed by a Spelling Bee which is on the same day as a 1st Grade Track and Field Day followed by a Spelling Bee.

100 yd. Dash was Sam's first event. I love the determination in their faces.

I'm positive these shirts are some sort of Copyright infringement. Shhh...

The boys have made such good friends this year. Little social butterflies. Very unlike me. I hope they stay outgoing and sweet. When you start to get older you get more conscious as to whether others like you or not...and it matters. Ugh.

The 1st Grade was rained in. So everyone was inside running around this gymnasium screaming and having a great time. I paid for that with the biggest headache I've ever had. I laid down immediately when we came home and had the boys do a little quiet reading on my bed while I tried to rest it off.

When was the last time you JUMPED up and down?

Sam missed the word "mirror". Spelled it M-I-R-R-O-W...

He did so well though! Check out all of the empty chairs behind him!

We couldn't stop laughing about it all the way home. Saying it all kinds of weird ways. I hope this lasts forever.

It is so hard shooting wiggleing, squirm worming 1st and 2nd graders. I feel like all of the pictures I took (the word Stone missed in the Bee. He spelled it T-O-K-E) were fuzzy pictures you could just barely make out. Like the kind you see on the Haunted Shows on television where they are trying to convince you there is a ghost or an orb in the photo.

LIVE... L-I-V-E

Stone and his friends were all out the next round. One right after the other. I think they planned it that way.

Plan for Upcoming Events:

Thursday, 1st Grade Field Trip to Fort Worth Zoo.
Friday, Scholarship Dinner (boys insisting we go)
Tuesday, 1st Grade Awards
Wednesday, 2nd Grade Awards
Next Friday, End of the Year Class Parties
One week of School Flex Program? (maybe, summer is really needed right now)

It's a Chicken Salad!

2009-05-04T11:04:00.022-05:00

After a great lunch the other day at Le Madeline, Maribel and I walked outside and on the patio was this guy eating someone's leftovers. It just seems so wrong!
Birds scare me to death I tell ya.

Just look at that beast!

Ornithophobia

It's been a while, but the Schwan's man is back at it again! I thought we had told him that we wouldn't be purchasing anything anymore. He's back! This guy doesn't give up. I sneak around so I can avoid answering the door and I kid you not that I have fallin to my knees and belly crawled out of the foyer when he has caught me off guard so that he can't see me through the windows at the door.

He just seems like such a nice guy, but I just don't like the food.
I can't take telling him no knowing that he works on commission. It makes me crazy!

I ended up ordering a ton of stuff. Ice Cream, french fries, freezer waffles...
After he turned around and was out the door on the other side of the truck getting my frozen groceries I ran outside and snapped the pic.

Shay and Richelle
They have been friends since grade school and still going strong. Now as old ladies they don't get to see each other very often. As a matter of fact Sam had never even met Shay, but Richelle said when she gets with her it is like they never were apart. They pick up right where they left off. This is refreshing, inspiring, and very reassuring for me since I have been away from home for so long and have a couple of people there that I really love.

My early Mother's Day gift was sitting in my breakfast room when I came home from work a few days ago. My boys are so good to me. I've been eyeing the Pier1 Marchella for awhile now. I was so surprised! They even remembered that I liked it with the red ladder backs! Thank you guys!

Looks like my Sally likes it too.

It's a Cool, Cool Summer...so far

2009-04-28T21:42:00.010-05:00

Today was the boy's first official swim of the season. I didn't want to let them get in. They were begging me! It wasn't even sunny today. It hasn't been too sunny in quite some time. I've been enjoying it so much though. Rainy days are perfect napping days for me. Soon the sun will be out in all of it's Glory and I will be gasping for cool air in the sweltering Texas heat.

Today though, they jumped in and froze their little bottoms off.

We haven't bought suits yet for the summer so Stone wore some little tiny trunks from probably two years ago and Sam wore his boxers!

I can't wait for it to warm up so I can get in too.

I get to keep my job

2009-04-24T21:17:00.011-05:00

"Yesterday" I received some very good news...

I would get to keep my job!

Well, it's a new job, but it's exactly the same.

We found out not too long ago that our contract with our company was up and that the Navy did not plan on renewing it. They told Julie, Jeff, and I that they were making our positions Government Service positions and that we would have to apply for them...

How awful. What a feeling. In an economy where jobs are disappearing left and right to be told that your job, that you've had for quite some time and loved was now up for grabs to any qualified individual.

I've really been stressing about this the past few months. Prepping myself to be unemployed as my confidence levels were at their lowest. Sure I would love to be a stay-at-home mom (I was one until my boys started school and still managed to contract in Hawaii), but for me this job is more than just a money maker. I truly enjoy supporting the Navy. I love the people I work with and the feeling that I am really a part of a mission. This job has been a great tool for me to be able to make friends here in Texas. I really needed that more than anything.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

I am so thankful to have been selected along with Jeff and Julie to stay in our positions now as Navy Civilians. It's a huge relief. It lets me know that the work that I have done has been appreciated. God was really there for me us on this one.

A Friend to Me

2009-04-22T12:57:00.006-05:00

This is my friend Maribel (another pic of her in a previous post). She has been a great friend to me. Thanks for making me feel a lot better today. And for letting me complain a WHOLE lot to you about things last night.

I love ya!

Me singing: Sorry, but it is better to see it written and imagine it than to really hear it!

"You are my sunshine
My only sunshine
You make me happy
When skies are gray"

What's on Dixie's Mente? - Maribel's blog. Nothing on it.

Green Energy and Other Things

2009-04-20T17:21:00.008-05:00

Every good trip I know of begins with pizza...

Not exactly, but it does start with a trip to the mall for an outfit or two and when you have two little boys who know your weakness is pizza they work you over for an extra large peice of it from the food court.

The next day we were off to Lubbock to visit family.

The windmills on the way to west Texas are just AMAZING.

But even more AMAZING is this little guy. Jackson Reese. He had a hard start into this world, but God was good and here he is. It looks to me like he's getting the hang of things. With a sweet Ninny like Marsha I'm pretty sure life is going to be a breeze from here on out!

I've decided there will not be any more of the boys watching Top Model with me. We did this little photoshoot with their gorgeous cousin Haylee and she was very natural in all of her poses. Sam and Stone on the other hand...

It got better.

Makes me want to have a little girl even more. What a beautiful little Tom Boy. Thanks for making my day Haylee.

National Egg Salad Week!

2009-04-13T08:21:00.004-05:00

I plan on eating boiled eggs all week long. RECIPES I'm sure the boys are real excited about that. Ha!

It's going to be pretty tough to eat them with their cute little faces begging me not to crack them open on the way to the sink! The boys and I personified all of them while decorating. They have names like Yoshi, Benji and Squeesh.

Next year we're going to try dying the eggs a different way! I really wanted to do it this year, but there was no time and I didn't plan ahead. Next year. I am excited already! Thanks for the idea Uncle Gary!

Of course if you feed Santa you have to feed the Easter Bunny. (still a hard sell for me---Hop Hop Hop) I think I may have one more year of doing these things with the boys. I am suspect that Sam is suspect.

I wish it could last forever. My heart just aches when I think of the boys growing up and how it is just happening so very fast. I need a watch small enough to put in my pocket so I can speed it up through the bad times and slow it way down for all of the good times.

You are never too sleepy to get up and hunt for a basket full of chocolate.

Dollars Days

2009-04-02T20:25:00.014-05:00

I had to run a few errands this evening. Like picking up a HUGE cardboard box so that Sam (the big one) could mail our friend Brian an amp to Florida. You know they sell boxes at those storage places for 28 dollars? Well, they do. And the man inside who jokingly told your boys that he was going to "introduce them to his dog" will help you carry it out to your car FREE of charge!

Across the street from the Storage Place (I think it may really be called just that--Storage Place) is a Dollar Tree (totally just learned that the Dollar Tree is online, WATCH OUT now!) and I, from time to time, get this urge to run in and buy everything that I think I need for ONE DOLLAR.

Today we came away with these fabulous items...

These had a big red foam nose to put on too, but Stone's nose is just too little to really keep it on long.

Sam had a enough nose for everyone. NOW I can see the resemblance of me in him. He's an extremely good looking young man, huh?

Trust me. Pigs DO NOT fly. Even with all this wind today we just couldn't keep it up for long.

Which is why there are no pictures of them flying the kites and having a wonderful time. We tried though even though we were so frustrated. I must have ran 2 miles trying to get them off the ground.

And Chinese Finger Traps!!! Who doesn't NEED one of these? I wish I had gotten a picture of Stone's face when I was explaining that it wasn't really going to TRAP his fingers inside.

The trip to the Dollar Tree cost less than the Storage Place. I even got a perfect little glass jar to put Stone's beta in! What a steal!

Hoping to find a new breakfast table this weekend or at least some new drapes.

They didn't even notice the Flash

2009-03-30T22:21:00.005-05:00

After all of the rushing around each night, getting all the homework done, dinner, baths, brushing teeth, reading...

There is PEACE.

No More Joker Face, Lips After

2009-03-29T19:46:00.010-05:00

I'm going to have to really get blogging so that my mug doesn't stay on the front page too long! This is going to make me crazy.

It's been awhile so I thought that I should probably get around to posting up an after shot of my lips as promised rather than just ignoring it and moving forward without doing so.

All natural, no make up at all. That should explain the blotchiness too! Ok Ok, I'm always blotchy...

It's been a few days and they look pretty good I think. Of course it is not permanent until I go in again in a month for the final touch ups. I am going to go DARKER!!! Miss Natural proved to be too light for what I was going for. I at least want to be able to tell I did something! Haus did such an exceptional job at matching my colors that it blended right in!

I can't wait for the final step!

ps. I had my eyebrows done too now...

Woof!

2009-03-21T09:21:00.015-05:00

I know that I am going to just regret putting this up since I've never, EVER let a picture of me be seen like this let alone not be thrown into the fire, but here goes nothin...

I had my lips done! Yes, I know, I look rough, but HELLO I just tattooed my face so to say I am a bit swollen is an understatement!

I got them done at FacesByDesign.INK by Haus. Once the swelling goes down these pups are gonna look great! I went with the "Miss Natural"/"Indian soil" (Haus sounds hilarious talking about "Miss Natural") or something like that so it wouldn't be a huge change and the boys wouldn't wonder why I was trying to look like the Joker in The Dark Knight...

I kind of look like I am taking a picture in a tube. One of those things like maybe you see on an album cover. And my cheeks look like John Goodman's. My camera phone isn't that great.

I'll post up an after swell picture in a couple days.

I just wanna thank Haus for doing this though.

It was the first thing I have ever done out of the ordinary and I'm glad I experienced it with him.

He was so sweet and gentle.

I could tell I was being a pain in the keester!

Oh how...Adorable???

2009-03-17T22:17:00.009-05:00

The filters for the air conditioner came to the door today. The man brought three filters in quite a larger box than what was needed. Stone asked me if I would tape the rip in it so that he could use it to play in.

I just kept looking at them from the chair in the livingroom thinking how funny and cute that it was that they were playing in a box. Sorta like maybe what they would have done when they were babies. They were having a blast! Yelling, laughing, making funny noises, and then I got up to take some pictures of what was happening...

Apparently this box is nicknamed "Death Trap".

"And if you are inside then that is kind of like you being in jail. Only you rot and die if you have to go there." - Stone

I'm not sure who I have to thank for the "Blood on my hands". I'm not sure I have ever seen, heard, or even said that before in my life!

And inside, well those scribbles, that's blood and two bodies...

It was really cute at first.

E-I-E-I-Oops

2009-03-14T23:22:00.007-05:00

Yesterday we were so busy...

First we had open house at the boy's school and THEN we had Sam's 2nd grade play right after! It was the sweetest production ever. I cannot even begin to imagine the patience that Mrs Griffin, the music teacher must possess in order to have everything turn out just as perfect as it seemed last night. She and these kids really outdid themselves!

Our Sam was Old McDonald! I knew he had it in him! Sammy has really come out of his shell this year.

Mrs Old McDonald, Mrs Farmer in The Dale, The Farmer in The Dale and Old McDonald!

He did so well. We are all so proud. He was the best farmer EVER!!!

Never Forget

2009-03-12T08:20:00.007-05:00

Another thing that I got in my work email to share with you. The mail said to spread it around so that the world can see just how wonderful it is. I'm happy to do so and so PROUD.

I thought it was pretty special and oh so AMAZING!

'Here SHE is, the USS New York, made from the ... World Trade Center !

USS New York

It was built with 24 tons of scrap steel from the World Trade Center.

It is the fifth in a new class of warship - designed for missions that include special operations against terrorists. It will carry a crew of 360 sailors and 700 combat-ready Marines to be delivered ashore by helicopters and assault craft. Steel from the World Trade Center was melted down in a foundry in Amite, LA to cast the ship's bow section.

oooooooooooooooooooo

When it was poured into the molds on Sept 9, 2003, 'those big rough steelworkers treated it with total reverence,' recalled Navy Capt. Kevin Wensing, who was there. 'It was a spiritual moment f or everybody there.' Junior Chavers, foundry operations manager, said that when the trade center steel first arrived, he touched it with his hand and the 'hair on my neck stood up.' 'It had a big meaning to it for all of us,' he said. 'They knocked us down. They can't keep us down. We're going to be back.'

The ship's motto? "Never Forget"'

Shhh. I'm Hunting GiGi

2009-03-11T20:28:00.007-05:00

Richelle, bought the boys these shirts this past weekend and they were so excited to wear them out today.

Sam and Stone have called her GiGi [gee-gee] since day one. It's very sweet and strangely fitting. When referring to her in front of friends they use "My Grandma". They are growing up!

The past two days here in DFW have been so cold and wet and it's supposed to continue on into the rest of the week. I love it myself. It's great napping weather. The boys on the other hand are not very big fans of it. They haven't been able to get out there and practice their baseball this week and it really stinks when your mom makes you bring the trash can in when it's pouring outside.

I made up for it by taking them out to eat at McDonald's! I told you we keep it classy around here. I never take them inside to eat fast food (it seems more shameful to me, so...naughty, I hate it) so this is a special treat!

Stone is always driving him crazy. Sam is a good sport for the most part. I love them both so much. I am so thankful for every single moment with them. Even if it's at the local McDonald's.

The Birds Are Back

2009-03-09T21:57:00.010-05:00

Every year around this time I guess these birds called purple martins migrate north from Brazil to Texas. I remember them from last year and they are back in full force this year. I think they look really neat, maybe beautiful on the sides of the roads and everywhere I have seen them. There are just so many in one place at the same time. I couldn't resist taking this picture in Arlington the other night, but I gotta tell ya this is NOTHING compared to how it is in some areas. It's a pretty amazing thing to see when you drive around right now.

You can ask Sam and Stone... Pull up to a corner here and and it sounds like machine guns are spraying your car, but as it turns out it is hundreds of purple martins "dropping trowel". (that means going "numero dos" around my house, thanks to Sam and Stone's dad.) We try to keep it classy around here. Can't ya tell? I thought it was "trow" but according to the WORLD WIDE WEB it CAN be both. Thank goodness that is cleared up!

Don't get me wrong I would much rather have the poo than the machine guns.

Asparagus

2009-03-08T11:11:00.017-05:00

I decided to repaint the living room on a whim yesterday. So much like everything that I do I got dressed, packed up the boys, and went to spend! We have known that we were going to paint, and I knew I didn't really like the dark brown color we had up before, but I DID NOT know what color I wanted until yesterday. Asparagus.

We ate first, of course...

Then headed off to Lowes...

You would think we were at Disney World. What is it about a lawnmower that makes a kid wanna get on? Is it a "boy only" thing? Can't be because I still sit on everything and touch whatever is on display.

Anyway, the new paint is such a bright refreshing change. The chocolate brown was nice, but so dreary. I wanted something fresh and bright!

So this is how it turned out. Love the green! Looks more like guacamole to me than asparagus. I think this will be our color palette with the burgundy and blue. This...

(no that is not an All Because Two People Fell in Love Sign-ha)

or Yertle the Turtle! I love that blue and green bright combo and this color made me think of that book right away!

Latex Allergy for The B

2009-03-03T16:21:00.014-06:00

Poor Stone. This morning he had a dentist appointment.

He is my "cavity maker" so he had to have 3 fillings. Up until recently he has gone to a peds dentist, but after everytime I have taken him in and the dentist telling me exactly the same thing, I realized that he had no idea who Stone was even after several visits. I was looking for a more personal, "family" type atmosphere where the dentist remembers you. Less herding of patients in and out of the office. I found the most perfect dentist ever in Fort Worth! (She actually just called to check on him just after I finished writing that.)

We discovered that he is allergic to latex.

His little lip swelled up so big after we got home that I thought it would blow up. He had all of the symptoms (you know I've been Googleing it like crazy) runny nose, itching, etc. We've given him some Benedryl and he seems to be doing alright now.

It certainly didn't stop him from jumping around on the trampoline...

Or playing with GI JOES while waiting for Sam to get out of school.

Sally the Walrus

2009-02-28T14:10:00.010-06:00

My poor little dog Sally has been having some really serious problems. Her legs just haven't been so good to her lately and she has been kind of dragging. About two nights ago is when the real red flag starting going up!

She was "walrus crawling" about the house. I would touch her and she didn't seem in pain and when I would lift her tiny little legs they would buckle underneath. I felt so awful. When an animal is in pain it is just so horrible because they can't really just say, "Hey Mom, my belly hurts." or "I have a headache." or "My butt hurts!". All things I hear from Sam and Stone...

Well, obviously she is a tad bit overweight. Not my fault! It appears that Sal has some inner problems like a bad thyroid and chronic ear infections on top of that.

Since I got her (City of Arlington Animal Services) and Stu (Human Society of North Texas) from the shelter a year ago it has been problem after problem healthwise. Despite it all, the experience of getting these two "shelter dogs" has been totally worth it because I am pretty sure that I picked the BEST, most precious dogs in the world those two days. It just proves that they really do need you there.

They both made a trip to the doctor yesterday and as it turns out it was not Sally's back legs at all. Dr. McDaniel from RAH (best vet clinic I have EVER seen) said that it appears she has hurt one of her front paws or leg somehow. Poor little thing. Think of the most pitiful looking dog with short little legs that don't look big enough to hold her big body up and I KNOW you are picturing a dog like Sal.

Sally will be getting plenty of rest the next few days and taking her anti-inflammatory meds as directed along with her extra special new low calorie diet! (poor thing)

Cupcakes

2009-02-22T23:34:00.009-06:00

They make you smile. What can I say?! They are the most adorable dessert. I found a recipe for homemade WHIPPED icing! I've been doing a whole lot of baking lately, but sadly I haven't eaten one thing!

Sam was just dying to eat one, but he was supposed to have already been in bed sleeping. Ok. No more cupcake pics I promise. I just can't resist the color!

And Maribel. The most cupcakey girl I know. She's so sweet!
She will be leaving on orders sooner than I would like. I'll miss her. I had fun today. Always love our little chats.

Thanks for keeping me company at work!

Power walking starts tomorrow...yikes.

2008 Navy Pictures

2009-02-19T11:13:00.004-06:00

I have always loved the Navy. Of course, while I was in I fussed and fussed about how much I didn’t enjoy it, but now that I have been in and out I’ve realized just how much it has shaped my life and who I am today. Had it not been for the NAVY I would not have the same people in my life that I do now and I would not be as proud of my job now if I had not served myself.

I came across this today in my work email and thought you might enjoy a look at it. It is a compilation of photos representing the hard work that our NAVY men and women have put in over the past year. The military works hard not just this past year, but every year and not just the NAVY, but every branch of service.

2008 Year in Review - Go Navy

I am always touched by images of the hard working Sailor, Soldier or Marine. I know the sacrifice as a family member that it takes from the families. The wife who misses her husband, the children who just don’t get enough time with their parent.

Thank God for the country that we live in and the people, my friends that are out there preserving our freedoms daily.

Color Them Happy

2009-02-15T20:19:00.004-06:00

I found this recipe and have been DYING to make it! I finally did and the boys were really wanting to dig in. I am making them wait until tomorrow. I must be the meanest Mom EVER!

Who wouldn't be excited about that?!

They really do need a few cupcakes. Look at those ribs!

Oh Please Don't Let it Be Her

2009-02-14T10:44:00.013-06:00

You can see in this video that it is clearly Deanna he is kissing after they start talking about all the shocking things that are about to happen in this 31 second sneak peek...

YES, I took a screenshot.

"It's all leading to a finale we will never forget." blah blah
Is this just editing from a previous season's kiss?

Geez, I love this show TOO much!

YES, I uploaded the sneak peek.

ps. Happy Valentine's Day!

Our Project

2009-02-11T21:03:00.012-06:00

Color always makes me feel great!

I found this fun, cute little craft online. They were so fun to make and they turn out so colorful and sweet!

Button Flowers. Who would have thought?

Sam had to make a family mobile for his reading class so we just added them on it for an extra boost of color.

Patience

2009-02-10T10:11:00.009-06:00

Sam and Stone spend a great deal of their little lives waiting for me it seems.

Waiting for me to get ready...

Waiting for me to take them to the store...

Waiting for me to inspect their teeth after brushing...

Waiting for me to set up the movie for our movie night...

Waiting for me to "ask their Dad"...

Waiting for me to make them dinner.

You get the idea.

Here they are. Jackets on, ready to go. Now it seems they have taken to reading while they wait because I am THAT slow.

I am so glad they are becoming such good little readers. I was worried for awhile with all the video games they were wanting to play. I had to change the rules because of this.

My friend Jessica called video gaming kids "Vidiots".

She changed my life that night on the phone. And theirs.

"NO MORE VIDEO GAMES ON SCHOOL NIGHTS"

ps. Don't be making fun of my washer and dryer! I know that the "IN" thing now is to have those bright beautiful colored sets on pedestals. When these kick the bucket and the prices have dropped on the fancy ones they will be mine!

Honky, The Baby

2009-02-04T19:54:00.008-06:00

Caught him!

Stone has this "baby". Really it is a sheep head with a blanket on it. He carries it everywhere he can get away with it and refuses to give it up despite all of our efforts and the fact that he is now 7 years old.

Honestly, it doesn't bother me that much. As long as he restricts cuddle time with it to at night only. This just isn't the case. He sneaks it around everywhere and if you haven't heard from him in awhile you know he has it and is giving it a little sniffaroo. It's pathetically cute, but it has to end sometime. This thing is SMELLY!

He named it "Honky" a long time ago. I'm pretty sure that is slang or some type of racial slur, but totally unintentional. He was three and it stuck.

Any suggestions on how to KINDLY take this away? Remember, it is his baby and even though it is just a dirty old blanket with a sheep head, it is still my grandchild.

Texas Ice Storm Ooooo

2009-01-28T14:13:00.011-06:00

Well, the weather was poor enough here in Texas to cancel school so the boys and I took advantage of the ice outside!

We do not have any sleds or boots or anything like that since this is few and far between for us, but we DID have a laundry basket and a RUBBERMAID top! Have you ever had to use a make-shift sled? I am not sure it is as much fun.

I pushed them around the driveway, we explored, and then we came in to warm up! Stone's suggestion...

They grow

2009-01-27T21:11:00.007-06:00

Their tastes have really changed. I used to be able to sit down with them and read short book after short book and now they are on to BIGGER and BETTER things...

I have been Simpsonized

2009-01-25T12:52:00.003-06:00

And this is what I'd look like...

It's scary, but the resemblance is uncanny. I haven't watched The Simpsons in a long time minus the recent movie, but I used to really love it.

Today is the quietest day I have ever had at work to date. I love coming in to the office on the weekends. It is so relaxing.

There were little boys under those mops!

2009-01-24T20:23:00.006-06:00

Finally Sam was able to convince the boys to get their hair cut.

Thank goodness. I know it's the style and all, but they were starting to look like little elves.

It's nearly impossible to take a picture of Stone with a nice smile.

What can I say? This is reality people!

Redneck Woman

2009-01-23T18:34:00.003-06:00

I saw this in the walker/rider line yesterday while picking the boys up from school and thought I would share it with you. It made me smile.

A fun time...

2009-01-22T20:49:00.021-06:00

Today I picked the boys up from school and it was just about as beautiful a day as you can ask for in January, so we decided to paint outside!

It was a great project and I found these wonderful artists to help me with the job!

All it takes is equal parts of water and cornstach and then you add in food coloring. It goes on for an experience like painting and washes off as if it were chalk!

So many ornaments. Not enough slots for them to go in.

2009-01-17T13:01:00.006-06:00

Yes! I totally get that it is now mid January! Well, only just last week I got to do one of my most dreaded tasks. I waited just as long as I could...

The taking down of the Christmas ornaments! When you are putting them up you remember just how beautiful everything was the year before and it is SO MUCH FUN putting it all out again! The kids want to help and in my case your Mother In-Law comes over to make sure that you don't do a rotten job on decorating by yourself!

Then of course, because each year you accumulate more than you had the year before and you DID NOT save the boxes that everything came in you must head to a CONTAINER STORE near you to package everything back up to store in the attic.

Stu was a fabulous help! I couldn't have done it without him.

Plans for this year's Christmas? Disney World.

A Frightful List on Happiness

2008-12-30T06:59:00.009-06:00

Obviously this blogging thing doesn't appear to be for me. It has been months since my last post and I haven't even really thought about it at all. I have found some really great blogs out there that are seriously a lot of fun, colorful, and just plain great to read. But I tell ya, I find that when I do consider getting online and blogging that the majority of thoughts that run through my mind to write about are all negative...
I WANNA WRITE ABOUT SOMETHING HAPPY! Something happy?

So today I am choosing my children. My two boys. As Christmas has just ended and we are about to head into the New Year I thought that I would post up a few happy shots of my babies from a few years ago and make a commitment to myself to post more as a resolution. (people never keep their New Year's resolutions)

Resolution 1. Loose weight (who is with me?!?!)
Resolution 2. Post more into blog (could be very therapeutic for me)

Things I would like to accomplish this coming year/soon...

1. Weight loss. (Yep.)
2. Be a better mother. (I think I am right up on top here, but why quit trying?)
3. Organize my world. (I recently did this to the meds/first aide cabinet.
It was a true task)

We'll see...

Maybe lend a hand to those who could use it most?

2008-09-24T19:21:00.006-05:00

Many many people were affected a great deal by the recent weather on the Gulf coast. Most of us, fortunately, never have to come face to face with the severe damage that these storms can bring to one's life.

Please check out your local Red Cross or go to http://www.redcross.org/ to see how you can help and contribute.

Thanks so much,
Kathleen

Gary Sinise. How could you have not told me Mother?

2008-07-25T12:08:00.003-05:00

I recently did one of those “Celebrity Morph” things. You know, the one where you upload a picture of yourself and it searches it’s “database” looking for your celebrity look alike.

I was all excited. I found a picture that I thought I looked halfway decent in and uploaded the file to the site. It brings up your picture and scans it using this…wait for it…Face Recognition Software. Then it compares.

As it would turn out the scan seems to indicate that I am most closely matched with Mr. Gary Sinise among other celebrities such as Quentin Tarantino (Jerod will love that), and that smart, but slightly odd guy from the Food Network, Alton Brown. The only female on the list was Jenene Garafalo.

You can imagine how great my self-esteem is right now. I scanned Jeff from Work’s weasely mug and even he looked like Shakira!

A Dollar Twenty-Seven

2008-05-30T10:13:00.003-05:00

Something strange happened yesterday and I thought that I would share it since it seemed to have one of those “Hmm?” moments attached to it.

I needed to go to the bank. Ya know, to do bankly stuff, like pay bills and get cash. (had to cancel my card due to fraudulent activity) So I figured I would do it during lunch.

Julie and I drove over to the Navy Federal Credit Union and she waited in the car for me. Immediately when I entered I noticed that CAPT Mustache (name changed for protective purposes...mostly mine), the Deputy Commander at my work was sitting on one of the chairs directly to the right of the door waiting for something. I at first thought maybe to talk to someone about financial plans as he DOES plan to retire before the new year. So anyway, I walked in, he said hello, I said hello, and I walked on to the first available teller’s window. There was all of this noise from the COINSTAR© machine to my left. It was loud enough to be able to look at it the entire time the teller was organizing my payments without looking like I was staring at someone just sitting there. It WAS okay to look.

The man finishes putting all of his coins into the machine and up on the digital screen it says that he has collected $240.00 this visit. Dang! Now THAT’s a lot of change! I think to myself how I definitely need to bring up our change and put it into that thing. It for sure beats using the ones in the grocery store since those machines take 8¢ to your dollar and THEN ask you to donate the cash on your receipt to one of the many charities listed. He walks away. I turn back to the teller and sign a few things, then I hear the start of the machine again… CAPT Mustache is adding his cash to the coin reservoir.

Only CAPT Mustache has a sandwich baggy with a few coins in it. Nothing like the first gentleman who deposited a HUGE money bag full. The machine runs for just a few minutes and then up on the screen it says: $1.27

THAT’S A DOLLAR AND TWENTY-SEVEN CENTS PEOPLE!

I don’t get it! The man before took a VERY long time and left with a good amount of cash for coins. CAPT Mustache waited a looooooonnnnggg time for just that small amount of change. And why!?! Why would anyone make one paper bill and 27¢ at a coin machine and actually sit there to wait for a turn. Why wouldn’t you just use the change the way it was? Why not leave it in your car and use it for a drink at the drive thru? Why not put it into your money bucket at home and let it accumulate a bit and THEN use the COINSTAR© machine that someone behind you is waiting for? There was a woman behind him. She left with over 100 dollars.

Geez my bank is slow.
Julie and I then did lunch at the China Buffet. Didn't really need that.

When we returned we had a meeting about the CSO’s departure. They announced there would be cake in the kitchen afterward.

He sees me.

CAPT Mustache says, “Hey, I just saw a beautiful young lady just like yourself at the bank a bit ago.”

I smile and say, “Awe, you. *insert little laugh* That is the best Navy Federal I have ever been in. The ones in Hawaii are a mess.”

He agrees and then says, “I used that COINSTAR© machine in there. It’s very nice. Just about once or twice a year I like to go up and shake my change into it.”

Why make what I am assuming would be the 1st trip of the year to the bank to shake your change if it is only $1.27? Gas has hit record highs recently. It costs that much just to drive there.

Who waits in line to dump $1.27 in coins? Does he only have $1.27 in change?

Bar-B-Que and Basketball

2008-05-01T09:37:00.006-05:00

Tonight is the third annual Scholarship Dinner, Silent Auction, and Basketball Game (I think that's what it's called) at the boy's school.

Today is the day I realized that I am a suburban mother. I'm even ROOM PARENT for goodness sake! Crazy Exciting for me to get to know the other parents and the boy's friends!

NEVER before today has going to something like this even been remotely appealing to me, but something happened in me this morning. I was poking around on the kid's school's website and sure enough there was the event that the boys have been telling me about. I didn't realize what it was or when it was even though they have been telling me everyday. Honestly, the event looks kind of neat. There is a BBQ dinner and a silent auction. (I am all about those---I'm still sore over last year's loss on a Nativity Scene at a diffent auction)

Well, we're goin! It's going to be pretty fun I think. The teachers are playing basketball and everyone will be having a good time. I think the boys will really enjoy it. I adore their teachers this year and find the small town like atmosphere at the school refreshing. Plus, I'm a real people watcher. NOT a starer... Ok maybe, but going to these types of things will allow me to get to know the other parents better. Sam and Stone are constantly asking me to go over to "So and So's" house and I continuously have to say no because I am NOT about to allow them to go to someone's house whom I do not know. I mean, I am not completely blocking them from all outside of school social interaction. I have taken them to about what seems like 100 birthday parties this year and we have had a child spend the night at our place, but I am not ready for them to venture off just yet. I KNOW I am good. How will I ever know that of others?!?!

Anyway, I have crossed over into being a suburban mother and lovin it! Kennedale has been a great experience so far and am so excited about building a life here with my boys!

The Dangers of Weight Loss

2008-04-23T08:18:00.007-05:00

I took that picture on my way back to work from lunch one day in my car... I see it as a sign.

I have been trying my best to be healthier lately. Admittedly I have put on a few pounds since the birth of my last baby, Stone. But HELLO! It has been over six years now... The "I had two babies in a row!" excuse no longer works. While I am not a blob, I am the biggest I have ever been and I'm ashamed. I blame myself completely, I do not work out and I have horrible eating habits. Anyone who doesn't work out says that they never have time. Well, SERIOUSLY I do not.

I get up at 4:45am as it is to make it into work by 6:30am. I stay until 2:30pm and need to bust my butt to get to the boys school before 2:55. From there my entire evening is devoted to them. Playing, dinner, baths, stories, and then bedtime and by that time I am EXHAUSTED just to start all over again the next morning. So unless I get up at 3:45am (an HOUR earlier---not a fan of this idea) I just don't know where I could possibly put a regular work out routine. It is driving me crazy and unfortunately on my mind CONSTANTLY!

I have however been making healthier choices (salads, sandwiches, A LOT of broccoli, chicken, and of course Good Ole Lean Cuisines) and am seeing a difference. It seems my breasts have decided to shrink. Bleh!

I will continue to try to lose weight for those smaller sizes are calling me home.

The Easter Lie

2008-04-17T09:09:00.015-05:00

A few days before Easter the boys, like tons of other children, had their picture made with the Easter Bunny. Stone recently has brought it to my attention that there was a man in the costume from this year and that the previous year at preschool the whiskers were drawn on.

I am all about children believing in Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy because in my mind those seem to be the most believable, but I am not too sure where I stand on the Easter Bunny so I didn't really push the subject with him and try to convince him of anything. Should I try to sell a huge hopping rabbit with pastel covered baskets, hiding hard boiled eggs in the yard to a six year old? I think right about now is the time where the wheels start turning and you slowly figure out that the these characters are fictional and you just pretend in front of your parents for show.

***Please let Sam and Stone believe or pretend to believe for awhile.***

Welp, I did it!

2008-04-13T10:21:00.001-05:00

You know that one thing that you just suffer over for days thinking about it and then it happens and it wasn't any big deal at all? That thing that makes you so worried that you start to feel your stomach turning over and it could result in you feeling hot and having a horrible bowel movement? (Okay, too graphic) Well, that happened to me this weekend. Not the horrible bowel movement part, but all of the other stuff.

I have been so worried because I knew that this weekend I would be alone at work. I have been alone before, all the time actually, but not quite like I was this weekend. Not quite under this much pressure. Pressure for me alright. For two weeks now myself and others have been scheduling a VTC that seemed to grow and GROW. From just 14 endpoints to 35 and then wanting more. I haven't done this on my own as of this weekend. Adding to the pressure was that the Admiral was here and there wasn't much for distraction if I made any errors. BUT, I didn't. Everything went absolutely wonderful. At test time it came up and then from then on it was successful. I seriously cannot tell you how much I was stressing. I may however, have my very first wrinkle. So sad.

It tells me a bit about myself.

THE LIST:

1. That I need to work on being more confident.

2. I need to find ways to relax.
and
3. I should stop letting things bother me when there really is no need.

The list seems dang near impossible for me.

HOW I AM/LIST COMPARISON:

1. I have never been a confident person. Maybe I have put forward the appearance of being confident, but really I am a shy person with the same hang ups about myself as others. Are they looking at me? Are they talking bad about me? What if they don't like me?

2. It's hard for me to relax and I'm not just talking about napping or chilling out with time away from the children. I am talking about how I always have a back ache. (I have convinced myself that I am working on a hunch back) I can barely sleep at night because I am constantly positioning my pillow so as not to allow my head to face upwards and help the hump growth process along. (this has been going on for awhile) Without sounding crazy I always here a voice in my head. WoW! Too Late! It's not just anyone's voice, only mine, but I am constantly talking things out in my mind. How can I relax when it is always so noisy?!?!?!

3. I will always be the person who dwells on things. Someone who will never give up or surrender to an argument and I always think that I am right! I let the littlest things bother me from the way people chew their food to the way that people idolize others when I think that the person they idolize is a complete idiot.

DFW Weather makes a not so happy night

2008-04-10T10:50:00.002-05:00

The weather was just outrageous last night. Threats of tornados and baseball sized hail. I was up basically all night just tossing and turning. I have to wonder because I have never lived in this kind of weather environment before (I mean the tornados) What do you do when it is the middle of the night? The satelite for the TV doesn't work, maybe the power is out. Do you take cover? Well, I would get my babies and sit in the pantry until the storm passed. Do you wake the children up to take cover when you are not even positive that there is anything truly coming because you have no communication with the outside world?

Texas weather is incredibly unpredictable. They have a saying here that many people have shared with me time and time again from my first stay in Texas that says; "If you don't like the weather just wait five minutes."

Well, I DO NOT like the weather. Not even a bit. I find myself not even enjoying the new weather that arises after the five minutes.

There was no Autumn with trees full of beautiful colored leaves about to fall. Instead it seemed as though the trees went instantly bare and ugly for winter. The Winter does not give you a full bed of beautiful snow. Winter brings a few hail and sleety storms that send everyone here who drives into a "tizzy". Accidents left and right, people dying, schools closing. People who are true northerners just wouldn't believe it. The spring so far has brought nothing but inclement weather. Severe thunder storms, even freezing, rainy weather. I am thankful for LOWES lovely year long guarantee on the flowers that we purchased to landscape our front yard. **If any die as long as we have the receipt we may return them for a new plant.** And Summer is just a stretch around the corner. I arrived in the summer from Hawaii. I stepped off the plane here at Dallas Fort Worth and instantly realized that the heat was up to 110 degrees. The summers are miserable for me. My skin gets blotchy and I get cranky when I am hot. Summer is the season for shorts and tank tops, bathing suits, and flip flops. All of which I DO NOT enjoy wearing.

Alright I am done complaining about the weather. I shouldn't complain about something that I cannot change anyway. I am trying to get away from that. It only makes you seem like a miserable, grouchy person. Oh the things I need to work on.

The First Day

2008-04-09T23:24:00.003-05:00

I am starting this blog for the same reason that Kim (my cousin; she can be found at Disney Divas Daily Dish) is starting hers. It'll be a good way to stay in touch a side from Myspace with family and friends...

A little about me:

I am a mother to Sam and Stone. Both are wonderful boys with their own little quirks of cuteness and not so cuteness. Sam and Stone have made me who I am today. And I know that everyone says that about their children, but I mean this 100%! I would still be out partying and having a completely different kind of life if I didn't have them. Hmm.....

I am 28. My birthday is July 7th so that means that I will be edging near the thirty mark here soon. 29 is a year of "Oh my Gods". The year that you think about all that you want and need to accomplish. A year where you think about how maybe you have let yourself down and the year where you try to make a difference to make sure that you are on the right track.

I am a contractor for the United States Navy. My company is SAIC. No, I am not in the military anymore, I was, but that was long ago now. I am on staff at Commander Navy Reserve Intelligence Command in Fort Worth Texas. It is an interesting job to say the least and has been a wonderful tool for me to meet people and make lifelong friends. I meet new people constantly and am always a little moved by the committment of the families and the members of the United States Military. A committment that I would never not want to know and be a part of.

So now you know I live in Kennedale, Texas. Not the place that I would have ever dreamed that I would land, but I did and I'm glad we did. Brought the boys here to be near family. They have never really known family until recently. So I guess though I try to fight the feeling everyday, I am glad to be here. My children have learned what it is like to have uncles and grandparents and cousins! I've bought a house here and who knows?! Maybe this place will be a great place for Sam and Stone to raise their families.

I am an average woman. I would never stand out in a crowd. I am not too insanely special in any area. I am constantly dieting like every American. I can't play the piano with my toes and I am never going to be asked to model for Victoria's Secret. I am not the brightest person and not the most exciting by any means. BUT I am a generally happy person. I love laughing and making people laugh. I care about others with all that I am and I am pretty sure that I am going to live to be 125.

I hope you come back to share my daily life. I promise that from here on out it may not be very interesting, but it may be a little fun to read for just a few minutes. Everyone loves being a bit of a voyeur. Leave me a comment. Let me know you are here. Tell me about your blog. I'll be there.