Praising Him In This Storm...Maintaining A Positive Outlook Through The Grace Of Christ

Present And Accounted For

2009-12-13T12:05:00.002-06:00

We are here, somewhere in the deepest recesses of outer cyberspace...we are a-lurking. It's not that I forgot about my blog, or that I necessarily meant to neglect it for so long....it's just that I've been pretty busy. No, really....I have! It's been a really busy year and while it's been fun, it's been challenging. But some really great things have happened so I thought I'd check in and share them with you!

First and foremost, Daniel started Kindergarten this year....this is a HUGE milestone, and I'm so proud of him I could just burst. He's so smart, sweet, and kind. He is loving his teacher, he adores his friends, and he is soaking up the knowledge like a little sponge!! He's been bringing home special projects to do because he's been finished learning to read the word cards for a few weeks now!! So smart! I'm proud of him!

Second, Michael started the Dallas Fire Rescue Academy in November, and he's doing so well! He is learning so much so quickly, it's amazing. It's been so long since I've been in a trade school type environment that I'd forgotten how much information you learn in so short a time frame! I'm so proud of him.

Zoe turned 4. This means she is a big girl, in her book. This girl has always been so advanced in everything she does, and now she thinks she's in Kindergarten with her bubba!! She's even sort of learning to read!! I love it, I love the little girl she's becoming (for the most part!) and she is such a joy to be around.

We have a HUGE dog named "Bolt." He's sweet, precious, and ginormous. He's a good dog....he's loving, kind, and so clumsy!! And even when he's so hungry he could eat a whole hippo, he takes the time to greet and love on everyone in the house first and THEN he eats. What a good boy!!

Christmas is upon us, and is just under 2 weeks away. And I just can't see the point of buying a whole bunch of presents when we buy presents all year long. I don't know, maybe I just like the decorating the house, cooking, baking, getting together with family, and celebrating the gift of Jesus. Presents are nice, but we don't really go overboard with going to visit Santa, or Christmas rush shopping, or any of that....I don't know, we just never really have. Hm...maybe as the kids get older? I doubt it though, we pretty much just decorate our tree/house and do a lot of baking. I love Christmas, and I love spending the time with family, but I think too often we get caught up in the stuff/stuff/stuff of the season, and we try not to in our house...

Merry Christmas to everyone who reads this blog, which is probably NOBODY since we've been away so long ;( But nonetheless, have a great Christmas!!

God's Presence

2009-07-25T23:07:00.001-05:00

I had a wonderful moment earlier this week....I was privilged to teach a Group X Fitness class! It was truly humbling. And I am thankful for the experience.

In other news, I am thinking about making this blog private....and starting a "public" blog with my random thoughts that don't include updates or pictures of my children...there are evil people in cyberspace and I don't want them having access to my blog. Unfortunately I don't know who they all are, so I can't block their IP addresses, and besides that they have their ways...I'm perhaps just overly cyber-paranoid maybe? I'll put that feeler out there and if you think you might be interested in reading my blog email me and let me know your address, and if I go private I will add you.

Priorities

2009-07-19T18:23:00.002-05:00

As I sit here pondering what the future may or may not hold, I wonder about where my priorities lie. I like to think that I've got a pretty good handle on what's important, and what is not important. And I like to pretend to myself that I have it all together...but the sad truth is that I don't think I do.

I have a career I adore, a job that I actually look forward to going to, and a family who is extremely supportive of me (to the point of self sacrifice on their part). I have a new Church home that makes me happier Spiritually than I've been in a very long time. And I've lost so much weight that I am almost back to my pre-pregnancy weight (I am back to pre-pregnancy SIZE which is tremendous in and of itself). But in the mix of all this stands the dark cloud over my life : time. I do not have enough time. I do not have enough hours in a day to work, work out, eat, and spend quality time with my children. So here is where I have my question of priorities comes in :

1. How do I fit in my extra-curricular activities (i.e. the gym) and not make my children feel neglected? How can I possibly hope to make fitness important in their lives if I do not set time aside each day to work on my own fitness? But how do I do it in such a way that they are not neglected?

It's also an issue that the things I enjoy most at the gym are (in the following order) : 1. working out with my husband, 2. Group X classes. Michael and I can't work out together after I get off work because the gym is ridiculously busy. And Group X classes are only offered at certain times of the day. I can go to the gym late at night and do elliptical and weights, but then I miss out on time with Michael. This may seem an odd quandary, but it is really important to me nonetheless, and ANY input would be welcome!

I'm BAAAAAACK

2009-07-14T21:10:00.002-05:00

After a year hiatus from internets, I am back in business y'all! I must say I have missed blogging. Even if nobody reads, I've missed the catharsis of writing. So I must say that I am excited to be able to sit down and write, even if it's only for myself.

With that said, here is my first post....something I've been thinking on for awhile :

Growing

Each day I look at you and I see :
A growing intelligence.
A growing understanding of the world around you.
A growing ability to bend situations to your will.
A growing sense of confidence.
A growing vocabulary.
A growing sense of humor.
A growing love of life.
A growing appreciation for living creatures great and small.
A growing Spirituality.
A growing little boy and a growing little girl.
And I feel inside of me :
A growing sense of pride for who you are becoming.
A growing feeling of love that I didn't know could get any bigger.
A growing appreciation of the sacrifice God made for me.
A growing sense of dread that this world I want to shelter you from is becoming more unpredictable.
A growing feeling of sadness that you are growing up so very very quickly.
A growing feeling of happiness that you are on the road to accomplishing all of your goals.

I love you, my beautiful sweet children.

2009-04-21T18:41:00.000-05:00

1st Rangers game this year. yay!

Stormy Times

2009-03-09T13:35:00.003-05:00

We all have them, we all go through stormy and rocky times. I'm smack in the midst of one of those. Again. I'm looking for a new job, and praying for strength through the search. I feel God leading me several places, so if He'll just whisper at them...to HIRE ME :) we'll all be on the same page, right?

I could use prayers that this job search is quick, fruitful, and lucrative. I could use prayers that God gets me right where He wants me, and that this happens *quickly* on our human timeline :)

Thanks faithful readers.

2009-03-01T13:51:00.001-06:00

Let me tell you how upset I am with Albertson's and their current "Monopoly" game. Their rules are so stinkin arbitrary. I don't think they know half the time what they're supposed to do. Ugh. I hate gimmicks.

2009-02-14T18:35:00.000-06:00

me : zoe why is there pee on the toilet seat? zoe : because i retended i had a penis but then i didn't and i makeded a mess

2009-02-12T23:19:00.001-06:00

Daniel turned five today. This is him at school, Valentine's party! I love this little boy. He entered the world at 6:56 pm Feb 12, 2004. Emergency c-section following a failed induction, and 3 straight days of labor. Worth every minute of it. I love you Daniel. You're amazing!!

I Am Still Here

2009-01-07T13:38:00.001-06:00

Somewhere, lurking in the dark and deep recesses of cyberspace, I still exist. And I promise to figure out the internet thing at our house and start blogging again. I know, I know, you're all of you (well, the one of you out there that reads) excited.

Stay Tuned.....

2009-01-06T20:09:00.000-06:00

Zoe's 1st haircut!!!! Today!!!

2008-12-07T00:11:00.000-06:00

1st field trip.... Mainstay Christmas Tree Farm. We had the greatest day!!

2008-12-05T19:37:00.000-06:00

I turned 29 yesterday.... i'm in a bit of shock... But hey, it's only a number right???

2008-12-02T17:33:00.001-06:00

You know what I'm dreading? Rota virus season. Our kids have never been in school during that season. And goodness knows that if my son can leave home with a dry nose and return with green runny stuff EVERY DAY, that does not bode well for those tuff bugs like Rota. Lots of prophylactic prayers going up now...

2008-11-30T11:29:00.000-06:00

This creamer is good. It's not fat free but there's only 1.5 gm fat per tbl so it's comparable to 2% milk. A hint : if your kids are squeamish about milk add a tbl of this or another flavored creamer. Snap, instant milk they'll ask for more of!

2008-11-28T13:55:00.000-06:00

Meet my newly rediscovered best friend...my stand mixer. Together we've forged the unknown. We've made cookies, cakes, mashed potatoes, and today a pumpkin cheesecake. Woo. I love you old friend. Yes, he even whipped that cream!

2008-11-23T18:11:00.000-06:00

So to continue, once you soaked your beans drain them. Add 12 cups broth (I use bouillon cubes..much cheaper!) And seasonings to taste. I use taco seasoning, cumin, some Slap Ya Mama Cajun spice, and seasoned salt. Oh and pepper. Bring to a rolling boil then reduce to medium for 2 hours. Stir occasionally. Cover but make sure you tilt the cover (it lets the toots out). Super easy! Serve with shredded Mexican cheese blend and fresh cornbread. Yum-o!

2008-11-23T13:15:00.000-06:00

Pink & White Soup.... sort and rinse 2 lbs of dried beans (1 lb Great Northern beans and 1 lb Pink beans). Either soak overnight or follow the quick soak method of covering beans with 12 cups water and bringing to a rolling boil. Cover and let stand for 1.5 hours. I'll continue the recipe in 2 hours...

The Most Fabulous Blog Of Cookdom....

2008-11-19T16:01:00.003-06:00

So, my friend Kristen has a great cooking blog you should check out and the bonus is, she's running a contest right now for a giveaway!! (Don't enter that, though I want that subscription. No seriously, she makes great things and posts super awesome easy recipes. You can enter if you want, I was only kidding you!)

Support moms who cook. You'll be glad you did!! ;0)

2008-11-18T13:41:00.000-06:00

A deal of the week... Steak & Shake kids chicken fingers. Way too big for a kid this is a tasty treat for mommies and daddies! Priced at just 2.59 (includes tax) you get 3 chicken fingers and their fries which are skinny and crispy. Definitely will fill you up! And you don't have to feel too guilty because the portion is just right!!

2008-11-17T17:32:00.000-06:00

Three things my pantry ALWAYS contains...evaporated milk, McCormick Season All Crusting blend, and Seasoned salt.

Blogging From Memaw's House....

2008-11-17T15:33:00.003-06:00

Is it a sad commentary when my grandmother has internet and I don't? Well, since DSL isn't "available" in our area yet, and our computer is still freaked out (we can't do the whole "new computer" thing yet) I currently do not have internet access. (Except on my phone, which is OK except I'm limited to mobile-blogging only and that means I cannot check everyones blogs. But I'm STILL HERE I PROMISE!!)

Blogging from Memaw's house means I do not have access to pictures or videos. But mobile blogging is going OK so far. Just can't write very much due to character restrictions. And I cannot comment on anyones blogs as I cannot load them on my phone.

I've been on a cooking/baking kick lately. I cook a bunch of chicken (like tonight I'll cook 10 chicken breasts to use for the week...or I'll cook 6 for the next 3 days and cook the rest on Wed) then I use 2 breasts for an entire "recipe" of whatever I'm making. The KRAFT food magazine/little cooker helper is AMAZING, thanks Kristen!

Some new favorites :

Chicken Alfredo :

Cook some linguine, spaghetti, or fettucine. In the meantime saute your baked chicken in some low fat cooking spray or butter with some spices (I prefer a dash of creole spice, seasoned salt, and pepper) and fresh minced garlic (if you want or add garlic powder later). If it's pre-cooked this step takes a lot less time. If it's fresh chicken, cook it until it's completely cooked. Remove from the skillet. Add to the skillet 2 1/2 cups chicken stock and 2 1/2 tbs flour (I'm also using whole wheat flour instead of the white flour...it's healthier, and nobody can tell the difference!) and stir with whisk. Bring to a rolling boil, add 1 8 oz pkg Neufchatel cheese (lower fat option of cream cheese), add 3 tbs grated parmesan cheese and some more of your spices. Mix all together, and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Once it starts to thicken, remove from heat and stir in your chicken. Toss with your pasta, and top with 1-2 tbs of grated parmesan cheese. I served it with fresh green salad (Caesar if you please!).
*****A variation....Add a can of drained rotel tomatoes to the cream sauce mixture, and replace the parmesan cheese with shredded Mexican cheese blend, substitute shells for the fettucine. Once you mix it all together, add some more shredded cheese, pour it into a 3 qt baking dish and top with panko bread crumbs. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes, until bubbly. Serve piping hot with Easy, Pleasy Coleslaw!*

Easy, Pleasy Coleslaw :

1 bag of premixed coleslaw mix (with carrots) or 1 bag of the finely shredded Napa cabbage. (If you're particularly industrious you can shred your own cabbage, but who has time for that?! If it's you that has that kind of time, use a whole head...) Toss in some finely chopped Claussen dill pickles, finely chopped black olives, kosher salt, black pepper, 1/4 cup lemon juice (or just eyeball it and squeeze it in), 2 large serving spoons of a mayonnaise-type dressing (I use Smart Balance mayo). Mix it all together and voila, you have a tasty coleslaw that even my picky 4 year old ASKS for!!
******A variation : substitute bacon crumbles for the pickles, and use jarred ranch dressing instead of the homemade coleslaw dressing*

Coconut Dream Bars (Recipe found on the back of Target brand sweetened coconut flakes!) :

Mix 1.5 cups flour (I use whole wheat flour), 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, 1 stick (1/2 cup) of margarine/butter (I use Country Crock Plus Omega) until fine particles are formed. Press it into the bottom of an UNGREASED 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes, until crust partially cooked. Meanwhile, mix 3 eggs, 1.5 cups packed light brown sugar until just mixed, add 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1.5 cups of flaked coconut. Mix Well together and pour over the partially baked crust. Bake at 350 for another 22 minutes (well, technically 20-25 min, but my oven took 22 minutes). Let cool. Cut with sharp knife, and enjoy!!

For an amazing Caesar salad, I recommend you use a head of Green Leaf Lettuce (or if you buy a bagged lettuce, I prefer Fresh Express 3 Leaf blend with the butter lettuce) and wash thoroughly (besides, I love using my salad spinner!!), drain well. Add a bag of TEXAS TOAST CROUTONS (if you have not discovered these yet, you are MISSING OUT!) I love all of them, but for Caesar salad use the "seasoned" unless you're using a low-fat Caesar dressing then I recommend the "Sea Salt and Cracked Pepper." Yum-O! For Caesar dressing, you're hard pressed to beat Cardini's Caesar dressing. The reduced fat is good, but if you're feeling indulgent you MUST try the full fat. (If anyone knows of a better one, let me know!! Especially of a lower fat one!!) I top it all with DiGiornio Grated 3 cheese blend (Parmesan, Romano, Asiago). Super tasty, and awesome!

Another recently discovered (by the kids, not by me!) favorite :

POMEGRANATES!!!!!!! I've always loved these things, but my children have just discovered them. They take literally thirty minutes to prepare, but they are worth it. My kiddos call them "pomegranate candy."

*******I'm going to tackle next...... PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE!!!!***************

2008-11-16T19:26:00.001-06:00

Well y'all, it happened. My baby is out of her crib. I just put her to bed in her big girl bed. We'll see how she does... I cried. I can't believe it she's so big!

2008-11-14T14:17:00.000-06:00

Daniel drew this elasmosaurus without looking at the book... this kid knows his dinos!!!

2008-11-12T15:58:00.000-06:00

step 4....the waiting game...

2008-11-12T15:56:00.000-06:00

step 3 add the chips...

2008-11-12T15:55:00.000-06:00

step 2

2008-11-12T15:54:00.001-06:00

step 1

2008-11-11T16:35:00.001-06:00

Ok, so not the greatest picture... but the soup is fabulous, quick, and very healthy. I call it "Souper Soup." Chop 1 small onion, 1.5 lb chunked chicken breasts, 1 orange bell pepper finely chopped, 2 qts chicken or vegetable stock, 4 medium russet potatoes finely chopped (skins on and well washed), 2 fresh tomatoes finely chopped, 6 oz tiny shells, finely chopped carrots, 1 bag baby spinach. Combine stock, chicken, onions, potatoes, and seasonings of your choice. Bring to rolling boil & add carrots. Boil until potaotes semi-firm and add pasta. All other veggies go in now except spinach. You add the spinach toward the end of the cooking so it stays a healthy green. Once everything's in, reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes with lid on. Remove from heat if you're not serving immediately. Enjoy! PS I also added broccoli when I added carrots.

2008-11-06T16:51:00.000-06:00

that's right folks...NKOTB on cassette tape

2008-11-06T10:50:00.000-06:00

Me with the dragon and Hello Kitty at Boo @ The Zoo. Quick poll... too early to Christmas decorate? Yes or no...

We're Still Here

2008-11-04T16:53:00.002-06:00

Barely hanging on ;) but here nonetheless! Life's crazy, we dragged the Halloween celebrations out as long as possible with Boo at The Zoo, 2 Trunk or Treats, and a Fall Festival! Yippee!! The kids are doing great, but they've been getting sick on and off every 3 weeks pretty much on the nose. Daniel LOVES school, and has Grandparents Day on Friday! Zoe's the sweetest little girl, she's getting alot better about being sweet ;)

I'll post as I can, and next time I'll put up a picture fest!

Zoe's Three....And Other Sob Stories

2008-10-21T16:02:00.003-05:00

Zoe turned 3 on October 11. I'm sad. Seriously. She is uch a grown up! She got her ears pierced on Saturday and she picked out her own earrings. She didn't even flinch!! What a beautiful little girl she's turning into. We still have the occasional attitude problems but hey, whatcha gonna do??? She had a dress up party Sunday the 19th and it was awesome! Did you know CostCo does some themed cakes now? They had a cute Princess and the Frog cake, which was sort of her theme this year....worked out well!!

The other sob story : our computer crashed, and until we can afford a new one we're landlocked to our phones with their limited email access. I've gotten a password for mobile blogging so we will see if this works. Who knows!!

Hope everyone is well, and I hope y'all stick around a few months until I come back!!

I miss you all blogland friends, even if you never make yourselves known ;)

PS get out and VOTE....remember if you don't vote, you can't complain!!

I'm Too Disgusted....

2008-10-02T21:34:00.003-05:00

To actually post anything after what I just watched...

Kristen, Emily send me your addresses and I'll mail you BOTH goodies from my personal favorite super store....TARGET!! Even though I may be scrapping the ankylosaurus idea.... :(

And next time I run a comment contest I'll promise not to make it something crafty!!

Breakfast For Dinner.....

2008-09-30T21:12:00.004-05:00

I call this recipe "Mama Root's Super DOOPER Breakfast Casserole :

1 lb cooked crumbled sausage (I use Owen's HOT)
4 eggs
2 cups shredded cheese
2 cups milk
1 cup bisquick

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place cooked sausage in the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Mix all other ingredients together and pour over the sausage. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes (roughly....can take a little longer!)

I LOVE cooking breakfast for dinner....and I enjoy this recipe (THANKS DEBORAH!!) but I sometimes "trick it up" so to speak. Some variations I've tried (and some I haven't yet but can't WAIT to try) :

* Instead of using sausage, I use bacon sometimes for a change of pace
* Sometimes I finely chop 5 or 6 regular russet potatoes (skin off) into what I call "Communion wafer size potatoes" and substitute that for the meat...I saute them in melted butter and Lowry's seasoned salt before placing them in the dish
* Instead of using boring cheddar, mix it up with a smoked provolone, or gouda or maybe some swiss emmenthal....
* Add finely chopped red bell peppers for a "brunch-y" feel minus the pretention
* Finely cubed cooked ham is a nice meat here as well
* Add multiple meats AND potatoes AND red peppers, AND mix up the cheese for a casserole WONDERLAND!!! :)

Regardless of how you do it, this recipe is quick and easy. And my children (and everyone else who's tried it) LOVE it!!

*****I still need some help on the ankylosaurus.....now I'm thinking of scrapping it all and going for the T-Rex at least I KNOW I can make that costume.....********

I Need More Help.....So, I'm Running A Contest....

2008-09-27T13:24:00.005-05:00

I'm running a contest through Wednesday (October 1) for those who comment on this post here, leaving a suggestion as to how to make an Ankylosaurus Costume for Daniel....The problem I've encountered in my brain is how to make the TAIL with a club and do it without incurring great difficulty or great debt.....So, for the next few days I'll be watching for comments and adding names to a hat....Whoever's idea I end up using will win....(unless of course nobody comments!) and you'll win a grab bag from everyone's favorite store....Target! Seriously, I need help so let anyone you know who is crafty know that I need assistance!! Any ideas are welcome!! THANK YOU!!

All Of Our Hats.....

2008-09-26T13:21:00.004-05:00

I have thought often about all the roles we as women are asked to play. So, I thought I'd do a pictorial post of them, so you can have a "yep" moment and maybe a laugh too!!

In the kitchen : In the "expertise" department :

In the bedroom :

In our community :

For our family :

For ourselves so we can impress our friends and family with our "craftiness" :

For our children :

How do we achieve all of this????

Any Suggestions??

2008-09-22T20:29:00.001-05:00

I'm planning on starting to cook healthy meals on Sundays....and put them either in the freezer or the fridge.....but I need quick to reheat, I need healthy....I need kid friendly....

ANY IDEAS ARE WELCOME.....................

Look Who Made The Weekly Bulletin!!

2008-09-20T20:38:00.002-05:00

Daniel's Prayer....

2008-09-17T18:17:00.004-05:00

Tonight, as he was getting into "sleep mode" :

"Dear God I thank you for the food I eat and for today. Thank you for Mommy and Daddy and me and Zoe and Memaw and Mimi and Bobo (*giggle*) and Giggy and Bebe and even Mommy. Please help me to feel better. And thank you for Jesus...no wait I'm talking to Jesus! (I insert here : "it's OK to thank Jesus for all He's done for us, go ahead and thank Him!") OK Mommy, so thank you Jesus for being you. In your name, Amen."

A Few Things I Wonder About Jesus....

2008-09-15T18:54:00.003-05:00

1. Since He was perfect, did He ever cry? Did He go through the "Terrible Twos?" Could He possibly have never thrown a temper tantrum? Did He ever pout? Did His earthly parents ever lose their cool with him?

2. Since childbirth was "supposed" to be a "punishment" for woman and her original sin, but Jesus was the Son of God, was his birth painless for Mary? It doesn't seem right to me that it would have hurt her giving birth to the Saviour of the world....

3. Did Jesus play sports? And if He did, was He better than everyone else? Or did He choose instead NOT to play sports because He knew it would be unfair?

4. Did He always obey his earthly parents? Or did He have moments of rebellion?

Any thoughts?? Anyone have questions they've wondered about??

You Know You Are......

2008-09-14T11:46:00.004-05:00

Show of hands....how many of us that grew up watching "Beverly Hills 90210" are watching this new series?? Kelly's there, now Brenda's there too, and Nate is still running The Peach Pit. Kelly's drunken crazy mom, and baby Erin is now all grown up and calls herself "Silver" and she goes to West Beverly Hills High. The Drama department is doing "Spring Awakening," and the really spoiled little rich girl just found out her daddy's been having an affair for years. Nostalgia is what made me watch the 2 hour premiere, curiosity is what will keep me watching...but I can't help but long for the plotlines and stories of the original. Maybe it was just me, but I was captivated by that show....I somehow thought that High School was going to really be like that. Boy was I surprised when it wasn't! ;)

So, come on....admit it.....who's watching?

Things I Could Write Long Blogs About, But Decided Not To...

2008-09-07T16:31:00.004-05:00

So, I could write long blogs about each of the following things, but decided not to....they're various things I've noticed, things I'm hacked off about, etc lately....

1. The health care system in this country. Let's face it, folks, it sucks. It's a really sad state of affairs when middle-class children are UNINSURED because their parents jobs offer unaffordable insurance or even no insurance at all....and when those same children are turned down for the program designed to "help" them : CHIPS because they "make too much money." Seriously??

2. The man at Albertson's who could evidently afford an entire bottle of cologne to dump on himself (enough so that with his windows rolled down in this early-September Texas heat it made me nauseous), but this same man apparently cannot afford carseats (there were NO carseats in the car, and the children weren't even restrained with shoulder belts) with which to restrain his obviously toddler-age children so that they may live to see adulthood. You're a scumbag.

3. The big truck afficionados in Texas who believe that due to the oversize nature of their driving machines they are entitled to as many parking spaces as they care to partake of....IN THE FRONT ROW OF TARGET'S PARKING LOT. I can understand parking your doolie at the back of the parking lot and taking up 6 spaces by parking catty corner across both lanes of spaces so that you are taking 3 on each side, but doing in in the front row of Target? How did you even find that many open spaces in the first place??? You're a jerk.

4. The drop-off system at my son's school. Actually, the drop-off and pick-up system is really efficient. Kudos to you. HOWEVER a big, fat JEERS to all you entitled parents who think that waiting patiently in the traffic ready to turn right or left into the school's ONE WAY ENTRANCE is an inconvenience to you so you zip around all those that ARE waiting patiently, and then cut off the person who has probably been waiting patiently to turn left for a long five minutes, and whose time is JUST AS VALUABLE AS YOURS. Way to model Christ for your kiddos. You know who you are. You're the one we all point out to our kids and say "don't be like that guy/gal."

5. Zoe's got 2 new friends at school. Claire and Elizabeth. She also has a little boy friend named Joey. Great. Joey's a cute kid, Claire's adorable, and I've actually never met Elizabeth but I'm sure she's a peach. However, SOMEONE at my darling daughter's school has taught her a new thing I shall entitle the "Diva Screech." This is a hideously high-pitched noise that is a cross between a fire engine siren and a cat stuck in a blender. Seriously y'all it's horrendous. Probably a great work out for her lungs, but it's going to make her Mommy deaf. And it does not awaken that warm, loving, "mommy feeling...." instead, it awakens that cold, sinister feeling of anger. And it drives anyone who hears it insane. It is NOT an endearing sound.

6. Daniel's a tape recorder. He listens. He repeats. Constantly. Gone are the days when I could spell the "taboo words" that I didn't want him repeating....now he just asks his Memaw, "Hey Memaw, what does s-h-i-t spell?" Yep. So now I gotta find new words to say/spell that he can repeat and nobody will think twice about it. Oh Pickles.

7. The cost of pet ownership. Why do they think we're all gullible folks who transfer our maternal/paternal instincts to our animals? I mean, I LOVE my pets (well....MOST of them that is....) but in order for them to get the care they "deserve" we've got to shell completely out of pocket for their care. Traditional vets charge more than say, Banfield Pet Hospital.....in fact, for our 6 year old dog Lucy to get checked out last week when we noticed that she was not doing so well, our old faithful vet wanted to charge me over $200.....yeah right. So I called Banfield inside PetSmart.....they've got this great Wellness Plan thing that the Dr wanted me to get for her. It covers your pet for a whole year and has various levels to it, all of which are incrementally more expensive monthly. HOWEVER, if you've got a pet....I highly recommend it. It costs roughly $300 a year paid out monthly, and covers your pet's vaccinations, vet visits, and 2 comprehensive physicals including urinalysis and blood work (there's even a level that included an EKG....) which they recommend each dog have in a year. So, rather than over $200 just for the vet visit #1, I got out of there over a 1 week time frame for right at $200 which paid for all her vaccines, deworming (she was negative but they still did it as a precaution), heartworm testing and preventive, antibiotics, 1 tooth pulled + dental care, the anesthesia, and all of her care for the next year....and a bath, and grooming. Awesome job, Banfield.

8. My kids start dance class this week! WHOOPEE!!!! I'm so excited for them both! (Zoe wants to be a "ball-ween-a" and Daniel wants to be a "tap dancer.") And we're going to work on getting a t-ball league with all the interested kids at Daniel's school too!

School....

2008-09-04T09:51:00.002-05:00

So, Zoe is amazingly better....though I'm so upset because the Doctors have both checked Zoe's fee tickets with "Asthma" and I've got visions of pre-existing conditions and insurance denials floating through my head. She hasn't had to have a breathing treatment in over 24 hours! Thank God!!

Both kiddos are going to school 5 days a week, and they both go full days. Daniel is madly in love with school, and he never wants to "stay home" even when he tells me he didn't get enough sleep." He has friends named "Molly," "Brian," "Liam," "Garrett," "Hayden," "Blake," and others. And he LOVES his teacher. He is doing so well, and he's becoming better and better at writing his name!

Zoe is loving her school too! Her teacher is great, her classmates are awesome, and her new buddy is "Claire." She's also quite fond of "Joey," and I think she might have her first crush on Daniel's friend Garrett. It's adorable.

They're learning songs, and letters, and it's amazing. I asked Daniel last night what his favorite part of school is and he said "learning about God." That's amazing!

Zoe

2008-08-30T11:43:00.002-05:00

Well, on Thursday, Zoe had a cough. It was a dry, choking cough. It made me nervous. She went to school for the day, I picked her up at 2:30 and took her to the Dr to recheck her ears (she's had an ear infection for over 3 weeks) at 4:20. We didn't see our regular Dr and we didn't see him right away, but when we did we were there until nearly 6. While we were waiting for the Dr to come in I noticed that Zoe was breathing strangely and I could hear her wheezing. I laid her back on the table and watched her chest retract while she was trying to breathe, and I was flashed back to when she was born and had all that trouble breathing. The Dr came in, looked in her ears (they were clear), and promptly asked me "when did she start wheezing?" I told him "about ten minutes ago." He asked us about family history of asthma (I didn't think there was any, but found out later my mother-in-law has asthma), and gave her an Albuterol nebulizer treatment in the office. He sent us home with a nebulizer, prescription for Albuterol, and Astelin nasal spray. I kept her home yesterday, we did breathing treatments every 4 hours, and she seemed OK Not a hundred percent, but getting better. She was running a low-grade temp all day Friday, but nothing over 99.8. Yesterday about 4 she was really hot (we're talking over 102) and I gave her some Tylenol. 2 hours later we did her last breathing treatment before bed after her bath, and I checked her temp : 101.7. I gave her Motrin, and put her to bed. I noticed that she was breathing very rapidly, and I checked her oxygen saturation levels and they were only 94% (normal is really over 97%). I called the Dr office, and told them my findings. Of course, we ended up at Cook's ER and spent 5 hours there.

After chest x-rays, breathing treatments, and lots of waiting......we talked to the Dr and she feels fairly certain that Zoe is suffering from "walking pneumonia" caused by a Mycoplasma bacterium. She started her on an oral steroid, a different antibiotic, and continuing the breathing treatments every 4 hours.

She's a different girl this morning. A mere 12 hours after her 1st steroid dose, and her 1st dose of the new antibiotic, she apparently feels so much better. She's not supposed to be running around, but she is right now chasing our dog. Her breathing is still rapid, more so than normal, but she looks like she feels better.

She was quite the little charmer last night at the ER. She had the respiratory therapist in stiches watching her hold her own mask while she did her breathing treatments!

Zoe, you are such a little jewel. You're beautiful, mischievous, and loving. You're the sweetest gift, and even though you can sometimes try our patience we wouldn't trade you for anything! We love you, and we are continuing to pray that this will be the end of your breathing problems!

Daniel's First Day Of School

2008-08-24T12:25:00.002-05:00

since our computer has pretty much given up the ghost, it's memory is too full to be useful, I took a picture with my camera phone....isn't he cute?! And his little sister.....all grown up and going to school too!! Don't you just love the uniform????

I Covet Your Prayers

2008-08-18T22:20:00.001-05:00

Found out this afternoon that Memaw's Lymphoma is back. She starts chemotherapy immediately. Please say prayers for complete healing, please.

I Can't Sleep....

2008-08-18T00:18:00.005-05:00

My baby starts school tomorrow......REAL SCHOOL and I'm a freaking nut case.

Maybe I just need to go relax in a bubble bath or something......

Oh sure, I'm excited as heck for my kids! They're going to be with kids their age, playing, having a grand old time, and learning valuable things all at the same time! It doesn't get any better than that!

I don't know why the kids starting school affects me so much, other than the fact that we are now no longer the ones who see them the most during the day. We're "reinquishing control" of our children to virtual strangers, and that is scary. I am handing someone the single most valuable thing in the world to me and saying, "I trust you not to harm this most perfect and precious gift." So, when people look at me funny because we CHOOSE to send our children to a school we can't really afford.....just think about the world around us, imagine if we were to put them in the hands of God only knows who......at least at the schools they'll be in I know that they will be educated by loving people, by people who have the same values and ideals as we do, and that they will hear the same lessons reiterated at school AND at home.

Still, it doesn't alleviate the nerves at ALL......or the nausea........

So, if you are reading this, pray for me please. Pray for this first time mommy who must now see both her little chickies leave the nest and go to school within two days of each other. Because that's the only way I'm getting through this......prayer. And lots of it!

Life Changes.....

2008-08-16T22:05:00.003-05:00

So, I haven't said so much yet, but Zoe starts school on Monday....I haven't said so much because we literally JUST enrolled her. It's a Montessori school, and she'll be in a class with kids up to age 6. She's advanced, and she's brilliant, and she's excited about her "Princess School." She got her backpack today, and her Dora lunch box. She's super excited!

Daniel starts school on Wednesday. He's going five days a week. And I'm truly excited....truly. Though it is a horribly emotional time for me right now! He gets to wear uniforms! We bought him uniform shorts and pants today, and he's got the shirts pressed and ready to go....I'm excited, I'm nervous, I'm scared.

I need a vacation....I need some time at the beach....I want to spend some time with my family at the beach, relaxing, and just enjoying each other. I think we'll be heading to the coast in a month or so......just to get away.

Picture This.....

2008-08-06T22:45:00.002-05:00

.....it's after 9:30 at night, your neighbor (who is slightly crazy, frazzled looking, and barefoot) is racing down the street obviously after her escape artist jack russell terrier......and you're standing in your front yard smoking. The dog runs right up to you....do you a) grab the dog so you can save your poor obviously stressed out neighbor some barefoot running, or b) continue to stand there smoking your cigarette while your poor neighbor tries to corner her dog and then you laugh because the dog you could have caught very easily is now running down the middle of a busy street?

You'd think the obvious choice is A right? NOT SO MUCH APPARENTLY.....my neighbors are the picture of apathy.

ugh

Thinks I'm Thinking....

2008-08-05T21:00:00.002-05:00

* Sometimes God's timing is so hard to understand and accept.....
* Those people on the Valtrex commercials look so HAPPY to have genital herpes....odd, I don't think I'd be all that excited about it....
* Serial killers always look so creepy......how do people not realize they're serial killers?
* I wish my children weren't sick
* I don't understand people who don't call people back
* I'm not the most patient person in the world....
* I wish my children would stay young
* I'm proud of my husband
* I miss my extended family
* I'm looking forward to spending more time with my family
* I can't believe Daniel is going to start SCS in about 2 weeks....
* There but for the Grace of God go I....
* There is a lot of sadness in this world, a lot of despair, but underneath it all is a suspension bridge of Hope.

What Are My Kids Doing?

2008-08-02T11:26:00.001-05:00

*Zoe went to bed last night at 5 pm with Tylenol, and Mucinex Cold on board......running a 101.5 temp. She is still asleep as I'm typing this at almost 11:30 am....poor baby

*Daniel is watching "Robin Hood," you know.....the animated one! Love this movie.

*I'm about to scramble some eggs.

*Michael is working....

*This morning after I got out of my shower Daniel was laying on the floor beside my bed and when questioned about what he hwas doing he said very simply, "oh I'm just resting here until my blood pressure comes up." WHAT?!?!?!?! Ahhhhh the joys of having someone who listens to EVERY conversation, even the ones his Mommy has with patients!! :)

*Daniel enjoys showers....he said "they're just like baths but you get to stand up and the water does all the work!"

*My children are infatuated with the movie "Jurassic Park." Seriously. Even though Zoe proclaims she is afraid of "E.T." she LOVES Jurassic Park....especially the part with the "T-Rex!" They love those "bossaraptors" as Daniel calls the velociraptors. And the weirdest part of all, there are no "scary" parts for me to fast-forward through. Daniel in fact gets upset if we skip ANY of the parts, except "when the great big fat man stealed the dinosaurs and then falled down and wasn't very happy." Ahhh....childhood.

I LOVE my family!!

Fear....

2008-07-31T21:29:00.002-05:00

Is it the times we live in? Is it my own paranoia? Or what?

I left Target tonight with my children, and I was constantly looking over my shoulder, looking around the parking lot, I tried to park as close as possible to the door even though the sun was not down yet. Why? I have this (irrational? rational? what?) fear of someone trying to steal my children, steal me, steal my stuff. I don't really know what....other than my biggest fear IS something happening to my children. If something happened to them I'd probably die. Maybe it's that fear that keeps me looking over my shoulder. Who knows.

In other news.....

My children are amazing. They're beautiful. They're happy. They're well rounded. They love to pray, and I've even heard Daniel lately praying when he gets frustrated (wow is there a lesson in there for his mommy or what?!) and I'm touched. (Their prayers really are the best....Daniel always ends his prayers "and Jesus pray....Amen." Zoe ends hers "Jesus.....Amen." Too sweet for words!)

My husband is great too, I can't even tell you how much I admire him.....he's doing right now the one thing most men would never do and that is staying at home as full time Daddy. And the greatest part of all is that he's so darn good at it!! The kids are happy, they love having Daddy home all day. And I do too!!

Daniel starts Pre-K on Aug 20.................what?!?!?!?!?!?!?! So, yeah....you can pretty much expect me to be institutionalized after that. The only thing that's keeping me partially sane is a) he's going to my alma mater so I feel safe, b) he's only going 3 days a week (but still!), and c) it doesn't seem real...............yet. Even though I've washed and ironed his uniforms (yep, he gets to wear uniforms!! oh just wait for the pictures!!!) and they're hanging up ready for him to wear. I just don't know how I'm going to make it.....but there'll be a way.....there just has to be!!

I'm Not Her Biggest Fan, But I Definitely Agree....

2008-07-24T21:37:00.002-05:00

Well, I certainly am not her greatest fan (she really annoys me) but I think her food sounds tasty even though it is pretentious, and I'd definitely eat at Suze....and she is the most personable of the THREE left......and I definitely agree with this article about Lisa Garza.

Boo....

2008-07-23T20:12:00.000-05:00

My computer is out of memory....which means that it runs really, really, really slow.....AND I can't pull my pictures off my digital camera....which is nearly FULL of some really cute pics.

So, insert imaginative pictures of my kiddos here....

Forever And Always, I Am.....

2008-07-22T14:45:00.001-05:00

Thank you, Holy Father, for your love. Thank you for sticking by me through everything...even when I got upset with you. Thank you for enduring.

Pet Peeve

2008-07-21T16:54:00.001-05:00

When people go through the "self check" lane at, oh say Wal Mart, with a FULL cart of stuff.....I do believe that is there to make things EASIER not more difficult......

My Wordle...

2008-07-18T18:09:00.002-05:00

Blast From The Past!!

2008-07-18T16:00:00.000-05:00

Some Things I Love Right Now

2008-07-17T19:48:00.005-05:00

especially love my Group X classes!!

I've been using this fragrance for a few months now, and Daniel always says it smells "like Mommy"

My life-saver in some circumstances ;)
Been eating Kashi Go Lean for awhile now, just discovered these TLC chewies....and they are AWESOME....a great little lunch while I'm driving around town!

I'm pretty much in love with this show....where else can you watch an actual heart transplant ON TV?!?!?!? WOO!

My So-Called Life

2008-07-16T22:23:00.002-05:00

"mom, you're my best friend!"
"I'm Zoe and I'm so cute!"
that sticky suction cup ball confounds poor Mambo!
Daniel took this picture!!!! What a photog!
And Zoe took this one!!! (notice the theme here.....TRANSFORMERS, TRANSFORMERS, TRANSFORMERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Daniel And Zoe...My Two Miracles

2008-07-15T20:48:00.002-05:00

Swimmin' Fool With Mimi!! And 4th Of July Fun @ The Rowan's

2008-07-13T11:08:00.005-05:00

Mood Lighteners....I Don't Care Who Ya Are, These R Funnneeee (And Real)!

2008-07-11T19:56:00.003-05:00

I Feel So Bad.....

2008-07-08T16:33:00.002-05:00

....for Jason!!!! I picked him to win her heart from the very first day. I had my hopes all sorts of up, watching the two of them. But watching last night I saw her trying too hard to make her family like Jesse, and I saw SOMEONE at ABC got to Jesse and told him "dude you totally better ask her dad for his permission to marry his daughter if you want a shot at this thing...." I'll admit it. I cried when she didn't choose Jason. I cried at the thought that he must have been having that he left Ty for all those weeks "for nothing...." and it made me so sad. It's never fun to watch someone get their heart broken whether it's on TV or in real life. And it's sad. I felt really bad for him. I even felt a little bad for her during the after the final rose special....I believe she never intended to lead anyone one, but the fact remains that she did. And I cried for you, Jason. You'll find TRUE love.....and who knows, maybe you can be the next Bachelor!?!?!?!? :)

.....i watch too much reality tv.......

Thinks I'm Thinking Tonight....

2008-07-07T21:19:00.003-05:00

1. "Hopkins" is a really good show.....really.
2. El Camino, 50% car 50% truck, 100%.......awesome?
3. I miss my children being tiny babies
4. When you're craving a loaded baked potato and boneless buffalo wings, black beans and rice just don't cut it ;)
5. Hansen's Natural Green Tea Soda Pomegranate....awesome
6. I really love the Group X Fitness classes....they RULE
7. I can't wait to find out who DeAnna picked!
8. I love summer for the water sports...
9. I need to do more water sports
10. When does "Pushing Daisies" come back on?
11. I love my family.....they're amazing.
12. And I think "Desperate Housewives" mighta jumped the shark at the end of last season...tho I'll definitely tune in.
13. If I can manage to stay gone later into the night it's not so awkward to be home alone.

Some Funnies

2008-07-03T20:45:00.001-05:00

"Swimmin Fool" Part One.....

2008-07-02T15:46:00.004-05:00

We took the kids to the swimming pool I used to swim in every summer when I was a kid....and they had the best time!!! It's still the same awesome pool, and I loved getting in and playing with my two fishies!! (so much fun, in fact, that we're about to head out there this afternoon too!!!!)

Things I Love Right Now.....

2008-07-01T20:16:00.002-05:00

Hehehe, thanks Kristen :)

1. Powerade Zero....tastes yummy, electrolytes, thirst quencher, NO calories!!! I try to drink one daily....or more as needed :)

2. Group X Fitness Classes...woo hoo talk about FUN and SORE! Yay.

3. My husband....he's the awesomest stay at home daddy EVERRRRR, so even though I know he's frustrated with the whole job/school/kids all day long thing....he's amazing at it!! (thanks for dinner honey it's awesome!)

4. Swimming with my children.....Zoe's a swimming little fish and I can't wait to get them into their swimming lessons so they'll be able to have even more fun at the big pool!!

5. Being a nurse. It's honestly the most rewarding career path I could have chosen....and I love touching patients' lives.....though i still long for med school.....who knows, I'm still "young." :)

6. My Neutrogena Wave.....this thing is INCREDIBLE. I highly recommend it for those of you out there with faces that need washing!! I use it only at night, and I use the Aveeno clear complexion foam wash in the mornings. These two together are a power packed duo that are doing more for me than Proactiv did **though I must admit Proactiv cleared my face up very quickly but I grew accustomed to it after 2 months and it stopped working**

7. YouTube. Not that I just discovered it or anything, but seriously if you want to see something (just about anything you can dream up to make you laugh) someone has already done it, filmed it, and put it on YouTube. Sweeeeet.

8. Fireworks. I can't WAIT to see my kids on the 4th enjoying them!!

9. My Ipod. I've had it for awhile, but it's got a new list on it, my Top 25 songs of all time....and I can't stop listening to them!! :)

10. Ringback tones on Verizon. I love to hear people laugh when they call me....it's awesome.

NO, It's Not Carl, But It's His Long-Lost Brother....

2008-06-28T14:55:00.002-05:00

Apparently He Subscribes to Jonathon Rhys-Meyers School Of Acting....

2008-06-28T14:46:00.000-05:00

Reality Bytes....

2008-06-25T20:47:00.002-05:00

A few thinks I'm thinkin about some of my reality shows :

Bachelorette :
WAY TO GO DeAnna!!!! I know that letting Graham go was the toughest decision for you, but that dude rubbed me the wrong way, just like Brad did......I think you're going to be so much better off without him around....talk about FAKE!!!!

I hope, hope, hope she picks Jason.....what a cute little family they'd make!!!!

Jesse breaks my heart he's so sweet....he didn't tell DeAnna about that non-profit group he has, so that makes me think he didn't want to use it as fodder....niiiiiice....

Jeremy worries me.....he's "too" perfect....but at the same time there's something not quite right about him too....

So You Think You Can Dance :
That new judge tonight, can't think of his name....but that's DENNIS!!!!!!!!! hahahahahahahaha looks, talks, acts like our friend Dennis. :)

I'm going out on a limb and saying good bye to Comfort and Chris....I just wasn't caring about it or them.....

On the other hand, Chelsea and Mark were HOT, and I couldn't stop watching Courtney G's dress....I was so afraid it was gonna fall right off....and Twitchington......AWESOME!!!!!

The Next Food Network Star :
Yay, I'm glad they kicked Nipa off she just had no personality, though I'm highly interested in an Indian cooking show....

I think if Mommy Jenn doesn't step it up, she's the next one gone....

Now, Kelsey's the one to beat....

Seriously, Lisa.....were you REALLY wearing a $300 shirt and Pucci shoes in a kitchen?!?!?!?! WTH????? Whatever, she's far too drama queen for me....

Things I'm Thinking Right Now....

2008-06-24T20:15:00.002-05:00

1. Some people really ARE that crazy
2. I hate driving....hate, hate, HATE IT
3. Money sucks
4. I love my husband
5. My children are the greatest on the face of the planet
6. I probably shouldn't have done that group x class so soon after hurting myself
7. The inventor of the heating pad rocks my world
8. I need a haircut
9. If I cut my hair super short I'd hate it in like 3 days
10. But if I cut it super short it would be so easy to fix
11. Liza Minelli is CRAAAAAAAAZEEEEEEEEEEE
12. Sometimes, even though I'm not supposed to, I nearly vomit when I see some of my patients' wounds....seriously.
13. I'm excited about Grey's Anatomy coming back
14. CSI is an awesome show
15. Where the heck is "Nip/Tuck???"
16. I'm craving Texas de Brazil
17. Haribo Happy Cola make me happy
18. Some so called "rock stars" are major douches
19. I miss some of my friends so badly (Katherine, Kimberly, Brianne, Larena, Desiree, Rachel, Lena, Stephie......)
20. Wonder if it'd be OK if I cut my hair super short....

Stop Doing That!!

2008-06-17T20:18:00.002-05:00

Ok, all you parents out there....you know this feeling, I know you do!! Whether you have one child, two children, three, four, five, or more....you KNOW what I'm about to say....

When you are in another room, say in the kitchen cooking dinner, and you hear a loud scream (not the blood curdling "oh my gosh I just hurt myself really badly and need my mommy or daddy to come quickly" scream, just the loud and angry scream...you know the one I mean!) can you automatically shout back "(insert one of your children's names here) stop doing that (perhaps to your brother/sister/dog/cat/etc)!" You pretty much can in our house....and one name is constantly in the pole position ---- ZOE ELIZABETH!!!! Seriously, this little imp is into EVERYTHING....at ALL times.

She picks on her brother.
She carries the cat around.
She pushes her brother.
She hits the cat.
She drags out more toys than any fifteen children could play with in a month.
She gets books off the bookshelf and leaves them in a large pile.
She needs to "go poop and pee" about every five minutes (remember she's been potty trained for awhile...but can never resist the whole "someone else is going so I gotta go" thing).
She pulls laundry off the couch.

So pretty much every time we hear a scream of anger coming from the other room we automatically shout "ZOE ELIZABETH STOP DOING THAT!!!!" And we always hear "ok sorry guys," back in response. Daniel's sort of a tattle tail. Which we've talked about with him, and he knows that it's not up to him to discipline his sister.

But, for all of the "trouble" she causes....there is also the fact that :

She cuddles more than any fifteen children every could in a month.
She gives the best sticky kisses.
She loves her brother more than life itself.
She adores her daddy.
She's really a pretty good helper at picking up all the toys.
She's infatuated with animals, and always apologizes when she's "mean" to the kitty.
She's polite....she always remembers to say "thank you," though she needs some prompting sometimes on "please."
She's pretty laid back.
She goes to bed easily.
She doesn't want to get out of her crib yet (I think she feels safe in there!), which means we only have to worry about ONE early riser making a mess before waking us up.
She has an incredible sense of adventure and is always up for trying new activities.
She's a good eater (if it's chicken, chicken, chicken, fries, green beans, chicken, or chicken!)
She loves her grandmothers, and can't wait to see them whenever she can.
She names her stuffed animals.
She loves stuffed animals more than I do.
She'll climb into bed with us and sing us songs at 1 am.

She's awesome. And I look at her and I think, "wow you're so much like me and yet you're so different." She's beautiful. She's loving. She's kind (usually). And I'm lucky for the fact that God chose HER to complete our little family.

I love you Zoe Pie Kicky Pants!!

No Words

2008-06-16T19:40:00.003-05:00

More Than Meets The Eye....

2008-06-13T22:57:00.003-05:00

So, Daniel is obsessed with Transformers...all things Transformers.....all the time. Today at Target I found the new Transformers Animated toys and t-shirt!! (This is Grimlock, Dinobot!) PS his shirt plays the cartoon theme song, he was so excited!!!!

When You Can Manage To Sneak Up Effectively.......

2008-06-08T19:43:00.003-05:00

You get rewarded with priceless photographs.......

(here Daniel is saying "Mommy Zoe is stinky pants," and Zoe said "Sorry buddy, I just tooted!" HAHAHAHAHA!!!! A Mommy's life is never dull....

Sometimes You Just Need A Reminder.....(Scroll Down & Turn Off Music)

2008-06-08T19:34:00.001-05:00

Things I Think

2008-06-05T20:19:00.003-05:00

I think....

...Eventually you gotta shut up and start walkin....

...If you have to hold your pants up when you run across the street maybe you otta buy smaller pants....and a BELT....

...Baseball is a great sport....

...BARACK OBAMA will be the next President of the USA....if I have anything to say about it!!....
...My life is better for having had my children....

...Driving is one of those thingsthat is most over-rated....

...If you drive a big gas guzzling vehicle and you're not willing to change (not that you're not ABLE to change, but you just don't WANT to) then you don't get to gripe about the price of gas....

...It's weird to congregate outside around a bunch of cars when you're not at a car show, a family reunion, or in the country....

...All gyms should require that their members take a gym ettiquette class where they learn to remove the weights from their machines when they're done with them instead of leaving them for the next person to do....

...I hate windy weather....

...Semi-trucks should be outlawed....

...D/FW needs a mass transit system that works....

...I'd like to live in NYC for a year or two, just to see what it's like....

...I'd like to live in LA for a year or two, just to see what it's like....

...I'll be a single digit dress/pant size by the end of the year....

...Whoever invented bras must have been a masochist....

...Tennis shoes never last me long enough, I always wear them out way faster than other people I know....

...Sometimes you just have to eat the whole bag of microwave popcorn....

...Tornadoes are the scariest of all weather phenomena.....except maybe the tsunami....

...Old friends are awesome....

...New friends are incredible....

...The smell of sunscreen on my childrens' bodies is the sweetest smell on earth....

...I am the luckiest woman alive....

Not Very Good, But VERY Funny!

2008-06-03T17:52:00.003-05:00

Ran across these in one of my old picture albums....they're pictures of pictures so they're obviously not great. But some of you who read this blog might recognize yourselves!!! Awesome...they had to be in 1990, 1991, maybe 1989....enjoy!!

Kid Pics

2008-06-01T20:15:00.003-05:00

Tens....

2008-05-29T19:35:00.004-05:00

It's been seven years and 3 days since I got married. In just one month and six days it will be 12 years since our first "date." In ten days it will be 8 years since he asked me to marry him. In honor of that, here are some tens :

Ten things I love :
1. My God
2. My kids
3. My husband
4. My Memaw
5. My mom
6. My friends
7. My animals
8. My career
9. Snow
10. Snuggling in front of the fire

Ten Places I Want To Visit :
1. Italy
2. Peru
3. India
4. England
5. Ireland
6. Spain
7. Holy Land
8. Japan
9. Australia
10. Egypt

Ten Jobs I'd Love To Try
1. Shark Expert
2. Sea World Trainer
3. Bobsledder
4. Professional Skiier
5. Hair designer to the stars
6. Couture Fashion Designer
7. Big Cat Trainer
8. Survivalist (is that the right word?)
9. Nature Documentarian
10. Olympic Athlete

Ten Jobs I Wouldn't Ever Want To Try :
1. Big Cat Pooper Scooper
2. Alligator Trainer
3. Cockroach Wrangler
4. The Deadliest Catch Guys (you'd never catch me out on that boat!)
5. Beefeater
6. Cupbearer
7. Executioner
8. Pig Wrassler
9. Construction Worker
10. Sewage Worker

Ten Songs I Love :
1. "Vincent" by Don McLean
2. "Cinderella" by Steven Curtis Chapman
3. "I Am" by Mark Schultz
4. "Amazin" by Aerosmith
5. "That's My Job" by Conway Twitty
6. "Grandpa" by The Judds
7. "Bubbly" by Colbie Callait
8. "Hallelujah" by Jeff Buckley (though I must admit I loved Jason Castro's version on AI...)
9. "Thriller" by Michael Jackson
10. "Rocketman" by Elton John

Ten Things (completely materialistic) I Can't "Live Without:"
1. Spaghetti
2. Cute sunglasses
3. Great smelling bodywash
4. Lotions
5. Mexican food
6. My new Tom Tom
7. My dreams
8. Shopping
9. School Spirit (I'm so glad Daniel's going to SCS and I love TCU!!)
10. Awesome shoes

Ten Things I'm Looking Forward To This Year :
1. RN license/Nursing Degree
2. Daniel starting REAL school
3. Zoe starting school
4. Christmas!
5. Turning 29
6. Matt & Karen's wedding (what can I say I'm a sucker for weddings and happy peeps!)
7. Meeting Joel and Stephie's new baby boy
8. Meeting Amanda & James' new baby boy
9. Disneyworld at New Years
10. Couple's Getaway at Gaylord Texan

Ten Things I'm NOT Looking Forward To This Year :
1. Daniel starting REAL school
2. TESTS
3. Zoe turning 3 (though I'm loving how awesome she is.....but it's sad that my baby will be 3!)
4. The UNKNOWN
5. I can't think of anything else, I'm so filled with hope for the rest of this year!!

Ten Things I've Realized Lately :
1. God's timing is perfect....but our patience is not
2. I have the three most important things I ever wished for/wanted in my life : A Strong Faith, A son and younger daughter, and a loving husband who loves God more than he loves me.
3. When I look at those three things, I realize that there is nothing in this world that matter as much as that, and I thank God daily for fulfilling those dreams
4. Patience is a virtue, and I'm still not all that virtuous!
5. I love working out with my husband
6. I really hate driving....and don't knkow why I was so excited to do it when I turned 16
7. Just because i'm a careful and cautious driver doesn't mean everyone else is....
8. Letting Go and Letting God is harder than it sounds
9. Some people go on reality competition shows just to get their faces on TV and I think the producers shouldn't waste America's time fulfilling those wishes
10. I probably watch too much tv....

Ten Things On My To Do List :
1. Laundry
2. Clean bathrooms
3. Sweep and mop
4. Vacuum
5. Bathe the cat
6. Take a bath
7. Mow the lawn
8. Go to grocery store
9. Dust
10. Clean out the fridge

Well that was fun. I like writing stuff!! Hope y'all are having great days!!

5.26.08

2008-05-26T10:02:00.004-05:00

Seven years?? How is that possible?? It literally seems like only a few years (guess I have to say at least 4 though it doesn't feel even THAT long but since Daniel's four......). I'm so thankful that you chose ME all those years ago. I'm glad God saw fit to bring the two of us together. It's been a wild and bumpy ride. We've had our ups, we've had more than what I would consider to be our fair share of downs, and through it all...here we are. I've watched you grow into a strong, caring, selfless Daddy. I've watched the gentleness with which you've handled a preemie newborn, and I've seen the careful "rough housing" you do with our rambunctious 4 year old. Your heart is huge, and God has a plan for us and for you. God. I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to know that He is fully in the driver's seat of our marriage. To know that even if we stumble, it's OK because He's there....guiding us, protecting us, and keeping us safe every step of the way.

I want to say thank you. Thank you for being there for me during the roughest time of my entire life, and for persevering. Thank you for holding my hand, and for understanding when I became a mother for the first time, and for persevering through that. Thank you for being such an amazing Daddy to Daniel and Zoe. Thank you for remembering ME, too! I'm sorry for all the times I've let you down in the past, and for all the times I'm sure will come in the future though I promise to try never to let you down.

We've both changed....a LOT......in seven years, but the one thing that remains constant throughout all of that change is our love for each other. Yes, it grows and changes, but it's always there and it's always recognizable as a pure gift from God.

I love you. And I thank GOD every day that you're the man who chose to marry me....all those years ago.

Wow, Can I Just Say................SAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (TV Spoilers So Beware!!!!)

2008-05-19T23:51:00.004-05:00

3 disappointments in television (yes, I know that I'm lame that I watch THIS MUCH TV but hey it's great distraction!!) :

1. "Moonlight" was cancelled by CBS....HOW STUPID CAN YOU GET!!!! There is NOTHING on tv on Friday nights and they cancel the one show that actually had my DVR going that night? Stupid, CBS, just stupid....now i just hope USA or CW pick it up......

2. The season finale of "Bones......" This is my number one favorite show right now, and they had me crying tonight!!! COME ON PEOPLE....................Not that he's my favorite character or anything, but ZACK?!?!?!?!?!?! Puh-leeeez couldn't it have at least been Sweets??? Seriously. And WTH was up with the tear jerking Boothe's funeral?!?!?! Way to get me going, Fox, thanks alot!

3. "Desperate Housewives" season finale.....fast forward five years.....what the HELL was that all about??? Is next season really going to jump five years forward??!?! That's a little like um, gee, I dunno.....jumping over a great white?

Some Bummers on TV :

1. "Grey's Anatomy...." Good on ya Addison for calling Meredith out "so help me, Meredith, if you let him ride off with that doe-eyed thing....." YESSSSSSSS so even the writers can't stand sappy, syrupy Rose. Boo. 2 Hours of traumatic and dramatic season finale.....and I have to wait until Thursday?!?!?! YEESH.

2. The season finale of "House..........." Number 3 fav show on TV......and again, I say WTH??? First, we have to watch the gut wrenching epic saga of House/Wilson/Amber, which ends in the most tragic of all ways, then we have to see 13 find out that she's positive for Huntington's? (Sorry if you watch these shows but haven't yet....I warned ya!) What a depressing finale....and then to find out that Wilson probably hates House, and blames him for everything, but THANK YOU writers, for showing us a truly human side of House......with the tears, the "I don't want to leave because there's no pain here," and his genuine concern (albeit in his head) that he hurt Wilson. Yay for humanity!

3. "The Bachelorette" though I'm looking forward to it (what is better to watch than 25 desperate women???? 25 desperate men!!!!) I'm sorry to say that my fav from the beginning might not make it to the finals....but we'll see (look out ladies, I'm predicting Jason the Daddy as the winner, though most likely he won't because I'm never right about those things....)

I love to watch TV. I love to escape reality into shows, and some of these shows I've been watching for awhile and I simply enjoy watching them.

My top 6 shows right now :

1. Bones
2. Grey's Anatomy
3. House
4. CSI/Tudors (sorry y'all it's a tie)
5. Desperate Housewives
6. Moonlight (which will be replaced on this list by Ugly Betty if someone doesn't pick up the show since it got cancelled)

Shows I miss on TV :

1. Surface
2. Invasion
3. October Road (got attached last season, now I'll miss it in the fall)
4. The Practice
5. The Cosby Show
6. Beverly Hills 90210

Newly discovered gems of TV :

1. Man Vs Wild
2. Raw Nature

Secret TV shows I like :

1. American Idol/SYTYCD/America's Next Great Band (or whatever it was called)/any reality show where "superstardom" is "on the line"
2. Bachelor/Bachelorette/Rock of Love/Reality dating shows where each night promises to be "the most dramatic in history" :)
3. Transformers Animated (I get more enjoyment out of watching these every Saturday with Daniel than he'll ever know)
4. Family Guy....sometimes, not all the time, but sometimes this show gets it right and I can't stop laughing.....other times, not so much
5. Those old made-for-TV movies that were on when I was a tween and into my teenage years (they're usually only shown one of three places : Lifetime, Lifetime Movie Network, or Hallmark Channel)

So there you go.....I love TV!

*edited with apologies to ABC for lambasting the wrong network for cancelling "Moonlight"

Mother's Day BBQ

2008-05-18T12:14:00.002-05:00

Zoe in her "pretty-ful" blue dress
Dancing with her buddy
She decided which shoes to wear....can you tell?! :)
Daniel and Lucy....awwwwww how cute!!

Dreams, Hopes, Aspirations.....

2008-05-14T20:36:00.002-05:00

I am watching "American Idol" right now. And the theme of Syesha's little video seems to be "dreams," which got me thinking about my dreams. My dreams have always been fairly simple. I think. But here are my current dreams/hopes/aspirations....tell me if they're "simple" or not!

1. Do a Triathlon
2. Save Lives
3. Be Happy, every single day
4. Give my children everything
5. Be on "American Gladiators"
6. Own an M6
7. Take a summer long tour of Europe
8. I hope to one day visit the Holy Land
9. Adopt a child
10. Know love every single day
11. Help my children achieve their dreams

I LOVE YOU.......

2008-05-13T21:26:00.003-05:00

.....husband
.....kids
.....family
.....friends
.....gym
.....job
.....training
.....baseball
.....goals
.....dreams
.....inspiration
.....love

I'm starting training for a triathlon....I'll blog about this more later, but suffice it to say :

I'M GOING TO BE TIRED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mommy's Day

2008-05-11T21:35:00.003-05:00

Today is the 100th Anniversary of Mother's Day. We celebrated by having a cook out here at our house. It was fun, my mom made very tasty pork chops. I love my children, my husband, my mom, my Memaw, my friends. It's truly a reminder to be Blessed and Thankful this time of year.

Please, please, PLEASE send up special prayers on behalf of Michael.....please pray that all goes his way in the coming weeks. Thank you!!

Happy Mother's Day to all you moms reading this post!!!

Have You Been Paying Attention?

2008-05-08T10:39:00.001-05:00

Well you should have. The future of our Country, nay our nation is on the line. This Democratic Primary race has been an astonishing one. It's had major highs, major lows, and it's hit every note in between.There is no doubt in my mind that it is time for REAL CHANGE. Not empty promises. Not half-baked ideas. Not politics as usual. CHANGE we can COUNT ON.

Hillary Clinton, loved her husband....cannot STAND her. Never actually thought I'd say this, but she is SO WRONG for this country. Those of us who might actually have thought it would be like giving Bill another run....well, not so much, no. The mud slinging, the tearing down of her fellow PARTY members?!?! WTH Hillary? Seriously. COME ON why are you doing the other party's job FOR THEM???? UGH....step down and stop the madness please.

John McCain???? Are they FOR REAL?!?!?!?! Over 25% of Republicans voting in the on-going primaries are voting for anyone and everyone BUT John McCain. I liked this guy....back like oh I don't know 8 years ago? Seriously. Elect him and it's Bush Term Numero Tres. No thank you. It's time to say good bye to the politics as usual. Time to say good bye to greedy war mongerers who would have us continually send our young men and women to DIE in vain for some trumped up idea of "Freedom." (Sorry folks, but FREEDOM is kind of like that old saying about horses and water....you can't rub someones nose in your own idea of what "freedom" is...one man's "FREEDOM" is another man's "OPPRESSION.") Tax breaks for the wealthiest. Gas prices topping $4 a gallon (and potentially DOUBLE that in the next 2 years!??!)....it's time to stop lining the pockets of double speakers like the president and his veep. (Both of whom are PROFITING from these gas prices that are killing us little guys.)

It's time to get behind Barack Obama. It's time to stop the pandering. Stop the lobbying for useless causes. Let's get behind this man who genuinely seems to believe that he can deliver the things he promises. I'm supporting him because I KNOW in my heart of hearts that he's the right guy for the job. No, not just "guy," PERSON. End of story. It's not that I don't think America's "ready" for a female President....but she's the not the right choice to lead this country. Barack IS. He's the real deal. Genuine, sincere, and RIGHT.

Democrats, Republicans, Moderates, Conservatives, Liberals, WHOEVER you are....it's time to get on the Change Train and get behind Obama. He's the one with the potential to get us back on track. Alternate energy sources, reduction in taxes (for those of us who'd actually appreciate them), health care for EVERYONE.....seriously. Come on people. Open your eyes.

Democrats ---- STOP THE DERISION. Why can't we unite behind ONE candidate?? Why does it have to be all about bad mouthing Obama? I don't know many Obama supporters who waste their time spreading gossip about Hillary. The high road. I like that road, it's got a great view. All Hillary is doing is furthering herself as a petty, malicious woman. It's time to get our candidate and get behind him. It's time for America to be able to know WHO to vote for!

In the words of a great song, "Let's get together yeah yeah yeah...."

Favorite Things....

2008-05-06T18:08:00.003-05:00

A lot of the blogs I read do "Friday Favorites," or "Thursday Things" or some day dedicated to their favorites. I decided to do it randomly today.

1. Working out with Michael. I love it because it forces me into the gym, and the kids have fun in the kids club area!
2. Trinity Trails. It's amazing. So cool that we have that place right in our backyard. (NOT cool = 2 hours on the Trinity Trails running/jogging/walking WITHOUT sunscreen)
3. Littman Stethoscopes. I don't care what anyone says I can hear better with my Littman than I can with anything else (except maybe that acoustically assisted one from Holland that costs like a bazillion dollars or something)
4. QT. Not only do they usually have the least expensive gas, but their drink selection is awesome -- they have COKE ZERO CHERRY on tap!! And I love their "Mighty Mocha with EXTRA caffeine" on their coffee bar.
5. G2 gatorade. Tastes good, a LOT less calories than regular gatorade. Really awesome.
6. My favorite shows on TV : Bones, Grey's Anatomy, CSI, House, Desperate Housewives, Moonlight, Ugly Betty, Women's Murder Club (I'm a James Patterson fan).
7. I have a new fascination : Bear Grylls. "Man Vs Wild." Check it out...this guy is NUTS-O! But really kind of makes me want to do what he does, minus the whole eating grubs thing....
8. Peru. I want to go to Peru.
9. India and Tibet. I WILL go to these countries....
10. Proactiv ..... It works. This stuff is the only thing in years that has helped clear up my complexion (I NEVER had acne until my hormones got all whacked out from getting pregnant the first time)
11. The fact that my husband and I are doing a diet/exercise regimen together....this will keep us both on track and accountable. Niiiiice.

Sometimes It's A Quiet Whisper....

2008-05-03T12:09:00.004-05:00

...And sometimes it's a shout. Without going into any identifiable detail (I don't want to violate any HIPAA rules), I want to tell you about an incredible experience I had yesterday. If you read my blog recently you're familiar with my feelings of inadequacy, turmoil, and self-pity. I found out yesterday that while I've been trying to do as the title of my blog says and Praise Him throughout the storm and maintain a positive outlook (and sometimes failing miserably), there is a very strong young man who is doing that very thing. And he's doing it with all the Grace of God. I met a young man (just a bit older than me) yesterday who suffers from an irreversible neurological disorder. Where most people would curse God, have pity parties, and even deny God's very existence, this young man has found that God is very real. He actually said, "I can't say this is the worst thing that's ever happened to me, in fact I might say it's the best thing that ever happened to me." He lives with his wife, step child, and gorgeous 2.5 year old son (whom I had the intense pleasure of meeting yesterday). Where many people would see a "disability" he sees an opportunity. An opportunity to spend days with his children. An opportunity to share God's love with people like me. An opportunity to find God around every corner. He doesn't wallow in self-pity, he doesn't blame God, he simply accepts and triumphs.

I realized something yesterday as I left his house. Self-pity is perhaps one of satan's greatest tools. After all, when we feel sorry for ourselves, it's very easy for Christians to turn and pump their fist at God in an angry manner and shout, "how DARE you allow this to happen to ME!" And we ask, "what have I done to deserve this?" And we even sometimes have the audacity to question God's love for us. We become petulant children, pouting in the time out corner of life, and feeling sorry for ourselves for that unfair parent scolding us. We feel somehow as though Grace is our right, our birthright, if you will. But Grace is a gift. Most parents I know don't give presents or gifts to their ungrateful and pouty misbehaving children, but God does. I would never dream of rewarding one of Daniel or Zoe's temper tantrums with an awesome new present. But God does. Every day, in small ways, He rewards His children for their perseverance. Even when we don't "deserve" it. Life isn't fair. And thank goodness that in life's unfairness God gives Grace freely even when we are acting like ungrateful, pouty toddlers.

George Strait has a great new song out called "I Saw God Today."

His fingerprints are everywhere
I just slow down to stop and stare
Open my eyes and man I swear,
I saw God today.

God's love should be evident to us every day in life's small things. A flower that is blooming unexpectedly in the midst of chaos. A fluffy white cloud that shades your children as they play outside. A beautiful butterfly that lands on the windowsill near where you're sitting. Your children catching and releasing lady bugs. A friend that calls (or leaves a comment on your blog/myspace/facebook) out of the blue, just to let you know they were thinking about you. Your children sharing with each other.

And God's love is evident even in the midst of everything. Even when we don't deserve it. Even when we have questioned His love for us. I have realized that God works miracles for us, when we least expect it. In our lowest moments, when He knows that we are at our breaking point, He uses our family and friends to reach out to us and hug us. He sends unexpected job offers. He sends old (and new!) friends your way. He sends a fuzzy bumblebee to buzz lazily along and make you smile. God even uses non-believers to reinforce His love for you.

The greatest tools God has used in my life lately are my children and my Memaw. My Memaw is the embodiment of Christ's Love. She loves me and forgives me over and over and over, especially when I don't deserve it. My children love me unconditionally, and though that could potentially change as they grow into teenagers, and I hope to model Christ's Love to them the same way Memaw has modeled it to me.

I just tried to utilize God's example when Zoe threw a fit just this minute. I have repeatedly asked her not to terrorize the cat. She did it again. I punished her, she cried (screamed really), and instead of further punishment I realized she had reached her breaking point (taking into account the fact that she doesn't feel well, she's only 2, and other environmental factors), and I scooped her up into my arms, held her close, whispered "I love you" into her ear, and rewarded her. I asked her if she would like to watch "Enchanted," and she immediately straightened her face said "yes!" with such joy on her face, hugged me, went over to the kitty and patted him on the head (gently, I must add), said "I sorry Mambo," and asked nicely for her Princess chair to watch her Princess movie. Wow. Even though it's NOTHING compared to the immeasurable gift of Grace, I still felt good. Sometimes giving a little gift to someone who doesn't "deserve" it feels really good.

So thank you, God. Thank you for your Grace that surpasses all understanding. Thank you for sticking with us even when we're ungrateful. Even when we wallow in self pity. Even when we dare to question your love for us. Thank you for constantly reminding us in your little (and BIG) ways that you DO love us, and that you DO feel pain when punishment is doled out. Thank you.

One More Mindless Thing....

2008-04-29T15:41:00.002-05:00

I thought it would be fun. This is not a "tag" but if you would like to copy and paste, then add your own one-word answers, I'd LOVE to read yours! Leave a comment and tell me if you do one.

1. Where is your cell phone? purse
2. Your significant other? soulmate
3. Your hair? ponytail
4. Your mother? old (hahahahahaha just kidding mom!)
5. Your father? douchebag
6. Your favorite thing? cuddling
7. Your dream last night? bizarre
8. Your favorite drink? margarita
9. Your goal or dream? harmony
10. The room you're in? kitchen
11. Your kids? blessings
12. Your fear? obesity
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? CCMC
14. Where were you last night? working
15. What you're not? content
16. Muffins? orange-cranberry
17. One of your wish list items? abdominoplasty
18. Where you grew up? Texas
19. The last thing you did ? shopping
20. What are you wearing? scrubs
21. Your TV? dlp
22. Your pets? annoying ;)
23. Your computer? junkheap
24. Your life? confusing
25. Your mood? contemplative
26. Missing someone? always
27. Your car? wagon
28. Something you're not wearing? make-up
29. Favorite Store? target
30. Your summer? busy
31. Like someone? yes
32. Your favorite color? Purple
33. When is the last time you laughed? lunch
34. Last time you cried? midnight
35. The person who sent this to you? kristen
36. Who will/would resend this? ?
37. A good book? Confessions Of An Economic Hit Man
38. A good movie? Cloverfield
39. A good song? Unflooded
40. One word to share? Dream

A Rose By Any Other Name.....

2008-04-29T15:34:00.002-05:00

What's in a Name. . .

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME (first pet, current car): OdieFocus
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME (fave ice cream flavor, favorite type of shoe): Mint Naughty Monkey
3. YOUR NATIVE AMERICAN NAME (favorite color, favorite animal): Purple Dolphin
4. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME (middle name, city where you were born): Nicole Waco
5. YOUR STAR WARS NAME (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 of your first name): Newco
6. SUPERHERO NAME (2nd favorite color, favorite drink): Pink Margarita
7. NASCAR NAME (the first names of your grandfathers): Kenneth Ishmael
8. STRIPPER NAME ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent,favorite candy): Ooh La La Sweet Tarts
9. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME (your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter): Tabor Toronto
10. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower): Christmas Lily
11. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing rightnow): Strawberry Scrub Pants
12. HIPPIE NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree): Coffee Magnolia

My Random Reality Thoughts...And More....

2008-04-25T22:25:00.003-05:00

1. Yes, I'll admit it -- I watched faithfully "Rock of Love 2" on VH1. And I have to say this -- I hope Bret Michaels and Ambre are happy. I mean truly happy. I watched this couple and I've gotta say from everything I saw they look like the perfect match!! Best of Luck to them!! :)

2. American Idol -- Sorry y'all but I cannot stand Syesha. I think her voice is whiny, shouty, and "pitchy." I think Paula Abdul is coo coo for cocoa puffs, and it's WAAAAAY past time for her to leave. (I think Mariah Carey's available...) I thought "Andrew Lloyd Webber Week" was a horrible idea, though I think the world of him and his work. I thought David Cook was terrible. Brooke White is my favorite, followed closely by Jason Castro. I'd actually buy their albums, which is something I've yet to do! I hope Syesha goes home next week. I actually thought Carly had talent, and was sorry to see her go. David Archuleta is truly talented but I tend to believe that his dad is pushy. I can't stand the stage parents.

3. The Bachelor "London Calling" -- I hope he picks Shayne. She makes me laugh, and I truly believe she's in it "for him." But this is honestly the first season of that show where NONE of the girls have been "bad" choices. The girl who's freaky about public displays of affection is a little weird, but hey....whatever. I wish he'd ditched her last week instead of Noelle, she seemed so genuine.

4. TMZ -- my husband is obsessed with this show. I cann't stand papparazzi, but this show makes me laugh. I wonder if I should become a papparazzi....is there money in that?

And now, for the "More...."

My children get cuter every day.

I'm working basically full time home health right now and it's....um, different....

I do NOT get "Dancing With The Stars."

I love working out with my husband every night while our kiddos play in the "Kids Klub."

I want to learn ballroom dancing.

I like to grill outside

I would like to move to NYC

I would like to move to San Diego

I would also like to move to Wyoming

My next house will be way out in the country

I can't wait to be able to afford a tummy tuck with some three area lipo

Guess that's about it....

Hope y'all have a wonderful weekend.

Still Feeling Forlorn, But Hey I'm Only Human

2008-04-20T18:58:00.004-05:00

So my sad post has stayed up there long enough. No, I'm not clinically in need of medications, I'm in need of a big old dose of Vitamin G --- Grace. And a hefty serving of Patience. I need to realize that I am not on my own timeline here, and the obstacles and stumblings are simply tools to grow with. I know I'm incapable of doing anything on my own, that God is the one Father we can never leave (nor should we try), and despite the fact that I oftentimes feel completely alone He is still there. Even in the sorrowful times, even through the pain, I do know He's with me. Though I don't understand His plan for my life, and I don't really get why He allows me to be dumped on, I'm on the ride for the long haul and don't plan on getting off anytime soon.

So with that, I'll leave you with pics of my special and sweet Blessings --- my children and my family!

Lightning in the clouds above our neighbors' houses during the Terrible Thunderstorm/Tornado Scare 2008

Me & Michael at The LADE Show @ Aardvark on the 18th

Me & Zoe at Memaw's house today....we had special guests all the way from San Diego!!

Daniel & Daddy at Memaw's today

Zoe explains the intricacies of catching ladybugs in a big plastic container to Uncle Farrell (all the way from San Diego!)

I Need Your Prayers....

2008-04-15T22:48:00.003-05:00

...for my spirit is drained and my soul is empty. I need the bolstering feeling of being washed with prayer by Righteous people, and I know that Righteous people read this blog. I don't feel like going into deep details now, nor will I ever, but suffice it to say that I cannot praise Him today. I feel abandoned, lost, and lonely. I look at my children, and know that a God who is supposed to love me a hundred million times more than I love them is allowing me to suffer in ways I would never allow my children to suffer. It is within His Almighty Power to take this all away, yet He chooses to remain silent. I have been as strong as I can, and I have broken. I am at the base of the cliffs, beaten to a bloody pulp, and drowning in the waves. I can no longer keep my head above the water, and I cry out for help. I turn my eyes upward yet there is no help coming. I have heard the line about no more than I can handle, and I find it hogwash. Nobody should be asked to bear these burdens. Yet here I am, no longer standing. I can not handle this, the yoke is too great to bear, and yet I feel that He is unwilling to take it from me. I do not know why a God who loves me would allow me to suffer continually like this, when I have given control to Him and now I am worse off than I was before. I have leaned on Everlasting Arms and I feel as though I have been dropped. God help me I do not want to feel this way. Save me, O Lord from this misery that you are witnessing. I ask all things in Your name, as you have told me to do and here I am, waiting. Wondering. Where have you gone?

I Am So Sorry....

2008-04-13T12:29:00.006-05:00

Bad Courtney!!! I really have to learn how to budget my time better :)

There actually have been some pretty big changes in our lives. Well, Ok really just me -- I just put in my 2 weeks notice at my office job. I couldn't deal with the way the office manager got it into her head to manipulate everyone in the office, especially me, and how I was so STUPID as to fall for it. I'm too good, I'm too smart, and I'm too talented to waste my time dealing with her. But dang I'm going to miss those doctors. Talk about an amazing physician. If you or anyone you know is in the market for an Interventional Cardiologist let me know -- I know the best one out there.

I'm thinking the job change will be good for me, as I'm going to do Home Health full time. It's flexible, it allows me to have days off when I need them, and allows me to budget my time to be able to work out daily, spend more time with my kids, and not stress so hard about money and working 6-7 days a week to make ends meet. Anyway, I HOPE it's a good change!

Daniel got a haircut yesterday!! (I actually got one two nights earlier and he loved it and said, "mom I need a haircut too!") It's super short, and it's going to take some adjustment but he looks so awesome now.

Daniel is going to SCS next year. I'm flabbergasted by that, but it's true. I can't believe it. I can't believe he's old enough for school, let alone MY old school!! He'll be going 3 days a week, full days. And then a year later he'll start Kindergarten there and Zoe will start the 4 year old class. Where did the time go?

Michael's band, LADE, performed at the Ridglea last night. It was an awesome show, there is some real talent in that band!! If you're interested come out and see them next Friday at the Aardvark.

LADE rules. Just ask Zoe :)

So Proud....

2008-03-29T15:04:00.001-05:00

Yes, that's Michael's band playing LIVE at the Ridglea last weekend! Catch them there again on the 12th at 10:30 that night!! (PS you will want to scroll down and turn off the music before you listen to them play!!)

Easter Bunnies

2008-03-26T21:01:00.004-05:00

Our little Easter bunnies were fabulous. I love my children so much, it's unreal. Here are some pics :

Cars

2008-03-19T22:27:00.002-05:00

Michael and I have the worst possible luck with cars. His won't start or stop unless you put in or take out one certain fuse, the brake lights are constantly lit up, and at any moment it is going to just stop working, I know it. Mine overheated and died the other night, it took almost an hour to get it home from TCU, and it is now in the shop determining whether or not it was the ENGINE that had problems?! Just when I swear nothing else can happen....and of course we cannot get him or me a new car. Seriously, what next?

In other news, Michael's band makes HIS debut Saturday night at the Ridglea Theatre on Camp Bowie at 7. You should totally go.