Rejoicing in my suffering

Well truth be known, I really don't know anyone who rejoices while suffering.

And right now I'm down deep in it. Sunk right to the bottom, I feel as if I can't get any lower.

But in the midst of all of this suffering, I called one of my dearest friends, Beth.

She is always completely and totally honest. She is pretty amazing and I am blessed to have her in my life.

After a good talking and crying to her. And then me listening to her responses, she had the best one.

GO TO CHURCH!

And that is what I did last night. I went to church and sat right by her.

And what does the preacher open up with...Joy isn't from circumstance. It is from the One who gives grace and mercy no matter the circumstance.

I was blown away. I looked at Beth and she looked at me and she wrote me a note that said, I didn't talk to him, I swear!

I just told her it was God. He knew what I needed to hear and when.

Then we proceed to get into this...

We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance builds character, and character gives hope. Because God has poured out his love into our hearts...Romans 5:3-5

If that isn't a God wink moment then I don't know what is. My mother in law always says that suffering is God building character in you. She couldn't be more right.

I really really really needed to hear this.

Funny how I called Beth on my way home yesterday and we talked about some very honest and very deep stuff. She said some very up front things to me. But I needed to hear those things.

She also told me she had been praying for me, Hubs, and the boys.

Wanna know what she was praying, that God would grab mine or our attention and bring us back to church.

Let me just say that a certain sports activity has taken over our weekends, including Sunday mornings.

Again, blown away.

And to let God know, not that he doesn't already, I am listening and waiting to do as you ask.

Doggie Drama

Yesterday we had a bit of doggie drama at my house.

And I'll be honest I don't like doggie drama. I don't like car drama either. Or basically I don't like any drama.

I let Cookie out yesterday morning to take care of her business and when we scratched at the back door I let her back in.

I noticed right away she kept blinking her right eye and it was watering. She was also keeping it closed most of the time.

Hubs said it would be fine but my mothering instincts said different.

I called my friend Christi, who is a vet, my vet, and told her what was going on and she told me what to do.

Flush Cookie's eye out with saline and see if I see anything. She also said that it was probably scratched and I would have to take her in.

So I flushed out her eye and didn't see anything. I put her in her crate and left for work. All day I worried about her and if she was in pain.

Hubs came home around 2:30 and told me her eye was swollen and still looked bad. I left work and came took Cookie to a local vet that I trust.

Sure enough her cornea was scratched. And because of that injury her iris was swollen and causing her to keep it shut.

So an hour and three medicines later we left the vet's office.

I only have one thing to say about this whole experience.

When are they going to get co-payment for the vet's office?

Free Enterprise

The week before school let out R1's grade had what they call Free Enterprise Day.

A month ago a note came home about this day and what was required.

Each student had to come up with and idea, make the idea, 27 times to be exact, come up with a name for their product and a slogan, and then sell to fellow classmates.

They sold them for fake money.

R1 said he wanted to make pencil holders out of coke cans. (That was a great idea!)

Hubs cut the top off. R1 turned them upside down and spray painted them. Then I took felt and hot glued it along the top rim to hide the jagged edges.

He painted the boys blue with red felt. And the girls, hot pink with zebra felt.

Needless to say he sold them all. He was super excited.

And they also received extra fake money to purchase items from the other students.


Getting started


Shopping around



Going, going...


GONE!

Masters

Well we know that I am not the master of regular blog posts. I didn't put up anything Friday and almost didn't put up anything today.

I got up a few minutes extra this morning to put up a post but Blogger was down. And the reason I didn't have it up and ready to go this morning was Hubs had the lap top.

We have another computer, I'm just partial to the MAC. That and Hubs is now working on his Masters in Education. He started back just a few weeks ago. So I am sure this means he will be hogging the MAC.

One of his assignments was to create a blog. Go figure! And he was trying to get into Blogger last night and it was down, which goes back to how I knew Blogger was down last night.

Anyway, I think the only things I think I need to master today are the following.

1. Doing the laundry, we have a ton of it.
2. Going to a friends baby shower tonight.
3. Trying to recoup from the heat this weekend. It was HOT and HUMID!

Y'all have a great Monday!

Lack of and proud of

Well Hubs and Coach J slept on the roof last night.

There were even some bad storms that forced them inside for a while.

They are so awesome for keeping their promise to their students.

But while they slept, I didn't.

I must admit, I don't sleep well when Hubs is gone. And thank goodness it's not very often. That and coupled with two boys wanting to sleep in my bed with me. Well you get the picture.

So today, I'm just kinda winging it. I do believe that a very strong cup of coffee is in order.

Y'all have a great day.

The bet

Most of you Hubs is a teacher.

A fifth grade teacher to be exact. I would tell you what subject but then I would either have to kill you or have your computer self destruct. And being that I am not really a violent person and I want you to be able to still come back and read this blog, I will just leave well enough alone.

Anyway

He and another teacher bet their 5th graders that if they scored better than 92% on their TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) test they would sleep on the roof of the school.

Guess what, the 5th graders scored 94%! That's awesome.

And yes Hubs and the other teacher are going to sleep on the roof.

I just hope it doesn't rain.

Back to reality

So I have only been on a mini vacation for a week. But what a busy week it was.

My aunt came in to visit from New York. I seriously don't know who had more fun her or the boys. I'm glad she got to come and I'm even more thrilled she had a good time.

We had something planned everyday.

Thursday- She had to go for her weekly blood work, then we went to lunch and the to HEB. It doesn't sound like it would take all day but it did.

Friday- R1 had his free enterprise project at school and we went and I will post pictures later, promise.

Saturday and Sunday- the usual, baseball. I'm just glad that our tournament was here and we didn't have to drive a long way off.

My parents even came down for the game and a quick visit. I even have proof that sister and brother did sit by one another and no one exploded. They are so much alike, it's scary!

Monday- Aunt P wanted to take us for breakfast and then take the boys to Toys R Us. And then of course we went on the search for TEXAS souvenirs, because you know she just had to bring them back home.

Hubs grilled dinner for us and it was FABULOUS!

We had rib-eye steaks, Orange Roughy fish, baked potatoes, fresh corn, and strawberry short cake for dessert.

And while I'm sad the week has ended and I have to go back to reality, I could really use another day to recoup.

Hope y'all had a wonderful Memorial Day and have a great week.

Memorial Day

Today is Memorial Day.

Let us not forget the reason we have today and why we celebrate.

Let us remember all of the soldiers past and present who fought to give us our freedom.

The ones who gave their lives and the families they left behind.

The ones on the front lines now who are missing their spouses and families and in return they are missing them.

Let us remember the past wars so that we may not repeat them.

Let us just remember what this day means for all of us.

And if you see a soldier today, thank them, they deserve so much more!

Holy Moly I need a break!

First off I need to apologize for being so scarce last week. I have missed each of you!

Things at work from crazy to down right lunacy. The first part of last week was OK, then we went into panic mode by Wednesday, then crisis mode for Thursday, then Friday was just down right critical. I couldn't run out of there fast enough on Friday.

And then you know when you get home other things just kinda take over and finding time to blog and comment on your favorite blogs just goes to the way side.

Anyway.

Work didn't get better and yesterday I felt as if I was sinking and and just when I thought I had pulled my self onto the life raft, I got pulled back down. But we made a huge dent in things and tomorrow should, maybe, keep your fingers crossed, be back to normal.

I probably shouldn't have just typed that, I just know I jinxed myself.

By the way, my Aunt is coming to visit from New York on Wednesday. She will be here till Tuesday of next week.

The last time I saw her, I was 6 1/2 months pregnant with R2. I flew with R1 and my parents to New York for my cousins wedding. Not such a great idea. Who ever said it was, didn't fly with me.

And the last time my aunt was in Texas was 13yrs ago for my wedding. Nothing's changed, it's still HOT!

I am so excited and so are the boys. I know she is, because when I talked to her yesterday, her bags were packed and ready.

I would like to say we have a ton of stuff planned for when she is here, but we don't. We are just going to wing it. Really the only thing we have planned is baseball.

She can't wait to watch R1 play and she can't wait to meet R2 finally, face to face.

Needless to say I will be taking some very much deserved time off.

I have a few pictures from R1's baseball tournament this past weekend that I want to show. I hoping to have them uploaded soon and up for Wednesday. After that, I'm taking some time off to spend with my aunt.

I hope each of you have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

Lemonade Stand

Yesterday after we got home R1's baseball tournament, R2 decided it was hot enough to have a lemonade stand.

He got out the cooler, his chair, a few plastic cups and some Capri Sun's.

He thought it would be easier if he used lemonade flavor Capri Sun's than to have me make some good old fashion Country Time Lemonade. That we didn't have any Country Time Lemonade.

He parked himself at the end of the drive and sat out in the heat. More power to him because after two days of being at the ball park in 90 degree weather which felt more like 127 all I wanted was some A/C.

But he sure did look cute!





Even Cookie wanted in on the action!


Hubs' Uncle came over
and purchased a glass of lemonade.

Chalk

Last night R2 and I were outside playing and he went and go the sidewalk chalk.

We sat on the drive way and just drew till we ran out of ideas for drawings.

Here is a sample what we came up with.







Y'all have a great weekend.

One of the lasts

Last night around 8:30 Space Shuttle Atlantis was docked to the International Space Station and flew right over my house.

Hubs, being the awesome science teacher he is, knew all the information and had all of us in the front yard waiting.

But he made the mistake of telling R2 about this around 7pm and we spent the next hour and a half with him asking, "Is it time yet?" All while he was looking out the window.

Anyway, I was the first in to see the shuttle. And I don't know why but I completely amazed with how fast it was flying. It took all of two minutes to come into view, fly over, and the proceed on past my house.

While actually not seeing anything it was very nostalgic to see it. It was one of the last three missions for the space shuttle program.

It's hard to believe that the space shuttle program is coming to an end. I was around 10 when the program started.

There are possibly two more chances to see the shuttle fly over before they are retired. And you can bet I will standing in my front yard waiting.

My 2010 Pre-K graduate

We are now the proud of household of a kindergartner.

And no tears were shed while this picture was being taken. Not even from his mama.

Way to go R2, your daddy and I are so proud of you!

Still just a bunch of nothing

I can not believe it is Sunday night. 10:49pm to be exact.

What I can not believe more is that weekend is gone.

It came, it went, it kicked my butt!

Saturday, I had to work, YUK. The university where I work had graduation and the department I work in requires us to work graduation. It was an all day thing. Lets just say I had to be there at 7:30am and did not get off until 4:30pm. I got home and Hubs had fried shrimp, french fries, mushrooms, hush puppies and pickles. I ate and then completely turned into a couch potato. I was brain dead.

This morning, I FINALLY GOT TO GO TO CHURCH!! Due to baseball we haven't been able to, and I was really missing my church family and friends. The service was awesome and one of my favorite songs was sung. What a great morning to be in the Lords house.

Then we came home, scarfed down lunch, Hubs took R1 to baseball practice. R2 and I worked in the yard.

I can honestly say it looks like someone lives here now. The yard is mowed, but not by me, Hubs took care of that last week. But the hedges are trimmed, the flower bed weeds are gone and the flower pots have been replanted. The porch and sidewalks have been blown off and the porch table has been washed, it was yellow with pollen. NASTY!

Any we spent all afternoon outside. I love to look back at the yard after it's been cleaned. I always feel like I accomplished something. To see how bad it was before and the how nice it looks after.

But I have to say I need another weekend, and quick. The inside of my house looks as if a tornado went through it.

Just a bunch of nothing

Yeah so I got nothing today. The end of school is just around the corner and life has become a blur of activities, parties, graduation, baseball, gifts, and so on.

So here are a few things that are on my agenda for the next few days.

This weekend the university where I work is having graduation. Two ceremonies to be exact. And I am required to work both. Something I am not happy about. I will be there ALL day Saturday.

R1 is off from baseball this weekend and R2 has a directors tournament. I'm not that upset about missing it. It will be quick and painless. I hope.

Sunday I would like to work in my yard. We have some shrubs that need to be trimmed WAY back and weeds that need to be pulled.

A mountain of laundry needs to be folded and put away. Hello...who has the laundry fairy?

I need to start thinking about teacher gifts. I know what I am getting I just need to find time to go over and get them.

R2 has pre-school graduation practice on Friday. Seriously, not kidding. Practice.

R1 has several things planned at school for which I need a calendar to keep it straight.

So what's going on in your world?

The 2010 Thunder

R2 has his final baseball game of the season last night. I have mixed feelings about the end. I love watching him play but then I now have only one to focus on getting to practices and tournaments.

Here are few shots from his season.

Field Day 2010

I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day.

R1 had field day at school on Friday. And I always take off and spend the day with him. Here are a few pictures from our day.

Tug-O-War


Potato Sack Race


Nuke 'Em


Washers


Kick Ball

Honestly honest

C of See Foxes gave me a blog award last week and I am just now getting around to posting it. Sorry Foxes.

I love reading her. She always has something great to say and she is so up-lifting, even in the midst of craziness.

What I am supposed to do is tell some honest things about myself. And then pass the award on.

So here it goes.

1. I love watching the boys play baseball. Like y'all didn't know.
2. I talk to my dad just about every day, we never go longer than two/three days with out talking.
3. My sister in law is one of my best friends. I love her to pieces.
4. I actually like my smile. My parents paid good money for ortho work so I smile alot.
5. I have clean bathroom OCD tendencies. I can't stand to walk by the boys bathroom and see toothpaste residue in the sink!
6. I love to get pedicures!
7. I can't stand wasps, bees, or any other insect that flies and stings!
8. I love to have everyone over to our house for get togethers
9. I like going to the lake and riding in the boat.
10. One day I would like to go storm chasing. I know crazy!

OK, now I have to pass this on.

Life with Kaishon
Smart, Strong, & Sexy
Tattered Hydrangeas
Charm House

These ladies are awesome. If you have a time go by and read them. And leave them a comment, I know they would appreciate it.

And for all of you mothers out there. I hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day filled with the ones you love.

Kindergarten, double digits, and a few tears

So Monday night I was sitting at the dinner table filling out a Kindergarten admissions packet.

My baby, R2, will be starting Kindergarten in August. And to add to that my other baby, R1, will be turning 10 this year. Double digits.

Anyway, as I sat there I started to think about the past and how fast time has flown since the boys were born.

For R1, when I took that walk down the Kindergarten hallway, I could not believe 5 years was gone. I blinked and poof he was five.

I held it together until I got back in the car and silent tears spilled from my eyes. I knew one day we would have another child so I could take that same walk but 5 years worth of memories came flooding back.

Like when I would take him to his sitter in the morning and he would hug me good bye and tell me to have a "gwait" day. Or when we rented a moon walk for his 3rd birthday and he said this was the best day of his life! When he and I would snuggle on Saturday mornings and watch cartoons.

Now in just a few short months he will turn 10. I'm not ready for this. He is, but I'm not.

I am so proud of him. Proud of who he is and who he has become. My heart swells and feels as if it will burst out of my chest when I think of him.

I know this all part of growing up but this mama just wants to hold that child close who still wants to snuggle with me and keep him chin high forever.

OK just thought you would like to know, big tears streaming down my face.

But now it's my baby's turn. My last walk down the Kindergarten hallway. Last time to have that tiny hand in mine as we walk in to see his teacher, who is so excited to see him she can hardly contain herself.

Once again I begin to think. About a sweet baby who would lay his head on my shoulder and I would drink in his baby smell. What happened to all the bottles, diapers, and baby food? Did he ever crawl or did he just start walking? When did he grow tall enough to turn on the bathroom light with out his step stool?

And like R1, he's ready, I'm not.

OK, I'm kinda ready. I'll be honest, I'm ready for no more daycare/preschool expense.

I'm ready to have them both with Hubs at school. And this will be the only year they will both be in the same school at the same time.

As much as I want to resist, I am excited to see the boys grow. Excited to see them accomplish things they try to do. I can not wait to see what life has in store for them.

But as I sat there with my memories, I could help but feel blessed. I have such a good life. A life filled with family, love, and laughter.

And in the end that is all I have ever wanted.

We are the champions, again!

No time for losers, 'cause we are the champions once again!


Guess I still can't get rid of the 80's theme.

R1 had a baseball tourney this weekend in Lake Charles, Louisiana. And the Storm baseball team is the Lake Charles Contraband 2010 champions.

The boys played great. All of them. We didn't lose one game. We were on fire!!

Here is R1 sliding into home to score another run.


And R1 made the best catch I have ever seen him make. A sliding catch from left field to make the third out of the inning.

It was a proud parent moment for this mama.

Anyway the weekend was great. And I'm ready for the next tournament on Mother's Day weekend.

Put me in coach I'm ready to play

Look at me I can be centerfield!

Yeah I know, kinda lame for a retro theme but who doesn't love that song by John Fogerty.

And yes we have another baseball filled weekend.

And yes it's going to rain all weekend! I will be sitting at the ballpark with my umbrella and zebra print rain boots. Nothing says fashion like a pair of zebra print rain boots and some shorts.

Maybe I'll even manage to snap a pick of that up and coming fashion. Ummm maybe not.

Anyway, I hope everyone has a great weekend. See y'all Monday.

I'm the Ice Cream man, stop me when I'm passing by

I've got 31 flavors guaranteed to satisfy.

OK some may know where these lyrics came, if not you might be surprised.

I'm really trying to stay with my retro theme. And I'm still trying to figure out why I decided to even go retro.

Anyway

Last night Baskin-Robbins did a promotion to honor our local fire fighters. This is something they do every year. And we do our best to attended.

The promo was a scoop of ice cream for 31 cents. Yes that is correct. Each scoop was only 31 cents! It was only $1.34 for all four of us to get an ice cream cone with a scoop of our favorite flavor.

I seriously don't know what the boys enjoyed more, the ice cream or getting the chance to sit inside a fire truck and try on the gear.

The roof, the roof, the roof is on fiya!

Well not really the roof but there was a fire in the third grade hall at Hubs' and R1 school Monday.

And yes the retro theme is still going strong.

Smoke started to pour out of the A/C vents and into the class rooms.

I get a text message around 12:30 that reads...

Fire at school, everyone out side no one hurt.

My first thought was OK no one is hurt, He and R1 are fine. My next thought is what the heck happened and what were they going to do about Taks Testing the next day.

It ended up that an A/C unit had burned up, and it never really caught fire, it just produced a ton of smoke. So much so the fire department had to bust out a few windows to vent the rooms.

But by 4:30 Monday afternoon, the A/C unit had been replaced along with the windows. Talk about fast.

The school didn't need any water to stop the smoke and I'm also glad nothing burned.

Can you just imagine that mess!

Little in the middle but got much back

Guess we are going having a bit of retro week going on.

The other night Hubs was playing music on his computer and the boys started to dance.

And I could help but capture this one. R2 was dancing to Baby Got Back by Sir-Mix-A-Lot.

And the whole time R2 was dancing Hubs was singing. I couldn't believe he remembered the words to the entire song!

Hotel, Motel, Holiday Inn

A few weeks ago we traveled to Breaux Bridge, Louisiana for one of R1's baseball tournaments.

And we had to stay in a hotel. I don't know what it about staying in a hotel that just screams out to kids.

As soon as we checked into our room they proceeded to jump from bed to bed. And did I mind, of course not. I remember doing the same thing as a kid with my brother.

We'd go on vacation and the first thing we would is jump up and down on our bed and the jump back and forth between the beds. My mom, who would never let us do this at home, would just say we are on vacation anything goes.

And I guess in a sense, I'm like her, because hey, we are on a mini vacation.

NFL Draft 2010

OK so I have something to admit to y'all. I might have mentioned this a time or two but I can't remember.

I DO NOT LIKE FOOTBALL.

I know, I know. Totally Un-American.

Baseball is my thing. And so is Hockey. Fooball not so much.

But last night after R2's baseball game, I came home and sat down with Hubs and proceeded to watch the NFL draft.

I'm sure about thirty minutes into the show Hubs was glad he had taped it because I was like a four year child with a steady stream of questions.

Who was that, who did he play for, what was so great about him, what did he do during the season.

But what I really think Hubs enjoyed the most was me commenting on Mike Mayock's suit. Black suit, pink pin stripes, pink paisley print tie and crisp white shirt. Yeah it looked good.

Heck I just had to ask him who was the first pick of the draft. I was thinking it was something along the lines of Brandon Sanford.

Sadly I was wrong. But I was close. It was Sam Bradford.

And before I humiliate my self or anger you any more, I'm outta here.

Y'all have a great weekend.

The dairy Dog Farmer

Tuesday night Hubs and I were watching The Pacific, which is on HBO and is completely awesome. If you liked Band of Brothers you will love this!

Anyway Cookie and I were sitting in the chair. Every night I sit in the recliner and she jumps sits down right in between my legs.

R2 comes in to give me one last hug and kiss before going to bed. Then he leans over and gives Cookie her hug and pat good night.

Then he says hey mom, I know how to milk a dog.

Hubs and I just look at him and then bust out laughing.

R2 then he says just like this. As he proceeds to reach under her and act like he is squeezing her nipples.

Guess he was paying attention when we went on a field trip to The South Texas State Fair.

Wishing

This past Friday Hubs and R2 went to bring in the trash cans because Fridays are trash day.

For some odd reason R2 likes to help bring the trash can out and then back in. Guess he knows what is in store for him when he gets a little older and he's just gearing up for it.

Any way they went to get the trash can and R2 says wait dad I need to make a wish.

R2 picks up a dandelion with only about half of it's bloom left and says...

"I WISH I HAD A 4-WHEELER!"

And then blows and watches the dandelion fade off into the breeze.

Tooth Fairy

So R1 had been on this orthodontist adventure for 7 months.

And I have to say there been a huge improvement. I couldn't be more pleased with the results. But more important R1 couldn't be happier with the way his teeth look. Even with all the metal.

Through the course of this adventure, R1 has lost several teeth.

The only difference is with braces I have to perform what I call minor ortho work. I have clip the super small rubber band that holds the wire to the bracket which is cemented on his tooth.

Once that is done, the wire falls out of the bracket and the tooth just falls out.

Or it should.

Last night R1 had a tooth that needed to be pulled. It was loose but it just didn't want to fall out so he just reached up and pulled it. He just looked at me and smiled a half bloody smile and said I did it mom!

So the tooth fairy paid our house a visit and left him five dollars. Guess she thought pulling your own tooth was worth more than it just falling out.

And I think I have to agree.

Confetti

Confetti, confetti all over the place. Up to my elbows, up to my face.

Well not really up to my elbows but it is all over the place.

For Easter every year the boys get confetti eggs. They have the best time trying to smash them on each other.

This year was no different. Here's what is left of two dozen confetti eggs.

Burn baby burn

Burn baby burn, disco inferno. Burn baby burn, burn that mama down!

Sorry I'm not trying to live The Trammps song, Disco inferno, but when I think of what I am about to post about I can't help but sing that song.

The other day one of my crazy neighbors, yeah he's a few fries short of a happy meal, decided it was time to burn the piles he has been creating.

He rides around our neighborhood on his Kubota tracker, Cutting down trees, moving them, mowing other peoples yards, stump grinding, and pretty much what ever else you can think of.

Anyway he had cut down some trees on my neighbor's lot behind my house and just stacked them along their back property line. It just so happens that we share that property line.

I was kinda glad he was moving them, I was beginning to worry about snakes and other animals trying to build a home in all that stuff.

But R2 was a bit freaked out. He was worried about the grass catching on fire and moving across the yard and burning the house down. He was also worried about his blackberry bushes that were growing.

I personally thought it was to windy to burn and I was concerned about the fire traveling down the property line and burning the trees where several Cardinals have made their home along with a Blue Jay family. Never mind about my house. That's what we those high insurance premiums for.

What I didn't realize is that when he started burning I would wake up at 3:44AM. Yes that's right 3:44AM. Only to look out my back door and see this.



Burn baby burn, disco inferno. Burn baby burn, burn that mama down.

Mrs. Texas has got music

Monday night R1 had a choir program at school.

The 4th and 5th grade choirs sang together and did a great job. They sang several songs at all ends of the music spectrum.

And as an added bonus, Mrs. Texas 2009 Lindsay Clark, was on to give a little encouragement and talk about an upcoming event being held at our high school.

She was so friendly and even had her son with her.

After the performance she signed autographs and took pictures.

I'm married again.

Last week I mentioned I needed to pick up my wedding ring from the jewelers. I had dropped it off almost a week ago for some minor repairs.

Hubs and I have been married for thirteen years this year in September. In the beginning I was faithful in taking it in every few months to have the setting checked and cleaned. But now not so much.

After wearing it for so long I wore out the shank, the bottom part, it just became very thin. And one day after disciplining R2 the bottom cracked.

I waited almost three months before taking it in. I always feel naked when not wearing my wedding ring.

That and Hubs teases me relentlessly. Mostly by saying things like, "Look were not married!" Or "Time to party, I'm not married anymore!"

It doesn't even phase me. I just keep right one going. So after a week of not having my ring, the jewelers finally called to say it was ready.

I picked it up on Friday afternoon. And went home and told Hubs the party was over! We were back to being married.

Oh and no more spanking with my bare hand. We now use a paddle that says "Heat for the seat apply as needed"!

Baseball, the weather, and a list of stuff

So I took half a day off today so I could get some things done before our baseball filled weekend.

And on a random note, the weather is going to be gorgeous this weekend! Think I might be able to work on my flip flop tan, finally!

Here a few things I need to get done today...
Having Hubs mow the grass.
Doing all the laundry. Wash, dry, fold, and put away.
Purchasing two new tires for my car.
Picking up my wedding ring from the jewelers. (That is a post for another day)
Going to HEB.

And since my list keeps growing. I have so much to do, I don't think I'll get it all done.

Hope every one has a great weekend. I'm outta here, see you Monday.

Peace Out!

The answer you have been waiting for

I know the three of you that read this have been sitting on the edge of your seats, just waiting to find out the truth answer from yesterdays meme.

Drum roll please.

And the answer is......

NUMBER 1.

I am so thankful my mother had a dream and in her dream my name was something completely different than what she had picked out. My full name would have been Bernadette Rose $$$$$$$$. It makes me twitch just to think about it.

And just to throw this out there, number 2 did happen just not to me, but it did happen to our new supervisor. She was the one who had to catch the lady as she fell out of the elevator. Oh even better it was a brand new hotel. Which now has a blood stained wall and blood stained carpet.

Y'all have a great day!

Creative writer blog award or not

My friend Brooke gave me an award. Thanks, you're the best.

And to be completely honest, I kinda forgot about till yesterday. Sorry Brooke!

1. Thank the person who gave this to you.
Check, first thing I did.

2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
check.



3. Link to the person who nominated you.
check

4. Tell up to six outrageous lies about yourself and at least one outrageous truth.
check, here ya go...

1. When my mother was pregnant with me she wanted to name me Bernadette and call me Bernie.

2. I recently attended a conference where I saw someone get so drunk they fell, hit the wall and broke their nose.

3. I drive a classic car and love it! Don't think I will ever part with it.

4. I have 5 boys and all their names start with the letter R.

5. Hubs and I are trying to buy 15 acres of land and raise cattle.

6. When I was younger I wanted to be a pilot because I have a great sense of direction.

OK now you get to tell me what you think is the truth or not.

5. Nominate some creative writers who might have fun coming with some outrageous things.
check

Life with Kaishon
The Charm House
Tattered Hydrangeas
Beth- A Mom's Life

These women are awesome. I love reading them!

6. Post links to the blogs you nominate and leave a comment on each one letting them know.
check, check.

Have fun!

Easter loot

Yeah I think they racked up.

Guess the Easter Bunny thought they were good this year.

South Texas State Fair

For the past two weeks The Fair has been in town. And I have to say the weather has been absolutely beautiful!

R2's Pre-K class took a field trip there to see and learn several things. One of those being how milk gets from the cow to your dinner table.

And the gentleman did a great job explaining this but I think it was a little over the kids heads. I mean they are only 4-5 years old and they really don't care how many different kids of milking cows there are or what temperature the milk is as it leaves the cow.



And for those of you who want to know the answer to last question it is 100 degrees.

After the show each child was given a small plastic bottle of Borden's milk. They even got to choose, white, chocolate, or pink. Of course mine chose pink. He does love anything strawberry flavored.

But what they really wanted to do was go to the petting zoo.

R2 isn't much on petting anything but he does like to look at them. And once he warms up to them he will give them a very quick pet more like a let me just touch my finger tips to your fur and I'm done kinda thing.

I did manage to get a few shots of him after I asked him to pose.

Here he is with some baby deer.


A baby bull.


And my favorite, a baby buffalo.

The annual event that is not so annual

Normally on Good Friday we have a BBQ, egg dyeing, and egg hunting at our house and invite our friends over.

We have done this for the past oh say 5-6 years. It is one of my favorite times of the year. I love having everyone over and hanging out. The kids love it to for obvious reasons. I mean who wouldn't love to find a golden egg with money in it.

But sadly this year we are not having our BBQ. And no, this isn't an April Fool's thing either. Things this year are just to busy for us. With baseball and other activities going on there just wasn't time to plan it.

So I am in mourning. I really am a little depressed about it. I couldn't even decorate the house like I usually do. Well, there are a few decorations out. If you call the table center piece decorations.

I'm off to pout. Be back tomorrow.

Still tired

Oh my word, I'm still exhausted from the weekend.

All did was drive ball players around, eat some great Cajun food, and sit and watch a few ball games.

Who am I kidding, I was a nervous watcher. Wringing my hands and pulling my shoulders up around my neck. And driving in a town where I have no idea where I am going. All that equals mental stress.

Anyway, I'm still tired so I'm off to recoup.

Y'all have great day!

Romp In The Swamp CHAMPIONS

We are the CHAMPIONS!



R1 had a baseball tournament in Crowley, Louisiana this past weekend and and we won!!

I am so proud of our boys they played great all weekend.

And a shout out to Hubs who couldn't make it this weekend but he did manage to play laundry fairy and when R1 and I came home it was all done!! Thanks Hubs!

Baseball, baseball, and more baseball

Oh my word, this is only the beginning of the season and already I'm whooped!

The boys schedules are already conflicting and Hubs and I are running from practice/game to the next.

This weekend R1 has a tournament out of town and R2 has a game here. So Hubs will stay with R2, because he is one of the coaches, and I will be running with R1.

But my real problem is this...does any one have a laundry fairy I can borrow or a clean bathroom fairy. I am in desperate need of both!

Thanks and have a great weekend.

Tired

A few weeks ago I snapped this picture of R2 while he was taking a nap.



He woke up mid nap and leaned over the side of the couch. And then proceeded to sleep that way for the next hour.

I guess when you are that tired it doesn't matter how or where you fall asleep.

Prayers for the The Palace

A bloggy friend of mine put up a post the other day, well her friend Shannon did. If you get the chance go visit The Queen B.

She and her family could use some prayers right now.

Thanks. I know she will appreciate it.

Dedicated

You know you are dedicated when...



R1 had a tournament this past weekend. And a cold front blew in that made the temps dip down into the 40's-50's. And the wind never did let up. We had gusts into the 40 mph range.

So we bundled up with blankets, gloves, thermal socks, and hand warmers. But the wind kept on coming.

We played two games Saturday, even after a 5 hour rain delay. Ended up losing on Sunday. I don't normally like to lose, but it was so cold I was kinda glad.

I hope everyone had a good weekend, I'm off to do the laundry I didn't get done over the weekend.

The Zoo

Last week while we were on spring break Hubs and I took the boys to the Houston Zoo.

We usually go to the zoo sometime in June or July, when it's about 127 degrees outside. It's so hot that even the animals don't want to be there. Most of the animals are not out and the ones that are, are just lying around because when you weigh 500lbs and have fur would you want to move around in the heat?

But this year we planned it. Go in March when the weather is beautiful. And that is just what it was. BEAUTIFUL.

The temperature was in the low 70's. We walked around and I didn't break a sweat once. There was even a slight breeze.

But best of all the animals were out. All of them. And much to my surprise, it was mating season. I guess when the weather man said it was spring fling time, he meant it.

As we were walking along we came upon the flamingos and swans. And guess what the swans were mating! R1 looked at me and asked why one swan was trying to push the other under the water. I told him I didn't know and suggested that we keep walking.

Later we ran into some friends who had just come from the frog exhibit and they said the same thing. They to were breeding.

There were several other animals that were feeling the love too. I just kept telling the boys, oh aren't they nice, lets keep moving.

Over all the day was great and everyone had a good time. But I have to admit my favorite part of the day was going to eat Mexican food at Pappasito's. They have the best fajitas served with this garlic butter sauce. And their hot sauce is a food group all it's own.

OK now I want some chips and hot sauce.

Y'all have a great day!

Butt, it's whats for dessert

I still have so much to tell from our spring break but right now my head is pounding and all I can think about is crawling into my bed and sleeping for hours.

But I will leave you with this little story from last night.

Hubs was bathing R2 and when he got out of the bath R2 said this.

"Hey daddy, you are such a cutie, I could eat you up." R2 then starts to act like he is going to eat up Hubs.

But what came out of his mouth next was hilarious.

R2 then says," Looks like butt for dessert!"

Where he gets it from I don't know.

Rascal Flatts sang to me on my birthday, kinda

So on Wednesday for my birthday Hubs took me to the Houston Live Stock and Rodeo. The entertainment for the night featured one of my favorite groups.

RASCAL FLATTS!!!!

I absolutely love them and consider myself a loyal fan. I have all of their CD's but I have never seen them in concert.

They were fabulous!

But as usual things are always an adventure and this time was no different. I'll start from the beginning,because well, it's a good place to start.

We headed for Houston early Wednesday afternoon. We got to our friends around 4:30. Debbie and Cliff were going to babysit and dogsit for us so we could go to the rodeo.

Tammy, their daughter, got there first and started to cook dinner for everyone while I got ready.

The rodeo started at 6:45pm, and Debbie said it takes about an hour with traffic to get to Reliant Stadium.

Before we leave Hubs and I discuss doing the park and ride thing. It's where you park at a specific high school and a shuttle takes you to Reliant Stadium.

But what I heard about park and ride was that it quit running before the concert ended. And I have to admit I didn't do my homework and took someones word for it. Hubs on the other hand asked several friends and they all said it quit some time around midnight or soon after.

But being the hard headed person I am, we left at 5:30, and true to Debbie's word we sat in traffic and arrived at 6:30pm.

What we didn't know was that the fair was also at the rodeo and all of the parking at the stadium was blocked off, unless you were handicap.

There were two cash parking lots one some where along Main and the other where Astroworld used to be. Neither were easy to get to.

After sitting in parking traffic, I made an executive decision to park in some off the wall parking lot, where someone was charging $10.00 to park. I figured either we would come out and my car would be gone or it would still be there but with a window busted out.

By the time we parked and hiked a mile, me in high heeled boots, we managed to get into the stadium just in time to order some food and sit down to watch the muttin races.

Muttin races are where kids ride sheep, as if they were bulls. It's really cute. And just so you know the food was completely over priced. A hamburger and fries were $11.00, drink not included!

We ate and then found our seats and were sitting in them all of 5.2 seconds and the lights dimmed for the show.

The funny thing was I wasn't even mad about sitting in traffic, not finding a parking space, hiking a mile to and from the stadium, and paying to much for food.

I got to see Rascal Flatts on my birthday! I got to hear them sing! And I loved every minute!!

Thanks Hubs!

Puffs lotion tissues with Vicks is the bomb

Well I'm back from spring break. We had a wonderful time doing what ever we wanted pretty much when ever we wanted.

And while each day was packed full of fun stuff, the week didn't start out so great.

What ever is being stirred up by the constant breeze around here has found it's way into my sinus cavity.

I had the worst case of a allergies/head cold. I mean I was flat out miserable. I couldn't breathe and my eyes watered and itched at the same time. My face was starting to feel raw from all the rubbing and scratching.

The first day I tried the normal sinus medicine. Tylenol allergy/sinus. And when that failed me I went straight for the Zyrtec and Vicks.

I found this the other day when I was out shopping and I thought to my self I might need these but little did I know I would need them the next week.

All I can say is Puffs ROCK! Not only did the lotion soothe my nose but the smell of Vicks was like greeting a friend from my childhood. Well not really.

But I remember my mom would slather Vicks on my chest and a little on my nose at night when I was sick to help me sleep.

You know it's bad when you walk around your house carrying a box of tissues just so you can smell that sweet medicated smell that will clear your nasal passages for hours.

Anyway.

After three days of nearly overdosing my self on Zyrtec, Vicks, Advil, and maybe a glass of wine or three the pressure in my head started to ease up. And I was able to function more instead of sitting my couch watching more episodes of Real Housewives of Orange County while holding a Vicks scented tissue to my nose.

The rest of the week was busy. Wednesday was my birthday. And Hubs took me to the Houston Live Stock Show and Rodeo to see Rascal Flatts. But that is another post for another day.

We also took the kids to the Houston Zoo, again another post.

Now it's time to get back into the groove of things. I could use another week off. I mean really look at this weather.


Y'all have a great Monday!

Spring Break 2010

I don't know about y'all but I am ready for a break.

I am ready for a no schedule, no running from here to there kinda week. We don't even have a baseball tournament.

The kids are out of school, which also means Hubs is off. And I took vacation too.

Woo Hoo!!!

We have several things planned but for the most part we are just gonna wing it! What ever happens, happens.

I am also going to take the week off from blogging, not that I have been consistent lately.

So I hope y'all have a great week. And hopefully I will have so very funny stories to tell you when I get back!

Confirmation

I love it when God sends you signs of confirmation on a decision.

Almost a year ago I made decision, after praying about it for months, to walk away from an aspect of my life that just wasn't good for me any longer.

I prayed daily for God to show me in a BIG way what his choice was for me regarding this matter. He not only kept telling me what His decision was but he also brought me peace about the decision.

And God has kept re-affirming his choice for me during this journey. He has kept me safe when confronted. He has kept me humble when faced with this issue. He has kept me gracious when asked about this aspect.

While I some times miss this aspect, He has blessed so much more than I deserve.

The saying, When God closes one door, He opens another is so true.

But here is how I like to look at it.

When God closes one door, He opens another, you just have to get through the hell in the hallway!

The Storm came

It was a great weekend. R1 has his first baseball tournament. He and his team did great considering they are a 9U (9 and under) team and we had to play up this weekend, we played all 10U teams. At one point it was his team against our organizations 10U team. We played hard gave them everything we had but we lost. 8-5. Not to shabby and we held our head high.

Here are few pictures from the weekend.





And my favorite of the weekend