No snow day

The weathermen here kept predicting snow for us last Friday. We even got a snow day from school and work because of all the hype.

And that was just what it was, hype. We did not get one flake of snow. What we did get was a ton of ice and below freezing temps for most of the day.

I did manage at some point to remember that I had blog and snow pictures would been nice, thanks weatherman, but all I have are ice pictures.

It was all about the food and the commercials

So who were you rootin' for? Packers or Steelers?

Me...neither. I was in it for food and the commercials. Now the boys in my house...Packers. So it was a happy home last night.

And last year we started something different for our family. Instead of going to someone else's house or having everyone over here for the super bowl. We just stay home and have our own party.

We have what we call junk food night for dinner and the four of us sit and watch the game and the commercials.

Last night on the dinner menu....


Rachel Ray's guaca salsa salad....YUM-O!


Queso with sausage


Last but not least, HOT McDonald's french fries. Nothing says junk food like smoking hot McD's fries with a ton of ketchup.

Oh and a few of my favorite commercials....


This is just precious.


And this one made me laugh out loud!

And since we are talking about the Super Bowl. Let me just put this out there. Black Eyed Peas rocked the half time show. Christina Aguilera not so much. I have to admit I was busy making the guaca salsa salad and missed the live performance. When I saw everyone's posts on Facebook I just knew I had to Youtubed it.

I was so mad after watching the video clip. I'm sure she was nervous. But it's our National Anthem. My heart swells with pride each and every time I hear it. And when some one who lives in our country botches that song......OK enough. It's over and done and done badly.

But did I mention the Black Eyed Peas rocked???

Snow, self check out, and warm feet

I have a question.

Why is it that when adverse weather conditions are in store everyone and their mothers brothers uncle descends on the grocery store? I mean HEB was a complete mad house.

I needed to make one quick stop on my way home yesterday to make sure we didn't run out of things like chocolate chips cookies, french onion dip, and the fixings for baked potato soup.

Because I mean we are going to be cooped up in the house for days, days I tell you due to the up coming snow. Not really more like one day, but you never want to run out of chocolate chip cookies.

Anyway back to my point.

HEB was nuts. People were every where and the workers were trying to keep the shelves stocked. But the worst part was the check out lines.

One word. LONG!

All I really wanted to do was take my 16 things, check out and go home. Then it dawned on me.

SELF CHECK OUT.

I never use the self check out. I have an aversion to the self check out line. I always feel as if everyone is watching me and thinking why can't that woman hurry up. Why is she scanning her items so slow. Why is it taking her so long to put her groceries in the bag.

I would almost rather stand in the long line and wait 30 minutes than have that kind of pressure put on me. But I was ready to be home so I put my fear aside and walked to the self check out lines and waited.

While I was waiting I figured I could gather up my things and get them organized so all I would have to do when it was my turn would be to start scanning my items thus shortening my time feeling everyone staring at me.

A few minutes later and it was my turn and guess what?

The scan/load/pay grocery Gods were shinning down on me. I made it out in record time and I didn't even break a sweat.

So now we are hunkered down and ready for the snow.

All I can say is I hope the weathermen have their predictions right because I know one little 6 year old who is going to be a tad bit upset if he doesn't get some snow.

Oh and just in case you are wondering, yes I do have my Snoozies on.

Baby it's cold outside

OK here's the deal, it's cold. I mean really cold. Like y'all didn't know that.

It didn't get above freezing yesterday and it won't today either. And this afternoon it will begin to rain and the weatherman is calling for ice and the possibility of snow.

S-N-O-W! I know right! S-N-O-W!

I figure if it's gonna be cold enough then we might as well have something to show for it.

More over I don't want several feet of the pretty white stuff, I would like more of a light dusting. Just enough to make everything look like it came straight out of a winter picture.

I have to admit I have been a tad bit jealous of my friends and their snow pictures they have been sending me. And now I just might have my own.

So y'all stay warm and hopefully I will have some snow pictures of my own to post.

Sickness of 2011

Well the 2011 year has started of with....well sickness.

Thanks bloggy friends for all of the well wishes yesterday. I appreciated it very much.

I woke up Monday morning still convinced I had croup and I also had this weight in my chest, and was certain it was from all the mucus. And after having pneumonia and bronchitis before I decided I really didn't want any of that to linger.

So off to the doctors office I went. I found out after stepping on the scale. Which by the way, you are sick and there for some good medicine and hopefully a shot why do they feel the need to take your weight. I look at it like you already feel like crap why do they want you to feel worse by stepping on the scale.

Any way I stepped on the scale and realized I had lost another 2 lbs. and that was with a sweater on. So we will see come Thursday.

The nurse does her usual...why are you here? Really can't you hear me trying to talk? What have you been taking? OK just walk up the cold/sinus/phlegm isle at HEB and I have probably taken any and all of them since Saturday. Do you need a refill on any prescriptions? Nope just some new ones that will hopefully knock this crap out of my chest, head, and the rest of my body.

The nurse also does a strep test and says the doctor will be in to see you in a minute.

I love my doctors office when they a minute they mean a minute. When they say a moment they mean about 10 minutes.

In walks Gina. Yes I call my doctor by her first name. I like to think we are the best of friends that only see each other twice maybe three times a year but yet we always pick up where we left off.

Really I had just seen her a few weeks before when Hubs had some tests run and I went with him. But I really do think of her as a friend.

I also really want to put something about drugs and fix but who knows what kind of people that would attract and well lets just drop it and move on.

Bottom line. No strep. No croup. Just one nasty throat infection. And a mild sinus infection. Oh and VERY STRICT instructions on NO TALKING!

Ummmmm, HELLO... does she forget I have family, boys I might add. And I have job where I do have to talk, not all day but it is a necessity every now and then. Maybe this is why this post is so long. I can't talk and I have sooooo much to say, but can't.

So two shots and two prescriptions later I was on my way to Walgreen's. 10 minutes later I was on my way home and 10 minutes after that I was asleep in the recliner.

And on the agenda for tomorrow more of the same. Can't go back till Wednesday. I guess this throat thing has its perks.

And the boys are loving it. All three of them. No talking means no arguing, yelling, and giving orders.

Ahhh yes this throat thing does have it's perks, no warnings just a good old fashion paddling when they don't do what they are supposed to.

Y'all have a great day I'm off for my nap!

This wasn't how this was supposed to go

Thursday and Friday I woke up with a sore throat but I just kinda ignored it because you know how Southeast Texas weather is one minute you have the A/C on and then next the heat.

But Saturday was R2's birthday party and I woke up feeling like dirt. But I pushed through it and ended up cleaning the house before his party. By the way his party was being held at the bowling alley so it's not like I just didn't decide to clean before having a ton of people over.

During the party I started to lose my voice. I was trying to talk to everyone and I actually felt as if I was on top of everything but by the end I was fading fast.

We ended up going out to dinner with the grandparents and my sister in law and niece. We all had a great time and had I been feeling better I would have remembered to bring my camera into the restaurant because when they sang happy birthday to R2 or should I say they gave a BIG YEE HAW his face was priceless and a true Kodak moment. I was also certain my hearing was now damaged and I would definitely need a hearing aid after that big YEE HAW.

By the time we got home I had no voice and was starting to sound as if I was a barking seal. All I could think of was I had croup. I DID NOT WANT croup.

I slept terrible that night. Up and down and up and down. Then Sunday I thought I would attempt to go to Sunday School and church but when I finally managed to get my behind out of bed it was 10AM and I felt as if either my lungs were soaking wet and needed to be wrung out or the mucus man had taken up residence in my check.

Hubs was gracious enough and took Cookie to the groomers since I had made her appointment earlier in the week and then went to HEB and got me meds. Meaning he got me some orange juice, Mucinex, Sudafed, and Robitussin. All that along with all the rest of the groceries for the week.

I was set. Oh and I slathered my chest and the bottom of my feet in Vicks. I have no idea if Vicks on the bottom of my feet covered with socks works but all of my friends told me to try it. And I figured what have I got to lose.

And I have to say that orange juice when I am sick just doesn't taste the same unless it's served in this old red plastic Budweiser insulated mug filled with ice. I got the mug from Debbie who I used to babysit for. I know that just sounds bad...babysitter with a beer mug. But her dad worked for Budweiser and she had all kinds of stuff from him.

She had one and used to keep her pens in it by the phone. I used to have three of them but over the years I have narrowed it down to one I just could not part with.

Speaking of Debbie and babysitting....HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROBIN!!! Her baby is turning 28 today. I have known Robin her entire life. I remember her as a precious little blonde headed 3 year old and now she is a beautiful woman. Robin, I hope you have an amazing day!

I'm still sick. I spent most Sunday curled up in the recliner and sleeping. But the bottom line is R2 had and awesome birthday party and that's all that mattered.

It's Friday

And I've got nothing.

I hope y'all have a great weekend.

Peace out peeps!

I'm so busy my head is spinning

It's Thursday, like y'all didn't know.

And it's time for my weigh in.

Weight loss or gain for the week is..... loss 3 lbs!!! Total weight lost is 4.5 lbs.

Can you say HOLLA!!

OK now on the other things. Can you tell I really don't like to linger on the subject of my weight?

I feel like I have been so busy this week. And with the weekend approaching it doesn't look any better.

Work as been CrAzY and my work computer got a virus Tuesday. UGH!! Spyware crap. It's all really just a pain in the butt to me. Thank goodness for the work issued lap tap. It saved my life yesterday.

This weekend we have a lot going on and I will tell you more about that next week.

No stopping in sight.

So what have you been up to?

A little bit of everything

There are so many things I want to tell y'all.

Not anything that is big news or anything worth dedicating an entire post to. It's all a lot of little things.

And I figure the best way is to make a numbered list or bullet points or really what ever is easiest.

So here it goes.

A. Children birthday parties stress me out. Not every child's just my own child's. I feel like I need to be split into about 7 people. I want to visit with everyone, make sure the kids are taken care of, make sure the food has been ordered, take pictures, visit with family members, and the list goes on. I always feel like I fail miserably but at the end of the party I guess the only thing that matters is my child had a blast!

B. B is for BASEBALL. Which is just around the corner. I think I might have mentioned it a time or two or twenty.

C. Pray for R2 and us. We are having to make some adjustments for something for him and it has the potential to be very stressful. I pray it is not and it continues to go smoothly.

D. I love the cold weather but I am so over it. I'm ready for some sunshine. These cloudy and sunless days aren't doing much for my psyche. Oh and feel free to remind me of these cold days as I will be longing for them come August and it's 127 degrees outside.

E. I am missing my girls. Christi, Tammy, Robin. Yes Geeks....I am talking about you!

F. I kinda blew it this weekend with the eating healthier. But we'll see.

G. I really don't have a G other than the fact I didn't want to end on F.

Y'all have a great day!

Oh yes they did!

Do you remember when I posted about this?

And how I wouldn't turn down a pair if they wanted to send one to me.

Well guess what?

THEY DID!!

A few days after my post I received an email from the president of Snoozies, letting me know they saw my blog and because of it they wanted to give me another pair.

I have to admit I was in complete shock! I immediately called Hubs to tell him.

So Saturday when I checked the mail I found this package with these inside.


I love them!

Thank you to Mr. Bank and the Snoozie company!! They are AWESOME!

She's oh so talented

I know I have said it before and I will say it again.

Yvette from The Charm House is one very talented lady.

I have been lucky enough to be the recipient of a few of her creations.

Friday I came home to find this


and when I opened it I saw this


I love love LOVE it!!!

It has the hymn Standing On The Promises.


Thank you Yvette! It is already in it's place where I can see it every day.

If y'all get a chance go by and see her creations....you won't be sorry. I promise!

Happy 6th Birthday R2

My BABY baby turns 6 today.

6

Seriously???

What the heck happened to 6 months?

Now before the tears start flowing here is a list of my favorite things about him at age 6.

1. His infectious smile. It melts my heart.

2. His witty attitude.

3. How he rides his bike around the driveway just dying to go out in the street. He keeps riding around and around but stops before he get to the end of the drive way.

4. How when he asks me something or gives me a hug he always says "Mama Dear" Like thank you Mama Dear. Can I have a hug Mama Dear? It's to stinkin' cute!

5. How what ever he is doing at the moment he thinks it's always the GREATEST!

6. How every night he says he never wants to snuggle but yet he climbs right up into my lap.

HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY R2.

I LOVE YOU!!!

I kept waiting for the spring to hit me in the face

Thank you all for the encouragement yesterday!! Now I'm just gonna jump right in.

Total weight loss/gain for the week....

Loss of 1.3 lbs.

I'll take it!! That's better than a gain. And better to lose it slowly to keep it off.

But for lunch I have to admit I am having a BLT. We had breakfast for dinner last night and I only ate two pieces of bacon and I wanted two more, so needless to say they are on my sandwich.

OK moving on...

My youngest baby turns 6 this weekend. Where has time gone?

A friend just had her baby boy yesterday. Funny thing is my friend's father in law is one of the PE teachers at the school and he is the one who started calling my baby R2 and R2 started calling him GP or Grandpa.

And before you know it six will be here for her too. I just want to stop time and cherish all of this just a little bit longer.

Anyone know how to get in contact with Father Time?

Accountability

Ok we are half way through January and I know I said that I didn't make a New Years resolutions but I have resolved to try and lose weight.

I want to get healthier for me and for my family. And I figured since I have this blog, I mean there are three people who read this, it might hold me accountable.

I have a friend who has always been into exercising eating healthy, and staying fit. Right now she is training for body building. Which I can say is awesome for her but that is not for me. But she has been encouraging me in this decision.

I have been eating healthier and watching my portions. I have also been doing alot of walking and taking the stairs at work. Also staying positive. A good mind set always helps me.

I set short term goals so I don't get discouraged early on and then I have an over all goal.

I feel like I need to just put this out there. I mean I am not 105 lbs trying to drop the last 5 nor am I 330 lbs where my life is in grave danger. But there is a significant weight loss I want to achieve.

And while I am not brave enough to put my weight out there like Brooke. I will be checking my weight once a week and I'll be honest enough to post either my loss or gain. I usually try to weigh on the same day, which just happens to be Thursdays.

By the way Brooke is one of the most inspirational and honest people you will ever met. She has no idea how much her blog has meant to me and encouraged me. Thanks Brooke!!

So now for the honest stuff....

I weighed in two weeks ago and I had lost 1lb from the previous week. And last week I didn't gain or lose. I was was a little miffed because I had really been watching what I was eating but I didn't find time to exercise. (See there's the honest part) I didn't find time because I didn't want to find time.

Oh and yes I am drinking 8 8oz glasses of water a day and more! I have my old weight watchers cup that sits on my desk at work. I drink one cup full before lunch, I drink half a cup with my lunch, and then fill it up again and drink the last cup full before I leave for the day.

Guess it's a good thing my bladder has been adjusted to drinking that much water. People at work my think I had incontinence issues. And Lord knows I'm old but I would like to think not that old!

It's just around the corner

OK, it's getting to be that time!

BASEBALL SEASON!

Back shuffling the boys from practices and games and then tournaments.

We've been off for several months and I only have one thing to say....

Get your game on! I'm ready!

Laid back weekend

We had a very quiet and laid back weekend.

My friend Beth and I had one of our marathon shopping sessions on Saturday. Not as long as Black Friday but long enough.

The sad thing was all I bought was a scarf from American Eagle. I have been eye balling it since Thanksgiving but was not willing to pay the asking price. I mean it was very pretty and VERY soft but I have my price limits. Anyway it was finally on sale and even better it rang up less than the sale price. SCORE!

Also the lighting in the stores was not very nice to me. I couldn't find anything else that I just really wanted or even wanted to try on. But all was not lost. The clothes Gods shined down on Beth. That girl racked up!!!

Sunday I went to church and I have to admit I was running late. I walked into Sunday School just as they were finishing the opening prayer. But as I always say...better late than not at all.

And it was then that the weekend would take a heavy tone. During the prayer, there was the mention of a 30 year old woman and her 10 month old that were killed just that morning at the front of my neighborhood. They were still trying to figure out what had exactly happened at 9:30am and the accident happened about three hours before.

I had no idea who it was but I felt so sad. Then I got home and received the news.

The woman and her son killed were people we knew. It was my brother in laws cousin. And the woman's parents are good friends with my in-laws.

It was so very tragic and it could have all been prevented. She leaves behind a loving husband and two very small children.

And so I will ask that you pray for this family. Ask God to give them peace, comfort, and strength. Ask Him to wrap his arms around them and just hold them close.

They have a very long journey ahead.

BUH-STICKA-BUH ME

R2 decided we should have family movie night last night.

We ran through the choices...

Up
How To Train Your Dragon
Toy Story 1, 2, or 3
Alvin and the Chipmunks The Squeakquel.
and
Buh-Sticka-Buh Me

It translates to Despicable Me. I love how R2 says it. He can say it right but I don't really want him to. It's the one of the last things he still mispronounces.

Funny though we ended up watching Alvin and The Chipmunks The Squeakquel. Go figure.

Snoozies

I am normally a hot natured person. I like it when it's cold. Don't get me wrong I like the hot to but usually only when I am by a swimming pool or at the lake.

And I'm not one of those people who wears slippers either. I love the feel of carpet beneath my toes. But for Christmas my mother in law bought me a pair of Snoozies.

I absolutely love them. They have to be the most awesome pair of slippers I have ever owned.

No this is not a paid endorsement but if the Snoozie company wants to throw another pair my way I won't turn them down.

They are a little thicker than socks but not bulky like a slipper. They have non slip bottom so when I walk into my kitchen I won't bust my behind. They also have a Sherpa fleece lining that feels as if wrapped your feet in your favorite blanket. I just threw the word Sherpa out there like I know what I am talking about.

Snoozie's come in a wide variety of patterns. My favorites are these, these, and these. I'll let you guess which ones I own already.

I like them so much that I have considered seriously bringing them to work.

And it's a good thing I like them so much, look at our temperatures for the rest of the week.



But I'm not worried, I've got my Snoozies!

I snapped like a spring

The other night I was sitting in the recliner R2 and the dog. I wasn't very comfortable and kept moving around to get in just the right position when I felt something pop.

I immediately kicked, OK not kicked, but told R2 to get up and moved the dog off of me. I would like to say that I assessed the situation right then and there but I was more concerned with getting everyone off of me and ready for bed so the chair had to wait.

Later that evening I sat down and remembered the pop and then noticed the seat didn't feel quite right. I flipped over the recliner and noticed one of the large support springs had broken right in the middle.

And then I snapped like that spring had snapped.

I don't know why but I started to think off all things that had gone wrong over the past year and how it always seems as if it was one thing or another. And I started to cry.

I thought about the broken hot water heater a few months ago, or how we just didn't have it in our budget to replace that chair, or the ticket Hubs got for his expired inspection. Everything happens at once.

So after crawling into bed and crying some more I started to pray. Praying that I would find the strength to get through one more thing. Praying I would quit feeling sorry and quit letting Satan have control.

After a while I just started talking with God. It was like having a conversation with a friend. I was hashing things out. Not that He didn't already know how I was feeling and what I was about to say.

After talking to him I felt peace. It's funny how just in the midst of every storm and I do mean every storm, when I start talking to God, peace is what I feel.

See God knows me so well, better than I know my self. He knows I need peace and comfort when things out of whack. And this is just what he brings to me. Peace, comfort, strength, and grace.

So the next time a spring snaps, I will remember my conversation and wait on that feeling of peace to wash over me and cover me completely.

The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."

Numbers 6:25-26

Agnus Dei

We sang this song yesterday at church.

It's one of my favorites because of the words which have such meaning to them. Here are some of the lyrics.

Hallelujah, hallelujah
For our Lord God Almighty reigns
Hallelujah, hallelujah
For our Lord God Almighty reigns
Hallelujah

Holy Holy
Are You Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb
You are Holy
Holy
Are You Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb
you are Holy

But it's also one of my favorites because of the way my husband sings it. Hubs has one of the most beautiful singing voices I have ever heard. I love to hear him sing.

He sang with the youth at church when he was younger and even sang at Hot Hearts. We also used to sing together in our church choir.

I wish I could have tape him singing this song. I was so moved. It was so powerful.

Hubs, thank you for blessing me yesterday with your singing. It meant more to me than you know.

Impressive

So yesterday while getting dressed R2 looks at me and asks if he can have a squirt of cologne.

I ask him why he needs a squirt of cologne. His response to me was so that he could impress the ladies.

Seriously, what ladies does a 5yr old need to impress?! But I caved and gave him one squirt.

Then he asked for odorant. Which translates to deodorant. I asked him what he needed deodorant for, because if couldn't say it then he couldn't wear it!

He replies to make sure his pits don't sweat and he smells good for the ladies.

OK, Kindergarten girls watch out...R2 is out to impress!!

Angry Birds

So back in December, like it was so long ago, I got a new cell phone.

Holla!!

And now I can't quit playing Angry Birds. It's like crack.


The end.

I still miss her

Today has been two years since I wrote this post.

And I still miss her and think about her every day.

I love you Pam-Maw.

2011

I hope everyone had a fantastic and safe New Year's Eve.

I also hope you had the fire work display we did! It was awesome, even if it did rain all day and most of the early evening.

We not only had ours but our neighbors went all out this year and kept popping and popping and popping. We figured they must have bought the firework stand out of artillery shells because R2 and I counted about 20 in row and then a few minutes later 20 more and then a few minutes later 20 more. This continued on for about an hour. And they also popped more the next night.



I hope each of you has a year full of love, family, great friends, and more wonderfulness that you could ever want. Happy New Year!

Happy New Year's Eve in picture review

A few years ago, a friend asked us to post our top ten pictures in any order, comment or not comment for New Year's Eve.

It was so much fun but it was also so hard.

So hard, I decided to do it again this year and tag all of you to play along if you want to.

I also hope your new year is filled with loving family, great friends, and wonderful memories.

Thank you for allowing me to share not only my life but for all of you sharing yours as well. This blogging community has come to mean so much to me. I can't wait to see what the new year has in store for all of us.

Happy New Year!!

Christmas carols revisited

R2 has been singing Christmas carols for a few weeks and even though Christmas is over he hasn't stopped.

One of the songs he sings is Must Be Santa. His class performed this song and several others for the parents on the Friday they got out of school.

But some where along the way the words have been changed.

The original version goes like this...

Who's got a beard that's long and white?
Santa's got a beard that's long and white.

Who comes around on a special night?
Santa comes around on a special night.

Special night, beard that's white,

Must be Santa must be Santa,
Must be Santa, Santa Claus.

R2 version now says this...

Who's got a beard that's long and white?
Santa's got a beard that's long and white.

Who comes around jacks your bike?
Santa comes around and jack your bike.

Special night, jacks your bike,

Must be Santa must be Santa,
Must be Santa, Santa Claus.

I'm sure he had a little help from his brother. All though I have every bit of confidence he could have come up with these lyrics all on his own.

They're down and they've been down

Is it wrong that I took down our Christmas decorations this past Sunday?

The day after Christmas.

Everything gone. Boxed back up. Put back on the shelves. Gone till next year.

I even found a Nerf bullet or two in the tree when I was taking the ornaments off.

Hubs took down the outside stuff yesterday.

AND...

I have already cleaned out the boys closets and brought the donation stuff to where it needed to go.

AND...

The house has been cleaned.

AND...

you can say it...

I'm an over achiever.

I'm over the crying at Toy Story 3

Right now it's 7:31pm and my family is already in their PJ's, well everyone but me and they are settling down.

R1 is on the couch wrapped in a blanket and Hubs and R2 are on the recliner.

The funny part in all of this is R2 is actually just about asleep. His head keeps bobbing from one side to the other.

It's the cutest thing ever.

And the plan is when he's asleep for a while, Hub's is going to put him in his bed so he and R1 can spend some quality time together.

You know playing video games. Because nothing says quality time like playing NBA JAM.

And me well I think I'm just gonna climb in my bed and snuggle up with Toy Story 3 for the one millionth time, only this time I just might cry at the end, like I did the first time I saw the movie. But only because I won't hear the following monologue.

Child: Mom are you crying?

Me: Nope, as I fight back tears.

Child: Yes you are! (Said with a huge smile)

Me: No I'm over crying at this movie. We've watched it enough so now I'm numb to it.

Child: No you're not....you're CRYING! DAD!!!...mom's crying!!

Me: OK just pass me the tissues please!

Nothing says Christmas like...

1. The sound of Nerf gun bullets whizzing by your face. My house is officially a war zone. There are green and orange bullets all over.

2. The sound of boys laughing as they are pelting each other with the Nerf bullets.

3. The sound of new video games being played and new movies being watched. The new games this year were: NBA Jam, Mario vs. Donkey Kong Mini Land Mayhem, Rock Band 3 and Epic Mickey. The new movies were Toy Story 3 (of course) and Despicable Me.

4. New clothes that get pulled out of the box and tossed on the floor like they could care less but can't wait to wear that new shirt the next day.

5. The sound of everyone snoring after all the presents have been opened and Christmas lunch has been eaten.

I hope everyone had blessed holiday. I know I sure did.

Whizzzzzz.....Whizzzzz.....Whizzzzz.....Whizzzz......

Merry Christmas Eve

Well we have done Christmas with both sides of our families and now it's time for me to enjoy my little family.

I hope each of you have a very Merry Christmas!!

"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince Of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Family Christmas road trip

First off, I just want to say a few things about R1 new phone.

Thank you all for your support. We did establish some ground rules for his phone and so far so good. Also I have never been so glad that we have unlimited texting on our plan because the first day he had the phone he sent me 20 messages.

I think it's safe to say he likes that he now has a cell phone.

OK now on to other things.

We are going to the lake today to have Hubs' side of the family Christmas. I have to say that I am excited about it!

We are of course eating. My mother in law is going all out even though she said we were scaling back on the food this year. And the best part is I only have to bring the Lemonade Pie.

Here is the recipe, it's so easy.

1 can frozen lemonade, thawed
1 can Eagle brand sweetened condensed milk
1 tub cool whip
1 graham cracker crust

Whisk together the thawed lemonade and the Eagle brand milk. Chill in fridge several hours, over night is best.
Add whip topping and finish with green sprinkles.

DONE! I told you it was easy.

Anyway, I can't wait to get together with my family and spend the day with them.

So I hate to type and run but I don't want to be late for the homemade chicken and dumplings.

Peace out, peeps!

Early Chrsitmas times two

Santa came a little early for two of us last night.

R1 and I both got new cell phones. Well R1 got his first cell phone.

He is 10 and has been asking for one for two years and I have always stood firm and said no. I mean he was 8 back then and honestly who was he going to call/txt and when would he be by himself that he would need one.

But Hubs and I have been talking and Middle School is coming sooner than we want and that means after school activities. So we decided that for Christmas he would get a phone.

When we got to the store there were several options but the best for us if you added a line you got the new Droid Incredible for free. Well there was no way I was going to give a 10 year a $600.00 phone.

So Mama got a new phone too! Yes I have finally upgraded my cheap/free phone to the 21st century. And R1 well he just has a new phone that he picked out. And he's pretty excited about it.

I have to admit that I still think he's a bit young for a cell phone. But I am comparing it to the fact that I didn't have a cell phone when I was 10 but then they didn't have cell phones back then either.

Ouch... I just dated myself.

Anyway,

What age do you think is appropriate for a child to have a cell phone? I'm really just trying to see if I am in the majority here.

Thanks!

The Songs, The Story, Christmas...with a side of tired

This a was a jam packed weekend. I don't think I could fit another thing into it.

Friday was sick and not feeling well, which was not a good way to start off a busy weekend.

Saturday was graduation at the university I work for and we are required to work graduation. It was a very exhausting 8 hours.

Once graduation was over I went up to church to decorate for our "Taste of Christmas" which was after our church musical on Sunday night. My friend Beth and I were in charge of decorating the plates/napkins/silverware table and the center pieces for all of the seating tables. And to top that off I had to decorate our Sunday school table as well.

Then Sunday, my side of the family came over for lunch and Christmas. The boys got some great stuff and I see a trip to Kohl's in my future thanks to my parents!

Then we all went up to church for our musical, The Songs, The Story, Christmas. And I have to say our choir did a wonderful job!! There was so much meaning in each song. It's a great way to really kick off the Christmas season. The boys also sang in the children's choir. They did a great job as well.

And after cooking, cleaning, decorating for three days, I'm exhausted.

So if you will excuse me, I'm off to take a nap! Hope all of you had a great weekend.

Silent Night But Only Till 10 Points

I love this!

Now go watch.

A Year Without A Santa Claus

This is one of my favorite Christmas movies.


I just love Snow Miser and Heat Miser.


I also love Charlie Brown Christmas and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. (the original cartoon one)

Not only do I make sure we watch these on TV when the come on during the holidays but we own them as well.

I think I see a family movie night in our future, the very near future.

Christmas On The Square

Friday night in Small Town USA we had our annual Christmas parade and holiday carnival.

And with out further ado here are a few pictures.

Really, at my age

On Monday after noon I started to not feel so well. My throat was starting to hurt when I swallowed, but only on the left side.

A few hours later and my left ear was beginning to hurt too.

I knew from years of experience with my oldest not to mess around when ears and throats start to hurt.

I called my doctor first thing Tuesday morning. And luckily, the could fit me in at 1:45. Now if I could just old on till then. (Bring out the Advil and take 4 at time.)

When I arrived at the doctors office, my total office wait time was 15 minutes. I know, right! I just love my doctor's office.

First I see the nurses assistant, you know the one who makes you get on the scale and confirms only what you already knew. That you have done nothing but gain weight since Halloween.

Next I see the nurse, who checks my eyes, ears, (they should have been checked first, but who am I) and then checks my breathing.

Finally the doctor comes in and looks at the notes his nurse took, confirms I have an ear infection, and writes out a prescription and tells the nurses assistant to give me a steroid shot. Thank, Amen, Hallelujah!

Nice to know that at my age I am not immune to things like ear infections. Oh the joy of one. I have never had one. I remember R1 getting one an his ear puffed out on the side and turned red. I never doubted his pain wasn't painful and I always did everything I could to ease his pain, now I have even more sympathy, since I have now experience one first hand.

So an hour later I leave the doctors office. And then another half hour and three prescriptions later I leave Walgreen's.

Have any of y'all have an ear infection? Any home remedies I should try? How long did the pain last? How long was your ear so sore you couldn't lay down on it?

I know I just threw a ton of questions at y'all, sorry. I blame it on the steroid shot, it might have affected more than just my ear.

Laid off from school

R2 love to tell stories. He has a very wild imagination and his stories are detailed not to mentioned hilarious.

So Sunday at church during Sunday school, he tells his teachers, straight faced, that he got laid off from school and had to go work in a car shop as a mechanic. He also lost a bolt and had to use his hammer to bang out a dented piece on the car.

Seriously?

What kinda of 5 year old comes up with stuff?

My 5 year old, that's who. I just love that boy!

For as long as they want to

The other day I was reading this post by Musings of Housewife about her kids sleeping in her bed, and it really hit close to home.

A day after reading her post this what happened at my household.

It was three in the morning and I was sound asleep, when I felt something poking me. That poking was being done by R1 who was standing over me telling me he had just had a bad dream and wanted to climb in my bed and sleep with me.

Before I could even think clearly enough to give him an answer, he was in the bed snuggled up between me and Hubs.

Now here is your visual...two grown adults and then a 10yr old who is 4'11" and weighs right over 100 pounds. Guess I should say three full size people all in a queen size bed. And a dog at the foot of the bed.

Did I mind? Not one bit. Actually I loved every stinkin' minute of it. And to make my heart burst with love even more, R2 woke up about 3:30AM and just climbed on in the bed.

Another visual...3 full size people, and a 5yr old,weight is not exactly known but he is almost to heavy for me to pick anymore, and a 20lb dog...all in a queen size bed. And I still didn't mind.

You see, one day my boys are going to grow up and think having anything to do with their parents, let alone snuggling, is stupid. They will think I am the biggest dork at some point in their life. They will want to be with their friends doing cool stuff and hanging out with the parentals is not cool.

So I will take these moments for as long as they last. I love snuggle time. I love to drink in their sighs as they fall asleep. I love to bask in the feeling of their small hands wrapped around my neck or draped over my shoulder. I love the comfort of a pat on my hand as they hold mine right before drifting off to sleep.

I love to hold them close and hear them breathe and rest my head on their back and listen to their heart beat.

So if you ever ask me if I let my kids climb into my bed and sleep, the answer will be yes. For as long as they want to.

For I know these days are numbered. I only hope the number isn't very small.

This makes me happy

Black Friday recap

My friend Beth, her daughter and I started a tradition. We get up EARLY and go shopping on Black Friday.

And when I say EARLY really mean we leave my house some where around 5:30-6AM. But when I say shopping I mean SHOPPING.

Last year we shopped for 11 hours. This year we beat that record. We left my house at 5:45AM and were at Target by 6. And we did not return to my house until 7:30PM. Yup that's 13.5 of shopping.

It's not bad for us because we have the attitude of we get there when we get there and if they have what we are looking for great if not then there is always another week to go look for it. It takes the stress out of the Black Friday shopping hype.

We decided to hit Target first because I scored really big there last year and this year was no disappointment. I got everything on the boys lists and Hubs too.

Since I know y'all are like where did you shop for 13.5 hrs, here is a run down of the stores.

Target
Dillard's
Gap
Kids Gap
Bealls
JC Penney
Macy's
Best Buy
Hollister
American Eagle
Kohl's
Academy
Dress Barn
Shoe Carnival
Party City
Hobby Lobby
and maybe a few I forgot

And as an added bonus I really scored at Kids Gap, even though clothes weren't on my list. They had everything and I mean everything on sale 50% off till 10AM, we got there at 8. I got a shirt there for $6.00 that was originally $40 and they kept marking it down until I bought it.

As a matter of fact I finished my Christmas shopping except for my niece and nephew and they want gift cards, and that's easy.

Oh I also wrapped everything on Sunday. I know, I'm such an over achiever. We are totally ready for Santa. In my defense this is the first year ever that I have had everything wrapped before December 1.

We also did break for lunch some where around 11:30-12. And there was a trip to Sonic after 2pm because it's happy hour from 2-4 and all drinks are 1/2 price.

And I knew at 6AM there was a large sparkling strawberry lemonade at some time in my future.

Cheese balls galore

This was the container cheese balls I bought at the beginning of the Thanksgiving week.


And this is the container at the end.


Can you say we all enjoyed the cheese balls?

But also in our defense, this is what Hubs made with some of them.


Can you also say YUM!

Thanksgiving Break

Today the kids are getting out of school early. Can you say Thanksgiving Break!

Hubs and I have a date with our oldest child. We are going to see the new Harry Pottery movie. And to be honest, I'm excited about it!

And since everyone is out of school next week, I am also going on a bloggy vacation too.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends.

See you in a week.

GOBBLE GOBBLE GOBBLE

Leonid Meteor Shower

Yesterday I emailed Hubs at school and told him about a meteor shower that we might be able to see once is got dark.

He was all on board with this idea. He even suggested that we wait until the kids were asleep and then pull out some blankets and go lay down in the back yard and watch. I know he's so sweet.

And that is exactly what we did last.

And truthfully the only complaint I had was the moon was to bright and we probably could have seen more if we had waited until around 2AM. But lets also face it, normally I am asleep at 2AM.

I also have to admit it was pretty romantic laying in the backyard under the blankets holding hands and watching the stars.

Seriously, did that just happen?

So I have to ask....

Did anyone else hear Hubs screaming Sunday? I think my entire neighborhood might have hear him.

All I have to say is Texans vs. Jaguars

And if you missed it...here you go.



You are welcome. Have a great day!

Before or After

So while perusing Facebook this weekend, I read where several people were putting up their Christmas trees and decorating their homes.

So my question to you is when do you put up your tree? Before or after Thanksgiving?

Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and have a great day!

Veterans Day

Today is Veterans Day.

Let us not forget the reason we celebrate today.

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, hug them, shake their hand, because they deserve so much more

Time Change

Normally Daylight Savings Time comes and goes and I can function just fine. This year not so much.

OH MY WORD. THIS TIME CHANGE IS KICKING MY BOOTY!

Monday night all of us and when I say all of us, I am including the dog, were in bed asleep at 9PM.

Last night 9:30 but only because I had to make sure the jeans were finished drying. But to completely honest I was ready for bed around 8:30. I know, I am OLD!

Is this time change thing causing anyone else trouble? I sure hope I'm not the only OLD person out there.

Disguised

The school projects have begun.

Let me break out into a sweat now.

R2 came home with a note Friday and a cut out sheet instructing us of a "family" project due on Monday.

I use family loosely because all of you know that any time the word project comes homes in a note from school, it's usually the mamas that complete the project.

I will break out all of my scrapbook stuff and make sure the glue gun is working and make sure I have extra sticks on hand.

Anyway, R2's project was to disguise a turkey so that he will not be eaten for Thanksgiving.

I asked R2 how he wanted to disguise his turkey, thinking he would want to go for the camo look and I would have to discourage this because everyone else would be doing camo look.

But instead to my amazement he said he wanted to do his like a zebra. I know, I have the greatest son ever!!! I had zebra print felt left over from last year when R1 had free enterprise day. You can read about and see his project here.

I made the necessary trip to Hobby Lobby to ensure we had all of our supplies. I have a great fear of running out of zebra print felt, feathers, and google eyes.

I came home, traced and cut out the zebra print turkey. Then I asked R2 if he wanted to help me glue the felt down. He did for all of about 2.7 seconds. He thought playing karate with his brother was more exciting.

So I trudged on alone. As I assembled the turkey, I would ask R2's opinion and he would stop karate chopping on his brother long enough to look over and say sure.

And here is Mr. Turkey, do you see him? Do you????


Gobble, gobble, gobble.

Watch out for ponding

I had several great titles for this post earlier in the day but for the life of me I can't remember a one of them. Guess that will teach me to write things down.

Tuesday when we got home from the Renaissance Festival, I promptly went to start washing clothes. And while I was packing the washer to it's fullest capacity I noticed the floor was a tad bit wet. Who am I kidding, it was really wet. So I did what any great wife would do...

I yelled down the hallway, "HUBS WE HAVE A PROBLEM! AND I NEED YOU TO COME NOW TO LOOK!"

So Hubs comes running and see the water. And he grabs some towels and starts to soak up the water and said, "There, done!" And walks back down the hall.

I knew it was far from being OK and that mopping up the water was just a temporary fix. I had gotten the impression we would need to purchase a new water heater.

And so the gnashing of the teeth and many hours of internet research began. And have you priced those suckers lately??? OUTRAGEOUS!! And delivery and installation? EVEN MORE OUTRAGEOUS!!

Anyway, I was a tad bit stressed out to say the least. I slept terrible and the next morning came way to early.

Wednesday morning I was at Home Depot bright and early. I purchased a new water heater and a new toilet set, but that is a post for another day. I scheduled to have it delivered and installed the same day. Home Depot says if you buy it that day before noon and want delivery and installation, they can guaranty same day service.

HOLLA!! I will be able to take a hot shower in the morning.

So yesterday before 11AM I was a bazillion dollars poorer and we had new water heater that functioned properly. AKA didn't leak water all over my floor.

And the installation guys said my water heater area was the cleanest they had ever seen. They must not have been able to see my bedroom or the boys bathroom. I bet they would beg to differ then.

But what I want to know is why do they charge so dang much for that stuff, they know you have to have it!! Kinda like diapers and formula. They know you need it so the charge the highest possible price for it! UGH!

OK seriously I'm tired all over again but at least my feet don't hurt

OK so I was so exhausted from the weekend that I went to bed Monday night around 9:30.

I say around 9:30 because that is the last time I looked at the clock and I don't remember leaving the TV on waiting for the news to come on to watch the weather.

I wanted to watch the weather because R1 had a field and I wanted to make sure I wore the proper weather attire, AKA a rain coat and a pair of rubber boots.

We were going to the Texas Renaissance Festival in Plantersville. Me, Hubs, R1 and about ONE HUNDRED 5th graders.

Oh, sorry back to the rubber boots. The forecast for the day...70% chance of rain and highs in the low 70's.

If you have ever been to the Texas Renaissance Festival, you know it outdoors and it gets MUDDY, hence the need for rubber boots.

The good news was the rain stopped when we got to Conroe and the sun came out just long enough to kind of dry things out a bit.

We arrive around 10AM and promptly hit 1. The bathroom and 2. The food.

Then we saw two shows

Bird of Prey, AKA the owls and falcons.


And the jousting.


Then it was off to do other things, like dip you hand it HOT wax 12 times.


And then meet up with another class.



By the way I just thought the three of you who read this would like to know, since the rain had stopped, I never did wear my cute zebra print rubber boots. I just left on my Nike's. I'm glad to because five hours later my feet would have been killing me.

Instead my body is just screaming at me that it need to rest for the next century from the past three days.

I'm tricked and treated out!

Halloween 2010 was a great success!

We had a busy weekend. We had a carnival Saturday night and a hay ride to take us to trick or treating.

Sunday our church held our fall festival. More games, pony rides, moon walks,and CANDY!

I'm so tried. My legs and feet hurt!

Hope y'all had a boo-tastic weekend.

And here are my goblins now...