Vacation es San Antonio or However You Say It

I mentioned a few weeks ago that we were going on vacation. I am happy to report that we went, we conquered, and returned home. 

Early in the summer Hubs and I started talking about where to go for a few days and we decided on San Antonio. 

It had been years since Hubs and I had been to San Antonio. R1 had been toward the end of the school year and the year before that with his Rocket Engineering class and he had a great time.  

So we loaded up the car, drove to Houston to drop off our dog with a sweet friend, and then drove three hours to San Antonio, Texas.  Only it took us more like four because we stopped to eat lunch and then we made required road trip pit stop at Buc-ee's. If you have no idea what a Buc-ee's is 1.) Clearly you are not from Texas and for that I'm sorry. 2.) You are missing out on the cleanest restrooms located at super convience store/gas station ever. 

Once we got to San Antonio, we checked in to our hotel, freshened up, and head out to the River Walk. We decided to take the boat tour on the river walk and then head over to this BBQ restaurant that we had heard about. County Line BBQ did not disappoint. We ended up sharing the 5 meat platter and added a few sides to accommodate all of us. I can say it was the best BBQ that I have eaten in a long time. After dinner we walked over to the Alamo. We knew it was close to closing but we still wanted to see it. R2 became so enthralled with history of it. He wanted to read everything and hear all of the stories.

The next morning we drove over to Mi Tierra. Which just happens to be one of the best Mexican food places in San Antonio. They are actually open 24 hours and their breakfast is amazing. They also have the freshest pastries from their bakery I've ever eaten.  After breakfast we walked over to the Market to look around. The boys had some money for souvenirs and they wanted to see what they could find. All I can say is R2 came home with a ukulele and a magnet in the shape of Texas with two guns on it. It also says, we don't call 911 in San Antonio. I didn't notice the wording until we got home and put it on the fridge. 

After the shopping spree we headed over to watch the San Antonio Missions minor league baseball team play. They just happened to have day game and Hubs and I thought it might be fun to take the boys. 

We had purchased seats just passed third base and while it was hot, there was a slight breeze blowing in the outfield. Right after the game started a ball park representative came over and asked if we would like to be the family of the day and have our seats upgraded to right behind homeplate for free. Of course we jumped on that and all we had to do was climb up on top of the first base dugout and smile for the camera while they announced us. After our 15 seconds of fame we went and sat right behind homeplate. 

Here's the thing about being in Texas in July, it's 9526° outside and there is absolutely no air flow in the four sections behind homeplate. So it was HOT!  I got up at one point and got a snowcone but I told them to hold the flavoring, I just wanted the ice. The game was entertaining and the Missions ended up winning. 

After game was over we went back to the hotel because the boys wanted to swim before heading over to Fiesta Texas amusement park. We had been a few years ago when we went to the Frio River and they had a blast. While at Fiesta, R2 conned me into riding the Gully Washer. Which is a family water ride. Lets just say by the time I got off that ride I looked like a drowned rat. I was soaked to the bone and had to walk around the park with wet clothes.  

We left Fiesta about and hour before they closed. Our original plan was to go to dinner right after but because of the thorough splash fest I had recevied I needed to go back to the hotel and dry off and change clothes. We ended up at In and Out Burger. The trick to that place is to order off the menu. Their menu consists of six things. But if you know how to order off the menu then you're golden. We have a local burger place here in Southeast Texas that I just love but I will say this, that night I thought In and Out Burger was better. I'm sorry Hamburger Depot, please forgive me. 

Tuesday we drove to San Marcos to visit the outlet mall. We did a little back to school shopping. While R1 and I were in a store making a purchase, Hubs and R2 checked out the map. R2 found a store that he wanted to visit called Beef Jerky Outlet. That boy loves his beef jerky, so off to the jerky store we went. They have samples of every kind of beef jerky they sell and of course R2 sampled them all. He ended up buying 4oz pack of Prime Rib beef jerky and I kid you not it was gone in about 10 minutes. 

Once we were shopped out we headed over to Gruene, Texas. Home of the oldest dance hall in Texas and home of the Gristmill. The Gristmill is a restaurant built into the side of a hill and in the ruins of an old cotton gin that over looks the Guadalupe River. Their onion rings are to die for. It was so hot even with the fans blowing. But the food and atmosphere were great.

On Wednesday before we headed out, we went back to the Alamo. R2 had wanted to take the tour and learn as much as he could about the battle and the soldiers who defended the mission. He was like a sponge and soaked every bit of it in. 

When the tour was over we headed home. While we had a great time on vacation, it's always nice to come home.

17

Happy 17th birthday R1!

I honestly wonder each year how we got here so fast. It seems like just yesterday I was watching you toddle down the hall way from your bedroom to the livingroom to go snuggle on the couch. 

It also seems since the end of the school I've been in constant flashback mode. In just a few short weeks you will be a senior in highschool. Each one of your school years flashes before my eyes.  

You have turned into a handsome young man. While I worry about all of the things that mothers tend to, you never do. You just go with it.

You keep me on toes, you make think about things I normally wouldn't, you surprise me, and you make me laugh. It's one of the many things I love about you. 

I am so honored to be your mom and your dad and I love you very much.

First Month of Summer

Let me start by saying it's hot. Like I feel as if I've been placed on the surface of the sun hot and it's only June. I'm sure once July and August get here I will become some sort of vapor upon stepping one foot outside. 

One thing that has made it a little more bearable is a new app I found called WTForecast. It's hilarious. It's free and if you haven't downloaded it yet, you should. One feature is the accent setting so you change it from United States, Australia, Ireland, etc. However, my favorite feature is the profanity setting. Yep profanity. You can have it on, or sometimes on, or totally off. Go download it now!

The boys kicked off summer by doing what they do best, sleeping late. Well one of them sleeps late. I'll let you guess which one, but I'll give you a hint, it's the one that is already a teenager. 

Things at the end of school were so busy I never got around to posting the "good stuff". So in an attempt to remember what happened at the end of the 2017 school year, here you go. 

A list if you will.

1. I had a 504 meeting for R2 regarding his dyslexia. The best words I think I've heard were, "Your child can be released to monitoring". The dyslexic specialist at the school said that R2's dyslexia is no longer holding him back. He no longer requires being in the Neuhaus Academy class at school. The specialist said that she would continue to monitor him for progress but that he will be fine. I almost cried. 

2. R1 actually got out of school a week earlier than normal. All because Mr. Smartypants was exempt from his class finals. So while the rest of us were getting up to go to school, he was snoring away. He had amazing school year too. He was inducted into National Honor Society, passed his Clep test for college algebra, meaning he won't need to take algebra in college and took the Advanced Placement United States History exam and we are still waiting for the results to come in. 

3. R2 also passed the STAAR exam. Those of you who have been reading here for a while know exactly how I feel about that exam. It's re-freaking-diculous! So while I'm proud of him working his butt off and passing, that's all I'm going to say about it. 

4. Father's Day we celebrated Hubs by making him breakfast and dinner. But we also celebrated by pulling up carpet. For a period of around 24 hours the water line on the back of our refrigerator that leads to the ice maker decided it would be a good idea to detach itself and run under the wall and into the dining room. I noticed when R2 wanted to serve Hubs breakfast on a tray and I went to the hutch to grab one and floor was soaking wet. And I do mean soaking wet. We pulled up the carpet and padding and then placed several box fans in attempt to dry it out. I am happy to report that we were successful and the damage was minimal. 

5. Lastly, three words, Tropical Storm Cindy. I really hate this time of year for one reason only, hurricane season. Hurricane season runs from June 1 till November 30. Yesterday TS Cindy made her appearance in Texas. I am so very thankful that it was only a tropical storm and it was not as bad as predicted. We happened to be on the dry side of the storm. Other states did not fair so well. 

6. Vacation. We have a vacation coming up and I'm excited to get away and spend some time with my family. These moments are fleeting as R1 will be senior when the school year starts in August. Seriously, a senior. How did we get here so fast?

Well that about sums up our summer for now. I'm off to find some shade.
 


 

He Is the Champion

I've been meaning to post these pictures for two weeks and well the end of school got the best of me. And then the beginning of summer got the best of me too.

But this kid and his team won the championship! Their record for the season was 13-0-3. That would be 13 wins, no losses, and 3 ties. Yep NO LOSSES!

I took these with my phone so the quality is not very good but it captures how R2 felt perfectly. He also go the game ball for the season. 

Way to work R2! I'm super proud of you!

 

One Brief Shinning Moment in the 2017 High School Baseball Season

Well high school baseball has ended for R1. The season is over.  It's actually bittersweet because we lost to my nephews team. My nephew is a senior and this would be the only chance they would be able to play against each other.

Our boys made to the second round of the playoffs only to be eliminated in a best two out of three game series. So now my nephews team moves on to round three.

However, for one brief shinning moment my son and my nephew were on the same field. 

R1 is catching and my nephew is the batter on deck.

I love these boys!

 

National Honor Society Induction

Hubs and I are extremely proud of this kid. He has worked hard all through high school and it has paid off. 

Congratulations R1 on your NHS induction! Your daddy and I could not be more proud of you.

R1 and his best friend G

My boys

Highschool Baseball Experience at Minute Maid Park

Our varsity baseball team got to experience a once in a lifetime event on Monday night. They got to play a baseball game at Minute Maid ballpark. 

Those of you who have been reading here for a while know about my deep love of baseball and my even deeper love for the Houston Astros. It is because of this deep love I'm not quite sure who was more excited, me or R1.  I tried really hard to contain my excitement but I'm not all positive I succeeded.


The boys arrived early at Minute Maid and took batting practice in the Astros' cages (let that just sink in here for minute. Our boys got to take batting practice in the Astros batting cages!) and then took a team photo on the field. One of the highlights of the night was were the home team and our boys got to sit in the Astros dugout. (Again let it in sink in our boys got to sit in the Astros dugout! They got to play a high school baseball game on a major league field!)

It was rough night for our boys and we struggled with errors and hitting and we lost because of it.

However, it was an awesome experience and I'm so glad our boys were able to be a part of it. I hope they get the chance to do it again next year. 

The Astros score board. And it had our team and roster listed at one point.

Pre-game warm up

Friends since kindergarten

 

First at bat and R1 with a foul tip

Got hit and took off!

  

2017 Baseball Season Is Back

Baseball season is here!

Can You Smell Spring in the Air

I'll just leave this right here for you. Opening day is Monday. Let's go 'Stros!

Rally Killer

Yep, this kid right here is killing it this year. He's having a great season so far.

And one of him hitting, just for good measure. 

It's that time!

Ahhh, it's that time. Yes, it's baseball season again and all is right with my world. 

Pitchers and catchers have reported for MLB and high school baseball season has begun. 

And as usual, be still my mama heart. 

Hello, How Are You

Well hi there!

I am happy to say to that our house has mostly recovered. 

R1 had the shortest case of the flu ever. I am so very thankful for that and I attribute it to an early diagnoses. He started showing symptoms on Saturday, Sunday tested positive for the flu and had a full dose of Tamiflu, Monday ran low temp all day and by Tuesday he was fever free and feeling much better. 

My upper respiratory infection was short lived as well because of early diagnoses. Hubs still has that lingering cough but it's not nearly as bad as it was a few weeks ago and well knock on wood, R2 has remained untouched by all of this sickness. 

In other news we are about to begin high school baseball season in two short weeks. And this makes me one happy girl. I'm so over football season. I think I was probably over it before it even started. And Spring Training for MLB begins February 13th with pitchers and catchers reporting. Yep, baseball season is here!

And now I'm off to purchase my supply of dill pickle sunflower seeds for the upcoming baseball season. 

12

R2 turned 12 this past Saturday. 

How did we get here so fast? Where have the last 12 years gone? When did he become old enough to cook breakfast without any help. When did he become tall enough to grab things off of the top shelf in his closet? 

Wasn't it just yesterday Hubs and I were bringing him from the hospital? Or even dropping him off for his first day of Kindergarten? 

Please time slow down, I don't think I can take it anymore.
 
R2 I love you more than you will ever know!

I'm Waiving the White Flag

Well we are only one week into the new year and I'm already waving my white flag. Yep, 2017, I surrender. 

Hubs has had some upper respiratory/sinus issues since school went back. R1 has the flu and me, well as of yesterday I was diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection but tested negative for the flu and strep. And knock on wood, R2 has managed to remain healthy, for now. 

I have hosed the entire house down with Lysol. I've washed all of the bed linens and all of the throw blankets. I have used more Clorox wipes than I ever thought possible and I've washed my hands so many times I'm seriously considering using O'Keeffe's Working Hands.  

I think it's safe to say that the great sickness of 2017 has descended upon us. 

Hopefully after multiple doses of Tamiflu and antibiotics we are on the mend. 


 

Happy 2017

Happy New Year!

We rang in the new year at home this year. While I missed being with our friends, it was nice to just be home. 

Hubs cooked, we played games, we watched movies, and pretty much just relaxed until the fireworks started. R2 had been chomping at the bit to get out there and light'em up. So as soon as it got dark he was raring and ready to go. 

I have a love/hate relationship with fireworks. I love them because they are pretty but I hate them because they freak out my dog, Cookie. We have to medicate her twice a year because she turns into a Nervous Nelly. But by the time midnight came around the meds were worn off and as much as I tried to swaddle her in her blanket and cuddle with her she just wanted down to wander around the house and make sure the all of the wall were still holding up the roof. Other than the firework activity our weekend was pretty low key.

So here's to another year and the hope that it is amazing!
 

Second Day of Christmas Break

Christmas Break of 2016 is finally here. 

Hubs and I ran around town for a good part of the weekend and into Monday trying to finish up purchasing gifts for the boys and the rest of our family.

Today we woke up with nothing to do on our agenda. This is how sweet Cookie and I spent most of the day yesterday. 

 
All I can say is it was glorious!

Merry Christmas!

 

The Christmas Village

When Hubs and I were dating we used to spend a lot of time with his grandmother. She was an amazing woman who loved her family. She also loved Christmas time. 

She would decorate the inside of her house in October so she could enjoy it for a much longer time period. One of her most prized decorations was her Christmas village. Every year she would add one or two pieces to her collection. 

Hubs had always loved her Christmas village and so as the years went by and she got older,  little by little his grandmother would give him pieces from her collection until he had them all. Early on in our marriage I would put them out all over our house because the collection was much to large to put in one spot. Over time I would eventually scale back and only end up putting out about half of the village. And eventually when we started having children I stopped putting out the village all together.

Last year R2 discovered the large storage crate that held Pam-Maw's entire collection and he wanted to put it out. 

So this year again, R2 has decided this is now his responsibility every year to put out Hubs' grandmother's Christmas village.

This isn't even half of her collection. I think Pam-Maw would be proud. 

Tryptophan Coma Has Worn Off

I think it's safe to say we are all out of our turkey induced coma from Thanksgiving. 

Our Thanksgiving break was filled with a lot of car traveling, well for me anyways, the rest of my bunch had a relaxing time at home. 

My sister in law and niece asked if I wanted to join them for a quick trip to Knoxville, Tennessee. I love spending time with so of course I jumped at the chance. However 12 hours in the car one way doesn't sound like a like time but just sitting there and driving on and on and on, well you get the point. It seemed like it took a sweet forever before we pulled into Knoxville.

My niece was attending a dance class offered by the University of Tennessee and I figure since I was there I would take a quick tour of the campus. All I can is the SEC does it up right. I can't even begin to describe how beautiful the university was. My niece had such a great time at the dance camp that she was thinking of way to get R1 to go to school there with her. She had it all planned, they would get an apartment together and share this and that. It kind of made me sad that I had to break to her heart. When I called R1 to tell him of her plans his response was quick and sharp, HECK NO! I HATE THE VOLS! So that put an end to those plans. Sorry, Tennessee, I tried.

When we returned home three days later is was a flurry of trying to get ready for Thanksgiving and I was truly grateful we were having a low key one this year. 

Then Black Friday was upon us and it was time for my annual shopping trip with my BFF and her daughter. We had a great time and found some fabulous deals. However, 12 hours of shopping after spending two 12 hour days in the car did me in. Hubs and I were supposed to go to Houston on Saturday and I told him I just didn't think I could another trip in the car. So I stayed close to home and piddled around until I got all of our Christmas decorations up and put out. 

Now December is here and I need to find time to wrap the presents I purchased on Black Friday and wait for the presents that I ordered to arrive. we also have baseball lessons, basketball practices and games that are now thrown into the mix which are keeping us quite busy. So really nothing to exciting going on other than everyday life. 

Now I'm off to find the pretty bows I purchased last year after Christmas so I can get started wrapping those gifts.

 

Veterans Day 2016

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

365 Days

It's been 365 days since I last heard your voice.

One year later my heart still breaks into a million pieces when think of you or see a picture of you. 

Grief is a strange thing. There are days when it feels bearable. Almost like I can make it through the day and think of you and smile. Other days it's just right there below the surface bubbling and waiting to spill over. Waiting to drown me in it's sorrow.  Oh how I long for the day when I can remember you and not dissolve into tears.  

I love you Daddy and I am impatiently waiting for the day I can run into your arms and hug your neck. I just might never let go.