All-Stars Survivor again?

Personally - I LOVE it. It's a little more cut-throat. Spoiler site with possible contestants. Your thoughts?

Why blog?

Something I'm seriously contemplating. Why do I do this?

I enjoy it. I love the release it provides me. Someone the other day mentioned that I don't do it as much anymore. The funny stuff about my trips to Wal-Mart and the such. It made me think. Why don't I? What made me stop? I still blog. Just not like I used to.

And so a period of self-reflection set in.

I know what stole my thunder. And some of you will remember. Vaguely. An incident happened in March. I can't go into the details. Because, this is the written and very public word. How public? I'll never know. There-in lies my problem. Who reads my thoughts out loud? I know that many do and never comment. But how many? And who, specifically? It's begun to "creep me out." And, I guess, give me cause to "censor" myself.

I feel like such a hypocrite, because I was shouting from the rooftops, "Be who you are or don't be at all." The truth is, they are hard words to live by. Here's the thing.

1. I am a Christian. I want to live my life as a good Christian. But let's face it. Christians have bad days, too. Christians think things are funny. I just don't want to ever come off in a manner that might suggest that I'm not a Christian. Or to someone who is not one, make them wonder, why ever become one? She's not any different than me. Don't get me wrong. I don't want to be all "holier than thou." I guess I want my cake and eat it too.

2. I am a person who wears many other hats as well. The B that is a friend isn't always the same B that is a daughter. KWIM? For instance - - My Dad thinks "fart" is a bad word. (Sorry, Dad.) I don't. So out of respect to him, I try not to say that word in front of him. But around my friends, it's a totally acceptable word. Does this mean I'm living two lives? No. It's the same with my blogging. I say some stuff around my inner circle (my peeps) while around others I might be a little more reserved.

Somehow - - the inner circle became penetrated. By lots of unknowns. And some knowns. I just don't know who I'm talking to anymore. And that kind of bothers me.

How will I fix this? I don't know at this juncture. I'm keeping my options open. I just want the freedom to be me, say what's *really* on my mind, and not have to worry about who might see it.

There could be some changes on the horizon. You've been put on notice.

Holiday Eating Tips

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnogoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.

Remember this motto to live by:"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"

Have a great holiday season!

Holiday Pretzel Treats!

1. Heat the oven to 170º. Set a number of bite-size, waffle-shaped pretzels (one for each treat) in a single layer on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, then top each pretzel with an unwrapped Hershey's Kiss or Hershey's Hug.

2. Bake for 4 to 6 minutes (the white chocolate will melt more quickly), until the chocolates feel soft when touched with a wooden spoon. Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and quickly press an M&M's candy into the center of each Kiss.

3. Allow the treats to cool for a few minutes, then place them in the refrigerator to set, about 10 minutes. Place handfuls of the candies in clear plastic bags and tie on colorful ribbons.

**I used regular Hershey kisses and I also used the candy cane kisses. So cute. So yummy. Thanks Family Fun for the fabulous idea!!

The Spurs Defeat the Mavs

Finally - something good happens.

Yes. All is well in my world again.

I *must* see this

*double sigh*

The game is NOT on t.v.

Why do these things happen to me? The only thing I had to look forward to this week and it wasn't even televised. I'm watching updates on espn.com. Right now, the Spurs are up.

*fingers crossed*

*sigh*

Wednesday night. Spurs vs. Mavs. The only thing I really had to look forward to this week. And then I read the sports headlines on my yahoo homepage. Tim Duncan is out because of his knee. Crap. Let me repeat. Crap. Is there any hope of the Spurs *ever* beating them? What is up with their psychological block with them anyway? Yoda - not a word out of you.

I'm not even looking forward to Survivor anymore. I'll watch it, but not with the same enthusiasm I did before. I haven't decided who I'm cheering for yet. I don't have much time to decide either. I can tell you who it won't be. Her name starts with a P and ends with a G.

I guess there is CSI - if it's not a re-run. And E.R. That's about it. I think we have a lot of re-runs in our future with this stupid writer's strike. That bites. Okay America. Time to turn of the television. Could be good for this household. Namely me. The only re-runs I could watch over and over are Seinfeld, Friends and Will & Grace.

Husband and I had something exciting happen to us over the weekend. While we were in San Antonio at our conference. It was cool. It's too late for me to tell you the News now. I'll write tomorrow. I'll tell you this. I've given you one clue already. If I've told you in person already, don't spoil it for the others.

Don't get me wrong. The conference was the BEST part of the weekend. Reconnecting with my husband. It was incredible. God really blessed our time together. I highly recommend attending Weekend to Remember. Just - - wonderful.

It rocked. (Another clue about the cool thing that happened. Intrigued?)

It's past my bedtime.

*smooches*

Weekend to Remember

Husband and I went to a marriage conference this past weekend. I can't elaborate a lot right now. Time constraints. Much to do. I will say this: it was the best thing we could have ever done for our marriage. I learned a lot about myself over the weekend. A lot about us, too. One thing I know for sure - - my husband is a gift from God. He is my partner for life and I absolutely adore him. I love him a little more every day.

*sigh*

I *really* love him.

Survivor 11/29 Post

Yes, James got voted off.

No, I don't wish to discuss it.

I'm stewing.

Dear Lucy,

Girlfriend, I fear you need to put this book on your winter reading list. The Schroeder thing - - it's just not happening. Give it up. He only loves his piano.

And quit taking that hostility you have all built up inside of you out on Charlie Brown. It's not nice the way you keep enticing him with that football. Why do you have to be so mean and pull it away every time? That's just mean. I think that he should just kick the stuff out of you. You have it coming to you. That would be funny. You'd never even see it coming. You'd think he's coming for the football and he'd kick your lights out. Then you'd wish you'd been nicer, huh?

We "elfed ourselves"

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9600912837

It's official. I'm in the holiday spirit. A goofy one thus far.

Highway Blogging

I am on my laptop travelling down I-10. We are in between Junction and Kerrville. This stretch of highway seems to go on and on and on… I was watching a movie on my laptop but it was zapping the battery pretty fast. So, instead, I think I’ll just report on life from the road.

The cops are out in force. Lots of them. We haven’t visited with any of them up close and personal yet. Husband is good about keeping it at an appropriate speed. Lots of dead deer. Gross.

Thing Two is too smart for his car seat. And apparently he is sick of sitting in it. En route to San Antonio, he wriggled out of it and opened his car door. Yes, he opened his door. (We are in Husband’s car this time. He has heated seats. I asked for it this trip.) The child safety locking thing hadn’t been activated on the doors. He OPENED the door. Thank goodness his big brother didn’t shout “jump.” We promptly pulled over and remedied the situation.
Ahhh, the Junction city limits sign. Won’t you join me (visually) as we ride through this lovely city? To my right is the landing strip. Now the exit. Whoever built this new convenience store with the Mickey D’s was freakin’ brilliant. And probably quite wealthy. To my left, Cooper’s BBQ. Yummy. I’m full from the Mickey D’s we had in Comfort. Just past some cattle auction place. And - - we are out of Junction. Good times.

Don’t mess with Texas. I just saw the sign. Some people *do* mess with Texas. Did you know that?

It has drizzled on us the whole way. It is 39 degrees outside. It is pure “blech.” Thank goodness I have heated seats. You know, that’s the only gripe I have about my car. No heated seats.

Let me see if Husband has any pearls of wisdom to add. He says, “Never try to disguise a fart when there are only two people in a room.” He's funny.

Times out. I just had to re-buckle both Thing’s carseats and re-adjust Thing 2’s straps. Again. Ugh.

Did you know that there aren’t any good radio stations between Junction and Menard? Time for a cd. In my car there would be good stuff to listen to. Husband’s taste in music and mine could not be more different. Time for my mp3 player. Much better.

We are now in Menard. We had to stop at the “Tres Amigos” convenience store. Daddy has to make a tinkle. He told me not to take his picture. I have a hard time following instructions. I took two. Oh crap. He just got back in the car asking for disinfectant. “Why?” I asked. “Because the dude behind the counter went on and on about how many times he has puked today and then he fondled my hand when he gave me my change.” Nice. I poured a TON of the antibacterial stuff in his hand. Let the record reflect - - if the pukes invade our household, I’m suing Tres Amigos.

It is now 37 degrees. The closer we get to home, the colder it gets. Yikes.

We are now in Eden. Not much happened between Menard and Eden. Never does. I pulled some pictures off of my camera and put them on the computer. Busy work. It’s nice to do that here so that I don’t have to do that when I get home.

36 degrees. Still rainy and yucky.

I could give you all an account of the rest of this trip, but I doubt that anyone would really care. So, I’m going to shut this thing down and listen to my mp3 player for a while. I hope you’ve enjoyed my tales from the road.

peace

I added music.

If you don't like listening to it, mute your p.c. or scroll down to the bottom of the page and pause the player. I will change up the play lists. Right now, these are the three that I wanted. I can have LOTS more. Just testing the waters right now. Comment and tell me what you think. Love it or hate it? Oh - I should do a poll. I'll do that. Then you can be anon.

Oh great, I just heard Thing 1 tell Husband to "pull his finger." Living with boys. Oh the joys.

Funny Movie Line

Are you a pothead, Focker?

Funny to me on *so* many levels.

Monday shout out to my cyber stalkers...

Everybody say heeeeeyyyyy....

What's up? Are you feeling "festive" yet? Ready to pig out? I'm getting there. Trying to. We are going to San Antonio to hang with Husband's family. We do the rotation thing. Thanksgiving/Christmas rotation every other year, my family/his kind of thing. Seems to work. This year - - his fam for the Thanks. Only - - no turkey and dressing. Heh? I know it's a lot of work to prepare that stuff. And I never seem to be involved in the preparations when I'm there. It's just awkward. Husband's mom and Husband's sister have been cooking together for years in that kitchen. It's like I don't fit in there. Not that they don't include me. I don't know. It's just weird. So - - I do my part. I bring the traditional Chex party mix, and a sweet or two. I just ordered a buttermilk pie from the local sweet shop. Yummers. I likes me some buttermilk pie. Oh, I digress. My place. I may have found my niche in cleaning up. Sort of. I'm still uncomfortable putting the food away. I can sure stand there and wash dishes though. I've got that down.


I'm doing everything I can to distract myself. I dread getting my Thanksgiving journal out. I started it last year. It was my last one with GrandDaddy. I had everyone at our meal sign my book. I know he signed it. *stinging tears* I really am missing him. I didn't struggle like this with the others. I miss them. All of them. But GrandDaddy's is really working me over. Ugh.

Happy thoughts. Must go there now.

Movie review. Husband took me to the movies Friday night. Can you believe it? We saw Dan in Real Life. Cute movie. Loved it. Some real promising trailers for things to come, too. One in particular that is opening on Christmas Day called the Bucket List. It looks like a real tear-jerker. Back to Dan. What can I say? It had Dane Cook in it. I LOVE him. I could just gobble him up. He is yummy. I thought Husband was going to flip out when:

1. I stuck my sweet tea from McAllister's into my purse and took it into the movies with me. (I know - - I'm a rebel. It felt SO good to be bad.)

2. When I said, "Oh, wait a sec, hon. I just need to grab my blanket." Heh? He couldn't believe I took my favorite blankie with me into the theater. Hello!!!! It's so stinkin' cold in there. It was lovely to have it with me.

3. Some friends of ours from church showed up at the same movie and started heckling us because of my blanket. I think they were just jealous.

I have pictures - - but they are still on my camera. Oh, the pictures. He thinks I'm nuts for taking pictures of everything. He'll thank me one day.

The movie, I give an A-. Could have been a little more humor. But still good. Very clean though. (And with Dane? *shakes head* I know!!!)

Last thing to discuss. The church's Thanksgiving feast last night. D - you didn't think I'd skip you over did you? She has issues with her food touching. She was joking that she was going to get two plates so that nothing would touch. I "double-dog-dared" her to do it. She did. She took two plates. Then, get this, she put corn on her plate and then heaped up some mashed potatoes ON TOP of the corn. Ummmm, I'm from Texas and all, but that's touching food. Isn't it? You know I love you, D. I may not have snapped a picture, but tell your darling hubby that you've been blogged sans a picture anyway.

Okay - - this nonsense has gone on long enough. I'm outta here.

peace

Starting my day off right...

This morning I woke up and met a sweet friend for coffee. It was nice to "re-connect" with her. She stalks my site here. So - hi my coffee friend. I enjoyed it. I enjoyed our visit more. I'm looking forward to more of those visits in the future. You are right. We *should* do that more often. **Big hugs to you.**

Official Survivor Review

It just occurred to me that I haven't given my weekly review of Survivor yet. I'll be brief.

1. I still think P.G. is a she-devil. Picking a fight with James? Ugh. She is definitely still Co-President of my Rainbow Coalition of Suck. I'm glad she didn't win the reward. AND I'm unhappy that she won the immunity.

2. Speaking of immunity. Let's call it like it is. James had no chance at that one anyway. So - - I'm glad he ate. I'm sure it did him some good. That challenge was made for P.G. Dang it. I was really ready for her to leave. I just don't like her.

3. Frosti - I liked him. I really did. That's why I'm glad he's gone. He was a threat to James. Plus - it busts up that little love-fest thing with Courtney.

4. Todd - I'm glad he has so much "game." It will likely cost him the game. It will scare the other players to death and he will get the boot. Just my opinion. I think they will fear him and I predict a rebellion on him before final four. Let's see how *that* plays out.

5. Denise - Keep your eye on her. I think she is a force to be reckoned with. She is me. If James doesn't win - I want her to win. I want her to win for those of us who were always chosen last in that nasty game of "choose your team." I'm serious - - she could be a major player.

6. The looming business at tribal. What gives? Hmmmm... Lots of speculation on the message boards. I don't know. I suppose we'll just have to wait and see. I think they'll move them to another camp or something. As my Uncle Charlie used to say - - "Time will tell."

James is still there and I'm happy. Whew.

Hi

Hello.

My tooth is fixed. I don't look like a redneck anymore. Well, by some standards.

*sigh* I don't have anymore time to post. I'm hungry and must eat something before I leave for church tonight. I'm thinking a salad maybe. I have the fixin's. And you know what dressing I'm into these days? Catalina! Anyone else like that?

Smooches.

Blimey!

I chipped a tooth last night. I didn't just chip it. The whole front of it fell off.

I am not happy. One of my front teeth, on the bottom. I believe I've discussed this before. It was already weakened by the grinding I do to them. The first question Husband asked me was: Are you wearing your night guard? (Translate: Are you using that expensive piece of equipment we bought to prevent such events from occurring and turning them into more expensive events?) I just looked at him. What do you think? No. I haven't been wearing it. I hate it. Dang it. Now, my freaking teeth are falling out. Again. I'm not just dreaming about it happening. This is real.

I go see Dr. K tomorrow morning. I just got my teeth cleaned and no cavities. At least when they all fall out, they won't have any cavities in them. I'll find out my options when I see him. Oh joy. I get to go to the dentist twice in two weeks. I could be the luckiest girl in the world!

I'm not happy. When I do something dumb that costs us extra money, I hate it. Because that's when I get the look. And the "well maybe you'll think about it before you do that again" speech. Dang - - I hate that speech.

Time for some humble pie. I hope it's soft. 'Cause if it's tough, I might chip something else.

Same - - but different.

I love my boys. I love them both the same amount. In different ways.

Do they frustrate the crud out of me sometimes? Absolutely. Are there rougher days ahead? I'm certain of it. Parenting is tough. Our children challenge us. Many times in ways we never imagined possible. One thing I will always make certain I never do is show preferential treatment with my children. Oldest, youngest, it doesn't matter. They are both my boys. Both gifts from God and I love them. I won't ever take them for granted. I don't want to ever forget that. Just as quickly as God gave me these sweet boys, even more swiftly could He take them away from me.

I tell them everyday I love them. Both of them. They need to hear it. They need to see it. They need to feel it. They are insecure little creatures. I am their protector. Their provider. They count on me and their Daddy to take care of them. Where do they go in their thoughts if I've disappointed them or let them down? What is it like when their hearts are broken and they feel all alone? I don't want my children to EVER feel that. My home will always be a safety net for them. While we may not always get along, I want them to always know that their Mommy and Daddy are proud of them and love them. Both.

Some verses that are encouraging to me.

Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Official Survivor Post - November 9th

Buh-bye J.R.!


Now *that* was funny. He went from smug to "huh?" in like three seconds. I was skeered though. That was too close for my James. HOWEVER - - I do feel that humble pie is best served up a little warm. And his was. He nearly had his flamed snuffed out last night. A few votes will be good for him.

And Todd? That boy is all over the page. I hope that bites him in the hiney. That ego of his is certainly larger than his tiny little frame. Perhaps that is the reason. Ummm - I believe they call that Napoleon Syndrome.

Let the record reflect - - the man to watch is Frosti. He is going to win it all.

And poor, poor Denise. Was she left out of the scheming? Why did she vote for P.G.? Did they not clue her in on their plans? If that was the case AND given that she was chosen last, I fear the lunch lady may punch their lunch ticket twice at the next tribal. She could be trouble.

Something new...

I got a new Bible today. I've been wanting a good "study" Bible. One that has a decent concordance and all the bells and whistles. I also wanted a different translation. Some people really believe that if it isn't the King James version, then it just ain't right. Well, I ain't one of those people. I got the New Living Translation. Translation - easy to read. Modern day English. It's a brown, two-tone leather and it's gorgeous. I'm looking forward to wearing it out.

The Bible Study I'm currently in has really started to weigh heavy on me. I just want to be better. Better in every role in my life. And it all starts at the top. With my priorities. I also want to have a better understanding of what I believe and why I believe it. Does that make sense? I also want my kids to grow seeing me read and study from the same Book - all the time. I want them to recognize those two different colors of brown. I want it to be a visual for them. Whether it be through gentle correction or loving encouragement.

Will this be the Bible that goes the distance with me? The one that my children will look through for an encouraging Word after I'm gone from this life? I don't know. But for now, I sure like the look of it.

The Sleep-talker lost his mind tonight!

I was watching television in the living room. Husband had gone to bed. Everyone is asleep. Except for me.

This is when I started to hear loud noises coming from my bedroom. It was clear that it was Husband opening the dresser. Or even the armoire. And it was noisy. The noises lasted for about four minutes and then they were gone. I went back there to take my medicine and to check up on the mystery. You never know - - right? He'd been asleep for quite some time. Was he cold? Did he need more clothes? Had he decided to put away his laundry that had been piled up on his side of the vanity for like, days? Not likely. Why all the slamming? Was he angry because the television in the living room was so loud? So vexing. Let's go see...

All the lights were off as I entered the room. I busted my leg on the drawers that for some reason had been pulled out of the armoire and just stacked up in front of it. Yep. No method really. They were just stacked there. I have NO idea what was going through his head when he was working those drawers over. But it sure must have been important. Anyhow - - this is what I walked in on

After I got over the initial shock of it all. I started laughing. And kept laughing. I'm still laughing. The bruise on my shin isn't too bad. I woke him up and asked him if he knew what he'd just done. He said yes, but he had no clue. I told him and he kind of smiled.

See my scrapbook magazines underneath? My conspiracy theory is that he was acting out his hate for my spending on my hobby. But that's just a theory.

So Funny

My four year old just said the funniest thing. He was looking at his reflection in the television (which shockingly was not on) and he said...

"I just have one question for you... Are you ready to rock?"

Where does he hear this stuff?

Also, the sleep talker spoke again last night. Funny, funny stuff. This is how that conversation went...

Husband: *laughing*

Me: *peeks over, knows the routine, waits for crazy talk*

Husband: Wouldn't that just be the funniest job? I mean really. Working on a checker board all day. How crazy is that? *More laughing*

Me: What?

Husband: I'm awake.

Me: *laughing* I love it when you do this. That checker board job must be a real riot.

Husband: *out like a light*

Yep - - there sure are some good times around here.

Another thought

It's 90 degrees here today. 90. One of my friends was telling me on Saturday that she was getting her Christmas decorations out already. Heh? It's 90 degrees outside.

What would Santa look like in shorts?

I'm going to go turn the A/C down a notch. Oh, wait, it just kicked on.

Laundry beckons. I'm outta here.

What to say...

....????

Okay. I plucked my eyebrows on Saturday. That hurt.

Clear as mud

For the record...

I am happily married. Usually happy. I have a great husband. We never fight. We have arguments occasionally. But not really that often.

I was married before him. I don't like to admit that. But it's the truth. I can't run from it. That was the mistake.

The best thing that ever happened to me - - Husband. We dated before I married the first time. We found each other again after my divorce.

And now? We are living happily ever after.

Survivor - Friday's Official Review

I was stressed out. I even shouted at the television a few times...

James, check your bag. That nasty Jaime-ho switched the idols. She's going to
make you look like the fool. Check your bag. JAMES!!! CHECK YOUR BAG!!!!!

I guess he did. WHEW! I don't mind telling you that the last three minutes of that show were the BEST! I wasn't afraid that James was leaving. I just didn't want that smug little Jaime to have played my boy. Let's re-visit the looks on her face. Shall we?

First there was this...

DOH!!! What? That's not the real immunity idol? Oh. Maybe Todd was right. I *do* need to catch up on my short bike. When Jeff threw that fake idol in the fire, I nearly peed in my pants from laughing.

Then there was this...

That's right! Bring me your torch. Light's out, baby. Ding-dong, the witch is gone. One of the Co-Presidents of the Rainbow Coalition of Suck has moved on over to the Loser's Lounge and is the first member of the Jury. I did quite the happy dance. I'm sure it was some sight. I don't care. Me so happy!

Now, regarding the previews for next week. Oh Todd. I was hoping for an alliance with James. I thought you two could take it to the finals. Brains and brawn. It doesn't look like it. I honestly think they will ax him fast. He is bouncing around too much. I just hope his deviousness doesn't get my boy evicted first.

Go James!!

A Harsh Lesson

Ten years ago today I made a huge mistake. It was a tumultuous year to say the least. A lot of heartbreak. For a lot of people. Not just me. Or him. I should have never said, "yes." Or "I do." For those looking to place the blame, it's easy to say him. I'm usually at the front of that line. Not anymore. I'm done. If the truth were told - I knew I was making a mistake. I pushed the panic button. No. I jumped up and down on the panic button. I didn't think I'd ever get married. And look where it got me. Not even a full year of being married. Spending my first anniversary waiting for my divorce to be finalized. So, *deep sigh* don't blame him anymore. I quit. I think I actually even forgave him. Life is too short to be spent on bitterness and hate. I am convinced that I am a better person because of the valleys that I have endured in my life. (And that was quite the Grand Canyon, let me tell you!) I am stronger because of the hurt. And I appreciate the beauty and sweetness of what I have now just that much more.

Good luck to you SKB. I hope that void in your life is filled with the right things. I know mine has.

One more thing...

Do you ever wonder - - oh now what? I wonder that sometimes. What could I have possibly done now?

Sometimes being a friend is exhausting. Maybe this is why I befriended guys in high school. There's never any drama with them.

They are so lucky.

Just Tired

It's been a hectic week. Lots of activity around our home. I suppose that's why the migraine fairy paid me a visit on Monday. I don't think fairy is the right word though. That implies nice thoughts. This was crappy. A migraine steals me for two days. One for the headache, the second day recovering from the shot. I'm just not me. I hate it. I hate them.

The festivities started with us on Saturday. Birthday party for J. Then there was the Harvest Festival at church, then Trick or Treating at School on Tuesday for both of them and today only for J. Plus, I took cupcakes to J's class for his birthday. Tonight, it was trick-or-treating at Daddy's office then off to the grandparents house. In the mean time, the other grandparents have been in town visiting. See what I mean by busy? So - - when I sound like a total "negative nellie" with the whole Halloween thing - - I'm really not. I was just *so* done with it by Halloween night this year.

All I wanted was a quiet evening home with my family. And I got it. C went to bed. He was wiped out. Daddy, J and I played a fierce round of Cootie. This was one of J's birthday presents. We had a great time. I was the victor, J came in second and Daddy came in last.

Okay, that's all. Time to turn in.

Happy Birthday Little Man!

I can't believe how fast four years has gone by. My oldest is now four. Wow. I'm sitting here looking at him and thinking about how I fall a little more in love with him every day. I think about the events of that week. All of those events that led up to that phone call. Oh - that phone call. I still get goosebumps. Remember it Bobby? He's the one that got to call me and tell me that a baby was being born that day. October 31, 2003.

So many of you were a part of our lives then. Many of you had been fervently praying that God would bless us with a baby. We even heard stories of couples praying about it the night before. Then the call. A call that changed our lives forever. And his.

I can't help but to "tear up" a little when I think of his birth mother. I know she loves him. I could see her heart breaking as she handed that not so tiny bundle over to me. When she kissed him good-bye, tears fell down her face. I promised her I'd love him with everything I have. So, while today is a fun day for us - I'm sure it's a tough day for her. Please pray for her. I know that she knows she did the right thing. She and I still talk on occasion. She has seen pictures of him.

Happy Birthday Little Man! I love you more than you'll ever know.

And to the woman who gave me one of the best gifts I've ever been given - - thank you. The words seem so small. But I have no other. Thank you for choosing life.

Harvest Festival

Thing 1 and I on the Hayride. We had a great time. He actually wore his costume this year. He was Darth Vadar. And let me tell you - - the Force is strong in that one. Thing 2, not so good. His allergies are kicking his tail. His Daddy's allergies are kicking his as well. Both are not doing so hot. Thing 1 and I? We are kicking some tail. Check us out! Have a great week!! Smooches.

Natural Ice - Medicated

I love this stuff. Audra got me hooked on it. I never even knew it existed. She bought a three-pack when she was here one time. Insisted I take one and try it out. I took one - - I thought to be nice. Turns out, she was the nice one. Oh. My. AND - get this. I thought I lost mine camping last weekend. I've been freaking out all week. I couldn't remember the name of it. I was convinced she got it at Wally-World and I searched high and low there. No luck. Blimey. So I called her today. She says try Target. Like I need a reason to shop there. Anyway - - it was too late in the day to get by there. My lips were in desperate need of moisture. The 8,000 tubes of other crap we have around here weren't cuttin' it. I decided to search Husband's truck. No luck. Then I cleaned out my car. Again - no luck. Dang it. Finally, I decided to empty out my purse. (Wow, did that thing need purging.) Imagine my joy and glee when at the bottom I saw my lip stuff. The "crack-cocaine" for my lips. I started to quiver as I removed the lid and slathered that stuff on my chapped lips. Ahhhhhh. The hit was good.

Note to self. Get more tubes of NI-M. Stat. I must not put myself in that predicament again. Ever.

Survivor 10/26 Official Friday Post

Go James, Go!

Oh, yeah!!!!!!

He dodged a bullet. Big time. And PG and Jaime - they just might be getting what they have coming to them. Bwahahaha! I wanted to rip their heads off during that comp though. Talking smack to their own team member? Who did *they* think they were? Did they forget the last immunity challenge? Oh - - so it was important to *them* this time and they *needed* James. I get it. You worthless women. You need to GO.

And Todd - - oh Todd. Your plan seemed so flawless. But I fear you got greedy.

I'm looking forward to the merge. My man just might make it after all.

Go James!!

Picking My Battles

Excellent advice. I needed to hear it. Recently.

Whether it is in reference to my kids, my husband, extended family, friends or even a wolf in sheep's clothing. I need to pick my battles. This particular battle is one I won't engage in. I could do battle. But is it worth it? No. Does it really matter? No. Am I aggravated? Yes.

So - - this one shall slide. However, a mental note was made for future reference. Not to re-hash with the wolf. Just for my "personal file."

Besides, it wouldn't be fair to do a battle of wits with someone that is unarmed. I'd smoke 'em.

A Flaw in the System

With the OB/GYN appointment system, that is. It's messed up. And being an infertile woman, I'm convinced it's the preggos that are screwing it up. It makes total sense. Have you ever been waiting in that hideous gown (opened to the front), freshly pedicured I might add, only to be told that the doc is at the hospital delivering a baby? Ugh. It throws the whole system out of whack. That's not why I'm complaining today. I am convinced though, that it explains part of my problem. I got a postcard in the mail telling me that it was time for my annual. It said to call to schedule an appointment for March. I though, "Wow, they are really on the ball. March? Okay. I can plan ahead." I got this card about two weeks ago.

I called today.

She tells me that the earliest he can see me for my annual is May 21st. Heh? I told her that would put me behind a little, but what the hey. Fine by me. I don't exactly look forward to that visit. As long as they refill my hormones, I'm good to go. She then tells me that puts me *way* behind. I'm due in November. Again. Heh?

Why did I *just* get a reminder postcard if they knew that the appointment making was so far behind? Could they not have sent it to me in May or June? Then, I'd be on top of things. Not six months behind. Oh well, what's done is done. I'm on a waiting list for a cancellation. We'll see about that. I'm just blown away at how flawed their system is.

Checking in...

Hello. Absent blogger here. I have lots to catch you up on. I'll try to be brief with my summaries. I don't know how successful I'll be with that. If you get bored, feel free to drop off.

Let's see. The last time I posted I was incredibly mad about Survivor. I still am. I fear that my man James is going to bite the dust soon. Let's hope for that immunity idol. That - or - another shake up. Doubtful. Maybe a merge? Nah. Won't happen. Dang it. I won't get to watch the show live this week. Husband and I have plans. We go to this dinner show benefit thing every year and it's always on a Thursday. It's this Thursday. The entertainment this year - The Oak Ridge Boys. Not my first choice, but I'll be honest, who doesn't want to hear a live version of Elvira? C'mon. I grew up listening to those fellas. My folks are going to be green with envy. Rest assured though, I'll be staying up late that night and watching Survivor. E.R. will have to wait until Friday.

I was afraid my bad attitude would spoil our weekend plans. It didn't. We went camping. We took our trailer out for the first time. It was nice. The campground - not so much. Not at all. In West Texas, we call 'em stickers. (Husband calls them grass burs. He's from up 'Noth. Yes. I spelled that wrong. I was using my southern accent. I know it's spelled north.) Anyway, there were A PLETHORA of stickers. Husband and I agreed that they should torch that state park. I mean actually set it on fire. Burn it off and start over. I don't mean to be disrespectful of the other fires right now. Not what I'm sayin'. That's horrible. But this place - UGH. Poor little Thing 2 - the only thing he was good at was falling down and catching handfuls of them EVERY time. They were in our clothes, our camper, our towels, our shoes. They were everywhere. To say we won't be going back to that wretched place would be a gross understatement.

I didn't let camping in BFE ruin me. I still enjoyed it. So much that when we got home, I got on the Internet and made our reservation for the place we wanted to go this past weekend but it had been booked up. Now available. It's supposed to be a pretty nice place and it's close. I'm looking forward to it. Maybe we can actually let the kids play outside this time.

Other stuff - today is my Mom's birthday. The big 6-0! Happy Birthday Mom! We seem to have a system in place to do dinner out for birthdays. For the 'rents, we buy. For us, they buy. It just works. And makes everyone happy and feel good. We had to go last night because they left town AGAIN today. This cabin they bought in the mountains has turned them into, well, I don't know, mountain-traveling people. (Actually, people who now own a house that is about ten minutes from a ski lift. I'm just sayin'.) Anyway - - Mom chose Texas Roadhouse for dinner. As luck would have it (and I mean LUCK), there were Marines from our local AFB there. They were the servers for the evening. It was a program called Tips for Tots. All of the tips went for Toys for Tots. I have ALWAYS been a sucker for men in uniforms. They were everywhere. And they served us dinner. Where was my camera? At home. Blimey. I didn't get a single picture of it. And there were some pictures worth taking! :p Now, I was nice to my Mom and didn't tell them that it was her birthday. They would have made a big production about it and tried to make her get on that saddle. I was selfish. I couldn't have handled it. I would have peed in my pants from laughing. And no camera. She was thankful. You owe me one, Mom!

Today - lunch with a friend and NO housework done. I'm so far behind. I need to try to get some things done now. Husband commented on it. Ugh. The thing is - he's right. If he wasn't, I'd call him on it. But he's right. I was lazy this afternoon. That means - I'm outta here. I hope I didn't bore you too much.

Oh yes, one more thing. Thing 1 put a popcorn kernel up his nose this afternoon. He told me he had something in there and I wrongly assumed it was just a big boog. I nearly killed him when I pulled it out and saw what it was. That boy.

I meant two things. Thing 2 took a big poo on the kitchen floor last night. He had pulled all of his clothes off and was running around nakey. I was laughing and thinking he was so cute. Then "bam." A big pile on my kitchen floor. Then he tried to run his semi-truck through it. GROSS!

These kids. God bless preschoolers.

Rainbow Coaltion of Suck

Oh - you had to know that you could come here and find that I'd be very, very pissed off. I have never, I repeat *NEVER* been that mad at an episode of Survivor. Ever. Yes, I'm that vested in the show. No, it's not just the $5. I couldn't give three craps about the $5. It's the bragging rights. It's the integrity of the show. It's those skinny little waifs throwing a challenge. Oh. My. Gosh. My blood pressure is creeping up all over again. Listen here Peih-Gee and Jaime - - you are both now Co-Presidents of my Rainbow Coalition of Suck. You better watch out. My boy James is going to kick some arse. His time may be limited. (I certainly hope not and he has a miraculous come-from-behind win.) Whatever time he has, I hope he makes it miserable for you two. And Eric? You big Wuss! I don't care that you are a virgin. Bravo! Don't let that stop you from being a man. You big weenie. Those girls were laughing. Laughing during that challenge. I can't even talk about it anymore. James - you the man. Bury those nasty women.

Ugh...

My children are a blessing.

My children are a blessing.

>>Repeat over and over<<

Foot in Mouth Disease

What is the average number of times per day you stick your foot in your mouth? Me? At least twice. Sometimes more. To my knowledge I haven't done it yet today. Scary. That means I'm due. Don't call me. I don't want to offend. Apparently I'm on a roll.

Wwwwwhhhhaaaaaaattttt?????????????

But nobody told me! How did this happen? Miss Q must have had to walk the plank. Someone please say it ain't so. And to find out at Fiesta Texas in San Antonio???? Wrong, I tell you. Just wrong.

Friday's Official Survivor Post - 10/12

First and foremost - Go, James Go!

Second, Buh-bye Dave! That's what you get for trying to go all "Richard Hatch" in that challenge last week and for trying to hug James this week. Freak. I won't miss you.

I had a Pop-in Poster. Good review blog. Go check it out. Survivor Rant

That's all for now. Discuss.

My pillow smells like butt...

I went looking for my pillow tonight. I was gearing up for Thursday night television. I *have* to have my pink down blanket my down pillow with the pink pillow case, a freshly poured diet coke w/splenda and my jammies on. It's the ritual. Don't argue with the ritual. I couldn't find my pillow. Then I remembered that it was in Thing 1's room. I slept there last night. He slept in my room. (It was total fruit basket turnover around here last night.) Anyway, I retrieved my pillow and then assumed the position on the couch. All comfy and cozy, I snuggled into my pillow and -------GROSS!!!!! It totally smelled like butt. I couldn't see any poo on it. So I went straight to the source. Thing 1. He finally owned up to needing to poo really bad. (Well, that party had already started in his drawers. Probably about 30 minutes ago. While he was sitting on my pillow.) The party finished in the potty, but the damage had been done. My pillow. My poor pillow. I don't think she can make it through one more wash. This may have done her in. I'm going to wash her case and her liner and hope for the best. Wish me luck. Come on Gain. Show me what you're made of.

Well Wishes

Here's hoping that you didn't have to chase your children out of the door with the spanking spoon this morning. Perhaps letting him play the x-box while I got ready wasn't the best idea I've ever had...

Just keeping it real, folks.

The Produce Department & Conspiracy Theories

Okay, who booby-trapped the green peppers at Wal-Mart this morning? I have my own theory. I think it's the people who work the produce department. Here's why I think that.

1. My particular vegetable was on top. Clearly on top. There is no reason what-so-ever that five others should have tumbled to the ground ten seconds after I walked away. Someone with a spy camera was watching. And waiting. And I'm sure - - laughing as I scrambled to pick them up. Thing 2 shouted, "Uh-oh." It was either time-delayed to fall, spring loaded or just plain booby trapped. Something was up.

2. Previous outings where their little "sprinkler system" just happens to come on when I "go in for my perfect piece of fruit" seem just a little too coincidental. Again with the cameras.

3. I've seen those produce people - shifty looking bunch.

I'm just sayin'.

The Sleep Talker Speaks Again

This just cracks me up. It starts out as what I think is completely normal conversation. Then - - boom! Something that makes no sense at all. Hilarious! Let me set tonight's scene up for you. Husband was being good to me. We watch Desperate Housewives together and then he (sort of) handles the kids while I watch Brothers and Sisters. (So, so good tonight. That last scene. *gasp* Oh, a mother's love for her son. Awwwww......) I digress.

Anyway, there was a commercial on and I could hear Thing 2 keeping things somewhat stirred up. (They'd gone back to our bedroom and crawled in our bed to sleep.) So, I stole Thing 2 and took him to his own bed. Much to his displeasure. Divide and conquer works 9/10 times. This was one of those times it worked. Thing 1 fell asleep in our bed and I went to retrieve him to put him in his own.

As I rounded the corner to my room, I could hear Husband. He had the snoring in overdrive. I don't know how Thing 1 was still asleep. It was LOUD. I woke him up and told him I was taking Thing 1 to bed. Brief chit-chat ensued and then I threw in the whole, "Man, does your throat hurt? That was some serious snoring." That's when he said, "Yeah, I can usually tell when I've been snoring when I wake up. I'm pointed in the..." And then he stopped. I could tell he was asleep and I tried to bait him. It didn't work. Back out like a light. Dang it. I tried to have some fun with it. I love to engage the sleeping talker.

Oh well, maybe next time. He's just hard to catch.

Something that does not make me happy

I know that beggars can't be choosers and all that crap. Yes, I'm glad that Thing 1 is using the potty. I prefer that he sits down. Apparently the other 'fellas a school stand. And now he does, too. Attention Thing 1 - LIFT THE LID!!! Your aim is not so good. If I sit on one more wet toilet seat, I might just lose it.

I'm just sayin'.

Okay - lots to say.

I'll just say this - coming off of Afrin is the pits. (Might explain my low tolerance of all things irritating!) It's been a rough 24 hours, but I think I did it. Again. I'm sure my sinuses look like raw hamburger meat. But breathing - I can do. I'm thinking this is why I haven't been able to improve as quickly as I would have liked:

Pollen Count
October 05, 2007
Mold High - 9217 (This is down quite a bit. It was over 11,000 the other day.)
Cedar High - 2834
Ragweed High - 770
Carelessweed High - 90
Grass High - 306

And I'm doing better than Husband. He's miserable. We are ready for that freeze.

Now - are you ready for the BIG news? It's big. For us. All 29 feet and 11 inches of it. That's right baby. Our new camping trailer. The 'rents are buying a house in New Mexico and won't be doing that kind of camping anymore. So for sale - one camper. In comes us. Sold! Dad brought it over the other night to let us look it over to make sure. The boys examined it from top to bottom and declared it "cool." I would imagine that this will open up a whole new blogging world for me. The tales of camping with Husband, Thing 1 and Thing 2. Fishing, peeing on trees - - the opportunities are endless. Actually I'm quite excited. I think we are about to have all kinds of fun. This is my thing. I would have loved this kind of opportunity as a kid. Yay us.

Tomorrow - Disney on Ice. Front row, center! I am really excited about this. I'm not taking the boys. Husband and I agreed that if it was Star Wars on Ice, they'd be into it. But the Princesses? No. Thing 1 would be begging to go home after about 5 minutes. I'm going with the girlies. Well, two of the girlies, on little girly and a little boy that DIGS the princesses. I'm about to go and charge both batteries on the camera and make sure I have my mega lens ready. I hope to get some great pics!

Hmmm - - anything else? Oh, one more thing. Husband brought home some Alaskan King Crab for dinner tonight. A guy from work gave him some that he bought and had overnighted in today. I'd never had it before. Oh my! Yummers!!!

Finally, have you listened to Rascal Flatts new cd yet?

Happy Post

Just a little encouragement for my boy, James. Good luck Gravedigger. Bury them!!!

Unhappy People - You may please leave.

Okay, who knows me? I think if you are frequenting my cyber space here, you know me. Now, I've heard of a few that have "passed the word along" and now I'm being stalked by some unknowns. Totally okay. They seem to remain silent and word hasn't gotten back to me that the stalkers are causing any trouble, so, no harm - no foul.

Back to those that know me. I like to have fun. That's spelled F-U-N. You should get that by now. If you don't get that kind of fun, my kind of fun, leave me alone. Kind of like that cute little red "x" in the corner of your screen. Do that. Make yourself scarce from me. Do not, I repeat, do NOT tell me how to live my life. And especially do not do it in front of other people. I was joking around with you. That is spelled J-O-K-I-N-G. You don't get that either.

Time and time again I have tried. Only to be disappointed over and over. I get it. Our humor is not the same. I'm obviously too vulgar for you. (Again, for those that know me. You are going - - "Vulgar? Oh, maybe a little off color sometimes, but vulgar? Vulgar is 'ole so-and-so...") And I know you think of me that way. So, the jokes are over with you. I won't even do it to push your buttons to try and squeeze a laugh out of you. Not even to try to annoy you. From this day forward, I will just be a boring existence you have to see occasionally. I will be nice, 'cause that's how my Mom raised me.

However - - let it be known. Two strikes. I have been biting my tongue when I've been attacked by your choice phrase. That ends. The next time - I say something. Just so you know.

Dear McDonalds,

When you asked me today (via the drive-thru speaker) if my happy meals were for a boy or a girl, was that just for giggles? Were you listening to my answer? I clearly said boys. My little boys *did not* appreciate the dolls in their bags. At all.

Secondly, would it break the bank for you to stick a napkin in each bag? Just one would be nice.

Finally, why must I ask *every* time for a straw? Is this not a part of your routine? You always tell me it's in the bag and it's never in there. I learned that one the hard way a long time ago. Now I ask first, your employees give me an annoyed look, tell me it's in the bag, I look, tell them it's not, then they rudely grab a couple of them and hand them to me.

Kudos to your marketing people. Your "M" is beyond recognizable and demanded by those I have in tow. Now, a little service, please.

It's Friday!!!

Why am I jazzed, you say. Well, 'cause it's the fourth Friday of the month. That means it's Parents' Night Out at church. Woo Hoo!!! I opted out of eating out tonight. (I know - - shocker!) I got my fill of that last weekend. Husband mentioned wanting about 5 hours without kids to break the television area apart and re-wire some of it. So - - we are grilling at home and I told him to "have at it." If he's going to do that, I might watch a little t.v. in the bedroom or something. I don't know. Play on the laptop. Maybe even a luxurious bubble bath. Ahhhhh...

I'm sitting here listening to Thing 1 recite the Pledge of Allegiance. I didn't even know he knew it. I can't believe how much he is learning this year. Already. I am SO loving his teacher, too. I double checked the other day to make sure he was behaving and she assured me that he was. It is so refreshing to not be "getting red lights" and having to visit with the teacher about his behavior EVERY time I pick him up. As a matter of fact, I haven't had to do it a single time. Thing 1 just adores her, too. He asks when he gets to go back when we are on our way home every day. I am very relieved. He is learning, happy and just downright thriving. And do you know what makes a pre-schooler's day? Make them the line-leader. He has gone on and on about this all week. He says he's done this twice this week. Last night, before he went to be, he said, "Mommy, remember today when I was the leader?" I said, "Yes." (Even though I really had no clue.) He said, "Yeah, that was fun." Dang, he's adorable. (And I must say, loving our country, too. Still pledging.)

Thing 2 and I snuck off for donuts after we deposited Thing 1 at his holding facility this morning. Well, donut holes. He digs them. A lot. Mommy got a burrito. And paid for it about an hour and a half later. Won't be doing *that* ever again.

I am sick of clearing my throat. It's annoying. I can only imagine how annoying it sounds to those around me. Go away, phlegm. You are not welcome here.

Slight back-log in the laundry. Almost corrected. Whew.

The fragrance of the - oh I don't know - FALL is Country Morning by Circle E. Oh yum. It's a pumpkin spice. I love it. I love fall. Bring on the first REAL cold front. We had thunder last night. I love thunder. As long as it isn't accompanied by hail and tornadoes. Gentle thunder with an occasional large boom. LOVE it. More please.

Finally, Husband pointed out that our Hoover Floormate worked great on our new tile. I hadn't tried it yet. (He did while I was gone. Yes, he rocks.) I've been quite attached to that whole mop thing. Well I'll be dang if that thing didn't work like a champ. Hasta later you stupid mop. You are history. Hoover Floormate, I think I love you. My kitchen floor looks great!

Okay, time for a shower and then our date night begins.

Happy Weekending!

Friday's Official Survivor Post - 9/28

Go James, Go!


Did you *see* him push that boulder over that line last night? Oh yeah. He's the man. I am so proud to be on Team James. So proud! (By the way, that's him in the middle. This was just before he kicked some serious butt!)

The Red Team (Fei Long), despite the lazy poker player, is on fire. Wow. I was really hoping the other team would be dumb and unload that Dave guy. (Who Ashley appropriately named a tool. Tee hee hee.) I agree with a friend of mine on my message board. They need the strength of the men right now. Smart move I guess. But from the looks of the previews, he might just shoot himself in the foot anyway. It could be tool time for you, Dave!

Now, which one on FL was mouthing about Courtney in the previews? Please not James. It looked like he was there. I'm also a little concerned about that Todd fellow. You know, the "gay Mormon." Do you think Leslie knows that he is gay? This ought to play out fun. She aligned herself right up with him last night. Actually she might as well have handed him the immunity idol. Duh. Step up your game Les.

Okay. Good show. Loved it. I was cheering OUT LOUD in my living room. Husband was laughing at me.

I think it bears repeating, Go James, Go!

(Go to CBS's Survivor site and look at his popularity rating. Wow. Just wow.)

Catching Up!

Did you think I got lost? Never fear, I have returned. And I have lots to share. Man - - I have been busier than a one-legged man at a butt-kicking convention. (The other word makes the phrase sound better, but, I'm trying to clean up my act a little. My nephew might read this. And I might still get in trouble for saying butt.)

I'm going to give you the condensed version of things as they come to me. If something needs expounding upon, I'll give it its own entry later. (Actually, don't count on that. Remember, I am the reigning queen of procrastination.)

These are in no particular order.

1. I just got home from my annual scrapbooking retreat. I had a wonderful time. Wonderful. Debbie - - you rock. Great job coordinating. And putting up with me. The place was awesome. The downside - I got sick. I started sneezing Friday night. By Saturday night, I was stopped up. And in desperate need of my Afrin. That brings me to...

2. Afrin Severe Congestion - Yes, I'm back on the wagon. Dang it. I was in such a bad way Saturday night, I would have stuck my head in a swimming pool and taken a deep snort. Ugh. My girl Elaine hooked me up. It wasn't the menthol kind, but it worked. Since I am an addict, I promptly switched to my brand when I got home. (Which I had in my medicine cabinet. And I'll never travel without again. I love you, Afrin.)

3. I also love Tylenol's cold products. Just name one. I've got them. Right now, I'm working over the "severe" line. Alternating between daytime and nighttime. And have you *seen* or *used* the Puffs Plus with lotion and menthol? Yes. Yes. Yes. Put those on your list. I'm not even kidding. Have them on reserve for your next setback. You will be glad you have them. It's a little pampering for your "wittle nose."

4. Back to the scrapbook trip - I think I should re-think my time of year on going. This is two years in a row now that I've gotten sick on my annual trip. Early fall. Hmmmm..... Maybe wait for the first freeze?

5. So off subject - Have you tried Blue Bell's Anniversary Cake ice cream? I think I gained three pounds just typing the words. D.I.V.I.N.E. Now, I am a total ice cream addict. Me and the Father-in-law. We *dig* the ice cream. I should tip him off.

6. Survivor - This will definitely have it's own post later this week. I did get to watch it on Thursday whilst at the retreat. On a lovely flat panel t.v., too. My boy James made it. As well as his team. The other team may have messed themselves up good and proper. I could go on and on. I won't for now. I'm just pleased as pie that James is still there. (And wowzer, is he ripped or what?)

7. I was NOT going to watch The Bachelor or Dancing with the Stars. There is something about the drama of girls fighting over a guy that they don't know that just interests me. It's comical. And Dancing - Stupid Mark Cuban got me on that one. I'm waiting for him to nose dive. You do know that he is my arch enemy, right?

8. Better television coming Thursday - CSI, ER, new show Big Shots, and Without a Trace. I'm behind on Without a Trace. I'm hoping I can catch up. With three dvrs, we ought to be able to get it done. My biggest show night is Sunday. Desperate Housewives and Brothers & Sisters.

9. Wow, I watch a lot of television.

10. They don't have my mango flavor at Sonic anymore. No more mango sweet teas for me. That bites. Now what am a supposed to order? I guess just come home and drink whatever is in my fridge.

11. Parents Night Out is Friday! Woo hoo!!!!!!!!!!

12. My secret pal gave me some really cool gifts while on the retreat. One of them was a 12 pack of diet coke w/splenda! Lots of goodies!!

Okay, I'm winding down. Time to sign off.

Husband e-mailed this to me this afternoon. How sweet is this? Look at the conductor waving back at him. He's only been gone since yesterday and I'm going nuts. I'm seriously looking forward to tomorrow. Husband said J had a great time at the reunion. They got to ride the train, too. *sigh* I hear C coughing in J's room. The little guy is just not bouncing back like I hoped he would. I foresee another trip to the pediatrician on Monday. Ugh.

Oh - did you hear that? That was the sound of the Diet Coke I just poured me. Ahhhhhh....

My Fans

I'm sorry I let you down. I'm trying to think of something to post.

*raises hand*

Oh, oh. I know.

I am "playing" in a Survivor contest with some friends on one of my message boards. We each had to draw the name of a contestant we would be rooting for during this season. One of the members drew for us. I drew, James aka The Gravedigger. I. Am. Pumped. I was reading his favorites and he loves Y & R! This was a match made in heaven! There are two other girls on Team James with me. We are going to bury the competition. Bwahahahaha!!!

ummmm....hi

Where have I been? You know where I've been. At home, living my life, being a mommy. I would say it's what I do best, but some days I wonder...

What shall I talk about tonight?

Read below to see what Thing 1 did earlier. (*me singing* Duh, duh, duh -- another one bites the dust.) That's right. Another telemarketer, down in flames. This is so much fun. I started to feel sorry for her, then I regrouped and got the giggles all over again. She really thought he was home alone. So, so funny.

Thing 1 is kicking some tail in preschool. He is learning so much. I'm *way* glad we went with five days a week for him. He is really benefiting from it. Growing up so, so fast. He is using the big boy potty now and drinks from a big boy cup. And if you think *you* are all that - - I double-dog dare you to challenge him to play Lego Star Wars on the X-Box. He has finished them both. He rocks. I've tried to play it and he gets frustrated with me. I can't do it. Have *you* ever been schooled by a three (almost four) year old? It's humiliating. And kind of funny, too.

Thing 2 is another story. Poor little guy. We are only into the second week of school and he is already sick. UGH! Croup. And bad. So bad that he and I will be staying home this weekend and missing Husband's family reunion. Thing 1 and Daddy are going by themselves. I hope Thing 2 can shake this bug soon. I know he is frustrated with it. I hurt just listening to him cough. I know he feels like crap. Not much else to report on him. Okay, something positive first. He can watch Blue's Clues and Toy Story non-stop. Seriously. I'm sick of "Coos-Coos." Now Toy Story - - that's cute.

Husband. He made some FABULOUS homemade pretzels tonight. But along with those pretzels was one humongous mess. I'm not even kidding. He said that since he made the pretzels (at my request) I had to clean up. Under normal circumstances that would be fine. I would like to point out that he is no Rachel Ray. Nothing was neatly pre-measured in bowls ahead of time and the man has ZERO concept of "clean as you go." None. Zilch. The kitchen is a wreck. Spills, every measuring device we own - used, two baking sheets are still on the stove, open flour sack, open baking soda... You get my drift? Let me reiterate. The pretzels were good. But c'mon, man.

Final topic - it's coming! One week from tonight! SURVIVOR! And I'm going to be out of town. I can't complain. I'm going on a scrapbook retreat. I leave Thursday and come home on Sunday. I'm sure there is cable at our retreat place. But will it have a DVR with pausing and rewinding capabilities? I've decided not to ruin my season of Survivor this year. I will avoid spoilers at all cost. I am going to post something on either Thursday nights after the show or on Fridays and we can discuss it in comments. Sound good? We can do that each week. Anyone in?

Okay, I better get to work. I have a load in the dryer, one in the washer and then there's that kitchen to attack.

Good night my stalkers.

**Smooches**

The Score

Thing One: 2
Telemarketers: 0

This one was hilarious. Now we might get a welfare check from CPS tomorrow because he told the nice lady that he was three and he was home alone. I can't believe she couldn't hear Husband and I laughing in the background.

Bwahahaha!!!!

Misunderstood love...

Husband was dove hunting this weekend. It was good for him to get out. He rarely does things for him. So I encouraged him to do it and he had a very nice time. Yay, Husband.

So - - that left me with the kids. No biggie. I'm with them all the time. I can handle them. And they weren't really bad either. Thing Two wasn't feeling too well, so it was kind of hard getting him to go to bed. But other than that - - nothing major. We played. A lot. After they went to bed, I decided that I needed to find a home for my eight (yes, I said eight) twelve packs of DCS that were stacked up in the hall. One needed to be put in the fridge. ASAP. The others, I don't know, just some place else - - preferably out of the way. But safe from those that can't be trusted by it's allure. (Not just anyone can drink these you know.)

That's when it hit me. I could do my own photo shoot with my Diet Coke w/Splenda. I built a pyramid with them on my bar. Then I popped the top on one and poured it into a glass of ice. I completely dorked out. I am going to make the best scrapbook page ever. I'd love to get it published. We'll see. Hmmmmm......

Here are a few shots of my photo session.

Should you dare to look? No laughing. Serious inquiries only.

Oh yikes!

Read that definition! I am one SUV away from being a soccer mom.

*hyperventilating*

I need a brown paper bag. Stat.

Clarification

Soccer Mom = broad demographic group of women

I am not opposed to soccer. Yet.

Declaring war.

....on the soccer moms with SUVs at the kid's school. In the parking lot. Argggghhhhh! They blocked me in my spot. I needed the freakin' jaws of life to get in my car. (Psst... Lady in the pony tail, did my non-poker face reveal anything to you when you came and got back in your running vehicle? You are lucky I didn't move it to another spot for you. Or at least straight in to your spot. The two yellow lines are to be parked in between. Not ON TOP OF. I had to wait for you to leave before I could even back out of my spot.) This tight spot would not have made Husband happy. This meant that I parked in the ding-zone. Not anymore. A fellow mom will understand just how much crap you have to haul out to your car after school. Backpacks, lunch boxes, papers that you don't want to get messed up in the backpacks... Not to mention the kids. Then there's the maniac soccer moms driving and backing up in said parking lot. Yikes. So now, I have to come up with a new game plan. One that will keep us and the car safe. I don't mind walking the distance. I do that at the grocery store. At least there I have a cart to haul my stuff. They don't have those at the school. Hmmm... must think.

Soccer Moms - 1
Just B - 0

It's baaaaccccckkkkk!

Three words.


Pumpkin. Spice. Latte.

I was just thinking...

...backpacking through Europe. It sounds all cool, right? Personally I think it sounds like a whole lot of freakin' walking.

Telemarketers Beware

I am not real fond of telemarketers. They call at odd hours and just don't take no for an answer. If you hang up on them, it just puts your number back in their queue for another call. Saturday morning, around 9:30 or so, the phone rang. Obvious telemarketer. Husband answered and nobody was there. So he hung up. I told him he should have let Thing 1 take the call. We laughed and then went about our day's stuff. Husband left to run some errands and thirty minutes later, the same number popped up on caller ID again. I said, "Hey, J, it's for you, just talk." and I hit the speaker button to answer the phone. This is where things got dang funny.

J - Hello
Telemarketer - Hello, my name is Ben with XYZ Marketing Research , we're conducting some research this afternoon...
J - I'm playing a game with my Mommy. It's the Simpson's game. We need to finish Bart and get these gags and defeat the wasp cameras before time runs out.
Telemarketer - Oh, is your mom or your dad there? Can I talk to one of them?
J - My mommy is busy playing this game with me. We have to finish this level before time runs out.
Telemarketer - Oh, well then, perhaps it would be better if I called your parents back at a more convenient time then.
J - ummm, yes, good-bye.
Telemarketer - Okay, uh, good-bye then.


I have found my stealth weapon for handling telemarketers from now on. My toddlers will handle all telemarketing phone calls from now on. It's hilarious. It will be on speaker so that I can monitor the calls. But they are now my front line of defense. I love it! Maybe one will call tomorrow and need to be informed all about the first day of school. Tee hee hee! I could run a business with them. Staff them out to homes without toddlers. This could be quite a gold mine! Time to turn that non-stop talking of theirs into something positive. I think I just might be on to something.

School starts tomorrow. Oh happy day! Let me say that again. Oh happy day!!!!!

I've got a couple of forms to fill out and then I'm off to bed myself.

Later...

Gaining Perspective

Where do I begin? Let me start by saying that lately - things have just sucked. There's really no other way to say it where it would effectively convey how I really feel. So there. I said it. Things have sucked. Before I take you down Suck Avenue (and it's a wretched little trip) I want to tell you that tonight I received a blessing. A blessing that I know was sent straight from God. He put someone in my path that I needed to see and speak to. I'll tell you more about this mystery person later. Just know that this whole story isn't all doom and gloom. It might even bring a smile to some of your faces. We'll see.

Mom is in the Hospital with some serious health problems. Real serious. She is having some tests done and will probably have to go out of town for more tests and possible treatment there. It's going to be tough. I'm the only "kid" around to stay on top of things with the 'rents. Bobby is back on the island now and Audra is in Michigan. I'm flying solo.

I'm real frustrated with the kids. Very frustrated. J is having *ahem* issues with the potty. He's a little, *ahem* backed up. I think. And I think it's frustrating to him as well. We all just have cabin fever. Next summer, things need to be very different. And maybe they will be with both boys potty trained. Notice I said both? That's the plan. Diapers suck. I'm tired of wiping bottoms. I'm thinking underwear and no diapers will free us up a little. Don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to wish these precious years away. Because I totally recognize that they are, indeed, precious. And they are diappearing so fast. But they are also very hard.

The frustrating part for me is the cabin fever. It's killing me. I ache to get away and long for adult companionship by the end of the day. Yes, this is *so* what I wanted. And still want. I love being home with them. It's finding the common ground with Husband that's been hard. I don't think it's right for me to clock out at 6:00 every night and leave them with him just because I've been "on" all day. But in turn, I need him to understand that while he *did* work, he also had a lunch break. He also talked to other adults. I didn't. (Well, I may have on the phone. But I didn't see any of them.) I wiped bottoms, filled countless juice cups, wiped up spills, fixed breakfast and lunch (and usually not for myself by the way), and tried to keep things picked up. This does not include the cleaning and maintenance of our household. I usually do that stuff after everyone goes to bed. That's the laundry, dishes, etc. Please understand - - I'm not complaining. I just want it to be understood that when I escape the house, it's a big deal to me. A real big deal. Does that make any sense? It's not a vendetta against anyone. No conspiracy theories. It's an escape. It's an attempt for me to be me. I'm not just a mom. I'm also a wife, daughter, sister, friend, scrapbooker, etc. I am a woman. Am I rambling? Yes I am. Next subject.

Jerry. Let's talk about him. That's who I ran in to at the hospital the other night. Jerry. From my youth group many, many moons ago. It was a breath of fresh air to see him. For those of you that don't know, Jerry was a special needs kid that was in our youth group at church. Kids like that are so often shunned. Not Jerry. He fit right in. He was the missing piece to our puzzle. He was just a happy-go-lucky kind of guy. I'm not real sure what his official diagnosis is. And it really doesn't matter. It didn't matter then. He was awesome. He was into heavy metal when we all met him. We converted him to Christian rock. And he loved it. I lost touch with Jerry when I left that church back in '96. I'd seen him occasionally around town. Walking around. (He walked everywhere. He can't drive.) When I saw him in the hospital parking lot, he was walking down the street. I rolled my window down and called out to him. He looked over at me and smiled real big. I asked him where he was going and he told me he was going to his apartment. (I couldn't believe he lived by himself.) I offered him a ride and he took me up on it. Jerry will never know how much those three minutes in the car meant to me. I had just visited with my Mom in the hospital. My mom who is very sick. I'd been talking with one of her best friends about it outside of the hospital. In tears. Then along comes Jerry. God put him there. I *know* he did. He was telling me to slow down, to not be so worried about things, and just be. God used Jerry to minister to me. Wow. Thank you Jerry. Thank you.

The bottom line - I have a husband who loves me, two beautiful little boys who I have the pleasure of staying home with instead of sending to daycare, I have parents who would do anything in the world for me, a brother who is doing what he is called to do and a sister who has finally found joy in her life. I have the BEST friends. My life is blessed. Some days just suck. In the grand scheme of things - I am very lucky. God has been good to me. I am doing better than I deserve.

Profile Pic

Like it? Thing 1 took it for me today.

*Sigh*

I have nothing of interest to say right now. I just wanted to give you something to read. You may go about your day now. Check back another time.

My taste buds are quivering as I type this...

Have you tried this product from Hershey's yet?

If you haven't, put that on your list of things to purchase the next time you are out getting groceries.. Wow. Just.....wow. Strawberry Milkshake Whoppers. So, so, yummy. I only got a small box the first time, just so I could be sure. The next one, rest assured will be the biggest one they can provide me with!

Yes, I have found new love in my life. I think I'll go grab a handful of those tasty little treats right now! Jealous much? You should be.

Sore!!

Have you ever been sore at the injection site? I am. Like I needed that. I don't know that the shot has done anything to help yet. Just made me feel worse. And now I would very much like to take that muscle relaxer. I'm just deathly afraid of what Things 1 and 2 might try to do to me if I did. The pill works. Very well. In fact, too well. I'm very relaxed when I take it. **sigh** Oh well...

Time to go grab an ice pack and chill. Heh.

I tried to ignore the pain...

...but it wouldn't go away.

I woke up early this morning with a pretty strong pain behind my right shoulder blade. I tried every position I could think of and none were working. I was not getting comfortable. I finally just got up and went about my day, thinking it would just work itself out. I thought wrong. It hung around for a while. I finally called the mister at work to seek his opinion. He thought I ought to call my doctor. I did, but they were going to be out of the office all after noon. Based on all of the symptoms I had described, they said I might ought to go to the E.R. and let them take a look at it. (If you know anything at all about our family history, you would understand the urgency we felt like there was there.)

We discovered that the noon hour isn't too bad of a time to go. I went right back to the room and saw a doc pretty quickly. After some poking, prodding, a few, hmmmmmms, and "does it hurt when I do this?" He sent me off for a quick x-ray. That's where my headache started. Oh boy, not one of those, too. Well, I'm here. I'll mention it to him. So I did and they brought me a tablet to take right away for that. That's when he told me that I had a nerve that was pinched underneath my shoulder blade that was causing the muscle spasms. They offered to do a trigger point injection with a steroid and a local anesthetic. I pondered that one for a moment. (I'm not a big fan of needles. At all!) I decided to go for it. It didn't hurt too bad. Just my pride a little.

I finally took a muscle relaxer at 4:30. I can have them every 8 hours. Anyone good at the telling time? That's right, it's almost time for another. And boy do I need it. Well, I'm sure all of this has been as clear as mud. I have had one pain pill before I typed this all up!

I will live. I just can't get into any wrestling matches anytime soon.

This is your Lucky Day!

Ask and ye shall receive.

Since my last post, we have had 6 inches of rain. Just so you know, that's basically unheard of "in these parts." There is more on the way. We have a 90% chance of heavy rain today. Wowzer.

Also, I said my good-byes last night. Ugh. That was brutal. I just sat on the couch and cried after they left. It confused Thing 2. He was really sweet. He crawled up into my lap, touched a tear on my face and said "cry" with a scowl on his face. For all of the fits he's given me, he really is a sweetheart.

I thought of a funny clip from a movie I was going to post. I've since forgotten which one. Now I will have to think of another one. I'll find something. A little something to make us laugh. Or me anyway.

Peace.

10 Things

I totally stole this from another blog...Not too exciting but it gives me something to type about. Challenge: Make a list of the top ten things on your mind right now. Just number 1-10 and write the first 10 things that come to mind.. no censoring.

Go...

1. Husband grilled me some steak for dinner tonight. That man is awesome with the grill. The result: I will probably have to sleep sitting up all night long. (Stupid acid reflux.)

2. Bobby and his family are leaving Saturday morning. I'm beginning to get really bummed about that. I HATE good-byes. I have so loved having them here. And I was just now getting in a better mood. Dang it. We are having a "Fiesta" at our house tomorrow night. Husband made his famous enchiladas tonight in preparation. They are prepped and ready to go in the fridge. (Husband is a keeper regarding that food thing for sure. We didn't marry until he was 30. He learned to cook, and do it well, by being on his own for so long.) But back to Saturday morning. That's gonna be uber-yucky. Sadness will abound.

3. I think that people who use their hidden headsets to talk on their cell phones make them look crazy. They totally look like they are talking to themselves. Maybe they are. Is there really someone on the other end of that cell phone? Is there really a cell phone? Maybe it's just a headset. Fakers. Crazy fakers.

4. I sure wish I could see my sister's kids right about now. *sigh*

5. Big Brother - yes, I watch it. I also read the message boards from the people who subscribe to the live feeds. The consensus is that CBS is "leading" the house guests in the diary sessions. That's how things shifted and ED stayed. Ratings booster. I knew it was coming. My dad swears that reality shows are really scripted. I think that in this case, he just might be onto something.

6. I hate it that I don't feel naturally beautiful. The older I get, the less I care though. Well sort of. At least about the make up thing. But today, I actually wore it. Now I have to wash it off before I go to bed. I'm feeling too lazy to do that.

7. I have come to realize that *not* having a girl is probably the best thing in the world for my life. With girls, it's drama, drama, drama. I know this because I am a girl. And I know it's not so much with boys because I'm married to one. They don't care. They simply don't. So, I've decided to embrace my femininity around here. It's going to be nice to be Queen. I really feel sorry for the women my boys will marry someday. Whew. I should start praying about that now. Poor girls.

8. Wouldn't it be great to have a household staff? Not just a maid. But a whole staff. That would be cool.

9. I wouldn't be a good West Texan if I didn't tell you how much I wish it would just "come a downpour." The radar says it's a comin'. Our grass is hideous. I tried to walk on it barefoot this afternoon. I won't make that mistake again. Ouch.

10. I really, really love Diet Coke. With Splenda. Did any of you know that about me?

Your turn.

Jason Bourne

Identity. Supremacy. Ultimatum.

I have now seen all three.

Wow. Just wow. No spoilers here. I won't ruin it for anyone. *LOVED* it. Loved them.

A++

(And I don't just hand those out.)

I should do this today...

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled;
set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is
revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had
when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be
holy in all you do; for it is written; "Be holy, because I am
holy." 1 Peter 1:13-15

I should do this every day. I stumbled on this verse as I was cleaning out my inbox. Okay, God. You have my attention.

Clarification!!!

I don't hate teachers. Okay? I very much appreciate them. Please don't burn me at the stake. I think out loud. Remember? Everyone breathe. Besides, we don't all have to agree. Some of you can be wrong sometimes. Tee hee hee.

One last time, then we move on. I think teachers rock. (Well, except for Mrs. Cook's 9th grade Home Economics class at Glenn back in 1985. That woman was nuts.)

Carry on.

Look Out

Can. Worms. Everywhere.

Ouch

If you've already read the post below, or you are about to read it, be ye warned. It is a senstive subject for me. Let me clarify a few things, too.

1. I don't have a job outside of the home. (That means my job is 24/7. I work 365 days a year with no pay. My sick time is quite limited and certainly not a defined number of days. Death's door is a more appropriate term.) I think that adds to my level of grumpiness on the subject.
2. Not every teacher or school employee I was around last night was complaining. There were a couple who never said a word. It's a shame that the one's in my life who do complain overpower those who don't.
3. Someone had flipped my psycho switch last night. I shouldn't be held liable for things said when my psycho switch is flipped.
4. I appreciate school teachers. I appreciate college teachers. I appreciate the little man who delivers our mail. I like the guy who makes sure I have electricity every day. Everybody contributes. I'm just saying...

"We're living in a society."

~George Costanza

Have I dug myself sufficiently out of my hole yet?

Is it just me or...

...does anyone else want to just jump up and slap the ever-lovin' crap out of every cry baby teacher right now. Please, please, please keep them away from me. I know it's not much of a "summer break" anymore. But I can tell you this - I didn't get six weeks off this summer. Neither did my husband. His whole office keeps on. Most of the world continues it's pace. And while we are at it, shall we throw in the nice little break at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Oh, and the Easter holiday break? And Spring break? And those "bad weather" days? And Rodeo day? Heh? So please you whiners. I heard you tonight. Crying about your first group function on Thursday. If you hate your job so much, join the rest of corporate America and work your lousy jobs for a full 12 months out of the year. And good luck getting Christmas off. Everybody would like to be off then but someone's got to stick around to man the office. Not everyone can just shut down and go home. You chose your profession. Deal with it. Seriously. Deal with it. Don't take it out on our children. Deal with it. You don't like the new Sup? Tough. Take it up with the school board. Help make a change for the next election. There were a lot of bosses I never liked. It's called real life. You suck it up and deal with it.

Now that I've sufficiently gone off on you, I won't let the moment pass without saying that I think it *is* necessary to pray for our students, teachers and administration. And I will pray for you all. God has a plan. He can and will work through each situation.

Here is a verse for you...

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to
prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then
you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You
will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29: 11-13