{Last post of 2008}

The Bean Bag Incident

It appears that one of our bean bags
is suffering from explosive diarrhea.

I wonder who gave the "turbo-laxative" to the bean bag...

And with that, my Dyson is full and Cameron's
bag has less "beans" in it. When did
they stop using actual beans?

Yes, he cried. Only because he was told that he was in big, big, BIG trouble. Of course, being the ever-vigilant blogger and scrapbooker - - I took pictures first. Evidence is more like it. Don't be fooled by his pretty blue eyes. Even tear-filled eyes.

This one is Trouble.

I forgot about this!!!! Oops!

The whole "Vince Vaughn I'm in love thing." I had a contest there.

The winner is:
Congratulations, Kim!! That's twice now, isn't it? Lucky!!

Now I just need to get myself to Sonic and buy the giftcards for Susan and Kim!

Monday.

Mr. B is on vacation through the end of the year and the kids are home. So - - it's like the never-ending weekend. My house is all "un-decorated" and for the most part, back in order. I'm working on laundry today. I was postponing it until Justin got off of the Wii. I'd rather watch my own shows whilst I fold.

Our bathroom is getting closer and closer to being completed. Today - - he grouts. So close!!!! I need to go look at counter tops.

Well, the laundry beckons.

Happy Anniversary!

Today - - my parents celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary.

What an awesome example to follow. 40 years - - through richer and poorer, good times and bad, sickness and health...

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!!!

I love you both.

Back home - - again.

We were able to go to San Antonio for a visit with Mr. B's family. We left Christmas day around 2:00. The roads weren't too busy and it was pretty much an uneventful trip.

The grandkids all wanted to open Christmas presents right away. Imgaine that. It was over in like five minutes.

We stayed up and visited for a while and then all pretty much crashed. (First, I made Mr. B track down a fan for our room. I was melting.) We woke up Friday morning to the most warm, humid day you can imagine. San Antonio set a record that day. 83 degrees! And did I mention it was humid? I thought I was dying. I hate it when my unmentionable places sweat. (AKA - the boobies!) I thought I was going to have to go get in the van and turn the A/C on. Luckily my MIL took pity on the poor souls in her home and turned their A/C on. Ahhhhhh.... That's right. The air conditioner on the 26th of December. Go figure.

I did a little reading in my book. I'm finally half way through book three. I really want to finish it this week.

However - - small delay. You know - - laundry from the trip, re-claiming this house, taking Christmas decorations down, playing cars with Cameron (who sits here as I type and taps his cute little foot at me, waiting not-so-paitently.)

Oh - - two San Antonio things I forgot. I got to go by my favorite store. I got some really cute paper and some (drumroll please) SPURS paper!!! I was pumped. Now I just need to go to another game! Which, by the way, did any of you catch the game on Christmas day? We were in the car and had to listen to it on XM. Mr. B and I were dying!!! It came down to, well, I'll let you see it for yourself...



What an ending.

Home is where the heart is...

...and all four of our hearts are in our actual home. It is good to be here. So far, so good.

Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers.

Yay!!!!

I just got the call from Dr. P - - we are discharged! We'll probably be home shortly after lunch. I know this takes a while. I'll post again when we are settled in at home.

Doing Better!

The Little Man is doing SO much better today. Much, much, much better. It's amazing what those fluids do. We have been for a walk, drove the motorized car, looked at the fish and are watching cartoons and playing with cars right now. It looks like we will be going home today. The nurse just checked on him and she was going to go call Dr. P and see what he says. We should know in just a bit. Dr. P thinks that it was more likely altitude sickness and maybe not a stomach bug after all. It's unusual in small children, but can happen.

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Keep 'em coming.

I understand not everyone being able to come by. That's *so* okay. It's a busy time of the year!!

I'll let you know if we get dismissed!

Hospital Stuff

We are surviving "The Stomach Bug from Hell - 2008." Cameron's levels are up. (We want them to go up.) He has still only peed twice. But he's peed. (We want him to pee.) He has his semi-good moments. And then he hits a wall. I understand that this dehydration stuff is just hard on a body. It has worn him out. Being the avid scrapbooker that I am, I had Mr. B bring me my point and shoot camera.

This is him, sleeping. He did this most of the day.
And, fingers crossed, will for most of the night.

This is what real friends do.
Debbie - - thanks a gazillion for the necessities.

Mamaw, Papaw and Noah brought these cool cars.

"Seriously Mommy, I'm in the hospital.
How about you put that camera down
before I find a more appropriate
place for it."

I appreciate all of the calls and texts. My cell phone is not working too good here. So some of the texts have been hit and miss. I've tried to respond to some and they fail. Ugh. So, I'm not ignoring you. I appreciate all of you.

We are really hoping to get dismissed tomorrow. So far he's held his own. More lab work at 5:00 a.m. (Ick.) Then Dr. P should be by sometime before 9:00. Have I ever told you guys how much I LOVE our pediatrician?

Okay. It's quiet in here and I'm going back to reading.

Again - - thanks everyone.

{Sad.}

Greetings from the hospital. That's right - - my little Cam man was hospitalized this morning. Severe dehydration. That little tummy thing has kicked his tiny little bum.

It's pretty heart-breaking. The nurse said he didn't even move when they IV'd him. He's petty lethargic and just, well, sick.

We are in room 6117 at Shannon in the Women's and Children's Hospital. The cell service is kind of weird. It comes and goes. I have my laptop and can receive e-mails but for some reason, I can't send them. I'll have to get Mr. B on the case for that.

At this juncture, we are hoping the fluids will perk him up and we can leave here tomorrow. I hope so. The thought of spending Christmas Eve here is just - - SAD.

I appreciate your thoughts and prayers. I have the best fans - - EVER.

It's all fun and games...

...until somebody pukes.

We came home early. Not because Cam is sick. Because there was a snow storm expected tonight around midnight on the mountain. We didn't want to risk not being able to get home in time for Christmas.

It turned out for the best. Cameron got sick this morning and was sick most of the way home. He's still sick. Ugh. I'll have to say, though - - he is pretty good with the bowl. Thanks Baby Bro for driving us home.

I can't post more now. I'm tired. And Mr. B just went to bed and I'm dying for some snuggle time with him.

We'll talk more about my unhealthy love for Vinnie tomorrow.

Guest Blogger

I was given the honor of being a guest blogger on this here blog. I'm not sure why as I am far from a trophy wife, but I do believe it's a good idea as it gives me a chance to take the mommy minivan blog for a drive. I don't claim to be as creative of a writer as the owner, but I will attempt to be as blunt as the author of the previous 800 something entries. Yes, I realize the risk I am taking here... not all readers are true fans of the author. Please don't hold that against me. I'm just doing as I was told. I felt the risk of blogging here was less than telling her no, if you know what I mean. ;-)

Ok, so I think I will blog about the last few days of our mountain get-a-away. We took a few days to spend some time with the rents up on the mountain in New Mexico. We took two cars and pulled a third. Good question, I don't know, we just do stuff like that. There were ten of us in three rooms. Again, good question. Still I don't know, but it was fun.

Ok, I just wrote out two paragraphs about our trip and then deleted them. I realized I'm not as crazy risky vulnerable brave carefree as Becky to post it to the public. But it was a once in a Lifetime opportunity.

Beck's little guy got the pukes on the way home and you know how much she likes that. Poor little guy. You may think Becky has quick fingers with her multiple daily blog entries, but you should see her protect the leather seats in her minivan. She was Johny on the spot with the spit bucket. I drove us home and every time I looked in the mirror she looked like she was about to bite through her bottom lip. I guess I should end with some props to her though... Can't say I've ever seen anybody hold a child's puke bucket in one hand and a Sonic burger in the other.... What a Trophy Mom!

lil bro
www.bobbycox.org

Vince. *swoon*

It has been rumored that I might actually be losing it. Am I?

I have, in the past month, seen the following movies with him in them:

Four Christmases
Fred Claus
Dodgeball

I also saw him in Mr. & Mrs. Smith and Wedding Crashers.

I like him. I really, really like him. Even his accent. He is tall, funny and I'm finding him more handsome recently than I used to.

Yes - - I'd do him.

*collective gasp*

Are you worried about me?

Hey, at least I took Tommy Lee Jones and Sean Connery off of my list. I don't need any real geriatrics. Don't get me wrong, I love Sir Sean's voice. Absolutely. And Tommy Lee Jones in Lonesome Dove is just - - well, *swoon*.

But right now - - Vince is the man.

Judge away. I will be interested in hearing your comments. Let's make it interesting. A contest! Just post all kinds of thoughts on this section. Have a discussion. Tell me I'm nuts. Tell me you'd hit that, too. I don't care. But I am going to do the drawing thing. I'll use the random number generator again. The winner gets a $5 giftcard to Sonic. (I still owe Susan the Sonic one. I'll get you after the holidays, S! We've both been busy and out of town. How are you?)

I digress.

Comment here for the $5 card. Maybe it's your turn... The deadline will be Wednesday at noon.

*smooches* (To Vince. Not you guys this time.)

Tee hee hee.

Puppy Chow Recipe

I used Rice Chex. I'm sure Crispix would be good, too. I haven't been able to find it lately though. Huh. I wonder if they still make it or if everyone is just Chex Mixing it on up.

Oh, and I melted the stuff in the microwave. Simple.

I love you, Kimmy!!!

White Sands

Okay, here are a couple of pics. I'll post another one tomorrow that Baby Bro took for me. I'd get it now but he's asleep already. I shant wake him whilst he sleeps. (Because I'm nice that way. Or, maybe just not dumb that way. One or the other.)

Here is "Spotsy." He laughed the whole way down.

Justin - sledding down the sand dune.

They wore their shoes off and on. The sand was cold. But the weather was nice. It was about 60 degrees out there. No wind at all. Right now it is 37 here on top of the mountain. We saw some snow in Cloudcroft. We're going to take the kids back over there tomorrow so that they can actually throw a snowball. No snow up here yet. Low tonight of 23 and tomorrow of 17. There is a 10% chance of snow Monday night. And a 20% on Tuesday. We leave on Tuesday. That's about par for the course.

Much, much fun.

Look for the picture from Baby Bro sometime tomorrow. I may even see if I can talk him into Guest Blogging for me.

Goodnight.

We are here!

Long drive!!! But for the most part - uneventful.

I think we are headed to the beach today. Oh, you thought we were at the mountains? We are. On TOP of a mountain. However, at the bottom of the mountain and a few miles away is White Sands. That's what my kids refer to as the beach. They can't wait to go. I'm sure I'll post some pictures tonight. If I can figure out how to pull these pictures off of the camera. I'm not too sure I can do it.

Oh - "Puppy Chow." That is rice chex cereal with melted butter, peanut butter, chocolate chips and vanilla poured over it. Then you dump that messy mixture in a bag with powdered sugar and coat the cereal. The kids LOVE it.

I need to get my kids dressed so we can go in a bit.

Great times!

Oh, one more thing. I saw Dodgeball last night for the first time. I laughed my butt off. And - - I think I'm crushing on Vince Vaughn a little bit more. How did he go so unnoticed for so long? That's a foul on my part.

Later.

One more thing.

Have you ever watched a cat puke?

Sadly, I have. And it *was not* on my agenda this evening.

Gross.

Busy - - again!

It's almost 10:00 at night and I am making Chex Mix and "Puppy Chow" to take tomorrow.

Did I mention that I haven't packed yet?

Oy vay. (I use that expression a lot. I wanted to check the spelling, so I googled it. Oopsie! Do you know what it means? I always thought it meant "oh my." Wrong. Look it up here. This is from wikipedia.)

I digress.

At least the laundry is done (not just done - - folded and put away. And hung up.) So the packing part shouldn't be so tough. I need to make a list and then check it twice. I don't want to forget phone chargers and such.

The Christmas shopping is done. Nothing is wrapped, but it's done.

Plenty to do and what am I doing? Blogging. I can't let my fans down.

I'll try to post some stuff while we are at the cabin. There is supposed to be lots of snow. I kind of hope so. Don't expect much from me tomorrow. I'll be tired from staying up late tonight and then driving eleventy billion hours.

Oy vay.

*giggle*

A song.

Written by B - for you.

Sing this to the tune of "I'm Getting Nothing For Christmas..."

I want some Botox for Christmas.
Mr B. says ab-so-lute-ly no way,
I want some Botox for Christmas.
But he isn't willing to pay.

My Top 10 of 2008

Here is my official list. Since - - I brought this up in the previous post.

In no particular order:

1. Brad Pitt
2. Hugh Laurie - I love his character as Dr. House. And I love his real accent. (He's British.)
3. Matthew McConaughey
4. Vince Vaughn - I love a funny guy!
5. Jonathan Rhys-Meyers - He plays King Henry VIII on the Tudors
6. Harrison Ford - another oldie but hottie.
7. Jason Taylor - plays for the Washington Redskins
8. Matt Damon
9. George Eads - Ummm-ummmm! Nick Stokes from CSI.
10. Anthony LaPaglia

My bonus (my blog, I deserve the right) is Jeff Probst from Survivor.

Mr. B's list you ask? He only has two specific names.

Jennifer Aniston and Ashley Judd. Then just about any Maxim model. He says he doesn't know their names.

Hot.

Does anyone else think that Anthony LaPaglia is hot? Is it just me?


He's on my list. You know - - my to "do" list. Is that gross to you?

I love Special Agent Jack Malone.

Change of Plans

We are going to be part of the "skip the last day of school before the winter break" group. Friday morning, I'm sure bright and early, the kids and I (along with other family members) are headed to my parent's cabin in New Mexico. I have been told to expect up to 30 inches of snow. If that's the case - - I may try to ski once while I'm there. Maybe. I'm going to take my stuff. I'd also like to get the kids on sleds this year. I think they'll love it.

Let's see. What else?

Oh - - Mr. B isn't going. He has to leave tomorrow to go to Dallas on business for a few days. He's then coming home and utilizing some much needed alone time to *cross your fingers* finish our bathroom. As of Friday, he's on vacation until the end of the year. I hope he can get it done while we are gone. I want my bathroom back!!

I have a few projects that I need to get back to. Time is slipping away. At a rapid rate!

*muah*

{Melt My Heart}

I must be doing something right.

Other than it's 10:00 and my kids are still awake...

I was "encouraging" Cameron to go back to bed. He starts in with one of his stall tactics. "I'm scared." This isn't new to his or his brother's repertoire. And, it's likely the oldest one in the book. (We've also heavily used "one more hug" and "I'm thirsty." As I pushed a little harder to get his little bum in bed, he tells me again. "I'm scared." This is where Justin said, "Mommy, I was scared, too. But I talked to God about it and it's all better."

That's where I melted.

I've been telling him this for quite some time now. I told him to tell his brother about it. As I walked out of their room, I could hear Justin telling Cameron about praying to God when you are scared.

It made me put the spanking spoon away.

I need to ask God to take my anger away when they frustrate me.

I love those boys.

Christmas Tour of Homes

Our fireplace.

The three snowmen on my kitchen island.
(Well, a couple of them are chicks.)

I made this ceramic tree at Pottery Ranch a couple of years ago.

More snow "persons" and our Christmas book we read to the kids.

Circle E's Holiday Cheer candle and more snowmen.

Circle E's Christmas Spirit. This year's fave for me.

One of my favorite ornaments. I love the smore snowmen.

The elves that "helped" decorate.
They helped by staying out of the way.

Our tree.

I got this one at a Bunco ornament exchange a couple of years ago.

My FAVORITE ornament. I got it at the Coca-Cola store in Las Vegas in 2002.

I was bored tonight. Can you tell?

Remind me

Remind me in August what it is like today. I can't get warm. My fingers are cold, my toes are cold, my bum is cold.

I am so thankful for the scarf I got for Christmas last year from my friend, Kelly. I'm about to go use it. Inside the house.

Brrrrrrr...

{He Loves Me...}

You know how I LOVE movie scores? Love them. LOVE them!! I even like them if I haven't seen the movie.

Okay - - you know how much I'm loving the Twilight series? Remember, me, actually reading books?

Okay - - out today - - The Twilight movie score. Mr. B knew how much I wanted it and he bought the download on Amazon. I love it! And I haven't even seen the movie yet.

Mr. B loves me. He really loves me.

*grin*

{Brrrrrr.}

It is 23 degrees right now. The high today is supposed to be 40.

Eeeeeekkkkk!

Looks like I'm going to really need to bundle my babies up today. (I'm glad they can't read. They'd both be mad if they knew I referred to them as babies. Let it be known now - - they will always be my babies.)

It's just so COLD!!!

No snow in the forecast right now. I'll give you some here though.

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Youtube Goodies

If this doesn't make you laugh - - or smile real big - - I fear that you are dead inside.



And seriously - - my favorite commercial right now...

We had our windows open today.

Can you believe that? It was *warm* outside. Not anymore. The cold front is blowing in and the high for tomorrow is in the 40's. Big difference.

Justin is asleep with Mr. B in our bed. He woke up coughing earlier. Mr. B has been coughing, too. (He has been for WEEKS now.) So - - I won't be sleeping in there. Cameron is a wretched teeth grinder. It's BAD!!!! I definitely won't be sleeping in there with him. To quote one of my favorite lines from Sixteen Candles - - "It looks like it's sofa city, Sweetheart."

I don't mind. It's actually kind of comfy. I'm going to take this opportunity to start reading Eclipse. I want to be asleep by midnight, so I better get going.

I hope you've all had a blessed weekend. And - - I hope your Monday is bright and happy. I am grateful for being a SAHM. For you Mom's that work out of the home - - bless you. I seriously hope you have a great day at work. If it makes you feel any better, my morning will be spent cleaning. This house needs a real good cleaning. My kitchen floor is a mess. And the dust? Ugh. That bathroom remodel has really kept things churned up. That's probably why David is still coughing.

*smooches*

Today

It was BUSY!!!

Cameron and I slept until 9:00 or so. Then I got the boys ready and took them to Parent's Day Out. We got there about 10:20. They stayed and played until 3:00. And they had a BLAST!!!

Mr. B.? His only job today was working on the bathroom. He is doing such a good job! He has limited time to work on it, so I told him to work away and I'd handle the Christmas shopping solo.

Me - - Christmas shopping. Well, first stop, Starbucks. Then, finishing the shopping. I did it! Well, we have one more gift to order online, but that's Mr. B.'s job. I did it. Stockings, Santa, everything. I rock! Now is it wrapped? *insert Santa chuckle here* No. I'll work on that on Monday or Wednesday when they are at Mother's Day Out.

I was prepared for the crowds, the wind (it was brutal) and just the sheer craziness of making sure I had each child on an even gift number. I even had a minor pitstop to make at the grocery store for some items for fajitas tonight. For the most part, that was uneventful. Well, except for stumbling upon a pair of lesbians making out on the chip aisle. *wretch* I don't like seeing anybody make out. Definitely not two females. When I told Mr. B. about them, he was like, "Oh, cool!" Not cool. Not the image he has conjured up in his male brain. They weren't, how shall I say this? Ummmm, real attractive. Later though, I discovered that they were funny. We both walked up to the same short lane at the check out at the same time. I, admitted defeat and told them to go ahead. But no. She insisted that we rock, paper, scissors for it. Okay, cool. I'm always up for a fun game. I chose rock, she chose paper. Crap! I conceded and found another lane. I discovered that the lesbians were pretty cool. (They probably totally thought that I was one of them. You know - - my short haircut just implies...) Did I just really say all of that?

I came home, put everything away and picked up the boys. We took a trip to Sonic for some happy hour slushes and then home. I prepped the fajita meat, made some guacamole and cleaned the kitchen. Before I knew it, it was dinner time and then off again.

We went to the Santa Fe Depot to see Santa. And the cool trains. My dad went with us and we had a great time. I'd share pictures, but - - I got the idea that they would make the perfect Christmas card for us. So - - you'll have to wait. When we got home, I got the kids in bed and then off to make our digital Christmas cards. Thank you, Sam's Club. Our cards turned out pretty cute. I'll pick them up tomorrow and hopefully get them in the mail sometime this week.

Tonight, I'm chilling. And to bed before too long. I might peruse a scrapbook magazine or two first. I might watch SNL first. One of my favorite actors, Hugh Laurie from House is hosting. I love him. Seriously - - he's on my list. I wonder if he is just as sarcastic in real life...

Okay - - I've been chatty enough. I hope your Saturday has been awesome.

One more thing - - I need you to pray for Kim's oldest. She broke her foot today on one of those bouncy things. Big A is just a doll and I hate to see her have to go through this.

Alright, I'm seriously outta here now.

*smooches*

{The Happy Mom Dance}

I'm doing it.

The kids are at their holding facility until 1:30.

I'm thinking, in this order, Starbucks, nail salon and then Eggemeyer's. I want to get a pickle ornament. Anyone know about this? Read about it here. I learned about this at Susan's the other night.

Okay, I'm "burning daylight."

Have a great Friday!!

Hi

Late *evening* blogging here. I really want to be in bed by midnight, so I'll keep this short. I just wanted you "fans" to have a little reading material for your coffee in the morning. (I aim to please.) Besides, I didn't want you to have to read about my ear wax while you are drinking your coffee. Oops! Now you read about it. Sorry.

Today's mail. It was a good day for me. Not so good for Mr. B. He walked down to our box (Yeah, our box is at the end of the block. It sucks. Lazy postal service. They raise the rates and then make me hike to retrieve bills and such. Life just isn't fair.) and - - he came home griping. Mostly stuff for me. Christmas cards (one addressed to just me) and one for the family. And... my new issue of Creating Keepsakes. I *always* get a little revved up when a scrapbooking magazine arrives. Kind of sad, but the truth.

What I want to discuss are Christmas card letters. I know some of you do these. And - - yay for you. Just not my thing. Okay? Don't get all defensive with me. Write your fancy letter. Me? Not so much. I actually read the few I receive. However, I was shocked by one I received today. Two things. One - - that we actually got a letter from said person. We barely know them. And two - - the improper use of there/their. It irks me when this is done wrong. And I KNOW I've surely done it. It's just that, well, when you are going on about your newly acquired masters degree, it would help to really proof read your document. I'm just sayin'.

Now - - I know some of you Christmas letter writers are guffawing at me right now. Sorry. It's just never been necessary for my family. We're all - - right here. Sort of. Any of us that count keep in pretty regular touch with each other. Or - - they look at our website or my blog and are pretty well informed about or "goings-on." I don't count our family's "Cousin Eddie." He's off playing cowboy right now anyway. Long story. And one best saved for another day.

Okay. I really need to quit while I'm ahead.

I'll talk about my holiday decorating pet-peeves later. Any of you remember them?

Only one for now - - HANG YOUR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS UP STRAIGHT!!!

Okay, that felt good. It's nice to yell every now and then.

*smooches*

(That wasn't so short, was it?)

Did I?

Yes, I did. I really posted something about the gunk in my ears. I have no boundaries.

Eeeewwwww!

I just cleaned my ears out with a Q-tip.

Gross.

Better day.

I hate it when I get migraines. They really knock me on my arse. I'd had a nagging headache for a couple of days. Then when I woke up yesterday morning - - BAM!!! I opted to just take some phenergan at home and hope for the best. It worked. I slept ALL day, but it worked. I didn't sleep well at all last night. I was so uncomfortable. My back didn't like me laying around for 24 hours. Imagine that!

I'm a little groggy this morning. And if history repeats itself, I'll be that way until about noon. I need it to wear off by then, I have a meeting at 12:30.

About that meeting - - I have something really cool in the works. I can't divulge too much just yet. I don't want to get the cart before the horse. As soon as I can, I'll let you know what it is. Just something fun I hope to get to do.

I think I need coffee. No. I KNOW I need coffee.

Have a great day!

I'm turning the ringers off...

I'm going to bed. I'll be gone in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...

Holiday Open House

It was lovely. And fun! I met a few new people and had a blast laughing with some friends I've known for quite some time.

It was just a good girls night out.

I am blessed to have these kinds of opportunities.

Susan - - thanks for all of the hard work you put into this. I really enjoyed myself.

Acting Hastily

I hate it when I do that.

If you read my "missed a deadline" post (which is now deleted) then I'm sorry. I over-reacted to something that shouldn't have been a big deal at all.

I'm really struggling with something. It's a church thing. I don't know what to do - - other than pray about it. It's the obvious answer.

I just feel like every time I get "on track" with the Lord, Satan goes and screws it up for me. I'm guessing I need to be more "on track" and less apt to be diverted.

Ugh.

Is it time for my night out yet?

Poll closed.

Change churches it is. I knew it.

Diet Dr. Pepper...

*insert raspberry fart here*


Diet Coke w/Splenda - - you are my one true love. I'm sure there are other churches out there.

*giggle*

46 and Raining

If I didn't have to get back out tonight -- I wouldn't care.

Cam and I had to go to Wally World this morning. I know - - oh joy. A trip to the big "W" with my three year old. In the drizzle. And getting colder. And - - Wal-Mart. I can think of about eleventy-billion things I'd rather have been doing.

I needed some cereal, a "finger food" to take to a holiday open house tonight and a couple of other things. I'm still a little sore from the pulled muscle, so I decided that simplicity was the answer for the finger food. I'm talking cream cheese with the hot jelly on it and wheat thins. Simple, huh? Does it count that I bought a holiday tray to put it on? I know. I took the wimpy way out. Meh.

Wal-Mart was, for the most part, uneventful.

Some of the FLDS ladies and their children were there. (They are *very* recognizable in their pastel dresses and hair all done the same way.) One of the little boys looked right at me. I smiled. I smiled big at him - - just hoping to get one in return. Nothing. And it broke my heart. In a society where they proclaim to be loving and happy - - they sure are stereo-typing anyone that doesn't believe as they do. Those children are taught to mis-trust. I hate that.

I'm still waiting for Eclipse to get here. Tomorrow. I shall start reading after church tomorrow night.

Not much else.

*smooches*

It's a miracle!!!

I finished another book. That's right. In two weeks, I've read two books. I'd start the third one, but it won't be here until Wednesday. But book four will be here tomorrow. How nuts is that? (I ordered them both from Amazon.) This has been a really captivating, fun series to read.

The little break will probably do me some good. I slept funny last night and I have a "crick" in my neck. It hurts!!!

I gotta jet. I need to make use of this time while the children are at their holding facility.

Ciao.

Scenes from Christmas at Fort Concho

Cameron and D - - waiting for the cannons to fire.

Doesn't he look - - cool?

He came over and talked to the boys.
He shook each one of their hands.

Here he is with Cameron.

This cowboy was "apologizing" to Cameron for scaring him with his whip.

Cigar and a bottle of "booze."

These guys put on quite a little show.
Don't they look great?

Have you...

...ever had to take a three year old boy (who finally stands to pee) into a port-a-potty?

A couple of problems.

1. He is not tall enough to use the urinal. It doesn't matter how much he tries to "stretch" it. It isn't going to reach over the edge. I had to balance my purse, *our* bottle of diet coke, lift him up and not touch anything. I wasn't about to set anything down in there. "Aim for the hole", I kept encouraging. I did NOT want his pee on my hands, his clothes, my purse, etc.

Did you know they had urinals in those things? I didn't.

and...

2. There are no facilities for washing your hands after leaving that poo filled little house.

A HUGE thank you to the sweet lady in the stink trap next to me. She had some hand sanitizer for both Cam and me. Wasn't that nice of her? I thought so.

If I was certain I wouldn't have gotten caught, I'd have issued him a public urination pass and let him exercise his right as a card carrying member of that "Y" chromosome and let him pee where ever he could point that thing in the great outdoors. But alas, my fear of being ticketed got the better of me.

I'll post more about our trip to Fort Concho later. Right now, I'm off to finish the last chapter of New Moon.

Later.

Weekend Blogging

I feel like I am talking to myself around here on the weekends. What gives? You guys have lives on the weekends or something?

I can't wait for you all to go back to work on Monday so that I may be properly stalked.

I know a lot of you stalk and never comment. Meanies. Say something every now and then, would 'ya?

Okay. It's 1:20 in the morning. I've had my Ambien and should definitely go to bed. I just have a couple of pages left in this chapter. I had to take a little break to snap out of it for a bit. Hence, the "midnight blogging."

Okay. I'll talk to myself later on Sunday. Feel free to not comment again.

*giggle*

and

*yawn*

Things I Love

In no particular order:


* Diet Coke w/Splenda
* The smell of coffee
* Kittens
* Holding small babies
* Shrimp cocktail
* Floating on a raft on the swimming pool working on my tan
* Ambien
* Sitting by a campfire - - especially when the warmth is welcome
* The smell of bleach and Gain in my laundry
* Really soft sheets
* Staying in a hotel with Mr. B and without the kids
* An unsolicited smile from a stranger
* Scrapbooking with my friends
* Relaxing massages
* A really good piece of chocolate cake w/a glass of milk
* Kisses on my neck from Mr. B
* Hugs from my boys
* A clean house
* An ice cold brewsky
* Making people laugh
* My down comforter
* A really good server at a restaurant
* Avocado slices on my hamburger
* Going on a cruise
* My kitty snuggling with me at bedtime
* Pre-school
* Staying up late with a good book
* Watching Desperate Housewives and Brothers & Sisters with Mr. B
* A really good praise service at church
* Sleeping in
* Frito pie
* Getting pedicures
* Cameron's crooked smile
* Justin talking to his video games
* Being an American.

Happy Saturday!!

Anyone going to Christmas at Old Fort Concho today?

I was thinking about it. It is supposed to be 65 degrees and sunny. Perfect day to go. The only problemo is - - the ankle-biters would have to go with me. Mr. B is *very* busy working on our bathroom.

I'm thinking it would be a short trip. We'll see...

Another day

Okay, I'll have to limit my blogging today. And book reading. Mr. B is home for a vacation day. It seems that remodeling the bathroom is a lot easier without pre-school sized hands around offering to help. (I don't have to help him today, but I don't want to be sitting around all day. He shan't see my normal behaviors!)

And let's be honest, I want my bathroom back. I'm tired of tripping over Elmo, Diego and various other bath toys in their bathtub. Plus, that shower head was made for midgets or something. If *I* have to squat to get underneath it, I know six foot Mr. B is really struggling. I'm also tired of living out of my make-up bag. So - - you go, Mr. B. Get that backer board up and sheetrock the necessary places so that the painting can begin. Then - - the tiling. I'm excited. It's going to be so pretty in there.

I've got a committee meeting at lunch and then I'll be home for the rest of the day.

Oh, oh! One more thing. Mr. B ordered "our" Christmas present yesterday. It will be delivered today. I'll post about it later in the day after it arrives. I'm so excited. The first person to guess what it is (in this comment section) will get a $5 gift card to Sonic. (Baby Bro and the 'rents - - you can't play because you already know.)

I think I hear Mr. B coming, I gotta jet.

*muah*

Holiday Eating Tips

I posted this one last year. I felt like it was worthy of a re-post.

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!

More Elfing

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Elf Yourself

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

On a much lighter note - -

Check out my new poll over on the right. Feel free to comment or ad lib here.

Ripped my heart out...

He absolutely ripped my heart out tonight.

Justin.

His sensitivity and tears of hurt actually made my heart ache.

I fear this part of parenting. More than anything. I don't like to see my children hurt. Physically or mentally. The mental stuff is new to me. You know - - when they actually get their feelings hurt by an incident? Not, "He took my toy and I'm going to throw a fit." I'm talking, genuine, "My feelings are hurt!" kind of thing.

It. Broke. My. Heart.

I don't know who said what first. And it really doesn't matter to me. (I mean it matters, but...)

Kids are going to have issues. And I'm a big believer in letting them "work it out" on their time table. I don't believe in "helicopter parenting" and jumping right in the middle of things.

Life lessons are tough. And tonight, we talked about kindness. Being kind to one another. Regardless of the circumstances - - always be kind. And it's not easy. People say hurtful things to one another. Try not to be unkind to someone who has said or done something hurtful to you. It's just - - tough. Kids, I don't think, really get that. They don't get that what they are saying can, quite literally, be taken to heart by the recipient.

All I know is that his little heart was broken tonight. He cried for quite some time. Daddy and I hugged him and loved on him. So did Cam. It was a precious, precious time in which this little family of four connected on a level that I just wasn't prepared for. But, I still feel blessed because of it. We leaned on each other. And it was awesome.

I told Justin that Daddy, Mommy and Cameron would always be friends with him. Always. But the bigger friend in our lives is Jesus. And when we hurt and struggle, let Jesus take care of it. He is the one friend that will never let us down.

My sweet, tender-hearted boy is just now asleep. I let both boys stay up extra late and watch cartoons together. I wanted them to have that time giggling and laughing. I told Justin that tomorrow, he could stay home with me and Cameron and we'd have a super fun day. That's right. Justin earned himself a mental-health day. It's only preschool. And sometimes, you just need to take things a little less seriously. Tomorrow is our not-so-serious day. I'm looking quite forward to it...

Busy.

Reading, kids, house cleaning, scrapping, life.

I'm sorry. I know it really disappoints you. Some of you come here several times a day (I know because you tell me that). You are searching, pleading, desperately looking for something crazy that's happened in my life. And I hate to disappoint you.

I did take both boys to the barber shop yesterday. I have some cute pics of that. I'll post 'em later today. Right now, I need to drink some coffee and fold a load. I have a doctor's appointment at 11:00. Just a follow up. But I still have to go. Rest assured, I will take New Moon with me.

Oh, and a little shout out to Aunt G. Today is her birthday. Happy birthday Ang. And to her twin, Amy. Happy birthday, Gopher Girls! (Amy, will you tell Ang that I posted something about her? She NEVER reads my blog anymore. You, I can count on.)

Ciao.

Once again - - nothing to say.

I am busy cleaning house and doing laundry so that I can read some more.

I am loving drowning myself in teenage fiction.

Later.

I got my book!

And it wasn't an easy find.

I went to (in order):
Sam's Club
Wal-Mart
*Called Hasting's
Target

and then finally - - the Wal-Mart on the the north side of town. They had (I think) three copies left.

Whew. That was close. Too close.

I'm going to fold a load of laundry, do a little picking up and then start book two. I'm so excited!!