Busy Girl!

I have been busier than a one-legged man at a butt kicking contest this week!

I've been to the movies - - twice! Shocked are you? For those that know me, this is very unusual behavior on my part.

I saw The Ugly Truth last night. I liked it. It was funny. But - - I don't recommend it for *all* of my followers. It definitely had it's moments of nastiness. Let's put it this way - - I would not see it with my Mom. The Proposal - - I would see with her. It was okay.

B's movie rating: B

I probably won't ever watch it again. Unless it's on regular television and it's cleaned up a bit. Not being prudish or anything. There are just some words I don't care to hear over and over and over...

I feel like I have met myself coming and going this week. Just lots of things going on. I'm *so* looking forward to just chillaxing with my three favorite guys tonight. No plans. NONE. I think it will be nice.

I'm re-working some stuff with my e-mail. If I don't get back with you right away, it's not you, it's me. Some definite glitches, but it will all be worthwhile eventually. I use gmail for filtering. I think I'm about to use it exclusively instead of Outlook. That way if Mr. B ever lets me get a Blackberry (*crosses fingers*) I'll be set up. My old e-mail address still works. And before the day is over, those e-mails will be forwarded to my g-mail account. Clear as mud? I thought so. None to fear. It will work out soon. Just a head's up for you. I'm trying now to put my contacts back in there. I'm doing it right, too. I'm adding phone numbers, addresses, birthdays, the whole shebang. So - - bear with me.

I gotta jet, the kidlets are asking for lunch. Time to do my "regular job." Heh.

Ciao.

I am declaring war.

On what, you ask?

Balloons.

I hate them. With a passion. Whoever thought it would be a fun idea to give a kid a balloon? If they have helium in them, they are let go. And then they are gone forever. (These are my personal favorites.) Others get stuck in ceiling fans, behind furniture, they block my view inside my van. The are rubbed together to make obnoxious noises.

I. Hate. Them.

Balloons suck.

The end.

Soaking Up the Sun

We are headed to the 'rents pool for a bit.

I'll try to check in later tonight.

Good Morning Fans!

Don't slap me because I'm chipper this morning. I'm "bright-eyed and bushy-tailed." Okay, that sounds gay. I'm awake. And I'm in a pretty decent mood. Shocking, isn't it? Mornings aren't my strong suit. Especially since I stayed up so late watching movies last night.

With that said - - Thank you Mr. Coffee. I'm on my second cup.

Yesterday started out quite nice. I was determined to make it to church. Don't get me wrong. Satan tried his best to keep me in bed. Well, keep me on the couch. Mr. B was sick most of the weekend. (Just some bad stomach cramps and low fever. So I did couch duty. He's fine now. Yay!) Anyway, I got up and got ready. Then I got the kids ready. And I made it to the 10:00 service. Yay me! More like Yay God! It was an awesome sermon. He's preaching through Revelation right now. Eeeeek! That's some heavy stuff.

I got home, made some spaghetti for the kids and I. It was yum. Then I took a nap. It was divine. Until I woke up. Uh oh. Tummy hurting. I was like - - "Oh crap!" The black and white cookie chased me for a while but I out ran him. Whew. No pukes.

I went to Wal-Mart - - without seeing anything exciting - - came home and just chilled. Mr. B and I watched Mr. and Mrs. Smith. *fans self* That movie is hot. Then Mr. B went to bed and I watched Army Wives. The kids were asleep by 8:00. It was nice.

Justin was up at 7:15 and Cameron shortly followed. That's why I'm up. So, I donned my iPod and got the kitchen in order. Now, I'm chillaxing a bit. My dad just called and he's bringing Noah over for a bit. My mom burned her foot pretty bad on the cool decking around the pool about two weeks ago. She is diabetic and has no feeling in her feet. So, she is seeing the doc about it this morning. She's already lost five toes to this disease. She would like to keep her feet. So, they decided to let the doc examine it again. (It's still bleeding. Ick.) He should be here in a minute. Lucky fans. That will stop this epic entry for now.

Here is my current playlist:

Relax - Frankie Goes to Hollywood
All Summer Long - Kid Rock
Smooth Criminal - Michael Jackson
If You Leave - OMD
Try a Little Tenderness - Otis Redding
I Want Action - Poison
Cum on Feel the Noize - Quiet Riot
Just a Friend - Biz Markie
Amazing - Aerosmith
Cradle of Love - Billy Idol
Paradise City - Guns 'N Roses

Oh yeah, one of my best buds is in town this week! Shawna, I can't wait to hang out with you. My tummy is better, so bring it, sister!

*smooches*

Finally.

Look what I found at the grocery store today:


Strawberry Shortcake Skinny Cows! Nobody around here has carried strawberry ones in ages. Has it ever stopped me from looking? No. I look every time I go to the store. Today, my persistence paid off. Lo and behold - - strawberry! I am so scared that it is a seasonal thing. I can't buy up bunches of them because they just don't keep well. I shall enjoy them while they last.

You have no idea how happy this makes me.

B's movie review.

Loved it! Loved it, loved it, loved it! It was so cute. And hilarious. A lot of times, the only funny parts are in the trailer. This movie rocked. Each actor was perfect. And Ryan Reynolds - - he is dreamy. I loved him. This is one of those movies I'll own. And it will likely go on my iPod, too.

My favorite scene, the one I laughed absolutely *the* hardest was when the mom and the grandmother took her out for a treat. I don't want to spoil it. I'll just say this - - I laughed until I cried and my abs hurt.

I know I really enjoyed a movie when I would willingly pay to see it again.

B's movie rating: A+

(I also saw the trailer for New Moon. I'd seen it online, but seeing it on the big screen? *swoon* I will be there with all the teens for the first viewing.)

When God Speaks

There were a series of events that happened over the week that gave me quite a boost in my faith.

Here's the deal. I've been bad about going to church. Again. It's *so* easy when you are out of the routine of going. It's easier to just keep not going. I've used excuse after excuse. None of them worth much at all.

The thing is - - I crave it. And when it's not there, I miss it. A lot. I feel empty. Don't get me wrong. It's not the building. What is church? It's what happens inside the building. It's what happens inside my heart and soul. It's a community of Believers. And while I've complained (ad nauseam) about the bad, those that act self-righteous, the cattiness, the hypocrisy, etc. - - I know that God has called me to be something better. He has called me to not get caught up in the mean and nasty. He has called me to be there to worship Him. Only Him. It is not my place to judge the others or their own reasons for being there.

I have felt very convicted this week to be better. To be who He designed me to be. I've said this before and I'll say it again. I want to be a wife who honors her husband and makes him proud, a mother who loves her children and sets a good example, a daughter who is obedient and follows the way she was trained, a sister who loves unconditionally and works like crazy to maintain relationships from great distances and a friend who is there and demonstrates my love for Christ in my actions. But most of all, I want to be a child of the King and make my Heavenly Father happy.

I don't want *anyone* to see me as holier than thou. I just want to shine. I want to shine for Him. And then for that to trickle down in all of my relationships.

What, you ask, has prompted this "spiritual awakening?" Well, a few things. A phone call from someone I admire, telling me that she has missed seeing me on Sundays. And it wasn't one of those condescending calls where you feel like the words "I missed you" are just code for "I know you quit coming to church." She missed me, Mr. B and the boys. I know she was genuine. And it was nice. Very nice. Very much what I needed at the moment.

Another thing happened last night. A friend (who for quite some time has been kind of an "on the surface" friend) texted me out of the blue and asked me if I wanted to go to the movies with her, her sister and her mother. It may not seem like much. But it was a big deal to me. Just another reaffirmation. (They are very much a close-knit, Godly family. I admire them more than they will ever know.) It was good to relax and laugh with friends.

What does this mean for you, my fan? I don't know. My blog isn't really going to change that much. I still want things to be light-hearted and fun. That's just me. I like to make people smile. And laugh. I want to keep that up. Trips to Wal-Mart will still be eventful, I'm sure. And my boys do things that are blog-worthy all of the time. So it will continue.

Just know that I am human. I am *far* from perfect. That's not an excuse - - just a fact.

Anyway, if you're still reading. Thanks. I try not to "preach" often. You know that. It's just what I'm feeling inside me and I needed to get it out there. Thanks to each of you for your love and friendship. And - - for getting me. I think most of you do. I'm not the easiest person in the world to be friends with. Just know that I value the role that each of you play in my life. Thank you for loving me for who I am. And know that - - I love you, too.

Friday Sweetness

This makes my non-existent uterus leap. If we were to do this again, this is what I'd want. It would make my soul hummmmm. And probably make my hair turn grayer. But hey, I have the best stylist around. I'm telling you, I could *so* do this.




That's right. I'd love to have twin boys. No girls. Just boys. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh.

A Thursday Funny

Oh Poop!

I. Am. Freaking. Out.

Anti-Anxiety Medication - stat.

Worst Movies of All Time

It's been a while since I've done this. Here is where I reviewed a few of them before. Since I have some newbie followers, here goes...

1. Dante's Peak
2. Flightplan
3. No Country for Old Men
4. Open Water
5. Gran Torino
6. Planet of the Apes
7. Sirens (The only movie I've ever walked out of in the theater.)

There's not much that is worse than spending approximately two hours watching a movie and then when the credits start rolling you think, "Well, that sucked." What's worse is when twenty minutes into the movie, you know it sucks, but you think, "I've already invested my time. I may as well see it out." Then you think, "Dang it. Why didn't I listen to the little voice that told me to press the stop button? Why?" And then you want to get in your car, drive straight to Hollywood and throw rotten eggs at the director's house. That, my friends, is how you know you hated that movie.

The above list does not include movies that I'm certain sucked, but was actually wise enough not to see.

The fruits of my sewing labor...

I talked about this in the comments section of my cleaning blog. The bottom line is: I sewed yesterday. Just straight lines, but I did it. I needed a "curtain" for the skylight in our bathroom. It has been beyond hot in there. And the light is so bright. So, Mr. B bought some insulation to put up in there and I made the curtain to make it prettier.

Here it is:

Yay me.

Change of Plans

Bummer. The kids were already in their suits.

It may not rain much. And they may not even close the pool. I'd just hate to get out, be out for maybe 30 minutes and then have to leave. On top of that, I don't want to load soaking wet kids in my van.

Another day.

Now. Let the sky open up and pour down on us.

Today's Plan

First - - coffee.

Second - Take the kids to meet friends at the pool.

Third - Make Mexican Food for Dinner


Fourth - Mix up a fabulous blue margarita.

Finally - - Chillax.


I love days like today.

Cleaning Challenge

I haven't done one of these in a while. I need some accountability. So - - on with the iPod and let the cleaning commence. I'll post at the end of the day and let you know what all I got done. Feel free to post a comment about what you are doing. Maybe your housework is done and you got to play today. Tell me about it. I'll be green with envy!

Later.

Such a Sweet Boy!

Cameron and I were sitting around talking earlier this afternoon. I asked him if he was ready for school to start. He said that he was. He then said that he'd miss me while he's at school. I told him that I'd miss him, too. That's when he did this: He took his tiny little hand and pointed at my heart. He said, "But don't be sad, Mommy. I'll be right here with you while I'm gone."

*sniffle*

He melts my heart a little more every day.

Sunday Afternoon at Wal-Mart

I felt *so* sorry for the mom in Wal-Mart today with two different shoes on. She looked so frazzled.

Oh wait. That was me.

Doh!

New Additions to our Family

Say hello to Tony and Timmy. We went to Build-a-Bear Workshop in San Antonio yesterday. The boys had never done this before, so no time like the present. And imagine with me, my thrill, when I saw the Spurs uniforms. Luckily, the boys were on board. When I suggested names for them, they were cool with that, too. Now, let's hope these two little guys will be just the good luck charm we need for the next season.

Go Spurs, Go!!!

Packed and semi-loaded.

Now, to bed.

I was sure to pack my super mom cape.

We're gonna have a blasty-blast. I'm sorry that Mr. B has to stay behind and work. (boo!)

But, he hates some of the places we want to eat, so it's going to work out for the best.

Peace out.

Secret Mission

I am taking the kids to Fiesta Texas tomorrow. They have no idea. We're going with some friends. Road trip!!!! Woo hoo!

I am determined to make this summer rock.

Now, let's just hope that *I* don't drop my new camera.

Get ready for this one...

I think I'm done with Big Brother.

*gasp*

Are you shocked? I canceled my live feeds yesterday. For several reasons. I would stay up *way* too late watching them. The kids don't stay up late. But they do get up pretty early. So it just wasn't working out. Then, it was the same old stuff on the feeds. The same kind of fights, the same token sluts, just - - trash. Also, I have a lot going on this summer with the kids. I just wasn't finding the time to watch and justify the cost.

So, I called Super Pass and got my money back. Then I sat down to watch the show last night. It really made me mad. Mad enough that I didn't even finish watching it. Their editing is the pits. They edit the show to make you see what *they* want you to see. It is sickening. And overall, I find all of the participants just lame. They are all looking for their shot at fame. Please. *eyeroll*

I think I'm sticking with one reality show. Survivor. That's it. Well, that and DWTS. That doesn't seem like much of a reality show. I don't know what column that one falls under.

There you have it, folks. I broke up with Big Brother. And it feels oh so good.

Something funny

I saw this posted on facebook the other day:

"One of my biggest fears is that I'll die and my husband will sell off all of my scrapbook supplies for what I told him I paid for them."

*shudder*

I almost forgot...

I did a page the other day. Here it is:

Summertime

My blogging has slowed down. I apologize to my fans.

Here is a little nugget from what we've been doing this summer:


Pool time. With temps in the 100's, like everyday, this is about our only option. We are headed there again today.

Swimming this afternoon and scrapbooking with my peeps tonight.

Life is good.

Oh yeah...

My summertime guilty pleasure.

It starts tonight.

Woo hoo!!!

Worlds Colliding

Case of the Mondays

Have you seen Office Space?

Rain?

For the life of me, I cannot figure out how that much rain can be all the way around us and we still don't get a stinkin' drop. It's so frustrating.

The overcast weather made for a nice nap though. It was kind of dark in my room. Sweet.

I think I'm going to learn a rain dance or something.

Cat Nap

This isn't Moe. But it looks just like him. I think this is going to be my nap picture. I rarely take naps. But I really feel one coming on today. As in the next few minutes. So when you see this picture - - KNOW that I won't answer the phone!

*smile*


I'll post something fun tomorrow.

Tailspin

I never would have imagined that one comment could send me into a tailspin. But it did. Now the wheels won't quit turning and I really need to go to bed. Even with Ambien, if something is heavy on my heart, I can't sleep. If I do, it will be restless.

I control my reactions.

I control my feelings.

Why is it that I let this one pierce me right through the heart?

And don't fear my faithful followers. It's none of you. So don't go into freak out mode on me. Okay?

This will be fine and this will pass. I just have to figure out how I'm going to handle it.

God Bless the U.S.A.

This song gets me every time. Every. Time.

This is what makes my heart sing.

They may argue...
They may sometimes throw punches...
They may say mean things...
They may pee on the toilet seat...

But they are my boys.

And I absolutely adore them.

Some exciting things are in store.

Just an awesome day ahead of us!!!

Happy Birthday, Spotsy!

Four years ago today, we were blessed by the (early) arrival of our second son.

Here is a snapshot of the first time I held him:

Cameron Scott Bray

The funny thing is that the night before, Bobby and his family were in town from Tulsa. We had all just gone to bed. I had popped my Ambien and just pulled the sheets up when the phone rang. It was our birth mom's houseparent. The baby was coming! He was about three weeks early. So - - I jumped up, threw some things together, woke Angie up to tell her and asked if they'd just bring Justin back with them in a couple of days when they returned. It worked out really well that they were here.

We loaded the car and began the eight hour drive to Tulsa. It was just as long of a drive this go 'round, too. Especially in the middle of the night.

Do you know why we call him Spots? Or Spotsy? His middle name is Scott. At first, Justin couldn't say it right. He thought his name was Cameron Spots. And so the nickname began. And it has stuck. If you ask Cam, he'll tell you his name is Spotsy Bray.

Little Stinker!

Happy Fourth Birthday, Spotsy!!!!!!

We love you!