Happy Birthday, Mr. B!

In honor of the magic number, "40", I am going to list 40 things I love about him.

1.  He is incredibly sexy.
2.  Brilliant - - the man is a genius.
3.  He oozes integrity. 
4.  He doesn't take crap from anyone.
5.  He loves God.
6.  He is an incredible father.
7.  He makes me laugh every single day.
8.  He makes gray hair look HOT.
9.  In spite of my mad gaming skills, he beats me at Guitar Hero every time.
10. He loves me for who I am.
11. He can't dance worth a lick, but he tries if I ask him to.
12.  He can't sing, either.  But I love it when he messes up the lyrics.
13.  He loves cats.
14.  He gets along very well with my parents.
15.  He is a "do-it-yourselfer" regarding home improvements.
16.  His quality of work is borderline perfection.
17.  He takes good care of me when I am sick.
18.  The man can cook.
19.  He cleans, too.  Deep cleaning.
20.  He knows I need time away with the girls occasionally and gives it to me.
21.  He enjoys my scrapbooks and encourages me doing it.
22.  He has taught me a lot about money and discipline.
23.  He has the most amazing blue eyes I've ever seen.
24.  He is the antithesis of  selfish.
25.  He looks FANTASTIC without his shirt on.
26.  He is a master with the grill.
27.  He loves dogs.
28.  He can write code uber-fast.
29.  He, like me, has a low tolerance for stupidity.
30.  He is an amazing husband.
31.  He gives great massages.
32.  Loyalty.
33.  He takes an incredible amount of pride in his appearance.
34.  He is very health conscious.
35.  He provides for our family.
36.  He'll surprise me, way out of the blue, and ask me to go to lunch with him.
37.  I never need anything, he totally meets my needs.
38.  I melt everytime I look at him.
39.  I get goosebumps every time he kisses my neck.
40.  He is himself.  He never pretends to be anything other than him.

And the one to grow on:

He loves me in spite of all of my imperfections.  He loves me for me.

I love you, Mr. B. 

Lunch

I got to have lunch with my incredibly handsome husband today.  I love it when he calls me out of the blue and asks me to lunch.  I feel so goofy.  I could sit and stare at him for hours.  For someone almost 40 (Sunday is the big day)  I think he looks DANG good.

I love him.

Me.

Always late.

Stress

No surgery!  Woo hoo!!!!  The doc said that the surgery isn't as successful as they like, so they don't do it.  I like the idea of not being cut on.  But I don't like the idea of just "managing symptoms."

I also have to go to physical therapy.  This was the part that sucked from when I had the surgery on the other side.  The therapy hurts.  Gah.

That little girl in that office drove me crazy!!!  I'm serious.  She talked non-stop.  I was like, "Dang girl.  Come up for air."

Anyway, my TMJ is muscular.  And it is aggravated by stress.  Let me tell you - - being in that office was stressful.  I'm just sayin'.

Okay.  I have a good deed to do.  Another gah.  And a long story. 

*smooches*

Whatever happened to whispering in the doctor's office? I wonder if there is any tape in that drawer over there?

I always thought that having children of my own would make me more tolerant of loud, annoying children. There goes another dream crushed.

Just watched a lady in the waiting room rip a page out of Highlights for her daughter. Her very loud daughter. And why did they ask me to come in 30 min early?

Tuesday.

Yesterday, I was thrown off of my groove.  At 10:45, Justin's school called saying he didn't feel good.  So I went and picked him up.  I think he has a cold.  Mr. B and Cam have allergies really bad.  I'm pretty sure it's cedar.  No shock given how bad the wind has been blowing.  All three of them were out by 8:30 last night.

I finished folding while I watched House.  At least I got it all folded.  I'm about to go put everything away.  It feels good to have it done.  It was sad knowing that there were clean sheets on my bed and I didn't get to sleep in there.  I don't think the mister is contagious - - but I don't take chances like that.  So - - I did sofa duty last night.

I have to see the oral surgeon today.  I had surgery for TMJ on my right side in 1994.  I had it on both sides, but the right side was the worst.  In the last year, the left side has gotten progressively worse.  It hurts to chew just about anything.  Some days, my whole jaw just aches.  I'm overdue to have my teeth cleaned, but it hurts so bad just to hold my mouth open that long.  And then I'm sore for days afterward.  I finally made an appointment back in December.  This was the earliest I could get in.  I'm pretty sure I'll have to have the surgery done again.  And I DREAD it.  It is horrible.  On the up side -- I'll lose some weight.

This getting old thing is not so cool.  I see another doctor on Monday for that knot on top of my foot.  Wearing shoes has become next to impossible.  Every pair of shoes I have hurt.  I'm hoping that is something non-surgical or just an in-office kind of thing.  I have no idea what it is.  I don't know if that's bone or a cyst.  Or neither.  I'll know next week.

I better jet.  I need to fix lunch for me and Spots.

And so it begins...

Special Weather Statement copied from the NWS website:

SHOWERS AND A FEW THUNDERSTORMS ARE
LIKELY WEDNESDAY INTO THURSDAY MORNING. SOME OF THE THUNDERSTORMS
MAY APPROACH SEVERE LEVELS...MAINLY DUE TO LARGE HAIL.

That's just craptastic.  Let the nervous breakdown begin.  I wish I could be like a bear and hibernate in storm season.  I'm sure my husband would be pleased.  I thank my fans in advance for talking me off of the ledge during these coming storms this season.  I panic a little more every year.  The thought of all four of us being in different places during a storm flips me out.  I want all my ducks under one roof.  My luck, Bella will be like Marley and need sedatives.  Maybe we can share them.

Quick Monday Morning Update

I have lots to do today.  So I'll be brief.  I had a great weekend.

Bella went to her first obedience class on Saturday.  I was really worried about her.  During the class, she just wanted to play.  I was thinking this was about to be an epic fail.  Then, David taught her to "sit" yesterday.  Progress.  I like it.

I watched Marley and Me on Saturday night.  I cried my fool head off.  I was warned not to see it.  But I'm so glad I did.  It really made me appreciate Bella just that much more!  There were a few scenes in the movie that really got to me.  If you've seen it, and you know me, you know which two scenes touched me the most.  I won't spoil them here, just in case.  I'd tell anyone to see this movie.  Important life lesson.  It's never easy, but very real.  I give that movie two thumbs up!  B's movie rating: A+

I started a Bible study at church last night.  (Oh yeah, I actually went to church yesterday.  Twice.  Long story.  I've been struggling.  But God and I are working on it.)  Anyway, the study is by Beth Moore.  It is called Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman.  The timing?  Spot on.  Just what this "woman" needs right now.  The Beth Moore studies are very time consuming and intense.  I expect it will take me about an hour a day to work on it.

On Facebook, I declared today "Show my laundry who is boss" day.  I have lots of it done, but not put away.  I need to wash sheets and do a couple of other loads.  It's all going to be done.  And put away.  Today.  Period.  I am armed with Gain, bleach and fabric softener.  Oh, and a good attitude.  I'm just thinking of how satisfied I will be once I finish.  Then I won't have to fold while I watch House tonight.  New episode.  I love Dr. House.

If I'm going to accomplish my super feat, do my Bible study and shower - - I better turn off the computer now.  I'm closing this bad boy and getting something accomplished today.  Wish me luck!!!

Have a fabulous Monday!

One more thing.  I have a friend who needs some prayer this week.  Life has thrown her quite a curve ball and more specifics for her are to come.  She reads here, I'd like for her to see how incredible my friends are.  Will you please pray for her unspoken prayer request?  You guys are the best!!!

Look out fans. I learned how to mobile blog. *insert evil grin here*

Diet Coke w/Splenda

Have I mentioned lately how much I love this beverage?  It's real and it's deep.  I've had two in the past hour.  I'm about to get another one.  Time to hit my reserves and ice them down.

True love.  Never take it for granted.

Mine, mine, all mine!

Mr. B.  He's mine.  And I have him all to myself for the next four hours.  Well, after he gets home from dropping the children off at their holding facility tonight.  We are cooking Chinese and watching T.V.  Without children bickering in the background.  Ahhhhhhhh.

We normally go out to eat on Parent's Night Out.  But I've had a headache all day.  It's going away, but I didn't feel like going out to dinner tonight.  So, we are chillaxing together at home.

It's good to be us.

On another note - - Bella starts Puppy Kindergarten tomorrow.  I am so ready.

Enjoy your weekend!!!

I am His.

How I chose to end my bad day.

Verse two was for me today.

Who am I?
That the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love
And watch me rise again.
Who am I?
That the voice that calmed the sea,
Would call out through the rain,
And calm the storm in me.

My Island Family

Their school year starts in January.  Here they are on their first day of school:

Kyndal & Braden

I miss them so much.  Isn't she cute?  And how handsome is he?

It must be tough to walk out on your balcony and have that kind of view.  Every. Day.

I miss you all!!!

*stomps foot*

Where is the APB for me?  What?  You don't miss me?  Care for an update?

Since you have shown me no love - - you will have to wait until tomorrow.

Take that, "Fans."

*giggle*

Okay, I couldn't even type it with a straight face.  I still love you all.  Well, most of you.

I kid, I kid.

Have a great Thursday!!!

No School Today

The kids are out of school today for MLK Day.  The mister has to work.  So the boys and I and one of my super-cool buds and her two littles are going to take a day trip over to Abilene to hit Chuck E Cheese.  I really wish we had one of these here.  Gatti's sucks.  Bring on Chuck!!!

Let's hope for the bickering level to be at a minimum.

Currently Reading

And I'm loving it so far.  I needed something easy and sarcastic.  It was in the "Yoda Recommends" section.  She is figuring out my style of reading.  The Kite Runner?  No.  Anything funny or sarcastic?  Sure.  I love that she gets me.

I've got a movie review to do for you later on Saturday.  The Lovely Bones.  (The reason I'm about go read something that isn't disturbing on many levels.)  More to come...

Rain

I love it.  It makes me happy.  I wish I could have stayed home today though.  I've started a new book that I have a hard time putting down.  (Thanks, Yoda.  You were right.  I am loving it.)

Gotta go pick up Spotsy, get him some lunch and go back to Justin's school for a bit.  Not exactly what I wanted to do with my entire day, but I'm glad it has given his teacher a sanity break.  I'll blog more about that later.  Let's just say that I am prepared to eat a lot of crow in regards to my teacher friends.

Hey Wheezer

Shut your kitty-sized pie hole.  I got NO sympathy for you.  None.  Weather is decent.  Enjoy your sleep in the great outdoors.  In the meantime, how about a nice big bowl of shushhhhhhhh.  K?  You are irritating me.

You are not coming inside, Princess Pees A Lot.  You are eternally condemned to the outdoors.  Ya shoulda thought it over before you peed on Justin's sheets.  He's mad at you now, too.

Stupid cat.

Just die already.

I Declare Friday

Pop a zit day.  It can be on you, someone you love or just a random stranger.  Tell them it's homework.  Don't do a nice pop either.  Make it hurt.  Make them *almost* cry.  Then come back here and report your findings.

It should be some good times.

Can I just say...

...that there are age restrictions on facebook for a reason?  If you have to lie about your child's age to let your CHILD sign up - - something is bad wrong.  I'm sorry, but a first-grader has NO business being on there.  At all.  I think that is beyond irresponsible parenting. 

That just went all over me this morning.  Not my friend.  Not my problem.  But really?  This is just sad...

By the way...

Some of you suck.  Update your blogs already.  How am I supposed to effectively stalk you without your updates?  Come on.  What, do you have actual lives or something?  Jobs?  *eyeroll*  Just a blurb.  I'll take a blurb about your life.  My blog surfing, as of late, has been B.O.R.I.N.G.  Now - - get to typing.  Losers.

Oh.

And I still love you guys.

Losers.

Good Morning My Stalkers!

It's hump day.  What does that mean exactly?  Just the middle of the week?  Or - - uh - - you know.  Both?

Whatever you choose to do with your hump day, have fun doing it.  And be safe.

*giggle*

Ode to Dwight

Examples of why I love this show so much.



The Office rocks.

That's what she said.

Major Suckage

I have a small problem with my foot.  Small, as in, it's a small knot on the top of my foot.  Big, as in, it hurts to wear just about any shoes.  It's been there a while.  I'm thinking a couple of months.  And before you flame me - - I've made an appointment with a podiatrist.  I can't see them until February 1st.  Uh.  That's a while.  At this juncture, I can only go barefoot or wear my house shoes.  I can wear my shoes, but it makes the knot bigger and the pain worse. 

Here's the thing.  I was pumped about exercising.  I figure I can still ride my bicycle with a different kind of shoe.  But walking or doing Wii Fit is out of the question.

Mr. B thinks it's a cyst.  He's probably right.  I'm hoping that, if it has to be removed, it's a simple thing.  The thought of having to have it drained makes me want to hurl.  As a matter of fact, the thought of a local makes me want to hurt.  Shots in the feet suck.

So - - I'm not rocking out the weight loss.  Not yet.  I plan to though.  I've got to squeeze my fat arse into a swimsuit this summer.

Website Updated

I updated the family website.  Go check it out when you get a chance.  I have a few pictures from Christmas, the Monster Truck show, an incident that occurred around here yesterday and a few of Bella.

Enjoy.

http://www.brayfamily.us

Be sure to read the blog entry on the home page and then go to the most recent photo album.

It was tragic...

I caught Bella chewing on this.  You can imagine the sheer terror I felt.

 Luckily, I've seen enough television, so I was prepared.  I immediately put the chewed off limb on ice.  (Thank goodness for my cat-like reflexes.)

Now, keep in mind, I'm not trained in this field.  I did the best I could with what I had to work with.

He's resting comfortably now.  I shudder to think about what might have been had I not been here to attend to him.  I think he had the whole "Avatar" thing going for him.  If you can't appreciate the graphics, at least appreciate my mad surgical skillz.

Hi Lisa.

Did seeing me the other day beef up your paranoia or curiosity? 

Enjoy...

Updated Score

She got past us yesterday and got in the house.  I couldn't catch her. 

She pee'd and pooped on a pair of Justin's shorts that got left on the floor.  I thought I lost my mind.  I went nuts.  I found her on the bed with Mr. B.  I grabbed her and threw her into the garage with Bella.  She's still out there.  She hissed at me the whole way.

I really, really hate her.

The Old Bag - 2

Me - 0

I don't like this score.

Let's make it official...

I am officially putting a hit out on the oldest cat.  I tried to get my dad to haul her off today.  He said he would not aid and abet.  Dang it.  I'm this  >*< close to taking a freaking baseball bat to her head.  She is so pissed about the dog that she is pissing on everything.  Everything.  She tagged Justin's pillow, my mp3 pillow, the bathroom rug a countless number of times, the floors...  I HATE her.  I swear, she will never die.  She will freaking live forever.

It would be different if this was an isolated incident.  It's not.  She's peed on stuff of mine since before Mr. B and I got married.  She is a one-human cat.  She gets mad - - she gets even.  And I've had it.  Tonight - - she sleeps in the garage with Bella.  Bwahahaha!  Revenge is mine you old bag.

I hate her.

Back to the grind...

The boys go back to school in the morning.  I was ready for this today.  The were bickering like crazy.  It was driving me crazy.  They both went to bed pretty good tonight.  Almost.  Justin - - I don't know for sure if it was a stall tactic, he was just tired or if it was true - - but he started crying and told me he was going to miss me tomorrow.  *sniffle*  It broke my heart.  If he only knew how he could control me with that stuff.  Please don't tell him.

The coffee pot is locked and loaded, the kids apple juices are fixed and I'm about to "hit the hay."  I will be a busy little mama in the morning.  Groceries, nails, Hobby Lobby...  Time is going to fly.

Have an awesome Tuesday.

Unfaithful

Seen the movie?

I'd like to hear your opinions about it.  If you want to...

Priorities

Just mulling them over tonight.

I think mine are WAY out of whack right now.  Too much time on Facebook for sure.  I had nearly $2 mil saved up in poker chips.  I went all in, kind of hoping I'd lose.  And I did.  I spend WAY too much time playing that game.  Enough that the mister has "mentioned" it to me.  I'm thinking about a FB game hiatus.  Crazy, huh?  I need to be scrapbooking more.  Cleaning more.  Reading more.  Playing games with the kids more.  Snuggling with the husband more.  Training Bella more.  Exercising more.

Just something on my mind tonight.  Sorry to bore you with it.

Forecast

I just looked at it and unless something changes (which, this is West Texas so that is entirely possible) Thursday is gonna suck.  High of 31 and "blustery."  Yuck, yuck, yuck.

More movie reviews...

It's Complicated: Loved it.  Loved it, loved it, LOVED it.  I laughed a lot during this one.  Alec Baldwin is hysterical.  Steve Martin is a nut.  I loved the whole movie.  I'm certain I missed a few one-liners during the movie because of all the laughter.  This will be a MUST have when it comes out on DVD.  Strong A on this one.

Did You Hear About the Morgans:  It's only redeeming quality was that is has Sam Elliott in it.  I love me some SE.  I don't care how old that man is.  He is sexxxxxxxaaaaaay.  Other than that, this movie sucked.  Plus, the only copy they had here in Anytown, USA had a scratch down the middle of the film.  I complained about it, which would have thoroughly embarrassed my brother.  They said it has been that way since the third day they'd had it.  Seriously?  And you still charged people to see it?  It was annoying.  Needless to say, I got a free pass when I left.  I give this movie a C-

Changeling:  I saw this one for the first time this morning here at home.  I had DVR'd it off of a pay channel.  Oh my gosh it was sad.  So, so, sad.  Angelina Jolie delivered an incredible performance.  My heart broke for her.  I love movies depicting that era as well.  I so should have been a product of the roaring twenties.  If only it weren't for that nasty depression...  I give this one an A-.  I don't particularly care for movies that make me incredibly sad or worry needlessly about my children.  Still - - it was good.

I haven't decided what I'm watching next.  I tried to watch Bridges of Madison County last night.  I got maybe a third of the way through it and quit watching.  It was too slow going.  I've seen it before.  And I think I liked it.  I just didn't have the patience for it last night.  So, I watched a re-run of The Office instead.  :D