Mornin' Sunshine

Official Teenager In My House

2012-02-09T04:24:00.001-06:00

GASP!!!!!!!!!

I can't believe this handsome young man is a teenager.

Where in the heck has the time gone?!? I guarantee you it happened when I blinked...and I try so very hard not to blink. This sweet ~~boy~~ young man took his sweet time arriving 13 years ago. We were talking about it last night...he told me I had made such a good home for him in my belly he didn't want to leave. So sweet. And he really is a sweet kid. A good kid. He's an awesome big brother and pretty cool friend to have. His heart is so big and full of love, couldn't ask for someone for caring. He loves to play golf, shoot the hoops, toss a football, play Xbox, shoot his gun, fish and is learning about paintball thanks to his buds Jordan and McGwire. He is a crafty little stinker and loves to learn how to do new things. His taste in foods is starting to come around and I see him willing to try more new things. Again, at his own pace, but he gives it a whirl every now and then. Loves to BBQ with his Uncle Tony and cook in the kitchen...whittle wood with Uncle Mike and dig in the garden with his cousins. And he STILL calls me mommy, gives me hugs and kisses when I need them most and will snuggle with me from time to time.

I really do love this kid more than my luggage!

Never Easy

2012-02-08T05:00:00.009-06:00

This week never gets easier and I wish it would because I am always a roller coaster of emotions the entire time. I can feel the anxiety building up each and every year. Still have moments I can't breathe and I cry at the drop of a hat because I miss you so much. Heaven is the lucky one but mommy sure wishes she could have one last day with you. I can still smell you and remember what it was like to hold and rock you. 9 years Jace...and it still hurts as much as it did the day I said good-bye.

I Inspire...really?

2012-02-06T19:37:00.004-06:00

I inspire people. Well at least two. Second time in a matter of weeks I have heard this. Both times brought me to tears because I quite honestly don't know what I do to inspire anyone.

I was told this morning its my attitude. Always postive. Always taking the high road no matter what pile of shit has been dealt on my plate. Never the bitch.

If only they knew how hard it is sometimes. How there are days I'd rather shut everyone and everything out and just be in my own world. No worries. But I don't. I saddle up and hang on even when its by a thread.

And try like hell to remember to be graceful.

Marilyn Inspired

2012-02-01T23:23:00.002-06:00

Today's inspiration is brought to you by Marilyn Monroe.

I came across this quote on Pinterest today...

"So keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling, because life's a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about."

And I do have plenty to smile about. Need to remember to relax more, have fun and enjoy the ride. Not let so many nasty things bring me down. Trying to please everyone takes its toll on someone who is a people pleaser and likes to keep everyone happy. At some point in my life, I need to let that go, realizing and understanding, its just not possible all the time.

Monday Blues

2012-01-30T10:30:00.001-06:00

Still don't like Mondays. Nothing against them, they just fall on the wrong day of the week.

Had a good weekend, spent some time with my blessing, tried some new things and made some progress around the house. Still trying to figure out how I can snap my fingers or wiggle my nose to get the bigger stuff done. Its a tough thing for me having to ask for help. Don't like doing it and irritates the fire out of me when I can't figure something out myself, especially when its something so simple. Sometimes I wonder if it ever gets any easier..."it" being a single mom. It can be so overwhelming at times and its times like this I don't care to be single. I miss the constant. And dating doesn't count. You know what I mean. Being single has its perks but not always what its cracked up to be. I'll just keep it at that. Don't want to bring down your happy Monday just because I have the blues. Just putting thoughts down.

I hope you have a terrific day and week :)

So What

2012-01-26T12:27:00.002-06:00

On the flip side of George...we have P!nk.

When I was on maternity leave with Miss Bella I watched Ellen every single day, at least I tried. One episode I caught the tale end when she and P!nk were singing a catchy tune in "the shower". I didn't catch any of the words but with the tune stuck in my head, I hummed it to then hubby who can name just about any song there is that's not country (he comes to me for the country stuff) and name it he did. In fact, it wasn't but a couple days later he was up early with Bella when the video for "So What" came on so he backed it up and recorded it for me. I think it always tickled him how this sweet, quiet, country-loving girl could become excited about P!nk. I still love this song and it quickly became one of my favorites to jam out to. I know y'all find that hilarious, and I'm okay with that, but in the comfort of my own home, I too become a rock star!! ;) "I've got moves you've never seen"...name that movie!

I have to admit, and I mean this as no disrespect to the ex, but the first time I heard this song after our divorce, I was like..."this is totally me!"

I'm still a rock star
I got my rock moves
And I don't need you

And guess what
I'm having more fun
And now that we're done
I'm gonna show you tonight

I'm alright
I'm just fine
And you're a tool

So, so what
I am a rock star
I got my rock moves
And I don't want you tonight.

And I have been fine, I have been alright...and yes in my own ways I am a rock star and I have rock moves. I have successfully been able to move on...not without hiccups along the way, but I think I'm doing pretty darn good.

Now you know no post about music/videos would be complete without me giving you a link to share one of my favorite tunes. So listen, jam, dance and become a rock star! I have faith in you.

P!nk's So What

Love's Gonna Make It Alright...or George will!

2012-01-23T22:31:00.000-06:00

I thought of something witty and fun to post about this weekend and went to start several times but got distracted and never even typed a word. And now...with the big 4-0 creeping up on me (that's what I'm blaming it on anyway) I have no idea what on earth I was going to write about.

So instead of me continuing to type and try to think of what I was going to write about I think its time we heard from the man, the legend...the one and only KING GEORGE!!

Do y'all know how much I adore this man? I mean seriously...if I was ever lucky enough to actually meet him, I probably wouldn't be able to say a damn word to him. I'd be sweating bullets and probably trying very hard not to pee on myself. He pulls a smile out of me no matter how bad my day has been or how tired I am in the morning. LOVE HIM!!

Anyway...his latest single out "Love's Gonna Make It Alright" is a fave. Actually...I liked when I first bought his cd and heard it for the first time. When I was having my horrible, icky, no-good, down-right disgusting weekend I heard it on the radio when I was with my niece Cori. We both were singing and I busted out with "George is gonna make it alright"...she laughed at me but it stuck and now she sings it like that sometimes too. Ha!

As I always say..."its the little things".

This link below is from YouTube and this particular video is amazing in that you get to look at different pictures of the man himself and just be happy, happy..

"Love's Gonna Make It Alright"

Over-Thinking...

2012-01-19T08:44:00.001-06:00

I guess sometimes you have to fall back on your butt to get the jolt you need to move forward. And all the little reminders since my crappy weekend have been popping up everywhere. This quote screamed at me this morning...

"Things don't go wrong and break your heart so you can become bitter and give up. They happen to break you down and build you up so you can be all that you were intended to be."
~Charles "Tremendous" Jones

That is one of my favorite quotes and I have it on my bulletin board at work so I see it everyday. Guess I just didn't want to see it the last few days but today I "heard it"...if that makes any sense.

And the thing about thinking too much. That has really been screaming at me, thanks to Pinterest and other friends. Funny how sometimes when you're told you think too much and you agree but really pay no mind to it until you're constantly reminded of it. That's me this week. Everyday something has told me to QUIT THINKING SO MUCH!!! I saw this on Pinterest this morning....

And this one a couple days ago...

Ya think someone is trying to tell me something? I'm beginning to think so myself! And after the way my brain has been working overtime this week, I agree with both of those little tidbits of wisdom 100%!

So, I'm going to try my best to quit thinking so much, quit analyzing everything so much and just live in the moment and enjoy life now. Hard to do when I'm almost the big 4-0 and I've done this all my life. But I can try and take baby steps to improve on things. So glad I have my friends, family and Pinterest to help me when I need the nudge. Love y'all!

Life's Too Short

2012-01-18T12:25:00.001-06:00

Found this on Pinterest this morning. I love this and need to remember this every single day...

Think I need to add it to my blog sidebar...and print it where I can see it every day.

!@#$%^&*&^%$

2012-01-17T08:15:00.000-06:00

That's the way I felt Sunday and yesterday.

A thousand steps forward and one lousy stupid box of memories knocks me on my butt.

It all still hurts.

Feeling better today.

Found the silver-lining in all this pain.

I'm a fighter.

Working my way back.

Happy 3rd Birthday Isabella Marie

2012-01-10T14:18:00.000-06:00

I can hardly believe my sweet girl is 3 years old. Its just not possible. But again...when I look at the calendar, it tells me its entirely true. Time has flown by and its only getting faster.

When my son died, a huge chunk of me went with him. I never thought I would smile again, feel anything but numbness for the rest of my life. I didn't think I deserved to be happy, about anything. I didn't celebrate or acknowledge my birthday for several years after because that meant I would be celebrating me and it didn't feel right. As I sit here with tears in my eyes I can tell you the day my daughter was born was the day my heart smiled again. I felt alive, the numbness was gone and I was happy again. She has kept me smiling every day since. She, in many ways, brought me back to life and one day when she is old enough to understand, I will tell her just what she did for her momma.

She is a hoot to hang out with. She can drive you crazy some days but all through tons of laughter and fun. She is a total girlie girl and fashion diva in the making.

See here...

Watching Tangled at the doctor's office...

Miss Bella is so animated with her expressions in everything she does. I wish I could share some of it with you because she would make you smile like you never have before and laugh until you cry. She is my sunshine and I thank God for her every day.

Bella's Loves
Dresses and skirts
Anything PINK
Shoes, shoes, shoes!
Lipgloss, nail polish and hair accessories
Jewelry
Purses and Bags
Brushing her teeth
Washing her hands
5 yellow cookies (Vanilla Oreos)
Juice (Gatorade)
Chicken with ranch and ketchup
Hello Kitty, Dora, Princess
Puppies!!
Skittles
Jellybeans
Dora/Princess snacks
Playing outside
Shopping
and much, much more!

My poor baby girl was sick on her birthday but she is bouncing back just fine. Had a great party for her Sunday evening with lots of family and friends. Loved watching her play and mingle with everyone. She is the sweetest little girl. Her daddy took lots of pictures and when I have some I will share some with you.

Happy Birthday Sunshine! Mommy loves you!

2012 Goals

2012-01-04T19:46:00.003-06:00

Not sure I'm being smart about this but I'm going to put my goals in writing. I think I'm setting myself up to get shot in the foot but oh well, here we go...

In no particular order...only the order that they pop into my head...

Organize my house.
This is a must! No if, ands or buts...must happen. Not that my house is in complete and utter chaos but there are still boxes to be unpacked, things to be hung on the walls and just more organization overall. I'm confident things will get better as the boxes disappear. Now whether I keep what's in them or chunk them to the curb is another story. :)

Cook.
Not just cook more but cook. I have gotten really bad about this, especially over the holidays. My kids aren't involved in sports but it sure seemed like we were constantly going so we ate out or had a sandwich, ramen noodles or mac n cheese for dinner. Kids loved it most of the time. Me, not so much.

Cook new meals.
Try new things, expand on what we do like. Don't be afraid of the unknown in the kitchen. Was flipping through cookbooks looking for a specific recipe the other day and saw so many things I wanted to try. So yes, going to try new things and pray my kids will at least taste it.

Spend less, save more.
Who doesn't have this one on their list? I want to meet them if they don't.  I think there are always ways to cut back and spend less somehow, some way.

Coupons!
Was really good about couponing until we moved and I got out of the habit. Going to try and get back into it. I'm not what you call an extreme couponer but I do enough that makes me feel like I'm helping out.

Hook my computer up.
This will help with my ORGANIZE goal for 2012. I honestly don't know how I have gone on this long without my computer at home, but I do think the lack of it has contributed to me feeling unorganized and scattered.  Never realized just how much I used it until it wasn't hooked up.

Family Cookbook.
This family cookbook has been on my agenda since 2002 folks. Yes, you read that right. Life has put it on the back burner one too many times so I am bound and determined to get it done, FOR REAL this time! I'm not even going to push it and say it'll be complete by the end of 2012, I just want to get the dang thing started and be working on it. Its something I really want to do.

Be a better mom, daughter, sister, friend, aunt and girlfriend :)
Who doesn't want to be? Again, this is something I think there is always room for improvement. Or maybe I'm just that bad of a person.

Get Bella potty-trained.
OY! I dread this...only because Christopher took his sweet time. Bella seems to be doing a whole lot better than he did just not so much with me. Daycare tells me every day how good she's doing, how she takes a nap and wakes up dry, blah, blah, blah. For me..its hit and miss equally.

Work on Bella sleeping in own bedroom.
Yipes! I think I dread this more than the above. She has no desire to sleep in her own bed. None. Any tips would be great here.

Walk more.
Nothing really to say. Just need to walk more. Feel good when I do it, just need to do it.

Keep believing.
Continue to BELIEVE in 2012.

So there you have it, my goals for 2012. We'll see how I end up doing.  Do you have goals for this year?

Organize

2012-01-03T10:06:00.000-06:00

My word for 2012. ORGANIZE...everything!

Was going to go with create but changed my mind. I agree with my friend Jenn who said create and organize are the same thing and go together but I decided I'm going with organize. I need it badly in my life. Have been saying for a while how unorganized I feel. This is the year to get it all under control.

So please, if you have any tips, send them my way! I need all the help I can get.

Coming To A Close

2011-12-28T18:55:00.002-06:00

2011 is coming to a close in just a few short days. It has been a better year for us. We said good-bye to an old place and closed out the final chapter of a book that started many years ago but we also started a whole new book and said hello to a special new place. We've made new friends and learned how to do new things. I think I have made great progress on this journey of being a single mom, still more to learn but I am enjoying the ride. I still get aggravated when things don't move at the pace I like them to move at, like being settled in my new house, having everything hung on the walls, storage projects complete but I am finding that it only bothers ME. Go figure!

2011 has definitely been a better year for me and my monkeys and its ending on a good happy note with lots of sunshine in the forecast for 2012!

Gold Shoes

2011-12-12T19:26:00.001-06:00

Back in the day my Mom wore these gold shoes or slippers. She wore them everywhere and with everything. I say everything...she would wear nice dress shoes or heels when going to church and what not but around the house, running errands, going to baseball games...the gold shoes were on her feet. I can remember some of the baseball players on my brother's teams saying, "Mrs. B...you wearing those lucky shoes again?" And she would! She would have backups in the closet...boxes and boxes of backups of these gold slippers when a new pair was needed. When she quit finding them in the stores, she found a catalog to order from. Eventually she couldn't find them anymore and had to settle on something else. But we all remember Mom and her gold shoes.

A couple years ago, my sister saw some gold shoes and decided she and I needed to get a pair to honor Mom. We searched and couldn't find the ones she had seen before and eventually found out they were only seasonal and they were TOMS. Last Christmas Urban Eve had a kiosk out at the mall with these seasonal shoes...silver, black and yes GOLD! We were on it...and so began our tradition of "Gold Shoe Kind of Days". It started out that whenever we would get together with Mom's family, we would wear them for Mom to always have a part of her there with us. In addition to our gold shoes, my sis and I always wear a piece of Mom's jewelry on those days as well. But there are days when we just feel like its "a gold shoe kind of day" and we'll wear our gold shoes and think of Mom. She loved those shoes and thought they were the most comfortable things in the world. Funny how we all have those kinds of shoes or jeans or shirts and if we could, we'd have boxes and boxes of backups.

Cheers to you Mom!! Miss you every day!

Losing My Touch

2011-12-07T12:56:00.000-06:00

Miss Toot Marie found one of her Christmas presents last night.

A pink stick horse I have had hidden since October and she discovered it under the bed last night. She was so excited and happy about it I couldn't get upset. Just told her Merry Christmas!! She giddy-upped, yahoo'd all over the house for quite a while...and decided to name her horse Pinky. Original huh. Decided I am losing my touch and need to work on my hiding skills some more. Although that is/was the only present hidden under the bed. :)

Its December already?

2011-12-01T22:18:00.000-06:00

Is it just me or is anyone else having trouble believing its really December 1st? The time is just flying by at warp speed. I feel like I just finished up Christmas shopping for last year and bam...its here again. I'm also having trouble feeling Christmas this year. I usually have the Christmas music going by now but I'm just not feeling it. In fact, when I hear a song on the radio, I switch stations and that is so NOT LIKE ME. Maybe once I get the house decorated, presents wrapped and under the tree I'll get into it more. I hope so because I really do love Christmas. I honestly think it all goes back to the whole time flying by thing.

Having said all that, I have been Christmas shopping and I would say I'm about halfway done, possibly more. Doing pretty good, knocking some things off the list, kicking butt and taking names but still more to do. Bound and determined not to be doing any last minute shopping. Want to enjoy my time off and not be rushing around like a mad woman. :)

Hope you are having a beautiful first day of December.

Thanksgiving Week - My Family

2011-11-22T23:07:00.000-06:00

Hands down, I have THE BEST family. I'm sure there are a lot of people out there that think they have the best family and I'm sure they do, but I think mine is awesome. Countless times they have dropped everything and been there for me, good and bad...even the ugly. And me for them. That's just what we do. We are a close knit family and I love that. I can't imagine growing up and not being close to them. That would be so sad. It has definitely been different since Mom passed away but we adjust and keep her close to us all the time. She and Daddy have taught us a lot about family and its importance over the years through their actions and stories of their growing up. I can see where that importance came from and so happy they continued the tradition with us. So yeah...I have the best family and I am so very grateful for my family. Could not have made it through some tough times without them and I'm equally grateful they have been there for the good times to share them with me.

Ain't nothing better than family.

Thanksgiving Week

2011-11-21T09:49:00.000-06:00

So much to be thankful for this year. I've come a long way and I'm proud of what I have accomplished in the last year and a half. Lots of changes and lots of new beginnings. Some of them scary, some exciting and some just down right fun!

I know I talk about my babies all the time but guys...they are the world to me. They have saved me countless times from going into that deep dark place that I probably would have never come back from. I love them more than anything and am so happy God blessed me with them. I may lose my patience from time to time but I think all moms do. And I may want just 2 minutes of quiet to myself but again, I think all moms do. I love watching my babies learn and play together. Christopher is an amazing big brother and Isabella is the sweetest little sister. They both are always concerned for the other and very protective of each other. And my sweet Jace, I know he's keeping an eye on them all the time.

Today, and every day I am thankful for my 3 sweet blessings...they are great kids.

Picture Show

2011-11-15T22:46:00.001-06:00

In no particular order...here are some recent pics I want to share with you.

My babies keeping warm at the football game...GO WILDCATS!!

The scary goblin...

The Halloween Princess....

Me and my girl Halloween morning...

Bella doing her little sister duties of torturing her brother!

I loved it!

Bella doing her best priss pose with her new rain boots on.

Me and my handsome boy. Love him so much!

Me and Marilee on the steps of our cabin in Canton.

So quiet and relaxing...

And lastly...this picture was taken the day I closed on my house.

Its blurry but I think you can still see how excited I was!!

Proud day for me. :)

Having Fun

2011-11-03T12:37:00.000-05:00

So I was feeling kind of icky earlier this week. Sore throat and achy, no fever though. Tylenol seemed to help the best. Picked up some over the counter cold medicine and the only thing it did for me was make me sleepy so I quit taking it. Feeling back to normal again and thank goodness because CANTON is this weekend!! Do you realize its been two years since I've been? That's craziness and I should never ever let it happen again.

My blessing and I are still having fun, still spending time together and still taking things slow. Sometimes I feel like I'm holding back more than I should. Like I'm being too cautious. Because really, I'm still completely amazed this person is interested in me and at any given time, its possible someone with a camera is going to jump out and tell me this is all a joke. How ridiculous am I for thinking that? Guess its the whole lack of self-esteem/confidence issues I've had going on most of my life. My blessing makes me feel so good and in his eyes, I'm beginning to see how pretty I am. But still I hesitate. There's a moment when I think I'm going to let him knock down my wall I've put up but I hold back. I had lunch with a dear friend of mine the other day and she told me to just have fun, enjoy every minute of it because I deserve it BUT she said, "I want you to be just a teeny bit guarded too." I understand what she's saying and I'm going to continue to have fun. I am happy. Almost giddy actually. And I absolutely love feeling this way. I'm not going to take a chance of letting something this good slip away, but I do wish I could relax a little. :)

P.S. I will be CANTON BOUND tomorrow!!!!!!

I Did It!!

2011-10-30T22:20:00.000-05:00

Finally!! And here it is...

Yes...that is MY foot and that is a tattoo!

Alis Volat Propriis is Latin for "She Flies With Her Own Wings"

I love it!! No regrets.

The original plan was to get 3 butterflies on my hip to signify my 3 children but Missy went and left the picture of the butterfly she liked at the house and the shop didn't have anything else I was crazy about so I decided to start small and get this. Work out the butterflies for another time. :)

Cook-Off Time!!

2011-10-25T21:09:00.000-05:00

We made it through another cook-off. I think this year's cook-off was by far my favorite. We just all seemed to have a really good time this year. My cousins joined us this year, friends from Florida, old friends who hadn't been able to make it out there in a while were there, and my new blessing was even able to hang out with us. Good times were had by all..

And I remembered to take a picture of our banner for proof that I am actually a cook on the team...ha!

Looks good huh...I think so!

Nothing better than family....

L-R: Christy, Patrick, Tony, Bryan and Me

Not all of us were there when this one was taken. I'm pretty sure Deano got a group picture of us the next day. Once he sends us those pictures I'll share more with you.

This last one is of me and Makenna...don't we look great with our aprons? We were working hard.

We placed 16th in fajitas this year which was great considering Tony had never done them before for the cook-off. Brother-in-law Alex usually does but he ended up having to work Friday so my brothers stepped in. We were disappointed the brisket didn't place. When we pulled it and cut into it, oh my goodness it looked so good. Apparently our judges didn't think so. I was also a little disappointed Friday Night Feast didn't place. I just knew we would. No such luck. Back to the drawing board for that. Oh well, can't win them all right?

I had a great time with everyone this weekend and as always, was glad to see it come to an end. Momma was tired. :)

Happy

2011-10-19T23:34:00.001-05:00

My life is blessed and I am grateful for all the blessings.

An unexpected blessing has been sent my way and it has put a smile on my face. A smile that hasn't gone away and one that I hope stays for a while because I am loving the way I feel. This blessing is warm, funny, smart, strong, hard-working, dedicated and good-looking. A different type of cowboy who spins me around the dance floor in his own unique way and someone I never expected would even glance my way. A uniqueness that I am enjoying getting to know, one day at a time, slowly and cautiously. This blessing and I are having fun.

I am happy...and I love the way that feels. Been a long time.

Thank you blessing!

Jace Brudder

2011-10-15T12:03:00.001-05:00

It never gets any easier. Every year I say I'm going to be brave and be strong for you. And every year as your birthday gets closer I start missing you more, which is odd because I don't know how its possible to miss you more than I already do. This is probably jibberish to some but for those who have lost a child, you know the exact jibberish I am talking about.

You are 9 years old today-wow!! It seems like just yesterday you were placed in my arms. I had a house full of boys and I loved it. Your brother was so excited to have you here. He was ready to teach you how to play toys and airplane. You were his "Jace Brudder". I remember it well. He adored you. He still does and makes sure your little sister knows all about you.

Happy Birthday my sweet baby boy. I miss you so very much and wish daily I could have one more day to hold you close. My time with you was precious and I am thankful for that time even if it was only for a short 4 months. I hope that one day I will see all of God's wisdom and finally understand why you had to go so soon.

Love you forever...Mommy.

Christmas Day 2002

Maya Angelou Wisdom

2011-10-06T21:19:00.003-05:00

I have seen this piece about Maya Angelou several times over the years in various emails. I love what it says and wanted to share it with you. Have a beautiful day.

Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday. Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older. And, there on television, she said it was "exciting." Regarding body changes, she said
there were many, occurring every day...like her breasts. They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist, first. The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple and honest woman, with so much wisdom in her words!

Maya Angelou said this:

"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."

"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights."

"I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life."

"I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as "making a life."

"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."

"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."

"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision."

"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one."

"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."

"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn."

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Do you speak Bella?

2011-10-05T10:48:00.000-05:00

I'm so afraid I am going to forget all the cute things Bella says and what she calls different things. So I thought I would document them here.

Pop-Tart = Tart Tart
Toy Story 3 = Stories
Backpack - Pat Pat
Dress = Purdy Dress
Pop & Lena = Pot Ena (almost sounds like Paulina)
Christopher Michael = Chrisfer Michael or Bubba
Vanilla Oreos = Yellow Cookies
Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies = Baby Cookies
Goldfish = Goldpish
Phone = Pone
Hair Braid = Snake (and she crosses her fingers to show you)

When we drive by the football stadium she says, "Mommy, I go Wildcats". Or if she sees kids playing football, volleyball or basketball, she wants to play basketball...no matter what sport it is. And every single time you ask this child what she wants to eat, what she had to eat or where she wants to eat, she will undoubtedly answer, "uh...ranch n ketchup". I swear I am going to open a restaurant and call it Ranch n Ketchup.

And as far as the potty training goes with this girl. I hear every day from daycare how great she's doing. Even has worn big girl panties for them. Tells them when she needs to go. I am amazed she does all of this for them because for me, she stinks. I will ask her if she needs to go, she says yes, I put her on the potty, she sits forever and says I'm done. More times than not, she doesn't go. Put her pullup back on and bam, she goes. Ugh!

She is so completely opposite of Christopher. This child tests me every day. Christopher was so quiet and shy and played so well by himself. If I told him no, he quit. I never had to worry about him getting into anything. Bella...not so much. She makes friends with everyone around her, not shy in the least. If this child is quiet, you better run quick and find out what she is in to because she will be into something and it won't be good. If you tell her no...she thinks it means to keep doing it. If I count to 3, she just looks at you like "really, you think counting to 3 is going to stop me?" I kid you not. Sassy, head strong and a total priss every single day. But you know what? I wouldn't change anything about her. She may test me every day but I am grateful to have her and she has saved me so many times. I love that child more than my luggage. :)

MOVED!!!

2011-10-04T18:26:00.001-05:00

Yes, you read that right...the kids and I are FINALLY moved into our new home. Ironic and a little funny we moved in on the day my first house note was made. I'm trying to see the good side of things and not the "it took me a whole month to get moved" side of things. We were just finally able to get the help and the trailers available. Got it done fairly quickly and with only one tee-niney incident. Brother and company was taking a load to the house while me and the girls stayed behind to load smaller items into our cars. We get to the house and I hear my brother calling me from the back room--voice sounds different....

Tony: Sister...I messed up.
Me: what do you mean you messed up?
Tony: I broke the wardrobe
Me: Which one?
Tony: The one from Bella's room...it fell off the trailer. I'm sorry.
Me: Are you okay?
Tony: Yes but it broke...but it can be fixed.
Me: Its okay...really. You're okay, we're all okay, that's all that matters. Its just a wardrobe.

And really...it is okay. Its just a piece of furniture that can be replaced. Took me a long time and tragedy in my life to be able to say that and stay calm about something like that but the lesson has been learned...the hard way. That was the only hiccup that day. I said "that" day.

So Sunday morning the kids, my niece, nephew and I are up. It felt great outside so I take my coffee cup outside to sit on the patio to enjoy the peace and have my yummy Texas Pecan coffee. I leave the door cracked open because the lock on the french doors is one I still don't understand and one that can lock you out of your house...which is exactly what happened when the kids found me outside and had to come join me. Now normally, I'm asking if they have grown tails because they never close doors behind them. Sunday they did. And the door locked. And did I mention that I had cinnamon rolls in the oven? Panic set in. I had taken my phone outside with me so I called Daddy first.

Daddy: What did you do that for?
Me: Well I didn't, the kids did.
Daddy: (Silence) I don't know what to do.
Me: Can't I like pick the lock or something? They do it on tv all the time.
Daddy: Don't think so. call a locksmith. Or worse case, call 911 and tell them you have little ones, oven is on and you're worried about a fire.

We hang up, I call my sister thinking her hubby is home. He's not...forgot he was out of town. She packs up to come my way (she lives close by now). I see my neighbor out so I send Chris to see if he can help or if he has any suggestions. Please note, I do have an extra key...but it was in my car which was locked. I also have a garage door opener, which was in the my car that's locked. EVERYTHING was locked!

In the meantime, Daddy calls back to check on things. Nothing new. Still not in. Oven is still on. I'm still panicked but holding my shit together because the kids are there. Daddy decides to come our way.

Mr. Gregory (God bless my new neighbors) comes over with tools in hand to assess the situation, my sister shows up and somewhere in the there I was on the phone with my brother--yes I called everyone! And everyone is perplexed by the situation. Go in through a window--can't because all the windows are locked. Break one of the panes of glass in the french door--can't because its a full window. Daddy eventually shows up and he and Mr. Gregory go to work trying to figure out what to do. Cindy finds a wire hanger in the truck.

Daddy: What are you going to do with that?
Cindy: I don't know.
Me: I'm gonna pick the lock or something
Daddy: no..no...no you're not. That's not going to do anything.
Cindy & Me: Grumbled looks on our face...more like pouting.

Daddy walks off and I tell Cindy to give me the hanger. I'm picking the friggin' lock. yeah...that didn't work. They make it look so easy on tv. Daddy decides to go ahead and turn the gas off because the cinnamon rolls are probably burning by now and I'm thinking I should just call 911 to get some help. By the way, Idid make a call to the locksmith who didn't answer and had no alternate number to call for emergencies. My sister, in the meantime is fiddling with the door and the hanger and proceeds to shove the hanger in between the french doors and starts moving it around, up and down, turning it and wouldn't you know...the door pops open!

We go up front to tell Daddy and Mr. Gregory we got the door open...with the hanger! I think (I know) they were surprised that little hanger got us in. The cinnamon rolls were indeed burned but thankfully not so much that the house wasn't full of smoke yet. Daddy turned the gas back on and left. My sister and I marveled at her talents and I'm considering this sign for the house...

"Enter if you can. If not, wait on my sister!"

God bless her...

Happy Fall Y'all

2011-09-23T09:52:00.000-05:00

Today is the official first day of Fall...and I say BRING IT ON!!! So ready for the heat to hit the road. I love this time of year...cooler weather, leaves falling, county fair, pumpkins, Halloween, Thanksgiving, etc., etc.

Happy Fall Y'all!!

Plum Tired

2011-09-12T08:26:00.000-05:00

And evidently it shows this morning...thanks AJ. ;)

We worked and cleaned and organized and cleaned and worked some more at the new house. Still not moved but we're getting closer.

I think we're taking the night off...I'm tired. And I need to do some stuff at the house I currently live in like laundry, maybe cook a meal for my kids and Lord help me...get organized for the garage sale this weekend...gosh I don't even want to think about pricing all that stuff. Oh my!

Y'all have a good one...I'm going to get me another cup of coffee.

A Wedding

2011-09-10T07:55:00.001-05:00

My BFF's son Andy was married last weekend. It was by far one of the most beautiful and romantic weddings I have ever been to. There were candles, perfect lighting, gorgeous flowers, beautiful music and so much more. Andy and Lindsey were nervous but excited...there were tears but happy tears. And there were pictures, lots and lots of pictures...that I didn't take. Had my camera but didn't take it to the wedding. Decided my phone, lipstick, lip gloss and gum were far more important to carry in my little purse. So no pictures were taken except the snapshots in my head. And there are some REALLY good ones...especially of um well...let's just keep that snapshot to myself, okay. Good time, good times.

My BFF's daughter Cassie took this picture of Marilee (BFF) and I before the wedding. Look at that proud momma...she was gorgeous!!

When I arrived at the hotel Saturday my nerves were shot from all the traffic in Houston. I proclaimed then that I was definitely NOT a city girl. of course we've known this for a while but it was reaffirmed that day. My dear friend had a cold beverage waiting for me when I made it to the bride's suite where all the girls had gathered. Now that's a friend! After I calmed my nerves and got some food in me, the good times started and carried on through Sunday morning when we left. We had so much fun...my job was to keep things light, fun and as stress-free as possible. I think I succeeded...at least that's what they tell me. :)

Congrats to Andy and Lindsey!!

P.S. If I come across a picture of the bride and groom, I'll share it with you.

Here For A Good Time

2011-09-09T12:08:00.002-05:00

I ain't here for a long time

I'm here for a good time

So bring on the sunshine

To hell with the red wine

Pour me some moonshine

King George has done it again! Picked up his new cd this week and let me tell you, its so dang good. No..its AWESOME!! The man just keeps better and better.

Should be grateful the cd player in my car is still broke because I would probably be two-stepping down the highway..lol!! Yep, I feel the need to go dancin' now...gonna have to make that happen. The itch is pretty strong, thanks George! And thanks for the gorgeous pictures inside the cd...gosh I could just stare at them forever--yes, yes I'm drooling. Do you think Norma knows how lucky she is?

Love ya George!! Thanks again for making my day!

My House

2011-09-07T09:37:00.000-05:00

Here it is...my house!

I did it all on my own. I had a little advice and guidance from my awesome Daddy and big brother but for the most part, I did it. I took the plunge back into being a homeowner, and it feels awesome. Ok well maybe I might also be feeling some anxiety at times thinking "holy shit what have I done?!" but mostly awesome. I was standing in the kitchen the other day just grinning with excitement. We aren't moved in yet but I can't wait to get us in there and start making memories. My babies are so excited about the house...Chris was disappointed I hadn't moved us over the weekend while they were with Jeff but things just didn't work out. Finally got the gas turned on yesterday...still not sure why they ignored my request (don't they know who I am?) for it to be turned on last week but I'm willing to overlook that this one time. The blinds were hung up Monday and they made the house look so different...a good different. I've been picking up things here and there that we'll need and taking a load of stuff with me every time I go to the house. Once we are moved and I get it all fixed up, I'll snap some pictures and share them with you. I have lots of ideas, some that have been with me for a very long time and some Canton finds that I picked up a couple years ago that never made it to a place at the Western house because well, that whole life took a different path thing which by the way, I see as a blessing now. And just so you know...I am traveling back to Canton this year so there is no telling what I'll come back with for the new home. So yes, there is excitement, happiness and new beginnings in my life and I am welcoming it with open arms.

Now...if someone could please send me PRINCE CHARMING in the form of a cowboy who will twirl me around the dance floor I will be in hog heaven!

P.S. George Strait would be AWESOME!! K, thanks!

You and Tequila

2011-08-30T09:36:00.000-05:00

I am so loving this song right now. Kenny Chesney has his moments with me, sometimes I like his music, sometimes I don't. But this new one...LOVE IT!

Hope you enjoy it just as much as I do...and you find yourself listening to it over and over again...;)

Here ya go!!
http://www.cmt.com/videos/kenny-chesney/657230/you-and-tequila.jhtml

Purple Friday

2011-08-26T11:41:00.000-05:00

Once an Angleton Wildcat, always an Angleton Wildcat. Its in my blood to wear purple on Fridays, especially during football season. Still trying to infuse that into Christopher's blood...its taken some time but he's coming around. His Aunt Cindy is helping me this year. He walks to the high school after school to hang out with her and help with volleyball practice if needed until I pick him up. She told him yesterday that if he didn't have a purple shirt on today she would not let him in the gym. Go sis!! Isabella had no argument this morning but I did put her in a dress so she wouldn't argue with me. And yes, I have my purple on too! Told ya, its in my blood! Have a great Friday!!

Hell On Heels

2011-08-25T18:10:00.000-05:00

I love me some Miranda Lambert...and her new hubby is one hot shot of whiskey...but I am absolutely loving this new group Miranda has put together with her girlfriends called the Pistol Annies.

Here's a link to their first release, "Hell On Heels" http://www.cmt.com/videos/pistol-annies/675319/hell-on-heels.jhtml . Enjoy!! I most definitely will be purchasing this album! Go Pistols!!

I'm hell on heels, say what you will
I done made the devil a deal
He made me pretty, he made me smart
I'm gonna break me a million hearts
I'm hell on heels, baby I'm coming for you...

1st Day of School 2011

2011-08-22T13:31:00.000-05:00

Yep...that's my boy right there...Christopher Michael on his first day of 6th grade. Gosh he looks so grown-up. But not too grown-up or embarrassed to give his momma sugars before getting out of the car. It was either that or I was going to hang out the window hollering at him. He chose the latter. I did have to remind him that you're never too grown-up to give your momma sugar. A little something Miss Cindy taught him years ago when she kept him. I'm glad it has stuck for the most part because I love getting sugars from my babies.

Miss Isabella Marie would not take pictures this morning but I took this one just last week while she was eating her jelly beans. When did the baby go away? And look how long her hair is getting! Good gracious!

I love my kids and I hope they have an awesome school year!

Moving Along

2011-08-18T08:46:00.000-05:00

I can hardly believe its time for school to start up once again. Christopher will be at AJH this year...which is the new junior high and also the school I attended high school at. He's not at all crazy about going back to school already but he's a little pumped about going to mom's old high school. Lots of memories at that school for me.

Christopher and I finished up school shopping for him on Monday. One stop shop. I think he and I both enjoyed that. Might have cost me a little more money but it was worth it not to have to go to several different stores and drag the boy everywhere. He agreed. He's definitely grown over the summer. Turning into a young man right before my eyes. I keep trying not to blink but the time keeps flying by.

House is moving along and everything is falling into place. I will share a pic with you soon enough...its not mine yet. :)

Anybody Home?

2011-08-11T09:07:00.000-05:00

I know, I know...I'm a bad blogger. But really I have a very good excuse...computer is still not hooked up at the house. Believe me, I hear about this on a regular basis from my son.

Chris: "Mom, when are we hooking up the computer?"
Me: "We have a computer?"
Chris: "Don't be silly..."
Me: "I have no idea what you are talking about son"
Chris: "no, for real"
Me: "I am being for real"
Chris: "You're losing it"
Me: "I think I lost it a loooong time ago"
Chris: "are you going to answer my question?"
Me: "what question was that?"
Chris: "oh my gosh!"
Me: "what?"

And it continues until I think he's had enough...or I have and that can last for days. Haha!

So life is moving by at a rapid pace. The summer has just about come to an end....well summer vacation from school. It has zipped by. Paul Franklin's visit was entirely too short. Miss that kid already but hoping he'll make it back down in October for the BBQ Cook-Off.

Christopher is in Austin this week visiting his Grandma Brenda, aunts, uncles and cousins. He must be having a great time because I hardly hear from him (the little stinker). Think I'll do to him what he did to me all those years ago when he was just a toddler and Mommy went to Canton for the very first time....ignore him and not want to have anything to do with him when he comes home. That'll teach him! Yea...I won't do that but I will hug him and squeeze him and pet him and call him George. AND.....kiss him all over his face!!

Miss Bella has been going through some withdrawals this week. With Paul Franklin leaving on the 1st and her brother leaving a few days after that, she has been more clingy than usual. She asks where they are every day...and every time she hears a noise in the house she says, "bubba?"....so sweet how much that girl loves her boys. She is turning into quite the little diva and I will say that thrills me to no end. We have fun donig hair, makeup and nails. And independent..."no mommy, I do it". She is a fun mess.

Me....well I'm doing good. I've recently had some dear friends enter back into my life and they have graciously allowed me to hang out with them from time to time. I can't tell you how much it has meant to me. We all hung out together in high school and well some of us even before then and it seems like no time has passed...we've just picked up right where we left off and I'm loving every minute of my time with them. They are great friends and love them all dearly.

I'm still house hunting but there is a prospect, a very good one I might add. Keeping my fingers crossed it all works out. I'll let you know how it goes.

Best Advice: "Wear Sunscreen"

2011-07-26T21:47:00.001-05:00

My cousin Reesa posted this on her blog Live imperfectly with great delight. I loved it so much I wanted to share it with you. I was curious where it came from, when I Googled it, I found that it was from a speech made in '99 to the Graduating Class of MIT...or at least that's what a couple of links told me.

At any rate, I hope you enjoy it!

Ladies and Gentlemen of the class of 99…Wear Sunscreen

If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience, I will dispense this advice now.Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth; oh nevermind; you will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they have faded. But trust me, in 20 years you’ll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can’t grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked.You’re not as fat as you imagine.

Don’t worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday.Do one thing everyday that scares you

Sing

Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts, don’t put up with people who are reckless with yours.

Floss

Don’t waste your time on jealousy; sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re behind, the race is long, and in the end, it’s only with yourself.Remember the compliments you receive, forget the insults; if you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

Keep your old love letters, throw away your old bank statements.

Stretch

Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your life, the most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year olds know still don’t.Get plenty of calcium.

Be kind to your knees, you’ll miss them when they’re gone.Maybe you’ll marry, maybe you won’t, maybe you’ll have children, maybe you won’t, maybe you’ll divorce at 40, maybe you’ll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary, what ever you do, don’t congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself either, your choices are half chance, so are everybody else’s. Enjoy your body, use it every way you can, don’t be afraid of it, or what other people think of it, it’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever own..

Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own living room.

Read the directions, even if you don’t follow them.

Do NOT read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly.

Get to know your parents, you never know when they’ll be gone for good.

Be nice to your siblings; they are the best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.

Understand that friends come and go,but for the precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography in lifestyle because the older you get, the more you need the people you knew when you were young.

Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard; live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.

Travel

Accept certain inalienable truths, prices will rise, politicians will philander, you too will get old, and when you do you’ll fantasize that when you were young prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders.Respect your elders.

Don’t expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund, maybe you have a wealthy spouse; but you never know when either one might run out. Don’t mess too much with your hair, or by the time it’s 40, it will look 85.Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it’s worth.

But trust me on the sunscreen…

I'm Still Here

2011-07-05T09:11:00.000-05:00

Hello?

Anybody there?

I wouldn't be surprised if the answer was no because it has been quite a while since I've posted anything...and I do apologize for that. The computer is still not hooked up at the interim house...not sure why I keep putting it off because I need/use the computer more than I thought I did. I'd also like to tell you that we are completely settled at the interim house but we're not, or maybe I'm not? Still piles of stuff everywhere and I have actually boxed up more stuff. Since its the interim house, I see no need to unpack everything and too, there is some of daddy's stuff in the house we can use. But it also makes me feel so completely disorganized. I don't know about you but when my house is cluttered and disorganized, my brain is the same way. Drives me crazy. But my kids are happy!! My washer is sometimes working, more times not. Had a guy come out almost 4 weeks ago. Told me he would need to order a new switch. Apparently that switch was on backorder but he thought I didn't need to know that. I'm guessing since he didn't pay me a visit last week, its still on backorder. I spent all day yesterday trying to get just one load of laundry washed. Finally succeeded about 9:00 last night. I'm not saying I love to do laundry but it'd be nice to be able to do a load when I needed to without the hassle. In case you haven't noticed, its HOT outside. I love to sit outside in the evenings while the kids play but I'll be honest, I haven't really wanted to do that these last couple of weeks. I'm a wimp when it comes to the heat. Which makes me look forward to the beach house even more! 2 weeks and counting!! Can't wait...and maybe, just maybe I might get a little color on me. Not everybody tans as easily as my sister Alex Rubio. My beloved brother-in-law gives me grief about my fair skin all the time. I'm fine with it, but a little color this time of year would be nice. The babies are growing and changing so much. They spent this past weekend with their daddy. I enjoyed my time but I missed them so much. Was very happy to see them yesterday. I think they both grew while they were gone the little stinkers. Looked so big when they walked in the door. The 4th was a good day. Food and family...can't get any better than that. Well unless we were poolside! ha! And now I am drinking coffee, listening to King George, trying desperately to wake up. I'm too old to be single again and going out.

In Pictures

2011-06-06T12:30:00.000-05:00

Here a a few pictures of my babies...

Miss Bella on the porch at the interim house. We were relaxing outside with cold beverages. This was before the heat settled in. It was nice and breezy outside. Not so much anymore!

Chris and Brando at the Port's Take-a-Child Fishing Tournament. Cruising around with the guys passing out extra bait to the kids who needed it. This was Brando's first year to help us. Chris is a pro now. Loves helping out. Would rather be fishing, but loves helping out.

I call this one "Two Peas". Brady and Bella in between games at a softball tournament. They are hilarious together. Gonna have to keep an eye on them in the future. Actually, keep both eyes on them!

And this is me and my handsome boy at his awards ceremony just last week at school. He made the A-B Honor Roll for the year and I was so stinkin' proud of him. Isn't he handsome? Momma has stick to beat off all the girls who want to break his heart. ;)

Hope everyone is staying cool these days. The heat is awful. I for one am not looking forward to the next couple months if we're already seeing August temps in June! Geez!

New Chapter, New Beginnings

2011-05-25T12:40:00.000-05:00

We closed on the house Friday, May 20th. I would like to sit here and tell you it went through without any drama or hiccups but I would be lying. And it continued even after we signed and handed over the keys to the new owners. Jeff and I had so many problems with these buyers that it made us and our realtor not want to sell to them. I truly feel sorry for my neighbors on Western...they are getting some doozies. But as of 7:00 p.m. Monday evening, we are done.

We have finally closed the last chapter to the Jeff and Missy story...no more edits. Its gone to print. And I couldn't be happier and more relieved to finally begin a new life. I don't say that as a jab to Jeff because he is just as happy as I am. We both have wanted this moment for a long time now. Sure we will always have the memories together and our children...but the story has ended. Time for both of us to write a new book.

I am looking forward to new beginnings and this new chapter in my life. I am going to continue to believe all the bad is behind me now and that good things will come. I am going to do my best to keep the blinders off, hold my head up and see what's in front of me rather than looking down and wondering what I could have done different about the past like I have done for long.

As a good friend of mine said just this morning..."Let the fun begin!!!"

Go Lady Cats!

2011-04-29T23:07:00.000-05:00

Highlight of my day....watching our Lady Cats softball team kick a little Galveston Ball butt.

Round 1 of play-offs - Check!

I just happen to be related to the coach....she's my sister.

I'm so proud of her and the girls. I've told her I'm planning a trip to Austin this year. They have the talent to go all the way to State and I would love to make that trip with them to cheer them on.

Round 2 - Coming up!

House, Easter and A Question

2011-04-27T21:32:00.000-05:00

The inspection went well on the house. There were a lot of nit-picking stuff but nothing major. For the age of the house, this was a good report. So...Jeff did a few things to make the buyers happy and we're still moving forward to closing May 20th. Woo Hoo!!

I was looking around the house last night thinking about what I could start packing up and decided I would start with the few things that are hanging on the walls. The closet in the computer room would also be a good start as I rarely need anything out of there, except a bag. And I could start packing up some things in the kitchen. Maybe if I try to do a little each day it won't seem to hit all at once? Yea okay, we'll see how that goes.

Our Easter weekend was great. My nephew Paul came in from Florida for the weekend so its always good to have him here. My niece Cori completed her RCIA classes and was initiated into our Catholic family. So proud of her for sticking out the classes and all the requirements. It was a long process but well worth it! We spent Easter Sunday at my sister's house celebrating with family, food, egg hunt, confetti eggs, water slide and more good times and memories made. I love being with family...its therapeutic for me. Just feels good.

So now my question to you is how do you go about doing something that you really want to do but afraid to do? Do you just swallow hard and go for it or do you just put it aside and forget about it? You would think at 39 years of age I wouldn't be afraid of anything. I'm experiencing things in my life I thought I never would have to again like getting back out into the dating world. Yikes! Its not that I'm afraid really (well maybe) but the idea just boggles my mind. And how do you take blinders off when you've basically had them for 18+ years? These are all things I am still trying to figure. Part of the process is fun and exciting but the other part of it is just down right scary. Yes I know, suck it up and be brave! Live life to the fullest...grab it by the horns and go for it, life is too short to be afraid or scared. I'm real good at saying that to other people but horrible at listening to my own advice.

So I have more to learn...we knew this.

Inspection

2011-04-19T22:02:00.000-05:00

The inspection on the house is tomorrow and I'm a bit nervous about it. Not because I think they will find anything wrong with the house but because I'm worried our buyers will want everything little nit-picking thing fixed on the house.  Trying to stay optimistic and think all positive thoughts. And while I'm at it, I'm throwing some prayers out...crossing my fingers and my toes. :)

I have not started packing yet. Waiting for this to be done and then I'll think about it. Tomorrow will be a month out from closing so I still have some time. It's all good.

Tomorrow is also my sweet niece Makenna's 9th birthday. Can't believe my goddaughter is 9. Wow...time does fly doesn't it. We had her birthday/swimming party this past Sunday. I got a little sun myself thank you very much.  If my sister doesn't watch out, I might catch her in the tan department (yea right!) I know that will never happen.

Other than that, we're trucking along. My boy passed his TAKS reading and math. Woo Hoo!! Science is up next. My girl is still keeping us on her toes and getting prissier every day...and I love it!

I know this is hard to believe but I'm already wishing summer was here so we could be at the beach house. You won't hear me say that often but I do love hanging out at the beach house...its makes the summer heat tolerable for me. :) At least for that week we're there! ha!

A Little Bit Stronger

2011-04-14T19:46:00.000-05:00

There are a few songs on the radio these days that I love listening to but the latest single from Sara Evans is one of faves. I like to think its talking about me :) And I also like to ~~think~~ believe that with every little step I take, I too am getting a little bit stronger.

Below is the video link and the lyrics following...

http://www.cmt.com/videos/sara-evans/578702/a-little-bit-stronger.jhtml#fbid=PdjvvunEd4s

A Little Bit Stronger

Woke up late today and I still feel the sting of the pain
But I brushed my teeth anyway
I got dressed through the mess and put a smile on my face
I got a little bit stronger

Riding in the car to work and I'm trying to ignore the hurt
So I turned on the radio, stupid song made me think of you
I listened to it for minute but I changed it
I'm getting a little bit stronger, just a little bit stronger

And I'm done hoping that we could work it out
I'm done with how it feels, spinning my wheels
Letting you drag my heart around
And, oh, I'm done thinking that you could ever change

I know my heart will never be the same
But I'm telling myself I'll be okay
Even on my weakest days
I get a little bit stronger

Doesn't happen overnight but you turn around
And a month's gone by and you realize you haven't cried
I'm not giving you a hour or a second or another minute longer
I'm busy getting stronger

And I'm done hoping that we can work it out
I'm done with how it feels, spinning my wheels
Letting you drag my heart around

And, oh, I'm done thinking, that you could ever change
I know my heart will never be the same
But I'm telling myself I'll be okay
Even on my weakest days, I get a little bit stronger
I get a little bit stronger

Getting along without you, baby
I'm better off without you, baby
How does it feel without me, baby?
I'm getting stronger without you, baby

And I'm done hoping we could work it out
I'm done with how it feels, spinning my wheels
Letting you drag my heart around
And, oh, I'm done thinking that you could ever change

I know my heart will never be the same
But I'm telling myself I'll be okay
Even on my weakest days
I get a little bit stronger

I get a little bit stronger
Just a little bit stronger
A little bit, a little bit, a little bit stronger
I get a little bit stronger

Contract

2011-04-08T22:30:00.001-05:00

We have a contract on the house!!!

Now let's just hope we get through the inspection without being nit-picked even more. I really don't think that is going to happen. These people are nit-picking every little thing. Part of me doesn't blame them because they are buying a house but come on already!

So yes, I'm very excited about this contract but I also think I am going to be holding my breath until May 20th. I also need to start packing. This will be fun (not really) and another good opportunity to go through everything.

I allowed myself to start looking at bedding. I want something new. Something different. Can't decide on a specific color, just thinking and hoping something will jump out at me and I'll say "that's it!"

Other than this, that's really the only exciting thing I have to report. Going to be a quiet weekend, which is good also. I desperately need to start cooking more. My poor kids. Its been a lot of sandwiches, chicken tenders, mac n cheese, fish sticks, beefaroni and whatever else we can come up with ....with one or two really good meals in between. I promise I am going to do better....really I am. Christopher has been asking for Chicken Spaghetti again so I think that will make an appearance here pretty quick, along with Bubble Pizza. And I am still determined to make Pioneer Woman's Sesame Noodles. One of these days it will happen!! ha!

Do you have any good recipes that are kid friendly you would share with me?

Reason, Season or Lifetime Friends

2011-04-06T21:03:00.000-05:00

I came across this the other day and thought I would share it with you.

Reason, Season, or Lifetime Friends

When someone is in your life for a reason, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. S/he has come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

S/he is there to meet a need. Then without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, s/he will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes s/he dies. Sometimes s/he walks away. Sometimes s/he acts up or out and forces you to take a stand. What we must realize is that the need has been met.

When a person comes into your life for a season, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. S/he may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. S/he may teach you something you have never done. S/he usually gives you an unbelievable amount of joy.

Lifetime relationships teach you lifetime lessons. Those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. You must accept the lesson, love the person/people anyway, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.

Source: Anonymous

We Have An Offer

2011-04-04T16:15:00.000-05:00

A few actually, all from the same couple but we have been going back and forth with them since Friday. I think now basically at a standstill, unless they come off what they are asking us to give up. I do understand its a buyer's market now but good grief!! There are some things I'm willing to part with and some not. Guess its all part of the game.

I have to admit, part of this game is exciting. The anticipation to see how it all plays out and what the final score will be.  I feel like at this point its tied in the 5th.  Both teams fighting to win. I'd like to see us both win. Them with a new house...us with a sold one!

Another admission...for about an hour this weekend I got excited thinking about decorating a new house for me and the kids. And then I reminded myself that nothing has happened just yet. But for that short time, I was in planning mode for a new place. Now that's gonna be fun!

Encouragement & Support

2011-04-02T15:46:00.000-05:00

I have the best girls in the world. Every single one of them, from my sister to nieces to cousins and girlfriends has been so supportive and encouraging. I am so grateful to have them all in my life, especially now when I am so uncertain of myself.

My hope is that I will wake up one day and everything will make sense to me, I won't be afraid of anything and feel like I can conquer the world again.

Snap! Damn...it didn't work.

Click, click, click....worked for Dorothy but not me.

Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle...I guess Samantha knows the trick to wiggling her nose the right way.

Things are still going good....and I feel like I'm still winning. The occasional hiccup here and there but nothing major. I'm going out more. Ok well I know one night doesn't really qualify as "going out more" but that sounds a lot better than nothing at all, right?

Good things are happening and I'm going to do my best to grab hold and enjoy the ride...with a little push from all those awesome girlfriends I have.

More Wisdom

2011-04-01T08:31:00.000-05:00

Have a great day, now get out there and own it!

You only live once!

Be brave!

Quit hiding!

Go for it!

And then there's my motto...live today, don't wait for tomorrow or a better time.

I think I have finally figured out why I'm so hesitant to take those steps...rejection.

Leave it to Marty McFly to help me see my problem.

Hi Mom, Its me Missy

2011-03-31T00:25:00.005-05:00

I just miss you.

It doesn't matter what I say or how I say it, I always come back to those four words.

I miss everything about you. Our talks on the patio, errand running, lunches, laughing so hard we cry, our sign language, thirsty-ness, shopping, your cooking, your hugs, eyes rolling, sighs...I could go on.

I still know what it felt like to get a hug from you and when I feel myself needing it the most, I close my eyes and can feel your warmth wrapped around me.

This day is another day on the calendar I dread. I never look forward to it. It makes me sad. Because today is the day I had to say good-bye to you. Today is the day I held your hand and watched you take your last breath.

I know you are in a far better place and you are not suffering anymore from that evil cancer. I know you are watching me, protecting me and with me all the time but I selfishly still wish I had you here instead of Heaven being the lucky one.

Some days the tears fall when I think of you but the smiles are there too. I do some things the way you always did them but sometimes when I don't, I laugh and think you would have had a fit if you saw me doing it another way. I still find myself thinking about calling you up to ask your opinion about something and then remembering a minute later that I can't do that.

I use phrases from you all the time with the kids. The one I use the most is "straighten up and fly right". One day I said it to Christopher, and it must have really had that Gladys tone to it because as soon as I said it, a chill shot down my back. For a minute I thought if I turned around, you were going to be there. How cool would that have been!

I hope you know that you are not forgotten Mom. I think of you daily, sometimes all the time and miss you even more. You taught me so many things and I hope I am still making you proud. I love you.

Waiting Game

2011-03-30T13:02:00.000-05:00

The waiting game sucks...plain and simple.

What are they thinking?

Are they going to make an offer or walk away?

Did they change their mind?

Is there something else they like better?

Are they weighing the pros and cons?

As far as I'm concerned there are way more pros than cons...so make the offer already!

This waiting is killing me!

Crossing Everything & Saying Prayers

2011-03-28T05:30:00.001-05:00

I'm almost afraid to put this in writing but we have someone VERY interested in the house. They are coming back for a second showing this week and a possible offer to go with it. That's all I'm saying about that.

The next something I can't even talk about but let's just say it has put the biggest smile on my face in the last few days. Actually that's probably a teeny lie...its put a smile on face for a while, its just bigger now. :)

I must have done something right because positive things are starting to happen and I'm welcoming it with open arms.

That's all I really wanted to say today. If someone out there is sending up prayers for me, keep them going. I am forever grateful for these small gifts and favors that are happening now. It helps to keep those nasty demons away.

Today I am winning!

George

2011-03-27T09:30:00.000-05:00

I bet some of you are wondering why I referred to Christopher as "George". This is a nickname I have called him for a while...but have found myself using it more recently. Marie is of course Isabella's middle name and I will call her that from time to time.

But back to George.

When I was a kid growing up, my sister and I watched cartoons like all good kids do. Looney Tunes was a favorite right along with the Smurfs. There is an episode where the Abominable Snowman finds Daffy Duck dressed up as a bunny rabbit and names him George. My sister and I have always snuggled with our kids and done this bit from the cartoon with with them. I recently found the video and showed Christopher. He loved it and I think a little bit happy that I didn't call him George after George Strait ;). I wouldn't do that to my child--maybe. But I will hold him and pet him and squeeze him and love him and call him George.

I hope this video brings a smile to your face likes it does mine.

Motherhood

2011-03-26T21:33:00.000-05:00

I would be lying to everyone if I told you that in my now 12 years of motherhood, I told you I haven't had struggles with my children.  And now is no different.

Marie...
This sweet bundle of prissiness is now 2...and she knows what she wants and she wants it now. Not later, not when you can figure out what it is she wants, not after you set your stuff down or heaven forbid go to the bathroom, but right now. She is funny. I still have no idea why she wants a "poon" (spoon) with her muffins but I give her one because it makes her happy. She grins at me and says "thank you mommy". How can I refuse that? Or when she's watching a movie and I'm finally able to sit down she screams "MOOOOOOOMMMMMMMYYYYY" and I say "WHAAAAAAAT?" and she says "I WANT YOU". Again, how can I refuse that? or when she won't let her brother buckle her up in the carseat and then later, get her out. Or when at 9:17 at night she wants chocolate chip muffins instead of wanting to go to sleep.  I love that she runs to me in excitement every single day when I pick her up at daycare and squeezes my neck.

I absolutely love that she goes to sleep snuggled up next to me because I know one day she won't want to do that.

George...
First I need to know if all 12 year old boys are the same in that they dont want to shower, put on deodorant and brush their teeth?  Is this a universal thing or just happening in my house?  It drives me nuts that my child would rather walk around smelling funky than do any of the above things. I am constantly having to ask him "did you put on deodorant?" "did you brush your teeth?"  When he says no I ask why and the standard answer is "i don't know."  Same with homework. I can look through his folder, go over everything making sure he has done it and he will still come home with a mark the next day because he didn't do a sheet. The standard answer for this is "I forgot". When I go over everything, ask about each assignment, you still forget? But I love that he will still hug me and give me a kiss good-bye even though he is 12 and that's not the cool thing to do when his friends are around. He will still snuggle with me at home when he gets the chance and this sweet 12 year old boy still calls me Mommy.  I smile every time I hear it because I can't help but wonder how soon Mom or Momma will replace Mommy.

Rodeo Houston

2011-03-22T00:19:00.002-05:00

Marilee and I went to the rodeo Sunday to see Jason Aldean. He was awesome!! Loved every minute of his show. We got there a little early so we could walk around to shop a little and of course eat. :) We both were very good and didn't buy one thing, even though we tried on boots and perused the purses and jewely. Nothing really struck our fancy, except the ice cold beer. ;)

We met up with Marilee's son Andy and his beautiful fiance Lindsey a little later..and of course we had to take pictures.

This is Andy, Marilee and Lindsey...

Me, Andy and Marilee....

Me and Marilee...

Let me just say this...you see that top I have on right there...that rufflely one. That one right up there in those pictures...I so had a little jacket on and Marilee so wouldn't let me wear it. I was so self-concious about not having it on but I have to say that after walking around and seeing some of the other outfits the women were wearing, I had nothing to be ashamed about. It felt good to step outside of my comfort zone...and I'm going to try doing it more often.

Spring Break

2011-03-21T09:31:00.000-05:00

SO GLAD ITS OVER!!

This Spring Break was just horrible. Started off bad, got horribly bad and then began to get better. It did end on a good note but I sure am glad to be done with it. For many reasons I'm not going to go into details on what made it so bad but know that me and my babies are all okay and all is right in the world again. :)

We had two showings on the house last week. No feedback on the second but hoping its good. So ready for this house to be sold. I think I have mentioned that a time or two before. Its just time!

Even though Spring Break was crappy, I am doing much better than I was a week ago. I'm in a better place and feeling a lot better. Gonna do my darndest not to let the demons get me down again.

ugh

2011-03-13T12:43:00.000-05:00

You are a tough cookie.

You need to get out more.

Quit sitting at home.

You only live once.

These are statements that recently have been said to me. The last few days have been hard for me. Nothing has changed, nothing has happened....I'm just down. Actually that's a lie...I'm not down...I'm truly a mess. I have spent most of this weekend in tears when I'm alone. I guess it comes and goes but I wish with all my heart that it would go away....and stay gone.

I'm missing my mom something fierce so maybe that's it? I could really use one of her hugs right now and for her to tell me to quit being funny. Everything always seemed better after a hug from mom.

This entire weekend I have constantly asked myself...what happened to you? What happened to you!?! Who is this pitiful person? Why have you let her creep into your life? Send her the hell away....and find Missy again.

I'm trying but I need to try harder.

Wedding Pics

2011-03-11T10:17:00.000-06:00

I ~~stole~~ borrowed these pictures from my new step-brother's FB page...look how happy daddy and Lena are!! Doesn't that just make you smile?

Here is a picture of Lena at the house before the wedding. So pretty!!!

Lena with her sons Eric and Andy...

And me with my new cousin...Amye Jo. Amye and I have been friends for years!

Two good-looking girls right there!

We were all having such a good time that we never did take a big family picture, something we all wish we had done. Maybe one day we'll all be together again and can make that happen. I think it would be great to have.

The wedding was beautiful and I think everyone had a wonderful time visiting, eating and dancing. I know I did. My brother even twirled me around the dance floor, I got in a few steps with daddy and my daugter. Good times indeed!

My kids will be with their dad this weekend. I have a list of things I need and/or want to do but have no idea where to start. A weekend that I don't really have any scheduled plans for. I can do anything I want...just should be some things on my list. Guess I'll figure it out soon enough.

Have a great weekend!!

Belated Birthday Wishes & A Very Special Day

2011-03-05T09:51:00.000-06:00

I need to send out additional belated birthday wishes to the bestest sister any girl could ever have. We got to recently spend some good sister time together and I think it was much needed for both of us. This sister of mine is always there for me through everything. We laugh, cry and fight together, although I can't remember that last time we had a fight. Guess we're getting wiser. She's the best and I love her so very much! Cheers to you sis!

Remember that very special day I mentioned in my last post? Well its today. Today my daddy is getting married!! And in case you were wondering I did find a very special dress for this very special day. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. I'm worried I will fall apart later today because even though I'm happy for daddy and Lena and I'm totally okay with them getting married, its still hard. There's still that part of me that feels weird about it, a part that says "but what about Mom?" I've been having a lot of "holy shit, my daddy is getting married" moments. Moments where I can't breathe and pinch myself to see if this is all real. But even in all those moments, I am so happy my daddy has found someone. I'm happy he will not be alone anymore. They have so much fun together and you can see their happiness in their faces every time they are together. Cheers to them!! Welcome to our crazy family Lena!!

Just A Little Panicked

2011-02-23T11:55:00.002-06:00

I went shopping Monday in hopes of finding a dress for a very special wedding that is taking place in just a short two weeks--actually its less than two weeks now. I had no luck. I am a little bit panicked....kinda...sorta...maybe. I mean, worst case scenario is having to wear something out of my closet, which would be boring...and not new....and not especially picked for this very special day.

You see, my Daddy is getting married again. He will be saying "I do" to someone other than my Mom...and I'm okay with that. I very okay with that. He has found happiness again after losing Mom to that ugly beast cancer. There's a skip in his step, a sparkle in his eye and he's dancing again.

I always hated the thought of him being home alone, especially at night. To me, that is when grief hits you the hardest, when the loneliness really sets in and tries to take control of your life. I understood that loneliness so much better when Jeff left. Sure I had my kids, but at night after they had gone to sleep...it was an awful time for me.
So I'm happy for my Daddy and very excited for him. Its a weird happy, but a good weird happy...if that even makes sense to anyone.

And so, this is why I want a new special dress...that I have not found yet. And this is why I'm knda, sorta, maybe just a little bit panicked.

But I've got another day to shop...and I'm determined to find that special dress for my Daddy's very special day.

Jace

2011-02-08T05:25:00.000-06:00

Eight years ago today I held you for the very last time. I heard everything that was being said to me but still prayed for a miracle. I began memorizing everything about you. Your nose, your chin, your lips, the shape of your eyebrows, your sweet cheeks, your hands, everything. I studied you like I had never studied anything before. I didn't want to forget. I held you so tight that day, not wanting to let go, not wanting to leave you...you were my baby. When I close my eyes I can see everything I memorized, I can smell you and even feel a slight breath on my skin. Not a day goes by you are not with me in my thoughts and my heart, and every now and again I imagine you running around with your brother and your cousins being such a little boy and it warms my heart. The tears still fall, unexpectedly sometimes, but the smiles are more frequent. You are loved and you are missed my son and I thank you for all you have taught me.

I Don't Do Mornings

2011-02-07T21:22:00.000-06:00

This about summed me up this morning...

Ah, who am I trying to kid...this sums me up every morning. I really don't do them well. Never have. I am one of the hardest people to get up in the morning, and when I get to sleep in like this past weekend, I actually think its even worse. When I do have to get up, most of the time I am a habitual snooze button hitter. There are days I get up after one hit but they are few and far between. My son has inherited this from me, although he doesn't hit snooze, he just ignores the alarm altogether. "Can I have just 5 more minutes PLEASE". I hear this Monday - Friday. Poor kid.

As for Miss Bella. My goal is simply to get her to sleep through the night. Amen.

No Snow

2011-02-06T16:40:00.000-06:00

We were so totally bummed.

We stayed in our jammies all day Friday, watched movies, colored, played games, napped and napped some more.

Christopher did venture out to his friend's house a couple of doors down to hang out for a few hours but that is it.

Other than that, we sulked all day long because there was no snow to play in.

We were so totally bummed.

Its COLD!!

2011-02-02T21:07:00.000-06:00

For the first time in a long time I actually drove all the way to work with my wool coat on. I usually don't like driving with my coat on because it gets so hot, but not today. I think the highest my Weather Bug made it to today was 31. More cold is predicted for tomorrow along with rain/sleet AND a chance of snow on Friday. I'm not gonna lie....I'm super excited about this. The kids are getting out of school early tomorrow so they can get home safely before the nasty weather hits. Friday is still up in the air but I have a feeling they'll be staying home. I'm off Friday so it'll work out great. There are rumors floating around that Friday is setting up to be just like the snow we got back in 2004 at Christmas. That would be super awesome if it snows like that. Here's a picture from then...

If it does snow I will most definitely call my friend Amye (soon to be cousin) because we always call each other when it snows--I say that like it happens so often! If its a significant snowfall, I will make a snow angel because I didn't in 2004. I will have a snowball fight with my children. I will attempt to make a snowman (again). I will play in the falling snow. I will catch it on my tongue. I will close my eyes and feel it fall on my face and I will laugh and giggle like a kid again.

So yes, I'm just a little excited thinking about the possibility. :)

My Cousin...The Marathon Runner

2011-02-01T20:47:00.010-06:00

My sweet cousin Reesa is running a marathon in June in San Diego! Kudos to her because I don't think I could. Well maybe...if I trained for it. I ran a little back in the day so I guess its possible.

She is raising money for her trip, 25% will go towards her expenses and 75% will go to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training. You can find out more about her journey at http://reesanneberger.blogspot.com/2011/01/marathon.html and if you would like to donate to the cause, she has a link that will take you to her donation page.

GO REESA!!!!

This, That and More

2011-01-31T21:38:00.001-06:00

January is coming to a close and February will be opening its doors in just a few short hours, which means the anniversary of the worst day of my life, followed by the anniversary of the best day of my life, followed by the anniversary of my debut to this world. Yep...February is a tough month.

Groundhog Day is Tuesday. Do you think he will see his shadow again? With the weather the way its been, I'm thinking he'll be coming out and staying out but...I have been wrong before. I love winter--cold weather and I get along very well. I thrive on it. BUT, I'm ready for a little warmth. I said a little...that doesn't mean the 90s.

And speaking of weather, its going to get REALLY cold this week. Today's temps are pushing 70 but tomorrow we have a nasty little front working its way here bringing in some wicked weather followed by really cold temps. Thankfully boss man is letting us wear jeans the rest of the week which will be nice. I am also going to be taking my son and his friend to school in the morning so they aren't riding their bikes in this weather. Christopher was out sick early last week and is still coughing and sniffling so there's no need for him to be in this. They probably won't like it but tough noodles...they're getting carpooled by their moms this week!

I need a new TV.  Our big TV in the living room has lost its color..looks more likes its been set to sepia. We'll adjust it but it goes right back to nothing eventually. Its annoying. I just don't know what kind of TV to get and frankly after Christmas I don't want to spend the money to get a new one. But its getting to bother me more and more so at the very least, I'm looking. I know what size I want and I kind of know what brands to look at but that's about it.  Do I get an LCD or an LED? I have no idea because I don't know what the difference is. I do know I don't want a plasma. And this folks is my extensive knowledge in TV's. Pretty impressive huh...don't get too jealous.

I am constantly trying to come up with new meal ideas at my house but it seems that everything I pick out or lean towards has chicken in it. There's nothing wrong with chicken. I like chicken and the kids like chicken but a little pork and beef thrown in there every now and then would be nice, don't you think? Me too. And I have meals with pork and beef in them and I cook them. My point is I lean towards chicken...and that's all I'm saying. Just wanted you to know that.

WILL SOMEBODY PLEASE BUY MY HOUSE!!!! Do you think anyone heard me? Man I hope so. I'm so ready to get this house sold and move on. Of course I have no idea where the kids and I will live, (apartment or house) but I'm ready and willing to jump on that wagon as soon as we get a bite on the house...one that hangs on to the end.  Its not the keeping the house picked up and cleaned all the time that bugs me, although my kids might say otherwise, its the not being able to move on, to have a new start, our own space, our own things, our own everything. In many ways this house is still keeping Jeff and I together, keeping us from really moving on with our lives. We both want this, we're both ready...we just need to get this house sold.

Believe, believe, BELIEVE!!

Mommy vs. Son

2011-01-28T10:29:00.000-06:00

My son was less than thrilled with me this morning. He made the comment yesterday when I got home that it was hot riding home from school and he missed wearing shorts. I told him it wouldn’t be long before he’d be in them again and wishing it was cooler weather. So this morning after everyone is up, dressed and ready to get out the door, I go in his room to get Bella because she wanted her bubba when she got up - which is really no different than any morning - and there sits my boy in shorts.

Me: No sir, you are not wearing shorts to school.

Chris: Why?

Me: Because its cold outside this morning and you have been sick, no way.

Chris: But I’m tired of wearing jeans and it was hot yesterday.

Me: I’m sorry…its cold this morning and you’ve been sick, you’re wearing jeans.

Chris: Stomping around changing his britches…

Me: AND furthermore…you WILL wear a jacket on the way to school.

Chris: UGH!

Me: Keep it up and I’ll make you wear a hat and gloves too!

I’m so mean....but he DID did give me kisses before I left for work but I wasn’t feeling as much love.

Tales from the Bevers household. I hope you have a great weekend!!

Smile Today

2011-01-19T13:46:00.000-06:00

I saw something on an email forward today that I really liked and wanted to share it with you.

"When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life a thousand reasons to SMILE"

I have no idea where exactly this originated from but I do love it...hope it makes you smile today.

Have a good one!

Happy Birthday Bella

2011-01-09T23:51:00.001-06:00

My sweet girl turned 2 years old today. My how time flies! I still can't believe it. I opened the front door to take a look outside at the cold rainy weather this morning and laughed. The day I went to the hospital to have Miss Bella, I was in flip flops and shorts. How's that for January in Texas!

We had a party for Bella today, nothing too big, just family. She got a short nap in this morning so she was in a very good mood when the party started. I didn't get to take many pictures but Jeff is going to share the ones he got of her opening presents and cake with me. We had a great time playing and visiting with family and I'm so happy everyone could make it. Bella received lots of great gifts and the best one was a package of Gummie Lifesavers! We couldn't keep them away from her. :)

So Miss Isabella Marie...what have you been up to lately?
You are forming more sentences these days. We don't always know what you are saying but sometimes you make total sense. Something new comes from you every day. You LOVE to have clips and bows in your hair every day and even at night after I've washed your hair. You still hang on to your binky. Can go all day without it but the minute you're in the car, you start hollering for it. Some days you forget about it and mommy keeps it hidden but there are days its a lifesaver. You still adore your brother and love to be in the middle of whatever he is doing, mommy too. You look for him when you wake up in the morning and when I pick you up from daycare every day. You love being outside. I can't wait for it to warm up so we can play outside more. You have lots of new toys to play with although we've given a good test run inside already. Some of your favorite snacks are Goldfish, fruit chews, vanilla Oreos, bananas and chips. You like your shoes and you usually will want them on your feet even before you change out of your pajamas. Its the cutest thing. You adore puppies. Big ones, little ones, all kinds! And they are all "puppies" to you. You will love on any of them and get so excited to have them love you back. They're immediately your best friend. You noticed everything when you are outside...all sights and sounds. You are a true outdoors kind of girl. But on the flip side of that, you are a girly girl too. You love to put on a tutu or frilly skirt and priss around the house. We have been known to go to dinner with you dressed in one of your tutu's. Your favorite movies/cartoons are Snow White "owe white", Monsters, Inc., Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Toy Story 3, Handy Manny. You are so much fun and you make me laugh every day. I am so grateful for you and the happiness you fill me with. Even when you are hogging the bed and want to be snuggled up to me, I deep down love it because I know that soon enough you will be all grown up. Happy 2nd Birthday sweet girl, Mommy loves you!

True Words To Live By

2011-01-03T21:07:00.000-06:00

I was looking up another post and came across this one. I posted this once before way back in July 2009. Funny how things like this pop up at just the right time and remind you of life's little lessons. Thought it was fitting to post again for the new year. I hope you enjoy it.

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written."

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it..
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger..
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

My Tree..and its Bag

2011-01-02T22:27:00.000-06:00

My Christmas is all packed up and put away for another year. I get excited every year to get it all down and put it up, but the week between Christmas and New Years I'm itching to see it go away and have a clean house again. The tree, the ornaments, my nutcrackers, all my figurines, the garland, everything loses its sparkle and magic the day after Christmas for me. It just doesn't look the same after that. I called my brother over to help me get it all back in the attic because my sweet Daddy informed me the day he came over to help me get it down that I needed find someone else to put it back up there when Christmas was over. Lucky for him, he is in Washington, DC. There aren't any drop down stairs to our attic, only a ladder of sorts built in the wall. You see my problem in getting it up there myself and Daddy not wanting to come back to help me. So Tony came over and we managed to get the boxes back up fairly easy. The problem was the tree. The box my tree came in had seen its better days so I tossed it and got a handy dandy tree bag from Lowes for the bargain price of $19.99. Well, this little sucker ripped the first time I pulled on the handle. I was not happy. After a lot of shoving, pushing and pulling we got that dang tree in the attic. As I was climbing down I saw some other holes in the bag--cheap piece of you know what. Tony says "well sis, you got what you paid for". Well heckfire...all the bags I saw were about the same or looked even cheaper than this one. Oh well, hopefully my tree holds up okay in the bag until the house sells and we empty the attic. That will be another fun day getting it down. And I guess next Christmas I'll seek out a super duper extra strength tree bag--one that little ole me can't rip. Didn't realize I was that strong!

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T23:59:00.000-06:00

The new year has started off good...however the swear jar will be full before the week ends I think! I'm not doing so well in this department but the kids and I should have a nice little vacation fund soon. I never claimed all my goals would go smoothly. :)

Just wanted to wish everyone an awesome 2011!!

Believe

2010-12-31T07:32:00.002-06:00

Believe is my word for 2011.

These are just a few things I will work on this year...

Believe things will only get better.
Believe my house will sell.
Believe I really am doing a good job with my children.
Believe I can survive being a single parent.
Believe things don't always have to be perfect.
Believe I can keep moving forward.
Believe in myself.

This list will continue to grow but the the last item is my main reason for choosing believe. I have to continue to find ways to believe in myself again because it has faded to much of nothing. Divorce does strange things to you. You feel a wide range of emotions through it all. At one time I thought acceptance would be the hardest step for me but it ended up coming easily. The doubts I have in myself have been the hardest to deal with. I can never remember a time when I have felt this pitiful about myself. I can't seem to shake it and I don't like it. I'm hoping with my goals of leaving all of the bad in 2010 and busting down the door in 2011 with a new attitude and a new me, just maybe I can begin to believe in myself again.

Leaving It Behind

2010-12-30T17:47:00.000-06:00

I have been having a really tough time lately. So much negativity from people, so many things said that shouldn't even be spoken by others but it is...and it makes my spirit sad. And my spirit was really good, but its been shaken again and it makes more piss and vinegar rear its ugly head. I have only tomorrow left in this blasted year. A year that was filled with so much disappointment, sadness, truth, loneliness, loss and survival...and those are only a few of the highlights. I'm ready to leave all the piss and vinegar in 2010 and start fresh in 2011. No looking back, only forward.

I talk all the time how my children get me through my rough patches but I have to tell you, I have some of the best family and friends in my life as well. And to all of you, I thank you for all your love, support and encouragement. Without you I would not have been able to get through some of my darkest days.

Thankful

2010-12-29T09:28:00.000-06:00

Have I told you lately how much I love and adore these babies?

My heart fills with so much love when I see them or think of them. I can't imagine my life without them. I am grateful for these babies every single day. They keep me going and make me smile when life throws me a curve ball...and they keep me from striking out!

Holly Jolly Christmas

2010-12-25T23:00:00.000-06:00

From our house to yours...

Green Beans

2010-12-10T20:35:00.000-06:00

How many of you like green beans? How many of you don't like them? Last Thanksgiving I found out that my Daddy doesn't really care for them and in fact, really dislikes green bean casserole. I was shocked. I had no idea. I mean I never really paid that close attention to his plate whenever we would have green beans or the casserole, just assumed he had a helping on his plate...and he probably did. Fast forward to this Thanksgiving. As I mentioned when I posted my menu for turkey, green beans were up in the air. Try as I may, Isabella just doesn't like green beans. Fresh or canned, they come flying back out of her mouth if we manage to get one in there. She must have picked this up from my Daddy because the rest of us love them. And my brother Bryan hates green bean casserole as do his kids. I'm not even sure they like regular green beans. Hence our decision to possibly not have green beans with our Thanksgiving dinner. As you may or my not know, I am a BIG fan of The Pioneer Woman's blog and back in October I FINALLY got her cookbook. She too has helped me get back into cooking again (another post all together) and has wonderful stories about her life on the ranch. She posted a recipe at the beginning of November for a green bean casserole that was a good twist to the favorite most everyone enjoys this time of year. I totally wanted to try this recipe so I printed it and told my family we just might have green beans afterall. I made it the night before Thanksgiving along with everything else. I was very leary about it when I finished it. I got a taste of the sauce and something didn't taste right so I thought I had screwed it up. I decided we would try it anyway and if I did screw it up, we would just feed it to the birds. Much to my surprise and excitement, it turned out really good. Daddy even liked it...A LOT! I couldn't get Christopher or Isabella to try it but everyone else loved it. It just might make another appearance in the future. I've attached the link to the recipe at PW's blog so you can check it out. If you like green bean and the casserole, you definitely must try this!

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/11/green-bean-casserole/

Hook 'em Horns

2010-11-30T19:46:00.002-06:00

The weekend before Thanksgiving I had the opportunity (for the first time ever) to go see the Longhorns play at home...in Austin...where I had not been in 18 years. To say I was a little excited was truly an understatement. One of the ladies here at work is a Texas Ex and gets season tickets to the football games every year. She knows I'm a huge fan so when she got her tickets this year and knew they would not be able to attend this particular game, she let me know right away. I asked my cousin Dina to join me because well...
1) she is a huge fan
2) she has been to games before
3) she knows her way around, and most importantly
4) we enjoy spending time together
Her sister Anne joined us and we stayed at a very swanky hotel downtown. It wasn't really swanky but I thought that sounded a lot better. All I am really going to say is I had an awesome time at the game. Our Horns had been on an awful losing streak so I like to think Dina and I brought them some much needed luck because we won that day! Here is one of the first pictures Dina took of me at the game. You can't tell it, but I was crying underneath my sunglasses from all the excitement.

We took this one right before our guys made their entrance....

And this one at the end of the game....

After the game, we met up with Anne and another cousin (Stacy), had dinner and then hit 6th Street. The evening was filled with great company and a ton of laughs but the highlight of my day was being at the game with my cousin. I had an awesome time and hope to go again some day and take my son, who I know would enjoy it just as much as I did.

The Breath You Take

2010-11-18T12:06:00.000-06:00

Leave it to King George to come out with a song that brings me to tears almost every time I hear it. There are times it does make me smile but today, its tears. My wish is for my friends and family to really listen to this song and its message and to remember life's not the breaths you take, its the moments that take your breath away. As I have said many times before, live it up each day because life can change in an instant and there's no going back.

The Breath You Take

He looks up from second base dad’s up in the stands
He saw the hit, the run, the slide there ain’t no bigger fan
In the parking lot after the game he said
“Dad I thought you had a plane to catch”
He smiled and said “Yeah son I did”

Life’s not the breaths you take
The breathing in and out
That gets you through the day
Ain’t what it’s all about
Ya just might miss the point
Try’n to win the race
Life’s not the breaths you take
But the moments that take your breath away

Fast forward fifteen years
And a thousand miles away
Boy’s built a life he’s got a wife
And a baby due today
He hears a voice saying “I made it son
He said “I told you dad you didn’t have to come”
He smiles and says ”Yeah I know you did”

Just like it took my breath when she was born
Just like it took my breath away when dad took his last that morn

Life’s not the breaths you take
The breathing in and out
That gets you through the day
Ain’t what it’s all about
Ya just might miss the point
If ya don’t slow down the pace
Life’s not the breaths you take
But the moments that take your breath away

Here is a link to King George's performance of this song on the CMA's.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MvxsPSwWQU

Thanksgiving Menu

2010-11-17T22:34:00.002-06:00

I'm taking a cue from my cousin and sharing my menu for Thanksgiving this year. My sister and her family will be traveling to Louisiana to spend the holiday with her husband's family so we will have a smaller group. You would think we'd cut back on our dishes but its Thanksgiving and we must have all of our favorites, small group or not.

Smoked Turkey
Ham
Dressing
Mashed Tators
Corn
Broccoli/Rice Casserole
Green Beans (this is not definite)
Cranberry Sauce
Gravy
Crescent Rolls
Apple Cobbler
Double-Layer Pumpkin Pie

I think this is everything...and my mouth is now watering! One of my girlfriends asked me the other day what our menu looked like. I sent it to her and then added two additional items I forgot. I still feel like I have forgotten something above. As I said before, its a lot of food but we simply cannot leave any of our favorites off. Green beans are in question because we decided to have corn instead--for those who prefer it to green beans. I however, have found a recipe that I would like to try that puts a twist on the traditional green bean casserole. Still thinking about it. And I bet you're wondering where the sweet potatoes are right? Again, majority is not a fan of them so we have opted not to have them. Last year I had a recipe I wanted to try with them so they graciously allowed me to make the dish and bring it. I also would love to add a pecan pie to the desserts. I've never made a pecan pie but would like to try. Who knows, maybe if I'm feeling frisky Wednesday when I'm cooking up a storm, I just might give it a whirl!

Good Mornin'

2010-11-11T08:45:00.000-06:00

Well good mornin' sunshine!! And how are you this fine rainy morning? I'm doing pretty good here. Its a holiday for me..Veteran's Day...so I'm chilling here at the house before I go get my hair done. I'm really excited about that because its been quite a while. The kids are off, the washer is going, the floors are swept, dishwasher is full and I'm about out of coffee. Of course I'm still in my jammies....well not really because I did have to get out of the car when I took Bella to daycare. Didn't want to scare everyone, so these are what I call throwndown clothes. I'm sorry I haven't been around much. I've had a lot of thoughts but just haven't gotten around to writing them down, but things are good. Did get a disappointing phone call yesterday. There was a family looking at my house, saw it three times, asked a lot of questions, blah, blah, blah. In the end, they decided to go with another home....a newer home. Bummer. I can't blame them really. This one does still need some work but when you look at its size and the potential...WOW!! Trying to stay positive and hope that another family will come along and this home will be the one for them.

The kids had a great Halloween. I enjoyed being off that day because Christopher and I spent a lot of time in the kitchen baking cupcakes, roasting pumpkin seeds and cooking. He is a wonderful little chef and loves to learn new things. We went to Daddy's house later for pizza and trick or treating with my sister's family and our good friends the Hillier's. Its a tradition that started years ago when the Hillier's oldest daughter was little (she'll be 21 this month) and I was newly married and home by myself on Halloween (Jeff was working). They stopped by our house while trick or treating and invited me to join them, and that's where the fun began. We started out trick or treating at a neighborhood near their house but have migrated to Daddy's neighborhood--less chaos and people. When my sister had kids, she joined us. I love this little tradition that we have. We always eat pizza, trick or treat and come back to the house--the kids all go to the back room, sort through the candy and a trading fest begins. Let me tell you...its a very serious thing with those kids but they have a great time doing it. And they LOVE passing out candy to the goblins that come to the house..almost more than going out themselves! We love Halloween...always have a great time. My pictures this year were awful...just awful so I don't have anything to show you. And I still cannot figure out why my vertical pictures are turning horizontal when I rotate them and save them on my computer?? I need help with that.

Other than getting through Halloween, we're trucking along just fine. Gearing up for Thanksgiving, which I'm super excited about and Christmas, which I'm hyperventilating about. As much as I love this time of year I wish I could make it slow down so I can catch up. I'm WAY behind on my shopping and I am really fretting it. I never fret shopping...NEVER! But I am this year. But it will be fine and all things will work out. Right?

Y'all have a great day....and don't forget to thank a Veteran today.

Cookbooks

2010-10-28T22:00:00.002-05:00

I have a lot of cookbooks...41 to be exact. I counted them yesterday because I was curious and after talking to my cousin Caryn, I realized I have only a handful. I forget how many she told me she had but I'm pretty sure I'm not even close. I took out a few to show you. Don't let the camera strap bother you...obviously my photographer doesn't know what she's doing. Haha!
The Pioneer Woman Cooks is my newest addition. I had the opportunity to sit and read it cover to cover the first weekend I had it and I LOVED it. Its a beautiful book.

I have recipes printed in these two books. I'm famous!! The Popp Family Cookbook Project is my Grandma Berger's family (Daddy's Mom). The Annual Pecan Festival Recipe Book is from my church, Holy Trinity.

This Popp cookbook is probably my favorite cookbook because it holds my family's recipes and I cherish them very much. Although if I ever put together our own family cookbook like I have talked about for years now, it will probably move to the number one spot.

Here is proof I have recipes in this book...here is one of mine.

This is another one of my favorites because I am a huge Paula Deen fan. Jeff got this one for me for Christmas a few years back. When I put it on my list, I told him to order it from her website because I knew she signs all the cookbooks. That was first thing I checked when I got it and sure enough...

there is was...AND....

I flipped the page over to see if it bled through. Its real.

This is where I keep my cookbooks. I got this nifty cookbook stand from my Mom. She had it in a closet at her house not being used so I put it to good use. As you can see, I'm out of room on my stand.

The drawer is crammed full of recipes that I have printed out, written down or have been passed along to me. I also have another recipe card holder that holds alot of recipes my Mom gave me when I got married. I will always keep them even if I have the recipes memorized because they are in her handwriting.

And this box holds a recipe binder that my cousin Dina gave to me years ago when I started talking about doing a family cookbook. This was so I could get organized and have a place to start compiling everything. Life took me down a road that year that was unexpected and its been full of twists and turns since so the cookbook kept getting pushed back but I'm bound and determined to get it done. There are too many great dishes our family brings to our gatherings that I don't want to see lost.

So yes, 41 cookbooks and I hope to add more to the collection. I do reference most of these books and have made at least one dish from each...some more. I have been known on occasion to pull them all out, plop down on the couch or in my chair and peruse them for new recipes. I love comparing recipes to see how different they are, who uses what and why. I especially love the books that have stories behind their recipes. I have three more books on my wishlist now, the follow-up to my Paula Deen cookbook and both of Trisha Yearwood's cookbooks. I'm hoping maybe Santa will bring me one or more...wink,wink.

Brazoria County Fair

2010-10-26T20:46:00.000-05:00

Along with the cook-off coming to a close Saturday evening, so did the fair. Christopher spent a lot of time out at the carnival with friends and cousins this past weekend. When they weren't helping at the cook-off, they were spinning themselves silly on the rides and chasing the girls so we rarely saw them. Saturday evening after the awards ceremony my brother and I took Isabella down to ride the ponies and then next door to the petting zoo. I tried so hard to get a good picture of her riding the pony that I didn't take the time to set my camera correctly so the pictures were crappy and blurry. This was probably the best picture of her...

It was so much fun watching my girl at the petting zoo. I thought it was only puppies that she loved but I really think its all animals. This child is not afraid of anything...well okay, she was a little unsure of the bigger goats but who could blame her. There were a lot of people in there and Bella was constantly moving but I did manage to get a few shots of her feeding and loving the animals....

She was fussing here because the goat was eating out of her cup and wouldn't stop. Mommy to the rescue!!

I swear to you she was probably pulling the little hairs on this one...

Giving the calf a hug...this was the third time I had asked her to give him a hug. When we first approached the calf, no one was around and she was so sweet with him. I was getting ready to take some pictures and these punk kids walked in and just ruined it. They did apologize for messing things up...I think the look I gave them must have given my aggravation away. Oh I wish I could have gotten the one of her little arms wrapped around his neck, it was really sweet.

And last but not least, saying hello to Mr. Donkey...

After she ran out of food for the animals and had said hello to everyone, we headed back to our camp. We walked by the ponies later that night and she grunted and pointed to ride them but I convinced her they were tired and going night-night. So from there on, it was "night-night". She did also manage during the week to recognize the cows, so not every animal is a puppy now, but a puppy or a cow. Hey...one animal at a time.

BBQ Cook-Off

2010-10-25T23:46:00.001-05:00

We survived another cook-off!! I'm always excited when it arrives but equally happy to see it go come Sunday morning. Participating in the cook-off is a lot of hard work. Cheers to my brothers for hanging in there through it all. Of course I can't forget Mike, Alex and Sue for all their hard work but the boys start on Thursday (Wednesday really) setting it all up and tear it all down on Sunday morning. This year was extra special to me because it truly was a family affair. It took us 12 years but my sister and I FINALLY became official members of Berger's Bums. It dawned on me Sunday afternoon that I didn't get a picture of our banner (for proof) with our names on it or the front of our camp. Guess I'll have to do that next year. Sue and I are already working on changing the name of the team to Berger's Bums and Divas. The guys weren't crazy about it...but they didn't dismiss the idea either so there is hope! We have a whole year to wear them down. Ha!

When I say its a family affair, I mean this in every respect...we make our kids work too! No really...the kids WANT to help out. I think all of them inherited the "love to cook" gene.

Here we have Makenna, Brandon (Sue's kids) and Christopher (mine) prepping chickens and I think ribs.

While the adults sit back, relax, watch...and critique...

The Chief's in Charge...well, they like to think they are in charge. :) My brothers...Tony & Bryan. You can feel sorry for me now. No really...FEEL SORRY FOR ME. They torture me all the time. Even at 38 I still get poked, prodded, tripped, teased....but they claim its all out of love...and their brotherly duty to torture me.

Wow...now that's a crew!! Here we are waiting on the awards ceremony to start. From the left we have...
Mike, Cindy, Brady, Alex, Bryan, Makenna, Me, Brandon, Tony and Isabella. Brady and Isabella were all tuckered out...the rest of us weren't far behind them! Kinda wishing someone would hold us while we took a nap at that point! Ha!

We have fun every year and every year we have tons of food and cold beverages. This year we added fajitas to the table. We only placed in the top ten in one event and that was Friday Night Feast (8th place). Tony was happy about that but is still determined to reworked his creation for next year and push it to the top six. We also participated in beans, chicken, ribs and brisket. Last year we placed 3rd in chicken and a few years back we were 10th in brisket. A few wins here and there but enough to come back for more. We really do have a lot of fun doing this...the kids enjoy it and it gets the family and friends together for a few days. I do know one thing for sure...none of us care to much to see or eat bbq for a very long time when its all said and done.

Smile

2010-10-22T08:18:00.000-05:00

Uncle Kracker's song "Smile" is dedicated to my babies...because every single time I see them they make me smile. No matter what kind of day I've had, they can change it or make it even better simply by being there. I love these kids with every piece of me and would do anything for them. They are the best of me and by far my greatest accomplishment.

http://www.cmt.com/videos/uncle-kracker/426988/smile.jhtml

Smile

You're better then the best
I'm lucky just to linger in your light
Cooler than the flip side
Of my pillow, that's right

Completely unaware
Nothing can compare to where
You send me, lets me know that it's okay
Yeah, it's okay
And the moments where my good times start to fade

You make me smile like the sun, fall out of bed
Sing like bird, dizzy in my head
Spin like a record, crazy on a Sunday night

You make me dance like a fool, forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Oh, you make me smile

Even when you're gone,
Somehow you come along just like
A flower pokin' through the sidewalk crack
And just like that
You steal away the rain, and just like that

You make me smile like the sun, fall out of bed
Sing like bird, dizzy in my head
Spin like a record, crazy on a Sunday night

You make me dance like a fool, forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Oh, you make me smile

Don't know how I lived without you
'Cause every time that I get around you
I see the best of me inside your eyes
You make me smile

You make me dance like a fool, forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild

You make me smile like the sun, fall out of bed
Sing like bird, dizzy in my head
Spin like a record, crazy on a Sunday night

You make me dance like a fool, forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Oh, you make me smile

October 15, 2002

2010-10-15T14:55:00.000-05:00

Jace Andrew Bevers was born! Today would have been his 8th birthday and I just wanted to wish him a Happy Birthday. I miss him and think of him every single day. Every year I try to be as happy as I can be and I think I am going to do okay until the week of his birthday arrives. Its been hard this week and I have also been missing my Mom and feeling very lost this week. I know he is having quite the celebration in Heaven (with Momma probably heading up the festivities) but I sure wish he were here with me. 8 years...wow! Sometimes I wish I had one of those computer programs where I could put a picture of him in it so it could give me an idea of what he would look like now. But I don't really need it because I know he would be a very cute and very handsome young man. That makes me smile. :) Oh Jace...Mommy thinks of you every single day. I love you so much sweet boy. There are still days the thought of you takes my breath away. Peace to you angel....and I wouldn't mind seeing you in my dreams again. Forever in my heart, Mommy

Yogi Bear

2010-10-13T20:27:00.001-05:00

This past weekend the kids and I went camping with some friends at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Waller. If you have young kids and like to camp, this place is a must see. Here is a link to their website to check it out http://www.lonestarcamping.com/. Our friends had a camper so we stayed with them but the park also has cabins for rent and an area for tents. They have a water park, swimming pool, miniature golf, activity center, fishing, a place for horseshoes and much more. The boys took their bikes and rode around on the trails there. Christopher figured out his way around really quick so he wanted to ride his bike whenever he got the chance. During the month of October the park celebrates Halloween every weekend. All the campsites decorate for Halloween, costume contest and trick or treating. They also give the kids an opportunity to plant magic pumpkin seeds and in just a short 3 hours, the pumpkins appear--pretty magical don't you think? It was loads of fun and after you pick your pumpkin you have the opportunity to paint it at the activity center. Isabella decided to paint hers but Christopher passed. He wants to carve his closer to Halloween. We ended up missing the costume contest Saturday evening. My sweet girl was having so much fun during the day, I couldn't get her to lay down for a nap so about the time we were ready to dress for the contest she was tuckered out and fell fast asleep. Chris decided not to participate but tagged along with our friends and their children Mason and Kynlee for the contest while Miss Bella and I stayed back at the camp. She woke up about the time everyone came back and started trick or treating so she helped Mommy pass out candy to all the kids who stopped by. We had lots of fun playing, relaxing, riding on the golfcart, sitting by a fire every night and roasting marshmallows. Most definitely plan a trip back!!

Here are some pictures from our trip...

Planting those magic pumpkin seeds....

The kids with their pumpkins...aren't you amazed how fast those pumpkins grew!

Bella painting her pumpking with my sweet boy Chris helping her out when she needed it.

The finished product...ta-da!!

And I'm afraid that will be it for the pictures because the rest of them were taken vertically but they are coming up sideways on here and I'd hate for you to view them that way. Its never done that before!!??!! If I get it figured out I'll post more. This just stinks!!

Happy Birthday Paul Franklin

2010-10-12T14:59:00.000-05:00

Today is my nephew Paul Franklin's 15th birthday. Its so hard to believe this child, the first born grandchild, my first nephew is 15!! I can still remember exactly where I was when the phone call came in letting me know he had made his debut. How excited we were for him to be here but so sad that he was so far away in Jacksonville, Florida. My brother was still in the Navy then and stationed there. That like to have killed us not being able to be right there when he arrived. My family made a trip at Christmas to see him, I had to stay behind for reasons I can't even remember now but it had to have been dang good ones! Paul Franklin is such a wonderful kid, um young man. He's so good with his cousins and my son Christopher adores him. Paul still lives in Florida with his mom but visits a few times a year and on occasion, we've made the trip there to see him. Paul and Chris can pick up as if no time has passed when he comes for a visit. They are like two peas in a pod and go together like peas and carrots. I miss him and wish he could be here in Texas with us year round but sure do enjoy his visits when he's here. I know the kids do too! He is coming down next week for the BBQ Cook-Off and the Fair and I can't wait to see him! Happy Birthday to you Paul Franklin, Pooh Bear, Peanut Butter, Nephew, Paul Punkin....you're the best!!

Good Times

2010-10-05T20:43:00.001-05:00

For the first time in a long time, I had a weekend to do anything I wanted. A weekend that wasn't full of working on the house or running errands or going here and there. I got to do something fun and something fun is exactly what I did! My friend Marilee invited me to go shopping in Old Town Spring Saturday with her and her son's girlfriend Lindsey. She surprised me by booking a hotel room in The Woodlands for an overnight stay as well...an evening out to toast my new life and new beginnings as a single lady. What a beautiful weekend it turned out to be. I had so much fun spending time with these two awesome ladies, talking about everything under the sun and toasting the good life. I went to places I had never been before, tried food I never had before and tried new wines I had never had before and discovered I really do like white wine! Don't ask me which kind because I have no idea but I do know what to ask for! Ha! Every meal was enjoyed outside because it was such a beautiful weekend. I enjoyed the Woodlands very much and spent time at places I thought I would only hear about. Here are some pictures from our weekend of fun.

This was at the little wine tasting place in Old Town Spring...

Outside of Crush Wine Lounge...

And at Tommy Bahamas enjoying our wine...

Happy Fall Y'all

2010-09-24T09:08:00.000-05:00

I'm a day late but I had to wish everyone a Happy Fall on the second official day of Autumn!! A cool front is making its way here this weekend and I am sooooo ready for it!!! I love all things Autumn...its my favorite time of year!

20 Years

2010-09-21T11:38:00.000-05:00

This past weekend was my 20 year high school reunion...and I opted out of not going. I did pick myself up and go to the after party and saw some of my classmates. High school was not the best of times for me. I had some great moments yes, but I spent a lot of nights crying myself to sleep not feeling like I fit in anywhere. I was going to talk about being an athlete and why I opted out of playing basketball my senior year and all the other crummy things that happened that helped contribute to my self-esteem issues but I have decided not to do that. Instead, I am going to share with you some pictures taken Saturday night at the Reunion After Party...

Tracey, Me and Lorri

Sherwin, Me and Ryan

Phillana and Me

Javie and Me (He was playing with the band that night, EightyPlus)

Theresa and Me (Good ole Catholic girls)

Dawn and Me (My t-ball buddy, Go Jets!)

Massey and Me

Me, Pam and Jay (Jay and I grew up together in the same neighborhood)

I am very proud of myself for going. This was a big step for me and the fact I went by myself was HUGE. My friends were very welcoming.

I'd like to also share with you one of the great moments we had our senior year. This picture was taken prior to our Senior Powderpuff Game that year. We won both our senior and junior years...that had never been done before. And here we are, the Class of 1990!

After A While

2010-09-10T08:41:00.000-05:00

One of my best girlfriends sent this to me and I wanted to share it with you.

After A While

After a while you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and chaining a soul
And you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning
And company doesn’t mean security.
And you begin to learn that kisses aren’t contracts
And presents aren’t promises.
And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes open.
With the grace of a woman, Not the grief of a child
And you learn to build all your roads on today,
Because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans
and futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.
After awhile you learn that even sunshine
Burns if you get too much.
So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul,
Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure…
That you really are strong
And you really do have worth,
and you learn and learn…
With every good bye you learn.

I'm Ready

2010-09-09T13:58:00.000-05:00

I'm ready for a change. A GOOD change. Not sure what exactly I'm looking for but I'm ready. I normally don't like change and I've certainly had enough of it in my life...but I'm ready for something. Something good. Positive thinking Missy.

Monkey Munch

2010-09-08T20:55:00.001-05:00

I thought I would share my recipe for Monkey Munch with you. This was one of the things I made for Christopher as a surprise upon his return from his sleepover. I got this recipe from Jon & Kate Plus 8 back in the day when the show was good and not full of so much drama. Some people might call this recipe Puppy Chow. I don't. Something about eating a treat named after dog food just doesn't appeal to me. I have called Christopher "Monkey" for forever so MM fits perfectly. He loved it the first time I made it for him, not just because it was good but because it was called Monkey Munch. He likes to think it was named after him...and there is NOTHING wrong with that! In a way, in my house...it is.

Anyway...if you try it I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Monkey Munch

9 cups Chex cereal (any variety)
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Put Chex cereal in bowl and set aside.

Melt chips, peanut butter and butter in microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir and microwave for another 30 seconds or until smooth. Add vanilla and stir.

Pour mixture over cereal and stir until coated.

Pour cereal into 2-gallon ziploc bag and add powdered sugar. Shake bag to coat.

Spread cereal onto wax paper and cool. Keep refrigerated in an airtight container.

Weekend Roundup

2010-09-06T21:54:00.000-05:00

Well...we made it back to work. As always, it made it here entirely too fast but I am thankful I had an extra long weekend because I sure needed the break.

Friday after I took the kids to school and daycare I came back home and began cleaning, dusting, organizing, straightening and staging the house. I am proud to say...I have a FOR SALE sign in my front yard!! Woo Hoo!! I have to tell ya there were days I didn't think that sign would ever get there. I dang sure didn't think it would just now be going in the yard but I am grateful this day has arrived. The house looks great and I am hopeful for a quick sale. Jeff had the kids Friday night so I went with my brother Tony to catch some Wildcat Football. We played our rival, the Brazoswood Buccaneers and oh my gosh it was a good game! Those boys had me on the edge of my seat the entire game, especially there at the end. Angleton won 27-24. Can you say whew!!

Saturday before the kids came home I baked some mini muffins that didn't quite turn out right so I trashed them. A second attempt Sunday came out better but I still don't think they're as good as they were in Canton. Christopher ended up staying with his friend another night so Isabella and I ran errands before the Longhorns game came on. When we got back, my girl was wiped out so while she napped I watched the game, quietly. I think I might have checked out the inside of my eyelids for a short time but I'm not certain. :)

Sunday was a lazy day of watching movies, playing video games, laundry, napping...I think you get the picture.

And Monday we ventured to the mall to get out of the house for a bit. Only stayed a while because Christopher was anxious to get back so he could go over to another friend's house. After I dropped him off, Isabella went down for a nap so I tinkered with my blog a bit. The end results are what you are seeing now. I'm still messing with it but I think I like it.

That about rounds it up for me...pretty boring weekend but it was relaxing after I got Friday's cleaning done. Now...we just have to keep it this way in case anyone wants to see the house!

Ahhhh....September Is Here!

2010-09-01T20:51:00.000-05:00

Yes indeed....today is September 1st and all I have to say is BRING ON THE COOL FRONTS BABY!! Don't be shy now...send 'em on down. Momma is anxiously awaiting relief from this dreaded heat. I do realize it will be awhile yet before we actually feel a significant difference but I do try to be optimistic about these things and hope it hits sooner rather than later. So for now, a smidgin' will do just fine.

Ah yes, September is here and its the first day of my most favorite time of year. I just love it. Everything. All of it. Love it. And I am going to do my bestest to enjoy every stinkin' minute of it!!

Friday Night Lights

2010-08-30T20:34:00.001-05:00

Friday the kids and I traveled to Needville to see the season opener for the Needville Blue Jays. My cousin Dina lives in Needville with her two boys, J.T. and Brad. J.T. made Varsity this year...he's a sophomore. We're just a little excited about that. Friday night was also Parent's Night so I wanted to see my dear cousin walk the field with her boy! Here are a few pictures I snapped from way up in the stands...

That's my cuz and her boy in front about to walk...

And here they are making their way down the field...

smile purty for the camera...

As I'm snapping this picture....

this is going on....

Dina is Isabella's Godmomma, so she was just tickled to pieces when Bella went right to her

I just love this next shot of the teams out for the coin toss. J.T. is right there in the middle, #80.

So stinkin' proud of that boy!!

Later I snapped these other two pictures...

I was told by my other cousin Anne (Dina's sister) that the next time we come to a football game, she expects Miss Bella to be in a Blue Jays dress. Guess I'd better get to working on that!

The game was great, what I did get to see. J.T. made his debut on the kick-off return. He got in quite a bit of playing time. Had some good hits and even knocked down a pass attempt by the Edna Cowboys. Edna prevailed in this game winning 21-7. Still needs some work but it was the first game and I know he and the Blue Jays will only improve from here. Can't wait to see more games!!