You Get What You Get and You Don't Throw a Fit!

Well, I have been busy working on everyone else's Christmas pictures and obviously haven't even bothered to snap a picture of the kids for my Christmas cards! So, last night as we were driving home, I told them to hurry in the house, change clothes, and meet me in the backyard--I was gonna get a picture no matter what! Of course, it's 5:15, the sun is going down, there is absolutely no background in the backyard except a barb wire fence, my big camera's battery was dead, and I had scrounged up 4 AA batteries that were on the edge of being gone just to get that picture. I haven't had a Christmas yet since I've had kids that I haven't sent out a card with their pictures on it....not gonna happen this year.
So, here's the result. Not the best, but guess what...you get what you get and you don't throw a fit!!
And in other exciting news--Houston Nutt is gone! Yeah! Now, who will we get? Let's hope we upgrade and not settle for someone!

Back to the Grind

Well, it never fails...a long weekend always comes to an end no matter how long it is! Hey, but I did get a few things accomplished this weekend! I have my tree assembled (looks like the Griswold tree on Christmas Vacation in my low-ceiling living room) and I got tons of Christmas shopping done! The kids are completely taken care of and now to just buy for those extremely difficult parents. I am ready for Christmas though...Richie and I watched some video of Christmas morning from '05 and '06 and it's still awesome to see how the kids really enjoy the magic of Christmas morning! I have such awesome kids!
I ventured out Friday morning for Black Friday...with the kids. Yes, it was dangerous considering the last time I went shopping on Black Friday. That was the day that I went off on the lady at Best Buy in 2002. Since then, I have avoided the stores on Black Friday knowing that I don't have the patience! But I decided I had had plenty of time to cool off (5 years), so I thought I would give it another shot. And it went awesome--the kids were such troopers. We were out of the house at 6:30 a.m. and didn't get home until after 5. I even had people compliment me on how well-behaved the kids were!
Well, I am turning in--the dog is asleep so I better catch up with him!

Swatting Mosquitos

It's that time of year--everyone is wanting the perfect family picture for the Christmas card! However, in the 3 years I have taken pictures, I have never had to swat mosquitos while snapping the perfect fall pose. But, last weekend, I got so many mosquito bites! What a nuisance! I have been nursing my bites with anti-itch cream to keep from scratching! I guess I should just prepare myself the next time I go out and carry bug spray!! :)

I am so glad this was a short week--I think I crammed a week's worth of doing in it though...I am ready for tonight--relax and hang out. I love my kids, but I am sure ready for a night off--I haven't had a weekend off in a month, so I am ready for some peace and quiet. I think I will try and get some Christmas shopping done this weekend while they are gone.
They are gonna be home with me this Friday during the day, so I am taking them to see the Bee Movie also.....it's just nice to have some time off work and not be going somewhere. I hope to get some things accomplished (I always say this when I have a few days off and I accomplish absolutely nothing, so don't expect big things!).

Peeping Tom

I went out to my car the other night to get some things and when I got to the back door I about jumped out of my skin! There he was, just staring in trying to catch a peek at us! Ok, so he's a frog, but still, it was scary! And funny--he looks like he waved when I took the picture! Just proof that voyeurism crosses animal boundaries!

Go Kylie!

Kylie's cheer competition was last Saturday--again, I am late w/a post because I really wanted a picture on here with it. Anyway, they placed 5th out of 6th--and we were thrilled! This is their first competition and they were actually competing in the youth league--10 and 11 year olds! So, for a squad that's made up of mostly 5-7 year olds, beating ANYBODY was a thrill! I learned so much at this competition--these girls wear hair extensions, tons of makeup and they come to win! So, I bought Kylie a fake ponytail and the Moms are trying to scrounge up the glitter make-up and star stickers so that our girls stand a chance!

Meet Opie!

Ok, I have slacked on the blogging, but it's because I have been wanting to include pictures and haven't had the time to put them on my computer! So, here's my solution--tons of posts each with a picture! First up, Mr. Opie. Isn't he precious? He's an Italian Greyhound (and a very well-dressed one may I add) and right now he's probably 10 weeks old. He's feisty and cuddly all in one. We're still fighting on the potty training, but he's smart, so hopefully he gets it soon!

Glad to Be Home

Well, I made it back from Dallas....I am so glad. I wasn't ready for this trip mentally, so I am glad to be back. We did have an awesome time though--I have such a good job! Our first night was spent in Texas Stadium playing flag football. We even got to tour the Cowboys locker room. I got my picture made in front of T.O.'s locker, Tony Romo, and Ken Hamlin. It was awesome to be standing out on the field looking up at the seats--the exact opposite view of what we normally get! Then, the next night we had our dine-arounds. This is where our district goes to dinner together at a nice restaurant. The philosphy here is completely different that my other company....our ticket for the 10 of us was $1513! Our company prides itself on really taking care of its employees and treating them well. I also won $20 in Starbucks gift cards! Probably the highlight of the meeting though was that I was asked to lead our team building activities--something I have such a passion for and really enjoy. Well, after we did the activities in our district, word got out to the rest of the managers in the region (3 state area) and they want me to send them the information on the activities--they were that impressed with them! What a compliment!!
Tonight is Kylie's dress rehearsal for her cheerleading competition. She is excited to get to wear her entire uniform for practice!
Today, Opie gets to go and visit Weston's classroom. When his teacher heard about his new puppy, she wanted to see him and let the kids see him. So, I am going to dress him in his Polo shirt and let him visit the kids!
Better get ready for work!

Much Better Weekend

I must say I enjoyed this weekend much better than the last one--we had our "Thanksgiving meal" on Saturday since everyone is so busy on the holiday, it was Richie's birthday, and Opie is here!
First, Richie's birthday--he got tons of great presents and I think he had a good birthday. The Razorbacks won on his birthday (thanks to the return of the mascot!!)! And beyond that, we ate a big meal and just hung out.
Secondly, I got to bring Opie home on Thursday....he just as sweet as can be. He sleeps wonderfully (wish my kids would've done that as babies), but we are gonna have to get more practice on the potty training. He isn't doing horribly--in fact when he's in his cage, he does great. But he needs a little guidance in the rest of the house when he's free. But he is definitely a baby still, so hopefully he'll catch on soon. He was hilarious this morning. He got up around 6 and I put him in his cage to eat. Well, he was mad at me for not holding him (he wants to be near me constantly). I told him to eat and potty, then he could come back out. Well, he ate his food, but the whole time he was just talking (probably back-talking!) the whole time. It was SO funny! You could tell he was so mad at me! But he ate, went potty, and now he's curled up under a blankie in Kylie's lap. He is SO cold natured--just like me! Anyway, I got some great pics that I will post ASAP.
Tomorrow I leave for Dallas for a few days for work. I don't want to go! I have so much to do around here, I still have a ton of prep work for the trip, and I haven't begun to pack. Oh well, I better get busy. Guess that extra hour I have today will come in handy!

Happy Halloween!

Well, the kids had such a busy and fun day yesterday for Halloween! I went to each of their class parties and they played tons of games, ate a pound of candy and enjoyed the free time. Then, afterschool we went home and got ready for trick-or-treating. Weston dressed up as "Rocky Balboa" and Kylie took her witch costume that my Mom got her (which was a prissy, diva witch) and decided to wear green and black face make-up with it! It was so funny--she has such a spin on life! We then went and played games at the town carnival and visited a few family members.
And today, Opie gets to come home. I am going to get him after work. I am excited, but I am not sure if I am ready for the no sleep for a few nights. Luckily, I only have to make it through tomorrow, then there's the weekend.
Richie's birthday is this weekend. Kylie and I were talking about it this morning and she asked how old he was going to be. I told her and she said, "He just needs to go on up to heaven then." I about fell over laughing!