Baby Mama

Wednesday night was a weird night. I can't think of any other word to describe it. The day started getting weird around 2 pm. I was sitting in a doctor's office listening to him and all of the sudden my head just started throbbing and throbbing. I couldn't hardly focus on what he was saying. My eyes hurt and I was about an hour and a half from home. Great, I thought. I have to drive home with a massive headache. The drive wasn't too bad--my audiobooks are really helping the time fly by. But, when I got home I was ready to go to bed. The headache was starting to make me sick to my stomach too. Great--a migraine. I haven't had a migraine in a long time! I went in and put my stuff away and just planted myself in the chair for the night. Then, the nausea set in. I ate dinner thinking I would feel better, but after an hour and a half, it was worse. And my head wasn't getting any better. I went to bed, but never went to sleep. And about 10:30 pm, I started throwing up. I threw up every 30 minutes until finally at 2 a.m., I woke Richie up and told him he had to take me to the ER. When we get to the ER, the doctor that walked in was a guy that Richie graduated with from high school. He came in and told me that he wanted to do a CAT scan before he gave me any pain medication. I asked for some nausea medicine first and so he left the room to get some. A few minutes later he came back and sat down. He asked if I requested that they do a pregnancy test when I came in. I told him no, but that I had told the nurse yes when she asked if there could be any chance I was pregnant since I wasn't late and hadn't started yet (there's always that chance ya know). He said, "Well, you're pregnant." WHAT? HUH? I then asked him if he was sure he had the right room! At this point, it was 3 a.m. and I thought I was having some sort of weird dream. The whole day had just been surreal. He said that he was in the right room and that more than likely I was having a migraine/nausea from the pregnancy. "But I am not even late yet!" Guess that doesn't matter!
So, I started the afternoon with a headache and ended the evening knocked up. I think I am still in shock.
The way I have it figured, I am due around April 26th. Pregnant--I don't feel pregnant yet though. Heck, it's been 7 years since I have been pregnant. I don't even remember what you can and can't eat! And I don't own a single baby item anymore! It's like starting completely over!
We have decided not to find out what it is. I have a boy and a girl. I think it will be awesome to know when we meet him/her!

Busy Week

I can't believe school is about to start next week--time sure flies these days. I stopped this afternoon and just paused when I realized it was already August--8 months into the year. This week is cram packed with school orientations, football and cheerleading practice and cake classes! Plus Richie and I leave Friday for Big Cedar for my work retreat. I am so excited and can't wait. I love going up there and staying in the cabins. This year just the two of us are going (last year we took the kids) and I am ready for a mini getaway. Friday night our group has a campfire cook-out scheduled. We get to ride in a chuck wagon to the campsite. Then Saturday we have pontoon and ski boats rented for the day which will be nice too. I won't last all day on the boat with my jacked-up back, but the good thing is that maybe that will leave time to float on the lazy river.
I heard some lyrics today that really made an impression on me. They are from George Strait's "Troubadour" song.

"Well, The truth about a mirror,
It's that a damn old mirrow
Don't really tell the whole truth,
It don't show what's deep inside.
Or read between the lines,
it's really no reflection of my youth."

These lyrics are kind of deep. I had to really sit and ponder their meaning for awhile. You know we are all walking around in ever-changing "shells" and what is reflected on the outside is never really the same as who we really are. Sometimes I still feel like a little girl who craves to jump out there at my daughter's cheerleading practice and join in the band routines (which by the way are the SAME ones we did several years ago!). I long for those days when someone took care of me--was responsible for me. Now it's on my shoulders. And sure I resemble the typical Mom these days (minus the Suburban and PTO button however), but really I am still that little girl who misses the carefree days of lying in front of the TV watching Kids Incorporated and Mickey Mouse Club. Don't laugh! I don't think we ever really grow up inside. Deep down we are all young troubadours masquerading as parents, wives, and employees longing to take off running to the sidelines of the football fields to join in the Fight Song!

Jordan Turns 21!

It's hard to believe that my baby brother is turning 21. I feel so old! I made his birthday cake for his party this weekend. My mom picked out a "Medieval Castle" cake that has a Legos look to it and she found a few of his old Legos men from a medieval collection that we used to decorate the cake. I thought that the cake turned out well and have to say I am happy that's over. It seems like the only cakes I've done lately are the most difficult! But I guess that's great practice--the easier ones will seem that much easier!

The Icing on the Cake

I have been given a tremendous blessing and am inheriting a great wedding cake business from a family friend! She has decided to get out of the wedding cake business since her new restaurant has opened and is doing great! So, I get to try out my hands at a cake business! I have my first wedding cake in September and am in the process of establishing a website and creating some business cards. Currently, I am going to call the business "Party Pastries" and will include homemade pies and decorated cookies in the business as well. I am really excited to have a hobby that could earn me a little extra money but more importantly is tons of fun.
I had the pleasure of catering with this lady on Saturday and realized how much I miss catering and would love to do it more often. But having the cake opportunity is more than enough right now. I am still in cake classes and may even repeat a few of them if one of the really good teachers returns soon (she's been on a medical leave). That teacher does wedding cakes professionally and I know she would have some great tips and tricks.
So, here's to the icing on the cake!

Work, Work, Work--All Day Long!

I am officially back to work! We had a district meeting today and I have to admit that the sitting all day in the conference didn't fair well with the back. I am gonna admit it--I am going back too early. Ok, not too early, I have been off 8 weeks. However, if I had had some sort of treatment a lot sooner, I would be ready at this point. It's frustrating. I am really going to be sore and hurting for awhile I'm afraid. I just hope that next week's injections seal the deal! Cross your fingers!
Well, it's time to get Sleeping Beauty up from her nap and take her to her cheerleading swim party--wish me luck. She tends to be a hornet when you wake her!

Cut Up....

I got a haircut today--ok, I chopped my hair off! I go through these phases, you know cute cut, hate it 3 months later, then grow, grow, grow it out only to chop it off again. I went almost a year this time. I cut it last August about this short and haven't touched it since except for the few trims here and there. I was worried what Richie would think. It's short, but then again he likes it short. He's not into that down-to-your-butt hair stuff, so I had hope that he would be OK with it. I wasn't prepared for his reaction--he loved it! WHEW! It's cute today, but the true test is tomorrow when I have to fix it. Speaking of tomorrow, I finally return to work tomorrow after 2 months. I am nervous that I won't remember what to do. I mean my job entails talking and driving all day and I haven't had anyone to talk to in 2 months because I haven't left the house!
My friend Erika is in town from Florida for a month. She's helping her Mom with her new restaurant as she gets it opened and organized. Usually I don't get to see Erika when she comes in to town because she's only here for a few days, but this time she's staying longer and since it's not a holiday, she's not occupied with all the stuff to be done during holiday breaks. I told her that Kylie is my little Erika because of her fashion sense and love for dancing and having fun. They hit it off immediately when they met. The other day, Kylie saw some shoes that Erika had on and she said, "Where'd you get those shoes?!" Now, that statement isn't unusual except it's a 6 year old girl saying it--she's not supposed to have that much of a fashion sense yet! So, we are at the store the other day and Kylie stops dead in her tracks and yells, "MOM! Erika shoes!" She had found the little girl version of Erika's shoes and HAD TO HAVE THEM! Too funny! I am so in trouble.....

Dr. Seuss Cake

Here's the other cake I made this weekend--my hands were cramping from all the stars on this thing!!
But for only my second cake, it came out very well I think--I had a hard time finding a pan, but ended up using the "Topsy Turvy" Wilton pan for the "lop-sided cake". I am starting to get the hang of this thing. My Mom wants me to make a cake for my brother's party--it's a medieval castle. Bad part is that she wants buttercream icing, not fondant like the picture shows, so I am afraid of how it might turn out. But that's the fun part--the challenge of mastering the cake. However, I may age quickly from the stress of it all! My next cake class starts next Monday night, so maybe the practice from class will help me get more comfortable.
Also, I finally got the 4th of July pictures from the baseball game added to the post. It's under the "Franklin Not in the Cards" post!

It's My Party...I'll Cry if I Want to!

Kylie's slumber party went great! We had 6 girls show up and boy were they a hoot! They had a fashion show, watched movies at the "theater" and ate cake. I had a one group of girls go down fairly early and the other group didn't give up until 1:15 a.m.! Well, then the first group got back up at 6:30 a.m.! Needless to say I was exhausted and then I had to finish the cake for the baby shower that afternoon.
But back to the party--we only had one major meltdown and that was Kylie. I think she had a little too much princess in her. She started getting a little bossy and the girls started to break off and talk about other girls, so I put a stop to that REAL QUICK! Kylie wasn't happy about me getting up in her grill, but she was getting tired and cranky and I didn't want to have a bunch of girls melt down on me. The other girls behaved very well and overall I think everyone had a great time! Oh yeah, and her cake turned out great!!
Kylie had a lot of fun, but I think we'll put off another slumber party until she's 16! Ha!! :)
I was so worn out Saturday that I crashed that evening. My legs and body are sore-- this weekend was definitely strength training for returning to work!

Kick-Butt Cakes!

I am trying to make Kylie's birthday cake today and it is flat kicking my rear! I can't seem to do anything right these days and it is spreading into my cakes. She has picked out this lovely castle cake--but I am afraid when I get done with it, it's going to look like a shack in the ghetto. Nothing has worked--the icing was too runny, one of the cake layers crumbled. ARGH! I feel like the chick in the Bible who had everything she touched turn to salt. Ever since I hurt my back, I have found every other part of my body going to pot. Maybe it's the lack of use or the meds, but I am completely defunct. I am also making a cake for a relative's shower, but it may send me over the edge. Kylie is having her first slumber party for her birthday tomorrow night--I hope all goes well. I am not sure how many girls are showing up, but we've invited 8 (Kylie makes 9).....
Hopefully I can return to work next week, at least that's my plan. I am nervous though--afraid my back will crumble like that cake layer under the daily pressure of lifting, riding, bending. I love my job so much though--it kills me that I have something I like and my body won't cooperate. Oh well, I will go slow at it. Things around the house may be put on the back burner at that point. I think my family has gotten used to me being home and staying on top of the house, food, laundry, and even managing to clean out a few rooms, but that'll change when I go back. I can't do the job of 2 people and risk my back.
Well, back to baking--or beating--the cake!

Weston Plays Football

I am so proud of Weston! He has wanted to play football for the past couple of years and has been looking forward to 3rd grade when he was old enough to play. But as the date got closer, he was getting more and more nervous! So, last night when football camp started, I was worried as to how he would feel about it. And he did great! He's so scared of the new, unknown. But once he's past that bump, he's great! I know football may not be his best sport and that's OK--he's so good at basketball and baseball, so I know he's got other things to look forward to, but I really wanted him to give it a shot knowing he's been looking forward to the opportunity. The poor guy practiced so hard for two hours last night--he was hot, tired, and sweaty! And he crashed after dinner--he was worn out. But I think this will be good for him--it will definitely keep him active and it gives him something else to learn.
I watched The Tenth Circle movie last night. I haven't read the book, but I wasn't impressed with the movie. I think the book is probably good, but the movie just lacked a little something. Not sure what.
However, there was a great quote at the end of the movie that really sums up parenting.... "One wrong move and everything can shatter. That's what it feels like to watch your child grow up. You have to let go not knowing if she'll go to pieces or land softly. All you can is keep watch. All you can do is try your best to break her fall." How true. Many parents want to take credit for all they did to get their kids to turn out the way they are. But I think the letting go aspect of parenting is the most important. That's when the lessons are used. That's when the true test begins. And that's when the parents learn something--that their child is her own person.

Injected!

Well, I finally got an injection in my back--boy, was that an experience. The doctor stuck a needle in my back in several places with the help of an x-ray. He then moved it around until it hurt. And boy, did it hurt! Once he found the sore spot, he injected some medicine. I can tell a difference, but man am I sore! It feels like someone kicked me in the back and I have a huge bruise. It hurts to sit a certain way or stand for very long. However, I can bend over, but just not side to side. I go back for Round 2 after the first of August.
The pain doctor was very good--he really explained the situation. And it makes sense--the sad part is that it is exactly what I read about while I was in the hospital but could never get a doctor to listen to me. Anyway, that old cheerleading injury from the 9th grade....well, it's back to haunt me. Basically, the doctor told me I am getting old--told ya 30 was gonna hurt!
Weston and Kylie are going to Bible School at my cousin's church and they are having a ball! They are learning life skills--cooking, first aid, nature, etc.
Well, that's about all I know right now--just sore and tired!

Franklin not in the Cards

Well, meeting Ryan Franklin just wasn't in the cards for us over the holiday weekend. Weston was pretty upset, but I think he enjoyed the game overall. Our seasts were 5 rows from the VERY top! Talk about a view of the whole stadium! Richie really enjoyed the game--of course, the Cubs won! We also got to see Pujols hit his 300th home run!! The whole holiday weekend was nice though. We took the kids to a local parade and carnival before heading off to the game on the 4th. I was so proud of Weston--he rode the Ferris Wheel! That is a huge accomplishment for him! Kylie though was the brave one--she rode a ride called the Viper and got on the Simulator ride at my parents' skating rink! The Simulator did multiple loops (yes, upside down kind of loops), yet Kylie smiled the whole time! I was amazed--I knew she was brave, but she took the meaning of brave to a whole new level for a 5 year old girl! I will try and get some pictures up very soon...
Our first set of accomodations had a little humorous twist to them. We arrived at the RV Park where my parents were staying and my Dad had booked a quaint little cabin for us. The cabin was nice--modest, but nice. It had a bedroom (ok, don't let your imagination go too far, the word bedroom in this case is used to represent a 6.5' X 6' room), living room (keep the information I just gave you in mind), a dining room, and a bathroom. However, upon first inspection--at 11:30 pm--we found no mirror in the whole place. And no bathroom sink. Weird. All that other stuff (small, but at least it covered the basics), but no mirror? So, the next morning, Richie set out to the office of the RV park to ask about the situation and possibly purchase a handheld if necessary. Well, he comes back empty-handed. So, I ask, where's the mirror? With no change in expression on his face, he walks over to the bedroom door and closes it. And there, tucked nice and neat behind the door was a small nook that held the bathroom sink and mirror! It was funny! How did we miss that?
Overall, we had a great time. It was nice to get out of the house that I have been stuck in for 6 weeks. I was ready to see the light of day!

Cardinal Bound

Well, just a couple more hours and we are heading north to St. Louis! We are going to the Cardinals game tomorrow night and then heading up to see my parents' skating rink! There is a good possibility the kids will get to meet Ryan Franklin (the closer for the Cardinals) if things go well. Weston is very excited to get to meet a real MLB! And Mom is excited too! It's always fun to meet someone of "celebrity" status! Hopefully I will have pictures to post when I get back!
Nothing else exciting going on around the house--just packing, cleaning and trying to make sure I don't forget anything.
Here is a picture from Florida of the kids when they went with their Dad and Angela a couple of weeks ago also. The kids had such a great time in Florida. In fact, Kylie said she wants me to go with them next year....we'll see how that works out! :)
I would like to take them to Orlando next year though to Disney World. I have always wanted to take them when they're 7 and 9. I think it will be great ages--the magic is still alive, yet they are big enough to ride some of the rides too.

Gettin' the hang of it!

Weston has made a huge recovery in the retainer area--he is doing awesome! We had about 2 1/2 days of pouting, slobbering, and anything possible to resist wearing it. But he had a change of heart finally (or he realized Mom wasn't giving in) and he has decided he can do it. The retainer is for 1 tooth--he has a cross-bite and that tooth has actually moved in front of the other tooth already! It's been just at one week and he has kept it in costantly except when eating. I am so proud of him!
He's even taken it a step further and been a wonderful kid by doing the dishes and other "work" that he asks for around the house.
Well, I went back to the neurologist yesterday. I have to go for some injections in my back and I sure hope they help alleviate the pain. I was told I couldn't go back to work until August. I will probably go stir-crazy by then! But I still hurt and I ended up pulling a muscle in my shoulder/neck. It's not directly related to my back, but I am so weak right since I haven't exercised in a month.
We leave for St. Louis on Thursday for the baseball game and then we are heading north to see my parents' skating rink. The kids haven't seen it yet, so I know they will be excited to see it and get to skate.
That's about all for this evening!

Parenting has its moments.

Well, two days later and Weston is still walking around with his mouth open and drool dripping on his shirt. He's sick to his stomach and can't focus on anything but that retainer. It's frustrating, it's sad, and it's annoying. All in one. I try to be understanding, but I only have so much patience for "Maw, I an hunwe. I wan dinna." AAAHHH!!!
Moving on....to my other frustration. My back. I got my bone scan--and my L5 and SI joint lit up as I expected. But no one seems to want to fix it. And I have to go back to work next week with no cure. Sure I am feeling better, but that's not going to last long once I start lifting and driving and sitting and standing ALL DAY LONG. Keep in mind, my patience is not all there right now, so I just know there's going to be an eruption. Soon. I won't be able to contain my frustration much longer. Heck, throw in one of Weston's baseball games at the "church league" field in there and I am likely to be committed. Whew.

Gag Me with a Retainer!

Well, Weston's retainer came in today and let me just say that the day has been filled with drama, gagging, more drama, upset stomach, more drama, throw-up, crying, and finally a little drama. He's such a good kid, but when it comes to dentist/orthodontist stuff, he's awful. He hates the retainer--he says it makes him gag. The orthodontist even whittled away 1/2 of the thing in an effort to not have it touching anything but his teeth. Doesn't matter. He's STILL complaining. This retainer is only to move forward the front tooth that's in a cross-bite. And the orthodontist said that if he would wear it for a few weeks, that may be all he has to do. But so far he hasn't worn it 10 minutes. He's with his Dad tonight, so maybe he'll stay on his case and get him used to it. Goodness knows I tried.
I am going back to work next week....I don't know that my back is physically ready, but it's been a month and they still haven't done anything for it! I have to say though that my company is so understanding, so people-oriented that I am actually ready to return to work--I love my job! (Why didn't I find this place years ago??) But I am afraid that physically I will not make it very long if the doctors don't find some way to fix my back. We'll see.
Kylie and I have been taking cake decorating classes and we finished course 1 last night! Here's a picture of our very first cake!

Belly Bandit!

I am trying ANYTHING in an effort to keep Opie from pottying all over my house. The latest trick is called the "Belly Band" and my Mom found it at the local dog store. It basically a piece of material that you stick a maxi pad into and that way when he pees, its in the pad, not the carpet. Well, Opie in his true "I am gonna pout" form really tried to throw a guilt trip when I put it on him. He wouldn't move for 30 minutes. Then he held a leg up for awhile. Anything to get some sympathy. But I didn't fall for it. He's such a spoiled brat and has been in control lately. Well, I have to figure out how to get him back in control. So, this is the first step. My next beast to tackle is the "leash" issue. Opie HATES the leash. He literally goes nuts! It's actually quite amusing. Well, I have learned a few tricks to try in hopes of easing him into the idea. So, we will get him used to his new pants, then we'll try the leash!

Sitting, Waiting, Doing Nothing

I am home still. Still here. I have read everything I can get my hands, visited every website known to man and watched all movies since they were invented. Ok, I am stretching it a bit, but my point is I am bored. Yes I have plenty to do--the house is a mess, etc., but it's a little hard when you hurt.
Kylie called me today from Florida and she's having a great time. She got out in the ocean today and got on her boogie board. I am glad she's enjoying the beach. I miss that rascal tho!
This past weekend we drove up to Big Cedar and stayed the weekend with my parents. I was feeling a little better and then in the middle of the night my hip popped again and I could barely walk. Now I'm just stiff and hurt. No medicine helps. I am frustrated with it all--I would've loved to have seen more of Branson.
I bought Richie the Call of Duty:Modern Warefare game for Father's Day and he's having a ball with it. It looks so real.
Well, that's about all I know for now....

Backing Out

Well, I am still home. Rotting. Waiting for my back to feel better. It's improving, but most of that has to do with the fact that I am doing nothing. I am NOT a good lazy person. I have so much I want to accomplish, but I can't do it because most of it requires more physical effort than I have to give. Oh well. I am just going to enjoy my time down and hope that when this is all said and done, I am pain free.
Weston and Kylie leave on Friday to go to Florida for a week. I am going to miss them. And I guess part of me is scared they are going to have so much fun that they will dread coming home. But, I want them to have a good time--I know they will enjoy the break from routine and monotony.
We are planning to go to a Cardinals/Cubs game over the 4th of July weekend--I think the kids will enjoy seeing St. Louis and watching a MLB game. I know my big kid (Richie) is excited to see his Cubs play!!
Well, I guess I don't have much more than that to write--told ya it was boring around here!

Kylie takes the cake!

Kylie was in a pageant last weekend and she won Audience Favorite, Most Photogenic, and 1st Runner Up! She did awesome! We were so proud of her. This is her first pageant, so she was a little scared and didn't walk around a lot on the stage, but she smiled great and had fun. She told me after it was over, "I want to do that again!" She loves getting dressed up and modeling, so I wasn't surprised to hear that she wanted to do it again!
Kylie has also been joining me in my cake decorating classes and she's having a blast! It's the cutest thing. It was an accident that she went the first time, but since then, she's having a ball--and not too bad I must say! It's been nice having someone join me. Definite girl-bonding time!

Change of Plans

Well, I didn't go to Anaheim on Tuesday. In fact, the only place I went was to the hospital. My back has been bothering me for awhile, a LONG while, and I messed it up on Sunday. Well, Monday night, I finished off whatever it was I had messed up originally and I couldn't walk. I was screaming in pain Monday night when Richie was trying to lay me in bed. It was horrible. So, Tuesday the admitted me to the hospital in the hopes that an MRI would show what was wrong. They also did a CAT scan. Well, after a LOT of sitting and waiting the doctor FINALLY read the results. The MRI showed nothing. NOTHING. I was so upset. There is no way that NOTHING is wrong! However, the CAT scan showed a bilateral-spondololysis. I looked up information on it and it seems to be a big word for reinjuring an old injury. Which, the pain is in the same place as my old cheerleading injury. So, when the doctor comes back she concentrates on the fact that the MRI shows nothing and gives no credit to the CAT scan results. I was furious. She really had no idea what was wrong--but to give her a little bit a credit, she did forward me to a orthopedic specialist and a neurologist. Let's hope that we can finally get some answers and resolution!
I am home now and trying to just keep still and not move a lot.
Also, in other news--Weston broke his arm! He has a sub-periosteal fracture in his right arm. It only requires a sling for now--they are going to re-examine it 10 days.
We are one broken family!!

Trampoline is Toast!

Well, the straight line winds, took the winds out of the kids' sails today! Their trampoline they got for Christmas traveled over 230 yards from our backyard to wind up landing in the big pond. They were upset and Weston informed Richie that it would cost $4000 to replace it. Ok, he's a little off on his pricing, but it is a costly loss in the toy department. We also had a tree lose a few limbs in the front yard and blow into the house, but luckily there was no damage.
While the boys were at home holding down the fort, I was busy shopping at the mall. I did some damage to the finances! But I had a few necessities to buy, so I guess that's the cost of living with me. You should've seen Richie's eyes though when he saw the receipt...priceless!
Well, I leave for Anaheim on Tuesday. I haven't been to Anaheim in 20 years! I am excited to actually get to go somewhere different for once. Our district has a dine-around one night, so it will be fun to get out and have a nice meal. Other than that, our manager has a busy schedule planned for us!

Catch of the Day!

Richie and I went fishing today! I caught 9 fish and Richie caught 5....of course, his were all bass--but, hey, I was just excited to catch a fish. I caught 2 crappie and 7 Perch. Oh, and a tree! We would still be out there fishing if it weren't for the gnats! I have bites in my ears, on my arms and legs, and my neck. My largest crappie was 15 inches long, evidently, that's good!

Brace Yourself

Well, at 30, I am getting braces. But hey, they have come a long way since I had them as a teenager! I am getting Invisalign braces--clear trays that you wear two weeks at a time and then change to a different one. It was so weird sitting in the ortho chair--I was by far the oldest patient! What made me feel even more older was when the orthodontist removed a permanent wire placed on the back of my teeth from my previous orthodontist. Side note of explanation--after you have braces, they usually place a permanent wire behind your 4 front teeth to keep them in position. Well, as she was removing the wire to begin my "new" braces treatment, I realized I had had the wire in for 17 years! At that moment, I realized it had been 17 years since my last trip to the orthodontist, but what's bad about that was that most of the patients there aren't even 17!! I have experienced what they call "ortho relapse". Nothing major--in fact you can't tell very much from my front teeth, but in the back my teeth have moved quite a bit. So, I want to have it fixed--it causes some issues, and I have wanted to do this for a long time.
Kylie's kindergarten class had their Kindergarten Program last night and boy was she cute! She is such a dancing fool! I was cracking up watching that girl boogie! My whole family was tickled as she shook her booty--she has some moves! Her cheerleading team has grown this year! There are 20 girls and they are now able to compete in the "mini" division which is more relative to their age. They have such a great chance of winning some competitions this year!

Busy Weekend

Well, we had a busy weekend. We spent Saturday fishing out on Sugarloaf Lake. It was the first time the kids have ever been out on a boat and fished. It was quite funny. They were so worried about what was in the lake--sharks? Snakes? Then, Kylie was trying to understand the difference between a lake and the ocean. I told her the ocean has saltwater...so she asks, "Does it have pepper too?" Crazy Girl!
Today we went to the Air Show...the kids like it, but I think it was a little hot and long for them. They were thirsty and hungry and the bad thing is that the drinks/food were SO expensive! So, we had to spread out the food/drink runs to keep them satisfied. But, they got a few pilot autographs and overall had a great time.

The Sweetest Thing

Anyone can fall in love. Anyone can care for someone. But, to see a couple in their 80's loving each other, caring for each other and displaying their love after years and years of marriage is the sweetest thing.
Today, I was waiting outside of an office for it to open and there was an elderly couple waiting there as well. The woman was in a wheelchair and her husband was pushing her. When, I walked up, we exchanged pleasantries and comments on the weather. Then, the lady let out a moan and a prayer that the doors would open soon--she was hurting and ready to see the doctor. At the onset of her discomfort, her husband started running his fingers through her hair and gently caressing her head and neck. Her grey hair was very thin on top and almost shoulder length down the back. But he didn't care about her hair--he cared about her. Then, a cool breeze began to blow and again she became uncomfortable. He whispered softly to her acknowledging she was cold and began to rub the tops of her arms and shoulders. He never once acted put out, embarrassed, or impatient. He was in the moment--with her. I actually had a tear form in my eye. I sat there thinking about how many people take their spouses for granted, put others before them, or even mistreat them. I stood watching this couple and realized that they truly loved each other.
Shortly after, the nurse opened the door and we went inside. I set my stuff down and went to the restroom. As I came out and gathered my things, the elderly lady said, "Sweetie, come here I have to tell you something." I walked over to the couple and the lady said, "You have the most beautiful legs, the most beautiful blonde hair! Sit down, I want to see you closer!" I sat down next to her husband. He had positioned her wheel chair to face him and now had his hands on her legs. The entire time she spoke to me, his eyes were on her. She then told me, "You are just a doll. I wish I looked like you, like a doll!" I told her I was sure she was a doll, too because her husband was madly in love with her. I told her how I had seen the way he looked at her and cared for her. She said, "Yes, he's the most wonderful man! You have to keep the flame burning--it takes passion."
At that moment, I knew she had the one thing that can stand the test of time. Love. True love. In the Bible it talks about love never failing, always being patient, kind. In fact, I have a picture on my wall next to my front door. It serves as a reminder. But that couple made me believe the words today. That picture has words on it. The couple has love between them.

Weston turns 8!

Well, we had Weston's birthday party this weekend...it was "bug" themed and I think it came out really cute. I made a dirt cake with bugs on it (I'll try to add a pic in a day or so) and the kids played games outside that were bug themed like the caterpillar crawl, bug scavenger hunt, and the bug sling. But the whole day it was iffy as to the status of the party. We were supposed to have one of the worst weather days this year on Saturday with a very high chance of tornadoes. I was sweating it and I had no back up plan. We had sent out 20 invitations and so it was highly possible that I would be entertaining a large group of 8 year olds in the house with no idea what to do with them. But luckily it started raining at 3:45 and stopped by about 4:10. Then it stayed dry the rest of the evening. WHEW! That was a close one. And all of the storms that came through split when the got to our area and went north and south.
Weston got some great presents--lots of Wii games, Speed Racer stuff, some Heely's...the typical 8 year old boy stuff. I still can't believe my little man is 8 already. I feel so old.
Perhaps the highlight of the party was when a neighbor showed up. You see my 2 labs (Sally and Abby--see previous posts for pics, etc) have been MIA for awhile. They venture home every now and then but it's obvious they are staying somewhere else. The kids have missed them and when they do make it home, they run outside and greet them hoping they'll stay. But this neighbor that showed up has evidently taken a liking to them and been feeding them. Well, she considers them hers now. Uh no. So, when she shows up at Weston's party to claim MY dogs, that was the last straw. Her excuse is that she's been "keeping the fleas and ticks off of them for a year now". Um, well, wouldn't be necessary if you had not started feeding them and had told me they were there so that I could get them! So, it resulted in words and Abby leaving with her and Sally staying...for awhile.
So, I guess I will resort to the law.

Bottoms Up!

Only me...only me. So, last Thursday I was at work, just trying to do my job. I knew it was going to be a beautiful day and so I decided to wear a dress. It was a dress that required no ironing, was free flowing and cute and would be an easy choice. Well, I didn't take in to consideration the wind. Yes, you know where this is going. So, I set out on a few calls and found my dress billowing in the wind. I tried to keep a hold on it while juggling my drug bag and car keys. I did a good job until I got to my home town and pulled up at the doctor's office that I actually use. I was busy at the trunk trying to pack my drug bag and for a split second forgot about my dress. That's all it took and the next thing I knew the skirt part of the dress was up in my face! I was grabbing and pulling and doing the "dress above my head" dance!
Can a girl get a break?
Well, Weston turns 8 tomorrow. I was hugging him this evening thinking back to the day he was born--it seems like forever ago! Yet, I can still remember all of it. He was such a huge baby and now he's the runt of the baseball team. I am so proud of his first 8 years--he's such an awesome little guy. Sure, he's got his 8 year old quirks, but when I see some of the other kids his age, I thank God for such an awesome kid. He is testing for Gifted and Talented at school. I hope he gets to be a part of it--I did it when I was in school and I feel like that extra push you get in there really established some great life lessons such as a passion to ask why and learn everything I can about something. And to never give up. I also learned that the best lessons are never the easy ones.

The Garbage Bowl Debate

To me it seems necessary. To a man, it's just one more "thing" in the house. It's the garbage bowl debate. When Richie and I registered for our wedding shower, we picked out several neat items, gadgets, and decor pieces. But the one thing I fell in love with was the garbage bowl...hey, come on it is a "Rachel Ray Garbage Bowl"! For those of you not up on the garbage bowl concept, here's a brief description to go with the picture...it's a bowl she designed after one that her mom used to have and it's very handy for peeling potatoes, etc. Instead of running to the trash can or standing over one while you crack eggs, peel potatoes, etc, you just throw all of the trashy stuff in the bowl and when you're done, it's one quick trip to the trash can to dump it all! Plus, it's very trendy looking...in fact, a lot of people use it for popcorn, snacks, salad-- you name it!
I have had those moments in the kitchen, after the 34th trip to the trash can, where I think about how nice it would be to not run back and forth. However, Richie thinks that any 'ole bowl will do for the idea. In fact, he dumped out my fruit and brought that bowl to me and said, "Here, garbage bowl now." Men! They just don't get it. I wonder if I dump out his tackle box and stick it in an old caboodle if he would think the same thing? :)

Kylie's boo-boos

Kylie-bug has had a rough week....poor baby! First, she smashed her finger in the car door last Saturday and it is swollen and purple! Then, she had her tonsils and adenoids removed Wednesday! She is one big ouchy right now! But she is such a trooper--she hasn't hardly complained a bit! She has done very well and I really hope the surgery helps her sleep better. The doctor said her adenoids were huge--likely the reason why she has been snoring and possibly wetting the bed. Time will tell as to how much the surgery is going to help these issues. We are going to have a girl's day today and go see a movie in hopes it will help her feel better. Her mornings are usually the roughest because her throat is killing her when she wakes up--but once she takes her medicine, she feels wonderful!
I am a fish-widow this weekend as Richie goes fishing in a tournament. Hopefully I can get the house cleaned and a few errands ran while everyone is away!

The Honeymoon

Our trip to Mexico was beautiful--we had so much fun! We snorkeled, sat on the beach, visited the ruins...you name it, we did it! And the food at our resort was incredible--we had duck, steak, authentic Mexican food, Italian food...the list goes on. There were 7 restaurants in our resort, so we had several things to choose from! Here's some pictures from the trip.

The Wedding Day

Well, we are back from Mexico--somewhat tanned, definitely relaxed...oh yeah, and married! Here's a few pictures from the ceremony. The ceremony was beautiful--it was a perfect day! In fact, some of the backgrounds in the pictures almost looks fake!

Can You Say STRESSED???

Because that is me right now--STRESSED! We leave in 5 days and I am about a month behind on everything! From wedding dress drama, to garage sales, to kids consignment sales, not to mention a dirty house, a mischievious puppy and 2 kids--well, I am just about frazzled beyond repair.
I am ready to go to Mexico! I need a cool drink, warm sun, and a little ocean water to cure this pain! It seems like nothing has went right the past few weeks. If it could break, it did. If it could be a problem, it was. If it could go wrong, it did. It's just been one headache after another.
In a week's time, I have a completely different wedding dress! Yes, that's how stressed it's been, even the down to the wedding dress. But, I know it's all going to be worth it this time next week when I am sunning in the sand with my honey!!

Wedding Worries

The big day is drawing near! We leave next Wednesday and I am SOOO ready! Yesterday was such a stressful day. I received a call at 2:30 pm from the lady making my dress who said that she went to cut the fabric and noticed that the pattern maker misprinted the amount of fabric needed and therefore there was 2 times the amount of the interior fabric and 1/2 the amount of the exterior fabric. Bad thing was I had bought this fabric awhile back in Oklahoma and knew that there would be no way to match it. So, plan B...I went to the local bridal store and asked the sales clerk about a few dresses. She informed me that you must order them 8-9 weeks in advance! Great! So, I told the lady my dilemma and she was so sweet. She agreed to sell me the sample dress off the rack (they normally don't like to do this). It has the word "SAMPLE" embroidered in the back bottom part of the dress though...but luckily it's not too noticeable (just humorous). I took the new dress to my seamstress and she is working to size it down (it was an 8 and I wear a 1). Cross your fingers we get everything together on time!
On top of all the wedding drama, we are trying to prepare for a yard sale, the local kids consignment sale, and still get Richie moved in!
Kylie had another cheerleading competition last weekend. They didn't do as well as the one a few weeks ago, but they were still so cute to watch!
Well, it's back to work...I have 4,528,693 things to do and .000186 amount of the time needed to do it!!

Time Flies!

Well, the wedding is fast approaching! We leave 2 weeks from tomorrow! I can't believe how fast time flies. I was looking at some old pictures the other day. I was amazed at how much my kids have changed--how Kylie's features are starting to look more like a young lady instead of a baby girl. She's growing up. Weston looks more like a young man everyday.
Back to the wedding--I am ready for Mexico! I got a taste of the beautiful weather to be experienced down South when today's temperatures were in the mid-70's here today. That just made me want to lay on a beach and sun bathe all the more. Not to mention get married too! That will be such a blast and what a beautiful backdrop for our big day.
Well, it's past my bedtime. My cop is out working though so I can't sleep. I won't rest until he's home next to me!

The Art of Being Vague...or being Condemned.

I read an interesting article tonight and I feel it is most fitting in my life right now. The URL is http://msn.match.com/msn/article.aspx?articleid=9351&TrackingID=516311&BannerID=544657&menuid=7>1=26000 and it's called "Dating and the Nosy Neighbors". I empathized a lot with the information in it. It talks about the busybodies, meddlers, and nosy people (such as the Bunco girls that gather together) that seem to find more fascination in someone's life than a soap opera. See, I know what people have said about me. You think your comments don't make it back, but they do. And deep down I think people want their comments to come back so that I will respond, explain, or tell them something. I honestly don't understand the fascination with my life. But I know how to react. Before, I would share and explain, hoping to help someone understand what was going on in my life so that they could understand. But now I realize that's exactly what they want. And I have learned, if you don't give them an explanation, they will create one on their own. These people don't care if their version is true or not. In fact, the more scandalous, the better.
But why do people do this? As the article says, they want to live vicariously through you. They are also the people that know what's best for everyone around them (yet ignore their own homes). They are also bored--drama keeps them going and if their life doesn't have it, surely someone else's does. I was pleased to see that my way of dealing with them is better than my old ways. The article suggests creating some distance--which I have done and am more happy than ever. And it's funny, for some reason the people I thought were close friends never bothered to check on me after that. Funny how when the pipeline of info stops, so does the friendship. Also, it talks about dodging them--it talks about how I don't owe them anything. That was my biggest mistake-I felt like I owed them an explanation. I wanted them to understand me. Now, I realize it wasn't me they were concerned about.
I went to church this morning for the first time in over a year. I even went to my old church, but only because it was held at the Arena--neutral ground. I found such irony in the message and the group of people sitting there. The message was on condemnation. It was ironic how he preached about how God takes away the condemnation with his son's death. But, that room full of people has the most condemning ones in the whole town. The irony comes from how as a church, this group of people should be the first ones to NOT judge, to be a friend, to reach out, to not make assumptions. Yet this very group has condemned me, judged me. And for things I have not done. At the end of the message, our Pastor prayed about how he was happy about, among other things, how the woman who only wants someone to love her unconditionally came today. That woman he prayed about was me.
You may not understand me, I refuse to help you do so at this point. But that doesn't mean I don't deserve to be loved. Unconditionally.

Ticks, Eggs, and Pies

The title sums up my Easter weekend...sounds like a crazy title to some weird reality show, but it was just the Easter weekend. Let me explain...I'll start with the pies. I signed up for desserts for our annual Easter gathering and I decided to give the pie thing a whirl. See, Richie is a coconut cream pie lover and there is a lady at his workplace that makes a mean coconut cream pie. Well, game on baby, because no woman is gonna make my man a pie better than I can. Or so I thought. I decided to take a trial run at the pie thing and made a chocolate pie Friday night. I made the filling from scratch and the meringue too. But no one told me you have to bake the pie crust before you make the pie! So, that's why we practice I guess--so we don't bring a bad pie to the party. However, I worked the kinks out and the coconut pie was all the rave today at dinner. I even decided to step up my game and made a strawberry pie as well which was really yummy too!
Now, to the eggs--that's a no brainer. It's Easter. There's gonna be eggs. However, we had a "big kid" egg hunt and me and my cousins hunted eggs. Looked more like a football game, but we had fun. I haven't ran that hard in a LONG time. I wore this ole body out hunting Easter eggs! :)
Which leads to the ticks. Yes, ticks. Even with an Easter in March that is cold, we still found ticks on us. In fact, between me, Richie, and the kids, we picked 9 ticks off of us! I was laying on the couch napping after we got home and I felt a bite on my neck. I reached back and pulled a tick off of me. Well, I hate ticks. They just creep me out (and for some reason your body feels like they are crawling all over you for hours after you find one)! Then, later I found one on my rear. Which that was probably off of the leaves that went down my drawers when I dove for an egg and fought with my cousin for it on the ground.
Well, it's bedtime. It's back to the routine in the morning since the kids are back in school!

A Series of Unfortunate Events

It all started Saturday morning with the nachos. I just wanted a snack during Weston's game--should've been a relatively uneventful time in my life--nachos. However, it wasn't. Let's just put it this way...I created more drama in the bleachers than the players did in the basketball game. We were running late for the basketball game and I really needed a bite to eat since it would be 4 pm before we got to the Amish Farm. I didn't really want to eat an entire meal, so I decided to grab some nachos at the snack bar. I got a big order of nachos with extra cheese and jalapenos--yummy! I sat down and went to take off my fleece jacket. As I started to slip off my jacket, the nachos decided to slip off my lap. Right on the coat of the lady in front of me. Upside down. Talk about embarrassing! The lady was so nice about it. From there, it was all down hill. I had a headache the rest of the day. 4 people didn't show for the Amish Farm dinner, but my parents still had to pay for it. Sunday's shower was a disaster (we'll leave it at that). And today, I get up, get ready for work, and head to the daycare to drop off the kids only to find out they are closed all week! So, I head home, and start making some lunch. The whole bottle of minced onion fell in the soup. I grabbed the tomato sauce can and opened it only to see evaporated milk. What a joy.
So, I think I need to go back to bed and stay there. For awhile. At least til this storm blows over.

Liar, Liar Pants on Fire!

First of all, I couldn't resist sharing some more pictures from our beautiful snow day last Friday! Kylie is such a ham and I must say the camera adores her!
Anyway, this has been a trying week. First, we have been trying to get Richie moved in and settled. He doesn't really have a ton of stuff, but it's just been busy trying to shuffle my stuff around, make room for his and get it put away. Even though we've been together for a year, we are adjusting to living together. I have my morning routine, he has his and we have to put them together. With all of that said, I must say that having him move in has been the highlight of the week. I love his company and I am just more at ease now that he's finally here.
Now, the more stressful stuff. Seems that Weston has caught the lying bug for some reason. It's not that he's telling these horrible lies, he is just having trouble telling the truth about common issues. So, it makes it hard to know what's true and what's not. I have tried to stress to him that telling lies will make people not trust him. I know he's stressed right now and I know he's craving attention, but I don't want the lying to get out of control.
Then, my friend is planning a wedding shower for me this weekend and bless her heart--she handmade the invitations and when she mailed them, since they were a little thick, they had to be hand-stamped at the post office instead of running them through the meter. Because of that, the post office delivered the invites (late) and charged everyone 17 cents! So, in order to get invited to my wedding shower, you have to pay 17 cents! She's also been really sick this week, so I know that's the last thing she needed to hear!
Add that to a bunch of little silly mishaps and you have a crazy week! But guess what? It's FRIDAY tomorrow!! YIPPEE!
Well, that's all for tonight--I am gonna head to bed (I hear the Wii so I am gonna get a little game of dodgeball in before bedtime!!).

Happy Birthday to me! I am 30!

30...Yuck. I feel fat. I have no energy. I actually crave naps. At least, I have the symptoms, otherwise I wouldn't really understand the meaning of turning 30. But hey, I have to admit, the day came and went without much hoopla. Which is good and bad. It's good because I didn't have my age rubbed in my face all day long...I was able to get through the day without the drama. Bad though because I was kind of hoping for a party, gathering, etc. Much like the ones I have thrown my Mom, brother, grandpa, ex-husband, boss...the list goes on. I guess when you are the party coordinator, you have to face the fact that your day won't get the same pomp and circumstance as you have given out. I was looking forward to the slideshow of embarrassing pictures, the surprise of family and friends gathered in my honor, the last night of fun and youth. I guess I was looking forward to these things because that's what it takes to swallow the truth--I am now officially old. I am now a part of the real adult crowd. Sure, you're an adult in your 20's, however there's still the sense of youthfulness to your looks, the ability to shop in the junior department, the hanging out with friends, etc that is acceptable in your semi-adult life. The 20's are the bridge, the time of transformation. 30 is just plain 30. You have to face the inevitable-things aren't in the same place (whether you have had kids or not), you can't eat everything on your plate and expect to look great in the sundress. 30 just sounds old...there's nothing sweet about it.
So, this 30 year OLD woman is heading off to bed. She NEEDS her beauty rest now (because these looks don't come natural anymore)!!

The Last Day of Youth!

Well, this is it. The hours are flying by--I am down to my final evening in my 20's. Tomorrow, I am 30. The dreaded day. I always joked that hell would freeze over before I turned 30. Hey, guess what? We got 9.5 inches of snow and our electricity went out for 36 hours and the house was a whopping 45 degrees inside this morning. So, I have to turn 30. Hell froze over! Oh well, I don't really have a choice I guess.
Like I said, we went without power from Friday morning until about 2 hours ago. It was a little stressful to say the least. Why? Because in the process, we are trying to move Richie to my house. His house had power, mine didn't. However, his house had nothing else! We had moved most of his food and started on the furniture. But, we got a lot accomplished today, so I guess you could say this is his first night in his new home!
The kids had a blast Friday with our snow day! We built a snowman and played in the snow. Even Andy (Richie's dog) had a blast! He was a hopping like a bunny through the snow--it was the CUTEST thing!
Well, I am tired, have a headache, and am hungry. Not to mention, I am going to enjoy my last few hours of youth!!

P.S. I finally added some pics of Kylie's competition in a post below....

Let it Snow Baby!!

We've got snow and lots of it! I can't believe it's 3 days until my birthday and we have a ton of snow!! The kids went out and played in it and had a blast.
In other news, Kylie got bit by a dog the other day. It was so frightening! She was scared to death, I was scared to death. It was the pit bull puppy across the street that bit her. The kids had went out to play in the first round of snow and I guess the dog thought that they needed someone to play with. However, he doesn't quite understand the boundaries of playing. He ended up ripping her jacket and bit the back of her thigh. But she's alright, I'm alright and we're going to let the dog live (for now)!!

MeMe's ER Visit

My grandmother went to the ER on Tuesday night with a high fever, vomiting, and passing out. She experienced dangerously low blood pressure drops and was admitted to ICU. She has a severe case of pneumonia and is still in ICU. It was very scary to learn about her illness. There was a point that they thought they could've lost her. I was so worried because I know she's been through a lot lately with her plastic surgery issue and now pneumonia. But I have to give her credit--she has remained positive and is getting out and attending kid's games, etc. I know it has to be SO hard, but she does it.

Extraction Excitement

Weston's two front teeth have been loose for awhile...a long while. In fact, one permanent tooth was already halfway in behind one of them. Problem was that the baby teeth didn't get enough push from the permanent teeth, so they were left hanging-literally. It was funny to see him smile--his front teeth almost stuck straight out! Well, last night my Mom came over and numbed his gums around the teeth and pulled both of them...at the same time! We couldn't believe they came out together. But we heard a loud POP and knew something had happened. So, needless to say, Weston is greatly relieved and the tooth fairy was able to finally visit. She left him $10. $5 for each tooth (she went ahead and paid him for pain and suffering!).
We are desperately trying to get Richie moved in, but it seems like such a slow process. It's just a domino effect--so much to do before we can get the next step done. But, no worries--I know it will happen soon!
Did you see our engagement announcement in the paper? We made Sunday's paper--what a cute couple!

Sick Man Walking

Poor Richie, he's just finished up day 4 of being sick. But I do think he's on the mend. This was his first day out of the bed--he even cleaned up the house!! (LOVE THAT!!) However, he has been miserable all weekend. Hopefully though, he'll feel better by the end of the week.
Well, I forgot to report that Kylie's cheerleading squad WON their competition a couple of weeks ago in OKC!!! I couldn't believe it! They did SO good! I will try and get a picture on here on my little cheerleader!
Angela and I had our 2nd "date"! It went great! I really like her...I think she's gonna be good for me and my kids.
I am SLOWLY getting my house in order....I cleaned out my laundry room last weekend (yes, a laundry room can get out of control)!! Last night I hung up about 50 pieces of clothing. I also got my guest bathroom scrubbed up a last weekend, too. I have decided to take it one room at a time. Hopefully by the time Richie moves in, the house will be ready (OK, fat chance, let's face it, I am running out of time!!).
On that note, I gotta get busy cleaning!!

The Meeting

Well, the dinner with Angela (Kyle's girlfriend) went great! We talked for over two hours and it felt like I was hanging out with an old friend. We have decided to get together again this week! She is very sweet and I think what helps the most is that we have so many things in common. I truly hope this is a great beginning to a long friendship. I know my kids are going to love hanging out with her and I think that since she understands what it feels like to be a Mom and to love your kids so much, she will respect my feelings and me. Anyway, it was a great meeting and I feel much better about the situation. We are going to get together by ourselves a few times so that we can get comfortable with each other. That way when we add Kyle, his family, and the kids to the mix, our relationship will be established.
I know it's a weird situation--at times, she and I had to stop and remind ourselves about the situation because we were having such a good time!
Well, I have started to leave Opie free in the house while I am at work. So far, it's working out. Cross your fingers it stays that way because I would like to have him out and about since Andy (Richie's dog) will soon be here.

My Blind Date

Tonight, I am meeting someone for dinner. We've never met face-to-face, but we've chatted on the phone briefly. It's my first time to meet someone like this. But it was my idea--I want to get to know this person because I have a feeling we could be spending a lot more time together. I want this person to even eventually meet my kids. But first I want to meet this person to see what I think. No, I am not cheating on Richie. It's not even a man. It's a woman. Some might call her the "other" woman. It's Kyle's girlfriend. I have had mixed emotions about this day for awhile. What will she think of me? What if she doesn't like me? What if my kids love her more than me one day? You name it, the thought has crossed my mind. I have looked forward to this day and dreaded this day all in the same breath. My kids could potentially have "another" Mom in their life and it scares me to death.
I have to say that our phone conversation the other night was so pleasant. She is a sweet woman, with a wonderful heart, who seems genuine. I told her I prayed about her. I told her I wanted God to bring a great woman to Kyle, but that I selfishly asked that she be someone that would understand the hardship I feel. She does. She has 3 kids of her own and she's experiencing the same thing with her children and ex-husband. She agreed to have dinner with me--just the two of us, so that we can get to know each other without everyone watching us. We want to talk and hang out by ourselves, so that when family is around, the awkwardness is gone. There won't be any insecurity.
Some people have shook their heads in disbelief at the thought of the two of us having dinner. Others think it's a great idea. We both think it's going to be a little difficult at first, but we are committed to starting this relationship off on the right foot. We want to work together, not be pitted against each other. If there's anything I learned in my last marriage, it's that family plays a big role in the happiness of your marriage. I also learned that first impressions are lasting impressions.
I have to say that so far I can't imagine anyone else I would rather have in my children's life. She seems to be a great woman who sincerely wants to do what's best for me, my kids, and Kyle. I hope that tonight is the start of a great relationship, a potential friendship, and the beginning of a great partnership in raising our kids.

Sick....once again!

No, this isn't a repeat of a previous post. Once again, I am sick! I spent yet another weekend on the couch, sick as a dog, complete with fever. I am SO tired of feeling bad--especially on my weekends! My house has been ruled a disaster area by the Governor because it's so bad. I desperately need a housekeeper--it seems I never get to the "deep cleaning" because there is so much picking up to do! I am so embarrassed by my house!
Enough of that--how about the Giants last night? Take that Tom Brady! Guess his Brazilian model should've taken note from Jessica Simpson and stayed home....wait, glad she came!
Kylie has her 2nd cheerleading competition this weekend. I think a lot of the family is going to be able to make it, too. She is so cute to watch perform! Richie is also getting promoted this weekend. I am SO proud of him and his accomplishments--he is truly deserving of his new position.

How to Deal

Well, we received some sad news today. Kyle's Papaw Sam passed away. It's the first time I have had to really tell the kids that someone has died. Sure, we have experienced death since they've been alive, but they've been to young to really understand. But today they understood. They are doing OK and they even want to go to the funeral which I will definitely make sure they attend. It's always hard when you lose someone close. Sometimes it's even harder to know what to do for someone when they lose a loved one. You don't want to say the wrong thing, yet you don't want to seem like you don't care. I think the best thing to do is to just listen. For once we aren't expected to have the right words. The person needs support. They need to know it's perfectly OK to cry. They need time. They need to know you care.

Metabolism Meltdown

Well, it finally happened...my brain told my body that I am gonna turn 30 in about 6 weeks. Nice job, brain....Because now my body decided that there is no need to work so hard and burn fat. It's like my body went into retirement....fat siesta. I don't know what it is, but 6 pounds later I am NOT liking it. Great and don't forget I have to have bikini body by April 9th or else I am gonna look like the hail-damaged whale that washed up on the beach instead of the blushing bride.
I wonder, do they make full body bathing suits? :)

You're Gonna Miss This

I heard a song on the radio the other day and it struck me. The lyrics instantly sent pictures flashing through my head....a rent house in Russellville--small, but perfect. It held everything I owned. It had spiders the size of Dallas, worms the length of the Rio Grande, but I couldn't ask for more. It was a home and to a 20 year old girl, it was everything I ever needed. Another picture hit me....cooking spaghetti O's on the stove (for me to eat), homework every night, a console TV in the living room, a couch out of my Grandma's house. I was happy as could be. But I was ready for more. Ready to graduate, get a real job, real house, real car, have kids. I wanted tomorrow. I forgot to enjoy today.
Another picture came after that. It was Weston's ultrasound picture. He was 20 weeks old in my tummy and looked similar to a dinosaur exhibit at the time. But he was mine--a baby in my belly. Then another picture--Weston at about 7 months old, and sick. It was during the worst ice storm to hit here. I remember the navy jogging suit he was wearing, the bottle of 1/2 water and 1/2 milk I was hoping desperately would stay down (he was throwing up constantly for a week). I remember sleeping in the guest bedroom with him that night scared to death to let him sleep by himself for fear he would choke if he got sick.
Another picture--Kylie in the hospital. Not the day she was born. But 5 days later. She was sick--they thought meningitis. I was scared that I had been given a blessing only to have to give it right back. I remember rocking her in the hospital room, with her IV in her foot, full of fear. Something a 24 year old girl shouldn't have to think about.
Then, it hits me. It's 2008. This girl has a Master's degree, lives in a modular, and those kids are 8 years and 5 years old. What happened? Where did the time go? And more importantly, what's on my mind. The same thing as it was back then....tomorrow. Never really giving much thought to today. Never realizing that I am in the perfect place. I have the opportunity to save money, I have a job that allows me time with my kids.
Why is it that we never really enjoy today...which used to be our tomorrow. It used to be the day we were waiting for. Now it's just a road block to the rest of our life. It should be our life. It's the only thing we have control over. Yesterday is gone. You can't have it back. Tomorrow is a full day away....it will get here inevitably. But today is already here--it's an unsculpted piece of time that you have the ability to mold into your own creation.
Here's those lyrics....what pictures go through your head?

Trace Adkins' "You're Gonna Miss This"

She was staring out the window of that SUV
Complaining, saying "I can't wait to turn 18"
She said "I'll make my own money and I'll make my own rules"
Mamma put the car in park out there in front of the school
Then she kissed her head and said "I was just like you"

You're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this

Before she knows it she's a brand new bride
In a one-bedroom apartment, and her daddy stops by
He tells her "It's a nice place"
She says "It'll do for now"
Starts talking about babies and buying a house
Daddy shakes his head and says "Baby, just slow down"

Cause you're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this

Five years later there's a plumber workin' on the water heater
Dog's barkin', phone's ringin'
One kid's cryin', one kid's screamin'
She keeps apologizin'
He says "They don't bother me.
I've got 2 babies of my own.
One's 36, one's 23.
Huh, it's hard to believe, but ...

You're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this"

Enjoy every day you are given...if not, YOU"RE GONNA MISS IT!!

Reading Machine

I am blown away by Kylie's reading ability! Last night, she sat down and asked me if she could read a story to me. I said yes, and she had me pick out a book. Then, she proceeded to read and did awesome. There were words like "everywhere", "kangaroo", etc and she read them with no hesitation! She's only in kindergarten! I was just amazed because 2 months ago, they started learning the sounds of letters and a few blends. Her progress is phenomenal! She is now in Accelerated Reading at a school--a program that has the kids read books and then test over them. The get so many points per correct test answer and prizes are given at certain point levels. She loves it and her Momma couldn't be more proud! Maybe she'll end up with an English degree like me! :)
I am feeling much better today! I am glad because you don't really have the ability to be sick on the job--it's non-stop go-go-go!
It looks like we may get some yucky weather tonight--but of course it'll be ice and junk that's not fun to play in--just dangerous to drive on! I can already hear sleet hitting the roof....

Ill-fated Weekend

I have some of the best intentions...and the worst results! I really wanted to get a lot accomplished this weekend--clean out the 5th bedroom, pick up the house, organize my office....the list goes on. Instead, I got sick. You know the throwing up, green feeling kind of sick. It was awful. I HATE feeling that way. But, I am hoping I have gotten it over with and can get on with my week. I have a busy week ahead of me, so I have to feel better!
Friday night Richie and I went to a going-away party of one of my dear friends, Amanda. She is leaving for Alabama in a couple of weeks for a new job and I am dearly going to miss her. She and I got our Master's degrees together and we experienced every Thursday evening with each other for nearly two years. She's been there through some family changes, job changes, moving, you name it. She is the most positive, uplifting person you will ever meet. She loves you for who you are--not who everyone wants you to be. The girl couldn't find a jealous bone in her body if she tried! I will dearly miss her, however I hope to go visit her while she's in Alabama. She only stays there for about 9 months and then she'll move to New Orleans permanently. So, good luck Amanda! You will be dearly missed!

I wanna talk about me!

I spent the day today bragging on myself. Yep, the whole day. Now before you start accusing me of being conceited and full of ME, you probably need the rest of the story. My new job requires us (the employee) to write our own performance reviews. I really like the idea! It's a ton of work, but compared to my last job, it's nice to be able to document your year's worth of accomplishments and discuss them with your supervisor. At my last job, I felt like my boss basically reflected on the last 2 months before the review and gave no consideration to accomplishments 10 months before that. Basically, you were better off to goof around the first 6 months and then work your way into superstar employee right before the review. In fact, I got totally robbed on my last review at my old job. I had some of my biggest accomplishments, but since they were in March and my review wasn't until the following February (nearly 11 months later), they were never noted.
So, this process is pretty cool! You basically file any emails that are sent to you bragging on your abilities, awards given to over the year, etc and write a review to turn in. Then you grade yourself in each of the categories. Your boss reviews it adds/subtracts and it's turned in from there!

The Dust Collector

I found this big, bulky machine in my office today...it had the words "elliptical machine" on it. No seriously, I FINALLY started working out again. I have to get rid of the jiggle before April! Richie does have 3 days in Mexico before we marry to change his mind ya know! :)
We have about 75% of the required paperwork ready for the wedding. We both at least have passports, so we will make it there at least!

Bedwetting Blues

Ok, don't read the title and think I have bedwetting issues! Miss Kylie does though. And I am frustrated by it--we wash PJ's, sheets, you name it, she wets it! So, I have been doing a little research. To my amazement, there are tons of causes beyond the "bladder hasn't developed yet" reason. So, we are on a test mission to determine if she has any of these issues. First stop, blood work--we were testing for Type 1 diabetes, thyroid issues, and kidney problems. Thankfully, she had none of these! Our next stop is the Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor. It seems that sleep apnea is a big cause of bedwetting in children. Some symptoms of this are snoring, irritability upon waking, and deep sleep. Kylie has all of these. So, we will see what the ENT says next month when we visit. The "fix" for this is to remove the tonsils and adenoids. If it'll help Kylie breathe better at night and not wet the bed, sign her up!

Where Did the Weekend Go?

Well, it's Sunday night and I am trying to figure out how I got here. See, I was supposed to get a weekend. The last thing I remember was Friday on an airplane heading home and now it's Sunday night and I am getting ready to head back to work! I still have a suitcase in my floor from my trip, a dirty house, and no groceries! I guess that's life though...it just goes faster and faster.
Obviously I don't have a lot to discuss from the weekend since I barely had time to enjoy it but it's good to be home.

Cult of Personality

Well, training is winding down....one more day (actually only 1/2 day left) and I am heading home. Today was pretty cool though. We did these personality profiles and the interesting part about them was that they are the perception of your peers. Most personality tests are ones that you answer questions and based on your answers you get lumped into a "type". I liked this profile, although you have to keep in mind the subjectivity aspect. What I mean is that it is only based on 5 people's responses and therefore if you asked another 5 people, you could get a different response. I tried to pick people from my past job and present job so that I could get a well-rounded perspective. I have a completely different role at my last job, so I wanted to see if that had any bearing or not.
Anyway, I came out as Expressive-Expressive....not surprising huh? :)
What that means is that I am people-focused, love to share my ideas and thoughts, and I reinforce others on the opinions and feelings they express. It also said I was creative in problem-solving and handling the concerns of my customers.
The people I picked were my current coworker that shares my territory, my new boss, a girl that was on my marketing team at my previous job, a girl that went on one of the marketing events I managed, and a friend at my last job that didn't have any direct business contact with me, but was able to provide that outside perspective since she worked in my department. The other aspect that the test graded was versatility. In this role, I was more on the versatile side, but had some lack of versatility show up. I agree with that--I don't think in every role we play that our versatility will be the same. I have a feeling the split was the different perspective from former and present coworkers.
It was pretty interesting...the most interesting aspect however was reading others and learning how to best communicate with the various social styles. I think that we all tend to try and interact with each other in a "blanket" format and then we feel frustrated when it doesn't give us a "blanket" result.
I also bought a new book on my trip called 4 Paws from Heaven. It's little devotionals centered around the writer's pet and creates a metaphor in how we as "masters" of our dogs share a similar role with our Master. I will try and share some of my favorite insights from the book on here.
Also, while I have been in Chicago, there has been more drama at home. Seems the neighbors want to be difficult and have left a letter on my metal building about driving on the back road. It's a little frustrating because I think their behavior is a result of fear--fear that my Dad is planning to develop his property, fear that a bunch of people are going to use the road, etc. But where the most frustration comes into play is that I have land and I have no easement. I just get sick of all the hype. I wish my parents would just deed my the driveway that I built or provide a written easement on it. I can't worry about stuff like that anymore--I need to be able to sell my land/building without issues.
Well, it's off to our "graduation" celebration...here's to Friday and no snow so I can come home!!

Chicago Chat

Well, I made it to Chicago! Hey, they don't call it the Windy City for nothing. I about blew away! But it's good to be back and reconnect with some old friends I made from Initial Sales Training. Tonight, we had a reception and they showed the BCS game on a movie screen. The only bad thing about training is that we are always busy. Sometimes it's nice to go back to the room and just read/watch TV. Oh well--good food and a nice hotel. Can't complain!

L-O-V-E

No one falls in love by choice,
it is by CHANCE.
No one stays in love by chance,
it is by WORK.
And no one falls out of love by chance,
it is by CHOICE.

Wow, short but powerful. I choose to be in love.

Boob Bashing

Ok, now that I know the results, I have to tell you about a little experience I had yesterday. I found a lump in my breast about 6 weeks ago and went to my gyno. Well, he was concerned and ordered an ultrasound and mammography. Yesterday was the big day. Let me tell ya, I never realized how flat they can get a boob...especially one that has been surgically enhanced! It was the weirdest experience of my life. Having my breast flattened onto a counter in front of me. I wasn't sure if I should laugh or cry. I mean I have heard about having a mammography, but never realized what "flattened" means! However, I can proudly say I am as healthy as a horse--just a couple of good-sized cysts. And I don't have to do that again for several years!
Well, about time to pack for another week in Chicago--except I am gonna freeze this time! I lucked out last April and had AWESOME weather, but this time I am sure it'll be a little colder! Oh well, we have a busy agenda, so we may never see the light of day! :)

It's 2008 BABY!

It's the first day of the New Year and I am NOT ready for 2008. I didn't get my to-do list accomplished at all. But hey, I did enjoy my time off and I am sure gonna miss sleeping in every morning! Hey, how about those Hogs? Oh yeah, they forgot to show up for the football game! That game was AWFUL! I am embarrassed.
I just realized that I didn't do a Christmas post--I skipped straight to the New Year. So, I guess I should back up and reflect on Christmas Day. Once again, it was an exciting morning--however I had to go drag the kids out of bed! But when they got up and saw all the great presents, they woke up very quickly. Weston loved his PS3 and Kylie was thrilled to get a dollhouse complete with the fixings! Plus, plenty of DS games wrapped up the present list. Kylie and Weston also got some cute new clothes (which thrilled Mom!). All in all, it was a great holiday. It was also my first year to host Christmas breakfast. My parents and grandparents came over and we had every breakfast food possible. So much that by lunch, we were too full to enjoy the Christmas meal. Speaking of lunch, we went to Richie's parents where the rest of his family had gathered. I got a new set of dishes--that serves 16--from them which thrilled me. I really wanted a new set of dishes!
I also got the COMPLETE MacGyver series on DVD!
Well, tomorrow is back to work. YUCK. I don't dread it too bad though. I have had plenty of time to rest and it's a short week anyway. Next week, I will be in Chicago all week for training, so if I can make it through 3 days, I'll be good.
Have a great week!