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!

I need some sugar!

Ok, kisses would be good too, but I am talking about REAL sugar! I talk all day long about diabetes and high blood sugar with doctors, nurses, and office staff. Well, today I went and had a fasting blood glucose test administered at a conference I attended. I knew that when I get hungry, I probably have a slight dip in my blood sugar, however my test came back at 55!! That is way low! The ladies at my table were getting me orange juice and granola bars and fearing I might pass out. I texted Richie my result and he asked a friend of his who has Type 1 diabetes about my result. He was shocked too and said I probably should have some lab work done. Well, I have connections and so today when I visited my endocrinologists office, I asked him what he thought. He wasn't too alarmed, but indicated I was probably hypoglycemic since I have symptoms with my low results. He suggested I buy a home monitor and start keeping a "sugar journal" to understand my reaction to food/lack of food. But the good news is that he didn't necessarily feel that I had any sort of serious health condition beyond hypoglycemia. So, I guess I'll prick a finger or two and see what I do over the next few weeks.
I am taking the day off tomorrow so that I can go to my kids Halloween parties. I love my job--3 weeks of vacation and a flexible schedule has allowed me to feel like a Mommy again! Then, after school it's costume time and trick-or-treating. I'll try to post some pictures of my little Evander Holyfield and Wicked Witch!
Only a couple more days until I get to bring my puppy home--I am excited (but I am also trying to store up on my sleep)! I bought him a Polo shirt, a fleece jacket, and a cute little winer t-shirt. He's gonna be so cute!!

We Have 3 Bathrooms!

Kylie came home last night from cheerleading practice completely worn out. The poor girl had been practicing for 3 hours and since competition is quickly approaching, they have been practicing longer and harder. Well, she went straight to her room and fell asleep shortly afterward. I debated as to whether I should let her sleep or not. It was about 5:30 and since she typically goes to bed at 7:30 (and still fights getting up in the morning), I thought I would let her sleep. Well, she decides to get up at 7:00. She was groggy and cranky. She walked through the living room to my bedroom, then came back out. A few minutes later, she was sitting in a bar stool at the island trying to hold her eyes open. I went over to her and gave her a kiss....that's when I realized I was standing in something wet. A lot of wet. I looked down and thought one of the kids had spilled a drink. That's when Weston explained to me what happened....Kylie had peed in the floor! He said she just pulled her pants down and wet to the bathroom right there in the kitchen! The poor girl was so out of it that she had confused the pantry in the kitchen with the bathroom.

The Weekend is Over!

Have you ever wanted a weekend to end? That's the way I felt about this one. It's finally over--it's Sunday afternoon, I have a couple of hours before the kids get home and I can put the weekend behind me and get ready for the week. Don't get me wrong, I am not looking forward to the week--it's gonna be a real busy one. My boss will be here Thursday to do my monthly ride-a-long, I have some preparations to make for my Dallas meeting next week, and Kylie has a ton of practices since her competition is fastly approaching. No, I am just glad the weekend is over.
You see, I was prepared for the weekend. I made some plans, spent some money and had it together. But others didn't. And it went downhill from there. I found myself thinking, "I should've done the complete opposite this weekend from what I did. I shouldn't have spent money, I shouldn't have wasted my day Saturday, I should've dressed up instead of down." But's it over.
I guess I spent too much time second-guessing my actions, wanting them to be perfect. Then, I spent the rest of my time regretting them, wishing I could've done it differently. But I know why I worried about the weekend. My thoughts were focused on the past, when I should've been enjoying the present. But it's hard. You want to leave the past in the past, but what happens when it shows up at every social function in the present? How do you get "past" it? I feel like a snob, yet I feel out of place. I want to immerse myself, but then I find myself gasping for air. I just long for some separation between the past and the present.
Now, I want my weekend back so I can do it over again.
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On a lighter note, here's a pic of Richie and me at a friend's wedding. Don't we look just fabulous? :)

A New Man for Me

Well, I am getting a new man. Yes, that's right. His name is Opie. He has beautiful blue/grey eyes, he loves to cuddle, and he stole my heart. The little Italian Greyhound is getting a new home. I can't wait! He is absolutely precious! I think this is a great dog for me. They don't like to potty outside, so I can litter box train him (hence the cat similarity). They also don't like the cold weather, so he'll love clothes! I have already bought him a new shirt and found some flannel PJ's for him too. He's supposed to get to come home around Halloween, so I probably won't get to buy him a costume, but that's OK. Of course, I have to go out of town the 5-7 of November, so Richie will be dog-sitting for me. Anyway, I can hardly wait!
Some friends of ours are getting married this weekend. Of course, the "traditional" bachelor/bachelorette parties took place last weekend. However, Richie and I were the smart ones of the group--we didn't go. And it's a good thing because evidently the "traditional" fights took place the next morning! It's so nice to have a guy who respects me and understands my feelings--thanks Richie! :)

Wormy Dog Saloon

Ok, I really want a puppy. However, I have learned a valuable lesson in the past few days. So, I had my eyes set on an Italian Greyhound puppy, but I read up on the breed and thought that maybe it wasn't the dog for me. The information said that the breed is for cat lovers and I am definitely a dog person. So, I started looking around at other breeds and found the Shorkie. They are absolutely adorable! If you get the Yorkie coloring with the Shih-Tzu style of hair, then you have a Ewok imitator!! So, I found one in the local newspaper and got so excited. The dogs are personable and really cute. So I called the guy and made arrangements to go look at it. Well, we didn't get there until late--around 7:30 pm. It was already getting dark and I didn't get a good look at the puppy. But he was spunky and had the coloring that I loved. So, I decided to get him. Well, we brought him home and he just followed me everywhere I went--such a cutie. Then, he curled up on the couch on Richie's chest. Well, as he was getting settled, he noticed a worm coming out his rear...YUCK. However, it was just one. So, I said I would take him immediately to the vet tomorrow to get him wormed. No worries. Well, it went downhill from there. We noticed another...and another. So we went into the kitchen on the linoleum and checked him out. Well, at that moment like 8 or 10 came out and fell on the floor. I about lost it!!! That is more than I can handle. I told Richie that the puppy had to go back! So, at 10:30 we called the guy and told him the situation. He agreed to let us bring back the puppy (well there wasn't really an option). Needless to say I got in bed at 1 a.m. that morning!
So, I learned a lot that night. KNOW the breeder, SEE the location where the puppy is living, MEET the parents of the puppy, and MAKE SURE IT HAS BEEN WORMED!!
Tomorrow we are going to see the little grey Italian greyhound tomorrow again. We have already seen where they live, met the Mom, and the lady who has them. The place is immaculate...the puppies are healthy and happy. She even said we can't have the puppy for a week or so until she can give it the last round of medications!! That's just her rules before she lets the puppies go. I learned that good things (and wormless dogs) come to those who wait!!

That makes me want to puke!

So today I am home...sick. Read the title--you get the picture. I DO NOT have time for this. I have so much to do with work and home and sitting on the couch and occasionally kissing the throne isn't my idea of accomplishing things!
So still no decisions have been permanently made on the housing. I think buying my parents' property from them is probably not the best decision since it would only add to newlywed stress. But what do I do? I can probably stay in the modular until the house sells, but it is a buyer's market right now, so it could be quick! Guess I will just pray and hope for the best!

Dilemma

I swear I should submit my life to the plot writers for soap operas. It seems that just when I get settled, someone decides to keep things fresh and switch them up on me. My parents are moving--they have bought a beautiful new home that used to be owned by a doctor. It makes sense for them--my Dad just can't handle the land by himself since his heart attack. But that means I have some decisions to make....do I sell my land too? Do I move out of the modular? I have no clue what the best idea is. Part of me has the answer, then I change my mind. I guess it just surprised me--completely caught me off guard. I JUST got settled in my new home. Oh well, I guess I need drama huh? Good grief...I am just ready to have a home and get comfy. So, now to figure out where my new digs will be. I feel like I have to change my plans and dreams, or do I? I really want my beach wedding, but now I think my money would be well spent toward a new home. I don't know. Damn parents.

So I was watching Rules of Engagement and I just got ticked. I am such a woman because I cannot understand the purpose of lying to your spouse and sneaking off to a strip club...sorry, but I just think it's a 1/2 step away from cheating (and it is when the girl gets off her pole)....I don't understand why we can't be satisfied with what we have. What is it that makes a person get up from the chair in their home next to their beautiful wife and drive down to the titty bar? I honestly think if the tables were turned and there were dick bars, things would be different. But, women don't think that way....we are wired completely different.

It's Friday!

It's Friday! Woo Hoo! Not that I mind working though--my office is now a sleek 2008 Dodge Charger! SWEET! I love it! It's tons better looking than than 'ol blue! I am gonna have to keep it clean though! Black shows everything!! However, it has this glitter paint on it that helps mask road dust. I had so much fun zipping my way to Mt. Ida today in my new car. I have begun deer widow season. It's Friday night and I am sprawled out on the couch catching up on Grey's Anatomy...that's OK though. I really need to get caught up on a few things. I have some office work to do, the house is a wreck, and I need to get some goody bags ready for my clients next week. So, I will try and use my time wisely....ok, I will probably sneak in an episode of Girls Next Door! We had our pictures yesterday--Kylie is SUCH a ham! I know her pictures will be cute. And Weston had some great smiles too--thank goodness because their school pictures are horrible--they both look like toothless old men!

CHARGE!!!

Tomorrow is the BIG day--the hearse is dead! I get my new car and I can't wait! I am ready to finally have a cool car that I spend my day in! :) I'll be sure and attach a pic when I get it!
So there's this puppy I have my eyes on...I know, I know--I am a busy girl and I have a new home. BUT he's so cute. I really want him, but I don't know if it's practical or not. Plus, I gotta make sure he'll get along with Andy when he moves in. So, I guess I need to give it some deep thought.
Tomorrow is picture day at an awesome local photographer--I am nervous! I want great pictures! I have waited and waited to book with this lady until I had a house that was suitable for hanging them. I have picked out some cute outfits for the kids and now I need to just pray I don't have a zit pop up and that the kids cooperate!

Big Fun

Well, our weekend led us to Big Cedar with my work team and we had such a great time! The company provides a yearly "retreat" with the members of the district. You have a little social time with the group and then the rest of the trip is R & R for you and a guest! I love my job! We went to Dogwood Canyon on Saturday and did a tour of the Canyon and it was beautiful!! The kids went with us and had a great time. We stayed in a log cabin and sat out on the deck and looked out over the lake at night and just enjoyed our time away from the busy home life. Sunday was a blast when we went downtown and rode go-carts. Kylie said the go-carts were the "funnest ride she's ever been on"!
Also, I should be getting my new company car any day--a black 2008 Charger! I am SOOO ready to retire the hearse!

Beautiful Disaster

So, yesterday was one sweet mess after another. I won't get deep with the initial details, it was just a "de ja vu" sort of day--let's just say I am not keen about reliving past problems. So, by the end of the day, I was beat. I just get tired of people--meddling people, rude people, and those who think judgementalism gets them somewhere. Why can't we all just get along? Then I get to worrying what's wrong with me? I know my handicap with people--I am a person who is confident in her opinions and feelings. I am not fake. I don't kiss butt and I don't put up with crap. So, that sort of limits me at times. But I won't compromise me. I hate to think that because I don't roll over for others that I am a bad person. I have a small pool of the greatest best friends in the world. I have learned that I am the type that has a few very close friends. Others I am acquaintances with....that's it. So, to Amy W.--you are a jewel. You get me. Why? Because we are SO alike!! It's nice to know that there is no crap in our friendship. I love your candidness, your listening skills, and that you believe in me!! To Richie, it's a blessing to have a man that's got my back. You don't take crap either and for that I admire you. It's so nice to be able to cry on your shoulder and feel you kiss me on the head and say that it's going to be OK. It's sweet to hear you say that even if it's just me and you, that's all you need.
It's those that I am the most alike that I most bond with. I have learned as I age that you can't win them all, so you enjoy the ones that are true.
So, here's how the day ended....we were at Weston's ballgame and I was down. The guys lost the game, the day had been rough, and as we got up to leave, I walked down the bleachers. I made it to the last one and BAM! I feel flat on my rear! I think I would've been more embarrassed if I had been more with it. But instead, my mind was in a fog, so I just got up and walked on. I didn't even care if the whole world saw me! Luckily another Mom was sitting there and she caught me on the way down.
I was ready to go to bed last night when it was time!