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!