Top ten picture blog party

Jules at The Roost is hosting a New Year's Eve blog picture party.

It was so hard trying to sort through so many pictures and really hard trying to narrow it down to just 10.

Anyway, stop by her site for all of the details!

Happy New Year's Eve!

Time for a game of charades

Last night after dinner the boys decided it was time to play karate or kick wrestle or what ever they call it.

It's basically them running at one another and trying to kick the other one in some sort of karate maneuver. It's a high energy game that makes me tired just watching.

Anyway, I had a headache and had already taken half the bottle of Advil but it hadn't kicked in and the boys were to loud for my ringing head.

So Hubs laid down the law.

He said no running, kicking, screaming, yelling, no physical contact, no pretend physical contact, don't even think about having any contact.

At this point R8 looks at R3 and says....Hey R3 do you want to play charades?

We all just cracked up laughing.

Pam-maw

She is Hubs' grandmother.

She got her name from my nephew who couldn't say Naina, it came out Pam-Maw and it stuck.

We live right around the corner from her. R8 rides his bike to her house just to say hi and to see if his cousin E is home.

You see Pam-Maw lives with Hubs' Aunt D, Uncle M, and cousin E. They added on to their house several years ago when she fell and broke her hip.

I love that we live so close. We stop by when ever we want and we always go over on Sundays after Church and lunch.

She loves the boys. She lets them do just about anything they want when the go over to see her. She always has cookies or crackers and a never ending supply of Sunkist.

When Hubs and I first started dating we used to go over to her house every Wednesday night and go out to dinner. Then we would go back to her house and watch TV or play cards or just talk.

I loved hearing stories about her life. I loved hearing how Hubs and his sister were her favorites. Although she would never admit to having a favorite grand child, she did.

I would listen for hours about how she and Papa Jack barely had anything starting out. They even had asked her parents to borrow money to put down on a house.

She and Papa raised three children. And those children grew and had children of their own. And now those grandchildren have children.

As my sister in law says she is the matriarch of the family. She has so much love for all of us.

The boys and I love her an infinite amount.

I said yesterday my heart was aching and it still is today.

Saturday afternoon Pam-Maw had a stroke.

Things do not look good right now. I have received so much information about her condition the words continually swirl around in my head. Hanging there waiting to be processed.

I don't want to absorb any information. I don't want to think about what lies ahead. I also know I need to.

Right now I am being selfish. Want her here. I want my boys to continue to go to her house. To walk in and say hey Pam-Maw it's just us.

I want to call her on the phone and hear her voice. That is also something I might not hear again, her sweet voice. I am not ready for that.

My heart is full of love for her.

I am being selfish.

I want the boys to remember her. To remember how she would always come to their rescue if they were acting up at her house and Hubs and I had to get on to them. Or how she would let them give her countless rides up and down on her lift chair. How she never got tired of all the kisses and hugs the boys would lavish on her. She would just soak it up and say they were the best kisses and hugs.

While I am being selfish, I also know this is God's plan and I have to trust in him. Even her ICU nurse said God is in control.

So even thought I am turning my fears over to God. Even though I still want to be selfish, I am trusting in the Lord.

I pray he holds Pam-Maw close to his side and gives her and us the comfort and strength we need.

Merry after Christmas

I hope everyone had a terrific Christmas.

Ours was simply wonderful. I have never seen wrapping paper fly so fast off presents as I did that morning. Nor have I seen smiles so big.

But today my heart is aching. I can't seem to get the swirl of words running around in my head into a cohesive thought. I need time to process them.

So I am leaving you with a few pictures of Christmas morning.

A Savior is born

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

Merry Christmas, y'all, Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas

Yup, I'm still on bacation.

Just had to post some pictures of this past weekend.

We had the best time at my parents house and then at SIL's the next night for our family Christmas.

R8 got so much stuff that I don't know if Santa will have anything left to bring. But the highlight of the weekend was when R3 received his beloved John Deer tractor and trailer.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday with your families. I pray we all pause to remember the birth of Jesus, for He is the reason we truly celebrate.

Merry Christmas y'all!

I'm on bacation

That's right, I'm on baaaacation!!

For as long as I can remember we have always called it bacation instead of vacation.

I think my brother could never say it right and it just stuck.

When ever my dad, brother or I go on vacation we always call the other two and tell them we are on baaacation.

I haven't taken a full week off at Christmas time since I started working for my company six years ago. R8 made the comment a while ago that Hubs is always the one off with him and he wanted me to be off too.

And after I thought about it he was right. So I took his request to heart and now I am on baaacation.

So my posting might be a little sporadic this week. I want to try and spend as much time with my family as I possibly can. But who knows I say this and watch, I will have a post up everyday.

Have a great week and I will be back for sure with a post for Christmas.

Family Christmas

I am already tired from the weekend and it is only Friday!

We have a very busy weekend ahead of us. Non stop excitement is the plan.

Tonight we are officially kicking off the Christmas season in our house by finally putting up our tree. We are having pizza for dinner and turning up the Christmas carols so the fun can begin.

I know secretly Hubs is kinda grateful we are just now getting back in our house. He doesn't have to put all the lights up outside.

Saturday we are traveling to Houston to spend the day with my family and have Christmas with them.

My dad loves to have a big meal before the ripping of the wrapping paper commences. Then if he doses off while the kids are playing with their new toys he feels he hasn't missed a thing.

Sunday we are traveling to my SIL's house for Christmas with Hubs' side of the family.

I love going over there for Christmas. We always have a multitude of chips and salsa. She and I reserve an entire bowl of black olives just for us. Sorry family. We. Don't. Share. Our. Olives.

All the while BIL is playing bar tender and getting us so happy and mellow, we don't care the kids are screaming to open gifts.

So after SIL and I sink into her sofa, the kids play for the rest of the afternoon with their new loot.

And maybe just maybe she and I might break out with a song about being reunited and it feels so good.

Maybe.

The Pledge of Allegiance

This is R3's first year to attend pre-school.

At first I was worried he might be to young but he loves it and is doing great.

He is learning so many new things.

Last night he blurted out the Pledge of Allegiance

Here is his version...

I pledge allegiance to my flag of the United States of America, and to Rebublic for which it stands: one Nation for God, indavisible, With Libertay and Justice forall.

It was so cute to listen to him. I called my mother in law and let him recite this for her. She said it brought back sweet memories of Hubs when he was just barely 3 going with his grand-daddy every day for a walk and stopping at the fire station so he could recite to the firemen The Pledge.

The other cute part was when Hubs asked him where his hand goes when we say The Pledge of Allegiance, R3 said over your heart. And then put his hand over his throat.

Hubs corrected him and showed him where his hand should go.

Once I find my video recorder I am going to get R3 to recite it for me.

I know Grand-daddy is smiling down from Heaven feeling proud.

Movin' on up

To that deluxe apartment in the sky.

Not really because we are not George and Weezie.

But we are moving, around the corner and down the street. Back into our house. Well actually we moved back already.

I can't not begin to even explain how wonderful it feels to be back home. There is no place like home. I am even more thrilled to be back before Christmas.

We are putting up our tree and stockings. And I hate to say it but everything else will just stay packed away till next year.

Hubs and I are very thankful for our dear friends J & S. They have been so sweet to open their home and let us stay with them. All four of us.

I know we all had our doubts that we would make it out of this with our friendship intact. And while we all had our moments, we did it.

I also know with all my heart that if the roles had been reversed, I would have done the exact same thing for them never giving it a second thought.

S had told me numerous times, She and J haven't done anything spectacular or note worthy, but in my eyes they have.

It's hard to merge families together when each person has their own personalities and a different way of doing things. But we did it.

So again, Thank you J & S , to you and your family.

I love you, my family loves you and God bless you!

Almost done

I am almost done Christmas shopping.

The boys are done, thankfully. I have few small gifts to get and most of those are gift cards.

You have no idea how this was stressing me out, not even having one gift bought. The top of my closet now looks like it could all come down at any minute.

But I am feeling better and ready for a marathon wrapping session.

R8 asked for the usual, Nintendo DS games but he completely shocked me when he asked for books.

I couldn't get them fast enough. So he will be the proud owner of the Magic Tree House series on Christmas day.

R3 has told me he wants Geo Trax besides his beloved John Deer Tractor. Good because Santa took his request to heart and he is going to receive a ton of them.

Hubs has asked for a flat screen monitor for his computer and I have had some lengthy conversations with Santa. But since he reads this little blog-o-mine, I can't reveal anything.

As for me, I wanted was to be back in my house and I am getting that wish.

What do all of you want for Christmas?

Carpet and bare feet

Today is carpet day!

Y-Y-Y-I-I-I-P-P-P-P-P-P-Y-Y-Y-!-!-!

Can you tell I am just a little excited.

And I know it's a lame excuse but if I could figure out where I put my camera, I would take pictures of the crew installing the new carpet. But my camera has eluded me since it snowed.

And because I really didn't want to lay down in the wet snow the other day to make a snow angel, maybe I will make a carpet angel.

Hmmm, maybe not.

Christmas tour of homes, don't forget

Hey y'all don't forget about Boo Mama's Christmas tour of homes on Monday.

Check out her blog for more information.

Now get those cameras ready because you have no excuse since you have the weekend to take pictures.

And because I don't have much else.

Have a great weekend!

Let it snow let it snow let it snow

***UPDATE***

IT SNOWED!!!! I can't believe it but it did! We got a total of 4-6 inches. Check out the pictures.

Here is our forecast for today/last night.

...A BLAST OF WINTER COMES TO SOUTHEAST TEXAS...

A COLD AFTERNOON IS ON TAP WITH LITTLE CHANGE IN TEMPERATURES EXPECTED. AT 11 AM TEMPERATURES WERE RUNNING 34 TO 39 DEGREES ACROSS THE REGION. NORTHWEST WINDS OF 10 TO 20 MPH...STRONGER NEAR THE COAST WILL MAKE TEMPERATURES FEEL LIKE 25 TO 37 MOST OF THE AFTERNOON. THE WINDS OVER SOUTHEAST TEXAS SHOULD BEGIN TO RELAX LATE THIS AFTERNOON DIMINISHING TO AROUND 10 MPH INLAND. AN UPPER LEVEL LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL MOVE ACROSS THE REGION LATE THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING BRINGING THE POSSIBILITY OF ANY LIGHT RAIN CHANGING OVER TO LIGHT SNOW AND OR A MIX OF LIGHT SNOW AND RAIN. THE SNOW SHOULD BE LIGHT AND VERY LITTLE IS EXPECTED TO ACCUMULATE ON ANY SURFACE OTHER THAN IN FIELDS... YARDS...AND ON THE TOPS OF CARS. NO SNOW IS EXPECTED TO COLLECT ON ROADS.

Snow, who would have thought. Just a few months ago it was 327*. (freakin' hot) Now it's freezing.

Don't you just love Mother Nature's sense of humor?

R8 and R3 didn't have their gloves at J & S's house so they are wearing socks on their hands. I was thinking like that is going to keep them warm. It really didn't matter though they both had so much fun!

And just so the few of you who read this, don't think I wasn't out in to. I was the nut out in it at 1AM. And here is the proof. Please remember it is 1AM and I had already washed my face and been in my pj's ready for sleep.

Kissin' up to Grandma

Last week I posted about R3 and his lack of wanting anything for Christmas.

Well all of that has changed.

My MIL and SIL kept the boys for me so Hubs and I could paint.

While they were in the their care, they asked them what they wanted from Santa. R3 tells them he wants a John Deer tractor with a trailer.

SSSCCCRRREEEEEECCCHHH!!!!

Did I hear what I think I just heard. R3 wants presents? They both told me all weekend he kept saying he wanted a tractor and trailer.

On Sunday I decided to ask for myself just to see what his answer would be. And here is how it went down.

Me: R3, what do you want from Santa?

R3: I want a John Deer tractor with a trailer.

Me: Are you sure?

R3: Yes, that is all I want.

Me: What if Santa doesn't bring that.

R3: Then I don't want anything.

Well my MIL and SIL have decided to buy him a John Deer Tractor with a trailer for Christmas. My MIL saw one that is just his size. Thank goodness Christmas would be tragic at our house if we didn't have a John Deer tractor with a trailer.

And here is why they decided to buy him one.

MIL/SIL: R3 what do you want for Christmas?

R3: A John Deer tractor with a trailer

MIL/SIL: What if Santa doesn't bring you that?

R3: Santa can do anything!

Guess he is learing early, if you are nice to Grandma she will buy you just about anything!

My music has been hijacked

I'm not much on reality TV but I got hooked on the past season of American Idol. So much so that toward the end my friend D and I would talk about it every week.

D sent me the new David Archuleta CD that came out a few weeks ago. It hasn't been out of my CD player since.

I know, I took out Travis Cotrell's Ring the Bells.

I have played it over and over. Every song is just so good.

I have played it so much that my kids call him David Enchilada. Not cool kids, not cool. It has now become a game we play. I call him Archuleta and they call him Enchilada.

I have played him so much that R8 is threatening to hold my CD for ransom.

So if you watched American Idol you know how great David sounds. And if you haven't bought the CD, you should.

So how much is to much to pay for a CD that I got for free, which I now love, that my oldest child will more than likely swipe and hold until I pay him?

Street legal again, kinda

Hubs got a ticket the other day.

Not for speeding, that would be me who would get that ticket. He received a ticket for an expired inspection sticker.

It wasn't just recently expired either, it was expired from September 2007.

He was turning left onto another street and the cop was turning left in the opposite direction, so Hubs had to pass right in front of him.

And since the nice small town cop had nothing better to do, he turned around and pulled Hubs over and gave him a little green piece of paper telling him he needs to appear before the judge on or before December 12th.

Now I didn't even tell Hubs "I told you so" or "I have reminded you several times". I just said we would take care of it, meaning "I" would take care of it.

Wednesday, I took his car to a gas station that still has a mechanic on duty and a full service pump and had them inspect Hubs' car.

He nice mechanic took the car drove it around, pulled it in the stall, and did the flashers, and all the other inspection stuff.

Then he tells me my insurance card is expired. Huh? I look and sure enough, it went out in October.

GREAT!

I drive back to work, log on to the insurance company, print out a new card and then drive back to the gas station.

The mechanic then puts the window sticker letting everyone know it now expires 12 of 2009.

So now that Hubs' car is street legal again, I realize I sent in my license plate renewal to the county with the same insurance card. Expired and all.

And just in case I get pulled over, does anyone know if crying still works?

Progress at its finest

Progress is being made at our house. Woo Hoo! I will say it again. Woo Hoo!

The paint is sitting in my garage and the painters will be there next week.

Hubs and I are painting this weekend. We have to paint the hall way and R8's bedroom. Those were the only things not covered by insurance. But that's OK.

The carpet is here and in the warehouse waiting for the installers to put it in and that is scheduled for the 15th.

I have to give a shout out to my contractor who is trying his hardest to make sure we are back in the house for Christmas.

Thank you Mike and to all the workers at Carter & Company!!!!

And thank you to all of my friends, live and in person and the ones on my computer who have listen to ramble endlessly about a stinkin' hurricane named Ike and my house.

Love y'all!!!

My Santa leverage is gone

I picked up R3 from school yesterday and when we got in the car he had a melt down.

I still don't know what caused the melt down but the screaming and yelling at his mama were not on my list of acceptable things to do.

So I told him he needed to stop pitchin' a fit and tell me what he wanted.

His answer was a very sharp NO.

I reminded him that Santa was coming in a few weeks and he needed to be on his best behavior because you never know when he or his elves might show up.

And here is how the conversation went after that.

R3: I don't want any presents!

Me: You don't want presents from Santa?

R3: NO! I don't want anything!

Me: Not even a new bike or a John Deer tractor toy?

R3: NO, Nothing!

Me: OK, I will call Santa and tell him.

R3: F-I-N-E-!-!

So since the Santa threat is gone, I am wondering if his birthday, which is next month, would work as new leverage.

No good behavior, no birthday cake.

I doubt it knowing R3. He would probably just say he wants ice cream.

Hubs the animal killer warrior

As you know we are staying with our friends J and S while our house is being remodeled from Hurricane Ike.

The other night we were all sitting around the table and J comes in and states very calmly to S that there is a possum in the garage.

I jump up wanting to see this furry creature up close and their oldest daughter M come running with me.

We look out the door that leads into the garage but can’t see anything because of the cars. Just about that time Hubs and R8 come in the side door from basketball practice and ask what we are doing.

S and I tell him J is out in the garage trying to kill a possum before it kills their cat.

So Hubs walks out into the garage to check out the situation.

J has got it cornered up against the brick trying to figure out to kill it with the shovel. Hubs ask for the shovel. He walks right up to it and smacks it.

Not once but three times. Just to make sure it is dead. Yes the poor possum met its fate in our friends’ garage that night. J even said something to the effect that Hubs took out the days frustrations on the possum.

Hubs then scooped it onto the shovel and he and his partner in crime walk out to the field behind their house and dump it.

Yup, they dumped the possum right there in the field. The killers then tell us that some other kind of animal will eat the now dead possum.

I don’t know about you but I feel so much safer with Hubs and J around. Never know when we might need their skillz to kill a snake or mouse or even worse an armadillo.

Just kidding Hubs and J, I appreciate all you did, because I sure couldn’t have done it.

My heart is still a little heavy

Yesterday I attended a funeral. I have attended a few funerals in my time but today my heart is still saddened by this one.

Jacob Langston, the son of a former co-worker was killed this past Wednesday.

Jacob was only 17. He was in an accident with an 18 wheeler.

Tammy, his mom, got up and spoke during the service. I don't know how in the world this woman could do this. I would be on the floor in a pile.

While the service was beautiful and filled with a ton of flowers and high school students, the one thought that kept coming to my mind was a parent should not have to bury their child. A parent should never have to go through that.

Please pray for this family. Their road ahead is long. I pray God will give them the peace and comfort they need.

December 1st

I can not believe today is December 1st!

I like to be done Christmas shopping by this time so I can sit back and enjoy the holiday.

But this year, I haven't even started. I need to get on the ball.

I am also still stuffed from Thanksgiving. Which by the way, I hope everyone had a great holiday.

So are any of you done shopping yet? Or do you wait until the last minute? Something about being under pressure to find a present doesn't sit well with me.

Usually everything is bought and I spend the first weekend in December wrapping it all.

So this year if you see me cruising the mall on December 23rd, just point me in the direction of Bath and Body Works.

You can never wrong with great smelly lotions, or body sprays, or bath bubbles, or.....

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving.

We are going to the lake to spend Thanksgiving with my in-laws.

We have a great time at the lake. When we turn onto their street the boys always say, "This is where the fun begins!"

We also have a tradition, once the blessing is said each person takes a turn and says one thing which they are thankful for.

While I am thankful for several things every year, this year I am truly thankful for all of my bloggy friends.

Each of you has blessed me in one way or another this year. You have encouraged me, lifted me up, and given me a shoulder to cry on.

Thank you friends.

I pray you have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your family and loved ones.

Being a working parent stinks

This week is the crazy scheduling of school Thanksgiving dinners and activities.

This past week, R8 had his Thanksgiving school lunch for the parents on Tuesday and R3 had his on Thursday.

Being an outside the home working mother, it gets hard to pick and choose which functions to attend.

I have a great boss who lets me leave when needed to take care of things for my boys but I never want to over step the boundary of asking off to much.

This is where being a working parent stinks!

It is always a hard decision to make. I don't want to hurt my child's feelings or for them to be the one with out a parent at a function.

I have seen the look on the children's faces whose parents don't come and it breaks my heart.

So I told both boys that I would try my best to come to each ones dinner. I ended up going to R8's and when I walked in the classroom, he had his head in his hands with a pitiful look on his face waiting to see if someone would show up.

His face lit up and was so excited I was there. It made me glad I went.

Thursday came and I just couldn't get away to go to R3's party. I had a 2pm deadline and I didn't take lunch just to get it finished in time.

Hubs ended up going to R3's party and he was just as excited to see him as he would have been to see me. I on the other hand still felt bad I wasn't there. I know Hubs has just as an important role as I do, but I'm the mom! I wanted to be there.

What I want to know is how do other mother's do it? I know I can't do it all but I could use some advice.

Quit grawlin' like an ol' barre

One night this past week Hubs and I were flipping through the TV channels and came a cross one of my favorite movies.

The Coal Miner’s Daughter.

I love this movie. It is one of those that I could watch over and over and recite every line.

Other movies I could do this with would be….
Sixteen Candles
Can’t Buy Me Love
An Affair to Remember
The Parent Trap (old and new version)

Anyway, Hubs made the comment he had never seen The Coal Miner’s Daughter and so from that point on the TV never changed channels.

I also know how he hates it when I spew out the coming line or even better when I talk with the actor when they are saying their lines.

So in honor of his first viewing, I kept my mouth shut. Oh it was hard but so worth it.

Y'all I love Lorettie’s accent when she is talking to Doo or her mama and daddy. I also love the one liners she constantly says during the entire movie.

For those of you who have seen this movie you know exactly what I am talking about.

The movie is based on the life of the first lady of country music, Loretta Lynn. It is truly a touching and amazing story.

She is always telling Doo to quit grawlin’ like and ol’ barre or saying daag gumit Doo.
Great I tell you, great.

Loretta grew up in a town called Butcher Holler. I never knew there was such a place till I saw this movie. I grew up in big city Houston and Butcher Holler is tiny city rural.

Speaking of rural, did you know that UPS considers College Station, TX rural?

(Did you just totally get that transition?)

I mean the home of Texas A&M University. Home of the 12th Man. Home to one of the nations top universities. Home of the Aggies! Gig Em'

Please, rural, I don’t think so.

I had to ship fire alarm plans for the company I work for to the Fire Marshal in College Station and they had to be overnighted.

So when I went to UPS and asked for overnight delivery I asked if they could be there at 8AM, because I know this a new option they are offering.

The nice sales lady said they didn’t offer the 8AM delivery because it was in a rural area.
Now I don’t know how many of you have ever been to College Station, but is anything but rural.

I don’t see how a city with a university the size of Texas A&M could be consider rural, but whatever.

So the only option I had was delivery by 10:30AM. So I jumped on that and sent the plans off.

The great news in all of this was the plans were delivered by 10AM.

And the Fire Marshal approved the plans so we can start working on a new multi story apartment complex designed in the shape of a horseshoe, with its very own multi story parking garage. And it’s very own mini shopping center right in the middle. Complete with gas station, grocery store, work out complex, and laundry service. Kind of like its very own city.

So if College Station is considered rural, what would this new state of the art apartment complex be considered?

Borrowed blog award

Jules from The Roost is an incredible woman.

She is always so encouraging and uplifting. Not to mention beautiful.

She comments on my blog often and I love reading what she has to say.

She won two blog awards this week and passed them on to all of her readers because she couldn't pick "just a few".

Since it's Friday and I am kind of lacking an idea for today's post, I totally borrowed this award.








Thanks, Jules.

With this award comes a list of questions to answer with just one word. Here are my responses.

1. Where is your cell phone? purse
2. Where is your significant other? school
3. Your hair color? brown
4. Your mother? Pam-maw's
5. Your father? home
6. Your favorite thing? family
7. Your dream last night? peaceful
8. Your dream/goal? devoted
9. The room you’re in? office
10. Your hobby? blogging
11. Your fear? loss
12. Where do you want to be in six years? vacation
13. Where were you last night? friends
14. What you’re not? fake
15. One of your wish list items? trip
16. Where you grew up? Texas
17. The last thing you did? eat
18. What are you wearing? clothes
19. Your T.V.? off
20. Your pet? none
21. Your computer? Mac
22. Your mood? there
23. Missing someone? grandma
24. Your car? SUV
25. Something you’re not wearing? heels
26. Favorite store? hhhmmmmmm....
27. Your Summer? blast
28. Love someone? yes
29. Your favorite color? navy
30. When is the last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? weeks

And since I too, can't pick just a few bloggers, please feel free to take this award for a great way to start the weekend.

A Christmas give away

The wonderfully talented Yvette at The Charm House is having a give away.

I can't even begin to describe all of the amazing things she has made. Just one look at her blog and you will have to agree.

When God was handing out creativity, she was the first in line.

I have been on the receiving end of her gifts and I love them all.

So go check out her blog and see the cool thing she is giving away and leave her a comment. I know she will appreciate it.

An early Christmas present

Hubs gave me an early Christmas present. Even though we said we weren't going to exchange gifts between us this year he couldn't resist.

A while ago I was reading a post by Shannon for this.

I immediately fell in love with it and proceeded to talk about it for the next week.

We are out of the baby stage in my house and there are no plans for going back there either. But I loved the idea of using it for my lap top.

I like to sit in the recliner and work on the computer but the darn thing always gets so freakin' hot that I have to put a million blankets over my legs. Then I get hot and have to kick them off only to have to put them back on. It's a vicious cycle.

So this pillow was the perfect answer.

Hubs ordered the pillow for me and didn't tell me until a few days before it arrived. I hugged his neck, glad to see all of the subtle hints I gave during the week worked.

So on the day it was to arrive I was super pumped. But it never came. For some reason or another it went back to Heather at the Blessed Nest.

Heather is wonderful! She kept apologizing to Hubs for the inconvenience. And because it ended up being a few more days till I actually got the pillow, she threw in another cover.

How is that for customer service? I will never have to wait to use my pillow because the cover is dirty and being washed.

The pillow is terrific! If you know anyone who uses a laptop computer or is expecting a baby, this would be the perfect gift.

The only problem I am having right now with mine is I never get to use it. R8 takes it and snuggles with it. And I have to wait till he is asleep to pry it from his grasp.

Paying it forward

Beachy Mimi, who by the way has a heart as big as the world and is so funny she will have you rolling on the floor laughing, had a give away going on a while back for Thanksgiving and I won!

I couldn't believe it. I was so excited. I love to win, anything really. It's the thrill of the win that gets me.

Anyway, she was giving away two $50.00 gift cards to Walmart. TWO!

One for you to keep for yourself and one to pass on. Pay it forward she said. She also said be in prayer for a specific need to give your card to.

So I did just that. I prayed and asked God to lay on my heart what to do with the gift card I had won.

I prayed for several days and then all at once God answered me. He said ask Hubs. He teaches school and would surely know a family that could use a $50.00 gift card this time of year.

And I did just that.

I told him about how I wanted a child who might not usually experience the holidays the way we do, to have a chance at possibly making one of their dreams come true. To have food for Thanksgiving or presents at Christmas.

He said that was a wonderful idea and would ask the school counselor if she knew of a family that could use a little help this year.

The catch on my part was I wanted the gift to be completely anonymous. I didn't want this family to feel obligated to thank us or worse to feel embarrassed if they saw us in the hall at school.

So Friday morning Hubs brought the gift card to school and approached the counselor. God has such perfect timing. PERFECT TIMING!

The counselor had said just that morning a family was put before her who were in need of some help.

It was a family of four whose out look for the holiday season wasn't very bright and they were struggling.

See God's perfect timing? He amazes me every day.

He provided me with the win from Beachy Mimi to provide this family with a little hope.

When Hubs called me and told me the story two things happened.
1. I got chills, big fat goose bumps.
2. I felt blessed.

I know the economy is in the toilet right now. And everyone seems to be pinching pennies.

But I am asking all of you to find some way to pay it forward. Whether it be a gift card for $10.00. Or volunteering at a soup kitchen. Maybe donating old coats and blankets to a homeless shelter.

Give to some one who could truly use your blessing this time of year.

Pay it forward. You won't regret it and in return you will be the one who is blessed.

Give me a break

OK last time I talk about politics, for a while. But this one I couldn't resist.

Why not just call them by their real names.

It's not like they just didn't tell the entire world!

Geeezzzz.

Ring The Bells

A few weeks ago Big and Boo had a give away on their blogs for the new Travis Cottrell CD, Ring The Bells.

I entered but didn't win. And that's OK because I said if I didn't win I was going to buy the CD anyway.

Last night I did, and OH MY GOSH!!!!

It is completely A-M-A-Z-I-N-G ! ! !

I love the songs Ring The Bells, and Once More. Those songs give me shivers and bring tears to my eyes.

So if you have never heard of Travis (Can't imagine anyone not hearing of him) or even if you have but don't have this CD, run, RUN and go buy it.

Oh and Lifeway has it on sale right now for $10.00

Run I tell you, run.

I hope there are no spiders

Construction on the inside of my house started on Monday.

I went home after work and this is what I saw when I walked through the door.

I am excited about the progress that was made. The sheet rock was in the garage already but I forgot to take a picture of all the pallets.

It was very humbling to walk into my home and see the roof boards. No ceiling, no insulation, nothing!

And truth be told, attics completely freak me out.

I won't even go in ours. I will stand on the ladder with a broom and flip on the light before I will even think of poking my head up beyond the landing.

Something about the thought of spiders crawling around or even worse sliding down a web string and landing on my head.

The images of the movie Arachnophobia run rampant in my head.

I don't do spiders of any shape, size, or color.

No way! No how! Not happening! Not now! Not ever!

Did I mention I don't like spiders?

The big time

R8 has reached the big time.

He is now a bus rider at school.

We live outside the school district lines but Hubs teaches in the district and as perk our children get to attend school there.

Hubs takes R8 to school every morning and has since he started kindergarten. Usually R8 goes to after school care at the daycare where R3 goes.

After much discussion Hubs and I decided that R8 can ride the bus to the middle school when school lets out to meet him while he coaches basketball. Also our friend S graciously said she would pick him up for us if we ever needed her to. That would be very convenient for me as we are staying with them right now.

Yesterday was the first day for him to ride the bus and I must say I was very nervous. I always rode the bus when I was in school and this really shouldn't have been a big deal. It wasn't a big deal for R8, he was excited. Me, not so much.

I didn't want him getting on the wrong bus. I didn't want the older kids to have a bad influence on R8. We all know kids can be cruel and I didn't want that for my child.

Also we had a family tragedy a few years ago that has left a deep scar regarding bus riding.

So I really had to pray about this. I had to turn all of my anxiety and fear over to God. I had to give him complete and total control. I admit, it took some effort all day.

While I knew deep in heart God would cover R8 and take care of him, it's the mama in me that wanted to micro manage.

But in the midst of my struggle God provided me with peace and proof that he is in control. He had his hand all over the situation.

R8 arrived safely to Hubs. And the message Hubs texted me said this...

He is here. Powers out!

Thank you to our veteran's

Happy Veteran's Day!

Today is a day to remember all of the men and women who fought or are fighting for our country.

Today is a day to remember all that these individuals have sacrificed for me and for you.

Each and every veteran, in the front line, behind the scenes gave of them self for our nation.

Today is a day to thank each one of them, from past wars to current wars. A day to pray for them and their families.

I am completely humbled when I think about all they have given to me and my family.

Thank you veterans!! May God always bless you!!

Stocking and stitches

When R3 was just a few months shy of turning two we made our first trip to the Emergency Room.

We had managed to avoid this adventure with R8, but R3, I have a feeling this won't be the first and last visit to the ER.

Hubs and I decided we were going to try something new for Thanksgiving that year and we weren't going to be home that weekend.

I have always decorated the house for Christmas on Thanksgiving weekend, and I really wanted to keep with that tradition. So I decorated the weekend before.

I put the wreaths on the doors, pulled the tree out of its box and fluffed it up. I put out the stocking holders and put our stockings on them. I put out the trees and lights that go in each boys room. And then put out all of my other Christmas decorations.

R8 had gone off to his room to play, Hubs was at the computer, and I was still making sure everything was exactly where I wanted it, when I heard the most excruciating sound to any mothers ears.

R3 let out a blood curling scream like I have never heard before.

I turned around to see him standing in front of the fire place with blood running down his face.

Me, being the calm, cool, and collected one, oh wait that would be Hubs. I PANICKED!!!

I started to scream and then R3 screamed louder and Hubs literally had to take over. Something about the blood and the howling freaked me out.

Hubs scoops up R3 brings him into the kitchen and sets him on the counter, while I try to grab the boo-boo Spiderman from the freezer at the same time I am trying to get a cold wash cloth from the sink.

Hubs wipes R3's face to see where the blood was coming from and looks at me and says he is going to need stitches.

What? What did you say? Stitches?? No, I can't do stitches, I can barely do this.

Oh the other thing I forgot to mention, we were in our PJ's, all four of us.

We tell R8 to get dressed, Hubs gets dressed, then I get dressed and then I try to get R3 dressed. I put a long sleeve shirt on him and some jeans. Grab my purse and we all pile into the car.

I try to put R3 in his car seat but the stupid thing won't latch. I was the stupid one, I put both of R3's legs into one leg of his jeans.

I know I have skillz!. So right there in the garage I strip him down, while blood is still trickling down his face and fix the jeans issue.

OK, all fixed and off we go. Hubs drives because I can barely keep my self together and there was no way I was driving a car while my baby was in the back seat bleeding.

The entire 10 minute trip to the hospital, I am praying he does not need stitches and thinking Child Protective Services is going to come to my house and investigate our family. Great!

We park the car and walk into the ER. I hate the ER. Totally creeps me out being there. We check in and the nice clerk tells us we need to walk across the street to the minor care facility, because the ER is completely booked and it might be hours before we are admitted let alone see a doctor.

So, Hubs grabs R8's hand, I am carrying R3 and we walk out the door and head over to minor care.

It is at the point I realize three things. 1.) it's about 50* out side and R3 has no jacket and no shoes. 2.) None of us have jackets. 3.) I forgot the diaper bag!

When you have a baby, or un-potty trained child, YOU NEVER FORGET THE DIAPER BAG!

I am starting to feel like a horrible mother. I let my child get smacked in the head, I forget to dress him and the rest of my family properly and I FORGOT THE DIAPER BAG!

We get checked in, pay our ER copay and sit down to wait. I figure since R3 wasn't even 2 yet we might get back quick, you know being a baby and all.

W-R-O-N-G !!!

We had to wait almost 3 hours. By this time the bleeding had stopped and actually started to coagulate. He is acting fine, babbling and laughing, while I am a complete nut case.

We get back to see the doctor, he checks him out and says yes he will need three stitches. I say are you sure he needs three stitches? My child, stitches?

Yes ma'am he will need stitches. Oh and by the way what hit him an anvil?

OK, I think I can do this, breathe, I can do this. OK go ahead stitch him up.

The nurse comes in to prep R3 and puts him in what looks like a straight jacket for children only it's red and there aren't any sleeves for your arms. She wraps him this contraption and says to me, OK mom hold his legs down we are going to give him a shot to numb the area.

OK, I think I can do this, breathe, I can do this. OK give him the shot.

The nurse gives the shot, and then the screaming, and louder screaming. OK wait I can't do this, Hubs it's your turn. The whole time all of this is going on R8 is asking us if he can stay in the room to watch.

The doctors say sure if it's OK with your parents. Hubs immediately says yes. R8 plops himself down in a chair and is completely engrossed. I would like to say it was brotherly support but he thought all that doctor stuff was cool.

Me, I ended up out in the hallway pacing up and down like and expectant father.

I hear my name and think it's over and I can hold my baby, but it's not over. Hubs got to hot under the lamp over the bed and needs to come out of the room. And they need me.

OK, I think I can do this, breathe, I can do this. OK continue stitching up my child.

The darn procedure takes about 5 minutes, but to me it felt like 5 bazillion hours. Doctor says, OK you can go home.

So four hours and three stitches later we pile back into the car and get home at almost 1AM. Once home everyone gets back into their PJ's and off to bed. Except me, I put R3 in bed with us and watched him the entire night. I couldn't sleep. I watched him sleep peacefully all night. I was trying to redeem myself and find someone else to take the Bad Mother of the Year award.

Oh and here is what hit R3 square in the face right between the eyes. Yup right between the eyes.

A silver snowflake stocking holder that weighs just over 8lbs. And it has all of those pointy edges. See why I deserved the Bad Mother of the Year award.

It could have been much worse. So much worse. I am STILL trying to redeem myself.

Now when I put out the stockings, the holders don't even come out of the box. The stockings are now taped to the top of the mantel. I really don't think I have anything to worry about but I am not taking any chances.

Oh y'all to top that off. Exactly one month later....

R3 trips over Hubs' foot in the dining room and smacks his mouth on one of our solid wood chairs.

Yes more blood, and yes more screaming. Yes more visions of Child Protective Services coming to my house. He splits the outside of his mouth right where your mouth attaches itself to your bottom gum line and the inside of his mouth just to the left of that.

But this time after phone call with the pediatrician, no trip to the Emergency Room/Minor Care, and I remained calm, cool, and collected.

Sort of.