The post where I just ramble about nothing

So I have several things to say to but it will all come out as if I am rambling about nothing. So maybe if I make a list it won't be so bad.

1. Have I mentioned how excited I am about baseball? R1 has a double header on Saturday. He plays at 4 and 6. My nephew is also playing at 4. He's two years older. It should be fun to be at the same ball park and watching them both. My in-laws are coming in and a friend is also coming to watch R1. The funny thing about the friend is R2 is in love with her. She's beautiful and very sweet. Nice to know R2 has a thing for blonds and older women. Anyone who wants to sit in the cold to watch her friends son play baseball is an angel! Thanks Shana!!!

2. I am also excited about this tote bag I ordered from Lands End. I have loved Lands End for years. They have the best stuff. I have a shirt I bought from them, kid you not, 10yrs ago and it still looks just like I bought it yesterday. The red is still so bright. Their swim suits are FABULOUS! I have two and they have lasted through the lake water and the chlorine water. But another plus is they retain their shape. And no I'm not being paid for this endorsement. But if they came knocking on my door, I wouldn't turn them down.

3. I'm ready for Spring Break. I'm ready to just hang out with my family and not have any where to go or any schedule to keep.

4. I've been thinking about one of my bloggy friends this week. She has moved into a new home. I hope she got everything unpacked and put away. I hope she enjoys her new house and all of the wonderful memories she and her husband will have.

5. When I start griping in a few months about how freaking hot it is, please remind of how cold it has been. And while we don't have nearly the amount of snow as Rebeckah. And she is such an awesome mom for letting the kids play to their hearts content!

OK, I know it was pretty bad but thanks for letting me ramble.

Y'all have a great weekend and GO STORM!!!

I didn't think my singing was that bad

Do you think he was trying to tell us something?

This was from R2 birthday party. We were singing happy birthday to him.

I didn't think we did a bad job, but apparently he thought other wise.

Thunder Storm

Take me out the ball game, take me out to the crowd. Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks.

Sorry, I got carried away.

It's baseball season, FINALLY. R1 has his first tournament this weekend and I couldn't be more excited. We have only been practicing since November 1st.

And while the weather will be cold, we will have sunshine all day! Thank goodness because the cloudy days are just about to put me into a serious depression.

Anyway, R2 had baseball tryouts this past weekend and he did great! I was so proud of him. He caught well, hit well, and ran fast.

Hubs and I got a call yesterday from his coach. Telling us what our team name is, when we practice, and who else is on our team.

Here is the baseball practice schedule for our house.

Mondays - R2
Tuesdays - R1
Wednesdays - R1
Thursdays - R2
Fridays - open
Weekends - Tournaments and Games

And just so you know I missed typed R1 and R2 each and every time. I had to go back and erase and retype.

But here is the best part, team names.

Since November we have known that R1 is The Storm. And we found out the other day R2 is The Thunder.

So get ready Southeast Texas here comes a THUNDER STORM!!!

Big Duke

Saturday was such a beautiful day! The sunshine and I were like long lost friends. I enjoyed being outside all day and feeling the warmth on my face.

Anyway, Hubs' and I took the boys and Cookie for a walk/bike ride in the afternoon.

As we walked down one street, we came upon a house that had a black lab laying on the drive way soaking up the sun. As we approached the dog stood up and started to follow us.

R2 decided after several blocks to start calling the dog Duke. He kept calling Duke to follow us, and follow us he did. All the way back to our house.



R2 said Duke was his best friend and he was going to keep him in our back yard so he could play fetch with him.

Duke made himself right at home in our garage. He nosed around and then plopped himself down right by the back door. I finally sent him outside and shut the garage door, thinking he would go back to his own house. But Duke never did leave. He moved himself to the back porch and chased Cookie around when I let her outside.

I really wish I would have thought to video this next part, but once again my missed the chance. I wonder if I'll ever get the photo op thing right.

Here's what happened...

I got in my car, opened the garage, started the car, rolled down the windows, backed out, called Duke and he came over and started to follow me.

I pulled out of the drive way and drove down the street. All the while calling Duke. Duke was such a good dog, he followed me back to his house. All seven blocks!

I pulled up to his house and stopped at the end of the driveway. Duke walked up to my car and I told him to "GO HOME!" He walked into the yard and sat down. I told him to "STAY!!" And took off! I think I left some tire rubber on the road.

I made it back home and closed my garage door for the night.

I am also happy to say I haven't seen Duke today. Which means he must be enjoying being back at his own house. R2 thinks we are going to get him and bring him back over here. While Duke was a pretty cool dog, we are only a one dog family at this point. And Cookie was here first!

I'm so dizzy

I'm so dizzy, my head is spinning. No I am not Tom Roe. And no alcohol was involved. This time.

But my head IS spinning and I even feel like my eyes are spinning. I have no idea what the heck is going on with me.

Maybe my sinuses have decided to rebel. Maybe they no longer like the medicine I take or they have had enough of the cold weather.

Who knows but I have a busy weekend and I need to be able to focus.

Any one have any suggestions?

Hope y'all have a great weekend and if you come back Monday and the blog is turned sideways you'll know what happened.

The verdict is in

OK, back to the car saga. Why do car repairs always stress me out. I'll tell you why because they always mean BIG BUCKS, that's why.

And the verdict is in. And it's not great but it could be WAY worse.

Bottom line is the front axle broke. Front left/right CV axle joint to be exact. This would explain why Hubs' car wouldn't go any where. And when it broke it bent something else so now that needs to be fixed too.

So it's getting fixed and yes it was BIG BUCKS but not as bad a needing a new transmission. I'll be blunt here, for the bargain price of one thousand dollars we are receiving the following.

1 new front CV axle joint
1 new oil cover gasket
1 oil change
1 state inspection complete with new sticker

And y'all know that I can handle just about anything, remember this and this. I don't handle car repairs, all they do is make me cry. Which I did on my way Friday to met Hubs' and the boys.

I also prayed and once again, like I knew he would, God provided. He gave me peace and brought a calm like no other can.

So thank you to those who prayed for me and the car trouble. But THANK YOU GOD, for providing for me and family, again, and again, and again.

GOD CAN DO WHAT HE SAYS HE CAN DO!

Honey, it's broken

Friday afternoon, around 4pm, Hubs calls me at work and tells that his car has broken down.

He and the boys were on their way to the bank to get some cash and then take R1 to our alterations lady to have his baseball pants hemmed. He turned into the parking lot of the bank and hears a "POP" and then the car just stops.

So I call our insurance company to see if we have a towing policy. Score there we do. I have them send a tow truck to pick up the car and take it to the dealership. I leave work and go pick up Hubs and the boys.

I also have to give a shout out to our insurance company, Progressive. The first thing they asked me after I told them the car had broken down, was I in a safe place. I just love that. They were concerned about my safety and my familes safety.

While waiting I decide to take R1 to the alterations place since the tow truck was about an hour out. We get that taken care of because his first tournament is at the end of the month. And then we go back and met Hubs to sit and wait.

After we drop the car off, the driver of the tow truck walks over to my car and shows Hubs and I a part that fell of the car and onto the flat bed. He said he was no mechanic but that it didn't look good and brings it into the service department.

Denise is a service rep who has been working at the dealership for years. Every time we have taken one of the cars in she is the one we go to. She is always friendly and up beat. She is polite and concerned about our car trouble. Bottom line is Denise just rocks!

So after a very stressful afternoon, dinner was next on the list. I needed sustenance and a little relaxation.

Sometime this morning they are going to put Hubs' car on the diagnostic machine and figure out what is wrong. It might be the transmission, which equals BIG BUCKS! Or it might be CV-axle joint which is much cheaper.

I asked God to just let it be something that we could afford to fix. And I know it's crazy but I am asking y'all to pray the same. Because to be totally honest we are not in the car market right now.

Thanks bloggy friends y'all are the best!

Laissez les bons temps rouler

It's Mardi Gras time here in Southeast Texas!!! And for those who do not know what Mardi Gras is go here.

The title of the post means "Let the good times roll" and Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday.

There are parades, eating, carnivals, bead throwing, eating, and parties. Did I mention eating.

Hubs loves a good King Cake, and if you have never had one find one and pig out!

So in honor of the weekend and Mardi Gras...LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULER!

Oh you have to say that last part in your best French accent!

The Miser Brothers are at it again

Dear Mother Nature,

Would you please have a talk with your sons, Heat and Snow? The boys are at it again!

Snowy is pulling a fast one on Heat and lately it has been cold here in Southeast Texas. It's not the cold I mind, but the lack of sunshine. I am in desperate need of some good old sun shinning right down on my face. There is something about sunshine and a good mood that just goes hand in hand. And the lack of has had me in a funk.

I know you are busy and have better things to do than referee your boys, but maybe if you could get them to ease up just a bit. I would be forever grateful. And so would my husband.

Thanks bunches!

RRMAMA

Consistently inconsistent

So it seems the only consistent thing around here late in my inconsistency.

I haven't blogged every day like I have wanted to. And it's not like I don't have anything to blog about, I have kids!

I haven't kept up with the laundry. It's bad when your husband tells you, you need to do whites tonight because I only have one sock left. Not one pair but one sock. What happened to the other one? Hello laundry fairy! Where have you gone and when are you coming back?

We had change in our dress code at work. No more putting on a cute shirt and a pair of jeans. And while the dress code is casual, I still can't figure out what to wear each morning.

I have no idea what has happened to my bookkeeping skills. I used to balance the check book every few days. It's been a few weeks. I know how this thing works to, I was in the banking industry for years. But all of a sudden, I hate to do it.

So I am consistently inconsistent, at least I am being consistent about something.

baseball, football, and some good eats

Saturday R1 had a great baseball game. He had 4 RBI's, 3 stolen bases, and went 2 for 3. I was one proud mama!

Sunday was the biggest football game of the season for those of you, actually the three of you who read this blog, know I am not a huge fan of football. But I watched the game anyway. It was good one. I will also be honest and tell you I was cheering for the Colts. But only because Aunt Debbie has a deep and abiding love for Peyton Manning.

I mean New Orleans isn't that far from Southeast Texas and everyone else I know was rooting for the Saints. And while I was sad the Colts lost I was happy for the Saints. They played a good game.

And everyone knows a Superbowl game just isn't a game with out some good food. The boys were both asking for Brushetta and Hubs was asking for Sun Dried Tomato Jam with Crostini. I made both in the morning and by dinner they were gone.

Then Hubs broke out the grill and went to work doing what he does best. We had Rib Eye Steaks, brats, ribs, corn on the cob, baked beans, and mushrooms.

In one word...AWESOME!!

I'm gonna brag on Hubs for a minute. This man can cook! He always has. He can grill anything. He makes some terrific chicken dishes too. As a wife, I love that he likes to cook.

Overall it was just a great weekend.

But I have to ask, who were you rooting for?

Take me out to the ballgame

It is that time of the year again, but we can skip peanuts and Crackerjacks for now.

It's baseball season! I am so excited! If you can't tell by all of the exclamation marks!!! I AM READY!!!!

After months of practicing, actually we have been practicing since November 1st, we finally have our first scrimmage.

It rained here yesterday and I am hoping the fields dry out enough for us to play. Also have I mentioned that it's going to be cold. The high for Saturday is 60!

I'm all set though, I have my zebra print rubber boots, in case the fields are a mud pile. I have my chair so my I have something comfy and warm to sit on. And I have my jacket and gloves.

So all I have left to do say is this....PLAY BALL!!!

Oh and GO STORM!!!

He was grounded

Yesterday R2 had bad day at school. Who am I kidding, he a VERY bad day at school.

He got in trouble during Pre-K and was sent to time out, in the other room. He was rude to the owner of the day care, which I need to clarify, we are friends with. He was mean to another child during nap time. And I think the list goes on but I was so mad after hearing about the first part of the things he did that I had Hubs quit telling me.

So when Hubs got him home he did what any parent would do, he whipped him and sent him to his room.

I thought about having him put on his boots and go in the back yard and pick up sticks, and every few minutes or so recite, "School is the key to my future!" Hey it worked for my nephew. But R2 loves to be outside in the mud picking up sticks with his John Deere tractor. So that was out.

But we did take away his TV privileges and even went to so far as to take away his John Deere tractor toys, which he loves. Because seriously, he is 5 and it's not like I can take away going to the mall with his friends or talking on the phone. That and I doubt he will ever have chatter phone bug like I did, because well he's a boy and boys just don't talk on the phone like girls.

After dinner, he had a bath and went right back to his room. He climbed in the bed and asked me to tuck him in. I did and then I asked him what happened during the day. What had made him behave the way he did.

And here is what that precious child of mine said. " I LOST MY MARBLES!"

I had to fight back laughter so hard. I almost lost it. I just looked at him and nodded my head, the struggled to tell him to go to bed.

I walked out of his room and right out into the garage and laughed till my sides hurt. I told Hubs what he said and he wasn't phased by it.

But by 8pm last night my house was very quiet. Maybe that's why I fell asleep around 9pm.

Oh and here is where I tell on myself. I fell asleep in the recliner while playing on Facebook. I know go ahead and laugh, it's OK.

I don't cry pretty

My friend Beth and I were talking on Facebook last night and she told me about some dear friends of hers that had just lost their child.

It always breaks my heart to hear of a parent loosing their child.

Beth told me to go here to read about Emma's story and to make sure I had a box of tissues when I did.

Well I did both, grabbed my box of tissues and read about precious Emma.

And I cried ugly. I was a mess. I couldn't talk, I had streaks running down my cheeks. Tears falling off my face. You get the picture. I have never met this family but my heart is breaking into a million pieces for the them. The hurt is so deep.

But if you would please pray for Emma's parents Christy and Kelvin. Please pray for their family.

And if you would please go leave them a sweet comment. But consider being warned and bring your box of tissues.

And here is where I ramble about my weekend

I told you last Friday about the rambling and about the not making much sense of all the thoughts running around in my head.

So get ready, and consider yourselves warned.

Friday I remember getting off work and coming home but after that...nothing. I can't remember what I did two days ago. TWO DAYS! Clearly it is a sign of one of two things. 1. I'm old and my memory is failing or 2. I lead a very boring life.

Saturday, R1 was schedule to have a baseball clinic for four hours but it was canceled due to all the rain we got on Friday and the fields were a mess. Secretly I was glad. We had so much to do and the boys needed to get their hair cut. Poor R1. He wants the surfer hair cut or style should I say, but all his hair does is get bushier and bushier until he looks like he has a fro! Kid you not. We tried a few summers ago to let it grow out and 4weeks into it I couldn't stand to look at it any longer.

After hair cuts, it was lunch at every kids second favorite place to eat. Chik-fil-a. The first being Chuck E Cheese. And no way was I going to Chuck E Cheese.

Oh my memory is coming back, Chuck E Cheese just reminded me we had Little Caesars Pizza for dinner Friday night. OK moving on.

Then it was a stop a EB Games to get some kind of free thing for R1 and Hubs' Pokemon games. I was just along for the rid for this part of our journey. After EB it was a quick drive thru at Walgreen's.

And then the big part of our trip. HEB, the grocery store. I have one word for the grocery store, even if it is my beloved HEB...UGH! I pushed the cart full of food and Hubs' pushed the boys in a separate cart. Seriously I know what you are thinking. Kids aged 9 and 5, in a cart, but it works. They are contained and kept busy by bringing their DSi's, and I get the shopping done.

My whole point to this rambling about the rock star life I lead is all of this running and driving took 5 hours. 5 HOURS!

I was so tired when we got home I can't remember what I did Saturday night. I think I fell asleep around 8:30. And some where in there I cleaned the bathrooms!

I warned you, rambling.

Sunday, we were a bad family, skipped church. Took Cookie, the dog, to the groomers. Hubs took R1 to baseball practice. R2 and I cleaned the house, walked our selves and the dog around the block. Did the laundry and cooked dinner. Yes folks, I cooked dinner. But only because Hubs' asked me to make his favorite. Chicken Fried Steak.

Made these awesome potatoes to, but that will be my post for tomorrow. Because right now I am EXHAUSTED.

So what did y'all do this weekend?