Cumby Family Blog

Nine

2009-04-03T09:06:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow, my baby will be nine. Which is, in fact, blowing my mind. It cannot be that I gave birth to my last baby nine years ago. Can it? That's just not possible.

Oh, but it is. Time really does fly. I would like some of it back, please. No, really. God are you listening? We wish away those difficult years without realizing how quickly time is going to pass on it's own. When they wake up all night long, want to be fed around the clock, suddenly decide they can't sleep unless they are touching both you and their father, take up biting, or tantrum throwing, or spitting, or wetting their pants. Those times we wish for time to fly. And boy does it.

Tomorrow, my chubby little baby boy will be nine. He will be an extremely thin, nearly 5 foot tall nine year old boy. A boy who no longer laughs at Blue's Clues but now giggles hysterically at the word testicles. A boy, excuse me, young man who has risen to every challenge presented him with extraordinary grace.

On his first birthday, I had no way of knowing what 9 would look like on him. At that time, I was full of hope as was his father. I have to take time today to thank our Heavenly Father, for that hope. It's made all the difference. Duncan has already done more than enough to make a mother proud for a lifetime.

At 9, he is less and less enamored with TV. I can see him being one of those weirdos that doesn't own a television someday. Still completely enamored with food, though. Loves good food and is more than a little disappointed when I take the easy way out with dinner (like when we had pancakes last night!) Very much into Star Wars which makes life a little challenging since he weaves it into everyday conversation and I still have never seen the movies so there's a communication barrier.... He wants to go back to Disney at least as much as his Mother does. Wants to invent a mini-Nerf airplane that you can actually ride in, therefore when you crash you bounce. I told him we needed to get that idea to a pro-football player, they have the cash to finance it and probably not enough brain cells left to stop them from actually doing it. He's a Momma's boy yet extremely independent. Doing more and more things on his own. He's funny, really funny. Make-your-tummy-hurt-from-laughing-too-hard-funny. He's determined. He's hopeful yet realistic.

And that, in turn, makes us just plain hopeful. If he can strive for his best life possible all the while realizing the one he has ain't too shabby, then maybe we've done something right. And if we have, in fact, done anything right then the credit and glory go to God. Because we are human and we screw-up more than most.

April 4th is always a very bizarre day for me. Scary, painful memories mixed with one of the three greatest blessings God has ever given me. My messy little brain doesn't always know how to sort-it out. So, tomorrow we stay busy. Busy, busy, busy doing birthday stuff that nine year old boys like. Nerf fights and Wii tournaments. Chocolate chip cake and the arcade. I hope it's everything he wishes for. I hope it's more than he hopes for. Because that is certainly what he has given us- more than we could have hoped for.

Match Game

2009-03-16T06:57:00.000-05:00

I know you've all been waiting with baited breath for the past three months for my Christmas pictures. What? You've moved on to Spring time and Easter bunnies and warm weather and such? Yeah. Me too.

But I had to post this if only to make a simple point. Notice those jammies?

That's right people they match. Matching jammies are good. Matching jammies means all is right in my twisted little head. Matching jammies make me happy. And you know what makes me even happier? I made these matching pj pants myself. For real. If you know me very well you know that for many, many years (since my junior year in high school, actually) I have wanted to be able to sew. I have not been able to sew. I am super bad at it. Well, I was super bad at it. Then this fall I discovered You Can Make This and now........ Well, truthfully, I am probably still pretty bad at it but this site is really cool because after you buy your pattern you print it out right then and they have easy to understand directions -in English- for those of us who never quite could speak McCall's-Butterick-Vogue Language . Very cool. And, I got my matching jammies.

Layton

2009-03-12T22:07:00.004-05:00

I hate posts like this but bear with me........

This is my nephew Layton. We had the pleasure of having him for a few days last month and Caroline and I worked as a team to take these adorable (if I do say so myself.....) photos.

He needs your prayers. So does his Big Sister Grace.

They are not having health issues. Just, life issues, I guess. I can't say more. And I hate it when people do that. But I'm doing it. I just don't feel at liberty to elaborate right now.

But keep those two in your prayers, please.

Not bunnies. Or chicks.

2009-02-23T12:57:00.003-06:00

OKay, I am a bad blogger. I am. I am working on it.

This whole homeschool transition has been a bit more challenging than I anticipated. It is an amazing blessing to us all and it is going well but it's different and it has required more of my time than anything in a long time. We'll all adjust to it pretty soon, I expect.

And just when I get a little too big for my britches and think that I am teaching my kids so much I am quickly brought back to reality. And for that, I am grateful.

Last week, we went out shopping because well, honestly because we could. School work was done and Daddy was busy and we went out. I found these cute little vintage looking yellow chicks with just a touch of glitter and I had this whole vision in my head of using them to decorate the Easter table with a rustic, shabby looking bunny or two. I am working this whole artistic vision out and thinking out loud and ask my children if they think the chicks are cute. This is what followed~

"No. Not birds. Easter is about bunnies not chicks." Caroline quickly responds.

"Well, actually Easter is about bunnies and chicks.....," I begin saying before being interrupted mid-sentence.

"Actually,"Duncan very calmly states," Easter is about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Not bunnies. Or chicks. But they are cute."

Excellent point, son. I laughed out loud in the aisle of Joann's Crafts. And I have drawn strength all week from that simple, truthful statement. It is amazing to me how very clearly children can see the world, their faith, their families. We may have a new catch phrase around the Cumby house. I can see responding to many different complaints or problems or worries or fears with a very simple~ Not bunnies. Or chicks.

Creative Writing

2009-01-20T08:04:00.002-06:00

So, yesterday the children had a creative writing assignment for homeschool. The assignment was to make a commercial for your favorite word. Great idea, right? I thought this sounded so fun. One of my children agreed and went right to work typing up a very nice little ad for the word Wow. The other one was more reluctant. Didn't really understand the idea behind a commercial for a word. Didn't want to write. Other child offers to help and they set off to write this commercial together and about 15 minutes later they had a great little ad for the word butt-crack. Wanna guess who is who?

Let the Games Begin

2009-01-06T11:06:00.002-06:00

Well, it's been awhile. I suppose I should post some sort-of Christmas update but then that would require me to upload the Christmas pics that are still hanging out on my camera. Ehh, maybe tomorrow.

Christmas was fast and fun and exciting and did I mention fast? Seemed to fly right by.

Probably that had something to do with what I knew was coming after Christmas. Started today, in fact. Yes, we have in fact joined the ranks of "those homeschoolers". Well, we have partially. We will be a full-fledged homeschooling family by the end of next week. Yeah, I probably have lost my mind.

It just seems simpler to me. Which really, doesn't even make sense, at least not at first glance. And if today is any indication, it is simpler. Way more simple, indeed. Since I typed that out for all the world to see I am sure tomorrow will be an absolute nightmare.

The reason? Schedules is the basic simple answer. I am a control freak, I have embraced this. If I am going to be a slave to a schedule I would prefer it be one of my own making. And I would prefer it include the things I value and my husband values and my children value. Not the things the TAKS test values. Well, some of the things the TAKS test values, I also value but..... I think you get the general idea.

We live in HillBillyVille where let's just say that for example, football is highly valued. And let's just pull something out of a hat and say fine arts are maybe not so much valued. Well, in this example, I have two kids who are never gonna play football but they happen to have a very high interest/talent in the fine arts. Beautiful thing about home school? Home school values whatever the teacher says. And I'm the teacher. Wow, simple.

And then, not so simple. Because of this freeing schedule Duncan would like to play on a youth wheelchair football team. I am fairly certain this doesn't even exist. If any of you know anything remotely close to a wheelchair football team for kids please leave me a comment. I am at a loss, which is where I'm usually at so nothing new really.

Mine's Cuter Than Yours......

2008-12-23T08:57:00.002-06:00

I'm only kidding, of course. I am sure you all have lovely, beautiful children. Well, I am sure many of you have lovely, beautiful children. Statistically speaking, all of you can't. I mean, I've met alot of kids and trust me when I say they are not all lovely, and beautiful. But alot of them are and I am sure that yours are among those. But you must admit, I pretty much hit the kid lottery.

Unfortunately, there is no way to keep her from becoming a teenager. It is happening right in front of my eyes. And if I can be honest? It's crap. Look, at her in this picture she is texting and laughing. At me. Friday night she texted her Dad from her bedroom. He was in the living room. Of the same house. The text? "Does mom have bagels" The next text? "Sooooo...."

But, I have to admit. She's beautiful. Both inside and out. And I suspect that is all that will carry us through these next few years. That and the peaceful feeling I get talking to her knowing that she is not my child who will spend an hour talking about big-piles-of-dog-poop and butt cracks.

All I Want For Christmas Is......

2008-12-15T19:09:00.000-06:00

O, Mexico....

2008-12-05T12:15:00.000-06:00

Well, if Hawaii was amazing (and amazing it was...) then Mexico was amazingly fun. I think Casey and I both took the Hawaii trip a little too seriously. I, mean, we knew that it was an incredible luxury and that even if were are at some time able to take our family back there, it probably will not be a trip like that. With open tabs, multiple spa trips, and private dinners at the ocean's edge. Probably not. I'm not gonna rule it out entirely but...

Mexico was, well it was just Mexico. We had zero expectations for this trip. Casey has won this one a number of times throughout his career and I have never been able to go along. Some years taking a spouse was simply not an option, one year we had a newborn, once we were given the option to pay for me to go and simply decided to decline. This year everything seemed to fall into place with the small exception of the little fact that we were spending the week in Maui just three weeks before this trip. Hmmmm.

It all just worked out, though. And we went. And we had a whole lotta fun. Didn't really do anything, and I think that was what was so fun about it. Relaxed, chatted with friends, sat in the pool. Here are a few shots I took while we were there.

Talking with some people we met in Hawaii. They were a hoot.

That's our hotel- Cancun Palace. It was adequate, I'm not sure I would recommend it but I wouldn't tell someone not to stay there either. I think The Grand Wailea probably clouded my judgement just a hair.

Hawaii Phot-O (like five-0, get it?)

2008-12-03T08:34:00.010-06:00

So, I am finally getting some of the pictures from Maui up. This was actually one of the first pics I took while we were there. It was something like 4:00 A.M. local time, we never did adjust to the time change. The things sticking up to the left are Tiki torches, then Palm trees and behind that the Pacific Ocean. I'm sure you knew that, I just like saying it.

The only water elevator in the world. Completely awesome and way too cool that I have a husband who was dying to take a ride in it. We did and then went on every one of the water slides. Then back to the adult pool because I was dying to go in there because in all 12 years of our marriage we had never been able to go in the adult pool. We've payed our dues sitting in the baby pool. The baby pools are not so much filled with water, if you know what I mean. the adult pool was a big step for us.

This is the chapel there on the grounds of the Grand Wailea (why-lay-uh) It was beautiful. If you look beyond it you can see them setting up a dinner. That wasn't for us but we did have breakfast our last day out there, made to order omelets and mimosas. As the tradewinds blew in and we were, quite literally, steps from the Pacific Ocean. A-ma-zing. I wanted to cry when we left. Okay, I did cry when we left.

Another shot of the chapel.

This is the sacred pathway leading up to the adult pool and cabanas. Where there were waiters and bartenders. And an open tab.

My hunky scuba divin' man. He had a blast. I parked my butt on a lounge chair and just looked at the waves gently rolling in and tried to soak up enough Maui for the next 12 years.

Just a shot I loved. Not a mountain in the background........volcano.

These would be the lounge chairs where I parked my butt.

Seriously, even if you have to save for the next 10 years ( and you very well may have to...) I highly, highly recommend Maui as a vacation destination. Specifically the Grand Wailea, it was superb. This trip was high on our what-we-are-thankful-for list this year, I promise.

Thanks

2008-11-27T16:37:00.002-06:00

In no particular order, the things which I am thankful for......

-coffee and all things related such as coffee makers, travel coffee mugs, Torani syrup, the well-placed-Starbucks-with-a-drive-thru, etc.

-butter, that's all, just butter. What? It's good. Really, really good.

-my Ipod- seriously did we even dream as children that one day we would be able to carry 10,000 of our favorite songs with us? I think not.

-DVR because in all honestly, watching TV in real time stinks.

-my Husband because he's amazing.

-my new fireplace that comes on with the flip of a switch which means that we actually use it.

-Photoshop because it makes crappy pictures a little less crappy

-my children because they're fantastic. Truly, they are super great as far as offspring goes.

-my daughter's cell phone because it makes her crazy happy (and it gives me a great deal of parental leverage when needed)

-all things made by Philosophy. I *heart* Philosophy.

-and all of you, my two blog readers! Thanks for always reading my crazy little ramblings

Promises, promises...

2008-11-25T08:20:00.002-06:00

Yes, I said I was going to update the blog more often. And then I didn't. I didn't exactly mean to lie. Then again, I guess that's usually true isn't it? Most people don't start out to lie. But then there are those people who do, hmmm.

Ah, I've gotten off track once again. Simply put, I would've updated the blog more often had my computer not freaked out on me. I seem to have that effect on computers. Anyway, I had to share with my son who was none too happy about that and my time and internet access has been extremely limited or non existent depending on the status of the Backyard Football Cereal Bowl championships.

My strong, handsome husband fixed my computer yesterday. I hate to even confess to what was wrong with it. In one word, dust. Who knew? Probably most people who aren't me, to tell the truth.

Anyway, we're fast on our way to Turkey Day and I haven't even ventured to the grocery store. More updates to come, I promise.

Random Updates

2008-11-11T08:57:00.002-06:00

OKay, I am going to do quick and random updates today so I can get back to regularly blogging. Here we go-

In August ths kids started school and we found out that we got to go to Maui. That was followed by a large amount of shopping and returning as we tried to prepare for our first alone vacation in years. We both needed swimsuits and various other items. Also, spent huge amount of time preparing to leave our kids here at our house with our friends.

September- well, I feel like I missed September entirely. We went to Maui for a week in September and it was fantastic. Watch Jon & Kate plus 8? They stayed at the same resort we did. Check it out.

We flew out of Maui at 10:40 P.M. on Thursday night (Maui time) and arrived home at our house in Hill Billy Ville at 5:30 P.M. Friday night (Texas time). Can you say long day? We were super tired for at least a week but we had no time to rest. Three weeks later we flew out to Cancun. Another trip the rock star won, what can I say?

Maui was beautiful and breathtaking. Cancun was relaxing and fun. It rained most of the time we were there but we really didn't care. We mostly just hung out and chatted with the people we met in Hawaii. We hope to all get together in New Orleans in the Spring. We got a taste of parental freedom and we like it.

Caroline started the school year with a tremendous amount of homework but that has slowed down some, thankfully. However, her teachers have no problem sending work home on a Friday afternoon. I, on the other hand, have a problem with it.....

Duncan is doing well this year and has a great teacher we are very pleased with. He still doesn't like school and we are working on that.

After returning from Mexico it was time to quickly prepare for Halloween. Caroline was a black eyed pea and Duncan was a garden knome. His wheelchair was his garden. Everyone kept calling him Santa's helper, this didn't bode well.

Duncan has announced that the only thing he wants for his birthday (in April) is tickets to the Dallas Cowboys game on Thanksgiving day. Yeah, I'll get right on that.

The Christmas lists are being made and they are long. And pricey. It seems just a year or two ago and "their most favoritist, bestest present" was $40. Looking more like $400 this year.

They are both doing Bible Drill on Sunday nights and doing well at that.

And that's pretty much the update on us. Hopefully, I can get back to my regular blogging now and add some pictures from the last couple of months too.

(Not-So-Much) Ghosts of Halloweens Past

2008-11-01T08:23:00.004-05:00

First of all, I think I am the worst blogger in history. I don't really have an explanation other than time just seems to slip right through my hands lately. I am trying to do better. But also, I am inantely lazy therefore I have not yet uploaded the pictures from this Halloween. So, I thought it would be fun to look back at some of our past Halloween's (is that a word? that can't be grammatically correct, can it?)

This was Caroline on her second Halloween which would have been 1998. She was a flower, a darn cute one too. Somewhere I am sure I have a picture of her first Halloween just not on my computer, and remember the lazy thing? It definitely applies on Saturday mornings. Anyway, she was a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader that year. Don't worry, it was only because, bizarrely enough we were given the costume at a baby shower. So we went with it. She was only 3 months old.

Here we are in 1999. She was a pea. It was an old leftover dance costume and I was pregnant, it was easy.

Now, I am missing my picture of she and Duncan together in 2000. It was cute because he was a baby and he went dressed as a chili pepper. Funny, right? Caroline was a wacky witch- her own concept. She told me what to put on the costume and she carried the black kitty cat named Zipper the whole time.

Here we are in 2001, our first halloween in Hillbillyville. She was a mermaid. The costume was leftover from dance and I made the wig myself. She was adorable. We got gasps from the other preschool moms as we entered the room after changing. If you have never been a preschool mom, that is the reasction you are aiming for. At least, if you are Caroline it is. Duncan was a scarecrow. Maybe my favorite Halloween costume ever- he was so cute!

This is a better picture of him. This photo won a contest he was so darn cute!

I miss those days of super cuteness. Now, we've grown up. Well, I really haven't but they seem to think they have. We had to wear our costumes three different times this week which really kind of takes the fun out of it. It's all about getting the good candy and scaring their friends and each other. The people bringing their kids into our neighborhood by the truckload (literally, we are in Hillbillyville) kinda scared me. My jiggly thighs scare me more. Probably need to lay off the Halloween candy, at least til after breakfast.

Act Naturally

2008-10-18T04:44:00.002-05:00

Simple request of my children, act normal. Here's what I got-

Aren't they cute? There are good ones too, actually a couple really good ones. But I'm saving those, Christmas is only 2 months away.

Maui

2008-10-03T08:32:00.003-05:00

Ugh! I have become ridiculously bad at updating my blog. I have no real excuses, either. Well, I do have an awful lot happening right now. Crazy things going on round the Cumby household. Can't really share details yet, but there are exciting things on the horizon for our little fam.

So, I would like for this post to include pictures but my stupid computer does things that it shouldn't so for now we're pictureless. I'll try to add the pics in the next few days (or weeks or months maybe who knows...)

Yes, two weeks ago we returned from Maui. We went without children. It is paradise, plain and simple. My husband is a rock star.

I should explain? Yes, I thought perhaps that would help. Let's see, I'll start from the beginning.

My husband works very hard and is very good at what he does. This has been true for, well always. And truthfully, we have almost gone to Maui on this trip a couple times before but we weren't able to because he ended the fiscal year in the top 6% of the entire company. Such a slacker he is. But this year, this year he ended the fiscal year in the top 5% of the entire company. So, thanks to his hard work and the talent the good Lord has given him we spent the week in Maui. For free. Oh yeah, free trip to Maui. Paradise is actually better when it's free.

Our good friends offered to stay with our children here at our house and bless their hearts, they probably never expected us to say yes. We said yes. We haven't been away on a trip by ourselves in 5 years. We said yes quickly.

Weeks were filled with packing and shopping and making lists. Weighing suitcases and arranging after school rides home. I find it's alot of work to leave the continental US without your children. It's worth it, it's just alot of work. And I suppose since it had been so long, I had forgotten just how much work it was.

The week there was incredible. Our hotel was amazing. I am spoiled. This isn't a secret. I like to stay in nice places. I am not a Holiday Inn kind of girl. The Grand Wailea met our every need, one of the nicer places we've ever stayed. I highly recommend it.

And at the Grand Wailea they have one of the top ten spas in the world. It was amazing. I have seriously never even seen pictures of a spa this nice. I went twice. I hadn't been to the spa in seven years and I went twice while we were in Maui. Paradise, for real.

I had to show up an hour early for my appointment for terme. I didn't know what terme was, and frankly I was a little scared. Perhaps I was little out of my element? Terme is hydrotherapy, bathing suit optional. Crap. I should have been scared. I did not take the option, I wore my suit. Thankfully all of the other women who I happened to know in the spa that morning also declined the nekkid option. As one woman said that morning as we soaked in the Papaya Enzyme bath, "Um, I don't even like to look at myself naked why should anyone else have to?" Amen sister.

They had hot tubs and hotter tubs and cold plunge tubs which the naked, size zero chick told me was to improve metabolism. She sort-of irritated me until I envisioned her trying to get a baby or two past those hips and then I just sort-of laughed to myself. Cold plunge away, chickie.

They had another room with these large, rectangle baths with mud, aromatherapy, hawaiian healing bath, etc. Also, there were these waterfall showers where you sat on a bench on the hot water and then leaned forward. A huge stream of water would then cascade down your neck and back. Very, very nice.

Eventually an attendant would come and find you and take you to a private room where she would exfoliate you with some sort-of weird gloves or mitts. It was interesting. Casey even did that. I was proud. He said he finally relaxed when he found out his attendant wasn't gay. I'm glad that he thinks he wasn't gay. I am pretty sure he was wrong but we'll keep that to ourselves.

After you're exfoliated they bring you a robe and send you up the spiral stair case in the rotunda (no, I am not joking) and you wait for your masseuse to come get you. Afterwards, you can relax on the lanai where you have a beautiful view of the Pacific ocean and you can drink water with cucumber and enjoy the breeze from the tradewinds.

Crap. I want to go back to Maui.

We also explored the island and went to an authentic hawaiian luau. We had an amazing dinner on the lawn at the Four Seasons just steps from the Pacific Ocean. We watched the sunset as hawaiian music was softly played. Awesome. Truly the most beautiful place I have ever seen. Easily, hands down the most beautiful place ever. Without question. Breathtaking.

We walked back to our hotel alone, on the beach, in the moonlight, in Maui. Amazing.

We had to attend to some company functions but they were minimal. Casey played golf but I was in the spa so I didn't care. We were in paradise. I don't think I would have cared what we did.

Casey also did some scuba lessons and a supervised dive. He loved it. I couldn't do it. I have alot of problems with my ears these days and I was just too afraid. I really wish now that I would have tried it anyway. He got some great pictures of sea turtles and other creatures.
Ths kids thought that was awesome.

We got to enjoy the adults only pool for the first time in our entire marriage. Fun times.

I really want to add the pics because seriously, I can't say it enough, most beautiful place ever. I highly, highly recommend it. It even smells beautiful there. Simply incredible.

Bragging Rights

2008-09-22T09:29:00.002-05:00

".....yeah, I saw one of those last week in Maui"

"I don't think I watched that episode, we were in Maui...."

"This is almost as good as the one I had last week, when I was in Maui"

"I should have taken one of those to Maui......."

"You know, they have something kinda like that in Maui....."

"I don't know, I haven't really caught up yet. We spent the last week in Maui...."

Ah, if nothing else a week in Hawaii sure is good for alot of bragging. More updates coming. Endless, bragging updates about my fabulous week in.... where were we? Oh yeah, Maui.

Seriously????

2008-09-09T10:15:00.002-05:00

Ugh! I swear the universe has some perverse need to punish me whenever I wear yoga pants to school.

Yes, this morning I wore yoga pants to take the kids to school. I was in a hurry and I was tired and I decided it would be more productive for me to unload and load the dishwasher before leaving than to take the time to put on make-up. What a freakin' loser I am.

As I walked back to me car in the rain (oh yes, buckets of rain this A.M.) after dropping Duncan in his class 5 minutes late, no less, I realize my tire looks low. In reality, my tire looked flat. And that was because my tire was flat. Crap.

I debate about how to handle this little situation. Crying into a really big Margarita seemed to be the most reasonable thing I could come up with. No. I didn't. I drove to Chili's and asked my darling husband what to do since he was driving my car last night and he made my tire flat. And yes, I realize that it wasn't his fault and he didn't mean to make my tire flat. But, I was soaking wet, standing in the rain with no make-up on and a big ole t-shirt and yoga pants with flip flops that don't match. I needed someone to blame, okay?

I took it to Wal-Mart. Hubby suggested I take it to his friend's tire place. I looked at him like he had suggested I drive over to Mars to get it fixed.

"Yes honey, I would be honored to go chat with your buddy right about now" Um, no.

So, I spent approx. an hour this morning in the Wal-Mart looking like I just fit right in. And I now understand how it is possible that those people got there in their pajama pants.

Ants in the Pants..........literally

2008-09-01T07:04:00.002-05:00

So, being a mother to a little boy continues to provide humor in quite unexpected ways.

Yesterday, I made coffee cake for breakfast and was preparing to serve it. Duncan was already in his seat at the table when he began his morning show.

"Mom. I want to tell you something I did but I won't get in trouble. K?"

Tricky little fellow, isn't he. I fell hook line and sinker for it, too.

"K." I called back only half listening as I searched for forks, napkins, milk cups, etc.

"Well, you know those plastic bugs we bought for the party?" he asked.

"I do." I said smiling because what he was calling a party was actual a camping themed dinner party for only the 4 of us that he had planned.

Now, he's smiling. And giggling. "Well," he says, now laughing," I put them in my..." he can't talk now because he's laughing so hard. He catches his breath and finally adds that last word, "pants."

His sister is in a fit of giggles and so is he. I am standing in the kitchen confused.

"When?" I demand.

Still having a hard time talking because he's laughing so hard so he tries to explain. "Right before you walked into my room. I just grabbed them and dropped them in." he doubles over in laughter at this point.

I am somewhat bewildered by this and his Daddy has joined us at this point and we're somewhere between laughing at him and considering therapy for him.

"And I can offer you proof," he announces and with that he reaches into his pants and begins pulling out plastic spiders, centipedes and other various nasty bugs.

That was enough to put us all over the edge. We're all laughing at this point and then as if he needed to say anything else he adds-

"Yeah, I just opened up the private hatch and dropped 'em right in"

Show and Tell?

2008-08-27T18:38:00.004-05:00

I had to run to Fort Worth yesterday. Oh, okay. I saw a chance to escape and I took it. None the less, my darling husband had to do the afternoon pick-up. Which is sort-of like driving through the bowels of Hell with 4,000 drunk morons.

Yes, it is that bad. Alright. Maybe not quite that bad but close enough.

So, I call him on his cell one hour after school gets out. He's pulling into our driveway. Keep in mind our small town is all of 1 square mile. See, it is that bad. Yes, I could be exaggerating a little bit. But only a little. Anyway, he tells me I had better watch my mouth while I'm driving. Crap.

"What did Duncan say?" I asked trying to sound a little bit innocent.

"He yelled out- What's this genius think he's doin'" He said, quite indignant.

I laughed out loud. Then I quickly promised to watch it while I silently prayed that Duncan didn't share with his Daddy my other "names" for the bad drivers.

And So It Begins.....

2008-08-25T09:00:00.003-05:00

Well, I'm back. It's been a super fast couple of weeks filled with shopping, summertime fun, family visits and school supply hunting.

I'm always, always amazed just how quickly the summer flies by. I remember so clearly the last day of school- it seems like it was merely a day or two ago and not almost 3 months ago. In fact, I remember a project I started that day, think I might want to go finish that up now. Hmmm.

The kidlets are happily in school complete with new lunch boxes and backpacks. And schedules and expansion folders. Plastic folders with brads and pockets. 2 red, 1 blue, and 1 purple, please. Rulers, pencils, glue, scissors, glue sticks, map colors, twistable colors, red pens, blue pens, 3 ring binders with zippers, 3 ring binders with no zippers, composition books, book covers, spiral notebooks..............

I think I made my point.

And now, I have no idea what to do with myself. I have a "to-do" list with approximately 7,152 things on it. And here I sit with my Tazo tea (because I am ultimately, amazingly cool) doing nothing at all.

2008-08-12T10:51:00.000-05:00

Plastic Phones and Coo Coo Birds

2008-07-31T09:30:00.000-05:00

Well, we found the Westin. It took a little effort but we did eventually get there. At this point we realize that Caroline has not opened her gifts from us so we take them up to them room. And the following picture is how she reacted when she opened up the plastic Incredibles phone I wrapped up.

He was the one who explained that it meant we would get her a phone of her own. Later she told me that when she unwrapped the phone because it was a Disney phone she thought her present was going back to Disney. Right then. We were next to the airport. That would have been a cool gift. But for the cost of another Disney trip (which is totally in my future, by the way) she can send a whole lot of text messages so we stuck with the phone thing.

Then we set off to the rooftop pool. The kiddos thought this would be a wonderful adventure. I thought surely the rooftop pool at the airport Westin at 9:00 P.M. would be abandoned. Which is a good thing, by the way. I was wrong. Ever happen to you?

Of course, it was like 105 out so it's really no wonder everyone was at the pool. It was also pretty dark up there. But we figured what the heck. Sometimes we ought to just be slapped.

Casey gets in with the kids. I sit on a chaise lounger nearby and observe. I guess my mother's intuition told me there would need to be some observing. Well, we've been there all of about 3 minutes when I realize Caroline is swimming with her glasses on. So I call out to her-

"Caroline. Yoo-hoo! Caroline, are you sure you want to swim in your glasses?"

Drunk-half-naked lady stops and turns to me and says "thank you" while handing me her specks. I am confused. I shake my head and point to my child, who is not more than 10 feet away, in her glasses. None of this registers with drunk-half-naked lady. I lay her glasses down at the end of the chaise lounger. A couple sitting on the edge of the pool laugh out loud at her. She doesn't notice.

I am puzzled. I sit there thinking to myself exactly how long we actually have to stay at the pool. Not long, as a matter of fact. Drunk-half-naked lady took a liking to my son. She tried to remove him from my husband's arms. She was unsuccessful. The couple from the side of the pool now say out loud that they think she's drunk. My husband replies that he agrees. All of this takes place directly in front of her face and she doesn't take notice. At all. She continues speaking to Duncan. He is annoyed. She tried to hug him and Casey pulls him away from her. She gives my 8 year old son her e-mail address.

Casey decides it's time to go. He and Duncan say "Coo-coo, coo-coo" over and over again as we exit the pool and return to our room. I'm gonna guess she didn't notice. I wonder if she ever found her glasses.

American Girl Remix

2008-07-30T09:30:00.000-05:00

So, for some reason that I really don't know Caroline and her homegirls have this tradition of taking each other back home after sleepovers. Really no clue how this came to be, but I guess all that matters is that it did. So, Saturday morning we set out to return the little chicks back to their mamas. Except for the one that lives in Dublin. Tradition was only pulling so much weight around here on Saturday after I had cleaned up chocolate face mask all night and then attempted to sleep with Duncan for approx. 4 hours. Driving all the way to Dublin only to not have a Dr. Pepper (cause I gave up all soft drinks several weeks ago and yes, that is a post all to itself and by the way, it was a bad idea.....) well, that crap just wasn't happening. We did not drive to Dublin. But we took the others on home and we did a little visitin' while we were at it and I am not even making this part up- I took back the poison that one of the Dads had lent us the night before. It was worm poison, don't worry. That's another post all on it's own. So, we get back and warm up some lunch and try to decide what to do the rest of the day. On a whim, we call the American Girl store because we still haven't eaten there and they actually have an opening at 7:30. So we go to Dallas. Right then. Well, first I got a room on Priceline and quickly packed a bag. And then we went to Dallas. Right then.

We shopped around a little. Her majesty thought I should buy her another doll. I declined. I had already bought her clothes, perfume, cell phone, cake decorating stuff (Ace of Cakes, remember?) and a CD. I've also promised a new duvet and artwork for her walls. And then of course, there's the trip to the spa that's been requested.

That's Amanda the doll after being seated at the restaurant. Everything was shiny and pink. In other words, just like Heaven. They didn't bring Amanda any food. I thought that was rude.

The boys were making the best of being in Estrogen land for dinner.

For dessert she ordered chocolate fondue and the waitresses sang Happy Birthday. It was at this point that I realized our waitress actually could speak. Hmmm. Wow.

Dunk has completely lost it and has hung the napkin rings/cookie cutters off of his ears sort-of like Princess Lea buns. He was ready to be done. Amanda got two new outfits. The birthday princess was thrilled. And then we set off to find the Westin.......

Happy, Happy Birthday Baby

2008-07-29T18:57:00.006-05:00

Well, I can't even believe how behind I am on the blog....... lots and lots of things to post. For now, let's focus on the major event in our life that took place on Saturday. I am no longer the parent of a ten year old- she turned eleven this weekend. We celebrated in true "pre-teen" style. We started with a sleepover on Friday night. Here are some of the girls starting on a craft project- decoupage picture frames.

This post isn't supposed to be about me at all but did you see my pretty new chandelier in the above picture? Pretty, huh? I like it. Alot. This next picture is one of the tiny, personalized mini cakes I made for her majesty's guests. It was her idea. She is obsessed with Ace of Cakes. What can I say? I am a sucker for birthdays. Thank God she didn't ask for a castle or something.

Here's their snack buffet for the evening. I thought Duncan was getting more enjoyment out of it than anyone else then I went to bed.......... I awoke to remnants of the buffet spread throughout the family room.

Now on to the beautification process. That's chocolate face mask she's spreading on. Here's what I will tell you about chocolate face mask........do.....not.......do.....it. That's all. I spent more than an hour walking back and forth between the bathroom and the table scrubbing, wiping, cleaning and picking up that cotton-pickin' face mask. Do NOT do it. Ever.

After face mask we did nails. This made Daddy pretty nervous on the new floors. I was so damn tired from cleaning the face mask that I really didn't care if they painted the walls with the nail polish as long as they didn't touch that darn face mask anymore.

This is Caroline and her best friend Morgan. Morgan is a nail painter extraordinaire. Everyone wanted Morgan to paint their nails.

Now we're at breakfast the next morn. It was Caroline's actual birthday and on birthday's we have birthday pancakes. The girls got up around 9:15 after getting to sleep sometime around 4:00 A.M. Saturday morning I felt a whole lot older than I actually am.

She wanted us to sing again and she decided to direct.

And now she's showing off while we are making tote bags before taking the girlies home. I think she had a blast. I think I remember why I never have liked sleepovers very much. I think I need to remember she'll only be eleven this year. I think the person who made up chocolate face mask ought to be shot.

There was more celebrating to be done- I'll continue in the next day or two

Paula for President

2008-07-18T09:10:00.003-05:00

My thought for today- Paula Deen for president!!! Seriously, she was a single mom who raised two boys and she successfully started and ran her own restaurant- she could run this country, I'm sure of it. Furthermore, she is a culinary genius.

Yeah, I know some of you would debate that part and I would have too until last night. Last night, Paula won me over forever.

For several years now, I have made this Paula recipe- we often refer to it as Bread Pudding for Breakfast. And in this house,we happen to like our bread pudding but this recipe is really a little bit better than bread pudding for breakfast. I do not make it often, generally I do make it on Christmas Eve so it is ready to put in the oven for Christmas morning and we eat while we unwrap. Then, I usually end up making it once or twice during the rest of the year. A friend gave me the recipe and I knew it was Paula Deen I guess I never thought much about it.

Baked French Toast Casserole

Ingredients:
1 loaf French bread (13 to 16 ounces)
Butter, for pan
8 large eggs
2 cup half-and-half
1 cup milk
2 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
dash salt
Praline Topping, recipe follows
Raspberry Syrup, recipe follows

Directions:
Slice French bread into 20 slices, 1-inch thick each. (Use any extra bread for garlic toast or bread crumbs). Arrange slices in a generously buttered 9 by 13-inch flat baking dish in 2 rows, overlapping the slices.
In a large bowl, combine the eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt and beat with a rotary beater or whisk until blended but not too bubbly. Pour mixture over the bread slices, making sure all are covered evenly with the milk-egg mixture. Spoon some of the mixture in between the slices. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
The next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spread Praline Topping evenly over the bread and bake for 45 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden. Serve with Raspberry Syrup.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Inactive Cook Time: 8 hours Cook Time: 45 minutes Difficulty: Medium Yield: 6-8 servings

Praline Topping: 1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter 1 cup packed light brown sugar 1 cup chopped pecans 2 tablespoons light corn syrup 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2-teaspoon ground nutmeg
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and blend well. Spread over bread as directed above.

Raspberry Syrup: 1 cup raspberry preserves 3 tablespoons water 2 tablespoons raspberry liqueur (recommended: Framboise)
Combine ingredients in a small saucepan and place over medium heat. Stir until warm and thinned out like syrup.

And as a note to the above recipe, I have never made the Raspberry Syrup because it was not included in the copy of the recipe I have. I now feel very angry at all those people who have been eating my french toast with their raspberry syrup because it sounds really yummy.

So, although I had watched a Paula Deen show here or there on Food Network I wasn't what I would call a fan. She was funny and she liked butter. I can appreciate that. She told Martha Stewart when asked if she was really cooking with all that butter," Honey, I'm just a little, fat southern girl and we like butter." Yes, we do Paula. We like butter. Amen.

Then, Easter of this year we dined at my Grandparents house where Mommy B made ham & grits. Not much of a grits girl, myself. But being all about setting a good example and all, and you all can stop the snickering because deep in your heart you know it's true. Okay, maybe I am the one snickering. Anyway, I served myself a small helping of grits when I also served them to Duncan. He looked at me a little funny. I looked at him back with that Mother look of shut-your-mouth-now-or-I-will-lecture-you-all-the-way-home-and-everyone-in-the-car-will-be-mad-at-you-and-you-will-wish-you-had-just-eaten-the-damn-grits kind of look. You're familiar with it, I'm sure.

So, we taste the grits. And we sort-of silently agree immediately that they are like the best thing ever. I think that Duncan and I only had grits for lunch. We probably ate five or six servings. It was obnoxious. They are good, though. So, it was okay.

Then for dessert, Mommy B brought out a delicious looking dish that was covered on top with shortbread cookies. In case you are not aware, shortbread cookies are the best cookies on the whole planet. Can I get another Amen? This was fabulous. I inquired as to what she was carrying. Well, it was none other than banana puddin' . If you live in Texas, you must leave the G off pudding when it is preceded by banana. It's the law.

First of all, I do not like Banana Puddin'. I have never liked Banana Puddin'. But this idea was genius, it almost made me eat the Banana Puddin' which just once more for effect I will remind you, I do not like. This idea, I asked. Did she come up with it herself? No. Paula did. Genius girl, just genius. Take those soggy Nilla wafers out and add the most delicious cookies ever. Yummy.

Baked Garlic Cheese Grits

Ingredients:
6 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cup regular grits
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
16 ounce cheddar cheese, cubed
1/2 cup milk
4 eggs, beaten
1 stick butter
8 ounce grated sharp white cheddar cheese

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 4 quart casserole dish. Bring the broth, garlic powder, salt and pepper to a boil in a 2 quart saucepan. Stir in the grits and whisk until completely combined. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the grits are thick, about 8 minutes. Add the cubed cheddar cheese and milk and stir. Gradually stir in the eggs and butter, stirring until all are combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle with the white cheddar cheese and bake for 35-40 minutes or until set.
Yield: 12 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 45-50 minutes Ease of preparation: easy
PD & Friends, pg. 153
Recipe courtesy of Paula Deen

So, at this point I am a Paula fan. I researched some recipes of hers to try and I discovered I had been making her fried chicken for years- I just didn't realize it. It's yummy. And on to last night, I made her recipe for Chicken Georgia. It's easy. It's fast. And my vegetarian daughter ate two helpings of Chicken. I love you Paula Deen.

Chicken Georgia

Ingredients:
4 tablespoon (1/2 stick) butter
4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
2 tablespoon minced shallots
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 ounce grated mozzarella cheese

Directions:
Melt butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms and shallots and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook 10 minutes. Add chicken and cook 10 minutes on each side, or until tender. Transfer chicken to platter and sprinkle with grated cheese. Top with mushroom mixture. Cook and let stand 5 minutes or until cheese melts.
Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes Ease of Preparation: Easy Yield: 4-6 servings
Recipe courtesy Paula Deen

Stayin' Home and Huggin' Trees

2008-07-15T09:13:00.003-05:00

Well, let's see. I want to write today but it seems to me I pretty much have nothing to report.

Last night, over some seriously bad pizza at Cici's - where by the way, I officailly declared at the table that they could all consider this their last meal at said establishment- my almost eleven year old daughter explained to me how the current gas prices are all the fault of our government. There was a long bit about supply and demand and drilling in Alaska. Surprisingly, she had alot of the facts straight.

Even though as I get older I tend to want to blame alot of things on the government I did explain to her that in my opinion there was plenty of blame to go around on this one. She understood, I think. Actually, I'm sure she did. I probably should have savored that moment a bit a longer as she will be the one explaining such topics to me before to long. She's a smart cookie, that one.

Speaking of the gas prices, I read something the other day reporting that the number of automobile deaths are down because fewer people are on the roads which makes sense. They were trying to point out the positives of the higher prices. Which isn't a bad idea seeing as how I don't think this is going away anytime soon so when live gives you lemons...... hope you have enough money for vodka, right? That's not right, is it? Oops.

Seriously, though. We are trying to do our part to conserve our gas which means we are home, alot. Which is cool, really. I mean home ain't bad these days. But not as exciting as in the years past and it is taking some getting used to. Lots of craft projects and movie nights and lots of "I'm Bored!" too.

I am still baffled by the fact that I had this discussion with my daughter- I am baffled by the fact that I am old enough to have a daughter but that's for another day or therapy session or something- but she and I talked about how Americans were going to have to change our lifestyles. And some of the positives of those changes. Our children are now old enough that we when talk the talk about such things we have to actually do it which I can say here stinks just a little bit. So, like I said we're trying to our part. And that has not been entirely fun. But we have seen lots of positives from it, really we have.

This same child asked permission last week to write a letter to the city council asking for a citywide recycling program. I said yes, but sign your father's name. Just kidding. I told her to sign someone else's name, her father is my sole source of income, I am not that stupid ya'll.

So those of you that have known me for year's can offically laugh out loud as I have given birth to a real, live tree hugger. How bout that for irony?

Torch the Schedule

2008-07-09T09:11:00.002-05:00

We completed yet another family tradition this weekend by attending the Concerts in the Garden. This started a few years ago and Caroline had decreed it tradition before we got to the parking lot. I must say, it's a fantastic family event. I guess, most especially for us because it involves music.

This year we were a little disappointed with the choices that were available on the dates we were able to go- but in the end it worked out very well. We saw The Music of the Eagles and I thought it was very good. We took another family with us, I guess I should say they took us with them because they drove. We had a picnic before the concert and Caroline made us all Creme Brulee for dessert. Ahem, she made us Milk Chocolate Creme Brulee and it was fantastic. I did a little assist with the blow torch.

I don't think Casey was wild about either one of us having a blow torch anyway. I liked it. Maybe a little too much. I am starting to think of other things I could torch. Old boots, cruddy t-shirts, the couches I hate but my darling husband says I can't replace......

Anywho, it was a lovely evening complete with some adventures aboard the handicapped bus. It's always something. I am focusing on being more relaxed and open minded. I did pretty well, I think.

I think more than anything it made me realize how much I enjoy summer. I often joke about the heat, and make no mistake it is hot out here. But there is so much to be said for the relaxing, fun times as a family we have in the summer. Throwing out the schedule and not worrying about hurrying to get here or there is really wonderful.

Big Traditions

2008-07-04T09:03:00.003-05:00

I often marvel at the unique personalities of my two children. In many, many ways they are very much alike- I attribute this to growing up in essentially the exact same environment and the fact that their mother and father are also, very much alike. But don't be mistaken- we all have our differences.

And to that end, one of my children is simply obsessed with family traditions. There are many things I must do for this child throughout the year simply because, at some point in the past I did it before. Now, it's our tradition. Unfortunately, I am not always aware that it has become a tradition until it's time for it to happen. We make do.

The part about this that humors me, I suppose, is that I would not have expected this from this particular child. I bet you are thinking I am talking about the opposite child, right now in fact. Because my child that is traditional in thinking, conservative in beliefs, mature beyond their years and family oriented above all things- is Duncan. My tradition obsessed child is Caroline.

Caroline insists upon family traditions at all points of the year and holidays are really only the jumping off point. I personally love family traditions. The very fact that our little family is not only still intact after all these years but thriving is my greatest source of pride. Doing things with them fills my heart.

However, I prefer to keep things simple. I just feel the more elaborate traditions become the harder they are to carry out and the more stress they induce and the less fun they are all around. On this particular point, my daughter and I can sometimes agree. She tends to enjoy the elaborate ones too but then again she ain't the one doing the work or footing the bill so who can really blame her?

So, our Family Fourth of July celebration is tradition. And, man it's hard work. But I thought I would share with you in case you don't yet have a Family Fourth of July celebration of your own, you might want to try ours, if you're up to it.

First of all, you should stay inside until at least 5:00 P.M.- umm, this would be my addition to the tradition, what can I say? It's July in Texas, do not attempt to be outdoors people, that's just stupid. Okay, then if you are lucky like us your town, city or Ville will have a fireworks celebration. I must add a personal aside here because I often poke fun at Hill Billy Ville and I don't mention the benefits of living here nearly enough- we have an absolutely top-notch fireworks celebration every year. For real, not kidding. It's fantastic. So, if you are lucky enough to have one in your town too, then you should pack a picnic and head out there to see the fireworks.

But before you go, you need the recipe. Be forewarned, it's alot of work. This is a time consuming difficult process which I reserve for our Family Fourth of July celebration. But if you think you're up for it- here you go.

You will need one of these. It's a counter top ice cream maker. You could use one of those old-fashioned cranking kind with the salt and all that but the recipe is so much work, I wouldn't add to it if I were you. All you have to do for this one is freeze the canister the night before (I keep mine in the freezer so it's ready whenever we are) and then plug it in. Life is good.

Okay, so now for the ingredients. Don't say I didn't warn you- this is complex folks.

Yes, those are the ingredients. Big Red soda and Eagle Brand milk. To be fair I should have put two of the HEB brand Big Red sodas in the picture but I didn't. I have issues with symmetry, okay?

Here's what you do- you turn on the ice cream maker, you pour in the Big Red and Eagle brand at the same time- otherwise, you can end up with frozen Eagle Brand Milk at the bottom which isn't all bad but not exactly what you're looking for. Then I always drape a kitchen towel over the top and walk away. That's all. It took mine about an hour today to be frozen. And *frozen* would be a relative term because it's still a little slushy when it's done. I put mine into a plastic container and into the freezer this morning so it will survive our trip to see the fireworks tonight. Because that is actually the tradition, per my daughter. Eating Big Red Ice Cream while watching fireworks on Fourth of July.

Doesn't it look yummy? It so totally is. So, there you have it. The top secret recipe for the Hill Billy delicacy Big Red Ice Cream- enjoy!

Apron Strings

2008-07-03T14:22:00.004-05:00

So, I have become a ridiculously bad blogger. Sorry. I have so much to do- make crafts, clean house, water grass, cook meals, water grass, sweep floors, water grass, mediate fights, water grass, spend hours searching Etsy, water grass........

Catch that? What's Etsy you say? It's addicting is what it is. It's a completely cool marketplace for people to sell their handcrafted items. And it is an utterly addicting, time sucking, Internet destination for me.

Someone commented to me last week that technology had only served to complicate their lives and I thought to myself how ridiculous that very statement was. I can't even fathom living out her in Hill Billy Ville without the technology that so improves my quality of life. That is, until I spent the better part of this morning searching Etsy for an apron.

Maybe I should step away from the computer. To be fair, I need an apron. Due to my sincere love of domesticity (or the high gas prices, just pick one whichever one you want....) I have been cooking at least two meals a day and sometimes three. And sometimes when I search Etsy for long periods of time I let the children eat cake...... for breakfast. See, I'm a history teacher too! Wait! I have gotten off-track. I do hate it when that happens. Or not. Whatever.

Okay, I need an apron. Because generally after preparing our evening meal I have to change clothes before we eat. I may love domesticity but I did not say I was good at it. Seriously. I look as though I poured the ingredients on myself rather than putting them in the food. I have no further explanation. I can't even imagine how it happens, truthfully. But it does, I assure you.

So, I decide I need some aprons. And I have been looking at or some might say stalking a couple at Anthropology but then I thought it would be fun to check out what I might find at Etsy. It was fun. I could have easily spent about $8964.30 on aprons this morning. I didn't though. I would have liked to. But just to be clear for when my husband reads this, I Didn't.

I spent $29 and I bought this darling little thing-

Here is this gal's Etsy shop- go check it out if you have several hours to kill-

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5657968

I may need an intervention. I want more aprons. Alot more.

Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah

2008-06-23T06:57:00.012-05:00

"Real men in wheelchairs do zip lines."-Duncan Cumby age 8

At Lion's Camp, we went to the Challenge course where we were given the opportunity to do the zip line. I passed on this opportunity as I had my hands full trying to discover my inner-self and all. Yeah, that's it. However, my daughter did not. Here she goes up the very tall ladder.

And here she is at the top of the 55 ft. tower. I thought perhaps she would get scared. I was scared.

She wasn't scared. That one is all her Daddy. She screamed- in a good way, like on Space Mountain. She loved it. She wanted to go again. She made her father very proud.

This one made his mother extremely nervous. This is him on the way up. For obvious reasons, he couldn't climb that very tall ladder so they hoisted him up on a pulley system. I asked how they would keep from smacking his head (actually, I used the word face) against that rock wall behind him. The man said, "Don't worry. We've been doing this for the last three years." Great. I feel better now.

His Daddy went up first so he could meet him at the top. Daddy didn't get hoisted. He climbed the rock wall all the way up. Duncan announced before going to the top that he would not get scared half-way up and come back down as several kiddos had already done. Somehow, I figured that was true.

Here we go. Apparentally, he wasn't afraid at all. Just ready to go.

I know the pictures aren't great. I borrowed Caroline's camera as a way not to have to lug mine around. Didn't consider taking the time to figure out how to use her's. Sorry.

And then we let Dad come down. He's a pro at these things by now though.

Change Your Shirt, Change Your Life

2008-06-22T13:37:00.005-05:00

Yesterday, we attended Lion's Camp as a family. It's become tradition in our family. Lion's Camp is a day camp for kids with disabilities. It's also technically for kids with chronic illnesses or insulin dependant diabetes but we have never been to camp with any children meeting those descriptions.

We all go together because as Dunk would say, "that's how we roll." And it is. We operate as a team. Partly out of necessity, I suppose. More so, for me, because I know we're better together than apart.

But, here's a secret, I have never liked Lion's Camp. It has served, in the past, as a slap in the face for me. It's pretty harsh reality. And I would often see those realities and think to myself, "Thank God that's not Duncan" and leave. And probably somewhere in my shallow little mind I thought that had something to do with me. Like my superior mothering skills had allowed him (and I) to avoid the more invasive disabilities. The all consuming ones. The ones that affect your mind not just your body.

I would go home and pretend that Lion's Camp was a world where we didn't belong. He's not that kind of kid. I mean, yeah, he has a disability but it's physical and he's special. Like nobody elses kid is special. What a bitch I was.

No, seriously. I kept to myself and prayed that another "normal" kid we knew would be there because I just didn't know what to say to the other ones. Now, I felt bad about it. I did. But I really had no idea what to do about the way I felt. And the way I felt was basically, "we don't belong here". Somehow, because of a horrible medical mistake my son, who should have been perfectly normal, isn't. BUT it's only a physical disability and he doesn't really belong to this club. And, therefore, neither do I.

God has been patient with me. A quality I could develop a little better in myself, I'm sure. He's taken me on a journey for about the last year and half and I have learned things about myself I would have preferred not to know. Ignorance, isn't bliss though. Because I have also learned I am capable of things I would not have thought possible. I think I am beginning to find the person I am meant to be. Cheese ball, right? Yeah, I get that but I mean it. I am finding a wife who is self-assured and confident. A mother who is loving yet firm. A woman who is happy and content. I'm not sure I knew she was in there.

Yesterday at camp I was asked to complete a task I would have run from a few years ago. And I would have felt completely justified in doing so. But yesterday, I didn't run. And the rewards just keep coming.

The task? Changing a shirt. Changing the shirt of a young adult male who as the result of a failed suicide attempt is wheelchair bound and doesn't speak.

Changing this young man's shirt was a big step for me. I am a big believer in personal space. Here I was about to completely invade his and he couldn't even give me his permission to do so. Oh man. I put a smile on my face and approached him and in that moment I realized something. Something a little bit Earth shattering for me. I do belong here.

Yeah. This camp with kids with Autism, Tramatic Brain Injuries, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, and kids who are mentally retarded. Kid with disabilities that they cannot even diagnose. That's where I belong. Those are my people.

And my reasoning is simple. I belong here because I choose that. I choose to do the hard thing for me- talk to them, touch them just like I would a normal kid. And in doing that I find it's so easy.

I completed my task of changing the shirt and moved onto to the next which was passing out name tags. I asked a woman her first name and she asked mine to which I replied,

"Misty. I'm Duncan's mom"

And she said," Oh, I know who you are"

Guess I was the only one who didn't.

Finding the Inner Snack Lady

2008-06-19T20:08:00.003-05:00

Don't you just hate people who won't update their blogs? I don't know what my problem is lately.

Last week was VBS. I feel awful even saying this but I am super glad it's over. I was a crewleader for the second graders and well, let's just leave it at that. God has shown me before that teaching a class of school age children is NOT where I should be serving him. 'Bout time I started listening, I think.

To make matters worse on Thursday morning about 7:30 A.M. literally as I was walking down the hall I began to break out in a rash. It started on my forearms and by the time the second graders and I were in Bible Blast it had spread to my legs and the tops of my feet. How do I contract this bizarre crap? Anyway, I tell our Head Crewleader that I am jumping ship for the day and gather my own children and head home for Benedryl. I passed out for the afternoon after the Benedryl took effect and hoped for the best. Not exactly what I got.

Still had the rash on Friday and Saturday and all of my joints started hurting at some point on Friday. Oh goodie. Still don't know what the heck it was but it's mostly gone now. Anyway, enough about that.

The kids had a good time at VBS, I guess. We had several "challenging" children and that makes it more difficult on all the other kids. The hard part for me is that these kids are usually "drop-offs". In other words, we're their parents free babysitters for the week. I am always in awe of people who take advantage that way. And why do they do it? Just because they can? It gets really frustrating when the kids start commenting that they already did the craft at such-and-such church or such-and-such-church did different motions to the song. Thanks random strangers who drop off your challenging children at every available VBS in town. Appreciate ya.

Eh, I don't want to be totally negative about the whole thing. But truly, I felt pretty negative about the whole thing this time around. Perhaps I have reached VBS retirement? It's pretty bad that I hope that's true.

Nah, I just need to go back to being snack lady. At Selden, I did snacks. That, I am good at. Making fake sushi out of cream cheese and tortillas is easy-cheesy compared to spending the day with challenging children. Fake sushi and I can get along. Me and the second graders, not always.

My last year at Selden we did a Treasure Island theme and I made all the kids treasure chests out of graham crackers and icing and filled them with candy. I had a good time that year. Sometimes I really miss Selden, VBS time especially it seems.

Yes, definitely need to be snack lady. There are many benefits of that job. No one else wants to do it, so no one bothers you. You are in charge because you're doing all the work anyway. And, you get to leave early. Yes. Really need to go back to that job.

Outfits

2008-06-06T22:21:00.006-05:00

Earlier this week I had the opportunity to spend the day with my neices and nephews, which would mean my kids got to spend the day with their cousins. A rare opportunity as these particular cousins live out of state. We went swimming and then had cookies and IBC rootbeer to celebrate some birthdays. Much fun was had.

My youngest neice is an all-out girly-girl and such a cutie pie to boot. She was telling me, after the cookies and rootbeer, how she got to wear three outfits that day. I asked her if it was good to get to change outfits that many times and she replied," Uh, yeah. It's AWESOME!" Remember being that excited about your "outfits"?

I had these Luv-It jeans with matching t-shirts- man, was I the bomb! I had some with strawberries that were pretty cool and on my gymnastics pair my mom sewed these metal labels on to the pockets with my name on them. Talk about sweet! My very favorite pair had popsicles on the butt pockets, though. I have had a strange fascination with images of popsicles my whole life. It's really quite bizarre, I guess. I don't care to eat popsicles much, they are too messy. I dunno, I'm weird. But you already knew that.

Oh and I almost forgot my crayon nightgown. I coveted that nightgown. The day I finally got it, was like the best day of my life! It had a rainbow of crayons on it and all these squiggly lines going down it like the crayons had actually colored on it. I loved that nightgown. I wish I had one like it now. I would wear it all the time. My husband already thinks I'm nuts anyway, what do I have to lose?

Caroline definitely followed in my footsteps with the "outfits". She found a pair of Toile capri pants at Old Navy when she was 4 that she just had to have. Mercy she wanted those pants. After we left Old Navy, without the pants she told me, " I really miss those pants" A pair of capris that you love so much you actually miss them? And at Old Navy prices! They needed to belong to her, so I went back and got them and gave them to her for Christmas (yes, that's why I didn't buy them the 1st time, it was December) She immediately put them on. She loved those pants.

She's moved on to new favorites these days. A pair of patchwork madras shorts from the Gap. I do love the Gap. She got that from me, too. Makes me miss the tiny little girl in the Toile pants. Not that I don't like the tweenager in the madras shorts because she's pretty cool, too.

I Would

2008-06-03T07:47:00.003-05:00

Wow! Time is really flying by now, isn't it? Can't believe I left my blog for so long. Just too many things happening at the moment.

Kiddos are now out of school. We have all breathed a sigh of relief. And in case you live in a decent climate or haven't been outside in a week- it got hot. It's now to the holy-smokes-we-live-in-the-freakin'-desert stage. By July it just becomes the Oh-dear-Lord-I-think-I'm-gonna-die kind of hot. Fun times.

So, part of what I have done with my time over the last week is clean backpacks, lunchbags, etc. And as I sorted through Dunk's last day of school papers I find a fill-in-the-blank All About Me! page. Totally up my alley, right? And I was so thrilled that his teacher actually had them doing meaningful stuff right up until the very last day. Let's just say that wasn't the case for everyone.

So I am reading through this assignment, which he wrote all the answers himself, and it's a pretty long assignment. Endurance is probably the biggest skill he needs to do something like that, it takes him so many more times the effort it would take you or I. So, that he filled in all the answers on a two page assignment himself and I can read them all.... well, that's a pretty big deal.

But the answers, man, they are the best. Seriously, funniest person I know.

6. I can hardly wait until I do anything.

And that is actually true. He doesn't really care what we do or where we go, he just wants to do something, right now.

11. I would like to be invisible sometimes because I'm hiding.

I am actually a little surprised he didn't add Duh! at the end of that one.

27. Something interesting about me that no one else knows is that I am 1/2 Indian.

Um, he isn't. In fact, not even a 1/4 Indian. Casey and I weren't sure he could even qualify as an 1/8. Nice story, though.

But by far, the funniest thing I have read in quite some time was number 25-

25. I wouldn't mind being a butterfly because I would.

I said to Dunk, " You didn't finish this one. What would you do if you were a butterfly?"

"What?" he replied with a puzzled look.

"It says I wouldn't mind being a butterfly because and you only said I would. You would what?"

"Mind," he says"bein' a butterfly"

"Oh, right"

Man, that little dude is funny.

Happy (late) Birthday

2008-05-23T08:48:00.003-05:00

I never had the chance to sit down and write out a Happy Birthday for my husband earlier this week- when his birthday actually was.

I married a great guy. I knew that much when I was 16 yrs old. I didn't marry him when I was 16, that's when I met him. And that's when I knew he was a great guy. I didn't, however, know that he'd be a great husband and father. He is. Lucky break, huh?

Seriously though, I'd rather not be serious today. I have written serious posts about him in the past and I am sure I will again so I would rather today be silly. Mostly because we are silly about 98% of the time. That's our policy.

So some of the silly reasons that I am so happy to have Casey as my husband-

He totally goes with me when I am on some weird "what if" tangent- like when I say wouldn't it be weird if no one could smell anything? like that wasn't even one of our senses? what would happen? He doesn't stare at me blankly. He goes there. He'd say something like yeah, there wouldn't even be trash pick-up because no one would care if it smelled because there would be no such thing. I love that.

He pretends to care about stuff that no man has ever cared about. For instance, I recently completely organized our pantry. The pantry has food it in, that's all a man needs to know, right? He was totally complementary about the whole thing even though I know he couldn't care less.

He gets my sense of humor and loves to be silly. He lets me watch Talledega Nights repeatedly and laughs with me. He plays Lego Star Wars on the Wii with Duncan for hours. He doesn't gripe when we have pancakes for dinner. Or frozen pizza. Or sandwiches. He doesn't gripe about dinner at all.

He goes just as nuts with the Crazy Cumby Birthday Parties as I do. He pretends it's all me, but really he's totally into it. He made 4ft tall hand-painted, plywood dinosaurs for Duncan's 4th birthday. Don't really need to say more, do I?

He was completely onboard with my most recent purchase for our house. A doorbell. We had no doorbell for the first couple of months of living here. I had finally had enough and went online to find one. I located something called an iChime. This is an amazing doorbell. You can download stuff from your iPod to play when your doorbell rings. He loves it as much as I do. That actually makes me love him more. Twisted, huh? Know what our doorbell sings when you ring it? I love this, but it wasn't my idea. It was Caroline's. And it's perfect, at least for our twisted sense of humor. It sings the theme song from Welcome Back Kotter. When you ring our doorbell you hear " Welcome Back" Sweet, huh?

When I called him at work, on a very busy morning to tell him it was National Talk Like a Pirate Day- what was his reaction? He laughed out loud and said the most sincere I Love You ever.

What's the song say? Everybody's crazy so whatcha gonna do, you need to find somebody crazy like you I did. And I couldn't be happier.

On a bit more serious note, he does way more than he has to. Doesn't gripe about doing it. Never, ever complains about all that the care of a child with a physical disability entails. He has an almost fierce protectiveness for our daughter. He understands the importance of giving our children strong roots. And he is giving them a future, too. He believes in me. And also in our children. And perhaps most importantly in himself.

Happy (late) Birthday my love! You are simply the best.

Bad Timing

2008-05-22T08:53:00.003-05:00

Is there some unwritten rule of the universe that says your children will only leave their lunch in your car on days when you are wearing no make-up, have wacked out hair and yoga pants on?

Here's the story- I would love to report here that every morning when I leave my house at exactly 7:35 A.M. that I am a picture of beauty and elegance. My hair is perfectly styled and I am dressed in matching clothes that have been ironed. My breath doesn't smell of coffee and my eyes do not appear puffy because my make-up has been expertly applied. Let's pretend that is true, it isn't but pretend anyway.

Now, pretend that this day is the exact opposite of what I just described. I have my reasons, people. First of all, my husband is out of town on business. I hate business. Second, I have a sinus infection which may actually kill me sometime this week. Third, I slept a total of about 2 1/2 hrs. last night.

So, before leaving the house- at sometime after 7:35 A.M.- this morning, I did brush my hair and put on clean clothes. That's about the best I can say for my appearance at the present time. Don't worry, I am ashamed.

So, why is this the morning when I need to speak to a 2nd grade teacher friend about a Taylor Swift CD (really, you don't want to know)? Also, I run into another friend in the hallway of the 2nd grade. Then Duncan's teacher wants to chat. And then I realize that my 4th grader left her lunch in the car. I would love to go home, shower, put on nice clothes and make-up and then deliver the lunch to school. Today, of all days, that's not happening. Field trip. Leaving at 9. Gotta take lunch right now. No less than 3 people I know in the office when I walk in and because it's field trip day no one is sure which class she is in and I have to go peek into all 3 of her classrooms before I find her.

So officially about half of Hill Billy Ville saw me in all my glory this morning. Had this all taken place yesterday I would have been in matching clothes (the ironing was a little questionable) with make-up and my hair had had some quality time with the flat iron. Ugh, thanks alot universe.

Tuesday Night

2008-05-16T09:21:00.004-05:00

So this week wrapped up another season of Angel League. Actually, now it's called All Star League. But that's not the point.

The point is this- because of our son's physical disability we were able to witness incredible things we would otherwise miss.

I'm sure, if Dunk was "normal" then I would do my token charity work and bitch about it the whole time no doubt. And, I would miss it.

God knew better.

So, Tuesday night the select baseball team made up of Duncan's peers came out to cheer him on in their team jerseys. They ran along side him and high-fived him when he crossed homeplate. They posed for pictures with him and joked with him. They brought him a team cap & photo and an autographed game ball. They made him an honorary member of their team.

More than any of that, though. They treat him like a regular kid. They are to be commended for their character. Even more, their parents should be for teaching them well.

I wanted to thank them. I felt so grateful. Yet, I struggled with words. I found it difficult to say more than, "thank you so much". Maybe you've not noticed but I don't struggle with words. My husband filled in beautifully as he always does.

After we left I asked him why I had such a struggle. His answer was quick and simple. And right on the money. He said this- if you thank them for treating him like a regular kid, you're admitting he isn't and you want him to be.

Yes, well, I do. I want him to be a real member of their baseball team. I want it for him and I want it for me too. And I know that's selfish. It's also true. I don't want to watch my husband miss out on all the father son experiences he dreamed of having with his son. I don't want to watch my son watch from the sidelines.

And yet, I know we're all better people because of it. Such an odd feeling. Knowing it's right. Knowing it's okay. And still, sometimes it just stinks.

And then there are nights like Tuesday night. Tuesday night was a blessing. Tuesday night is what keeps us going when we're in a really crappy place. Tuesday night gets us through the hospital visits and durable medical equipment bills. Tuesday night gets us through tears cried silently in the closet and those cried together as a family. Tuesday night reminds us that God has a lot of good people on his side out here in Hill Billy Ville.

I'm not going to mention the boys by name because I don't have their parents permission to do so. I'll just say thanks to the Texan baseball team and share a few pics.

Black Sheep

2008-05-07T19:35:00.002-05:00

You ever feel like the black sheep? You know the square peg that's supposed to fit in the round hole? That's me, I think.

Let's not even go into that Baptist box I so do not fit into. I can't even begin to express the feelings I have about that here. We could start by saying that I just do not believe that Jesus Christ, who turned the water into wine, has an issue with me having a glass at dinner.

I don't feel compelled to force my children into reaching their AR goals. I do not believe that homework helps them learn anything. I am convinced that video games aren't hurting them. And the word butt? We use it regularly.

I don't feel the same as alot of moms today. I don't think my children's lives will be enhanced by sleeping in my bed . I do believe their lives will be enhanced by knowing (and learning to respect) that I share my bed with their father.

I have $12 dollars in my purse right now. Not a cent of that is inside my wallet.

I don't eat beans. At all. Ever. Amen.

No. Not any kind of beans- be they lima or green or ranch style or refried. I don't want them, thank you very much.

I gave up Diet Coke because it's bad for you. Now, I drink Dr. Pepper.

I have a bizarre fascination with polygamy. I cannot seem to wrap my brain around the women who embrace this concept. I do realize that many women are forced into this way of life and are not given a choice. My fascination is with the ones who choose it. I have a few really great friends who I love like sisters. They sleep with my husband and that's over. You know what I mean?

I have a compulsion to both save and spend money. All depends on how much Estrogen is flowing through the bloodstream at that particular time.

I love pretty shoes yet about 98% of the time I wear $2 flip-flops from Old Navy.

Walgreens is kind-of like my own personal cocaine.

I hate attending sporting events. Even when they involve my children.

I once tried to get my husband to pass me off as his mistress at a company Christmas party. He wouldn't do it. I thought it would have been hilarious.

Even though I love writing my blog, it's often the very last thing on my "to do" list.

I have several cabinets filled with scrapbooking supplies. I don't scrapbook. Well, sometimes I do but only digitally. On the computer. Where you have no need for scrapbook supplies.

I hope my husband doesn't read that.

I bought myself cereal to eat for breakfast because it's healthy. This morning I had a small bottle of Coke and 100 calorie pack of cookies for breakfast. Because I don't like cereal. Once on vacation we had to eat cereal everyday in the hotel room. We had milk kept "cold" in a cooler. It wasn't cold anymore after the 2nd day. I've never liked cereal again.

I also have a strong aversion to eating any kind of food in a hotel room. Ever watch Dateline?

Also on a vacation we had the same kind of sandwiches for 7 days straight, stopping at rest stops to "picnic". Guess whose kids get Mc Donald's 3 times a day on vacation if they want?

Now when my family picnics we take "real" food. I have been known to go a bit overboard. But I am sure you would have never guessed that about me.

Dadgum

2008-05-03T07:59:00.002-05:00

I had to go to the Wal-Mart a few days ago. I still hate going to the Wal-Mart but sometimes it's unavoidable. Like when you need seven dowel rods because you get a crazy idea. I'll have to fill you in on that later.

So, I'm at the Wal-Mart and I am in the check-out lane for like 3 years or something like that. Why did they build 783 check-out lanes if they were only going to use 3 of them? Seriously, talk about wasting our Earth's resources. Thanks Wally World. And don't even get me started on those "Self Checkouts". You know how that makes me feel? Like Big Wal-Mart Executives are up on the second floor behind that one way mirror and they are laughing and mocking us.

"Ha, ha. We stock crap that no one should buy, gradually increase the price of all of it, never, ever help you find the crap you need, and now we don't even take the time to take your money from you. Ha, ha, ha (in an evil Clown-gone-crazy kind of laugh)"

OKay, got that off my chest. Back on track. So, I am waiting in the check-out lane. And I am bored because I am that juvenile, that I need to be entertained all the time. I guess I am not alone because the Wal-Mart had TV's installed at every single check-out lane. Probably should have thought thru that one a little and realized if people had time to catch a sitcom while waiting to pay for their stuff then maybe the answer would have been a couple more cashiers- but I digress.

So, as I am in line I am checking out all the extra stuff I have no need for but might want and I come across a package of Cherry Tic Tacs, ummm yummy! Right? But they were $1.99 and get this, sugar-free. I don't want no stinkin' sugar-free Tic Tacs. But on a serious note- I have become such a ridiculous tightwad that I would not purchase the $2 Tic Tacs. So, I compromise and buy a package of Orbitz Pomegranate Chewing Gum. Which was less than a dollar.

I bought some Orbitz Mojito gum not too long ago. Mojitos are the best drink ever. And on the plus side, I can make them. I have tried to learn to make Chocolate Martinis for several years and I don't know what my problem is, but I cannot do it. Mojitos, I have mastered. Mojito Gum, on the other hand, was the nastiest stuff ever invented. I do not know why I thought it would be good. It is not good, stay away from the Mojito gum.

So, I leave the Wal-Mart with my pomegranate gum. Later that day as I drove to get the kiddos I remembered the gum I bought and I grabbed a piece. No words for it people. Stay away from the pomegranate gum. Yuck. So I throw the rest of the pack back in my purse. And, no, I have no idea why I did that. But the next morning we get in the car to head to school. Caroline notes that car has a strawberry-air-freshener-smell. And that's exactly what it smelled like. Very, very strong strawberry-cardboard-on-a-string-air-freshener. From the gum.

That gum was so strong that it had "airfreshened" my whole car.

Stay away from the pomegranate gum.

Playin' Tag

2008-04-30T10:21:00.000-05:00

Courtney tagged me which is cool because I've never been tagged before. Because, as you might have noticed, I don't have one of those nifty little blogrolls on the side. Because I do not know people, in real life, that blog. I read strangers blog's like Pioneer Woman. I'm lame, I get it.

So, I'll play-

What I Was Doing 10 Years ago-

~planning Caroline's 1st birthday party- it was Princess themed

~redecorating Caroline's nursery because in some bizarre fit of pregnancy induced hormones I originally decorated it in Winnie the Pooh. Immediately upon arrival home from the hospital I looked around the room and thought, "What the hell did I do?" True story. My husband is a very patient man.

~I was on a diet. I have been on a diet most all the time since I was 12. Except when I want Chicken Fried Steak. Or pie. Or ice cream. Or....

~I was living in Abilene for the last summer I would spend there.

~I was enjoying the liberating experience of going to Target everyday, if I chose, which I often did choose.

Five Things on My To Do List For Today

~sign closing papers on the old house

~laundry

~pick up kids

~watch American Idol results show

~look at cheap vacation options

Things I Would Do If I Were A Billionaire

~Pay off my house and car and tell Casey to quit his job

~Ask my Dad what to do with the rest of the money

~Give some of it away to people who really need it

~Go to Disney World several times a year with my favorite people and do ridiculously extravagant stuff

~Build an awesome, wheelchair accessible playground for Hill Billy Ville

Three of My Bad Habits (just three, huh?)

~When I am all "fired up" I have a mouth like a sailor. Really, it's bad. I try not to talk that way but it still occasionally slips out.

~Pretty much all of the food I eat.

~I tend to be overly critical and have ridiculously high expectations of people.

Five Places I Have Lived (I've only lived in four)

~Odessa, TX

~Abilene, TX

~San Angelo, TX

~Stephenville, TX

Five Jobs I Have Had (HA! FIVE jobs! Not even close....)

~TCBY

~Babysitter

~SAHM

The $20 Table & The Chairs I Hate

2008-04-29T04:35:00.000-05:00

Okay, so we went through how I am now vain and tired of the cruddy, hand-me-down furniture, right? Perhaps we skipped the part of the story where I don't have unlimited funds. But I don't. Have unlimited funds, that is.

So, we used the money we did have to buy a new dining room table and chairs which I will show you later this week. That left me with no more money. I hate it when that happens.

And I needed a table and chairs where the kids could do homework and eat snacks and all that without messing up my pretty new table that no one is allowed to touch. Just kidding. They can touch it. They just can't eat at it. Kidding about that too. Sort-of. Anyway, I needed another table and chairs. And I found some chairs that I fell in love with- at Pottery Barn- here they are-

Funky and fun, right? Well, two issues. Numero Uno, the hubby did not think they were funky or fun. He hated them. And then he found out they were metal. He really hated them. Issue number 2- they were $129 each. A little more than my $0 budget allowed for game room chairs. Then I had a thought. Generally, that's reason for everyone to be scared. I am a little scared just remembering it.

So, here's what I did- I bought this table on Ebay for $20. Yes, $20 on Ebay and Casey picked it up for me on the way home from a meeting. Not so pretty, huh? Don't worry.

So, I did a little painting and a little sanding and I think I did a fair job of transforming this ugly $20 table. I added to it the ridiculously ugly kitchen chairs we have used for the past 9 years. I have never liked them but they were free and I do appreciate the fact that they were given to us. But I still hate them. Actually, I did hate them. Now, I am totally into them. I like them alot, in fact. AND they were free. So- $20 for the table, $6 for some liquid sandpaper, approx. $40 in paint and here's what you get

Please excuse the dusty floors. I would love to say that's a freak thing and that they are always clean but I have this thing about telling the truth. I gotta keep it real. And we are a little messy, for real. Also, the red chair looks a bit garish in the pics but it really isn't, I think it was the funky shadow. I realized later I didn't get a close -up of the table itself. It's flat black with some distressing to the edges. Very nice for $20 and with the pedestals in the middle rather than legs it functions WAY better for the Dunk man. The rest of this area of the room is still unfinished. It's wired for an overhead light but we do not have one at this point- would love some suggestions for that. Also I painted some canvas for the "art" on this side of the room but am a bit undecided on that at the moment. So what do you think?

Real Stuff and Carnivals

2008-04-28T11:31:00.004-05:00

Yeah, well, that didn't work out so well did it? I can't believe how bad I have become at blogging. And the thing about it is, I really like to do it. Weird, huh?

Okay, well first, someone wanted to know what the opposite of real furniture is. Let me try to explain. The furniture we have had for the past 11 years has come from flea markets, garage sales, or belonged to someone else we know. Basically, someone gets a REAL dining room table and they say, "Hey do ya'll want our old one?" and we nod enthusiastically and say yes. Then we keep it forever. Oh, and the dining room table was one they had for 8 or 10 years and they themselves bought it used. And no, I am not kidding. And I am grateful for the hand me downs because for a lot of years we were much more concerned about paying therapy bills than buying furniture but now I am vain and tired. I want nice things. I want to invite people to our house and not have them feel like they are inside the Salvation Army. It's probably a personality flaw and maybe even a sin but it is what it is. I am tired of the mismatched, broken furniture we have had forever. So, there you go.

And our new dining room table and chairs have arrived without incident. I am going to try to get some pictures of them but no promises because I cannot seem to locate the cord that connects my camera to my computer- ahhh, technology, right?

And all the projects are moving right along but now they are going to be sidetracked because I have to go get my carnival booth stuff together. I really do not want to get my carnival booth together. As a matter of fact, I don't want a carnival booth at all. I don't even want to go to the carnival. But, alas, I am the roommother, and it is written ( in some freakin' weird roommother code book, no less) that the room mother must be in charge of the carnival booth. Why all civilization might crumble down without the roommother's running the carnival boothes, right??

So, happy Monday and I hope none of you have to be in charge of a carnival booth!

I'm Back! Sort-of.

2008-04-23T09:00:00.002-05:00

Wow! Sorry, I haven't been around. Time is really getting away from me these days. I can't believe it's been more than a week.

Seems this time of year is prone to being super busy. We certainly are. Everyone we know is. You probably are, too.

Lot's of projects to show you, finally some pictures of the house are coming, and I even got my first piece of real furniture. Promise I'll be back tomorrow!

Garage Sales

2008-04-13T05:31:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, we had a garage sale. I know, I hate them too. Well, I like to go to them I just hate having them.

It wasn't bad as far as garage sales go.

Let's see- somebody wrote me a check and dated it Oct, 12, 2004. Yes, for real. It was a small check so I am not gonna stress over it. No less than 20 people tried to buy my cheap-o wicker patio set from Garden Ridge. I wouldn't sell it. I thought about it but then when everyone else wanted I sort-of wanted it too. Go figure, right?

We sold a piano for $20. We really didn't want to move it again. And that was actually great. A young guy and his wife bought it and he was so excited, it made me happy that he got it. And a nice older man bought Caroline's Radio Flyer Tricycle for his great-granddaughter (for almost as much as the piano, no less) That was the one and only thing I was having a hard time letting go of. I did love that tricycle. I guess that's pretty obvious, huh? Caroline is almost 11.

Angie you'll love this- I sold a whole box of Blue Ridge dishes for $25. The lady seemed to really want them and I don't think she was a dealer. I figured why not? Then I sort-of felt sick to my stomach about it.

Lot's of "Lets Make a Deal" which is generally something I do not do. It is just aggravating to me. And seriously, if you don't want something enough to pay $1 for it, then you don't want it. Plain and simple. Really. If you see something and then think I don't want it a whole $1 worth, maybe I want it a quarters worth, then you should just move on.

Cremation & Other Lunch Time Discussions

2008-04-08T08:23:00.002-05:00

Last week we were discussing being cremated over lunch. Wait, maybe I should back up just a bit. I was with my family and we were on our way to a funeral. We were having lunch first.

Maybe we need a little more explanation. We were on our way to the funeral of a long time family friend. There are times when death is tragic and there is no other way for those of us left here on Earth to view it. There are other times when it's a blessing, a homecoming for the deceased, an end to the suffering. This was one of those times.

I just didn't want you to think I was being disrespectful. Probably wasn't the classiest conversation I have ever started but it was respectful. I have my boundaries.

So, we're at lunch. I commented that I was surprised our friend had not chosen to be cremated. She had made all of the arrangements herself and she was a very thrifty woman. I explained my thought process and that I had always thought it was less expensive to be cremated than buried. There was some discussion on that and it seems it depends on where you live and if you can actually be cremated there or if they have to send your body elsewhere. Apparently, that gets expensive. I had no idea.

So, I told my brother as I have already told my husband, that he is free to have me cremated as long as he doesn't tell me about while I am still alive. Nightmares and such, you know? Anyway, the way I figure it is that gets you out of having to pick out a casket which is just about the creepiest thing I have ever had to do in my entire life and I do not wish it upon any of my loved ones. Plus, you save some money. Win-win, right?

Well, maybe not. It is pointed out during our discussion that you have to put the ashes in something. Seems some of those urns cost as much as a casket, and I don't know this from personal experience but I am gonna guess that picking out an urn to put the ashes of your loved one into is probably just as creepy as picking out a casket. Then my brother and I point out that you could just use a Ziploc but most of the family agreed that no one was gonna go for that. Dad thought maybe they had something more Tupperware-ish, probably not. But there are bigger issues.

Someone then has to take charge of your ashes for all of their life. I know a few people who would probably get a kick out of being such a burden in the afterlife. I am not one of them. Can you even imagine?

"Okay, now that Momma's gone who's taking her ashes?'

"Not me. I've already got Aunt Thelma and Uncle Marvin"

"I am not taking her, I hate that Chinese urn you picked out"

Seriously, can you imagine? Eventually, somebody has half the family in urns scattered about their house. Oh mercy, talk about creepy. Think about it. Every time another family member passes on you have to go add in your own will who has to take them when you die. God Bless the poor souls who got left to me. Let's just say I like to throw things out when they are no longer useful. As far as I can tell, the ashes of a dead body are pretty much good for nothing.

I said they could just scatter me. There was then some discussion about it being more difficult than portrayed in movies and the words "hard and chunky" were used. I don't know about any of that personally, I am just reporting what I heard. Maybe the funeral home would let you borrow an urn and then scatter the ashes? I said the mall parking lot was fine. Have you seen what people leave beside their cars in the mall parking lot? No one is gonna notice a few "hard, chunky" ashes, I am sure of it.

My brother said he was going to divide my ashes into small Ziploc baggies and make everyone take a little bit of me. I pointed out that I had to live that way in my life on Earth and I would haunt him if he did that to me in death. He agreed that would be cruel. Although, a funny concept.

"Yes sir, we're gonna need Momma divided. Half into that rusty urn with the chippy paint that will look so precious in my sun room. That's the one Momma would have wanted anyway. And the other half in the hideous Oriental thing my sister picked out."

Crazy Eight

2008-04-04T08:22:00.005-05:00

Today my favorite little boy turns 8. He's a happy camper. He took "sports stuff" for his treat bags to his class and sprinkled doughnuts rather than cupcakes. Chocolate milk instead of juice. Bar-B-Que and chocolate cake have been requested for dinner. He isn't your ordinary eight year old.

Eight years ago today there were an awful lot of unknowns in our little family. It was a scary day. A scary time. God provided us an unimaginable kind of peace through those first few weeks but we were still left with unknowns. Worries. Fears.

I would love to say those have completely disappeared but that would be D-U-M-B, as Dunk would say. They are there and I suspect they always will be. They change, evolve into new unknowns and new worries. But they don't leave.

But what we couldn't know on this day eight years ago is what would come along with the unknowns. Pure joy.

Our son has blessed our family in a way that I never would have thought possible. He is an inspiration to everyone he knows. Probably to many he doesn't know.

I could say that in every way except physical he's a normal eight year old. I could say that but I would be lying. Sorry, he's way better than "normal". He has a better sense of humor than most stand-up comedians. He watches The Office with me because he gets it and thinks it's hilarious. He is normal in that he thinks farting is about the funniest thing that can happen ever. His quick wit blows me away. Duncan comes up with the perfect comeback immediately that you and I think of ten minutes after the fact.

His memory is impeccable when he wants it to be. He is a male after all. The details he can recall are astounding. Generally he can tell you not only the name of a restaurant where we dined but what he ordered as well.

He's a "foodie". Loves good food. My Dad recalls the story often of Duncan eating the raw tuna appetizer at Rough Creek Lodge on my thirtieth birthday. Dad ordered it and Duncan commandeered it as soon as it arrived. I'm not even sure my Dad got a bite. Crab legs are a new favorite thing. He even tried a raw oyster at the Country Club. He chewed it and swallowed. Took a sip of his drink and said, "I don't care for anymore of that, thank you". I told you he wasn't normal.

Duncan has great taste. When given the opportunity to go shopping for Easter he had a simple request. A new sport coat. With brass buttons so that it would give it a military style. He used the term military himself. He also refused the pink gingham Polo I showed him using the exact phrase his father had used many years ago when I bought him a similar shirt. "I really don't want to wear a picnic blanket"

He's smart. No, like crazy smart. Alot smarter than me. When you and I were kids our parents told us we could be anything we wanted when we grew up. They were lying. With the obvious exception of jobs requiring physical skill, Duncan can literally do anything he decides to. He is that kind of smart. As we were riding along in Casey's truck one evening this past year, Caroline decided to work on her multiplication facts. She said she needed to work on her 7's.

So I say to her "what's 7 x 4?"

And she says "okay, just a minute"

Duncan says "it's 28"

And I say "you don't even know multiplication!"

His answer? "yeah, but it's 28"

Duncan has added so much joy to our lives. I simply cannot imagine our lives without him. The wonderful, beautiful thing about that is he has also added that joy to so many other peoples lives. We have been blessed to know families we otherwise, wouldn't have known if not for Dunk. He is, for all practical purposes, a local celebrity. Everyone knows Duncan. Everyone loves Duncan.

We love you Dunk- Happy Eighth Birthday!!

Muchas Gracias

2008-04-03T08:46:00.002-05:00

Thanks so much to you girls who left a comment this week! I am always humbled that anyone takes time out of their week to read something I wrote. Suffice it to say alot of you didn't play along, but that's cool too. I really don't need anyone to comment ever. But I do hope that at some point you'll at least say hello!

Party Favors

2008-03-31T08:46:00.003-05:00

I need a favor. You all can help. You really can. Let me explain.

I am not the girl who needs lots of attention. Oh, I am a regular girl and by that I mean I need my fair share of attention, of course. But growing up I was not the drama queen in the family and that is good news because I gave birth to one of my own and two of us in the same house would probably be too much to bear. It would push my husband over the edge, I think. I try not to do that if I can help it. I can't always help it. Anyway, back to the subject at hand.

It isn't the professional sort although, that probably shouldn't be ruled out altogether. We'll see about that later. I am kind of looking forward to being a crazy old lady some day. You know the kind. The ones that wear hats that don't match anything, drink martini's at 10 A.M. and talk about wildly inappropriate things. Doesn't that sound fun? Well, except for the martinis. I guess I will have to be officially crazy first because I don't like martinis. I know, very uncool.

Good grief I am easily distracted!! Okay. Here's what I need. I know who some of you are. I see people frequently who say they read this blog. I am usually surprised by that. Mostly because they don't comment which is, coincidentally, perfectly okay with me. Except for today. I do not need you to comment every time I write something or ever again for that matter. It is truly fine with me.

Here's what is not fine with me. My insane curiosity. Remember the pony tail holders? It's like that. Every time someone new says, "Hey I read your blog" I start thinking "Oh mercy me, who else is out there reading the insane ramblings from me?????"

So I started spying on you. I really did. My son told me I would be a good spy because most of it is just creative, and according to him, I am very creative. Maybe someday I'll be a PI. Probably not but you never know. Ahem, I spied on you. I figured out I could find out how many people viewed this page each day. And to my surprise, there are sort-of alot of you. Alot would be a relative term. There are not thousands of you. Well, I suppose there could be because 1) I am kind-of bad at spying and 2) I am even worse at using computers. But I am guessing there are not thousands of you.

So here's what I am asking. Just leave a comment today. Say "Hi, it's me Sally Jo" or whatever, nothing fancy. And I promise I will never ask you to do it again. And you don't even have to register but if you don't then you need to leave your name in your comment, okay? Pretty please with sugar on top??? Please!

Wild One

2008-03-29T06:54:00.003-05:00

Sometimes being the mother of a boy is like going on a wild, once in a lifetime Safari adventure but not being allowed to read any guidebooks first. For example-

Last night as we were headed to bed Caroline began singing the chorus of a song that's one of her daddy's favorites, "Fishin' In The Dark". She sang, "you and me goin' fishin' in the dark, lyin' on our backs......." She didn't get a chance to finish. Duncan, too began to sing at that point. His version?

"You and me go to the bathroom in the dark
'Cept I don't know where the bathroom is
So I pee on you and you think
what is this weird liquid"

Random Thoughts From the Cumby Household

2008-03-26T08:36:00.002-05:00

A couple days ago I saw an actual tumbling, tumbleweed out my dining room window.

My entire immediate family know who you are referring to when you say "the Herbal American"

The two youngest members don't know why and they don't question it.

That's the only thing, ever, that they haven't questioned.

The "new" blue toliet water was great cause of concern for my 10 year old.

When playing a game of catch phrase, to describe the word "Alabama" my children did not use the description of the state but rather Sweet Home ____________.

That made me happy.

Donuts also make me happy.

But I am not happy about it.

This is the first season of American Idol I have ever watched. I don't know why I never watched before because I like it.

I continually talk about how life isn't fair, stop teaching our kids that everything is fair, etc. But it makes me beyond mad when someone cuts in line. What does that say about me?

Oreo blizzards are a really easy way to make someone's day better.

It gives me great satisfaction to prepare a meal and serve it to my family. Why does it give me none to clean it up?

License to Drive

2008-03-21T07:57:00.003-05:00

Okay, here's my disclaimer before you start- I am going to try as hard as I can to keep this lighthearted and funny and not negative. If it takes a turn, well, I tried.

Yesterday we went on a little excursion. I will try to add some pictures tomorrow or the next day. It was lots of fun and a pleasant day all in all considering we were with oh, about half of Fort Worth. We went to the Zoo. On Spring Break. Hindsight says maybe not the greatest idea I ever had.

Nonetheless, it was fun. And nonetheless, that's not what this post is about.

First things first, I consider the Zoo to be a place mostly for children. That's a pretty common attitude, right? I am not saying adults can't enjoy it but the Zoo itself is aimed at children. So why were 350 lb. men "cutting" in front of my seven year old all day long? It was bizarre. My own husband wasn't there but I can't even begin to think of him trying to get in front of anybody at a Zoo exhibit. Heck, I am 5 feet tall and I can't imagine me trying to get in front of someone at a Zoo exhibit.

For starters, I don't really need to see anything that badly at the Zoo. Secondly, don't most adults come with the automatic response of letting the kids go first? What is up with people?

And this tidbit will end my rant for today, I swear. But if you want to go to a public place where children will be then you should be required to do one of two things- drive either a large stroller or a wheelchair for a full twenty-four hour period everywhere you go. Then you may come out and play with the rest of us. Seriously. They were adults all day long jumping right in front of me (driving the wheelchair) and other Mom's who tried to stop to let us go first simply got trampled. It was just stupid. So, I think if you are an adult person who has never driven one or the other then you need to live that life for a short while and then maybe you will have some compassion. They are heavy, they are hard to drive and they are sometimes filled with cranky, whiny, stinky, uncooperative little folks.

Happy Day

2008-03-18T13:39:00.005-05:00

I needed a new, more positive post, so here you go. Not that I don't still feel 100% the way I felt when I wrote The Numbering of The Eggs, because I do. I just felt like it came out pretty negative and that's not really the point of the Blog, right?

And the point of the blog is to share the wacky, bizarre things about our life and well, I've got one for ya. Yesterday the children and I went on adventure. We love it when we do that. Most of you will think we're nuts. Maybe we are. We still have fun.

Check out where we went yesterday-

Um yeah, it's a McDonald's. Actually according to the Travel Channel it's one of the 10 most unique McDonald's. And lucky for us, only a 2 hour drive from our house. Caroline and I saw this on the travel channel Saturday afternoon and I had a vague memory of seeing this particular McDonald's sometime in the past. She really thought we needed to go.

So, yesterday we did. Just for fun. We drove 2 hours to eat a Happy Meal, inside a Happy Meal. Not really as thrilling as it sounds.

We passed about 2,395 McDonald's on the way to this one. I asked the kids if they realized the food was the same at all of them. They did.

Cool adventure all the same. Sometimes, I think, adults way over think fun.

The Numbering of The Eggs

2008-03-16T08:58:00.003-05:00

So, I promised to continue my little holiday rant. I know you've been waiting on the edge of your seat.

If you do not have young children or your children are so young that they do not yet hunt Easter eggs then you may not be familiar with this concept. Go ahead and say a prayer of thanksgiving now.

What I am speaking of is the "Numbering of The Eggs". This is implemented differently by different teachers but the basic concept is the same. And that concept would be to keep the egg hunt fair, to make sure everyone gets the same number of eggs. Generally speaking, this involves marking all of the eggs with numbers and then children are given a number to find. For example, Johnny finds only the eggs marked 4, Sally finds only the eggs marked 5, etc.

Now, I should go ahead and issue my disclaimer at this point. Seeing as how I am the-mother-of-a-girl and the-mother-of-a-child-with-a-physical-disability (that one doesn't flow off the tongue quite so easily, literally or figuratively, LOL!) I can appreciate that the "Numbering of The Eggs" keeps my children from being trampled on the playground. That's about all I appreciate about it.

Seriously. We have to mark up the pretty eggs with black sharpie to keep our kids from hurting each other to try and get them first. Am I the only one who sees a problem with this? We didn't have to number our eggs when we were kids. And, gasp!, we didn't all find an equal number of eggs either. And, by the way, we all lived. Some of us became productive members of society. Those that didn't, I don't think had anything to do with the eggs. And if it did, then maybe they just weren't destined to be productive members of society. I'm just saying.

And, heaven forbid that everyone doesn't find an equal number of eggs. I mean what might happen to little Sally's psyche if little Johnny found 2 more eggs than her? What would that do to her? Here's a thought- maybe we should find out. Maybe if we quit teaching our kids that everything was fair then they would quit expecting everything to be fair. Maybe, just maybe, they might quit feeling so entitled to everything that little Johnny has because they don't understand that little Johnny has rich grandparents that invented oil and they can buy him a private Lear jet but they aren't getting one- EVER. Maybe.

Cynical? I'm sure. But seriously. Seriously. I get so very tired of saying "Life isn't Fair". God did not promise us an equitable life. I believe that is what my father said. I agree.

Maybe the answer for this up and coming generation of self-important little people is a real good glimpse of "not fair". Maybe we can start with losing the Numbering of The Eggs. Maybe, we can teach them that how ever many you find, that's how many you get. And maybe then we can teach them that sometimes, even though you could find more, you don't need any more. So, stop hunting and enjoy what you found. And maybe we could then teach them that sometimes you can help somebody else out and find a couple eggs for them. Not because you have to but because they need help and you want to be the one to do it.

Isn't that what their grandparents learned? And their great-grandparents before them? Why, oh why, are we not teaching our kids these same lessons?

I don't get it. I don't have the answers. I am far from a perfect mother. But I can say that my children do not have to have The Numbering of The Eggs to keep from running over the other kids on the Egg Hunt. And they know that whining about someone else getting more eggs than them will most likely result in me taking all of their eggs to the trash. At least that's a start.

Shout Out To Peter Cottontail

2008-03-14T10:13:00.002-05:00

Here's a random musing for your Friday. I don't think I like Easter. Which I am pretty sure qualifies me for Worst Mom of the Year. And someone will probably kick me out of church on Sunday, too.

But let me explain- or justify. I just finished my second Easter egg hunt in as many days.

The spiritual aspect of Easter I like very much. It's such a powerful thing- the thought of the Crucifixion. Then the very empowering vision of Christ rising from the grave 3 days later. There are moving songs that literally give me chills when I hear them. That part of Easter I like. Actually, that part of Easter I love.

New clothes and pretty shoes are hard to argue with for any occassion, so that part I'm cool with. My son in a sport coat melts my heart. My son all dolled up in a madras plaid polo, crisp khakis and a sport coat. Well, that makes my ovaries hurt just a little. Don't worry, it goes away with the Mimosas at Easter brunch.

But here's where it goes awry- grown men dressed as a bunny and plastic eggs that will not stay closed worth a darn. How did we end up with that? Seriously, how in the heck did this get started? And why, oh why, do we keep doing it? Scary thing is, I truly don't know why we do it but I'll bet you ten bucks one or both of my kids do.

I'm a crafty kind of mom. We are all about decortaing trees and homemade Valentine cards and carving pumpkins, etc. etc. etc. Even I don't like to color Easter eggs. Does anyone have a child who actually likes to do it? Mine like to for oh, about 3 eggs. Then they're done and I have to color the 3 dozen that are left. It's messy and ruins everything. Don't even get me started on the candy eggs. My mother used to freeze them every year and make us hunt the same ones over and over again. Folks, going to therapy could be my full time job.

And plastic eggs. Oh for pete's sake I think plastic eggs are from satan himself. I do not care for plastic eggs.

So, there's my random thought for today. But watch out, because my little holiday rant is far from over. Next up : Make Sure the Egg Hunt is Fair ( No Matter that Life Ain't) and Don't Leave Home Without Your Camo Windsock Made For Egg Gathering.

Slow Down

2008-03-12T09:46:00.003-05:00

I have about four billion things I need to be doing right now. Writing my blog is not one of them. So, of course, that's what I am doing.

I think my issues are multiplying with age. Crap.

Seriously, though. Has Easter just totally snuck up on anyone else? I have to host Duncan's Easter egg hunt at school tomorrow. I think I deserve to say it again. Crap.

We're on spring break the week directly before Easter which means we celebrate, oh, right now. And am I alone in feeling like we just wrapped up Christmas? Valentine's day pretty much just got skipped around here. We bought the kids new Webkinz and called it good.

Ugh, time just flies. It's such a cliche but oh so true. Seems like just a week or two ago the kidlets were back in Preschool and now they are speeding toward "tweenage" years. Wow.

Caroline is now considered an "adult" for Disney tickets. We'll have to make another trip within the next year or so before Duncan is as well. She's beginning to think she's too old to order from the children's menu even though she eats less than most 3 year olds (for real, the kid does not eat). Several of her friends now possess cell phones and she has borrowed mine enough that I am actually going to buy her one of her own before the Fall. She has boys fighting over her at school.

I am sure it'll be summer before we blink and then Fall and then we're back to Christmas again. Sometimes it just seems as though the whole world is on fast forward, doesn't it?

New Toy

2008-03-11T08:38:00.002-05:00

I have a new toy. No, besides the new house. This arrived last week in the mail.

And, I LOVE it. Seriously, I do. I realize it's shallow and silly. I realize it's only a handbag. I still love it, I don't care.

Now, I am not in the habit of paying $258 for a purse, which is coincidentally, what this one cost. I need to say that because every once in a while my husband reads my blog. If he, in fact, thought I was in that habit I might have to explain some of my other habits which I prefer not to explain. Habits like Philosophy. Those secrets will die with me.

However, this pretty little pink piece of heaven cost me nothing. It's true. I didn't pay a dime for that beautiful bag. It's a long story- I'll try to sum up. Like two summers ago I did a "Sign up for 3 offers get this Coach bag for free" deal. Mostly because I was bored and someone said that this deal really worked and I totally didn't believe them but decided to try it. And lo and behold my bag never came. And I was not at all surprised. But then, I received some letter stating that I needed to "confirm" my address or identity or some other bull so I did. Still thinking I would never see the bag. And I didn't. But then one day last spring a letter came stating they were out of the bag so they had sent a $400 Coach gift card instead. True story.

So I have been guarding my gift card debating over which bag I would buy. When I saw the signature stripe in pink I knew it was mine. And, did I mention I love it?

I'll admit I have never understood the need to pay that sort of money for a purse. I have a gorgeous turquoise bag from Target that I paid $25 for and I get compliments on every single time I carry it. Why pay 10 times that for a purse?

I have no explanation for it. I can tell you I will own more of them, though. It's exceptionally well made, which is a huge turn on for me, it just is. I like well-crafted things. It's pink which is pretty much enough for me to love it, which I do, by the way. But it's more about the way it makes me feel when I carry it. And that scares the crap out of me. A handbag effects the way I feel? I think I feel important carrying a $250 purse. Yikes, estrogen is some whacked out stuff.

I Will Survive

2008-03-05T08:38:00.003-06:00

I'm Baaaaaaaack!!!

We're moved in now. Sort-of. I have no idea when we will be finished unpacking. Or when I will have pictures. Brand new house makes really old furniture look really old. And ugly.

Hopefully, we are settling into a routine and will be unpacked pretty quickly. We are enjoying it very much and are so aware of the blessing it is.

We have already used our fireplace more than we ever used the last one we had. When all you have to do is flip a switch it's really wonderful. At least, for us lazy folk. And I am discovering that I actually like to cook given the right environment. While the new kitchen isn't a gourmet, professional kitchen it's pretty darned fantastic.

Today I'm making a chocolate pie. No, the boxes aren't unpacked. And no, that probably doesn't make sense. But I just go with it folks. When your brain is wired the mine is you expect things to be a bit off. And they are. And that's okay.

The children have discovered the joy of takin' a Jacuzzi. Duncan wants us to put one in his bedroom now. Probably not happening. Especially after he decided it would be funny to stick his hiney in the air and exclaim that the jets were massaging his butt. Then he was giggling so hard I thought he might drown.

All in all not a bad move. I am a seasoned pro at this point and feel it went smoothly. We still have a few things to pick up from the old house and storage building that's full but we'll take care of that slowly. We had just enough help to not kill ourselves but also not have so many people that it was chaos. I prefer the unpacking to be left to me because even though it's a lot of work I am the one that needs to know where everything is anyway so I might as well do it.

I do have funny stories to share and hopefully, there will be some pictures too. Stay tuned.

Moving Day

2008-02-25T10:00:00.004-06:00

I had to update you all and let you know I am coming to you live from the new house!!!

Of course, the only thing I have moved in is this darned computer and some Dr. Pepper. But really that's all a girl needs, isn't it?

Seriously, well I was being serious before but still- We're moving this week, weekend I don't know sometime. My updates will be sporadic for a couple days.

I'm off to clean floors.

Stranger in My House

2008-02-19T08:12:00.003-06:00

I am afraid there's a stranger in our house. Actually, I am afraid there is a strange stranger in our house. Why? Well, I actually only have one sign of this. Whoever or whatever this person/thing is likes to eat these-Yes, hair elastics or pony tail holders as they are known around here. And someone/something has to be eating them. That's all that makes any sense. Because according to my ten year old- she would be the one in need of the hair elastics- she just doesn't know where they could be. She does know that they could not be any of the places I suggessted she look. So, I am certain that they are not, simply could not be, in her locker, her pencil bag, her coat pocket, her purse, under her bed, on her nightstand, or stashed somewhere in my car. She knows they could not be any of those places.

I offered her amnesty if she would just tell me what she does with them. She doesn't know. And that makes sense because I often take things off of my body and put them somewhere but I have no idea where that may be- don't you? Doesn't everyone??? I mean just last week I lost my favorite black sweater that way. No idea what happened to that thing.

And my wacky little brain needs to know what has happened to them. Not that they are expensive- around $3 a package. I just have this strange need to know things like this. When all of you are spending your time doing productive things with your minds like memorizing scripture or reading great literature- I am thinking about what in the heck has happened to all the pony tail holders. Nice, huh?

I begged her to tell me. Even told her she wouldn't be in trouble if she was throwing them away- which 2 sidenotes on this
1) I totally think that is what she is doing because it's easier to throw them away than put them away
2) Ordinarily, she would be in a lot of trouble for that but that shows how strong my desire to know what's happening to them is

She says she isn't throwing them away nor is she throwing them on the floor or giving them to someone else. She claims they are probably in a pocket. I asked if she had a pair of jeans somewhere with about 6,000,000 pony tail holders stuffed in the pocket. She rolled her eyes. Ordinarily, she would be in a lot of trouble for that as well but I kinda deserved it. I was being a smarty pants. Which, I like, totally never do that.

Christmas Donkey's and Such

2008-02-18T21:11:00.003-06:00

I just have a random thought for you, which by the way, it seems that almost all of my thoughts are random. And from speaking with my children, I have passed this little trait down. Back to the random thought, though.

My son has a new Scooby Doo Movie, he loves Scooby. Anyway on this movie there are advertisements for other movies, perhaps you are familiar with this type of thing. If not you should probably find a doctor ASAP. Anywho, one of these ads is for a collection of Christmas DVD's one of which is actually named- Nestor the Long Eared Christmas Donkey.

Okay- so I need to explore this for a moment- someone actually was paid money to make a "claymation" movie that they had the creative genius to name Nestor the Long Eared Christmas Donkey?? Seriously?

So, if you own or have had the pleasure of viewing Nestor the Long Eared Christmas Donkey I need to hear from you. I really have to know if this movie is even half as dumb as it sounds That's all. Out.

Good Fortune

2008-02-14T08:17:00.002-06:00

Homemade fortune cookies were the treat-du-jour this Valentine's Day. Not quite as easy a task as I had anticipated. One would think I might anticipate that after all these years.

Hope you and your Valentine have a lovely day or evening or at least a stolen moment or two. I am going to bond with mine over laminate flooring and tile sealer. Sexy stuff, huh?

Fun Stuff

2008-02-13T08:42:00.002-06:00

This is my latest obsession. I wear it quite frequently. This is the website where you can find these wonderful little addictive pieces of jewelry.

http://www.sallyjean.com/sallyjeanshop.htm

It won't let me copy any more pictures but the other side reads " I think I'll be an artist or something"

No special meaning to this post at all, just thought you might want to mosey on over there and check out her stuff.

Be forewarned that the tags like the one pictured above (you can get them with dozens and dozens of different sayings) are large. Much larger than I imagined. Those of you with a little more sense could probably read the measurements and understand that. I cannot. I understand numbers very well. I understand what measurements mean. But when you give me an estimatmation of something's measurement without a visual. Well, just understand that what I hear is "Wah-wah-wah-wah-wah-wah" Which is what the teacher on Charlie Brown sounds like. I simply cannot form an accurate guess of measure without a visual.

The one above is a "flashcard". I could buy them for days and days. It is so easy to find one to fit the personality of everyone you know- Chocolate with a reverse that says One a day keeps the Dr. away would be perfect for Caroline. I have a friend that needs the "she rearranged furniture recklessly".

And I am dying for the Doodle-O's. I want them all to make a bracelet out of- but my favorites are #3 Sometimes She Couldn't Help Herself, #7 Sometimes She Ate Dessert First, #10 Sometimes She Bit Off More Than She Could Chew, and #14 Sometimes She Made Lemons Out Of Lemonade. And out of respect for the family members that read here and don't need too much info about my personal life I'll just say #6 cracks me up. And it fits me just as well as all the others.

Just really cute stuff that you can tell is made by a woman for women- very fitting sayings I think. They make me laugh. And that's my policy. Laugh. Alot.

Wally World Update

2008-02-12T10:09:00.000-06:00

Well, I promised an update on my Wal-Mart ban and I know you all are on pins and needles waiting for that. So here's the truth. I still go to the Wal-Mart.

It seems it is simply a part of the small town life that I cannot escape. But I have made huge improvements. I have also learned it's alot easier to stop spending money when you simply do not have it. But I digress. Actually, digressing is one of the things I am really good at. Ah nevermind........

Okay, back to Wally World. I have been there only a few times and only when that was the only option for the item I needed other than leaving town. And I have been in and purchased said item (s) and left....... with NO junk. Hooray!!

So, it seems part of living in Hill Billy Ville is visiting Wal-Mart on occassion. And I can live with that.

Shout Out To Papa!

2008-02-11T17:46:00.001-06:00

This is a big Shout Out! to Papa for doing our backsplash for us! It turned out great and saved us tons and tons of money! Thanks Tony for giving of your time and talents to help us finish!

Popsicle Lady From a Man's View

2008-02-09T06:07:00.000-06:00

I had to add an update of the I Spy post from earlier this week. I went out to the new house to work with my husband yesterday while the kidlets roamed around the neighborhood trying to find someone to feed them.

Just kidding, they were in school. Anyway, I was "helping" Casey and we'll use that term "helping" loosely. I sort-of just wandered around and picked things up. Whatever, not the point of the story.

So we're getting a chance to chat which we don't ever get anymore and I am telling him the Popsicle Lady story. And you want to hear something scary? No, he wasn't the popsicle lady. Or the man from the bike. THAT would be scary.

So I guess this story is more funny or ironic. His reaction was the exact same as mine before I said anything about where the popsicle came from he said," how much you wanna bet she stole that popsicle from the freezer case?" We were meant to be together, for sure.

However, when I said something about why was she in such a hurry- his response? "Maybe the popsicle was melting?" Yeah, um honey, pushing your grocery cart faster doesn't keep things from melting. What's the man logic there? The extra wind from speeding up cools down your groceries?

I Spy

2008-02-06T10:41:00.001-06:00

Sometimes I wish I had a secret spy camera that I could carry around Hill Billy Ville and take pictures for you all without anyone knowing. Random thoughts, I know.

But seriously these are the type of pictures that I couldn't take overtly, because I would probably offend the people I was photographing. Intrigued? Or just bored so you're gonna keep reading?

This morning while I was walking down the aisle in the Wal-Mart (yes, I have given up my self-imposed ban but more on that later...) there was a large woman who almost mowed me down with her grocery cart. She was eating an ice cream man style popsicle, one of those really big ones that is striped all different colors. And she actually made the "beep beep" sound at me. Yes, like when you are 2 years old and playing hot wheel cars on the carpet, beep beep sound. Never mind that she almost ran over me. Um, and could we revisit the popsicle for a minute? First of all, it's cold here this morning. Like the digital read out in my car said ICE when I got back in after shopping at Wal-Mart. But even on the hottest day of July- and if you don't live out here in the dessert, it is HOT here folks- why in the name of all that is good and holy would you eat a popsicle in Wal-Mart? Where did she even get it? Do you think she opened a box in the freezer section and took it as a snack? Maybe she thought I'll grab a grape or two to snack on through the produce section, ah heck, if I am gonna steal grapes why not a giant popsicle?

People I have a wonderful imagination but I couldn't even make this stuff up. I really wished I had a secret camera so I could have snapped a shot of her and her huge, striped popsicle to show you all here. But the only reason I even had that thought is because of the man/woman? I saw yesterday on my way into the CVS parking lot.

I needed a camera at that moment because I really needed a second opinion on what I saw. I am still not sure. However, I am fairly certain it was a man, in his late sixties or early seventies, riding a bicycle with two wheels on the back to accomodate the large basket/trailer thingy. That's not the funny part. What he was wearing was the funny part. It was a Hannah Montana wig. Not even kidding.

I have no idea why people are out looking for UFO's. Whether or not there are aliens up there really isn't the point. There is much scarier (albeit funny as all get out) stuff walking around on the ground.

Go Fly A Kite

2008-02-05T20:46:00.000-06:00

Today was a good day at the Cumby house. Duncan completed his second grade music program without incident. He had a very minor part, as did all the children. He did fine. It was wonderful and inspiring.

For you to understand that though, you would have had to have been at the first grade music program last year and later in our home for several hours into the night. It was, maybe, the worst day of my life. I am certain it was worse than that for Duncan.

Over Duncan's life I have been asked many questions, most of them have been stupid. They have been, I am not one to sugar coat. One of the dumbest, I carry with me in mind and recall it often- "Have you given any thought to what the future holds for Duncan?" The answer? I find little time to think of anything else.

How could I have NOT thought of his future? Equipment, accessibility, aides, communication devices, computers, therapists, grab bars, wheelchairs, and the list goes on and on and on. The logistics of accomplishing all that he wants to accomplish can be mind-boggling. But his Daddy and I are so unbelievabley proud of what he wants to do that we busy ourselves with figuring out the how.

And there it is- the major flaw- we busy ourselves. Oh yeah, I'll talk accessibility and ADA with you all day long. I'll go to ARD meetings and make phone calls and fight the good fight. But there is no way in hell that I will let my mind wander into those dark places where I have to think about the negative things that he will endure.

So, last year at the first grade music program I got smacked between the eyes with it. Duncan refused to go on stage, crying and throwing a big tantrum. Casey had to take him out of the auditorium and unfortunately, Caroline and I were trapped in the middle of an aisle and we were forced to sit through the entire program wondering what had happened. It was awful. What happened next was ten times worse.

As soon as the program ended we went directly to our car, which is a major feat here in HillBillyVille seeing as how you basically "know" everyone else in the whole auditorium. We drove home on silence and eventually I speak to Duncan on the couch about what had happened.

He said he didn't want to perform because he was "ugly". And not like all the other kids. Essentially, my six year old explained to me that he had no desire to be a side show circus freak for everyone to put on display. And that was exactly how he felt when he got on that stage.

We had many talks about this years program and I gave him my full and complete blessing if he chose to not participate. Singing songs about the weather and holding a cardboard kite are not big accomplishments for a kid like Duncan. However, standing up and being proud of who you are and not worrying about what everyone else around you thinks.... Well, that's pretty big stuff in my book.

Just trying to figure something out.......

2008-02-05T13:50:00.000-06:00

Don't mind me.....

Car (Costs) Lots

2008-01-31T09:41:00.000-06:00

Buying a car stinks. Seriously, I hate it. In fact, I dislike this little ritual so much that up until now I have not even particapted in it. I tell my husband what I want and he goes and deals with it. I told you he was great!

But here's the whole story- we don't actually need a new car. I mean as far as the vehicle being reliable and running well and all that, ours is great. In fact, I like my car very much. Unfortunately, our car is not very big. And unfortunately, I did not do a great deal of research when we purchased it. I thought, incorrectly, that I could travel with half of my backseat folded down therefore, being able to hold 5 passengers and the wheelchair. Also, when we purchased the Buick we did not yet have a wheelchair. Now we do.

So, I figure we'll go and trade this car in for the minivan I should have bought 2 1/2 years ago and that will be that. Wrong. I paid just over $30,000 for my car exactly 2 1/2 years ago. It is now worth $11,500. Even with 0% financing I owe a good bit more than it's worth. How bout them apples?

Isn't that sickening? Literally it makes me want to hurl.

So I guess we'll be cruisng along with not enough room for a while longer. I just don't know if I can stomach buying a car ever again. It is painful to think about how quickly the value drops, ridiculous really.

Shopping Trip

2008-01-29T08:07:00.000-06:00

These would be the best candy invented since well, let's just go with EVER. They are yummy. The only thing that could make them better, they already did. They made them pink. Dark Chocolate wrapped up in a tiny pink package- hello! Go forth and get you some.

Then you should go straight to Philosophy.com while eating your yummy Dark Chocolate M&M's and you should buy the Gingerbread Man. It is THE best bath product ever. And you should trust me because I have bought them all. Yes, I have. ALL of them and this one is the best. Go get it and get me some too. And don't worry it doesn't smell like Gingerbread. I don't understand it either but it doesn't. It smells like Ginger Ale. Rub a tiny bit on your skin and I promise you won't care what it smells like. And it has the added benefit of looking like you rolled in the mud after you get it all over you. If you always thought you'd look hot after mud wrestling well, you can test that theory out. I am not personally into that but whatever floats your boat.

And if you still feel like shopping then you could take pity on a girl in dry county (who also happens to be on a "spending freeze") and you could go get this. It makes the best margaritas known to man. I have tasted them ALL and I know. Okay, so I haven't tasted them all. You're right, not even close. But I didn't need to taste anymore after the Patron one, okay?

Those Were the Days

2008-01-27T08:02:00.000-06:00

I had to make a surprise trip to my hometown yesterday. Well, it used to be my hometown. I don't think of it that way anymore. The landmarks have all changed. I had a difficult time navigating and was even thinking I was lost at one point. It was a strange experience. Most of my experiences are strange but still.

I came to realize last night as I was driving home in the dark jammin' to some Third Day that it simply isn't my home anymore. When I arrive there I don't sigh with relief and think "Whew! I'm home!" I think where in the heck did THAT come from? Everytime I turn a corner.

The relief and I'm home feeling comes from HillBillyville and my husband. Where he and my children are is home and always will be. I suspect that has something to do with my lack of attachment to a particular structure as home. That and the fact that I moved something like 25 times as a child.

And because for the last 7 years where they have been is HillBillyville then that, is home. I have become one of those people. I think of the city where I grew up as "the big city" and therefore, I do not want to go. We laughed at people who called it a big city back in the day. Of course, back in the day I wore blue eyeshadow so maybe I shouldn't have been laughing at anybody.

Outer Limits

2008-01-22T09:33:00.000-06:00

Our Sunday school teacher said on Sunday, "Stephenville continues to push the limits of the old saying There's No Such Thing As Bad Press." Really couldn't have said it better myself.

Yes, I am sure you have heard by now, we have UFO's out here in Hillbilly Land.

They were spotted a couple weeks ago and as Casey likes to say it's been "pandelerium" ever since. News trucks everywhere, Larry King Live was here over the weekend. Alien t-shirts and parties and hats made of foil, oh my!

Every marquee in town has a comment about it- Spaceships Park in the Back, Honk If You've Seen a UFO, Aliens Like Tacos Too, and Martians Eat Free. Seems most everyone has a comment as well. Dunk's second grade classmates all have an opinion- they thought maybe the people just saw a paper plate and thought it was a flying saucer. And then of course, the news agencies like to get their opinions in without really saying anything. They just make sure to get a nice wideshot of the doublewide behind the guy talking about the "bright, shining light".

It's all been a little fun, really. I am mean I am so over the whole "get a load of these crazy rednecks" deal so I find it funny. I am completely aware that the rest of the nation is laughing at us, I am laughing with them. And I am not sure I have laughed as hard as I did when I heard this last tidbit in years- I didn't hear this one first hand, it was reported to me by my husband and I honestly thought he made it up but I was wrong. One man spotted the UFO through the scope on his deer rifle and he thought about shootin' it but he "didn't want to start an intergalactic war." Just think about that today when you hit a rough spot, I guarantee that image will make you smile.

Tidbit of Americana

2008-01-19T17:20:00.000-06:00

Here's a fun little fact for you- you need a Social Security card to renew your Driver's License. You need a current, non-expired Driver's License to get a Social Security card. Think on that for awhile.

Yeah. I lost my Social Security card. Actually, I believe that I have hidden it from myself. Very well, I might add. I do need to say that I have the Social Security cards for the other three members of my family, so I shouldn't be labeled irresponsible. Flighty maybe, but not irresponsible. Anyway- the card is not in my house. I know because I spent approximately eight hours last Wednesday looking for it. I dumped drawers, emptied cabinets, dug through files, even poured out trash. Uh-huh, it was a good day.

I was literally near tears. And here is the part where you can call me irresponsible. I needed the card because my license expired-
four months ago. I know, I know. Whatever.

So, I am in somewhat of a panic because I have finally realized that the license expired four months ago and I really need to renew it. But I can't without the card. So, after eight hours of searching I began to come to terms with the fact that I may need to get a replacement SS card. I begin to try to find the requirements for doing so. And that's when I discovered it. You must have a current Driver's license. Some words went through my mind at that point. Some bad words.

At this point it's a toss up from just giving up and hoping I never get stopped again or trying to find a solution. But, I figure that at some point having an expired license is going to be a problem. So, in a last ditch effort I call the DMV. And I politely ask if I need my SS card to renew my license. The girl who answered the phone was as sweet as cherry pie (there are benefits to the small town life, I cannot stress that enough) and she explained that I may or may not it would just depend on the computer. I decided to try it.

I now have in my possession a temporary license that is current and I still have no idea where my SS card is. Seems the DMV computer system believed I was who I said I was- what the heck that means I have no idea. But I took that temporary permit and drove straight to the tax assessor's office to pay for and pick up my registration that had only expired two months prior.

Oh yes, I am completely serious.

Firearms and Other Redneck Pastimes

2008-01-10T05:48:00.000-06:00

These are my boys. They went huntin' for the first time several days ago. Well, actually as my son explained they were really just "lookin' " not shooting anything. He needed to go as he got his first firearm for Christmas.

I was, at first, somewhat bothered by this particular hobby. I have adjusted to it over the years but am still somewhat uncomfortable thinking about my son wanting to go "shoot something" The fact that he would be happy shooting pretty much anything bothers me more than the hunting aspect of it. Though, there's no doubt, hunting simply isn't my cup of tea.

I don't want to go sit out in the woods and be quiet and smell bad on purpose. I don't want to be quiet- period. I don't want to see blood and guts. I really don't care that much for seeing the animals alive. I know, shocking. I sure as heck don't want to see the animals once they are dead. Bring dead animal meat into my house that did not come from the local H-E-B and I will be the one who goes huntin'.

But, I am kinda over it. The absolute, pure little boy love for going out with his Daddy and sharing this particular Redneck custom makes up for the fact that I sort-a hate it. His complete joy when he went out with his Dad and his desire to learn and understand all aspects of it make it easier to stomach. The fact that I hit a deer and it almost totaled my Suburban and then my husband hit another deer on his way to pick me up from said Wildlife Altercation, helps too.

Life's a Beach?

2008-01-07T09:38:00.000-06:00

Well, my hunky hubby took me out for steak for our anniversary. It was good. The atmosphere was frightening but that was a given since we didn't leave town. I love this town, I really do. But living here has it's sacrifices.

Actually, I would be very open to moving- it's the other 3 people I live with that need convincing. I think we should all move to the beach and open up a shrimp shack. Or maybe we could buy a ranch in Montana and I could home school ours kids while Casey worked cattle. I guess he would need to know how to work cattle first, right?

I guess we'll stay. Although, the beach thing has potential I think. I would love to live at the beach. I have no idea why.

I'm actually a little bit afraid of the water. Yeah, probably shouldn't move to the beach.

The Story So Far.........

2008-01-04T09:08:00.000-06:00

I have been fortunate, I suppose, in that I have not made many huge, life-altering bad decisions. Don't get me wrong, I have made some poor choices. And I live with the consequences of those. But because I am cautious and analytical I tend to over think things. To a fault. To a point where my mistakes have usually been more of the "not taking the chance" sort.

So, it is particularly amazing to me that I made one of the best choices of my whole life 11 years ago today. I was just a girl. I still doodled on notebook paper and chewed bubble gum. The fact that God gave me the insight to take such a wonderful risk- well, it's miraculous.

And the man who God brought into my life when I was a mere 16 years old- and who stood there at the altar of the First United Methodist Church and took the same risk as I did- well, he's a miracle too.

He's not perfect. He leaves his dirty socks and pants next to the bed everyday. And he tracks nasty bits of french fry crud into my house everyday. And he expects me to feed him dinner almost everyday (oh okay, at least once a week) But folks, have you met me?

These days I am a pretty good wife. I do what I can. But 11 years ago, I was a girl. A pain-in-the-ass little girl. We have explored many of my neurotic tendencies here, this man lives with those on a regular basis. We won't even go into the OCD issues I've had for years. But let's just say the phrase "Go check the door again" is pretty familiar to him. Especially after he's gotten into a warm cozy bed on a cold night. And then there's my hobby. Or what he calls it- shopping.

Nevermind that neither of us grew up with our immediate families intact. He didn't have the role models to look to, He didn't have the mentor to tell him how to make it work. Yet, he made that desicion from the start, to stick with it.

He is involved in every aspect of our children's lives. When he's not there, they miss him. He is there for them in a way that he did not know as a child. He was never afraid to change a diaper, or go to a Dr. appt. , or attend a school conference. Many days at the restaurant he hears " Hey you're Duncan's Dad!" or "Hi! Caroline's Daddy!". And he couldn't be more proud at those moments.

He is the first person I want to call when I get good news. And his face is the first I want to see when something bad happens.

He understands all my wacky, weird tendencies. Okay, he probably doesn't understand them but he puts up with them. He endured more interference from my family than one should ever have to. And he didn't even gripe about it for years. And when he did, he was kind and understanding. He even endures my strange love for Disney World. And he particpates in it. Even enjoys it. Oh how I love that man.

In all seriousness, he is the best man I have ever known. He has strong beliefs and lives according to those, the best he can. He values his wife and children in a way that is not so common these days. He believes in the value of hard work and he works harder than anyone I know. He understands what it means to "work your way up" because he did it. And he understands the importance of that. He knows that it's okay to be silly sometimes. And he gets my sense of humor. He makes an excellent chocolate martini. And he earns a good, honest living.

Eleven years ago we took a huge risk and said "I do". It was without a doubt the right choice. I couldn't be more thrilled to be his wife. The mother of his children. He is the love of my life.

Happy Anniversary Casey, I love you.

Happy New Year Issues

2008-01-01T09:41:00.001-06:00

Well, Happy New Year! Woohooo, Hooray, Whatever. New Year's doesn't do much for me anymore. It's sort-of a weird day to celebrate, dontcha think? I mean, Woweeee! It's the end of the month. Eh, I don't get it.

But now it's the beginning of a new year. That should be a celebratory time, I suppose. But my favorite time is the end of the year. September to January 4th. My birthday to my anniversary. Also encompassing Halloween, Fall, Thanksgiving, and Shopping errrr, I mean Christmas.

So, this is sort-of a mourning period for me. My favorite time has ended. Don't get me wrong, I have more favorites. Summer is a big hit with me now that my kiddos are in school. I look forward to the lazy days, weekend trips, and daily adventures we come up with. By the time the end of May comes around I am longing for an escape from the daily grind of our schedule. I am also longing for someone (anyone, please!!!) to buy this house so I can use the money I have stashed to run off to Orlando again instead of using it for mortgage payments.

So really, my favorite time is from Summer til now. Hmmm, it's the first half of the year I have issues with, I guess. But as you all know, that's just the tip of the iceberg as far as my issues go.

Peace Out

2007-12-31T08:32:00.000-06:00

Isn't that sweet? A mother's heart should be warmed by this photo. And mine is. But...... Oh, you knew there would be a but, come on. It's Chrstmas morning and they are not wearing matching jammies- as I am sure you notice they don't even sort-of match. Dunk's have dogs on them, not Christmas-y dogs either. Milk Bone Dogs. Caroline is wearing last year's Christmas jammies, they have snowflakes on them. It's neurotic and probably a little 80's of me but I need matching jammies on Christmas. I need most things to match. Most of the time. Really, almost all of the time and almost all things. I realize it's weird. It is what it is.

Which I guess is the real reason they don't have matching jammies. This year is what it is. And what it is (or I guess was) is nuts. An inordinate amount of our time has been spent on the new house. For all practical purposes I have been a single parent for most of the year and Casey has had two full time jobs. And when suddenly faced with the very real prospect of 2 mortgage payments while already making 2 tax payments, 2 insurance payments and 2 electric bills- spending $100 on matching Christmas jammies loses some significance.

The kiddos sense all this weirdness. They are used to my neuroticism. So when I told them they could do what they want with the Christmas tree they were a little ....... taken aback. And they wanted to rush to do it before I changed my mind. When I didn't have specific instructions for what Caroline should wear to sleep in on Christmas Eve she looked at me suspicously, like I had something up my sleeve.

Their pics from Christmas morning are proof enough- look at them. Dunk has one sock on and one sock off with his Milk Bone pj's. At least they are red. Caroline looks like she just left the looney bin. She's holding that game like she has wanted it for her whole life. In reality, she had never even heard of it.

So, here's to 2008. May it be peaceful. I usually find wishes of Peace pretty corny but I long for it in this coming year. That and things that match. I need my matching jammies.

Double Dippin'

2007-12-30T07:51:00.000-06:00

First of all, can you stand how good looking this kid is? It's no wonder that he charms his way into most anything he wants. Secondly, these were taken after church on Christmas Eve. He lost one of them a day or two before and the other had been hanging, crooked ever since. He looked like he should be wondering around barefoot, shirtless with some overalls on answering to a combined name such as Billy Earl.

So, I was afraid of what all the Christmas pictures would look like. I was also, coincidentally, afraid to admit that out loud. When I finally did, my husband quickly agreed with me. Whew! We were meant to be together after all. So, he pulled the second tooth out after church. The boy was in agreement. More out of greed than anything else but that worked for me.

So, he got the distinct honor of having Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy visit him in one night. I think the scant $2 that the Tooth Fairy left was a little overshadowed by this-

R-E-L-I-E-F

2007-12-26T09:03:00.000-06:00

Ahhhhhh, the day after Christmas. This is a day I have come to appreciate. My house is completely trashed yet, could there possibly be a day when you have as good an excuse as you do today? No way. Santa came yesterday, of course the house is a mess.

Plus, there's the added bonus that all the shopping is done, the gifts have been given, the food has been cooked, no more wrapping to do. Today is the day you can breathe a sigh of relief.

Of course, if you are a mom then you work isn't quite done. There's the 487 piece battleship to put together. The new curling iron to figure out. The camera that needs to be programmed. Foosball tournaments to be played. Cars that need to be freed from their plastic prisons.

And on that subject, why is it that some environmental person can't figure out how to package toys with less packaging? Holy smokes! I don't think we had this much cardboard in our house the last time we moved. And don't get me started on the plastic. I just know that someday I will mortally injure myself trying to get into some stupid Cube World package with my dull scissors.

So sit back and enjoy today and try not to step on any Legos or go skating across the house on a Hot Wheel. And let the kids win the video game at least once.

Confused Carols

2007-12-22T16:54:00.000-06:00

Last night we were out at the new house, well actually, we were walking out of the new house when Caroline began singing. She was singing some bizarre version of Joy To The World involving a skiing accident- really, just trust me on this, you don't want to know. We've already been hearing about Barney's head being flushed down the potty- again, don't ask- all week long.

So, we're walking down the sidewalk as she sings. Duncan and I are following her when he too begins to sing. His song? To the tune of All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth he sings- " All I want for Christmas is a roll of duct tape".

I almost fell off the sidewalk.

Santa? Santa? Where are you?

2007-12-22T08:03:00.000-06:00

Well, we all survived the last week of school. I was beginning to wonder. There were plenty of festivities and the kids were really sweet. Lots of hugs and thank yous and one little girl even brought me a gift!

Now, how in the world I am supposed to shop, wrap, cook, clean, do laundry, etc. in 2 days?

Seems I am not alone. Everyone I have talked to this year is somewhat flustered at exactly how Christmas is going to happen this year. There are those with financial struggles, it seems more this year than in years past. Teachers didn't get paid until yesterday, I found out. I'm sure making it difficult to get finished with shopping before their own children are out of school. There's quite the time crunch this year as well. With school letting out only a couple days before the big day, there's no time to do the "last minute stuff".

I personally have had my Canon photo printer hummin' along since yesterday at about 2 P.M. I am afraid it's about to scream. Let's not talk about the ink cartridges I've gone through.

I am trying to focus on what this season is about. Not what everyone wants.

That is not easy.

So, I hope that you all have a moment to enjoy these last few days of the Holiday season and what they really mean to you. I think I'll go see if I can find Santa.

Reason # 4,397 to Have a Little Boy

2007-12-21T16:49:00.000-06:00

Last night we were sitting at the table having some Lasagna (courtesy of Pioneer Woman Cooks!) and Duncan looks at me very seriously and says this-

"This is really good. Maybe you should be on Food Network."

The Galleria of Jewelry

2007-12-17T21:07:00.001-06:00

Sometimes this time of year just gets to be too much. Actually, every time now that I think of it. I am tired and stressed and broke. Which would make me the same as, oh about 99% of the American population at this moment. I guess my point is, I like to whine a little but I have an appreciation for the fact that I will survive. And then it will be January. Uuuuhhh. Thank the good Lord above I got married in January because otherwise, it would be the most horrifyingly horrible month ever.

Anyway- there are little things that help me survive this time of year when I feel as though I could literally fall asleep standing somewhere, anywhere. Just lean me up against a corner somewhere and I'm good. So, the little things. Good liquor always helps. My new Frango Mint Diet Lipgloss (don't ask so many questions just go get you some!!!!)http://www.philosophy.com/web/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&partNumber=frango-mint-diet-lip-shine&categoryId=&parent_category_rn=&top_category=&childId=77777 And the humor my children provide, they are funny little dudes. Did I mention the liquor?

Anyway, today has been a bit of a rough day and as we were wrapping things up I asked the kids for a list of teachers and aides and such that we need gifts for. My son is extremely generous. This is not a new thing. He is thoughtful and refuses to leave anyone out. Thank goodness I am creative. Otherwise, we'd be up a creek.

His list includes cafeteria workers (Dunk takes his lunch every day. As in he has never once eaten a cafeteria meal- not just this year but in his entire school career) Librarians, nurses, clerical staff, etc. One lady he doesn't know her name, the direct quote was "Write down Marcus's mom and I'll know who you're talking about" We're buying gifts for people who we don't know well enough to actually know their name. Get the picture?

As I finish making the list and realizing that I do not have enough supplies for the Martha-Would-So-Not-Even-Come-Close-To-Approving-Craft-Project (which I'll show you tomorrow!) Duncan begins hinting around.

He's got a new woman. Shhhhhh, don't tell his wife. He and "his wife" have been together since they were 2, oh how hurt she would be! He loves her still, and I suspect he always will love her. But, she's all the way in the other building these days and a man needs someone to keep him company. You know how it is.

Tess. That's the new love. She's precious, Momma approves. They were caught holding hands during story time the other day. Dunk asked "what? Is that innappropriate?" He also pointed out when I told him he could not kiss Tess at school that they would actually not be at school when his class took a field trip to see Alvin and the Chipmunks. Gotta give him points for creativity.

Back to tonight. He thinks he needs to go to Justice this weekend to look for a gift. He wants to know if they have rings for girls. I suggest a necklace. "Ummmm, that's too casual. Too everyday." Not even kidding you. I recall that Caroline and I spotted some cute, oversized faux gem rings at the Dollar Spot at Target. We suggest these would be a fun thing for my son's 7 year old girlfriend. He's not convinced.

So he says, "Do you think I would have any luck at Jared?" Sure. Let's drop a couple grand for your 2nd classmate a ring. You only live once, right?

Man. Talk about champagne taste. I simply told him it was a gesture, not a lifetime commitment. Of course, that was after I had a much needed laugh.

Buy This Popcorn- NOW!

2007-12-13T10:41:00.000-06:00

http://www.daleandthomaspopcorn.com/vzgrandparents.aspx

This link should take you to a sign-up page for a free gift card to Dale & Thomas popcorn. Go order some- right now! It's super yummy! Especially the Cinnamon Drizzle Something & Something Etc.

House Updates

2007-12-13T09:08:00.000-06:00

Some updated house pics for today-

This is the family room. The door you see is the back door that goes out to the outdoor kitchen.

This is the indoor kitchen- can you believe how dirty it is? It's making me crazy- all this brand new stuff and it's filthy!

This is looking into the kitchen from the other side- far left is family room, rock bar is in the great room.

Another view of kitchen- this one from the dining room- archway at the back goes into the pantry.

This is in the great room looking at the front door.

This is the dining room.

The fireplace, my favorite thing. It has the WOW! factor. We're big on that. You know, the WOW! factor.

And here's a chandelier and a useful tip. It's stupid to try and take a picture of a light fixture when the light is on. But when your children begin yelling at you and each other you tend to forget seemingly simple facts like that. Hmmm.

I Know, I Know.......

2007-12-10T19:03:00.001-06:00

I have been a terrible blogger. Life, it seems, gets insane during the holidays. And while I actually enjoy blogging very much, there has been no time for things I enjoy. There's been no time for anything, really. But let's try to play catch up.

We thought we sold our house but we didn't. The $%^#&@(^! people decided to back out. I am deriving great joy out of envisioning them search for a place to live for the next six months. I realize I am bitter and angry. I'm okay with it. Seriously, they really did not play nice and they wasted a great deal of my time and I don't appreciate it.

Both kids particpated in the district or regional UIL competitions last week. Caroline in Oral Reading and Duncan in Creative Writing. Such a huge thing for Duncan to make the team (they select three people from each grade level to make up the team---- that's right, 3 out of the entire grade) and then go on to participate. His coaches and Casey and I tried to explain to him what a big deal it was for him to open doors like that for other kids with disabilities. I am not sure if he grasps that concept or if he is just being himself. But his courage and the creativity of his coaches was inspiring to me. The courage he shows on a daily basis is inspiring. He did not place in the competition but we were certainly proud of his efforts. Caroline competed on Tuesday with her brother but with her competition there are two rounds. We had to wait Tuesday night to hear the finalists read- and in that instance I learned things about myself I would have rather not known. They announced "Okay people, let's get quiet we've got the 4th grade Oral Reading Finalists...." I thought I was going to vomit. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I wanted her to be something she wasn't. But she's good. At this, she is very good. And the thoughts rolled through my mind of what I would want to do should she not be a finalist. These were not good thoughts. First finalist is Caroline's good friend who is on her team. Good. Next finalist is Carolyn Cumby from Stephenville. My heart jumped a bit. Wait. I looked at Caroline . "They said your name, right?" She's screaming and jumping. I assume they did, in fact, mean Caroline. And they did. She returned to compete on Thursday night and she placed 6th. Not quite as good as 2nd place, which is what she did last year. But she wasn't feeling well and she immediately felt as though she hadn't done her best. We are, of course, immensely proud. It is thrilling to see your children succeed. It is a little less thrilling to realize that you are a petty, jealous, competitive stage mother.

The new house is almost complete when we will live there, I just don't know. I am trying to get through one day at time for now. Things are happening a little faster than I can deal. Between all the UIL last week Duncan and I both got a 24 hour virus which was pretty nasty. We have Christmas parties and outings with friend's etc. to tend to this week. Oh and of course, the search for a non-clip on tie for Duncan. He wants a real tie, clip on ties are tacky don't you know? Do you have any idea how hard it is to find a decnt looking real tie for a 7 year old? It's hard.

Hope you all are having a "most wonderful time of the year". Ours is more like "where in the heck did all our money go time of the year" but whatever.

American Girl

2007-11-19T09:12:00.000-06:00

On Saturday Caroline and I took a trip to the American Girl Bistro and Boutique in Dallas. We went with friends and had a lovely time. I called for dining reservations about 5 or 6 weeks ago- none available until after Christmas. Well, they had a few at very odd times that simply would never work for our schedule. We heard rumors that they would accept walk-in's if you were willing to wait- and here's just a little food for thought- if you are willing to pay someone to do the hair of your daughter's doll, I am guessing you are willing to wait for lunch, right? Suffice it to say, we were willing- on both counts- but no dice. They were so overbooked that they would accept no walk-ins whatsoever.

The girls were slightly dissapointed but that didn't last long. How could it? We were in little girl heaven. To be able to see in person all those dolls and outfits and accessories and books, oh my! To touch them and hold them! Heaven, I tell you!

Caroline had saved her allowance diligently, as she has been anticipating this trip for months. She threw all caution to the wind after seeing everything in person, though and chose different things than she had thought she would. She thought she wanted the Julie doll. She's the "historical" doll from the 70's. Caroline likes her alot. I like her little toy Barbie styling head alot. I had that toy, and I did so love it. I also had the same record player as Julie only mine was a different color. Man, Julie has cool stuff.

Caroline chose outfits and "camis and panties". And a cast and a set of crutches, I didn't really understand that but she really wanted it. Her friend chose a hairstyling chair and a darling little ballet outfit with yoga pants. Cute, tiny little things.

Most of the girls were just in awe in the wonder of it all. And of course, we saw a fair share of overindulgence. Here's a hint Mom, when the boxes stack up taller than your ten year old maybe you've gone too far. It's possible they don't need all of those things today. You know? It was fun to let her spend money and chose her own things. She spent $100 of her own and I paid $20 for her doll's hair style at the "salon". For you inexperienced American Girl Mom's, I am not kidding. I do admit, Nikki's (that's the doll) hair looks much better. Caroline could easily have spent several hundred more, for that matter I could have easily done it too. There's a whole lot of really cute stuff there. But there was really some relief on everyone's part that there were limits, and that we would return another day to buy more. I mean how special is one doll outfit ($26 outfit, I might add for you inexperienced Mamas) if you bought 12 of them? If you only got one or two they are pretty dang special.

Angel League

2007-11-15T09:51:00.000-06:00

Angel League wrapped up the fall season this week and here are some highlights.

When Duncan first began playing several seasons ago, I didn't know what to feel. There's still a very real part of me that doesn't want to join this club. I am not "one of those" parents. I am not in that place, and quite frankly, I don't want to be. I am not ready to go there. And I don't know if I ever will be.

Some of the parents don't even come, I don't know their personal reasons but I can guess. Though I don't live their story, my own is similar enough to have some understanding of theirs. It's painful to watch other people pity your child. It is difficult to put the "not-so-normal" one on display. You can view your child anyway you choose but somewhere deep inside you know what other people see when they see him. You want them to see what you see.

The intelligent part of you knows that isn't even possible. And the selfish part wants it anyway. I want it anyway.

But as I get older I learn things. Not quickly, and sometimes it seems, not much. But I pick a few things up along the way. I have learned that if I will trust God's plan and let go of my own, the blessings will be abundant.

So I learned, that if I take my son to play baseball on the "special needs" baseball team he will be blessed. And so will I. More importantly, others will too.

We humans lose track sometimes that life isn't all about what we want. Sometimes taking Duncan to Angel League is still painful for me. I sit at home and have intelligent conversations with him about science and math and forget that he isn't "normal". Luckily, he never forgets that I am not.

Angel League has helped me to see the blessing he can be to this community. The hope he gives other people, the satisfaction he gives to those who give their time, and the love he gives to those he lets get close to him. God teaches people through Duncan. That's huge. And it's worth making me uncomfortable.

Sell This House

2007-11-12T09:43:00.000-06:00

I can't believe I haven't written a post all week. Hmmm, doesn't seem that long. Time is flying by right now, which scares me to death.

Time flying by means that the 2 short months until I own (and the bank expects me to pay for...) 2 homes will be over before I know it. Prayers for selling our house would be much appreciated right now. It's not that we can't pay two mortgages, and we in fact always knew that was a possibility, it's the fact that it's gonna pretty much stink to do that. I know we can do it, I would just rather not prove it, KWIM?

The new house is quickly becoming a home. There are now granite counter tops- an obscene amount of granite, I might add- and they are gorgeous. Actually, right now they are not gorgeous at all. They are filthy. But once they are clean they will be fantastic- I love them. Now that I think of it, they might even make paying 2 mortgages worth it. But only for like 1 month. Or maybe 2.

They are putting the tile in right now- it's also very nice. I am a little afraid the color in the kitchen is too light- I hope it doesn't look dirty all the time. In reality, it probably will be dirty a lot of the time, I would just prefer it didn't look it. I have talked with God and I am quite sure that my purpose here on Earth has little to do with house cleaning. He would have made me much better at it had He intended me to do it all that often. There are approximately 5 billion things I am better at than cleaning house.

Light fixtures arrive this week and that has me quite excited. I think it will begin to really look like home once those are in. Also, I am ordering the wood blinds for all the windows this week. Ummm, and can I say hello expensive! I really had no clue they would be this much money. But after extensive discussions which leave us both feeling like we don't even care what is on the window, we have decided they are the best option. A lot of the windows are visible from the front of the house and because I am neurotic and have too much time to think about things I have some serious issues with windows that do not look uniform from the front of the house.

Oh, the fireplace is done. And even though it's probably completely snotty of me, I don't care because it was a lot of work, it is magnificent. I will try for pictures in a couple days. It's exactly what I wanted.

So, have a good week and pray we sell our house.

Positive Thinking

2007-11-06T04:47:00.000-06:00

Let's see- I promised a positive, happy tone right? So let me see what I can do with that.

I am positive we are all sick. I am positive we are sharing germs back and forth and giving each other the same junk over and over again. I am positive that this is putting me in a bad mood.

How bout that?

Seriously, I got it. Now Caroline has it and I do too. I think Duncan's getting it. Probably the only reason Casey doesn't have it is because he has been at the new house for the last two days. Aparently, it's going around town. Yucky stuff. Load up on Vitamin C. See you tomorrow.

Just Say No

2007-11-03T08:27:00.000-05:00

When we were in school, the big "Just Say No" to drugs campaign began. I remember them giving us t-shirts with a big chicken on them to wear to a Just Say No rally. As an aside that has absolutely nothing at all to do with this post, they burned Marijuana in school in front of us in the fifth grade as part of the Just Say No campaign- am I alone in thinking that's weird?

The point of this post is that I should have listened more closely. No, I don't have a drug problem. No, I am not making light of those that do. I have a "saying the word No" problem.

The evidence-

That's what 42 homemade treat bags and 94 homemade cupcakes look like. Or as I like to call it "domestic insanity".

Apparently, I'm a trendsetter. Who knew, right? Last year for the first time, I said "No, I wouldn't like to be the room mom. I'll send anything you need, anytime. But I don't want to be in charge." It was a beautiful year. I made more than my fair share of cupcakes and sent in plenty of treats. I even treated the third graders to breakfast one day in the spring. But there were no tedious details like filling treat bags full of junk. I didn't have to go over the checklist five times to see who paid for pizza and who didn't. And when it came to the last day of school party for the first graders? I- gasp- just wrote out a check to pay for my portion and did -bigger gasp- nothing else. Last year was a beautiful year. Until everyone else caught on.

This year rolls around and guess what? Nobody wants to be Room Mom anymore. Both of my kids teachers approached me about doing it. Good ole Mommy Guilt will get you every time. I have never been Duncan's Room Mom and he really wanted me too so I said sure, I'd love to be your Room Mom. So when Caroline's teacher approached me about the same subject, in front of Caroline no less, how could I say no? No really, I am asking, how would it have been possible to say no? Because apparently I am physically incapable of doing it.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy parts of it. I have to admit it felt great to hear kids in Duncan's class say " I want to be in your class every year, Duncan" after they saw their treats. And life doesn't get much easier than making cupcakes. Caroline was thrilled with her treat bags as well, especially because they weren't "babyish". And the parents sent in most of the "junk" that filled the bags. See below.

It's the exhaustion, financial expense, and time away from my family that I worry about. I mean, do kids really need a bag full of crap to celebrate a holiday? And why is it that parents think they do? And what is up with people griping because I didn't plan Pass the Pumpkin or Pumpkin relays for the pizza lunch on Wednesday? Pizza, Coke, Cupcakes and Mom & Dad suddenly aren't enough for lunch at school?

My biggest gripe, by far, is that parents feel the right to criticize the job another mom does when they, themselves are not willing to do it. Sure, they'll talk all day about what you are doing wrong but will they pick up the slack and do it themselves next year? No way Jose.

Okay. Now I feel better. Sorry about the complete negative tone of this post. I promise to post something "feel good and happy" in the next day or two. I just really needed to get that off my chest.

Boo To You!

2007-11-02T10:53:00.000-05:00

I like Halloween, I really do, but I sure am glad it's over. It's been a looooooong week. We started with Trunk or Treat at church on Sunday. For this event, Casey had to work. I have handled all major holidays on my own, at least once, except for Halloween. Because of the demands of Casey's career we have had to make adjustments to our schedule and sometimes, even though we don't want to, we have to go on without him. But since Caroline was born it has been my policy that I do not do Halloween on my own. I have sat at home with my kiddos and watched TV on Mother's Day, I have sang carols and wrapped gifts with the kids by myself on Christmas Eve, but Trick or Treating, I do NOT do alone.

I really can't say why I don't want to do Halloween alone but I don't. I simply do not want to- it's confusing with all these kids everywhere dressed in costumes so you can't tell who is who. And strangers giving out candy and trying to decipher who is an okay stranger and who isn't. And then the kids coming off a sugar high and getting cranky fast. Then there's the weather, sometimes it's like 90 degrees and others it's 50. Who the hell came up with this holiday anyway?

Getting to the point of my story- this year I did Halloween alone. Twice. See why I'm glad it's over?

Caroline also decided to change her costume about 30 mintues before we went out Trick or Treating. On Sunday, Duncan was Mario from the Super Mario Bros. and Caroline was Princess Peach from the same game. No one knew who Caroline was supposed to be. Duncan won the costume contest. I'm sure you can guess how well that went over. So on Wednesday, instead of Princess Peach she went as a Chili's waitress. It was cute but not as cute as she hoped it would be, I think.

We have enough candy for a small nation of people now. And a slightly used Princess Peach costume. And 2 Mario hats- don't ask.

Back to the Future

2007-11-01T21:05:00.000-05:00

Words that come from my kids mouths, that would never have come from mine at their age.......

"I didn't hear you my Ipod is on"

"Can I check who's calling?"

"Give me your phone and I'll call Dad and see if he is almost home"

"I'll just Google it"

"Can we rent a game for the Wii?"

"Did you feed my Webkinz?"

"Did a new movie come in the mail today?"

"Let's watch something that's Tivoed"

"Mom, did you burn the pictures to a disc yet?"

And the list goes on and on. Weird how much has changed in what seems like an incredibly short period of time. While my children ride in our car they can watch a DVD, talk on the phone, chat with each other over the wireless connection between their Nintendo's (this I can't even understand), listen to music on the Ipod which isn't any bigger than their pointer finger and it has all the music they need already on it or play with any number of small electronic devices.

Hmmm, let's see when I was a kid I once got carsick because I rode all the way to San Antonio on the floor of our suburban laying on a sleeping bag. I thought it was pretty cool. I had no games, entertainment systems or connection to the outside world. I did have my super cool yellow Sony sport Walkman. That thing was awesome, well it is awesome. I still have it. I don't use it now. I have a 30 GB Ipod I listen to now. When I remember to charge it. Ugh, the hassles of technology.

I also thought my green Canon 35 mm camera was awesome. Someone in New York now thinks of it as awesome. Probably a cab driver as that's where the love of my life left it. He brought me a green Polo sweater home from that trip. I wanted my camera. Now, I have a Canon Digital Rebel XT. I love it. It's amazing. I want a bigger, badder Canon camera, though. Maybe another guilt trip about my lost camera from 12 years ago would help speed that process along? My green Canon camera took film. Film that would hold 24 pictures at a time. My children have no concept of what any of the last two sentences mean. They speak "memory card".

Back in the day if you had a "car phone" you were loaded. I am pretty sure I saw a three year old with her own phone this week. My ten year is pretty convinced she's being neglected since we haven't yet purchased her her very own cell phone. Big news Miss Prissy Pants- ain't happenin'.

Once when I was home sick from school I was watching Wheel of Fortune with my grandmother and that was back when instead of just getting the money, when you won a round you "shopped" a specific room with your winnings. Well, this lady used her money to buy a VCR. This was when no one had a VCR. So, I believed that it was a machine that you hooked to your TV, typed in what you wanted to watch, and that appeared on your TV. I believed that I could get one of those and watch Facts of Life to my hearts content. That would have made a very, very happy girl. See, I sort-of invented Tivo. I love Tivo. I believe that Tivo may be the greatest invention of our generation. I do not ever want to watch television again without Tivo. Tivo is awesome, always awesome.

I Can See Clearly Now, The Rain Is Gone

2007-10-29T20:18:00.000-05:00

Ummmm, perhaps the better way to put it would be- I can breathe again, the computer is back on!!!!!!! My sad little, pathetic computer died a couple days ago. Or so I thought. A really, really, really smart kid from Tarleton came and fixed it for me tonight. If I wasn't completely and totally in love with my husband I would have proposed to the smart kid on the spot. Ahhhhhhh, internet access. Say those sweet words with me people.

Three Hour Tour

2007-10-23T08:37:00.000-05:00

Saturday Stuff

2007-10-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

Want to know what happens when your kid is sick of posing for pictures?

You get pictures like this. She learned the face from me. Really.

I was wanting something more like this one. She's wearing my latest craft project- her new "Jackets" shirt. It's spelled out in blue crystals. When she told her friend I made it, her friend responded, "So, she Bedazzles?" Caroline and I found this quite funny. I don't Bedazzle. We make lots of jokes about the Bedazzler. I am juvenile, don't worry I know.

This is Caroline's latest craft project- her own fake pumpkin she carved. She did a very good job, though I am not sure she enjoyed it too much. It was messy and somewhat difficult.

We're off to take more pictures today and make come choices for the new house and "all that stuff" as Duncan would say. Have a great weekend!

Terrific Kid

2007-10-19T05:34:00.000-05:00

Last week Duncan was selected as a "Terrific Kid". Each six weeks every teacher at his elementary school selects one girl and one boy who exhibit these qualities-

Thoughtful
Enthusiastic
Respectful
Responsible
Inclusive
Friendly
Inquistitive
Capable

They have a ceremony and are given a certificate as well as coupons for free kids meals, etc. And they get a bumper sticker that says Proud Parent of a Terrific Kid.

Duncan was chosen for this same award last year, as well. We are very proud of him. It's really wonderful as a parent to watch your child succeed. He is very proud of this award and in fact last year he told me, "Guess what I did today? I became a terrific kid!" We explained that he had been a terrific kid all along.

But back to the bumper sticker- As we went through the things in his little goodie bag from the ceremony I came upon the bumper sticker. Of course, being in a small town we see these frequently on peoples cars. Dunk tells me I cannot have the bumper sticker. I am confused. He was so proud I just knew he would want me to stick it on my car immediately, a prospect which I will admit I was not overly thrilled about. I know he's a terrific kid and heck, everyone who knows him does. But a bumper sticker announcing it, ehhhh. Being a proud Momma I was completely ready to do it, though. I ask him why I can't have it. He's explains that he thinks it's rude to go around announcing to everyone that your kid is terrific. We have a short discussion about it not really being rude but rather a way for parents to show their children just how proud of them they are. I'll admit I wasn't even completely convinced by the end of the conversation but I did try my best. Then he looks at me and says, "Ummm besides Mom, bumper stickers are just............tacky." Gee, he really is a terrific kid.

Updated House Pics

2007-10-17T21:39:00.000-05:00

Updated house pictures. Things are finally starting to roll again. All paint is almost finished. Countertop guy is coming out in a week or two. Rock guy comes on Monday. Air Conditioner guy comes next week. We may actually finish. Maybe.