Happy ads????

We are finishing up the elementary yearbook.

The PTA sponsors the yearbook and this is the last thing I have to finish up before getting out of PTA (and believe me I am ready to get out and not look back).

In the yearbook we sell small ads in the back that the parents can buy for the students, teachers so on.

Most of the ads are the standard we are so proud of you, we love you, and you're the best but some are not so standard....

Boy You did so much better this year not near as bad as last year. Love Mom and Dad

Boy Your Hot Snot Love Girl

Brother I love you thank God for Febreeze from Sister

Son Glad you didnt get in as much trouble this year Love Mom

Hubby is now scanning the yearbook and hopefully it will be at Kinkos tonight. Be printed, delivered and next week maybe I can blog that I am finally free of the PTA gig.

Happy Easter!

Six Weird Things

I've been tagged by OwlHaven for the 6 Wierd Things Meme.

1.) I have to be doing more than one thing at a time, if I watch a movie I have to be flipping thru a magazine, balancing the check book, or making to do lists. I agree with OwlHaven on this one it is indeed physically impossible for me to sit and do nothing.

2.) When I get ready to eat steak or something I have to have everything cut and ready to eat before I start. All my steak cut up no cutting a few pieces and beginning to eat no everythin has to be cut, bread buttered, potato ready before I take my first bite.

3.) I broke my hip when I was 24 years old. I was standing on a coffee table that was put in the garage for storage trying to reach something fell off and cracked my hip. I heard you are to young for this about a million times.

4.) I am an organize freak and the sad thing is I still feel so disorganized and dream of being more organzied. I make lists for just about everything.

5.) I start planning my kids birthday parties at least 6 months in advance.

6.) I cant stand to wear sunglasses. I squint against the sun and I think I need to wear sunglasses but when I try it drives me absolutely nuts.

If you do this then leave me a note in comments.

Of course I really dont think any of the above things are weird at least not when it pertains to me..lol

Spring Walk!!!?!!!

Being Good Friday the kids are out of school, it's 75, and very sunny. So out for a walk we went. Here are some pics....Can you tell which one doesn't belong on our spring walk?




You guessed it. The darn Christmas wreath. It is about 4 houses down from us and it is driving me CRAZY, I am threatening to either take my ladder in the middle of the night or send an anonymous postcard.

Avoiding

It's amazing what I can get accomplished when I am avoiding doing something.

I have a huge lawsuit to prepare and I am so dreading it. But in the week I have known that it was almost due I have gotten so much other stuff done. I have sit down to do the lawsuit and instead gone through a whole stack of things that I have been needing to do, got up early to work on the lawsuit and cleaned out a closet....I am a really good avoider.

Ugh..problem is now I am almost to the deadline and so no more avoiding.

Internet Issues

Woke up this morning to no cable internet. Yucky way to start the day. I always start my morning with my bottle of water (makes me seem healthier than I really am) and my computer time. This morning I couldn't and it just threw off the day. Of course since hubby has a homebased office it completely and totally ruined his day and turned it crazy.

I did go to the abeka homeschool seminar and was very impressed. I really want to do the dvd program 1 thru abeka it is completely acredited even though Oklahoma doesn't require anything I still want to do it through the stricter guidelines of other states. We are still discussing but today answered a lot of questions.

Internet service was restored a few minutes ago.

This evening is one of the rare evenings that we don't have something to do so hopefully going to just enjoy.

Contemplating

Ever have just this nagging thing on your mind. Well I have a huge thing. Homeschooling. I know the thought of it sends me into fear, especially with Braden but the thought of not doing it scares me to.

This is my dilema...Brittney is doing awesome loves school, next year 3rd grade I think she will continue to do well but all I hear is how 4th grade is really the downturn of the school and so on. So I am concerned. Braden I am really worried about for next year because the teachers I have to choose from are not that great to be honest and definetly not good with modifications. But the thought of homeschooling him is scary. Brittney I know I could get her ahead and she would excell at homeschool, Braden I am afraid I would fail. But then I think isn't he the one that needs it the most. Of course there are pros and cons with every decision and this one is no different. Also it would be such a change and is not as widely accepted in this area.

Add the complication that hubby is on the school board and this would definetly be frowned upon.

The socialization I am not too worried about as we know a bunch of kids, actually Brittney's best friends mom is homeschooling next year. So I wouldnt be alone. Plus the Co-op's.

Just such a large decision and everytime I mention it hubby doesnt give much positive feedback so I am not sure what to do.

Of course I woke up at 2:30 this morning with insomnia and it is now 4pm so maybe not the best time to be contemplating such a large issue.

Weekend Wrap Up

Friday - Kids were out of school for teacher conferences. We had "the talk" with Braden (see post below). Brittney and I worked on her project for end of the year. This years theme is "All About Me". It was a fun project the judging and medals will be awarded at the end of the month. We tried to get Braden to work on his makeup work to no avail...kept telling him he has to have it done by Monday morning it would be best to work a little at a time, but he didn't listen. Kids went to my parents to spend the night. Matt and I went and ran some errands got some easter basket stuffers and so on so that is done.

Saturday - Went over to my parents to celebrate my dad's birthday. Matt and the kids had a party with movies and junk food while I went to a surprise party at Logan's for my friend's 30th birthday. Ate way too much and recommitted to doing better on watching what I eat and excercising...starting Monday. Tried to get Braden to do his makeup work...again he put it off.

Sunday - Fought almost all day but FINALLY Braden has completed his makeup work and I dont think any of us want him to get that behind again. It was a nightmare but he is done finally....only a few meltdowns along the way. Kids have achievment test this week so early to bed tonight.

I have a to do list that is over a page typed and am getting a little panicky about getting everything done. I am wrapping up PTA getting ready to hand it over but still lots of work before I do that. A big legal case that I am working on has to be worked on this week and it is so intimidating that I am being like Braden and putting it off. Plus getting ready for disney trip only 5 1/2 weeks till we leave.

Matt can handle this discussion **updated

Parent teacher conferences were tonight. Matt kept the kids and I went.

Brittney's no problem she is doing good needs to work on her handwriting. Got the dates for upcoming field trips, etc. So good to go.

Then on to Braden's teacher. First off he is not doing his work and is sneaking (or trying to anyway) his work into the basket without it being done.

Second thing...it seems my son has "discovered himself"...as in getting as hard as a rock and rubbing it on his desk back and forth...OMG...I about died...teacher thought it was funny and said that little boys had a tendency to do this at this age and so on.

I told Matt I would talk to Brittney about her handwriting and Braden about not doing his work but the "discovery issue"...that one is all Matt's.

** This morning Braden came into our bed early and Brittney was still asleep so we had the talk about what was appropriate and about his body parts and so on. I had to put my head in the pillow half the time Matt was talking to him because I was laughing hysterically and I didnt think that sent a good message so instead I buried my head in the pillow. We will see if the talk does anygood.

Extra what's that?

We got some extra money that we had not counted on...

Yipee

Car transmission messed up and now must be rebuilt to the tune of $1,600.00...

Yuck

So much for the extra but we have to look at it that we at least had the extra to pay for the car without scrambling like mad to come up with it.

Hoping to get a final price from the guy tommorow and then the calculating and balancing the check book will begin. Juggling with one vehicle is not easy so will be glad when this is completed.

Free?

When we were on our trip we kept passing this one place each day that had me and my friend cracking up.

It was a little trailer on the side of the road.

The sign said:

"Absoluetly Free windshield repair all credit cards are accepted"

Our Trip

I am taking a 15 minute break from unpacking, washing and all the other post trip fun to blog.

Our good friends Adria and Eric went with us with their two kids Noah and Brinn. We left out at 4am to head to Texas. We all road in the van but it was very comfortable.

I was trying to post pics in this post but after using half of my break fighting with the computer I am giving up and adding them to flickr still ended up with a few in this post but most are in flickr.

By 10:00 am on Friday we we were in Texas at the first outlet mall stop of the trip. Lunch at a very good Mexican resteraunt. Here are the kids in the waiting area.


We then hit Canton Texas for our first day of shopping. I handled it better than I thought I would but I will admit that by evening my incision was stinging and I swear I thought my stomach was going to just rip open. But hey I made it and didn't slow anyone down. Found a few bargains. I will have to take pics of later got a neat Miss Priss sign for Brittney's door and a sign for Braden's door with airplanes on it. All of us basically fell asleep when our head hit the pillow Friday night. The kids took no naps and had been up since 3:30. I have to brag on all four of them they did really well no major meltdowns or fits.

Started out Saturday morning heading back to Canton. My family told Adria and Eric we would be leaving out at 8:30 and I didn't think to correct them and tell them that means 7:30 so it was a little rushed but we got there here are some pics of Britt and Braden and one of all 4 kids piled in the back of the van.




We headed to Grapevine Texas Saturday afternoon. Cleaned up at the hotel and went to Joe's Crab Shack our friends had never been there. This is the point in the post where my computer starting going crazy I have pics of the kids eating their build your own sundae's. Braden must not have been messy because I didn't end up with a pic of him.

The kids loved going to the bass pro shop. I got some cool pics of that too but as I have already griped something is possessing the computer right now and will not cooperate. I know the dryer is about to buzz any minute ending my break.

All in all the shopping was fun, we also met up with some other friends of ours and the kids loved Rainforest Cafe. We got home around midnight. The pics of the kids at that time show them much more wore out than the first pic of them in the back seat.

I am just dreading because I am like ugh this much post trip clean up from the weekend and in about 7 weeks we have a 2 week trip to disney.

6 weeks and good to go

Today was my 6 week post op....I am now released from my hysterectomy. I can excercise now (I can and should but that doesn't necessarily mean I will). I asked about how the incision feels like it is pulling when I walk a lot and he said that it could take up to 6 months for that to heal, but all in all it all looked good.

Preparing to go away for a 4 day weekend. Excited about getting away going to Canton Texas for First Monday Trade Days and then to Grapevine Mills for some outlet mall shopping. We will be traveling with a set of friends and their kids as well. So 8 of us in the van should be an interesting trip.

Of course I will be away from internet for 4 days so the withdrawels will be massive!

Trying to teach a lesson

Last weekend she had to write 30 words about lying. This weekend Britt got in trouble for hitting her brother.

Punishment she had to play whatever he wanted her to for two hours. She couldn't say no and she had to be happy about it. She had to be agreeable and play whatever he said.

She said "Mom I wont hit Braden again I will walk away because I dont like having to do everything he says"....hoping it sticks.

Air Show

Thanks to my friend Laurie the kids and I got to go to VIP preday airshow. I took the kids out of school early on Friday. The downside it was cold and windy and the kids didn't last long but we did see some neat things. The coolest plane was a stunt plane. Unfortunately my pics werent great of the actual planes in the air but here are a few snap shots....

The kids about to get into one of the large planes that holds and drops off soldiers.


The kids sitting inside the soldier drop off plane.


Braden likes this pic because he says the airplane looks like it is going to run over him.


We got to see the Thunderbird planes ready to go up in the air but the kids between ears hurting and being cold didn't make it to see them perform. Their favorite was the stunt plane Braden kept getting all excited because it looked like it was going straight to the ground in a spiral and then would pull up. All in all a fun memory.

A night out

My parents called on Wednesday to see if the kids wanted to spend the night on Friday. Much to hubby and my delight they did.

Hubby asked what I wanted to do and I replied with my craving for the Japanese Steakhouse Shogun. It is not a kid place and not somewhere we go often because it is also not a cheap place. Hubby loves it too so he called and made the reservations.

When we arrived the lady said it would be a moment she had to set up the table. Well the reason was because my sweet hubby had called and had these delivered...


Aren't they pretty? I just love them. They were such a nice sweet surprise.

No occasion other than we were out together. Of course drew lots of attention and a few guys rolling their eyes when their woman gushed about how sweet it was.

Dinner was delightful. I kept wishing that the digital camera was in my purse so that I could take some pics of the awesome skills of the chef who cooks at the grill in the middle of the table. So much food and I finished off the last bite.

It was a wonderful sweet night with hubby and I am glad we were able to have the time together.

Good Family Movie

There are so few good family movies but Dreamer is definetly a good family movie.

I had heard it was good so I went ahead and bought it for Britt when I picked up Chicken Little on Tuesday for Braden.

I didn't expect to watch it tonight, but it started and then I couldn't not finish it. Definetly a reach for your dreams and believe movie.

PTA drama

The PTA drama is almost over. The 25th of April will be my last meeting as president. At first I was mad, then my feelings were hurt but now I am to the relieved point. I still plan to be a member next year but I will no longer be in a position on the board. The drama started in January wherein teachers became involved because they got mad over an issue and went from not attending a single meeting in a year and half to being mad and wanting no parents in PTA. The teachers have been very childish about everything and have basically made all the parents just want to leave PTA. So basically the parents are turning it over to the teachers if they want to run it we are going to let them. Of course the parents are the ones who volunteer for everything and help run the programs so it should be interesting next year to sit back and watch.

But I cant go with nothing to do...LOL...so I am going to start a brownie troop. I have actually wanted to do this for two years but with Braden medical issues and PTA presidency it was just too much and I couldn't get involved. Now that PTA will be a lot less stress as I will just be a member and Braden's medical is at it's steadiest point ever. I am excited I love crafts, I love doing stuff with Britt and her friends most of the parents are good friends of mine so they will be very involved as well.

Now to get everything tied up before April 25th including planning a talent show, finishing the year book, ordering end of the year trophies and more.

Unfair

I started my day by prying Braden's hands off the door knob and physically dragging him from the car for school. All the while he is screaming "It's not fair, it's not fair she gets to watch tv, I will be sick too".

All because Brittney is home with an ear infection.

Oh what a fine way to start the day.

Now there have been more times than I could begin to count that he has stayed home from school because we just thought there was a chance he might be coming down with something, or that he was acting a bit off and we were afraid it was a seizure onset. But this morning he was fine and Brittney needed to stay home. You would have thought I was physically killing the child.

Of course I called his aide 15 minutes after I dropped him off and she said he was mad but acting fine. It is that fine line I walk with a special needs kid of protecting him and taking extra care of him but not letting him just run the show.

Lesson learned, hopefully.

The following is part of Brittney's punishment after we caught her lying to us.
I didn't correct any of the spelling...her assignment was to write at least 25 words about lying.

Brittney's report...
I learned that lieing is rong.
I shudent lie to my parents.
Lieing is rong.
Lieing is bad.
Lieing is like a rotten apple it is not good.
Lieing stinks like garbage.

Weekend Wrap Up

Rain rain and more rain...that wraps up the weather report from the weekend. It is much needed rain and no tornados accompanied the rain so we wont complain.

It was pretty laid back.

Friday night recovered from having the yard sale.

Saturday morning we got around slow, cleaned up the house, ate lunch and decided to go spend the money we made at the yard sale. Matt took the kids to see Shaggy Dog and I went to the mall kid free. I didn't buy much but found a few things. We ate mexican food for dinner and headed home.

Sunday morning brought another lazy morning. We didn't make it to church this morning, it is so hard to get motivated with this weather. We have used the day to prepare for the week to come.

Lots going on with PTA this week so I am sure that will result in a headache for me.

Now just waiting for my Sunday night shows to start with a new Home Edition Makeover at 6, and a new Grey's Anatomy at 9.

Yard Sale and Order Screw Ups

I am exhausted. Today marks 5 weeks post op so I still cant lift, but I ran a yard sale today. It was 8 families...I have the best location so I get nominated often to have them at my house. I made really good money so that was a definite plus.

Of course I will need the extra money to fix the screw up that the check ordering company caused.

I know partially it is my fault too. When I received my box of checks in the mail I checked them out to make sure they had our name, address and so on correct. Dummy me did not look at the account number at the bottom of the check. Because if I had I would have seen that the numbers were transversed. Causing the bank to send back checks to people saying no account existed. Because there is no account for that number. Ugh such a pain 10 checks out have 4 taken care of. Don't know about the fees and all on the others. Havent got in touch with the check ordering place. So going to spend a lot of time getting this all straightened out.

We are in for a rainy weekend and I am thinking of just hibernating at home.

Mid way

We are midway thru spring break. It has been a busy week but a fun one.

Today is the only day that doesn't include plans with other kids.

This morning the kids ran to the law office with me so I could do about an hours worth of work.

Then off to Braden's eye doc appointment. Ordered his new glasses he is so excited. All week he has been changing his mind between wanting blue frames or red frames. We get to looking and I found the cutest ralph lauren pair of frames when you look at them straight on they are blue from the sides they are red. Just perfect. So now he wants them to be in already he is excited. I also went ahead and got transistional lenses for him I hope that he likes them.

We went to KMart which I never go into but I did find a cute capri outfit for Britt and 2 Power Ranger shirts for Braden (that is a clothing must have for him).

Chiropractors for adjustments.

Chick Fil A for lunch.

Home for naps...Yeah I was surprised on that one. Braden wanted to cuddle and watch cartoons. Tom and Jerry marathon was on we watched about an hour and Braden said he was tired and turned if off and cuddled right up and went to sleep. I love that he likes Tom and Jerry cartoons instead of all those super hyped up new cartoons. He likes the new ones but at least he also enjoys the simplier cartoons.

This evening's agenda includes getting ready for the yard sale on Friday...suppose to be cold but we are braving it anyway. If you saw my garage you would know why it is not an option but a must do.

Do this do that

I am 4 weeks post op now.

I am up and going, but you know what I still don't feel 100%. From everything the doctor says and I have read I shouldn't yet.

So why is it that everyone is asking 110% from me.

From family to friends. It is driving me insane. I am not good at saying no to people. But I know if a friend of mine had an abdominal hysterectomy I sure wouldn't be out asking her to watch kids and do this and do that.

Of course if I say anything then I will feel guilty.

So I am trying to do what I can and rest when I can. I will be watching 6 kids on Friday (2 mine) and doing a yard sale by myself (but have had 5 different family members and friends bring stuff over for me to take care of).

Okay I will quit griping, afterall if I dont say no, I dont have room to gripe.

Spring Break has officially started

Spring break has started.

A friend of mine is in town for Spring Break from Fort Worth. Her kids are 7 and 5. We planned this week with them and another friends 2 kids who are also close to the ages. So we have 3 girls and 3 boys.

Today we went to Outback play area with all 6 kids.

Tonight is a sleepover with the 6 kids at our house. The boys have been playing gamecube all night and the girls in the bedroom doing girl stuff.

Tommorow afternoon is pottery painting.

Wednesday is a break from all the kids together. Braden has a eye doctor appointment for new glasses and then I thought I would just take my two to the mall to look at some spring clothes.

Thursday going to go to a drive thru safari. This day depends on how the tornados have effected the area it is about an hour away and it was hit last night.

Friday we are having a yard sale.

It is Monday and I am tired from this week already, but it should be a fun week.

Twisted

Despite the title this isn't another post about our storms.

We had some family time this weekend and got some good time together. Matt also got a pulled muscle....lucky him got to break in the new twister game with the kids. I am still exempt until my 6 week post op check up. I was the official spinner. It's official the kids love Twister and it is also official that Matt is now icing his muscles.

Spring is here

Spring is here I can tell not by looking at pretty flowers but by the fact that we have had 3 severe storms this week and a tornado near by last night. My kids spent the night at my parents last night and a 1/4 of mile from their house (at my aunt's house) a tornado hit. Luckily no one in the area was hurt but for the small area it hit there was lots of damage. Below are some photos. We spent the day there.

This is the tree that was blocking the road from my aunt's house to my parents house.

This is a neighbors house there used to be a deck all around that pool, now it is all over the patio and on the roof.

The maroon metal thing is a cattle feeder that now is on the back of my aunt's property.

This round metal used to be part of a rectangular roof of a trailer home several miles away.

The large tree was no match for mother nature.

There were lots more photos of sheds that no longer exist, hay bales that had been picked up and moved from one area of a pasture to another, barnes, we know of 3 people who have no roof on their home. One family across the street from my parents was having a slumber party with 10 teenagers last night and the roof fell in on the girls...thankfully no injuries. More storms expected tonight.

Snip snip snip snip

Brittney has been wanting to cut her hair for quite sometime. When she found out she could donate to a chairty the part they cut off she wanted to do it even more. I finally gave in. The results...she looks too much older. It was quite an experience to get to the haircut place and I will have to blog about that later. Until then agree with me that the 8 inches cut off my baby girl's hair make her look too old. I fully think I should demand they glue it back on so that she will stay little forever.

Changing his tune

Braden stayed home from school again today because of the dental surgery. In reality he probably could have went but they are out of school tommorow and next week is Spring Break so I thought better to be safe and keep him home.

I ran into town to do some work and Matt was working in his office watching Braden. I called to check in about 10:30 and Matt said he should have gone to school he is bouncing off the walls. So I had him put Braden on the phone.

Me: Hi Buddy, how are you?
Braden: I am GREAT!
Me: You are?
Braden: Yep I feel great.
Me: Then I guess I can tell daddy to go ahead and take you to school for the rest of the day.
Braden: Oh I forgot I am not great I am just half great so I need to stay home since I only feel half great.

PTA and Dentists

No the two things have nothing in common except both things have invaded my life and tried to take it over the last two days.

I wasnt going to gripe about the current PTA chaos at our school. For one it is so hard to explain the other is that I read Heather's blog and she is thinking of joining a PTA so I didn't want to discourage her. But let me tell you if there is a more thankless position I dont know what it is. Ugh the teachers want want want which is fine but they dont want to participate unless it is to be negative and gripe about what you have done. Right now I just want to quit but if I do now about 22 parents will follow and I dont want to that plus there are so many projects to complete before the end of the year. I am trying to hang in there. It is so hard to be in this glass house so to speak and have people critique things that me and the other regular members have worked so hard on with no help. Like I said too hard to explain all that is going on but just believe me it is a mess right now. But I have hope (very very little but it is there...barely but it is) that things will improve.

Yesterday Braden had oral surgery. I would post a pic of his poor little swollen mouth but he just looks so pitiful. His past treatments and radiation have just ruined his teeth. He had to have 4 root canals and crowns put on. They couldnt just pull them because of where they are they would mess up his spacing. Luckily since he is doing so good and we dont foresee having to have radiation again his grown up teeth should be just fine. But he was home all day today with his puffy mouth and VERY swollen lip. The lip is my fault and believe me I feel awful he wanted McDonalds and I didn't think about his mouth still being numb and he chewed on his lip...oops. He is happy he gets to miss school and I did enjoy the cuddling on the couch.

Fashion Clash

I anticipated when Brittney got older we would clash over what she would want to wear.

I didn't anticipate it starting at 8.

I think I have yelled every morning for 2 weeks. One issue is of course she is ready for summer and the weather isn't quite there yet. This morning it is 44 degrees and I go in (she got up early) and she is in a turqouise and yellow Bobby Jack T (I am fine with that) but she pairs this with a hot pink mini and knee high black boots. Okay no she is not wearing that.

After I tell her no skirt, no boots, change into jeans I get one of the following:

"Mom, you dont know about fashion"
"Mom everyone else gets to wear flip flops even if it is cold"
"Mom I am old enough to do my own clothes"

Ugh, I was not expecting to pull my hair out over arguing over clothes already. She definetly is going to have her own sense of style which I will encourage....to a point.

So now my poor little girl is being forced to look normal to go to school and apparently normal is the worse thing I can do to her.

Changing Plans

We have been planning our Disney trip for a year now. Well we find out late Saturday night that the week we are planning on being there is the National Gay Day week. Before I am flamed I have nothing personally against it but from all I have read and seen on TV that is not the week to take your family to Disney. I even read a blog by an openly gay man saying he felt sorry for all the unsuspecting families that plan and save money and then get there during that week. He said a lot go overboard to shove the lifestyle in straight people's faces by drag queens making out in front of Cinderellas castle and so on. Not something I want to have to explain to the kids.

So because of the above we started jumping through hoops to get everything changed. We have had dining reservations since the first of December so we were afraid we would not be able to change everything. But glad to report that everything has now been changed including our Discovery Cove (swim with Dolphins), the Disney resort, the preDisney beach hotel, all the dining reservations.

The downside is the kids will miss the last 6 days of school, but I dont think it will be that big of deal since because of Braden's medical issues last year they missed the last three weeks. The bad thing is once again Brittney will miss the end of the year award ceremony she has made superintendents honor roll two years now and never been there to accept the award in person. Given the choice though she was all for Disney. We could have pushed the trip back two weeks but that would have cost a little more because one of our discounts expired on June 3 and then we would have also been in an even busier time and hotter time. Now we are going two weeks early which means even more reason to get my rear in gear and get stuff done. Also have to have hubby change my countdown calendar at the bottom of my blog.

Another tooth gone

This one cost me some prizes it was bleeding and rough to get out but he did good and is happy with his prizes (yes plural as in more than one prize) and the tooth fairy is coming tonight. So now he can sing the all I want is my two front teeth.

Real Age

I was watching Fox News today and saw a segment on finding the real age of your body. I took the test. Unfortunately my age of my body is older than calendar age. My calendar age is 31.7 and my real age is 35.2. Which is better than I thought because I swear somedays I feel much much older. You can go to http://www.realage.com and take the test it is all free. It does take a while it is very indepth. What I also liked is they give you a plan to make yourself younger and you can print it off. It is very detailed as far as vitamin supplements you need, excercise, stress and so on. Go take the test and let me know if I am the only one whose body is older than the calendar age. http://www.realage.com

Because he said to

My hubby was checking his email and stated "someone needs to update their blog"...I know that someone was me so I am taking the hint.

Trouble is I am not overflowing with something to blog about.

With no cute kid stories, or no embarresing moments, nothing to whine about I will instead tell you about the newest movie hubby bought this weekend.

Hubby mentioned on Monday that "Walk the Line" was coming out. I wanted to see it but didn't know if I wanted to buy it or rent it. Hubby ended up just buying it. My doubts about seeing it were more to do with the fact that I am not a big older country music fan and wasnt sure if I would find the storyline interesting or not. I knew the actors had gotten several award nods and after seeing the movie I agree with the award nods because the movie was VERY good. I didn't know the bio of Johnny Cash and the sad and tough life. I have to recommend the movie it was well written and acted.

At least now I have updated my blog let's just hope the words flow more tommorow.

A lot less blah

I am feeling better. I went to my 2 week post op appointment today. I had gotten an infection from the stitches in the stomach muscles so that is why I have been hurting. At first they thought it was because I overdid it but THANKFULLY it was not because if it was I never would have heard the end of the "I told you so" comments.

Braden had his IEP (Independent Education Profile) and I continue to scratch my head at some things educators do. It took 4 people and about 8 explanations before the pincipal finally understoof the modification to the grading scale. Really sad part of that was that she was in on the meeting last year when the grading scale was put into place. All in all it was a good meeting I got all that I asked for in regards to what I thought needed to be done for Braden. Including we get to keep Braden's paraprofessional (her only job is to stay with Braden and watch for seizure activity, bee stings, etc.).

Today is a beautiful day 83 degrees and so sunny. But to all those that are thinking bad things about me dont because tommorow we will be in the low 50's and rain. Ugh that is why we all stay sick is because the weather wont make up its mind.

I am suppose to be resting until Sunday, but at least I can rest and feel better rather than laying here resting and still feeling awful.

Tidbits from my blah spot on the couch

I have the blah's the down in the dumps, whatever you want to call it.

I am not feeling well I think I overdid it a little. I go in for the doc to look at my incision on Wednesday. I want to be all better I want to be able to workout on my gazelle I want to be able to do fun stuff with my hubby (yes I mean that kind of fun stuff), I want all the stuff with this hysterectomy to be done.

Tommorow I have a dentist appointment because having a 7 inch gash across my stomach isnt enough fun I want to add getting a crown to my things to do.

Wednesday I have an IEP meeting for Braden. For those of you that don't have a child with special issues an IEP is an Independent Education Profile. These are due each and every yet. Last week I reminded the special education director at the school that Braden's IEP was due. He argued that it wasn't till April. Well I was write he called and oops he had overlooked the date and yes we need to have one immediately. Then on top of that he tells me that he is embarressed but they have lots of all of Braden's IEP's (very important documents) since 2004 and could I bring my copies so they could copy them. Doesnt that just inspire confidence in the special education program? So I am trying to get everything organized that I want to ask for to be in place for next year.

Tonight Matt got a crank call about his position on school board. It was from a grown man and wasnt too kind. How mature is that? and sadly it is probably kin to one of the teachers that Matt has crossed paths with.

Matt is covering me at the PTA meeting tonight since it definetly wasnt one of my best days. So instead of PTA I get to watch Power Ranger Mystic Force, oh joy!

True Love

How is it I have come to raise a boy crazy 2nd grader and a Casanova in training 1st grader.

Conversation with Braden regarding Emma in his class.

Braden: Emma is my girlfriend.

Me: She is that is good.

Braden: Yeah but she bugs me.

Me: Then why is she your girlfriend?

Braden: Because she is cute mom.

Me: But if she bugs you then you dont want her to be your girlfriend, do you?

Braden: *sigh* mommmmmmmmmmmm, I will just tell her not to talk to me or touch me but that she can still be my girlfriend she just has to leave me alone. I still love her even if she is annoying because mom she is cute.

Goin Dancin!

Tonight is the kids Winterball at the elementary. Both are excited especially Brittney who is all glittery and ready to go!

Bites are made for Poppin

Britt has seen the Pizza Hut "These Bites are Made for Poppin" commercial several times. Of course if it is on a commercial than we must try it.

She wasnt feeling good this evening and mentioned that for dinner. So I called hubby who had Braden at speech and they picked up the Poppin Bites Pizza for dinner.

Let me just say....first off the bites do not just pop off the crust, and second the cheesy bites were lacking the cheese as it seemed most of it had seeped out during cooking. It wasn't a bad pizza but it was by no means a great pizza either.

But regardless of the taste of the pizza it is the theme song that wont leave my head!

Gray Cloud

This day has been one of those where you just feel that a gray cloud is hanging over.

My very good friend is in Oklahoma City where her daughter is undergoing a back surgery. The sad thing is this surgery didn't have to take place except that there was a malfunction with a rod that was originally placed and it broke. I am still waiting to here that Nicole is out of surgery.

The school nurse called and Braden was not acting himself. I watched him very closely and it did appear he was having some petite mal seizures. So I dont know if he is fighting off a bug or what. He has been doing so good and I can't stand the thought of him having a set back.

I went for my check up for my heart and blood pressure it went fine but I was again reminded that the abdominal hysterectomy is a major surgery and that I cannot be up and doing what I feel I need to be doing. Just frustrating. Also he explained why I was feeling the burning sensation (I had overdone it and pulled the muscles).

I was reading my blogs and read Secret Flight and the tragic news that her one week old baby boy passed away. Just broke my heart for her and her family.

Just one of those days where I just cant seem to get in my usual chipper mood. Too much seems to be cloudy. Maybe tommorow will be a chipper day and I can report that Nicole came through surgery and that Braden is doing good....here's hoping for a clear sunny day tommorow.

Where did my superhuman abilities go?

Okay it is like I told Matt I want to recover from this abdominal hysterectomy so fast. I want to be the one people say wow too bad you cant do as good as Kel did. That is just my personality I am competitive even with surgery recovery...lol.

But darn it seems that my body doesnt know it is suppose to have superhuman healing abiltiies.

Today is day 10 since surgery and all in all I am doing great. I called the nurse and tried to talk her into letting me drive this week because I had big plans on starting back at the office and going shopping. The nurse said NO WAY she said NO DRIVING at all until this Friday at the earliest. I also had dreams that I would be released to excercise at the gym, and do everything else after my March 1st appt now. I am thinking they will not release me for that until the 6 week mark. Which puts me behind on getting in shape for summer. I researched websites trying to find someone to agree with me that 2 weeks is plently of healing time but couldn't find one to agree with me so I had no leverage to beg hubby with.

Hubby was off today and I thought we would do something with the kids. Afterall I wouldn't be driving and I am doing SO good I could make it out as long as I needed too. I made it through lunch at Olive Garden and one stop at a shoe store that is going out of business until the burning in my stomach and the pain was too much. I had to give my purchase to Matt to pay out while I went to the van. I then came home took a pain pill and crashed.

So I am now working on my abbreviated not quite so jam packed week. I do have a doctor appt with my family doctor tommorow that I had forgotten about so dear hubby will have to drive me to that. I hate admitting there is stuff I cant do. Just my personality but I think today did show me I am not ready for a normal day of driving all over running in here and there going to the office and all quite yet....but surely by next week I will be ;)....and no I am not stubborn at all.

Picking a Political party already?

My dear hubby is a very conservative Republican. Him and I don't see exactly eye to eye on everything political but we have a lot of similiar running ideas.

So there is real no big political war in our house....until tonight.

You see sweet little 8 year old Britt informed her very Republican daddy that she was for Peace and she was going to be a Democrat and a Vegitarian.

Lots of little things contributed to it and no way would I have thought it would have all been put together in her mind the way she finally put it together.

She was doing a foam craft that included a peace sign. She started talking to me that she didn't believe in war. So I jokingly said you are going to be a Democrat and wont your daddy love that. Well add to this on animal planet a show about enviroment and then some political stuff she had picked up at school and from TV here and there. She put it altogether and then went to inform her daddy what she was going to be a Democrat and a Vegitarian.

It was hilarious I cant put it all down as funny as it was but dear hubby did not take it well and as anyone knows with a kid you are not going to win an argument. The more he tried to on her level explain the more she waved her peace sign that she had made out of foam and got more and more determined no matter what she was definetly going to be a Demorcrat no matter what daddy says!

I guess he has 10 years to change her mind about what party she will join!

Cutest Smile!

My baby has lost his first top tooth. I just love the grin he has now it is adorable! Of course Brittney keeps telling me it isn't as cute as hers was...I have assured here they were both equally adorable! Here is my too fastly growing up boy!

What kind of soul? -this one fits me pretty good.

You Are a Peacemaker Soul

You strive to please others and compromise anyway you can. War or conflict bothers you, and you would do anything to keep the peace. You are a good mediator and a true negotiator. Sometimes you do too much, trying so hard to make people happy. While you keep the peace, you tend to be secretly judgmental. You lose respect for people who don't like to both give and take. On the flip side, you've got a graet sense of humor and wit. You're always dimplomatic and able to give good advice. Souls you are most compatible with: Warrior Soul, Hunter Soul and Visionary Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

News Fix

Both Matt and I had our fill of kids show and both stated we needed a news fix.

His fix he turned on Fox News for some Fair and Balanced news.

My fix E Channel for some E News and celebrity gossip.

He actually scoffed at my version of news...how dare he...I believe the state of Tom and Katie is right up there with what Cheney did or didn't have to drink 5 hours before he went hunting....and besides mine is much more entertaining!

Finallly getting out...yippee

Okay no more whining at least not for awhile.

Guess what today I get to get out of the house. Who cares if it is for a doctors appointment I am still all excited.

Going to have Matt stop by the law office to pick me up some work to do so I can get some billing hours in before the end of the month.

I am going to take a shower and get in some baggy sweats. If I have baggy clothes left after doing nothing but laying around eating a giant chocolate chip cookie for the last few days!

I will let you know how the outing goes. Of course first thing I will probably do is come home and sleep for a few hours.

On another note our wheather is determined to make everyone sick today the high is 78 and sunny. Tommorow high of 40 with freezing rain and highs in the 20's all weekend.

It sucks

Doing toe touches just 4 days after abdominal hysterectomy.

Totally recovered in 5 days doing everything perfectly normal.

No sore abdominal no pulling of staples or steri strips.

No pain whatsoever. No restrictions.

Okay so the above things are not happeneing. Dammit. I want superhuman powers.

Friday will mark 1 week and dang it I want to drive and ride in a car and have wild monkey sex and do all that because I totally have no pain and am completely healed.
This 6 week crap will not work I am telling you it just wont work now if I can convince my poor sore abdomen of that I will be doing good.

I want to be the one people refer to when they say "too bad you didn't recover like Kel because she was up and doing everything in just a week".

I hate being down. I hate not being fully recovered. Heck I know it is expected to be down and I know everyone understands but me. I hate it hate it hate it. I was down with my cscetions but that was easier to handle for me mentally because I still had something that I was in control of and could take care of. With this surgery I dont.

And that ends my whine for tonight. Back to my place in the recliner where my mind is rotting away and I feel yucky and I dont want to do anything because it hurts and I dont want it to hurt because I want to do everything.

Piddly things

I actually slept half the night in bed last night instead of the recliner. But about 1 am I started hurting and had to move to the recliner again but at least I am starting to see improvment.

I wasnt feeling the best this morning and slept a little after Matt took the kids to school. I then got up took a shower and did just a few little piddly things and that has me feeling better. Just moving some flowers from one room to another emptying a gift bag and things like that. Not that it amounted to much but at least I was up and going.

I am going to have to take a pic of one of the flowers I got when I was in the hospital it is an oriental lily and I just love it I hope I can keep it alive.

My brother was going to come by yesterday and get one of my get well bouquets to give to his girlfriend for Valentines Day...isnt he romantic. Of course loser boy (that is my name for my brother and believe me it fits) ran out of gas before he even got here so I dont know what he ended up doing for his sugar mama for Valentines Day (She works and supports them, she is 16 years older than him).

I just had another slice of cookie from our cookie company cookie sooooo soooo yummy.

Well enough for piddly little things going to sit here and go a little stir crazy now.

Happy Valentines Day! with update

Happy Valentines Day!

This valentines marks 12 valentines spent with my dear hubby.

This valentines actually reminds me of our first valentines. This time I am recovering from my hysterectomy, but on our first valentines we both had the flu so bad we couldnt even eat chicken broth together.

Today I am so cranky and depressed talk to me and I may start bawling. Hubby is trying so hard but it is just not the way I am I am used to doing things and not being tied to this chair. So I guess a few waterworks is expected.

Hubby is taking great care of me, doing the housework, taking care of the kids and all. I appreciate it so much even though I dont always show it especially not today...but hubby I do appreciate it.

I have been promised a Cookie Company Cookie tonight for valentines day and that sounds just yummy.

So happy Valentines to everyone I am going to take a nap now.

UPDATE
Kids are home from school. Braden ripped apart his rather costly candy boquet in record time. Brittney received a dozen roses and two balloons from her boyfriend (remember she is a 2nd grader). I have been very gripy all day today so feel sorry for my dear hubby or feel sorry for me because he is bound to snap at me soon with just cause. Hubby is out picking up dinner and dessert for us now. Brittney and Braden are on a candy high.

Running away from home

If my hubby was smart he would have already packed a bag and ran from this zoo.

There is me laying in the recliner and feeling like I am being ripped in half if I move. Reading or magazines dont even hold my interest yet.

Then because he didnt have enough to do with taking care of me both kids are home sick with pink eye.

I am actually feeling better today not so sick but oh so so sore. Braden's eye is just awful but Brittney's eye looks better.

We dont want dear hubby to get bored with nothing to do so we just are going to let him take care of all three of us!

I have been lucid and awake for 20 minutes to write this blog entry now it will take me a two hour nap to recover.

Home

I got discharged this morning. I anticipate the next few days will consist of Phenergan and Percocet. They did remove the 32 staples this morning so that felt a little better. If I dont update you know I am in the Percocet/Phenergan induced world for a few days.

Update from Husband

Yes, it's Kel's husband. I ran home this evening to grab the mail, eat, ect.

The nurse has my cell phone and I expect to be out and back in within 2 hours. I will be spending the night with her.

As I left, the wife was soundly snoring from the meds. Her surgery went well, with no complications at all. She was in her room by 11 a.m. local time. Surgery had started just prior of 9 a.m local time.

She gets to feast on the lucrative ice chips today and tonight. I am sure by tomorrow she will be thinking me for the spice chi tea or shakes, if allowed.

Anne, sorry to only be able to text "doing ok" but that is all i could get out of my cell phone. For someone on a computer all day, I just sucked in txt messaging.

I just wanted to let all those readers to know the surgery went good with no complications. I expect her out of the hospital by Sunday. Surely by then the internet DDT's will set in as well.

I appreciate everyones thoughts and prayers.

Ready to go

Prep list before surgery in the morning...

House cleaned - check

Kids clothes layed out for all of next week so hubby doesnt have my daughter wearing yellow and purple with plaid pants - check

Recipes printed out, and ingredients bought - check

Hospital bag packed - check

Bag for kids to spend time with my parents - check

Kids freaking out because they dont want daddy to be in charge for a week - check

Me ready to be in a drug induced stupor for a few days - check.

Okay looks like I am ready to go. Hubby will be taking me at 6am for 8am procedure. Suppose to take about 2 hours, then I will be admitted until Sunday. Parents are coming to take kids to school tommorow and keep them tommorow night.

Appropriate time for a story?

Tonight we went out to dinner at TGI Fridays. We got seated right away and our waitress was friendly.

She begins to take our order and is talking with the kids. She talks to Brittney and tells her she has a 9 year old sister and asks Brittney if she likes Polly Pocket. She then informs us she has a funny Polly Pocket story.

The short version of the story is that her sister puked all over the van on the way to California and apparently had tried to swallow a polly pocket and finally puked it out and hit the dad in the back of the head with the polly pocket. Believe me she took longer than that to tell it complete with hand gestures on the vomit spewing out of the sisters mouth.

Am I the only one that thinks a story involving vomit might not be the best story to tell your customers as you are taking their orders for dinner?

Tied Hands

If you try you can probably feel the frustration rolling off of me.

I am ticked off as well as frustrated.

A year ago hubby was elected to school board. He ran because he questioned how somethings were done and why. Not that I am partial or anything but I think he is an awesome school board member because he does ask questions.

Of course those he asks questions about dont like it. They keep making comments well the other school board members dont do this, they dont ask about this and so on. Well darn it maybe they should and then something would get done.

What is so frustrating though is that everything hubby trys to do seems to be hampered by some law or by some administrative decision.

They think that since hubby is on board he shouldnt do other things (like visit with kids teachers, be on PTA, be at the school). Just because he is school board member doesnt mean he isnt a dad darn it. It just gets me riled because he wants to be involved and wants to do these things. There is no law that says he cant be on school board, on PTA, be at the school, talk to teachers, etc. But apparently it is a small town politc thing.

Parents are rallying which is a good thing we recently got 200 signatures thinking this would help but no the administration doesnt even have to pay attention to it. Parents are glad hubby is on the board and trying to make a change, administration not so much. Ugh so bottom line is hubby is trying to make a positive change and small town crapola politics and good old boy network is tying his hands. Ugh.

I don't have it bad at all

Last night was girls night out. About 8 of us moms do this about every 2 to 3 months. It consists of Logan's Steakhouse for dinner. Last night was a little wilder than usual as we added in a trip to Books A Million and WalMart following dinner.

The lead up to girls night out in my house was no big deal. I mentioned it to dear hubby and he started planning a fun in home night for him and the kids with movie, games and snacks. Nothing to it.

Earlier in the day we saw some friends of ours and the wife was getting a major guilt trip from her hubby about him having to watch the kids. I get to dinner and all except one starts with horror stories about how their hubby wouldn't watch the kids. How they had to get their parents to do it because hubby said wasn't his responsibility. How they had to promise this or do this to get him to do it. I just don't get it.

Now hubby isn't perfect (I cant brag on him too much) and we have our moments but all in all we get along great, he is supportive, he helps a ton around the house. I am lucky.

At times I tend to forget how lucky and may take the situation and him for granted but girls night out tends to remind me of how lucky I am.

Dinner always consists of awful husband stories which I always only half listen to because I figure there are two sides and it is probably somewhere in the middle of how it is being told. Needless to say there are always horrors of hubby's that wouldnt dare do housework, watch the kids, or go hunting for a week by themselves but wont watch the kids for three hours.


So thanks hubby for being wonderful. I am sure I will test his patience in the next few weeks after my surgery as I can be a tad cranky during good times much less when I am in pain and feeling frustrated.

I may need more paper

I need some more paper because this to do list is out of control. I only have about 60 sheets in the printer now and by the time I am done listing I dont know if that will be enough.

I did my preop appotinment this morning. It will be me and my bed for a minimum of a week (he says 6 to 8 weeks I say 2 to 3 weeks). We discussed all the fun risks of next Friday's hysterectomy including the fact that because of my csections my bladder may have attached to the uterus and would have to be clipped off. Doesn't that sound like fun. Also had to sign 3 times that I understood that without a uterus I would be unable to have a child, apparently lots of people have had hysterectomy's and then sued because they couldnt have kids. Whatever.

Of course the appointment just made me want to get more stuff done. I just cant imagine having two weeks minimum where I cant run things and do things.

So I am in panic mode before next Friday trying to organize everything, complete things for activities and meetings that will take place during my hiatus from the outside world.

Okay back to the to do list.....I just know that it is imperative that I organize the spice cabinet before the surgery.

Weather Confusion!

My poor tulips. I noticed them all peeking out of the ground today.

Of course it has been hitting high 60's and low 70's here lately.

So if it stayed like that my tulips would probably go ahead pop out of the ground and bloom pretty. The key is IF IT STAYED THAT WAY but due to the fact that it is only the first of February it will not stay that way.

Forcast is calling for freezing rain and back to the 40's.

Poor tulips and my bradford pear trees they just dont know what to do they think it is warm enough to come out but it is just too early!

Little Casanova

Coversation with Braden:

Braden: "Mom I am so cute"

Me: "I know you are"

Braden: "Girls love me"

Me: "They do?"

Braden: "Yes mom I have 105 girlfriends".

Me: "Wow that is a lot"

Braden: "I know mom but they all love me and I cant tell them no"

Oh boy as if raising a 8 year old girl who is totally boy crazy isnt enough now I have a son that is planning his harem.

Good Cop Bad Cop

I have decided from now till the kids turn 30 hubby gets to be the bad cop. I ALWAYS WANT TO BE THE GOOD COP.

Just about killed me tonight we had to discipline Braden. We do the normal things of course getting onto them and the quit fighting with your sister, pick up this or that. But basically both kids are pretty good and we don't have to do many major things.

Today however Braden brought home his work folder. It was so obvious he had just slopped his way through it. He could care less. Well we had to make an impression on him. So we decided to take his movie away before bed.

This doesn't sound like a bad thing but it was like we were cutting off his arm. It was THAT BAD. I tried to cave but hubby wouldn't let me. Then Braden decided to throw a tantrum and I knew there was no way I could be good cop and let him have another chance.

So my little boy was so upset and it just about killed me but no movie before bed and he eventually fell asleep. He even apologized for throwing a fit and yelling at me. Just broke my heart. But like hubby said maybe since it was so hard on him he will remember it and work harder at school....I hope so if not hubby gets to do all the disciple and I get to do all the hugs and rewards...I think that sounds fair.

And I mean really look at this face...feel my pain how hard it was to have this face doing the lip puckering, puppy eyes, crying, it isnt fair and I just love you mommy face at me.....

Bed Rest List has been started

I am counting the days till surgery on the 10th. I know I will have to take it easy for awhile and I know that will be so hard for me to do.

Good news is I saw today that Grey's Anatomy First Season comes out on Feb 14 so I have requested that for Valentines Day. Then I also saw that Just Like Heaven with Reese Witherspoon comes out on Feb 7 so I requested that too for my bed rest days.
Those along with some new books should make the bed rest bearable!

9 hours of basketball

We started at 9am with the Kindergarten/1st grade tournament. The refs had to throw one dad out of the gym for mouthing. Yes at a K/1st tournament and yes it is ridiculous. Braden's team did so good but oh they got so tired by the 5th game (3 played in a row with NO breaks) they no longer cared if they won or not. They ended up in 2nd and we were proud they did great! Here is my little man with his trophy.



Brittney's tournament (2nd/3rd) started directly after Bradens. Her team ended up playing 4 games 3 of those back to back with no breaks. By the 3rd game they were so tired. I was so proud though they played the best they have ever played and beat a team that we had not beat before. They got 3rd place and here is my girl with her trophy.



Now we are waiting on the delivery of the pizza and the rest of the evening to do nothing!

100 days

I have been working in my classroom for 100 days
I have been working in my classroom for 100 days
Hooray!
In the morning bring your book and pencil too!
Everyday at Pocola we learn something new!

I have heard this song over 100 times...today the kids classes celebrate the fact that they have been in school for 100 days.

This meant I had to provide Braden with 100 capri sun drinks (he had to bring 100 of something to share at snack time)
Bubble gum so they can blow 100 bubbles
Fruit Loops so they can make a necklace of 100 Fruit Loops.

For Brittney's class
I have to bake 100 chocolate chip cookies(the mini ones that are already pre shaped)
and she has to take a 100 piece puzzle.

Matt is driving the kids to school this morning so I am sure he will get to hear the 100 song another 1000 times!

Getting prepared to say goodbye uterus

I found out last week I have to have a hysterectomy no more putting it off. Yes I am young darn it (or I like it when someone says that anyway). I am 31 just in case you wanted to know, but doesnt matter have to say goodbye to the uterus and cervix.

Also found out cant do the laporscopic way (no that would be too easy) no outpatient surgery for me. I will go in on the 10th and have the surgery and hopefully be home and on lots of drugs by the 13th. They have to open up my already abused csection scar.

So being the perpetual planner that I am the fact that I will be down probably 2 weeks (I say 1-2 they say 6-8) I am in panic mode. I have cleaned 3 out of 4 of the main closets (because you know that has to be done before I am down). I know I am a nuerotic mess when it comes to having things organized. I have already ordred valentines gifts for teachers and my kids to be delievered to the school. I have started a massive list of things I can do from my bed when I am home and suppose to be in said bed.

Next on the list call Cox Cable and tell them if they have another internet snafu like they did this last week which resulted in no internet for 4 days then they better send a straight jacket for me because otherwise I will come find them even if I am hooked to a cathater and/or major pain meds.

Two weeks from tommorow and so much to get done!

We have access

At 3pm today we finally got our internet back. We are suppose to call tommorow and they will credit our account since Saturday.

I am so far behind on things....especially reading blogs and email.

I hope to get caught up soon, but at least we are back online.

Limited Access

Still not with complete internet. It is such a pain. Had insomnia at 1 am last night and it killed me not to be able to get up and do a little computing until I got tired.

Poor hubby is back at the coffee shop getting some work done. I have spent an hour on the phone with the troubleshooters at cox. At least now we have determined that something with their new configuration has made the wireless routers not work.

Good thing is I have gotten more housecleaning done this morning, of course that was before we discovered that I could get some service by direct plugging into stationary pc. But hubby will soon be home to work on the internet problem and since I cant log in from laptop that means I can get more housework done.

Horrors

Horror of horrors we are without internet.

Apparently the brilliant people at Cox Cable did some kind of conversion Saturday night. Said conversion wiped out all connections in our area.

So no internet on Sunday, no internet at 4am when I was wide awake.

I am at the law office right now on this very slow dial up but happy just to have connection for a few minutes.

Poor hubby is sitting at a table in the coffee shop this morning trying to get some of his work done. This is really affecting him since the company he works for is based in Pennsylvania and he does all his work from his home office.

I am hopging the horror will end soon, but I am not so sure of it since Matt talked to a real genuis at Cox this morning and that guy wasnt even aware of the problem.

Pickles

Brittney talking about boys this morning at breakfast:

Brittney: "Mom, Dillon asked me to meet him by the climbing wall yesterday, we are back together. He is the first boy I have loved, I did love Daniel for awhile but then he did something awful".

Me: "What did he do" (Remember she is only in 2nd grade)

Brittney: "Oh mom it was awful he dipped his pickles in ketchup and after I saw that I was like no way am I marrying him"

So it was the pickles in ketchup that pushed her over the edge...LOL.

Home remedies

I thought some of these were neat. I havent tried them all but I think they will be worth trying to remember. Thought I would share.

Headache - Drinking two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache paint almost immediately.

Burns - Colgate toothpaste makea an excellent salve for burns.

Sore Throat - Mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honey and take 1 tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar kills the bacteria.

Urinary Tract Infections - Dissolve two Alka Seltzer in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly.

Skin Blemishes - Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a band-aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, and speeds healing. Works overnight.

Toenail Fungus - Get rid of unsightly toenail fungus by soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy again.

Splinters - Just pour a drop of Elmer's glue all over the spliner, let dry and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks to the dried glue.

Broken Blisters - To disinfect a broken blister dab on a few drops of Listerine (a powerful antiseptic)

FOR PETS
Dog Fleas - Dawn dish washing liquid does the trick. Add a few drops in your dog's bath and shampoo the naimal thoroughly. Rinse well to avoid skin irritations. Goodbye fleas.

Dog Odor - Wipe down your animal wiht a Bounce or any dryer sheet instantly make your dog smell springtime fresh.

Eliminate Ear Mites - Take a few drops of Wesson corn oil in your cats ear. Massage it in, then clean it with a cotton ball. Repeat daily for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat's skin, smothers the mites and accelerates healing.

Many layers

Kelli The Onion
Stolen from Anne

I am one of many many layers...:)

Layer One
Name: Kelli
Birthdate: 06/26/74
Birthplace: Dumas, Texas
Current Location: Pocola, Oklahoma
Eye Color: Blue
Hair Color: Blond
Righty or Lefty: Righty
Sun Sign: Cancer
Innie or Outtie: Innie

Layer Two
Your heritage: American Indian, Irish and German
The shoes you wore today: Keds
Your hair: I pay to have it straight because otherwise it is crazy curly.
Your eyes: Dark blue.
Your weakness: Chocolate and the puppy dog faces my kids give me
Your fears: Something happening to my family
Your perfect pizza: Canadian Bacon, Cheese, Mushrooms and pineapple and making it taste totally great and be completely Fat Free would be PERFECT
One thing you'd like to achieve: Raising great kids

Layer Three
Your most overused phrase: Whatever
Your first waking thoughts: I dont want to get up and then I have to pee
The first feature you notice in the opposite sex: Eyes
Your best physical feature: I asked hubby and he said legs..."whatever"
Your bedtime: As soon as the Melatonin that I take knocks me out
Your greatest fear: Something happening to hubby when he flies, or kids or just family in general
Your greatest accomplishment: Kids
Your most missed memory: Missed memory? I guess I dont get it.

Layer Four
Pepsi or Coke: Dr. Pepper
Single or group dates: I always liked going out with a bunch of friends
Adidas or Nike: Nike
Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea: SoBe Green Tea
Chocolate or vanilla: Chocolate
Anything else-- Chocolate covered strawberries
Cappuccino or coffee: Spiced Chai Tea

Layer Five
Smoke: No never have tried it
Cuss: Sometimes and then I get in trouble from the bad word police otherwise known as Brittney.
Sing: Not if anyone can hear me and if they can hear me they wish they cant
Take a shower everyday: Yes
Have a crush(es): I crush on hubby every day
Do you think you've been in love: hubby and always amazes me that it grows continually
Want to go to college: Have completed 2 years.
Like high school: I did I had a fun group to hang out with and I mingled with pretty much everyone.
Want to get married: Will celebrate 11 years in July.
Believe in yourself: Yes but when I have doubts hubby props me up..
Type with your fingers on the right keys:
Think you're attractive: Hubby makes me feel it on those days that I am like ugh
Think you're a health freak: I try to be fairly healthy
Get along with your parents: I have those I want to be adopted moments but other than that yes.
Play an instrument: No.

Layer Six
In the past month, did you...
Drink alcohol: Yes new years eve I tried a Jack Daniels Watermelon Spike...yum..since I hate the taste of alchol it says a lot that I liked it tasted like a Watermelon Jolly Rancher.
Smoke: No
Do a drug: No (do my nerve pills count..lol..without them I might not celebrate 11 years because hubby might kill me..lol)
Make Out: Yes
Go on a date: Yes
Eat an entire box of Oreos: No but that doesnt mean the urge wasnt there
Eat sushi: No....yucky yucky
Been on stage: No but have spoken in public at PTA meetings and that is bad enough
Been dumped: No
Gone skating: Yes well I did hang out on the sidelines and gossip with the other moms while hubby and kids skated.
Made homemade cookies: Yes
Been in love: Yes.
Gone skinny dipping: Not this month (wink at hubby...too cold for the pool out back)
Dyed your hair: No
Stolen anything: No

Layer Seven
Have you ever...
Played a game that required removal of clothing: Just with hubby.
If so, was it mixed company: Hubby.
Been trashed or extremely intoxicated: Hate to admit but I have drank too much twice once in college and once not quite so bad since then
Been caught "doing something": Oh yes
Been called a tease: Yes.
Gotten beaten up: No.
Shoplifted: When I was in 6th grade and it was the cool thing to do from the shoppette on the military base I lifted a pack of lifesavers and felt so bad.
If so, did you get caught: No.
Changed who you were to fit in: Yes unfortunately and wish I could impress on my children never to do it.

Layer Eight
Age you hope to be married: I got married 3 weeks after I turned 21 so that I would be able to have an alcoholic drink on honeymoon.
Numbers and Names of Children: Brittney age 8 and Braden will turn 7 in May
Describe your Dream Wedding: We got married in an outside ceremony at a bed and breakfast our color was Royal Blue and I had a poofy cinderella dress.
How do you want to die: In my sleep with hubby holding me when we are 100
What do you want to be when you grow up: I am being a mommy and wife and that is the greatest but I also love my freelance paralegal work.
What countr(ies) would you most like to visit: I would like to go back to Germany.

Layer Nine
Number of men I have kissed: Does Kindergarten thru 8th grade count......I remember kissing a little boy in Kindergarten and one in 3rd both on the cheek and my first tounge kiss in 8th grade and I thought it was the grossest thing ever it was on a school bus and I mouthwashed my mouth out for 10 minutes...after those it gets a little blurry and I dont remember (or dont want to admit..you decide).
Number of boyfriends you've had: Hmmmm ran out of finger sand toes so cant give an exact number..lol
Number of drugs taken illegally: none
Number of people I could trust with my life: Luckily I have several first and foremost hubby and then some family and friends
Number of CDs that I own: I dont know hubby takes care of that stuff
Number of piercings: 4 (2 in each ear)
Number of tattoos: None
Number of times my name has appeared in the newspaper: Several
Number of scars on my body: Several (c-sections, some from body surfing in Galveston, one from a stomach surgery)
Number of things in my past that I regret: There isn't a whole lot that I regret but there are a few things I would do different if I could go back with current knowledge.

Home with a sick one

72 degrees on one day and 40 the next has made Brittney a sick little girl. Stuffy, sore throat, watery eyes, and lots of sniffles.

The upside is I get to hold my girl and watch dvds with her.

I am also reliving memories watching Full House. Brittney got the first two seasons for Christmas.

It is funny seeing it now and how cheesy it is now. I remember watching Full House every Friday night. Now I look at the mullet haircuts, the girls hairstyles and it is so funny. Brittney loves the show and while I hate her being sick I like having her cuddled by my side.

Eleven at least

Brittney doesn't look 8 I realize this. She is tall for her age and also acts older. I am told by everyone.

She is starting to think about fashion. When kiddos got in from school I informed them we were going to go out for dinner and to the mall. Brittney was like oh no "I have to change clothes these have school grime on them"...so she changed into one of her new Christmas outfits fixed her hair and even applied some of her lip tinted gloss. Off we went...

Checking out at Claire's at the mall talking to the clerk. Brittney had picked up 10 things for $5 off the sidewalk sale and is going on and on and the clerk comments about Brittney talking about Jesse McCartney (there was a poster there). I am like yes I know she is boy crazy and only 8. The lady is astonished and says no way she definetly looks 11. She looks at least like an average 11 year old.

Brittney BEAMS from this comment.

We get into the mall walking to meet up with hubby and Braden when she says "Mom if the clerk thinks I am 11 then boys probably do to so if you see an older boy checking me out let me know".....OH YEAH I AM SO GOING TO DO THAT....NO WAY...She is MUCH to young for this and I can currently brag that I have no gray hair but I have a feeling between my children that will SOON change.

De-Lurking

I admit it I am lurker there are several blogs that I read often but rarely comment.

This is de-lurker week! So leave a comment and say Hi! I love getting comments and I am trying to get better at leaving them too!

Just I Love You

This morning it was getting hectic and I was sitting in hubby's office on the couch trying to get organized when Braden ran by the door backed up ran in and gave me a huge hug and said "I love you" and ran back out.

Just an I love you, not followd by an I want this mom or oops mom I did that. Just an I love you.

It has made the whole day more bearable just having that spontaneous heartfelt hug from my son this morning.

Bad sportmanship

Kids basketball games started today. There are two age brackets 2nd and 3rd play together and then Kindergarten and 1st play together.

Brittney's team played first it was a good game, they didnt win but they did really good and played their best.

Braden had two back to back games. First game they did great and won.

Second game was against a team from another small town called Spiro. This game went downhill from the first because it is a coed league and this team didn't bring any girls so that was the first thing, then the second thing is they brought a second grader too. Well they asked if the 2nd grader could play it was our decision since we were playing them. The coach said the kid wouldnt play much so we agreed. Our team is even boys and girls and more Kindergartens than 1st graders.

The game started with the other team totally not doing the rules, not staying in the zones that are part of the rules. It went downhill with cussing from that teams parents. Then further downhill with a fight in the stands, further down when the coach was asking why the rules mattered to the refs. It was awful.

The end is that team was totally kicked out of the league, which is sad for the kids but the parents were beyond awful. It is a Kindergarten/First grade game it is for fun and it was suppose to be a non competitive league. But it was awful. Hopefully next Saturdays game will go smoother.

Insomnia

I dont know how many posts I have written related to insomnia but I am sick of having it.

I have tried everything from prescriptions to herbal medicines to bedtime rituals (that isn't as kinky as it sounds) and still here I am at 2:41 am.

I know tonight I have a little more on my mind than normal which is a lot. Normally it is just mostly things with Braden and so on.

Tonight not so a friend of mine came to me last night with news that her father had been shot and killed by her stepmom. I am not close friends with her but she I think a lot about her and I had met her father a few times. It is just such a senseless act that robbed 5 kids of a grandfather and leaves a 15 year old without any parents. My friend will now be raising her sister as their mother died of cancer over 10 years ago.

I know I think about too much I worry about people I have never met, I worry about Savannah (whose page is on my side bar) I click everyday to find out how she is. I have given what I could to the family before. She is very sick now and I find myself at 2am worrying about her.

So I guess if I had a shut off valve for my thoughts I would be sleeping soundly.

Of course this strepthroat that I have been battling since day after Thanksgiving is not helping my sleeping either. One of the new meds raises my blood pressure. So nice to wake up at 1am with a splitting headache.

I have taken 2 Melatonin which should kick in soon and at least let me catch a few hours of sleep before I get up at 6am.

Ugh Insomnia...I wish this would be my last post related to not being able to sleep but I am not counting on it.

Anne Tagged Me

Anne has tagged me so here goes.

Four jobs you’ve had in your life:

1. Sandwhich Maker

2. Nurse Aide

3. EKG Monitor Tech

4. Paralegal

Four Movies that you would watch over and over:

1. Pretty Woman

2. Sleepless in Seattle

3. Never Been Kissed

4. You've Got Mail

Four TV shows you love to watch:

1. Friends

2. The Apprentice

3. Grey's Anatomy

4. Desperate Housewives

Four places you have been on vacation:

1. San Antonio, TX

2. Cancun, Mexico

3. St Louis MO

4. Philladelphia, PA

Four websites you visit daily:

1. My blog site and then go down my list of blogs to see updates

2. Hotmail to check my email

3. My bank site to look at my account and mark checks that have cleared

4. Ebay

Four of your favorite foods:

1. Lasagna

2. Enchildas

3. Potato Soup

4. Chicken Fried Steak

Four places you would rather be right now:

1. Snuggling with hubby

2. In a hot bath with my book

3. Eating a really good dinner that tastes awesome but contains no fat or calories

4. Snuggled under a blanket maybe watching a movie

Four Bloggers you are tagging:

Whoever wants too!

Crazy to Gross

I am filling in for a friend at the law office this morning answering phones.

It must be a full moon because it is crazy.

1st call

Me: Law Office
Idiot: I need to hire a lawyer
Me: Okay, can you tell me what for?
Idiot: I want to sue WalMart
Me: And, what did they do?
Idiot: They robbed me
Me: (rolling eyes) How did they do that sir?
Idiot: The clearance tag said $3.00 and they charged me $5.00
Me: And, sir did you bring this to their attention?
Idiot: No it is their responsibility.
Me: So let me get the facts, you want to sue them for the $2.00
Idiot: No that would be stupid (me silently agreeing but then he continues...)
I want to sue them for mental anguish.
Me: Well sir, let me explain that to have a lawsuit you would have to have an extensive amount of damages and I dont believe that we would be able to handle this.
Idiot: Well I will find someone and when I sue them and win a million dollars you will be sorry. (HANGS UP)

Caller No. 2
Me: Law Office
Gross: I need an attorney I think I am about to be arrested.
Me: Yes maam, what do you believe you will be arrested for.
Gross: My boyfriends mom just caught us having sex in his bedroom.
Me: How old is your boyfriend?
Gross: 13
Me: And maam, how old are you?
Gross: 39
Me: (mentally gagging) Let me get the facts, the mother caught you having sex?
Gross: Yes
Me: You were in her home?
Gross: Yes I live there too.
Me: (Getting confused) So it is your home too?
Gross: No it is kinda complicated but I love him and we are going to get married.
Me: Okay you live there as a guest?
Gross: No I am the nanny
Me: (Gagging) So there are more kids in the home?
Gross: Yes the other boys are 9 and 5 but I am not in love with those boys because that would be insane.

So that is the two highlight calls of my morning.Phone is currently ringing so I may be back, or I may just strangle myself with the phone cord.

No desk for him

Brittney got a pretty new desk for Christmas it matches the rest of her bedroom furniture.

She had been using a small black desk, I thought it would look cute in Braden's room and it would give him a desk for his room.

Our conversation went like this....

Me: I am going to put this desk in your room.

Braden: NO!

Me: Why not it will look good in there and then you will have a desk to sit at.

Braden: NO! NO! Desks mean work and I dont want one KEEP IT OUT OF THERE.

Can you tell that this boy is going to give me gray hair!

So the desk is in the garage and Braden's room is desk free.

Day at the Spa

I had a day at the spa...of course it was set up in my daughter's room...and the spa attendants were Brittney and Braden.

Braden doing my pedicure.


My pretty pedicure.


A little more blush on my cheeks.


The kids doing my hair and makeup.


The end result...maybe not the look I would normally get but I did have a lot of fun and special time with the kids.

Resolutions

1. Be healthier/Lose weight.
My goal 35 pounds. I would be at my ideal weight if I lose 35 pounds. I know I will never be twiggy skinny but the 35 pounds would put me at a healthy weight for my height and I would feel good at that weight and believe I could maintain.
I would like to loose 10 pounds by Feb 5
I would like to be at a total weight loss of 20 pounds by March 15
I would like to be at a total weight loss of 30 pounds by May 1

2. Spend more quality time with kids and hubby. Things get so busy I want to get back to reading their devotions before bed and just having that no tv time together with them before bed. With hubby I would like to have at least 3 nights of the week that we dont watch tv after kids are in bed but just make it an us date.

3. Be more time organized. I know my hubby thinks I am organized as do most of my friends. But I really think I could be more conscious of where the time goes and how it is used.

4. Have fun, planning a big family vacation in June, enjoy the kids basketball and being the coach, have fun going with friends to Canton Texas in April just enjoy all the things and not just looking forward to events but enjoy the events along the way.

5. Be more assertive. Dont worry that I am not saying yes to someone that someone might be mad at me for not doing something for them. Take a stand say yes to things that I want to help with but not things that will in turn make me crazy with time constraints and so on.

Welcoming in the New Year

We stayed up till midnight...barely...but we made it.
Our friends Adria and Erich came over with their kids Brinnlee and Noah.

Here is a pic of the kids in their New Year Hats and Horns


I am a lousy drinker because I cant stand the taste of anything, I just dont like it. I had bought 3 different things for New Years some Corona for Matt and Adria and then two packs of different kinds of wine coolers for Erich and me. Usually I can do a wine cooler but dont necessarily always like the taste. This time however I found a drink I actually liked. It tastes like a watermelon jolly rancher. Still only made it through one though...LOL. Matt and I will probably have the leftover drinks in the fridge for awhile.
Jack Daniels Watermelon Spike


We played this game it was lots of fun.
Cranium


Matt got his new years kiss and all the kids got to see the ball drop.

2005 in Review

Matt- I think his hardest thing this year is realizing how much the kids are growing up. He has also stated several times this year that he is really beginning to feel old. He continues to grow in his job learning more. He has new goals in place for the year of 2006 for continued growth with the company. This year has found him taking on side projects such as learning more about natural medicine and even becoming a distributor for foot baths that clean the toxins out of your body. His resolutions for 2006 include becoming healthier and get more toned up.

Braden-2005 was a big year for him medically. We discovered more treatment options beyond the standard main medical we began more natural and chiropractic along with mainstream medical. This combination has made a lot of progress for him medically. He went through another surgery. He got glasses. He got a new bedroom no more animal room now we are Army/Airforce crazy. He got to fly an airplane, he got to be VIP at the airforce base. He started 1st grade. His speech continues to improve and he tested out of physical therapy! He lost his first tooth.

Brittney- My little girl has really grown up. I can see so many changes in her personality. She is reading everything and loves to read. She started 2nd grade. The boy craziness has hit hard (way too young). She got a new bedroom as well because she didnt want the baby pink bedroom anymore. Now she has a bright wild bedroom.
She has discovered she really likes basketball. Her dog Rascal was killed and it was so sad. She got a new puppy Nipper but still remembers and talks about Rascal a lot.

Me - I realize trying to remember what all or any of us have done the past year is harder than it should be. I was going to be creative like my friend Anne was on her blog and go month by month but there was no way I could remember something for each month.

As a family we traveled to Arizona for Braden's medical health and had some fun on the way. We visited the Grand Canyon. Matt and I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary this year. We started planning for our Disney vacation that will take place in 2006 and is bound to be a highlight of next years blog recap. We also traveled to Pennsylvania for a vacation/Matt's business trip. We got to see great sites and visit some friends from when we had lived there when Brittney was a baby. We got to see the Barnum and Baileys Circus. We went camping at Tulsa Zoo.

All in all it has been a busy year in many ways and I look forward to the coming year!