Wild things

The family ride

2009-12-18T13:05:00.004-06:00

Hubster bought this 1979 Camaro some time ago. His goal is to spruce it up as a race car and go racing baby.

He tinkers with it during his spare time and has done a great job of bartering for the parts he needs. Working on the car helps his stress level go down and I'm all for that. Ha Ha

He's been working on it for a while and has been telling us how fast it's going to be. He talks car lingo to me and I honestly have no clue what he's saying. I just hear the words fast car.

Yesterday evening, he tells the boys that we are going on a ride. To test the car out. I'm not sure about going for a ride, but AB comes in excited to tell me to get dressed that it's going to be a family ride. Woo Hoo!!

We all head outside and load up. It takes the car a while to warm up, but that's OK because Hubster is still tweaking some things.

Down the driveway we go, all of us with our seat belts on and ready for the fun family ride. All is good, then Hubster gets on the road and floors it. I grab onto his arm and yell at him to stop, UB is in the back seat holding on to the front seat telling Hubster to stop and AB is yelling. Hubster is laughing.

Now, just to clarify, I like fast. I like fast cars. But I also like to drive the fast car. I want to be in control. It's a little different when you are in the passenger seat.

He wasn't going fast, it just felt fast.

He then turns onto another road and is driving and then all of a sudden, he floors it again. I yell and grab his arm again, UB is yelling at him to stop and AB is just wanting out. Hubster is laughing.

We get to the end of the road and turn around. Then the car stops. In a secluded area.

Some country roads are dark and desolate, and this was one of them. I'm sitting there quietly laughing while Hubster gets out to see why the car won't turn back on. It's super dark, can't really see much and we are over a mile away from the house. AB is saying how he knew this was a bad idea and just wants to go home and UB is telling AB what if stories. You know, what if someone were to show up out of the tall grass. Those kind of stories.

Hubster finally gets the car started and off we head back home. AB is saying how he's ready to be back home and UB is actually having fun by this time. I'm just sitting there laughing.

We finally, I say finally because even though this all took place in about 15 minutes it seemed longer, arrive home. We all get out of the car. Hubster with a big grin talking about how he knows what's wrong with it and knows how he can fix it. Me, just glad to get home. UB actually saying he wants to go again. AB was actually a little shook up. So much so that when he was getting out of the car, his foot got caught in the seat belt and he fell.

We did tell Hubster that he was going alone on the next trial runs. We would gladly just cheer for him from the sidelines.

That was enough family fun in a fast car to last me a while.

The joys of science experiments

2009-12-17T14:01:00.004-06:00

I bought a science experiment for the boys that I knew they would enjoy doing. Simply because it was about digestion. Come on, who doesn't get excited learning about digestion?

After they completed all the other assignments I gave them, they got all the stuff ready to make the experiment.

My biggest problem with the boys is getting them to follow the instructions carefully and to have patience. Two criteria that are not in my boys agenda.

"Can we get this started please?"

With my supervision, they proceed to add ingredients to the bag, also known as stomach.

"Hmmmm, I wonder what would happen if I pulled that out of his hands"

The tricky part was getting them to wait to add the warm water in the bag. Slowly. I finally had to take over and add the water myself. Then we waited as we watched the bag,stomach, fill up and go down the tube, small intestine. Interesting.

"Look mom, poop!!!!"

Yes, that's poop. Not real, but the experiment was to show them how the stomach digests the food. It was pretty interesting and the most important thing was that it kept the boys entertained. So much that they wanted to do it again. And again. And again.

Isn't it amazing that this cheap experiment would entertain kids so much? Kids are so easily amused.

Bonkers anyone?

2009-12-15T14:21:00.003-06:00

It's been a busy, crazy month so far and I'm ready for it to slow down. I get to a point where I don't like the month of December. I love the fact of what Christmas means and stands for but I get irritated with the hustle and bustle of life.

I tell myself every December that I will be on top of things, that I will not wait for last minute gift shopping, but every year something comes up. Something that is unavoidable.

So for the sake of my children, I will make this a great Christmas by showing them that it is better to give that to receive, but most of all, that Jesus is the reason for the season.

Enough of a pity party. I'm good.

The boys have been driving me bonkers lately. Yesterday was a bad bonkers day.

The boys wake up and they rough play which usually results in someone crying.

They start school and AB is staring at the wall, or out the window with a blank stare. While UB is whining over not remembering what he had learned a month ago. Then AB starts scribbling all over the big pink eraser while UB starts to dump his crayons out because he'd rather draw than do math.

I send them outside, in this cold weather, and they end up fighting over who gets to ride a certain bike.

After lunch, it's reading time. AB picks a spot to read and is quietly reading, while UB sits on my lap to read to me. UB is finished before AB, so he goes off to play. At least that's what I think he does. That is, until I see a head bopping up and down as I sit on my bed folding laundry. I look down and there is UB, doing some yoga poses on the yoga mat. After the allotted time to read, they rough play some more. And they end up crying. Both of them this time.

AB goes to play on the computer while UB decided to use the bathroom. So when he comes out, I notice that my femenine pads are opened and in the trash. I ask him what he was doing with them and he says just playing. I tell him that they are for girls only and I stop myself from telling him that they are special napkins because I sure don't want to see those special napkins at the dining table when we actually need napkins. He then runs to AB and tells him that he was playing with mom's big band aids. (deep sigh)

I'm still doing laundry when I hear UB laughing. I go in my bedroom to see what is going on and I see my chihuahua's bed and blanket in the shower and my poor chihuahua shaking like a leaf, terrified of UB. I save her for the second time that day.

I send him to his room, but he stops at the Christmas tree to turn on and off the lights because he wants to see the lights blink. After I get on to him, he keeps the tree lights off because he says he doesn't want to waste the battery. (another deep sigh)

My mom had given us a bread machine as an early Christmas present so we tried it yesterday. AB wanted to make pretzels. When the machine beeped that it was time to get the dough out, UB decides to push the button again and the machine turns on to start the process all over again.

I get to it in time, take it out and am about to let the boys make the pretzel shapes when I see that there is about a pound of flour on my countertop. There stands AB, with a grin on him face, telling me he's ready to roll the dough in the flour and form the pretzels. He says that is how Emeril does it.

Now, it was just flour on the countertops I wouldn't be so flustered, but the flour was on the flour, on whatever else was on top of the countertops, but most of all, on the boys. (another deep sigh)

When they finish forming the pretzels, they decide they want to put cinnamon and sugar on a couple of the pretzels. Before I could react, they had already tag teamed each other and were making the mix. So now I have flour, cinnamon and sugar all over my floor.

We put the pretzels to bake and the boys went off to play while I went to finish the laundry. I figure the mess in the kitchen can wait a while.

As I sat there, folding laundry, I realized that it wasn't about me. I was making memories with the boys. That even though they weren't doing things the way I would have done them, they are learning. I have to remember that I was once a kid.

So as the boys continue to do things that drive me bonkers and make me speak in Spanish to them during those times,that probably to them sounds like I'm speaking in tongues, I will thank the good Lord for those opportunities I have with them.

The good, the bad and the ugly

2009-11-30T14:05:00.003-06:00

We just finished a wonderful week celebrating Thanksgiving. Hubster's family all came. By all I mean his brother and his family, both his sisters and their families, his aunt and her four kids and all their families. We had about 30 something people here. Lots of people but it was lots of fun.

We only had one almost catastrophe. And it involved the stove and a little fire, but all was good.

Needless to say, I was exhausted yesterday. So exhausted that I did some crazy things. So I'm telling on myself.

The boys and I were running late to church in the morning. Hubster is in the Praise Band, so he was already there. We ended up sitting in the very back. The kids go off to Children's Church and Hubster comes down to sit with me.

We listen to the message being preached and it's good. Well, in my hastiness to get to church on time, I forgot my Bible at the house. I do however, have a Bible on my phone. As I was looking at it, I saw some messages that AB had sent me. They were actually pictures. I decided to open them up and look. Brother J was already closing up his message at this time. I zoom through the pictures and click one that starts to 'play' the song, "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly".

Remember, we are at church. It's very quiet as people absorb the message that Brother J has shared. He's getting ready to start the invitation and then it happens. Cue music.

It was loud. Hubster gives me a look. The people in front of me look back at me. I am beat red and panicking and trying to turn off the sound that I thought was already on. The song keeps going, but I finally stop it.

That was the first instance.

The second one happened after Sunday evening church. I was leaving church to go to the store for some milk and eggs and chips to dip in the last jar of homemade salsa I had left from the family gathering. I drive down the main road and stop at the stop light. I am behind a car and there are other cars next to me. The light turns green and the car in front of me goes. I follow. As I'm crossing the road, I see red.

I then see it. The green ARROW on one stoplight and the red as can be red light on the other stoplight.

I am already in the middle of the road. I can't stop. So I just keep going. Good thing there were no cars turning from the opposite direction.

So as to not draw anymore attention to myself. I turn at the next street to go down the back roads to the grocery store.

I did make it to my destination and got what I needed then went straight home.

Exhaustion makes you do crazy things.............

Ramblings

2009-10-16T09:55:00.003-05:00

UB was complaining of his chest hurting on Wed. night. His asthma has been pretty bad due to the weather. By late Wednesday night, he had a fever of 101. During the middle of the night, it had gone up to 102. I gave him a breathing treatment and a dose of Tylenol. By the morning it was at 100. I called and made him a doctor appointment.

When UB woke up at 1 am, I had a hard time going back to sleep, so I stayed awake. Praying about everything and anything. I think I dosed for a while then woke up at 7. Hubster's alarm had not gone off so off I went to get him up. While making him breakfast, I noticed the temp on the fridge was not correct. The items in the fridge were sweating and they were getting warm while the items in the freezer were defrosting. I started to take the stuff out of the freezer to put elsewhere. Then I put the stuff in the fridge in the freezer.

I called the repair guy to come see what was wrong with the fridge. I was tempted to just unplug and then plug it back in. But someone, no names (Hubster) told me not to. I should have just listened to myself.

It brought me back to the days of when I used to travel as the training supervisor for Wal-Mart. When I'd get all the new equipment unloaded and put in it's proper spots, I'd have to start it up. When the main office equipment wasn't working, and after I tried everything I could (including unplugging then plugging back in) I'd have to call in to Network Support. The only problem I had with those people was that they were computer knowledgeable people. People that I couldn't really understand. Literally.

Their first question, always, was "Is it plugged in?" Hmmm, well, I would have never thought to do that. Seriously, what kind of question was that? Duhhhh

So I would have to pretend to do what the person was asking me to do. But since most of the times I couldn't understand them anyway, it really didn't matter.

They would tell me to plug it, unplug it, move it to another plug, change chords and on and on. Crazy stuff that after wasting 2 hours of my time, they would come to the conclusion that I had originally called in with. The equipment was defective and I needed a new one.

Well, yesterday, when the repairman showed up, he started removing all the panels. Checked everything possible with the gadgets and could not find anything. I should have just unplugged it while the fridge was out.

After an hour of no answers, he reset the control panel and left. Wouldn't you know it, it started working again.

On the bright side, my fridge is as clean as the day I bought it.

It seemed overwhelming during this time. Dealing with the stuff laid out all over my kitchen and every space imaginable; dealing with calling places to find grout for my shower; dealing with making sure UB was OK; dealing with cooking all the food I had in my fridge so that it wouldn't spoil; dealing with trying to clean the house so that no one else would get sick.

But then Hubster came home and told me a story of a person he knew. A sad story. I thought I was having a bad day, but this story made me realize that my issues were petty. So I made the best out of the situation. Loaded everything back into the fridge, washed the dishes, mopped the floor and did only what I could.

My fridge situation was not bad after all. So what that I had to clean it. So what if I had to actually cook something. So what if I had to sweep and mop what seemed like 20 times just to clean up the mess on the floor.

Going back to UB. The Doctor said that he had the flu. Prescribed him some tamiflu and off home we went. But not before I picked up some cheap Chinese for Hubster and myself.

UB never whines, gripes or complains when he's sick. He'll do his usual kid griping but nothing major. I had no clue his throat and ears were hurting. Or that his head throbbed. He is a quiet sick kid. Unlike the other one. The other one can have a hurt finger and it's the end of the world.

So today I will do nothing. At least in my mind I will do nothing. But in reality I will tend to a sick child, wash load after load of laundry, spray Lysol on all of us, and wish that I could take a nap to make up for my lack of sleep for the last two days.

All is good......

Cow herding 101

2009-10-12T08:15:00.003-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, I decided to stay in bed while Hubster got up and ready for work. My mom and step-dad were in town and I figured I would sleep in, make Hubster breakfast and take it to his workplace. Yup, the plans that I make.

Hubster got up and I turned over in bed, snuggling back up under my blankets. As I closed my eyes, I herd a loud moooooo. I opened one eye to see if Hubster was playing a joke on me. No one there and nothing I could see. I got comfortable again and closed my eyes again. Moooo.

I raised my head this time and looked at Hubster's phone, surely he wasn't playing a trick on me with his phone. Besides, we don't own cows.

Nothing there, so back to bed I went. Mooooo, again. I got up, looked out my bedroom window and wouldn't you know it. A cow. In my flower bed. Mooing away. At 6:30 in the morning.

I then look past the cow right outside my bedroom window and see more cows down our front yard. Lots of them.

I go to Hubster and tell him in a panicky, yet calm voice, "There are cows all over our yard. There is a cow outside our bedroom window. What do we do?" I don't think Hubster believed me. I think he thought I was wacko. Until he heard the mooo.

My neighbors own cows. These cows try to be David Copperfield and usually get out of the pasture. I call her to ask her if the cows on my yard were hers. "How many are there?" she asked. "15 " I respond. "No, I don't have that many" she said.

So I call my other neighbor who owns the field in front of us. I got no answer. I'm standing outside in my robe, making sure these cows don't eat my bushes and few trees that we have, when my neighbor comes running outside. She said she came to see if they were hers. She took one look and yes, they were hers.

I go inside the house to get dressed to help her get 15 cows back into the pasture. Since I'm a city girl living in the country, I own lots of cow herding clothes. NOT!! Shorts, a t-shirt and tennis shoes is what I get on.

I saw my neighbor at the front of my land starting to get the cows back to her land. I ran to help her and she is making these noises to the cows. Clicking her tongue and hollering. Sounded like I was in a western movie. So I panicked. I didn't know any cowboy/cowgirl terms to round up cattle. Hee yaw is all I know. Along with 'move it', I got the cows to move some. At this time I should say that while I was getting dressed, my neighbor was able to send the cow that was by my bedroom window, back home. So we were down to 14 cows. Actually, 13 cows and 1 bull. Lovely.

We started running after the cattle, but they wanted to go a different way. Hubster was still here and was in his truck trying to help us. We chase the cattle up the field, then we chase them down the field. These cattle would not go in the gate that led to their pasture.

The cattle end up on the south of our land. Hubster is at one end, in his truck, and tells me to get on the opposite end. I slowly walked over there because there is no doubt that I am scared of cows. Especially 13 cows and 1 bull all staring me down. Oh, and did I forget to mention that when I rapidly got dressed in my cow herding clothes of shorts, t-shirt and tennis shoes that I hastily put on a reddish pink shirt? Nothing like being stared down by a bull while wearing a reddish pink shirt.

Can you say rut row?

So Hubster was yelling at me to get in front of the cattle. I started walking, but I was praying y'all. Praying that being run down to death by cattle is not the way I die. Praying that the bull that is looking right at me, at 5 ft away, doesn't mistake me for a barrel or something. "Move some more" Hubster said. I inched over slowly. Right foot, then left foot until Hubster yells some again "More" Hmmm, easy for him to say, he was in the truck. "You come out here and let me get in the truck" I said. No answer then. I was wishing at that moment that I was like a cow whisperer or something. Then I could talk to these animals and tell them that they were making me workout and I wasn't wanting to. That they were making me get scrapes on my legs from the tall grass we were running in. But most importantly, I wanted to tell them that they WOKE ME UP when I was able to sleep in.

We somehow managed to get the cattle to move again. But this time they went all the way to the back of my land. Only 12 cows and 1 bull because one cow decided to go through the gate that led to the pasture. My neighbor decided to go get her 4 wheeler to go get the cattle. She drove back there, but it's rocky terrain. She ended up falling off her 4 wheeler. I told her to leave the cattle back there. They weren't in my way and they weren't eating my little trees.

My mom and I went for a walk. We were up, so why not. She was actually laughing at me because she said I looked funny chasing the cattle. Thanks mom!!

When we were on our way back from our walk, I noticed that there were some cattle by our pond, but more cattle at our other neighbors house. They don't own cattle either. By this time, all the cattle, even the ones that had previously gone back home and the ones that were still in the pasture that didn't join in the great escape the first time, were out there.

I go to my neighbor, the cow owner, and tell her to drive me over there. We drove and she was herding the cattle with her car. She then stopped because there is no where else to go, I got down and tell her that I would chase the cattle one way, on foot, and she could drive the other way. As I am chasing the cattle, I hear a crash. She had backed into a tree. She drove to the edge of my land and we proceeded to follow the cattle through my land. I told her to drive home. I follow the cattle and they went to their land. The stinking gate was open. It looked like someone had actually opened the gate for them to go out.

We laughed about it after all was done. But it sure wasn't funny at the time. Stinking cows.

I tell you, always an adventure with me. Which I'm glad, because it makes life a lot funner.

Me and My Mouth Before my Caffeine

2009-10-09T07:42:00.005-05:00

The alarm beeps, or should I say, makes annoying sounds at 6:00 in the morning. I roll over and Hubster pushes the snooze button. This goes on for another 20 minutes. He finally gets out of bed. I lay in bed contemplating whether I should pretend I'm asleep or get my hiney up and make him breakfast.

Now, before you think I'm the wonderful wife. Let me tell you, I am no June Cleaver. I do not have a smile on my face while doing this so called wonderful thing for my husband. I make him breakfast because of his diabetes. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

I usually get up and quietly and alone proceed to make breakfast. Usually breakfast tacos of some sort. I'm alone in the kitchen, no one to talk to me, no one to distract me and I'm great with that. Simply because I need my caffeine in the mornings. Caffeine in the form of an ice cold coca-cola. Caffeine that is usually not ice cold at 6:30 in the morning because someone (me) forgot to put it in the fridge the night before. Caffeine that is stuck in the freezer getting super cold, super quick.

One day this past week, I was in a not so good mood. I let other people get to me especially at 6:30 in the morning. I was thinking about something that someone did and that got me riled up. I then took it out on Hubster. I didn't hold back. I told him what I thought about the situation.

I had forgotten that when I haven't had my caffeine, I am a not so nice person. I say things without thinking them through. I say things that are hurtful. I don't ask God to shut my mouth.

Hubster went on to work and I grabbed my can of coca-cola that I had stuck in the freezer and I went to sit down and have a talk with God. Just me, my coke and God.

It's funny how He never says, "I told you so" or "why did you do that" or "are you stupid or something?"

He shows us in a loving way how how we were wrong, and then He waits for us to acknowledge it ourselves.

Well, while I was spending time with Him, I realized what I had done and said and knew that I was wrong. And I am never wrong. Ha Ha Ha, that was a joke.

I did the right thing and called Hubster and apologized.

I have to remember that I can't control other people. I can't have that hang up in my life.

All I can say is that I'm glad I have a loving Heavenly Father who showers me with His Grace and Mercy on a daily basis. Even though I don't deserve it.

A little miracle

2009-09-29T07:46:00.003-05:00

I'm baaaaaaacccckkk!!! I've been in hiatus for what seems like forever. I just got tired of writing. Mostly because even though this is MY blog and I can write about whatever I want, I still care about people's feelings. So therefore, I don't write what I really feel as to not hurt anyone.

But I'm over that.

Lot's has happened. End of school, summer break, vacation, death, mission trip, family time, salvations, new friends, new school year, frustrations, joys, and the list goes on and on.

There are these friends of ours that had a baby last Wednesday. All seemed well with baby Jenna and then they tested her oxygen and it was low. They medi- flighted her to a bigger hospital and there they determined that she had heart problems. Yesterday was the surgery, so I found me a substitute teacher. Actually, she volunteered. She came over to the house, did school with the boys and then hung out with them.

While I was walking into the hospital, I was thinking that my problems just seem so small compared to others problems. I think that is God's way of humbling me. And boy is it humbling.

When I saw my friends, the mom and dad, they looked tired, wore out and just plain weary. They had talked to the surgeon and the surgeon had done many surgeries like this one, so it was a relief to find that out. The surgery was risky but the Doc said there shouldn't be any problems. We waited and the phone kept ringing. Updates on how baby Jenna was. Finally four hours later, they received the call they had been waiting for. Surgery was over and baby Jenna was doing great.

Praise the Lord!!!

The relief on my friends faces didn't show right away. Might have been because there were many people there they were trying to inform, maybe it was because they hadn't actually talked to the Doctor. But when that Doctor came to talk to them, to tell them that their baby was going to be fine and was doing great, that is when the relief showed.

It was awesome to witness this miracle. Baby Jenna has to have a couple more heart surgeries as she gets older, but a big obstacle was conquered yesterday.

I find it amazing that a baby's heart is the size of a grape. Add to that all those tiny vessels and veins that probably look like thread, but God equipped Doctors to perform surgery on this. But only God is in the miracle business. And His miracles are many.

I'm still being used as a jungle gym.

2009-05-28T08:52:00.003-05:00

I'm going to start posting pictures of my food again. I've noticed that this helps me be more accountable.

I've just been doing an exercise video and haven't ran. I guess I need to get my booty out there and run. I just don't feel like running enclosed inside a gym when it's so pretty outside. And I am a little scared running alone down my country roads way early in the morning. I've got to find me a running partner. In the meantime, I've got my dog. I do need to buy her a leash so that she won't run away from me and chase the cows.

I've got a quick story to tell.

I previously told y'all that I've been doing yoga. I try to do my exercises alone with no one watching. Nothing like having an audience.

Anyways, the boys always seem to make it into the room to watch or they become peeping Toms.

During the time of the video when I think that I can't do it anymore and Bob is telling me to keep going, that he's almost done, the boys try to encourage me as well. Not like Bob, but more like "That's not how they are doing it mom" or "Come on mom, I can do it better"

While I'm trying to do the poses, they think I'm a jungle gym and crawl under me, jump over me, try to avoid my hands when I'm swinging them around and so forth.

At first, it was a little annoying, but the more it's done, I enjoy it because I'm not thinking of my legs shaking, or my arms feeling as if they are going to fall off.

As a matter of fact, by the time this all happens, my whole body feels as if it's been tortured and I can't go on anymore.

The boys will show me how it's supposed to be done. I am not as agile as they are.

I do believe the poses are getting better because I've heard less of "that's not how to do it mom" and more of "that looks hard mom"

I'm getting there. Slowly but surely.

My weekend

2009-05-26T13:22:00.004-05:00

Well, I had a great weekend with friends and family. It was wonderful, but I can honestly say that I was tired last night.

My brother in law and his son and my sister in law and her kids and her boyfriend came down for the weekend. We had tons of fun.

My friend from Texas came as well for the day on Friday and I didn't get to see her anymore. Sorry G, we'll spend time in San Antonio.

I hadn't worked out since Friday, so this morning I woke up and did an exercise video. Need to get this extra weight off. It did feel good to workout again.

We had a get together here on Saturday night with family and friends. We had a big turnout. Hubster and the guys set up their band stuff on the back porch and played music for us. They played until it rained hard.

The kids all rode the dirt bikes on Sunday afternoon. We had one that flipped, but he was okay. No tragedies.

Fishing was a spur of the moment event that happened Monday. We all went to the Lake and the only drama that happened was a fishing rod sinking onto the bottom of the lake.

Nothing else to write about at this moment. As I'm trying to clean my house and catch up on the laundry.

Yoga is exercise

2009-05-22T08:32:00.003-05:00

We've been busy with a visit from some wonderful friends, last days of school work, the everyday business of life, baseball and whatever else has been thrown our way.

I've been eating better. I might not see results but I sure can feel them. I sleep better and I definitely feel better.

Since my last run posted , I have done some home exercises and did 20 min of running up the hill and walking down the hill. Butt kickers is what I like to call them.

I was showing my friend yesterday my little so called muscle on my biceps. Telling her that AB just kept looking at me when I was bragging about it and Hubster is a good man by telling me that it seems like they are getting bigger. She asked if I lifted weights. I said no. Simply because lifting 5lb weights every other week is not going to get me some definition in my muscles. And going to the gym every three weeks is not going to cut it either.

I do think that maybe my arms are getting a little toned just with the combination of exercises I do. I get bored doing one thing over and over. I have to break that monotony. I sort've make up my own exercise combinations and it works for me.

But the thing that I have been doing that is helping out my core(that also helps incontinence) and helps tone up everywhere is yoga. I've been doing yoga with Bob (biggest loser) only about twice a week, but those two times kick my butt, literally.

When I heard of yoga, I constantly told myself that I would never do that. Seriously, how was I going to stand like a flamingo and then suddenly lift my leg up into the wild blue yonder all the while trying to keep my balance. Not to mention, keeping all my body parts from moving out of position. No way!!

I ended up buying Biggest Loser Yoga weight loss video some time ago. It sat unopened for months. I tried it and was sore the next day. Bob keeps you going. I learned new names for exercises that I had never heard of before. Downward dog, upward dog, cow, cat, triangle, warrior, and the dreaded plank.

I do have to admit that the first time I turned on the video to view it just to see if I would like it, I saw them do these poses and told myself, "that's easy, you can do that"

Ha Ha Ha laughed my body when the next time I turned the video on and actually tried it. Your body stretches and reaches and moves and works. Never again will I say that yoga is not exercise.

So L, I think that's what's happening to my little so called muscles. Yoga baby!!

I ran another 3 miles this morning. 30 min this time. I was trying to do a slow and easy 3 miles.
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The boys had baseball games this week. It's been fun to watch them. UB is still in Tball and gets bored during the halfway point. He enjoys it though.

AB is still in coach pitch with Hubster as his coach. During the opening tournament, their team won the championship. It was great. Since then, they've won some and lost one.

AB hit an infield home run on Tue and was quite proud of himself. I was proud of him as well. This is the same kid that last year hit maybe 4 times the entire year. He's been doing so much better this year. It was a good home run. He hit it down to left field, hit the fence and he ran and ran, they threw the ball to the catcher and AB slid right between the catcher's legs(not touching the catcher). The catcher dropped the ball. It was great.

It's funny how even though his daddy is his coach, and he wants to impress him, he still looks for his mom for approval. I love it. He'll tell me that he's going to hit it hard again, or that he's going to catch a pop fly. Well, last night during one of the times that he hit the ball, he made it to first base and was looking at me for my thumbs up sign, he smiled and waved when I gave it to him. I hope he always looks for me.

He even caught a pop fly. He just lifted his arms that are 3ft long and caught that ball that was going high up. It was great. And yes, he looked to see if I had seen it.

Anyway, enough bragging. I'm just a proud momma, what can I say.

We are having company this weekend. My brother in law and his son and my sister in law and her family. Along with more family and friends for a get together or two.

Time to go finish mowing, clean the house, do the laundry, change sheets and just get ready for the company that is soon to arrive.

Have a Blessed Weekend!!!

3 miles in 28 min. Wooo Hooo!!

2009-05-18T07:19:00.003-05:00

For the last week and a half, I have done nothing.

I haven't been eating right and I definitely haven't been exercising.

It seems that when that dreaded unwanted monthly visitor is arriving, my body rebels. It wants to eat what it wants and it will only function with sweets and fried foods. It certainly doesn't want to work off this bad food.

Hubster took the boys for a while Saturday morning and I was going to do nothing. Again. Nothing but lay in bed in my pajamas. It didn't matter that I had 5 loads of laundry to wash and dry and another 3 loads that needed to be put away. I was not going to do anything.

Then Hubster called and needed me to take him something. So much for not doing anything.

I get in my workout clothes thinking that since I'm out, I'll go to the gym and run a little. My mind was playing games with me but in the end, my strong will won.

I was only going to run two miles. I hadn't ran in a while and didn't want to hurt myself. At least that's what I was telling myself. It sounded like a good excuse.

I had my ipod on and was listening to some tunes and I looked down at my nike+ and saw that I had already ran two miles. Let's go for three, I told my body.

So I ran three miles in 30 min. Then I went down to the little weight room and lifted weights for about 15 min. It felt good to have all that sweat pouring out of me. Not that I lost any weight.

This morning, I got up early and went back to the gym. This time I ran three miles in 28 min. I'd like to shorten my three mile runs to 24 min, but this is a big improvement for me.

Eventually, I'd like to increase my miles and run longer. My mind and my legs are just now starting to get along well, so I'll give them some time to adjust to this.

I'm off to get ready for the last three days of school and to plan my good eats for the day. Starting off with a bowl of muesli.

I'll leave you with a UB moment.
I was in my lounge wear (t-shirt/bra and pajama bottoms) on Saturday afternoon. The boys and I were making some craft they had been wanting to do for a while.

UB adjusts my shirt in the front and says "Mom, you need to fix your shirt, your crack is showing"

A trip to the State Capital

2009-05-14T13:42:00.003-05:00

You know what is the best thing for a day of hormones kicking it up in full gear?

A brownie fudge sundae.

Just kidding. It's a big hug and kiss and a sincere "I Love You mom, You are the best" from your child. Everything seems better after that.

Anyway, don't have pictures of my food. I've been too lazy to download and post. I'll post tomorrow.

I have had plenty of yummy food. Most good, some not good for me. But all so tasty.

We went on a field trip to the State Capital on Tue. It was so much fun. I never thought I'd say that History is fun because I am the one that flunked history and government in High School and College.

Even though the kids were young, our tour guide, the secretary for our State Senator, made it very interesting for them. She even had them role play so that they could understand how a law becomes a bill and trying to get them to understand checks and balances.

I do believe they all enjoyed themselves. We were able to meet Our House of Representative and our State Senator. The man this is our House Representative goes to our church so we already knew him, but were able to talk to him about Home school issues.

The State Senator talked to the kids first. He was sweet in that he commended us parents for Homeschooling and said wonderful things about Homeschooling. It makes you feel good to know that someone is behind you.

The Representative was as well. His wife was a Missions Kid and was Home schooled. He was a public school teacher and coach, so he has the knowledge on both ends.

All in all, it was a great day at the Capital.

Yesterday was spent mostly catching up on what should have been done Tue. It was a rough day in school. Both boys acted like they didn't know what they were being taught, when in fact it was just review. Days like that make me feel inadequate. My self-doubt sets in. All the pressure from the public seeps in takes over my thoughts. I question myself whether I'm actually teaching correctly. Am I not getting the point across the correct way? Am I doing the right thing?

We took a little break until after lunch and then continued with school. It was much better. The boys suddenly remembered how to do the lesson and all was good. Then the insecurities that I had earlier were gone. All was good.

I leave you with this little story.

Hubster and Teenster came home for lunch yesterday. Hubster had taken his motorcycle to work and therefore that is how they came home. UB made a comment about that to them and said, "Two guys riding one motorcycle? I just don't get it."

I don't think Hubster liked that comment.

Zucchini Lasagna

2009-05-11T13:09:00.004-05:00

Not much to talk about exercise wise or food wise. Did good until Sat. morning. Then it went downhill from there.

I ate mostly leftovers on Friday and then made some gluten free pancakes for breakfast on Saturday. Mixed pecans in the batter then I put some frozen strawberries in a saucepan with a little water and mashed them. That was my syrup for my pancake. It was good.

Won't tell you what I ate for lunch. It was definitely not good for me.

I did come to the conclusion that bad food just makes me feel horrible. I can't breathe, can't sleep, just feel bloated. I definitely don't want to feel like that again.
******************************************************************

The weather has been crazy lately. Rain every other day or so. I supposed that's good news for our pond since it's finally full.

The only complaint I have with rain is the grass that grows twice as fast and all the water and mud puddles.

The other thing that comes out with this weather are toads. Lots and lots of toads. Toads that are coming out of hibernation to play in this spring like weather.

Boys and toads go well together. The boys enjoy playing with these nasty animals. UB more so than AB. I have to check UB's pant pockets when he comes inside. He likes to carry them with him.

Last week, he was walking into the house with a yellow tool box. Trying to discreetly make it to his room. I was in the kitchen with my back to him but my eyes on the back of my head saw him.
"What do you have there?" I asked
"Nothing mom." He innocently says
"Open that up and let me see."
He slowly lifts the lid to the toolbox and what do I see? Ants. Red fire ants. He was wanting to put this tool box in his room and the ants were going to be his pets. I tell him to take that back outside and put those ants back where he found them.

I look at him and realize he's holding something else. A mesh bag that is tied to his belt loop. Inside this mesh bag was a toad holding on for dear life. That was another pet he was wanting to put in his room somewhere.

Hubster comes home and makes UB put the ants back where they belonged. I go outside to see what is happening and see 3 toads inside that mesh bag. Tied to the handlebars of the bike.

If I were those toads, I'd find a different place to live when they were set free.
******************************************************************

Zucchini Lasagna
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 8oz cans of no sodium tomato sauce
1 lb extra lean ground turkey
Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Italian herb seasoning(optional)
1 egg
2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
1 tsp whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup skim, fat free mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
3 zucchini sliced into 1/4 inch think pieces

Preheat oven to 350.

Saute onion and garlic over medium heat until tender. Add turkey and brown. Season with salt and pepper. Add tomato sauce. Season with Italian herb seasonings. Remove from heat.

In a small bowl, slightly beat the egg. Stir in cottage cheese, flour and 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese.

Pour 1/2 of meat-tomato mixture into a 1 1/2 quart roasting pan. Top with zucchini slices and cottage cheese mixture. Then cover with remaining meat-tomato mixture and zucchini.

Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese and bake 10 minutes longer.

A nature walk does the body good

2009-05-08T08:52:00.005-05:00

The boys and I went for a little nature walk in the misty fog yesterday morning. I've got to say, that's the extent of my exercise for yesterday.

We were walking down the road from Hubster's office and were looking for birds. We came across this pretty bird. Have no clue what it is. The bird book doesn't tell me.
And we saw lots of Cardinals. It was fun to watch them play with each other. They just don't like to be approached. This is as good a shot as I could get.

While walking down this road, an audio tech van drove by us. He waved and continued down the road to the office. A couple of minutes later, it showed back up and stopped next to us. I started to freak out because I'm thinking, "I'm alone with two little boys, in the middle of nowhere with no one to hear me if I scream." Previous episodes of CSI came to mind.

He asked if a person lived down this way. Only the guy Hubster works with and his family live down that dead end road. I didn't know the name he mentioned and he wouldn't leave. I soon see another vehicle approaching and realize it's the man that works with Hubster, R, and his wife R. (I'll just call them R& R).

Anyway, I tell the van man to ask them. They stopped next to us and R tells him no one by that name lives down the road. Van man left and R&R stayed to talk to us for a while. They ask the boys to be on the lookout for wild pigs, bobcats and skunks. They proceed to leave to the office and we walk a little further.

The boys were spooked by this time and with the van incident and R&R telling them about the wildlife out there, we head back to the office.

It was a nice little walk and an adventurous one as well.

Yesterday for breakfast, because of eating that small portion of salad on Wed night at church, then going for a run later that evening, I was starving.

I had 2 egg whites, 2 slices of turkey bacon and a whole grain English muffin. It sure filled me up.

For lunch, I made some chicken tostadas. I had lots of leftovers in the fridge and needed to get rid of them.

Tostadas consisted of low fat refried beans, grilled chicken, low fat cheese, lettuce, tomato, jalapenos and we can't forget the avocado.

I wanted something sweet but didn't want to eat junk and wasn't in the mood for an apple, so I had me a bowl of non-fat plain yogurt topped with flax seed and Ezekiel cereal with almonds, and fresh blueberries. Topped with a splash of agave nectar. This was really satisfying. And so filling that I wasn't even hungry for dinner.

UB had a baseball game and when we came back home, Hubster wanted another chicken tostada. I munched on a couple of pieces of baked chicken while making his tostada. Then I made me some air popped popcorn.

While at the baseball field, there were some people sitting next to us that were chain smoking. I'm so happy to receive second hand smoke, I really like it. I don't understand why some people aren't considerate to smoke elsewhere. People can smoke all they want, just not around me. I'm sorry if I offend anyone on this topic, but If I wanted to inhale cigarette smoke, I'd smoke myself.

Just had to get that of my chest.

It's Friday and have to go do tests with the boys and then clean the neglected house.

Coyotes, snakes and cows oh my!

2009-05-07T08:09:00.005-05:00

I didn't get to post yesterday because I had lots of catching up to do with my laundry.

Here's my food for Tue and Wed.
Tue: For breakfast, I had my usual bowl of blueberry oatmeal
For lunch I made some salmon patties. I usually add eggs and crackers but this time I just added flax seed and whole grain bread crumbs.

I thought it was pretty delicious. I had some veggies on the side and then some fruit for dessert.

For dinner, I had roasted chicken wrapped in a herb and garlic wheat tortilla and a sweet potato on the side.
Wed: For breakfast I had a bowl of muesli. It's so yummy. You have to try it.

I made this zucchini lasagna for lunch. I really liked it. Hubster said it was just OK, but he's used to eating heavy. This was not heavy but was very filling. I will post the recipe later.

For dinner it was salad at the church. I didn't eat much because it was lots of different cold types of salads. Corn salad w/chips, broccoli salad with lots of mayo, pasta salad with vinegar and ????, cornbread salad, Chinese cole slaw and fruit salad.

I did eat some but not much. I even ate the brownie that had no nuts. You know I had to be hungry in order to eat chocolate.

I hadn't gotten my run in for the day. Didn't make it to the gym early in the morning since UB woke me up at 3am to inform me that he had a bad dream and he needed to sleep with me. I of course am a mean mom and said no. I went back to bed but didn't get to fall asleep right away.

Anyway, after church last night I went for a jog down my country road. I ran for 2 miles and walked .7 of a mile. It felt good.

While I enjoy running out in the open air as opposed to an indoor track, I don't enjoy the little creatures that are out on the road. Trying to sabotage my run.

Coyotes have been spotted both on my front yard as well as back behind the house. Not just one little coyote. But a pack of about 6 in front and 2 in back.

I'm from a town where the mascot is the coyote. I'm just not wanting to become close friends with the coyote. A pretend one is easier to pet than a real one.

The other thing I have to watch for out there are snakes. They are out now, trying to get some sunbathing in.

Cinnamon goes jogging with me and I feel a little safer. I run down the hill and then hit a gradual slope up a hill. It seems to be going on for a long time. I make it to the top and see cows on both sides of the road. The cows on the left of me run with me and then run away. The cows on the right of me just look up from their dinner and moo. I'd like to think they are encouraging me. They are telling me "Come on and moooooove it mooooove it"

During my run, I hear the grass moving. I hear scurrying. Mice or some little creatures. Birds finding worms.

I get to the bottom of the hill and then there is yet another small hill to the stop sign. I make it over and back but now it's time to go back up the other way. Up and down the hills again. My legs are hurting and my butt is dragging but I push and push. All the while, the cows encouraging me again "Mooooove that booty, yooooou can do it"

I make it to the top of the hill and then back down again. I turn down a road and keep running. While running back down the road to head home, I see a snake in the middle of the road. I stop and look and stay still. Thinking that if I run, it's going to get me because I sure can't out run it. But if I just stand there, his friends will probably come out to play around me.

I realize the snake is dead. But it's weird because I had just ran by there and it was not on the road. You bet your pretty little head that this Mexican girl ran fast and hard to the house. I don't think I had ran that fast in a long time.

I can easily run 3 miles at the indoor track but it's a killer running 2 miles down these hilly roads. I'm just a wimp.

See y'all tomorrow.

Food for me?

2009-05-05T13:47:00.004-05:00

For exercise today, I did some pilates. Good grief, those exercises hurt. Makes you use your core. My core? I don't have a core, I think the fat is hiding it behind the door.
One day soon I'm going to find that core.

I decided that if I posted what I ate then I am more liable to eat better. Sure don't want y'all to see the unhealthy chicken fried steaks I eat. Loaded with gravy and huge steak fries on the side.

For breakfast, I had my usual bowl of oatmeal. I used to not be a big fan of oats but it's actually yummy now. I think I'm going to start adding some almond butter to it as well. The Almond milk makes it a little sweet. I like it not sweet. You could add Splenda or Agave Nectar too.
1/4 c oats
1/2 c almond milk
3 TBL flaxseed
blueberries
walnuts

For lunch, I had a tuna pita. I like these things. I reeeeeaaaaallly like these things. I put tuna in mine, along with lettuce, tomato and I couldn't forget the avacado. Avacado is a must on everything. In my opinion. The pita is an Ezekial whole grain sprouted pita. Very delicious. I think it would have been better with some baby spinach, but I forgot to buy some at the store.

See this scrumptulous food? Makes you hungry huh?

I did have watermelon for dessert and then carrot juice for a drink. Freshly juiced carrots.

For snack, I had this Nut bar. I think it's one of my favorite kinds right now. It's not sweet, but it's got enough sweetness to satisfy that sweet tooth.

Dinner was a salad. That nut bar filled me up but I knew that I had to eat something. I made me a salad with leaf lettuce, boiled egg white, tomato, cucumber and then some shredded chicken. I forgot my flaxseed but oh well.

I normally eat salads without dressing but last night I wanted some spunk. I juiced one lemon and added some cayenne pepper. Poured it over my salad and presto, tasty salad.

So that's what I had all day yesterday.

The boys played out in the rain and brought some mud into the house. While I was cleaning it up, UB and the 3 yr old neighbor boy came inside to hand me some fresh picked wild flowers.

Sweet boys.

Until tomorrow.

I'm back

2009-05-04T09:22:00.004-05:00

So I'm back. I've had a hard time getting motivated to write anything. Mostly because what I would like to write about, I can't and what I can write about, I don't want to. Call it stubbornness if you must.

There have been many changes in my house and most of them good. We are still adjusting. But we are all doing great. Boys are growing and Hubster is working hard.

I did run the 5k that I had signed up for back in March. I finished with a slow time of 32:14.
Not bad since I had been hurt, but it could have been better.

AB wanted to run it as well. He wouldn't go train with me and said he could do it. We started the race with some friends and then AB and I went off together. Before I knew it, I left him behind.

I guess if I were a better mom I would have stayed with him. Hope he's not scarred for life.

I was the first of our group to finish and then 6 min later another friend finished and then the other friend after her. I sat there and waited for him and waited and waited. I walked back towards where the last quarter mile was and finally saw him. He was walking with some people. I cheered him on and told him he had a little ways to go. He started running again and then stopped again. But he did finish the race. I was proud of him.

When we got into the car to head home, he said that it was harder than what he thought. He wants to start training with me in order to get better.

I want to do a half marathon in November so I'm starting training for that. I do need to find me a good training plan. I think I'll do some more 5k's between now and then and maybe a 10k. I wish I could say that I'm doing it for the time and winning but i'm only in it to finish.

Since the weather had been so pretty here, I was running outside but it's crazy weather time and now in order for me to guarantee myself a workout, I started back at the gym track.

So this morning I went running for 30 minutes (3 miles) and then walked for 20 minutes.

My next goal is to start eating better again. I've sort of not been doing very well in that category.

I like to make excuses and say that busy times at the baseball field for games is the reason we don't eat good, but I can always plan ahead and make something to take. Those concession stand nachos are pretty yummy as well as those burgers. Of course, everything is pretty yummy when you are starving.

So enough babbling for now. Going to finish up school with the boys and then go for a nature walk. Taking advantage of this pretty day.

Spring Break

2009-03-13T09:28:00.002-05:00

It seems like I've been on vacation but really haven't.

But now I am going on vacation.

Spring Break here we come!!!!

See y'all next week.

The bug is here

2009-03-10T12:05:00.003-05:00

The bug has entered our homestead.

UB got sick on Friday night with the pukey's and then went on the the pukey's on the other end. Hubster helped Friday and Saturday night cleaning up puke.

I don't really do well with puke.

Then on Sunday evening AB got the same thing that UB had.

I knew Hubster was tired and had to go to work the next day so I kicked him out of our bedroom and to AB's bed while the boys camped out in our room.

So from 12:30 am until 5:30 am AB and I stayed up.

Him to puke and me to clean up.

I was so tired that at 2:30 in the morning I was putting doing a load of laundry and cleaning the toilet.

My life is so exciting.

Poor AB was complaining that his stomach hurt so bad. When at 5:25 he let it all out. Then we fell asleep shortly after that.

I was so tired yesterday. I still had loads of laundry to do and did as much as I could.

I think the boys are doing better. Still complaining of hurt stomachs, but they are fighting now.

Hopefully the bug is gone and Hubster and I don't get sick next.

Lysol has been my friend for the last three days.

Is it wrong to Lysol your kids down?

My book therapy review

2009-03-06T10:19:00.000-06:00

1. From the Inside…Out: Discover, Create and Publish the Novel in You

Blurb: Have you always wanted to write a novel, but didn’t know where to start? This book is for you. With proven techniques, easy to understand explanations and practical steps, From The Inside...Out will teach you how a story is structured then take you through the process of creating and marketing your novel. Topics include: Character-driven plotting, How to HOOK your reader, The elements and flow of SCENES, How to build STORYWORLD, Secrets to Sizzling Dialogue, Proven Self-Editing techniques, Synopsis and Query letter writing, How to manage your writing career ...and everything in between!

Link to buy the book: http://stores.lulu.com/mybooktherapy

2. Blog-A-Book!

Blurb: Write a book with My Book Therapy Voices in 2009!

Remember those games you used to play where your friend started the story, and you finished it? Or the “Choose your own ending” books? Ever wanted to be a part of the story process, giving input on the character’s decisions, learning how to write a book as you go? Me too!

Here at My Book Therapy, we love to write, and we love to teach writers how to find their voice. So, in 2009 we’ll be writing a book together! Starting in January, we’ll create characters, a plot, develop conflict, the black moment, the epiphany and finally…the happy ending. Then, week by week, you’ll be a part of the creation process, voting on the next step of our hero’s journey, watching the book take life, and learning the nuances of crafting a story. You’ll Blog-A-Book with the My Book Therapy authors and get tools to help you how to write your own novel.

And, at the end of the year, we’ll have a book we’ve all created, something that we’ll publish! And, best of all, the proceeds will go to support IJM, an organization that fights human trafficking around the world.

Come and Blog-A-Book. Learn. Fellowship. Bless.

My Book Therapy…Discover the writer in you.

3. My Book Therapy Therapists and Services:

The site is: My Book Therapy www.mybooktherapy.com
The Therapists are: Susan May Warren, Rachel Hauck and Sarah Sumpolec

Every Sunrise By Tricia Goyer

2009-03-06T07:03:00.000-06:00

About Every Sunrise: The bleak winter days make February on Heather Creek Farm a test of endurance, and as winter wears on, Sam becomes more and more withdrawn and unhappy. Bob is busy planning a surprise for Charlotte, and Christopher is excited about a local writing competition, while a Valentine’s Day flower from a secret source lifts Emily’s spirits. But when Sam disappears from the farm one night, chasing a memory of the father who abandoned them all, Charlotte and Bob need all the help—and prayer—they can get to bring him home safely. This broken family needs God’s help like never before, but their trials remind them all that every sunrise brings a new beginning.

About the Home to Heather Creek series: Charlotte Stevenson's world is turned upside down when her daughter, Denise, dies in a tragic car accident. She ran away at eighteen and Charlotte has never forgiven herself. Now, Denise's children, abandoned by their father, are coming from California to live on Heather Creek Farm in Bedford, Nebraska.

Charlotte is uncertain about her ability to care for three grandchildren who are not thrilled to give up the beach and sunshine for snow and farm chores! But she sees a chance to make amends and will do whatever it takes to keep her fragile family together. Feel the courage, strength and commitment of this family as their lives unfold in the Home to Heather Creek series.

Link to buy book: http://www.guideposts.org/heathercreek/linked_pages/book7.html The books come in a series and you can order those at the link. However, if you just want to order Every Sunrise you must call the customer service number (1-800-431-2344). Please include this information in your post!

About Tricia: Tricia Goyer is the author of eighteen fiction and non-fiction books, including Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. Tricia writes magazine articles for publications like Today's Christian Woman and Focus on the Family. Tricia also enjoys speaking. She and her family makes their home in Montana.

Contest: Okay…this book is loaded with yummy food: strawberry cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, baked chicken with cornbread, chocolate cake, pancakes with homemade syrup, French onion soup, parmesan crusted chicken…well you get the idea! So the contest for this tour will be the EVERY FOODIE contest! Leave a comment on the blog tour post (http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com/2009/02/every-sunrise-blog-tour-and-contest.html) at Tricia’s site with your favorite meal and a recipe (feel free to post more than one recipe!)! She’ll choose the one that most tantalizes her taste buds to receive an entire set of the Home to Heather Creek series (books 1-7)! Five runner’s up will win a copy of Every Sunrise (or another Tricia Goyer book of their choice). Let the mouth-watering commence!

Back to the old fashioned way to drying clothes

2009-02-19T10:36:00.005-06:00

My dryer is broke!!

Don't know what's wrong with it, but what I do know is that it won't dry my clothes.

Last time I had an appliance mess up, I called the repair guy and he came to charge me $55 and to tell me that the microwave just needed to be unplugged and plugged again.

Can you say RIPOFF?

I could have bought a new micro for that amount of money.

AND, it still doesn't work properly.

So I spent last night after church playing repair woman.

Hubster is out of town, so that means I get to figure this out on my own.

I'm determined not to call a repair guy(dryer no longer under warranty) until I have done everything I can to make sure it's not something that will make me look like an over worked, underpaid house wife/mom.

I got my handy dandy little screwdriver and my just as handy dandy little flashlight and set off to work.

I took off the lint screen thingy ma jiggy and vacuumed all the lint and sand and you don't want to know what else, out of there.

I then pulled the dryer out and tried to see if the vent hose was clogged up. It's such a tight space so I can't really see.

Then I talked to Hubster and he said just to wait for him.

So I guess I'll wait for him to come home and pull the dryer out enough for me to clean the vent hose.

I'm sure I'll have to call a repairman, but in the meantime I am making sure that it's not those things.

I had washed two loads yesterday before I came to the conclusion that the clothes were just not going to dry in cold air. There was no hot air coming out.

If you come to my house today, you will see clothes on hangers all over the house. From undies to bras to shirts and karate uniforms.

Very cool huh?

It's a good thing nobody comes visit me.

Nothing like having to explain why all my undergarments are drying in the dining room.

My favorite Reality show

2009-02-18T09:42:00.003-06:00

While I don't watch television all day long. I do revel in some shows.

I like to watch the CSI's, Numbers and NCIS. I also watch Hallmark channel or Lifetime Movie Network when Hubster is out of town and he can't tell me that the movie I'm watching is plain dumb.

I do watch reality shows like The Apprentice and The Biggest Loser. For a while there, I watched a little bit of The bachelor, but that show is just plain dumb. I don't know why people subject themselves to that. But that's a whole other story.

The Biggest Loser is my favorite. I like to watch the transformation these people make. Some have been obese their entire lives and some only since a trauma happened in there lives.

I do find it hard to relate sometimes because it is their job for that amount of time they are at the ranch. They workout up to 8 hours a day. Who has that time in real life?

They have a personal trainer there. Who but the rich have a personal trainer for that many hours all the time. Maybe I'm wrong about that.

While I enjoy watching the show, sometimes I become perturbed with it.

Last night was one of those times. As a mom, I believe that I would do anything for my children. When I was single and kid less I couldn't understand why parents sacrificed what they wanted just to give their kids what they needed.

Having kids changes the way you think.

The ones to be up for elimination last night was a mother/daughter team. I think I was a little bothered that the mom said she wanted to stay and to send her daughter home. I had mixed feelings about this.

Yes, the daughter had already been at home for a month and had lost some weight, but she wanted to be there as well.

The previous mother/daughter or father/son teams all had the parents fighting for their child to stay on the ranch. I took it as being selfish on the mother's part to not fight for her daughter.

The mom had been skinny at a time, so she obviously had some insight as to how to lose weight. The daughter has never been skinny. To me it's a no-brainer.

The daughter said that she would rather go home because then her mom would get to stay on the ranch and lose weight and then she would be able to have her mom live a little longer in life.

I see that point as well, but it doesn't change the fact that the mother should have sacrificed her spot so that her daughter could have a chance in life.

Obviously, the mother met a man and had children or the daughter wouldn't be there. The daughter deserves that as well.

Maybe I am looking at this wrong, but as a mother, I would think that if put in that predicament, I'd fight for my child.

The other thing that bothers me is that the contestants say that they can't make it without Jillian or Bob.

Don't get me wrong, I would like to have a Jillian or a Bob in my home kicking my booty with their workouts.

If they don't think they can make it without the trainers, then they aren't really learning anything.

Getting healthy is not about starving yourself and depriving your body of nutrients it needs.
It's about eating the right foods and exercising daily.

In real life, unless it's your job, we can't workout 8 hours a day. We can't have that personal trainer to push us those 8 hours.

We have to push ourselves and find the time in our busy lives to exercise and to eat the right foods.

We even have to find our own Jillian or Bob in our friends. Maybe with an accountability partner they can push us until our booty's hurt.

Rambling Monday

2009-02-16T08:18:00.003-06:00

Eating better is what I'm trying to do. That doesn't mean that I do it all the time. I still have my weaknesses.

Like this weekend for example. UB's birthday is later this week, but Hubster is not going to be able to take the day off, so we took UB out to eat.

It was also Valentine's Day, so we killed two birds with one stone.

UB chose a steak house. I could have gotten a steak and some veggies and a salad with the dressing on the side. But what's fun about that? Especially since it was V-Day!

I miss those wonderful tasty chicken fried steaks from Texas. And this place has an awesome chicken fried steak. So I got it. And boy was it good.

I indulged in a chicken fried steak, steak fries and some bread. Not something that I should have been eating.

I have lost 6 pounds as of today. It is slowly coming off. And I'm OK with it being about 2 pounds a week. I want to make sure I keep it off.

This morning when the alarm went off, I snoozed it, and snoozed it and snoozed it. I really didn't want to go run. But I knew that if I didn't go, my day would not be good.

Been running for 30 min. now. At a pretty good pace. Today was a slow pace. Guess that chicken fried steak was slowing me down.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-11T08:29:00.001-06:00

I did it!!

2009-02-10T09:58:00.002-06:00

I did recover from the twisted ankle. And proceeded to continue on towards my goal of running more than a minute without feeling like I'm going to pass out.

I had been discouraged last week. Discouraged because in my mind I didn't calculate my age plus the fact that I hadn't been physically active for a long time.

I only saw me running 3 miles on the first day. That's when my body went into shock.

As I began training for the 5k I started slow. And I was supposed to pick up minutes every week, but excuses and obstacles came barreling towards me.

On and off I'd run/walk down my hilly road. I'd make it up to 10 minutes (don't know how far) and then I'd stop.

So last week, I was disappointed in myself because I was only at 5 hard minutes. I'd do sprints up and down the hills along with the running.

Yesterday I did it!!!!

I ran 2 whole miles without stopping. I know I probably could have kept going but didn't want to push it. The furthest I had run was almost a mile.

I did talk to several people who run this hilly roadside and at the gym and they said that the gym is much easier to run at.

I guess I was doing good with what I was doing outside. Even if it meant not running as long.

I even ran the 2 miles in about 17 minutes. That is a big accomplishment for me.

I'm hoping to add on another mile by the end of the week.

See? Gloria Gaynor was right "I did survive"

I didn't fall, I was just looking for something

2009-02-09T08:23:00.002-06:00

Oh what a glorious day! No ice. No rain. No cold. Just a nice windy 70 something day.

A great day for jogging.

We had finished tests and I sent the boys outside to play while I walked/ran. I hooked up my pedometer to my pants, laced up my shoes, strapped on my ipod and off I went.

I turned on the music and I warmed up by walking. Enjoying the warmth of the sun but trying to stay erect from the force of the wind.

Up the hill and then down the hill. Breathing in then exhaling out. Faster and faster I walked to warm-up.

It was finally time to start my jog. One foot in front of the other, listening to good music. All is well, and then it happens.

My weak ankle didn't get enough warm-up and it turned on me. Knocking me off my feet and onto the ground.

I quickly get up and look around. Making sure that no one saw me make a fool of myself. Living out in the country does have it's advantages.

Coming to the conclusion that nobody was around when I gracefully fell, I pretend to be stretching (just in case someone is coming up the road) and check out my hurt knee.

No scratches, just a bruise starting to form. I give my ankle a lecture and continue on. Fighting against the wind, to finish what I started.

Ironically, the song that I was listening to said "Every time I fall" Maybe I need to start listening to "I will survive".

My top 10 reasons to exercise

2009-02-06T08:46:00.003-06:00

1. My body can't be eating more calories than it's taking out. My body tends to become friends with the fat that comes in it and it won't let it leave.

2. I don't want to look like a flabby soon to be 40 yr old.

3. I want my kids to learn that exercise and nutrition are good choices to make.

4. I would eventually like to get Hubster off his medications.

5. I don't want to have cottage cheese looking legs.

6. I want to fit back into my skinny jeans.

7. I don't want UB to play with my muffin top anymore.

8. I don't want AB to tell me that my fat looks like an extra muscle.

9. I want my boys to run races with me.

10. I want to live a healthy lifestyle.

My legs are throwing a pity party

2009-02-05T08:34:00.002-06:00

When I decided last year to do some getting back in shape stuff this year, my mind was whooping and hollering. In a good way.

My body, especially my legs were telling my mind that it was crazy. It was the most ludicrous thing they had ever heard.

But my mind didn't listen, it kept picturing the way I ran back when I was in High School and keeping positive thoughts about how I could do it again.

With a little extra hard work.

My legs were the first to complain. They were not liking that one bit.

I started in January and my legs threw a temper tantrum. Much like the tantrums that toddlers throw when they don't get that candy at the store.

Unfortunately, my legs weren't the only ones that threw that tantrum. It seemed like my entire insides did too. My lungs complained that they couldn't catch their breath, my kidney's said they hurt, my bladder said it couldn't hold it that long and my heart, boy, my heart said that it felt like it was going to break.

My legs were encouraging all these other body parts. Telling my mind what they thought about the whole thing.

My mind kept thinking positive thoughts and listening to good songs in order to ignore the tantrums.

Last week was not a good week. Ice everywhere. Ice on my house. Ice on my plants. Ice on my sidewalk. Ice on my driveway and ice on the roads.

I did what my body wanted me to do. I ate and ate and ate all the bad foods and didn't exercise inside the comfort of my own home.

I sure did pay for that on Monday when I started back again. I've been running/walking outside my house and my land is hilly. Those hills are brutal. Punishing my legs to feel pain they hadn't felt in a long time.

My kidney, bladder and heart were upset with my legs because they were actually enjoying the exercise and have come to be one with my mind.

Now it seems that my legs have recruited another part to join them in this opposition.

My hiney.

My hiney agrees with my legs. They mostly complain when I do the sprints up the hills.

Last night they complained while I was trying to sleep. Guess they thought they could teach me a lesson.

I'm not giving in. I'm going to fight 'till the end.

All I'm going to say is "Legs and Hiney, Hit me with your best shot!!!"

I have become THAT Lady at Wal-Mart....

2009-02-03T09:21:00.003-06:00

you know, the lady at Wal-Mart you don't like to be behind at the register?

The one with 20 little items in the 20 or less checkout lane?

Well, I'm not THAT lady, I'm the other lady.

After the ice storm last week, we were needing some groceries. I hadn't gone out in a week and even if I wanted to drive in the ice, the boys were not getting in the car with me.

I went grocery shopping on Saturday. I had to go to the dreadful Wal-Mart only because they carry some things that the other store I like to go to doesn't. But I still ended up going to the other store as well.

I was dreading going to WM but I was excited because I was alone. No kids to tell me they needed to go to the bathroom. No kids to put powdered donuts in my basket when I'm not looking. No boys to be fighting down on aisle 9 over who gets to ride the basket.

Did I mention no kids?

I had forgotten that it was Superbowl weekend along with payday first of the month. So the lines were long and people were jam packed in every aisle.

I had gone through all the sale ads and had written down stuff that I was going to ad match.

So I am THAT woman. The woman who has lots to ad match and you don't like being behind because it takes lots of time.

But I didn't care. I was alone and could concentrate on saving money.

I did have a long list that saved me about 10 bucks at the end. I also had coupons. (vicious laugh here)

And the cashier knew of some items that I hadn't said were ad matched, but she remembered.

So, anyone THAT woman like me?

Turkey tacos

2009-01-30T08:47:00.003-06:00

I have been eating bad things since the ice storm. Just wanting some comfort food. My way.

As I was raised eating Mexican food, I am quite picky about the kind of Mexican food I eat. There are only certain Mexican restaurants that I eat out at.

So as I started to redo the way I cook since I'm trying to eat better and getting Hubster off his medications, I made turkey tacos.

Now, I know y'all probably already make turkey tacos. But I had never made some.

Mostly because I like my tacos greasy and with 80/20 meat. Oh joy!!!!!

Well, this is my version of a healthier taco. I thought it was pretty good, but then again, anything with avocado is good.

Turkey Tacos

2 lb ground turkey
sea salt
ground pepper
3 tsp garlic powder
4 tsp.cumin powder
3 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 TB potato starch

Brown the turkey in a skillet, salt and pepper to your taste. Add onion powder. Mix well.
Add potato starch ( trying to be gluten free, but you can use regular flour). Brown with the meat.

Add 2 cups (or more) of water(or broth) add garlic, cumin and chili powder. Cook for about 20 minutes until spices cook with meat.

I don't really know measurements because I just throw it all together, but just taste as you go.

I put mine on warm corn tortillas, added some homemade salsa, avocado and romaine lettuce.

Even Hubster said it wasn't bad.

So there you have it, a healthier version of tacos.

Enjoy!

We had fun in the ice..... but I'm tired of mopping

2009-01-29T07:31:00.005-06:00

We had an ice storm here that started on Monday. By Tuesday, it was sleeting and there was lots of freezing rain.

Everyone knows I don't drive on ice, so we were stuck at home since Monday.

The other thing that happens when the weather is bad is that our Internet doesn't work so well. The joys of satellite Internet.

Even though the schools were all out for snow days, we still had school.

But after school, even though it was 23 degrees and freezing rain was falling, the boys wanted to go out and play in it.

They got bundled up and out they went. They got cold and came back in.

They bundled up again and went back out. They got cold again and came back in.

After mopping a couple of times, I finally told them it was too cold for them to be out there.

Someone asked me where my sense of adventure was when I told them that they boys wanted to continue playing in this weather. My response was that it went away after the upteenth time I bundled and unbundled and mopped.

It did look pretty out there. All white and cold.

Then yesterday, it wasn't warmer by any means, 12 degrees is what my thermostat said, but the sun was shining brightly. The boys wanted to go out again. No school for the town, but definately school for us. So before school this time, we went outside with our generic sleds (cardboard boxes and plastic tote lids) and went sledding down the hill in front of our house.

It was fun running and sledding and trying to see who won. And it even did me good to get out of the house.

UB preferred the plastic lid because it wasn't as fast as the cardboard.

AB preferred the cardboard box. It was his mode of transportation down the hill.

The neighbor boys came over and all 4 of the boys had fun just playing out in the ice that was melting. They actually went out to the dry pond. The hills are more fun there.

And after a hard day outside in the freezing temps they came inside to eat what?

A Popsicle. Strange kids.

Hands on Health Field trip

2009-01-26T09:50:00.004-06:00

After a very busy week, we took a field trip to a hands on health place. We hadn't been on a field trip in a while and had been wanting to do this one.

I didn't know what to expect. Most health places are somewhat boring. Too much knowledge for kids to understand.

But this place was pretty cool. They had lots of hands on stuff for the kids and the kids all seem to have enjoyed it.

One of the purposes of this place is to show the kids all the different areas out there in the medical field and maybe intrigue their interest to do one when they grow up.

They even had a car where you would sit in and the video game was showing you how difficult it is to manuvour the car when you are drunk. They also had an area for those people that smoked. It showed the difference in healthy lungs and smokers lungs.

When they walked in, they encountered this slide. It was in a head and when they slid down, air would blow on them to signify the sneeze. The bottom part had a red punch bag that looked like the tonsils. Needless to say, this was a hit with all the kids.
They had places throughout the area where you could step into the doctors shoes. It showed a little video of the role of the doctor and told you all about it. You would step out and then step back in and it would be another doctor's role.

UB's favorite place was the pharmacy. He pretended to be the pharmacist and enjoyed it.

AB's favorite place was where you pretended to be a surgeon. They were able to keep the mask and cap and they were quite thrilled with that.

This surgery place had a plastic bin of some sort and you would stick your hands into the gloves that were there. They would actually perform surgeries. They could do heart surgery, knee surgery or something else. The video was performing at the same time and tell all about the surgery.

The boys enjoyed it, and they even learned a few things.

Great way to end the week.

No more cavities

2009-01-22T14:27:00.003-06:00

I do not like to go to the dentist. I've got nothing against dentists, I just hate having to keep my mouth open, wide at that, for such a long period of time.

Not to mention, it hurts.

We hadn't gone to the dentist in over a year. I know, I know.

But when we did go, it was to a dentist that didn't take any x-rays. Only cleaned our teeth and I'm not really sure he did such a great job.

So when in December, UB started complaining that his mouth hurt where a particular tooth was, I noticed he had a cavity.

Our insurance, to say the least, is stupid. The dentist that had semi-cleaned our teeth retired and that meant that the closest dentist to us was over an hours drive away.

We tried going to a closer one that was actually cheaper than all the other dentists around, but the insurance wouldn't go for that.

So off Hubster went to take UB to the dentist to see how they could help him.

He had 4 cavities that required extensive work. We took UB twice in December to get them fixed and then set up an appointment in January for the rest of us to get our teeth checked and cleaned.

All of us, with the exception of Hubster, have finished all our dental work. And let me tell you, I am quite happy that driving over an hour is done for now.

I don't mind driving, I do mind having to pay the toll. It starts adding up after a while.

Anyway, yesterday, both boys had fillings put in. It was funny to watch them with their numb lips and cheeks after the procedure.

AB did not like the feeling and kept putting his lips like Donald Duck. UB just stood there and was drooling because he couldn't feel his bottom lip.

I didn't want to laugh, but of course I had to.

So today, when it was my turn to get numbed up, they thought it was funny. But they took it a step further. They kept pinching my lip and cheek to see if I felt it.

Crazy boys, I'm numb, not dead.

So I consider dentistry in my top three list of jobs I'm glad I don't have.

The other two are.....gynecology and podiatry.

Anybody else with me?

You know your kids watch too much Biggest Loser when......

2009-01-21T15:28:00.002-06:00

..........you are in a crowded restaurant and in a loud voice ask "How many calories are in what we are eating mom?" and "Whose food has the most calories, mine or yours?"

I sure do like food that's not good for me

2009-01-20T09:17:00.003-06:00

I have come to the conclusion (again) that what I eat, affects what I want to accomplish.
In this case, the running.

I had been doing well in eating healthier and smaller portions. Along with walking and running.

Hubster was out of town for a couple of days last week. So that meant that I had to make arrangements to do things differently.

It was a little cold and windy outside and we have come to the conclusion that I am a wimp, so therefore running outside on my hilly driveway was not going to happen.

I could have gone to the gym, but I made an excuse not to go.

So after all the excuses, I became lazy and ate. I ate stuff that was good, but definately not good for me.

And when I went back to the gym yesterday to start again, I could feel how terrible my body felt. With all that extra junk in there.

Of course, it started when I had heartburn at night and couldn't sleep.

I did eat a lot healthier yesterday and my body thanked me. I found these at the grocery store the other day. They are also on this diet. Not that I'm on that diet.

Flatout flatbread. I had never tried them, but they looked good and healthy. Multi grain with some flax and extra fiber. Sounds good right? Yeah, not to me either.

But I figured, why not? Let's give it a try. I could use the extra fiber.

I had it yesterday with a piece of grilled chicken in it, along with lettuce, tomato and some avadaco (my good fat). It was pretty good.

I mean, it's not an authentic tortilla that is scrumptuously made with lard, but it's not bad.

I'm sure there's lots of stuff that you can do with these things.

I just need to figure out what else to do to make them edible for me.

In the meantime, I'll continue to look for ways to eat healthier or smaller portions of my favorite foods in order to accomplish my goals.

My Monday Pet Peeve

2009-01-19T08:09:00.002-06:00

Having gray hair blended with black hair has been an experience.

I actually like the way it looks.

I also like the fact that I don't have to spend lots of money coloring my hair every 2-3 weeks.

Maybe one day I'll go back to coloring it, but right now, I'm enjoying it.

I have encountered a lot of people that have known me before I went gray and don't recognize me.

I have also encountered a lot of people that talked to me before I went gray and now act like they are going to get a 'gray hair' disease.

It's actually quite humorous.

They are just jealous because I'm not afraid of showing my wisdom. (gray hair is a sign of wisdom)

I still have a lot of people tell me that I'm crazy for not coloring my hair.

Some just ask "why"?

I think it's to each his/her own. I feel comfortable with my hairdo and it's no one's business what I should do.

I don't mind people's opinions but if they are just telling me things because they are shallow, then that's another thing.

In people's eyes, gray hair means old.

But sometimes I look younger, with my gray hair, than those shallow people, that wear 3 inches of caked on makeup, 1/2" thick eyeliner and globs and globs of mascara.

And they are 5 or more years younger than me.

I know this is a negative post, but I just had to get this off my chest.

Besides, it's my blog and I can write about whatever I want.

I don't like people that treat you one way when you are alone with them and then another way when they are around their friends.

So that is my pet peeve for this beautiful Monday Morning.

What is your pet peeve?

My goals for 2009

2009-01-16T09:24:00.003-06:00

Every year I have resolutions. Lose weight, find the patience that I lost, be more organized, blah blah blah blah blah.

And every year I break my resolutions.

I like food, so losing weight only happens for a week or so.

I can never seem to find that misplaced patience.

And well, not even going to comment on the organization skills I lack.

But this year, Since I will be 40, I decided I was going to set goals.

So I have two major goals that I've been striving for this year.

Running a 5K and a half marathon.

I have asked some people to do both with me. Some have said yes, some said I was crazy. But my sister in law said she would definitely do the half marathon with me. I need accountability. And stamina because she is ten years younger than me.

I'm determined to do this. I am following this plan. I've kind of adjusted it a little, but still follow it as much as I can.

That first week was hard. I couldn't even run 1 minute without feeling like I was going to pass out.

I'm on week three of this plan. I've done pretty good this week. Made it to running 10 minutes. A big accomplishment for me.

Little steps will get me there I know.

So, any goals for you?

Wordless Wednesday

2009-01-14T07:20:00.001-06:00

The treadmill ride

2009-01-13T08:15:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, when I went to the gym, I decided I was going to start off with the treadmill. It's an older treadmill without all those bells and whistles.

Anyway, I pushed the on button and nothing happened.

I pushed it again and still nothing, so then I started pushing other buttons. Trying to get the machine to work.

I'd hear a buzz, but it kinda sounded sick. I continued pushing that same button thinking that maybe it was trying to work.

I finally moved a switch somewhere and it started. Of course, the lady working there had to help.

While I was on this machine, I started off slow, then proceeded to go faster. While I was going fast, I noticed that my legs were burning.

Talking to myself is what I do best so I said "Self, this really hurts." Self just kept walking fast.

After a while I said "Self, this is just like walking up and down the driveway, we should just stay home and do that." Self just kept walking fast.

Finally, my legs said to self "Self, why are we burning so much? Why do we feel like we are back home. Why does it feel like we are climbing a mountain?" Self just kept walking fast.

I finally told Self to look at the machine to see why.

Then I saw it.

The incline button was pushed halfway up.

It seems that the button that I was pushing that was making the buzz was instead the incline and decline button.

So I casually reach down and push the down arrow to lower me.

Then today, I decided to try the bike. I get on and notice that my left pedal is making a weird noise.

I continued pedaling. Faster and faster I went.

Then I heard it.

The left pedal was laying on the floor.

It had come unscrewed.

I'm afraid they are going to kick me out. First not knowing the elliptical and then the pedal on the bike.

Oh well.

So I came home and made these muffins. I used gluten free flour and coconut oil and they were mighty tasty.

Blueberry Muffins
1 3/4 cup sifted flour
1/3 cup sugar
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
1 cup blueberries, drained
1 egg beaten
1/2 c milk
1/3 c oil

sift dry ingredients together. Mix egg, milk and oil together in another bowl. Mix wet into dry and mix just until dry ingredients are wet. Gently stir in blueberries. Bake 400 degrees for 25 minutes. Makes 12

I've started exercising. Good or Bad?

2009-01-12T07:26:00.002-06:00

So one of my goals for this year (as is every year) is to get back in shape. But this year it's got to happen. This year I turn the big _0. And it's got me thinking that I'm probably in the worst shape ever.

So with that being said, I've started exercising some. I think I was psyching myself out to believe that my body was still that 20 something body that had a high metabolism. The body where no matter what I ate or when I ate it, it would not hang around for longer than 20 minutes.

Besides, I'd eventually like to start wearing all those nice clothes hanging in my closet. And I'm kind've tired of UB playing with my rolls.

A couple of weeks ago, when the weather was pretty, I started walking outside. We have a nice long driveway with lots of hills. Going down the driveway was not a problem, coming up was. Those little hills sneak up on you and make you hurt all over.

Then I'd go out there and walk some then run. I would run for a full minute and get winded. I don't even think I made it a full minute. But I still made it a point to try.

By the third day, I ran the full minute, then walked two. I did that for 20 minutes. It wasn't that bad, but I'm a wimp and those little hills on the driveway were taunting me. I was in pain. My saddlebags were hurting. If that's even possible.

By the time I was getting used to it, the weather turned cold. I'm a wimp remember. I stayed indoors.

Last week, I added another minute to the running. So I was up to run 2 minutes then walk 2.

Let me tell, you. I am not a long distance runner. I am a sprinter. Even when I wasn't exercising I made it a point to sprint to the bathroom. That's probably the only exercise I ever got.

Running long and slow is not something I'm used to. I've always been a sprinter, even back in my school days.

While I was running/walking last week, the boys were encouraging me. AB was working out with me while UB would stand on the side and every time I would pass him, he'd throw a rock or a stick at me. I'm thinking it was to motivate me to run faster.

That little turkey would just laugh at how fast it made me run. My kids sure do love me.

My favorite songs on my ipod that I listen to while exercising are Skinny Songs. They are so much fun to listen to.

Our church has a Life Center. A gym that has a basketball court, a walking track and a little weight room. I got up early this morning and went to go exercise. I was quite proud of myself. I even made it running 4 minutes at fast pace without thinking I was going to pass out and die.

Hey, 4 minutes is better than no minutes. And for this bubble butt girl with thunder thighs, it's an accomplishment.

AB

2009-01-08T09:36:00.004-06:00

The boys and I went into a store yesterday and when we left the store and got settled in the car, this is the conversation that took place.

AB: Why do some people have their lips inside out?

Me: eyes pop open wide ~ what do you mean?

AB: You know. Inside out, like this. (proceeds to show me )

Me: ~facing forward. Driving. ~ who had lips like that?

AB: That cashier. She had her lips inside out. Is it for kissing?

Me: ~still facing forward. Still driving. Now with wider eyes.~ umm. No, God made us all different. That's the way God made her.

AB: ~sits quietly for a minute~ I wonder why He made her with her lips inside out. That wasn't very nice.

Hubster better get ready, because I'm sending AB to him with all these questions and the harder ones that arise.

Come hither, strong GI Joe. Save me!!

2009-01-06T12:08:00.009-06:00

When I was little, my mom used to have to bribe me to play with dolls. I disliked dolls. Muchly.
Dolls scare me. I have only two dolls in my house. My first doll that I ever got, when I was five. And a porcelain doll that my mom gave me several years ago.

My poor mom. She had two boys and me. A tomboy. I would rather climb trees and run barefoot through the sticker patch than carry dolls around and have tea parties.

She would have to bribe me with books. I love to read. Even at a young age, I enjoyed it. Reading is a gateway to different experiences.

Anyway, mom would tell me that if I would play dolls for a certain amount of time, she would get me a new book. As much as I hated playing with the dolls, I did it for the new book.

So now that my boys are older, they still play with Lego's, but now they play with action figures.

DOLLS!!!!

Not having girls, I thought I wouldn't have to worry about playing with dolls. Boy was I ever wrong. What does it matter if these 'action figures' are manly with guns and ammo. They are still dolls.

The boys bring me these dolls to play with them. I make excuses because I just don't want to play with them. I know, mean mom. Whatever!!

So here are the boys 'action figures' that have kept them busy and entertained.

Here we have some small action figures. All with different jobs for the task at hand.
Skeleton guy takes a breather because he does have a cast you know. He's actually thinking of how to kill muscle man in front of him who just wants to show off doing push-ups.

Here is a guy driving the fast motorcycle while his partner seems to be falling off the back.

Here is a big GI Joe, or Tom Selleck GI Joe(according to my brother in law)

This poor guy has lost his boots. Nothing like trying to keep up when you have no shoes. At least he's wearing pants. I think yesterday his pants were off.

This guy is getting ready to shoot all the bad guys trying to get his friends.

Here are his friends climbing the tower. Trying to get away from the bad guys. Strong aren't they?

"Hurry guys, climb to the top, I see tortillas and tacos up there."

My new favorite game, Wii Fit!

2009-01-05T14:08:00.003-06:00

The boys got a Wii for Christmas. I almost thought we weren't going to be getting one but Santa came through.

They got the Nerf game and I've been playing that one. It sure is fun to shoot the targets and unlock new guns.

So I still had some Christmas cash left over for me and I went and bought me a Wii Fit. But you never would know that I got it for me. Those boys, especially AB, think it's all for them.

They want to play non-stop on the Wii Fit. Today I did set a limit because school is back on and it sure makes it a great bribery tool to motivate with. Whaaaa haaa haaa haaa.

Not that I would do that. Whatever. Like you all wouldn't do that either.

Anyway, this Wii Fit thingy is scary. It tells you what your BMI is. The other day it told me that I was normal and then yesterday it told me that I had gained 3 lbs in a day and now I was overweight.

The boys thought that was funny. Especially when the mii character showed a little belly.

Then this machine asked me if I knew why I had gained this weight? Was I snacking too much? Lack of exercise? Good grief machine. Make me feel worse than what I do will you?

It is fun and makes you work hard. AB's goal is to unlock everything. Which he has almost succeeded.

I think the super hula is fun. Where else but through a mii can I hula 5 hoops. Very cool!!!

Maybe I'll just go exercise on this machine and it will whip me in shape.

It's my turn now on the Wii Fit, so I'll talk to y'all tomorrow.

3/4 of a year in pictures

2009-01-01T15:45:00.022-06:00

My internet is acting up and I wanted to post this as it is the 1st day of January and didn't want to start off not posting anything. So I'll just start with April.

April:

Friends

May:

AB playing Coach Pitch

UB playing T-ball

Cool clouds

June:

Big fat toads

Crazy times

Silly times

July:

More baby cliff swallows

Mission trip to Ecuador

August:

Hummingbird

UB starting Kindergarten

AB starting Second Grade

September:

UFO according to the boys

2nd scorpion that stung AB

October:

Must have these red converse

fun times at pumpkin patch

November:

Missing two front teeth

slick hairstyle

December:

Posing at the Japanese Gardens

God's beautiful artwork

Happy New Year

2008-12-31T12:53:00.000-06:00

Have a wonderful New Year from my family to yours!!!

I've been busy- at least that's my excuse

2008-12-30T08:57:00.003-06:00

I hadn't blogged in a while because I'd been busy.

Busy with last minute Christmas stuff.

Busy with parties. (kids)

Busy with dentist appointments and other appointments.

And just busy baking.

We made these blueberry thumbprint cookies.
Then we made these Oreo truffles. Or Oreo balls as I call them.

And we even made these little Mexican shortbread cookies in 6 different shapes.

I was even able to make some tamales this year. It had been a couple of years since I'd made any. They are a lot of work for just one person. But boy are they sure yummy.

So now that I have eaten all that I made, I think it's time to get some exercising done so that my hips don't become wider loads.

Any ideas on how to get my workout started?

The polyester navy blue 'marry me suit'

2008-12-18T06:27:00.005-06:00

When AB was 4 and my neighbor's little girl E was 5, AB decided he was going to get a 'marry me' suit. He bugged and bugged me until I took him to the store to find a 'marry me' suit.

Him and E were going to get married. Since I didn't want to spend lots of money on a suit I knew AB would never wear, I took him to Goodwill.

We looked and looked and no suit was good enough. Until he found this navy blue polyester suit that was 4 sizes too big and looked like it was from the 70's.

It had the matching jacket and pants. The pants were bell-bottomed on the bottom and narrow on top. Can you say Welcome Back Kotter?

So I splurged and paid $5 for this 'marry me' suit. AB was so proud of his purchase. We got home and he put it on. Of course it was way too big, but it didn't matter to him.

Across the street he went to E's house. She would always play dress up with her Cinderella dress or whatever she had. AB went to show her his new 'marry me' suit. I'm not sure if he asked her to marry him, but he came home with her trailing him.

As the years went by, this suit was used for dress up. Never left the house. Until one time that AB decided he wanted to wear it to church. He had grown up some so it wasn't as big as it used to be.

Here he is with his suit on last year. On the way to church.
Since the pants had to be rolled up, it didn't really matter that they were bell bottomed.

Fast forward one year. AB has found this suit again and tried it on last week. He was quite happy that this 'marry me' suit fit him perfect now. The bell bottom of the pants are quite wide. The tightness of the upper part of the pant fits perfectly. The jacket is a little tight, but to AB it fits perfect.

So perfect that he wanted to wear this polyester hideous suit to church last week.

I distracted him and he forgot all about it.

I'm going to have to get rid of this suit before he decides to wear it out of the house again.

A tradition

2008-12-18T06:27:00.003-06:00

During the Christmas season, I always try to do things with the boys. You know, traditions.

When I was growing up, our tradition was finding that perfect 'live' tree, then bringing it home, decorating it and then watching that 'live' tree die because we always forgot to water it.

Of course, we also had other traditions. Like baking cookies, making candy, making tamales and eating.

I still do all those with the boys. I sometimes get so behind on what I'm doing that I end up making it all myself.

But one thing that we have done for the last three years is put their hand print on a tree skirt.

I bought some red muslim and cut it out. You Martha's out there would hem and haw and whatever you do to sew and make it look pretty.

I don't. I just cut it. And left it that way. Without being hemmed up. So there.

Anyway, the boys then play with the silver or gold paint before the decide that they have enough paint on their hands and place it on the fabric. AKA the tree skirt.

They have fun doing this and since I'm a sucker for hand prints, I have fun watching it.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-12-17T07:00:00.002-06:00

Gifts from my Secret Santa

2008-12-16T10:13:00.005-06:00

Kori was hosting a Secret Santa Shindig and I signed up. I never do these kind of things, but thought this might be fun.

She sent out the information for my person that I was to be a Secret Santa and then yesterday I get mine in the mail.

When the doorbell rang, I had to beat the boys to the door for fear that it would be their Christmas presents. All three of us running and fighting to see who would get to the door first.

My secret Santa was Dawn.

I open the box and find these two wrapped presents in there.

Since I hardly ever get to open presents, I didn't let the boys open them for me. It was mine. All mine!!!!

I opened the big gift and found this beautiful glass platter.

And then off to the second present to open and I find this.

Barefoot Contessa. How cool is that? I loooove Barefoot Contessa. I've made some of her recipes and they are wonderful. This contains all the stuff to make these peanut butter bars. I can't wait to make them and put them on my new snack tray.

So thanks Dawn for the wonderful gifts and thanks Kori for hosting this.

Am I truly listening?

2008-12-15T08:44:00.002-06:00

I had been feeling sort of guilty for not doing more during this Christmas time. It being the most wonderful time of the year. I didn't even want to put a tree up. I know, I'm a scrooge, so what.

Anyway, the boys helped put up and decorate the tree and it was fun. They even took out a little one that they have taken over and use it as their 'toy' tree. I will post later on this.

The craziness and business actually was dominating my life. Doing this, doing that. Going here, going there. Getting this, getting that. Well, you get the picture.

I hadn't been feeling the spirit of getting ready for Christmas.

Along this line, there were other issues that were arising in my life.

I had been asking God to show me what it was that He wanted me to do. I took the quiet and the no response as a sign that maybe He was not ready to reveal His plan to me on these certain issues.

Yesterday at church, our pastor was taking about these issues that I had been dealing with. How not to let the business take over our lives because we would miss what God wanted us to see.

He even said that God sometimes wanted us to be alone. Alone with Him.

Have you ever felt like the sermon is speaking directly to you? Well, it couldn't have been any plainer than if the pastor put my name on that sermon yesterday.

I then realized that God was talking to me. I just wasn't listening to Him. Not because I was too busy, but because it wasn't the answer that I wanted to hear.

I felt much better with what I knew God had been telling me and it felt great to know that I wasn't a scrooge.

I had lost focus on the reason for the season. I had allowed the business and craziness to take control of my life.

I am concentrating on making sure that my kids know the true meaning of Christmas. And that they understand it all.

Anyway, I just wanted to relay that message to you out there.

There is a difference between being alone and being lonely, but maybe God is trying to get you alone with Him.

Pepita and her Chocolate cake

2008-12-11T06:24:00.003-06:00

Pepita looked in the cupboard for the cake mixes. She had to make a cake for the cake walk. They asked her about it a month ago.

"Where are my cake mixes?" she asked the kids
"Remember Mamita?" said one of the kids "we said we wanted to make a birthday cake for the dog and we asked you if we could use the cake mixes. You told us yes."

Oh, Pepita remembered alright. But she thought they had made a cake out of dog food, not cake mix.

"We mixed the cake mix with the dog food and that was the birthday cake" said the children

That could explain why the dog was sick for a month.

"I guess I'll have to make one from scratch" she sighed.

After she kicked all the kids out of the house and locked them out, she started making the cake.

A decadent double layer of chocolate cake made with creamy chocolicius frosting. All made from scratch.

She was finishing up her masterpiece when the baby of the family, Jr., named lovingly after his father Pepito, came asking if he could lick the beaters.

Actually, after 10 kids, names just didn't matter anymore. The last four kids were named Jr. And two of them were girls.

So Pepita gave Jr. the beater and finished frosting the cake.

"Mamita," said Jr. "there is stuff all over your carpet in your bedroom. I tried to clean it but it's not working."

Pepita goes to take a look. Chocolate frosting all over the carpet.

She leaves the finished masterpiece and sets out to take the stains out of the carpet.

When it was time to leave to drop the cake off at the school, Pepita gave it one last lovingly look. Martha Stewart would be proud of her. But not really because she didn't put fancy shmancy stuff on top like Martha would probably do. But then again, Martha doesn't have 10 kids, so there.

She tells the kids to get ready to go run some errands after they drop the cake off. They all gather their coats and bags for fencing class.

Pepita goes to the kitchen to put plastic wrap over the cake when she notices a smudge on the side of the cake. All the way from the top layer to the very bottom of the cake.

She looks around and who is standing there looking at her with the most innocent eyes around?Why Jr. of course.

"Did you lick the frosting off?" she asked

"No" he says shyly with innocence

"Why did you lick the frosting off?" she rephrased the question

"Because it's so good Mamita"

She shooed him off before she would lock him up in the closet for a long time. With his own chocolate cake.

Pepita fixed the cake and put the plastic wrapping on. She then loaded it in the very back of the van.

"It will be safe here" she exclaimed

The kids were loaded in the van and she drove to the school. The lady in charge came out to receive the cake.

When Pepita opened the back of the van, she is dismayed at what she finds.

One of the kids had thrown their bag with their fencing equipment in it, on top of the cake.

The plastic was looking very chocolaty by that time. It no longer protected the cake, it was the cake.

Pepita looked over to the lady who looked at the cake.

Pepita picked up the plastic off of the cake as much as she could and then handed the cake over to the lady.

Smiling, Pepita said, "I hope you enjoy. Gotta go."

And with that Pepita made her grand exit out of the parking lot.

She didn't know why, but she had a feeling that they wouldn't be asking her to make anymore cakes for the cake walk.

The lizards in my house

2008-12-09T08:38:00.006-06:00

Last week, AB brought home a toy lizard from church. The instructions on the lizard said to put it in water, leave in there between 3 to 7 days and it would grow to be 36 inches.

So we put it in a bowl and watched it grow.

And grow.

UB wanted one too. He found a lizard in his toy box and put it in a cup of water.

We watched it. And watched it.

AB's lizard had to be moved into the bathtub. It was getting too big for the bucket. This thing grew and grew.

When it was ready, the boys took it out of the tub and has now been used as a weapon. A weapon to hurt each other. Their logic? "It can't hurt too bad mom, it's soft and wet."

AB twirls this thing by the tail. He throws it by the legs. He grabs it from the head and whacks UB with the tail.

Meanwhile, UB is very optimistic that his lizard will grow to be 9 feet long. So we are still waiting.

He has big plans for his lizard. The lizard that will never grow. The lizard that is actually not there anymore.

Plans that include whacking AB with the tail. Or throwing it while it is still wet, up against the wall to see the water splat out.

Poor UB is going to be disappointed when he finds out that I threw the water away because I was tired of it hanging around my kitchen counter.

It's all my fault that I prevented this little lizard from growing to be 9 feet tall.

I think I'll just tell him that AB's lizard ate it.

Funny Spanish T'was the night before Christmas

2008-12-08T10:20:00.003-06:00

This is for my Spanish understanding wannabe's.

T'was the night before Christmas, and all through the casa,
Not a creature was stirring- Caramba! Que Pasa?
The work was all done, and the tired old nanas
Had tucked all the children away in their camas.
The stockings were hung in their places con cuidada,
When all of a sudden I heard such a grito.
I jumped to my feet like a frightened cabrito!
I ran to la ventana to look para afuera.
And whol in the world do you think que era?
San Nicolas in a trineo and a big red sombrero,
Came flying along like a crazy bombero!
And, pulling the sleigh, en vez de venado,
Habian ocho burritos, approaching volados;
I watched as they came, and this quaint little hombre,
Was shouting and whistling and calling my nombre:
"Ay, Pancho! Ay, Pepe! Ay Licha! Ay, Beto!
Ay Nato! Ay, Memo! Maruca y Neto!
Then standing erect with his hand on his pecho,
He flew to the top of our very own techo!
With his round little paunch like a bowl of jalea,
He struggled to fit down our own chimenea;
Then huffing and puffing at last in our sala;
From bags full of trinkets and toys from Guatemala.
He filled all the stockings with lovely regalos,
For none of the children had been very malos.
Then chuckling aloud (he seemed very contento)
He turned like a flash and was gone like the viento.
But I heard him exclaim- and this is the verdad-
SALUD Y PESETAS! FELIZ NAVIDAD!

Shopping at 4am? I am insane.....

2008-12-04T09:41:00.005-06:00

We went to St. Louis for Thanksgiving. We caravan ed with Hubster's brother and sister and cousins and Aunt to get there. We started off early and 12 hours later, we end up at his sister's house. It was fun. That's all I'm going to say about that.

We wake up the next morning and AB is excited to go spend the morning with my brother-in-law. The same one that broke his arm last year. AB woke up early. At 5am. To tell me that he was going to go wake up his Aunt and Uncle so that he and his Uncle could go 'shopping'.

Since I had just gone to bed at 1am, waking me up at 5 was not really a good idea. I tell him to go back to sleep since there is no movement in the house. He insists that he is getting up. I insist he go back to sleep.

I win. After he falls asleep crying.

He then wakes up at 7 when he hears voices in the kitchen. He gets dressed, tells UB that he needs to get dressed as well and off he went to wake up the other little cousin. When they are all dressed, they tell us that their Uncle D was taking them to IHOP and then shopping.

Uncle D had a 5, 6 and 7 year old boy with him. He took them to eat a big breakfast at IHOP then off they went shopping at Wal-Mart. They each came back loaded with toys.

They then went outside to play in the leaves with Uncle D.
While the boys were outside playing, my organized sister-in-law was looking at her list that was posted on her fridge, to see what needed to be put in the oven first. She had gotten all the casseroles ready the day we were traveling and so all she had to do was put them in the oven. She even had all the dishes out with a sign in each one telling what food item went in it. She is so like me. NOT! I wish I were like that, but I'm a procrastinator.

We did have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Even if we did eat 3 hours after we originally said. But I was Thankful for all the family there and no one hurting each other.

We went to bed at 1:30am. I was exhausted and wanted to sleep in, but my sister-in-laws wanted to go shopping with the other 4,000 people in the neighborhood. I get up at 3:30 and we load up (I'm the driver) and drive to Kohl's. All I can think about when I see that the line to get in the store is 2 miles long (no lie) is that I am insane. Insane to be out in the cold and with all those people.

Since I used to work in retail for 12 years, I vowed that I would never be like those crazy people fighting over cheap toys. That is why I went as the driver. Besides, I got to hang out with my 3 sister-in-laws.

My sil M that lives there and I decided we didn't need to go to Kohl's, so I drop off my other two sil's and we drive to Target because there was some stuff there that we were wanting. We park, see the short line and talk to stay awake. The 2 sil's show up and get in the car with us. It is 5 minutes to 5 and we think we have a good chance of getting stuff at Target. Until we realize that they don't open until 6.

Off to Wal-Mart we go. We have 5 minutes before they open the doors. They have no Supercenters there so it is a small regular Wal-Mart. I again drop off the shopping queens and I go find a parking spot in a neighboring town.

Can I just say that it is insanity? INSANITY!!!!!!!!!

It seemed like there were thousands of people there in a small store. Lines everywhere just to get down the aisles. People fighting over who was there first. Even fighting over the computers. People throwing stuff on the floor because it wasn't what they wanted and not to mention, people invading my space. MY SPACE. I don't like it when complete strangers want a piggy back ride down the aisles. I need my space.

My sil's are like competing for the supermarket sweep contest. They do good. They got all they wanted, with the exception of one thing. We get out of there and drive back to Target. Almost 6 by this time, had to make it there in time.

In time we did. We got there just as they were opening the doors. We park, run in and look for what we wanted.

We get home by 7 and go back to bed. We were tired. All that fighting the crowds gets a girl tired.

It was a fun time, but not something that I enjoy doing. I only went to hang out with my sil's. That was the main reason I went. But I am insane for going out that early instead of staying home under the warm blankets and sleeping.

INSANE I tell you!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-12-03T08:49:00.004-06:00

The questions that arise at the grocery store while checking out

2008-12-02T08:34:00.004-06:00

Because the boys are always with me, they end up going grocery shopping with me. Most of the times they like it, every once in a while they complain.

But, since I don't give them an option, they have to go where I go.

We went to the Toy Shop to pack up boxes for families. The Toy Shop is a place where people donate toys and this place then gives the toys away to families that need them. The boys like to go pack boxes for kids.

The only problem with that is that they want to 'try out' every toy there to see what it sounds like. So at one point, there were all these toys making noise. I think the old ladies were ready for us to leave.

After we left the Toy Shop, we had some time to go to the grocery store before UB had karate. We did our shopping and were waiting in line. In a long line. But in the grocery stores defense, they only have 5 or 6 registers and they did have 3 of them open.

Apparently, that wasn't enough for the impatient older man behind me. He was not happy that there were more than 4 people in line.

Some poor employee was walking past him and he asked her if they had any more cashiers. She looked at him calmly and said that she thought they were getting some more.

He was still complaining and moved from behind me to another register.

They finally open up 2 more registers and people start moving to those newly opened registers.

He of course doesn't move fast enough and still doesn't get to the front of the line. The 2 people in front of me decide to move and so I am next in line.

I can hear him complaining and I look at the line where he is and ask him if he would like to go before me. No, he says, I'll just wait. So wait he did.

While we were in line, AB was reading all those headlines on the magazines.

You know, the drama headlines of Hollywood.

The "Brad and Angie fight because of Jen" or "How to lose 30 lbs in 4 days" or "Eat all you want and still lose weight" or "Brad finally apologizes to Jen and Angie get jealous" or "Vanessa (from High School musical) shows you how to get in shape for the Holidays"

AB was reading all the magazines and was telling me about them.

He then says, "Mom, I don't understand what this means. Come look."

I tell him to just read it to me as I was pushing the shopping cart to the register.

Out loud he says "How to get big cleavage, What does that mean mom?"

I look around to make sure no one was listening.

"Umm," I said "help me unload these groceries."

"But mom, what does that mean?"

"What does that other magazine say?" I ask

"Patrick Swayze is still sexy. Who is Patrick Swayze and what is sexy."

I hurry up and pay and get out of there. I'll have to distract him next time with a candy bar.

Will the magic eraser clean a marked up car?

2008-12-01T08:44:00.004-06:00

Well, I'm back!

I do have lots to tell, but it's going to have to wait.

We arrived home late on Saturday night. We then did nothing but rest yesterday. So while I was resting and reading the paper, the boys decided to 'paint' a little car toy. With sharpies.

They then decided to 'take off the paint' with water. So this morning I look in their bathroom and there is a sink full of water and bubbles. The car toy is somewhere in there. Along with a magic eraser.

The boys thought that if they put a magic eraser in the water with the car, the magic eraser will magically clean the car.

This is the reason I can't blog right now. I've got to go clean up lots of little magic eraser pieces that disintegrated in the sink. Along with making sure the boys clean up the 5 gallons of water that are all over the floor and the counter top.

Taking a bloggy break

2008-11-25T11:43:00.000-06:00

To my one faithful reader,
Sorry I haven't been blogging. I have not been inspired. I will continue to take a bloggy break until next Monday. Hope you come back.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Where did all the Pizza go?

2008-11-19T08:49:00.002-06:00

I signed the boys up for the Pizza Hut book-it program. I received the coupons for a free personal pan pizza (monthly) but due to my wonderful organizational skills, I can not find them.

So I promised them that I would treat them to Pizza monthly if they did their reading.

Last night, I took them to a local Pizza place. I do believe it was senior citizen night because the room was full of them.

I notice several different kinds of pizzas on the buffet table. Cheese, pepperoni, sausage, sausage w/jalapenos and Canadian bacon. I bend down to ask UB which one he would like. "I'm thinking mom" he kept telling me. When he finally decided he wanted pepperoni, I look for it and it is gone.

I tell UB to pick another one. "Pepperoni mom" I explain to him that during the time that he was thinking about it, it finished.

He settles on sausage and cheese.

When I sit down to eat and look around at the seniors in the room, I notice a table with two senior couples. They have plates loaded full with pizza. I then realize what they had done.

On an empty chair next to one of the men is a pizza. The pepperoni pizza that mysteriously disappeared from the buffet table.

I then notice another empty chair with another pizza on it next to the other man.

So, I ask you, is it still considered a buffet when you have the pizza's at your table and don't share with anyone else?

To the lady who was speeding at Wal-Mart

2008-11-18T08:51:00.005-06:00

Dear Speed Racer,

I'm not sure you are aware of this, but striped lines in front of the doors at the grocery store mean that pedestrians are walking and you should SLOW down.

Now, I'm no expert on line color and line details, but I do know that when you are driving and you see people walking with grocery bags in their hands or in the their shopping carts, you should slow down and not try to run them over.

The only reason that I didn't roll my shopping cart in your path is because my kids were with me. And I don't want them to think that it's OK to do that.

The only reason that I didn't walk straight onto your path and end up on your hood is because I was trying to keep my kids from getting run over.

So be prepared speed racer lady, next time you come zooming in front of me be hoping that I don't have my kids with me because I will jump out in front of you. And if you don't stop, then I will end up as your hood ornament and hold on for dear life as you either speed up
or stop and see if I have damaged your beautiful speeding car.

But don't be surprised if my shopping cart full of groceries paid for with Hubster's hard earned money ends up accidentally hitting your beautiful speeding car. It won't be my fault, the slope of the road made it go down by itself.

I'm warning you speed racer lady, be afraid , be very afraid.

Signed,
angry mom with two kids who you almost ran over at the grocery store

Happy Anniversary to Hubster and Me!

2008-11-14T12:00:00.002-06:00

10 years ago I married a wonderful man.

A man that has been encouraging when I've made mistakes.

A man that has been been a spiritual leader.

A man that has been supportive of me.

A man that has learned how to deal with a hormonal wife during two pregnancies.

A man that is a wonderful husband and a loving father.

A man that is my best friend.

While we have had our differences during these 10 years, we have grown closer together.

I thank God everyday for this wonderful man the He has placed in my life. This man that I look forward to continue to get to know as our likes and dislikes change with age.

As I celebrate my 10 years, I will look forward to many more years with this man called Hubster.

Why I had to drop my pants down

2008-11-13T08:10:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, I had to have a procedure done that involved dropping my pants , taking deep breaths, then laying still.

I am taken from the waiting room by this young guy. Mid twenties at least.

He takes me to a cold, semi dark room and tells me to lay down on the table.

He then puts a sheet over my lower body and tells me to pull my pants down to above my knees.

I'm a little nervous about this whole thing so it doesn't amuse me at all.

I then have to take a deep breath, let it out, deep breath and hold it. Lie still.

This is done twice.

When It's all finished, the young man comes back to my side and says "We're done now. You can pull your pants back on."

By this time, I'm feeling relieved about the whole thing and look at him. He didn't realize how it sounded, but I couldn't hold it in anymore.

I burst out laughing.

He of course looked at me strange.

The whole thing was just funny to me at that time. Dropping my pants down, taking deep breaths, laying still, and then being told we're done.

And all of this just for a CAT scan.

For those of you that didn't know I was having this done, bet y'all thought it was something else.

Well, how do you say it then?

2008-11-10T08:14:00.003-06:00

The boys speak in two different, distinct slangs.

AB doesn't have one and UB has an Okie, Mexican slang.

Being from Texas, we say y'all, wanna, dontcha, yontoo and several more.

AB thinks he's from some upper class Okie area. He only speaks in complete sentences and corrects those that don't.

UB on the other hand, likes his slang.

He speaks just like the Okie's do. With a Mexican twist.

I try to encourage him to speak in complete sentences and use proper words because as much as I like my friends from Oklahoma, their hick slang is rubbing off on UB.

For example, people here say "I done did that" instead of "I already did that"

Or "let's go that a way" or how about "We done gone". Done is a very popular word 'round here.

And UB adds his hick language as well.

The sentence "The first man was Adam" is said in UB language "Thu fuirst ma-yn wus Aeedum"

With a strong Mexican accent finishing it all up.

So I guess I need to work on his English before he goes off to college because then he'll be telling his professors, "Y'all know I dun diyd thaut, so leut's go fiind the ma-yn thaut stole my horse. He dun goun and weynt that a way."

The boys and the family

2008-11-07T09:13:00.003-06:00

My mom used to be a teacher's aide. When the teacher's would get new stuff, she would be given some of the stuff that was not wanted anymore.

At this time, I was attending college and studying to get my degree in Elementary Education. I was working at the time and the job offer where I was working, along with the pay offer was more impressive than a teaching job.

So mom kept all these things hoping one day I would use my degree.

Here I am, using my degree, but not getting paid for it with real money. But I do say, the benefits are better.

Anyway, I have these little wooden figures that come in sets. One set is of Community workers, another set is a family and another set is of farm animals.

Even though they are old, they have come in handy. The boys enjoy playing with them.

The other day, the boys had all three sets all over the dining room table. They had their own little village going on.

I was working in the kitchen and AB kept hollering at me to tell me that UB was being 'sick'.

"What do you mean 'sick'" I asked?

"Well," he says "he keeps saying that the grandma is going to marry the little boy. That's just sick mom, she's too old for him."

Hmm, I say

"And he says that the old man is going to marry the little girl. That's even sicker. Tell him to stop being grosse mom."

So I tell UB to play nice.

Later, I hear this from AB "My horse is going to poop all over your living room. Then he's going to pee all over your couch."

Evil laugh from both boys.

I just love living in a house with boys.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-11-05T09:37:00.001-06:00

Halloween 2008

2008-11-03T08:53:00.005-06:00

Here is Jake. The boys made this scarecrow and named him Jake. I think Jake is going to be my riding companion in the car from now on. I'll use him as my target for adult conversation. That way, I know he'll never talk back, or correct me. I will always be right. At least to him. The boys had a blast going door to door begging for candy. Instead of saying Trick or treat, they would say "please". I've got some explaining to do.

I'm not really sure what or who they are supposed to be. Army guys with glow in the dark face paint that didn't really glow in the dark. Although, I'm not sure if they allow red chucks and flip flops in combat. Happy the clown joined us for some action.

The boys ended up having a great time. Getting lots of candy, and making us glad this is all over. Now I just have to hide the candy little by little so that UB won't eat it in the shower anymore.

What your child draws during art!

2008-10-31T10:54:00.002-05:00

If you really want to know what you look like to your family. Look at the picture that your child drew of you during art. Signing off to go get an attitude adjustment. I'm off to choose joy!!!!

The many hats

2008-10-30T09:28:00.002-05:00

As a woman, and I'm speaking as a woman because that's what God made me. Anyways, as a woman, we are expected to wear lots of hats.

Here are some examples of the hats that I wear:

Wife, mom, daughter, teacher, cook, cleaning lady, nurse, laundry worker, housekeeper, bookkeeper, accountant, taxi cab driver, entertainer, jungle gym.

I know that there are lots more, but these will do for now.

Sometimes I find it hard to wear all the hats. I know that my Lord sustains me and he makes it possible, but sometimes, I don't listen.

I'm always too busy to stop and play games with the boys.

Last week, as I was wearing the teacher hat, UB and I were reading on the floor cozied up on lots of pillows. All of a sudden he started tickling me. It went into a tickling party. Pretty soon AB joined us and we were all playing this game.

We laughed and played for a good 30 minutes. I had taken off all my hats and was just me. When it was time for me to put on my cook hat, the boys said they would like to do it again.

I just can't believe that it took me that long to realize that sometimes we have to take off all our hats and let God hold them for us.

Anyway, so here is a picture of me as I continue my au naturale hair color. I wasn't going this short, but decided that in order to get a lot of the color off, I needed to. It was actually shorter not too long ago. Some places were even shorter than the rest of my hair. So short that UB said I had a mohawk. I'll be so glad when my hair grows out.

Is it noise or is it music?

2008-10-28T08:06:00.003-05:00

Hubster and I went on a date Saturday night. Well, if you call going to a nightclub and listening to noise a date.

When I was growing up, mom had us listen to Brenda Lee, or Freddy Martinez or just oldies. Then I discovered George Strait.

As I was getting older, my friends introduced me to Duran Duran, OMD, The Outfield, Little River Band, Chicago, Foreigner and such. And of course I still listened to George Strait.

There came a point in my life when all I would listen to was country with the emphasis being on, yes, you guessed it. George Strait.

I think I liked him because he was from San Antonio. That and his sexy country drawl just made it worthwhile to listen to.

When I met Hubster, he introduced me to Classic Rock.

When I became a Christian, I started listening to lots of groups like Mercy Me, Point of Grace, Casting Crowns or other Christian music.

So when Teenster had a battle of the bands competition a couple of months ago, Hubster went with a cousin of his. Teenster plays none of the above type of music.

They won that contest and Saturday were the finals.

So Hubster and I found a babysitter, went to the city to eat at Salt Grass, boy was that delicious, then went downtown to go to the club where Teenster was playing.

They were having some sort of zombie fest so there were lots and lots of people. The Haunted House was a hopping place as well.

Walking into the nightclub felt weird. We weren't there to party hard or to make fools of ourselves, we were just there to support Teenster.

I just don't understand it. The girls were clothes that are 2 sizes too small. And guys dress well, strange. Then the music they were playing in between sets was vulgar. Extremely. All these teenagers just drinking and laughing and dancing. What happened to me?

Anyway, so Teensters band gets up there. They have great potential to go places. They do have talent. All they have to do is learn how to gel together when they play their instruments.

Of course, I call it noise when I can't understand the singer. I'm sure the young kids understand it. But not me. It's noise to me when the guitar player tries to be louder than the drummer who tries to be louder than the bass player who tries to be louder than the screaming singer.

I'm no recording studio representative. Just a mom.

But they did sound pretty good. They ended up getting third place. Teenster wasn't happy, but we were proud of him.

We left early because it was getting past our bed time. Just kidding. Our sitter needed to leave.

We leave the club and Hubster and I just look at each other and start to laugh. Are we just too old for this? The loud vulgar noise/music, the smell of cigarette/ash tray on your clothes, hair and every place you didn't think that would stick on?

But especially the fact that it's only 9:30 and that we would like nothing better than to take showers, get in our pajamas and lay in bed?

Hmm, I guess we need to broaden our horizons.

We don't need our heater on yet!

2008-10-24T06:25:00.002-05:00

The cooler weather has arrived. With the cooler weather come a couple of things.

First, I don't need the A/C. And second, I don't need the heater. Yet.

We like it to be cool in our house. The only time we turn our heater on is if we've got icicles hanging down our nose when we wake up in the morning.

And when it's cold outside, with no heater turned on, it means that it is pretty chilly in my house.

I would rather bake something to warm up the house than to turn that heater on.

So yesterday, it was colder in my house than it was outside.

So we did what any other crazy person would do and went somewhere where I knew would be warm.

The library.

I had intentions of taking the boys to story time. But as I arrived there, I realized that it was almost over.

We go in to get books. All three of us get some books and go up the elevator to sit on the nice comfy couches to read.

A couple of years ago, AB got his hand stuck in the elevator. Don't know how he did it, but it sure was scary. He stays clear of all moving parts of the elevator now.

UB was excited to be upstairs. I read with him and then he went to look for a magazine. He walked back and forth from where we were sitting to another area with some comfy chairs.

Thinking we were going to get kicked out for UB being a distraction, we decide to go home.

UB pushes the button to the elevator. We get in and we wait. And wait. And wait. Something is just not right, but we still just wait. The elevator isn't going anywhere.

During this time of our wait, AB tells me with a big grin that dropping that paperclip down from the top floor was fun.

What do you mean dropping? When did you drop it? I was with you the entire time.

Well, he obviously dropped it while I wasn't looking. While still not moving in the elevator, I explain to him why he shouldn't do that and tell him to never do that again. Uh huh.

At this time, I realize that we still haven't moved. Thinking that we are going to be stuck in an elevator in the libraray, I start looking around.

I ask UB if he had pushed the button. No. What button should he push?

I push the correct button, the elevator starts going down and when we get there, I hightail it out of the library before we end up getting kicked out.

Hey, at least we warmed up enough to enjoy our cool house again.

Heaven

2008-10-23T06:27:00.002-05:00

Scene: Kitchen where I am washing dishes and UB is sweeping for me

UB: Mom, when I die, I want to be in Heaven with you

ME: How do you get to Heaven?

UB: You have to go to church first

ME: Church?

UB: Yes, you go to church in that big box when you die

Hmmmmm!

What is this in the tub?

2008-10-21T11:59:00.006-05:00

I don't know if anyone has the same problem I do, but I don't understand why my boys can't aim in the toilet.

It ends up everywhere but in the toilet. The walls, the floor, the rim and seat of the toilet. You name it, it's on there.

Don't tell me to make the boys clean the toilet because that doesn't work. They fight over who cleans what toilet. AND, they have fun doing it.

So last thursday, I took apart the toilet seat and cleaned every inch of it. From the seat, to the screws. It was nasty.

Hubster had the boys with him, so I was getting a lot done. I wiped it all. The walls, the floor and everyting else.

I really don't know why, because we were having freshmen boys for the next two nights. But I did anyway.

I then pulled the shower curtain back and I found some pee in there. Yes, you heard me right. Pee. In. The. Bathtub.

All I can say is it's a good thing the boys were with their father at that particular moment.

I called Hubster and told him to look each one in the eyes and ask who did it.

No one owned up to it.

I did get upset then started to ask God "Why didn't you send me any girls. Why only boys?"

And He said "Why NOT boys?"

So I shut my mouth and continued cleaning. They took a long time getting home. I guess they figured I needed to cool down.

Then they took me to Whataburger. Who can be mad after a Whataburger?

So I ask you to be the judge. Who do you think peed in the tub?

Culprit #1

Culprit #2

You decide!!!

I'm not leaving without my Krispy Kreme!!!

2008-10-17T09:10:00.004-05:00

Recently, we went to the city to get the seat belt fixed in my car. Everytime a kid would sit in the middle in the back seat, they would complain about not being able to buckle up.

And since I don't have the midas touch, it wouldn't work for me either.

Hubster of course could get it to work. But I can't take Hubster with me everywhere I go, someone's got to make some money so that I can stay home and watch spanish soap operas and build Lego's.

I'm kidding. I don't watch those spanish shows ALL day.

So we went. Hubster ended up going with us since he had to go check on some jobs while we were there.

We went to the dealership and the guy called me out and said that it was working fine. Figures.

He then asks me if I was putting the middle seat belt into the middle latch. Well, maybe that was my problem dude, I was using the side seat belt that is located by the door, into that latch.

OF COURSE NOT DUDE!!!! I may be a stay at home, homeschool mom and lose some brain cells sometimes because I don't have much adult interaction, but I know where the seat belt goes.

But I kept my nice smile on and told him that I was doing it correctly. Even the boys said that it hadn't been working properly.

Whatever!

We go check out the jobs that Hubster's guys are working at. This takes a while because there are two jobs and Hubster has to talk to all on site.

But that's okay because our next stop is Krispy Kreme.

When we arrive at Krispy Kreme, I go into the woman's bathroom and the boys go into the men's bathroom with Hubster.

I'm using the bathroom but then hear knocking on my door. What do you do when someone knocks? Say "Hey, yeah, I'm here. That's why the door is locked" So I just stayed quiet. Didn't feel like talking to strangers.

Then another knock. Good grief!!! I open the door and it is Hubster and AB. Hubster is asking me if I heard knocking on the door. Why yes, I say. Well, that was me, he says. He's not happy.

I ask what's wrong. Here comes UB holding his hiney with a towel. Well, as they were running, yes running, into the bathroom to beat each other as to who was going to be first, UB slipped on a puddle of pee and water mixture and fell on his butt.

Normally, I would laugh at this because there's not much you can do. But with Hubster around, laughing was not an option.

So I held my innocent look pose and listened to the story.

While Hubster took UB to go strip off his clothes in the car, AB and I stayed to get donuts. There was no way we were leaving Krispy Kreme without donuts.

We get in the car and then decide to go to Wal-Mart. We would have gone home but I still needed to go to Mardels.

I tell Hubster to drop me off at the doors while he goes to the gas station to fill up. It was $2.41. Of course, all the rest of the city thought that was a good deal too. I look for some clothes, pay for them then see that they are still filling up.

I walk over there and Hubster is not happy. It seems that the pay at the pump thing was having issues and wouldn't take his card. He had to walk up to the lady and pay her.

I tell UB to get dressed. He tells me that he needs underwear. Underwear? I didn't get any underwear. He says it's okay, he can put his ironman clothes on without underwear.

We stop at Mardels so that I can get a Bible for the pastor in Ecuador. AB and I get down while Hubster and UB (commando) wait in the car.

I get the Bible, pay for it and tell them to engrave it. I go back for it and the name is crooked. Hubster tells me I shouldn't accept it like that. I go back in and tell them my problem. She says that they can refund me 1/2 my money back and then put a gold plate on top with the name on it.

I decided to get a refund on that one, buy a new one and start again. This time I hung out while the girl engraved it. It worked.

It was dinner time and we decided to go eat some Mexican food. We sit there and we pray that God just help us relax and watch over us.

And you know what? All this time, I believe it was God telling us to slow down. If we would have listened, all those things wouldn't have happened.

But then, I wouldn't have anything to write about.

Dressing like it's summer in the cold fall days

2008-10-16T11:29:00.005-05:00

It is 55 degrees outside. Can you tell?

This is how the boys dress when it's 100 and this is apparently how they are going to dress when it is sub zero.

Looks like I'm going to have to hide the tank tops and shorts and flip flops this winter.

I'm sure I'll get looks of "you neglectful mother" or "what kind of mother are you" when we go out today, but you know what?

Some battles are just not worth fighting.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-10-15T13:47:00.003-05:00

AB and his red converse

2008-10-14T13:48:00.002-05:00

Guess what we got in the mail?

Anyone?

Well, let me show you.
Yup, AB got his new red converse Chuck Taylors. He was extremely excited.

The only 'opportunity' I see is that AB is OCD. A lot. Not a little.

He has to match. Everything is about matching for AB. His shoes have to match the rest of his outfit.

He even gets embarrassed when UB doesn't match. Doesn't even want to be seen with UB during these mismatched times.

So after AB got his shoes and was wanting to wear them, the dilemma came about what to wear.

Red shoes just don't match much with.

So the tears came flowing down because the shoes would match with the shirt but not the shorts. Or with the shorts and not the shirt.

But suddenly, the tears stopped because he found an outfit that matched and that he could live with.
I think the red shoes are going to make it in AB's world.

He might be wearing the same outfit day in and day out, but the shoes will definately survive.

Don't you think he's happy now?

Why do I have to break up fights about heads?

2008-10-10T10:00:00.005-05:00

"I want my head back"
"Please give me back my head"
"mooooommm, he has my head"

That is what I awoke to yesterday morning.

It was early, I hadn't had my morning coke and they were arguing over a head.

A Lego head, just in case you are wondering.

That is what little boys fight over.

UB doesn't understand the concept of trading and AB takes advantage of it. Even if they are just playing, AB takes it out of context and tries to make UB think that he gave it to him.

AB did do the right thing and gave his brother his head back. Heads, good grief. Never did I think I was going to be in the middle of a fight about heads.

Life with kids.

So here are a few pictures of some of the heads and bodies I found. They are all scattered all over in different places in the house so not all of them were there for the family photo.

Some are getting ready for dinner while the others are left to starve.
This poor chump is saying "where is my body mate?" But he can't see that his friend has no legs.

And I really don't want to know what's going on here. It seems to me that Darth and his compadres are getting ready for a manly dinner.

But wait, what's that on the table? A head? Or a hair piece? I guess it's up to your imagination.

Fields of Faith

2008-10-09T14:33:00.003-05:00

We went to Fields of Faith at the football stadium last night. Hubster was playing in a band and we went to listen.

We are his groupies you know. Experienced ones as well, according to some friends, who saw that I had a chair to sit on and the boys had a blanket to lay on.

It was neat to see all these kids represent different schools. All coming together to sing praise to the Lord and to listen to His word.

Hubster wanted me to take pictures of the event. I started taking pictures of the band, and then of some cute kids that were dancing. I just love taking pictures of kids. And no, I'm not a pervert. Their innocence just captivates me.

But after a while I was just enjoying God's presence there. I looked around and saw all these kids worshipping God without worrying about what their friends thought. Or without fear of persecution.

It made me appreciate the freedom of where we live.

Yes, there was the middle schoolers who were more interested in playing with members of the opposite sex. And there were the junior high kids who were passing notes, but then there were the older kids who were there to pray together and encourage each other.

At one time, what really got me was this young guy. He was singing loud and raising his hands up. After a while, he got down on his knees and was singing and praying. Several kids around him looked at him and were giggling and whispering to each other while pointing at him, but he didn't care. He wasn't there for them.

So that is why I didn't take pictures after a while. I got caught up in watching what was happening.

It was a wonderful time. The band did great. The turnout was fantastic and I do think that all the kids enjoyed it.

Even mine. UB wanted to just run the length of the football field over and over again and AB was just wanting to play a game on the phone.

What do you find on a nature walk?

2008-10-07T13:02:00.004-05:00

I decided to take the boys on a nature walk to celebrate fall. Never mind that it was 90 degrees out there and that the calendar and the news said it was Fall. But I'm thinking that Fall didn't get the memo that it was supposed to make a cool appearance.

Anyway, so I told the boys we were going on a nature walk. Down our country road, to find things that God had created. Along with smelling the beaty of outdoor odor.

We start off with AB listening to his MP3 player and UB carrying his 'backpack' (a small grocery bag) with his cap gun and caps. Just don't know when you might need that stuff.

I asked them, "Can you see something that God created?" "Yes, mom." the answered with excitement in their voices "these bones".

We continued on and I said, "Take a deep breath and tell me what you smell?" They did as I asked and AB said "a dead animal" UB said "my toot".

I could see this little trip was going to be FUN!!!!

So we continued on and we found some branches that the boys used as walking sticks, which later ended up being weapons towards each other.

They found some rocks, some nuts and a whole bunch of other stuff that makes sense only to boys.

On the way back home, I was walking ahead of the boys and this is the conversation they were having.

UB: that was fun right AB?

AB: Yes, I think we found some cool stuff. Those bones rocked! And I even have my cup.

UB: Yes, and I have my nuts.

Aaaahhh, the joys of living in a house with boys.

Church and UB

2008-10-06T08:24:00.004-05:00

It was a Sunday evening. We were having The Lord's Supper at church as well as watching some baptisms. What a great way to start the new week.

We watch the baptisms, the Pastor preaches a bit and then he tells us to take some time to clean our hearts out. So that when we receive communion, we have pure hearts. Some people go up to the altar. I choose to stay in my pew in order to keep a close eye on the boys. I turn around and get on my knees to pray where I am.

I am in deep prayer and am talking to God when I feel someone climb my back. I open an eye and UB is on back there. Just like a baby monkey get's on it's mom's back.

He just lays on me and I go back to prayer because at least I know that he's staying out of trouble.

When all of a sudden, in a quiet room of people praying you hear it. It sounds like a song, but it's not a hymn of any sort. I realize it's my watch. My watch that is playing the song M-I-C-K-E-Y-M-O-U-S-E.

I try to reach the watch in order to turn it off, but UB is hanging on top of me and holding the button. I get him off and turn the watch off.

I try to go back to praying, but the tune of the song is in my head. Besides, it's hard to pray when you have one eye open while making sure your kid isn't doing anything noisy again.

And then it happens. I hear a toot. I open the eye that wasn't open and there UB is, grinning at me with a proud grin.

I realize that it's no use in praying anymore because the people all around us have obviously heard the commotion going on and are by this time laughing.

Next time, I think I'll just sit on UB while I pray.

What happens when the mommy is sick?

2008-10-03T06:55:00.008-05:00

I got sick Friday after the Wildlife Expo and it continued until Monday, when I could no longer stand the pain. I went to the Dr. to find out that I had a bladder infection. Any longer, because my kidneys were already being affected, and I would have had to visit the ER.

You don't realize how serious it is until you hear it from the Dr. Now, in my opinion, I have a high tolerance for pain. But this ranked right underneath labor pains before the epidural.

We still had school because even though the teacher is sick, life must go on. And it's kind of hard to find a substitute teacher for you. If that even exists for a home school mom. Besides, my principal is tough, no sick days for me.

After school, I was laying in bed in a fetal position trying to pretend the pain wasn't there and trying to get warm since I seemed to be freezing. I gave the boys free reign.

I knew they wouldn't be doing anything bad because we had just had a Bible lesson on how God sees everything we do. Imagine UB's surprise during the lesson when I told him that God knew if he was lying or not. So I wasn't worried about them recking the house.

They rub rocks with sticks to try to make fire, they leave the sink on with the drain closed, but I knew they wouldn't tear the house too bad.

I vaguely heard them talking about making an experiment, a concoction of some sort. At that point, I didn't care what they did.

So this is what I find in my freezer when I went to look for something to make for lunch yesterday.
Each boy had his own 'concoction' milk jug. I started to ask what was in it, but changed my mind.

I think this one had some grass and flowers in it. Among other 'natural' stuff.

Oh look! There is even a wad of paper towels. Frozen. Ready for the next experiment.

Oh well, it could have been worse. And, I will throw it all away this weekend when I empty the freezer out in order to defrost it.

So what's in your freezer?

A bad case of Road Rage

2008-10-02T11:08:00.003-05:00

Last week the boys and I saw someone besides Hubster experience road rage. Road rage that almost ended in a fight.

I was driving when I noticed that the truck in front of me was swerving to the next lane that an SUV was driving in. The SUV slowed down in order to avoid a collision.

The truck moved back into it's lane, only to swerve again into the same SUV.

But this time, the SUV slowed down enough in order for the truck to get right in front of it. But then the SUV pulled up next to the truck and was using hand gestures to talk to him.

He even swerved close enough to the truck that I thought they were going to wreck. The truck had Rambo in it because he wasn't backing down, he was turning his truck to aim directly at the SUV. The SUV had to drive to the shoulder in order to avoid being hit.

Somehow, the truck ended up behind the SUV and was tailgating. The SUV turned into the parking lot of a shopping center and there went Rambo behind him.

I of course was not going to miss what was happening. Come on, I saw the start, I wanted to see the end.

I pull in after them. Did I forget to mention that the boys were with me? And that they were encouraging me to follow?

So we sat in the car watching Rambo get out of his truck and grab a long pipe from the bed of the truck and walk towards grandpa, who got out of the SUV.

Grandpa, not being armed, raised his hands as if to say, whoa. But Rambo raised the pipe and I really thought was going to hit grandpa. Grandpa was red in the face, obviously from telling Rambo some nice words about his driving. Rambo just stood there with the raised pipe and occasionally the pipe moved a little like he was about to swing it at grandpa.

I really didn't know what I would do, but I knew that I wasn't going to let Rambo hit grandpa, who as unarmed. Even the boys were not liking the scenario. I was on the phone with a friend of mine and she kept asking if she needed to call the cops. I had already been telling her everything that was happening.

But by this time, Rambo was too macho to stand there and listen to grandpa because he threw the pipe in the back of the truck, jumped in his truck and sped off. Grandpa just stood there shaking his head.

Then Rambo got back on the same road he was on and was on the phone at this time. I of course started driving too. So I happened to be behind him again. Rambo did it again. He tried to get in the left lane from the right lane and almost hit a car.

I told the boys that not only did we have to pray for Rambo's attitude while he was driving, but also his driving. UB said that he needed lots of prayer because he sure didn't know how to drive right.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-10-01T09:20:00.002-05:00

Enjoying the Wildlife Expo Fair

2008-09-30T14:14:00.010-05:00

On Friday, we went on a field trip to the Wildlife Expo Fair. We had gone last year with a good friend of mine and her boys, but she has moved. So, I recruited Hubster to go with me.

This Fair is all about trying to get people to enjoy the outdoors via wildlife way. They have so much to do for the kids and it's all free. My favorite word.

We were able to see some awesome birds up close.

Hubster did all the stuff with AB. They shot pellet guns, shotguns, they went fishing did archery.

Hubster even caught a fish. Right before this little fish was caught, a kid to the left of Hubster had just caught a big catfish. I guess the catfish scared all the other big fish away.

Let's take a closer look at the poor little fish.

UB didn't want to do any of the activities. He wasn't feeling good and wanted to eat oreo cookies and peanut bars instead of playing. But he was happy.

AB even did some kayaking. By this time, the lines were unbelievably long. Every school in the area wanted to enjoy this free event. AB made me stand in line for an hour just to do this thing. AB knew he had waited a long time so he went around the little pond 3 times.

The boys all had a great time. AB even did the javelin throw and the buffalo patty throw. They saw bats, snakes, frogs, butterflies, a 105 year old turtle and a baby alligator. They learned about so many different things. The poison control center was even surprised when AB was telling them about his scorpion bite. They couldn't believe that he didn't have an allergic reaction to it.

It was a long, fun, exciting and tiring day. I'm ready to go again next year.

Gas

2008-09-25T18:05:00.000-05:00

Isn't it sad that we get excited over gas prices like this?

Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-24T13:30:00.001-05:00

I love rock 'n roll

2008-09-22T07:36:00.003-05:00

Somewhere in the last several weeks, AB heard a song. A song that he didn't know the name too, but was wanting to download.

A song that he only knew part of the tune to, and only the words, I love rock 'n roll.

I looked it up and realized that it was Joan Jett & The Blackhearts song.

AB was excited that I had found this song for him. But he kept correcting me when I said that the song said, "I love rock 'n roll, put another dime in the jukebox baby".

Him and UB know more than me so they told me it said, "I love rock 'n roll, put another diamond in the jukebox baby".

I had to have a referee, Hubster , to break up the argument between me and the lightweights.

Regardless of what the song said, they wanted it downloaded unto AB's mp3 player.

I finally found the song and proceeded to download it. Before I downloaded the song, AB was talking about how awesome a singer Joan Jett was and she had a good rock 'n roll song.

I told him that she was who Hubster and I listened to growing up. She was from the 80's along with other of our favorite rock 'n roll singers.

AB looks at me and says "Wow! That's awesome! Is she still alive?"

Another scorpion?

2008-09-19T09:09:00.004-05:00

Remember when AB got stung by a scorpion not too long ago?

Well, it happened again. To him. And only him!

When Hubster is out of town, the boys like to camp out in my room. I've tried letting them sleep on my bed with me, but it just doesn't work out.

They hog up the bed, the blankets and the pillows. I don't sleep when Hubster's not here, so the couple of hours I do get to sleep, I want to be relaxing.

So they each get their own little pallets on the floor around the bed.

I had put the boys to sleep and I was reading under the covers using a flashlight. I heard a noise and started pointing the flashlight at the kids.

UB is in a deep sleep while AB is crying. He's holding his face saying that it hurts. I ask what happened, he says he doesn't know. I feel bad for the kid so I ask him if he wants to come sleep with me. Yes, he says.

He brings his pillow with him, but when he does, I see something crawling. I point the flashlight at it and it's a scorpion.

I yell for AB to turn the light on while I throw the pillow on the floor.

He runs for the light switch, I jump off the bed and run where the pillow fell. There is the little critter running around towards the bottom of the pillow. I grab a shoe and try to kill it, but it's not dying. I press the shoe on it to kill it, but by this time, AB tells me he wants to save it to show it to his dad.

I run to the kitchen to get something to put this in. A jar.

I get the jar and put the scorpion in it. But I guess I caught his front arms, whatever they are called, because it couldn't go down to the bottom of the jar. So I open the jar , let the scorpion out and somehow it goes back in on it's own.

Sucker.

Once the culprit is caught, I look at AB's face. He's complaining that it hurts and that his tongue is numb. I of course start panicking. I wasn't here when the first scorpion bit him so I didn't know what he felt back then. Of course, the other one stung the tip of his finger. This one stung his face.

I call Hubster, because he's going to be able to do much since he's in New Mexico. I call my mom, because she can do much for me too because she's in San Antonio.

I then look online and it says what to do. It tells us to go wash it with soap and water. Done.

It tells us to put an ice pack on. Done.

It tells us that if the numbing of the mouth persists, that I need to take him to the ER. What?

By this time, I am going crazy, but in a non-crazy kind of way.

I put UB on the bed with us. He has no clue what is going on. AB is trying to tell him that he got stung by a scorpion again and UB is just looking at us like we are bothering his sleep.

By the time AB and I are relaxed, we get in bed. But when I get in bed, I realize that I am not going to be able to sleep because I'll be worried about AB.

And also because the boys pillows had taken over the bed. It was pillow,me,pillow, UB, pillow, AB, pillow. I had a tiny, tiny space to sleep on.

I waited for AB to fall asleep, then I did. But then at 1:30 I awoke to a loud thud. AB had knocked down the nightstand by his side. I get up to pick it up. Both boys are still asleep.

I try to go back to sleep, only to have UB use me as his pillow. Then AB wakes up and says that UB wasn't letting him sleep.

Off I go to sleep on the couch. 2am is the time you make these crazy decisions. Especially if you are tired.

Of course, falling asleep on your own couch is just weird. I heard more noises, the dog barking and then of course the bright light coming from the thermostat. The sacrifices we parents make for our children. But that's the moment that I realized that I was sleeping alone on my bed the next night.

The next morning, both boys woke up bright and cheerful. I on the other hand, was not. I was hoping for a nap, but that didn't happen either.

I asked the boys if they were sleeping on their beds the next night. No, they said, we'll just sleep on the floor. But what about the scorpion, I asked. We are going to sleep on one big pallet, that way if it stings one of us, the other one will get stung as well.

If that isn't brotherly love, I don't know what is.

Here is a picture of the scorpions that stung AB. The curled up one is the first one that stung his finger. The other one stung his face.

Not to worry, he's fine. Ready for the next scorpion that crosses his path.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-17T09:45:00.003-05:00

A field trip to the Dentist office?

2008-09-16T09:14:00.003-05:00

Hubster has had a toothache for a week already. But you know, he won't listen to his wife. So as the pain got worse, he was seeking wisdom from his wife.

Of course, I'm not a very sympathetic wife when this happens. I try to be, it just doesn't happen.

My first response wanted to be, "I told you", but I knew that would accomplish nothing.

So I looked at him and for the hundreth time, or what seemed like it, said "call the dentist".

We have a friend who is a dental hygienist and she called him on Monday morning to tell him to go in at 8:15. Hubster calls me and says he forgot his insurance card and the checkbook, could I please take it to him.

The joy about Hom schooling is that you can switch your day around and it will still work out. A little more stressful, but still not a loss of a day.

"Yes, field trip" said the boys. They always look for opportunities to consider something a field trip and this was no exception. The thought never crossed my mind.

We arrive at the dentist office and we sit in the waiting room telling Bible stories to each other and I even try to throw some phonics in there. I can't totally waste this day.

Our friend sees us and tells us to go see Hubster. The boys get excited when they see the chair leaned back with their dad in it. Along with what looks like a big screen TV on the side of the chair showing blow up pictures of their dads teeth.

The look on the boys faces is one you'd see if they were looking in a Lego store. They thought this was the coolest thing.

The Dr. was explaining all about the x-ray. Talking out loud and the boys were taking it all in. He then leaned Hubster's chair all the way back to look in the mouth. Both boys were wanting to see as well.

When we were leaving, the boys told me that this was a great field trip. This was science mom. Hmmm, didn't think of that either. UB even said that he wanted to be a dentist when he grew up.

We did go to the library to pick out some reading books and then it was back home to start lunch.

The boys were still talking about the Dentist office field trip and UB even made a Lego dentist office, complete with a man leaning back in a chair. He broke it before I could take a picture.

I hear people complain that we 'homeschooling people' have it easy because in public schools if they miss so many days, they can be called in the the authorities, but we 'homeschooling people' can miss a day and no one will know.

What these people don't know is that we 'homeschooling people' always try to incorporate what we are doing to learning. We go later on in the day if we have to, just to finish our work. We even make up our days on a Saturday if we have to.

There are lots of challenges to homeschooling, but when you can make a trip to the dentist office to drop off an insurance card into a learning experience, then it's all worth it.

Trying to carry on

2008-09-15T08:03:00.002-05:00

We've been trying to get in the groove again of school. While some days its easy, other days, and what seems like most days, it's hard.

You see, AB is a strong-willed child. Maybe not as bad as a full blown strong-willed child, but he sure seems like it. Maybe it's just because he's a first born. Who knows.

He is 7 going on 21. He argues because he knows more than the teacher. He believes he is right all the time. While most of the time I just ignore it, this past week was not one of those times.

Constant arguing over silly things like brand of shoes. When the neighbor boy gets out of school. And then I would catch myselt in the middle of these petty little arguments until I would say "because I'm the mom, that's why I know more".

It also didn't help AB when UB would hear me make this comment and then he would tell him "just listen to mom, show knows this, she's the mom". AB would just look at UB and say "be quiet, I wasn't talking to you". The fight would break out and then the next thing you know, they were playing and laughing together.

As parents, we try to teach them to follow God's ways. The Bible is our handbook and we "train up a child in the way he should go".

The boys use my kitchen sink to wash their grubby little hands in. I find mud all over my sink and dirt all over my floor. One day, the faucet was left running. I looked at UB and told him that from now on, he needed to use his own sink in their bathroom. He looked at me and said "ok mom".

A couple of minutes later, AB walks up to me and says, "Mom, it wasn't UB that left it on, it was me. I'll start using my sink too."

I looked at this child and wondered who he was and what had he done to my son. But then it made me proud to know even though he argues with me, he still listens to the wisdom of his mother. At least I'll leave it at that, because I'm the mom!

Just kidding, I know he's listening to all those Bible stories from his reader and during devotion times. It just helps to see it as well.

When they are beating each other up and fighting over a toy that one had first but belongs to the other, I do wonder when they are going to learn. But then I go places and I hear nice things about them.

For example, I went to get my hair cut the other day. From previous experiences, the boys tend to get a little rowdy sometimes at the hair place. But I've learned that threatening them helps.

I'm kidding there. We walk into the place and one of the other ladies mentions that here come some well-behaved boys. I have to look around and wonder who she's talking about because surely, she can't be talking about my boys. My boys who were already in trouble by 10 am for throwing things at each other. My boys who were filling the sink with water to see if batman could float.

So I sit there and she asks how I get the boys to behave so well. She continues to say that they are very well-behaved.

As I sit there and try to think of some mommyxplanation, I look at her and say, "They are just great kids" Then I thank God for allowing me the opportunity to teach them and I ask for the wisdom to continue on.

Where oh where are all the Chuck Taylor's?

2008-09-08T13:15:00.005-05:00

It came to my attention that AB needed some new clothes. I just didn't realize how desperately bad he needed clothes. I also didn't realize that he went through the summer with only five pairs of shorts and one of them is too small on him.

Of course, I hadn't realized how much he's grown until I measured him last week and found that while he had only grown 1 inch in 4 months, he has made up for it by growing 1/2 inch in one month. Just last month.

He is now at the ripe old age of 7, 55 1/2 inches tall.

So off we went on Saturday to not only look for some winter clothes, but some shoes as well. His feet grow as fast as he does. Maybe even faster.

He had a particular shoe in mind. Converse All-Stars Chuck Taylor's, in red, and nothing else would do.

We went to the mall in the town closest to us. I thought, "How hard could it be to find red converse hi-tops when the majority of this little town owns some. I'm sure to find them quick because if those other kids have some, then obviously there are plenty around.?

WRONG!!!!!!!

We went to store after store after store looking for this one particular shoe. We found lots of Converse hi-tops, but none that matched the description.

UB found him some. He also wanted some with red, but he wasn't as picky. As long as the shoe had red on it, he was ok.

But AB was another story. We went to Sears, I like Sears because of the Kidvantage program, and found some clothes for AB. Success, but why couldn't finding shoes be the same way?

After walking through that little mall twice, we decided to stop and fill ourselves with sugar. After cookies, for them, and a cinnamon sugar pretzel, for me, off we went again to find the shoe that was hiding from us.

After a while, with Hubster getting impatient with my impatience over the fact that I couldn't understand why AB couldn't just pick a shoe, any shoe, we left the mall. Without shoes for AB, but UB was happy.

The problem we are coming across is that because AB is big for his age, he is at that stage where the kids sizes are too small and the adult sizes are too big.

Poor AB, I guess he'll just have to look at the shoes on the Internet and just dream of one day owning a pair of Converse All-Stars Chuck Taylor's in red.

I'm going au naturale..............

2008-09-04T06:36:00.002-05:00

my hair that is.

I have decided to let my hair show it's gracefulness and wisdom. I'm letting my hair grow out to it's natural gray and whatever color is still left in my roots.

I mean, I used to have brown hair, but as I got older and the gray started coming out, it got darker. But for years I have colored it brown and have to go every three weeks to 'touch up' the roots.

I'm tired of being a slave to my hair.

Hubster has always been encouraging me to let my hair grow naturally. No, I would say, I'm only 35 or 36 or 37.

But now that I'm 39. Yikes! I've decided to go for it.

It's actually funny to watch people's reactions when I tell them that I'm going gray.

It's even funnier to watch their face as they are talking to you. It's sort of like when you have a big booger or pimple on your face and the person talking to you doesn't want to tell you, but keeps staring at it.

Well, that's how it is. When people talk to me, their eyes casually drift up to my hair. I guess my new grays are excited that they get to go out into town and they are having a party. These people will then quickly look back at my face, but then later, their eyes drift up again to the party on my head.

I think it's sad that society thinks that you can't have gray hair unless you are 80 something. If you have gray hair you are automatically classified as an old person and they start making nursing home arrangements.

I know that in a small town like I live in, there are not very many 'young' people with gray hair. If you are a man, you look distinguished. What about when you are a lady?

I will post pictures later as I let my hair grow out. I'm actually excited to do this. I know that it will take some time before it all comes out, but in the meantime, I'll enjoy the party that my hairs are throwing.

A portrait of me

2008-09-02T19:18:00.002-05:00

I found this drawing tht AB made. I think this is how I look to AB when I'm getting on to him. Either that or I'm singing him a song.

Mowing -vs- Weed eating

2008-08-29T14:33:00.005-05:00

We had to mow yesterday evening. All because we have had so much rain that it's making the grass grow extremely fast. I guess I shouldn't complain because there are some of you out there that haven't gotten any rain.

Well, Hubster gave me the option to mow with the riding mower or weed eat. Normally, I wouldn't hesitate to mow. I enjoy riding the mower and the tractor. I am woman, hear me roar.

But, Hubster is a little particular with the way the grass is mowed. Especially if it is connected to our house. It all has to look uniform and such. I just hop on the mower and drive and mow. I see a cricket in the grass and it sees me and we have races as to who can reach a certain part of the yard the quickest.

Or I forget which row I'm on and start a new crooked row. Usually though, the kids end up calling me and I get distracted and somehow end up scalping the grass. Hubster doesn't like that.

We have a pretty big front yard. You can see part of it here.
The only thing I don't like when mowing this yard, is that it is on a hill. I always feel as if I'm going to fall off the mower.

See Hubster's fine lined rows? He mows with precision while I mow with -well, unprecision.

His rows all have to be equal distance apart and the same number of grass on each row. My rows just end up partly scalped and with grass still standing tall where I forgot to mow.

So I chose to weed eat instead. My only problem was that our weed eater had died. The battery had died and I had to recharge it. I went next door to my neighbors to borrow hers. They have a nice one. It's big, long and heavy.

So I weed eated around the trees, around the mailbox and such. I got this crazy whim that I needed to weed eat my neighbors yard because her husband is out of town and it was a little overgrown.

By the time I got up to our house, my arms couldn't take it anymore. I'm a wimp, ok, I get it. Today, my arms are hurting because they are not used to such heavy work. I couldn't even feell them last night.

I guess next time I will just tell Hubster that I'll mow. Even if my lines don't come out perfect.

The cheese stick that wants to be a light saber

2008-08-28T17:43:00.002-05:00

I've been playing catch up today. You know, catch up with the dishes, especially the cups, that seem to multiply throughout the day. Catch up with the laundry that tried to overtake my bed. Catch up with the food that seems to be doing it's own science experiment in my fridge.

AND, I didn't go to the store to buy food for my chihuahua. I'll have to make her a gourmet dinner or something.

I wanted to thank you all for praying for baby Hannah. The last update we got was that they were taking the tubes out and were weaning her off the meds. Please continue to pray for her and her family. She will be there a minimum of two weeks before they let her come home.

But here's a funny story. UB took him a snack to karate. Since he doesn't do karate yet, he thinks he needs to eat while we are there. He took him a healthy little snack today since I haven't gone to the store to buy unhealthy snacks.

Before we went to karate, I had to drop some books off at the library. AB makes the drop for me and then we drive over to the next place.

UB is frantically looking for his cheese stick. Blaming AB for not being able to find it. He's worried that he won't have anything to eat and now he's going to starve. "How can I watch karate and not have a snack mom?" was his question.

We arrive at our destination and I help him look for this cheese stick that needs to be eaten. After about ten minutes, he looks at me innocently and says "Mom, now I remember. I put the cheese stick in the middle of the book to mark the page I was looking at. I think it's at the library".

So right now, there is a lonely little cheese stick stuck in the middle of a Star Wars book, pretending to be a light saber while it fights with Darth Vader.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-08-27T09:05:00.002-05:00