Hello

I haven't been on here in a while. Well, I've been checking in on all of you but haven't posted anything of my own. Alot of my friends are on myspace and I check in on them also but chose not to blog and bare my soul there, I save that for all of you.
Christmas went pretty well. I'm not close to my in-laws and just struggle through the occasions where it's an obligation to be in each others company. My dad is not speaking to me, who knows why. That has me down but I have faith I'll get through it. The kids seemed to enjoy Christmas but it was over too quickly. I'm in the process of packing everything up now. I love how clean and un-cluttered the house looks after the holidays.
Tyler is turning 13 in February and has turned into someone I don't even know. He is so moody. He hardly ever talks to us and seems to be angered at the drop of a hat. It's driving me crazy. Please forward any advice my way. I am trying so hard to be the parent that mine were not. I'm sure it was easier for them to ignore us and be absorbed in thier lives but I refuse to be that way. They will never be young again and I plan to be as involved as they'll let me. I guess that's what I'm worried about, that Tyler is shuting me out. Now is the time that you all can tell me not to worry.
I am planning on enjoying New Year's at home with my hubby and kids. We usually go to a friends house but I think I want to bring in the new year in my p.j.'s. Sounds good, right?
Well, I hope you all had a good Christmas!

Car Conversation

Don't you just love those deep conversations you have with your children when you are alone in the car? Well, here is how Ashley's conversation went with me today, while we are driving to Tyler's middle school.

Mom, why do all the black people stare at us?

I don't know all black people.

MOM, I mean the black people here. Why do they stare?

'Cause we're pretty.

I think they hate us.

Some people hate everybody and everything but how could they hate us if they don't know us?

Mom, did you every date a black person?

No, I didn't. I didn't grow up where there were any black people. But Ashley, there is nothing wrong with people different from us. As long as the people you choose to spend time with treat you good, they are worth having around.

Well, I know Carlos and he's Mexican and he's nice.

You should give everybody a chance.

Mom, can we buy some gum? (She got her appliances out today for a 3 month gum chewing vacation.)

Did I handle that okay? Don't you always wonder what they really listen to and what sinks in? Does parenting get easier, less critical? Probably not. That's okay, I love being a parent. Well, gotta go to Tyler's first away football game. We a undefeated so far. Woo Hoo!

We Won!!!

Oh my gosh, I love football. I love it even more that my kid is out there playing. So we won 28 to 0. Pretty impressive, huh. Tyler played offense and defense. He was covered in bruises by the end of the game. I'm sure he'll be really sore today. I am so proud of him. Ashley has soccer tonight but I will miss her game 'cause I'm off to Dallas. Have a great weekend.

Football

Tonight is Tyler's first football game. I am so excited! Oddly enough, I am not worried. I think he will be just fine. He got a bloody nose yesterday during practice and handled it like the man he is becoming. Then when he got home from getting his athletic supporter last night, he put it on over his pajama pants and danced into the kitchen to show me like the kid he still is. I just adore my children! Keep your fingers crossed that I get to post that we won!

The Monthly Visitor

No matter what nickname you give it, the fact is it happens and a lot of times happens too young. Why am I bringing this up? Well, I'll tell ya. My daughter is in 4th grade. The grade where they show "the movie". You remember "the movie" and the little goodie bag that you got afterward? Well, thank goodness they don't give out the goodie bag that you had to hide from boys anymore but they do still show the movie. When Tyler watched his movie (I went with him, whole other blog) I thought he might be too young. He took it well and life went on as usual. Well Ashley didn't wait to ask questions. I'd always kept her out of the bathroom at "that" time just so she wouldn't be alarmed but as soon as she could read the despensers in the public restrooms, questions came up. At first I gave her as little info as possible but last year I went to the gyno for a follow up and Ashley went with me. My doctor asked me how old Ashley was and then proceeded to tell me that she was quite developed for her age and that it was possible for her to start her period in as little as a year. WHAT??? It took a while for me to grasp that but I knew we needed to have the talk soon. I think it might have been a month later when we sat down and went over the basics and over time Ashley has asked more questions as they came up. Okay, now to the point of my story. Today I picked Ashley up at school and as soon as she gets in the car she says, "Guess who started her period today?" I must have had a frightened look on my face because she immediately said, "Oh, not me. I'm supposed to call you when that happens. It was Brittney." I don't know Brittney but she's in Ashley's class. So I asked what happened. The shorter version of the story is that Brittney went to the bathroom, screamed and was found in ther by a group of girls crying. I forgot to mention that Ashley has a male teacher. Anyway, Ashley ended up in the bathroom and seemed to be the only one of the group that could calmly tell her that she had started her period. She told her that her mom had said it would happen to all of them and it was just a part of growing up and then she suggested that Brittney go and talk to a female teacher. Good job Ashley and woo hoo for me too. I can't believe that none of the other girls had had the talk. I am so glad that it wasn't my daughter in the restroom thinking she was going to die. I feel bad for that little girl though. 10 years old and starting your period? Too much responsibility at such a young age. My doctor did tell us you can slow it's coming down by eating totally organic. They don't make organic chicken nuggets so we are totally out of luck! So the moral to my story is... Even though we may not think it is time to dicuss certain things with our kids, if they ask it's time. I may regret that statement as soon as I find out if the girl Tyler likes agreed to "go out with" him or not. He's asking her today.

8 more days

Until what? 'Till I get to go to Dallas and meet my friend for a fun filled weekend. Jeremy and I have been friends for 18 years. We met in high school and even though he moved away, we have stayed extremely close. We are like family. He is flying me down to spend the weekend. He lives in Arkansas but is driving to Dallas. Gosh I hope the weather is nice. I'm not sure what we are going to do except try to catch a rodeo. I am going to miss my family like crazy but I am so excited about time away (from work mostly). I absolutely love my good friends. Jeremy knew I needed to be "taken away" and he is there for me. He has a lot of people in his life that take advantage of his generosity. It was very hard for me to let him "take me on a trip". He's taking care of everything. I just have to show up. I will tell y'all about it when I get back and hopefully have some pics to post.

School's Back in Session

The kids go back to school tomorrow and I must admit, I'm gonna miss our lazy days of summer. It has been so nice to come home to both of the kids ready to tackle whatever the plans may be. Starting Wednesday, Tyler will get home an hour and a half after Ashley. That will be on days of no football practice. For those days, I'm alone with her for three and a half hours. Scary! No, not really. I just feel like she gets more of my time when school is in session and I don't want Tyler to feel less important. However, I am very excited about Tyler playing football. I think he'll do very well and I hope he loves it. I will totally be one of those mom's that wears her kid's name and number on game day. The kids have always been involved in sports but school sports are a little different, he will be representing his school. Of course, he's probably doing it all for the ladies ;) Soccer starts tomorrow night for Ashley. She is a league where she is the youngest on her team. I think it will be a great learning opportunity for her. She just thinks she "stinks". Once she gets out there and kicks someone in the shin, she'll be just fine!! She's getting a little too good at knowing how many fouls she can make without getting kicked off the field. That's my girl :) I'm taking the day off tomorrow to have lunch with the kids since it's only a half day. Oh, and pick up the school supplies that have been added to the list that we've already purchased. Don't you just love school?!

Wordless Wednesday

Ralphie begging. How could you resist?

33 things I love

My 33rd birthday is next week and I'm not sure if I'll be blogging then so I decided to post this now. I saw a list like this in a magazine and thought it was a neat idea. Now, as you read this don't get offended that certain things are not on it. This is not an obligatory list, it's totally selfish. These are things I love that make me feel good, so here it goes.

1. My husband. He is my best friend. I can tell him anything!
2. Tyler. He's happy just being with me and he'll do about anything that I want.
3. Ashley. She is very opinionated (love that) and she is incredibly funny.
4. Our kitty, Ralphie. He's soft and fluffy (don't love the shedding) and has a huge personality.
5. The ocean, especially where the colors are all shades of blue and green.
6. Starbucks - White chocolate mocha is my favorite.
7. Bubble baths
8. A good book
9. Sunrise
10. Sunset
11. Pompeii Purple - my favorite OPI nail color
12. Sephora
13. Full body Swedish massage - newly addicted
14. Being spoiled or pampered
15. Baby animals - cute ones
16. Laughter - as long as it's not hurtful
17. Seeing old people hold hands
18. Good, hot pizza
19. Strawberry Pina Coloda - Cheeseburger in Paradise
20. Cracker Barrell - early on Sunday morning.
21. Savannah, GA - only been there once but loved it!
22. Sweet tea - especially from the above place.
23. Expensive purses - because my hubby thinks I'm worth it.
24. Pictures
25. Falling asleep in the middle of the day just 'cause there is nothing to do.
26. Swimming
27. When I go to the doctor and my blood pressure is down and so is my weight. That means I'm doing something right. At my age that is good.
28. Holding hands with my husband and kids
29. Kissing my husband and kids
30. Hugging almost anyone as long as they don't smell and aren't sweaty.
31. Christmas but even more so the Christmas spirit that makes people more giving and patient.
32. BBQ - chicken, ribs, hamburgers
33. And finally, the 4th of July. I love, love, love the fireworks. I think it's the perfect introduction to my birthday on the 5th.

I've been tagged again

I love reading these on other peoples blogs and love filling them out. Thanks Hap!!!

Five things I was doing 10 years ago
1. My hubby and I decided to move away from our families and closer to work so we moved a whole 25 miles north.

2. I finally talked Chad into having one more child. He had 2 and I had 1 when we got married. He was through with kids and I wanted a little girl. On July 13 we found out we were pregnant with Ashley. We can't imagine life without her.

3. Potty training Tyler.

4. Fighting with the in-laws. Since I was the newest addition to the family everything bad that was happening had to be my fault.

5. We bought a mini van and instantly became sir and mam at the age of 23.

Five snacks I enjoy
1. Popcorn dipped in peanut butter (thanks Hap)
2. Apples (dipped in caramel sauce is an added bonus)
3. Tortilla chips and salsa
4. Combos
5. Carrots and dip

Five songs that I know all the words to
1. Brickhouse
2. Purple Rain
3. The Wedding date soundtrack
4. Fergalicious
5. Don't Cha

Five things I would do if I were a Millionaire
1. Move, I would love to live on the beach
2. Put away money for the kids college
3. Travel, almost everywhere
4. Donate money to my favorite charities
5. Adopt

Five bad habits
1. Eating out
2. Assuming the worst
3. Fashion shows and magazines
4. Caffeine
5. Stressing out

Five things I would never wear again
1. Jellies
2. Tapered jeans
3. Shoulder pads
4. Short shorts
5. Shoes without socks

Five things I like to do
1. Read
2. Laugh
3. Spend time with my husband and kids
4. Go on vacation
5. Watch movies

Five favorite toys
1. Strawberry Shortcake - I sniff them every time I go through the toy isle
2. Easy Bake oven
3. Clue
4. Cabbage Patch kids
5. Pacman

Memphis Rocks!!!

Last weekend I went to Memphis with a bride-to-be, her sister and another friend for an Elvis inspired bachelorette weekend. We had SO much fun. When we arrived in Memphis after the 10 hour drive we decided to go for a quick swim in the hotel pool. As hot as we were, to pool was freezing! We then decided to go ahead and dress up in our matching bachelorette party shirts (I know, how cute!) and head downtown to Beal Street. The drive was a little scary. We had to go through some not so nice neighborhoods to arrive downtown. Beal Street was awesome! There was blues music coming from every bbq restaurant and bar. We went to eat at the Hard Rock Cafe, got a free round from a local then hit the streets to shop. We met some lovely men from Australia that had been in Vietnam and were here visiting the vice president and then decided to tour this great country of ours. They wished our bride well after a long conversation and went on their way. I wanted to go into Coyote Ugly just to say I'd been there. We went, had a great time, did nothing that would jeopardize our marriages ;) and then drove back to the hotel. Enough said about that! The next day we got up earlier than planned because we were so excited about visiting Graceland. We had VIP passes, which meant that we didn't have to wait in line for anything and we got extra tours. I have never been an Elvis "fan". Not that I didn't like him, I just never was that interested. He lived an amazing life. I know he did wrong, but to look at all he accomplished at such a young age and all the public pressure he dealt with. WOW. Graceland was very impressive as were his walls of gold records and trophy room. I could go on and on. I was absolutely in awe. After we left Graceland we went back downtown to go on a "Duck Ride". We got to learn about a lot of Memphis' history. We saw the hotel where Martin Luther King Jr. was shot. Again, wow. I would like to go back to Memphis and see more of their history. My husband would absolutely love all the music and food. After we got back to the hotel, we all crashed. We made record time getting home. It's always nice to come home. I had a great time with the girls and made memories that will last. BUT, I always miss my family and think about what they would like to see when I go away without them.

My friends wedding is this weekend. I wish her all the happiness in the world. I've told her that a good marriage takes work but it is SO worth it.

I'll post some pics from our weekend soon!

Would I like some cheese with that whine? Well, yes I would!

Okay, it's been a long time since I've blogged and instead of family news or inspirational thoughts, I'm going to whine. I'm sick and tired and hungry and hot and and and. I'm sure I could go on but that looks really pathetic. I got sick over the long weekend at our friends annual "Crazy Croquette(sp?)" tournament. I'm going to Memphis this weekend for an Elvis inspired bachelorette party and I would rather not be feeling under the weather. It seems that when I get a cold at this time of year it never goes away. And I'm tired. The kids have ball games every night and tonight Tyler's game will not be over till after 10 p.m. Chad is covering that one. And I'm hungry. I worked SO hard to lose 30 pounds last year and it seems like it just keeps creeping back on. I just can't seem to get in the routine that I was in last year. I took a break over the winter holidays, my bad, but never got back on track. Okay, what else? Oh ya, hot. I refuse to turn the air on until we are all absolutely miserable just so we can enjoy at least a month with low utility bills. Gas prices are killing us since we drive 50 miles everyday for work.

On the brighter side, we have wonderful, healthy kids. Chad and I are still madly in love with one another and our happy home. I'm sorry I complained but I'll do better next time.

I've been tagged

My friend Happi tagged me with a "7 random facts about you" meme. I'm not tagging anyone else since the people's blogs that I read have already been tagged.

1. I used to live in a bus in the woods when I was in the 5th grade. We took baths in a river, used an outhouse and cooked on an open fire. I have no desire to go camping.

2. I LOVE sweet tea!

3. I have my feelings hurt easily but won't tell people when they hurt them.

4. I am addicted to magazines and lip gloss.

5. I have 2 half brothers and 1 half sister. My siblings by my dad live in France and I've never met them.

6. I want to be a better housekeeper, cook, etc.

7. I live for family vacations.

There ya go. Now I really need to get on the vacation/Ashley's birthday post.

2 more days

In two more days we are leaving on vacation! Woo who! We are going to Arkansas to visit my very, very good friend Jeremy. He lives in a historic town way at the bottom of the state. It's so beautiful there and there is nothing that matches southern hospitality. We always have a wonderful time when we visit because Jerm's friends and family have become ours. It's totally relaxing. The kids will ride horses, swim, go 4-wheeling, etc. Anything but watch TV. And while they are entertained with all the country has to offer, Chad and i get to just enjoy being with each other. At the end of our week, we are going to a house he's leased in northern Arkansas that is up in the mountains with a waterfall and private (fishing)pond nearby. That is where we will meet up with my dad. He lives about 4 hours north. I'm SO glad I get a chance to see my dad. He is going to be 65 this year and I always worry that our time together is limited. I probably shouldn't think that way but I do. Ever since my grandparents died, I try to treasure everyone that I love. Okay, this is going the sentimental direction and that was not my plan. Ashley's birthday is next week and I plan to do a tribute but it will not be on her birthday since I plan to leave the computer at home. We are having cake tonight for the fam here. And I still have to pack... What am I doing in blog land? I gotta go. I'll see what you've all been up to when I get back.

Woo Hoo!!

It is 74 degrees outside. I am so excited, although I agree with Lori over at Glass Half Full that this will all be a fond memory when it is snowing on Saturday. I'm going to wash the dogs, open windows, go for a walk and eat at B&K. Yummy! I hope you all enjoy this beautiful weather!!!

Happy Birthday Tyler

Today is Tyler's 12th birthday. I know, I can't believe he's 12 already. All day yesterday I kept thinking about what I was doing twelve years ago. I remember it better than yesterday. I remember what I ate, what I did, when my labor started, etc. My life changed on this day twelve years ago and I wouldn't have it any other way. So, Tyler here are my thoughts on this day.

Tyler, I am so proud of the person that you are becoming. You are nice to people even if they are not nice to you. You are so quick to help anyone in need, whether you know them or not. You are sensitive to people and situations. You have such a big heart and so much love in it. I love your endless faith in all that is good. I hope that you continue to grow with a loving attitude on life. Keep finding the good in situations. Don't ever compromise your beliefs for other people just to fit in. You are a wonderful person. You are a great student (honor roll twice!). There are endless opportunities awaiting you if you continue to try you best. Even though say that I wish you would stop growing up, I am excited for all that you will accomplish. The coming years might be difficult. You will be changing, situations will be changing. One thing that will never change is the love that Chad and I have for you and the fact that we will always be here with support and understanding. You will make bad choices, own up to them, learn from them and move on. Don't let bad things that happen be excuses, instead make them reasons to be better. You will get you feelings hurt, you will lose friends, you will have more crushes that just Stephanie. Stay open to all that is good in life. My wish for you (and Ashley) is that you have a great childhood and that you are a good person. No matter how old you are, you will always be that baby that comforted me as much as I comforted you when we first met. I love you!

Happy Birthday Big Brother

Today is my brother's 35th birthday. I wish we got along better like we did when we were kids but that's not always how life goes. I do love him and wish him the best that life has to offer. So, Happy Birthday, Andy! Love Ya!!!

In memory of Mammaw

I was planning to continue my friends tribute but life has led me to this memorial. Chad's grandma died Monday. She had been very ill for a long time. The family was called in on Friday for final goodbyes. I went as a rep for our part of the family as Chad did not want to see his Grandma in that condition. I'm glad he didn't go. I respect the fact that he wanted to remember her the way she used to be. I hope the rest of his family does too. After the realization that it was her time, her children decided they were not going to let her go alone. They planned out a schedule for the remainder of her time. While this was a wonderful gesture, it wasn't until she was left alone early Monday morning that she passed. The nurse from hospice said that sometimes people want to hang on as long as there is someone with them. They feel like they are letting someone down if they go while they are with them. The funeral is today. It's sad. I feel bad for my husband's family. Just from my experience of my grandparents passing, I know the worst is not over. The days following are hard. Mother's Day will be hard. A year from now might still be hard. Sometimes things like this will tear a family apart. I pray that doesn't happen to this family.

My Friend, Happi

This is my friend, Happi. I decided to dedicate some space to my closest friends and she is the one I've had the longest. We met in our Freshman year at Valparaiso High School. We were both new and luckily got put next to each other in science (or was it health?) and instantly became friends. Her family was fabulous and treated me like we'd known each other forever. They were the normalcy that I needed in my life. I was able to be myself. I fit in. You would have to know a whole lot about my past to understand why this meant so much to me. Anyway, we spent every moment together that we could. I even took dance classes from her mom. It was awesome! During the summer Happi got the chance to perform at an amusement park. She left and I missed her like crazy! I bugged my parents so much that my dad did something totally out of character and bought me a bus ticket to go see her. YIPEE!!! It was the worst bus ride but totally worth it. I sat next to a woman for 17 hours to Pennsylvania that had been on the bus since California. I also had just tried water skiing the day before so I was sore from head to toe. By the way, still can't ski. I was a bit worried that I would be in the way but not so. I hung out and watched the shows until Happi was done working and then we were on our own to do what ever we pleased. Luckily we were (and still are) not the kind of people that would do anything inappropriate, so we stayed out of trouble. We felt so grown up being on our own. I'm sure some of the older kids were looking out for us but they hid it well acting like we didn't exist. We had a great time. After the summer was over we started back to school. I was really looking forward to everything that we were going to do. It didn't happen though. My parents informed me that we were moving. I moved shortly after school started. We stayed as good of friends as we could. We saw each other a few times when I could talk my mom into driving to Valpo. We lost touch now and then but always seemed to find one another again. One of the things that I really appreciate about all of my friends is that we don't have to talk all the time to still be friends. That is true with me and Happi. We can lose touch for years and get in contact with each other and talk about anything. I know she cares about me and my life and I'm sure she knows I feel the same way. Thank you, Happi, for your friendship all these years.

Me Time

Okay, I said I was going to let you all know what I've been doing with my days off. On Friday I cleaned. Not the self realization I was hoping for but I was alone. It is SO much easier to clean when the kids and hubby aren't home. Tyler got out of school early that day and made it home before I had even taken a shower. Hard to admit. I just didn't see the point in getting pretty to clean. My very good friend was up from Arkansas so we went out for drinks that night and just had some great heart to heart talks. He's a mess and needs a boring old homebody to remind him of the simple pleasures in life. (love ya) Saturday I did the whole pampering thing. While the kids slept in I tried out a new sample from Philosophy called Make-up Optional. My face was so smooth and even. Love it. That was about as long as my beauty lasted because I started getting sick that afternoon. I have the worst cold I've had in a long time. I even took today off of work to rest. I haven't called off work in years. So now I have dark circles under my eyes and a red nose. And of course this is the week that the kids have soccer every night. We have double games tonight. I'm ashamed to go out looking like this but the energy it would take to get ready would be all I have for the night. I did take a shower! My next day off is Friday the 26th. If I'm over this cold I plan to scrapbook. Happi gave me a piece of advice. Thanks. Oh, Heather beware of the "old" photo's coming. I did find a few of us. The rest must have been lost in the fire. Sorry! I was really hoping to find some of Happi from Dorney Park. Wish me a speedy recovery!

We Won!!!

Tyler's soccer team one their first game tonight. Yeah!!! They have played so many times and have gotten skunked. I guess they decided tonight was different. It was a great game. I wish you all could have seen it. GO BLUE!!!

Today, on our first official day back to work after the Christmas holiday, we were told that we are going to be working 4 day weeks for at least a month. No, not four 10 hour days but only getting 32 hours a week. Wonderful! That's all I need after the holiday spendfest I always go on. And then after it sunk in, I actually started liking the idea. One day a week, all to myself. The kids are going to be at school and hubby will be at work. I can do whatever I want (as long as it doesn't cost money). Do you remember when we were younger and we would spend all day painting our nails with a face mask on and deep conditioner on our hair, listening to music? Okay, maybe you guys didn't. But what I'm getting at is that we, as adults, rarely ever get to have me time. That is unless you're sick and no-one want to be around you. So, just to let you all know, one day a week I am going to have me time. I probably won't be primping but I do plan to do some things that I enjoy. I've always wanted to scrapbook and actually have quite a few supplies but have never put aside enough time to even get started. So there is one thing on my list. Any suggestions from you that are pro's would be helpful. I also need to go through my clothes and remove anything that makes me look frumpy. Since I've started losing weight, big clothes are comfy but not flattering. I also plan to try and blog more. It's really a great outlet and I love reading what other people have to say even if I don't know them. I'll let you all know what I get accomplised, even if it is just softer hair and a brighter complextion!