Startin' Fires

I'm so happy I could cry.

I'm genuinely so happy this morning I could cry. I first want to start off my giving all glory to God this morning. Last week I went to the doctor for those stinkin' ulcers I get. They were in the back of my throat and since I have the privelage of taking care of babies I just wanted to be sure it wasn't the beginning of strep. Prayerfully it wasn't strep. While I was there I talked to Dr. J about the usual symptoms I've been having about my Chronic Fatigue. It's something I've lived with for almost 5 years that it's just a part of everyday life. He gave me a scrip for the ulcers and a years supply of pain meds and highly recommended my trying Lyrica as a preventative for my pain. He said they prescribe it for Fibro patients and said that if it worked for me it could change my life. Change my life for $2 a day, I was all about trying it. We talked about the risks and side effects and he put me on the lowest dose. He said give it a full week and after 2 weeks if it isn't working we will increase the dose. Well it's been 7 days today.

To preface, I worked all day yesterday, did Gingerbread houses with the kiddos and then stayed out until 11:58 pm shopping with a girlfriend. That's a full day for anyone and ridiculous for me to even consider if I want to at all function the next day. I need at least 8 hrs of sleep and to stay off my feet as much as possible. As if that ever happens. Then, this morning Mark was on a rant about Santa. Oh my gosh, it was the complete opposite conversation I recall having 7 years ago to be exact. Anyway, we discussed it and discussed it so much that Matthew was actually tardy for the 1st time ever with me trying to get out the door. I felt sick, just sick about him being late. So when Mark called to apolojize for the 3rd time I had to interrupt him with the it's okay saying I just can't be upset I feel good today. He actually said how can you feel good after my reaction this morning and I said, well when you feel bad, bad things just add to it but today I feel good.

Tears are swelling up in my eyes. I don't know what this afternoon will bring, I certainly don't know what will happen tomorrow. With all the sadness going around; car accidents, death, divorce, and the list truly goes on and on. So many people I know are hurting, emotionally and financially. But today, I feel good, in fact I feel GREAT. So I want to give Thanks, Thanks to God for Dr. J, Thanks for medicines that heal, Thanks for the ability to pay for the scrip. Thanks for the 1st day in a very long time that I just didn't want to crawl back in bed. Thank you God , my husband, my father, my kids and our Amazing God.

Well, I have to admit I love this time of year. I love cold weather. I love teaching my kids the real reason for Christmas and did I say I love this time of year :) We are still creating traditions as we go but matching pj's is definately one of them. We also started our advent calendar's a couple of days ago. This year Matthew has lego and Abba has My Little Pony. If you haven't ever done these it's the quickest way to get your kids out of bed in the morning. This year the kids also got their own Christmas trees. Have you ever seen so much pink? Believe it or not pink ornaments were actually kinda hard to find. However, Matthew's teal and blue was everywhere I went. Go figure? We also drink lots of hot chocolate and read Christmas books every night at bedtime. Pretty soon we will make our Gingerbread house and I'll get to wrapping those Christmas presents in a couple of days. In the meantime, I'm gonna enjoy all the beautiful Christmas decorations everywhere I go and cram in as much Christmas music in a day as possible. And let's not forget I love checking my mailbox everyday to see your smiling faces on those Christmas cards. Oh and while I'm blabbing, so sorry for the delay in blogging, I know it's been a long time coming.

11 "not-so-big" fish

Well, in an attempt to create some good family time and for Mark to de-stress, I planned a couple hours of fishing for us on Sunday. We had planned to go to dad's lake house but it was alot windy so Boba suggested we fish at one of his friends stocked ponds out in Tuscola. This turned out to be a beautiful piece of peaceful. Oh, I wanted to move in. There was a swing by the pond and with the breeze on this beautiful fall day it was dreamy. Matthew caught all the fish. Even though they were little baby channel cats he didn't care. It's just the fun memory making kind of Sunday that we all needed. Of course, I didn't even attempt to fish. I was busy getting stuck in the knee with hooks and serving snacks. My sweet dad stood there for 1 1/2 and never caught a thing. I guess I take my fishing cue's from him. We even got to see 7 baby kittens in their barn. Some barn, not the kind of barn I grew up with. This one had a hot tub and guest quarters inside. Anyway, thank goodness they were only 3 weeks old or I think that husband of mine would have taken one. He may act tough but he has a soft spot for the cats we already have. Here's hoping your Sunday was as relaxing as ours.

Backward's Day

Well, Abba had Backward's day at school today and got to wear her hair clips and shirt backwards. The kids all looked pretty cute actually. Mrs. L is such a fun teacher. She also brought their class pet to school today "Mitzi - the Guinea Pig" Of course, we will be bringing it home for a weekend visit at some point during the school year. I also thought these pics of Matthew sleeping in his Transformer Tent were pretty cute. Notice the Superman Underoos? Don't you remember Underoos? Well, we are off to our 2nd Wylie Football game. Homecoming - Don't you remember all the mums? It will be fun to tie a few knots and hear all the rustling of ribbons and sounds of bells.

A Texas Good Time

Well, my much anticipated date night with the hubby was tons of fun. Blake and Miranda put on an awesome acoustic show. They were down to earth, funny and they sing just in good in person (if not better). A very talented duo! Aaron Watson also got up and sang a beautiful song he wrote. I love music, it moves my soul, and can change my mood almost instantly. I prefer to wake up to music over coffee actually. Dinner was also delicious and we saw so many people we knew. I think Blake and Miranda may come back and do it again so plan early now to go next year. Thanks to Morgan for watching the kiddos for us. It's great to know they are well taken care of when we actually do get out of the house.

We've been busy....

First of all, I'll start with, YES I got my computer back. It's been in the shop for at least a couple of weeks. It was very, very sick. $275 later I'm back on-line. This new computer was personally rebuilt and manufactured for me with a pretty darn good warranty so let's pray it lasts me another couple of years. It also reminds me of a skating rink with all the lights and chrome. HA. We did go to our first Wylie football game which was loads of fun. I can actually say we are all proud to be Bulldog's. Abba also started school and dance and is doing wonderfully in both. We are working on her reading skills at home and she's doing pretty good. I asked her how to spell mom and she said L-I-N-D-I. :) Funny girl. Now I've got to start entering DITTOS stuff like CRAZY. You'd think since I had it hanging in this office and ready to go for months I wouldn't have waited to the last couple of days but here we go. It's also given me more time to find more stuff. Maybe I'll make enough money to pay for the computer :)

Everybody has been wondering about Marky Mark but we still don't know anything. He will have his Biopsy done on the 22nd so pray it all comes back normal and they can give him a pill as a cure-all. If the pill can't fix it surgery might be in his near future. Also, Matthew has been home with the stomach flu for 3 days. It's ugly. So when you go to the store and they have those wipees to clean off your shopping cart. DO IT.

Still Waiting....

Well, the computer is being repaired. Thanks Unc for letting me borrow his computer at the office this morning. Lots has been going on with us. Abba started school and is doing great. She goes 8:30 to 12:30 everyday. When my computer gets fixed I'll post some supercute pics. I actually feel more relaxed now that the kids are in school. I was feel so rushed to get everything done and now I feel like I'm spending more time with them even though they are in school. Well, I've gotta go meet Erica at the gym. I miss reading your blogs I'll catch up soon.

Computer on the FRITZ

Hey Ya'll, I'm next door on Camille's computer because mine is broken. 1st it was the TV and now the computer. SERIOUSLY? I'm handling it well but I'm missing my connection to the outside world. Hopefully it's fixable. If not, I'll be doing my webbing from the library :) The good news is I've been getting alot of organizing done at the house. I can only imagine what I'll be able to get done once Abba starts school. In the meantime, I'll miss reading your blogs and e-mails so call me. L.

TOP DOG

School Report: Matthew earned "Top Dog" in his class today. Way to go my little man! He earned it because he picked up everyone's trash without being asked. He was so proud and so was his teacher. She let him pick out a sticker and wrote on his weekly report saying how glad she is to have Matthew in her class. :) :) :) I'm all Smiles as you can see. I asked him if someone had earned it yesterday and he said NO. So he was the 1st one to receive it in his class. Keep up the Good Work!

No Tears Here

Matthew's 1st day of Kindergarten was a GREAT success. I'm not usually one to pat myself on the back but I'm so proud of me. Matthew made it to school happily and there were no tears from any of us, even Abba. He was so excited, I'M SO PROUD OF HIM! He already made friends and likes his teacher. He says she's nice and very sweet. Two thumbs up. We even made it through carpool pick-up line without needing anti-anxiety medication. I've heard it can be quite the hair pulling experience picking them up more so than dropping them off. Who Knew? After all the wonderful details we went to Smoothie King for a shake and a cookie. They had that cute cardboard cutout and I just couldn't resist. We were the only ones inside anyway. I didn't know they had a drive thru - did you? Well, after all the excitement I'm exhausted. I may not have cried but all in all it's been an emotional week or two for me on so many other levels and other issues. I'm spent. I want to Thank God for being with me and answering my prayers especially during these past couple of weeks. I feel so deeply blessed.

Meet the Teacher

Well, it all begins... .... We took Matthew to meet his teacher and tour the campus. I'm so proud of him. He now has the knowledge, and confidence to continue his success with school. That mixed with his sweetness is going to be great for him. I'm looking forward to the new and exciting days ahead. And then, we get to start it all over again with Abba next year.

It's a Date!

Well, Blake & Miranda are coming to town and we get to go. I'm so excited. As you all know we don't get out much so a night on the town to hear an acoustic concert of 2 fabulous country stars is gonna be fun, fun, fun. Not only that but our tickets are a donation to the Children's Miracle Network. So it's a win, win, win situation.

If you wanna go too visit www.legendsdovehunt.com Hope to see you there.

Day of Fun-in-the-Sun

I have to admit, we got off to a very s l o w start this morning. Once I finally got motivated I decided to set up the slide. After all I knew it was going to be a hot one and since we have chances of rain for the next 6 out of 7 days ,why not? By the time the rain stops school will start and that will only leave us with Saturday's for some fun watersliding. The kids played from 12:00 to 5:00. Oh my gosh, just watching them wears me out. I'm so grateful that they have each other as playmates.

I am looking forward to the rain and some good sleeping weather. But since we've already been home all this week I'm beginning to get a little cabin fever. I guess momma may need to run some errands when dadda gets home.

Cramming it all in

Well we finished off our trip on day 3 by staying at the hotel swimming in the pool, then ordering in pizza for lunch and finishing it off with a nice nap. Since we are creatures of habit when Mark finished with his training we went back to BIG FISH for dinner and ate the exact same thing. It was delicious both times. Then we stopped by Grapevine Mills for one last shopping spree and of course made our appearance at Bass Pro Shops. After that we headed back to our room and watched KUNG FU PANDA on tv. Yes, how cool is that? Why can't we get movies on PPV that are still in theaters? After a good nights sleep we went to NRH2O where we spent 5 1/2 hours splashing around in their wonderful family friendly waterpark.

It was GREAT to get away but there's no place like home. :)

Day 2 - Goin' with the flow

Well, since we were actually staying in Irving instead of Grapevine this time. I checked with go city kids and found out that their museum was having story time and crafts on thursday morning. We got their early and might I say it was a nice museum. The kids enjoyed their fountains, pool and statues. We then went to story time with about 60 to 75 other kids and did a craft. After that we went shopping. :) I decided to hit the kids favorites first so maybe I could go to some of mine without them saying "When are we going to ________?" After a phonecall to Toys R Us and a not so great map from MapQuest, we finally found it. I like to think I have a good sense of direction but after being on the wrong side of the hwy and then finally turning around I had to jump a curb to get to the actual parking lot, but isn't that what 4 wheel drives for? Shopping? Anyway, their ToysRUs is nothing like our Geoffrey's. Don't we all miss Geoffrey's? I was terribly disappointed but Matthew picked up a few "necessities" and off we went to Build-a-Bear. Abba was tremendously excited and now we've added Sprinkles and her baby Twinkles to our family. By the time that was over I was STARVING so we ate at Chili's in the mall to refuel for some more shopping at Tommy Hilfiger Kids, Gymboree Outlet, OshKosh, and Dallas Dancewear. Unfortunately I didn't get to Carter's or Children's Place because the kids were pooped and I was spent. (if you know what I mean).

Change of Scenery Part 1

Can you believe we actually got out of town? Me either! This was our first night after arriving in the BIG Metroplex. Mark was able to get off work early so we hit the road a couple of hours sooner than we expected. Even though we got a little off track once we were in the big city we still got there during daylight time and made it over to one of our favorite eatin' places in Grapevine, BIG FISH. It was delicious and they have live music on Wednesday's and seeing that we were the next to last customers there for the evening Abba was able to do a little dancing around.

I don't have much to stay for the local hotel we stayed at but thankfully it was right next door to Mark's training center and we did have a pool, breakfast and Bunnies. Yes, right in the middle of the big city were several families of bunnies eating away their way through the flowers in front of the hotel. The kids really enjoyed watching them.

More to come on days 2, 3, & 4

I don't know whether to laugh or cry?

So, as the story goes.... ....Once upon a time.... there was a girl with OCD. Yes it's me. Anyway, I've struggled, everyday I get up and try hard, either to not be the person I was, not walk in the shoes of my example of motherhood, you know the story. But today the unfortunate happened. You see, I'm dog sitting my neighbors dogs and apparently when we leave I say their names back and forth; Dixie, Winnie, Winnie, Dixie just to register in my brain that they are inside and good to go. I used to do it with my dogs before I left for work everyday. You know to keep from having to go back and check, because that's what OCD is: Obsessing, Compusively! It's not an idiosyncrasy, it's a PAIN in the B_ tt!

Back to the story, today as we are leaving the neighbors house, Abba speaks up and says "Winnie, Dixie, Dixie, Winnie". I stopped. I was stunned! What did she just say? No, it couldn't. YES, she did. See, I didn't realize I had said it out loud, I don't even think I realized I was doing it again. Not conciously anyway. No matter how hard I try to be "better" I will still stumble and fall. Sometimes, they will hear me and sometimes they won't. The point is, I can't "cure" this myself. If I really want help, I have to ask through prayer, that I won't have OCD and that I won't corrupt my kids. And don't we all know we can't do that with out some Almighty Power our my side? I know I can't, so let us pray...

Dear Lord, thank you for helping me to laugh at myself in order to cry out for your help. Because, today and everyday I can't do it alone. I need you in all the ways I lack as a mother, friend, and wife. Please help me not to punish myself for failing, but to seek your guidance to become a daughter you would be proud of. Thank you for loving me and never giving up on me. Amen

Little Women

Well, it's late and I'm blogging. I just got home from seeing Little Women at McMurry. It was A M A Z I N G! A group of very, very talented singers (which I'm not). If I could have carried a tune I would have loved to have been on stage with them. I'd seen the movie years ago and didn't even know it was on BROADWAY. Christopher Columbus, who knew? One of my dear friends was the lead "Jo" and it was great to see her shining like a Star. I did run into a few people I know. That's what happens when you live in the same 4 walls your whole life. I guess that would be a good reason to never go anywhere without make-up but I've given up on that. Yes, I had make-up on tonight I just meant all the other times. Forget that, I'd have to buy stock in Lancome. Hey, not a bad idea, stocks are down it's time to BUY, BUY, BUY. ( A little plug for Cary ) Just thought I'd give my review in case you were looking for something to do this weekend or next weekend. Truly for me I love live performance, I guess it's from all those years dancing on stage. Give me a pair of broken in bloch's and I'm good to go. Who am I kidding?

Da Boyz

I guess I'm kidding myself when I say Matthew looks like me. Anyway, Mark got to take Matthew to a birthday party friday night, and it was just the boys. I was happy for Mark to get to see Matthew with his friends and see how he interacts with the kids and for Mark to get some social time with the parents. Over the past 6 years Mark has never taken either of the kids to a b-day party by himself. Of course, most parties are on Saturday and Mark works. He doesn't get the privelage of meeting all of Matthew's friends or their parents so it was good for him to become familiar with the "birthday circuit". Abba and I spent some time outside playing and then she went to bed early. Mark and Matthew didn't get home till after 11 pm. A little late for a 6 year old many would say but they got to watch a movie outside under the stars once it got dark. He had a great time and dadda was exhausted :) It was a campout sleepover party but we discussed it and decided not to let him sleepover. We know that a sleepover is in his near future but friday night wasn't it. Don't faint but I've only been away from Matthew for 5 nights of his life and 4 of those where when I was in the hospital having Abba and when she went back in for Jaundice. And we all know and thank Melissa for taking me to see Depeche Mode for the other one. Good Times. We are obviously a close nit and overly protective family. We know that sleepovers are in his near future so if you ask be prepared for my 50,000 ?'s... Do you have all your medicines, chemicals, knives and scissors stored away securely? Do you have weapons in your home? Are the locked in a safe or loaded under your bed? Do you have smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your home? Do you have a pool? What kind of TV do you watch in front of your kids and are they allowed on the internet? Do you leave your children unattended or unsupervised? Would you be taking them in a vehicle for any reason and do you have proper car seats? Are you more protective of other peoples children or your own?

At what point do people label me as a FREAK? Honestly, I can hear my dad laughing at me now. Lindi, seriously if they are raising/raised their own kids don't you think he would be fine for one night? I guess that's the question? At some point he will move off for college. :)

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes.....

Thanks Whitney for the "info". We went by Target and bought 9 pairs of shoes for $25. Oh Yeah, and Mark thinks he's cheap. We even got HotWheel, Speed Racer, Hello Kitty and Barbie. You better hurry over there before they are all gone. :) As we speak, the kiddos are trying them all on again and seeing how fast they can run in their new shoes.

Party Time

The kiddos had fun at Henry's 4th birthday party. The tumblebus is always a hit and the weather was perfect. It was a Super Cute Alligator Party! Thanks for inviting us. I have to say Maggie has such sweet friends. Everyone is always so nice and relaxed.

Major Milestone

For most of you I'm sure this is NO BIG DEAL, but for me it's HUGE. Matthew can now reach the light switch. For the past couple of months he's been doing the jump and shove action in order to turn it on but now on those cute tippie toes he can reach the light switch. It's just one of those growing up moments that creates more independence. Just something else I don't have to do a dozen times a day - turn on the light. Some of you might say just leave the light on but I'm trying to conserve energy. This milestone is almost twice as nice because he's so sweet he turns the light on for his sister too. What can I say it is the simple things.

This weekend we say Wall-E and it was wonderful! I highly recommend this movie. We also purchased new school backpacks. I decided to go ahead and get what they wanted while it was in stock instead of "shopping around" for the next month. I can't believe it's time for school supplies to be in stores. It seems like summer just started.

Speaking of summer what's your favorite season? I love summer, I love fall, I love winter and I love spring. I'm a season lover. I love the change of everything. I couldn't live in California when it's hot at Christmas. Ick. I love summer flip flops, fall decorations, icey storms and staying inside in the winter and beautiful flowers and green grass in the spring. Today was one of those great summer nights when the kids played with the neighbors in the sand and water until the mosquitos came out. Just about the time I'm sick of the heat it all starts over again with the sound of high school football and marching bands. If I had to pick it would be hard because really I do love the change, but I'd probably pick Winter. I love the winter holidays and the snow and the games we play at the kitchen table while being stuck inside and what about all that delicious food? Stew, beans and cornbread, Pot Roast, and Turkey and Dressing? Seriously!

I'm still working on being more at Peace this year and living in the moment. I still have a list of things to do that continues to grow instead of shrink but I am making progress. AND then I look over and my son can reach the light switch and it just reminds me of what's important.

Our 24 hour trip

This is at the Bed & Breakfast we stayed at
We had our own Chapel in the Woods
We spent the night in the railroad car
The horses came up to have breakfast with us
This is the river at the B & B
Our little Swiming Hole
Matthew
Abba

What are the odds of getting this photo of a wink and sticking his tongue out at me. HA
There are so many of them and they are so friendly you can feel their velvet.
I think he wanted some of my coffee
He definately wanted some of Abba's breakfast

Petting Zoo at Fossil Rim
Wildabeast
I think he wanted to get in the car and come home with us


I have to admit we all had fun on our trip. We crammed ALOT into 24 hours. The 1st night we ate at Soggy Dogs. It's a restaurant actually floating on the lake in Granbury. We also swam, hiked and fed the animals at the B & B.

The next day we enjoyed our tour at fossil rim. The animals were amazing. Afterwards we had a picnic lunch and went swimming in the paluxy river at the state park and spotted lots of dinosaur tracks. We also ate at a local barbecue place.

Needless to say the kids and I took a 2 1/2 hour nap yesterday. I highly recommend this as a mini vacation. It was tons of fun.