Tag, you are it.....

Since I am clueless as to what to write about this evening, I think it will be a world record that I did this tag the same day it was issued/given/whatever you call it.

Seems like somebody out there (Cheeky) wants to know some random info....so here goes. She keeps me laughing so I will do it....the Tag is that I have to post 6 things about me and of course tag others at the end.

1. I have used an outhouse at the Arctic Circle. I had to trudge through thigh high snow just to get to it. Fun times when the in-laws come to visit us and want to drive to the Arctic Circle. I do have a picture, but I don't have a scanner, and it was before digital. I could take a picture of the picture, but I am really feeling lazy tonight.

2. I could eat frosted mini wheats for breakfast every single day of my life. Here is the part of that is probably TMI......if I eat them past nine o'clock I get the toots....and I can't like toots. My kids already like way too many body function noises.

3. I have never gone on a blind date. I really need to control my environment and that might have sent me over the edge! Good thing I met Mike when I did.

4. Speaking of Mike, I met my husband at a New Year's party when I was cleaning up empties.....I was housesitting for his Colonel at the time. They had two neurotic dogs that needed watching. They got back after Christmas and asked me to stay for a New Year's party. It was all she wrote after that. We were married 11 months and 29 days after that. That was ten years ago next month!

5. My clothes are hung in order of the color wheel, sleeve length...with white on the left and black on the right. .....Pants are short to long by degree of darkness....lightest on the left. I am a firm believer of one shirt out for every shirt in. For example I got the cutest apple green cable pullover yesterday. I have already pulled two shirts out that I didn't wear at all last fall/winter. (PS, I did two because they were right besides each other and I couldn't decide which one to pick.)

6. Keeping with the TAG theme, If I ever win the lottery, this would be on my short list of things I would blow money on first. It's pink, sparkly, and shiny....what is not to love? Husband, don't get any ideas, it is just a wish!!!

Just a brief look into my little world....or madness as I prefer to call it.....

Not a good tagger,.....do it if you haven't done it....sounds like blog pressure when I say it that way...

happy Friday

Thursday 13....number fifteen, things I have never done

Open Letter to my kids:

Kids-

I know I am all about sharing ...but Will, did you have to share your barfing-ick-thing you had last week with Sister?

So, for Part Two.....Livi's preschool teacher called about 30 minutes before I was to pick her up.....second verse same as the first BUT....she barfed in the car.....while strapped in her carseat. In all my big long four years of parenting, I have NEVER had a kid barf in the car...

so in honor of that, I have my Thursday 13 of "I Have NEVER"

I stole this from Kerri's post a while back....

1. I have never had to clean barf off of a carseat.....and can I just say it was a pain getting the cover off so I could wash it!

2. I have never changed a tire.....that is why Roadside Assistance is for!

3. I have never been arrested- I was the good child!

4. I have never been to France.

5. I have never done drugs....oh wait, is alcohol a drug....you all know how I like my wine!

6. I have never sky-dived....way too chicken.

7. I have never been fired from a job.

8. I have never driven a motorcycle.

9. I have never been to the Grand Canyon.

10. I have never see any of the Harry Potter movies or read them.

11. I have never watched a show that requires me to vote....like American Idol.

12. I have never been to Disneyland.

13. I have never worn the same underwear two days in a row....at least I don't think I have!!

ps....the last time I played this, it was a drinking game at a wives' sleepover when the guys were in the field. It was sooooo funny!! This straight-laced Mary Poppins wife of a 2LT admitted she was into porn, liked to be tied up and used handcuffs! Every time I looked at her after that I had to giggle.....who would have thought...

Happy thursday!

Really trying to stay sane here...

When ever I saw this I had to laugh. After a day like today, I really needed to laugh. I don't usually curse but it is very fitting! Okay, after a glass of wine, my tongue might be a tad loose, after several I might drop the f-bomb....but in general, I am too scared Livi will repeat something at school....so it is a good reminder to use G-rated language around here.

Back to my craptastic day.....I seriously should chart my girl-thing because I am a huge bundle of emotions. It has been 380 days since Mike left. You would think I would have a hang of this by now. But lack of sleep has magnified all these emotions.

I am physically exhausted from trying to do it all. Then I get frustrated that not all is going as smoothly as I would like. For instance I get up an hour before the kids normally wake up so I can have myself ready, coffee in hand, and ready to start the day. But this morning Will woke up while I was in the shower. Not a good sign....I was so tired by the time we were ready to walk out the door to go to school.

Five minutes after our warning timer had gone off, not one but two kids had to go to the bathroom. Will is an "I-have-to-take-all-my-clothes-off-from-waist-down" kid. What is it with boys and stripping? Livi said she had to go as well. Since she is barely potty-trained, I dare not let her go if she says she has too! I was not the most positive mom in all of this. Let it even be noted that I might have lost it!

After I finally got Will's clothes, socks (Yes, even the socks have to come off.) and shoes off, he says, "Mommy, why are being so mean?" Oh crap! The floodgates opened.

I had to step back and realize the worst thing that would happen is we would be late. Will's favorite thing to say when things aren't going right is, "Let's start all over okay?" So it was my turn to say, "I am sorry buddy! Let's start all over."

I think the little things are starting to really add up...the stupid woman at AutoZone who laughed at me about the coolant, the morons at Garlyn Shelton Volvo, just all the little things that normally roll off my back..suddenly backed up and I barked at my kid!

I need to remember I have no control over this extension....but I can control how I react to it. One major positive thing is I clean in response to stress. I am guessing that I can't control when the army will send Mike home, but I can control my surroundings. I cleaned out the garage today. A few things that needed to go up to the attic went up there. All the summer stuff is cleaned and put away.

So, I guess all in all, a little cleaning, a little laughter and a sense of humor got me through today. Tomorrow I can only try to have a little more patience and hope that I control how I react to whatever it is that will stress me out tomorrow.

On a side note, I really try not to whine about this...so if you have read this far....thanks!

Just because I need one more laugh....these are from this weekend's visit to the pumpkin patch. See how red his cheeks were...it was in the high 80s. It has been in the 50s this week so far!

Livi would strike a pose and say, "Cheese me!" That my friends, made me laugh!

4 Questions and Answers

I was tagged by Works for Mom .....feel free to consider yourself tagged if you are lacking a post in the near future....

Meme #2 - 4 Questions & Answers

4 jobs you've had:
1- Babysitter
2- Data Entry operator
3- Special Education Teacher
4- Special Education Coordinator

4 movies I could watch over and over
1- Princess Bride
2. Steel Magnolias
3- A Christmas Story
4- When Harry Met Sally

4 tv shoes I watch
1- America's Next Top Model
2- Grey's Anatomy
3- The Bachelor
4- Desperate Housewives

4 places I've lived
1- Lawton, OK
2- Fairbanks, AK
3- Pleasanton, CA
4- Fort Leavenworth, KS

4 favorite foods
1- Pizza
2- Greek pasta salad I make
3- cheese
4- olives

4 favorite colors
1- Crimson
2- Cream
3- black
4- khaki

4 places I'd love to be right now
1- with husband
2- with husband
3- with husband
4- okay if I must say something different....then Lake Austin Spa and Resort

4 names I love but could/would not use for my children
1- after being a teacher, there were few I would use....these were some of the most usual
2- Sir
3- Princess
4- Slade

I found this picture while going through some old files on my computer. It was taken a couple of weeks before Mike left. We were in OH visiting his mom and dad and his sisters. We are down to 57 days.....whew hoo!

fall is in the air.....

This weekend we went to a pumpkin patch. There were all kind of activities....a hay ride, a story time, pumpkin painting. Of course I put the kids in white shirts and jeans. As fun as painting mini pumpkins would have been fun. I just couldn't bring myself to do it. SO being the practical mom that I am, I steered them towards the hay bale maze....Oh yeah...go run around and burn some energy off!

We each picked a pumpkin to take home. I took this one of Will in front of our house. Right after this picture, he pitched the pumpkin like it was an orange shot put. I wonder how long it will take until the insides get all gross after that!

Not sure if you can see it but Livi is holding a little piece of straw. She would pick it up and say, "Hay"...."Hey, Mom, I said hey!" I guess the thing that made it so funny is that Mike does the same thing. We will see those round bales of hay on the side of the road and he does the "hay" every single time!

Overall it was a great weekend. The kids kept busy enough to not get bored. We got the cars washed, even the tires...a job I HATE to do. I cleaned out two bags of stuff from my closet, the office/craft room, and the kitchen. I spent some time organizing some scrapping supplies with the intention that maybe one day I will work on some pages.

The only down side to the weekend....when I was moving my car back into the garage the coolant light came on. Okay, I can do this....I pull out the manual, find out where to check it. Check, oh yeah, it is low.,....There is a little minimum and maximum line....got it, and yes, it is low. The little reservoir clearly says to use the car brand kind. The closest dealer is 30 minutes away ....they are the ones that pi$$ed me off about the wires under the seat. The dealer we bought the car from is about an hour from here. Can you drive 30-45 minutes in your car if the coolant is that low? It is not empty, just low. I called Auto Zone to see if they carry different car types of coolant. The girl just laughed at me. She said it is all the same. She said something about 50/50 , so I asked her if I had to mix it with water or if it came that way? She really got a laugh out of that. By the way, it is already mixed in the container. Nice to know this kind of stuff. <----these are the kind of things that I hate to deal with, this is a 'husband job'.

Hope your weekend went well.....happy Monday y'all.

Friday fill in #9

Janet has a new home for the Friday Fill-In here.




1. October ______________.
2. _________ doesn't/don't scare me!
3. Haunted houses __________.
4. My favorite scary movie is _____________ because _____________.
5. _____________ me.
6. It was a dark and stormy night ________.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _____, tomorrow my plans include _____ and Sunday, I want to _____!

1. October begins my favorite time of year.

2. Spiders doesn't/don't scare me!

3. Haunted houses are a waste of money.

4. My favorite scary movie is Silence of the Lambs because you see something new every time it is on.

5. Oh me, Oh my, I am so glad this week is over.

6. It was a dark and stormy night the night we arrived at my mom's when we moved from Alaska.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to putting my feet up, tomorrow my plans include organizing the office/playroom and Sunday, I want to just veg!
**Since the kids are finally in bed, asleep, I am putting my feet up and enjoying a glass of vino. Cheers! Check out my new scoots! Yes, those are flip flop tan lines...I wear them pretty much all spring and summer....which here is TX is 3/4 of the year!

Happy friday

acorn doughnut holes

acorn doughnut holes, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

Aren't these adorable? Myy neighbor brought them over this afternoon while both kids were taking a nap.

Because Will took a nap this aftern.oon, he is not sleeping now. I would much rather have both kids in bed sleep by 8 than a couple of free hours in the afternoon. Call me crazy, but I need some quiet time in the evening.

back to the acorns.....they are doughnut holes with chocolate frosting, dipped in crushed pecans, with a pretzel for the stems. I ate one. I don't normally eat doughnuts, so my mouth felt like it had a layer of slime in it. Will licked all the chocolate frosting off and spit the nuts back on his plate. I should have taken a picture of that. I can hear him now, "Blog this, Mommy!"

Happy Friday....

Thursday 13....number fifteen.....things I should have on hand for thenext bout of flu

tu trees first week 004, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

1. pedialyte

2. pedialyte pops

3. dry chicken noodle soup mix.

4. saltines

5. ginger ale

6. lots of laundry soap ( I think I did more than ten loads today.)

7. spare mattress pad liner

8. lots of coffee *for me, not the kids*

9. Pumpkin Spice creamer *for above coffee

10. white rice

11. jello *for the kids not for shots*

12. pretty much any bland tasteless food

13. spare pillows - because it is so not worth it to try to wash the icky ones.

The whole barf, bath, load of laundry thing lasted almost 12 hours straight. He is feeling much better now. I am thankful only Will had this.

Dang if Febreeze isn't my new best friend though!

Happy Thursday y'all

pic taken last fall when we had trees that really did change colors.

icky kind of night

week 4 086, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

barf
bath
load of laundry

barf
bath
load of laundry

barf
bath
load of laundry

and just for grins and giggles.....another round of

barf
bath
load of laundry

This was my night from 10PM-5AM.

Really trying to see the positive side of this....I am sure things could be worse. only one Will is sick. Livi already has her three year well baby check this morning. uuhhmm, all that bedding really does look better after being washed....

but on an ick note....don't try to wash pillows. Toss those stinky things and replace.

happy Wednesday y'all.

pic of Will when he felt much better....

The Tonight Show: Ross The Intern at the Texas vs. OU Game

I am having trouble getting the video to load...so click here:

http://www.thelostogle.com/2007/10/15/gay-californian-ou-football-comedy-genius/

Apparently this aired last week, after the OU/Texas game, but I don’t watch Jay Leno since I am never up that late. So I came across this late, on the internet. If you’ve seen it already, complaints can be mailed to whewhoo@oubeattx. It is so funny!!!

favorite lines:

what is better than fb and fried twinkies

I like your hair

This is fulfilling like eight fantasies at once.

When it comes to guys is it better to be a Sooner or a later?

shut up, he talks!

Howdy y'all its big Ross, hey down there, I love your shoes.

This is my breakfast, two Miller lights and a corney dog....welcome to TX

Is it better than fried sex?

Our team lost, but honey, you wanna do it?

ebonics baby, that is what I am talking about

Your RUF/NEK queen, like oh my congratulations


the scream when the NEKs shoot their guns

I saw a movie like this once.

when he mispells OKLAHOMA.....then says, gotta love a fight song that is a showtune!

dinosaurs and muffin celebrations

On Sunday the last thing I wanted to do was to get out and do some fun activity. I really just wanted to veg in my pjs all day. BUT the kids next door told Will about some dinosaur exhibit here in town.....

Dang, my pj-lounging day was blown. Oh well....let's go have some fun.....it was kind of a cheesy little thing. The kids loved it though.

Livi was holding the little silver rail just a bit too tightly.....it knocked over a faux palm tree ....(Can you see where this is going??) which nearly knocked over a dinosaur. I saw it falling, so I kind if hit it to the right so it wouldn't hit it. Kind of freaked her out ...I finally got the palm tree upright, and we made a quick exit!

After naps we made made some pumpkin chocolate chip muffins. Livi needed them for her celebration at school. Here is the link: Pumpkin-Chocolate-Chip-Muffins Of all the things she could have taken, these are what she wanted. We first had these at a bake sale about two years ago. It is one of the many things I love about fall....all that cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin in the air.


During the celebration, the teacher reads a life story, Livi got to walk around the circle to show everyone her picture that described each year of her life. I took the first two pictures from her baby book...so last night at almost ten o'clock, I had to make two more pages. Good thing I use the 7x7 albums!! **Little note: she is always so goofy, trying to make people laugh...but during her walk around the circle, she was so serious!!

The preschool they go to is multi-aged, so Will is in her class. He was on the other side of the circle. I was trying to take a picture of him without him really realizing it. As soon as I picked up the camera, I get this.

No, really, let me take just one picture. Okay, maybe not. Once I put the camera down, he did our secret gesture.....a little thumbs up with a kiss. I was like, you goofy nut!

See that little scrunched up nose?? She not only looks like a mini me, but I do that scrunchy nose thing too when I am really laughing at something. Mike calls it a squirell grin.

Happy Tuesday y'all.

Happy Birthday baby girl

I flip on the laptop as the coffee is brewing first thing every morning. Husband sent Livi a movie of him singing Happy Birthday. She listened to it several times before she started talking to the screen...."I heard you the first time....Daddy!" I think she must think it is like the video teleconferences we have done.

Anyhow, I asked her what she wanted for breakfast since she was princess for the day. I fully expected her to say pancakes. But she surprised me. She wanted strawberries and bananas with yogurt. Normally she gets to pick just one fruit, so she really thought she was getting all kinds of special treatment since she could pick two. Whew hoo, easy breakfast!

We had the party mid morning....I love that time for a party. Order some cheap pizza, serve some cake...all done. I decided against doing a craft and went for the pinata. I found a princess one at Hobby Lobby. It was even one with the pull string ones...no wild kids swinging a stick around here! The kids lined up smallest to biggest.....sadly enough the second kid pulled the right string. Here is Livi examining her loot. ***Note the cute pink boots! She looked adorable in pink boots, with a little corduroy skirt, and a top with pink and green flowers. We had to stick with the color theme.***

I hope your birthday wish comes true, baby girl. Later that night while we were doing our bed time routine, she said, "Mommy, can I tell you my wish? " If you want to, baby girl. "I really want Daddy to come home." I know, baby girl, so do I. Only 66 more days. By now, I am really trying not to cry in front of her. Then she kind of groaned and said, "But Mommy, I only know how to count to 20!"

Like all great divas, there had to be an outfit change......just kidding. After the party, they were playing in the ice, and she got soaked.

All in all, it was a great party. Princess cupcakes, princess and crown cookies, great friends, what more can a three year old princess want? Except her daddy....hurry home, husband!

Friday fill in #8

If you play, please link back to me and leave me a comment letting me know you played, so I can come visit! I get this from janet at Fond of Snape.

1. Once upon a time there was a girl, she married a boy and popped out two kids in two years.

2. Crying, screaming and whining is how I started my day.....the kids, not me.....though I did feel like doing all that as well.

3. I think I would like the smell of white tea and ginger.

4. Way down south, the little girls wear big bows made to match outfits.

5. The battery to my Keys remote fell out today; so the locks wouldn't open. (When I opened it with the key, the alarm went off.....loudly, in the parking lot to the bakery!!

being crazy for dad, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

6. Have you seen the kids being crazy for Dad lately? They're so goofy! Will looks like he is mastering the "white man's overbite" along with his Billy Crystal moves. Livi is going to give Gene Simmons a run for his money with that tongue of hers!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to the kids going to bed, tomorrow my plans include Livi's birthday party and Sunday, I want to take the kids to the dinosaur exhibit visiting a museum here!

Happy Friday!

1. Once upon a time ______________.
2. _________ screaming and _______________.
3. __________ white tea and ginger.
4. Way down _____________.
5. Keys _______; locks _______
6. Have you seen ________? They're so _______!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _____, tomorrow my plans include _____ and Sunday, I want to _____!

Just a sneak peak into the princess party happening tomorrow...

Calendar central

Calendar central, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

I have fallen off the wagon of being so organized. Since I think I am all that and a box of chocolates, I was brought down a peg or two recently about birthdays. My poor little nephew turned one and I didn't even realize it. For some reason his birthday didn't make it onto my calendar. So I thought I would give myself a little refresher in calendar know how. This is the calendar I use. To get an idea of how big it is, it is just about two inches from the top of my fridge and that is the counter just at the bottom of the pic.

I have my routines down, the kids and I are getting through this deployment. Being a pseudo single parent has been the hardest thing I have ever done. I called my sister-in-law and explained that I get a bye this year. She can hold me accountable next year....but I am playing this "deployment card" for all its worth.

I color code my entries....school stuff for both kids is in the same color as their school shirts, Livi's stuff is in purple, Will's in green. I do pencil in "me" time....whether it be just a quick cup of coffee, a pedicure, or lunch with a girlfriend. I guess since I blew it for quite a few birthdays this year, I can start over fresh in January. I have already received my 2008 calendar....those missed birthdays are going to be highlighted! Happy Friday, y'all.....

Straight from the Flylady website:

http://www.flylady.net/index.asp

Family Events: Take the time to sit down and fill in birthdays and general information that is consistent for your family; this will save you from ever forgetting a birthday or anniversary again! This is where you look at your calendar on desk day to see if there any cards or packages that you need to buy and or mail.

Schedules: When you receive a schedule of events from anything that a family member participates in FILL IT IN ON YOUR CALENDAR IMMEDIATELY!! Examples are : school calendars, sports schedules, boy scouts, dance classes, church schedules, etc. When you get them write them down! Don't leave those schedules in a hotspot or the car! If you absolutely can't write them down that minute than take a paper clip and clip it to your calendar or put it in the pocket of your calendar to pull out and enter the information on the calendar when desk day comes around. This will allow you to know what events you can and cannot attend because you will be able to see if you have a schedule issue.

Invitations: When you receive an invitation in the mail DON'T throw it in a hotspot or a pile of mail. First ask yourself if you want to go to the event, if you do than go to your calendar and see if the date is a good one for you or the person that has been invited. If you have looked at your calendar and know that you can attend, you write it down immediately! If the invitation requires an RSVP than take care of that right away. (By the way if you don't want to go to the event or it is something that doesn't work into your schedule then RSVP if required or throw the invitation away!)

Appointments: When you schedule an appointment for Doctors, dentists, barbers, whatever, look at your calendar FIRST! Then after you have scheduled them WRITE the appointment down so that you will not schedule yourself into a conflict. When you are using a basic weekly you will have a day that is more convenient for running around. Try to set up most of your appointments on your errand day, you can make this decision.

Thursday 13.......#14 ......thirteen names meme

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car), Rascal Volvo




2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie), Cappucciano Chunky Chocolate Chocolate Chip




3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name), T-ADA




4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal), Red Koala




5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born), Lee Lawton




6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first), AdaTo




7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink), The Crimson Wine




8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers), Nathaniel Woodrow




9. STRIPPER NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy), MV3 Kisses




10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ), Jean Woodrow




11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter), Taylor Tallahassee




12. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower). Autumn Tulip




13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”) Strawberry Bermuday

****okay, there are a few more...consider them a bonus...kind of like extra credit since I skipped a few weeks****


14. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree), Coffee Willow




15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”), The Scrapbook Rain Tour


lip smackin' good, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

I included this pic of Livi from a princess party she went to this summer just because it is against my personal blog policy to post without pics.

Btw, I am completely finished with her "birthday to do" thursday 13 list from last week. Whoo Hoo!! Her party is Saturday and all is done!

my blue eyed boy and a silly question

my blue eyed boy, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

After the three day weekend, the kids were ready to go to school. No poking and prodding to get them moving along. Both kids were lined up, lunch boxes in hand, waiting for me to grab my coffee.

Speaking of coffee, if you like flavored creamer, International Delight has a Pumpkin Spice flavor that is to die for!! So I was making a to go mug of my spicy little delight.

We finally get out to the car, get the kids strapped in and Will says, "Let's see what this baby can do!"

Uugghh, what did my little four year old just say?? Least he forget I drive a cool mom wagon mobile....not some monster truck. Did he sneak out and go to some racetrack this weekend?? I mean we are in Texas. We see these mongo trucks with wheels as big as a small house. Here he is talking to me like he needs to strap on some extra gear while in an off-road monster truck.

I swirled my head around and just cracked up laughing. I asked him where he heard that.....he said oh so nonchalantly, "At school! It's my new favorite book"

Nice....the foofoo preschool we are sending, not one but both of the kids too is teaching them this. I could only begin to wonder what kind of Texas etiquette they were teaching....Is there such a thing as a redneck curriculum?? Do you get to learn how to eat pork rinds and burp as well?? Is this one of the after school classes I forgot to check off that we didn't want them to do??

Once we got to school I asked one of the teachers what book is "let's see what this baby can do!" is in......who knew? It is The School Bus Driver from the Black Lagoon.

Oh yeah, no redneck curriculum.....just a silly Scholastic book.

So how was your Tuesday??

Do you see what I see?

Do you see what I see?, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

Whew hoo!! My desk is cleaned off. Since it is in the office/playroom, a room that is closed off with French doors, it became a dumping ground. Anything that didn't have a home or I didn't have time to get to, ended up just thrown on it. So today is my House Blessing day.....I do ten minutes each of these chores: dusting, Swiffering, Swiffer mom the tiled areas, vacuuming, change the sheets, purge magazines. I would do one House Blessing and then spend fifteen minutes on my desk. I shredded alot of stuff, filed some stuff, and finally put things away.

Now how long will it stay this way??

If you click on the picture it will take you to Flickr to see the notes.

Happy Monday, y'all.

Hurry home Husband.....

With a pit in my stomach, I started to write this post. I poured myself a glass of vino and was boohooing. For some reason Nickelback's song "Far Away" popped into my mind....Keep in mind it is almost 10:30PM here. I'll skip the details but the kids (and myself included) took a late nap until almost 5PM. So now finally at 10ish the kids are in bed, the kitchen is cleaned, my evening routine checklist is checked off....and I get all mopey.

I started thinking back. October 8 is the day I drove Mike to post to drop him off. One year ago tonight (well really Monday night but you get the idea.) We only have about 70 days or so to go. While I was searching YouTube for this song, the phone rings.

My first thought was "Who in the he!! is calling this late?" Since most of my street is deployed I assumed it was a neighbor needing something. I kid about my only goal through this deployment is to make it through without going to the emergency room. I guess the epitome of the worst is waiting in a tiny waiting room with two preschool age children.....anyway where was I??

Oh yeah, the phone, by the time I sprint to the kitchen and look at the caller ID...I was shocked!!! It was Mike. He NEVER calls this late. He usually calls first thing in the morning or the afternoon so he can talk to the kids. I quickly do the math and figure out it is 7:30 in the morning there. He must have had to go in early. Whew hoo!! I get fifteen minutes of uninterrupted time to just talk. I tried not to get all sappy. So how is that for timing?? Kind of like some magic karma reaching across all the times zones.....did he somehow know I was really needing him??? Makes me get chill bumps just thinking about it!

Indeed it has been way too long...I know I can do this, many other wives before me have. I have found through this deployment, I am a much better wife, mom, and person with Mike than I am without him. I love you husband, hurry home!

Anyway, here are the words to this Nickelback song:

This time,

This place

Misused,

Mistakes

Too long,

Too late

Who was I to make you wait

Just one chance

Just one breath

Just in case there's just one left

Cause you know, you know, you know

That I love you

I have loved you all along

And I miss you

Been far away for far too long

I keep dreaming you'll be with me and you'll never go

Stop breathing if I don't see you anymore

On my knees,

I'll askLast chance for one last dance

ause with you, I'd withstand

All of hell to hold your hand

I'd give it all I'd give for us

Give anything but I won't give up

Cause you know, you know, you know

That I love you

I have loved you all along

And I miss you

Been far away for far too long

I keep dreaming you'll be with me and you'll never go

Stop breathing if I don't see you anymore

So far away

Been far away for far too long

So far away

Been far away for far too long

But you know, you know, you know

I wantedI wanted you to stay

Cause I needed

I need to hear you say

That I love you

I have loved you all along

And I forgive you

For being away for far too long

So keep breathing

Cause I'm not leaving

Hold on to me and never let me go

Boomer Sooner - The Pride of Oklahoma (OU Oklahoma Sooners)

Boomer Sooner!!

Being Sooner born and Sooner bred...sometimes it is hard to admit I live in Texas.....not much longer though. So glad we won today. The neighbors are hard to be around when we lose!

happy Saturday

Friday fill in #7

If you play, please link back to me and leave me a comment letting me know you played, so I can come visit! I get this from janet


Questions this week are courtesy of Amy; thanks Amy!!!


1. If I were a tree I would be_____ because_____

2. If I were a bird I would fly over __________

3. If I were a book I hope I would be ________

4. If I were a car _______________________.

5. If I could get rid of one piece of technology it would definitely be ______ because______.

6. If I could get rid of one bad habit at a snap of the fingers it would be _______________7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _____, tomorrow my plans include _____ and Sunday, I want to _____!







Tonight we did our pizza Friday with the neighbors.....the babies are in bed....all is quiet in the house except Grey's Anatomy that is DVR'd from yesterday....all is well.



1. If I were a tree I would be a Japanese Maple because I love the way they change colors during the seasons.
2. If I were a bird I would fly over the plains of the Midwest.
3. If I were a book I hope I would be a cookbook of yummy comfort food.
4. If I were a car I would be my fun mom-mobile....a cross-country Volvo....a limited edition of only 500 made.
5. If I could get rid of one piece of technology it would definitely be those ear pieces for cell phones.....
6. If I could get rid of one bad habit at a snap of the fingers it would be eating after the kids go to bed.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to an adult beverage once the babies are in bed, tomorrow my plans include playing with the kids and Sunday, I want to sleep in! One day it will happen.....I know...it will!



just because it is against my nature to post without pics....here is a flower I took the day we took pics at the park.......

Whew hoo!! Kickball is over

Whew hoo!! Is it bad that I feel this way? Who knew kickball for three and four year old's was so demanding? We are finally done with kickball. Last night we played a game, then had a pizza party for the kids to get their medals. We actually went to the same park we took the duck pond pictures at.
Will was so proud of his 'golden medal'. He wore it so proudly. He even wanted to sleep with it. I had to draw the line on that one. I can hear my mom's voice in the back of my head , "You're going to strangle yourself." Now, I don't know if she ever said that to me..but it sounds like something a mom would say!

Finally, Livi had to get some 'cheese' action in as well.....

Happy Friday y'all!

Thursday 13....number fourteen.....things I have do for Livi's party

Thirteen things I need to do for her party next weekend......

1. Order cake....princess theme please, she says so commandingly.


2. Print out chart for thank you notes.



3. But cute thank you notes I saw at Target.

4. Assemble these invitations...these have a little sparkly jewels that go on the crown, piece of tulle for a skirt, and a ribbon at the waist.


5. Get helium tank for balloon to tie on favors.


6. Assemble favors.


7. Order cookies from wedding cookie.com ...she did Will's dinosaur cookies.



8. Decide if I am going to do a craft activity.


9. Buy yards and yards of tulle for entryway.


10. Buy paper lanterns in pink and green.

11. Buy plastic ware and paper goods.

12. Buy ice cream and pick up cake day of party.

13. Decide on outfit for birthday girl....do I go pink and green to match decor or let her wear whatever she wants!

I think I can get most of this done over the next week. I can't believe my baby is going to be three!



This is what she wore when we delivered Muffin Monday muffins this week...Who knew unicorns were alive and well in Texas.

Visit to the duckpond

After I pick the kids up from school, we head straight home for naps/quiet time. 90% of the time Livi needs a nap after being at school all morning. Well, after a fairly hectic morning (apparently some kid lost two teeth after bumping into a table)....so the adrenalin was running high. After an hour or so I realized no one was going to nap. It seemed fairly cool .....how sad is it that I am say saying high 80's is cool?? So, we loaded up and headed over to the duck pond.

We got there and noticed no ducks anywhere. The kids were quite bummed, so we started walking along the jogging path to the other side of the pond. After getting quite scared by some mongo earth moving equipment, we made it to the other side. Whew hoo.....ducks. We only saw about three. But as soon as the kids started tossing old hamburger buns at them about 8 more materialized.

Livi was fine with them while they were in the water. Once they came onto land she kind of freaked out. We were by a little bench, so she just stood on there. We stayed for a bit until their cheeks started getting rosy. I guess it wasn't as cool as I thought. I had to use this picture to show Mike how long Livi's hair is. When he left, she was sporting a mullet, so I had it cut into an ear length bob. It is still super fine at the top, just enough to put up in a little piggy for her bows.

I just noticed this picture looks like Will is shirtless....he's not. I totally love shots from behind. It always reminds me of that Dr. Seuss book "Oh, the Places You Will Go". Right after I took this, he said, "Come on, you two slow pokes."

As we were walking back to the car, we came across this gazebo. I told them they could have a M&M if they would let me take a few more pictures. I got a few that looked like "mom, put us out of our misery....let me go play now." So I said the all-time favorite word that is guaranteed a laugh and big smile....."UNDERPANTS"... it worked.....Great job guys....I think I have a Christmas photo now.

reflection award

After thinking about this award for almost a month from Natalie of Tulip Mom....I finally got around to it.

I don't remember when I started reading her blog. I think it was back in the summer. She has a son with Asperger's. She is also pregnant again after many tries. I love her little letters she writes to Sweet Boy. So thanks, I do appreciate this award (even if it took me almost a month to bestow it on a few more bloggers.)

Anyway, according to the rules,

This award should make you reflect on five bloggers who have been an encouragement, a source of love, impacted you in some way...

I am grateful for the following 5 bloggers who encourage and inspire me:




Libby -- from A Study of Schoolbooks and Shoes....Libby's is another one of my favorite blogs. I am way impressed with her cooking skills amongst other things. We tried her banana bread and it was to die for! Sometimes banana bread can be dense, but hers was fluffy almost!

Lisa-- from Fleur de Lisa -- She has an amazing eye for photography. The pictures she captures on a daily basis inspire me to play around more with my new camera.



Works for Mom from What Works for Us-- I think I found her blog during a Thursday 13 post. She has a great attitude...Go help her decide what to do with her mom jeans...I was seriously cracking up about that one.

Carrieb -- from Blah, blah, blog....She throws amazing parties, does amazing scrapbook projects, and is all around fun.

Lisagh - from Grosgrain Garage- Lisagh first started reading my blog some time back. I quickly became a fan and friend. She shows many sides to herself. The fun zanny side you can imagine going out and having a fun time with...to the serious side during a break up. Her honesty is amazing.

When I started this blog, it was to keep in touch with Mike and family far away. But what I have found is so many great bloggers. I do enjoy my time in the evenings once the house is picked up and the kids are in bed....I can sit down with a few friends and get a few laughs. Some days those laughs go far when I am feeling all sappy.

I have another award....The Egel Nest Blog Award to give out as well. So start pimping....just kidding, I'll get to that one some time this week.

Weekend recap

We had a busy weekend of just hanging around here. I got all of the Halloween stuff out of the attic. We put a few decorations out. The kids had fun trying on their way--too-small costumes from last year. Will walked around with these glow in the dark teeth trying to scare both me and Livi. He kept saying, "I fink I need to go to da dentist." Then cracking up. His sense of humor is so cute. He reminds me of his dad so much.

Key words there: way-too-small......so that got me thinking. I wonder how many clothes in their closets are way too small. You know how I love to clean. I told Will that he could have an M&M for every pants he tried on for me. I am so not above a bribe. I was able to clear out two kitchen sized garbage bags of things from last year. I always keep a Rubbermaid tote in the bottom of their closet for clothes that I find on sale that I know they will wear eventually....jeans the next size up, shirts for school, etc. I hung up all his 4T clothes, took inventory of what I needed to fill in.

It felt so good to get all of that done. So....I headed to Livi's room to do the same. I was shocked to learn she is wearing a 3T and some 4T in certain brands. She turns three in two weeks, but she has always been on the petite side. To put things in perspective, when Mike left almost a year ago exactly she was wearing 18-24 month clothes!!! I can't wait to see how much she as grown at her three year checkup. I bagged two bags of stuff from her closet as well.

I didn't hang up her fall/winter clothes where she could see them.. She has these little areas in her closet that are tucked behind the wall of her closet, so I hung them there. It is still in the low 90s here....we won't be needing these for a month or so. I feel like I am trying to make Fall hurry up and get here....we are ready when it goes come.

That shirt is one that is in the too small bag. Her little daisy headband is a sticker! They were playing in these tunnels with the grandparents.....she is such a little diva.

Happy Sunday, y'all

Retail therapy......gotta love it

I was feeling just a bit weepy today......In just a few short days I will celebrate an anniversary I could care less about.....365 days ago, my best friend loaded up a few duffel bags into my cool mom mobile, kissed the kids goodnight just like every other night. But then I dropped him off at a gym on post in the middle of the night under the stars. .....I didn't linger like some wives. I just couldn't. I gave him a hug and a kiss and said goodbye. Not knowing if I would ever see him again.

I dropped his parents off at the airport today. I don't know if it set off a flow of emotions, but I was strung as high as a kite all day.

So when my neighbor called about a jewelry and candle party I was all over it! When we lived in KS, a military wife made these super fun necklaces. I started with the basic black, brown, turquoise....you can mix and match these on different necklaces. So now I at the point of getting just some fun ones. Anyone who knows me in real life knows I am a black, khaki, white and denim sort of girl....throw in a slash of color and that is me.

Since so many wives have moved down here, they both have 'consultants' here.....AND they have parties!!!

This was the perfect retail therapy for me....I ended up with a necklace. It is kind of a coral red color. I wear this color a lot in the fall. It is on a thin brown leather cord. I have a black cord if I need to mix it up. Whew hoo, call me a wild child!

I also got this bracelet. Kind of a fun little colorful number....you might even consider it a happy little bracelet....hopefully I will improve my mood when I wear it.

I got a few candles from the Candle Queen. Flavors like Juicy Grapefruit, Red Hot Mama, Pumpkin Spice, and Mulled Cider. I absolutely love spicy warm fall flavors. I really wanted one called Angel Wings, despite the fruity name I thought it would smell like roses or something. But it smelled like a cabin in the winter with warm spicy scents of cardamon and nutmeg...just up my alley....but after my deal of buy three get one half off, I couldn't justify getting any more....

even if it was for some much needed retail therapy!