11 years ago today....

I married my best friend. Funny thing, we had only known each other 7 months (there are a lot of other funny things about the whole gettin' together thing, but we don't need to get into that....). Anyways...we didn't waste any time, we knew we were meant to be together. We made all the plans at a small Bed and Breakfast in Salado. Everything went off without a hitch. We didn't really have a honeymoon. Instead, we spent about a week with family and friends doing 'Hill Country' things...floating the river, spending time on the Riverwalk, riding the rides at Fiesta Texas, and of course, Sea World.

It's been a wild ride.... We've learned to lean on each other when we didn't have (or know anyone else), we truly are best friends. I wouldn't trade any of it for anything.

We decided not to do gifts, but Daddy Dearest brought me some really pretty earrings from a little shop next to the place where we were married. So sweet, he was down that way for work and made a detour....

Our evening: We ran a few errands and had dinner at one of my favorite places and then we headed home (Sweet Pea was tired!). That's it...pretty uneventful, but I'll take it. We've said several times, maybe next year, we can go back and spend a night or two where it all began...

Here are a few pictures from our wedding...Enjoy!

DD and his dad

The vows....

Nephews....Stan and Zack. Zack is getting married in January. Check out their engagement pictures. Gorgeous, huh????

One of my favorite pics, every wedding should have bubbles!

Ending with a carriage ride....

PSA

Tomorrow (July 30, 2008), RUN to your nearest Cheesecake Factory. They are having their 30th anniversary and you can get a slice of any cheesecake for $1.50. You cannot find a better deal than that anywhere.... There is a catch, one per customer, dine in only (you cannot get 10 slices to go, dammit!!). The only reason I am aware of this deal is because the Fam and I dined at the new location in Allen tonight. We still decided to partake in the cheesecake, so, NO, I won't be having cheesecake tomorrow. Instead, I will be participating in some beneficial staff development. Please pray that tomorrow is better than my afternoon session was today. The battery on my phone was dead cuz I played with it the entire 3 hours... don't even get me started.
Oh well, anyways, I will be staff developing provided this pain under my ribs is better and my dog's mouth is no longer swollen. If those two things are still prevalent, I will be dealing with them instead...wish me luck

Random Conversations

So, lately, Turkey Butt and I have had some really interesting conversations. We talk about death and dying on a daily basis. I try to reassure him that I plan on being here a long time and it will be ok when it is time for me to go. He's promised me that he's going to live with me forever (suuuuuure ya will). We talk a lot about babies. We waited a looooong time to have Sweet Pea after he was born. He thinks that we had a baby because he wanted us to. That's fine if he wants to believe that. I tell him regularly that there will be no more babies for Mommy and Daddy Dearest. Now, he wants to know what will happen if Sweet Pea asks for a baby when she gets older. I have told him several time that we are not having any more babies ever. He still believes that if Sweet Pea asks, we should oblige...not!
Somewhere, Turkey Butt swears that he saw (on TV or a movie) someone cooking a chicken and a cat. I have NO IDEA where this came from, but now, on a daily basis, he asks me if people eat cats. I tell him, I don't think so, cats would probably not be very tasty. Poor kiddo is worried sick about his kitty. Today, the same conversation starts again...
"Mommy, are you SURE people don't eat kitties"
Me: "Honey, I don't know anyone that eats cats"
TB: "What if someone came to our house and asked if we had a kitty to eat?"
Me: "Honey, I would NEVER let anyone eat your kitty, I promise!"
TB: "Would you call 911 if they tried to eat our kitty?"
Me: "Yes baby, I promise I would."
Where is this coming from?

Done!

I finally finished the last Harry Potter book. I'm only a year behind. You can blame that on Sweet Pea. Anyways, I thought I knew how it was going to end, but I was wrong! I also thought someone spoiled it for me, wrong again! I'm not usually into the whole series when it comes to books, but I LOVED these books. I was always hesitant to start the next one because I knew that I wouldn't get anything else accomplished until I was finished! Now, I'm not quite sure I can hold out until the next movie, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is released in November. I'm a nerd I know! If I were 13 instead of 35, my room would probably be plastered with Harry Potter posters....he is kinda cute in a geeky sort of way.

Enjoying the Silence

Well, it's not actually silence....the tv is on, but I'm not paying attention. It's a good night tonight! Daddy Dearest is playing poker with the boys, Sweet Pea has been in bed since about 7:45 and Turkey Butt made his way to bed about 9:00.... For dinner, I've had a rice krispie treat (or two) and Ben & Jerry's Light Phish Food Ice cream. I've watched all kinds of crap on tv...currently, I'm watching True Life on MTV, after finishing up this informative update, I'll be heading up to bed to catch up on my reading and sleeping. Tomorrow, nothing on the agenda...aaah, I love not having plans!

New Favorite Song

So, both of my children have taken a liking to a new song. It comes on the radio and the head boppin' and singing begin. No, it's not "If You're Happy and You Know It Clap Your Hands", nor is it "The Wheels on the Bus". Nope, not even close. My crazy-strange children love the song "My Medicine" by Snoop Dog. I'm sure I get the gist of the song and it's really not appropriate for my kiddos, but right now, what they don't know won't hurt them! It's kinda funny to see them sing and dance to it.
Anyways, I added it to my new playlist, cuz it is kinda catchy. My favorite line is: 'The more dedicated, the more medicated." So, enjoy some Snoop Dog and ignore the fact that my kids find him more entertaining than Sesame Street!

How to spend your 6th birthday, by Turkey Butt

You should beg your mom and dad to take your to Amazing Jake's (especially if they have a coupon!). While you're there, you should eat lots of pizza. Next, you should ride a space ship to the moon.

After your trip to the moon, you should ask your dad to race some really fast cars for you. I am not quite big enough to drive, so dad was nice enough to help me out!

Mom says she's sorry this is not a better picture!

After racing around the track, it was fun to try rock climbing! I didn't quite make it to the top and the nice guy had to come and rescue me, but I went REALLY high.

I was really tired after mountain climbing, but there was so much more to do! My dad and I took out the bad guys in a game of laser tag. It was pretty awesome!My sister got to spend the day watching me, she was pretty good, though!

After we got home, Mommy put Sweet Pea to bed and Daddy took me to see Journey to the Center of the Earth. It was a great day!

Happy Birthday, Turkey Butt!

Happy Birthday, kiddo! I can't believe you are 6! I remember so well the day you were born. I knew you were the most beautiful baby I had EVER seen.

Now look at you! So grown up! Ready to enter the big, bad world of Kindergarten! It's a privilege to watch you grow and experience life. I have so much fun listening to you reason your way through things! I have to wonder if it's your destiny to be an attorney. You question everything and can always find some loophole in my thinking!

Enjoy your day kiddo! Love ya lots! Mommy

Not what I intended to say

So, I am a little humbled tonight. I came here to post something witty and funny about my addiction to Diet Dr. Pepper and continue to rant about how my kids won't give me a break. I can't do that now. I was browsing through one of my favorite reads and found out that another May 2007 mommy lost her little one. Oh, how my heart stops when I hear these things. I mean, I know that tragedy occurs all the time, but to think someone lost their little one that was the same age as my Sweet Pea, just tears me apart. Then, I was listening to the news and this story came on (much more powerful in video, if I find it, I'll re post it). Wow, so much more to life than my petty little complaints.
I spent the afternoon with one of my favorite friends. I am particularly fond of this friend. We've laughed and cried together and we always have something to dish about! I commented today, that I wished I could have half the patience that she does when dealing with her own children (who can be a handful, too). She just smiled and in her sweet voice replied, "Well, I think to myself, what else have I got to do today?" So, tomorrow, I will strive to be more like my dear friend and have more patience and tolerance with my children. After all, what else have I got to do? Absolutely nothing, but cherish this time and know that it is not to be taken for granted.

so stinking cute....

Pinata Pinafore GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!

check out these adorable outfits.....oh, I long for an inkling of that talent....

We're gonna be rich!

This morning, I received an email from Mr. Reuben Elizabeth, at the Euro-Afro-American-Sweepstakes Lottery. It seems I am a winner....



So after I send this man all of my banking information, ABSA Bank South Africa will deposit £ 2.500, 000, 00 (TWO MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND BRITISH POUNDS STERLING) into my account. I can hardly wait... I guess I should go ahead and submit my resignation since we'll be so wealthy!






First, I need to go remove Sweet Pea from the dog crate...

Lots to say!

I have lots to share, it's been a fun and busy weekend!


Turkey Butt came home late Friday night. Daddy Dearest had been making sure the Wii was working properly for a large portion of the day. He was very thorough in his check and was confident that all aspects were functioning in the proper fashion. It was set up so that we would ask Turkey Butt to turn on the TV for us and 'tah-dah' there was the Wii. It worked wonderfully! First words, "I got a Wii!", then "Well, well, well". It was so darn funny and he was so darn excited. So we spent a couple of hours playing Wii and he was completely exhausted by the time we were finished. Man, I missed him so darn much. He was glad to be home. Turkey Butt was privileged enough to sleep between myself and Daddy Dearest that night (and the next one), so his aunt and uncle could have the bunk beds. Man those two don't realize how lucky they are!!

Saturday, we woke to Memaw setting off the alarm at 7:30. The dog wanted out and Memaw's house doesn't have an alarm. Nothing gets ya up and at 'em like racing down the stairs to shut off your alarm first thing in the morning. From that point on, Wii was on the brain. Turkey Butt was allowed to play for a few minutes until it was time to get ready for the party. Woah, the party! I can honestly say, a good time was had by all! Everyone bowled and ate pizza and played games. I really think it was a success! My friend Christine has one of the cutest kiddos ever and as you can see, she just hates to have her picture taken!


love this kiddo!

check out my shoes, ignore my messy dress ;o)

Sweet Pea toddled all over the place (in her new cute shoes, of course) and had a great time. She wanted to bowl, too! She had pizza and left early with the grandma and aunt and uncle. She was asleep before the rest of us made it home. Her nap lasted almost 3 hours, ya think we wore her out??? Turkey Butt opened his presents when we got home, and man the kiddo made a haul! Movies, games, water gun (story to follow), cars, the kid was in heaven. The night ended early in this household. All the lights were out by 9:30.

Today, the fam left before the kids and I got up. Turkey Butt was a little sad, as he has spent the last week with all of them, but of course he wanted to play Wii and all was well. Daddy Dearest left town AGAIN for the week. He'll be home Thursday and I'm hoping this will be the end of the weeks away for a while. The kiddos and I just hung out today, Sweet Pea took a nap that was almost 3 hours long (poor baby, still trying to catch up). I watched the latest Harry Potter Movie to catch me up so that I can continue reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. They really need to hurry up and get on the movie for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. I really hate waiting and I'm not sure I can make it 'til November. After nap, we headed to my least favorite place, Wal-Mart, for milk. I hate this place because I can never get out of there without spending at least $2o. I went in for ONE thing and that ONE thing cost me $23 & some-odd cents. Damn it!

As much as I have missed having Turkey Butt at home, I have not missed his whining and arguing. He was sitting on the couch next to me playing Wii (of course) and I was tending to Sweet Pea instead of paying attention to him, he needed something instantly and proceeded to tell me "Uhhhh, Mommy, you're making me REALLY angry!" Well, that proceeded to make me really angry and thus his playing Wii ended for the day. Maybe tomorrow when we can have some patience??? We have also put a new rule in place (well, I have, DD isn't here to help enforce it, so we'll hear his thoughts later), TB must play with the dog he HAD to have for at least 20 minutes before he can play Wii or computer for 1 hour. I am the time keeper and when you're almost 6, it's pretty easy for your Mommy Dearest to make 20 minutes turn into 30 and 1 hour turn into 45 minutes. I just get tired of arguing with him, he wanted the dog, but won't take any of the responsibility. Not like I don't have enough crap on my plate that I should have to take time out to play with the dog I said we DID NOT need (can ya tell I'm a little bitter??). Anyways, I like the dog, she's ok and all that, but TB needs to needs to play with her. So, I'll let you know how this plan works!

We ended that day with TB and myself watering the flowers (Sweet Pea crashed at 7:30). TB brought out his new water gun and was entertaining himself, when all of a sudden, he shot me upside the head. I swear he is his father's child and I am paying for his raisin'......

TB and his new water gun
TB took this picture of me!

TB had his weapon and I had mine, the hose. Needless to say a battle followed. I drenched him good, he barely got me. It was pretty cute, he'd hide on the other side of the car and try to shoot over it to get me. We had fun. As you can see, I was clearly the winner, I had a good time making sure he didn't get me...I hate to be wet! He became a little upset when I wouldn't trade with him. He tried to make new rules when his gun was empty, "that's how we play, momma". I don't think so, Homey don't play that~

We are with Wii

Turkey Butt turns 6 next week. We are having his party early (Saturday @ Strikz), we were supposed to be leaving for a little Va-cay next week, but things have changed and it's too late to rescedule the party.
Anyways...back to the point.... Daddy Dearest has wanted a Wii for a VERY long time. We couldn't find one during the Christmas rush, so Turkey Butt got a Nintendo DS instead. He loves his DS, however, DD has continued to convince TB that he should want a Wii. TB agrees. Waaaaaay back in February, DD emails me that he ordered a Wii, I was a little surprised as TB's birthday isn't until July. So, we get the Wii in and hide it in the closet. I can imagine that it's killing DD that the toy is put up and not being used. However, I kept reminding him that I refuse to buy Turkey Butt another present because DD opened this one up early. I am proud of you DD. You stuck to it. The Wii didn't come out until tonight. TB may be coming home early (tomorrow night), so we (ahem, DD) got it out and hooked it up. DD has learned a lot from this amazing machine, the all knowing Wii has calculated his fitness age (not sure that the correct terminology) at 52. As I sit here typing Daddy Dearest is sweating up a storm playing tennis against some other Mii's. The distracting ceiling fan is turned off and he is cracking me up..... Men and their toys! I only hope Turkey Butt loves his Wii half as much as Daddy Dearest.

Oh wait, now he's propositioning me...we should compete....of course he's going to win, he's had tons more practice than myself!

Missin' my Turkey Butt

As nice and easy as it is to only have one child, I'm REALLY starting to miss my oldest. We talk on the phone several times a day and I'm always aware of what's going on, but it's still hard! I am enjoying not having to watch SpongeBob all day and not having to answer how old I am 300 times a day (I change the answer and he doesn't even notice, didn't know Mommy Dearest was 27, huh??). I AM missing the random 'Love you mom', the infectious laugh, the silly smile, the way he makes his sister giggle, and just his presence. Our house is calm, quite, and there is no running and jumping, no sword fighting and hi-yaws. That's not how it's supposed to be. So the countdown is on, he'll be home Saturday morning. Can't wait to see him!

He's pretty darn sweet (for the most part) if I do say so myself!

To all you naysayers & non-believers....

BOOYA! I am done! Woohoo!
The house is cleaned for the cleaners...
The laundry is folded....
Sweet Pea's laundry - put away
Turkey Butt's laundry - put away
Mommy Dearest's laundry - put away
Daddy Dearest - not so lucky, his laundry is nicely folded in a basket on the sofa upstairs (sorry, I can only do so much!)

Anyways, all that's left is to bring the recycle bin around and carry my recycling out to it. So there, it can be done and it's still early yet!
Off for more procrastination.....

Yes, I know

My good friend Lea just pointed out that all the time I have spent on my blog could've been spent cleaning house. Thanks Lea, hadn't thought of that one! Just kiddin', you know I love you, girl!
Anyway, I am well aware that I exhibit avoidance behaviors. See, here I am again and things are not finished around this household. This is just so much more fun and gratifying than housework.

Cleaning for the cleaners....

One of the luxuries we allowed ourselves has now become a necessity. We have someone come in every other week and clean (actually, it's two or three someones). During the school year, I can barely get home to get dinner made and get everyone in bed at a decent time. I honestly DO NOT have time to clean (plus, I hate to do it!). I know Daddy Dearest got tired of my bitching about cleaning and he really doesn't like to help anyway. So, we found someone and have been with cleaning ladies for over a year now. I cannot tell you how good it is to come home to a clean house and I haven't lifted a finger. One might say I'm lazy, I'll agree that when it comes to cleaning and laundry, I have a huge tendency to procrastinate. What can I say? I HATE those two jobs more than anything. You wanna know why? I know that laundry is never completely done, never. I know that in a week, I'll be in the same spot I am now, surrounded by mountains of laundry. Housework is kinda the same way. I know that I'll keep my crap put up, but who's gonna clean up after the kids, the dog, the cat, and the husband (honey,you know you don't always put your shit up)? MOI??? Yep, and thus the vicious cycle continues. By the way, if you have any tips for me, please share...I'll happily take them into consideration.

Anyways, back to the point.... So, Thursdays are cleaning days! Only now comes the sucky part, cleaning for the cleaning lady. Today, I will run around picking up toys, straightening up, putting the laundry away, and trying to get my house clean for the cleaning ladies to come and clean. Not sure what that's about, but it's the way it is. Kinda defeats the purpose, don't you think??

New to this...

So, I really enjoy reading other people's blogs, so I thought it was time that I should start my own. I can't promise to be nearly as witty and funny as some of my favorites, nor do I think you'll leave here learning anything worthwhile. But here it is, my feeble attempt to blog....



So, a little about this week, the oldest (I'll call him Turkey Butt) stayed with the fam in the panhandle for the week. He'll be returning on Saturday. The youngest (Sweet Pea) and I have had multitudes of quality time to ourselves since Daddy Dearest left town for business yesterday. I worried a little bit about TB last night, as he called sobbing that he missed me, and his friends, and his dog, and his cat, and the tadpoles (that's a whole 'nother post) and wanted to come home. I seriously considered packing up SP and heading north. Turns out, he was exhausted and in a much better state of mind this morning! His favorite relatives will be taking him here, so life should be good for a while. Tomorrow, he will head out to Egypt (that's where my sister lives, the middle of freakin' nowhere) to spend a couple of nights with the cousins.



Yesterday, Sweet Pea and I dropped DD off at the airport, then headed out to do some shopping. SP needs shoes, she is walking all over the place and I can't stand the thought of her bare feet being on the floor anywhere outside my house, so off we went. Our first stop was Stride Rite. They measured her feet and said she was a 4 Wide or even extra wide. Poor baby, she's gonna have momma's feet. My feet weren't always this big....two children=two shoes sizes. Anyways, they don't have the cute shoes she NEEDS in her size. So we head over to the Mall . I never knew Clark's made kiddo shoes. Well, they do. DD wasn't too happy when he heard that little shoes are outgrown about every 6 weeks. We ended up with a cute little pink and white pair (which I can't find online) for about $25. Of course, she hates 'em, refuses to walk in them and tries like crazy to get them off her feet. Oh well, such is life...eventually, this too shall pass.



For SP's first birthday, we got her a car, which she loves! Occassionally, she'll turn around and bounce up and down, honking the horn with her cute little hiney. It's the funniest thing ever! She does love her car! The bad news is, we only push her around the house in it. How lazy are we? Tonight, I took SP on a ride OUTSIDE, man she was hottstuff! She just sat and looked at everything. Now that she knows how this works, I'm sure we'll be taking lots more rides outside!






Love this pic, can you tell she loves her car???



Anyways, I've spent darn near an hour (an hour which could have been devoted to reading some trash) working on this...not to bad for my first attempt, eh?? Ending with another cute kiddo pic, enjoy!