Last year, my Giving Thanks post was absolutely poetic! I must have been in an extremely reflective and thanks giving mood. Not so much this year but I am still grateful for mostly the same things I was grateful for in 2008 but some things have changed.......
In addition to last year: I'm grateful to my DH that we were finally able to find a weekend to trade my old cursed Grand Prix for a bright shiny black Dodge Charger. I'm also grateful that my DH decided to keep driving his old Envoy for another year or more so we can only have one car payment. I'm grateful that we finally hired a new underwriter at my company because he's nice and actually talks to me. It makes coming to work a little easier. I'm grateful to Scentsy for providing a little bit of fun money (and some great smells in my house). I'm grateful to my dad for letting me from my job with his company - although I miss the money, I do NOT miss the extra work every night. It's nice to have a little free time now and then. I'm grateful to Pioneer Woman, Cathy Zielske and Karen Russel for providing such great blogs to read when I'm bored at work. I'm grateful that my 13 year old does not think I'm a total dweeb. I'm grateful that we had another year with Asta and hope for another one. I'm grateful for my grandmother's who will both be visiting this holiday season.
Most of all I'm grateful for all my family and friends who keep me going each and every day!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
OMG
This is my dear friends T&K and myself standing in front of Bella's truck from Twilight - yes, the real truck used in the real movie! It was purchased by a girl in the DFW area and she brought it to the premiere of New Moon for a few good photo ops! The three of us and all our girls went to see the 8pm charity premiere of the movie at the Movie Tavern in Bedford. Since I just reread the book, all the details were fresh in my mind and I feared I'd be disappointed (again) by the adaptation. I was not, however, disappointed at all. Sure they left out some things and changed some things, but all in all I thought they did a fabulous job of staying pretty true to the storyline. I wished Bella and Jacob had more time together so people that had not read the book could understand the true struggle within Bella when she chooses Edward over Jacob in the end.
I'm so glad we went and cannot wait til June of 10 when Eclipse comes out. I remember Eclipse being my favorite book when I read all four last year. I'll be reading it again soon to see if that still holds true.
BTW - is it wrong for a 40 year old woman to drool over a 17 year old's chest? Taylor Lautner's six pack is absolutely to DIE for!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Holy Cow
.....I'm a baaaaddddd blogger! Almost an entire month has gone by since my last post and boy has there been a lot packed into that amount of time. Let's see......
1) Scrapbook retreat w/ my dear friends T&K was FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!! It was a small group, a great hotel, an absolute blast and I got over 20 pages done in Ash's book! I cannot begin to express how rejuvenated I felt after that weekend! Sad to say, I have not touched a scrapbook since.
2) Halloween was so busy and so fun. First there was E's party at school and I took the morning off to attend. They are just so darn cute at this age! He loved being Batman and the power that involved! Then there was the Friday night tennis mixer where the kids got to wear their costume, play some tennis, eat some pizza and have some fun. Top that off with the fact that Mommy and Daddy get 2 1/2 hours of date time and you have the recipe for a perfect evening!! Move to Saturday (actual Halloween day) and we had a really full day. Ash and friends had a big 7th grade pre-Trick or Treat party w/ 25 or more of their closest friends. Another family hosted in their front yard and a couple other families (included mine) chipped in w/ decorations, food, drinks, etc. The kids had a blast wrapping each other in toilet paper for the mummy game, stringing up a giant spider web from yarn and eating up the hotdogs, chips and yummy treats. I was proud of the group for staying out of trouble and being safe during TorT time. While they went off in large groups, DH, E and I met my friends T&K and K's little guy X for some trick or treating on my parent's street. The boys wore out quickly so we hung out on my parents driveway w/ some other adults from the neighborhood until Ash and her group came by for treats. Then I headed back to the host party house to help clean up and wait for the kids to return. It was a long but great way to spend Halloween!
3) School volleyball, school tennis and team tennis all came to an end for the time being. That just leaves individual tennis so the first weekend in Nov, we packed up the family and headed to Tyler for the November ZAT tourney. Ash did very well for her first 14s level match play. She beat her first 2 opponents and almost beat the third. She was suffering from the beginnings of a sinus infection so I think she could have gone farther if she'd have felt like herself. We had a fun family weekend though. We went to see "A Christmas Carol" at the movies and stopped on the way home Sunday in Mineola for some great burger and fry action!!
4) I got frustrated w/ my Scentsy business and began questioning whether or not it was worth my time and effort but a few things enlightened me to make the decision to stick with it for now. I had a booth at the country club's annual Holiday shopping event and made a lot of good contacts and sold off some inventory. I attended part of Scentsy's big World Tour when it hit Grapevine last Saturday. I was inspired by the speaker's enthusiasm for the product and renewed my appreciation of what I am offering people by introducing them to Scentsy.
5) I got to spend this past Sat. night w/ my BFF and one of my other favorite Phi's in Oklahoma at Winstar. The three of us had a ball at the casino. It is always nice to have alone time w/ my BFF as it seems our busy lives get in the way alot these days.
6) New Moon opens this week and I'm pumped. I'm rereading the book in preparation of the viewing this Thursday. I have had tickets for Ash and I since about September. I will be seeing it w/ T&K and their girls so needless to say - I'm ready!
7) My grandmother and great aunt are coming for Thanksgiving and I cannot wait to see them. E's bday is around the corner and I'm not ready. Not sure what to do about a party. Not in the mood for something big. Guess I'll have to figure that out soon.
Ok, that sums up things for now.
1) Scrapbook retreat w/ my dear friends T&K was FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!! It was a small group, a great hotel, an absolute blast and I got over 20 pages done in Ash's book! I cannot begin to express how rejuvenated I felt after that weekend! Sad to say, I have not touched a scrapbook since.
2) Halloween was so busy and so fun. First there was E's party at school and I took the morning off to attend. They are just so darn cute at this age! He loved being Batman and the power that involved! Then there was the Friday night tennis mixer where the kids got to wear their costume, play some tennis, eat some pizza and have some fun. Top that off with the fact that Mommy and Daddy get 2 1/2 hours of date time and you have the recipe for a perfect evening!! Move to Saturday (actual Halloween day) and we had a really full day. Ash and friends had a big 7th grade pre-Trick or Treat party w/ 25 or more of their closest friends. Another family hosted in their front yard and a couple other families (included mine) chipped in w/ decorations, food, drinks, etc. The kids had a blast wrapping each other in toilet paper for the mummy game, stringing up a giant spider web from yarn and eating up the hotdogs, chips and yummy treats. I was proud of the group for staying out of trouble and being safe during TorT time. While they went off in large groups, DH, E and I met my friends T&K and K's little guy X for some trick or treating on my parent's street. The boys wore out quickly so we hung out on my parents driveway w/ some other adults from the neighborhood until Ash and her group came by for treats. Then I headed back to the host party house to help clean up and wait for the kids to return. It was a long but great way to spend Halloween!
3) School volleyball, school tennis and team tennis all came to an end for the time being. That just leaves individual tennis so the first weekend in Nov, we packed up the family and headed to Tyler for the November ZAT tourney. Ash did very well for her first 14s level match play. She beat her first 2 opponents and almost beat the third. She was suffering from the beginnings of a sinus infection so I think she could have gone farther if she'd have felt like herself. We had a fun family weekend though. We went to see "A Christmas Carol" at the movies and stopped on the way home Sunday in Mineola for some great burger and fry action!!
4) I got frustrated w/ my Scentsy business and began questioning whether or not it was worth my time and effort but a few things enlightened me to make the decision to stick with it for now. I had a booth at the country club's annual Holiday shopping event and made a lot of good contacts and sold off some inventory. I attended part of Scentsy's big World Tour when it hit Grapevine last Saturday. I was inspired by the speaker's enthusiasm for the product and renewed my appreciation of what I am offering people by introducing them to Scentsy.
5) I got to spend this past Sat. night w/ my BFF and one of my other favorite Phi's in Oklahoma at Winstar. The three of us had a ball at the casino. It is always nice to have alone time w/ my BFF as it seems our busy lives get in the way alot these days.
6) New Moon opens this week and I'm pumped. I'm rereading the book in preparation of the viewing this Thursday. I have had tickets for Ash and I since about September. I will be seeing it w/ T&K and their girls so needless to say - I'm ready!
7) My grandmother and great aunt are coming for Thanksgiving and I cannot wait to see them. E's bday is around the corner and I'm not ready. Not sure what to do about a party. Not in the mood for something big. Guess I'll have to figure that out soon.
Ok, that sums up things for now.
Friday, October 23, 2009
So this morning I get a missed call and I don't recognize the #. Normally, I would not return the call but it was a local number and I was worried it might be the school calling about Ash. So I call and they answer "Southlake Bark & Purr". I said "who?". She repeats "Southlake Bark & Purr", is this Ms. W? Yup, feeling completely confused since I know my dog is safely at work with her daddy today. The girl goes on to explain the reason for her call. It seems my darling husband decided that instead of taking the dog to work while the maids cleaned the house today - he would stop by Bark & Purr and see if they had time to groom her? In Typical C fashion,he left the car running while he went inside. He came out to discover our clever miniature schnauzer had locked the doors! She (and his cell phone) were locked in and he was locked out. When I finally stopped laughing, I managed to call my dad to see if he would stop by my house and pick up the extra key fob and deliver it my hubby on his way to work. Ten minutes later, my father calls to say that he has the fob in hand but now his truck won't start and he's trapped at my house. After getting my brother involved, we discover Dad had locked the steering wheel which meant the key wouldn't turn. Once he walked Dad thru the art of turning your steering wheel to unlock it, he was finally able to deliver the fob to my DH, save my dear puppy from a life inside a car and all were finally able to get to work.
I don't think any of the other parties involved found the whole thing as remotely funny as I did but then I'm off to a girls weekend at a scrapbook retreat so any residual stress from this morning's fiasco cannot possibly touch me in Frisco!! :-) hehehe!
I don't think any of the other parties involved found the whole thing as remotely funny as I did but then I'm off to a girls weekend at a scrapbook retreat so any residual stress from this morning's fiasco cannot possibly touch me in Frisco!! :-) hehehe!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Life Update
Well, my boy headed off to WV with my mother for the annual trip for my grandmother's birthday. GJ turns 87 this Wednesday. Hard to believe. She is the spring chicken of all of my grandparents. My dad's mom turns 90 this December and both of my grandfather's would have been 89 this year. I worry so much about losing GJ. Not just because it would be devastating to lose another grandparent but I worry about the effect the loss will have on my mother and children. My mom and her mother are so very close and my children have had the great fortune of spending a lot of quality time with her in their short lives. E considers his two trips to WV each year and GJ's long visits to TX to be part of his routine. Ash is getting to that age where she is too busy for the annual trips to WV and is rarely around when GJ visits TX. I know from my own personal experience that Ash will be filled with guilt when GJ is gone that she didn't have more time to spend with her. I feel that guilt on a fairly regular basis about the time I missed with all my grandparents and great grandmothers. There is just never enough time......
This post was not intended to wax nostaligc about my grandparents...but oh well. The weekend was so busy. Friday after school, Ash had a tennis lesson followed by tennis drills. My daughter was thrilled the coaches threw in an extra drill this week because she feels tennis is taking a backseat to the rest of her crazy schedule and she'd prefer tennis stay the focus of her life. After tennis, we went to my friend K's house so her daughter and Ash could work on Halloween scrapbooks. K and I did not realize that our daughter's were afraid scrapbooking was not cool so they did not accomplish much. It did give the grown up ladies a chance to chat though so all was not lost.
Saturday consisted of some housekeeping before we had to rush off to Denton for a volleyball tournament. The tournament was running very behind so it turned into a longer day than any of us were prepared for. Our team did not fare very well which made the day seem even longer.
Sunday started off with a trip to Walmart to restock the house of all necessary items (especially toilet paper - we run out of that stuff faster than anything else in the house. Sorry that was probably TMI). After putting up the groceries, Ash and I headed off to Team Tennis. She played a very challenging match against her opponent. Ash won 8-4 but the match was much closer than the score indicates. Her opponent was another Lefty Grinder like Ash. After tennis, it was time for a pedi and brow treatment for both of us. We now have lovely eye brows and the cutest little toes - we both opted for orange polish w/ black spiders on the big toes!! Then it was back home to finish up some homework for her and off to her Catholic Youth class that evening. We actually spent the entire afternoon and evening on red alert because we'd been notified that our dear friend N was in labor and we were wanting to get a chance to go to the hospital to meet Baby Nash that night but he held out for an 8:45 delivery so we are going to go meet him tonight instead!
It was actually a very productive and relaxing weekend even though it sounds hectic. This coming weekend I'm going to a scrapbook retreat so I am on Cloud 9 right now!!
This post was not intended to wax nostaligc about my grandparents...but oh well. The weekend was so busy. Friday after school, Ash had a tennis lesson followed by tennis drills. My daughter was thrilled the coaches threw in an extra drill this week because she feels tennis is taking a backseat to the rest of her crazy schedule and she'd prefer tennis stay the focus of her life. After tennis, we went to my friend K's house so her daughter and Ash could work on Halloween scrapbooks. K and I did not realize that our daughter's were afraid scrapbooking was not cool so they did not accomplish much. It did give the grown up ladies a chance to chat though so all was not lost.
Saturday consisted of some housekeeping before we had to rush off to Denton for a volleyball tournament. The tournament was running very behind so it turned into a longer day than any of us were prepared for. Our team did not fare very well which made the day seem even longer.
Sunday started off with a trip to Walmart to restock the house of all necessary items (especially toilet paper - we run out of that stuff faster than anything else in the house. Sorry that was probably TMI). After putting up the groceries, Ash and I headed off to Team Tennis. She played a very challenging match against her opponent. Ash won 8-4 but the match was much closer than the score indicates. Her opponent was another Lefty Grinder like Ash. After tennis, it was time for a pedi and brow treatment for both of us. We now have lovely eye brows and the cutest little toes - we both opted for orange polish w/ black spiders on the big toes!! Then it was back home to finish up some homework for her and off to her Catholic Youth class that evening. We actually spent the entire afternoon and evening on red alert because we'd been notified that our dear friend N was in labor and we were wanting to get a chance to go to the hospital to meet Baby Nash that night but he held out for an 8:45 delivery so we are going to go meet him tonight instead!
It was actually a very productive and relaxing weekend even though it sounds hectic. This coming weekend I'm going to a scrapbook retreat so I am on Cloud 9 right now!!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Update
Phew.....time is flying by already. Six weeks of school behind us. Somehow Ash managed to get 95 or above in all her classes while playing school volleyball, school tennis, private tennis and wind ensemble clarinet. I barely managed to keep her schedule straight - not sure how she managed to maintain those grades??!! E is really enjoying school lately! He told me yesterday that he loves his school and his teacher and he'd go every day if we'd let him (sorry bud - the school is only open 4 days a week).
Our volleyball team is 4-0 and our tennis team is 3-0. I've really enjoyed going to the games and matches. Ash won 1st place in her first 14's tournament a few weeks ago. It was a small tournament and perfect to get eased into the older age bracket. She also played in the Children Helping Children charity tournament this past weekend. She lost in the semi finals on Sunday after winning 3 great matches on Saturday. The girl that beat her is a freshman in HS and she barely won. Ash fought back in the first set to take it to a tie breaker. It was such great tennis to watch.
Including some pics of our crazy life.
Science Fair Project
14's Girls Singles tourney
My guy at the last volleyball match.
Our volleyball team is 4-0 and our tennis team is 3-0. I've really enjoyed going to the games and matches. Ash won 1st place in her first 14's tournament a few weeks ago. It was a small tournament and perfect to get eased into the older age bracket. She also played in the Children Helping Children charity tournament this past weekend. She lost in the semi finals on Sunday after winning 3 great matches on Saturday. The girl that beat her is a freshman in HS and she barely won. Ash fought back in the first set to take it to a tie breaker. It was such great tennis to watch.
Including some pics of our crazy life.
Science Fair Project
14's Girls Singles tourney
My guy at the last volleyball match.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Great Escape Meme
This is contest entry for those crazy folks at TodaysMama and Cricut. Be sure to check out Cricut's cool new cartridges and the chance at $30,000 in travel for you and your friends at the Great Gypsy Escape site! http://bit.ly/FWcud
Great Escape Meme
1. If you could escape to anywhere in the world where would it be?
That is pretty simple - anywhere with sand and ocean waters!
2. What song do you play when you are by yourself in the car?
Anything really loud that I know most of the words to!!! And it depends on the kind of day I've had - the more stressful the day - the harder the music. Really bad day - Metallica or Shinedown!! Decent day - Pink or Black Eyed Peas
3. If you had a night to yourself, and money was no object, what would you do?
I'd go buy a bunch of scrapbook stuff and more Cricut cartridges and I'd sneak off and crop for hours!!!!
4. What is your guilty pleasure?
Taking photos. I love seeing the final product (especially if it turns out the way I was hoping)
5. What is the farthest place you have traveled away from your home?
Jamaica - 18 years ago this month. Haven't left the US since.
6. Last book that you couldn't put down?
Twilight by Stephanie Meyers
7. When you want to escape into another time, what movie do you watch?
Titanic or Pearl Harbor
8. What is your favorite local escape?
Harkins Theater - love movies but rarely have time to see anything rated above a G.
9. How do you escape on a budget?
Window shopping in the Town Square near our house. I love the stores and look of the entire area.
10. Best food you've ever had while on vacation.
Dinner at Mr. B's Bistro in New Orleans on my husband's birthday this year! The crab bisque was so yummy.
Tagging: Robyn and Kara!
Great Escape Meme
1. If you could escape to anywhere in the world where would it be?
That is pretty simple - anywhere with sand and ocean waters!
2. What song do you play when you are by yourself in the car?
Anything really loud that I know most of the words to!!! And it depends on the kind of day I've had - the more stressful the day - the harder the music. Really bad day - Metallica or Shinedown!! Decent day - Pink or Black Eyed Peas
3. If you had a night to yourself, and money was no object, what would you do?
I'd go buy a bunch of scrapbook stuff and more Cricut cartridges and I'd sneak off and crop for hours!!!!
4. What is your guilty pleasure?
Taking photos. I love seeing the final product (especially if it turns out the way I was hoping)
5. What is the farthest place you have traveled away from your home?
Jamaica - 18 years ago this month. Haven't left the US since.
6. Last book that you couldn't put down?
Twilight by Stephanie Meyers
7. When you want to escape into another time, what movie do you watch?
Titanic or Pearl Harbor
8. What is your favorite local escape?
Harkins Theater - love movies but rarely have time to see anything rated above a G.
9. How do you escape on a budget?
Window shopping in the Town Square near our house. I love the stores and look of the entire area.
10. Best food you've ever had while on vacation.
Dinner at Mr. B's Bistro in New Orleans on my husband's birthday this year! The crab bisque was so yummy.
Tagging: Robyn and Kara!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Today
* Today - things at work are pretty slow. John is on a cruise this week so it is just Scott and I. He's working on a big report which leaves me with alot of quiet downtime. I think I'll go do some scanning when I feel like getting up from this chair.
* Today - it is raining again. Four days in a row. In Texas in the summertime, you crave rain because it is so dry and so hot and the lakes dry up. However, in September it just rains and rains and usually you are ready for dry heat after a couple days of cool rain.
* Today - I'm trying to get a handle on our crazy calendar. Ash has Tennis matches on Monday; Tuesdays - Tennis Practice from 4p-5p and Tennis Drills from 5:30 - 7p; Wednesdays - Band Practice from 4p-5p and Tennis Drills from 5:30 - 7p. Thursdays - Volleyball games from 5p-8:30; Fridays - Clarinet lessons from 4-4:30p and Tennis lesson from 5 - 5:30p. Sundays - Team Tennis 1 - 3p and Youth Group at Church 6:30-8p. That is the set in stone schedule for the next six weeks. Add to that 2 tennis tournaments on the weekends, 2 volleyball tournaments on the weekends, and a school dance this Friday night and you can see why I now keep 3 calendars. One that stays in my car. One that fits in my purse. One that sits on my desk top at work. I find myself referring to them constantly.
* Today - I'm getting my hair highlighted. Time to go darker for those dreary rainy winter months.
* Today - I need to run to the bank and deposit my Scentsy commission check!! I just love adding money to that account - it means I can buy more Scentsy stuff!!
* Today - I'm pleased as punch with myself for completing the finishing touches on the scrapbook pages I started on Saturday. All said and done, my son's book is caught up thru March of this year!! I completed and put page protectors on 26 pages (that is an entire packet of page protectors).
* Today - I'm excited that my son is feeling much better after a nasty bout w/ a sinus infection last week that caused him to miss an entire week of school and not speak for 3 days. I'm also hoping no one else in the house comes down with it as we do not have time for sick in our house.
* Today - I'm wishing I had more time to spend with my friends.
* Today - I'm tired.
* Today - it is raining again. Four days in a row. In Texas in the summertime, you crave rain because it is so dry and so hot and the lakes dry up. However, in September it just rains and rains and usually you are ready for dry heat after a couple days of cool rain.
* Today - I'm trying to get a handle on our crazy calendar. Ash has Tennis matches on Monday; Tuesdays - Tennis Practice from 4p-5p and Tennis Drills from 5:30 - 7p; Wednesdays - Band Practice from 4p-5p and Tennis Drills from 5:30 - 7p. Thursdays - Volleyball games from 5p-8:30; Fridays - Clarinet lessons from 4-4:30p and Tennis lesson from 5 - 5:30p. Sundays - Team Tennis 1 - 3p and Youth Group at Church 6:30-8p. That is the set in stone schedule for the next six weeks. Add to that 2 tennis tournaments on the weekends, 2 volleyball tournaments on the weekends, and a school dance this Friday night and you can see why I now keep 3 calendars. One that stays in my car. One that fits in my purse. One that sits on my desk top at work. I find myself referring to them constantly.
* Today - I'm getting my hair highlighted. Time to go darker for those dreary rainy winter months.
* Today - I need to run to the bank and deposit my Scentsy commission check!! I just love adding money to that account - it means I can buy more Scentsy stuff!!
* Today - I'm pleased as punch with myself for completing the finishing touches on the scrapbook pages I started on Saturday. All said and done, my son's book is caught up thru March of this year!! I completed and put page protectors on 26 pages (that is an entire packet of page protectors).
* Today - I'm excited that my son is feeling much better after a nasty bout w/ a sinus infection last week that caused him to miss an entire week of school and not speak for 3 days. I'm also hoping no one else in the house comes down with it as we do not have time for sick in our house.
* Today - I'm wishing I had more time to spend with my friends.
* Today - I'm tired.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Bummer
Just realized my company has finally blocked access to Facebook. Those scoundrels! I knew it had to catch up eventually. MySpace has always been blocked so this was just a matter of time. I didn't log on daily but it was a nice distraction at times so it will be missed. Goodbye FB, old friend.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Back to School
Since I have not blogged in 12 days, you would dare to assume that I've been a busy woman. While that is partly true, I also have to admit that I've had a few moments of actual quiet relaxation and subtle accomplishment. My desk calendar looks like someone threw up! There is something on it for every single day. However, thanks to a good amount of balancing between DH, my mom and myself - I actually managed to find a few hours on Monday night to sit and watch the first two episodes of Supernatural Season Two. Man, those are two hot demon hunting brothers! Love that show but missed so many episodes on busy Thursday nights that I decided to just buy the seasons as they come out and enjoy them on my own time.
I also found a little time last weekend to create Ash's birthday party invitations (bowling pins) for her 13th bday party at Main Event. Funny that she was excited about having a party there since we had her 6th, 7th and 8th bday parties there I think. After 8, she declared the place "uncool" and we haven't looked back. However, things that were uncool in mid-2000's are now cool again. Who knew? I worked hard on those bday invitations! I was so proud of myself for getting them cut, printed, decorated, labeled and mailed all in the same weekend. Then Ash says, "Mom, did you put RSVP on the invitations?". Well, duh, of course I did not. Crap! Oh well, no one bothers to RSVP anymore anyway. Guess I'm saving them the trouble of disappointing me?! Yeah, that's it. Now I won't harbor resentment towards those mothers for their inability to RSVP. I'm already feeling myself relaxing about the situation. This birthday party is gonna ROCK!!!
I also squeaked in a little time to work on a baby scrapbook for a dear friend whose shower is this Sunday. Not sure when I'll find the time to make more than two pages before Sunday but I'm remaining optimistic!!
Just found out I'll have an extra pre-teen in the house all weekend. One of Ash's close friends is bailing on her home this weekend while their kitchen remodel is in the stinky paint phase. I don't blame her, my parents remained in their house during that paint phase and my mother ended up in the hospital because her heart was short circuiting and I'm positive my father and brother lost additional brain cells.
My baby boy is not handling the changes at school very well. He still thinks his BFF is just on vacation in Vegas and will be back soon. Heck, Mommy went to Vegas twice this year and came back both times. When you ask each day if he played with anyone at recess, he always says 'no, no one would play with me'. Now, I'm a sucker for my kids playing the "no friends, sympathy card". Ashton played it for years and I fell for it every time. Sorry son, I'm older and wiser now - I'm not getting suckered into this one. I'm not going to carry 40 lbs of solid guilt on my shoulders for you. You know how to make friends and you are a fun kid - get out there and prove it to the other kids in your class. If you weren't such a snob about girls, you might find some awesome friends in that catagory. I'm afraid I'm going to let you ride this one out. You can do it. I have faith. Plus I carry enough guilt around every day about: 1) being a working mom; 2) being Catholic; 3) being a working mom - that I just don't have the energy to carry much more. These are some big shoulders but give a gal a break - okay?
So that is basically what has been happening in the past 12 days. Oh yeah, I'm also trying to kick up my Scentsy biz but that seems to be going nowhere fast. My downline is kicking butt and I'm just not finding my groove these past two months. Oh well, no time for guilt there either. It is what it is.
I also found a little time last weekend to create Ash's birthday party invitations (bowling pins) for her 13th bday party at Main Event. Funny that she was excited about having a party there since we had her 6th, 7th and 8th bday parties there I think. After 8, she declared the place "uncool" and we haven't looked back. However, things that were uncool in mid-2000's are now cool again. Who knew? I worked hard on those bday invitations! I was so proud of myself for getting them cut, printed, decorated, labeled and mailed all in the same weekend. Then Ash says, "Mom, did you put RSVP on the invitations?". Well, duh, of course I did not. Crap! Oh well, no one bothers to RSVP anymore anyway. Guess I'm saving them the trouble of disappointing me?! Yeah, that's it. Now I won't harbor resentment towards those mothers for their inability to RSVP. I'm already feeling myself relaxing about the situation. This birthday party is gonna ROCK!!!
I also squeaked in a little time to work on a baby scrapbook for a dear friend whose shower is this Sunday. Not sure when I'll find the time to make more than two pages before Sunday but I'm remaining optimistic!!
Just found out I'll have an extra pre-teen in the house all weekend. One of Ash's close friends is bailing on her home this weekend while their kitchen remodel is in the stinky paint phase. I don't blame her, my parents remained in their house during that paint phase and my mother ended up in the hospital because her heart was short circuiting and I'm positive my father and brother lost additional brain cells.
My baby boy is not handling the changes at school very well. He still thinks his BFF is just on vacation in Vegas and will be back soon. Heck, Mommy went to Vegas twice this year and came back both times. When you ask each day if he played with anyone at recess, he always says 'no, no one would play with me'. Now, I'm a sucker for my kids playing the "no friends, sympathy card". Ashton played it for years and I fell for it every time. Sorry son, I'm older and wiser now - I'm not getting suckered into this one. I'm not going to carry 40 lbs of solid guilt on my shoulders for you. You know how to make friends and you are a fun kid - get out there and prove it to the other kids in your class. If you weren't such a snob about girls, you might find some awesome friends in that catagory. I'm afraid I'm going to let you ride this one out. You can do it. I have faith. Plus I carry enough guilt around every day about: 1) being a working mom; 2) being Catholic; 3) being a working mom - that I just don't have the energy to carry much more. These are some big shoulders but give a gal a break - okay?
So that is basically what has been happening in the past 12 days. Oh yeah, I'm also trying to kick up my Scentsy biz but that seems to be going nowhere fast. My downline is kicking butt and I'm just not finding my groove these past two months. Oh well, no time for guilt there either. It is what it is.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Views from NOLA
DH and I spent this weekend in New Orleans. We made our first trek to this fine city when we were dating - 20 years ago! We've been back more times than I can count. We try to go every other year but don't always get to go that often. It looked like we weren't going to make it this year until he planned a business trip there the week of his birthday and I got the brainstorm to join him. He went out on Wednesday and I flew down on Friday and we flew back together today. We had such a great time and explored some new areas and ate at new restaurants - including Joey K's which was featured on the Food Network show - 'Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives". Cameron had the soft shell crab and I had a roast beef debris po' boy! Both were divine! We also ate at Mr. B's Bistro which is part of the Brennan Family restaurants. YUM!!! Our days included a tour of the World War II museum and a longgggg walk down Magazine Street. We also toured the Open Market and were pleased to see so much rebuilding and expansion going on all around. NOLA is trying hard to come back after Katrina!!! It's still a city full of culture, great food, great music and some great drinks! I cannot wait to go back in 2011!
From the WWII Museum:
Notice the date on the above pic! That is DH's bday and also just happened to the be the day we were touring the museum. The headlines read: JAPAN QUITS!!!!
I just love the balconies in NOLA! Such detail! Such beauty!
And we just cannot visit NOLA w/o a trip to Pat O'Briens. A few drinks on the patio followed by a drink in the piano bar (sometimes followed by a hang over - but not this year!).
From the WWII Museum:
Notice the date on the above pic! That is DH's bday and also just happened to the be the day we were touring the museum. The headlines read: JAPAN QUITS!!!!
I just love the balconies in NOLA! Such detail! Such beauty! 
And we just cannot visit NOLA w/o a trip to Pat O'Briens. A few drinks on the patio followed by a drink in the piano bar (sometimes followed by a hang over - but not this year!). Friday, August 7, 2009
Summer Time Blues
Hard to believe last Friday I was just waking up in a cabin full of my sisters and looking forward to a full day of fun with them. Now it's Friday again and I'm gearing up to help a friend move tonight, Ash's tennis tourney tomorrow and possibly Sunday. This entire week has been a reminder of how crazy and hectic our lives are.
Getting E home on Tuesday was fabulous!! He's so glad to be home and we are so glad he's back. They didn't get in til almost 9pm so when we dropped Mom off at home, I thought we'd let E say "hi" to my dad and go home. Instead my father decides to be waiting for E in the pool so E, of course, insists on jumping in w/ Pa. It was nice to see that after 17 days out of the water, E remembered everything he'd learned at his swim lessons before he left. However, by 10pm the rest of us were ready to get home and E was not cooperative about leaving the pool. Needless to say, Tuesday was a late night.
Wednesday I picked the kids up after work and we went to dinner and then to Target to stock up on E's favorites. Again, we got home late and got to bed late. Last night, both kids had tennis. It was 104 degrees yesterday so after tennis E wanted to swim. Once again, by the time I got him out of the pool and home - it was late. However, rather than trying to get stuff done around the house after he was asleep, I gave in to my inner-tired and crashed in bed by 10p.
I always look forward to the long days of summer but realize about half way in that our nightly routine is shot to hell in the summer. I am usually so out of sorts by the time school starts that it takes us months to get back into a family schedule. I'm not holding out hope that this school year will be any different with Ash trying out for tennis and volleyball, Jr. National Honor Society, carrying a full load of Pre-AP classes again, Wind Ensemble clarinet and tennis tournaments. My little man is going to have his final year of preschool which will start w/ a new teacher and the discovery that his BFF has moved to Las Vegas. I do not see this school year being much fun for any of us. Have Mercy!
Getting E home on Tuesday was fabulous!! He's so glad to be home and we are so glad he's back. They didn't get in til almost 9pm so when we dropped Mom off at home, I thought we'd let E say "hi" to my dad and go home. Instead my father decides to be waiting for E in the pool so E, of course, insists on jumping in w/ Pa. It was nice to see that after 17 days out of the water, E remembered everything he'd learned at his swim lessons before he left. However, by 10pm the rest of us were ready to get home and E was not cooperative about leaving the pool. Needless to say, Tuesday was a late night.
Wednesday I picked the kids up after work and we went to dinner and then to Target to stock up on E's favorites. Again, we got home late and got to bed late. Last night, both kids had tennis. It was 104 degrees yesterday so after tennis E wanted to swim. Once again, by the time I got him out of the pool and home - it was late. However, rather than trying to get stuff done around the house after he was asleep, I gave in to my inner-tired and crashed in bed by 10p.
I always look forward to the long days of summer but realize about half way in that our nightly routine is shot to hell in the summer. I am usually so out of sorts by the time school starts that it takes us months to get back into a family schedule. I'm not holding out hope that this school year will be any different with Ash trying out for tennis and volleyball, Jr. National Honor Society, carrying a full load of Pre-AP classes again, Wind Ensemble clarinet and tennis tournaments. My little man is going to have his final year of preschool which will start w/ a new teacher and the discovery that his BFF has moved to Las Vegas. I do not see this school year being much fun for any of us. Have Mercy!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Fun with Phots
Just a few examples of some fun I'm having playing with color on Memory Maker 3.0 Wish I had more time to play.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Camp Aftermath
It is always such a long drive down the winding road out of Northside Marina. After three and a half days of sister bonding, good food, loads of conversation and some booze (okay loads of booze), it is always a time of mixed emotion when CampAPhi comes to an end each year. The hardest part is knowing you might not see some of these ladies again til next year. There is the joy of going home to your own bed, routine, family, etc. but a definite sadness that Camp is over. There is always the dreadful dividing of the leftovers, the cleaning of the cabin and the unpacking when you get home. But you leave with a lot of great memories, belly laugh moments and sometimes a few secrets that you have to carry you over til the next year.
I love my sisters for a variety of reasons. We are all so different and yet so much alike. We come from different backgrounds and live very different lives in a lot of ways. Some are single, some divorced, some happily married, some not so happily married. Some have kids and some do not. Some are cat people and some love dogs. Some never left Texas and some may never come back here to live. If you had an outsider sit down with each of us individually they would probably assume you would never successfully put 15 us in one cabin for 3 days but this year was our fifth anniversary. We are mostly made up of strong, fairly confident women and maybe that is our common thread? Or maybe it is just about a rectangle brick two story house in a little town called Commerce with outdated bathrooms and a silver and bordeaux sign in the yard? Maybe that is all we need in common to continue this bond for many years to come? Maybe it really is just about the bond of sisterhood and having Delta Beta in common?
Whatever it is, there is a nice warm fuzzy feeling in my heart knowing that I have at least 15 gals out there that share a very special weekend with me once a year.
I love my sisters for a variety of reasons. We are all so different and yet so much alike. We come from different backgrounds and live very different lives in a lot of ways. Some are single, some divorced, some happily married, some not so happily married. Some have kids and some do not. Some are cat people and some love dogs. Some never left Texas and some may never come back here to live. If you had an outsider sit down with each of us individually they would probably assume you would never successfully put 15 us in one cabin for 3 days but this year was our fifth anniversary. We are mostly made up of strong, fairly confident women and maybe that is our common thread? Or maybe it is just about a rectangle brick two story house in a little town called Commerce with outdated bathrooms and a silver and bordeaux sign in the yard? Maybe that is all we need in common to continue this bond for many years to come? Maybe it really is just about the bond of sisterhood and having Delta Beta in common?
Whatever it is, there is a nice warm fuzzy feeling in my heart knowing that I have at least 15 gals out there that share a very special weekend with me once a year.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Camping Anyone?
Well it is hard to believe that CampAPhi 2009 is in two days. Am I ready? Not really. Usually I have over prepared for this trip by now but this year I'm just going with the flow. Every year I stressed over the condition of our cabin, the sleeping arrangements, the money, the food, the music, etc. This year we are staying in the same cabin as last year so unless someone trashed it in the past year - I know we have good digs. We already know the sleeping arrangements and the comfort of the beds so if anyone has a problem with where they end up sleeping - not my problem! Only a few people requested specific sleeping arrangements this year and I'm accomodating them. Everyone else is on their own. The food teams worked well the past few years so I'm totally leaving that in their hands and hoping everyone brings what they are supposed to. I feel confident it will be fine.
The money is what it is. Some folks still never paid in full but others paid extra to help with expenses. Instead of applying to the food expense - I applied all I could to those that had not paid. I never want to turn a sister away from Camp because of finances. I've been broke and camp was always a very bright spot in an otherwise crappy year so I like that I can let it slide when they are in tough times.
The music is what it is. I made cds. Not my finest or most thought out collection ever but they will do. I didn't label the cds this year but again - not worrying about it.
There are no scavenger hunts to plan this year. There are no surprises. I am disappointed I didn't get the responses I requested to put together a little fun surprise for all but again - not worrying about it. One less thing I have to get together by Thursday.
I plan to go, relax, spend time with my beloved sisters and come home refreshed and renewed.
The money is what it is. Some folks still never paid in full but others paid extra to help with expenses. Instead of applying to the food expense - I applied all I could to those that had not paid. I never want to turn a sister away from Camp because of finances. I've been broke and camp was always a very bright spot in an otherwise crappy year so I like that I can let it slide when they are in tough times.
The music is what it is. I made cds. Not my finest or most thought out collection ever but they will do. I didn't label the cds this year but again - not worrying about it.
There are no scavenger hunts to plan this year. There are no surprises. I am disappointed I didn't get the responses I requested to put together a little fun surprise for all but again - not worrying about it. One less thing I have to get together by Thursday.
I plan to go, relax, spend time with my beloved sisters and come home refreshed and renewed.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Surviving
I've survived the first few days of my baby boy being away in OH and WV. He will barely talk to us on the phone because he's so busy. It used to bother me when Ash would do the same thing when she was little and went on these trips with my mom but I came to understand that their independence from me is a good thing.
It was quite an adventure picking Ash up from tennis camp last Friday. We were supposed to just attend the awards ceremony and then come back the next morning to pick her up but the other moms decided during the awards that they would just go ahead and check their daughters out that night so they could spend the next day shopping and wouldn't have to come back for them. I was a bit irritated but not because we getting Ash a 1/2 day early but because I'd already told those mothers that if our girls all checked out - that left one girl alone in that cabin for the night. Apparently that did not phase them because they decided to take their girls anyway. I had already been in the cabin and I knew their daughter's stuff was strung from one side to the other and that packing was going to be no easy feat for them but decided to let them learn the hard way. Ash is neat by nature so her stuff was all by her bed where it should be so it took me all of 5 minutes to pack her up and in the truck. The look on the other mom's faces when they saw the condition of the cabin was priceless! They were still trying to figure out what belonged to who when DH and I walked out to the truck and drove away.
Luckily our hotel let us switch to double beds rather than a king. We all slept in the next morning and hit the road about 10:30. Ash was beat so our plans for a long day at the outlets in Round Rock or San Marcos were squashed. We did do a little shopping and site seeing in Gruene that morning. A very neat town right on the Guadalupe. Lots of folks in bathing suits and coverups coming off and on the river. We had a nice lunch at the Gruene River Cafe and then headed home. We were all pretty beat by the time we hit TC.
It was odd coming home and not having E or Asta at the house (she was at the boarders). It always seem too quiet when they are not around.
I've been keeping up with Maggie Lee on the caringbridge website. Her numbers are still fluctuating but she's fighting. I'm still absolutely amazed by her parents faith and the outpouring of support from strangers all over the globe. What a story of survival and faith!
It was quite an adventure picking Ash up from tennis camp last Friday. We were supposed to just attend the awards ceremony and then come back the next morning to pick her up but the other moms decided during the awards that they would just go ahead and check their daughters out that night so they could spend the next day shopping and wouldn't have to come back for them. I was a bit irritated but not because we getting Ash a 1/2 day early but because I'd already told those mothers that if our girls all checked out - that left one girl alone in that cabin for the night. Apparently that did not phase them because they decided to take their girls anyway. I had already been in the cabin and I knew their daughter's stuff was strung from one side to the other and that packing was going to be no easy feat for them but decided to let them learn the hard way. Ash is neat by nature so her stuff was all by her bed where it should be so it took me all of 5 minutes to pack her up and in the truck. The look on the other mom's faces when they saw the condition of the cabin was priceless! They were still trying to figure out what belonged to who when DH and I walked out to the truck and drove away.
Luckily our hotel let us switch to double beds rather than a king. We all slept in the next morning and hit the road about 10:30. Ash was beat so our plans for a long day at the outlets in Round Rock or San Marcos were squashed. We did do a little shopping and site seeing in Gruene that morning. A very neat town right on the Guadalupe. Lots of folks in bathing suits and coverups coming off and on the river. We had a nice lunch at the Gruene River Cafe and then headed home. We were all pretty beat by the time we hit TC.
It was odd coming home and not having E or Asta at the house (she was at the boarders). It always seem too quiet when they are not around.
I've been keeping up with Maggie Lee on the caringbridge website. Her numbers are still fluctuating but she's fighting. I'm still absolutely amazed by her parents faith and the outpouring of support from strangers all over the globe. What a story of survival and faith!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
I've spent a lot of time this week checking the internet for updated information on a 12 year old girl named Maggie Lee Henson. MLH was injured in a horrible bus accident on the way to a church mission trip in Georgia. There are several reasons this story touches me so deeply: 1) Ash is at tennis camp with MLH's best friend from TC and this girl has no idea what has happened to her friend. I feel like I'm in on a very horrible secret while we encourage the girls to have fun at tennis camp knowing when we pick them up this weekend the truth will have to come out; 2) This girl is Ash's age and the accident happened on the day I am dropping her off at a week long camp. It is hard enough to say goodbye to your child for a week where you have no control over their safety or well-being but throw in knowing there is a parent sitting on a plane at that very moment praying that her daughter is still alive when she gets to the hospital; 3) There are several of Ash's friends in TC who know this girl and her family and the fact they had recently visited TC is a haunting reminder of how quickly life changes. I hate being all doom and gloom and I am trying very hard to find the strength in my faith needed to lift me to the level where MLH's parents are at this moment. Their strength, courage and faith in God are amazing to me. I'm afraid if I were in their shoes all I would find is anger and blame. How do they sit by their baby girl's bedside and still find such strong faith? I admire that deep love and unwavering trust in the Lord. I have faith but my faith is continually and easily tested at times.
I think one of the reasons my head has hurt every single since this happened is because I realize that we cannot be with our children 24/7 so how do we keep them safe? I'm about to say goodbye to my baby boy for two weeks while he makes his annual visit to OH and WV to visit my grandmothers and other relatives with my Mom. This trip involves two plane flights and numerous four hour plus car rides. How do I know he'll be safe? Every year I worry before my kids make this trip. I fret because of the guilt I carry that I am not making the trip with them to keep them safe. I worry about whether or not my mother will be able to keep a close eye on them while also helping my grandmother with her needs.
I know that all I can do is place my children in God's hands and pray he delivers them home safely. The part I do not comprehend though is how MLH's parents could have done the same thing last Sunday when they put her on that bus only to get that dreadful call a few hours later that their baby girl was on the way to the hospital in a helicopter. I guess we are not meant to understand it all. I guess that is where blind faith comes into our lives? I pray my faith never has to be tested in this way.
I think one of the reasons my head has hurt every single since this happened is because I realize that we cannot be with our children 24/7 so how do we keep them safe? I'm about to say goodbye to my baby boy for two weeks while he makes his annual visit to OH and WV to visit my grandmothers and other relatives with my Mom. This trip involves two plane flights and numerous four hour plus car rides. How do I know he'll be safe? Every year I worry before my kids make this trip. I fret because of the guilt I carry that I am not making the trip with them to keep them safe. I worry about whether or not my mother will be able to keep a close eye on them while also helping my grandmother with her needs.
I know that all I can do is place my children in God's hands and pray he delivers them home safely. The part I do not comprehend though is how MLH's parents could have done the same thing last Sunday when they put her on that bus only to get that dreadful call a few hours later that their baby girl was on the way to the hospital in a helicopter. I guess we are not meant to understand it all. I guess that is where blind faith comes into our lives? I pray my faith never has to be tested in this way.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Newks
It was a long weekend in the car! We got up Saturday morning and drove to Austin. We went straight to lunch at this funky place on 6th street called Opal Devine's. The food was really good but the misters on the patio were not enough to block the 104 degree temp. We went from there to the Children's Museum and it took me 30 minutes inside the museum to stop dripping sweat. The kids loved the activities in the museum. I was a bit disappointed because my only memory of a Children's Museum is the one in Indianapolis and it totally ROCKED! This was more like an interactive play area for kids. The kids didn't know the difference though and had a great time. Then we headed over to the Capitol and went inside for some photo ops. E loved standing in the middle and looking up at the dome. It was too funny. Two weddings at the Capitol that day. I never thought about getting married there but it seems to be pretty popular.
After checking into our hotel, the kids wanted to go swim in the indoor pool so we went down for about an hour. It was so hot in that room that an hour was more than I could stand. I was actually dreaming of fresh air the last 20 minutes or so. Dinner that night at Joe's Crab Shack was awesome. They actually made me a Brandy Alexander for dessert (they even let me call my brother for the recipe since they'd never made one before). Super yum!!
Sunday, we hung out in the room until we were stir crazy and decided to go ahead and head in the direction of the tennis camp in New Braunfels. We were going to stop and shop in San Marcus but we got word from the other Mom's heading to camp that they were close so we decided to eat a quick lunch and head on to Newks. Lo' and behold, they got sidetracked on the way and we beat them by about 40 minutes. No big deal except it was super hot, they weren't given their cabin assignments til 3p and we'd arrived at 1p. Two hours of sitting around and they finally told us which cabin the girls would live in for the next 6 days. I was expecting a big room full of beds. Instead it was a small room full of bunk beds. Ash was not happy that she did not get inside in time to choose a top bunk. Her tallness is terribly afraid she'll bump her head on the bunk above during the night. 10 girls, one toilet, one shower and A/C that was running at about 85 degrees at best. Glad it is not me!!
Five hour drive home (with stops for potty and food). Ugh! Ash called at about 7p to let us know she'd made the top team when they did the skills test at 5. Her and two of the other girls from our group all made the Top Gun Seniors. Our little powerhouse 8 year old in the group made Top Gun Juniors and our other player made the regular team. She is a bit newer to the game than the others and just started getting more serious about tennis this summer. She is the one that went to camp w/ Ash at UNT a few wks ago. I hope she's not too disappointed to not be in the top groups with the other girls. She's a real sweetie and I know she was super nervous about the skills test.
I'm sure the girls will have a blast this week. The whole thing was a bit rustic for my taste but Ash seemed to love it. It reminded me of the 2nd year of CampAPhi when 6 of us were crowded into a 400 sq. ft. cabin for 3 days. Also very rustic. Now that I think of it - it was my favorite Camp ever so maybe Ash is more like me than I thought!
After checking into our hotel, the kids wanted to go swim in the indoor pool so we went down for about an hour. It was so hot in that room that an hour was more than I could stand. I was actually dreaming of fresh air the last 20 minutes or so. Dinner that night at Joe's Crab Shack was awesome. They actually made me a Brandy Alexander for dessert (they even let me call my brother for the recipe since they'd never made one before). Super yum!!
Sunday, we hung out in the room until we were stir crazy and decided to go ahead and head in the direction of the tennis camp in New Braunfels. We were going to stop and shop in San Marcus but we got word from the other Mom's heading to camp that they were close so we decided to eat a quick lunch and head on to Newks. Lo' and behold, they got sidetracked on the way and we beat them by about 40 minutes. No big deal except it was super hot, they weren't given their cabin assignments til 3p and we'd arrived at 1p. Two hours of sitting around and they finally told us which cabin the girls would live in for the next 6 days. I was expecting a big room full of beds. Instead it was a small room full of bunk beds. Ash was not happy that she did not get inside in time to choose a top bunk. Her tallness is terribly afraid she'll bump her head on the bunk above during the night. 10 girls, one toilet, one shower and A/C that was running at about 85 degrees at best. Glad it is not me!!
Five hour drive home (with stops for potty and food). Ugh! Ash called at about 7p to let us know she'd made the top team when they did the skills test at 5. Her and two of the other girls from our group all made the Top Gun Seniors. Our little powerhouse 8 year old in the group made Top Gun Juniors and our other player made the regular team. She is a bit newer to the game than the others and just started getting more serious about tennis this summer. She is the one that went to camp w/ Ash at UNT a few wks ago. I hope she's not too disappointed to not be in the top groups with the other girls. She's a real sweetie and I know she was super nervous about the skills test.
I'm sure the girls will have a blast this week. The whole thing was a bit rustic for my taste but Ash seemed to love it. It reminded me of the 2nd year of CampAPhi when 6 of us were crowded into a 400 sq. ft. cabin for 3 days. Also very rustic. Now that I think of it - it was my favorite Camp ever so maybe Ash is more like me than I thought!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Hello July
Well, we spent our long weekend cramming in as much as possible. Wednesday and Thursday we had new tile installed in the entry way which matches the tile in the kitchen. It looks FABULOUS!!! 12 years of staring at the 4x4 goldish ugly tile was long enough. The new 12x12 make the space look so much bigger and brighter!! After they finished up, DH and I headed to Denton to pick up Ash from tennis camp. She'd had a ball and won every single match she played all week. She was awarded the "Camper of the Week" honor during the closing ceremonies. We were all thrilled. Once we got home, it was straight to my parents for swim time. We ate burgers over there and headed home at dark time (as E calls it).
Friday was a day at home. It was glorious. DH went golfing so the kids and I snuck off to Main Event for lunch and games. A tremendous amount of money later and E walked away with a robot, mini care bear figurine, Sponge Bob tattoos, and a new mini Webkins (whose name has changed 10 times already). Ash gave all her points to her baby brother proving she might have actually missed him a tiny bit while at camp. Afterwards, we came home and vegged out. The kids watched tv and I worked on the computer. I got pictured labeled and journaling done. I made a few more mix CDs for CampAPhi. I caught up on emails. It was fairly productive. That night we all headed to Southlake to watch the fireworks - our family tradition.
Saturday started with me heading to AT&T to get a new cellphone. I discovered my old one to be rather useless since the #'s 2,8 and 0 did not work anymore. Hard to call folks, harder to text! So one new Samsung Propel slidephone later and I was back home to meet my family who was already next door in our neighbors pool. A few hours over there and we all came home to dry off and rest a little before heading to my mom's for dinner. We stayed at mom's til after 10:30. Talk about a tired family on Sunday!!
Sunday we headed down to Waxahachie to see our friends C&C's new house and her new baby bump!! They have a great house and tons of land! The baby bump was not nearly as big as described a few weeks ago by the mommy to be. We had a great visit and headed home much later than we'd planned.
Needless to say, we are all dragging rear today and have all vowed to get to bed early tonight! Looking forward to a "normal" week before we head down to New Braunsfils to take Ash to her next tennis camp.
Friday was a day at home. It was glorious. DH went golfing so the kids and I snuck off to Main Event for lunch and games. A tremendous amount of money later and E walked away with a robot, mini care bear figurine, Sponge Bob tattoos, and a new mini Webkins (whose name has changed 10 times already). Ash gave all her points to her baby brother proving she might have actually missed him a tiny bit while at camp. Afterwards, we came home and vegged out. The kids watched tv and I worked on the computer. I got pictured labeled and journaling done. I made a few more mix CDs for CampAPhi. I caught up on emails. It was fairly productive. That night we all headed to Southlake to watch the fireworks - our family tradition.
Saturday started with me heading to AT&T to get a new cellphone. I discovered my old one to be rather useless since the #'s 2,8 and 0 did not work anymore. Hard to call folks, harder to text! So one new Samsung Propel slidephone later and I was back home to meet my family who was already next door in our neighbors pool. A few hours over there and we all came home to dry off and rest a little before heading to my mom's for dinner. We stayed at mom's til after 10:30. Talk about a tired family on Sunday!!
Sunday we headed down to Waxahachie to see our friends C&C's new house and her new baby bump!! They have a great house and tons of land! The baby bump was not nearly as big as described a few weeks ago by the mommy to be. We had a great visit and headed home much later than we'd planned.
Needless to say, we are all dragging rear today and have all vowed to get to bed early tonight! Looking forward to a "normal" week before we head down to New Braunsfils to take Ash to her next tennis camp.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Complete
I actually managed to finish my free CM Digital Scrapbook on Monday night. This was no easy task and it is probably not as good as it could have been if I'd had more time. BUT it is done and I'm excited. When Steph D. told me I'd won but only had til June 30th to complete it - I was still sure I could get it done. Then when I loaded Storybook Creator Plus on my machine and spent an hour pulling in kits - I really thought this was a slam dunk. BUT when I went back in Sunday night to find the right kit to use for my background and discovered I couldn't find any of the 10+ I'd saved, panic set in. It was too late Sunday to do more so I gave up for the night.
On Monday night, I got a late start on the project and was really frustrated when I couldn't find those kits. I finally downloaded my top four favs and put them in a different folder. This time it worked. I picked my favorite, named my project: Natchitoches, LA and pulled in my pictures from last year's trip on MM3.0. Then I had to pull my memory card from my camera to get the pics from our trip (I had been storing them on the camera until I had my MM3.0 properly loaded w/ all my old photos of the other computer). After I had all the pics from both trips to Natchitoches loaded and ready to go, it was simply a matter of picking which ones I wanted on which page. A little journaling about the pictures and our trips and the book was done. I sent it off to the Creative Memories folks to print and cannot wait to see the final product.
Digital scrapbooking would be so much faster and easier than traditional books but when you have as much invested in paper, embellishments, stickers, tools, etc - how can you switch? I think I might make more of the digital books of the trips Cameron and I have taken over the years. I was trying to do a traditional book but am about 10 years behind. I think having them in print and bound into a nice book that could be kept out for folks to look at is a great plan. I may start doing that for other occasions and leave the traditional scrapping to the kid's books only.
All I know is I'm pretty excited to have this book done!!
On Monday night, I got a late start on the project and was really frustrated when I couldn't find those kits. I finally downloaded my top four favs and put them in a different folder. This time it worked. I picked my favorite, named my project: Natchitoches, LA and pulled in my pictures from last year's trip on MM3.0. Then I had to pull my memory card from my camera to get the pics from our trip (I had been storing them on the camera until I had my MM3.0 properly loaded w/ all my old photos of the other computer). After I had all the pics from both trips to Natchitoches loaded and ready to go, it was simply a matter of picking which ones I wanted on which page. A little journaling about the pictures and our trips and the book was done. I sent it off to the Creative Memories folks to print and cannot wait to see the final product.
Digital scrapbooking would be so much faster and easier than traditional books but when you have as much invested in paper, embellishments, stickers, tools, etc - how can you switch? I think I might make more of the digital books of the trips Cameron and I have taken over the years. I was trying to do a traditional book but am about 10 years behind. I think having them in print and bound into a nice book that could be kept out for folks to look at is a great plan. I may start doing that for other occasions and leave the traditional scrapping to the kid's books only.
All I know is I'm pretty excited to have this book done!!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Goodbye June
Wow our first full summer month almost gone....no fair! We had a pretty busy and eventful weekend. Friday night I stayed in Las Colinas because Ash had a tennis mixer in the area and her coach was giving her a ride up. After sitting outside for 2 hours watching her play, I was ready to get back in my air conditioned car and head home.
Saturday we spent the morning washing, folding and packing Ash's clothes for tennis camp. At 2pm, I whisked her off to Sweet and Sassy to have her hair french braided and her toes pedicured. She was in heaven! After church, I suggested dinner in Irving at Cadillac Ranch. I'd eaten there several times for work functions and knew the family would love it. What a great meal! Besides my little guy not feeling so good, everyone seemed to enjoy the all Texas grown and raised foods served at CR. When we got home, I took E's temp and it was 101.7 - guess maybe dinner after church was not the best idea for him. One dose of Motrin and a good night's sleep and he seemed fine on Sunday.
We loaded up the car and took Ash to UNT for 4 nights and 5 days of tennis camp w/ one of her friends from school. Imagine everyone's surprise when they found out they had private rooms w/ a shared bathroom in between them. Ash was thrilled. Her friend was not as happy as she was looking forward to staying up late and talking. I guess last night after drills, they pulled C's mattress into Ash's room on the floor. Now they have a room for snacking and a room for sleeping. Pretty smart! This was a whole different kid than I dropped off for this same camp last year. She was confident, excited, tall (well she's always tall) and in charge. She loved being able to tell her friend where the cafeteria was and how far the walk was from the dorm to the tennis courts. Ash was also excited to tell us that she was put in the 2nd highest level group after evaluation last night. Only the 16-18 year olds were in a higher group than her. She was thrilled. I did not get a 1am call this year to hear how she couldn't sleep so I think this camp will be a huge success!!
After getting her settled, we went to my parents for some swimming and pork chops (good combo- right?!). We had a good time but got home too late for me to work on my free digital scrapbook. I won it at the CM class I attended last week but only have until tomorrow night to enter the code. It doesn't help that I didn't even have Storybook loaded on my new machine until yesterday morning and still do not have all the free stuff loaded to build the book. Ugh. Oh yeah and the pics are still on my camera's memory card. I'm guessing I might not get this one done in time. :-(
Saturday we spent the morning washing, folding and packing Ash's clothes for tennis camp. At 2pm, I whisked her off to Sweet and Sassy to have her hair french braided and her toes pedicured. She was in heaven! After church, I suggested dinner in Irving at Cadillac Ranch. I'd eaten there several times for work functions and knew the family would love it. What a great meal! Besides my little guy not feeling so good, everyone seemed to enjoy the all Texas grown and raised foods served at CR. When we got home, I took E's temp and it was 101.7 - guess maybe dinner after church was not the best idea for him. One dose of Motrin and a good night's sleep and he seemed fine on Sunday.
We loaded up the car and took Ash to UNT for 4 nights and 5 days of tennis camp w/ one of her friends from school. Imagine everyone's surprise when they found out they had private rooms w/ a shared bathroom in between them. Ash was thrilled. Her friend was not as happy as she was looking forward to staying up late and talking. I guess last night after drills, they pulled C's mattress into Ash's room on the floor. Now they have a room for snacking and a room for sleeping. Pretty smart! This was a whole different kid than I dropped off for this same camp last year. She was confident, excited, tall (well she's always tall) and in charge. She loved being able to tell her friend where the cafeteria was and how far the walk was from the dorm to the tennis courts. Ash was also excited to tell us that she was put in the 2nd highest level group after evaluation last night. Only the 16-18 year olds were in a higher group than her. She was thrilled. I did not get a 1am call this year to hear how she couldn't sleep so I think this camp will be a huge success!!
After getting her settled, we went to my parents for some swimming and pork chops (good combo- right?!). We had a good time but got home too late for me to work on my free digital scrapbook. I won it at the CM class I attended last week but only have until tomorrow night to enter the code. It doesn't help that I didn't even have Storybook loaded on my new machine until yesterday morning and still do not have all the free stuff loaded to build the book. Ugh. Oh yeah and the pics are still on my camera's memory card. I'm guessing I might not get this one done in time. :-(
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Time
Have you ever actually sat and watched the clock tick slowly? That is actually what I am doing while I type this post. This has been the ever lovin' longest day in a very long time. See - I've pretty much caught up at work so I have nothing to do............
Oh, ten minute distraction while I helped my boss format a Word document. SCORE - now I only have to watch the clock for the next 32 minutes.......
Here is the twisted dilema in my job - I am grumpy when I'm busy because I don't like the way they give me work assignments BUT those days go by so quickly. I am happy when I'm not busy because it means they are leaving me alone for the most part but those days go by sooo slowly. Where is my happy medium?
Ok, while I typed that paragraph another two minutes went by. Unfortunately, I'm too bored to continue blogging.
Oh, ten minute distraction while I helped my boss format a Word document. SCORE - now I only have to watch the clock for the next 32 minutes.......
Here is the twisted dilema in my job - I am grumpy when I'm busy because I don't like the way they give me work assignments BUT those days go by so quickly. I am happy when I'm not busy because it means they are leaving me alone for the most part but those days go by sooo slowly. Where is my happy medium?
Ok, while I typed that paragraph another two minutes went by. Unfortunately, I'm too bored to continue blogging.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Me
Outside my window... The sun is warming up to a balmy 100 degrees.
I am thinking... about how much I'd love to be at home getting something worthwhile done.
I am thankful for... Diet Coke and Tylenol.
From the kitchen... Mom made a recipe I found on line for dinner last night and the leftovers are calling my name from the fridge in the fileroom!
I am wearing... my usual outfit of black pants and a dress top w/ black sandals.
I am creating... nothing which is a major source of frustration.
I am going... to sit here at work and try not to lose my mind while reminding myself that I'm just lucky to have a job.
I am reading... nothing - another sourse of frustration.
I am hoping... my family and friends are all happy and healthy.
I am hearing... the printer in the fileroom running at breakneck pace while my boss is killing trees.
Around the house... there is much to be done but alas...I never see the darn place long enough to do anything.
One of my favorite things... my kids - a source of great happiness in my life.
A few plans for the rest of the week... go to a CM class on Wednesday nigth with friends!! Shuffle the kids to tennis and other various places. Get Ash ready for UNT Tennis Camp next week. Try not to quit my job.
Summertime
It is hard to believe that June is almost gone. Another summer is just going to fly right by before I know it. Between work, the kids activities, housework, and more work - there doesn't seem to be much time left in a day. I got a brand spanking new computer a 3 weeks ago today (thanks again M.E.) and I've barely had time to get to know it yet. Sure, I've done some work on it and I've loaded up my music and pictures but I haven't really gotten to 'play' yet. It's frustrating.
I love summer because it stays light later and I usually feel like I have more time to get things accomplished. So far this summer - that has not been the case. Even though there is nothing on TV that I watch in the summer, I still cannot find much free time in the evenings. Getting E on a bedtime routine might help but hell the kid is 4 1/2 and he's never had one yet so how would I start that now.
With tennis, swimming at Mom's and camps - the kids schedules do not usually get me home in the evenings until after 8pm. By the time everyone showers, pj's and winds down - it is after 9p. When I settle down to get E to settle down - it is hard for me to kick it back into gear and get anything accomplished so my evening generally ends at 9pm or never really begins. Our weekend free time is now usually spent in my parent's pool. I'm not complaining too much about that though as that is good family time and I just love swimming - but my house is sorely neglected because I'm never there. My new computer barely knows me. The old computer is still begging for me to remove all that old data so it can run games for the kids.
I guess this is just what summers are going to be like until the kids are grown. Then I will probably sit around all day whining that I have too much time on my hands and nothing to do. Poor me.
I love summer because it stays light later and I usually feel like I have more time to get things accomplished. So far this summer - that has not been the case. Even though there is nothing on TV that I watch in the summer, I still cannot find much free time in the evenings. Getting E on a bedtime routine might help but hell the kid is 4 1/2 and he's never had one yet so how would I start that now.
With tennis, swimming at Mom's and camps - the kids schedules do not usually get me home in the evenings until after 8pm. By the time everyone showers, pj's and winds down - it is after 9p. When I settle down to get E to settle down - it is hard for me to kick it back into gear and get anything accomplished so my evening generally ends at 9pm or never really begins. Our weekend free time is now usually spent in my parent's pool. I'm not complaining too much about that though as that is good family time and I just love swimming - but my house is sorely neglected because I'm never there. My new computer barely knows me. The old computer is still begging for me to remove all that old data so it can run games for the kids.
I guess this is just what summers are going to be like until the kids are grown. Then I will probably sit around all day whining that I have too much time on my hands and nothing to do. Poor me.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Another weekend gone
Another busy weekend come and gone.....Friday at work I had just about had it so when my dad and brother mentioned they were going golfing and asked me to tag along - I jumped at the chance. 18 holes, 5 Malibu and Diet Cokes later and life was good. Just to be clear - I did not actually golf. Wouldn't want anyone to get the wrong idea that I might have actually exercised. No, I just drove my brother around in a golf cart and drank. I had a really great time hanging out w/ the two of them. It was just like when we were kids and Dad would take us golfing. I hadn't driven a golf cart in years so it was a blast to do so.
Saturday morning we had to be up early to get to Target and get a birthday present for E's best friend. Aug's bday party was at his house in the backyard. There was a bounce house and 95 degree weather - not the best combo. There was also probably 20 kids running amok. Not my idea of a good time but the kids sure seemed to have a ball. Afterwards we got E's summer haircut, it's pretty short but should be easy to maintain after pool time. Then we rushed home to meet my friend Sunny who was delivering Scentsy goodies to me. She gets the Warmer of the Month kit and did not want the July warmer or scent so I bought them from her. The warmer was the "Play Ball" which is a baseball - perfect for E's room (the one room in the house w/o a warmer at that point). The scent is Bubblegum which actually reminds me of summer and Hubba Bubba! After she left, another friend, Pat, showed up to bring me an air purification system to test for a week. I met Pat at my Joy of Connecting meetings and have wanted to try this thing out for months. I have another friend who got one and it practically cured her daughter's asthma and her husband's snoring. It works with some sort of electric current which zaps all the mold, mildew, dust mites, germs, etc. from your house and converts it to hydrogen peroxide. It leaves everything smelling clean and sanitized too. Considering our house is close to 30 years old and we all suffer from allergies - I thought we'd try it out. After Pat left, it was off to church followed by dinner at Mom and Dad's and swimming for all.
Sunday, the kids and I awoke to no Daddy in the house as he'd already left for an early round of golf w/ my Dad, brother and nephew. At 11am, my dad called and asked if the kids wanted to join them on the back 9. Well, imagine my excitement when they said yes! I rushed them up to the Club and then rushed home to get myself cleaned up for some "me" time. I hit the road running - Lane Bryant, Aveda, Kohls and Walmart - all in a 3 hour period - all by myself - no one with me - alone - shopping - getting the things I needed/wanted! It was glorious. Then it was back to the house to unload my finds and into my bathing suit to head back to Mom and Dad's for more dinner and swimming. We provided the steaks and corn on the cob for the Father's Day meal. Mom made potatoes and salad. It was yummy and we had a blast in the pool. There was even time when we got home for me to finish up endorsements for dad and still get to bed at a decent time.
All in all, not too bad for one weekend!
Saturday morning we had to be up early to get to Target and get a birthday present for E's best friend. Aug's bday party was at his house in the backyard. There was a bounce house and 95 degree weather - not the best combo. There was also probably 20 kids running amok. Not my idea of a good time but the kids sure seemed to have a ball. Afterwards we got E's summer haircut, it's pretty short but should be easy to maintain after pool time. Then we rushed home to meet my friend Sunny who was delivering Scentsy goodies to me. She gets the Warmer of the Month kit and did not want the July warmer or scent so I bought them from her. The warmer was the "Play Ball" which is a baseball - perfect for E's room (the one room in the house w/o a warmer at that point). The scent is Bubblegum which actually reminds me of summer and Hubba Bubba! After she left, another friend, Pat, showed up to bring me an air purification system to test for a week. I met Pat at my Joy of Connecting meetings and have wanted to try this thing out for months. I have another friend who got one and it practically cured her daughter's asthma and her husband's snoring. It works with some sort of electric current which zaps all the mold, mildew, dust mites, germs, etc. from your house and converts it to hydrogen peroxide. It leaves everything smelling clean and sanitized too. Considering our house is close to 30 years old and we all suffer from allergies - I thought we'd try it out. After Pat left, it was off to church followed by dinner at Mom and Dad's and swimming for all.
Sunday, the kids and I awoke to no Daddy in the house as he'd already left for an early round of golf w/ my Dad, brother and nephew. At 11am, my dad called and asked if the kids wanted to join them on the back 9. Well, imagine my excitement when they said yes! I rushed them up to the Club and then rushed home to get myself cleaned up for some "me" time. I hit the road running - Lane Bryant, Aveda, Kohls and Walmart - all in a 3 hour period - all by myself - no one with me - alone - shopping - getting the things I needed/wanted! It was glorious. Then it was back to the house to unload my finds and into my bathing suit to head back to Mom and Dad's for more dinner and swimming. We provided the steaks and corn on the cob for the Father's Day meal. Mom made potatoes and salad. It was yummy and we had a blast in the pool. There was even time when we got home for me to finish up endorsements for dad and still get to bed at a decent time.
All in all, not too bad for one weekend!
Friday, June 19, 2009
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Wednesday, June 17, 2009
I swear
noon cannot get here fast enough today. My boss is heading out of town and this had been a week from hell with him. It started first thing Monday morning when he snapped my head off after I informed him that a document he asked me to print was not for mated and would be a printing nightmare due to all the data attached. I did not say I couldn't do it but was just asking how he wanted the data to look. It is never a good thing to start your week with a verbal tongue lashing from your boss or coworker. Most of my weeks start this way though. I'm trying to keep a good attitude about things but it is just hard sometimes to find the positive in this job. I know the two guys I work with are under alot of stress but I really do not see the reason for always taking it out on me. One just doesn't talk to me when he's upset. The other snaps at me about every little thing when he's in a 'mood'. Sometimes I swear they both PMS more than any woman on this planet.
I actually like the job itself. There are days that it is brainless (which I need sometimes) and days that are challenging. I have learned alot about the business in the past four years but I've also stressed more on a job than ever before in my life. I thought working for the government was tough - dealing every day with other people's problems. But my coworkers were wonderful and I made some really good friends at work. Then all the years I was a contractor - besides a few bad days - 99% of the people I worked with on all the jobs were great, friendly and fun to work with.
I know many of friends are un or under employed right now so I cannot complain too much that I have a fairly good paying job to come to every day. However, there are lots of days where unemployment actually sounds like a blessing that calls to me in the night. I'll survive.....but sometimes I just like to gripe.
I actually like the job itself. There are days that it is brainless (which I need sometimes) and days that are challenging. I have learned alot about the business in the past four years but I've also stressed more on a job than ever before in my life. I thought working for the government was tough - dealing every day with other people's problems. But my coworkers were wonderful and I made some really good friends at work. Then all the years I was a contractor - besides a few bad days - 99% of the people I worked with on all the jobs were great, friendly and fun to work with.
I know many of friends are un or under employed right now so I cannot complain too much that I have a fairly good paying job to come to every day. However, there are lots of days where unemployment actually sounds like a blessing that calls to me in the night. I'll survive.....but sometimes I just like to gripe.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
She shoots....she scores
Summer is in full bloom and time is already getting away from me. Last Friday was the last day of school for Ash. She's now an official 7th grader - frightening!!!! She spent her first weekend of summer break in a tennis tournament in Southlake. She won her match on Saturday and won 2 of her 3 matches on Sunday to win 2nd place and finally "CHAMPED UP". This means she had the points and a trip to the final round of a tournament to move up to the next level. It is great that she finally achieved this monumental goal. The downside is that she will not have the time at this level to earn the 100 points she'll need to stay when she turns 13 in Sept. She knew this going in but just wanted to be able to say that she did it. Now she can continue playing at her current level of tournaments starting in Sept. but in the higher age bracket. She will have to earn another 64 points at that level and get to a finals in order to "champ up" again.
Last week, the kids both went to Vacation Bible School with my mom. She ran one of the nursery groups so that E could go. You have to be a kindergartener to go to VBS unless a family member is a volunteer. Ash was a Junior Volunteer this year and got to help out with the little kid classes for various activities. They had a blast. Saturday was the church festival and Ash volunteered to work a booth to earn community service hours to put on her NJHS application in the fall. Little did she know that it would be 100 degrees and 100% humidity that day. I felt so bad for her while she roasted in her little booth helping little kids play carnival games. She did it with a smile though and proudly earned her Community Service certificate!
I spent that day at a Scrapbook event in Downtown Dallas for the Police Officers of Dallas. The day of cropping was also a day of fundraising for this worthy charity. I went by myself because my usual group of crop buddies were busy with other things that day. I had a great time since it was hosted by Tammy - the ladybug retreat gal. I did have to take a break in the middle of the day to drive back toward home to go to church and see the kids sing their VBS songs at Mass. Then it was back to Dallas for more cropping. I got 11 pages done in E's book, attended a few really neat craft classes and won a necklace in the raffle at the end of the evening (I wanted the Cricut Jukebox or the cool Tote bag but the necklace is pretty cool).
Also last Friday, I was finally able to pull off an A Phi Dinner Club - 0ur first since Christmas. 6 of my wonderful sisters met me at Uncle Julio's in Grapevine where we sweated on the patio while watching one heck of a lightening storm. We finished eating around 8 and talked until after 10 - I'm sure the folks at the restaurant thought we were never going to leave. It was so great to see everyone and sort of get the excitment rolling about CampAPhi this year!
Last week, the kids both went to Vacation Bible School with my mom. She ran one of the nursery groups so that E could go. You have to be a kindergartener to go to VBS unless a family member is a volunteer. Ash was a Junior Volunteer this year and got to help out with the little kid classes for various activities. They had a blast. Saturday was the church festival and Ash volunteered to work a booth to earn community service hours to put on her NJHS application in the fall. Little did she know that it would be 100 degrees and 100% humidity that day. I felt so bad for her while she roasted in her little booth helping little kids play carnival games. She did it with a smile though and proudly earned her Community Service certificate!
I spent that day at a Scrapbook event in Downtown Dallas for the Police Officers of Dallas. The day of cropping was also a day of fundraising for this worthy charity. I went by myself because my usual group of crop buddies were busy with other things that day. I had a great time since it was hosted by Tammy - the ladybug retreat gal. I did have to take a break in the middle of the day to drive back toward home to go to church and see the kids sing their VBS songs at Mass. Then it was back to Dallas for more cropping. I got 11 pages done in E's book, attended a few really neat craft classes and won a necklace in the raffle at the end of the evening (I wanted the Cricut Jukebox or the cool Tote bag but the necklace is pretty cool).
Also last Friday, I was finally able to pull off an A Phi Dinner Club - 0ur first since Christmas. 6 of my wonderful sisters met me at Uncle Julio's in Grapevine where we sweated on the patio while watching one heck of a lightening storm. We finished eating around 8 and talked until after 10 - I'm sure the folks at the restaurant thought we were never going to leave. It was so great to see everyone and sort of get the excitment rolling about CampAPhi this year!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Friday
Happy Friday. Hoping to have a good weekend filled with tennis, birthday parties, more tennis and possibly more tennis. But tonight we get to kick things off with an adults only evening in the VIP tent at the Club. Dad bought us all passes to the VIP tent for the Long Drive Competition tonight. Food and drinks are free in the tent!! Then tomorrow, Ash has a ZATs tourney in Southlake (thank goodness it is close to home). She doesn't play til 1:30 which is nice. Then E has a friend's bday party at 4p in Colleyville. If Ash wins her first match, she doesn't play again til Sunday morning at 8am (yes that is 8 in the A freakin M - not my favorite time to be awake on the weekend). If she keeps winning (and hopefully she does) she will play 3 matches thru the day on Sunday. We are really hoping she can make it to finals this time as it will give her a chance to "Champ" up before she ages up to the 13/14 bracket in September.
On a side note, I've lost 7 lbs this week. Yep, started Slim Fast for breakfast, Smart Ones for lunch and a normal dinner on Monday. I think I was retaining alot of water which explains most of the loss. The sad part is that I'd let myself get so far over my 'personal high weight' that this loss doesn't even get me back to what should be my starting point. That is okay though - at least I'm making an effort.
On a side note, I've lost 7 lbs this week. Yep, started Slim Fast for breakfast, Smart Ones for lunch and a normal dinner on Monday. I think I was retaining alot of water which explains most of the loss. The sad part is that I'd let myself get so far over my 'personal high weight' that this loss doesn't even get me back to what should be my starting point. That is okay though - at least I'm making an effort.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Props
Big props to my homegirl! Ash made 5th chair clarinet in the 7th & 8th grade Wind Ensemble band for next year. There are going to be three bands next year due to the size of students participating. The Wind Ensemble is the equivalent of the A team. There were only 8 chosen from the clarinet group and she was one of them. Go Ashy!
Big props to my baby boy for throwing several world class fits yesterday that were actually making us consider he might be possessed by something evil??!! I cannot begin to tell you how much I love this kid though and even when he throws a fit in my presence - he still brings me joy (sometimes a slight headache but mostly joy).
Big props to my dear friends M & T for delivering the brand spanking new computer to my doorstep last night that M built himself. He told me what parts to order from Newegg a few weeks ago and when they came in - I put all the boxes in his wife's car. She called yesterday afternoon to let me know he was done and ready to bring it over. The whole family dropped in last night and he got my new machine up and running. Unfortunately it was so late by the time I got my head spinning psycho child to sleep that I did not get a chance to play with my new toy but I am grinning from ear to ear today as I think about what is waiting for me at home. I've always loved technology but in the past few years I've let it overwhelm me. I'm trying to be more adventurous so I was okay w/ M installing Vista instead of XP. We'll see how this goes!
Big props to me for getting off my big fat rear and starting to do something about my health. I actually took the kids for a walk around the park on Monday night and plan to repeat the process tonight (possibly followed by water aerobics in my parent's pool). I started drinking SlimFast for breakfast (much easier than trying to prepare breakfast in the morning) and am cutting portions/making healthier choices at other meals. No goals excepts that I'd like to be able to paint my own toenails w/o twisting myself into a painful yoga position to get around my gut! If the walking also helps me climb the stairs at Lake Bridgeport in August - then all the better!!!
Final big props to DH for painting the 1/2 bath last night in the scorching heat. The new tan paint color looks fabulous against the new black countertop, white cabinets and silver accessories!! Cannot wait for him to get the new framed mirror up tonight, all the tape off and the pics back on the walls!! It is making me happy just to think about it.
Big props to my baby boy for throwing several world class fits yesterday that were actually making us consider he might be possessed by something evil??!! I cannot begin to tell you how much I love this kid though and even when he throws a fit in my presence - he still brings me joy (sometimes a slight headache but mostly joy).
Big props to my dear friends M & T for delivering the brand spanking new computer to my doorstep last night that M built himself. He told me what parts to order from Newegg a few weeks ago and when they came in - I put all the boxes in his wife's car. She called yesterday afternoon to let me know he was done and ready to bring it over. The whole family dropped in last night and he got my new machine up and running. Unfortunately it was so late by the time I got my head spinning psycho child to sleep that I did not get a chance to play with my new toy but I am grinning from ear to ear today as I think about what is waiting for me at home. I've always loved technology but in the past few years I've let it overwhelm me. I'm trying to be more adventurous so I was okay w/ M installing Vista instead of XP. We'll see how this goes!
Big props to me for getting off my big fat rear and starting to do something about my health. I actually took the kids for a walk around the park on Monday night and plan to repeat the process tonight (possibly followed by water aerobics in my parent's pool). I started drinking SlimFast for breakfast (much easier than trying to prepare breakfast in the morning) and am cutting portions/making healthier choices at other meals. No goals excepts that I'd like to be able to paint my own toenails w/o twisting myself into a painful yoga position to get around my gut! If the walking also helps me climb the stairs at Lake Bridgeport in August - then all the better!!!
Final big props to DH for painting the 1/2 bath last night in the scorching heat. The new tan paint color looks fabulous against the new black countertop, white cabinets and silver accessories!! Cannot wait for him to get the new framed mirror up tonight, all the tape off and the pics back on the walls!! It is making me happy just to think about it.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Well the weekend was just what we needed! Despite dropping way too much money in Shreveport, my DH was not too upset with my lack of luck on Friday night and Saturday morning. After a great "free" buffet at Sam's Town, we hopped in the car and headed to Natchitoches, LA and our favorite B&B (okay, it's the only B&B we've ever stayed in but it is still our favorite!). We even stopped for a couple of daquiries for the drive (you've got to a love a state where they can sell you an alcoholic beverage from a stand on the side of the road). We dropped off our bags and promptly hit the streets with camera in hand (pics to come later). I just love the sites and smells of this small but wonderful Louisiana town. The shops in downtown are just fabulous and we quickly bought our fair share of nick knacks for the house, kids, my mom, etc. I even scored a wonderful new red purse!! Then half way down the road, we stopped into our favorite little oyster bar for a cold beverage. Imagine our surprise when half way thru the first drink, DH looks up and sees his 2nd cousin, Neil, walking towards the door. See, Neil lives in Natchitoches and every time we visit we really do intend to call him up but it never happens. Neil's a cool guy so he took it with a grain of salt (and a couple glasses of scotch). We had a nice visit with him but was disappointed that our longer than intended stay at the bar meant the rest of the little stores had closed for the day. Oh well! We headed back to our room at the Rusca House, showered and headed to dinner on the lake. On our way out, we heard the beginnings of a band playing at a wedding reception at the B&B right behind ours. After a great dinner at Mariners, we came back and sat on the back porch and listened to the band play til 10p. Then we watched the bride and groom drive by in a horse drawn carriage - so romantic. We were going to watch "Rear Window" after we settled in for the evening but were both so tired, we barely saw the opening credits.
Sunday morning was an early one as the B&B serves breakfast at 8:30. We met 3 nice couples that morning and said our good-byes after a great meal. We drove around town after packing the truck to look at houses in the area. Long term dream but we'd love to settle down in this little town when the kids are grown. Eventually, we said goodbye and headed back to Shreveport where I managed to lose more money in the span on one hour. Not my lucky weekend in the casino for sure. DH won a whopping $5 so we called it quits and headed back to Dallas. Stopped in Terrell for some shoe shopping and then picked up the kiddos from my parents. My dad had kept them pretty busy with two movies (UP and Night at the Museum 2) and pool time. They seemed to miss us and were pretty happy with their gifts. Then it was laundry time and the end of a fabulous weekend.
Sunday morning was an early one as the B&B serves breakfast at 8:30. We met 3 nice couples that morning and said our good-byes after a great meal. We drove around town after packing the truck to look at houses in the area. Long term dream but we'd love to settle down in this little town when the kids are grown. Eventually, we said goodbye and headed back to Shreveport where I managed to lose more money in the span on one hour. Not my lucky weekend in the casino for sure. DH won a whopping $5 so we called it quits and headed back to Dallas. Stopped in Terrell for some shoe shopping and then picked up the kiddos from my parents. My dad had kept them pretty busy with two movies (UP and Night at the Museum 2) and pool time. They seemed to miss us and were pretty happy with their gifts. Then it was laundry time and the end of a fabulous weekend.
Friday, May 29, 2009
A Trip
Last year at this time I wrote: I think we need a vacation together to reconnect. It's so difficult w/ two kids, three jobs, separate hobbies and the rest of life to find time to be together to talk, cuddle or anything else for that matter. After 19 years together, we will find a way to reconnect but it's just a difficult time right now and I'm a bit bummed about it.
Wow, how ironic because this week I have again been feeling disconnected from my spouse. Maybe it coincides with the loss of my grandfather? Maybe it is the fact that ever since my father in law died, my husband has not been the same. There are moments where he seems to be his "old self" but then there are times I don't even feel like I know him anymore. Well, today after work we are leaving for a weekend in Louisiana. Shreveport tonight and Nachitchoes tomorrow night. He planned the trip which you would think was romantic but funny thing is this trip is actually a glaring reminder of how little he knows me. See he planned this trip originally for Mother's Day weekend. His plan was for us to get up Saturday morning and drive straight to the little B&B we stayed in last summer. I love that little town and the B&B was great BUT: 1) I wanted to be with my kids and my mom for Mother's Day weekend; 2) I'm really not the antique shopping, stroll by the river kind of gal. I hate to sweat. I hate bugs. I really am not a big fan of other people's old stuff; 3) If I'm going to Louisiana I want to gamble. His weekend plans did not include a stop in Shreveport.
Alot of things came up that weekend so we agreed to move the B&B weekend to later in the month. Fast forward to last week when I arranged for a free night in Shreveport for tonight. He was okay with the idea of going away a night early but seemed befuddled this morning when I asked him to get me some gambling money for the trip. I'm sorry but tomorrow we will be doing what he wants to do. Tonight is mine. You would think after 20 years he would know that to me a vacation gambling is the best vacation there is. I love the beach and I love a good relaxing getaway but if you can combine that with a casino - I'm so there! I don't have a problem or anything with gambling - I haven't been to Shreveport since last November. I just like to go if the opportunity presents itself.
I'm hoping we do reconnect a bit this weekend. I think we need the 'alone' time.
Wow, how ironic because this week I have again been feeling disconnected from my spouse. Maybe it coincides with the loss of my grandfather? Maybe it is the fact that ever since my father in law died, my husband has not been the same. There are moments where he seems to be his "old self" but then there are times I don't even feel like I know him anymore. Well, today after work we are leaving for a weekend in Louisiana. Shreveport tonight and Nachitchoes tomorrow night. He planned the trip which you would think was romantic but funny thing is this trip is actually a glaring reminder of how little he knows me. See he planned this trip originally for Mother's Day weekend. His plan was for us to get up Saturday morning and drive straight to the little B&B we stayed in last summer. I love that little town and the B&B was great BUT: 1) I wanted to be with my kids and my mom for Mother's Day weekend; 2) I'm really not the antique shopping, stroll by the river kind of gal. I hate to sweat. I hate bugs. I really am not a big fan of other people's old stuff; 3) If I'm going to Louisiana I want to gamble. His weekend plans did not include a stop in Shreveport.
Alot of things came up that weekend so we agreed to move the B&B weekend to later in the month. Fast forward to last week when I arranged for a free night in Shreveport for tonight. He was okay with the idea of going away a night early but seemed befuddled this morning when I asked him to get me some gambling money for the trip. I'm sorry but tomorrow we will be doing what he wants to do. Tonight is mine. You would think after 20 years he would know that to me a vacation gambling is the best vacation there is. I love the beach and I love a good relaxing getaway but if you can combine that with a casino - I'm so there! I don't have a problem or anything with gambling - I haven't been to Shreveport since last November. I just like to go if the opportunity presents itself.
I'm hoping we do reconnect a bit this weekend. I think we need the 'alone' time.
Pap
Today is the two year anniversary of the day my beloved Pap Pap passed away. I still think of him almost every day. It doesn't hurt as much as it used to when I would think about him being gone but today it seems to hurt as much as the day it happened. It is still hard to believe he is gone. Hard to understand how I've managed to make it thru the last two years without his smile, the sound of his voice, his support, and his love. They say that when you lose someone close to you eventually you will forget what they looked like, smelled like, sounded like -but I still can vividly remember those things about Pap.
He was my champion. My cheerleader. There was not a thing I tackled in life that I did not know he was in my corner cheering me on. Convincing me I could do anything. I try very hard to project that same attitude to my children. I want them to always know that they have me in their corner, just like I had Pap Pap.
I wish my kids could have known him better. I wish they could have known him before the pneumonia kept taking all his energy. Before his legs didn't want to work anymore. Before his body gave out. I wish they could have known the man that would take me to the Elks Club before I was 5 and buy me a steak because "that's what his little girl wanted and by golly that was what she was going to have". I wish they could have been there when he'd slip a $100 bill in my hand as a secret so I could go shopping or gambling. I wish they could have played Hell's Gate Bridge or Knock with him and see the way he'd roll his eyes when he'd lose a hand or the way he'd blow a hand just to protect me from losing. I wish they could have been in his living room with him in the mornings watching cartoons while he drank his morning coffee and read his newspaper. I just wish they had more time with the greatest man I ever knew.
I miss you with all my heart Pap.
He was my champion. My cheerleader. There was not a thing I tackled in life that I did not know he was in my corner cheering me on. Convincing me I could do anything. I try very hard to project that same attitude to my children. I want them to always know that they have me in their corner, just like I had Pap Pap.
I wish my kids could have known him better. I wish they could have known him before the pneumonia kept taking all his energy. Before his legs didn't want to work anymore. Before his body gave out. I wish they could have known the man that would take me to the Elks Club before I was 5 and buy me a steak because "that's what his little girl wanted and by golly that was what she was going to have". I wish they could have been there when he'd slip a $100 bill in my hand as a secret so I could go shopping or gambling. I wish they could have played Hell's Gate Bridge or Knock with him and see the way he'd roll his eyes when he'd lose a hand or the way he'd blow a hand just to protect me from losing. I wish they could have been in his living room with him in the mornings watching cartoons while he drank his morning coffee and read his newspaper. I just wish they had more time with the greatest man I ever knew.
I miss you with all my heart Pap.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Memorable
So it was a weekend full of swimming, crawfish and tennis! No pics of swimming because I was always in the pool and didn't want my camera anywhere near the water. We started our weekend celebration a little early with hamburgers on the grill at Mom's while Dad and kids got in the pool. After 1/2 a day at work on Friday, I headed home, got some productive things done around the house and picked Ash up from school (a rare treat for me). Then that evening I took Ash over to a friends for some swim time. When she decided it needed to be a sleepover, I packed her bag and headed back over. Luckily, she was hanging out at my friend Ms. K's house so I hung out awhile too. Ms. K and I went for a drive around the town and then to the grocery store for some cold beverage. Ms. T came to join us for a bit when we got back.
Saturday morning was more time at the house and some errand running. We had to go to Denton to pick up the tags for my car - I now have my IMAPHI plates on the new car so all is right with the world again. After church, we headed back over to Mom and Dad's to hit the pool. This time, even I got in. We cranked up the tunes and enjoyed the water. Only the rain could get us out of the water but it was just in time for dinner so that's okay.
Sunday was crawfish boil day! A tradition for probably 10 years now. We usually have it at our house but we did have it one year in Hachie. This year we decided to have it by the pool. Begin the tragic music.......first off we had to haul everything over to Mom's. When we fill the cooler back up with water for the crawfish, we realize something is terribly wrong. All the crawfish look DEAD! 28 lbs of crawfish and after an hour of picking thru the bunch - only about 1 lb lived. Not being a family to give up on our traditions - we made numerous phone calls before finally finding a place in Grapevine that had some mud bugs for us. My dad and brother head off with cooler in hand. DH decides he'd better get the pot boiling to get the seasonings 'just right' so he sets up his Bayou Blaster, hooks up the propane, starts the fire, puts on the pot of onions, lemons and crab boil and heads off to pick up our son from a morning playdate. About this time, my friend Ms. K comes over for a visit. While we are talking I notice the flame is coming up one side of the pot. Never noticed it doing this before so I turn down the flame. My mom comes over and turns it back up. Flames start shooting up the side of the pot. Upon closer inspection, I realize the hose that connects the propane to the cooker is hooked up thru the stand and in direct line of the flame. I have a feeling we are very lucky we did not explode the line and blow us all to smithereens that afternoon. One frantic call to my DH to inform him of his stupidity and he borrows a cooker from E's friend's parents. Thinking all is going to be okay, we set up the borrowed cooker only to realize that it is so old - it's parts are not compatible with the new propane tanks. UGH!!! So DH is off to the store in search of another cooker. In the meantime, my dad and brother come back with a big old cooler full of some delicious looking crawfish (Thank you Salt Water Willy's)!. DH arrives soon after with the new cooker which requires "some assembly". Have I ever mentioned before that I'm the person in our family that always assembles stuff? My DH has no patience for that sort of thing. My brother has the brawn but not the "ability" to follow directions. So after about 20 minutes of my brother, husband and nephew trying to put this thing together - my brother calmly walks down the steps and says he needs my help. It seems my DH was being his normal self and thinking he could just 'rig' the thing together by skipping steps. My brother knew this was a recipe for disaster and rather than fight w/ my DH over doing it the right way - he wanted me to do it. So I did and after a few minutes - the three guys figured out the problem and finally got the thing put together. Even after all the delays and setbacks - we finally settled down to eat 38 lbs of crawfish. They were not as spicy as I like but then the water never really got a chance to boil like it should have early in the day. Everyone else seemed pleased with the lack of 'hot' that I'm used to from DH's crawfish so I think it was a success!
Monday morning brought tennis. The Club had a tennis mixer from 10a-noon and the kids both wanted to participate. E did a great job with the little kids. He is so shy that I was afraid so much activity and so many people would freak him out but he participated in the tennis drills and had a blast. Ash got to play with the adults because no other kids her age and level showed up. She had a ball playing doubles with a grown up partner. She really held her own too. Every adult she played with commented on how polite she is and what a great tennis player she is. I was proud. She even got to pair up with her old coach and they skunked their opponents 6-2. Afterwards, the kids and I had burgers by the pool at the Club and then headed home to 'suit up' and head to Mom's pool. We spent the rest of the afternoon and most of the evening there.
Three days in the pool and I am a lobster. I used sun screen but obviously not often enough. I don't hurt - just red all over. I love the water. I spent every moment of every summer at the swimming pool when I was a kid. I am totally loving that my parents have a pool and am looking forward to many weekends in the water! Ash loves it too which is ironic since she had to wear ear plugs most of her life due to various sets of tubes in her ears. E is not much of a pool guy yet. He thinks he is but he's really quite the pain. He hates water in his eyes so the minute he gets splashed - he freaks. He is so shy that swimming lessons do not work well but we are going to try again this year and see if we can get him acclimated to water. If he doesn't lighten up pool time with E will not be much fun.
Saturday morning was more time at the house and some errand running. We had to go to Denton to pick up the tags for my car - I now have my IMAPHI plates on the new car so all is right with the world again. After church, we headed back over to Mom and Dad's to hit the pool. This time, even I got in. We cranked up the tunes and enjoyed the water. Only the rain could get us out of the water but it was just in time for dinner so that's okay.
Sunday was crawfish boil day! A tradition for probably 10 years now. We usually have it at our house but we did have it one year in Hachie. This year we decided to have it by the pool. Begin the tragic music.......first off we had to haul everything over to Mom's. When we fill the cooler back up with water for the crawfish, we realize something is terribly wrong. All the crawfish look DEAD! 28 lbs of crawfish and after an hour of picking thru the bunch - only about 1 lb lived. Not being a family to give up on our traditions - we made numerous phone calls before finally finding a place in Grapevine that had some mud bugs for us. My dad and brother head off with cooler in hand. DH decides he'd better get the pot boiling to get the seasonings 'just right' so he sets up his Bayou Blaster, hooks up the propane, starts the fire, puts on the pot of onions, lemons and crab boil and heads off to pick up our son from a morning playdate. About this time, my friend Ms. K comes over for a visit. While we are talking I notice the flame is coming up one side of the pot. Never noticed it doing this before so I turn down the flame. My mom comes over and turns it back up. Flames start shooting up the side of the pot. Upon closer inspection, I realize the hose that connects the propane to the cooker is hooked up thru the stand and in direct line of the flame. I have a feeling we are very lucky we did not explode the line and blow us all to smithereens that afternoon. One frantic call to my DH to inform him of his stupidity and he borrows a cooker from E's friend's parents. Thinking all is going to be okay, we set up the borrowed cooker only to realize that it is so old - it's parts are not compatible with the new propane tanks. UGH!!! So DH is off to the store in search of another cooker. In the meantime, my dad and brother come back with a big old cooler full of some delicious looking crawfish (Thank you Salt Water Willy's)!. DH arrives soon after with the new cooker which requires "some assembly". Have I ever mentioned before that I'm the person in our family that always assembles stuff? My DH has no patience for that sort of thing. My brother has the brawn but not the "ability" to follow directions. So after about 20 minutes of my brother, husband and nephew trying to put this thing together - my brother calmly walks down the steps and says he needs my help. It seems my DH was being his normal self and thinking he could just 'rig' the thing together by skipping steps. My brother knew this was a recipe for disaster and rather than fight w/ my DH over doing it the right way - he wanted me to do it. So I did and after a few minutes - the three guys figured out the problem and finally got the thing put together. Even after all the delays and setbacks - we finally settled down to eat 38 lbs of crawfish. They were not as spicy as I like but then the water never really got a chance to boil like it should have early in the day. Everyone else seemed pleased with the lack of 'hot' that I'm used to from DH's crawfish so I think it was a success!
Monday morning brought tennis. The Club had a tennis mixer from 10a-noon and the kids both wanted to participate. E did a great job with the little kids. He is so shy that I was afraid so much activity and so many people would freak him out but he participated in the tennis drills and had a blast. Ash got to play with the adults because no other kids her age and level showed up. She had a ball playing doubles with a grown up partner. She really held her own too. Every adult she played with commented on how polite she is and what a great tennis player she is. I was proud. She even got to pair up with her old coach and they skunked their opponents 6-2. Afterwards, the kids and I had burgers by the pool at the Club and then headed home to 'suit up' and head to Mom's pool. We spent the rest of the afternoon and most of the evening there.
Three days in the pool and I am a lobster. I used sun screen but obviously not often enough. I don't hurt - just red all over. I love the water. I spent every moment of every summer at the swimming pool when I was a kid. I am totally loving that my parents have a pool and am looking forward to many weekends in the water! Ash loves it too which is ironic since she had to wear ear plugs most of her life due to various sets of tubes in her ears. E is not much of a pool guy yet. He thinks he is but he's really quite the pain. He hates water in his eyes so the minute he gets splashed - he freaks. He is so shy that swimming lessons do not work well but we are going to try again this year and see if we can get him acclimated to water. If he doesn't lighten up pool time with E will not be much fun.
Monday, May 25, 2009
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Wednesday, May 20, 2009
She's just awesome!
Last night was the Middle School awards ceremony. Each child that was to receive an award was given a letter last week asking them to attend the ceremony. They handed out the letters after last Thursday's field trip so there was some confusion as to the location of some of the kids since they were sent to different classrooms to watch a video when they got back to school. My overachiever came home devastated last Thursday because several of her friends received the letter and she did not get one. I told her it was probably because she wasn't in the band hall where she was supposed to be in 7th period. I was right of course (part of the power of being Mommy is always being right). The next day in 2nd period they finally found my depressed daughter and delivered the much anticipated letter.
Flash forward to last night. The first award of the night is perfect attendence. Ash has never missed a whole day of school but we have had to pull her out of a few classes for dr. appts. from time to time. She wasn't sure if missing part of a day counted or not so it was funny to see the relief on her face when they did NOT call her name. She was seriously afraid the only award she was being given was perfect attendence. She wants academic awards - not perfect attendence. They started off with elective awards for Student of the Year. There are over 200 kids in 6th grade band. Ash's band director always calls her his favorite clarinet player but I've always figured he was saying that to everyone. Lo' and behold, she wins Student of the Year in band. Funny thing is that one of her very close friends is the directors "favorite percussionist" and I could see the disappointment in her face when they called Ash's name. She was happy for everyone else when they won awards but I think she thought she had that one in the bag. This same friend went on to win SOTY in Pre-AP Math. Another couple of close friends from elementary won SOTY in Pre-AP Science (different teachers) and Pre-AP LA. Ash then won SOTY in Gates Language Arts. Funny - in 5th grade she won SOTY in Gates and in LA. This year they are combined into one class and she wins again. She was pretty pleased with herself to have two big medals around her neck at the end of the ceremony. She was the only 6th grader to win two awards.
I can remember year after year sitting in the bleachers while the same 3 or 4 kids in my class won everything. I cannot recall ever actually bringing home a single award all my years in school. So how the heck did I end up with this overachieving winner?? It boggles my mind every single day. Still think they switched my kids at the hospital w/ someone else's.
Flash forward to last night. The first award of the night is perfect attendence. Ash has never missed a whole day of school but we have had to pull her out of a few classes for dr. appts. from time to time. She wasn't sure if missing part of a day counted or not so it was funny to see the relief on her face when they did NOT call her name. She was seriously afraid the only award she was being given was perfect attendence. She wants academic awards - not perfect attendence. They started off with elective awards for Student of the Year. There are over 200 kids in 6th grade band. Ash's band director always calls her his favorite clarinet player but I've always figured he was saying that to everyone. Lo' and behold, she wins Student of the Year in band. Funny thing is that one of her very close friends is the directors "favorite percussionist" and I could see the disappointment in her face when they called Ash's name. She was happy for everyone else when they won awards but I think she thought she had that one in the bag. This same friend went on to win SOTY in Pre-AP Math. Another couple of close friends from elementary won SOTY in Pre-AP Science (different teachers) and Pre-AP LA. Ash then won SOTY in Gates Language Arts. Funny - in 5th grade she won SOTY in Gates and in LA. This year they are combined into one class and she wins again. She was pretty pleased with herself to have two big medals around her neck at the end of the ceremony. She was the only 6th grader to win two awards.
I can remember year after year sitting in the bleachers while the same 3 or 4 kids in my class won everything. I cannot recall ever actually bringing home a single award all my years in school. So how the heck did I end up with this overachieving winner?? It boggles my mind every single day. Still think they switched my kids at the hospital w/ someone else's.
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