JODIE J HANEY

2011 Family Photos

2011-03-13T17:00:00.002-05:00

Sydney

2011-03-07T11:05:00.001-06:00

So, we have a teenager. Bet you didn't know that. She is on loan to us from her lovely family in Orange County, CA. We call her our exchange student from a foreign land called California. She is, however, becoming more Southern everyday. Pretty soon she'll be embracing big hair, boots and rodeos!

Sydney came to us at the beginning of the school year. She dances with the Houston Ballet, and needed a place to live because, rightly so, her mother didn't want her 17 year old in an apartment on her own. Our Bishop sent out a note to the Ward asking if anyone had a room in which she could stay throughout the school year. As much as Randi loves ballet, I couldn't turn down the opportunity without at least talking with her parents. Long story short, within 2 weeks, we had a teenager!

We couldn't be more happy she came to stay with us. Syd has become a part of the family. She is funny, smart, daring, kind, thoughtful and spontaneous. Really, how the heck did we get along without her?

As I was tucking Randi into bed one night, I told her she was my only little princess. Randi responded, "No Mommy, Sydney is my sister now. So, we have two princesses in the house." Randi was right.

WE LOVE SYDNEY!!!

Green Beans

2009-08-13T18:25:00.000-05:00

Wow. It's been, well, years since I updated my blog. I haven't forgotten. I've just been busy with life. Now, I can truly understand what this lovely lady must have been feeling as she raised 6 children. My Maw Maw McClure gave me the best example of family I have ever known. Her husband was rough, tough and gruff. (Don't get me wrong, he was amazing. He set my standard in men very high.) She never let us babies see her upset. She would just roll with anything, smile on her face and a giggle on her lips. She let kids be kids, and she allowed us to up grow up on our own terms. She was just there to love us unconditionally and keep us safe from outside harm. (We could harm ourselves all we wanted.)

I remember that she always had something on which we could snack. Jello-juice was my favorite. I now know with 10 grandkids around, she probably just didn't have time to let it set. We thought she was a cooking genius! She always had her arms open wide for a hug. She had a paddle hanging in the hallway. It was padded. She threatened to paddle us with it, but I don't remember it ever leaving the wall. She always had an ear to lend to our childish stories.

I remember sitting on her porch swing snapping buckets of green beans and chatting with her. Who knows what I was rambling about, but I wouldn't trade that smell, that weather, that moment of complete peace, love and acceptance for anything. No, it didn't cost a thing. It wasn't glamourous or exciting. It was just simple perfection in life. I hope everyone gets to experience this. Not everyone can snap green beans in the country, but everyone can have their little peace of Heaven, if we know what is truly valuable in life. I loved her more than words can say. I am so sad she and my Paw Paw are gone. I miss them. They were my happily-ever-after story. They were my inspiration of what family could be. I hope they are together now, looking down, with pride, on what they started, still loving us, and snapping green beans together on a back porch swing.

Randi 'isms'

2009-07-31T15:26:00.000-05:00

"Knock. Knock. It's party o'clock!"

"Let's move out the party, Sweetie Heart! That's right, Baby. That means you!"

"Mom, you cook the BEST cereal!"

"Kids need Mommies because they are much nicer than Daddies."

Don: What is this?

Randi: That is the thumb of my toes. (Parents laugh here.)

Don: So, is this the thumb of my foot?

Randi: Yep. Except your has fur on it. (Parents pee themselves laughing here.)

Happy. Really Happy.

2009-07-25T13:22:00.000-05:00

Here are a few reasons why:

1. I figured out what I want to be when I grow up and started classes accordingly. I love to have babies, but I can't have anymore for both mental and physical reasons! So, I decided, with Don's encouragement, to go to school to be a L&D nurse. I started my first pre-req two weeks ago and have made an A on both of my tests. I finally feel like I am using my brain again, and I get to set the terms of use. I am so fortunate to have a husband that supports my aspirations. His paying all the bills is nice, too. A nurse is not what I thought I would be when I grew up, but my priorities have shifted and it fits the person I have become.

2. I am happy to be training for the Houston Marathon. I decided I wanted to run a marathon a few years ago, but I haven't been able to commit to the training. I am 99.9% sure I can get it done this year! I love the challenge of running a full marathon, rather than a half. I figure, why do something 'half' way. It feels good to be in control of my body. I feel strong.

3. Friends are so important to me, and lately, I feel so much love from my small group of good friends. We don't see each other every day. We don't talk every day, but I understand them and they understand me. We do what we can to support one another and understand that our families comes first...no fussing, no drama and no whining. I love my patient friends.

4. We are healthy. My family and I all have fully functioning bodies. I have two arms and two legs and no major sicknesses. I can live my life to the fullest. I thank God just about every time I am active that everything is working properly and is simply there to use.

5. I am thankful for my fab house in a great city, my kid's attendance of wonderful schools, money to buy whatever we need, having both sets of Grandparents alive and kickin', my school being paid for in-full (so far), being married to a smart and honorable man, knowing Heavenly Father gently teaches me and forgives me, having great neighbors and babysitters and kids that are trained to go to bed before 8pm!

A Summer Sneak Peak

2009-06-25T12:08:00.000-05:00

We have had a crazy fun summer so far!

Here is a glimpse:

Computer time, of course.

Competitive Bowling. ;)

Science Experiments...burn...burn...burn...huh...huh...huh...

Kid's Museum!

Swim time.

Lots of Snowballs...yum...must try all the flavors...all 75.

No pictures of the beach trips...don't wanna ruin my camera.
No pictures of VBS...duh.
Can't wait for San Antonio this weekend!!!

Back to School?

2009-06-14T18:48:00.001-05:00

Mom: "What do you guys think about Mommy going back to school to be a nurse?"
Cole: "That would be good. Then, you could see me every time I went to the hospital!"

Texan

2009-06-04T16:38:00.001-05:00

I am officially a Texan now. Check the new boots.

Happy Kindergarden Graduation, My Sweet Cole!

2009-05-27T10:14:00.000-05:00

Our, Cole H. and his friend, Cole M.

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T18:47:00.001-05:00

Today we taught our kids about Memorial Day and those who serve to keep us safe and free. They don't have to do it. They choose to give up everything on our behalf. In my opinion, there is not a more honorable choice of careers.
We had the children make cupcakes and bring them down to a family who recently lost their very decorated Son. I had no words, as I tried not to cry looking into the eyes this fallen soldier's Father. I tried to speak, to say, "thank you" but there seemed to be no words strong enough to express my gratitude, my honor in meeting him, his accepting us into his home, and showing us his treasured flags and badges. My children couldn't know. Only a parent can feel a fraction of this Father's loss. All I could do was hug this Soldier's Dad and udder some mangled words of appreciation.
If only I could do more.

Craig's List

2009-05-17T09:51:00.000-05:00

I LOVE CRAIG'S LIST!
I posted something for the first time last night. I have already had 20 people interested. Really? Is it this easy? Crazy!
If you post it (at the right price), they will come!

2009-05-01T21:31:00.000-05:00

Me: Move it or loose it, Kiddo.
Cole: Move it or loose it, Grown Up!

2009 Swim Suits

2009-04-28T17:37:00.000-05:00

Thank goodness for really cute one-pieces! Last year, I tried a tank top style...not so good. My boobs kept popping out and it looked like I had NO waist.
These darlings do not stretch much, holding in my waist to make it look even smaller. Oh, the best part, no surprise peep shows from this Mommy on the beach!

Houston Tea Party

2009-04-28T17:29:00.000-05:00

Hair Cuts

2009-04-05T15:32:00.000-05:00

These two decided to cut their own hair this morning. I knew the day would come. Thank goodness, they didn't do a very bad job. This is what they looked like after I cleaned up the carnage.

Cole really only cut off one curl, but I had warned him if he ever cut his hair, I would finish the job. I hated to do it, but it's almost summer, right? It will grow back.

Summer

2009-03-10T09:44:00.001-05:00

Summer! Summer! Wherefore Art Thou Summer?

Happy Rodeo!

2009-03-10T09:17:00.000-05:00

Memorial Park RS Blog

2009-03-03T07:59:00.000-06:00

I thought our RS could use some organization, especially because I am constantly adding things to the calendar for enrichment. I don't function well with scattered information.
I hope this catches on...it is really helping me stay organized.

www.memorialparksisters.blogspot.com

"Fortify the Family" Coupon

2009-03-02T14:35:00.001-06:00

I got this today from my Visiting Teachers.

It was accompanied by these quotes:

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
"I call upon members of the Church and on committed parents, grandparents, and extended family members everywhere to hold fast to [the family] proclamation, to make it a banner not unlike General Moroni's 'title of liberty,' and to commit ourselves to live by its precepts. . . .

"In today's world, where Satan's aggression against the family is so prevalent, parents must do all they can to fortify and defend their families. But their efforts may not be enough. Our most basic institution of family desperately needs help and support from the extended family and the public institutions that surround us" ("What Matters Most Is What Lasts Longest," Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2005, 42–43).

2009 Family Pictures

2009-03-01T12:16:00.001-06:00

Go Texans Day

2009-02-27T11:36:00.001-06:00

A Trip to the Park

2009-02-22T18:44:00.001-06:00

Alex's 7th Birthday

2009-02-22T18:13:00.001-06:00

He had a LEGO theme. Alex invited all the boys in his ROE class, Sunday School class & Neighborhood friends. I made a LEGO cake and Don made a racing ramp for the LEGO cars that everyone built. We had a blast!
Alex's comment of the day: "Throwing a party is a lot of work. We work hard, but then have a lot of fun!"

Flower Arranging

2009-02-22T18:07:00.000-06:00

Look what I learned to do! I have wanted to know how to arrange flowers for years. Well, so did a girlfriend of mine. She set up a class and invited all her friends. I learned so much.

My Letter to the White House

2009-02-21T11:16:00.000-06:00

I hate that you guys are going to raise taxes. I came from nothing, and my husband and I both have advanced degrees now. We got loans, we worked during school and we are paying off those loans and supporting our family. Now, our taxes are going to go up while those who choose not to get student loans or work 40 hours and attend college at the same time are going to get tax cuts. It is just not fair. I resent it. Why bother working hard. I feel like I should have just waited for someone to come in and do all the hard work for me. I feel like all my sacrifices were not worth it.
Also, I can't believe you guys decided to mortgage my children's future. Why can't we all work hard, make smart decisions and live with the consequences? It eats me up that we bought a house we could afford. Again, I feel like we should have gotten ourselves in over our head and not read all the fine print in our mortgage documents because again the government is now coming to rescue those who didn't. We might have saved ourselves some time, energy and money had we chosen not to be responsible.
I so hope you guys succeed, but I have to say, I am sad. I am sad that our hard work, planning and responsibility is worth less now.
Good luck.

Fireproof

2009-02-20T14:13:00.000-06:00

I am a little embarrassed to admit it, but I saw the movie Fireproof. I was sick and it was $1 at the RedBox, OK?
Well, then the book, inspired by the movie (or vise verse), was recommended to me. So, I bought it.
I have learned a bunch. It can be cheesy at points, but for the most part, it is a pretty practical "love dare." I'll be updating this list as I read the book. It's a good reminder for me and you can speed through the book with my Cliffs Notes.

Love is Patient
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient bearing with one another in love. -Ephesians 4:2
"Anger almost never makes things better."
"Few of us do patience very well, and none of us do it naturally."

Love is Kind
Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. -Ephesians 4:32
"Patience is how love reacts...kindness is how love acts. One is preventive, the other is proactive."
Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So, you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man. -Proverbs 3:3-4
"The kind husband or wife will be the one who greets first, smiles first, serves first, and forgives first."
"Love determines to show thoughtful actions even when there seems to be no reward."

Love is not Selfish
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves." -Philippians 2:3

Love is Thoughtful
"But the thoughtful nature of love teaches you to engage your mind before your lips."
"Love requires thoughtfulness - on both sides - the kind that builds bridges through the constructive combination of patience, kindness and selflessness."

Love is NOT Rude
"Good manners express to your wife or husband 'I value you enough to exercise some self-control around you. I wan tot be a person who's a pleasure to be with.'"
Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. -Proverbs 25:24
"Guard the Golden Rule. Treat your mate the same way you want to be treated.
No Double Standards. Be as considerate to your spouse as you are to strangers and coworkers.
Honor Requests. Consider what your husband or wife already asked you to do or not do."

Love is NOT Irritable
He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city. -Proverbs 16:32
"A loving wife is not overly sensitive or cranky but exercises emotional self-control. She chooses to be a flower among the thorns and responds pleasantly during prickly situations."
"Pray through your anxieties...delegate when you are overworked...avoid overindulgence."

Love Believes the Best
"Everyone fails and has areas that need growth. Everyone has unresolved issues, hurts and personal baggage."
"Love chooses to believe the best about people. It gives them the benefit of the doubt. It refuses to fill in the unknowns with negative assumptions. And when our worst hopes are proven to be true, love makes every effort to deal with them and move forward. As much as possible, love focuses on the positive."
"You must develop the habit of reining in your negative thoughts and focusing on the positive attributes of your mate."

Love is NOT Jealous
"When you were married, you were given the role of becoming your spouse's biggest cheerleader and the captain of his or her fan club."
"It [love] leads you to celebrate the successes of your spouse rather than resenting them."

Love Makes Good Impressions
Greet one another with a kiss of love. -1 Peter 5:14
"You can tell a lot about the state of a couples relationship from the way they greet one another."
"It doesn't have to be bold and dramatic every time. But adding warmth and enthusiasm gives you the chance to touch your mate's heart in subtle, unspoken ways.

Love is Unconditional
"The truth is this: love is not determined by the one being loved but rather by the one choosing to love."
We love, because He first loved us. -I John 4:19
This kind of love "can only come from God."

Love Cherishes
"When you look at your mate, you're looking at a part of you. So treat her well. Speak Highly of him."

Love Let's the Other Win
"It means laying down for the good of others what you have the right to claim for yourself."
"And though the follow-through may cost you some pride and discomfort, you have made a loving, lasting investment in your marriage."

Love Completes Each Other
"It's like your two hands, which don't just coexist together but multiply the effectiveness of the other. In order to do what they do, neither is quite complete without the other."
"Love realizes that God has put you together on purpose."

Love Fights Fair
"...your love for your spouse is more important than whatever you're fighting about."
Set up "We" boundaries and "Me" boundaries such as:
"We" will never mention divorce.
"We" will call a time-out if things get too heated.
"We" will not fail...whatever it takes, we will work this out."
"I" will listen before speaking. "Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger." - James 1:19
"I" will speak gently and keep my voice down. "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." - Proverbs 15:1

Love Takes Delight
"You don't let your feelings and emotions do the driving. You put them in the back seat and tell them where you are going."
"It's time to remember why you once fell in love. To laugh again. To flirt again. To dream again. Delightfully."
"Enjoy your spouse."
"The responsibility is yours to relearn what you love about this one to whom you've promised yourself for forever."

Love is Honorable
"Of all the relationships I have, I will value ours the most. Of all the things I am willing to sacrifice, I will sacrifice the most for you. With all your failures, sins, mistakes, and faults - past and present - I still choose to love and honor you."
"Honoring your mate means giving him or her your full attention, not talking to them from behind a newspaper or with one eye on the TV."

Love Intercedes
"No one knows better how to pray for your mate than you...So, turn your complaints into prayers and watch the Master work while you keep your hands clean."

Love Promotes Intimacy
"Your mate should not feel pressured to be perfect in order to receive your approval. They should not walk on eggshells in the very place where they ought to feel the most comfortable in their bare feet."

Love Seeks to Understand
"There are reasons for his or her tastes and preferences. Each nuance in your spouse's character has a back story."
By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; and by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. - Proverbs 24:3-4

Love is Satisfied in God
"Every day you place expectations on your spouse. Sometimes they meet them. Sometimes they don't. But never will they be able to totally satisfy all the demands you ask of them."
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7
Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart... - Psalm 37:4
"God is your everyday supply of everything you need."

Love is Faithful
...love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you... - Luke 6:27-28
"For many, this is the beginning of the end. Some respond by rapidly moving toward a tragic divorce. Others, more protective of their reputation than even their own happiness, decide to keep the charade going. But they have no intention of liking it - much less of loving each other again."
"Love is a choice, not a feeling. It is an initiated action, not a knee-jerk reaction."

Love always Protects
"Unfortunately your marriage has enemies out there..."
Harmful influences (unhealthy balance in anything)
Unhealthy relationships (not everyone is a good friend)
Shame (protect your spouses vulnerability)
Parasites (addictions large or small)

Love vs. Lust
"Lust is in opposition to love. It means to set your heart and passions on something forbidden."
"Lust always breeds more lust."
"[Lust is] a misguided thirst for satisfaction that only God can fulfill. Lust is like a warning light on the dash board of your heart, alerting you to the fact that you are not allowing God's love to fill you."

Love Forgives
"...what they did was really wrong, whether they admit it or not. They may not even be sorry about it. They may feel perfectly justified in their actions, even going so far as to blame you for it. But forgiveness doesn't absolve anyone of blame. It doesn't clear their record with God. It just clears you of having to worry about how to punish them. When you forgive another person, you're not turning them loose. You're just turning them over to God, who can be counted on to deal with them His way."
"How do you know when you've done it? You know when the thought of their name or the sight of their face - rather than causing your blood to boil - causes you to feel sorry for them, to pity them, to genuinely hope they get this turned around."
"But great marriages are not created by people who never hurt each other, only by people who choose to keep 'no record of wrongs' (1 Corinthians 13:5)."

Love is Responsible
If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. - 1 John 1:8
"Admitting your mistakes is your responsibility."

Love Encourages
"You must choose to live by encouragement rather than by expectations."
Encourage the exhausted, and strengthen the feeble. - Isiah 35:3
Encourage one another and build up one another...Encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. - I Thessalonians 5:11 & 14

Love makes Sacrifices
"The words 'How can I help you?' need to stay fresh on your lips."

Love's Motivation
Render service with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to men. - Ephesians 6:7

Love Meets Sexual Needs
The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. - 1 Corinthians 7:5
"So 'stop depriving one another' the Bible warns, 'except by agreement for a time...and come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control" - 1 Corinthians 7:5

Hair

2009-02-18T16:01:00.000-06:00

Why am I so nervous about seeing a new hair stylist? Seriously, I have butterflies in my tummy. DORK.

Can't Wait till Summer!

2009-02-17T15:58:00.001-06:00

I am quite looking forward to summer, warm sand, cool water and lots of play time!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-17T08:23:00.000-06:00

The Cabin

2009-02-15T15:53:00.001-06:00

We were here for the weekend, sans little ones thanks to Nanna and Pappa! (Thank you, again.)
Happy 10 year anniversary!

Literally, in the middle of nowhere!

The view at the end of our street.

A view from our bike ride.

This cabin was built in 1850, pre-civil war, in the Carolina's. It was carefully-rebuilt in Texas, 2007. Each log was labeled so as to be placed back in the original order, with the addition of central A/C, a second floor and a hot tub, of course. We weren't really roughing it.

Dyslexia

2009-02-06T07:30:00.000-06:00

We are testing Alex for dyslexia next Saturday. It cost quite a bit of casholla, but after last night, we don't want to wait around on the school system to test him.
We had things all lined up for the school to test Alex for free, but it is a process. We either have to let me fail in English (the subject in which he struggles) or skip the testing all together and have him work harder to minimally keep up. Obviously, we have been helping him a lot and he is passing with a 77%. This 77%, though, doesn't fall in line with his 95% grades across the board otherwise. Something just isn't right.
Last night when he came home with a bad grade, I did the Mommy thing and told him that wasn't acceptable and we would have to try harder. His little eyes got all red and teary as he said only, "Yes, Mam." I had to hug him. He just looked like he was about to burst. When I put my arms around him he exclaimed, "Mommy, I am the worstest kid in school! I make more F's than any body else." (Insert loud sobs here.)
That was it. He will have a full battery of tests next Saturday. I just can't watch him struggle and take the hits emotionally. We'll do whatever it takes.
I struggled with the same things Alex does academically. I made it through, but I had a few anger issues along the way. I learned to hate teachers and school. I was just frustrated. I didn't want to feel even more out of control or weak, so, I got angry instead of sad. I took control in the only way I knew how. I don't want Alex to become angry or sad, especially now that I know our brains just work a little different. (Everyone knows I am a little "different.") Thank goodness for modern science. Alex has tons of options, lots places that will help him and more of a chance to do well in school than I ever had.
It does make me think, though. What if I didn't have to struggle so much in school? What if I wasn't so angry all the time? What would have happened if I could have done well on tests? How would things have turned out? Would I be a Doctor? Would I have gotten that Law degree?
On the other hand, one thing I have learned from having to struggle is that "what ifs" don't get me anywhere. I have to focus on "what is," and "what is" is pretty darn good.

This link may be a little difficult for some of your "normal" people to read, but it was way easier for me. Welcome to my world:

http://www.spellingsociety.org/journals/j10/dyslexia.php

I want to accomplish something.

2009-01-30T09:52:00.000-06:00

So, this is my attempt. I have been sick, my kids have been sick and I am stircrazy. This my lame accomplishment today.

5 things I love:

There are 17 designs and colors for these pretty little flower earrings at manictrout.com.

I have oily hair. This "dry" shampoo has solved all my greasy hair blues. I only have to wash my hair, with water, every other day now.

Victoria Secret's fishnet thigh highs are the best ever! I have tried many different kinds, but these win the most durable and best fit award. There is no hopping down the road pulling up your hose with these babies.

Prettyjewelrythings.com. Everything Connie does is beautiful and underpriced!

I just love pretty smelling soap of any kind really.

Baby Grace

2009-01-28T09:53:00.000-06:00

Riley Ann Sawyer was a 2 year old Galveston girl who was beat for hours with a belt with her faced shoved in a pillow, dragged by her hair into the bathroom to have her face shoved into cold water, thrown across a tile floor several times until her head cracked. When she cried, said, "I love you" to her Mom and tried to run away she was met with a belt around her neck, verbal abuse and more beatings. Finally she couldn't stand, eat or run. She was washed down in bleach, bleach poured down her throat and she was shoved in a plastic bag like she was never alive.
How could God allow this happen? This one really shakes everything I believe to the core. Do we really have a God of mercy, who loves the little children? Do we really have a compationate loving God who protects us? Who was protecting Riley Ann?

Face Book

2009-01-26T07:51:00.000-06:00

OK. So, I am addicted to checking FB. I love that I can keep up with people by just a clicking a button. It's like an easy button for friendship. One can connect with long lost friends and nurture new friendships by sharing up-to-the-date experiences.
The problem is that some of those long lost friends are not friends anymore for good reason. Am I the only one who remembers why we didn't keep in touch? I feel like a high-school snob everytime I "ignore" one of those "friend" request. YUCK.
I don't hold a grudge or wish these people ill. I just remember why we were not good for each other. People do change, but I am not sure I am willing to take those chances.

2009-01-25T16:53:00.000-06:00

This little girl drives me crazy in more ways than one!

King Cake

2009-01-25T16:48:00.000-06:00

Yep. I made a King Cake from scratch. Now, I know why they cost so much!

A DISNEY CHRISTMAS

2009-01-25T16:42:00.001-06:00

I think for Christmas this year, we are going to forgo all of the gifts and craziness for a family trip to Disney World! I have always wanted to go, and the kids are finally tall enough to ride the big stuff.
Who knows, I might even run their Marathon.

New Neighbors

2009-01-23T12:57:00.000-06:00

Our new neighbors...

Good Sign: Their cars are clean and well maintained.
Bad Sign: His Suburban is WAY TOO BIG to fit in the garage.
Good Sign: They planted a tree in their front yard.
Bad Sign: It is within 2 feet of our property line and might hinder our way in and out of the back yard.
Good Sign: They have a work shop for all his tools.
Bad Sign: He has 3 cars (one of which is parked in front of our house) and a 2 car garage.
Good Sign: They have older kids.
Bad Sign: Mom admits she drinks too much and drops the F-Bomb.
Good Sign: They have a very neat appearance.
Bad Sign: Her boobs are always on display.
Good Sign: They have traveled for his work.
Bad Sign: They are moving here from the Suburbs.

The jury is still out...

2009-01-19T18:21:00.000-06:00

You know who I'm going to marry?

2009-01-18T08:15:00.000-06:00

Cole: You know who I am going to marry?
Me: No. Who?
Cole: Amanda.
Me: Is she in your class?
Cole: Yes.
Me: Does she know she is going to marry you?
Cole: No. But, I know.
Me: Alex, do you know who you are going to marry?
Alex: (Shoulder shrug and crazy look.)
Randi: I know who I am going to marry!
Me: Really, who?
Randi: Ashlyn.
Me: Oh, she's nice.
Randi: Riley, too.
Me: Oh, she's nice, too.
Randi: ...and Emma.
Me: Wow. You are going to be one big happy family.
Randi: Will, too. That's all.

Lucky Will.

Showering at the Gym

2009-01-16T14:59:00.001-06:00

OK. I admit it. I have been slacking on the gym for the past month, but who hasn't? I finally went back about a week ago.
I am trying an old stategy of mine, showering at the gym. I find that if I stretch, sit in the sauna, shower and take my time getting dressed at the gym, I am much more likely to go. It is kinda like a spa visit 5 days a week. Nice.
I have a great appreciation their child-care room.

My Birthday!

2009-01-16T14:29:00.001-06:00

I think this was my best birthday ever. I am 33, if you didn't know. I got lots of well wishes from my friends, had 3 lunches, 2 dinners and lots of thoughtful gifts! Are you kidding me? Perfect. I couldn't have wished for anything more.
Don and I spent the my actual birth"day" together. We had a "quiet morning", went to see a movie and had Sushi for dinner with the family. The only thing we left out was off-roading on my new mountain bike! Oh, well, there is only so much time in the day.

Mom made me the above adorable apron. She thinks I am a dork for wanting aprons and kitchen stuff so much, but I am OK with it.
I feel so loved. Thank God for good friends and family. They make the world go round.

Our New Pet

2009-01-16T14:26:00.001-06:00

This is about all the pet I can stand. His name is, Sea.
Of course, I am considering a Hamster.

Bunk Beds

2009-01-16T14:12:00.001-06:00

I gotta brag on my handy hubby. He made these over the course of two days.

Seriously, he drew up the plans, bought the wood, and came home to cut, screw and sand.
Cole, of course, wants a "tree house" room. So, this raw wood look is perfect. I can't wait to hang the swing and paint the walls to look like a tree!
I was washing sheets...don't judge my housekeeping by Cole's messy bed.

New Years 2008

2009-01-05T14:43:00.000-06:00

2009 Goals
1. Run a Marathon
2. Play the Piano
3. Visit one place on my Bucket List

2009 Resolutions
1. I will not yell.
2. I will stick to our budget.
3. I will read more.

Christmas Jammies

2008-12-29T15:45:00.001-06:00

1st Piano Recital

2008-12-29T15:42:00.000-06:00

Alex: Ode to Joy
Cole: Old McDonald

Well done boys. You are officially more musical than your Mother.

2008-12-24T19:20:00.001-06:00

2008 Ginger Bread House

2008-12-16T12:07:00.001-06:00

Reading to Randi's Class

2008-12-16T11:14:00.001-06:00

Isn't this what it is all about?
It's hard to find time to do these little sweet things between my errands, cleaning and other responsibilities. Yet, every time I do, I get so much in return. I have no words to describe the big love these little people give.

Must Eat Snow and Make TIny Snowmen!

2008-12-11T14:03:00.001-06:00

Snow in Houston?!?!

2008-12-10T18:03:00.000-06:00

Yep, there are snow flurries here! It melts, of course, as soon as it hits the ground, but it is no less fun than if it were a blizzard! It doesn't take much for us Southerners, does it?

I love this picture.

2008-12-10T17:48:00.000-06:00

Maw Maw Zou's Flight

2008-12-08T21:45:00.000-06:00

When my Grandmother was young, she wanted to be a pilot, but her Father wouldn't allow it.
She headed off to business college, and never looked back, until now.

Maw Maw finally gets to fly.

Alex and I tagged along.

"Now, I've done it all!" -- Mable Combouzou

I am so proud of you, Maw Maw. You are my kind of woman!

Happy 3 years, Randi Belle!

2008-12-08T21:09:00.000-06:00

So much about which to blog...

2008-12-08T20:17:00.000-06:00

so little time.

BCG Christmas Party. Check my new outfit and my hot date.

Christmas Cards are ready to go out! Yea! Done!

My baby's first red fingernails...sniff, sniff.

I just love evenings like this.

My neighbor let me baby sit her two little angels. Aren't I lucky!?!?!

It's not perfect...

2008-11-18T09:29:00.000-06:00

but, I love my life.
I look around at how much I have, how much love surrounds me, how much I have accomplished, how many dreams are still ahead and I am overcome with gratitude and humility.

Happy Birthday, Grammy!

2008-11-18T08:26:00.000-06:00

We are so glad that Grammy game to visit. We had such a wonderful day together. We went to the Japanese Gardens, rode the Herman Park paddle boats, watched Madagascar II and had the kids and Grammy try Sushi for dinner. Though, Cole, Randi and Grammy will probably pass on the next sushi excursion, it was a fun experiment for all.

Can't wait to see you again!

Let's Go, Julianne!

2008-11-07T08:24:00.001-06:00

Still, 2 on the 14th. Suck! I have been working out and everything. It's got to be muscles, right?!?!?!

I couldn't be more proud.

2008-11-05T16:07:00.001-06:00

This is more than poltics.

My Vote Counted!

2008-11-04T08:41:00.000-06:00

I voted this morning with Randi's professional assistance. She pressed "Enter" after I spun the wheel and choose my candidates, and, of course, she pressed the hallowed "Cast Vote" button.

With all the buzz, I figured I would get the kids involved in the election process on the way to school:

Mom: So, for whom would you guys like to vote? You can make up your own mind. Here is some information to help you decide. John McCain is a Republican. He believes in working hard and being rewarded for your labor. He believes everyone should be responsible for their own well being.
Kids: I like him! He believes we should work hard!
Mom: Wait...let me tell you about Barack Obama. Barack Obama is a Democrat. He believes everyone should be taken care of. Everyone should have help from the Government no matter the choices they make. He believes everyone should have the right to go to the Doctor and get money, even when they are not working hard.
Kids: OHHHHH, we really like him!
Alex: I am going to vote for Barack Obama.
Mom: OK. Can you tell me why?
Alex: Because everyone can be taken care of. Everyone can have food and not get sick.
Mom: That is really nice! Mommy must be too greedy. Hummm, let's think about it this way, too. Pretend I am the Government. I tell you it is good to share your toys with those who don't have any. OK?
Kids: OK. We like to share our toys.
Mom: Great! Which way would you rather share..."I, acting as the Democratic government, says you MUST share your favorite toy." or "I, acting as the Republican government, says you SHOULD share your toys, but you may choose which toy you want to share."
Alex: I like the Republicans.
Cole: I like them to tell me which toy to share.
Randi: I like Barack Obama!

So, there you have it, a house divided. It will be interesting to see of which there are more voters, the Alex, Cole or Randi (I wanna vote because everyone is.) persuasion. Educate yourself and vote your conscience.

I love that my children are so willing to share. I believe their attitudes reflect those of most Americans. We all want to be a part of bettering our families, communities and nation. We just want to do it in different ways.

I think today, Election Day, we all should look at our similarities, rather than our differences. We are voting in a nation that allows, even encourages, everyone to be heard. We are very fortunate. Even if the election doesn't go the way we wish, we are still all Americans, and we should work together, learn from each other and respect that our evolution is a process requiring diversity and faithfulness.

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-02T14:05:00.000-06:00

Career Day at School

2008-10-31T08:09:00.000-05:00

Alex: Engeneer/Builder
Cole: Scientist/Einstine
This picture so reflects the personalities of my children.

2008-10-28T16:53:00.000-05:00

Thank you again, Julianne.

2008-10-24T19:14:00.000-05:00

Let's Go, Julianne!

2008-10-20T07:47:00.001-05:00

Ok...I fell of the hard-core wagon this week. I had at least 10 mini candies from our Halloween stash, a couple of Cokes to sooth a sore throat and one pizza pig out night. I also only worked out once this week. I'll do better this week.
.

2008-10-18T09:50:00.000-05:00

Libertarian Party

2008-10-18T08:59:00.000-05:00

I know Bob Barr will not win the election, and who could have possibly taken Ron Paul seriously?
These candidates do, however, bring to light what seems to be a up-and-coming viable alternative to the same-old, same-old, politics-as-usual, red vs. blue, governmental policy. Don became Libertarian after business school. I never really read much on the party, but after being disappointed, yet again, by the excessive mudslinging tactics of the Obama and McCain campaigns, I started looking for party that wants to extend "real change". I haven't read everything, but so far, I like what I see. The Libertarian party seems to align most closely to what I believe the role of government should be. They seem to be more Republican than the Republicans.
Why hasn't this party received more attention? What do I not know?
Libertarian Party Website

Let's Go, Julianne!

2008-10-13T14:40:00.000-05:00

I don't know how it's possible, but it is.

Taking Control

2008-10-08T11:30:00.001-05:00

I realized today that I have been letting a lot of things slip like my health, my house, my social life, my spiritual life, etc. I have also been allowing myself to get sucked into things that really don't matter like the computer, TV, and shopping.
Today, I am taking control back. There is no reason I should be perpetually late, grumpy, worried or tired. I can fix all these things. I just needed to choose to do so. I needed to stop cramming my day full of "stuff."

Let's Go, Julianne!

2008-10-08T07:35:00.000-05:00

Game on.

Cole's Curls

2008-10-07T08:23:00.001-05:00

With a little help from these,

I can look like him.

Randi's first "Mommy" pony.

2008-10-07T08:20:00.000-05:00

"Mommy, now I have a pony like yours!"
And to think, it only took 3 years to grow.

White Belt

2008-10-07T08:19:00.001-05:00

Karate is serious business. He never takes these off. He would sleep in his pads, if I allowed it.

My favorite Childhood picture.

2008-10-07T07:39:00.000-05:00

I was simply happy that night. I was with my family. There was no special occasion, no big event planned. I just felt loved and content. That's what I remember most.
Maybe I should spend more down time with my kids, just hanging out. Sometimes, maybe we should just be.

On a side note, my bedroom room looks almost exactly like the one above from 1980. On top of that, it was my parent's room! Hummm, that's a little weird.

Let's Say Thanks

2008-10-03T07:47:00.000-05:00

Wanna send an a Thank You note to our troops?
Here is a way you can, and yes, I checked it out on Snopes. It's the real deal, and it's free!

Let's Say Thanks

I can help!

2008-10-01T19:36:00.000-05:00

Cole asked me to sleep with him. I told him I couldn't because I go to bed after they do and wake up before they do.
"Why, Mom?"
"Because I have work to do, like clean the kitchen, fold the laundry, dust."
Alex says, "I can help! That way you can get some more sleep. I can bathe Randi."
"O.K. That would be great!" I say.
The boys are upstairs bathing Randi. I hear a little fighting, but much more giggling. Best of all, I got the kitchen clean.
I am so happy I could cry.

Picture not taken tonight. Only Randi is in the tub now, I think. I should go check.

9 Foundations of a Happy Family

2008-10-01T17:33:00.001-05:00

1. Commitment: All in, all the time.
2. Love: Appreciation shown.
3. Time: Decisions about time are decisions about values.
4. Encouragement: Recognize what makes each other special.
5. Communication: (L) Listen (U) understand (V) validate
6. Adaptability: Be flexible in handling what life throws at you.
7. Faith: Consistent Values.
8. Connection: Be involved with extended family, church, community, etc.
9. Responsibility: Every member of the family takes ownership.

I love Fall!

2008-10-01T14:59:00.000-05:00

Our scarecrow family. Randi hugs the purple one every time we come home. Cole worries the short one, standing by himself on left, might get lonely. Alex just says, "Cool, Mom."

GEAUX TIGERS!

2008-10-01T14:53:00.000-05:00

We brought the kids to LSU hoping to find a good picture spot. We never found one.
But on the bright side, we did find these...

SCORE!

Don's 35th Birthday

2008-09-28T14:40:00.001-05:00

Don had his 35th birthday party at the Texas Rock Gym, last night.

It was fun! I'm hooked. Rock climbing is harder than it looks, but I just love a challenge.

I think Don had a great time, and most everyone climbed, even Don's Mom. Great job, Mary Bell!

Happy Birthday, Honey.

Still, No Power.

2008-09-24T20:06:00.000-05:00

12 days and counting...

Total customers with power: 1.72 million (76% of total customers)

Total customers without power: 541,000 (24% of total customers)

You guessed it, we are in that 24%, that special one of every 4 customers.
We were supposed to go home tomorrow, but we just got power-restoration pushed back till' Sunday, 4 days from now.
Mom comes home Sunday and will most likely want her house back. Don has his 35th birthday party Saturday. We have family flying in Friday. We might just have to buy a big generator or cancel everything.

WARNING - SOAP BOX:
Don't get me wrong, I am thankful for all the crews that are working long hours to restore power, but it does make me think. What if there were no crews coming to save the day? Would people really be this severely handy-capped without power?
Our ancestors, even as close as our Grandparents, lived happily without electricity for most of their lives. I am sure with a little creativity and sweat, we could do the same. We could start a garden, barter with the neighbors, get to know our families again, and sip lemon-aid on the porch at sunset.
Alas, we don't live in the 'good ole' days.' The kids will have to return to school, Don will have to go into the office, showered, and I will have to buy my vegetables at the grocery store. It just scares me, though, to think of how dependant we are on something we can't provide for ourselves.
Maybe I should pack it all up, move to some far off place and live off the friuts of the land. But, then again, how the heck would I blog from there?

LSU

2008-09-21T15:29:00.001-05:00

Did you see this picture?
It is the headline on Yahoo. Yahoo understands me.

Grateful

2008-09-21T15:14:00.000-05:00

I am so grateful we have this wonderful home to stay in while our home is out of power. It just so happens my Mom and Dad had a 2 week vacation planned during this time. So, we have all the comforts of home and they got house sitters.

We are having a blast. We have visited tons of friends and family. We have visited LSU. We have eaten at some of my favorite Southern Louisiana food. Ahhhh, we are so blessed.

Our Ike

2008-09-16T15:52:00.000-05:00

We stayed for Ike. Here is our story...

Thursday
8:30am: I dropped the kids at school and ran by the grocery store to pick up some bread and water, just in case. To my surprise, the grocery store was slammed. There were no empty grocery carts to be found. People were rushing through the isles grabbing anything non-perishable. Of course, the steak and beer isles were almost empty, too. I admit it, I got caught up in the frenzy. I bought a basket full of groceries and 6 bags of ice.
9:30am: Lines at the gas pumps are 3 and 4 cars deep. I already had a full tank.
1:30pm: The school called to ask parents to pick up their kids. They wanted to let the teachers go home and make preparations for the storm.
3:00pm: I asked the kids to go outside and draw a picture of Ike on the back fence with chalk. 8:30pm: Alex is so worried about the storm that he can't sleep. We had to talk about his girlfriend and girl coodies to get his mind off of Ike.

Friday
All day: Watched TV, took in all the outside furniture and toys, checked on a neighbors house, picked up construction debris from a house being built next door, washed dishes and clothes, staged our "emergency room", turned the air conditioner down to 68 degrees and waited.
5pm: Read my friend Kahna's blog and got the idea to pull out our kites. Why not take advantage of the wind?
5:30pm -10pm: Neighbors started emerging from their homes. We stood around in the streets for hours chatting and letting the kids run circles around us.
10pm: The playroom camp out begins.

Saturday:
1:30am - 8am: The storm hits, and we loose power. It was scary when the house started to vibrate and windows started to leak. Everyone slept through the worst of it, except me. (OK. Don did get up when I had a question or got a little too nervous.) I guess the Mother-hen instinct kicked in. I wandered the house all night, checking on things and listening to the radio. I kept looking out the window at a billboard outside our bedroom window. I would know the storm was really bad if it fell. It never did...that was reassuring.
10am: Our street was flooded, but it never made it into our house.
12pm: Started up the grill and emptied the fridge into 3 ice chests.

Sunday
All day: Played games, read books, cleaned up and waited for the forcasted cool front to come through.
5pm: Did a little sight seeing, mostly to use the air-conditioner and TV in the car. We had no idea how bad the storm had really hit Houston until we got out of our little neighborhood. Not many people fared as well as we did. Trees and power-lines littered the streets. Houses were crushed. I-10 looked like a lake as far as the eye could see. Just crazy. We were really thankful. We didn't loose a single shingle.

Remember that billboard? Well, it was standing, but this is the one next to it that I couldn't see.
9pm: Camped out on the foyer floor with all the doors open while the 68 degree weather enveloped us!

Monday
8:30am: Woke up, well rested, but with little chigger bites all over the kids. They look like the have the chicken pocks.
10am: We decide to drive to BR so Don can get onto the Internet. He has some pressure from work to get things done. His boss is in Chicago and doesn't really get what went down.
11am: Packed up the family, knocked a few holes in the walls around the windows that leaked and headed out for Baton Rouge.
2pm: Saw a sign on the service road of I-10 flashing, "Caution. House on Road." Sure enough, there it was, a little yellow house, in perfect condition, minus a foundation, sitting up straight in the middle of the I-10 service road. Oh, how I wish we had stopped to take a picture!
3pm: I was in awe of the amount of tree services, energy services, Wal-Mart trucks, insurance and church disaster units, generator transports, wire, oil, gas, and energy post convoys that were on the way into Houston along I-10E! Sad to say, though, at the tail end off hundreds of first responders were 3 measly FEMA trucks. Pathetic...why bother?

Neighbors helping neighbors throughout this storm was just touching. People sharing generators, waiting patiently for gas and not filling up to make sure there was enough for those behind them, helping clean each others yards and bringing coffee to tired police men. Beautiful.

So, there you have it. 98% of Houston, 5 million people, out of electrical service. We will go back home when the answering machine picks up at our house, but I have a feeling we are going to have a good long visit here in Baton Rouge.

Hurricane IKE

2008-09-12T13:09:00.001-05:00

If you look close, you can see this stupid thing is headed directly over my house! Crap.
On the bright side, we have a "Harry Potter" room under the stairs in which we can "hunker down," and I do just love an adventure.

My fellow Americans...

2008-09-04T15:22:00.000-05:00

My fellow Americans, it is an honor to address the Democratic National Convention at this defining moment in history. We stand at a crossroads at a pivot point, near a fork in the road on the edge of a precipice in the midst of the most consequential election since last year’s “American Idol.”

One path before us leads to the past, and the extinction of the human race. The other path leads to the future, when we will all be dead. We must choose wisely.
We must close the book on the bleeding wounds of the old politics of division and sail our ship up a mountain of hope and plant our flag on the sunrise of a thousand tomorrows with an American promise that will never die! For this election isn’t about the past or the present, or even the pluperfect conditional. It’s about the future, and Barack Obama loves the future because that’s where all his accomplishments are.

We meet today to pass the torch to a new generation of Americans, a generation that came of age amidst iced chais and mocha strawberry Frappuccinos®, a generation with a historical memory that doesn’t extend back past Coke Zero.

We meet today to heal the divisions that have torn this country. For we are all one country and one American family, whether we are caring and thoughtful Democrats or hate-filled and war-crazed Republicans. We must bring together left and right, marinara and carbonara, John and Elizabeth Edwards. On United we stand, on US Airways, there’s a 25-minute delay.

Ladies and gentleman, I never expected to be speaking before you today. Like so many of our speakers at this convention, I come from a hard-working, middle-class family. I was leading a miserable little life, but, nevertheless, overcame great odds to live the American Dream. My great-grandfather fought in Patton’s Army, along with Barack Obama’s great-grand uncles’ fourth cousin once removed.

As a child, I was abandoned by my parents and lived with a colony of ants. We didn’t have much in the way of material possession, but we did have each other and the ability to carry far more than our own body weights. When I was young, I was temporarily paralyzed in a horrible anteater accident, but I never gave up my dream: the dream of speaking at a national political convention so my speech could be talked over by Wolf Blitzer and a gang of pundits.

And today we Democrats meet in Denver, a suburb of Boulder, a city whose motto is, “A Taxi? You Must be Dreaming.”

And in Denver, we Democrats showed America that we have cute daughters who will someday provide us with prestigious car-window stickers. We heard Hillary Clinton’s ringing endorsement of “the weak-looking thin guy who’s bound to lose.”

We heard from Joe Biden, whose 643 years in the Senate make him uniquely qualified to talk to the middle class, whose family has been riding the Acela and before that the Metroliner for generations, who has been given a lifetime ban from the quiet car and who is himself a verbal train wreck waiting to happen.

We got to know Barack and Michelle Obama, two tall, thin, rich, beautiful people who don’t perspire, but who nonetheless feel compassion for their squatter and smellier fellow citizens. We know that Barack could have gone to a prestigious law firm, like his big donors in the luxury boxes, but he chose to put his ego aside to become a professional politician, president of the United States and redeemer of the human race. We heard about his time as a community organizer, the three most fulfilling months of his life.

We were thrilled by his speech in front of the Greek columns, which were conscientiously recycled from the concert, “Yanni, Live at the Acropolis.” We were honored by his pledge, that if elected president, he will serve at least four months before running for higher office. We were moved by his campaign slogan, “Vote Obama: He’s better than you’ll ever be.” We were inspired by dozens of Democratic senators who declared their lifelong love of John McCain before denouncing him as a reactionary opportunist who would destroy the country.

No, this country cannot afford to elect John Bushmccain. Under Republican rule, locusts have stripped the land, adults wear crocs in public and M&M’s have lost their flavor. We must instead ride to the uplands of hope!

For as Barack Obama suggested Thursday night, wherever there is a president who needs to tap our natural-gas reserves, I’ll be there. Wherever there is a need for a capital-gains readjustment for targeted small businesses, I’ll be there. Wherever there is a president committed to direct diplomacy with nuclear proliferators, I’ll be there, too! God bless the Democrats, and God Bless America!

By DAVID BROOKS
New York Times

Nix the Bus Idea

2008-09-04T15:10:00.000-05:00

The bus didn't show up yesterday. It was 30 minutes late today. The bus drivers don't know the names of the kids who ride the bus. They only the number of kids that get on and off per stop. Not safe or efficient.
As Palin would say, "Thanks, but no thanks."

The Bus

2008-09-03T07:11:00.000-05:00

Don just brought the boys to the bus stop. This is first day I agreed to let them ride the bus. They were so excited, but I am super nervous!
I had changed my mind this morning. I was going to keep on driving them to school, but the boys, Dad included, overruled me.
What if they get lost or in a wreck? What if they leave their homework on the seat? What if there is a big meanie on the bus?
I'm freakin' out over here! I am seriously considering going to the school and waiting to see if my kids arrive at their classes safe and sound.

The Last Lecture

2008-09-02T09:20:00.000-05:00

My favorite points of wisdom from this book:

"...We can not change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand."

"...When you're screwing up and nobody says anything to you anymore, that means they've given up on you."

"There is a lot of talk these days about giving children self-esteem. It's not something you can give; it's something they have to build...You have to give them something they can't do, they work hard until they find they can do it, and you just keep repeating the process."

"Fashion, by the way, is commerce masquerading as hip."

"Complaining does not work as a strategy. We all have finite time and energy. Any time we spend whining is unlikely to help us achieve our goals. And it won't make us any happier."

"When it comes to men who are romantically interested in you, it's really simple. Just ignore everything they say and only pay attention to what they do."

"Halfhearted or insincere apologies are often worse than not apologizing at all because recipients find them insulting...Proper apologies have three parts: 1. What I did was wrong. 2. I feel badly that I hurt you. 3. How do I make this better?"

"Sometimes all you have to do is ask, and it can lead to all your dreams coming true."

"...The brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are there to stop the people who don't want it bad enough. The brick wall are there to stop the other people."

Palin

2008-08-29T13:30:00.000-05:00

The more I learn about her, the more she inspires me. Hummm...

McCain - Palin

2008-08-29T10:42:00.001-05:00

I hope McCain can pull this off.
I worry about Palin's lack of experience. I worry about her having a new born...I can't even clean my house, much less run the free world with a new born. I worry about her being compared to Hillary Clinton. I worry she will not be able to hold her own in a debate.
There is a lot I don't know about her or why he chose her. I am anxious to learn.

Side Note: Her husband is H.O.T.

My Desk

2008-08-28T21:04:00.000-05:00

I was thinking today, as I cleared my desk for the 3rd time. How come everyone keeps putting their stuff on my desk?!?!? Can you see what's on my desk, colors, stickers, transformers, belts, etc?
Then I thought, how lucky am I that my family migrates to wherever I am? How blessed am I to be the center of such sweet attention?
I now welcome all coloring books, Band-Aid wrappers and goldfish bowls.

I was really cute!

2008-08-28T11:57:00.001-05:00

and so is my twin...

1st Day of School...Do Over

2008-08-27T16:47:00.000-05:00

The day after the 1st day went much more smoothly. Everyone was all smiles, including me.

More on Sea-World

2008-08-27T16:43:00.000-05:00

Cole's 5th Birthday!

2008-08-27T16:07:00.000-05:00

Cole had a shark "slumber" party at home for his birthday. He had about 7 friends over. We played in the baby pool, played balloon games, decorated our own cupcakes, broke a pinyata and watched shark movies in our jammies.
Here are a few of the highlights.
Happy Birthday, Handsome!

A special thanks to Uncle James who always drives in for the kid's parties. He also made all the PB&Js and baby-sat Randi so the big kids could play.

Like Mother. Like Daughter.

2008-08-27T16:05:00.000-05:00

Wisdom is a Tree

2008-08-27T15:41:00.000-05:00

I just finished reading "These is My Words." It is up there in my top 2 favorite books of all time. I couldn't help but document my "ah-ha" spurred by this book.

Sarah, the main character, is a very independant woman who now finds herself married to a husband that leaves frequently for work and overwhelmed with the responsibility that comes along with raising kids. She wonders what might have been if she had chosen to do things differently, to "for-fill", as she sees it, her potential. See the parallel with my life?

"It seems there is always a road with bends and forks to choose, and taking one path means you can never take another one. There's no starting over nor undoing the steps I've taken. It isn't like I'd want to not have my little ones and Jack (her husband) and that ranch, it is part of life to have to support yourself. It's just that I want everything, my insides are not just hungry, but greedy. I want to find out all the things in the world and still have a family and a ranch."

I think that is why I keep vacilating on going back to work or staying home. I want everything. I'm greedy.

A few pages later, she figures out how to make peace with the choices she has made.

"He said wisdom is not a path, it is a tree... It is a tree, and I can stay in one place and spread out in all directions, and I can do more learning shading this brood of mine than if I was all alone. I declare, it is like some other part of me made up some rules about happiness and I just went along with them without thinking. My heart is lightened so much that I am amzed at how sad I felt for so long."

Piano

2008-08-27T15:32:00.000-05:00

In my newly acquired patriarchal blessing, I was told that I would have music in my home.
Well, we do now. We decided to buy a Kawai piano. I had one growing up, but I never learned to play. Come to think of it, I don't think anyone in the house played. I did, however, love to tinker on it.
I am very happy to have the boys signed up for lessons and I will learn along with them. The best part of having a piano is listening to Don play. I didn't think I would love it as much as I do. It is hypnotizing. I can't wait to learn and have more music in family!